This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

Elected Officials Present in Chambers:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor (Via telephone into Zoom Meeting)

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2 (Not Present)

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 3

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

 

Staff Present in Chambers:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Cheryl Miller, Finance Director

Xaiver Colon, Assistant CRA Director

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

Vanessa Cochran, Assistant City Clerk

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

1.        Commissioner Williams called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Steve Rasmussen, First United Methodist, gave the innovation for the tonight’s meeting.

 

All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.

 

 Penny Johnston, read the Problem Gambling Awareness Proclamation.

 

 

2.       CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

 

                 Motion:        Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Jones                                                                seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the                                                                         February 28, 2022 City Commission Agenda.

 

3.      PUBLIC COMMENT

None

 

 

City Commission Meeting

February 28, 2022

Page 2 of 4

 

 

4.       CONSENT AGENDA

a.        Minutes: January 24, 2022 and February 7, 2022

b.        Legal Bills

c.        Special Event Permit - Easter Sunrise Service

d.        Special Event Permit - Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament

e.        Special Event Permit - Jupiter Marine Family Fun Day

f.         Special Event Permits - Palmetto Historical Park

 

·    Bee Aware: Discover The Wonder Of Bees!

·         Heritage Festival

·         Highway Men Art Show & Sale

 

g.        Sole Source - Priority Dispatch

h.        Lien Reduction Request

i.          Marina Capital Projects List

 

 

                 Motion:        Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Smith

                                         seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the

                                         Consent Agenda as presented by staff.

 

 

5.       RESOLUTION 2022-04 CAPITAL LEASE

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A MASTER LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH TRUIST BANK AUTHORIZING A LEASE OF EQUIPMENT THERUNDER; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO COMPLETETHE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

 

                        Motion:         Commissioner Cornwell, Commissioner Jones seconded, and                                        the motion carried 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2022-04                                                                       approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute the 2022                                                 Capital Lease Agreement with Truist Bank, an amount not to                                               exceed $726,000 after the City Attorney approves the                                                           agreement.

 

 

STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:

 

6.    TRAFFIC UPDATE

None

 

 

City Commission Meeting

February 28, 2022

Page 3 of 4

COMMENTS:

 

 

7.      DEPARTMENT HEADS' COMMENTS

 Mr. Colon –On March 7th he is planning to do the 1st reading and ordinance for the CRA Plan Update and a presentation from a consultant for the Women’s Club renovation; Also reported that some CRA staff members were planning to attend the National Main Street Conference program in Virginia and Commissioners are invited to attend.  He also reported a change order will be forthcoming for additional lighting in Connor Park.  Commissioner Cornwell was not aware the park was going to be open at night.  Mr. Colon reported that it is a trail and will be open 24 hours, thus the need for lights. Commissioner Jones asked if there is an estimated cost for the lights and Mr. Colon indicated he will report back once information is available.

 

 Mr. Rayan, Public Works Director, provided the following updates for the various projects within the City:

·        Application to West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) for dredging will be submitted.

·        MLK Restrooms Project is moving forward; roof is on and hardware installed

·        New Police Department Building Construction is underway; demo of existing buildings complete; building pad being worked on.

·        7th Street Extension Project is out to bid, we expect responses in April with Commission recommendation that same month.

 

 Mr. Freeman reminded Commission we have a meeting next week, March 7th.

 

 Chief Tyler reported that he will also be applying for a WCIND grant for derelict boat removal.     

 

8.      MAYOR'S REPORT

 Mayor sent the Commission the new Manatee County Districts and reminded Commission about the Keep America Beautiful shoreline clean-up this Saturday and the upcoming Heritage Festival. Mayor Bryant announced that Mr. Colon will be named the interim Department Head for the CRA and she will send further information to the Commission.

 

9.      COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS

Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Rayan if Manatee County has received any information about right of way and if the road gang can clean areas of City right of way.  Mr. Rayan indicated he has not heard back yet.

 

 Commissioner Jones asked about the Kayak launch at Estuary Park East in the CRA Plan and Mr. Colon said it is pending further information regarding plans for the Desoto Bridge and FDOT. Commissioner Jones congratulated Mr. Rayan on the cleaning of ditches on 20th, 19th, and 18th Avenues as it look very good.

 

City Commission Meeting

February 28, 2022

Page 4 of 4

 

 Commissioner Cornwell attended the Historical Board Meeting and commented on that the Heritage Festival is on March 5, 2022; the Fair Board meeting is tomorrow.  She congratulated and looks forward to working with Mr. Colon.

 

 Commissioner Jones asked if the CRA Director position will be opened up to other applicants for the permanent position.  Mayor Bryant mentioned that we try to fill internally and external applicants may also be considered.  HR will administer the process.

 

 Commissioner Williams commented about being respectable to staff and give staff the opportunity to fully answer questions.

 

Commissioner Williams adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.