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
Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2
Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2
Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1
Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1
Brian Williams, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 3
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director
Jim Freeman, City Clerk (Not Present)
Cheryl Miller, Finance Director
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk (Not Present)
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
1. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence. All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.
2. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL
The Mayor asked to add Item K to the Consent Agenda relative to the 7-Eleven Easement
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the May 2, 2022 Commission Agenda.
3. PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Jim Corbett, Palmetto BUILD, was unable to accept the Proclamation this evening due to a family emergency but he will be at the National Day of Prayer Thursday morning May 5th in Sutton Park. Commissioner Varnadore read the Proclamation into the record.
4. PROCLAMATION: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK
Sara Hand, CEO of Spark Growth, accepted the Proclamation read by Commissioner Williams. Ms. Hand spoke about the Economic Development Council and added education as an economic driver.
5. SENATOR BOYD- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senator Jim Boyd gave a brief overview of the topics discussed at the Legislative sessions, including Congressional Maps, property insurance and insurance fraud, legislation in the opioid crisis, and strong penalties for the Smash & Grab retail theft to protect our communities. Senator Boyd stated the Florida budget is strong, and almost $700 million was returned to taxpayers in tax cuts. Almost $60 million in taxes was brought back to the Manatee County for local business and environmental projects, Rattlesnake Key, environmentally sensitive lands, Green Bridge, a cruise ship terminal, and more. Mayor Bryant mentioned derelict boats continue to be a nuisance. Senator Boyd stated aquaculture projects, clam mitigation, and sea grass improvements are also a priority for our environment and economy.
PROCLAMATION: PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL
Chief Tyler accepted the Proclamation read by Commissioner Cornwell.
6. POLICE RETIREMENT PRESENTATIONS
Chief Tyler recognized retirees Lola Foy and Robert “Mike” Johnston for their years of service.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Attorney Edward Willner requested that the 1st read of the Riviera Dunes ordinances be continued for more time to review.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 04/18/2022, 04/25/2022
b. 7th Street Extension Invitation to Bid Project- to discuss May 23, 2022
c. Resolution 2022-07 Half Cent Infrastructure Project List
d. Resolution 2022-08 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment
e. Resolution 2022-10 Authorizing the Mayor to execute FDOT contract
f. Special Function Permit- City of Palmetto’s 125th Anniversary
g. Special Function Permit- 4th of July Fest
h. SRO Contract
i. Authorization for Opioid Settlements
j. Police Department Surplus Vehicle
k. 7-Eleven Easement
Tony DeRusso commented on item 8.b. asking for an extension on 7th Street Extension Invitation to Bid. Current bid has more than tripled in part to COVID. Commissioner Williams reiterated the original estimate was less than a million and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity was funding $1.5 million.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Varnadore seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda items a, c, d, e, f, h, i, j, and k as presented by staff.
Item 8.b was extended to the Commission Meeting May 23, 2022.
Commissioner Varnadore questioned the sale of alcohol at the 4th of July event. Mr. Colon remarked that alcohol sales are being kept in the southwest corner of the park. Chief Tyler stated Palmetto Rotary follows the Best-Practices Guide.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded and the motion carried 4-1 to approve Consent Agenda item 8.g. Commissioner Varnadore voted nay.
9. TEFRA PUBLIC HEARING- RESOLUTION 2022-06 MSA BOND REFUNDING (M.BARNEBEY/C.MILLER)
Finance Director Cheryl Miller read the TEFRA Public Hearing Bond Refunding into the record.
Mr. Barnebey explained the transaction has no impact on the City credit rating or finances, and all expenses or costs related with the bond are the responsibility of Manatee School for the Arts.
Mayor Bryant opened the Public Hearing.
Debra Sperry from Riviera Dunes clarified that 641 more students coming to the school will bring a lot more traffic.
Mayor Bryant closed the Public Hearing.
10. RESOLUTION 2022-06 MSA 2022 REFUNDING (M.BARNEBEY/C.MILLER)
Commissioner Williams opined 641 students does not necessarily mean 641 more cars. He felt it was important for the City to support the growth of this school.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the issuance of City of Palmetto, Florida Educational Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds (Renaissance Arts and Education, Inc. Project) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $31,000,000 (the “Bonds”).
11. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2022-05 AMENDMENT TO RIVIERA DUNES DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT DEVELOPMENT ORDER (K.HILL/M.BARNEBEY/B.CORNELIUS)
Mr. Barnebey addressed the Public Comment about continuing the first read to May 23, 2022.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE 665, AS AMENDED, THE DEVELOPMENT ORDER FOR THE PAGE 4 RIVIERA DUNES DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT, GENERALLY LOCATED EAST OF U.S. 41 AND SOUTH OF HABEN BOULEVARD; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; AMENDING SECTION 6, SUBSECTION G – TRANSPORTATION AND ADDING NEW CONDITIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION MITIGATION AND TRAFFIC MONITORING CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 380.06, FLORIDA STATUES; ADDING A NEW TABLE A(1) RELATED TO THE PROPOSED RIVIERA DUNES APARTMENTS GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN; AMENDING MAP H TO REFLECT CURRENT CONDITIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION: Commissioner Varnadore moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-05 and authorize staff to advertise for the public hearing on June 1, 2022, at 7:00 P.M., at the Longboat Key Room at the Bradenton Area Civic Center.
12. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2022-06 AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE 663 FOR THE RIVIERA DUNES PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (K.HILL/M.BARNEBEY/B.CORNELIUS)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE 663, AS AMENDED, FOR THE RIVIERA DUNES PLANNED DEVELOPMENT-MIXED USE PROJECT, GENERALLY LOCATED EAST OF U.S. 41 AND SOUTH OF HABEN BOULEVARD; PROVIDING FINDINGS OF FACT; AMENDING SECTION 1 – SUBSECTION 8 – TABLE 1 AND TABLE 2 TO UPDATE PARCEL IDENTIFICATION, DEVELOPMENT AREAS AND USES CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT CONDITIONS; AMENDING SECTION 1-SUBSECTION 13 TO UPDATE THE LAND USE EXCHANGE CONDITIONS AND TABLE 3 LAND USE EXCHANGE MATRIX TO REFLECT PREVIOUS CHANGES IN THE LAND USE EXCHANGE MATRIX THAT WAS ADOPTED WITH THE RIVIERA DUNES DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT DEVELOPMENT ORDER AMENDMENTS PROVIDED IN ORDINANCE 03-774 AND ORDINANCE 08-956; AND UPDATE THE CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO REFLECT CURRENT CONDITIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Willner asked again for a continuance.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Varnadore seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-06 and authorize staff advertise for the public hearing to be held on June 1, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. at the Longboat Key Room at the Bradenton Area Civic Center.
13. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2022-07 RIVIERA DUNES APARTMENTS GENERAL DEVELEOPMENT PLAN (K.HILL/M.BARNEBEY/B.CORNELIUS)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA APPROVING ADOPTION OF A GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN WITHIN THE RIVIERA DUNES DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT FOR A MULTI-FAMILY, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT CONTAINING 255 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON 8.37 ACRES OF PROPERTY; GENERALLY LOCATED ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF U.S. 41 SOUTH OF HABEN BOULEVARD AT THE WESTERN ENTRANCE TO THE RIVIERA DUNES DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Willner asked again for a continuance.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Varnadore seconded and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-07 and authorize staff to advertise for the public hearing to be held on June 1, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. at the Longboat Key Room at the Bradenton Area Civic Center.
8:11 p.m. – RECESSED THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING TO OPEN THE MAY 2, 2022 CRA MEETING
9:35 p.m. - RECONVENED THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING
(the balance of the Commission meeting recording continues on the CRA Board meeting recording)
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant shared that the pool would be opening in late May. She would share information about the grand opening as it becomes available. The Mayor also updated the status of the gentleman that wanted to connect their property with City sewer. It is now his responsibility to work with the neighboring religious facility to connect with the sewer. A meeting is planned and it will come before the Commission again.
Mayor Bryant had to leave the meeting at 9:36 and Vice Mayor Varnadore proceeded with the meeting.
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
14. TRAFFIC UPDATE
none
COMMENTS:
15. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Colon shared that the CRA Advisory Board meeting is May 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. He will provide an update for the Main Street Program discussion.
Mr. Rayan shared that the Building Official / All Trades Inspector would be starting tomorrow, Tuesday May 3rd. He continued that the firm had already been reviewing and returning permits, and in next couple weeks, the permitting process should be up to speed.
16. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Jones asked about changing the online permitting message. Mr. Rayan stated permits that were submitted are already being considered, including Circle K, some temporary permits, and people at Sanctuary Cove.
Commissioner Jones also spoke on behalf of Nikki Preshe, owner of Bright Beginnings at 614 10th Street W. She is concerned about traffic cutting through her way and requested a speed bump to slow traffic. Mr. Rayan replied that staff would review.
Commissioner Williams asked about virtual permit inspections. Mr. Rayan replied virtual inspections were a temporary solution, but the matter would be discussed with the firm this week.
Commissioner Williams stated the road island on 17th Street in front of Lincoln Memorial cannot be seen during a rainstorm. Chief Tyler had talked with the County about that hazard and he would follow up on their plans to resolve the problem.
Commissioner Smith asked about the name of the Lincoln Park pool. Mr. Barnebey stated Manatee County owns 5.4 acres including the pool, parking lot and splash pad. The City owns approximately 11 acres including the fields at that park. In his opinion, the County has the right to name the pool.
The City of Palmetto will be included on the sign for the pool.
Commissioner Varnadore adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.