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, Commissioner, Ward 3
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
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 Shannon Jung from Palmetto Presbyterian Church, gave the prayer for tonight’s meeting.
All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.
2. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to approve the September 26, 2022 Commission Agenda with the addition of item 6c. State of Emergency Resolution.
3. PATTERSON FOUNDATION
Beth Duda spoke regarding Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.
City Commission Meeting
September 26, 2022
Page 2 of 4
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Diler Aksy, Owner of D’s Breakfast & Burgers, spoke about the impact of the Palmetto Market to her business.
The Commissioners and the Mayor had discussions with Ms. Aksy clarifying that the issue she has is with the road closure in front of her business, and the parking this will prohibit in front of her restaurant.
Melissa Burns, the organizer of the Palmetto Market, spoke via Zoom.
Discussions continued between the Commissioners regarding possible solutions.
The Department Heads and the Mayor will work on a solution to accommodate both business owners. They will bring this issue forward before the Commissioners after the first event, which will take place on October 8th.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 09/12/2022
b. Special Function Permit- Palmetto Riverside Weddings
c. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) FY 2023-2027
d. Legal Bills
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and
the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff with the removal of item 5b. for discussion.
5b. Commissioner Williams expressed his concern with approving events in mass numbers.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and
the motion carried 5-0 to approve item 5b.
6. PUBLIC HEARING- RESOLUTION 2022-20 FY 2023 FINAL MILLAGE AND RESOLUTION 2022-21 FINAL FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET (J. FREEMAN)
MAYOR BRYANT OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:38pm ON RESOLUTION 2022-20 AND RESOLUTION 2022-21 TO DISCUSS THE FY 2023 FINAL MILLAGE RATE AND FINAL FY 2023 BUDGET.
Mayor Bryant discussed the following:
· The percentage increase/decrease in proposed final millage over rolled back rate.
· The specific purposed for which the ad valorem revenues are being increased/decreased.
· The proposed final budget.
MAYOR BRYANT CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:40 pm AFTER PUBLIC COMMENT.
City Commission Meeting
September 26, 2022
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a.) RESOLUTION 2022-20 FY 2023 FINAL MILLAGE (READ IN ITS ENTIRETY)
MOTION: Commissioner Varnadore moved, Commissioner Williams
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to adopt Resolution 2022
-20.
b.) RESOLUTION 2022-21 FY 2023 FINAL BUDGET (READ IN ITS ENTIRETY)
MOTION: Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Smith seconded, and
the motion carried 3-2 to adopt Resolution 2022-21. (Williams
and Cornwell voted nay)
Commissioner Cornwell discussed the increase of salary for the Commission. She stated that she cannot support the budget with these increases. She believed they should get the same increase as the other employees. She will not support a 10.9% increase for the Mayor and a 25.6% increase for the Commissioners.
6c. RESOLUTION 2022-24 STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR HURRICANE IAN
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Varnadore
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to declare a state of
emergency and that emergency management practices and
applicable provisions of the City of Palmetto emergency
preparedness plan shall be instituted, providing an effective
date.
Mr. Freeman spoke on the closures within the City. The City offices will close at Noon on Tuesday, 09/27/22, and be closed on Wednesday and Thursday 09/28/2022-09/29/2022. They will determine later if the offices will re-open on Friday. There will be certain essential personnel that will be working during that time.
Commissioner Cornwell asked about extensions to the utility bills. Mr. Freeman responded that they would provide extensions for the days they are closed. Commissioner Cornwell does not want the citizens to be penalized for late payments. She wanted there to be postings made as well for the City closures.
Commissioner Williams inquired about the reverse 911 system.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Smith seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to cancel the October 3rd meeting due
to the state of emergency.
City Commission Meeting
September 26, 2022
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STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
7. Traffic Update
None
COMMENTS:
8. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Barnebey reminded Mr. Freeman to post the cancellation of the October 3rd Meetings.
9. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant wished everyone to stay safe during the storm.
10. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
All the Commissioners echoed the Mayor and wished everyone to stay safe.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:58 pm.
Minutes approved: OCTOBER 17, 2022
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk