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
Kera Hill, Development Services Supervisor
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
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the October 17, 2022 City Commission Agenda.
3. PROCLAMATION: WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Vice Mayor Varnadore presented the Proclamation for Wreaths Across America. It was declared that Saturday, December 17, 2022, be Wreaths Across America day in the City of Palmetto, Florida. Penny Johnston accepted the Proclamation on behalf of Ms. Cookie Agan.
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4. PROCLAMATION: DRUG FREE MANATEE
Commissioner Cornwell presented the Proclamation for Drug Free Manatee. It was declared that October 23rd- October 31st, 2022, be Red Ribbon Week in the City of Palmetto, Florida. Natalie Novak and Rose Jean accepted the Proclamation.
5. RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Eryn Russel presented the John Land Years of Service Award from the Florida League of Cities, to Mayor Bryant for her 25 years of service in the City of Palmetto.
Vice Mayor Varnadore recessed the meeting at 7:19 pm.
Vice Mayor Varnadore reconvened the meeting at 7:26 pm.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
The following individuals gave their opinions on the Palmetto Market:
· Kylie Daniels (via ZOOM) – spoke in favor of the Market
· John Wright (in person)-was in favor of the Market, but would like the location moved off 10th Avenue
· Jennifer Riviera (via ZOOM)- spoke in favor of the Market
· Melissa Burns (via ZOOM)-spoke in favor of the Market
The Commissioners discussed the Palmetto Market. The consensus of the Commission was to have the business owners work it out amongst themselves. They also suggested that the Mayor and City staff work with the business owners on a possible solution.
Mr. Wright spoke again on the subject.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 09/26/2022
b. 2023 Holiday/Meeting Calendar
c. Special Function Permit – Veterans Day Parade (Removed due to cancellation of the event)
d. Special Function Permit- First Baptist Church Fall Festival
e. Resolution 2022-23 Half Cent Infrastructure FY 2023 Budget
f. Resolution 2022-25 Lease Reimbursement for 2023 Capital Items
g. Resolution 2022-26 Crash and Crime Scene Mapping Software
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MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by
staff with the removal of 7c. and the discussion of 7b and 7f.
Commissioner Cornwell removed 7b. 2023 Holiday/Meeting Calendar for discussion.
MOTION: Commission Cornwell moved to change the meeting scheduled for
November 20th, 2023 to November 27th, 2023. The motion died due to lack of a second.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to approve the 2023 Holiday/Meeting schedule as
originally presented.
Commissioner Williams removed 7f. Resolution 2022-25 Lease Reimbursement for 2023 Capital Items, questioning the need for 2 CRA vehicles. Mr. Colon stated that their current vehicle is over 6 years old and has a recall on it. They plan to surplus this vehicle.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and
the motion carried 5-0 to approve 7f. Resolution 2022-25 Lease
Reimbursement for 2023 Capital Items.
8. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2022-12 COLA for Police Officer Retirees
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 22, PERSONNEL, ARTICLE V, POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT PLAN, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO; AMENDING SECTION 22-176, BENEFIT AMOUNTS AND ELIGIBILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Vice Mayor Varnadore opened the Public Hearing at 8:18 pm.
Mr. Freeman gave a brief overview of the Ordinance.
Vice Mayor Varnadore closed the Public Hearing at 8:20 pm.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to adopt Ordinance
No. 2022-12.
Commissioner Cornwell questioned the increased cost for the City. Mr. Freeman clarified that the cost was already assumed in the 2023 Budget.
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9. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2022-13 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA APPROVING A SMALL SCALE FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT TO THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION FOR THE TERRITORY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION TO PLANNED COMMUNITY FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION, ON APPROXIMATELY 0.80 ACRES MORE SPECIFICALLY LOCATED AT 1419 US 301 N, CONSISTENT WITH THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES OF THE ADOPTED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and
the motion carried 5-0 based upon the staff report, the comments
made at the public hearing, and finding the request to be consistent
with the City of Palmetto Comprehensive Plan, to approve the
first reading of Ordinance 2022-13 and direct staff to advertise the
final public hearing.
10. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2022-14 REZONE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA REZONING APPROXIMATELY 0.80 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1419 U.S. 301 N, PALMETTO, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARILY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM COMMERCIAL GENERAL TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT – MIXED USE, AND AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and
the motion carried 5-0 based upon the staff report, the comments
made at the public hearing, and finding the request to be consistent
with the City of Palmetto Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code, to
approve the first reading of Ordinance 2022-14 and direct staff to
advertise the final public hearing.
11. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2022-15 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA; APPROVING ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE MANATEE SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS ON APPROXIMATELY 32 ACRES OF PROPERTY; GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF HABEN BOULEVARD AND SOUTH OF U.S. 301 N; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and
the motion carried 5-0 based upon the staff report, the comments
made at the public hearing, and finding the request to be consistent
with the City of Palmetto Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code, to
approve the first reading of Ordinance 2022-15 and direct staff to
advertise the final public hearing.
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
12. Traffic Update
Mayor Bryant stated that the construction for the roundabout at 23rd Street will be starting in February/March 2023.
COMMENTS:
13. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Colon gave updates on the following items:
· January 20th Arbor Day Event Permit will be forthcoming
· Slicks property regrading update
· Connor Park update
· Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Conference was very successful
· Public Input Discussions for the Riverside Property are scheduled for October 18, 2022
Commissioner Smith questioned the Arbor Day event. Tree dedications were discussed in great length between the Commissioners and Department Heads. The Living Tree Memorial Plan was discussed resulting in an apparent consensus to continue the program and expand into MLK Park. The Commissioners would like to have a diagram be brought back to show the areas that trees may be placed.
Commissioners Williams and Jones questioned Connor Park. Commissioner Jones would like the Project Manager to give an update at an upcoming workshop.
Mr. Rayan discussed the debris removal following Hurricane Ian. The new schedule for the Code Enforcement program was discussed. The new Police Department Project is going well. The interior of the building is the current focus.
Commissioner Jones thanked Mr. Rayan’s employees for doing a great job after the storm. Commissioners Jones and Smith expressed concern over the day Waste Management missed prior to the storm. Mr. Rayan responded that he would bring back an update after speaking with them.
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Mr. Freeman congratulated the Mayor on her 25 years of service. He also expressed congratulations to Commissioner Varnadore for her years of service. Mr. Freeman reminded the Commission of the upcoming meeting dates on November 14th and November 28th. The 7th Street Extension Bids are due back October 26th. Those will be brought forward to the Commission at a future meeting. Mr. Freeman mentioned that the site visit for the CDBG grant went well. He also echoed the sentiments to Mr. Rayan on a great job with the debris haulers.
Chief Tyler thanked the Commission for approving the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the Police Retirees. He thanked the Mayor and Commissioner Varnadore for their service.
Mr. Barnebey also thanked the Mayor and Commissioner Varnadore for their service. He stated the increase in Police Salaries of $1,000 plus one step, which was approved through the budget, required a bargaining amendment.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Varnadore
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to accept the bargaining
amendment for the Police Department pay increases.
14. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant thanked everyone for the award from this evening. She also thanked the City Staff for all their efforts after the storm. She reminded the Commissioners to ask their constituents to sign onto Code Red for notifications from the City. Mayor Bryant thanked Commissioner Varnadore for her service.
15. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Jones said he would miss Commissioner Varnadore and thanked her for her service.
Commissioner Cornwell congratulated Mayor Bryant and thanked Commissioner Varnadore for her service. She also thanked Mr. Rayan for his help with the tree that fell on power lines in the City. Commissioner Cornwell further questioned the Chief’s concern of Golf Carts being used to help with transportation at the Palmetto Market.
Commissioner Williams opined about the garbage pick-up. He shared that the FRA conference went well. He highlighted that Zach and Xavier both graduated with their FRA designation. Commissioner Williams thanked Commissioner Varnadore for her service. He also congratulated Mayor Bryant for her 25 years of service.
Commissioner Smith thanked Commissioner Varnadore for her service and congratulated Mayor Bryant on her 25 years of service.
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Commissioner Varnadore said it has been a privilege and an honor to service Ward 2.
Vice Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:28 pm.
Minutes approved: NOVEMBER 14, 2022
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk