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

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Sunshine Mathews, Commissioner, Ward 2

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 Commissioner Mathews 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 Cornwell moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the

motion carried 5-0 to approve the December 5, 2022 City Commission Agenda.

 

 

 

3.    PUBLIC COMMENT

 

None

 

 

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December 5, 2022

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4.    CONSENT AGENDA

a. Extension of Temporary Construction Easement between SHM Regatta Pointe, LLC and the City of Palmetto-Change-Extension through December 31, 2023

b. Resolution 2022-32 Budget Amendment for Carry-Forward Encumbrances

c. Resolution 2022-33 Budget Amendment – PD Cargo Van

d. PD Surplus Vehicles

e. Resolution 2022-34 FY 2023 CRA Budget Amendment

 

 

          MOTION:                   Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and

the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff with the change of item 4a. to extend the SHM Regatta Pointe construction easement until December 31, 2023 and the removal of item 4e.

 

 

            MOTION:                   Commissioner Williams moved to not approve item 4e. The motion

failed for lack of a second.

 

 

            MOTION:                   Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the

motion carried 4-1 to approve consent agenda item 4e. (Commissioner Williams voted nay)

 

 

 

5.    NOVEMBER 2022 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

 

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting to Open the December 5, 2022 CRA Board Meeting at 7:06 pm.

 

 

Mayor Bryant reconvened the meeting at 8:06 pm.

 

 

 

STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:

 

 

6.    Traffic Update

 

Mr. Rayan mentioned that he is working to schedule a meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation, FDOT, to determine the status of the mid-block crossing project on 8^th Avenue.

 

 

 

 

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December 5, 2022

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COMMENTS:

 

 

7.       DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS

 

Mr. Colon informed the Commission of the damage that was done to the VFW from Hurricane Ian. The repairs are estimated around $80,000.

 

Mr. Freeman reminded the Commission of the next meeting on December 19^th. The Boat Coverings Ordinance will be on that meeting for Public Hearing. He also noted that the funding of $325,000 for new basketball courts is already allocated in the budget based upon prior approval. The money can be moved, if need be. There is also $100,000 of ARPA funding allocated for outdoor activities.

 

Commissioner Jones asked if the ARPA money can be used to level out the dirt on the property on 14^th Ave across from the Palmetto Cemetery. Mr. Freeman responded that the $100,000 ARPA funds are more for capital improvements, but there is funding in the operating and maintenance area that can be used. Mayor Bryant would like this discussion brought back at a future meeting.

 

Chief Tyler will be traveling to St. Augustine to accept the Police Department’s 7^th re-accreditation. This is their excelsior accreditation. They have been accredited since 2004.

 

Mr. Barnebey noted that he spoke at the Florida Association of Counties on dispute resolution. Mr. Rudacille and himself were recertified in City, County, and Local Government Law.

 

 

 

 

8.       MAYOR’S REPORT

 

Mayor Bryant informed the Commission that she will be meeting with a group from the island on Wednesday to discuss their program, All Clams on Deck, and what the City is doing along the Manatee River.

 

 

 

9.       COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

 

Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Rayan to check with Waste Management on the garbage pick-up. The pick-up has not been consistent. He also asked him to look at the area in front of the stage, which is very sandy.

 

Commissioner Williams mentioned that food trucks are more prevalent in the area. He is not sure if they are complying with City regulations. He would like the Department Heads to look into that. Commissioner Williams was also concerned about a power pole that is leaning behind City Hall. He also commented on grates that are filled with rock and are a third of the cost of pavers. He would like the CRA and City to investigate this option. A picture was included in the record.  

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December 5, 2022

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Commissioner Cornwell stated that it has been great working with Mr. Colon and she wished him the best in the future.

 

Commissioner Mathews echoed Commissioner Cornwell’s well wishes towards Mr. Colon. She noted that she has enjoyed working with him for the short amount of time she has been with the City.

 

 

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:21 pm.