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
Sheldon Jones, Vice- Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 1
Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2
Sunshine Mathews, Commissioner, Ward 2
Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1
Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Ed Johnson, Interim CRA Director
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant
Jenny Silverio, CRA Administrative & Compliance Coordinator
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 Sunshine Mathews, gave the prayer for tonight’s meeting.
All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.
Mayor Bryant introduced the new CRA Director, Edward Johnson.
Dawn Stanhope and John Agnelli presented the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year to Jayden Dunbar from Palmetto.
2. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to approve the March 6, 2023 City Commission Agenda.
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March 6, 2023
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3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Bryant read an email that was sent in prior to the meeting regarding adding streetlights on 17th Street. This public comment was made part of the minutes.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Resolution 2023-03 FY 23 Truist Lease Documents
MOTION: Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
5. TROPIC ISLES SHORT TERM LEASE EXTENSTION DISCUSSION
Mr. Barnebey gave an update on the triangular property being purchased for the future expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant pond. The land is currently being leased to Tropic Isles for the use of boat and trailer storage. The City is in the due diligence period and will be closing on the property in the near future. The City is open to leasing the property to Tropic Isles until the City needs to begin utilizing the land. Mr. Barnebey stated that he anticipates being able to lease the property to Tropic Isles until December 31, 2023. The closing will be in approximately a month. Mayor Bryant noted that they will keep the public informed of any updates.
Commissioner Jones questioned the time frame of the extension. Mr. Barnebey answered that if any additional time is needed, it will come back to the Commission.
Commissioner Williams inquired about liability insurance and the liability of removing the boats and trailers at the end of the lease period.
Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting to open the March 6, 2023 CRA Board Meeting at 7:14 pm.
Mayor Bryant reconvened the meeting at 7:33 pm.
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March 6, 2023
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STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
6. Traffic Update
Mr. Rayan reported that crews are currently working on the north bound area near 23rd Street. He also noted that traffic diversions would be starting tomorrow at Haben Blvd.
COMMENTS:
7. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Rayan noted that they are working through the final stages at the new Police Department. He also stated that the 7th Street extension project is moving along.
Chief Tyler said he has tentative plans for the new Police Department grand opening. He has to wait until he has definitive dates to make those final plans.
Commissioner Jones asked for an update on the fence. Chief Tyler responded that he believed the new fence had been ordered. He stated that it needs to be manufactured and will hopefully be ready for installation in June.
Mr. Rayan reported that there was a force main break on US 301 last week. Everything was back in order by the next morning.
Mr. Freeman stated that the next meeting will be on March 20th and April 3rd. There will be a few Public Hearings at the upcoming meetings. He reported that the previously approved RFP for the parcel south of the Police Department will be going out at the end of March for a minimum of 90 days. There will also be Ordinances coming forward in the near future for both Pension plans. The Pension Attorney will be bringing forward a buyback option of pension benefits. This will have no impact to the plan. Mr. Freeman also brought to the Commissions attention a pavilion at Estuary Park that is in disarray. The recommendation is to remove the structure. The consensus from the Commission was to move forward with removal.
Commissioner Williams mentioned a conflict with the April 3rd Commission meeting date. Discussions continued regarding changing the date of the meeting.
MOTION Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to move the April 3rd
meeting to April 10th.
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March 6, 2023
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Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Freeman to schedule an update from the Developer of the Convention Center hotel. Mr. Freeman agreed to schedule that for the next meeting.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant noted that she was glad to have a CRA Director appointed.
9. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Mathews questioned if there was an update from the last meeting regarding the draining issue that was previously discussed. Mr. Rayan responded that the matter was discussed at the Department Heads’ meeting and will be coming forward for continued discussion at the Workshop on April 10th.
Commissioner Smith asked if Mr. Rayan had been over to the property with the drainage issue. Mr. Rayan responded that he has. He also went on to discuss the next steps if the City decides to move forward.
Commissioner Cornwell thanked Commissioner Mathews for attending the Palmetto Historical meeting in her place. She also welcomed Mr. Johnson as the new CRA Director.
Commissioner Jones asked Mr. Rayan about the missing street sign on 17th Street and 14th Avenue. He noted that the street sign has been down since Hurricane Ian. Mr. Rayan will look into it. He also questioned a couple of residents’ water bill. He asked Mr. Freeman if anything had changed. Mr. Freeman said billing fees had not recently changed. Mr. Freeman asked for the names or addresses so he could look into the accounts and follow up.
Commissioner Smith asked Chief Tyler who patrols the walk-through light by Lincoln Memorial. Chief Tyler answered that the county technically controls that area, but the City of Palmetto also monitors. Chief Tyler will reach out to the Sheriff’s office to touch base about Commissioner Smith’s concern with the light.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:57 pm.
Minutes approved: MARCH 20, 2023
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk