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
Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director (Not Present)
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 Pastor Jeffrey Ice, from First United Methodist Church of Palmetto, gave the prayer for tonight’s meeting.
All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.
2. PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL TARTAN DAY
Bob Greene, President of the Bradenton Chapter of New World Celts accepted the Proclamation. April 6th, 2023 was proclaimed National Tartan Day in Palmetto, Florida.
3. PROCLAMATION: DONATE LIFE MONTH
Penny Johnston accepted the proclamation on behalf of LifeLink Foundation. April 2023 was proclaimed Donate Life Month in Palmetto, Florida.
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March 20, 2023
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4. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to approve the March 20, 2023 City Commission
Agenda.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke on her opposition to the new sign at Lincoln Park.
Lynn Meyer wants there to be a citizen advisory committee. She also spoke on her desire for the Riverside Property not to be sold.
Penny Johnston informed the Commissioners of County Commissioner Cruz’s desire to meet with them individually in April or May to discuss any concerns they may have. She placed a survey at their desks for them to fill out in advance of that meeting. A copy of the survey was made part of the minutes.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 02/27/2023 & 03/06/2023
b. Special Function Permit- Easter Service @ Riverside Bed & Breakfast
c. Resolution 2023-04 DART Training System
d. Police Department Surplus Firearms
MOTION: Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff with the removal of item 6b. for discussion.
Commissioner Williams noted that the Easter Service event (item 6b.) is open to the public. The application mistakenly marked no.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Jones seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve item 6b.
7. FEBRUARY 2023 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)
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March 20, 2023
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STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
8. Traffic Update
The 23rd street roundabout has begun construction. Mr. Rayan noted they are working on precautionary measures to alert the public to the change in traffic pattern.
COMMENTS:
9. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Rayan provided a brief update on the following items:
· The roundabout at 23rd Street is underway.
· The 7th street extension project is in process.
· The realignment project on 8th Avenue Drive and 9th Street has been completed.
· The new Police Department is near completion. They are expecting it to be done within the next 2-4 weeks.
· They have received the report from the engineers relative to the flow metering in each of the manholes, to calculate the flow and pinpoint the areas that had the most I&I. They are hoping to gather information monthly. This is an ongoing project.
Commissioner Cornwell asked if they would alert the public before the light becomes active on 7th street. Mr. Rayan answered that they will provide signage prior to making the light active.
Commissioner Smith questioned the drainage issue on 11th Street and 3rd Avenue. Mr. Rayan responded that they are gathering information from a survey company who is preparing a cost estimate for an easement. An easement would need to be established before they could begin any work. Mr. Rayan will bring this item back for discussion once he has the cost estimate.
Commissioner Jones thanked Mr. Rayan for getting the sign put back up at 14th Avenue and 17th Street.
Mr. Freeman reported that the next meetings will be on April 10th and April 17th. The 17th Agenda will be posted before the meeting on the 10th. There will be 3 upcoming Public Hearings on April 10th. The Vacation Rental Ordinance will hopefully be coming forward on April 17th for discussion.
Commissioner Jones thanked Mr. Freeman for looking into the residents’ utility bills he mentioned at a prior meeting.
Mr. Barnebey reiterated that there will be 3 Public Hearings coming up on April 10th.
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Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Barnebey to bring back the document where they signed Lincoln Park over to the County along with the minutes where they voted to do so.
Commissioner Jones wants to have a Workshop discussion to put a sign up in Lincoln Park, keeping the Lincoln Park name on the portion the City owns.
Mayor Bryant noted that she had reached out to Commissioner Ballard twice to try to meet with her regarding Lincoln Park and ARPA funds for Ward 1 Phase 3. She wants to discuss a possible partnership for the county to help with lighting in that area. Her Assistant is out of town, and they are working on scheduling a time to meet once she returned.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant reported that Palmetto High School had their groundbreaking for their construction project on March 10th.
Sarasota Film Festival asked the filmmakers to re-premier “Through the Tunnel” on April 1st. You can buy tickets on their website.
11. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Jones reported to Lynn Meyer that affordable housing projects will be coming forward for discussion in the near future.
Commissioner Cornwell noted that her school, Lee Middle, will also have student groups whose films will be at the Sarasota Film Festival. She reported that she went to a Manatee County Fair Board meeting, and they are working on choosing a theme for 2024 and updating their website to incorporate new events that will be offered next year.
Commissioner Williams questioned the status of the project after the mediation with Epoch. Mr. Barnebey answered that they are still waiting to receive revised plans from the Developer. Commissioner Williams questioned what was decided on at mediation regarding deviations. It was proposed that they eliminate all deviations.
Commissioner Williams questioned when the paving on 4th Street West and Riverside Drive will be completed. Mr. Rayan responded that they just received the change order, and it should be completed within a couple of weeks. Commissioner Williams also asked about the manhole 4th Street and 7th Avenue and if the dip in the road would be fixed? Mr. Rayan is working through the project.
Commissioner Williams also asked about food trucks that are open at businesses and don’t have restroom facilities. Mr. Rayan asked for a specific food truck he is referencing. He responded that there is one on 10th Street and 2nd Avenue. Commissioner Williams stated that there are no restrooms, or port-o-lets. Mr. Rayan believed they have an arrangement with the gas station to allow customers to use their restrooms. He will check into it.
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Commissioner Williams agreed that they need to have a sign put up at Lincoln Park. Mr. Barnebey noted that the sign that was previously there, belonged to the county. If the City of Palmetto wants to have a sign put up to name their portion of the park, they may do so. He suggested preparing a Resolution if that were what the Commission would like him to do.
Commissioner Smith wanted to know which part of Lincoln Park the City owns. Discussions continued regarding Lincoln Park. Mr. Barnebey will bring back all the documents regarding Lincoln Park.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:55 pm.
Minutes approved: APRIL 10, 2023
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk