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.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Sheldon Jones, Vice- Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 1 (Not Present)

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

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

Cheryl Miller, Finance Director

 

 

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.

 

 

 

2.               CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

 

MOTION:                               Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Smith

seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the

September 25, 2023 City Commission Agenda with the

addition of item 4.c Amendment to the PBA Agreement.

 

 

 

3.            PUBLIC COMMENT

 

No public comments.

 

 

City Commission Meeting

September 25, 2023

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4.               CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes: 08/16/2023, 8/21/2023, 08/28/2023, 09/11/2023

b. Piggyback Contract- Legislative Consulting Services

c. Amendment to the PBA Agreement (Addition)

 

 

 

                    MOTION:                               Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Mathews

seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.

 

 

5.                     PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION 2023-14 FY 2024 FINAL MILLAGE AND RESOLUTION 2023-15 FINAL FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET (J.FREEMAN)

 

Mayor Bryant opened the Public Hearing on Resolution 2023-14 and Resolution 2023-15 to discuss the FY 2024 final millage and final FY 2024 budget at 7:05 p.m.

Mayor Bryant discussed the following:

·         The percentage increase/decrease in proposed tentative millage over rolled back rate.

·         The specific purposes for which the ad valorem revenues are being increased/decreased.

·         The proposed final budget.

Mayor Bryant closed the Public Hearing after Public Comment at 7:07 p.m.

 

a.       RESOLUTION 2023-14 FY 2024 FINAL MILLAGE (Resolution was read in its entirety)

 

                                MOTION:                               Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner

                                                                        Williams seconded

 

Commissioner Williams wanted to ensure that the Multi-Cultural Festival and 4^th of July Festival have a budget that is brought forward to the Commission before the events take place. He also wants to have a Workshop after the Multi-Cultural Festival and before the 4^th of July Festival to decide how to move forward.

 

 

                                                                        and the motion carried 4-0 to adopt Resolution

                                                                        2023-14 at 7:11 pm.

 

 

 

City Commission Meeting

September 25, 2023

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b.       RESOLUTION 2023-15 FY 2024 FINAL BUDGET (Resolution was read in its entirety)

 

                        MOTION:                               Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner

                                                                        Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to

                                                                        adopt Resolution 2023-15 at 7:13 pm.

 

 

6.            AUGUST 2023 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

 

 

 

 

STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:

 

 

7.               Traffic Update

 

Mr. Rayan reported that traffic on the US 41 and 23^rd Street roundabout is being diverted, as crews are still working on the lighting and the center work.

 

COMMENTS:

 

 

8.               DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS

 

Mr. Rayan talked about progress at the 7^th Street extension roundabout. Additional landscaping is expected later in the project.

 

 Mr. Freeman asked about overflow parking at the vacant lot across from the cemetery for a church event on November 4^th.  There was no objection and Commissioner Willliams clarified that it would just be on the shell parking lot.

 

 Chief Tyler and Mr. Rayan said that they are working on a project involving the the pedestrian crossing across from Palmetto High School. The school zone is adequately signalized, but City staff feel there is more that could be done to bring it to the same standard as other county high schools. They are working with the county and the school district on this project. Signalization cost may be about $10,000 per pole.

 

 Commissioner Cornwell wanted a School Resource Officer (SRO) to help students disembark at the school because she felt students are not taught the proper protocol. Chief Tyler said the Florida School Safety Act prohibits SROs from doing traffic, but several officers are present to assist during the busy times.  Commissioner Williams suggested adding signage to prevent stopping or standing.

 

 Mr. Freeman noted that the legislative session has started. The City is submitting for appropriations with a lobbyist.

 

City Commission Meeting

September 25, 2023

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9.               MAYOR’S REPORT

 

Mayor Bryant invited everyone to come to the Grand Opening of Elite X Fitness on Saturday, September 30, 2023.  She also remarked that each commissioner had an opportunity to meet with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) team to talk about the DeSoto Bridge replacement.

 

 

10.             COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

 

Commissioner Williams talked about the Resilient Florida Grant Program, questioning if we should do anything with Estuary Park while Florida Department of Transportation, FDOT, are planning to work on the DeSoto Bridge.  Mr. Johnson said FDOT would be a part of the discussion if we were granted funding.

 

  Commissioner Williams talked about the legislative priorities compiled by ManaSota League of Cities. He read from the ManaSota Leagues’ list, which was included in the minutes.  He stated that the City of Palmetto needed to submit a list of our priorities, or we needed to state that we agreed with their proposed priorities.

 

 Mr. Freeman reiterated that the lobbyist, Mike Moore, from Southern Group will be helping with matching dollars for appropriations and legislative priorities. He gave a brief overview of the appropriation projects being submitted for this legislative session. Mr. Moore spoke via Zoom and gave a brief overview of the process. The Commissioners did not have any questions for Mr. Moore.

 

 The Florida League of Cities, FLC, Board meeting in Ft. Myers introduced a new initiative, the Respectful Public Service Handbook. It specifically highlighted that the more the Commissioners respectfully communicate, the more the public will be able to trust their elected officials.

 

 Commissioner Smith agreed with Commissioner Williams, asking for detailed information on how the money will be spent for the Multi-Cultural Festival.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:46 pm.