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
Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2
Sunshine Joiner, 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
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant
Kera Hill, Development Services Supervisor
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 Joiner, 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 Jones moved, Commissioner Williams seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the January 8, 2024 City Commission Agenda.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Desirae Davis spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
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January 8, 2024
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Fred Logan spoke in support of his neighbor, Ryan Murphy, and the fence permit issue.
Thomas Rebik spoke in support of his neighbor, Ryan Murphy, and the fence permit issue.
Ryan Murphy spoke on his issue with a permit related to his fence.
Gabby Aguilera spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Lola Smyth spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Chloe Boggs spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Nakia Bennett spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Journi Smyth spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Helen Back spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Tsi Day Smyth spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Sarah Parker spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Ruth Beltran spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Mayor Bryant noted an email labeled “CRA Meeting questions” she received prior to the meeting that was also sent to the Commissioners.
Frederick Hills spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
John Piccone spoke in support of his neighbor, Ryan Murphy, and the fence permit issue.
4. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR
Mayor Bryant read from Section 10 under Vice-Mayor, in our Code of Ordinances. She noted that consideration should be given to the availability of the Commissioners to attend functions in the Mayor’s absence. She believed Sunshine Joiner would be a great candidate.
Commissioner Williams spoke on past Vice-Mayors lack of availability due to their full time jobs.
Commissioner Williams recommended Commissioner Joiner as Vice-Mayor.
MOTION: Commissioner Smith nominated Commissioner Cornwell as Vice-
Mayor, Commissioner Jones seconded and the motion carried 5-0 to elect Commissioner Cornwell as Vice- Mayor.
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5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 12/04/2023 & 12/18/2023
b. Special Function Permit- MSA Choir Day @ Sutton
c. Unsafe Structure- 311 12th St W
d. Resolution 2024-01- Contractual Indemnification
e. Surplus- Computer Equipment
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 5d. for discussion.
5d. Resolution 2024-01 was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Jones who asked Mr. Barnebey to explain the resolution being proposed. Mr. Barnebey explained the indemnification of contractors working with the City.
MOTION: Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Williams seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve item 5d. Resolution 2024-01 Contractual Indemnification.
6. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2023-05: AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTERS 8, 9 AND 10 OF THE ZONING CODE (B.CORNELIUS/K.HILL/M.BARNEBEY)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA APPROVING TEXT AMENDMENTS TO APPENDIX “B” (THE ZONING CODE) OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO CODE OF ORDINANCES AMENDING CHAPTER 8 ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PLANS; AMENDING CHAPTER 9 REGARDING REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS GENERALLY; AMENDING CHAPTER 10 TO INDENTIFY AND BROADEN THE APPLICATION OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES AND AMENDING THE REQUIRMENTS FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS; FINDING THIS REQUEST TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES OF THE ADOPTED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the first
reading of Ordinance 2023-05 and authorize staff to
schedule the appropriate public hearings before the
Planning and Zoning Board and the City Commission.
Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting to open the January 8, 2024 CRA Board Meeting at 7:48 pm.
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Mayor Bryant reconvened the meeting at 10:07 pm.
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
7. CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE BETWEEN THE PALMETTO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE STADLER DEVELOPMENT CORP. FOR THE NOTHWEST CORNER OF 8TH AVENUE AND RIVERSIDE DRIVE (THE RIVERSIDE PROPERTY) (E.JOHNSON/M.BARNEBEY)
This item was also discussed and voted on during the CRA Board Meeting.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams
seconded, and the motion carried 4-1 to approve the
Agreement for Purchase and Sale between the Palmetto
Community Redevelopment Agency and Stadler Development
Corp., as presented by staff. (Commissioner Smith voted nay)
8. Traffic Update
No traffic update.
COMMENTS:
9. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Rayan noted the annual MLK Parade happening this weekend on Saturday, January 13th in Palmetto. He wanted everyone to be mindful of the road closures.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant reported that she is still engaged in talks with the Manatee County Commission to add additional boat ramps in the county.
She is also still pursing the repairs and improvement of the Green Bridge Fishing Pier.
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11. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Williams congratulated Commissioner Joiner on her recent wedding.
Commissioner Cornwell also congratulated Commissioner Joiner. She went on to request incident reports be sent out to the Commissioners by the Chief as events occur throughout the City. Commissioner Cornwell noted that she would like to discuss the effects of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Council further at a future meeting.
Commissioner Jones asked Mr. Rayan about the MLK restrooms. Mr. Rayan answered that they have been open, following the last meeting. Commissioner Jones questioned the budget for the Multi-Cultural festival. Mayor Bryant responded that it had been emailed out to the Commissioners. Commissioner Jones went on to question the Police Department’s body camera and patrol car camera policy. Chief Tyler will send those policies to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Williams asked to be filled in on the issue with Mr. Murphy’s fence, as brought up during public comment.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 10:18 pm.
Minutes approved: JANUARY 22, 2024
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk