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

Tamara Cornwell, Vice- Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3 (Not Present, Joined via ZOOM at the end of the meeting)

 

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

 

 

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 Randy Young from Bayside Community Church, 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 4-0 to approve the May 6, 2024 City Commission Agenda.

 

 

 

3.            PUBLIC COMMENT

 

No public comment.

 

 

 

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4.               CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes: 04/01/2024 & 04/15/2024

b. Resolution 2024-11: Landscape Maintenance and Installation Agreement between FDOT and City of Palmetto for Roundabout at 23^rd Street and US/Bus 41

c. Resolution 2024-12: FY 2024 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment

d. Emergency Purchase- WWTP East and West Bardenpho Blowers

 

 

 

 

                    MOTION:                   Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Jones seconded,

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

 

 

 

5.            MARCH 2024 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting to open the May 6, 2024 CRA Board Meeting at 7:04 pm.

 

 Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission Meeting at 7:13 pm.

 

 

STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:

 

 

6.               Traffic Update

 

 

There will be a road closure on May 13^th through May 21^st on 5^th Avenue in front of Sudsco.

 

The roundabout on US 41 and 23^rd Street is almost completed.

 

 

 

COMMENTS:

 

 

7.               DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS

 

Mr. Rayan reported that for the Ward 1 Phase 3 project, they are still waiting on the property owner to sign the easement for the lift station. Once they receive it, it will go out for bid.

 

They met with FDOT on the 10^th Avenue Complete Street Project. FDOT essentially passed the torch to the City. They completed their environmental report, and they contacted the CCNA engineer to pass

 

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May 6, 2024

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along the information. The funds were approved by FDOT for the design portion. They are hoping to get a proposal to complete the project.

 

 Mr. Johnson shared that they have been working to consolidate the multiple addresses of vacant properties off 7^th Street. They just got word from the Property Appraiser that they’re hoping to complete the consolidation to one address by the end of the week. He also noted that they have had many discussions with developers that may be interested in developing those properties. 

 

 Mr. Freeman reported the following:

·         He spoke with Mr. Bunce again today. They are working with him to develop an access easement and determine other modifications that will be needed for that road. The agreement will come back to the Commission if not on May 20^th, then in June.

·         The City and CRA submitted Connor Park for the Environmental Stewardship Award. They are still waiting to hear the results.

·         The CDBG Residential Rehab is working through the final stages. He is hoping to open the application process in the late summer and decisions will be made in the fall. He will encourage the Commission to get the word out to the community at that time.

·         Design concepts will be coming back to the Commission for the improvements of the 14^th Avenue parcel.

 

 Mr. Rayan forgot to mention that they are working with the engineers, who are tasked with coming back to them with a full scope of work for the WWTP expansion. They will review the results of the report and he will share it with the Commission to discuss options moving forward. They are looking at long term future expansion and development.

 

 Mayor Bryant noted that she had a visit with Vern Buchanan. He was interested in some of the environmental projects the City is doing. She inquired about appropriations from federal funding. He recommended getting a lobbyist for the federal level for projects that would be amenable. They will bring something back. She has always invited the representatives to come to the City so the Commissioners and residents can share their concerns with them. She will let everyone know when he will be here.

 

 Chief Tyler shared that he is meeting with a representative from Redspeed, who Manatee County and the City of Bradenton have contracted with for the electronic monitoring of speed in school zones. He will also reach out to another vendor before moving forward.

 

 Mr. Barnebey will review the agreement for Mr. Bunce and make changes as needed. He sent the Commissioners an email about the camping statute earlier today.

 

 

 

8.            MAYOR’S REPORT

 

Mayor Bryant’s report was included above.

 

 

 

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9.               COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

 

Commissioner Jones expressed concern for the area near the WWTP, specifically the openings around the gate on 24^th Avenue. He noted that there are more kids playing in that area. Mr. Rayan answered that they just installed an 8-foot fence, but not on the corners. Mr. Rayan will look into it. However, there is a five-foot area that is owned by the individuals adjacent to the Dickenson property. They are trying to ask them to allow the City to install a gate in that area. Commissioner Jones was concerned with both corners.

 

 Commissioner Joiner asked about the missing grate on 13^th Street, that she brought up at a previous meeting. Mr. Rayan responded that it is on order.

 

Mayor Bryant asked the Commissioners to send those requests through her office so they have a record of any requests/issues, and they will follow up until they are completed.

 

 Commissioner Cornwell thanked Mr. Rayan for his help in removing debris that was preventing traffic from entering Palmetto.

 

 Commissioner Jones also noted that they had a great time at the National Day of Prayer.

 

 

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:30 pm.