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 (Entered the meeting at 7:01 pm)
Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2 (Present via ZOOM at 7:04 pm)
Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1
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
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 Mayor Bryant 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 Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell
seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the May 20, 2024 City Commission Agenda.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Joanne Campbell spoke on issues with the reclaimed water pressure. She made suggestions to rectify the problem.
Mayor Bryant noted that they are seeking a solution to this problem.
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Phil Baker spoke on the overnight parking Resolution and the discussions from the Workshop on May 6, 2024.
Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke about prohibiting fishing at Terra Ceia. Mr. Rayan noted that it is in the County’s jurisdiction. It is not within the City limits. Commissioner Jones also noted that there is not a barrier on that bridge.
Commissioner Cornwell asked for a point of clarity on the items which were discussed at the Workshop. It was clarified that those discussions would continue during the Special CRA Board meeting.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a.) Minutes: 4/15/24 & 5/6/24
b.) Resolution 2024-06: Prohibiting Overnight Parking on City Parking Lots and Property
c.) Resolution 2024-09: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program Loan Application Assistance- 49% FDEP, 51% City
d.) Resolution 2024-13 and agreement with DE 286, LLC for installation and Maintenance in FDOT right-of-way on SR55/US41 in front of Marriott Hotel
e.) Special Magistrate Agreement
f.) Special Function Permit- Manatee Bridging the Gap-Children’s Fishing Tournament
g.) Special Function Permit- North River Fire Department Open House
h.) Special Function Permit- 4th of July Fireworks
i.) Special Function Permit- 4th of July Event and Event Coordinator Contract
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Jones seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff for items 4. a, c, d, f, g, h.
4b. was pulled for discussion. Commissioner Cornwell believed there was a misunderstanding in the way it was written. Mr. Barnebey clarified that the draft allows parking at Riverside West and the lot on Riverside and 10th Avenue. We could exempt Riverside Park West for boats/trailers if they want to, without permits. She suggested adding language that any future designations would come to Commission under section 1, add the ability to have overnight parking for boats and trailers at Riverside Park West, also clarifying that the commission would be the ruling board over future properties and their overnight parking abilities. It was noted that Riverside Park West already stated that a permit would not be needed in section 5.
Commissioner Jones questioned the parking lot at Riverside Drive and 10th Avenue. He thought they were going to discuss how many spots to designate. Section 6 states the clerk may designate the spots. Mr. Barnebey assumed they wouldn’t need to use the whole lot. Commissioner Jones wanted a specific amount listed. Mr. Freeman suggested adding that the clerk would designate the number of spaces, subject to commission approval.
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Commissioner Williams suggested changing the designation from City Clerk to Public Works Director, subject to Commission approval. Mayor Bryant explained that she wanted to leave it as it was because the permitting process will go through clerk’s office.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, to approve Resolution 2024-06 with an amendment in section 1 clarifying that Commission will have to approve other overnight parking locations by Resolution, and section 8 to indicate that boats and trailers can park in Riverside Park West overnight and to add in section 6 that the clerk, subject to commission approval may designate an area for parking spaces.
Commissioner Williams didn’t think they should allow trailers by themselves in the overnight parking lot at Riverside Park West. He only wanted to allow trailers that were attached to a vehicle.
Commissioner Smith questioned the designated spots. Commissioner Williams clarified he was talking about boat trailers at Riverside Park West.
Commissioner Jones was against that. He didn’t want to limit parking trailers there overnight. Commissioner Cornwell clarified that it is for overnight only. There is no permit needed for that area anyways.
and the motion carried 5-0.
4e. Special Magistrate Agreement needed to be pulled to clarify that it shall be subject to Mr. Barnebey’s approval.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved to approve item 4e. subject to Mr.
Barneby’s approval, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
4i. was pulled to change the expiration date of the contract.
Commissioner Williams asked them to give her the contract for the year, but to remove specific events, such as the multi-cultural event. Commissioner Jones wanted to just have her do the one event at this time.
Commissioner Smith asked that she let them know what bands she hires. Mayor Bryant noted that the Commission is not approving the bands. Commissioner Smith just wanted to be made aware.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved to approve item 4i. with the an expiration date of August 13, 2024, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
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5. APRIL 2024 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)
Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting to open the May 20, 2024 Special CRA Board Meeting at 7:39 pm.
Mayor Bryant reconvened the meeting at 8:21 pm.
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
6. Traffic Update
Mr. Rayan reported that the roundabout at US 41 and 23rd Street is near completion. The paving is being done right now and the landscaping will begin soon.
COMMENTS:
7. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Rayan reported that the Ward 1 phase III project is out for bid since last Monday. They have funding from the ARPA program to assist with the costs. They are hoping to get $1 million from the state as well, subject to the Governor’s approval of their budget.
Mr. Freeman noted that at the next meeting they will bring tentative budget workshop dates.
Mrs. Bailey shared that she is working towards her Municipal Clerk’s certification through the Florida Association of City Clerks. As part of that, her class is participating in donation drives throughout the state. She decided to create a baby diaper and wipes drive June 3rd through June 17th. The donations that are received will be given to Guardian Angels of Southwest Florida, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) non-denominational organization dedicated to providing safe and loving Christian homes for children placed in the foster care system throughout Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties. She passed out a flyer to each of the Commissioners and asked that they share the information with the residents.
Mr. Barnebey noted the 11th Circuit Court denied Lincoln Memorial Academy’s lawsuit against the Manatee County School Board and the City of Palmetto petitioning to appeal for a panel rehearing. The litigation is completed at this time. This is a good result for the City.
8. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant gave an overview from the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting she attended and stated that she would send that information out to the Commissioners.
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9. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Smith questioned the partially sunken boat that is still in the water. The chief explained the issue is that someone is claiming ownership of the boat. He thanked Mr. Rayan for keeping him updated on projects. Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Freeman to call him tomorrow regarding form 6.
Commissioner Cornwell noted that school is almost out for summer. She asked the Chief if his department had any plans for the summer to engage with the public. He shared that they do have some plans for the summer, including the children’s fishing tournament that was just approved on the Consent Agenda, and he is working to organize a cookout in Ward 1 as requested by Commissioner Jones. Commissioner Cornwell noted that some families can’t get their kids into Boys and Girls Club, and she wants to help engage those kids.
Commissioner Joiner expressed that she is thankful for the Department Heads and City staff.
Commissioner Jones noted to Mr. Rayan that he appreciated that they wrapped up the corners on 24th Avenue, near the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Commissioner Williams stated that the CRA did not start in Ward 1. It is a mixture of Ward 1 and Ward 3.
Commissioner Williams questioned what the final decision was on Mr. Bunce’s property. Mr. Freeman stated that the staff’s understanding was that the Commission wanted them to explore the access easement option. He and Mr. Rayan made a site visit. They will bring it back on June 3rd or soon thereafter for Commission’s approval. Mr. Bunce did agree to have a survey done of his property and cover the cost of drafting the easement. They believe the City will have a gate at the existing location that would be electronic to provide access to the City, Mr. Bunce, and the radio controllers.
Mr. Rayan further noted the reasons he believed the property had no value to us as the City. We can look at the easement for now, but he opined that the City doesn’t have any purpose for the property in the future. Commissioner Williams noted that with past discussions, a couple Commissioners wanted to hold onto it. He asked if they wanted to reconsider selling it. Commissioner Williams believed they would be better off selling it. Mr. Rayan agreed. Mr. Freeman and Mr. Barnebey noted that the gate needs to be discussed. Mr. Barnebey thinks they can bring back an agreement at the next meeting. Mr. Barnebey went on to state everything that needs to be done. If the Commission wants to consider paying for half or the whole part of the gate, that is up to the Commission. Mr. Freeman stated that we own the property and the road, he believes it is in our best interest to make sure it is secure. Staff’s thought is to put in a new secure electronic gate. He estimated it costing possibly $2500. Right now, there are multiple locks and chains on the gate. Mr. Barnebey stated the property does have value; it just doesn’t have future use.
Discussions continued regarding the gate on the property. Mr. Freeman explained the difficulty with the current gate.
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MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved to replace the gate that is broken with a new gate and an electronic opener. The motion died for lack of second.
The consensus was to buy a manual gate.
The agreement will come back to them for approval.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:48 pm.
Minutes approved: JUNE 17, 2024
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk