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
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director (Present via ZOOM)
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant
Jeff Bowman, Code Enforcement 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 Deacon Craig Dutka from Holy Cross Catholic 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 Williams moved, Commissioner Jones seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the June 17, 2024 City Commission Agenda with the addition of item 3e. 4th of July event update.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.
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3e. Leah Brown provided an update on the 4th of July event. Karon Dixon was also introduced. She is the Executive Director of the Palmetto Downtown Mainstreet Program. Ms. Brown passed out a sheet with updated information for the Palmetto 4th Fest. It was made part of the Minutes.
Mayor Bryant asked the Commissioners to let her know who will be there, so she can introduce them on the stage. Her comments will begin around 5:15pm.
Commissioner Jones asked if Penny could send the Commissioners an email to confirm if they’ll come to the 4th of July fest. He is excited for the event. He noted that Ms. Brown has done a great job.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 5/20/24 & 6/3/24
b. Agreement between Stephen A. Bunce and Kimberly J. Bunce and the City of Palmetto relating to access to real property located at 6930 69th Street East Palmetto, Florida 34221
c. Special Function Permit- Palmetto Summer Concert Series
d. Surplus Police Vehicle Asset #20177
e. Resolution 2024-15: Budget Amendment and Consideration of Contract for the Purchase of Florida Audubon Society Parcel
f. Resolution 2024-16: 10th Avenue Complete Street Project
g. Financial Advisor Contract Extension
h. SRO Contract
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Jones seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
Note: item 4h. SRO Contract was not provided. Therefore, it will need to come back to a future meeting for approval.
5. 320 8th STREET WEST- CODE LIEN FORGIVENESS AND REIMBURSEMENT
Mr. Freeman noted that this was coming to them for review. The daughters of the individual that had the lien has requested the Commission forgive the lien amount. The background material was included in the Agenda packet. The lien has been paid and the lien has been released, but they have asked for reimbursement of what they paid. Jeff Bowman, Code Enforcement, explained that they received an email from the individuals asking for forgiveness of the lien, which was part of the packet.
Commissioner Cornwell questioned the timeline. She asked what date the Code Enforcement officer went to the home and discussed compliance with the residents. September 17, 2018 was answered by Mr. Freeman. This was verified through aerial photos. Mr. Freeman highlighted the costs associated with this lien. Commissioner Cornwell then questioned why the daughter got involved. It was answered that the owner had health issues. Those in the house were notified by certified mail and personal contact. She wants to make sure they are being fair to the citizen and the City. She wanted Mr. Freeman’s recommendation. Mr. Freeman didn’t have a recommendation and stated that it was up to the Commission. Commissioner Cornwell asked what the
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violations were for. There was an accumulation of garbage/trash/debris in the yard, and the property was overgrown.
Commissioner Smith asked if there were any follow ups from Code Enforcement. Mr. Bowman did not believe so based on records. He was not employed with the City during that time. Commissioner Smith thought they should return the soft costs.
Commissioner Jones questioned what Mr. Freeman wanted to reduce the amount to. Mr. Freeman further explained the costs, which were detailed in the agenda packet. Commissioner Jones noted that Mr. Bowman is doing a great job. He asked Mr. Bowman how comfortable he was with the lien amount. Mr. Bowman opined that he was fine with whatever the Commission decided.
Commissioner Williams asked Mr. Bowman about the hard costs regarding the Magistrates fees. Ms. Johnston clarified that the respondent came before the Magistrate on May 29th, 2018, and then was given until June 26th, 2018, to come into compliance. They did not come into compliance and another meeting was held. At that time the Magistrate imposed a fine of $10/day, per violation. She emphasized that it was up to the respondent to notify the City when they came into compliance.
Commissioner Joiner would be willing to show grace on the soft costs but would like to enforce the hard costs.
Commissioner Smith reiterated that Mr. Bowman was doing a great job. He asked if the current practice is to go back and check compliance. Mr. Bowman responded yes; they do. They document all these interactions in the file. Commissioner Smith doesn’t want anyone to lose their property and stated the importance of following up with the violator.
Commissioner Cornwell discussed the hard costs with and without including the staff hours.
Commissioner Smith asked for clarification on the soft vs. hard costs.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell
seconded,
Commissioner Jones asked for clarification on the total amount they would reimburse. Mr. Barnebey and Mr. Freeman explained that if they wanted to reimburse the soft costs, it would total a reimbursement of $1,172.19.
and the motion carried 5-0 to forgive the adjusted code
enforcement lien amount of $ 1,172.19.
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6. MAY 2024 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)
Mayor Bryant recessed the meeting at 7:50 pm to open the Special CRA Board Meeting.
Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission Meeting at 8:33 pm.
7. CONSIDERATION OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO STADLER DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (E.JOHNSON/M.BARNEBEY)
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the First
Amendment to Agreement for Purchase and Sale between
Stadler and the Palmetto Community Redevelopment
Agency to be extended to October 9, 2024.
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
8. Traffic Update
No update.
COMMENTS:
9. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Barnebey reminded the Board of the preliminary injunction regarding the form 6 requirements. They don’t have to file a form 6. Florida League of Cities recommended they file a form 1, or if they already filed form 6, they don’t need to do anything further. Instructions to file a form 1 have changed, so be mindful of that. Also, have a nice summer break.
Mr. Rayan thanked the Commission for authorizing the 10th Street complete street project. He wanted to report that US 41 and 23rd street roundabout had all lanes open, and they are finishing up the final touches, lighting, etc. He also reported on the Ward 1 Phase III project, they are working on responses from their initial meeting with contractors. They may need to extend the timeframe to accept bids.
Mayor Bryant reported that they received $2.5 million dollars for the Ward 1 Phase III project from the State. It was a great return on their investment with the lobbyist, Mike Moore, with the Southern Group.
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Mr. Freeman stated that the next meeting would be a budget only workshop on July 24th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. The next regular meeting would be on July 29th. At that time, they will set the tentative millage and assign the tentative budget hearing dates. Everyone should have received calendar invites for the additional budget workshop meetings. He also noted the following items that would be forthcoming:
· Impact Fee discussion
· CDBG Grant: They will be starting the communication process within the next few days. On August 5th there will be two public workshops with the grant consultant. The contractors’ workshop will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am, and the residents’ workshop will be from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. The application kick-off will also begin that day and will run for 60 days. This program usually serves approximately 10-12 households. This grant is for a total of $750,000. Commissioner Jones requested he send out a flyer to the Commissioners as soon as possible with the information on the program to pass on to residents.
Mr. Freeman went on to discuss the overnight parking resolution that was recently adopted. He noted that they had previously discussed the fee for the permits being $150 per month. He also suggested starting with 10 designated spaces and adjusting if needed. He had consensus from the Commission to move forward on both of those items. Mr. Freeman stated that they will begin reaching out to those that are currently parking there and inform them of the new regulations. He shared that in the resolution, they limited the ability to purchase a permit to one per entity. This may be problematic with the businesses nearby that are interested in parking there overnight. If so, he will bring it back to the Commission.
Commissioner Jones asked how many spaces are in that parking lot. Mr. Rayan answered upwards of 77-78 spaces in the lot. Mr. Freeman reiterated that they were going to start with 10 designated spaces at a rate of $ 150/month, unless there were any objections from the Commission. Commissioner Jones thought that was reasonable.
Chief Tyler reminded the Commission of the Bridging the Gap Fishing Tournament happening tomorrow on the Green Bridge fishing pier. They have about 70-80 kids signed up.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant thanked Senator Boyd, Representative Gregory and Representative Robinson for their help with receiving the $2.5 million grant from the state for the Ward 1 Phase III project.
Ms. Johnston will send out an email to the Commissioners confirming who will be attending the 4th of July fest.
On June 21st from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm they are having the ribbon cutting at the new HCA Blake Palmetto Emergency Center.
At the Tourist Development Council Board Meeting, TDC, it was recommended to the Board of County Commissioners to order two more water taxis. These would hold approximately 96 passengers. The water taxis have been very successful and are consistently full.
Mayor Bryant also shared that at the TDC meeting they were advised that the tourism tax is at 6% in
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local areas, yet Manatee County is currently at 5%. It will most likely be on the ballot in November to increase the tourism tax in Manatee County to 6%. This won’t impact the residents of Manatee County. However, the increase would generate an additional $6 million dollars for Manatee County.
The City is hosting a community meeting tomorrow night at the River Bay Club at 6:00 pm.
Mayor Bryant emphasized that cyber security training is required for every City employee. There will be repercussions if these courses are not taken.
Lastly, she discussed the condition of the Green Bridge fishing pier. She is working with county employees to highlight the need for it to be replaced/repaired. There was a publication that Manatee County put out in 2015 stating that the green bridge fishing pier would be rebuilt/replaced by 2020. She sent a copy to every County Commissioner, the legislatures, and key employees at Manatee County. She is very concerned what will happen if Manatee County doesn’t act. The bridge belongs to Manatee County. She asked for the Commissioners support.
11. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Williams asked how the meeting about Estuary Park went. Mayor Bryant answered that it went well. There will be subsequent meetings and they will bring more information back. He appreciated the Chief’s help in moving homeless individuals from that area. He noted the Florida League of Cities’ conference is in August in Miami. Ms. Johnston stated she had heard from all the Commissioners but wanted to finalize the dates with the three Commissioners who plan to attend.
Commissioner Cornwell shared that Lynn Tipton will be retiring from the Florida League of Cities. She wanted the City/Commissioners to organize a token of thanks to her for all her help over the years. She was a pleasure to work with.
Mayor Bryant noted that they have tried to be more aggressive and inclusive by sharing information with the residents about things happening in the City and throughout the County.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 9:03 pm.
Minutes approved: JULY 29, 2024
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk