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:
Marisa Powers, 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 Commissioner 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 Williams moved, Commissioner Jones seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the August 12, 2024 City Commission Agenda with the addition of item 4d.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Gabby A. spoke on Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
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Betty Sailes Rhoades spoke about an unnamed candidate that is running for office. Mayor Bryant and Mr. Barnebey responded that this was not appropriate to discuss.
Stephen Reha from SS Electrical Supply, spoke on the size of his sign and the code restrictions.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 07/24/2024
b. Ratification of addition of defendants in Opioid cases
c. General Employees’ Pension Board of Trustees Appointment
d. Emergency Debris Services (ADDITION)
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff, including item 4d.
5. **TO BE RESCHEDULED** PUBLIC HEARING-CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CU 2024-02): ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL AT THE PALMETTO MARRIOTT BEACH CLUB
The August 5, 2024 Meeting was cancelled due to Hurricane Debby. This Public Hearing will be re-advertised and will be placed on the August 26, 2024 City Commission Meeting Agenda.
6. FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2024-04: HOME BASED BUSINESSES AND HOME OCCUPATIONS (M.BARNEBEY/J.BIBLER)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA APPROVING TEXT AMENDMENTS TO APPENDIX B OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND REGULATIONS FOR HOME OCCUPATION AND HOME-BASED BUSINESSES; 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 Jones moved, Commissioner Williams
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the First
Reading of Ordinance 2024-04 and direct Staff to schedule
the appropriate public hearings.
Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting to open the August 12, 2024 CRA Board Meeting at 7:15 pm.
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August 12, 2024
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Mayor Bryant reconvened the meeting at 7:33 pm.
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
7. Traffic Update
Mr. Rayan noted that the roundabout had been functionable on US 41 for a little while. There are intermittent stoppages as they work on the shoulders.
COMMENTS:
8. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Rayan reported on the following projects:
· They opened the bidding process for Ward 1 phase III on 8/7/24. They had four contractors provide bids. The costs ranged from around $6 million upwards of $7 million and some change. The Purchasing department are evaluating these, and a recommendation will be at the second meeting in September to select a contractor.
· The new storage building for the Public Works Department will be part of the CIP budget. They are seeing equipment deteriorate when they leave it outside.
· They have engaged with ZNS Engineering to study 10th Street and 8th Avenue. They would like to see a turn lane from 10th Street onto 8th Avenue heading south. There will be FDOT involvement. This will also be part of the CIP 5-year project.
· The plant expansion engineering report should be coming out soon. A Workshop with the engineers was held last Thursday. Public Works staff, Veolia, and the engineer will be meeting to discuss the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant.
· The plant processed approximately 7 million gallons during Hurricane Debby. The plant did what it was supposed to do for the most part. It overflowed while getting 10 inches of rain over 19 hours.
· The re-use water discussion was part of their preliminary report from the engineer. He is waiting for the final report.
Mr. Jones thanked him for that report. A citizen requested signage for when there is overflow. He said the citizen can’t use their own restroom when there are a few inches of rain. Mr. Rayan wasn’t aware of the restroom issue.
Mayor Bryant also discussed the sawhorses and the addition of more signage.
Ms. Cornwell thanked Mr. Rayan for his efforts in being aggressive and doing whatever they can to be proactive. She noted that neighboring areas were impacted much worse. She believed our actions helped. She questioned adding an additional ASR well, and the potential placement to help with pumping out East. Mr. Rayan discussed the strategic purchasing of properties for expansion.
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Mayor Bryant noted that they have contracted with the lobbyist again for this coming year. They were granted $2.5 million for Ward 1 phase III this past year. They also submitted for other funding, which they didn’t receive. They are starting the process with the same lobbyist to try to get more state funding this year. Mr. Rayan also noted that Wade Trim will also be engaged with helping receive additional funds to assist with these projects.
Mr. Freeman reminded the Commission of the following items:
· The CDBG application process opened last week. The information is on our website under news and announcements. The applications are available online or at City Hall. The applications need to be returned to City Hall and they will be forwarded to the grant coordinators. The application period is open until October 7th. They have advertised on our website, on the water bills and they will advertise in the North River News.
· The results for the impact fee study will be shared at the 8/26 Workshop.
· The November 4th meeting is the day before the election, if they want to cancel that meeting.
· He recommended cancelling the budget Workshop for tomorrow. There will be nothing new to present. Version 2 of the budget will be available for either the August 20th Workshop or August 26th.
Commissioner Jones suggested leaving the decision up to Commissioner Joiner, Smith and Williams for the cancellation of the November meeting. Commissioner Smith opined that they should cancel that meeting.
MOTION: Commissioner Smith moved to remove the November 4th
meeting from the schedule, Commissioner Jones seconded.
Commissioner Williams asked for discussion. He didn’t think that just because they’re having an election, they should cancel the meeting.
Commissioner Smith spoke and stated that he believed everyone would be getting ready to vote the next day. If there is something important that comes up, they can reschedule the meeting.
The motion carried 4-1. (Commissioner Williams voted
nay)
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved to cancel the 8/13
Workshop, Commissioner Smith seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0.
Chief Tyler spoke about grants that had recently been presented to him.
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved to approve the applications
of the FDOT Traffic Overtime Reimbursement Grant and
the FDLE Drone Reimbursement Grant and to accept the
awards. Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion
carried 5-0.
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Chief noted that today was the first day of school. There were no issues. They switched the parent drop off at Palmetto High School to 14th Avenue instead of 17th Street and they were already seeing positive results.
Mr. Barnebey reminded everyone of the sunshine public records and ethics requirements and noted that they have 4 months left to complete.
He went on to discuss the previous question from the CRA meeting regarding the CRA purchasing City properties. Yes, it is possible for the CRA to buy certain properties outside of the CRA, but he doesn’t think the 14th Avenue property would qualify for that.
They will be providing updates on recent actions that have been taken in legislation that will have effects on the City.
Commissioner Jones asked Chief about the speed cameras in school zones. Chief answered that he will be presenting something to them soon.
9. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant spoke about the tennis courts on 10th Street. The Boys and Girls Club turned them back over to the City. The City has been cleaning them up. They will be adding a water fountain and are re-doing the fencing. They will do an article when this is complete.
Mayor Bryant noted that almost everyone is caught up with the City’s required cyber security training, except for Commissioner Smith. She suggested he reach out to Mr. Williams.
A grant for derelict boats was sent to them on Friday with today being the deadline. Chief was aware of that grant. It is not quite as it is represented. He noted they have a couple of derelict boats, but some of the boats are not violating the law.
She had a meeting scheduled with County Commissioner Rahn, but they weren’t able to meet up. She did meet with Commissioner Beardon and discussed concerns regarding the Historical Society. They will have more meetings to discuss further.
She also noted that she sent letters to everyone regarding the Green Bridge Fishing Pier. They are making headway. She is told that it may not be as long as it is now.
10. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Cornwell thanked the Mayor for cancelling last Monday’s meeting to keep the employees safe.
Commissioner Williams thanked the staff for everything they did during the storm. He noted that he questioned the ability for the CRA to buy certain City properties because he and the Mayor are FRA certified and that was discussed at their training.
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The Mayor has been reappointed to the TDC. There’s a definite advantage for the City to have her be in that position. He asked for an updated report regarding the Riverside property. Mayor Bryant responded that they would try to have an update by the 8/26 meeting. Mr. Barnebey shared that their contract will be coming up to a point where they will have to fish or cut bait. There are some proposals that they are working on. Commissioner Williams reiterated that he wanted to know the discussions that are being had.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:16 pm.
Minutes approved: SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk