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:
Dan West, Mayor
Brian Williams, Vice-Mayor/ Commissioner Ward 3
Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2
Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2 (Entered the meeting at 7:02 pm)
Harold Smith, Commissioner Ward 1
Scott Whitaker, Commissioner-at-Large 1
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Marisa Powers, City Attorney
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Deputy City Clerk
Jake Bibler, City Planner
Ed Johnson, CRA Consultant
Annie Jones, Executive Assistant
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
1. Mayor West called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mayor West gave the prayer for tonight’s meeting.
All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.
2. PROCLAMATION- VETERAN’S DAY
3.
POLICE
PROMOTION RECOGNITION
PROCLAMATION-FARM CITY WEEK
4. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Commissioner Joiner moved, Commissioner Whitaker seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the November 3, 2025 City Commission Agenda.
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November 3, 2025
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5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Deanna Joseph spoke regarding police brutality.
Matthew Haines spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Tracey Washington spoke regarding her son Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Ali Abul el-Qader spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Peyton Hoey spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Ruth Beltran spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Kim Bonny spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Sarah Parker spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Andrew Joseph spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Leo Gonzalez spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Firas Shaheen spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Franki Diaz spoke via ZOOM regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Ira Beesom spoke via ZOOM regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis and the promotion of officer Wilson.
Chris Kilmer spoke regarding the responsibility a police officer has over a life.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Agreement with CSX Crossing at 7th St. W and 5th Ave W- Railroad Milepost AZA 914.37
b. Agreement WWTP and Wade Trim- Underground Injection Control System Design
c. Resolution 2025-20 FY 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan
d. Resolution 2025-21 Half Cent Infrastructure List and Budget
e. Resolution 2025-27 adopting the 2024 Manatee County Local Mitigation
f. 10th Ave W Complete Streets Project Engineering Services- Intent to Negotiate
g. Special Function Permit- Main Street Motor- Fest
h. Special Function Permit- FBC Tailgate Party
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November 3, 2025
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MOTION: Commissioner Joiner moved, Commissioner Whitaker seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
7. PUBLIC HEARING CU 2025-04 TOMMY’S CAR WASH (J.BIBLER)
Mayor West opened the Public Hearing at 7:46 pm.
Mr. Bibler explained the application that was submitted for an electronic sign at Tommy’s Car Wash on US HWY 301. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval.
Commissioner Williams questioned flashing of the signs, the applicant answered they will follow the code. Mr. Bibler agreed the regulations will clearly be defined.
Commissioner Whitaker wanted to make sure the ambient light was going to also meet the criteria. Mr. Bibler agreed it would also meet the criteria. The applicant agreed it is manufactured to meet these requirements.
Mayor West closed the Public Hearing at 7:55 pm.
MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Joiner seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 based on the information and testimony provided, I
find the requested conditional use permit for an Electronic Message
Center sign in the CG Business and Commercial Light zoning district to
be compliant with Section 3-70, Code of Ordinances, and consistent
with the standards for a conditional use under Article XV, Zoning Code.
I hereby move to approve Conditional Use Permit 2025-04.
8. PUBLIC HEARING CU 2025-05 MANATEE RIVER FAIR ASSOCIATION (J. BIBLER)
Mayor West opened the Public Hearing at 7:57 pm.
Mr. Bibler explained the application submitted for an electronic messaging sign at the Manatee County fairgrounds, located on the western side of the property. This is similar to the previous application. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval.
Commissioner Cornwell questioned if the applicant is willing to use the electronic sign for emergency purposes. The applicant said yes.
Mayor West closed the Public Hearing at 8:09 pm.
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November 3, 2025
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MOTION: Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Joiner seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 based on the information and testimony provided, I find the requested conditional use permit for an Electronic Message Center sign at 1402 14th Ave W in the Public zoning district to be compliant with Section 3-70, Code of Ordinances, and consistent with the standards for a Conditional use under Article XV, Zoning Code. I hereby move to approve Conditional Use Permit 2025-05.
Mayor West recessed the City Commission Meeting to open the November 3, 2025 CRA Board Meeting at 8:11 pm.
Mayor West reconvened the City Commission Meeting at 8:17.
COMMENTS:
9. RESOLUTION 2025-26: BUDGET AMENDMENT BROWNFIELD ASSESSMENT GRANT (J.FREEMAN)
MOTION: Commissioner Joiner moved, Commissioner Williams
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to adopt Resolution
2025-26 to establish FY2026 revenue and expense budget
for the EPA Community Assessment Grant.
10. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Rayan is hopeful that they will be able to have the paving done in Ward 1 done by the end of the month. Work on stormwater lines and sidewalks in the area are ongoing.
Mr. Freeman shared that they received quotes back for the electronic equipment in the chambers. He is hoping to replace the equipment around the first of the year. The new holiday lights for along 8th Avenue have been ordered. They put in an offer on the building next door, based off Commissions comments at the October 20th Workshop. They received feedback today. He will bring back more information.
11. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor West noted that the convention center and visitor’s bureau asked to use our Gateway sign and waive our fee for the European Holiday Market for 2 weeks. The Commissioners agreed they shouldn’t waive the fee because they haven’t done it for other schools or businesses within the city. They don’t want to set a precedent.
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November 3, 2025
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Mayor West also shared that the Walmart within our city is going to be a testing site to deliver packages by drone.
The Veterans Parade will be held on November 11th.
The North River Fire District will be coming back in December regarding their unsolicited proposal to buy our old Police Department site.
12. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Commissioner Cornwell shared that there will be a Veterans Day celebration at Braden River Middle school.
Commissioner Williams would like someone to investigate the use of drones to assist with EMS/911/AED/NARCAN.
Commissioner Whitaker noted that he was glad Rowena and her family was ok after the storm in Jamaica. He also shared that he appreciated the fact that Mr. Rayan quickly took care of a water leak in the road. He went on to welcome back Ms. Bailey.
Commissioner Smith opined that Mayor West should’ve told Ms. Washington he would get with her after the meeting to discuss her concerns.
Mayor West adjourned the meeting at 8:31 pm.
Minutes approved: January 26, 2026
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk