CITY OF PALMETTO

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING

March 7, 2016

4:30 PM

Elected Officials Present:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Harold Smith, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 1

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2—(arrived at 4:45 p.m.)

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Tambra Varnadore, Commissioner, Ward 2

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

Staff Present:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Allen Tusing, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Amber Foley, Assistant City Clerk

Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

1. MANASOTA LEAGUE OF CITIES (MSLC) 2017 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES DISCUSSION

The major legislative priorities are:

· Relocation of Utilities

· Vacation Rentals

· Water Quality and Quantity and Sea Rise Level

· Economic Development

· Local Government Revenue

· Mental Health Initiatives

· Public Pensions

· Sober Homes

Commissioner Williams gave a brief presentation regarding each topic. Commissioner Williams is the City’s representative for the MSLC. He requested input from other Commissioners on what should be supported by MSLC. The topics that will be brought forward to MSLC at their next meeting include, Sea Rise Level, Mental Health Initiatives, Relocation of Utilities, Local Government Revenue, and Vacation Rentals. Commissioner Varnadore would like to have more information about Sober Homes. Mayor Bryant stated that her top two priorities are Relocation of Utilities and Local Government Revenue.

Ordinance 2016-01 Police Pension Discussion:

Mr. Freeman informed Commission that Pension Board Attorney Scott Christiansen was present today to review and explain the Police Pension Ordinance 2016-01 that was continued from the last meeting for clarification and further understanding. Attorney Christiansen stated that since the last meeting the definition to actuarial equivalent was modified to remove “to be determined by the board”. He also discussed all the changes made as mentioned at the last Commission meeting as well as in the cover letter attached to the Ordinance in tonight’s meeting packet. The main reason for these changes is a requirement to remain a tax qualified Plan per the Internal Revenue Code. Discussion continued between Commission and Attorney Christiansen regarding the changes made to the Ordinance, the Internal Revenue Code, and the actuarial equivalent.

Charter Review Discussion:

This item is on the agenda for tonight at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Cornwell requested discussion about this item today during the workshop before the first read tonight.

Commissioner Cornwell questioned Section 9 of the Ordinance. The new language indicates that a candidate will be required to live in the City for at least 365 days prior to running for office. She asked if that means there will no longer be ward seats. Attorney Barnebey stated that is not the intent of the Charter Review Committee and will re-word that section to better clarify that the wards are still in place as well as the at-large seats.

Discussion ensued regarding Section 10 Vice-Mayor. Commissioner Cornwell opined that the sentence should read “The Commission shall consider the availability of the Vice-Mayor to attend official meetings on behalf of the City.” She requested the removal of “required by Mayor.” The consensus of the Commission was to remove the required by Mayor phrase. Discussion continued regarding the schedules of the Commission and the availability to attend meetings in the day during business hours. Commissioner Williams opined that it should be a discussion of schedules/availability when the time comes to select a Vice-Mayor.

Mayor adjourned the meeting at 5:47 p.m.

Minutes approved: April 4, 2016

James R. Freeman

City Clerk