Elected Officials Present:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Tamara Cornwell, Vice Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2—(Entered at 4:46 p.m.)

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 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

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Deputy Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Amber LaRowe, Assistant City Clerk

 

 

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

 

 

1. PRESENTATION: Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Mr. Freeman presented the Finance Department with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the fiscal year 2019.

 

 

2. FISCAL YEAR 2020 CRA BUDGET DISCUSSION

Mr. Burton discussed the budget as attached to the Agenda. Mr. Burton noted that there is an increase to contract services and to building improvements. This is for the outsourcing of maintenance on the projects completed by the CRA.

 

Mr. Burton discussed the Multicultural, Seafood Fest and Fourth of July events. He stated that there will no longer be onstage appearances by City and County person and the CRA Advisory Board will have a meeting to discuss music choices for the Multicultural and the Fourth or July; these meetings, like always, are open to the public.

 

Mr. Burton highlighted the other projects in the CRA to include:

 

·         Armory

·         Historic Park

·         10^th Avenue

·         MLK

·         Seahorse

·         Linear Park Trail

·         Bus Stops

·         Pocket Neighborhoods

 

Commissioner Williams discussed the fish estuary project. Mr. Burton explained that the idea/purpose of creating this habitat is for the future. Mr. Williams asked Mr. Burton to research in the minutes for any discussion of fish estuary along Riverside and the Manatee River.

 

Mr. Burton indicated that at a September Workshop he will bring forward conceptual drawings for the property downtown and provide an update on Connor Park.

 

Mr. Burton explained that the CRA is lacking a “second in command”. He is working on a job description for a full-time second person at the CRA so that if something were to happen, the CRA wouldn’t be left without someone who could pick up the work and continue. He will bring forward the job description when complete.

 

Commissioner Smith expressed a sense of urgency for restrooms to be installed at MLK Park. Mr. Burton explained that a long term project is to work with the Palmetto Youth Center. In the interim, a purchase of portable restrooms can be made and installed at the Park. Mr. Burton will get with Mr. Tusing and Mr. Rayan regarding the temporary restrooms.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 5:58 p.m.