This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order. Some Elected Officials and Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

Elected Officials Present in Chambers:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

 

Elected Officials Present Electronically:

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

Staff Present in Chambers:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Deputy Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Amber LaRowe, Assistant City Clerk

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.

 

Items 1 and 2 on today’s Agenda were reversed.

 

 

2. FISCAL YEAR 2021 BUDGET VERSION 1 DISCUSSION

Mr. Freeman discussed Version 1 of the Budget as presented to the Commission. The current millage rate is $5.9671; the same as last year. This millage is 4.43% higher than the roll-back rate of $5.7138. Revenue estimates from the State have not yet been released; staff has estimated at 15% decrease from the prior year.

 

The Police Department is requesting $550,992 for the Community Policing Innovation Plan (CPIP) that the CRA funds. The number of budgeted officers has reduced by one and overall ancillary costs are consistent with previous plans, this is a decrease of $24,468 from current year. Code Enforcement has requested $60,827 from the CRA to continue funding one additional officer. Both of these items are being presented to the CRA Advisory Board at the end of the month.

 

The budget contains 143 funded positions which consist of 126 full-time and 11 part-time. At the time of budget preparation there were 22 vacant positions; four of which have since been filled in the Police Department.

 

In regards to salaries, the Mayor, Commission and General Employees are projected to receive a 3 percent increase; sworn officers will receive a salary increase as negotiated in their current PBA Agreement. Mr. Freeman also discussed the pension and health insurance costs as it relates to funding.

Mr. Freeman reminded the Commission that on July 27, 2020 there will be a meeting to declare the millage rate as well as schedule the tentative and final public hearings in September.

 

Commissioner Smith requested a meeting with the Chief to discuss the Police Department budget.

 

Commissioner Williams questioned why the Code Enforcement Officer position that is funded by the CRA is only for the salary and does not include the cost of the vehicle and the equipment. Cheryl Miller, Finance Director, stated that it is the same as last year but that she can discuss with Mr. Burton.

 

Commissioner Williams expressed his concerns regarding the continued decline in the number of officers at the Police Department. He opined something more needs to be done to understand why they are leaving and what the City can do to help retain the officers that we have.

 

Discussion ensued on the number of vacancies in the City as well as affects the COVID has had on the City.

 

Commissioner Smith would like to see the Event Coordinator and the Assistant CRA Director job descriptions.

 

1. PALMETTO POOL UPDATE--MANATEE COUNTY

Tom Yarger, Manatee County, made a presentation to the Commission regarding Lincoln Park Community Pool. He indicated that all alternates have been included with 100 percent of plans being completed. There is no concession stand at this time; Commissioner Smith opined this is a necessary feature for the use of the Pool. Mr. Yarger indicated that if the Pool is utilized for parties, there is a useable kitchenette for warming of food, sink, water, etc.

 

It was requested that somewhere in the project the term “competitive style pool” is mentioned.

 

The total estimated cost is $7.1M.

 

3. ORDINANCE 2020-06 SIGN CODE

Karla Owens, Community Development Director, discussed the attached Code. There was a meeting last Thursday with the Planning and Zoning Board regarding this item. Based on that discussion, Mrs. Owens made changes to the Ordinance and emailed to the Commission today; she requested the Commission review that email and bring forward questions to the August 3^rd Workshop.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 5:53 p.m.