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—(entered the meeting at 6:23 p.m.)

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3—(entered the meeting at 6:06 p.m.)

 

Staff Present in Chambers:

Marisa Powers, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Deputy Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Amber LaRowe, Assistant City Clerk

Phil Southwick, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

1. FISCAL YEAR 2021 BUDGET VERSION 2 DISCUSSION

Mr. Freeman discussed Version 2 as presented in the Agenda. The change summary as attached to the Budget discusses specific changes made between Version 1 and Version 2. Nothing new has changed to the General Budget after the discussion from last week. Mr. Freeman stated that tonight is mostly for discussion of the CRA Budget for Fiscal Year 2021; if there are no other comments on the entire City Budget after tonight, then there should be no need for another budget meeting. The next budget meeting would be the tentative budget meeting on September 15^th with the final adoption on September 28^th. Next Monday, August 24^th, staff intends to adopt the CRA budget via Resolution at a Special CRA Board meeting.

 

 Mr. Burton discussed the Fiscal Year 2021 CRA Budget. Connor Park is the “big ticket item” at approximately $2.5M. Mr. Burton stated that some of the funding for that will be off-set by grants.  Mr. Burton proceeded with a discussion of various items budgeted this year and the wrap up of those projects.

 

Mr. Burton continued to discuss the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget for the CRA to include various projects, consulting fees, and salaries. The CRA Budget is included in the Version 2 Budget as attached to tonight’s Agenda.

 

In regards to “CRA Projects” in the Repair and Maintenance line, Mr. Burton will provide an update to the Commission as to what specifically that entails. The Vehicle Maintenance Budget, Mr. Burton will review the amounts and provide more information to the Commission.

 

Mr. Williams and Mr. Burton will meet to discuss other questions to the CRA Budget.

 

Commissioner Cornwell questioned the salary budgeted for the CRA Assistant. Mr. Burton stated that the job description will be coming forward to the CRA Board and at that time a salary can be discussed with the Board.

 

Mr. Burton clarified that the $750,000 in the Land funding line is not for any specific land purchase at this time. He said it is budgeted in the event that land needs to be purchased this coming fiscal year at any time.

 

Discussion ensued regarding 5^th Street; Mr. Burton will ask Mr. Foley to submit designs/details to the Commission in regards to the plans and concept for 5^th Street.

 

Mr. Burton needs to schedule a day where the Commission can meet individually with Mr. Burton and the artist as it pertains to the design of the Seahorse that is being constructed at the corner of 8^th Avenue and Riverside Drive. Also, on August 24^th, Mr. Burton intends to discuss two letters of intent for Riverside Property and also two unsolicited bids for other property in Palmetto.

 

Mr. Freeman discussed that the next version of the budget to be presented will be the tentative budget; this will be discussed during the tentative budget hearing on September 15^th.

 

Mr. Freeman reminded the Commission of the August 24^th regular scheduled meetings; there will be a Special CRA Board meeting that night as well. Also, on August 26^th, staff would like to have a one item special meeting for the Police Department Building discussion at 6:00 p.m. He requested that Commission be available anytime on the 26^th before the meeting to be able to have individual discussions with the architects and the consultants to go over other details.

 

Mr. Williams discussed the direction for incentives and uses for the CRA. Mr. Burton stated that he will work on setting up a workshop to include the Planning Department as well.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.