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 to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

Elected Officials Present in Chambers:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Brian Williams, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 3 (Entered the meeting at 4:33 p.m.)

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Tambra Varnadore, Commissioner, Ward 2

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2 (Entered the meeting at 4:36 p.m.)

 

Staff Present in Chambers:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Cheryl Miller, Finance Director

Jeff Burton, CRA Director (Entered the meeting at 4:34 p.m.)

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

Vanessa Cochran, Assistant City Clerk

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

   Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 4:31 pm.

 

1.      RECOGNITION:      Mayor Bryant recognized the following employees for their recent                                           nomination as Employee of the 2nd Quarter.

 

                                          Catherine Dublin                  Jenny Silverio

                                          Karla Owens                         Olga Wilson

                                          Kathy Riley

 

Catherine Dublin was selected as Employee of the 2nd Quarter.

 

2.      FY 2020 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT  (J. Freeman/C. Miller)

Mr. Freeman, City Clerk, introduced Jeff Gerhardt, CS&L CPAs, who gave the report to the Commission regarding the recent audit on FY 2020.  The City received an unmodified opinion on the Management Letter for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is the highest opinion that can be received; it indicates financials are fair, accurate and appropriately presented. 

 

 Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Gerhardt how long he has conducted the City’s audits, and Mr. Gerhardt replied since 2015.

Commission Workshop Meeting

April 19, 2021

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 Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Gerhardt how long he has conducted the City’s audits, and Mr. Gerhardt replied since 2015.

 

 Ms. Miller, Finance Director, gave the presentation on the FY 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and the presentation is a part of the minutes.  She discussed the major initiatives for FY 2020 that consisted of the CDBG Subsystem 4 upgrade, the 15^th Avenue Utility replacement, I & I upgrades, Dredging Project, and Chloramine Project.  She commented on the CRA projects that included the Taylor Properties/Haben Boulevard land purchases and the Seahorse Piazza.  Ms. Miller acknowledged that the City received its 15th consecutive year Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financing Report for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2019, and the 11th consecutive year Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 2020 Budget.  She spoke on the infrastructure sales tax projects for FY 2020 and a few of the major initiatives for the future.  Ms. Miller reported that the total revenues increased by about 4.6 percent in comparison to the prior year and expenses decreased approximately 1.6 percent in comparison to last year.  She also touched on the proprietary activities, fiduciary funds, and pension fund.  

 

3.   DOWNTOWN PARKING STORMWATER MASTER PLAN (J. Burton)

Mr. Burton, CRA Director, discussed the Downtown Parking Stormwater Master Plan that is needed to apply for financing to fund the engineering and construction of the LID parking and sidewalk system in downtown.  He stated that the stormwater mater plan had not been updated since 2015 and is essential to update it.  Mr. Burton stated that Applied Sciences, Civil Engineer CCNA, submitted an estimate in the amount of $143,650 to provide the service, and the CRA can assist in the funding. The estimate is a part of the minutes.  He pointed out that arrangements can be made with land owners, who own land along the area, for public parking spaces.  Also, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is planning the 10th Avenue Complete Street Project, and they will assist if the City shows a valid need.     

 

DOWNTOWN PARKING DISCUSSION        

 Commissioner Smith inquired about the estimated parking cost provided and Bradenton’s parking project cost.  Mr. Burton responded that the cost is an estimate from New Port Richey’ s parking project, and the numbers will likely change due to Covid.  Also, he will follow-up with Bradenton on their cost and bring the information back to the Board.

  

  Commissioner Jones thanked Mr. Burton for the parking numbers information provided and stated that he is looking for a long term solution that is not costly, and if public parking can be accomplished on the old Slick’s property site.  Mr. Burton replied if the project starts now, there could be parking construction within 3 years.  And, it could possibly be done on the Slick’s property.       

 

 Commissioner Varnadore expressed her support for the original plan that was presented a decade ago.  She stated that the City needs to move forward with the stormwater master plan and disagreed with the parking garage proposal. 

Commission Workshop Meeting

April 19, 2021

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 Commissioner Williams agreed with Commissioner Varnadore’s comments except that before a vote is taken the Board needs more information.  He asked when was the last time we talked with the County on public transportation, and how it will affect infrastructures.  Then, Commissioner Williams asked how this proposed stormwater master plan differentiates with the 2006 plan. He expressed that when the 10th Avenue Complete Street Project starts, we will have a better idea about the types of businesses opening and forthcoming.           

 

 Commissioner Smith commented that most businesses prepare their own parking, and questioned parking obtainability on the old Slick’s property.  Mr. Burton, CRA Director, stated that the structure was demolished, and at the time, installing of shell was not requested.  However, if the Board approves the Downtown Parking Stormwater Plan, we can provide the parking the Board wants.  Next, Commissioner Smith declared that Palmetto’s downtown is 10th Street where all the business are located, and Mr. Burton responded that 10^th Street is not downtown commercial core but the future land use is general commercial. 

 

  Mayor Bryant reiterated that before the Board can move on the projects, a master stormwater plan is required, and Mr. Burton concurred.   

 

  Commissioner Williams inquired if the CRA Plan needs amending, and Mr. Burton answered not at this time, unless the Board wants to do a parking garage project.    

 

  Mayor Bryant requested consensus for the Downtown Parking Stormwater Plan be added to the Commission Meeting Agenda as item 5G at 7:00 p.m., and the Board gave consent. 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m.