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.
Mayor Bryant opened the Commission Workshop at 4:31 p.m.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
IN CHAMBERS:
Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor
Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2 – entered 4:35 p.m.
Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2 – entered 4:58 p.m.
Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1
Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1
Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director
Jim Freeman, City Clerk (Not Present)
Cheryl Miller, Finance Director
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk (Not Present)
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
1. Half Cent Infrastructure Project List (C.Miller/M.Rayan)
4:30-5:00PM
4 new paving projects listed as requested and on 7:00 p.m. meeting for approval.
Comm. Jones appreciate the efforts as long as the Ward Commissioners are happy.
Comm. Williams asked how much ARPA money has been allocated. May 23rd Workshop
Comm. Smith asked for Ward I Phase III funding. ½ cent funding large enough for Police Dept.
2. CRA- Alternative Recreation Site (X.Colon)
Mr. Colon opened the continued discussion about alternate recreation sites- specifically 14th Ave W. Park and the Police Dept.
Mr. Colon reviewed regulation court sizing to insure we had adequate space. $55,000 / basketball court
Doubles tennis 78 x 36 $50,000
Pickleball 30 x 60 $45, 000
Fencing, lighting, CEPTED, parking and Stormwater.
14th Ave would hold 2 basketball courts, 4 regulation tennis and 4 pickleball courts.
Pickleball could be
Big downsize: it is not in the CRA.
Current Palmetto Police Department site- east end is large enough for 2 regulation basketball courts, plus pavers, fencing, and lighting. Can expand, phased develop
Comm. Varnadore asked if existing tennis can be marked for pickleball. Palmetto Elementary might be able to support 2 courts. County maintains.
ARPA funds could be used for 14th Avenue park development.
Feels the Police station is too compact, also conflicts with future development. 17th St- no, too compact, neighbors concerned; Old Elementary property; CSX property is still in negotiations.
Surplus property the City had hoped to sell. Hard to find vacant space.
Comm. Williams asked ideal number of courts. Asked about baseball diamond on 14th Street. Mr. Colon stated we do not want to remove courts before we have replacement courts in place. Continue with Lincoln courts, but add centralized courts. Lighting would be extra.
Comm. Jones not supportive of 14th Avenue location. Perhaps courts at Sutton and Lamb. Are we still planning to turn stage around, expand Woman’s Club, Celebration Center? Residential at Sutton prevented recreational courts. Tree removal.
We have “park” space so residents have an expectation of recreation
Comm. Smith said 14th Ave is not a park, it is overflow for the graveyard. Feels it is easy to turn stage at Sutton Park by just relocating the railings.
Comm. Williams recalls 14th Ave W was not specifically designated for graveyard. Basketball near stage is too close to playground, park is utilized and trees are memorial . Comparison of property value at 14th vs. old Elementary, and Police Department. We had a plan, youth football was going to use that park.
Mayor opined ARPA funds for Ward I, Phase III. 10th Avenue is supposed to be multimodal economic corridor.
Comm. Varnadore does not support ARPA funds for Ward I. List will be reviewed at next meeting May 23rd. Chief 650,000 for radios and
Mr. Colon reminded the Board that we are trying to improve life, incentivize development, improve housing.
Comm. Smith asked for deed to 14th Ave. to see if there were restrictions on the usage.
Comm. Williams questioned playground equipment at MLK passive park without parking.
Varnadore said intent was to have graveyard overflow but not paperwork to restrict. CRA is not a park trust fund. Parks do not produce revenue, but enhance the way of life for our community.
Comm. Smith can’t hear something at 4:30 and vote on it at 7:00 p.m.
Comm. Cornwell value of each piece of property, build out near Heartland and Police- what would be the draw. 7-Eleven and Pelican Snoball near parks if we chose Palmetto Elementary.
Comm. Williams likes 14th Avenue. 2-3 mill for parks with lighting, plumbing, restrooms
Comm. Varnadore asked what we plan to do with Palmetto Elementary property. City intends to surplus the property and put it back on the tax rolls.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 5:52 p.m.