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

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2 (Not Present)

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney (Joined the meeting at 4:41 pm)

Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Matt Misco, Finance Manager

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:32 p.m.

 

 

1.       SWEARING IN-CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 

Mr. Freeman swore in Jeff Bowman as a new Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Rayan welcomed him to his team at Public Works. He joined them a couple of weeks ago. Mr. Bowman has an extensive background, and previously served for Manatee County’s Code Enforcement department.

 

 

2.       CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) FY 2023-2027 (J. FREEMAN)

 

Mr. Freeman gave a background of the plan being proposed. He also mentioned that it will be on the 7:00 pm Agenda for approval, unless the Commission would like to move it to a future date for more consideration. Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the items listed in the plan.

 

 

  Commissioner Williams stated that for 3 years he has asked for a single sheet or an added column that shows projects that are 130-140% over the expected expenditure and one that is 50-60% under. He opined that this would help him when looking at all aspects of the budget.

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

September 26, 2022

Page 2 of 3

 

Mayor Bryant mentioned a phone call she received from Mr. Vitton asking them not to hear this item as they are preparing for the storm. It was clarified that he was referring to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) property purchase. Mr. Freeman explained that this is the funding portion. The Commission has already previously approved the purchase of the land by the City for the WWTP expansion.

 

  Commissioner Cornwell questioned the dredging cycle. This particular line item is at Jet Mobile Home Park, as answered by Mr. Freeman. Discussions continued between Mr. Rayan and Commissioner Cornwell. Commissioner Cornwell also questioned the 7^th Street Extension sidewalks being added. Mr. Rayan answered that he believed there would be sidewalks on both sides of the street.

 

    Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Freeman to reach out to the developer of the hotel and ask him to come before the Commissioners to provide an update.

 

  Commissioner Jones questioned how we were going to facilitate the outdoor recreation funds of $100,000. Mr. Freeman responded that there has not been a particular park earmarked. Discussions for use of these funds will be forthcoming.

 

  Commissioner Williams further questioned the dredging and silt boxes. He clarified that they are just dredging the bottom of the channel. Commissioner Williams asked how far does the silt usually migrate during big storms? Mr. Rayan responded that it is pretty significant. He stated that they have asked the county and the state to help them with this issue. The county and the state have responded that this is a City problem. Commissioner Williams asked if this can be put on the Agenda at the next meeting with the county. 

 

 

 

3.       DISCUSSION: CHAPTER 10 COASTAL AREAS AND WATERWAYS; ARTICLE 5 DOCKS (M. RAYAN)

 

Mr. Rayan explained that they are asking for clarification/intention on a previous Ordinance that was modified in 2007. The Building Department has received several permit requests recently for the installation of canopies over their boats. He went on to explain that various Building Officials have interpreted the Ordinance differently. Some have allowed the permits to install canopies, and others have not. He would like clarification from the Commission.

 

  Commissioner Williams stated that they had very lengthy meetings in the years past regarding this issue. Commissioner Williams states that he would not allow canopies. It was discussed in 2007, and he suggests listening to the audio from that time. He stated that he would not be against the canopies if they were regulated by construction codes for safety when a storm is approaching.

 

  Commissioner Cornwell mentioned that there was a lot of discussion as to the specifications of the canopies. She also mentioned the difficulties of the corner lots, which caused a lot of problems.

 

  Mr. Freeman gave an explanation of the history of this issue which was amended in 2007. He reiterated that they wanted clarification as to the intent of the Commission when amending this Ordinance. A clarification in the Ordinance may need to be made.

 

  Commissioner Smith stated that his problem is some people already have these canopies. He also has concerns that there are canopies throughout other properties as well, not just on the water. He thinks the Ordinance needs to be updated.

City Commission/CRA Workshop

September 26, 2022

Page 3 of 3

 

 

  Commissioner Williams gave his opinion on “dock related structure”.  He would like it to be brought back for them to discuss.

 

 

   Mr. Freeman reminded the Commissioners that the CIP is on the consent Agenda tonight for approval. We also have the two budget resolutions, and the state of emergency resolution.

 

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 5:19 pm.