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.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Sheldon Jones, Vice-Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2 (Joined the meeting at 4:33 pm)

Sunshine Mathews, Commissioner, Ward 2

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney (Joined the meeting at 4:32 pm)

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

Kera Hill, Development Services Supervisor

Antoinette Kilgore, CRA Program Coordinator

Jenith Silverio, CRA Administrative/Compliance Coordinator

Paula Hall, Human Resources Manager

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.

 

 

 

1.               CRA DIRECTOR’S REPORT (E.JOHNSON)

 

Bob Gause, Gause and Associates, presented an update of Connor Park with a PowerPoint, which was included in the Agenda. He noted a new issue in the park. There is a blowout at the junction box grate/washout. A deflector shield is being installed to help with the problem. He discussed concerns that have been raised throughout the park. The responses to these concerns were also included in the PowerPoint.

 

 Commissioner Williams believed this has turned out to be a very good project, contrary to what he originally believed. However, the purpose is not consistent with what was originally proposed to them. There are drainage concerns that are not going into the pond. Mr. Gause will get further answers. He wasn’t involved in the design of the drains. Mr. Gause did provide further clarification on the pond.

 

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop Meeting

November 6, 2023

Page 2 of 3

 

 Commissioner Smith questioned where the water is coming from. North of Connor Park, Mr. Gause answered. It was mostly permitted when he came on board. There is a large pipe coming from the Northwest area of the property.

 

 Commissioner Williams questioned redirecting the water to go towards the creek. Commissioner Williams offered to show Mr. Gause the area of concern. Mr. Gause noted that letting it take its own course, may be the best course of action.   Mr. Barnebey expressed that if we’re eroding the railroad tracks, which he doesn’t know that we are, then yes, we would be responsible for fixing them. Commissioner Williams believes it is. Mr. Gause will go out there and look.

 

 

 

 Jordan Chancey, Palmetto Downtown Mainstreet President, provided an update on the Palmetto Downtown Mainstreet Program. He presented a PowerPoint, which was included in the Agenda.

 

 Commissioner Jones questioned the businesses and what they will do to help them. Mr. Chancey responded that they act as a liaison between the CRA, the City, and the property owners. They will help make them aware of the incentives being offered. Commissioner Jones noted that they need to reach out to the business owners, rather than waiting for them to reach out to them. Mr. Chancey also shared that the website will be its own entity. The main geographic focus of the downtown area will be where they will focus their attention, but other businesses will be able to participate too.

 

 Commissioner Williams thanked Mr. Chancey for being here. He questioned the boundaries that are being expanded further to the east. Mr. Chancey emphasized that they want to include any businesses that want to be included. He also questioned the private Facebook page Mr. Chancey had referenced. Mr. Chancey explained it was for the board to discuss ideas. It is separate from the public Facebook page. Their Board doesn’t have to follow the Sunshine Law guidelines.   Mr. Barnebey expressed that they don’t require any CRA Board oversight. The CRA Board just provides some of their funding.

 

 Commissioner Smith said it was a pretty good idea. He asked what their main goal is. Mr. Chancey answered that he wanted to help improve upon what is here in Palmetto and help make properties more enticing for developers. He wanted it to be an area for residents to care about. Commissioner Smith questioned how they will operate. Mr. Chancey answered through community outreach, business development, and there will be committees that are specific to different areas. He reiterated that they will be a liaison between the CRA, the City, and businesses. They are boots on the ground to encourage others of what is available, and to provide support. Mr. Chancey clarified the Florida Mainstreet criteria of designating a geographical area. He is hoping to hit the ground running, right after the first of the year. Discussions continued regarding the process. Commissioner Smith wanted to talk with him more to better understand, at a later time.

 

 Commissioner Cornwell thanked him for coming by. She questioned the design for the flags and asked if they would change for holidays. She would like to see more expansion of Christmas lights in the downtown area. Potentially, lights that go across the streets. She hoped they could create an area for people to come specifically to look at them and would draw car and foot traffic to that area. Commissioner Cornwell continued to give suggestions and ideas based on other Cities she has seen develop their downtown historical area.

 

 

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop Meeting

November 6, 2023

Page 3 of 3

 

 

 Commissioner Mathews questioned how someone becomes a member of the Board. Mr. Chancey explained that they have to call it a partnership, similarly to a chamber of commerce. There is no cap to the number of businesses that can join. It is open to anyone that has interest. There may be an annual fee for the partnership. There will be more information forthcoming.

 

 Commissioner Jones questioned what additional funding they can receive. Beyond the line item of funding from the CRA, there are state and national level grants they can apply for. They may recruit a grant writer to help supplement.

 

 Commissioner Smith asked if it was a non-profit. Mr. Chancey answered, yes. The annual fees would be for a membership to be included in the business directory portion.

 

 

 

 Antoinette Kilgore, CRA Program Coordinator, was at the meeting to answer any questions on the Multi-Cultural Festival.

 

 Commissioner Jones asked for an updated list on entertainers. Ms. Kilgore answered that there wasn’t an updated list. She noted that because of the cost and the timeframe, they have decided to go with local entertainers. Commissioner Jones expressed that he wanted the Commission to be able to choose. He questioned who made the decision to go local.  He continued to express that the Commission should have been updated. Discussions continued regarding the process and the budget for this event.   Ms. Kilgore explained her process and the limitations with high costs.   Commissioner Smith said that everything was supposed to be brought back to them. 

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 5:48 pm.

 

 

 

2.            ORDINANCE 2023-05 ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENTS (B.CORNELIUS/K.HILL/M.BARNEBEY)

 

This item was not discussed as the meeting was adjourned early.