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

Tamara Cornwell, Vice-Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1 (Not Present)

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3 (Joined the meeting at 5:23 pm)

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney (Entered 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

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.

 

 

 

1.               CONVENTION CENTER UPDATES BY ELLIOTT FALCIONE

 

Elliott Falcione, Tourism Director with the Bradenton Area Convention Center’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, gave updates for the Convention Center and the Marriott Convention Center Hotel. The Hotel is taking reservations for June 2024. They are hoping the updates for the Convention Center will be completed around this time next year. He spoke of the water ferry service and their hope to build an additional one. When the water ferry service is running, they are averaging 375 passengers per day. They want to bring the water ferry service to Palmetto. They are hoping to redesign the overlook area to build a pier in Palmetto. They will need many approvals before this can come to conception. He wanted to be respectful and come to the City of Palmetto first. It wouldn’t have any cost to the City of Palmetto. It will take at least a year to build another ferry. They will seek the Commissioners blessing when the time comes.

 

He also spoke about the 7^th Street extension and roundabout. On the Riviera Dunes side, there is a parcel owned by the CRA that they’re hoping to buy to make into an overflow parking area for the Convention Center. Approximately 130-135 cars could park there. They would then ask the City or CRA to put a sidewalk on the Convention Center side of Haben Blvd.

 

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

April 1, 2024

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 Mayor Bryant expressed her excitement with these projects moving forward.  Mr. Falcione mentioned that the County hired a full-time grants writer. He suggested our CRA Director collaborate with that position to look for grants in addition to using tourism tax matching dollars for projects such as the fishing pier.

 

 Mr. Barnebey wanted to get a consensus from the Board that they were comfortable moving forward with developing a contract for the sale of the property that was being discussed. This property is owned by the CRA. He noted that a contract would come back to them for approval in the future. He opined that we no longer have a need for this property. No one objected to moving forward.

 

 

2.               SURPLUS PROPERTY- PID 2700200209 AND BAKER ALTIER PRESENTATION

 

Mr. Freeman introduced this item. The property was put out to request for proposals. The project being presented was the only response they received for the parcel. Mr. Brad Baker, Ms. Abigail Altier, and Mr. Nicholas Altier presented their proposal through a PowerPoint, which was included in the agenda, and the updated presentation was made part of the minutes.

 

Mr. Altier stated that their purpose was to bring workforce housing and retail space to the Downtown Palmetto area. Mr. Baker gave a background of the three presenters. He also discussed a project he is currently working on in Venice. Ms. Altier stressed that they want to hear feedback from the Commission to design what they want to see on the parcel. Their main goal is to provide an affordable housing option for our area. They want to create a partnership with the City. They highlighted specific proposal options that were included in the presentation. Their workforce housing would start at $900-$1200/month for one bedroom, $1400-$1750/month for two bedrooms.

 

 Commissioner Smith questioned the size of the one- and two-bedroom units. They answered that the one bedroom would be around 400 square feet, and the two bedrooms would be around 800 square feet.  They would create open floorplans to maximize the space. Commissioner Smith believed they could make it look good. Mr. Altier reiterated that it could be a steppingstone for some people as well. Commissioner Smith thought it was a great presentation.

 

 Commissioner Cornwell noted that she has twin boys around the age they’re discussing. She noted that her sons have noted the importance of the following items for rentals: charging stations for electric cars, technologically sound space (internet), reasonable in comparison to other rental prices and in unit laundry facilities. Mr. Baker answered that there will be EV chargers built into the parking lot. He also understood the importance of fast internet speeds.

 

 Commissioner Joiner noted that she is looking for a place, and she appreciated the idea of being able to rent somewhere while also saving for a down payment for a house. She liked the amenities they presented.

 

 Mr. Barnebey clarified that this is a presentation of their proposal. This will need to come back for a vote to move forward with contract negotiations. They would also come back for site planning approval.

 

Tax abatement was discussed. Mr. Barnebey noted that historically they haven’t done that, but they have rebated taxes to certain thresholds. On the 7:00 CRA Agenda tonight, there is a tax incentive agreement for a different property.

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

April 1, 2024

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 Mr. Freeman wanted to clarify expectations regarding the tax incentive program and impact fees. He questioned if they were looking for both or either or. Mr. Baker responded that it could be a combination, they would need to sit down and work together on that. He went on to say he understood that it’s a partnership, and they may not be able to get everything they want.

 

Mr. Freeman further questioned the percentage of AMI in their proposal. Mr. Baker explained the regulations that are required at move in. They would use the regulations that are already in place. You would only do this at the time of moving in. He also noted that you want a mixture of market value and workforce within the project.

 

Mr. Freeman asked about the ratio of parking spaces/units. He asked about their flexibility with increasing the parking for both residents and retail parking. Mr. Baker responded that they’re not asking for rezoning, but they understand parking is important for approvals. Mr. Baker went on to discuss his idea of the future need for personal cars vs. Uber services.

 

Mr. Rayan echoed his concern with the minimal parking that was proposed.

 

 Mr. Johnson questioned property management. Mr. Altier stated that they will be managing it internally/on-site 40 hours a week. He will be managing subcontractors, and they will have a Superintendent on site. Mr. Baker reiterated that they take pride in their projects.

 

Mayor Bryant noted that she had many concerns with the project, especially regarding property management.

 

 Commissioner Williams questioned the storm water retention. It was answered that they would probably do vaulting under the parking lot. Mr. Rayan responded that vaulting would be acceptable. Commissioner Williams also had concerns with the amount of parking.

 

 Mr. Barnebey reminded everyone that this will come back to them for a vote to move forward. This could be as early as the April 15^th meeting. Commissioner Williams asked for another Workshop on it. Discussions continued regarding the process moving forward.

 

 

3.               REBUILDING TOGETHER TAMPA BAY (RTTB) RESIDENTIAL REHAB PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP PRESENTATION (E.JOHNSON)

 

Mr. Johnson introduced Mr. Jose Garcia, from ReBuild Together Tampa Bay (RTTB), who discussed the Residential Rehab program. He passed out a packet to the Commissioners, which was made part of the Minutes.

 

 Mr. Johnson mentioned that they reached out to three different entities that do residential rehab programs, but he was the only one that submitted a proposal. The other two declined due to their needing to hire additional staff. Mr. Garcia already had the staff needed to do this program in Palmetto. They will come back with a revised Residential Rehab program for the Board to approve. It will also include a partnership agreement.

 

 Commissioner Williams asked if this is strictly for the CRA. Mr. Johnson stated that he assumed if they (RTTB) have funding from their corporate sponsors, they would diversify funding throughout the City. On the May CRA Board meeting, they will bring back an agreement for a vote. It will go before the CRAAB meeting beforehand.

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

April 1, 2024

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Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 5:53 pm.