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

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Cheryl Miller, Finance Director

Matt Misco, Finance Manager

Kelsey Kappler, Senior GIS Analysist

 

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.

 

 

 

1.            FY 2023 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR) OVERVIEW (C.MILLER/J.FREEMAN)

 

 

Mr. Freeman introduced the item and noted that Cheryl Miller would highlight the report through a PowerPoint, which was included in the Minutes.

 

 Cheryl Miller introduced the FY 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. They earned their 18^th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA. She has submitted the current ACFR for their peer review. They received their 16^th consecutive Distinguished Budget Award for the 2024 budget. Ms. Miller specifically highlighted projects that were completed during the fiscal year 2023. She also went on to discuss projects that will be rolling forward to the FY 2025 budget. They received the highest opinion you can receive from the auditors.

 

 Commissioner Williams questioned why there is there a different funded ratio between our General Employees’ and Police Officers’ pension funds. Mr. Freeman explained the different factors that go into that

City Commission/CRA Workshop

June 3, 2024

Page 2 of 3

 

 

funded status. The number changes annually. The actuary looks at many assumptions to determine that number. Generally speaking, the Police Officers’ pension tends to be lower funded than the General Employees’ pension fund.  Commissioner Williams asked if they could find out the average funded ratio for other pension plans in the state. The role of the Actuary vs. Investment Consultant was discussed. Commissioner Williams asked how long we’ve had our investment consultants. Mr. Freeman wasn’t sure of the exact amount of years but shared that Morgan Stanley is the investment consultant for the General Employees’ Pension fund and Mariner is the investment consultant for the Police Officers’ Pension. Commissioner Williams asked for more information on them as well. Mr. Freeman explained that each Board is responsible for investment decisions, not the Commission.

 

 Daniel Anderson from Mauldin & Jenkins reviewed the audit report, which was included in the Minutes. They issued an unmodified opinion, which is the highest form of assurance they can render. They had no findings in the audit. He thanked the entire finance team for their great working relationship. Mr. Freeman echoed being thankful to the entire Finance team for all they do.

 

 

 

2.               LINCOLN PARK SIGN/MONUMENT DISCUSSION (E.JOHNSON)

 

Mr. Johnson brought forward proposals for the Lincoln Park Sign/Monument, as requested. Mr. Johnson read from the point paper, which explained the different options. The budgeted item for the signs was $30,000. If they do the combination of the two signs, it would be over by about $3,000. They have the option of choosing one of the choices of signs, or they can use different vendors for each sign, which would make it closer to the budgeted amount.

 

 Commissioner Jones is looking at option 3 and wondered if it was worth separating the vendors, or if they should just use one vendor to do both. Mr. Johnson said they have the funds if they would like to go that way.

 

 Commissioner Williams asked what size sign is there now. Mr. Johnson responded that there is a sign on 17^th Street and US 41 that was put up by the county. He’s not sure of the exact size. It is probably similar to the size of the marquee sign they’re proposing. Mr. Johnson noted that the sign on the corner is brighter than what ours would be. Electricity for our sign was discussed.   Mr. Johnson discussed each proposal. Commissioner Williams wondered if they need another marquee, since the county already has one. The pole sign is the more prominent sign. He doesn’t want to spend all this money on additional signage. He thinks the pole sign would be enough. He doesn’t want the marquee sign.

 

 Commissioner Smith noted that Lincoln Park has been there for a long time. He wants to do both signs, but he thinks they can discuss the options of using the same vendor or a combination of vendors. He said he would go with option 1 and 2 combined together.

 

 Commissioner Joiner asked for clarification if there was a sign on 17^th street. The current sign is at an angle, dedicated to Coach Shannon. She agreed that it would be beneficial to have a sign facing 17^th street.

 

 Mayor Bryant opined that they should choose the one that would be the most obvious for people coming there. She didn’t think they needed both signs.

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

June 3, 2024

Page 3 of 3

 

 

 Mr. Freeman noted that a copy of the proposed Budget Workshops was on everyone’s desk. Staff are proposing that the Commission receive the budget on July 15^th. He believes Commissioner Williams requested last year to have a workshop prior to determining the tentative millage.  Staff has proposed having a Workshop July 24^th at 5:30 pm. The regular Workshop and Meeting would be on July 29^th. At that time, they would set the tentative millage and tentative date for public hearing. He went on to discuss the normal meetings in August. Staff proposed scheduling two additional Workshops in August. The workshops would be 5:30-7:00 pm on August 13^th and 20^th. We can add additional workshops, if needed. In September our regular meetings are the 9^th and 23^rd. We are still waiting on the school board and Manatee County to set their public hearing dates. He asked for everyone to look at their schedules over the dinner break and let him know if they’re ok with the dates.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 5:19 pm.