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

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 (Not Present)

 

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

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

 

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m.

 

 

 

1.               MOORE 2 DESIGN PRESENTATION (E.JOHNSON) (15 MINUTES)

Mr. and Mrs. Moore of Moore2Design reviewed various CRA projects and the presentation is part of the minutes.  MLK Park improvements are in process and the land survey from Leo Mills is complete.  There is a meeting scheduled with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) on September 19, 2024.  Improvements have been made to the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) building windows that were in disrepair and cameras are now installed on the exterior of the building.  At Connor Park, signage has been installed and benches have been installed at a cost of approximately $10,000.  The Palmetto Bay project appears to be successful as oyster populations are increasing.  The Women’s Club renovation is under contract with Stellar Development.  The CRA Advisory Board asked to explore art within the roundabouts.  Commissioner Jones asked about the cost of cameras at VFW.  Mr. Freeman shared that the CRA requested the installation of two cameras for security purposes and to monitor construction activity at the Women’s Club site based on prior vandalism.   Mr. Johnson reiterated the need for cameras at the VFW.  He also appreciated the questions raised because he needs direction from the Commission regarding the long-term plans for the building.  Commissioner Smith asked about the total costs that have been spent on this building.  Mr.  Berman showed Commission a video (included in the minutes) and preliminary design/model for the artwork in the Haben roundabout. The design is patriotic and designed around one of the 9/11 memorials.  The sculpture faces the direction of the new hotel, but it is viewable from all sides.  The base of the sculpture honors all six branches of the military in the form of medallions.  Commissioner Williams asked about placing some type of barrier to protect cars from

 

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hitting the base of the sculpture. He also asked about the cost and Mr. Berman was hesitant to give an estimate until he received his approval to move forward with the proposed design.  He will provide an estimate once he receives approval to explore moving forward.  Commissioner Jones suggested fencing as a barrier.  Commissioner Smith likes the design but wants to know the price of the artwork.  Also, he expressed some concern about people walking up to the artwork.  Mr. Berman noted that the artwork will often bring visitors.  Commissioner Joiner stated she loved the design and asked for next steps to move forward.  Mr. Berman stated he needs a work order to move forward, so he can provide an estimate and also get some public feedback.  Mr. Rayan noted the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will not be involved as Haben is a city road. Mayor Bryant reiterated that art is an eligible expense the CRA can fund because it compliments the history of the City. She is in favor of the sculpture. Mr. Johnson let the Commission know that the CRA Advisory Board unanimously voted to have the CRA move forward and approve this sculpture.  Commissioner Williams suggested News in Brief as a means to educate the public along with social media. Commissioner Cornwell was excited about the artwork.

 

Mr. Freeman informed the Commission that the new roof and insulation at the VFW building was approved 5-0 by the CRA Board in May 7, 2018 for $263,000.           

 

 

 

2.               PALMETTO DOWNTOWN MAINSTREET PRESENTATION (E.JOHNSON) (15 MINUTES)

Mr. Jordan Chancy, President, and Karen Dixon, Interim Executive Director, of Downtown MainStreet provided an update on recent activities and projects.  A presentation was given and made part of the minutes.  Boundaries have been created for the area with a goal of focusing on the history of the City.  They are working on business sponsorships and memberships.  In addition, they are working with the Chamber and doing community outreach to the businesses.  They are exploring murals, public art and adding trash cans and planters along 10^th Ave West.  They are trying to drive residents and visitors to the downtown areas.  A Winter Wonderland event and a concert series is being planned later this year. Other ideas to engage the local businesses include a seafood festival and marathon run.  Commissioner Williams confirmed the dates for the Witner Wonderland will be from December 20 thru the 23^rd.  Commissioner Jones asked about cleaning up the area in front of the Sutton Park stage.  Some of the feedback from the community was that they wished this organization was around 15 years ago.  Overall, local businesses seem excited about future opportunities in the downtown area.  Commissioner Cornwell suggested an art in the park event in conjunction with the Historical Park.        

 

 

3.               KEEP MANATEE BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION (E.JOHNSON) (15 MINUTES)

Jennifer Hoffman with Keep Manatee Beautiful reviewed a presentation including activities and projects completed in the City during the last year.  Highlighted activities included National Arbor Day, coastal cleanup, underwater trash pickup on Mantee River, Adopt a Park and Adopt a Road.  She reviewed the amount of trash that was removed city-wide.  A copy of the presentation is included in the minutes.  A couple of upcoming projects will include community gardens and a focus on improving the Taylor Park landscaping.  In addition, she will be working with Mr. Johnson on a kaboom park grant for additional playground equipment.  The Taylor Park improvements will be made over the next two years. There are also six park cleanups throughout the year. Commissioner Williams asked about Connor Park as a suggested location for a future community garden.  Commissioner Jones asked about signage for volunteer groups and Ms. Hoffman stated they are working to improve signage size and locations. Commissioner Smith asked about younger kids volunteering and Ms. Hoffman stated they are working to get more participation.  She reported that her organization received $1,000 to assist residents with any debris clean-up.

 

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4.               MANATEE COUNTY FAIR BRIEFING (15 MINUTES)

 

Danny Alfonzo, Fair Manager, discussed grants that they are applying for to improve various facilities on the property.  Projects include re-roofing the chairs building ($200K), south end restrooms ($428K), additional goat barn ($40K), veterans hall storage ($90K), speaker warning system ($108K), fans in the arena, and a new PA system ($60K).  The fair will need to contribute 41% of the funding in addition to any grant funds.  He requested the City provide a resolution of support stating the fair provides an educational public purpose so they can use it as part of their application process.  There would be no financial commitment from the City, just a resolution.

 

 

5.            FY 2025 BUDGET DISCUSSION (J.FREEMAN) (30 MINUTES)  

Mr. Freeman said they are working on updating health insurance, state revenue sharing numbers and salary study information in the budget.  Since there are not many updates to provide since Version 1, Commission may want to consider cancelling the budget workshop scheduled for tomorrow at the regular meeting tonight. Mr. Freeman mentioned the debris monitoring assignment agenda item was added to the 7:00pm for approval.  This is a name change only and it is important due to the fact we are in hurricane season.   

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 6:03 pm.