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:

Dan West, Mayor

Tamara Cornwell, Vice-Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2 (Entered the meeting at 4:41 pm)

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Scott Whitaker, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Rowena Young-Gopie, CRA Director

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Jeff Bowman, Code Enforcement Supervisor

Ed Johnson, CRA Independent Contractor

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

Robert Lamensa, CRA Code Enforcement Officer

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

   Mayor West opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.

 

 

 

1.               CRA INTERN RECOGNITIONS (R.YOUNG-GOPIE)

 

Ms. Young-Gopie recognized Jessica Maggie and Veronica Jolley for the completion of their CRA internship.

 

 

2.               CODE ENFORCEMENT QUARTERLY REPORT

 

Jeff Bowman and Robert Lamensa, Code Enforcement Officers, presented an update. Mr. Bowman spoke about Mr. Lamensa’s positive effects on being assigned as a CRA Code Enforcement officer. He highlighted a PowerPoint showing work Mr. Lamensa has been doing throughout the CRA. The PowerPoint was included in the agenda.

 

 Commissioner Smith stated that they’re doing a pretty good job. He asked how they are working with leniency during the storms. Mr. Bowman answered that they weren’t issuing violations during that time, they were helping educate residents on how to properly recover. They want to help them get them back to normal.

City Commission/CRA Board Workshop

January 6, 2025

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Commissioner Smith said Mr. Bowman was doing a good job. He asked how the residents are supposed to get permits. Mr. Freeman reiterated that the Commission waived all fees for permits related to the hurricanes. They still have to submit permits, but there is no fee associated. Commissioner Smith asked how long it takes to get a permit. Mr. Rayan answered that the process is pretty quick if all the paperwork is in place. They are asking for a permit so they have a record of what is going on, so the code is complied with. Staff is working to get all of the permits processed as quickly as possible. Air Conditioning companies know they can do emergency repairs and get a permit afterwards. Commissioner Smith asked if there are enough code enforcement officers. There are never enough. Staff will discuss their needs.   Ms. Young-Gopie shared that they had less than a 48 hour turnaround on a recent permit. They have been trying to assist with residents getting permits.

 

 Commissioner Whitaker appreciated the slide presentation. It is helpful to have a visual. He reiterated that he really appreciated them interacting with residents and educating them rather than just issuing violations. These are all important issues that impact everyone.

 

 Commissioner Williams echoed that they’re doing a fantastic job. It is clear that they are doing a lot of hard work. He would love to see how many of these cases are still open in the next 90 days. Mr. Bowman explained that each of these cases are unique and are on different timelines.

 

 Commissioner Joiner also echoed what a wonderful job they are doing. The Board appreciated what they’re doing. She loves that they’re going out of their way to communicate and educate residents.   

 

 

3.               KEEP MANATEE BEAUTIFUL- CRA PARTNERSHIP

 

Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director of Keep Manatee Beautiful, KMB, provided an update on the projects they’ve been working on throughout the CRA. A PowerPoint was included in the agenda. One of the main projects they’re focusing on for 2025 is the landscaping at Taylor Park. They are hoping to start this in March. She referenced a cleanup schedule she passed out to the Board, which was included in the minutes. KMB has partnered with Palmetto Downtown Mainstreet.

 

4.               CRA-REBUILDING TOGETHER TAMPA BAY

 

Rebecca Hankinson, Program Manager Southwest District 1 of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, spoke about the program which promotes their mission of repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives. A PowerPoint was included in the agenda.

 

 

Mayor West adjourned the meeting at 5:25pm.