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

Brian Williams, Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Ward 3 (Entered the meeting at 4:31pm)

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner Ward 2

Harold Smith, Commissioner Ward 1/CRA Vice-Chair

Scott Whitaker, Commissioner-at-Large 1/CRA Chair

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Marisa Powers, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Rowena Young-Gopie, CRA Director

Lorenzo Waiters, Interim Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Jake Bibler, City Planner

Ed Johnson, CRA Consultant

Annie Jones, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

**The Agenda was amended on 05/28/2025 to add item #2 Palmetto CRA Parking Study**

 

 

     Mayor West opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.

 

1.               ORDINANCE 2025-06 SIGN CODE CHANGES DISCUSSION (J.BIBLER)

 

Mr. Bibler introduced the item. This was previously discussed at the Workshop on February 24, 2025. He shared a packet, which was included in the agenda. It was provided in a strike through and redlined format. He spent time discussing the changes, which are being proposed.

 

Staff will schedule this for First Reading, P&Z Public Hearing and recommendation.

 

 

2.               PALMETTO CRA PARKING STUDY (R.YOUNG-GOPIE)

 

Ms. Young-Gopie presented the Palmetto CRA Parking Study, which was included in the amended agenda.

 

 Representatives from Kimley-Horn presented their parking study findings, with Chad Davis leading the presentation. A PowerPoint included in the agenda and a handout with matching maps were shared. The team

City Commission/CRA Workshop

June 2, 2025

Page 2 of 2

 

recommended lowering parking ratios in the downtown core to encourage pedestrian-friendly and multi-modal development. They also suggested implementing shared parking agreements, such as between a restaurant and a dentist’s office with different peak hours—and allowing parking reductions when specific criteria are met.

 

 

 Parking rates were discussed, noting that the average cost per space in Tampa in 2022 was $24,000, with current estimates ranging from $30,000 to $35,000 per space. Possible funding sources were also highlighted. Next steps include continued coordination with City and CRA staff to complete a parking demand analysis and to establish criteria for City/CRA investment in parking structures.

 

Commissioner Cornwell raised concerns about inconsistencies on page 16 of the presentation, particularly regarding comparisons and unit conversions. Mr. Davis responded, clarifying that the industry standard is 3 parking spaces per 1,000 sq ft, compared to the City's current requirement of 20 spaces per 1,000 sq ft. Commissioner Cornwell requested comparable data from other municipalities for better context. She also questioned whether parking garages should be used for vehicle storage during hurricanes and asked whether the City should proactively build parking spaces or wait until demand increases.

 

Mr. Freeman responded, noting the highest parking demand is near Riverside Drive. He added that the City has entered a public-private partnership with the Grey Group to provide public parking in their upcoming development, with a current City commitment of $3.5 million toward that project.

 

 Commissioner Williams complained that the maps weren’t numbered and questioned how many parking spaces are actually needed, noting that the City isn't at that point yet. He also asked whether future public parking from developments like the Grey and Altier projects was being considered. It was confirmed that the study does take into account population projections and developments currently in progress.

 

 Commissioner Williams suggested establishing a standardized format for how projects are presented, noting inconsistencies between RFPs, unsolicited proposals, and calls for offers. He emphasized the need for consistency in presentations. Ms. Powers proposed holding a workshop to review and discuss procedures, especially in light of recent legislative changes regarding unsolicited proposals. Mr. Freeman added that while consistency is ideal, some processes must remain distinct due to legal requirements.

 

 Commissioner Williams asked if there would be a Workshop to discuss the charter review and identify potential changes. It was clarified that, historically, the Charter Review Committee meets first and then presents their recommendations to the Commission, at which point the Commission can suggest additional changes. Ms. Powers reminded everyone to submit their Charter Review Committee member forms as soon as possible.

 

 

Mayor West adjourned the meeting at 5:28 pm.