Regular City Commission Meeting of September 3, 2024

The Sarasota City Commission met on September 3, 2024, beginning at 9:01 AM and adjourning at 4:08 PM, with a lunch recess from approximately 12:00 PM to 1:06 PM. The meeting included approvals of minutes, consent agenda items, legislative and quasi-judicial public hearings, and new business. Key topics included insurance renewal, affordable housing agreements, a Downtown Master Plan ad-hoc committee, sales surtax amendments, retirement plan updates, Bay Park Improvement District trust fund changes, Bobby Jones Golf Course clubhouse site plan, the Colson Hotel demolition appeal, and a request to sell city-owned land on Lido Beach.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda No. 1: Approved items VI-2 and VI-3 (affordable housing developer agreements with CASL and Family Promise) by a 5-0 vote. Item VI-1 (liability insurance renewal) was pulled for discussion and later approved 4-1, with Commissioner Arroyo voting no.
• Consent Agenda No. 2: Approved all six items (St. Armands parking assessment, budget amendments for archaeological survey and water pipeline, school zone safety ordinance, and first election results) by a 5-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizens' Input (9:05 AM): Multiple speakers addressed the commission:
  • Norman Schimmel announced the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on September 11, 2024, at Fire Station 23.
  • Edward McCaffrey (county resident) complained about increased commercial use of the boat ramp despite a prior notice, requesting enforcement.
  • Jose Fernandez (city resident) criticized the workforce housing project, claiming it could lead to $100 million in losses and questioned the lack of a financial analysis.
  • Bill Baranowski (city resident) promoted the Sarasota International Chalk Festival (Nov 8-10), highlighting economic impact and community workshops.
  • Ron Shapiro (city resident) discussed the 1260 North Palm project, noting the developer's extension request and noncompliance issues.
  • Virginia Hoffman (56-year resident) raised safety concerns about propane storage and transloading by Seminole Railway near railroad tracks, asking the city to research jurisdiction.
  • Ryan Udell (city resident) urged action on homelessness, requesting permanent housing, medication, transportation, document storage, and more facilities.
• Public Comments on Colson Hotel (after lunch): Approximately 15 speakers urged preservation of the Colson Hotel, citing its historical significance as Sarasota's first black hotel and a contributing structure to the Overtown Historic District. Speakers included representatives from the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, and community members. They presented a preservation plan and expressed willingness to work with the developer to find a solution.

Discussion Items

• Insurance Renewal (VI-1): Commissioner Arroyo pulled the item for discussion. Risk Management Manager John Powers and Molly Grande of Brown & Brown presented the $715,810.16 package, a 14.83% increase over last year. Discussion covered claims history, options for self-insurance, and the possibility of having a vendor handle alcohol sales to reduce liability. The item was approved 4-1.
• Downtown Master Plan Ad-Hoc Committee (IX-1): Planning Director Steven Cover presented a draft resolution. Public comments from Chris Volker (DID representative) questioned the removal of the DID from the committee. Howard Davis proposed detailed edits, including broader stakeholder representation and expanded duties. Commissioners debated membership criteria and boundaries. The item was continued to a special meeting on September 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM, passed 5-0.
• Bobby Jones Golf Course Clubhouse Site Plan (XI-1): The applicant presented plans for a 17,000 sq. ft., two-story clubhouse with restaurant, cart barn, pro shop, and offices. Public speakers raised concerns about cost ($9 million) and lack of funding for the adjacent nature park. City Manager Marlon Brown suggested delaying action until the design returns. The hearing was continued by a 5-0 vote.
• Colson Hotel Demolition Appeal (XI-2): The applicant (JD Max Developments) argued the building is structurally unsound, cannot be economically restored, and requested demolition. Senior Planner Clifford Smith countered that the building can be saved and that reasonable measures exist. Representatives Anand Palagar and Joseph Lovett proposed subdividing the lot to allow preservation and development. Public testimony strongly opposed demolition. After extensive discussion, the commission voted 5-0 to continue the hearing, authorizing staff to work with parties on variances and to obtain a transcript of the Historic Preservation Board meeting.
• Sale of City-Owned Lot on Lido Beach (XII-1): Attorney Brenda Patten, representing Wilson AMI, LLC, requested authorization to bring forward a purchase agreement for Lot 17, Block 12. The buyer would also deed an adjacent right-of-way to the city. The motion passed 4-1, with Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch dissenting.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Insurance renewal approved 4-1 (Commissioner Arroyo dissenting).
  • Affordable housing agreements (CASL and Family Promise) approved 5-0.
  • Consent Agenda No. 2 approved 5-0.
  • Downtown Master Plan item continued to Sept 9 special meeting 5-0.
  • Sales surtax resolution 24R-3262 adopted 5-0.
  • Ordinances 24-5534 and 24-5543 passed first reading 5-0.
  • Bobby Jones clubhouse site plan continued 5-0.
  • Colson Hotel demolition appeal continued 5-0.
  • Authorization to draft purchase agreement for Lido Beach lot passed 4-1.
• Directives:
  • City Manager directed to expedite staff meetings with Colson Hotel parties to negotiate variances and explore viable reuse.
  • City Attorney ordered to provide a transcript of the April 9, 2024 Historic Preservation Board meeting.
  • City staff to research jurisdiction over propane storage and transloading, and to evaluate commercial use enforcement at the boat ramp.
• Next Steps:
  • Special meeting on Sept 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM for Downtown Master Plan discussion.
  • Future workshop on performing arts center implementation agreement.
  • Further discussion on Colson Hotel after staff report and transcript.