Regular Sarasota City Commission Meeting - October 18, 2024 (Rescheduled from October 7)

This meeting was rescheduled from October 7 due to hurricane response. The Commission addressed consent items, several public hearings, new business, and received reports on storm recovery. All votes passed unanimously (5-0 or 4-0) except where noted. The City Manager's separation was approved, and the Commission approved a lease with The Players Inc. for Payne Park Auditorium, first readings of three ordinances, and other routine items.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda No. 1 (Items 2-4, 6-7): Approved unanimously (4-0). Items included an Eighth Amendment to Lease with Senior Friendship Centers (window/door replacement, $389,000 funded by SFC), an emergency purchase order for pump rentals ($30,000), a Memorandum of Understanding with Teamsters Local 173, and contracts for Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Grit System Replacement ($1,261,700) and Verna Wellfield 30-Inch Raw Water Main Relocation – Materials Only ($2,478,089). Items 1 and 5 were removed and individually approved (see below).
• Consent Agenda No. 2 (Items 1, 2, 4): Approved unanimously (5-0). Resolutions amending the budget for Law Enforcement Trust Fund ($200,000 and $10,000) and Affordable Housing Trust Fund ($282,631) were adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jose Fernandez (resident): Expressed opposition to the cost and scale of the proposed Bobby Jones Clubhouse, stating the project lacked a firm budget and that the city should not operate a destination restaurant. Urged the Commission to set a not-to-exceed budget and right-size the clubhouse and cart barn.
• Jim Lampl (downtown resident): Recommended the city hire a professional real estate manager to oversee leases, noting that previous lease reviews had found many to be deficient on the city side. Requested that the Commission revisit a white paper on lease management.
• William Waddell (via public comment on EDCM): Commended staff for outreach and urged approval of the updated Engineering Design Criteria Manual (EDCM), emphasizing the need for flexibility and future updates.
• Chris Gallagher (development professional): Opposed adoption of the EDCM before completion of the city's master plan update, citing complexity, added costs for developers (e.g., designing two street cross-sections), and potential confusion with context classifications. Recommended deferral.

Discussion Items

• Item VI.1 – Addendum to Interlocal Agreement (Longboat Key): Removed from Consent by Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch, who expressed concerns about the meeting rescheduling process and lack of preparation time. After discussion, approved 5-0.
• Item VI.5 – Axon Body-Worn Camera Program (5-year, $4,719,490.78): Commissioner Arroyo praised staff negotiation and the program's success in improving transparency. Approved 5-0.
• Item VII.3 – FDOT Public Transportation Grant (State Road 789 corridor): Vice Mayor sought clarification on conflicting language about amendment authority. After explanation, approved 5-0.
• Item VII.5 – Table of Organization for FY 2024-2025: Debate arose over the sustainability department's status (vacant, currently under Planning). The Vice Mayor argued for an independent department and emphasized carrying out the 2018 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. Approved 5-0 with a commitment to provide the Commission with a copy of the assessment.
• Board Appointments: Employee Retirement Account Committee appointment was continued to allow Commission members to meet candidates. Mayor's nomination of Nicole Roman to the Sarasota Housing Authority Board was confirmed 5-0.
• Item IX.1 – Lease Agreement with The Players Inc. for Payne Park Auditorium Building: Extensive discussion covered lease terms, market rent, subleasing, exterior improvements, and $50,000 improvement approval threshold. Commissioner Trice proposed a friendly amendment for rent at the greater of 10% of market rate or $1 per ticket, but the maker did not accept. The original motion passed 5-0 with an added “or designee” clause for city manager approval.
• Item X.1 – Mango Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation: Applicant requested continuance to November 18, 2024. Motion approving continuance passed.
• Item X.2 – 10th Street Right-of-Way Vacation (The Bay Park Phase II): Staff and applicant presented the 1.403-acre vacation as necessary for Bay Park Master Plan implementation. Commissioner questions focused on perpetuity of road connection, FDOT interface, and impact on future MERT. Approved 5-0 on first reading.
• Item X.3 – Engineering Design Criteria Manual (EDCM) Update: Presentation covered context classification, stormwater, utility standards, and an effective date of October 1, 2026. Public comment was split (one support, one opposition). Commissioners discussed confusion with zoning district names, need for regular updates, and housing impacts. Approved 5-0 on first reading.
• Item XII.1 – City Manager Marlon Brown Separation Agreement: The agreement was revised to extend Brown's last workday to October 21, 2024, due to Hurricane Milton. Approved 5-0. Mayor expressed appreciation for his service.
• Item XII.2 – Municipal Equality Index Submission: Commissioner Trice presented the city's draft submission for HRC rating. Approved 5-0, with note that it benefits tourism.

Key Outcomes

• Lease with The Players Inc. for Payne Park Auditorium: Approved 5-0 with addition of “city manager or designee” for approval authority.
• 10th Street Right-of-Way Vacation (The Bay Park): Approved 5-0 on first reading, subject to two conditions.
• Engineering Design Criteria Manual (EDCM) Update: Approved 5-0 on first reading. Effective date set for October 1, 2026.
• City Manager Separation Agreement: Approved 5-0; Marlon Brown's last day is October 21, 2024.
• Municipal Equality Index Submission: Approved 5-0.
• Mango Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation: Continued to November 18, 2024.
• Employee Retirement Account Committee: Continued.
• All other consent items and removed items: Approved unanimously.

The Commission recessed from 12:07 PM to 1:00 PM and adjourned at 2:39 PM.