Sarasota City Commission Special Meeting – November 8, 2024

The Sarasota City Commission held a special statutory meeting on November 8, 2024, from 12:01 p.m. to 1:27 p.m. The meeting included the adoption of the General Election results for three city commission seats, a State of the City Address by Mayor Liz Alpert, farewell remarks from outgoing Commissioner Erik Arroyo, the swearing-in of newly elected and re-elected commissioners, the selection of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, and closing remarks by all commissioners.

Adoption of Election Results (Agenda Item I.1)

• Resolution No. 25R-3299 was adopted unanimously (5-0) to declare the results of the General Election held November 5, 2024, for the three district City Commission seats. The City Auditor and Clerk was directed to notify the winning candidates. The resolution also included an effective date and corrected minor suggestions from Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch.

State of the City Address by Mayor Liz Alpert (Agenda Item I.2)

• Mayor Alpert presented a PowerPoint overview of the city’s accomplishments over the past few years, current hurricane recovery status, and future priorities.
• Key accomplishments cited:
  • Affordable housing zoning incentives won the Florida League of Cities Local Action Municipal Achievement Award (2024).
  • The Office of Housing and Community Development assisted 50 households, funded 10 new housing units for first-time homebuyers, and contributed to a 96-unit affordable rental complex (Newtown Trail Plaza).
  • Fiscal responsibility: No millage rate increase for two consecutive years; city received an unqualified (clean) audit opinion for FY 2022-23; 42nd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
  • Economic development: Retention of the Sarasota Orchestra at Payne Park; launch of CRA Homefront Beautification Program and new MLK Corridor Visioning Plan.
  • Sustainability: Creation of nearly 300 acres of public land (Bobby Jones Golf and Nature Park, including 30 acres of wetlands); Phase 1 of The Bay Park (53 acres) treats over 70 million gallons of stormwater annually, with Phase 2 beginning this year; $5 million in resiliency grants from FDEP for seawall upgrades and living shorelines; beach renourishment projects.
  • Historic preservation: Newtown Historic District (700 contributing resources) listed on National Register – largest African American historic district in Florida by contributing resources; city received Stewards of Heritage Preservation Award.
  • Public safety: Part 1 violent crimes down 23% year-to-date (cumulative reduction of 30-39% over two years). Homeless outreach team made 5,875 initial contacts, with dramatic reduction from 1,100 homeless in 2015 to approximately 150 now.
  • Transportation: Bay Runner Trolley provided more than 380 free rides; focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled.
  • Infrastructure: $300 million 11-year water infrastructure plan underway; water quality rated second best in Florida, behind Disney.
  • New parks: Avian Park completion expected November 2024; Overtown Square opened; Payne Park Tennis Center upgraded.
  • Downtown Master Plan: New ad hoc committee formed to reimagine downtown after the previous plan’s success.
  • Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall closed until January due to flooding; ad hoc committee exploring repurposing.
  • Smart Cities initiative featured on cover of Florida Public Works magazine.
• Hurricane impact and recovery: Mayor Alpert described the damage from Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton (historical storm surge and wind). Debris pickup 40% completed as of prior night; St. Armands Circle art show proceeding; urged community to use #supportthe941.
• Future priorities: Resilient new performing arts center (elevated 20 feet, further from water); citywide micro-mobility/circulator; attainable housing project across from City Hall (192 affordable units); focus on heat island mitigation, direct airflow, living shorelines, elevated infrastructure, and floodable public spaces.
• She thanked former City Manager Marlon Brown, Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat, Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson, and retiring City Attorney Bob Fournier and Deputy City Attorney Mike Connolly, welcoming new City Attorney Joel Polzack.

Remarks of Outgoing Commissioner Erik Arroyo (Agenda Item I.3)

• Commissioner Arroyo read prepared remarks thanking the community, his wife, and staff. He highlighted accomplishments: reduction of serious crime to lowest levels, conservation of 263 acres of green space, investments in public safety and affordable housing. He quoted the band Semisonic: “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” He pledged to remain active in the community.

Plaque Presentation to Outgoing Commissioner Erik Arroyo (Agenda Item I.4)

• Mayor Alpert presented Commissioner Arroyo with a plaque recognizing his service as City Commissioner for District 3 (2020-2024) and as former Vice Mayor (2020-2021) and Mayor (2021-2022).

Swearing-In of District Commissioner-Elects (Agenda Item I.5)

• City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs administered the oath of office to re-elected Commissioners Liz Alpert (at-large) and Kyle Scott Battie (District 2), and newly elected Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich (District 1). Commissioner Ohlrich then took her seat on the dais.

Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor (Agenda Item I.6)

• Mayor: Commissioner Battie nominated Mayor Alpert for reappointment, citing her leadership through three hurricanes and ongoing recovery. Commissioner Ohlrich spoke in favor of rotating the position. The nomination was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0: Ahearn-Koch, Alpert, Battie, Ohlrich, Trice all yes).
• Vice Mayor: Commissioner Ohlrich initially nominated Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch for reappointment, seconded by Mayor Alpert. After discussion favoring Commissioner Trice (who had not yet held the role and planned to serve only one term), Mayor Alpert withdrew her second and nominated Commissioner Trice. Commissioner Battie seconded. The vote was unanimous (5-0). Commissioner Trice became Vice Mayor.

Remarks of Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Commissioners (Agenda Item I.7)

• Commissioner Ohlrich thanked supporters and pledged to work for all residents.
• Commissioner Ahearn-Koch thanked Commissioner Arroyo for his service and humor, welcomed Commissioner Ohlrich, and expressed anticipation for future work.
• Commissioner Battie praised Arroyo’s leadership, welcomed Ohlrich, commended Ahearn-Koch’s preparation, congratulated Vice Mayor Trice, and thanked Mayor Alpert. He spoke about the challenges of the job and his commitment to integrity.
• Vice Mayor Trice welcomed Commissioner Ohlrich, noted Arroyo’s ability to find common ground, pledged to focus on economic development, and thanked the commission for their trust.
• Mayor Alpert thanked campaign supporters, volunteers, endorsing organizations, her husband Jim, and fellow commissioners. She acknowledged Commissioner Ahearn-Koch’s selflessness during the vice mayor selection. She reiterated her commitment to representing the entire community.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 25R-3299 adopted (5-0) formalizing election results.
• Liz Alpert re-elected as Mayor (5-0).
• Debbie Trice elected as Vice Mayor (5-0).
• Commissioner Erik Arroyo termed out; recognized with plaque.
• Commissioners Alpert, Battie, and Ohlrich sworn in for new terms.
• Meeting adjourned at 1:27 p.m.