Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting - November 18, 2024

The Sarasota City Commission held a regular meeting on November 18, 2024, at City Hall, lasting from 9:00 AM to 3:56 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including storm recovery, infrastructure updates, a performing arts center extension, and a contentious right-of-way vacation. The Commission adopted several ordinances, approved consent agendas, and continued a major land-use item to a future date.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda No. 1 (Items VI.1–VI.7): Approved unanimously (5-0). Included contracts for Blue Cross Blue Shield administrative services ($374,298), Salvation Army Homeless Outreach Team Beds ($365,000), emergency purchase orders for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, concrete and asphalt agreements, engineering services extensions, and lift station maintenance services.
• Consent Agenda No. 2 (Items VII.1–VII.2): Approved unanimously (5-0). Included Resolution No. 25R-3290 (re-appropriation of $2,191,988 in unencumbered balances) and Resolution No. 25R-3293 (supplemental appropriation of $1,992,515 for Hurricane Debby costs).
• Item VII.3 (Resolution No. 25R-3298): Pulled for discussion. Commissioner Ohlrich explained it was an anonymous $13,000 donation to the police canine unit. Approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizens’ Input (Morning): Jose Fernandez criticized the administrative approval process for a project at 1260 North Palm, arguing it deviated from zoning code. Martin Hyde raised concerns about parking fees being charged during a period when charges were suspended (Oct 8 – Nov 4, 2024), estimating $70,000 in improper charges, and called for accountability.
• Public Hearing on Mango Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation: Multiple speakers opposed the vacation. Scott Rudacille (attorney for Brendarose Investments) stated his client uses the right-of-way daily for business access. Howard Davis (city resident, abutter) argued the vacation would set a bad precedent and that the city should not give public land for private gain. Robert Livengood and Kim Livingood (Limelight District business owners) presented a petition with nearly 500 signatures against the vacation, citing flood concerns, safety, and the need for public space. Elizabeth Mena (Park East Community Association) highlighted the need for pedestrian access and future park space for new affordable housing residents.
• Public Comments on SPAC Extension: Martin Hyde opposed the extension, calling the project a “white elephant” with uncertain funding. Bob Bunting (climate scientist) supported the extension, citing the Van Wezel’s vulnerability and the need for a forward-looking, resilient design. Drayton Saunders supported the extension, emphasizing donor readiness and the need for a clear contractual commitment.

Discussion Items

• Employee and Team of the Month (I.1): Recognized the Hurricane Milton Support Team (Sarasota Police Department) for exceptional service during the storm, and Code Compliance Inspector Brandon Soriano for helping a citizen avoid foreclosure.
• Engineering Design Criteria Manual (EDCM) – Second Reading (IX.1): City staff presented updates per public and commissioner comments, including clarifications on context classification, walkway language, and stormwater design standards. Commissioner Ohlrich asked about drop-off areas for non-ambulatory persons; staff noted curb management standards were included. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Sarasota Performing Arts Center (SPAC) – Second Amendment to Agreement (IX.2): The Foundation requested an extension to March 31, 2025, to submit the implementation agreement. Vice Mayor Trice and Commissioner Ohlrich expressed concerns about lacking operational cost estimates, proof of concept, and parking plans. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch opposed the motion, citing unanswered questions. The motion passed 4-1 (Ahearn-Koch dissenting).
• Mango Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation – Public Hearing (X.1): Extensive discussion. Applicant (attorney John Patterson, engineer Bruce Franklin) argued the city has a legal obligation to vacate the unused 13,500 sq ft dead-end right-of-way, citing a 1987 land exchange agreement and the high cost of improvement (over $1.2 million). Opponents argued the city has discretion, that the right-of-way is used for access, and that future use as a pedestrian thoroughfare or park is feasible. City Attorney Fournier noted two legal justifications for vacation: no current or probable future use, or a greater public benefit from vacating. Commissioners debated feasibility, pedestrian connectivity, and future land use (Urban Edge). The hearing was continued to January 21, 2025, by a 5-0 vote, with directions for parties to explore: (1) a solution, (2) viable options for improving the right-of-way if denied, and (3) a pedestrian easement if approved.
• School Convocation of Local Governments (XII.1): Discussion of agenda items for the January 17, 2025 convocation. Commissioners suggested topics: affordable housing partnerships (including school/housing mixed-use), expansion of vocational training, and school board representation on the Planning Board. No formal action taken.

Key Outcomes

• EDCM Ordinance Adopted: Second Reading of Ordinance No. 24-5551 approved 5-0, updating the Engineering Design Criteria Manual.
• SPAC Extension Approved: Second Amendment to Agreement approved 4-1, extending the deadline for submission of the Implementation Agreement to March 31, 2025.
• Mango Avenue Vacation Continued: Public hearing continued to January 21, 2025, with a 5-0 vote to allow further exploration of alternatives.
• Consent Agenda Items Approved: All routine items passed unanimously.
• Parking Refund Directed: Deputy City Manager Robinson confirmed a full refund will be issued to all customers who paid parking fees during the suspended period (Oct 8 – Nov 4), and future suspensions will use physical meter bags to prevent charges.
• Hurricane Debris Update: 280,000 cubic yards (392,364 tons) of debris collected; estimated storm costs $18 million, with FEMA reimbursement expected (75-100%).
• City Manager Search: Workshop to be scheduled in December to select a search firm.
• Future Agenda Items: Commissioner Ahearn-Koch gave notice of intent to discuss rescinding the Cross Street vacation decision. Commissioner Battie requested a discussion on St. Armands Circle resiliency and a master plan. Commissioner Trice requested a staff report on Tampa Hope as a model for homeless services. Commissioners agreed to continue monthly workshop dates.