Regular Sarasota City Commission Meeting - January 6, 2025

The Sarasota City Commission held a regular meeting on January 6, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM and adjourning at 12:59 PM. Commissioners addressed routine consent items, board appointments, the MPO transportation priority list, a proposed new city logo, legislative public hearing on the Board of Rules and Appeals, and draft state legislative priorities. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda No. 1 (Items VI.1-VI.5, VI.8): Approved as a block. Included authorization for:
  • 2025 Stop Loss Renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield/HMIG ($907,754 estimated annual cost).
  • MOUs with police unions (Lieutenants and Officers/Sergeants/Crime Scene Investigators) regarding pay and promotion.
  • First extension with Napa Auto Parts (city has spent $6,417,715.46 since commencement).
  • Agreement with Brown & Brown Public Sector for actuarial and insurance broker services ($70,800/year).
  • Agreement with Dana Safety Supply for emergency lighting and public safety equipment (SPD spent ~$374,000 in FY2024).
• Item VI.6 (Passport Labs): Removed from consent per Vice Mayor Trice. After discussion, approved 5-0. Three-year contract for consolidated parking enforcement and management solution, $1,476,000. Staff noted no direct cost savings but operational efficiencies (auto-check, virtual chalking, online permits, integration with Workday).
• Item VI.7 (Flock Group): Removed per Commissioner Ohlrich. After discussion on privacy and civil liberties concerns, approved 5-0. Contract for real-time operating system for license plate readers, $339,250. SPD stated cameras are in public spaces, only used for crime investigation, data retained one year, no data breaches.
• Consent Agenda No. 2 (Items VII.3-VII.6): Approved as a block. Included budget amendments for HOME Fund ($449,686.46) and second readings of ordinances on land use map change (1.19 acres at 6th & Shade), rezoning (DTN to DTNE), and parking citation appeal fee amendment.
• Item VII.1 (Bomb suit replacement): Removed per Commissioner Ohlrich. $100,000 budget amendment for expiring bomb suits. Approved 5-0.
• Item VII.2 (Trolley FDOT grant): Removed per Commissioner Ohlrich. $530,082 budget amendment for fourth year of trolley grant. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch requested future update on county takeover. Approved 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Citizens' Input: Four speakers addressed:
  • Stephen Gaffante (non-resident): Thanked city for rapid response to a complaint and raised concerns about police enforcement at a Republican executive committee meeting.
  • Danny Villeieu (Holiday Parade director): Thanked city departments for support of the 28th annual parade, reported it was well-attended and organized.
  • Anon Palagar (resident): Expressed gratitude for city’s role in preserving the Colson Hotel in the Rosemary District.
  • Jerry Meyer (precinct committeeman): Voiced concern about being excluded from voting as a Republican committee member.
• Second Citizens' Input: David Lowe (Downtown Sarasota Condo Association president): Commented on the MPO priorities, urged attention to Fruitville Road improvements, and suggested a workshop on infrastructure funding realities. Also suggested using Commissioner Remarks time more effectively.
• Legislative Public Hearing (Ordinance 24-5533): One speaker (Michael Walker, Board of Rules and Appeals member via email read into record) opposed removal of contractor discipline authority, citing cases of unscrupulous contractors. Commission heard from City Attorney and Building Official.

Discussion Items

• Employee and Team of the Month: Recognized Ismael Melgar-Aguilar (IT) as Employee of the Month, and the 12th Street Railroad Crossing Repairs Team (Public Works) as Team of the Month. The team completed a critical repair in-house, saving over $250,000 and avoiding a $1 million insurance requirement.
• Board Appointments:
  • Citizen Oversight Committee for Public School Facility Planning: Appointed Sebastian Girsti (a student) based on impressive application.
  • Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board: Reappointed Daniel Frank and Rosemary Krimbel.
  • Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board: Reappointed Jimmy Glover.
  • Planning Board/Local Planning Agency: Appointed Douglas Christy as permanent member and Alexander Neihaus as alternate.
• City Logo Designs: Staff presented five COS logo renditions and survey results. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch favored retaining “David” symbol and expressed concerns about rebranding costs ($800,000–$1 million if done all at once). Vice Mayor Trice and others supported keeping the current logo. Motion to retain current logo passed 5-0.
• MPO Transportation Project Priorities List: Staff presented the 2025 list (due to MPO February 3). Commission approved the list 5-0. Additionally, a second motion passed 5-0 directing the Mayor to send a letter prioritizing US 41 roundabouts at Myrtle Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and Fruitville Road improvements. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch highlighted the need to push FDOT for achievable roundabout designs.
• Ordinance 24-5533 (Board of Rules and Appeals): First reading of ordinance to reduce membership from 13 to 7, change quorum, delete contractor discipline provisions, and delete rules of procedure requiring commission approval. After public hearing, motion passed 5-0 to pass on first reading with removal of the clause requiring commission approval of rules of procedure. A separate motion to direct the City Attorney to pursue a relationship with Sarasota County regarding contractor discipline passed 5-0.
• State Legislative Priorities Draft: Staff presented draft 2025 priorities covering home rule, affordable housing, environmental/resiliency, solid waste, arts and culture, and planning/development. Commissioners provided feedback: consolidate planning/development under home rule, emphasize full funding of Sadowski trust funds, use “One Water” terminology, keep list concise. No action taken; staff will compile feedback and bring for approval at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (5-0) on consent items, board appointments, logo retention, MPO list and letter, ordinance first reading, and contractor discipline directive.
• The Commission retained the current city logo.
• The MPO project priority list was approved; a separate letter will prioritize US 41 roundabouts and Fruitville Road.
• Ordinance 24-5533 advanced to second reading; staff directed to explore county contractor discipline option.
• City Attorney reported a settlement proposal of $140,000 in a trip-and-fall lawsuit (Elena Kissin) and recommended rejection, which the Commission did not object to.
• Commissioner Ahearn-Koch requested future updates on the trolley (county takeover) and US Recycling sale; Deputy City Manager Robinson reported the sale process is moving forward.
• Commissioner Battie requested an update on 3D imaging technology; Deputy City Manager Robinson said several departments are exploring software.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:59 PM. Next meeting: workshop on January 14, 2025.