Regular City Commission Meeting – March 3, 2025

The City Commission met on March 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:44 p.m. to address a full agenda including presentations, multiple lease modifications following hurricane damage, adoption of a public art zoning amendment, property sale agreements, and citizen input on various city topics. Key votes included approval of lease extensions for New Pass Grill (15 years) and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (30 years), adoption of the Public Art Ordinance (4-1), and continuation of the Humane Society land sale for further negotiation.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda No. 1 (Items VI.2 and VI.3): Approved the emergency purchase order for Van Wezel valet services and the recommitment of the Sister Cities partnership with Perpignan, France, plus recognition of Perpignan La Rayonnante, France Day. (Vote: 4-0)
• Property Insurance Renewal (Item VI.1, removed from consent): Approved renewal brokered through Brown & Brown for 04/01/2025–04/01/2026 at a quoted cost of $2,446,063.00, adding the Van Wezel, One Stop Shop building, and 1544/1590 First Street. The current annual cost was $1,716,906.00. (Vote: 5-0)
• Consent Agenda No. 2 (Items VII.1 and VII.2): Adopted Resolution No. 25R-3310 amending the FY2025 budget for a $17,500 supplemental appropriation to the General Fund for Sarasota Police Department donations, and adopted Ordinance No. 25-5559 (second reading) amending the General Employees’ Defined Benefit Pension Plan. (Vote: 5-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

• South Poinsettia Park Lighting: Holly Barber, Vice President of the South Poinsettia Park Neighborhood Association (SPPNA), requested $260,000 be included in the Capital Improvement Program for upgraded lighting, citing dark streets as a safety risk. She noted underground wiring already in place due to the Storm Safe program and asked for $67,000 annual operating costs.
• Rosemary District Parking: Bill Waddill, a city resident, presented a conceptual sketch for shared parking in the Rosemary District (approximately 300 spaces) and requested the Commission direct staff to collaborate with the Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) on an interlocal agreement. Melissa Laughlin (Rosemary District Association President) supported the idea, noting businesses depend on nearby parking.
• Sarasota Performing Arts Center (SPAC): Multiple speakers opposed the proposed location north of the 10th Street Canal on Centennial Park. Christine Sable questioned the $400+ million cost and cited a 90-mile show blackout by the Straz Center in Tampa, noting that 89% of Van Wezel shows are not sold out. Killian Hunt (construction management professional) argued the site is too constrained for construction and logistics. Tim Witz, Robert Firth, and others echoed concerns about traffic, loss of boat ramp access, and financial viability. Martin Hyde called for a referendum on the project.
• 1260 North Palm Avenue Development (Adagio): Dean Scarborough urged the Commission to review the Live Local Act loophole allowing an 18-story tower (zoned for 10 stories). Ron Shapiro, appealing a Planning Board denial, invited commissioners to visit the site and meet affected small businesses, stating the project is incompatible.
• Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) Presentation: William Russell, President/CEO, presented a portfolio analysis. He reported that SHA developed 665 units in 15 years (compared to 635 in 40 years by HUD) and noted a 112% increase in housing inventory. Three new developments in the pipeline (Lofts on Lemon II, Cypress Square 2 & 3, Central Gardens) will add 308 units. He mentioned potential parking partnership with the city at McCown Tower and asked about waiving fees (~$244,000) for sidewalk closures and parking space use during construction.
• Van Wezel National Register Nomination: Lorrie Muldowney (Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation) presented on the building’s eligibility for the National Register. She hired historian Christine Madrid French to prepare a Preliminary Site Information Questionnaire. The nomination process takes about nine months. Commissioners discussed not wanting to preempt the Purple Ribbon Committee’s findings (due end of June). Commissioner Ahearn-Koch supported parallel efforts, while others preferred waiting for the committee’s recommendation.

Discussion Items

• Parking Permit Fee for Contractors’ Employees (IX.1): General Parking Manager Broxton Harvey presented Resolution 24R-3284 establishing a $50 monthly permit for contractor employees. The existing employee rate is $20; residential overnight is $100. The resolution was adopted 5-0 after correcting a typographical error.
• Public Art Zoning Text Amendment (IX.2, Ordinance 25-5558): Chief Planner Briana Dobbs presented the second reading. The ordinance allows developers additional options to provide public art, defines the Planning Director’s role, clarifies approval processes, and allows the Public Art Fund to support the 2030 Public Art Plan. Vice Mayor Trice and Commissioner Ohlrich expressed concerns about lack of provisions for art in areas without new development and near affordable housing. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch noted the adopted Public Art Plan already prioritizes citywide equity. A motion to adopt passed 4-1 (Vice Mayor Trice voting no).
• Humane Society Property Sale (IX.3): Economic Development Manager Wayne Applebee presented a Purchase and Sale Agreement for 2385 15th Street ($130,000). The property is about 69,500 square feet, with ~60% stormwater pond. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch proposed partitioning the land to retain the pond and selling only the developable portion, with a restrictive covenant for dog walking and a right of first refusal for the city. The Humane Society CEO agreed to those terms. The Commission voted 5-0 to continue the item for further negotiation on a partitioned sale.
• Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) Option to Purchase (IX.4): Applebee presented revised terms for three parcels on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way (1556-1580) for $201,000. The option period was reduced from 5 to 3 years, with a $5,000 non-refundable deposit and a $25,000 escrow deposit upon exercise. Performance milestones require construction to start within 3 years of closing. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch sought assurance that commercial components (food, retail) would be taxable and contribute to the CRA. After discussion, the motion passed 5-0 with amendments: changing “substantially” to “generally” and “Preliminary Site Plan” to “Concept Rendering.” A separate motion (5-0) directed staff to return at closing to decide whether proceeds go to the Newtown CRA or Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
• Historical Society Sublease (XII.1): The Historical Society of Sarasota County requested approval to sublease office space to the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation for $600/month. The Historical Society operates on a $60,000 annual budget and has spent over $355,600 on building repairs since 2006. The Commission approved 5-0, noting the city manager must approve future subtenants.
• New Pass Grill Lease Extension (XII.2): Co-owners Jonathan Sisler and Ted Lagan requested a 15-year extension (Option 2: from 2025 to 2040) after investing $150,000 in hurricane repairs (with $175,000 more needed). The current lease expires in 2028. City staff noted the lease is triple-net with 3% of gross sales as rent ($54,000 in FY2023). Vice Mayor Trice proposed a friendly amendment to have staff analyze market rates, which was not accepted. The motion for Option 2 passed 4-1 (Vice Mayor Trice no). The Commission also discussed future review of all city leases.
• Sarasota Sailing Squadron Lease Extension (XII.3): Commodore Bob Twinem and Treasurer Tim Thurman requested a 30-year extension (Option 2a: from 2025 to 2055) after incurring hundreds of thousands of dollars in storm damage. The squadron is a nonprofit providing youth sailing, summer camps, and community access. The Commission approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Resolutions/Ordinances:
  • Resolution 25R-3310 (budget amendment) – unanimous.
  • Ordinance 25-5559 (pension plan) – unanimous.
  • Ordinance 25-5558 (Public Art ZTA) – 4-1.
  • Resolution 24R-3284 (parking permits) – 5-0.
• Appointments: Rachel Brodsky appointed to Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board.
• Lease Modifications Approved:
  • Historical Society sublease – 5-0.
  • New Pass Grill – 15-year extension from 2025 (4-1).
  • Sarasota Sailing Squadron – 30-year extension from 2025 (5-0).
• Items Continued: Humane Society property sale (item IX.3) – continued for further negotiation on partition sale.
• City Manager Search Discussion: Commissioner Ahearn-Koch raised concerns about the search process, noting few applicants from coastal cities. The Commission agreed to have Interim City Manager Jeffcoat provide detailed information on the process and consider forming an ad hoc committee. No formal action was taken.
• South Poinsettia Park Lighting: Referred to staff for potential budget discussion; no immediate funding available.
• US Recycling Complaints: Deputy City Manager Robinson stated ongoing review of regulatory options, but noted zoning from 1926 and legal challenges limit city action.
• Fees for Lofts on Lemon II: Commissioner Ahearn-Koch raised SHA’s request to waive right-of-way use fees (parking, sidewalk closures). Staff will bring back more information.