Regular Sarasota City Commission Meeting – March 17, 2025

The Sarasota City Commission held a regular meeting on March 17, 2025, from 9:01 A.M. to 7:46 P.M., with a lunch recess from 11:47 A.M. to 1:04 P.M. The meeting covered a proclamation, police department awards and year-end review, citizen input, consent agendas, board appointments, a right-of-way vacation ordinance, a lengthy discussion on the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Implementation Agreement, and a quasi-judicial appeal regarding the Hyatt redevelopment driveway relocation. The Commission voted on multiple items, including 3‑2 and 4‑1 decisions.

Commission Presentations

• The Commission proclaimed March 28, 2025, as Healing and Hope Day in recognition of Second Chance Last Opportunity (SCLO).
• The Sarasota Police Department (SPD) presented its 2024 Annual Awards; recipients included Finance Manager Ben Billingsley (Civilian Employee of the Year), Officers Stephen Mayforth and Alfonso Varlaro II (Co-Officers of the Year), Detective Angela Cox (Detective of the Year), and Sergeant Patrick Comae (Supervisor of the Year).
• The SPD 2024 End of Year Review (9:18–10:01 A.M.) reported a 21.8% drop in total index offenses – the largest crime-rate decline in SPD history – and a 38% overall crime reduction over two years. Force incidents decreased 36% (from 197 to 126). The department achieved a 100% homicide clearance rate, with cases solved in an average of 1.7 days. New initiatives included a Real-Time Operations Center (ROC), a mobile command center, and expanded youth programs.

Consent Calendar

• The proposed agenda schedule was approved 5‑0 at 9:02 A.M.
• Consent Agenda No. 1 (Items VI.2, VI.3, VI.5, VI.6) was approved 5‑0 at 10:16 A.M. Items VI.1, VI.4, VI.7, and VI.8 were pulled for separate discussion and later approved (see Key Outcomes).
• Consent Agenda No. 2 (Items VII.1–VII.6): Seven budget resolutions and one ordinance (conditional vacation of East Avenue right-of-way) were approved 5‑0 at 11:05 A.M. after being read by title.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Morning Citizens’ Input (10:01–10:13 A.M.):
  • Jim Lampl (city resident) accused the former city manager of violating the ICMA code of ethics by supporting the Mayor’s campaign, and questioned his nomination to the city manager selection committee.
  • Martin Hyde (non‑city resident) criticized the Commission for granting a lease extension to a lessee not in compliance with their lease, citing a 2020 audit that found lease calculations and invoices were untimely.
• Afternoon Citizens’ Input (1:26–2:51 P.M.) on the Sarasota Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Implementation Agreement included 24 speakers:
  • Several residents (e.g., Jose Fernandez, Ron Kashden, Dan Lobeck) urged caution or opposition, citing a projected city funding shortfall of ~$230 million, lack of a parking plan, questionable TIFF projections, and the need to wait for the Purple Ribbon Committee report on Van Wezel.
  • Many others (e.g., Michael Klauber, Stevie Jones, Maria Schadler Loria) voiced strong support, emphasizing the project’s economic impact ($194 million annual activity, 1,500 permanent jobs), cultural benefits, and the importance of honoring prior commitments.

Discussion Items

• Item VI.1 – Annual Reports of City Advisory Boards (pulled from Consent): The Commission discussed formatting inconsistencies and recommendations. A motion to accept the reports and schedule a future discussion on board reporting passed 4‑1 (Commissioner Ohlrich voted no).
• Item VI.4 – Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program (pulled): Commissioner Battie raised concerns about neighborhood associations becoming political. The Commission agreed to discuss the matter separately and approved the grants 5‑0.
• Items VI.7 and VI.8 – Water Main Replacement and Water Treatment Plant Improvements (pulled): Staff presented details on two large infrastructure contracts – $28,985,263.22 for the N. Tamiami Trail AC water main replacement (50‑ to 70‑year‑old pipes) and $23,684,190.00 for WTP Water Quality Improvements Phase 2A. Both contracts are part of a $300 million, 11‑year capital improvement plan. Approved 5‑0 in separate votes after a corrected procedural motion.
• Item IX.1 – Second Reading of Ordinance 24‑5545 (Mango Avenue Right‑of‑Way Vacation): The ordinance was revised to include a drainage and access easement, a sidewalk on Apricot Avenue, and a condition that the vacation becomes effective only after site‑plan approval and building permit issuance. After debate about driveway placement, the Commission adopted the ordinance 3‑2 (Commissioners Ahearn‑Koch and Ohlrich voted no).
• Item IX.2 – Sarasota Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Implementation Agreement:
  • Tania Castroverde Moskalenko (CEO, SPAF) and Bill Waddill presented an update, including evaluation of a site south of the canal, updated TIFF revenue projections ($775 million over 30 years), and a commitment to a two‑phase schematic design.
  • Commissioners raised concerns about the concept design approval, cost overruns, parking, site suitability, and the need for clearer off‑ramps and reporting. City Attorney Emeritus Fournier noted the IA had been submitted per the partnership agreement and could be revised.
  • After extensive discussion, the Commission voted 5‑0 to continue the item to a special meeting no later than the first regular meeting in May 2025, directing staff and the foundation to incorporate commissioner feedback into a revised IA.
• Item XI.1 – Appeal of Planning Board Adjustment 25‑ADP‑04 (Hyatt Redevelopment Driveway Relocation):
  • Brenda Patten (for KT Sarasota Bay, LLC) argued the adjustment only moves the primary entrance 68 feet east, reduces total curb‑cut width by 37%, and meets all criteria. The city’s traffic consultant and engineering staff supported the U‑turn solution to alleviate left‑turn conflicts.
  • Tyler Stahl (for appellant Quay 1 through 9, LLC) contended the adjusted driveway exceeds the maximum width without a proper deviation and that the traffic study was flawed. Expert witnesses cited outdated data and pedestrian safety concerns.
  • Affected persons and public speakers highlighted traffic congestion, emergency access, and the impact on nearby parks and playgrounds.
  • The Commission voted 5‑0 to reject a late‑filed traffic report. Following rebuttals, the Commission affirmed the Planning Board’s approval by a 4‑1 vote (Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch dissenting). A formal resolution will be drafted and brought back.

Key Outcomes

• Votes on infrastructure contracts: Metro Equipment Service Inc. (Item VI.7) and Archer Western Construction (Item VI.8) each approved 5‑0.
• Right‑of‑way vacation (Ordinance 24‑5545): Adopted 3‑2 on second reading.
• SPAC Implementation Agreement: Continued to a special meeting no later than the first regular meeting in May 2025 (5‑0).
• Hyatt driveway adjustment appeal: Planning Board decision affirmed 4‑1.
• Board appointments:
  • Mayor Alpert reappointed to Bay Park Improvement Board (unanimous).
  • Board of Rules & Appeals: Reappointed Ryan Dalton, William Craig, Cordell Van Nostrand, Michael Walker; appointed George Scarfe, Bradley Miller (3‑2), David Phillips (4‑1); Stephanie Drass not appointed (2‑3).
• Directives: Interim City Manager directed to add an agenda item on advisory board reporting and to explore AI use for decision‑making.
• Next steps: The quasi‑judicial appeal resolution will be timed to coincide with the separate site‑plan appeal to allow a single circuit court case.