Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting - April 7, 2025

The Sarasota City Commission met on April 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:37 AM. Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich was absent. The meeting included proclamations, approval of consent agendas, board appointments, a quasi-judicial public hearing for a seawall special permit, and updates on state legislation.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda No. 1 (all items approved 4-0):
  • CDBG Funding Substantial Amendment 2 ($285,225) moving funds from park improvements to affordable housing.
  • Use of State Housing Initiatives Program Disaster Recovery funds ($296,000) for Home Rehabilitation Program, with $14,800 for administration.
  • Agreement with Marathon Health, LLC for employee health center clinic services ($1,297,656).
  • Equipment purchase for street sweeper ($294,074).
  • Second amendment and extension for liquid sodium hypochlorite supply ($600,000 annual estimated cost).
• Consent Agenda No. 2 (all resolutions approved 4-0):
  • Resolution 25R-3318: Opioid Settlement Fund budget ($142,721.45).
  • Resolution 25R-3319: SHIP Fund budget for disaster recovery ($296,000).
  • Resolution 25R-3320: Table of Organization increase by 3 positions ($112,512).
  • Resolution 25R-3322: Mast arm upgrade budget ($2,249,147) with grant and Penny Sales Tax match.
  • Resolution 25R-3323: Sidewalk maintenance budget ($78,367).
  • Resolution 25R-3324: Amendment to Formal Rules of Procedure.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sheldon Rich (City resident): Expressed concern about the city's excise tax applied to residents with solar systems that generate all their electricity. He stated that when net metering results in zero usage, the city still charges a 10% usage fee on the base rate of $25, which he considers unfair. He requested the city stop collecting the usage fee when only base rate is billed.
• Ron Shapiro (City resident): Urged commissioners to reject the 1260 N. Palm project at the upcoming appeal on April 21, citing incompatibility with the city plan and numerous adjustments. He noted broad community opposition across political and demographic lines.
• Kelly Franklin (via Zoom): Commented on the proposed amendment to the city's Rules of Procedure (Resolution 25R-3324), urging commissioners to enforce existing rules, including Robert's Rules and Sunshine Law, and to uphold the charter.

Discussion Items

• Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing - Seawall Special Permit (Resolution 25R-3309):
  • Applicant Kristy Tignor (engineer) and Daniel Shaffer (architect) presented a proposal to replace an existing rock revetment with a 136-foot vertical seawall at 1215 Westway Drive, claiming it would provide better flood and erosion protection, align with neighborhood walls, and require less maintenance.
  • Staff (Alison Christie, Development Services) confirmed the application meets zoning code criteria for necessity, proper design, and no adverse effect on adjacent properties.
  • Commissioners questioned the potential impact on the adjacent property to the northeast due to a gap between the proposed seawall and the neighbor's existing wall. Staff noted that the neighbor was notified of the hearing and that any issues would be addressed during the permit phase.
  • No public speakers signed up.

Key Outcomes

• Seawall Special Permit Approved: Motion by Vice Mayor Trice, seconded by Commissioner Battie, to adopt Resolution 25R-3309 conditioned upon receiving any required state and federal approvals. Passed 4-0.
• Board Appointments:
  • Pamela Donehew appointed to the Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board.
  • Nicola Conicella reappointed to the Human Relations Board.
• Future Agenda Items:
  • Commissioner Ahearn-Koch requested an update on emergency management assessment (to be brought to a workshop later in 2025).
  • Vice Mayor Trice requested the city attorney provide an email listing development issues preempted by state statutes for public information.
  • Mayor Alpert requested an update on the transition of the Sarasota Bay Runner Trolley to the county and exploration of a new I-Ride type service.
• Shade Meeting Authorized: City Attorney announced a private attorney-client session regarding settlement negotiations in the case of Terrance Thomas v. City of Sarasota.
• State Legislation Update: Governmental Affairs Director Jennifer Jorgensen provided an update on several bills, including sovereign immunity caps, ADU mandates, land use preemption (HB 943), CRA restrictions, public art funding, and property tax exemptions. The commission expressed concern about HB 943 which would preempt local control over height, density, and setbacks.