Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting - May 5, 2025

The Sarasota City Commission held its regular meeting on May 5, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:03 PM. The meeting included proclamations, citizen input, approval of minutes, reports, consent agendas, unfinished business, public hearings, and new business. Key actions included approval of a city manager search restart (3-2), approval of the Sarasota Station affordable housing project with a contingency on right-of-way reversion, and reimbursement of $10,285 in attorney fees for former Commissioner Arroyo (4-1).

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the Special Meeting of March 27, 2025 (5-0).
• Approved minutes of the Special Joint Meeting of March 28, 2025 (5-0).
• Approved minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 7, 2025 (5-0).
• Approved Consent Agenda No. 1 items 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 (5-0): Municipal Services Agreement with Habitat for Humanity, Sixth Amendment to Sarasota Sailing Squadron Lease, Third Amendment with NAPA Auto Parts ($300,000), Internet/Peer Networking Agreement ($49,392/year), and Consulting Engineering Services Agreement.
• Approved items removed from Consent No. 1: Nu Pass Lease (second amendment and restated lease, 5-0), FY2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (5-0), and Temporary Easements for Lido Beach Nourishment/New Pass Dredge (5-0).
• Approved Consent Agenda No. 2 item 1: Resolution 25R-3325 (Local Housing Assistance Plan, 5-0).
• Approved items removed from Consent No. 2: Resolution 25R-3327 (budget amendment of $966,937 for Performing Arts Center design costs, 5-0) and Ordinance 25-5564 (second reading to move utility fee collection authority, 5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jose Fernandez (city resident): Urged the Commission to prioritize the fund balance, noting a decrease from budgeted $28.7 million to $19.2 million due to hurricane recovery costs, and criticized deficit budgeting and headcount additions.
• Doug Ricciardi (city resident): Requested immediate repair of hurricane-damaged docks at the 10th Street Boat Ramp due to safety hazards from exposed screws; also advocated for baffle boxes to filter stormwater and opposed a restaurant at the boat ramp, suggesting food trucks or bait shop instead.
• John Koppel (city resident): Criticized the city for providing security for Dr. Anthony Fauci, alleging his involvement in COVID-19 research and calling for prosecution.
• Martin Hyde (city resident): On Nu Pass lease, argued the current lease is a "sweetheart deal" (3% rent) and offered to pay 6% rent plus a culinary training program; urged rejection of the lease extension. On credit card fees (Ordinance 25-5564), called it a "regressive tax" on the poorest residents. On city manager search, supported restarting and suggested appointing Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson as interim.
• Todd Wagner (city resident): Supported keeping the New Pass Grill at its current location, citing its affordability and importance to marine industry workers.
• Jared Faison (Longboat Key resident): Spoke in support of the New Pass Grill as a longtime family destination.
• Mike Burns (city resident): Supported the New Pass Grill as a community staple and emphasized the owners' contributions after hurricanes.
• John Mercer (city resident): Advised against settling for an unsatisfactory city manager candidate and suggested the best candidates may need to be invited directly.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Improvement District (DID) FY2023-2024 Annual Report: Ronnie Shugar, DID Chair, presented the report and requested authorization to revise the enabling ordinance (No. 08-4832) to align with state law and the strategic plan. Approved 5-0.
• City Manager Search Process: HR Director Stacie Mason presented a four-step plan for the search after the search firm (Benzinger) stepped back. The Commission debated restarting the process. Commissioner Battie proposed removing the search from HR and placing it under the City Auditor and Clerk and City Attorney, citing lack of transparency. Vice Mayor Trice and Mayor Alpert favored continuing with the current 44-candidate pool. After extensive discussion, a motion by Commissioner Ahearn-Koch to restart the process and direct charter officials to lead it passed 3-2 (Alpert and Trice dissenting). A special meeting on May 12, 2025, was scheduled to discuss candidate criteria, budget, timeline, and search firm options.
• Sarasota Station Project (Right-of-Way Vacation & Final Plat): Combined legislative and quasi-judicial hearings for a Live Local Act affordable housing project at 300 Audubon Place. The project includes 271 units: 202 multifamily affordable units (at least 109 at 120% AMI, 41 at 80% AMI) and 69 market-rate townhomes. The applicant sought vacation of an unimproved right-of-way (3,225 sq. ft.) and a utility easement (1,505 sq. ft.) to facilitate construction. Staff and applicant presentations noted no public benefit to the existing right-of-way (blocked at 6th Street, dead-end). The Vice Mayor raised a contingency for reversion if Phase 3 (townhomes) did not commence construction. After debate, the Commission approved Ordinance 25-5562 on first reading with added condition that right-of-way reverts if Phase 3 does not commence construction (5-0). Final Subdivision Plat 25-SUB-01 was also approved (5-0).
• The Sanctuary Subdivision (Final Plat): Quasi-judicial hearing for a 13-lot single-family subdivision at 4529 Old Bradenton Road (RSF-3 zone). The project preserves 20 grand trees and includes a pedestrian easement to Water Tower Park. The planning board recommended approval 3-2. Commissioners questioned stormwater and tree preservation details. Approved 5-0.
• Tuttle Avenue Rezone (Ordinance 25-5561): Quasi-judicial hearing to rezone a 21,930 sq. ft. vacant parcel from RMF-1 to RMF-2 to allow up to four single-family units instead of three. No public opposition. Approved 5-0.
• Reimbursement of Attorney Fees for Former Commissioner Arroyo: City Attorney Emeritus Fournier presented that former Commissioner Arroyo incurred $10,285 in legal fees defending three ethics complaints (dismissed March 12, 2025) related to a February 5, 2024 vote on a proposal to activate Ken Thompson Park. Fournier argued state law mandates reimbursement if the conduct was in official duties and served a public purpose. Vice Mayor Trice opposed, citing appearance of impropriety, but the motion passed 4-1 (Trice dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• City Manager Search: Motion to restart the process and direct charter officials to lead it passed 3-2 (Alpert, Trice dissenting). A special meeting is set for May 12, 2025.
• Sarasota Station (Ordinance 25-5562): Approved on first reading 5-0 with condition that right-of-way reverts to city if Phase 3 does not commence construction.
• Sarasota Station Final Plat (25-SUB-01): Approved 5-0.
• The Sanctuary Final Plat (24-SUB-01): Approved 5-0.
• Tuttle Avenue Rezone (Ordinance 25-5561): Approved on first reading 5-0.
• Reimbursement for Former Commissioner Arroyo: Approved $10,285 payment 4-1 (Trice dissenting).
• Commissioner requests: Items placed on future agendas include: feasibility of parking minimums, monthly art show for Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association, and lighting improvements at South Poinsettia Park. Also, discussion on Sarasota Housing Authority requests (street closure relief, comp plan amendment, and potential partnership on First Street property) and reinstating COLA for police department.
• Boat ramp repairs and baffle boxes: Staff to investigate and report.