Regular City Commission Meeting of August 18, 2025

The Sarasota City Commission held a regular meeting on August 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:38 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall report, Newtown CRA initiatives, capital improvement program, city manager search, and a proposal for a justice center on a city-owned parking lot. All votes were recorded with specific tallies.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 21, 2025, regular meeting were approved unanimously (5-0).
• Consent Agenda No. 1: Item VI.1 (painting and pressure washing contract) was pulled for discussion but later approved unanimously (5-0).
• Consent Agenda No. 2: Items VII.2 and VII.3 (budget amendments) were approved unanimously (5-0). Items VII.1, VII.4, and VII.5 were pulled for discussion and also approved unanimously (5-0 each).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizens' Input (Morning Session): Reginald Powell alleged mistreatment by city officials and police. Martin Hyde criticized the city's budget, claimed staff misrepresented financial facts, and warned of a state audit.
• Van Wezel Public Hearing: Speakers included:
  • Selma Golker-Wilson (PRC member): Questioned the report's process, noting the prologue was not voted on.
  • Brian Hirsch (Arts and Cultural Alliance): Emphasized the arts sector's $342 million annual economic impact.
  • Martin Hyde: Called the committee's conclusions predictable and argued for a public referendum on a new performing arts center.
  • Lori Muldowney (Historic Preservation): Urged submitting a National Register eligibility questionnaire.
  • Aaron DeFazio (Historic Preservation): Advocated for storm-hardening the Van Wezel and pursuing historic designation.
• City Manager Search: Martin Hyde urged selecting a manager who prioritizes commission policy direction over staff autonomy.
• Capital Improvement Program: Hyde criticized funding allocations, noting less than 1% of the $207 million plan was directed to Newtown.
• Citizens' Input (Afternoon Session): David Lowe suggested exploring revenue from the Federal Building and considering AI's impact on space needs.

Discussion Items

• Van Wezel Purple Ribbon Committee Report:

  • Presenters: Charles Cosier (Chair) and Jim Shirley (Facilitator) presented a 12-recommendation report. Key findings: floodproofing is needed, the building is obsolete for modern Broadway shows, and no reuse proposal met conditions. The committee unanimously recommended accelerating a new performing arts center.
  • Commission debate: Commissioner Ahearn-Koch noted inconsistencies (e.g., closure duration as 2, 3, or 4 months) and questioned the authority of the prologue. Chair Cosier and Shirley confirmed the report's recommendations were unanimously approved, though the prologue may not have been formally read and voted on. Commissioner Battie expressed skepticism about historic designation efforts, calling them a late attempt to circumvent the engineering report. Mayor Alpert and others praised the committee's work.
  • Outcomes: Two motions passed unanimously (5-0): (1) thank the committee and accept the report; (2) direct the interim city manager to review recommendations 1–10 and develop an action plan for commission consideration.

• Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA):

  • Presentation by Alex Chow (CRA Chair) and Rochelle Gallant (Business Relations Coordinator) on the new branding and communications plan. The Newtown Business Council's Mary Butler presented the "Newtown Thriving Community Action Plan" with five pillars (health, arts, business, youth, safety). Commissioner Battie highlighted a corridor redevelopment project using air rights for affordable housing.
  • Outcome: The commission unanimously accepted the CRA advisory board report.

• Capital Improvement Program (CIP):

  • Presentation by Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat: The 5-year plan (FY2026-2030) totals $207 million, with $42 million requested for FY2025-2026. The plan includes a new project for Hurricane Helene/Milton repairs.
  • Discussion: Commissioners questioned funding sources, dollar amounts, and project prioritization. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch suggested reallocating funds from undecided projects (e.g., Bobby Jones clubhouse, Performing Arts Center) to urgent needs. Commissioner Ohlrich asked about the balance between needs and potential grant funding. Vice Mayor Trice inquired about Fruitville Road funding. Commissioner Battie noted Newtown's low allocation. No action was taken; the CIP will be considered at the September budget hearing.

• City Manager Search Update:

  • City Auditor and Clerk Griggs reported that all three selected firms submitted proposals on August 15. Staff will provide the proposals to commissioners. A special meeting on August 26 or 28, 2025, is proposed to discuss and potentially select a firm. No action taken.

• October 20, 2025 Meeting Start Time:

  • Commissioner Ahearn-Koch requested a 1:00 PM start to avoid conflict with an MPO board meeting. The commission agreed to a limited agenda and a dinner break if needed. A motion to start at 1:00 PM passed unanimously.

• Ringling Surface Lot Justice Center Proposal:

  • Deputy City Manager Robinson explained that the county inquired about using the city-owned surface lot at 2050 Ringling Boulevard (old police department site) for a criminal justice center. The city currently generates revenue from the lot. Commissioners expressed mixed views: Vice Mayor Trice opposed selling the land, Mayor Alpert and Commissioner Ohlrich favored engaging in discussions, and Commissioner Ahearn-Koch wanted more information on revenue and long-term needs. A motion to direct staff to enter discussions with the county passed 4-0 (Commissioner Battie was absent during the vote).

• Remarks of Commissioners:

  • Commissioner Ohlrich recommended the city manager develop an AI policy. Interim City Manager Bullock noted the IT department is already investigating AI use and security.
  • Commissioner Ahearn-Koch reported on the Florida League of Cities conference, including property tax advocacy, a potential statewide tree ordinance template, and legislative concerns.
  • Vice Mayor Trice shared FLC takeaways: "Take Two Tuesdays" videos, Altamonte Springs autonomous vehicles, and micro-mobility options for seniors and disabled.
  • Mayor Alpert also attended the FLC conference.
  • Interim City Manager Bullock publicly thanked Doug Jeffcoat for his service (retiring).
  • Deputy City Manager Robinson clarified the Federal Building is fully occupied and not available for lease.
  • City Attorney Polzak announced a request for a shade meeting in the case of Adrian Langford v. City of Sarasota and a settlement offer of $160,000 in Denisha Stanley v. City of Sarasota (not recommended for settlement).

Key Outcomes

• Van Wezel Report: Accepted report (5-0); directed city manager to develop action plan (5-0).
• Newtown CRA Report: Accepted (5-0).
• Consent Items: All unanimous (5-0).
• October Meeting Start Time: Approved 1:00 PM start (5-0).
• Ringling Lot Discussion: Directed staff to engage with county (4-0; Commissioner Battie absent).
• No decisions on CIP, City Manager Search, or AI policy.