Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting – October 6, 2025

The Sarasota City Commission met on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM in City Hall. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, approval of minutes, board updates, consent agenda items, unfinished business (vacation rentals ordinance, School Avenue Greenway discussion, city manager search update), a legislative public hearing on a comprehensive plan amendment, and a discussion on traffic calming speed limits. The meeting adjourned at 12:53 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved en bloc (unanimous 5-0) the following items from Consent Agenda No.1: VI.3 (Palm Avenue Garage Rehabilitation – Phase II, $460,771.00), VI.4 (First Amendment to Passport Labs for parking enforcement solutions), VI.5 (Well and Pump Maintenance contract with A.C. Schultes, estimated $500,000/year), and VI.7 (Second Extension of Windemuller Technical Services for electrical maintenance, $50,000/year).
• Approved Consent Agenda No.2 items (VII.1 and VII.2) after removal for express vote: second reading of Ordinance No. 25-5575 (historic designation for 1874 Wisteria Street) and Ordinance No. 25-5578 (FY 2025-2026 Table of Organization). Both passed 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Citizens’ Input (9:16 AM): Four speakers addressed the Commission.
  • David Rayner (city resident) supported ongoing efforts to address boat anchoring and jet ski problems at Ted Sperling Park; cited 121 police incident reports in 2023 and 200 petition signatures.
  • Celine O’Connor (resident near Ted Sperling Park) urged continued collaboration with the county on waterway amendments and requested expansion of the Sarasota Police Department interlocal agreement to cover all waterfront infringements; also asked for underground power lines on barrier island.
  • John Simon (resident, 1350 Main) complained about cumulative noise from special events (e.g., Fresh Fridays, live music festival, Halloween concert) and urged the Commission to consider the cumulative effect when approving events.
  • Harmony Cruising (business owner, Lotus Boutique) opposed the downtown streetscape plan due to loss of over 100 parking spaces, stating it would harm small businesses and local clientele.
• During School Avenue Greenway discussion (IX.2): Three residents spoke against the project.
  • Rob Grant (Arlington Park) presented survey results showing 75% of 44 respondents opposed the multi-use trail; questioned the project’s priority over other needs like sidewalk gaps and circus trail extension.
  • Flo Entler (President, Arlington Park Neighborhood Association) stated the neighborhood unanimously opposes the trail due to flooding, drainage, and safety concerns; noted the alternative design is not ADA-compliant and expensive.
  • Alex Gurley (resident along drainage easement) expressed privacy and safety concerns for his family; said construction plans are on hold pending the Commission’s decision.
• During Traffic Calming Plan discussion (XII.1): Two speakers.
  • Kelly Brown (President, CCNA) supported reducing speed limits to 20 mph on local roads, citing neighborhood safety priorities from CCNA summits.
  • David Lough (resident) asked about FDOT’s responsibility for speed limits on US 41 near Bay Park and suggested discussing lower speed limits with FDOT.

Discussion Items

• Board of Adjustment Annual Update (V.1): Lucia Panica (Development Services Director) and Lawrence Cherry (BOA Chair) presented the first annual report. The board approved three variance requests in the past year. Commissioners asked about zoning text amendments and site visits; staff noted no recurring issues needing code changes.
• Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Appointment (CRA.2): Wayne Appleby (Economic Development Manager) presented two applicants for the Newtown CRA Advisory Board. The Commission unanimously appointed Danny Preston (immediate vacancy) and deferred the second applicant, noting a future vacancy in December.
• Federal Lobbying Services Contract (VI.1, pulled): Jennifer Jorgensen (Governmental Affairs Director) presented the contract with The Color Nine Group for $54,000/year ($162,000 total over three years). The firm has helped secure $51.7 million in federal funding. Commissioner Ohlrich noted an $11,000 increase over the previous contract. Approved 5-0.
• Comcast Wi-Fi Infrastructure for Bay Park (VI.2, pulled): IT Director Herminio Rodriguez and Public Works Director Nick Patel discussed concerns about defunct utility poles. Comcast representative Tom Colbey committed to addressing the issue. Interim City Manager Bullock recommended approval. Approved 5-0.
• Water Meter Replacement Purchase Order (VI.6, pulled): Utilities Director Vern Hall and staff explained the piggyback contract on City of Zephyrhills’ agreement. Commissioner Ohlrich questioned the use of a purchase order. Approved 5-0.
• Vacation Rentals Ordinance Second Reading (IX.1): Code Compliance Manager Diane Kennedy and Vacation Rental Compliance Supervisor Hannah Chabica presented. Staff confirmed they are on track to report back by December 2025 on expanding the ordinance to other zone districts. Ordinance No. 25-5560 adopted unanimously.
• School Avenue Greenway Feasibility (IX.2): Chief Transportation Planner Alvimarie Corales and Senior Planner Corinne Arriaga presented options for reallocating multimodal transportation impact fees (approximately $1.09 million) from the School Avenue Greenway project. After public opposition and discussion, Commissioner Ahearn-Koch’s motion to reallocate to Newtown sidewalks died for lack of a second. Commissioner Ohlrich moved to reallocate funds to the Expansion of the City Multimodal Trail Network (bucket for circus trail extension and North Sarasota Legacy Trail connector). The motion passed 5-0.
• City Manager Search Update (IX.3): City Auditor and Clerk Griggs reported that one-on-one interviews with the search firm are scheduled for October 13, 2025; advertisement of the position will follow. No action taken.
• Legislative Public Hearing – Comprehensive Plan Amendment (X.1): Ordinance No. 25-5577 amends Action Strategy 4.15 to clarify that the zoning code, not the Downtown Master Plan, contains the official Primary Grid Streets map. David Smith (Long-Range Planning Manager) presented; no public speakers. Approved 5-0 on first reading.
• Traffic Calming Plan Speed Limit (XII.1): Staff presented results of a citywide speed study and recommended reducing speed limits on local roads to 20 mph by 2055, with immediate signage changes for roads already meeting the 85th percentile speed. Commissioner Ohlrich motioned to direct staff to move forward on reducing speed limits to 20 mph on local streets by 2055. The motion passed 5-0. Commissioner Battie also indicated he would ask the Florida League of Cities to advocate for speed cameras.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (all 5-0): Consent Agenda items (see above), Ordinance Nos. 25-5575, 25-5578, 25-5560, 25-5577, and the first reading of the comprehensive plan amendment.
• Reallocated $1.09 million from School Avenue Greenway to the Expansion of the City Multimodal Trail Network (5-0).
• Directed staff to reduce speed limits on local streets to 20 mph by 2055, with immediate implementation where feasible (5-0).
• Appointed Danny Preston to the Newtown CRA Advisory Board (unanimous).
• No action on City Manager search update; next steps: interviews on October 13, 2025.
• Directives from Commissioner Ahearn-Koch: (1) ensure 15 mph speed limit signs are not removed without verification of enforceability; (2) follow up on FDOT signage at 10th Street/US 41 roundabout and pedestrian crossing signals. Deputy City Manager Robinson will provide updates.
• Reminders: City Commission workshop on October 14, 2025 (10:00 AM) for Roberts Rules of Order training; interviews with City Manager search firm on October 13, 2025.