Regular Sarasota City Commission Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Sarasota City Commission met on January 20, 2026, at 9:01 AM, adjourning at 11:35 AM. The meeting covered a proclamation, consent agendas, a quasi-judicial public hearing, a discussion on comprehensive plan updates, and citizen input. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of December 1, 2025 – Approved (5-0).
• Consent Agenda No. 1 Items 1-3 – Approved (5-0):
  • Annual Investment Performance Review for FY 2025.
  • Master agreements for park and playground equipment (nine vendors).
  • Sanitary sewer main line lining & rehabilitation (two contractors; estimated annual amount $1,000,000).
• Item Removed from Consent No. 1 (VI-4) – After discussion, approved unanimously (5-0):
  • Authorizing a purchase order of $1,461,421 with F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Assoc. for lateral lining using a Sourcewell contract. Utilities staff presented the cured-in-place pipe lining process, explaining cost savings and reduced disruption.
• Consent Agenda No. 2 (VII-1) – Adoption of Resolution No. 26R-3373, opposing offshore oil and gas drilling in the eastern Gulf of America. Approved unanimously (5-0) after brief presentation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizens’ Input (III) – Two speakers:
  • Jim Lampl (city resident) read the First Amendment and the city’s Pledge of Public Conduct, asking for clarification on “personal attacks” and urging the Commission to foster open debate.
  • Andrea Ronchini (business owner, Donathan Bigel Cafe) reported a 50–60% loss of business due to construction on North Tamiami Trail, stating the family may have to close and lose immigration status. The Interim City Manager noted signs have been posted and a meeting was scheduled.
• Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing (XI.1) – Citizens spoke in support of the Boys & Girls Club project:
  • Bill Sadlow (CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties) described the facility’s impact, including a larger kitchen for culinary training and a food pantry, and noted zero summer slide for club members.
  • Carolyn Mason (Newtown resident, housing authority board member) expressed strong community support, citing the club’s positive history.
  • William Russell (housing authority) highlighted the long partnership and the redevelopment of the entire campus.
• Later Citizens’ Input (XIII) – Martin Hyde (former resident) commented on the Commission’s handling of First Amendment rights, urging respect for speakers and against premature gaveling.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation (I.1) – Recognized January 20, 2026 as “Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Suncoast (JFCS) 40th Anniversary Day.” Presented to Dr. Helene Lotman and Dr. Stacy Barrera.
• Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing (XI.1) – Ordinance No. 26-5589 to rezone ±4.49 acres at 1790 21st Street from RMF-2 to Governmental (G), approve site plan (25-SP-02) for a new 21,760 sq. ft. multi-purpose building, covered play area, and athletic field, and affirm conditional use (25-CU-01) for community service uses. Applicant Joel Freedman (Boys & Girls Club) outlined the project: the existing 21,197 sq. ft. building will be demolished after new construction; the club will remain operational during construction. Staff planner Camden Jenkins confirmed compliance with all standards, noting 110 trees on site (36 removed, 1 grand tree removed due to poor health) and a community workshop with two attendees. Commission questions addressed site circulation, sidewalk improvements, and stormwater. The Planning Board’s condition (demolition only after TCO/CO) was incorporated.
• New Business (XII.1) – Discussion of updates to various chapters of the Sarasota City Plan (Comprehensive Plan). Manager of Long-Range Planning David Smith presented a multi-year schedule: transportation chapter and population projections (2026), historic preservation, governmental coordination, recreation/open space (late 2026), utilities, housing, environment, coastal, schools, capital improvements, future land use, and neighborhood chapter (2027–2028). Staff will hold open houses and work with advisory boards. Commissioners expressed support for public involvement.
• Commissioner Remarks (XIV) –
  • Commissioner Ahearn-Koch proposed a future agenda item to study tiny homes, container homes, and small homes for affordability. Consensus to have staff prepare a presentation.
  • Ahearn-Koch also raised parking concerns in Burns Court; Interim City Manager Bullock reported ongoing twice-daily vacancy counts, contact with two property owners, and a draft parking agreement under review.
  • Vice Mayor Ohlrich requested confirmation of the evaluation form for next year (to be addressed later).
  • Mayor Trice announced candidate forums by the League of Cities and thanked organizers of MLK events and a public art dedication.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously (5-0):
  • Minutes of Dec 1, 2025.
  • Consent Agenda No. 1 Items 1-3.
  • Item VI-4 (lateral lining purchase order, $1,461,421).
  • Resolution No. 26R-3373 (opposing offshore drilling).
  • Reappointment of Joseph “Jody” Hudgins to the Police Officers’ Pension Fund Board.
  • Ordinance No. 26-5589 on first reading, Site Plan 25-SP-02, and Rezone 25-RE-02, with the condition that existing building removal follows issuance of TCO/CO.
  • Affirmation of Planning Board approval of Major Conditional Use 25-CU-01.
  • Direction to staff to begin preparing updates to the Comprehensive Plan chapters.
• Future action: Staff will present on tiny/container homes; continue Burns Court parking analysis; provide stormwater system update (Feb. 17, 2026, with county participation).