Special City Commission Meeting - February 27, 2026: City Manager Selection and Interim Appointment
Special City Commission Meeting – February 27, 2026
This special meeting of the Sarasota City Commission focused on selecting a permanent city manager, approving an interim city manager agreement, and addressing the impact of the federal government shutdown on FEMA reimbursements for park projects. The meeting began at 1:00 PM and adjourned at 2:02 PM.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Peter Blanton (Sarasota resident) spoke in favor of finalist Chris Rodriguez, citing his prior residence in Sarasota, experience in diverse communities, and ability to work with the business community. He did not express opposition to other candidates.
- Christine Robinson (on behalf of the Argus Foundation) commended the commission for the search process and offered general considerations for the new city manager: urban experience, transparency, strength against bullying, culture shift, integrity, and a balance of vision and fiscal responsibility. She did not give a specific recommendation.
Discussion Items
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City Manager Search Selection (Agenda Item II-1) – The Commission reviewed the five finalists. Each commissioner advocated for their preferred candidates:
- Commissioner Alpert: Kari Friling (top pick).
- Vice Mayor Ohlrich: Kari Friling.
- Mayor Trice: Troy Anderson and Kari Friling.
- Commissioner Ahearn-Koch: Kari Friling, Troy Anderson, and Chris Rodriguez.
- Commissioner Battie: Kari Friling, Troy Anderson, and Chris Rodriguez. After discussion, Vice Mayor Ohlrich moved to make a conditional offer to Kari Friling and begin contract negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alpert and passed unanimously (5-0). A subsequent motion by Commissioner Battie, seconded by Commissioner Alpert, directed the City Attorney to negotiate the employment agreement with Ms. Friling and return for final approval; this also passed 5-0.
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Interim City Manager Agreement (Agenda Item II-2) – The Commission approved an employment agreement with Jennifer Jorgensen (current Director of Governmental Affairs) to serve as Interim City Manager, effective March 6, 2026, at 5:01 PM. The agreement remains in effect until the permanent city manager assumes the role. The motion by Commissioner Alpert, seconded by Vice Mayor Ohlrich, passed 5-0.
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Other Matters – FEMA Reimbursement Pause (Agenda Item III) – Interim City Manager David Bullock reported that the partial federal government shutdown (specifically the Department of Homeland Security not being funded) has halted FEMA reimbursement processes. Staff paused construction at several parks to avoid jeopardizing future reimbursement. Affected parks include Bayfront Park, Sabrita Pier, Bird Key Park, Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, Indian Beach Park, Whitaker Park, and El Reswern Park. The total aggregate reimbursement risk is approximately $8 million. The Commission was informed that they could choose to proceed with construction at any time, accepting the risk of losing reimbursement. Staff will provide monthly updates. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch briefly explored using TIF funds for Whitaker Park but abandoned the idea upon learning the cost ($1.62 million). Commissioners expressed concerns about demobilization/remobilization costs and contractor availability.
Key Outcomes
- Conditional offer to Kari Friling for permanent City Manager position, with contract negotiations authorized (5-0 vote).
- Approval of Interim City Manager Agreement for Jennifer Jorgensen, effective March 6, 2026, at 5:01 PM (5-0 vote).
- Staff directed to pause FEMA-related park construction and provide monthly updates on the shutdown situation; the Commission retains the option to override the pause.
- No action taken on the agenda item for retaining an acoustic consultant (Item III.1); it was not discussed during the meeting.
Meeting Transcript
Hey, Warren, can you hear me? Okay, great. Perfect. Just wanted to verify our connection. Perfect. Good afternoon. I want to welcome you all to the uh February 27th, 2026 special city commission meeting, and I will turn to our city auditor and clerk to read the invocation. Um those who can stand, please stand. Heavenly Father, we affirm our faith in thee. We seek your divine strength, wisdom, and guidance in the deliberations that affect the lives of each of the citizens of our community. In that name we pray. Amen. Vice Mayor, would you lead the pledge? Yes. I blog you. And to republic relations with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Is Ms. Griggs, are there any changes to the order of the day? Yes, Mayor, thank you. Please add agenda item number two point two approval rate. Authorize a mayor and city auditor clerk to execute the agreement between the City of Sarasota and Jennifer Jorgerson for the interim city manager position beginning on March 6, 2026. Per the request of City Attorney Polzette. Thank you. May I have a motion to accept the uh agenda? So move. Second. Uh moved by the Vice Mayor, seconded by Commissioner Batti. May we have your votes, please. Passed unanimously. Thank you very much. Um first agenda item is the discussion regarding the city manager search selection and a conditional offer and contract negotiations. And I see in my notes that we are going to have a discussion on the process first. Well, I think first mayor we skip one, which is citizens input. Okay, thank you. And if that's the case, may I call upon the city auditor and clerk to read the uh pledge of con public conduct. Thank you. We may disagree, but we will be respectful to one another. We will direct all comments to issues. We will not engage in personal attacks. Thank you. Thank you. And we have two uh citizens signed up to speak, Peter Blandon and Christine Robinson. So if you want to come on up, Mr. Belanton. Okay, thank you. Peter Blanton, Sarasota City resident, not paid by anyone ever. Recently. So against federal judgment, I'm speaking here. Uh in public.
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