Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting – May 18, 2026

The City Commission met on May 18, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing through the afternoon. The agenda included proclamations, a scheduled presentation, public input, approval of minutes, consent agendas, discussion items on parking, the Bay Park, and the Downtown Master Plan update, legislative and quasi-judicial public hearings, new business, and commissioner remarks. Key decisions included adoption of a revised paid parking ordinance with a Sunday exemption, suspension of activity on the Downtown Master Plan procurement pending the new city manager’s review, approval of a lease with the Sarasota Outboard Club, and creation of a natural disaster collection reserve funded by a uniform surcharge.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the proposed agenda schedule (unanimous).
• Approved the minutes of the April 20, 2026 regular meeting (unanimous).
• Approved the minutes of the Special CRA Meeting of April 6, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved the CRA Financial Statements and Independent Auditors’ Report for fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 (unanimous).
• Approved Consent Agenda No. 1 items not pulled: Termination of Easement, Bayfront Mooring Field FY2026-27 budget ($157,037.66), Federal Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan, HOME-ARP Developer Agreement, Deed of Easement for FPL underground transmission, and Local Agency Program Agreement for U.S. 41 resurfacing (unanimous).
• Approved Consent Agenda No. 2 items not pulled: various budget resolutions, LAP agreements for U.S. 41 and Beneva Road projects, and second readings of zoning ordinance (26-5995) and parking ordinance (with amendment, see below) (unanimous except 4-1 on parking hours).
• Approved the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Required Auditor Communication Letter for FY2025 (unanimous).
• Approved the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Expenditure Budget for the Bayfront Mooring Field (unanimous).
• Approved the five-year Consolidated Plan and Year 1 Annual Action Plan for housing and community development (unanimous).
• Approved authorization for the Mayor or City Manager to execute documents for property acquisition and a HOME-ARP Developer Agreement with Community Assisted and Supported Living, Inc. (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Benjamin Nelson (city resident, 54 years on 7th Street): reported a dangerous, damaged sidewalk and an unrepaired water leak on Bailey; requested action. Staff later confirmed vegetation overgrowth is FDOT responsibility and sidewalk repairs will be addressed in coming weeks; the water leak is on county land.
• Martin Hyde (non‑resident): criticized the meeting being held during work hours, new rules restricting free speech, and staff deferral of policy to unelected staff; urged commissioners to listen to citizens.
• David Rayner (former city resident, Lido Key Residents Association): urged the city to purchase Ted Sperling Park from the county, citing hundreds of police complaints and public safety issues.
• Stephanie Salaskar (west of Trail Hudson Bayou, parent of South Side students): expressed shock that a neighbor’s accessory structure was approved with only a 5-foot setback (instead of 15 feet) and that mature trees were removed; requested the commission review setback codes for detached accessory units.
• Kim Og (Gillespie Park resident, president of Original Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association): opposed a proposed mural on the police substation, stating the location was imposed without sufficient input from the 3,000 residents; requested revocation and a new process with written notice to all residents.
• Tess Craig (business owner, Artful Giraffe): provided an update on plans to create a bungalow village at Fruitville and Tuttle by moving historic circus-worker buildings, preserving heritage and supporting local businesses.
• John Simon (resident): expressed support for a sound ordinance but questioned the need for a $250,000 acoustic study; suggested a plainly audible standard and anti-revving rules that do not require a consultant.
• Downtown church representatives (pastors and members of First Baptist, Church of the Redeemer, First United Methodist, and the Sarasota Ministerial Association) spoke in opposition to expanding paid parking to Sundays. They requested free parking at least until 1:00 PM to accommodate worship services and argued that churches are essential downtown anchors that contribute to the community and economy.
• Additional speakers on parking: residents, business owners, and a retired law enforcement officer echoed concerns about senior accessibility, technology barriers, and the negative economic impact on downtown business.
• Marty Hilton (President, Architecture Sarasota): recommended the commission not award the Downtown Master Plan contract to the sole remaining consultant, and that a new procurement process should be initiated with greater transparency and public engagement.
• Heather Caston (President/CEO, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce): urged a “reset” of the procurement process to attract the best planning minds, citing lack of public confidence and competitiveness.
• Kelly Brown (Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations): recommended pausing the current process due to concerns about competitiveness and transparency; supported letting the new city manager lead a fresh start.
• Aaron DeFazio (member of the Downtown Master Plan Ad-Hoc Committee): described the process as “checking the box” and disingenuous, with the committee largely excluded from meaningful participation; supported pausing and restarting after the new city manager starts.
• Christine Robinson (Argus Foundation): stated the process had strayed from the commission’s clear direction and that the decision to have only one committee member on the evaluation committee violated the resolution; urged a reset.
• Jen Stuttler (member of the Downtown Master Plan Ad-Hoc Committee): countered that the committee worked hard and was given many opportunities; urged that the work not be discarded and that the consultant be given a chance.
• Public comments on public art (during Citizens’ Input second session):
  • Kelly Brown (resident, Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association): defended the mural process, stating the neighborhood had been notified through multiple channels (meetings, emails, flyers) and that only one household had objected, which led to adjustments.
  • Darren Parks (downtown resident and business owner): requested a pause on the four murals approved for the Gillespie Park police substation, saying he had asked staff to notify him but never received a response; urged a holistic approach including landscape and architectural improvements rather than bold murals.

Discussion Items

• Parking Ordinance Expansion (Item 7.6) – General Manager of Parking Broxton Harvey presented a proposal to increase paid parking hours to 7:00 AM–8:00 PM Monday–Saturday and 7:00 AM–8:00 PM Sunday, with a goal of generating additional revenue for the parking enterprise fund. After extensive public comment and commissioner questions, an amendment was offered to keep Sunday parking free from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The amendment passed 4-1 (Commissioner Battie dissented). The ordinance was then adopted on second reading with that amendment.
• Bay Park Phase 3A & 3B Update (Item 9.1) – A.G. Lafley (CEO) and Diana Shanin (COO) of Bay Park Conservancy presented updates on phases 3A and 3B, including a proposed parking garage design. Key points: over 1.15 million visitors since opening; the park has received multiple awards; a new restaurant (under 5,000 sq. ft., one story, elevated) and the “Plaza” naming for Town Square; a proposed parking garage (700–750 spaces) on 1–1.5 acres replacing 8.4 acres of surface lots. The presentation was received with thanks (unanimous).
• Downtown Master Plan Update – Ad-Hoc Committee and Procurement (Items 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) – Planning Director Steve Cover and Procurement Official Renee Hayes provided a detailed history of the Ad-Hoc Committee and the two solicitations for a planning consultant. The committee was originally set at 9 members but expanded to 13; the resolution called for “members” on the evaluation committee, but only one committee member (plus staff) served. The procurement process resulted in only three proposals, two withdrew, leaving one (MKSK, Inc.). After public comment and commissioner discussion, a motion was made to suspend activity on the Downtown Master Plan and its procurement until the new city manager puts it on the commission agenda. The motion, amended to include “or the city commission,” passed unanimously. No action was taken on the contract itself.
• Second Reading – Day Dock Time Limits (Item 9.5) – Broxton Harvey presented a revised ordinance (26-5591) that removed a proposed $2/hour fee due to federal funding restrictions, keeping a 5-hour maximum time limit. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
• Legislative Public Hearing – Solid Waste Surcharge (Item 10.1) – Public Works Director Patel presented an ordinance (26-5596) to add a $3.63/month flat surcharge per account to fund a Natural Disaster Collection Reserve Account, aiming to accumulate $5 million over seven years. Commissioner Alpert raised concern about the regressive nature of a flat fee affecting low-income residents equally with wealthier ones. After discussion, the ordinance was adopted 4-1 (Vice Mayor Ohlrich dissented).
• Sarasota Outboard Club Lease (Item 12.1) – Julie Ryan (Economic Development) and Commodore Nate Yoder presented a request for a 25-year lease renewal. The club has occupied the site since 1990, plans $450,000 in improvements (water/sewer, docks, roof), and pays rent via a 50% higher membership fee for non‑city residents plus 20% of event revenue. The lease was approved unanimously.
• Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (Item 12.2) – Floodplain Specialist Nick Baltimore presented the draft RLAA, required by FEMA after the number of repetitive loss properties rose from 48 to 166 following the 2024 hurricanes. The study identifies 27 repetitive loss areas, with storm surge as the primary cause (over 80% of properties). Recommendations include expanded flood insurance promotion, property protection information, floodproofing support, and capital improvements. Public input is solicited until June 12. The presentation was received unanimously, with direction to incorporate commission and public feedback.

Key Outcomes

• Approved parking ordinance 26-5590 with amendment making Sunday parking free from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM (4-1).
• Suspended all activity for the Downtown Master Plan update, including procurement, until the new city manager (or the commission) places it on a future agenda (unanimous). No action on the pending contract.
• Adopted day dock ordinance 26-5591 (unanimous).
• Adopted solid waste surcharge ordinance 26-5596 (4-1).
• Approved 25‑year lease with Sarasota Outboard Club (unanimous).
• Received and directed staff to incorporate feedback into the final Repetitive Loss Area Analysis.
• Approved consent agenda items as listed above.
• City Attorney Polzak confirmed he will bring back an enacting ordinance for a parks district to the July 6 meeting, following majority consensus.
• Deputy City Attorney John Shamsy received consensus to use an expedited legislative process for a zoning text amendment defining “recovery residences” to comply with state law.
• Commissioner Ahearn-Koch requested updates on sound ordinance, Ted Sperling Park, setbacks, and car revving; City Attorney Polzak confirmed the acoustic study will proceed with a report in September.
• Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen provided updates on sidewalk repair for Mr. Nelson (to be addressed in coming weeks) and the water leak (county property).