OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Venice City Council Regular Meeting Summary - May 27, 2025

City Council & Boards — Tuesday, May 27, 2025
BodyVenice, Florida
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateTuesday, May 27, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:50:04

Transcript — Verbatim
1:16

Right on here.

1:25

Okay.

1:30

Let's call this meeting to order.

1:32

Madam Clerk, if you could do a roll call, please.

1:34

Mr.

1:35

Engelkey.

1:36

Here.

1:36

Mrs.

1:37

Frank.

1:37

Here.

1:38

Mr.

1:38

Howard.

1:39

Here.

1:39

Mr.

1:39

Smith.

1:40

Here.

1:40

Mr.

1:41

Weed.

1:41

Here.

1:42

Vice Mayor Bolt.

1:43

Here.

1:43

Mayor Pichota.

1:45

Here.

1:45

And we'll stand for the invocation.

1:47

And today's pledge will be led by Mr.

1:48

Weed, our newest council member.

1:51

Heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve the residents of Venice to promote the well-being of our community.

2:04

In your holy name we pray.

2:06

Amen.

2:27

All righty.

2:29

We will start with recognitions two five-zero two one six.

2:32

If Mr.

2:33

Weed, Clerk Michaels, and Mr.

2:35

Weed's family could join me up front.

3:26

Do solemnly swear.

3:48

Under the Constitution of the State.

3:50

And that I will well and faithfully.

3:53

And that I will well and faithfully perform the duties.

5:01

I am very honored and humbled by this position, and I will do my very best to serve the entire Venice community in the best way possible.

5:09

Thank you.

5:16

Okay, if I can get Mr.

5:18

Lavalli, Eric Hill, Stephen Short and family, City of Venice.

6:10

I am Stephen Short full-time on May 26, 2015.

6:14

Officer Stephen Short worked for public works, Parks Division, until he transferred to the Venice Police Department as a service state until July 10, 2018.

6:25

Officer Short attended the Officer Short attended the Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy from July 11, 2018 till January 6, 2019.

6:40

Upon his completion, Officer Short joined the ranks as a Venice police officer, beginning his career as a police officer.

6:48

From April 15, 2019 to August 7, 2022, Officer Short work patrol, working both day and night shifts.

6:57

On August 8, 2022, Officer Short assumed the rank of traffic officer.

7:02

Officer Short continued to excel in his role as traffic officer, earning titles as traffic homicide investigator, traffic crash scene reconstructor.

7:12

Additionally, Officer Short assumed the role as one of Venice Police Department's field training officers assisting in the vital role of training future Venice police officers.

7:22

Officer Short has received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career, including life safety medals, unit citations, and most recently being the recipient of the Sarasota Chapter Sons of the American Revolution nomination, law enforcement commendation medal.

7:38

Officer Short's most recent commendation cited his commitment to excellence and accomplishing tasks beyond the scenes, ensuring that the department runs smoothly and efficiently.

7:49

Officer Short is a valued member of the Venice Police Department, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to providing exceptional service.

7:58

That's the script.

8:00

But beyond that, Officer Short's are experience here from one end of the police department to the other working uh day and night.

8:10

And I think one of the one of the most valued recognitions is being selected to be a field training officer.

8:16

He is setting the standard, the behavior characteristics, and the morality for everyone who joins the police department as they assume their respective roles in the police department.

8:28

It's uh it's a it's a point of significant recognition that the department recognizes his broad broad experience and the way that he has conducted his affairs and all the commendations and recognition he's received from various other organizations as a testimony to that.

8:44

So, Officer Short, congratulations on ten years of noteworthy service.

8:48

You certainly deserve all the recognition you received today.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Planning And Zoning███████████████████████23%
Public Engagement████████████████16%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████████15%
Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Affordable Housing████4%
Community Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Venice City Council Regular Meeting Summary - May 27, 2025

The Venice City Council met on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial swearing-in of new Council Member Lloyd Weed, recognition of a police officer's 10-year service award, a consent agenda, two public hearings on a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning that were ultimately denied/withdrawn, approval of budget-related ordinances, discussion of the city's budget growth cap, and a directive for an update on Curry Creek maintenance.

Recognition

  • Ceremonial Swearing In: Council Member Lloyd Weed was sworn into office, joined by his family. He expressed honor and commitment to serve the Venice community.
  • 10-Year Service Award: Officer Steven Short of the Venice Police Department was recognized for ten years of service. Details of his career achievements, including becoming a traffic officer, field training officer, and recipient of multiple commendations, were read into the record.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Melinda Short and John Halleck, co-founders of the Roberts Bay Revitalization Program (now merged into Sarasota Bay Watch), spoke in support of debris removal projects. They highlighted their organization's removal of 16,148 pounds of trash from Sarasota Bay since January 2025 and requested inclusion in the debris removal efforts for Tarpon Lagoon. They also expressed support for consent agenda item 25-0220 (Hurricane Milton Channel Debris Removal Grant).

Consent Calendar

  • All consent items were approved unanimously without discussion. Items included:
    • Minutes of the May 13, 2025 regular meeting.
    • Confirmation of Council Member Lloyd Weed as liaison to the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership Program Policy Committee and the United Way of South Sarasota County's Long Term Recovery Group.
    • Authorization for the Mayor to execute a $360,525 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service grant (federal share 100%, local share $0) for Hurricane Milton channel debris removal in portions of Hatchett Creek and Curry Creek.

Public Hearings – Ordinances First Reading

Ordinance 2025-16 (Future Land Use Map Amendment): Proposed to change 10.73 acres at the northeast corner of Auburn and Border Road from Low Density Residential (LDR, max 5 units/acre) to Moderate Density Residential (MODR, 5.1–9 units/acre) to allow a 70-unit single-family attached (townhome) project called Fox Cove. The Planning Commission had recommended denial (7-0).

  • Staff Presentation: Brittany Smith presented the staff analysis, noting compatibility with adjacent uses, consistency with comprehensive plan strategies, and that transportation analysis was approved.
  • Applicant Presentation: Josh Law (Morris Engineering) presented the project, emphasizing the proffered density cap at 70 units (6.52 units/acre), enhanced buffering (Type 3 buffer along west and south), a sound wall along I-75, preservation of a one-acre wetland, and that the townhomes would be built-to-own (not rental), aimed at workforce housing (120–140% AMI). The applicant argued compatibility with nearby communities and noted the absence of new for-sale townhomes in the city.
  • Public Testimony: Steve Carr (Central Venice Coalition) opposed the change, citing incompatible density jumps compared to surrounding developments (e.g., Cassada Oaks at 1.5 units/acre, Waterford at 3.67 units/acre) and noting the applicant's claim of infill development was invalid because the parcel exceeds half an acre. Nancy DeForge also opposed, urging support for the Planning Commission's denial.
  • Council Discussion: All council members expressed opposition, citing incompatibility with the surrounding low-density residential character, excessive intensity (70 units on 10.73 acres vs. 60 units on larger parcels for Cassada Oaks), and the need to respect the Planning Commission's unanimous vote. The motion to deny passed unanimously (7-0).

Ordinance 2025-17 (Rezoning): Following the denial of the land use amendment, the applicant requested to withdraw this ordinance (rezoning to RMF-2). The council accepted the withdrawal.

New Business – Ordinances

Ordinance 2025-21 (Budget Amendment): Amended the FY2025 budget by increasing revenues and expenditures by $417,890 (to cover items such as a damaged pickup truck, school resource officer position, and other adjustments). Passed unanimously on first reading, scheduled for final reading.

Ordinance 2025-22 (Elections Code Amendments): Amended Chapter 22 of the City Code to update election procedures, including qualifying for office, ballot preparation, polling places, canvassing board, and special elections. Passed unanimously on first reading, scheduled for final reading.

New Business – Presentation and Action (Budget 3% Cap)

Item 25-0221: Finance Director Linda Senne presented the rationale for exceeding the Charter's 3% expenditure growth cap for the FY2026 proposed budget. The prior year's CPI was 2.9%, so the 3% cap applied. The proposed general fund budget of $59 million would exceed the original adopted FY2025 budget ($51,990,998) by more than 3%. Reasons included: $3.0 million in pay increases and benefits, 6.6% increase in property/liability insurance, $366,000 increase in vehicle rent payments, $5 million payment to Sarasota County for Wellfield Park (interlocal agreement), two new police FTEs (training manager and school resource officer), $150,000 for parks master plan, and $250,000 for CBO master plan.

  • Public Testimony: None.
  • Council Discussion:
    • Council Member Smith opposed the request, arguing that the city has benefited from a "gusher" of property tax revenue due to rising assessments without lowering millage rates. He cited the Governor and legislative push for property tax relief and urged holding the line at the 3% cap. He noted the city's fund balance increased by $5.5 million in FY2024, suggesting overtaxation.
    • Council Member Frank supported the request, stating the increases are necessary for employee compensation (especially firefighters), insurance, and commitments like Wellfield Park. She noted the city lowered millage in 2023 and called accusations of hidden revenue false.
    • Vice Mayor Boldt supported, praising the rigorous budget process and the need to address departmental needs.
    • Council Member Engelke supported, emphasizing fiscal conservatism but prioritizing fair compensation for first responders and maintaining reserves for disasters.
    • Council Member Howard supported, noting that personnel costs and the $5 million Wellfield Park payment are unavoidable.
    • Council Member Weed supported.
    • The motion to approve exceeding the 3% cap passed 6-1 (Smith dissenting).

New Business – Council Action/Discussion

Item 25-0222: Council Member Howard moved to direct staff to provide an update on the Curry Creek project at the July 8, 2025 City Council meeting. The motion stemmed from concerns from the Central Venice Coalition about flooding and the need for coordinated maintenance between the city and county.

  • Public Testimony: Steve Carr (Central Venice Coalition) supported the motion, requesting the update.
  • Council Discussion: Council members supported the motion, emphasizing the need for progress on creek maintenance before approving further developments that could increase runoff. The motion passed unanimously.

Charter Officer & Council Reports

  • City Attorney: No report.
  • City Clerk: No report.
  • City Manager: Announced attendance at his last Florida City and County Managers Conference; highlighted the annual Consumer Confidence Report on water quality (membrane system, minimal chlorine, all standards met).
  • Council Reports:
    • Council Member Smith reported on the impending dissolution of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council due to non-payment of dues by member governments; he criticized the move as pro-development at the cost of regional planning.
    • Council Member Frank welcomed Council Member Weed and noted his family’s long-term stake in the community.
    • Council Member Weed thanked staff for onboarding and reported on his first meeting as liaison to the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership Program Policy Committee.
    • Council Member Howard had no report.
    • Vice Mayor Boldt reported on attending TDC meetings and the upcoming Hurricane Expo.
    • Mayor Pachota reminded of the Memorial Day ceremony, EMS week events, and the Hurricane Expo (May 30), Old Betsy Museum ribbon cutting (June 5), Centennial community meeting (June 5), and the Downtown Venice Craft Festival (June 14–15).

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinance 2025-16 (Future Land Use Amendment): Denied unanimously (7-0).
  • Ordinance 2025-17 (Rezoning): Withdrawn by applicant.
  • Ordinance 2025-21 (Budget Amendment): Approved on first reading (unanimous).
  • Ordinance 2025-22 (Elections Code Amendments): Approved on first reading (unanimous).
  • Budget 3% Cap Waiver: Approved 6-1 (Council Member Smith dissenting).
  • Curry Creek Update Directive: Approved unanimously (staff to report back July 8, 2025).
  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Right on here. Okay. Let's call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, if you could do a roll call, please. Mr. Engelkey. Here. Mrs. Frank. Here. Mr. Howard. Here. Mr. Smith. Here. Mr. Weed. Here. Vice Mayor Bolt. Here. Mayor Pichota. Here. And we'll stand for the invocation. And today's pledge will be led by Mr. Weed, our newest council member. Heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve the residents of Venice to promote the well-being of our community. In your holy name we pray. Amen. All righty. We will start with recognitions two five-zero two one six. If Mr. Weed, Clerk Michaels, and Mr. Weed's family could join me up front. Do solemnly swear. Under the Constitution of the State. And that I will well and faithfully. And that I will well and faithfully perform the duties. I am very honored and humbled by this position, and I will do my very best to serve the entire Venice community in the best way possible. Thank you. Okay, if I can get Mr. Lavalli, Eric Hill, Stephen Short and family, City of Venice. I am Stephen Short full-time on May 26, 2015. Officer Stephen Short worked for public works, Parks Division, until he transferred to the Venice Police Department as a service state until July 10, 2018. Officer Short attended the Officer Short attended the Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy from July 11, 2018 till January 6, 2019. Upon his completion, Officer Short joined the ranks as a Venice police officer, beginning his career as a police officer. From April 15, 2019 to August 7, 2022, Officer Short work patrol, working both day and night shifts. On August 8, 2022, Officer Short assumed the rank of traffic officer. Officer Short continued to excel in his role as traffic officer, earning titles as traffic homicide investigator, traffic crash scene reconstructor. Additionally, Officer Short assumed the role as one of Venice Police Department's field training officers assisting in the vital role of training future Venice police officers.

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