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award, a consent agenda, two public hearings on a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning that were ultimately denied/withdrawn, approval of budget-related ordinances, discussion of the city's budget growth cap, and a directive for an update on Curry Creek maintenance.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.