Venice City Council Meeting - June 10, 2025

The Venice City Council met on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The council approved the purchase of a 4.7-acre parcel for $11.8 million for relocating solid waste and fleet operations, passed a rezoning from multi-family to single-family on three lots, authorized a school zone speed detection camera program, and supported a county parkland acquisition nomination. All votes were 7-0 except the rezoning, which passed 6-1.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the May 27, 2025 regular meeting (Item 25-0227) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning (225 Park Blvd South & 528 Menendez Street): Kristen Hofschmidt, speaking for Venice Thrives, opposed changing the zoning from RMF-4 to RSF-4, arguing it is contrary to the 2022 land development regulations and the John Nolan plan's apartment district, which supports density and workforce housing. The applicant, Jeffrey Boone, representing the Bora Family Trust, argued the change is consistent with the original 1926 plat showing three single-family lots and that redevelopment as multi-family is not economically feasible.
• Pinebrook Road Park Nomination: Three residents spoke in favor: Jim Martin, Loretta Baratinelli (resident of Pinebrook South), and Jim Monkowski (HOA president). They cited the need for a neighborhood park north of Venice Avenue, compatibility with community needs, and the vacant land's suitability for a small passive park. No opposition was voiced.

Discussion Items

• Purchase of 4.7-Acre Parcel at 1280 US 41 Bypass South (CON NO 001-2025): Assistant City Manager Clinch presented the $11.8 million purchase from Douglas Jeep, Inc. for relocating solid waste and fleet operations from the Seaboard District. The facility is nearly turnkey, requiring ~$1 million in enhancements. Council discussed financing: originally budgeted $18.8 million for a new facility; the purchase saves ~$6 million. Financing will involve a bond resolution (not to exceed $17.5 million) covering both this project and a fire station, with $6 million borrowed for the solid waste portion. Councilman Weed questioned environmental due diligence; staff confirmed Phase I and II studies were reviewed and cleared. Councilman Engelke noted the property's zoning is appropriate and the city has budgeted for remediation at the current site. The motion to approve passed 7-0.
• Affordable Housing Ordinance (Ord 2025-19) – Continuance: Staff requested a continuance to July 8, 2025. The council unanimously approved the continuance.
• Zoning Map Amendment (Ord 2025-20) – 225 Park Blvd South & 528 Menendez Street: Staff planner Nicole Tremblay presented the request to rezone from RMF-4 to RSF-4 (0.6 acres). The property currently has 10 multi-family units; the change would allow up to three single-family homes. The comprehensive plan permits lower density on parcels under one acre (Strategy LU 1.2.3). The Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0. Council members debated: Councilman Weed noted the property owner lost permitted uses due to a 2022 code change, making the rezone equitable. Councilman Smith opposed, citing the dismantling of the apartment district and the need for density for workforce housing. Councilman Howard supported, emphasizing family legacy and the original Nolan plan. The vote was 6-1 (Smith opposed).
• School Zone Speed Detection Cameras (Ord 2025-24): Police Chief Leicestering and Captain White presented the program authorized by HB 657 (2023). Cameras will operate on school days 30 minutes before and after school, citing vehicles going 10+ mph over the 15 mph limit. A two-day study found 270 violations at Venice High and 235 at Epiphany. Fines are $100, with $39 retained by the city for public safety. The program is violator-funded; vendor provides and maintains equipment. Council members expressed support, noting the no-cost, force-multiplier benefits. Mayor Pachota raised concerns about vendor ROI threshold and mobile alternatives; staff clarified cameras are fixed per ordinance. The motion to approve first reading passed 7-0.
• Other Ordinances (Final Readings):
  • Ord 2025-11 (Comprehensive Plan amendment – Mixed Use Corridor ownership forms) – Adopted 7-0.
  • Ord 2025-21 (Budget amendment – increase revenue/expenditures by $319,000) – Adopted 7-0.
  • Ord 2025-22 (Elections code update) – Adopted 7-0.
• Noise Control Ordinance (Ord 2025-23) – First Reading: Staff clarified the amendment addresses water features and intermittent noise measurement standards. Approved 7-0 for final reading.
• Pinebrook Road Park Nomination (Item 25-0228): The council approved sending a letter of support to Sarasota County for acquiring 1220 Pinebrook Road (2.4 acres) under the County Parkland Acquisition Program. The property is part of Pinebrook South PUD; if acquired, it would become a neighborhood park. Council members praised the initiative and committed to advocating with county commissioners. Vote: 7-0.
• Fire Pension Board Appointment (Item 25-0229): Shirley Pyles was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Barbara Fraser (June 10, 2025 – September 30, 2026). Approved 7-0.
• Sarasota Housing Action Plan Presentation (Item 25-0230): Councilwoman Frank requested scheduling a presentation by Jon Thaxton of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Councilman Smith suggested a council workshop on affordable housing. The motion to direct staff to schedule the presentation passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the $11.8 million land purchase (CON NO 001-2025) – unanimous.
• Approved zoning map amendment (Ord 2025-20) on first reading – 6-1 (Smith opposed).
• Approved school zone speed camera ordinance (Ord 2025-24) on first reading – unanimous.
• Adopted three ordinances on final reading (Ord 2025-11, 2025-21, 2025-22) – all unanimous.
• Approved noise control ordinance (Ord 2025-23) on first reading – unanimous.
• Approved support letter for Pinebrook Road park nomination – unanimous.
• Appointed Shirley Pyles to Fire Pension Board – unanimous.
• Directed staff to schedule housing action plan presentation – unanimous.
• Continued affordable housing ordinance (Ord 2025-19) to July 8, 2025 – unanimous.
• Reminder: Executive session at noon, training session to follow.