Venice Citizens Advisory Board Meeting - October 15, 2025

The Citizens Advisory Board convened on October 15, 2025, to receive updates on the city's bicycle-friendly community status and the forthcoming parks master plan, to initiate a legislative referral on improving the city website, and to approve the 2026 meeting schedule. The board also discussed prior feedback on the hurricane after-action report and potential future topics.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of May 21, 2025: Approved unanimously via voice vote (all ayes).

Presentation: Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator Report

• Darlene Cole Pepper, the city's bicycle pedestrian coordinator (also recently appointed special events coordinator), presented the city's re‑awarded Silver Bicycle Friendly Community status (League of American Bicyclists, 2024‑2028 cycle). The report card included feedback for improvement, notably a recommendation to adopt a bicycle parking ordinance specifying the amount and location of secure, convenient bike racks meeting national APBP standards (two points of contact with the frame). Ms. Cole Pepper noted that a part‑time program manager designation may have skewed some scoring, and she will work with the board’s liaison to prioritize next steps toward achieving Gold status.
• Upcoming events: a free e‑bike safety class on March 25, 2026, at the Venice Community Center, and monthly community bike rides (second Thursday at 10 a.m., starting from City Hall).
• A concern was raised about the WCIND‑owned property behind the Buick dealership on the island, through which the Venetian Waterway Park West Trail runs; the property may be listed for sale. A board member suggested pursuing a Florida Community Trust grant to acquire the land.

Presentation: Parks Master Plan Update

• Roger Clark, Planning and Zoning Director, provided an overview of the forthcoming parks master plan, which is mandated by the city’s comprehensive plan and ordinances. A previous attempt (2015‑2016) was not adopted. Now, with a new interlocal agreement with Sarasota County effective October 1, 2026, the city will assume responsibility for several parks (Chauncey Howard, Chuck Rider until 2029, Hector, Highgill Marine, Legacy, Venetian Waterway Park west side, Venice Myakka River, and the Venice Community Center). Wellfield Park will transfer to the county. The Venice Community Center will be managed by a third party.
• The master plan process will be led by the Planning and Zoning Department. An RFP for a consultant will be issued soon, with a target kick‑off in early 2026. The plan will include extensive public outreach, an inventory of the city’s 38 parks, a needs assessment, and an action plan with cost estimates. The board will play an advisory role throughout.

Discussion Item: Legislative Referral – City Website Improvements

• The city manager introduced a legislative referral from council directing the board to evaluate and recommend improvements to the city’s website. The current site is outdated, has ADA accessibility issues, and is difficult to navigate. The city has budgeted for a consultant in FY26.
• The board decided to follow the “ringmaster” model used for the hurricane after‑action report. Mr. Carr volunteered as ringmaster. Board members will each submit their personal website challenges and examples of other city websites they like to the clerk within two weeks. The compiled feedback will be shared with the consultant once selected.
• The IT director may be invited to a future meeting for additional context.

Key Outcomes

• Approved 2026 meeting schedule: Third Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December (motion by Mr. Ellis, seconded, roll call vote: 9‑0).
• Website feedback deadline: Board members must email their comments on the city website (challenges and positive examples from other cities) to the clerk by October 29, 2025 (two weeks from the meeting).
• Next regular meeting: December 17, 2025. A November meeting was deemed unnecessary.
• Mandatory sunshine law training: December 8, 2025, at 3 p.m. (in person or via Zoom; recording available).

Other Discussion

• Fish farm proposal: A board member raised a past email from a former Environmental Advisory Board member about a proposed fish farm 30 miles west of Venice, citing potential red tide and economic risks. The clerk will research the environmental board’s previous review for discussion at the December meeting. The city manager noted the city’s jurisdiction may be limited.
• Environmentally Sensitive Land Oversight Committee millage: A member suggested inviting a presentation on how past millage funds have been used in Venice and future proposals. This may be considered as a legislative referral at the December meeting.
• Hurricane after‑action report feedback: Several board members expressed disappointment that the council did not provide more substantive acknowledgment of the board’s report. The city manager assured the board that the report is influencing policy decisions (e.g., Flamingo Ditch recommendations). The chair indicated the board’s desire for clearer follow‑up protocols.