Venice City Council Meeting Summary – March 10, 2026

The Venice City Council met on March 10, 2026, to consider a revised mediated settlement agreement for the GCCF Planned Unit Development (PUD), an impasse hearing regarding AFSCME work schedule changes, annual financial report, and appointments. The council voted 5-2 to approve the settlement and 6-1 to uphold the city administration's work schedule decision. All other agenda items passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the February 24, 2026 regular meeting unanimously.

Recognition

• Proclaimed March 20, 2026 as "The 100-Year Anniversary of Venice-Nokomis Woman's Club," presented to Joan Brinton.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 26-0532 (Settlement Agreement): Nine residents spoke. Most opposed the settlement, citing incompatibility, density (307 additional units), height (55 feet), traffic congestion, and inadequate disclosure. Speakers included Mary Sue Bunting (Willow Chase), Olin Thomas (Milano), Joan Farrell, Dr. George Davis (Venice Thrives), Joan Iacono (Venice Thrives), Robin Bruges (Willow Chase), Diane Waters, Jane Caveney (Willow Chase), and Sue Perry. Sue Perry expressed support, citing the need for aging-in-place options. No public comment was offered for the impasse hearing or other items.

Discussion Items

• 26-0532 – Revised Mediated Settlement Agreement (GCCF PUD): Special Magistrate Mark Bentley reviewed the FLUDRA process and recommended approval. City staff presented changes from the prior settlement: reduction from 370 to 360 units limited to a 17.46-acre parcel, height reduction from 65 to 55 feet for assisted living, independent living, and memory care, and withdrawal of height exception request. Applicant Pat Neal and John Neal argued for approval, citing disclosures and concessions. Council debate focused on compatibility, density, height, and traffic. Councilmember Smith opposed, stating the 307-unit increase was not a meaningful compromise and that the proposal was incompatible with surrounding densities (e.g., Willow Chase 2.3 units/acre, Milano 1.7). Councilmember Howard expressed concerns about intensity but noted the assisted living need. Councilmembers Engelke, Weed, Frank, Vice Mayor Boldt, and Mayor Pachota supported approval, citing alignment with surrounding heights (existing buildings at 54 ft 7 in), the importance of assisted living, and the risk of costly litigation. Vote: 5-2 in favor.
• 26-0533 – Impasse Hearing (AFSCME Shift Schedule Change): The union argued for a return to a 4/10 work schedule, citing employee hardship (childcare, elderly care, second jobs) and studies showing higher efficiency and retention. Union representative presented a compromise schedule splitting crews Monday–Thursday and Tuesday–Friday. City Administration, represented by attorney Mark Levitt and Public Works Director Ricky Simpson, defended the change to a 5/8 schedule, citing management rights, improved service coverage across five days, reduced overtime costs ($74,000 saved), and positive employee feedback after one year. They noted the union rejected a $140,000 raise offer tied to the schedule change. Council debate: Councilmember Smith criticized the lack of mediation and suggested considering a raise for affected employees. Councilmember Engelke opposed a raise, emphasizing fiscal management and the management right to set schedules. Vice Mayor Boldt and Mayor Pachota supported the administration. Vote: 6-1 to accept the city administration's decision.
• Ordinance 2026-06 (First Reading): Comprehensive plan amendment updating mixed-use land use data for each neighborhood area through November 1, 2025. Staff noted some areas are over 100% of maximum residential units (e.g., East Venice Avenue at 152%) and that market-driven changes are likely. Approved unanimously for transmittal to the Florida Department of Commerce.
• Ordinance 2026-11 (Final Reading): Budget amendment increasing total revenue by $265,015 and total expenditures by $67,500 for fiscal year 2025-26. Adopted unanimously.
• 26-0534 – ACFR and External Audit: Finance Director Linda Senne and Jeff Wolfe (Forvis Mazars) presented a clean audit with an unmodified opinion, no internal control findings, and strong financial position. Highlights: general fund unassigned fund balance at 63.4% of expenditures, police pension fully funded, fire pension 82% funded. Council expressed appreciation.
• 26-0535 & 26-0536 – Appointments: Marty Dover and Atticus Frank appointed to the Citizen Tax Oversight Committee; Nick Fleur Laghi and Anna Fresca appointed to the Planning Commission. All approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved revised mediated settlement agreement for GCCF PUD (5-2).
• Upheld city administration's decision to change AFSCME work schedules to 5/8 (6-1).
• Approved comprehensive plan amendment on first reading (unanimous).
• Adopted budget amendment (unanimous).
• Appointed two members to the Citizen Tax Oversight Committee and two to the Planning Commission (unanimous).
• Accepted the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and external audit (unanimous).