Public Meetings - Venice, Florida

The special magistrate hearing was held on November 4, 2026, to address a parking citation appeal (Case No. 00324 P) filed by Anna E. Joynson. The appellant challenged a $25 citation for violating City Code Section 70-31 (improper parking direction) issued on September 28, 2026, at 9:59 PM. After testimony from Officer Gary Lipscomb and the appellant, the magistrate upheld the violation and imposed penalties totaling $50 plus a recording fee. The hearing also noted an update on a previous compliance matter. Discussion Items - Parking Citation Appeal (00324 P): Officer Lipscomb testified that he observed the appellant's vehicle parked on the southbound side of Nassau Street facing northbound, with the driver's side to the curb, which violates Section 70-31 requiring the passenger side to be closest to the curb. The vehicle was parked opposite the appellant's residence at 417 Nassau Street, in front of 416 Nassau Street. The appellant acknowledged parking across the street due to home construction but was uncertain of the vehicle's orientation. She stated she had a two-month-old infant at the time and was asked to move her car quickly. She did not receive a warning and requested the citation be rescinded. Key Outcomes - Finding and Penalty: The magistrate found the appellant violated Section 70-31 of the City Code. The appellant must forfeit the $25 appeal filing fee and pay a $25 civil penalty plus recording fees within 10 days. - Compliance Update: The city reported that a previous case (Redmond, Case No. 26-318) had come into compliance with a prior order, so no further hearing was needed.

The City of Venice Planning Commission met on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. All seven commissioners were present. The commission approved the previous meeting minutes, conducted two public hearings (one quasi-judicial and one legislative), and received staff updates. No members of the public spoke during audience participation or either public hearing. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Minutes - Chair Wilson presided; all seven members were present: Hale, Sherberg, McKeon, Fresca, Jasper, and Ferlagi. - The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the October 20, 2026, regular meeting. Commissioner Jasper moved approval; Commissioner Hale seconded. Public Comments & Testimony - No speaker cards were submitted for general audience participation. - No members of the public offered testimony at either public hearing. Public Hearing: 26-31SP — Catholic Community Foundation of SWFL Site and Development Plan (Quasi-Judicial) - Public notice was certified as advertised October 17, 2026. No conflicts of interest were declared; some commissioners disclosed only a site visit as ex parte communication. - Staff planner Brittany Smith presented on behalf of Nicole Tremblay. Bobbi Claybrooke, PE of AM Engineering LLC, represented the applicant, Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. - The request was to demolish the existing office structure at 205 Harbor Drive North and construct a 2,159-square-foot office building. The site is approximately 0.17 acres; the transcript reflects confusion with a 1.17-acre figure and a 9.5 percent lot-coverage figure that staff identified as a carryover from another project. The correct calculated lot coverage was stated as 29 percent, below the 40 percent maximum. - The property has a future land use of institutional/professional and is zoned Office/Professional/Institutional (OPI). The proposed FAR is 0.28, below the 0.5 maximum; building height is 22 feet 2 inches, below the 35-foot limit. - Parking: four spaces would be on site, with a fifth remote space in the nearby Epiphany Cathedral overflow parking lot on Manatee Court; one golf-cart space and handicap-accessible parking were also mentioned. - Applicant testimony stated the existing impervious area of 0.14 acres would be reduced to 0.11 acres, adding about 1,300 square feet of green space. Stormwater runoff from the site would continue to flow toward the street. - The architectural design was reviewed and approved by the Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB) and is based on Venice historic precedent. - Commissioner Jasper moved approval under Land Development Code Section 1.9.4; the commission voted 7-0 to approve Site and Development Plan Petition 26-31SP. Public Hearing: 26-52AM — Section 7 Garages and Façade Colors Text Amendment (Legislative) - Public notice was certified as advertised October 17, 2026. Staff planner Brittany Smith presented the request. - HAPB requested amendments to two sections of the Venice Historic Preservation Code after a 6-0 vote, with one member absent. - Facade colors (Section 7.10.4): The current language requires three colors at set percentages, which HAPB found too restrictive and not historically accurate. The proposed language would allow more flexibility, including up to 80 percent of a non-residential wall surface in one approved color. Staff stated that, after consulting with the city attorney, it would adjust the language to say "at least 20 percent must be a corresponding approved color" to allow options such as a 70/30 distribution before forwarding to City Council. - Garages (Section 7.10.6.D): The proposed clarification would require garages on smaller lots to be front-loading or entered from the street and garages on larger lots to be rear-loading where possible, with side-loading as a secondary option; new garages should not be built forward of the primary structure, particularly on larger lots. HAPB also recommended removing language about side-loading garage doors facing away from pedestrian entry because that configuration is already implied by the term "side loading." - Commissioner McKeon moved to recommend City Council approval of Text Amendment Petition 26-52AM, finding it consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part II. Commissioner Sherberg seconded. The motion, which the mover confirmed included staff's proposed "at least 20 percent" change, passed unanimously. Staff and Commission Comments - Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark announced that the November 16, 2026, Planning Commission meeting is canceled; the next scheduled meeting is December 1, 2026. - He provided a Parks Master Plan update: the online survey is open through November 8; consultants gathered input at Sun Fiesta and the Farmers Market, where the market session ended early around 11:00–11:30 a.m. due to weather; public workshops were held the previous Tuesday and Thursday, with the evening workshop drawing more attendees; and stakeholder meetings were held. The consultant team is now developing the needs assessment before returning to the citizen advisory board and city boards. - The Clerk's office reminded commissioners of annual Sunshine Law training scheduled for December 7, 2026, and advised against using reply-all for emails to avoid sunshine conflicts. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 20, 2026, regular meeting minutes unanimously. - Approved Site and Development Plan Petition 26-31SP (Catholic Community Foundation) by a 7-0 vote. - Recommended City Council approval of Text Amendment Petition 26-52AM (Garages and Façade Colors) unanimously. - Canceled the November 16, 2026, Planning Commission meeting.

The Venice City Council held its regular meeting on October 27, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting included recognition of community service, public comments, consent agenda approvals, public hearings on zoning and a data center moratorium, new business items including budget amendments and airport-related resolutions, and a discussion of tabled initiatives under Senate Bill 180. The meeting also featured farewell remarks and recognitions for outgoing Mayor Nick Pachota and Council Member Ron Smith, who were both honored for their service. Recognition - Mayor's Pillar of the Community Award presented to Roger Effron for his leadership on the Citizen Advisory Board and hurricane response efforts. - Council Member Ron Smith recognized for his service from 2023 to 2026, including efforts on tax relief, neighborhood protection, and coastal access. - Mayor Nick Pachota recognized for his seven years on council and four years as mayor, noted for achieving infrastructure projects, home rule advocacy, and community leadership. Vice Mayor Boldt presented the recognition and praised Pachota's foundation for future work. Public Comments & Testimony - Chris Smith (Gentleman of Jazz) thanked the city for use of Centennial Park Gazebo for free concerts, highlighting the amenity and support from events staff. - Madeline Zubeck (homeowner, South Fork of Deertown Gully) formally requested the city expand the $200,000 airport environmental review to include comprehensive physical testing at all outfall locations, deep core sediment sampling, sequential sampling in the connecting canal, actionable remediation recommendations, a biological study for wildlife impacts, a full island-wide traffic micro-simulation, and air sampling for jet exhaust particulates. She submitted a community audit guide. - Christine Davis (homeowner) submitted a certified lab report showing petroleum hydrocarbons and PAH compounds migrating from the airport through a culvert into Deertown Gully. She argued the city is ultimately responsible as airport owner and called for more testing and mitigation, stating the airport's stormwater treatment claims are not accurate. - Ronald Ammel (homeowner, Bellaggio on Venice Island) requested council direct airport staff to petition the FAA to change Runway 05's traffic pattern from left to right to reduce noise over neighborhoods, and to expedite the planned remote tower to control departure headings. He expressed support for the airport as an asset. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: minutes of October 13, 2026 regular meeting; authorization for the Mayor to execute a $150,000 FDEM subaward for a Watershed Master Plan; and approval of a $204,010 WCIND grant agreement for Police Marine Patrol. Public Hearings - Ordinance 2026-33 (First Reading) – Rezoning 1936 E Venice Avenue from Sarasota County OUE-1 to City OPI (Office, Professional, Institutional) for Calvary Bible Church. Staff recommended approval, noting the change aligns with existing future land use. One speaker, Mike Rafferty, requested council defer the rezoning and instead direct staff to study a dedicated worship zoning district to protect places of worship. Council discussed the suggestion; motion carried unanimously, with direction to staff to study the idea and bring back a report. - Ordinance 2026-32 (Final Reading) – Imposing a 12-month moratorium on applications for large-load customer facilities (including large-scale data centers). No public comments. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Budget Amendment (Ordinance 2026-37) – Increased FY27 budget by $594,929 in revenues and expenditures. Approved unanimously on first reading. - Resolution 2026-18 – Approved Amendment No. 4 to the FDOT grant for the Venice Municipal Airport Master Plan Update. Unanimous. - Resolution 2026-20 – Approved Amendment No. 3 to the FDOT grant for design and construction of a General Aviation Terminal Building. Unanimous. - Resolution 2026-19 was removed by staff prior to the meeting. - Senate Bill 180 Tabled Initiatives (Item 26-0801) – City Manager Clinch presented a list of five items paused due to SB 180 restrictions. Kelly noted that impact fee increases are not recommended pending litigation in other counties, as two adverse rulings found such increases to be land development regulations subject to the law. Council accepted the list unanimously. - City Logo (Item 26-0802) – Mayor Pachota proposed adopting a modified centennial logo as the official primary logo, replacing the previous “burden sun” design. Staff will develop implementation guidelines and recommend a phased approach to minimize costs. Council approved the motion unanimously. Key Outcomes - Zoning Map Amendment (25-56RZ) – Approved on first reading; staff directed to study a dedicated worship zoning district. - Data Center Moratorium – Adopted unanimously. - Budget Amendment – Approved on first reading. - Airport Grant Agreements – Approved. - SB 180 Tabled Initiatives List – Accepted. - New Official City Logo – Adopted; staff to prepare updated resolution and implementation plan. - Farewells – Multiple council members expressed gratitude to outgoing Mayor Pachota and Council Member Smith. The meeting adjourned at approximately noon prior to an executive session.

On October 23, 2026, at 18:00 UTC, city staff conducted a technical test of the live stream and closed captioning system prior to the official city meeting. No agenda or minutes were available, and the transcript contains only the testing dialogue. No official business, public comment, or decisions occurred. Technical Testing Details - Staff tested the live stream on the city website and in the AV room, with participants including Tony and D (remote/AV support). - Captioning initially did not appear on the website stream or on the AV room screen, and no captions button was visible. - After further checks, a captioning button became available and captions began displaying correctly on both the website stream and the AV room screens. - Staff confirmed "everything appears to be displaying properly" and concluded the test.

The Venice Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Council Chambers. Commissioners present included Chair Wilson, Hale, Sherbert, McKeon, Jasper, and Ferlaghi. Commissioner Fresco was absent. The meeting covered four public hearings, including a capital improvement schedule update, a preliminary plat, and two zoning map amendments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (October 6, 2026): The minutes from the previous regular meeting were approved unanimously by a motion from Mr. Jasper and a second from Mr. McKeon. Public Hearings & Discussion Items 1. Annual Update of the Capital Improvement Schedule (CIS) (26-43AM) - Staff Presentation: Planning Manager Amy Nelson presented the annual update to the Capital Improvement Schedule (CIS), a legislative item required by Florida statutes. Planning Director Roger Clark highlighted that traffic improvement priorities were reorganized based on previous commission feedback. The current Level of Service (LOS) for most road segments is C or D, which is the target range. Few new improvements were identified over the past year, such as converting a northbound through-right turn lane to a through lane only and adding a roundabout at Pinebrook Road and Curry Lane. - Public Comment: No members of the public signed up to speak. - Outcome: The Commission found the petition consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council. 2. Knights Trail Transitional Preliminary Plat (25-36PP) - Staff Presentation: Nicole Tremblay, Senior Planner, detailed the proposal to plat a 34-acre portion of the 224-acre Knights Trail property into 7 tracts with 4 mass grading areas for future commercial and industrial uses. The application did not authorize development, only the creation of lots. Three wetlands under 20 acres were identified for mitigation. A transportation study for the entire property projected 1,405 PM peak hour trips. - Applicant Position: Agent Jackson Boone argued the plat was consistent with the comprehensive plan and land development code. He stated mitigation credits for the low-quality wetlands were reserved, and traffic impacts would be revisited at the time of future site plans. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner Jasper raised significant concerns about the estimated removal of 33 to 37 heritage trees on the site, questioning the effort made to avoid removal. Staff confirmed a determination from a licensed professional is required to justify removal. Commissioner Jasper stated he had to vote against the plat until he was satisfied that heritage trees could not be saved. - Outcome: The Commission voted to approve the preliminary plat (5-1), with Commissioner Jasper dissenting. 3. Wisdom Development Zoning Map Amendment (26-41RZ) - Request: The applicant, SVN Commercial Partners, sought an amendment to the Tuscana Isles Binding Master Plan to allow townhomes as a permitted use in Sub-Area 3 and to designate new access points on Knights Trail Road. Previous attempts for access through the development or via Gene Green Road were unavailable or denied. - Staff Presentation: Nicole Tremblay outlined the quasi-judicial process. Planning Director Roger Clark clarified the request was solely to add two arrows to a connectivity map and add a use category, not to approve specific development. He noted the property must be granted legal access. A traffic study is not required at this stage. - Public Comment (15 speakers): A significant number of Tuscana Isles residents spoke in opposition, urging denial. Key positions included: - The developer's own prior testimony deemed Knights Trail access unviable due to separation standards. - Severe flooding concerns for the community of 969 homes. Residents claimed new development is already overwhelming the drainage system (weir, 200 acres of lakes), specifically citing the failure to provide a no-rise certification for the FEMA AE flood zone. - A civil court ruling blocking access through Tuscana Isles was referenced. - The developer's prior applications on this topic were denied by both the Planning Commission and City Council. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners acknowledged the residents' concerns but reasoned their decision was strictly bounded by the decision criteria for a zoning map amendment and the legal requirement to provide landowners access. Commissioner Sherbert and McCann stated that specific impacts like site drainage and traffic would be addressed in depth during the future site development plan process. The City Attorney reinforced that approval was required if the criteria were met. - Outcome: The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend approval of the zoning map amendment to City Council. 4. Venice Yacht Club Zoning Map Amendment (26-42RZ) - Request: The Venice Yacht Club applied to rezone its property from Residential Multifamily (RMF-2) to Commercial (CM) to align its zoning with its existing Commercial Future Land Use designation. - Staff Position: Staff presented the item as a conformity issue. The club's current use is legal non-conforming and no changes to the site or operations are proposed. - Public Comment (4 speakers): Neighbors expressed opposition, arguing CM zoning was too permissive for a residential neighborhood. Ann Harrison and Lori Priest suggested OPI (Office Professional and Institutional) zoning as a more appropriate fit. Neighbors expressed concern about noise (≥60 dBA residential vs. 65 dBA commercial), light trespass, and the potential for future uses like a commercial marina. - Applicant Position: Agent Annette Boone explained the rezone was driven by storm resilience planning to avoid regulatory hurdles after a disaster. OPI was not an implementing zone for the commercial future land use. Decibel limits for commercial and OPI are functionally similar. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner McKeon disclosed his membership in the Yacht Club but stated he could remain fair and impartial. - Outcome: The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the zoning map amendment to City Council. Staff and Commission Comments - Planning Director Roger Clark provided an update on the Parks Master Plan process. The consultant gathered public input at recent events. A survey has received approximately 356 responses. Two public workshops are scheduled for October 27 (5:30-7 PM) and October 29 (11:30-1:30 PM) in Community Hall to continue community engagement.

The Venice City Council held an airport workshop on October 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM. The workshop featured three presentations: an overview of FAA regulations and airport sponsor obligations by aviation attorney Christopher Wilson, an introduction to digital air traffic control towers by engineer Blake Swafford, and an update on airport projects and the master plan by Airport Director Nick Dumas. Council members discussed the legal constraints on airport operations, the potential benefits and concerns of a digital tower, and upcoming community outreach. The workshop concluded with public comments from nine speakers expressing both support and opposition to airport expansion. Presentation on FAA Regulations and Airport Sponsor Obligations - Christopher Wilson (C.J. Wilson Law P.A.) outlined the extensive federal regulations governing airports, including 40 grant assurances, surplus deed restrictions, and policies on revenue use, land use, and rates and charges. He emphasized that the city, as the airport sponsor, must keep the airport open 24/7 for aeronautical use without unjust discrimination, and cannot restrict users or impose landing fees unless self-sustaining without surplus. - Council members asked about alternatives to accepting grants, the possibility of buying out the airport, and tools to manage non-aeronautical uses like the golf course. Wilson noted that while the city could theoretically purchase the airport land and pay back grants, FAA approval is extremely unlikely. Leasing non-aeronautical land at fair market value is the preferred option, but FAA may still require aeronautical use. Presentation on Digital Air Traffic Control Towers - Blake Swafford (Hanson Professional Services) presented on digital tower technology, explaining how cameras, sensors, and screens replicate traditional control towers. He highlighted safety enhancements (pan-tilt-zoom, thermal imaging, overlays), cost savings (smaller footprint, lower construction and maintenance costs), and the current certification status (imminent, with FAA already issuing guidance). He noted that 13 airports applied for a digital tower under an FAA RFQ, with four expected to be awarded soon. - Council discussed whether a digital tower would increase traffic (Swafford said no, it only processes traffic safely), the ability to designate calm wind runways, and the local control option vs. remote control from Bartow (remote is cost-prohibitive due to dedicated fiber requirements). Swafford confirmed that with controlled airspace, controllers can direct traffic and reject touch-and-go operations if needed. Airport Director's Update and Master Plan - Nick Dumas reported that a $1.3 million T-hangar repair project was completed using enterprise funds. The AWOS replacement led to a 20% increase in calm wind runway compliance (from 50% to 70%). The replacement of PAPIs on Runway 5/23 now allows Tampa approach to vector aircraft to that runway. Ongoing projects include a general aviation terminal (not for commercial service), replacement of runway signage/lights, and the airport master plan, which must be submitted to the FAA by January 2026 (after 4.5 years of work). - Future projects include a digital tower, additional T-hangars (for piston aircraft only) to address the longest wait list in the country, sound walls along Airport Avenue, an observation area, a perimeter road, and an airport noise monitoring system (ANOMS). Dumas noted that the FAA will not support landing fees because the airport is self-sufficient from existing leases. On the runway protection zone, he stated there are no plans to acquire properties or easements. Public Comments & Testimony - Dave Wimberley (pilot and VASI representative) expressed full support for the digital tower, describing it as a safety enhancement after touring the Bartow facility. - Madeline Zubic (resident) opposed the digital tower, accusing the city of piecemealing the master plan to avoid an environmental assessment, and raised concerns about jet pollution in local waterways. - John Baylor (airport tenant) appreciated the factual presentations and supported sustainable growth. - Christine Davis (resident) criticized the remote tower application process, claiming it included inaccurate information and lacked genuine community support letters. - Brett Spengler (resident) complained about persistent jet noise and idling, asserting that updated minimum standards have not brought relief. - Martin Hyde (resident) strongly opposed expansion, warned of political consequences, and argued the city manager’s statement that "we cannot go backwards" disregards public opinion. - Lisa Meekley (no affiliation stated) spoke in support of general aviation and commended the airport staff for information sharing. Key Outcomes and Next Steps - No formal votes or binding decisions were made during the workshop; it served as an informational session and forum for council and public input. - The airport master plan update must be finished and submitted to the FAA by January 2026; remaining community meetings are scheduled for October 28 and December 2. - The city is awaiting an FAA announcement on digital tower grant awards (expected within weeks); staff was directed to continue preparations. - Council members expressed interest in exploring noise mitigation options, including sound walls, observation areas, and strategies to increase voluntary compliance with fly-friendly procedures. - The need for transparent communication was emphasized; a new community outreach manager was recently hired to improve dialogue with residents. Note: Throughout the workshop, a discrepancy emerged between the digital tower application (which cited insurance requirements for jet operations at non-towered airports) and the presenter’s assertion that he was unaware of such requirements. Several speakers noted this inconsistency.

The Venice City Council convened on October 14, 2026, for a Student Government Day session. The council considered numerous innovative and unconventional proposals, resulting in a mix of approvals, rejections, and deferrals on items ranging from a police search otter to a ninja warrior beach course. Public Comments & Testimony - Courtney Krabby Crane (Resident): Expressed strong opposition to the police otter proposal due to personal trauma from an otter attack, and complained about noise from high school football games. - Lloyd Weed (CAVE – Citizens Against Virtually Everything): Spoke against the autonomous micro-transit project (citing dangers to wildlife), opposed the rat sewer inspection program (on ethical grounds), and supported the building jet packs proposal. He also announced a corporate sponsorship for the Venice Warrior Course. - Sage Belair, Miles Achett, and Kevin Moore: Advocated for the otter to be adopted as the city mascot and expressed support for the warrior course. - Nunya Business (Resident): Praised the new Mayor and City Clerk, and criticized the council's inability to hold a meeting in Turks and Caicos. Discussion Items (Selected Major Items) - Search and Recovery Otter (26-0780): Police presented a proposal for a trained otter for aquatic search and rescue. Concerns included ethics, cost, species aggression, and lack of backup. Advocates praised its superior underwater capabilities. The initial motion to approve failed (3-4). - eVTOL EMS Aircraft (26-0781): Fire department requested approval to seek a FEMA grant for an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for EMS. - Community Observation Area (26-0782): Airport staff proposed a $1.5 million observation park funded by the airport enterprise fund. - Autonomous Micro-Transit (26-0783): Planning staff proposed a pilot program for low-speed autonomous shuttles downtown. Debate centered on job displacement, aesthetics, and liability. - Building Jet Packs (26-0784): Item was deferred to the next meeting without discussion. - Sand-Cleaning Rover Drone (26-0785): IT staff proposed a $100,000 pilot program for an autonomous beach cleaning rover. - Biological Sewer Inspection (26-0786): Utilities staff proposed using rats equipped with sensor technology from Georgia Tech to inspect the sewer system. - City Employee Mascot (26-0787): HR staff presented five options (Shark, Dolphin, Manatee, Pelican, Scrub Jay) for an official city mascot. - Amphitheater at Legacy Park (26-0788): Public Works staff requested permission to explore the concept and gather cost information. - The Venice Warrior Course (26-0789): A proposal for a $25 million free ninja-warrior obstacle course on Venice Beach was presented. - Northeast Venice Park Expansion (26-0790): City Engineer proposed a vertical expansion to add a water play area to the newly completed park. - Turks & Caicos Council Retreat (26-0791): City Attorney reported that holding a meeting in Turks and Caicos would violate Florida's Sunshine Law. Key Outcomes - Otter Proposal: The initial motion to approve failed (3-4). Later in the meeting, a motion to reconsider passed (4-3). A subsequent motion to approve the otter program passed (4-3). - eVTOL EMS Aircraft: Motion to approve the FEMA grant request passed unanimously. - Observation Area: Motion to deny the proposal passed, rejecting the project. - Micro-Transit: Motion to deny the pilot program failed, leaving the item in limbo with no definitive action taken. - Jet Packs: Vote to postpone the item to the next meeting passed unanimously. - Rover Drone: Motion to deny the pilot program passed (5-2). - Sewer Rats: Motion to approve the purchase of 25 rats and staff training passed (Vivian Conradi abstained). - Mascot: Motion to approve the selection of a city employee mascot passed unanimously (specific animal to be decided later). - Amphitheater: First motion to deny exploration failed. Second motion to place the item on a future agenda with budget information passed unanimously. - Warrior Course: Motion to approve construction passed (5-2). - Park Expansion: Motion to approve the vertical expansion for a water park passed (6-1). - Turks & Caicos Meeting: The City Attorney's legal opinion effectively denied the request due to Sunshine Law violations.

The City Council of Venice, Florida, met on October 13, 2026, for a regular meeting that included ceremonial recognitions, audience participation, consent items, four public-hearing ordinances, a continued airport rate discussion, a city branding presentation, a housing authority appointment, and approval of 2027 state legislative priorities. All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. Ceremonial Items and Recognitions - Administered oaths to new police officers Matthew Fronk, Tyler Baseley, Kacee Lundell, Brittany Ruiz, and Kieran Butler. - Presented the Mayor's Pillar of the Community Award to Larry Humes for his historical and journalistic contributions to Venice. - Proclaimed October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, presented to Security Analyst Joelle Gurk and IT staff. - Proclaimed October 21, 2026 as Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day, presented to Kathy Lehner, CEO of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. - Proclaimed October 19-25, 2026 as Florida City Week, presented to City Manager James Clinch. - Proclaimed October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, presented to SPARCC Advocate Mirna Marcia, Sgt. Sam Montes, and Detective Jessica Fernandez. The proclamation noted that 106,515 domestic violence offenses were reported in Florida in 2020, including 36 in Venice. Consent Calendar - Council approved the consent agenda, including the September 22, 2026 regular meeting and budget hearing minutes and the AFSCME Local 1718 collective bargaining agreement for October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028, after removing Item 26-0769. - Item 26-0769, Accounts Receivable Write-Offs, was discussed separately. Councilmember Smith asked staff to do more to prevent customers from accumulating large balances, including water accounts over $1,000 and one over $2,000. Acting Utilities Director Patience Anastasio described the city's water-use app, leak alerts, and proactive leak-detection program. Staff attributed most uncollectible accounts to renters leaving without paying. The write-offs were then approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Linda Wildfang, director of the Venice Housing Authority, supported reappointing Peter Boers, saying his knowledge and leadership were important to the board. - Chris Durbach, also transcribed as Stirbach during the earlier audience period, suggested using water from Flamingo Ditch as reclaimed water to help with flooding and lawn-watering restrictions. - Christine Davis said she had made three public-records requests for the Airport Layout Plan included in the terminal building and tower proposals but had received different documents. She expressed concern about runway protection zones and asked the city for honesty and transparency. - Kamala Martinez, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, invited the council to the Nov. 13 Big Impact 100 Beach Gala. She was limited to two minutes because she resides in unincorporated South Venice rather than within the city limits. - During the airport rate item, Chris Durbach argued that the proposed increases were too high, cited FAA grant assurances and local-rate negotiation, said the city was not capturing revenue paid to the FBO, and questioned the financial benefit of airport expansion. - Michael Rellinger, a pilot and Venice airport tenant for seven years, thanked the council and staff and expressed support for the revised rates. He also spoke on behalf of Dennis King, president of VASSY. Public Hearings – Ordinances - Ordinance 2026-32 (first reading): A temporary 12-month moratorium on accepting, reviewing, or approving applications related to facilities serving large-load customers, including large-scale data centers. Approved unanimously for final reading. - Ordinance 2026-28 (final reading): Amends the Land Development Code to extend mailed-notice distance from 250 feet to 500 feet and to require neighborhood workshops to be held in person with an optional online component. Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-30 (final reading): Amends Chapter 46 to update the description and authorized uses of the city parks system. Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-31 (final reading): Adds Section 2-32 on filling council vacancies and amends emergency succession provisions. Adopted unanimously. - No speakers signed up for these public hearings. Airport Rates and Fee Adjustments (Continued Item) - Airport Director Nick Dumas and Assistant City Manager Roger Omanheiser presented a revised proposal after a Sept. 30 tenant workshop attended by more than 40 people and 26 written comments. The majority of comments concerned hangar condition and affordability. - The revised plan proposed a CPI-based standard T-hangar rate of $450 per month, described as the midpoint between cost recovery and the appraisal-based rate. The appraisal-based approach would support a potential $1.3 million reinvestment budget. It also proposed raising fuel flowage fees from 5 to 10 cents per gallon, square-footage-based tie-down rates, daily rates equal to 10 percent of monthly rates, a three-year phase-in, two years of regular CPI adjustments, and a first full rate review in 2032, followed by a five-year recurring review cycle. - The plan addressed wait-list transparency by proposing published customer-number wait lists, a $100 initial fee credited to the first month's rent, and a $50 annual fee to remain on the list, based on a review of 18 airports. - Councilmember Smith praised the revised approach but raised concern that moving jet rates to a square-footage-only basis would reduce the airport's ability to charge jets more for noise, pollution, and runway impact. Vice Mayor Bolt supported studying jet-specific rates. City Manager Clinch noted that jets rarely use city tie-downs and that those rates primarily affect piston aircraft. - Councilmember Howard asked staff to take another look at the rates for the newer 900/901 hangars. Councilmember Engelke said he preferred considering non-hangar-based methods, such as landing fees, for capturing revenue from jet traffic. - Councilmember Smith moved to approve the proposed adjustments and phased implementation plan and to bring back further options for jet-related rate adjustments. The motion passed unanimously. City Logo Design and Branding Presentation - Richard Zimmer of JORO Brand & Creative, with centennial logo designer Stuart Bailey, presented round-one concepts for a new city brand system based on refining the centennial logo rather than replacing it. The presentation included placard and type-lockup variations, color palettes, seals, badges, department and partner co-branding, and mock-ups for vehicles, signs, water towers, and stationery. - Mayor Pachota said public feedback favored the historic placard. Councilmember Weed objected to the setting-sun imagery, saying it should suggest warmth and vibrancy rather than a sunset. Vice Mayor Bolt praised the work. Councilmember Frank asked to keep the existing clock-tower seal and cautioned against too many logo variations that could confuse the brand. - No formal action was taken. Staff will collect feedback and return with a refined system. Housing Authority Appointment - Peter Boers, the city's procurement manager and former chair of the Venice Housing Authority, requested reappointment. He cited his work submitting budgets and five-year plans, distributing over $146,000 in resident-informed amenities and enhancements to Venetian Walk I and II, and improving HUD compliance. - The council appointed Boers to the Venice Housing Authority for a term of Nov. 1, 2026 through Oct. 31, 2030. Councilmember Smith said he supported the motion but preferred city residents for such positions and noted that two qualified city residents had applied. The appointment passed unanimously. 2027 State Legislative Priorities - City Manager Clinch presented the 2027 state legislative priorities, noting that successful appropriations generally focus on critical infrastructure and that the city would likely submit one or two funded projects. Humphreys Park at South Jetty was added as a lower-ranked priority. - Councilmembers discussed adding the reopening of Caspersen Beach as a priority. Councilmember Frank suggested first raising it with Sarasota County at the joint meeting and asked that the beach renourishment item be clarified as a sand-source search. - The council approved the priorities with amendments to include Caspersen Beach and clarify the sand-source project. The state delegation meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. Charter Officer and Council Reports - The City Attorney and City Clerk had no reports. - City Manager Clinch reported that the city assumed ownership of the Venice Community Center and seven neighborhood parks under the new Sarasota County Parks Interlocal Agreement. He noted Student Government Day on Oct. 14, 2026, and previewed an Oct. 15 airport workshop on FAA policy, the digital tower system, and airport projects. He also said the new airport master plan would replace older Airport Layout Plan maps and would show the runway protection zone in the same location, with no additional structures. - Councilmember Engelke reported attending Florida League of Cities committee day and a nine-city league meeting covering Manatee and Sarasota counties. - Councilmember Smith praised work at the Venice Civic Center and raised flooding complaints from residents near the airport and Twin Laurel Boulevard, asking staff to respond and find solutions. - Councilmember Frank and Vice Mayor Bolt reported on upcoming events, including the Sun Fiesta. Bolt noted an Orioles presentation to the Tourist Development Council estimating an economic impact of more than $700 million over roughly 10 years. - Mayor Pachota made announcements about upcoming city events, including Sun Fiesta, Halloween events, Make a Difference Day, the holiday parade, and city bicycle rides. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda minus Item 26-0769 and separately approved the accounts receivable write-offs. - Approved Ordinance 2026-32 on first reading and adopted Ordinances 2026-28, 2026-30, and 2026-31 on final reading, all unanimously. - Approved airport rate and fee adjustments and the phased implementation plan, with direction to return with jet-specific rate options. - Appointed Peter Boers to the Venice Housing Authority for Nov. 1, 2026 through Oct. 31, 2030. - Approved the 2027 state legislative priorities, including the added Caspersen Beach priority and sand-source clarification. - No votes taken during the meeting were less than unanimous.

The Historic and Architectural Preservation Board of Venice, FL met on October 8, 2026, to approve minutes, discuss garage regulations and façade color code changes, elect officers, and receive staff updates on a color palette workshop and historic surveys. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the September 10, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Joyce Abe reported an immediate severe historic preservation and unpermitted code violation inside the designated local landmark, KMI Venice Center. She stated that a new business (Coast and Cork) in unit 15A had gouged sections of the first-floor historic subfloor and poured a modern blue epoxy floor, without a certificate of appropriateness or business permits. Discussion Items - Garage Regulations (Old Business): The board discussed proposed code changes for garages on lots of 50 feet or less. They amended the proposal by striking the phrase "garage door faces away from the pedestrian entry door" from the side-loading section, as it was deemed confusing and unnecessary. The motion to approve with that change carried unanimously. - Façade Colors (Old Business): The board reviewed proposed updates to façade color regulations, including simplifying color coverage rules: residential up to 100% one color, non-residential up to 80% one color with 20% approved color. The motion to accept as presented passed unanimously. - Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Chair Bebe and Vice Chair Trammell were re-elected unanimously by the board. Staff Comments & Updates - Color Palette Workshop: Staff proposed a workshop on November 5, 2026, to review updated color samples from Sherwin-Williams. The board discussed logistics, including venue availability (community room or Fire Station 1), the need for a public workshop with proper notice and minutes, and the desire to have physical color samples rather than relying solely on digital presentations. No decision was made; staff will follow up on feasibility. - Historic Survey Grants (Harry Clinkhammer): Reported that the Edgewood and Seaward grant is completed. The FY27 RFP for Gulf Shores and Golden Beach survey has been issued. The consultant used for previous surveys folded, requiring a new vendor. An application has been submitted for a resurvey of an ETA Park for FY28. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of minutes. - Unanimous approval of garage regulations amendment with one phrase struck. - Unanimous approval of façade color code changes. - Re-election of Chair Bebe and Vice Chair Trammell. - Staff directed to investigate feasibility of a color palette workshop on November 5, 2026, and report back.