Public Meetings - Venice, Florida

The Venice City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Avenue. All Council members were present. The meeting featured four ceremonial proclamations, a one-hour audience participation period, approval of the Lord-Higel House coffee shop lease, a $14,500 police grievance settlement, three ordinance continuances, final adoption of three ordinances—including the contested Avenida Del Circo density amendment—and the unanimous appointment of Lloyd Weed to Council Seat 1. The Council recessed at approximately noon for an executive session and returned around 1:00 PM. Recognition & Proclamations - National Police Week (May 11-17, 2025): Mayor Pachota noted that Venice has been rated the safest place in America to retire and that the police department has an unblemished state accreditation record. Presented to Acting Police Chief Eric Hill, Master Police Officer Paul Joyce, and Police Officer Brett Woodworth. The proclamation cited 24,412 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since 1786, with 345 new names being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. - National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23, 2025): Presented to Officer Joyce, Officer Woodworth, and representatives from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, West Coast Inland Navigation District, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Venice Flotilla 86, Sea Tow Venice, and Venice Sail and Power Squadron. Speakers emphasized free vessel safety checks and pre-departure preparation. - Public Works Week (May 18-24, 2025): Vice Mayor Boldt read the proclamation; Mayor Pachota recognized the more than 380 public works and utilities employees. - Historic Preservation Month (May 2025): The proclamation noted Venice has five national historic districts, eight properties on the National Register of Historic Places, and 13 properties on the local register of historic resources. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously. Items included the minutes of the April 22, 2025 regular meeting, and the reappointment of Police Officer Brett Woodworth to the Police Pension Board of Trustees (term through October 31, 2028). Items 25-0191 (Lord-Higel lease) and 25-0192 (grievance settlement) were pulled by Mayor Pachota and Councilmember Smith, respectively, for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony (General Audience) - Ruth Corder expressed dismay at the April 22 Council meeting, asserting that a flawed traffic study was relied upon, that the company that prepared it refunded money, that a 13,000-page report was sent to Swift MUD without an executive summary, and that outside influences direct city leadership. She praised one Council member who proposed an independent study, contrasting "personal power" with "positional power." - Frank Wright, president of the Venice Area Historical Society, supported the Lord-Higel House coffee shop lease, noting residents contributed approximately $800,000 to the house's restoration and that adaptive reuse is a sound preservation approach. Discussion Items Lord-Higel House Coffee House Lease (25-0191): The leaseholder, Black Gold Coffee Roasters LLC (representatives Alyssa and Gary), presented plans for a community cafe with live music, events, and history-focused programming in collaboration with the Venice Museum and Archives. Alyssa stated the second floor—not ADA accessible—will be used for storage, office space, and limited private meeting space. In response to Councilmember Frank's parking question, she noted the lease dedicates the first six parking spaces nearest the house and that the area is intended to be a "walking town" per the John Nolen plan. The lease was approved unanimously. Police Grievance Settlement (25-0192): Councilmember Smith asked why settlement terms were confidential and whether the $14,500 payment to Jessica Chappa and the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) set a precedent. HR Director Alan Bullock explained the dispute involved whether compensatory time counts in retirement "average final compensation" calculations under an old pension plan closed to new members since approximately 2014, and that the settlement agreement specifies it does not set a precedent. The settlement was approved unanimously. Ordinance 2025-07 – Final Reading (Mixed-Use Corridor Density Amendment, Avenida Del Circo): Seven public speakers opposed the request to raise the allowed density on the approximately five-acre Wasserman property from 13 units per acre to 35 (Planning Commission recommended 32). Speakers cited traffic on Avenida Del Circo and cut-through neighborhoods, pedestrian and bicycle safety (Nokomis Avenue is a designated bike route with no sidewalks), evacuation concerns, compatibility with the John Nolen plan, and concern about setting precedent. Joan Iacono of Venice Thrives (described as a nonpartisan group of approximately 2,000 members) said the increase would bring roughly 170 new units instead of 71. Applicant's attorney Jeffrey Boone argued the change is a trade-off: for every added dwelling unit, the right to 2,000 square feet of commercial development is removed, and the property currently allows up to 237,000 square feet of commercial development, which he said would generate far more traffic (a 14,000-square-foot retail building is roughly equivalent to 175 multifamily dwelling units of traffic). He noted no state agencies raised objections and that a site and development plan and full traffic study are still required before any construction. Councilmember Howard proposed an amendment capping density at 22 units per acre, seconded by Councilmember Smith; the amendment failed 2-4, and the original motion passed 4-2, with Howard and Smith opposed. Ordinance 2025-15 – Final Reading (3520 Laurel Road East Rezone): Approved unanimously, changing the zoning of 15.58 ± acres from Sarasota County Open Use Estate-1 (OUE-1) to City of Venice Laurel East (LE). No public speakers. Councilmember Smith noted that city zoning designations provide certainty to both owners and neighbors. Ordinance 2025-18 – Final Reading (FY2024-25 Budget Amendment): Approved 5-1, increasing total revenues and expenditures by $1,494,951 (the clerk read expenditures as "$1,494,095"; the agenda states $1,494,951). Councilmember Smith objected to the inclusion of a new full-time police training manager position, proposing an amendment to remove it; the amendment failed for lack of a second. Finance Director Linda Seni explained the position needed to be hired before October 1 and would be budgeted for a few months in the current year. Acting Police Chief Eric Hill described the training manager as an essential position. Resolution 2025-13 (Emergency Medical Aid Fees): Removed by staff; no action taken. Citizens Advisory Board Student Member (25-0193): Hayden Heaney was reappointed for the term June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, unanimously. Police Homelessness Presentation (25-0194): Councilmember Smith requested a presentation from the police department's outreach team (Sergeant Sean Hammett and caseworker Kelsey Ledford). The motion was amended to direct staff to host a public educational session on homelessness at a city venue; passed unanimously. Third-Party Presentation Time Limits (25-0195): Council directed staff to develop a policy on time limits and scheduling for third-party presentations, including avoiding long waits for presenters. Passed unanimously. City Hall Park Honorary Name (25-0196): Mayor Pachota proposed naming City Hall Park (401 W. Venice Avenue) the "LaValle Municipal Campus" in honor of retiring City Manager Ed Lavallee, who has served more than 13 years. The item was referred to the Citizens Advisory Board in accordance with city policy. Passed unanimously. Appointment of Council Seat 1 (25-0197): After one public speaker (Margaret Jean Cannon) urged the Council to consider a different perspective, Mayor Pachota nominated Lloyd Weed from the three applicants (Weed, Derbak, and Fiedler). No other nominations were offered. Weed was selected unanimously and sworn in immediately after the meeting; a ceremonial swearing-in is scheduled for May 27, 2025. Key Outcomes - ORD 2025-16 and ORD 2025-17 (Auburn and Border Road, south of I-75) continued to the May 27, 2025, City Council meeting, unanimously. - ORD 2025-19 (Live Local Act / Affordable Housing text amendment) continued to the June 10, 2025, City Council meeting, unanimously. - ORD 2025-07 adopted on final reading, 4-2; Councilmember Howard's 22-units-per-acre amendment rejected 2-4. - ORD 2025-15 adopted unanimously. - ORD 2025-18 adopted 5-1 (Councilmember Smith opposed). - Lord-Higel House lease and the $14,500 grievance settlement approved unanimously. - Lloyd Weed appointed to Council Seat 1 unanimously. - Staff directed to draft a third-party presentation policy and to schedule a public educational homelessness session. - City Hall Park naming referred to the Citizens Advisory Board. Charter Officer & Council Reports - City Attorney: Noted the close of the state legislative session and a pending bill that would extend the local government planning moratorium, describing continued erosion of home rule authority. - City Clerk: Reminded Council of the joint meeting with Sarasota County commissioners on Friday, May 16, at the R.L. Anderson Building, and began scheduling meetings with the new Council member. - Councilmember Smith: Requested a timeline from Coastal Protection Engineering on the Flamingo Ditch study; the City Manager said the information would be provided by email. - Councilmember Engelke: Attended the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Officials and a four-hour ethics course. - Councilmember Howard: Reported on Safety Day and invited the public to the Memorial Day ceremony. - Vice Mayor Boldt: Reported on the Tourist Development Council meeting and efforts to seek funding for the Venice Theatre. - Mayor Pachota: Announced the Hurricane Expo (May 30, Venice Community Center), the Memorial Day ceremony (May 26, Patriots Park), and the Centennial community meeting (June 5).

The City of Venice Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement held a hearing on May 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. Three cases were addressed: one old business case that came into compliance, one new business case corrected prior to hearing, and a citation contest where the fine was paid and appeal fee refunded. A staff update noted an ongoing non-compliance case with accumulated fines. Old Business - Case CEEN25-000 (Justin Hamilton and Kaylin Hamilton): The property was found compliant with the administrative order entered March 6, 2025. The respondent was put on notice that future violations of Chapter 34, Section 34-81 will result in a $500 per day fine as a repeat violator. New Business - Case CEPM24-005 (Richard A. Redmon): The violation was corrected prior to the hearing. The special magistrate found the respondent compliant with the city code. Citation Contest - Citation 0841 (Peter M. Steffy): The respondent paid the parking fine and withdrew the contest. The $25 appeal filing fee was ordered to be refunded. Staff Updates - An unspecified property (referred to as "the gentleman with two houses side by side") remains out of compliance. The imposed fine is still running on that property. The next meeting was confirmed for June 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned after the staff updates.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Venice Planning Commission met in Council Chambers for its regular meeting. The meeting opened with roll call and approval of the April 15, 2025 minutes, followed by two quasi-judicial public hearings: the Epiphany Cathedral parking lot site and development plan (24-47SP) and the Boruff Family Trust zoning map amendment (25-05RZ). The commission approved the minutes, denied the Epiphany Cathedral parking lot petition 6-1, and voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the Boruff zoning map amendment to City Council. Opening and Minutes - Chair Snyder and members Wilson, Hale, Sherberg, McKeon, Young, and Jasper were present. - No conflicts of interest were declared for either hearing. One commissioner disclosed that his wife had shared neighbors' negative comments heard at a separate meeting, and he affirmed he could remain fair and impartial. - The April 15, 2025 minutes were approved unanimously. Public Hearing: Epiphany Cathedral Parking Lot (24-47SP) - Staff presented the request by Frank Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, to redevelop an existing shell parking lot serving Epiphany Cathedral, offices, and school into a paved, code-compliant parking lot. The lot currently is accessed from Manatee Court; the proposal would use Park Lane Drive for access and retain two existing Harbor Drive crosswalks to the church. - Staff stated the project met land development code requirements, was within the 1,000-foot remote parking standard, would lose about 32 spaces to required landscaping and medians, and had received engineering sign-off that stormwater would not exceed the 25-year, 24-hour storm event. The city's traffic consultant also found the plan compliant. - The agenda identified Kreg E. Maheu as agent; at the hearing, Dave Morley, chair of the church building committee, acted as agent, and Alex Wordsworth of DMK Associates later answered questions. - Dave Morley spoke in favor, describing unsafe gravel, safer sidewalks and crosswalks, additional landscaping, and a project cost of more than $200,000. Alex Wordsworth explained that Park Lane was selected over Manatee Court to preserve Sunday parking capacity, create safe one-way traffic flow, and meet code setback requirements from the right-of-way. - Public commenters included: - Jill Devlin, a full-time resident next to Prentice French Park, opposed the Park Lane entrance and urged placing access on Harbor Drive instead, citing risk to residents, park users, and wildlife. - Jim Leftwich of 329 Bay Shore Drive questioned the need for paving, preferred the existing access, noted the lot fills mainly on holidays, and raised concerns about stormwater runoff and groundwater recharge. - Robert Bostick of 330 Tarpon Street supported keeping access on Park Lane, opposed moving it to Harbor Drive because of school traffic, and asked how stormwater runoff would be mitigated. - Richard Zamoff of Parkland Drive opposed the proposed entrance, saying it would increase traffic near elderly park users, young children, and dog walkers. - Julie Smydore of 304 West Bay Drive raised concerns about additional paving increasing existing flooding and described school pickup traffic blocking her street; she suggested maintaining the lot with new gravel instead of paving. - Linda Latendry/Lutendra of 305 Park Lane Drive opposed added traffic, said that part of Park Lane was not originally a through street, and acknowledged the benefit of cleaning up dumping. - Sharon Bellender was not opposed to improvements but asked for reconsideration of drainage and traffic flow, noting frequent street flooding and her uncertainty about the retention pond design. Public Hearing: Boruff Family Trust Zoning Map Amendment (25-05RZ) - Staff presented a request to rezone 0.6 acres at 225 Park Boulevard South and 528 Menendez Street from residential multifamily-4 to residential single-family-4. The future land use designation would remain high-density residential. - The site currently has 10 multifamily units; the proposed zoning would allow no more than three single-family homes. Staff noted RMF-4 allows 18 dwelling units per acre, 46-foot height, and 45% lot coverage, while RSF-4 allows 5.5 units per acre, 35-foot height, and 35% lot coverage. - Staff explained that RSF-4 is not an implementing district for high-density residential, but comprehensive plan strategy LU 1.2.3 permits lower density on parcels under one acre, so a comprehensive plan amendment is not required. Staff also noted high-density/RMF-4 citywide would decline from 1.2% to 1.1% of city parcel area. - Attorney Jeffrey Boone, representing the Boruff Family Trust, said the goal is to return the property to three lots consistent with the underlying 1926 plat so each of Gary Boruff's three children could eventually build a home. He argued the new LDC removed a prior single-family option, described surrounding single-family development, and said multifamily redevelopment is not economically feasible under current height and land-cost conditions. - One commissioner expressed concern that the rezone would reduce 10 smaller apartments to up to three larger single-family homes and appeared to conflict with comprehensive plan and housing goals. - Michelle Montero, a resident on a street behind the property, spoke in favor of the rezone, saying she preferred single-family homes over tall multifamily behind her home and believed single-family development would fit the Nolan plan and recent neighborhood development. Staff and Commission Comments - Planning Director Roger Clark said the next meeting would have at least one application and discussed ongoing city outreach about density, multifamily housing, traffic, and the environment. He noted the Live Local Act and future text amendments addressing affordable housing. - A commissioner requested a quasi-judicial hearing refresher be placed on a future agenda, and Director Clark agreed to add it. Key Outcomes - The April 15, 2025 minutes were approved unanimously. - Epiphany Cathedral Parking Lot Site and Development Plan 24-47SP was denied by a 6-1 vote. The motion cited insufficient information on stormwater, ingress/egress, and on-site mobility, and noted the applicant did not have the technical designers present to answer questions. The denial referenced LDC Section 1.9.4 criteria, including general layout, access points, on-site mobility, and drainage layout. - Boruff Family Trust Zoning Map Amendment 25-05RZ was found consistent with the comprehensive plan and compliant with the land development code, and the commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval to City Council.

The Citizens Tax Oversight Committee met on April 29, 2025, in Council Chambers in Venice, Florida. Members present at roll call were Mr. Belasco, Dr. Safati, Ms. Kelly, Ms. Bolan, and Ms. Bamonte. The committee elected a chair, approved two sets of past minutes, and received a presentation from Finance Director Linda Sini on the Infrastructure Surtax proposed projects, revenues, and expenses. There was no public comment. Election of Chair - Dr. Safati volunteered for the chair position and was nominated and seconded. - The committee elected Dr. Safati as Chair by roll call vote. Approval of Minutes - The committee unanimously approved the minutes of the April 21, 2022 regular meeting. - The committee unanimously approved the minutes of the December 5, 2023 regular meeting. Discussion Items: Infrastructure Surtax - Proposed Projects/Revenues and Expenses - Finance Director Linda Sini reported actual one-cent sales tax revenues of approximately $5.7 million in fiscal 2023 and $5.8 million in fiscal 2024. Other revenues included grants, interest on investments, and private contributions forwarded through Venice Heritage Inc. for the Old Betsy display. Total fiscal 2023 expenditures were reported as approximately $3.15 million. - The one-cent sales tax was reauthorized by voters in November 2021 and runs through 2039. It is collected countywide in Sarasota County and distributed to local governments through a state population-based formula. It can be used only for capital projects and improvements, not for operating expenses or personnel. - Major projects discussed include Fire Station Two and the relocation of the solid waste and fleet maintenance facility. A $50,000 down payment was made on land for the fleet and solid waste facility. Fire Station Two is in design, ground clearing has started, and the guaranteed maximum price from construction firm Willis Smith is expected within 30 to 60 days. - The projected Fire Station Two cost was discussed at about $23 million, with an estimated $19.125 million debt issuance figure that may change once final costs and design are known. The presentation noted a contingency of 5 to 10 percent of construction costs. - The fund has a target reserve policy of $2 million, and the reported excess available was $12.9 million. Staff said the excess would be used toward large projects, with any shortfall covered by debt. - The city transfers about $200,000 to $300,000 per year into the beach renourishment fund; the next beach renourishment is planned for fiscal year 2026. - Committee members asked how projects are selected. Staff explained that departments submit capital project requests, staff prioritizes them with the city manager and department directors, and city council reviews them during budget workshops before adopting the budget in September. - A committee member expressed concern that the one-cent sales tax increase could be a temporary fix and might require another referendum in the future. Staff noted the voter-approved surtax cannot increase beyond one cent until 2039, and any extension would require another countywide referendum. - Members also asked about procurement, the debt estimate, and whether the city uses best-and-final-offer processes. One member with smart-city development experience offered to assist with departmental decisions and vendor selection. - A member asked about sidewalks near Ryder Fields; staff clarified they were funded by grant and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, not the one-cent sales tax. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. The chair noted on the record that there was no public comment. Key Outcomes - Dr. Safati was elected Chair by roll call vote. - The April 21, 2022 minutes were approved unanimously. - The December 5, 2023 minutes were approved unanimously. - The committee received the Infrastructure Surtax report and suggested staff add column and line numbers to future financial handouts. - The meeting was adjourned after discussion and no public comment.

The Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB) of the City of Venice met on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of minutes, discussion on the 2025 Legacy Award, a funding request for a local designation plaque for the Venice Beach Pavilion, and proposed revisions to Section 7 of the city code. The board also discussed upcoming outreach events and preservation month activities. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 13, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously with a motion by John Stecketty and a second. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during the Audience Participation portion. Discussion Items - 2025 Legacy Award: Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer reported that only one nomination was received—from the Venice Area Historical Society, which had previously won the award in 2006. Board members expressed concerns about re-awarding and noted that the application did not highlight recent work. They decided to postpone the current nomination, reopen the nomination period, and encourage board members and the public to submit additional nominations. Staff was directed to compile a list of historical figures who have not yet been recognized. The goal is to have a slate of nominees for a June meeting. - Funds for Venice Beach Pavilion Plaque: Harry Klinkhamer requested approval to spend up to $600 from the Centennial Fund interest for a bronze plaque marking the pavilion’s local historic designation. Board members discussed potential cost increases due to tariffs and approved a range of $600 to $850 to avoid needing further approval. The motion passed unanimously. The plaque will be installed at a prominent location on the pavilion, likely near the rotunda. - Section 7 Proposed Revisions: Board member Jon Barrick presented proposed changes to Section 7 of the city code, which governs the HAPB’s review authority. Key points of discussion included: - Adding language that would require board review (rather than solely the Historic Resources Manager) for alterations and additions to local register properties outside the Venetian Historic District. Staff and board members emphasized the importance of having Harry Klinkhamer guide applicants through the process before the board gives final approval. - Whether to adopt the Secretary of Interior Standards for non-VHP local register properties. The planning commission had previously opposed this, but the board noted these standards are already used for tax exemption reviews. The board directed staff to prepare a strike-through version of the proposed revisions for a future meeting, incorporating the discussed compromises. - Clarifying that non-VHP commercial buildings (e.g., recent roof replacement cases) should be exempt from certain reviews if they are not proposing significant aesthetic changes. - Outreach Event: Board member Jon Barrick will represent the board at a community outreach event on May 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Venice Public Library, along with staff from Historical Resources and Planning. The event aims to educate property owners about local register designation and tax exemptions. - Preservation Month Proclamation: The city clerk’s office offered dates of May 13 or May 27 for a proclamation at a city council meeting. The chair agreed to attend and will confirm availability. - Color Palette Review: The board plans to begin updating the city’s color palette, with staff working on a proposal for the next meeting. Key Outcomes - The board approved the request for funds for the Venice Beach Pavilion plaque in the amount of $600–$850, with installation to follow. - The 2025 Legacy Award nomination process will be reopened, with a new deadline to allow for additional nominations. Staff will provide a list of potential historical figures for consideration at the next meeting. - Proposed Section 7 revisions will be refined by staff and brought back for a formal vote at a future meeting, incorporating board feedback on the review process and exemptions. - The board will participate in the May 8 outreach event and a May city council meeting for Preservation Month.