Public Meetings - Venice, Florida

The Venice City Council held a Budget Public Hearing on September 8, 2026, at 5:01 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting focused on two ordinances: the final levying of ad valorem taxes for FY 2026-2027 (Ordinance 2026-25) and the adoption of the official budget for the same fiscal year (Ordinance 2026-26). The city manager presented key budget highlights, including the addition of two traffic officers, organizational changes to the police department, and plans for fire department review. The city also reached a population milestone of 30,887 residents. No public comments were received, and both ordinances passed unanimously on first reading. Public Hearings - Ordinances First Reading Ordinance 2026-25 - Ad Valorem Tax Levy The city manager stated the current operating millage rate is 3.9041 mills, with a rolled-back rate of 3.9261 mills. The budget includes two new traffic officers and police department restructuring. Plans for FY27 include a fire staffing review and potential movement of fire service funding to a non-ad valorem source. The city manager also noted that the city has a lean budget, and next year will require a 10% budget reduction model due to new state legislation, which may impact staffing levels. Council member Smith commented that the city did not need to run a "notice of proposed tax increase" ad, unlike other municipalities, indicating no tax increase. Vote: Unanimous approval on first reading, scheduled for final reading. Ordinance 2026-26 - Official Budget Adoption This ordinance adopts the official budget for FY 2026-2027 (Oct 1, 2026 - Sep 30, 2027), controlling disbursements and allowing departmental transfers with city manager authority. No public comment. Vote: Unanimous approval on first reading, scheduled for final reading. Key Outcomes - Both ordinances passed unanimously on first reading. - Final readings are scheduled for a future meeting (likely at a subsequent 5:00 PM meeting, as referenced by Council member Smith). - The city will prepare for next year's 10% budget reduction model mandated by state legislation. Note: The minutes were not available, so this summary relies solely on the transcript and agenda.

The City of Venice Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement convened on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers at 401 West Venice Avenue. The agenda included one old-business compliance hearing and one new-business citation. The magistrate imposed a $250-per-day fine in the Hawks Run Development LLC case and assessed a $2,000 penalty plus fees against contractor Scott Tyler Good. The next special magistrate hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Old Business: CESW26-001 – Hawks Run Development LLC - Respondent Hawks Run Development LLC did not appear. Code Enforcement Officer Mike Houghton, standing in for primary officer David Lipper, said noncompliance paperwork was sent by email, certified mail, and regular mail. He presented three photos taken that morning showing cattails still filling the area and asked the magistrate to find the respondent in violation and start a $250-per-day fine from August 1, 2026. - The magistrate noted this was the third time Hawks Run had been before the code enforcement magistrate. City inspector/engineer Kevin Barrett, who testified at the first hearing, said nothing had changed. He testified that overgrowth reduces water flow into the retention area, could affect stormwater retention, could cause water to back up into the condo association area, and could back up onto public roads; he added that recent rain made cleanup more difficult. - The city explained that a repeat-violator fine enhancement was not available because the prior violations were for a different violation, such as unlawful accumulation, rather than the specific stormwater violation at issue. - The magistrate found the property not in compliance with the July 1, 2026 order for violations of Sections 62-1 and 74-297 of the City Code. He imposed a fine of $250 per day beginning August 1, 2026, terminating when the code enforcement officer finds the property in compliance. He ordered a certified copy of the order recorded in Sarasota County public records, constituting a lien against the subject property and any other real or personal property owned by the respondent. He stated he considered the gravity of the violation, actions taken to correct it, and previous violations. New Business: CEBD26-001 – Scott Tyler Good - Officer Jose Luna, a community resource officer assigned to the Venice Police Department, testified that on May 29, 2026, he responded to 42 Pine Road, a city-owned municipal home park, and found drywall screwed to studs and taped while the building permit was still under review. Good had been cited for working without a permit at the same property on April 22, 2026, and that fine was paid. Luna issued a second citation for construction without a permit, a violation of Section 88-2.2.1, classified as a class three offense with a $2,000 penalty. A stop-work order label had been affixed on April 22. - Building Official Derrick Applegate testified that the work, which appeared to convert or enclose a non-habitable space into habitable space, required an approved building permit and also planning and zoning review to ensure land-use compliance. He considered working without a permit a standalone violation. - In rebuttal, Officer Luna denied giving Good permission to install drywall. He testified that during a follow-up about a week or two before May 29, he told Good he could cover open areas from the elements with temporary materials such as a tarp or plastic, but not with permanent construction, and he did not authorize drywall or specify materials. He added that only the building official could authorize such work. - Respondent Scott Tyler Good, who said he had 25 to 27 years of contracting experience, testified that he admitted starting work without a permit. He said he was waiting for engineering and zoning approval and that Officer Luna had verbally told him he could cover open wall and attic space to keep birds, rats, and a raccoon out of the homeowner's trailer. Good said no one told him which material to use, so he used moisture-barrier drywall. He stated the permit was issued the next day and the project is now finished and ready for inspection. He also said he accepted a $1,500 fine for the first offense and expressed frustration over the communication between Officer Luna and Luna's supervisor. - The magistrate told Good that he should have followed up by asking what material he could use and that he should have been more careful after already being fined once. The magistrate found Good violated Section 88-2.2.1, ordered forfeiture of the $25 appeal/filing fee, and assessed a $2,000 civil penalty plus a $500 contested fee and recording fee if not paid within 10 days. Key Outcomes - CESW26-001: Violation of Sections 62-1 and 74-297 found; $250-per-day fine from August 1, 2026, until compliance; order to be recorded as a lien in Sarasota County. - CEBD26-001: Violation of Section 88-2.2.1 found; $2,000 civil penalty, $500 contested fee, recording fee, and forfeiture of the $25 filing fee, payable within 10 days. - The next Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

The Venice Planning Commission met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with roll call, approval of the August 18, 2026 minutes, and proceeded through public hearings on a variance continuance and two related petitions for a car wash development. All items were approved unanimously. Planning Director Roger Clark provided updates on upcoming meetings, the comprehensive plan, a data center moratorium, and a remanded project. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the August 18, 2026 regular meeting (motion by Jasper, second by McKeon, unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony or comments during the meeting. Discussion Items - Variance Petition 26-34VZ (PAM Health Venice Signs): Senior Planner Nicole Tremblay presented. The applicant requested a continuance to the September 15, 2026 regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting. No public comment. Motion to continue by McKeon, second by Sherberg, passed unanimously. - Design Alternative Petition 26-39DA & Site and Development Plan 26-25SP (Lightning Fast Car Wash): Both items were heard together by mutual agreement, with separate votes required. The project is located at 209 Hulstein Street, approximately 1.15 acres, zoned Laurel West within the Laurel Road neighborhood. Staff Planner Brittany Smith presented the staff report. The four design alternative requests were: - Modify maximum side yard setback (Table 2.39) from 55 feet to approximately 128 feet on the western property line due to the long, narrow car wash building orientation. - Reduce buffer type from Type 3 to Type 1 (Table 4.5) because the adjacent use is commercial, not residential; the applicant agreed to maintain planting requirements but eliminated the 6-foot fence requirement. - Increase wall signage from the code maximum of 61 sq. ft. to 79.3125 sq. ft. on the narrow Laurel Road frontage; the single sign is less than half the signage approved for neighboring Mavis and Panda Express. - Reduce terminal island width from 10 feet to 8.8 feet and relocate required landscaping to perimeter areas to accommodate vacuum equipment. - Applicant agent Jackson Boone (Boone Law Firm) provided testimony, noting the project team included representatives of Lightning Fast Car Wash and engineers. He argued the design alternatives provide superior design and efficiency with no material negative impact. The site plan includes a 5,211 sq. ft. automated single-tunnel car wash building, vacuum stations, and pay kiosks. Traffic impact: 102 PM peak hour trips, within the approved 1,208 trips for the overall Venice Crossing commercial center. The site meets all code requirements except for the requested design alternatives. No public comment was heard. - Planning Director Comments: Roger Clark announced the next meeting on September 16 will include a presentation on the Parks Master Plan by consultants, a rezoning application, and an annexation/comp plan/rezoning for a single-family lot. He reported that the comprehensive plan update is now complete and available online; no commissioners requested a hard copy. He noted City Council verbally approved an 18-month moratorium on data centers to allow staff time to develop regulations. The Ajax property site plan was remanded by Council back to staff for further review. Key Outcomes - Variance continuance (26-34VZ): Unanimously continued to September 15, 2026. - Design Alternative (26-39DA): Motion to approve by McKeon, second by Harrell, passed unanimously. - Site and Development Plan (26-25SP): Motion to approve by Jasper, second by Harrell, passed unanimously.

The Venice City Council met on August 25, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM with a ceremonial swearing-in of three police officers. The meeting included public comments, a consent agenda, public hearings, and multiple discussion items covering airport management, stormwater maintenance, road widening, a wellness village proposal, a data center moratorium, charter officer compensation, and budget adjustments for FY2027. A noon executive session was held; the meeting reconvened at 1:10 PM and adjourned after 5:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved items on the consent agenda unanimously, with the exception of Item 26-0701 (Memorandum of Understanding to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility Task Force), which was pulled by Councilmember Howard. - Item 26-0701 was later postponed via a motion that passed 5-2 (after a vote correction, 6-1). The motion directed staff to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how the MOU would impact the airport and residents before future consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Oglethorpe (Venice resident) alleged that city employees are misleading the council and public about airport intentions, citing discrepancies between a June 23 council presentation and a July FAA briefing that discussed a new terminal project and hiring five full-time staff to manage increased traffic. - Amber Jacob (nonprofit event organizer) requested a concrete date for continued use of airport grounds for events like the Megalodon Weekend, noting uncertainty hampers planning and revenue. - Bryce Ferguson (community member) shared personal history with the airport and urged preservation of festival grounds for non-aviation community events, referencing an FAA handbook allowing non-aviation uses. - Bonnie Kivlin (airport neighbor) opposed a proposed two-story control tower and grant proposal, arguing it contradicts earlier assurances that the remote tower would be a simple pole with cameras, and requested the proposal be withdrawn. - Brett Spengler (community member) presented video clips from past meetings and argued that city staff are pursuing growth-oriented grants under the guise of safety, urging the council to rescind and postpone grants until a resident-centered vision is adopted. - Jonathan Barrett (first-time speaker) requested interim public access to Humphreys Park and the South Jetty shoreline while repairs continue, noting the area has been closed for nearly two years since Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Discussion Items - Airport Workshop Scheduling (26-0705): Council discussed scheduling a workshop to hear from aviation attorney Chris Wilson on FAA regulations, the remote tower grant, and clarification of future plans. City Manager James Clinch clarified that the remote tower remains a safety-focused project; a control room would be needed but not necessarily in the new administrative building. The council expressed concerns about transparency and the need to address community distrust. A motion passed unanimously to schedule the workshop on October 15, 2026 (or a date to be coordinated with the clerk). - Curry Creek Maintenance and Deertown Gully Transfer (26-0706): City Engineer John Kramer presented a plan to transfer city-maintained portions of Curry Creek to Sarasota County in exchange for Deertown Gully and other easements. He noted that maintaining the Sawgrass section of Curry Creek would cost about $10,000 per year. Council debated the public benefit and liability; a motion passed unanimously authorizing the city manager to negotiate with the Sawgrass Community Association and the Central Venice Coalition to develop a plan for routine maintenance of the section of Curry Creek flowing through Sawgrass. - Laurel Road Widening Project Update (26-0707): Mr. Kramer reported that initial bids exceeded the $16 million budget (half state grant, half mobility fees). The Laurel Road CDD re-engineered the project (e.g., using a deeper pond as a fill source) and rebid; new bids are due September 3, 2026, with construction expected by year-end. The signalization at Venetian Golf & River Club and the MERT path remain unchanged. - Wellness Village Development on Old Venice Hospital Site (26-0708): City Manager Clinch reported a July meeting with developers who expressed willingness to scale the project to meet current zoning and code. No formal application has been submitted. Councilmember Smith requested immediate notification of any future application. - Data Center Moratorium (26-0709): Mayor Pachota proposed an 18-month moratorium on data centers to allow development of land-use regulations. Council discussion noted that current code lacks provisions for data centers and that the technology is evolving. A motion to direct staff to bring back an ordinance for an 18-month moratorium (or legally permissible timeframe) passed unanimously. - Charter Officer Compensation (26-0710): HR Director Alan Bullock presented salary data for City Manager ($217,500) and City Clerk ($164,052). Council debated the lack of formal performance evaluations. A motion to award a 3.4% CPI-based increase to base salary for both positions passed unanimously. - FY2027 Budget Changes (26-0711): Finance Director Linda Senne detailed 20 adjustments to the proposed budget, including adding two police officers (funded through cuts in travel, training, decorative street lights, and other areas), funding a fire assessment and staffing study, and moving IT security projects to the one-cent sales tax fund. The net effect on the general fund is an $885,821 deficit (up from $800,000). Council commended staff for the creative solutions and approved the changes unanimously. Key Outcomes - Ajax Site Plan Appeal (26-03AP): The applicant requested remand; council unanimously vacated the Planning Commission's approval and remanded the application to staff for revision. - Ordinances: - 2026-22 (Recovery Residences): Approved unanimously on final reading. - 2026-23 (Land Development Code amendments): Approved unanimously on final reading, with a commitment to revisit temporary sign regulations at a future meeting. - 2026-24 (Budget Amendment): Approved on first reading unanimously, with final reading scheduled for September 8, 2026. - Resolution 2026-15 (Village on the Isle Phase 2 improvements): Approved unanimously. - Appointments: - Peyton DeWitt appointed to the Citizens Tax Oversight Committee (term 2026-2030) unanimously. - John Secete and Gene Trammell appointed to the Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (terms 2026-2029) unanimously. - Quarterly Financial Update (26-0702): Presented; no action taken. - Airport Workshop: Scheduled for October 15, 2026 (or coordinated date). - Curry Creek: Negotiations authorized with Sawgrass and Central Venice Coalition. - Data Center Moratorium: Staff directed to prepare an ordinance. - Charter Officer Compensation: 3.4% increase approved. - FY2027 Budget Changes: Approved.

The Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) met on August 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations on the Parks Master Plan, the proposed Mayor's Garden, an update on the city's bicycle friendly status, a review of park naming policies, and an update on the website redesign project. The board also discussed a potential legislative referral on customer service. All agenda items were addressed, with several votes taken. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 17, 2026): Approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Parks Master Plan Consultant Presentation: Roger Clark (Planning & Zoning Director) provided background on the need for a parks master plan, noting that the last attempt was in 2015 and was not adopted. GAI Consultants (Kristen Caborn and Amy Zengatita) presented their approach, including fieldwork, public outreach, and a survey running from September to November 2026. Public workshops will be held October 16 (4-9:30 PM), October 17 (farmers market 8 AM-1 PM), and October 28-29 (open house at City Hall). The plan is expected to be completed by early summer 2027. Board member comments included suggestions to add Pinebrook Park to the survey list, clarify the definition of a parks master plan, and consider including putting greens. The student representative, Lily, noted the importance of reaching younger demographics. A ringmaster (Terry) was assigned to coordinate with staff. - Approval of Mayor's Garden on Lavallee Municipal Campus: Mayor Pichota presented a proposal to create a garden outside the mayor's office, funded personally by him at no cost to the city. Features would include a non-functional flower fountain, a bench, and a sign listing past mayors. The garden would be maintained by VABI (community partner). Staff expressed support. The board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval to City Council. - Discussion on Elevating the City's Bicycle Friendly Level to Gold: Darlene Culpepper (Special Events & Mobility Coordinator) reviewed the 2024 report card that earned Silver status. Key challenges include connectivity, protected bike corridors, and bike parking standards. She noted that a four-year cycle means the next application is in 2028. No action was taken; the board received the update. - Review of Code Section 46.5 for Naming/Renaming City Owned Parks: The board discussed the code, which was referred by City Council after controversy over the Maxine Barrett renaming. Members raised questions about residency requirements and gender balance of park names. The board assigned ringmaster Ms. Panfill to review the code comprehensively and bring recommendations to a future meeting. No action items were identified. - Unfinished Business: Website Redesign Update: Brian Lorenz (Deputy PIO) and Chuck Poor (Consulting Project Manager) provided an update. Staff have audited 400 existing web pages and are working on wireframes and navigation. A public navigation test is active to gather user data. Content migration is planned for Q1 2027, with launch expected in Q2 2027. The board was asked to share the test link with the community. The ringmaster Alex expressed satisfaction with progress. Key Outcomes - Parks Master Plan: The board received the presentation and will be involved in future public outreach. A ringmaster was assigned to coordinate. - Mayor's Garden: Approved unanimously (7-0) to recommend to City Council. The item will appear on the first September 2026 council agenda. - Bicycle Friendly Level: No formal action; the board took the update under advisement. - Code Section 46.5: Assignment to ringmaster Panfill for further review; no deadline set. - Website Redesign: The board encouraged sharing the navigation test; next update expected at the October meeting. - Customer Service Legislative Referral: Chair Efron raised the idea of a legislative referral to study city customer service standards. After discussion, the board decided to defer the topic to its annual priority-setting process at the next meeting, rather than submitting a separate referral now. - Board Discussion Highlights: Chair Efron moved the student representative Lily to a seat among the board members for future meetings. Dr. Davis noted she sent personal comments to GAI on park design. Mr. Edmund encouraged attention to environmentally sensitive land planning.

The Venice Planning Commission met on August 18, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda included approval of minutes, six quasi-judicial public hearings (Mavis Tires & Brakes site plan, Knights Trail Subdivision preliminary plat, Venice Crossing Signs design alternative, and two related petitions for Venice Executive Storage – site plan and conditional use), and a legislative text amendment regarding mailed notice and neighborhood workshop requirements. All hearings were properly advertised as of August 1, 2026. The commission approved the minutes, all four quasi-judicial petitions with unanimous votes (except Knights Trail which passed with one member opposed), and recommended approval of the text amendment to city council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 7, 2026): Motion by Mr. Jasper, second by Mr. Hale. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Mavis Tires & Brakes (26-11SP): Steve Carr, chairperson of the Central Venice Coalition, asked about disposal of used tires and whether they would be stored outside. He requested they be screened from view. - Knights Trail Subdivision (26-03PP): Mike Haran, owner of Ajax Paving (a heavy equipment company operating on Gene Green Road), opposed the secondary access onto Gene Green Road. He argued it is a private road and expressed safety concerns about families and children near industrial truck traffic. He requested that the access be closed off. - Venice Crossing Signs (26-17DA) & Venice Executive Storage (25-25SP / 26-19CU): No public speakers signed up. - Text Amendment (26-32AM): No public speakers signed up. Discussion Items - 26-11SP Mavis Tires & Brakes – Site and Development Plan: Staff (Brittany Smith) presented a 7,095 sq ft tire and auto service center on 0.98 acres at 205 Holstein Street (formerly 2001 Laurel Road). The property retains CG zoning (inactive district) in the Laurel Road neighborhood. The applicant (agent Justin Napolitano) noted a prior conditional use approval (26-10CU) from June 2, 2026. The project will generate 22 PM peak hour trips, well within the 1,208 approved trips for Venice Crossings. Staff found compliance with comprehensive plan and land development code. Public comment addressed tire storage; the agent confirmed no outside tire display and that disposal includes screened dumpsters. The commission approved unanimously. - 26-03PP Knights Trail Subdivision – Preliminary Plat: Staff (Brittany Smith) presented a 60.44-acre subdivision with 338 single-family units (222 detached, 116 attached townhomes) at 2100 & 2413 Knights Trail Road. The previous approval (22-30SP Nicomas Groves) had 630 multifamily units. The new density is 5.7 units per acre (MU corridor range). Access from Knights Trail and Gene Green Road (consistent with prior approvals). Traffic impact: 258 PM peak hour trips (down from 703). Agent Jackson Boone argued the reduction mitigates concerns. Buffers include a Type 3 buffer (15 ft wide, 6 ft fence) along western, southern, and eastern boundaries adjacent to industrial uses (e.g., Crush It concrete facility). Commissioner questions: Mr. Jasper asked about stormwater management (handled by Grand Oaks CDD) and illumination (compliance with code). Mr. McKeon raised concerns about the Gene Green Road access near Ajax Paving's heavy equipment traffic. Mr. Haran (public speaker) argued the road is private and requested closure. Planning Director Roger Clark clarified the access was approved previously and that the commission could discuss it. The applicant noted the secondary access is required by code for the number of units. Commissioner Sherberg supported, noting the access is further from Knights Trail than a prior controversial proposal. Mr. Jasper opposed due to safety concerns. The motion to approve passed (one member opposed, Mr. Jasper). - 26-17DA Venice Crossing Signs – Design Alternative: Staff (Brittany Smith) presented a request to modify monument sign standards for the 82-acre Venice Crossing development (MU corridor, Laurel Road). Three modifications: (1) increased width and square footage for two large entryway monument signs (A1, A2) near signalized entrances; (2) reduced size for outparcel signs to maintain aesthetic consistency; (3) increased width for two gas station price‑changer signs (still meeting square footage). Agent John Latman (substituting for Alvin Ramos) noted signs are for large box retailers (Home Depot, etc.) and gas stations. Planning Director Roger Clark commended the developer for voluntarily agreeing to smaller outparcel signs (instead of the allowed 15‑ft tall signs). No public comment. The commission approved unanimously. - 25-25SP & 26-19CU Venice Executive Storage – Site Plan and Conditional Use: Staff (Nicole Tremblay) presented a 26‑unit self‑storage facility (two buildings, each 13 units) on 2.3 acres at 3508 Knights Trail Road. The property is in Laurel East zoning; self‑storage requires a conditional use. The site previously had an approved CVS (now Dollar Tree) with future development area. Phase two includes a two‑building self‑storage with an alternative parking plan: two permanent spaces and 26 temporary loading spaces (87% reduction from code minimum of 15‑61 spaces, requiring commission approval). Agent John Perry (AM Engineering) noted the facility is for purchase (condominium units) and includes a half‑bathroom in each unit for convenience during extended use (e.g., working on RVs or boats). The developer (Stephen Voigt) explained lessons learned from a prior project without private bathrooms. Lighting and landscaping meet code; no adverse traffic impact (5 PM peak hour trips). No public comment. The commission approved both petitions unanimously. - 26-32AM Text Amendment – Mailed Notice and Neighborhood Workshop Requirements: Staff (Nicole Tremblay) presented a legislative amendment recommended by City Council (May 2026). Changes: (a) expand mailed notice radius from 250 ft to 500 ft; (b) require in‑person neighborhood workshops (hybrid optional, but a project representative must be physically present). Commissioners praised the changes (especially the expanded notice and in‑person requirement). No public comment. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council. Key Outcomes - Mavis Tires & Brakes (26-11SP): Approved unanimously. - Knights Trail Subdivision (26-03PP): Approved (one member opposed – Mr. Jasper). - Venice Crossing Signs (26-17DA): Approved unanimously. - Venice Executive Storage Site Plan (25-25SP): Approved unanimously. - Venice Executive Storage Conditional Use (26-19CU): Approved unanimously. - Text Amendment (26-32AM): Recommended for City Council approval unanimously. - Next Meeting: September 1, 2026, with three applications (variance, site plan, design alternative). - Upcoming: Parks master plan presentation at Citizen Advisory Board (August 19, 2 PM) and at September Planning Commission. Ajax appeal will go before City Council on August 25, 2026.

The meeting held on August 17, 2026 at 15:15 UTC contained only audio testing. No agenda or minutes were available, and the transcript consists solely of the phrase "Testing one two testing" repeated. No public comments, discussion items, or decisions took place.

The Venice City Council met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM and concluding after 3:00 PM, with a lunch break and an executive session. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, public comments, consent agenda, public hearings, presentations on the Seaboard Phase 1 Technical Plan and the Venice Police Department Staffing Study, and a vote to set the preliminary millage rate. Several key decisions were made, including approval of the Seaboard plan direction, adoption of police organizational changes, and authorization for a fire staffing and assessment study. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of June 18 and June 23, 2026 meetings. - Approved Third Amendment to Restated Lease Agreement with Skyport Holdings Venice, LLC (pulled by Council Member Smith but later approved after discussion). Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Carr, chair of the Central Venice Coalition, requested proactive maintenance of Curry Creek, citing discrepancies in plat designations and the critical drainage role of the creek. - Gregory Purnaud, an area resident, raised concerns about Flock cameras, requesting transparency on legal authority, data retention, and public safety evidence. Discussion Items - Recognitions: Ceremonial swearing-in of Police Officer Mary Wood and Reserve Officer Tim Short; recognition of retiring Utilities Director Javier Vargas for nine years of service; donation of $5,000 from Venice Area Historical Society for newspaper digitization, plus a Certificate of Distinction for the city's centennial. - Skyport Lease Amendment: Council Member Smith pulled item 26-0683 to discuss community concerns about airport operations; the amendment requires Skyport to have ground power units for aircraft idling over 15 minutes and adjusts fuel flowage fees, effective November 1, 2026. - Property Purchase (26-0684): Approved purchase of 234 Grove Street from Warfield Grove, LLC for $245,000, adjacent to a previously donated parcel, to create a corridor for future John Nolan Street. - Ordinances – First Reading: - Ordinance 2026-22: Establishes procedures for certified recovery residences and reasonable accommodations, as required by state law. Approved unanimously for final reading. - Ordinance 2026-23: Multiple amendments to the Land Development Code to resolve implementation issues, including extending Certificate of Architectural Compliance expiration from one year to three years. Approved unanimously with that amendment. - Ordinances – Final Readings: - Ordinance 2026-07: Floodplain management updates for state/federal consistency. Approved. - Ordinance 2026-20: Updates to unsafe structures regulations. Approved. - Ordinance 2026-21: Budget amendment increasing revenue and expenditures by $255,000. Approved. - Resolution 2026-14: Accepting utilities and improvements from MHC Bay Indies, L.L.C. for the Bay Indies Clubhouse Reconstruction Project. Approved. - Seaboard Phase 1 Technical Plan: Presented by Josh Frank of Dover, Kohl & Partners. The plan focuses on city-owned parcels around Seaboard Avenue and the future John Nolan Street, proposing mixed-use redevelopment, a new street (Nolan Street), marina improvements, and a new Seaboard Core zoning district. Council discussed architectural standards, community engagement, and priorities. Motion passed unanimously to direct staff to engage the public, prepare parcels (demolition, marketability), draft Seaboard Core code with proposed architectural standards, and begin preliminary discussions with WCIND for the marina and swing bridge. - Police Department Staffing Study: Dr. Marshall Jones and Dr. Brandon May presented findings and recommendations. Key recommendations included a reorganization (adding a deputy chief, professional standards lieutenant, corporals, and a shift in patrol lieutenant structure), hiring two traffic officers, improving administrative systems, and exploring a volunteer program. After discussion, a motion to adopt the new organizational chart and hire two traffic officers passed 6-1. The cost is approximately $212,000 per officer plus $34,000 for reorganization, totaling $467,000 from the general fund. - Millage and Budget Discussion: Council considered setting the preliminary millage rate. The motion to set operating millage at 3.8450 and debt service at 0.3451 for fiscal year 2027, with public hearings on September 8 and September 22, 2026, passed 5-2. A separate motion to authorize a fire staffing and assessment study ($120,000) passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved consent items except 26-0683 (later approved). - Approved purchase of 234 Grove Street ($245,000). - Approved first readings of ordinances 2026-22 and 2026-23 (with CAC expiration change). - Approved final readings of ordinances 2026-07, 2026-20, and 2026-21. - Approved resolution 2026-14 (Bay Indies). - Adopted direction on Seaboard Phase 1 plan (motion to engage public, prepare parcels, draft Core zoning code, and initiate WCIND discussions) unanimously. - Adopted police organizational chart and authorized hiring two traffic officers (6-1 vote). - Set preliminary millage rates at 3.8450 (operating) and 0.3451 (debt service) for FY 2027 (5-2). - Authorized fire staffing and assessment study ($120,000) unanimously. - Set public hearing dates: September 8 and September 22, 2026, at 5:01 PM.

The Venice Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB) met on July 9, 2026, in Council Chambers. The board approved minutes from the previous meeting, reviewed a pre-application for a residential renovation at 401 Nassau Street South, and discussed proposed code changes for façade color requirements. Staff provided updates on grants, personnel, and other preservation matters. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the June 11, 2026 meeting: Motion made and seconded, all members voted aye, minutes passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No general audience participation. Discussion Items - Pre-Application for 401 Nassau St S: Applicant Jordan Allison presented preliminary plans to renovate and expand an existing mid-century ranch home into a Venice Historic Preservation (VHP) style residence at the corner of Nassau and Turin. Key discussion points included the existing street-facing garage, a proposed future carport in the rear, consistency of window styles and salvaged historic windows, roof pitch and tile matching, and integration of the west and north elevations. Board members offered guidance: consider offsetting the garage or converting it to living space, ensure architectural consistency across all elevations, use salvaged windows but maintain similar fenestration, and consider adding an arched feature on the west side to mirror the main entry. No formal vote was taken; the applicant will submit complete plans for a future board meeting. - Discussion of Code Changes for Color Requirements: Staff presented proposed redline changes to the façade color code, including removing percentage requirements (75% body, 20% secondary, 5% trim) and subjective descriptors like "pastels" and "earth tones." Board members debated the need for a minimum color requirement. Some argued that mandating at least two colors (body and a secondary) provides predictability and preserves VHP character, while others warned that strict percentages could limit creativity and run afoul of SB 180 (restricting new stringent regulations). After discussion, consensus emerged to: (1) require at least two colors (body and secondary) with a maximum of 80% body color; (2) allow trim as an optional third color (no percentage specified); (3) move detailed percentage guidelines to the design alternative section for flexibility. Staff will refine the language and bring a draft to the September 10, 2026 meeting for a vote. Staff Comments - Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhammer: Announced the Florida Freedom Tour traveling exhibit at the Venice History Museum on July 23, 2026 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Provided grant updates: the Edgewood and Seaboard survey grant received a 30-day extension to the end of July to address state comments; the Gulf Shores and Golden Beach small matching grant for FY27 is funded—awaiting contract execution; the Venezia Park survey grant application for FY28 was submitted this week, with expanded boundaries to cover the entire Venetian Park section (not just the historic district), and will be ranked in fall. Also introduced new administrative assistant Laura Augustus Thomas, starting July 14, 2026, splitting time between Planning & Zoning and Historical Resources. - Pavilion Restoration Inquiry: A board member asked about the historic pavilion roof repair. Staff replied that due to budget constraints, Public Works plans a less expensive repair (approximately $150,000) to extend the roof’s life by roughly five years, with a major replacement deferred to a future fiscal year. Key Outcomes - Minutes from June 11, 2026 approved unanimously. - Pre-application review: Board provided guidance; applicant will submit a formal application for board review (targeting September meeting). - Code changes: Staff to revise the color ordinance language incorporating a maximum 80% body color with a mandatory secondary color; design alternative section to note percentage flexibility. Draft to be presented for a vote in September 2026. - Staff updates received and noted.