CITY OF BRADENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES May 26, 2021 8:30 A.M.
The City of Bradenton City Council met in the City Hall Council Chamber, 101 Old Main Street, Bradenton, Florida, at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
Present: Mayor Gene Brown; Councilwoman Ward I Jayne Kocher; Vice Mayor/Councilwoman Ward II Marianne Barnebey; Councilman Ward III Patrick Roff; Councilman Ward IV Bill Sanders and
Councilwoman Ward V Pam Coachman.
City Officials: Carl Callahan, City Administrator; Sharon Beauchamp, City Clerk & Treasurer; Chuck Edwards, Fire Chief; Jim McLellan, Public Works & Utilities Director; Melanie Bevan, Police Chief; Robin Singer, Planning & Community Development Director; and Will Robinson, City Attorney.
Scott Rudacille, City Attorney was excused.
The pre-meeting invocation was led by Vice Mayor Barnebey. (The City does not endorse the religious beliefs of any speaker.)
Mayor Gene Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance and the meeting was opened. PROCLAMATIONS:
Code Enforcement Officers’ Appreciation Week: June 7-11, 2021
Volker Reiss, Code Enforcement Manager thanked Council for the proclamation and introduced Code Enforcement staff. Mr. Reiss thanked Council for their support all year.
Councilman Roff thanked the Code Enforcement Officers for their hard work and said he appreciates everything they do.
PRESENTATIONS: None.
Mayor Brown invited Councilman Roff to speak regarding concerns he received from residents. Councilman Roff announced he received complaints regarding a foul smell in the air around the city. Jim McLellan, Public Works & Utilities Director announced after investigation by staff, the source of smell seems to be coming from Tropicana production facility. He explained because there has not been rain in quite some time, one of the waste water lagoons is drying out and that may be causing the smell.
In relation to the lack of rain, Mr. McLellan explained to counter-balance the evaporation in the city’s reservoir, approximately 1,000,000 gallons of water a day is being used from underground storage in the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells. He said excess completely-treated water is captured at the Water Treatment Plant and is stored in an underground bubble using ASR technology. He
explained the water that is stored in the ASR well is used to supplement during dry periods and then provided a history of ASR technology.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Thomas Skoloda, 7524 3rd Avenue West. Mr. Skoloda voiced his concerns with horseback riding
in Palma Sola Bay. He provided a packet with information supporting his request to ban horseback riding and environmental concerns.
Glen Gibellina, 7110 28th Street East. Mr. Gibellina said he wrote state legislators regarding his
concerns on how the Sadowski funds are being used.
Mayor Brown invited anyone wishing to comment on any consent agenda items to please come forward.
Mr. Gibellina spoke in support of consent agenda item “f” to rid of blight in the neighborhood and then voiced communication concerns with the property owners during the process.
Carl Callahan, City Administrator explained to shield the city from liability and to make sure the agreements are in order, the process has taken longer than expected. Mr. Callahan recommended the City Attorney explain the documents required to accomplish the demolition to the property owners to ensure they understand the process. He added the owners did not seem to be in a hurry for the demolition and Councilwoman Coachman recommended staff communicate regularly with property owners, should a demolition be requested in the future.
CONSENT AGENDA
a) City Clerk: Minutes – March 31, 2021 Workshop b) City Clerk: Minutes – May 5, 2021 Workshop
c) City Clerk: Contract Renewal – Sarasota County Hosting & Technology Services #CAC2017-0129
d) Legal: Resolution 21-40 – First Amendment to YMCA Financing Agreement
e) Legislative: Resolution 21-39 – Reappointing Darin Autrey and Michael Neal to the Planning Commission
f) Planning & Community Development: Demolition Agreement – 402 10th Avenue Drive West
g) Public Event: Manatee Pride Festival: September 18, 2021
h) Public Event: September 11th Memorial Event – September 11, 2021
i) Public Works: Construction Award – Oxford Drive Water Main and Drainage Improvements Project
MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA was made by Councilman Roff and seconded by Councilwoman Coachman. Motion passed 5-0.
ORDINANCE 3079 – SECOND READING & PUBLIC HEARING
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BRADENTON, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE GRANTS AND
ASSISTANCE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD (GACRB); AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VIII, OF THE CITY OF BRADENTON CODE OF ORDINANCES TO RENAME THE GACRB AS THE HOUSING COMMITTEE; REVISING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GACRB/HOUSING COMMITTEE, INCLUDING INCORPORATING PROVISIONS FROM CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VII, RELATED TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD AND PROVISIONS FROM CHAPTER 46, ARTICLE III, RELATED TO THE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE; REVISING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VII, RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD; AMENDING CHAPTER 46, ARTICLE I, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD; REVISING PROVISION OF CHAPTER 46, ARTICLE II RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD; AMENDING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 46, ARTICLE II TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD TO HOUSING COMMITTEE; REVISING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 46, ARTICLE III, TO CHANGE
REFERENCES FROM AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE; MAKING RELATED FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Will Robinson, City Attorney explained Ordinance 3079 is being pulled because staff determined the city no longer needs to maintain this board, which is charged with hearing complaints related to Fair Housing discrimination. He continued a new ordinance will be drafted to clean up the code and brought before Council at a later time.
Mr. Callahan thanked Vicki White, HCD Manager for all of the research she found on requirements for Fair Housing which confirmed that it was no longer necessary for the city to maintain the Grants and Assistance Community Relations Board (GACRB). Moving forward, he added, the city will form the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
Councilman Roff voiced his concerns that just prior to a second reading of an ordinance, staff was able to provide documentation that the city did not need to maintain the Grants and Assistance Community Relations Board and said the City Attorney should have found this information prior to the second reading.
Mr. Callahan explained passing this ordinance would not have harmed anything because the city currently maintains a board that provides the same services. He added Ms. White’s research confirmed the city no longer needed to maintain Fair Housing services through the Grants and Community Relations Board.
Mayor Brown asked if anyone from the public would like to comment on Ordinance 3079. Mr. Gibellina questioned why Fair Housing services would be eliminated from the Grants and Assistance Community Relations Board. Mr. Callahan reiterated the Grants and Assistance Community Relations Board will dissolve and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will be formed. Mr. Callahan added Gulf Coast Legal Services provides Fair Housing assistance and the city is not authorized to provide those services at this time.
level. She added Manatee County does not handle Fair Housing complaints either and it is not the intent to have a local jurisdiction oversee such complaints.
Ms. White explained that if it is Council’s desire to handle Fair Housing assistance, a new Community Relations Department will need to be set up, a Community Relations Director will need to be
appointed and staff trained to handle the complaints correctly. Ms. White recommended to continue forwarding any such complaints to Gulf Coast Legal Services. Mr. Callahan echoed Ms. White’s recommendation. He also requested information be posted on the city’s website for residents to contact Gulf Coast Legal Services for any Fair Housing assistance.
MOTION TO CONTINUE ORDINANCE 3079 TO AN UNDETERMINED DATE FOR FURTHER REVISION was made by Councilwoman Kocher and seconded by Vice Mayor Barnebey. Motion passed 5-0.
ORDINANCE 3080 – FIRST READING
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BRADENTON, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 50, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 3; TO AMEND REQUIREMENTS REGARDING PLACEMENT OF THE SPECIAL PARKING PERMIT; TO ADD A NEW SECTION PROHIBITING PARKING IN CERTAIN PARKING SPACES AND PARKING LOTS WITHIN THE CITY WITHOUT A SPECIAL PARKING PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The second reading and public hearing for Ordinance 3080 was set for June 9, 2021. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Public Art Committee Discussion
Councilwoman Kocher expressed the desire to move forward with a process so a Public Art Committee can be established to select art for the Riverwalk Extension. She distributed a Public Art Advisory Board New Member Orientation Information booklet that was used in years past from the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority (DDA). She added the process to select public art can take some time and would like to move quickly to establish the board.
Councilman Roff announced a Public Art Committee Discussion is also listed on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting agenda. He added historically, the CRA had oversight of any public art committee and believed the discussion should be during the CRA meeting, not during the City Council meeting.
A discussion ensued regarding the history of the Public Art Committee and the opportunity for the board to serve the CRA areas, remainder of the city and private businesses.
Mr. Robinson provided his experience in serving on the Downtown Development Authority and volunteered to research the possibility of the board to serve areas outside of the CRA.
MOTION TO MOVE DISCUSSION OF THE PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE TO THE CRA MEETING LATER IN THE DAY AND BRING BACK TO COUNCIL AT A LATER DATE was made by
Councilwoman Ward V Pam Coachman: Councilwoman Coachman said it was nice for everyone to be sitting back up at the dais and recently she received a great deal of citizen input, which she welcomes.
Councilwoman Ward I Jayne Kocher: Councilwoman Kocher extended her condolences for the Thomas and Sokos families for the recent passing of their beloved family patriarchs.
Councilwoman Kocher announced David Tomasko, Ph.D, Executive Director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will be giving a State of the Bay presentation at the City Council Meeting on June 9, 2021.
Vice Mayor/Councilwoman Ward II Marianne Barnebey: Vice Mayor Barnebey echoed
Councilwoman Kocher’s condolences to the Thomas and Sokos families and said it seems recently we are losing many people that have helped build the fabric of our community.
Councilman Ward III Patrick Roff: Councilman Roff reminded everyone that children will soon be out of school for the summer and to be mindful while driving.
Councilman Roff voiced his concerns with holding workshops and said he would rather hold Special City Council Meetings instead.
Councilman Ward IV Bill Sanders: Councilman Sanders announced this year is the 50th
anniversary for his high school graduation.
After voicing his concerns regarding the timeline to interview City Administrator candidates, MOTION TO HAVE COUNCILMAN ROFF TAKE THE LEAD ON COMMUNICATING WITH THE
RECRUITING FIRM THAT IS RECOMMENDING CANDIDATES FOR THE CITY
ADMINISTRATOR POSITION was made by Councilman Sanders and seconded by Councilman Roff. A discussion ensued regarding Colin Baenziger & Associates staying on the proposed timeline and requesting the Mayor to be the point person in the past.
Mayor Brown provided an update on discussions with the recruiting firm and said the projected interview date is still June 16, 2021. Mayor Brown reminded Council he cannot vote for a City Administrator and he was trying to help move the process along by volunteering to be the point person.
Councilman Roff requested the Mayor to keep Council updated on the hiring process and withdrew his second on the motion. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Because he will be out of town, Councilman Roff requested the interviews be held during the week of June 21, 2021.
Mr. Robinson said legally, he does not have an issue with using the word consensus because there is not a vote. He explained a consensus is taken during workshops to bring something forward for another public meeting on the topic. He added normally workshops are held to generally discuss a topic, allow the public to give input and then bring the topic forward at a regular meeting to advertise properly.
Councilman Sanders asked Mr. Robinson if citizens have reached out to him regarding the foul smell that may be coming from the Tropicana production facility. Mr. Robinson said citizens have not contacted him regarding the smell. However, he plans to reach out to the Department of
Environmental Protection and Tropicana about the smell. Councilman Sanders asked Mr. Robinson to report any findings.
Councilman Sanders spoke in regards to a boat that sunk in Ward 4 and asked Mr. Robinson to research what can be done to remove the vessel.
Mayor Gene Brown: Mayor Brown offered his condolences to the Thomas and Sokos families as well as the family of a long-time friend, Ed Dick, who passed away recently. He spoke highly of the Dick family and said while attending his funeral, Mr. Dick’s grandson said his grandfather once asked, “Even though you have a lovely family, house, cars, what have you sacrificed for others?” Mayor Brown said that question resonated with him and even though we do not always agree, we should always try to work well with each other.
Mayor Brown said someone in the audience requested to speak regarding public art.
Erica McCready, Village of the Arts. Ms. McCready spoke in support of public art in the community and said public art generates foot traffic which generates revenue for local businesses.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Sharon Beauchamp, City Clerk & Treasurer: Nothing to report.
Mayor Brown said Ms. Beauchamp’s retirement was announced in a workshop, but wanted to formally announce during a regular meeting that her retirement will be on July 2, 2021. He thanked Ms.
Beauchamp for all she has done for the City of Bradenton for the past 27 years.
Robin Singer, Planning & Community Development Director: Ms. Singer announced there was a mailing sent to residents regarding floodplain management requirements. She added the mailing includes important information regarding hurricane and storm preparedness and post-storm recovery. As hurricane season approaches, she continued, the information is important to have close by.
Chuck Edwards, Fire Chief: Chief Edwards provided an update on Fire Station 3 construction. He said after meeting with Crawford Construction and Fawley Bryant, trusses are installed and within the next couple of weeks, interior framing will begin.
Councilman Sanders asked if the Fire Department’s 2022 budget has been submitted and how the budget compares to 2021. Chief Edwards announced the 2022 budget is up 6% from last year mostly because of replacing outdated equipment.
Chief Bevan announced she attended the Manatee Hundred Club Annual Banquet with Mayor Brown recently. She added the club recognizes the best of the best in law enforcement and Detective Michael Page was awarded the Manatee Hundred Club’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for his work investigating crimes against children.
Chief Bevan announced a new female officer out on a call changed a tire for a pregnant woman that was stranded on the side of the road. After speaking to the officer, Chief Bevan said the officer’s father taught her how to change a tire because he thought that was an important lesson to learn. Chief Bevan announced every year the Police Department gives out safety badges to elementary school children upon graduating to middle school and the event could not take place last year because of COVID. She said recently officers brought pizza to Ballard Elementary School and handed out
badges to the children. She said it was a great event and was proud of the children.
Councilman Sanders asked how the Police Department’s 2022 budget compares to 2021. Chief Bevan said her operating costs are down this year however, salary increases are estimated to be 3%. Jim McLellan, Public Works & Utilities Director: Mr. McLellan said as indicated in the weekly report from Public Works, there was vandalism at the Skate Park. He said staff will be meeting with elder members of the Skate Park community to touch base regarding what the City can do to prevent vandalism and as discussed prior to the Skate Park opening, the community providing oversight. Mr. McLellan announced the splash pad at the Riverwalk will be turned back on at 9:00 am, May 28, 2021.
Mr. McLellan announced Todd O’Donnell and Milton Aldas from the Landscape department were working at the Riverwalk and witnessed an individual jump off the train tracks into the Manatee River. After noticing the man was struggling to swim, Mr. O’Donnell and Mr. Aldas extricated him from the river via the fishing pier and possibly saved the man’s life. Mr. McLellan said those employees will be recognized with the Employee Achievement Award from the Public Works Department. Mr. McLellan added because of the incident, the fishing pier has now been outfitted with a life preserver.
Councilman Sanders asked how the Public Works Department’s 2022 budget compares to 2021. Mr. McLellan said the budget has increased this year after the request from Council to add additional personnel in multiple areas. He added because the union is entering into a negotiation year, estimated salary increases have been added as well as a number of capital projects and capital items associated with trucks.
Will Robinson, City Attorney: Mr. Robinson said it was his pleasure to attend the meeting in Scott Rudacille, City Attorney’s stead.
Mr. Robinson announced from a state legislative prospective, approximately 275 bills were passed at the past legislative session and if Council has any issues in their wards, to please contact him at any time.
or 10.66%. He added that does not include personnel requests. Mr. Callahan said the budget process is underway however, state and local revenues will not be known until approximately June or July. Mr. Callahan announced the first installment of the American Rescue Plan funds were received last week and the next installment will be received next year. Ms. Beauchamp added the funds are in a separate account waiting for instructions from the Department of Treasury on reporting guidelines and how the funds can be spent.
Following a brief discussion regarding the American Rescue Plan funds, Mayor Brown reminded Council if they would like a topic added to an agenda at a future meeting, to please contact the City Clerk & Treasurer’s office. Councilman Roff announced he would speak to Mr. Rudacille regarding a resolution allowing the Community Redevelopment Agency to create advisory boards. He said as of now, only City Council has the power to appoint the boards and would like to place that resolution on the June 9, 2021 meeting agenda.
Mayor Brown adjourned the City Council meeting at 11:29 a.m.
