MINUTES OF THE STATUTORY SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2002, AT 12:00 NOON PRESENT: Mayor Carolyn J. Mason, Vice Mayor Mary J. Quillin, Commissioners Richard F. Martin, Lou Ann R. Palmer, and Mary Anne Servian, City Manager Michael A. McNees, City Auditor and Clerk Billy E. Robinson, and Attorney Sarah Schenk, City Attorney's Office ABSENT: City Attorney Richard J. Taylor PRESIDING: Mayor Mason The meeting was called to order in accordance with Article III, Section 7(a) of the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 12:00 noon. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS (AGENDA ITEM I) CD 12:01 through 12:10 Mayor Mason stated that the year 2001 was bittersweet for the City; that the City had many positive accomplishments but also experienced several challenges; that the good, the bad, the positive, and the negative are all part of the free democratic society of the United States of America, the great State of Florida, and the great City and County of Sarasota which is loved by all; that the accomplishments of the City for the past year are: The Government Finance Officers Association was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City for its comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2000. This was the 20th consecutive year that the City has received the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting. 139 individuals received financial assistance to purchase their first home. 41 individuals received home repair loans. 12 new homes were constructed by non-profit housing partners for first-time homebuyers. 400 people received homebuyer education classes through Consumer Credit Counseling Service. BOOK 51 PAGE 23040 04/12/02 12:00 NOON BOOK 51 Page 23041 04/12/02 12:00 NOON The Rosemary District Substation & Community Center was renovated. The City's online Employee Directory, online benefits enrollment application, online Human Resources job listings and application submittal, and the online Utility Bill Payment application were successfully developed and rolled out. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was successfully centralized within the Information Services Technology Department. Through collaboration with Sarasota County, the City was provided with a $250,000 base map in return for GIS training for County staff, saving the City approximately $150,000. From over 140 proposals, the City's Neighborhood Action Strategy program was selected as one of eight neighborhood programs across the nation showcased at the Neighborhoods USA Conference held in May 2001 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Neighborhood Grant Program funds were expended to coordinate and pay for 13 neighborhood representatives to attend the Florida Neighborhoods Conference in Orlando, Florida, in September 2001. The Rosemary District Neighborhood Action Strategy process was begun. Through the efforts of the Coalition for African American Leadership, the Commission voted to issue a Request for Proposal for the Comprehensive Newtown Redevelopment Plan and subsequently selected consultant, A.A. Baker & Associates, to prepare the plan. Eight comprehensive plan amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan, also called the Sarasota City Plan, were processed by Staff and action taken. The Historic Preservation Chapter of the Sarasota City Plan was adopted. The SmartCode, a proposed amendment to the Land Development Regulations for the Downtown Master Plan area, was received from the City's consultant. Presently, the SmartCode is being reformatted by Staff for future public hearings and comments. Approved a contract for a Twenty Year Master Plan for an Interconnected System of Parks, Open Space and Landscape, which will focus on parks and connectivity throughout the City. The Downtown Master Plan was adopted. The Citizen Volunteer Police Patrol has grown to 40 members. The Sarasota Police Department became the first law enforcement agency in the State of Florida to begin using automated ticket writing devices with equipment obtained through a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. Second place award was received from the Florida Government Communicators Association for "On Patrol with SPD." Renovation of the Steigerwaldt/Jockey Children's Fountain and three phases of improvements in Bayfront Park shoreline protection and stabilization, new restrooms, old restrooms remodeled, entire island resodded and irrigation system upgraded for new landscaping were completed. 11 miles of streets throughout the City were resurfaced. 6,000 feet of broken or deteriorated sidewalks throughout the City were replaced. A $4.5 million retrofit of reverse osmosis water treatment plant with funding from the pay-as-you-go" rate plan was begun. 52 handicap ramps were installed in City sidewalks. The Hog Creek Restoration Project was completed. 1,200 reef balls creating six new artificial reefs in Sarasota Bay were manufactured and deployed. The Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program created a website at www.SarasotaBay.org. Van Wezel ticket sales were up 8 percent from the previous season. Van Wezel was one of four national organizations selected to participate on a two-year Evaluation and Assessment Support Project through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Van Wezel and the City of Sarasota were proud to be CO- presenters along with Sarasota's performing arts organizations of the United As One Benefit which raised over $25,000 for the 9-11 fund in New York City. BOOK 51 PAGE 23042 04/12/02 12:00 NOON BOOK 51 Page 23043 04/12/02 12:00 NOON Mayor Mason stated that the City has also faced some challenges as follows: Employee/Retiree healthcare costs rose to a point at which employees, retirees, the Administration and the City Commission were at odds on the level of continued/future funding. A group of concerned citizens petitioned to change the City's form of government to a strong-mayor" form of government. Dollars were set aside to begin lawsuit regarding Van Wezel renovation project. The City Manager retired and a search for a new City Manager commenced and was completed. The new City Manager began in September 2001. SCAT Transfer Station where will it go? Skateboard park or not? Then-Mayor resigned to become police chief in an adjoining community. Mayor Mason stated that many of the challenges have been resolved; that work continues on others; that all the challenges have the ability to create future problems; that new challenges will always exist as the world is not perfect; that the manner in which the Commissioners, as the policy makers deal with the challenges is dependent upon: Always keeping an eye on the prize, i.e., all the residents, for the Commission serves at the pleasure of the residents Always maintaining respect for each other and the constituents Always working together for the betterment of the entire City; and Always remembering that the goal is not about "me" or "you" but rather about "us." Mayor Mason stated that appreciation is extended to fellow Commissioners for the confidence and for the assistance in pertorming the Mayor's duties; that the citizens of the community are thanked for the opportunity to serve as Mayor, which was an honor and privilege. 2. SELECTION OF MAYOR - SELECTED MAYOR MASON (AGENDA ITEM II) CD 12:10 through 12:11 Mayor Mason requested nominations for the position of Mayor. On motion of Commissioner Palmer and second of Commissioner Martin, it was moved to select Mayor Carolyn Mason as the Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0) : Martin, yes; Mason, yes; Palmer, yes; Quillin, yes; Servian, yes. Mayor Mason stated that the confidence of the Commission is appreciated; that a productive and prosperous new year is anticipated. 3. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR SELECTED VICE MAYOR PALMER (AGENDA ITEM IV) CD 12:11 through 12:12 Mayor Mason requested nominations for the position of Vice Mayor. Commissioner Martin nominated Commissioner Palmer as the Vice Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Hearing no other nominations, Mayor Mason called for a vote on the nomination. Commissioner Palmer received four affirmative votes: Martin, yes; Mason, yes; Palmer, yes; Quillin, no; Servian, yes. Mayor Mason announced the selection of Commissioner Palmer to the position of Vice Mayor of the City of Sarasota. 4. REMARKS OF NEWLY SELECTED VICE MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM V) CD 12:12 through 12:14 Vice Mayor Palmer stated that the confidence of the Commission is appreciated; that the Commission has done a commendable job the past year, has done a tremendous amount of work, but still has a great deal of work to do; that the idea of moving forward with planned projects and working with Mayor Mason is pleasing; that Commissioner Servian is commended for being a tremendous addition to the Commission; that working with Commissioner Martin and all the Commissioners is a pleasure. BOOK 51 PAGE 23044 04/12/02 12:00 NOON BOOK 51 Page 23045 04/12/02 12:00 NOON 5. REMARKS OF OTHER COMMISSIONERS (AGENDA ITEM VII) CD 12:14 through 12:25 COMMISSIONER QUILLIN: A. stated that the 100th Anniversary will kick off on October 14, 2002; that on October 14, 1902, 53 people decided to hold an election; that the citizens voted to incorporate the community as the Town of Sarasota; that October 14 will be the catalyst for the Anniversary Celebration; and quoted from the book entitled Buckets and Brawn, The History of Sarasota and its Fire Department, by Wayne Welsch, to capture the spirit of the 100th Anniversary Celebration as follows: The individuals who forged Sarasota out of the wilderness were an independent group who desired to create for themselves a better life. Not surprisingly, they desired greater autonomy of government in order to direct their own destiny. Commissioner Quillin continued that informing new citizens of the history of the City and its humbling beginning is important; that the commencement of the 100th Anniversary Celebration will be in association with the Sarasota Sister Cities Association (SSCA) ; that Sarasota recently acquired a new sister city in Dunfermline, Scotland; that representing Sarasota on a visit to Dunfermline was pleasurable; that the official Dunfermline delegation will visit Sarasota from October 12 through October 17, 2002, to meet with various City business, educational, and cultural representatives; that the kickoff event on October 14, 2002, will be a special evening at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (VWPAH) with a dinner and performance; that John Wilkes, VWPAH Executive Director, has been very helpful in working with SSCA on the kickoff event; that the kick off celebration will end with fireworks over the Bayiront; that the hope is to hold a circus parade to bring circus the history back to the community; that the Season of Sculpture will occur during the 100th Anniversary Celebration and extended the season from November 17, 2002, through May of 2003; that a holiday parade will have a theme which celebrates the City; that the St. Andrew's Association and the Caledonian Association have been requested to organize a parade on October 13, 2002; that the St. Andrew's Association and the Caledonian Association will host a band from Dunfermline, which will play a concert in Sarasota; that the City will celebrate past and future, neighborhoods, businesses, possibly a multi-cultural event; that City neighborhood parks should be appreciated; that an offer has been made for a hot air balloon event; that a golf tournament is planned; that a vote was taken on October 14, 1902; however, the vote did not make it to the Manatee County courthouse until November 14, 1903; that on April 30, 1903, the State Legislature finally recognized the incorporation of the Town of Sarasota after the October 14, 1902, vote. Commissioner Quillin displayed a rendering of the City Seal on the Chamber monitors and stated that the theme of the' 100th Anniversary will be "Celebrate Sarasota"; that the original Seal of Sarasota will be used as the symbol for the 100th Anniversary Celebration; that a wonderful year-long celebration is planned. VICE MAYOR PALMER: A. stated that the Administration and Staff are commended for a commitment to excellence and pride; that the hard work of all city employees is appreciated. B. stated that the City has experienced significant trauma during the past year; that a group of citizens proposed changing the form of government to a Strong Mayor; that the citizens of the community decided against a Strong-Mayor form of government; that the City must heal; that the concerns indicated by the individuals who introduced the Strong-Mayor form of government must be addressed; that the community must work together to improve on the many accomplishments of the City; that balance must be established to continue work on the many projects currently under way in the City; that promises to the community must be kept; that the Commission and the Staff are committed to accomplishing the important projects necessary to bring the City to the next level. COMMISSIONER MARTIN: A. stated that his first year as Commissioner has been interesting and rewarding; that much work has been accomplished in the past year; however, much work remains incomplete; that that taking on the tough tasks in the next year is eagerly anticipated. BOOK 51 PAGE 23046 04/12/02 12:00 NOON BOOK 51 Page 23047 04/12/02 12:00 NOON 6. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM VIII) CD 12:25 There being no further business, Mayor Mason adjourned the Statutory meeting of April 12, 2002, at 12:25 p.m. aA4 Caslp-q-m CAROLYN J. MASON, MAYOR ATTEST: ROS & Rolus 1 ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK A 6 a