Book 66 Page 37858 01/18/19 9:00 A.M. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CONVOCATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF THE SARASOTA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, THE CITY COMMISSIONS OF THE CITIES OF NORTH PORT AND SARASOTA, THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VENICE OF JANUARY 18, 2019 PRESENT: Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC): Chair Charles Hines, Vice Chair Michael Moran, Commissioners Alan Maio, and Christian Ziegler; County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and Deputy County Administrator Steve Botelho; Clerk oft the Circuit Court and County Comptroller Karen Rushing and Deputy Clerk Charlie Maloney School Board of Sarasota County (SBSC): Chair Jane Goodwin, Board Members Shirley Brown, Bridget Ziegler, and Caroline Zucker; Superintendent Todd Bowden, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Operations Officer Jeff Maultsby, and Administrative Assistant Kathy Tomkins North Port City Commission: Mayor Christopher Hanks, Vice Mayor Debbie McDowell, Commissioners, Pete Emrich, and Jill Luke; City Manager Peter Lear, Assistant City Manager Jason Yarborough, Assistant City Manager Cari Branco; City Clerk Kathryn Peto and Deputy City Clerk Heather Taylor Sarasota City Commission: Commissioners Hagen Brody, Shelli Freeland Eddie, Willie Charles Shaw; City Manager Thomas Barwin and Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown; Interim City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs Longboat Key Town Commission: Mayor George Spoll, Commissioners Jim Brown, Randy Clair, and Irwin Pastor; Town Manager Thomas Harmer, Deputy Town Clerk Savannah Schield; Town Attorney Maggie Mooney Venice City Council: Mayor John Holic, Vice Mayor Rich Cautero, and Council Member Chuck Newson; City Manager Ed Lavallee; and City Clerk Lori Stelzer ABSENT: Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC): Commissioner Nancy Detert School Board of Sarasota County: Board Member Eric Robinson North Port City Commission: Commissioner Vanessa Carusone Sarasota City Commission: Mayor Liz Alpert and Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch Longboat Key Town Commission: Vice Mayor Ed Zunz, Commissioners Jack Daly and Ken Schneier Venice City Council: Council Members Bob Daniels, Helen Moore, Jeanette Gates, Margaret Ann "Mitzie" Fiedler 1. WELCOME/NTRODUCTIONS (AGENDA ITEM I) SBSC Chair Jane Goodwin, called the meeting to order at the Suncoast Technical College (STC) in the Conference Center, located at 4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota, Florida, at 9:02 A.M. and welcomed the County, City, and Town CommssionersyCounet Members, School Board Members, and Representatives to the. Annual Convocation of Governments (COG) Meeting. Attendees introduced themselves. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: SBSC Chair Goodwin 2. CONVOCATION GOALS AND AGENDA (AGENDA ITEM II) SBSC Chair Goodwin reviewed the Convocation Goals and Agenda for the COG Meeting which includes presentations and discussions concerning the following: City of North Port, Florida Hurricane Evacuation Centers Update City of Sarasota, Florida Dual Enrollment Update Sarasota County Schools Police Department Update City of Venice, Florida Affordable Housing Strategies 3. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (AGENDA ITEM III) No one signed up to speak. 4. HURRICANE EVACUATION CENTERS UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM V Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Richard Collins came before the Bodies. Discussion ensued about: City of North Port's school district shelters flooded with Charlotte County residents and would like to explore the possibility of sharing resources During the last storm, one school shelter was staffed entirely by Charlotte County, for special needs individuals only and was not open for the general public Charlotte County declined using staff resources to assist in managing shelters, however, in a brief conversation, the County Administrator showed interest in sharing financial resources Charlotte County's school board was not included in conversations regarding staffing shelters Charlotte's County response is disappointing and joint conversations need to continue regarding this issue since Sarasota County's tax paying residents are relied upon Charlotte County will, more than likely, never have a shelter due to their demography, and an explanation to Sarasota County residents is needed to increase understanding of why shelters are open in Sarasota County, if a storm hits the east coast along with massive cleanup should be considered City of Sarasota Commissioner Freeland Eddie stated that the Commission would be willing to show support, by either sending a letter or attending a meeting, to assist with seeking resources from Charlotte County, due to an influx of Charlotte County residents staying at the City of North Port shelters. City of Sarasota City Manager Barwin questioned whether there is a Statewide requirement for shelters to have backup generators and stated that several complaints were received about the Booker High School (BHS) shelter not being equipped with a backup generator and loss of power during Hurricane Irma. Discussions ensued about: Shelters not having backup generators except for those designated for people with special needs Legislators should be informed about the need for shelters to be equipped with generators Generators are required in shelters for Category 5 Storms and the expectations of Sarasota County citizens not being met Book 66 Page 37859 01/18/19 9:00 A.M. Book 66 Page 37860 01/18/19 9:00 A.M. Shelters which are identified as Hurricane Evacuation Centers in Sarasota County are the strongest facilities in the County to support citizens during the risk portion of the storms: All shelters have minimal generators compacity for emergency lighting Many shelters are without generators around the State The State will be visiting shelters in the area to identify schools which need enhancements for further protection Conversations at the State level are taking place regarding post sheltering and providing reimbursements to host counties receiving an influx of other counties residents Host counties need to determine where individuals are coming from to receive reimbursement Does a necessity exist to build schools to withstand Category 3 Storms? Individuals need to find the strongest place for protection since the County is prone to storm surges and high winds Sarasota County is currently working with the State to make significant structural changes to recertify shelters and improve safety 5. DUAL ENROLLMENT UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM V) SBSC Superintendent Dr. Bowden provided a brief overview of the Dual Enrollment Program (DEP), and stated that students access college credit by taking classes either on high school campus, online, or at college campuses, Sarasota County Schools District (SCSD) has a number of DEP agreements, such as State College of Florida (SCF) offers classes at high schools, online, and on campus, the University of South Florida (USF) offers classes on their campus, and the University of Florida (UF) allows students to take online classes only, however, SCSD has been notified of the following changes: SCF will no longer offer dual enrollment on high school campuses but will continue to offer classes online and on SCF campus USF is interested in expanding the DEP to offer courses at the high school campuses and online City of Sarasota Commissioner Freeland Eddie stated that the DEP has had a significant impact on students; that students with low- to modest-incomes have been able to take courses on high school campuses; however, SCF's decision to no longer offer courses at high schools will affect students with low- to modest-income and wondered if renegotiations are possible since they were active; that the Commission was contacted by many of the high school principals supporting the DEP; that having the option to take classes on high school campuses is critical for many reasons. SBSC Superintendent Dr. Bowden stated that SCF has been very clear and their decision is final; that SCF does not any have interest in continuing DEP on high school campuses; however, the concerns voiced by Commissioner Freeland Eddie are echoed; that the DEP is the first interaction students have with college-level coursework; that the ability to do college-level coursework in a familiar environment allows students to build their confidence while showing they are capable of taking college-level classes; that SCF discontinuing the DEP on high school campuses is disappointing; however, SCSD having the opportunity to work with USF is exciting. City of Sarasota Commissioner Freeland Eddie commended the College and Career Resource Centers on campuses for creating opportunities and providing resources for students whom never thought that attending college would be possible, and also creating opportunities for students to work locally and contribute to communities. SBSC Superintendent Dr. Bowden stated that dual enrollment assists students financially by paying all tuition and fees and providing books, as well as, reducing the time students are in college and the costs of education. Discussion ensued about: SCF began a program extended to 11th and 12th grades which will be expanded to 9th and 10th grades next year, which may be the reason for SCF's decision to discontinue the DEP The loss of students and mending the gap of not having DEP at SCF was taken seriously by SBSC The State Board of Education has a position to expand the DEP around the State Researching possible ways of providing students with internet access City of Sarasota Commissioner Freeland Eddie stated that many municipalities are discussing 5G Agreements and expansion in the area; that perhaps there may be a way to collaborate providing internet access. 6. SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS POLICE DEPARTMENT (AGENDA ITEM VI) Sarasota County Schools Police Department (SCSPD) Chief Tim Enos came before the bodies and provided a brief update on school safety and security, and stated that he is committed to maintaining the excellence in the school district; that school safety will take everyone to be effective since communication is key. Discussion ensued about: Sarasota County Schools Police Department consists of a Chief, three Sergeants, two Regional Response Units, 24 School Resource Officers, an Administrative Assistant, a Secretary, two Managers, seven Technicians, eight Central Security Monitors, and six Support Staff Regional Response Units assist with transporting students off campus Hiring 25 more School Resource Officers Scheduled to meet with the Fire Chiefs The first district-wide lockdown held went well Discussion ensued about: Training teachers and staff on Active Shooters Safety, safe corners and ensuring windows and doors are covered District's status with the Guardian Program SBSC aiding the Sheriff's Department in order to finalize the budget In response to a comment from Commissioner Brody that the hope was for School Resource Officers to be trained on how to handle other on-campus issues unrelated to school shootings, SCSPD Chief Enos stated that the expectation is for School Resource Officers to be systematically unsystematic; that some of the training includes, but is not limited to: Restorative Justice, Crisis Intervention Team, De-Escalation, Pediatric Trauma Care, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and more. Discussion ensued about SBSC Superintendent commitment to properly instituting SROS in the School District, the expectations of the SCSPD and SROs, Sarasota School District being a model for other school districts, and acknowledging other school districts necessity to be flexible in developing SROs solutions to meet their needs. In response to a question from Commissioner Freeland Eddie about training as related to securing the perimeter of schools and used School Avenue as an example, Chief Enos stated that the issue is still being discussed and there is no easy answer; however, SROS are aware of the access to Sarasota High School (SHS), and SCSB Chair Goodwin stated that the Principal of SHS is pleased with the extended hours of SROS on campus and the procedures implemented by Chief Enos. Book 66 Page 37861 01/18/19 9:00 A.M. Book 66 Page 37862 01/18/19 9:00 A.M. Discussion ensued about the County's budget being impacted by the Agreement between the Sheriff Department and the SCSB, commending the Sheriff's Department for working collaboratively and the continued relationship with the SCSB. City of Sarasota City Manager Barwin stated that the Sarasota Police Department is gathering numerous weapons which were lost, stolen, or left in open vehicles; that officials should assist with encouraging the public to tighten up attitudes regarding carrying and securing weapons, as well as, supporting mental health and background checks before weapons can be purchased. City of North Port City Manager Peter Lear stated that currently there are Municipal Officers at North Port Schools which are partially funded by the School District and questioned whether they will be transitioned into SCSPD Officers since that funding is relied upon, and ifr not being transitioned, they may be unemployed or need to find other options, Chief Enos stated that conversations are being had with the North Port Police Chief regarding a transition plan. 7. AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGIES (AGENDA ITEM VII) John Thaxton, Senior Vice President for Community Investment, Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF), came before the bodies and provided a brief overview on affordable housing, and stated that affordable housing is housing which is attainable and maintainable without consuming more than 30% of the household and discussed the following: According to the United Way of Florida Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) Report: A study of financial hardship in Florida reported approximately 40% (60,000) of households in Sarasota County are presently spending more than 30% of their household income Approximately 18,000 of households are spending in excess of 50% of their income on housing and are within $700 of losing their homes This presentation is not related to housing the homeless How We Got Here: The housing market stopped building affordable, entry-level housing, however, the demand for these homes continued as Sarasota met workforce needs Wages have remained stagnant Developers make ten times more money, in half of the time, for a fraction of the borrowing cost, with no neighborhood opposition to build homes in gated communities Solutions Guidelines: There is no single solution to employ that will have a significant impact Review Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota Affordable Housing Advisory Committees and the Florida Housing Coalition Reports Do not participate in the blame game Focus on rental properties versus owner-occupied Focus on permanent or long-term housing assistance Focus housing needs on jobs and not on person(s) Consider affordable housing as infrastructure Think about long-term with regards to impacting affordable housing and realize that this issue did not happen overnight Discussion ensued about: Collaboration for solutions with the School District due to the massive shortage of teachers The need to look at how density, height, setbacks and zoning considerations impact affordable housing City of Sarasota Commissioner Freeland Eddie requested clarification on the three reports mentioned, Mr. Thaxton reiterated the reports and added the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies Data Report. City of Sarasota Commissioner Freeland Eddie stated that the rental market is critical as individuals with criminal backgrounds are seeking affordable housing; however, many individuals possess non-violent offenses and cannot find rentals, which the community needs to speak out against. City of Sarasota Commissioner Brody stated that some cities are adding accessory dwelling units to single-family zones as a response to providing affordable housing; however, there needs to be more consideration regarding increasing density and the ability for creating smaller affordable units; that the City of Sarasota is using a collaboration of funds to support the Lofts on Lemon project in the Rosemary District to address affordable housing which is a great model. City of Sarasota City Manager Barwin stated that the implementation and action plan which came from these goals suggests policymakers make governmental-owned properties available for affordable housing initiatives. SCSB Member Brown suggested using mobile homes for affordable housing and asked if an affordable housing listing is available which assist individuals looking for housing, Mr. Thaxton stated that a list for homeless housing exists; however, a list for affordable housing is unknown. 8. TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY (AGENDA ITEM VIII) Longboat Key Town Manager Harmer provided a brief overview of the impacts related to being part of two counties. 9. CITY OF NORTH PORT (AGENDA ITEM IX) North Port City Manager Lear provided a brief overview of the pool construction. 10. CITY OF SARASOTA (AGENDA ITEM X) City of Sarasota City Manager Barwin provided a brief overview of transportation issues and the need for additional mental health resources. 11. SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT (AGENDA ITEM XI) Sarasota County Administrator Lewis thanked the School District's and County's Planning staff for scheduling the COG. 12. CITY OF VENICE (AGENDA ITEM XII) City of Venice City Manager Lavallee provided a brief overview of future and completed projects. 13. OTHER BUSINESS SCSB Chair Goodwin thanked STC for use of the conference center and the Culinary Staff for providing the continental breakfast, and attendees for their participation. Town of Longboat Key Commissioner Brown commented on monies contributed by the Town of Longboat Key taxpayers to Sarasota County and SCSB. 11. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM XIII) SCSB Chair Goodwin adjourned the Convocation of Governments Meeting (COG) of January 18, 2019, at 10:58 A.M. Book 66 Page 37863 01/18/19 9:00 A.M. Book 66 Page 37864 01/18/19 9:00 A.M. 1ODo LIZALPERT, MAYOR ATTEST: / clois SHAYLA GRIGGS INTERIM CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK