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 15, 2021 (via Zoom/Hybrid) PRESENT: Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC): Chair Alan Maio, Vice Chair Michael Moran, Commissioners Nancy Detert, Ron Cutsinger, Christian Ziegler, County Administrator Jonathan Lewis, Governmental Relations Rob Lewis, Principal Planner Elma Felix, and Administrative Assistant Linda Benanti School Board of Sarasota County (SBSC): Chair Shirley Brown, Vice Chair Jane Goodwin Board Members, Thomas "Tom" Edwards, Karen Rose, and Bridget Ziegler; Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen, and Assistant Superintendent/Chiet Operating Officer Jody Dumas North Port City Commission: Mayor Jill Luke, Vice Mayor Pete Emrich, Commissioners Debbie McDowell, Barbara Langdon, Interim City Manager Jason Yaborough, Attorney Amber Slayton, and Administrative Assistant Heather Taylor Sarasota City Commission: Mayor Hagen Brody, Commissioners Liz Alpert, Kyle Scott Battie, and Jen Ahearn-Koch; Interim City Manager Marlon Brown, Interim Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson, Assistant City Manager John Lege, III, City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs, and Commission Reporter Jamese Johnson Longboat Key Town Commission: Mayor Ken Schneier, Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, Commissioner, and B.J. Bishop, Town Manager Thomas "Tom" Harmer, Deputy Town Clerk Savannah Cobb, and Town Attorney Maggie Mooney Venice City Council: Mayor Ron Feinsod, Vice Mayor Rich Cautero, and Council Members Mitzie Fiedler, Nick Pachota, City Manager Ed Lavallee, Council Attorney Kelly Fernandez, and City Clerk Lori Stelzer Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc.: Chief Operating Officer Lori Moran Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): Multimodal Planner Nancy Simpson ABSENT: Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC): Deputy County Administrator Steve Botelho Sarasota City Commission: Vice Mayor Erik Arroyo Longboat Key Town Commission: Commissioners Ed Zunz, George Spoll, Sherry Dominick; Jack Daley Venice City Council: Council Members Brian Kelly, Helen Moore, and Joe Neunder 1. WELCOMEPLEDGEINTRODUCTIONS (AGENDA ITEM I) SBSC Chair Brown called the meeting to order via Zoom at the Suncoast Technical College (STC) in the Conference Center, located at 4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota, Florida, at 9:00 A.M., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcoming of the County, City, Town Commisioners/Counct Members, School Board Members, and Representatives to the annual Convocation of Governments (COG) Meeting. Book 67 Page 39027 01/15/21 9:00 A.M. Book 67 Page 39028 01/15/21 9:00 A.M. Attendees from the County, City, Town Commissoners/Counch Members, School Board Members, and Representatives introduced themselves. 2. CONVOCATION GOALS AND AGENDA (AGENDA ITEM II) SBSC Chair Brown reviewed the Convocation Goals and Agenda for the COG Meeting which includes presentations and discussions. 3. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (AGENDA ITEM III) Citizens' Input received from an individual at the STC in the Conference Center. 4. UPDATE ON SCSB ENROLLMENT AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE (AGENDA ITEM IV) Micki Ryan, Director of Planning and Diane Cominotti, GIS Planning Analyst, SCSB Planning Department spoke before the Bodies, referred to a PowerPoint presentation displayed on a projector and shared on the Zoom screen, and both provided a brief overview on the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on 2020/21 enrollment, North, Central, and South Counties school capacity in terms of high growth areas, future projects, and school sites. SBSC Chair Brown spoke before the Bodies, provided a brief overview of the Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) Program and stated that the FISH Program is what the State of Florida uses to indicate how many students can be placed in a school. Ms. Ryan and Ms. Cominotti continued and provided a brief overview of the Capital Improvement Planning yearly evaluation. Discussion ensued about: Strategies to address the growth challenges at Venice High School as the result of being over capacity State of Florida's requirement to be considered overcrowded in terms of capacity prior to building ar new school Typically, a high school is built for 2200-2400 students Takes two to three years to build a high school Possibly adding a second story to existing buildings, however, the decision was made to build a new school 5. CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM V) Charles "Chuck" Henry, Health Officer, William L. Little Health and Human Services Center, known as the Sarasota Health Department, spoke before the Bodies, provided a brief update of the draft health data regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), testing sites, and vaccination distribution as follows: Within the last 24 hours of the approximately 5000 tests taken, approximately 348 were positive which is a 7.19% positivity rate for the day The current State-supported COVID-19 testing sites are Robert L Taylor Community Complex (RLTCC) and 5400 Bradenton Road, the former site of the Sarasota Kennel Club The biggest challenge state-wide is distributing vaccines Current focus is on Group 1A-residents and staff at long-term care facilities, those over 65 years of age, and frontline healthcare workers Distributed to health departments, hospitals, CVS and Walgreens stores for distribution in elder-care, State Incident Management Teams, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), although those in the County have not received any at this time, and Publix Supermarket Pilot Program for rural areas Concerns regarding the registration process with the Eventbrite platform and developing a new system solution 140 students and teachers out with illness and 1,000 students out on quarantine SBSC Chair Brown spoke before the Bodies and stated that working out vaccinations for school employees over 65 years of age is desired. City Commissioner Ahearn-Koch thanked Mr. Henry for the presentation and stated that she test often at RLTCC, which is easy, operated smoothly and efficiently, and asked whether teachers and administrators can be included in the frontline workers group to receive the vaccine, if there is a specific location for veterans to be tested, requested local City Administrators be contacted, and the Multicultural Health Institute (MHI) in North Sarasota who has a list of people over 65 years of age with preexisting conditions. Mr. Henry stated that the priority levels are based upon the State of Florida Governor's Executive Order, and as more vaccinations become available, the expectation is the Executive Order will expand to include the next level down which are the critical infrastructure workers, such as teachers, law enforcement, municipal City/County workers, and possibly grocery store/food service workers; that in terms of veterans, he did hear through the news media that Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Community Clinic on Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida is offering vaccinations through the Veteran Affairs (VA) by appointment; that local officials participate in the weekly calls hosted by the Emergency Operations Center; that collaborations with Dr. Lisa Merritt of MHI occur often, and they are very concerned with providing vaccines to populations of color since more aggressively affected by COVID-19. 6. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH (AGENDA ITEM VI) Debra Giacolone, Director of Student Services, SCSD, spoke before the Bodies, referred to a PowerPoint presentation displayed on the projector screen and shared on the Zoom screen entitled "Sarasota County's Comprehensive Plan to Support Mental Health and Research-Based Practice that Makes an Impact," and provided a brief overview of national and local statistics for students with mental health issues, and the Mental Health Allocation Plan. Discussion ensued: Sarasota BCC time and energy regarding mental health issues and the request is to include Teen Court of Sarasota Inc (Teen Court) on the calls Teen Court provides free counseling to all including family members The coordination of care and funding by the Sarasota BCC since the desire is to avoid overlapping of services 7. SURTAX UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM VII) County Administrator. Jonathan Lewis, Sarasota County Government, spoke before the Bodies and referred to a PowerPoint presentation displayed on the projector and Zoom screens entitled "Common Cents Your Penny at Work Infrastructure Surtax Update" provided a brief historical overview about the importance of the Infrastructure Surtax and education program for the community which will come before the community for a vote in 2022. Discussion ensued about: The website www.sarasotacountysurtax.net which is for all County residents use and all municipalities were dedicated a platform. 8. TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY (AGENDA ITEM VIII) Town Manager Thomas Harmer, Town of Longboat Key (Longboat Key), spoke before the Bodies and provided a brief overview of Longboat Key's geography, student demographics, minimal growth, effects of Book 67 Page 39029 01/15/20 9:00 A.M. Book 67 Page 39030 01/15/21 9:00 A.M. the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, being split between two counties where residents average age is 71 years old, redevelopment and proposed infrastructure projects, and stated that Longboat Key has 32 students in Sarasota County and 38 students in Manatee County attending public schools; that according to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser, the tax base decreased last year in the Sarasota County portion of the island due to condominiums values. Town Mayor Ken Schneier spoke before the Bodies and stated that as mentioned by Town Manager Harmer, Longboat Key does not have many students; however, having a school district to be proud of is great; that managing the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most difficult jobs in government, and SBSC Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen coming in during the middle of pandemic must have been even more difficult; that the County and the SCSD have been extremely fortunate since Superintendent Asplen is doing a great job and looks forward to speaking with him. In response to a question from City Commissioner Ahearn-Koch asking if information can be provided regarding how many miles Longboat Key is undergrounding as well as the cost per mile, Town Manager Harmer stated that information would be provided to the City Commission. 9. CITY OF NORTH PORT (AGENDA ITEM IX) Interim City Manager Jason Yarborough, City of North Port, spoke before the Bodies and stated that growth is the mantra in the City of North Port, provided al brief overview of the population increase of approximately 7000 over the last year, increased permit activity of 15% within the Building Department during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, thanked the SCSB for their partnership, and stated that the pandemic brought to light the need for the ability to do remote learning; that the belief is high speed internet would be robust and pervasive throughout North Port which is not the case, therefore discussions with SCSB are needed in terms of mutual partnership investment to provide internet services for students, and regarding 1) Installing a traffic light at North Port High, and 2) Having an alternative Graduation Ceremony plan instead of what was done last year, which is hoped for and encouraged. 10. CITY OF SARASOTA (AGENDA ITEM X) Interim City Manager Brown, City of Sarasota, spoke before the Bodies and stated that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a challenge the past year; however, the City worked cooperatively with the SCSB on the closure of School Avenue and improvements and requested an update be provided. SBSC Assistant Superintendent/Chief Operating Officer Jody Dumas, spoke before the Bodies and provided a brief update of the three phases which were agreed upon with the City, Phase :: A bicycle pathway on the west section of Sarasota High School (SHS) down U.S. 41, Phase I: eastside campus improvements which include sidewalk improvements, and Phase III: Re-fence SHS perimeter with decorative six-foot fencing to increase campus security, and stated that the SBSC team is meeting today, and as long as nothing changes the eastside improvements with sidewalks will commence next week and should be completed within a month or two; that the bicycle pathway on the westside is also very close to commencing and a few last minutes decisions have to be made regarding trees and plantings with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT); however, there has been a small delay as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic; that refencing the entire campus has went out for a Bid and priced but must be coordinated closely with SHS due to school being in session to avoid leaving an unsecured perimeter. Interim City Manager Brown continued and provided a brief update regarding the commencement of another major roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue, examining the installation of wireless internet services, and working with providers for servicing City parks and low-income areas for students, at the Mayor's direction. City Mayor Brody spoke before the Bodies and stated that the desire is to stay in communication since the project is in the very early stages with regards to implementing wireless internet services in City parks and low-income areas; that with the Legacy Trail coming into the City, the belief is it will be widely used by students, therefore the City is in the process of looking into neighborhoods to determine where the connections and trailheads should be implemented since the focus should be on which neighborhoods have the highest concentration of young families to ensure safe paths to and from school; that the closing of School Avenue is favored and the hope is to create a great courtyard for SHS; that Lofts on Lemon, LLC., an affordable housing project, broke ground recently and as a result of the help from the contributions of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, the tax credits received were able to be used to create teacher-specific affordable housing units. 11. SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT (AGENDA ITEM XI) County Administrator Johnathan Lewis, Sarasota County, spoke before the Bodies, provided a brief overview of the Myrtle Street Improvement Project, and stated that a segment of the long-overdue project is completed and the next phase is already under construction; that last year the Sarasota BCC directed County Staff to look at school crossings generally throughout Unincorporated Sarasota County, which will be discussed with the City's Interim City Manager and provided a brief overview of steps taken as well as the inclusion of Legacy Trail; that the Sarasota BBC has prioritized building a Regional Fire Academy which cannot be done without the partnership of the SCSD. SBSC Chair Brown spoke before the Bodies and stated that in addition to the Fire Academy, the Police Academy exists, and requested the implementation of an on-demand crosswalk on Bahia Vista Street and update regarding hurricane shelters, County Administrator Lewis and SBSC Assistant Superintendent/Chief Operating Officer Dumas spoke before the Bodies, provided al brief update of funding and hurricane shelter hardening at North Port High School, Gulf Gate Elementary School, and Taylor Ranch Elementary School. 12. CITY OF VENICE (AGENDA ITEM XII) Mayor Edward Lavallee, City of Venice, spoke before the Bodies, thanked the SCSB and Venice Council Member Nick Pachota for his significant role within the State for combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, provided a brief overview regarding the impact of COVID-19 on government, requested a briefing from the SCSD on its success on the educational models, operational and fiscal challenges developed to maintain SCSD's high level of performance since the City of Venice would be interested in collaboration, and provided a brief overview of Student Government Day where local students are invited to learn more about career opportunities in local government, and stated that the City of Venice is offering to partner with SCSD at the high school level to create an internship program for students who may have an interest in local government as a career. 13. OTHER BUSINESS SBSC Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen spoke before the Bodies and thanked everyone for attending and stated that getting to know everyone is appreciated. SCSB Chair Brown stated that prior to COVID-19, SCSB used to host the COG Meetings in south County every year; however, if any of the south County municipalities would like an update, to contact the SCSD and SCSB will come down to have a discussion regarding schools in their area. Commissioner Jill Luke, City of North Port stated that Julie King, the Assistant Principal at North Port High School (NPHS) spoke at the City of North Port Regular Commission Meeting and provided a brief update about NPHS which they are very proud of. 14. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM XIII) SCSB Chair Brown adjourned the Convocation of Governments Meeting (COG) of January 15, 2021, at 10:48 A.M. Book 67 Page 39031 01/15/20 9:00 A.M. Book 67 Page 39032 01/15/21 9:00 A.M. 6 3 A HAGENB BRODY, MAYOR ATTEST: SHAYLA GRIGGS SEb CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK