Book 35 Page 9773 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 28, 1993 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Gene Pillot, Vice Mayor Nora Patterson, Commissioners Mollie Cardamone and David Merrill, Deputy City Manager Peter Schneider, City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson, and Assistant City Attorney Sarah Schenk ABSENT: Commissioner Fredd Atkins, City Manager David Sollenberger, and City Attorney Richard Taylor PRESIDING: Mayor Gene Pillot The meeting was called to order in accordance with Article III, Section 10 of the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 7:00 p.m. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave thè Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 1. PARTIAL REPORT RE: PLANNING BOARD/LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY'S SPECIAL MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 1993 - REPORT ACCEPTED (AGENDA ITEM I) #1 (0030) through (0143) Jane Robinson, Director of Planning and Development, and Berta Lefkovich, Chairman of the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency, came before the Commission. Ms. Lefkovich presented the following items from the Planning Board's Special Meeting of October 13, 1993: A. Petition 93-PA-02 = Transportation Element Thoroughfare Plan Changes Ms. Lefkovich stated that the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency unanimously recommends adoption of 93-PA-02. B. Petition 93-PA-01 - Historic Preservation Element Ms. Lefkovich stated that the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency unanimously recommends including former Policies 7.3 and 7.8 in the Historic Preservation Element; that the Planning Board unanimously recommends rewording Policy 8.1 to include the words "historically significant" after the words "protection of"; that the Planning Board unanimously recommends adding December 15, 1996 to appropriate objectives as the date for implementation of the plan; that the Planning Board unanimously recommends adoption of the Historic Preservation Element with four amendments; that the Planning Board unanimously recommends incorporating the recommendation drafted by Vice Chairman Annis into the Planning Board Minutes for consideration by the City Commission because this recommendation points to the need for a strong historic preservation program and prioritizing spending to include historic preservation. C. Work Program Ms. Lefkovich stated that the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency unanimously recommends adoption of the Work Program. On motion of Commissioner Cardamone and second of Commissioner Merrill, it was moved to accept the partial report of the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency's Special Meeting of October 13, 1993. Motion carried unanimously (4 to 0): Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes. Mayor Pillot requested that City Auditor and Clerk Robinson explain the public hearing process. Mr. Robinson stated that at this time the petitioners have 15 minutes to address the Commission and 5 minutes for rebuttal; that any citizen who has signed up to speak has 5 minutes; that he will time speakers and advise them when they have 1. minute remaining. All individuals wishing to speak during the public hearings were requested to stand and be sworn in by City Auditor and Clerk Robinson. 2. PUBLIC HEARING RE: PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 94-3755, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION ACT: STATING VARIOUS FINDINGS OF FACT CONCERNING THE PREPARATION AND ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS TO THE TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATED 93-PA-02, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; REPEALING ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY OF THE PARTS HEREOF: ETC. (TITLE ONLY) = PASSED ON FIRST READING (AGENDA ITEM II-1) #1 (0145) through (0390) Sherry Carter, Chief Planner, came before the Commission and stated that proposed Ordinance No. 94-3755 pertained to 93-PA-02 Transportation Element, which deletes Lockwood Ridge Road from the Thoroughfare Plan; that the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency recommended adoption; that the DCA (Department of Community Affairs) had a couple of objections which were answered with additional data and maps. Commissioner Cardamone asked whether 93-PA-02 referred only to Lockwood Ridge Road? Ms. Carter stated that was correct; that it Book 35 Page 9774 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Book 35 Page 9775 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. pertains to the portion of Lockwood Ridge Road between Alderman and Bahia Vista Streets; that an analysis of all the surrounding roads was included; that the State's concern was the affect removing Lockwood Ridge Road from the Thoroughfare Plan would have on surrounding roads. Mayor Pillot opened the public hearing. There was no one who wished to speak and Mayor Pillot closed the public hearing. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson read proposed Ordinance No. 94-3755 by title only. On motion of Commissioner Merrill and second of Vice Mayor Patterson, it was moved to affirm the Administration's recommendation to adopt Petition 93-PA-02. Mayor Pillot requested that City Auditor and Clerk Robinson proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried unanimously (4 to 0): Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes. 3. PUBLIC HEARING RE: PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 94-3747, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION ACT: STATING VARIOUS FINDINGS OF FACT CONCERNING THE PREPARATION AND ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CREATING A HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATED 93-PA-01, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; REPEALING ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY OF THE PARTS HEREOF; ETC. (TITLE ONLY) = NO ACTION TAKEN (AGENDA ITEM II-2) #1 (0391) through (2356) Jane Robinson, Director of Planning and Development, and Mike Taylor, Deputy Director of Planning and Development, came before the Commission. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson distributed copies of three letters (copies of which are on file in the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk) to the Commission from the following: (1) Judith Ball (Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation) dated October 26, 1993, (2) Johnny Nugent (Normandy Inn) dated October 28, 1993, and (3) Debbe Dart (Historical Society of Sarasota County) dated October 28, 1993. Mr. Taylor stated that the Historic Preservation (HP) Element was prepared by Clarion Associates, Inc. after a lengthy public participation process; that on April 6, 1993 the Historic Preservation Board reviewed the proposed HP Element; that on April 21, 1993 the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency held a public hearing; that on May 24, 1993 the City Commission directed Staff to transmit the HP Element to the State for review; that on October 12, 1993 the Historic Preservation Board reviewed the proposed HP Element and affirmed their support; and that on October 13, 1993 the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency recommended adoption with four stipulations. Mr. Taylor stated that upon review, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) objected to the lack of measurable objectives because no dates were included; that he spoke with DCA representatives and debated that he feels the objectives are measurable; however, the State wants additional measurability in the form of dates in order for them to feel comfortable with the objectives in the HP Element. Mr. Taylor stated that one cost implication of the proposed HP Element would be the need for an additional Staff person at a cost of approximately $40,000; that additional costs would be services of consultants, copying, and supporting various functions identified in the policies in the HP Element to support education and promotion of the historic preservation program. Mr. Taylor continued that a first year cost of $80,000 is projected in order for the City to move forward with implementation of the HP Element; that if the Commission adopts the HP Element, resources will be needed in order to implement it. Mr. Taylor stated that the historic preservation community has very generously offered to provide the City with volunteer services; however, the City still lacks the resources necessary to coordinate a volunteer effort. Mr. Taylor continued that the HP Element is an excellent document; however, the Staff must recommend that it not be adopted because of the lack of resources to implement it. Mr. Taylor stated that the reviewer from the State Department of Community Affairs said that the Historic Preservation Element is an optional element of the Comprehensive Plan and not a mandated element; that an Evaluation and Appraisal Report will be done on several of the required elements that have been adopted to determine how successful or unsuccessful the Staff has been in completing these elements; that he feels there is a good deal that has not yet been accomplished in the required elements; that the optional HP Element will dilute the Staff resources away from the required policies. Mr. Taylor continued that there are parts of the HP Element, such as the conservation districts, that the Staff anticipates working on even if the HP Element is not adopted. Ms. Robinson stated that the County has several historic preservation staff people and the County Administrator, John Wesley White, has agreed to assist the City with Certificates of Approval as well as with expert reviews on designation reports; however, the County will not be able to assist the City with managing volunteers at this time. Book 35 Page 9776 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Book 35 Page 9777 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Mr. Taylor stated that the Work Program does not include any of the actions necessary to implement the HP Element. Commissioner Merrill asked whether the County's historic preservation program was paid out of the General Fund? Ms. Robinson stated that was correct. Mayor Pillot opened the public hearing. The following individuals came before the Commission: Deborah Dart, no address given, representing the Historic Preservation (HP) Board, stated that she had not received any notice of tonight's meeting; that she never received any notice that the City was going to apply a fee to historic preservation designations; that the Planning Department is not including the HP Board in what is going on; that the Historic Preservation Element is a road map for the future to deal with the broad community concerns; that dates for implementation could be easily modified; that the policies do not have to be implemented immediately; however, the HP Board would like the HP Element to be adopted; that she feels historic designations will stop once the City begins to charge a fee. Judy Ball, 1859 Lincoln Drive, representing the Sarasota Alliance for Historical Preservation, stated that the Alliance has agreed to perform a comprehensive survey of the two conservation districts, Gillespie Park and Laurel Park, to research the criteria and develop an appropriate questionnaire; that the Alliance has the support of the neighborhood associations and is only asking that the City pay for the cost of the film; that the Alliance has agreed to research and write grants; that the Alliance proposes that the Historic Preservation Element be passed according to the recommendation of the Planning Board; that deleted items be reinserted and a date of 1996 be put in place. Commissioner Cardamone stated that she thinks the Alliance's offer is wonderful and the kind of partnership she would like to see happen in all areas of City government. Commissioner Cardamone asked for recommendations as to where the City could find the money to implement the HP Element. Ms. Ball stated that she feels perhaps some money could be moved around in the budget as well as starting a historic preservation fund by increasing the fee for demolitions. Vice Mayor Patterson asked whether the Alliance would still help with the conservation districts even if the HP Element is not adopted? Ms. Ball stated the Alliance would still help; however, the Alliance would like to see the HP Element in place; that she feels eventually the HP Element would bring money back to the City by improving its tax base. Kafi Benz, 13084 Air Gate, representing Friends of "Seagate", stated that she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Historic Preservation and president of Friends of Seagate"; that the Commission's expressed desire is to protect neighborhoods; that the City's Vision Plan is going to have to deal with issues of historic preservation; that if the City hires someone with credentials in historic planning, she feels the person would be useful in all areas of planning; that the community has shown its interest in historic preservation; that two of the city's advisory boards have unanimously supported adopting the HP Element. Mary Quillin, 407 Cocoanut, representing the Downtown North Neighborhood Association, stated that she is a longtime resident of Sarasota; that she has seen a lot of her childhood dreams vanish; that it would be nice to have the Gillespie Home; that Sarasota goes further back than the Scottish settlers who came here; that the Downtown North is very proud to have the cemetery where the founders are buried; that Florida has many things to offer besides sandy beaches and rides; that there are many things that Sarasota needs to preserve; that she recommends that the Commission adopt the Historic Preservation Element to provide a substantial building block. Ms. Quillin continued that the Downtown North neighborhood has been designated for a special study through the visioning process; however, the City's Planning Department cannot continue with the visioning process without a road map to follow and the HP Element will help with this. Ms. Quillin stated that the voters of Florida voted in favor of histeric preservation; that the City needs preservation and pride; that Rosemary Court is coming back to life again; that she feels it is time to reinvest in the City. John Doggett, no address given, stated that he is the creative director for the CDOVA (Creative Development of Visual Arts) Foundation and a proud resident of the Downtown North neighborhood; that he agrees that the Historic Preservation Element needs to be implemented as soon as possible; that he would be willing for the money that is needed for historic preservation to be taken out of the area of public art; that he feels the City cannot get to where it is going if it does not know from where it came. Dan Lobeck, 450 S. Shade Avenue, representing Growth Environmental Organization (GEO), stated that GEO's bylaws established certain basic principles for which to fight; that historic preservation is important to GEO and to the community as a whole; that a lot of City resources are directed toward building the future; that the heart of Sarasota is in its history; that a little bit of heart dies every time an important historic structure is demolished; that the HP Element would call upon the City to survey, evaluate, and rank all the historic resources. Mr. Lobeck continued that he thinks it makes a lot of sense to increase demolition fees; that Book 35 Page 9778 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Book 35 Page 9779 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. December 15, 1996 is the implementation date recommended by the City's advisory boards; that he feels the HP Element is a modest, measured, balanced proposal; that the County has adopted a historic preservation element to identify historic resources and require consideration in land use decisions; that the City has a lot more history to preserve than the County. Ron Annis, 1934 Datura Street, stated that he feels the HP Element addresses the perception of the older areas in the City; that he feels it is important to recognize that the older areas have been operating at a significant disadvantage for years from a regulatory standpoint; that a lot of factors go into urban decay in the City; that he feels it is important that the older areas are recognized as valuable areas of the City as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan; that the HP Element is needed as a basis for establishing changes to the land use regulations. Mr. Annis continued that prior to his term on the Planning Board, he was on the Building and Fire Boards of Rules of Appeals for five years; that during this time the Board dealt substantially with code related issues regarding fire requirements; that he feels the opportunity exists to incur cost savings to the City by normalization of some code requirements. There was no one else who wished to speak and Mayor Pillot closed the public hearing. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson read proposed Ordinance No. 94-3747 by title only. The Commission took no action on proposed Ordinance No. 94-3747. 4. PUBLIC HEARING RE: PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 94-3756, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREKENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION ACT: STATING VARIOUS FINDINGS OF FACT CONCERNING THE PREPARATION AND ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CONSISTING OF A WORK PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT THE COMPREHENBIVE PLAN, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN: REPEALING ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY OF THE PARTS HEREOF; ETC. (TITLE ONLY) = PASSED ON FIRST READING (AGENDA ITEM II-3) #1 (2357) through (3566) Jane Robinson, Director of Planning and Development, and Sherry Carter, Chief Planner, came before the Commission. Ms. Carter stated that this proposed ordinance is to adopt. the Work Program to implement the Comprehensive Plan; that several areas of the City were designated for sector studies in 1989 to deal with specific issues; that due to reduction of resources and changes in priorities, four or five of the sector studies have not yet been addressed; that the Staff has tried to include these sections in the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report). Ms. Carter reviewed a map with the Commission and stated further that the City has been divided into six Neighborhood Planning Areas and these areas have been scheduled for EAR Workshops. Commissioner Merrill stated that he would like to request that Shade Avenue north of Fruitville Road not be shown on the maps. Ms. Carter stated that the department would remove it from the base map. Ms. Carter stated that the Planning Department is going to be facing a tremendous effort in the EAR process; that there are hundreds of pages of requirements that they will try to meet within a tight deadline. Ms. Carter continued that in response to changes in growth management, the department will be working on a 1992 Florida Statutes Amendment, certain elements under the ELMS (Environmental Land Management Study) Bill that need to be enlarged, the Campus Master Plan, and other associated tasks. Commissioner Merrill asked what percentage of the Planning Department Staff's time was taken up by the items listed in the Work Program? Ms. Carter stated that the Work Program is a City-wide obligation and other departments are also involved; that the Planning Department has long-range staff which focuses on the Comprehensive Plan and special studies which requires the majority of their time. Commissioner Merrill asked what percentage of the Planning Departrent's budget and Staff time is taken up with the work that is referenced in the Work Program? Ms. Robinson stated that this was difficult to answer because it would be almost 100% in terms of long-range; however, a study would then move to the Current Division. Vice Mayor Patterson stated that someone cannot devote 100% of their time to something and still have further time left. Commissioner Cardamone stated that it seems that the work goes through the department in phases. Vice Mayor Patterson stated that Commissioner Merrill is asking what percent of the department's week goes into fulfilling the mandate in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Robinson stated that she would need to check on this and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Merrill stated that it would be good to get a clarification on this. Commissioner Merrill stated that as an issue of budget he would like the Staff to remind the Commission that the various issues take money and time. Ms. Carter stated that the long-range division implemented use of a daily log on projects that will give the exact number of hours that Staff spends on each project. Book 35 Page 9780 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Book 35 Page 9781 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Ms. Robinson stated that the Engineering Department spends a lot of time on implementing the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Pillot asked that the Deputy City Manager advise the City Manager that the Commission is interested in knowing City-wide what the costs are in time and dollars (for the Comprehensive Plan) . Deputy City Manager Schneider stated that this is going to be a major benefit of the billable fee system. Vice Mayor Patterson stated that someone expressed concern to her today that the Planning Department's zoning maps are not current; that the person was told by Staff that the City's zoning maps are only current through 1989. Mike Taylor, Deputy Director of Planning and Development, came before the Commission and stated that the City's zoning maps are kept up-to-date at all times. Commissioner Cardamone stated that she would like a brief discussion about IMAs (Impact Management Areas) regarding the Comprehensive Plan when the Commission finishes this public hearing. Mayor Pillot opened the public hearing. There was no one who wished to speak and Mayor Pillot closed the public hearing. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson read proposed Ordinance No. 94-3756 by title only. On motion of Commissioner Merrill and second of Commissioner Cardamone, it was moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 94-3756. Mayor Pillot requested that City Auditor and Clerk Robinson proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried unanimously (4 to 0) : Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes. Commissioner Cardamone stated that she feels the City needs to look at the IMA process from a different point of view; that she feels that the IMA process at some time may put the City in the position of not being able to defend a designation that is termed eligible for" versus some other form of language; that two years ago the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA) asked the Commission to study IMAs and the request was denied; that she would like to request that the Commission study IMAs to determine how decisions of the Commission will be impacted based on the recent Snyder court ruling. Vice Mayor Patterson stated that she shares Commissioner Cardamone's concern; that she had advised the City Manager that she feels the Commission should have a Workshop very soon on the Snyder court ruling. Commissioner Merrill stated that he feels the City should do away with IMAs and asked whether such a change could be made to the Comprehensive Plan this year? Ms. Carter stated that it was too late to change for this year. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson stated that a Workshop regarding TOM (Total Quality Management) had been scheduled for December 14; however, he and the City Manager feel that the TQM Workshop should be postponed until January and have the Workshop on the Snyder case on December 14. It was the consensus of the Commission to have a Workshop pertaining to the Snyder court case on December 14, 1993. 5. REPORT RE: PROPOSED JOINT WORKSHOP WITH SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CONCERNING THE REQUEST OF CELLULAR ONE TO LOCATE A 150 FOOT COMMUNICATIONS TOWER ON A PORTION OF THE SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROPERTY = SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING (AGENDA ITEM III) #1 (3568) through (3709) Peter Schneider, Deputy City Manager, stated that it has been determined that a height variance would be needed for the proposed Cellular One tower; that the issue of the height variance can be part of the public hearing. Mayor Pillot stated that the letter dated October 22, 1993 from Dr. Charles Fowler, Superintendent of Schools (a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk), says that the School Board appreciates the willingness of the City Commission to meet jointly; however, the School Board prefers that the City Commission deliberate first and pass on any concerns to them. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson stated that due to the advertising requirements, the public hearing would be held on December 6, 1993. On motion of Vice Mayor Patterson and second of Commissioner Merrill, it was moved to set the issue of a proposed tower on a portion of the Southside Elementary School property and the height variance issue for a public hearing on a date at the discretion of the Administration. Vice Mayor Patterson stated that it appears that the visual impact of the proposed tower would affect North Drive in Cherokee Park; that she would like all of the residents of North Drive to receive notices of the public hearing. Mr. Robinson stated that since a height variance is required he is compelled to notify everyone within a minimum of 500 feet of the public hearing on the proposed tower. Book 35 Page 9782 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Book 35 Page 9783 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Mayor Pillot called for the vote on the motion. Motion carried unanimously (4 to 0): : Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes. 6. CITIZENS' INPUT (AGENDA ITEM IV) #1 (3710) through #2 (1397) Robert Levy, 1391 6th Street, came before the Commission and stated that he feels the issue of North Central Avenue should be on the front burner; that the area has been neglected for many years; that the S.N.A.G. (Sarasota North Action Group) organization plans to make a detailed presentation to the Commission on December 6 on what the organization feels needs to be done in this area; that he feels that the Police should pay more attention to the problem of prostitutes and dope pushers in the area; that he knows people who would have liked to open a business and/or reside in the North Central Avenue area because of the close proximity to downtown and Lido Key if the City would offer some encouragement and incentives, such as eliminating the impact fees or facilitate the granting of a permit to start building or remodeling; that out of necessity he had to purchase the property adjacent to his business because of the undesirable element who had taken it over; that he had to pay the owner at least double the actual value. Mr. Levy continued that he feels the business people from this neighborhood who have proven themselves should be in the loop and work with the planners to offer opinions and ideas of what can be done to improve the area in the immediate future. Mayor Pillot stated that it is the goal of the Commission and the Administration to try to make procedures as simple as possible for the citizens; that it is also the goal of the Commission that the residential and commercial north downtown area be a primary priority. Vice Mayor Patterson left the Commission Chambers at 8:40 p.m. Mayor Pillot stated that Danny Bilyeu is going to make a special presentation regarding public safety concerns in the Pioneer Park neighborhood at the Commission's meeting on November 1; that Mr. Levy might want to attend or watch this presentation. Commissioner Cardamone stated that she has a goal to try to make citizens' involvement with government easier and more pleasant. Vice Mayor Patterson returned to the Commission Chambers at 8:42 p.m. Mary Ouillin, no address given, came before the Commission and stated that she is confused and would like an explanation as to why the Commission would not address the Historic Preservation Element. Mayor Pillot stated that while the Commission has a responsibility to listen to the public, the Commission does not have a responsibility to act upon what comes out of a public hearing; that each Commissioner is charged to make his and her motions and votes on the basis of the total analysis of professional recommendations and facts, like the fact that the City does not have the money in the budget for the HP Element. Ms. Quillin asked whether the lack of Commission action on the HP Element meant that historic preservation was going to be ignored in the City of Sarasota? Mayor Pillot stated that he did not feel that was the case. Commissioner Merrill stated that he intends to pursue the issue of the conservation districts; however, he feels the Comprehensive Plan has very little value and only candidates for Commission ever read it; that the Commission can still do what it thinks needs to be done. Vice Mayor Patterson stated that she was supportive of the proposed ordinance until the Commission emerged from the budget sessions; that if the Commission had been able to budget for a person trained in historic preservation to implement this program, she would have been delighted to put the HP Element in place; that she feels all of the Commissioners are interested in seeing the past of Sarasota preserved as much as possible. Commissioner Cardamone stated that she has a vested interest in the community and preserving what remains of what the City has had; that she agrees with what Vice Mayor Patterson said; that she does not agrec that the Comprehensive Plan is something that is written and then sits on a shelf; that she plans to utilize all of the resources of the Comprehensive Plan in making decisions; that she feels a great obligation to listen to the recommendations of the Administration; that she feels the number one priority of this City Commission is public safety. Mayor Pillot stated that he agrees with both Vice Mayor Patterson and Commissioner Cardamone. Ms. Quillin stated that the Historic Preservation Element would restore pride in the City by passing the City's heritage on to people who come here; that neighborhoods are cleaned up through historic preservation. Ms. Quillin continued that she spent the past two days on the telephone asking people to attend tonight's meeting in numbers; that the citizens are apathetic because the Commission is not listening to the voters; that she feels the HP Element is very important to the City of Sarasota. Book 35 Page 9784 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Book 35 Page 9785 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Mayor Pillot stated that he disagreed with the comment that the Commission does not listen to the public; that he feels the minutes of meetings could document that this is incorrect; that he also resents the comment because the Commission tries to be responsive to the public and do what is good for the City; that a citizen spoke to him today and changed his mind on something after a productive and pleasant discussion. John O. Doggett, no address given, came before the Commission and stated that he resented some comments made tonight by Mr. Levy; that he invites each Commissioner to come down North Central Avenue and see what has been done within the past three weeks; that if Police or maintenance is needed, the citizens call and the City responds; that two days ago the citizens called about The Gardens, the City-owned property with trash where people were hanging out; that Peter Schneider and Duane Mountain came out to see the problem and the very next day at 7:30 a.m. the City was taking care of the problem; that results take cooperation. Mr. Doggett continued that he lived for three years on Siesta Key with the Gulf of Mexico as his back yard and he now lives at Rosemary Court and is proud of it; that he would trust people at Cohen Way with his life more so than some of the people on Siesta Key; that the City and the citizens work together to form an equal partnership to make a community survive; that he feels Downtown North is going to be the next great push in Sarasota by private individuals who live and work in this area who are proud of their community. Mr. Doggett stated that he resents it when people live and work in this neighborhood but do not open their eyes to see the progress that has been made over the past six months. Commissioner Cardamone stated that neat things are happening in the North Central Avenue area; that the area is shaping up and beginning to look great; that she feels the presence of the Community Housing Corporation is making a big difference; that she feels turning the projects into condominium-style living is the "kicker" in this whole neighborhood. Vice Mayor Patterson stated that the March on Crime organized by Mr. Doggett produced more commentary to her than almost anything that has occurred within the City since she became a Commissioner; that the reaction of the community was very positive. 7. REMARKS OF COMMISBIONERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA (AGENDA ITEM V) #2 (1400) through (1785) VICE MAYOR PATTERSON: None COMMISSIONER CARDAMONE: None COMMISSIONER MERRILL: A. stated that he appreciated the Mayor following Roberts' Rules of Order tonight. MAYOR PILLOT: A. stated that he wanted to advise the Commission that after a 40 minute discussion with a lady today, he has decided to change his vote on the memorial on St. Armands Key. B. stated that since he will not be able to attend the Joint Meeting with the County School Board and County Commission on November 8, he asked Mary Kumpe to tell the School Superintendent that he would be willing to talk with him on the matter of the closing of the streets (Orange and School Avenues); that Dr. Fowler (School superintendent), the Finance Director for the School Board, and Ms. Kumpe met with him. Mayor Pillot stated that he wanted to advise the Commission that he told Superintendent Fowler that he would not change his position with respect to (closing) Orange Avenue at the Booker High School campus absent discussion with the Commission and a good deal of input from Commissioner Atkins; that regarding (the closing of) School Avenue, having been the principal at Sarasota High School he realizes how important it is that the campus not be split by School Avenue; that he told Dr. Fowler today that his mind would be open if three criteria were met as follows: (1) the School Board would pay the price, (2) any realignment of School Avenue would have to meet the requirements of the City Engineer and traffic engineering studies, and (3) no negative impact on any north/south artery, specifically Shade and Tuttle Avenues. Mayor Pillot stated that he suggested to Dr. Fowler that perhaps School Avenue, starting at about Hatton Street, could be taken in an acceptable curve through the middle of the old Middle School campus in such a way as not to separate any buildings from one another, and curve back in somewhere around Tamisola Street. Mayor Pillot continued that the point he wanted to make to Dr. Fowler was that when he made the motion 2 or 3 threes years ago that the Commission submit a letter through the City Manager to the School Superintendent that the City did not intend to close School Avenue, he should have added "unless a viable alternative can be found"; that he Book 35 Page 9786 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. Book 35 Page 9787 10/28/93 7:00 P.M. apologized to Dr. Fowler today for the shortsightedness on his part when making the motion. Mayor Pillot stated that he told Dr. Fowler he would keep his mind open if a viable alternative (for School Avenue) can be found; that he in no way alluded to any other Commissioners' interests or concerns on this matter. Commissioner Merrill stated that he would have no objections to such a solution as long as the road connected to Bahia Vista Street so that the courthouse traffic could use it, because otherwise the traffic would use Shade Avenue. 8. OTHER MATTERS /ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS (AGENDA ITEM VI) #2 (1786) through (1788) DEPUTY CITY MANAGER SCHNEIDER: None ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY SCHENK: None CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK ROBINSON: None 9. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM VII) #2 (1790) The Special Sarasota City Commission Meeting of October 28, 1993 adjourned at 9:20 p.m. 7 Eng GU6 GENÉ M. PILLOT, MAYOR ATTEST: BiryE Rubunsen BILLY ECROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK