MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CONVOCATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF THE SARASOTA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THE CITY COMMISSIONS OF THE CITIES OF NORTH PORT AND SARASOTA, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VENICE, AND THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 PRESENT: Sarasota Board of County Commissioners: Chair Jon Thaxton, Vice Chair Joseph Barbetta, Commissioners Carolyn Mason, Nora Patterson, and Shannon Staub, County Administrator Jim Ley, Assistant County Attorney Alan Roddy, and Deputy Clerk Claudia Goodson Longboat Key Town Commission: Mayor Lee Rothenberg and Vice Mayor Robert Siekmann North Port City Commission: Vice Chair David Garofalo, Commissioners Jim Blucher, Tom Jones, and Michael Treubert, City Manager Steven S. Crowell, Jr., City Attorney Robert Robertson, and City Clerk Helen Raimbeau Sarasota City Commission: Mayor Richard Clapp, Vice Mayor Kelly M. Kirschner, Commissioners Fredd "Glossie" Atkins, Suzanne Atwell, and Terry Turner, City Manager Robert J. Bartolotta, City Attorney Robert Fournier, and Deputy City Auditor and Clerk Karen D. McGowan Venice City Council: Mayor Ed Martin, Vice Mayor Sue Lang, Council Members Kit McKeon, John Moore, John Simmonds, and Ernie Zavodnyik, City Manager Isaac Turner, and City Clerk Lori Stelzer ABSENT: Longboat Key Town Commission: Commissioners Jim Brown, Gene Jaleski, Hal Lenobel, Peter O'Connor, and George Spoll, Town Manager Bruce St. Dennis, and Town Attorney David Persson North Port City Commission: Chair Vanessa Carusone Sarasota City Commission: City Auditor and Clerk Billy E. Robinson Venice City Council: Commissioner Vikki Taylor and City Attorney Robert Anderson The meeting was called to order by Sarasota Board of County Commissioner (BCC) Chair Jon Thaxton at 9:00 a.m. at the Venice Community Center. Members of the Boards introduced themselves and their affiliation. 1. CHANGES TO THE ORDERS OF THE DAY BCC Chair Thaxton presented the following Changes to the Orders of the Day: A. Add as Agenda Item 11, Presentation Re: 2010 Census Complete Count Committee and renumber per the request of BCC Chair Thaxton B. Combine Agenda Item 7, To Consider the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BERB) Population Projections, with Agenda Item 10, Discussion of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Membership, to be heard with Agenda Item 7 per the request of BCC Chair Thaxton BCC Thaxton noted consensus of the Boards to the Changes to the Orders of the Day. Book 60 Page 31534 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. Book 60 Page 31535 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. 2. PUBLIC WORKS (AGENDA ITEM 1) 1) DISCUSSION ON THE PROPOSED COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS CENTER AND JAIL UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM I-1) Criminal Justice Police Coordinator Wayne Applebee came before the Boards and provided an overview of the future planning for a Community Corrections Center (CCC) and County Jail including the current and forecasted capacity for the year 2030, a review of best practices, the concept of a community corrections center, and the planned capacity of the Downtown County Jail of 926 and additional capacity at a new community corrections center of 572 at al location yet to be determined. David Bennett, Criminal Justice Consultant, David Bennett Consulting, came before the Boards and gave a report of the crime and incarceration rates in Sarasota County, the role of the corrections function in the community, the functions of a community corrections center to: Address re-entry issues Hold offenders accountable Establish an environment for a positive path to change Mr. Bennett stated that the cost of constructing and operating a community corrections center is less than a traditional jail and the recidivism rate is lower; reviewed the model of the Community Corrections Center of Washington County, Oregon, which provided the following statistics for the 2000 people in the program in 2008: 89 percent successfully completed the program 8 percent were sent back to jail for violating the rules 2 percent walked away from the program 1 percent were re-arrested, all for minor offenses Mr. Bennett reviewed the statistics of the needs of the inmate population of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction of the State of Ohio; and stated that the planning involves: Identifying the population Providing multiple release tracks Identifying the high risk/high need offenders Mr. Bennett stated that the programs include: clinical, employment, social, case management, and discharge services. Joel Freedman, Principal, Freedman Consulting and Development, LLC, came before the Boards, stated that he will be working with Post, Buckley Schuh and Jernigan, Inc. (PBS&J), on the development of plans for a correction and detention facilities and explained the site selection process as follows: I. Initiate process - Already completed II. Refine the analysis III. Determine site feasibility IV. Final site selection In response to a request from BCC Commission Staub concerning an updated timeframe for development of the correction and detention facilities, Mr. Applebee stated that a refined timetable will be provided. Mr. Bennett and Mr. Freedman responded to questions from members of the Boards. 3. FINANCIAL PLANNING (AGENDA ITEM II) 1) TO CONSIDER THE INFORMATION OF A SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND ARTS AUTHORITY (SEAA) (AGENDA ITEM II-1) John Cranor, Chair of the Board of Directors, Steve Queior, President and Chief Executive Officer, Del Borgsdorf, Executive Vice President, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and Ronald Shapo, Attorney, came before the Boards. Mr. Queior stated that the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce offered to study the feasibility of establishing a Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Authority (SEAA) to manage facilities in Sarasota County; that a Task Force was established to consider the establishment of an SEAA. Mr. Cranor stated that 14 models were reviewed as outlined in the Agenda backup material; that the findings are: State legislation will be required. Most SEAAS are governed by large, independent boards which do not include elected officials. Operating facility authorities have defined funding sources. SEAAS employ professional staff and a Chief Executive Officer accountable to the governing board. An independent operation with a strong link to the local government must be established. Mr. Cranor continued that the local jurisdictions should consider: 1) scope of the undertaking, 2) reliable dedicated funding source/sources, and 3) parameters placed on governance; that the Chamber will reach out to all stakeholders including local governments and community organizations and can provide a more extensive report by the end of 2009 if desired. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the item was placed on the Agenda for discussion and not necessarily a final decision. After discussion, BCC Chair Thaxton noted the Boards' consensus to continue to consider the feasibility of a Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Authority in Sarasota County with the assistance of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. 4. FINANCIAL PLANNING (AGENDA ITEM III) 1) TO CONSIDER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND COORDINATION EFFORTS (AGENDA ITEM III-A) AND 2) TO CONSIDER THE STATUS OF REÇOVERY ZONE BONDS (AGENDA ITEM III-B) AND 3) DISCUSSION ON FEDERAL STIMULUS AND GREEN JOBS (AGENDA ITEM III-C) Chief Financial Planning Officer Jeff Seward came before the Boards, gave a presentation concerning the initiatives of Sarasota County to stimulate economic development including the allocation of $2 million to incentivize organizations wishing to relocate into or expand in the County; and stated that Access Sarasota/Channel 19 is assisting with the production of a show focused on economic development in Sarasota County; that Sarasota County has been designated as a Recovery Zone by the Federal government, resulting in the availability of: Book 60 Page 31536 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. Book 60 Page 31537 09/29/09 9:00. A.M. $18,534,000 Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds which provide for a 45 percent interest rebate; $27,801,000 Recovery Zone Facility Bonds which provide private companies with lower cost, economic financing for capital improvements. Mr. Seward stated that County Staff advised Staff of the municipalities of the availability of the funds; that the deadline for the municipalities to apply for the Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds is October 10, 2009; that applications by private companies for Recovery Zone Facility Bonds will be made through the Economiç Development Corporation; that the County Road Impact Fee Mitigation Program is also available. In response to a question from Sarasota Vice Mayor Kirschner concerning application for the $2 million the County has set aside to stimulate economic development, Mr. Seward stated that application can be made by letter to the County Administrator. County Administrator Ley stated that the Federal stimulus funds have been primarily received in the form of Federal Energy Block Grants. Deputy County Administrator Susan Scott stated that three entities are involved: the Suncoast Workforce Board received funding to retrain dislocated workers, the weatherization program received about $2 million for home weatherization, and Energy Conservation Block Grants are available to create jobs and energy efficient retrofits for homes and businesses. 5. ADMINISTRATION (AGENDA ITEM IV) 1) TO CONSIDER AREAS OF POTENTIAL COLLABORATION AND SAVINGS (AGENDA ITEM IV-A) County Administrator Ley stated that examples of collaborative efforts dentified include: building inspection services, collaborative addressing, fleet maintenance, and construction management, and referred to a list of collaborative opportunities included in the Agenda backup material. County Commissioner Staub stated that ideas will be put on the table during consideration of the budget for fiscal year (FY) 2010/11; that communication among the County and the municipalities is important; that substantial issues must be addressed during the next two years. North Port Commissioner Blucher stated that a fleet maintenance center is being constructed and may be available for a sharing of resources. Sarasota Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that some opportunities may also exist for collaborative efforts with Police and Sheriff fleet maintenance and purchasing of vehicles and increased transit in highly dense and utilized areas; that public transit is also an area of interest. The Commissions and Councils adjourned at 11:00 a.m. and reconvened at 11:10 a.m. 6. ADMINISTRATION (AGENDA ITEM V) 1) DISCUSSION OF 2010 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES OF THE COUNTY AND AREA MUNICIPALITIES (AGENDA ITEM V-1) County Intergovernmental Relations Manager Marsha Hosack came before the Boards; referred to a list of the 2010 State Legislative Priorities for Sarasota County included in the Agenda backup material; and stated that the Legislature may hold a special session prior to the end of 2009; that the Regular Session starts March 2, 2010; that the State budget is dire; that the likely issues are maximums on property taxes, the issues of energy, off-shore drilling, growth management, mobility and impact fees, and economicç stimulus programs. Venice Vice Mayor Sue Lang stated that the County's Legislative Priority concerning support for a ban on off-shore drilling should also reference continuing the ban on near-shore drilling; that the Venice City Council directed Venice City Staff to prepare a resolution opposing off-shore, including near-shore, drilling. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the approved County's motion supported not lifting the ban on drilling in the waters of the State of Florida. BCC County Commissioner Staub stated that the County and the municipalities should be active and vocal along with interested groups, including neighborhood associations, concerning the issue of off-shore drilling. In response to a comment by Venice Council Member Zavodnyik indicating a resolution could be adopted by the Convocation of Governments, BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the individual municipalities could take a position and transmit the resolution to the Regional Planning Council; that the resolutions of the individual jurisdictions could also be taken to the State Legislature. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that a motion could be made supporting the Legislative Priority and requested Ms. Hosack read the Legislative Priority. Ms. Hosack read the Legislative Priority as follows: Do not pursue off-shore oil drilling in Florida waters, preserve tourism and the economy by protecting our clean beaches and shores. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that each municipality should consider a motion regarding off-shore oil drilling. Sarasota Vice Chair Kirschner stated that the Convocation of Governments could take a position concerning off-shore oil drilling if everyone is in agreement; that the municipalities could also separately take a position. BCC Chair Thaxton repeated the proposed motion of BCC Commissioner Patterson to endorse as the Convocation of Governments the Legislative Priority to encourage the State Legislature not to pursue off-shore oil drilling in Florida waters and preserve tourism and the economy by protecting Florida's clean beaches and shores. The motion was seconded by North Port Vice Chair Garofalo. A motion was made by Venice Council Member McKeon, seconded by Venice Mayor Martin, to amend the motion to change the phrase "not to pursue" to "to prohibit," which passed unanimously. Venice Vice Mayor Lang stated that the Legislature is also considering allowing the State Governor and Cabinet to make the decision as to whether to lift the ban on off-shore oil drilling, which the body may wish to address. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that the issue is addressed by reference in the motion. Ms. Hosack stated that the word "oil" should be deleted as gas drilling has also been a concern. BCC Commissioner Patterson, as the maker of the motion, with the approval of North Port Vice Chair Garofalo, as the seconder, agreed to delete the word "oil" from the motion. BCC Chair Thaxton restated the motion as amended for the Convocation of Governments to endorse the Legislative Priority as amended to encourage the State Legislature to prohibit off-shore drilling in Florida waters and preserve tourism and the economy by protecting Florida's clean beaches and shores, which carried unanimously. Book 60 Page 31538 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. Book 60 Page 31539 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. North Port Vice Chair Garofalo referred to the Legislative Priority concerning Emergency Dispatchers and requested that the word "dispatcher" be changed to telecommunicator for consistency with the State and Federal initiatives. BCC Chair Thaxton noted consensus to change the word "dispatcher" to telecommunicator." A motion was made by Venice Council Member McKeon, to send a letter to the State Legislators and Legislative Committees stating the strong position of the jurisdictions in Sarasota County opposing off-shore drilling to include the signatures of all elected officials. The motion was seconded by Sarasota Vice Mayor Kirschner who indicated the letter should also be sent to the Federal Legislative Committees which was approved by Vice Council Member McKeon as the maker of the motion. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the letter will be prepared and circulated by the County Administrator and called for a vote on the motion which carried unanimously. Sarasota Commissioner Turner stated that the letter should be published in newspapers with circulation in the State Capitol. Venice Mayor Martin referred to the Legislative Priority concerning the removal of unenforceable provisions regarding Sarasota Memorial Hospital for County responsibility for indigent health care; and stated that other hospitals are concerned and would like to discuss the issues; that the County is encouraged to discuss the issue with representatives of other hospitals. County Administrator Ley stated that the discussions are on-going. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that representatives of some hospitals were previously present; that the conversations should continue. 7. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (AGENDA ITEM VI) 1) DISCUSSION ON METHODS TO PREVENT TRUANCY OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN TO PREVENT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (AGENDA ITEM VI-1) Sarasota Commissioner Turner stated that too many people are being ncarcerated; that methods to keep young people out of prison should be explored; that rather than incarcerating people more effectively, more effective methods not to incarcerate people should be considered. Sarasota Commissioner Atkins stated that the concerns of young people in Sarasota County should be addressed. BCC Member Staub stated that the Florida Association of Counties is considering juvenile detention alternatives. BCC Commissioner Mason stated that the issue of juvenile detention alternatives will be presented to the next Juvenile Justice Committee meeting. BCC Thaxton stated that the connection with the Juvenile Justice Council and the Juvenile Justice Committee and the County and the municipalities should be strengthened. 8. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (AGENDA ITEM VII) 1) TO CONSIDER THE BUREAU OF ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS RESEARCH (BEBR) POPULATION PROJECTIONS (AGENDA ITEM VII-1) AND 9. FINANCIAL PLANNING (AGENDA ITEM X) 1) DISCUSSION OF THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC) MEMBERSHIP (AGENDA ITEM X-1) Sarasota City Manager Bartolotta stated that the method of estimating population is the concern; that a census is conducted only once every ten years; that the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) population projections are considered; that revenue sharing, sales tax, and many other revenue sources are based on population estimates; that the estimates are fairly good in a rising economy due to the issuance of building permits but are not as accurate in a down economy; that the group is requested to consider a different methodology of estimating population; that an accurate accounting is sought; that another issue is functional population, i.e., population serviced; that an economic analysis indicated the City of Sarasota services approximately 100,000 people during the day in season; that a better methodology may be to determine the daytime functional population. Sarasota Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the economic analysis was commissioned as the City was experiencing a rise in police calls for service despite a static population; that the City of Sarasota will continue as a center for commerce; that the methodology of the revenue-sharing formulas should be considered to reflect an equitable distribution if the jurisdictions are committed to SmartGrowth for revenue investment into infrastructure to support a large population. Sarasota Mayor Clapp stated that, for example, eleven percent of the ticket sales at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which is subsidized by the City of Sarasota, is generated from the City of Sarasota; that the City of Sarasota cannot continue to subsidize services for the larger population. BCC Commissioner Mason stated that a Complete County Committee has been formed to assist with the 2010 Census; that a representative of all the municipalities should serve on the Committee. Venice Council Member Simmonds stated that the facilities of the City of Venice are overwhelmingly used by individuals who are not residents of the City of Venice; however, a method of determining an accurate count is not known. North Port Vice Chair Garofalo stated that the City of North Port has gained in public-school student population; that the City of Sarasota should always have a seat on the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC); that bedroom communities, with a lesser population in the daytime, have problems as well. North Port Vice Chair Garofalo stated that the State utilizes the BEBR population projections; that the Federal Government utilized the Census data. Sarasota City Manager Bartolotta stated that some State revenues may be subject to data other than the BEBR population projections; that for example, some states utilize point-of-sale for distribution of sales tax; that the suggestion is to utilize point-of-sale tax distribution for certain taxes. North Port Commissioner Blucher stated that North Port will be the largest city in Sarasota County and will continue to grow. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that any city which is an urban center will have a large daytime population; that the County recognized the issue by providing funding for the Ed Smith Sports Complex and Stadium renovation. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that Agenda Item VII-1 and X-1 are related and requested that BCC Commissioner Patterson explain. Book 60 Page 31540 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. Book 60 Page 31541 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that representation on three boards is governed by population: The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) which has a seat designated by State Legislation as rotating between the largest municipality in Manatee County and Sarasota County based on the Census; The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) which has two seats for the largest city and one seat for the second largest city in Sarasota County based on the Census by vote of the MPO; and The Tourist Development Council (TDC). BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that a representative of the BCC sits on the TDC Board of Directors as legislated by the State; that the cities of Sarasota and Venice have seats on the TDC Board; that State legislation dictates the largest city should also hold a seat on the TDC Board, which should be comprised of 9 members; that a Special Act of the Legislature could be requested to expand the TDC Board of Directors to either 11 or 13 members; that the City of Venice would lose its seat if the TDC Board is not expanded as the other seats have seat requirements established by the State; that the tourism industry has indicated the proportionate representation between the elected officials and representatives of the tourism industry should remain the same. Venice Council Member Moore stated that losing a seat on the TDC Board would be detrimental to the City of Venice; that the City of Venice is a destination for people residing outside of the City of Venice and relies heavily on TDC funds; that the TDC should be requested to approach the Legislature for a Special Act to expand the TDC Board. Venice Council Member Simmonds stated that, relating to point-of-sale distribution of taxes, County residents will be paying the sales tax. Longboat Key Mayor Rothenberg stated that today the issue is change; that Longboat Key would expect a seat ifi the TDC Board is expanded. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that a possibility is the Cities of Venice and Longboat Key would serve on the TDC Board on alternating years. North Port Commissioner Jones stated that the City of North Port has had lesser of a voice on the committees in the past and should now be appropriately represented. North Port Commissioner Treubert stated that North Port will be the largest city in the County; that the North Port City Commission has preached regionalism, meaning all jurisdictions should have a voice. North Port Vice Chair Garofalo stated that the seat on the TDC Board occupied by Venice expires in November 2009; that North Port should occupy the seat; that legislation to provide the cities of Venice and Longboat Key a seat on the TDC Board is supported; that expanding the TDC Board to 11 members is preferred, with the cities of Venice and Longboat Key rotating representation. BCC Patterson stated that North Port should be seated on the TDC Board; that Sarasota County has an agreement with Longboat Key to provide a percentage of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds which is above the amount dictated by the population as Longboat Key contributed 15 percent of TDT funds; that representatives of the cities of Venice and Longboat Key can be seated as ex-officio members; that the individual municipalities should take a vote as to a recommendation for TDC Board representation; that she will present the issue to the TDC Board. Venice Mayor Martin stated that maintaining a voice at the TDC Board is important to the City of Venice. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that the State may expand the TDT in the future; that all the cities in Sarasota County should have a voice at the table; that the private sector members should also be representative of Sarasota County; that North Port should be granted the seat in November 2009; that a Special Act should be filed with the State Legislature to expand the Board. In response to a question from BCC Commissioner Patterson asking if any objections exist to expanding the TDC Board to 13 members, BCC Chair Thaxton stated that North Port will take the seat on the TDC Board in November 2009; that the non-seated municipalities will be afforded ex-officio status; that all municipalities and the county agree to request an expansion of the TDC Board from 9 to 13 members to provide the non-voting members a seat and maintain the balance between the private and public sectors. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that prior to finalizing the decision, she would like to present the proposal to the TDC Board; that the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau also has an interest in the membership of the TDC Board; that the industry would also have to support any proposed Special Act to ensure success. Sarasota Commissioner Atkins stated that the City of North Port supported an expanded TDC Board of 11 members; that 13 members is too many. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that an 11 member TDC Board with the cities of Venice and Longboat Key being represented should be established; that additional research should be conducted. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that to conclude, each city wants representation; that the industry should be consulted as to the number of members on the TDC Board, i.e., 11 or 13 members; that everyone will be kept informed. North Port City Manager Crowell stated that a point-of-sale tax was implemented in a city in which he previously worked and caused considerable competition among the municipalities and the county. Sarasota Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the conversation concerning functional population was not intended as adversarial; that additional research may be required; that a more representative methodology in tax allocation may be possible. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the conversation was important and necessary; that the County Administration should conduct research on the impact of population shifts on representation on boards and tax distribution. 10. COMMUNITY SERVICES (AGENDA ITEM VI) 1) DISCUSSION ON THE CITY OF NORTH PORT LIBRARY (AGENDA ITEM VIII-1) North Port Vice Mayor Garofalo stated that the question is the schedule for construction of another library in North Port; that a library is required in the eastern area of North Port; that the suggestion is to utilize community service project bond funds to construct the library; that staffing could be provided by closing the other four libraries in south Sarasota County one day a week, a so-called brown-out day. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that central Sarasota County has no libraries and is scheduled to receive construction of the next library in the Capital Improvements Program; that library brown-out days may have to be considered in future budgets regardless. Book 60 Page 31542 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. Book 60 Page 31543 09/29/09 9:00 A.M. BCC Staub stated that the cost of operating a library is over $1 million annually; that a presentation regarding libraries of the future would be helpful at the next Convocation of Governments; that all the Friends of the Libraries are assisting the Sarasota County Director of Libraries in planning for the future. County Administrator Ley stated that the actual annual cost of running a library is $1.3 million; that for comparison, the property taxes of the top five property taxpayers in Sarasota is approximately $980,000; that library prioritization will be discussed by the BCC in the near future. 11. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (AGENDA ITEM IX) 1) DISCUSSION OF THE UNIFORM ADDRESSING SYSTEM (AGENDA ITEM IX-1) Planning and Development Services Chief Building Official Paul Radauskas, Emergency Services Fire Marshall Jane Ross, and Planning and Development Services Permitting and Inspection Services Consultant Rick Morrow, came before the Boards. Fire Marshall Ross stated that Staff has been working on an ordinance for addressing consistency within Sarasota County; that consistency in addressing is critical to the life, safety and welfare of the citizens as well as is an economic concern; that meetings have been held with the municipalities; that the objective is consistency and not street name changes and utilize national standards; that the effort is to maintain the numbering sequence; that the municipalities will have the opportunity to adopt unique signage; that the hope is to involve all the municipalities; that the recommendation is to adopt the national addressing standard. In response to a question from North Port Commissioner Blucher concerning the reason for sequential numbering, particularly on U.S. 41, Fire Marshall Ross stated that for example, five Bay Streets are located off U.S. 41; that multiple departments respond to addresses on U.S. 41. Mr. Morrow stated that duplicate street names and numbers exist; that the problem is trying to define an exact location with an exact number; that U.S. 41 changes from north to south about eight times; that the effort is to unify the data with one database; that a Request for Proposals (RFP) is being issued to streamline the data. In response to a question from North Port Commissioner Treubert concerning the cost, Fire Marshall Ross stated that implementation will be a collaborative effort and Mr. Radauskas stated that private businesses will bear the cost for their own expenses. In response to a question from North Port Commissioner Treubert concerning the timeframe, Mr. Radauskas stated that the project is anticipated to last ten years with public meetings to explain the addresses requiring change and the reasons; that the project will not begin for 18 to 20 months as the databases must be cleansed; that the proposed County ordinance also includes an appeals process. North Port City Attorney Robertson stated that the City of North Port has a street-naming ordinance; that a reason for having a local city street-naming ordinance if Sarasota County will have a unifying naming and numbering sequence is unclear. County Administrator Ley stated that a grid will be overlaid over the entire County; that the cities can opt out if desired; however, the grid will be in place; that the Public Safety Officials from all the jurisdictions requested approval to undertake this effort at a prior Convocation of Governments; that the changes will affect the local municipalities; that the local Public Safety Officials understood local municipalities would be affected; that the hope is the local municipalities will understand the necessity to renumber, which is, nonetheless painful. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the BCC wanted the proposed addressing ordinance presented to all the municipalities for any recommended changes. Venice City Manager Turner stated that a number of details and expenses must be addressed with Venice City Staff; that the opportunity to participate is appreciated; that the overall goal is worthwhile. In response to a comment from Sarasota Commissioner Turner indicating two property owners have expressed concern regarding a possible address change, BCC Chair Thaxton stated that businesses with frontage on a thoroughfare will maintain an address on the thoroughfare. 12. CENSUS UPDATE U.S. Census Bureau Representative Barbara Mabee came before Boards; gave a presentation of the 2010 U.S Census; reviewed the participation rate in the 2000 census; and stated that obtaining an accurate census count is important; that the Boards are requested to establish a Complete Count Committee comprised of one Elected Official Representative from Sarasota County and each of the municipalities. BCC Chair Thaxton noted consensus of the Convocation of Governments to establish a Complete Count Committee. 13. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (AGENDA ITEM XI) The following person came before the Boards: Karin Murphy indicating a regional planning initiative is encouraged to allow the region to compete against such cities as Orlando and Miami, Florida; and distributed an example of a joint planning study between the City of Venice and Sarasota County. 14. OTHER BUSINESS AGENDA ITEM XII) BCC Chair Thaxton: A. stated that the collaborative effort between AccesSarasolaChanne 19 and Polk County in using the equipment of Polk County for some of the remote broadcasts is appreciated. 15. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM XIII) hax@padjourned the Special Joint meeting of September 29, 2009, at 2:04 p.m. 1 PdDI 3 & - 1 dadl Cly RICHARD CLAPP, MAYOR 4 * ATTESA le KAREN D! MCGOWAN, DEPUTY CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK Book 60 Page 31544 09/29/09 9:00 A.M.