MINOTES OF THE STATUTORY SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 12, 1996, AT 12:00 P.M. PRESENT: Vice Mayor Mollie Cardamone, Commissioners Jerome Dupree, Nora Patterson, and Gene Pillot, City Manager David Sollenberger, City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson, and City Attorney Richard Taylor ABSENT: Mayor David Merrill PRESIDING: Vice Mayor Mollie Cardamone Vice Mayor Cardamone called the meeting to order in accordance with Article III, Section 7 of the Charter of the City of Sarasota, at 12:00 p.m. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 1. SELECTION OF MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM I) #1 (0000) through (0066) Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of reorganizing the City Commission for the year 1996 to 1997; that nominations will be entertained for Mayor of the City of Sarasota. On motion of Commissioner Patterson and second of Commissioner Pillot, it was moved to nominate Vice Mayor Cardamone as Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Vice Mayor Cardamone asked for any additional nominations. Hearing no other nominations, Vice Mayor Cardamone asked City Auditor and Clerk Robinson to proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried unanimously (4 to 0): Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes; Dupree, yes; Cardamone, yes. 2. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM II) #1 (0067) through (0091) Mayor Cardamone stated nominations will be entertained for Vice Mayor of the City of Sarasota. On motion of Commissioner Dupree and second of Commissioner Patterson, it was moved to nominate Commissioner Pillot as Vice Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Mayor Cardamone asked for any additional nominations. Hearing no other nominations, Mayor Cardamone asked City Auditor and Clerk Robinson to proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried BOOK 39 Page 13036 04/12/96 6:00 P.M. BOOK 39 Page 13037 04/12/96 12:00 P.M. unanimously (4 to 0): : Dupree, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes; Cardamone, yes. 3. REMARKS OF NEWLY SELECTED VICE MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM III) #1 (0092) through (0127) Vice Mayor Pillot stated that a pleasant record may have been achieved today by having selected as Mayor a Commissioner with the longest continuous residency in the City of Sarasota; that Mayor Cardamone has lived in the City for nearly her entire life. Vice Mayor Pillot asked Mr. Ken Thompson, former City Manager, whether any previous Mayor had lived in the City for a longer period of time. Mr. Thompson stated none of whom he is aware. Mayor Cardamone thanked Vice Mayor Pillot for his kind remarks. 4. REMARKS OF NEWLY SELECTED MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM V) #1 (0128) through (0482) Mayor Cardamone stated that the series of events, which started nine years ago by defending a neighborhood, was never anticipated to lead to the position of Mayor of the City of Sarasota; that the time leading up to this moment has been very rewarding, extremely interesting and enjoyable; that the presence of all those attending is most appreciated; that sharing this time with friends who date back to the fifties and have been known since high school and many new friends from neighborhoods and the business community is very pleasant; that coming here today is truly rewarding; that a major thank you is due her family for being here and for having lived through much of her political career; that the vote of confidence from the rest of the Commission is appreciated. Mayor Cardamone continued that her role will be to conduct the meetings; that she would appreciate each member of the Commission being respectful and mindful of each other and avoiding personal exception to statements made by others; that the job of Commissioner is not easy and will be more difficult as different constituencies are represented and issues are approached from different points of view; that the meetings can be conducted in a dignified manner with Commissioners demonstrating respect for each other; that more involvement should be forthcoming from the City Manager, the City Attorney and the City Auditor and Clerk regarding issues presented to the Commission; that the City Manager, the City Attorney and the City Auditor and Clerk each have an important role and have expertise pertaining to issues presented; that the City Manager should provide more Administrative information and direction and assist the Commission by taking more agenda items back to Staff for further work and presenting them completed before the Commission; that the City Attorney should volunteer opinions to help the Commission avoid the legal problems of the past; that the City Auditor and Clerk, who acts as Parliamentarian for the Commission, should assist by keeping the Commission on task in a proper manner; that in the past each has been reluctant to participate and be involved in the discussions. Mayor Cardamone further stated that the Commission should commit to better communication with the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners when trying to resolve issues, such as: the use of the Mission Harbor property, siting a bus transfer station, the ongoing concern about impact fees and redevelopment efforts, dealing with stormwater issues, affordable housing initiatives, and the inequities of the Sheriff's road patrol, as well as other problem areas; that two workshop meetings should be held this year to discuss these and other items; that the Commission should plan some informal discussion meetings as well. Mayor Cardamone stated that as Mayor she has no intention of pursuing the issue of consolidation; that the past year's conversation about and promotion of total government consolidation probably served as an alert to all to think about the City's future; that all who truly love the City should wish to see it continue as a strong, viable entity which separates Sarasota from the rest of the County; that taking a lead in strengthening the city to help facilitate the events necessary to insure the City's future will be a concern of hers as Mayor; that the consolidation idea was perceived as threatening but became the basis for developing a sense of community; that reflecting upon reasons why the City must continue into the 21st Century is necessary; that residents have always enjoyed a close relationship with City government. Mayor Cardamone continued that the City's beautiful, established neighborhoods are loved; that the City is pleased with the restoration efforts of the strong neighborhood associations of Gillespie Park, Laurel Park and the North Tamiami Trail; that the beginning efforts of the East Sarasota Neighborhood Association and the Newtown Task Force in attempting to restore and repair those areas are supported; that the City of Sarasota is immensely proud of being the home of New College, the campus of the University of South Florida, the Ringling Museum, Ca 'D'Zan, the Asolo Theater, the Ringling School of Art and Design, the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, the Sarasota Opera Association, Mote Marine Laboratory, Selby Gardens, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and the Theater and Arts District; that all enjoy the very popular and unique Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Municipal Auditorium, the Ed Smith Stadium, the beautiful facilities the City owns and operates, and the City's gorgeous beaches and parks; that the City takes pride in the healthiest and liveliest downtown area on the West Coast of Florida now reconnected to the beautiful Sarasota Bayfront; that the City must BOOK 39 Page 13038 04/12/96 6:00 P.M. BOOK 39 Page 13039 04/12/96 12:00 P.M. not forget the most important strength of all which sets the City apart from other communities which is the City's citizens who give so generously of both time and money to the arts and cultural establishments; that the generosity of donations help improve the lives of the less fortunate; that the citizens of Sarasota truly make the City a very special place to live; that the Commission is very proud of its City and its citizens. Mayor Cardamone further stated that during the campaign the February 1993 issue of Gourmet Magazine was quoted as follows: "Sarasota has managed to obtain the amenities of a large city without relinquishing its small town atmosphere"; that at its March 8, 1996, goal-setting meeting, the Commission adopted a guiding principle in establishing the City's goal for the upcoming year which should serve the City for years to come and which is that the Commission plans to maintain the City's urban amenities without losing the small town feeling and small town living while striving to keep continued growth; that the Commission unanimously voted for the number one goal of neighborhood preservation and revitalization; that the complete list of goals will be announced in May 1996. Mayor Cardamone stated further that she hoped Commission meetings would be more positive and productive; that efforts will be expended towards financial success through redevelopment to improve the City's tax base; that enhancement of the amenities which set the City of Sarasota apart from the unincorporated areas will continue to be a focus; that the goal of helping plan a strong future for the City will be one of her goals as Mayor; that all her hopes and expectations will be met in being Mayor of one of the premier small cities in America; that as Mayor she has made a commitment to make the City's citizens proud to be Sarasotans; that no greater honor can be bestowed than being selected to serve as Mayor of one's own home town. Commissioner Patterson stated that another productive year is anticipated. Commissioner Dupree stated that a closeness exists on the Commission regarding those things the Commission believes and hopes to accomplish for the City of Sarasota. Commissioner Pillot stated that often collegiality and optimism are absent in an elected body which is not the case with the Commission of Sarasota; that earlier Sarasota was referenced as being one of the premier small cities in the nation; that Sarasota is the premier City in the nation. 5. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM V) #1 (0483) through (0485) There being no further business, Mayor Cardamone adjourned the April 12, 1996, Statutory meeting at 12:17 p.m. - solies C Carle MOLLIE C. CARDAMONE, MAYOR ATTEST: 3a Lli & Raben 61 a BILLY E ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK BOOK 39 Page 13040 04/12/96 6:00 P.M.