MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE SARASOTA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION OF JUNE 4, 2009 PRESENT: Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC): Chair Jon Thaxton, presiding, Vice Chair Joseph Barbetta, Commissioners Carolyn Mason, Nora Patterson, and Shannon Staub, County Administrator James Ley, and County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh Sarasota City Commission: Mayor Richard Clapp, Vice Mayor Kelly M. Kirschner, Commissioners Fredd "Glossie" Atkins, Suzanne Atwell, and Terry Turner, City Manager Robert Bartolotta, City Attorney Robert Fournier, and City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson ABSENT: None The meeting was called to order by BCC Chair Thaxton at 1:30 p.m. BCC Chair Thaxton recognized former Mayors and City Commissioners Lou Ann Palmer and Elmer Berkel and former Vice Mayor and City Commissioner Danny Bilyeu present in the County Chambers; and members and administrative officers of the BCC and City Commission introduced themselves. 1. PUBLIC WORKS (AGENDA ITEM I) 1) STATUS OF JAIL AND COMMUNITY CORRECTION FACILITY (AGENDA ITEM I-1) Wayne Applebee, Criminal Justice Policy Coordinator for Sarasota County, came before the Commissions, gave an overview of the factors influencing the operational capacity of the County Jail and the effects of overcrowding and gave a computer-generated presentation concerning design features for a Community Corrections Center including a capacity plan and use of the Downtown Jail, the site selection process for a Community Corrections Center and new County Jail, the proposed time line and cost for the construction of a Community Corrections Center and a new County Jail. In response to a question by BCC Commissioner Barbetta asking if the operating costs are cumulative, Mr. Applebee stated yes. In response to a comment by BCC Chair Thaxton indicating the word "annual" should be added prior to the title "operating costs," Mr. Applebee stated that the title "operating costs" will be changed to annual operating costs. In response to a comment by BCC Commissioner Patterson indicating the term "central booking facility" should be clarified, Mr. Applebee stated that the central intake means all admissions to and releases from the County Jail would be processed through the one central booking facility, the location of which is yet to be determined. In response to a comment by BCC Commissioner Patterson indicating the location for the central booking facility should be a topic of community discussion, Mr. Applebee stated that the direction given by BCC Patterson is understood. In response to a question by Commissioner Turner asking the reason the per bed cost in Phase 1 of a new County Jail is more than double the per bed cost for Phases 2 and 3, Mr. Applebee stated that the per bed cost for Phase 1 of a new County Jail is more than double the per bed cost for Phases 2 and 3 as Phase 1 includes the construction of all the necessary infrastructure in addition to the construction of all necessary support services and the possible construction of the central booking facility which is a subject of a discussion; that Phases 2 and 3 are simply the addition of housing; and continued the computer-generated presentation concerning proposed Book 60 Page 31398 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Book 60 Page 31399 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. revenue sources such as the Unincorporated Surtax, Ad Valorem Referendum, Impact Fees, and potential grants. Mr. Applebee answered BCC and City Commission questions concerning membership of the Resource Work Group which is dormant at this time and another work group which is considering funding options and has representation from the municipalities, operational costs for a central booking facility, and considering have a central booking facility between the Cities of North Port and Venice and one in the City. In response to a question by Vice Mayor Kirschner asking for a report of inmate population by zip code, Mr. Applebee stated that he does not have the requested data at this time; however, a report of the inmate population will be provided to the BCC and the City Commission. Mr. Applebee answered BCC and City Commission questions concerning data for zip code being location of residence or the location of the arrest and the use of the inmate holding facility located in the City of Venice. Mr. Applebee stated that he and David Bennett, Criminal Justice Consultant, David Bennett Consulting, can meet with the City Commission the next time Mr. Bennett is in town. 2. FINANCIAL PLANNING (AGENDA ITEM II) BCC Chair Thaxton recognized Russell Crumley, Executive Director, the Sarasota Arts Council, present in the Commission Chambers. 1) DISCUSSION ON THE PROMOTION OF ARTS (AGENDA ITEM II-1) Mayor Clapp stated that the promotion of arts is a subject of concern, particularly regarding the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (VWPAH); that the percentage of people purchasing tickets for events held at the WWPAH for the past three years has been as follows: 10 percent live in the City limits, 35 percent live in the County but outside the City limits, 20 percent live in Manatee County, 6 percent live in the State but outside of the Counties of Sarasota and Manatee, and 29 percent live outside of the State. Mayor Clapp continued that the City's concern is the percentage of people who reside in the City limits has continuously decreased over the years; however, the City continues to significantly fund any deficit of the WWPAH each year; that the City currently has a good management group in place; that Executive Director Mary Bensel, VWPAH, has helped decrease the deficit of the WWPAH; that the City is interested in potential alternatives by considering the deficit of the VWPAH as a community issue rather than a City issue; and asked how the City can receive greater financial support beyond the financial contribution of the City. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that she would like to receive the data of 35 percent in ticket sales by zip code; that an allocation of funds for the WWPAH will result in similar requests from other areas of the County; asked the revenue sources from which the VWPAH receives its income. Mayor Clapp stated that the Van Wezel (VW) Foundation raises funds primarily for educational programs; that the funds raised by the WW Foundation may not pay all the expenses of the educational programs; that the City is believed to pay for the transportation of students to the WWPAH in addition to the programming provided; that other people are taking advantage of the amenity available to the community; that the City is situated between the Mahaffey Theatre located in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the Ruth Eckerd Hall located in Clearwater, Florida, to the north and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall located in Fort Myers, Florida, to the south, all of which have more seats than the WWPAH; that the VWPAH will continue to operate at a deficit unless the prices for tickets are increased; that the State recently decided the City should no longer have an exemption from State sales tax as the WWPAH is government owned and operated as opposed to other performing art venues which operate as a non-profit organization resulting in a 7 percent sales tax charge being added to the price of tickets. Commissioner Atkins stated that a precedent has been set by which the City has been carrying the financial responsibility of the WWPAH for the region; that the possibility of a greater financial participation by the County and region is moving forward. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that the VWPAH is used by everyone; that the City should consider placing the WWPAH under an umbrella organization such as a Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Authority with a dedicated funding source; that the WWPAH and the Ed Smith Stadium are assets which should not be lost. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that the City should consider placing the VWPAH under an umbrella organization such as a Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Authority if a funding source can be determined; that the City must concede a good portion of the management of the WWPAH if the community is expected to help pay the deficit. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the BCC and the City Commission should meet in the near future to further discuss the placement of the VWPAH under an umbrella organization such as a Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Authority. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that further details of the statistics for the purchase of tickets for events held at the VWPAH should be provided as other municipalities in the County may question the statistics provided. Commissioner Atwell stated that the City should consider conceding the management of the WWPAH, the Municipal Auditorium, and the Ed Smith Complex and subsidize the maintenance to retain a subsidy; that a consolidation discussion would be very interesting. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that all sports, entertainment, and performing art venues should be considered as economic development; that more people are likely to visit venues with nearby hotels; that the County should review the allocation of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds. Mayor Clapp stated that the BCC and the City Commission should meet more often than once a year to discuss issues. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that a Convocation of Governments meeting should be held whenever an issue which may impact the entire County must be discussed. 3. PUBLIC WORKS (AGENDA ITEM III) A) UPDATE ON THE SARASOTA COUNTY AREA TRANSIT (SCAT) DOWNTOWN TRANSPORTATION CIRCULATOR SYSTEM (AGENDA ITEM III-A) Mayor Clapp stated that the City has a significant interest in the Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) Downtown transportation circulator system for an extended amount of time; that people must have a means of transportation to get around Downtown as City methods are explored to improve transit throughout the region; that the Downtown circulator will help keep cars off the roads; that SCAT had provided preliminary ideas for a Downtown circulator; that he would like to continue to explore the possibility of having a Downtown circulator; that the City may not receive Book 60 Page 31400 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Book 60 Page 31401 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. anticipated funding from a developer as it is not known if the proposed development will move forward. Anthony Beckford, Transit General Manager, Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), came before the Commissions, gave a presentation concerning the history of the City's interest in a Downtown circulator and the funding sought by the City; requested that the BCC authorize Staff to pursue funding for an alternative analysis study, design, and implementation; and stated that County Staff recommends the City seek funding through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5309, Fixed Guideway Program, grant for funding, FTA Section 5339, Alternative Analysis Program, grant, and small-start funding through reauthorization which may take approximately two and a half years. County Administrator Ley stated that the transit issue has become exceedingly complex; that the State is seeking to determine its role in transit policy; that most regional discussions regarding transit are driving the State policy resulting in a competition for potential funds; that the State does not have a policy to establish a method to pay for supplements or ençourage transit discussions at a regional or urban level; that the County is ahead of the curve for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) discussions and behind the curve for trolley or circulator systems discussions; that the County has tried to work closely with the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) and Manatee County; that Manatee County has expressed an interest in a regional transit system. Mayor Clapp stated that the City has a proposal for connectivity between the Downtown and the Bayfront which is key to what will be occurring Downtown; that the City is seeking to implement a Downtown circulator due to congestion conçerns expressed by citizens; that the question is what steps should the City can take to encourage further discussion of a Downtown circulator. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that he is hearing the next step is to identify a funding source and to evaluate the funding source to determine the prioritization with other transit and transportation projects; that SCAT Staff suggested the City should consider other available funding alternatives which may not be quick or readily accessible. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that the previous Downtown trolley was unsuccessful as the attempt was to provide a service for everyone; that a trolley must operate more frequently by reducing the distance; that the County could apply for one of the three-year grants which may require a 50 percent match through the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); that now may not be the time to consider a Downtown circulator due to the current economic situation; that the Downtown circulator should be a County responsibility as the County provides bus transportation to the public. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that the Downtown circulator has been an issue of concern for many years as the County does not have a viable circulator in the City; that the County will be repaid if the County invests funds for a Downtown circulator system; that the City is encouraged to reprioritize a portion of the funds allocated for the Palm Avenue Parking Garage to assist with the funding of a Downtown circulator system. City Manager Bartolotta gave an overview of funding sources being sought by the City for a Downtown circulator system. Mayor Clapp stated that now is the time to get the Downtown circulator system to a shovel-ready status to allow the City to seek funds available for shovel-ready projects. A motion was made by BCC Vice Chair Barbetta and seconded by BCC Commissioner Patterson to direct the County Administrator to move forward with the request made by the City of Sarasota for a Downtown circulator project and to pursue funding alternatives including study, design, and construction. BCC Commissioner Staub requested that a date be placed on the direction of the motion to allow County Staff to provide a report at the next Joint Special meeting between the County and the City which may be scheduled within the four months. An amendment to the main motion was made by BCC Commissioner Patterson to direct a portion of the analysis including the proposed concepts and options be brought back to the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and the City Commission at a Joint Special meeting which will be scheduled within four months of June 4, 2009. Hearing no objections to the amendment, BCC Chair Thaxton repeated the amendment to the main motion to direct a portion of the analysis including proposed concepts and options be brought back to the BCC and the City Commission at a Joint Special meeting within four months of June 4, 2009. BCC Commissioner Mason stated that the reason for the failure of the Downtown trolley should be included in the discussion which will be scheduled on an Agenda of a Joint Special meeting between the BCC and the City Commission within approximately four months from June 4, 2009. BCC Chair Thaxton called for a vote on the motion as amended as to direct a portion of the analysis including proposed concepts and options and the reason for the failure of the previous Downtown trolley be brought back to the BCC and the City Commission at a Joint Special meeting between the BCC and the City Commission within approximately four months from June 4, 2009, which carried by a 5-0 vote. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has discussed the possibility of consolidating the Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and the Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) in an attempt to obtain funds available through the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA). BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that Sarasota County Staff had a conversation with Manatee County Staff concerning consolidating MCAT and SCAT at which time Manatee County was not prepared to do so; that Manatee County may be prepared to discuss the consolidation of MCAT and SCAT at this time; that the City may have a seat on TBARTA in approximately one year. B) UPDATE ON THE SARASOTA COUNTY AREA TRANSIT (SCAT) BUS RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT (AGENDA ITEM III-B) Anthony Beckford, Transit General Manager, Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), came before the Commissions and stated that the County began considering the viability of implementing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system approximately one and a half years ago; that the proposed corridor for the BRT system extends from U.S. 41 to the west to U.S. 301 to the east and from the Sarasota/Manatee International Airport to the north to Glengary Street to the south; that SCAT has submitted documents to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); that SCAT is now just one document away from obtaining permission to move forward with product development and engineering as a result of the assistance by the FTA; that SCAT is currently working on the document; that the hope is SCAT will obtain permission to move forward with product development and engineering within the next 10 days at which time a notice of intent will be issued pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for approval to obtain a fully funded grant agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr. Beckford answered Commission questions regarding pursuing Orange Avenue rather than Osprey Avenue between Ringling and the Downtown in the proposed corridor for the BRT and stated that SCAT will be returning to the BCC with the final decision from the FTA within the next 30 days. Book 60 Page 31402 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Book 60 Page 31403 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. BCC Chair Thaxton recognized City Auditor and Clerk Robinson present in the County Chambers. 4. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (AGENDA ITEM IV) A) DISCUSSION ON THE NEWTOWN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA EXTENSION (AGENDA ITEM IV-A) AND B) STATUS OF THE DOWNTOWN AND NEWTOWN TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) DISTRICT (AGENDA ITEM IV-B) Mayor Clapp stated that the City Commission and the BCC jointly agreed to extend the Community Redevelopment Area into Newtown; that a settlement was reached providing only the City's and not the County's increment of the ad valorem taxes would be allocated towards the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area during the decision process; that former City Mayor Lou Ann Palmer and a BCC Commissioner previously discussed reconsidering the allocation of the City's increment of ad valorem taxes as the sole funding source for the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area in an attempt to seek other funding to help the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area. City Manager Bartolotta stated that Newtown is the number one priority of the City; that the City believes the potential for redevelopment in Newtown is very high; that the City is considering a long-term commitment for a redevelopment opportunity which could benefit the entire community; that the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area is believed to have been successful in bringing economic vitality. BCC Commissioner Mason stated that the City's request is supported; however, now is not the appropriate time to seek additional funds for the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area due to the current economic situation; that funds should be sought in the future once the economy is stable which will allow the Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Board to establish a redevelopment plan for the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area. Commissioner Atkins stated that now is the time for the County to commit to an economic investment into the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area; that discussion of the neglect of North Sarasota is not necessary; that the monies must be in place now to allow the Newtown CRA Advisory Board to move forward with projects once the economic situation improves; that the County should reconsider the position of not investing in the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area; that the County can help stimulate the economy of the City and the County by investing in the neighborhood which has been neglected most throughout the years. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the characterization of neglect is not appropriate; that the BCC has been very responsive to the needs of North Sarasota County which can be demonstrated by finances, numbers, and other initiatives and incentives; that his understanding concerning the expansion of Community Redevelopment Area boundaries into Newtown would increase the City's discretion in the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds; that the County has other areas like Newtown such as Osprey, Laurel, and Nokomis. In response to a comment by Commissioner Atkins indicating he does not believe the areas of Osprey, Laurel, and Nokomis are similar to Newtown, BCC Chair Thaxton stated that Osprey, Laurel, and Nokomis are areas with needs, have felt neglect by the County government, have access to very few facilities as does Newtown, and have limited resources; that the County has areas in South Sarasota County which also need assistance; therefore, the BCC has indicated the County does not have sufficient funds to invest into a Community Redevelopment Area for Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis, Englewood, and the Cities of North Port and Venice in addition to the City as a result of the current economic crisis. Mayor Clapp stated that the recent contributions are based on much higher valuations today than in the late 1980s and the 1990s; that the valuations are higher today as a result of the previous investments which were made possible by borrowed funds; that a significant portion of funds received today are to repay the funds which were borrowed to make the necessary investments; that the City committed one-third of future TIF funds each to the Downtown, Newtown, and affordable housing. Commissioner Atwell stated that Newtown is the City's number one priority; however, the City is struggling to determine the collective commitment of the County; that she would like to see the commitment and desire of the County to work on redeveloping Newtown as has the City. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that other communities in Central or South County feel they have been neglected by the County; that the County took a position not to create other Community Redevelopment Areas yet the County agreed to expand the Sarasota Downtown Community Redevelopment Area into Newtown. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that the principle of Community Redevelopment Areas is troubling; that the principle of a Community Redevelopment Area is a long-term commitment of a revenue source which would otherwise belong to the entire community; that the long-term commitment of the County has been substantial. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that representatives of Hillsborough County indicated fiscally negative areas in the community which are abusing the community resources are addressed; that the City and County must also address similar issues; that similar issues are addressed nationwide by the creation of Community Redevelopment Areas; that everyone is believed to have benefited from the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area; that an analysis of the increment in real estate values in Newtown for the past 10 to 20 years is requested; that the fundamental issues of Newtown have not changed in the past three decades; that all municipalities within the County should meet to determine a method to grow human capital. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that proof of the success of Community Redevelopment Areas exists around the United States; that the BCC should properly address Community Redevelopment Areas rather than just contributing TIF funds; and asked the time period of the Community Redevelopment Area being discussed. City Attorney Fournier stated that the time period was changed as the extension was of the existing Downtown Community Redevelopment Area which had an additional 20 years from 2016; therefore, the time period extends until 2046 as the maximum. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that the County is making an investment to improve Newtown if the increment is used to expand, improve, and increase the base; and asked the estimated increment invested by the County. County Administrator Ley stated that the County projected an increment of approximately $2.7 million over ten years. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that he does not see a problem with assisting the City to improve Newtown which is the issue before the BCC. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that the County has contributed significantly more to Newtown in the last two years; that the BCC has already denied requests made by others to establish Community Redevelopment Areas in other areas of the County. Book 60 Page 31404 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Book 60 Page 31405 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Commissioner Atkins stated that the City is grateful to the County for contributing to the Greater Newtown area for the last two to three years; that Newtown has not had the current contributions for the first 45 of 51 years he has lived in Newtown; therefore, the County should continue to contribute to Newtown as a result of the lack of previous contributions; that Community Redevelopment Areas have been proven successful; therefore, Laurel, Nokomis, and Osprey should continue to request a Community Redevelopment Area be established to help improve their areas; that the County cancelled the Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE) 6 grant as the BCC indicated the developer was not worthy. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that the BCC decided not to create anymore Community Redevelopment Areas as a Community Redevelopment Area is subsidized from the unincorporated county; that a Community Reinvestment Fund was established to allow the County to write a check for a project based on a review of the applications submitted for consideration; that the program was dropped as the County was unable to continue to fund the Community Reinvestment fund; that she believes the County has stepped forward to help improve Newtown which has not been done for other communities of the County. Mayor Clapp stated that the question being asked of the BCC is how to obtain additional funds to reinvest into Newtown for a long period of time. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that the BCC must determine whether the increment will produce more now and in the future; that the County is improving human capital, improving an area, and investing in infrastructure; that the County must ensure the community is not gentrified; that investing the County's increment helps improve the entire County. BCC Commissioner Mason stated that the BCC should not close the door on the establishment of future Community Redevelopment Areas as the BCC has not reached consensus to do SO as she and BCC Vice Chair Barbetta believe Community Redevelopment Areas are successful. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the participation of the BCC in the expansion of the Community Redevelopment Area into Newtown can be symbolic; that an advantage in contributing into a Community Redevelopment Area is a return on the investment is seen quickly; that a significant portion of the Newtown is in the County; that available resources should be coordinated as best as possible. 5. FINANCIAL PLANNING (AGENDA ITEM V) 1) DISCUSSION OF THE RESOLUTION OF MUTUAL CONCERNS THROUGH CITYICOUNTY PARTNERSHIPS (AGENDA ITEM V-1) County Administrator Ley stated that a list of administration and policy agreements has been compiled for the Commissions to review. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that the list was compiled to determine services concerning which the County and the City can collaborate to save funds; that the County has successfully been collaborating with the School Board of Sarasota County (School Board) for approximately four years resulting in an annual savings of $1.5 million; that the Information Technology (IT) Department may be an area in which the County and the City can work together; that the BCC and the City Commission should determine any other areas which can be collaboratively managed to help reduce expenditures. Mayor Clapp stated that he and BCC Chair Thaxton previously had a conversation concerning collaboration and consolidation; that City has consolidated fleet management of the Sarasota Police Department and other City vehicles; that he understands the County and the School Board may be willing to collaborate with fleet management; that the City, County, and School Board may possibly be able to collaborate in other areas. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the collaboration of fleet management can extend beyond the City, County, and School Board fleet and include, for example, Sarasota Memorial Hospital. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that a recent article in the Pelican Press indicated the cooperative venture between the City and the County regarding the Interlocal Agreement for the Maintenance of City Parks had deteriorated; that the cooperative venture did not deteriorate as a result of a disagreement between the City and the County but rather as a result of the elections; that the City should appoint a replacement for former Vice Mayor and Commissioner Ken Shelin to continue the discussion. City Manager Bartolotta stated that Commissioner Atkins has been appointed to replace former Vice Mayor and Commissioner Shelin. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the Commission has discussed the synergy in the County's Sustainability Office; that the City and the County are making the same efforts to improve sustainability; that consolidating the City and County Sustainability Staff should be considered if consolidation of the IT Department and fleet management staff will be considered. 6. FINANCIAL PLANNING (AGENDA ITEM VI) 1) DISCUSSION ON CITY AND COUNTY MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING AND MPLEMENTATION OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS (AGENDA ITEM VI-1) County Administrator Jim Ley stated that the County and the City are currently addressing parking, the Judicial Center, and the County Jail issues. City Manager Bartolotta stated that in November 2007, a conceptual agreement concerning parking concepts, the Judicial Center, and the County Jail was reached between the City and the County Staff and Officials; that some details outlined in the June 2, 2009, Memorandum from Larry Arnold, Executive Director, Community Services, to the BCC included in the Agenda backup material still must be resolved. BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that the County parking lot located at the intersection of Morrill Street and Rawls Avenue is not very far from Burns Square; that the County parking lot can provide access to Burns Square through an alley with signage or via Morrill Street. In response to a comment by Commissioner Atwell concerning constructing a walkway to improve pedestrian connectivity to Burns Square, Mayor Clapp stated that the west side of the parking lot has a wall which forces pedestrians to exit from either end of the parking lot; that a well-lit pedestrian walkway should be constructed. Mr. Ley stated that the County is happy to cooperate with the City from a facilities management perspective. In response to a question by Vice Mayor Kirschner concerning the exchange of land at Payne Park for City-owned land east of Interstate 75 on Fruitville Road, Mr. Bartolotta stated that the City transmitted to the County information the City owns 5,200 acres of land between Hi-Hat Ranch and Verna Wellfield as a potential site for a new County Jail; that the Site Selection Committee for a new County Jail may be beginning the decision process in six months. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that Locklear Park has had jurisdictional issues when a crime is committed in the park as the park is partially in the City and partially in the County; that the cooperation between the Sarasota Police Department and the Sarasota Sheriff's Office has not been as good as possible. Book 60 Page 31406 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Book 60 Page 31407 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Mr. Ley stated that the issue is currently being addressed at a higher level in the organization sO hopefully a resolution can be reached. 7. OTHER BUSINESS (AGENDA ITEM VII) BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that whether negotiations with a Major League Baseball team are still ongoing is a concern as many previous opportunities have been lost; that a contract with a Major League Baseball Team to bring their Spring Training to Ed Smith Stadium must be successfully negotiated or Ed Smith Stadium should be opened for other uses. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the Baseline Group is attempting to bring baseball teams from Japan to participate in the Grapefruit League; that part of the process was to negotiate a deal for the Minor League Baseball team for the Cincinnati Reds (Reds) which appears successful; therefore, the process is moving forward; that the City hopes to reach a successful negotiation with the Baseline Group as soon as possible to have a group in place to coordinate with Jason Puckett, Sports Coordinator, Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB). In response to a comment by BCC Vice Chair Barbetta indicating another group has expressed an interest in Ed Smith Stadium, Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the City is continuing discussions with the Corvus Group in addition to the Baseline Group. BCC Vice Chair Barbetta stated that the County and City should be working closely together as the City and County must coordinate to assure Ed Smith Stadium is still available in the event the County is ready to finalize an agreement with an MLB team. In response to a question by Commissioner Atwell asking if the Baltimore Orioles (Orioles) have signed any documentation, City Manager Bartolotta stated that the Orioles have until June 5, 2009, to sign an agreement. In response to a question by Vice Mayor Kirschner asking the status of the negotiations with the Baseline Group, Mr. Bartolotta stated that the Baseline Group has negotiated a conceptual agreement to purchase the Reds Minor League Baseball team; that the Baseline Group has until June 5, 2009, to sign the conceptual agreement with a condition the Baseline Group must reach an agreement for the use of Ed Smith Stadium by July 1, 2009; that the City and the County must coordinate the time issues. In response to a comment by Vice Mayor Kirschner indicating the City has not heard from the Orioles in approximately three months, BCC Commissioner Patterson stated that the BCC decided not to discuss of the MLB Spring Training Negotiations with the Orioles until the next Regular BCC meeting; that the City Commission is request to do the same. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the City has an interested party who has a deadline of June 5, 2009. BCC Commissioner Patterson requested that the City consider using Ed Smith Stadium as a sport facility for the North County community if an agreement cannot be negotiated with an MLB team by June 9, 2009; however, the BCC is not in a position to discuss the use of Ed Smith Stadium as a sports facility at this time. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that the City previously sent a letter to the County indicating a willingness to discuss the use of Ed Smith Stadium as a sports facility; that the City is excited with the Baseline Group's proposal as a Minor League Baseball team would remain in the City providing 70 events annually and the ability to attract baseball teams from the Grapefruit League and other baseball tournaments; that the Corvus Group has a similar proposal with the exception of the Grapefruit League; that the City must determine a use for Ed Smith Stadium by November 1, 2009, at which the time the lease with the Reds expires. Mayor Clapp stated that the affordable entertainment of baseball will cost $1 during the evening of June 4, 2009, at the Ed Smith Stadium. 8. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (AGENDA ITEM VIII) The following people spoke: Richard Thomas indicating the public heard a transit plan has not been established, however, a transit plan is in place, the first priority of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the transit plan with a route beginning in the City of Palmetto and ending in Sarasota at the Sarasota Square Mall, the transit plan should have been implemented five years ago, and requesting the County implement the transit plan. Mary Mack indicating Newtown must be improved and requesting the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund be extended into Newtown and the County make a commitment to help improve Newtown. Pedro Reyes concerning the previous locations at which Circus Sarasota has performed and indicating Ed Smith Stadium is the best location at which the Circus Sarasota has performed, he is unable to book a show or acts as a result of the pending negotiations for the future use of Ed Smith Stadium, and requesting the City provide an answer as to if the Circus Sarasota be guaranteed use of Ed Smith Stadium in February 2010 as the overflow parking lot for the multi-use baseball fields is no longer available for the use of Circus Sarasota. Paul Thorpe concerning the history of the previous Downtown. trolley system, indicating Community Redevelopment Areas are successful, the establishment of a Community Redevelopment Area in the City helped to significantly improve the Downtown, and the County should continue to participate in the establishment of Community Redevelopment Areas to help improve communities as necessary. Commissioner Turner stated that the frequency of Joint Special meetings between the City and the County should be discussed rather than waiting three weeks prior to the desired date to schedule a meeting. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that the next meeting will be scheduled in the next three to four months; that the following three broad topics were identified for discussion: 1) City and County Staffs discuss and prepare an item for the Agenda for a possible sports, entertainment, and arts authority, 2) Staff prepare discussion and talking points for a Downtown circulator, and future opportunities for collaboration such as Information Technology, fleet management, and sustainability efforts, and 3) the City Manager and the County Administrator provide an update of the Memoranda of Understanding. Commissioner Turner stated that Ed Smith Stadium may be a subject of discussion at the next Joint Special meeting between the City and the County. BCC Commissioner Staub stated that the City Commission and the BCC should not hesitate to discuss an important issue such as the future use of Ed Smith Stadium; that an item can be scheduled for discussion on an Agenda of a future City Commission or BCC Regular meeting. Vice Mayor Kirschner stated that he would like bring back a discussion between the City Commission and the BCC of further cooperation concerning addressing Newtown in the City and the County. BCC Chair Thaxton stated that Newtown exhibits a community spirit which he uses as an example of a true community. Book 60 Page 31408 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. Book 60 Page 31409 06/04/09 1:30 P.M. 9. ADJOURN BCC Chair Thaxton adjourned the Special Joint meeting of June 4, 2009, at 4:27 p.m. Racla ClR OTA RICHARD CLAPP, MAYOR ATTEST o BILLY E. ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK