Book 64 Page 35651 01/15/16 9:15 A.M. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CONVOCATION OF GOVERNMENTS OF THE SARASOTA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, THE CITY COMMISSIONS OF THE CITIES OF NORTH PORT AND SARASOTA, THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VENICE OF JANUARY 15, 2016 PRESENT: Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC): Chair Alan Maio, Vice Chair Paul Caragiulo, Commissioners Carolyn Mason, Charles Hines and Christine Robinson, and County Administrator Thomas Harmer School Board of Sarasota County: Chair Shirley Brown, Vice Chair Caroline Zucker, Members Jane Goodwin, Frank Kovach, and Bridget Ziegler, and Superintendent Lori White Longboat Key Town Commission: Mayor Jack Duncan, Vice Mayor Terry Gans, Commissioners Jim Brown, Jack Daly, Irwin Pastor, and Patricia Zunz, and Town Manager David Bullock North Port City Commission: Mayor Jacqueline Moore, Commissioner Linda Yates, and City Manager Jonathan Lewis Sarasota City Commission: Mayor Willie Charles Shaw, Vice Mayor Suzanne Atwell, Commissioners Liz Alpert, Susan Chapman, and Shelli Freeland Eddie, Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown, Deputy City Attorney Michael Connolly, and Deputy City Auditor and Clerk Karen McGowan Venice City Council: Mayor John Holic, Vice Mayor Kit McKeon, Council Members Richard Cautero, Bob Daniels, Jeanette Gates, and Fred Fraize and City Manager Edward Lavallee ABSENT: School Board of Sarasota County: None Longboat Key Town Commission: Commissioners Lynn Larson and Phill Younger, North Port City Commission: Vice Mayor Rhonda DiFranco and Commissioners Cheryl Cook and Tom Jones Sarasota City Commission: City Auditor and Clerk Nadalini Venice City Council: Council Member Deborah Anderson 1. WELCOME/NTRODUCTIONS (AGENDAI ITEM I) Chair Shirley Brown, School Board of Sarasota County (SBSC), called the meeting to order at the Suncoast Technical College (STC) at 9:10 a.m. and welcomed the attendees to the 8th Annual Convocation of Governments (COG) Meeting. Attendees introduced themselves. 2. CONVOCATION GOALS AND AGENDA (AGENDAI ITEM II) SBSC Chair Brown reviewed the Agenda for the meeting which includes: Update on Sarasota Technical College (STC) and Joint-Use Public Library Project, and Conference Center Project Update on the Machinist Program Joint-Use Opportunities Items submitted by the City of Venice, Florida Other business from participating municipalities Venice Commissioner Gates stated that a brief discussion should also be included on the closing of the public library on the island of Venice, Florida. 3. UPDATE ON SUNCOAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND JOINT-USE PUBLIC LIBRARY, CONFERENCE CENTER PROJECT (AGENDA ITEM III) Dr. Todd Bowden, Executive Director, Sarasota County Schools, and Sarabeth Kalajian, General Manager, Sarasota County Library System, came before the Commissions and Council. Dr. Bowden gave a PowerPoint presentation and displayed renderings on the overhead projector of various approaches to the planned project for the STC County Library in the City of North Port, Florida, including a campus aerial view, approach and gallery, library entry, and rear gallery entry; stated that the campus is a multi-use campus; and described the property and the campus. Ms. Kalajian described the greenspace, landscaping, and seating areas around library. Dr. Bowden stated that the technical course list has been finalized which includes industrial maintenance and carpentry; that the anticipated start date is August 2017. Ms. Kalajian described the community activities which have taken place and stated that a group is meeting monthly as the-Friends of the Library and is planning fund-raising activities; that the County applied for a State construction grant of a maximum of $500,000 and the project is being presented to the State Legislature for approval; that the library will be named in honor of former BCC Commissioner Shannon Staub; that an event for the occasion is being planned. BCC Commissioner Robinson stated that the County is requesting a letter of support from all the municipalities to the State Legislature. In response to a question from BCC Commissioner Robinson concern funding and possible delays, Ms. Kalajian stated that the cost is an estimate and the project has not been value engineered; and Dr. Bowden stated that completion of construction will not be delayed. In response to a question from Sarasota Mayor Shaw asking if STC has plans to construct a site in North Sarasota perhaps at the Marian Anderson site, Dr. Bowden stated that STC does not have a project in the five-year plan to build a permanent building in North Sarasota; that the needs of the district and cost must be considered; that Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) is locating a clinic at the current STC site. Discussion ensued concerning the cooperation of all the governing bodies concerning the project, inclusion of public meeting spaces in the facility, the availability of community gatherings and small group meetings, the availability of multi-use space, break-out space, commercial driving training as part of Phase II of the project, the excitement generated by the project, the main focus as educating students, the enthusiasm for the partnerships which developed with this project. 4. UPDATE OF MACHINIST PROGRAM (AGENDAI ITEM MV) Dr. Todd Bowden, Executive Director, Sarasota County Schools, came before the Commissions and Council, displayed a PowerPoint presentation on the overhead project; and stated that the Precision Machinist Program is a partnership between STC and local companies; and referred to the number of graduates from the Precision Machinist Program as follows: June 2014 16 Daytime Graduates June 2015 9 Daytime Graduates Book 64 Page 35652 01/15/16 9:15 A.M. Book 64 Page 35653 01/15/16 9:15 A.M. 10 Evening Graduates October 15, 2015 61 Daytime Graduates Dr. Bowden continued that the Program currently has 17 Daytime Students enrolled; that to-date all graduates received a job offer upon graduation; that STC is a proud member of the Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC) System and is a National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) approved training center; that NIMS offers eight industry certifications available for students to earn; that STC is now accepting enrollments for an August 2016 start date. Discussion ensued concerning evening classes which can be offered upon demand, the pre-qualifying standards for the program, the skills level of students, translating training into jobs, the lack of demand for construction training from the student perspective, apprenticeship programs, internships, and the two- and three-generational approach to education. SCSB Chair Brown stated that the Council of Governments and local Fire and Police Departments are in active partnerships with STC. Discussion ensued about the Fire Academy and the Police Academy, support functions for Fire and Police Departments, the need for Building and Fire Inspector State Certification Programs, a desire to assure local governments do not get into a bidding war for Building and Fire Inspectors, the desirability of internships,. Discussion ensued concerning fire science, courses delivered through community or state colleges, courses offered by State College of Florida on STC's campus, the need for qualified home inspectors, partnerships to meet the job need, contacting high schools to develop internship programs, the cost of the program per student. In response to a question from Venice Council Member Fraize asking about outreach programs to provide jobs for the homeless, Dr. Bowden stated that tuition is waived for the homeless. Discussion ensued concerning jobs in the government sector, enhancing the Police Academy and Fire Academy, locating training near where the, jobs are, requirements of Building and Fire Inspector programs and possibly changing the requirements, cost of training for Building Inspectors, the State examination for Building Inspectors, Post Secondary Adult Vocation Programs, Career College Certificates, the average age of a Building Inspector. SCSB Chair Brown stated that an excellent opportunity has been presented for exploration. 5. JOINT-USE OPPORTUNITIES (AGENDA ITEM V) Director Carolyn Brown, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Resources, and Director Kathie Ebaugh, Sarasota County Schools Planning Department, came before the Commissions and Council. Ms. C. Brown displayed a PowerPoint presentation on the overhead projector and stated that the schools and the parks have opportunities to share resources, improve services and strengthen partnerships by working together; that the schools and parks have: The rich history of working together and can build upon past successes and collaborations Opportunities to expand partnerships by updating the School-Parks Interlocal Agreement Opportunities for future shared investments by improving park and school facilities through collaborative initiatives Ms. C. Brown stated that some past successful collaborations have included County parks at schools, schools at County-Owned and/or maintained parks, and agreements and partnerships; that the current Interlocal Agreement: Has been responsive to community needs Provides an array of opportunities Has resulted in collaborative project teams Is transparent and provides easily fulfilled agreements Results in an understanding of the roles of schools and parks Ms. C. Brown stated that that the current Interlocal Agreement is 20 years old; that the hope is to increase flexibility and develop more opportunities to expand partnerships by updating the School-Parks Interlocal Agreement. Discussion ensued concerning alternative uses of schools during the summer and the school year, increase use of recreational facilities, easy access to playing fields, neighborhood children using neighborhood schools, increased security of the facilities. Ms. Ebaugh referred from the PowerPoint presentation displayed on the overhead projector, and stated that the goal is to have the Interlocal Agreement updated by the summer of 2016 with the following objectives: Develop shared community use agreements Assure good governance of taxpayer dollars Provide a flexible and broad Agreement which is easily managed Develop opportunities for two-way agreements Ms. Ebaugh continued stated that the timeline is as follows: 2016 Convocation of Governments Update to Boards and Councils Winter Spring 2016 - Finalize draft, review by attorneys and administration, and share with school principals Summer 2016 - Boards approve Starting 2106/17 School Year - Implementation Discussion ensued about shared use of fields, facilities, and other space, single point of contact, access to playgrounds on weekends, responsibility for maintenance, the details of a new Interlocal Agreement, and the new era of technology, funding, along with challenges of security while providing access. Ms. C. Brown stated that the opportunities presented for shared future investments and Co-located investment opportunities are: Multipurpose fields Multipurpose gymnasium Joint-funded school and park facilities Future adjacent or co-located school and park facilities Ms. Ebaugh stated that the proposed project is the Venice Middle School Fields and Athletic Facilities project which will meet a local community need for additional fields in the Venice area, achieve the community vision, and can be coincidental with the 2016 campus upgrade scheduled; that to move the project forward the following is required: The Boards confirm staff should continue to work on the project proposal on a cost-shared basis- 2016 Convocation of Governments Staff develops joint project scope and cost - Winter-Spring 2016 The Boards consider and approve scope and project incorporated into campus upgrade Book 64 Page 35654 01/15/16 9:15 A.M. Book 64 Page 35655 01/15/16 9:15 A.M. Discussion ensued concerning open playgrounds on weekends, signage on the playgrounds, neighborhood monitoring of playgrounds, the logistics and liability of playing on the playground, increased security through cameras and computerized locks, after school programs, community relationships with the Parks Department and the School District, Parks Master Plan studies in process for completion in June 2016, the exchange of information between the Parks Department and the School District, Personal Learning Accounts implemented by the State Legislature. In response to a question from North Port Commissioner Yates asking if consideration has been given to aquatic facilities in the Master Planning process, Ms. Ebaugh stated that no plans have been made to expand aquatic facilities on the school campuses. Discussion ensued concerning funding, the possibility of raising School Impact Fees, projections of students served, review of the data, establishing school impact fees at the 50 percent level, the possibility of raising School impact Fees slowly. SCSB Chair Brown stated that the SCSB had extensive discussions regarding School Impact Fees and adopted the proposed School Impact Fee schedule; that the hope is the proposed School Impact Fees will be adopted as presented; that the various boards should be respectful of the other Board's decision; that one School District employee was concerned by comments made at a City meeting for which apologies are offered. In response to a question from Ms. Ebaugh asking if the body wishes Staff to continue to evaluate the cost-shared Venice Middle School Fields and Athletic Facilities project, SCSB Chair Brown noted the consensus of the Boards to use Park Impact Fees in conjunction with projects of the Sarasota County Schools, specifically the Venice Middle School Fields and Athletic Facilities project. 6. CITY OF VENICE: CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING; STREET LIGHTING; VPAC SIGN VISABILITYA BUILDING CODE AND FIRE CURRICULUM (AGENDA ITEMY VI) Venice Mayor John Holic stated that any capital projects which are jointly funded should take into account Venice's aging population, that the Venice Performing Arts Center (VPAC) is a beautiful facility but has some shortcomings which should be addressed in the future. Venice Commissioner Gates stated that street lighting and VPAC signage are concerns; that the streets in some areas near the middle and high schools are dark; that the VPAC signage is creative but is not well lit; that the assistance of the School Board in resolving these concerns would be appreciated. SCSB Chair Brown stated that additionally sidewalks are necessary on Myrtle Avenue at U.S. 301; that Staff could provide a report on areas near schools which require better lighting and walkability. Venice Commissioner Gates stated that Indian Avenue which has had extension remodeling near the VPAC and the high school and is beautiful but poorly lit. SCSB Chair Brown stated that anyone who has questions about the Capital Projects or the Fire Curriculum can contact the following Sarasota County Schools Staff at: Capital Projects: Scott Lempe scotlempe@sarasolasdlacounlyschols.net Fire Curriculum: Todd Bowden ddbowden@sarasaaacoumyschoois.net SCSB Chair Brown stated that Administrators are requested to send correspondence concerning building inspectors to Sarasota County Schools Staff. Venice Commissioner Gates stated that approximately 20 students use the Venice Public Library daily which closes about 3:00 p.m. daily; that an interim plan is required when the Venice Public Library closes; that a significant demand exists for meeting space which will also be affected; that City Hall will be open as much as possible; that SunTrust Bank has offered meeting space; that decisions should be made quickly. SCSB Chair Brown noted the consensus of the Boards to extend the meeting for ten minutes. BCC Chair Maio stated that the County Administration is moving in perfect cooperation with the City of Venice; that the problem is with the mold and no knowledge of what is inside the walls or foundation; that five or six sites are being analyzed for the temporary location; and BCC Commissioner Robinson stated that her church was contacted. 7. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (AGENDAI ITEM VIII) The following person spoke: Nicholas Trolli, resident of North Port, Florida indicating his daughter was a swimmer for North Port High School, an aquatic center would benefit the children of North Port, Florida, Benderson Property Development, Inc. built a lovely aquatic center for rowing at Lakewood Ranch, and a Developer could possibly partner with the School Board to develop a multi-use aquatic center. 8. ADJOURN (AGENDAI ITEM IX) SCSB Chai Brown adjourned the Convocation of Governments of January 15, 2016, at 11:10 a.m. OTA P so des SO WILLIE CHARLES SHAW, MAYOR ATTEST KAREN D. MCGOWAN DEPUTY CITY AUDITOR AND CLÈRK Book 64 Page 35656 01/15/16 9:15 A.M.