MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 1997, AT 3:30 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Gene Pillot, Vice Mayor Jerome Dupree, Commissioner Mollie Cardamone, City Manager David Sollenberger, City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson, and City Attorney Richard Taylor ABSENT: Commissioners David Merrill and Nora Patterson PRESIDING: Mayor Gene Pillot The meeting was called to order in accordance with Article III, Section 9(b) of the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 3:30 p.m. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. ADOPTION RE: SECOND READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 94-4008, AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE SARASOTA CITY CODE, RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE, ADJUSTING RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RATES FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPERATING AND MAINTAINING THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF SARASOTA BY ESTABLISHING NEW RATES FOR RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE COLLECTION: PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY OF THE PARTS HEREOF IF DECLARED INVALID; PROVIDING FOR REPEALING OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; ETC. (TITLE ONLY) - ADOPTED (AGENDA ITEM I) #1 (0012) through (0081) Mayor Pillot stated that one Commissioner is out of town and another Commissioner had an unavoidable scheduling conflict and is unable to attend; that proposed Ordinance No. 97-4008 was passed unanimously on first reading at the August 18, 1997, regular Commission meeting. City Manager Sollenberger stated that proposed Ordinance No. 97-4008 amends Chapter 16 of the Sarasota City Code, recycling and solid waste, establishing revised fees schedules for removal of solid waste of the City; that adoption of the proposed ordinance is required at this time so new rates can be implemented as of October 1, 1997; that the Administration recommends adopting proposed Ordinance No. 97-4008 on second reading. City Auditor and CIerk Robinson read proposed Ordinance No. 97-4008 by title only. On motion of Commissioner Cardamone and second of Vice Mayor Dupree, it was moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 97-4008 on second reading. BOOK 42 Page 15150 08/25/97 3:30 P.M. BOOK 42 Page 15151 08/25/97 3:30 P.M. Vice Mayor Dupree asked for clarification of the difference in the rates charged for pick up at curbside and the optional back- door service. V. Peter Schneider, Deputy city Manager, came before the Commission and stated that the optional back-door service requires City Staff to go to the rear of a residence, take the container to the front of the residence, and return the container to the back door; that back-door service is considerably more time consuming; therefore, the rate is higher. Vice Mayor Dupree stated that the rate differential is large enough to discourage back-door service. Mr. Schneider stated that is correct. Mayor Pillot called for a vote on the motion. Motion carried unanimously (3 to 0): Cardamone, yes; Dupree, yes; Pillot, yes. 2. CITIZENS' INPUT CONCERNING CITY TOPICS (AGENDA ITEM II) #1 (0081)through (0089) There was no one signed up to speak. 3. REMARKS OF COMMISSIONERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS - DIRECTED THE ADMINISTRATION TO RESEARCH STATE STATUTES CONCERNING EXPENDITURES OF PUBLIC FUNDS ON BALLOT QUESTIONS AND PREPARE A LETTER TO THE SARASOTA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CONCERNING THE POSSIBLE LOCATION OF A HELICOPTER LANDING SITE; SCHEDULED A PRESENTATION BY MOTE MARINE LABORATORY ON THE TOPIC OF ORIMULSION #1 (0090) through (0775) COMMISSIONER CARDAMONE: A. stated that she and Commissioner Patterson just returned from a meeting of the Florida League of Cities (FLC) held August 21 through 23, 1997, in Orlando; that the Commission previously authorized the distribution of pamphlets concerning the issue of the Ringling Causeway Bridge replacement/repair, and distributed copies of a pamphlet entitled "FDOT - A Problem in Sarasota" to the Commission. Commissioner Cardamone stated that the statement "A violation of state and federal law" was changed in the pamphlet to a question "A violation of state and federal law?" as suggested previously by the Commission; that the pamphlets were distributed at the FLC registration desk and were placed on the chairs of attendees at the General Assembly meeting; that the FLC President made a disclaimer that the pamphlets were not necessarily endorsed by the FLC at the conclusion of the meeting; that perhaps permission should have been sought in advance; however, sometimes asking after the fact is acceptable; that the pamphlet was distributed at a women's luncheon; that the problems with FDOT appear widespread based on the comments received; that responses should be forthcoming shortly; that the editorials from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune were distributed as well, copies of which are available in the Commission office. B. stated that Pennywise, Inc., an organization formed to fund a campaign to pass the Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.), has prepared brochures and informational material on how L.O.S.T. moneys were spent and planned for future expenditures; that Pennywise, Inc., is pleased no other issue is on the ballot; that suggested locations for display of informational material can be forwarded to herself or Pennywise, Inc.; that small signs resembling a copper penny are planned for posting at projects paid for by L.0.S.T., of which there are many in the City of Sarasota and in Sarasota County; that permitting signs on medians and public rights-of- way should be considered; that a speakers' bureau has been formed; that a question and answer sheet has been prepared; that the City distributed informational material in the water bill which is excellent; that the amount of L.O.S.T. paid by tourists is referenced as 22% but is probably low as tourists pay an estimated 30%; that informational material should be distributed with employee paychecks; that the L.0.S.T. would probably pass if every public employee of the City, the Sarasota County, the Sarasota County School Board, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, etc., voted in favor of the L.0.S.T. extension. Mayor Pillot stated that public funds may not legally be used to promote an individual agenda; and asked the application in the passage of the L.0.S.T.? City Manager Sollenberger stated that the State statute will have to be researched; that a distinction exists between advocacy and informational material. Mayor Pillot stated that public money could be spent to distribute information in the school system; however, public money could not be spent to suggest a vote. City Manager Sollenberger stated that a change in the State statute may have occurred which will be researched; and asked for clarification of the proposed signs. Commissioner Cardamone stated that a sign with a large copper penny with the amount of L.0.S.T. moneys spent on a specific project is envisioned; that the signs will be purchased with private funds. BOOK 42 Page 15152 08/25/97 3:30 P.M. BOOK 42 Page 15153 08/25/97 3:30 P.M. City Manager Sollenberger stated that the purpose appears informational in nature; that a Commission consensus to provide information using that specific vehicle could be accommodated. Mayor Pillot stated that the Administration's guidance after research into the State statutes will be appreciated. C. stated that the idea of putting together a year 2000 celebration committee will be brought back when a full Commission is present; that Jan Matthews, local author and historian, is writing a history of the City which fits in with the types of activities anticipated. Mayor Pillot stated that Ms. Matthews is writing a description of what the City is today. Commissioner Cardamone stated that the work of Ms. Matthews is excellent; that working with arts groups, creating posters and a logo, holding poetry contests, etc., are some of the activities envisioned; that each Commissioner could appoint two members to a celebration committee; that funds will be necessary to kick off the year and end the year 2000. D. stated that the Notice of Proposed Non-Ad Valorem Assessments recently received reflects an increase in fire fees; that a report is requested that the increases are as expected; that the Commission should attend the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners' public hearing on the subject if the Commission is not supportive of a fire fee increase. E. stated that the real estate section of the Saturday, August 23, 1997, Sarasota Herald-Tribune had a excellent article entitled "What's up Downtown" concerning the projects going on downtown and is available in the Commission office. F. stated that the possibility of locating a landing site for the trauma helicopter on the roof of Sarasota Memorial Hospital is a concern. Mayor Pillot stated that his understanding is the landing site is to be located elsewhere, perhaps at a private airport in the area of Fruitville and Cattlemen Roads. Commissioner Cardamone stated that two hospitals are apparently vying for landing rights; that the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a better location than a landing site located on the roof of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which would have a major impact on surrounding City neighborhoods; and asked if the Commission supports sending a letter expressing concerns and further supports requesting Sarasota Memorial Hospital to hold a public hearing allowing the Commission and neighbors to present concerns if the roof of Sarasota Memorial Hospital is considered as the trauma helicopter's potential landing site? Mayor Pillot stated that the selection of Sarasota-Pradenton International Airport makes perfect sense; that support is offered to sending a letter expressing concerns and encouraging the selection of a site at an existing airport designed for landing helicopters, i.e., either of the two airports. Vice Mayor Dupree concurred. City Manager Sollenberger stated that a letter will be drafted for the Mayor's signature. G. stated that a presentation by Mote Marine Laboratory on the topic of orimulsion would be beneficial; that last year the Commission sent a letter to the Governor of the State of Florida recommending the exercise of caution in approving the use of orimulsion; and asked if the Commission supports scheduling a presentation by Mote Marine Laboratory at the September 3, 1997, regular Commission meeting? Vice Mayor Dupree stated yes. Mayor Pillot stated yes, if the agenda is light. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson stated that the agenda is not difficult; that an item will be placed on the agenda under the Scheduled Presentations portion of the agenda. H. stated that a well known and recognized homeless man walks in the U.S. 41 highway medians which causes a great deal of concern as an accident could occur; and asked the Administration if some action can be taken as the man obviously needs help. Mayor Pillot and Vice Mayor Dupree stated the concern is shared. I. stated that the sidewalk commemorative bricks program at Selby Five Points Park had a great deal of momentum at one time and should be on-going. City Manager Sollenberger stated that the cost to administer the program is more than the revenues generated; that approximately six years ago the cost was $30 per brick and the City lost money. Commissioner Cardamone stated that more money can be charged to cover the cost of the program; that Florida State University (FSU) started a program recently and charges $100 a brick; that the library will be opening shortly; that a sign could be placed at Selby Five Points Park indicating informational material can BOOK 42 Page 15154 08/25/97 3:30 P.M. BOOK 42 Page 15155 08/25/97 3:30 P.M. be obtained at various sites, including the lolbby of the new library; that she and some former high school classmates purchased a brick in commemoration of another classmate which was a nice memorial. Mayor Pillot stated that some people may be interested in participating in the sidewalk commemorative brick programi that nothing is lost if the program is publicized; that discussion has been ongoing for some time concerning the placement of leaflets about Memory Path at Selby Five Points Park, against which he voted many years ago; that the City wisely decided not to place leaflets at Selby Five Points Park as the leaflets would become trash; however, the lobby of the new library would be a good location for leaflets describing the sidewalk commemorative brick program; that support of publicizing the program is offered. VICE MAYOR DUPREE: A. stated that Ms. Laverne Tarnow called indicating difficulty in obtaining Police response to requests to check on vagrants, prostitutes, and apparent drug dealers in the area; that the woman does not have a house telephone but does have a cellular telephone; and asked if the Administration will check on the situation. City Manager Sollenberger stated that the Police Chief will be in contact with her. 3. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM III) #1 (0776) There being no further business, Mayor Pillot adjourned the special meeting of August 25, 1997, at 3:55 p.m. P6 GENE PILLOT, MAYOR SOTA ATTEST: at V BILLY. E ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK 9 7,