MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 23, 1994, AT 5:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Nora Patterson, Vice Mayor David Merrill, Commissioners Fredd Atkins, Mollie Cardamone, and Gene Pillot, City Manager David Sollenberger, City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson, and City Attorney Richard Taylor ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Mayor Nora Patterson The meeting was called to order in accordance with Article III, Section 10 of.the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 5:00 p.m. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Patterson recessed the meeting into the Budget Workshop session at 5:02 p.m. and the Commission reconvened at 5:04 p.m. 1. ADOPTION RE: PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 94R-746, OPPOSING CASINO TYPE GAMBLING IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA; ETC. (TITLE ONLY) - ADOPTED (AGENDA ITEM I) #1 (0001) through (0091) Mayor Patterson stated that a letter was received from Sandra Freedman, Mayor, City of Tampa, expressing her concerns about the potential negative effects enlarging casino gambling could have on the State of Florida; that the City Council of Tampa passed a resolution opposing casino-type gambling in the State of Florida; that other cities in Florida are requested to pass similar resolutions. Mayor Patterson continued that she supports passing a resolution and advising citizens on the negative effects casino gambling could have and bring to the State of Florida. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson read proposed Resolution No. 94R-746 by title only. On motion of Commissioner Pillot and second of Commissioner Cardamone, it was moved to adopt proposed Resolution No. 94R-746 and authorize the Mayor and the city Manager to transmit the resolution immediately. Mayor Patterson requested that City Auditor and Clerk Robinson proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0): Atkins, yes; Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Pillot, yes; Patterson, yes. 2. APPROVAL RE: LETTER BE SENT TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SARASOTA COUNTY LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD STATING THE COMMISSION SUPPORTS Book 36 Page 10658 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. Book 36 Page 10659 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. THE CONCEPT OF THE CENTRAL LIBRARY REMAINING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS = APPROVED WITH THE PREFERENCE OF A DOWNTOWN LOCATION SPECIFIED (AGENDA ITEM II) #1 (0101) through (0400) AND 3. APPROVAL RE: DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO COMMUNICATE TO THE COUNTY THE CITY'S REQUEST THAT ONE-HALF OF THE MISSION HARBOR SITE BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT = TABLED UNTIL THE JULY 5TH MEETING (AGENDA ITEM II) #1 (0401) through (0943) Mayor Patterson stated that the Sarasota County Library Advisory Board will meet Monday, June 27, 1994; that John Wesley White, Sarasota County Administrator, will present for review the proposal by the Sarasota County Library Board of locating the new central library near Interstate 75; that she concurs with the Friends of the Library Association who support having the Central Library located in the downtown area of the City of Sarasota; that she proposes sending a letter to Fran Bourne, Chairman of the Sarasota County Library Advisory Board, prior to the June 27th meeting expressing that the Commission unanimously supports the concept of locating the Central Library within the downtown area. On motion of Commissioner Atkins and second of Commissioner Cardamone, it was moved to send a letter to Fran Bourne, Chairman of the Sarasota County Library Advisory Board, stating that the City Commission endorses having the library sited in the downtown area of the City of Sarasota. Vice Mayor Merrill stated that he supports locating the Central Library within City limits; that he also supports the former Doctor's Hospital and the Wood Street/U.S. 41 sites; that he would prefer the resolution referring to the City limits rather than the downtown area. On motion of Commissioner Cardamone and second of Vice Mayor Merrill, it was moved to amend the motion to specify the Commission's preference of siting the Central Library in the downtown area, but to show support and encouragement by the Commission to have the library remain within City limits. Mayor Patterson stated that the high-tech equipment for public use will be housed at the Central Library and should be kept within easy reach of City citizens. Commissioner Pillot stated that he will vote for the amendment and the main motion because unanimous Commission support is important; however, he agrees with Vice Mayor Merrill that other viable sites should be examined within the City limits. Mayor Patterson called for a vote on the amendment. Amendment carried unanimously (5 to 0): Atkins, yes; Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Pillot, yes; Patterson, yes. Mayor Patterson called for a vote on the main motion as amended. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0): Atkins, yes; Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Pillot, yes; Patterson, yes. Mayor Patterson stated that the second part of her request pertains to directing the City Manager to send a letter to the County expressing 1) that the City Commission still supports commercial development in opposition to a library on the Mission Harbor site, 2) that the City Commission supports locating the Central Library within the City limits, and 3) that the City Commission requests that one-half of the Mission Harbor site be made available for commercial development if the Mission Harbor site is chosen as the Central Library site. Commissioner Atkins left the Commission Chambers at 5:16 p.m. Commissioner Cardamone asked why the Selby Library site is being abandoned? Mayor Patterson stated that the Selby Library may be retained and remodeled if the Central Library is sited near Interstate 75; that the general feeling is that the size of the Selby Library site is inadequate for a central library. Commissioner Atkins returned to the Commission Chambers at 5:19 p.m. City Manager Sollenberger stated that the Selby Library has 30,000 square feet; that the layout was poorly designed for library use; that parking shortages have been experienced at that location during Hyatt events; that consulting studies advocate 100,000 square feet for a central library based on American Library Association Standards. Commissioner Pillot stated that retaining a portion of the Mission Harbor site for commercial development is better than using the site only for the Central Library; however, he would prefer a more general statement be made by the Commission to express support for any economic development on the Mission Harbor site which would benefit that section of the City of Sarasota; that based on the objective data presented to the Commission by John Marconi, he is no longer certain whether the Mission Harbor site is appropriate for a major shopping facility. Mayor Patterson stated that she brought this proposal to the table making the assumption that the Courtelis development is a dead issue; that she is trying to drive a convoluted set of events by addressing this issue at this time. Book 36 Page 10660 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. Book 36 Page 10661 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. Commissioner Cardamone stated that the Central Library should remain in the City of Sarasota; that the downtown population swells during the day with County residents coming into the City to work; that the Mission Harbor site should be used for economic development; and that she agrees with Mayor Patterson that the major shopping center development is a dead issue. Commissioner Cardamone continued that the references made to the development as a "mega mall" were inaccurate; that Sarasota Square Mall has 850,000 to 1 million square feet of retail space; that the Courtelis development would have been only 350,000 square feet. Commissioner Cardamone further stated that consideration should be given towards using the Mission Harbor site property as a library, conference center, and hotel. Commissioner Pillot stated that business and economic professionals are more competent to make judgements on the appropriate use for the County's property; however, he would support a motion to send a letter to the County Commission requesting that the Mission Harbor site be used for economic development purposes. On motion of Vice Mayor Merrill and second of Commissioner Pillot, it was moved to send a letter to the County Commission 1) expressing that the City Commission would like to have the Central Library of the County sited within City limits, and 2) recommending that the Mission Harbor site be used for economic development. Vice Mayor Merrill stated that he supports expanding the Selby Library facility; that the views through the reading room windows at the Selby Library set an accurate tone of the community; that this would be difficult to repeat elsewhere; that keeping the Selby Library as the downtown site and locating another library to the east does not disturb him; that business people are not the patrons who use libraries; that the Mission Harbor site was designated as a slum and blighted area; that he is concerned with siting a new library in an area where people are afraid to go; that economic development is necessary to restore safety in the area. On motion of Commissioner Pillot and second of Vice Mayor Merrill, it was moved to table this item until the Regular Commission Meeting on July 5, 1994. Motion carried (4 to 1): Atkins, yes; Cardamone, no; Merrill, yes; Pillot, yes; Patterson, yes. 4. CITIZEN'S INPUT - ADMINISTRATION TO FOLLOW-UP WITH MR. MIKOS ON A PRESENTATION REGARDING VALUE ASSESSMENT INCREASES BY NEIGHBORHOODS; HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD REQUEST FOR IN-KIND SERVICES REFERRED TO THE ADMINISTRATION (AGENDA ITEM III) #1 (0943) through (2030) The following people came before the Commission: John Mikos, Sarasota County Property Appraiser, stated that information from the printed media regarding "revised" figures of the tax roll applicable to the City of Sarasota has caused his presence before the Commission; that the Office of the Property Appraiser and his staff have proceeded in accordance with the State statutes as applicable; that the original figures submitted to the City were an estimate as required by the statutes; that the Office of the Property Appraiser must provide a value on 265,000 properties within six months, between January 1st and July 1st of each year; that problems are often experienced with the 6,000 commercial properties and 40,000 tangible personal property returns; that additional returns are received after estimates are submitted; that various difficulties must be experienced and overcome to produce an accurate annual tax roll. Vice Mayor Merrill left the Commission Chambers at 5:31 p.m. Mr. Mikos continued in reference to the criticism regarding the Office of the Property Appraiser taking advantage of Amendment 10; that Amendment 10 applies the 3% cap, but is only applicable to homestead properties; that the Office of the Property Appraiser by law places values each and every year; that properties are physically inspected every three years; that particular areas which hit the three-year cycle may experience a heavier value of assessment at that time. Vice Mayor Merrill returned to the Commission Chambers at 5:32 p.m. Mr. Mikos stated that he would like to receive the support behind the alleged statements made by the City Commission regarding their dissatisfaction with the Office of the Property Appraiser; that he will reply in detail and appear before the Commission at any time requested; that various details can be presented, i.e., by neighborhood percentage increases. Vice Mayor Merrill stated that he would be interested in receiving the percentage increases by neighborhood. Mr. Mikos stated that he could present that information to the Commission in October. Vice Mayor Merrill requested that the Administration follow-up on the presentation. Mayor Patterson stated that no criticism on the changes in the estimate was expressed by the Commission; however, the volatility of the Tax Increment Financing District over the past several years was questioned. Mr. Mikos stated that the Office of the Property Appraiser does not set the values; that the income approach is used on a commercial property; that the market determines the values on residential properties. Book 36 Page 10662 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. Book 36 Page 10663 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. Mr. Mikos requested a copy of the audio taped portion of the Commission meeting when the Property Appraiser estimates were discussed. Mayor Patterson stated that the bulk of the discussion in reference to the tax rolls had nothing to do with the Office of the Property Appraiser; that her main objection was in regard to the affect millage increases have on waterfront area properties whose value assessments have recently increased substantially. Mayor Patterson called Mary Quillin to the table to speak. Ms. Quillin was no longer present in the Commission Chambers. Robert Town and Mikki Hartig, representing the Historic Preservation Board, came before the Commission. Mr. Town stated that Ms. Hartig has worked diligently on completing a $4,500 grant application to help fund the costs associated with the Historic Designation ordinance; that the grant requires matching funds from the City; that the estimated cost for a historic designation is $500; that the Historic Preservation Board proposes the petitioner provide a $50 application fee, the City provide in-kind services for the legal and staff time, and the remaining costs be funded by the grant; that this would provide adequate funding for 15 to 20 applications; and that the Historic Preservation Board requests in-kind services as described if the grant is awarded. Ms. Hartig stated that the Commission has pledged $1,500 in support of the Historic Designation program; that $100 for legal fees to prepare the ordinance is included in the estimated cost of historic designation petitions; that Commission authorization for the City Auditor and Clerk to prepare a standard ordinance is being requested. Mayor Patterson asked City Auditor and Clerk Robinson for comment. Mr. Robinson stated that Sarah Schenk, City Attorney's office, had suggested this as a possibility; that he mentioned the standard ordinance during the Auditor and Clerk presentation at the Budget Workshop; that the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk has available staff that could prepare standard ordinances for historic designation petitions. Ms. Hartig stated that discussions have been held with Jane Robinson, Director of Planning and Development, regarding the planning time included in the estimated cost of historic designation petitions; that Ms. Robinson had stated that the staff time could be pledged as in-kind services with Commission approval. Ms. Hartig continued that the combination of the $1,500 previously committed by the Commission and approval of in-kind services on 15 applications (planning staff time, $1,500; preparation of ordinances $1,500) would match the $4,500 grant and fund the Historic Designation Program for one year. Commissioner Cardamone asked how the $50 fee would be used? Ms. Hartig stated that the application fee could be applied toward any of the costs; that grant funds cannot be used toward the purchase of a plaque; that the applicant would be responsible for the $36 fee currently estimated for plaque installation; that the applicant's total cost would be $86. Commissioner Cardamone stated that Commission discussion was held regarding an application rate differential based on price level. Ms. Hartig stated that the hardship fund was created for that purpose; that she would prefer the funding be applied on a first come first serve basis rather than by specifically assessed values. Mr. Town stated that distinguishing applicable funding by assessed value would complicate things; that no applications for designation have been submitted since the historic designation fee ordinance went into effect in Januaryi that minimal funding is being requested to continue the Historic Designation program for another year. On motion of Vice Mayor Merrill and second of Commissioner Atkins, it was moved to refer this matter to the Administration. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0): Atkins, yes; Cardamone, yes; Merrill, yes; Pillot, yes; Patterson, yes. Ellen Maloff, representing ReLEAF SRO, stated that the Environmental Protection Agency published a book entitled Cooling Our Communities which is a guidebook on tree planting and light color surfacing; that City Hall is surrounded by a black sidewalk; that black surfaces absorb more heat than white surfaces; that the City can save substantial air conditioning costs by changing the sidewalk color to white. Mayor Patterson left the Commission Chambers at 5:56 p.m. Ms. Maloff presented the Commission with the guidebook for reference. 5. OTHER MATTERS #1 (2030) through (2097) COMMISSIONER PILLOT: A. distributed a memorandum Re: Re-naming of Alderman Street, from Osprey Avenue to U.S. 301, to Brother Book 36 Page 10664 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. Book 36 Page 10665 06/23/94 5:00 P.M. William Geenan Way requesting that the item be placed on the July 5, 1994, Commission agenda as a public hearing. B. stated that the newspaper article with reference to the Sailing Squadron correctly quoted him; that he plans to make motions regarding the Sailing Squadron at the Regular Commission Meeting of July 5, 1994. Mayor Patterson returned to the Commission Chambers at 5:58 p.m. There was a consensus by the Commission to have the re-naming of Alderman Street item placed on the July 5, 1994, Commission agenda as a public hearing. 6. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM VI) #1 (2098) There being no further business, Mayor Patterson adjourned the Special Meeting of June 23, 1994, into the Budget Workshop session at 6:00 p.m. Movo Pllson NORA PATTERSON, MAYOR ATTEST: Bick & Robensan BILLY E/ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK