MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION OF APRIL 17, 1995, AT 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor David Merrill, Vice Mayor Mollie Cardamone, Commissioners Delores Dry, Nora Patterson, and Gene Pillot, city Manager David Sollenberger, City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson, and City Attorney Richard Taylor ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Mayor David Merrill Mayor David Merrill called the meeting to order in accordance with Article III, Section 9 of the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 6:00 P.M. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 1. PRESENTATION RE: EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH, 1995 = DIAN LOMUTI, SENIOR TRANSCRIBER/) INTERNAL AFFAIRS, PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT #1 (0026) through (0105) John Lewis, Director of Public Safety, came before the Commission and stated that it is a pleasure to introduce Dian Lomuti, Senior Transeriber/Internal Affairs, Public Safety Department, as Employee of the Month for March 1995; that Ms. Lomuti has worked for the City for five years and has been assigned to the Internal Affairs Unit for approximately two years; that Ms. Lomuti's duties include transcribing and answering telephones at Fire Station 1 as well as assisting the Director's office with a large backlog of filing and typing; that Ms. Lomuti completes her exceptionally heavy workload with a positive attitude and has worked nights and weekends to complete special projects; that during one internal investigation, Ms. Lomuti worked nights and weekends to transcribe and edit 16 sworn witness statements which included more than 400 typed pages; that Ms. Lomuti assisted with a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) grant which was over 50 typed pages; that Ms. Lomuti has designed several arson investigative forms in the computer system; that the Review Committee was impressed with Ms. Lomuti's nomination and recommended her selection to the Quality Council. Mayor Merrill stated that it is a privilege for him to represent the entire City through the Commission in presenting Ms. Lomuti with a plaque in appreciation of her hard work and positive performance at the city of Sarasota. BOOK 38 Page 11778 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11779 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. 2. CHANGES TO THE ORDERS OF THE DAY - APPROVED #1 (0106) through (0119) City Auditor and Clerk Robinson presented the following Change to the Orders of the Day: A. Remove Unfinished Business, Item No. VII-1, Continued Discussion Re: Request for cancellation of the Three- Party Agreement between the John Ringling Centre Foundation, Inc., First Sunset Development, Inc. and the City of Sarasota, and re-agenda for the Regular City Commission Meeting of May 1, 1995, per the request of the John Ringling Centre Foundation. Mayor Merrill stated that, hearing no objections, the Change to the Orders of the Day is approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APPROVAL RE: MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 3, 1995 = APPROVED ((AGENDA ITEM I) #1 (0120) through (0124) Mayor Merrill asked if the Commission had any changes to the minutes of the regular meeting of April 3, 1995. Mayor Merrill stated that, hearing no changes, the minutes of the regular City Commission meeting of April 3, 1995, are approved by unanimous consent. 4. BOARD ACTIONS: REPORT RE: SARASOTA HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD = REPORT RECEIVED (AGENDA ITEM II) #1 (0125) through (0502) Dr. Wallace Murray, Chairman, Diane Olivieri, Commissioner, and Louise Henderson, Commissioner, representing the Sarasota Housing Authority Board, came before the Commission. Chairman Murray presented the Commission with an update of the Sarasota Housing Authority Board activities as follows: 1. Renovation of FL 8-1 (Orange Avenue Apartments at 21st Street and Orange Avenue) Chairman Murray stated that this 60-unit public housing project has been undergoing a comprehensive renovation for the last 18 months; that the renovation is 98 percent complete; that 12 residents have been moved back to the new units; that the complex should be at 80 percent occupancy by April 30, 1995. 2. Five-Year Comprehensive Grant Program Chairman Murray stated that the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners completed its review of a new Five-Year Plan at their March 29, 1995, meeting; that this Plan includes major renovations and management improvements throughout the Agency; that the next significant project, starting approximately April 30, 1995, will be the 100-unit public housing renovation project known as The Courts, FL 8-2, between 21st and 19th Streets; that the renovation will include the following: a. lead-based paint and asbestos eradication, b. new windows with security screens at the doors and windows, C. new kitchen cabinets, d. all new bathroom accessories, e. interior and exterior painting, f. new vinyl floor tile and g. electrical system replacement. Chairman Murray stated that the maintenance/management facility renovation at 1912 North Orange Avenue is scheduled for later in the year; that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized the expenditure of an estimated $945,527 per year for the original Five-Year Plan, however, because of a solid performance in utilizing authorized funds, HUD increased that amount to $1,132,167 for the fourth year of the Plan. 3. Landscaping for Public Housing Project Neighborhoods Chairman Murray stated that Housing Authority Commissioner Henderson has been assigned responsibility for overseeing the Comprehensive Landscaping Program for all public housing neighborhoods; that the Housing Authority of the City of Sarasota will schedule periodic clean-up days and is requesting community participation; that the first "Spring Work Day" is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 1995. 4. Operating Budget for Public Housing Chairman Murray stated that budget cutting by Congress will have an impact on public housing; that the impact is not currently known; that the Housing Authority has received the approved Fiscal Year 1996 Conventional Housing Budget from HUD; that the Budget was reduced by $30,138 from the authorized subsidy amount of $753,445, which is a 4 percent reduction; that the Housing Authority anticipates a larger reduction will be made during this fiscal year; that total scheduled income for public housing units is $1,460,865 with anticipated expenditures of $1,389,660. BOOK 38 Page 11780 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11781 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. 5. Housing Distribution Chairman Murray cited the following breakdown of the public housing distribution: Public Housing Units 561 Section-8 Cartificatas/Voucher: 550 Section-8 New Construction (McCown Annex) 75 TOTAL HOUSING 1,186 6. Applicants on Wait List Chairman Murray cited that there are 95 applicants waiting for public housing and 453 applicants waiting for Section-8 Certificates. Commissioner Patterson asked Housing Authority Commissioner Henderson to elaborate on the planned landscaping and the Spring Work Day. Ms. Henderson stated that landscape designs are being developed with the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Task Force and David Johnston, Landscape Architect; that plant donations were solicited from 75 nurseries; that some activities scheduled for the Spring Work Day will include mulching, trash pick-up, raking and planting; that the total Landscaping Project will take two to five years to complete. Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that receiving updates from the Housing Authority on a regular basis will be beneficial and is appreciated. 5. CONSENT AGENDA NO. 1 - ITEMS 1 THROUGH 3 = APPROVED (AGENDA ITEM III-A-1, 2, 3 AND 4) #1 (0503) through (0512) 1. Approval Re: Authorize the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to establish the proposed taxi cab rate increase. 2. Approval Re: City-wide Sidewalk Project. 3. Approval Re: Award of Contract and authorize the Mayor and City Auditor and Clerk to execute a contract to Horticultural Industries, Inc., Sarasota, Florida, for the landscape and irrigation improvements to Lukewood Park, Gulfstream Avenue and Bayfront Park. 4. Approval Re: To continue the Agreement for the Sarasota Sports Committee to provide labor for the parking operations at Chicago White Sox Spring training games. Mayor Merrill stated that hearing no objections, Consent Agenda No. 1, Items 1 through 4 inclusive, is approved. 6. ÇONSENT AGENDA NO. 2 - ITEM 1 (RESOLUTION NO. 95R-815) ADOPTED; ITEM 2 (ORDINANCE NO. 94-3785) - ADOPTED (AGENDA ITEMS III-B-1 AND 2) #1 (0513) through (0579) city Auditor and Clerk Robinson read proposed Resolution No. 95R-815 and Ordinance No. 94-3785 by title only. 1. Adoption Re: Proposed Resolution No. 95R-815, authorizing the execution of a joint project agreement for highway lighting with the Florida Department of Transportation on behalf of the City of Sarasota; etc. (Title Only) 2. Adoption Re: Second reading of proposed Ordinance No. 94-3785, amending Article I, Section 1-2 definitions, to provide definitions relating to docks and the regulation thereof; amending Article VI, Section 6-23 to revise the requirements for the erection of docks and structures thereof and to revise the criteria for the grant of a variance relating to such requirements by the Board of Adjustmenti; amending Article VIII, Sections 8-4, 8-6 to. provide for certain docks as accessory uses, and 8-16 and 8-198 to provide for certain docks by Special Exceptions, as more particularly set forth therein; amending Article VIII, Section 8-203 relating to the height of structures in the Marine Park (MP) zoning district and Section 8-204 relating to signs in such district; amending Article XI, Section 11-2 to exempt signs required by the State of Florida to be affixed to docks from the sign regulations of said Article; repealing ordinances in conflict herewith providing for the severability of parts; etc. (Title Only) On motion of Vice Mayor Cardamone and second of Commissioner Dry, it was moved to approve Consent Agenda No. 2, Items 1 and 2. Mayor Merrill requested that City Auditor and Clerk Robinson proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0): Cardamone, yes; Dry, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes; Merrill, yes. BOOK 38 Page 11782 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11783 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. 7. CITIZENS . INPUT (AGENDA ITEM VI) #1 (0580) through (0798) Ken Smiley, representing Nature Talk, P.O. Box 2025 (34230), came before the Commission and distributed copies of newspaper articles to the Commission. Mr. Smiley stated that the income gap within the United States has been on the rise since the 1970s; that the Republican tax cuts in the 1980s further broadened economic inequality; that a politician spoke in Oregon in 1987 indicating it was the first time the rich would pay taxes; that taxation was used as a vehicle to accelerate the flow of wealth to just a few people, particularly the British Royal family; that the British Royal family and President Ronald Reagan created the deficit; that people such as U.S. Senators Robert Dole and Phil Gramm and U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich have all orchestrated the deficit with Mr. Dan Rostenkowski and other Democrats who have left office. Mayor Merrill stated that personal attacks against people are not allowed in this forum; that only issues are to be discussed. Commissioner Pillot stated that citizen input is always encouraged; and asked if the issues should relate to the City of Sarasota? Mayor Merrill stated that the questionable issue of whether issues should relate to City matters should be discussed at another time. Mr. Smiley stated that he is pleased to know the City has taken control of the restoration of Sarasota Bay; that the atmosphere is filled with many poisons and one of them is British loyalists who are committing treason to the United States government which plagues not only Sarasota Bay, but the planet as well; that the West German Health Association, France's Health Organization and the Swiss Red Cross knowingly released Acquired Immune Deficiencies Syndrome (AIDS) on their own populations; that the Pentagon has misinformed the American people in regards to using humans in radiation experiments during the decades of the Cold War; that there are still subsidies on tobacco while 3,000 children each day begin smoking; that an official from the Central Intelligence Bureau (CIA), pardoned by former President Bush, indicated that Congress knew about the Iran Contra sales while the arms were being sold; that Genesis from the first Book of Moses, indicates people are meant to be in the Garden of Eden, not in a "house of bondage"; that everything is dying in Sarasota Bay, a reaction to what is occurring on the planet; that he hopes the world will restore native, natural habitats. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ADOPTION RE: SECOND READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 94-3824, AMENDING ARTICLE XVI OF THE ZONING CODE PERTAINING TO THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM OF THE CITY OF SARASOTA; EXPANDING THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM TO REQUIRE THAT ALL NEW OR SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES OR PUBLIC STRUCTURES LOCATED IN THE CITY PROVIDE PUBLIC ART INCIDENT TO DEVELOPMENT AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC ART FUND IN LIEU THEREOF; AMENDING THE DUTIES, RESPONBIBILITIES. AND COMPOSITION OF THE PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE DEFINING TERMS: PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY OF THE PARTS HEREOF; REPEALING ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; ETC. (TITLE ONLY) = ADOPTED (AGENDA ITEM VII-2) #1 (0799) through (0892) Mayor Merrill stated that this issue has previously been discussed and needs no further clarification. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson read proposed Ordinance No. 94-3824 by title only. On motion of Commissioner Pillot and second of Commissioner Patterson, it was moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 94-3824. Mayor Merrill requested that City Auditor and Clerk Robinson proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried (4 to 1): Cardamone, yes; Dry, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes; Merrill, no. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: REPORT RE: STATUS OF THE COMPUTERIZED TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM = REPORT RECEIVED (AGENDA ITEM VII-3) #1 (0893) through (0917) Dennis Daughters, Director of Engineering/City, Engineer, stated that Glen Ivey, District Construction Engineer, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is not here, but is expected shortly. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: REPORT RE: UTILIZATION OF EXISTING RINGLING CAUSEWAY BRIDGE FOR FISHING PIER - ADMINISTRATION TO REQUEST FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) TO RETAIN A PORTION OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE AS A FISHING PIER PROVIDING THERE IS NO COST TO THE CITY AND EXPLORE WITH THE FDOT AN APPROACH RAMP SIMPLER THAN THE PROPOSED RAMP (AGENDA ITEM VII-4) #1 (0918) through (1455) Dennis Daughters, Director of Engineering/City Engineer, came before the Commission and stated that at the March 20, 1995, Commission Meeting, Staff was requested to provide information on retaining a portion of the existing Ringling Causeway bridge as a fishing pier; that a meeting was held with Dennis Hart, owner of Hart's Landing, to discuss the utilization of the existing Ringling Causeway Bridge for a fishing pier; that Mr. Hart indicated that although there is a good fishing reef near the west (Bird Key) BOOK 38 Page 11784 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11785 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. approach, the east end is recommended as there are restrooms, I adequate, convenient parking and it is not in close proximity of residences. Mr. Daughters continued that the following drawings, included in the backup materials, were designed after reviewing the site and existing bridge plans: Drawing 1: Showing an elevation view of a portion of the existing bridge with the proposed fixed-span bridge superimposed in the background. Drawing 2: Showing an aerial of the east approach with the proposed (old bridge) fishing pier, the new bridge and the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier. Drawing 3: Showing a close-up plan view of the access to the proposed fishing pier and a schematic of a possible rampi that the deck elevation of the old bridge is approximately 16 feet, which is the same size as the Saprito Pier, and the top of the seawall is approximately 3.5 feet; therefore, a relatively long ramp is required to climb the 12.5 foot height. Drawing 4: Showing the ramp requirements. Drawing 5: Showing a rendering of a possible ramp. Mr. Daughters further stated that Staff recommends retaining the easterly 425 feet, less the easternmost 35' 5", if the Commission decides to retain a portion of the existing bridge for the following reasons: 1. Mr. Hart feels this is an appropriate length. 2. A 150-foot clearance from the Intercoastal Waterway must be maintained. 3. The bridge deck is flat for this distance and starts to rise west of 425 feet; that the deck of the bridge is approximately 12 feet higher than the surrounding land; therefore, a handicap ramp would be necessary to access the fishing pier; that the length of the ramp would be twice as long as the handicap ramp outside City Hall. 4. The easternmost 35' 5" segment is showing signs of structural wear, both in the girders and in the railing; that the eastern end sits on an abutment which is not aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Daughters stated that several local agencies were contacted to determine if concerns existed regarding bridges converted into fishing piers; that several converted bridges in the Florida Keys in Monroe County and the two near the Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay are under the control of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) i that FDOT engineers on the Island of Marathon in the Florida Keys report that structural repairs have not been necessary, only regular maintenancei; that the FDOT feels the fishing piers are such a success, the program to convert old bridges will continue in the future; that any facility will require some maintenance and operation costs such as trash pick-up, lighting costs, etc.; that Staff recommends requesting that the FDOT to retain the existing bridge as a fishing pier, if a non-City maintenance/peration funding source can be attained. Commissioner Patterson referred to drawing #5 and stated that she has concerns about the handicap approach to the bridge; that the "snake-like" drawing looks as though it would take 200 feet to traverse the 35-foot ramp; that the cost to build this ramp should be compared to the cost of repairing the 35 feet of the easternmost portion of the bridge; therefore, the people could walk onto the bridge without requiring a handicap ramp. Mr. Daughters stated that the handicap ramp would extend 40 to 50 feet, not 200 feet. Commissioner Patterson stated that the cost of building the handicap ramp is what concerns her; that the cost to build a ramp straight up to the bridge would be less expensive than the "snake-like" pattern found on Drawings #3 and #5; that repairing the existing bridge would be more convenient for people and is aesthetically more appealing; and asked if a study was made to compare the cost of repairing the existing bridge versus building a handicap ramp? Mr. Daughters stated that a cost study was not done; that the 35-foot portion of the bridge which needs repair is 12.5 feet above the existing ground. Commissioner Patterson asked if the existing approach could remain and repairs be made to the existing bridge to avoid the unappealing structure depicted on Drawings #3 and #5? Mr. Daughters stated that the earthen ramp could remain; that retaining the earthen ramp would be less costly, but would prohibit vehicular circulation under the bridge and additional parking. Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that she had envisioned the fishing pier being longer and reaching a portion of the Bay that the Tony Saprito Pier didn't; that the proposed fishing pier appears to be shorter than the Tony Saprito Pier and would be under the shadow of the proposed new bridge; that the expense of the handicap ramp is BOOK 38 Page 11786 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11787 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. extensive; that she not does support pursuing the fishing pier issue any further. Commissioner Pillot stated that he concurs with Vice Mayor Cardamone's comments; that however, Mr. Hart's opinion is one of the best sources of knowledge on this subject, and Mr. Hart has indicated that the proposed fishing pier is an appropriate length for recreational fishing. On motion of Commissioner Pillot and second of Commissioner Patterson, it was moved to request the FDOT retain an appropriate number of feet of the easterly portion of the existing bridge as a fishing pier, provided that it will be without cost to the City of Sarasota for construction, maintenance and operation. Commissioner Patterson stated that the proposed fishing pier would be a nice amenity to the community provided there is no cost to the City; that she recommends a proposed amendment to the motion to include that Staff explore with the FDOT the potential for an approach to the fishing pier that would be simpler than Diagram #5. On motion of Commissioner Patterson and second of Commissioner Pillot, it was moved to amend the motion to include that Staff explore with the FDOT the potential for a simpler approach to the bridge. Commissioner Patterson stated that the approach to the bridge should include repairing existing roadway instead of the "snake-like" approach found on Drawing #5. Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that there is already an acceptable fishing pier at the site which does not require a handicap ramp; that she is concerned about the proposed traffic flow under the new bridge and how it would affect the fishing pier; that an additional fishing pier is not necessary. Mayor Merrill called for a vote on the amendment to the motion to have Staff explore with the FDOT an approach ramp simpler than Drawing #5. Amendment carried (4 to 1): Cardamone, no; Dry, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes; Merrill, yes. Mayor Merrill called for a vote on the main motion to: 1) request the FDOT to consider retaining an appropriate number of feet of the easterly portion of the existing bridge, provided that it will be without cost to the City of Sarasota for construction, maintenance and operation, and 2) have Staff explore with the FDOT an approach ramp simpler than Drawing #5. Motion carried (4 to 1): Cardamone, no; Dry, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes; Merrill, yes. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: REPORT RE: SPEED RESTRICTED AREAS OF BAY WATERS = DIRECTED ADMINISTRATION TO HAVE THE SPEED LIMIT CHANGED TO BIX MILES PER HOUR, INCLUDE "SHORELINE" IN THE DISTANCE MEASUREMENT IN PROHIBITED AREAS AND PURSUE A NO WAKE ZONE FOR PORTIONS OF NEW PASS (AGENDA ITEM VII-5) #1 (1546) through (1876) V. Peter Schneider, Deputy city Manager, stated that the City has been requested to establish and enforce speed restrictions in several areas of Sarasota Bay, mainly in the New Pass Area, including Golden Gate/Hart's Landing, Bird Key, and Harbor Acres; that Staff has concluded that the most effective way to enforce speed restrictions is by enforcing the existing provisions of the City Code; that the Public Safety Department has prepared several maps, which are in the agenda packet, indicating where speed limit signs are posted. City Attorney Taylor stated that the process to establish speed limits in the Bay must adhere to the requirements of the State of Florida; that no-wake zones were explored in order to keep boat speeds down; however, it was found no-wake zones are designed to deal with areas prone to accidents, visibility problems, congestion or navigational hazards; that the areas indicated would not be eligible; that Section 10-41 of the Sarasota City Code could be modified to eliminate "nautical" miles and add "shoreline" to the distance measurement in prohibited areas; that Section 10-41 of the Sarasota City Code would then read as follows: : a boat or watercraft may not be operated at a speed greater than six (6) miles per hour within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any dock, wharf, bridge or shoreline... City Attorney Taylor continued that under the Sarasota City Code, New Pass is not defined as a main channel; that the definition of main channel must be redefined if the speed limit change is specifically meant for the main channel. Mr. Schneider stated that the Administration recommends authorizing the installation of additional signage as indicated on the maps included in the agenda packet and amending Section 10-41, City Code, to eliminate "nautical" miles and add "shoreline" to distance measurement in prohibited areas. Mr. Schneider continued that a no-wake zone at New Pass could be pursued at the request of the Commission. On motion of Commissioner Patterson and second of Vice Mayor Cardamone, it was moved to proceed with the six (6) mile per hour speed limit in the areas of Sarasota Bay, Harbor Acres, Golden Gate Point and Bird Key and requesting the Administration to pursue the process necessary to achieve a no-wake zone in the areas of the Sailing Squadron and the new seawall at New Pass. BOOK 38 Page 11788 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11789 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. Commissioner Pillot asked if the motion explicitly or implicitly approved additional signage? Mayor Merrill stated that additional signage is assumed based on the Administration's recommendation. Mayor Merrill call for a vote on. the motion. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0): Cardamone, yes; Dry, yes; Patterson, yes; Pillot, yes; Merrill, yes. 12. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION RE: ANNUAL MEETING WITH CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ASBOCIATIONS - MEETING TO BE HELD ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CITY: ADKINISTRATION TO CONTACT COMMISBIONERS INDIVIDUALLY TO SCHEDULE MEETING DATES (AGENDA ITEM VIII) #1 (1877) through (2123) City Manager Sollenberger stated that a date and location must be selected for the annual meeting with the City neighborhood associations; that each Commissioner will be contacted to find a date agreeable to all Commissioners; that the last meeting was held at the Waldemere Fire Station approximately one year ago. Commissioner Dry stated that the last meeting was held in the central area of the City; therefore, this year's meeting should be held in the northern area of the City. Mayor Merrill stated that hearing no objections, the annual neighborhood associations meeting will be held at a location in the northern part of the city. Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that the meeting should be held as soon as possible. Commissioner Patterson stated that the meeting should be held prior to the goal setting meeting. Commissioner Dry stated that the goal setting meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 6, 1995; therefore, the neighborhood associations meeting would have to be held within the next two weeks. Commissioner Patterson asked if the goal setting meeting could be postponed? City Auditor and Clerk Robinson stated that the annual neighborhood associations meeting could be held on May 6, 1995, since all the Commissioners are already committed to that date. Commissioner Pillot stated that he is agreeable to meeting with the neighborhood associations on May 6, 1995, and re-establishing a date for the goal setting meeting. Mayor Merrill stated that if there is no objection, the Commission could recommend that City Manager Sollenberger schedule the neighborhood associations meeting for May 6, 1995. City Manager Sollenberger stated that there is a Coalition for Neighborhood Associations meeting already scheduled for May 6, 1995. Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that having the meeting on May 6, 1995, would not allow enough notice to the neighborhood associations; that the Administration should consider arranging the neighborhood associations meeting prior to the goal setting meeting in future years. Mayor Merrill stated that the City Manager will contact each Commissioner to discuss dates for the neighborhood associations meeting. 13. REMARKS OF COMMISSIONERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA - ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE A BREAKDOWN OF COSTS FOR THE LIGHT MAST INCLUDED IN THE OSPREY AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROGRAM AND TO REVIEW MANATEE COUNTY VAGRANCY LAWS (AGENDA ITEM X) #1 (2124) through (2418) COMMISSIONER PILLOT: A. stated that citizens' - input has been valuable and used effectively for the last six years; however, input should be limited to topics relevant to the responsibilities and authority of the City Commission; that City Manager Sollenberger, City Auditor and Clerk Robinson and city Attorney Taylor should be consulted regarding regulating citizens' input. Mayor Merrill asked city Auditor and Clerk Robinson if there are already revisions being made to procedures and if the citizens' input issue could be considered at that time? City Auditor and Clerk Robinson stated that the citizen's input issue could be included with the revisions currently being considered. B. stated that the parliamentary procedures provided to the Commission by Mayor Merrill includes valuable updates for running an efficient meeting; that each Mayoral successor attempts to build upon the strengths of the previous Mayor; that Commissioner Patterson built upon the previous Mayor's expertise and moved forward in conducting meetings; that Mayor Merrill is now building upon Commissioner Patterson's expertise. BOOK 38 Page 11790 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11791 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. VICE MAYOR CARDAMONE: A. thanked the Administration for the efficient response to the grounded boats at the Bayfront. B. requested a breakdown of the $110,000 required for the light mast at Osprey Avenue and Hillview Street as part of the streetscape program. C. stated that Manatee County has enacted tough laws against vagrants and loitering near the Court House; that the Administration should review these laws to determine their effectiveness; that the City could enact similar laws regarding public buildings if the Manatee County laws prove effective. COMMISSIONER PATTERSON: A. stated that Vice Mayor Cardamone and she attended a meeting in Tallahassee regarding State funding for sand on Lido Beach; that the chances of receiving the funding are remote; that Senator Katherine Harris believed there was an amendment to the Senate budget to include beach renourishment; that she has not heard back from Senator Harris to verify if the amendment was made. B. stated that everyone to whom she spoke in Tallahassee supports the property rights bill proposed by Senator Fred Dudley which the City of Sarasota, the Florida League of Cities, and the ManaSota League of Cities opposed; that a jury trial will be required and if any regulation, zoning or failure to give zoning permission caused property rights to be damaged by 25 percent or more, compensation from local governments to property owners must be provided; that the Commissioners should contact their legislative representatives regarding this issue. C. stated that a letter from Representative Lisa Carlton, State House Representative, regarding the Ringling Causeway bridge suggested that the City of Sarasota could inherit the bridge and the design could be completed by the City; that the Commission should not consider this suggestion as it would be unaffordable to the City. 14. OTHER MATTERS/ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS (AGENDA ITEM XI) #1 (2419) through (2596) CITY MANAGER SOLLENBERGER: A. stated that John Lewis, Director of Public Safety, intends to run an advertisement in the newspaper to solicit applicants to serve on the Nuisance Abatement Board; that the Board should be established as soon as possible. B. stated that the City's Wastewater Treatment four-year operating permit was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP); that a 21-month National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit was issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); that the NPDES permit is only for 21 months because the responsibility of this program will transfer from the EPA to the State of Florida; that the permits allow the City to discharge intermittently throughout the year; however, the City is held to a 70 percent standard of effluent reuse. C. stated that the grounded boats at the Bayfront have been removed; that there are several abandoned dinghies along the shoreline; that dinghies are only allowed on shore for 12-hour intervals; that signs were posted allowing a 5-day notice for owners to remove the dinghies; that any dinghies remaining after the five days will be removed by the City; that to avoid a recurring situation of persons living in boats along Sarasota Bay or having abandoned boats in the Bay, the Public Safety Department has been requested to regularly patrol the mooring area; that the people living aboard one grounded boat were cited. CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK ROBINSON: A. stated that a 4:00 p.m. workshop for budget requests has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 1995. 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: REPORT RE: STATUS OF THE COMPUTERIZED TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM - REPORT RECEIVED (AGENDA ITEM VII-3) #1 (2597) through (2997) Mayor Merrill stated that Glen Ivey, District Construction Engineer, Florida Department of Transportation, (FDOT) has arrived and will present a status report on the computerized traffic signal system. Mr. Iyey came before the Commission and stated that his last update with the Commission was in December where he indicated which projects had April deadlines; that not all April deadlines have been met; that the system is currently running with the program timings, and data is being transferred from the sites back to the central computer; however, the following three issues involving the computer system sections have not been resolved: BOOK 38 Page 11792 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. BOOK 38 Page 11793 04/17/95 6:00 P.M. 1. voice communication between field sites and back to the computer room is not very clear; 2. the computer logs indicate error messages which involves losing communication and re-acquiring communication with the field units; that the cause has not yet been identified; that the system is operational, but not meeting the expected standards of quality; and 3. damage to a communication cable at 12th Street and Orange Avenue during a fire hydrant installation was repaired by the contractor, but there are "shorts" in the cable; that communication cannot be made with Section 29, which involves three intersections, while the cable is not properly operating. Mr. Ivey continued that the seven-day functional test with Package D within the City identified voice communication problems occurring between the field units and back to the central computer room; that the three issues referenced should be resolved within the next two weeks; that the computerized traffic signal system should be completed and accepted by the end of May and turned over to the City for maintenance. Vice Mayor Cardamone asked when the computerized traffic signal system project began? Mr. Ivey stated that the project began 3.5 years ago. Vice Mayor Cardamone asked what caused the problems which delayed the April 1 deadline for a computerized traffic signal system? Mr. Ivey stated that all field equipment is in place and operational; that the current work includes cleaning up the electronic end of the computerized system; that he is a Civil Engineer and electronics is outside his field of expertise; that he apologizes that he cannot explain the problems more clearly; that from the beginning, this project has been difficult; that this project suffered from the ramifications of Hurricane Andrew, which wiped out the signalization systems throughout south Florida, and all signalization resources across the state were mobilized in that area. Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that the computerized traffic signal system seems to be working fairly well. Commissioner Patterson stated that she is concerned about the City receiving a system that does not work properly; that all the problems should be resolved before the system is turned over to the City. Mr. Ivey stated that he would not want to provide the City with a computerized traffic signal system that is not functional. 16. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM XII) #1 (2998) There being no further business, Mayor Merrill adjourned the regular meeting of April 17, 1995 at 7:20 p.m. CIA DAVID MERRILL, MAYOR ATTEST: Bilk & Robenson BILLY E/ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK BOOK 38 Page 11794 04/17/95 6:00 P.M.