BOOK 56 Page 27585 04/16/04 12:00 NOON MINUTES OF THE STATUTORY SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2004, AT 12:00 NOON PRESENT: Mayor Lou Ann R. Palmer, Vice Mayor Richard F. Martin, Commissioners Fredd "Glossie" Atkins, Danny Bilyeu, and Mary Anne Servian, City Manager Michael A. McNees, City Auditor and Clerk Billy E. Robinson, and City Attorney Richard J. Taylor ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Mayor Palmer The meeting was called to order in accordance with Article III, Section 7(a) of the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 12:00 Noon. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS (AGENDA ITEM I) CD 12:00 through 12:28 Mayor Palmer requested the Commissioners introduce family members present in the Chambers audience. Commissloner Servian introduced her husband, Rob Servian. Vice Mayor Martin introduced his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marcia and Robert Judson; and stated that his wife will arrive soon. Mayor Palmer introduced her daughter, Kym Elder, and her grandson, Brooks. Mayor Palmer thanked the citizens, Staff, and the Administration for attending the meeting. Mayor Palmer stated that the State of the City will be presented in a different manner than in the past; and displayed a video of the State of the City on the Chamber monitors she narrated as follows: It is a privilege to tell you the State of our City is excellent. The Commission met 88 times to conduct City business and assure progress towards even greater levels of achievement. I am pleased your City's business has been conducted with civility and a focus on issues as you exercised your right to influence your community's future. What an exciting time to be living in Sarasota!! Look around and the evidence of positive change is apparent. From our central vantage point at City Hall, a view north reveals historic Newtown experiencing a revival through such initiatives as the Enterprise Zone and Florida's Front Porch Program. A view west takes in the Whole Food Centre Market project, the Five Points Plaza, the SCAT transfer facility, and the Lemon Avenue Streetscape, all taking shape at lightening quick speed. Further west is the new John Ringling Causeway Bridge, opening last year to great fanfare. To the south is the long-time home of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, soon relocating to the heart of Downtown. To the east, new development abounds as exemplified by the new Chamber of Commerce headquarters on Fruitville Road. In Downtown, the newly renovated City of Sarasota Federal Building preserves a piece of our history. Soon a renovation of the Sarasota School of Architecture City Hall Building and Annex will begin to assure a modern working environment for employees. All this and more has been accomplished while remaining true to the City's vision of being a City of Urban Amenities with Small Town Living and Feeling. Last year, we concluded the celebration of the 100th year of our City's incorporation on October 14, 1902. Those 53 residents who voted then would be proud to see the City's progress. We thank the many community organizations which sponsored events celebrating our heritage, our diversity, and our future. Special thanks to the Sarasota Sister Cities Association which enthusiastically embraced our 100th Anniversary. In October 2002, a twining agreement with our newest Sister City, Dunfermline, Scotland, was finalized. At the end of the year in October 2003, our Sister Cities of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Vladimir, Russia, Tel Mond, Israel, Perpignan, France, and Dunfermline, Scotland, sent delegations to Sarasota for the grand finale of Sarasota's Centennial celebration. The City sent a delegation to China, headed by Vice Mayor Martin. I led a delegation to Perpignan, France, resulting in productive discussions concerning cultural and educational exchanges. We were proud our Sarasota Sister Cities Association received the award from Sister Cities International for the Best Overall Program last year. BOOK 56 Page 27586 04/16/04 12:00 NOON BOOK 56 Page 27587 04/16/04 12:00 NOON Maintaining the momentum of 100 years, the Commission made significant policy decisions the past year. First and foremost, we directed the preparation of a Strategic Plan as a guide as the City enters its next century. We are formulating new proposed Zone Districts and a Code to implement the Downtown Master Plan 2020, the vision plan adopted after significant public input to guide development for the next 20 years. The draft Cultural District Master Plan was completed after public charettes and, once adopted, will guide development of one of the City's greatest assets, the area housing many of our cultural institutions. The importance the City has placed on the Cultural District helped convince the Florida West Coast Symphony that they are, indeed, a vital element of our Downtown, resulting in their decision to stay in Downtown Sarasota. The Commission worked closely with the Sarasota Housing Authority to apply for a HOPE VI grant which would provide $20 million to revitalize the Janie Poe property and increase affordable housing in the City. The City will dedicate 25 percent of all housing funds to assist the Sarasota Housing Authority in its application for the HOPE VI grant. Last year, the Commission appointed the Human Relations Board to help implement and enforce the referendum approved overwhelmingly by 73% of the voters in 2003 to amend the City's Charter to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation. In another area of utmost importance, the Downtown Mobility Study and the Downtown Parking Master Plan were untaken. The 69.7-mile corridor of Tamiami Trail reaching from the north Manatee County line to the south Sarasota County line was designated as a Florida Scenic Highway. Another transportation initiative is a water taxi system, which is being reviewed to connect our important amenities by water. The Parks + Connectivity Master Plan adopted in 2002 has been our guide for parks and recreational areas. In December 2003, the City opened the Allen Play Area, a playground and picnic area located in Bayfront Park. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Park celebrated its Grand Re-Opening in February 2004, with extensive improvements. The City opened the Sarasota Skate Park, which at 30,000 square feet is largest municipally operated skate park in the State. The park is free and is averaging over 5,000 visitors a month from all over the country. Several acres of parkland were reclaimed by removing exotic vegetation in Arlington Park. A Parks Brochure was developed to highlight the City's parks. City Community Development Block Grant funds were used to complete improvements in the Park East neighborhood, promoting the sustainability of the neighborhood. Construction of the Fifth Street Parking Lot in the Rosemary District and the Rosemary Gateway Project are both under contract, encouraging continued redevelopment of this neighborhood. Improvements were constructed in North Water Tower Park. New boat ramps were opened at Ken Thompson Park with an improved boardwalk and restrooms. The Newtown Recreation Center benefited from a major renovation. The Tony Saprito Pier, sO important to our area fishermen and those viewing the sunset, was completely renovated. A concept plan for the Seminole Drive Pedestrian Thoroughfare and Linear Park was recently presented to the neighborhood. A Master Plan was developed for Luke Wood Park. Of particular interest to me was the water breaking at the Lido Pool to kick off the joint City/County project for the long-awaited refurbishment of that landmark where I spent sO much time in my youth. Work continued on the Multi-Use Recreational Trail on the Bayfront for the segment from Selby Gardens to General Spaatz Boulevard. At the Sports Complex and Ed Smith Stadium, Cincinnati Reds Spring Training attendance was up 14% over 2003. Negotiations are beginning for a long term lease extension with the Cincinnati Reds coupled with a major renovation of the complex and stadium. The City hosted the National Amateur Athletic Union Tournament for 14 and unders, resulting in an economic impact of over $5 million to the Sarasota Area, and secured the 2004, 2005, and 2006 National AAU Tournament for a cumulative economic impact to the area of $15 to 20 million. The City is working diligently with our local state legislative delegation to continue state funding to retain major league baseball in the State and the Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota. The Commission approved a conceptual plan for the Bobby Jones Golf Complex and architectural design proposals have BOOK 56 Page 27588 04/16/04 12:00 NOON BOOK 56 Page 27589 04/16/04 12:00 NOON been solicited for the clubhouse replacement. We are pleased that the Bobby Jones Golf Complex was the Readers' Choice of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for public/semi- public golf courses for the 8th time in 9 years. Another of our special City-owned amenities is the Van Wezel, nominated by the Chamber of Commerce as the Best Arts organization for the last two years. Patronage was up 4% over last year, helping the hall complete last fiscal year without any City subsidy. Saturday Morning for Kids is generally sold out weeks in advance. Last year, the Van Wezel presented 25 School Time Performances attended by over 30,000 students from four counties. And I even had the opportunity to appear on that wonderful stage with my interpretation of the role of the Snow Queen in the Sarasota Ballet's Nutty Nutcracker. Strong support for neighborhoods was continued with the adoption of the Bayou Oaks Neighborhood Action Strategy. Over $16,400 was awarded to 13 neighborhood and business associations through the Neighborhood Grant Program. The first Neighborhood Leadership Academy was held, with 23 people in attendance. Six new associations and three new umbrella neighborhood groups were formed last year. The annual neighborhood survey was automated sO citizens could complete and submit the surveys at the annual Community Forum with the results being made available on the City web site. Traffic calming initiatives are underway in numerous City neighborhoods. We adopted an ordinance prohibiting parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones to help maintain property values. Protection of grand oak trees and mandatory mitigation for trees removed will help safeguard our tree canopy. The City completed numerous Public Works capital projects for a total cost of over $19.2 million. Improvements to Gillespie Avenue were completed in February 2004. We are in contract negotiations for the Bradenton Road Improvement project. The contract for the construction of the seawall at Payne T'erminal has been issued. Recently, a project on Siesta Drive from Osprey Avenue to Camino Real to lengthen the eastbound to southbound turn lane from Osprey Avenue/Siesta Drive to Camino Real was completed. Neither our neighborhoods nor our business districts would be strong and viable without the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department who keep our City safe. During 2003, we achieved a significant 6.5% reduction in felony crimes. Last year, formal Internal Affairs investigations were down 488 and inquiries were down 30% from the prior year, an indicator of the commitment to professionalism and integrity while treating all individuals with courtesy and respect. The City responded to more than 67,000 calls for service, made over 7,700 arrests, with the Neighborhood Enforcement Team alone making more than 800 arrests. A major narcotics trafficking ring operating in Newtown was eliminated during Operation "Onedrop." Our achievements in building a strong and vital City have resulted in development activity this past year which is phenomenal. Since I took office in 2001, 559 development applications have been received and reviewed. The value of projects either completed, under construction, approved, or pending is currently estimated at $1.44 billion. Many of the projects fulfill the goal of the Downtown Master Plan 2020 to bring mixed use development to the Downtown, including important residential development. An excellent example of private/public partnerships is the Whole Food Market Centre project bringing to fruition the long-standing desire to attract a high quality grocery store to Downtown. The recent purchase of the Sarasota Quay brings high expectations of additional quality development. We entered into a memorandum of understanding with Sarasota County concerning parking in the Downtown area and the addition to the Courthouse, which will also involve relocation of the City Police Station. Due to extensive construction, the Sarasota Farmers Market was successfully relocated to its new site on Pineapple Avenue, with business as booming as ever. With a focus on preserving our history, several key properties have been historically designated in the last year including the City Waterworks Building and the Rosemary and Whitaker Cemeteries. In another important initiative, the City is pursuing brownfield designation of the Marion Anderson Place Urbaculture Site, a step in obtaining grant funding for redevelopment in north Sarasota. The Main Street Streetscape was completed and the Lemon Avenue Streetscape is under construction. The City approved nine applications for sidewalk dining permits to serve the many patrons now strolling our Downtown BOOK 56 Page 27590 04/16/04 12:00 NOON BOOK 56 Page 27591 04/16/04 12:00 NOON streets. A final proposal was selected for development of the City-owned property on Palm Avenue to include much needed Downtown parking. We approved site plans for renovation of the Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. The new parking garage for Sarasota Memorial Hospital was approved including a police substation and roundabout at Hillview Street and Laurent Place. Site plans for the Community Foundation for Sarasota County and the Back Lot Theater were approved. Affordable housing received attention as the City agreed to provide a $150,000 match in SHIP funds for a proposed development at the southeast corner of Fruitville and Beneva Roads consisting of 108 units of elderly, low-income rental housing. The Commission also approved the establishment of Affordable Housing and Transit Trust Funds for contributions by developers taking advantage of the newly approved Downtown Residential Overlay District. Since I took office in 2001, the assessed property value in the City has increased from approximately $3.8 billion to approximately $5.6 billion, an astonishing increase of approximately 48%, due to in-fill development, redevelopment, and increasing property values. Last year alone, property values increased by over 14.5% A plans examiner and building inspector were added to staff and the average permit review time has been kept to under 15 days. Over 5,000 building permits and 2,400 building permit changes were reviewed in the last year. As a strong supporter of public art, the City hosted the Sarasota Season of Sculpture on the Bayfront and the COEXISTENCE Exhibition, which has traveled the world with its message of embracing diversity. A Repair and Maintenance Program was approved for the City's 39 public artworks. Pursuant to the City's policy for public art, the City acquired a number of pieces of public artwork. A Call for Artists was issued for public art at Lemon Avenue, funded in part by a $55,000 developer contribution and a recommendation will be received shortly for a piece of artwork with water and seating features. Actively sateguarded by the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program, our beautiful Bay is one of the City's most important assets. A restoration of the shoreline of the G.WIZ campus including the boardwalk, sidewalk, and canoe launch and the South Lido Park restoration involving the removal of exotic vegetation are under construction. A regional "hands on" environmental education program focusing on the Bay and its resources has been developed as an educational tool for 3,000 local school children. A 5 year master plan for habitat restoration has been developed. Beach sand tilling before the turtle nesting season was just completed. Utilizing technology to improve communications, kiosks are being installed at several City facilities to provide information regarding City services, directions to other City facilities, and links to City services. Other technological developments include automated tracking of capital improvement projects, development applications, Commission agenda items, and utility customer service action items. An on-line learning program was developed for City employees, with 140 City employees enrolled to date. In another important initiative, Phase I of the mapping of the City's water and sewer lines through the Geographic Information System is substantially complete. The City hosted the Florida Neighborhoods Conference in September 2003, welcoming over 1,100 neighborhood leaders from across the US. The City also recently hosted the Livable Cities Conference with 70 attendees from all over the world. The City has been a strong supporter of Sarasota Openly Addresses Racism (SOAR), a community forum addressing the vestiges of racism. The Commission approved the participation of high school students of the Students Taking an Active Role (STAR) in Government Program on several City advisory boards. City leaders also actively contributed to the community effort of the New Life Initiative to identify financially feasible development opportunities for Sarasota High School. Congratulations to Staff for being presented the Silver Beautification Award by the Sarasota Garden Club for Civic Beautification. Congratulations and thanks to the City employees who again demonstrated their community concern by raising a record $42,248 in this year's United Way campaign, 115% of goal. Congratulations to the citizens of our community for meeting the challenge of raising $14 million for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to secure State funding totaling approximately $42.9 million BOOK 56 Page 27592 04/16/04 12:00 NOON BOOK 56 Page 27593 04/16/04 12:00 NOON for much need expansion and programming. And congratulations to the City for being named 4th on a list of the top 15 dream towns for baby boomers in the May/June issue of AARP The Magazine which highlighted our fine dining, cultural opportunities, and the Ringling Museum of Art as reasons for our selection. Additional kudos to the City for being named 3rd of the top medium size metro areas for doing business in America in the March 2004 issue of Inc. Magazine, which called Sarasota - Florida's "next big thing. 1I Finally, thanks to the 865 City employees who perform the daily tasks of getting the City's business done while striving for excellence. 2. REMARKS OF MAYOR PALMER (AGENDA ITEM II) CD 12:28 through 12:41 Mayor Palmer thanked Staff for preparing an excellent production; that a more detailed document will be provided; that the attempt was to keep the presentation brief; that the Advisory Boards have performed excellent jobs for the City and should be recognized. Mayor Palmer asked the Commission join her at the Commission table; and stated that the Commission has worked hard this past year; that 88 meetings were conducted in the past year which is significant; that support Staff for the Commission must be recognized; and requested Dianne Taylor join her and the Commission at the Commission table. Mayor Palmer stated that Ms. Taylor works with all the Commissioners and performs an amazing job; that Ms. Taylor is a jewel; that the Commission thanks her; that she always answers the phones with pleasantries; and presented a plaque to Ms. Taylor reading as follows: You have served your City and the Commission with excellence and pride. We thank you for your never ending support and dedication. On the behalf of the City Commission of the City of Sarasota. April 16, 2004. Mayor Palmer requested Linda McCorkle join her and the Commission at the Commission table; and stated that Ms. McCorkle knows how to handle all the Commissioners; that the wonderful work of Ms. McCorkle cannot go unnoticed; and presented a clock to Ms. McCorkle reading as follows: Presented to Linda McCorkle, Loyal, Inventive, Needed, Devoted, and Admirable. You have served your City and the Mayor with excellence, pride, and love. I could never have survived this year without your incredible support. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lou Ann Palmer, Mayor. Mayor Palmer stated that a Mayor's Citation will be presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to make the City better; requested Millie Small to join her and the Commission at the Commission table; read in its entirety the Mayor's Citation indicating Ms. Small's abiding love of community; that Ms. Small continues her commitment to community by serving on the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board and is the liaison to the County's Parks Advisory Committee and Recreation Council; that Ms. Small actively and selflessly contributes time and talents to make the City an excellent place to live and work; that Ms. Small is the epitome of volunteerism which keeps the City at the level of greatness for which it is well known; that the Commission expresses appreciation for Ms. Small's dedication, commitment, and devotion to the Community. Mayor Palmer presented the Mayor's Citation to Millie Small. Vice Mayor Martin stated that the Commissioners and he would like to present a gift to Mayor Palmer; and presented Mayor Palmer with a bouquet of fresh flowers and quoted from a card: From a grateful Commission and a grateful City for a wonderful year. Mayor Palmer stated that the past year has been outstanding; that the Commission has worked hard but also had fun; that the Commission loves the community; that making the best possible decisions to further the progress of the City has been the goal; that the City will continue with extraordinary leadership in the future 3. SELECTION OF MAYOR SELECTED MAYOR MARTIN (AGENDA ITEM IV) CD 12:41 Vice Mayor Palmer requested nominations for the position of Mayor. BOOK 56 Page 27594 04/16/04 12:00 NOON BOOK 56 Page 27595 04/16/04 12:00 NOON On motion of Commissioner Servian, it was moved to select Vice Mayor Martin as the Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0): Atkins, yes; Bilyeu, yes; Martin, yes; Servian, yes; Palmer, yes. 4. REMARKS OF MAYOR MARTIN (AGENDA ITEM III) CD 12:41 through 12:48 Mayor Martin presented the following remarks: I never imagined I would be the Mayor of the City which drew me in 25 years ago. To give credit where credit is due, I reflect on a remark of a County Commissioner, "To know Lou Ann Palmer is to love her", which is a comment of admiration and also of exasperation. All of us have experienced how she can take us by the ear and lead us down a path of consensus or agreement like the school teacher she is. Over the past year she has worked mightily. She has lobbied in Tallahassee on behalf of the City. She worked hard to forge the mutually beneficial long term agreement with Sarasota County to maintain its Administration Building in the City, to partner on other projects, restore historical legacies such as the Lido Pool, and to save the Sarasota High School building. To my knowledge, Lou Ann is the longest serving and most dedicated public servant in the history of the City of Sarasota and has been extraordinary to serve with her. She has been a mentor to me as many others and because of that I can step into the role as Mayor with the confidence and the great hope we will continue to lead the City into a bright and promising future. To know you is to love you. In reflecting on the work of the past year, I have to wonder if there is anything left to do. But of course there is. Stewardship of this extraordinary City and our common good is a task that never ends and I feel privileged to be a public servant during this remarkable "over the top" time in the history of Sarasota. We are blessed with natural beauty and we are sO enlivened by many special people who have chosen to call Sarasota their home. It is, and will remain, a challenge over this year and into the future to maintain what we value. The charm and the preciousness of our Downtown and our neighborhoods, our fragile environment, and to assure the City is for all of us. One thing we have focused and agreed on is the City needs to be for all of us because the diversity of our community is the highest and most promising value of all. I am proud to serve with a Commission which is sO dedicated. Eighty-eight meetings in 52 weeks says a lot. Each one of us brings a special knowledge and insights to the table. Each of us are familiar with the City's nooks and crannies, know the special needs and dreams of our special constituents. Five heads are better than one has been proven and continues to be proven. We are assured over the course of the next year, we will face an equally long list of challenges and be able to report an equally long list of accomplishments. I want to recognize the past Commissions because we do not think of ourselves as individual Commissioners, we think of ourselves as a Commission which has provided stewardship for over 100 years. I want to recognize the Administration which is considered smart thinking and productive and the support provided by Staff. I would like to recall the words of Helen Keller: I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but my chief duty is to accomplish the many small tasks, because each one of them is great and noble and make up the whole. Onward and upward, and thank you very much. 5. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR = SELECTED VICE MAYOR SERVIAN (AGENDA ITEM IV) CD 12:48 Mayor Martin requested nominations for the position of Vice Mayor. On motion of Commissioner Palmer and second of Commissioner Atkins, it was moved to select Commissioner Servian as Vice Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Motion carried unanimously (5 to 0): Atkins, yesi Bilyeu, yesi Palmer, yes; Servian, yes; Martin, yes. BOOK 56 Page 27596 04/16/04 12:00 NOON BOOK 56 Page 27597 04/16/04 12:00 NOON 6. REMARKS OF NEWLY SELECTED VICE MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM IX) CD 12:48 through 12:50 Vice Mayor Servian presented the following remarks: When I moved to this community seven years ago, I had no thought I would be sitting here with this esteemed group and serving this incredible community. It has been an honor to serve. I have been here two years and I will continue the commitment I came here with to serve this community and continue to see to fruition projects we have started and to honor projects accomplished. I think this is a remarkable community and no matter how many times we come together at this table and there may be some divisive issues, at the end of the day we all come back together as a collective body and as a community and move forward for the best of the City. It will be an honor to serve the community as Vice Mayor and to serve the Mayor and do whatever I can to make his burden lighter this year. Thanks to all. 7. REMARKS OF COMMISSIONER ATKINS (AGENDA ITEM VI) CD 12:50 through 12:51 Commissioner Atkins presented the following remarks: This has been a joy and a pleasure to have the opportunity to come back to the City as a Commissioner after eight years; that to come back at the most exciting time the City could possibly have, but not only come back but to understand this was the visions and dreams of what I participated in the mid 1980s and early 1990s; that to see visions come to fruition has been a special experience; that I am glad to be a part of managing the City and moving forward. 8. REMARKS OF COMMISSIONER BILYEU (AGENDA ITEM III) CD 12:51 through 12:52 Commissioner Bilyeu presented the following remarks: It was a pleasure to have Lou Ann leading the Commission during his first yeari that her experience is good for me and is appreciated; that I am looking forward to Mayor Martin's leadership; that I have learned also from Mayor Martin; that I look forward to continuing learning; that serving with Vice Mayor Servian has been a privilege and a pleasure; that sitting at the table with the Commission has been a privilege and a pleasure; that I look forward to a second year and us getting the job done. Mayor Martin thanked everyone for joining the Commission and for helping the City move forward. Mayor Martin introduced his wife, Elizabeth, present in the Chambers audience. 9. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM VII) CD 12:52 There being no further business, Mayor Martin adjourned the Statutory meeting of April 16, 2004, at 12:52 p.m. Recudolafir RICHARD F. MARTIN, MAYOR ATTEST: Bully E Rolneon BILLY E. ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK BOOK 56 Page 27598 04/16/04 12:00 NOON