Book 39 Page 12783 01/29/96 12:00 P.M. MINUTES OF THE STATUTORY SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 29, 1996, AT 12:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor David Merrill, Vice Mayor Mollie Cardamone, Commissioners 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 The meeting was called to order in accordance with Article III, Section 9 (b) of the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 12:01 P.M. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. SWEARING IN OF JEROME DUPREE, NEWLY ELECTED DISTRICT NO. 1 CITY COMMISSION (AGENDA ITEM I): #1 (0012) through (0083) Mayor Merrill stated that the swearing in ceremonies for a new Commissioner is always a special day to the Commission and to the City of Sarasota; that the purpose of the meeting is to add a new member to the Commission. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson asked Commissioner-elect Dupree to come before the Commission. Commissioner-elect Dupree repeated thè oath given by City Auditor and Clerk Robinson and was officially sworn in to serve the City of Sarasota as District No. 1 Commissioner of the City Commission. 2. REMARKS OF COMMISSIONER DUPREE (AGENDA ITEM II) #1 (0083) through (0205) Commissioner Dupree stated that this is a very special moment for him, one he has not experienced before; that a number of people are to be thanked for their efforts and assistance; that he is thankful to God for making it possible to win the District No. 1 seat for City Commissioner; that his campaign managers and the campaign team are to be thanked in a very special wayi that he is appreciative of his friend of 30 years, Commissioner Pillot, who indicated his position early in the campaign and stuck to it; that the volunteers who worked in many different capacities are to be thanked for their efforts; that each contributor is thanked for each contribution, large and small; that the endorsements of Responsible and Enlight- ened Advocacy through Leadership (REAL), an action arm of the Greater Chamber of Commerce, and the Sarasota-Herald Tribune are appreciated; that the news media, including the Sarasota News Network (SNN), the Tempo, the Pelican Press, Channel 40, the Bulletin, and the Manatee news media, gave excellent coverage to the campaign; that his opponent, Jon Susce, is to be thanked for a well-run campaign race; that he is thankful to all who worked behind the scenes in large and small ways. Commissioner Dupree recognized his wife of 35 years who was present in the audience and thanked her for being his best friend and for offering the strength and encouragement when he seems to weaken somewhat; and stated that he is thankful for all she does in so many ways from day to day. Commissioner Dupree continued that he looks forward to working with the four Commissioners, the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager, the City Auditor and Clerk, the City Attorney and the rest of the Staff; that the Commissioners and the Administration have plans to make the City of Sarasota a better place in which to live, as does he for making both the City and District No. 1 a safer, stronger, and more economically sound place; that action plans have already been considered which will be revealed at a future time; therefore, with some degree of understanding of the challenges ahead, he accepts the charge and the responsibility as City Commissioner of District No. 1 and for the City of Sarasota. 3. REMARKS OF OTHER COMMISSIONERS (AGENDA ITEM III) #1 (0205) through (0274) Vice Mayor Cardamone stated that Commissioner Dupree comes to the table with the title of teacher, principal, reverend, and now Commissioner; that she congratulates Commissioner Dupree on his election. Commissioner Patterson stated that she looks forward to working with Commissioner Dupree and is pleased to be joined at the table by him. Commissioner Pillot stated that he appreciates the recognition of three decades of friendship which has been a valuable lesson; that today is a special day for Commissioner Dupree and a better day for the City of Sarasota. Mayor Merrill stated that a newspaper article quoted Commissioner Dupree as saying what he does good for District No. 1 will be good for the City of Sarasota. Mayor Merrill continued that as a strong supporter of the district form of government in Sarasota comprised of both district and at-large Commission seats, he looks forward to Commissioner Dupree's leadership in assuring the issues of District No. 1 are highlighted at the Commission table so all can be aware Book 39 Page 12784 01/29/96 12:00 P.M. Book 39 Page 12785 01/29/96 12:00 P.M. of all the issues which some have felt were not covered as well as possible; that high expectations exist for Commissioner Dupree. 4. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM IV) #1 (0274) There being no further business, Mayor Merrill adjourned the statutory meeting of January 29, 1996, at 12:08 P.M. DAVID MERRILL, MAYOR ATTEST: OTA SIC EC BilyE Robers à BILLY EG-ROBINSON) CITY: AUDITOR AND CLERK a or. C - -