BOOK 47 Page 19469 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. MINUTES OF THE STATUTORY SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 14, 2000, AT 12:00 NOON PRESENT : Mayor Mollie C. Cardamone, Vice Mayor Gene M. Pillot, Commissioners Albert F. Hogle, Carolyn J. Mason and Mary J. Quillin, City Manager David R. Sollenberger, City Auditor and Clerk Billy E. Robinson, and City Attorney Richard J. Taylor ABSENT: : None PRESIDING: Mayor Cardamone The meeting was called to order in accordance with Article IX, Section 5(c) of the Charter of the City of Sarasota at 12:00 p.m. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS (AGENDA ITEM I) #1 (0030) through (1019) Mayor Cardamone stated that a State of the City Address is required by the Charter of the City of Sarasota at each annual Statutory Meeting; that providing the State of the City Address is an honor and a pleasure; that all news is good, positive, upbeat, and a source of pride in being part of the City Government; that the public's having a good feeling about the City is anticipated. Mayor Cardamone stated that selected facts provided by Staff will be presented; that many good facts have been gleaned which will be of public and personal interest and importance; that many hours of work have been involved; that over the past year, the Commission has held 103 meetings involving numerous hours as a formal Commission; that Commission workshops were conducted with various boards, two joint meetings with the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners, two joint meetings with the School Board of Sarasota County, and one meeting with all the cities in Sarasota County; that the City Commission, Staff, and Government have been very busy. Mayor Cardamone further stated that the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk has provided all the Agenda and backup materials and assured the Commission obtained all necessary information for Commission meetings as well as having prepared all the minutes from the multiple hours of Commission meetings; that the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk should be congratulated for a job well done; that the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk has performed other jobs not in the Staffs' job descriptions by providing all the assistance with the Millennium events; that an Advisory Board reception was conducted honoring the people serving the City in advisory capacities; that a breakfast for all the former City Commissioners and Department Heads who worked with the former Commissioners was conducted; that as a final personal activity as Mayor, the Lido Beach swimming pool was named for actor Jack Betz, a three-time Mayor of the City; that Staff of the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk was instrumental in arranging the Advisory Board reception, the breakfast for former Commissioners and Department Heads, and the ceremony naming the swimming pool for Jack Betz. Mayor Cardamone continued that the Director of the Planning and Development Department and Staff have been involved in the County Urban Land Institute (ULI) study; that the strong recommendations to the County by ULI that the County should recognize the core City and should be involved in revitalizing the urban neighborhoods through supporting the City's infill projects and discouraging sprawl is a source of pride; that hearing more as the County works through the ULI recommendations is anticipated. Mayor Cardamone further stated that a portion of the activities and accomplishments of the various departments of the City during the past year will be presented. Planning and Development Department: 92 applications were processed including 18 rezones, 3 Special Exceptions, 13 Conditional Uses, 28 Site Plans, 7 Parking Agreements, 3 Street Vacations, 17 Zoning Code Amendments, 2 Development Plans Review, 1 Request for a. Government Use (G) Zone District Waiver, and 51 Historic Preservation Projects Processing such a large number of applications is an inordinate task. The Public Art Committee performed a tremendous job in recommending the purchase of public art. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was implemented and is functioning. Engineering Department: 65 traffic counts for traffic calming requests were performed which require significant effort. Several traffic-calming projects were completed. A traffic calming task force was created which includes the neighborhoods of Ringling Park, Alta Vista, and Paver Park. 420 project reviews for 90 projects were conducted. 74 de minimis certificates were issued. 18 traffic studies were conducted. 25 sidewalk segments were installed completing approximately 25,000 linear feet of sidewalks in the City. BOOK 47 Page 19470 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. BOOK 47 Page 19471 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. 250 Newsrack Violation Notices were issued. 466 Right-of-Way Use permits were issued. One of the significant accomplishments which is a source of much praise for the City Engineer is obtaining unanimous approval from the County for an additional $1.1 million of Tourist Development Tax for the renourishment of Lido Beach. Finance Department: The City again won the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting - These awards are coveted by the Finance Director and the presentations are enjoyed. The net value asset of the City increase in 1998 by 7.8 percent and in 1999 by 5.5 percent, and the City has the lowest millage of any city of proportionate size in the State. Moody's and Standard and Poors raised the City's bond ratings during the past year which sends a signal to the world the City is alive and well regarding finances. Risk Management: A reduction in work-related injuries by 9 percent from the previous year was achieved. A decrease of work-related injuries of 28 percent over the last 5 years was realized. New term life, long-term, and cancer insurance programs were offered to employees. 365 Employees attended health fairs sponsored by Health Care Sarasota, which is a significant number of Employees participating. Human Resources: A successful United Way Campaign was conducted & Contributions were 106 percent of last year and 338 employees participated telling the community employees care about the community. Salary surveys of neighboring cities were conducted to assure City salaries are competitive and attract quality employees. The Commission re-established a tuition reimbursement program to allow employees to become better educated in their respective fields. 14 general training sessions with a total of 414 employees participating were conducted. Housing and Community Development: $12 million in low-interest loans and down payment. assistance were provided to 120 Eamilies in the community. 800 people participated in homebuyer education seminars. New sidewalks were installed in several neighborhoods. New playground equipment for the Mary Dean Park was purchased and installed. More than 250 families were assisted in purchasing a first home. Sports Facilities: The Ed Smith Stadium and Sports Complex and the Bobby Jones Golf Course are gems. The Bobby Jones Golf Course had a positive financial position for the past two fiscal years. The Bobby Jones Golf Course received a First Place Readers' Choice Award from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for the best public/semi-private golf course and was recognized by Women In Golf magazine as one of the top 100 women-friendly courses in America. The Ed Smith Stadium and Sports Complex is gorgeous, with many improvements and changes The General Manager of the Cincinnati Reds indicated to the Stadium Manager that the Ed Smith Stadium fields are the best observed throughout 16 years of protessional baseball, and the City is congratulated Police Department: 5 traffic fatalities occurred in 1999 compared to 10 in 1998 and 7 in 1997. 5,516 traffic citations were issued in 1999. 345-hit-and-run investigations were conducted. The Marine Unit issued 109 boating citations and 598 warnings. The Marine Unit performed 5 rescues of persons in distress and/or drowning victims. A contract was negotiated with a new tailor for alterations to uniforms decreasing the cost of alterations by 20 percent and decreasing the turn- around time of altered items from 4 weeks to 1 week. The Training Unit administered 736 hours of in-service training and 6,644 hours of training for police officers were provided from outside providers. The Criminal Investigations Division cleared 100 percent of reported bank robberies and homicides during the 1999 calendar year surpassing the national average in all categories except aggravated assault Congratulations are in order for performance of an exceptional job. BOOK 47 Page 19472 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. BOOK 47 Page 19473 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. The Vice and Narcotics Divisions conducted the following: Operation Casablanca resulting in the arrest of 22 individuals involved in smuggling large quantities of marijuana and/or hashish oil into the Country, the seizure of illegal narcotics with a street value in excess of $8.25 million and 7,860 pounds of marijuana and $160,000 in US currency during the three-year investigation. Operation Sapphire resulting in the arrest of 36 individuals to date. Operation Sidewalk Sales resulting in the arrest of 259 individuals on City sidewalks on 331 drug- related charges and 60 individuals on proatitution-related charges. The Nuisance Abatement Unit reviewed 1,400 narcotic and prostitution cases resulting in 500 active cases and 8 cases closed or abated The Nuisance Abatement Detective oversees the Prostitution Exclusionary Zone and to date 18 prostitutes and 17 "johns" have been placed in the program which prohibits the individuals from various areas of the City. The Crimes Against Children Unit investigated 578 cases, arrested 57 individuals on 79 charges. Building, Zoning, and Code Entorcement Department: The Building Department handled a record number of building permits with a record revenue value Revenues from building permits are up 161 percent over last year. The revenue from building permits creates a stronger tax base providing more dollars in revenues to the General Fund enabling the City to continue ongoing work in the City Public Works Department: The redevelopment of Sevilla Park was completed. Phase III of Whitaker-Gateway Park was completed. 62 streets were milled and resurfaced. The goal for the Millennium year is to plant 2,000 trees in the Millennium Tree Project In March 2000 594 trees had been planted, 150 have been subsequently planted, and to date 1,000 trees have been planted. The goal will be met and the importance of a tree canopy in the City is understood by all. Neighborhoods Department: The Commission accepted and approved Park East Neighborhood Action Strategies. Gillespie Park will present an action strategy in May or June 2000. The Enterprise Zone designation applied for the north portion of the City is still alive and well and in committee with the State legislature No stumbling blocks are known; however, maintaining faith in receiving the designation is necessary as the designation will be a significant benefit to the area and the City. The Annual Report has been completed, will be distributed to all citizens of the City, and will be a source of pride to the citizens. The Neighborhood Grants Program has provided $12,000 in the first grant cycle to neighborhoods for various projects of a small nature but desired by the neighborhoods. Downtown Redevelopment: Eight construction cranes exist from one end of Main Street to the other The investment by the private sector which was jump-started by public funds has created a boom unrivaled by any city the size of Sarasota in the South and maybe in America. Recognizing all of the development has been accomplished without a redevelopment office or director with great assistance from volunteer organizations such as the Downtown Association of Sarasota, the North Trail Association, and Gateway 2000. Observing all the resources available in the County and the Chamber of Commerce for economic development indicates the City's success without any kind of redevelopment office dollar support. Political support has been significant. The number of Commission meetings to review proposals and the amount of administrative Staff time certainly has been extraordinary. The stretch and stress of time and effort has been very productive and worthwhile. The City can be proud building permit revenues are up 161 percent in the current year. The amount of time spent in the review of plans and inspections should be acknowledged. Mayor Cardamone stated that the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) magazine, Modern Maturity, in its May/June 2000 issue ranks Sarasota third behind Boston and San Francisco in a list of top ten big cities in which to retire in an article entitled "Livable Retirement"; that having Sarasota listed with big cities is a curiosity; however, beating out San Diego, Seattle, New York City, and Chicago is not a problem; that another study ranked Sarasota as the seventh best area to do business; that the recognition should make City residents proud; that a letter was received on April 6, 2000, indicating the following: BOOK 47 Page 19474 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. BOOK 47 Page 19475 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. Congratulations: Sarasota has been selected as one of the top 20 best places to live and work in America by Employment Review magazine and Best Jobs USA. Mayor Cardamone quoted from an article in the April 2000 issue of the Florida Trend magazine, which highlights the construction cranes in the skyline as follows: Sarasota's reputation as a tough nut for developers lingers even as construction cranes rise over Downtown. In all, the City estimates $364 million in construction underway. Despite these projects no one should be fooled that Sarasota has become a doormat for developers. Mayor Cardamone stated that developers will agree the City has been tough; that the City wants to do a better job of channeling growth to achieve the next higher level in Downtown revitalization; that figures vary on the dollars in current development from $300 to $400 million, depending on the stage of project construction; that a potential exists for 1,800 living units completed in the Downtown area in the last 10 years; that the City's goal several years ago was to have 1,000 additional living units; that if.t things work out as planned, the City will have added 556 hotel rooms to the City; that a statement was heard that in a few years approximately 25 percent of the City's total population will live in the Downtown area which is very interesting. Mayor Cardamone continued that 1999/2000 has been the Year of the Neighborhood; that the focus will remain on neighborhoods as redevelopment continues; that the Commission's focus on the walk- to-town neighborhoods has been very exciting; that the actions strategies completed by Park East and for future completion by Gillespie Park prove a very narrow focus on small areas can produce results; that the short time frame to accomplish many of the actions will send a strong message to the residents of the areas that "the City means what we say and we will do what we promise"; that the enthusiasm for the update of the Downtown Sarasota: Master Plan for Tomorrow (May 1986) (CRA Master Plan) is high; that the development community interests are great; that residents in and near Downtown are very enthused and somewhat anxious to have a say in the next level of Downtown redevelopment; that an air of excitement exists in the community in anticipation of working with Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ) on the update of the CRA Master Plan; that some also have an apprehension of the outcomes. Mayor Cardamone stated further that two challenges are presented for the coming year; that the first challenge is: 1. Affordable Housing: Serious concerns regarding providing affordable housing in the City, not for just very low-income but also middle-income residents. Extracting commitments from the private sector to provide affordable housing is anticipated. As action strategies are completed an improved affordable inventory of safe, clean, attractive housing in Park East, Gillespie Park, and Rosemary District is expected. The City's resources must be put into the rebuild of existing neighborhoods with the existing infrastructure before becoming involved in building new infrastructure. Looking at constructing townhouses or similar housing on the north side of Fruitville Road between US 301 and US 41 and Fruitville Road must be quieted and made more walker-friendly. Mayor Cardamone stated that this coming year. will be at least as busy as the past one; that neighborhood work and the interest in redevelopment will continue; that following are personal hopes for the future: Having something occur at The Quay. Connecting the Hyatt, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and The Quay for easy walking between the three. Constructing the Palm Colonnata project, partially meeting the parking needs of Downtown with the project completed. Commencing the Five Points project. Seeing the completion of the Renaissance of Sarasota Phase I and the walking connection to Downtown. Mayor Cardamone stated that the second challenge is: 2: Pedestrian safety: The City has a serious need to improve the walkability of the streets. Traffic congestion could be lessened if walking could be made safer and easier. A pedestrian program has been approved and the program should be implemented quickly. The car cannot be king in Sarasota especially in the Downtown and near Downtown areas. As redevelopment efforts are continuing thinking about the walking connection is very exciting. The walk-Around-Town Project" is visualized as a 10- to 12-square-block area including Selby Gardens, Bayfront Park, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, The Quay, the Hyatt Hotel, the Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone (G.WIZ), the Civic Center, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to the west up Sixth Street or up Tenth Street to Cocoanut, Central, or Orange Avenues and the area could be stretched to the Hollywood 20 Theatre and down Main Street to the Bayfront. The Commission, the Administration, and the Planning Board/Local Planning Agency (PBLP) have been BOOK 47 Page 19476 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. BOOK 47 Page 19477 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. provided a copy of a St. Petersburg Times article entitled "Taming the Streets for Two Feet." The article speaks to how much the rest of America is thinking about the walkability of communities. One interesting passage is as follows: Vehicles are getting bigger and faster, people are talking more on their cell phones and eating and working while they drive. They are more tense and distracted on the road and they hardly even think about pedestrians anymore. We are trying to do everything we can to break that trance. Mayor Cardamone stated that breaking the trance will be a challenge for the City; that gathering information for presentation was very time consuming as sO much good is happening in every department of the City. 2. SELECTION OF MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM II) #1 (1020) through (1094) Mayor Cardamone stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of reorganizing the Commission for the year 2000 to 2001; that nominations will be entertained for Mayor of the City of Sarasota. On motion of Commissioner Mason and second of Commissioner Hogle, it was moved to nominate Vice Mayor Pillot as Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Mayor Cardamone asked for any additional nominations. Commissioner Quillin stated that in the spirit of the meaning of the position of Mayor to the City, a wonderful opportunity is presented to begin the new Millennium to demonstrate who and what the City is and to influence how future generations will remember the Commission. On motion of Commissioner Quillin, it was moved to nominate Commissioner Mason, a fifth-generation Sarasotan, who would distinguish the City by serving as the City's first female, black Mayor and is a friend of all Commissioners, to serve as Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Commissioner Mason stated that the nomination is respecttully declined. Hearing no other nominations, Mayor Cardamone asked City Auditor and Clerk Robinson to proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried (4 to 1): Hogle, yes; Mason, yes; Pillot, yes; Quillin, no; Cardamone, yes. Mayor Cardamone passed the gavel to Mayor Pillot. 3. REMARKS OF NEWLY SELECTED MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM III) #1 (1095) through (1234) Mayor Pillot stated that the responsibilities for the upcoming year are strongly felt; that personal responsibilities as Mayor will be fulfilled if he is able to serve with the same distinction as Mayor Cardamone during the past yeari that he has served as a Commissioner for 11 years and 4 weeks and has had the privilege of serving with a number of Mayors who served with distinction; that the amount of energy, time, and thought Mayor Cardamone contributed during the past year was not exceeded by any previous Mayor; that Mayor Cardamone's schedule was personally observed; that in the past year, the Vice Mayor never had to. chair a meeting as the Mayor never missed a meeting; that Mayor Cardamone was out virtually every day representing the City with distinction and with love for the City in which the Mayor has lived for much of her lifetime; that Mayor Cardamone brought ideas to the City such as the 2000 Millennium celebration and naming the Lido Beach pool in honor of a very important late citizen of the City; that a personal privilege has been sitting to the Mayor's right, observing the manner in which some very difficult meetings were conducted, and knowing the effort contributed by Mayor Cardamone;, that responsibilities as Mayor will be fulfilled if coming anywhere close to following the Mayor Cardamone's example; that very strong congratulations, respect, admiration, and appreciation for service during the past year are extended to Mayor Cardamone; that sitting as Mayor is an honor; that being honored by supporters is appreciated; that serving the remaining year as Mayor is greatly anticipated; that the presence of family and friends in Chambers as support is appreciated. 4. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM IV) #1 (1235) through (1279) Mayor Pillot stated that nominations will be entertained for Vice Mayor of the City of Sarasota. On motion of Commissioner Cardamone and second of Commissioner Mason, it was moved to nominate Commissioner Hogle as Vice Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Mayor Pillot asked for any additional nominations and hearing no other nominations, Mayor Pillot asked City Auditor and Clerk Robinson to proceed with the roll-call vote. Motion carried (4 to 1): Mason, yes; Quillin, no; Cardamone, yesi Hogle, yes; Pillot, yes. BOOK 47 Page 19478 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. BOOK 47 Page 19479 04/14/00 12:00 P.M. 5. REMARKS OF NEWLY SELECTED VICE MAYOR (AGENDA ITEM V) #1 (1280) through (1324) Vice Mayor Hogle stated that the opportunity to serve as Vice Mayor is an honor; that Mayor Cardamone will be a difficult act to follow; that Mayor Cardamone has been the greatest emissary for the City observed in a long time and a model for the Commission; that the City's Goals and Objectives are supported; that the charrette which will be conducted to update the CRA Master Plan is eagerly anticipated; that public safety and reducing traffic congestion will continue to be encouraged as goals; that appreciation for the opportunity to serve as Vice Mayor is extended. 6. REMARKS OF OTHER COMMISSIONERS (AGENDA ITEM VI) #1 (1325) through (1479) Commissioner Quillin stated that the past year has been exciting; that meeting with constituents throughout the City has been enjoyable; that input from constituents has resulted in additional knowledge; that the Commission and community should work together; that everyone in the community should be represented; that the City is a community often called "Our Home Town"; that continuing with many projects making neighborhoods livable and proud places to call home is anticipated. Commissioner Mason stated that Commissioner Quillin's comments are echoed; that much public involvement has been observed over the past year which is very enjoyable; and the public's maintaining involvement and holding the Commission's feet to the fire as well as the Commission's holding the public's feet to the fire is anticipated. Commissioner Cardamone stated that thanks are extended for the comments and compliments; that serving as Mayor was enjoyed; that hearing comments from the public regarding the lifestyle the City provides has been a source of pride; that being involved with the public was fun; that although serving as Mayor was very time consuming, serving was pleasurable and an honor; that Mayor Pillot is wished much luck; and distributed to Mayor Pillot correspondence and invitations for the newly selected Mayor. Commissioner Cardamone stated that the public request is for Mayor Pillot to hit the ground running; that the hope is Mayor Pillot will enjoy the year as much as the previous year was personally enjoyed. Mayor Pillot asked if any other Mayor has never missed a meeting. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson stated that to his knowledge no other Mayor maintained a record of perfect attendance at meetings. 7. REMARKS OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS #1 (1480) through (1564) City Manager Sollenberger stated that on behalf of the Administration, appreciation is expressed to former Mayor, now Commissioner, Cardamone for the leadership exercised on behalf of the City; that Mayor Pillot and Vice Mayor Hogle are congratulated; that the Administration looks Eorward to working with the Commission toward the City's goals. City Auditor and Clerk Robinson stated that the citizens are very fortunate to have the Commission serving. City Attorney Taylor stated that having lunch with former Mayor, now Commissioner, Cardamone a few times during the past year was enjoyable; that having lunch with Mayor Pillot is anticipated; that the City Attorney's Office is eager to work with Mayor Pillot and Vice Mayor Hogle. 8. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM VII) #1 (1565) There being no further business, Mayor Pillot adjourned the Statutory meeting of April 14, 2000, at 12:45 p.m. LCA GENE M. PILLOT, MAYOR OTAN n E 7 Ro Be ROBINSON, CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK BOOK 47 Page 19480 04/14/00 12:00 P.M.