October 22, 2024

09:00 a.m.

Financial Planning Procurement Operations Manager Jennifer Slusarz

Daniel P. Bowen, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army

Michelle Puzzie, Lydia Hawley, Feedana Dorceus, William Dobrow, and Allison Euker commented on a proposed election integrity resolution. (See Item 47 later this meeting.) Chris Johnson commented on long term recovery efforts regarding recent storms. Kevin Cooper commented on the Early Learning Coalition. (See Item 41 later this meeting.)

09:47 a.m. Board Action:  Approved Items 2-27, as follows. Moved by Cutsinger, seconded by Smith, carried by a 5-0 vote.

A.

Veteran’s Day;

B.

National Energy Awareness Month;

C.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month;

D.

Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month;

E.

Fire Prevention Week;

F.

Florida Native Plant Month;

G.

National Planning Month;

H.

American Archives Month.

A.

Appointed Cindy Emshoff to fill an unexpired three-year term on the Community Action Agency Board as the City of Sarasota Representative, effective through October 2026;

B.

Appointed Tara Maffei to serve a three-year term on the Community Action Agency Board as a Major Group/Interest Representative in the Community, effective through October 2027.

A.

Declared the identified personal property as surplus property, authorized the disposal of the surplus property, and to move the surplus property to a disposed of status;

B.

Declared the identified tangible personal property as under-threshold property and move the under-threshold property to a disposed of status.

A.

Adopted Resolution No. 2024-196, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program (Resolution No. 2024-145) to add Pinecraft Park Improvements as Project No. 94706;

B.

Adopted Resolution No. 2024-197, Budget Amendment No. B2025-003, amending the Fiscal Year 2025 to appropriate funding for the new Pinecraft Park Improvements Project as part of the Capital Improvement Program, Project No. 94706, in the amount of $1,782,915.00.

A.

Adopted Resolution No. 2024-199, approving Contract No. 2025-024, the sale of County properties previously declared surplus, located at Euclid Avenue, Sarasota, being Parcel Identification Numbers 0043100057 and 0043100058, in the amount of $16,550.00 to Bradford Baker, Trustee, Bristol Edward Rudolf Revocable Trust dated May 1, 1986, and authorizing the County Administrator, or Designee, to execute all documents necessary to complete the transaction;

B.

Adopted Resolution No. 2024-200, approving the sale of County properties previously declared surplus, located at Euclid Avenue, Sarasota, being Parcel Identification Numbers 0043100057 and 0043100058, in the amount of $15,000.00 to Martha and Fidencio Ibarra in the event the sale to Bradford Baker, Trustee, Bristol Edward Rudolf Revocable Trust dated May 1, 1986, does not close in accordance with the terms of the Contract, and authorizing the County Administrator, or Designee, to execute all documents necessary to complete the transaction.

A.

Approved Contract No. 2025-026, an Interlocal Agreement with the City of North Port and the City of Sarasota for the distribution of the six-cent per gallon Local Option Fuel Tax revenue, effective September 1, 2024;

B.

Approved Contract No. 2025-027, an Interlocal Agreement with the City of North Port and the City of Sarasota for the distribution of the five-cent per gallon Local Option Fuel Tax revenue, effective September 1, 2024.

A.

Approved and authorized the County Administrator, or Designee, to execute a Construction Contract with Halfacre Construction Company, for the roundabout at Palmer Boulevard and Apex Road, in an amount not to exceed $8,127,735.40;

B.

Approved and authorized the County Administrator, or Designee, to execute an Agreement for construction engineering and inspection services with Stanley Consultants, Inc., for the roundabout at Palmer Boulevard and Apex Road, in an amount not to exceed $880,016.61.

A.

Sitting as the Sarasota County Health Facilities Authority (SCHFA) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-203, authorizing the issuance of its Health Care Facilities Revenue Note (Plymouth Harbor Project), Series 2024 (the "Note"), in a principal amount not to exceed $17,000,000.00 in order to finance or refinance the cost of the acquisition, construction and equipping of a health care facility for Plymouth Harbor Incorporated (the "Borrower"), and providing for other matters and costs; and, authorizing the execution and delivery of a Financing Agreement among the Authority, the Borrower and The Northern Trust Company and other details;

B.

Sitting as the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners Adopted Resolution No. 2024-204, for purposes of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approving the issuance by the Authority of the Note in a principal amount not to exceed $17,000,000.00 to finance or refinance certain improvements to the facilities of Plymouth Harbor Incorporated and providing for other matters and costs.

Chair Moran recessed the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and convened as the SCHFA.

09:49 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-203, authorizing the issuance of its Health Care Facilities Revenue Note, Series 2024. Moved by Smith, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

Chair Moran recessed the SCHFA and reconvened as the BCC.

09:50 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-204, for the purposes of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Moved by Smith, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

Chair Moran passed the gavel to Commissioner Neunder.

09:59 a.m. Board Action:  Approved a five percent salary increase for the County Administrator.  Moved by Moran, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

09:59 a.m. Board Action:  Approved a five percent salary increase for the County Attorney.  Moved by Moran, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

Commissioner Neunder passed the gavel to Chair Moran.

A.

The Board considered the appointment of two individuals to fill expired three-year terms on the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council as Real Estate or Business Interests Representatives, effective through October 2027;

B.

The Board considered the appointment of one individual to fill an expired three-year term on the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council as an Environmental Interests Representative, effective through October 2027.

10:01 a.m. Board Action:  Nominated Elsie Souza and Les Nichols, to serve a three-year term on the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council as Real Estate or Business Interests Representatives. Nominated by Cutsinger, without objection.

10:00 a.m. Board Action:  Noted no objection by Chair Moran to appoint Elsie Souza and Les Nichols to serve a three-year term on the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council as Real Estate or Business Interests Representatives.

10:01 a.m. Board Action:  Nominated Matt Scarbrough, to serve a three-year term on the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council  as an Environmental Interests Representative. Nominated by Cutsinger, without objection.

10:01 a.m. Board Action: Noted no objection by Chair Moran to appoint Matt Scarbrough, to serve a three-year term on the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council as an Environmental Interests Representative.

10:02 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:02 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-205. Moved by Smith, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:03 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:03 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Ordinance No. 2024-036. Moved by Smith, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:03 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:03 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-206. Moved by Smith, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:05 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:05 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-207. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Neunder, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:05 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:06 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-208 Moved by Rainford, seconded by Neunder, carried by a 5-0 vote.

Staff Presenter:  Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler

10:11 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:11 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Ordinance No. 2024-065. Moved by Smith, seconded by Neunder, carried by a 5-0 vote.

A.

(Not a public hearing.) The Board considered a proposed Resolution amending the Sarasota County Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program Resolution No. 2024-145 to add the Skye Ranch School - Athletic Facilities Enhancements as Project No. 93129;

B.

Public hearing to consider a proposed Resolution, Budget Amendment No. B2025-002, amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to appropriate funding to Capital Improvement Program Project No. 93129 for Skye Ranch School - Athletic Facilities Enhancements ($1,500,000.00) and Operating Impacts ($63,563.00) in the amount of $1,563,563.00;

C.

(Not a Public hearing.) The Board considered to approve an Interlocal Agreement with the School Board of Sarasota County for the construction and use of a lighted multi-purpose field and supporting facilities to be constructed at Skye Ranch School in the amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00.

10:12 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:13 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-209, amending the Sarasota County Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program. Moved by Cutsinger, seconded by Rainford, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:13 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-210, Budget Amendment No. B2025-002. Moved by Cutsinger, seconded by Rainford, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:13 a.m. Board Action:  Approved Contract No. 2025-030, an Interlocal Agreement with the School Board of Sarasota County. Moved by Cutsinger, seconded by Rainford, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:14 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:14 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-211. Moved by Smith, seconded by Rainford, carried by a 5-0 vote.

Item submitted:  A copy of an email.

10:15 a.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearing. Closed by Moran, without objection.

10:15 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Ordinance No. 2024-064. Moved by Smith, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

A.

The Board considered a presentation of the quarterly update on the 2024 Policy Agenda;

B.

The Board considered a proposed Resolution relating to declaration of disaster area, authorizing disaster debris collection and disposal services on private roads and within gated communities, as well as condominiums, mobile home parks or manufactured home communities, located within the declared disaster area;

C.

The Board considered a proposed Resolution to ratify the temporary suspension of certain permit fees for work to repair documented damage from Hurricane Milton and extend the suspension through May 22, 2025;

D.

The Board considered the Early Learning Coalition Funding Options.

Staff Presenters:  Assistant County Administrator Mark Cunningham, Assistant County Administrator Brad Johnson, and Deputy County Administrator Steve Botelho

Public Presenter:  Kevin Cooper

Item Submitted:  A copy of a document entitled "Fast Facts: Hurricane Milton Community Response"

10:28 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-212, relating to declaration of disaster area. Moved by Cutsinger, seconded by Rainford, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:28 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-213, to ratify the temporary suspension of certain permit fees for work to repair documented damage from Hurricane Milton. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 5-0 vote.

10:31 a.m. Board Action:  Approved a $300,000.00 funding request for the Early Learning Coalition.  Moved by Neunder, seconded by Smith, carried by a 3-2 vote; Moran and Rainford voted "No."

(See Item 1 earlier this meeting.)

11:22 a.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-214. Moved by Smith, seconded by Neunder, carried by a 5-0 vote.

11:23 a.m. Board Action:  Approved a conflict of interest waiver for Holland and Knight, LLC. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Smith, carried by a 5-0 vote.

Commr. Smith commented on the workshop to review the County storm water evaluation.

Commr. Rainford commented on the Fruitville Road interchange.

Commr. Neunder commented on his appreciation for County staff and the School Board during the recent storms.

Commr. Cutsinger commented on his appreciation for County staff during the recent storms.

Commr. Moran commented on his appreciation for the Sarasota County School Board and Florida Power and Light during the recent storms.

11:37 a.m. Board Action:  Requested that the County Attorney review the proposed free and fair elections resolution presented during open to the public for conflicts of law and state statute and bring back to The Board for discussion. Requested by Moran, without objection.

(See Item 1 earlier this meeting.)

A.

The Board considered to approve the recommended eligibility and scoring criteria for the Resilient Sarasota (SRQ) Voluntary Buyout Program.

B.

The Board considered the request for reallocation of CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program) funds for Ekos at Arbor Park II application from construction to property acquisition.

Staff Presenters: Office of Financial Management Program Management Division Manager Steve Hyatt, County Attorney Joshua Moye, and County Administrator Jonathan Lewis

Public Presenters:  John Wiseman and William Russell

11:55 a.m. Board Action:  Approved the recommended eligibility and scoring criteria for the Resilient SRQ Voluntary Buyout Program. Moved by Cutsinger, seconded by Smith, carried by a 5-0 vote.

12:07 p.m. Board Action:  Approved the reallocation of funds from construction to property acquisition, to include a Subrecipient Agreement. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 4-1 vote; Smith voted "No."

A.

The Board considered a Presentation on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program and obligation of funds by U.S. Treasury deadline of December 31, 2024;

B.

The Board considered policy direction regarding the program funding awarded to the Sarasota Housing Authority’s Lofts on Lemon II and Central Gardens affordable housing projects.

Staff Presenters:  Office of Financial Management Program Management Division Manager Steve Hyatt and County Administrator Jonathan Lewis

12:33 p.m. Board Action:  Approved extension of the deadline from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026, to expend the funds. Moved by Cutsinger, seconded by Rainford, carried by a 5-0 vote.

12:47 p.m. Board Action:  Approved allocating $8,800,000.00 unused ARPA funds to the Venice Gardens Advanced Waste Water Treatment Facility, and if the funds cannot be expended in the necessary time period it will be brought back to the Board for reallocation.  Moved by Rainford, seconded by Neunder, carried by a 5-0 vote.

A.

Public hearing to consider proposed Ordinance No. 2024-061, approving Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2022-04 for property located at 0 N. Shade Avenue, Sarasota, to change Future Land Use designation of approximately 2.26 acres from LDR (Low Density Residential) to LTOFF (Light Office);

B.

Public hearing to consider the proposed Ordinance No. 2024-062, approving Critical Area Plan Amendment No. 92-01-SP-W-2022 (The University Parkway Corridor Plan - West) for property located at 0 N. Shade Avenue, Sarasota, to amend the boundary of University Parkway Corridor Plan - West Figure 2A Future Land Use Plan Map to include the approximate 2.26-acre parcel of Light Office into the plan;

C.

(Not a public hearing.) Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) to find Ordinance No. 2024-062 to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; (Must be done prior to the adoption of B).

D.

Public hearing to consider proposed Ordinance No. 2024-063, approving Rezone Petition No. 22-13 for property located at 2390 and 2400 University Parkway and 0 N. Shade Avenue, Sarasota, to rezone approximately 6.17 acres from OPI/PD (Light Office, Professional, and Institutional/Planned District) with stipulations and RE-1 (Residential, Estate, 1 unit/2 acres) to OPI/PD with amended stipulations;

E.

Public hearing to consider an appeal to remove a Grand Tree, pursuant to Section 54-586(2)(c). (Must be done prior to the adoption of D).

Staff Presenters:  Planning and Development Services Planner Keaton Osborn, Natural Resources Environmental Specialist Bryan Beard, Public Works Transportation Mobility Senior Technical Specialist Kwamena Sankah, and County Attorney Joshua Moye

Public Presenters:  Todd Mathes, Phillip DeMaria, Clint Caffle, Wally O'Connor, Tom Bolt, Jed Wolfson, Pam Bournival, Tim Lynch, and Loretta Merrill

Items Submitted:  Copy of an email, and copies of photographs

02:49 p.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearings. Closed by Moran, without objection.

Chair Moran recessed the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and convened as the LDRC.

02:51 p.m. Board Action:  Moved to find proposed Ordinance No. 2024-062 to be consistent with the Comprehension Plan. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger.

3:03 p.m. Board Action:  Noted Board consensus by Moran to withdraw the previous motion.

03:04 p.m. Board Action:  Reopened the public hearings. Reopened by Moran, without objection.

03:09 p.m. Board Action:  Closed the public hearings. Closed by Moran, without objection.

03:09 p.m. Board Action:  Found proposed Ordinance No. 2024-062 to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 4-1 vote; Smith voted "No."

Chair Moran adjourned the LDRC and reconvened as the BCC.

03:10 p.m. Board Action:  Adopted Ordinance No. 2024-061, approving Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2022-04. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 4-1 vote; Smith voted "No."

03:10 p.m. Board Action:  Adopted Ordinance No. 2024-062, approving Critical Area Plan Amendment No. 92-01-SP-W-2022. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 4-1 vote; Smith voted "No."

03:10 p.m. Board Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 2024-215, an appeal to remove a Grand Tree. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 4-1 vote; Smith voted "No."

03:10 p.m. Board Action:  Adopted Ordinance No. 2024-063, approving Rezone Petition No. 22-13. Moved by Rainford, seconded by Cutsinger, carried by a 4-1 vote; Smith voted "No."