HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-2020 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 24, 2020
WORK SESSION
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work Session
on Monday, August 24, 2020, at 5:00 PM, in the City Commission Chambers, 1St Floor,
City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
Present: Mayor Art Woodruff
Vice Mayor Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr.
Commissioner Sheena R. Britton
Commissioner Patrick Austin
Commissioner Patty Mahany (Arrived at 5:07 PM)
City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr.
Assistance City Attorney, Lonnie Groot
City Clerk Traci Houchin
Deputy City Clerk Cathy LoTempio
Absent: City Attorney William L. Colbert
Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM.
1. Discussion re: September 21St Commission Work Session to develop Goals and
Objectives.
Mr. Bonaparte provided a briefing on how the Commission discussed their
goals and objectives from the past several years. He said that each Commissioner would
identify several items that they felt had a priority status. They would then provide that
information to the City Manager who compiled a list for further discussion. Commissioner
Britton said she has already submitted a list of eight (8) items to the City Manager and that
said she would like to see all eight items completed. Commissioner Mahany said she
thought this was going to be a meeting where they can talk openly about the items they
want. She said it is very frustrating because they cannot talk freely amongst each other
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WORK SESSION
outside a meeting. Mayor Woodruff said he likes taking 15-20 minutes at each work session
to discuss. After a brief discussion, the Commission agreed to have their lists submitted to
Mr. Bonaparte before the September 21, 2020 Work Session.
2. Discussion regarding the creation of the New Advisory Committee on Race,
Equality and Inclusion by Andrew Thomas. [Commission Memo 20-155]
Mr. Bonaparte said the original interest was when one person wanted to paint
Black Lives Matter on the street of Historic Goldsboro Boulevard. It then became a group
of people. Mr. Thomas said that by creating this advisory board, the City would be able to
come together and find out what the City can do in support of Black Lives Matter. He said
the board would evaluate ideas to lift up the community and educate the community on
racism, equality and inclusion. He said the leading cause of deaths in blacks is injustice,
racism and police brutality. He said the City should make sure those that need more get
more.
Commissioner Britton expressed frustration with the City having meetings to
meet. She said that the City should do something to make Black Lives Matter. She said
there is $1 M that needs to be spent and that money will show the residents how Black Lives
Matter. Commissioner Mahany offered to work with the Public Art Commission (PAC) to
arrange getting a mural done. She said they could do a call to artist so anyone can submit
a design. Commissioner Britton said she understands the reasoning about no painting on
the streets. She said she just wants to see something happen. Commissioner Wiggins said
he has been meeting with Mr. Thomas and his suggestion is to have an educational kiosk
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WORK SESSION
regarding Black Lives Matter including a history of Sanford in some of the parks.
Commissioner Britton said she does not feel the City needs to have another board as there
are two other boards that provide similar information and services to the residents, such as
`My Brother's Keeper and the CDBG Advisory Board'. She said Mr. Thomas would have
to oversee this board and that he already has enough going on. Commissioner Austin
suggested that the PAC meet with My Brother's Keeper in selecting a mural for Black
Lives Matter. Commissioner Britton wants to make sure it is a teaching moment by placing
a plaque along with the mural explaining what the mural represents.
There was a consensus among the Commission. They will not be moving
forward with the committee and staff will meet with My Brother's Keeper to get them to
move forward with plans. Most importantly, Commissioner Mahany (on behalf of City
Commission) will meet with the Public Art Commission to come up with something to
display as Public Art in the City of Sanford.
Chef Michael, Owner of the Corner Cafe, said the mural idea is genius. He
said when he first came to Sanford there was one person of color sitting at the dais and now
there are two Commissioners, a City Manager, and the Police Chief. He said that is a
teaching moment.
3. Regular Meeting Items — additional information
A. Initiate the zoning (or legislation) in progress rule to begin modifications to the
City's LDR's related to Schedules B, O, N and S. [Commission Memo 20-144.A]
(RM 6.A)
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 24, 2020
WORK SESSION
Mayor Woodruff asked if these modifications are going to be more
restrictive changes, or less. Amye King, Director of Planning, said the changes are going
to be more of a cleanup. She said the Planning Department is going to hold several
workshops. She said Planning would inform the Commission of the changes once
reviewed. Ms. King said this process would occur over the next six months. Lonnie Groot,
Assistant City Attorney, said six months is the maximum amount of time. This is an action
item on tonight's meeting.
B. Ordinance relating to Residency of City Board/ Commission Members and
Elimination of the DRT. [Commission Memo 20-147] (RM 7.13)
Mayor Woodruff said the term limits need to be revised on the existing
Ordinance. This is an action item on tonight's meeting.
4. Briefing Items
Andrew Thomas, Community and Neighborhood Engagement Director
gave an update on the progress of the Small Business Grant program. Mr. Thomas said the
City has presented ten checks. He said there are several other applications that required
more information from the applicant that staff is reviewing. Bob Turk, Economic
Development Director, said he is working on 51 total applications, which will expend the
entire $395,000. He said the staff found businesses not registered with the State of Florida,
which eliminates the applicant from the program. Commissioner Britton thanked City staff
for their work on the program.
5. City Manager Comments
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AUGUST 24, 2020
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Wiggins thanked Bilal Iftikhar, Director of Public Works
and Utilities and his staff for all of their assistance with cleanup efforts after this past
weekend's storm.
Commissioner Britton also thanked the Public Works Department for their
assistance after the storm came through. She thanked Lisa Jones, Parks and Recreation
Director and her staff for making her first event a success. She expressed gratitude towards
Mr. Thomas and Mr. Turk.
Mr. Bonaparte congratulated Commissioner Austin and Commissioner
Mahany on their re-election. He said the swearing in will be in December.
Commissioner Wiggins wanted the following cominent to be on record. He
said the school busses were not lemons. The Mayor and Commissions were able to get on
the busses that had nice seats and air conditioning.
Commissioner Mahany suggested that the City could use the school busses
for the Citizen's Academy.
Mayor Woodruff said he needed to address a few things on the Mayor's
Board appointments. He asked if someone would cover the Central Florida Regional
Commission on Homelessness, Wednesday at 1:00PM. Commissioner Britton said she
would cover the meeting for him. Mayor Woodruff said Commissioner Britton would be
assigned to the CSBG Board. He said the remaining board appointments can be discussed
at a Work Session or the September 28, 2020 City Commission Meeting. Mayor Woodruff
discussed traffic calming concerns from the residents. He said he knows that the traffic
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 24, 2020
WORK SESSION
counters do not always show a road qualifies for speed tables. However, he said when the
Commission continues to receive calls regarding roads have cars speeding through the
neighborhood all the time, there has to be something that can be done. He said 11"' Street
and Drew Avenue really need to have speed tables. Mr. Iftikhar said Drew Avenue speed
tables would be completed this fiscal year. He said staff is working on conceptual plans for
I It" Street to include additional stop signs, striping and maybe some speed tables in next
fiscal year. Commissioner Wiggins asked about the tractor -trailers turning around in the
Preserves. Mr. Iftikhar said, unfortunately, there is nothing the City can do for people
ignoring all the Road Closed signs and then have to turn around in the Preserves sub-
division. He said the contractor has offered to repair damages caused by these vehicles.
Mr. Iftikhar said the City has offered to assist with the repairs. Commissioner Mahany said
she has received calls regarding residents driving over the new round abouts.
Commissioner Austin said they are not finished with the project. He said there would be
planters and curbs when completed.
There being no further business, the meeting adj9prned aty6:27 PM.
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