HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-2022 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work
Session on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 4:00 PM, in the City Commission Chambers, I"
Floor, City Hall, and 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
Present: Mayor Art Woodruff
Vice Mayor Patrick Austin
Commissioner Sheena R. Britton
Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr.
Commissioner Patty Mahany
City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr.
City Attorney William L. Colbert
Deputy City Clerk Cathy LoTempio
Absent: City Clerk, Traci Houchin
Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM.
1. Discussion re: St. Johns River Festival of the Arts.
Kim House and Liz Darwig from the St Johns River Festival of the Arts
Committee provided a brief summary of why the Committee is in need of assistance this
year. Ms. Darwig said last year the festival had over 65K people visit for the weekend
event. The Festival is a non-profit organization. This year the committee has $25K for
advertising. The committee estimates they reach over 2M people, showcasing Sanford as
a destination people want to come to. They teach classes for the after school programs
and the Boys and Girls Club. Ms. Darwig said when people come to the festival, there are
several people who come back to enjoy downtown. This event helps benefit all the local
businesses.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Britton asked if the amount the committee was asking the
Commission to donate is $10K, also if the City did not donate these funds would the
festival still occur. Ms. Darwig said yes they could. Commissioner Britton asked if the
committee received donations from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) this
year. Ms. Darwig said the CRA was voting on that this week.
Commissioner Mahany expressed the importance of this event and what it
does for the City. She said this is a premier cultural event for everyone to attend.
Kim House, thanked Commissioner Mahany for her support and said this
committee would be able to hold this event without a buy in from the City. She said this
event stimulates local tourism. Art festivals create cultural identity.
Commissioner Austin said it is time for the St. Johns River Festival of the
Arts event to become a signature event for the City of Sanford. He said the Public Arts
Commission should receive a budget this year and the Commission would add that into
discussions during the new budget meetings.
After additional discussions the Commission agreed to approve the $10K
in the Commission comments at tonight's meeting.
2. Discussion re: Redistricting City Commission Districts
Mayor Woodruff reviewed the list of pros and cons from the memo that
Mr. Bonaparte presented to the Commission he received through feedback from the
community. There were discussions on how the Commission should reflect the City as
whole not just an individual district. Mayor Woodruff asked Mike Jones, GIS Analyst, to
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
explain the differences in the six districts. He said with population shifts maintaining a
majority/minority district it is not possible. He said the City cannot predict what is going
to happen in the future. Mayor Woodruff said the neighborhoods would be more diverse.
Commissioner Britton said the majority of the Redistricting Committee
strongly recommended the City going to six districts and she is in favor of the six
districts.
Commissioner Wiggins said the residents from his district that come to
Commission meetings and his district meetings are in favor of keeping the four districts.
He said whatever decision is made would be for the residents and the residents need to
have the proper information. Commission Britton asked what is the reason the residents
want four districts. Commissioner Wiggins said going to six districts will take away
residents and make the districts smaller. Commission Britton said the Committee should
not have taken residents from District 1 to be moved to District 2.
Commissioner Britton asked what leadership said about keeping a
majority/minority district in 2010. Mayor Woodruff said he was not on the Commission
at that time, however the City Charter states there is to be majority/minority
representation.
Mayor Woodruff opened the Work Session to allow for public comments.
Each resident will have three minutes to speak and the public comments would end at
5:45 PM.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
Cobin McGee, resident, provided a history on Civil Service voting rights
and African American History in Sanford. He said the City is not there yet and
recommends six districts.
James Davis, resident said he disagrees with the Mayor regarding going to
six districts. He said when the projects shut down many residents relocated. The City
needs to maintain a majority/minority district.
Mario Hicks, resident, said it was unfair for the City to move the residents
of Washington Oaks into District 2. Mr. Hicks said he felt that Commissioner Wiggins
was more concerned on his campaign than the residents. Mayor Woodruff asked Mr.
Hicks to try to avoid personal attacks. Mr. Hicks recommended the City go to six
districts.
Starregina Lawrence, resident, said she feels District 2 is being properly
represented. She commended Commissioner Britton how she speaks up for the City and
not just her district. She expressed dissatisfaction towards the Mayor and a few
Commissioners. She said change has to be in the heart and not in color.
Reverend Lowman Oliver, resident, expressed how he is in favor of
maintaining the majority/minority districts by the City going to six districts so the
resident in that district have a voice.
Brenda Hartsfield, resident, asked the percentage of the black residents in
District 2. She expressed concern the City maintains the majority/minority and asked if
the projects were coming back to District 2.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
Kenneth Bentley, resident, thanked the Commission for allowing public
speaking at a Work Session. He said the residents are all here for the same thing and we
are here to agree to disagree as well. He has worked for several years on the City's
redistricting committee and it is always hard to create a majority/minority district. He
said the number of African American voters is low and District 2 lost the housing project.
He said redistricting is not an easy task. Mr. Bentley said he is in favor of the four
districts.
Henry Sweet, resident, said he appreciated working with the City on the
redistricting committees. The residents need to look at the data and see where the City
has grown. He said the goal of the committee is to ensure the majority/minority district.
The City has gone from 20K to 70K. This is not a three minute discussion.
Israel Black, resident, has one question regarding the Court Order
requiring Sanford be required to maintain a black District. Is the City still required to
maintain a majority/minority district and can he have the Court Order releasing the City
from the Final Judgment. He would like to pick up the copy.
Ebony Blake, resident, spoke in regards to a special event on tonight's
agenda. This item will be discussed at tonight's meeting.
Dan Ping, resident, said it has been a pleasure serving on the Redistricting
Committee. He stated he is reinforcing the City maintain a majority/minority district
Mayor Woodruff said there is still much more to discuss on this topic and
the Commission would be discussing in future work sessions.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 289 2022
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Austin asked for a timeline if the City agrees to move
forward with six districts.
Mr. Colbert, City Attorney, said the Charter already permits four to six
districts. He said an Ordinance would be required to be drawn up and a Resolution
completed by late 2023 or early 2024. The City would have to change Precincts and cards
for Districts 3, 4, 5 and 6 in 2024 and Districts 1, 2 and the Mayor in 2026. Mr. Colbert
said the Charter declares if there is a change between four and six districts, the current
office holders will be allowed to continue their term. He said an Ordinance can be
adopted and a date can be changed to outline the future, however this is a lengthy
process.
Mayor Woodruff explained this item will be discussed at the next work
session. The Ordinance requires two public hearings and will take a month after the
Commission agrees on a decision.
Mario Hicks said many people are leaving because they are confused.
3. Regular Meeting Items — additional information
4. Briefing Items
Mr. Bonaparte said he spoke with Vivian Bryant and said that Tamara
Johnson will come back as time permits. In addition he will provide an update of the
property behind the Westside Community Center at the next Commission Meeting.
5. City Manager Comments
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
Commission Britton asked to view the Social Media Policy of the Police
Department. She asked if the Commission would pay for the special event fee for the
upcoming Garden Tour event. Lisa Jones, Parks & Recreation Director, said she will
have the fees at tonight's meeting.
Mayor Woodruff said the Commission will have to discuss parameters for
sponsoring events at a future meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:07 PM.
Mayor Art Woodruff
Attest:
City Clerk
(CL)
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work
Session on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 4:00 PM, in the City Commission Chambers, 1St
Floor, City Hall, and 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
City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr.
City Attorney William L. Colbert
Deputy City Clerk Cathy LoTempio
Absent: City Clerk, Traci Houchin
Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM.
1. Discussion re: St. Johns River Festival of the Arts.
Kim House and Liz Darwig from the St Johns River Festival of the Arts
Committee provided a brief summary of why the Committee is in need of assistance this
year. Ms. Darwig said last year the festival had over 65K people visit for the weekend
event. The Festival is a non-profit organization. This year the committee has $25K for
advertising. The committee estimates they reach over 2M people, showcasing Sanford as
a destination people want to come to. They teach classes for the after school programs
and the Boys and Girls Club. Ms. Darwig said when people come to the festival, there are
several people who come back to enjoy downtown. This event helps benefit all the local
businesses.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Britton asked if the amount the committee was asking the
Commission to donate is $10K, also if the City did not donate these funds would the
festival still occur. Ms. Darwig said yes they could. Commissioner Britton asked if the
committee received donations from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) this
year. Ms. Darwig said the CRA was voting on that this week.
Commissioner Mahany expressed the importance of this event and what it
does for the City. She said this is a premier cultural event for everyone to attend.
Kim House, thanked Commissioner Mahany for her support and said this
committee would be able to hold this event without a buy in from the City. She said this
event stimulates local tourism. Art festivals create cultural identity.
Commissioner Austin said it is time for the St. Johns River Festival of the
Arts event to become a signature event for the City of Sanford. He said the Public Arts
Commission should receive a budget this year and the Commission would add that into
discussions during the new budget meetings.
After additional discussions the Commission agreed to approve the $10K
in the Commission comments at tonight's meeting.
2. Discussion re: Redistricting City Commission Districts
Mayor Woodruff reviewed the list of pros and cons from the memo that
Mr. Bonaparte presented to the Commission he received through feedback from the
community. There were discussions on how the Commission should reflect the City as
whole not just an individual district. Mayor Woodruff asked Mike Jones, GIS Analyst, to
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
explain the differences in the six districts. He said with population shifts maintaining a
majority/minority district it is not possible. He said the City cannot predict what is going
to happen in the future. Mayor Woodruff said the neighborhoods would be more diverse.
Commissioner Britton said the majority of the Redistricting Committee
strongly recommended the City going to six districts and she is in favor of the six
districts.
Commissioner Wiggins said the residents from his district that come to
Commission meetings and his district meetings are in favor of keeping the four districts.
He said whatever decision is made would be for the residents and the residents need to
have the proper information. Commission Britton asked what is the reason the residents
want four districts. Commissioner Wiggins said going to six districts will take away
residents and make the districts smaller. Commission Britton said the Committee should
not have taken residents from District 1 to be moved to District 2.
Commissioner Britton asked what leadership said about keeping a
majority/minority district in 2010. Mayor Woodruff said he was not on the Commission
at that time, however the City Charter states there is to be majority/minority
representation.
Mayor Woodruff opened the Work Session to allow for public comments.
Each resident will have three minutes to speak and the public comments would end at
5:45 PM.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 289 2022
WORK SESSION
Cabin McGee, resident, provided a history on Civil Service voting rights
and African American History in Sanford. He said the City is not there yet and
recommends six districts.
James Davis, resident said he disagrees with the Mayor regarding going to
six districts. He said when the projects shut down many residents relocated. The City
needs to maintain a majority/minority district.
Mario Hicks, resident, said it was unfair for the City to move the residents
of Washington Oaks into District 2. Mr. Hicks said he felt that Commissioner Wiggins
was more concerned on his campaign than the residents. Mayor Woodruff asked Mr.
Hicks to try to avoid personal attacks. Mr. Hicks recommended the City go to six
districts.
Starregina Lawrence, resident, said she feels District 2 is being properly
represented. She commended Commissioner Britton how she speaks up for the City and
not just her district. She expressed dissatisfaction towards the Mayor and a few
Commissioners. She said change has to be in the heart and not in color.
Reverend Lowman Oliver, resident, expressed how he is in favor of
maintaining the majority/minority districts by the City going to six districts so the
resident in that district have a voice.
Brenda Hartsfield, resident, asked the percentage of the black residents in
District 2. She expressed concern the City maintains the majority/minority and asked if
the projects were coming back to District 2.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 289 2022
WORK SESSION
Kenneth Bentley, resident, thanked the Commission for allowing public
speaking at a Work Session. He said the residents are all here for the same thing and we
are here to agree to disagree as well. He has worked for several years on the City's
redistricting committee and it is always hard to create a majority/minority district. He
said the number of African American voters is low and District 2 lost the housing project.
He said redistricting is not an easy task. Mr. Bentley said he is in favor of the four
districts.
Henry Sweet, resident, said he appreciated working with the City on the
redistricting committees. The residents need to look at the data and see where the City
has grown. He said the goal of the committee is to ensure the majority/minority district.
The City has gone from 20K to 70K. This is not a three minute discussion.
Israel Black, resident, has one question regarding the Court Order
requiring Sanford be required to maintain a black District. Is the City still required to
maintain a majority/minority district and can he have the Court Order releasing the City
from the Final Judgment. He would like to pick up the copy.
Ebony Blake, resident, spoke in regards to a special event on tonight's
agenda. This item will be discussed at tonight's meeting.
Dan Ping, resident, said it has been a pleasure serving on the Redistricting
Committee. He stated he is reinforcing the City maintain a majority/minority district
Mayor Woodruff said there is still much more to discuss on this topic and
the Commission would be discussing in future work sessions.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Austin asked for a timeline if the City agrees to move
forward with six districts.
Mr. Colbert, City Attorney, said the Charter already permits four to six
districts. He said an Ordinance would be required to be drawn up and a Resolution
completed by late 2023 or early 2024. The City would have to change Precincts and cards
for Districts 3, 4, 5 and 6 in 2024 and Districts 1, 2 and the Mayor in 2026. Mr. Colbert
said the Charter declares if there is a change between four and six districts, the current
office holders will be allowed to continue their term. He said an Ordinance can be
adopted and a date can be changed to outline the future, however this is a lengthy
process.
Mayor Woodruff explained this item will be discussed at the next work
session. The Ordinance requires two public hearings and will take a month after the
Commission agrees on a decision.
Mario Hicks said many people are leaving because they are confused.
3. Regular Meeting Items — additional information
4. Briefing Items
Mr. Bonaparte said he spoke with Vivian Bryant and said that Tamara
Johnson will come back as time permits. In addition he will provide an update of the
property behind the Westside Community Center at the next Commission Meeting.
5. City Manager Comments
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 28, 2022
WORK SESSION
Commission Britton asked to view the Social Media Policy of the Police
Department. She asked if the Commission would pay for the special event fee for the
upcoming Garden Tour event. Lisa Jones, Parks & Recreation Director, said she will
have the fees at tonight's meeting.
Mayor Woodruff said the Commission will have to discuss parameters for
sponsoring events at a future meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:07 PM.
Attest: