--------- everyone and welcome to the Bradenton City Council meeting Wednesday, April 22nd, 8:30 a.m. in City Hall Council Chambers and as always, we will have our prayer and our pledge and we're bringing up from Kingdom Life Church Christian Church,
Pastor Don Steriano. Good morning. Would you stand, please? >> Please stand. >> everyone. As we're recognizing Police Week, my prayer will be uh focused on our wonderful officers that serve and protect. So, would you bow your heads, please?
Father of heaven and earth, I lift up our valiant law enforcement officers before you now. I ask that you and all of heaven would take notice and honor this prayer for these who have vowed to dedicate their lives to serve and protect your children on the earth whom you dearly love.
I pray that your mighty hand and your outstretched arm would go before them in the battle of justice, anointing them to be your ambassadors of divine order so to foil the deeds of those who plot evil. I ask of your Holy Spirit to envelop each of them with the peace of Christ
that transcends understanding, guiding them with the wisdom of Solomon as they guard the citizens of our nation and this friendly city. Grant them the courage and strength of King David to defeat the Goliaths of wrongdoing and impart in them the loving-kindness of David the Shepherd to serve with
compassion and a gentle hand, discerning when to be a lion and when to be a lamb that they may serve with the heart of the king and lead with the heart of a servant. As they continue to deploy to their unselfish assignments, I declare Isaiah
54:17 over them all that no warm weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgment shall be condemned. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is from me, says the Lord. I pray that you would
bless our city leaders as they govern the needs and the affairs of our city in these proceedings in this meeting today and it's in Jesus' name I pray and everyone said, "Amen." Amen. All right, please join us in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Thank you, Pastor Don. >> [snorts]
>> All right, we'll call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk. The first item on the agenda is a proclamation for Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. Good morning. Good morning, Mayor, City Council. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this.
Whereas the Congress and President of the United States have designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week and whereas the members of Florida law enforcement agencies play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and
freedoms of our citizens and whereas it is essential that all Florida citizens know and understand the problems, duties, and responsibilities of their police department and that members of our police department recognize their unwavering commitment to serve the people by safeguarding life
and property by protecting them against violence and or disorder and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation. And whereas it is appropriate to commemorate police officers past and present who have dedicated their service
to their communities and demonstrated utmost courage in preserving the rights and security of all citizens. And whereas on May 15th, we honor all peace officers who through their courageous deeds have lost their lives or have become disabled in the
performance of duty. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Gene Brown, as Mayor of the City of Bradenton, Florida, do hereby proclaim May 15th, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 10th through 16th, 2026 as Police Week and encourage all
citizens to participate in activities honoring our police and peace officers. Thank you and who do we have accepting this award? >> Uh I'm accepting on behalf of Chief Kramer. Who is >> and all of everybody in the audience. >> Everybody in the room here today. If
everybody would come forward, please. >> [applause] >> Any You have to tell them twice. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. And the middle will be a little contorted. You want your box? >> [laughter] >> I mean, you need the box for this one.
The mini box. I'm not sure. >> [laughter] >> We're going to have to squeeze in and turn it in an angle. 45° angle. >> 45° angle. Some of y'all never took geography. And usually I'm on
>> [laughter] >> I'm always going to pick this Nobody blink. I'm kidding. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you very much, Chief, and uh obviously we love our Bradenton Police Department and are glad to be able to to have our own
and work through things. Madam Clerk. Our next proclamation is Salvation Army Week, May 11th through the 16th, 2026. Whereas for more than 103 years, the Salvation Army Army has faithfully walked alongside the people of Bradenton
serving not just physical needs, but restoring hope, dignity, and spiritual strength to individuals and families in their most difficult moments. And whereas the Salvation Army stands on the front lines wherever the need is greatest responding in times of crisis
and uncertainty to those facing homelessness, hunger, addiction, and emotional or spiritual hardship, ensuring that no one in our community must struggle alone. And whereas the Salvation Army calls upon the citizens of Bradenton to
continue to answer the call with faith and love to step forward with compassion, generosity, and purpose to help us expand life-changing programs that meet urgent needs and create lasting impact in our community.
And whereas Salvation Army Week provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the power of philanthropy, volunteerism, and community partnership that continues to strengthen the City of Bradenton and uplift our most vulnerable
neighbors. And whereas the week serves as a powerful reminder that each of us has a role to play and that though dry I'm sorry, that though giving our time, resources, and hearts, we can come together to bring hope, healing, and transformation to
those who need it most during these most challenging times. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Gene Brown, as Mayor of the City of Bradenton, Bradenton, Florida, do hereby proclaim May 11th through the 16th, 2026 as Salvation Army Week in Bradenton and
urge all citizens to give back to the community in any way that is personally meaningful. Signed, Gene Brown, Mayor. Thank you. And I know we have some people here to come forward, all the Salvation Army family. Good morning. Good morning, sir.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to come today. With the your help, we have been working very hard in this city for over 100 years and we continue to tell you that we'll be here for another 100 years. As long as the need
is there, we'll continue to fight. So, thank you so much. This uh week that you've given to us the to be able to proclaim uh the gospel and to proclaim the the work of the Salvation Army and continue it here. We can't do it without all of you. So, thank you so much, and we accept this
this morning and we'll display it in a place of prominence and tell everyone as they come in that we will still be here and continue, and you can count on us. Thank you. Good. Well, I'll just start out by thanking you and your team, obviously,
for all the time that in our city, we're doing a lot of things around our city that some people at times think they're they're not seeing something, but with the opportunity that we have to help those that need us the most, whether it's the homeless or other
opportunities to to help people that are either having some mental issues, drug issues, different things. But, with the collaboration with the county through Fresh Start Manatee that will hopefully be opening up soon. Yes. The Under One
Roof that's opened for the women Yes. and then also the collaboration with Salvation Army turning into a family shelter Yes, sir. that will be something that is County gets a lot of press on it. We're glad for that, but they're the big brother in the in the room, and we're glad to be working through that.
And I think when we see the comments on Facebook that we're not doing anything or the social media and that, we are doing stuff as a team and it takes Salvation Army, and we appreciate what you're doing to really work the model into making our
city the city the friendly city as well as the the next generation of how we help people. So, We appreciate your leadership in that, and you got a great team behind you. I do, sir. Thank you. The past teams have been unbelievable to continue that to to make it better in downtown Bradenton, but in the lives of
people that need us the most at that time. Thank you, sir. We will We will continue to strive to do the most good and uh we invite all of you to come behind the red shield with us Yes. to be able to see those things that you were talking about. And we we I guess I
should say I challenge you to come Come. and and be with us. So, tell us about a big item that's coming in hopefully soon and going to be working. Well, I'm glad you mentioned that up. Uh if you remember when the storms came through a couple of years ago, when it hit us, we lost all of our power and we had to take
everyone that was in our our social love social media I'm sorry social service areas and move them into to county shelters. Paul Fowler is here with me, and Paul is the director of our social our our social services and it was on his responsibility that
the the shoulders that that landed on, we had to move all of these folks out, and of course, when the power came back on in other places, well, they brought everybody back down, and we were out for about 4 days with no power. The mayor contacted us and the city council with your backing, we're able to
put now a generator that should be on the ground very quickly. Uh it's been a lot of red tape because of power our gas lines that have to be run and everything else, but we thank you. That generator will be up and running and we will not lose power down there and be able to continue
our services if and again, if we're hit by such a storm as what we had when Milton came through. And and that was came through as we all know up here, but the public came through CDBG monies that was available, and Vicky White and her crew did a great
job at working through it, and takes a little longer at times than we always hope, but now I know I know that we're just waiting for the generator to get there. We're just waiting for it to get there. Pam Pam Burton, who is our our contracts person, has been working very quickly and very hard with your people down here, and Vicky's been
doing a great job. Good. Well, thank you very much, and congratulations. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> Let's >> [applause] >> Let's get a picture. You guys stand there, and we'll stand up behind you. Okay, that sounds good. >> Come on, guys. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, folks. Have a great day.
Thank you. Yep, good doing good. See you soon. Appreciate it. Thank you. All right. Madam Clerk, I'll take this one. We're going to read another proclamation and it kind of plays into a lot of things that will come up very shortly.
But, um it's a proclamation for Small Business Week, which is May 3rd through 9th that kind of missed the deadline to get on the agenda, but I'm going to take it executive privilege here and read it, the proclamation that we're going to do, and we'll have our chamber members come up, and I think when we have come up, if
you're and I see a lot of people out there that may be here for something else, but also very active past chairmans of the chamber and that, we will ask you to come up and get in the picture as well if you're on the chamber board, so. Um whereas small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating
jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to the unique character of our community. Whereas small business play a vital role in strengthening the economic health and resilience of the City of Bradenton by supporting local families, generating tax revenue, and fostering
entrepreneurship. Whereas the dedication, creativity, and perseverance of small business owners and their families, excuse me, and their employees contribute to a vibrant and thriving business environment. Whereas small businesses enhances
quality of life in our community by providing essential goods and services, supporting local initiatives, and investing in the neighborhoods they serve. Whereas the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Bradenton plays a critical role in supporting, advocating for, and
promoting small businesses throughout the region. Whereas the City of Bradenton is proud to recognize the contributions of small businesses and encourages residents to support local establishments during this special week and throughout the year. Now, therefore, it be resolved that I,
Gene Brown, as mayor of the City of Bradenton, do hereby proclaim May 3rd through 9th, 2026 as Small Business Week, and urge all citizens to recognize the critical role small businesses play in our community and to support them by shopping locally and engaging with local
entrepreneurs. Thank you, and congratulations for our chamber mem- chamber staff that's there. Others on the chamber board or that, please come forward as well. Mr. Chapman. I think you're on that through our
school board, not to call you out, but um but anybody that's on that board, come up. Yep, and see Dr. Price out there, and others coming up. Um well, I'll start out by saying one of
the things that I think is so important as we look through and I go to a lot of ribbon cuttings, whether they're in the city or the county, because we are one community, even though we have some boundaries with with what we do. One of the things that is so
proud moments when you're out there is looking at how exciting people are. And we had it Jackie yesterday at the Kiwanis luncheon to give her talk, and we're the largest chamber in this region because by membership and and majority
of our members are five employees or less. So, you know, we have a lot of small businesses that are out there, but sometimes we grow into bigger businesses. But, when you talk about what we can do to help individuals that are five employees or under that might not survive if they didn't have the
chamber's help and the collaboration that we have. And when you look out at what we can do in the City of Bradenton our urban core is thriving at a point now, but I think we're going to be able to even grow that with other help out there with through our EDCs,
through other memberships, chamber memberships and that, and I'm just so proud at this moment to not only serve on that board as a liaison for the city, but also to be a sponsor of the chamber, as you look at when when you look at what you give back to a community, it's
what they give back to you as a small business and as a community. And as big as Bradenton and Manatee County is getting we're still a small community. And when you look in our core, that is what we're thriving up here, so. We That's why took that executive privilege to get this on,
and I thought it was important to wait till May, it would have already been kind of going on or over, but um thank you, and we appreciate what the chamber does. And as I say, when I get to talk at the ribbon cuttings, we have the best chamber in the world. Five-time Florida Chamber of the Year
uh National Chamber of the Year and uh I may be right or wrong on this, but I think they changed the rules in Florida because of us. Because we won it 4 years in a row, and we probably would have kept winning it. And so, they said, well, you can only
win it now once every 5 years. Well, as soon as the four times in a row, as soon as the 5 years came around, we were right up there. So, we were the first one to win it that was a repeat winner over 5 years. So, you know, Jackie goes, well, I don't know if that's totally true. I believe that. I'm going to the grave with that, but
And I believe we're eligible next year. >> Yeah, so we're back into the 5 year again. But, congratulations, and thank you. Got something? Yeah, I just want to um thank you for taking that executive privilege and to the City of Bradenton for proclaiming Small Business Week and
for their ongoing partnership in supporting our local business community. This recognition, which is a shared commitment to the entrepreneurship and small businesses that drive our local economy and shape the character of our community. Through strong collaboration between the
city and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, we are able to create meaningful opportunities, amplify the voices of those businesses, the community, and continue building a vibrant and resilient local economy together. So, grateful that again, when
you go when you're part of the chamber, you know, it's just you can't go anywhere without having your your support. And of course, came here and we have all that. So, I don't know if Stu, if you want to say anything as immediate past chair or anyone else, but uh I want to thank you
for your sponsorship over the years and contributions and connecting us to the city. So, we're grateful for that. Yes. Thank you. Yep. We appreciate it. Let's get a picture. >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Madam Clerk. Uh Mr. Mayor, I'd like to
just we have a gentleman in the audience that we would like to recognize for some years of service. He's retiring with the city. I know. Um I'm going to have Director Lee come up. Yes, sir. >> And he'll take it from there. >> [laughter] >> Looks like he's excited.
It's a good thing. Good morning, Mayor. Good morning. Morning. Morning, Mr. Mayor. Good morning. Perry. Morning. Mr. Jones. Would I I just wanted to take a moment uh uh obviously, Greg uh will probably tell you that March 8th,
2001 was a momentous date for him uh because that was the date that he started with the city of Bradenton. And now he's he's on the the verge of of completing his tenure with
us over with over 25 years of service. So, we we didn't want to let him get away without first of all uh just giving him the opportunity to to be recognized. What what he does, if you all are not aware of it, is is not something that's
glamorous and you know deserving of of or typically uh seeing recognition. But it it is at the foundation of what public works and utilities is all about. The infrastructure systems, you know, in in
in in wastewater are are literally we we could not function without them. Um Greg has been the backbone of of that operation uh for 25 years. And we didn't want to let him get away without uh
allowing him to to have a moment just to to uh uh if you want to say something. >> He's a man of few words. >> I was going to say. We want to give you the opportunity to Well, the only thing I want to say I want to thank you guys for giving me
that opportunity in March of 2001. Mr. Barnaby, you was here. Thank you guys that helped you y'all was here. Uh it's been a pleasure working with a lot of you. I ain't going to say everybody, but most of you. [laughter] Yeah, it's been a pleasure. Uh
and uh I really enjoyed working serving the citizens of Bradenton. Uh you know, I I put my all into it all these years, you know, to try to please the residents. Sometimes I did things I shouldn't have
did, you know, by helping them out. But you know, if you if you find a elderly lady, you know, and she can't you know, she can't do it, you know, I went a little further up on the property. I know I shouldn't have did it, but it was just in my heart to do it. Uh but like I say, thank you guys. Okay.
And I'll say that whenever we were having all the fun through the storms and everything else going on, anytime I came up to an area and I saw you there, I knew two things was going to get taken care of, no matter what. Some of the things that you said, but also that the
scene was going to be controlled and calm because of your demeanor. So, a lot of times we don't see as much of that day-to-day. 24, we saw a lot of that and I just appreciate all that you've done and and uh Godspeed for the rest of your life and
enjoy. Maybe not uh so much excitement at times, but thank you for what you've done for our city and made it the friendly city. Yes, sir. And that's important, so. Thank you. All right, Mr. Barnaby. Thank you for your dedication to our citizens. We knew that if you were on
the scene, it was taken care of. Yes, ma'am. And we appreciate that very much. Mr. Perry. Just briefly, I want to say thank you to Greg for the last 5 years working with you. Greg was probably the person I saw out on the streets when I wasn't on duty and he wasn't supposed to
be on duty either. After hours, it would be a sad day. I would buy buy buy GT Bray, I remember one time and here he is with the shovel, small crew trying to address some issues east side, same kind of thing, just always there. Kind of
bought in the whole friendly city thing from the past and and taught his folks right. You know, Phil Campbell worked under his tutelage and and whenever I would have management discussions with them, I always felt comfortable that they were representing the true interest
of the city to be service orientated and and and reflect that, let the citizens know. Great ambassador, great technician, great human uh resource kind of manager of his folks in his his unit and and you did it right, man. You really did. And and I know the
work that you did is thankless and and I know that it's also the kind of work that really matters. Thank you. We appreciate it. >> [applause] >> Greg. >> [laughter] >> I got a picture. Thanks, sir. Memorialized. You almost made it out.
Herb, stand with him. Yeah, Lance, why don't you get down there with him? Moving moving briskly. Knees to chest, knees to chest. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. Thanks, Greg. >> [applause] >> Madam Clerk. We do not have any
presentations scheduled this morning. All right. At this time, we'll go to citizen comment. Citizen comment will be accepted during the citizen comment portion of the meeting on any non-agenda item, agenda item, future agenda item, or topic of relevance to the city. Comments will be accepted on the public
hearings at the appropriate time. So, at this time I have several cards. Um One of them is is specific to one topic that could come up, so I'll call up Pat Simmons at this time. If you please state your name, you have 3 minutes. The others will probably do at
the appropriate time when that item comes up, so it be right after this. So, good morning, Ms. Simmons. Let me show you my shirt. Bradenton uh
Um Pat Simmons, Manatee County. Um this came across my desk on the 20th and I think it's something that you probably already know about,
but they don't. Um it came to me [laughter] from the American Council for the Blind and it's called the interim final rule order.
And it did like web mobile accessibility requirements for the state and local governments under title two of the ADA. And
depending on the size of um the entity, it could be a year delay or could be a 2-year delay, which uh paper sounds great. Hey, we got
a year to develop programs. But it in reality um extending these deadlines denies timely access to essential government
services, information, forcing people with disabilities to wait even longer for rights that should already be applied.
So, I wanted you to keep that in the back of your mind. And like one of my favorite politicians said, just because you can doesn't mean you should.
And the second thing is real quick, um DEI, everybody thinks it only talks about race, but it also includes ramps, um sidewalks, and curb cutouts,
subtitles and captions at TV, phones, and now movies. Um work accommodations for a variety of disabilities
among many other things. So, I just wanted you to know that, let them to know that. That there are some things coming down the road that you probably hear about. So,
thank you for your time. Ms. Simmons, can you turn and face the camera and let them zoom in on what's on your front of your shirt? Oh. So, they can so, the public can see it. Thank you. Um, like I said a second ago, the rest of the comments are on an item
that I believe is going to be pulled from the consent agenda. So, I'm going to hold those until that if that happens. And then we'll go from there. If that's all right, pleasure of the board. Thank you. Um, so, we have no other citizen comments on I don't know about the comments. So, at
this time, the chair will entertain a motion for consent agenda. Mr. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. I move to approve consent agenda agenda items A through L. Second. A through
L. >> L. L. L and with leaving M off right now, and second by Ms. Coachman. All right. We're going to go ahead and vote on A through L, pulling M. All right. Um,
no further discussion. >> Mayor, I have had the opportunity to speak with council about all the items that are on the consent agenda and try to answer any questions, provide any additional information, and address any other issues with council. Okay, so, we'll have
vote on A through L with M pulled by Mrs. Moore. I will start the vote in Ward 3. Yes. >> 4. Yes. 5. >> Yes. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. >> Carries unanimously. Mrs. Moore. Um, I wanted to have a discussion with
you all about the second extension of the contract between the City of Braintree and the Braintree Area Economic Development Corporation. Um, do you want me to say my com- you want me to go ahead and >> Go ahead, yes. Okay. I pulled the conversation that I wanted to have with
you all, just to give you some background. I watched the county meeting at which the county adopted their most recent contract with the EDC, and it was really impressive. The presentation was great. Um, the you could tell that there was a lot
of preparedness and research that went into that presentation and the contract terms. Um, notably the five targeted industries that they're going to be working on. Um, also the performance metrics, which not only measured activity, but also
results. And then the payment being uh tied to that performance. Um, and so, you know, kudos for that because I thought that that was really well done. Um, my personal experience since we have
um been under contract with them, and also in this time of transition that they're in with not having um not yet potentially or having it the loss of their um right, the loss of their CEO. Um, was that I had a great meeting with the interim CEO initially upon her
appointment, and I thought that was really positive. I was very blunt about expectations and experience to date. I also had a great meeting with Mr. Landefeld regarding the Dover Coal Visioning Plan. Also very thorough, you know, very hopeful.
Um, but then after that, I feel like um there's been little or inconsistent communication. Um, that really is the extent of the communication that I've had since uh the interim was appointed. And
not only me, but also um with the CRA. Um, I don't think that they're communicating with the CRA either, and before I go into why the communication part I think is crucial, I'll just say about the actual contract itself, when
you compare it to what was presented to the county, it it reads to me like it is a much of the same, and I think everyone up here and I think the EDC already is aware that I had issues with the previous contract, and what I thought was a little
generality. We tried to correct that with three pages of deliverables, and now the current contract actually reduces the deliverables to only five bulleted items, which when I look at those five bulleted items, generally speaking, actually refer to
work to determine future deliverables. Um, and I that was disappointing. That it felt like we were going in the wrong direction. Um, and then for the issue of the um of the communication, um
it's one thing I mean like it's fine. I mean I expect communication because I think that we're all really interested in collaboration and and I think we all can acknowledge that not one entity is going to act in a silo. You know, the the chamber is relevant, the city is
relevant, the EDC is relevant. Um, the CRA is relevant, and the reason why I I had concerns about a lack of communication in this process with the CRA is that I felt that it was undervaluing the role of the CRA. Um,
I don't consider the CRA the work of the CRA to just be a bank or to be just grants and that sort of thing. Um, I think that the work that the CRA is doing behind the scenes is actually quite complicated and crucial to the
success of our economic development plans going forward. And so, I want to see all of us bringing all of the the talents and the and the resources and the strengths together. Um, and so, I felt like the
the the contract as it is, I would like to see us mod- you know, improve it. Um, and I would like to see commitment. [clears throat] I think if we I think if we table this particular contract with
direction in those in those areas and any other areas that you all felt that they should focus on, we could get to a place where we felt more comfortable with what was going to be proposed, and also that would give us an opportunity to be reassured that
that the EDC understands that it's all of those players. That it's every every part of that has value, and it it's without one of them or what, dropping off one or any of them is going to be problem it's just not going to be a success. >> [cough]
>> That's my thought. That's pretty much that's it. Yeah, I I would agree with uh Ms. Gonzalez's points in terms of uh the presentation from what was presented was
thorough. Um, the targeted industries is a good step uh from the get-go, from this period last year to now, uh my hesitancies have been around deliverables, um and what actually the
metrics are. Um, the second concern of mine, which I agree with you, holds true today is after those initial meetings and the Dover Coal presentation, it just seems that from
where we are, whatever the source of it is, that it's disorganization and it's not on the same page. Um, you know, invites being missed, invites not being sent, saying um and you know, furthermore, when when
we check with our partners, the CRA for instance, in those documents, seems to me that the CRA is mentioned repetitively, and yet when asking members within the CRA staff, uh has this happened? Has this
occurred? Seldom, if at all. Um, and that that's just, you know, my opinion of um you know, so so, here we are in terms of transparency and um community buy-in from other partners that obviously
economic development is extremely important. Um, but it seems that we're not being represented adequately. And I and I I also agree with you that if we do redo the contract, uh there has to be
directives in there. I'm personally you know, we we don't have a vote. Um, that kind of stands out to me. Uh I don't know. I you know, I thought the contract was up in January. Uh there's language within here that it was you
know, so I I I'm kind of at a loss as to where we even are on the on the current contract as well. And I I feel like we're not being represented. Ms. Coker, Vice Mayor Coker. Yes. Um, I uh you know, it would be redundant for me to repeat a lot of it, but I I want
to say that I I see a lot of faces here, and I know a lot of people that are involved with this that I have a tremendous amount of respect and and like a lot. But, I have to I feel like I have to work on behalf of the taxpaying
citizens, and so, um you know, as much as I like you and and and think that you do a lot of great things for our community, I I feel like um when it comes to the City of Braintree, maybe um
maybe we aren't being as well served. Um I have been somewhat vocal. I I mean, when you hear members that don't even want to be called Bradenton, that was very disconcerting to me. Um and um I
while the Dover Kohl report was good, it was very frustrating that when it when it was presented to us, we had not even seen a uh copy of it and we couldn't engage or ask um meaningful questions at that time. Um
and I agree with the not having a vote, um which maybe there's good reasoning behind it. I haven't heard it. Um but we had all expressed a big concern about the new hire being from local. And when not even one of the
finalists was a local, it doesn't seem like um our requests or feelings were even considered. And uh I have been a big proponent of economic development. I would think I was one of
the you know, one of the initial people that pushed us to do it. But unfortunately, um you know, at this point, the way it the way it's been done up till now is uh I I'm I'm I just cannot support it at
this time unless we make some changes or address some of those. All right, thank you. Mr. Perry. Mayor, when I did my briefings with um council, there was there was a wide variety of of comments
and different opinions and ideas and suggestions that referenced EDC's service of the city of Bradenton as it relates to economic development. And um it was interesting to hear those comments. I think when you talk about economic development in general, whether
you're in a large city or at a state level where I sat in cabinet rooms and listened to the state's economic development director, I've I've come to realize that first off, I'm not an economic development expert
um and that the variety and diversity of economic development has a certain core that deals with recruitment of new companies, retention of existing companies, and expansion of of those companies. But beyond that, it's a very
amorphous type of thing, economic development. And everybody seems to say, "Well, what we want you to do is kind of find us the secret sauce." And I tell people, "The city of Bradenton, as I told our council, is 14.4 square miles.
It's a fairly urban area. It's not Manatee County. Uh Manatee County has a whole eastern plane of developability for both commercial, residential, transportation infrastructure, and we're not that." Um whatever we do, we have to figure it
out. And and I think that's pretty common to a lot of places. And when you talk about economic development, and I know that Ms. Parrish sat down with every councilor, I think, to talk about this particular extension, this is what this is, of a contract,
that when she sat down with them, she got probably a lot of good ideas, and I don't disagree with some of the comments I heard. I think the point I'm trying to make is that everybody thinks that this economic development is going to get you to the promised land. You know, we're not we're not um
Microsoft where we got a sugar daddy that says, "Well, bring Microsoft up to northwestern United States into Washington." And and and and we're not, you know, Palo Alto and the hub of technology. And we're not Albuquerque, New Mexico
that has Los Alamos National National Labs that does all the physics for the United States or Sandia National Labs that does the computer computing and engineering along with Air Force Research Labs. We're the city of Bradenton, and I think it's going to be even particularly harder, being such, to
find what our quote secret sauce is. When we identified the five industries as a specific objective, >> [cough] >> and and that's what we're asking you to provide to EDC to allow them to work with you, to work with the chamber, to work with our partners to try to
identify what they can be. Because in talking with councilors, again, it's not unlike talking with the folks on the street. A lot of people have different ideas. But the reality is the only thing I can identify in the city of Bradenton after 5 years of of being pretty close to what's going on around here is that
we have a we have a health care industry that that that's really good, and we have a tourism industry. I can't identify any particular other industry. We don't have an airport. We have one down in Bradenton. I know EDC's working with the county on on the on the airport aviation type of initiatives and the
like. So, you know, as we move forward, I think it's important to look at well, what would this EDC do for Bradenton? How would they service our council, our citizens, our administration, our mayor, the people? And and really, we got a lot going on. We've got a marina repair
project that basically takes the cornerstone of downtown that's going to we're applying for basically $8 million in grants in EDA grants, economic development grants through the US Department of Commerce, and I need some help with that, basically, as far as
saying, "How does that marina impact all of the downtown and all of the city and the surrounding areas?" Because we're putting together a competitive grant. So, those people have to go out and they got to talk to Realize Bradenton, they got to talk to downtown merchants, they got to talk to Chamber of Commerce, they got to talk to these people so that I
can get supporting documentation. I don't have the resources to do that, and I don't think any councilors do, either. And I don't think the guys at the public safety or anybody else in this room, including in including CRA. So, there are services that are like
that that have to be supplemented. Be honest with you, when you look at what we've done in Bradenton, we have absolutely left port. Have we identified the destination? I don't think so. But we know that we took things in the past and we've been trying to be more
intentional, whether it's more intentional in hundreds of millions of dollars in utility upgrades, whether it's more intentional in affordable housing, attainable housing, and all the great work that's been done there, particularly with the CRA and some of our partners, whether it's intentional
as it relates to the private sector development of housing, whether it's intentional as it relates to um Avenue of the Arts and our attempts to do that with the potential to bring a fairly significant educational institution that has housing and
everything else so that when you put that new $1 into the Bradenton economy, it generates about 5 and 1/2 dollars worth of economic output. Other than having an economic degree, I don't know a whole lot about economics. I I really don't as it relates to economic development, but I know that these
services that that we have to kind of hone down are going to be unique to Bradenton, and I would ask that we consider, it's certainly within your prerogative. I I don't discount the comments you've made and and and everything, and I think it needs to be heard by EDC. But there are all types of
different things that we're looking at, whether it's the the the FDOT Bradenton connector, um the city center redevelopment, Harbor Point, and and and and and and and and and and basically Old Manatee, the homeless initiatives that you talked about, Fresh Start. That's all economic
development. And typically, it's not traditional, and I don't think it was served before and it was looked at in the right perspective because that's what EDC could be helping us with. At picking up those those those, you know, paddles and and rowing the boat
with us on. So, you know, we're looking at we're looking at today an extension. I think it's worth worthy of consideration to provide the extension in order to continue services and not reach a gap. When I look at the
alternative that if we don't do EDC and we try to start some other alternative, there is going to be a startup gap, and I don't want to lose that. So, with that, I appreciate the opportunity to get long-winded and kind of give a a fairly comprehensive view from the
administration's perspective. Thank you, Mr. Perry, and then it's my turn first. Okay. Cuz I I uh talked to that I I don't disagree with almost all the comments, you know, from our councilors and our administrator. One of the things that that Mr. Perry,
Mr. Williams, and I sit in the box basically 7/24, and the councilors don't get to hear a lot of the things because, you know, and we're all under sunshine here, which that's something I'll probably bring up at the next meeting about um probably going on the ballot this year. I don't
know if it's too late, Mr. Rudacille, but I do want to and I'll say it now, I want to put on the ballot for the citizens to vote to take away my vote as the tiebreaking vote because then I will be able to, you know, talk with the council people
during things like this to get the information out. And although, you know, like I said, I agree with everything that was kind of said to a point, um Vice Mayor Coker, um I might agree with you on a lot of the way that things kind
of happened through the search and some of the things that might not have been, you know, I did want a local person, um but I also, you know, know that there's times in life, there's you know, dynamics that go along with that that we have to [clears throat]
address as it it's a ebb and flow. Um but I I do agree with Mr. Perry, it's at a point where this is an extension of what we already had while working through the process of seeing what the next steps are. They are
not saying we're going to do this, this, and this, these five things and that's it. And that's what I'm comfortable with. Um this is an extension though of half of what we're going to we put in budget for it. You know, it's $50,000 to finish out
this year. We have not paid them any other money of the 100,000 that was in budget. So, that was something that I felt was important. I don't know that the EDC staff at the time and our interim director and executive committee, they would have wanted to get the whole
hundred, but I felt that we they've already done a lot of work for us already through the Dover Coal. Whether we agree exactly with everything on Dover Coal, that was something on me and for the most part because I felt like we had to get a product that
came out in the first part of that with the transition of executive director leaving, a new interim coming in, and really jumping on board at you know, I've seen a lot of executive directors that leave and they bring in an interim and the interim rides it even locally
here, but we've been fortunate in this community to have others that came in and made the school district better during their interim. This Amanda Parish stepped up and made our our EDC a better transition stopgap to get to that point.
And and really did meet. Again, some of the meetings that you talk about that you didn't have, I'll take that because some of it was more about trying to get a good product out, trying to get a product that we can actionable. And when you look at some of
it, you know, obviously you're all in wards and you've got destinations of your ward and you want things there, but we also look at the city. And all of us do that, but then we also get a little self-serving when in your ward, which that's what you're supposed to do. But it's got to be in a collaborative way.
And I just think that, you know, moving forward, >> [clears throat] >> um I again, we don't always have to agree on exactly everything, but this is [clears throat] something that, you know, I believe it's it's the right time to push it forward with all the comments. They hear it. Obviously, when the new
executive director comes in, I expect them to be meeting more and maybe even a monthly update at our meetings. Because again, it's going to be hard to meet with every all five of you, not because of their schedule, but because of your schedules. I'll meet with them
again every day if I had to and we talk about it. What is the right thing for ward 1 2 3 4 5 is going to be different. The CRA, um I saw this happen when this board, I'm not saying individuals
sitting here, but the count city council members um in particular, four of them, and I was the one that voted against it and I will always it's one of the best things I think could have happened for us, but I was not for the transition from the advisory boards on the CRA to the
council basically taking it over at the time because we had we didn't have a plan. And so it took almost two plus years to get that plan. And when the individual council member, which I have a lot of
respect for, brought it up and then it passed 4 to 1 and came to me and said, "Well, what's your plan?" Well, I was the one that voted against that from the standpoint of knowing that you bring something up, you got to have
a plan for it. And the CRA suffered for that for two years. And that was the the sad part. And but I know losing that scenario, I wasn't against the scenario, but I was against what was next steps. And if I wish we would have
had next steps on that to get better because it set it back. So, to say that, moving forward, I believe it's the right time to extend it and it's only extended it through this year and then we're going to have a time over the next few months in the budget and stuff to figure
out is it going forward, you know, and and maybe we do, maybe we don't. I've been very supportive of it because if we don't have any plan, then we're going backwards. And this is a plan to basically extend it. Like I said,
the CRA is so important in this city that it's going to help a lot of things and it's not just a checkbook, but it's also how it's going. But there's a lot of the city that's not in the CRA. So, the CRA can't work outside of its boundaries right
now. So, we need somebody else to be helping with that. And I think sometimes out of controversy comes greatness. And I think the EDC board, I know the EDC board is going to be better. And when you're volunteers on a board, basically the board,
I think they've heard some of the stuff. Um I don't disagree that why some of the votes why some of us don't have votes and others do, and I think government didn't get a vote in my opinion because they were basically ad hoc members on the committee.
They never expected them to be at a higher rate of committee uh monetary commitments. So, I think that needs to be addressed. I agree with that. I know it was brought up at our county commission yesterday. And so I think that's something that
when the new executive director gets here that they need to take a good look at. And I think that model was just followed when the EDC split off from the chamber. So, I don't think it was a anybody doing anything against anybody. So, there was no conspiracy there. It was just
there wasn't a a lot of uh communication at that point about why. So, but that's my opinion and I know that some of the people out in the audience and have heard me say that why do doesn't the city have a vote? And you know, I don't there's some other dynamics going on with whether it's
executive committee or not, but um I just really think that there's an opportunity to move forward today while still getting these questions answered and working through it because there's a lot of hoppers in the the situation right now that they are doing that sometimes you can't say it
until it comes out. That's why the EDC because some businesses that are thinking about it don't want it hard to be known. Just like when you hire an employee, sometimes your employee doesn't want that in the public yet because if they decide they don't get the job,
then their boss is mad at them because they applied for a job. And if they do get the job, they got to transition out in the right way to give the respect of their previous business. So, that's a it's a hard, you know, thing to balance. So, you know, I just really think that there's an opportunity
to keep the train moving collaboratively and that's what we do. So, Vice Mayor Coker. Okay. Um I was uh wanting to respond to Mr. Perry. I would put an explana- exclamation point on what you said. I
completely agree with you 100%. I think my question is which is the entity to do it. Um the EDC I believe um the way it's been acting is not the
person to do it for us. I am completely in support and behind you know, if we can get that to a point where they are working on our behalf, we do have those deliverables, we do have more influence over the decisions that
are being made and um but to to say, "Okay, here's another $50,000 while you while you're figuring it out." Um I'm that's what I'm struggling with. If I and and the way what we're being asked
to vote for today um is uh I would certainly bring it back up if we could address the concerns that we've talked about somehow in that and I I I would like the idea to say that we're going to continue along with them, but
at least tie that 50,000 to something concrete, not that we'll look and develop. We'll, you know, I I would like to see it tied to something a little bit more concrete if we're going to do that. Um so, that's my my feeling. Ms. Moore.
Um right. I also I also agree with what Mr. Perry said. I'm not I to be clear, I don't think at this moment in time it's wise for us to create an economic development department or or, you know, and hire handful of new people.
Um but I think everything you just said could be reduced to the contract. I mean, we could actually be executing an an an extension that identifies the type of work that they're going to be doing and then measures it and then bases their payment on that. Um
I also think that um I agree with Vice Mayor Coker that if the deliverables are so general that it feels like I'm paying them to figure it out. Um and I don't think that it is on you to their their
their level of communication with council and the CRA, I think is on them. I don't think that is on I don't think you necessary you I don't think you should take the blame for that because I think that they I mean, I feel like I made it very clear that I was having an
expectation of more communication and whatnot. Um and this is not at all to trash anyone or to or to criticize the Dover Coal report necessarily. Um I mean, I I'm looking forward to us getting to the point where we have more discussions about the Dover Coal actionable items and whatnot.
Um but I just don't feel comfortable with the way the contract is written right now. And it was the same concerns that I had the previous extension, and then they were addressed somewhat with three pages of very detailed deliverables. And so that's why I feel like we've kind of
gone backward in that regard. Um and or regarding that communication, I just also want to make it clear that I I feel like we make ourselves available. Um I I have very specific thoughts, and it
spans wards. You know, it spans Ward 4 all the way through, you know, I have I do this thing cuz I literally have a picture in my mind of what we want to fill in from Riverwalk to City Park. And um and I I want to share those with them. You know, I think that that's the appropriate thing.
Um so my my thought is that I don't think anyone is saying that we don't think that there's a place for the EDC. I think that there is work for the EDC to do. But I'm just not I'm lacking in confidence that the EDC is going to uh bring all the players to the table.
Uh like I said, I really feel like it's a collaborative effort between city, CRA, chamber. Um and I'd like to see the contract reflect what we are asking them to do. If we're asking them to do certain things, then I think that the contract should reflect that.
And And I think that we could table it and let them work on that. And And then we can move forward. Well, I'll say a couple of things. Again, I don't disagree with all the things that have been said. Um they've actually been working since January, if
you look at the contract, for free. So they've been doing a lot of that stuff already. Um cuz the the way the the 3-year contract was written, but it again every year being renewed, that February and June was 50,000 and 50,000. So, you know, what have What have they
already done that we paid for? But that's that's again why I felt that bringing it up this way was they're only going to get 50 through this year, and then we would have a >> [cough] >> to the [clears throat] October 1, so we get them on the the right cycle. Um
So, yeah, on that part of it, you know, trying to be fiscally responsible, make sure we just didn't pay 100 for what we didn't know. And we're we're getting it. Um communication-wise, again, I I appreciate you saying that, but some of the things they've already done a huge part of the Dover Cole that we asked
them to do. Whether we all are going to agree 100% we like Dover Cole's concept 100% is not never going to happen anyway. I love parts of it, and some parts I'm like, it's not realistic. You know, and and when you're planning something for 50 years from now, that
I hope some of you in the room are alive, but most of us won't be. We want actionable items now. I think that's important. So, when I go to Councilwoman Barnaby, Well, my question, I guess, to to Ms. Moore is that if if you're making if you
are going to make a motion to table it, will you make a motion to table it to a very specific time? Sure. I mean, I it's And And then if you make a tabling motion, there's no discussion following it cuz there's no discussion on a tabling motion. So I think everybody
ought to speak their peace if they're going to do that. >> And I'm going to let first I'm going to let the EDC Council come up Okay. before we hear anything. So >> But my again, my thought being this is not something that I don't think should be tabled indefinitely.
I think there needs to be a very soon time certain. Because I would not vote in favor of an you know, let's table it with no date or time attached to it. I could not support that.
Thank you. At this time I'm going to let Chris C come up, and he can say his last name. For the good part, and he's the current uh chair of the EDC as the volunteer. I am. Good morning, everyone. My name is Chris
Chun Faleonae, hence the Chris C. Um I I appreciate the time and and discussion this morning from everyone, and and I think we have heard a lot of this feedback over the past couple of months, and on behalf of our board, many of whom we have our board members in the room. I've been in a board member on the
EDC for 10 years. Um as the current 2026 board chair, um more than 120 investors that we have representing our organization, some of those leaders here today that are leaders of their businesses and CEOs representing finance institutions, hospitals, health care providers,
consultants, workforce development, major utilities, business alliance, chamber members, our education partners. Um and I know Kurt Landefeld couldn't be here today, he's traveling, but I know he sent you all all letters and has been working um extensively with with each of you.
Um we are here because the support of this short-term contract extension is really critical to allow us to continue to do the work that we have been doing, as was pointed out, since the beginning of the year in good faith. Um that work
includes a lot of meetings with staff, with the work with the Dover Cole team, above and beyond even what was contracted within that Dover Cole agreement. Um and I think that the the time and an effort that has gone above and beyond is really about the the
commitment that this organization has to the city of Bradenton. We are here. We are committed because we know that economic development is good for our community. It drives benefits. It drives new new business growth. It
keeps the good businesses that are here. It allows them to grow. We are the organization that dot connects the chamber, the CRA, the the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, the county, all of the different organizations within our community, the visitor bureau, the
island communities, Palmetto. We are the organization that is responsible for business recruitment, expansion, and retention within the broader Manatee County area, and within the Bradenton area EDC, our job is committed to seeing prosperity across all of our partners
and our organizations. Um I think I want to just note out it's really important. A lot of the feedback we hear, we agree unequivocally. Agree with a lot of it. And I think that it's important as we look forward to tackling some of these things, they're they're foundational changes to our bylaws of an
organizational structure that were just carried over from when the organization split from the chamber over 15 years ago. And so to change those in a time um where we are in um a new search for our economic um our new economic development leader, um who we will be announcing
next week. Um I am really really excited to take on these changes that are really foundational to make sure that we have the representation of all of our investors as voting members in the board. We've heard that loud and clear, and our executive committee and our board, I think the um overwhelmingly
agrees with that. Um it's important to note that our new leader um has an active job. Um that's why we've been very confidential. They are serving active clients across the country and across the globe right now. Um they are actively communicating their
transition plan with those clients. We are really respectful of that process. I can share with you this candidate who is coming in has had ties to this community to this community since they were a child. They have grown up coming and visiting to this community. They have grown up on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
They are University of Florida graduate. They are coming home to our community to do the job of their dreams. They are already planning to move here before this opportunity came up because they want to be here and come home to this community.
They are a 30-year economic development professional with an impeccable and incredible resume. Currently, they're teaching economic development agencies across the world how to be better economic development agencies. We have the best candidate coming in to
lead this organization, and we are all really really privileged to have her come to our community and bring that experience. Um have heard a bit about the contract discussions and the metrics. I think it's important to note that in the contract metrics that we want to
iron out, yes, we want to iron those out because we want to tie them to those specific actions in that rejuvenation plan. We want to tie our work specifically to making that plan actionable. In addition to the regular work that we do day in and day out, we
need those metrics to be paired with you all, and that action plan doesn't exist right now. And so yes, we need to do that with you all and align those align this extension with the fiscal year. And lastly, I think it's important to
renote that we've heard a lot about um you know, the the support of staff and and the work that the EDC is doing to support the administration in in carrying out the work that the city needs to do day in and day out in this space. And we've talked a lot about the dollars and cents of the contracts and comparing
it to the um the to the county contract. To To be clear, that county contract is $300,000. It's six times the amount of contract amount that we are talking about today in this contract. So the metrics, the the the deliverables, all of the things
associated with it are inherently six times more impressive or more more elaborate, if you will. And so I frankly, I would love for the city to to continue to invest in at higher levels and continue to grow the work that we're
doing and grow the metrics and deliverables. But I think what we're trying to do is is be respectful of aligning metrics and deliverables commensurate with the performance of the work that needs to be done and the scope of work aligning that with the fee. Um with that, I know that our some of
our key board members and our interim CEO Amanda have been um doing a lot of work day in and day out on the work of the EDC and I I think a couple of them would like to say some additional things and I'll leave it there. All right. Um, this is a little different than normal
citizen comment because this is off probably should have been an agenda item and that we're looking back on it, but um, so we would have had more of a dialogue. So we're going to have that. Um, is there any questions for Chris before we go cuz I think the rest of the board members and Amanda won't have as
much to say. They've heard it, see it and they'll get through it, but any specific question, Mr. Perry? Just I think it's important, Chris, and and I know you work >> please. >> Sorry. Thank you, ma'am. I know that you put this together with you with your staff as far as the scope of services. And and a lot of
the scope of services is exactly what we're talking about as it relates to city initiatives, item number four. City initiatives, identify other high priority city initiatives, projects and relation relationship opportunities where the EDC can provide support.
Including specific projects, related stakeholders and individuals whom stronger coordination and engagement would benefit the city. I think that's a little bit about what I'm interested in. >> Right. And I don't want to lose that particular function. We've had conversations with Amanda and and
yourself and and and and Elizabeth and others um, related this. And and then this next item is kind of important too, which is related to um, what Councilwoman Gonzalez Moore was talking about as far as monthly meetings, number three. Monthly meetings. So in the interim we would conduct regular monthly
coordinate coordination meetings with city leadership to review emerging initiatives, ensure alignments and maintain a proactive communicative partnership. So I'm envisioning basically that we're going to go to back to the drawing board and we're going to do something that we probably should
have done a ways back, frankly, maybe under the prior director, which is get more specific. We have the metrics under number five and then you guys are looking at retail development as you think that would be a good opportunity. In fact, we've booked the mayor tickets and are attending a retail conference
next week in in in out of state to help bring retail investment into the city of Bradenton, into our downtown core and develop a specific plan out of some of the actions from that rejuvenation plan. That's next I believe it's next week. What I guess my question you would be
what more specific could you provide if you were given if this this issue was tabled for a month? What would you change from this? Yeah, I I I've been honestly, I've been thinking about that as we're sitting and listening to the dialogue. I I think what it would do is it would it would
probably just come up with maybe more specific tangible things. You mentioned the marina project for example. Right? There's there are things that are out there that that the city might need some additional support on, but I think at the end of the day we we want to really tie that to this next step of the action
plan. And so I think if we were to wait a month, we've already I think we're working to get a a a meeting agenda for May 4th already proactively to come back, right? Um, for some updates. All that said, if we were to just wait for a couple weeks or a month, I don't think that it would do
anything other than identify ideas. I I think what is more beneficial and what's more worthwhile is to take the time to work with you all over the next couple of months to align the rejuvenation plan with the actions with some of the outcomes of this retail
summit um, and really be able to tie tangible specific things, but but all of that is is work. It's a lot of work to do that. And so I think that's why uh, to your point we're we're asking for this simple extension of the of the continuation of the prior
terms to not really um, come up with something in a vacuum that might not align to what we're going to do over the next couple of months anyway and then now we've got a misalignment there. So I I I I think adding specificity, in my opinion, it it might be
counterproductive to our end goal, which is really trying to have action plans and action strategies from this rejuvenation plan that the EDC and our staff and Kurt um, can continue to support. Okay. Kurt's a part-time employee that that we've continued to
um, support and his his only job as a part-time employee is the city of Bradenton. So identifying the other city initiatives and monthly meetings related there too, things like probably city park and the millions of dollars we're putting into that would be provide maybe more specificity, but go
certainly identifying that as a priority that the city has a lot of money and investment in. And and then things like the Avenue of the Arts and and the potential for the projects down there, Sara Studios, um, what Janina's planning on at at I believe the the uh, parking
lot area itself. I don't want to get too much into you would try to identify those. And so we would end up probably with a much more specific contract uh, that you could take during budget time and basically build off that, take it to council and say, "Do you guys agree with this? You know, Mr. Perry is saying this
is what's going on in the city. This is where a lot of your money's being invested. These are the things we want you to explore. The you come up with opportunities on how to develop recruitment, retention, expansion theories on this." >> Right. So cuz because at that point you know,
we've done what we can do to help you and you've done what you can do to help us. And and it's tough coming into our building and trying to get meetings set up with counselors. They're really open and trying to accommodate meetings, but it is it isn't easy. They're busy people, you're all busy people. I'm you know, I got my I'm up to here with
alligators and everything and and and it needs due attention both from us at the administration level, you at the vendor level and council probably at the elected policy level. And you think you can do that, right? Unequivocally. All
right. Thank you. Vice Mayor Coker. Yeah. Um, so I I was going to question how long it sounds like you're saying May the 4th you'll have some more definitive because you've heard several of the of the council people that would like to
have more specificity um, with regard to what we're going to do. And also we'll know who that new director is going to be and can I mean, sounds great what you're telling me. I'd like to know who it is and and I think
that that would go a long way knowing who that person is. Um, but uh, you think May 4th if we were to table >> May 13th. That's our next meeting. Okay. Well, we're talking about if we were to do the tabling, how long do we need?
>> Till May 13th. Yeah, I mean, at the end of the day I go back to my comment on we can city park, the marina, like we can list some things. Yes. I I don't know that that's the intent of what the scope of work that we're trying to do
is. Frankly, if we want to start listing of additional scope items, we would need to talk about additional fee to cover the services to do that. Just like I I in the grand scheme of things, what we're talking about is is continuing the work
that the Bradenton Area EDC does day in and day out in business recruitment, expansion and retention for the city of Bradenton and Manatee County as a whole. We all benefit as a region when one thing happens just on the other side of
the city line, it benefits the city. I think when you know, the proclamations this morning, when you look at the Salvation Army, when you look at the family members of all of our of all of our first responders, them having good high paying quality jobs to work at.
Allowing for opportunities for growth of our businesses to come in and do the work that we do day in and day out is really, really important. And so like that is a baseline of the work that we are doing in partnership with the city, with the chamber, with Lakewood Ranch
Business Alliance, with all of the public agencies and the county. All of that happens day in and day out. In addition to that, what we want to do with the city is take the rejuvenation plan and extract from that great
immediately actionable things that we can implement and facilitate the support of. And figure out how we're going to facilitate and support it, right? Figuring out the scope of work of what we need to do and who's on it, let alone what are those actionable things.
This contract extension allows us to continue the work that we're doing day in and day out and to meet with you all to continue the work with Dover Cole that is already over 50 hours above and beyond the scope of work that we haven't been paid for since January.
It allows us to continue that work, to take action plans out of it and develop our scope of work and our metrics and our deliverables specific to it. Yes, we can further list additional things like the marina and city park and but but but
what with those? It's it's not going to be I don't think something that happens quickly and I don't think that we want to just rush. We want to continue the work that we're doing with you all with your support. Um, and and allow and then allow us to
then hone in, fine tune metrics so that we pick back up the pace of the normal annual investment moving forward. Which is a third of the county. Um, appreciate your honesty from saying that
you know, because again, it's this isn't like an hourly job. If you spend right an hour, you get this much money if you do it because you never know when you go into a business opportunity, is the city going to fit? Is the county going to fit? What their job is, so you have to
be part of it. And I know when you said, you know, again a third and some of the things I used with you and Amanda and other staff and that was, well, whatever the county decreases theirs by, if they're only 100% was 300 and some thousand dollars.
If it goes down to only 80%, then why shouldn't we decrease ours by that same amount? >> Right. So, it's not been that we've just been a love fest from my standpoint. I've been working it hard trying to do it and in a fair way, for fiscally responsible way,
but there also is that I don't think if we start to get down to metrics of hourly time and then all this, we're going to be well above 100,000 with what staff time it is. So, and again, you don't go into it nobody's going into any specific
business that sits in this audience that says, well, I'm trying to think, I'm only going to do this if it benefits me on the city pay, I'm only going to do this if it benefits me on the county pay. You know, so collaboration is what the biggest part of it is. And that
makes it we're not in a silo of one or the other. It's we succeed, they succeed, they succeed, we succeed. >> succeed. And that that's the most important part of it that I think some of the logistical parts hard to hard to quantify.
And that's the part that I appreciate your honesty because that's how we all are. We want this to succeed, but if the county or any other partners don't succeed, we don't succeed either from that standpoint because literally you can have a business on one side of
the street that is a thriving business, but directly across the street it's one of the other municipalities and they're going to benefit from it. So, it's hard to say what is the total right and wrong, but it's just and we can keep doing this, but I think it's important
if if we need to have some metrics, if it's tabled to our May 13th meeting, we can come up with some logistical things. And again, it can't be specific to an individual. Right. It's got to be specific to the city community.
You know, and I think that's my opinion. So, I saw Councilwoman Morris first and then Councilwoman Coachman. Um, I just I wanted to really reiterate that I know that there's been work done, but I don't know what it is. Um, I I
didn't know about the retail conference until Mr. Landefeld sent that letter yesterday. I appreciate I I think that's great. Um, but again, I didn't didn't know about it. And then also, um, yeah, are you speaking to the other
departments within the city when you say you're having a lot of meetings? Are we are we talking to you know, public works or engineering? Are we talking to the planning department? I know there's been a lack of communication already with the CRA. That is the thing that's the difficulty, you know, because we're up here spending
taxpayer money and I don't know what what has been being worked on. Um, and so, I mean, it's not really a question. I appreciate everything you're saying and again, I I want the partnership. I think it's valuable,
but I'm I'm concerned that this is the third extension and I feel like we're saying the same concerns and they may be not being totally addressed. Yeah, and if I may, I I I think that um, we have not had an active contract
in place since January. In the contract extension, I forget which line item it is, the monthly meetings and the cadence of monthly meetings happening with city leadership. Generally, that happens with city mayor and with city administrator. Um, the work that collaboration with
other departments is all contractually through city leadership. So, there isn't any scope of work or or things within the work that we're doing that would um, have us intentionally speaking to public works or planning and zoning or anything like that. When we do collaborate with
those partners is in the day in and day out work. Um, I we've got Elizabeth Cordes and Amanda Parrish, they can certainly speak to all of the minutia and the number of hours and meetings and whatnot that have happened over the past couple of months. Um, but I think that we're looking forward to having those
monthly cadence of meetings back so that we can have that regular sharing of of information. Um, If I Sorry. Yeah, I just want if I could say one word to that is they are give getting us information, we get it. Obviously, I can't talk to you a lot outside of this meeting. So, going
to this, it just came up a few weeks ago that and it obviously at the point where I was at, when it first came up, I didn't know if I was going to be able to go or not with my back. But, I thought it was so important to see what this retail conference is about. It's fly in on a Tuesday morning, fly
home on a Wednesday afternoon to see other others that would get it and that would then I would bring back a report from my standpoint to to the council. But, one of the things is is I don't think we can micromanage and I'm not saying you're saying that, but it gets to a point where
it comes to the city leadership. At the county, it goes to the administration, whoever their point person is, then through the chair to the board at a board meeting. So, with this, I'm a little bit different than that makeup because I'm
here every day in a little different role where if one of the when Sarasota, they just appoint one of the five of you, you you vote on that. So, some of that that's where I was saying, I'll take some of that because I can't talk to you outside of these meetings and give you
as much as we can. There's general stuff sometimes we can say what's happening, but and if you think about it, until December, it was a whole different administration there at the EDC. That took several months to figure out and again, that's what I was talking about Amanda Parrish coming in.
This community was lucky that her boss allowed her to do that because at the to the detriment maybe of their business a little bit to do this, but that's where it I've seen it as unbelievable
what she's done, but the next person has to come in and put their flavor on it. You don't want the train to stop either. And that's where I'm saying, I believe they could probably by May 4th or May 13th put some specific deliverables in, but it would still be changing all the
time because of of you know, what changes tomorrow when this business declines, but all of a sudden a college pops up that might want to be here. That's a big part of the the um, lack of of specificity and and and
the you know, specifically the the line items that city administrator called out. It's it's to allow for that flexibility. Hey, I I've got a call, I need your all's help with this thing. The if it was very very line item specific and it wasn't identified as one of those
line items, now we're in an awkward position of saying, well, yeah, we really want to help you with this. We really support our mission. We we are a partner of the city, but we're out of scope. But, I got to wait till 2 weeks from now to go to a council meeting to get approval. We don't want to get into that part of it.
No, I absolutely do not. Um, and >> that's not what you're saying. We're we're just different ends of I what I what I want to I think that I think what I'm trying to do because again, I really think that there's value here and I I want to see it. I want to see the value. Um, but I think that maybe what has
happened is you know, disappointment is a result of that you know, maybe not meeting expectations. Maybe I have not effectively communicated my expectations. So, that's what I'm trying to do right now is just effectively communicate the expectations. I had been operating under the assumption that the
work that the EDC was doing was primarily with the Dover, Kohl report and the report does have you know, suggested at least the draft that I've seen has suggested and in time increments that are in my opinion also pretty
general. They are not they're not yet um, they're not yet specific direction. Planning department, rezone this specific parcel. You know, they're they're not that that level yet, but my expectation up to this point was that
active work was being done with the necessary people in the city staff that would actually get us to that point. And so, I I'm not trying to micromanage and I don't expect a list of okay, this is exactly what we're going to do here and there or whatnot, but I
do think much like you did for the county, I think it's fair to say that that you're probably going to be able to identify that where they have five targeted industries, we might have something a little bit smaller scale like, you know,
I know we have goals. I know we want a grocer that serves downtown. I know we want connectivity from park to park. Um, and so there are there are things I think that we that you could be reporting and it doesn't have to be in a public meeting. You know, I really think
that just meeting or even just giving a report. I mean, I loved what you were doing for the county that they're going to get, you know, not only a written metric, but they're also going to get graphs and other representative materials that really give them a picture, a snapshot of what you're actually doing.
It also helps us to speak knowledgeably about the work you're doing. So, that when we're out and about and we're talking to people, we can say, yes, this is what's happening. This is what people are doing. Um, right now I feel like we're being put in a position to really not be able to do that. Um, and so I feel like
that's that's all I'm asking for is just the level of um, research and preparedness that went into the county contracts. I I feel like we could hone in on some stuff there. I think that we could
I think that the the people are capable, you know, the staff that you have and the board that you have is capable of that. That is really what I was No, and I and I again, I don't disagree with that part of it, but when it comes down to do we and I say I was a council member
at one point and do we as a council want to be here from 8:00 to 5:00 every day? You bring about your 40-some dollars wouldn't allow you to do that. I feel what since my salary is double what you get and it's still that salary
at double isn't Mhm. I believe what I put in the effort and I put in, I should get more money if I'm looking at it that way. I don't think I should, but it comes to the point when you have to sometimes let the CEO run it and then again, I'm not saying there's never been a time that we
said, let's not give information. Sure, yeah. you get it and how much time you want to put in. I'm not saying you specifically, but in general because I lived that for eight years as a council member and at first I was wanting to put more in. But then I realized it's my job is to
set policy, sit back and let the policy work. And that's what we've got to do. So I and that's what we're trying to do today, but also set expectations whether 50,000 or 100,000 dollars what expectation we would expect them to
do for that and if the metric is set, all of a sudden we look at, well, they fit this, this, this and this. Now we're at 175,000. Mhm. Are we willing to do that? You know, that becomes a that data management role and to and to develop the
deliverable package and all the graphs in the way that the county is asking that is a line item reimbursement of staff time of I think it's 40,000 dollars. So it yes, it is it is great. Um but it but it it does take a lot of time and effort
and and um data collection to to have that uh rigor of and cadence of delivery. And so again, I and and not chat again, not challenging the the why, but just sharing a lot of the the insights on the the the amount of time and effort and
work that it takes to deliver that county contract at that level is is markedly different. >> And that's one of the things that we are lucky and whether people like it or not and some people say we did it as a favor, it wasn't not done as a favor, it was done to help the city. With Mr. Landefeld, he's probably
put in 10,000 dollars plus more worth of work that he's never, you know, he's goes above and beyond cuz he loves this city and he wants it to be better and when you look at what he did through some of the Dover coal stuff was he made that better
at the heart of making our city better and there was no reimbursement for that extra. So, you know, but again, I I just I I don't want to go down a rabbit hole where all of a sudden now, you know, that we're realized, oh crap, we should have stayed with the 50,000 dollar. We
have active leads and active businesses that we're working with, active leads that we're qualifying, active expansions that we're working with. So it isn't just the Dover coal scope of work. That is a that was the the scope of work that was above and beyond kind of the the regular cadence of investment that the
city was making as a partner in the EDC. That was really kind of the evolution of of growing the the the the relationship beyond just an investor and a supporter into how can we really support the mission and do the work and that kind of evolved into the Dover coal scope and
the work that was being done out of that. Not only the scope of work for reimbursement with Dover coal, which is their work and separate, but our work in the collaboration, the coordination, Kurt's time, all of that sort of uh mission. And I know that through that there included a lot of discussions with
all the other departments, but that's not the part about our normal cadence of day-to-day EDC work. And if we bring Dover coal back, we got to pay him more money. Mhm. No. I'm not planning on spending any more money on that if we don't have to unless you guys want to out. Rank me on that one by vote, but I
[laughter] just I just think that's that's uh it's there's not a good value to pay them more money in my opinion. I agree. I think we can work with what we got through the EDC, make it better, but obviously there's going to be a metrics to the the local people are going to be
working it. So let's let that happen. Um Ms. Coachman, do you have anything else for this discussion? No. I I I >> to keep talking. I'm just saying. >> Yeah, just one I mean, one little tiny thing and it is that um it is that it's the crucialness of the communication piece because um for that
level of research that, you know, that I was kind of expecting um if we had communicated with and collaborated with some of the other, you know, like I keep I keep um I think I actually shared it with Ms. Parrish the CRA um I Abony uh
reports, like they have so much if you read those reports before you go to this retail thing, I think that you will actually be like very equipped at to have specific honed in conversations um with the retail people. Um and so that I just
I'll just note that that's kind of one of the things, you know, as far as expectations. You maybe I don't have to pay you to do that research when we've already paid someone else to do that research. >> That's again, I think the transition from the old leadership to the new leadership is where we are cuz it's only
in the first quarter of that mhm um or just outside of it, but um we've got to be cautious in my opinion of saying everything CRA CRA CRA because that then rabbit holes us into areas that necessarily might not be a CRA and
I would I would think Mrs. Coachman would say, I want a lot in my CRA, but there's no money in my CRA. So the retail could be great there, but maybe we could get somebody that wouldn't be So I'm not disagreeing with CRA so important to our city, but there's other areas that
you know, we're bringing in a grocer that maybe happened in in out there, but it's not in the CRA, you know, but it's still farther than downtown. So and again, those type of things are what we would articulate through. So Ms. Coachman, I'm sorry. Oh my goodness. You know. >> [laughter]
>> Last. I know, I should have put it up long long time ago. Um timing. They have gone through a very serious transition. And in that time frame still managed to
do a a job. And it's a job that what comes out of it can't be done overnight. Um we've already discussed a lot. We have
different areas of um you know, things here, uh health care, tourism and so forth. In time maybe there will be thoughts about, hey, bring one of those manufacturers of some kind of health care equipment uh cuz we have a
lot of land and particularly some buildings on the east side. And you know, it's just those kinds of things will come and I think at this point we are we need to be strategic
and not necessarily so specific, but strategic in using in communicating with everyone. Uh you know, unfortunately because of sunshine, there they're having meetings that we aren't aware of, but you're
still communicating with the city. Um And and and as far as selecting a new leader, if the person is not from here, I'm I'm of the thought and I was afraid to say assuming cuz you know what they say about assuming. But I'm of the
thought that you would pull from a pool of people who have the expertise, which means if they have that economic development expertise, they have the intellect to be able to drop in one area
whether they were born there or not and be able to plug in the information of that area and and and do just what someone who was born here. Uh and sometimes when you're born here, you need somebody outside
to be able to really see the city, you know, instead of being outward being. Anyway, um I I I'm all for everything that was said and and tabling it and so forth.
But basically what I've heard and you know, I'm going to put it in simplistic terms. Um you're saying to us, hey, you get what you pay for. All right. >> [cough] >> I think we're getting a pretty good bang for our buck.
So I'm at this point ready to just approve. Well, and that would be nobody's cards up. That would be what what I had asked you all three years ago when since I've been mayor, we've gone from a lower amount to a second amount and then to this three-year contract.
That's what I would ask today that if probably if we didn't have any if things were running along smoothly before and we had the same executive director, this probably would have been approved in January, February with discussion, but we would have been
saying, okay, but with all situations, good or bad, a lot of times you got to come out of it at a higher level and I think that's where we have the opportunity to do here and and I don't know if waiting till May 13th where they put a couple of
fun facts on it. It's going to be up to us to not only pay for what we've already got, per se, but to go forward and get that metrics for October 1 of what we see. And so, I would ask for the vote today to approve this going
forward with everything they've heard and holding it accountable for that. So, you know, again, I asked that 3 years ago and we had a lot different outcome. So, I know that it's a hard thing, but I think we're at the point
now where we can get this done and get what we want out of it. And right now, as I agree with Mr. Coachman, that we're getting a good deal for everything that we've got from January till now with and not they're not asking for the 100,000. You know,
they're asking for half of it cuz that's what we worked behind the deal cuz I didn't think it was worth that point now. So, and now we're going to have that. Mr. Williams, and then So, just real quick, I just wanted to point out one thing and it's been mentioned several times. Um, we're
currently working without a contract. So, if we [clears throat] ask the EDC to do anything, we're asking them to do it for free. And I don't know on a business side if that's a if if that's a good ask, but I also want to point out that they've continued to work
for the city with the city and haven't asked for anything. So, I think if we're going to ask for some of these deliverables and I think in the scope of services, you know, number two points out identifying high up high high priority city initiatives, working with the city, the stakeholders, and so forth.
We're we're taking this contract and and that 50,000 as an investment in having them do that work. And then coming back to us to say, "These are we've heard you. These are the things that we've identified." And we can navigate from there, but this is
the end of our contract with them. If we if we approve this today, this is the end of the original contract. There are no more extensions. So, if we come up and if we approve this today, they give us the deliverables and we like what we see, come October for our
budget, we can continue on that. So, I think that's something to think about. We can't really I my personal opinion is to continue to ask them to do work or to come back to us to say, "Hey, these are these are more things we've identified." I don't know that that's a fair
proposition for the EDC. And that's just from my perspective on the business side of it. I think they've done a great job with what they've worked with. Um, Amanda and Elizabeth, I commend you guys for what you've done. Um, Mr. Henderson, thank you for, you know, giving Amanda to us for a little
bit of time, but I think, you know, it it they've stepped into a situation and tried to make it better and then it's not perfect. As you know, none that pretty much there's a lot of things we do that aren't perfect. We do the best that we can. But I think to ask the EDC to continue to do work and to identify
things within the city, we need to have an agreement that, you know, we're all going to travel down that same path and just like any other service, so engineering, construction, we ask them to do the work. And it and it changes >> And it changes constantly. Right. And it's good communication. I think they've
proven they're willing to communicate. It may not have been to the level that that we were expecting, but again, it's a transition period. The new director comes in, we set those stipulations, we set those expectations. And if they aren't delivered, and then then we
reconsider. But I think for my perspective and from what I've seen, I think give them the opportunity to continue the path that they're on, give the new director the opportunity to to continue to make things better, and to see what's important for the city.
Directed by council, directed by the mayor, directed by administration, but to to have that relationship. And I think that's what this agreement and this extension does. It is allows us to continue that relationship. If we don't
if if we don't do that, then I don't know that we can ask them to continue to work for the city. And just before I I'll go to Councilwoman Schuesler one second, but I just I I think that one of the things that that, you know, some of the things we've talked about, Chris, and some of the other things we
may agree or disagree on on how the process happened at times, but I think it shows who showed up in this room today that from the EDC Bradenton standpoint, and I say Bradenton as Manatee County, but there was some feelings that, well, most of
the people on that board, when it was identified as such a large board, were from Sarasota. And we love our partners to the south, but we also we're Bradenton, so we got to feel this council is Bradenton, and we got to feel the love from that standpoint. But seeing who showed up that are taking up
time away from their jobs today, that they could be the volunteer part of it, um, is impressive. And I know a couple of Dr. Price with MCR Health, and then Andy Goetz of Manatee Memorial just left, but they had to leave. We've got Devani
Iglesias who's here. We've got Brittany, we've got, um, Stu Henderson, Amanda, um, Josh from Suncoast. Um, who else? Jackie showed up, missed her part of it, but showed up. Eleni Sokos,
um, Kevin Chapman, and I think that I catch everybody from the Um, Eleni, yep. Um, so, I just think that that shows how our community has bought into it. And I think that's important, which, you know, and the several executive board members, I believe. And so, they
know how even though we're 1/6 of the county, which you could probably say realistically at 50,000, we're about 1/8, because when you add in the TDC money, it's it's the county money, too. Um, huh?
No, no, but but when you add in the county money, take the 50 away for this year, maybe it's more, but, um, but again, that's just kind of concept. So, I think that that's how it shows how important it is to this community and your board that they were willing to show up today.
And hopefully they don't get in trouble from their jobs, but whatever. Councilwoman Schuesler, and then Moore. Yeah, I I I just wanted to just make clear and add a point. Mr. Williams, your your your points are valid in terms of the work we've done to
date versus where we're going and, you know, they can't work for free, etc. Um, sitting as a city councilman and a single entity, I go back to some of the notes I was taking across the platform, which is
whatever we do, we have to figure it out. That's how I feel as a councilman, that whatever we do economic development-wise, that it's not necessarily anyone's fault, and I agree with you, Mr. Williams, that
we're getting to where we are now in terms of, "Hey, let's not stop. Let's continue to move forward." But I've never worked in an organization where you have metrics and deliverables. And yes, I get things are going to shift as things go
on. What we initially thought when we scoped out, things change. Um, and they they do. Uh, I think the I A Bonnie comments in terms of classic example, we've done this study,
we've all listened to it. Go to AI and podcast cuz it his written word was just a lot that when you listen to it, generically speaking, it's absolutely incredible with his vision for cities and our city in the different areas and the different different socioeconomics.
So, we've done our homework in terms of what we all have for thoughts and feelings, and yet, "Oh, here's a retail conference that I found out about last night through Kurt." And that's great. Things are constantly shifting. Um, we are where we are now. My point is
I think we need monthly reports. We need to be kept up, Chris. We we need to know what's going on because how am I going to sell to my constituents if if we don't know? If if if we feel like, "Nope, we've made this decision." And there you are, and it's and it's
after the fact. I I just want to reiterate that willing to work, we are where we are now. I do think we should table it with some metrics. Um, but I feel like going forward, we need to be kept up
with reports. Even if those reports shift. Any, you know, valid information is is is information is good information. Without it, we're in a vacuum and you start to think like, well, I don't even know who to call. Um, you know, I'm I'm going to run with this myself. So, I do think that
monthly reports are important. And we've got that in the contract, to be clear. Right. That's number three, the monthly meetings. Yeah. But And whether it's come to the council or individually, but individually, you can call them anytime Mhm. and get an update
or ask for a meeting. Um, so, that's that's never been not done. It's just the way Again, we're transitioning, so um, you get a new executive director there and you and that person has to >> agree completely. The the the the flow of information is not what
I personally want it to be, our board our board wants it to be. Um, I think that to Councilwoman Coachman's comments earlier, we've been busy for the last 90 days. Um, and I think continuing to do the work, continuing to support the Dover
cool activities, continuing to book, um, investment activities like the retail conference, like the Farm Bureau air show, things like that, the day in and day work, day in and day out work. The the companies that we're supporting that are actively looking at expansions and um in-city relocations.
The the work that we are doing to to build out new space of new business and consultant sectors and in the business core. I think all of those things that work continues to be done. Um And I think that, you know what, at the end of the day, we've we've biased
toward putting our head down and doing the work and not coming up for air to shout about it. And I and I'm not saying that's okay, um but I know that we unequivocally agree that we need to do that. We need this contract to be able to put in the
time and effort that it takes to be able to come to those monthly meetings prepared with the data and insights that you all are asking for and expecting. We need this to be able to do that. I'm going to go to an example. Obviously, we get a lot of calls in the city about and and see a lot of positive in our city
with this council and and since I became mayor, but company called it was a fireworks company. They wanted to move into the city of Bradenton. I turned it over to the EDC because they have the the best knowledge. So, looked at it. Um well, there was really no
building in the city of Bradenton. You know, because they tried to So, then they're looking at the county and I don't know what actually happened to it cuz I still all the chain transition and all that, but again, if it goes to the EDC and this thing is county thing
and they find something in the city, it's going to happen. But, a lot of that you won't know about till it's actually the announcement from the company because of that. And so, I don't disagree with you, Mr. Schuesler, about some of this stuff, but there's a lot of things that can't be said until it's
actually happening or done because of privacy and and you've never worked in government, I don't think, before this job. So, there's some things that, you know, if I'm at my personal family business, somebody just wants to change something or do something or I found out a funeral home had a Starbucks in it up
in Ohio somewhere and I don't know that we're going to put a Starbucks in, but there's opportunities like stuff comes along all the time that may not fit in that. But, and again, this group now has not purposely not done anything. It's been the transition. So, you know, and
again, we're not talking about signing another 3-year deal. We're talking about finishing this one and getting to October 1. You know, and that's got But, but again, with a lot of work from now to October 1 cuz our budget's done before that.
Um and I I think you've heard whether we if we table it and come up with the metrics on a piece of paper or we go with what's in there now today, it's virtually going to be exactly we're going to get it what we're asking for. I'm good. I'm I'm good either way, but I
think in May 13th still going to be the same. We're going to vote for it and hopefully it passes then from the standpoint of you've got your metrics. I just don't think that they're going to be the right metrics. My my opinion. I just don't think that
they're going to be Yeah. I just don't think it's going to be the outcome that we want and align it with the priorities of the city that you all are asking for in a timely manner. >> he you know, I don't think you're saying that it's not going to get done what we
want done. >> No, no. Yeah, not going to be on a piece of paper. Not in the next 2 weeks for you know, for noticing and all that for a meeting. But, I'd rather him say that than say, "Oh, yeah, I'll fluff it up and put it on a piece of paper for the
future." This is more I am I appreciate now I I don't expect anybody ever to work for free. Um but, I know that when I seek an a job, I don't expect to be paid for the prepa- the preparation that I put in to be able
to sell myself for that job. Um and I'm not saying that's what you're asking me to do, but just like to be clear, you know, again, we have a it's I know it's, you know, maybe only $50,000, but it is not my money. Um and so, I feel strongly that I have a
responsibility there. Um I I too would like to see it tabled. I think if you're if you're already doing this level of work, what I don't understand the barrier to reducing that to writing or to tying um the the payment to letting us know. I
mean, and it could be activity. I don't expect you to tell me, "Hey, we got this company doing coming in doing here, success. We're fast-forwarding to ribbon cutting." But, just knowing the level of activity I think would be good. And and I would make myself absolutely available. Like I
I mean, I know that it's, you know, allegedly a part-time job. I don't treat it like one. >> [laughter] >> I call it a labor of love. Um and if and if you all would like to have more convers- I mean, I would like to have more conversation. I'm actively asking
for that. Um so, and because I think that if you spoke to us about each of our thoughts already about how we get where we're going, we can do the sharing. You know, maybe you didn't know about the Iaboni report. Um so, and I wouldn't have expected you to, which is
why when I read it, I wanted to share it with people that I thought were key to having that information. Um and so, I I you know, again, I feel like there's that that element of collaboration that I want to see going forward, but I just want to set expectations, I think. And and really at the end of the day, too, you know, I
hate to do it. I apologize for it up here a lot, but with lawyer brain, I struggle to adopt a contract that I think doesn't adequately demand performance from from the perspective of one of the parties. Um and so, I I still am in favor of tabling
because I think that with just a little bit of conversation, um in the very least with, you know, some of us that are a little bit more, I you know, uneasy with the expenditure, um I think that we up you know, we can make great things happen.
Um that's what I would like to see. Ms. Coachman. I sometimes put things a little too simplistically. I'm concerned about the taxpayers' money as well. However, sometimes when you get employment, you
are being paid as you prepare to do the job. Like and and I'm just pulling this out. Um the police academy. They they're being paid while they're being prepared to do a job. And
unfortunately for the EDC, they almost were like that. You you you made some changes and it it was major. And you had to not only flip the script, you had to make sure wording was correct and you
were actually doing what you said you would do. And of course, a lot of it is in generalities. So, for some, we we we can't see what they're doing. We can't see all the hours that are being put in it.
However, right now, at this moment, this is money we owe for what they've done. And yes, we it it's the taxpayers' money. I don't like spending that just for firstly,
either. But, it's like we already hear that they've done a great deal of work. We know they have cuz we sat down and and talked with um um over the Dover um project um you know, uh
uh study. And so, um I I hear everyone and I and and I just don't want the public to think I'm just saying no, just just pay them. Just pay them. I'm simply saying they've done the work. We want we expressed to them and I have
a feeling they will deliver after hearing us. Um but at this moment, if we don't agree approve this, then they're going to continue working for free. And how much you're going to get for that?
Well, and I think you know, I I'm very critical of things we do with with the taxpayers' money of making sure we don't waste it, running it like a business. And Ms. Moore, I don't disagree whenever you do anything, you prepare for it and sometimes you're preparing to get the
job, so that comes with it. We had an event the other day where we had four contractors come in and prepared for that job. Three of them didn't get it. Well, they say they spend sometimes 50 to 100,000 dollars in preparing for that job that they
don't get. So, but this is different because we actually have asked them to do the work already knowing that the extension to it, but if we would have said, "Well, we can't don't do anything until we give it to you," well, we
wouldn't have known where they were and we would be losing businesses day by day. And I've never been on a trip to a retail conference like that. Now, I wish all six of us could go, but that can't happen right now because of sunshine and all the other stuff, but
it's it's an opportunity to fix something that was broke before this group, per se. You know, even though the board is similar, but it's stuff that came out that things that happened for whatever reason. You know, some things happened
for bad reasons, but good things come out of it. And I think >> [clears throat] >> the way this happened was for a bad reason, in my opinion, coming out of it. I'm talking about the overall picture from last year till now. But, we are good stewards of the money and that's why Mr. Perry and I and Mr.
Williams said you're not we're not asking for the 100,000. We're asking for work they've done, work they're going to do to continue through September 30th. And if we task them and and it's tabled today, we task them to come up with some specifics,
they're going to put them in the contract. And we're going to metrics them out and still have to come up within the next two to three months of next year's contract. Can't wait till October 1st. It's going to be probably by June that Yeah. And I think they're going to be
able to show those metrics so far. Um and but I don't disagree with knowing everything else that's going on, but we've never really asked for that other than in collaboration with what we tell them and what we talk about at board meetings. The board meetings before were
just show what's happening. Now, they're what's going on board meetings and I think the new executive director, I would hope the new executive director would come in and it's not just the fluff, go sit for 15 minutes and listen to positive. Here's what we've
done. Here's what we've done. This is what's happening. But a lot of times it's we're dealing with ABC company. I can't say the names yet because that would you know, Lots of >> jeopardize. Nobody would come to us in a separate method to do that. And you
know, but again, our dollars are being shown for that and that's what would happen. So, we're at where we're at. So, at this point, I don't know that I'm I'm not disrespecting any others that wanted to talk, but I think we've talked and the support is there from the EDC to show how important it is to them, to you,
to this and working with the city. Um and we've talked over an hour now um in a good way and that cuz again, it's never been that I wanted to hide anything from anybody. It's bringing it to that part of you know, do we go forward with this
contract with the administration working forward to get that metric sheet. And And all the other work day in and day out, right? And it's not just about that metric. >> Or or approving it as is right now with that
coming forward or you know, going and tabling it till May 13th and having that sheet that you know, I would hope that nothing would change between now and May 13th of what we're doing to keep moving forward. I I would ask on behalf of our board and our EDC that you all support this motion for a
continuation of our short-term contract extension with the agreements, the terms, all of the things that have already been kind of agreed upon. We ask you to allow us to please continue our work that we're doing day in and day out to go to this
conference next week with the mayor to represent the city well, to continue the work that we're doing on BRE every day, and also, in addition to working on that action plan and figuring out the strategy. It's really a a secondary item. It's really about the
continuation of the work that we've already been doing. We ask for your support. We understand and genuinely hear and um take in full honesty and sincerity of the comments of the discussion today. And I look forward to continuing the dialogue with y'all and our new
executive director. Appreciate it. Thank you. Had plenty of discussions, so chair will entertain a motion. I move. I move to table. I'm sorry. Table to a date specific? >> Date specific, May
>> Yes. Second. All right. So, we have a motion to table to 5 13 with all of the information that's been discussed today to have in the contract.
Um which um what I would suggest is council to send the information to Mr. Perry um and Yeah, I would request that each councilor, so that we can go back to these fine people and the taxpayers and show them uh I would expect at least a
one page bullet from each councilor on what they want in there. If we could get that, it'd be helpful because I think otherwise we're not going to get that feedback. It's really not fair to say today that we expect some reformed project within the next two weeks.
All right. So, motion to table by Moore, seconded by Coker. Um >> [clears throat] >> we'll start the vote in Ward 4. Yes. Five? Yes. One? Yes. Two? No. Three? Yes. Carries 4 to 1 with the coming back on May 13th to
table. Um and we will make that on the agenda the first item. Um that so it can get done and brought up and and finished early. All right. Thank you. >> the permissions from the chair, Yes. I I'd ask that we get that response back
from councilors within, what do you think, a a week or two? >> than that. They already know what they want. I'd say by Friday. >> By Friday. By Friday. And then we'll get it to the EDC. Time to work with them. Yeah. Yeah, so. All right. Um all right. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes. Yeah, but I'm going to take a quick recess. >> Okay. Please. I I just want to make a real quick point. Yes, ma'am. I don't know No, it's okay. So, we'll take a 10-minute recess. We'll be back at 10:45.
All right. We'll come back off of recess. Um first thing I want to do, Madam Clerk, is um Jackie Dezelski, like I said, came in a little bit early. She couldn't be here on Small Business Week proclamation cuz they had an executive board meeting and it was kind of last
minute, but I do want to ask Jackie to come up for a moment. She's a good person always to put on the spot. Um >> [laughter] >> but but being a a now 30-year employee of the chamber plus and uh
you know, our chamber was great with the late Bob Barts, but without Jackie and what she's done since, you know, obviously I think she probably was heir apparent before Bob's illness, but you know, and the way it came up, but I just think that one of the things that that I'm always so proud of for our
community. Obviously, the chamber's right downtown, but Small Business Week is is so important. Small Business Year is what we really are, but Small Business Week is is so important to this community because of what we do and and I know sometimes you may not have heard
or heard, but you know, we have the best chamber in the world and they changed the rules about judging us in Florida because uh we would have wanted every year and you got to get other people involved and that's the collaboration that we see. And you know, I always talk about you don't always have to agree politically on certain things at times,
but you always agree that we're the heart our heart is what we want for our city and that's what I know you have. So, um I said you did a great presentation yesterday and uh we just wanted to say thank you because you make the small business and the chamber
continuation of 130 some years now, I think, of who we are and what we are in this community. So, I just wanted to personally thank you and I I know the board I would assume echoes all of those comments um and our staff and everything we do. So, thank you. Thank you and and again,
I I apologize, Mayor and and council for not being able to be here for the very important recognition that you gave Small Business. Um this morning, we did have our executive committee and um trying to reschedule nine people's calendars. Um I apologize, but I know
that members of my team and members of the board were here as well. Um but certainly in recognition of Small Business Week, you hit the nail on the head when you um alluded to it being the heart of our community. And yes, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce began and was founded in
1889 as the Bradenton Board of Trade. Um and that that legacy of business leadership and partnership with public entities and with so many other organizations and individuals is what's built over more than 135 years um the heartbeat of this community, which is is
small businesses. It is absolutely not about me, um but what it is about is partnership. Um and I applaud all of you individually and collectively as um as as the city for all of the investment and attention that you pour into small
businesses. We have over 2,200 entities that invest in membership in our chamber. Half of them employ five or fewer and that sometimes is a surprising statistic um to those who think about uh the chamber membership, um but it really
speaks to um how important growing that ecosystem to support businesses um has been and always will be and we're just thrilled to continue working together um in the city and in the greater Manatee County region uh to make businesses even
more successful for all of us. I'll let I'll go to Vice Mayor Coker in just a second, but one thing you said half of the small businesses are five or few members and when you look at the Tampa Bay region and around us, our size, 20 over 2,200 members, I'm
sure there's a lot more members in some of the bigger counties north of us, per se, and not again, we love all our counties around us, but we're proud to boast on that it's what our count our chamber has done and you can say it's about the people, but it's
also about the leadership in the chamber over the years to continue that because you think of a small business. I mean, and and I look back and and when my mom and dad started our business, you know, I think there was two employees and four kids. So, you you know, we were all employees at 8, 6, 4, and 2, but my mom
and dad were the employees and right very shortly after starting becoming the small business of the year in that industry with probably four employees at that time, but now 51 years later is that business because of the community. And that's where I think that shows a
great by the leadership, by the board, a great ability to say, "How can we help you?" And we saw that in 24 with the hurricanes that came through our community and we would have lost a lot more businesses if the chamber wouldn't have been there in that support. So, we
appreciate that and that's why it was so important. We missed the deadline to get it on next year. We won't. Kelly's probably listening because we're trying to stick to that, but sometimes I do have a little executive privilege in that and I just thank you for that. Vice Mayor Coker. Yeah. Um you you had mentioned that it's that
it's about the collaboration, but I will also add that it's about leadership and I think your leadership is exemplary. Um yesterday you shared some information that was kind of new to us and I would love if it's okay, appropriate for you to re-share that so that the rest of the
board and the community can hear it. Thank you. I'm going to try to remember the graph off the top of my head. I don't have a photographic memory, but it was 60 and 66 if I'm not mistaken. South Bradenton and Bradenton. >> Correct. And and what Councilwoman Coker is referring to is that yesterday's
Bradenton Kiwanis meeting I shared the recent analysis or assessment by WalletHub that shared out of 1,334 communities across the country they were rating for the best and the worst for
starting a new business for starting a small business and we are so proud to say that Bradenton and and their definition of South Bradenton, which I still need to dig a little bit more into the demographics and the micro MSAs as to why they delineate between Bradenton
and South Bradenton, but again out of more than 1,300 communities across the country Bradenton and South Bradenton landed at 60 and 66 on the list. And so, they that is at the best of that ranking and that is
something again that that doesn't happen in a year or two. Sometimes, you know, you think about the the earlier discussion on economic development and how a continued long-term focus has gotten this region, this city, our county to to where we are, but I will
absolutely share. I was thinking about that. I was like, "Oh my gosh, I was supposed to send that email." So, I'll send that when I pop back over to the office because that is something you all should be so proud of because you each play a very important role in setting that vision for where we want to see in
this case the city go, but as we talked about it's a ripple effect that that affects not just the city, but the county and our entire region. Well, I think that shows the importance of the great debate we had earlier and why it's important to make things work. You know,
again if we weren't good stewards of the money, we wouldn't be 66 either. Well, we were 60. I thought South Bradenton was 60. I didn't get that okay. So, but in the 60s four out of 1,300 plus, but it shows that
positiveness, but also getting being fiscally responsible. So, you know, I think that this can work to our advantage for the future of getting done with that EDC contract, CRA stuff, everything else that we're doing because some of it is artificially
we're doing, but it's now how do we get help the collaboration from all of us and I think that's important. So, I'm sorry to put you on the spot, but it's easy to do in a fun way and I did hear that we're up for reconsideration. We're up to 5 years
next year or something on that >> Oh gosh, is it already? Thanks for that reminder. We're all getting older, so congratulations and thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you and thank you, too. I I cannot pass up even off the cuff the opportunity to thank you for
your investment in the chamber as well as platinum investors in helping shape the vision and the mission. Your participation, you and your incredible team as well are so active on our committees and in setting the priorities from a leadership perspective for the chamber. So, thank
you. Thank you. Thanks. All right, Madam Clerk. Item 7A is the CDBG 2627 proposed use of funds. We We've all got them, read them, and It's a public hearing. I know, but any
report that we have to have before? Vicky, all good? All right. Yeah. Okay. So, this is we'll open the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak? Anyone wishing to speak? Anyone wishing to speak? Hearing none,
we'll close the public hearing. Um Is this a voting item? I don't think it is. No. Okay. So, May 13th. Yep. All right. Madam Clerk. Item 7B is the second reading and public hearing for ordinance
4075. An ordinance of the City of Bradenton, Florida amending part one, charter and related laws, subpart B, related laws, article three, firefighters retirement system of the City of Bradenton, Florida
amending section one, definitions to exclude contracted special details from the definition of salary. Amending section five, subsection one, contributions to lower the employee contribution to 9% effective upon
ratification to 8% effective October 1st, 2026 and to 7% effective October 1st, 2027. Providing for codification, providing for severability, providing for repeal of ordinances and conflicts or excuse
me, ordinances or resolution resolutions in conflict and providing for an effective date. All right. Mayor, briefly Yes. on this item, this basically is a requirement when we change
when we change pension programs basically. And so, it has to come before council for formal adoption of the ordinance. You can see attached to it basically is the Foster and Foster actuary study, which is also required by law to look at
the solvency and the fiscal impact of those changes in accordance with the actuary, Sarah Carlson, whose letter is attached here, too. Um The the the findings are that the fiscal impact
will not have significant negative impacts on the solvency of our program. All right. So, it's not a public hearing. It is. It is. It's not listed. All right. Um No, you're public hearing. I'm sorry. I
was looking for the blue. All right. So, any comments or questions? We'll go to the public hearing. Open the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak? Anyone wishing to speak? Anyone wishing to speak? Hearing none, we'll close the public hearing. Mr. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. Ms. Barnebey.
>> I'd like to move for approval of ordinance 4075. Second. All right. Any further discussion? Just to clarify, I've I've got 4076 in my agenda. Is that wrong? You're looking down the the second one.
>> [laughter] >> Good. Government working too fast, Mr. Rudacille. All right. Hearing no further, we'll start the vote in Ward 5. Yes. One? Yes. Two? Yes. Three? Yes. Four? Yes. Approved five to zero. Madam Clerk. Item
7C is the second reading and public hearing for ordinance 4076. An ordinance of the City of Bradenton, Florida relating to the provisions of services, facilities, programs, and local improvements within the City of Bradenton, Florida.
Adopting chapter 75 of the City of Bradenton Code of Ordinances entitled Master Capital Project and Service Assessments. Authorizing the imposition and collection of special assessments against property within the City of Bradenton.
Providing certain definitions and defining the terms assessment, service assessment, and capital assessment. Providing for the creation of assessment areas, establishing the procedures for imposing capital and service assessments.
Establishing procedures for notice and adoption of assessment rolls. Providing that assessments constitute a lien on assessed property upon adoption of the assessment roll. Providing that the lien for an assessment roll collected pursuant to
sections 197.3632 and 197.36 I'm sorry, 197.3635 Florida Statutes. Upon a perfection shall attach the property on the prior January 1, the lien date for ad valorem taxes.
Providing that a perfected lien shall be equal in rank and dignity with the liens of all state, city, district, or municipal taxes and assessments and superior in dignity to all other prior liens, mortgages, titles, and claims.
Authorizing exemptions, providing procedures for collection of assessments, providing a mechanism for the imposition of assessments on government property, providing for issuance of obligations, declaring the provisions of this ordinance to be supplemental,
additional, and an alternative method, providing for applicability and severability, providing for conflicts and codification, and providing an effective date. Mr. Perry. Mayor, as it [clears throat] relates to ordinance number 4076,
this of course deals with the imposition of a a levy of a special assessment for the Ironwood infrastructure water distribution program. As you know, Ironwood's group had come to us through their master association, I think back in
2021, initially asking the city to consider taking over their water system for water distribution, not sanitary sewer. That's already basically within the city's purview. They they asked that we do that, and
when we looked at the different options available, of course, we required them to come up to the specifications, the test technical specifications that would be required from an engineering perspective to basically rebuild their their water distribution system.
In doing so, we retained the services of professional engineers to look at the system and to come up with a probable estimate of engineers cost to do that system, as well as the technical specs on how to do it, ultimately to design the system
and to cost out the system. We've had several meetings with the Ironwood association. We've required them to go to their sub-association, of which I believe there's 15, working through their property manager. In the audience today is Carlos, who I
believe is the president of their master association, and and and and other folks from Ironwood itself. This particular ordinance is required by law as a matter of the technical requirements and legal requirements of imposition of a special
assessment, and and that's why it's particularly required that we pass an ordinance to perfect that in accordance with the law, and then basically the tax assessor and tax collector can proceed accordingly with that assessment. We've
provided the financial data, obviously, to council, which was approved previously as it relates to estimated cost, as it relates to payment options and finance options and the like. We're continuing to work on that. The project itself is started and
it's under construction. The engineering is completed. We have worked closely with the association, both the master association, and they have come in at previous meetings to voice their their affirmation and support for this special assessment. This is not the city
council or the city administration recommending a special assessment. This is basically the homeowners association themselves recognize that they have an aged infrastructure system for water distribution. It needs to be repaired. The city would benefit them to have the
city take that system over, and to that extent, they're requesting that the financing mechanism be this special assessment. Mr. Rutledge. Um, yeah, thank you, Mayor. So, Ironwood is clearly what precipitated
the bringing forward of this ordinance, but this ordinance itself just creates the framework for how the city would proceed with special assessment. So, it doesn't actually levy a special assessment against Ironwood. That's going to be coming in the future. It's not specific to the Ironwood process. It
just creates the overall framework within the code of ordinances as to how the city would proceed with either a service assessment or a capital assessment. And since Ironwood is the one kind of asking for it, we had to create that. That's correct. And one of the things, I
know it's it's kind of officially been since '21, but it was before that many years when they were having issues. As a councilman in that ward, we had talks about it, and it's in this particular case with Ironwood, it's an
older it's a private system. The city doesn't maintain private systems, and the only way the city will take over a system if it's up to the city standards. So, that's why they've come in and asked us, and one of the things that that we and I've asked particularly is to have
this all on the record because when you have new homeowners come in in 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 years and wonder why they're being assessed something that they felt they were owed in the water, that this is why, and that's what we're
doing to make it better. We're helping a private entity get out of a situation that will benefit all of us in the future. And so, that's that's why, but I'll go to the public hearing, and then we'll open the public hearing. Anyone wishing
to speak? Anyone wishing to speak? Anyone wishing to speak? Hearing none, chair will entertain a motion. Ms. Barnaby. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I would move for approval of ordinance 4076. Second.
All right. Any further discussion? Hearing none, we'll start the vote in Ward 1. Yes. [snorts] 2. Yes. 3. Yes. 4. Yes. 5. Carries. Carries [snorts] 5 to 0. Thank you. Mr. Perry. Mayor, as it relates to item number 8,
new business, city administration non-binding letter agreement for GT Bray Park. Within the package is that letter, which of course is defined as a non-binding letter commitment. What it is is a mechanism for us to basically
set forth how we would do a transfer of a conveyance of the of the GT Bray property that is currently owned by the city of Bradenton over to the county who operates it currently under a very long-term lease. We've made good headway with it. There's a lot of technical
issues regarding the survey and title work surrounding that property. As a piece of real property, we have a multitude of different easements on the property. We have utilities, we have facilities including the water tower, the the PSOC, public safety
operations center, fire station 3, and of course, I think it's lift station 23 across the way. And so, we have to do carve out so that we maintain that property cuz it is city you know, city facilities, and we're working on again the title and survey
work associated with that. It also addresses the non-binding letter about how the conveyance would take place. The consideration is basically a $10 cost to the to the county, and the term
of it of course is a conveyance, and so it would it would basically terminate the existing lease that we have on the property. I believe and we hope to do that under section 4, the termination by
June of 2028. So, we're we think we can do it a lot quicker. We've been advancing it a lot quicker. We probably do it within frankly 6 months from now, but we have given ourselves to June of 2028. All the fees associated with the conveyance and the transfer to include
recording fees, survey, legal descriptions, and attorneys fees would be borne by the county, who would be receiving it. There's indemnification provisions in there whereby each party is really responsible for their own negligence and liability
prior to the conveyance. As the council may know, we have been the subject of lawsuits, one recently for I believe a baseball or softball that struck a child, and since we're the property owner, we were dragged into it. We don't operate the park, of course, and there were some defenses, but we ended up
basically I think having to go to a summary judgment as opposed to a rule 12e6 saying that we're just the property owner under law, we're not responsible. The court gave that authority to the plaintiffs to proceed through the discovery process to the summary judgment rule 56 proceeding, and
ultimately we were able to basically extract ourselves from that lawsuit on a voluntary dismissal. But, we do have these problems, and and we were on a joint defense agreement where the county did defend us, and so we want to get out of that business, too, where we have that type of exposure, obviously, because the
vast majority of operations down there are county operations. Basically, that's kind of the the gist of it. Again, we are working with with [clears throat] title issues and and easement issues and
access issues itself. I did point out to the city councilor on this as it relates to there's a go-between between really 51st Street and 59th, where on the southern part of the city boundary, even into the
county, emergency services actually use that as a pass-through, the GT Bray area, because you'd have to go back to 21st Avenue, basically, to go either east or west to try to make an emergency response. And so, we do intend to retain
an access easement to allow us to continue to do that for deployment of any fire equipment, mostly from station 3, and any police response as well. There's some other kind of technical issues, but that's the gist of this. It's a non-binding letter. It asks for
your support. Mr. Rutledge. Um, yeah, just to to add a little bit more background, the the current lease is set to expire in 2 years. So, we're in a position where we either need to start negotiating a new lease agreement with the county or the other
option is for us to look at transferring the property. And so, essentially what this um non-binding letter agreement is is to say from both the city and the county that we're going to start working towards the transfer as opposed to start working on that lease extension or
new lease agreement. Um The The The other reason to do that now is cuz as Mr. Perry said, there's a lot of work that is going to go into that in terms of you know, what interest the city needs to retain on that property um
for the easements and the existing city facilities that are there. Um so, you know, we wanted to get that process started sooner rather than later. Mr. Perry, would you would you anticipate if if we wanted to keep this property when the
lease expired and take it back over, would you anticipating us wanting to run a public um facility like that and uh start a new division in the city? A parks and recreation division is probably one of the most expensive undertakings a city can can, you know,
engage in. And it seems like the county does a pretty good job out there. Um it services the area really well. Obviously, they're doing a lot in the east east part of the county with some of their new facilities, but that has been a traditionally um very well-loved, I believe, um
kind of facility for recreational parks out there. It's beautiful. We're all very familiar with it. >> And I said that tongue in cheek in a way >> that we do not want to become parks and rec. Um the little bit that we do right now is hard to keep up with and we're trying
to maximize that. But my biggest thing is is there would be some provision or something that an agreement that the county will always keep it to the standards that we expect it's at now and keep improving. And obviously, some of
that gets political at times depending on the county commissioner in that zone. So, we would just always have some sort of assurance that GT Bray is going to be the GT Bray that we've all grown up with. So. Yes, sir.
Mindful. Yeah. Um I had Vice Mayor Coker and then Ms. Moore. Yeah, I would like to definitely um provide in there that it's going to in you know, be perpetually a public park for the public. Um you never know what's
ahead. Um if for some reason somebody decided to develop it or sell the property that somehow we have a way to claw it back for $10 or you know, I just want to make sure that it's maintained as a public park for
everyone's use because uh I mean, that's the only park in Ward 1. So. I'd actually kind of direct that to Mr. Rudisel to give maybe an overview on uh reversionary interest. And and and the county may or may not be willing to do that. I think generally
speaking, they're you know, they do have long-term plans, but you know, you can put a deed restriction in there that extent. And the deed restriction is what's called a reversionary interest, but I'm not the land use lawyer or the city attorney. So, I'll let Mr. Rudisel. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, I mean, that that's not something that that's been discussed at this
point. I mean, there that's certainly something that we could bring into the discussion. I don't know that there would be an objection. Obviously, some portions of the property are not used for public park, right? You've got a lot of public service components that are in there now. So, we have to to
carve that out of that limitation, but um that's certainly something we can discuss with the county. I just want to protect you know, who whoever is sitting in these seats and and their seats at the county that you know, that that will always
have a park for the for the public to use in Ward 1. Sure. And I would anticipate that's the process, but we want to make sure that if something changed and we know Yeah. by votes, things change and timing of things, but but we would always want to have that
opportunity to make that choice. When I say we, this board, whoever's sitting at it. So, Ms. Moore. Um that's a great point, actually. Um so, I think that's smart to raise it and address it. Um
Oh, did you want to speak a little bit to the Oh, did you want to speak a little bit to the financial uh impact in connection with now being able to charge for utilities? Not really. Okay. >> [laughter] >> It's a utility bill. Tell me how you
really feel. All right. Any other questions? Chair will entertain a motion. Well, Ward 1. Ward 1. >> Oh, yes. Uh well. Okay. Yeah.
I will motion to approve the non-binding letter of agreement for GT Bray Park between City of Bradenton and Manatee County and authorize the mayor to execute. Second. All right. We [snorts] have a motion and a second.
Hearing no further discussion, we'll start the vote in Ward 2. Yes. 3. Yes. 4. Yes. 5. Yes. 1. Yes. [snorts] Approved 5 to 0. Mr. Perry. Item 8B is the city administration's third note modification agreement with Florida
Cultural Group. We're basically asking to continue um with with the mortgage note that we have um with the Florida Cultural Group. About 3 years ago, I believe that note came due. It's for a little bit north of $2 million. And um
at that time, we dealt um with Florida Cultural Group who was asking for to extend it um for purposes of trying to find development opportunities. The note itself covers the financing that was necessary to uh purchase the parking
lot, which is directly south of the uh performing arts center itself. It's very quite valuable property. It is intricately important to uh development of Avenue of the Arts. And initially, it looked like it could involve an air
rights housing project. That particular proposal that was kind of being developed at the time a few years back has since basically um gone away. And I believe the Florida Cultural Group has another uh development possibility that is has great economic benefit and
potential. Uh frankly, it's a major project. It has been kind of conceptually um provided to the community and released as far as what they're trying to do. Um it it's a very complex project and it would take time to develop it and and a great deal of capitalization
um as well. It would have immense benefit, I believe, to the area and to the Avenue of the Arts and ultimately the city. Uh Janine had asked that we basically provide, I believe this is a 2-year extension. Um Yes, Ms. Corey. Fort News has been helping me and doing most of the work, not helping me, but doing most of the
work on this. Um We agreed to take to you a 2-year extension where interest is paid on the note and they are current on on those payments. And so, um we are being reimbursed for the cost of money which which we put out there. Um what it does
is allows them to basically avoid the principal call on the note for the principal at this time. It's also an opportunity, obviously, as things go forward Avenue of the Arts um with the EDC is working bring
other opportunities to that area with it. So, you know, it may not be on a piece of paper yet, but we'll get it on a piece of paper and show how that you know, and again, some of those things don't come out until they come out. And so, I just think it's a great opportunity as we go forward. Um
So, questions for Mr. Perry or a motion? Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Mr. Shusler. I motion to approve the third note modification agreement and authorize execution by the mayor. Second. Second by Ms. Coachman. Any comments? Hearing none, we'll start the vote in
Ward 3. Yes. 4. Yes. 5. Yes. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. Approved 5 to 0. Thank you, Mr. Perry. Uh the last item was an add to the to the agenda. And that item basically involves um an MOU for
between the city and and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Um we are in a situation where we are moving forward with construction of phase one of the city park project. Um after many years of design and property acquisition and other planning
activities, um we're moving forward. We We have a timeline to do this phase one, which includes some utility location that's located basically directly north of the left field area of Lecomte Park.
Um we have some utility significant utility into that area that has to be relocated and realigned. Um we're also planning on completing what we call field three. We call it field three because it's really field one is Lecomte, field two is it is the
practice field. Yep. And then and then field three is the new field that would go at the corner of 9th and 13th Avenue. We have some really great conceptual drawings. Um uh Foley Bryant, our architect, Stewart's in the back of the room. Um
their team has put together an awesome awesome uh project and uh field design. We have selected with your approval um a construction manager at risk, tandem construction and they're ready to roll and start some excavation in that area.
Currently, that area is under the control of a portion of it in particular where the parking lot was directly north of Leecom in the left to center field area and it would be what we would previously have been located
due south of the Crowley building which of course was the public public works annex. Um that parking lot contains I believe it's 242 or 262 parking spaces and of course that would be where we need to put a lot of the field upgrades itself.
Things like a lot of flat work, a roadway for turnaround as I already mentioned, utility locates and we need to try to carve that out of the existing lease with the Pirates. So in exchange for that, we are trying through this MOU
to basically get access to that property and the agreement to be able to use the property and get the end of the property and construct on the property. Um it deals basically with within the MOU um access to the property for construction, temporary parking. Um it's
referenced in there that we would provide alternative temporary parking of 375 spaces. We do intend to do that in phase one a portion of it in phase one that would be I believe due east of the park. Um and then additional parking
over at the solid waste facility and some other ancillary areas to make up the parking requirements that contained in section three of the memorandum of understanding. Um the Pirates do seek to get Pirate City repairs
um which we recognize are necessary. There is a kind of a three-part um funding to to the repairs themselves and it it's roughly about $10.5 million with the Pirates contributing about a third
of it $3 million 500,000. It's interesting that over the last couple of days what I've seen on the news is a great deal of highlighting of the Philadelphia Phillies facility up in Clearwater and they're proposing a $200 million
upgrade to their their spring training facility. Just the spring training. They don't have I don't believe a year-round facility like we have at Pirate City and out of that 200 million I think they're asking the city of Clearwater for 30 million and Pinellas County
for 66 million, maybe a little bit more and they're talking about redirecting that funding from what would have went to the Tampa Bay stadium when they were talking about rebuilding the Tropicana of course in St. Petersburg. So on one hand I look at it and say, you know, it's it's there's
a great deal of economic benefit having the Pirates here in the area both the spring training and year-round and a great host of other things they do with their community as being a 55-year partner. At the same time it's kind of expensive, right? But in comparison to
200 million and you look at the economic impact, it's a pretty good you know, it's a pretty good return on investment over a period of time. And so um we're trying to basically finalize the details of both operation of City Park,
the the final financial commitments as it relates to the Pirate City improvements and also potentially look at some improvements that might be necessary to Leecom. We're working with some of our partners to find some of that funding. We feel
really positive about it. Um the state has has contributed a good deal in some of those Pinellas projects I referred to as well as I believe they've provided they've they've committed to funding to Hillsborough County for the relocation of the Rays up to a potential site up there that's in
the billions. I think it's over 2 billion for that that new project. And so you know, we're not Tampa, we're not Pinellas County. We're working with our partners here to maximize how we use baseball year-round,
how we use City Park year-round and turn it into a redevelopment economic transportation community enhancement hub and this is part of that project. >> generational change in a neighborhood that's going to help children >> it best. And and and one of the things
that you know, when you see all the stuff coming out north of us, you know, money is a lot lot but what you get in return, the economic development and everything coming back is is so satisfying know that we're going to change a community and have an
opportunity to change the community and give people that haven't felt like they've been cared about for a while, you know, even though it's kind of both that's been my whole goal the whole time and this is just that next cog in the wheel. We bought the corner property, we bought the um canvas
shop we're buying property across the street and we're collaborating with the CRA and the city to do that. We bought other property um not only I see John Agnelli out in the audience for the Boys and Girls Club. Not only does it all this benefits our not-for-profits as you
go down and also bringing back that sense of caring and home to a community. So you know, even though there's ups and downs as you go through things, this is one of those that I think is next step positive and how do we continue that
process with now a ribbon cutting date being set. And even though all people see all the stuff torn down and they saw more parking and the reason there's more parking than the 272 is because they also had a little contract that oh by the way, we put a a uh
3 million or 2 million gallon tank on it to store some water where they used to park. So that's part of it and while improving our public works facility to get us to that next generational thing that we did approve
last week the the contractor for that. So this is just another step to that next friendly great city we're going to have. Vice Mayor Coker and then um Councilwoman Moore. Yeah. Um excited to get this pushing forward and just a
question as far as the um parking that we're going to be providing temporarily while we're using their parking. Um will they have exclusive use of it? Will we still will it be in an as needed basis in the event that they have a
lockout or we still have access to that property? How will that be? That that is a good question. Um it it's interesting that under the lease basically the revenue that's associated with it is for spring training. For spring training is 100% Pirates revenue
basically. They get and of course it's as I said 262 or whatever it is. Um We've never really had a problem with the Pirates allowing them us to use that lot or associated other Pirates property when they don't need it for games, right? You know, they need it for spring
training games. Of course it fills up pretty well. We've also added additional spaces when we demoed out some of the things. No problem with that. We actually they allowed us to use it for Regatta I believe. We had a kind of park
and ride situation. So it really hasn't been a problem. Okay. Um when it we go to the term sheet that we're working in right now, what we're actually contemplating doing is trying to get some of that parking revenue for non-Pirates or Marauders games. When we do basically
those travel tournaments that we have a revenue share with them for that because we can take some of that revenue and basically pay down any kind of debt service that we have as it relates to it. So we're we're kind of sharing in that revenue. Okay. Yeah, good question and that's that's the collaboration
will continue to grow setting it up and obviously 58 years I think of the Pirates now and and also looking at what the state does with ways to get Mr. Williams is doing a great job at wordsmithing every way to continue to
get other people's money to help it with. Yeah, I have a great team that's doing it. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Ms. Moore. Um Mr. Williams, so I think if I understand correctly it's us initially fronting 3 and 1/2 million.
Um is that coming from um I know we have lease or we have obligations with the Pirates to maintain the park? Is it coming from that fund or is this I feel like we budgeted uh like just earmarked 5 million for the purposes of
City Park last budget season as a placeholder of sorts or is that 3 and 1/2 coming from that budgeted item? No, the 5 million was for City Park specific. Oh, okay. So this is definitely for >> what what what we're obligated to is we have a
capital a spring and it's actually called a spring training capital improvement fund um where we donate to it every year as part of the agreement. Um some of that will come out of that. Um but like Mr. Perry had mentioned we're we're actually working with some
partners and and trying to collaborate because it's not just specific to Pirate City. I mean this this agreement is but when you think about long term, you know, we have Leecom that we're responsible for. You know, we have to make sure that we have the repairs. So
it's not it's not just what is today but it's what is tomorrow also. Um so to answer your question, I don't we haven't earmarked it specifically at this point. Um we we have the funds to be able to do it. Um that's not a question.
It's more of a question of do we use general fund? Do we save up for the you know, spring training infrastructure? Um do we look at some of our partners? Do we ask for, you know, you know, some state or federal assistance? So, it's a it's a collaboration
of a bunch of of funding sources, if you will. But again, for Pirate City, LECOM, and City Park. So, that even though they're two different things, you know, we're it's instead of just constantly going back and back and back, we're you know, let's
look big picture and say, this is this is what we need to make sure that we cover and how do we do all that? The benefit I think to that will be you know, this council has done a great job at working with grants for our infrastructure, doing different things.
Getting collaboration through the EDC and the TDC and the county, which is all part of it. And that's why when you look at other things that we do, you know, when we can get other people's money, that's still our money ultimately in taxes, but we don't have to dig into the
ad valorem part of it. And, you know, but again, they're benefiting from it, too. You know, just because you come to a ball field, if we we're having these tournaments at City Park, which is again helping the whole neighborhood um generationally, but when you look at
the hotel rooms, we have a 100 team tournament coming here. We don't have enough hotel rooms in the city of Bradenton. So, they're going to be staying all over the county. So, that's why we're using our money and getting federal money and state money as it goes. We've been very fortunate. And we're going to, you know, keep going
on that. The biggest thing we just did with some of that money in that fund was those basically paid for the new lights at LECOM. So, that's a long-term thing that we're responsible by contract. But how do we continue, you know, the Pirates want some assurances, we want some assurances. And that's what
it's cuz we do not we just we're just working with the county to give GT Bray Park. The last thing we want to do is now run a baseball park. And but the Pirates want to be assured that it's a collaboration, not just one-sided. So, that's what I like. So, I think we've talked a lot about that. If
there's no other question, the chair will entertain a motion. Mr. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. Motion to approve the MOU with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Second. I have a motion by Ms. Coachman, second by Ms. Barnaby. We've had a lot of discussion. We'll start the vote in Ward
4. Yes. Five. Yes. One. Yes. Two. Yes. Three. Yes. Approved five to zero. Thank you very much. Mr. Perry. Actually, Mr. Perry, before you start, I would just want to one more thing. I did mention that John Agnelli is here for
the Boys & Girls Club, does a lot with our youth, and I know we had a lot of discussion early on, but everything we do in this community, and I believe our job up here as well most important is being good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars, but also as good stewards of
our community. And you you know me and the Boys & Girls Club, but it's not just about the Boys & Girls Clubs, it's about the kids. Cuz if we're setting an example for the kids and the children that are our future, and I've said it a few times up here, but um learned it many years ago at a
conference of the Boys & Girls Club, 25% of the population, give or take a little, is children, but they're 100% of our future. So, the example we set up here hopefully will go generationally into our community with everything we've done today while still being good
stewards. And if that is something that doesn't get this job when we run for election, then I'll take it because I know we're doing the right things for our community and our kids, and that's the most important. So, thank you for being here, John, and and
thanks for sitting through the meeting. Mr. Perry. I just as an that's that completes the formalized items on the agenda. Just a quick heads-up, we're coming into hurricane season, and so we are rolling out some activation and training for that
throughout April and May. We'll do training and exercises and kind of dust things off and check technology and different supplies and equipments and policies um here in April and early May, and then we'll go into final preseason preparations as far as further
inspections and testing of of hard support re- response type equipment and um verifying agreements with contractors and alike, and we'll be ready to go and season starts in June. Thank you. Any other department head
reports before we go to council reports? Anything? All right. Anything? Nope, we're all good. All right. Mr. Mr. Chief Gear, you want to tell us about something that might be happening tomorrow to confirm? I think it's tomorrow. I swear it, badge pinning.
Yeah, so we sent an invite out. We've got five new employees that are going to be having their badge pinning ceremony yesterday. So, please, if you can make it. I'm sorry. You said yesterday. Oh, tomorrow. Did I say yesterday? I thought you said yesterday. >> [laughter]
>> Chief, what time is that out out over there? >> 3:30 tomorrow. The training room over there. >> Oh, so training room, you're all welcome. Uh they've been training uh last week, yesterday, today, and they'll be uh ready to uh go on shift um
soon after their badge pinning, so if you can make it, we'll they would appreciate it, the families would, and we would, so thank you very much. All right. Thank you. Appreciate that. I just thought, you know, again, I wanted the public to hear it, too, that we're progressing with noise with our police department, all the other departments,
and it was great to see today um Colonel Lee about bringing somebody that's been so important to our city. And you want to celebrate people like that that are put their heart and soul into our city for 25 years. But y'all want to just want to celebrate that they have a good career retirement, and that's
that's important. So, um all right, going to council reports, we'll start in Ward 3. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Start by saying this weekend uh our community is preparing for one of the Bradenton's longest-standing traditions,
the the Soto Grand Parade, taking place Saturday, April 25th. Uh for generations, this event has brought together residents, families, and visitors uh not only from our city, but from Manatee County and throughout the state. Um and so
>> And the world. We've got we've got people from Spain here. >> Thank you, Ms. Barnaby. It's a celebration of our city's history and community spirit. It's much more than a parade. It's a reflection of the pride we have in Bradenton and the strong sense of connection that continues to bring people uh from all
over the world year after year. Events like this not only honor our past, uh but also create meaningful opportunities to our local businesses and organizations to thrive. Um throughout the city, we continue to see steady progress and engagement across all of
our neighborhoods. Um and so as we move through a busy spring season filled with community events and increased activity, focus remains on responsiveness, re- maintaining our public spaces, and supporting the quality of life our residents expect. So, I encourage
everyone to come out this weekend, enjoy the parade safely, and continue supporting the local businesses and organizations that make Bradenton such a special place. I do have one further comment speaking
of public spaces. Um and that is uh unfortunately, 17th Street recycling because uh certain folks were using it um to uh you know, dispose of
items illegally, uh 17th was closed, and so uh that, you know, we still have recycling that is available. Uh Lewis Park, I am there every couple weeks taking my recyclables there, and it seems that
unfortunately, the mentality seems to be that, "Okay, 17th Street is closed, and I can't just dump my garbage there, so I'm going to take it to Lewis Park." I was there last week and just upset over the fact of watching our city staff and public works
pick through uh the illegal dumping, glass bottles, uh and open trash, and I saw the looks on their faces as I sat there with my baseball hat and just put my uh garbage my recycling in the recycling
bin, and I just wanted to mention that let's be responsible stewards of the environment. Recycling is a privilege that we have there that we all take very seriously. So, if we're going to recycle, let's recycle. Let's be responsible to not illegally dump um in
those spots because it's counter to what those recycling bins are there for. Thank you. I don't really have too much to report today. Um I shared with Mr. Williams that we have I that I continue to get
positive feedback about what people in Ward 4 can can um construe and and see as progress, which I'll you know, like delights me, moving definitely in the right direction. Um I will let you all know, you may already know, that the Tampa Bay Regional
Planning Summit is May 14th. It's going to be in our backyard at the Bradenton Convention Center in Palmetto, and um I'm really looking forward to having an opportunity not just to learn more about programming that I think is interesting this year.
It is not as um weather resiliency focused. There is some of that, of course, on the agenda, but that's not the primary focus, and this year there is included uh food insecurity issues as well as um to our our
discussion, our our very robust and healthy discussion about economic redevelopment, workforce development, and how that pertains to planning urban planning and whatnot. So, I'll be attending that and I will happily share materials and whatnot afterwards if no one else can attend.
But, in addition to just the learning, it's also a great opportunity. I personally I'm looking forward to sharing my city and my county with commissioners from different cities and counties outside of Manatee and Bradenton. And so, I will be doing that Thursday
evening after we wrap up the summit. So, suggestions for any highlights that you think I need to showcase are very welcome. Thank you. Councilman Coachman. I also I don't have a whole lot. Um Councilman Schuester just mentioned about the
DeSoto parade. That's the biggest thing coming right now and that's on our brains. Um I hope we're all together again. All right. Awesome. That was fun. Less with less uh obstacles.
Won't have to throw here or under there. That sounds good. It sounds good. Um other than that, you know, we had some great discussion talking about what we're trying to do what we are envisioning for the city. And as always, but I'm going to say this
is also for wards 1, 2, 3, and 4. Ward 5 is a lot. Thank you. Vice Mayor Coker. Yes. Ward 1. Okay. Um I too I'm going to have to bring up the DeSoto. It's always a
favorite time of the year for me. It has been for a long time for my family. And all the festivities that are surrounding the DeSoto Grand Parade and they're celebrating the history here of our community. I did want to do a little bit of a
service note to please encourage the public to take note of the road closures for Saturday. I know a lot of new people to the community might not be aware of Manatee Avenue closing and the the Green
Bridge too, isn't It's open till [clears throat] certain time and >> But, it just to avoid those frustrations and just again, pack your patience. Saturday will be a bit of a you know, difficult to travel the roads,
so take note. Um also, I am very excited about the expanded service on our water ferry. I hope that this service will continue to grow and will Um I have had and I don't know how much we'll talk about this, but I've had you
know, calls increased calls and I think part of that has to do with the time of year, the increased traffic, but we've got a lot of calls recently with folks that complaining about some of the the
horses, but mostly it's mostly been about the jet skis on the causeway. I I know and I have not been part of it, but I know that the mayor and city are looking at alternatives and ways to address some of the valid concerns.
I believe that there is a lot of frustration tied to just just the the traffic this time of year, which is not you know, it's not only on the causeway, it's all
of Florida, especially during spring break. So, I think that's part of the that adds to some of the frustration. And we are committed to public [snorts] safety and that's paramount and but I also want to express that I have no
desire to hinder people's ability to use our and enjoy our waters. Those are public that's a public access asset and it's not only for the fortunate ones who are able to live directly on the water. It's for
everybody. And so, unfortunately though, there are a few bad actors that we may need to curtail that are ruining the enjoyment for others. So, we may have to look at some controls. I would also um
like to caution people and to remember that if we get rid of these people, the horses and the um the animals and the uh jet skis, the people that are enjoying
um enjoying our public asset, we know what this what will fill its vacuum. Um it becomes a place where um undesirables activities start to come there. So,
I just want to bring that out. One other thing I wanted to mention that's upcoming and kind of put on everybody's radar screen is the second annual Taste and Toast Gulf Coast. It's going to be at the Marriott
Resort on May the 2nd. Um they will be offering the best in culinary creativity, craft beverages, fine wines, bourbons, Kentucky and then there's a Kentucky Derby watch party and it'll be all there at the at the
yard. And I believe it begins at 5:00 May the 2nd. So, might want to check that out. I think I heard from those that attended last year it was a a very fun event and so, you might want to look at attending
this year. And that's all. Thank you. Councilwoman Barneby. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I I want to um add on a little bit to what Councilman Schuester said about Lewis Park. In the past, we have had people that have been
very courteous and only putting recycle items, but as the other areas became overrun with illegal dumping, um in case you're wondering, no, you cannot recycle a plastic toilet seat.
No, you cannot recycle a mattress. Um those other areas became overrun and now we're down to just three in the city and I I'm afraid that again, the bad actors are coming and dumping things at Lewis Park that shouldn't be
dumped there. And when we close down recycled areas because of illegal dumping, then people on social media, the city of Bradenton doesn't care about recycling. Here's the thing,
when people are dumping stuff there illegally and the city is required to pick it up and take it to the dump, it's taxpayers dollars that are paying for that gas, that are paying for that truck, that are paying the employees time and are paying the dumping fees.
And I hate to say this, but it appears to me that many of them do not live in the city. They live out in the county. And they've done it for years. And it needs to stop and I don't know how we do it. I don't know if we put cameras up
there and we start charging meaning you dump something illegally and we caught you on camera and we find you, we're going to have the state's attorney talk to you about charges. That's what I'm talking about because it's very frustrating to those
individuals that want to do the right thing. And you have other people that are just taking advantage of the situation. And I don't know if you want to opine Assistant Chief here. >> As soon as we're done with the parade on
Saturday, one of our camera trailers has already been reassigned to Lewis Park. So, we will start monitoring that to to catch it and charge accordingly if we can. Thank you. I appreciate that. For those that attended the event,
again, changing horses here. Those that attended the event at the Hearing Center for the Arts, the Snatch-It event last weekend, they had a huge crowd. It was a lot of fun and there were some wonderful items that were selected. There was there was original art. There was
somebody was lucky enough to get a golf cart. It wasn't Ms. Moore, although she was seen coveting the golf cart. But, just thank you to the volunteers at um the Hearing Center for the Arts for all
of the work that went into putting that event together. And then I have a very brief letter I would like to read to you all. It begins, "On behalf of our family, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to you, the Bradenton City Council, and Mayor Gene Brown for the
exceptional experience we had at Lewis Park last month. As long-time residents of this community, we truly value spaces that bring families together. And Lewis Park does exactly that. Watching our great-grandchildren along with so many
other children play, laugh, and connect in such a safe and thoughtfully designed environment was incredibly meaningful to us. In today's digital world, it is more important than ever to have places where children can be active, use their
imagination, and build real-life friendships. Your leadership and commitment to enhancing our community are clearly reflected in spaces like this. Thank you for investing in the quality of life that makes Bradenton such a special place to call home. With sincere
appreciation, Donna and Tom Murphy. They used to live by the park and their kids grew up there. And then they brought their grandkids. And now they're bringing their great grandkids. So, thank you all very much for your
support of the program at Lewis Park. Thank you and I'll add to that, Ms. Barnaby, about the Rotary Club Mhm. that jumped in and really had um uh a big part in taking that. So, again, another group of people in our community that saw the
>> Another collaboration. great collaboration in that. So, it's it's just fun and have we seen any butterflies yet? I have not seen We need a little bit of rain. I have not seen butterflies as yet. >> It's there, so it's a good thing.
All right. Um just going through a couple things. The causeway, um we did have a staff meeting the other day and we'll be bringing something up pretty soon about some opportunities with uh how to help curb some of the overuse and over and
maybe you know, abuse of some things that they're doing, but to make sure that we're putting a safe environment out there is so important. Um and but but again, I agree with Council or Vice Mayor Coker that that we all up here have said all along we are pro-business, we're
pro-opportunity, we're pro-public park area, but we've got to make sure that we're safety is one of our top concerns. Um so, that to be coming probably in May sometime. Uh the parade, obviously another fun thing. I've been to probably
51 of them now, I think. Um going over all the years or more. Um many of them, but we'll keep counting on that. Um it's exciting. DeSoto does a great job and really um owning the city for a week as they took the the key to the city Saturday.
But just a fun fun event and one of the top parades in the southeast as well as all around the world from the people that come in, so really excited about that. Recycling, um we do not want to eliminate recycling,
but we're almost being forced as we go because of the illegal dumping. And when I talk to people that are do it do it do it, we we if we could do it right, we're trying, but unfortunately, the bad actors are are overcoming it and you
know, we've got to really continue to work and one of the things that our new public works facility might have an area that we can manage and monitor, but that's still a little ways down the road, but but we're going to hold it as long as we can with the final three sites, but we can't say that they're not going to
go away if it just becomes a dumping site, unfortunately. Um the EDC, um Mrs. Morrie brought up something I thought was very good about workforce initiatives that's coming up at the conference coming in May. Um one of the
biggest things that the EDC works with is and that may not be specific to the city, but that's another cog in their wheel and we had Josh Matlock here today who's the director of the Suncoast Workforce. And so, that to me showed how important it was to him to continue that EDC. So,
again, I think it's the right thing, get the right terminology and we'll approve it on May 13th with all of the metrics in order. So, I appreciate that. Um so, just on on that point, let's make sure that we get whatever you think because
Mr. Perry's not a mind reader or a uh crystal ball in his head to get that to him by Friday so we can start working to get the metrics. So, it's it's an easy thing on the 13th cuz they yes yes yes and we know those metrics are going to ebb and flow. So, I think that's
important, but but we see how important all of the little cogs in the wheel are. And also, you know, by meeting those metrics, we may give them more money. And that's okay if they're meeting the metrics, but that's what this is creating an opportunity to grow that.
I'm just excited about everything going on and uh um I'll I'll end it on the Boys & Girls Club 80th anniversary event that happened week or so ago. Um and it really showed 80 years of a community that has cared about their children and
we've got a bunch of other great youth organizations, but Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and Boys Club when I went there was obviously something that's hit a lot of people. When you looked in that room of the 80th anniversary and sometimes you need a milestone to get some of the
people engaged, but through uh auction donations and other things and ways that that happened, um the Boys & Girls Club for some gifts there for this year and couple of multi-year gifts raised over half a million dollars. And sometimes you want to look at what the
community gives back to a community and that shows that we've got a great community. And obviously, that's all of Manatee County, but we're really happy and and going off of that, last Tuesday, Wednesday, I think it was or Wednesday, Thursday was the Giving Challenge.
And you know, for Sarasota Manatee County in the Giving Challenge, I think it was almost 17 million dollars raised for not-for-profits in this community. So, it really showed how Manatee County, Sarasota County, all the municipalities in it care about our
community. And I don't know if there's many other communities out there that can say as much as we are still a a small town even with our traffic and all the things happening, but that's cuz people love what we're doing and want to be here. So, really appreciate, you know, all of the
heartfelt community that we're doing and and just growing and the water taxi is unbelievable. Get out there and ride the new one, the fair the bigger ferry because it's a nice ride and there's air conditioning inside if you want or you can sit out in the weather and you don't get wet anymore
as if you're inside, but um let's have a great day and we appreciate it and God bless the city of the great city of Bradenton and we'll be adjourned. Ta-da! Part: 2
Y >> ready back there? >> Everybody's ready. >> All right, it is 20 1. Let's call the meeting to order. The Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency board meeting uh Wednesday, April 22nd. We'll begin
with the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> At this time, we will take uh citizens comments. Do we have any citizens comments? >> There are none, sir. >> I don't feel very popular to you. >> Uh hearing none, uh
we will move on to the consent agenda. >> Move to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> We have a first and second. Any comment? Any discussion? Um, >> do we want to
>> I mean I'm okay. Yeah. >> Take a vote. >> All right. Yep. Uh, hearing none, we will uh move ahead and take a vote. Uh, all in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Uh, passes unanimously. >> Hold on a second. Just for the record,
did we have a motion? Uh, >> yes. I second it. >> Yes. Yeah, we did. >> Okay. >> Oh, we did. I should have first amendment. >> You don't listen to us ever, do you? >> I thought we were teasing you.
>> Okay. Um, >> we're gonna we're gonna do a mutiny here if it keeps going. So, >> okay. You want you want to hit the gap and call us to order? >> Yeah. No, call back to order. Is this the time where we do the manatee uh
chair? Moving on to other discussion and new business. >> Uh Mr. Chairman, the first item with the police department, we're going to defer that to the budget. Uh it's coming up very soon anyway and they'll come in
with a much broader um um project analysis for you and you can ask questions at that point. It's just uh saves us time. Okay. Also on project updates, uh
yesterday I'm proud to to announce that we got the full set of plans for the for the sustainable homes. Uh we can move forward with um purchasing and the and we can talk to the planning department and we actually have very something very
tangible to give them to move forward. So um it's been a while coming. Thank you for your patience and um we should be able to move forward faster now because we have the plans. They're engineered. If you'd like to come by the office and see them and uh we can also
PDF them out to you. These are for the prototypes. This is where we figure some of the the the bells and whistles out on these homes as we build them and then we will be um moving forward with that. So,
um, Chris, you have any >> No, the only thing I'm going to say is that on the consent agenda was our um incentives program. I will be bringing the incentives back to you. We need to modify some things um in regards to the
percentages and things like that so we can um pay out what we're saying we're going to pay out in the amount of time. So that's probably be coming to you in June, but I just want to make you aware if you wanted to have any um come and
see me and have any questions about it or some ideas or anything like that. So just want to make you aware that that will be coming in the next couple months. >> Todd, do you have anything? >> We've ahead.
>> Anything on like Miller's Market or Love Park? >> Love Park is out to bid. uh had a public uh we had a meeting of uh Go ahead. >> Yeah. So, Love Park, we had a meeting, a preliminary meeting with people that were interested in putting in the bid.
>> Um that went we had I think maybe 15 people online and then a couple people within the conference room. Um so, a good turnout for that. Uh we've had a lot of questions. It was kind of it was pushed we pushed it a week for additional questions because a lot of
questions came in and in regards to the materials and things like that because they want to hone down exactly you know uh a good bid for us. So I think as the first week of May uh we should be um
awarding somebody uh for that bid and then uh we'll work on that contract with them to start construction. Thank you. >> We've had a number of grants um especially murals. They're all small um primarily in
Tamiami. Um, and as we told you at the last meeting, we have worked out an agreement with uh the city and CDBG and SHIP to work in central specifically to help with new roofs, windows, things like
that that ship can can we can partner with them on because we'd noticed that there was not the same amount of grants that were going in the other CRAAS and uh the match was the issue and with the ship funds um that helps with the CRA.
So, uh we are uh just just so you're aware the policy we're using is we're using their policy. It's a state policy. They have many more requirements than we do. So, we felt it was easier to let them approve their portion and we just
match it and uh because they will and we'll obviously keep you up to date. We'll provide you with the the updated grant analysis, how many grants are out there, things like that. Um and then um also thank you for the gratitude uh from
my family. Um I was we were all very impressed with the turnout from the city of Bradon. So um that was uh quite my stepmom was like who who are all those people? I said mayor council council
coun. It was a really nice turnout and we really do appreciate it. So, um, and other than that, um, KK, nothing. Yes, ma'am. >> I just have a quick thing. Um, I don't remember if Mr. Campbell was included in these emails, but, um, Adam from Freeb
has reached out. Did he copy you? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. He was looking for business suggestions to expand Freeby's footprint and also get uh, revenue, I suppose, from advertisement and whatnot, generally, like collaboration, which I
always think is great. And so I had thrown out at him and so you've seen the email chain. Um I threw out at him several that just came to mind. Um you know in that moment uh he has followed up and asked I also looped in Tiffany Shadiki from uh you know our PIO. Um
and so he asked for points of contact. I haven't yet provided that to him but I'll do my best to do that. But I say that because if you all have businesses that are in your mind to share with him for that purpose, I'm sure you could just share them with Todd. And >> these would be ads on the freebie itself.
>> Ads on the freebie. But also, I think he's looking to like have collaborations like a designated freebie parking spot in, you know, like a restaurant parking lot or something like that. Like he's trying, I think, to increase visibility and generate revenue. Would you Is that fair to say that those are his goals? >> Yeah, I'm I'm I'll be honest with you.
I'm not sure who this gentleman is. Um, that's been >> I thought he was freebie. >> He is freebie, but I I don't know what he does for freebie. Um, >> so you know, I would I would ask if you have any anybody that comes to you and, you know, or maybe somebody that pops to
your mind, sure, send them my way. I'll be happy to uh pass that along. Uh, Freebie is responsible for the marketing arm uh to go out and and generate that revenue. It's not on it's not our responsibility but but sure if we have
leads absolutely a warm lead's easier than a cold lead. So we definitely would appreciate those sent our way. >> Okay. >> Uh as you well know because you've seen their their um the infometrics they give us how many how many people you know how
often they pick people up things like that. Um, and even when you're partnering with another city and another CRA, you still get the really excellent uh um demographics of where they're going, who they're picking up, things like that. And um uh we're going to be
looking at uh you know the the days that we currently use freebie and also what it would take to expand that out to cover like all weekdays because it's really hard to
as a as somebody working to go well I you know four or three days a week I can use freebie but those other two days I've got to figure something else out. And the whole idea behind freebie, yes, it's a great way to get her into town and out of downtown, but is to
teach people to leave the car at home >> and keep that car off the road because, as I've been told by numerous people, traffic is, you know, >> is a very acute uh concern. So, uh, the more cars we can keep off the road,
um, the better and freebie is our way of of doing that. So, we will be bringing you back options to to cover like do we cover work days, things like that and and what don't we cover and the hours so
you can see um and you can also see who you know when they're using it so you can make a better decision, you know, metrics um on how to make those decisions. So, >> is Barbie Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um,
I had asked Mr. Burton, I'd had several requests for how come freebie doesn't run Monday through Friday and then of course everybody wants it to run on Saturday. So, I had asked Mr. Burton to look into what that cost would be as
well as what other grants we might apply for to offset some of that cost. So, I'm I'm happy to see that somebody besides me was asking about it. >> That's it.
>> Okay. Any other discussions, comments, or >> Oh, >> I'm sorry. Do we are we not doing the >> No, >> no. No. Yeah, he tabled it. >> Yeah, we'll defer to budget. >> I'm sorry. I totally missed that. >> You can't bill us for that moment.
No offense to the city or the police or anybody, but I always find uh especially cities that are getting money from this area, they listen more when their hand is out for some reason. So, uh and we're going to have a nice big budget session with the police department where they're going to come in and give us information
from last year and what they want to do this year. and that's probably the appropriate time to really if you have any questions for them uh that that pertain to the the CRA and the in the police department
>> and uh that way we're not making them run and do extra stuff and >> just keep it in that in that frame. That's a good frame to keep it in. >> Okay, understood. So after the budget we will bring this back >> during the budget. All right.
>> During Got it. >> Got it. Understood. Okay. Uh well, that was short and sweet and quick. Um >> Kim, do you know I'm sorry to interrupt, but do you know so every year um we have an interdep departmental application
that the different departments kind of they bring it into us. The application it kind of shows what it itemizes out you know what we uh what they're asking to provide within our budget and that comes to you guys. So you can take a
look at it and you approve that interdep departmental application and then we incorporate that number within our budget for next year and we usually start that process this ne April or May to send out an email to all the
departments letting them know it's time to get your applications in and come to the board and present your case. So just that's the procedure on that. I didn't know if you were aware of that or not when you came in. So just uh
>> and a nice thing about those applications, >> nice thing about those applications when they bring them in and you approve them, they actually become an agreement between the two parties, which is something nice to have for the audits where you know why did you give them the
money? I've looked at many CRA audits and one of the easiest things to get dinged on is you gave somebody money and there wasn't any paperwork attached to it. So, this this process um it's pretty painless, but it also
gives the board an opportunity to really dig into what we're spending back with the city. And number two is is that it's uh it provides a paper trail. So, understood. Yeah, that's true. >> Okay. Uh
any further discussion or comments? All right. It is 2:16 and we are ajourned. >> We are very efficient. >> That may be right there.