One. At this time, we'll ask uh Councilwoman Barnaby um to give our invocation and then our pledge. But first, um I am going to ask for a moment of silence in honor of Carol Felts who passed away yesterday. So, if everyone would please
stand, we'll have a moment of silence and then as Miss Barnaby goes into the prayer. Thank you. >> Please join me. God of peace, we pray for unity in our meeting today as we come united in
passion and purpose. We pray for open hearts and minds that will promote and accept better ideas. We also remember our sister in government, neighbor and friend, Caroline Felts.
Please welcome her into your glory and send comfort and peace to her family. We ask for your protection over our first responders, our military, and indeed over our entire
city. We thank you for all of the many continued blessings that you have bestowed upon our community. And together we as the people say, amen. >> Amen.
>> 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. And we'll call this meeting to order. Madame clerk, >> the first item on the agenda this morning is a proclamation flood awareness week. excuse me, March 9th through the 15, 2026.
Whereas the city of Bradenton has experienced severe weather in the past in the form of extreme rainfall or tropical system events resulting in flooding in the city of Bradon and surrounding areas. And this flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes
and buildings in all areas, whether they are high-risk special flood hazard areas or low to moderate risk flood zones. And whereas the city of Bradenton is a voluntary participant in the National Flood Insurance Program that provides
residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss through the purchase of flood insurance at red reduced insurance premium rates as well as setting higher regulatory standards to reduce the flood risk and potential flood damage to their
property. And whereas the reduction of loss of life and property damage can be achieved when appropriate flood preparedness, control and mitigation measures are taken before a flood. And whereas public education and awareness
of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the health, safety, and welfare of residents. The Florida Flood Plane Managers Association have declared the week of March 9th through the 15, 2026
as Flood Awareness Week to promote awareness and increased knowledge of flood risk, the availability of flood insurance, flood protection methods, and how to prepare for emergencies. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Gene Brown, as mayor of the city of
Bradon, Florida, do hereby proclaim March 9th through the 15, 2026, as flood awareness week in Bradon, and further encourage our citizens to increase their knowledge of how to protect themselves and their property from flooding. Signed, Gan Brown, Mayor.
>> Good morning. >> Good morning. Uh, Robin Stinger, planning community development director. I have with me here today the building official uh Matt Rush and our newest one of our newest hires uh city planner Hannah Gordon. She comes with to us with
a uh bachelor's from Meer College in uh environmental studies and economics. Uh she works with us both as a city planner but also as a flood plane coordinator. So we have two people with flood plane certification on staff and they're here today to tell you a little bit about
what we have planned for flood awareness week. Right. Welcome. >> Start off. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Um, thank you for having me. Um, so I'm just going to talk a little bit about what we have planned for flood week. Um, so we'll have a
postcard actually sent out next week. It's just going to be a little infographic um, advertising the flood table that we're going to be having at the Saturday morning market on March 14th. Um, so it'll just kind of have some information about what we'll be
going over at the flood week. So at the table we will be having information about just general flood information. You can find out your flood zone. Um, it'll just have just general how to be prepared for when a storm comes, which
is really important having it be in March. It'll be right before storm season, which would hopefully hopefully nothing bad will happen like just to avoid what happened a couple years ago. We just want to make sure we are prepared. Um just like so many other
Florida communities were caught unprepared. Um so we're just hoping to avoid that devastation again. Um but yeah, so we'll have different FEMA publications, just different outreach material, um including uh some public
works brochures. We will be having um just general storm water projects that our public works is working on um to provide more information on drainage um projects that they're working on. And we
also will have a brochure I believe you all should have um just having general information about flood in there. Yeah. And then the tree also. So, there's pretty good information on how to prep your landscaping before the storms just to ensure that there's no property
damage. Um, yeah, and then on that flood brochure, which Tiffany updated from the last one we had, it looks very cute, very pretty. Um, but yeah, there's a lot of info, just general information. and it hits on about six different topics which we are required to talk about from
for the community rating system CRS um points. So yeah, just general information including natural flood plane functions um knowing where to find your flood hazard uh prepping for storm
for storm events um preparing your property and protecting your life. just general things you need to know on there. Um a QR code to our website. Um and yeah, so basically the main purpose of being involved and participating in
this flood week is again to ensure we don't come across what we did a couple years ago, making sure we're prepared for that with the storm season coming up, but also to increase our CRS rating um and hopefully get some higher discounts on flood insurance rates for
our constituents. Um, so through that flood week should hopefully increase our rating with that. >> Thank you, >> Mayor. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Perry, >> just I I just want to make a couple of comments. Um, after the storms of 2024,
um, our our chief building official, Matt Rush, had come to us ear prior to the storms, but not a whole lot before that actually obviously came over from Manatee County. But I think he was challenged so much by those storms and
uh both the recovery efforts and and moving forward thereafter with how you handle the important responsibilities that are placed on the building official and the flood the flood plane administrator. And I think he did a really good job of reconciling that in
some of our flooded areas. And you know we have 14.4 four square miles um of city land, but 40 uh I think it's about 44.8 um coastline and and and a lot of that coastline and Wears Creek, the Braden
River, um we saw some of those areas, obviously the Manatee River are pretty susceptible to flooding. We had a meeting here last night that actually dealt with some flooding on the Riverview Boulevard. So, my admiration goes out to Matt. He's been a great asset. Uh Miss Gordon, welcome to the
city. I'm sure you'll uh you'll do a great job. you speak well and we're looking forward. Robin has done a good job with really enhancing that program and as pointed out the uh it has a very meaningful impact on insurance rates, property protection and emergency
management. So, thanks so much for a great job that you did and we're looking forward to uh Miss Gordon being able to even take it to a next step with you and Miss Singer and the team over there. >> Thank you, >> Matt. >> And I just wanted to uh thank all the
council speak a little louder into the moment. >> I just wanted to thank all the council, the mayor, our administration because this is important. It's a outreach that that touches into the community and gets the information to them as Hannah was saying. So, it's a group effort and
we're going to try to do our best through this next year to get our CRS ratings higher without burdensome requirements that we can continue to do without causing undue hardships. But there's things through this outreach,
through community participation that gives us points. So, this is a great thing to be part of. >> Thank you. And one of the things that I commend you on is obviously it's very stressful and frustrating to some residents that there's standards that
we're going to have to meet because it's not about one home in itself. It's about the community and and getting that insurance rating to where it needs to be and where it should be. But we just got to hopefully the patience of the residents that might have to change something or do something is important.
And you know, it's not always fun, but we saw the worst of the worst, but we were the luckiest of the lucky that we had no deaths through those storms. And and I was talking actually somebody this morning that, you know, up in in North Carolina outside of Asheville, there is
still people because of the flooding and the things that they have not found, you know, that were swept away and they're under mud and all of that. where we were lucky, but we also have to do the right things for the next step and hope it never happens again. But we saw what 24
was with a a water storm, a flooding storm, and then a windstorm, and we survived with no death. So, I'm proud of that from our community. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Do we want to get a picture? We'll stand up here. You got Yep. Hold the pro. You
guys stand there. We'll stand behind you. Is anyone wanting the box? >> Not a big crowd. Thank you >> again. Thank you and welcome here.
>> All right, madame clerk. >> There are not any presentations scheduled this morning. >> All right, citizen comments. Citizen comment will be accepted during the citizen comment portion of the meeting on any non-aggenda 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. I have no citizen cards. So, seeing none, we'll move forward. Madame clerk, >> item six is the consent agenda and staff is requesting approval of items A through K.
>> All right. Uh, chair will entertain a motion. Motion to approve. >> All right. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Coker. Vice Mayor Coker, and second, Vice Mayor Shusler. >> All right, Mr. Perry.
>> Oh, no. We have to vote. >> No, but he's Does there any >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, sir. I I've had the opportunity to speak with all council and uh the agenda's pretty modest today and and uh a lot of the issues on there, you know, address things that are kind of typical
of uh government operations that we're having to move forward with. I will point out that items I and J are a resolution uh authorizing the um state revolving fund loan applications and and and package that has to go back to SRF.
Um they those two in combination represent about $54 million in funding that the city will receive to address both clean water being waste water um more generically and uh and drinking water and that money will be put to good
use I assure uh council and we'll be detailing the exact specific projects associated with that funding into the future public works teams doing a good job of trying to prioritize how best to uh deploy those funds funs basically and
Mr. Williams is overseeing that along with Colonel Lee and we do believe it'll make a substantial improvement of impact on both of those two initiatives being drinking water um improvements to infrastructure and and and storm uh sorry wastewater.
All right, thank you Mr. Perry. We've had discussion there. Start the vote in ward four. >> Yes. >> Five. >> Yes. >> One. >> Yes. >> Two. >> Yes. >> Three. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Approved five to zero. Madame clerk, >> item 8A is the purchase and sale
agreement with PHBGF Ventures LLC. >> All right. Who's >> Mr. Burton? >> Mr. Burton. >> Apologize. Mary kept looking over at Miss Foron since she handles property, but this CRA uh CRA had just done a good
job working working with the entity that is in the purchase and sale um transaction agreement uh identified as PHP GF Ventures LLC. >> Uh Mr. Mayor, Jeff Burton, director of the community redevelopment agency for
the city of Bradenton. Uh last year the city authorized the CRA to represent them. Can >> you speak up just a little? >> Authorized to uh the city to represent them in the sale of property that has uh
been the shuffleboard courts. There are three properties. Um one of which is in the Tamiami and one of which is two of which are in the downtown CRA or vice versa. Two in the Tamiami, one in the downtown. Um, we have gone through the
process. The pro the property was designated a surplus in August of last year. Uh, using Florida statute 163 part three. The CRA advertised the property uh for sale and we waited the prescribed amount of
time according to the statute. Um, in that time we received uh one offer. We came back to the board and uh reported that we had gone through the process and that we had one offer and we were moving forward to negotiate.
Uh we have negotiated the property and this is with respect to the current lease that's on the property to the shuffle board folks and this contract is written around that lease. So, um, you
know, if the lease runs its course, this contract works with that. And it was an interesting contract. Uh, the city attorney did a really good job juggling that, but the shuffle board contract can stay in place throughout
all the way to I believe it is uh, March of 2028. Yep. March 28, 2028. And um if that's the case then we will move forward uh in parallel to work with
the developer uh take them forward with incentives to the CRA board uh work out that contract uh and also work with them to to to process the whole permitting through the city swift mud and whomever else needs
to be involved with that. I will note for the record that there are two brownfield designated brownfield sites adjacent to this property. One is a gas station to the south and the other is a former dry cleaner to the east which we
will go through the process uh because we can designate this as a potential brownfield site and um which has economic benefits for workforce housing which part of this will be workforce housing. Um, at this
time we have a contract that has been worked through by the attorneys and by the parties to come back to the city council uh for its approval so that we might move forward. And that's why we're here today is for that contract. And again, the city attorney has been hands-on all the way through this
process. >> Any questions, >> Mr. Attorney? Anything? >> No, I don't have anything. >> All right. All right. Appreciate it. Mayor. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Perry >> and Dr. Burton, c can you just provide
maybe council with a little bit of a scope of development as far as what we would be looking at under this? >> Uh yeah, the the um the properties are looked at for at this time. Yeah. when it comes to developing
and redeveloping uh you know economically you have to look at it and if it it can be financed then the private sector will be interested in it and uh in this case uh multif family housing we're looking at a mixed income versus just 100% of one
type of housing it's always recommended that to do a mixture uh creates diversity and with the developer helps them and doesn't restrict them and doesn't restrict us from having pe folks come into to rent that may have higher
incomes and in our downtown we need that we need that uh that added income for the restaurants and and other services that are pro provided downtown. So, we're looking at a multifamily uh project that will be similar to the
Met one which is on 14th. Um it's the same developer and uh we will be moving forward to to have that process worked out. To give you an idea of the the cost benefit analysis today, today the city
currently makes on that property $1 a year on a lease. uh in an analysis that we did, the um over the next uh 14 years or so, the CRA
will collect about $2.4 million off the project. Um the city just because of the the base year for this property is zero because it was governmentowned. But just from the 5% that the city retains uh the
city will is estimated to um collect about um $76,000 and then the county will collect about $50,000. And as of 2041, if nothing else changes, the estimates to the to the city will be
up to $160,000 a year and to the county $91,000 a year. So that that's the benefit is right now you're making a dollar a year and you've provided somebody to provide a service in the
community. Uh we feel that the highest best use for this property is this multif family. Um, it is within feet of an elementary school. It's within less than a mile of a major high
school. Uh, it's close to the fire department. It's close to the D police department. Uh, it's even relatively close to the hospital. And these are all apartments that could be used to house nurses, teachers, police officers,
firefighters, uh, first responders, workforce housing. So, that's what we're looking at. Also, just to back it up further, we had an analysis done at the CRA of the downtown by Ayaboni, Randy Ayaboni, the realtor.
And uh in that analysis of the downtown uh it targeted more housing in our downtown. So we're actually following the recommendations of that market analysis uh which further backs up what we do. Everything we're also doing is
tied directly to our CRA plan which is tied to the Florida statutes. So, as we come in within incentives, there'll be a costbenefit analysis to the CRA board for that along with another contract with the developer for what the CRA is
supposed to do versus what the uh the developer is supposed to do. This contract, however, is a real estate contract and we'd like to keep all of that separate because this is just for the sale of the property. So, it's want to keep it as simple as possible. and
that's why it's before the city council because it's the city's property. >> Thank you. Um you brought up quite a few things that that are are a positive impact for the local community. You know, um we know that Ballard Elementary
School, Rogers Gardens is within distance of it and they have sometimes a hard time retaining teachers. They can get younger teachers, but because of places to live close and traffic, they don't want to live far out and drive. And obviously finances are a big issue
and talking with the schools and you know because it's a tough decision on some of things with the shuffleboard court and that but you have to look at the good of the whole long term and really changing the dynamics of that area with our um homeless population
that we're doing with the county working greatly with Salvation Army Turning Points and all of the other groups. This gives opportunity to really set that up in motion and I think that you know we still looking several years down the road but if we don't start baby steps
now getting to that point we're not going to be able to continue the positive growth and places like this along with others that are happening will get us that grocery store will get us the other urban core development that
we want to bring a mix of people downtown that will get that next um restaurant, get the next, you know, entertainment type situation and and really spread it from Main Street. We got a great Main Street, but we've got to grow it. And this is still within
that core that'll do it. So, you know, tough decisions have to be made sometimes and looking for the future, but opportunity is also there that um and and we'll say it and we're meeting in a meet with the shuffle board, I think the end of March um again with the group, but there's opportunity that will
help them find a future home and some financial ability because of what's happening to to really grow maybe their organization. So it's not about one thing or the other. It's about how we do look at the collaborative of the whole and that's the most important part. So I
think this is the right direction and the step we have to go next. So any other questions or comments Mr. Perry? >> Just to kind of tee off on that and I don't want to beat dead horse dead but this represents intentional intentional planning. Uh we have, you know, the
attainable the attainable housing uh component as pointed out by by you folks that increases our stock and and lowers the cost of housing into the community for those folks that we need to retain
and recruit for educators and police officers and other support functions that are a little bit below probably um an ability to pay market rate. It provides immense economic opportunity
um for development of the area and the ancillary downtown the financial revenue that returns to the city and a whole host of other kind of force multiplier. So it's one of uh our latest and greatest I guess um projects that's
coming out of the CRA and Jeff and his team have done a good job. the uh individuals involved on the development side have have been shown their willingness, their ability and their capability to do these projects and ultimately I just think it's some of the
best intentional redevelopment planning I've seen and I'm proud to be a part of it and the city who obviously in my administration will support the CRA and and yourself as a CRA board to make it all happen. >> Thank you, Miss Moore. Um, I was just
going to note that, um, I think just for the benefit of the public and anybody watching that if it seems that we're quiet in our support, uh, just to just highlight that we also wear our CRA hats and that this is not the first time that
we are having this conversation proposal. Um, I think the contract is well written and I have no objection to the form of it. And I also will note that we are going to have that development agreement, an incentive agreement come before us both with city
council and CRA hats on. So, the conversation will continue and that this is in my opinion the first step. But I think that Mr. Perry put it well when he said that this represents thoughtful planned redevelopment. And I am delighted to hear that the mayor is going to work
with the shuffle board court organization to make sure that they are also um able to continue their activities. >> Thank you. Anything else? Chair will entertain a motion. >> Mr. Mayor.
>> Yes, sir. Mr. Shler. >> I move to approve the purchase and sale agreement with PHBGF Ventures LLC and >> sorry >> and authorize the mayor to execute all closing documents related to the sale. >> And is there a second?
>> There is coach. >> Thank you. We've had discussion. Anything further hearing? None. We'll start the vote in ward five. >> Yes. >> One. >> Yes. >> Two. >> Yes. >> Three. >> Yes. >> And four. >> Yes. >> Carries five to zero. Thank you very
much. Thank you, Mr. Dr. Burton. >> Mr. Mr. >> Madame Clerk, >> there is not any unfinished business on this agenda. >> Mayor, I have one item that I'd like to bring to your attention under the
emergency procurement process, which of course I'm uh authorized to um authorize emergency repairs and then report them to the next city council. And so we only have one item um really it's it's uh two
what are called valve stops that have to be put in place on on lines when they have problems and we have to service them and range is our local contract that does that type of work. Um these were done down at Manatee Avenue and
22nd Street East. So very hightraic area and um the cost on that emergency repair that was submitted by uh Colonel Lee at the public works department on behalf of our our water distribution and folks in
in that particular line was $17,000 for that repair. It involved two six inch what are we again called the hydro stop valve inserts but they're really valve stops basically it's an active line that's pressurized and they go down and they're able to basically put a
valve in while it's still pressurized uh it's called tapping the valve and that's kind of what we ended up having to do here and um this was a 6-in line 6inch line is fairly small we've had to do larger lines 24 inch lines 30inch lines when you get into that stuff it is huge
Huge. Huge. And but this was a traditional um water distribution line at 6 in. So I believe it was water distribution. Is that right, Colonel Lee? >> Yes. >> Yep. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Perry. All right, moving on to council reports. We'll start in
Ward four. >> Hey, um I just wanted to before I there's a couple of things, but um first really quickly about the flood awareness. Um you know, delighted of course to see you all do that. Um I feel like it's notable that I mean
I'll just share that I say that all the time. My family says that all the time. Um we will not suffer the same way next time because we learned so much from that experience. Uh and awareness I think is just crucial to that kind of prevention. Um but also I think a lot um
sometimes in terms of just pondering the you know the providence I guess of all of us being in these positions at a time of something that was such a devastating impact to our community and it's really galvanized my desire to see
us rebuild in in ways that are that help people prevent loss and whatnot in the future. And I think that this council has been very supportive of those endeavors. and I thought it was worth highlighting that I appreciate those that support and those endeavors. Um, I
will also just note that the back to Angola festival is going to be held on March 7, this Saturday, and I would love to see everyone, you know, be able to come out and support um that it's such a wonderful celebration of some really
special history that we have right here in the uh in the city. And I also will note that the installation of the art in Middle Springs also has begun and that is exciting to see. Um and then the other thing that I wanted to bring up
and it's really more of a maybe a workshop kind of issue. I had been approached by some downtown merchants about uh just generally speaking what the city is doing and supporting the downtown um businesses and how we're what we're
doing to try to move along our downtown and make it vibrant. And one aspect is events and I know that the mayor is actively working on that uh with those businesses and I appreciate that. But it got me thinking that events are a little
bit of a part of a larger picture and where where I was going with that was uh you know there's this collaboration between the businesses and the city and residents and just people that we want to see come downtown and enjoy downtown and work downtown and bring their
business there and grow their businesses there. Um, and while events are one part of that, I was wondering if we wanted to have a conversation about um, some of the other things that we're all collectively doing to help downtown. You know, with CRA hat on, we have the
Main Street program that we're about to be potentially embarking upon. I think that that's relevant. And then we also have uh, currently we're, you know, we still are working with the EDC. And then we also have the chamber which uh has a
downtown redevelopment committee that I've always considered to be more of an educational committee. But I wonder almost if we should challenge them to make it more of a working group that we are a part of somehow that that kind of tackles downtown in a more higher level
50,000 foot than the than the specific parts of how we work on the things such as events. So I just raised that as maybe we want to consider coming together and having a conversation ourselves on how we think that we can challenge our business community but
also support them. Uh so that's it. I just I raised that as a do we want to talk about that more? >> Wow. That would be uh as much as as we and I say we not even this board, me included, have gone over the years, but
it also is going to, like you said, challenge them to come together. And that is most of the battle since I've been mayor is given opportunity and not being taken. And I don't believe that if
my administration hasn't pushed the events that we already had. And this is a challenge to our downtown merchants to get along and work together. >> Sure. >> And that's been talked about a lot. So, um, this city has done so much to help them and continues to do it and and I
agree with that. But it's also time for them to step up and they can get mad at me or not, you know, because I'm very active and flowing in it. But it's going to come to them to come up. But the city also, in my opinion,
shouldn't be giving them everything to work forward. You know, we give a lot. We We do not want to be the coordinator of the downtown events. They have to. They're the merchants. And I'll look right at them if they're
looking. Talk to us. See what it is. Don't just propaganda to other people at times. And we had a great meeting the other day and we had to pick out three of the partners because the others don't get along with
them. Facts are facts. Let's keep this thing going because we want our downtown to be successful, but the businesses also have to step up. >> Yeah. I would >> and their own merchant association. So, you know, and I I say this a lot. We
all don't have to get along perfectly politically, but when you're in an organization, as a a group trying to get together, you have to work together. >> So, I agree with you 100%. >> And I agree with you. >> But they've got to work together. And,
you know, if there's issues, we're here every second and fourth Wednesday publicly and that. So, let's let's make it happen because that's there's nothing else that this council we put in quite a bit of money to help them a year. I'm sure other people would like to have some of that money. >> Sure.
>> And you know, it's hard to give it away sometimes when they're not working together. >> So, that's my challenge. And they know how I feel. I tell them I would say the exact same thing. They were sitting there and obviously I just did because this is going to be on TV, right? >> So, >> well, and and it was not right. I mean,
I I love the events, too. And I think that that's like that's kind of where I was going with that was it feels like that's one prong of it and I know you're handling that and that is you know I think that's wonderful. Um but there's just there's things that are overlapping I feel and I agree with you that it
should be a collab you know that there is it's not all government you know it is it is we have to I guess and I when I say we I mean the community you know us city council but also the business community have to figure out the mechanism I think for having all that
fringe come together. Um, >> it's called a downtown business alliance or downtown merchants. Main Street Merchants kind of has morphed because it's just not Main Street anymore. It's got to grow. And I really believe um there is some people that are willing to
help them, but they need to come to us and tell us what they're doing, not us going to them and asking them in silos. You know, they've got to come together and work because government shouldn't be in that business. And if we're trying to
make it a business, then it's the wrong thing. And I know Mr. Perry does not want to create another committee or staffing that that they've had. >> Oh, the special events department. I had one of those. >> And and again, that's got to be where we
need the community with us, but we are there for them. And that's where it could be an individual council person doing something with that, but it's got to be brought to us. We can't drive that train. Yeah, I I feel like that is the thing. We don't
need a committee. I this is um my thought and I don't you know I don't know if they're going to be watching but um my thought is we have those mechanisms. We have the chamber. We have the EDC that those are the kind of things that they could be assisting because that's completely in their wheelhouse. So that's uh that's where I
was going with that is we you know I know we're supportive of the downtown businesses and I want to collaborate with them. I don't think that it's up to us to have a committee. I think that we need to figure out the mechanism whether it's you know I don't know the chamber downtown redevelopment committee comes
to mind because it already you know is formed and comes together to share information perhaps we encourage them to be a little more task oriented um and maybe some quantifiable results that it can
produce. >> All right. Thank you >> Mrs. Coachman. >> Yes. Um, I have two pages of notes, but not a lot. Um, I just wanted to uh say kudos
to whomever was part of making sure 13th a was open prior to probably one of our worst traffic events and that's when the riata is here or anytime the bridge is closed and also
spring training. Um, so, um, that that was just wonderful. Now, if you got to close it again, it's okay. But no, I'm just kidding. Um, but I I wanted to say that was that was definitely a high point. Um,
I attended quietly kind of to the side the uh 17th the event that the public works put on to explain to the public. um probably in the best format they could and I feel it was a success and I
hope that maybe we can do those kinds of things not like a week but at least you know consistently often so that the public has that opportunity to um see those projects visually.
Um, and there's some great ones coming on. War Five is definitely alive. Um, black history events are going on. I'm not going to just list all those that are coming, but um, I knew you were going to say Angola, so I didn't put that down. However, I do want to
encourage everyone to uh, go to the Barnard's um, Facebook page. Again, they this time highlighted Miss Daphne Towns and she is quite the the the steam boat, steamroller uh in with the Angola
Festival and she is a very successful black woman business owner and she's really promoting that so that people can see her doing it and then they feel well if she can do it, I can do it. So,
that's a good point going on. Um, does anyone has anyone heard anything and I know we're probably not going to be doing dialogue or anything, but does has anyone heard anything about a liquor store being um placed where a former car wash is?
Because I know we just talked about one car wash that's going to become a take five, but I had a citizen call me. why are you gonna put a liquor store? And I said, I don't know anything about that. Okay, just one of those rumors as usual. Okay. Um,
we kind of touched on talking about the homeless and there is something in the work. It's a collaborative effort to um I don't know, I I can't say we won't eliminate, but we could definitely help more than just say move along down the
road. Is there a way that we can just as we do face it and fix it that be kind of something we start informing the public about what's going on because and I'll say this um BPD is getting constant
complaints about the homeless and there's really only so much you can do. you know, there's no place to to to actually help them out and send them and and you don't want to arrest them because being homeless is not a crime.
Um, but some of the other things they do are uh some, not all. And but um there is a particular area at the church and I think it's near Salvation Army. There's a woman that's
constantly bringing complaints and she talked about cameras or something and I'm well now that's my CRA hat. I mean I guess that but anyway if we can talk about that
because if cameras are up then some of those activities that she's calling about you know it's not happening when by the time the um patrol gets there. So, you know, maybe cameras might be helpful, which is probably where we're
going now is more tech. Um, that's kind of it. I just wanted to Oh, and just kudos to our code enforcement officer and CRA officers because they they're dealing with this
every day and it's a little frustrating. I think if we can get some information out about what's coming or what's the plan, it may kind of ease some of the horrible things that people say to them like, "Oh, you do nothing. You don't
care." That kind of thing. So, h and um I don't know, just continue enjoying Black History Month. Black history is American history. I don't really know why we need a month. Let's just do it all year round, everybody. But um please
do uh take a look at some of the events that are being advertised in the Angola Festival is absolutely something to go to. You will not be uh disappointed in any way. With that, I'm not going to ramble
anymore. W five is alive. >> Thank you. Chief, did you have anything first or you want to address later? I can I mean I >> I'm not explicitly aware of what you're talking about with the cameras if they're >> the woman is saying that she's thinking
about putting up cameras. >> Okay. We have a network available that she could uh we'd be able to tap into with permissions. Um that's something we can discuss further down the line. I can get you who to talk to. Uh, as far as
homeless go, we uh try to maximize our abilities with limited resources, both uh financial and uh society available. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And one thing that that I'll remind people is a lot of the stuff
we're doing obviously, you know, we try to get stuff out. We put stuff out there. We had a meeting last night for W two. We had 20 individuals in the meeting. And I asked him, I said, "In this room, how many of you know about our Face It and Fix It?" And they're on
Riverview Boulevard, "No, they got issues with flooding and different things." Not one of them raised their hands and how much we've been putting out Face It and Fix It. So, I was a little bit we didn't talk about that last night, but was a little disappointed that not one of them raised
their hands to look at the Face It and Fix It. So, as much as we spread that out, you know, but again, we could we're going to keep doing it. Tiffany's killing it with what she's doing there and we're going to keep doing that. Um, one of the things though that I will mention, Miss Coachman, and it's something that this council is going to
have to think about at the right time as this goes forward is I got several complaints Sunday afternoon as people were leaving the ball game that there was a truck of a good meaning, intentional people that pulled up to
Salvation Army and was just passing out food and different clothing and different things. But what that does is that brings everybody to one place at once. We have got to come up with the program that's coming up with all the changes that are going to be working to
help people. But we will be working on ordinances and different things that says you can't do that. But we're going to work with them to say you can go to Turning Points, you can go to 941, all these other organizations and feed people there because the goal is not
just to give out a handout. is to try to find a hand up so they can get better services. But then what happens is they attract everybody in a a business area or a homeowners area and then they leave and unfortunately
the trash, >> the people going to the bathroom there, the people doing all that, you said they're not criminals, but they then become criminal activity, >> right? So that's where we've got to do it. And our police and CRA does a great job. when those things pop up at a 3:30
on a Sunday afternoon >> and you know so people don't think we're doing anything because they see that >> right >> which is a great hardened I know several people but everybody that I've talked to the last several years realizes that that's going to have to come out but we've got to find the places for them to
go and do which is coming months months and um but thank you to the county and all of the other >> um organizations are doing it so but we like to say that because the more we say it here, maybe the one person will watch this meeting will get it out. So,
>> and I also wanted to ask, does anyone know anything about who's giving the homeless these white tents to put up wherever they wish? I think Cortez and 43rd or something. No, >> I haven't seen one yet. >> I'll take pictures.
>> Yeah. Yeah, get it. So, all right. Thank you, Vice Mayor Coker. >> Okay. Um, thank you, Council Councilwoman Gonzalez Moore for bringing up about the downtown businesses because I agree. Um, I'd like to see them all
work together and I've I've been a little distressed because we've had some really successful events downtown and then I go just after the riato on Friday night, drive through downtown. People are just all over downtown and all of
those garage shops lack close down and I know that there was some provision in our uh leases but it's all about you know we're doing a lot to try and make them successful and they aren't even open in when we have these big events.
if it's a lack that they don't know when it's going on. I don't know. Maybe as part of I mean they're getting in my opinion they're getting good good good lease rates,
excuse me, but I just would like to see more attention paid um to that. I've also um and and I want to be pro business um and I'm a little concerned about some of the sign pollution um in
our downtown corridor. I know code enforcement works on that, but um I I just look I don't know if we need to address our ordinances again, but I was looking I mean right across the street from the new post office there are just
signs. I mean and realtors are the worst. I know that. Um, but it just seems like there just is so much distraction and just it looks awful. Anyhow, um, and then, uh, now to a positive note, um, the regata was such a
huge success. Um, it it just really puts such a great face and showcases us to the world. And I really want to say thank you to the Sorry P, it's just lagging on. Um, thank you to all the unsung heroes, our law
enforcement and public works and fire department and all the staff at the city. I know that you have put forth a lot of effort to make sure it's a good event. And then, uh, spring training's off, a lot of fun. Encourage everyone to go and
take in a game. It's always fun. It's an exciting time of the year. And, um, you know, with all this, we're getting a lot more traffic, of course. And so let's just remember that we are the friendly city and uh welcome welcome our visitors. Um everyone comes and says how
bad the traffic is. Every single city in Florida right now has traffic. So we just need to remember that. And um you know I guess being a Southerner I'm well aware that we need to take things just a little bit slower and enjoy life
and and everyone just needs to uh plan for a little slower pace and enjoy the ride. Um, we do live in paradise and uh we have to share it. >> What? Oh, go away. >> Thank you,
Councilwoman Barnaby. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I would like to thank you and our staff yesterday for the uh meeting that we had uh last night regarding the the project that we're doing on Review Boulevard. I really
appreciated everyone's uh attention and and uh input. I think it was a good meeting. I think people left knowing that we are concerned and that we are going to try to get that taken care of. >> Sorry.
>> That's okay. I'm sorry. I just I I'm waiting for a lung to come out. >> I'm so sorry. Um this Saturday uh at Lewis Park, we will be putting in the plantings for the butterfly garden that has been under construction. So we'll be
meeting there at 8:00 in the morning. If anybody wants to join us, we would love to have you uh participate with us. And then Saturday night, the local Rotary Club is having their comedy night over at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. It begins at six o'clock and uh we we
like to encourage anyone to to participate with that. The Rotary Club was significant in assisting us at Lewis Park with the adaptable playground. So because of their very all the Rotary clubs came together and and participated with that, but a very generous donation
of almost a million dollars to help us with the the the project and with the special adaptive equipment. And so, uh, come out and help the Rotary, help other, uh, children in the community and laugh and have a good time. Want to also let everyone know about the Manatee
Service Club, uh, gala that is happening on March the 14th. Uh, the service club is one of the oldest women's organizations in Manatee County and all the funds that they raise to also go for to support children in Manatee County and it's a disco theme this year. So,
I'm cannot wait to see what the mayor is going to wear. Thinking it's going to be I don't know. Is it are we doing sequins? Are we doing uh um Saturday night Saturday night fever or
>> to be determined? Okay. Um I would also like to to thank Amanda of our staff up at uh uh the legislative area of of this uh city hall. she is retiring and and she certainly has done a wonderful job
uh helping all of us on the legislative side. So, we want to wish her a very happy retirement. And uh I guess I also want to thank um Miss Coachman and Mr. Shushler for wearing blue today since the rest of us showed up in black and I didn't want anyone to think that it was either a
morning situation or that uh um we all get together and figure out what we're going to wear for these meetings cuz we don't. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, Miss Barnaby. Mr. Shusler, >> thank you, Mr. Mayor, and good morning, everyone. I know that we did take a
moment of silence uh this morning um in regards to Carolyn Phelps. I just wanted to uh kind of just expand on that a little bit and acknowledge the passing of Manatee County Commissioner Carolyn. Um she served our broader community with dedication and heart and she never lost
sight of the people behind the policies. Uh many of us just saw her Friday night at the river regata. She was a great advocate for Makka and will be hard to replace. Um many will remember her love of horses and the Florida Cracker Trail.
So on behalf of the city of Bradenton, I extend uh and we extend condolences to her family, friends, and uh all who had the privilege to work alongside her. her impact will be felt for a long time and the commitment to public service is something we should all strive to carry
forward. Um, as has been mentioned, we've got a lot of events coming up and taking place. So, I uh we'll just skip through them and just kind of wanted to tie it together for a moment. Springing spring training is underway at Lecom Park, bringing energy and visitors into our
city and supporting local businesses. Uh, also wanted to highlight, um, we've mentioned Black History Month, the Angola Festival. Yes, the pirates are here. Um, but there's a lot of continued momentum in the arts community. Uh, the upcoming Wonder Wall mural event in the
Village of the Arts will bring new public artwork and creative energy to the district. Um, and as was mentioned earlier, the uh, Singing River Art installation is taking shape near Mineral Springs along the riverwalk. Projects like these really do help
celebrate Bradenton's identity while creating spaces people can enjoy year round. Um, moments like these, whether it's baseball, public art, Black History Month, uh, or neighborhood events, the Angola Fest, remind us that Bradenton's
strength comes from people showing up and supporting one another. So, as always, I think we all remain committed to being present in the community, listening and working collaboratively um with our fellow council, the mayor,
our first responders, and city staff and all of Bradenton to keep moving forward in a positive direction. >> Thank you. All right. Um kind of start with the riata. It was uh probably the best riata since
the first riata. And what was unique about it was the different boats that came in and really give you the Formula One and they're going 120 m an hour at times on that river and and then uh of course the other boats that were jumping
over top of each other at times. So people were worried about safety, but they were very very safe and they have all the protection. Obviously METV did a great job at videoing and doing what they do all day long. Um, and I had one gentleman there that um that I was
talking to that's part of the a lot of times he's a judge or different things, but he was there just observing and he mentioned he thought with everything and his knowledge of it guessing around 120,000. Now, it just doesn't seem like that, but he thought it had gone up the
way the the stacking on the bridge was and you know, but whatever the number is, it was a huge success and really saw that people had a good time because the boat races were more consistent. There wasn't a lot of breaks in between. Then all of the other activities that were
going on with the dog shows and the events from all of our not forprofits that participated in the songs and and that was Saturday. Friday night was unbelievable with the drone show and the fireworks that were over the water and we moved the barge out farther in the
middle of the water. So if there was any issues it was over the water. So you know it showed what a great celebration we can have with collaboration with Manatee County government, the Palmetto Bradon governments working together as
well as the community. And then kudos to all of our staff that goes from the public works department and Ross um who as I found out I thought Ross had always been involved in it but he coordinated a lot more of the stuff this time that um
really stepped up and you know we have great river walkers that do trash pickup and they always go after that event and they said normally they'll pick up a certain amount. they didn't have to pick up 25% of what they picked up. So our staff did a great job while you know
when it was over cleaned it up and you know if you walked the Riverwalk Sunday morning other than three Firkkins cars sitting on the lawn that they picked up Monday you didn't even know we had an event the day before and that's what we want and that's how our staff through all the way down obviously police and
fire did such a great job and obviously for the safety of it you know we all work through that. So, um, they've already started planning for next year. I know it starts right away because of the safety and that was one of the things the media was asking about and
you know, in today's world, we have to be prepared and and we are and you got to be prepared for that event. But I'm just proud of everyone and being the 11th regata and it's still growing because usually when something gets to 10, it starts to kind of lose its luster
and this really has not. So, we're excited about that. Um, obviously spring training all day long, all the time. Traffic, uh, I know, um, Assistant Chief Theers is in charge of that, doing a great job. We adjusted last year. It worked. We're
doing it again this year and it's working to try to filter the traffic at the time. The games are a little shorter the last couple years. So, they're not getting done at 4:30. They're hopefully getting done at 3, 3:30. And so that, you know, it's something that people,
and I'm gonna say it because the lights are synced downtown. Haven't heard much of that lately, but lights are synced. Um, just be, you know, and and this is talked about every day in our city, you know, and most of the people that are
coming from the west where their job is that live out far east have to come through the city to get there. So, you know, and that's why we're trying to come up with different avenues to have people where they might stop and stay a little while, but we've got to give them those amenities to have. And if some of them are going to
live downtown, then they don't have to travel so far. But, as Councilwoman Coker has said over the time, they get a little bit more of a home out east. So, that's what they want, then they can do it. So, but just be patient. You know, it may not be as much of a traffic problem as it a problem.
>> Two hours in the morning and two hours at night. So, patience is important. Um, and obviously through the Pirates, you know, we're looking at having the first new field for next spring training where they park now. And so, City Park, again, another thing that we splashed
out there that people don't hear about a lot until it gets in their wheelhouse. So, we're excited about City Park. Um, Face It and Fix It. Let's keep talking about Face It and Fix It all day long. And like I said, Councilwoman Barnaby, I was surprised that not one person raised their hand last night. And uh
>> I can I can assure you that at the next neighborhood pizza gathering that Mr. Fred puts on, >> right, >> I'll pass out cards that have have the address on. >> Um I want to thank um Sun Coast Water Keepers. Uh Mrs. Moore and I got invite
Councilwoman Moore and I got invited to an event that was at Braden Castle to talk about what's going on and some things. Um, Waterkeepers does a great job at getting out information and we're working on getting out information as well. So, we're glad that uh the
neighbors invited them there to talk about the Braden River and some of the issues that the Braden River has. So, we're going to continue to work through what we do with that and it was a great event. Um, talk about our Face It and Fix It event we had a week or so ago.
Um, I believe we had about 30 to 40 people show up for that other than staff. um at Braden Castle because it was directly to relate it to their water quality in that area. They had about 40 plus people. So, we said we will bring
the show on the road at a lesser we won't need as much, but we'll be able to bring stuff. So, um I'm anxious to work with them and get people. I know we're having something at the fire department in the near future for the neighborhood with our um san sanit wastewater
>> plant and then station three and 13 of our so those things are coming. There's so much going on and as much as social media goes out there >> it still isn't out there. So until and as we know until it affects you personally a lot of times you don't get
involved. But we just want to keep the the positive flow of the correct information going out. So that's very important. Um see here before I get to the last part um back to Angola is a great event. Been
at every one of them really organized the way it was. And um Friday night at the riata, Carol Felts, I always just called her Carol. I know it's Carolyn and as people say, but Carol Felts and uh I had a long conversation and she would always come up to me and say,
"Hey, cuz how you doing?" Well, one of the things was is once I got to know her a little bit more and and again, you can have a lot of different views on different things, but when it comes down to our community, there was no person that had a better view of how she thought could help our community. and
her family all came from the Bahamas in the early 1900s to Miami. On my mother's side, Grandma Hilda came from the Bahamas, great grandma Hilda came from the Bahamas in the 1920s to Miami. And as we talked a little bit, again, I
don't have that history in my head where my mom and and and all unfortunately all of the family members that would um that side aren't living, but she just would always say, "Hey, C." So we talked for about 30 minutes on Friday night which was one of the first events that she had
really went out to and she was so excited about back to Angola because again most of the people that come from the Bahamas Red Bay Bahamas to the Angola event. So you know we just life and and I know it more than anybody in
my career. Life is shorter than you know it and you just never know when you're going to be talking to somebody on a Friday night and something like this happen a few days later. So just want to you know really send along all condolences to her family and you know coming in but she was a good friend. We
met several times in my office. I went to her office a few times and and that's what it's about the collaboration of what you do together not about what some political difference on a certain issue might be at the moment. So, just really was it was heartfelt yesterday and just
terrible feeling obviously for our community and just for her family and um I believe she has a son. I'm not sure the rest of it because that's not really it's in our circle of of things, but but I when she walked up Friday night, I said, "What are you doing here?" And she said, "I've heard so much about this
event and what you guys are doing, I wanted to come by." And I said, "Well, it's getting dark soon." and she goes, "I know, but I got somebody to drive me." Because, you know, just as we different things and so it was fun and I'm glad she got to enjoy that Friday night. Um, and probably was probably was
out feeding her horses or her turtle or or whatever to tortoise and and unfortunately if you're going to go sometimes that's the way to go, >> doing something you love. So, just again for our whole community, you know, our our heartfelt go out from the city as
well as personally from all of us. Um just you know W five is alive but city of Bradon is alive first time but we're always working and we're glad to keep working. We have to make tough decisions up here sometimes. But you know what? I
challenge everybody to come to these meetings. And if you have something, we're going to work with you, not against you, to try to make it better. But you have to also work with us and, you know, not get so um so darn
political sometimes and because we will work with you, our staff, this council, and everybody will help with things. So, um I appreciate it and uh go watch some spring baseball and the excitement is in the air of the the Pittsburgh Pirates
with um some players that might give us an advantage a little bit more to be competitive. So, thank you to Mr. Nutting, Mr. Williams, and uh Mr. Sharington, owner, president, and general manager. And obviously, if you don't know about the Pirates, follow
into them. They got a great coach, Kelly. Um, and he was complaining about our traffic, too. Told him and I told him a couple things we've done. He goes, "Yeah, you're right, mayor, but just nice people." And that's what you want to look at. And and really um celebrate
what we do. And I didn't think about this till now, but you look at how sports brings communities and countries together. what our women hockey team, our men's hockeyy's team and then all of the participants in the Olympics this
year. You know, pride in the USA is most important and and uh I don't want to play a sport that when you smile your teeth are gone, but um some of you others in this dis and out there may have played that over the years, >> but uh
>> and and you know, we can do it. And uh one last thing I'll say is thank goodness we're not Boston, Massachusetts right now. >> Um but we we're very concerned for our country in general that's had all that snow and the safety of people because
you know we live the hurricanes and the flooding of 24. This is one of the worst storms that we've seen in our country with the snow and the weather. So, um, God bless them and God bless all their public servants that are doing what they do. Um, Mr. Perry,
>> thank you, Mayor. >> Microphone. >> Sir, just a couple things. Um, I wanted to report on some of the funding that we've been kind of where we're at and, uh, it's been good news basically out of out of uh, Congressman Buchanan's office. We received basically $4 million
in entitlements. um $3 million will go to storm water, specifically um flood control and storm water over at um at city park. And uh so that comes basically through the kind of discretionary um uh funding program for
local community entitlements and and Congressman Buchanan and his staff just do a great job of fighting for us here at the city and you know hopes of other municipalities participate in that too. But we certainly get um a generous share of that. And uh we also have a million
dollars that was provided for transportation planning um in the downtown sector. That funding typically goes to a federal agency uh to be determined, but it was authorized in late January and released. Um so that's the good news on that. We are in the
process of uh our continuing government affairs advocacy efforts for state direct appropriations. We've got good news out of the House budget that funded several of our projects for infrastructure. Um, and of course that will go to the Senate. We haven't seen
what their final budget recommendation is, but uh, Senator Boyd and his staff always again very generous, very op uh, engaged in helping the city of Bradenton and and masterfully uh, working through that legislative process that ultimately gets to the governor's office for
approval or not. But we're we're very optimistic because it looks like another very good year on those fronts. Um I'd like to express my appreciation to Chris Dolan, MEV. They do a great job. I've seen those guys out working tirelessly um throughout throughout um our event
this weekend um Friday night, Saturday, Saturday night, and everything in between. And uh he does a lot with a with with a small staff and they do a great job with their quality of production and their reach of uh of of broadcasting. So thank you, Chris. No doubt. Um couple things just to wrap
things up. Basically, uh we will be having our our uh workshop I think on March 11th. Is it? >> Yep. At 1:00. Looking forward to that. We've been talking a little bit about uh with Dover Cole and EDC and Curt
Landerfeld who's done a really good job of helping us kind of fashion that plan to be the best Bradenton it can be. Um, you know, we're not the east county that has all this acreage for the that type of commercial and residential
development. We're Braden and it's unique because that's kind of what we're obviously striving for. And I've tried to take the lead from council to not be Sarasota St. Petersburg, but to be the best Bradenton we can be. So, I like to use that moniker, so to speak. Um,
realize Bradon is here. I see Karen Corbin. I know they have BAM coming up right around the corner. So, we have another um Riverwalk downtown event that's that was wildly successful last year. Great community event. Um arts and culture. Looking forward to that. Um
really familyfriendly. Great job. And and we hope to kind of improve that. And as pointed out, we have Singing River over at the Angola Festival. I just got a picture of it as we were speaking and um it's it's starting to be placed and under construction there and they have a
really nice sign um that highlights the public art um collaboration between the CRA, the city, the contractors and the like. So, congratulations to Jeff and his team for putting that together and the public arts board. And um we're
going to be rolling out lastly um some quarterly updates on our Face It, Fix It infrastructure Campaign. That's a very easy reference book for our council to get. Tats off to Tiffany and a public works for putting that together because it really has a fairly good uh
continuous update of where we're at on infrastructure investments um through public works. It'll be specific uh to areas of infrastructure being, you know, our storm water, our our wastewater, our drinking water, uh transit, I should say
transportation, uh community development, and the like. And then it'll be specific to the wards, and you can look at really, you know, what's going on in your ward, where the project is at, what's coming, where it's at, when it'll be completed, things like that. you know, the key factoids I think
are important for you all to know so that you can be our ambassadors out in the community as our elected officials and trying to educate our community on the great work you all doing, the staff's doing, and the city's doing overall. So, with that, I appreciate the
opportunity for my staff to work so closely with you to do all these great projects to get these important things done and to become the best Bradon we can be. >> Thank you, Mr. Perry and thank you to all of your administration and and bringing quite a bit of knowledge and
and great forward thinking to what Bradenton can be and what we we uh you get what we want and I think that's that's great to see and and really our staff is following through and getting things
done because you know when you talking getting close to $200 million of other money that we can improve our city with that. As we've said, we could never have taxed our way out without the great support of the council, all the staff and everybody. It's something that that
city of Braden and in the future generationally is going to be a better place because it's being set up to succeed and that's the whole goal. So, thank you for that. Any other department heads? Anything? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Sir, he's already stood up. I don't want
to >> Mr. Stop the momentum. >> Mr. Dr. Burton, >> Mr. Dr. Burton, >> Dr. Burton, >> welcome Jeff Burton, CRA. Again, just wanted to uh there's discussion about downtown and
the businesses and the association of the businesses. Uh the CRA has contracted with Professor Trent Green at the University of South Florida. Go Bulls. Um to uh
help us move forward this year for a September application for the Main Street program. Uh Main Street program is a four-prong national program that the state of Florida has adopted. Literally this department of state has
adopted. Uh the four prongs are uh marketing, economic development, historic preservation, and uh events uh or maintenance, I'm sorry. And um as we move forward with that, that is an
association that is uh and it's just not your main your physical main street. It used to be, but now it can be a wider area. and we have uh chosen the the entire entirety of the urban downtown as
our focus area. Um we sent out an email this week introducing the CRA board, the mayor and other folks to Professor Green. He will be in contact. But when you talk to Professor Green,
what you mentioned here today is exactly what they need to hear. And then with the remaining time of the downtown CRA, we can begin to fund. It's in our plan to that we can fund the main street program and help them get off the
ground so that they can form their association which becomes an association of property and business owners in the downtown that is separate. You're welcome Rob from the city. So the city is they're independent
and they are funded independently unless you have a bid which we won't talk about today but um the uh that should help get some of the you know I heard it more than one time and in fact we met with professor Green
originally because the mayor brought up in a meeting about Main Street and about parking and that we needed to move forward. So I've worked with him a lot in the past. He is one of the best there is and uh when you when you have a
chance to meet with him really take advantage of that time. His grad students are young and very eager to prove themselves. So um and the more we give them the better the results. Uh they will help us with our application
which is not an easy application. Uh right before I left Palmetto we formed a main street over there and it it took a couple years to get that application together. So So hopefully it'll answer your questions. >> No, I think that's Say thank you, Mr. Perry. I was looking
over at Mr. Williams. >> Yeah. >> If they can fund something through the CRA and we can >> pull ours back um but with a group that um because that's what it's for. It's really getting that and get a
coordination that we believe is there. Great people on the downtown um main street, but we've got to work together. We've got to collaborate and it's not easy when you have different personalities and and business owners
that have a job to do. So, I I don't blame that, but I just think there's opportunity that, you know, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Now, we can maybe give them that carrot >> to make him drink.
>> Yes, ma'am. I think um what I've kind of noticed is that and I've used this analogy before, but you know I think it's so perfect. Everyone needs to be playing for the team with the name on the front of the jersey and not the back. And that's where it's going to
take the right person to kind of pull everyone together and make them realize how what's good for everyone helps everyone and not to just think about what's best for their establishment. >> And and one of the things that we
realize is we're not unique. Sarasota has been through it and adjusted. St. Pete has been through it and adjusted. We're just really putting the opportunity to have more events that will support our city and you know it
doesn't have to be always the same stuff but a little differently. See? All right, Chief Kramer. >> Thank you, sir. Um, an update on the tents. Uh, I texted officer Pulos uh who was actually
picking up Tama, the social worker, uh, from the county, which is a great partnership. CRA, city, uh, PD, everybody together working. That's one of those resources I was talking about. Um, but it's only now you're just talking two people for all that, you
know. So, but regardless, uh, they were planning on heading out to Cortez and 43rd because there have been a lot of complaints popped up about that. He's not sure on exactly where the tents are coming from, but obviously we do not want a tent city here. So, we're going to be trying to address that with the organization that I will not name
because it's not been verified. >> Right. >> Yeah. And one popped up in my neighborhood, but I >> Okay. Well, we'll again try to >> handle that as quickly as possible. Um I was hoping it's rare that we get done
maybe this early, but I was hoping uh if you were out and about, you would have seen some people running around with little bibs with numbers on them. It's uh our latest group of uh potential sponsored recruits that are going through our physical abilities test. Um they started I talked to them right
before I came in here about 8:15. Then they did a bunch of exercises, ran a lot. Uh I told him to stretch because I went a little hard on the legs yesterday and my uh should have stretched a little longer. I need to be like Tiger Woods. He stretches for like three hours before he plays a round of golf. That's about
where I'm at now. Um however uh this is group three out of I think three. We had about 25 today. So we've the next group will be the sort of super group that excelled at each step. Uh, we do physical abilities tests and then they
actually take a grammar test right after because I told them you got to be physically able to go out and do the call, but when you're done, you got to be able to write about it. And everybody else from that point on is going to be reading reading your report and it's all the way up to judges and you want it to be as good a product for you. So, it
helps you when you have to testify and uh so the defense, as Mr. Perry can attest, can't shoot holes in those those reports. So, That's it. >> Thank you. >> And u one more thing. >> Uh I know you mentioned uh public works,
but a very giant kudos to Colonel Lee and his staff uh for everything to do with the regata was really we had great partnership on getting everything uh coordinated to keep everybody as safe as possible with using their resources, our resources u and everything went really
well. They were all they were seemed like they were in constant motion. >> Thank you. Can I quickly kind of follow up on that? >> Sure. >> I just want to um also give kudos to Shannon Cox. Um she's the incident
commander for the entire riata. Uh coordinates all the coast guard and cities both cities and really puts all this together. And this was her last year of doing it. So they I know they have a successor but um I think she's
done a great job over the 10 years, learned a lot. she's always done her after actions with everybody. So, I think it's it's, you know, beneficial for us to recognize her as well. Um, she did a phenomenal job for both the city of Bradon and Palmetto and and the community alike. So, um, and I also want
to reiterate the the thanks to public works, uh, police and fire. You know, I always talk about city being one team and and and you know, that really shows in events like that and they really collaborate together. Um Scott McDonald I know is big in in the in the police
side and kind of coordinates our our uh our headquarters if you will for everybody. Um so just thank you to everyone to for being true to what we talk about being one team and collaborative as as a group. So Mr. Lee, thank you and chiefs certainly appreciate it.
>> Yes, sir. Thank you. >> Thank you. And next year our incident command center should be in our new police headquarters. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We won't have a view of the water so close it'll be a view of the water tower. >> We kept you by water. You always have
plenty of water. >> All right. Anyone else for the good of the order? And just thank you to everybody and we'll keep things going forward. We'll be ajourned.