[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6251239,"mediaKeyId","3196053-590ab69431ba58c3847fe397dbc75c2b","parentId",3196053,"title","Votes at a glance: Commission continues appeal, accepts audits, approves budget amendment and amends utility code on first reading","audioSeconds",103,"startMs",118000,"endMs",221000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196053-590ab69431ba58c3847fe397dbc75c2b&start=118&end=221","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196053-590ab69431ba58c3847fe397dbc75c2b/thumbnail_118000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6251239/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Commission-continues-appeal-accepts-audits-approves-budget-amendment-and-amends-utility-code-on-first-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251239-98768a90a38b45043830acbedbd37d39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098864&Signature=QVlabXMwkqx32tLMUiedcXRLqnUp~SWDSuC7uHstOsQNu~UyCnDm2f1yiKYBe-UAI9wvkaA3nRqyfBFIZ7zVbo27i2T7hk8h0hqDiI5pawpJwVPvBrW5~LK1Ljx8OizsigmMRfLJRYQJqERSkuFsyb~VpI5GFh1SwnukjEANatJMr5n4oRBQhLzRF1zBzOc7AI61KUxaDC-i~fws2v19pY0Omc2C2Qj5rrVA-wIgkMVndFCC~f2T0cEU3-WPBnB6d9A5v94pYbBn50kZ32mXqpfmJzNrmoMBSuB~aRZ073RjJOtrZkeg0oj-~42ENuY7vXLe~PzsFoRuZqwb4NaZQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sarasota, FL ","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Sarasota City Commission took several formal actions April 21, 2025. Most votes were unanimous; below is a summary of the principal motions, their outcomes and key details.

Votes at a glance

- Continued quasi‑judicial item (appeal application 25‑APP‑03 regarding approvals for 1260 North Palm) to a special meeting on May 13, 2025, to perfect notice. Motion: \"Move to continue to May 13.\" Outcome: passed unanimously.

- Approved the meeting agenda and several minutes and consent‑agenda items (routine approvals). Outcome: passed unanimously.

- Accepted the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) stand‑alone financial statements and communications from auditors Forvis Mazars LLP for fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024. Auditors issued an unmodified (clean) opinion and reported no material weaknesses or findings related to CRA compliance. Motion to accept the audit: passed unanimously.

- Accepted the City of Sarasota’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024, with an unmodified auditor’s opinion and no significant audit findings. Motion to approve CAFR: passed unanimously.

- Approved a budget amendment (Resolution No. 25 R 3326) to recognize hurricane‑related expenditures and FEMA advances: reported hurricane expenditures/encumbrances of approximately $17.2 million, a FEMA advance of about $7.7 million, and a projected reduction in fund balance of roughly $9.4 million if reimbursements are not yet received. The city expects FEMA reimbursements (estimated at 75–85% for eligible costs), but timing is uncertain. Outcome: passed unanimously.

- Passed Ordinance No. 25‑5564 (amending chapter 37 of the city code) on first reading to clarify the city’s authority to include ‘‘financial transaction servicing fees’’ in utility rates and to authorize third‑party providers. The ordinance itself clarifies authority; any change to customer billing (a shift from an absorbed fee model to a convenience‑fee model) would require a separate contract amendment and additional public notice. Outcome: passed on first reading (unanimous).

- Authorized flying an LGBTQ+ (progress) flag at City Hall from Monday, May 5 through Monday, May 12, 2025. Outcome: passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The audit acceptances provide assurance the city’s and CRA’s FY2024 financial statements are materially correct and compliant with Florida statutes. The budget amendment makes explicit the current hurricane expenditures and the timing uncertainty around FEMA reimbursements; commissioners noted the city’s reserve ratios and the importance of maintaining adequate contingency funds going into hurricane season. The ordinance clarification clears the way for utilities staff to present, at a later date, a contract amendment that could shift credit‑card processing costs to a convenience‑fee model for customers who choose that payment method.

Full actions (selected)

1) Continue quasi‑judicial appeal to May 13, 2025
- motion: \"Move to continue to May 13.\"
- mover/second: not specified in the record
- vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0
- outcome: approved
- notes: continuance made to perfect notice; item will be heard at a special meeting.

2) Accept CRA audit (Forvis Mazars LLP) — FY2024
- motion: accept auditor communications and reports
- mover: Commissioner Ulrich
- second: Commissioner Ahern Koch
- vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0
- outcome: approved
- notes: unmodified opinion; no internal control findings.

3) Accept City CAFR — FY2024
- motion: approve the City of Sarasota annual comprehensive financial report
- mover: (record shows Commissioner Ahern Koch)
- second: Commissioner Ulrich
- vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0
- outcome: approved
- notes: unmodified opinion; single audits of federal/state programs included; no findings.

4) Approve Resolution 25 R 3326 (hurricane budget amendment)
- motion: approve the budget amendment as presented
- mover: Commissioner Ulrich
- second: Commissioner Batiste
- vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0
- outcome: approved
- notes: reported hurricane expenditures/encumbrances $17.2M; FEMA advance $7.7M; fund balance impact ~$9.4M; FEMA reimbursement timing uncertain.

5) Pass Ordinance No. 25‑5564 on first reading (chapter 37 amendment)
- motion: pass proposed ordinance on first reading
- mover: Vice Mayor Price
- second: Commissioner Ulrich
- vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0
- outcome: approved on first reading
- notes: amendment clarifies the code language about including financial transaction servicing fees and third‑party billing; any customer fee change would be subject to separate contract action and notice.

6) Authorize Pride/Progress flag at City Hall (May 5–12, 2025)
- motion: authorize the request to fly the LGBTQ+ pride flag
- mover: Commissioner Ulrich
- second: (second recorded)
- vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0
- outcome: approved
- notes: commissioners discussed policy and confirmed state preemption bills had not passed.

Ending: Most measures were routine approvals and passed unanimously. The quasi‑judicial appeal was continued to May 13 to perfect legal notice and will return with full hearing materials.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Sarasota Regular City Commission Meeting April 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 21 meeting the Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved routine agenda items, accepted a clean audit for the Community Redevelopment Agency and the city's CAFR, adopted a budget amendment for hurricane costs, passed an ordinance amendment on payment processing authority on first reading, and authorized a Pride flag display.","taxTitle","Sarasota City, Sarasota County, Florida","taxId",58306,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6251244,"Speakers urge commissioners to oppose proposed Ringling transfer, slow performing arts spending and reject 1260 North Palm plan",462,1958000,2420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196053-590ab69431ba58c3847fe397dbc75c2b&start=1958&end=2420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196053-590ab69431ba58c3847fe397dbc75c2b/thumbnail_1958000.jpg","/articles/6251244/Florida/Speakers-urge-commissioners-to-oppose-proposed-Ringling-transfer-slow-performing-arts-spending-and-reject-1260-North-Palm-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251244-95efb5b3e8d1a31e05c6a0b1cf931c3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098864&Signature=YOpD8Rd9xZzwj3NBihglkjTfzUKS98Pms0wl4Bht~WyMWAmd4mJwL9BTXvESENAdfddCw2KqS5fjgJBJK4mUN6RDSuB13-EOG8PLWzC74fm8gO~RXM9j7d~hm2r1UEWZ9bxde~nae5pk7vRU7ZSV~KDxnksvuY2V~49oVqCrSYSSr6A0VCeICDBVSc6do~pHuCGtRXqlQlpq5NLBzvaDOUz9kixkSuSJc-fYew~4XcRcIHYULuXdZjSjZVAgYiFuv6llOVZ8OECFw6W6nYx5zJXVcU40JNrP8v8YfRfB0RibLYuV~u5Fv7tI-3S-yc~h8ePgBTi19ruDWWyFrY07Qw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Three speakers used the meeting’s public‑comment period April 21 to press the commission on separate, high‑profile issues affecting the city’s cultural and development corridors.

Nancy Parrish, former board chair of the Ringling Museum Foundation and founder of a recently formed nonprofit, told the commission she opposes a proposal in the governor’s budget to transfer control of the 66‑acre Ringling Museum complex and the nearby USF Sarasota–Manatee campus to New College. Parrish said the transfer would move \"100 acres of premier Bayfront property\" plus \"$200 million in cultural assets\" and argued there had been \"no transparency or public input\" in any such proposal. She asked commissioners to contact Manatee County leaders and state officials to oppose a transfer she said would disrupt regional cultural programming and tourism.

Laurel Korberg, a resident and past president of the Central Coconut Neighborhood Association (she said she was speaking for herself), urged caution on a proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center and its near‑term budget implications. Korberg said the idea is attractive but that the community is still recovering hurricane‑related expenses and that a large commitment now could create unexpected burdens; she asked commissioners to \"take a deep breath and think long and hard before you approve that budget.\"

Jose Fernandez, a Sarasota resident, spoke about a proposed development at 1260 North Palm (an item he said was on the agenda but had been pulled). Fernandez called the parcel \"plainly inadequate\" for the proposed project and criticized administrative adjustments to dimensional standards that he said the development relied on. He asked the commission to reverse staff approvals and urged commissioners to \"put residents above developers and unelected staff. Reject this project.\" Fernandez said the matter will return to the commission in May and asked the body to act there.

Why it matters: The Ringling and a downtown performing arts facility are long‑range cultural investments that affect tourism and the city’s waterfront; the 1260 North Palm dispute is a quasi‑judicial land‑use controversy that will be back before the commission after staff and the city attorney recommended a continuance to perfect notice.

Ending: The commission continued the quasi‑judicial item to May 13 to allow notice to be perfected; the public‑comment speakers asked commissioners to use the upcoming hearings to take the actions they requested.
","Three public commenters asked the commission to intervene on three separate issues: a proposed transfer of the Ringling museum complex in a governor’s budget line, timing and cost concerns about a proposed performing arts center, and opposition to a developer request for 1260 North Palm.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6251248,"Sarasota Bay showing sustained improvement, estuary director tells commissioners",552,278000,830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196053-590ab69431ba58c3847fe397dbc75c2b&start=278&end=830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196053-590ab69431ba58c3847fe397dbc75c2b/thumbnail_278000.jpg","/articles/6251248/Florida/Sarasota-Bay-showing-sustained-improvement-estuary-director-tells-commissioners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251248-8acc9d7f30d86a559064e0fefd4101e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098864&Signature=RJT5y~g8KwZOjUdUxM5NPAHuwSTl~FIdwOUFcU1opKm7mzj60hi-2oOqQioJyVJ9YCoz7ctq0kg3jIpHNiZRUFk~RTEmMSVLZC8tJZlekA1W~UilttgdaDFXZI1VB7mdSsHPRTreeDCE7Vw9Dq~w2iTdJ2B5J04MsAOUoeUmq2LOqwXB6dK4NLqJS1aGYsnurP0ekZFmg8t2GvZ~Qwnc-JO9HpWin0II-MD195RPlnSO6XVXtohTL4nJ6KeHieNC0BgIaYuk4t8gXtvZoSBI829mGU17Swt2UHdSwpux0ZkwPrdkkFln4q6tAYXIR1YHgr0EtrX5IExGMRMUiVzVXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dave Tomasco, PhD, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, told the Sarasota City Commission April 21 that overall water-quality measures in Sarasota Bay have improved and that the region has met its recent nitrogen-reduction goals.

Tomasco said the program set a target in 2021 to reduce the most damaging forms of nitrogen by 12 tons per year and that recent monitoring shows a roughly 22 percent decline in the worst-affected parts of the lower bay compared with the peak problem years around 2018. He credited large wastewater upgrades, stormwater retrofits and local government projects for driving the improvement.

Why it matters: Healthy bay waters support an estimated 20,000 jobs tied to water-based businesses and contribute billions of dollars in property value, Tomasco said. He warned that poor water quality reduces habitat for seagrass, manatees and juvenile fish and that warmer water and more intense storms tied to climate change increase risks from algal blooms and low-oxygen events.

Tomasco summarized the program’s findings and actions. He said the bay’s algae levels have fallen by about half from the worst years and that no part of the bay is currently out of compliance with Florida’s numeric nutrient criteria. He highlighted an increase in seagrass coverage — nearly 2,000 acres regained — and noted that the system’s response followed a period of severe stress during 2018 and 2019, when a combination of red tide and wastewater overflows coincided with large seagrass losses.

He pointed to large infrastructure investments — he cited roughly $300 million in wastewater and stormwater upgrades across the region, and singled out Sarasota County’s Bee Ridge wastewater treatment plant as responsible for a large share of past overflows — and said those investments have helped reduce conditions that drive algal growth.

Tomasco outlined specific local efforts and recommendations: continued work on wastewater treatment and stormwater retrofits; dispersed stormwater treatment such as rain gardens and median redesigns; living shoreline and kayak-launch projects planned with the city at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park and City Island; and neighborhood-scale grants and vertical oyster gardens, including 600 planned at Pelican Cove. He also noted the Bobby Jones project treats runoff from about 5,000 acres of older neighborhoods developed before modern stormwater rules.

On possible utility actions, Tomasco said eliminating or reducing direct discharges of treated effluent into the bay could reduce nitrogen loads by an estimated 2 to 4 tons annually and could have co-benefits for regional water-supply permits and groundwater intrusion. He did not present a specific city decision or timetable; rather, he framed the change as a potential option for further improvements that would require utility-level choices.

Tomasco used an accessible approach during the presentation, showing the estuary report card and photos of recovered seagrass meadows and wildlife. He urged homeowner actions — such as avoiding overfertilizing lawns, not blowing grass clippings into streets or water, and limiting use of hard seawall materials that replace oyster habitat — and said the program offers outreach materials and local grants to help neighborhoods restore shoreline habitat.

Commissioners thanked Tomasco and several noted his communications work. Commissioner Ahern Koch, who said she has served on the estuary board since 2017, praised his public messaging and said the presentation illustrated regional cooperation among municipalities and the county. Tomasco also referenced program staff and partners, and provided a contact to request outreach materials.

Ending: Tomasco framed the immediate task as keeping the recovered bay healthy and resilient: \"You've got this recovered bay, so it's not about attaining a healthier bay, it's maintaining a healthier bay,\" he said. The program will continue to monitor loads, support on-the-ground projects and work with municipalities on larger utility-level options.
","Dave Tomasco, PhD, director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, told the Sarasota City Commission that nutrient loads have declined, seagrass is recovering and key nitrogen-reduction targets set in 2021 have been met; he urged continued wastewater and stormwater work and local homeowner participation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Commission continues appeal, accepts audits, approves budget amendment and amends utility code on first reading

Speakers urge commissioners to oppose proposed Ringling transfer, slow performing arts spending and reject 1260 North Palm plan

Sarasota Bay showing sustained improvement, estuary director tells commissioners