[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6503226,"mediaKeyId","5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f","parentId",5588019,"title","Committee endorses staff move to issue ITN for master plan update; debates public interviews, scoring and negotiation procedures","audioSeconds",3125,"startMs",5011000,"endMs",8136000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f&start=5011&end=8136","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f/thumbnail_5011000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6503226/Florida/Committee-endorses-staff-move-to-issue-ITN-for-master-plan-update-debates-public-interviews-scoring-and-negotiation-procedures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503226-d6e197626fc00ac5e1b9be233b1cd1e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773606316&Signature=hgHzgv9PiEv34amryuMb9iW0HptXLHZ6jaEaWY60FEI8X6~jIAc058gEhqiPKNDSALAX1oGTmJw~v8teY7CcN0bXWWxQB9gciN5XgffVsv2MO~~UXDBj4Go-T9V93O00bP4w4VWdARfFp82rSu6G2xHfiZY~dm6FM2jQaDMKDrKewQ680Ulmc--SjYMOTYnjJfaL1D4GwAAUTzWTOIMa8nRH98FBPGj6aj6lFqRobA44iLqvfUzJQySAK6dmXkbYGjLLwl4KorckcdWJXaDb-RLQiMM3~bnYqu1zFZr0i-gpLHwf-E5Tb4gWrM5CJ2dtzWbCcCFXJU--miA-HxeZmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sarasota","date","2025-08-14T16:48:00Z","article","The committee directed staff to prepare an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for the downtown master plan update and debated how best to structure the procurement, shortlisting and interview process to balance fairness, creativity and transparency.

Renee Hayes, the city’s procurement official, reviewed the solicitation options and recommended an ITN approach that allows proposers to outline approaches while enabling staff to negotiate terms with shortlisted teams. Committee members discussed the relative merits of RFQ/RFP versus ITN, whether interviews should be in public and whether iterative negotiations should be open to public view.

Several members argued interviews for shortlisted teams should be open to the public, with the evaluation/shortlisting step conducted in the public meeting; subsequent negotiations with shortlisted firms could be held in closed session to allow iterative negotiation without revealing competing teams’ strategies. Others warned that fully public iterative negotiations could discourage creativity because competing firms could watch recorded negotiations.

Committee members debated evaluation weighting. Multiple participants favored putting most of the score on experience and approach and reducing weight on firm capacity; several suggested calling out required roles (project manager, public engagement lead, economic development expertise) so evaluators and proposers know what the committee values. Members and staff suggested including a budget expectation in the ITN (the city’s budget is publicly known), but most opposed making price a high-weighted scoring category because price alone can favor low‑cost, low‑quality proposals.

The committee voted to authorize staff to prepare and post the ITN incorporating committee feedback. Members asked staff to compile the committee’s written comments and produce a concise set of three or four high‑level goals to lead the solicitation, and to provide the committee with proposed solicitation dates and the expected time commitment for any committee member who serves on the evaluation panel.

Quotes in this article come from the meeting record. Procurement official Renee Hayes summarized options: “we are going to have a presentation by staff ... and then I would like ... the members to state their highlights,” and multiple members urged transparency for shortlisting and interviews.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Sarasota - Downtown Master Plan Update Ad-Hoc Committee","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members directed staff to prepare an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) to hire a consultant for the master plan update and debated interview transparency, evaluation weights and whether price should be a scored factor.","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},6503231,"City staff outline downtown master plan implementation matrix; officials point to housing momentum and outstanding connectivity projects",494,3352000,3846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f&start=3352&end=3846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f/thumbnail_3352000.jpg","/articles/6503231/Florida/City-staff-outline-downtown-master-plan-implementation-matrix-officials-point-to-housing-momentum-and-outstanding-connectivity-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503231-3c65ef4e0fb79a5259fffec99dbae134/orig.mp4?Expires=1773606316&Signature=b-mIDldKbZVzbp5Uc1ISeR5BgEVXsp-BMrIryUOf8DEOhAaO~9aunlawde96XkJsuUKRSZottpVo0f1PQIyR194lAHXmD9itvu57jba~0tUG86G~ev1F~aB~QLTL5pU92I6mJYnO6MvO4zap7ZZmoIRn78IGnQO-roAlmioOsYQaRLcSlf~d9HNUW6dRElh5x~6FkTJ39unUnO33q4sNIeQMxAV-71ul2Qfl2xEZgcd7jwWOAnd1dOx2-~Qi-dOakYfArZKnACkOogLJAUcP77Djbg254v0VCsci2pRJhZLlmAb~OtKb9QamBnTnVpApR6mCD~lNRC9sh~-krYN7TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff reviewed a Downtown Master Plan implementation matrix that summarizes actions taken since the original plan and identifies outstanding projects and next steps. Staff said roughly 85% of plan recommendations have been completed or are ongoing.

David Smith, manager of long range planning, said the original master plan organized work around six themes — including connecting downtown to the bayfront, a system of walkable streets and a balanced transportation system — and that many recommendations have translated into implemented projects and code changes. Steve (planning director) and Ryan Chatley (general manager) described completed items such as roundabouts and the transformation of Lemon Avenue, the creation of parking garages and the success of the farmer’s market.

Staff reported a surge in housing activity driven by the city’s density bonus program: about 930 attainable housing units are currently in the pipeline across roughly 25 projects, including Sarasota Station (the former Stoudemire Shoemaker lumberyard) where staff said the planned development includes roughly 150 attainable units and 69 market-rate townhomes. Staff contrasted the city’s density-bonus approach with the state’s Live Local program: Live Local allows up to 120% of area median income (AMI) for all units to qualify for administrative review, while the city's density-bonus program requires at least one third of bonus units to be at 80% AMI and limits the share at higher AMI tiers.

Committee members singled out several outstanding items for additional study: the Bayfront Park area and its surface parking near Marina Jack’s, and Fruitville Road connections and “pedestrian sleeves” between Rosemary and downtown. Staff said Fruitville Road had been the subject of earlier design concepts and federal grant consideration but did not advance under a prior commission decision. Members also raised questions about pedestrian bridges, and staff counseled caution: a staff member noted cost, maintenance and limited use in other cities and said bridges can be expensive to maintain and may not be the best solution for pedestrian access.

The presentation emphasized that many downtown infrastructure projects were funded in part by tax-increment (TIF/CRA) dollars and that the city has updated zoning to create downtown form‑based districts that include transition zones to protect adjacent neighborhoods. Staff recommended the committee consider Bayfront Park and Fruitville Road connectivity among the priorities for the master plan update and consultant work.

Quotes in this article are taken from the meeting presentation. David Smith said the matrix shows the “effectiveness of the initial downtown master plan,” and staff noted the momentum in attainable housing projects currently in the pipeline.","City planners presented an implementation matrix showing 85% of downtown master plan recommendations complete or ongoing, highlighted nearly 930 attainable housing units in the development pipeline, and identified Bayfront Park and Fruitville Road connections as outstanding items for further study.",{"_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},6503236,"Staff presents Main Street Complete Streets visioning plan; emphasizes wider sidewalks, temporary pedestrian mall options and parking tradeoffs",564,2003000,2567000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f&start=2003&end=2567","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f/thumbnail_2003000.jpg","/articles/6503236/Florida/Staff-presents-Main-Street-Complete-Streets-visioning-plan-emphasizes-wider-sidewalks-temporary-pedestrian-mall-options-and-parking-tradeoffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503236-7d2c860e6dc344ca5500e63ea453224e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773606316&Signature=nndKFkPDYsu1yWU5L2vfJ51zhG2IZ1wIqUVnp5F4eBMgmC8YYQKo~6fm~nm2vnDDVOQz17YuUtkamNmL8cJwayOAkOWsXowqhLwJuCQwiD~OrGct-slXkUrTjQODVVZaD3k3-UvwDtHGUaKQUTM6WWqXa56X92UL32leOiq1Xu796Co1LNWducVYE-s0wJh0J5VtY~I2jqwSVmXThFZGg4dt7Z1yQ8Qgm-g35pwUdzh7kyGjOvpRcuCE6DQD-t3E-1fAdrfTGMGkei~qGPr3wf5jqQmYbZbjJz8dG9KEMYgDfvQOe3rdp0ZJ0rNpFKKNUkTw7MUhci60B7sQx-yrkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Sarasota transportation staff presented the Main Street Complete Street visioning report to a municipal committee, outlining a recommended vision for a 1.2‑mile corridor and summarizing two years of public engagement.

Alvy Marie Corales, chief transportation planner, said the project covers Main Street between U.S. 41 and School Avenue and was intended to “establish design elements and concepts that continue to support Downtown Sarasota.” Planners focused on safety, accessibility, the public realm and streetscape improvements.

Staff described extensive public outreach over a year — including door‑to‑door business canvassing, workshops, tabling and online surveys — that produced clear priorities. According to staff, 45.8% of survey respondents said they usually spend more than two hours on Main Street and 60% reported they are comfortable walking more than 30 minutes. The work produced a corridor vision that emphasizes wider sidewalks, improved landscaping, street amenities, accessible parking, and options to integrate a trolley and temporary pedestrian mall space.

Corinne Arriaga, senior transportation planner, said respondents favored widened sidewalks and public spaces and that the plan proposes design variations across segments of the corridor. Staff reported discussion in public feedback about replacing angled parking with parallel parking in some areas and strategies to limit visitor parking loss, including activating nearby alleys, adding wayfinding and using flexible bollards and temporary closures for events.

On financing, staff said planning and design work is funded through roughly 60% design and the city has submitted grant applications for construction funding; however, construction is currently unfunded. Kimberly Horn and Associates is listed as the contracted consultant to begin the planning and design phase. Staff said the full visioning report and a 300‑plus page technical appendix, including parking analyses from November and a March supplemental analysis, are available online.

Members asked clarifying questions about ‘‘activating alleyways’’ (staff described this as improving walking and biking connectivity and cleanliness), trolley integration and business concerns about evening hours and parking. Member Melissa Laughlin and others praised the staff's door‑to‑door business engagement.

Quotes in this article are drawn from the presentation and question-and-answer session on the record. \"It has been almost two years since we started the project,\" Alvy Marie Corales said. Corinne Arriaga said the report includes \"design elements that will be incorporated during the planning and design phase.\"","City planners presented a 1.2‑mile Main Street Complete Street visioning report summarizing two years of public engagement; the plan favors wider sidewalks, landscaping, pedestrian amenities and temporary pedestrian mall options while noting construction funding is not yet secured.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6503241,"Sarasota City committee elects Bill Waddell chair, Ken Sheelan vice chair; members press for clearer scope and stronger facilitation",154,1512000,1666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f&start=1512&end=1666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588019-c1556dfb803f10f29f01739e588f983f/thumbnail_1512000.jpg","/articles/6503241/Florida/Sarasota-City-committee-elects-Bill-Waddell-chair-Ken-Sheelan-vice-chair-members-press-for-clearer-scope-and-stronger-facilitation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503241-41c20b6fb8ca7b312361b2ed7fe14b1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773606316&Signature=cyML82HAJeTC0PbUl1A2IhD-2aBtJRDd4A7REEh9ctP0MySvSVvvdEIcoEHVOmUyx5Dl2YONfgwDe9cVgKu2n1fN9paOz4DsZn~bTP9MHMt~QMx~TypLZyH87cHcG1rTjPFnRCoc9v71T7rKknGMtpyIA-mzTHqxYTf5s4q7EuAmsRvyJQ9N9lytEYLI-6JfB3sCnFRaFk31-DQth1ICp-~iFdSoMvEuz-aZ0GnNz2oQRDti5029sp2ubeECu9QDi4ESMfRehgtU2KpddUQQ2~be2ambtHDrKfdL3wVYODkbjR1AuKSMb8s43a-NUvKf5UutnruR598uQvGyawDa4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A City of Sarasota-appointed committee elected Member Bill Waddell as chair and Member Ken Sheelan as vice chair during its meeting, and members pressed for clearer scope, stronger facilitation between meetings and formal conflict-of-interest guidance.

The committee voted to elect Waddell after nominations for the chair position, and then nominated and approved Sheelan as vice chair. Member Melissa Laughlin declined a nomination citing temporary health issues; Member Elena Paul said she would support Waddell and suggested the vice chair could help manage speaking time during meetings.

Members said pace and facilitation have been recurring concerns. Member Sarah Lyons told the group it is “critical” to clarify committee scope, timeline and goals so the public understands what the committee is working toward. Multiple members argued the chair and staff facilitator should work between meetings to set tightly framed agendas and to solicit and consolidate member input.

Several members also raised the appearance of conflicts of interest among committee participants who are involved in downtown development projects. The group agreed members should consult the city attorney when potential conflicts arise to ensure clarity and a public record.

The committee agreed informally to adopt more proactive facilitation and to aim for concise meeting agendas; members asked staff to return with a clear summary of the committee’s responsibilities, drawn from the committee’s authorizing resolution, to be discussed at the next meeting.

Quotes in this report come from participants listed in the meeting record. Member Melissa Laughlin declined nomination, saying, “I at this time I cannot accept it,” and after his election, Member Bill Waddell said, “I’ll do my best.”","A City of Sarasota-appointed committee selected Bill Waddell as chair and Ken Sheelan as vice chair and discussed stronger meeting facilitation, clearer committee scope and conflict‑of‑interest procedures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee endorses staff move to issue ITN for master plan update; debates public interviews, scoring and negotiation procedures

City staff outline downtown master plan implementation matrix; officials point to housing momentum and outstanding connectivity projects

Staff presents Main Street Complete Streets visioning plan; emphasizes wider sidewalks, temporary pedestrian mall options and parking tradeoffs

Sarasota City committee elects Bill Waddell chair, Ken Sheelan vice chair; members press for clearer scope and stronger facilitation