The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the sunshine laws. The following are the major points from the school board meeting on 1/28/25
Links to Meeting Videos: Morning, Afternoon, Evening
Invocation Pastor Wende Thompson, Glory Cloud Ministries
Pledge of Allegiance Andy Schueller, HR Business Partner and Army Veteran
Port Authority meeting
The revised agenda wasn’t posted prior to the meeting. Commissioner McCann called for a stop to the meeting until the agenda was shared with all commissioners.
Pulled from Consent Agenda: Item 3D and Item J
Item 3 D, McCann wanted details on the $30,000 increase in funds for service contract with the Ramba Law Group LLC for state lobbying services. Executive Director Carlos Buqueros said that lobby efforts return millions of dollars.
Motion to approve funding. Approved 7-0.
Item J, Commissioner Kruse inquired what has been done on the purchase of the land across from the port for future use in port expansion. The request for an extension to Feb.14 raises concern about the nonrefundable $500,000 deposit. Buqueros said that the two-week deadline is hard. Unresolved issues include an easement and DEP issues.
Motion to approve extension for consideration of the land purchase for 2 weeks carried 7-0.
Awards/Presentations/
Approval of Consent Agenda
No Citizen Comments. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda (omitting Items 5, 18-25, and 54) Approved 7-0.
Citizen Comments on future agenda items
Cortez Marina (aka Seafood Shack )/ Annie’s Bait Shop
Due to large number of individuals who came to speak about the property, Deputy County Administrator, Bryan Parnell, gave a status update on Cortez Marina property which was purchased by the County on December 2024. Plans are underway to build a more modern resilient facility that will provide a vibrant public access marina with boat ramps, boats slip and a facility that will allow for concessions and bait shops. The hurricanes caused excessive damage, and the building has been condemned so the building cannot be saved, but plans are to keep the historical nature of the site. The timeline for the new facility is 30 months.
Public Comments
Anna, daughter of Annie's Bait Shop; Karen Bell of Bell Seafood; Kathe who does boat tours; Bruce; and Margaret all made appeals to keep Annie’s as original as possible to fit in with the historic Cortez Village. They requested if it is possible to save the existing structure if it is possible.
Motion was made by Commissioner Bearden to ensure that within 30 days staff present to the board a plan that is feasible and up to standard to get Annie’s up and operating. Approved 7-0.
Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
Item 5. Approval of Revised 2025 BOCC Meeting Schedule
Approved 6-1 with McCann voting No.
Items 18.-25.
McCann said he wanted to move property management to the Land Use Meeting. Kruse explained that items 18-25 are really about public works, utilities, etc.
Item 18 Utilities Easement Discussion occurred between McCann and staff.
Approved 6-1 McCann voting no.
Items 19-25 were voted on separately. All public works items were approved 7-0.
Item 54 Execution of a Facility Investment Fee Credit and Reimbursement Agreement with Neal Communities of Southwest Florida, LLC, for Utility Oversizing Improvements of Budget Amendment Resolution B-25-031 – District 5.
Scott May from the Public Works Department explained that due to the anticipation of future growth the sewer line was increased to comply with the Wastewater Master Plan.
Motion to approve was approve 5-2 with Felts, McCann voting no.
Advisory Board Comments and Updates - None
Advertised Public Hearings
Community and Veterans Services
Item 39 Adoption of Resolution R-25-008, approving the Substantial Amendments to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Annual Action Plans. This resolution reallocates unspent funds to new activities. Information was provided which lists the fund amounts and how the funds are proposed to be reallocated. Staff gave examples of the previously approved projects/grants that did not use the grant money. Approved 7-0.
Development Services
Item 40. Approval of Final Plat Crosswind Ranch, Parrish, for 110 single-family lots. Approved 4-3. Felts, McCann, Bearden opposed.
Item 41. Approval of Final Plat Oakfield Trails, Phase I, Parrish, for 130 single-family lots. Approved 4-3. Felts, McCann, Bearden opposed.
Item 43. Approval of Final Plat Rye Ranch, Parrish, for 270 single-family lots. Approved 4-3. Felts, McCann, Bearden opposed.
Item 44. Approval of Final Plat Newport Isles, Palmetto, A final roadway plat. Approved 4-3. Felts, McCann, Bearden opposed.
Darin Parks of Grimes & Galvano Law Office explained that it is the role of the BoCC to review and confirm that the plats met the technical requirements of Florida Statute Chapter 177 and the Manatee Land Development Code. The surveyor and engineer from ZNS Engineering attested that the plats met all requirements. Parks stated that the BoCC was a “quasi-judicial” body and commissioners were required to approve by state law to approve or deny the plats based on only these two criteria.
During the 2.5 hour conversation on Items 40, 41 and 42, commissioners debated whether attorney Parks was correct that their role was to “rubber stamp” the plans.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Felts and McCann expressed dismay about approving each plat because of the flooding following recent hurricanes impact of more cars on the roads, and whether there was sufficient infrastructure. Felts suggested that decisions be postponed until a Storm Water Report is issued Feb 19th.
Commissioner Ballard indicated that the BoCC actions must meet legal requirements and that delaying a decision would result in wasting taxpayer money due to lawsuits.
Regular Agenda Items
Administrator
Item 45. Manatee County awarded $252,711,000 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to rebuild disaster-impacted areas and provide crucial seed money to start the long-term recovery process.
Michelle Davis, Manatee Grants Administrator, and Evan Pilachowski, Deputy County Administrator, announced new federal grants for disaster relief and recovery. The funds were allocated for repairs and strengthening against future storms, specifically in areas where 80% of the residents were of low and moderate income.
Discussion ensued about various ideas for inclusion. Commissioner Siddique inferred that American Rescue Plan Act Funds (from COVID) had been spent on items already planned rather than focused on real public need. Suggestions included schools infrastructure needs, flooding on 27th street, purchasing Mixon farms and converting it into a park and library, giving funds to municipalities and a revenue stream for storm water issues, expanding the reservoir to avoid having to buy water from Peace River and a buyout of buildings losing their flood insurance.
Community and Veterans Services
Item 46 Appointment of a representative to the Children's Services Advisory Board Nina Romeo was nominated by Ballard. Approved 7-0.
Item 47 Appointment of seven Affordable Housing Advisory Committee members for vacant seats 1,3,5,6,7,9,11 Adoption of Resolution R-25-007 appointing members to said seats.
Seat 1 - Glen Gibellina; Seat 3 - Stephen Rinehart; Seat 5 - Michael Boyle; Seat 6 - Katie Booth;Seat 7 - Matthew Bender; Seat 9 - Rita Goff; Seat 11 - Laura Tanksley. Approved 7-0
Item 50 Appointment of One Elected Government Official and One Hotelier to the Tourist Development Council
Dan Diggins, Holmes Beach Commissioner, was appointed.
Vote 5-2. McCann and Felts voting for Palmetto Mayor Daniel West
Anthony DeRusso, Hotelier and Developer, was appointed, 7-0.
Item 48. Adoption of Resolution No. R-25-018 to budget funds for a Catalytic Loan to Community Assisted & Supported Living, Inc. (CASL), in the amount of Two Million Three Hundred Thousand ($2,300,000) Dollars; and Adoption of Budget Amendment Resolution B-25-039 WATERMAN 49.
Final approval of loan for construction of affordable housing. Approved 7-0.
Financial Management
Item 14. Execution of Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 23-R080813SAM for Manatee County Animal Services Adoption Building Design Services
Funding is to finish the design of an animal adoption center at Bishop. This will not delay the construction of the kennels at Bishop and the jail. Kennels are ordered and will be up and running before Christmas.
Approved 7-0.
Public Safety
Item 51. Update on County’s Indigent Healthcare
Manatee County Government has funded numerous services and programs for indigent county residents. This is done through non-profit agreements, indigent care agreements, Medicaid match and other intergovernmental transfers. Future plans include expanding community-based care and mobile medical solutions, engaging new healthcare partners in indigent care, strengthening partnerships across hospitals, community organizations and non-profits.
Programs that have used opioid funds in prior year are: 1. Helping Up Manatee (treatment and recovery services, 2. Project Fentanyl (programs to prevent use), 3. Staffing at Government Agencies (leadership, planning and coordination). In the last year, overdoses have gone down 40%. The presentation showed allocations of $40 million over 18 years.
Motion was made by Ballard to have a workshop on this item. Approved 7-0.
Citizen Comment
The medical community wants to be involved and a work session would open it up for people to give input.
Approved 7-0.
Public Works
Item 53. Approval of the County's 2025 Metropolitan Planning Organization Project Priorities
The request for Board approval on 2025 transportation project priorities and their rankings. Approval is necessary so that State or Federal funding can be requested for certain County transportation projects.
Approved 7-0.
Commissioner Agenda Items
Ballard
Item 56. Discussion regarding Discontinuation of Community Water Fluoridation in Manatee County
Staff informed Ballard prior to the meeting that the Manatee County fluoridation system has been broken since 2021, but she felt they should discuss it. Ballard quoted many statistics and studies linking fluoridation to decreased IQ, hyperactivity, neurological problems, cancer, bone disease and a host of other conditions.
Citizen Comments
Two dental doctors spoke in support of fluoridation both stating it is the second most successful health program, behind the polio vaccine. The primary beneficiaries are under-served communities. Dr Steven Tinsworth, past president of Dental Society, and other significant dental designations, is the individual who brought fluoridation to Manatee County.
Nine women and three men spoke against fluoride with most quoting studies. One was a dentist who became a naturopathic dentist. Another was a woman who has been traveling the state working to have fluoride removed from water believing it is forced medical treatment.
One woman spoke about a great deal of false information and use of the issue for political purposes. She urged moving forward based on science and experts.
Commissioner’s comments
Ballard made a motion to prepare an ordinance to eliminate fluoridation and bring it back for a vote. Passed 6-0 (McCann absent).
Bearden
Item 57. Fire Watch Veterans safe place training and certification.
A report on a program that has training to recognize those at risk of suicide, particularly veterans. Motion was made by Bearden to donate $50,000.
Approved 7 – 0.
Felts
Item 64. Discussion on Neighborhood Workshops
Felts made a motion for staff to bring wording for a change to the Land Development Code and require a community workshop for all applications for zoning changes.
Approved 5 to 2, Rahn and Siddique voting no.
Kruse
Item 58. Adoption of Resolution No. R-25-013, establishing amended and restated Board Procedures
Motion was made for approval of procedures for BoCC meetings, presented at the January 7 Planning Special meeting by Kruse.
Approved 5 to 2. Bearden and McCann voting no.
McCann
Item 59. Further discussion on Moratorium for District 5
McCann discussed the controversy about his support of a moratorium on new housing developments. He spoke to the votes at the meeting where there were 4 to 3 votes to approve development by the current board. He proposes a dialogue with all major developers and presented a legal argument contending they can enact a moratorium on development.
After extensive discussion, Felts made a motion to remove the Comprehensive Plan 2.1.2.8. Permit development east of the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB) in areas meeting the … criteria:
Citizen Comments:
Three callers spoke in favor of repealing 2.1.2.8. permitting development outside the FDAB.
Commissioner Comments
Kruse commented that there are more important Items for staff to work on such as wetland buffers, impact fees and comprehensive plan amendments which should not be delayed for this item because developments can be turned down outside the future development area now.
Motion directing staff to develop the wording to repeal 2.1.2.8 Approved 7-0.
Item 65. Uniform Speed Limits in School Zone to 20 mph Commissioner
McCann stated they all receive many complaints about school zone tickets. A motion was made to direct staff to address tickets being issued only when lights are flashing. Approved 7-0.
Rahn
Item 60. Discussion Regarding Non-Profit Agency Funding for Our Daily Bread Motion to Fund Our Daily Bread at $30,000. Approved 7-0.
Siddique
Item 61. Discussion on Drafting an Ordinance for Transient Public Lodging Establishments (TPLE)/Vacation Rentals
A motion was made to develop a Manatee County licensing system that will register vacation properties owner information so that all Manatee County municipalities, residents and law officials will have someone to call if something goes wrong. Siddique said the reasons for such an ordinance are safety, stopping nuisance tenants and collecting more tourist taxes.
Approved 6-1 Beaden voting no.
Item 62. Discussion of Musgrave Property
The goal for acquisition of the property was to plan for growth, locate services closer to the growth and to extend the life of the landfill. Siddique proposed revisiting the use of the property and motioned to cancel any consideration of sale of the property. Approved 7-0.
Link to Good Governance Guidelines
The Port Authority Meeting was postponed during the morning session because the updated agenda was not available. Agenda items need to be made available to the Commissioners and the public in a timely manner.
The meeting ran excessively long, beginning at 9AM and ending at 11:25PM. A full agenda, lack of preparation by some commissioners requiring extended explanations, as well as long sequences of back and forth of commissioners contributed to the overrun. This is not only used considerable amount of the commissioner's time, but tied up staff, outside engineers/lawyers/business owners who come to present or be available for questions. It also took valuable time from citizens who want to participate or stay informed.
Commissioners need to read the background materials that are in the Agenda Package.
We commend the Board on their newly adopted procedures and requirements for Roberts Rules of Order. We fear that resistance by some commissioners will lead to non-compliance. We suggest considering ways to do better on compliance such as having a parliamentarian for a period of time or implementing other changes that will limit the amount of times a particular topic can be commented on by an individual before a vote.
Non-profits who wish to get funding, unless it is an emergency, should go through an established process rather than an unpublished item by a single commissioner. The process should include an application to the County and evaluation based on criteria that have been developed by the County to assure that the most effective and best-run non-profits get funding. This also assures that the County stays within its budget. The Commissioners continue to bring up their favorite non-profit, or one that has specifically asked for help from the commissioner, and approve funding with no vetting and also is done outside of the budget cycle. This session a $30,000 and $50,000 donation was approved based on the request by a commissioner and a short presentation. This action leaves the commissioners open to criticism of favoritism and puts other non-profits at an unfair advantage.
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