Manatee County Commission Notes: 4/22/26

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee observes Manatee County Commission meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League, and notes adherence to, or lack of adherence to, good governance procedures and the Sunshine Law. The following are the major points from the board’s regular meeting on Apr. 22, 2026

The broadcasting system failed and did not return until midway through the meeting. The initial recording of the meeting did not begin until Agenda Item 33, although the full meeting video did become available late morning of 4/22 and is linked below. We are not able to report on the following items :

• Port Authority
• Proclamations
• Requests By Commissioners (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda)
• Consent Agenda
• Citizen Comments (Consideration for Future Agenda Items)
• Items Removed From The Consent Agenda
• Advertised Public Hearings - Legislative

Link to the Agenda
Link to the Video

Commissioner Bearden was absent.

Announcements

Updates to Agenda - April 14, April 14 Version 2, April 15, April 16, April 20, 2026

REGULAR

Attorney

Item 44. Draft County Administrator Contract     D’Agostino

For more information, click here, and review Item 38.

Approved 5-0

Government Relations

Item 32. Adoption of Resolution R-26-048, approving development of a Model Manatee County Government Civics Education Program - Brent Anderson, Government Relations Manager   

The resolution approves development of a Model Manatee County Government Civics Education Program envisioned as an annual, multi-session educational experience for Manatee County students who have completed 10th grade and are enrolled full time in public, private, or home education programs. Participants will attend county meetings, engage with County Commissioners and staff, and participate in a mock commission session.

Approved 5-0

Item 33. Update of progress on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Grant and Lasting Manatee Program - Robert Burke, Business Services Manager, and Edrick Sweeting, Grant Supervisor   

Odugo Ohizo, Communications Coordinator for Lasting Manatee, presented a program that offers funding for unfinished home repairs caused by hurricanes. The grant application window runs from May 1 through July 31. Discussion ensued about those who would otherwise qualify, but have completed the repairs. For further information: Manatee County Launches Home Recovery Program.

Motion to direct staff to research and develop a draft to provide reimbursement for completed home repairs.

Approved 5-0 

Natural Resources

Item 34. Execution of Temporary Use Agreements (TUA) BOT No. 410337453 and BOT No. 410140533 to allow Manatee County to continue to use the sovereign lands and water column adjacent to the Cortez Marina located at 4334 127th St. W., Manatee County, Florida - Charlie Hunsicker, Natural Resources Director - District 3  

Approved 5-0

Property Management

Item 35. Adoption of Resolution R-26-025, and Execution of Lease Agreement with Friends of the Pelicans, Inc. (FOTP), for the property located at the Palmetto Animal Shelter, 305 25th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221 - Peter Morrow, Property Acquisition Division Manager - District 2

This is an “as is” lease of the Palmetto property to FOTP through March 31, 2027, for $1.00 a year, unless terminated or extended as provided in the lease. FOTP is responsible for the utilities and all maintenance except ditches. 

Comments from Commissioners and the public were in favor of using the property for a bird rehabilitation facility.

Approved 5-0

REPORTS

Development Services

Item 36. Report on Environmental Compliance Field Solutions - follow up to Agenda Item #50 on April 7, 2026 - Nicole Knapp, Development Services Director, and Charlie Hunsicker, Natural Resources Director - District 1   

Knapp and an associate described restructuring of development department personnel and stated the two new positions were added without affecting the budget through other savings. The new techs have acquired natural resources training but won’t be solely focused on the Myakka region. Commissioner McCann reviewed the motion from the April meeting and stated the two staff were specifically to monitor the Myakka River. He questioned how they could hire two new techs during a hiring freeze and they don’t appear to be doing what the motion intended. Knapp agreed to return on 6/16 meeting with further update based on the motion from the April meeting. 

Select citizen comments 

Heidi, Myakka City activist, expressed concern that the Myakka River is being polluted by “monster” golf courses, which have also eroded the floodplains.  Recent moderate rains caused some flooding on private properties.

Lindsey expressed concerns about the conflict of interest created by placing monitoring of the river under the umbrella of the development department which she considers a “bait and switch.”

COMMISSIONER AGENDA ITEMS

Item 37. Update on the Movement of the Dogs to the Bishop and Jail facilities 

McCann asked a series of questions and Dr. Sina Johnson, Chief Veterinary of Shelter Operations at Manatee County Animal Welfare, stated dogs were moved to Bishop except those in confiscation cases that have court dates pending; no dogs were injured during the move; some dogs had abrasions at Bishop and the causes were rectified; the dogs were moved by animal control officers in animal control vans and she was present during the move. Visitors are allowed to come into the shelter; volunteers are working again; group volunteer reorientations began April 9; the injuries to the dogs after the move were minor abrasions like near their nail buds; the dogs are evaluated as they come into the shelter and she does rounds of all animals daily. Siddique asked about shade and she explained that shortly after the move they set up temporary tents over the cages and a large tent was placed over play yard.

Public Comments

• Seventeen citizens, many of whom are volunteers or professionals, complained about unsafe and inhumane conditions at the shelter, and how it is a danger to the dogs and volunteers. Many more dogs are being designated as reactive, meaning that only staff can walk them. Many complained about the process, feeling unheard, and questioned a Zoom call as an expert evaluation. Kathy provided pictures detailing some of the problems regarding safety and welfare of the dogs.
• A number of speakers covered the history of both funding and fund-raising for a shelter in east Manatee County. They not only felt betrayed, but pointed out that the growth is in east county and many would have to drive nearly an hour to go to the shelter.
• Heidi breeds and shows AKC dogs and stated if her own conditions were like the shelter she would be jailed for animal cruelty.
• Veronica was Adoption Supervisor of the Humane Society of Michigan visited shelter on Friday and was directed to a mobile home to choose a dog online or out of the catalogue. She has never heard of this type of selection in all her years in animal rescue. You need to be able to see the dog in its entirety.   

Item 38. County Administrator Contract Renewal   

This item was resolved in Item 44.

Background

Motion was put forward by Commissioner McCann for the Manatee Board of County Commissioners to authorize the Chair/County attorney to execute a formal amendment to the current employment agreement with the County Administrator, extending the term of the existing contract through December 31, 2026, under all current conditions, and compensations levels.

FINDINGS AND JUSTIFICATION:

• Election Year: Four seats are up for election at the BOCC. The County Administrator's contract is due to renew on August 8, 2026. The primary election is only 10 days later, August 18, 2026.

• Board Continuity: The current Board recognizes that the selection and retention of a County Administrator is one of the most significant policy decisions a governing body makes. Extending the current contract through the end of the calendar year ensures that the seated Board following the upcoming election cycle has the direct authority to negotiate and vote on a long-term agreement.

• Operational Stability: This extension prevents a lapse in leadership during the transition period, ensuring that county operations, department management, and ongoing capital projects continue without interruption.

• Fiduciary Responsibility: By maintaining the current "status quo" terms for the remainder of the year, the Board avoids committing the County to long-term financial obligations or structural changes immediately prior to a shift in Board composition.

Item 39. Dismissal of Trespass Charges at Bishop Kennel Facility   

Background

Several people entered Bishop shelter grounds near the construction area and they were charged with felony trespass. The charge has since been reduced to a misdemeanor. Previously, McCann requested the Board drop the charges and the motion narrowly failed. 

Public Comments

Thirteen citizens asked that the charges be dropped because those charged were invited by county employee Sarah Brown, the gate was open, the intent was not malicious, and that the individuals were dedicated volunteers at the shelter. Several people said that the prosecution was vindictive because Misty and Julie spoke out publicly in January about conditions at the shelter.

After much discussion, a motion was made to direct the county attorney to draft a letter that says that Manatee County will no longer participate in these cases and that the Board suggests the prosecutor drop the charges.

Approved 3-2. Commissioners Siddique and Rahn opposed.

Item 40. Reconsideration of No Through Truck Traffic designation on 37th Street East   

Commissioner Ballard requested a reconsideration of the No Through Truck Traffic designation on 37th Street East because, although she proposed it, she now opposes it, given its negative impact on existing small businesses in the neighborhood. She made a motion to ask staff to cease all work on this motion. 

Approved 5-0. 

Item 41. No Compression Release Braking Signage   

The impact of compression release braking on Verna Bethany Road was scheduled for discussion during a briefing that Commissioner Felts was to have the week following her passing. Constituents have been requesting the installation of such signage for several years. McCann made a motion for public works to install “No Compression Release Braking” signage on Verna Bethany Road.

Approved 5-0.

Item 42. Update on ONDCP White House Homeless Summit Update   

Ballard attended the two-day White House summit in Washington, D.C. (April 13–14, 2026). The Summit met in the White House Executive Building and focused on best practices for addiction treatment for the homeless. Manatee County was chosen to participate because of our success rate and innovations.   

Item 43. Letter of Agreement Authorizing Crime Stoppers of Manatee County, Inc.     D’Agostino

Motion to approve and authorize the Chair to execute a Letter of Agreement on behalf of Manatee County, Florida, designating Crime Stoppers of Manatee County, Inc. as the County’s agent for the purpose of applying for, receiving, and expending Crime Stoppers Trust Fund monies for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. These Florida grants are for enhancing public awareness of crime prevention methods and to train the public in personal safety principles, especially for citizens who live in, work at, or frequent locations with high crime rates. 

Approved 5-0.

GOVERNANCE

Link to Good Governance Guidelines

Citizens’ concerns about the animal shelter should be brought to the Animal Advisory Board, which can consult experts and recommend needed changes to the County Commission. Addressing the current problems may require significant additional funding that is not currently budgeted.

Good governance relies on openness, not secrecy, especially in facilities that care for vulnerable animals. Requiring shelter volunteers to sign non‑disclosure agreements limits transparency in a public institution and creates the impression that issues are being hidden rather than addressed.

Item 36, regarding the hiring of two new techs, included a confusing explanation of their duties and the Development Department’s restructured organization. We hope the rescheduled June 16 presentation will clarify the environmental techs’ responsibilities and how they will help protect the water supply and reduce flooding risks.

Click here for information on how to phone or email the commissioners. 

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