MEMORANDUM
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Martin P. Black, AICP, ICMA-CM, City Manager
DATE: November 14, 2007
RE: Major Project and Policy Updates

To aide in the transition for the recently elected Mayor and City Council members and with the assistance of the department directors/management team, I have prepared a briefing summary on each major project and policy initiative currently underway or programmed at this time. It is appropriate that the newly constituted Mayor and City Council review each of these items and determine whether they remain priorities as originally directed or whether all or certain of these items should be brought back for re-consideration and/or policy direction adjustment at a future workshop.

Several significant changes to city policy and procedure where underway or recently changed that, as a result of the commitments and direction already completed, are not advisable to be re-considered. I have taken the opportunity to identify those items as well. Should you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me or the identified department director/staff liaison. We will formally seek your direction at the regular meeting of November 27, 2007 on each of these items.

Issue 1: Property Tax Reform
The legislature has proposed constitutional measures for the January Presidential Primary that may have significant impacts to city property tax revenues for the next fiscal year. Typically city staff begin the budget preparation process in January, however, with the additional homestead and other reductions to property tax reform expected to be considered during the spring legislative session, we will delay formal preparations until after the January election results are known and the state legislative proposals are vetted so that we may realistically plan for appropriate budget reductions or seek City Council direction as to whether to consider a local ballot referendum or super-majority City Council vote to override the expected general fund revenue reductions.

We should continue to expect to see state legislative initiatives aimed at further reductions to local taxing and fee based authority. We reduced the workforce by over ten percent to date during my tenure as city manager and last year alone reduced total fund expenditures by approximately 20 percent. Continued reductions of this magnitude and scope will by necessity require City Council to consider reductions to the scope and ranges of services provided or consider increases to the millage rate and other fees in order to maintain current service levels. Finance Director Jeffery Snyder and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 2: Tra Ponti Workshops
Consistent with prior City Council direction and actions, an evening workshop on November 29, 2007 from 6pm till 9pm for Tra Ponti and a workshop during the day on December 7, 2007 from 9am until 4pm have been confirmed.

Since Tra Ponti is a quasi-judicial petition, I have previously asked that the City Attorney provide specific instructions for your use and that of the public prior to these workshops so that all participants may understand and be guided by the workshop parameters and format. He has confirmed that the workshops must be held in compliance with quasi-judicial standards.

All members of council should provide areas of discussion desired to be placed on the agenda. To date, the following issues have been identified (Councilmember requesting the discussion item is identified in parenthesis): 1. widening of the Venice Avenue bridge and condemnation of right of way, if deemed desirable (Taylor), 2. Condo/Hotel occupancy limits (Moore), 3. Allowable number of hotel units/rooms (Moore), and 4. Building Height (all). Planning and Zoning Director Tom Slaughter is primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 3: Pier Group Litigation
The Mayor and City Council previously initiated litigation against the Pier Group. The case had been in court ordered mediation, with settlement negotiations being conducted throughout the summer with direction of major considerations being provided through ‘shade meetings’ between the Mayor, City Council, City Attorney, outside legal counsel and myself. In the event that you are uncertain as to the position of the city in the litigation and settlement process, you should schedule a briefing with the City Attorney to review legal considerations. I can provide a review of the policy direction provided to date that has resulted in the current status of settlement discussions. At this time we expect to continue into the trial as a result of our inability to achieve a settlement clearly beneficial and acceptable to the city. The City Attorney and I are primary staff contacts in this litigation.

Issue 4: Fire Fee Analysis and Presentation
We remain on schedule to have the city’s consultant and fire staff present the results of the fire fee analysis authorized earlier this year by City Council. The study results will be presented for your consideration at the December 11, 2007 meeting. In addition, we will present the option for City Council to authorize the next step in that process should you concur with the study’s results and recommendations. The timing of your decision will be critical in order to meet timelines associated with the preparation of next year’s assessments by the tax assessor’s office. The Cities of Sarasota and North Port, together with Sarasota County already utilize a fee for fire services. Fire Chief John Reed will be scheduling one-one briefings at your pleasure in advance of that date to provide you with a full opportunity to ask questions or request materials for presentation at the December 11, 2007 meeting.

Issue 5: Comprehensive Plan Amendment Workshop
As we prepare to finalize the city’s revisions to the comprehensive plan to meet the state adoption deadline of this December, Planning staff has coordinated with the City Clerk’s office to set a workshop for November 15, 2007 to review final changes to the plan documents before the previously proposed transmittal hearing on November 27, 2007.

I have asked that Planning staff and their consultant be prepared to review the remaining process steps and alternatives and repercussions of delay should City Council determine that additional review and public workshops are desired. Planning and Zoning Director Tom Slaughter is primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 6: Building Height Limit/Temporary Development Moratorium
The election of a new Mayor and new City Council members, together with comments by existing members suggests that a formal discussion of establishing an overall community height limit with a base of 35 feet and the flexibility for City Council to consider an additional 10 feet of building height is appropriate at the earliest possible date.

Case law in Florida would support the imposition of a temporary moratorium on development petitions that may otherwise seek to exceed this limit while Mayor and City Council proceed through the legislative process to adopt these or similar height restrictions. Absent a moratorium on new petitions that exceed these or similar parameters, the community does run a level of risk and greater potential for multiple petitions to be filed in an attempt to circumvent or require consideration of development petitions that would otherwise be inconsistent with the desired policy outcome and ultimate height limits. The moratorium would only apply to those applications that propose buildings greater in height than 35 or 45 feet.

Leaving the window of opportunity open for petitions to be filed in competition with these stated policy expectations also has the potential to create time and resource demands that would lengthen the time needed to develop and consider a comprehensive community height limit. Mayor and City Council consideration of this approach is desired so that staff may gauge the priority level of this effort relative to other on-going staff efforts. Planning Director Tom Slaughter, the City Attorney and I would be primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 7: Airport Budget
The Airport Budget includes $50,000 for landscaping to improve the interface between the airport and adjoining residential areas. I have asked the Airport Advisory Board Chair and Airport Manager to make this a high priority in their work program this year. City Council is requested to re-confirm whether this remains a priority. Airport Manager Fred Watts is primary staff contact for this issue.

Issue 8: Airport Design Charrettes
In light of the City Council direction on the master plan alternatives and the already confirmed schedule of meetings for City Council and the community in late November and throughout December on the comprehensive plan, resort dwellings, and Tra Ponti, the airport design charrette will be indefinitely delayed and only re-scheduled upon City Council transmittal of a revised airport master plan, receipt of FAA notice of approval and only if City Council determines future need to move forward. Consultant work was suspended on this effort and will not be authorized until and unless City Council provides that direction at some future time. Airport Manager Fred Watts is primary staff contact for this issue.

Issue 9: Airport Lease Policies
The Airport Advisory Board and Airport Manager have been reviewing proposed changes to policies on future leases and lease negotiations. I have requested that these new procedures also include a preliminary authorization from City Council prior to staff and the City Attorney beginning any negotiations or meetings with existing or new tenants in order to avoid costly delays or staff efforts if there is not an interest by City Council in even considering the proposed uses and associated lease. I have also requested that the proposed policy include prohibitions or limits on the ability of tenants to sublease their premises.

Airport Advisory Board reviews are expected to occur over the next two months. Upon completion of the Airport Advisory Board review, City Council will be requested to approve or modify the proposed new lease standards and policies. Airport Manager Fred Watts is primary staff contact for this issue.

Issue 10: Runway 4-22 Reconstruction
With the outstanding questions relating to safety area standards and the federal government’s continuing delays in authorizing the current federal fiscal year budget for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), we do not expect to receive any immediate notice from the FAA regarding our grant request for the reconstruction and re-paving of runway 4-22. Airport Manager Fred Watts is primary staff contact for this issue.

Issue 11: Public Notice for Site Plans
During the course of community discussion of recent development petitions, Mayor and City Council had recently begun discussions of imposing public notice requirements for site plan consideration by the Planning Commission and requiring that development applications first be vetted through a series of community meetings between a developer and near-by property owners. While no formal action or direction has been provided to staff until this point, it would appear appropriate to consider a two phase public engagement process for all significant development petitions (thresholds to be determined by Mayor and City Council) that would require an initial meeting between an applicant and the community to present the development concept for public review and comment. A subsequent second public engagement meeting would also be required prior to formal submittal into the city’s development review process during which an applicant would highlight the means by which the community comments from the first meeting had been considered and addressed by the applicant through revisions to their development proposal. Planning Director Tom Slaughter and the City Attorney would be primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 12: Supermajority Requirements
With the overwhelming community support in the recent election at both the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County levels for imposing a requirement for a supermajority to authorize increases in development intensity, and considering that the majority of Venice city voters and the newly elected Mayor and Council members likewise voiced support for a supermajority standard, it is appropriate to seek guidance as to whether similar provisions are desired to be imposed in Venice.

Such supermajority provisions may be considered either through amendment to the city code and/or through placement of similar language on the next city election as an amendment to the Venice City Charter. City Clerk Lori Stelzer, Planning Director Tom Slaughter, the City Attorney and I would be primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 13: Joint Planning Agreement
A mediator has been selected in the on-going dispute raised by Sarasota County regarding implementation on the compatibility review contemplated by the Joint Planning and Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement. The mediation has been tentatively set for November 26, subject to the County providing the mediator, City Attorney and I with a clear understanding of their proposed process and for the County to clearly articulate its position. The County has not yet been able to provide the process or articulate a single, unified position on behalf of the County. At this point, there are approximately 45 days remaining in the mediation process, after which the County may elect to pursue legal action and the city may proceed with its review of the stayed rezoning petition. The City Attorney and I are primary staff contacts for this issue.

Issue 14: Fees for Special Event Services
As part of the Mayor and City Council consideration of the current fiscal year budget, staff was directed to develop a unified process and develop fees for direct services provided by city staff and equipment in support of the various special events held within the city. City staff have been completing a review of other surrounding community practices and compiling direct costs for city services.

Proposed fees and policies are expected to be ready for Mayor and City Council consideration in January 2008 as a result of delaying items in order to accommodate the hearing on short term/resort dwellings. Planning and Zoning Director Tom Slaughter is primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 15: Tramonto Vista Park
Previously the Mayor and City Council approved concept plans for the proposed Tramonto Vista Park. The design and building team for permitting and construction of the park has been already selected and confirmed by City Council and contract documents are nearing completion for final consideration by City Council. It would not be appropriate to enter into the design/build contract with the existing concept drawings if there is a desire to re-consider the fundamental design parameters as set by the Mayor and City Council’s prior approval.

There is approximately $3 million in remaining bond funds available to complete the park, however, the city is required to move forward deliberatively with expensing of these funds in order to avoid arbitrage violations. Public Works Director Larry Heath and Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 16: Venice Myakka River Park
The city has been successfully in obtaining $400,000 in grants to facilitate the initial phase of construction of the proposed Venice Myakka River Park at the end of Laurel Road. Previously the Mayor and City Council approved concept plans for the proposed park. The design and building team for permitting and construction of the park has not been bid or selected. It would not be appropriate to enter into the design/build bid/contract process with the existing concept drawings if there is a desire to re-consider the fundamental design parameters as set by the Mayor and City Council’s prior approval. Since these are grant funds, any change to design may place these funds at risk. Public Works Director Larry Heath and Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 17: Rusceletto Park
The City purchased the parcel on the US 41 Bypass just south of the Venice Housing Authority property. The property was purchased with assistance from Sarasota County in order to provide stormwater and flooding relief for the Hatchett Creek basin.

Rusceletto Park will therefore primarily serve as a stormwater pond with passive areas along Hatchett Creek for wildlife viewing and other related activities. City staff is preparing to begin the process for design/build bidding and contracting for the construction of the improvements. Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley is primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 18: Jacaranda Boulevard – Venice Avenue Roundabout
Under the terms of the Joint Planning and Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement, the city and county are currently completing a review of alternative designs for intersection improvements at Venice Avenue and Jacaranda Boulevard, to include the possibility of a three lane round about. The City Council and County Commission will review the design at a joint meeting scheduled in February. Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley is primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 19: Downtown Master Plan
Previously the Mayor and City Council approved a concept plan and suggested implementation program for improvements to the core downtown area. Improvements include intersection work needed to replace obsolete traffic lights at Venice Avenue and Harbor Drive, enhanced pedestrian crossings along Venice, Miami and Tampa Avenues, consistent hard-scape and way finding additions, and landscape improvements. Prior to city staff moving forward with implementation of the concept plans, Mayor and City Council consideration is appropriate to ensure that the scope and extent of improvements remain as previously authorized. Approximately $713,000 has been budgeted this year in the capital program for this effort. Public Works Director Larry Heath and Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 20: Purchasing Cards
Other local communities have recently been highlighted because of inappropriate use of their city-issued credit/purchasing card. Staff had been reviewing programs that would credit back to the city a percentage of these expenditures by using purchasing cards. Finance Director Jeffery Snyder is primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 21: Laurel Road and Knights Trail Intersection Improvements
Previously the Mayor and City Council confirmed for Sarasota County that the Laurel Road-Knights Trail intersection was the highest priority for use of transportation impact fees collected within the City limits.

Approximately $6 million in transportation impact fees have been allocated for this improvement and the county anticipates commencing construction at the earliest in late 2008 or potentially in early 2009. An additional approximately $2.4 million in funds are anticipated to be available for other transportation improvements by the end of the next fiscal year.

With several comments by Mayor Martin and Council members Lang and Zavodynik regarding the desire to slow growth in the greater Venice area and North Venice area in particular, it would not be appropriate to continue with the current priority ranking and construction schedule process with the existing intersection concept if there is a desire at this time to re-consider the fundamental design and development parameters as set by the previous Mayor and City Council’s approvals.

Construction of the intersection improvements will facilitate additional development in the Laurel Road and Knights Trail corridors by adding capacity to the road network that by state law may be relied upon by development applicants to support their projects and if other road links or connections are deemed to be more critical, notice must be provided to Sarasota County to re-prioritize the funds and re-schedule the intersection improvements.

Projects under recent consideration or pending in the area include the Renaissance Project, a super-Wal-Mart, several J&J Homes developments, and the Bridges. Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley, Planning Director Tom Slaughter and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 22: Pinebrook Road – Honore Extension
Previously the city has committed support for the extension of Pinebrook Road north to connect with a southerly extension of Honore to act as an alternative north-south arterial/collector.

Consideration of the impacts of this extension to traffic volumes and flows along the existing two lane segment of Pinebrook Road south of Edmondson Road would be needed if there is any change to policy direction regarding the widening of Pinebrook Road along Wellfield Park. Planning Director Tom Slaughter and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 23: Pinebrook Road widening
Pinebrook Road south from Edmondson Road to Hatchett Creek Boulevard and Center Road is included in the city, county and regional transportation plans to be widened to four lanes. Sarasota County recently completed the segment south from Hatchett Creek Boulevard to Center Road and previously the city had offered to advance fund construction of this segment to four lanes. Sarasota County declined the city’s offer at that time.

Widening of the Pinebrook Road segment within the city limits will create significant impacts to either existing Wellfield Park recreational and natural areas or to existing residences along the western side. Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley, Planning Director Tom Slaughter and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 24: Knights Trail Extension
Previously the city has committed its support for the extension of Knights Trail north to connect with Proctor Road to act as an alternative north-south arterial/collector. Included in the city’s communication of support to Sarasota County was that the extension include any improvements needed along Proctor Road to safely address likely increases to traffic volumes.

The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners will be considering eliminating development stipulations that they previously imposed that currently prohibit this connection and your input will be important for the Board to consider. Planning Director Tom Slaughter and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 25: Harbor Drive – Venice Avenue Intersection Improvements
The existing traffic light signals at Harbor Drive and Venice Avenue have been previously evaluated and determined to be in need of replacement. Prior bids were rejected for this work because all bids exceeded available funds.

City staff have been working to incorporate this work as an add alternative to the city street repaving and improvement program as a means of improving our likely bids. The previously approved plans include not only a replacement to the existing traffic lights, but also a reconfiguration of the intersection intended to improve pedestrian accessibility and friendliness of the intersection. Public Works Director Larry Heath and Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 26: Groundwater Storage Tank Booster System
As part of the advance planning to support development in the Laurel Road- Border Road area east of I-75, a groundwater storage tank booster system had been planned to meet water pressure requirements as new structures are added to the system.

Funding in the amount of $800,000 is programmed in the next capital year cycle for construction of this facility. With the change in economic conditions and the possibility of Mayor and City Council slowing the pace of development in the Venice area, re-consideration of this improvement is appropriate to match city investments with desired growth patterns. Utilities Director Len Bramble and Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 27: Enrollment in Florida Retirement System
Following several difficult recruitment experiences with the Finance Director and other critical department director positions, the Mayor and City Council directed that staff explore re-enrolling in the Florida Retirement System. All required ordinances to effectuate the change from city sponsored retirement program for general employees back to the Florida Retirement System have been completed and current general employees will have their years of service bought/transferred into the state’s system effective January 1, 2008.

Upon completion of the re-enrollment process, we expect that any excess balance of funds will be available for apportionment to city reserve funds. These funds may provide revenues to support additional work that may be directed by Mayor and City Council tore-visit comprehensive plan policies and other land development regulations. Finance Director Jeffery Snyder and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 28: Migration to Blue Cross and Blue Shield
As part of the implementation of the Mayor and City Council’s confirmation of a wage and compensation policy, city staff was directed to seek lower cost alternatives to provide health care coverage for all employees.

Representatives of management, each bargaining unit and outside expert assistance evaluated new bids to provide a range of health care services modeled around and consistent with city bargaining contracts. Blue Cross and Blue Shield provided the apparent most cost effective proposal and we are completing a migration of all employees to the new program with an effective date of January 1, 2008. Assistant City Manager Mary Holcombe and Administrative Services Director Brenda Digges are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 29: Wage and Benefits Compensation Policy
Following a comprehensive wage and compensation study by an independent consultant, the Mayor and City Council previously approved a wage and compensation policy that targets city wages and benefits at the desired range of between 75 and 95 percent of comparable market conditions.

Over the course of the first two years of implementation, this policy direction and study results have been utilized to set compensation levels for non-bargaining staff (excluding charter officers) and assisted in the successful and rapid three year contract agreements by both the Fraternal Order of Police Officers and Fraternal Order of Police Sergeants & Lieutenants bargaining units earlier this year. Assistant City Manager Mary Holcombe and Administrative Services Director Brenda Digges are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 30: AFSCME Contract Negotiation
Our existing contract with the Association of Federal State County and Municipal Employees bargaining unit expires in October 2008 and we would expect to complete management proposals later this year for presentation to AFSCME representatives in the spring. In the event that Mayor and City Council desire to re-visit the recently approved wage and compensation policy direction, it will have a direct impact on the timing of these negotiations.

Under Florida law, the Mayor and City Council may meet in private session in order that you may provide your desired negotiation parameters to the city management team. We expect to request that you schedule at least one of these working sessions in the January/February timeframe so that we may reasonably accommodate the negotiation process with the AFSCME representatives. Assistant City Manager Mary Holcombe and Administrative Services Director Brenda Digges are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 31: Police Department Accreditation
The City’s Police Department had been accredited in the past but that accreditation was lost as a result of management failures to ensure compliance with accreditation standards. With eh appointment of Chief Williams, re-accreditation was deemed a top priority and Police Department staff and resources have been diligently proceeding to establish compliance with national accreditation standards. Accreditation can serve to improve accountability of the police services to the community but involves additional expenses to ensure and report on compliance with these standards. Chief Williams is primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 32: Water Production Permit Renewal and Master Plan Update
City Utilities staff, representatives of our contract management team (CH2MHill/OMI), and our engineering consultants are preparing required updates to the city’s water production permit. The baseline analysis presumes a continuation of the historical growth rates of approximately 3 percent. Based upon comments and discussions surrounding the recent election, it may be appropriate to plan for a slower rate of growth so that capital projects are appropriately timed and available commensurate with actual needs. Utilities Director Len Bramble and Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 33: Wastewater Master Plan Update
Following completion of the water master plan update, a companion system wide review for the wastewater treatment components will be produced. Utilities Director Len Bramble is the primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 34: Annexation and Joint Planning Policy
With the approval of the Joint Planning and Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement, the city voluntarily agreed to limit its annexation to areas jointly defined by the city and county and likewise agreed to share responsibility for providing urban services to these areas. Several property owners have been in process since the approval of the agreement earlier this year to annex their properties consistent with the provisions of this agreement and have received determinations of consistency with the terms of the agreement by county staff. Absent alternative direction from Mayor and City Council, city staff will continue to review process and ensure county staff concurrence on all annexation petitions to ensure that they are consistent and compatible with the terms of the joint agreement. Assistant City Manager Mary Holcombe, the City Attorney and I are lead staff on these applications and policy.

Issue 35: US 41 Bypass Joint Study Area
The City of Venice and Sarasota County engaged in a joint redevelopment study for the US 41 Bypass from the Rail Trail south to Shamrock. The draft results of this joint study effort are nearing completion and will be ready for presentation to the City Council and County Commission immediately after the first of the year. Assistant City Manager Mary Holcombe, Planning Director Tom Slaughter and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 36: Penny Sales Tax
The passage of the renewal of the local additional penny sales tax will provide the opportunity to consider several large scale capital projects that would have otherwise been unable to be funded. These projects include commitments to several key items, including a renewable energy demonstration project, re-building of fire stations 1 and 2, a partnership with the school board to fund a performing arts center as part of the renovations of Venice high School and other significant community projects.

In order to ensure that city staff proceeds with an appropriate prioritization of these projects with the Citizens Sales Tax Oversight Committee, Mayor and City Council evaluation and direction on each component is desirable. Finance Director Jeffery Snyder and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 37: Strategic Plan and Strategic Planning Workshop
Mayor and City Council approved a series of strategic priorities that have been utilized to set the coming year staff work program and city budget. In addition, council had previously determined that I should again facilitate the coming year’s annual strategic planning workshops for Mayor and City Council.

With the significant change on City Council composition and the expected substantial changes to prior policy direction, it will be appropriate for the mayor and City Council to select an alternative facilitator and set workshops at the earliest possible time. Preferable timing would be prior to the coming year staff effort on the city budget so that changes in council priorities could be incorporated into the staff budget process. City Clerk Lori Stelzer and I are lead staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 38: FAA Master Plan Alternatives
Airport Manager Fred Watts has been working with the MEA Group and City GIS staff to begin preparation of materials needed to support the questions raised by City Council relative to alternatives to existing safety area configurations and operations impacts. The City Attorney and I will then refine those items for presentation to FAA representatives for their consideration and response.

We are attempting to secure a commitment from the FAA to have regional and local representatives attend a local forum to provide insight into their responses at the conclusion of this process. We anticipate that this effort will take several months to complete. I would recommend that the City Council consider scheduling a joint workshop with the Airport Advisory Board to review the results of this effort at that time. Airport Manager Fred Watts, City Attorney Anderson and I are primary staff contacts for this issue.

Issue 39: Capri Isles Boulevard Maintenance By Waterford Homeowners Association
At the request of the Waterford Homeowners Association, the Mayor and City Council had previously authorized city staff and the City Attorney to complete the process necessary for the city to release its ownership and maintenance responsibility of the dead-end segment of Capri Isles Boulevard entirely with the Waterford neighborhood (north of Edmondson Road) to the Waterford Homeowners Association. City staff has been working with representatives of Waterford and the county to complete this process. Prior to completion of the necessary legal documents, Mayor and City Council direction is appropriate to ensure that this prior policy direction remains the desire of Mayor and City Council. The city and all other public utilities providing service to the Waterford neighborhood would retain all necessary access rights to make repairs or extend utility service through a blanket easement over the existing right-of-way. The Waterford Homeowners Association would receive ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the street and ancillary improvements, thereby ensuring more direct control over access in and through their community. Public Works Director Larry Heath and Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 40: US 41 Bypass Improvements
The City of Venice and Sarasota County have actively sought state and federal funding to widen the US41 Bypass through Venice to Center Road. Funding levels have been insufficient for decades to make this improvement a reality. State identified design parameters and commensurate requirements for right-of-taking form existing property owners will lead to a design and construction that mirrors the improvements being completed for the segment of US41 north of Venice to State Road 681. Recent conversations in the community and by staff with our sister community of Sarasota, have identified an alternative approach that may yield a more cost effective and pedestrian/bicycle-friendly design.

Representatives for our district of the Florida Department of Transportation met with city staff and staff from the City of Sarasota last month to review alternatives for ‘context sensitive design’ that has the potential to reduce ultimate costs of the US41 Bypass widening and to create a transportation corridor that includes a more neo-traditional design reminiscent of the design standards developed by John Nolen for the original city grid system. City of Sarasota staff and the FDOT representatives have confirmed their willingness to hold a joint workshop for the Venice City Council and Sarasota City Commission to explore this alternative design solution within our respective communities.

The initial workshop would be intended as an introduction of the concepts associated with ‘context sensitive design’ for transportation projects and would provide a basis for subsequent determinations by Mayor and City Council if such an approach may be desired in order to move forward with the companion redevelopment plans under development for this corridor in concert with Sarasota County.

Assistant City Manager Mary Holcombe, Development Services General Manager Nancy Woodley and I are primary staff contacts on this issue.

Issue 41: Impact Fees
Historically the City of Venice has elected to collect impacts as they are authorized and imposed by Sarasota County. These now include impact fees for transportation, parks and recreation, schools, and libraries. Sarasota County has requested that we likewise participate in the collection of impact fees for justice facilities (jail and court operations) and general county government facilities. Existing impact fee agreements between the City and Sarasota County provide for the city council to have a direct decision-making role in how fees are ultimately expended and this has allowed the Mayor and City Council to prioritize and use funds for new parks, open space acquisition and for transportation improvements within the city limits.

Sarasota County has requested that the City consider agreements for the justice and general government that would allow these fees to be collected within and form property owners within the city but would not require that the Mayor and City Council consent to how or where these funds are expended. With the county’s pending consideration to site a new jail and court facilities, city staff have asked that the county provide the city with agreements that would maintain your ability to determine where fees collected from property owners in Venice are spent.

In addition, the city does not currently impose impact fees (though we have a similar fee for capital contributions in order to fund capital improvements for the utility system). Other local communities impose their own city impact fees and collect those fees for use by the City in making capital improvements necessitated by new development.

Issue 42: Public Art
Previously I had requested that the Mayor and City Council consider development of public art policies and the establishment of a public art citizen advisory board that would be charged with providing input on proposed displays of public art on or within city properties and facilities. The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County have put in place similar parameters to guide this aspect of the community’s preferences and standards.

Currently, I am under direction from Mayor and City Council to utilize the existing authorities granted to the City Manager to consider and approve public art proposals. To date, this has included collaboration with representatives of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, the Ehrhart Foundation, Venice MainStreet and others to review and approve public art displays like the murals at the Venice Little Theatre, Venice Gondolier and the Venice Mobile Home Park and sculpture placements at various city parks. I am the primary staff contact on this issue.

Issue 43: Trust for Public Lands Acquisition
Representatives of the Trust for Public Lands approached the City earlier this year with regard to an opportunity for their facilitation of a purchase of lands adjoining Hatchett Creek that would allow the city and Sarasota County to create a greenway and active park area between the intra-coastal waterway and US41 Bypass. They have contacted me again today seeking confirmation as to whether the city remains interested in participating in this purchase. I am the primary staff contact on this issue.

-- Marty Black, City Manager, sent 11/14/07