City Commission Regular Meeting Agenda — Packet

| August 27, 2026 | | | --- | --- | | City Commission | 11:00 a.m. |

## ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Mayor Mark Short

Commission Chair Charles Salem

Commission Vice Chair Gary McMullen

Commissioner John Lynch

Commissioner Chris Arendt via Zoom

Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson

## CITY STAFF PRESENT:

City Attorney Pam Chicone with Vose Law Firm

City Treasurer Randy Maxson

City Clerk Amber LaRowe

City Planner Ashley Austin

Code Enforcement Manager Thomas Collins

Deputy City Clerk Barbara Jeffries

Public Works and Capital Projects Manager Dean Jones

Manatee County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant John Wren

## 1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Salem called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call.

Mayor Short requested that an additional action item additional work identified along the City Pier walkway 4G.

e added to the agenda concerning a change order for There was no objection, and the item was added as Item

## 2. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

## 3. CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes: July 23, 2026, City Commission, July 30, 2026, Budget Workshop

b. Resolution R26-838 Budget Amendment

c. Appointment of City Administrator - (Document Added)

d. Approval of City Insurance Coverage - Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust (PGIT)

e. Interlocal Agreement- Holmes Beach: Fuel

f. Agreement WMFD: Storage

g. Agreement Agnelli Pools and Construction: Transport

Chair Salem requested that Item 3C, Appointment of City Administrator, be pulled from the Consent Agenda for individual consideration.

## Motion: Commissioner McMullen moved, Commissioner Lynch seconded and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the August 27, 2026, Consent Agenda with item C pulled for further review.

c. Appointment of City Administrator

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Mayor Short explained that the City Charter provides for the position of City Administrator, subject to approval by the City Commission. He stated that establishing the position would provide additional operational and organizational support to the Mayor and assist with coordination among City departments. Mayor Short clarified that the City Administrator position does not change the Mayor’s responsibilities under the Charter and is not equivalent to a City Manager position.

Mayor Short requested Commission approval to establish the City Administrator position and appoint Amber LaRowe as City Administrator, effective October 1, 2026.

In response to Commission questions, Mayor Short stated that the appointment would not increase City headcount and discussed the associated salary adjustment. The Commission also discussed the Charter requirement that the qualifications and duties of the City Administrator be defined within the City’s Administrative Code. Mayor Short confirmed that the applicable document exists and would be provided to the Commission.

Motion: Commissioner McMullen moved, Commissioner Lynch seconded and the motion carried 5-0 to establish a City Administrator position and appoint Amber LaRowe effective October 1, 2026.

4. ACTION ITEMS

CITY OF ANNA MARIA CITY COMMISSION MEETING August 27, 2026 11:00 a.m. P.O. Box 779, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216 Phone (941) 708-6130 THIS COMMISSION MEETING IS BEING HELD USING OPTIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS MEDIA TECHNOLOGY. Dial in using a telephone You may access the meeting from your phone by dialing 1 929 205 6099. When the Meeting ID is requested, enter Webinar ID 848 6611 6928 *OUT OF COURTESY TO OTHERS, PLEASE MUTE YOUR PHONE WHEN NOT SPEAKING* IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESS *9 ON YOUR PHONE Pledge of Conduct: We may disagree, but we will be respectful of one another. We will direct all comments to the issues. We will avoid personal attacks. 1.CALL TO O RDER Call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. 2.G ENERAL P UBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Comments shall be limited to three minutes. Matters shall be limited to non-public hearing items on the current agenda or, if appropriate, to items related to City matters requested under a future agenda. 3.CONSENT A GENDA The following items are considered routine in nature and should be considered in a single motion. Items that warrant individual discussion should be removed from this list before the motion to adopt; such items will be discussed separately. a. Minutes: July 23, 2026, City Commission, July 30, 2026, Budget Workshop b. Resolution R26-838 Budget Amendment c. Appointment of City Administrator d. Approval of City Insurance Coverage – Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust (PGIT) e. Interlocal Agreement- Holmes Beach: Fuel f. Agreement WMFD: Storage g. Agreement Agnelli Pools and Constructions: Transport Action Request: Motion to approve the August 27, 2026, Consent Agenda.

Anna Maria City Commission August 27, 2026 Page 2 of 3 4. ACTION I TEMS a. Ordinance 26-962 Proposed Stormwater Utility Rate - (WITHDRAWN) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA REVISING ARTICLE III. “STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY”, OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. No Action Requested: The Ordinance for a Proposed Stormwater Utility Rate has been withdrawn. b. Z26-000013 308 Hardin- Variance Request - (Postponed to September 8) Due to technical difficulties with Zoom, this agenda item was unable to be heard and has been postponed to September 8, 2026, City Commission Meeting. No Action Requested: The action item has been postponed to September 8, 2026. c. Z26-000015 314 Hardin- Variance Request - (Postponed to September 8) Due to technical difficulties with Zoom, this agenda item was unable to be heard and has been postponed to September 8, 2026, City Commission Meeting. No Action Requested: The action item has been postponed to September 8, 2026. d. Ordinance 26-962 Text Amendment to Chapter 90 INTERNAL TRAFFIC CIRCULATION, ACCESS AND STORAGE (Postponed to September 8, 2026) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, AMENDING SEC. 90-5 “APPEALS”; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. No Action Requested: The Ordinance has been postponed to September 8, 2026. e. Second Reading of Ordinance 26-963 Amendment to Chapter 46 Solid Waste AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 46, “SOLID WASTE,” OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA CODE OF ORDINANCES; REVISING DEFINITIONS; UPDATING REQUIREMENTS FOR MANDATORY SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, AVAILABILITY CHARGES, CODE VIOLATIONS AND LIEN CREATION, LANDSCAPE DEBRIS, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONTAINERS, VACATION RENTAL HOUSING UNITS, SIDE-DOOR AND CURBSIDE SERVICE, COLLECTION FEES, ENFORCEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Action Request: Motion to adopt Ordinance 26-963 Solid waste f. Second Reading of Ordinance 26-961 revising the Entire Chapter 38.

Anna Maria City Commission August 27, 2026 Page 3 of 3 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, REVISING THE ENTIRE CHAPTER 38, “PARKS AND RECREATION”, OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Action Request: Motion to adopt Ordinance 26-961 revising Entire Chapter 38. 5. CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE – M AYOR /JONES 6. M AYOR’ S COMMENTS 7. COMMISSIONER ’ S COMMENTS 8. CITY A TTORNEY COMMENTS 9. STAFF COMMENTS 10. PRESS Q UESTIONS 11. ADJOURNMENT If any person desires to appeal any decision of the City Commission or any other Board of the City, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (FS § 286.0105). The City of Anna Maria does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, or handicapped status in employment or the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services on forty-eight hours' notice (FS §286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Amber LaRowe, City Clerk, by telephone 941-708-6130 or email cityclerk@cityofannamaria.com

DRAFT City Commission July 23, 2026 10:25 a.m. E LECTED O FFICIAL PRESENT Mayor Mark Short Chair Charles Salem Vice Chair Gary McMullen Commissioner John Lynch – appeared by phone Commissioner Chris Arednt Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson CITY S TAFF PRESENT City Attorney Pamela Cichon City Treasurer Randy Maxson City Clerk Amber LaRowe City Planner Ashley Austin Code Manager Thomas Collins Deputy City Clerk Barbara Jeffries Chair Salem called the meeting to order at 10:25 a.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. Motion: Commissioner McMullen moved, Commissioner Arendt seconded and the motion carried 5- 0 to approve Commissioner Lynch to vote by phone. 1. G ENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Dina Sheridan, resident, presented a proposal for a Girl Scout Silver Award project to install a "Leave a Toy, Take a Toy" beach toy exchange at a City beach access. The Commission directed staff to review the proposal. Laurie Longden, resident, spoke in support of a resident parking permit program and discussed the impact of vacation rentals on parking. Staff provided an update on the City's ongoing parking study and advised that WSP would present preliminary findings at an upcoming public meeting. In response to comments regarding resident parking, City Clerk Amber LaRowe advised that the City has retained WSP to conduct a comprehensive parking study. She explained that the consultant is evaluating potential parking management strategies, including resident parking permits, and that public workshops will be held to present findings and gather community input before any recommendations are considered by the Commission. 2. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes: July 14, 2026, Minutes b. Special Event: Bayfest c. Special Event: Community Farmers Market d. Service Agreement: Manatee County Sheriff's Department e. Interlocal Agreement: Law Enforcement Bayfront Park f. Fee Waiver Request for 764 North Shore Dr – moved to Action item c.

July 23, 2026 Anna Maria City Commission Page 2 of 5 Motion: Commissioner McMullen moved, Commissioner Morgan-Johnson seconded and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the July 23, 2026, Consent Agenda with item f. moved to an Action item. 3. ACTION I TEMS a. Fiscal year 2027 Proposed Aggregate Millage Rate and Dates for Tentative and Final Budget Hearings (Mayor) The Commission entered discussion of the proposed aggregate millage rate for Fiscal Year 2027. City Attorney Pam Cichon and staff discussed the requirements of recently enacted Senate Bill 4 and the uncertainty surrounding voting thresholds for establishing a proposed maximum millage rate versus the tentative and final budget hearings. Discussion continued regarding the proposed aggregate millage rate and the voting requirements under recently enacted state law. The item was tabled twice to allow the Attorney Cichon time to review and clarify the statutory voting requirements. Following legal clarification, Chair Salem stated that he would not vote in favor of the motion exceeding 1.65 millage. Commissioners discussed the City's financial condition, reserve levels, projected revenues, budget deficit, and the need to maintain flexibility while continuing to refine the proposed budget. Various potential maximum millage rates were discussed, including 1.65, 1.85, 1.90, and 2.05 mills. Motion: Commissioner Lynch moved, Commissioner Ardent seconded and the motion Failed 4-1 to approve the proposed aggregate millage rate not to exceed 1.85 mills for Fiscal Year 2027 for the City of Anna Maria; schedule the Tentative Budget Hearing for September 8, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, and the Final Budget Hearing for September 23, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Chair Salem voted No. Commissioners discussed the scheduling requirements for the TRIM process under state law, including the statutory deadlines for the tentative and final budget hearings. Staff and Attorney Cichon reviewed the applicable timing requirements, publication deadlines, and the impact of recently enacted Senate Bill 4 on the budget adoption process. The Commission also discussed Commissioner availability and adjusted the hearing dates to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Following discussion, the Commission established the Tentative Budget Hearing for September 8, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., and the Final Budget Hearing for September 23, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard. Commissioners discussed maintaining flexibility as the budget process continues. Mayor Short expressed concern that maintaining the current millage rate would not generate sufficient revenue to replenish the City's reserves following recent storm-related expenditures and emphasized the importance of rebuilding reserve funds for future emergencies. Other Commissioners expressed concern about increasing the tax burden on residents and preferred to continue evaluating revenues and expenditures before establishing a final millage rate.

July 23, 2026 Anna Maria City Commission Page 3 of 5 Following additional legal clarification from Attorney Cichon that a simple majority could establish the proposed aggregate millage rate, Commissioner Lynch moved to approve a proposed aggregate millage rate not to exceed 1.85 mills for Fiscal Year 2027 and to establish the required budget hearing dates. Motion: Commissioner Lynch moved, Commissioner Ardent seconded and the motion carried 4-1 to approve the proposed aggregate millage rate not to exceed 1.85 mills for Fiscal Year 2027 for the City of Anna Maria; schedule the Tentative Budget Hearing for September 8, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, and the Final Budget Hearing for September 23, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Chair Salem voted No. b. Quasi-Judicial Hearing - Continued Consideration determination of Fine and/or Corrective Action - 610 North Bay City Attorney Pam Chicone opened the quasi-judicial public hearing and confirmed that all required notices had been provided. Commissioners disclosed ex parte communications, conflicts of interest, and site visits. No Commissioner was disqualified from participating. Deputy City Clerk Barbara Jeffries administered the oath to all individuals intending to provide testimony during the quasi-judicial public hearing. City Clerk Amber LaRowe presented the staff report, explaining that the applicant was requesting authorization to remove a designated Grand Tree located at 610 North Bay Boulevard. Staff reviewed the property's history, the circumstances surrounding the tree removal request, applicable provisions of the City's Grand Tree Ordinance, and the available mitigation options authorized by the Code. The Presentation has been made part of the record. Planning Consultant, Devyn Brown (CCNA) presented the consultant's evaluation and recommended that mitigation be provided through a $10,000 to $12,000 contribution to the City's Tree Replacement Fund, consistent with the City's Grand Tree Ordinance. The recommendation was based on the value of the Grand Tree and would allow the City to determine the most appropriate location for replacement tree planting. Applicant Matthew Kempson addressed the Commission, explaining the circumstances surrounding the removal request, the condition of the tree, and the property's redevelopment. Kempson requested that mitigation be accomplished through replacement trees planted on the property. The Commission discussed the mitigation options available under the ordinance, including requiring replacement trees on-site, requiring a monetary contribution to the City's Tree Replacement Fund, or a combination of both. Commissioners discussed the public benefit of allowing the City to determine the most appropriate location for replacement trees and the need to preserve the intent of the Grand Tree Ordinance. Following discussion, Mayor Short expressed support for requiring a contribution to the City's Tree Replacement Fund, noting that the City could utilize the funds to plant replacement trees in public areas where they would provide the greatest community benefit. Mr. Kempson reiterated a preference for planting replacement trees on the property but acknowledged the Commission's authority under the ordinance. Attorney Cichon confirmed that the City Commission has the

July 23, 2026 Anna Maria City Commission Page 5 of 5 City Clerk Amber LaRowe advised that staff, the City Planner, and the City's consulting arborist would review the Grand Tree Ordinance, mitigation requirements, and associated penalties to develop recommendations for future Commission consideration. 9. PRESS Q UESTIONS None. 10. ADJOURNMENT Chair Salem adjourned the meeting at 12:21 p.m. Minutes Approved: ____________________________________________ City Clerk, Amber LaRowe

DRAFT July 30, 2026 City Commission Workshop 2:00 p.m. E LECTED O FFICIALS PRESENT : Mayor Mark Short Chair Charles Salem via phone Vice Chair Gary McMullen Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson via Zoom Commissioner Gary McMullen Commissioner Chris Arendt via phone Commissioner John Lynch via phone CITY S TAFF PRESENT : City Clerk Amber LaRowe City Treasurer Randy Maxson City Attorney Pam Chicone with Vose Law Firm City Planner Ashley Austin Code Enforcement Manager Thomas Collins Deputy City Clerk Barbara Jeffries Public Works and Capital Projects Manager Dean Jones Administrative Assistant Isis Mavenyengwa Manatee County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant John Wren Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. followed by a Roll Call. 1. DISCUSSION: O PERATING E XPENSES , DEPARTMENTAL B UDGETS Treasurer Randy Maxson opened the workshop with an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. He reviewed several significant updates since the previous workshop, including reduced property insurance costs, the addition of a proposed reserve fund, grant funding adjustments, and the City's current budget outlook. Commissioners discussed the methodology for establishing reserves, historical budget comparisons, grant reimbursements, and the allocation of expenses among departments. The Finance Department budget was then presented. Discussion centered on staffing, audit services, software expenses, and efforts to generate savings through improved insurance rates and increased revenues. Mayor Short presented the Building Department budget, explaining the department's responsibilities, the contractual relationship with JPI, engineering services, and the allocation of building-related expenses. Commissioners discussed permit fee revenue, legal cost allocations, and the methodology used to ensure building department expenses are supported by building permit revenues. The Commission budget was reviewed, including elected official expenses, legal services, lobbyist services, memberships, training, and insurance allocations. Staff explained that certain administrative expenses are initially budgeted within the Commission budget before being allocated to individual departments.

July 30, 2026 Anna Maria City Commission Page 2 of 3 The Parks and Recreation budget was presented, highlighting park maintenance, special events, impact fee funding, and ongoing support for community recreational facilities. Discussion focused on operating expenses and the City's continued investment in public parks and events. Deputy City Clerk Barbara Jeffries presented the Clerk's Office budget and provided an overview of the department's responsibilities. She discussed the office's role in maintaining public records, preparing agendas and meeting minutes, records retention, legal advertising, and supporting the Mayor, Commission, and City departments. She highlighted improvements made over the past year to increase transparency, streamline public records requests, improve agenda preparation, and expand public access to information through technology. The presentation also outlined continued investments in software, records management, website services, and professional development to support future efficiencies and statutory compliance. Commissioners complimented the presentation. City Clerk Amber LaRowe presented the Human Resources budget, outlining the department's transition into a more comprehensive human resources program. She reviewed employee retention efforts, compliance initiatives, workforce development, employee recognition programs, and recruitment strategies. The proposed budget continues to support employee training, leadership development, and organizational improvements. City Planner Ashley Austin presented the Community Development and Planning budget. She reviewed the department's role in current and long-range planning, development review, floodplain management, hurricane recovery efforts, and improvements to development processes. Priorities for the upcoming fiscal year include continuing resiliency initiatives, updating the Land Development Code, and strengthening partnerships with outside agencies. Code Enforcement Manager Thomas Collins presented the Code Enforcement budget. He reviewed the department's responsibilities, including code enforcement, beach patrols, turtle lighting inspections, parking enforcement, and vacation rental compliance. He discussed bringing vacation rental inspections in-house, expanding parking enforcement, public education efforts, and improving operational efficiency. Commissioners asked questions regarding vacation rental enforcement, licensing compliance, and parking enforcement operations. Public Works Manager Dean Jones presented the Public Works budget and provided an overview of the department's responsibilities. He explained that Public Works is responsible for maintaining the City's infrastructure, including streets, rights-of-way, stormwater systems, parks, public facilities, and equipment, while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. He highlighted the department's continued recovery efforts following the 2024 hurricanes, including repairs to stormwater infrastructure, facility restoration, and ongoing resiliency improvements. Jones discussed the department's focus on preventive maintenance, capital improvement planning, fleet and equipment replacement, and pursuing grant funding to support future infrastructure projects. He also emphasized the importance of employee training, cross-training, and maintaining reliable equipment to ensure the department can respond effectively to daily operations and emergency events. Commissioners discussed the department's operational needs and its continued commitment to maintaining City assets and providing essential public services. Commissioners discussed the department's priorities and asked questions regarding ongoing stormwater improvements, infrastructure resiliency, equipment replacement needs, and the department's ability to respond to

July 30, 2026 Anna Maria City Commission Page 3 of 3 emergency events. Discussion also included the condition of City facilities, long-term maintenance planning, and the importance of investing in equipment and employee training to ensure reliable service delivery. Staff explained how the proposed budget supports continued maintenance of City assets while positioning the department to respond efficiently to both daily operations and future storm events. Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 4:05 p.m. Minutes Approved: _______________________________________ City Clerk Amber LaRowe

City of Anna Maria Agenda Meeting Date: August 27, 2026 Subject: Recommendation to Approve Budget Amendment No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Presenter: City Treasurer CITY OF ANNA MARIA AGENDA MEMO Background The City Commission of the City of Anna Maria adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget by Ordinance. Certain grant revenues, carryover balances, debt financing, capital projects, and other appropriations will not be realized or expended prior to the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2026. It is necessary to adjust the budget to zero out, reallocate, or reduce appropriations and make targeted revisions to certain revenue and expenditure lines while leaving appropriate remaining balances. The City Treasurer has prepared Budget Amendment No. 1, reflecting the necessary changes with a net zero impact on the total budget. Key adjustments include: • Zeroing out unrealized grant revenues and related capital project appropriations (including Pine Avenue phases, certain CDBG and other grants, and debt financing proceeds that will not be utilized this fiscal year). • Reducing or eliminating departmental contingency/reserve appropriations that are no longer needed. • Adjusting remaining balances for active projects and revenues, including FEMA reimbursements, City Pier funding, stormwater grants (SWFWMD and HMGP), parking/code enforcement fines, and related expenditure accounts to reflect current projections. • Retaining appropriate balances for ongoing capital and operational needs (e.g., City Pier refurbishment, stormwater improvements, and limited contingency for critical systems conversion). The amendment ensures accurate financial reporting for the remainder of the fiscal year. Detailed journal entries and the original-versus-revised budget comparison are provided in Exhibit “A” (Journal Entry) and Exhibit “B” (Original vs. Revised Budget) attached to the accompanying Resolution. Fiscal Impact There is no financial impact to the City. Budget Amendment No. 1 has a net zero impact on the total budget. Total revenues and total expenditures remain balanced after the adjustments. Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Commission: 1. Approve Budget Amendment No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as set forth in the accompanying Resolution and Exhibits;

2. Authorize the City Treasurer and appropriate City staff to implement the budget adjustments contained in the Resolution and to make corresponding entries in the City’s financial records; and 3. Adopt the accompanying Resolution approving Budget Amendment No. 1. The full Budget Amendment journal entry (Exhibit “A”), original versus revised budget comparison (Exhibit “B”), and Resolution are attached for Commission review.

RESOLUTION NO. R26-839 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025- 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EXHIBIT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Anna Maria adopted.the Fisca[Year 2025- 2026 Budget by Ordinance; and WHEREAS, certain grant revenues, carryover balances, debt financing, capita1projects, and other appropriations will not be realized or expended prior to, the close of the fiscatyear on September 30, 2026; and WHEREAS, it