Board of County Commissioners

On Tuesday, April 21st, we'll begin with an invocation by Pastor Bernard Scott from Bayside Community Church, the East Campus, followed by a pledge of allegiance led by Commissioner Mike Ron. One quick note before we get started, the there's a technical issue with our servers back there, so there's no live streaming on YouTube and Facebook or call-ins at this time, but our staff are working to figure it out. We are doing an audio recording so that will be available at some point. So >> and video >> and so if you wouldn't mind standing for the invocation and pledge everyone would walk in your wisdom. That Lord, we would be granted your peace and that God, this community would continue to see your favor, your blessing. I'm asking for your protection, God, over the leadership. And I ask that Lord their families, their homes, the businesses in this community would continue to experience a grace that is an immeasurably more of a reflection of heaven on earth. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> May be seated. Thank you, >> Mr. Bishop. Any updates to the agenda? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. All updates were published with the online agenda. Additional public comments were received after publishing four citizen comments for future agenda. Item 37, update on the movement of the dogs to the bishop and jail facilities. Item 38, county administrator contract renewal, and item 39, dismissal of trespass charges at Bishop Kennel facility. >> Excellent. Thank you, sir. We'll take a brief recess for a port meeting. We're still going to be here, but we're going to switch over to chairman Mike Ron from the Port Authority. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I'd like to call to the to order the meeting of the SE port of Mante Port Authority meeting for August 21st. Um, real quick before I go into public comment, I I received a lot of emails after our last meeting with regards of how the port authority operates sitting up here on this dis. And uh, the port authority meetings are completely different meetings than the board of county commissioners. Once the chair passes the gavl over to the chair of the port, we take a kind of our kind of commissioner hats off, set some aside, put our port authority hats on. So these meeting are strictly port authority meetings. Um, and what we do is the majority of meetings do take place out to seapport, but I don't think the port authority would be very happy with me if I call a meeting here for call a meeting at Seapport and it only takes about 5 minutes. It would take them longer to walk from their car to the hub to where our chambers are than it would be for that meeting. So, I think this the port authority would be a little upset with me. So, the chair has been very gracious in allowing us to hold our Seapport meetings here within this chamber. Um, the Seapport Mante does not live stream meetings. we record them and they are on YouTube within a couple hours afterwards. So that's why we do not have uh host callins at the seapport meetings. We do not have the capability and it's not consistent with way our meetings are held at the seapport. So I just want to get that out of the way before um this question is being an asked to me by public of how the operation of the these meetings move forward. With that, I'd open up for any public comment. And this is for port items only. For anything regarding the SE port. All right. Seeing none, I'll go ahead and close public comment. What I like to do now is like to get a motion to uh if there's any items that the uh members would like to pull from the consent agenda. >> Seeing none, can I get a vote on the consent agenda? >> Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you. Motion to approve by Commissioner Cruz, second by Commissioner Sadi. All those in favor? >> Mr. Chairman. Oh, sorry. Just just one quick one quick. We want to withdraw agenda item F. >> Okay. >> Until further notice. Probably bring it back next month. >> Okay. So, you're >> removing. Correct. >> Okay. So, >> so motion approve minus item F. >> You're good with that. You're good with your second. >> Yes. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. So, with that, all those in favor of the consent agenda minus item F, please say I. >> I. >> And I. The chair also. The motion carries. and director Beckeris. Good morning. >> Good morning, Mr. Chairman, commissioners. Thank you again for uh taking the time to have the meeting for the port authority. Um today you have on your desks uh the latest uh port directory which we just published. Uh this will be also be available online and anybody that wants copies, we distribute them widely throughout the county and to customers to update them on what's happening at the port. Uh, I have one other comment, Mr. Chairman, commissioners. We want to thank property management. We had a project with them recently and they responded so efficiently and so quickly. We're in awe and will really help us, you know, move the port along. We want to thank Charles Mador, deputy director, uh, Peter Morrow, Claudia Ruiz, Danny Swain, and Tim Johnston. really really I think it shows the cooperation the port authority needs at the county and they really did a fantastic job. >> All right. Thank you sir. >> Uh with that Mr. Chairman that's all the comments I have. >> All right. Thank you. Is there any commissioner comments to with regards to the port authority? >> Yes Mr. Chair. >> Yes sir. >> Just briefly so the this is on Facebook. It's public. It's not a hippo thing or anything, but Pastor Jeff Holton's wife was admitted into the hospital from Anchor House last night or two days ago. She's still in the hospital. I've been texting him. And so, he's he's always, for those of you who don't know, Ankor House provides ministry services to certainly to the Port Authority, but also to all vessels that are docking and and birthed at Port uh at Port Manatee. Encourage you to take a look at them. They do great work. But he his wife's not doing well. Also, if you'all could say a prayer for her, I think he greatly appreciate that. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate that. Um, appreciate the update, too. Thank you. All right. Any other comments from any of the Port Authority members? >> Seeing none, I'll adjourn the Port Authority and back to you, chair. >> Thank you, sir. >> That one was >> All righty. We'll begin with proclamations beginning with the 100th anniversary of Caucus Chevrolet. Please come on up. >> Oh, and while we're doing that, I'll take a motion to approve the >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> That's a motion by Commissioner McCann, seconded by Commissioner Ballard. All in favor, please say I. >> I. All right. >> Morning again, the Cox family. Look at this. This is awesome. Well, it's, you know, anytime we can recognize a great family of a Mante County family that's has such a wonderful history here in the county, it's just it's a pleasure and an honor. Um, you know, many know that Cox Chevrolet has been around a long time. And I said at the uh the event that they've been around so long, Moses bought his first truck to carry him across the Israelites across the desert in. So, but um it's such a great day here in Mante County. We can recognize again a great family that has just given back so much to our community. Not just uh with the the folks they work with and their clients and everything, but this gives back to our community. But good morning, commissioners, and good morning the Cox family. Uh this morning is a proclamation. Whereas Cox Chevrolet celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of continuous family ownership and service since its founding in 1926. And whereas the Cox family established roots in Bradon in 1933, where their original location still stands as a testament to their enduring presence in Manatee County. And whereas five generations of the Cox family have led the business with integrity with six generation already contributing to the legacy and the future. Whereas the Cox Chevrolet has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the community community growth through its investments along Cortez Road expansion efforts in East Manatee and support of local institutions such as Ael Elementary School. And whereas the Cox family's dedication to service, community involvement, economic development has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the residents of Ante County. Now therefore, let it be proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Mante County, Florida, that the year 2026 shall be known, designated, and set aside as the 100th anniversary of Cox Chevrolet in Mante County, Florida. Adopted with a quorum present and voting this Tuesday, April 21st, signed by our chairman, Tal Sadik. Congratulations Well, I really don't even know where to begin. It's it's such an honor to be standing here and representing uh the county in the way that businesses can. And I it's such an honor to be recognized by the the commissioners. And it's it's such a privilege to serve our county in the ways that the business owners do and to work in partnership with the the county as we continue to grow and do amazing things. you know, on behalf of the fifth generation who is standing here today, which we dub ourselves the G5. So, we're raising the G6 as we speak. So, the G5 is so excited to go back and share this with our team, our staff, all of our employees, um, and the community of this special day. So, thank you very much. I appreciate all the commissioners, and you all recognizing us today. Thank you, >> Chris and family. I'm very we're very proud to have you in our community, especially in my district and beyond the amazing contributions of your business and family. We just want to thank you for all that you do outside of the business as well, being a part of the community, whether it's helping people after the after storms, pro helping those in need. You all are an integral part of the story of Manatee County. Thank you very much and congratulations. I hope looking forward to another hundred years. I might be around by then real quick. Commissioner Cruz. >> Yeah. Real quick. Um, a couple of us were at the 100th anniversary celebration and uh I don't think we necessarily started off on the right foot six years ago, but we're in a good place now. Uh, cuz I've seen everything uh you all have done. And I think it was a testament to how many people showed up. I mean, the fact you need valet uh service just to have people show up for for a lunch and a celebration to to a business is a testament to how important that business is. Uh I will say this is more of a fun fact than anything about Cox that I took away from that is you actually predate the actual logo. Like like how many how many car dealerships can say that the car dealership existed before the bow tie logo existed for the cars that you're actually selling? I thought that was a very interesting fun fact to show just how how long you've been a part a continuous part. Companies come and go and come back again. You have been continuous and important to this community for for a century. So, thank you all for everything you do as a family and as a business. Thank you. >> Awesome. >> Commissioner McCann, >> I also want to thank you. I'm sorry I couldn't make it on that day, but I really do appreciate because I sent back jokingly, you know, do I get a car? and they asked me if a Corvette would would be good enough. And I I'll tell you, I wish commissioners could take gifts, but you again, you know, it's just a gift that uh you know, you're actually here over a hundred years now, and we really appreciate what you do. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Great to see you. Congratulations. >> Oh yeah, it was pretty. All right, next up we have Autism Awareness Month. >> You want to go first? I'll go first. >> Okay. I'll go first. >> You go first. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Proclamation board of county commissioners, Manatee County, Florida. Whereas autism is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and impacts individuals and families across our communities. And whereas increasing awareness and understanding of autism promotes acceptance, inclusion, safety, and support for those on the spectrum. And whereas individuals with autism contribute unique talents, perspectives, and abilities that enrich our society and the community, including schools and workplace. And whereas early diagnosis, intervention, and access to services can greatly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals and their families living with autism. It is important to foster a community that embraces neurodeiversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. And whereas now, therefore, I do hereby proclaim this month of April as autism awareness month and encourage all people to learn more, show support, and promote inclusion in their communities. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Manatee County, Florida, that April 2026 shall be designated and known and set aside as autism awareness month in Manatee County, Florida. Adopted with a quorum present and voting this Tuesday, April 20 21st, 2026. Board of County Commissioners signed by our chairperson, Tal Sadik. Hi everybody, Cali Pritchard, Many County resident. Thank you for noticing how much Easter Seals does for our community. For most of my life, things felt harder. Conversations were confusing. Routines were everything. And no matter how hard I tried, it always seemed like I was just a step out of sync with the world. When I was diagnosed, it didn't feel like something was wrong with me. It felt like someone had finally handed me a map to understand my brain. Diagnosis alone wasn't enough. That is where eer sales changed everything for me and my family. Excuse me. Through their testing, I began to understand how my brain works instead of masking and fighting against it. With neuro brain therapy, I learned strategies to focus, regulate, and build confidence in ways I never thought possible. On days when life feels overwhelming, Easter Seals make sure I have the emotional community and support systems in place. They're working on basic needs that will provide you with stability and success. They're helping you with vocational training and independence. Before Easter Seals, I was barely surviving. After Easter Seals, I started living. I attended horse therapy and I'm learning how horses communicate when individuals needs are different. They didn't just offer services. They'd offer patience, understanding, and a belief that I was capable more. When others did not have understanding, and just cast judgment. Easter Seals saw the potential in me when I couldn't see it in myself. Part of my transition with a lifelong disability, I fell through the cracks. I ended up homeless and in psychosis where people thought I was on drugs and I was not. My brain was just in a crisis mode. I don't know where I would be without Easter Seals, but I do know this. Because of them, I have direction, support, and hope for my future and support for independent living. One more thing, I want to take a moment to thank Dr. M, sorry, excuse me, Commissioner and Dr. McCann, Commissioner Bearden, Commissioner Mike Ron, former Commissioner Felts, Chris Cox, Sonia with the Community Health Program, and a huge thank you to Hope and Hunger Foundation for giving my mom the nudge to fight for me and assistance to fight. If it wasn't for my village of people, I don't know where I would be. Thank you, and God bless each and every one of you. >> You did amazing. Did she not share in an amazing way what autism awareness comes and what disability services and what ability shining looks? >> Hey Tom. Hey Tom. Tom, you can come on up and use the mic. No one can. >> Who needs a mic? I'm sorry. Good. Good morning. I'm Tom Waters, the chief encouragement officer at Easter Seals. I work for Cali and everybody in this room. And so I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. And I understand I have a chance to give you guys a quick update because autism awareness month is highlighted by an autism center of excellence which is coming out of the ground in commissioner Ron's district I believe and uh you all help make that happen with commitments. Let's give the commission a hand for making this possible. It's one thing to be aware and it's another to transform and make a difference. So that's what we're doing together. So today I get to say thank you on behalf of our board of directors, Dr. Hullbrook, Dr. Berky, our East Easter Seals team that have been busy making this happen in partnership with the county and with many others. So I think we have a quick PowerPoint that I'll be able to share with you to take you through how we are going from we're only 80 years old. Sure, Tom. Uh, and and one quick thing in in the email. So, I did respond to Kelly or someone in the email. So, I'm working to set up another meeting so we can have the a proper presentation. This is just a quick proclamation. I don't want to >> So, I just get to I get to say thank you. >> Yep. >> I love it. Okay. Well, >> and we recognize you, of course. >> We Okay. Well, good. It's good to be to be here to be recognized, to say thank you on behalf of the community, on behalf of everything that happens for Autism Awareness Month. And when you do get a chance to see the the visuals of the autism center of excellence and everything that is occurring thanks to your support and will be occurring in that building, it's going to excuse me be that much more uplifting. So again, on behalf of the community, Cali, Easter Seals, and Autism Awareness, we say thank you. >> Thank you very much, Commissioner Ballard. Thank you very much, Tom and Calie. Thank you so much for sharing your your story. Um, I'm really really proud of you for for getting to where you are now, for, you know, figuring out what was at the bottom of of everything that you were dealing with and and hearing from you today. It was it was really emotional. It was really special. So, I I'm I'm so proud of you and I'm so proud of the work that Easter Seals does for autism awareness. So, um, thank you guys very, very much. >> All right. Next up, we have National Hospital Week. Commissioner Cruz, >> thank you. >> I don't know if we have any one here for >> anyone for the hospital week proclamation. That's all right. >> Okay. All right. >> I'll just read it then. Whereas the Manatee County Board of Commissioners recognizes the contributions of HCA Florida Blake Hospital to the health and well-being of Manatee County. And whereas the health care professionals at HCA Florida Blake Hospital and Manatee County are trusted health care professionals who advocate on behalf of their patients for an environment that promotes patient safety, dignity, and respect. And whereas HCA Florida Blake Hospital is a vital component of the health care system and have an important role to play in the lives of our neighbors in the communities we serve. And whereas health care is a profession that combines profound knowledge with deep empathy, providing 24-hour care to improve quality of life. And whereas the Mante County Board of Commissioners wishes to acknowledge these individuals and encourage our citizens to join in appreciation. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Manatee County, Florida that May 10th through 16th, 2026 shall be known, designated, and set aside as National Hospital Week in Manatee County, Florida. adopted with a quorum present and voting this Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, and signed by our chairman, Tal Sadik. >> Great job. You're so >> beautiful. >> All right. And just wanted to recognize while there's no presentations today, National Library Week and our gratitude for our librarians and staff who work tirelessly to serve all members of our community. And then National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. I'll be presenting that at the EOCC pretty soon. Just wanted to thank our staff and those teams as well for what they do. All right, with that, we're down to we're going on to consent agenda. Would any commissioners like to pull items from consent today? I have none to pull, but there are some good things on there that actually, you know, I'm I commented in my briefing that I want to make sure that the public understands them because there's some money-saving things in there as well as some things for, you know, letting public uh safety awareness, you know, those are all things that I think, you know, should be known by the public because there is a lot of good work done in this consent agenda today. Thank you, sir. I'll accept motions to approve consent agenda. >> So move second. >> Second. >> Third. >> Give it to them. >> Commissioner Macan didn't pull anything. Please give him this motion. >> Yes. >> That's a motion to approve consent by Commissioner McCann, seconded by Commissioner Ballard. >> Ballard. >> Public comment on the consent agenda. >> Seeing none, I'll close public comment. on the phone's on >> the phone. >> Oh, >> that hand's been raised since that has been raised for a while. >> I don't think that you're >> but call it just in case. >> Yeah, call it. >> Okay. Caller 445, are you here for consent or other items on the agenda? >> I'll be speaking on future agenda items, but I do want to tell you that >> Okay, >> I had my hand raised. You're right, George. For a long >> Thank you, Glenn. We'll get back to you when consent comes up. >> Time I got screwed out of my public comments. No, not now. Can send future agenda. >> Just a quick >> All right. Seeing none, you can go ahead and cast your votes. I'll close public comment. All right. And that passes unanimously with Commissioner Bearden absent. All right. We'll go on to presentations upon request. Item number 30. Would anyone like a presentation? Oh, sorry. Right. Future agenda items. Sorry. I'll open a public comment on future agenda items. 30 minutes. You can state your please state your name, county of residence when you come up. And you have three minutes. I'll start with anyone in the audience today while I pull up the list. Is Pat Simmons here? Oh, Pat, you can come on up. Pet pete man county. First of all, hold on. This came to me yesterday from the American Council for the Blind and I thought it was something you all need to be aware of. It's called an IFR and interim final rule on April 20th yesterday that would delay web and mobile accessibility requirements for state and local governments under title two of the ADA. Under this proposal, the compliance deadlines for larger entities would move from years 26 to 27 and smaller entities from 27 to 28. Extending these deadlines denies timeless access, timely access to essential government services and information, forcing people with disabilities to wait even longer for rights that should already be guaranteed. And I just want you to be aware of this in case you get asked about it. The other third thing, and I know this is probably a dirty word in the state of Florida, but it has raifications for people with disabilities because DEI includes ramps, sidewalks, and curb cutouts, subtitles for captions, TVs, phones, and now movies at theaters. Um, pay equity transportation. Um, work accommodations for a variety of disabilities. Um, flexible work arrangements. and you can see the rest of what's on the list. So these are things that you really need to keep in mind that DEI isn't just about race, it's about disabilities as well. And I thank you. >> Thank you, Pep. Please make sure to hand those to the clerk as well. Mark Vander. >> Good morning, commissioners. Mark Vanderey, Manatee County. And uh on behalf of the Waterline Road Preservation Group, we would like to thank the county, the board, the commissioners, the staff for an amazing memorial and dedication service you conducted last Saturday, Crane Park on behalf of our late Commissioner Carolyn Felts and our friend just want to say it was just an amazing event. It really was. It was great to see our whole community come together, put our differences aside and pull for a common cause. You don't see that often enough. A special thanks to Commissioner Ballard for her efforts behind the scene pulling this whole concept together and pushing for the rural lands uh board advisory board. you know, out out east, we we we see a trajectory of our county um becoming potentially another Panelis County or Deval County or Miami Dade. And it concerns us. We're concerned over it. Um we see our wetlands getting backfilled and paved over, creating heat sinks. We see a loss of our character, of our community, and our neighborhoods. And it concerns us. It really concerns us. Last Saturday, it was overwhelmingly heartwarming to see the community pull together like we did. Uh it made made me proud to be uh living here in Manatee County. It really did. Going forward, we're also concerned about losing that sense of community that we do have left here in Manatee County. It's a rare thing. Trust me, you don't see that in every county in Florida. You don't see that in every state in the nation anymore. We have something very special here that we should try to hang on to. Now, going forward, again, if you could keep Carol's spirit on your shoulder as you make decisions shaping the future of our county, we would certainly appreciate that. the Waterline Road Preservation Group out east. If you keep that spirit on your shoulders and think of our communities and our neighborhoods and not just the special interest, we sure would appreciate it. Thank you. All right, mic me in. Morning commissioners. Mike me in Manatee County. Um the clerk just released the 25 financials the other day. So here I am for to talk about it for I think about the eighth year in a row specifically to emphasize the very large surpluses that are occurring on an annual basis in Manatee County. In the overhead you can see uh the surplus for the most recent reporting period which was 2025 363.9 million uh surplus for 2025. This was the second largest surplus we've had uh since 2017. The largest surplus was the previous year at 454.6 million. a lot of money. Add it up, you have a two-year surplus there of $818 million. And comparing that with a property taxes of the last two years, there's not too much difference between the surplus and the property tax indicating that do we really need a property tax? That's the open question of my mind. It is also the question on the mind of the governor and I hope many other people in this county. Um, since 2017, the annual surplus has totaled $2.1 billion. Currently, you have uh unrestricted cash of 958.4 million sitting in a money market fund uh doing what I would ask except generating interest. uh comparing that with the unrestricted cash in the prior year, it's about the same amount of money. So that little millage cut that was uh executed last fall, 5100s of a mill, um did absolutely nothing to reduce the surplus or the cash that's in the money market funds. It's dead money. It's not benefiting Manatee County at all. It's in a money market fund. uh some suggestions for dealing with the issue. Let's talk about a larger millage cut for this coming budget year. Maybe a half mill or higher, maybe a full mill. You've got so much money in surplus, you could afford to easily do that. Um you can use the Manatee County surplus as a credit against uh citizens 2026 property taxes. Um, another idea, Florida has a large surplus also. They had a $5 billion surplus this past year and 12 billion the year before that. They have 17.7 billion in surplus sitting in Tallahassee. Maybe combine that with the Manatee County surplus to to issue an even larger property tax credit going forward into 2026. Last idea, increase the property tax exemption levels to fund lower property taxes for homesteaders and 65 and over. Um, just letting these funds sit idle in a money market fund doing nothing year on year year on and year year end is really not a solution. I encourage you to take action on this issue this year. Thank you. >> Thanks, sir. With that, anyone else in the room can just come up to the podium. This is for future agenda items, not on today's agenda. Just state your name, county of residence. You have three minutes. >> You can come on up. >> So, like last week, >> you can just come on up, ma'am. >> Okay. Um, I'm Marjorie Struck and I've been here before and it's nice seeing you all. I actually wanted to say a thank you to I don't know if if I can address that here, but I wanted to thank the code enforcers for um we had our community uh make the or not make but um let the code enforcers aware of some issues going on our community and they were very good about it and they caught the the issues and I wanted to thank you that they caught those issues. And now we can let the community and we have let the community know that our COA is not um transparent in what they're doing and I don't know how to get it done. I've I've I I went to the state to you guys. I've you know we've done the code enforcers. We went to lawyers and it's t I'm tired of not being heard. Um they got 2.5 line of credit. Hi Marjorie. >> They got four. >> One quick thing for you because and I know you've been here before. We don't address COA issues here. The state's really your best back stop. But we the comment has to be relev pertinent to what we can accomp we can do here as a board. But we do appreciate you. >> Did send me a I think somebody sent me something from your the government here for to get some kind of a relief or something. I'm not exactly sure what it was, but it was from an email and I did um apply, but it was saying something about a line of credit and I did not take a line of credit on my condo, but somehow that was on there and I don't know if it actually came from you, so I'll address that too at the end. So, okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, ma'am. Anyone else for public comment? All right, I'll go to the phones. Caller 445, you're up. >> For the record, Glengat fly Jibelina. So, let me uh let me bring up first of all, we're you're not on television, so apparently there is a technical difficulty. The only way I can listen to is by calling in. And you're right, my hand has been up for a while because I tried to make a public comment on the port authority. Of course, the chair did not recognize my hand again. So, I'll just have to come in and do that. Second thing I want to bring up is EDC. You guys, you guys gave them a ton of money from that day, right, on the contract, yet they could not get their presentation up on the overhead. The staff couldn't do it and they didn't do it. So, if that's how they're starting off on the right foot, good luck with that one. You know what I didn't see from them? I didn't see any previous business come in and say, "Hey, they dragged us here. They got us. They got us a great place. We're doing well. Our workers are happy. They find affordable housing." Said no one ever. So, I'm very contract. I will tell you that. The second thing is I sent you an article about Mosaic. They've been under a federal investigation since 2021 for price fixing. Price fixing. Those are the kind of guys you're in bed with that you give. Do >> you actually have real agenda items for us or is this just a rant for your campaign? >> I'm more than happy to give you time back, but keep your comments pertinent to what this board can accomplish, not your personal opinions about Mosaic. >> So, I'll give you 30 seconds back and we'll pick up from there. >> You're back on, Glenn. >> First of all, All right. Well, this is public. All right. You know, here we go. Let's talk about the ABCs. Future agenda, right? Accountability, behavior, and consequences. Those are my ABCs. So, let me let me get a case in point. And this comes up to you, chair. You know, you know, in the last two meetings, the meeting before the last one, the chair never even showed up to chair the meeting, nor did he give a a reason why he wasn't there. And we had to squeeze it out of George that you were at Career Source. Well, they're not paying you over $100,000 to do that. The second thing is at the last meeting, you walked out while there were still items on the agenda that needed to be addressed. When you did that and Ron did that, we no longer had a quorum to vote on those issues because you had to do a self-serving presentation out on the island. Your job as an elected official, all of you, is to show up in attendance and vote on the issues. You just can't show up. You just can't walk out on a meeting when there's still items left on the agenda. Get your act together. Change is coming. Glenn Gatfly Jabina. >> All right. Any other public comment? That's not about ranting. All right. Seeing none, I'll close public comment. Don't see anyone else on the board here. uh struck the email that we've been exchang ex exchanging between us is about the disaster resiliency money and we just opened up the housing portion of it. So I think I put you in touch with some staff about that. So please reach out to them. I'll find the email thread and circulate it back up again. But that's for housing repair um and re rehabilitation. So we'll take it from there. Um Glenn know that's true. You know that that stop campaigning here. Uh that was a town hall and we have a great vice chair and great board and apologize to Commissioner McCann for missing it but that's a town hall not a self-s serving presentation that's for information so get your facts right and then Career Source is an excellent organization uh was able to bring that back and we completely rewrote our economic development incentives based on in part some of that some of the ideas from there. So thank you very much for commenting there. Other than that, I'll just move on to the regular agenda. Item 30, presentation upon request, adoption of resolution R26046, approving changes to the infrastructure sales tax project list. Would anyone like a presentation? All right. Seeing none, then I'll accept motions to approve the resolution. >> I I'll make a motion to approve. >> Okay. >> I still want to see that bathroom there one time, though. Oh, and uh yep, that's a motion to approve resolution R26046 by Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Ron. Public comment. Seeing none, I'll close public comment. You can cast your votes. That passes unanimously. Thank you very much. Item 31, execution of the approval of Tampa General Hospital Aeromeds, COPCN. Would anyone like a presentation? All right. Seeing none, then I'll accept motions to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> All right. That's a motion to approve the issuance of TGH's COPCN by Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Ballard. Public comment. See anyone on the phones? The screen's not showing anything. All right. See now close public comment. And that passes unanimously. Thank you. move on to the regular agenda, but I wanted to make a quick note since we're talking about the administrator contract. Commissioner McCann also has an item on that. So, I'll just open up both, but I'll start with a quick comment there. So, that's items 44 and 38 opened up. And just a brief update before I turn it over to county attorney and commissioner McCann. I had a pretty productive conversation with administrator Bishop at the end of last week and this week and we both feel that perhaps it's good to provide our citizens just a little bit more time and focus on storm preparation few more productive things and back and forth over a contract which it's just not really not productive healthy conversation. So the administrators requested that we simply extend the existing contract, the current one, not a new one. No changes to it, four or six months until such time as the, you know, a better time and more conversation can be had on the review of the contract. Any comments or questions here, Commissioner Cruz? Yeah, I I spoke with Charlie uh yesterday about this and uh it it just made sense at this point in time. There's a lot of less than accurate information out there, but it's neither here nor there. I mean, I went back and looked like I couldn't find a single article about Sherry's contract in 2019, but this almost mirrors it. Um people saying that the compensatory pay is ridiculous. She had it. Ed Huniger had it. Um talk about the 20 weeks of severance. She had it. In fact, hers had language that said if the state allowed for more than 20 weeks, her contract would automatically increase to the new state maximum, whereas the proposed contract did not. If you ran Sherry's pay from 2019 forward based on staff increases, which her contract had, she would actually be making more money today than Charlie's making today. Um I I think there was a lot of misinformation for for reasons outside the scope of the contract. That said, you know, the this board should have somebody overseeing their staff that they support. And I do agree that having contracts expire immediately prior to elections are not good for the public and not good for this board as a whole. and trying to cram additional payout provisions in looks and feels even if it wasn't the intent as more of a poison pill and that poison pill is born at the expense of the citizens of Manatee County who would have to pay it. So, you know, I have faith in Charlie and I believe a majority of his board has faith in Charlie and come February or whenever this thing expires. Um, I have confidence he will still be the county administrator and we can have a meaningful discussion about a long-term contract. But I do agree with what the public said. I do agree with what Commissioner McCann had requested that uh it's in everyone's best interest to extend this contract. So, uh, I fully supported that. The only change I would have to it is this is not being entered into the 21st day of 2026. It's the 21st day of April of 2026. There's a typo at the top of that contract. Um otherwise I I fully support this and had a conversation with the administrator yesterday uh telling him that this is the direction I would be going today even before this came out. >> All right. Thank you, Commissioner. Yeah, I think our staff are are owed to us a good administrator. Charlie's one of the rare ones that has good experience and also institutional knowledge. After 30 plus years, there are a few people I can go to even about things not strictly pertinent about the county and just get the history of a thing there. And that's something that's rare, especially with n turnover within the county administration. And I think we need someone who's been around to help build the next bench. And I think he, you know, he is doing that with deputy county administrators with new directors or directors who've been promoted up the ranks. So I think it's just a good idea and move past it. We'll revisit this at some point later. Give Charlie some stability, give our staff stability, continue continuity of operations, and take it from there. Don't see anyone else on the board. Uh, now Pamela, do you have anything else to add to this, Commissioner McCandle? >> Um, the only thing I would add is I I identified the scrier's error that was in the version of the contract provided by Mr. Bishop's attorney and I reached out to him and he confirmed he has absolutely no objection to adding the word April. I've already made that revision into the agreement. So, if the board wants to approve it, they can approve. Anyone can make the motion to approve um the fourth amendment with that correction of the scrier's error. >> I make a motion to approve Motion to approve. >> I think I already had this as a motion to approve and you know I don't know if we're on live TV yet. The thing is that uh one second real quick. So >> I do want everybody to know agreed with a motion. Commissioner McCann, you're up. >> That's okay. He can have he can have a motion. >> I was going to I called him up next. Anyways, and then as far as the stream, we're still working on it, but callins are back. So go ahead, sir. >> Okay. Well, Commissioner Cruz did agree with me again even though it's not on the stream. For for the record, I did agree with Commissioner McCann. >> Yes. >> Okay. And my motion is uh it's a motion for the Manatee board of county commissioners to authorize the chair county attorney to execute a formal uh amendment which is you know amendment number four now for the current employment agreement with the county administrator extending the term of the existing contract for six months. you know, under all current conditions and compensation levels. I also want to add that, you know, I believe that we should pay, and this is part of the motion, I believe that we should pay the county administrator's attorney's fees up to $3,000 for this because, again, this is something that, you know, we are stopping the negotiation at this time and we are letting the next board make the decision. So, that's my motion. >> Second. All right, that's a motion by Commissioner McCann, seconded by Commissioner Cruz to authorize the fourth amendment to the county administrator's contract in short extending it for six months and also paying $3,000 attorney's fees >> up to $3,000 in attorney's fees. Thank you. >> Yes, Pam, >> would you mind amending your motion, sir, to remove that I'm executing the amendment? Usually, it's executed by the chair. >> Okay, I will I will agree to that. Sure. Second agrees to it. >> We'll have that correct in a minute. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any comments from the board? No one public comment in the room? See none. I'll go to the phones. Caller 445. >> For the record, Glen Gaffly Jibelum. This decision should have been done a long time ago. just a short extension till after the primaries and up to the elections. You heard you heard the push back from the public on this. So why did we drag that on so long wasting everybody's time and effort when when it was a bad you guys think it's a great contract. I think other people are going to see it a little bit differently and George would say well this we did this in the past and well maybe it was wrong in the past. That's the problem with this board. Believe me, if we did not have an advocate like Dr. McCain, you guys would have pushed this contract through like it was nothing because that's what you do. And that's a disservice to the public. So, are you going in the right direction? Uh you guys may think it's going to be very favorable, but uh there there might be might be some differences, and there's already some differences from that board right now. So, thanks for bringing it up, Doc. Keep doing what you're doing. For the record, Glen Gly Jibelina. >> All right, I see no more hands raised, so I'll close public comment. Commissioner Cruz. >> Yeah, I I will just say just to clarify because I understand people just want to say stuff on you post it on Facebook. Uh this was literally the last meeting. How much earlier should we have done this? In fact, last meeting we got accused of doing it too early. And I think it was you who said, "Why are we talking about this in April? It doesn't come due until August." Like why are we we rushing it now all of a sudden? Why do we take so long to do it? Um, that's what the contract said and it's literally the last meeting and we listen to the public and the very next meeting we fixed it based upon comments from the public. So, please spare us on that. Um, and and this whole thing of this should wait for the next board. I'm old enough to have been here in 2021 when shortly after a board got a new board got elected in 2020, that board voted to replace the county administrator and we got lambasted. We got accused of predetermining to fire the county administrator before we got on the board, which sounds like what you're doing right now. We got accused of not giving ourselves time and getting our feet wet and learning the system before we we fired an administrator without giving him a chance in working with them, which sounds like what you're doing now. It sounds like the public is predetermining whether or not to prepare to fire somebody on the spot the minute a board theoretically changes over, which is the same thing we were accused of only because you have a different opinion of the administrator. So, let's at least make sure we're we're we're being cognizant of history because everything you're implying you're intending to do is the same stuff a different board got accused of doing just 5 years ago. >> All right, I'll close this out. I agree with Commissioner Cruz's statement earlier. In fact, it's why the provision for nonex the contract being in perpetuity was there because it just creates pointless political battles over what should be just normal county business. And I personally just abhore anyone trying to tie any decisions to elections. You can have fun with that in Congress in Tallahassee, but not here. I just won't tolerate that. I think this is a good decision by this board. So, I thank the board for their support. We can move past it and make some corrections in the future and get a new contract in. Uh, with that, we'll just turn over to I think the votes are cast, but it just disappeared. >> That's okay. >> Can we do a verbal vote? >> We'll do a verbal vote. All those in favor of the contract, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? No. That passes unanimously. Thank you all very much. Uh we'll go on to item number 32, government relations, adoption of resolution R26048, approval of a model Manatee County government ethics program, civics education program, excuse me. >> Good morning, commissioners. I'm here to talk about an exciting project. Uh thank you, Commissioner Ballard. she worked kind of hand and foot with us talking this out and and coming up with this idea. We appreciate that. Um some of the counties around us uh have programs that are junior commission type programs and uh things like that. We we at Mante are going to take example from some of those with one being Charlotte County which is the the closest of those um and title it model manity. Uh this is going to be a really great program for current sophomores and juniors in high school to apply and be a part of this program where eventually they'll have a class election and elect county commissioners and sheriffs and clerks and then we'll have a mock man mock manatee county commission meeting where they can kind of see the process and learn through that. Um this resolution is the first step in that. uh we were we are able to work with the county attorney's office to come up with this resolution. This resolution will allow us to to start the process of getting all the the tweaks from what other counties are doing and making it our own and then submitting it to the county's attorney's office for approval, which then we will come back in front of you all to approve that and we can get rolling on this awesome opportunity. Um I'm happy to answer any questions about it, but um this is kind of the first step. So any any questions you'll have? I'll just be quick. I love the idea. I think local government's the most misunderstood as evidenced by a lot of public comments we get and my own I had that similar experience an experience in 10th grade. AP government took that class learned a lot about federal government locals often ignored. So I know leadership junior leadership manatee gives an opportunity to some youth in the community to understand land use a little bit some but not not to the depth that this would. So looking forward to seeing what comes of this. Commissioner Ballard, >> thank you so much for bringing this forward. I think that this is going to be an amazing project for for high school students in Manatee County. I was uh like Tal uh I I did AP government and I loved it, but I really didn't understand local government until I was several years older because I didn't have the exposure. So I think that this is a really great opportunity for young people. And I do have one more question. Uh, will this uh be able to be used by students for their bright futures hours? Something we should look into because I think that that would be a great kind of incentive for students. >> Yeah, that that's a great idea. We um we're we're going to have meetings with uh the school board, Kevin, um and them over there. So, that's something I can ask them and clarify for you. >> Okay, awesome. Thank you. >> All right. I don't see anyone else on the board. I'll accept motions to approve the adoption of resolution unless there's comment and then I'll open up public comment. >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second that. It's a motion to approve the adoption of resolution R26048 approving development of a model Manatee County government civics education program. Seconded by myself. I'll open up public comment in the room. Anyone? All right. So now I go to the phones. Caller 311. And just a quick update, Facebook Live is back the stream there. Go ahead, caller 311 >> or not. Okay. Anyone else? See, I'll close public comment. You can cast your votes. All right, that no happened there. We'll do that passes unanimously. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Okay, item number 33, update of progress on housing and urban development, the CDBG CDBGR. We have a few folks that are going to be joining me. >> Good morning. >> I have another good one for you. I am Rob Burke, government relations department. I'm standing here as an interim grants team manager with me today. I have members of the lasting manatee team as well as uh members of our grants support services partner title basin group and we're here to talk a little bit about the current status of the lasting manatee program effort and uh the future direction and timeline and answer any questions you may have. Um without delay I'll hand it over to Odugo to present. >> Good morning everyone. I'm Odugo Oizu, the communications coordinator for Lasting Manity, and I do want everyone to know with great excitement, we're announcing May 1st as the launch of our home recovery program. May 1st, we'll be opening applications. And now that these funds are available, residents can take that first step to apply to get help with home repairs, replacement, or elevation related to past hurricane damages. Now is the time that we're turning these resources into results. The funding is ready. And to each resident listening in or watching this live, know that you come first. I want to start off by letting you know where to get this help. Lasting manity.org. It's up right now for you on screen. Take a look now. Get familiar. This is your one-stop shop for the assistance program. From starting the application to getting a look at what makes a homeowner eligible. That top arrow for the first button on the page, that's where you'll see the link to start the application. It'll go live when we open on May 1st. That second button on the page, that's where we'll have the eligibility criteria posted. As we speak, we already have stuff up on the SC on the web page for you to learn what you'll need for this program. That's an application document checklist. You can see it there now, right at the top of the web page. So May 1st is when everything will kick off with a pre-application that'll be open for residents for two months. After the first month, right on June 1st, those who pass the pre-application will get notified to complete the full application. Keeping in mind this window to apply for assistance does close on July 31st. Then our team gets to work verifying the documents submitted, conducting home inspections, and giving eligible homeowners their funding awards for home construction. Everyone should keep in mind these are early estimates. I was asked to make a perfect timeline and that's assuming the best conditions, perfect weather, no delays coming from HUD or from our construction vendors. So given that ideal scenario, Lasting Manity will be breaking ground with construction crews in homes at the end of this year or by start of next year. So I do want to bring you through the path that each resident will take as they're applying for assistance. Step one, you're going to apply online. Our website's there to help you. And you can always contact our office if you've got more questions or need to request an accommodation. At this point, you'll also want to consider whether you know you might have trouble using technology or getting to look at these updates over email. You can pick someone close to you that you trust in your life to be your authorized representative. That's someone who can take care of the main parts of the application and support you. The second step is that my team will review all the documents you've shared on your application. For your identity, that'll be things like a license, a passport, or a permanent resident card. We also are looking at proof of residency and occupancy. Things like deeds, the mortgage statement, manufactured home titles, etc. We're also looking at proof of income and other home repair support you might have already received. So, that's insurance payouts or assistance from places like FEMA. Step three. Now that your personal details are checked out, we're going to be checking out the home. We'll set an appointment with you for a home visit, assess the damages, and estimate the scope of work. This leads to us sharing with you an official award letter and any contracts for you to sign. This is also where we'll make sure you know what to expect in every step of the process from start to finish, including making sure you have a plan for temporary relocation if that's needed for your home rehab. Step four, now you get to relax while the county handles the work. Contractors will be assigned and we'll be taking on all of the management, coordination, and payment for these services on your behalf. Step five, now that quite literally the dust has settled, we'll take you through a review of any postrehab agreements that you signed for when you accepted your home repair award. That means maintaining the home as your primary residency without selling it. It could be carrying home and/or flood insurance as well. Following that, you get to enjoy your warm welcome back home. I want to underscore underscore again that we're working to serve residents and repair homes until every program dollar is spent. Keep in mind there may be lengthier timing here. Some of you may still be getting repairs into 2027 and we want you to know that at the onset. And to each of you commissioners, I want to emphasize that you'll see the progression of this program flow like a waterfall project. These are steps that are inherently sequential with pieces that cannot run concurrently such as our internal processes for these activities and they relate to HUD compliance. All of that produces the timeline that you'll see presented here today. Up now is a preview of that pre-application for homeowners. You'll see it's just a short list of questions that we ask to get you through that first step. Most of these are yes, no. There's no documents to submit just yet on May 1st. And depending on your household size, this could be a five minute effort tops. And we can't stress enough that we want each of you at home to not wait through the end of the application window. We want you first to apply right on this 1st of May. Like I said before, we are ensuring that homeowners come first. The home recovery program is the largest of the housing budget allocation, and we're dedicated to getting you into restored, safe housing as a priority. and also to our commissioners, our county partners, and those interested in our infrastructure allocation. Know that May 19th at that upcoming regular board meeting, that's when we'll give a full briefing and update all about the infrastructure program and its timeline. I do want to leave everyone with this. More important than anything else is the website lastingmanity.org. Remember it. Visit it now. bookmark it and join the email list that you'll see mentioned there. You can go there to apply for yourself, to share it with neighbors and loved ones, or just to continue to see the progress of how this grant is going to be making lasting change for homeowners that were affected by the hurricanes. I also know there are community leaders, church organizers, and nonprofit staff who can hear my voice right now. Please make sure your members know. Make sure this website is in your next newsletter. Contact me directly if you'd like help with that. We want you to be a vital part of helping people who need assistance to get to it first. And lastly, to each of our commissioners here today, now is the time to use your network, take advantage of your reach and your social media, and let your constituents and followers know that this funding is here and that you're making good on all promises to help make residents whole again. Thank you all for your time and hearing my presentation today. We look forward to your feedback, your questions, and feel free to email me directly anytime. odugo.uy mymanity.org or you can even send messages to our program inbox run by myself and a grant intake specialist. That's info lastingmanity.org. >> All right. Have a few of us on the board. I just have two quick questions I didn't get to ask before. Since we're essentially looking at roughly 3 years or call it two and a half, two and a quarter since the storm event and to from then until people received the funds. Obviously, a lot of that was the setup time for the grant. Can we expect this to be shorter in the future? Let's just pretend we might get this type of funding again in the future. >> That's a um Stephanie Garrison, director of government relations. It's a great point, Commissioner. That's something that our other counties like Sarasota neighboring us has an advantage over us. They have received DR uh funds from HUD before. We have not. So all last year learning how to do an action plan, building a team. There's six people that we are hiring for this team including um Odugo. So all of that would be in place um should we have the unfortunate uh circumstance to receive that because that would again mean that we've suffered another catastrophic storm. >> Got it. No, good to hear. And then lastly, just given the timeline and and please don't take this as criticism. I recognize this took a lot longer just because this is our first time getting it, but what's I also forgot neglected to ask how about reimbursements for repairs in eligible areas? Is that is that a part of this? I'm just Can people apply for that? I've gotten a few of those questions recently. >> If not, we can email. It's an email question. We can figure it out later. >> Correct. it was action not >> so currently that's not part of our program I was just consulting with Title Basin who's our our consultant here and expert in the program who've done this many times before so there's strict guidance for who is eligible to receive these funds and as Odugo broke it out this part is for home repairs and it's very specific based on those 13 eligible criteria that that you that you laid out. So, we know that there are many other cases where people would like reimbursement. We know there's other things. So, we continue to collect that feedback and I think we're open to other ways, but this particular program is for that particular need. >> Okay. Commissioner McCann, >> it's a great program. Just a couple of quick questions. Uh, are do you see any major obstacles to instituting this program or getting it going? Let me take this one again