According to a February 12, 2018 piece posted on the Strong Towns website, residents of some cities have a difficult time finding information about public meetings. Standing room only for Monday night’s City Commission meeting suggests the City of Safety Harbor does not share that problem. (Agendas, minutes, and backup materials as well as recordings of the Commission meetings can be found on the city website and scheduled meetings are posted on the city website calendar.)
A few notes from the May 20, 2019 meeting:
Chris Steffens of the Finance Department was recognized as the Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2019.
The Sierra Club presented information about the Ready for 100 Campaign. The campaign asks cities to commit to transitioning to clean, renewable energy. Mayor Joe Ayoub had previously pledged support for the campaign and the Commission requested that city staff draft a resolution. If approved, that resolution will begin the planning process.
Mayor Ayoub presented a proclamation for National Public Works Week, May 19-25.
The Parks and Recreation Staff presented a programming update for Folly Farms. All ages can participate in the monthly Explore, Discover, Grow program at the Farm. The next Explore, Discover, Grow program will be on June 8th; the focus will be on reptiles.
The Commission discussed, heard public comment, and achieved consensus on an update to the Downtown Master plan for areas where the maximum height restrictions have been 45 feet. The draft language was approved with the addition of a minimum percentage for balconies and a requirement for inclusion of four of the seven proposed design elements. The Downtown Redevelopment Board public hearing will be on June 12 at 6:30 pm.
In response to concerns expressed by residents at previous Commission meetings, city staff will draft new code language regarding security cameras installed on private homes.
An unfortunate, unexpected combination of wind and tide during construction of the living shoreline at Waterfront Park caused erosion and resulted in a change of design plan in order to bolster protective elements. The Commission approved funding in the amount of $40,993.16 for this.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board presented a concept plan for enhancement of two lots south of the Baranoff oak on Main Street at Second Ave. N. City Manager Matt Spoor noted that a priority in design of this area is “to keep as much impervious surface as possible for the tree roots.” After discussion, the Commission left open potential adjustment to the number of concrete loungers to be installed in the park. The Commission approved the concept plan for the park with addition of an “artistic” bike rack and a dog and people water station.
View the meeting live stream for more details and information here.
