A short one! Shorter than it appears to be here!
Audience to be Heard (on non-agenda items)
Resident Frank Pattison shared concerns about the dog park at City Park. He reported that a large dead tree lost a limb over the weekend and this was removed from the dog park area by residents. Pattison wanted the City to be aware due to safety concerns. He noted a need for more regular maintenance of the park, including fence repair, regular raking of the ground cover surface, and fountain repair.
Pattison shared that noise and parking overflow at Crooked Thumb can be problematic, including parked cars blocking the fire hydrant, and suggested this be monitored.
Pattison inquired about extension of the brick pavers along 7th Street South. Public Works Director Ray Boler shared that a design project is scheduled for extension of the brick pavers in that area.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes from the previous Commission meeting on May 20 passed, 4-0.
Public Hearing
The Commission passed Resolution 2019-07, 4-0 (with correction of a tiny typo on page two), asking Governor DeSantis to veto CS/HB 1159. The Bill, specifically about private property rights and tree ordinances, would give the state government authority over these issues and is at odds with the concept of Home Rule. (More on Home Rule from the Florida League of Cities here.)
Municipalities shall have governmental, corporate and proprietary powers to enable them to conduct municipal government, perform municipal functions and render municipal services, and may exercise power for municipal purposes except as otherwise provided by law.
The Florida Constitution, Article VIII, Section 2(b)
Ray Boler noted that other local cities are also encouraging a veto of CS/HB 1159. Cliff Merz shared appreciation for the Commission having a meeting in order to discuss the Resolution, as this item may come before the Governor prior to the next City Commission meeting.
Earlier this month as reported by the Tampa Bay Times and others, DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have prohibited local governments from banning plastic straws, a move appreciated by both environmentalists and Home Rule advocates.
Commission Reports
Commissioner Nancy Besore shared that a former member of the Safety Harbor City Commission, Mary Lynda Williams, has passed away. Besore acknowledged Commissioner Williams service and dedication to Safety Harbor. A memorial for Williams will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park on Thursday morning.
Besore encouraged attendance at this Friday morning’s living shoreline planting event at Waterfront Park.
Commissioner Cliff Merz appreciated the Memorial Day Ceremony sponsored by VFW Post 10093 – Safety Harbor and enjoyed the community Movie in the Park event for the premiere of Hallmark’s Love in the Sun movie, noting that it was “a nice opportunity and a good showing of the city and our community.”
