The biggest day-to-day impact for residents is likely on utility bills and fees. In the draft FY 2027 budget, city staff said water rates would rise 5.25 percent, wastewater and reclaimed water rates would go up 3 percent, and solid waste and recycling fees would increase 3 percent. The recycling surcharge would also rise from 10 to 16 percent. One bill would ease a bit: the stormwater operating rate would drop from 8.55 to 6.03.

Beyond bills, the city is planning a leaner budget overall. City Manager James Clinch presented a roughly $161.5 million spending plan, about 7 percent lower than last year, with the general fund down just over 9 percent. Staff said eight positions would be eliminated, but all were vacant, so no current employees would lose jobs. The city also plans to keep its operating property tax rate at 3.845 mills, with debt service at .3451, even though taxable value growth was essentially flat.

Council also backed a notable change to a beach project. After staff said the Venice Beach pavilion roof had held up through multiple storms, Mayor Nick Pachota asked for consensus to scale the project back from a $500,000 replacement approach to a $150,000 refurbishment. Council agreed by consensus.

There were also warnings about the future. Clinch said a proposed statewide property-tax change could eventually cut about $5.5 million from the general fund, and staff plans to study what that would mean for services after this budget process.

The next budget workshop is scheduled for July 8.

Key takeaways: - City Manager James Clinch presented a draft FY 2027 budget totaling approximately $161.5 million, described as about a 7 percent reduction from last year, with the general fund reduced by just over 9 percent and eight positions eliminated across multiple departments. Staff said the eliminated positions were vacant positions. (0:02:02)

• Staff said the city plans to keep the operating millage at 3.845 mills, with debt service millage at .3451. Staff also said taxable value growth was effectively flat, with new construction offsetting declines in existing property values. (0:22:38) (0:38:07)

• Staff said the budget includes an $800,000 transfer from the general fund to start a new fleet services operating and maintenance fund, and council gave consensus to reduce the Venice Beach pavilion roof project from $500,000 to $150,000 and change the project approach to refurbishment. (0:19:09) (0:58:31)

• Staff said utility and fee changes in the draft include a 3 percent increase for wastewater and reclaimed water rates, a 5.25 percent water-rate increase, a decrease in the stormwater O&M rate from 8.55 to 6.03 per equivalent stormwater factor, a solid waste recycling surcharge increase from 10 to 16 percent, and a 3 percent increase in solid waste and recycling fees. (0:19:50) (0:20:32) (0:21:00)

Budget introduction and citywide overview

Mayor Nick Pachota called the meeting to order, led the pledge, and turned to City Manager James Clinch for the FY 2027 budget introduction. Kevin Engelke was not present at roll call. Rachel Frank, Rick Howard, Lloyd Weed, and Nick Pachota were recorded as present. Ron Smith was called during roll call, and later spoke during the meeting. Vice Mayor Jim Boldt was referenced during roll call, (0:01:07) (0:01:23) (0:01:29) (0:01:23) (0:01:29) (0:01:23) (0:01:29)

James Clinch said the draft FY 2027 budget had been in development since January and reflected a “level revenue environment” for property taxes while service costs continued to rise. He said the budget totaled approximately $161.5 million, down about 7 percent from last year; the general fund was reduced by just over 9 percent; and eight positions were being eliminated across multiple departments. He said the budget also included the launch of an in-house fleet maintenance program, continued capital improvements, and implementation of the new county parks interlocal agreement without adding city staff. (0:02:02)

James Clinch also said preliminary calculations on a proposed November property-tax reform measure showed a possible general fund reduction of about $5.5 million, or around 10 percent, when fully implemented. He said staff would analyze what a 10 percent general fund reduction would mean for city services after the budget process. (0:05:44)

Council Member Ron Smith said he viewed the message as positive and discussed the possible future effect of the statewide property-tax measure. He said property taxes were a fraction of total city revenues and said the city could manage reductions through adjustments. (0:11:07)

Finance Director Linda Senne said two funds were being closed: the second occupational license tax fund and the police community fund. She said a new police services operating and maintenance fund was being added, funded initially by an $800,000 transfer from the general fund. She said the proposed budget added 3.5 FTEs for the new fleet services fund and eliminated eight positions total: two in the general fund, four in the building fund, and two in the utilities fund. She later said all eight eliminated positions were vacant and that no employee was losing a job. She said total city staffing would go from 410.4 FTEs to 405.9 FTEs. (0:18:24) (0:21:51) (0:23:16) (0:24:35)

Rates, fees, and millage

Linda Senne said wastewater and reclaimed water rates would increase 3 percent on October 1, 2026; water rates would increase 5.25 percent, with 2.25 percent earmarked for future water treatment plant relocation or upgrades; the stormwater O&M rate would decrease from 8.55 to 6.03 per equivalent stormwater factor; the water quality rate would remain $2 per equivalent water quality factor per month; the solid waste recycling surcharge was expected to increase from 10 to 16 percent; solid waste and recycling fees would increase 3 percent on October 1, 2026; mobile home park rents would rise 10 percent in January 2027 as the first year of a seven-year schedule; and the building department and airport were each undergoing rate studies. (0:19:50)

Linda Senne said taxable value change was 0.07% and that the city projected keeping the operating millage at 3.845 mills. She said debt service millage would be .3451. She later said the rollback rate would be 3.9403 and that rolling back would mean increasing the millage rate. (0:22:38) (0:38:07) (0:41:26)

Mayor Nick Pachota and Council Member Rachel Frank both commented on prior millage changes and the city’s EMS-related millage history. (0:39:00) (0:39:53)

General fund discussion

Linda Senne reviewed general fund changes, including increases in utility taxes, investment income, Venice Pier Group revenue, and administrative charges, and decreases in casualty insurance premiums, half-cent sales tax, planning fees, WCIND grant revenue, gas tax transfer, and a public works utility-cut reimbursement line. She said the apparent $800,000 general fund shortfall reflected the one-time transfer to start the fleet fund and that staff considered the budget balanced aside from that transfer. (0:33:13) (0:35:08) (0:43:03)

Council Member Lloyd Weed asked about the “other” category in general fund expenditures, and Linda Senne said it included departments such as the city manager’s office, finance, HR, and planning and zoning. She said staff would email a breakdown and include it more clearly in future budget materials. (0:25:41) (0:36:15)

Council Member Ron Smith asked about FEMA reimbursements. Linda Senne said the city still hoped to receive additional FEMA money for Hurricanes Milton and Helene, estimating $1 million to $2 million, but said the city does not record the revenue until it is received. (0:29:30)

Council Member Rachel Frank asked about reserves for the Wellfield Park obligation. Linda Senne said the budget reserved $300,000 from the general fund in case park impact fees were not sufficient to meet the city’s $1 million annual obligation under the county agreement. (0:44:39)

Vice Mayor Jim Boldt asked about reserve policies. Linda Senne said the general fund reserve policy was 25 percent and the utility fund reserve policy was six months because of bond covenants. She said stronger reserves help the city obtain lower interest rates. (0:46:16)

Capital improvement program

Linda Senne reviewed changes since the earlier CIP workshop. She said playground equipment was moved from FY 2027 to FY 2028; Venice Community Center technical enhancements and a sound system were moved into FY 2027; a generator project there was reduced to a generator switch; a $450,000 transfer was added for a fire truck; Heckscher Park and Triangle Inn were moved into the one-cent sales tax fund; a public works building mitigation project was added with 75 percent grant funding; and a $90,000 fleet services vehicle was added. (0:49:14) (0:50:15) (0:51:33) (0:52:46)

Public Works Director Ricky Simpson said the Venice Beach pavilion roof project could be changed from a larger roof replacement approach to a refurbishment approach after the building had performed through multiple storms. He said the current budget included $50,000 in design and $500,000 for the project, and the revised approach would reduce the project to about $125,000 [transcript conflict: later discussed as $150,000]. (0:56:10)

After discussion, Mayor Nick Pachota asked for consensus to change the project from $500,000 to $150,000 and revise the project approach. The mayor asked for consensus by head nod and then stated there was consensus. No roll-call vote was taken in the transcript. (0:58:31)

Council Member Lloyd Weed asked about the IT backup-site server project budgeted at $521,700. IT Director Roger Navarro said the hardware would serve as an insurance policy for systems that are not yet cloud-based and would avoid a potential outage of up to two weeks if the city’s primary data center failed. He said staff could provide a cost-benefit analysis comparing that hardware approach with a cloud-based alternative. The item remained in the budget for now, with staff to bring back more information. (1:08:53) (1:11:02)

Linda Senne also presented a new summary sheet showing grant funding by fund and project, which she said had been requested by Council Member Lloyd Weed and would be included in future CIP materials. (1:04:28)

Fire and EMS

Fire Chief Frank Giddens discussed EMS transport fees after questions from Council Member Ron Smith. Ron Smith said EMS costs had risen and asked whether transport fees could be increased. Chief Giddens said current fees are tied to CPI under an adopted ordinance and are generally in line with Sarasota County, North Port, and Longboat Key, though some East Coast and Tampa Bay area agencies charge more. He said fees could be adjusted through council action. (1:13:24) (1:16:00)

James Clinch said any changes to fire or EMS funding mechanisms should begin with studies so charges can be tied directly to service costs. He also mentioned the possibility of a fire assessment fee as another funding mechanism. (1:18:18)

Chief Giddens said the department runs roughly 9,000 calls a year and that 83 percent are EMS calls. He said EMS transport fees are charged only when a patient is transported. (1:14:53) (1:23:22)

Council Member Rachel Frank asked about rescue units. Chief Giddens said the department currently has four frontline rescues in service, with a goal of adding a fifth once staffing allows, and seven rescues total including reserves. (1:23:41)

Council Member Rachel Frank also pointed out a fund-balance figure in the fire impact fee section that Linda Senne said appeared to be a formula error and would be corrected. (1:24:46)

Council Member Lloyd Weed asked about a jump in professional services. Chief Giddens said it reflected overlap during a transition from one EMS billing company to another, along with medical director and physical costs, and said the increase was a one-time issue. (1:26:00)

Police

Police Chief Andy Leisenring answered questions on several budget items. Council Member Ron Smith thanked him for the police academy and accreditation work and asked about bike patrols. Chief Leisenring said the department had added e-bikes to its fleet, mainly for special events and for use when staffing allows. (1:32:57)

Council Member Rachel Frank asked about the elder crimes detective position. Chief Leisenring said the position had been created a couple of years earlier but had not yet been filled because patrol staffing needs had taken priority. He said elder crime and cryptocurrency-related losses remained a concern. (1:35:24)

Vice Mayor Jim Boldt asked about the $65,700 for Salvation Army beds in the community outreach program. Chief Leisenring said the city had previously used grant support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, but those grants had ended. He said the city was now using opioid settlement funds rather than general fund money to support four beds, and that the beds had been filled about 90 percent of the time. (1:36:35) (1:38:46)

Mayor Nick Pachota said he wanted to defer broader police budget discussion until the staffing study presentation scheduled for the following Tuesday and asked whether any decisions from that meeting could be reflected in budget materials for July 8. Linda Senne said yes. (1:39:18)

Planning and zoning / historical resources

Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark said the seaboard area work was moving from the adopted master plan into more detailed technical planning for the first phase, focused largely on city-owned property. He said consultants would present on July 14. He also said staff had spoken with the Corps of Engineers about the marina and swing bridge concepts and had not received “serious red flags,” though permitting would be significant and the swing bridge could be more difficult because of navigation issues. (1:42:09)

Roger Clark said the parks master plan public outreach had been pushed into August through October to capture more seasonal residents, and that the Citizen Advisory Board would be used in place of a former parks advisory board. (1:44:47)

On affordable housing, Roger Clark said the city had adopted code provisions, had a density bonus process, and was working with projects including Family Promise and the housing authority area tied to future fire station relocation. He said land values in Venice make affordable housing difficult. (1:46:46)

Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkofe said any revised work on the Venice Beach pavilion would need to follow Secretary of the Interior guidelines for rehabilitation because the building is on the local register. He also explained that a $5,000 “wrap up cake” line item referred to a closing centennial event in May 2027 in Centennial Park, not only cake. (1:49:36) (1:50:42)

Human resources

HR Director Alan Bullock explained a 44 percent increase in the health insurance line by citing employee and dependent counts, high-cost claims, and pharmaceutical costs. He said reinsurance costs had also risen because of recent claims history. (1:55:58)

Alan Bullock also explained employee recognition and orientation items in the supplemental budget detail, including a loyalty or milestone program, a President’s Program for merit awards, and a bus tour orientation program for new hires. (1:57:49)

Council Member Ron Smith asked about a memo from AFSCME leadership regarding wage discussions. Alan Bullock said the union had requested a 3.5 percent step increase plus a 4.5 percent adjustment to the grade-step table, for an 8 percent base-pay increase. He said the city’s initial offer had been a 2 percent one-time payment with no step increase and no grade-step adjustment, and that negotiations were still in early stages. James Clinch said his earlier email to staff about property-tax reform was intended to explain that there would be no direct impact on FY 2027, but that recurring expenses such as salaries could be affected in future years. (2:00:50) (2:03:11)

City attorney

City Attorney Kelly Fernandez said the city attorney office attends city council meetings and boards with quasi-judicial functions, including HAPB, Planning Commission, and special magistrate matters, but not boards without quasi-judicial functions such as the Citizen Advisory Board. She said overall legal spending varies significantly by year depending on litigation and special projects. (2:06:47)

Finance and city manager comments

Council members commented that the digital access to detailed budget backup this year was helpful. Linda Senne confirmed the city had always had the detail but had not previously printed it because of the volume of pages. (2:12:49)

Mayor Nick Pachota and Council Member Lloyd Weed both thanked Linda Senne and finance staff for the budget materials and responsiveness. (2:14:36) (2:15:11)

Stormwater and engineering

City Engineer Jon Kramer said staff was discussing a transfer of maintenance responsibility with Sarasota County that would involve Curry Creek and Deertown Gully. He said the current concept was for the county to take over Curry Creek and the city to take over Deertown Gully. City Attorney Kelly Fernandez said the city was also evaluating information from Sawgrass regarding maintenance responsibility for a portion of Curry Creek and might pursue either a mutually agreed resolution or a declaratory judgment action. (2:21:08) (2:22:28)

Linda Senne said stormwater rates are set based on expected operating and project costs, which is why the O&M rate was decreasing. James Clinch and Jon Kramer said the stormwater program’s main limitation was staff time rather than funding, and that the proposed budget included $150,000 for capital project management consulting support to help move more projects forward. (2:23:23) (2:24:34)

Jon Kramer said the recently updated stormwater management plan was being used to prioritize projects. He also said Flamingo Ditch phase one was programmed for FY 2027, while annexation and preliminary work were already underway in the current year. He said the excavated lot there would likely appear as an extension of the ditch, with the design focused on maximizing storage. (2:25:44) (2:27:23) (2:29:39)

Public works, parks, fleet, and solid waste

Ricky Simpson said the city was preparing to take over additional parks under the county interlocal agreement and expected to maintain service levels without adding staff. He said mowing on the Venetian Waterway Trail and restroom cleaning would be contracted out, while other work would remain in-house. (2:32:24)

Ricky Simpson said the public works building needed impact windows, a generator, and roofing improvements, and that the generator had failed during [unclear] storm operations. (2:36:06)

Council Member Rachel Frank asked about the recent solid waste schedule change. Ricky Simpson said he had heard very little feedback, which he described as a good sign, and said staff had done extensive public outreach. Mayor Nick Pachota said he had heard positive feedback from neighbors. (2:39:12)

Building department

Building Official Derek Applegate said the elimination of four vacant positions in the building fund reflected changes in the industry and the city’s use of private providers. He said developers can hire private providers for plan review and inspections, and that those providers report back to the city, which then verifies completion before issuing certificates of occupancy. He said this trend is occurring across Florida. (2:41:18)

Airport

Because Airport Director Nick Dumas was out on medical leave, James Clinch and Linda Senne answered airport questions. James Clinch said Nick Dumas was still working remotely and responding to public questions about the airport master plan. He said the city was trying to provide direct and clear information about what the master plan does and does not do. (2:45:00)

Linda Senne said fuel flowage revenue was projected lower because fewer people were fueling at the airport even though traffic was up. James Clinch added that staff had been directed to meet with the FBO about increasing the fuel flowage fee and that any resulting increase was not yet reflected in the budget. (2:46:25)

On airport noise complaints, James Clinch said the city was in transition in the airport community outreach manager position, with the current employee’s last day being that day. He said the city had improved from having very limited response to having a dedicated person receiving, verifying, and following up on complaints, and that a new hire would be brought in after a short vacancy. (2:48:49)

On a lease default issue, James Clinch said the city had sent a default letter to a tenant a few weeks earlier, that the tenant had responded, and that staff and the city attorney would meet with the tenant before deciding next steps. City Attorney Kelly Fernandez said the tenant had not met the cure terms set out in the city’s letter, but had disputed the city’s claims in a written response. (2:50:52) (2:52:12)

Council Member Ron Smith asked about possible airport-funded landscaping, berms, fences, or noise walls along Airport Avenue. James Clinch said those ideas had come from the community during the master plan process, that FAA and FDOT would not fund some of those discretionary improvements, and that staff wanted them included in the master plan so they could be pursued when airport finances allow. (2:55:24)

Utilities

Utilities Director Javier Vargas said the city had completed almost seven of eight phases of island pipe replacement work and still needed to revisit some earlier phases because not all pipe had been replaced at that time. He also identified East Gate and Bay Indies as areas of concern outside the island. (3:01:01)

Javier Vargas said the city was working on a reclaimed water master plan and had about $1 million per year for the next five years for reclaimed water work. (3:02:43)

On the water treatment plant, Javier Vargas said the city expected to complete the master plan soon and present a feasibility study early next year. He said the study would look at five options: improving the current plant, relocating and building a new facility, purchasing water from Sarasota County, purchasing water from Peace River, or constructing a seawater desalination plant. (3:03:03)

Adjournment and next workshop date

There was no audience participation. Mayor Nick Pachota said he saw no need to meet the next day unless there was objection, and said the next budget workshop would be July 8. Council Member Ron Smith said he would not be there. The meeting then adjourned. (3:05:28)

Watch the full meeting recording

Vote tallies in this recap were checked against the body’s official roll-call record.

How this was reported: The Public Eye uses AI tools to transcribe and draft coverage of public meetings from official recordings. Every article is reviewed and verified by a human editor before publishing. Our coverage is limited to what happened on the public record — we don’t publish opinion or investigations. The Public Eye is independent and not affiliated with any government body, developer, or other news outlet. Spot an error? Email office@thepubliceye.ai and we’ll correct it promptly.

Venice residents will likely feel the most immediate change around Venice Elementary: the City Council gave final approval for school-zone speed detection systems on roadways identified as a heightened risk. That means automated enforcement can move forward there, aimed at slowing drivers in the school zone.

Council members also made a series of decisions about how the city notifies neighbors about development proposals. They unanimously backed larger property-posting signs with less text and a QR code, directed staff to require neighborhood workshops to include both in-person and online access, and asked staff to draft a code change expanding mailed notice from 250 feet to 500 feet. Rachel Frank and Ron Smith both pushed for stronger public notice and transparency. Kevin Engelke and Jim Boldt raised questions about timing and costs, but the council ultimately moved ahead unanimously.

On the money side, the council approved two major grant agreements through the consent agenda: $850,000 for the Utilities Equalization Basin Tank Project and $937,125 for an emergency generator and wind protection at the Public Works building on Ridgewood Avenue. It also approved three Florida Power & Light easements tied to the Agape Flights hangar project and the new Fire Station 2.

The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance that rewrites decision standards for several land-use cases to make them clearer for boards and applicants. Ron Smith questioned how the changes relate to state law and whether this was the right time to act, but the measure still passed unanimously and will come back for a final vote.

Also approved: transferring $68,504.57 in police charitable donations held by the city to the new Venice Police Charitable Foundation. The next regular council meeting on June 9 was canceled; budget workshops are scheduled for June 18 and 19, if needed.

Key takeaways: - The Venice City Council approved the consent agenda, including authorization for the mayor to execute an FDEP grant for $850,000 for the Utilities Equalization Basin Tank Project and a state emergency management subaward for $937,125.00 for an emergency generator and wind protection at the Public Works building on Ridgewood Avenue. (0:11:33)

• The council approved three Florida Power & Light easements related to the Agape Flights hangar project and the new Fire Station 2 project. (0:12:51)

• The council approved on first reading an ordinance revising decision criteria for several quasi-judicial land use applications, and approved on final reading an ordinance authorizing school-zone speed detection systems for Venice Elementary roadways identified as a heightened risk. (0:27:27) (0:29:12)

• The council approved a resolution acknowledging the Venice Police Charitable Foundation, Inc. and transferring $68,504.57 in charitable donations held by the city on behalf of the Venice Police Department to the foundation. The council also directed staff to prepare code changes requiring hybrid neighborhood workshops and increasing mailed notice distance from 250 feet to 500 feet; it also approved new larger property-posting signs, which did not require a code change, which did not require a code change, which did not require a code change. (0:37:47) (1:00:17) (1:05:09)

Proclamations

Mayor Nick Pachetta presented a proclamation declaring May 2026 as “Children First’s 65th Anniversary Month.” A representative of Children First said the organization serves economically vulnerable families and children at risk, helps children prepare for kindergarten, and supports families in work and school. (0:02:36)

Mayor Nick Pachetta also presented a proclamation declaring June 2026 as “Small Cities Month” to City Manager James Clinch and Assistant City Manager Roger Omenhiser. James Clinch said 2026 has added significance because of the city’s 100th anniversary and said the city’s founders created the organization to support economic development, provide services, and give residents an accessible and responsive government. (0:06:20)

Audience participation before business

The clerk reported there were no speakers for the first audience participation period. (0:10:44)

Consent agenda

The council approved the consent agenda by voice vote, with no items removed. The agenda included minutes of the May 12, 2026 regular meeting; authorization for the mayor to execute the FDEP General Appropriations Grant for $850,000 for the Utilities Equalization Basin Tank Project; and authorization for the mayor to execute the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management federally funded subaward, Grant #4673-213-R, for $937,125.00 to install an emergency generator and wind protection at the Public Works building at 1350 Ridgewood Avenue. The transcript states the motion passed unanimously, but no numeric tally was given. (0:11:33)

FPL easement for Agape Flights hangar project

The council opened and closed the public hearing on the proposed easement at 120 and 610 Airport Avenue West for relocation of electrical services associated with the Agape Flights hangar construction project. The clerk reported no written communications and no speakers. Kevin Engelke moved approval, Jim Boldt seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (0:12:51)

FPL easement for Fire Station 2 at 1545 East Venice Avenue

The council opened and closed the public hearing on the proposed easement at 1545 East Venice Avenue for installation of electrical services for the new Fire Station 2 project. The clerk reported no written communications and no speakers. Jim Boldt moved approval, Rick Howard seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (0:13:02)

FPL easement for Fire Station 2 at 1575 East Venice Avenue

The council opened and closed the public hearing on the proposed easement at 1575 East Venice Avenue for installation of electrical services for the new Fire Station 2 project. The clerk reported no written communications and no speakers. Kevin Engelke moved approval, Jim Boldt seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (0:13:56)

Land Development Code ordinance on quasi-judicial decision criteria — first reading

The council held a public hearing on Ordinance No. 2026-16. Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark said staff and the city attorney reviewed quasi-judicial criteria and proposed revisions to make them clearer, more specific, and easier to apply for zoning map amendments, conditional uses, site development plans, preliminary plats, and height exceptions. He said no new categories of evaluation were created for applicants. He also said the Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0 with minor modifications, including wording adjustments, removal of wording regarding Swiftmud, and changes to environmental criteria language. (0:27:27) (0:16:11)

During council discussion, Ron Smith asked whether the revisions were shaped by Senate Bill 180 and whether this was the right time to make changes if the city could not make all changes it might want. City Attorney Kelly Fernandez said the effort was to make the wording more objective and applicable without changing the intent, so boards would have clearer standards in quasi-judicial decisions. Smith also asked about removing Swiftmud references. Roger Clark said the city applies its own comprehensive plan and land development regulations, while Swiftmud permitting occurs through its own process and is typically resolved through construction plan review. (0:21:47)

The clerk reported no speakers. Jim Boldt moved to approve Ordinance No. 2026-16 on first reading and schedule final reading, Kevin Engelke seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (0:27:20)

School-zone speed detection ordinance for Venice Elementary — final reading

The council held a public hearing on Ordinance No. 2026-19, amending Chapter 70 on school zone speed infractions and authorizing speed detection systems on specified roadways maintained as school zones for Venice Elementary that constitute a heightened risk. The clerk reported no written communications since the last hearing, staff had no update, and there were no speakers. (0:29:12)

Ron Smith moved approval and adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-19, Rachel Frank seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (0:29:02)

Venice Police Charitable Foundation resolution

The council considered Resolution No. 2026-11. Police Chief Andy Lysenring said charitable funds have long been used for community programs and to assist employees in need, including after hurricanes or family medical emergencies. He said those funds had previously been held by the Fraternal Order of Police, then later within the city finance department, but that the department has now created the Venice Police Charitable Foundation as a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status. He said the department was requesting transfer of $68,504.57 currently held by the city to the foundation. (0:37:47) (0:30:51)

Sean Singheisen, identifying himself as a director and board member of the Venice Police Charitable Foundation, read the foundation’s mission statement. He said the foundation supports Venice Police Department employees in times of personal need, wellness and professional development, and community partnerships. He listed programs including Shop with a Cop, Blue Santa, and the Shark’s Tooth Fishing Tournament, and listed board members as Craig Markham, Mary Ann Kurtz, Steve Ledbetter, Eric Robinson, Sean Singheisen, Joe Raffinello, Tabitha Joyce, and Chief [unclear]. (0:34:04)

The clerk reported no speakers. Rick Howard moved approval and adoption of Resolution No. 2026-11, Jim Boldt seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (0:37:42)

Neighborhood workshops and property posting standards

Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark presented research requested by the council on neighborhood workshop formats and property-posting standards. He said neighborhood workshops were added after concerns raised during the 2007 Envision Venice comprehensive plan update. He said applicants must notify adjacent property owners within a specified radius and registered neighborhood associations at least 15 days before the hearing, and must hold the workshop before submitting a land-use change application. He said workshops were held in person before 2020, shifted to virtual during COVID, and the 2022 land development regulations allow in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats. Since 2020, he said, 37 of 122 neighborhood workshops included an in-person component. (1:00:17) (1:05:09)

Roger Clark said staff surveyed other jurisdictions. He said Sarasota County is evaluating the issue and appears likely to require in-person workshops; Longboat Key requires them in person for one application type; North Port requires in-person workshops but allows a hybrid virtual component; and Sarasota does not explicitly require in-person workshops but implies a location. Staff recommended requiring a hybrid format with both an in-person and virtual component. He said this approach considered the possibility that requiring out-of-area professionals to attend in person could be considered more burdensome under Senate Bill 180. (0:41:22)

On mailed notice distances, Roger Clark said Venice currently notifies property owners within 250 feet of the subject property, measured from the outside of the property or from the middle of an adjacent roadway, right-of-way, or water body. He said Sarasota County uses 750 feet and 1,500 feet in rural areas; Sarasota uses 500 feet; North Port uses 1,200 feet and 1,320 feet for some rezonings and special exceptions; and Longboat Key uses 500 feet. He said Venice has used 250 feet since at least 1978 and that staff has not received many complaints specifically about the distance, though there are sometimes complaints when notices do not reach people because of mailing or property appraiser address issues. (0:43:18) (0:55:44)

On property posting, Roger Clark showed a revised sign format. He said the city had moved to the same sign size as Sarasota County, 3 feet wide by 2 feet high, with less text and a QR code linking to the agenda item. He said the city would continue posting the signs and charging applicants for them, with an initial order of 100 to 150 signs estimated in the $2,000 to $3,000 range. City Attorney Kelly Fernandez later clarified that the sign-size change did not require a code modification, while changes to mailed notice distance and workshop format would require code changes. (0:45:29) (0:58:00)

During council discussion, Ron Smith said he wanted the city to give as much notice and transparency as possible and suggested the city could absorb the cost of additional mailed notices if needed. Kelly Fernandez said the city could choose to take on additional cost, but whether a change is “more burdensome” under Senate Bill 180 could depend on whether someone challenges it. City Manager James Clinch said there could be cost implications for all three items discussed: signs, hybrid meetings, and mailers. Kevin Engelke said he supported looking at a larger notice radius, possibly after Senate Bill 180 sunsets, but later supported moving forward now. Jim Boldt said he did not recall many complaints about the 250-foot standard. Rachel Frank said her goal was transparency and public involvement. (0:48:31) (0:50:53) (0:52:38) (0:55:40) (1:00:17)

Rachel Frank moved to approve staff’s recommendation for the new physical posting standards and for neighborhood workshops to require a hybrid option with both in-person and online components. Jim Boldt seconded. The motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (0:59:44)

After that vote, Kevin Engelke moved to direct staff to prepare a mailed-notice modification increasing the standard from 250 feet to 500 feet. Ron Smith seconded. During discussion, Rachel Frank said 500 feet is “1.4 football fields” and noted that the larger signs would also improve visibility. Mayor Nick Pachetta said he supported bringing Venice in line with other local standards while being careful about Senate Bill 180. The motion passed unanimously by electronic vote; no numeric tally was stated. (1:05:02)

Charter officer reports

City Clerk Kelly Michaels said the June 9 meeting was canceled and the next meeting would be budget workshops on June 18 and 19, if needed. (1:07:35)

City Manager James Clinch said staff did not bring forward a request at this meeting to exceed the 3% charter limit on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year because “it is going to be a lean year” and “a cut year.” He said the city is not planning to exceed that threshold. He said draft budget books would be provided late the following week, budget detail sheets would be provided electronically, and a second budget workshop was planned for July 8 if needed. He said the city’s approach would be “extremely conservative,” with reductions in the general fund and in overall FTEs through removal of unfilled positions. He also said the budget would still include seven neighborhood parks, the Venice Community Center, and a fleet maintenance program for light fleet units. He added that hurricane season begins June 1 and said city staff had completed county and city emergency preparedness training, with a hurricane expo planned for Friday and Saturday at the Venice Community Center. (1:07:53)

Council reports

Ron Smith said he supported a letter from former council member Mitzi Fiedler urging the city to look at acquiring 10 additional acres near the North Venice Park and said that could be discussed with Sarasota County at an upcoming joint meeting. He also asked that reopening access to Caspersen Beach be included in that joint meeting discussion. Smith also said he wanted the council to consider making the airport advisory panel a permanent advisory board to the council. (1:11:22)

Kevin Engelke said he agreed with exploring the possible acquisition of property near Northeast Venice Park if it was an opportunity for the city and another entity could pay for it. He also reported attending a Florida League of Cities leadership meeting focused on courtesy and conflict resolution and said discussion there confirmed to him that Venice is “a pretty well-run city.” (1:14:41)

Mayor Nick Pachetta announced a free two-day City of Venice Hurricane and Home Expo at the Venice Community Center on Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, with city, county, nonprofit, and business participants, speakers, raffles, and food. He also announced the 33rd Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, and a July 4 schedule including a 9:30 a.m. parade, 11 a.m. community picnic at the Venice Community Center, and 9 p.m. fireworks. He said parade applications were due by Friday, June 5, or earlier if capacity is reached. (1:16:14)

Final audience participation and adjournment

The clerk reported there were no speakers for the final audience participation period, and the meeting adjourned. (1:18:45)

Watch the full meeting recording

Vote tallies in this recap were checked against the body’s official roll-call record.

How this was reported: The Public Eye uses AI tools to transcribe and draft coverage of public meetings from official recordings. Every article is reviewed and verified by a human editor before publishing. Our coverage is limited to what happened on the public record — we don’t publish opinion or investigations. The Public Eye is independent and not affiliated with any government body, developer, or other news outlet. Spot an error? Email office@thepubliceye.ai and we’ll correct it promptly.

The biggest day-to-day issue for many residents was public safety: council agreed to hold a workshop within 60 days on the Venice Police Department staffing study, with the consultant in the room to talk through short-term fixes, long-term hiring needs, and the budget impact. The vote was 5-0. The study said the department is understaffed now and will need more officers as the city grows, especially in north Venice, where response times were described as much longer than near police headquarters. Rachel Frank said the report backed up repeated requests for more officers. Rick Howard pressed on response times in north Venice. Ron Smith asked that the consultants return for a workshop, and Mayor Nick Pachota said the cost questions deserved a deeper public discussion.

Council also made two decisions with visible local effects. It approved an appeal for 816 Ormond Street, allowing a six-unit multifamily project to move forward on a 5-1 vote. Neighbors raised concerns about drainage, parking, privacy, and whether the building fit the area. Jim Boldt said the project met the code the council has in place, while Ron Smith said he wanted more buffering and drainage assurances and could not support it without those conditions. The digest does not clearly identify who cast the no vote.

At the airport, council told staff to move ahead with environmental review work, including added soil sampling, with a cap of $200,000. That means more testing tied to runoff and possible contamination concerns raised by residents.

Council also unanimously approved a new agreement for Venice Institute for Performing Arts Center Management, Inc. to run the Venice Community Center. The deal includes a $280,000 annual management fee and $70,000 for the transition before Sarasota County stops managing the building on September 30.

Next, staff will return with a date for the police staffing workshop, with possible July dates discussed, and two ordinances approved on first reading will come back for final votes.

Key takeaways: - The council approved a workshop on the Venice Police Department staffing study, with short- and long-term goals and financial impacts to be discussed with the consultant present; the motion passed 5-0. (1:34:33)

• The council approved the appeal item for 816 Ormond Street, allowing the six-unit multifamily site and development plan to proceed; the vote was 5-1. (4:24:45)

• The council directed staff to move forward with airport environmental review work, including added soil sampling, not to exceed $200,000; the motion passed unanimously. (6:07:23)

• The council approved a management agreement with Venice Institute for Performing Arts Center Management, Inc. to manage the Venice Community Center, with a proposed annual management fee of $280,000 and a $70,000 transition services cost; the vote passed unanimously. (6:12:47)

Roll call and opening

Mayor Nick Pachetta called the meeting to order. Kevin Engelke was absent. Rachel Frank, Rick Howard, Lloyd Weed, Jim Boldt, and Mayor Nick Pachetta were present. Ron Smith was not heard in the roll call response in the transcript. (0:01:09)

Recognition: 35-Year Service Award for Paul Joyce

The council recognized Master Police Officer Paul Joyce for 35 years of service. Mayor Nick Pachetta and Police Chief Andy Leisenring spoke about Joyce’s career, including his work in patrol, marine patrol, training, fleet operations, the Honor Guard, boating safety programs, the Blue Santa event, and the Venice “Shark’s Tooth” fishing tournament for special athletes. A representative from Congressman Greg Stubbe’s office presented Joyce with a challenge coin. Joyce thanked city staff, law enforcement partners, and his wife, Tabitha Joyce. The meeting then recessed for about 15 minutes for photos. (0:02:24)

Consent agenda

The council approved the consent agenda in one motion with no items removed. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The consent agenda included the May 26, 2026 regular meeting minutes and two utility items involving Sarasota County easements and the Venice Train Depot lift station purchase for $10.00. (0:21:36)

Venice Police Department staffing study

City Manager James Clinch introduced Dr. Marshall Jones and Dr. Brandon May, who presented the Venice Police Department staffing study. They said the department is operating at a quality-policing model but is understaffed, especially as growth continues in the north part of the city. They said calls for service increased about 13% from 2020 to 2024 and officer-initiated CAD calls increased about 20% in that period. They said the city had 57 sworn officers in 2006, about 54 to 55 currently, and projected a need for 64 minimum sworn officers now under a 50% workload model and 88 under the 33% model the department has been operating under. They also projected a need for 96 sworn officers by 2035 under the 50% model and 132 under the 33% model. (0:22:21)

The consultants said the department’s current minimum patrol staffing is effectively 3 plus 1 supervisor rather than the intended 6 plus 1, and they described a shift relief factor of 2.51. They recommended reorganizing command structure, creating a deputy chief position by conversion, creating a professional standards lieutenant, adding a corporal tier, increasing patrol from 24 minimum to 40, growing patrol toward about 60 officers by 2035, and expanding detectives from 9 to 11 over three years. (0:55:10) (0:59:48)

Council members asked about response times, recruitment, retention, zoning of patrol resources, and budget impacts. Mayor Nick Pachetta said the study was valuable and said he favored additional time to review it in a workshop setting because of the budget implications. (1:03:00)

Rick Howard asked about the 33% calls-for-service model and response times in north Venice. Dr. May said average response time in the green area near the police department was around 3.4 minutes, while average response time in zone seven to the north was just under nine minutes, with some calls exceeding 20 minutes. (1:07:04)

Rachel Frank said the study backed up repeated requests from the police chief for more officers and asked what kinds of calls were driving longer response times in the northeast. Dr. Jones and Dr. May cited domestics, trespass, traffic incidents, and fraud investigations. (1:14:01)

Ron Smith asked whether the consultants could be available for a future workshop and asked about volunteer use and the effect of dispatch changes on staffing comparisons. Dr. May said the study looked at sworn positions only, not dispatch positions. (1:19:04)

Jim Boldt asked about the proposed restructuring and whether it could provide immediate relief. Dr. Jones said the reorganization could improve supervision structure and create a professional standards function, but staffing growth would still be needed. (1:29:13)

Mayor Nick Pachetta moved to hold a public safety workshop within 60 days, if not on July 8, with the consultant present to discuss short-term and long-term goals and financial impacts. The motion passed 5-0. (1:34:33)

Floodplain management ordinance, first reading

The council approved Ordinance No. 2026-07 on first reading and scheduled it for final reading. The ordinance amends Chapter 88, Section 6, floodplain management, to ensure consistency with state and federal law. The vote was 4-0. (1:36:05) (1:38:19)

Unsafe structures ordinance, first reading

The council approved Ordinance No. 2026-20 on first reading and scheduled it for final reading. City Manager James Clinch said the code had not been updated in a long time and that the changes were intended to speed correction of unsafe structures without requiring all physical modifications to go through court. The vote was 4-0. (1:38:28) (1:39:13)

Land Development Code quasi-judicial criteria ordinance, final reading

The council approved and adopted Ordinance No. 2026-16, amending Land Development Code decision criteria for several quasi-judicial application types and preliminary plats. The vote was 5-0. (1:41:18)

Budget amendment ordinance

The council approved Ordinance No. 2026-21 on first reading and scheduled it for final reading. The ordinance increases total revenue by $255,000 and total expenditures by $255,000 for fiscal year 2025-26. The vote was 5-0. (1:43:31)

State of emergency pay policy resolution

The council approved Resolution No. 2026-07 adopting a revised state of emergency pay policy and superseding Resolution No. 2023-06. The vote was 5-0. (1:44:54)

Venice Area Beautification public art fund resolution

The council approved Resolution No. 2026-12 recognizing and endorsing the Venice Area Beautification, Inc. public art fund. Bob Vetter and Bill Wilson spoke on behalf of Venice Area Beautification, Inc. They said the fund had $50,000 in seed money from a donor and would be managed by Venice Area Beautification, Inc. with city support and community input. City Manager James Clinch said the idea came from Venice Area Beautification, Inc. and that staff supported it. The vote was 5-0. (1:46:02)

Land development fee schedule resolution

Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark presented a revised land development fee schedule. He said the city had not implemented planning fee changes since 2010 and that the study found the city was subsidizing about 21% of planning application costs, with total cost of $125,248 and revenue of about $98,000 under current fees. He said some fees would increase, some would decrease, and some concurrent applications would receive add-on pricing at 75% of the full fee. He also said planning fees currently increase by 2.5% every October 1. (1:59:58) (2:18:29)

Examples discussed included annexation fees, appeals, comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, site and development plans, variances, and historic preservation board fees. Council members discussed the size of the increases, comparisons with nearby jurisdictions, and the need to revisit fees more regularly. The council approved Resolution No. 2026-13 adopting the revised fee schedule. The vote was 5-0. (2:22:15)

Appeal hearing: 816 Ormond Street site and development plan

The council opened the quasi-judicial appeal hearing on Planning Commission approval of Site and Development Plan Petition No. 25-45SP for six multifamily units at 816 Ormond Street. City Attorney Kelly Fernandez said the hearing was de novo. No council member reported a conflict of interest. Ex parte disclosures included site visits only by Jim Boldt and Nick Pachetta; the others reported none. (2:25:27)

The council granted affected party status to David Topian and to David Topian on behalf of Eric Warble. The vote on each affected party motion passed unanimously. A third affected party request from Anna Danton was not taken up at that time because she was not present. (2:30:00)

Senior Planner Nicole Tremblay presented the staff report. She said the property is about half an acre, designated medium density residential, zoned RMF-3, and the proposal is for a three-story residential building with six units and understory garage parking. She said the project met parking, height, and setback requirements, with a proposed height of 38 feet, seven and a quarter inches plus 10 feet for understory parking, below the maximum allowed. She said transportation impact was estimated at 23 PM peak hour trips, below the threshold that would trigger a full transportation impact analysis. (2:33:20)

Applicant attorney Mariah Miller presented the application with engineer Craig Mayhew. They said the project complied with the comprehensive plan and code, that the surrounding zoning reflects a step-down pattern from higher density near the Esplanade to lower density farther east, and that the stormwater system was designed to meet requirements using underground storage. Mayhew said the system was designed for an 11.2-inch storm event over 24 hours and that post-development discharge would be less than pre-development discharge. (2:51:02)

Appellant David Topian said neighbors were not disputing that the project met zoning standards but argued it was not compatible with the neighborhood under Section 4 of the code. He raised concerns about parking on Ormond Street, building height, scale, landscaping, lighting, noise, and stormwater. He said the underground detention system held 19,180 gallons based on his calculation and questioned whether it was adequate during major storm events. He asked the council to require redesign or conditions rather than deny the project outright. (3:16:29)

Public speakers included Steve Rost, Glenn Spinelli, Bert Matthews, and Daryl Bobby. They raised concerns about privacy, stormwater runoff, parking, neighborhood compatibility, and the scale of the building. Spinelli said he was president of Ché Vista and said there was no easement or agreement for discharge onto that property. (4:03:24)

In council discussion, Jim Boldt said the project fit within the code parameters and that the council was in a difficult position because the land development code allowed it. Ron Smith said he believed additional buffering and assurances on drainage were needed and said he could not support the project without those conditions. (4:25:13)

The motion to approve Site and Development Plan Petition No. 25-45SP passed 5-1. The transcript excerpt does not verbally identify which council member voted no. (4:33:11)

Airport update and environmental review

City Manager James Clinch presented an airport update in response to council directives from May 12. He said the airport fact sheet had been finalized and made available, Airport Director Dumas was working remotely while recovering, and airport master plan public meetings would resume in the fall in a workshop format. He said the airport was recruiting a new airport community outreach manager and that noise abatement would be the primary function of that role. He listed airport outreach activities including airport day, student government day, summer concerts, hangar activities, youth outreach, introductory flights, airport tours, and work with the high school and chamber. (4:37:10)

Clinch said the Fly Friendly program would be refreshed, PAPI lights for runway 5/23 had been repaired and were awaiting FAA commissioning, and that 5/23 already handled about two-thirds of airport traffic. He said the city was pursuing a remote tower, potentially with 100% state grant funding, and that the city was exploring whether the monitoring equipment could be housed in the new airport administration building. He also said the city was looking into landing fees for non-based itinerant aircraft, additional buffering along Airport Avenue, and an airport noise and operations management system. He said the city was not actively working on Part 139 compliance, not planning a the “T-word”, not expanding runways, not trying to increase or decrease operations, and not delaying the master plan further. (4:44:25)

Assistant City Attorney David Jackson said staff and airport management reviewed the fixed base operator lease and found Skyport Holdings Venice, LLC was operating in compliance with the lease and current airport minimum standards. He said staff met with Skyport on June 9 and proposed a lease amendment requiring, for turbine-powered aircraft, access to compatible ground power units and offering ground power in lieu of extended engine or APU operation for aircraft on the ramp longer than 15 minutes, subject to safety and operational conditions. He also said the amendment would move up the first market-rate fuel flowage fee adjustment from November 2036 to November 2026, with future adjustments every five years. (4:57:16)

Clinch said Skyport’s two hangars were expected to be complete in August or September and would each have two hardwired ground power units. He said this would allow ramp staging to shift farther east, away from the residential area. He also said CJ Wilson Law was drafting updated airport minimum standards and rules and regulations, with stronger enforcement language, GPU language, and clearer commercial standards, and that the draft would go to the FAA for review before returning to council. (5:03:31)

Consultants from Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. described current and proposed environmental work. They said current work already approved included a 2026 stormwater system operations and maintenance certification, a stormwater inspection and documentation program under Senate Bill 740, and a voluntary stormwater runoff sampling plan for Deertown Gully. They said optional future work could include a comprehensive airport regulatory compliance review, implementation of the runoff sampling plan for one year, and air quality analysis including an airport emissions inventory and dispersion modeling. They gave cost figures of $15,000 not to exceed for the compliance review, $35,000 not to exceed for implementing the runoff sampling plan for one year excluding lab costs, $30,000 to $45,000 not to exceed for one air quality task, $65,000 to $85,000 not to exceed for the second air quality task, and $100,000 not to exceed if both air quality tasks were done concurrently. (5:12:07) (5:23:20)

During council discussion, Lloyd Weed asked why soil contamination had not been included, and the consultants said it could be added. Ron Smith asked about testing at other outfalls and whether testing would follow Department of Environmental Protection methods. Rick Howard asked what direction staff needed. (5:24:23) (5:29:11) (5:37:25)

Public speakers Madeline Zubik, Chris Davis, and Peter Fazio commented. Zubik asked about testing protocols, public release of results, and impacts on nearby neighborhoods and species. Davis said she supported finding and solving pollution issues and asked that open ditches and Deertown Gully be included in testing. Fazio said the airport had never been better managed and said the city and airport staff should be commended. (5:54:47)

The council then directed staff to move forward with the proposal, including soil sampling, not to exceed $200,000. The motion passed unanimously. (6:07:23)

Venice Community Center management agreement

Assistant Director of Public Works Ash Castle and Assistant City Manager Roger Omenheiser presented a proposed management agreement for the Venice Community Center. Castle said Sarasota County would stop managing the center on September 30 and that Venice Institute for Performing Arts Center Management, Inc. had been selected through an RFP process. He said the proposed agreement was a five-year turnkey management contract with two possible 24-month extensions, a 30-day termination with cause, and 270 days without cause by either party. He said all existing reservations and first-year bookings would be maintained and that there were 131 pending reservation requests. He said transition services from contract execution through September 30 would cost $70,000. (6:12:47)

Castle said the proposed annual management fee was $280,000, with the manager establishing a working capital and subsidy fund and a capital improvement fund. He said the first $20,000 of any deficit would be covered 100% by the working capital and subsidy fund, deficits between $20,000 and $100,000 would be split 25% capital fund and 75% city, and anything over $100,000 would be covered 100% by the city. He said any surplus after both funds reached $100,000 would be split 50-50 between the city and the manager, with the city’s share credited toward the next year’s management fee. (6:19:54)

Michael Hartley, board president of Venice Institute for Performing Arts Center Management, Inc., said the organization was founded about 10 years ago and currently manages the Venice Performing Arts Center. He said the group had produced over 250 of its own productions, had more than 250 volunteers, and had graduated over 100 apprentices through its apprenticeship program. He said the organization wanted to “activate” and “elevate” the community center, increase use during low-demand periods, use technology and event consultants to guide renters, create a multi-tiered pricing structure with discounts, and increase marketing spending by about 500% over the current marketing budget. He also described ideas for pop-up dinner theater, concerts, conferences, and other events to increase occupancy and revenue. (6:23:53)

Council members Ron Smith, Lloyd Weed, and Rachel Frank praised the proposal and asked about city use, parking, landscaping, reporting, and food and beverage vendors. Hartley said the organization would provide monthly financial reports and would work with multiple local food and beverage vendors through a curated program. (6:56:00)

The council approved the agreement and authorized the mayor to execute it. The motion passed unanimously. (6:57:50)

Former council member remembrance

During council reports, Ron Smith noted the death of former city council member Ernie Zvodnik. He said Zvodnik moved to Venice in 2003, served on the city council, and that a memorial would be held on July 20 at Epiphany Cathedral. (6:59:39)

Workshop scheduling note

During charter officer and council reports, City Manager James Clinch said staff would come back with a date for the police staffing workshop. He said the consultant was available on July 17 or the following week on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd, and Mayor Nick Pachetta said his preference was July 14 if possible, with July 17 as a backup. (6:59:59) (7:01:18)

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:13. (7:02:42)

Watch the full meeting recording

Vote tallies in this recap were checked against the body’s official roll-call record.

How this was reported: The Public Eye uses AI tools to transcribe and draft coverage of public meetings from official recordings. Every article is reviewed and verified by a human editor before publishing. Our coverage is limited to what happened on the public record — we don’t publish opinion or investigations. The Public Eye is independent and not affiliated with any government body, developer, or other news outlet. Spot an error? Email office@thepubliceye.ai and we’ll correct it promptly.