Manatee County Commission Notes: 6/2/26

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee observes Manatee County Commission meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League, and notes adherence to, or nonadherence to, good governance procedures and the Sunshine Law. The following are the major points from the board’s regular meeting on 6/2/2026 observed by Government Action Team observers.

Link to the Agenda

Commissioner McCann attended virtually

Invocation – Reverend Brock Patterson, Longboat Island Chapel

Pledge Of Allegiance - Renee Medina, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran

Announcements - Agenda was updated on May 29 and June 1, 2026

Awards/Presentations/Proclamations

Awards

Presentation of June 2026 Team Member of the Month   

Shannon Cox, GIS Analyst in the Public Safety Department, was recognized as Employee of the Month for consistently demonstrating accountability, civility, and excellence in her work. In addition to her primary duties, she developed a custom web experience application for the Community Development Block Grant team. She also demonstrated exceptional leadership during emergency operations, including the 2024 hurricane season.

Proclamations

America 250th Anniversary   

Commissioner Rahn presented a proclamation honoring the 250^th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence and cited four battles fought in Florida for independence.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month   

Commissioner Beardon presented the proclamation designating June National PTSD Awareness Month in Manatee County, which was originally designated by the federal government in 2014 to bring awareness to the condition among those who have experienced trauma. He told of his personal experience assisting a Marine veteran suffering from PTSD and the critical importance of Manatee County having the Veterans Connection Hub to help veterans suffering from PTSD.

Renee Medina of Manatee County Veteran Services urged residents to access their services by calling 941-745-3795.

Commissioner Siddique commended Bearden for his steadfast support and leadership to create the Veterans Connection Hub, securing a $1.6 million funding from the state and for his support to establish “Operation Warrior Resolution” to train staff and others to identify warning signs of trauma.

REQUESTS BY COMMISSIONERS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda)

Commissioner McCann pulled Items 11 and 13.

Siddique pulled Item 21.

CONSENT AGENDA

The League encourages residents to read the full meeting agenda to learn about the approved consent items.

Approved 7-0.

SELECT CITIZEN COMMENTS (Consideration for Future Agenda Items)

Two people spoke on the need for regulation and oversight of Airbnb in residential neighborhoods, some with a capacity of 20 guests. They cause disturbance in residential neighborhoods, including loud noise early and late, excess garbage, and large parties. They requested an update to capacity codes and noise limits.

Joe has repeatedly called the county about a wastewater treatment facility emitting a constant high-pitched tone that began in January and has not been addressed. Siddique offered to assist with solving the issue.

Ken requested a workshop on ethics for county employees to address corruption and unethical activities.

Siddique interrupted to remind Ken to keep to only topics that are under the purview of the Commission and to follow Commission rules. He then cut him off in exasperation and immediately recessed the meeting.

When the meeting resumed, Ken was provided with additional time to finish his comments. Ken accused Siddique of depriving him of his civil right to free speech and threatened to sue him.

Two callers stated their displeasure that speakers were interrupted and disparaged by the chair.

A caller requested that the upcoming Shelter Advisory Board meeting agenda and supporting materials be posted prior to upcoming BOCC meeting on June 16.

Commissioner’s comments

Commissioner Kruse explained that the Animal Shelter Advisory Board creates its own agenda, independent of the BoCC, which will be available at the meeting.  Ideas and suggestions can be sent directly to the Advisory Board or to him as the liaison to be passed along.

Siddique stated staff researched establishing an ordinance for short term rental properties, concluding that code enforcement is challenging even when there is an ordinance, and the County could not monitor without significant staffing increases. Occupancy limits are established and enforced by Fire Districts and should be contacted for assistance. Noise violations are handled by the Sheriff’s office.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

Item#11:  Execution of Change Order No. 9 to Agreement No. 19-TA002970CD, Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant Filter Upgrade; and Adoption of Budget Amendment Resolution B-26-074, Asenstein, Project Manager – District 1   

McCann requested a full explanation for the unforeseen change order expense of $93,000 for the water treatment plant. Chris Collins, Deputy Director of Utilities for Manatee County, explained that this project, designed to increase water treatment capacity for the county’s water supply, has been ongoing since 2006. It has two contractors, Violia and PCL, and necessitated many final fixes.

Approved 6-0.

Item #13:  Approval of Economic Development Incentive Programs and establishing an authorized program list, Stephanie Garrison, Government Relations Director - Countywide   

McCann requested answers to formerly asked questions regarding the new incentive guide to encourage businesses to locate in Manatee County.

Kruse and Siddique led a lengthy discussion regarding the proposal and how the direction differed from the discussion during the workshop; they did not support many of the suggested specific incentives outlined in the project.

McCann motioned to defer consideration until a later date so that a new proposal could be rewritten to incorporate the points discussed.

Approved 6-0.

Item #21: Execution of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 24 R083613CD for the agreement renewal for Buckeye Pretreatment and UIC Well Facility, Patrick Shea, Utilities Director   

Background: Piney Point, a former phosphate‑processing plant, stored wastewater in large, lined ponds on top of a phosphogypsum stack. The liner in one of the containment ponds had a leak which required residents to evacuate and millions of gallons of wastewater being pumped into Tampa Bay. The county assumed responsibility for funding and oversight of the Piney Point cleanup and future monitoring. At the time the Piney Point pond failed, the BoCC delegation met with the state and received a soft promise of $200 million for cleanup and 50 years of future environmental monitoring. The state offered to take control and subcontract management of the well to a contractor who would then monetize the well to recover its expenses. The environmental consequences of having a private company own the well and their proposed use the well for other companies waste could contaminate the aquifer that supplies drinking water to Manatee County. This was an unacceptable risk for the BoCC, the public, and environmental experts. As a result, the county took ownership and had a deep injection well to permanently dispose of the treated wastewater that remained. To date, there have been no funds provided by the state.

Siddique requested a motion to table the amendment, citing significant missing information, lack of legal review, no exhibit for the original fee schedule, inconsistent effective dates and an implied hidden agreement between the county and the receivership. He questioned why Manatee County and local taxpayers were footing the bill for cleanup; why staff was unable to answers about the reported commitment by the State to fund $100 million of the cleanup; why the funds provided by the receivership are significantly lower than the cost absorbed by the county for cleanup; and why is Manatee County solely responsible for paying for the water treatment mitigation and monitoring at Piney Point.

Corey Stutte, Deputy County Administrator, provided a brief overview that the stacks are empty and the contract with Chemical Injection Partners (CIP) now enters the monitoring of seepage phase which can last decades. With the emptying of the stacks phase now completed, the contract enters a new phase, and CIP is entitled to adjust the contract.

Claudia Campos, Interim CFO Manatee County, stated that revenues for the project totaled $19.5 million; expenses were $42.8 million and the County has absorbed the cost overrun loss of $23.4 million using its general fund. 

There was much discussion among the Board regarding what consequences would ensue with different courses of action. 

Motion to table the amendment failed due to a tie vote. Siddique, McCann, and Bearden voting no. 

Siddique's motion to defer approval of contract until June 16, pending receipt of additional documents and information was approved 6-0.

ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS - LEGISLATIVE

Item 22. Adoption of Resolution R-26-043, vacating two portions of right-of-way and Acceptance of a Permanent Utilities and Drainage Easement from Terry and Nancy Noll for property located adjacent to 7104 9th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, Florida 34209 - Lisa Crabtree, Senior Real Property Specialist – District 3

Peter Morrow, Property Acquisition Division Manager, confirmed in response to questions from McCann that the Noll family will own the property and will be responsible for any costs related to utilities and stormwater. 

Approved 6-0.

Item 23. Adoption of Resolution R-26-059, approval of changes to the Infrastructure Sales Tax Project and Equipment List to add one (1) project and amend one (1) project rationale in the Transportation category, and adoption of Budget Amendment Resolution B-26-081 and B-26-082 - Claudia Campos, Interim Chief Financial Officer - Districts 2 and 5   

Upon request from McCann, Campos explained that the added project is for sidewalks for a total of $231,500 and a second project amends the rationale related to Item 25 as follows:

“Due to the widening of University Parkway, intersection improvements are required at Covenant Way. A roundabout is being constructed in coordination with the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, which is funding the widening. These improvements are necessary to accommodate increased traffic volumes, enhance safety, and maintain efficient operations at the intersection. The project aligns with County roadway design standards and long-term transportation planning goals. The County agrees to pay 35% of the construction cost of the roundabout."

McCann expressed considerable objections when told by Chad Butzow of Public Works that there hadn’t been a public hearing regarding the roundabout.

Approved 5-1. McCann opposed.

REGULAR

Community and Veterans Services

Item 24. Approval of Proposed Projects and Activities for FY 2026/27 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan - Julia Vieira, Community Development Program Manager - Countywide   

Tracie Adams, Deputy Director, Community and Veterans Services, presented an overview of the selection process for three HUD grants totaling $2.3 million.

The Review Committee scored 25 applications with total requests of $6.14 million. The five Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects approved included Meals on Wheels and Turning Points. Six grants were funded under public facilities, infrastructure, and housing including Genesis Health and Easter Seals of Southwest Florida. Three projects were funded for HOME investment partnership programs: Turning Points, Salvation Army, and Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. An Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) was selected for Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice.

Approved 6-0.

Public Works

Item 25. Execution of Reimbursement Agreement with the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District for University Parkway at Covenant Way Roundabout Participation - Scott May, P.E., County Engineer – District 5   

Chad Butzow, Director of Public Works, reiterated the facts presented in Item 23, the plan to widen University Parkway to four lanes, and the identification of the need for a roundabout at Covenant Way (just east of Lorraine Rd.)

McCann asked Butzow why a required public hearing had not taken place. Butzow responded that he wasn’t aware that a hearing was a county requirement. 

Kruse reminded everyone that staff time is limited and that taking the time for public input on every decision wouldn’t be an effective use of resources.

Butzow noted that all the proposed traffic plans were presented to the public at the “All Things Lakewood Ranch” meetings.

Approved 5-1. McCann opposed.

COMMISSIONER AGENDA ITEMS

Item 26. Old Memphis Cemetery Desecration and County Response - District 2   

Commissioner Ballard thanked everyone for their support at the clean-up effort during the Memorial Day weekend. To sustain efforts to memorialize veterans and maintain the long term dignity of the cemetery she proposed: explore the functionality of the county’s existing ground penetrating radar to confirm the location of remains; explore state funding which was offered by the Minority Leader of the Florida legislature, Fentrice Driskell (who attended the clean-up); explore funding available through the Freedmen Reparations Trust Fund; and determine the process to obtain a National Historic Site designation for the cemetery.

Public comment

James expressed his gratitude for the efforts to restore the resting place for so many people who were a part of his growing up experience, as it was the only cemetery for Black people. 

Approved 6-0.

Item 27. Old Memphis Cemetery Cleanup - District 5   

McCann made a motion to request/direct the Manatee County Sheriff's Work Release Program, to perform routine maintenance on a regularly scheduled basis.

McCann read an email he received from Sheriff Wells in response to his inquiry which stated Wells would direct the Road Gang (work release program) to perform maintenance if requested to do so by the Board. 

Approved 6-0.

Item 28. Traffic Danger at Wood Fern Trail - District 5   

Background: Wood Fern Trail has become dangerous with motorists trying to turn left on to Lakewood Ranch Blvd. To avoid the danger, residents drive to the light at 44th and Lakewood to turn left.

McCann motioned to instruct public works to put a traffic light at Wood Fern Trail and Lakewood Ranch Blvd, to safely exit and enter Wood Fern Trail.

Butzow came forward to state three traffic projects to address speed on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. are running behind schedule. The traffic light at Wood Fern is part of that group and he expects installation to be started in late 2026 or early 2027. 

Approved 6-0.

COUNTY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

The county attorney updated the Board on the criminal case of the $1.5 million wire fraud in the Clerk’s office from 2023. One of the individuals charged was sentenced to 72 months in detention. Another co-defendant violated probation and will appear in court. In response to a question about the amount of restitution the county has received to date, she said that there was $850,000 lost and that insurance covered only $100,000. There has been no restitution from the individuals involved.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Chair Siddique referenced the current legislative efforts to eliminate homestead property tax and cautioned that it is his feeling that the role of the county should be to inform the public about the impact of the final recommendations.

GOVERNANCE

Link to Good Governance Guidelines

The League recognizes the role of Commissioners to question expenditures and projects and the need to maintain appropriate discussions during public comments. Interactions with the public, staff, and fellow commissioners should be done with courtesy and respect. 

There is considerable time spent getting details on items that could be addressed in a briefing by the county administrator and his staff to the commissioners prior to the meeting