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, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the Sunshine Law. The following are the major points from the board’s regular meeting on 12/16/2025.
Commissioner Bearden was absent
Invocation – Reverend Brock Patterson, Longboat Island Chapel
Pledge Of Allegiance Stephanie Pierre-Charles, Specialist (E-4), Army Veteran and a Deputy Director with the Development Services Department
Announcements
Updates to Agenda - December 10, December 11, December 12, December 15
Requests By Commissioners (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda)
Items 2, 3, 6, 19, 26, 46
Consent Agenda
Approved 6-0.
Citizen Comments (Consideration for Future Agenda Items)
ADVISORY BOARD REPORTS
Financial Management
Item 28. Acceptance of the submission to the Board of County Commissioners the FY25 Annual Report of the Infrastructure Sales Tax Oversight Committee (ISTOC) - Sheila McLean, Chief Financial Officer, Countywide
Leland Taylor, Chairman of the ISTOC stated that storm water projects were brought to the forefront this year. To provide context on the impact of the Infrastructure Sales Tax funds, the additional 1-cent sales tax revenue funded over 50% of the roadway projects in 2024-2025. This tax is scheduled to sunset in 2031; the Board needs to determine how to replace the funding source.
Approved 6-0.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
Item 2. Execution of Land Use Restriction Agreement for Livable Manatee Multifamily Rental Incentive Program for the property located at 3810 Lorraine Road; Bradenton, FL 34211, Helena Yeatman, Affordable Housing Development Coordinator - District 5
Commissioner McCann questioned if county funding was involved and staff stated there were no county funds.
Citizen Comment
Glen stated that this project shouldn’t be done because all rents will be 120% of area median income.
Approved 5-1. McCann opposed.
Item 3. Adoption of Budget Amendment Resolution B-26-032, Sheila McLean, Chief Financial Officer - Countywide
Approved 6-0.
Item 6. Execution of Agreement No. 25-TA006096JK for Professional Structural Engineering Services, Aaron Rawley, Project Manager - Countywide
McCann questioned if the same firm does work for the county and the land use applicants, is that not a conflict of interest? Commissioner Kruse stated it is not a conflict because it is a large firm with different divisions that work for many clients, both private and public.
Approved 5-1. McCann opposed.
Item 19. Acceptance and Recording of Warranty Deed from Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District for property identified as Silver Falls Run, Bradenton, FL 34211, Peter Morrow, Property Acquisition Division Manager - District 5
McCann questioned the deeding of Silver Falls Run Road, a local road, since it shifts maintenance responsibility from the Stewardship District to the county.
A Public Works representative stated that local roads are built by the project developer and then deeded by plat to the County as a public road. The Stewardship District will continue to maintain any enhanced cosmetic improvements such as landscaping or signage.
Motion to deny failed 2-4. Felts and McCann in favor.
Approved 4-2. McCann and Felts opposed.
Item 26. Execution of Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District for Bourneside Boulevard from Masters Avenue to University Parkway for Right-of-Way Improvements, Scott May, P.E., County Engineer – District 5
Chad Butzow, Public Works Director stated that this Agreement clarifies construction and maintenance of this segment of Bourneside Boulevard and will be a public road maintained by Manatee County. Landscaping, signage, mowing, etc. will be maintained at a higher standard by the Stewardship District.
Mr. Butzow also explained that it is necessary for thoroughfare roads to be part of the County network of roads for purposes of access management and control, setting speed limits and other issues.
Motion to deny failed 2-4. Felts and McCann in favor.
Approved 4-2. McCann and Felts opposed.
Item 46. Execution of a Mitigation Bank Credit Purchase Agreement with MFLLC from the Manatee Mitigation Bank related to the Upper Manatee River Road Project, Scott May, P.E., County Engineer – District 5
Butzow explained that Mitigation Banks were created to allow governments and/or developers to replace an on-site wetland with a wetland within the Mitigation Bank. For example, the County purchased property to construct a county project and was not aware that a wetland had been filled on the property. During the permitting process the County was made aware that the site previously had wetlands that were filled and, to move forward, the County would need to buy mitigation credits from a Mitigation Bank or restore that wetland on-site and redesign the project. This agreement is the County’s mitigation purchase for the previously filled wetland.
Approved 4-2. McCann and Felts opposed.
ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS - LEGISLATIVE
Item 29. Adoption of Resolution R-25-224, designating Prospect Road from Whitfield Avenue to Tallevast Road as “PFC Christopher Cobb Memorial Parkway” - Clarke Davis, Public Works Deputy Director - District 4
Christopher Cobb was a graduate of Bayshore High School and a Marine who served in Iraq and in 2004 was tragically killed there. His family was present and his aunt spoke of the family’s appreciation.
Approved 6-0
Item 30. Adoption of Ordinance 25-41, amending Existing Speed Limits - Vishal S. Kakkad, PE, PTOE, RSP-2i, Traffic Engineering Manager - Countywide
Approved 6-0.
Item 31. Authorization to submit the 2024/25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). - Julia Vieira, Community Development Project Manager, Countywide
The report covers Federal Grant programs of HUD, which include housing affordability, public services, and infrastructure improvements. Accomplishments are covered in page 8 and 9 of the presentation.
Approved 6-0.
REGULAR
Community and Veterans Services
Item 32. Approval of Emergency Funding Recommendation for Boys & Girls Clubs to expand services to Rubonia Community Center beginning January 2026 - Kristi Hagen - Countywide
Hagen stated that in September 2025, the Boys & Girls Club reached out for emergency funding to establish a club in Rubonia. In the November 2025 meeting, the funding request of $182,322.00 was reviewed and approved by the BoCC.
Dawn Stanhope, President and CEO of Boys &Girls Club of Manatee County, stated currently a limited number of children from Rubonia come to the Palmetto Club due to lack of transportation. Having a Club in Rubonia will serve more children.
Approved 6-0.
Item 33. Determination of Animal Services Advisory Board Membership Structure - Sarah Brown, Director of Community and Veterans Services – Countywide
Staff gave a presentation with the following options:
Option 1 – The current Advisory Board structure with 7 seats. Composition and experience: up to 3 from non-profit organizations; 1 finance; 1 veterinarian; 1 adoptive parent; 1 volunteer
Option 2 – A new Advisory Board with the following members: experience with animal rescue; ongoing volunteer service, community outreach/teaching experience; familiarity with pet behavior/ownership; public safety/neighborhood awareness; community/policy engagement; strong animal advocacy; organizational experience/project coordination
Commissioners agreed with Option 1, with the addition of 4 additional citizens to the volunteer position.
Motion to direct staff to amend R-15-165 to add 4 additional citizen seats with the criterion that they have volunteered at animal shelters approved 5-1. McCann opposed.
Financial Management
Item 34. Appointment of one (1) Manatee County resident living in the Unincorporated area of the County to the Investment Policy Advisory Board to serve a term of two years - Sheila McLean, Chief Financial Officer
Commissioner Rahn nominated Alex Gault, VP of Wealth Enhancement, to serve again on the Board. There were no other nominations.
Approved 6-0.
Government Relations
Item 35. Adoption of the Manatee County Strategic Plan - Stephanie Garrison, Government Relations Director, and Robert Burke, Business Services Manager - Countywide
Robert Burke reviewed the final draft of the county’s first strategic plan which will focus on service, transparency, and responsible growth. He noted that 77 contributors across departments worked on the document. Once adopted, the next step will be to build performance measures and timelines.
Approved 5-1. McCann opposed.
Item 36. Approval of change to Legislative Funding Request removing Anna Maria Pier from the State Funding Request and adding the SUN Trail Network to the Federal Funding Request - Brent Anderson, Government Relations Manager - District 3
Approved 6-0.
Item 37. Update of progress on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Grant and Lasting Manatee Program - Edrick Sweeting, Grant Supervisor, and Odugo Ohizu, Communications Coordinator - Countywide
Michele Davis introduced the two staff members who presented the details of the launch of the Lasting Manatee Program to allow citizens to apply for disaster recovery grants. Lasting Manatee will provide information and support to applicants. The program will launch in February 2026. Citizen participation and usability are the highlights of the revised website featured in the presentation.
Property Management
Item 38. Update on community outreach survey results, receive board recommendation on continuance of conceptual design, planning and rezoning for the property referred to as Cortez Marina located at 4110 & 4301 127th Street West and 4300 & 4306 126th Street West in Cortez, Florida 34215 - Jeff Anthony, Project Manager – District 3
A representative from Kimley Horn presented the results of 5 community meetings and an online survey regarding preferred amenities and common concerns. Preferred amenities were multi-lane boat ramp, bait and tackle shop, dining opportunities, and passive recreation space. Concerns were increased traffic and neighborhood impact. Anthony, the Project Manager, said that staff needs direction from the Board to prepare a master plan and return in mid-February with options. The original direction when the property was purchased was to include a boat ramp. After the purchase of this property there is only about $4-5 million available for construction.
Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Natural Resources, said that the need for an additional boat ramp goes back 15 years. Eleven years ago, the county was working with Peninsula Bay to consider building a ramp at Palma Sola, but the projected cost was too great and the project was abandoned.
Citizen Comments
Six members of the Concerned Citizens of Cortez Coalition spoke out against including a boat ramp on the property. They noted the history of a previous board abandoning the purchase of the Seafood Shack in 2005 due to safety concerns. The HOA President of Harbor Landing said they conducted their own survey of the 327 household and found that 96% were opposed to a boat ramp.
All the members who spoke, some representing other communities, said that they don’t oppose development of the property but want “smart development” which will enhance the community. Several cited the narrow roads in the area and the safety concerns about trucks with boat trailers blocking roads and causing congestion. There were concerns raised about the small proportion of county residents being served by a boat ramp and skepticism about the need for another boat ramp.
Kelly expressed concern about the environmental impact of increased boat traffic on dolphin habitat and health.
Kevin, a realtor with listings in Cortez, opposed a boat ramp because of a negative impact on property values.
There were over 120 public comments against boat ramps submitted to the online portal, all but one in opposition.
Commissioner’s comments
Siddique moved to authorize staff to initiate conceptual plans for the property that includes a boat ramp. He stated it was the priority that led to the purchase of the property and his constituents in the historic village portion of Cortez want a boat ramp. He added that the purchase was an amenity for the whole county. The motion was amended after further discussion.
McCann said that “there is a lot wrong with this,” and because the people don’t want it there, he would vote against it.
Kruse said when the property was purchased, no one anticipated that the hurricanes of 2024 would destroy it; the feedback at the time was to rebuild what was there. Now he believes that they are rushing a decision at a time when the county finances are in question because of possible tax decisions coming up in the mid-terms of 2026. Also, the construction of the new bridge will have impacts on traffic in the area. He would like the planning team to bring back more than one option.
Commissioners Rahn, Ballard, Felts and McCann supported having 2 plans, one with a ramp and one without, and gradually developing the use of the property.
Siddique amended his motion to authorize staff to initiate multiple conceptual plans with and without boat ramps and the other amenities for the property.
Motion approved 5-1. McCann opposed.
Public Safety
Item 39. Adoption of Resolution R-25-045 to establish the Opioid Abatement Coordinating Council (OACC) as Manatee County’s Official Opioid Taskforce, Execution of the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Bradenton, and Confirm Appointment of OACC Members - Andrew Kunkel, Opioid Response & Policy Coordinator
Kunkel gave an overview of the OACC, which will replace Drug Free Manatee, as the county’s official opioid taskforce. This will result in a formal county-led structure which aligns with statewide requirements. He noted that the needs of the county and the complexities of litigation settlements have grown and the previous task force was too large. The OACC will have 7 members representing the county, City of Bradenton (Mayor Brown), and the City of Palmetto (Mayor West), along with the Sheriff’s office, an expert on opioid addiction, a person with lived experience, and the Director of Drug Free Manatee.
Commissioner Ballard volunteered to serve as the representative of the Board of County Commissioners.
The motion to adopt the resolution and to execute the Interlocal Agreement with Bradenton approved 6-0. Motion appointing Commissioner Ballard to OACC approved 6-0. Motion to confirm all the other appointments as noted in the presentation approved 6-0.
COMMISSIONER AGENDA ITEMS
Item 40. Adams & Rogers Cemetery - D’Agostino
Florida statute allows municipalities to maintain abandoned cemeteries and provides grants and training. Commissioner Siddique wants to take advantage of this support for two cemeteries historically designated for African Americans, if the cost can be determined.
The following motions were approved 6-0.
1. Investigate opportunities for grant funding to support and fund the cost of maintaining and providing security for abandoned cemeteries in unincorporated Manatee County; 2. Prepare an estimate of the cost and resources needed to provide appropriate maintenance and security for the Adams Cemetery; 3. Prepare an estimate of the cost and resources needed to provide appropriate maintenance and security for the Rogers Cemetery; and 4. Return to the Board a report on the above for the Board’s review and consideration.
Item 41. 2026 Meeting Calendar Adjustments - Siddique
Commissioner Siddique is concerned that Land Use meetings scheduled in January, April, and May will need to be moved to avoid costly continuances for petitioners and citizens.
Motion to change the meeting dates approved 4-2. Felts and McCann opposed.
Item 42. Approval of 2026 Board of County Commissioners Committee Assignments - Siddique Approved 6-0.
Item 43. Panhandling Prevention Signage - Ballard
Ballard has heard from many business owners, especially in Oneco, that they want the county to address panhandling. Ballard proposed creating signs to encourage donations directly to agencies that provide comprehensive services rather than to panhandlers.
County Attorney D’Agostino pointed out that panhandling is protected free speech and that some ordinances to prohibit panhandling can be interpreted as criminalizing homelessness. McCann expressed skepticism about how effective signage would be.
Motion to direct staff to develop a several options for signage to be displayed at bus stops and business establishments approved 5-1. McCann opposed.
Item 44. Work Session Schedule for 2026 - Siddique
Siddique reminded the Board that they approved a motion to have a discussion of land use at their first work session of the new year. He suggested it is equally important to discuss the impact of millage/property tax changes.
Kruse and Ballard suggested that in a full-day meeting on February 11, both topics could be discussed if the CFO is ready to discuss the millage issue.
Citizen Comments (Continuation of Consideration for Future Agenda Items)
Pam said that she was inconvenienced at a great cost at last week’s Land Use meeting when she and her attorney sat for 10 hours. She asked the Board to consider the Time Certain designation or stop changing the agenda appointments prior to the meeting.
Commissioner Comments
Kruse reminded everyone that the new Bishop Animal Shelter ribbon cutting takes place Wednesday.
Rahn and Siddique thanked Kruse for serving as the Chair this year. Kruse thanked the Board for their work and wished Siddique well, complementing him on his skills as Chair. Kruse also thanked the staff for all their work.
GOVERNANCE
Link to Good Governance Guidelines
The League welcomes the clarification of how citizens are to show their video presentation in a BoCC meeting. By submitting their presentation in advance, any data security concerns can be allayed and the video can be shown.
Animal Services didn’t have their presentation available through the agenda. In consideration of the public, and those who work to develop these presentations, it should be available through the agenda.
We note that the number of presentations available through the agenda has improved from last year.
We appreciate that McCann brings up matters such as the mitigation bank so that citizens can better understand the operation of government. We are concerned that some consent agenda items are brought up for examination and it is unclear as to why. Also, in a number of votes where McCann is out of step with the other commissioner votes, the public does not hear a reason for his vote in opposition.
Commissioners were cordial in this meeting. They gave the retiring Chair, Kruse, recognition for his work as Chair and Commissioner Kruse showed his appreciation for the other commissioners and staff.
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