The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee observes the Board of County Commissioners’ meetings for items of interest to 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 of Manatee County Commissioners Regular Meeting on 09/14/2021, observed by Coleen Friedman and Rose Arnone.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
Changes to agenda
County Administrator Hopes noted Satcher’s addition to the agenda of a letter and request for an advisory opinion on local abortion regulation.
Merger of the Myakka City Fire Control District and the East Manatee Fire Rescue District
- In August 2020, the Myakka Fire Control District Board of Commissioners and the East Manatee Fire Rescue Board of Commissioners voted to place the matter of a possible merger of Myakka City Fire Control District under East Manatee Fire Rescue District. It is in the best interest of public health, safety, and welfare to merge the two Fire Districts.
- The districts have entered into an interlocal agreement which provides for the orderly transfer of all assets, liabilities, fees, and interests from the Myakka City Fire Control District to the East Manatee Fire Rescue District upon the effective date of Ordinance 21-35.
- The motion passed unanimously and was followed by remarks from leaders in both fire departments as well as congratulations from state Representative Jim Boyd.
Updates to Parks And Recreation Ordinance
- At their regular meeting on August 10, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners authorized to advertise and allow for a public hearing for Chapter 2-24 of the Manatee County Code to take place on September 14, 2021. The Parks & Recreation Ordinance (now Parks & Natural Resources) has not been updated for 13 years.
- Staff feels that this ordinance needs to better reflect today’s current operations, to maximize the public benefit of Manatee County’s parks and preserves, and to provide a streamlined approach for recreation activities and services.
- Before the staff presentation, Van Ostenbridge expressed concerns about the proposed changes, specifically the prohibition on fishing on boat ramps and the limitation on peaceful assembly in parks. Whitmore and Satcher concurred with his concerns.
- Servia proposed bringing back the changes for a workshop and public hearing. Her motion passed unanimously.
Requested investigation of 360 Solutions and Homeless Veteran Housing
- Commissioners responded to a citizen request for an investigation about deposit amounts given to new homeowners for affordable housing that passed through a nonprofit, 360 solutions, concerned that these funds would never be returned to the county. It was indicated that these funds come from HUD, not the county.
- Later in the meeting Administrator Hopes reported that the county will use ARP funds to renovate the former jail to provide transitional housing, with support services on site, for homeless Veterans. In addition, someone has expressed interest in building permanent housing for Veterans to transition into.
Satcher’s request for approval of a letter to the Florida Attorney General (AG) in favor of a county ordinance creating a “safe haven” for the unborn in Manatee County and to direct the County Attorney to request a formal advisory opinion from the AG addressing whether the County is preempted under Florida law from adopting an ordinance regulating abortion.
Commissioner Satcher read his letter, which he proposed accompany the formal request for an advisory opinion from the county attorney. Discussion insured and included:
- Bellamy repeated over and over “women deserve the right to speak for themselves”.
- Servia stressed that the letter represented the “opinion” and lobbying effort of Satcher and should not portray it as the opinion of Manatee County residents. She suggested he write to the AG on his own letterhead and asked the County Attorney if the full commission letter was “normal” in the process to asking for an advisory opinion. He said no. Servia suggested that the board should let the topic play out at the State level and in the US Supreme Court.
- Whitmore commented upon the incorrectness of the content of the letter, along with its unprofessionalism. Later in the nearly 2 hour discussion she reaffirmed her belief in choice and related a deeply personal story.
- Van Ostenbridge praised Satcher’s letter and its subject matter.
- Kruse commented that he is pro-life and will sign the letter, but feels it would have been better to let the item come up in the State session, and if not successful there, then to pursue it for Manatee County.
- Satcher said he wanted to know where everyone stands so they don’t waste time and effort. He went on to say that anyone not signing the letter is saying no to saving baby’s lives and supporting women
- Baugh reiterated the importance of this issue and strongly vocalized her own pro-life opinion on the subject. Baugh even went as far as to say about the AG: “…she’s a republican, she’s pro-life”.
- Citizen Comments – Five were in support of Satcher’s proposal and 15 were against. A significant number of names were called out of people who had registered in the morning to speak, only to find the item had been placed on the agenda at the last minute and presumably could not wait for the item to come up in the afternoon.
Three motions were voted on:
- From Whitmore, to remove Satcher’s letter and send only the request for an advisory opinion from the county attorney. Failed, 5/2 (Whitmore and Servia voting yes)
- Satcher’s original motion, for both his letter and the attorney request. Approved 4/3 (Whitmore, Servia and Bellamy voting no)
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Van Ostenbridge motion to send Satcher’s letter, signed by the 4 commissioners, to the Speaker of the House, Senate President, and the Governor. Approved 6/1 (Bellamy voting no)
Commissioners Items:
- Lengthy discussion of the pros and cons of hiring a support person for each of the commissioners and related issues. Hopes will work with Jan Brewer on a budget to review with the Commissioners.
- A Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday 9/15 at 2 pm to review and approve proposed changes to the BoCC’s Rules and Operating Procedures.
GOVERNANCE/SUNSHINE
- Satcher’s item placed on the agenda less than 24 hours before meeting, which is not good governance since it does not give other Commissioners, the county attorney, staff and the public an opportunity to carefully consider the item, analyze the impact and unintended consequences, and reflect on their response to it.
- Satcher’s letter was not professional, not recommended by the attorney and not necessary to achieving the advisory opinion.
- Good governance demonstrated by the Chair as all speakers were given allotted time and treated respectfully. The Chair also noted that “things have changed in the county as more transparency has been requested and it will slow down the process overall.”
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