Agenda Conference May 26, 2026

Agenda Conference · 2026-05-26 · agenda_packet

[case 26-553] City Council is considering approving funding of $500 to Warrington Youth Sports from the City Council Discretionary Funds for District 7. The funds will help offset costs for the 'Stop the Gun Violence Football Camp' on July 18, 2026, at Escambia High School, which aims to mentor and empower youth while promoting gun violence awareness and prevention. [case 26-594] City Council is considering approving a grant request of up to $5,500 to Canopy Restoration, Inc., from the Tree Planting Trust Fund. The funds are for a city-funded, citizen-driven tree planting project to restore the city's tree canopy within neighborhoods and parks, planting trees in the right-of-way or within 20 feet of the ROW or within City parks. The Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) recommended approval with a 4-0 vote (one member abstaining due to affiliation with Canopy Restoration, Inc.). Innisfree Hotels expressed support in writing, citing the project's role in combating rising temperatures and supporting tourism. [case 26-607] City Council is considering adopting Supplemental Budget Resolution No. 2026-19 to re-appropriate Urban Core and Eastside CRA unencumbered carryforward allocations and funding for the Bayfront Trail Improvement Project. This action supports the City's Strategic Plan and the 2025 Urban Core Redevelopment Plan. The resolution reallocates $15,000 from the Hashtag/Waterfront Development project to the Bayfront Trail Improvement project to fund community input into landscape and amenity improvements for the multiuse path being installed by FDOT. Previous actions include CRA approvals of carryforwards and reallocations in February, March, and April 2026. [2907 East Blount Street; case 26-617] City Council is considering adopting Proposed Ordinance No. 6-26 on second reading, which would vacate an unimproved portion of an alleyway behind 2907 East Blount Street. The request comes from Matthew Montee, the new property owner, who wishes to incorporate the alley segment into his property. This portion of the alleyway is not used for public access and does not serve neighbors. The Planning Board recommended approval on April 14, 2026, and City Council approved it on first reading on May 14, 2026. Utility providers have no objection, and a utility easement will be retained. [North 10' of the alley adjacent and contiguous to Lots 17 to 20 of Block 61, East Pensacola; case P.O. No. 6-26] An ordinance was passed to close, abandon, and vacate an unimproved alleyway. The alleyway is described as the north 10' of the alley adjacent to Lots 17 to 20 of Block 61, East Pensacola, a portion of Section 5, Township 2, Range 29 West, Escambia County, Florida. This action is to implement Florida Statutes related to growth policy and land development regulation. The ordinance becomes effective five business days after adoption. [2907 E. Blount Street (alleyway directly behind); case Vacation of Alleyway - 2907 E. Blount Street] Request for vacation of a partial alleyway directly behind the residential property at 2907 E. Blount Street. A 10-foot-wide portion of the alleyway directly abutting 2907 E. Blount Street was previously approved for vacation in 2020, but the owner at that time could not be reached. The current owner, Mr. Matthew Montee, wishes to incorporate this segment into his property for maintenance. The alleyway segment is not currently used for access and does not serve neighbors. The Planning Board recommended approval. [50 S. 9th Avenue; case Final Aesthetic Review – 50 S. 9th Avenue] Request for final aesthetic review of a new multi-family residential development at 50 S. 9th Avenue, within the Gateway Redevelopment District. The project includes a seven-story main building with two levels of podium parking and five levels of residential apartments totaling 227 units, plus a separate club building for amenities. The design features a resort-style pool, colorful facades, balconies, deep roof overhangs, and decorative shutters. Conceptual review was approved in December 2025. The Planning Board approved the design with a contingency for an abbreviated review of the north and east facades to incorporate board discussion items, including amendments for condenser treatment and site control. The approval also included adding climbing jasmine or a green wall to soften facades. [case File #: 26-609] Proposed Code Enforcement Lien Reduction Policy to replace the existing policy. The new policy aims to streamline and clarify the City's approach to relief from Code Enforcement Liens. Adoption is intended to advance City Strategic Plan Goals related to attainable housing and resilient waterfronts/neighborhoods. The policy outlines eligibility criteria, required payments (excluding administrative fines), and factors for consideration in reducing accrued fines, such as financial hardship, blight in the area, prompt abatement of violations, and notice of lien at acquisition. Application fees are $150 for residential and $1,000 for commercial properties, with additional fees for inspections. Determinations for liens under $50,000 are made by the Mayor or designee; liens of $50,000 or more require City Council consideration. The policy may result in reduced revenue for Code Enforcement.