Agenda - City Commission June 8, 2026

City Commission Meeting · 2026-06-08 · agenda_packet

[case Resolution 2026-11] The City Commission is meeting on June 8, 2026. The agenda includes administrative items, special presentations, public comments, consent agenda items, appeals, general public presentations, ordinances and resolutions requiring public hearings, ordinances and resolutions not requiring public hearings, staff reports, and items from the City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, and Mayor/Commissioners. Several resolutions pertain to Florida Department of Transportation Intersection Improvement Projects, involving deeds and temporary/perpetual easements. A resolution also authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement to continue the Transit Corridor Development Program with FDOT, providing financial assistance for the Downtown Public Transit STAR Circulator. The meeting will also address amendments to ordinances regarding Vehicles for Hire and Franchises, and a historic marker language review for Zora Neale Hurston Park. A proclamation for Pride Month is also on the agenda. This document is a Public Transportation Grant Agreement between the State of Florida Department of Transportation and the City of St. Augustine. It details the terms and conditions for operating assistance for a circulator in the St. Augustine area, funded by the Transit Corridor Development Program. The agreement specifies financial assistance of $1,500,000.00 for contractual services related to operations. It also outlines various compliance requirements, including those related to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), audit requirements for federal and state funds, restrictions on convicted or discriminatory vendors, and insurance obligations. Additionally, it includes resolutions from the City of St. Augustine regarding the conveyance of land and a temporary construction easement to the Florida Department of Transportation for improvements to State Road A1A (Avenida Menendez) in St. Johns County. [State Road No. A1A (Avenida Menendez), Section No. 78010, F.P. No. 4308974, St. Johns County, Florida] Resolution 2026-12 by the Board of City Commissioners of the City of St. Augustine, Florida, authorizes the execution of a deed to convey certain lands owned by the City to the State of Florida Department of Transportation for transportation purposes. The property is not needed for City purposes and the conveyance is deemed to be in the public or community interest and for public welfare. The specific consideration amount is not stated. [City of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida (within the limits of State Road No. A1A (Avenida Menendez), Section No. 78010, F.P. No. 4308974)] Resolution 2026-13 by the Board of City Commissioners of St. Augustine, Florida, authorizes the execution of a temporary construction easement to the State of Florida Department of Transportation for safety improvements and traffic operations within an intersection. The use of the City's land is deemed in the best interest of the City and for public welfare. The specific consideration amount is not stated. [A1A (Avenida Menendez); case Resolution 2026-14] The City of St. Augustine Board of City Commissioners adopted Resolution 2026-14, granting a perpetual easement to the State of Florida Department of Transportation for the construction and maintenance of signals, conduit, pull boxes, lighting poles, foundations, and sidewalk along State Road A1A (Avenida Menendez), Section No. 78010, F.P. No. 4308974 in St. Johns County. The consideration for the easement was not stated. [Zora Neale Hurston Park; case Staff Report Item for June 8, 2026] The City of St. Augustine City Commission is considering a staff report for the June 8, 2026 meeting regarding language and sign style for a historic marker at Zora Neale Hurston Park. The park improvements, previously directed to be scaled back, include adjustments to sidewalks, landscaping, infrastructure for the Nights of Lights annual signage, and the marker. The Commission previously directed staff to coordinate with the Anderson family, owners of Zora's Sojourn at 791 West King Street, for marker language. Proposed marker language and sign mock-ups are attached for review. The City of St. Augustine is seeking qualified candidates for open positions on various boards and committees. Vacancies include one term expiring 7/31/26 on the Audit Committee, two terms (one elected, one board appointment) expiring 6/30/26 on the 1977 City Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees, and one vacancy expiring 9/30/2028 on the Planning and Zoning Board. Advertisements for the Planning and Zoning Board vacancy were published in the St. Augustine Record and posted on the City's website. [24 Cathedral Place and the corner of Charlotte and Treasury Streets; case Ordinance 2026-08] The City Commission approved Ordinance 2026-08, amending a Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 24 Cathedral Place and the corner of Charlotte and Treasury Streets. The amendment changes the use from an office building to a hotel and allows for alcohol sales. Key modifications include streetscape improvements, landscaping, a $464,640 contribution for a complete street, coordination with FDOT on Anderson Circle right-of-way, use of native plants where possible consistent with HARB order, low flow/drip irrigation, and downward-facing lighting consistent with HARB order. Public comments included concerns about vibration monitoring, with the PUD text amended to include an enforcement tool and the ability for the engineer to stop work based on current best practices for adjacent structures. The project involves Kanti Patel with Kasam Hospitality, Inc. and includes a parking garage increasing spaces from 62 to 155. [81 Magnolia Drive; case Ordinance 2026-09] The City Commission approved Ordinance 2026-09, vacating, discontinuing, and abandoning a portion of an unnamed, unopened alleyway located at 81 Magnolia Drive, within portions of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, Block A, Capo's Addition, Anastasia. [3560 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd, Prado Ave; case Ordinance 2026-13] The City Commission approved Ordinance 2026-13 on first reading, to be moved to second reading. This ordinance vacates, discontinues, and abandons a portion of Prado Avenue located within the City of St. Augustine. The property is located at 3560 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. The vacation is intended to allow the owner to improve the area for the betterment of the public. [case Resolution 2026-08] The City Commission approved Resolution 2026-08, which clarifies Planning Department procedures for processing applications in response to state law changes (Senate Bill 180). The resolution aims to increase transparency and help the public understand how code is applied. [Model Land Company National Register Historic District] The City Commission received an update on the Model Land Company National Register Historic District nomination update. The update includes 55 new contributing structures. A review by the state is scheduled for May 7, 2026. Homeowners of the new contributing structures were notified and attended a public meeting, with feedback being positive and supportive. The Commission expressed support for the update and agreed to provide a letter of support. [Granada Parking Lot] The City Commission approved changes to revert the Granada Parking lot back to paid parking, allowing staff administrative flexibility for seasonal changes. The potential recovered revenue is approximately $83,624. Discussions included workforce permits, posting parking costs, and Sunday parking hours. The lot was previously used for workforce parking but is now being reverted to public paid parking. The City Commission heard an update on the 2026 Legislative Session. Key points included prohibitions on local policies regulating greenhouse gas emissions, passage of a DEI bill prohibition, a decrease in funds to Clerks of Courts, requirements for local hearings for state park changes, increased sovereign immunity potentially raising City insurance costs, and planning bills that minimized negative impacts on historic properties. A bill allowing building inspections by private providers, private firms, and virtual inspections was also passed. [Lincolnville Redevelopment Area] The City Commission made two appointments to the Lincolnville Redevelopment Area Steering Committee (LCRA): Kenneth McClain was reappointed, and Eamon Doran was appointed with a four to one vote. The City Clerk advertised the positions and received four applications. Priority was given to City residents. The City Commission made two appointments to the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB): Michael Blake was selected as a member, and Paul Weaver was appointed as the alternate member. Paul Weaver is a former HARB member, and Michael Blake is an architect, meeting the requirements for the positions. The City Commission accepted the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025. The report had zero findings, which was commended by the commissioners. The report indicated a 17% population increase in the City and a 33% increase in the County over the past ten years, with the unemployment rate remaining stable. The City Commission heard an update on the Dining with Dignity Pavilion Operations and Phase II. Key highlights included a 62% increase in attendees compared to when operations were at the Granada Lot, installation of bike racks (with more to come), and the installation of a barbeque grill. The pavilion operations are being updated. This document details discussions from City Commission meetings on April 27, 2026, and May 11, 2026. Key topics included the progress of laundry and shower services for the homeless, a mid-year budget update, a strategic plan review and update to comply with state law regarding DEI, and a Capital Improvement Plan update. Public comment focused on the operational aspects of services for the homeless, including water pressure, staffing, and the timeline for implementation. Commissioners expressed concerns about liability, volunteer involvement, and the need for participant surveys. The strategic plan update involved removing DEI language due to state law, which sparked discussion about its impact on training and workplace equality. The Capital Improvement Plan update covered various infrastructure projects like paving, lift stations, stormwater management, and utility improvements. A proclamation was also issued for the 250th Anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026.