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SRQ DAILY Mar 2, 2015

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"The greatest financial challenge is the funding of the pension plan and health insurance for retired firefighters and police officers. The commission must take steps to honor the commitment it made to its pre-1993 retirees."

- Shelli Freeland Eddie, Sarasota City Commission candidate
 

[Real Estate]  Distressed Market Report

In addition to seeing a 2.4 percent boost in closed sales in the Sarasota market for single-family homes, the Realtors Association of Sarasota and Manatee reported that the percentage of foreclosure homes and short sales declined substantially in January as compared to the same month in 2014. Additionally, those homes that were sold through forclosures or short sales had a higher median sales price, 

[Development]  Mobility Debate Could Redefine Impact Fees
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The way impact fees for transportation are calculated in Sarasota County could soon be overhauled. County officials are in the process of studying fees, and considering implementing a mobility fee that could be used not just for roads but also sidewalks and transit needs. Among the consequences for such a switch, there could be different fees assessed depending on where a building is constructed. “It would recognize in the more urbanzed areas, people tend to drive shorter trips,” said John Paul, special projects planner for the county.

Assessing different rates for development in various parts of the county is something County Commissioner Paul Caragiulo has supported since joining the board in November. Similar systems have worked in counties like Pasco and Collier, he said. “It could help incentive development in some areas, or disincentivize it in other areas if we like,” he said.

It’s something people on both sides of the development debate are watching—with caution. “The big question is how much that mobility fee is going to be,” said attorney Dan Lobeck, a critic of county policy who feels developers in recent years have been given too many breaks because of weakening rules for concurrency and fiscal neutrality. On the flip side, homebuilders say the last time anyone took a hard look at impact fees, it cost much more to build than it does today. Alan Anderson, executive vice president for the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association, said a switch to a mobility fee instead of a traditional impact fee matters less to builders than the way the fees are figured. “The fairness of how it is collected is more of an issue.”

Of course, many officials remain mum on what will happen, largely because numbers won’t be known until an impact fee study is released in late March. “Until that point, the question is premature,” said County Commissioner Alan Maio. 

[Q&A]  Shelli Freeland Eddie, Sarasota City Commission District 3

Editor's Note: This is the fourth installment in a six-part series. Each candidate for Sarasota City Commission was asked to answer identical questions on city issues in advance of the March 10 city election. Shelli Freeland Eddie is running in District 3.

What would be the first priority at the start of your new term when you get elected?  My first priority would be to inquire about how to efficiently implement a ‘public input’ portion during the workshop presentation process to the city commission. This would allow citizens to voice support, concern or ask questions about projects, budget proposals and other initiatives presented by city staff. It would give staff notice of areas of citizen concern, and allow commissioners to better assess the impact of proposals received from city staff.

What past or present Sarasota City Commissioner do you believe you would be most like in terms of how you govern?  I appreciate the governing style of Vice Mayor Susan Chapman.  She is methodical in her approach, prepared for commission meetings and has a working command of the materials presented to the commission. She asks appropriate questions with a mind toward long-term solutions (rather than a Band-Aid approach), and appears to be available and accessible to her constituents.

What do you believe should be the city’s next step in terms of handling the homeless issue in Sarasota? The next step is for the city to attempt to restore communication and partnership with the Sarasota County Commission to achieve consensus on areas of agreement, and mediate areas of concern, in order to establish a joint response to this crisis. This conversation includes obtaining permanent buy-in by local wrap-around service providers, such as the Sarasota County Health Department, Sarasota County Area Transit, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, local mental health providers, local Veterans’ support services, law enforcement and affordable housing public/private partnerships.

What is the greatest financial challenge for the city right now and what is the most prudent way to handle it? The greatest financial challenge is the funding of the pension plan and health insurance for retired firefighters and police officers. The commission must take steps to honor the commitment it made to its pre-1993 retirees. I believe the current pension plan must be modified to give relief to the retirees, and the commission should research whether other areas of the budget may be allocated to decrease the shortfall (e.g., impact fees, penny sales tax; public/private partnerships (where authorized by state statute) and state funding sources. 

What is one change you would like to see in the way city business is conducted today? I would like to see regular joint city-county commission meetings (at the commission and staff level) to address areas of regional or mutual concern, such as the homeless crisis, transportation issues and joint fiscal responsibility for regional parks. The City Mayor and County Chair can work together in between meetings to prepare agendas for these conversations, to ensure that meetings are productive and in step with long term goals. 

[Exec Moves]  Colon Reappointed to State Education Board

Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of John Colón to the State Board of Education.Colón, of University Park, is a senior vice president at Wells Fargo Advisors. He is reappointed for a term ending December 31, 2018. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. 

Florida Governor's Office

[Opening]  Darwin Launched Food Truck

Darwin’s on 4th in Sarasota launched a new venture for Darwin Brewing Company, the Darwin’s on 4th Food Truck. A soft opening for the food truck was held at the production brewery taproom and beirgarten in Bradenton on Feb. 21. The official grand opening launch of the Darwin’s on 4th food truck was last Tuesday, Feb. 24, also at the production brewery taproom. 

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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