The Sanford City Commission opened its first March meeting with budget approvals, contract confirmations, and project updates, while also pushing back against state legislation that could restrict local control over public art and diversity initiatives.
The meeting started with an exciting introduction from Sanford’s Development Director, Brady Lessard. He welcomed one of Sanford’s newest businesses, Brewlando Sanford and its owner, Shara Pathak.
“Many of us know about the Sanford Brewing Company’s story. We were disappointed when they ran into some hurdles. It was really kind of a blow to the community,” said Lessard. “I started hearing that Shara was potentially interested in this venture, so I reached out to her. Probably started blowing up her phone more than she was interested in hearing. I was thrilled when she called and said ‘Brady we’ve made the decision.’”
Pathak, who came from a background of manufacturing and technology, had no brewing experience before jumping into the business in Orlando.
When she heard about the closing of Sanford Brewing Company, she thought it was important to find out more about what was going on – just to understand what was happening. As time went on, it just started to “make sense” for her to take this project on. With all the city has to offer plus Lessard’s encouragement, she believes great things are ahead.
“What’s interesting is before I walked into this meeting, somebody sent me this and I thought it was so perfect,” Pathak said. “It says ‘When you create a difference in someone’s life you not only impact their life. You impact everyone influenced by them throughout their entire lifetime. No act is ever too small. One by one this is how to make an ocean rise.’ That’s how I feel about this brand. That’s how I feel about what we’ve done. And that’s how I feel about what we’re going to do here in Sanford.”
From the consent agenda, contracts with ten construction firms for future projects were approved. It allows the firms to be available for work as needed, eliminating the need for individual bidding processes.
The selection of Lincoln National Corp. as the 457(b) retirement plan coordinator was approved, along with a $165,000 purchase for a material and debris sorting machine for the Public Works and Utilities Department.
Many special event permits were approved, including Rhythm & Brews BBQ Fest, Jazz in the Park, Sofa and Suds, and Bad at Business Beer Festival. An event permit was approved for TNT Fireworks Sales, allowing the use of Walmart parking lot located at 3653 S. Orlando Drive, from June 20 through July 6. An event permit was also approved for CenterWell's grand opening on April 16.
In other items, the commission approved an annexation agreement for 11.6 acres at 3550 W. SR 46 for commercial development of an auto repair business. The landowner will develop the property while under county rules to make for an easier process before it is incorporated into official boundaries.
Items related to stormwater infrastructure were also approved, including a $1 million increase in the purchase order for manhole rehabilitation, funded by a $5.5 million Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant.
The commission approved hiring Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, and Berkowitz for representation and assistance negotiating with FEMA for damage caused by Hurricane Ian.
Assistant City Manager, Craig Radzak explained that the staff had been dissatisfied with FEMA’s response.
“The request for reimbursement for the marina repairs has been sitting stagnant in FEMA’s portal for six to eight months,” he said. “So in order to assist with FEMA reimbursement, we thought it would be a good idea to hire this firm that specializes in FEMA claims. It’s mostly an investment on our part to spend some money and get more reimbursement.”
The last items included approval of opposing state legislation. The commission opposed Senate Bill 482 and House Bill 665 which would prohibit cities from using development fees for public art. The city does this to prioritize keeping those decisions local.
Next the commission opposed Senate Bill 420 and House Bill 1571, which would prohibit city action regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. In an email Mayor Art Woodruff wrote, “Sanford’s efforts in this area have centered on bringing people together for conversation and understanding, recognizing our shared history, and removing barriers…”
He explained that the city’s efforts do not promote deferential or preferential treatment as suggested in the bill. “The bills have been introduced by legislators from northeast Florida, and would further erode home rule and impose statewide restrictions on local issues."
