by SARAH NACHIN
On Monday evening, October 5, the Brooksville City Council conducted a virtual meeting. Present were all five council members - Mayor Joe Bernardini, Vice Mayor Pat Brayton, Robert Battista, William Kemerer, Betty Erhard; City Clerk Jennifer Battista, City Manager Mark Kutney, and City Attorney Gretchen Vose. The meeting addressed several items on the agenda.
by KATHRYN DENTATO
[email protected]
(Sept. 21, 2020 ) Donald Singer, Executive Director of Brooksville Housing Authority (BHA), presented a request to Brooksville’s city council for additional funding from the City for the redevelopment of the Summit Villas public housing project. Located at the corner of Hale Ave and Dr. MLK Jr Blvd, the property has been vacant since 2012 and does not meet current building codes, Singer said.
by KATHRYN DENTATO
[email protected]
(Sept. 21, 2020) Assistant County Administrator Ron Pianta commended Brooksville’s City Council partnership with the County as providing transportation beyond the city boundaries benefits county and city residents alike.
Proposed upgrades include a bike rack, trash can, and better ADA access, Pianta said. The diagram provided to council members shows more visible thermoplastic striping and a graded approach. A curved roof will include solar panels.
by JULIE B. MAGLIO
On Sept. 16, 2020 city council members approved the ad valorem millage rate of 5.9000 which will result in a tax decrease for the citizens of the city. This millage rate is a 2.30% decrease over the current year’s rolled–back rate of 6.0389. The final vote was 3-2 approving the millage rate with council members Betty Erhard and Kemerer voting against it. Erhard adamantly disapproved of the $22,000 in funding going to the Brooksville Main Street organization. There were several citizen comments against the BMS funding as well.
No Change in City of Brooksville Fire Assessment for FY 2020-2021
by KATHRYN DENTATO
On Sept. 3, 2020, Brooksville’s City Council met to discuss and approve the Fire Assessment rate for FY2021. Fire Chief Ron Snowberger presented Resolution 2020-15, which explains the scope of the assessments and how they were determined.
Council members serve as liaisons between the Council and various boards or committees. On Aug. 17, 2020, Vice Mayor Pat Brayton introduced a resolution that was recommended by Hernando Community Coalition.
Tobacco and tobacco products, including those used in vaping, are used by adults and youth in various areas of the City. The health risks associated with tobacco and tobacco products are well-documented.
City of Brooksville Vice Mayor Pat Brayton would like to reward city employees for their hard work, especially the last several months. Brayton proposed a tiered system of raises for employees based on years of service. Directors would receive an increase, but the amount was not specified.
by Kathryn Dentato
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At the July 20, 2020 City Council meeting, City Planner Steve Gouldman discussed the proposed annexation of the 27 acres (approximately) owned by Robert Bodiford, Jr. and Ryan Bodiford. The first reading established that the divided property does adjoin with property that is within city limits and it does not create an enclave or pocket.
by KATHRYN DENTATO
BROOKSVILLE, Fla.---At the July 28, 2020, Special Economic Development meeting, Brooksville City Manager Mark Kutney explained his plan for the City’s growth. Council members showed excitement and recommended further development and details.
