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city staff members have "notified their Commissioners that the Homeless Project will be added to the [April 1] agenda." The early April discussion is critical, county commissioners indicated on March 18, because city representatives likely will be air- ing grievances again during the April 7 City Commission session, which Marbut is set to attend. County Commissioner Carolyn Mason said she understood Barbetta's frustration. However, pulling away from the shelter project would only fulfill the "intent of the minority of that [City] Commission's actions," Mason pointed out. "The majority [of the City Commission] is still with us." Barbetta replied, "The administration, from what I have seen, is doing anything they can to push us away from the two sites." 'CASE STUDY IN INCOMPETENCE' After the meeting, City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo stood outside the County Administration Center, talking with Wayne Applebee, the county's homelessness liai- son. Caragiulo had some venting to do, as well. He explained to The Sarasota News Leader that homelessness is a countywide issue, but instead of waiting for Marbut and county staffers to complete an environmental site analysis and cost estimate — providing answers to legitimate questions — some city representatives have been busily throwing obstacles in the way. "This is a case study in incompetence," Caragiulo said. "It's a mess." Part of the reason for the current state of disor- ganization is the recalcitrant approach of City Manager Tom Barwin and his administration, Caragiulo continued. The City Commission unanimously voted in November to support Marbut's recommendations, including the recommendation for a come-as-you-are 24/7 shelter, Caragiulo pointed out. "We have a city manager who, as far as he believes, is operating as a sixth commis- sioner," Caragiulo said. "He has said he is County Homelessness Liaison Wayne Applebee speaks to the City and County commissions on Nov. 25, 2013. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader March 21, 2014 Page 13