Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/297477
city now collects impact fees for transporta- tion from developers of new construction; the money can be used only to increase the capacity of roadways. The city wants more discretion, and it wants out of the transportation impact fee regime and into the multi-modal mobility fee busi- ness; same concept but different uses. New development imposes additional strains, but instead of making developers pay to widen the roads, the money can be used for better bike lanes, mass transit, downtown shuttles and other alternatives to more cars on the streets. The city and county staffs have worked together on this for months, and there are no surprises here. The switch, however, would put the city on a different path to moving res- idents, if the measure is approved. There is more work needed, but this afternoon item will be a watershed. The final public hearing of the evening will be another kind of confrontation. Earlier this month, the city was threatened by a Sunshine lawsuit if it did not repudiate all the work of the past three years by its Independent Police Advisory Panel. A lawyer charged that the ordinance establishing the board included "ex officio members" and claimed they, too, were obliged to abide by the Sunshine law based on a Florida Attorney General Office's opinion. Two weeks ago, the City Commission decided to ignore the threat of a suit and simply amend the ordinance to clarify that the "ex officio members" were simply staffers supporting the work of the committee. Mayor Snyder proposed the city offer to settle the suit for $2,500, but he was outvoted 4-1. % • Gene Burgess and Melonie Burgess, licensed acupuncture physicians • Serving Sarasota since 2008 • Treatment rates are on a sliding scale, from $15-$35; new patients pay a one-time additional fee of $10 AFFORDABLE ACUPUNCTURE FOR EVERYONE 3615 Webber St • Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 922-4611 SarasotaCommunityAcupuncture.com Open Tuesday through Saturday Our Mission To provide our community with high quality and affordable acupuncture and herbal medicine and to create a treatment space that connects people and builds community. Click for larger map and driving directions Click To Schedule An Appointment Online MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE $5 OFF THE NEW PATIENT FEE Sarasota News Leader April 18, 2014 Page 62