The council also addressed a significant upcoming budget request concerning the city’s water program. The Public Works director highlighted the importance of investment in the water infrastructure to ensure its maintenance and improvement.

In addition to financial matters, the meeting saw a debate over a special use permit for an indoor amusement center in the downtown area. The applicants, represented by the assistant director of planning and community development, Greg Delong, had modified their request, withdrawing the lounge component and agreeing to nine stipulations. Council members raised concerns about the compatibility of the business with the downtown area, the potential impact on nearby residential properties, and the transferability of the permit. They debated the nature of the application and its alignment with the entertainment category. The council decided to continue the discussion to the May 22nd meeting to resolve issues regarding the applicant’s legal authority to agree to stipulations.

Another city planning topic involved the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) efforts to facilitate the conversion of upstairs spaces into apartments using grants. The discussion reflected council members’ hesitancy about the impact of such conversions on the downtown area.

Citizen engagement in the meeting was represented by Mike Mian from Manatee County who proposed a system to inform the public about water quality in North Palas Sola Bay, similar to Smokey the Bear signs for fire risk levels. The council acknowledged the suggestion without further discourse and proceeded with the agenda.

The council also touched upon a partnership with Tropicana to provide food to children in the community, mentioning the potential involvement of the city’s fire department. Additionally, a council member reported on a Bradenton Housing Authority meeting.