to decide charter questions

4THE SUN ISLAND NEWS

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OCTOBER 12, 2022

IN BRIEF

More rainwater from Piney Point released

Following an accumulation of just over 6 inches of rain from Hurricane Ian in retention ponds built on top of phosphogypsum waste stacks, rainwater from Piney Point has once again been discharged into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee.

According to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) press release, the water was not mixed with phosphate process wastewater.

The shuttered phosphate plant is in the process of being permanently closed under the supervision of a court-appointed receiver.

As part of the closure process, the pond is being modified so that it will no longer accumulate rainwater and eliminate the need for future rainwater releases to Port Manatee, according to FDEP.

Vote by mail ballots mailed

Hurricane Ian slightly delayed the mailing of the vote by mail ballots sent to county voters who previously requested them, according to Sharon Stief, chief deputy for the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. “Vote by Mail ballots for the Nov. 8 general election were mailed out on Monday, Oct. 3. We had originally planned to mail them on Friday, Sept. 30. We had no hurricane impacts regarding our early voting and/or polling locations,” Stief told The Sun. According to Stief, 356 vote by mail ballots were mailed to Anna Maria voters, 297 ballots were mailed to Bradenton Beach voters and 1,147 ballots were mailed to Holmes Beach voters. The 2022 general election will conclude with inperson voting on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Food truck zone on Thursday’s agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. to continue a discussion on a proposed ordinance that would create a designated zone within the city for food truck operations. In August, the mayor and commission discussed a proposed designated food truck zone at the northwest end of Bayfront Park, but some residents and property owners opposed that location and expressed support for a City Pier Park location instead. During Thursday’s meeting, the mayor also is expected to initiate discussion on staining the City Pier and the short-term pier closures that may be needed while that work occurs. The mayor will also provide an update on Hurricane Ian recovery and cleanup efforts. The consent agenda includes a contract renewal with Piper Fire Protection, Dr. Jose Erbella’s reappointment to the planning and zoning board and a special permit request for a wedding on Nov. 5. Thursday’s meeting can be accessed by phone, and public input can be given, by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Term limits on Bradenton Beach ballot, again

For the third time in recent years, Bradenton Beach voters are being asked to weigh in on commission term limits.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - With mail voting underway, Bradenton Beach voters have begun deciding the fate of five proposed amendments to the city charter.

The charter amendment questions that appear on the ballot were proposed and supported by the majority of the city commission-appointed charter review committee and supported unanimously by the city commission.

The decisions made by Bradenton Beach voters regarding term limits and the filling of commission vacancies will impact the configuration of the Bradenton Beach City Commission for years to come.

The general election concludes with in-person voting on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

FORFEITURE OF OFFICE

Ballot question 1 pertains to the forfeiture of office provisions that apply to the city’s elected officials and reads as follows: “Currently the city charter vests authority in three arbitrators to hold forfeiture of office proceedings against an elected official with costs to be borne by the city. Should the city revise its charter to eliminate the three arbitrator-panel procedure and replace it with the former forfeiture provision utilizing the city commission to conduct the proceedings?”

Voter approval of this proposed amendment would eliminate the current charter requirement that requires a three-person arbitration panel in order to initiate the process of removing an elected mayor or commissioner from office before their term expires. Approval of this proposed amendment would allow the city commission to initiate forfeiture of office proceedings on its own. COMMISSION VACANCIES

Ballot question 2 pertains to the filling of commission vacancies and reads as follows: “The current city charter requires a ward commissioner to reside in the ward they represent. Should the city amend its charter to establish a procedure to temporarily fill the ward seat for one term with an at-large commissioner if no ward resident is available or willing to run for office?”

Approval of this proposed amendment would allow the commission to fill a vacant commission seat with a qualified candidate who resides in any area of Bradenton Beach. The charter currently requires the appointee to live in the specific commission ward for which the vacancy exists.

This proposed amendment could come into play if incumbent Commissioner Marilyn Maro’s commission seat is vacated in November because city voters again vote to retain term limits. This matter is addressed in ballot question 4.

Ballot question 3 pertains to the length of a commission vacancy that can be filled by commission appointment rather than a special election.

Ballot question 3 reads as follows: “The current city charter requires the city to provide a special election to fill a vacancy that results in more than six months from a resignation required by Section 99.012, Florida Statutes. Should the charter be amended to allow for all vacancies to be appointed by the city commission?”

Voter approval of this proposed charter amendment would eliminate the current charter provision that requires a special election to fill any commission seat to be vacated for more than six months. This would allow the city commission to fill all vacant commission seats by appointment rather than allowing the city’s registered voters to make that decision in a special election.

TERM LIMITS

Ballot question 4 may be the most significant charter amendment question to be decided by Bradenton Beach voters. It pertains to the qualifications and terms of elected office and reads as follows: “Should the city amend its charter to remove term limits and maintain two-year terms for all elected positions with an effective date of June 16, 2022, in order to allow currently seated elected officials the ability to run for office, if otherwise termed out?”

Although she’s currently running unopposed as the Ward 2 commissioner, Maro is scheduled to term limit out of office in

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN The term limit ballot question will determine if Commissioner Marilyn Maro serves another term in office.

If you’re looking for storm relief help in Manatee County after Hurricane Ian, there are a few resources to help ease the burden of recovery.

For all property owners, the first course of action should be to take photographs of the property. Ideally, you would have photographs before and after the storm passes through the area. These pictures can be used to help determine how much assistance a property owner qualifies for, whether through insurance or through a federal program such as FEMA.

All property owners with hurricane or flood insurance should contact their insurance agent immediately following a storm to start a claim.

Depending on the policy, some homeowners can be eligible to receive funds to replace food losses due to an electrical outage.

For property owners who lost a roof during Hurricane Ian, you can apply for assistance, including the placement of a blue tarp over the affected area, by visiting www.blueroof.us or calling 1-888-766-3258.

Manatee County leaders have waived the fees through the end of the calendar year for certain building permits. While emergency repairs can be done without a permit, a building permit must be applied for the following business day to avoid fines.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, scams have popped up to try and convince homeowners to part with their money in exchange for renovations that will never happen. To stay safe from scam artists, Manatee County leaders advise that residents should only enter into agreements with contractors whose credentials can be verified through the state. Property owners also should verify that their chosen contractor is allowed to operate in the state of Florida, is licensed and has active liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Property owners can verify their contractors’ license by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com.

The Chiles Group assisted the World Central Kitchen’s hurricane relief efforts by providing more than 2,000 free meals last week to hurricane victims, linemen and contractors in Englewood and Port Charlotte. The meals were prepared at the Chiles Group’s BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach and at Gamble Creek Farms in Parrish. The meal preparations were a team effort that also included the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria and the Mar Vista Dockside restaurant in Longboat Key. According to Chiles Hospitality Culinary Director Seth Kondor, 784 meals consisting of seafood gumbo with rice and vegetables were served on Wednesday, 630 ham and provolone cheese sandwiches were served on Thursday and 650 meals consisting of soy ginger-glazed chicken with rice and vegetables were served on Friday. Approximately eight Chiles Group volunteers participated in each day’s meal preparation and distribution efforts. “We passed areas that were still out of power and water. Roofs ripped off and flooding. Most people wanted a hot meal and cold water,” Kondor said. Founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010, the World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization whose efforts include partnering with local restaurants to provide fresh meals after natural disasters.

CHILES GROUP | SUBMITTED Chiles Group volunteers provided fresh meals in Englewood and Port Charlotte.

6THE SUN OPINION The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO Mike Field

Editor Cindy Lane

General Manager Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers Joe Hendricks Jason Schaffer Kristin Swain

Columnists Louise Bolger Rusty Chinnis

Contributors Steve Borggren Captain Rick Grassett Leslie Lake Monica Simpson Tom Vaught Captain Kevin Wessel Captain Dave White Anne Yarbrough

Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor Kristin Swain

Advertising Director Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant Pamela Lee

Classifieds Bob Alexander

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution Bob Alexander Connor Field Tony McNulty Brian Smith

Accounting Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers Mike Field Maggie McGinley Field Family-owned since 2000

3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

OCTOBER 12, 2022

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Holmes Beach annual city budget high

Based on the population size (3,017) of Holmes Beach including the number of homes (2,538+), the city’s annual budget is not in proportion. Year over year the city budget goes up, from $15M to $18M. Up to $22M last year and now the commission is asked to approve a budget of over $25M. Keep in mind that the city of Holmes Beach is 1.9 square miles. There has been exhaustive analysis by concerned residents of the “expense per capita” for Holmes Beach and how we compare to similar “like cities.” When it comes to the budget, Holmes Beach is substantially above and significantly out of line from the norm.

I take pride in the job I am elected to do. I use every form of communication to listen to the voters and property owners alike to take a temperature on how people feel about topics of concern, including taxes.

Budgets go up for several reasons: • When property values increase. • When the city does not reduce the millage rate enough. • When the county does not pay its fair share. • Grants applied for.

The millage rate and the budget are what the city commission can control. Over the years we have heard promises of tax relief/ tax savings and the commitment to lower the millage rate. The millage was reduced from 2.25 to 2.07. Yet, the budget still went from $22.2M to $25.4M. Up $3M, a 14.4% increase. A millage reduction but still a tax increase as our property values continue to go up. I guess that’s good if you are selling. Which is what some longterm residents who are on fixed incomes are doing. Our residents are being replaced by a different type of owner/investor. We are seeing a change in the diversity of our community. The tax increases are pushing people out, which is changing the face of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island.

Our property owners need tax relief. Our city can reduce the “nice to have” expenses, which continue to increase year over year. At each budget hearing, I asked for a more significant millage reduction, and I am staying consistent with that message.

Jayne Christenson Holmes Beach city commissioner

Kudos for Seagrape Cottage in Bradenton Beach

This was done beautifully. My thanks to the Morris couple for taking such a special interest in this seaside location and restoring some historic architecture here.

Karen Veirs Bradenton, Florida

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130 Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Oct. 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Oct. 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005 Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 12, 10 a.m. – Department Head meeting Oct. 19, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Oct. 20, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800 Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 25, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Oct. 25, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting ISLAND-WIDE

Oct. 17, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall Oct. 18, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St., Bradenton

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12

Offstage Ladies meeting, The Porch, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m. To join, call Roe Duncan at 941-9322798. Mahjong for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Island Time Book Club, “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

Hispanic Heritage Month: Latin cooking, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. AMI Chamber luncheon, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez, 11:30 a.m., $18 for members or $30 for guests. Reserve to 941-778-1541 Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mahjong Club, experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Love it like a local beach cleanup, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.-noon. Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Bayfest, presented by the AMI Chamber, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 17

Author Talk, “Oh, Florida” by Craig Pittman, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.