Does Planning and Zoning Board need a north-end member?

Currently, no member of the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board resides in Manatee County.

Is this a problem?

B.J. Bishop was appointed to chair the Planning and Zoning Board in March by board members at the group’s meeting. She has served on the board since 2006, including a tenure as chair from 2008 through 2013.

While discussing the future of the board, Bishop noted that the five members of the group all live on the southern portion of the Key, the portion in Sarasota County.

“I raise this issue because I think it’s important for all parts of the island to be represented,” Bishop said.

There is a vacancy on the board because of former Chairman Jim Brown’s departure. On March 14, Brown was elected to the Town Commission. As an elected official, Brown is no longer eligible to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board.

Along with the vacancy, Kenneth Schneier and Stephen Madva are seeking to renew their terms on the board. In March, Schneier was chosen vice chair while Madva was selected to be secretary.

Applications are being accepted by the town for the three seats on the Planning and Zoning Board, and the Town Commission is tentatively scheduled to make selections on April 17.*

Asked about the issue regarding representation for Manatee County on the board, Commissioner Jack Daly stressed that expertise is the main factor that should be considered in selecting members.

“The qualifications of the individual outweigh geographical concerns,” Daly said.

Vice Mayor Ed Zunz compared the situation to that of the Town Commission. He said he believes all commissioners aim to represent the interests of the whole island, but geographic district representation allows for a certain level of sensitivity regarding the impacts that ordinances have on specific areas.

While Zunz agreed with Daly that proper expertise is vital, the vice mayor said he would be inclined to vote for a candidate from Manatee County to fill the vacancy on the board over one from Sarasota County if both candidates were qualified.

“They should strive to get some balance,” Zunz said.

Mayor Terry Gans affirmed that appointments to the Planning and Zoning Board should go to the most qualified candidates, regardless of where on the Key they reside. He also mentioned another top issues in the decision-making process.

“We need people to apply,” Gans said.

As the future membership of Planning and Zoning remains to be seen, Bishop said the board is a “dynamic group” that has the ability to accomplish a great deal for the Key. She specified two projects she hopes to see completed during her time as chair.

“I am determined that we are going to finish the comprehensive plan and update the zoning ordinance to a user-friendly document that benefits everyone on the island,” Bishop said.

“I am determined that we are going to finish the comprehensive plan and update the zoning ordinance to a user-friendly document that benefits everyone on the island,” Bishop said.

Want to serve?

According to town code, the Planning & Zoning Board shall be appointed by the Town Commission. All members must be registered voters and residents of the Town of Longboat Key. No member shall be an elected official or employee of the town. All members must attend a sunshine and public records law class within three months of their appointment. All terms of appointment shall be for a period of three years. The deadline is April 7. To apply, a form is available at longboatkey.org

*An earlier version of this article incorrectly states that members of the Town Commission will make their selection on May 1. The correct date is April 17.