News Briefs

+ Mote seeks part-time residents for study
Scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory and the University of Miami are seeking local residents who spend three to six months a year in Florida to participate in research about red tide, seafood consumption and beach activities. The one-time, one-hour survey is conducted in person at Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Participants will be accepted now through April 2012 and will receive $50 for time, effort and travel. To enroll, email [email protected].

+ Town files amended Armstrong complaint
The town filed an amended complaint last week against resident James Armstrong, who the town alleges completed work on his home without obtaining the necessary permits. In a Nov. 30 email to commissioners, Town Attorney David Persson described the amended complaint as “more explicit regarding the actions that caused the problems, the law we are to enforce and the method by which the law may be enforced by a judge.” Judge Charles Roberts dismissed the case without prejudice earlier this month but also denied Armstrong’s request for a rehearing and written opinion of the board’s determination that he was in violation of the law.

+ Commission approves ordinances
The Longboat Key Town Commission approved on first reading and public hearing an ordinance passing the increase on wholesale water and wastewater rates approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners to the town’s utility ratepayers. The proposed rate increase will total approximately 1.1%. The commission also approved on second reading and public hearing an ordinance to provide for codification of amendments upon adoption rather than through supplements; an ordinance allowing for a budget amendment to transfer money from the town’s Land Acquisition Fund for the $452,500 purchase of the property at 4110 Gulf of Mexico Drive; and an ordinance providing for the transfer of $15,000 to fund the contract with a consultant to develop a prospectus for a proposed community center at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center property.

+ Commission approves budget transfer for bonuses
The Longboat Key Town Commission unanimously approved on first reading a budget transfer that would grant all full-time employees a one-time, $1,000 bonus with a pro-rated payout for part-time employees. The cost per full-time employee will total $1,552.27, according to Finance Director Tom Kelley, because of federal, payroll, Medicare and Social Security taxes. The total cost to the town for all employees will be $171,993.

Meetings & agendas
• Publix public workshop — 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8
• Code Enforcement Board meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12
• Planning & Zoning Board meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13
• Town Commission Regular Workshop — 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15
All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.