News Briefs

+ Town to create new utility manager position
The town will create a new utilities manager position to oversee and administer current and future capital projects related to water and sewer infrastructure.

Town Manager Dave Bullock wrote in a memo to the Longboat Key Town Commission that two years ago, Anne Ross’ town engineer position was split between the Utilities Division and Town Manager’s Office.

“Her current duties as assistant town manager have shifted her attention to other activities that prevent her from daily involvement in the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department,” Bullock wrote in the memo.

The commission discussed a proposed budget transfer of $66,315 for salary and benefits for the new position at its Jan. 20 regular workshop.

+ Mote hires two Ph.D. scientists
Heather Marshall and Paul Suprenand have joined Mote Marine Laboratory as postdoctoral fellows.

Marshall, who earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and interned with Mote 10 years ago, will study shark physiology, particularly the stress of being caught and released on fishing gear.

Suprenand, who earned his doctorate at the University of South Florida, will study how environmental contaminants could affect marine life and humans in the Arctic. Using mathematical modeling, he hopes to forecast how oil spills in Alaska could affect multiple marine species, along with at-risk human communities.

+ Utility testing continues this week on Broadway
The town continues to conduct tests of its utility system this week on Broadway.

The testing uses a light, non-toxic, non-staining fog to identify potential leaks in the system. Residents who see fog on their properties or in their homes could have a leak in their plumbing systems. If fog appears in a home, residents do not need to take action.

The town completed testing last week on Jungle Queen Way.

The town is conducting tests on those streets because officials believe they are the areas where the greatest infiltration of groundwater in utilities occurs.

Meetings & agendas
Barrier Island Elected Officials Regular Meeting — 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21

Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30

Longboat Key Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.