Subcommittee compiles list of goals

The Longboat Key Town Commission will review a goals list that a subcommittee placed in the town’s Vision Plan for possible implementation. The goals, which were submitted by a wide range of groups and individuals, must be discussed at the 1 p.m. Thursday, May 26 regular workshop.
 

• Consider the benefits of engaging lobbyists for town issues.
• Modify an accountant position in the Finance Department to include the responsibilities of grants research and coordination.
• Look at improving staff manpower efficiencies in order to avoid reducing necessary services.
• Urge the town to continue to provide quality emergency response service.
• Recommend the town consider the installation of a license-plate recognition camera system.
• Recommend the town honor its obligations to its employees but should examine freezing existing pension plans, moving thereafter to fixed contributions rather than fixed benefits.
• Resolve employee pension plan issues within the next 12 months.
• Support an island-wide revitalization effort.
• Support residents first, businesses second and visitors third.
• Support redevelopment within the community.
• Encourage the commission to foster an environment in the community, which is advantageous and compatible with residential, visitor and business interests.
• Provide assistance for the implementation of a master plan for the Village area.
• Support a lower speed limit from the Longboat Pass Bridge to south of Whitney Beach Plaza.
• Construct a pedestrian walkway or pedestrian traffic signal at Broadway and Gulf of Mexico Drive.
• Reinstall the Broadway bridge over the bayou at the entrance to the Village.
• Provide for gas lamps down Broadway.
• Improve landscaping on Broadway.
• Purchase undeveloped property in the area of Longboat Drive South and Palm Street.
• Purchase property on the north end of Longboat Drive South and Palm Street.
• Enhance the school bus stop in the Village by providing a new bench.
• Continue to reimburse and support peacock removal.
• Continue to encourage water conservation.
• Encourage businesses to receive grants to improve landscaping.
• Adopt a long-term beach management plan and renourishment program.
• Establish long-term fiscal policies relating to beach maintenance and cost containment options for future beach projects.
• Urge support for the creation of an on-site island medical facility while supporting physical-, mental- and emotional-health initiatives.
• Continue to hold events at Longboat Key facilities to promote organizations and citizen participation, as well as business partners.
• Encourage the town to implement the development of the Bayfront Park fund and construct a community center at Bayfront Park.
• Improve the island’s communication infrastructure.
• Support the town’s efforts to address traffic problems through regional cooperation.
• Urge the Town Commission to press the U.S. Coast Guard for 30 minutes between bridge openings during season to alleviate traffic.
• Support continuation of the trolley service on the island.
• Continue to work toward cost containment in the budget.
• Appoint a blue-ribbon committee to resolve the employee pension plan issues.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].