Commission may make beach decision

The Longboat Key Town Commission may decide whether it should delay its island-wide beach renourishment project by a year at its regular meeting tonight.

At its Thursday, Nov. 18 regular workshop, the commission considered options that included a sand-only beach project and placing rock-like breakwaters and/or pier-like groins on the island’s severely eroded north end.

The commission, however, also could delay the entire project for a year.

Mayor George Spoll has proposed — and the rest of the commission agrees in theory — that it may be best to ask the voters permission on the March 8 ballot to fund a $45.2 million beach project that includes the cost of sand and north end structures.

The commission also will discuss whether it should pay for a Manatee County trolley-funding shortfall in 2011 that could be about $41,000.

Also at its regular meeting at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, the commission will:

Consider forwarding:
• Legislative priorities to the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation, Manatee County Legislative Delegation and ManaSota League of Cities.

• An interlocal agreement crafted by town attorney David Persson to Sarasota County that strengthens an agreement between the county and the town regarding the future passive park use of the Bayfront Park and former Albritton property.

Consider approving:
• An ordinance that would modify the list of permitted commercial uses for The Centre Shops.

• A resolution that allows Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub to construct a second story over its existing restaurant.

Consider adopting:
• An ordinance drafted by the town attorney that would place a referendum on the March 2011 general election ballot pertaining to term limits as applied to partial terms.

• An ordinance that amends the town’s tree code.

• An ordinance that revises the infrastructure element of the town’s Comprehensive Plan regarding the town’s 10-year potable water supply plan.

• An ordinance and resolution that modifies a portion of the town code to allow Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi to opt out of the Firefighters’ Retirement System, which reduces the town’s pension costs for the fire chief from 46% to 16% of salary and establishes a $20,179.59 401a account for the chief.

Consider passing:
• A resolution the provides for necessary budget transfers to be in compliance with the town charter.

• A resolution that allows the finance director to proceed with refunding the town’s general obligation bonds to save $293,000 over the remaining life of the bonds.

• A resolution that sets March 8, 2011, as the town’s general municipal election.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].