News briefs

+ Subcommittee presents efficiency findings
The town’s Organizational Review Subcommittee will present its findings and recommendations to the Town Commission at its 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 regular workshop.

Some of the report’s highlights include suggesting that the town embark on an organized external communication program that helps citizens know what’s happening in town government. The subcommittee also believes internal communications at Town Hall need to be improved.

“When all is said and done, and aside from the goal of improved efficiency and effectiveness, we would like to see a more nimble government, which can react more quickly to the ever changing environment we live in,” the report states.

+ Commission will discuss Vision Plan this week
The Longboat Key Town Commission will hold a Vision Plan discussion at its 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 regular workshop.

The commission is trying to decide how it should implement a revised Vision Plan that has been accepted by the commission but not adopted.

+ Police officer Quarmby promoted to captain
Police Chief Al Hogle told The Longboat Observer Monday, Dec. 13 that police officer Monica Quarmby has been promoted to captain.

Quarmby has been working in a part-time capacity at the department since October 2007 and accepted a full-time officer position in December 2009. Quarmby previously worked for the Sarasota Police Department for 25 years and retired as a sergeant.

“It’s always great news for the department when an officer is promoted within,” Hogle said.

+ Sign code meeting scheduled for January
Planning, Zoning and Building Director Monica Simpson has alerted Planning and Zoning Board members that a second meeting will be held in January with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials to discuss excess signage.

Planning board members Walter Hackett and Laurin Goldner are members of a committee that are hoping FDOT will reduce state signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Hackett, who presented a signage study to the commission, has counted 405 signs along a 9.7-mile stretch of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 4 and will be held all day.

Meetings & agendas
+  Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21
+  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16.
+ Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3.
+ FDOT Signage Committee Meeting — 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4.
+ Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10.
All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.