Waterlefe rethinks area patrol

The Waterlefe Community Development District met Jan. 27, at the River Club at Waterlefe. The following is a summary of the meeting.

Board members voted unanimously to terminate a contract with Florida Highway Patrol and renegotiate with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for patrol services. The district had used the sheriff’s office until it began requiring the CDD to pay for workers’ compensation insurance. The sheriff’s office eliminated the requirement, making its services more cost-effective.

“The numbers are dramatic,” Board Chairman Ken Bumgarner said. “We can do twice as much (for the same amount of money).”

Supervisor Mark Kalish said he will be moving and likely will serve his last meeting in March or April. The board will discuss how to advertise the pending vacancy at its February meeting. Kalish’s term expires in November 2016.

The board authorized District Engineer Rick Schappacher to hire a consultant to evaluate the wall immediately past the roundabout on Waterlefe Boulevard, where it turns into Winding Stream Way. The cost is not to exceed $1,000.

On another matter, Schappacher said the golf course will pay about $9,000 for the inspection of 19 bridges along the course. Two bridges used extensively by golf course staff require some immediate repairs.

“The goal is to find what needs to be fixed and make repairs, not replace the whole bridge,” Schappacher said.

NEXT MEETING
When: 1 p.m. Feb. 24
Where:
Waterlefe River Club, 995 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton