Some Anna Maria residents might have said the commission’s Oct. 28 meeting was a far cry from other commission meetings of the past year. There were plenty of awards, honors, hugs and standing ovations at the meeting.
Not only was the meeting a farewell to outgoing Mayor Fran Barford, it was an opportunity to honor Tom Turner as Citizen of the Year.
Commissioners surprised Barford with a plaque, which was presented to her by Commission Chair John Quam, for dedicated service to the city, just moments after Barford presented Turner with his award.
Both Barford and Turner received standing ovations from the audience, and commissioners all took time to shake hands with both honorees.
An emotional Barford received a hug from Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick, who has sat next to the mayor on the dais for the past four years. Barford then used her supply of tissue placed conveniently in front of her traditional seat. It was the last time Barford would occupy that seat.
Organize and meetings
The new commission and new mayor will hold its organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, followed by a commission work session.
City clerk Alice Baird said the one-week delay in swearing-in ceremonies and organizing is because the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office has to check any provisional ballots cast in the Nov. 2 election, and that process may take a few days.
The commission scheduled its November regular meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, after city attorney Jim Dye said he would be unavailable Nov. 18, the regularly scheduled meeting day.
The December regular meeting was set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, a week earlier than usual to avoid interfering with the Christmas holiday.
PAR site plan
In business matters, commissioners unanimously approved a request by Pine Avenue Restoration LLC to continue the public hearing of the company’s site plan for 308 Pine Ave. to its next regular meeting. It was the second meeting PAR had requested a continuance.
Later in the meeting, after commissioners scheduled the regular November meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, Quam said the site-plan would be on that agenda.
Historical society lease
Commissioners approved a new lease of city property for the Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s museum and adjacent land at 402 Pine Ave. The new agreement gives the society a five-year lease with an option for another five years.
Commissioner Dale Woodland said he had second thoughts about a five-year lease after talking with a number of people. He suggested a 10-year lease.
He found no support among other commissioners for changing the lease terms to 10 years and the agreement was approved, 4-1, with Woodland dissenting.
Commissioner Chuck Webb said there would always be a historical society and museum unless something “very unusual” occurred in the city.
Betty Yanger of the AMIHS spoke to commissioners after the lease was approved and thanked them for their time and effort.
“We would have loved to have had a 10-year lease, but, after hearing the commissioners, I’m confident there will always be a historical society. Thank you,” she said.
Auto burglary problem
In her final report as mayor, Barford said there has been a recent increase in the number of auto burglaries.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol have been looking for anyone or anything unusual, particularly during the night hours.
Deputies questioned one resident using a cell phone outside his home at 1 a.m. Many cell-phone calls don’t receive a signal indoors in Anna Maria, forcing the user to go outside to send or receive a call.
Barford said the inconvenience was regrettable and hoped further incidents could be avoided. Deputies were just trying to do their job.
The mayor also announced improvements at the beach access between 787-789 North Shore Drive were completed and the access is re-opened to the public.