City attorney Ricinda Perry is expected to present her legal opinion about the controversial nomination of a city-contracted employee for the Ward 3 commission seat to the Bradenton Beach Commission at its 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, meeting.
The commission’s attempt to fill the seat, vacant since November when no candidate filed to run in the election, was halted during the Jan. 5 meeting.
Resident Jo Ann Meilner said in public comment that state statutes prohibit a city-contracted employee from holding public office.
Richard Gatehouse was nominated to fill the vacant seat, but the motion to approve him failed to receive a second when two of the three voting commissioners raised concerns over the state law.
Perry advised to continue the nomination process to the next meeting, in order for her to review any applicable statutes and provide direction to the commission.
Also on the Jan. 19 agenda, commissioners will review and consider an extension of the dates allotted on a special event permit to the Gulf Drive Cafe and Tiki, 900 Gulf Drive, for Sunday vendor markets. Previously, commissioners granted the restaurant a permit to conduct the flea market for a trial period that expires Jan. 29.
Commissioners will consider allowing the market to continue through April 29. Concerns over the market involve traffic issues on Gulf Drive and at the nearby Cortez Road intersection during the market’s hours of operation and the service of alcoholic beverages. The commission conditioned the market on requiring two off-duty police officers be present to oversee traffic and drinking.
Commissioners also will conduct a first reading and public hearing on a proposed amendment to the city’s ordinance involving open-air dining areas.
Currently, the ordinance, in particular, prohibits open-flame cooking. Changes to the ordinance are to allow a special exception permit to be applied for within the Bridge Street and Gulf Drive historic overlay district.