More than mayor’s forfeiture on agenda in Bradenton Beach

While the forfeiture proceedings against Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon are capturing headlines both on and off the island, city business continues.

The planning and zoning board has released a draft of its recommended changes in the first three chapters of the land development code to the city commission Oct. 8.

Those chapters contain revisions that should smooth the way for property owners to elevate new or existing homes. It also tweaks setback requirements along Gulf Drive.

The board, including Dan DeBaun, John Burns, John Metz and Fawzy Makar, along with building official Steve Gilbert and city planner Alan Garrett, will continue the painstaking review of the 200-plus pages in the LDC while the commission examines its recommended changes.

Public comment is allowed at the commission’s review hearings. The commission has final approval on any changes.

City commission

At its Sept. 30 meeting, the city commission voted to put off a Manatee County takeover of the city’s stormwater billing for at least two years.

Because the city bills in advance and the county system bills in arrears, the transfer will result in a two-year gap in stormwater revenues, according to city engineer Lynn Townsend Burnett.

The commission also voted 3-2 in favor of allowing Burnett to explore a method of calculating stormwater fees that would apply across all three island cities. Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Jack Clarke voted against the measure with Clarke expressing concern both with the expense and the risk that Bradenton Beach might get saddled with an option that is less than ideal.

“We have to make it right for us before joining up with any group plan,” he said.

Coming soon

At its noon Thursday, Oct. 16, meeting at city hall, the commission will discuss the pier tenant’s rent payments and approval of a contract for city attorney Ricinda Perry.

Commissioners also are expecting an update on the public records request by Tjet Martin, who is a candidate in the upcoming municipal election.

The commission also is awaiting word from an estate attorney about the work on the city’s website that was being done by webmaster and former Commissioner Ric Gatehouse before his death last month.