West Manatee Fire and Rescue is looking for public participation at its district meetings.
A hot topic at the Jan. 15 meeting, held at the district’s administration building, 6417 Third Avenue W., Bradenton, was how to get the public more involved in meetings.
Commissioner Al Robinson expressed concerns that while the meetings are open to the public, few attend outside of district employees.
Robinson questioned the district’s public comment policy, citing an incident at the Dec. 18, 2014, meeting where a member of the public wanted to speak before the commission but was not allowed to because a comment card had not been filled out.
Chair David Bishop responded that the incident seemed to stem from a procedural error that occurred without malice or ill-intent. “Sometimes the process works well, sometimes it doesn’t, but we always strive to make it better,” he said. Bishop went on to say that he regretted that the attendee was denied an opportunity to speak and that the commission remains open to concerns from district residents.
In an effort to encourage public participation at WMFR meetings, signs noticing the meeting were placed along roadsides throughout the district and the meeting was noticed in local newspapers.
However, only the family of a promoted firefighter attended.
Robinson went on to say that it’s difficult for the public to form comments without knowing what’s going on in the district.
“We are transparent,” Bishop replied. He went on to say meeting agendas are posted under the public information tab on the WMFR website, along with financial statements and other documents. Bishop also said district residents can request a meeting packet in advance from administration personnel.
Commissioner George Harris agreed, saying that the commission wants more public attendance at meetings.
District attorney Jim Dye noted that he reviewed the state statutes on public comment and the commission is in compliance by requiring comment cards for speakers at meetings.
To foster more public participation, Chief-elect Tom Sousa suggested opening Station 4, 407 67th St. W., Bradenton, to public tours.
During the event, tentatively scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Sousa will give a presentation on the state of Station 4 and the proposals to either renovate or replace the facility.
Bishop encouraged the open house, requesting commission members attend to foster relations with the public. “The public can attend the open house and come back throughout the process to see what the board decides and place public comment. The public is welcomed to the entire process.”
He said the process to improve Station 4 is an open and ongoing process for the commission.
Additionally, commissioners agreed to table conversation about purchasing a new jet boat for the district until more bids are received. The first bid for a state-of-the-art boat was $400,000, a number that concerned commissioners at the Dec. 18 meeting.
The next WMFR meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.