There have been two more mix-ups involving the scheduling of meetings at Bradenton Beach City Hall.
The city clerk’s office canceled four meetings the week of Oct. 5-9. City clerk Terri Sanclemente disciplined Deputy Clerk Emily Long for three of the mix-ups, which resulted in Long resigning Oct. 12.
This time city attorney Ricinda Perry was expected to make a presentation to the planning and zoning board regarding the proposed quality-of-life ordinance that has been proposed to regulate vacation rentals.
And the Scenic Waves Partnership Committee had planned to invite Police Chief Sam Speciale to its Nov. 2 meeting for a demonstration of the city’s website.
The rental ordinance was an item on the P&Z agenda, but Perry was a no-show. She said in an Oct. 15 email that no one at city hall requested she attend. It’s unclear who was responsible for making the arrangement. The city clerk’s office creates agendas and maintains city calendars.
While board members and city planner Alan Garrett pondered Perry’s absence, board member John Metz said he had worked more than four hours in preparation for the P&Z discussion, and he had many questions and comments.
“It’s disheartening to make an effort to be prepared and then be left at the altar, more or less,” Metz said.
Meanwhile, when Speciale heard that he was expected at the Scenic Waves meeting for a presentation on the website, Speciale — who maintains the website — said in an Oct. 16 email that he did not request or give permission to be placed on the agenda. He offered to answer questions about the site individually to committee members who contact him.
Scenic Waves committee co-chair Carl Parks shouldered the blame for the confusion at that meeting. In his rush to meet a deadline, he said he did not first check with Speciale on his availability.