The shadow cast by two rescue boat canopies for some Westbay Point & Moorings condominium residents could soon fade.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he and Mayor Bob Johnson are working out a plan to relocate the police and fire boats, lifts and canopies, and end the impasse.
“It’s not something that will happen overnight,” Tokajer said Sept. 29. “Once I work out the logistics with the mayor and have a new location to put the docks in, and move the canopies and lifts, we’ll figure out a reasonable timeline.”
“I’m hoping to have that within a matter of days,” he said.
Tokajer said the move and associated expenses will require commission approval.
A day earlier on Sept. 28, nearly two dozen Westbay Point & Moorings condominium owners showed up to a commission meeting to renew their request for the city to remove canopies covering rescue vessels berthed on Watson’s Bayou.
During the discussion, which was not on the agenda, one commissioner’s frustration boiled over.
“This troubles me a great deal,” said Commissioner Marvin Grossman. “We can settle this right now. Even though we spent the money, it’s a mistake.”
The residents have been lobbying for the removal of the boat canopies over the boat lifts at the dock at the city’s 63rd Street boat ramp next to Westbay Point & Moorings, 6500 Flotilla Drive, Holmes Beach.
At the meeting, Westbay property manager Robert McGlynn went over ordinance section 66-111, which he said prohibits the canopy. It reads,
No boathouse or other covering for any boat berthed at a dock or pier… may be installed.
City attorney Patricia Petruff has said an exception can be made for city equipment on city property.
McGlynn said everyone who owns a boat at Westbay would like to have the option of covering his or her vessel.
In January, the city installed boat lifts and covers at the city-owned docks over the city police boat and a fire-rescue boat, in cooperation with the West Manatee Fire Rescue District.
The Westbay Point & Moorings III board protested, saying the canopies hinder some residents’ water views and are in violation of city ordinance.
Chair Judy Titsworth said it’s a “big decision” and assured the residents it would be addressed at the next commission meeting.
Westbay residents said after the meeting their hope is rising for a resolution.
“Everybody is feeling very positive after that meeting,” said Westbay resident Mary Giudice. “We’re hoping common sense rules.”
Tokajer said he hopes to have a new dock location arranged by the next commission meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.