Holmes Beach voters will elect three commissioners from four candidates and also will face eight charter questions at the ballot box Nov. 5.
Ed Upshaw, who chaired the Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission, presented information Oct. 11 on ballot questions during The Islander newspaper’s Popcorn and Politics forum.
The committee recommended the ballot questions and then disbanded.
Upshaw said approval of amendment 1 would define the city limits to include the incorporation of Kingfish Boat Ramp and Grassy Point Preserve.
Approval of amendment 2, which Upshaw considers the “beach access clause,” would prohibit the city from selling or abandoning parks, rights of way, or public access without a supermajority approval of the city commission and approval by the citizens through a referendum.
If amendment 3 is approved, the city budget would be amended by resolution instead of an ordinance to require less staff and meeting time, Upshaw said.
Approval of amendment 4 would require city commission approval to terminate a department head. “This would provide greater stability and protection from political volatility,” he said.
Upshaw said approval of amendment 5 would correct the charter to state the treasurer “presents” audited financial statements. Currently, the charter says the treasurer “prepares” them, which is not the case.
If voters support amendment 6, the public works and building department would be separated and the department heads would be removed as charter positions. They would by hired and fired by the mayor, when currently their positions are subject to approval by the city commission.
Similarly, approval of amendment 7 would remove the human resources director as a charter position. However, the city would still have an HR director, Upshaw said.
Amendment 8, if approved, would require a person to file for candidacy with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office instead of through the city clerk’s office.
More information about the election, including sample ballots, go online to votemanatee.com.
Town hall meeting set for charter questions
The city of Holmes Beach will hold a town hall meeting to review the charter amendment questions on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The town hall will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
Ed Upshaw, who chaired the 2019 charter review commission, will answer questions about the amendments.
The public is encouraged to attend.
For more information, call city hall at 941-708-5800.
— ChrisAnn Silver Esformes