Anna Maria city officials are interested in Manatee County’s water taxi proposal.
But they also want the best deal they can get — and may have the leverage to get it.
City commissioners Aug. 25 discussed an interlocal agreement to allow the county use of the Anna Maria City Pier as an embarking station for its water taxi service.
Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, was tasked by county administrator Scott Hopes to head the county’s efforts to create the water taxi.
Falcione previously told the city the service would operate 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday between downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
He said the service would initially involve two 45- to 50-foot boats to carry 35-45 passengers, with a one-way fare of no more than $10. Island employees would ride for free.
Mayor Dan Murphy said city commissioners must approve an interlocal agreement with the county to allow water taxi service to dock at the city pier, and staff provided a draft for the discussion.
Murphy said he would like to hear the commissioners’ desired terms and conditions before launching negotiations with the county.
The drafted agreement would:
- Establish a route between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria for each scheduled round trip and the elimination of such a route would negate the agreement;
- Require the county to pay for improvements, permits, maintenance and studies needed to provide adequate dockage for the water taxi vessel;
- Require the county to assume all legal liability for the operation of the water taxi service;
- Require the county to provide a detailed plan for city commission approval showing any modifications or improvements needed for the city pier.
Murphy said one of the most important parts of the agreement is a clause that establishes the purpose of the water taxi.
The agreement states that the purposes of the service is to “relieve automobile congestion coming to and from the island” and “provide an affordable means of public transportation to and from the island for visitors, residents and service workers.”
Commissioner Jonathan Crane said he would like the agreement to state the county must indemnify and defend the city from all water taxi-related legal claims.
City attorney Becky Vose said she would replace the draft agreement’s mutual indemnification clause with a one-way indemnification clause.
Commissioner Deanie Sebring asked for a set dollar amount for water taxi fares, especially those involving island service workers.
Murphy recommended against setting fares due to inflation and uncertain financial times, but said commissioners could require city approval of fares.
Vose said she would add a clause to ensure the county must seek city commission approval for all fares.
Commissioner Mark Short also suggested adding a clause ensuring any third-party operator would meet the city’s minimum insurance requirements, and Vose agreed.
Murphy said he would bring a revised agreement back to city commissioners by their next meeting. He said they would vote on the agreement after reviewing the deal with the county.
There was no public comment.
The commission will meet next at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Directions to attend can be found at cityofannamaria.com.
Gee the stated purpose is exactly the same as the MCAT, which also operates at a loss and usually is less than 20% full on any run. The county wishes to start a sightseeing service apparently since it would be totally inferior to the bus system and much more costly.