Public concern, project updates kick off Town Commission’s return

After a monthlong break, the Longboat Key Town Commission reconvened to deal with a few resolutions, receive project updates and address public concerns. 

Before the main agenda, residents were allowed to speak on items not on the agenda. 

Former Town Commissioner Lynn Larson shared personal, negative experiences with the Sarasota County dispatch system, including one in which dispatch said Larson was in Charlotte County and would not send help. 

She was in Sarasota County, on Longboat Key. 

Larson said she was on the commission that voted to move emergency dispatch services to Sarasota County, which eventually took place in 2016. She said at that time, the county made big promises. 

“Nothing has been delivered,” she said. 

Mayor Ken Schneier and other commissioners agreed it was the right time to look into the issue further. 

Seven items were placed on the consent agenda, all approved with a 7-0 vote. 

The first two resolutions of the agenda dealt with the Utility Undergrounding Project. The resolution certified the annual assessment roll, including new eligible parcels. 

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman delivered an update from Florida Power and Light after numerous underground generators failed in Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge. He said the issue has been given top priority, and an investigation is underway. 

The third resolution that passed dealt with the reallocation of remaining funds in the fiscal year 2023 budget. 

An amendment to the ambulance fee schedule was proposed in the next resolution. Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi explained that a slight increase in user fee for medical transportation services was necessary. 

The last time the town assessed the cost was 2007. 

The fee generates an average of about $280,000 a year, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton. With the now-approved increase, an additional $20,000 in revenue is estimated.

Additionally, the commissioners voted to adopt the fifth batch of the comprehensive plan, which focuses on Conservation & Coastal Management and Recreation.

There was some discussion among the commissioners about the town meeting schedule for 2024. 

Commissioners voted to reschedule every meeting that starts at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and to schedule a June 28 meeting with the idea in mind to cancel the July meeting. 

In new business, Tipton updated the commissioners on Manatee County’s potential community center lease in Whitney Beach Plaza. 

Tipton said he heard from Interim Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop that Bishop directed his staff to pull together the necessary interlocal agreement to get going on the lease. 

“It was certainly the strongest direction I’ve seen in this process,” Tipton said. 

The Town Commission will hold a regular workshop on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. and the next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.