Public Works manager updates Kiwanis Club on undergrounding

By Petra Rivera
| 1:00 p.m. May 17, 2024

Back: Mike Frashier, Svetlana Ivashchenko, Deborah DiCarlo, Chris Sachs, Lynn Larson, Jim Larson and Michael Garey. Front: Ed Krepela and Jim Whitman

Longboat Key
Neighbors

After two years under his belt working for the Longboat Key Public Works Department, Construction and Facility System Manager Guy Matricciani has seen how speaking with residents is the key to satisfaction on Longboat.

Matricciani realized this while working on a recent project at Country Club Shores. He knew he wouldn’t get anything accomplished if he didn't communicate with Kiwanian Lynn Larson.

“We couldn’t have done it without Lynn,” said Matricciani. “All of her and everyone else’s input was vital to making that project successful. I told the guys that I wouldn’t let the street open up again until I got Miss Lynn’s approval. That is what I enjoy about my job. I enjoy meeting people and asking how I can help them. I am always trying to hear everyone out.”

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key hosted Matricciani for its monthly breakfast on May 16. Matricciani shared undergrounding updates with the club and discussed issues they had questions about.

The department is finalizing an undergrounding schedule and hopes all underground services are working by the end of September, Matricciani said.

Larson said that she loves how hands-on and open Matricciani is. She encouraged everyone to go to him directly with questions.

Kiwanis Club members emphasized the importance of the department working with residents to give feedback. They suggested that the town should post a schedule for construction updates and street cleaning days so people are more aware of what's going on.

Matricciani also mentioned that a good way to stay informed with important updates is through the town’s e-notification system. Residents are informed regularly about traffic lane closures, severe weather alerts, town manager briefs and more important announcements. People can register for updates online at LongboatKey.org.

In the offseason, the Kiwanis Club returns to meeting once a month. President Chris Sachs said they will soon start meeting to plan for the 2024 Lawn Party held in December.

author

Petra Rivera

Petra Rivera is the Longboat community reporter. She holds a bachelor’s degree of journalism with an emphasis on reporting and writing from the University of Missouri. Previously, she was a food and drink writer for Vox magazine as well as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian.