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Archibald Park gets attention
Steps are taken to restore cabin and grounds
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 |
MADEIRA BEACH – The Madeira Beach Board of Commissioners followed up on previous workshop discussions by taking actions at the May 13 regular commission meeting to restore the Snack Shack building and grounds at Archibald Park.
City voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum issue mandating preservation of the historic cabin in March.
The commission narrowly approved the transfer of $11,000 from the general fund reserve account to pay for an architectural evaluation of the Snack Shack building.
Commissioners Sarah Nichols and Nancy Oakley opposed the move because they disapproved of dipping into the city’s reserves for the money.
“I don’t think it is necessary to take funds out of contingency (reserves) when there are other available funds that could be placed there,” said Nichols. Oakley said she agreed with Nichols.
Mayor Pat Shontz, Vice Mayor Steve Kochick and Commissioner Terry Lister voted to approve the funds transfer to pay for the study.
The city also moved forward in applying for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant that would help finance improvements to the grounds at Archibald Park, including walkovers, shelters and landscaping.
Interim City Manager Michael Maxemow said the grant money, if approved, would be available next year. “We have started the process,” Maxemow said of the grant application.
Resident John Hendricks offered to organize a group of volunteers to solicit funds from corporate beneficiaries and individuals to rebuild Archibald Park. Some companies have already expressed an interest in contributing, he said.
Hendricks also suggested the city add Archibald Park to the places where Madeira Beach residents are allowed free parking.
Hendricks’ offer and suggestions were warmly received by the commission. Kochick called the free parking proposal “a great idea, giving residents a place to go without feeding the meters.” Kochick also agreed to be the commission liaison of the funds solicitation committee.
Oakley recommended the city look into obtaining a community grant to assist the committee. She said a similar grant had been obtained by the city of Clearwater, where she is employed.
Mayor Shontz said she was pleased to see the city “get off and rolling” with the Archibald Park projects.
Two appointed to Planning Commission
Commissioners filled long-standing vacancies on the Planning Commission with the appointments of Travis J. Palladeno and Thomas Whalley.
Palladeno owns and operates Live Wire Fishing Charters and has had 25 years experience as a project manager.
Whalley is a state certified general contractor who specializes in hurricane protection. He is a 20-year resident of Madeira Beach.
Both Palladeno and Whalley said they were interested in getting involved in city politics, and the Planning Commission would appear to be a good place to start. Shontz, Kochick and Nichols served on the planning board before joining the commission.
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Article published on Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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