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John’s Pass Village parking fees on their way up
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 |
MADEIRA BEACH – The Board of Commissioners took care of business at John’s Pass Village at the May 22 regular meeting. Ordinances were passed that will double the parking meter rate and reduce sign clutter along the boardwalk.
The parking meter rate hike, from 50 cents an hour to $1, passed unanimously and without any comments from citizens present. In past discussions of the issue, business owners in the Village have spoken against an increase, contending that a higher parking rate will decrease the number of visitors.
City residents can obtain a parking pass that allows them to park free in city-owned lots, so few citizens bjected to raising the rate. A $1 fee is charged in all other metered city lots.
Patricia Hubbard of Hubbard Enterprises, who arrived after the vote was taken, said following the meeting that she expected more comment from business owners when the ordinance comes up for a second and final reading next month.
Also on the agenda was a sign ordinance, which is intended to provide additional regulations to protect the scenic view from John’s Pass boardwalk.
Commissioners expressed their displeasure with what was termed “sign clutter” on the walkway. After viewing photos taken along the boardwalk by Community Development Director Paula Cohen, Commissioner John Wolbert said he had not realized how cluttered the area had become.
“We need to clean it up, and I feel this ordinance will succeed in doing that,” Wolbert said.
“This is supposed to be a scenic boardwalk and the only scene you are seeing is the signs of the businesses,” Commissioner Arnold Alloway said.
The ordinance specifies that signs and structures cannot extend above the view level of the boardwalk railing. City Manager Jill Silverboard admitted the provisions could present a significant challenge from a code enforcement standpoint. She also said that permanent structures have signs on them that are in the view corridor, presenting another what she termed “significant undertaking” to enforce.
Commissioner Steve Kochick said he is pleased with the boardwalk’s appearance, signs and all.
“I went down there today, and it looked like a quaint fishing village to me,” he said.
Kochick said he is concerned that if the sign angle requirement is enforced, “all the signs will be gone.”
Despite Kochick’s reservations, the sign ordinance was approved unanimously on second and final reading. Affected businesses will have until the end of the year to comply with the provisions.
Marina Advisory Committee is approved
The commission appointed what may be the largest committee in city history. Twenty people were selected to serve on an advisory committee that will share ideas and make recommendations for the future of the city marina. Redevelopment of the marina has been the subject of much debate and discussion over the past several years.
Prospective committee members gave their qualifications, which were mostly related to marine and boating interests. Dr. Nicole Elko, Pinellas County Coastal Coordinator, is among the group. Jon Oakley, husband of Commissioner Nancy Oakley, withdrew his name from consideration after questions were raised about a possible conflict of interest. All other applicants were accepted for membership. The committee will be disbanded after six months unless the commission extends the duration.
Commission liaison for the group will be Commissioner Steve Kochick. Kochick agreed to bow to the commission’s wishes and be a “silent observer” at committee meetings. He had originally proposed the marina committee as an informal idea-gathering group on which he would serve as a moderator and facilitator.
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Article published on Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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