Delayed palm plantings back on track
The City Commission agrees on the first pay hike since 1988.
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005  |
BELLEAIR BLUFFS – Six Queen Palms will be installed along West Bay Drive next Monday. The plantings, which are a part of the city’s ongoing beautification program, had been delayed due to the hurricanes that hit the state last fall, Public Works Director Robert David said at Monday’s City Commission meeting.
“We’re behind schedule with this because the storms pretty much wiped out the palm supply,” said David.
He finally was able to locate a source and that the trees arrived last week.
The middle of winter is not the ideal time to plant palms, David said, but the city had little choice but to wait until the trees could be obtained. The palm planting will take about three hours.
The commission has agreed to increase the compensation for its members for the first time in 17 years. A hike from $200 to $400 per month for the commissioners and from $300 to $500 for the mayor was tentatively settled on. The increase will be voted on at a rescheduled meeting, set for Wednesday, Jan. 19.
Retiring Largo fire Chief Carroll Williams introduced his replacement, Deputy Chief Jeff Bullock, to the commission. Bullock will take over as chief on March 1. Largo provides administrative services to the Belleair Bluffs Fire Department. Williams said that Deputy Chief Tom Tarulli will continue to be the main liaison with the Bluffs unit.
The commission also learned of changes at the Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Bill Hagans is replacing Lt. Steve Rasor as the administrative officer responsible for Belleair Bluffs and other communities.
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Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005
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