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New commission members schooled
By WAYNE AYERS
| Article published on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 |
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BELLEAIR BLUFFS – Last month’s election brought almost a clean sweep to the City Commission, with new faces in three of the four commissioner’s chairs.
Much of the April 13 workshop meeting was devoted to getting the neophyte commission up and running. An agenda composed mostly of proclamations, departmental reports and city board assignments lasted more than two hours before Mayor Chris Arbutine called a break. A one-hour presentation on the state’s Sunshine Law by City Attorney Thomas Trask followed.
The pace was to be expected given the commission’s historic change-out. The only experienced commissioner, Hunt Brand, remained mostly quiet as the mayor explained commission proceedings such as what to bring up under “commission comments,” and his rationale for departmental assignments.
Questions were plentiful as the new officials learned to function together as a commission. The audience had ideas and suggestions to share.
Resident Dottie Kenny urged the new commission to aggressively pursue a recycling program. Kenny said she had boxes full of hairdryers, toasters, and electronic items.
“I don’t know how to throw these away,” she said.
Citizens can take these items to the public works building across the street from city hall and place them “anywhere inside the big 16-foot door,” public works director Robert David said.
Wanda Rusinowski, who has made a couple of unsuccessful tries for a commission seat, suggested a citywide garage sale. Arbutine said there was an event at the city hall/community center several years ago run by the Civic Association where people could bring rummage items to sell, but he noted that someone needs to organize it.
Rusinowski replied that other communities, like Belleair Beach and Indian Rocks Beach, hold regular garage sales where the homeowners put out their wares and do all the work. Former commissioner David Shimkus said Harbor Bluffs had recently run a similar event.
The commission agreed to put the topic on a future workshop agenda.
Fire Chief Patrick Competelli gave a lengthy account of his department’s activities, and Assistant Chief Arthur Bufo informed the commission of the firefighter training programs he runs.
The fire department plans to hire three paramedics this year, taking over that responsibility from Largo firefighters, Competelli said. He then presented a four-page paramedic job description. The list of qualifications needed prompted Commissioner Jack Nazario to comment that Competelli was seeking to hire “a medical doctor with the capabilities of Superman.”
“That’s exactly what a paramedic is,” said Competelli. “When they are in a life and death situation, they are God.”
Nazario then suggested Competelli change some experience qualifications from “must have” to “should have.” Competelli responded, “They are must haves if you want to be a paramedic.”
Commissioner Suzy Sofer said if she were in an emergency situation, “these are the types of people I would like to have respond.”
Traffic light at West Bay Drive
Nazario promoted placement of a traffic light on West Bay Drive near the bridge. The issue has been pushed by residents of nearby condos, and had played a prominent role in Nazario’s election campaign.
The topic has been “pressing” for at least 20 years, former Commissioner Wallace Witham noted. Witham served on the commission during the 1980s.
The county will conduct a traffic study to determine if a traffic signal is warranted as soon as the new bridge is completed, Mayor Arbutine promised.
Departmental assignments made
The commissioners got off and rolling with their department liaison assignments. Sofer will handle budget and finance; Nazario will work on police matters; Commissioner Joseph Barkley will become the fire department liaison; and Brand will now be responsible for public works.
New board member sought
A new member is needed for the city’s Charter and Ordinance Review Committee. The board, which is in session now, meets every five years to review and update the city charter and ordinances. Current members are Chairman Paul Kuykendall, Vice Chairman Wallace Witham, Al DeMarco and Jeff Matchette. William Young resigned from the committee, creating the vacancy.
City residents interested in joining the committee should call or stop by City Hall for a membership application.
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Article published on Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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