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Belleair Bluffs, Largo agree on fire service
By WAYNE AYERS
| Article published on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009 |
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BELLEAIR BLUFFS – After months of negotiations, and a near breakdown over conditions of the station lease, an agreement has been reached that officially makes the Belleair Bluffs Fire Department a part of Largo Fire Rescue.
“We’ve signed the agreement. It’s a done deal,” City Attorney Thomas Trask announced at Monday’s City Commission workshop meeting.
The accord was reached just prior to a Nov. 30 deadline set by both parties. Under terms of the agreement, Belleair Bluffs agreed to pay Largo $244,000 a year to provide fire services to the city. Bluffs firefighters have already been assimilated into the Largo squad, and employment contracts have been worked out. Both sides have been working toward a merger while a temporary agreement has been in effect.
Finalization of the pact had been hung up over issues regarding the Bluffs fire station. A proposed station lease was returned by Largo in early November with significant changes.
“It doesn’t look anything like the lease we provided,” Trask said at the time.
Uncertainties over the fate of the Bluffs station also threatened the agreement. Plans by Largo to construct a new fire station further south on Indian Rocks Road alarmed some commissioners, who wanted assurances the Bluffs facility would remain for the near future.
Trask said in a comment after the meeting that the lease issues had been resolved to the city’s satisfaction.
Largo agreed to lease the station for $30,000 a year, as Belleair Bluffs had requested. The revised lease had cut the payment to $20,000.
A Bluffs demand that Largo pay $10,000 a year to lease the fire engine was met, Trask said.
Largo also agreed to pay for most repairs to the fire station, including the generator and HVAC equipment, leaving Belleair Bluffs responsible only for structural damage to the walls, roof or foundation. Mayor Chris Arbutine had wanted an agreement like standard commercial leases, where the tenant is responsible for most repairs. Belleair Bluffs did agree to be responsible for general maintenance of the station, which it currently does.
Finally, Largo agreed to remain in the Bluffs station for at least two years, which was an acceptable compromise, Trask indicated. The Bluffs commission had originally wanted a three-year guarantee.
“(The agreement) is substantially in line with what we wanted,” Trask said at the meeting Monday. “It’s time to move on.”
Commissioner Joseph Barkley said he had spoken with former Bluffs firefighters now integrated into the Largo force. He reported they are “adjusting well and moving forward.”
County drops proposed annexation barrier
The county has dropped plans for a controversial resolution that would have made it more difficult for cities to annex areas, Trask said. The move was announced during a recent meeting with 12 city managers and county administration.
“The county brought negotiations to a halt by announcing they were withdrawing the resolution,” Trask said.
The county’s action means the municipalities will only have to comply with state statutes. It restores the status quo without the cities giving up any of their annexation rights, Trask indicated.
The intent of the proposed resolution, Trask said, was “to keep (the cities) from annexing areas.” Its withdrawal by the county means “we can continue on with what the law provides.”
Mayor Arbutine said he considered the county’s action good news. Speaking of Harbor Hills, Harbor Bluffs and Oakdale Manor unincorporated areas which adjoin Belleair Bluffs, he said, “We are keeping those in our service area for possible annexation in the future.”
Bridge opening pushed back
The official opening date of the new Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge is now Monday, Dec. 21, a week later than previously announced, public works director Robert David said. Rain delays were given as the reason for the pushback, he said. Pedestrians who want to walk over the bridge will have to wait until that date. A grand opening celebration is being planned for sometime in January.
Candidates qualify for commission seats
In next spring’s elections, incumbent commissioners Hunt Brand and Joseph Barkley will be challenged by Taylor Shimkus, wife of former Commissioner David Shimkus.
The three qualified to run in advance of a Dec. 15 deadline, City Clerk Debra Sullivan announced.
Barkley’s seat was previously held by David Shimkus. Shimkus resigned last year to make a run for mayor. Brand has served as both mayor and commissioner in prior years.
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Article published on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009
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