One killed in three-vehicle accident

By Tom Vaught
sun staff writer

A 77-year-old Bradenton woman died Thursday morning after her car collided with another car and was forced into the path of a large delivery truck.

According to a report from the Holmes Beach Police Department, the accident occurred around 10:45 a.m. at the intersection of East Bay Drive (State Road 789) and Manatee Avenue (State Road 64) by the CVS drug store and Bank of America.

The report says the victim, Mary M. Moore, 77, of Bradenton, who was driving a 2002 Saturn, was westbound on SR 64 and attempted to make a left turn onto SR 789 with a green light but no green turn arrow. Her car turned into the path of an eastbound Suzuki sport utility vehicle that was being driven by 41 year-old Maria Bertram, of Holmes Beach. The force of the impact pushed Moore's Saturn into the path of a 2002 International truck driven by 34-year-old John Williams, of Bradenton, who was westbound on SR 64, pushing the Saturn into the northwest corner of the intersection.

Moore was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Bertram and Williams were both transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital by ambulance. No charges have been filed.

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City OKs $3.9 million for bridge

By Pat Copeland
sun staff writer

HOLMES BEACH — Commissioners were quick to approve financing for the Key Royale Bridge last week.

Commissioners learned recently that the cost had risen to $2,954,300. In July, the city learned that the bridge cost had doubled from $1.3 million to $2.6 million.

The city has agreed to advance the funding to get the bridge built and seek reimbursement from the DOT. City Treasurer Rick Ashley recommended that the city borrow $3,900,000 because when the bids are received, the cost could be higher than $2.6 million.
Commissioner Don Maloney continued to protest the city’s plan to fund the construction. He said although the bridge is functionally obsolete, it is structurally sound. He also said the city could find a better use for the interest it would pay on the loan.

"The reason why we’re doing this is because the bridge was put on a list for replacement, and it kept getting bumped," Mayor Carol Whitmore replied. "The only way that the city could be guaranteed to ever have this bridge replaced is if we funded it up front and got paid back.

"If we do as you’re suggesting and wait until 2007-08, we will be bumped. We locked this money in because we wanted to be guaranteed to be reimbursed by the state, not because we were in a hurry to do it."

"I tried to get this on the MPO list in the mid-90s, and they didn’t want anything to do with it," Commissioner Rich Bohnenberger added. "My concern is that it will not be bumped back, it will be bumped off the list, and then we’ll be stuck paying for it ourselves."

Resident’s questions answered
Resident George Jackson wrote Whitmore regarding concerns about the bridge replacement project. Whitmore forwarded the concerns to the Florida Department of Transportation, and the following are the questions and responses.

Q: Where will the materials for the job be stockpiled?
A: Materials will be on the right of way, barge or staging area.

Q: Where will the workmen park?
A: They will park in city-owned parking lots.

Q: Will heavy trucks park or drive over residents’ landscaping?
A: No.

Q: Will heavy trucks turn in our driveways or turn around in the 500 and 600 blocks of Key Royale Drive?
A: The DOT does not control how the contractor delivers materials.

Q: Our street has looked like a construction site for the past four years.
A: The DOT does not have knowledge of any roadway construction in the past four years.

 

Beaches may finally get sand

By Tom Vaught
sun staff writer

BRADENTON BEACH – If it seems like the beach renourishment project is taking forever, there are five suspects to blame.

Hurricanes Dennis (July 2-10), Katrina (Aug. 23-31), Ophelia (Sept. 6-18), Rita (Sept. 18-26) and Wilma (Oct. 17-25) have combined to keep the renourishment cutter out of the barrow area, where it gets the sand to put ashore, for a good portion of the summer.

"I have never seen anything like this," project manager Ben Goodloe, of Goodloe Marine, Inc., said at a project meeting at Coquina Park last Thursday morning.

Goodloe initially had 108 days to complete the project starting July 6, which made the deadline Oct. 12, but the five storms that came through the Gulf of Mexico stalled operations for several weeks.

Goodloe said they were moving the dredge out of the Big Bend area of the Gulf Coast, near the Crystal River, last week and hoped to be back at work by this week, although the waves from Wilma were still out there.

"It looks glassy close to shore," he said, "but if you look at the water further out, it's still rough."

Goodloe said they would be moving the supply barge that was anchored off the beach next to Bay Front Park, away from the beach. He said the high waves from Wilma had moved the barge toward the shore, but there was never any threat to the Anna Maria City Pier of the Rod and Reel Pier, on each side of the barge.

At an earlier meeting, Goodloe asked Ron Rutger, project engineer for the US Army Corps of Engineers, to seek an extension of the deadline. As of last Thursday, Rutger said there was no formal extension but he felt there were an adequate number of bad weather days built up do that Goodloe would not be facing any penalties.

Goodloe said after the meeting that he felt they could finish the job in 30, barring any more bad weather.

Goodloe said winds from Wilma, which passed south of Anna Maria Island earlier, had blown a lot of sand off the beaches ahead of the project, exposing rocks and shell. He said they would cover that rock and shell as they go south.

Goodloe said the effects of the hurricanes so far this year has been widespread.

"We had our cutter rebuilt in Port Arthur, Texas, and we left our spare parts there," he said. "After Rita went through, I called the company and said we needed to get to our parts and the guy there said not to bother because they had just gotten their electricity back on and they didn't know where anything is.

Goodloe also said the delays were cutting into any profits they had planned from this job.

"It costs us $15,000 per day every day we are out there," he said. "That includes salaries, insurance and all the other expenses."

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Commission OKs line of credit

By Laurie Krosney
sun staff writer

ANNA MARIA —Mayor SueLynn erupted into cheers after the city commission voted unanimously to establish a line of credit to fund some long-neglected infrastructure improvements.

The city is looking at a loan from the Florida League of Cities at 4 percent interest, according to the mayor.

Commissioner Duke Miller said it’s too expensive to keep postponing things. He said the interest on any loan was cheaper than waiting to make repairs.

"Holmes Beach just got socked with a 44 percent increase for the Key Royale Bridge," Miller said. "What does it take for us to understand that 4 percent today is 400 percent tomorrow?"

The city has to establish a procedure or some guidelines for handling the loan and its repayment, according to Commissioner Dale Woodland.

"There will be a number of different commissions over the course of several years," he said. "I think we should have Ed Leonard (the city’s auditor) or someone of that caliber help us establish some procedures. You don’t want to get yourself into a position where you’re doing five years worth of projects with a 20-year payback."

The city has about $998,000 worth of drainage and road resurfacing and reclamation projects already lined up by the capitol improvement committee. Deputy Mayor John Quam said he’s thinks the costs will have gone up since that figure was established.

"Costs are going up significantly, and now with the hurricanes, materials have become scarce." Quam said. "We want be sure we have enough to complete the projects we have on the board."

Tom Wilcox, a consulting engineer for Baskerville-Donovan reminded commissioners that the line of credit may very well help the city in its efforts to secure Southwest Florida Water Management District funding for drainage projects.

"They like to see that you have the money for the matching funds you’ve got to have," he said. "You can show that with the line of credit."

Miller moved that the commission authorize the mayor to apply for a minimum $1.5 million line of credit for capital improvements.

The vote to approve was unanimous.

With that, the mayor raised her arms in the air and cheered.

"I’ve been working for three-and-a-half years for this," she said.

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Bank vacation request goes to final vote Nov. 15

By Tom Vaught
sun staff writer

HOLMES BEACH — An ordinance to vacate Fifth Avenue between Manatee Avenue and Loggerhead Junction will go to second reading on Nov. 15.

Commissioners approved the first reading after hearing a presentation from Scott Rudacille, the attorney representing the property owners of Loggerhead Junction. The property is under a long-term lease with AmSouth Bank

The bank plans to demolish the current building and build a bank branch on the property, which is bordered by Manatee, Fifth and Sixth avenues and 39th Street.

Rudacille told commissioners that there is a 40-foot Florida Department of Transportation right of way on the Manatee Avenue side and the property has four front yards, each requiring a 25-foot setback.

"The right of way we’re talking about has existed for 100 years and has never been constructed," Rudacille explained. "It is unlikely that it will ever be constructed. It’s unimproved except for a small piece of pavement that connects Loggerhead and the ReMax building."

Rudacille said the bank’s engineers designed two site configurations for this property — one that requires a vacation and the other that requires at least one variance.

"The design that requires the vacation is able to do a number of things that make it a better design," Rudacille said. "They can exceed the 25-foot setback on all sides by a good amount, it allows more area around the building to be utilized for landscaping and it allows for straight flow-through traffic on Sixth Avenue.

He said other benefits are that it would put 8,000 square feet if commercial property on the tax roll and there would be no increase in density or intensity. The bank plans to install a pedestrian trail along the 39th Street side of the property.

Commissioner Don Maloney asked if the city has any desire to use the right of way, and Assistant Supervisor of Public Works Bill Saunders said no.

Pro and con
Mayor Carol Whitmore pulled no punches and declared, "This design is ugly! It doesn’t look like the Island. It looks like Bradenton."

She asked the bank to change the design to make it more Island-oriented.

N. J. Logan, of the Village at Holmes Beach Association, protested, "We were told that the only thing that this design would affect is a little piece of Fifth Avenue. Now they want 50 percent of 39th Street for a walkway.

"Three of the town homes back up to the undeveloped land there. We were told it was wetland that could never be developed. They’ll be in our back yard."

Saunders replied, "It is a dedicated public right of way. It is not a wetland. At present, the city is filling it in with dredge material. Most of the vegetation will be gone.

"A sidewalk will be required. It doesn’t matter if the city does it or the applicant does it. People are trespassing there now."

Whitmore pointed out that the city commission asked for the walkway and that there would be a buffer between the walkway and the bank.

Logan asked the width of the walkway, and Rudacille said it would be 10 feet wide.

Commissioner Rich Bohnenberger asked the width of the 39th Street right of way, and Saunders said it is 50 feet.

David Zaccagnino agreed with Whitmore about the design of the building and asked if the city could lease the land rather than vacate it or ask for compensation.

"A lot of issues would have to be considered — the liability of drive isles and what have you," City Attorney Patricia Petruff replied. "Why would you want to do it? It’s easier to vacate it, even if you ask for some compensation."

Bohnenberger noted that if the bank leases the land, the city would have to pay taxes on it. He also asked for a clause in the ordinance stating that if the bank does not build the branch, the vacation is void.

Commissioner Pat Morton was the lone dissenter on the commission and said he is opposed to the city vacating any land.

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Candidates answer questions in Sun forum

By Pat Copeland
sun staff writer

HOLMES BEACH — Incumbent commissioners Rich Bohnenberger, Don Maloney and Pat Morton and challenger David Zaccagnino responded to questions from the audience at last week’s candidates’ forum sponsored by The Anna Maria Island Sun.

Candidates gave opening statements before questioning began.

Morton: I came to Holmes Beach from Ohio and have managed a condominium for 11years. I’ve been on the city commission for two years. I enjoy working with people and doing the things we need to do for our citizens.

Bohnenberger: I’ve have had the privilege of serving the citizens for over 10 years as an elected official, eight years and eight months as a commissioner and two years as mayor. Over the years I’ve initiated many policies and legislation with the support of the commission to improve city services and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Maloney: My effectiveness comes not only from my Holmes Beach government experience but also from my decades of experience in executive business positions in this country and abroad. Another reason for my success is that three generations of the Maloney family call Holmes Beach home, and as a result, I feel I have a good idea of what all ages want.

Zaccagnino: I grew up in Tampa, but when I wanted to raise a family, I picked Anna Maria. I liked the small town, old Florida feel. When I first ran two years ago, I felt we were losing that. I didn’t think that the commission was being proactive enough. In some aspects, they’ve done a really good job, but the wheels of the bus are falling off. I’m running because I want to make this city a better place to live.

Candidates respond
Q: What specific plans do you have to manage growth?
Bohnenberger: What we do at this level of government is in line with whatever the state mandates, and through our comprehensive plan, we implement the voices of our own citizens.

Maloney: We have to start concentrating on managing the effects of growth. We need to figure out how to get people more interested and involved.

Zaccagnino: We really need to tighten up our comprehensive plan and land development code because there’s so much gray area. It’s been three years since the vision plan was completed. We need to roll up our sleeves and get this done.

Morton: Growth can’t be stopped, but we must manage it. Many times decisions are not being made for the citizens; they are being made for the developers.

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the planning commission’s recommendation of 30-day rentals in the R-1 and R-2 districts?

A: None of the candidates agreed with the recommendation. Bohnenberger and Maloney said it would be unenforceable. Zaccagnino said most families can’t afford a month-long vacation, and Morton said it would hurt Island businesses.

Q: Will you promise to limit density increases in the city?

Maloney: The problem is the lack of serious planing. That’s why I’ve asked this city to hire a planner.

Zaccagnino: The city is being taken advantage of because of the gray areas in the comprehensive plan and land development code.

Morton: Look at the comp plan and stay with what we really intended to do. We need to control how much is being built and keep it in check.

Bohnenberger: Most applications for variances have been rejected, the city has reduced its units per acre and height restrictions were put into place after the Martinique was built. The planning commission is addresing the discrepancies in the comprehensive plan and land development code.

Q: Should the Island cities join in fighting offshore drilling?

A: Bohnenberger pointed out that the decision on offshore drilling would be made on the federal level. All candidates said the cities should lobby the state and federal governments to explore alternative energy sources.

Q: Should the commission lobby for funding for red tide research?

A: All said the federal government should fund red tide research because it’s a national problem.

Closing statements
Zaccagnino: I’m running because I feel like I can make a difference. Our city is under siege by developers and projects that aren’t in the scope of an old Florida community. You can’t stop development but you can direct it. We need to be more proactive with the issues facing us in the next couple of years.

Maloney: My major concern is managing growth and the effects of it. I promise to continue to concentrate on trying to increase citizen involvement in the government, so we know what it is that you want. We need to follow that with some serious strategic planning.

Bohnenberger: Being an effective city commission involves a lot more than just attending city meetings. It requires getting involved in all levels of government — going to Tallahassee when the legislature is in session, talking with our state and federal elected officials, and I believe I’m very successful in that area.

Morton: I’m a common person; I like to work with people. When I make decisions for the city, I look at what it will do to the citizens first. Secondly I look at what it will do to the city. I don’t take anything we do here lightly.

Voters will go to the polls on Nov. 8 and elect three commissioners. In addition, they will vote on a non-binding referendum on whether they want the city to study the consolidation of the three island cities.

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Anna Maria hopefuls face off

By Laurie Krosney
sun staff writer

ANNA MARIA — Two incumbents and two political newcomers are vying for three seats on the city commission in next Tuesday’s election.

All four came before the voters and answered questions at Anna Maria city hall on Oct. 25 at The Sun’s candidates’ forum.

Sun reporter Tom Vaught moderated the forum, which began with candidates having three minutes to give an overall view of their positions.

Christine "Chris" Tollette
Christine "Chris" Tollette is making her first run for political office, she told the voters.

"I have 25 years of community service," Tollette said, as she related her experiences on boards and committees in Tampa, including a stint as a board member for the Hyde Park Preservation Board.

She said that she has been coming to Anna Maria since 1992, when she fell in love with the Island.

"I want to help preserve the single-family residential character of our community," Tollette said. "At the same time, it’s important to support the small businesses."

John Quam
Incumbent John Quam cited his four years on the commission.

"My platform is to continue to bring civility to commission meetings," he said.

He cited the commission accomplishments in which he’s had a part, including getting cell tower regulations, traffic legislation, drainage projects, road improvements and a parking plan in place.

Quam said he’s proud of helping the commission hold the line on taxes and he’d like to continue to serve the city.

Jo Ann Mattick
Jo Ann Mattick, another political newcomer, cited the experience she had as a businesswoman raising six children in the Ohio Valley.

"I know how to make a budget work," she said. "It’s the same whether you’re running a city or running a family. You have to live within your means."

At the same time, Mattick said she feels strongly that now is the time for infrastructure repairs.

"The costs just keep going up. It’s going to be more costly to fix everything in the future."

Mattick cited her successful experience in writing a $300,000 grant for the revitalization of the business district.

Dale Woodland
Incumbent Dale Woodland said he used to come to city commission meetings in the 1980s when he’d see the Mosses and the Adams running the city government, and he wanted to serve one day as well.

He said he ran two unsuccessful campaigns for city commission, and he’s been surprised at the experience he’s had on the commission since his election.

"I knew it would be a lot of work," Woodland said. "It wasn’t that much more work than I had anticipated. What I didn’t expect was that it would be so interesting and so much fun. I really like it."

Woodland cited his experience with writing the original grant for the Lake LaVista dredging grant — a grant that is still being renewed today, his membership on the Manatee County economic development council and the city’s planning and zoning and code enforcement boards.

What’s your stand on pay-as-you-go vs. borrowing money to pay for infrastructure and drainage repairs?

Quam answered this question by stating that two years ago, he was totally against having the city go into debt. He said he’s changed his mind as he saw the costs of the repairs keep rising as nothing got done.

Mattick said she’s in favor of borrowing.

"I don’t understand how you think you’re saving when you have costs of doing repairs and maintenance rising in the double-digits every year when you could borrow money for three of four percent.

Woodland said he’d also changed his mind and is now in favor of borrowing as a cost-saving measure as long as the commission and administration are responsible about the loan and its repayment.

Tollette said she would favor borrowing.

"We have an obligation to keep our city safe for our citizens and residents and with the large pot holes in the roads, it’s not safe for cars, bicycles and pedestrians."

On the proposed moratorium seaward of the coastal construction control line, all were in favor except Mattick who said she didn’t know enough about the issue

Another question dealt with absences from commission meetings.

Woodland said he was ok with the proposed ordinance that ensures sanctions if a commissioner misses more than three regular meetings in a row.

Tollette, Mattick and Quam said that they thought regular attendance was an important requirement for a commissioner, and they’d vote for tougher legislation to enforce it.

Consolidation referendum
Mattick and Tollette said they were both inspired to run after the commission voted against polling the voters on the consolidation question. Both said they think the commission should have placed the question on the ballot.

Woodland and Quam were on the commission that decided against the referendum.

Vote Tuesday
All four candidates urged residents to get out and vote on Tues. Nov. 8.

And Woodland said he thinks that things like The Sun Forum would make "our founding fathers proud. This is what it’s all about."

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