HOLMES BEACH – After months of campaigning, the 2021 election results are in and Anna Maria Island’s biggest city has three commissioners to swear in later this month.
The night’s big winners are former Commissioner Pat Morton and incumbent Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer.
Schaefer came in as the night’s big winner with the top number of votes at 655, while Soustek came in second with 637 votes and Morton came in third with 629 votes.
Though there were five candidates, only three seats were available on the city commission dais, leaving Renee Ferguson, who received 608 votes, and John Monetti, who received 473 votes, as the fourth and fifth place candidates with no seat on the dais for the coming year.
For Schaefer, this will be his second two-year term on the city commission dais. Morton will be returning to the dais for an additional term after losing his bid for re-election in the 2020 election. This will be Soustek’s fourth full term on the city commission after being first appointed in November 2014 to fill the unexpired term of David Zaccagnino.
A swearing-in ceremony and organizational meeting for Holmes Beach commissioners is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 15 at 9 a.m.
The other item on this year’s ballot for Holmes Beach residents was the consideration of a land swap with Jon Cooper and his family. The land swap received voter approval with 851 votes in favor or 69.64% of votes cast in the matter.
The swap means that, in exchange for a 50- by 100-foot section of right of way, the Coopers give the city of Holmes Beach a section of beachfront property along with $10,000 for dune restoration or another environmental project of city leaders’ choosing. The city right of way, part of an undeveloped street, bisects two sections of the Coopers’ beachfront property.
Now that the land swap is approved, it will go before commissioners to be ratified before becoming official.
Holmes Beach has 2,757 voters. Approximately 45% of Holmes Beach registered voters cast their ballots in this election.
HOLMES BEACH – After more than five years of legal battles, all the Bert Harris Act cases lodged against the city are officially settled, but some neighbors think officials were too generous to developers.
The Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act allows for compensation when a new law unfairly affects real property rights.
When city leaders enacted restrictions on occupancy and the number of bedrooms in short-term rental units nearly six years ago, they wound up with more than 60 Bert Harris complaints coming into city hall with many of those going before judges in Manatee County Circuit Court. Despite winning cases concerning occupancy, there were several still active with appeals to both the circuit and higher courts in Florida, along with a few concerning the maximum allowed number of bedrooms.
In Holmes Beach, the maximum occupancy for short-term rentals is two people per bedroom or six total, whichever is greater. New development of rental properties is also limited to a total of four bedrooms for a single-family property or two bedrooms per side of a duplex.
The vacant lot outlined in blue could house a single-family home with up to seven bedrooms as a part of the city’s Bert Harris Act case settlements. – Manatee County Property Appraiser | Submitted
After holding a shade meeting with attorneys earlier in the month, commissioners met on Oct. 26 to publicly acknowledge the proposed legal settlements and vote to accept four of the five agreements.
The fifth settlement, Mayor Judy Titsworth said, is to be signed by representatives from the Florida League of Cities and states that the league, which has been covering court costs for the city, will not attempt to recoup legal fees from plaintiffs in 24 occupancy cases that the city won.
The other settlements concerning development rights were accepted by commissioners in a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash dissenting.
Under the settlement terms, the vacant lot at 303 56th St. will be able to be developed into a single-family home with a maximum of seven bedrooms instead of the four currently allowed per city regulations. The structure would be considered a non-conforming structure under city codes and would be required to meet all other city and state building codes, including setbacks, lot coverage and maximum building height, among others. Should the property owner, local builder Shawn Kaleta, opt to sell the property instead of develop it, the enhanced development rights would not be transferred to the new owner.
At 108 78th St., a single-family property also owned by Kaleta, the settlement allows for a single-family home to be built on the property with a maximum of eight bedrooms. The development rights outlined in the settlement also do not transfer to a new owner should the property be sold before it’s expanded. Similarly, the settlement for 102 77th St. allows Kaleta to construct a single-family home on the property with a maximum of seven bedrooms with the same limitations as the other two settlements.
The settlement between the city and Bryan Zinober, the owner of 105 39th St., allows for the development of two duplexes with a maximum of five bedrooms per side for a total of 20 bedrooms on the property. The non-transferable development rights have an expiration of 25 years from the date of the agreement.
Neighbors object
While no one from the public stepped up to speak against most of the settlements, the one concerning development rights of the 56th Street property didn’t go over well with neighbors.
One neighbor, Gary Brill, said that he and his wife purchased their property at 306 56th St. after looking at what the city’s codes would allow to be built on nearby vacant lots. He asked commissioners to deny the settlement with Kaleta and keep to the four-bedroom maximum.
Next door neighbor Margie Motzer also spoke during public comment, noting that with the increased number of bedrooms allowed on the vacant lot next door to her and her husband’s property, if it were to become a vacation rental, their home would be surrounded by rentals with a total of 23 bedrooms and a maximum occupancy of 46 people. Motzer said she feels that allowing the development of a seven-bedroom structure on the property is not in the best interests of residents or in keeping with the city’s comprehensive plan. She added that she wished city leaders had done some outreach to the neighboring residents to inform them of what kind of development could be coming into their neighborhood as a result of the settlement.
“I think they deserve that respect if nothing else,” she said.
Neighborhood resident Nancy Deal also came to the podium to state that she can hear the noise from adjacent rental properties from up to four houses away on some days. She agreed with Motzer that the public should have been notified and involved in the decision-making process with city leaders.
“This is not right,” Deal said of the settlement, noting that she’s not in favor of granting additional development rights to property owners who know what they can and cannot build on their property when they purchase it. “You work for us,” she said to commissioners. “You work for me. This is wrong.”
Titsworth said that while she feels for the Motzers and their neighbors, that the good of one property owner cannot outweigh the good of the entire city.
Attorney Erica Augello said that if commissioners did not agree to the settlements, it exposed the city to about $7 million in claims if the cases were not decided in the city’s favor plus the added expense of attorney fees if and when the funding from the Florida League of Cities ran out. City leaders have budgeted for only $750,000 to go toward Bert Harris case attorney fees, court costs and potential settlements, if needed.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that if he lived where the Motzers do, he would feel the same way about the potential of a seven-bedroom rental property going in next door. However, he added that he believes most Holmes Beach residents would be in favor of the settlement agreements and so he had to vote for them.
“This was a difficult decision,” Commissioner Jim Kihm said. “No one liked the solution being presented but the other option was less palatable.”
Schaefer said that if commissioners decided not to settle the cases, he was afraid of the money it could cost the city down the road, a burden that would likely be put on taxpayers.
Christenson and Rash both said they would like to get community involvement in the decision or at least notify all of the neighboring property owners before voting on whether or not to accept the settlement agreements. Augello said the city is under no obligation to notify adjacent property owners and residents and pushed for commissioners to move forward with the settlements to avoid any additional attorney fees or the possibility of the settlement agreements falling apart.
HOLMES BEACH – Voting by mail is already underway and the five candidates vying for three seats on the city commission only have a few weeks left until the Nov. 2 election to let voters know where they stand on the issues. This week, they give their thoughts in their own words on the use of golf carts and low-speed vehicles in Holmes Beach by answering the question, “How do you feel about golf carts and low-speed vehicles?”
Renee Ferguson
“We are beginning to make strides on this issue. Our commissioners established a moratorium on future golf cart businesses, we have shared ideas with our sister cities and our traffic engineer is looking at other paths for directing traffic. We need input from all stakeholders to look at alternatives to achieve our goal of safety on this issue.”
John Monetti
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.
I own one. I stay off the main streets and respect the impact I could have on traffic flow if I stray onto our main streets.”
Pat Morton
“I will support the chief and mayor in lowering the speed on Gulf Drive to 25 miles per hour and limit golf carts and low-speed vehicles to roads 25 miles per hour.”
Terry Schaefer
“We have established a six-month moratorium on approval of any new dealers while providing the time to study the larger issue of how these vehicles are and should be integrated into traffic patterns and parking. These vehicles have and will become more popular with residents and visitors and this time to study the trend is appropriate to consider safety of use and effects on traffic flow and parking. There have been many sightings of potential safety concerns and this entire investigation will be open for public comment and suggestion. I believe these vehicles provide efficient transportation on the Island and that this is the time to explore whether additional controls are necessary to protect the safety of those passengers and whether existing controls are adequate.”
Carol Soustek
“Low-speed vehicles. There are a lot of them and safety, not speed, is my concern.”
HOLMES BEACH – The Nov. 2 election is almost upon us and Holmes Beach voters have to decide between five candidates to fill three seats on the city commission – incumbent Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek, newcomer Renee Ferguson and former commissioners John Monetti and Pat Morton.
Continuing The Sun’s series on how the candidates feel about issues facing the city, this week the five commission candidates are answering the question, “How do you feel about a city manager in Holmes Beach?” in their own words.
Renee Ferguson
“I am aware that people have different perspectives on this issue; that is an essential part of democracy. At this time, I feel our city is in good hands. If the situation should change, I believe this would need to be put before the voters. As the city moves through many changes, we must always focus on what is best for the city at the time in this fluid situation.”
John Monetti
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.
I don’t feel we have a need for one at this point but every idea deserves a look.”
Pat Morton
“I have a lot of respect for the balance that the charter allows us. I would leave a change of this magnitude up to the charter review committee to consider. This is an elected board. If they feel a change is needed, it would be up to them to draft a referendum to be placed on the ballot. At this time, I think our mayor is doing a great job.”
Terry Schaefer
“I served on the city’s ad-hoc committee which studied the various forms of government in Florida. That experience resulted in a full understanding of the city manager form, strong mayor form, which our charter presently specifies, and the two other forms also allowed. I believe the city manager form has numerous benefits, especially in communities with little or no capable citizen interest and capabilities in serving occurs. City managers bring a specifically degreed person with municipal experience to manage the city’s operations. I believe when and if we reach a period where no qualified citizen with proper capabilities and commitment occurs, that the city manager form would be a viable option. I am not convinced that is the case presently for the following reasons: The balance between a non-voting mayor with veto power, combined with the five commissioners with legislative responsibilities, balances authority concerns. Mayors are elected by the people and serve two-year terms. City managers are hired by the consensus of five commissioners, have no veto power unless provided for by city charter, and can be extended or fired by a simple majority of the commission. For example, Manatee County’s decision by three new commissioners with the support of the chair who fired what the public and county staff considered to be a very loyal and effective county administrator. Presently, we have strong leadership at each department head position, all of whom report to the mayor for overall management. In my opinion, the city is operating effectively with specific expertise at each department and a community-oriented mayor. Discussion of the options is healthy and it would take the consensus vote of registered voters to ultimately decide with a structural change to our city charter.”
Carol Soustek
“Good and bad. Some city managers have done wonderful for their cities, just as some mayors have done wonderful things for their cities. I believe that if the person knows the city and brings their best talents to guide the city and community well, then it is the person, not the title, that the community needs.”
HOLMES BEACH – The vote by mail ballots have already been sent out and Holmes Beach residents are already considering who to vote for ahead of the Nov. 2 election. There are three seats on the city commission up for grabs and five candidates with their hats in the ring.
This week, the candidates speak out on public parking by answering the question “How do you feel about public parking and beach access?” The answers are in each candidate’s own words.
Renee Ferguson
“Six years ago, I had the pleasure of working on the Congestion Committee which was solicited by the city. It was an amazing experience for me because I was able to speak to a lot of residents and business owners. For more than two years we researched and consistently worked with the city to develop a plan which was ultimately implemented last year. There have been some bumps, but there are provisions for permit parking for residents and property owners, and it has helped quality of life in our neighborhoods. The county opened up the elementary school and library parking lots, and this appears to be working. Holmes Beach has more than the state-required number of spots for beach renourishment, and the ULI said that renourishment should not be based on parking anyway. “
John Monetti
“In each topic, I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.
Once more this is a topic that has unfortunately become very divisive. It should not be an us-versus-them topic. It seems like some want to make this a showdown between the city and county while somehow forgetting that there were many Holmes Beach citizens who also resisted policies adopted. All shareholders should be considered.”
Pat Morton
“I support the decreased parking in residential neighborhoods and the permit parking. All beach communities have limits as to what they can safely accommodate.”
Terry Schaefer
“This issue underscores the absolute necessity of HOME RULE. Without this right, Manatee County and the state would be making decisions on parking, traffic, and other civic decisions. I am supportive of our existing parking ordinance and open to future considerations should demands change affecting residents’ needs or compliance with state law concerning renourishment funding. Presently, we provide more beach parking than the state requires for beach renourishment funding and adequate parking for residents, and ample visitor parking during normal times. The rub comes during holidays and extremely high visitor periods, during which 5,000 spaces wouldn’t be adequate and thus, we place residents’ rights above the demands of the county and visitors. It is the county that has promoted the Island and they share the responsibility to provide parking to address the traffic created by their promotion. Beach access is more than adequate in our city and should be to accommodate all, however, parking solutions to accommodate growing demands should not be the exclusive responsibility of the city’s neighborhoods to meet that demand. This issue is only going to intensify and will need steady management by our city.”
Carol Soustek
“We are blessed to have so many beach accesses and they are open to all. Designated parking spots are on the access roads and across on the streets. We are a small city. We do not have ample land to have unlimited parking. So many want to come and we do not have the capacity to handle the demand. I voted to remove street parking in the residential areas along the beach for safety reasons. The results have shown this was the right move.”
HOLMES BEACH – The November election is almost upon us and five candidates are competing for three seats on the city commission. To help Holmes Beach voters make an informed decision at the polls, The Sun asked each candidate to express their opinion on several issues facing the city. Here, candidates answer the question “How do you feel about noise in residential neighborhoods?”
Renee Ferguson
“Noise continues to be a concern for our city. We have had excellent discussions on this subject in regular commission meetings and work sessions. Our city has been successful in implementing some valuable ideas suggested by both commissioners and residents. We are a resort destination and suffer some of the same pains as other resort cities and can look to them for ideas. I am convinced that as long as we continue to listen to our residents and resort housing managers and work together, we will make further progress on resolving this issue to improve quality of life.”
John Monetti
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident. Noise is an issue that has been divisive for decades. It is a subject that lends itself to having certain folks never being satisfied. I would be more inclined to be centrally positioned. We have codes that can be utilized to create compromise.”
Pat Morton
“Unfortunately, the only issue we are really having is daytime noise of children swimming in pools. These families may someday be our residents. I do not believe in ticketing children in pools. A friendly visit by code compliance seems to do the trick.”
Terry Schaefer
“This subject has been studied for in excess of six months and recently acted upon by passage of an amended ordinance providing the Code Compliance and Police Departments further tools to regulate the issue. In addition, I suggested and the commission unanimously approved retention of our magistrate hearing attorney to research defendable methods utilized by other Florida communities proven to be effective addressing nuisance properties. The results will be submitted to the commission and staff for consideration within the forum of open meetings allowing for public input. Our departments responsible for monitoring and enforcing these measures have done an effective job addressing the issue with a spirit of fairness and protection to neighbors while educating visitors to the rules of conduct required. Excessive and repeating violating properties are well known by staff with additional efforts extended, in order to maintain compliance and hopefully harmony between residents and visitors. When citations and fines are warranted, they are issued.”
Carol Soustek
“Respect for each other is key. Renters and residents love the Island and just want to be here for as long as they can. Islanders want to show off their paradise and visitors wish they lived here. For the most part, I see a good balance on the noise and we have very good practices and laws in place to handle any overly happy visitors.”
HOLMES BEACH – Campaigns are heating up ahead of the Nov. 2 election and before voters take a trip to the polls, The Sun is talking with each candidate to find out what they think about some of the issues facing the city. Here, they answer the question “How do you feel about water quality?”
Renee Ferguson
“Our habitat depends on our water quality and this is certainly a hot topic for our island and Manatee County. We need to mitigate and close Piney Point, and work with the other local, county and state groups and organizations to reduce algae and bacteria including red tide. Continuing to establish oyster reefs is part of a positive solution. Sewer line breaches are a huge problem and this definitely needs more attention from both county and state. We need to work with our neighboring cities to control pesticides and fertilizer runoff. Holmes Beach is currently working to establish a committee to review and determine answers.”
John Monetti
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident. This is an issue that I don’t see how it is even considered an issue. I haven’t run across many folks here on this Island that don’t care about our surrounding water. It is why we chose to live on an island.”
Pat Morton
“Water quality is one of our biggest concerns.”
Terry Schaefer
“I ran for election two years ago with a focus on the environment and water quality. I have been proactive since then suggesting methods to address those concerns. My sponsorship of creating a Water Quality Committee was unanimously approved by the commission along with strong support from Mayor Titsworth and staff. We are in the final stages of initiating that committee with the intent of startup this fall. The committee will be charged with coordinating efforts with other local environmental groups and hopefully with representation from both Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach with the objective of creating means and methods of improving water quality with recommendations of potential new ordinances, if appropriate. In addition, I recently suggested drafting a resolution concerning the city’s recommendations to Manatee County and the state concerning strengthening the vetting process of phosphate mining and consideration of new mining sites by the county and state. This was unanimously approved by our commission and our city attorney has been asked to proceed with drafting the resolution. The tragedy of Piney Point must never be repeated.”
Carol Soustek
“Water quality is in trouble. The discharges going into our bays is out of control. Your city has for the last seven years focused on flood and stormwater discharge. We have replaced aging pipes, no pipes, valves and so much more to clean the water before it gets to our bays. We have protected our wetlands and purchased property to develop watershed areas. Much more needs to be done and everyone needs to lighten their footprint on this Earth.”
HOLMES BEACH – Qualifying is over, and five candidates are entering the race for three open seats on the Holmes Beach city commission with the Nov. 2 election as the finish line.
Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer are the two incumbents hoping to hold on to their spots on the dais.
Soustek
If re-elected, this will be Schaefer’s second term as a commissioner. He was first elected to the city commission in November 2019.
Schaefer
Soustek was first appointed to the commission Nov. 25, 2014 to fill the unexpired term of previous commissioner David Zaccagnino. She was elected to the commission in 2015 and re-elected for two more terms in 2017 and 2019. If re-elected in November, this will be her third two-year term on the city commission.
Joining Soustek and Schaefer in this year’s race are Renee Ferguson and former city commissioners John Monetti and Pat Morton.
Monetti
This is Ferguson’s first attempt at joining the city commission, though she has actively participated in commission meetings and attended meetings regularly as a Holmes Beach resident.
Ferguson
Morton, who served as a city commissioner for 17 years, is hoping for another go at a seat on the dais after losing in 2020 to Commissioner Jayne Christenson.
For Monetti, winning in November would mark a return to the city commission after a nearly 10-year hiatus. Previously, Monetti has served not only on the city commission but also on the planning commission.
Morton
Commissioner Jim Kihm, whose term also expires in November, opted to not run for a third term as commissioner.
In an Aug. 27 email to his fellow commissioners and The Sun, Kihm said that he had decided not to run for re-election due to personal reasons.
“Today I am announcing my decision not to see re-election as commissioner for the city of Holmes Beach for personal reasons,” Kihm’s email reads. “I have enjoyed serving the people of Holmes Beach over the past four years and I feel that I am leaving the city in good hands as I finish out the rest of my current term. I would like to thank all the voters for putting their trust in me and electing me to serve them. I have made every effort to serve to the best of my ability.”
Kihm
City commissioners serve two-year terms on the dais. When Holmes Beach voters cast their ballots in November, the top three vote-getters will take the open commission seats. Voters are allowed to support up to three candidates at the polls, one for each available position.
With a five-person city commission, the coming election may prove to be very important for the future of Anna Maria Island’s largest city as most ordinances and resolutions require only a simple majority of three votes to pass or fail commission approval. A large change in the commission lineup could potentially mean big changes for how the city is governed.
HOLMES BEACH – In what’s proved to be a controversial decision, commissioners voted to deny The Center of Anna Maria Island a financial contribution from the city.
The decision was a split one with Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer voting to give The Center an already-budgeted financial contribution of $22,500 and Commissioners Jim Kihm, Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash voting against the donation.
Soustek
Before the vote took place during the May 11 meeting, Schaefer reminded his fellow commissioners that they had previously decided to donate $5,000 to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s passport program from the approved budget line for charitable contributions, leaving $17,500 in the budget. City Treasurer Lori Hill suggested taking $5,000 from the mayor and commission discretionary fund, which has about $40,000 left in it for the 2020-21 fiscal year after other planned expenditures. She said the city has been contributing at least $22,500 annually to The Center since 1998.
The city of Anna Maria provided The Center with $25,000 in 2020. The city of Bradenton Beach provided The Center with no funds in 2020 and $5,000 in 2019.
Schaefer
Manatee County Commissioner and former Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore said in an email to The Sun that when she left the position of mayor in 2006, the city was donating $30,000 per year to The Center.
Currently, the nonprofit is working to fill the $100,000 budget gap created by pandemic shutdowns and canceled events.
Christenson said that while she personally supports The Center, she’s not sure that taxpayer dollars should be given to one nonprofit. She added that while she understands the donation to The Center from the city was in the approved budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, she feels that the city’s responsibility is to use taxpayer funds to make the city better for its residents and property owners. She said the city’s taxpayer base should personally choose which organizations they want to donate to. Christenson was not on the city commission when the budget for this fiscal year was approved.
RashChristenson
Rash said he had heard concerns from some city residents about city funding of a nonprofit, leading to his vote against releasing the funding.
Kihm said that while he feels that The Center is a worthy organization, he too feels that taxpayers should decide where they want their dollars donated and then donate personally.
“I am extremely disappointed,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said. “I think this is a punch in the gut and it’s very disappointing if it doesn’t go through.” She said The Center is a huge benefit to the Island and the effort to bring families back to the three Island cities.
Kihm
Soustek said she was not going to vote against giving a donation that had already been approved by a majority of commissioners during the budget process. She added that if commissioners want to change future donations it should be addressed during the budget process.
“If we make a commitment, we should stand by it,” Schaefer said.
After a plea from the mayor, Kihm said he would put funding for The Center on a future agenda for more discussion.
The decision to not fund The Center was unpopular with some Holmes Beach residents.
“I am appalled that this year, in the midst of a global pandemic, when more than ever we need to support The Center, commissioners would vote to strip promised funding,” Holmes Beach resident Christine Shuck wrote to commissioners in a letter to the editor. “I was under the impression that the job of the commissioner was to try to better the community. In fact, that was what many of you campaigned on.
“I find it extremely concerning that not only are you failing to deliver already-promised funding, but you are also failing to fulfill the campaign promises on which you all ran,” her letter continued.
“Without this vital venue, the few families who can afford to live here will no longer have a reason to come live in Anna Maria. If we are going to have to drive off the Island for all our kids’ sports and camps, then what is the point of living here?” resident Mary Catherine Melancon asked in her letter.
“That our Center, truly AMI’s only recreation department, has to beg for dollars from each city is a sad statement of what our tax dollars are doing,” residents James and Lee McParland wrote in their letter to the editor.
In the recreation and open space element of the city’s comprehensive plan, the document which is intended to guide the future of Holmes Beach, it states that in the calculating of the level of parks, open space and outdoor facilities for residents, that city leaders will take into consideration “the city’s contribution to the continued operation of the Anna Maria Island Community Center and the recreational services it provides.”
“I will continue to encourage our citizens of Holmes Beach and visitors to be involved in our community but to respect a person’s right to choose the organization(s) they wish to give a charitable donation to,” Christenson said in a response email to one resident’s concerns about Center funding. “There are many deserving, community-based organizations on the Island and the choice to give should be the individual’s.”
Former Holmes Beach Planning Commissioner Sylvia Harris was honored during the City Commission meeting on March 23.
“She’s a remarkable lady,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said. “She’s been with us forever, and I appreciate all the time and effort she put into her position on the Planning Commission.”
Following the proclamation, Titsworth then handed a plaque to City Clerk Stacey Johnston, who accepted the honor on behalf of her colleague and friend Harris, who was not able to be in attendance.
“Sylvia Harris, if you’ve never met her, you should,” Johnston said, before remarking on Harris’ more than two decades of public service.
Harris resigned her position with the city in January. But based on the kind words and round of applause from everyone in the room, her service will be remembered and appreciated for a very long time.
HOLMES BEACH – With the Nov. 3 election nearly upon us, mail-in voting already begun and early in-person voting beginning Oct. 19, voters have a limited amount of time to finish making their selections for local and federal offices before casting their ballots.
In Holmes Beach, there are four candidates vying for two commission seats – Jayne Christenson, former commissioner Rick Hurst, Commissioner Pat Morton and Commissioner Kim Rash. Voters can select two candidates when casting their ballots. Whoever the top two vote-getters are will get the two-year commission terms.
With the final weeks of the campaign looming, The Sun has given each candidate the opportunity to address the public one final time to give their message to voters in their own words.
Jayne Christenson
Christenson
When I moved to Holmes Beach with my family in 1989, I knew this was the community where we belonged. In 2007, my husband and I became permanent residents of Holmes Beach and still live in the same home my parents bought in 1989. It has been a wonderful community to raise our family in.
If I am elected as your city commissioner, I will work to be more proactive at positive engagement with residents and businesses. Citizens expect transparency, accountability and better communication from city government and I am willing to deliver.
Suggestion: I would love to see our police officers get to know our community residents and businesses by being more engaged with those who live in Holmes Beach. Roll down the Ford Expedition window and say hello when you are driving by.
I am concerned when I hear of residents leaving Holmes Beach due in part from the growth of short-term vacation rental homes continuing to pop up in our neighborhoods, primarily in the R-2 zone near the beach. The weekly turnover of renters every seven days has brought increased traffic, noise, and affected the peaceful enjoyment and quality of life for residents. Aligning our priorities of balance between residential properties and vacation rentals in our neighborhoods is critical to maintaining our Island character.
Anna Maria Island can benefit from better collaboration and partnership between the three Island cities. I will work together with all city representatives as one voice when interacting with state and county officials. This is especially important when trying to communicate the negative impact that the Tourist Development Council (TDC) advertising is having on Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach. On average, 10,000 people annually are moving to Manatee County. Holmes Beach cannot support the parking requirements for all the people who want to go to the beach. I will look for opportunities to include county officials in these discussions especially since they are the recipient of the 5% tourism tax.
With my career experience in corporate business, I will provide budget oversight to
achieve smart financial decisions. Holmes Beach is not a traditional city with traditional expenses. If elected, I will be watchful of the spending and when asked to approve a project or an expense outside of the normal operating budget, I will question, “Is this good for residents and our Island character?”.
In closing, I am asking for your vote for Holmes Beach City Commissioner. I would be honored to represent the residents and businesses of Holmes Beach. Please visit my website and/or follow my Facebook page.
Rick Hurst
Hurst
I earned an engineering degree from the University of Michigan. I accepted a doctorate fellowship at Northwestern University, however, I changed my path and decided to pursue a career in software development. I developed a software product that, to this day, is the leading product in its industry. I later was part of a start-up automation company in the automotive industry which grew quickly. The company’s success and subsequent sale provided me the opportunity to serve as the president of a multi-national corporation. I believe I am well-qualified for the job of commissioner.
My family and I moved to Holmes Beach because it appeared to be a wonderful and a welcoming beach community. We attended many events at city field. We loved it. We were living in paradise with a great community.
Soon after our arrival, these events dwindled away as did the welcoming beach community. We learned there was a small group of residents who were affecting this. This group felt the increase in visitors had ruined their private paradise. They were well-organized and started the process of getting candidates elected. I give them credit for the things they achieved early on. They stopped the excessive building and created the initial regulations for vacation rentals. However, their continued resentment and unrealistic zero-tolerance for visitors has resulted in an endless cycle of more laws, more fines, more code enforcement and higher budgets.
I’ve had many conversations with people, including residents seeking to make simple improvements to their property, regarding their interactions with our city and our policies. Too often I hear the phrase, “Holmes Beach is the worst.” I take tremendous pride in our community; however, I understand their frustration.
We can change this by taking a hard look at how we do things and why we do them. I believe we can achieve harmony between residents and visitors by developing smarter solutions that are more positive in nature, benefit a broad range of residents/stakeholders, work better and will be more cost-effective. These solutions will not come from a group of commissioners who emanate from the same inner circle, who want to perpetuate this endless cycle of more laws, fines and code enforcement. The development of new ideas and great solutions to complex problems will require input and brainstorming of ideas from more residents and stakeholders. This will only happen if we elect city officials who can think outside the box, who believe we need fresh ideas to solve our complex issues. I am that commissioner.
I have a five-point plan for a stronger Holmes Beach that can be summed up by “Seek input, ask hard questions and build a sense of community.” This plan is outlined in my ad in this edition of The Sun.
Please vote for Rick Hurst on Nov 3rd and start the process of challenging the status quo.
Pat Morton
Morton
I would like to once again ask for your continued support as your city commissioner. In my years as a commissioner, I have been able to listen to the concerns of our citizens, the business owners and our Island guests. It became very apparent that we were at risk of losing the quaint charm of our Island city.
Residential homes were being replaced by big party houses. The peaceful quality of life replaced by noise, trash and congestion. Our own tourism industry changed as the snowbirds that we embraced were being replaced by a completely different clientele.
As a commissioner, I took action. Legislation was passed to bring balance back to these neighborhoods. I am very pleased to say that people are once again moving back to our community. I supported improving the city park which will continue to play a role in bringing young families back. As a member of this community, I would like to thank all who contributed generously to this park as it is something we can all be proud of.
We have many great things planned for the coming years in our city. We will continue to sponsor stakeholder meetings and town halls for the benefit of our businesses and residents. Resiliency and clean water are very important to me and I will fully support the mayor in addressing these concerns.
I promise to continue to be the voice of the residents and of our business owners. Please continue to reach out and share any and all of your concerns. I work for you and, as a veteran, it is my honor to continue to serve you.
Kim Rash
Rash
I would like to thank all of the people who voted for me in my first election in 2018. I would also like to thank those of you who did not vote for me but gave me the opportunity to gain your vote during the last two years.
I have been the voice for many residents and businesses when needing assistance from city hall. Throughout my time on the commission, I believe I have made a difference with my common-sense approach. Some of my accomplishments over the last two years include:
I worked to strengthen the noise ordinance to give residents back the peaceful enjoyment of their homes. Now, we are working with Code Compliance and the Holmes Beach Police to ensure our ordinances are being enforced. I continue to advocate for the police officers to be more visible in our neighborhoods and get to know our residents.
I fought wasteful spending of taxpayer money by helping to steer the city from single-source contracting bids to pricing multiple bids for projects to ensure competitive prices.
I opposed the 300% stormwater tax increase. Through my efforts of teamwork and negotiation, the commission compromised on a stormwater increase at half the proposed rate.
I advocated and successfully worked with the commission to not increase the millage rate on our property taxes.
I tried to work with the other commissioners to get every residential household one free parking permit only to get defeated in a 3/2 vote.
I advocated to keep benches at the rear of the beach for all to have a spot to watch sunsets.
Many residents refer to me as a “boots-on-the-ground” commissioner. I may not have the traditional hobbies like golfing or fishing, but I get great satisfaction from helping people. I am a voice for the residents. I listen and advocate passionately. I am a team player and dedicated to effectively collaborating and negotiating for practical, efficient solutions for our residents. I bring common sense and a successful business background to the commission. If re-elected, I strongly believe I can do even more because there is so much more to do. I have a proven track record that demonstrates I lead with the best interest of our residents and our city in mind. I can’t do this without your vote! Help me represent you by voting Kim Rash on Tuesday, November 3rd! Thank you for your support.
Holmes Beach voters go to the polls Nov. 3 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 South Harbor Drive. Early voting takes place at several different locations across Manatee County Oct. 19 thru Nov. 1. Mail-in ballots have already been mailed and can be returned by mail with 70 cents postage by Oct. 24, dropped off at any early voting location or at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. For more information, visit the supervisor of elections website.
HOLMES BEACH – Rick Hurst is ready for a political comeback. After running for a second term last November and losing to newcomer Terry Schaefer, Hurst took a year off from the local political scene but hopes that voters will give him a second term as city commissioner this November.
Currently residing in Key Royale with his wife of 28 years, Laura, Hurst has been a resident of Holmes Beach since 2013. The two have three children, Tim, Ted and Torianne. Torianne attended Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach and now attends King Middle School.
Hurst was raised in Philadelphia and left to attend the University of Michigan where he earned a B.S.E. in 1985. After graduation, he moved to the Chicago area and developed a software system that he said is still the premier product in its industry.
In 1995, he switched his focus to a start-up automation company located in Michigan. It quickly grew and was sold in 2000, though Hurst stayed on as president until he retired in 2010. It took three months of full retirement before he was ready to move on to the next adventure, working part-time as a process efficiency/software consultant and more recently working as managing partner of the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, volunteering as a soccer coach and serving as a city commissioner in Holmes Beach from 2017-19. He also works from home as an IT director for a large Midwest food distributor.
“I wholeheartedly agree with my financial advisor when he says, ‘Rick, you suck at retirement,’ ” Hurst wrote in an email to The Sun.
With two seats on the city commission dais up for grabs in the Nov. 3 election, Hurst faces off against incumbent Commissioners Pat Morton and Kim Rash along with fellow Holmes Beach resident Jayne Christenson. To help voters get to know each candidate a little better, The Sun asked each candidate to answer the same four questions. Here are Hurst’s answers.
What do voters need to know about your involvement in the community?
For many years I spent a good portion of my time coaching youths at The Center. During that time, I started and coached the Island travel soccer team that had a great three-year run. In addition, I spent two years as a Holmes Beach Commissioner. I am currently the managing partner of the Freckled Fin Irish Pub where we provide great food, atmosphere and entertainment to our community.
Why are you running for Holmes Beach City Commission?
I along with many Holmes Beach residents feel “all” residents are not being heard. I have been asked by many residents, “What can we do to be heard?” My only answer is “Through the election process.” I want us to be heard through my campaign as well as future campaigns with other candidates. Additionally, based on recent observations I believe that too many members of the commission are too like-minded and are missing my differing point of view which in the past has allowed the commission to see multiple sides of issues. I think for the sake of the city, we need to get that back.
If elected, what would be your priority to work on with your fellow commissioners?
Improve methods of communication to our residents and provide simple ways for all residents to be heard. The truth is that only a handful of people have the time and willingness to attend and speak up at a commission meeting. We need to design better forums for all to be heard along with better checks and balances to ensure certain inner circles are not heard over others.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the city today?
The way the parking ordinance was implemented by the city has created a new challenge, which is to repair a community that has been fractured by residents being pitted against one another and a growing distrust of city officials. With that said, the biggest challenge is keeping up with, paying for and prioritizing the many infrastructure and stormwater projects that are necessary for the present as well as for the future of the city.
HOLMES BEACH – After years of volunteering with the city and local organizations, long-time resident Jayne Christenson is ready to take the plunge and is running for a city commission seat in November.
Christenson and her husband, Joe, have been making Holmes Beach their full-time home for more than a decade, though the couple’s roots in the community go back to 1989. She’s served as a planning commission member and vice-chair, chaired the Island Congestion Committee, been an active participant at Holmes Beach commission meetings, volunteered at Anna Maria Elementary School, The Center of Anna Maria Island, the Salvation Army, Christ Church and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School.
Along with the three other candidates for the two spots available on the Holmes Beach city commission – Rick Hurst, Pat Morton and Kim Rash – Christenson was asked to respond to four questions. Each candidate’s answers will be published in The Sun, beginning with Christenson.
What do voters need to know about your involvement in the community?
I have served for three years on the Holmes Beach Planning Commission, the last year as the Vice-Chair. I actively participate at Holmes Beach City Commission meetings and chaired the city committee on Parking and Congestion which was organized by the Mayor to study and develop suggestions and identify possible solutions. You can find my family and me at The Center of Anna Maria Island where we attend events and volunteer. I strongly believe in the mission of the Salvation Army of Bradenton where my family and I volunteer as servers during their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Day dinners.
Why are you running for Holmes Beach City Commission?
When I moved to Holmes Beach with my family in 1989, I knew this was the community where we belonged. In 2007, my husband and I became permanent residents of Holmes Beach. It has been a wonderful community to raise our son, who attended AME and is now a teenager working at the island Publix. My goal is to continue making our island city an enjoyable place to live, work and visit.
If elected, what would be your priority to work on with your fellow commissioners?
As a commissioner, I will encourage Holmes Beach City Hall to be more proactive at positive engagement with residents and businesses. They are the eyes and ears of the city. The number of permanent residents has declined over the years which is detrimental to the viability of the city. We need to find ways to grow our resident base. Aligning our priorities of balance between residential properties and vacation rentals in our neighborhoods is critical. The entire island could benefit from better collaboration and partnership between the three island cities. We need to work as one voice when interacting with state and county officials. This is especially important when it comes to the excessive advertising by the Tourism Development Council (TDC), a limited return of the tax dollars that we generate, and maintaining our right to Home Rule versus the state dictating.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the city today?
Many are concerned that Holmes Beach continues to face pressures from increased tourism and population growth from on and off the island. Other concerns involve financial challenges and key environment issues facing our island city. Holmes Beach requires innovative, forward-thinking commissioners who are prepared to work towards consensus on the challenging issues facing our city today and into the future.
HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth will have another two-year term in office, but it remains to be seen if Commissioners Kim Rash and Pat Morton will join her for two more years on the dais.
Both Rash and Morton qualified to run for re-election in 2020, but this year they’ll face challengers Jayne Christenson and former Commissioner Rick Hurst in the Nov. 3 election.
City Clerk Stacey Johnston swears in Commissioner Pat Morton in 2018. – Kristin Swain | Sun
With no one else throwing their hat into the ring for the mayor’s position, Titsworth is automatically reelected for her second term as mayor. She will officially be sworn in again in November with the two commissioners-elect during the city commission’s annual organizational meeting once the election results are certified.
Kim Rash
Rash is campaigning for his second term in office, having been first elected in 2018. Morton was first elected to the city commission in 2003 and is seeking his 10th term in office, having served eight two-year terms and one one-year term in 2017.
Running for a potential first term on the dais is Holmes Beach resident Jayne Christenson. Throughout the years, Christenson has served on various city committees including the planning commission and parking committee. If elected, this will be her first time as one of the city’s commissioners.
Jayne Christenson
This year’s surprise entry into the commissioner’s race is former city commissioner Rick Hurst. Hurst is a Holmes Beach resident and also is one of the owners of the Freckled Fin, a local restaurant and live music hotspot.
Rick Hurst
After losing his spot on the dais in 2019 to Commissioner Terry Schaefer, Hurst took a year off from local politics, resurfacing recently on social media protesting the city’s new parking regulations. If elected, this would be Hurst’s second term as a commissioner.
In the commissioner race, the top two vote-getters will take the two available commission seats.
HOLMES BEACH – If you’ve ever pictured yourself on the dais at Holmes Beach City Hall, your chance is coming up to qualify as a candidate, only, of course, if you’re a Holmes Beach resident.
This year’s election will see two positions coming available on the city commission, the seats held by Commissioners Pat Morton and Kim Rash. Also up for grabs is the mayoral office, currently held by Mayor Judy Titsworth.
All three positions hold two-year terms. Titsworth and Rash are completing their first terms on the dais as mayor and commissioner respectively. For Morton, November marks the end of his 17th year on the city commission.
Qualifying for all three elected positions begins at noon on June 8 and ends at noon on June 12. All candidate paperwork must be submitted to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office prior to the deadline to be considered as a candidate.
To qualify, prospective candidates must have been a resident of Holmes Beach for at least two years prior to the qualifying date and be a registered Manatee County voter. Candidates must appoint a campaign treasurer, open a campaign bank account and file the corresponding paperwork as well as a statement of candidate, candidate oath, residency affidavit and statement of financial interests. Candidates also are required to pay an election assessment fee equal to 1% of the annual salary of the office sought, $60 for commission candidates and $240 for mayoral candidates, and collect 15 petition signatures of voters also residing in the city.
Candidates also have the option to file an undue burden oath to eliminate the election assessment fee but must still collect 15 signatures from city voters.
Candidates may not accept campaign contributions until after a campaign treasurer is appointed and a campaign account is established.
All candidate information can be found online under the candidate information tab. Forms can be found online or picked up at the Supervisor of Elections Office. Candidates must submit all forms to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office at 600 301 Blvd W., Suite 108 in Bradenton prior to the deadline. No candidate forms will be accepted at Holmes Beach City Hall.
This year’s general election will be held on Nov. 3.
