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Bradenton Beach voters eliminate term limits

Bradenton Beach voters eliminate term limits

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Bradenton Beach voters have eliminated the term limits that previously applied to the city’s mayor and city commissioners.

Bradenton Beach’s registered voters supported three other amendments to the city charter and rejected one proposed amendment.

Election results

U.S. Senator – Marco Rubio

U.S. House District 16 – Vern Buchanan

Florida Governor – Ron DeSantis

Attorney General – Ashley Moody

Chief Financial Officer – Jimmy Patronis

Commissioner of Agriculture – Wilton Simpson

State House District 70 – Mike Beltran

State House District 72 – Tommy Gregory

Manatee County Commissioner District 2 – Amanda Ballard

Manatee County Commissioner District 4 – Michael Rahn

Manatee County Commissioner At-Large – Jason Bearden

According to the unofficial election results posted at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office website Tuesday evening, 213 voters (51.08%) supported eliminating term limits and 204 voters (49.92 %) opposed doing so.

The term limits previously set forth in the city charter limited elected officials to serving three consecutive two-year terms in the same elected office.

Eliminating term limits allows incumbent Ward 2 City Commissioner Marilyn Maro, who ran unopposed in the election, to serve a fourth consecutive term in office. Had voters retained term limits, Maro would not have been allowed to serve another consecutive term and would have term-limited out of office.

Bradenton Beach voters eliminate term limits
The election results allow incumbent Commissioner Marilyn Maro (shown here with her husband Ed) to serve another term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Running unopposed, and not impacted by the term limit vote, Ward 4 Commissioner Ralph Cole also earned another two-year term in office.

Bradenton Beach voters eliminate term limits
Running unopposed, incumbent Commissioner Ralph Cole earned another term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Eliminating term limits would have also resulted in Mayor John Chappie and Ward 1 Commissioner Jake Spooner term-limiting out of office in November 2023 after the completion of their current terms.

Bradenton Beach was the only city on Anna Maria Island that had term limits.

Maro and Cole will be sworn in to their next terms on Monday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m.

Additional charter questions

Bradenton Beach voters supported charter amendment question 2, which read as follows: “The current city charter requires a ward commissioner to reside in the ward they represent. Should the city amend its charter to establish a procedure to temporarily fill the ward seat for one term with an at-large commissioner if no ward resident is available or willing to run for office?”

According to the unofficial election results, 226 voters ( 54.46%) supported charter amendment 2 and 189 voters (45.54 %) opposed it.

The election results now allow the commission to fill a short-term vacancy with an appointee that lives anywhere in the city.

Voters rejected ballot question 3, which read as follows: “The current city charter requires the city to provide a special election to fill a vacancy that results in more than six months from a resignation required by Section 99.012, Florida Statutes. Should the charter be amended to allow for all vacancies to be appointed by the city commission?”

According to the unofficial election results, 253 voters (61.26%) opposed this proposed charter amendment and 160 voters (38.74%) supported it.

Retaining this charter provision means the city must continue to hold a special election to fill any commission seat being vacated for more than six months.

By a one-vote margin, Bradenton Beach voters supported charter amendment question 1, which read as follows: “Currently the city charter vests authority in three arbitrators to hold forfeiture of office proceedings against an elected official with costs to be borne by the city. Should the city revise its charter to eliminate the three arbitrator-panel procedure and replace it with the former forfeiture provision utilizing the city commission to conduct the proceedings?”

According to the unofficial election results, 206 voters (50.12%) voters supported this charter amendment and 205 voters (49.88 %) opposed it.

The results mean the city commission can now initiate forfeiture of office proceedings against a sitting commission member without using outside arbitrators. Removing an elected official from office still requires the majority support of the city’s registered voters.

Logistical in nature, charter amendment 5 pertained to commission actions that require a city ordinance. The ballot question read as follows: “Currently the city charter sets forth actions requiring an ordinance. Should the city amend the charter to remove employee personnel benefits and procedures from this section and require actions of the city regarding employee personnel benefits and procedures to be adopted in a public meeting through a resolution of the commission?”

According to the unofficial election results, 237 voters (59.10%) voters this charter amendment and 164 voters (40.9%) opposed it. Approval of this amendment streamlines the manner in which city employee benefits and employee procedures are addressed by the commission.

The charter amendments were proposed earlier this summer by the city commission-appointed charter review committee that was guided in its review process by City Attorney Ricinda Perry. The city commission then unanimously supported placing the five committee-recommended charter amendment questions on the ballot.

Anna Maria

Running unopposed, incumbent Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and incumbent city commissioners Deanie Sebring and Mark Short earned additional two-year terms in office. The trio will be sworn in during the commission’s organization meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m.

Holmes Beach

Running unopposed, first-time candidates Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner won seats on the Holmes Beach City Commission. Incumbent Commissioner Kim Rash did not seek reelection and incumbent Commissioner Jayne Christenson withdrew from the race after she qualified to seek reelection. Diggins and Kerchner are to be sworn in Wednesday morning, Nov. 9.

Police boat lift project may lose funding

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) finds itself in a race against time to complete the long-desired installation of a police department boat lift next to the Bridge Street Pier.

The boat lift project must be completed by Sept. 30 in order to take advantage of a $50,000 West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant approved by Manatee County commissioners in May 2017.

The police boat currently sits on a trailer parked near the police station and must be trailered to a boat ramp to be placed in the water.

Complicating matters is the necessity for the boat lift to be connected to the floating dock that must first be repositioned to the east by approximately 8 feet by Hecker Construction Company, which installed the pre-manufactured dock in mid-2019 for $11,600.

Police boat lift grant funds in potential peril
Before the boat lift can be installed, the floating dock must be repositioned approximately 8 feet to the east, toward the far end of the pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Further complicating the boat lift installation timetable is the need for contract engineer Joe Foster to separately engineer the dock repositioning and the boat lift installation.

During the Wednesday, Sept. 2 CRA meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said Mayor John Chappie had sought an extension for the WCIND grant in vain.

“Moments ago, I received the information that we do not get an extension, so it must be completed by the end of the month,” Perry said.

Lt. John Cosby, of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, also addressed the growing sense of urgency.

“This WCIND money for this boat lift has to be expended by Sept. 30th, which means we have to approve this vendor and they have to get this boat lift installed. It has to be invoiced, it has to be paid and I need a canceled check by Sept. 30th in order for us to receive this money,” Cosby said.

If installed as planned, the boat lift will be placed perpendicular to the pier and floating dock in the open space between the west end of the dock and the corner of the pier walkway near the Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s outdoor seating area.

Police Chief Sam Speciale and the CRA members originally envisioned installing the boat lift on the north side of the pier. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection would not approve that location because it would infringe on the riparian rights of the neighboring Pines Trailer Park.

Police boat lift grant funds in potential peril
The proposed boat lift would be located at the west end of the repositioned floating dock. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

On Aug. 27, Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift General Manager Steve Porter submitted the only response to the city’s request for proposals to install the boat lift.

Duncan’s bid response proposed a $41,279 cost to install a 16,000-pound-capacity aluminum and stainless steel boat lift manufactured by Golden Boat Lifts and supported by four pressure-treated, marine-grade pilings driven into the bay bottom.

Before Wednesday’s CRA meeting began, Porter emailed Perry an additional quote for a 10,000-pound-capacity lift that would cost $37,813.

During the meeting, Porter said the cost estimates include the water and electrical lines and connections, the remote control, the security lighting and a walk-up catwalk. Porter said the lift, as currently designed, must be located at the west end of the floating dock.

Porter said the police boat weighs 3,000 pounds and he recommended a 10,000-pound-capacity lift.

“Give us two weeks after approval and it’s installed in a week,” he said.

Police boat lift grant funds in potential peril
This illustration shows the proposed boat lift configuration and location. – Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift | Submitted

CRA Chairman Ralph Cole said Hecker Construction needs a barge to reposition the floating dock and he did not know how much advance planning that would require. He said he would do his best to get that work done as soon as possible.

Perry said she would help coordinate the efforts to get all the needed work done in the remaining timeframe.

“If I cannot get this engineering done and I cannot get the dock moved in time, we’re probably not able to move forward and I don’t want to bind the city to expend $50,000 at this time. Truth be told, we don’t have it in our budget to do that,” Perry said of the boat lift project’s current reliance on WCIND funds.

The CRA members were divided on the need for Foster to engineer the boat lift installation but given the time constraints, they approved doing so.

The CRA members approved the installation of a 10,000-pound-capacity boat lift, contingent on the WCIND funds being available, and Porter said he understood the CRA’s position and time constraints regarding the grant money.

Face coverings remain mandatory in Bradenton Beach

Face coverings remain mandatory in Bradenton Beach

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH –  After a tie vote by the Bradenton Beach City Commission, face coverings remain mandatory inside Bradenton Beach businesses in accordance with Manatee County’s mandatory face-covering resolution.

Thursday evening, city commission members voted 2-2 on a proposed city ordinance that would have made face coverings optional but mandated that businesses post signs recommending face coverings.

The tie vote resulted in the proposed ordinance not being adopted, leaving the city still subject to the county face-covering resolution adopted by a 4-3 vote of the Manatee County Commission on July 27.

According to the county resolution, “An individual in a business establishment must wear a face covering.”

The county resolution includes exemptions for those who can maintain 6 feet or more of social distance inside a business, for children under 6 and for those with breathing issues or pre-existing medical conditions.

The county resolution does not apply in cities that adopted local face-covering mandates, including Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.

The county resolution is now being challenged in court by Pastor Joel Tillis and State Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R-Lake County).

The proposed Bradenton Beach emergency ordinance was modeled after the emergency ordinance adopted by the Bradenton City Council on July 15.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Marilyn Maro supported the adoption of the proposed emergency city ordinance, which would have resulted in the city essentially opting out of the county’s face-covering mandate because the city ordinance would have superseded it.

Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Jake Spooner opposed the city ordinance and chose instead to stay in line with the county resolution.

Commissioner Ralph Cole previously expressed opposition to the county resolution, but he was unable to attend Thursday’s meeting due to a family emergency.

Chappie was the only commission member who attended Thursday’s meeting in person. Maro, Spooner and Vosburgh participated remotely, as did City Attorney Ricinda Perry.

Proposed ordinance

Two days earlier, during the Tuesday, Aug. 4 emergency special commission meeting, the commission, minus Vosburgh, who was absent, directed Perry to draft an emergency ordinance modeled after the city of Bradenton’s emergency ordinance.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Perry said he had legal concerns about the county resolution and questioned its constitutionality.

Modeled after the Bradenton ordinance, the proposed Bradenton Beach ordinance presented Thursday evening said, “Each business establishment shall post a sign visible at each public point of entry, which sign shall either advise persons entering that face coverings are required or requested to be worn within the business establishment; or notify persons entering that the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the wearing of face coverings in public, particularly where social distancing cannot be maintained.”

Perry inserted additional language that said, “Notice shall also be provided that states that individuals with a religious, physical or mental limitation preventing them from wearing a face covering are exempt.”

Using language contained in the Bradenton ordinance, the proposed ordinance said, “The legislative intent of this ordinance is to educate and encourage members of the public to wear face coverings within enclosed business establishments. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to mandate the wearing of face coverings nor require the owner or operator of any business establishment to mandate or otherwise enforce the wearing of face coverings.”

Commission discussion

“Its purpose and intent is to do the least intrusive means that has not been legally challenged,” Perry said of the proposed ordinance.

She noted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the local law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing the county resolution.

County face covering resolution remains in effect in Bradenton Beach
City Attorney Ricinda Perry has legal concerns regrading the county resolution. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“The Bradenton ordinance takes that onus off the police officer and places it on those who are engaging in business. They need to be the ones who are policing the masks. It’s a bit of a friendlier approach towards the mask policy, as opposed to the Manatee County mandate,” Perry said.

“It’s mandating that businesses place mask notices on all of their locations, but it allows the business owner to decide whether or not they want to make that a mandate of their store or not,” Perry clarified in response to a question posed during public input.

Vosburgh referenced the 4-1 commission consensus reached during the commission’s emergency meeting on July 28. With Cole in opposition, the majority consensus reached that day was to not take any action and remain under the umbrella of the county resolution.

“Frankly, I was very surprised we put this on the agenda because we just voted on this a week ago. With what’s going on in Bradenton Beach, I reluctantly have to vote again to go along with the county,” Vosburgh said.

Spooner asked Lt. John Cosby if the city’s police officers had encountered any problems or confrontations since the county resolution took effect.

“No, we haven’t had any reported problems up to this point,” Cosby replied.

“I’d like to just stay in line with the county if there hasn’t been any problems with enforcement,” Spooner said. “I don’t want to have the businesses and their employees get in confrontations with people. Right now, it’s real easy for the employees to say, ‘It’s the law,’ and that kind of ends any confrontation.”

County face covering resolution remains in effect in Bradenton Beach
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie supported the proposed city ordinance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Chappie then made his motion to adopt the proposed city ordinance. After the tie vote occurred, Perry said the commission could continue the matter until next week, when Cole would be present to serve as the tie-breaker. Chappie made that motion and Maro seconded it, but Vosburgh and Spooner opposed the continuation and the motion failed as the result of another 2-2 vote.

The county resolution can be viewed and downloaded at the county website.

Related coverage:

 

Bradenton Beach may opt out of county face covering resolution

 

Pastor and state representative challenge county mask mandate

 

County commission adopts mandatory mask resolution

 

Bradenton Beach City Commission now recommends masks

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach City Commission now recommends, but does not require, that masks or face coverings be worn in Bradenton Beach.

The Bradenton Beach Commission engaged in its first public mask/face covering discussion during its weekly special emergency city commission meeting this morning.

During the meeting, Mayor John Chappie and Lt. John Cosby, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department, also expressed concerns about an ad that recently appeared in the Miami Herald encouraging people to come to Anna Maria Island.

Mask discussion

The mask discussion was inspired by public comments made by resident Connie Morrow.

“One of the things I’ve noticed is that the commission has not discussed wearing masks. I would appreciate it if the members of the commission would discuss the pros and cons of wearing masks – or putting out a strong recommendation for people to wear masks in Bradenton Beach, especially given the continued increase (in COVID-19 cases). I’d like to know what your thinking is,” Morrow said.

Vice Mayor Jake Spooner responded first.

“Thank you, Mrs. Morrow. I know it’s a touchy subject for some. It’s not for me. I would definitely do what you’re saying – that we highly recommend everyone wear a mask. I know there’s certain issues with enforcement and things along that line, and I’m sure everybody has their own opinions and views on it, but I highly recommend everyone visiting or living in the city of Bradenton Beach please wear a mask and please follow all CDC and WHO guidelines. That’s the best we have to try and get control of the situation,” Spooner said.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh held a slightly different view.

“From what I see, everybody is wearing masks. I don’t see people not wearing masks at the Publix. I still feel we should go by the county and the state, whatever they recommend,” she said.

Mayor John Chappie spoke next.

“I agree with Connie. I like the idea of the strong message. I think the program the county is starting, ‘Mask Up Manatee,’ is sending out a strong message,” he said.

Chappie said the city should put out a similar message, and he and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente could put together a public service announcement along those lines. He also said the Mask Up signs, when received from the county, will be distributed to Bradenton Beach businesses.

Chappie also suggested placing a mask message banner at the entrance to the city, at the west end of the Cortez Bridge.

Chappie noted one-third of the city consists of county-owned beaches (and boat ramps) and that attracts a lot of visitors who drive in from Hillsborough County and Polk County.

“Anything we can do to try to get them to be personally responsible is important,” Chappie said.

Spooner said he likes the “Mask Up” catchphrase because it’s short and catchy.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro said she liked Morrow’s suggestion about issuing a city recommendation. Maro said she’s observed many people in Bradenton Beach wearing masks, but she’d like to see the vacation rental management companies provide their guests with a written message that encourages them to wear masks when they are out in public.

Commissioner Ralph Cole then shared his view on masks.

“I believe that there are certain situations that you should mask up, especially people that are more susceptible and have the underlying conditions,” he said. “Everybody that needs to wear a mask should wear a mask and protect yourself.”

Cole said he would like the public service announcement to encourage the proper disposal of disposable masks.

“Encourage people not to throw masks on the beach and on the ground, leaving a contaminated mask laying around. I’m finding several masks every day dug into the sand,” he said.

Chappie said he’s seen a lot of discarded masks lying around too.

Regarding the coronavirus and the city’s response, Cole said, “It’s out there. It’s something we’re going to have to live with. We should not go above what the CDC does, what the state recommends and the county.”

Lt. John Cosby, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department, said the city has three sandwich board signs that could be placed along Bridge Street with new inserts that encourage people to wear masks.

Bradenton Beach City Commission now recommends masks
Visitors to Bradenton Beach City Hall are required to wear masks or face coverings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Starship lifts off at The Center

Starship lifts off at The Center

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – Featuring Mickey Thomas on lead vocals, Starship put on a stellar concert at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Taking place inside The Center’s spacious gymnasium, Starship’s Thursday, Jan. 23, time-traveling musical excursion was part of the 2020 Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series presented by the Sandbar restaurant.

As she’s done since 2006, the talented Stephanie Calvert stood side-by-side with lead singer and bandleader Mickey Thomas and delivered the lead and backing vocal parts made famous by the legendary Grace Slick.

The rock-solid Starship also featured John Roth on lead guitar and backing vocals, Phil Bennett on keyboards and backing vocals, Jeff Adams on bass and backing vocals and Darrell Verdusco on drums and backing vocals.

The band looked and sounded fantastic on The Center stage as they performed a string of hits that covered the musically-entwined Starship, Jefferson Starship and Jefferson Airplane musical canon that spans three decades.

Starship put on a great show at The Center. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Thomas still has one of the highest vocal ranges in rock music and Thursday’s concert started with two up-tempo rockers: “Layin’ It On the Line,” from Jefferson Starship’s 1984 “Nuclear Furniture” album and “Jane,” from Jefferson Starship’s 1979 “Freedom at Point Zero,” the album that marked Thomas’ debut with the band.

Next came “Sara,” the mid-tempo hit from Starship’s 1985 debut album, “Knee Deep in Hoopla,” followed by “Nothing’s Going to Stop Us Now” and Calvert taking the lead on the Dianne Warren-penned “Set the Night to Music,” both from Starship’s 1987 album, “No Protection.”

Starship jetted back to the 1960s as Thomas left the stage and Calvert belted out “White Rabbit,” the trippy signature song from Jefferson Airplane’s l967 “Surrealistic Pillow” album.

Starship lifts off at The Center
Stephanie Calvert delivered a rousing rendition of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Next came a three-song medley that featured Thomas singing lead on the mid-70s Jefferson Starship hits “Miracles” and “Count On Me” and Calvert singing lead on “Somebody to Love,” the other 60s anthem from “Surrealistic Pillow.”

Audience member and Bradenton resident Andy Cochran said he saw Jefferson Airplane perform “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love” at Woodstock in 1969.

Starship lifts off at The Center
The Sun’s Pam Lee and Shona Otto enjoyed the Starship show, joined by Otto’s mom, Jana Samuels. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The back of the gymnasium provided room to dance for those so inclined, including Shona Otto and Pam Lee from The Sun’s advertising department, joined by Otto’s mom, Jana Samuels.

Thomas revisited his pre-Jefferson Starship days with a well-received version of Elvin Bishop’s 1976 hit single “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” – a recording that featured Thomas on lead vocals back when he was one of Bishop’s back-up singers.

Starship lifts off at The Center
Mickey Thomas came to Anna Maria with his singing voice still in top shape. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“Stranger” from Jefferson Starship’s 1981 album “Modern Times” came next, followed by the title track from 1982’s “Winds of Change,” both of which featured Roth’s dynamic guitar work.

The set ended with Starship’s 1985 #1 smash hit, “We Built This City,” which led to County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Ralph Cole and several others joyously singing and dancing in front of the stage, joined by many throughout the gymnasium turned concert hall.

Starship lifts off at The Center
Bradenton Beach Commissioner Ralph Cole and Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore rocked out to Starship’s “We Built This City.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Starship returned for a one-song encore that began with an atmospheric keyboard solo and segued into “Find Your Way Back,” also from “Modern Times.”

Audience feedback

Mid-way through the show, Cole said, “This is great stuff.”

Cole and his wife, Beth, were accompanied by his brother and his brother’s wife, who were visiting from Michigan.

“It was a great evening for Anna Maria Island,” Whitmore said afterwards. “Fantastic. A world-class band entertained us all.”

Center Executive Director Chris Culhane said he loved the concert and noted the paid attendance was slightly under 500 people.

Center Board of Directors’ Chairman David Zaccagnino said, “It was awesome. Mickey still has it. Everybody had a good time and people were on their feet at the end.”

Starship lifts off at The Center
Center board member David Zaccagnino and Executive Director Chris Culhane thought it was an excellent concert. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The opening act

Before Starship took the stage at approximately 8 p.m., three well-known Anna Maria Island musicians teamed up to serve as the opening act: guitarist-singer Chuck Caudill, guitarist-singer Trevor Bystrom and drummer-percussionist James Hershey.

Starship lifts off at The Center
Local musicians James Hershey, Chuck Caudill and Trever Bystrom were the opening act. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Up next

The Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series continues Thursday, Feb. 13, with former Chicago drummer and founder Danny Seraphine and his California Transit Authority paying tribute to his former band. Then it’s The Grass Roots on Thursday, March 19. For tickets, visit www.ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com or call 941-748-5875.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use

Bradenton Beach’s new floating dock now in use

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The new floating public dock next to the historic Bridge Street Pier is now open and being used by boaters.

The Hecker Construction Company completed the dock installation last week and City Commissioner and Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) chairman Ralph Cole led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug. 2. Cole thanked Manatee County officials for partnering with the CRA on the dock project.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use
Community Redevelopment Agency chairman Ralph Cole, center, cut the ceremonial ribbon Friday morning. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Friday morning’s attendees included CRA and city commission members John Chappie and Jake Spooner, Manatee County Commissioners Betsy Benac, Steve Jonsson and Carol Whitmore, Deputy County Administrator John Osborne, Manatee County Tourist Development Council member Eric Cairns, congressional aide Gary Tibbetts, Anna Maria Oyster Bar president and pier tenant John Horne, Anna Maria Oyster Bar managing partner Lynn Horne, Bridge Street Merchants Vice President and Paradise Boat Tours’ General Manager and pier sub-tenant Sherman Baldwin, City Attorney Ricinda Perry, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson and several others.

Before Cole cut the ribbon, John Horne produced a tray of Bloody Marys and proposed a toast.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use
Anna Maria Oyster Bar president John Horne, right, serves up Bloody Marys and proposes a toast. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The new dock replaces the storm-damaged floating dock removed from that location in 2016. The new floating dock is 10 feet wide, approximately 256 feet long and once again provides recreational boaters with free short-term dockage.

It also provides limited short-term dockage for tour boats, water taxis and other commercial vessels to load and unload passengers. Fishing and overnight docking are prohibited on the new dock.

After the ribbon cutting, attendees walked down the gangplank and onto the new dock.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use
Former Mayor Jack Clarke, right, was among those who visited the new dock Friday morning. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“It took a while, but it looks awesome. This was a team effort that included all our department heads and especially our police chief, Sam Speciale,” Cole said.

Cole also mentioned the public discussions and strategic efforts CRA members and city staff engaged in during the past two and a half years that ultimately resulted in the long-delayed dock project being completed without any lawsuits filed.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use
These boats were among the first to use the new dock on Friday. –
Lynn Horne/Anna Maria Oyster Bar | Submitted

“The process was frustrating at times, but thanks to our CRA board, our city attorney and our city staff we now have one of the best publicly-owned docking sites on the west coast of Florida,” Spooner said.

“It’s been a long time coming and we’re glad the county was able to work with the city to get this floating dock. It’s another example of everybody working together toward the common good of Anna Maria Island,” Whitmore said.

“This is fabulous. It’s going to be phenomenal to see the boats back out here again this weekend. It’s going to bring people to Bridge Street. People enjoy going places by water and this will help get some cars off the road,” John Horne said.

“This is a big day for all of Bridge Street. This is even better than I expected,” Baldwin said.

As a boater, Baldwin said he appreciates the rubber rub rail running along the outer edge of the dock that will help prevent docked boats from getting scuffed up.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use
The new dock was in use again Saturday morning. – Sherman Baldwin/Paradise Boat Tours | Submitted

“This connects the Island to Tampa, St. Pete., Clearwater and other places you can come from by boat. There’s great shopping and restaurants here and they can even go to the Moose Lodge,” charter fishing Captain Scott Moore said.

“It’s another great day for the city,” Perry said.

“This is a great example of what working as a team can accomplish,” Thompson added.

“I’m glad to see that this project finally came to a long-overdue completion,” Speciale said later in the day.

During the previous night’s city commission meeting, Chappie thanked Cole for his efforts.

“It’s been a long struggle. I know it’s a team effort, but you have to have a leader. Great job,” Chappie said.

Project costs

The CRA and Manatee County co-funded the dock project. According to Thompson, the final cost is $191,524. That is $71,544 more than the $119,980 originally contracted with the North Palm Beach-based Technomarine Group in early 2017.

In 2017, county commissioners agreed to reimburse the CRA for half of a dock project’s total cost, not to exceed $250,000. That agreement, which was later renewed, means the CRA and the county are each contributing $95,762 to the project. The county’s contribution comes from the 5 percent tourist tax levied countywide on hotels, motels and vacation rentals.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use
The dock cleats bear the name of the Technomarine Group that was dismissed from the dock project earlier this year. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Earlier this year, the CRA discontinued its contractual relationship with Technomarine due to the prolonged and ongoing delays. The CRA then turned to the Gibsonton-based Hecker Construction Group to install the dock decking sections previously premanufactured by Spain-based Ronautica Marinas and shipped to Florida in mid-2018.

As the city’s Pier Team facilitator, Speciale served as the primary project liaison until mid-April. Cole, Perry, Thompson and Building Official Steve Gilbert then guided the project to its completion.

Bradenton Beach's new floating dock now in use
CRA chair Ralph Cole and City Attorney Ricinda Perry helped guide the dock project to completion. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
BB Election Cole Maro

Cole, Maro retain Bradenton Beach commission seats

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach voters re-elected incumbent Bradenton Beach City Commissioners Ralph Cole and Marilyn Maro, choosing them over challengers Tjet Martin and John Metz.

Bradenton Beach voters supported a return to geographically-based City Commission wards as one of seven proposed charter amendments recommended by the Charter Review Committee and supported by city voters.

Running unopposed, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and commissioners Amy Tripp and Brian Seymour retain their seats and will serve additional two-year terms in office.

Bradenton Beach commission races

In the Bradenton Beach race for the two seats currently held by Cole and Maro, Cole received 282 votes (32.12 percent), Maro received 242 votes (27.56 percent), Metz received 189 votes (21.53 percent) and Martin received 165 votes (18.79 percent).

Maro and Cole will serve additional two-year terms on the City Commission and be sworn in on Monday, Dec. 19. Their victories will maintain for another year a commission that also includes Mayor John Chappie and commissioners Jake Spooner and Randy White.

Charter amendments

Bradenton Beach voters also decided the fate of seven proposed amendments to the city charter and one park rezoning request.

Voters adopted Amendment 1. This means geographically-based City Commission wards will be reinstated beginning with next year’s elections: 295 voters (58.65 percent) supported the amendment and 208 voters (41.35 percent) opposed it.

BB Elections Amendments
Despite this sign of opposition, Bradenton Beach voters adopted several charter amendments proposed by the Charter Review Committee. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Voters adopted Amendment 2. This means City Commission candidates will now have to be registered city voters and will have to provide addition proof of residency when seeking office: 413 voters (79.73 percent) supported the amendment and 105 voters (20.27 percent) opposed it.

Voters adopted Amendment 3. This means the city charter will expressly state Bradenton Beach has a balanced form of city government in which all five members, including the mayor, have the same legislative and executive powers: 308 voters (61.48 percent) supported the amendment and 193 voters (38.52 percent) opposed it.

Voters adopted Amendment 4. This means the City Commission will retain the sole authority to hire and fire charter officials and departments heads, even if a city manager was to be hired in the future: 290 voters (58.23 percent) supported the amendment and 208 voters (41.77 percent) opposed it.

Voters adopted rejected Amendment 5. This means Article II and Article III of the city charter will be renumbered and reorganized (merely an administrative housekeeping matter): 306 voters (62.58 percent) supported the amendment and 183 voters (37.42 percent) opposed it.

Voters adopted Amendment 6. This means the commission will retain the ability to fill vacant City Commission seats by commission appointment: 328 voters (64.57 percent) supported the amendment and 180 voters (35.43 percent) opposed it.

Voters adopted Amendment 7. This means the charter requirements and processes that already apply to citizen-led, petition-initiated city ordinances and resolutions will also apply to citizen-led, petition-initiated efforts to amend the city charter: 320 voters (65.04 percent) supported the amendment and 172 voters (34.96 percent) opposed it.

City voters also supported the city’s request to rezone Katie Pierola Park from its current R-3 Multi-Family Dwelling District zoning designation to a Parks/Recreation/Open Space zoning designation. The vote was 460 votes (89.15 percent) in favor of the rezoning and 56 votes (10.85 percent) opposed to the rezoning request.

Campaign Cole

Cole leads fundraising in Bradenton Beach commission race

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Incumbent Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Ralph Cole is the leading campaign fundraiser in the four-person race for the two commission seats to be decided in the upcoming city elections.

According to his campaign treasurer’s reports, Cole raised $3,100 and spent $1,122 on his campaign as of Sept. 14. In addition to loaning his own campaign $1,100, Cole received $500 from Bridgewalk Partners LLC and $500 from the Silver Surf resort, which are both owned by Angela Rodocker. He also received $1,000 from the Local 2546 Suncoast Professional Firefighters and Paramedics labor union.

Campaign Martin
Former Scenic WAVES chair Tjet Martin seeks a City Commission seat. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Cole paid Speed King in Palmetto $674 for yard signs and flyers and Steam Design Services in Holmes Beach $400 for campaign marketing services. He also paid the $48 qualifying fee.

As of Sept. 14, former Scenic WAVES Committee chair Tjet Martin raised $1,800, including $1,100 in loans to her own campaign.

Martin received $300 from former Bradenton Beach resident Mary Mapes, $100 each from Bradenton Beach residents Bill and Rose Vincent, $100 from James Srackangast, who lists a North Carolina address, $50 from Roger Fultz, who lists a Michigan address and $50 from former deputy clerk Tammy Johnson.

Campaign Maro
Commissioner Marilyn Maro seeks a second term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Martin paid Signs on the Cheap in Texas $200 and paid the $48 qualifying fee.

As of Sept. 14, Marilyn Maro, also an incumbent, raised $1,175, including $150 she loaned to her own campaign. Like Cole, Maro received $1,000 from the Suncoast Professional Firefighters and Paramedics. She also received $25 from Bradenton Beach resident Lynne Budzinski.

Maro’s only listed campaign expenditures were a $17 service fee for her campaign account, $16.50 for data obtained from the Manatee County Board of Commissioners and the $48 qualifying fee.

Campaign Metz
Former Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz now seeks a commission seat. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Former Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz loaned his own campaign $140, received $100 from Rose Vincent and made a $377 in-kind contribution to himself for lawn signs.

As of Sept. 14, Metz spent $6 on bank statements and paid the $48 qualifying fee.

Vote by mail ballots will be mailed out the first week of October and the elections will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

 

 

Bill Vincent Withdraws

Vincent ends commission candidacy

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Former Planning and Zoning Board member Bill Vincent says he’s withdrawing from the Bradenton Beach City Commission race.

On Thursday, June 28, Vincent distributed an email that said in its entirety: “Greetings. I have withdrawn my candidacy for commissioner of Bradenton Beach without advance announcement or public comment.”

Vincent announced his withdrawal a week after he and four other candidates qualified to run for the two at-large commission seats currently held by Marilyn Maro and Ralph Cole. Maro and Cole are seeking reelection and being challenged by former Scenic WAVES chair Tjet Martin and former Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz.

In 2016, John Chappie defeated Vincent in the Ward 4 commission race by a 378-234 vote margin. In 2014, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh defeated Martin in the Ward 4 race by a 347-143 vote margin. This is Metz’s first pursuit of a Bradenton Beach commission seat.

Vincent, Martin and Metz are among six former city advisory board members who resigned from their volunteer city positions last summer amidst allegations of Sunshine Law violations that are now the subject of a pending civil lawsuit initiated by the city and a city resident.

Metz is also the plaintiff in the stalled, but still pending, lawsuit he filed against the city and Building Official Steve Gilbert in 2016 in an attempt to have a neighbor’s property declared ineligible for continued use as a vacation rental.

In 2012, Martin, Bill Shearon and Jo Ann Meilner filed a lawsuit against the city in objection to a beachfront parking allowance given to Ed Chiles’ BeachHouse restaurant. The lawsuit was later settled in a manner that preserved Chiles’ parking rights but also allowed for the creation of a small beachfront park.

According to City Attorney Ricinda Perry, there’s nothing in the city charter that prevents someone involved in an active lawsuit with the city from running for a commission seat or serving as a commissioner if elected.

KORN Petitions Rejected

Commission rejects KORN initiatives

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach Commissioners have rejected four charter amendment initiatives pursued by the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods (KORN) political action committee.

Barring a court order or a new petition initiative done according to the city charter, KORN’s proposed charter amendment questions will not appear on the city ballot this fall.

KORN’s charter initiatives propose a citywide prohibition on multi-level parking garages, hiring a full-time city manager, increasing setback restrictions and prohibiting vacant commission seats from being filled by commission appointment.

The commission based its decision on KORN not following the charter’s referendum procedures and on insufficiencies and concerns cited by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, City Attorney Ricinda Perry and City Engineer Lynn Burnett.

After nearly two hours of debate on Thursday, June 21, the commission adopted three motions. The first was for the commission to uphold Sanclemente’s decision to reject the proposed amendments according article 4 of the city charter. The second stated KORN’s initiatives do not comply with Florida Statutes 166.031 and 101.161. A third motion directed city staff to defend the city charter and represent the city in any litigation arising from the KORN petitions.

All three motions were approved by 4-1 votes, with Commissioner Randy White in opposition.

As he left city hall, KORN chairman Reed Mapes said, “I’m calling my lawyer.”

As of mid-day Monday, a lawsuit had not been filed.

Petition insufficiencies

On June 4, KORN treasurer John Metz submitted the signed petitions to the clerk’s office with a note citing 88 signatures for the parking garage petition, 87 for the vacancies petition, 83 for the setbacks petition and 76 for the city manager petition.

The referendum requirements in the city charter and state law require verified signatures from at least 10 percent of the registered electors in the preceding general election. According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office website, Bradenton Beach had 744 registered in November 2017.

“Now you put us in a position where we either don’t follow our city charter or we go to litigation.”
– Jake Spooner, Bradenton Beach Commissioner

On June 11, Sanclemente sent Metz a letter stating KORN didn’t form a five-member petition circulating committee, didn’t use the city’s required forms and didn’t provide accompanying affidavits stating each petition was signed in the presence of a committee member.

“This office has testimony that petitions were mailed to residents and were not signed in the presence of a committee member,” Sanclemente wrote. “Accordingly, your petitions are deemed insufficient pursuant to the city charter.”

KORN was given 10 days to file amended petitions. Sanclemente recapped these insufficiencies for the commission and said Metz refused to accept the petitions mailed back to him.

During that morning’s Charter Review Committee meeting, the city engineer said KORN’s setback amendment could negatively impact stormwater retention. She recommended revising the amendment language or addressing those concerns in city code instead. Perry said the amendment could expose the city to Bert Harris claims.

KORN John Metz
KORN treasurer John Metz tells city commissioners KORN’s charter initiatives were conducted according to state law and not the city charter. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Commission discussion

“We’re using the same process that was used last year, a state process under 166.031,” Metz told the commission.

He was referencing charter initiatives pursued by the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) in 2017. Perry said those voter-adopted charter amendments still contain unresolved conflicts.

“The city is a conduit through which we operate. There’s nothing the city’s to do except to follow statute. I’m here to ask you to send these petitions on. I think there’s enough litigation going on that we don’t need more,” Metz said.

“Did you follow the procedure in our charter?” Cole asked.

“It’s not appropriate,” Metz responded.

“You don’t find it appropriate, but our job is to follow our city charter. Now you put us in a position where we either don’t follow our city charter or we go to litigation. Why didn’t you follow our charter?” Commissioner Jake Spooner said.

“We’re not required to,” Metz said.

Perry said the Elections Office only determines whether enough verified petition signatures were obtained and it’s up to the commission to review referendums for compliance with the charter and state law.

“You were sworn in to uphold this city’s constitution, which is its charter, and state law,” Perry told the commission.

Perry said state law limits ballot summaries to 75 words and ballot titles to 15 words. The ballot summary for the vacancies amendment contains 102 words and the setbacks summary contains 89. According to Perry, all four ballot titles exceed 15 words.

The word “outrageous” appears in the parking garage summary and “cronyism” appears in the vacancies summary. Perry’s June 19 memo to the commission referenced a Florida Supreme Court ruling that says, “The ballot summary should tell the voter the legal effect of the amendment and no more. The political motivation behind a given change must be propounded outside the voting booth.”

Perry said state law no longer allows land-use referendums and Cole noted the charter’s building height restrictions predate the change in state law.

Chappie said the first question to be answered was, “Does the charter apply or not?”

Perry said the charter was created according to state law and works in tandem with Florida statues.

“It’s not specific to KORN. Our charter has to be followed,” Spooner said.

“This is an attempt to stop these KORN initiatives,” White said.

White said the state process provides citizens with another option if they feel they’re not being heard at the local level.

“Had the city been willing to work with us, we’d probably been able to work all those items out. We’ve found that very much impossible,” KORN chair Reed Mapes said regarding last year’s referendum efforts.

“That’s not true. The city was clearly pleading to work with CNOBB to set up a charter review committee to get it done correctly. CNOBB said no,” Chappie responded.

“What is the problem with following a simple procedure?” Cole said of this year’s efforts. “If you would have done that, it would have allowed us to say yes, let’s put it to the voters without breaking our own city charter.”

Related coverage:

Charter Review Committee appointed

Commissioners discuss parking garages, more

Cole Appointed

Cole appointed to commission

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Ralph Cole is back on the City Commission.

Cole, who lost his Ward 3 reelection bid to Randy White in November, was appointed to the commission by a 3-1 vote during a special commission meeting Wednesday night.

Cole will serve the remaining 11 months of the commissioner’s term vacated by John Chappie, who was recently elected mayor.

Vacant seat
This seat on the Bradenton Beach dais is no longer a vacant commission seat. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Commissioner Marilyn Maro nominated Cole. Chappie and Commissioner Jake Spooner supported her nomination. Participating in his first commission meeting, White nominated Planning and Zoning Board member James Lynch and voted for him.

Cole and Lynch were the only applicants considered. Bill Vincent recently rescinded his application and no last-minute candidates expressed interest Wednesday night.

Cole was sworn in Thursday, Dec. 7, and will participate in the commission’s regular meeting that night.

Before the nominations were made, White questioned whether the appointment could be made that night because the voter-approved charter amendment that eliminated the city commission wards has not yet been finalized by ordinance.

The elimination of the wards made Cole eligible to apply for appointment. Had the wards not been eliminated, the appointee would have had to have come from the city’s southernmost commission ward where Lynch and Vincent live.

Chappie and City Attorney Ricinda Perry told White the appointment could take place that night. Perry referenced the commission’s previous approval of a resolution presented in September by the lawyer for the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach’s. Perry said the 20-page resolution that contained the charter amendment ballot language also stated the approved amendments must be enacted as soon as the elections results were certified.

Commissioner Randy White
City Attorney Ricinda Perry explains the appointment process to Commissioner Randy White. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During public comment, Jim Hassett referenced the elections and said, “The public just got done telling us we want change. I would like to ask to you continue thinking about change and elect Mr. Lynch.”

Former planning board member John Metz praised Lynch and suggested Cole should not be appointed because 55 percent of city voters voted against him in his race with White.

Tonya Cole, no relation, expressed support for Cole. She cited his emphasis on family and his willingness to assist constituents.

When addressing the commission, Cole stated his desire to continue the work he’s been part of for the past two years. This includes his duties as chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency. The Agency has approximately $1.3 million at its disposal for the continued improvement and redevelopment of the city’s waterfront CRA district.

Lynch cited his experience as a military attorney, law instructor, ombudsman for the elderly and planning board member. He said these qualities could help the city find win-win solutions.

Lynch considered
Planning and Zoning Board member Jim Lynch was also considered for the commission appointment. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When nominating Cole, Maro cited his experience, his emphasis on families and she said he was the only city official to check on her after Hurricane Irma.

Commissioner Jake Spooner countered Metz’s argument by noting that 169 city voters voted for Cole to represent them.

Chappie mentioned Cole’s experience and his penchant for research. When expressing his respect for Lynch, Chappie stressed the need for Lynch’s experience and continued service on the six-member planning board that has four new members.

When it became apparent that Cole was going to be appointed, audience member Patty Shay got up and walked out of the meeting, followed by Metz and several others.

CNOBB amendments

Elections alter Bradenton Beach’s political landscape

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Nov. 7 elections reshaped the Bradenton Beach City Commission and changed how future commission races will be run.

City voters elected Vice Mayor John Chappie to serve as the city’s next mayor, replacing current Mayor Bill Shearon.

First-time candidate Randy White won the Ward 3 race, defeating incumbent Commissioner Ralph Cole in what will go down as the city’s last ward-specific commission race.

“If the voters made their decision because of a parking garage, I’m sorry they were basically misled.” Ralph Cole, commission candidate

The city charter will be amended to incorporate three voter-supported charter changes proposed by the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB). These include the elimination of commission wards and the reduction of residency requirements for candidates.

Running unopposed, Ward 1 Commissioner Jake Spooner retained his seat and will serve another two-year term.

Chappie, White and Spooner will be sworn in at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20.

Open seat

Cole applies for commission seat
After losing his commission race, Ralph Cole is seeking commission appointment to a soon-to-be-vacated seat. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The elimination of commission wards means Cole is among those eligible to serve the remaining year of Chappie’s two-year commissioner’s term.

Cole and CNOBB chairman Bill Vincent, a Ward 4 resident, have already submitted applications to the city clerk’s office in hopes of filling the seat that becomes vacant on Nov. 20.

In 2016, Vincent ran for the Ward 4 seat won by Chappie. He is one of six former city board members named as defendants in an unresolved Sunshine Law lawsuit.

Others interested in the commission appointment can apply with the clerk’s office.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry will draft ordinances to formalize each of the voter-supported charter amendments. The commission must then adopt the ordinances during two public hearings before the appointment process can begin on or around Dec. 7.

Post-election reactions

“I think people wanted a change. I think people are tired of all the controversy and negativity,” Chappie said of the mayor’s race.

“We have some challenges we’re going to work through to be a better community than we are today,” he added.

As mayor, Chappie plans to be a stickler for open government and Sunshine Law compliance.

He said he has no issues with the charter amendments or their impact on the pending appointment process.

“Anybody in the city who meets the basic qualifications to run for office can put in an application. That’s what the people wanted,” Chappie said.

“The voters spoke,” Shearon said. “I would’ve liked to have continued the progress I feel my administration’s made over the years. Now it will be up to the new commission.”

Shearon will not apply to fill the vacant commission seat and he does not think someone who just lost an election should either. He also said he did not intend to run for a commission seat in 2018.

“I’m going to be retired. I’m not going to be in government, but I’ve had a couple people ask me to provide consultation to help them get their projects through the maze of bureaucracy,” Shearon said.

“I think myself and John Chappie won because we were out there on the streets knocking on doors,” White said. “I covered the whole town and I know John did too. The ones who wanted the votes the most got elected.”

Regarding the appointment process, White said, “Everybody’s entitled to put their name in the hat. We’ll work with the system and hopefully we choose the right person.”

Cole said a campaign mailer White distributed inaccurately represented his views on the parking garage discussions Shearon and Spooner initiated in 2016; and he feels that contributed to his loss.

“If the voters made their decision because of a parking garage, I’m sorry they were basically misled,” Cole said.

Regarding his possible reappointment, Cole said, “There were 169 people who voted for me. If you’re going to change the rules, then I can do it. I’m not going to back down because I lost an election. I want to have a say with what’s going on.”

Spooner said, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to work for the citizens of Bradenton Beach for a second term. I look forward to help healing the divide and making the city even more beautiful, enjoyable and safe for all, while protecting the taxpayers’ investment in the city.”

He also said he sees nothing wrong with Cole or anyone else in the city applying to fill the vacant commission seat.

By the numbers

In the mayor’s race, Chappie received 232 votes (60 percent) and Shearon received 155 votes (40 percent).

In the Ward 3 race, White received 205 votes (55 percent) and Cole received 169 votes (45 percent).

The Amendment 1 proposal to eliminate commission wards received 207 votes of support (55 percent) and 171 votes in opposition (45 percent). All future commission races will now be at-large races.

The Amendment 2 proposal to reduce commission candidate residency requirements from two years to one year and eliminate the requirement that candidates be registered city voters received 212 votes of support (55 percent) and 174 votes in opposition.

The Amendment 3 proposal to limit the city commission’s ability to interpret the city charter received 243 votes of support (64 percent) and 134 votes in opposition.