MRTF reappoints members and elects chairs
In it’s October 14th meeting, the Marine Resources Task Force, a volunteer committee of the Town of Fort Myers Beach, announced the re-appointment of six of its members by Town Council. Reappointed were Charles Hester, local professional photographer; Capt. Jeff Werner, professional yacht captain; Al Durrett, owner of Fish-Tale Marina; John Shaw, owner of RAL Resort Property Management; Roger Johnson, retired attorney; and Jay Light, retired musician and university music professor.
Brad Hill, a member of MRTF since 2007, did not seek re-appointment due to business and personal commitments, leaving MRTF with one vacancy. The committee is searching for a volunteer who is interested in MRTF’s mission to further the welfare of the citizens of the Town by helping to promote a better, more healthful, safe and attractive community environment and insure that the unique and natural characteristics of the Town’s marine and natural resources are preserved. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest to Michelle Mayher, Town Clerk, 2523 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 or by email at Michelle@fortmyersbeachfl.gov.
Following the re-appointment announcement, Town Attorney Anne Dalton conducted elections for chair and vice chair of the committee. Chairman Hester, who has chaired the group for several years, stated he would not accept a nomination for chair, announcing to the group that he felt strongly that the chairmanship position needed to be rotated to bring “fresh eyes” to the position. The committee then unanimously elected Werner as chair and Jay Light as vice chair.
Following the election the group voted unanimously to pass a resolution thanking former member Brad Hill for his years of service to MRTF.
Other business included discussions about enhancing the Town Web site’s Environmental Sciences page; the Visitor Information brochure currently distributed to condos and rental agencies; an upcoming illustrated flyer stressing Beach Do’s and Don’ts for visitors and residents; a canal depth survey being conducted by MRTF members; and the John Mulholland Stewardship award made annually by the committee.
(ITALICS) submitted by Charles Hester