Change of the guard: Manager transition

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BOB PETCHER Fort Myers Beach Mayor Larry Kiker signs the official employee agreement contract to make Terry Stewart the next town manager at the Feb. 1 town council meeting. Council members Jo List, Tom Babcock and Bob Raymond witness the action.

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BOB PETCHER FMB Mayor Larry Kiker hands retiring interim Town Manager Jack Green the key to the Beach. Green’s last day in office is Friday, Feb. 12.

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Former Cape Coral Manager Terry Stewart became the official town manager of Fort Myers Beach Monday. The FMB Town Council’s top choice among four candidates made it formal when he signed the official employee agreement contract and unanimously received the voted approval of the council at a regular public meeting in town hall.

According to town documents, Stewart agreed to accept a base salary of $100,000. The total annual compensation package of salary and benefits is approximately $145,654, excluding mandatory FICA payments on his behalf. Terms of the employee agreement include a stipulation that there would be a probationary period (interim status) followed by a performance evaluation by the council within seven months.

“I’d like to say to the mayor, council and town residents and business people of Fort Myers Beach that I am very much looking forward to working for you and with you,” said Stewart. “One of the things that I like to do is to become part of the community that I’m involved with. I’m exciting about learning more about Fort Myers Beach and to getting to know all of you.”

Stewart, who signed a draft employee agreement at Bennett’s Fresh Roast coffee shop in Downtown Fort Myers Thursday, vowed to give his all in his new surroundings.

“I promise you that I will work very hard with these ladies and gentlemen up here and do the very best that we can to make you proud of the town you live in and comfortable that this town is doing everything it can to represent you,” said Stewart.

Before the signing, FMB Mayor Larry Kiker thanked the efforts of Town Attorney Anne Dalton and Chief Negotiator and Councilman Tom Babcock. He called the day a bright one even with its gloomy weather conditions.

“Thank you for all your work,” said Kiker. “I understand that there was even some midnight oil being burnt. Obviously, Mr. Stewart now understands that we work all the time. He knew that coming in.”

Retiring interim Town Manager Jack Green, who announced his intention to resign from Town Government, effective Feb. 12, is expected to help Stewart ease into the transition. He was given resolutions by Councilwoman Jo List and Local Planning Agency Chairwoman Joanne Shamp, then was given congratulations and thanks by all of the Town’s committee chair people for his services. (A story on Green’s Town Government tenure including a review of the kind words and resolutions he received will appear in next week’s issue.)