FMB Council undergoes reorganization
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council said ‘goodbye’ to one member and ‘hello’ to another during resolution and inauguration ceremonies at its regular meeting Monday. The ‘new’ council also reorganized its officers -choosing Mayor Larry Kiker to remain in that capacity and Councilman Bob Raymond as vice mayor- and selected council representatives to both outside and town committees during its agenda work.
Outgoing FMB Town Council Vice Mayor Herb Acken offered his final words before receiving the key to the town. The proclamation cited Acken on his devotion for time and interest to matters affecting the Beach community and his demonstration to the sensitivity and courage in expressing his convictions to the complex issues of the town council.
“I’d like to thank everyone on this island for the opportunity to serve,” said Acken, who gave a special shout to Don Massucco, Nicole Cilley, Anita Cereceda and Dan Hughes. “I actually hope that I met the expectations from all the people who voted for me. I’m comfortable that I exceeded the expectations of those of you who didn’t.”
After the election results were certified by being read into the record, Acken asked to be excused and both Kiker and newly elected Councilman Alan Mandel were sworn in when Town Attorney Anne Dalton administered the Oath of Office.
During the reorganization of council, Kiker received the sole nomination for mayor when Raymond proposed his name and made a motion for his candidacy. List nominated Raymond for vice mayor and made a motion to elect him for the position. Both motions passed unanimously.
As their first collective action as the ‘new’ town council, the members unanimously approved Ordinance 09-08 to move forward to a final hearing on April 5. This ordinance would allow advisory committee members to serve on multiple committees.
The council then selected council representatives and alternatives for county committee positions. They are as follows: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program – Alan Mandel/Tom Babcock; Coastal Advisory Committee – Alan Mandel/Tom Babcock; Horizon Council – Jo List/Alan Mandel; Human Services Council – Jo List/ Bob Raymond; Metropolitan Planning Organization – Bob Raymond/Larry Kiker; Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council – Tom Babcock/Larry Kiker.
Council representatives on town advisory committees were also approved and mandated. They include Babcock on the Marine Resources Task Force; Mandel on the Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board; Kiker on Anchorage Advisory Committee; List on the Bay Oaks Advisory Committee; and Raymond on the Community Resource Advisory Board.
During the Local Achievements and Recognition report, all four council members that served with Acken gave him fair well greetings. List best summed up the general feeling of the council, while Kiker gave the strong-minded Acken a “Worst Case Scenerio Survival Game” as a gift.
“Herb has always been so true to the things that he believes in,” said List. “You set such a good example for people in this position because you never pulled any punches and were always straight ahead where no one had to guess where you stand on anything. I feel very honored that I served with you.”