Library expansion to be discussed
After listening to seven residents speak in opposition of the Beach Library expansion efforts during public input at its regular meeting Monday, Dec. 20, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council decided to direct Town Attorney Jim Humphrey to look into the matter to see if town officials can get legally involved.
According to FMB Mayor Larry Kiker, a report of his findings is expected to be discussed on Jan. 18, when the council convenes for a 6:30 p.m. meeting. The topic may come up during town attorney items by the end of the meeting.
The action stemmed from a conversation at the Dec. 20 meeting when Kiker asked Humphrey if the town had any legal obligations in the matter.
“They are, as a special district, subject to the Uniform Special District of Accountability Act in Chapter 189,” said Humphrey. “The council can take a position and ask for a workshop or joint session with the special district. I think it would merit first a discussion with this council and our review of Chapter 189 with you about what some of the provisions are.”
Council members were attentive to an overriding plea from Beach residents who asked council members to use “power and influence” to stop the expansion. Cries of ‘taxation without representation’ and ‘we don’t need another social club’ were repeated statements from the speakers who also questioned the ethical standards of the library board of directors’ elections.
If Humphrey’s report bears fruit, the council will discuss what course of action is next and decide if a joint workshop would be worthy. If so, a session between town officials and library board members may draw a lot more feedback from residents for and against the proposed library addition.
“Some of the issues that came up seem to hold some relevance in terms of the elections and the expansion. It appears to me what this group is asking is what can be done to get all of the voters on the island to participate in a referendum,” said Kiker at the Monday meeting. “If the council chooses to look into the matter after Mr. Humphrey’s work effort, it would be more appropriate and proper to contact officials at the library and look for ways to work together.”