Library expansion hot on residents’ minds
For the second straight meeting of the Fort Myers Beach Town Council, members of the Beach Library taxing district decided to utilize public comment to speak out about the planned expansion of the library property.
This time, on Monday morning, the overwhelming majority of the 57-minute input session favored expanding facilities at the present location at 2755 Estero Blvd. Of the 16 speakers who chose to be on record, 13 stood behind the expansion and commented on misinformation, newspaper letters, council authority, referendum requests and questions referring to late objections as to why such an expansion is needed.
During the Dec. 20 meeting, seven people spoke on the objection of any expansion during public input. After hearing those comments, Town Attorney Jim Humphrey was asked by Mayor Larry Kiker if the town had any legal obligations in the matter. He said that, as a special district, the library was subject to the Uniform Special District of Accountability Act in Chapter 189.
On Monday morning, Beach resident Pat Smith, a member of the Friends of the Beach Library, questioned the Town officials’ stance in the matter and asked them to manage their own business.
“The town’s poor decisions to purchase the decrepit water utility should in no way constitute the library district to bail out the town,” she said. “The town conducted no referendum on those decisions, nor did they on the purchase of the Mound House and the Newton property or Bay Oaks. Those decisions are costing town taxpayers about a million dollars or so every year.”
Other library taxing district residents pointed out that expansion plans have been going on for years, but no objections were made at earlier times. Ed Scott said volunteers are vital to the library’s operations and landscaping efforts.
“Most of the magazine subscriptions are donated by patrons, landscaping is done by volunteers, seasonal plantings are done by island gardeners and donations are made daily to the building fund,” he said.
Three spouses of library board members defended their loved ones and the actions by the board in general.
“I take personal offense at the slanderous remarks that are being directed at this library board,” said Jim Seabury, husband of the library board’s Sally Seabury. “Go down to the county election office, and you’ll find they have registered, paid their fees and filed financial reports every year as is required by law.”
“In April of 2008, the Town Local Planning Agency approved the library expansion and, in June of 2008, the town council approved the library expansion,” said Charlie Whitehead, husband of library board member Debbie Whitehead. “I’m frankly a little perplexed that people for whom have no right to vote are meeting to discuss the best use of my tax dollars.”
Stan Lurie, the main dissenter of the expansion at the meeting, offered a professional opinion as an Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent and tax expert, claimed the Beach Civic Association “betrayed” the public regarding its mission through a newspaper letter, called the process of the expansion “corrupt” and opined on how the town should be involved in the matter.
“Concerns now emerge regarding Florida Statutes Chapter 189 disclosure and reporting requirements for a taxing district,” he said. “These are being looked into by our town attorney. Anything less than 100 percent timely compliance should compel town council to use all its power to cease and desist the construction, freeze all associated funds and pursue prosecution of any violations both jointly and severally to the full extent of the law.”
Some of the speakers asked for facts and sought answers to questions. Although all voices were heard, Town officials cautioned that such an action could be heard but not acted upon.
“It’s because we were asked by our taxpayers to look into something,” said Vice Mayor Bob Raymond on why the town has been involved. “This was never started by the town council.”
“I appreciate hearing that kind of feedback, but this is the wrong venue,” said Councilman Tom Babcock. “This should be taking place in front of the library board. They are the people who decide the policies. My reading of Florida Statute 189 says that the town does not have the authority for oversight of the library taxing district. From my perspective, I do not see the Town Council being in any position to have any opinion on the issue of the library expansion.”
Mayor Larry Kiker stated he extended the invitation to the FMB Board of Fire Commissioners as well as the FMB Library Board to use council chambers in town hall. The fire board has accepted and will begin its meetings on Jan. 19.
“With everything going on, it might be a healthy environment to have such a meeting where everyone who can’t be here can listen to it on TV,” said Kiker.
The next meeting of the Fort Myers Beach Library board is scheduled for Jan. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the library conference room.