BOCC takes no action in Library oversight
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved “no action” through a tabled motion in determining a course of action regarding oversight of the Fort Myers Beach Library District.
The decision came after the Town of Fort Myers made a request for an oversight review under Florida Statue 189.428 concerning the Beach Library District.
As an independent special district, the Library District Board is required to file a number of statutorily prescribed accountability reports. This includes reports sent directly to State agencies (annual financial report, annual financial audit, bond report and retirement system report) and reports sent to local government entities.
The issue grew when Library district officials failed to file their Public Facilities report on time last year, then escalated when certain Beach residents expressed their dismay with the Library expansion costs at Town meetings. The Beach Town Council unanimously approved to instruct Mayor Larry Kiker and Town Manager Terry Stewart to correspond with County Commissioners and advise them about the aforementioned circumstances before formally requesing an undertaking of an oversight review.
“I guess the best approach would be to table the request and let the talks evolve and work things out within the community,” said Library District Commissioner Ray Judah before his motion.
Commission chairman Frank Mann stated that without action the issue remains “status quo” and that there would remain a need for the special district’s continued existence. The decision allows the Library district to remain essential and not be dissolved.
“It appears to me that we really don’t have the authorization under the Florida Statutes to pursue that,” said Mann.
County Attorney Michael Hunt concurred that the Commission “has no further responsibility” in the matter. Judah agreed.
“From a legal standpoint, it really isn’t our business,” he said. “I think this is an issue that can certainly be worked out between Council and Library officials and their constituents. As far as the County Commission is concerned, we really have no oversight.”
Judah continued making pre-motion remarks about the ongoing issue between Town and Library officials by stating he could understand why the request was made, but applauded the Beach Library for its “incredible track record as an asset” and being a “centerpiece” in the Beach community. He also stated he would like to keep the Beach community “intact” and asked the Library Board officials to provide information voluntarily.
“It’s been unfortunate that perhaps this issue has been overwhelmed from the standpoint that there have been spirited discussions, and I understand as elected officials why the Mayor and Town Council requested the point of reference information from the Fort Myers Beach Library,” he said.
Judah stated the oversight pertains to the Public Facilities Report that needs to be submitted to the County Commission, and then referred to no wrong doing cited in the response by legal firms.
“The Joint Legislative Committee had clearly stated in their response to Mr. Durrett and Mr. Martin, who had expressed concerns regarding expansion of the library, the issues of bonds and information about the project,” he said. “They indicated in all instances with regards to expansion and financing, that this is a Library Board decision. With regards to the information about the project, the Auditor General provides that on his website.”
During public comment before the agenda item was discussed, 5 of the 19 speakers on the issue requested the BOCC take action with the overview. Opposition remarks included Library district residents Sam Lurie with, “Violations should be caused for action,” while Bob Miller asked, “Where is the fiscal responsibility?” Fish Tale Marina Owner and Santini Marina Plaza Operator Al Durrett, who stated he has paid $43,000 for his marina business and plaza operations in the past 23 years, asked the commissioners to “have responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money.”
Pro-library speakers countered with “my tax dollars have to be spent trying to discredit” the expansion (Karen Swanbeck); “sift the facts from the fiction” (Mark LaFave); “we urge you not to fix what is not broken” (Pat Smith); “new addition not just needed but deserved” (Barbara Hill); and “the Library is the hub of our community” (Bobbi Kemp). Jean Gottlieb admitted to hold Beach Library Card #3 and stated the Library is “considered the heart of the Beach.”
Mann made some closing comments before the vote was passed 4-0 with Commissioner Brian Bigelow absent.
“We have brought the budgeting process of the Beach Library into a better focus,” said Mann. “Now the public knows where to go with their concerns on this project or any future project out there. I really don’t think we have a role we can play beyond that.”
BOCC takes no action in Library oversight
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved “no action” through a tabled motion in determining a course of action regarding oversight of the Fort Myers Beach Library District.
The decision came after the Town of Fort Myers made a request for an oversight review under Florida Statue 189.428 concerning the Beach Library District.
As an independent special district, the Library District Board is required to file a number of statutorily prescribed accountability reports. This includes reports sent directly to State agencies (annual financial report, annual financial audit, bond report and retirement system report) and reports sent to local government entities.
The issue grew when Library district officials failed to file their Public Facilities report on time last year, then escalated when certain Beach residents expressed their dismay with the Library expansion costs at Town meetings. The Beach Town Council unanimously approved to instruct Mayor Larry Kiker and Town Manager Terry Stewart to correspond with County Commissioners and advise them about the aforementioned circumstances before formally requesing an undertaking of an oversight review.
“I guess the best approach would be to table the request and let the talks evolve and work things out within the community,” said Library District Commissioner Ray Judah before his motion.
Commission chairman Frank Mann stated that without action the issue remains “status quo” and that there would remain a need for the special district’s continued existence. The decision allows the Library district to remain essential and not be dissolved.
“It appears to me that we really don’t have the authorization under the Florida Statutes to pursue that,” said Mann.
County Attorney Michael Hunt concurred that the Commission “has no further responsibility” in the matter. Judah agreed.
“From a legal standpoint, it really isn’t our business,” he said. “I think this is an issue that can certainly be worked out between Council and Library officials and their constituents. As far as the County Commission is concerned, we really have no oversight.”
Judah continued making pre-motion remarks about the ongoing issue between Town and Library officials by stating he could understand why the request was made, but applauded the Beach Library for its “incredible track record as an asset” and being a “centerpiece” in the Beach community. He also stated he would like to keep the Beach community “intact” and asked the Library Board officials to provide information voluntarily.
“It’s been unfortunate that perhaps this issue has been overwhelmed from the standpoint that there have been spirited discussions, and I understand as elected officials why the Mayor and Town Council requested the point of reference information from the Fort Myers Beach Library,” he said.
Judah stated the oversight pertains to the Public Facilities Report that needs to be submitted to the County Commission, and then referred to no wrong doing cited in the response by legal firms.
“The Joint Legislative Committee had clearly stated in their response to Mr. Durrett and Mr. Martin, who had expressed concerns regarding expansion of the library, the issues of bonds and information about the project,” he said. “They indicated in all instances with regards to expansion and financing, that this is a Library Board decision. With regards to the information about the project, the Auditor General provides that on his website.”
During public comment before the agenda item was discussed, 5 of the 19 speakers on the issue requested the BOCC take action with the overview. Opposition remarks included Library district residents Sam Lurie with, “Violations should be caused for action,” while Bob Miller asked, “Where is the fiscal responsibility?” Fish Tale Marina Owner and Santini Marina Plaza Operator Al Durrett, who stated he has paid $43,000 for his marina business and plaza operations in the past 23 years, asked the commissioners to “have responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money.”
Pro-library speakers countered with “my tax dollars have to be spent trying to discredit” the expansion (Karen Swanbeck); “sift the facts from the fiction” (Mark LaFave); “we urge you not to fix what is not broken” (Pat Smith); “new addition not just needed but deserved” (Barbara Hill); and “the Library is the hub of our community” (Bobbi Kemp). Jean Gottlieb admitted to hold Beach Library Card #3 and stated the Library is “considered the heart of the Beach.”
Mann made some closing comments before the vote was passed 4-0 with Commissioner Brian Bigelow absent.
“We have brought the budgeting process of the Beach Library into a better focus,” said Mann. “Now the public knows where to go with their concerns on this project or any future project out there. I really don’t think we have a role we can play beyond that.”