Town Council candidate question of the week
Fort Myers Beach voters will fill three town council seats on Tuesday, March 17. Seven candidates are seeking three available seats on the five-member elected board. The top three vote getters will fill seats to be vacated by Mayor Anita Cereceda and Councilmember Joanne Shamp, who are not running, as well as the seat currently held by Councilmember Butcher, who is seeking re-election. Voters will also decide whether the terms should be three-year terms or four-year terms. In addition, voters will be asked to decide if the town should change its elections from March to November, which would make these seats approximately eight months longer than a normal term.
Q: Do you believe that the town council made the right decision in granting deviations to town zoning for TPI and its Margaritaville project? Will the town be able to adequately absorb the impact of this development as well as a related TPI hotel and residential project that has been proposed? What should the next town council be ready to do in regards to Margaritaville and TPI’s next development?
Dan Allers
I strongly believe that the council made the right decision in granting deviations for the TPI development. From initial concept to the final CPD the developer worked with the community at large, town staff and council to arrive at a plan that best conformed to the requirements and concerns of our community. This was not an overnight process. The reality is the town is growing and new investments are being made across the island and TPI is aligned with those investments. The next council has to analyze these investments, review our codes and ensure that any future investments align with the direction that is best for the town, its residents and visitors.
Jim Atterholt
I strongly support the town council’s unanimous 5-0 vote in 2018 to move forward with the TPI/Margaritaville project. Significant compromises were made by all sides and it is time to work together as a community and move forward. As we talk about density, it is important to remember that the area where the new development is to be built used to contain 240 hotel rooms before Hurricane Charlie severely damaged the area in 2004. The developer for TPI has bought land two miles inland to help house the new workforce and will provide 75 additional parking spaces to workers and guests of the hotel. In addition, a shuttle will be provided to take folks back and forth to the island.
Robert “Bob” Burandt
My response to this question will be the same for all questions regarding what past Town councilmembers have done, which is, that I believe they did what they did for the benefit of the town and would prefer to look forward not backwards. As to whether or not the town’s infrastructure can accommodate this new development is a question for the engineers and not the lawyers. The next steps for Town Council will depend on how the appeal is resolved. Let’s move forward together for the benefit of the Town.
Bruce Butcher (Incumbent)
Yes. Yes. The development at Pine Ridge does not require anything from our council.
It would be great if the Florida Department of Transportation would allow a direct trolley to the beach on San Carlos Boulevard. If such a lane existed more parking would need to be available in the Summerlin, San Carlos area to bring people and not cars to the beach.
Forrest Critser
Be it right or wrong I do not believe it is my place to pass judgement on a previous council’s legislation.
The next council should be tasked with assuring that the project is completed in accordance with the governing rules and regulations and the agreement passed by the previous council; no more; no less.
The town has agreed to the challenge and should step up to the plate and move forward to the enrichment and betterment of Ft Myers Beach. Regarding the hotel and residential project; they are “off island” and town has no jurisdiction on San Carlos Island.
David Drumm
We have only opened the door for our new TPI neighbor. It will be on TPI’s shoulders to burden the load of becoming a welcome member of our community. In future years I hope we can all look back and think Margaritaville has become a partner, employer and friend to Fort Myers Beach. We are not there yet. Their Pine Ridge project is underway now and the residential project is not. A place for employees and others to reside is a vital part of the TPI proposal. TPI says they are hoping for corporate partners. Well hope is not a plan!
I fully support their successes and demand our new council members help TPI complete their 250 bed project without climbing into bed with them.
Billy Veach
A diverse previous council voted unanimously on the compromise I support what was approved and I will not try to reverse their decision. If elected, I will support getting the compromise plan completed and try to ensure that it delivers on the promise of downtown revitalization.
Town Council candidate question of the week
Fort Myers Beach voters will fill three town council seats on Tuesday, March 17. Seven candidates are seeking three available seats on the five-member elected board. The top three vote getters will fill seats to be vacated by Mayor Anita Cereceda and Councilmember Joanne Shamp, who are not running, as well as the seat currently held by Councilmember Butcher, who is seeking re-election. Voters will also decide whether the terms should be three-year terms or four-year terms. In addition, voters will be asked to decide if the town should change its elections from March to November, which would make these seats approximately eight months longer than a normal term.
Q: Do you support an overhaul of the Bay Oaks campus? What would you like to see there?
Dan Allers
Yes. Having a modernized community center that can be utilized by all of our residents and visitors is needed on the island. Incorporating a community center with the other public facilities in the area; our library, Town Hall, future fire station and Matanzas Pass Preserve would provide residents and visitors an extensive array of activities and services for the entire family. Fitness trail, softball/baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, amphitheater, recreation center, community rooms, pool and additional parking are key features that I would incorporate into any design.
Jim Atterholt
We need to honor the important mission of Bay Oaks as a community center for our town. However, we must do so in a fiscally responsible way. We should try and partner with Lee County and the Lee County School District in order to have them share in the costs of renovating this key resource. Bay Oaks provides essential after school and summer programs for our young people. It also serves as a gathering place for our community offering fitness programs like weight training, pickleball and softball leagues. We need more input from our residents regarding what should be included in the renovation.
Robert “Bob” Burandt
Bay Oaks, the gift from the County that seems to get a lot of attention. Of course I support investing in Bay Oaks but I’m not sure the Town has the available funds to do that. I would like to see the outside facilities kept up but not sure we need the large structure. This is a preliminary review and I would need a better presentation to make a final decision. I would want to know what kind of use it is currently getting, who is using it, are there fees associated with the use, what is the annual cost factor and most importantly what do the residents want?
Bruce Butcher (Incumbent)
There is no doubt that Bay Oaks could be improved. However there is the land issue and money issue. At the last council meeting a vision of the future for Bay Oaks was presented. It was a vision without constraints, except utilizing the current footprint. That is a good place to start. But now the county and school must participate or we must trim the vision dramatically. I would like to see the new lot facing Estero Boulevard and adjacent to Bay Oaks improved with the sport exercise platform recently approved and a children’s playground. Also include bike parking and an inviting multi use path to pull people into Bay Oaks. I am not supporting a driveway for that lot.
Forrest Critser
Several years ago, Lee County gave the town a gift and a thorn. A gift in that it is a place for town children and adults to play and exercise; and a thorn in that it is one of the largest items in the town budget. I am sure everyone on the beach will agree Bay Oaks needs a facelift. The locker rooms and the restrooms are “dated.” The lack of storage facilities creates major problems for the staff and a better more inviting entrance could bring more activity to the facility. I would like to see a amphitheater for the performing arts at this site also. We just had a millage rate increase for capital expenditures. This would be a great start for the needed facelift.
David Drumm
Bay Oaks is a difficult subject. I know many committee members and they are doing their best with our town’s best interest in their heart.
I think the starting point is this. If we didn’t have Bay Oaks in 2020? Would it be on our radar to buy the land and build it? It’s difficult for the families that raised their kids on activities there to imagine it gone or changed drastically. The social activities there have bonded our community in many wonderful ways. I believe the county bears a significant role in providing green space, general recreation and safe play areas for us all. Let’s not be so quick to change but be realistic about our maturing population.
Billy Veach
There is broad support for a community center on Fort Myers Beach. Bay Oaks’ age and layout make it a bit awkward and the assumption is that its lack of visibility from Estero cause it to be underutilized. Better visibility, more modern rooms for exercise, yoga classes and senior activities would benefit the mission. Resolving ownership would be a big first step before spending too much money. Although the existing building is old, it would be expensive to replace. A narrow building in a new lot could help bring Bay Oaks into view, as would opening it up. Bay Oaks has support and value, having it realize its potential in a cost-effective way is the key.
Town Council candidate question of the week
Fort Myers Beach voters will fill three town council seats on Tuesday, March 17. Seven candidates are seeking three available seats on the five-member elected board. The top three vote getters will fill seats to be vacated by Mayor Anita Cereceda and Councilmember Joanne Shamp, who are not running, as well as the seat currently held by Councilmember Butcher, who is seeking re-election. Voters will also decide whether the terms should be three-year terms or four-year terms. In addition, voters will be asked to decide if the town should change its elections from March to November, which would make these seats approximately eight months longer than a normal term.
What should the town do to alleviate its parking and traffic issues?
Dan Allers
Fort Myers Beach is going to have heavy traffic during high season, that is just our reality. Solutions I’ll pursue to mitigate, not eliminate some of the congestion: 1) Implement and market a mobile parking application to assist an individual in identifying available space, provide directions and make a payment. This will reduce the number of distracted drivers navigating our streets looking for space. 2) We have made significant investments in our infrastructure, now let’s take the next steps necessary to insure that our sidewalks and bike paths are safe, sufficiently marked and lighted to encourage alternatives to vehicular traffic. 3) Work with area businesses and Chambers of Commerce to market our island as pedestrian and cyclist friendly and promote rideshare programs from the local airports.
Jim Atterholt
Traffic and parking have long been a serious problem and any candidate who promises to solve it completely should be considered suspect. We can, however, help to mitigate these challenges. The Mayor and the town have been in serious negotiations with the county on how best to channel traffic just before the bridge on the north end. I welcome this new plan and will reserve judgement until all the details are made known. In the interim, I support the council’s efforts to increase the law enforcement presence to help direct traffic. Additionally, searching for an open parking place often adds to our traffic troubles. New technology should be employed to help folks find open parking places and inform them as to which spots are filled.
Robert “Bob” Burandt
The left turn lane off of Estero should be restricted to emergency vehicles. People would learn to turn right onto Crescent Street if they wanted to go north onto Estero. After making the right turn off the bridge onto Estero there should be two lanes, one to turn right and one to go straight. I would look into a round-about at the foot of the bridge. I realize that is County Road but something should be done. Further the bridge is three lanes, if the structure will handle it all three lanes should be used. If we expedite parking by making it more available that should help move traffic. The town should consider a public-private venture if they are unable or unwilling to build a parking garage. When construction is completed on Estero, traffic should move a little faster.
Bruce Butcher (Incumbent)
The town is working with a consultant to hopefully develop a parking app. This will enable people to see what spots are available and reduce traffic congestion looking for spots. To make trolleys effective from Lee county off island parking we need the Florida Department of Transportation to allow a dedicated trolley lane on San Carlos Boulevard to encourage people to see a time benefit using trolleys. In St. Pete they have a people ferry that runs from Tampa for $5. Wouldn’t that be nice from Fort Myers, Cape Coral and maybe Estero. Of course an additional option would be a parking garage.
Forrest Critser
We as Islanders have what everyone else wants: the beach, the sand, the sun, well you know what I mean. Island paradise. Unlike Mackinac Island; we have cars and trucks and tour buses and Lee-Tran buses and trams and construction vehicles and delivery vehicles and a few resident’s vehicles (although a lot of our residents are smart enough to walk or bike to get around. To make matters worse we only have one through street: Estero Boulevard. Also, we only have two entrances and exits on and off of the island. We have the traffic because our tourist industry demands it. We can’t solve it; we can only try to make it better and endure it part of the year. More and better traffic control by law enforcement, less jaywalking and completion of the highway project.
David Drumm
Where do we start? With three or more council members that recognize the multifaceted issues. More effective traffic control personnel. Uniform parking prices to control window shopping for a cheap spot. Encouraging more parking spots via exceptions where logical. Establish a qualified citizen group to help us analyze and offer solutions. Recognize the impact of new business on our beach now while there is time to prepare. All of the above and more.
Billy Veach
People in cars have little value to businesses and residents. We should emphasize efficient delivery of people to the island over cars. There is an opportunity with San Carlos Boulevard as it feeds onto the beach. The county is looking to fit bicycle lanes while keeping the current lanes by making them narrower. I would propose that they remove the planned bike lanes and create a bike and trolley lane for on island traffic, and a Sanibel style multiuse lane out of the sidewalk going off-island.
This trolly lane be open for county trolleys and private, registered vans. Having people waiting in cars watch trolleys pass them would be a strong motivator to get people in trolleys and leave their cars off-island.
Town Council candidate question of the week
Fort Myers Beach voters will fill three Town Council seats on Tuesday, March 17. Seven candidates are seeking the available seats on the five-member elected board. The top three vote getters will fill seats to be vacated by Mayor Anita Cereceda and Councilmember Joanne Shamp, who are not running, as well as the seat currently held by incumbent Councilmember Bruce Butcher, who is seeking re-election.
Each week The Observer, will provide an issue-related “question of the week” to all candidates to help inform Beach voters.
What is your top priority for the town and how would you aid the town council in achieving this goal?
Dan Allers
Public safety, the intersection of street lighting, pedestrian crosswalks and safe haven trolley shelters is my number one issue. These are not independent issues. No one denies that street lighting on the island is insufficient and puts pedestrians and drivers at risk. If street lighting and crosswalk lighting is not in synch, light blindness again puts pedestrians at risk. Properly placed and equipped trolley shelters will encourage use of public transportation and lessens conflicts between pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The research has been done by consultants, advisory committees and the public. I will bring these groups together in an open transparent forum to validate the facts and arrive at a safe, affordable and actionable resolution.
Jim Atterholt
If we don’t have clean water on and around our island, the talk of traffic, parking and lighting problems will mean very little. The red tide and blue green algae crisis in 2018 could easily happen again. Our state and federal governments have finally made real progress toward long-term solutions. However, the attention span of our government is short so we must keep the pressure on. I would like to put my extensive experience to use organizing the thousands of tourists and part-time residents who visit and love our island. This “Snowbird Advocacy Army” could ask their members of Congress back home to actively support the critical policies and funding that are just beginning to have a positive impact in our state.
Robert “Bob” Burandt
Traffic and parking, government light, beach re-nourishment, water quality, keeping the community safe and crime free. All of these are equally important to me and if elected I would use my prior years as a law enforcement officer and 35 years as an attorney to address these issues.
Bruce Butcher (Incumbent)
“The best small-town beach community: beautiful, enjoyable, unique.”
This is the town council’s vision statement.
The mission statement for council is: “We will protect and enhance our island community and its vibrant quality of life.” My priority is focused on the realization of our vision statement.
As we make strategic decisions we need to refer back to our mission and vision. The council needs to reflect on our mission as we plan for the future. Our needs and wants can be extensive. So we prioritize to work towards our vision.
I played a significant part in developing our strategy in 2017. I am the only candidate that was part of that process. Branding is an extension of that process that enables a community to focus and pull together towards our vision.
Forrest Critser
I am for government lite. About five years ago I started to notice town hall. I saw confusion and disarray in council and the civil servants working there. I think what this town needs, no what we must have, is a council that works well with each other and the people. We must put forth a united front of governing for the betterment of our community.
David Drumm
There are many priority items such as street lighting, homelessness, traffic, and they are all priority items. I can help improve our response time to many of these issues. I believe we have hesitated frequently in decision making causing a bad situation to get worse. It will take all council members, working together and with greater involvement to address our many priority items.
Billy Veach
My main priority would be to preserve and protect our beaches and waters. They are critical to our health, our quality of life, and our businesses. I would do this through supporting solid science, and effectively communicating the importance of clean, healthy water and beaches to everyone who visits and lives on our island. I would continue our push for our island to lead by example, and actively support state and federal efforts to curb nutrient pollution. The memory of our recent red tide disaster will fade unless we work to keep it in the public eye. I will work on the new Town infrastructure projects and guiding redevelopment projects, but their benefits are lost without clean water.