Government Digest: July 2 - July 8

City manager picked from private sector
CAPE CORAL — Gary King, a former information technology executive with State Street Bank and Trust in Boston, beat out 33 candidates, including the interim city manager, to be selected for the city manager job. King, 62, a Cape Coral resident, oversaw a $125 million budget and 350 employees at State Street. He will now negotiate a contract with the city. Former City Manager Terry Stewart, now the Fort Myers Beach city manager, resigned from the Cape Coral job last November. Carl Schwing, the interim city manager and a finalist for the position, is allowed to return to his former assistant city manager position under his contract.

Immokalee master plan approved
COLLIER COUNTY — The Collier County Commission approved the Immokalee Master Plan June 25 for transmittal to the state. Six years in the making, the plan now goes to the state's department of community affairs for review. According to a county press release, “The Master Plan lays out several steps that government agencies, local businesses, and other groups should take to make the region business-ready and business-friendly.” The plan is expected to receive final approval by the County Commission by early 2011.

Millage-neutral budget proposed
COLLIER COUNTY — By holding the general fund property tax rate steady at $3.5645 per $1,000 of taxable value, the Collier County Commission proposes to cut the fiscal year 2011 general fund budget by $20.7 million to $313.6 million. In 2000, the millage rate was $3.5058. Preliminary taxable value figures from the Property Appraiser show a countywide taxable value decrease of 12.11%. To keep from raising taxes, the county cut funding for transportation and storm water capital projects and made 5% reductions in operational costs.

Second crane at Port Manatee
MANATEE COUNTY — Port Manatee's second mobile harbor container crane arrived June 25 from Gottwald Port Technology's factory in Germany. The $4 million, 420-ton crane arrived by ship and was assembled onsite by its sister crane, which was delivered in November 2007. The purchase of the second crane is the result of a public private partnership between the Manatee County Port Authority and Logistec USA Inc. The two also partnered for the purchase of the port's first Gottwald crane. The agreement also includes a profit-sharing plan earning additional revenue for Port Manatee based on the crane's annual hours of operation.

Economic zone, Fruitville Initiative continued
SARASOTA COUNTY — Following lengthy public hearings, the Sarasota County Commission voted to continue debate on two land development projects bordering the county's urban services boundary. Discussion of a comprehensive plan amendment to create the proposed 1,100-acre energy economic zone for vacant land at Interstate 75 and State Road 681 was continued until July 13. Another plan amendment to create a new urbanism mixed-use village on 322 acres near I-75 and Fruitville Road, known as the “Fruitville Initiative,” was continued to July 14. Environmental groups and nearby homeowners criticized the plans as too intensive. A representative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor.

Officials hope new Web site helps tourism
PASCO COUNTY — County officials are hoping that the new tourist Web site will take the county to the next level in marketing.

The county's Office of Tourism Development has launched its new tourism Web site, www.VisitPasco.net. The site has a video player, detailed weather forecasts, more extensive city listings and an online booking engine that allows potential visitors to check hotel rates and availability and book a room without leaving the site are some of the new features. Users can sign up for the county's quarterly tourism email newsletter and request a copy of the county's visitor and vacation guide.

“We believe the new site provides a much better experience for both our visitors and residents,'' said Eric Keaton, Public Communications Manager. “There's more information, it's easier to navigate and the online booking engine is a big plus. It takes us to the next level in terms of marketing ourselves as a tourist destination.'

MEETINGS

CHARLOTTE COUNTY
County Commissioners will consider adoption of the Smart Charlotte 2050 Plan at a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, in Room 119 of the Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte. The public is invited and input is encouraged. The draft comprehensive plan is available online for review and comment at www.SmartCharlotte2050.com and click “Direct to Plan.”

COLLIER COUNTY
The Government Productivity Committee's Subcommittee to Analyze Financing in regard to the Jackson Labs project will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, in the county manager's office conference room on the second floor of the W. Harmon Turner Building (Building F), Collier County Government Center, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples.