Three things to know in Manatee County
Manatee County kickstarted the search for a new administrator during Tuesday's meeting, where commissioners continued to reel back major initiatives led by former administrator Scott Hopes.
Commissioners discussed a proposed contract for waste management services, which had been negotiated under Hopes' direction until he departed from the county in early February.
Commissioners also voted in show support of a bill proposed in the Florida Legislature by Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, to allow the county to build a parking garage in Holmes Beach.
Related:Hopes responds to resignation, describes separation from Manatee County as 'mutual'
Also:Manatee County commissioners question unexpected costs under former administrator Scott Hopes
And:Parking feud between Manatee County and Holmes Beach escalates
County pressed for time on waste management contract
Manatee County is pressed for time in an effort to negotiate a new 10-year contract with two waste hauling companies vying to manage residential collection of trash.
Deputy County Administrator Courtney De Pol, who oversees the Utilities and Development Services Departments, said county staff has negotiated the new contracts since April but indicated neither the board nor the public had not been properly updated on the process under Hopes.
Commissioners minimized the amount of discussion over the decision over concern of potential litigation, but voiced displeasure over a proposal to split unincorporated Manatee County into three service areas divided among two service providers.
Commissioners also tabled approval of contracts with FCC Environmental Services Florida LLC. and Waste Pro of Florida Inc. that were also up for discussion on Tuesday. In the interim, commissioners directed staff to negotiate an extension with the county's current haulers until a new solution can be approved.
Commissioners move on from Hopes
County commissioners kickstarted efforts to search for a new county administrator Tuesday to fill the role left vacant by Hopes and directed staff to find a firm to head the search for candidates.
Hopes left the post suddenly after the hiring of Mitchell Teitelbaum went sour on the heels of a sexual harassment claim and string of public meetings where commissioners voiced displeasure with his performance. Commissioners appointed Community and Veteran's Services Director Lee Washington to serve in the interim role.
Commissioners expressed interest in hiring an outside firm as a consultant to resolve concerns within the county's human resources department, which has received increased scrutiny in the wake of Hopes' departure.
Manatee addresses beach and boating access
State Rep. Will Robinson has proposed House Bill 947, which could give Manatee County the authority to build a new parking garage in Holmes Beach without city approval.
Holmes Beach and Manatee County officials have clashed over the amount of beach parking that remains within the city for nearly two years. City officials reduced the amount of on-street beach parking during the early response to COVID-19 and have resisted pressure from county and state officials to restore parking previously available.
Most recently, the city barred Manatee County from building a parking garage within the city limits, prompting frustration from Robinson and other state officials. On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously voted to show support for the bill, indicating they would follow through with construction of a parking garage if the legislature approves.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Three things to know in Manatee: Administrator search begins
