Belleair - The town commission held a regular meeting December 20. Several requests for variances were made and approved.
One of the items discussed by the public not included on the agenda concerned an inquiry from Belleair resident Don Beers, who asked what measures are being taken in lieu of the vote against a municipally owned electrical utility.
Beers pointed out that at recent meetings nothing has been announced by the town commission concerning actions they will be taking in regard to Belleair's contractual relations with Progress Energy.
Beers suggested to the commissioners that, "One of the first such items that comes to mind would no doubt be a binding agreement providing for an excellent working relationship guiding all future aspects of a city/electrical utility business association."
He chastised the commission for not informing citizens of what measures will be taken to achieve the desired results of the November 8, 2005 election.
"To disregard the winning vote ... and not take appropriate action to the benefit of Belleair would not be prudent. Time's a wasting; it's been 1 1/2 months since the election."
After the meeting Beers added, "A lot of money is at stake."
Belleair's city attorney, David Ottinger, said, "The town is working with Progress Energy in a couple of areas. He said they are in the process of positioning the town to collect franchise fees Progress Energy owes, plus negotiations are in the works for right of way contracts as Progress Energy utilizes the town's land."
The Belleair Town Commission will hold a special meeting and work session at 5:30, January 3, 2006.