Bluffs Traffic Study Will Seek to Improve Access at New BridgeBy Leo Coughlin BELLEAIR BLUFFS - The City Commission at its regular meeting Monday night voted to have a traffic study done on the approach to the new causeway bridge. Access is the chief problem, particularly for residents of Building C at the water's edge, in getting onto West Bay Drive going east. Also boaters using the launching and retrieving ramp have an access problem. In short, a traffic light is needed, but the county is adamant in disagreeing and refuses to install a light. The study will cost Belleair Bluffs $8,000 and is being done to make the city's case to persuade the county, which has the final say on traffic lights, to install lights. In other business, the commission passed on first reading an ordinance that authorizes a referendum question that defines residential requirements for elected officials. The question arose some time ago when Dave Shimkus, then a member of the commission, was living temporarily outside of the Bluffs while his home was being rehabilitated. Under the proposal, a question will be submitted to the voters that will clarify in the city charter that anyone seeking election to public office will have to have lived in the city for one year prior to the election or appointment, provides that a commissioner will forfeit office when not living in the city and clarifies when an appointment can be made by the commission when a seat is vacant. Another ordinance, chiefly housekeeping, dealt with amending the comprehensive plan in accordance with the provisions of Florida Statutes. It also passed on first reading.
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