MEETING WITH CITY MANAGER

My Meeting with City Manager Brian McDougal regarding Pleasure Island.

After numerous cancellations, Jimmie Whitley was able to get a much needed meeting of the Pleasure Island Commission with the city manager. The meeting was quite amicable, without finger pointing or raised voices, but a frank, direct discussion with all parties desiring to resolve problems that are holding up the Island's progress.

There were two basic areas of discussion; the City Charter granted authority of the Commission, and initiating capital projects and work scopes to improve the Island.

Much debate and discussion on the changes to the Commission since the 2013 charter change, and I stated that most of it wasn't authorized; that the council went beyond the intent of the change in a number of areas and that we've been unable to act on ideas and plans for the Isle because of this.

The city attorney spoke to the fact that the committee and council both voted on the charter change items. My response was that her information wasn't consistent with the proceedings, and protocol used during the charter change process.

Both sides agreed to set this issue aside, seek more information about what transpired, and focus on the issue of "getting things done".

I questioned why another committee was formed to perform the same function of the Pleasure Isle group, and McDougal stated that the second group didn't follow the directives he gave, which was to create a list of projects to improve the Island.

Our response was that we already had a "laundry list" of projects to improve parks and amenities, and that the goal was to have the Isle become self sufficient. We made it clear that lack of access to our funds to hire a recreational planner was a key hinderance.

There was further discussion on various projects, infrastructure needs and better coordination between the city, PIC and Corps of Engineers.

It was decided that the Commission would submit proposed projects, work scope and cost estimated for the initial list of projects, to be funded in the 2017-18 budget.

The PIC will also submit a "capital improvements plan" to fund near and long term goals that would take the Isle from a "diamond in the rough",to the "Shining Gem of the Gulf Coast", to fully develop the Isle as a recreational and economic asset to The COPA.

It was made "crystal clear" by the City Manager that he was fully supportive of "any effort" to improve the Island for the citizens...ALL the citizens, not just the residents of the Isle. He also pledged his full support to sending out the marina bulkhead project out for bids; all it takes is his authorization.

McDougal gave his support to funding the projects we will submit for the upcoming budget.

The PIC appreciates his efforts, and is committed to working with all parties to "Make the Island Great Again", for our citizens and all of SETX.