By ABBEY KUNKLE
Special to the PRESS
Aiming to complete Gulf Boulevard improvements, the Council approved a resolution for a plan of finance to issue a tax anticipation note in the amount of $3 million during its regular meeting Wednesday. The funds would be used to make street and sidewalk improvements along Gulf Boulevard. The Council recently expressed the desire to complete the project in full rather than improving sections of the street piecemeal over the next few years. On a smaller scale, the Council approved a budget amendment in the amount of $24,800 associated with street lighting installation just south of the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway. Next year, Gardenia and Hibiscus streets will be first priority for improvements due to drainage issues.
The Mayor opened the meeting with public comments, and Councilman Sam Listi, thanked the Mayor and Council for moving forward and allocating funds toward the Community Centre project. Council Member Julee Lamure also stepped up for comment to announce that the City was successful in passing a bill which will allow Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to be spent towards SpaceX and ecotourism related infrastructure.
The Convention Centre Renovation Project is coming along and is currently well under budget. The guaranteed maximum price for the project was near $4.8 million, and although Assistant City Manager Darla Jones was hesitant to give a number, the Council expects to have funds left over at the completion of the project that can be used towards landscaping and interior renovations. The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has selected two potential candidates out of 80 applicants and will hold a meet and greet for the candidates at the Convention Centre on Thursday, June 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Interviews will be conducted on Friday.
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