Bluffs Okays Williams For Fire Pension Board In Hope of Gaining GoalBy Leo Coughlin BELLEAIR BLUFFS - The City Commission ratified a former fire chief as the fifth member of the Belleair Bluffs Fire Pension Board with an eye to facilitating a goal the Bluffs has in merging its fire fighters into the Largo pension plan. Williams was fire chief in Largo until retiring and at the time Belleair Bluffs had a service agreement with Largo, putting the Bluffs under Williams's jurisdiction. The former chief is highly thought of in terms of integrity. While the Bluffs has asked that its fire fighters pensions be merged in the Largo plan, just as its fire department has been merged into Largo Fire and Rescue, Largo has resisted this. The hope is that Williams might facilitate Belleair Bluffs' desire. He was appointed to the board by the other four members. In other action, plans were laid for the July Fourth celebration, which will take place on Saturday, July 3. Although the Belleair Bluffs Business Association is involved in the celebration, Mayor Chris Arbutine said that the event is not part of any fundraiser for the business association. "The purpose of the Fourth of July party is to have some hamburgers and hot dogs and some fun," Arbutine said. "We are happy to have the Business Association involved and those who want to support them may do so." Efforts are being made to expand the use of the community center at the City Hall. There has been some trepidation to fully opening the room to a lot of activities because of liability concerns. But Arbutine pointed out that many residents cited that Belleair Beach is using its center extensively and ways are no being found to give the Bluffs' center more use. The city is seeking an appointee for the Fire Pension Board.
|