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Council votes no to land for center
By CHASE SQUIRES, Times Staff Writer ZEPHYRHILLS -- City Council members split Monday evening on a proposal to buy 12 acres in town for a performing arts center and library, eventually declining the purchase with a 3-2 vote. The vote disappointed City Council President Clyde Bracknell. As it became apparent that the purchase was doomed, Bracknell appeared resigned and warned the opposition, "You're the ones who have got to make excuses. I've given it my best shot." Council members also welcomed the city's new police chief, formally swearing in 52-year-old Jerry Freeman, effective Oct. 1. In the meantime, as Chief Robert Howell takes some time off and prepares to retire at the end of September after 40 years with the department, Freeman will serve as the interim chief. Monday's agenda was brief, but the proposed arts center land quickly divided the council. Council member Liz Geiger made the first move, supporting the purchase with a motion that was seconded by fellow council member Lance Smith, who said he offered the second only so the idea could be discussed. Smith later joined Mike Bussell and Cathi Compton in voting down the proposal. City Manager Steve Spina negotiated with owners of the 12 acres on the north side of town bordering Fort King Road near the post office. He secured a price of $551,100, with the arts center eventually costing about $3-million, including up to $1.5-million in state grants. The land would leave room for a new city library. Opponents said they weren't against an arts center, but they thought the proposal on the table Monday was too much, too soon, with too little study and discussion. Compton argued that if such a center was so needed in east Pasco County, other governments -- those of Pasco County and Dade City -- should shoulder some of the cost. A task force could be formed to hunt for the best location, possibly along Eiland Boulevard, which would offer better access to Wesley Chapel, Dade City and San Antonio, she said. Geiger argued that it might be up to Zephyrhills to bring performing arts to east Pasco. She noted that plans to build an arts center at the site of the historic Crescent Theatre in Dade City had hit a snag this summer. Supporters in Dade City missed a grant application deadline and have had difficulty raising needed funds after four years of trying. "I think we've talked about it long enough. We need to decide if we want it or not," Geiger said of the arts center. "It appears the city of Dade City has kissed theirs goodbye." Others thought there should be more talk. Bussell said he worried about city budget pressures, Compton called for task force meetings and Smith said theaters lose money. With the proposal defeated, Bussell said he wanted to move to create a task force. Bracknell told him the item wasn't on the agenda and couldn't be discussed. In a brief ceremony before the land purchase debate, Freeman took the oath of office, swearing to uphold the Constitution and defend the city against "all enemies, domestic and foreign." Freeman was selected in June from among 73 applicants to replace the retiring Howell. He has worked at the Hialeah Police Department since 1980 and rose to become that department's third-highest ranking officer. He holds a bachelor's degree from Florida International University and a master's degree from St. Thomas University, both in Miami. He told commissioners he planned to work hard for the city. "I will provide the best leadership possible for this Police Department," he said. "I thank you for this opportunity and look forward to working with you for a long time to come."
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From today's Pasco Times Letters |
