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LARGO - The City Commission took its show on the road in January. But only a handful of residents turned up to "Meet, Greet, Participate."
Unincorporated residents who lived near Frontier Elementary School came to the meeting, thinking commissioners were going to discuss annexing their subdivision. Two others were already regulars at commission meetings.
City staffers suggested holding the next community work session at a church social hall instead. Churches are visible, recognizable and are large enough for such meetings, they said Tuesday. Some commissioners, however, disagreed.
"I am unconditionally opposed to holding any government meeting in a church facility," said Commissioner Pat Burke, who pointed out the need to separate church and government. "I don't think it's appropriate."
Commissioner Charlie Harper, however, said he had no problem using church social halls.
"I must remind everyone on this commission (that) we were elected by people who went to church social halls to vote for us," he said.
Strategic planning meetings and recreation camps were held at church social halls, Harper said. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts meet there, too.
"I don't think anybody will be forced to convert to a particular religion by going to that church" social hall, he said.
Mayor Bob Jackson said he was concerned residents would be uncomfortable meeting in places of worship. He also heard from one resident who preferred watching meetings from the comfort of his home instead.
The community work sessions are held every three months, allowing residents to schmooze with commissioners or ask them questions. Their motto is "Meet, Greet, Participate - Largo Community Work Sessions."
The idea for the sessions first came up during last year's commission retreat. But commissioners say they might scrap the program altogether if it turns out to be a flop.
"If it does not work, we will celebrate this failure as one where we did everything right" although it didn't succeed, said City Manager Steven Stanton.
Commissioner Pat Gerard suggested holding the work sessions in community rooms in mobile home parks.
"If we just got people from those communities, I'd be thrilled," she said.
Commissioners decided to hold their April 13 work session at the Southwest Recreation Complex, to give the city a chance to showcase its facilities, said Commissioner Gay Gentry.
Also on Tuesday, commissioners approved a three-year contract between Largo Fire Rescue and the Belleair Bluffs Fire Department. Under the contract, Largo Fire Rescue will direct and supervise employees of the Belleair Bluffs Fire Department, which provides services to Belleair, Belleair Bluffs and the unincorporated Belleair Bluffs Fire District.
Belleair Bluffs will pay Largo $136,500 in the first year, with adjustments for the second and third years. The contract can be terminated by either party by providing a 120-day written notice.
City officials credit Largo Fire Chief E. Caroll Williams for his efforts in negotiating the contract. A formal signing of the contract will take place March 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Belleair Bluffs Fire Department.
- Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.