CEPD gives green light on future lobbyist and more
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s commission directed staff to draw up a contract with a lobbyist firm for future approval, approved a settlement amount with a former employee who recently filed a lawsuit, and learned about grant funds approved by Lee County for projects at its meeting.
On Oct. 11, the commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 for staff to draft a contract with Becker, a lobbyist firm from Tallahassee, that will include deliverables for its services at the state level. The firm proposed a flat monthly fee of $6,000 as a retainer, with an option to cancel with a 30-day notice.
During an August workshop, representatives from Becker provided staff and some members of the commission with an overview of the firm’s services. Chairman Rene Miville was in attendance.
“I was very impressed with this particular team,” he said last week of the prior workshop.
“It was a presentation really specific for what they thought was best for us,” Miville added, noting that he is supportive of hiring the firm, despite some overlap. “I just got a very enthusiastic impression.”
Nicholas Matthews, senior government relations consultant with Becker, was present for the meeting and answered a range of questions from the commission, including the firm’s view on transparency and regular reporting to the CEPD. He spoke of funding available, and possibly available, and securing it.
During the discussion, Secretary Harry Kaiser voiced opposition to the idea.
“I would be against it,” he said. “Why get involved with more than what is on our plate now?”
Treasurer Dick Pyle pointed to resiliency funds and the firm’s ability to help.
“It will change a lot of things that the CEPD does,” he said.
Also during the meeting, attorney Ralf Brookes informed the commission that the CEPD received a summons regarding a small claims lawsuit filed in the Lee County courts. Mediation was set for November and the court was seeking an appointment by the CEPD to serve as a party representative.
He noted that the person who filed it, former Administrator Carolyn Weaver, was present.
“Perhaps we can resolve it today, perhaps not,” Brookes said.
Weaver explained that she has spoken to the CEPD before about the issue. She was seeking a payment of $4,000 — an amount equal to the 14-day notice that she reported was agreed upon but not provided to her upon her termination. Weaver added that she filed the suit because the issue remains unresolved.
“This has been going on for awhile,” she said.
Weaver’s last day was Dec. 12, 2019.
“I am open to suggestions for getting rid of that,” she added of the lawsuit.
During the following discussion, several on the commission asked for the specifics surrounding Weaver’s termination as they were not serving on the board at the time. There was debate as to what verbal agreements or otherwise took place as her new contract was being worked on at the time.
Eventually, Commissioner Mike Mullins suggested that to rid the CEPD of the “nuisance,” it split the $4,000 and pay Weaver $2,000. If she would not accept, the CEPD would head to court and fight.
A motion to split the ask and settle with Weaver by paying her $2,000 passed in a 3-2 vote. Vice Chair John Silvia, Kaiser and Mullins voted in favor of it, while Miville and Pyle cast the dissenting votes.
Weaver thanked the commission for its time and asked for the offer in writing before she could accept it. She also asked for details on where the commission had previously voted on the issue, as was mentioned during the earlier discussion, as she had been unable to find one in CEPD meeting minutes.
Weaver also stated that she had accepted the agreement offered to her that was to be her new contact, and that she had been under the impression that there was a 14-day notice included for termination.
Mullins, at this point, voiced his desire to reverse his vote, calling it a continued nuisance.
“I thought we were being generous,” he said, explaining that he suggested splitting Weaver’s ask because he wanted to give her the “benefit of the doubt,” but that he now wants to go to court.
Some of the other commissioners intervened.
“This is what we want to do, so let’s not withdraw it now,” Kaiser said. “We don’t want it to drag on.”
Weaver spoke up, stating that she would accept the $2,000 and withdraw her court claim.
Also at the meeting, Executive Director Jennifer Nelson reported the Lee County Tourist Development Council approved grants funds totaling $358,500 for the 2021-22 fiscal year for the following CEPD projects: $127,500 for beach park maintenance and $231,000 for Alison Hagerup parking lot upgrades.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Nelson reported that Administrative Director John Riegert is no longer with the CEPD. Part-time parking lot attendant Lindsey Ford has since been moved into the office to help out three days a week. Nelson noted that she would like to add additional infrastructure in the office for the part-time help.
“It would be an additional 24 hours a week to the administrative office,” she said.
“And we would like to rehire for John’s position,” Nelson added.
– Pyle reported that there were “no surprises” with the end-of-fiscal-year performance.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email