Former Cape Coral Manager Terry Stewart became the official town
manager of Fort Myers Beach Monday. The FMB Town Council’s top choice
among four candidates made it formal when he signed the official
employee agreement contract and unanimously received the voted approval
of the council at a regular public meeting in town hall.
According to town documents, Stewart agreed to accept a base salary of
$100,000. The total annual compensation package of salary and benefits
is approximately $145,654, excluding mandatory FICA payments on his
behalf. Terms of the employee agreement include a stipulation that
there would be a probationary period (interim status) followed by a
performance evaluation by the council within seven months.
“I’d like to say to the mayor, council and town residents and business
people of Fort Myers Beach that I am very much looking forward to
working for you and with you,” said Stewart. “One of the things that I
like to do is to become part of the community that I’m involved with.
I’m exciting about learning more about Fort Myers Beach and to getting
to know all of you.”
Stewart, who signed a draft employee agreement at Bennett’s Fresh Roast
coffee shop in downtown Fort Myers Thursday, vowed to give his all in
his new surroundings.
“I promise you that I will work very hard with these ladies and
gentlemen up here and do the very best that we can to make you proud of
the town you live in and comfortable that this town is doing everything
it can to represent you,” said Stewart.
Before the signing, FMB Mayor Larry Kiker thanked the efforts of Town
Attorney Anne Dalton and chief negotiator and Councilman Tom Babcock.
He called the day a bright one even with its gloomy weather conditions.
“Thank you for all your work,” said Kiker. “I understand that there was
even some midnight oil being burnt. Obviously, Mr. Stewart now
understands that we work all the time. He knew that coming in.”
Retiring interim Town Manager Jack Green, who announced his intention
to resign from town government, effective Feb. 12, is expected to help
Stewart ease into the transition. He was given resolutions by
Councilwoman Jo List and Local Planning Agency Chairwoman Joanne Shamp,
then was given congratulations and thanks by all of the town’s
committee chair people for his services.