Commissioner Hamman sits down with residents
It’s one of the oldest and time-tested ways for local officials to learn what their constituents are thinking: Go to a local eatery and talk about the issues over a cup of coffee in an informal setting.
Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman did just that as he hosted a “Cup of Coffee” event at the new Road 41 Grill & Fish Market on Cleveland Avenue last Tuesday morning.
Hamman discussed the hottest issues surrounding the area and all of Lee County, from the new library to code enforcement.
The events were a regular staple during Tammy Hall’s tenure as commissioner, but when she resigned in September 2013, the meetings disappeared for a while before Hamman brought the concept back.
Hamman added they will be held every other month, with he and fellow Commissioner Frank Mann, whose district also represents North Fort Myers, alternating duties.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, everyone went inside to talk issues, and there was more on the menu than just coffee and breakfast sandwiches on Texas toast.
The discussion was no-holds-barred. Whatever issue came up got discussed in a low-key manner without prepared remarks.
First on the agenda was the still-unknown location for the new North Fort Myers Library, though Hamman said that picture is becoming clearer, as the County Commission will discuss that during its June 16 meeting.
Hamman said the library, which is a done deal, could be built much faster thanks to a growth increment funding proposal, which will take tax money made from new construction and put it into a special fund for roads instead of into the general fund, which could free up money faster for the library.
“Since we didn’t expect the money, we could speed up the time it takes to build both libraries here and in Bonita Springs,” Hamman said. “We would have had $7.5 million last year.”
North Fort Myers Civic Association president Gregg Makepeace spoke about code enforcement and the small baby steps it has made to get residents to clean up the area.
“It’s been a slow process. We saw that building with the tree in it and it took so long to remove it. When was the last time they looked at the process?” Makepeace said. “It’s property owners’ rights against the rights of the community.”
Hamman said the county is doing a good job tracking many of the items on North Fort Myers’ wish list since its annual town meeting in April, mostly because the commission is working much better than in the past.
“We’ve been doing workshops and that has made a difference. We’ve gotten looser and even started cracking some jokes,” Hamman said.
Hamman concluded by telling those at the table to keep their voices heard and stay on top of things.
“The squeaky wheel always gets the grease,” Hamman said.