Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/121369
Sarasota News Leader April 12, 2013 Page 21 Were those the same addresses to which the Circle Association. "Our businesses have supactual ballots were mailed? ported this 100 percent." "This is a question we will never have an an- That is true for the St. Armands Residents Asswer to because [the ballots were not] sent sociation as well. out certified mail, return receipt requested," "The residents support your efforts, and we Rappaport continued. want to see this work out successfully," said In response to questions from the News Lead- Vice President Jim Grace, who expressed the er following the BID meeting, City Auditor same level of surprise about the failed vote as and Clerk Pam Nadalini wrote in an email, all the other organization representatives did "Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of what at the meeting. was provided to the St. Armands Business Improvement District for its informational pam- "A lot of the improvements you have done phlet mailing. The employee who produced have ramifications for the residents," he addthat list is no longer employed with my office ed. "Our interests dovetail with yours." as of November 2012." Several people asked whether the BID and the She added, "I do know that the actual ballots city could nullify the vote and have the propwere mailed to a list of property owners as erty owners cast ballots again. provided by the attorney for the District." "We are the first commercial BID in Florida of "The BID directors were well aware that over this type," Rappaport noted. "This is a special the last 10 years there has been a substantial circumstance and I think we have a legal reaturnover of landlords," Rappaport pointed out son to request [a new vote]." at the BID meeting. "The majority of the landThe BID made plans to have its attorney meet lords do not reside in Florida and aren't aware of the capital improvements that have been with City Attorney Robert Fournier to explore the legality of sending out another ballot, implemented these past 10 years." along with the informational pamphlet, but "Why would the landlords not vote in favor sending them by certified mail this time, with of a referendum ... when it did not cost them return receipts requested. additional money? ... It is passed on to the tenants as terms of the lease," Rappaport contin- In response to a question from the News Leader, Fournier said in an email, "To the best of ued. my knowledge, without having spent time to The Merchants Association members in the verify, there is no required waiting period in district support the tax, which has brought up- the controlling statute (Sec. 163.511 F.S.) that dated seating areas, lighting, music and public would prohibit a second vote until a specified space to the Circle over the last decade, he period of time has expired. Of course, if the pointed out. City is asked to proceed with a second elec"The merchants are in a state of shock," said tion, that is a question I would want to fully Diana Corrigan, director of the St. Armands research to be sure." %