Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/277189
"We need to ask the city manager to attend the next meeting," said Rappaport. "If we don't get a satisfactory response, we'll need a motion to bring this before [city] commissioners." Meanwhile, another matter has won BID attention: The Australian pines on North Lido Beach may disappear. Todd Kacharski, general manager of the city's Public Works Department, asked the BID to endorse a city grant request to the state for $10,000 to cut down the invasive species, including Brazilian Peppers. Kacharski said he has the support of the Lido Key Neighborhood Association, the National Estuary Program and the St. Armands Neighborhood Association. The city would match the $10,000 state grant with local money. The latter comment set Rappaport on edge. "One of the landlord's main concerns β the BID will take care of things and the city can then let [them] drop. The city has made promises in the past but now says there is a shortage of staff, of funds," said Rappaport. "I ο¬nd it a little bit offensive we can't keep the promises we made in the past because we don't have the money but are willing to match a grant for something new, which will also require maintenance." Despite Rappaport's rant, the motion to support the grant request was approved unanimously. Previous attempts to clear the exotic pines proved controversial, but not as controversial as the land's use 30 years ago as a topless beach. % St. Armands Circle property owners tax themselves to provide revenue for enhanced upkeep of the shopping district. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader March 14, 2014 Page 60