BP oil money resolution

BY PRU SOWERS

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

An effort to use the entire $2 million Key West will receive from the BP oil spill settlement on local recreation and children’s programs was toned down by city commissioners.

Commissioner Tony Yaniz had proposed that the one-time funds be use “exclusively” for youth and recreational activities in Key West. However, those limits on the disaster payout didn’t sit well with some residents, who spoke before Commissioners at their Sept. 15 meeting.

“I certainly would like to see the entire community benefit from this,” said resident Christine Russell. She added that she also wanted to see the money spent on a specific use, not just put into the city’s general fund, where it would be hard to track.

Mayoral candidate Margaret Romaro said the $2 million should be spread across a variety of projects that would specifically improve the quality of life for all residents. She suggested the money be used to provide clean, safe parks and streets or improve community services by paying for capital improvements like new street sweepers that are often put off due to budgetary concerns.

“I don’t think we should put all the money in one basket,” Romaro said about Yaniz’ proposal to use the money on youth and recreation programs. “I do not want to see this money hastily squandered on anybody’s pet projects.”

Commissioner Teri Johnston also voiced concern about limiting the use of the money, suggesting that the resolution wording be changed from “exclusively” to “primarily” used for youth and recreation activities. That way the disaster windfall can be used on programs that will benefit the entire city, including the tourist industry, she said.

“There’s probably a higher and best use of the money whether you live here or visit here,” Johnston said.

Yaniz agreed to the wording change, saying he could “see the semantics” of Johnston’s concern. He said he wanted a resolution that would apply the BP money to a variety of projects, including the Truman Waterfront Park development or repairs to the Frederick Douglass Gym, which needs a new roof.

“Can we please tell [City Manager Jim Scholl] to move forward and find a plan to use this money? It’s a broad stroke,” Yaniz said of his resolution.

Key West’s portion of the 2010 BP disaster settlement was $2.7 million. Lawyers’ fees reduced the city’s payout by $600,000.

However, Yaniz is not the only official eying the money. The Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has asked Scholl and Key West Commissioner Clayton Lopez to donate $15,000 of the BP settlement to its School Health Primary Care Program to help make up a budget shortfall caused when Florida Gov. Rick Scott vetoed funding for the organization in next year’s state spending plan.

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