Anna Maria – Former Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland applauded the city’s Hurricane Ian decontamination and recovery efforts, especially those of new Public Works Manager Ryan Wieland.
Wieland was promoted to the position in July after his then-manager, Dean Jones, accepted the position of Assistant Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Bradenton.
“Thank you to the mayor, commission and staff for doing an amazing job getting Anna Maria back together after the storm. I would especially like to thank Ryan for his work. I was here until he died, I got in touch with him several times, he always had Time to deal with you in a professional manner. He makes you feel that your problem is his problem and that he will do what he can to solve it. In providing input from the public, Copeland said.
“Thank you Ryan and the crew,” said chairman Carol Carter.
Ian in numbers
At the October 13 meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy summarized the impact of the hurricane on Anna Maria in “Ian by the Numbers.”
“Debris was the biggest problem in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. By the time this job is completed, we will have removed 85 truckloads of debris, which is a huge amount,” Murphy said.
Murphy said the city’s hurricane-related communication efforts included emails sent to city commissioners, residents and business owners who had previously provided their email addresses for inclusion in the city’s database. rice field. for seven days, The city sent out 65 email attacks, with a total of 16,520 emails sent.we We made 55 web updates and posted new information on the (city) website,” Murphy told the commission.
Murphy said city officials worked 150 hours of overtime. A construction department representative visited his 45 construction sites. The most common storm-related incidents they found were downed portable toilets, storm debris, and downed silt fences.
Law enforcement officers also made rounds and identified 18 violations, including a swimming pool whose fence had been knocked down.
“It’s a safety concern,” Murphy said.
Murphy said 126 road signs and stop signs were affected by Hurricane Ian, and first responders, like visitors, often rely on road signs when responding to emergencies. pointed out.Murphy has many signs Some were knocked over, some moved, others disappeared completely. Some of the missing road signs may have been taken away as souvenirs, he said.
Hurricane Ian’s total cost to the city so far is $190,000, according to Murphy, which includes debris removal, overtime, materials and supplies. Her City Clerk and Treasurer, LeAnne Addy, is currently leading the city’s efforts to obtain her FEMA reimbursement for these hurricane-related costs.
Citywide property damage to property and businesses not owned by the city was estimated at $300,000, which Murphy said paled in comparison to the damage suffered in the more severely affected areas of the South. I was.
“We’ve been very lucky, and our staff has really stepped up,” Murphy said.
Murphy and city officials attended post-hurricane debriefings to learn what they can do before, during and after the next hurricane.
