By Michael Eng | Managing Editor
Even though it was just his first commission meeting, Billy Keel’s name plate already was in place on the Plant City Commission dais.
Keel, a five-year member of the Plant City Planning Board and a former chairman, became the newest member of the Plant City Commission at its Nov. 13 meeting. Following the approval of a city charter change Nov. 6, the commission was allowed to appoint an interim commissioner for the remainder of newly elected Florida state Rep. Dan Raulerson’s term.
City Clerk Kerri Miller led the swearing-in ceremony for Keel, who took the oath of office with his wife, Donna, and younger son, Bryson, 13, at his side.
“I am humbled and honored to be appointed to this position, and I look forward to serving and working with each and every one of the commissioners and the city staff,” Keel said. “To the best of my ability, I will do this job as long as I have it.”
A native of Plant City, Keel will complete Raulerson’s term, which ends June 3, 2013, on an interim basis. An election for the next commissioner will take place April 2, 2013, and it is expected that Keel will run for the seat. At 43, Keel is the youngest member of the commission.
In addition to his work on the Planning Board, Keel also serves as the president of the Plant City Rotary Club and is a member of the Pension Board. As commissioner, Keel said he hopes to promote economic growth.
“I’m a pro-business person, especially with the economic times we’ve had recently,” he said. “So, I definitely want to promote growth in the area and work to bring good jobs.”
And although the commissioner he replaces climbed the next rung in politics, for now, Keel said he is dedicated to serving locally.
“I’ve always served in some capacity,” Keel said. “I was born and raised here, and I love raising my family here. I want to concentrate on local politics at this time.”
In addition to Donna and Bryson, Keel has an older son, Justin, 18.
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
• The commission approved a recommendation to name the Grant-Hunter Pond in honor of Dr. Hal Brewer and his family. The commission will vote for the permanent name at a later date.
• The commission confirmed the appointment of Bill McDaniel to the newly created assistant city manager of public safety position.
• City Manager Greg Horwedel said the main stormwater system installation at Ellis-Methvin Park is on schedule to be completed by the end of next week.
• The Mendonsa Road main water line has been installed. Horwedel signed an order that will allow the city to close the road to through-traffic beginning Nov. 19, to complete the rest of the work. The order allows the road to be closed through Dec. 31, but Horwedel said he hopes to have the road open before then.
• The city will replace two dying palm trees at the south entrance of City Hall with two 10-foot Bismark palms. The maximum cost will be $2,200.
• The commission scheduled the first of two public hearings regarding a ban on Internet gambling cafes. The first hearing will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26, in the Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium of the Nettie Berry Draughon Municipal Building, 302 W. E. Reynolds St.
• Mayor Mike Sparkman presented a proclamation declaring November 2012 as “National Hospice and Palliative Care Month” in Plant City.