By Brooke Brinker, Staff Writer
As guests step into the Saint Leo town hall meeting, they are greeted by the mayor and friendly faces offering warm hellos. It is a welcoming atmosphere where community members come together to engage and discuss important matters.
Anyone can come to the meetings, and everyone is welcome. Mayor of Saint Leo, Vincent (Mike) D’Ambrosio, oversees the meetings, as well as the commissioners. The commissioners are Donna DeWitt, James Hallett, Curtis Dwyer, and William Hamilton. The board and committee are Andrea Calvert, the town administrator, Rebecca Merwin, assistant town clerk, and the Dade City Building Department is headed by Mike Barthle.
Town meetings serve as a platform for learning about Saint Leo, its updates, and pressing discussions. They provide valuable information about both the school and the town. These gatherings hold significance as they allow the audience, along with the mayor and commissioners, to address key topics impacting the community.
Students, faculty, and town members should come and join these meetings to learn about current issues, concepts, and different subjects about the town. It can build community and allow others to get involved by coming as well.
While town meetings are intended to be serious affairs, they also offer moments of enjoyment and surprise.
On April 8, guests were surprised with a special treat—ice cream— to celebrate Brother James Hallet. Brother Hallet, one of the retiring commissioners, was honored during the meeting, which was filled with people showing their support for him.
“Hallet’s passion for civic engagement and his steadfast advocacy have left a mark on our community, inspiring all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” said D’Ambrosio.
After acknowledging any events, the meeting proceeds by addressing the first item on the agenda. The items on the agenda vary depending on the current needs of the community.
One of the initial topics discussed was the approval of a proclamation for “National Donate Life Month,” which helps spread awareness about the organ, tissue, eye, donations, as well as honoring the ones who gave people the gift to continue to live. Following its approval, a certificate was presented, and a photo was taken with the mayor.
If you have a topic for discussion or wish to propose a proclamation, you can visit the website. There, you can submit a request or reach out to a committee member directly.
The Pompanic Street sidewalk/handrails generated significant discussion. They discussed what they will do about the issue, and how to fix it. Along with other topics, such as the municipal election and voting, which took place on April 9, allowing citizens of the town to cast their votes.
During the meeting, the audience actively engaged in discussing various issues and events, providing valuable input to the commissioners. The atmosphere was lively and informal, making it an eventful gathering.
During the meeting, discussions included items that may be of interest to students. These topics encompassed various campus activities such as the Saint Leo University Night to Shine, Taco Tuesday with Tri Sigma, and Saint Leo University Casino Night, which serves as a fundraiser for the Athletic Department.
It is evident that town meetings have a direct impact on students at Saint Leo. The individuals leading these meetings are actively engaged with the school community, making decisions that directly involve students.
“My favorite part about being the mayor is meeting and talking to the citizens to hear their stories and listen to what Saint Leo means to them,” D’Ambrosio said.
Interactions with the audience were encouraged during the meeting. If someone had an issue they wished to discuss, they could raise it, and the mayor and commissioners would also engage the audience by asking for input.
If there were no comments or once the discussion concluded, attendees would signify their agreement to the issue, and the meeting would proceed to the next topic.
“I enjoy the interaction with the commission and attendees, and the feedback I receive,” said Calvert,
Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming town meeting, conveniently located just a quick three to five minutes away from Saint Leo University at the Town Hall.
These meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of every month, with the next gathering set for May 13. It is an excellent opportunity to stay informed about the latest updates in town and discover what is new at Saint Leo University.
For additional details regarding times, dates, and locations, interested individuals can refer to the website. Attending a meeting provides a chance to be the voice for the community.
