Related story: Obituary: Allen ‘Chick’ Behringer
By Joe Capozzi
In their first meeting since the Jan. 11 death of Alderman Allen “Chick” Behringer, Briny Breezes Town Council members offered tributes to his service and moved quickly to fill the vacancy.
“He was outgoing, cheerful and friendly. He cared about people and he was accepting of everyone. He was a marvelous chef and if he were here he would have said, ‘Raise your glass and toast,’” said council President Sue Thaler, sitting next to Behringer’s empty seat at the start of the Jan. 27 meeting.
“So please join me in a virtual toast and a moment of silence. Here’s to you, Chick. Thank you for all the love, the laughs and the good times you gave us.’’
About a half hour later, council members appointed Briny Breezes resident Liz Loper to serve the final year of Behringer’s term, which expires in March 2023.
Loper, 70, who worked in retail before retiring, submitted a letter of interest in the vacancy after reading a notice in the Briny Bugle newsletter requesting candidates to serve the rest of Behringer’s term.
By Jan. 27, she was the only person to express interest. The council could have waited another month to consider more candidates before a Feb. 24 deadline to appoint a replacement. But council members decided it was wiser to fill the vacancy as soon as possible, especially since they considered Loper a solid candidate.
Had the council failed to appoint a replacement by Feb. 24, the town would have needed to spend money to hold a special election.
“I understand that I would never be able to replace Alderman Chick Behringer, but I would like to carry on in his place,’’ Loper said. “I am honored and looking forward to it.’’
In other business:
• Town Manager William Thrasher received unanimous praise from council members in their annual review of his performance.
When Thrasher was hired in January 2020, he was given permission to split time between homes in Boynton Beach and Andrews, North Carolina, an arrangement that council members said has worked well.
“He has responded very quickly to things whether he was here or whether he was there,’’ Mayor Gene Adams said.
“He brings professionalism to the town. I appreciate how he will share his experience and knowledge with council, but not push his agenda forward and leave it to the council to make that decision without any kind of pressure.’’
• The council directed Town Attorney Keith Davis to draft a charter change that will stagger the appointments of Planning and Zoning Board members over even- and odd-numbered years, replacing the current process of appointing all members at the same time.
Council members endorsed the change to, among other reasons, ensure continuity of experience among members. Under the current process, “we could have a completely new board with no experienced members,’’ Adams said.
If the change is approved, the staggered terms would take effect in 2023.
• Ocean Ridge Police Chief Richard Jones will host a public meeting with Briny Breezes residents on Feb. 8 to discuss public safety and crime reduction efforts. The meeting will start around 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium following the Boating and Fishing Club meeting.
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