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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting - March 24, 2026

City Commission — Tuesday, March 24, 2026

BodySt Pete Beach, Florida

SessionCity Commission

DateTuesday, March 24, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

4:30

It is March twenty fourth, twenty twenty six at this six PM.

4:34

Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

Commissioner Robinson.

Speaker 2

5:00

Here.

5:01

Commissioner Isniki?

5:02

Here.

5:02

Commissioner Maldonado?

Speaker 1

5:04

Here.

Unassigned speaker

5:04

And

Speaker 2

5:04

Mayor Patrulla?

Speaker 1

5:05

Here.

Speaker 2

5:06

We have a quorum.

Speaker 1

5:07

Thank

Unassigned speaker

5:07

you.

Speaker 1

5:08

First item on the agenda is the approval of the March 9th minutes.

Speaker 3

5:15

I have a question about those.

5:17

Sure.

5:19

And and maybe for help with clarification from city attorney, just because we've had a lot of emails and I've had calls about the motion for ordinance 2026-03.

5:35

I needed clarification as to

Unassigned speaker

5:37

what

Speaker 3

5:38

the motion was and what was drawn, because I I feel what's written is not what I voted for.

5:44

So I just wanted some clarification.

Speaker 4

5:47

We've distributed the closed caption from the transcription of the video stream of the meeting.

5:55

And it states is there a motion?

5:58

Make the motion to adopt with modification of 40-foot setback from dwellings unless variants and 500 separate 500 separation requirements were possible and technically feasible without limiting communication services for the final reading of ordinance 2026-03.

6:16

And then I said, did you want to include the additional language about the negotiation period?

6:21

Everything that's in the citizen proposal here said yes, yes.

6:25

Because again, this goes to more than just ground equipment now that now this is all supporting structures and polls, and we can do that as a subsection.

6:34

It will be a new subsection four to take their three and their entire three paragraphs and make that a new subsection.

6:41

Absolutely, yeah.

6:42

And we'll add in the 500 feet where possible and technically feasible without impacting coverage.

6:47

Is that the final version of the motion?

6:49

Yes, it is.

6:50

I'll second to the clerk.

6:51

Commissioner Maldonado, yes.

6:53

Vice Mayor Marriott, no.

6:55

Commissioner Robinson, yes, Commissioner Rosnecky, yes.

6:58

Mayor Patella, yes, and then the motion carries.

7:02

And I think that um the motion maker um can discuss the motion that he made.

7:10

We had he did say variance, and I was trying to um point out that neither the citizens nor staff was going for variance anymore because it involved a public meeting, public hearing, which are not allowed, and public hearing and public meeting to meet me in the same thing.

7:27

Um so I took that as yes, he would substitute the negotiation period that both the citizen and the staff had in there.

7:34

And so that's what we took to prepare the ordinance.

7:39

Did you want to change the minutes to reflect this exact language?

7:43

And I think that would be appropriate.

7:45

We could attach this to the minutes, or we could put this in the minutes itself.

Speaker 3

7:50

So let me ask you, um city attorney or

Unassigned speaker

7:55

Speaker 3

7:55

commissioner to could clarify.

7:57

In that in that presentation, I think the words I agree with the negotiation that I clearly remember that that we stated that.

8:05

Um of the things that is coming up is whether it was mandatory or not.

8:11

Um so if we take this language how it's written here, that means you just you're we're removing whether it's um mandatory or encourage, right?

8:20

That we would just be saying the modification of 40-foot setback from dwellings unless variants and 500 separation.

Speaker 4

8:27

Correct.

8:27

The staff proposal always had encourage for both sections.

8:32

Um the citizens proposal was mandatory on both Verizon and ATT uh road letters and stated that mandatory is preempted by state statutes, and that's why we're using the word encouraged, so it would be a defensible in court.

Unassigned speaker

8:47

But

Speaker 4

8:47

there was nothing in the motion to say mandatory, and they were working off exhibit A, which is the staff alternative language, changing 30 feet to 40 feet, and then adding in 500 feet as a criteria number four in the second section.

Speaker 3

9:05

In in my um in the presentation, what I saw was with that that it was mandatory.

Unassigned speaker

9:11

Now

Speaker 3

9:12

I know in the wording we're not using it.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Technology and Innovation█████████████████17%

Procedural██████████████14%

Wildlife Conservation███████████11%

Public Engagement████████8%

Sign Ordinance███████7%

Infrastructure█████5%

Flooding█████5%

Public Safety████4%

Public Transportation████4%

Summary of Proceedings

St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting - March 24, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included approval of minutes from March 9, the installation of new elected officials, presentations on a proposed Country Thunder music festival, a University of Florida legal analysis of a parking-based assessment, the Boca Ciega Drive reconstruction design, and a permit process update. Action was taken on consent items, a stormwater outfall contract, and parking fee changes, while discussion on a wireless facilities ordinance was deferred pending state action.

Consent Calendar

Approved Resolution 2026-08: Temporary amnesty waiving triple fee penalties for after-the-fact permits for storm-damaged property (through June 30, 2026).
Authorized City Manager to execute a Services Agreement with BCS Construction Group, LLC for the Boca Ciega Bay Stormwater Outfall Improvements capital project not to exceed $1,173,370.00.
Approved a special event permit with street closure for Pass-A-Grille Community Church Easter Sunrise Service on April 5, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

Several residents spoke about the Country Thunder event, expressing concerns about nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, incomplete planning, and potential traffic and parking impacts. Others voiced cautious support for the economic boost. Speakers urged more transparency and a completed environmental impact study.
Residents also commented on the March 9 minutes controversy, alleging the commission's intent for a mandatory 40-foot setback in Ordinance 2026-03 was not reflected. They requested the minutes be corrected to reflect their understanding of a mandatory requirement.
Public comments were also heard regarding the Boca Ciega Drive project and the permit process update, with one resident expressing frustration over the delay in the stormwater outfall contract.

Discussion Items

Country Thunder Update: The executive director of Country Thunder and city staff presented plans for a three-day music festival (May 8-10, 2026) at TradeWinds Resort. Key topics included environmental mitigation (shorebird and turtle nesting), traffic and parking plans, waste management, and city cost recovery. Commission questioned the timing, permit status, and community benefits. No formal vote was taken; the presentation was informational.
University of Florida Levin College of Law Presentation: Professor Hawkins and student Olivia Guttner presented on the legal feasibility of a parking-based assessment for street infrastructure funding. They explained that non-residential parking spaces could be assessed if a special benefit is demonstrated and costs are fairly apportioned. The commission discussed the legal basis and practical implications.
Boca Ciega Drive Reconstruction Design Direction: Public Services Director Camden Mills presented three design options (A: original 10-ft multi-use path; B: modified with 5-ft sidewalk; C: as-is). The commission expressed preference for Option B with modifications to curb cuts to allow vehicles to pull off the road, and requested further study on parking near the community center. Staff will refine the design.
Permit Process Update: Community Development Director Laura Canary and Technology & Innovation Director Candice Galloway provided a 90-day update on process improvements. Metrics showed 10 average days from submittal to issuance in February 2026, with 158 permits issued (up 63% from January). Plans for a new permitting portal and a comprehensive permit matrix were discussed. Commissioner Robinson raised concerns about software costs and the need to work with existing tools until fiscal conditions improve.
Wireless Facilities Ordinance (Ordinance 2026-03): Discussion centered on a recent vote concerning setback and separation requirements for small wireless facilities. Commissioner Maldonado stated his intent was for a mandatory 40-foot setback, but the final ordinance used the word "encouraged." The city attorney advised that a mandatory requirement likely violates state preemption. The commission decided to keep the current ordinance as-is and monitor state legislative developments before taking further action.

Key Outcomes

Approved minutes from March 9, 2026, as amended to correct the motion language (including "negotiation period" and "500-foot separation where possible and technically feasible"). The motion passed 5-0.
Sworn in new officials: Commissioner Karen Maria (District 1), Commissioner Al Causey (District 3), and Mayor Scott Tate.
Approved consent agenda as amended (Resolution 2026-08, stormwater outfall contract, special event permit).
Authorized the Boca Ciega Bay Stormwater Outfall Improvements contract for $1,173,370 (5-0).
Adopted Resolution 2026-07 establishing parking fee changes: seasonal pricing, standardization, $0.50 general increase, Friday added as weekend day, and holiday/special event rate on a case-by-case basis. Sunset pricing was excluded. Motion passed 4-1 (Robinson dissenting). The commission also requested staff to bring back data on duration-based dynamic pricing within 30-60 days.
Deferred action on Ordinance 2026-03 (communication and small wireless facilities design standards) and will revisit after the Attorney General's review and pending state legislation.

Meeting Transcript

It is March twenty fourth, twenty twenty six at this six PM. Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Robinson. Here. Commissioner Isniki? Here. Commissioner Maldonado? Here. And Mayor Patrulla? Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. First item on the agenda is the approval of the March 9th minutes. I have a question about those. Sure. And and maybe for help with clarification from city attorney, just because we've had a lot of emails and I've had calls about the motion for ordinance 2026-03. I needed clarification as to what the motion was and what was drawn, because I I feel what's written is not what I voted for. So I just wanted some clarification. We've distributed the closed caption from the transcription of the video stream of the meeting. And it states is there a motion? Make the motion to adopt with modification of 40-foot setback from dwellings unless variants and 500 separate 500 separation requirements were possible and technically feasible without limiting communication services for the final reading of ordinance 2026-03. And then I said, did you want to include the additional language about the negotiation period? Everything that's in the citizen proposal here said yes, yes. Because again, this goes to more than just ground equipment now that now this is all supporting structures and polls, and we can do that as a subsection. It will be a new subsection four to take their three and their entire three paragraphs and make that a new subsection. Absolutely, yeah. And we'll add in the 500 feet where possible and technically feasible without impacting coverage. Is that the final version of the motion? Yes, it is. I'll second to the clerk. Commissioner Maldonado, yes. Vice Mayor Marriott, no. Commissioner Robinson, yes, Commissioner Rosnecky, yes. Mayor Patella, yes, and then the motion carries. And I think that um the motion maker um can discuss the motion that he made. We had he did say variance, and I was trying to um point out that neither the citizens nor staff was going for variance anymore because it involved a public meeting, public hearing, which are not allowed, and public hearing and public meeting to meet me in the same thing. Um so I took that as yes, he would substitute the negotiation period that both the citizen and the staff had in there. And so that's what we took to prepare the ordinance. Did you want to change the minutes to reflect this exact language? And I think that would be appropriate. We could attach this to the minutes, or we could put this in the minutes itself. So let me ask you, um city attorney or or commissioner to could clarify. In that in that presentation, I think the words I agree with the negotiation that I clearly remember that that we stated that. Um of the things that is coming up is whether it was mandatory or not.

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TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting - March 24, 2026

Consent Calendar

Approved Resolution 2026-08: Temporary amnesty waiving triple fee penalties for after-the-fact permits for storm-damaged property (through June 30, 2026).

Authorized City Manager to execute a Services Agreement with BCS Construction Group, LLC for the Boca Ciega Bay Stormwater Outfall Improvements capital project not to exceed $1,173,370.00.

Approved a special event permit with street closure for Pass-A-Grille Community Church Easter Sunrise Service on April 5, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

Several residents spoke about the Country Thunder event, expressing concerns about nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, incomplete planning, and potential traffic and parking impacts. Others voiced cautious support for the economic boost. Speakers urged more transparency and a completed environmental impact study.

Residents also commented on the March 9 minutes controversy, alleging the commission's intent for a mandatory 40-foot setback in Ordinance 2026-03 was not reflected. They requested the minutes be corrected to reflect their understanding of a mandatory requirement.

Public comments were also heard regarding the Boca Ciega Drive project and the permit process update, with one resident expressing frustration over the delay in the stormwater outfall contract.

Discussion Items

Country Thunder Update: The executive director of Country Thunder and city staff presented plans for a three-day music festival (May 8-10, 2026) at TradeWinds Resort. Key topics included environmental mitigation (shorebird and turtle nesting), traffic and parking plans, waste management, and city cost recovery. Commission questioned the timing, permit status, and community benefits. No formal vote was taken; the presentation was informational.

University of Florida Levin College of Law Presentation: Professor Hawkins and student Olivia Guttner presented on the legal feasibility of a parking-based assessment for street infrastructure funding. They explained that non-residential parking spaces could be assessed if a special benefit is demonstrated and costs are fairly apportioned. The commission discussed the legal basis and practical implications.

Boca Ciega Drive Reconstruction Design Direction: Public Services Director Camden Mills presented three design options (A: original 10-ft multi-use path; B: modified with 5-ft sidewalk; C: as-is). The commission expressed preference for Option B with modifications to curb cuts to allow vehicles to pull off the road, and requested further study on parking near the community center. Staff will refine the design.

Permit Process Update: Community Development Director Laura Canary and Technology & Innovation Director Candice Galloway provided a 90-day update on process improvements. Metrics showed 10 average days from submittal to issuance in February 2026, with 158 permits issued (up 63% from January). Plans for a new permitting portal and a comprehensive permit matrix were discussed. Commissioner Robinson raised concerns about software costs and the need to work with existing tools until fiscal conditions improve.

Wireless Facilities Ordinance (Ordinance 2026-03): Discussion centered on a recent vote concerning setback and separation requirements for small wireless facilities. Commissioner Maldonado stated his intent was for a mandatory 40-foot setback, but the final ordinance used the word "encouraged." The city attorney advised that a mandatory requirement likely violates state preemption. The commission decided to keep the current ordinance as-is and monitor state legislative developments before taking further action.

Key Outcomes

Approved minutes from March 9, 2026, as amended to correct the motion language (including "negotiation period" and "500-foot separation where possible and technically feasible"). The motion passed 5-0.

Sworn in new officials: Commissioner Karen Maria (District 1), Commissioner Al Causey (District 3), and Mayor Scott Tate.

Approved consent agenda as amended (Resolution 2026-08, stormwater outfall contract, special event permit).

Authorized the Boca Ciega Bay Stormwater Outfall Improvements contract for $1,173,370 (5-0).

Adopted Resolution 2026-07 establishing parking fee changes: seasonal pricing, standardization, $0.50 general increase, Friday added as weekend day, and holiday/special event rate on a case-by-case basis. Sunset pricing was excluded. Motion passed 4-1 (Robinson dissenting). The commission also requested staff to bring back data on duration-based dynamic pricing within 30-60 days.

Deferred action on Ordinance 2026-03 (communication and small wireless facilities design standards) and will revisit after the Attorney General's review and pending state legislation.

Meeting Transcript