St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting Summary - May 12, 2026\n\nThe St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The Commission unanimously approved a mid-year budget amendment on first reading, continued two conditional use permit enforcement actions, and adopted a proclamation for Historic Preservation Month. A resident spoke passionately in favor of retaining a recently resigned recreation center director.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- The Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the April 28 meeting minutes, an interlocal agreement for the MS4 permit fee, a $26,500 amendment to an agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Resolution 2026-17 for a Don CeSar boat ramp grant application, an amendment to the FY2026 pay plan for a summer internship, and Resolution 2026-12 authorizing the disposal of surplus assets.\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Joe Mladinich (1645 Manor Way South) expressed strong support for Andrea Nicholson, the recreation center director who recently resigned. He described her as a "bright shining star" who is "irreplaceable" and noted her success in turning the program from half-full to having a waitlist despite post-hurricane population declines. He urged the City Manager to resolve any managerial issues to retain her, calling her the "best value" employee in the city.\n\n### Discussion Items\n- Agenda Amendment: The City Manager requested, and the Commission unanimously approved, continuing Resolution 2026-14 and Resolution 2026-16 (regarding rescinding off-premise parking lot conditional use permits for properties at 3815 Gulf Blvd and 3855-3861 Gulf Blvd) to the July 14, 2026 meeting. The City Manager stated the city had received "some interesting information" that could lead to a favorable resolution.\n- Proclamation: The Commission proclaimed May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month. The proclamation highlighted the city's coastal heritage, the recent designation of over 50 structures as locally historic following the 2024 hurricane season, and the role of the Historic Preservation Board, which was established in 1992.\n- Ordinance 2026-12 (FY2026 Budget Amendment - First Reading): The Finance Director presented the budget amendment. Commissioner Causey sought to distinguish between requests for new appropriations and internal reallocations. Public Services Director Cavan Mills clarified that most items involved balancing funds within existing accounts due to higher-than-estimated bids, and only three items represented requests for new money: a crane truck, a wastewater system true-up, and replacement of John Deere utility vehicles. A discussion ensued regarding the City Charter's strict requirement for commission approval of fund transfers, which the City Manager noted is relatively rare. The ordinance was unanimously approved on first reading.\n- Commission Reports: The City Manager provided an update on the Publix project, stating it is in the final stages of developing a concept site plan and will hold a community meeting before submitting a conditional use permit application. Commissioners announced upcoming district meetings (Commissioner Maldonado on May 18th), a June 3rd public forum on the beach sign ordinance (Commissioner Causey), library office hours (Commissioner Robinson), and a resident-led kickoff meeting for a committee planning the nation's 250th anniversary (Mayor Tate). Commissioner Marriott reported on resolving a utility box lid issue with Frontier and a road safety improvement.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Continued: Resolutions 2026-14 and 2026-16 (conditional use permits for off-premise parking lots) were continued to the July 14, 2026 meeting. (Unanimous)\n- Adopted: Proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month.\n- Approved (First Reading): Ordinance 2026-12 (FY2026 Budget Amendment). (Unanimous)\n- Directives: Staff were asked to clearly differentiate between requests for new appropriations and internal reallocations in future budget presentations. The City Manager acknowledged public concerns regarding the recreation center director.