Public Meetings - St Pete Beach, Florida

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Commission Chambers at 155 Corey Avenue. The agenda was amended to pull consent items 4C and 4G to a future meeting, pull consent item 4E into discussion, and add discussions on mosquito control and appeals of building official decisions. No meeting minutes were available; this summary is based on the agenda and the meeting transcript. Presentations - Civil Air Patrol recognition: The Commission recognized the Clearwater Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, for supporting the city's 250th Fourth of July celebration. - Forward Pinellas: Staff presented regional transportation planning, including the proposed MPO merger with Pasco and Hillsborough counties, a recommended 25-member board (Pinellas 8, Hillsborough 10, Pasco 5), and a streamlined process for local land-use amendments. They also presented waterborne transit opportunities, citing Clearwater Ferry and the upcoming Sunshine Ferry (formerly Cross Bay Ferry), and suggested Merry Pier as a potential hub. - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) quarterly report: Public Services Director Mills reported that at the end of FY2026, design/procurement projects dropped from 33 to 24, while active implementation/construction rose from 11 to 16. FY2027 CIP totals over $61 million, with about $192 million planned over five years. The City has already encumbered $3.7 million, plans to encumber $46.2 million, and reappropriate $10 million. Stormwater pipe cleaning is 95% complete, wastewater pipe/camera inspection 99% complete; a draft report is due in December. The Gulf Boulevard undergrounding phase one is substantially complete; 29 of 50 phase-two easements are executed. Fire Station 22 replacement (a $10.5 million project with $6.5 million in state appropriations) broke ground September 16 and is scheduled to open in early 2028. The force main replacement is estimated at $21.5 million; a new connection to South Cross Bayou was estimated at over $60 million, so staff recommended retaining the $21.5 million project. Commissioners requested future quarterly reports compare budgeted versus actual spending. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: October 13, 2026 minutes (4A); FDEP Grant Agreement No. L0550 for the St. Pete Beach-Pass-a-Grille wastewater inflow/infiltration project in the amount of $2,000,000 (4D); Corey Avenue Business Association Veterans Day special event for November 14, 2026 (4F); and the FY2027 Pay Plan amendment addressing pay compression in the Fire Department's Captain/Paramedic classification (4H). - Pulled for future consideration: ParkMobile/Flowbird parking agreement (4C) and Total Parking Solutions service/maintenance agreement (4G). - Pulled into discussion and approved separately: the 2027 meeting schedule (4B) and Merry Pier boat slip agreements (4E). Public Comments & Testimony - Deborah Scheckner (Boca Siega Drive) criticized the pace of campaign promises, asking what new revenue streams would close a $200 million-plus gap, and urged the Mayor to reinstate pre-commission open house meetings and improve transparency. - An unidentified public commenter on the fee ordinance said large hotels and large projects should pay more, noted the city's rapid development, and expressed concerns about water and sewer capacity during drought conditions. - Belle Vista resident Greg Primer said the Belle Vista neighborhood is 'taking one for the team' for regional resiliency, supported staff recommendations and the enhanced landscaping/wood fence/monument sign, noted the initial cost was $850,000 and moving the facility saved $160,000, and called for the beautification enhancements. Ordinances - Ordinance 2026-24 (final reading) was adopted unanimously, authorizing the City Clerk or designee to receive, review, and process candidate qualifying documents and petitions. - Ordinance 2026-22 (final reading) was adopted unanimously, establishing tiered planning and zoning fees. Conditional use permit fees: Tier 1 $1,000 (no new construction), Tier 2 $1,500 (smaller new construction/additions), Tier 3 $3,500 plus $900 planning board fee (large projects). Hardship variance fees: Tier 1 $750 plus $250 per additional request for small sites under half an acre/under 7,500 sq ft; Tier 2 $1,500 plus $250 per additional request. Staff said Tier 1 rates provide partial cost recovery. Action Items - Penny IV interlocal agreement: Approved unanimously, authorizing the Mayor to execute an interlocal with Pinellas County for continued Gulf Boulevard Undergrounding funding not to exceed $3,632,120.97. - Resolution 2026-27 / CUP 26069 - Lift Station 7 (Belle Vista Triangle Park): Approved unanimously. The Commission included the neighborhood-requested wood fence and enhanced landscaping, and directed staff to return in June 2027 to discuss beautification items (bench, shade structure, monument sign, estimated at $16,000 and $13,000-$14,000 respectively), subject to separate funding from the general fund. - Resolution 2026-28 / CUP 26070 - Lift Station 10 (Fisherman's Park): Approved unanimously, with the intention to revisit beautification options, including possible art wraps, in June 2027. - Resolution 2026-29 / CUP 26117 - Lift Station 4 (20th Avenue): Approved unanimously with staff recommendations: eliminate the fence, shift the curb, remove a section of raised median/tree, relocate signs, and coordinate with Duke Energy to improve marina access. Items for Discussion - Mosquito control: Commissioner Maldonado requested proactive city code-enforcement follow-up on abandoned pools and better public information on county mosquito control. The City Manager said Pinellas County handles mosquito treatment through Click2Fix and the mosquito control hotline (727-464-7503), while the city can pursue code enforcement for standing-water violations. - Appeals of building official decisions: Commissioner Marriott noted the city has no local appeals process. The City Attorney explained appeals go to the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board under Code Sections 98-30 and 103.8. The Commission agreed that determination letters should clearly communicate this county appeal process, and no local appeals board is needed. Reports & Announcements - City Clerk: Qualifying period for the March 9, 2027 city election for Districts 2 and 4 is November 2-13, 2026. November 2026 commission meeting dates were changed to November 17 and November 30. - City Manager: No significant new updates on the Publix redevelopment; the last fall concert is Friday, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail is Thursday. - Commissioners announced local events, including a Vino del Mar trunk-or-treat on October 31, District 3 pothole reporting efforts, progress on reopening Woody's and Willie's, and Veterans Day events on November 8 and November 14. Key Outcomes - Agenda amended and approved unanimously. - Consent items A, D, F, H approved unanimously; items C and G deferred. - 2027 commission meeting schedule approved as amended, moving June 8 to June 15 and June 22 to June 29. - Merry Pier boat slip agreement with Offshore Hustler approved on a month-to-month basis at $700/month, 4-1 (Vice Mayor Robinson dissenting). - Both ordinances and all action items were adopted. - Staff will continue Gulf Boulevard easement acquisition (21 of 50 remain), bring construction agreements with Duke Energy and Spectrum to the November 17 meeting, and present stormwater/wastewater inspection reports in December. - Lift station 7 and 10 beautification discussions are scheduled for June 2027; lift station 4 fence/art options may be discussed around April 2027.

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Commission Chambers. The meeting included a detailed FEMA and insurance reimbursement update for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the adoption of several ordinances and resolutions, and discussions on city contracts and a neighborhood parking survey. Consent Calendar - The Commission approved the majority of the consent agenda unanimously. Items pulled for discussion were Item E (Cybersecurity Insurance Renewal) and Item G (Merry Pier Bait Shack Rebuild). - Approved items included: meeting minutes, Resolution 2026-34 (Historic Survey Grant), reappointment of Mayor Brooks to Forward Pinellas Board, property/casualty insurance renewal ($972,854), the Sip and Stroll event application, pension trustee reappointment, Builders Risk insurance ($59,544.36), and the Interlocal Agreement with Pinellas County ($31,000). Public Comments & Testimony - Vincent Arminia spoke about the need to dredge the inlet on Maritana (last dredged in 1983), argued that FDOT must reroute pipes originally supposed to be moved during the Bayway Bridge construction, and recommended the city hire a grant writer. City Manager Mills noted ongoing discussions with FDOT and maintained there is an existing grant analyst role. Discussion Items - FEMA and Insurance Reimbursement Update (Camden Mills, Public Services Director): Mills presented a comprehensive status update on 70 public assistance projects (61 from Hurricane Helene, 9 from Hurricane Milton) totaling about $11.1 million in gross costs. The federal share is roughly $8.5 million, with $6.64 million already dispersed. 54 projects are obligated, while 16 are still pending review. Two projects (Golfway and Pass-a-Grille Way) were initially denied by FEMA but are being redirected to FHWA funding. The recovery process was estimated to take 3-5 years. A discussion confirmed FEMA funding is secondary to insurance funding. Commissioners stressed the need for institutional knowledge capture regarding funding pathways. - Item E: Cybersecurity Insurance Renewal ($40,350): Vice Mayor Robinson raised questions about the procurement process, noting it was single-sourced due to vendor delays. The City Manager acknowledged the issue and committed to starting the process earlier in the future to allow for competitive bidding. The item was approved. - Item G: Merry Pier Bait Shack Rebuild ($80,137.94): Commissioner Maldonado noted the contract price was significantly lower than initial bids ($150k-$180k). Director Mills explained the fixed-price design-build contract with IntelliSite Inc. included longshoremen's insurance requirements. If the contractor cannot provide this insurance, the city will move to the next qualified bidder. The project is expected to take about six months, with a $500 per day penalty for late completion. The item was approved. - Ordinance 2026-22 (Planning & Zoning Fees): Planner Brandon Berry presented the first major fee update since 2016. Several commissioners expressed strong concern that the proposed increases for hardship variances ($500 to $1,500) and conditional use permits ($500 to $1,500) would negatively impact small businesses. The Commission approved the first reading but directed staff to bring back tiered fee structures for the second reading to differentiate between small business requests and major developments. - Resolution 2026-35 (Pass-a-Grille Height Interpretation): The Commission adopted a formal interpretation of the maximum height limits in the Pass-a-Grille Overlay District. The interpretation clarifies that only non-occupiable features (e.g., mechanical equipment, chimneys, spires) are permitted in the 4-foot space between the 28-foot parapet height and the 32-foot overall height limit. Occupiable features such as enclosed storage or elevator landings are prohibited above the 28-foot line. The resolution applies only to new construction submitted after the adoption date. - 46th Avenue Parking: Commissioner Maldonado requested data on the 46th Avenue parking survey, suggesting the results may have been skewed because residents who were not directly impacted by changes were included. Commissioner Causey (district commissioner) stated she had received positive feedback from a recent neighborhood meeting. The City Manager agreed to provide the raw survey data to the entire commission for review. Key Outcomes - Consent & Resolutions: Approved Items E ($40,350) and G ($80,137.94) unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-15: Adopted Final Reading (Commissioner Marriott abstained due to a conflict of interest). - Ordinance 2026-22: Approved on First Reading with direction to staff to modify fee schedules to include a tiered approach for small businesses. - Ordinance 2026-24: Approved on First Reading (Candidate Qualifying Documents). - Resolution 2026-35: Adopted the height interpretation for Pass-a-Grille. - Next Steps: Staff directed to provide analysis of the 46th Avenue parking survey data. Staff also directed to draft tiered fee structures for P&Z fees for the second reading. Commissioner Maldonado announced an open application for the Parks and Recreation Committee. Vice Mayor Robinson announced the appointment of Karen Keywood to the Finance and Budget Review Committee.

[Note: The meeting transcript identifies the day as Tuesday, though the published agenda lists the meeting date as Monday, September 21, 2026.] The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on September 21, 2026, to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and millage rate, approve wastewater fee amendments, and discuss several community issues. All commissioners were present: Mayor Tate, Vice Mayor Robinson, Commissioner Causey, Commissioner Maldonado, and Commissioner Marriott. Public Hearings (Ordinances) The meeting began with the required public hearings for the budget ordinances before general public comment. Ordinance 2026-19: Millage Rate - Action: Unanimously adopted the FY2027 millage rate at 3.0757 mills, which is the rollback rate, representing a 0% increase over the rollback rate. - Public Comment: Paul Stein (285 42nd Avenue) argued that capital improvements should be funded through the millage (budget) rather than subsidized by wastewater rates. Ordinance 2026-20: Budget Adoption - Action: Adopted the FY2027 budget as amended (4-1 vote; Vice Mayor Robinson dissented). - Staff Report: The budget was reduced by approximately $80,000 as a result of adopting the rollback rate and includes a new full-time equivalent position for a Capital Projects Administrator in Public Services. - Public Comment: Paul Stein reiterated his concerns about capital improvements being funded through utility rates. Ordinance 2026-16: Wastewater Fees - Action: Unanimously adopted the amended wastewater fee schedule on final reading. - Staff Report: The second reading corrected an inadvertent omission (the usage rate tier for over 6,000 gallons) from the previous meeting. - Public Comment: Paul Stein heavily criticized the rate structure. He argued a Ref Tellus consulting report projects 16% increases for three years followed by a 5% increase. He claimed the tier for usage over 6,000 gallons is irrelevant for residents and argued the report was made public only at the final reading. He stated the structure ultimately represents an inequitable burden on residents who conserve water. Public Comments & Testimony (General) - Phyllis Parker (Casablanca Avenue) expressed concern that a proposed density trading tool could operate as a pay-to-play system. She provided an update on the community Art Trail project for the city’s upcoming 70th anniversary and requested a follow-up meeting with staff. - Melanie Vandergrift reported significant issues with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office enforcement over Labor Day weekend, stating a deputy told her they were instructed they could only enforce underage drinking laws on the beach. She requested the commission address this with the Sheriff’s office. - Kim Graves (Corey Avenue Business Association) expressed gratitude for the Corey Avenue beautification project and presented a financial contribution from CABA to the city in support of the efforts. - Kathy Garshaw (Casablanca Avenue) promoted a community meeting for the 250th-anniversary celebration and discussed opportunities for volunteer coordination and partnership with the city on beautification and the upcoming 70th-anniversary milestone. - Paul Stein (285 42nd Avenue), in a second public comment, urged the commission to use the next year to redesign a more equitable wastewater rate system. He described his history of environmental advocacy and water conservation. Consent Agenda - Approved Unanimously: Items 4a (Minutes of September 9), 4c (EMS Authority Agreement Amendment), 4d (Suncoast Beach Trolley Renewal, $60,500), and 4e (Independent Auditing Services Engagement). - Item 4B – Special Events: Commissioner Robinson requested a review to ensure permit fees fully cover city costs for events. The item was approved. - Item 4F – Blind Pass South Jetty Improvement Resolution: Commissioner Marriott clarified the resolution is a prerequisite for applying for a 50% matching grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The item was approved. Discussion Items - Bella Vista Lift Station: Commissioner Robinson confirmed the contractor agreed not to charge delay costs provided the commission renders a decision at the scheduled November 2nd meeting. Commissioner Maldonado raised public awareness that a WSP engineering study projects up to 21 new stormwater lift stations in the Bella Vista area, suggesting this will be a significant topic for residents. - City Donations Policy: Commissioner Maldonado proposed using a $7,500 line item to make donations of $1,000 to local non-profits (Sea Turtle Trackers, St. Pete Audubon Society, Gulf Beaches Historical Museum) and establishing a formal policy for future donations. Several commissioners supported the idea of a formal policy but preferred to develop the process before allocating funds. No action was taken. City Commission & Staff Reports - Commissioner Causey promoted an upcoming Vina Delmar Island Association safety meeting with the Sheriff’s office. - Mayor Tate updated the timeline for the Bella Vista backup generator aesthetic concept. - Vice Mayor Robinson announced library hours for October 5. - Commissioner Maldonado promoted local community events and the FDOT Blind Pass repaving project. - Commissioner Marriott announced the Concert in the Park series starting October 2. Key Outcomes - FY2027 Millage Rate Set: 3.0757 mills (unanimous). - FY2027 Budget Adopted: Passed 4-1. - Wastewater Fee Ordinance Adopted: New fee schedule approved (unanimous). - Item 5A (Merry Pier Dispute): Removed from the agenda before the meeting. - Directives: City Manager to evaluate cost recovery for special events. Staff to develop a formal process for city donations. Administration to discuss beach enforcement issues with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The agenda listed 6:00 p.m., but the Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:54 p.m. (a discrepancy between the agenda and transcript). All five commissioners were present: Mayor Tate, Vice Mayor Robinson, Commissioners Marriott, Causey, and Maldonado. The commission approved consent items, advanced a green-building code change, continued a wastewater-fee ordinance, approved reclaimed-water fee changes, adopted stormwater assessments, and continued three lift-station conditional use permits to November 2, 2026. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, including: - Approval of the August 25, 2026 City Commission Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes. - Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Services Agreement with Angelides Inc. for the Shuffleboard Clubhouse Replacement project, not to exceed $165,000. - Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Services Agreement with AutoSol for the SCADA Conversion capital project, $360,320 for the initial year and not to exceed the annual budgeted amount for years two through five. - Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Services Agreement with Vision Built Group, LLP for the Hurley Park Bathroom Remodel, not to exceed $84,121. - Resolution 2026-31 amending Personnel Rules and Regulations, Section 3.15, Uniforms, Dress and Appearance. - Acceptance of the Pinellas County 2025 National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Annual Report and adoption of Resolution 2026-32, the 2025-2026 Local Mitigation Strategy Annual Update. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Peza, 103 24th Avenue, Pass-a-Grille, said his rebar inspection was cancelled on August 21, 2026, and the city had not made meaningful progress. He said he relied on a building permit issued in February 2026, incurred substantial costs, and was being treated inconsistently because other homes in the same zone 2AE area, leeward of the Lima line and within 300 feet leeward of the CCCL, were allowed to proceed. He asked the city to treat him consistently and fairly and to allow his project to move forward. - Paul Stein, 285 42nd Avenue, opposed moving wastewater fees to a flat rate, saying flat rates encourage water waste and shift burdens to residents and snowbirds. He commended the city’s roadshow outreach. - In the quasi-judicial lift-station hearing, Brian Leach, 135 44th Avenue, said residents living next to proposed Lift Station 7 did not want a utility structure in the middle of the park. He presented a petition signed by about 14 nearby residents and said staff’s cited November 6, 2025 neighborhood feedback was gathered when many residents were not in their homes. He urged staff to consider alternatives and, if the project proceeds, to use Alternative 1 rather than the currently proposed Alternative 2. - Tim Polanowski, 386 Bell Point Drive, questioned whether the full lift-station project was fixing a real problem, described the hurricane risk as a 1% annual chance, noted that a large tree could fall on the new structure, and suggested spending about $150,000 now on needed repairs while deferring about $700,000 per station for elevated generators. - Gregory Primer, 3957 Moody Street, president of the Bell Vista Civic Association, said the association’s more than 100 members were 100% against the proposed structure, called it too large for the small park, and suggested considering a shade structure or pavilion design with the generator on top. - Al Bobulas, Pass-a-Grille Marina and 630 Corey Avenue, said the current plan for Lift Station 4 would prevent truck/trailer access and marina loading, remove another public parking space, and place an oversized structure in a highly visited sunset area. He asked the city to delay the project and develop a more compact design. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-15 (first reading) – Green building requirements in the Community Redevelopment District: City Planner Brandon Barry presented an amendment to Land Development Code Section 39.9. The city has required two green certifications in the CRD since 2008, but the FDEP Florida Green Lodging Program has been discontinued. The proposal keeps a LEED or Florida Green Building Coalition certification requirement, allows LEED Gold to satisfy both certifications, adds alternative standards, and for detached single-family homes substitutes the Florida Energy Conservation Code plus ENERGY STAR certification. Staff said only about 50 to 75 properties in the CRD are affected, about three single-family homes are under permitting, and certification review can cost in the low five figures. Commissioner Marriott declared a conflict because he owns a CRD home and is in the permitting process, and he abstained. The first reading was approved 4-0. - Ordinance 2026-16 (second reading) – Wastewater fees: Public commenter Paul Stein objected to a flat-rate structure. City and finance staff explained that the structure includes a capacity-based entry tier and usage tiers, plus commercial connection fees based on meter size. The printed ordinance appeared to contain a strike-through error inconsistent with the intended tiered structure. The commission unanimously continued the second reading to September 21, 2026, to correct the language. - Ordinance 2026-17 (second reading) – Reclaimed water fees: The ordinance amends the Appendix A fee schedule for reclaimed water system fees and updates equivalent residential units for multifamily, commercial, and public use properties. No public comments were offered. It was approved on second reading unanimously. - Resolution 2026-26 – Stormwater service assessments for FY2027: Finance Director Devin Schmidt said there are no rate changes for FY2027. Tier 1 has been in place since 2010 and funds stormwater program costs; Tier 2 was established in 2015 to pay a bank note for capital projects and is assessed by impervious surface area. The related debt matures May 1, 2030. Staff said the city can revisit rates next year and may rescind or bond against the second assessment after 2030. The resolution was adopted unanimously. - Lift Station Conditional Use Permits – Resolutions 2026-27, 2026-28, and 2026-29: The three resolutions would authorize conditional use permits for rehabilitating Lift Station 7 at Belle Vista Triangle Park, Lift Station 10 at Fisherman’s Park at the end of Corey Avenue, and Lift Station 4 in the 20th Avenue street end east of Pass-a-Grille Way. Staff said all three are in the FY2026 budget and would elevate electrical controls, build platforms for elevated generators, and make underground and site improvements. Proposed structures are roughly 15 feet wide, 10 to 15 feet deep, and 13 to 14 feet above grade. Staff said Lift Stations 4 and 7 repump other stations, Lift Station 10 serves many customers and a fire station, and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton the city spent more than $850,000 on emergency protective measures and bypass pumping. FEMA grants of about $92,000, $265,000, and $151,000 are approved for the three stations, and additional discretionary grant applications are pending. Staff noted roughly $200,000 has been spent in design, the construction package has been awarded, and delays could raise costs. Residents opposed the projects due to visual scale, loss of park space, parking and access impacts, and inadequate community outreach. Commissioner Causey suggested stronger landscaping or architectural treatment; Commissioner Maldonado suggested murals and stakeholder engagement; Commissioner Marriott opposed additional city spending on beautifying one park; Vice Mayor Robinson said the structures are a necessary evil and minimal aesthetic spending was acceptable; Mayor Tate said another month or two of outreach would not jeopardize the project. The commission unanimously continued all three resolutions to the November 2, 2026, meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-15: first reading approved 4-0; Commissioner Marriott abstained due to a declared conflict. - Ordinance 2026-16: second reading continued to September 21, 2026, by unanimous vote. - Ordinance 2026-17: second reading approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-26: adopted unanimously; no stormwater rate change for FY2027. - Resolutions 2026-27, 2026-28, and 2026-29: all three lift-station conditional use permits continued to November 2, 2026, by unanimous votes; staff were directed to conduct additional community outreach and explore design, aesthetic, and operational alternatives. - The commission voted 4-1 to extend the meeting to 10:15 p.m.; Commissioner Marriott dissented. The meeting was then adjourned. City Clerk, City Manager, City Attorney, and Commission Reports - The City Clerk had no report. - The City Manager delivered a joint statement with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s office about 2026 property values. Key points included: the Value Adjustment Board petition deadline is Friday, September 11, 2026; filing is online or in person, costs $50 per parcel, and must be received by the deadline. Under Florida’s calamity provision, repaired homes are restored to their pre-storm assessed value adjusted by CPI, not treated as new construction. Property owners were urged to review their property record, contact the property appraiser’s office, and file a VAB petition if they disagree with their 2026 value. - The City Attorney had no report. - Commissioners thanked State Representative Linda Chaney for funding, reported positive feedback on storm drain maintenance, reminded residents of 9/11 remembrance events at Bay Pines and the American Legion Post on St. Pete Beach, and Vice Mayor Robinson asked staff to inspect drains at the corner of 71st.

The St. Pete Beach City Commission held a budget meeting on September 9, 2026, to set the fiscal year 2027 millage rate and adopt the corresponding budget. The meeting included a check presentation from State Representative Linda Chaney, public comments, and staff presentations on community engagement and the budget proposal, culminating in a unanimous vote to set the millage to the rollback rate and a 4-1 vote to approve the first reading of the adjusted budget. Consent Calendar - The meeting agenda was approved unanimously (5-0) after a minor correction was made to the action request language on the millage and budget ordinances. Public Comments & Testimony - Vincent Tormenia (Casablanca Ave) advised the Commission against raising the millage rate, stating that doing so could compromise the state funding secured by Representative Chaney. - Randy Shastine (Third Palm Point) criticized the recommendation of the Finance and Budget Review Committee and advocated for the rollback rate, noting it would cost the city roughly $80,000 in revenue. - Susan Consell (Third Palm Point) argued that the 70 roadshow participants and 520 survey respondents did not constitute a statistically representative sample for a city of 9,000 residents and cautioned against selectively using data to justify a tax increase. - Ruta Hans (Coquina Way) stated that tax revenue had nearly doubled in seven years, questioned the city's current spending, and proposed generating revenue through short-term rental licensing before considering a tax increase. - Linda Lewellan expressed strong opposition to the budget, alleging city mismanagement and stating that the commingling of Penny for Pinellas funds with general funds meant the budget would not pass an audit. - Vincent Tormenia returned later in the meeting to suggest the city utilize volunteer grant writers and implement a short-term rental registration fee similar to Manatee County's to increase revenue. Ordinance 2026-19: Establishing the Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2027 - The City Attorney read the ordinance, noting that the tentatively proposed rate of 3.6715 mills exceeded 110% of the rollback rate, which would require a unanimous vote of the full City Commission. - Finance Director Devin Schmidt presented the results of the city's community engagement efforts. The budget roadshow (70 participants) showed a majority of participants in favor of an increase, while the online survey (520 respondents) showed 54% supported cutting spending rather than raising taxes. Staff noted the two data sources disagreed on the preferred rate but agreed on storm drainage as the top funding priority. - Commissioner Causey, Commissioner Marriott, Vice Mayor Robinson, Commissioner Maldonado, and Mayor Tate all expressed support for a flat or rollback rate. Key cited reasons included the risk of losing state funding (emphasized by Rep. Chaney), the belief that project execution capacity is a greater constraint than revenue, and the likelihood of increasing ad valorem revenue due to rising property values. - Vote: A motion to adopt the rollback rate of 3.0757 mills passed unanimously (5-0). Ordinance 2026-20: Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 - Finance Director Schmidt presented the FY 2027 budget, summarizing $86.6 million in revenues and $118.8 million in uses across all funds, including a $62.2 million capital improvement plan. The budget was originally built on a flat millage and required adjustment for the newly adopted rollback rate. - Public Services Director Camden Mills requested approval to add a full-time Capital Project Administrator to help manage the city's capital program, citing administrative bottlenecks that delay project delivery. - Mayor Tate and other commissioners discussed the FTE request in the context of other planned operational efficiency investments (sewer AI software, in-house asphalt patching, new permitting software). Director Mills stated the FTE was still necessary to handle the volume of the capital plan. - Commissioner Causey and Commissioner Marriott supported the position as a strategic investment to reduce project costs and delays. Commissioner Maldonado supported the position with a stipulation for a one-year probationary period. Vice Mayor Robinson asked if the role could be part-time. - Vote: A motion to approve the first reading of the FY 2027 budget, as amended by the rollback millage rate and the addition of the full-time Capital Project Administrator, passed 4-1 (Vice Mayor Robinson dissenting). Key Outcomes - Millage Rate Set: The Commission unanimously adopted a FY 2027 millage rate of 3.0757 mills, the rollback rate. - Budget First Reading Approved: The Commission approved the first reading of the FY 2027 budget on a 4-1 vote, directing staff to adjust the figures for the lower millage rate and include a new FTE for public services capital project administration. - State Funding Recognized: The city accepted a $3.4 million check from State Representative Linda Chaney for infrastructure. Rep. Chaney stated the city had received nearly $13 million in state funding under her tenure and warned that raising the millage rate could jeopardize future funding. - Operational Efficiency Directive: The Commission directed the City Manager to continue pursuing operational efficiencies, including evaluating vacancies before filling them and investing in technology to reduce long-term operational costs.

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a regular meeting. The primary topics of discussion centered on the future of the city's transportation services, including the microtransit program (Freebee) and the FY2027 subsidy for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The Commission also held first readings on wastewater and reclaimed water fee ordinances, approved several consent agenda items, and discussed the city's response to the recent dumping of mothballs. Consent Calendar - The majority of the consent agenda (Items A, D-I) was approved unanimously, including approval of minutes, the FY2027 Special Event Co-Sponsorship requests, and contract amendments. - Item B (Chill Parklet Renewal): Approved. The renewal of the parklet agreement was authorized. It was noted the parklet has recouped $52,994.43 of the initial $50,000 taxpayer investment. - Item C (Holiday Decorations): Approved. The contract for $76,621.00 for December 2026 holiday decorations was authorized. This is the final year of the contract, prompting discussion on potential changes and state road jurisdiction for future years. - Item J (Hydro-Klean Amendment): Approved. The amendment for stormwater and wastewater infrastructure assessment was authorized. An update stated that 97% of wastewater mains and 60% of stormwater systems have been cleaned or inspected. Public Comments & Testimony - On Microtransit and PSTA: Caamera Mizucci and Dana Richardson spoke against the Freebee program due to its cost, suggesting alternative local services. Bonnie Arnold spoke in favor of Freebee for safety and against the Sunrunner. Bob Sparrow warned of the liability insurance risks of operating the service. - On Ordinance 2026-16: Holly Noonan, a public policy student, spoke in support of the wastewater fee restructuring, arguing it was fiscally responsible and aligned with public finance principles. - On General City Issues: Vincent Torminia requested city assistance for residents whose hurricane repairs were mischaracterized as remodels by the tax assessor. Mike Peza detailed a financial hardship caused by a city permitting error regarding the Coastal Construction Line. Dana Richardson requested simplicity in the Chill Parklet agreement. Discussion Items - Microtransit and PSTA Service Future: - Commissioners Marriott, Maldonado, Robinson, Causey, and Mayor Tate expressed a consensus to discontinue the Freebee microtransit program, citing an unsustainable cost of approximately $15-$17 per trip and a $500,000 annual budget exposure. - There was strong support for retaining the PSTA contract, particularly to ensure the continuation of the PSTA Access paratransit service for disabled and vulnerable residents. - Commissioner Marriott suggested exploring a reduced subsidy level (e.g., $100,000) to see what service PSTA could provide. Commissioner Robinson suggested looking outside of PSTA for paratransit alternatives. - The Resident UPass option, providing 200 free passes for all PSTA services at a cost of $4,000, was discussed as a potential low-cost alternative for resident mobility if Freebee is cut. - Staff presented the FY2027 PSTA subsidy of $242,000 (up from $220,000), which excludes the soon-to-be-eliminated Route 90. Commissioner Robinson strongly questioned paying $22,000 more for less service. - Mothballs on the Beach: - Commissioner Maldonado raised the issue of persons placing mothballs behind hotels. The Commission unanimously condemned the act. - The Commission directed staff to work with the State Attorney's Office, pursue maximum penalties, seek restitution, and identify all avenues for city remediation, including potential impacts on business licenses. Key Outcomes - Microtransit Freebee: Staff was directed to discontinue the Freebee service. The procurement process will be halted, and the current contract will be closed out. - PSTA FY2027 Subsidy: The Commission gave broad direction to continue funding the PSTA, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the PSTA Access program. The specific funding level ($242,000 or a reduced amount) will be further negotiated and finalized in the upcoming budget. - Ordinances Approved (First Reading): - Ordinance 2026-16 (Wastewater Fees): Adopted by a 5-0 vote. - Ordinance 2026-17 (Reclaimed Water Fees): Adopted by a 5-0 vote. - Consent Items Approved: - Items A, D-I approved unanimously. - Item B (Chill Parklet): Approved unanimously. - Item C (Holiday Decorations): Approved unanimously. - Item J (Hydro-Klean): Approved unanimously. - Directives: - City Manager to investigate potential county tax assessment errors for hurricane repairs. - City Manager to review the building permit case regarding the Coastal Construction Line oversight. - City Attorney to itemize all legal and administrative remedies available to the city regarding the mothball incident. - Staff to investigate state road subsidies for holiday decorations for future budget cycles.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., the St. Pete Beach City Commission convened a budget work session in the Commission Chambers at 155 Corey Avenue. Finance Director Devin Schmidt presented the FY 2027 preliminary operating budget, covering financial policies, revenues, personnel, department-by-department comparisons, all funds, capital projects, and public engagement. The session lasted about one hour and 45 minutes; no formal votes were taken. Budget Presentation & Commission Discussion - Financial policies: Florida requires a balanced budget; the presented budget is balanced. The city maintains a 25% unassigned fund balance (about three months of operations), a 10% hurricane contingency for declared emergencies, and directs one-time funds above reserves to capital projects. Capital assets are defined as items costing $5,000 or more or lasting longer than one year; the multi-year capital program uses a $20,000 threshold. - Revenues: Total FY 2027 budget sources are $85.2 million, with the general fund, capital fund, and four enterprise funds accounting for 89% of city revenue. The ad valorem millage rate remains flat at 3.0913 mills since FY 2024, when the commission reduced it from 3.15 mills—the first reduction in nine years. About 70% of the tax base is non-homesteaded; Director Schmidt said that if Amendment 3 passes, the city would face a $1.1 million gap in the first year and growing gaps afterward. - FEMA and disaster recovery: The city has 86 active FEMA projects with $9.1 million in obligated federal shares and about $5.9 million still outstanding, largely Category B. Commissioner Causey asked for a timeline of FEMA receipts and county/state/federal hurricane recovery funding; Schmidt committed to providing a follow-up. The City Manager explained that the county and state fronted money during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but next hurricane season the city will have to pay upfront for on-ground assessments and seek FEMA reimbursement. A $200 million county community grant program for recovery has not yet been launched. - Personnel: The FY 2027 budget includes no new positions. It authorizes 159.6 FTE positions: 124.25 in the general fund, 16 in building, 17.10 in enterprise funds, and 2.25 in fleet. Assumptions include a 3.5% benefits increase, 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment, 1.5% merit increase, and worst-case 10% increases for workers’ compensation and property insurance. Schmidt noted the FY 2026 library services budget was understated because of a system implementation error; a September budget amendment will correct it. - Departmental changes: The city commission budget decreased because the recommended commission raise was not placed on the ballot. The city attorney budget increased, including $25,000 for specialty outside counsel. IT absorbed the iWork program from the building fund with administrative service fees. HR funding increased to support a professional HR team and new HRIS system. Fire/EMS includes a wage reopener increase and two county-reimbursed vehicles. Resident services is returning to pre-hurricane service levels, including the gym coming back online. - Fund summaries: The general fund projects $32.7 million in revenues, $33.4 million in expenditures, and a $9 million ending fund balance. The building fund projects $1.7 million in revenue, $2.5 million in expenditures, and a $2.9 million ending balance while drawing down to statutory levels. The resiliency fund shows $364,000 in revenue, about $5 million in expenditures, and a $4.3 million ending balance, driven by reappropriated capital projects. The multimodal fund is holding about $1.1 million in parks and transportation impact fees for a future project. The fleet fund projects $800,000 in revenue and about $1.3 million in programmed spending. The stormwater fund projects $4.6 million in expenditures—$3.1 million capital, $863,000 operating, and $348,000 personnel—with 4.55 FTE. The parking fund projects $8.8 million in revenue, $8.6 million in expenditures, and a $6.7 million ending balance, and includes the freebee service, PSTA contract, and $300,000 for a license plate recognition system. Wastewater rates now include future capital costs; the reclaimed water study did not address individual property metering. - Capital program: The capital program across eight funds is now about $61.8 million, down from the $64 million shown in earlier budget road shows. Most projects already underway will not be complete by September 30 and will be reappropriated into FY 2027. - Commissioner questions: Commissioner Maldonado asked about audits; Schmidt said the city received no findings in the state’s DOGE-style review, and the Finance Budget Review Committee will meet September 2 to review eight audit proposals before recommending a firm on September 21. Commissioner Robinson questioned the lack of operational cuts, said she would be willing to give up commission salaries but noted a charter referendum would be required, asked when stormwater assessments first placed on tax bills would expire, and noted a 150% variable and 70% fixed assessment increase in 2022. Staff committed to research loan documentation and to consider retitling assessments with expiration dates. Commissioner Robinson also asked about higher-yield investments; Schmidt said the city has moved funds from CDs to Florida Safe and is reviewing its investment policy. Commissioner Marion asked to separate actual expenditures from interfund transfers in future reports, requested projections of reduced general fund subsidies as enterprise funds become self-sustaining, and asked about staff turnover; HR Director Jody Costello said there are currently six vacancies out of 159.6 FTE. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were adopted; the session was informational. - Staff will provide follow-ups on: FEMA reimbursement history and projected receipts; the $200 million county recovery grant program timeline; stormwater assessment loan details and expiration dates; possible retitling of assessments on tax bills; investment policy review; five-year projections of enterprise fund fee impacts and reduced general fund transfers; annual staff turnover data; and clearer reporting of transfers versus actual spending. - A September budget amendment will correct the FY 2026 library services understatement caused by the system implementation error. - Upcoming dates: final budget road show on August 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the District 2 library; public survey closes September 3 at midnight; millage adoption and first budget reading on September 9; final budget reading on September 21; Finance Budget Review Committee audit selection meeting on September 2.

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the Commission Chambers at 155 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, Florida. All five commissioners were present: Mayor Tate, Vice Mayor Robinson, and Commissioners Marriott, Causey, and Maldonado. The commission amended the agenda to add Customary Use as a discussion item, approved consent items, adopted the Merry Pier resolution, and discussed short-term rental registration, agenda timing, county commissioner liaisons, and customary use. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as amended by a 5-0 vote. - Consent items 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3g were approved 5-0. These approved the July 28, 2026 meeting minutes (no minutes document was supplied in the source), the St. Pete Beach Classic street closure (Jan. 16–17, 2026 as listed on the agenda), the 8th Avenue Block Party street closure and alcohol sales/consumption (Oct. 17, 2026), and Resolution 2026-30 authorizing a temporary construction easement with Pinellas County for city-owned easement areas at Gulf Way. - Consent items 3d, 3e, and 3f were pulled for commissioner questions and then approved 5-0. - On 3d, Assistant City Manager Adam Poyer said the $73,500 payment to Conure Telecom Services is for license plate readers used to manage the city’s parking program, not Flock cameras, and the amount is already in the FY 2026 budget, so no additional funds were requested. - On 3e, staff said the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office interlocal agreement is for $3,707,724 from Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027. The city receives about a 30% discount because property taxes already help fund county sheriff services. The increase is about 5.74%; last year’s contract was flat; the city reduced community policing deputies from three to two and lowered the overtime budget from $250,000 to $150,000; unused prepaid additional services may be refunded. - On 3f, the technology director said the existing security system has been sunsetted, cannot be patched, and creates security vulnerabilities. The new Empire Consulting, Inc./Verkada security system contract is for $100,410.60 over three years and is projected to save about $7,000 per year in ongoing maintenance and support, with features such as phone-based proximity access. Public Comments & Testimony - No audience comment cards were reported by the City Clerk at the start of the meeting, and no public comment was received before the Merry Pier resolution vote. Action Item: Merry Pier Resolution 2026-25 - The City Attorney explained that the Merry Pier lease expired in February 2026 and was not renewed. A tenant counterproposal was unacceptable and would have granted up to a 15-year lease. The commission adopted Resolution 2026-25 by a 5-0 vote, authorizing service of a notice demanding surrender of the Merry Pier property by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2026, and authorizing the City Attorney to pursue a possession action in circuit court if surrender is not timely made. The resolution also states that the alleged whole-pier lease lacked the required affirmative commission approval. Discussion: Short-Term Rental Registration - Assistant City Manager Adam Poyer presented an overview. St. Pete Beach has pre-2011 short-term rental restrictions that provide grandfathered protections, but any new ordinance must be drafted carefully to avoid changing rental duration or frequency and risking that status. Registration is legally possible but would require substantial staff time; comparable programs in Cocoa Beach and Anna Maria Island require two or three full-time equivalent employees. Fees can cover only program administration and enforcement, cannot create a surplus, and would have to be set to actual costs. - Poyer reported rough counts of 785 Airbnb listings and 928 VRBO listings for St. Pete Beach, with overlap between the platforms, and said that is about half of Treasure Island’s nearly 1,300 Airbnb listings. Anna Maria Island has 720 registered short-term rentals, about 45% of its residential properties. - Enforcement complaints are mostly about short-term rentals operating outside allowed zoning areas or exceeding the allowed rental windows, not noise or parking complaints. Cases are becoming harder to prove before the special magistrate, and fine revenue only partially offsets enforcement costs. - Vice Mayor Robinson supported a registration program and a low-cost AI or data-mining enforcement tool, saying it would send a message that residents do not want St. Pete Beach to become an Airbnb community. She argued registration fees would cover costs currently borne by taxpayers and cited pre-storm special magistrate meetings that were about 90% rental-related. - Commissioner Maldonado said he could support a registration program only if it could be managed internally without new FTEs, preferred software or AI tools over new positions, and considered a larger program premature at this point. - Commissioner Marriott opposed creating a registration program, calling it a red-tape make-work program. She said illegal operators will not register, the rules already in place are good, and the city should focus on enforcing existing rules with current code enforcement staff and inexpensive technology. - Mayor Tate said his biggest fear is inadvertently losing the grandfathered status and he favored cost-effective enforcement rather than a large new program. A legal comment noted that the grandfathered restrictions are affected only by changes to rental duration or frequency. - Commissioner Causey asked for data on the types and locations of offenders and suggested staff research low-cost AI tools used by other cities. The City Manager said the direction he heard from the commission was to consider only a minimal, low-cost AI enforcement option, not a large registration program. Discussion: City Commission Agenda Preparation - A commissioner asked whether agendas, which have ranged from 900 to 2,000 pages, could be delivered Tuesday afternoon instead of Thursday afternoon. The City Clerk and City Manager explained internal review deadlines, the need for attorney and manager review, and the risk that earlier publication would reduce quality or delay items to a later meeting. The consensus was to keep the current Thursday delivery timeline. Discussion: County Commissioner Liaisons - This item was informational. Speakers identified Chris Scherer, Vince Nowicki, and Kathleen Peters as county commissioners with responsibility for parts of St. Pete Beach; all three serve on the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, and Peters also serves on the Tourist Development Council and stormwater/wastewater committees. Commissioner Causey displayed a county map showing two at-large county commission districts cutting through the city, giving St. Pete Beach two at-large county commissioners. Mayor Tate said he has met with or is coordinating meetings with county commissioners and was nominated by the Barrier Islands mayors group as first choice for a Tourist Development Council seat. No formal action was taken. Discussion: Customary Use - Vice Mayor Robinson asked for next steps after the prior customary use workshop. The City Attorney said customary use is a judicially created doctrine that is exempt from regulatory takings claims, while a city ordinance on the same subject could create regulatory takings exposure. - The City Attorney reported that the city was sued in federal court by The Undertow and Plaza Beach Hotel over beach signage, and that the city filed its answer that day. The answer includes affirmative defense number nine based on customary use, citing City of Daytona Beach v. Tona-Rama, Inc. and Bendinger v. Town of Redington Beach. The City Attorney also noted that Daniels v. Town of Palm Beach is now on appeal to the 11th Circuit with a cross-appeal. - Because litigation is pending, the commission expects to discuss strategy in a shade/executive session. Residents with old photographs or documentation of customary beach use in the relevant segment, roughly from the public beach south for half a mile, may send it to the City Clerk; the City Attorney plans to issue a one-page instruction sheet. Administrative & Commission Reports - Publix is still in lease negotiations with landlord Bricksmore; a community meeting is planned for the fall, and a conditional use permit hearing is hoped for spring 2027. - Budget roadshows: District 4 on Aug. 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Warren Webster Building in Pass-a-Grille; District 2 on Aug. 26, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the public library. - Fire Station 22 groundbreaking is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2026 at approximately 10:00 a.m. at 1950 Pass-a-Grille Way. - Commissioner Maldonado thanked the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for investigating recent break-ins and reminded residents to lock their properties. Commissioner Marriott noted that PSTA Route 90 may be eliminated and that a public hearing is scheduled at the next PSTA board meeting; he also said building permits show the shopping center at 75th and Gulf Boulevard is being repaired, not demolished. Key Outcomes - Agenda amended to add Customary Use and approved 5-0. - Consent items approved: 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3g by 5-0; pulled items 3d, 3e, and 3f by 5-0 after discussion. - Resolution 2026-25 adopted 5-0. - Short-term rental registration: no new registration program or FTEs were directed at this time; staff were directed to consider low-cost AI or data-mining enforcement tools and continue enforcing existing rules. - Agenda preparation: the Thursday publication timeline was retained. - County commissioner liaison assignment: informational only; no action taken. - Customary use: no local ordinance was directed; the federal court defense will continue, evidence collection instructions will be issued, and a future shade/executive session is anticipated.

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included presentations on the FY2027 millage rate options and a wastewater fee study, extensive public comment, and key decisions on a fire station construction contract, a conditional use permit for an off-premise parking lot, and direction on utility fees. Several agenda items were continued to the next meeting. Note on Agenda/Minutes/Transcript Discrepancies: - The order of presentations was shifted from the printed agenda: the millage rate presentation occurred before the wastewater fee study. Items 7A (Short-term Rental Registration) and 7B (Agenda Preparation) were continued. - The provided minutes were empty. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the consent agenda with the exception of items 4B and 4F, which were pulled for discussion. - Item 4F: Property Acquisition: Approved the acceptance of a property donation on 44th Avenue from Candace L. Mortenson for a nominal sum of $10.00. The property is intended for flood mitigation and a native Florida landscaping showcase. - Item 4B: Audio Visual Replacement: Approved a contract with AVI-SPL for $152,050.21 to replace the antiquated meeting audiovisual system. Commissioner Maldonado defended the cost as necessary for public access and transparency. - Other routine consent items were approved unanimously, including special event permits for Belle Vista Halloween Block Party and Surfers for Autism, an agreement with the Florida Department of Emergency Management for a Watershed Master Plan ($125,000), and an agreement with Brycer for fire code compliance. Public Comments & Testimony - Vena Del Mar Park & Parks Infrastructure: Several residents (Terry Grocott, David Gamma, Dean D'Amato, Ted Teal) spoke passionately about park conditions. They advocated against removing Royal Poinciana trees (which Commissioner Maldonado later confirmed was no longer under consideration), requested improved dog park surfaces (mulch/turf), and asked for equal investment in Vena Del Mar Park compared to other city parks. - Millage Rate & Budget: Residents expressed divided opinions. Kathy Garcho (Finance Committee) supported a millage increase for infrastructure. Rich Lorenzen and Bruda Hans urged the commission to focus on infrastructure over parks and demonstrate budget cuts before raising taxes. Dana Richardson requested significant community engagement before any tax increase vote. Deborah Scheckner argued residents unfairly subsidize tourist-related services. - Wastewater Fees: Deborah Scheckner and Dana Richardson supported redistributing costs towards hotels and large commercial users, arguing they do not pay their fair share of the system costs. Discussion Items - FY2027 Millage Rate (TRIM Notice): - Finance Director Devin Schmidt presented rate history (current: 3.0913 mills), tax base composition (71% non-homestead), and statutory options (rolled-back: 3.075, 2/3 max: 3.830). The Finance Budget Review Committee recommended the 2/3 max. - The commission debated the need for a tax increase. Commissioner Causey supported following the committee's recommendation. Commissioner Maldonado and Commissioner Marriott expressed caution. - Direction: The commission agreed to set a higher TRIM notice (approximately 3.67 mills, generating $3M) to allow for community engagement over the next month via district meetings and surveys. The final vote in September can lower this rate to flat if public sentiment is against an increase. The city manager was directed to frame potential uses of the revenue (infrastructure, resiliency, parks) for public feedback. - Wastewater Fee Study (Raftelis): - Consultant Sean Oscassio presented findings showing a rate inequity: Residential customers pay 105% of system average cost, Multifamily 138%, and Commercial 77%. - Two phase-in options for restructuring commercial rates were presented: a 3-year phase-in (Alternative 1) and a 5-year phase-in (Alternative 2). - Commissioners expressed concern over the impact on small businesses but noted the necessity of the increases to address critical infrastructure needs. - Direction: The commission directed staff to proceed with Alternative 1 (3-year phase-in) and to continue exploring a county takeover of the wastewater system as a long-term solution for lowering rates. - Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 26107 & Rescissions: - Staff presented a modified CUP for an off-premise parking lot at 3815-3861 Gulf Blvd. Conditions included a 120-day transition period, valet-only operation thereafter, and security measures. - Commissioner Causey proposed an amendment requiring the lot to be either locked or attended on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM during the initial 120 days to prevent unauthorized beachgoer parking. The applicant agreed. - Outcome: The CUP was approved. Following this, the commission unanimously approved Resolutions 2026-14 and 2026-16, rescinding prior parking lot permits for Hotel Zamora and Tradewinds based on violations. - Recreation Fees: Mandy Edmonds presented the new fee schedule (Resolution 2026-24), which focuses fee increases on non-residents. It was approved. - Beach Maintenance: Commissioner Maldonado requested the Mayor re-engage with Pinellas County and the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) council to secure funds for beach maintenance and enhancements. The commission supported this. - House Bill 803: Commissioner Marriott requested the city attorney and staff research HB 803 to identify opportunities to streamline building permits. Key Outcomes - Millage Rate: The commission set direction for a higher TRIM notice to facilitate community engagement. A final vote is scheduled for September 9, 2026. - Wastewater Fees: Staff directed to draft an ordinance for Alternative 1 (3-year phase-in) of commercial rate restructuring. County takeover discussions to continue. - Fire Station 22: Approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $10,479,642.00 with Hennessy Construction for the new fire station. Construction expected to start September 2026. - Conditional Use Permit (CUP 26107): Approved with specific conditions related to security, valet operations, and screening. - Rescission of Prior CUPs: Resolutions 2026-14 and 2026-16 were approved, revoking existing parking permits based on violations. - Recreation Fees: Ordinance 2026-14 and Resolution 2026-24 were approved. - Future Agenda Items: - City Attorney and staff to report on House Bill 803. - City Manager and Mayor to develop a project list for TDT funding. - Community outreach on the millage rate to begin (district meetings, surveys). - Adjournment: The meeting was extended and adjourned after completing all agenda items.