Board of Commissioners

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, JANURARY 2, 2025 CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS 10451 GULF BLVD TREASURE ISLAND FL 33706 Minutes A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor John Doctor called the meeting to order at 6 p. m. and led the pledge of allegiance. B. ROLL CALL Present — 5 Mayor John Doctor Commissioner Deb Toth Commissioner Diana Crabill Commissioner Bob Minning Vice Mayor Arden Dickey C. DISCUSSION/ ACTION ITEM( S) WITH PUBLIC COMMENT DISCUSSION/ ACTION ITEM( S) C. I. Discussion on Substantial Damage moil City Manager Charles Anderson introduced the item, noting it was placed on the agenda at the request of a commissioner due to new information that might require Commission action. He explained that a previous motion to follow Federal Emergency Management Agency' s ( FEMA) Option 2 guidelines had led to unintended consequences. Community Development Director Kathryn Younkin gave a presentation, as included in the backup materials. City Manager Anderson clarified that some residents were waiting to receive their substantial damage determination letters before applying for permits. Commissioner Minning inquired about the permitting process, and Director Younkin explained that the Community Development Department had been issuing " Remain in Your Home Program" permits —such as for HVAC and roof repairs — with the caveat that the costs would be factored into the overall project valuation. She also explained that FEMA required the City to use all available information in making damage determinations, including post -storm measurements, Tidal Basin inspections, and 1

insurance claims. City Manager Anderson further explained that Tidal Basin was hired by the State of Florida to assist several municipalities, including Treasure Island, with substantial damage assessments. Mayor Doctor called for public comment. Mr. Mark Hohe, District 1, expressed concerns about the drive -by evaluation, highlighting the need for data validation before issuing further notices due to flawed information. He noted that following the December 18, 2024, Town Hall, Kevin Hayes from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office presented a solution regarding FEMA valuations for condo owners. Ms. Barb Adams, District 2, co -president of the Isle of Palms Civic Association and a realtor, highlighted the uncertainty facing residents impacted by flooding, shared several cases of citizen hardships, and emphasized the need for clear, compassionate communication from City officials. Ms. Carolyn Geck, District 2, requested a breakdown of the 1, 553 permit applications submitted, with 540 issued and 1, 330 still pending, clarity on weekly processing rates, and questioned if staffing was sufficient. She urged the City to factor in NFIP flood adjustment reports and emphasized balancing regulations with homeowner needs. Mr. Chris Clark, District 2, criticized discrepancies in substantial damage letters, particularly among similar homes, expressed concern for elderly and non -English- speaking residents who were confused by the process, requested a visual flowchart to guide residents, and emphasized the urgency for clearer communication. Mr. West Evans, District 2, called the damage letters flawed and inaccurate, claiming unqualified individuals entered the data, warned of potential fraud if the data was used for insurance purposes, and criticized technical barriers that prevent residents from accessing their assessments. Ms. Sarah Pennington, District 2, questioned the dual implementation of FEMA Options 1 and 2 and the necessity for residents to appeal letters that should be disregarded, emphasized many request the letter only because they believe it was required, and urged the City to officially adopt Option 2 and ensure consistent staff messaging and senior outreach. Ms. Jennifer Orns, District 2, voiced concern over the financial burden and delays in permitting, noting contractors were walking away; cited an increase in home listings as an indicator of dropping property values; and stressed the need for faster, clearer communication. Ms. Tracy Clark, District 2, argued assessments based on exterior evaluations were inaccurate and that flawed letters have caused fear and confusion and asked the City to prioritize accurate interior inspections and improve outreach to residents. Mr. Andrew Vasey, District 2, questioned the City's lack of advocacy with FEMA, criticized the lack of urgency in presenting FEMA' s role, and objected to the Terrain Modification Program being scheduled for the next meeting 2

Ms. Crystal Kraemer, District 2, described elderly residents receiving alarming letters despite having no damage, warned the City against issuing inaccurate letters, and called for better communication and ethical permitting practices. Mr. Anthony Johnson, District 1, expressed concern that substantial damage letters lowered property values, suggested waiving the ordinance prohibiting home sales within one year of hurricane - related repairs, and reported not receiving a response to a public records request for his determination letter. Ms. Joana expressed concern the public was generally uninformed about the nature of the City of Treasure Island, noting that it was a municipal corporation. She shared that she and her parents have been displaced since the recent storms. Joana emphasized that the City needed to better inform residents about its status as a corporate entity and urged the City to improve its overall communication and responsiveness. Mr. Arthur Czyszczon, District 3, expressed concerns that the substantial damage letters were not accurate and the impacts of the letter if the someone' s to sell their house in the future. Mr. Gary Berkowitz, District 4, expressed frustration that some residents were conducting repairs without permits, while those following the rules were left waiting and believed damage letters should be available without requiring a permit. Mr. Robert Bazzo, District 1, felt the City lacked urgency and suggested it triage the situation more effectively and believed the Commission' s direction under Option 2 was clear. Mr. Ron DeBiase, District 1, urged the City to prioritize getting residents back into their homes and asked about obtaining a permit for his own property. Following public comment, Vice Mayor Dickey stated the Commission' s direction might not have been clear and noted some residents wanted their substantial damage letters and presented a petition from 44 District 4 residents requesting them. Commissioner Crabill reported residents in District 2 had reached out for a substantial damage letter. Mayor Doctor agreed with giving the letters to the residents who wanted them. Commissioner Minning requested a cost -benefit analysis for the Jacobs contract and asked the City Attorney whether anything legally prohibited sending the letters. City Attorney Noah Draikker confirmed there was no prohibition, but any associated data would need to be reviewed for public records exemptions. Vice Mayor Dickey moved to instruct City staff to resume sending out substantial damage determination letters out as they became available; seconded by Commissioner Toth. Vice Mayor Dickey clarified the motion included the substantial damage data when available. Mayor Doctor called for public comment. Mr. Peter Donnatoni, District 3, expressed concern for slowdown on residents receiving permits due to a focus on substantial damage letters and asked for extra staff or resources to help with permitting. 3

Director Younkin clarified it took about 30 minutes per substantial damage letter and that it had been estimated about an hour per week for the flood plain manager to review the substantial damage letters. Mr. Chris Clark, District 2, expressed concerns for residents not having any answers and the inaccuracies of the substantial damage letters. Commissioner Minning explained there was an appeal process for substantial damage determination letters. Mr. Clark advocated for an alternative to the appeal process. Mr. West Evans, District 2, expressed concerns for elderly not understanding the substantial damage letters and wanted any resident who wanted the letter to request the letter and not continue to send the letters out in the mail. City Manager Anderson noted there was a requirement to send out a substantial damage determination to all structures. Ms. Brandy Long, District 2, expressed frustration with staff and the Commission. Ms. Tammy Vasquez, District 1, suggested labeling letters as " For Informational Purposes Only." Mr. Joe Pultrone, District 2, suggested giving substantial damage determination letters to residents who request it and continue with making the determination through permits, then after the permits were finished send out the rest of the letters to those who did not apply for permits. Mayor Doctor wanted to table the motion . until the next meeting. Vice Mayor Dickey, Commissioners Crabill and Commissioner Toth wanted to vote on the motion. Mr. Andrew Vasey, District 2, supported issuing letters only upon request and continuing with Option 2. Mr. Chris Downing, District 2, cautioned the Commission not to send the letter to everyone due to some residents who already have their permit but did not have the substantial damage determination letter as the determination in the letter and from the permit could contradict each other. Ms. Tracy Clark, District 2, expressed concern for residents spending money to appeal for substantial damage determinations. After closing the public hearing, Mayor Doctor motioned to table the item until the next meeting, seconded by Commissioner Minning. The motion carried three to two; Vice Mayor Dickey and Commissioner Toth voted no. D. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8: 49 p. m. El

John Doctor, Mayor A 'ttes Tia Payton, Deputy City Clerk , u fStl 0 S EAL. f) Rp(

A

A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

B. ROLL CALL

C.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM(S) WITH PUBLIC COMMENT ON DISCUSSION/ACTION

ITEM(S)

C.1 Discussion on Substantial Damage

D. ADJOURNMENT

For any person desiring to appeal any decision made by the board, agency, or

commission with respect to any matter considered a such meeting or hearing, he or she

will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to

ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the

testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based [F.S. 286.0105]. NOTE:

Any transcript shall be requested and made by the individual requesting same at his or

her own expense. Therefore, a court reporter may be desired or required accordingly.

Any person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this

proceeding is entitled to assistance at no cost. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk

in writing at 10451 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island, FL, 33706 or by phone at (727) 547-

4575 at least two working days prior to the meeting to advise what assistance is needed.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM

CITY HALL CHAMBERS

10451 GULF BLVD

TREASURE ISLAND, FL 33706

MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA

A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE B. ROLL CALL C. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM(S) WITH PUBLIC COMMENT ON DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM(S) C.1 Discussion on Substantial Damage D. ADJOURNMENT For any person desiring to appeal any decision made by the board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter considered a such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based [F.S. 286.0105]. NOTE: Any transcript shall be requested and made by the individual requesting same at his or her own expense. Therefore, a court reporter may be desired or required accordingly. Any person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding is entitled to assistance at no cost. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk in writing at 10451 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island, FL, 33706 or by phone at (727) 547- 4575 at least two working days prior to the meeting to advise what assistance is needed. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS 10451 GULF BLVD TREASURE ISLAND, FL 33706 MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA 1

AGENDA ITEM NO. C.1 Item Cover Page DATE: January 2, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Chuck Anderson, Administration ITEM TYPE: For Consideration and Discussion AGENDA SECTION: DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM(S) WITH PUBLIC COMMENT ON DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM(S) SUBJECT: Discussion on Substantial Damage BACKGROUND: . POLICY/PURPOSE: To discuss substantial damage. STRATEGIC PLAN RELEVANCE: . ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION: . FUNDING: . MOTION: . BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 2