Madeira Beach Appoints New Vice Mayor Amid Financial and Planning Discussions
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
04/10/2024
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Recording Published:
04/11/2024
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Duration:
82 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Pinellas County
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Towns:
Madeira Beach
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Madeira Beach City Board of Commissioners appointed Anne-Marie Brooks as the new Vice Mayor, discussed the city’s strong financial position, and made strides in urban planning with the approval of a new city master plan. The meeting also addressed the implementation of a special magistrate code enforcement, the approval of a 4COP alcoholic beverage license for Dockside Dave’s Restaurant, and the approval of a contract for the restoration of 22 beach dunes.
The appointment of Anne-Marie Brooks as Vice Mayor was a unanimous decision by the Board of Commissioners. This decision followed the announcement of the election results for the Madeira Beach Charter Amendment, which did not pass, with 236 votes for and 429 votes against.
The report generated positive feedback, revealing an unmodified opinion on the city’s financial statements and no internal control comments. The general fund balance remained flat year-over-year, with approximately 85% of the budget held in reserves. The city’s business-type funds were also in a strong position, and the net pension liability related to the Florida retirement system was addressed.
An ordinance for special magistrate code enforcement, ordinance 20244, was unanimously approved. This new enforcement structure reflects changes adopted in Chapter 162 Florida Statutes. The Board also unanimously approved ordinance 20246 concerning special magistrate compensation and ordinance 20245 regarding the fees and collections procedures manual for FY 2024.
The Board conducted a quasi-judicial hearing for the application by Dockside Dave’s Restaurant for a special Food Service establishment for a 4COP alcoholic beverage license. The city attorney summarized the application and the standards for review. The city staff recommended the approval of the license, indicating that it would not adversely affect the neighborhood, create traffic congestion or safety hazards, or affect public safety. The application, which included plans for an expansion of the restaurant without altering operating hours, was approved unanimously.
Regarding the Board of Commissioners policy handbook, resolution 20242 proposed amending it by removing the staff reports section from the order of the agenda and separating the approval of the minutes from the consent agenda. The specifics of the debate on these changes were not detailed in the transcript.
The discussion on the rotational basis for roll call voting, with reference to Robert’s Rules of Order, resulted in a motion to approve the changes, excluding the rotation of the vote, which was passed with a 3-2 decision. The importance of the mayor’s voting position was highlighted, with varying perspectives on whether the mayor should cast his vote last to prevent the potential use of the last vote as leverage.
The emphasis was on public engagement and community workshops to ensure an effective plan.
The restoration of 22 beach dunes, a topic previously discussed in a workshop, saw the selection of Spieler Companies as the recommended vendor. The unanimous approval of ITB 2023-2024 marked a commitment to environmental conservation and city beautification.
The Board also addressed logistical issues by approving the surplus of three trucks and the purchase of a new one due to the current truck’s multiple issues. Recognition was given to the sanitation staff for their hard work, and the possibility of outsourcing sanitation was discussed, with skepticism about its feasibility due to the high level of service provided by the current staff.
James Rostek
City Council Officials:
James “Jim” Rostek, David Tagliarini, Ray Kerr, Eddie McGeehen, Anne-Marie Brooks
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
04/10/2024
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Recording Published:
04/11/2024
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Duration:
82 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Pinellas County
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Towns:
Madeira Beach
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