The primary focus of the meeting was Ordinance 2024-9, which sought to amend the city’s development standards, specifically addressing the height of buildings in the John’s Pass Village Activity Center. This was the second reading of the ordinance, with changes including height regulations for commercial core structures. Residents voiced significant opposition to the proposed increase in building height from 36 feet to 54 feet.

Joanne Clayin, a resident of Gulf Lane, articulated the community’s concerns, stating, “Our neighborhood all came out because we were at the workshop and we heard what Ray heard,” emphasizing that there was confusion regarding the height discussed. She argued that the proposed increase would alter the village’s character and that residents had been led to believe the height would remain at 36 feet. Jack Klein, another long-time resident, echoed these sentiments, insisting, “If we agree on 36 ft and that is what goes down, that should be what we stand by.” He implored the commissioners to reconsider the height limits to preserve the small-town atmosphere of Madeira Beach.

In response, a commissioner clarified that the proposed heights were consistent with existing structures, asserting, “This is lower than the buildings that are already in the commercial core district.” This statement aimed to address misunderstandings about the proposal, indicating that the new height limits would not exceed those of current buildings, particularly the existing parking garage.

The discussion was further complicated by technical details regarding how height is measured. Specific measurements were noted, such as the top of the elevator shaft reaching 64 feet 2 inches, with the design flood elevation (DFE) at 54 feet 2 inches. These measurements highlighted complexities in understanding existing structures against new regulations. The variance granted in January 2004, allowing for height measurement to the eave rather than the highest point of the building, added another layer of complexity.

Concerns were raised about how the proposed height regulations would impact the architectural landscape. It was noted that altering the measurement from the highest point to the eave line could effectively add height to new constructions, potentially resulting in buildings that exceed the intended height. To mitigate the “canyon effect,” design elements like step backs for floors above the second story were proposed.”

Public comments illustrated a strong desire to maintain the visual aesthetics and walkability of John’s Pass Village. Tom Edwards highlighted the village’s appeal, stressing, “People don’t want to go out and see tall buildings in that Village area.” Despite the opposition, there were arguments in favor of the ordinance.

After debate, the commissioners voted on the ordinance, resulting in a narrow 3-2 decision to approve the height stipulations as discussed. This decision underscored the ongoing tension between resident desires for preservation and the city’s development objectives.

Following the height regulation debate, the commissioners addressed several other ordinances and projects. Ordinance 2024-11 was approved, changing the zoning designation of the John’s Pass Village Activity Center area to C1, with a unanimous 5-0 vote. Similarly, Ordinance 2024-25, which involved deleting sections of the Land Development Code related to the former C2 zoning district, passed unanimously after being described as a necessary code cleanup.

The meeting also covered Ordinance 2024-13, amending the C3 retail commercial zoning district to allow townhouses and open rooftop uses as special exceptions. This ordinance, which passed unanimously, included provisions for public input through required meetings. Ordinance 2024-14, similar to the previous but applied to the C4 Marine Commercial zoning area, was also approved unanimously.

Additional topics included updates to the Fees and Collections Procedural Manual, with changes such as an increase in parking rates and the introduction of a $100 annual fee for short-term vacation rental inspections. Ordinance 2024-17 proposed a 5% increase in local business tax fees, marking the first increase since 2014, and was approved unanimously.

Unfinished business included a flood insurance update and a letter to the state regarding a homestead issue, both of which were approved. The board also approved a contract with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services, with a proposed 7% increase due to rising costs.