A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the complexities of debris removal, a concern for both officials and residents. The city manager highlighted the logistical challenges faced by the city, stating that the existing contract employs seven trucks for debris removal, each capable of clearing debris from only three to five homes at a time. Residents expressed frustration over the slow pace and visibility of debris piles, with commissioners acknowledging the difficulty of coordinating the removal process while ensuring safety and compliance with FEMA guidelines. An important update shared during the meeting was FEMA’s approval of a 90-day period for 100% reimbursement for debris removal, an extension from the standard 30 days.

Another major topic was the city’s sewer system, which suffered significant damage during the storms. The city engineer reported that all 21 lift stations had been affected, with many relying on backup generators due to utility power loss. The engineer emphasized that the issue was not capacity-related but rather due to damage to control panels and electrical equipment. The commission discussed the need for repairs, particularly to Pump Station One, which is projected to cost $6 million.

The meeting also addressed the permitting process, an area of concern for residents eager to rebuild. The commission discussed potential changes to streamline permitting, including the possibility of creating a recovery task force to expedite the process. The commission considered a moratorium on new construction to prioritize permits for homes that could be immediately occupied. Additionally, the city plans to expand operational hours for permitting and code enforcement to meet the increased demand, with plans to staff the permit desk with officials to expedite approvals.

Discussions further touched on the implications of FEMA regulations, particularly the five-year look-back period for property improvements, which could impact residents’ ability to rebuild. The commission acknowledged that this period might effectively only cover the past three years due to its implementation in 2021, and expressed a need for clarity on whether it could be modified following the hurricane.

The commission also addressed the transition to new legal representation, with a motion to select the Vose firm as the interim City Attorney. The decision was based on the firm’s familiarity with St. Pete Beach and their experience with environmental issues relevant to the region. The commission expressed confidence in the firm’s ability to provide competent legal counsel during this challenging time.

In addition to recovery efforts, the commission discussed employee relief measures in light of the recent disasters, proposing adjustments to personnel policies to support city employees affected by the storms. The proposed program would expand the existing PTO donation program, allowing employees to request additional leave for reconstruction efforts, with a limit of 40 hours available through donations from colleagues.