07:26John Vanhov, a resident from John’s Pass Avenue, articulated the challenges he and his family have faced due to the protracted wait for a permit to elevate their home. Having submitted his application over a week prior, Vanhov detailed the hardships of living without air conditioning while awaiting approvals. His research into the permit process revealed an alarming backlog, with only two of 20 permits submitted over the last 14 months having been issued, 14 still pending, and four not yet reviewed. Highlighting the potential risks associated with the upcoming hurricane season, Vanhov urged the city to explore innovative solutions, such as outsourcing permit reviews to independent engineering firms, to expedite the process.

15:00Sarah Nichols, another resident, echoed these concerns, sharing her own experience with delays in securing a permit for interior renovations. Nichols pointed out that with only one individual responsible for permit approvals, any absence led to significant delays. Her permit had been approved, yet the city’s website failed to update this status, causing confusion. Nichols proposed a mutual aid agreement with other municipalities to share resources and alleviate the backlog.

The public comment period concluded with no immediate responses from the commissioners, in keeping with the usual format of these sessions. However, the concerns raised prompted a broader discussion among the board members about the necessity of improving the permit process.

23:12Following the public comments, the commissioners addressed several items on the consent agenda, including roadway and drainage improvements and amendments to existing agreements. Notably, the amendment to the Kimley Horn agreement was discussed, which aimed to provide the city with greater flexibility in planning tasks related to the master plan. Given the current strain on the planning department due to the volume of permits, the amendment enables external assistance to manage the workload. The commission approved the amendment.

27:26Another topic was the approval of ordinance 2025-13, which updated the city’s fee manual, including changes to overnight parking and development fees. A discussion on post-disaster permit fees was included, allowing for permits to be issued at 0% after board approval, with penalties for work done without a permit. The ordinance was passed unanimously, with an emphasis on ensuring public awareness of the new fines to prevent inadvertent non-compliance by residents.

31:58The meeting also covered the settlement agreement approval related to the Madeira Beach Fire Station. The city attorney outlined the background of a lawsuit against the contractor and architect due to construction and design issues. The settlement, reached after extensive mediation, involved a confidential agreement that included a payment to the city and provisions for necessary repairs. The commissioners gave their authority to execute the settlement, with assurances that defect management would be addressed once funds were available.

38:28Lastly, the commissioners discussed the upcoming workshop agenda, which included a variety of topics such as ceremonial policies, the Johns Pass dredging review, and grant writing services. A commissioner proposed adding a discussion on plan review times, highlighting the need for adequate staffing to handle an anticipated influx of complex permits. This was recognized as a valid concern, given the expected nature of upcoming permits.

The city has faced an unprecedented volume of permits, posing significant challenges in staffing and recruitment. Suggestions for interlocal agreements and collaboration with neighboring communities like Treasure Island were considered as potential solutions.