The removal of the jetty at John’s Pass emerged as a prominent issue, with several commissioners expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of communication and public involvement in the decision-making process. Concerns were raised about the absence of a professional assessment to explore the possibility of repairing the jetty before opting for its removal. One commissioner emphasized the importance of obtaining necessary permits and ensuring transparency and collaboration with the community in such notable decisions.

The discussion revealed that only the concrete topping of the jetty had been removed. Safety concerns and legal implications were cited as reasons for the removal, but commissioners voiced frustration over the lack of prior discussion among board members and with residents, pointing out that such decisions could alter the community’s character and lead to upheaval. The call for comprehensive evaluations and community engagement was reiterated, with suggestions to assess the feasibility and cost of rebuilding the jetty.

Parallel to the jetty debate, the meeting addressed the city’s storm recovery efforts. City Manager Robin Gomez provided an update on the removal of storm debris, noting progress with over 131,000 cubic yards of debris collected since October 16. Completion was estimated at 85 to 90%, with streets seeing a marked reduction in large debris piles. However, misinformation had led some residents to seek private services for debris removal, particularly concerning drywall and hazardous waste.

The city’s substantial damage assessments post-storm were discussed, highlighting the involvement of the consulting firm Tidal Basin in evaluating over 1,700 properties for significant damage. The assessments aimed to ensure compliance with FEMA regulations, with a focus on properties built on slab foundations. Communication strategies were emphasized to streamline the permitting process and minimize paperwork for residents.

The permitting process and proposed ordinance changes related to floodplain management were also topics. A simplified permit package was introduced to assist residents in filing applications accurately, while Ordinance 2024-25 proposed revisions to flood damage assessments. The ordinance aimed to exclude costs from recent building permits in post-storm damage evaluations, thereby preventing penalties for homeowners who had made improvements prior to the storm. Concerns were raised about the ordinance’s impact on the city’s Community Rating System classification, although it was suggested that the changes would not affect the rating.

The broader financial implications of the storms were considered, with discussions on the fiscal year 2025 budget and potential revenue losses. Property reassessments were anticipated to affect ad valorem taxes, while utility service taxes and franchise fees were expected to decrease due to unoccupied structures. An ordinance proposal suggested eliminating valuation fees for storm-related repairs for a 180-day period.

The meeting also touched on impact fees and their role in post-storm rebuilding efforts. A debate arose over the fairness of imposing these fees on residents reconstructing homes to meet new FEMA standards, with suggestions for redefining fee criteria to avoid penalizing homeowners. Public comments highlighted the desire for waiving impact fees as a gesture of support for storm-affected residents, although legal and financial concerns were noted.

In addition to these major issues, the meeting covered other city matters, including the renewal of the fiscal year 2024 audit engagement with James Moore and Company and the extension of software agreements related to financial management. The potential purchase of a new vehicle for city operations and a proposal for hosting a junior college softball tournament in Madeira Beach were also discussed, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance community services and tourism.