0:00The meeting began with the City Manager’s proposal to contract Jacobs for building permit processing services. This decision was prompted by the city’s increased demand for permits, which has substantially risen since the reopening of City Hall on October 22, with over 1,000 individuals seeking assistance. The contract with Jacobs, valued at a maximum of $31,667, was deemed necessary to expedite the permitting process and aid recovery efforts. The Community Development Department highlighted the need for permits due to FEMA regulations, noting that all buildings in Treasure Island lie within a special flood hazard area.

Public comments revealed a community grappling with bureaucratic inefficiencies. Resident Mary Katherine urged a reevaluation of city revenue sources and expenditures, emphasizing a need for kindness toward city staff. Meanwhile, R. Tuning shared stories of friends displaced by the storms, criticizing the city’s bureaucratic hurdles. Sarah Pennington questioned the necessity of substantial damage assessments, given the city’s shift to a permitting option that purportedly bypassed such requirements, and called for better communication from city officials.

47:40The meeting also underscored the significant backlog in permit processing. Frederick Kelsey, a long-time resident, praised initial responses but lamented the slow rebuilding progress. Others, like Jim Earl, criticized financial decisions related to hiring external personnel. Cara Lonnie Orens called for improved leadership and communication.

2:20:56The session took a contentious turn when discussing the living shoreline and seawall rehabilitation projects. Divergent views emerged on whether to prioritize these projects over immediate rebuilding needs. Some residents expressed concerns over the cost and practicality of the living shoreline, advocating for traditional seawalls. Others emphasized the potential benefits of the project, including grant funding and environmental improvements. This debate highlighted a broader tension between long-term infrastructure developments and immediate recovery efforts.

4:13:01The appointment of a new District 2 commissioner was another focal point, which included a lack of consensus among commissioners. Community support was largely in favor of Chris Clark, who was praised for his leadership during emergencies and community involvement. However, the commission faced procedural challenges and a lack of agreement, resulting in the postponement of the decision. Commissioner Deb Toth, though absent, expressed her support for Diana Crill, citing her experience in planning and zoning.

0:00The meeting concluded with the acknowledgment of the need for further discussions and coordination on both the commissioner appointment and ongoing projects. The city manager and commissioners agreed to revisit these topics at a future meeting.