Christina R. Porter

The Town Council meeting agenda for February 10, 2026, includes consideration of the agenda itself and public comments. The consent agenda involves approving the minutes from the January 13, 2026, meeting, recurring expenses for January 2026, and staff reports from December 2025. Key discussion items include a report from the Fire Chief, correspondence regarding equipment sale offers from Volt USA, and a public hearing for Resolution No. 03-2026 concerning a promotional budget amendment. The agenda also features proclamations for National 211 Day, Irish American Heritage Month, and Flood Awareness Week. Additionally, the agenda lists discussions for citizen and council member comments, and sets schedules for future meetings.

Key discussions during the meeting included the handling of a $1500 donation, where the initial idea of purchasing letters for the building was rejected in favor of obtaining a metal sign indicating the library's name and operating hours for street placement. Selections for the upcoming Read & Feed program were reviewed. The board determined participation in the St. Patrick's Day Festival would be limited to a book sale on March 14. A schedule was established for book sales at the Sunday Morning Markets spanning from January to May. A new proposal for the library's operating days and hours, effective in January, was unanimously approved, setting hours for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. A tentative date of January 22 was set for a training and membership meeting, which also includes a security briefing by Chief Lee Ann Holroyd. The Appreciation Dinner for staff was scheduled for January 28. Finally, the board decided to decorate a small Christmas tree for the Women's Club fundraiser and discussed purchasing a commemorative brick for Kathryn Hubbard.

The Town Council Workshop included a presentation on community protection by the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District, covering the district's history, tax structure, coverage area, financial challenges, and plans for improved fire station locations. A legislative update from the Florida League of Cities focused on proposed tax reform and its potential impact on property taxes. The council also discussed waste collection services, a potential contract piggybacking opportunity, and an update on open carry laws. The council reviewed the promotional budget, employee recognition, charitable donations, seasonal events, and fundraising efforts.

The agenda includes updates on a donation to the library, upcoming Read & Feeds, participation in the St. Patrick's Day Festival and Sunday Market, a new library hours proposal, a date for training/membership meeting, a date for an appreciation dinner, and a fund raising tree for the Women's Club. The meeting also covers the review of FY25-26 budget, decision of use of donation to the Library, consideration of a 2025 Boot Camp, and consideration of a Summer Book Sale.

The Town Council Workshop included discussions and reviews of the FDOT Safety Study concerning the installation of raised sidewalks, focusing on pedestrian safety and challenges such as space limitations and easement needs. The council also reviewed the Financial Management Policy, addressing budgeting, accounting, financial decision-making procedures, and the management of donations. Concerns were raised regarding emergency vehicle access, potential flooding issues, and resistance from property owners. The council agreed to proceed with Phase 1 of the sidewalk project and reevaluate before moving forward with Phase 2.