Josie Kerr Benwell

This strategic plan outlines the direction for Pinellas County's operations, services, and initiatives through 2030, aiming to be the standard for public service in America. It is built around four strategic priorities: Resilient Infrastructure and Environment, Healthy and Safe Communities, Prosperity and Opportunity, and Smart Service Delivery. The plan focuses on enhancing infrastructure, protecting natural beauty, fostering community well-being, supporting economic growth, and improving public service delivery through technology and innovation.

The public hearing addressed several agenda items involving petitions to vacate and zoning changes. Agenda item 38, concerning the release of a public road and reservation of a drainage utility and sidewalk easement, was deferred due to improper noticing. Agenda item 39 was a legislative petition to vacate a 16-foot alley line between Lots 3 through 28 Block B Central Park subdivision, which was approved after confirming proper advertising and notification with no objections received. Agenda item 40 was a quasi-judicial petition to vacate portions of a private drainage utility and landscape easement lining Lots 20 through 25 Enclave at Palm Harbor, which was also approved. Agenda item 41 involved a zoning change request from R3 (Rural Residential) to RM (Residential Multifamily) with a conditional overlay for a property in the Ozona community. The proposed change would limit the use to single-family attached townhouses, maintaining the existing density of five units per acre (potential for 26 units), and designating wetland areas as preservation conservation. The staff recommended approval, noting compatibility with the Ozona community overlay standards and adequate infrastructure capacity. Agenda item 42 was an application for a zoning change from R3 (Single-Family Residential) to MCO (Multifamily Residential Conditional Overlay) eliminating the use of single-family attached to lots, which received significant opposition letters. The applicant presented detailed information regarding the proposal, emphasizing that the conditional overlay would restrict development solely to townhouses, matching the existing density cap (five units per acre), despite the underlying zoning potentially allowing higher density uses if not constrained by coastal high hazard restrictions.

The meeting commenced with introductions and the welcoming of the new chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, effective January 1st. Key discussions revolved around the financial report for November 2020, noting that October TDT revenues were down 13.3% compared to the previous year, although the fiscal year 20 closed $11 million over projection. Specific financial discussions included zero co-op sales revenue due to lack of industry opportunities and personnel services being under budget due to staff working from home. Operating expenses highlighted a large contractual service payment to Creative Pinellas and lower costs for supplies, maintenance, training, and travel. Promotional expenses were low, particularly in direct sales and elite events, attributed to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 limiting in-person activities. The capital funds program was reviewed, noting that $4.4 million from projected capital revenue was used in the budget to offset lower operating revenues and maintain marketing promotion budgets. Major capital project payouts cleared were for Clearwater Marine Aquarium expansion ($26 million), Dunedin's spring training facility ($42 million), and the Craftsman Museum ($6 million). Questions were raised regarding intra-governmental services, which encompass county technology, fleet management, risk management, and general cost allocation, and international sales expenditures, which were explained by ongoing retainer fees for international market intelligence despite travel restrictions.

The meeting included public comments regarding laying illumination and scooters on the Howard Frankland Bridge, emphasizing safety concerns on Drew Street due to lane width and speed. Introductions were made for new board members and the new Active Transportation Planner, Angela Ryan. Recognition was given to outgoing Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) member Neil McMullen for eight years of service, and mention was made of Becky, who continues in her role while becoming the Executive Director of the Florida Bicycle Association. The consent agenda covered approval of previous minutes, committee appointments, annual report distribution, evaluation of the Community Transportation Coordinator, a map adjustment for Gulfport, acceptance of an auditor governance letter, and approval of an agreement with a media relations group. A public hearing addressed a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) proposed amendment change regarding the 40th Avenue Bridge project, correcting an erroneously doubled cost figure from a previous approval. Additionally, the Pinellas Planning Council public hearing reviewed Case 2001, a request by Pinellas County to change a property's land use from Residential Low Medium to Residential Medium to allow an existing assisted living facility to increase its bed count, which was discussed in relation to density calculations and precedent setting.

The session included a presentation on the airport's 2018 performance, covering economic impact, air service expansion, passenger growth, and revenue management. Discussions also addressed community engagement, customer service initiatives, and airport master plan updates. Key construction projects, such as the terminal renovation, baggage system upgrades, and gateway realignment, were reviewed. The board inquired about concession enhancements, international check-in processing, and strategies for attracting new airlines, emphasizing collaboration with economic development and tourism agencies.