[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6085903,"mediaKeyId","2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff","parentId",2901233,"title","Votes at a glance: Safety Harbor commission actions on April 7","audioSeconds",35,"startMs",898817,"endMs",934191,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff&start=898&end=934","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff/thumbnail_898817.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6085903/Safety-Harbor-City/Pinellas-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Safety-Harbor-commission-actions-on-April-7","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085903-2c23761cfe2cf51aa53a06b8af1a7f56/orig.mp4?Expires=1776169899&Signature=nsWAA1XMIBQvHGh24CXxQMtwOaE0W9WxVuPO6sUd-C0Vu3QHnqljobw4~pl-enKmlpBUuTfw1Q0VqPK6GDdfNklbJLCXMOflAh2vexbG8SezwrffUfZGajkQ58O3PQNxcI0EgthrWYdukWaVGmfEI2CxKpThLKUtwSESN5i3QO4lgYOG20e-qTvRiIofsanjeww6vMEtTXXMI0Nl5atj0OJHlw9FoIEVnn~vzoc4J4AZ71aBARpVVR3YUHwjgRTAIZkZLtkoDEw8kEe4Lzdqoxc7Za83J0ZNBmppETJZmHlrrdUhkfb7x0sljtsvL0DMKAJWvCm5qC6cDJiA06kYLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Safety Harbor, FL","date","2025-04-08T22:18:42.927Z","article","The Safety Harbor City Commission recorded several formal votes at its April 7 meeting. Below are the motions, outcomes and key details recorded on the meeting record.

• Consent agenda — approval of March 17 meeting minutes and a 2025 facility use agreement with Safety Harbor Little League. Outcome: approved, 5–0. (Recorded on the consent vote.)

• City correspondence to legislative delegation — authorization for the city manager to transmit letters asking for state legislative assistance for flood and erosion mitigation projects. Outcome: approved, 5–0. (Staff presented draft letters in the commission packet.)

• Authorization to negotiate a development agreement for 3110 Phillipe Parkway — commission authorized the city manager to negotiate terms and conditions for a development agreement that would enable a redevelopment proposal to move forward to subsequent hearings. Outcome: approved, 3–2. (This authorization does not approve any rezoning, future land‑use map amendment or conditional use; those require separate public hearings.)

• Fourth‑of‑July fireworks contract — staff recommended and the commission approved an explosive fireworks contract with Enter Enterprises in the amount of $25,000 for the July 4, 2025 waterfront display. Outcome: approved, 5–0.

• Gravity sewer and water main replacement (MLK/Cedar/Elm/Pine area) — staff reported the project was in the five‑year CIP and the commission approved awarding construction to the low bidder (Lehigh Coast Utilities Corp) and a project contingency, bringing the approximate construction estimate to $4.6 million. Outcome: approved, 5–0.

Several agenda items (pier/marina reconstruction after hurricane damage, watershed/creek updates, Main Street tree replacement) were discussed but did not require a final commission vote at the meeting; staff were directed to return with further materials (grant guidelines, phased study costs, bid awards and report backs) where appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4-7-25 City Commission Meeting Part 2","oneSentenceSummary","Key motions approved by the Safety Harbor City Commission on April 7 included consent‑agenda approvals, authorization to send legislative correspondence, a development‑agreement negotiation authorization, fireworks and infrastructure contracts.","taxTitle","Safety Harbor City, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",59324,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6085908,"Safety Harbor selects gumbo limbo to replace damaged Main Street entryway tree; planting work to start in April",171,205000,376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff&start=205&end=376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff/thumbnail_205000.jpg","/articles/6085908/Safety-Harbor-City/Pinellas-County/Florida/Safety-Harbor-selects-gumbo-limbo-to-replace-damaged-Main-Street-entryway-tree-planting-work-to-start-in-April","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085908-b51dd82a2520189c495296851eba4c54/orig.mp4?Expires=1776169899&Signature=eF3GoGUnR1Z~atdPmLh5NyBiV7RIb35rKvIloiBDX6maXr3g3uhK5T8tzQbdp8zgo4HGFpK~qgWzV~ckNxaxA6cV7QB6kKQgsv9SXWtixk~G-5ggZTa~VWkJFKzblQam6HRkWajTZzhOSf~LoabcLJXtagneV63aV7h1-MnFKb3FDlL0PqYFEx9qjxOYAShE7om1yFzSdXrCO0fZ7P-RjbfJ5inGQNQ8OZtTbsP4TK65Xi32Sn05Qb-HWjx6pJZvD3g3MyxpL-jgmnQsooLaHGlkxOakjk3rt8dCucW0tBnENddlNBmYTVb3m~ag4tTfHsPNx5kA4xu-CM4hJZb77Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented plans on April 7 to replace a storm‑damaged entry tree at the Main Street and McMullen Booth intersection with a native gumbo limbo and restore the plantings and soil in the area.

James Ryan, the city arborist, told the commission the original ear tree showed structural root failure and a westward lean toward a traffic‑occupied area, prompting its removal after multiple storms. Staff selected a gumbo limbo from Laurel Oaks Nursery and plan a two‑phase approach: soil remediation and root‑barrier installation for the primary plant, then secondary plantings. “We’re gonna put some fencing up to, kinda protect that area throughout the establishment period,” Ryan said, and he encouraged the public to observe but not enter fenced areas during establishment.

Work and schedule: the phase‑one scope includes removal of compacted clay, import and mixing of organic fill, installation of a root barrier to protect the adjacent wall, irrigation repairs and staking/support for the new tree. Ryan reported that Safety Harbor Landscaping will be on site April 16 to begin materials staging and that the planting work is scheduled to start the week of April 21. Phase two will add two southern magnolias, two bottlebrush trees and relocation of a smaller oak in the same restored soil zone.

Why the gumbo limbo: Ryan said the gumbo limbo was selected because it offers many of the ear tree’s benefits (fast growth and habitat value) while reducing key drawbacks — it is native, salt‑ and storm‑tolerant and less prone to brittle failure. Ryan noted the specimen selected was about 20 feet tall, had good root structure and trunk flare and was recommended by contractor CDR Landscaping.

Public outreach and oversight: Community Development Director Carol Strickland and staff said a ribbon‑cutting celebration will be planned after plantings establish; staff will monitor establishment and irrigation and cautioned the public to avoid disturbing the fenced area to avoid soil compaction.","City arborist outlined plans to remove a storm‑damaged ear tree at the Main Street/McMullen Booth entry, replace it with a hand‑selected 20‑foot gumbo limbo, perform soil restoration and install a root barrier; local contractor Safety Harbor Landscaping to begin April 16 and planting phase to start April 21.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6085913,"Commission authorizes negotiation of development agreement for Phillipe Parkway property, 3‑2 vote",0,7594000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff&start=7594&end=7594","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff/thumbnail_7594000.jpg","/articles/6085913/Safety-Harbor-City/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-authorizes-negotiation-of-development-agreement-for-Phillipe-Parkway-property-32-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085913-22291a54c1e2a238ab4fb73166086f61/orig.mp4?Expires=1776169899&Signature=FQf3ZXvALPs6Q9nbv682tvbFI31Vj8bgJmW6JaJv4UXC~JiX9tbg64I5gNrzwCpPEVpUUluha4SzBZ1~8RybQBfmemeqEXdF8eoUqhXYtTZ39zd5AtMyMw8LLSM213G1HxwaXC6Cv2ny3OczKIy8UQ0wzITokgyHSUYWz2Kk0OBCzYnji98qyj54NqhSxK~SNobiSVTMnNNE1dLZyBNat0yQB4JzIQ4DAtrhYt6J2gwv94vmg-l6SzxmszheY~DfyVJ2zaX4JB4M~HbPlQ-tU4DnPFNUqYPvFM29JIPL0m5HenCpk240Q4HgEVjWYhBtXZwkGB~7LPXrfd-ffozMbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Safety Harbor City Commission on April 7 authorized the city manager to negotiate terms and conditions for a development agreement for a 1.53‑acre property at 3110 Phillipe Parkway that the applicant proposes to redevelop from an aging motel into 15 attached residential units.

Community Development Director Carol Strickland told the commission that the development agreement request is the first step in a multi‑stage process that would include a future land‑use map amendment (residential low to residential medium), conditional‑use review for attached dwellings and public hearings before the planning board and the commission. “You are not making any decisions here tonight other than authorizing us to start the process of negotiating a development agreement,” Strickland said.

Why the development agreement: the applicant’s agent, Todd Pressman, said the existing motel dates to about 1950 and that redevelopment would modernize the site, raise finished elevations in the coastal high‑hazard area and provide a buffer between Phillipe Parkway and single‑family homes to the rear. The property currently carries a resort facilities overlay that allows transient accommodations as a conditional use; the applicant seeks a future land‑use change to allow attached dwellings at a limited density (the applicant has offered to cap the project at 10 units per acre even though the medium designation allows up to 15 units per acre).

Public input and commission concerns: commissioners asked whether the development agreement process reduces public input; staff said the agreement includes public hearings at both the planning board and commission and does not bind the city to approve future land‑use or conditional‑use applications. Commissioners expressed concern about massing and compatibility with adjacent single‑family homes; one commissioner said the proposed scale felt “too intense” for surrounding lots. The applicant said he would refine plans and has engaged an architect and design team.

Vote: authorization to begin negotiations passed 3‑2. The vote permits staff and the city manager to negotiate and return terms for public hearings; it does not approve any land‑use change, site plan or construction.

What happens next: if negotiations produce terms the city manager recommends, the draft development agreement would be prepared by the city attorney and proceed to the planning board and a subsequent city commission public hearing. Separate, subsequent applications would be required for any future land‑use map amendment and conditional‑use approvals. Any member of the public — neighbors or citywide residents — may comment during those hearings.","Commission voted 3‑2 to authorize the city manager to negotiate terms for a development agreement that would enable redevelopment of 3110 Phillipe Parkway from a motel to attached residential units; commissioners emphasized public hearings and additional neighborhood review ahead of any land‑use change.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6085917,"Safety Harbor weighs creek evaluation, a private stormwater grant and advisory board after Army Corps report",5979,722000,6701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff&start=722&end=6701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2901233-c25507751d164a774a6b0a1458269dff/thumbnail_722000.jpg","/articles/6085917/Safety-Harbor-City/Pinellas-County/Florida/Safety-Harbor-weighs-creek-evaluation-a-private-stormwater-grant-and-advisory-board-after-Army-Corps-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085917-b51df24934589be3ff5f3684f8a08968/orig.mp4?Expires=1776169899&Signature=eKh~uJOO9w4bsYkxFt1GsOvb35iBXaM~vj0GF7gXFynD5r9brL2zZlCqmd7xb4LJHTrciSuux~Tyj0LbRYDPdbmck7oNYSR1RAR6pjm92w~hgX7mzxhucC9wYDz3qZiTqW3L4BSIu380uDsBRycpQyFFvZ4qpJg2c~ktFupAEQVkWGeSJT3MRpL8IWCHw-oS5tdvht5ryYKGQjUDseXCFeLbMLCDh2Xh-K33hhtvSVyF5PVbeGT0pUvQKEmxdfkB0Karqgp2FQXvL6BAGst~MEoo8WZ6f6QIGqwJWQ~XVFjaGbNd~bsUQrqN0ICcavL3jrOMVium~O-3B3M4JHz2XQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Safety Harbor City staff told commissioners on April 7 that the city faces multi-million-dollar needs to repair erosion and flooding along creeks, and recommended a two-track approach: a comprehensive creek evaluation to qualify projects for outside grants and a local private stormwater improvement grant to deliver quicker help to homeowners.

The city’s public works director, Renee Cooper, told the commission that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a limited report in October 2023 that assessed seven locations on Bishop and Mullet creeks but did not model the entire creek network. “This was not a comprehensive study of the entire creek network and only 7 locations were evaluated,” Cooper said. She described two consultant estimates the city is weighing: a Kimley‑Horn task order of about $1.2 million to design and permit fixes at the seven Corps locations, and a broader “comprehensive creek evaluation” (Jones|Edmonds) estimated at roughly $1.1 million to survey the full creek network.

Why it matters: the Corps’ seven-site recommendations could cost an estimated $5 million to $8 million for construction, Cooper said, and most grant programs require the local government to have land rights or shovel‑ready designs before federal or state dollars will pay for construction. Cooper added that the state’s competitive consultant negotiation cap (CCNA) means large studies must be phased or procured by RFQ because the state’s informal threshold for single‑task orders is $500,000.

How the city might act: staff proposed three mutually compatible actions: 1) pursue the Kimley‑Horn task order to design and permit the Corps sites; 2) commission a comprehensive creek evaluation as an addendum to the city’s watershed management plan so projects rank for SWFWMD/DEP funding; and 3) create a local private stormwater improvement grant the city would administer to help homeowners and HOAs address erosion in the short term. Cooper estimated about six months to develop program guidelines and an application process for the local grant and said the city has $1,480,000 budgeted between FY25 and FY26 (ARPA funds) to seed creek work and a grant program.

Commissioners and staff stressed the limits of each option. “Grant funding for things on private property [is] slim to none,” Cooper said, adding that many grants require the municipality to obtain land rights for construction. Commissioners voiced concern about legal and funding hurdles, the need to prioritize worst‑first repairs, and whether projects would actually qualify for outside funding once evaluated. Commissioners asked staff to produce cost breakdowns by watershed so the $1.1 million study could be phased if needed.

Public comment: about a dozen residents spoke during audience comment, many from Harbor Woods Village, Rainbow Farms and Huntington Trace, describing active erosion, houses and pools threatened by bank failure, and requests for faster action. Resident Gary Rosenberg urged a more comprehensive approach, saying the “creek bed is 10 feet below the surface today” in places and warning that piecemeal fixes can simply push problems downstream. Briar Creek condo leader Sam Oliverio and Huntington Trace resident Eric Waddeman asked the commission to approve a grant program so communities could begin repairs within a year rather than wait for multi‑year studies.

Commission direction: after extended discussion commissioners instructed staff to move forward with a combination approach: (a) pursue a scoped Jones|Edmonds comprehensive creek evaluation (with cost broken out by creek/phase), (b) develop a private stormwater improvement grant program that staff will return with draft guidelines for commission approval, and (c) examine quick “low‑hanging fruit” projects on city‑owned parcels (for example, Fifth Street Pond, North City Park and Swan Lake) that could be advanced without land‑right hurdles. Staff reported they had already proposed budgeting $100,000 per year to sustain a grant program.

What’s next: staff will return with draft grant program guidelines (estimated six months to prepare) and phased cost proposals for the comprehensive creek evaluation. The city will continue to pursue external grant opportunities (SWFWMD, DEP Resilient Florida, Tampa Bay Estuary, FEMA/Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery funds routed through Pinellas County) but emphasized that required land rights, permitting and prioritization in a watershed plan remain gating items for many funding sources.

Resident and staff questions that remain unresolved include the number of affected parcels citywide (staff said counts would be developed as part of program scoping), the legal path for construction on private property, and the pace at which dredging or bank armoring work could be permitted and reimbursed by state or federal programs.","City staff updated commissioners on watershed studies, potential costs and a proposed private stormwater improvement grant; commissioners directed staff to pursue a phased creek evaluation, a grant program and creation of a sustainability advisory board while residents urged faster action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Safety Harbor commission actions on April 7

Safety Harbor selects gumbo limbo to replace damaged Main Street entryway tree; planting work to start in April

Commission authorizes negotiation of development agreement for Phillipe Parkway property, 3‑2 vote

Safety Harbor weighs creek evaluation, a private stormwater grant and advisory board after Army Corps report