[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6206730,"mediaKeyId","3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff","parentId",3761019,"title","Commissioners push to reclassify Don Cesar/Boca Ciega stormwater work as top priority amid resident frustration","audioSeconds",265,"startMs",2583000,"endMs",2848000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff&start=2583&end=2848","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff/thumbnail_2583000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6206730/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commissioners-push-to-reclassify-Don-CesarBoca-Ciega-stormwater-work-as-top-priority-amid-resident-frustration","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206730-f71114520400b4e12912d0005774b11b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775810429&Signature=Z8ytK8UFIVNydqJeu5B9Ry99-O9j1fzR8BVM-yZxLnkiR~ySky0nSwtpMXf4MzOud54~wjwxls9IV7q8TmW8zH3NZ6OLJ4dii-yX6WZhLDEkwdgTJc5bMkzQSclJNI5ECEEi5i3K~TMYfkKdX5XwBxh9-Saee0mgGcU-NNC5vTgWH-jSKUzDiAZQpeJJ87oWA4ZzUInXKR6OVnp1s-t4~sBf3HUYhu8EuiKlGgVBMt5y3UgA-kn3VcbQoL6koY8zOhiJrWToIYoKW4r-VvFlFqPoncmyjpL13oq8vTuWOCeDRX~pTwQ~pUKy8Us3gQlC4OolCRePHKf-pFrzHLaBIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of St. Pete Beach, FL","date","2025-06-11T09:31:36Z","article","St. Pete Beach commissioners and residents pressed staff on June 10 to elevate stormwater and neighborhood resiliency projects in the Don Cesar/Boca Ciega area to the city’s top funding priority, saying longstanding flooding problems have made daily life difficult for residents.

The dispute centered on a staff list that placed the Don Cesar/Boca Ciega Area Resiliency Adaptation work and related street reconstructions as priority 2 rather than priority 1. At the workshop, Finance Director Devin Schmidt said staff has sought design grants that could put design work in 2026 with roughly $600,000 in outside revenue and about $200,000 in city cost.

Residents and several commissioners said the projects should be priority 1 because flooding is chronic and has worsened after recent storms. “It’s number 1,” one commissioner said during the meeting, calling the priority 2 designation “beyond me” and describing repeated inability of neighbors to get in or out of their homes. Another commissioner urged staff and the commission to break large scope work into smaller, staged projects rather than presenting a single large-dollar figure for the neighborhood.

Schmidt and staff explained the difference between types of work: some entries are lower‑scope hurricane repair projects (concrete patching, tie‑backs) while others, such as full seawall replacements or full street reconstructions, require different engineering and higher costs. Staff told the commission they would revisit prioritization and break projects into funding phases so the commission can approve staged work.

Members of the commission and staff also discussed whether some street reconstructions—Boca Ciega Drive and Gulf Winds Drive—had grown from simple repaving jobs into comprehensive redesigns that include sidewalks and beautification elements. Commissioners suggested separating basic street and utility work from optional upgrades so the critical repair work can move faster. One commissioner said they would rather reallocate funds from lower‑priority beautification to resiliency work.

The workshop highlighted funding sources under consideration: grant programs (including Penny for Pinellas), FEMA reimbursements for hurricane damage, and potential bridge financing. Schmidt said FEMA reimbursements and other grant figures are fluid and may change as the city continues negotiations. Staff indicated they will return with more detailed breakdowns, refined priorities and a robust prioritization process for next year.

For now, staff signaled willingness to reclassify or refine priorities: “We can update this priority,” a staff member said in response to a commissioner’s question about whether full seawall replacement should be a different priority than patching repairs. The commission also received assurance that design work (not just study) is being advanced for the neighborhood: staff said they are pursuing grant funding and design steps, not only additional studies.

The commission and staff scheduled a follow‑up preliminary budget session for July 8, when the refined prioritization, funding sources and staged project breakdowns are expected to return to the commission for further direction.

Less urgent elements of the capital program were deferred to later sections of the budget process; commissioners repeatedly emphasized that the Don Cesar/Boca Ciega resiliency work must move from planning to implementation in staged increments.

The discussion concluded with a direction for staff to return with clearer cost breakdowns, grant status and a phased implementation plan to allow the commission to prioritize immediate, high‑impact repairs ahead of optional enhancements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Budget Workshop #2 - June 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","St. Pete Beach commissioners and residents pressed staff on June 10 to elevate stormwater and resiliency work in the Don Cesar/Boca Ciega area to top priority after staff presented the city’s draft capital priorities and funding strategies.","taxTitle","St. Pete Beach, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",48406,"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},6206713,"Commission hears plan for citywide cameras, cloud HR system and IT resiliency; committee asks subscription versus capital clarity",712,306000,1018000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff&start=306&end=1018","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff/thumbnail_306000.jpg","/articles/6206713/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-hears-plan-for-citywide-cameras-cloud-HR-system-and-IT-resiliency-committee-asks-subscription-versus-capital-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206713-1a19440d4b6a2463cb291266fc764abe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775810429&Signature=n3Jc6NZ~GA9c1tWPsowIurG5Zz5zzKEENMtXs21whlZHaCf1TXktH~xGomBurxxaqkveUwOotDGkeWmypiRc22lnIXC1J1~hlGAwNdCwG~~2-3PyZwhBni3iZTXyv49cgjze1AzkXR5O3OgtXpVkV6NRv5gIXMe6mOSZrK41uzaclMpN44fxLWMxA5iycAoYnifxK~E1DHcAWNCHGnj9VGXOBJZoD1QqeigIpxE9rbRP5iFPLh-sTGpppyNfLSm-z7Pw2APzVGg~nO~vxV-CWzBD4sIBuX2bVvwPKH~4KRQq~ksURTEo9nDO77UxTiw1LyQ4knb8CftuilSewnE7EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Devin Schmidt, the finance director, told the St. Pete Beach commission on June 10 that the city’s capital improvement plan includes several technology and security projects classified as priority 1: a citywide camera and security system, the NeoGov cloud‑based HR and payroll suite, disaster recovery and infrastructure resiliency, and a zero‑trust SaaS stack and asset inventory management.

Commissioners pressed staff on the distinction between one‑time capital costs and ongoing subscription or operating costs. Schmidt said the implementation and one‑time project costs would appear in the capital budget (for 2026) while subscription and ongoing licensing fees would move into the operating budget in later budget cycles. “In the software cost for the subscription, that would be included as part of the operating budget as an ongoing operational cost,” Schmidt said.

On the proposed citywide camera system, staff member Candace described the city’s current system as fragmented and aged: a “homegrown” mix of one‑off cameras, a few library cameras and an old badge/security system with limited maintenance and support. Candace said the city has experienced “probably 5 to 6 specific incidents” in the past two years where staff or members of the public requested footage or raised safety concerns; the proposed system would record to the cloud and require a retention policy coordinated with the clerk’s office.

Commissioners sought clarity on hardware versus software components for the camera project. Candace said cameras and onsite hardware would be part of the capital installation, and software and cloud storage would generate ongoing subscription costs. Schmidt and staff agreed to separate capital implementation costs from recurring operational costs for clearer long‑term budgeting.

The Finance Budget Review Committee asked staff to return with refined generator bids and a sharper scope for IT and security projects. The commission did not adopt a final funding plan; staff will include clearer lifecycle cost breakdowns in the upcoming operating budget discussion.

No formal contract awards or procurement actions occurred at the workshop; staff will return with refined cost estimates and operating budget impacts.","Finance Director Devin Schmidt presented essential IT and security capital projects—citywide camera/security system, NeoGov HR cloud suite, disaster recovery and asset inventory—prompting commissioners to ask whether these are subscription services or capital purchases and to request operating cost details.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6206720,"Commission reviews large facility repair needs; finance committee seeks clearer funding for Fire Station and Don Vista repairs",365,896000,1261000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff&start=896&end=1261","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff/thumbnail_896000.jpg","/articles/6206720/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-reviews-large-facility-repair-needs-finance-committee-seeks-clearer-funding-for-Fire-Station-and-Don-Vista-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206720-663b9a1b791fb2a24195c6063bf379ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1775810429&Signature=kQyTFvhrinynU22mKTwiuwRpQ~pIaMKP8-eUmr3p7m-TMKVaRttvj6l-d-hSLsuwxFZkVU0hM39EsdbeZdQUV8K5LcKrra0dG2My~kIBVhsX07J8bw1nDYXwrHBiXuMkfvOpsopBrotCeKokAe3Y~S~Egbd6La1-bQkglyydfo64mu7WwHgoBV5QZzGENw2SawrSXvOQy9zV4gdY6EAxnEeZgWFmuWND-4xemqlZbBtb0gXr1x0Vyl05VfB6QzTbWCVEi3YbfVLZYLxqpGxdP1RY0Kzli9YAvgIRRwJWUp9UEV-SKgQHroOx99YE6t~~itgEy0QQ8-WX1-yhCGPDAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the June 10 St. Pete Beach budget workshop, Finance Director Devin Schmidt presented a list of essential facility repairs and replacements that staff and the Finance Budget Review Committee consider high priorities. The list included roof replacements, facility elevation work, repairs to city hall and the Warren Webster facility, and a placeholder for a new fire station.

Schmidt said Fire Station replacement work currently shows a $10 million placeholder in 2027 while $1.5 million is listed in 2026 as the remainder of a $2 million grant the city already has. “The $10,000,000 that we currently have slated out in 2027 is a placeholder for now until we can determine some funding sources,” Schmidt said, and staff is working with the city manager’s office to secure funding alternatives.

Commissioners asked for more detail before committing large sums. One commissioner asked staff to present a historical return‑on‑investment analysis for Don Vista Art Center before allocating hundreds of thousands of dollars for repairs, noting the building was a federal gift and that previous capital and operating returns should inform future spending. “Before we pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Don Vista, I think we should have some sense of what the return on investment was on that building pre storm,” a commissioner said.

Staff clarified demolition and design costs for Fire Station work: a demolition cost of about $35,000 was referenced and an approximately $450,000 line for design was discussed. Commissioners and staff agreed the finance committee wants staff to “continue the aggressive progress on Fire Station 23” while also seeking additional funding sources and refined bids for generator projects and other large capital items.

The Finance Budget Review Committee recommended staff return with alternatives on the emergency backup power generator (to sharpen bids and seek less expensive options) and to provide a refined capital program and preliminary budget at the July 8 meeting. The committee also asked for a compensation review comparing nearby jurisdictions for commissioner pay and benefits, to be returned in the next preliminary budget discussion.

No final funding authorizations or ordinances were approved at the workshop; staff will return with more detailed cost breakdowns, funding sources and prioritized projects.","Staff presented a list of essential facility repairs — including fire station replacement, Don Vista Art Center repairs and multiple roof and elevation projects — and the Finance Budget Review Committee asked staff to refine funding strategies and assess return on investment for city‑owned assets.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6206725,"Finance director warns reclaimed water fund unsustainable; commission questions metering impacts",148,2339000,2487000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff&start=2339&end=2487","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761019-c5d6cdc9ce9f51d2a50d82f8ee04efff/thumbnail_2339000.jpg","/articles/6206725/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Finance-director-warns-reclaimed-water-fund-unsustainable-commission-questions-metering-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206725-6c5ff288ccfe07d1cd370c62ddc35995/orig.mp4?Expires=1775810429&Signature=DKyGkNluuQFY7gMSCIyQC1Luwd5DL0Iuyz07aUH3bOv7880-5hdvTJYzq~PocAu1oL3Q6MUo6rIi4AEc8dPJ-PDek7TNeaivqCDx55wqJ4D~9RC-R447KECnBl17wtFN31iA6l2f06DmhEI--kC9Aip~ZuNManbYz6y~K07Jumkt3tUbrZbT-fv2~fD3nIpRotvi3FrhybYnGrLP3-hOycIU6P4X1grLbj0jBLKmVF7PsCpKYdmFE2O3KCUQu4eUu6-gG6x5ycJLyVDu0xCPUVxUecv4s08ad4H0We8y1G6WxoczFOSzwiSGs~irkdoOr78qhUICaTtNL1xqQlJ6YA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance Director Devin Schmidt told the St. Pete Beach commission on June 10 that the city’s reclaimed water fund is not sustainable under its current fee structure and that staff is exploring short‑term financing and fee changes as part of a broader fee study.

Schmidt said the city is discussing use of a bridge loan with bond counsel and the city’s financial advisor to sustain operations for the reclaimed water system while longer‑term solutions are developed. She also said staff has a pending fee study that will examine metering strategies and rate options, and that those results will inform any recommended changes to residential or commercial charges.

Commissioners asked how Pinellas County’s plan to meter reclaimed water would affect city residents and revenues. One commissioner said metering could push many residential users to pay more or to stop using reclaimed water, reducing uptake and revenue; staff acknowledged multiple scenarios are possible and said commercial metering is a likely first step. “The fee study is going to help us identify, for example, our largest users possibly commercial,” Schmidt said.

Commissioners and staff discussed practical options: full system metering, partial metering focused on commercial accounts, and creative rate structures that avoid installing thousands of new residential meters. Schmidt said residential accounts are often similar in size, which makes a flat rate feasible, and that staff will report fee study findings and recommended changes once complete.

Schmidt also reminded the commission that FEMA and other reimbursements are changing and that a proposed bridge loan or a general fund subsidy would be considered if needed. The finance committee recommended that enterprise funds (like reclaimed water) aim to be self‑sustaining.

No formal rate changes or ordinances were approved at the workshop. Staff will return with the fee‑study results and any proposed rate changes for commission review.","Devin Schmidt told the St. Pete Beach commission on June 10 that the reclaimed water fund cannot sustain operations under current fee structures. Commissioners raised concerns about upcoming metering by Pinellas County and potential rate impacts on residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners push to reclassify Don Cesar/Boca Ciega stormwater work as top priority amid resident frustration

Commission hears plan for citywide cameras, cloud HR system and IT resiliency; committee asks subscription versus capital clarity

Commission reviews large facility repair needs; finance committee seeks clearer funding for Fire Station and Don Vista repairs

Finance director warns reclaimed water fund unsustainable; commission questions metering impacts