Belleair Shores advances two beach ordinances on first reading and approves 1.6% CPI increase for contractor

At its March 18, 2025 meeting the Town of Belleair Shores commission moved two beach-related ordinances forward on first reading and approved a cost-of-living adjustment for a contractor.

Town Attorney Lewis read Ordinance 2025-03, which amends Chapter 30 (Waterways) to prohibit camping, and Ordinance 2025-04, which amends Chapter 30 to address digging holes on the beach. Vice Mayor Daniel Storie moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-03 on first reading; Commissioner Cain seconded. Vice Mayor Storie moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-04 on first reading; Commissioner Tolbert seconded. Both motions passed by unanimous voice votes. The minutes show no public or commissioner comments during the readings.

During the Treasurer's Report, Town Clerk Mary Palmer explained a line item paid to Tetra Tech covered monitoring of debris removal; she said she is pursuing FEMA reimbursement for that expense. The clerk also submitted a proposed schedule of FY2026 budget meeting dates for the commission to review at a future meeting.

Mayor Blume reported that M.T. Causley, LLC requested a 1.6% CPI increase. Commissioner Cain moved to approve the CPI adjustment; Vice Mayor Storie seconded and the measure passed by unanimous voice vote.

The commission also approved a draft beach-sign design (single-post signs with updated ordinance language) and authorized staff to proceed with purchase as presented.

The minutes note Attorney Lewis will continue research on the Erosion Control Line (ECL) and report back at the April meeting; no final legal action on the ECL was recorded during this session.