901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Belleair, FL 33756

Town of Belleair

Meeting Minutes

Planning & Zoning Board

Monday, May 12, 2025

5:30 PM

Town Hall

Meeting called to order at 5:32 PM with Chairman Barris presiding.

ROLL CALL

3 - Robert Barris, Philip Beauchamp, and Shelly Ladd-Gilbert

Present

Absent 1 - Patricia Irwin

CITIZENS COMMENTS

No comments

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

25-0059 Approval of March 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Philip Beauchamp moved approval of the minutes. Seconded by Shelly Ladd-Gilbert.

Aye: 3 - Barris, Beauchamp, and Ladd-Gilbert

Absent: 2 - Hendzel, and Irwin

GENERAL AGENDA

25-0055

Updates on Centennial Activities

Joey Vars-Town Historian-spoke on trial bike tours with members; not as easy as

initially anticipated; looking to utilize the Jolley Trolley for VIP air conditioned tours,

potential to use the Bellview Inn as half way point.

Mr. Beauchamp asked if tourists will remain largely on the trolley; Mr. Vars affirmed;

currently projected it would take approximately two hours.

Mr. Barris questioned funding; Mr. Vars stated final pricing is being obtained; may seek

donations; those specifics are being worked on.

Mr. Vars answered questions related to the Centennial events throughout the year.

Ms. Ladd-Gilbert spoke on potential to have a starting and ending point at the Inn; Mr.

Vars stated special permission would be needed to allow the trolley in the RPD.

Chairman Barris questioned costs of trolley; Mr. Vars provided initial quotes for open air

and air conditioned trolleys; estimates don't include any gratuity for driver; Mr. Barris

suggested sponsors or selling tickets or a combination; Mr. Vars stated a full trolley

holds 32 people.

Mr. Vars spoke on opening of the Town Hall time capsule; contents were water

damaged, however we have copies of what was inside; inside were copies of the

Clearwater Sun newspaper, a November 1962 edition of the Belleair Newsletter, and the

1964 Town directory; water intrusion is usual; may have been a photograph inside, but it

is too damaged to identify; spoke on difficulty of long term preservation; spoke on newer

methods; archiving and preservation; both time capsules are registered with the

international time capsule association so they are officially registered.

Mr. Beauchamp asked about the other time capsule; Mr. Vars stated it will not be

opened at this time; possibly in the future.

Mr. Vars noted that May is Historic Preservation Month; compiled the registry and map

with most updated information; will be working with communications staff to update

website materials; streets in Belleair Estates are on the registry; spoke on one home on

the map but not approved to be on the registry in 2018; inaccurate information in the

application was cause for denial; has reached out to owners of 330 Roebling Rd South

and 6 North Pine Circle to see if they would like to be added to the registry; spoke on the

mid-century design of the properties; unique characteristics of the properties; there are

additional properties eligible however these two have Florida master site files from prior

survey so process is expedited.

Chairman Barris stated people will want to know the benefit of being on the registry;

spoke on tax benefit available; can be removed from list; has gone through process

himself and happy to speak to anyone who has questions.

Mr. Vars spoke on updated list; eight potential properties to include on list; listed each

property.

Chairman Barris questioned why the Town has to seek permission to be included;

spoke on developing criteria and sending a letter with option to opt out; show as a

positive; Mr. Vars spoke on current process, read criteria.

Discussion ensued regarding criteria being vague; board identifying properties, then

sending letter to homeowner with opt-out; age of structures eligible; typically ranch style

homes built post-war, approximately 100 homes.

Mr. Vars would like the board vet the list of currently eligible homes; two former mayor

homes, 1390 Pinellas Rd., Mayor Bruce Taylor, and 317 Roebling Rd. South, predates

Belleair Estates.

Ms. Ladd Gilbert questioned if there is a financial impact to the Town by having

additional homes; Chairman Barris described the tax abatement regarding to

renovations.

Chairman Barris would like to move forward with looking at list of eligible homes. Mr.

Vars commented.

Discussion ensued regarding plaques and costs; Town not incurring costs.

Ms. Ladd Gilbert commended social media posts; Mr. Vars spoke on this week being

police week; limited records in early town history; spoke on articles and interesting

history.

Mr. Barris requests a list of eligible properties to be voted on at next meeting as to

whether it should be included; spoke on Jolley Trolley and selling tickets.