901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.  
Belleair, FL 33756  
Town of Belleair  
Meeting Minutes  
Planning & Zoning Board  
Monday, June 9, 2025  
5:30 PM  
Town Hall  
Meeting called to order at 5:32 PM with Chairman Barris presiding.  
ROLL CALL  
3 - Robert Barris, Patricia Irwin, and Shelly Ladd-Gilbert  
Present  
Excused 1 - Philip Beauchamp  
CITIZENS COMMENTS  
None to be heard.  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
25-0079  
Approval of May 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes  
Ms. Ladd-Gilbert moved approval; seconded by Ms. Irwin.  
Aye: 3 - Barris, Irwin, and Ladd-Gilbert  
Absent: 1 - Hendzel  
GENERAL AGENDA  
25-0080  
Centennial Activity Update  
Joey Vars-Historian and Archivist-spoke on proposed tour dates; need to select today.  
Chairman Barris questioned costs; Mr. Vars addressed.  
Ms Irwin questioned differences. Mr. Vars spoke on trolley types and pricing, stated  
need to select type and gratuity amount.  
Discussion ensued regarding trolley types; whether there is a need for a/c that time of  
year.  
Ms. Irwin noted cost difference is minimal for modern versus older trolley style; supports  
the newer air conditioned style.  
Mr. Barris spoke on need to retain sponsorships for approximately $500; questioned  
how to obtain sponsorships.  
Ashley Bernal-Assistant Town Manager-stated it can be opened to public; recreation  
department knowledgeable with sponsorships, can seek their assistance; spoke on  
cancelling if numbers are too low, however community seems to be very receptive; Mr.  
Vars confirmed interest from the larger community as well.  
Ms. Ladd-Gilbert questioned how soon tickets can be sold; Mr. Vars hopes to begin  
within a month or so.  
Discussions on potential for sponsorship levels; potential for refreshments before or  
after tours.  
Ms. Irwin moved to use the newer bus with a/c and include $131 tip amount for the dates of  
November 15th and December 3rd, with a $20 ticket price. Seconded by Ms. Ladd-Gilbert.  
Aye: 3 - Barris, Irwin, and Ladd-Gilbert  
Mr. Barris spoke on sponsorship; is a business owner and willing to sponsor first tour.  
Discussion ensued regarding reaching out to BCF to see if they would like to be involved;  
possible refreshments; avoiding conflicts with holiday event calendar;  
Ms. Ladd-Gilbert wants to ensure the sponsors get appropriate recognition to thank them  
and to entice future sponsorships.  
Ms. Irwin spoke on dress code; Ms. Bernal stated it can be addressed.  
Mr. Vars will follow up with cancellation policy information.  
Town Historian and Archivist Role  
25-0078  
Ms. Bernal would like to discuss future of the role; spoke on items to consider such as  
unprecedented community outreach and support, significant progress of digitization of  
historic archives, alignment with long-term goals, and the ongoing work; spoke of  
thoroughness and comprehensive efforts; seeking board direction and  
recommendation.  
Ms.Ladd-Gilbert spoke in support of keeping him on; Ms. Bernal requested a time frame  
for the recommendation.  
Ms. Ladd-Gilbert moved to keep him on annually, with 3 months notice prior to the end of the  
fiscal year. Seconded by Ms. Irwin.  
3 - Barris, Irwin, and Ladd-Gilbert  
Aye:  
Chairman Barris suggested requesting additional donations at the end of tours to  
continue funding role.  
Ms. Bernal spoke on larger community interest in historian; potential for shared use with  
other municipalities.  
Ms. Irwin spoke on sense of community that knowing history fosters; questioned if  
Heritage Village would be interested in sponsorship or events.  
Chairman Barris questioned obtaining a list of homes and adding eligible properties to the  
list. Ms. Bernal spoke on process and not automatically adding, but reaching out. Mr.  
Vars further discussed state requirements and only reaching out to owners that would  
meet  
requirements.  
Discussion ensued regarding process; 10 criteria that need to fit; once owners decide to  
participate, it would begin the application/designation process.  
Mr. Vars spoke on prior historic survey; able to work from it and determine eligible  
homes; spoke on identifying other items such as historic signage; heritage is beyond  
buildings.  
Ms. Irwin spoke on Mr. Var's historical knowledge; little know items such as the  
warehouse at the corner of Woodlawn and Fairview was Mr. Roebling's warehouse for the  
alligator.  
25-0081  
Discussion of 2026 Meeting Calendar  
Ms. Bernal stated need to discuss upcoming calendar dates and time.  
Board consensus to move the 8/11 meeting to 8/25; set a meeting for 10/13 tentatively;  
begin 2026 meetings in January; set dates as January 12th, March 9th, May 11th, July  
13th, and Sept 14th; retaining 5:30 PM time.  
OTHER BUSINESS  
ADJOURNMENT  
Ms. Irwin questioned if brochures can be made available; Mr. Vars will have handouts  
for the tours.  
Meeting adjourned in due form at 6:23 pm  
APPROVED:  
________________________________  
Chairman