901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.  
Belleair, FL 33756  
Town of Belleair  
Meeting Minutes  
Town Commission  
Tuesday, June 20, 2017  
6:00 PM  
Town Hall  
Welcome. We are glad to have you join us. If you wish to speak, please wait to be recognized, then  
step to the podium and state your name and address. We also ask that you please turn-off all cell  
phones.  
Meeting called to order at 6:03 PM with Mayor Katica presiding.  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
COMMISSIONER ROLL CALL  
Present: 5 - Mayor Gary H. Katica  
Deputy Mayor Karla Rettstatt  
Mayor Michael Wilkinson  
Commissioner Tom Shelly  
Deputy Mayor Tom Kurey  
SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS  
Persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made at this meeting/hearing, they will need a record of the  
proceedings, and, for such purposes, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which  
record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.  
Request for Variance - 322 Roebling Rd. N.  
17-0148  
David Ottinger-Town Attorney-Stated item initially missed on agenda; publicly noticed;  
will discuss under general agenda.  
CITIZENS COMMENTS  
(Discussion of items not on the agenda. Each speaker will be allowed 3 minutes to speak.)  
Dick Belsito-Resident-Spoke against short term rental properties.  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Approval of May 2, 2017 and May 16, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes  
Commissioner Shelly moved approval of the consent agenda; seconded by Deputy Mayor  
Rettstatt.  
5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Aye:  
GENERAL AGENDA  
Presentation of Restored Fort McHenry Flag  
JP Murphy-Town Manager-Provided brief history; flag is a replica of the Ft. McHenry  
flag and was flown in town during the bicentennial year; restoration thanks to Belleair  
Community Foundation.  
James McArthur-BCF Board Member-Spoke on behalf of the organization.  
Request for Variance - 322 Roebling Rd. N.  
Those wishing to speak sworn in by Town Clerk.  
17-0148  
Mr. Murphy presented case; approval would allow for construction of a porch to extend  
two feet into the front yard setback resulting in a twenty three foot front yard setback;  
Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval.  
No exparte communications expressed by the Commission.  
Tim Stroyne-Applicant-Spoke briefly on current conditions of property.  
Deputy Mayor Rettstatt lives in neighborhood; spoke in favor of granting variance.  
Mr. Murphy stated letters of support recieved from neighbors Steve and Molly Fowler  
as well as Laurie Adams.  
Commissioner Shelly moved approval of the variance; seconded by Deputy Mayor Rettstatt.  
Aye: 5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Consideration of Penny for Pinellas Interlocal Agreement.  
Mr. Murphy noted agreement is for distribution of Penny proceeds pending voter  
approval in November; spoke on importance of proceeds relating to funding for capital  
projects.  
Mayor Katica commented on Penny discussions at the Mayors' Council meetings;  
beneficial to all municipalities.  
Commissioner Shelly moved approval of the Penny for Pinellas Interlocal Agreement; seconded  
by Deputy Mayor Rettstatt.  
5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Aye:  
Consideration of Interlocal Agreement for the Cooperative Purchasing of Debris  
Managment and Debris Monitoring Contracts  
Mr. Murphy stated this relates to FEMA reimbursement for debris management and  
monitoring.  
Deputy Mayor Rettstatt moved approval of the Interlocal Agreement for the Cooperative  
Purchasing of Debris Managment and Debris Monitoring Contracts; seconded by  
Commissioner Wilkinson.  
5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Aye:  
Pinellas/Ponce Engineering Services by Deuel & Associates  
Mr. Murphy commented on SWFWMD cooperative funding oppertunity; project  
required to be split.  
Keith Bodeker-Construction Project Supervisor-Further anaylsis with engineer requires  
design revisions to accomodate drainage; fifty percent cost share with SWFWMD;  
provides longterm benefit to future projects.  
Brief discussion regarding cost; proactive for future infrastructure needs.  
Commissioner Shelly moved approval or the additional professional engineering services for  
the Oleaner, Pinellas, Ponce de Leon, Palmview by Deuel & Associates in the amount of  
$130,000.00; seconded by Deputy Mayor Rettstatt.  
Aye: 5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Pat Wall and Magnolia Park Renovation Project  
Eric Wahlbeck-Director of Parks and Recreation-Discussed renovation and partnership  
with Belleair Community Foundation; provided feedback from neighborhood meeting;  
Park and Tree Board voted unanimously to accept plan and budget. Plan for tree  
removal and new plantings was also discussed.  
Nancy Hartshorne-Resident-Commented on marking/tagging trees that are to be  
removed.  
John Birmingham-Resident-Questioned birm and privacy measures.  
Malory Daigneault-Resident-Spoke on the addition of a community garden.  
Jay Daigneault-Resident-Spoke in support of a community garden; supports addition of  
a playground as well.  
Mary Lurch-Resident-Spoke in support of the addition of a playground.  
Mr. Wahlbeck provided budget information; BCF to donate $150,000; no design for  
playground or garden at this time, space available for both; commented on potential  
costs of adding items.  
Discussion ensued regarding crosswalks and lighting; addition of a flashing light for  
crosswalk; staff will bring back a proposed final plan; looking to residents to raise funds  
for additional items.  
Deputy Mayor Rettstatt moved approval of preminlnary plans for Magnolia and Pat Wall Park  
as budgeted with the concepts of the community garden and the playground as a future additon;  
seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson.  
5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Aye:  
Deputy Mayor Rettstatt amended motion to include the signinalization; seconded by  
Commissioner Wilkinson.  
Aye: 5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Mr. Wahlbeck stated the BCF has requested name change to park; Commission can  
decide whether or not to approve; Mr. Murphy briefly commented on past practices.  
Discussion ensued regarding donations and process for approving naming rights; policy  
to be drafted for Commission approval.  
Deputy Mayor Rettstatt moved approval of the opportunity for naming rights for Magnolia Park  
upon approval of the Commission; seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson.  
Aye: 5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Laurie Daigneau-Resident-Commented on fundraising process for playground  
equipment in park.  
Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation  
Mr. Murphy read into record.  
Commissioner Wilkinson moved that the Town of Belleair acknowledge that July is Parks and  
Recreation Month; seconded by Deputy Mayor Rettstatt.  
Aye: 5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Town Manager's Plan of Delegation  
Mr. Murphy presented his delegation plan as required by charter.  
Commissioner Wilkinson moved approval of the Town Manager's Plan of Delegation; seconded  
by Deputy Mayor Rettstatt.  
5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Aye:  
2017 Legislative Report  
Mr. Murphy provided overview of Florida Legislature bills passed that impact town;  
discussed homestead exemption, wireless communication equipment, drone limitations,  
ride share companies and public records reform.  
Commissioner Kurey questioned revenue loss from homestead exemption and penny  
items; disucssion ensued regarding strategy and potential ways to offset.  
Mr. Murphy briefly discussed legislation regarding medical marijuana dispensaries; most  
likely not an issue given current zoning law. Reverse osmosis project funding request  
did not get approved; will reapply next year.  
Introducing Quarterly Communications Updates  
Cathy DeKarz-Management Analyst-Provided information regarding quarterly update  
newsletter to be distributed to residents through utility billing, website and social media.  
Brief discussion regarding additional distribution methods and content.  
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT  
Mr. Murphy announced Adolphus Merricks and Brandon Brown as the employees of  
the month for May; Chief Sohl stated Mr. Merricks and Mr. Brown assisted in  
identifying individuals involved in a hit and run.  
Dan Hartshorne-Resident-Spoke in support of raises for solid waste staff.  
Mr. Bodeker provided a brief report regarding Pinellas/Ponce project, anticipates  
August for bid; Palmetto Rd. to be reviewed soon; Harold's Lake design complete,  
awaiting soil analysis to include in bid package.  
TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT  
David Ottinger-Town Attorney-Golf course sale closed; conservation easement to be  
submitted upon completion of improvements; deed held in escrow. Also commented on  
Belleair Country Club interest in purchasing property along waterfront; survey to be  
done; Mr. Murphy suggests having a broader community conversation prior to taking  
action.  
Discussion ensued regarding Hallett Park; Deputy Mayor Rettstatt spoke on potentially  
renaming park and raising funds; project would be down the road.  
MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT/BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS  
Commissioner Wilkinson-No Receation Board meeting; summer camps ongoing.  
Mayor Katica-Commented on letter received from resident about Barbara Circle and  
road construction.  
Deputy Mayor Rettstatt-Presenter at Mayors' Council meeting was from The Heart  
Gallery; organization promotes adoption; potential to have a photo gallery in town. Also  
spoke on trapping and relcocation efforts for animals on golf course property; golf  
course representative will attend upcoming meetings to provide updates on course  
construction.  
Commissioner Shelly-FEMA fixed rate for flood insurance on non-homested properties  
expires this year.  
Commissioner Kurey-Nothing to report.  
OTHER BUSINESS  
No other business.  
ADJOURNMENT  
No further business; meeting adjourned in due form at 7:54 PM.  
Deputy Mayor Rettstatt moved to adjourn; seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson.  
5 - Mayor Katica, Deputy Mayor Rettstatt, Mayor Wilkinson, Commissioner Shelly, and  
Deputy Mayor Kurey  
Aye:  
_______________________________________  
TOWN CLERK  
APPROVED:  
_______________________________________  
MAYOR