Pinellas County  
315 Court Street  
Clearwater, FL 33756  
Minutes - Final  
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
2:00 P.M.  
Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Regular Meeting, Public Hearings at  
6:00 P.M.  
333 Chestnut Street, Palm Room, Clearwater  
Board of County Commissioners  
Charlie Justice, Chairman  
Janet C. Long, Vice-Chair  
Dave Eggers  
Rene Flowers  
Pat Gerard  
Kathleen Peters  
Karen Williams Seel  
ROLL CALL - 2:01 P.M.  
7 -  
Present:  
Chairman Charlie Justice, Vice-Chair Janet C. Long, Dave Eggers, Rene Flowers, Pat Gerard,  
Kathleen Peters, and Karen Williams Seel  
Others Present: Barry A. Burton, County Administrator; Don Crowell, Chief Assistant County  
Attorney; Derelynn Revie, Board Records Manager; and Sarah Rathke, Board Reporter, Deputy  
Clerk  
INVOCATION by Reverend JC Pritchett, Faith Church, St. Petersburg.  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD  
1.  
Citizens To Be Heard - Public Comment.  
Rory King, St. Petersburg  
Todd Pressman, St. Petersburg  
Mike Zender, Largo  
Judy Akins, Largo  
Tim Ferguson, Largo  
Gail Conroy, Redington Shores  
Shelby Thomas, no city provided  
David Ballard Geddis Jr., Palm Harbor  
Greg Pound, Largo  
Mack Johnson, Largo  
Following comments by Mr. Pressman, the Commissioners requested that staff research  
the County's commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program and bring information  
back to the Board for discussion.  
CONSENT AGENDA - Items 2 through 16 (Item Nos. 13 and 15 addressed under Regular  
Agenda)  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the Consent  
Agenda items be approved . The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND COMPTROLLER  
2.  
Minutes of the regular meeting held June 21, 2022.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
3.  
Vouchers and bills paid from August 14 through August 27, 2022.  
Period August 14 - 20, 2022  
Accounts Payable - $11,905,822.62  
Payroll - $4,033,819.84  
Period August 21 - 27, 2022  
Accounts Payable - $19,608,200.62  
Payroll - None  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
Reports received for filing:  
4.  
Dock Fee Report for the month of August 2022.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
Miscellaneous items received for filing:  
5.  
6.  
City of Clearwater Ordinance No. 9580-22 adopted August 4, 2022, annexing certain properties.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
Eastlake Oaks Community Development District minutes and corresponding attachments of the  
meeting held June 9, 2022.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENTS  
County Administrator  
7.  
Receipt and file report of non-procurement items delegated to the County Administrator for the  
period ending August 31, 2022.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
Housing & Community Development  
8.  
Resolution ratifying the County Administrator’s approval to submit a request for reallocated  
Emergency Rental Assistance funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and  
authorizing the Chairman and the County Administrator to take required actions for Pinellas  
County to receive additional reallocated Emergency Rental Assistance funds.  
Resolution No. 22-77 adopted ratifying approval for a funding request in the amount not to  
exceed $2,100,000.00 from the United States Treasury and granting the specified  
authorizations.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
Management and Budget  
9.  
Resolution supplementing the Fiscal Year 2022 General Fund Budget for unanticipated revenue  
and realigning appropriation from reserves for unanticipated expenditures.  
Resolution No. 22-78 adopted appropriating unanticipated revenue in the amount of  
$1,156,160.00 and realigning $673,500.00 from Reserves for Contingencies as set forth in  
the Staff Report.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
Public Works  
10. Fiscal Year 2022 Board Budget Amendment No. 4 to realign appropriation from the Air Quality  
Tag Fee Fund Reserves and the Employee Health Benefits Fund Reserves with the Public  
Works Operating Budget and the Employee Health Operating Budget for unanticipated Fiscal  
Year 2022 expenditures.  
Amendment approved realigning $190,000.00 from Air Quality Tag Fee Fund Reserves  
and $3,030,100.00 from Employee Health Benefits Fund Reserves with the respective  
program budgets for a total amount of $3,220,100.00.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
11. Ranking of firms and agreement with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. for professional  
engineering design services for the Joe's Creek Model Update, Alternative Analysis and  
Feasibility Study.  
(Contract No. 21-0003-NC) Ranking of firms and agreement approved in the amount of  
$967,318.86 for a term of 420 consecutive calendar days from the notice to proceed date.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
12. Ranking of firms and agreements with the top five ranked firms for the requirements of continuing  
land surveying and mapping, subsurface utility locating, and geographic information system  
services primarily funded through a federal grant from the American Rescue Plan Act.  
(Contact No. 22-0423-CN) Ranking of firms and agreements with the following  
highest-ranked firms approved with an upset limit over the five-year term in the amount of  
$1,000,000.00 for each firm for a total of $5,000,000.00.  
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ECHO UES, Inc.  
SurvTech Solutions, Inc.  
George F. Young, Inc.  
Cumbey & Fair, Inc.  
Hyatt Survey Services, Inc.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
Utilities  
14. Award of bid to Brenntag Mid-Florida for Sulfur Dioxide Gas, a technical grade product for  
Pinellas County Utilities.  
Contract No. 22-0482-B awarded in the estimated annual not-to-exceed amount of  
$264,680.00 for a 12-month term on the basis of being the only responsive, responsible bid  
received. The contract replaces the existing contract, which expires on December 20, 2022.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
COUNTY ATTORNEY  
16. Receipt and file report of civil lawsuits filed against Pinellas County as delegated to the County  
Attorney.  
The item was approved as part of the Consent Agenda  
REGULAR AGENDA  
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA  
13. Ranking of firms and agreements with the three highest ranked firms for professional  
engineering services pertaining to brownfield projects funded through Federal grant dollars,  
including American Rescue Plan Act funds.  
(Contract No. 22-0366-CN) Ranking of firms and agreements with the following  
highest-ranked firms approved with an upset limit over the five-year term in the amount of  
$5,000,000.00 for each firm, for a total of $15,000,000.00.  
·
·
·
Cardno, Inc.  
Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.  
Terracon Consultants, Inc.  
Responding to queries by Commissioner Eggers, Mr. Burton, with input from Public Works  
Director Kelli Hammer Levy, related that the bid complies with the American Rescue Plan  
Act (ARPA) requirements; that the funding is derived from the ARPA federal grants; and  
that staff plans to apply for additional federal infrastructure funds for various projects.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
15. Award of bid to QRC Inc. for the annual water and reclaimed water repairs and extensions for  
Fiscal Years 2022-2024.  
Bid No. 22-0397-CP (PID No. 002246E) in the not-to-exceed amount of $5,135,600.00  
awarded on the basis of being the lowest responsive, responsible bid received for a  
two-year term. The contract replaces the existing contract.  
Responding to a query by Commissioner Eggers, Utility Director Megan Ross related that  
the new contract will begin this October and provided other pertinent information.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENTS  
Administrative Services  
17. First Amendment to the Purchase Authorization with Graybar Electric Company, Inc. for  
electrical, lighting, data communications, and security products and services.  
(Contract No. 178-0181-PB) Amendment approved extending authorization through  
January 31, 2025 and increasing the total contract amount by $980,000.00 for a revised  
not-to-exceed contract value of $3,430,000.00, with an estimated average annual  
expenditure of $686,000.00.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Convention and Visitors Bureau  
18. Agreements with the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, Inc. d/b/a Visit Florida for  
the production and the promotion of “Life’s Rewards” season two, a video series.  
Production and promotion agreements approved in the amounts of $250,000.00 per  
agreement.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
County Administrator  
19. Municipal Services Taxing Unit funding for the Friends of Ridgecrest, Inc. for facility upgrades  
and maintenance equipment for the Tasker Beal Jr. Service Center.  
Funding request approved in the not-to-exceed amount of $16,071.86.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the item  
be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
20. Municipal Services Taxing Unit funding for the Tierra Verde Community Association for repairs  
and upgrades to the landscaping and irrigation system within the Pinellas Bayway South median.  
Funding request approved in the not-to-exceed amount of $20,000.00.  
Mr. Burton confirmed that the funding request is for repairs to the landscaping irrigation  
system and does not include the cost of water.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Peters, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Economic Development  
21. Nine applications for funding under the Penny for Pinellas Employment Sites Program.  
Nine applications for funding conditionally approved following successful completion of due  
diligence to comply with program guidelines, and authority delegated to the County  
Administrator to negotiate and execute all agreements and associated documentation for  
the following projects, as set forth in the Staff Report:  
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·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Harrod Properties - Starkey Lakes in the amount of $2,800,000.00  
Wendover Real Estate in the amount of $1,952,000.00  
Agora Edge in the amount of $1,717,412.00  
B&R Enterprise - FGCI in the amount of $385,969.00  
Sunshine Properties LLP in the amount of $405,275.00  
Auburn Supply Group in the amount of $327,000.00  
Tampa Bay Innovation Center in the amount of $4,000,000.00  
Lockheed Martin in the amount of $906,000.00  
8th Ave SE Industrial LLC in the amount of $950,000.00  
Responding to queries by Commissioner Eggers, Business Redevelopment Manager  
Teresa Brydon, with input by Mr. Burton, indicated that the Employment Sites Program will  
have utilized approximately 25% of the funds allocated if the nine applications are  
approved; that each of the projects will bring job growth to the County; that the program  
helps keep the County competitive by providing funds for businesses which might seek  
Greenfield land elsewhere; and that the funding amount listed for the Tampa Bay Innovation  
Center is part of the project’s original cost.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Seel, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Housing & Community Development  
22. Additional funding commitment for the Seminole Square Apartments affordable housing  
development by Archway Partners, LLC.  
Additional funding approved in an amount not to exceed $1.56 million. County  
Administrator authorized to negotiate and approve the terms, conditions, and final funding  
amount not to exceed the Board of County Commissioners’ approved amount.  
Mr. Burton introduced the item and related that the funding request is to offset inflationary  
costs; that the developer and the City of Largo have stepped forward with additional  
funding; and that the $1.56 million will close the remaining gap for funding the project.  
In response to queries by Commissioner Eggers, Housing and Community  
Development Manager Bruce Bussey provided an overview of investments made by the  
developer thus far and noted that the project is being funded through multiple sources,  
specifying the tax credit program though the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and  
multi-family mortgage revenue bonds through the County’s Housing Finance Authority;  
whereupon, he noted that 100% of the units will serve households at 80% area median  
income (AMI) or below and provided an example of the amount of rent a four-person  
household at 50% of AMI would pay.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flowers, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Human Services  
23. Agreement with the District Six Medical Examiner for professional services related to the  
Medical Examiner’s Office and Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.  
Professional services agreement between Pinellas County and District Six Medical  
Examiner Jon R. Thogmartin, M.D., P.A., in the amount of $7,264,503.00 for operational  
support, approved.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Peters, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
24. Funding agreement with Boley Centers, Inc. for permanent supportive housing operations.  
Agreement approved. Funding in an amount not to exceed $669,869.00 has been included  
in Human Services’ Fiscal Year 2023 General Fund budget request and is a mandatory  
local match required to secure funding from the United States Department of Housing and  
Urban Development.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Gerard, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
25. Human Services Social Action Grant funding recommendations.  
Recommendations approved awarding funding to 16 agencies. An amount not to exceed  
$1,551,000.00. Human Services’ staff directed to negotiate agreements for the  
recommended programs.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Solid Waste  
26. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Removal grant application to  
remove waste tires from the coastal waters around Pinellas County.  
Approval granted authorizing County Administrator to sign the application on behalf of the  
Board of County Commissioners and to submit it by deadline, for funding in an amount  
estimated at $5,000,000.00, with anticipated grant funding received being $4,750,000.00.  
Anticipated County match is $250,000.00.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Utilities  
27. Agreement with Frontier Florida LLC to reimburse Pinellas County for additional utility locates  
support services.  
Agreement approved allowing Pinellas County Utilities to be reimbursed for utility line locate  
support services in an estimated amount of $600,000.00. Agreement is effective for 20  
months following execution.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND COUNCILS  
CareerSource Pinellas  
28. Appointment to WorkNet Pinellas d/b/a CareerSource Pinellas Board of Directors (Board of  
County Commissioners as a whole).  
Esther Matthews appointed to the Business category for a two-year term expiring on June  
30, 2024.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Gerard, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the item  
be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Pinellas County Community Redevelopment Agency  
29. Fiscal Year 2023 Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Work Plan.  
Sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Board approved the Fiscal Year  
2023 Work Plan, which includes $2.245 million in Tax Increment Financing.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
30. Fiscal Year 2023 Lealman Community Redevelopment Trust Budget.  
Sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Board approved the proposed Fiscal  
Year 2023 Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Trust budget in the amount of  
$6,324,040.00.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
COUNTY ATTORNEY  
31. Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Doyle Mann v. Seminole Square Apartment III  
Association, Inc. et al.; HUD Case No. 04-22-1242-8; PC Case No. 22-038 - alleged housing  
discrimination.  
Initiation of litigation approved.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Peters, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
32. Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Aquatania Colbert v. Pueblo Village Apartments,  
LLC and Phillip Tracy; HUD Case No. 04-22-9238-8; PC Case No. 22-014 - alleged housing  
discrimination.  
Initiation of litigation approved.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Peters, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
33. County Attorney Reports. - None.  
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR  
34. County Administrator Reports.  
Mr. Burton related that he and the senior leadership team recently attended the annual  
International City/County Management Association conference in Columbus, Ohio; and that  
based on conversations with his peers, it appears that local governments across the country  
are dealing with many of the same issues as Pinellas County; whereupon, he recognized  
Deputy County Administrator Jill Silverboard, as she was named a top 10 finalist at the  
Women’s Leadership lunch for providing leadership in the field.  
COUNTY COMMISSION  
35. Appointments to the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (Board of County  
Commissioners as a whole).  
The following members from the corresponding categories were reappointed for four-year  
terms:  
Alan Holderith - General Contractor  
Lawrence Schear - Consumer Representative  
Kevin Garriott - North County Building Official  
S. Doug Erwin - Electrical Contractor  
Michael Sofarelli - Architect  
William Sheehan - Residential Contractor  
Mark Vasquez - Beach Community Building Official  
Evelyn Spencer - Pinellas County Building Official  
A motion was made by Commissioner Seel, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
36. Appointments to the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (Board of County Commissioners as a  
whole).  
Lynne Faimalie and Karen Roth reappointed to serve three-year terms following a ballot  
vote.  
37. Appointments to the Suncoast Health Council (Board of County Commissioners as a whole).  
Tina Ambrose and Melissa Johnson reappointed to Health Care Provider positions and  
Mary Bennett reappointed to a Health Care Consumer position for two-year terms  
beginning on October 1, 2022.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Seel, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
38. County Commission New Business: Pertinent and Timely Committee/Board Updates, Policy  
Considerations, Administrative/Procedural Considerations, and other New Business:  
- Temporary Closure of the Skyway Bridge for the Armed Forces Family Foundation Skyway 10k  
Run (Commissioner Justice)  
- Skyway Lighting Resolutions (Commissioner Justice)  
- County Administrator Annual Review  
Temporary Closure of the Skyway Bridge for the Armed Forces Family Foundation Skyway  
10k Run  
Chairman Justice related that the Foundation requested for the Board to provide the Florida  
Department of Transportation with a letter of no objection for the temporary closure of the  
Skyway Bridge for its annual race.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, to approve the letter  
of no objection. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Skyway Lighting Resolutions  
Resolution No. 22-79 approved supporting the Florida Department of Transportation  
lighting of the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge in recognition of Metastatic Breast  
Cancer Awareness Day on October 13, 2022.  
Resolution No. 22-80 approved supporting the Florida Department of Transportation  
lighting of the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge in recognition of the University of  
South Florida Commencement Week, December 5-11, 2022.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Gerard, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the item  
be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
County Administrator Annual Review  
Chairman Justice explained that the Board met earlier today in a work session to conduct  
Mr. Burton’s annual review and to discuss salary recommendations; and that there was a  
recommendation to grant him a 3% pay increase for the upcoming year.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the County  
Administrator receive a three-percent salary increase. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
The members provided updates regarding their assigned boards and committees and  
commented on various topics, as follows:  
Commissioner Long  
·
Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA)  
Commissioner Eggers  
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Tampa Bay Water  
Road conditions on County Road 1 and Belcher Road  
Commending staff members of the City of Safety Harbor Code Enforcement and the  
Public Defender’s Office  
Commissioner Gerard  
Juvenile Welfare Board  
Commissioner Flowers  
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Florida Association of Counties legislative conference  
Appointment to National Association of Counties Housing Task Force  
Commissioner Justice  
Meeting with the 28th Street Neighborhood Association  
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The Commissioners discussed regional transportation opportunities, whether TBARTA  
should continue receiving funding from the County, and other related matters.  
Meeting recessed at: 3:51 PM  
Meeting reconvened at: 6:00 PM  
6:00PM  
PUBLIC HEARINGS  
AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND COUNCILS  
Educational Facilities Authority  
39. Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act Resolution for issuance by the Pinellas County Educational  
Facilities Authority of its Revenue Bonds to increase the approved par amount to be  
$10,000,000.00 as the not to exceed principal amount of such bonds, to be issued on behalf of  
Learning Independence for Tomorrow, Inc. d/b/a LiFT Academy.  
Resolution No. 22-81 adopted approving the issuance of bonds pursuant to Section 147(f)  
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. No correspondence has been received. No citizens  
appeared to be heard.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  
40. Petition of Pinellas County to vacate a portion of a thirty-foot-wide platted right-of-way, lying in  
Sections 08, Township 27 South, Range 16 East, Pinellas County, Florida (Legislative Hearing).  
Resolution No. 22-82 adopted granting the petition. Letters of no objection have been  
received from the appropriate parties. Interested property owners have been notified as to  
the date of the public hearing. Staff indicated no objection to the vacation request. No  
correspondence has been received. No citizens appeared to be heard.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Gerard, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the item be  
approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
41. Resolutions to adopt final millage rates and budgets for Fiscal Year 2023 (second public  
hearing).  
Public hearing was held regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 final millage rates and  
budgets for Pinellas County; resolutions adopted approving final millage rates (No. 22-83)  
and budgets (No. 22-84) for the Pinellas County General Fund; resolutions adopted  
approving final millage rates (No. 22-85) and budget (No. 22-86) for the Pinellas County  
Health Department Fund; resolutions adopted approving final millage rates (No. 22-87) and  
budgets (No. 22-88) for the Emergency Medical Services Authority, Pinellas Planning  
Council, Unincorporated Area Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU), Public Library  
Services District MSTU, Palm Harbor Community Services District, Feather Sound  
Community Services District, East Lake Library Services District, East Lake Recreation  
Services District, and the unincorporated portions of the Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater,  
Dunedin, Gandy, High Point, Largo, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, Seminole, South  
Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, and Tierra Verde Fire Protection Districts; and Resolution No.  
22-89 adopted approving the total final Fiscal Year 2023 County Budget.  
At the request of Chairman Justice, Ms. Revie reported that no correspondence has been  
received by the Clerk’s Office; and that the Office of Management and Budget has received  
53 phone calls.  
Chairman Justice reviewed the sequence of events for the evening’s proceedings and  
indicated that a representative from the Property Appraiser’s Office is available to respond  
to anyone having questions or concerns regarding their assessed property value,  
exemptions, classification, or information appearing on the Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notices;  
and that those attending virtually may contact the Property Appraiser’s Office.  
Chairman Justice indicated that even though Florida Statutes provide that a taxing authority  
may adopt tax levies and budgets of all its dependent special taxing districts and MSTUs by  
a single unanimous vote, members of the general public can request that the Board discuss  
and adopt any of those items separately; whereupon, in response to his query, no citizen  
requested that any item be separately reviewed.  
Chairman Justice opened the second public hearing on the final millage rates and budgets  
for Fiscal Year 2023, and Ms. Revie reported that the public hearing is being held in  
accordance with Chapters 129 and 200 of the Florida Statutes; that the meeting has been  
duly noticed by the “Notice of Proposed Tax Increase” and the “Summary of Proposed  
Budget” legal advertisements that were published in the September 18, 2022 edition of the  
Tampa Bay Times; and that affidavits stating proof of publication have been received for  
filing.  
Chairman Justice announced that the BCC, as taxing authority for the BCC Countywide, the  
Dependent Special Districts, and the MSTUs, as previously referenced, will now proceed  
with the public hearings.  
Mr. Burton related that the percentage increase in the millage rate for all budgets over the  
rolled-back rate, based on the maximum rates on the TRIM Notice, to fund the Fiscal Year  
2023 Final Budget is a 3.98% increase over the aggregate rolled-back rate; whereupon, he  
indicated that the primary purpose for the changes in millage are as follows:  
·
In the General fund, including Unincorporated MSTU, and in the Emergency Medical  
Services Authority, revenue increases are required to support personnel and operating  
expenditure levels that are driven by inflationary factors and Board priorities. In the Pinellas  
Planning Council, revenue increases are required for the same purposes, as per the  
request of Forward Pinellas.  
·
In the Public Library Services District MSTU, the Palm Harbor Community Services  
MSTU, the Feather Sound Community Services MSTU, the East Lake Library Services  
MSTU, the East Lake Recreation Services MSTU, and seven Special Fire Protection  
Districts, revenue increases are needed to support increased expenditures by the agencies  
providing services for those districts.  
·
In five Special Fire Protection Districts, revenues remain the same due to those districts  
having sufficient reserve levels to provide for future planned capital along with property  
values that can support annual operations.  
Chairman Justice announced that the BCC will continue with the hearing as the taxing  
authority for the BCC Countywide, Dependent Special Districts, and MSTU levies, by taking  
public comment from citizens who wish to be heard regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.  
Responding to the Chair’s call for public comment, Mark Klutho, Largo, appeared and  
expressed his concerns.  
Chairman Justice asked whether the members wished to recommend any changes to the  
proposed millage rates or budgets, and Commissioner Eggers expressed his appreciation  
to staff for developing a budget that addresses various issues discussed last year;  
whereupon, he requested and moved that the County modify its mowing cycles from 14 to  
16, costing approximately $75,000, and utilize 1% of its reserves toward the payment of  
infrastructure improvements, resulting in a corresponding new millage rate. The motion  
died for lack of a second.  
Commissioners Long and Seel voiced their support for the additional mowing.  
Commissioner Seel expressed concerns regarding the use of reserves funds, noting that  
they should be saved for emergencies, and Mr. Burton indicated that mowing services will  
be contracted out and paid through the Transportation Trust Fund; that a change to the  
mowing cycles does not require a budget amendment, as it can be accomplished through a  
contract change; and that he can incorporate the requested change to the mowing cycles  
through a contract amendment to be brought back before the Board.  
Chairman Justice stated that the resolutions will now be considered to set the final millage  
rates and budgets; that their adoption requires a unanimous vote; and that should the  
unanimous vote not be received, each resolution will be adopted separately; whereupon,  
Mr. Burton announced each of the resolutions separately, noting that the millage rates for  
each taxing authority are listed on Schedule A, which has been posted to the County  
website.  
Resolution No. 22-83 adopted approving the final millage for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for the  
Pinellas County General Fund.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the final millage  
rates for the General Fund be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Flowers, Commissioner Gerard,  
Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
1 - Commissioner Eggers  
Nay:  
Resolution No. 22-84 adopted approving the final budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for the  
Pinellas County General Fund.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flowers, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the final  
Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget for the General Fund be approved. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Resolution No. 22-85 adopted approving the final millage for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for the  
Pinellas County Health Department Fund.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, that the final millage  
rate for the Pinellas County Health Department be approved. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Resolution No. 22-86 adopted approving the final budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for the  
Pinellas County Health Department Fund.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Flowers, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the final Fiscal  
Year 2022-2023 budget for the Pinellas County Health Department be approved. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Mr. Burton stated that the millage rates and budgets of Dependent Special Districts and  
MSTUs will now be considered, as listed on Schedule A.  
In response to a query by Commissioner Eggers, Office of Management and Budget  
Director Chris Rose related that the originally proposed millage rate for the Pinellas  
Planning Council (PPC) was 0.0235, resulting in a reserve of $621,210; that the Board  
approved a millage rate of 0.0210, which would generate a reserve of $357,900, at the first  
public hearing on the budget; and that a millage rate of 0.0206 would result in half the  
reserve level generated by the originally proposed millage rate.  
At the request of Commissioner Eggers, Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton  
discussed the value of the agency to Pinellas County, emphasizing that the proposed  
budget addresses challenges related to affordable housing, transportation infrastructure,  
and safety; that the budget would allow for Forward Pinellas to sustain its resources over  
time; and that the agency’s reserve fund acts as a working capital fund that allows for grants  
to be matched; whereupon, Commissioner Eggers moved to adjust the PPC’s final millage  
rate from 0.0210 to .0206, and the motion died for lack of a second.  
Resolution No. 22-87 adopted approving the final millage rates for Fiscal Year 2022-2023  
for the Dependent Special Districts and MSTUs.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Peters, seconded by Vice-Chair Long, that the Special  
Districts and MSTUs final FIscal Year 2022-2023 millage rates be approved. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Resolution No. 22-88 adopted approving the final budgets for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for  
the Dependent Special Districts and MSTUs.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the final Fiscal  
Year 2022-2023 budget for the Special Districts and MSTUs be approved. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
7 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Eggers, Commissioner Flowers,  
Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
Resolution No. 22-89 adopted approving the total final Fiscal Year 2022-2023 County  
budget.  
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Long, seconded by Commissioner Gerard, that the final Fiscal  
Year 2022-2023 County budget be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 -  
Aye:  
Chairman Justice, Vice-Chair Long, Commissioner Flowers, Commissioner Gerard,  
Commissioner Peters, and Commissioner Seel  
1 - Commissioner Eggers  
Nay:  
Mr. Burton recognized the Office of Management and Budget staff for their efforts on the  
budget and thanked them for their hard work, highlighting the promotions of Fredricka  
Collins to Deputy Budget Director and Jim Abernathy to Budget Manager.  
ADJOURNMENT - 6:37 P.M.  
__________________________  
Chair  
__________________________  
ATTEST: KEN BURKE, CLERK  
By:_______________________  
Deputy Clerk