CITIZENS' VOICE
of TREASURE ISLAND
"Promoting Transparency and Integrity”
RECENT COMMUNICATIONS WITH OUR FELLOW RESIDENTS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
JUNE 16, 2024
CITY MANAGER FINALISTS
The process of identifying Treasure Island’s next City Manager is winding down. We encourage you to learn as much as you can about each of the finalists and share your thoughts with your City Commissioner. To assist you in that process, we are providing resources to connect you to the information you need.
Citizens Voice of Treasure Island (CVTI) believes the following qualifications and experiences should be required when considering the list of qualified finalists:
-
Experience working in Florida (5-10 years)
-
Substantial experience managing capital projects.
-
Willing to commit to residing in Treasure Island
-
Experience leading economic development.
-
Willing to make a long-term commitment to the city.
-
Willing to listen to and put residents first.
At this time, there are four remaining finalists being considered for the City Manager Position:
-
Charles Anderson
-
Taylor Brown
-
James Slaton
-
Thomas Yates
You can use the following link to see the resumes of each of the finalists.
The City Commission Meeting video from May 15th will provide you with the opportunity to hear from the candidates and see how each Commissioner scored them based on the information they had been provided to that point. The link to that video is provided below. Please note that there was a problem initially with the broadcasting of the sound – it was corrected after a few moments.
https://treasureislandfl.granicus.com/player/clip/819?view_id=1&redirect=true
Additionally, please note the upcoming meetings that will allow you to engage in the process. We encourage you to participate if you can.
-
Wednesday, June 19th @ 6:00 pm – Public Meet and Greet with the candidates – City Hall 5th floor.
-
Thursday, June 20th @ 7:30 am – Special City Commission Meeting during which the Commissioners will interview each candidate collectively (We assume this meeting will be broadcast live on Facebook, YouTube and on the City’s website. Please note that the city currently does not have the ability to broadcast on Spectrum Channel 644.)
As always, remember to reach out to your City Commissioner to voice your opinion!
City of Treasure Island Commissioners and Mayor Contact Information:
Tyler Payne, Mayor - (727) 748-5062
email: tpayne@mytreasureisland.org
Deb Toth, Commissioner District 1 – (727) 748-5178
email: dtoth@mytreasureisland.org
John Doctor, Commissioner District 2 – (727) 340-0115
email: jdoctor@mytreasureisland.org
Bob Minning, Commissioner District 3 – 727-748-6281
email: bminning@mytreasureisland.org bminning@mytreasureisland.org
Arden Dickey, Commissioner District 4 – (727)748-6368
email: adickey@mytreasureisland.orgreasureisland.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MAY 15, 2024
This Wednesday, May 15 at 6 pm, the Treasure Island City Commission will meet to choose 3-5 finalists for the City Manager position based on additional information provided by the candidates and Strategic Government Resources. CVTI believes it is important for the Residents of Treasure Island to participate in the process.
The meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. If you are interested in learning more about the Semi-Finalists, please plan to attend.
Semi-Finalists:
Charles Anderson
Paul Brake
Taylor Brown
Patrick Comiskey
Kenneth Griffin
Lawrence McNaul
Jeff Mihelich
Scott Moye
James Slaton
Angela Stone
Cary Vargo
Thomas Yates
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
APRIL 30, 2024
CITY MANAGER SEARCH - Treasure Island
As you may know, the Treasure Island City Commission held a meeting on Friday, April 19th to narrow the number of potential candidates for the open City Manager position. The number of potential candidates was reduced from 61 to 12. On May 15th, the remaining twelve candidates will be reduced to 3-5 finalists.
Citizens Voice of Treasure Island (CVTI) believes the following qualifications and experiences should be required when further narrowing the list of qualified applicants:
-
Experience working in Florida Government (minimum 5 years preferably 10 years)
-
Substantial and direct experience managing capital projects to successful outcomes (both new and existing infrastructure improvement projects)
-
Willing to commit to being an active member of the community including residing in Treasure Island
-
Experience promoting economic development and recruiting businesses.
-
Willing to make a long-term commitment to Treasure Island
-
Willing to listen to Treasure Island residents and put the TI residents’ wants/needs first.
-
Willingness to collaborate with Treasure Island residents to jointly develop a long-term vision for the city.
Please provide feedback to the Commissioners and/or Mayor.
City of Treasure Island Commissioners and Mayor:
Tyler Payne, Mayor - (727) 748-5062, email: tpayne@mytreasureisland.org
Deb Toth, Commissioner District 1 – (727) 748-5178, email: dtoth@mytreasureisland.org
John Doctor, Commissioner District 2 – (727) 340-0115, email: jdoctor@mytreasureisland.org
Bob Minning, Commissioner District 3 – 727-748-6281, email: bminning@mytreasureisland.org
Arden Dickey, Commissioner District 4 – (727)748-6368, email: adickey@mytreasureisland.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
APRIL 6, 2024
Today’s CVTI Membership Drive Event Postponed
Publix has asked CVTI to postpone our membership drive event scheduled for today, Saturday April 6th.
Someone from Treasure Island called Publix Corporate Headquarters in Lakeland, Florida and convinced them to stop CVTI’s membership drive event by wrongfully alleging that we are a political organization. The person’s actions are a testament to the significant impact CVTI is having on Treasure Island Policy Issues. CVTI clearly has the attention of someone who does not want the Citizens of Treasure Island to have an organized voice driven by common sense.
CVTI is a 501(c)(4) organization created and maintained for the purpose of social welfare. Our main purpose is to educate and advocate to ensure sound public policy for the Citizens of Treasure Island. We are NOT a political committee.
-
Our Mission Statement: To collaborate with the City of Treasure Island to achieve Common Sense Leadership driven by Integrity and the Taxpayers.
-
Our Goal: Promote Transparency and Integrity
-
Our Agenda: Put Treasure Island Residents First
Hard to believe that someone would object to a Public Welfare organization with the above core values of: Common Sense, Transparency, Integrity and putting Treasure Island Residents first!
It is more important than ever that we continue our grassroots organizing efforts to add new CVTI members to our group of five hundred plus (500+) individuals. Please contact your friends and neighbors and ask them to join our CVTI distribution list and follow us on social media.
Look for more information on our next CVTI membership drive event on social media.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MARCH 20, 2024
CONGRATULATIONS ARDEN DICKEY - District 4 Commissioner
CVTI would like to congratulate Arden Dickey for becoming the newly elected District 4 Commissioner in Treasure Island. CVTI looks forward to working with Arden on the numerous issues impacting the residents of TI.
CVTI would also like to recognize and congratulate Richard Harris for his campaign to become the Commissioner for District 4. CVTI believes it is vitally important to have at least two qualified candidates running for each elected city position.
Part of CVTI’s purpose is to educate and advocate to ensure sound public policy for the residents of TI. There is no better way to educate the public about policy matters than to have at least two candidates running for each elected office in TI and openly debating the issues. This spring, CVTI will be opening a candidate identification process for the 2025 election cycle to ensure the residents of TI have qualified candidates debating and discussing the issues.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MARCH 14, 2024
Beach Beacon: "City addresses concerns raised by new citizens group"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MARCH 13, 2024
CVTI is not in agreement with the City’s disclosure of the total cost of the new City Hall project.
CVTI firmly believes accurate project cost accounting and related disclosures to the TI residents for capital projects is a nonnegotiable item. CVTI’s goal is to promote transparency and integrity. The City Staff’s intentional omission of around $1.8mil of project costs is concerning on both.
CVTI is supportive of moving forward with certain projects. However, CVTI recommends a pause until a comprehensive review of: work scope, project costs, and prioritization for all major capital projects can be completed.
CVTI’s agenda is simple; “Put TI Residents First.” In this case, it means providing complete and accurate project cost information to the TI residents for all proposed capital projects and listening to what the residents’ priorities are for any and all future capital expenditures. Most TI residents are concerned, and rightfully so, about the city’s focus on the construction of new buildings while basic maintenance of city infrastructure and the beautification of public parks like Treasure Bay remain a challenge.
On another matter, CVTI is currently forming a Budget Review Committee to work with the city throughout the upcoming budget process. As you can see from the Mileage Rate Comparison below, there should be TI resident input into both the budget process and the establishment of priority projects. We definitely need to move away from outside consultants creating the “need” for high dollar projects that make their way into the budgeting process.
Mileage Rate Comparison:
Treasure Island……….3.8129
Madeira Beach………..2.7500
Indian Rocks Beach…1.8325
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FEBRUARY 14, 2024
NEW CITY HALL COST ANALYSIS
Over the last 12 months, many of you have asked CVTI to review and gain an understanding of the total cost of the New City Hall project. To that end, we have reviewed public documentation, met with T.I. officials, and applied the most basic principles of project cost accounting. This email highlights our findings and concerns.
The new city hall project will be discussed at the February 20th 6PM commission meeting at city hall.
Please use the link below to an article published by the Tampa Bay times in 2019. The article entitled “Treasure Island plans a new City Hall Solution” clearly states T.I. City Commissioners will be borrowing $8 million dollars to cover BOTH the cost to purchase the Allied Insurance Building (“the building”) and the cost for the renovations needed to convert the building to City Hall use.
In March of 2020, the city of Treasure Island purchased the building for $6,425,867. The remaining balance from the $8 million loan was $1,574,133 and this was to be used for the renovation of the building. The ORIGINAL BUDGET for the New City Hall project was $8 million.
Costs to date on the New City Hall project have significantly exceeded the $8 million dollar budget. The total project cost as of February 2024 is approximately $12 million. The original renovation budget of $1,574,133 has increased by 250% to approximately $4,000,000.
We arrived at the $4,000,000 by: starting with the city provided total spend number of $11,286,354 and adding the $605,000 of Interest Expense paid to date (on the $8 mil loan) and $108,646 of miscellaneous expenses. Some miscellaneous expenses not properly accounted for in the posted total include but not limited to: Legal fees, repairs for the window failure, elevator equipment relocation, insurance, building maintenance and utilities, etc. during the four-year construction period. T.I.'s decision to not include interest expense attributable to the $8 Million city hall project financing is perplexing.
The original $8 million loan has a current balance of approximately $6 million remaining to be paid. The loan amortization schedule indicates another $800,000 of interest expense to be paid over the remaining life of the loan.
If you include the $800,000 of additional interest along with all the other miscellaneous projects cost during the construction period, the total project costs for the New City Hall could easily be $13 million versus an $8 million-dollar Original Budget.
Arguably, the biggest concern raised by the taxpayers of TI is the following (paraphrased): How can we spend this much money and not have hurricane proof glass in our City Hall. Essentially, our “New” 40-year-old city hall building is no more prepared for a hurricane than our current 60-year-old city hall building.
In Summary we are now:
· 4 years since the project started.
· Around $4 million plus over the Original anticipated cost for the New City Hall
· Have a remaining loan balance of $6 million for the new City Hall Project
· More vulnerable to a hurricane now because of location and non-hurricane proof windows on our City Hall building, and
· Still waiting to move into our New City Hall
It is no wonder the Residents of TI are asking for a pause on large project spending and a resetting of the Priority Projects for Treasure Island.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FEBRUARY 8, 2024
Lane Reduction at 107th Ave has been REMOVED from the Downtown Mobility Plan
On Tuesday, February 6th, TI’s Mayor and City Commissioners held a workshop to discuss the proposed Downtown Mobility Plan (Plan). Because of numerous TI residents attending the meeting and clearly voicing their opposition to the Plan, the commissioners came to a unanimous consensus vote to remove the proposed lane reduction at 107th Avenue from the Plan.
Citizens Voice Treasure Island (CVTI) would like to thank all of TI residents who attended the workshop and made their voices heard. The TI residents’ opposition to the Plan was overwhelming and the Mayor and Commissioners listened.
CVTI would also like to commend Mayor Payne and all the Commissioners for allowing an interactive workshop with the TI residents. And most importantly, CVTI recognizes Mayor Payne and the Commissioners for their Commonsense Leadership. CVTI stands for Commonsense Leadership Driven by the Taxpayers.
Mayor Payne also committed to having the TI residents’ full participation in any future discussion of the remaining parts of the Plan. Again, a notable example of Commonsense leadership.
One thing became clear at Tuesday’s workshop; the TI residents do not want any outside consultants telling them how to live within and travel about their community. TI residents quickly saw right through the $18.1 million of proposed changes to fix a “traffic problem” that does not exist.
TI Residents were clearly not happy with the cost of the Consultants ($100k+) or the value of the final work product. There are also two other and very similar Consulting studies that have been recently completed. One Consulting study is: “TI Connectivity.” The other Consulting study is: “Gulf Blvd Safety.” CVTI encourages everyone to follow these studies closely and plan to participate in any upcoming workshop discussion. The two additional consulting studies combined will most likely have a cost in excess of $200k. Similar to the Plan, these studies will include substantial costs for lifestyle changes that may or may not make sense to the TI residents.
CVTI agrees with Commissioner Minning’s request that TI Residents send their suggestions and questions in writing to the Mayor and their Commissioner. CVTI is encouraging everyone to contact the Mayor and their Commissioner and tell them “To stop all outside consultant fees” for projects that try to tell us how to live and travel in our community. It was noticeably clear Tuesday evening that the TI residents are willing to and want to make their own decisions about how they live in our little slice of paradise.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 - Commission Workshop
Lane Reduction at 107th Ave has been REMOVED from the Downtown Mobility Plan
On Tuesday, February 6th, TI’s Mayor and City Commissioners held a workshop to discuss the proposed Downtown Mobility Plan (Plan). Because of numerous TI residents attending the meeting and clearly voicing their opposition to the Plan, the commissioners came to a unanimous consensus vote to remove the proposed lane reduction at 107th Avenue from the Plan.
Citizens Voice Treasure Island (CVTI) would like to thank all of TI residents who attended the workshop and made their voices heard. The TI residents’ opposition to the Plan was overwhelming and the Mayor and Commissioners listened.
CVTI would also like to commend Mayor Payne and all the Commissioners for allowing an interactive workshop with the TI residents. And most importantly, CVTI recognizes Mayor Payne and the Commissioners for their Commonsense Leadership. CVTI stands for Commonsense Leadership Driven by the Taxpayers.
Mayor Payne also committed to having the TI residents’ full participation in any future discussion of the remaining parts of the Plan. Again, a notable example of Commonsense leadership.
One thing became clear at Tuesday’s workshop; the TI residents do not want any outside consultants telling them how to live within and travel about their community. TI residents quickly saw right through the $18.1 million of proposed changes to fix a “traffic problem” that does not exist.
TI Residents were clearly not happy with the cost of the Consultants ($100k+) or the value of the final work product. There are also two other and very similar Consulting studies that have been recently completed. One Consulting study is: “TI Connectivity.” The other Consulting study is: “Gulf Blvd Safety.” CVTI encourages everyone to follow these studies closely and plan to participate in any upcoming workshop discussion. The two additional consulting studies combined will most likely have a cost in excess of $200k. Similar to the Plan, these studies will include substantial costs for lifestyle changes that may or may not make sense to the TI residents.
CVTI agrees with Commissioner Minning’s request that TI Residents send their suggestions and questions in writing to the Mayor and their Commissioner. CVTI is encouraging everyone to contact the Mayor and their Commissioner and tell them “To stop all outside consultant fees” for projects that try to tell us how to live and travel in our community. It was noticeably clear Tuesday evening that the TI residents are willing to and want to make their own decisions about how they live in our little slice of paradise.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FEBRUARY 1, 2024: Important Information Alert
PROPOSED CHANGES TO TRAFFIC IN OUR DOWNTOWN AREA!
The City has posted the Agendas and Agenda Packets for next week's Commission Meeting and Commission Workshop. The Commissioners will be discussing the Downtown Mobility Study which proposes changes that will impact all residents of Treasure Island.
The study proposes reducing 107th Street from 4 lanes to 2 lanes among many other changes.
It is our opinion that no changes should be made to traffic patterns until there is actually an approved downtown development plan. Once there are firm plans from property owners/developers, then and only then, should there be conversations about improvements or changes to the traffic patterns.
We encourage you to use the link below to go to the City Website to review the Mobility Study that will be discussed. The link will take you to the Agenda for the Workshop. From there, click on the "Agenda Packet" link which will provide links to the Mobility Study documents. It is important that we are informed and share feedback with our Commissioners.
It is important to let your neighbors know about the proposed changes as well!
The Commission Workshop will begin after the 6:00 meeting on Tuesday, February 6th.
Please attend and share your feedback on this topic with our commissioners.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
JANUARY 8, 2024
Citizens’ Voice Treasure Island (CVTI) 2024 Update
CVTI would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! We look forward to more shared successes in 2024.
The New Year is only 10 days old, yet there has already been a significant amount of activity that will impact the Citizens of TI. Following is a recap of the current and future events that will be important to all Citizens of Treasure Island.
RESIGNATIONS
Amy Davis, City Manager, has resigned her position and will be leaving in February. Amy will be starting a new position with Pinellas County. It is our understanding that an outside search process for Amy’s successor will be starting soon.
Saleene Partridge, Commissioner for District 3, has resigned her position effective December 31, 2023. The remaining City Commissioners and Mayor will appoint a person to complete Saleene’s term. Stay tuned for more information on this important appointment process.
CITY ELECTIONS: March 19, 2024
Congratulations to Tyler Payne (Mayor) and John Doctor (Commissioner of District 2) who ran unopposed for their respective positions, and both will continue their service to TI. CVTI looks forward to working with both Tyler and John as well as the other Commissioners to achieve: Common Sense Leadership Driven by Integrity and the Taxpayers.
DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER ELECTION
Richard David Harris will be running against Arden Dwight Dickey. CVTI will be posting additional information about the candidates and their policy positions which will affect TI going forward.
UPCOMING ITEMS of IMPORTANCE
CHARTER AMENDMENTS
As you may recall, the City of TI proposed two major Charter Amendments during the March of 2023 election cycle. There is an expectation of more charter amendments with some being proposed in the 2024 election cycle. Like the 2023 election, the 2024 election cycle will include only the district 4 Commissioner’s race. CVTI believes a “Common Sense” approach would be to hold off on any proposed Charter Amendments until there is more than a single district commissioners’ race and/or a citywide Mayor’s race. Charter Amendments affect all TI Taxpayers and should not be decided by a small group of voters from a single district. Like the March of 2023 election, CVTI will be reviewing closely any proposed charter amendments and will be making voter recommendations as appropriate. Nonetheless, if there are proposed charter amendments it is important that all TI voters participate in the March of 2024 election. Much more to come on this topic.
CHANGES TO TI’s COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Ordinance No. 2024-01
TI’s Comprehensive Plan is being rewritten and this will govern the land use for the future. CVTI has received several inquiries about the status of this project. Surprisingly, nothing is listed about rewriting of the Comprehensive Plan under the “Projects tab” on the City’s website. Nonetheless, the first reading of the Ordinance will be on January 18, 2024, at city hall following the 2:00pm Planning and Zoning Board meeting. CVTI understands that certain individuals have requested copies of the work completed to date on the Comprehensive plan but have not yet received anything. It does appear that copies of the proposed Ordinance can be picked up at City Hall from the City Clerk’s office during business hours, which are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. CVTI encourages you to reach out to your commissioners and request information on the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and provide input. More to come on this project.
CVTI MOVING into 2024
CVTI is humbled by the tremendous amount of support the Citizens of TI have provided to us since our start up in 2023. We graciously appreciate the vast numbers of TI Residents who are: signing up to be included in database; making financial contributions, volunteering their time and functional expertise, and serving on our Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
During 2024, to prepare for the many upcoming opportunities to achieve “Common Sense Leadership driven by Integrity and the Taxpayers”, CVTI will continue to: drive an increase to our membership; conduct fundraising activities; and educate/advocate to ensure sound public policy for the Citizens of TI.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO BE INVOLVED
Help us grow our database of TI Citizens by encouraging your friends and neighbors to join us. Signing up to receive informative emails is as simple as sending an email to CitizensVoiceTI@gmail.com. If your friends and neighbors would like to sign up in person, CVTI will have a table set up at Publix on February 3rd to introduce our group to neighbors who might not have heard about us yet.
We always encourage member attendance at City Commission Meetings, however, if you are unable to attend in person, tune into City Commission Meetings, on the city’s Facebook page, the city’s website, or Spectrum Channel 644.
Finally, follow CVTI’s Facebook and Instagram pages (CitizensVoiceTI) or visit our website at www.CitizensVoiceTI.com.
CVTI will always promote Transparency and Integrity and with everyone’s continued support the “Best is Yet Come”!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
JANUARY 8, 2024
Citizens’ Voice Treasure Island (CVTI) 2024 Update
CVTI would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! We look forward to more shared successes in 2024.
The New Year is only 10 days old, yet there has already been a significant amount of activity that will impact the Citizens of TI. Following is a recap of the current and future events that will be important to all Citizens of Treasure Island.
RESIGNATIONS
Amy Davis, City Manager, has resigned her position and will be leaving in February. Amy will be starting a new position with Pinellas County. It is our understanding that an outside search process for Amy’s successor will be starting soon.
Saleene Partridge, Commissioner for District 3, has resigned her position effective December 31, 2023. The remaining City Commissioners and Mayor will appoint a person to complete Saleene’s term. Stay tuned for more information on this important appointment process.
CITY ELECTIONS: March 19, 2024
Congratulations to Tyler Payne (Mayor) and John Doctor (Commissioner of District 2) who ran unopposed for their respective positions, and both will continue their service to TI. CVTI looks forward to working with both Tyler and John as well as the other Commissioners to achieve: Common Sense Leadership Driven by Integrity and the Taxpayers.
DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER ELECTION
Richard David Harris will be running against Arden Dwight Dickey. CVTI will be posting additional information about the candidates and their policy positions which will affect TI going forward.
UPCOMING ITEMS of IMPORTANCE
CHARTER AMENDMENTS
As you may recall, the City of TI proposed two major Charter Amendments during the March of 2023 election cycle. There is an expectation of more charter amendments with some being proposed in the 2024 election cycle. Like the 2023 election, the 2024 election cycle will include only the district 4 Commissioner’s race. CVTI believes a “Common Sense” approach would be to hold off on any proposed Charter Amendments until there is more than a single district commissioners’ race and/or a citywide Mayor’s race. Charter Amendments affect all TI Taxpayers and should not be decided by a small group of voters from a single district. Like the March of 2023 election, CVTI will be reviewing closely any proposed charter amendments and will be making voter recommendations as appropriate. Nonetheless, if there are proposed charter amendments it is important that all TI voters participate in the March of 2024 election. Much more to come on this topic.
CHANGES TO TI’s COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Ordinance No. 2024-01
TI’s Comprehensive Plan is being rewritten and this will govern the land use for the future. CVTI has received several inquiries about the status of this project. Surprisingly, nothing is listed about rewriting of the Comprehensive Plan under the “Projects tab” on the City’s website. Nonetheless, the first reading of the Ordinance will be on January 18, 2024, at city hall following the 2:00pm Planning and Zoning Board meeting. CVTI understands that certain individuals have requested copies of the work completed to date on the Comprehensive plan but have not yet received anything. It does appear that copies of the proposed Ordinance can be picked up at City Hall from the City Clerk’s office during business hours, which are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. CVTI encourages you to reach out to your commissioners and request information on the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and provide input. More to come on this project.
CVTI MOVING into 2024
CVTI is humbled by the tremendous amount of support the Citizens of TI have provided to us since our start up in 2023. We graciously appreciate the vast numbers of TI Residents who are: signing up to be included in database; making financial contributions, volunteering their time and functional expertise, and serving on our Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
During 2024, to prepare for the many upcoming opportunities to achieve “Common Sense Leadership driven by Integrity and the Taxpayers”, CVTI will continue to: drive an increase to our membership; conduct fundraising activities; and educate/advocate to ensure sound public policy for the Citizens of TI.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO BE INVOLVED
Help us grow our database of TI Citizens by encouraging your friends and neighbors to join us. Signing up to receive informative emails is as simple as sending an email to CitizensVoiceTI@gmail.com. If your friends and neighbors would like to sign up in person, CVTI will have a table set up at Publix on February 3rd to introduce our group to neighbors who might not have heard about us yet.
We always encourage member attendance at City Commission Meetings, however, if you are unable to attend in person, tune into City Commission Meetings, on the city’s Facebook page, the city’s website, or Spectrum Channel 644.
Finally, follow CVTI’s Facebook and Instagram pages (CitizensVoiceTI) or visit our website at www.CitizensVoiceTI.com.
CVTI will always promote Transparency and Integrity and with everyone’s continued support the “Best is Yet Come”!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOVEMBER 15, 2023
BEACH BEACON ARTICLE published after the November 7, 2023 workshop.
By MARK SCHANTZ, TBN Correspondent Nov 15, 2023
https://www.tbnweekly.com/beach_beacon/article_ace140b2-8315-11ee-b2c6-3ffce7e913bc.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOVEMBER 17, 2023
Special Assessment Ordinance 2023-11: Stopped by Concerned Citizens
Citizens Voice of Treasure Island’s (CVTI) mission is to collaborate with the City of Treasure Island to achieve Common Sense Leadership driven by Integrity and the Taxpayers. For the Mayor, City Commissioners and City Staff, Common Sense Leadership must begin with listening to the Citizens/Taxpayers of Treasure Island (TI).
On Tuesday, November 7, after listening to numerous individuals (both from CVTI and other Citizens) speak against the Special Assessment Ordinance, the Mayor and Commissioners decided “to get rid of” the Ordinance. The Mayor and Commissioners did the right thing by listening to the Citizens/Taxpayers of Treasure Island. They should be commended for their action.
The City Staff’s attempt to “Piggyback” onto the Isle of Capri’s request for a specific Taxpayer Generated Special Assessments process lacked both Transparency and Integrity. Numerous Citizens/Taxpayers were concerned about the City Generated Special Assessments (which were added to the Isle of Capri’s Taxpayer Generated Special Assessments request) becoming akin to an HOA Fee or a Disguised Tax. Ironically, City Staff proposed; City Generated Special Assessments would have Zero taxpayer approval, while Taxpayer Generated Special Assessments would require 80% taxpayer approval. TI Citizens/Taxpayers across the board were disappointed in how the City Staff handled the Isle of Capri’s request for a specific process for Taxpayer Generated Special Assessments. As one Isle of Capri resident stated, “Our request was hijacked by the city.”
CVTI would like to thank everyone who got involved by attending the November 7th Workshop, contacting their commissioner and/or the mayor to express their concerns about the proposed Special Assessments Ordinance. CVTI wants to provide the opportunity for all TI Citizens/Taxpayers to have a voice in the future of TI. As CVTI’s membership continues to grow, we are proving that the TI Citizens/Taxpayers speaking with one voice in the sunshine can make a difference.
To assist with our Mission to Achieve Common Sense Leadership, please invite your neighbors and friends to join CVTI.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Citizens' Voice of Treasure Island (CVTI) is a hard “NO” on any City of Treasure Island initiated Special Assessments that do not include a rigorous taxpayer final approval.
Plan to attend this Tuesday night's WORKSHOP meeting at City Hall - City initiated Special Assessments will be discussed
The workshop is scheduled for 7:00 PM. However, get there early since it starts immediately after the 6:00 PM Commissioners meeting, which could mean it starts earlier.
On September 18, 2023, Treasure Island Citizens overwhelmingly expressed their opposition to any City of Treasure Island initiated Special Assessments. Taxpayers voiced their strong opposition by attending and speaking at the Commissioners meeting, calling, and e-mailing their Commissioners and the Mayor, plus sharing their opposition on Social Meeting with their neighbors.
The Mayor and the Commissioners did the right thing and “tabled” the Ordinance which included City of Treasure Island initiated Special Assessments. By tabling the vote on the Special Assessment Ordinance, the Commissioners sent the Ordinance back to a workshop which will be held on November 7th, 2023.
While we are hopeful, the Mayor and Commissioners will continue to listen to the taxpayers and permanently shut down any City of Treasure Island initiated Special Assessments, we cannot sit back and hope for the right outcome.
Just like September 18, 2023, Taxpayers should attend the November 7, 2023 Workshop to voice their opposition, Call and E-mail the Mayor and Commissioners, and most importantly share this information with their neighbors.
Citizens Voice of Treasure Island (CVTI) is a hard “NO” on any City of Treasure Island initiated Special Assessments that do not include a rigorous taxpayer final approval.
CVTI believes until we receive a transparent accounting of the costs for the “runaway” City Hall project all other Capital Expenditures except specific life/safety/utility ones should be put on hold. The taxpayers deserve full transparency.
CVTI supports Taxpayer Initiated Special Assessments provided there is rigorous approval process which includes all taxpayers affected by the Assessments.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
The Beach Beacon wrote an article about our recent (twenty-six page) Special Assessment Ordinance delay at the September 18th meeting.
The issue is a little more complicated than the article explained. Had this ordinance passed as written the city could have proposed a special assessment and even if they chose the option to place a referendum for approval before the voters, the city commission would have had the option to override the voter’s wishes.
LINK TO BEACH BEACON ARTICLE:
https://www.tbnweekly.com/beach_beacon/article_e5bd8d5c-5c80-11ee-a824-938cf1f2a3a0.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
Citizens’ Voice Treasure Island (CVTI) is committed to working with the City of Treasure Island (TI) to achieve Common Sense Leadership driven by Integrity and the Taxpayers.
CVTI commends the Mayor and Commissioners for listening to the taxpayers and tabling City Ordinance 2023-11. This Ordinance, among other things, would have given the City of TI the right to create Special Assessments of Taxpayers without any Taxpayer input. The Mayor and Commissioners were correct to stop this attempted Government overreach by the City of Treasure Island.
CVTI does not support the City of Treasure Island’s initiated Special Assessments without Taxpayer approval by those Taxpayers impacted by the Special Assessment.
The discussion about the need for a Special Assessment tool was started by a group of Residents from your Isle of Capri. This group of taxpayers simply wanted a way to “get things done” specific to their neighborhood and property. The citizens of Isle of Capri (provided they had the required votes to approve the project) were willing to pay for their specific projects through a special assessment.
CVTI applauds and supports the Isle of Capri Taxpayers’ efforts to obtain a Taxpayer Driven Special Assessment Process. In addition, CVTI supports any citizens’ taxpayer group who wishes to obtain a special assessment for their property.
By tabling Ordinance 2023-11, the Mayor and Commissioners sent the City of TI back to the “Drawing Board” to rethink how the City of TI can support the residents of Isle of Capri. This new discussion about Special Assessments will begin on November 7th at the Commission Workshop.
CVTI believes any new or revised Special Assessment Ordinance should only be supported by the Mayor and Commissioners if the new or revised ordinance focuses solely on taxpayer initiated Special Assessment requests. CVTI respectfully asks you to contact the Mayor and your Commissioners to express your desires to not have any City Initiated Special Assessments without the same taxpayer approval process as the Taxpayer Generated Special Assessment process.
CVTI finds it ironic that, the way Ordinance 2023-11 was presented:
-
A City Initiated Special Assessment requires ZERO Taxpayer Approval
-
Taxpayer Initiated Special Assessments Require 70% taxpayer approval for a feasibility study and 80% taxpayer approval to start a Taxpayer Initiated project.
CVTI is sure there is an opportunity for improvement in the thought process around taxpayer involvement in any Special Assessment Process.
Please consider joining many other TI Residents in supporting our quest for Transparency and Integrity. Join us in our mission by emailing us at CitizensVoiceTI@gmail.com or by providing your contact information on our website at www.CitizensVoiceTI.com.
Please be on the lookout for a City Wide CVTI meeting – time and place coming soon on our website www.CitizensVoiceTI.com . Visit us also on Facebook, Instagram and NextDoor.
Thank you,
Citizens’ Voice of Treasure Island
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Contact Information: City of Treasure Island Commissioners and Mayor:
Tyler Payne, Mayor - (727) 748-5062 - email: tpayne@mytreasureisland.org
Deb Toth, Commissioner District 1 – (727) 748-5178 - email: dtoth@mytreasureisland.org
John Doctor, Commissioner District 2 – (727) 340-0115 - email: jdoctor@mytreasureisland.org
Saleene Partridge, Vice Mayor, Commissioner District 3 – 727-748-6281 - email: spartridge@mytreasureisland.org
Beth Wetzel, Commissioner District 4 – (727)748-6368 - email: mwetzel@mytreasureisland.org