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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 8, 2002
Land use question to be on ballot
TREASURE ISLAND -- City commissioners formally placed the questions of height and density increases on the ballot for the Nov. 5 general election.
The action Tuesday night was a victory for the residents who collected signatures for an ordinance referendum. Under the city's charter, commissioners had to pass an ordinance similar to what the petition demanded or put the question to a vote.
The petition states that any future changes in the city's Land Use Regulations that would allow an increase in the number of units per acre (density) or an increase in allowable height of buildings must be approved by a majority of Treasure Island's qualified voters.
"We want to make it harder to go higher," said Walter Herring, who spearheaded the referendum campaign. "I think the voters will show you it's a good thing for the city."
Herring submitted more than 1,700 signatures to the city, which sent 1,200 to be verified by Pinellas County elections officials.
Commissioners, who have remained silent on their reasons for not approving the ordinance on their own, considered listing some of their objections in the referendum resolution. The resolution to put the matter to a vote originally stated that an ordinance such as the petition requested would "unduly burden future commissions, cause delay and create expenses for referendum elections on ordinances that might be proposed."
In the end, commissioners decided that language was inflammatory and removed it from the resolution.
"Let's just take this to a referendum," said Commissioner Mary Maloof. "Let's just do it and get it over with."
The regularly scheduled City Commission workshop for Sept. 17 will be moved to Sept. 18, 7 p.m. at City Hall, 120 108th Ave.
The city changed its schedule because it conflicts with a Pinellas County School Board meeting in which taxes and budget issues also will be discussed. The city's proposed 2002-2003 budget will be on the agenda for the workshop.
The $21.6-million city budget includes a millage rate of 2.6272, expected to raise about $2.28-million in the next fiscal year. The second and final reading of the proposed budget is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at City Hall. The next fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
Artists are being invited to submit ideas for the mosaic planned for the plaza at the new Sunset Vista Trailhead Park. The winning designer will be awarded with a cash prize of $2,500.
A five-member review committee will select the winner. Entries are required to be submitted to the city in sealed envelopes by 4 p.m. Sept. 26. Only one entry per person is allowed.
The plaza and the park will be constructed on beachfront land near the entrance to Sunset Beach. The park is designed as a community gathering place with a sunset viewing platform. The viewing plaza will be surrounded by masonry retaining walls and columns with aluminum railings.
Designs for the tile mosaic for the plaza floor should be "in good taste, and of a wholesome theme befitting a public park with a beautiful beachfront setting," according to city rules. The tiles must be slip-resistant, and the designs must be no larger than 590 square feet.
The selection committee will consider aesthetic quality, appropriate thematic content, cost and construction feasibility in naming a winner. Installation of the winning mosaic will be completed by the city's general contractor. Entry design packets are available at City Hall, 120 108th Ave.
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its annual Trade Show and Mini-Auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17.
The event will take place this year at the Treasure Island Community Center at 1 Park Place, near 106th Avenue at Gulf Boulevard.
More than 40 vendors will take part in the event, which will include sample dishes from favorite local restaurants. The event is open to the public, and two tickets for the Nov. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will be awarded as prizes.
The town of Redington Shores will hold a memorial ceremony for the victims and families of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
This ceremony also honors all law enforcement and fire department personnel who protect and serve the public. A bronze eagle will be erected at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 at Town Hall, 17425 Gulf Blvd.
The Holiday Isles Elks Lodge will hold a Day of Remembrance, starting at 5 p.m. Sept. 11. It will include a dinner and a service to honor Madeira Beach emergency personnel.
The dinner, which costs $7.50, will be served from 6 to 7 p.m., with the service honoring Madeira Beach Fire and Rescue and the Madeira Beach squadron of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office starting afterward.
All retired or active fire, police and emergency medical workers who attend will be recognized.
A dance will follow at 7:30 p.m.
Anyone who wishes to reserve one of the 200 seats available should call the lodge at 392-4176.
Applications are available for artists and crafters who would like to participate in the Beach Art Center's 24th annual Fall Festival. Spaces are available until all slots are filled. The deadline is Nov. 1.
The festival combines visual arts with holiday crafts, a pancake breakfast, a bake sale, children's activities, live music, food and drink, a classic car show and Chalk Walk 2002.
The festival is Nov. 16 at Kolb Park in Indian Rocks Beach. To receive an application, call 596-4331.