Photo by Patrick Heinzen
At the December 11 Madeira Beach City Commission meeting, the City discussed various forms of hurricane recovery. This included talks about infrastructure, homes, personal, mental, and physical health.
December 11 Madeira Beach City Commission Meeting
Capacity Path
The meeting opened with a presentation from Capacity Path crisis support. This Florida-based organization focuses on mental health and resources following natural disasters. In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Capacity Path set up cooling stations and spoke with residents about trauma and resilience.
Amie Leigh, the clinical director for the group, spoke to the commission and audience about how they can focus on mental health during this crisis. The organization continues to support unique solutions to the City’s problems and mental health outreach to residents.
Jetty Rework
Following the storms, the jetty at John’s Pass faced significant damage. At the Dec. 11 meeting, the City discussed removing the damaged concrete and rebar from the sidewalk, and replacing it in the future. City Attorney Tom Trask spoke about how he will work with City Manager Robin Gomez on how to go about this, particularly pertaining to signage during the work.
District 4 Commissioner Housh Ghovaee showed restraint as he is worried that this decision comes before the City fully understands the situation. Despite this, Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks spoke about how the current state of the sidewalk is dangerous to residents. Following this discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
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December 11 Madeira Beach City Commission Resolutions:
Resolution 2024-08
The City unanimously voted to opt out of the Live Local Act, originally adopted in 2023 by the State. The act created two property tax exemptions for housing developments that have 71 or more units affordable to households that make up to 120% of the area median income (AMI). This provides a 75% tax exemption to developers serving households between 80%-120% AMI, and a 100% tax exemption to developers serving households below 80% AMI.
According to the agenda memo, the City chose to opt out of this act for two reasons: “Unfortunately, the law as adopted lacks provisions to ensure builders pass the savings on to their renters, while also allowing developers/companies to charge rents as high as 90% of the market value. Additionally, the City would also have to cover any deficit in tax funds and impact fees due to the tax exemption.”
In order to opt out, the City must meet multiple standards. The City must be in a county where the number of housing units available for households below 120% AMI is greater than the number of households at 120% AMI. The decision to opt out must be a two-thirds majority vote by the commission. As Vice Mayor David Tagliarini (District 1) was not present, this resolution needed a 4-0 vote to pass. Along with this, the resolution must be renewed annually, and any properties previously benefiting from the Live Local Act will continue to do so following the City opting out.
By opting out of the act, the City keeps tax dollars created by affordable housing developments on Madeira Beach.
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