Treasure Island Referendum - Charter Amendment Allowing For Beach Renourishment Easements By A Majority Vote Of The Commission
Ballot Language:Solely for the purpose of beach renourishment and maintenance, shall Section 1.02 of the City Charter be amended to allow the City Commission, by majority vote, to grant an easement on city-owned property exceeding three (3) years to the United States Army Corps of Engineers or Pinellas County, as described more fully in Ordinance No. 2025-31?Synopsis:Beach renourishment is critical to protect the City to ensure the City’s beach system absorbs wave energy, protects upland areas from flooding, mitigates erosion, and mitigates storm damage.The Army Corps of Engineers and Pinellas County have conducted beach renourishment in the City based on existing Easements. However, in the last few years, the Army Corps of Engineers has refused to accept prior easements and renourish City beaches. They have required new easements with revised language and boundaries, often with a short time to respond to the request.In order to be able to respond quickly to easement requests for public lands needed solely for renourishment, the City proposes this charter amendment to exempt beach renourishment easements that are provided to the United States Army Corps of Engineers or Pinellas County from the limitations of Section 1.02 of the Charter of the City of Treasure Island. Currently, Section 1.02 limits easements to a maximum of 3 years. Yes - For the MeasureAllow the City Commission to grant an easement on city-owned property exceeding three (3) years to the United States Army Corps of Engineers or Pinellas County.No - Against the MeasureLeave the current Section 1.02 as is, preventing easements on city-owned property to exceed three (3) years even for the United States Army Corps of Engineers or Pinellas County.
