Despite the tragedy we are enduring, we have been watching the disaster unfold in western North Carolina which helps keep things in perspective. In our coastal community, when the tide and surge retreats, the water goes away. Four hours of surge saturating and destroying our ground-level homes and belongings is still personally devastating. however.
Looking towards the future, we have major decisions to be made. Today's email is to briefly update you on the progress being reported by our City leadership, and last night's City Commission meeting.
First, please take a moment to watch Mayor Petrila's remarks during President Biden's visit on Sunday:
Next, we would encourage all residents if you haven't already to subscribe to the City's Email Updates and bookmark the city's Recovery Updates page. In case you missed it, this letter from City Manager Fran Robustelli is worth reading.
Finally, some updates from last night's City Commission meeting:
* Sewer system is back up and running! However, it is in fragile state, and Pump Station #1 is in immediate need of significant repairs / replacement.
* We are pleased to report that the City Commission has selected the Vose Law Firm, with Ralf Brookes of-counsel, to be our interim City Attorney. Both Vose and Mr. Brookes have long experience representing coastal communities and dealing with the issues we face, including rebuilding after natural disasters.
* We learned from our City Manager that the top priority is debris removal, with FEMA having approved a 90-day window for funding pickup, and the city currently running with seven debris removal trucks. Mayor Petrila highlighted the enormity of the debris removal process, and as we can all see from the size of our debris piles relative to the size of the trucks, continued grace and patience will be required.
* There is tremendous demand for debris removal throughout the state, and since other municipalities are currently offering higher rates than we are through Pinellas County, we may be asked to take on some risk of paying a higher price if we want to remove more debris faster. Pinellas County is sending out an updated RFP for additional trucks. Depending on what pricing comes back from that RFP process, we may have the opportunity to use those contracted rates to get additional trucks, with the risk of FEMA potentially not agreeing to reimburse at a new, higher rate.
* The above scenario is only a possibility at this point; until then our existing contractors are removing debris as quickly as possible with the seven trucks.
* City Manager Robustelli heard concerns from neighbors living close to the Eagan Park temporary dump site. The health and safety implications of a short-term garbage dump on the island are obvious and significant, and the City Manager noted that steps are being taken to mitigate these impacts as much as possible. Specifically, we have expanded our contract with our pest control provider to ensure that rodents do not become an issue.
* District 2 Commissioner Robinson opened a conversation about St. Pete Beach's 5-year "lookback period" for the 50% rule, which is a FEMA rule that limits the dollar value of repairs that can be made to homes damaged in a flood management area. This is a critical conversation because it will play a significant role in how residents can repair non-elevated homes, if they choose to do so. Mr. Brookes and Vose Law are well-versed on this issue and how it has affected coastal communities in Southwest Florida, so the commission will be more fully discussing it hopefully at their next meeting.
* Community Development offered a detailed presentation on the expanded hours, access, and resources that are being mobilized to assist residents and businesses with expedited permits to facilitate rebuilding. Additionally, the Commission considered and passed an Emergency Ordinance to facilitate in-place replacement of damaged devices like air conditioning units.
We will keep you posted on further progress.
Please join us in offering continued thanks and appreciation to the City staff who, like us, have been working nonstop and in some cases have also lost their own homes.
St. Pete Beach remains united in the face of this tragedy, and as Mayor Petrila stated, we will rebuild.