BELLEAIR SHORE -- There will be no election in Belleair Shore this year as the incumbents in two seats filed unopposed and are re-elected.
That means Mayor John Robertson is again returned to office along with Commissioner John Hayes.
Under Robertson's direction, Belleair Shore has enjoyed an efficient commission with virtually no contention in contrast to past years when Belleair Shore government was in constant turmoil and the city was hit with law suits.
At last Wednesday's meeting here where Belleair Shore holds its meetings because there are no public buildings in the tiny, Gulf-side town, Robertson said a new ordinance is being contemplated that would make the commission a plans review body for new construction.
The town is reviewing its ordinances and this addition to them would have the commissioners review plans to make sure they conform to town ordinances.
Pinellas County serves as the town's building department. The commission, under the proposed ordinance, which is now due for more study, would check out plans before permits are issued.
Still pursuing a large rebate on the money Belleair Shore claims that was wrongfully charged them by Belleair Beach for sewer service, John Elias, the town attorney, said that his information from Belleair Beach was that an audit is still not completed.
Hayes wondered whether accrued interest would be included. Belleair Beach some time ago listed rebates for Belleair Shore which were essentially chump change compared to what Belleair Shore figures is owed to its residents.
Lacking what they have referred to as a fair settlement, Belleair Shore has threatened a law suit against Belleair Beach which imposed exorbitant sewer charges almost two years ago.
Robertson also said that there will be a meeting of officials from Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Beach and Belleair Shore -- the jurisdictions served by the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue district -- to discuss PSF&R issues.
One main subject expected to be pursued, Robertson said, is a full and independent audit of the fire district's finances.
Robertson also said that the reclaimed water construction along Gulf Boulevard appears to be on schedule.