CLEARWATER - On May 17th Clearwater's Community Development Board, after spending an hour and a half hearing arguments for and against a proposed 71-foot tall condominium project on Island Estates' Skiff Point, failed to reach a decision for a second time; their 3-3 vote resulted in continuing the hearing until their next meeting.
The CDB is comprised of seven members plus an alternate, discouraging ties by having an odd number of votes cast. During their May 17th meeting CDB Vice Chairman Alex Plisko and Alternate Board Member Dan Dennehy were both absent, leaving the Board with only six voting members. Members Fritsch, Coates and Milam voted to deny the application, while Chairman Gildersleeve and Members Johnson and Tallman voted against the denial.
Contacted by telephone after the meeting, Dennehy explained that he had notified City staff one month ago of a scheduling conflict that prevented his attendance. But if his attendance was essential, he said, he was prepared to forego his business meeting in favor of the CDB meeting; Dennehy claimed that he was not asked by the City to alter his schedule.
Plisko failed to attend the last three CDB meetings, and was unable to be contacted to explain his most recent absence.
The CDB will hear the Skiff Point application for a third time during their June 21st meeting.