Workshop Meeting

WORKSHOP MEETING BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN OF REDINGTON SHORES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 – 6:00 P.M. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS None OLD BUSINESS 1. Website Posting Policy/ Social Media Policy Update 2. Citizen Communication App 3. Building Official Position Update NEW BUSINESS 1. Shark Fishing Ban 2. BCE Update- Undergrounding of the West Side of Gulf Blvd. 3. Medicare Reimbursement Discussion for Town Employee 4. Town Newsletter Discussion MISCELLANEOUS Regular Meeting- Wednesday, November 8, 2023 – 6:00 P.M. Workshop Meeting- Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 286.0105, if any person or entity decides to appeal any decision made on any matter considered at any meeting or hearing of any Redington Shores board or commission, he, she or it will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, he, she or it may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the legal arguments, testimony, and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.  Redington Shores Social Media Policy Objectives/Purposes The Town of Redington Shores (“Town”) Policy Governing Town Use of Social Media (“Policy”) functions to provide policies and procedures for Town utilization of social media services to ensure consistency with the Town’s brand and message. This Policy is narrowly tailored in recognition of the Town’s compelling and significant interests, which includes but are not limited to, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local law, Florida’s public records law and the Florida Sunshine Law, to promote and maintain an efficient workplace and work environment for Town business, and in the Town’s interests of providing services that benefit the public health, safety, and welfare. Adequate and ample alternative channels to convey various Town-related commercial or personal messages exists that are not limited or affected by this Policy, including but not limited to, speaking during public comment portions of Town meetings, posting or creating content on websites or social media services that are not Town social media accounts, or using alternative means of communication that do not involve Town websites or social media services. Such alternative methods are reasonable for the affected speaker to communicate directly to his or her intended audience. This Policy is also intended to function as a guide and clear communication to users of the Town’s social media services of the best lawful practice and operational realities in utilizing Town social media services when used for purposes relating to or perpetuating Town business. The Town intends to operate its social media applications in two different formats relating to the government speech doctrine versus the creation of a designated or limited public forum. For Town-utilized social media services where the Town has disabled the ability of the public to comment or post, alternatively, in the event such disabling is unavailable, removed or deleted public postings or comments, or the Town has otherwise communicated or posted a statement that the Town is not seeking or soliciting public comment or postings, then the Town-utilized social media services shall function solely as an expression of the Town’s government related speech and viewpoint. Such government speech shall relate to the Town’s preservation of the ability to promote itself and Town-related news and events, to share governmental related messages and opinions that the Town and its Commission desires to communicate, and to otherwise craft and limit the content and views of the speech of the Town in order to convey information for the purposes set forth herein as the Town desires in its sole discretion as selected by the Town Administrator (subject to the direction and control of the Town Commission). At its core, the Town’s government speech shall be justified based upon the premise that, in order to function, the Town must have the ability to express certain points of view on most issues, including control over that expression, without providing for the expression of contrary views. In contrast, in circumstances where the Town actively solicits or encourages public comments or postings from the public and has not otherwise disabled (or deleted public comments from a Town- utilized social media service where disabling comments is unavailable), then the Town-utilized social media services shall be construed as creating a designated or limited public forum in accordance with the topical and expressive parameters provided in this Policy. The Town retains the exclusive right to treat Town-utilized social media services as designated or limited public forum, or alternatively, as a forum for the sole expression of the Town’s government speech alone at any time and without notice. Such conversion or modification of a traditional or limited public forum to a forum only allowing the Town’s government speech may occur through disabling all comments on the particular social media service, or if the ability to disable comments is unavailable, through the Town’s clear communication that public comments or posts are not solicited, will no longer be accepted, and will be deleted as soon as practicable under the circumstances. At all times, however, utilization of Town social media services is intended primarily as a means for the Town to express its own content and viewpoint consistent with the government speech doctrine, to inform and educate the public, to efficiently and timely perform Town-related tasks, and to otherwise provide an alternative avenue for the Town itself to directly communicate to the public. Responsibilities: The Town Administrator is ultimately responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of all Town social media accounts in accordance with this policy. The Town Administrator’s Office is the primary point of contact for each Town department/operating unit, and will provide an overview and training of this social media policy and its implementation. The Town Clerk’s Office will oversee the records management program with support from the Town Administrator’s Office. The Town’s Information Technology consultant will provide the necessary technology services, security, guidance and technical assistance for effective social media usage. Authorized users are responsible for actively engaging in social media by posting pertinent information on behalf of the Town on a consistent basis and in compliance with this social media policy. Policy: It is the policy of the Town to adopt a procedure to guide all interaction with social media platforms and its accompanying guidelines that provides a standard approach to the collaboration and sharing of information on and in various public domains to provide consistent communication across all media. Social Media Usage • While social media platforms provide an effective forum for building relationships and for conveying small “bites” of information, these platforms do not serve as the Town’s sole or even primary means of communication with residents, businesses, and others. The Town’s social media accounts are intended to be used for secondary informational purposes only. • Social media is a particularly ineffective tool for communicating about complex issues. The Town will use more appropriate means to communicate detailed information about complex issues and to discuss concerns with citizens and others. • Practical and legal considerations may sometimes constrain, prevent, or prohibit discussion of certain topics, such as court cases, through this medium.  • Comments that offer thoughtful criticism of the organization (not individuals) and Town initiatives shall not be removed or altered (where the Town has chosen to create a limited public forum) except as provided for in this policy. • The Town reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this policy or any applicable law. The Town’s social media articles, posts or comments containing any of the following forms of content shall not be allowed and shall be removed as soon as possible: ► Profane language or content ► Comments not topically related to the post being commented upon ► Personal or character attacks ► Content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination ► Sexual content or links to sexual content ► Advertisements not authorized by the Town ► Hyperlinks to third party websites or advertisements regarding third party events unless the Town has become a co-sponsor of the event ► Illegal conduct or encouragement of illegal activity ► Information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems ► Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party ► Content related to a political campaign including, but not limited to content pertaining to fundraising activities promoting or opposing any person campaigning for election to a political office • Users shall be informed that by posting to the Town’s social media sites the Town relinquishes any and all responsibility and liability for any materials that the Town deems inappropriate for posting, which cannot be removed in an expeditious and otherwise timely manner. • These guidelines must be readily available for review to residents and community groups by hyperlink on the Town’s website. Any content removed based on these guidelines must be retained, including the time, date and identity of the poster when available, in accordance with the Town’s policy on the retention of such information. General Procedures and Maintenance of Town-owned Accounts • The Town will utilize one central account with desired social media networks (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X, and others). Individual Town departments, units and employees must, with authorization of the Town Administrator, only utilize the central account to convey desired Town communications. • An introductory statement that clearly specifies the purpose and topical scope of the Town’s social media presence will be included on all platforms used. • Management of social media accounts and initiatives shall lie primarily within the Town Administrator.  • The Administrator may give a limited number of staff members may be given access to social media accounts and passwords, and permission to post as “the Town of Redington Shores.” • Town staff members who are not Authorized Users may request that the Town Administrator or designee post a message from the Town on their behalf. • The Town Administrator’s Office will provide training on social media usage for authorized users in the Town. • The Town shall not post purposefully inaccurate information. If an inadvertent inaccuracy is posted, a correction will be published as soon as possible. • Designated Town staff members may post comments/replies without advance review or permission of Town management. However, if staff members have concerns or desire advance review, they may request such from the Town Administrator or designee. • Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 106.113(2), the Town, or a person acting on behalf of the Town shall not expend or authorize the expenditure of public funds for a political advertisement or any other communication sent to electors concerning an issue, referendum, or amendment, including any state question, that is subject to a vote of the electors. This prohibition applies to a communication initiated by the Town or a person acting on behalf of the Town, irrespective of whether the communication is limited to factual information or advocates for the passage or defeat of an issue, referendum, or amendment. This prohibition does not preclude the Town or a person acting on behalf of the Town from reporting on official actions of the Town Commission in an accurate, fair, and impartial manner; posting factual information on the Town’s website or in printed materials; hosting and providing information at a public forum; providing factual information in response to an inquiry; or providing information as otherwise authorized or required by law. • The Town will not edit others’ comments. However, if others’ comments are not in compliance with the standards for content listed above, the comments will be removed. • Any content removed based on this guideline will be retained, including the time, date and identity of the poster when available, in accordance with public records laws. Guidelines for Authorized Users • Social media posts made by the Town must pertain to Town news or Town- sponsored/partnered events only. • As part of the interactive approach to using social media, the Town Administrator or designee may follow, message, like, tag, share and repost posts that contain content that is relevant to the Town’s mission. However, in no circumstance may the Town follow,  message, like, tag, share, or re-post content of any candidate for Town Commission or other political office. • The Town’s authorized users will approach the use of social media tools as consistently as possible. • At all times, authorized users shall use good judgment when posting. • Employees must refrain from posts that may be interpreted as offensive, obscene, demeaning, or inflammatory. • Documents or information made confidential under Florida’s Public Records Act shall not be posted. • At times, authorized users may determine other means/tools are more appropriate ways to respond to citizen comment or may determine that it is best not to respond to a comment at all. • In general, individual complaints, concerns, or service requests will not be addressed via social media. • Authorized users shall not engage in back-and-forth conversation regarding topics that are complex, controversial, or otherwise sensitive. • Authorized users, in consultation with the Town Administrator, will determine when an issue raised by others has reached a “critical mass” that requires a Town response on the account. • A standard reply may be used to direct users with concerns related to sensitive or complex issues. This standard reply shall read something like: The Town of Redington Shores is very interested in insights, concerns expressed here. However, complex topics typically are not effectively discussed in forums such as this. If you wish to voice your concerns further or obtain additional information, please complete a comment card or attend a Town Commission meeting to address your concern. Guidelines and Limitations for all Users • All Town employees, including authorized users of the Town’s social media accounts, and Town officials shall govern themselves in a professional manner that reflects positively on the Town when using social media. Users should always focus on providing high-quality customer service and worthwhile information in a timely manner. • The conversation shall always remain civil and respectful and all authorized users, employees, and Town officials must refrain from using content in violation of this policy. • Inaccurate information posted by non-employees may be addressed and corrected, on a factual basis only. • Repeated violations of this policy shall result in removal of access to the service and be grounds for disciplinary action for Town employees. • This Social Media Policy shall be revised by the Town Commission as needed. Posts/comments to the Town’s social media accounts shall constitute acceptance of this policy. Last revised November 8th 2023  ORDINANCE NO. 2023-04 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF INDIAN SHORES, FLORIDA, CREATING A SHARK FISHING ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 ANIMALS AND - - ADDING A NEW ARTICLE I, SECTION 14-3, “SHARK FISHING”; TO PROHIBIT SHARK FISHING ALONG THE BEACHES OF THE TOWN OF INDIAN SHORES AND ALONG THE SHORE OF THE GOVERNl’1ENT CHANNEL IN THE NARROWS; INCORPORATING FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Town of Indian Shores (the Town) is a Florida municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, the Town Council of Indian Shores (the Council) finds that sharks and all aquatic life are important to the biodiversity of the coastal waters of Florida; and WHEREAS, the Council has determined it to be in the public’s best interest to establish reasonable regulations regarding fishing along the beaches of the Town or along the shore of the government channel in the Narrows; and WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to eliminate shark fishing from the shoreline and the Narrows irrespective of permits issued under 50 C.F.R. § 635.4 or licenses obtained pursuant to Chapter 68B-44, F.A.C.; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that it is in the best interest of the Town, and the health, safety and welfare of its residents, visitors and businesses, to protect endangered marine life and native species by adoption of this Ordinance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF INDIAN SHORES: Section 1: That all of the above recitals are true and correct, and the same are incorporated into this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein. Section 2: That the Town of Indian Shores Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14— Animals is — hereby amended by the addition of a new Article I, Sec. 14-3, and shall hereby be created to read as follows: Sec.14-3. Shark Fishing (a) No shark fishing shall be allowed along the beaches of the Town or along the shore of the government channel in the Narrows. (b) No baiting or chumming shall be allowed along the beaches of the Town or along the shore of the government channel in the Narrows. Baiting or chumming is defined as using cut up or ground up bait to put an attractive scent line on or below the surface of the water, or to visually attract other fish; this shall not prohibit someone from using a piece of cut bait on any individual line that is used for general fishing. (c) The use of shark lures and rigs shall be strictly prohibited along the beaches of the Town or along the shore of the government channel in the Narrows: and (d) All accidental shark catches must be cut loose. (e) All shark carcasses and pieces shall be removed from the Indian Shores beaches or along the shore of the government channel in the NalTows within the Town limits. Section 3: That all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. Section 4: That if any provision or part of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unenforceable as a matter of law, the offending portion shall be stricken and all other provision hereof shall remain valid and enforceable. Section 5: This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption in the manner provided by law. 8th FIRST READING this day of August , 2023. The first reading of the above Ordinance, upon motion by Vice Mayor Diantha Schear and seconded by Councilor Bill Smith as duly approved at a regular Council 8th Meeting held on the day of August ,2023. Voting in favor of the First Reading: Mayor Patrick C. Soranno, Vice Mayor Diantha Schear, Councilor Bill Smith, Councilor Mike Petruccelli, and Councilor Ellen A. Bauer. Voting in opposition: None Absent: None Abstaining: None Page 2 of 3 Ordinance No. 2023-04, Town of Indian Shores, FL  _________________ 13th SECOND READING this day of September , 2023. The second reading of the above Ordinance, upon motion by Councilor Bill Smith and seconded by Vice Mayor Diantha Schear as duly approved at a Regular 13th Town Council Meeting held on the day of September 2023. , Voting in favor of the Second Reading: Mayor Patrick C. Soranno, Vice Mayor Diantha Schear, Councilor Bill Smith, and Councilor Ellen A. Bauer. Voting in opposition: None Absent: Councilor Abstaining: None Mike Petruccelli PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF INDIAN 13th SHORES, FLORIDA, THIS day of September , 2023. ATTEST: Pa ck C. Soranno Freddie Lozano. ayor Town Clerk Approved as to form: RegidA. Karda , sq. Town Attorney Page 3 of 3 Ordinance No. 2023-04, Town of Indian Shores, FL