AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONAugust 14, 2024
The Honorable Bruce Rector, Mayor
City of Clearwater
600 Cleveland St., 6th Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
FORWARD PINELLAS
P: (127) 464.8250
F: (727) 464.8212
forwardpinellas.org
310 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
RECEIVED
ALIG1921124
CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
Re: Forward Pinellas Reapportionment Plan — Amended Interlocal Agreement
Dear Mayor Rector:
As you are aware, Forward Pinellas coordinates countywide land use and
transportation planning to support the 25 local govemments in Pinellas County.
In doing so, it functions in two capacities. One as the Pinellas Planning Council
(PPC) and the other as the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO). Metropolitan planning organizations are governed by federal and state
law and are required to exist in each urbanized area greater than 50,000
residents, as designated by the Census.
The Forward Pinellas Board is now comprised of 13 members, representing eight
(8) municipal governments, the Pinellas County Commission, and the Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). Three of the municipal government seats are
shared by multiple cities and rotate every two years, enabling the board to
represent all 25 local govemments.
In accordance with Section 339.175, F.S., the Governor is required to review the
membership composition of each metropolitan planning organization (MPO) in
conjunction with the decennial Census, and to reapportion it as necessary to
comply with state and federal requirements. The Reapportionment Plan is
necessary to identify the voting membership and seat terms for Forward Pinellas,
both in its role as the MPO and as the PPC.
On September 13, 2023, the Forward Pinellas Board voted unanimously to adopt
a resolution approving a membership Reapportionment Plan, which is enclosed
for your review. That Plan was subsequently transmitted to the Governor. This
week we received a letter from the Governor approving the recommended Plan.
Highlights of the new Plan include the following:
• Updating city and county population totals based on the 2020 U.S. Census;
• Reapportionment of the governing board from 13 to 19 members;
• Adding two seats for the City of St. Petersburg due to increased population;
INTEGRATING LAND USE & TRANSPORTATION
• Adding a seat for the City of Clearwater due to increased population;
• Adding a seat for Tarpon Springs due to increased population;
• Adding a seat for the Pinellas County Commission due to increased
population;
• Requiring one of the County Commission seats be from an at -large district.
• Splitting the current Inland Communities seat into two seats to allow for
shorter rotation times;
o Inland North: Belleair, Belleair Bluffs and Seminole
o Inland South: Gulfport, South Pasadena, Kenneth City
• Lengthening the term for rotating seats from two years to three years;
With the Governor's approval letter in hand, it is now necessary to amend the
Interlocal Agreement for the Creation of the Pinellas County MPO, which was
originally executed in October of 2014, to allow for the expansion of the board
membership. The local governments, PSTA and FDOT are required signatories
on the amended agreement. Each entity with seats on the new board will have
60 days from the date of the Governor's letter, or until October 7, 2024, to make
its appointment(s) to the new board which will be seated in January 2025. To
that end, we are asking that you place this item on an upcoming agenda as soon
as reasonably possible. We are happy to attend the meeting at your discretion to
provide additional information and answer any questions as needed. This can be
done with or without a formal presentation by our staff.
Please find attached the original 2014 interlocal agreement for the creation of the
MPO, the amendment to the interlocal agreement, the Reapportionment Plan, a
slide showing the new board composition and the letter from the Governor.
As always, we appreciate your support and the opportunity to serve your
community, Pinellas County, and the region. Please feel free to contact me at
(727) 464-8712 or by email at wblanton@forwardpinellas.orq if you have any
questions or need any additional information.
Sincerely,
tJ&
Whit Blanton FAICP
Executive Director
Cc: Jennifer Poirrier, City Manager
Rosemarie Call, City Clerk
Councilmember David Allbritton
Attachments
RON DESANTIS
GOVERNOR
August 8, 2024
Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization
310 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
To Whom It May Concern:
In accordance with s. 339.175, Florida Statutes, and Title 23 CFR Part 450, please
consider this letter as formal concurrence with the Department of Transportation's
recommendation that the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization's
apportionment plan meets the requirements of s. 339.175, Florida Statutes and Title 23
CFR 450.312(a).
The MPO's continued adherence to the requirements of Florida Law are of
upmost importance.
Sincerely,
Ron DeSantis, Governor
CC: Mr. Jared Perdue, P.E., Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation
THE CAPITOL
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399 • (850) 717-9249
Jurisdiction
Number Percent of
of Votes Population Percent of Vote
BCC
4
28.7%
21.1%
St. Pete
4
26.9%
21.1%
Clearwater
2
12.2%
10.5%
Largo
1
8.6%
5.3%
Pinellas Park
1
5.5%
5.3%
Beaches
1
3.2%
5.3%
Dunedin
1
3.8%
5.3%
Tarpon Springs
1
2.6%
5.3%
Oldsmar, Safety Harbor
1
3.4%
5.3%
Belleair, Belleair Bluffs,
Seminole
1
2.7%
5.3%
Gulfport, Kenneth City,
South Pasadena
1
2.3%
5.3%
PSTA
1
N/A
5.3%
Total:
19
100.0%
100.0%
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
THIS AMENDMENT (hereinafter "Amendment") is made and entered into by and between
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; the COUNTY OF PINELLAS; the CITIES
OF BELLEAIR BEACH, BELLEAIR BLUFFS, CLEARWATER, DUNEDIN, GULFPORT, INDIAN
ROCKS BEACH, LARGO, MADEIRA BEACH, OLDSMAR, PINELLAS PARK, SAFETY
HARBOR, ST. PETE BEACH, ST. PETERSBURG, SEMINOLE, SOUTH PASADENA, TARPON
SPRINGS, TREASURE ISLAND; the TOWNS OF BELLEAIR, BELLEAIR SHORE, INDIAN
SHORES, KENNETH CITY, NORTH REDINGTON BEACH, REDINGTON BEACH,
REDINGTON SHORES; and the PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY (PSTA),
collectively known as "the Parties."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Parties reaffirm the Interlocal Agreement dated
October 15, 2014, except as amended herein; and
WHEREAS, § 134 Title 23 of the United States Code requires the
designation of metropolitan planning organizations (hereinafter "MPO" or
"MPOs") in urban areas, as defined by the United States Census Bureau;
and
WHEREAS, § 339.175(4)(a), Fla. Stat., requires the Governor to
review the composition of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations
membership in conjunction with the decennial census; and
WHEREAS, § 134 of Title 23 of the United State Code sets forth
membership requirements for MPOs designated for transportation
management areas with a population of 200,000 or more residents; and
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2023, the governing board of Forward
Pinellas, in its role as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, reviewed its
voting composition and approved a resolution supporting the adoption of the
MPO Membership Apportionment Plan (the "Apportionment Resolution") and
determined that it was appropriate to expand the voting membership of the
governing board; and
WHEREAS, the signatories to this Amendment desire to ratify and
reaffirm the Apportionment Resolution as is fully set forth herein; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants,
promises, and representation herein, the parties agree as follows:
I. Recitals. The forgoing recitals are true and correct.
II. Interlocal Agreement.
Article 4, Section 4.01 (a) of the Interlocal Agreement dated October 15, 2014, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) The membership of the MPO shall consist of 19 voting members and one
(1) non-voting advisor. The names of the member local governmental entities
and the voting apportionment of the governing board as approved by the
Governor shall be as follows: four (4) voting members representing the Pinellas
County Board of County Commissioners, one of which must be from an At -
Large District; four (4) voting members representing the City of St. Petersburg;
two (2) voting members representing the City of Clearwater; one (1) voting
member for each of the following cities: Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Clearwater,
Largo and Tarpon Springs; one (1) rotating voting member representing the
cities of Oldsmar and Safety Harbor; one (1) rotating voting member
representing the cities of Belleair, Belleair Bluffs and Seminole; one (1) rotating
voting member representing the cities Gulfport, South Pasadena and Kenneth
City; one (1) rotating voting member representing the following communities
which comprise the Barrier Islands Government Council (BIG -C) (excluding
Clearwater): Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach, St. Pete
Beach, Treasure Island, Belleair Shore, Indian Shores, North Redington Beach,
Redington Beach, Redington Shores; one (1) voting member representing the
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA); and one (1) non-voting advisor
representing the Florida Department of Transportation.
Article 4, Section 4.01(c) of the Interlocal Agreement dated October 15, 2014, is
amended to read as follows:
(c) The voting membership of an MPO shall consist of not fewer than five or
more than 25 apportioned members, the exact number to be determined on an
equitable geographic -population ratio basis by the Governor, based on an
agreement among the affected units of general-purpose local government as
required by federal rules and regulations and shall be in compliance with
339.175(3) F.S.
Article 4, Section 4.02 of the Interlocal Agreement dated October 15, 2014, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 4.02. Terms. Except as provided for below, the term of office of
members of the MPO shall be four years.
The term of office for the SAFETY HARBOR/OLDSMAR consortium of
municipalities shall be three (3) years, on a rotating basis. The order of rotation
will be Safety Harbor, Oldsmar. If a municipality decides to defer its term of
appointment, the process will proceed to the next municipality in the order
shown and the deferring municipality will go to the end of the rotational order. A
municipality in a rotating seat may retain its seat beyond the normal three-year
cycle if the other two municipalities in the rotation agree to not appoint a member
to the board from their respective jurisdiction. Finally, if the appointed elected
official is unable to complete their three-year term, that Municipal Commission
or Council will appoint another elected official for the balance of the term.
Page of 31
The term of office for the BELLEAIR/BELLEAIR BLUFFS/SEMINOLE consortium
of municipalities shall be three (3) years on a rotating basis. The order of rotation
shall be, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, and Seminole. If a municipality decides to defer
its term of appointment, the process will proceed to the next municipality in the
order shown and the deferring municipality will go to the end of the rotational
order. A municipality in a rotating seat may retain its seat beyond the normal three-
year cycle if the other two municipalities in the rotation agree to not appoint a
member to the board from their respective jurisdiction. Finally, if the appointed
elected official is unable to complete their three-year term, that Municipal
Commission or Council will appoint another elected official for the balance of the
term.
The term of office for the GULFPORT/SOUTH PASADENA/KENNETH CITY
consortium of municipalities shall be three (3) years. The order of rotation shall be
Gulfport, South Pasadena and Kenneth City. If a municipality decides to defer its
term of appointment, the process will proceed to the next municipality in the order
shown and the deferring municipality will go to the end of the rotational order. A
municipality in a rotating seat may retain its seat beyond the normal three-year
cycle if the other two municipalities in the rotation agree to not appoint a member
to the board from their respective jurisdiction. Finally, if the appointed elected
official is unable to complete their three-year term, that Municipal Commission or
Council will appoint another elected official for the balance of the term.
The term of the rotating voting member representing the aforementioned BIG -C
communities shall be two years, however, the appointed elected official may be
reappointed for up to four successive two-year terms, for a maximum term of eight
years. The BIG -C, by majority vote, shall recommend appointments from
nominations of elected officials provided by individual member municipalities. The
municipal government board on which the recommended elected official serves
shall confirm the appointment and transmit the name of the appointee to the MPO.
If the appointed elected official is unable to complete their two-year term for any
reason, the same procedure used for the original appointment by the BIG -C and
the appointing municipality shall be followed.
The membership of a member who is a public official automatically terminates
upon said official leaving the elective or appointive office for any reason, or may
be terminated by a majority vote of the total membership of the governmental
entity represented by the member. A vacancy shall be filled by the original
appointing entity. A member may be appointed for one or more additional four-
year terms.
III. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any term or
provision of this Amendment or the non -applicability of any such term
or provision to any person or circumstance shall not impair or affect
the remainder of this Amendment, and the remaining terms and
provisions hereof shall not be invalidated but shall remain in full force
and effect but shall be construed as if such invalid, unenforceable, or
non- applicable provisions were omitted.
}'aye 3 01'31
IV. Entire Agreement. This Amendment represents the entire
understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. None of the terms and provisions hereof may
be amended, supplemented, waived or changed orally, but only by a
writing signed by each of the parties hereto.
V. Rules of Construction. Whenever used herein, the singular number
shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and the
use of any gender shall include all genders.
VI. Amendment Execution and Counterpart Signature Pages. This
Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered, shall be an original; but such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.
VII. Effective Date. This Amendment shall become effective upon its filing
in the Pinellas County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit .. Any
amendment hereto shall become effective only upon its filing in the
Pinellas County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties have caused
this Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement dated October 15, 2014, to
be duly executed on their behalf.
[Continued on following
pages]
fele 4 or 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
TOWN OF BELLEAIR
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 5 v1 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF BELLEAIR BEACH
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 6of31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF BELLEAIR BLUFFS
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 7 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
TOWN OF BELLEAIR SHORE
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 8o 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Pave 9 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF DUNEDIN
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 10 oI' 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF GULFPORT
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Pigs 11 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 12 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
TOWN OF INDIAN SHORES
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 1 3 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
TOWN OF KENNETH CITY
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 14 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF LARGO
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 15 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF MADEIRA BEACH
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 16 431
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
TOWN OF NORTH REDINGTON BEACH
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 17 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF OLDSMAR
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 18 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF PINELLAS PARK
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 19 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
TOWN OF REDINGTON BEACH
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 20 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
TOWN OF REDINGTON SHORES
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 2 of 3I
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF SAFETY HARBOR
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 22 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF ST. PETE BEACH
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 2.3 of 3 I
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 24 o 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF SEMINOLE
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
25 of 11
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 26 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 27 431
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
CITY OF TREASURE ISLAND
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 28 of 3I
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page. 29 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
(seal)
Page 30 of 31
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
CREATION OF THE PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
DISTRICT SEVEN
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TAMPA, FLORIDA
BY:
TITLE:
DATE:
ATTEST:
TITLE:
DATE:
Page 31 of 31
T
EXHIBIT A
PINELLAS COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO)
MEMBERSHIP REAPPORTIONMENT PLAN
Approved by the Forward Pinellas Board on August 2, 2023
T
Urban Area Boundary
Pinellas County is located on the Gulf coast of central Florida. While comprised of 25 local
government jurisdictions (24 municipalities and an unincorporated area) and approximately 280
square miles in size, Pinellas is geographically the second smallest county in Florida. According
to the United States Bureau of the Census, the entire county is urbanized and with a 2020
population of 959,107 it is Florida's most densely populated county. This is an increase from
916,542 in 2010, representing a 4.4% increase overall during the ten-year period.
Figure 1: Forward Pinellas Urban Boundary
N
Interstate
'_ -US Highways
— State Roads
— Sunrunner Route
Local Roads
2020 Census Urban Area
Tame
0 2.02 4.05 8.1 Miles
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
County of Pinellas. FDEP. Esri, HERE Garrnin Sa'eGraph, FAO, MMEThNAS .1!565,
EP4 N5
Table 1: Forward Pinellas 2010 and 2020 Population by Jurisdiction
Belleair
Belleair Beach
Belleair Bluffs
Belleair Shore
Clearwater
Dunedin
Gulfport
Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Shores
Kenneth City
Largo
Madeira Beach
North Redington Beach
Oldsmar
Pinellas Park
Redington Beach
Redington Shores
Safety Harbor
St. Pete Beach
St. Petersburg
Seminole
South Pasadena
Tarpon Springs
Treasure Island
UNINCORPORATED
Total Population
2010 Population 2020 Population
3,869
4,273
1,560
1,633
2,031
2,311
109
73
107,685
117,292
35,321
36,068
12,029
11,783
4,113
3,673
1,420
1,190
4,980
5,047
77,648
82,485
4,263
3,895
1,417
1,495
13,591
14,898
49,079
53,093
1,427
1,376
2,121
2,176
16,884
17,072
9,346
8,879
244,769
258,308
1,7233
19,364
4,964
5,353
23,484
25,117
6,705
6,584
270,494
275,669
916,542
959,107
Source: 2010 and 2020 Census
Federal and State Law
Federal law (Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 450) provides that a metropolitan planning
organization shall be designated for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000
individuals. The Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was created in 1977
pursuant to the provisions of federal rules and regulations and companion state laws. Chapter
339, Subsection 339.175(3)(a), F.S., provides that the voting membership of a metropolitan
planning organization shall consist of not fewer than five or more than 25 apportioned members,
the exact number to be determined on an equitable geographic -population ratio basis, based on
an agreement among the affected units of general-purpose local government and the Governor,
as required by federal regulations.
3
The Governor, in accordance with 23 U.S.C. s.134, may provide for MPO members who represent
municipalities to alternate with representatives from other municipalities within the
metropolitan planning area that do not have members on the MPO. With some exceptions,
County Commission members shall comprise not less than one-third of the MPO membership.
One exception is in metropolitan areas, wherein Section 339.175(3)(b), F.S., allows voting
membership on the MPO for authorities or other agencies not under the jurisdiction of a general-
purpose local government represented on the MPO, which have been created by law to perform
transportation functions and are performing such functions. In Pinellas County, the Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is such an authority. Because the PSTA has membership on
the MPO, the County Commission representation is reduced to at least 20% of the voting
membership, as allowed by law. All voting members shall be elected officials of general-purpose
local government.
Section 339.175(4) F.S., provides that the Governor, with the agreement of the affected units of
general-purpose local government as required by federal rules and regulations, apportion the
membership on the applicable MPO among the various governmental entities within the area.
Current MPO Board Composition
Presently, the MPO is comprised of 13 voting members, representing the 24 municipal
governments, the Pinellas County Commission and PSTA. One municipal government seat is
shared by three north county cities (Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, and Tarpon Springs), one seat is
shared by the inland cities (Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Gulfport, Kenneth City, Seminole and South
Pasadena) and one seat is shared by the beach communities (Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore,
Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach
Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island). On the current board, the County
Commission represents the unincorporated area of Pinellas. In addition, the District Seven
Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, or a designee, serves as a non-voting
technical advisor to the MPO.
Proposed MPO Board Composition
Consistent with the board action taken on August 2, 2023, the MPO proposes to reapportion its
board membership by adding six additional seats, for a total of 19 board members. This
reapportionment is proposed to reflect a desire by our local communities that share seats to have
longer, and more frequent, opportunities to serve, while also re -balancing the weight of the votes
for our jurisdictions following the 2020 Decennial Census. Our experience since 2014 is that two-
year terms for rotating seats is insufficient for members to gain knowledge to be as effective as
other members, and it also inhibits leadership opportunities on the board. Two additional seats
for the City of St. Petersburg and one additional seat for the City of Clearwater are also being
added to reflect the relative number of residents in those jurisdictions, a new seat is being
created for the City of Tarpon Springs and an additional seat is being added for the Board of
4
1
County Commissioners (BCC) to ensure a minimum of 20% of the vote be retained for the BCC,
per State Statute. To develop the Reapportionment Plan, population numbers from the 2020
Census were utilized.
The 10 beach communities located along Gulf Boulevard (referenced above), plus the City of
Clearwater, formed a consortium in January 1990 called the Barrier Islands Government Council,
Inc. (a.k.a. the BIG -C). By agreement of the consortium members in 2011, the following
provisions for appointments have been established for the seat to be rotated among the
municipalities:
• The appointed elected official will serve a two-year term.
• The appointed elected official may be reappointed for up to four successive two-year
terms, for a maximum term of eight years.
• The BIG -C (excluding Clearwater), by majority vote, shall recommend appointments from
nominations of elected officials provided by individual member municipalities.
• The municipal government board on which the recommended elected official serves shall
confirm the appointment and transmit the name of the appointee to the MPO; and
• If the appointed elected official is unable to complete their two-year term for any reason,
the same procedure used for the original appointment by the BIG -C and the appointing
municipality shall be followed.
This Reapportionment Plan creates an additional seat for the six inland municipalities (Belleair,
Belleair Bluffs, Gulfport, Kenneth City, Seminole, and South Pasadena), providing more
opportunities for those communities to have an opportunity to serve on the board.
One seat will be shared by Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, and Seminole. The following terms and
rotational procedures for these alternating seats the members will share are as follows:
• The appointed elected official will serve a three-year term.
• The order of rotation will be Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, and Seminole.
• If a municipality decides to defer its term of appointment, the process will proceed to the
next city in the order and the deferring city will go to the end of the rotational order.
• A municipality in a rotating seat may retain its seat beyond the normal 3 -year cycle if the
other two municipalities in the rotation agree to not appoint a member to the board from
their respective jurisdiction.
• If the appointed elected official is unable to complete their three-year term, that
municipality Commission/Council will appoint another elected official for the balance of
the term.
One seat will be shared by Gulfport, Kenneth City and South Pasadena. The following terms and
rotational procedures for these alternating seats the members will share are as follows:
5
• The appointed elected official will serve a three-year term.
• The order of rotation will be Gulfport, South Pasadena, Kenneth City.
• If a city decides to defer its term of appointment, the process will proceed to the next city
in the order and the deferring city will go to the end of the rotational order.
• A municipality in a rotating seat may retain its seat beyond the normal 3 -year cycle if the
other two municipalities in the rotation agree to not appoint a member to the board from
their respective jurisdiction.
• If the appointed elected official is unable to complete their three-year term, that City
Commission/Council will appoint another elected official for the balance of the term.
One seat shall be shared by the municipalities of Oldsmar and Safety Harbor. The following terms
and rotational procedures for these alternating seats the members will share are as follows:
• The appointed elected official will serve a three-year term.
• The order of rotation will be Oldsmar, Safety Harbor.
• If a city decides to defer its term of appointment, the process will proceed to the next city
in the order and the deferring city will go to the end of the rotational order; and
• If the appointed elected official is unable to complete their three-year term, that City
Commission/Council will appoint another elected official for the balance of the term.
Nonrotational seats will be apportioned as follows:
• Four seats for representatives from the Board of County Commissioners, one of which
must be from an At -Large District
• Four seats for representatives from the City of St. Petersburg
• Two seats for representatives from the City of Clearwater
• One seat for a representative from the City of Largo
• One seat for a representative from the City of Pinellas Park
• One seat for a representative from the City of Dunedin
• One seat for a representative from the City of Tarpon Springs
• One seat for a representative from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
The District Seven Secretary for FDOT, or a designee, will continue to serve as a non-voting
technical advisor to the MPO.
6
Table 2: Forward Pinellas Apportionment Plan
Number Percent of Percent
Jurisdiction of Votes Population of Vote
BCC
4
28.7%
21.1%
St. Pete
4
26.9%
21.1%
Clearwater
2
12.2%
10.5%
Largo
1
8.6%
5.3%
Pinellas Park
1
5.5%
5.3%
Beaches
1
3.2%
5.3%
Dunedin
1
3.8%
5.3%
Tarpon Springs
1
2.6%
5.3%
Oldsmar, Safety
Harbor
1
3.4%
5.3%
Belleair, Belleair
Bluffs, Seminole
1
2.7%
5.3%
Gulfport,
Kenneth City,
South Pasadena
1
2.3%
5.3%
PSTA
1
N/A
5.3%
Membership
All voting representatives shall be elected officials of general-purpose local governments,
except, to the extent that the MPO includes, as part of its apportioned voting membership, a
member of a statutorily authorized planning board or an official of an agency that operates or
administers a major mode of transportation. All individuals acting as a representative of the
governing board of the County, the city or authority shall first be selected by said governing
board.
7
The voting membership of an MPO shall consist of not fewer than five or more than 19
apportioned members, the exact number to be determined on an equitable geographic -
population ratio basis by the Governor, based on an agreement among the affected units of
general-purpose local government as required by federal rules and regulations and shall be in
compliance with 339.175(3) F.S.
In the event that a governmental entity that is a member of the MPO fails to fill an assigned
appointment to the MPO within sixty days after notification by the Governor of its duty to
appoint a representative, the appointment shall then be made by the Governor from the
eligible individuals of that governmental entity.
Terms
Unless otherwise outlined, the term of office of members of the MPO shall be four years and
shall begin on January 1st of the calendar year, or as early as possible in the calendar year,
depending upon election cycles, and concluding at the end of the calendar year. The
membership of a member who is a public official automatically terminates upon said official
leaving the elective or appointive office for any reason, or may be terminated by a majority
vote of the total membership of the governmental entity represented by the member, or the
BIG -C for the beach communities. A vacancy shall be filled by the original appointing entity for
the duration of the term.
8