Last updated on May 25, 2022

Better Communication for Belleair Residents

One would assume that a town with the resources of Belleair would want to offer the best transparent and easiest possible way to communicate important information on topics impacting Belleair residents. Belleair’s has every resident’s address and, more than likely, a contact number.

Belleair used mailchimp.com software when registering for Belleair e-blast and Constant Contact for Parks and Recreation. Their database contains everyone that’s signed up for Belleair e-blast and registered with Parks and Recreation. Sending an email is easy, economical, and nearly labor free.

So, why won’t Belleair utilize available methods? Special meetings and town news to better inform and notify Belleair residents of critical political issues, special meetings, and town news? While encouraging additional town meeting participation by residents.

In Aug of 2020, I emailed Belleair inquiring why Belleair didn’t utilize text alerts, their e-blast system, resident’s emails, use a robocall system, or Belleair’s monthly water bill mail out, stuffed with fluff material. So, residents know about important town meetings and news.

Cathy DeKarz emailed me stating, “We only use “Alert Pinellas” calls/emails/text messages for emergencies or service level interruptions,” which is understandable. However, referencing “Alert Pinellas” was only an example of methods to publicize and inform residents on vital local issues.

She continued saying, “Text alerts regarding town meetings are regulated intentionally so that the alerts sent to residents are always essential and necessary for all citizens.” And “We find that an overabundance of “robocall” or text alerts causes residents to unsubscribe and/or not pay attention to critical messages when they are distributed”

If text alerts about town meetings are regulated intentionally, Belleair is doing great and notices that are essential for all citizens. They’re even doing better.

These statements aren’t understandable and honestly incorrect.

The Town of Belleair provides two e-blast services. I’m registered for both, and Belleair has never sent information on meetings, let alone special meetings. Or info on issues that genuinely affected me as a resident.

I’ve never received an overabundance of “robocalls” from Belleair. Actually, I’ve never received any, or if I did, they never left a message. As for important text alerts. The ones I’ve received dealt with an employee of the month and lately about job openings. The same goes with emails from Belleair.

She added. Not alerting residents to information on special meetings, important agendas, and town news. “Belleair post all commission and advisory board agendas to the website in advance of every meeting. Which by law they must!

Also, we post Commission reminders, agendas, and links before each meeting. That’s fine, but many senior Belleair residents don’t use a computer. Indeed, don’t use Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor. And I’m not sure what Belleair considers advance notice.

In closing, Cathy DeKarz said. There is, of course, always an opportunity for us to add additional communications tools. Per our strategic plan, the Town will be conducting a Citizen Satisfaction Survey in the coming year.

51-Page Strategic Plan a Waste

If the Citizen Satisfaction Survey you’re referring to is the one Murphy paid $60,000 to USF/Florida Institute of Government that only had 171 residents participated in and completed. That cost Belleair taxpayers $ 100’s thousands on a 51-page strategic plan that took two years to complete tall heir innovative ideas. Like financial responsibility, water issues, transparent communication, and pavement/ infrastructure needs. It’s such an unusual strategic plan it was awe-inspiring!

Belleair already has all the additional communications methods.

So, if Belleair truly wants to encourage more town meeting participation and feedback from residents. Belleair needs to offer a more transparent method to connect with them, and do it now!

If Belleair residents don’t know, they can’t participate in local government formats. 

For those who already registered on Belleair’s website, you may want to check if your still registered. As they’ve upgraded their sign-in server and you may have to reregister. Another small detail no one got an alert.