INDIAN SHORES — Although Indian Shores Town Council meetings are customarily held the second Tuesday of the month, the November meeting was held Nov. 12 due to the conflict of Tues., Nov. 11, being Veterans Day, a federal holiday. Christmas decorations were already beginning to emerge in town hall, and so were town preparations for the upcoming holidays.

A request from the Indian Shores Property Owners Association for the town to host the ISPOA Christmas Party in the fourth floor Municipal Community Center on Dec. 8, from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. was unanimously approved. The usual Community Center rental fee was waived by the town in lieu of the ISPOA’s volunteerism to the town.

In reviewing correspondence to the town, the thank-you letter from Neighborly Care Network was noted. The town has donated annually to this charity that helps local seniors for many years. The letter dated Oct. 10 by Susan McIntyre, development director of Neighborly Care Network, thanked the town for a contribution of $500 for playing “a critical role in (the organization’s) commitment to improved health, wellness and independent living for our seniors.”

Indian Shores Police Department fundraisers

The Indian Shores Police Department has begun its No Shave November fundraiser. Police Chief Lee Ann Holroyd is putting out the word.

“(This year) officers will be sporting facial hair to help raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer,” said the chief.

Santa’s Angels has asked for the ISPD’s help again this year. Toy and food donation boxes have been rolled out in the Indian Shores Municipal Center. Chief Holroyd asks that new, unwrapped toys be brought to any floor at town hall. “Same thing for nonperishable food,” said the chief. “All donations are greatly appreciated.”

The ISPD is also accepting monetary donations for Santa’s Angels. Executive Assistant Nadine Esposito created an ISPD turtle mascot as the design for this year’s Christmas tree ornament. The ornaments will be available for a donation of $20 or more either during business hours on the second floor of the Indian Shores Municipal Center or at the town’s Tree Lighting on Dec. 1.

“Let’s see if we can outdo last year’s toy drive and make the holidays wonderful for Pinellas County families,” said Chief Holroyd.

Council passes three vendor agreements

Council unanimously passed three vendor agreements by votes of 5-0. A second amendment to an Exclusive Franchise Agreement for the collection, hauling and disposal of municipal solid waste and recyclable materials from residential, commercial and industrial units passed, extending the agreement until Sept. 30, 2030. Next, Lemoine Disaster Services and Structured Solutions Participation Services passed as part of a Pinellas County Cooperative Contract. Lastly, a staff-recommended vendor, iVenture Solutions, and approval of the vendor agreement were agreed by both Council and staff to be more responsive regarding the town’s needs for Information Technology Services at the Indian Shores Municipal Center.