Public Meetings - Gulfport, Florida

Meeting Date: July 18, 2023 The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. Mayor Henderson presided, with Councilmembers Thanos, Brown, Vice Mayor Ray, and Councilmember O'Hara present, alongside City Manager O'Reilly, City Attorney Salzman, and City Clerk Carico. The meeting featured presentations on the utility rate sufficiency study and the city-wide sidewalk inventory, followed by the adoption of numerous resolutions, a first reading of a new lease with the Gulfport Yacht Club, a discussion on the FY 2024 budget, and a consensus to take over the operations of the Gulfport Historical Society Museum and Art Center. Presentations - Utility Rate Sufficiency Study: Andrew Burnham of Stantec presented an update. The current 8% rate increases approved for FY 2024 and FY 2025 are deemed sufficient to keep reserves healthy. Operating costs are rising roughly 10% due to inflation. The typical residential utility bill (water, sewer, stormwater, garbage) for 2,000 gallons is projected to increase from approximately $88 to $96.60. Gulfport's rates remain on the lower end compared to neighboring communities like St. Pete Beach and Tampa. - City-Wide Sidewalk Inventory: Public Works Superintendent Kendrick Sanderson presented the results of an assessment by Street Scan Inc. The inventory covered 34 miles of sidewalk and 1,056 ADA ramps. 64 ramps were found compliant, 831 non-compliant, and 161 were missing. A total of 6,956 distress points were identified. Staff proposed a zone-by-zone repair plan, beginning with Zone 1 (the commercial downtown district), with a soft cost of $70,000 for ramp repairs in that initial zone. The city has budgeted $150,000 in the capital improvement plan for sidewalks. Public Comments & Testimony - Gulfport Historical Society: Kathy Celestry Loper, speaking on behalf of the board, stated the Society was unable to maintain operations due to a lack of volunteers and requested the city take over the museum and art center. The board voted unanimously for this transition. - Right to Clean Water: Speakers Lenny Guggenheimer and Liz Lindsay urged the council to support a resolution for placing the Florida Right to Clean and Healthy Waters constitutional amendment on a future statewide ballot, noting it would make Gulfport the first city in Florida to do so. - General Comments: Residents praised the city for recent infrastructure and technology upgrades, and 4th of July events. Tommy Bixler highlighted the efforts of the CERT team and Lions Club. Jerry Reid provided an update on the collaborative efforts of the Southern 49th Street Association. Consent Calendar - Item 5.a: Approved meeting minutes from May 16, June 6, and June 20, 2023. - Item 5.b: Approved Resolution No. 2023-48, authorizing a contract with SDF Contracting, LLC for limited structural repairs to the Casino Building. - Both items were approved unanimously. Ordinances - Item 6.a (First Reading): Ordinance No. 2023-07, authorizing a lease agreement with the Gulfport Yacht Club, passed unanimously. City Manager O'Reilly noted the new lease aligns the end dates of the leases for the Yacht Club and the other club, providing a definitive timeline for future marina redevelopment planning. Resolutions (All passed unanimously) - Item 7.a (Res. 2023-49): Established a proposed millage rate of 4.0258 mills for FY 2023/2024 and set dates for public hearings. The rate is slightly lower than the current 4.039 mills, resulting in an approximate $20,000 reduction in city tax revenue. - Item 7.b (Res. 2023-50): Authorized a School Resource Officer agreement with the Pinellas County School Board for Boca Ciega High School and Gulfport Elementary. - Item 7.c (Res. 2023-51): Authorized the purchase of one Ford F150 4x4 Hybrid Pickup Truck from Duval Ford. - Item 7.d (Res. 2023-52): Supported the placement of the Florida Right to Clean and Healthy Waters constitutional amendment on a future statewide ballot. The City Manager clarified this was an endorsement of the ballot initiative, not an endorsement of the amendment itself. - Item 7.e (Res. 2023-53): Entered the city into the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's Regional Resiliency Action Plan (RRAP). - Items 7.f & 7.g (Res. 2023-54 & 55): Approved new three-year collective bargaining agreements with the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association for officers and sergeants. The agreements provide raises of 8.5% in the first year and 5% in the subsequent two years, a significant increase from the previous 3% step plan. - Item 7.h (Res. 2023-56): Authorized a service and user agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement support services for FY 2023-2024. Discussion Items: FY 2024 Budget City Manager O'Reilly presented a preliminary FY 2024 budget overview. Key points included: - General fund spending is driven by personnel costs (70.8% of expenditures). - Inflation is acute, with the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area experiencing the third-highest inflation rate in the country (7.3% for the year ending in May 2023). - Property insurance is expected to rise 20-25%. - The city has secured $3.5 million in state and federal appropriations for sanitary sewer repairs in the last 18 months without incurring long-term debt. - Councilmember Thanos requested operating cost estimates for a potential replacement senior center and for expanding senior center hours to seven days a week. - Councilmember Brown proposed allocating $40,000 for architectural renderings and planning costs for a new public safety complex on 49th Street South. Council reached a consensus to proceed. - Mayor Henderson requested an evaluation of sediment removal and maintenance schedules for the city's retention ponds at Tomlinson Field and Wood Ibis. Key Outcomes - Facilities Transfer: Council unanimously directed the City Manager to proceed with taking over the operations of the Gulfport Historical Society Museum and Art Center. The Society will transition to a "Friends of" support organization. - New Business Items: - Councilmember Thanos proposed increasing the tree mitigation fee for the removal of healthy trees, moving from a flat $100 fee to an inch-for-inch replacement or a higher per-inch fee. Staff was directed to create a proposal. - Councilmember Thanos discussed the potential for a registration fee on short-term rentals. The City Manager recommended proceeding with caution. - Consensus on Public Safety Complex: Council reached a consensus to pursue seed funding ($40,000) for architectural planning of a new 49th Street Police and Fire Safety Complex. - The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for August 1, 2023.

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured presentations on the Multipurpose Senior Center capital campaign and the community engagement initiative "Gulfport on the Edge," followed by public comments, approval of consent agenda items, two ordinances on police and fire pension funds, seven resolutions covering software purchases, grants, engineering contracts, and a homeless outreach partnership, a discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2023–2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget, and council reports. Presentations - Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Capital Campaign Update – Karen Cox and Aaron Johnson of Kinetic reported that as of June 20, 2023, the campaign has $2.5 million in confirmed gifts, $315,000 in gifts under consideration, and approximately $2 million in priority asks planned within the next 60–90 days. The benchmark goal is $3.5 million by August 31, 2023. They noted that naming opportunities have been developed, including a named food pantry. Council members asked about the timeline; the contract is for three years and they are 1.5 years in. The campaign is on track to raise the full $15 million goal. - Gulfport on the Edge – Ingrid Bredenberg, Mark Johnson, and Kelly Garcia presented a summary of three community conversation events held in November 2022, January 2023, and April 2023, each attended by about 100 people. The events used a strategic planning format to identify strengths, challenges, trends, and a shared vision for 2030. Key themes included community engagement, leadership, climate and nature, housing character and affordability, and arts and culture. Outcomes included corrected misinformation, revived events (Welcome to Gulfport, Earth Day block party), and adoption of the Tangerine Greenway. Next steps involve making full summaries available and encouraging citizen-led projects. Council members expressed appreciation and asked about consensus; the presenters clarified the events were designed for crowdsourcing ideas, not for generating a single recommendation. Public Comments & Testimony - Zion Cristante expressed gratitude for the city's support in organizing a successful block party on Earth Day, noting children playing in the streets and community dancing. - Lenny Guckenheimer urged the council to consider a resolution supporting the Florida Right to Clean Water, tying it to environmental concerns raised during the Gulfport on the Edge presentation. - Melissa Helmbold (President, Gulfport Merchants Chamber) reported on a May member meeting focused on hurricane preparedness, a June "super mingle" with six chambers (over 325 attendees), and upcoming events: Gecko Ball tickets on sale July 4, and Body Beautiful Art Walk on July 7. - Laura Oldaney thanked the organizers of Gulfport on the Edge and noted that the Gulfport Food Forest was mentioned in every vision presentation as an integral community asset. - Lauren Stern praised the community forum and complimented the quality of toilet paper at Chase Park. - Berkeley Grimble (Mary Inger) performed an original song celebrating Gulfport and expressed appreciation for the community. - Susan Gore thanked the council for a successful Gulfport Pride event and commended the uplifting atmosphere. - Tommy Bixer announced the Lions Club monthly food distribution (third Thursday) at 3:30 PM setup, 4:30 PM distribution, and invited volunteers. - Mary Hanrahan questioned two line items in the proposed CIP budget: $80,000 for a marina master plan and $30,000 for a Clam Bayou evaluation, suggesting those funds be used for community-driven input similar to Gulfport on the Edge rather than a prior plan that lacked community support. - Ms. Loving raised concerns about the lack of a formal Memorial Day ceremony, praised the recent lease signing, criticized a perceived sense of entitlement among some residents, questioned the fairness of closing a downtown street for a fundraiser for one individual, and reiterated her request for clear procedures to report illegal short-term rentals. - Unnamed speaker encouraged the council to embrace the ideas from Gulfport on the Edge and continue making Gulfport a unique, inclusive community. City Manager Report – Short-Term Rental Enforcement Update City Manager O'Reilly introduced the enforcement team: Fred Metcalf, Chief Inspector Mark Ottervanger, and Code Enforcement Officer Heather Weibel. They outlined a complaint-driven, priority-based enforcement process using a new software tool (Granicus). Statistics as of June 20: 17 complaints received, 6 violations issued (all complied), 4 awaiting compliance dates, and 7 under investigation. They emphasized the goal is compliance, not penalties. The tool allows staff to verify rental activity without relying solely on citizen witnesses. Council members confirmed the software is user-friendly and effective, and that the approach aligns with the council's directive to eliminate short-term rentals under 30 days. City Attorney Report No report. City Clerk Report - The next scheduled meeting (July 4, 2023) is canceled due to the holiday. - The Florida League of Cities annual conference is August 10–12 in Orlando; the council is asked to designate a voting delegate for the August 12 business session. Councilmembers will determine the delegate among themselves. Consent Calendar - Item 5.a: Approval of meeting minutes from April 18, 2023, and May 2, 2023. Motion carried unanimously. Ordinances (Second Reading) - Ordinance 2023-05 (Police Officers' Trust Fund): Amends sections on contributions, benefit amounts and eligibility, and disability. Passed unanimously (5-0). - Ordinance 2023-06 (Firefighters' Retirement Pension Fund): Amends section on benefit amounts and eligibility. Passed unanimously (5-0). Resolutions - Resolution 2023-42 (BS&A Community Development Software Solution): Authorizes the city manager to enter an agreement with BS&A for a community development software solution, replacing the current Intergov system, with a budget amendment. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2023-43 (Andrew's Technology UKG Time & Attendance System): Authorizes purchase through SHI International for a web-based time and attendance system, replacing punch cards, with a budget amendment. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2023-44 (HUD Grant for Multipurpose Senior Center): Authorizes the city manager to accept a $1.5 million grant from HUD for pre-construction soft costs (environmental studies, design, etc.) for the Senior Center project. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2023-45 (Harvard Jolly-PBK Engineering Services for Senior Center): Authorizes a scope of services agreement with Harvard Jolly-PBK for engineering, design, permitting, and construction monitoring, with a budget amendment. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2023-46 (Stantec Engineering for Williams Pier Rehabilitation): Authorizes an agreement with Stantec for engineering services for pier piling repairs, with a budget amendment. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2023-47 (Directions for Living Street Outreach Specialist): Authorizes a shared-cost contract with Directions for Living and the City of Treasure Island to provide a street outreach and engagement specialist for homeless individuals. The specialist will be managed by the fire department and focus on building relationships and connecting people to services. Passed unanimously. Discussion Item - Proposed Fiscal Year 2023–2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget – City Manager O'Reilly presented the proposed budget, highlighting major funding sources and expenditures: - $2.5 million federal appropriation (requested) for sanitary sewer priority 2 repairs; $1 million state appropriation for sewer repairs; $1.2 million state appropriation for 58th Street roadway improvements (north of 22nd Avenue), which will include drainage, curbing, and full-depth reclamation. - Public safety: $40,000 for taser replacements (subscription model), police vehicle replacements, and equipment. - Parks: shade sail expansion, field netting, and equipment. - Marina: $80,000 for marina master planning, $30,000 for Clam Bayou evaluation and park reconfiguration assessment, piling replacements, security cameras, and a vehicle. - Utilities: debt service, water line rehabilitation, emergency repair funds. - Councilmember Thanos requested placing the Tampa Bay Resiliency Plan and a clean water resolution on future agendas. Council discussed the need for public input on marina planning, with assurances of future charettes and community meetings. Council also discussed the possibility of using ARPA funds for temporary restrooms at the marina; the city manager will bring back cost options. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously: Consent agenda, Ordinances 2023-05 and 2023-06, and Resolutions 2023-42 through 2023-47. - Direction given: Staff to bring back cost estimates for temporary marina restrooms; council to designate a voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities conference. - Future agenda items: Councilmember Thanos requested placement of the Tampa Bay Resiliency Plan and a clean water resolution on the July 18 or August meeting agenda. - Gulfport on the Edge follow-up: Councilmember Thanos will distribute full materials and plans a town hall in mid-August or September at Scout Hall to facilitate citizen-led projects. - Next regular meeting: Cancelled for July 4; next meeting scheduled for July 18, 2023.

The Gulfport City Council convened at 6:00 PM on June 6, 2023 at City Hall. The meeting included fire department promotions, the fiscal year 2022 audit presentation, public comments, and several ordinances and resolutions. Major actions included a vote on the Boca Ciega Yacht Club lease and amendments to the police and fire pension plans. Council members also provided updates on community events and future city business. Presentations - Fire Chief Rene Fernandez promoted Firefighter Paramedic Michael Barber to Lieutenant and Lieutenant Timothy Burden to Fire Captain. - David Alvarez presented the fiscal year 2022 audit, noting a clean opinion, an unassigned fund balance of $6.4 million, and an increase in the unfunded pension liability to $7.3 million. All ARPA funds were reported as fully expended. - Mayor Henderson presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Finance Director Cheryl Hannison. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the meeting minutes from March 21, 2023. Public Comments & Testimony - Lenny Gokenheimer requested the city place a resolution on a future agenda supporting the Florida Right to Clean Water movement. - Joe Ginther thanked the council for approving the "Rally for Rachel" event and presented a $12,000 check to the McQuillan family. - Richard Freed spoke against the six-week abortion ban and distributed wire hangers as a symbolic demonstration. He stated the fetus is electrical activity, not consciousness. - During the Yacht Club lease hearing, Commodore Jen Buckley requested a buffer zone for security. Resident David Cantor supported public access as a compromise. Other BCYC members and residents opposed public access, citing safety risks. Discussion Items - Boca Ciega Yacht Club Lease (Ordinance 2023-03): The council debated Option A (public access strip) and Option B (no public access). Vice Mayor Ray supported Option A as a balanced compromise. Councilmembers O'Hara and Thanos initially supported Option B, citing safety and security concerns raised by the club. Councilmember Brown sought clarification on trespassing orders at the marina. - Police Pension Plan (Ordinance 2023-05): The council discussed amendments allowing officers to retire after 25 years of service regardless of age, providing a three percent multiplier for accredited years of service, and distributing state monies to officers. - Firefighter Pension Plan (Ordinance 2023-06): Discussion covered establishing a static 3.37% multiplier and a stable cost-of-living adjustment for the plan. - Staffing Services (Resolution 2023-39): The city manager requested authorization up to $60,000 to retain Robert Half for temporary staffing to address vacancies from retirements and promotions. - Council Cell Phones (Resolution 2023-40): The council debated the cost and necessity of providing city-owned cell phones for optional council use. Councilmember Thanos expressed concern over adding costs for council. - Planning & Zoning Appointment (Resolution 2023-41): Tommy Bixler was nominated. Councilmember Thanos questioned the selection process, noting the high quality of the applicant pool. - Affordable Housing Workshop: Council agreed to postpone the workshop until the fall to allow for greater public participation. - Community Reports: Councilmembers provided updates on the hurricane preparedness conference, the Pride flag raising and street fair, and free children's swimming lessons. Key Outcomes - Yacht Club Lease: Ordinance 2023-03 with Option A (public access strip) passed 3-2. Councilmembers Brown, Thanos, and Vice Mayor Ray voted in favor; Councilmember O'Hara and Mayor Henderson dissented. The vote passed after a successful motion to reconsider reversed an initial failed vote. - Flood Damage Prevention: Ordinance 2023-04 passed unanimously. - Police Pension Amendments: Ordinance 2023-05 passed unanimously. - Firefighter Pension Amendments: Ordinance 2023-06 passed unanimously. - Library Materials: Resolution 2023-38 authorizing $35,000 for library material purchases passed unanimously. - Staffing Services: Resolution 2023-39 authorizing up to $60,000 for Robert Half passed 4-1. Councilmember Thanos was the sole dissenter. - Council Cell Phones: Resolution 2023-40 authorizing the purchase of city-owned phones passed 3-2. Councilmembers Thanos and Vice Mayor Ray dissented. - P&Z Appointment: Tommy Bixler was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board as an alternate member via Resolution 2023-41. The vote was unanimous. - Water Quality Resolution: Council agreed to place an item on a future agenda to consider a resolution supporting a Florida Right to Clean Water amendment, following a request from resident Lenny Gokenheimer.

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included public comments, approval of consent agenda items, first readings of two ordinances, adoption of two resolutions, and council reports. Key actions included approval of a lease agreement with the Boca Ciega Yacht Club (by a 3–2 vote after extensive debate) and unanimous passage of floodplain management updates. Consent Calendar - Resolution No. 2023-35: Approved unanimously to appoint Jerry Reed to the Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency. Public Comments & Testimony - Francine Witten (resident, 40+ years) raised concerns about food pantry conditions (rotten bananas, open beer bottles, prescription pills) and proposed moving food to JAX and Funky Flamingo. She also defended the council against online criticism. - Ms. Love asked whether the fire department offers a safe haven for infants (city manager confirmed yes). She expressed fear about abortion restrictions and shared a petition for reproductive rights. - Ms. Tober thanked the city clerk and asked about additional charges for public records requests beyond original estimates. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 2023-03 (First Reading) – Lease with Boca Ciega Yacht Club: - The lease is for three years with no automatic renewal. The only outstanding issue was whether the club would have exclusive use of a 22-foot by 150-foot area along the seawall (Option B) or the city would retain public access (Option A). - Public Comments: - Jen Buckley (Commodore) requested Option B for liability, security, and youth sailing program reasons. She noted 38% of members are Gulfport residents. - Walter Barker urged transparency about lease terms. - Mary Hanrahan supported Option B, stating public rarely uses the seawall. - David Cantor opposed the lease, alleging threats and bad faith by club leadership. - Christine Crosby supported the club's safety and community contributions. - Council Debate: - Vice Mayor Ray initially favored Option A (public access); Councilmembers O'Hara and Thanos supported Option B; Councilmember Brown advocated for Option A, questioning reciprocity and future plans for a community sailing center. - Mayor Henderson expressed willingness to go with Option A but not B. - A discussion on potential conflict of interest regarding Councilmember Brown's use of the club for a training event was resolved as the event was member-requested and not political. - Vote: Motion to approve the ordinance with Option A passed 3–2 (Ray, Brown, Henderson yes; O'Hara, Thanos no). Set for second reading on June 6, 2023. - Ordinance No. 2023-04 (First Reading) – Flood Damage Prevention Amendments: - Mr. Metcalf (Principal Planner) explained the update incorporates FEMA-mandated changes, mostly housekeeping. The only substantive change relates to manufactured housing; Gulfport has one such park outside a flood zone. The ordinance is required to maintain the city's Community Rating System (CRS) Class 6 rating. Unanimously approved. - Resolution No. 2023-36 – Floodplain Management Plan Annual Report: Adopted unanimously, allowing Gulfport to continue participation in Pinellas County's Multi-Jurisdictional Community Rating System. - Resolution No. 2023-37 – Program for Public Information Annual Report: Adopted unanimously, confirming continued participation in the countywide flood risk and mitigation public information working group. Key Outcomes - Lease with Boca Ciega Yacht Club approved (3–2) with Option A (public access retained along seawall); second reading scheduled for June 6. - Floodplain ordinance and CRS resolutions passed unanimously, maintaining the city's floodplain management compliance. - Consent agenda item (Planning and Zoning Board appointment) approved. - Future agenda: Board applications to be emailed to council before the June 6 meeting; Gulfport on the Edge presentation planned for June 20. - Council reports included updates on firefighter training, food pantry locations, Pride events, VPK graduation, and key takeaways from the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Conference (e.g., not relying solely on FEMA maps, need for post-disaster planning, insurance challenges).

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on May 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered consent items, a second reading of an ordinance on recreational vehicles, multiple resolutions, and new business topics including affordable housing, short-term rental regulations, and food pantry safety. Mayor Henderson left early due to a family death; Vice Mayor Paul Ray presided for the remainder. Consent Calendar - Item 5a – Minutes of March 7, 2023, approved. - Item 5b – Resolution 2023-29 appointing a trustee to the Gulfport Firefighters’ Pension Board, approved. - Item 5c – Resolution 2023-30 authorizing a change in facsimile signatures, approved. - Item 5d – Resolution 2023-31 authorizing the City Manager to sign a managed services agreement with MY TSC LLC (one year, renewable up to three years), approved. All consent items passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony 1. Rosalie Ross – Requested the trolley (Looper) return to Town Chores for events, citing mobility issues. City Manager responded it could be done on first Fridays and third Saturdays. 2. Rick Gilbert – Expressed support for making marina land public rather than leased to private clubs. Urged an end date on the Bucasiega Yacht Club lease. Praised marina management and suggested a restaurant development on Coast Guard land. 3. Lenny Genheimer – Advocating for the Florida Right to Clean Water constitutional amendment. Provided a packet and urged the city to pass a resolution of support. Noted state proposals to use radioactive gypsum stacks as building material. 4. Ms. Love – Thanked the city for the volunteer luncheon. Requested the council revisit discussion on vehicles (electric bicycles, scooters) using city sidewalks, noting safety concerns for pedestrians. 5. Mr. Freedom – Expressed political views and asked to speak on the pension board item (consent agenda). Advised the council to clarify public comment rules. 6. Unnamed resident – Raised safety concerns about the Leaf Challenge Bridge at the new playground. Detailed inconsistencies in age recommendations and ASTM standards. Said she is not satisfied with Mr. Nichols’ response. 7. Kathleen Kayerox – Supported short-term rental regulations but urged differentiation between individuals renting a room (like herself) and corporations. Also supported allowing multi-family dwellings in certain areas to increase housing affordability. Discussion Items - City Manager Report – Mr. Nichols reported the playground meets ASTM standards for ages 2-12 per manufacturer letter, but supervision remains key. Stetson University graduation on May 13 will close 61st Street and use off-site parking; the looper will shuttle attendees. Scout Hall construction is complete and will be available for rentals next week. The Planning and Zoning Board alternate position is being advertised. The Bucasiega Yacht Club lease has been approved by the club’s board and will be on the May 16 agenda. - City Attorney Report – Discussion on enforcing against harassment and defamatory emails directed at city employees and council members. The attorney will develop a standardized public records response and prepare an ordinance creating non-public forum areas in city facilities to improve safety. He noted requests that are merely rants may not be valid public records requests. - Ordinance 2023-01 (Second Reading) – Amends Chapter 21 (Recreational Vehicles). Allows storage of RVs in rear yards with a three-foot setback from living units, eliminating other setbacks. Grandfathering provisions remain. Passed unanimously (5-0). - Resolutions - 7a (2023-32) – Approved a special event application from O’Maddy’s to benefit Rachel McQuillen (breast cancer patient). The event will close 54th Street and donate 100% of proceeds. Passed unanimously. - 7b (2023-33) – Authorized a First Amendment to the interlocal agreement with the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC), continuing shared circulation and group pricing. Passed unanimously. - 7c (2023-34) – Accepted a Florida Humanities Summer Reading Program grant for youth storytelling programs, with a budget amendment. Passed unanimously. - New Business - Councilmember Thanos proposed inviting Forward Pinellas to present on the housing compact. After debate, council agreed to schedule a workshop in late summer rather than the fall. - Councilmember O’Hara suggested a donation to Neighborly (which provides meals on wheels and other services) at a 10% match level. Past donations were $1,000–$2,000; the council agreed to consider a similar amount. - Councilmember O’Hara also proposed a resolution supporting the Florida Right to Clean Water amendment. Council will review the packet and may bring it back. - Councilmember O’Hara raised providing city-issued cell phones for council members to ensure public records compliance. City Manager will bring cost estimates. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2023-01 – Passed 5-0. - Resolutions 2023-32, 2023-33, 2023-34 – Each passed unanimously. - Food Pantry Removal – Council agreed to remove the two food pantries on public property (fire station and library) due to health hazards. A sign will be posted at the library listing alternative food resources (e.g., Feeding Tampa Bay, Jack’s). - Housing Compact Workshop – Scheduled for late summer (no exact date set). - Public Records/Harassment – City Attorney and City Manager will develop standardized public records procedures and a safety ordinance for non-public forum areas. - Bucasiega Yacht Club Lease – To be on the May 16 agenda for council approval. - City-Issued Cell Phones – City Manager to bring cost information for council consideration.

The Gulfport City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting opened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Presentations included the Spirit of Gulfport Award to Brian Liggins and Philip Bailey. Public comments covered a range of topics including short-term rental enforcement, downtown parking, municipal signage, and community events. The council approved a consent agenda, passed an ordinance amending recreational vehicle regulations, adopted revised meeting rules, and approved a site plan for outdoor dining. A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed FY 2023-2024 capital improvement and operating budgets, with council providing direction on various initiatives. The meeting also featured council committee reports and a closing emphasis on community kindness. Presentations - Spirit of Gulfport Award: Presented to Brian Liggins and Philip Bailey for their community contributions. Both recipients expressed gratitude and affection for Gulfport, crediting Fawn Weaver for encouraging them to get involved. Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple residents addressed the council. Topics included: - Congratulatory remarks to newly elected council members Christine Brown and Ian O'Hara, and appreciation for the city's diversity. - Announcements from the LGBTQ Resource Center: upcoming juried art show (May), Gulfport Pride celebration (June 3), and a fundraiser (Ragin' Run Walk Move) to support scholarships. - A request for council endorsement of the Florida Right to Clean Water amendment. - A coordinated group of residents and property owners expressed concerns about the city's use of Granicus software for short-term rental monitoring, urging the council to reopen the discussion to all stakeholders and consider a moratorium on enforcement while more data is collected. Speakers emphasized that short-term rentals are vital to the local economy and that some hosts fear being targeted. - Several speakers shared their views on short-term rentals: some supported enforcement of the current ordinance to preserve residential character; others asked for balanced regulation that includes input from hosts and neighbors. - A business owner (Sirius Gourmet Burgers and Pizza) requested parking regulations on Beach Boulevard, citing long-term vehicle occupancy harming customer access. - A resident urged improved promotion of the trolley and more bike parking downtown. - A resident questioned the city's credit card convenience fees for online services and suggested implementing modern billing and reservation systems. - Another resident praised the city's "Welcome to Gulfport" event and encouraged future offerings. - A speaker advocated for ranked-choice voting and open primaries in Florida. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved all consent items (5a–5k), including: - Minutes from February 21, 2023 - Resolution 2023-17: Authorizing interlocal agreement with Pinellas County and participant agreements for debris collection services (Phillips & Jordan Inc., Southern Disaster Recovery LLC, AshBritt Inc.) - Resolution 2023-18: Authorizing janitorial services contract (High Sources Inc.) - Resolution 2023-19: Authorizing purchase/installation of City Hall Complex EOC generators (CJ's Sales and Service of Ocala, Inc.) with budget amendment - Resolution 2023-20: Authorizing renewal of Special Master services (James D. Thaler, Jr.) - Resolution 2023-21: Appointing members to the Board of Adjustment - Resolution 2023-22: Appointing members to the Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency - Resolution 2023-23: Appointing a member to the Senior Citizens' Advisory Committee on Aging - Resolution 2023-24: Appointing resident members to the General Employees' Pension Board and the Police Officers' Pension Board - Resolution 2023-25: Appointing Councilmember Ian O'Hara as the city's representative on the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council - Resolution 2023-26: Authorizing a participant agreement with Rostan Solutions LLC for disaster debris monitoring/management services Ordinances - Ordinance 2023-01 (First Reading) – Amending Chapter 21 (Recreational Vehicles) of the City Code. The update prohibits front-yard RV parking, removes side- and rear-yard setbacks, retains a 3‑foot setback from habitable units, and preserves grandfathering for existing nonconforming RVs. Councilmember Thanos suggested that grandfathered RVs be registered to verify current licensure. The ordinance passed unanimously after public comment, including one resident urging a no vote due to concerns about setbacks and neighborhood character. Resolutions - Resolution 2023-27 – Establishing rules for City Council meetings. After debate and public input, the council amended the resolution to require that public comment occur before council members' comments. The amendment passed 3‑2 (Brown, O'Hara, Henderson in favor; Ray, Thanos opposed). The resolution also eliminated a separate "reports" section, with members agreeing to give reports during council comments. - Resolution 2023-28 – Approving site plan amendment SA23-01 for outdoor seating at the Pearl restaurant (5802 28th Avenue South). The council unanimously approved the application, noting that outdoor dining had been temporarily allowed during COVID and had been well received. Discussion: Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget and Council Proposals Items 8a, 8b, and 8c were discussed jointly. - Capital Improvement Program (8a): The proposed program focuses on infrastructure and public safety, including sanitary sewer improvements, road paving, brick restoration, sidewalk repairs, police and fire equipment/vehicle replacement, and pier piling work to extend the pier’s life by 20–30 years. The city manager emphasized a conservative approach, leveraging state/federal appropriations where possible. The millage rate remains at 4.039 for the 12th consecutive year. - Operating Budget (8b): Personnel costs account for 70% of the budget. Proposals include a cost‑of‑living adjustment, progress toward a $15/hour minimum wage, a comprehensive employee classification study, and pension improvements for police and fire. Councilmember Thanos suggested considering a millage rate increase to generate about $360,000 (equivalent to $52/year on a $200,000 taxable home), but other members expressed preference for maintaining the current rate. - Council Proposals (8c): The council gave direction on nine items: - Compensation study: Supported. - Clam Bayou reconfiguration: Not approved. - Marina master plan: Supported, to be funded through marina revenues. - City website replacement: Rejected in favor of in‑house content updates, with an emphasis on improving functionality and integrating online payments/rental systems. - Comprehensive plan review: To be placed in the budget as a placeholder, with spending contingent on a future council vote. - New Year's Eve fireworks: Rejected 3‑2 (three no votes, two yes). - Tree canopy enhancement: Increased from previous allocation to $30,000, with interest in planting unique and historic species. - Splash pad: Discussed but not decided; the city manager was asked to explore costs. Council Comments & Informational Reports - Councilmember Brown: Reported on planning and zoning board appointments; reminded citizens to share positive stories about city staff; raised concerns about the safety of community food pantry boxes; asked for demographic data from the Gulfport on the Edge visioning sessions. - Vice Mayor Ray: Recounted attending the Habitat for Humanity home dedication, the Holocaust Museum name‑reading ceremony, and a legislative trip to Tallahassee where he advocated against pending bills on vacation rentals, expedited building permits, and sovereign immunity changes. - Councilmember O'Hara: Announced office hours on Friday afternoons; promoted a May 6 art benefit for his wife’s cancer treatment. - Councilmember Thanos: Also reported on the Tallahassee trip; highlighted the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s resiliency resolution and sought council consensus to support it (agreed); promoted My Safe FL Home program for hurricane mitigation; requested putting the regional resiliency support on a future agenda (consensus given). - Mayor Henderson: Addressed community rumors about aggressive short‑term rental enforcement, stating that the city’s approach is complaint‑driven and not punitive; thanked all for their participation. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Recreational vehicle ordinance (first reading) passed unanimously. - Meeting rules amended to place public comment before council comments (3‑2). - Outdoor seating site plan approved unanimously. - Budget direction given: maintain millage rate at 4.039; proceed with compensation study, marina master plan, and in‑house website improvements; reject Clam Bayou reconfiguration and New Year's Eve fireworks; consider comprehensive plan review if needed. - Tree canopy budget increased to $30,000. - Council supported regional resiliency plan and directed staff to place it on a future agenda. - No moratorium on short‑term rental enforcement was adopted; the council confirmed that enforcement remains complaint‑based.

The Gulfport City Council met on March 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting began with the invocation by Councilmember April Thanos, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmembers Christine Anne Brown (Ward II) and Ian O'Hara (Ward IV). Roll call indicated all members present: Councilmembers Thanos, Brown, Ray, O'Hara, and Mayor Henderson. The meeting featured a presentation on departmental statistics, a detailed report on citizen engagement tools, and a discussion on council rules. A key action was the tabling of the lease agreement with the Boca Ciega Yacht Club. Consent Calendar - Resolution No. 2023-15: Unanimously approved the appointment of Gregory Carter Bess to the Board of Adjustment for a term set by resolution. Public Comments & Testimony - Tommy Bixler (59th Street South) promoted the Gulfport Rocks second annual dance party (April 22, benefiting Boca Ciega High School scholarships) – ticket sales and a silent auction including dinner with the mayor. - Karen Love congratulated Councilmember O'Hara, praised the Channel 10 casino bay camera, and thanked the city for sponsoring Gulfport Art in the Yard (March 25, exclusive to resident artists, 75+ participants). - Ingrid Bredenberg (56th Street South) announced the third and final town hall "Gulfport on the Edge" on April 10 at the casino (6–9 PM), noting prior events drew over 100 attendees. - Melissa Helmbolt (President, Gulfport Merchants Chamber) reported on successful events (Pink Flamingo Home Tour, first morning member meeting), reminded of April's First Friday "In Plain Sight" artist event, and provided details on future bi-monthly morning meetings. - Tom Rogers (53rd Avenue South) expressed concerns about RV parking on side yards, citing fire access and fuel/propane hazards, and noted that vehicles over 25 feet may encroach on public property. - Berthy Pratt (24th Avenue) suggested requiring fitted covers on RVs to prevent habitation and utility use. - Margo raised concerns about short-term rentals (Airbnbs) reducing long-term rental availability, questioned oversight, and requested a clear definition of regulations. Discussion Items Ordinance No. 2023-03 – Boca Ciega Yacht Club Lease Councilmember Thanos moved to table the lease ordinance to allow new Councilmember Brown time to review and to clarify prior confusing directions. She noted non‑negotiable issues: adherence to the HRO, exclusive use of T‑docks, dry storage, rent changes, and non‑exclusive boat ramp. Councilmember O’Hara agreed with tabling, adding that the lease’s 90‑day no‑cause cancellation and one‑day notice provisions were impractical. City Manager O’Reilly confirmed staff would meet with BCYC representatives to negotiate changes. The motion to table passed 4–1 (Mayor Henderson opposed). The item will return for an up‑or‑down vote on May 2 (first meeting in May due to City Attorney’s scheduling conflict). Resolution No. 2023-16 – Appointment of City Clerk Theresa Carrico was appointed City Clerk by unanimous vote. Public comment from David Cantor thanked outgoing Clerk Leslie Demeath for her service. Departmental Reports – Fiscal Year 2022–2023 Each department head presented statistics: - Marina (Dennis Frain): 389,000 gallons fuel sold, 400+ transient reservations, 3,000 boat launches, 12,000 gallons sewage pumped, dry storage renovation underway, living shoreline grant received. - Police (Chief Rob Vincent): 25 sworn officers filled (out of 33), 6,700 dispatched calls, 419 total crimes (1/3 of 1998 level), auto theft up; Citizens Police Academy, Operation Santa (360 children), 924 training hours; department accredited since 1999, chief elected chair of accrediting commission. - Fire Rescue (Chief Renee Fernandez): 3,534 responses (44 cardiac arrests, 185 MVCs, 116 structure fires, 81 overdoses), Marine 17 in service (5 calls in 3 months), 61 smoke detectors installed, CPR program (Gulfport Cares), COSAP overdose program, leave‑behind Narcan kits, new fire truck ordered (expected early 2024). - Human Resources (Shannon Farrell): 223 employees, 1% health insurance renewal, revised volunteer handbook and personnel manual, implemented collective‑bargaining agreements, state first‑responder recognition and law‑enforcement bonus programs. - Community Development (Fred Metcalf): 72,000 public contacts, permit valuations up over $10M in 5 years; 1,159 citizen complaints; online permit portal under development. - Library (Dave Mather): 134,000 items circulated, 79,000 visits, 654 passports processed, 16,000 wireless users, 10,000 registered users, 398 programs (4,000 attendees), partnerships with Circle of Friends and LGBTQ Resource Center. - Recreation (Marivelle): Preschool/VPK, after‑school, summer, teen programs; Zumba, pickleball, basketball, table tennis; 5 major events; facilities rentals; phase 6 grant built outdoor classroom. - Senior Center (Rachel Cataldo): 3,100 active members (up from 2,900), 91 volunteers, 870 daily visitors, food pantry, medical equipment loan, gyms transportation (119 users, $70/year + $2/ride), day trips. - Cultural Facilities (Justin Shea): Casino: 327 events, $370,000 revenue; $308,000 shuttered venue grant used for restroom renovation; weekly dances and bar operations reported. - Finance (Cheryl Hannifin): 7‑person department; $375,000 private waterline/lateral program; grants totaling $8.3M (received/pending) not including ARPA; $4.9M ARPA spent/encumbered (including $50/household rebate program); interest earnings up. - Public Works (Tom O’Reilly): Sewer bypass project complete (4,000 ft force main); priority two sewer repairs underway; water meter replacement ($800,000 ARPA); annual road paving ($400,000); pickleball/tennis courts; beach playground (soft opening next week); watershed management plan; sidewalk assessment; $80,000 FDEP vulnerability assessment grant. - Special Events (Justin Shea): 43 events processed; city loop trolley (WRD Looper) returned to service for First Friday and Third Saturday; large‑scale events also served. - Information Technology (Dave Mather): 163 mobile devices, 110 workstations, 19 servers; website sessions (300,000 in 75 weeks); community update page views tripled. - Public Information (Justin Shea): Hurricane Ian response – EOC activated; 17,000 sandbags; 1,800 calls in community information center; mayor’s PSAs; social media reached 36,000 people; top Facebook post (Gecko Fest sculpture unveiling) reached 7.5 people. City Manager closed with grant requests: $1.2 million for 58th Street rebuild, funding for priority two repairs, thanks to 37 letters of support from the community. Citizen Engagement A comprehensive presentation by David Mather and Justin Shea detailed communication tools: - Constant Contact: 8,084 contacts, weekly newsletter (217 campaigns in 75 weeks), open rate 44% (industry 35.3%), click rate 8.2% (industry 1.42%). - Social Media: 9 Facebook pages, 1,600+ posts, 1+ million impressions, 313 new followers. - Website: Top 10 pages (home, public cameras, marina, library, casino); 27,000 views during Hurricane Ian; city manager report page views growing. - Granicus/Meeting Archive: 11,682 page views, 5,052 visits, 79% desktop; live stream peak 729 viewers. - Other Tools: Alert Pinellas (polygons for event notifications), media alerts (10‑county reach), mobile app, GTV channel 640, closed‑captioning compliance. Rules and Policies for City Council Meetings Council discussed amendments: - Councilmember Thanos proposed adding reports from council members’ external meetings and from advisory boards (Senior Advisory, Team Council) under informational reports. - Councilmember Ray emphasized returning to the rule of public comment following council debate (not after vote), and adding a new‑business item. - Councilmember O’Hara supported these changes and requested that City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk reports be given without interruption; questions after reports. - Consensus achieved: staff will formalize updates for the April 18 meeting. Appointments to City Boards - Board of Adjustment and Planning & Zoning Board appointments: each council member to submit names by April 11. - Pension boards (Fire, General Employees, Police): incumbents willing to serve; council consensus to reappoint without advertising. - Tampa Regional Planning Council vacancy: Councilmember O’Hara appointed. Key Outcomes - Vice Mayor appointed: Councilmember Ray (by rotation). - Consent agenda passed: Gregory Carter Bess to Board of Adjustment. - Lease tabled: Ordinance 2023‑03 (Boca Ciega Yacht Club) will return May 2 for up/down vote. - City Clerk appointed: Theresa Carrico, effective May 9. - Rules revised: Agreed to add meeting reports, new‑business agenda item, and maintain speaking order; reports and public comment timing clarified. - Board appointments: Submitted by April 11; pension board incumbents reappointed. - Spirit of Gulfport Award: Council agreed to award Brian Liggins and Philip Bailey (mid‑May departure). - Budget items for study: Council requested cost estimates for website redesign, comprehensive pay/classification study, marina master plan, and Clam Bayou reconfiguration feasibility study. These will be discussed during budget season. - Short‑term rental information: Staff will present detailed enforcement and regulation details once software is operational.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comments, approval of consent items, ordinances, resolutions, and council reports. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Presentations - Spirit of Gulfport Award: Presented to Jimmy Oswain for his demonstrated community spirit. The award was accompanied by a gift bag. - Pinellas County Animal Services: Director Doug Brightwell provided an overview of the department's $6.1 million budget, 59 staff, 300 volunteers, and 15 enforcement officers. Key statistics: 6,000 animals taken in 2022 (down from 10,000 pre-COVID), 87% live release rate for dogs, 82% for cats, 40% return-to-owner for dogs (5% for cats), and 21 registered dangerous dogs. The department runs adoption, foster, community outreach, and youth programs. They encourage microchipping and licensing. Cat owners are less compliant; cats must be kept indoors unless ear-tipped feral. A renovation to air-condition animal housing and strengthen hurricane resistance is planned. Public Comments & Testimony - Karen Schwartz (5213 DLED Avenue South): Spoke in favor of improved transit, specifically a freebie service similar to St. Pete Beach’s, which she said saved money and increased ridership. She linked transit to affordable housing needs and urged the council to consider the freebie seriously. - David McCormick (5306 26th Avenue South): Expressed concern about state legislation (SB 682, SB 346, SB 714) that would limit home rule, proposed by State Senator Nick DiCeglie. He urged the council to educate residents via the Gabber, social media, and the city website about these bills. Consent Calendar - Item 5.a: Resolution No. 2023-12 authorizing a contract with Pyro Productions for the July 4th fireworks display, including closures and safety requirements. Approved unanimously. Ordinances - Item 6.a: Ordinance No. 2023-02 (Second Reading) authorizing a lease agreement with Gulfport Little League Club, Inc. The lease was approved unanimously after no public comment or council discussion. Resolutions - Item 7.a: Resolution No. 2023-13 authorizing funding from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for a change order to add playground equipment for toddlers (ice cream shop, small slide, mommy-and-me swing). Approved unanimously. - Item 7.b: Resolution No. 2023-14 approving a special event application from Unity of Gulfport for a tri-match beach volleyball tournament (Eckerd College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida Southern College). Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - City Manager Report: - Scheduling: Council agreed to cancel the April 4, 2023 meeting due to two members attending Florida League of Cities Legislative Days. Items (BCYC lease, RV ordinance, board appointments) will be moved to April 18. - BCYC Lease: Council directed staff to present the city’s original offer (including 90-day termination notice and proposed rent) to the Buck City Yacht Club as a final offer, with no further negotiation. - Project Updates: - Tennis and pickleball courts (two each) will open March 8, 2023. Lights are on timers; 45-minute play limits requested. - Scout Hall renovation: Original siding being reinstalled; roof replacement pending. Expected completion in about one month. - Beach playground: Soft opening in approximately three weeks; additional toddler equipment will be added later. - City Attorney Report: No report. - City Clerk Report: City Clerk Leslie announced her retirement effective May 8, 2023. She recommended promoting Deputy City Clerk Teresa (who has served for five years, one year in the clerk’s office) to the position. Council unanimously agreed to proceed with a contract for Teresa, with a condition to obtain required certification within a reasonable time (approx. three years). The city manager and attorney will draft the contract for future approval. A deputy position will be advertised. Key Outcomes - Approved Items (all unanimous): - Consent: Resolution 2023-12 (fireworks contract). - Ordinance: 2023-02 (Little League lease). - Resolutions: 2023-13 (playground change order), 2023-14 (Unity of Gulfport event). - Direction given: - Staff to present final lease offer to BCYC. - April 4 meeting canceled; items rescheduled to April 18. - City Clerk succession: promote Teresa, draft contract with certification requirement. - Future items: - Councilmember Ray requested a presentation on city communication methods. - Councilmember Ray also proposed budgeting for New Year’s Eve fireworks (smaller scale) during the next budget cycle; council expressed mixed views but agreed to discuss. - Councilmember Barray requested a Pride Month flag-raising ceremony on June 1, 2023. - Councilmember Thanos suggested exploring a marine lake/seawall project for beach protection, to be studied with Tampa Bay Estuary after the vulnerability study is complete.

The Gulfport City Council convened on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Gulfport City Hall for its regular meeting. (The agenda listed the invocation as being given by Councilmember Michael Fridovich, while the raw transcription attributed it to Councilmember Michael Ferdovich.) The meeting featured presentations from Keiser University on an accessibility study for the Gulfport Senior Center and from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council on hurricane flooding and regional resiliency. The council heard public comment on various topics, passed several consent and regular agenda items, and held a lengthy public hearing and discussion on amending the city's recreational vehicle (RV) parking ordinance. Presentations - Keiser University Senior Center Accessibility Study: Dr. Megen Myers, Dr. Diana Guest, and occupational therapy doctoral students presented a detailed assessment of the Gulfport Senior Center. They described the center's 3,000 members (serving 400 to 600 daily) and identified barriers for those with mobility, vision, and other challenges. Recommendations for the new building included automatic sensor doors, improved lighting and contrast on stairs, wider hallways, universal chairs, accessible bathroom grab bars and hands-free fixtures, raised garden beds, and adaptive exercise technologies like the "Mobby Magic Surface" to ensure full participation for all members. - Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) - Hurricane Flooding and Resiliency: Deputy Executive Director Ren Krawl and GIS Manager Ashley Mott presented on the importance of understanding the distinction between FEMA flood zones and storm surge evacuation zones. They showed the "Hurricane Phoenix 2.0" simulation video, depicting a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane scenario for Tampa Bay, and discussed the Regional Resiliency Action Plan (RAP), which provides a scalable framework of 11 priority actions for local governments to improve community resilience. Council members asked about the adequacy of evacuation zones in light of recent storms like Hurricane Ian. Consent Calendar The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included: - The minutes of the February 7, 2023, meeting. - Resolution No. 2023-09 authorizing a contract with Smith Fence, Inc., for marina basin fencing replacement. - Resolution No. 2023-10 amending fees for the Department of Leisure Services and adopting the fee schedule for the 2023 Children’s Summer Recreation Program. Public Comments and Testimony - General Public Comment: - Melissa Humboldt, President of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC), provided updates on membership renewals, a new member morning meeting series, and the upcoming Pink Flamingo Home Tour scheduled for March 4th. - A resident expressed frustration with the lack of enforcement of short-term rental and loose dog ordinances, noting a perceived conflict between the police department’s helpfulness in returning lost pets and the city’s inability to cite repeat offenders. - Mr. Frieden expressed strong opposition to recent state-level book bans and legislation restricting LGBTQ+ discussion in schools, arguing it constitutes “taxation without representation” and criticizing Governor Ron DeSantis’s policies. - Tommy Bixler, representing the Lions Club, reported that their pancake breakfast raised $1,500 for the Southeastern Guide Dog Association and announced an upcoming 70s-themed dance on March 25th to raise scholarship funds for Boca Ciega High School seniors. - Public Comments on RV Ordinance (Item 8a): - Speakers opposed to relaxing the ordinance argued it would diminish property values, create safety hazards, and set a precedent for further deregulation. Vonnie Holder stated the change would negatively impact home values and the city’s tax base. David McCormick characterized the proposal as a “smokescreen” benefiting a few at the expense of many. Dave Falwell raised safety concerns regarding RV height obstructing driver views and the weight of RVs cracking standard residential sidewalks. - Speakers in favor of changing the ordinance cited property rights, financial hardship from storage costs, and a desire for fairness relative to boat owners. Madison Bess, a new homeowner in her 20s, noted she purchased an RV unaware of the restrictions and cited the financial burden of $250 to $300 in monthly storage fees. Sue Orcola and Patrick Macley argued for property rights and equal treatment of RVs under the code compared to boats. Bob Slazek proposed a compromise allowing RVs in backyards with reduced setbacks and suggested utilizing marina dry storage for RVs. Deborah Matro argued the current ordinance unfairly discriminates against RVs while allowing boats and utility trailers. Discussion Items - Recreational Vehicle (RV) Ordinance (Ordinance 2023-01 — Discussion): Following public comment, the council discussed potential amendments to Chapter 21. City Manager O’Reilly presented four conceptual options: (1) remove side and rear setbacks, (2) allow perpendicular front yard parking, (3) a combination of options, or (4) no change. He emphasized that any allowance would require registration and that existing lot sizes and front yard structure setbacks would naturally limit RV sizes. - Mayor Henderson’s Compromise Framework: Mayor Sam Henderson proposed a specific direction for a revised ordinance: 1. Allow RVs in side and rear yards only, eliminating all existing setbacks except for a three-foot fire safety separation from the primary living structure. 2. Prohibit RVs in front yards, with the exception of Class B vans (e.g., Sprinter vans), which are comparable in size to work trucks and currently permissible. 3. Maintain the 2014 grandfather clause for existing RVs. 4. Require registration with the city. - Vice Mayor Brown expressed immediate support for the framework. Councilmember Ray asked clarifying questions about registration and potential pad requirements but indicated general agreement. Councilmember Ferdovich stated he was still listening to all perspectives before deciding. No formal vote was taken. - The council directed the city manager to prepare a draft ordinance based on this framework for first reading at the second meeting in March. Key Outcomes - Approvals: - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - Ordinance No. 2023-02 (Lease Agreement with Gulfport Little League Club) was approved on first reading unanimously. - Resolution No. 2023-11 (Authorizing ARPA funds for a Tennis and Pickleball Court change order from Caladesi Construction Company) was approved unanimously. - Directives and Next Steps: - The City Manager will draft a revised RV parking ordinance based on Mayor Henderson’s framework for a vote at the second meeting in March. - A presentation from the Director of Pinellas County Animal Control is scheduled for the March 7th council meeting. - Staff is finalizing a short-term rental enforcement report using newly acquired software, expected to be presented in March. - The city received an $80,000 Resilient Florida grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a citywide vulnerability and resiliency study. - State and federal appropriation requests were submitted for infrastructure projects including sanitary sewer repairs, 58th Street improvements, and the new Senior Center. - Councilmember Thanos suggested allocating ARPA funds to update the city’s website, previously estimated at approximately $25,000. - The council authorized a $1,000 donation to PARC (Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens) for its 70th-anniversary celebration, as requested by Councilmember Ray.