Public Meetings - Gulfport, Florida

The Gulfport City Council met on August 16, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included public comments on housing affordability, first readings of four utility rate ordinances, and discussion of the proposed FY 2022–2023 budget. The presentation from State Representative Linda Chaney (House District 69) was postponed to September 6, 2022. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the Council Meeting Minutes of July 7, 2022. Public Comments & Testimony - Noreen (resident): Presented results of a poll on rent control (47% yes, 34% no) and called for a town hall meeting to address the housing crisis, urging residents to voice their experiences. - Cheryl Schwartz (landlord, 4920 28th Avenue South): Shared her practice of keeping rents low and treating tenants with respect, arguing that compassion is a personal choice and cannot be legislated. - Eddie Ford (3002 53rd Street South): Followed up on a short-term rental reporting app he developed; city manager indicated possible good news regarding county coordination. - Phyllis Plotnik (3038 DuPont Street South): Expressed concern about enforcement of the short-term rental ordinance, estimated 200+ VRBOs/BNBs, and loss of diversity due to gentrification. - Robert Salza (1407 Gray Street): Opposed rent control, citing economic consensus (1% of economists support it) and examples from St. Paul and Berlin; suggested focusing on regulating short-term rentals, citing AirDNA data showing over 600 Airbnbs in Gulfport. - Mary Muscato (4920 28th Avenue South): Shared personal experience of friends being priced out; supported rent control and criticized landlords raising rents without improvements. - Karen Schwartz (voice on garbage/water): Supported pay-as-you-throw garbage billing, once-a-week pickup, and better promotion of composting; questioned water rate structure. - Mary Hanarhan (27th Avenue South): Asked for clarification on water service activation fees and criticized the increase in late payment fee from 1.5% to 5% per month. - Zachary Moore (resident): Suggested clarifying language in water ordinance to distinguish between turning water on/off versus service activation/deactivation. - David Cantor (5709 16th Avenue South): Praised the tiered water rate structure but noted the initial rate jump may be a regressive tax on families, especially those with children. - Phyllis Tober (resident): Commented on budget glossary and suggested having a neutral facilitator for upcoming town halls to avoid confusion. Discussion Items City Manager Report - Presented the Pinellas County Tenant's Bill of Rights (adopted by BOCC) and recommended the city not opt out, as it provides enforcement through county code enforcement. - Noted dismissal of litigation with Boca Ciega Yacht Club with prejudice; discussions on lease will resume. - Announced a "Clean Clothes for Kids" program during Thanksgiving week in partnership with a local laundromat, with council members contributing about one-third of the cost each. Ordinances – First Readings - Ordinance 2022-03 (Garbage): Amends Chapter 11 to increase service charges by 6% due to fuel, labor, and tipping fee costs. No change to special pickup provisions. Unanimously passed. - Ordinance 2022-04 (Stormwater): Postpones a $1 rate increase to the next fiscal year; no increase for residents this year. Passed 4-1 (Councilmember Thanos voted no, preferring the $1 increase now). - Ordinance 2022-05 (Water): Restructures water rates to a base charge plus volumetric tiers (0–1,000 gallons at lower rate; elimination of standby charges; increases late fee to 5% per month; increases tampering penalties; allows removal of meters on vacant lots at manager’s discretion). Passed 4-1 (Councilmember Thanos voted no, citing concerns over the low tier rate and late fee increase). - Ordinance 2022-06 (Sewer): Restructures sewer rates to base plus volumetric; no increase this year. Unanimously passed. FY 2022–2023 Budget Discussion (No. 4) - City Manager presented the proposed budget: 6.7% overall growth, 70% personnel costs; reserves at 23% ($3.7 million), excluding ARPA funds. Property values increased 15.21% citywide and 17% in the waterfront redevelopment district. - Population declined from 12,222 (2010) to 11,773 (2020) per U.S. Census, reducing state revenue sharing and half-cent sales tax. - Health insurance increase held to 1%; property/casualty insurance estimated to rise 10–40%. - Councilmember Thanos proposed a resiliency study ($30,000–$40,000) to compete for federal grants; others expressed caution about staff time and matching funds. City Manager suggested first defining project priorities. - Councilmember Thanos invited Freebee (micro-transit) to present; agreed to schedule after budget finalization. - Councilmember Ferdovich invited Susan Glickman to discuss solar canal boat concept; postponed to post-budget. - Mayor announced a town hall on housing for October 12, 2022; council agreed to a workshop on housing and short-term rentals on October 20, 2022, at 6 PM. - The city will not opt out of the Pinellas County Tenant's Bill of Rights. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous). - Ordinance 2022-03 (Garbage): Passed unanimously (5-0). - Ordinance 2022-04 (Stormwater): Passed 4-1 (Councilmember Thanos dissenting). - Ordinance 2022-05 (Water): Passed 4-1 (Councilmember Thanos dissenting). - Ordinance 2022-06 (Sewer): Passed unanimously (5-0). - Scheduled a town hall on housing for October 12, 2022, and a council workshop on housing/short-term rentals for October 20, 2022, at 6 PM. - Postponed State Rep Linda Chaney presentation to September 6, 2022. - City will not opt out of the county Tenant’s Bill of Rights. - Resumed discussions with Boca Ciega Yacht Club after litigation dismissal. - Council will consider inviting Freebee and Susan Glickman for presentations after budget finalization.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The agenda included a presentation by Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice, a water and sewer rate structure analysis by Andrew Burnham of Stantec, public comments, and approval of several resolutions. Key outcomes included no water/sewer rate increase for fiscal year 2023, a proposed rate structure change reducing bills for low-volume users, and unanimous approval of employee insurance renewals. Consent Calendar - Approved the Council Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2022, by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Love expressed frustration with council inaction on affordable housing, arguing the city can use zoning, density, and ADUs to increase supply. She criticized a councilmember's comment about toilet counts on properties. - Marissa Stewart (Gulfport Kawanis Club) thanked the city, CERT, police, and community for supporting the Juneteenth celebration. She presented a donation to the city's after-school program at the Rec Center. - Ray Rodriguez accused city officials (City Manager O'Reilly, Police Chief Vincent, and others) of covering up alleged theft at the Boca Ciega Yacht Club, claiming the club generated $6-7 million under its lease. He threatened to sue the city, the yacht club, and Chief Vincent. He also alleged records destruction and harassment by police. - Ms. Tober (by phone) criticized Mr. Rodriguez's unfounded accusations. She praised the proposed water rate structure as a positive step, though she noted the savings are modest. She suggested the city consider a low-income subsidy for sanitation fees. - Samantha (by phone) urged creative solutions for affordable housing, such as limiting corporate ownership, tiny homes, and incentivizing long-term rentals. She emphasized the need to preserve Gulfport's diversity. Discussion Items - Presentation by Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice – Justice shared highlights of the county's proposed $3.2 billion budget (2.5B operating, 794M capital). He noted a millage rate reduction from 5.13 to 4.73 (first back-to-back reduction in 35 years), a 3% employee raise plus retention bonuses, and use of ARPA funds for infrastructure. He discussed the county's Tenant's Bill of Rights, affordable housing projects (Palms of Pinellas, Fairfield/Tibbets Lumber), tourism recovery (15 million visitors, $5.5B direct spend), and the potential Tampa Bay Rays stadium location at the Tropicana site. He answered questions about bed taxes on short-term rentals and the status of the Rays site. - Water and Sewer Rate Structure Analysis by Andrew Burnham (Stantec) – Burnham presented an updated financial forecast. Due to use of ARPA funds for capital and lower-than-expected St. Pete rate increases (7.5% forecast vs. prior higher projections), no rate increase is needed for FY2023. He recommended a long-term plan of 0% in FY23, then 8% in FY24 and FY25, followed by 3.5% annually. The core proposal is to change the rate structure: replace the current $19.74 minimum charge (including 2,000 gallons) with a $17.74 base charge (no usage included) and a new first-tier charge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons. This would reduce bills for customers using under 2,000 gallons (over 50% of residential customers) while keeping bills flat for 2,000-gallon users and unchanged for higher users. Sanitation rates would increase 6% due to county tipping fee hikes. Council discussed equity: Councilmember Thanos favored larger discounts for low users and heavier charges for high users (e.g., large homes, businesses, country club). Burnham noted the existing tier structure already penalizes high usage significantly. City Manager O'Reilly recommended adopting the structure with a three-year plan. The council generally supported the proposal. - Resolutions for Employee Insurance Renewals – Three resolutions were presented and passed unanimously: Resolution 2022-51 (health insurance with Florida Blue, 1% rate increase), 2022-52 (life and AD&D with Standard Insurance at $0.34 per $1,000/month), and 2022-53 (long-term disability). City Manager thanked HR Director Shannon Farrell for negotiating the low health insurance increase. - Council Comments – Councilmember Thanos raised concerns about a $30,000 pad for a statue (gecko) that was not pre-approved, calling for transparency. She also suggested a sanitation study to explore cost savings and variable rate structures. Vice Mayor Brown noted school starts and requested banners for 64th Street. Mayor Henderson defended the council's handling of public comments, warning of potential legal action if defamation continues. Key Outcomes - No water/sewer rate increase for FY2023; a new rate structure (base charge + first-tier usage charge) will be adopted via first reading of ordinances in two weeks. The proposed structure reduces bills for customers using under 2,000 gallons and keeps others flat. - Three-year rate plan envisioned: 0% FY23, 8% each in FY24 and FY25, then index-based adjustments. This plan will be brought back for council approval. - Resolutions 2022-51, 2022-52, and 2022-53 approved unanimously renewing employee health, life, and long-term disability insurance for FY2022-2023. - A sanitation study will be explored per Councilmember Thanos's request. - The city will consider adding banners on 64th Street in its next annual order (October).

The Gulfport City Council held a regular meeting on July 19, 2022. The council unanimously approved four resolutions addressing the proposed millage rate, law enforcement services, a weather camera, and a public art installation. Discussions included dog park improvements, housing affordability, and public safety concerns. Public Comments & Testimony - Natanya Diamond: Representing users of the big dog park, she requested improved seating, a sand pit for dogs to dig, and a formal process for users to provide input on park projects. - Karen Love (23rd Avenue South): Praised Gulfport Fire Rescue for a four-minute response time. Criticized the non-emergency police dispatch number as "absurd" and "very unsatisfying" when reporting a mentally ill individual who threatened her. Also raised concerns about the cleanliness of fishing benches at the beach and stated there is no point in a no-smoking ordinance without a plan to enforce it. - Ray Rodriguez: Issued a 90-day legal notice of intent to sue the City of Gulfport, Boca Ciega Yacht Club, and the Gulfport Police Department, instructing the city to "govern yourself accordingly." Discussion Items - Dog Park Improvements: City Manager O'Reilly confirmed that a new shelter and a chair corral are being built for the big dog park. He also stated the city will consider creating a sand pit for digging. Councilmember Thanos noted cooling paint was applied to the park concrete that day. - Resolution 2022-47 (Millage Rate): The resolution sets the proposed millage rate at 4.0390 for the eleventh consecutive year and establishes public hearing dates for the FY 2022/2023 budget. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2022-48 (Law Enforcement Support): Authorized the City Manager to enter into a service agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for communications and support services. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2022-49 (Weather Camera): Authorized an agreement with Earth Networks, Inc. to place a weather camera on the Gulfport Casino for CBS Channel 10 at no cost to the city. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2022-50 (Public Art Installation): Authorized a $16,000 agreement with artist Ray Domingo for a public art piece at the casino. During discussion, it was revealed the city spent an additional $32,000 from the operating budget on the foundation, pilings, and engineering, which had not been explicitly voted on by the council. Passed unanimously. - Housing Affordability & Short-Term Rentals (STRs): Councilmember Thanos requested a dedicated town hall to discuss affordable housing and STRs, arguing it was too large an issue for a brief discussion item. Mayor Henderson expressed skepticism about the city's ability to enact meaningful change due to limited jurisdiction and legal risks, stating he did not want to give residents "false hope" and would not risk losing existing regulatory capabilities. Councilmember Sam Ray reported on his town hall, noting mixed opinions on STRs and discussing enforcement options. The council agreed to schedule a workshop. - Mayor's Report: Mayor Henderson reported that developer Winway Homes provided misleading information during a previous meeting with him and citizens. He addressed the litigation threat from Ray Rodriguez, stating the city attorney will prepare a new cease and desist letter. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 2022-47, 48, 49, 50: All four resolutions passed unanimously (5-0). - Dog Park: Cooling paint applied. New shelter, corral, and potential sand pit are in the works. - Future Meeting: Councilmember Sam Ray's next town hall is scheduled for October 12, 2022. - Spirit of Gulfport Award: Vice Mayor Brown proposed awarding Harold Russell (Backfin Blue) the Spirit of Gulfport Award; the council expressed support. - Litigation Strategy: The City Attorney will issue a cease and desist order to Ray Rodriguez.

The Gulfport City Council met on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included a presentation on the state of Tampa Bay, public comments on various topics, approval of resolutions related to ARPA funds, a beach playground replacement, and a special event, as well as discussions on the proposed FY 2022-2023 budget and the Community Rating System (CRS) for flood insurance. Council also addressed issues of employee safety and harassment. Presentation: Tampa Bay Estuary Program - Ed Sherwood, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, presented on the state of the bay and stormwater management. He highlighted that stormwater runoff now accounts for 64% of nutrient loads entering Tampa Bay, and that seagrass coverage has declined in Old Tampa Bay by over 4,000 acres since 2016. He noted the City of Gulfport's successful projects (Tangerine Greenway, Wood Ibis Park, 49th Street drainage) and the city's $372,000 investment in a private sewer lateral incentive program. Sherwood also mentioned the availability of federal infrastructure funds for such programs and encouraged the city to apply for Bay Mini Grants. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: - Approval of City Council meeting minutes of May 3, 2022 and May 17, 2022. - Resolution No. 2022-43 appointing Christine Crosby to the Senior Citizens' Advisory Committee on Aging. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Gore (board president, LGBTQ Resource Center) introduced Natalie Marcelin, recipient of the 2022-2023 Branch Out scholarship ($2,500), and thanked the council for supporting LGBTQ inclusion. - JW Madigan (resident of 2520 York Street) proposed reducing the water, sewer, and recycling bill for seniors by changing garbage collection from twice a week to once a week (e.g., only Thursdays), noting that fixed-income seniors pay about $886 per year. - Kim Glenn (resident, Beachwalk Condo Association) requested beautification of a dirt area at the corner of 56th and Shore Boulevard (around a light post), possibly with concrete or art, due to flooding issues. City staff will follow up. - Steve Udovich (president, Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial Foundation) presented a proposal to place a 50x50-foot granite memorial in Gulfport's Veterans Park, honoring Floridians who served or died in Iraq and Afghanistan. The foundation would raise funds; the city would provide site preparation and perpetual maintenance. The council expressed interest in exploring feasibility. City Manager & Attorney Reports - City Manager O'Reilly reported: - A follow-up on the rate structure (reducing the minimum tier to 1,000 gallons) will be presented on August 2. - Property values increased 15.21% (second highest in Pinellas County); cumulative two-year increase 24%. - The city has spent $242,287 on the sewer lateral program (91 laterals completed). - A sample of vitriolic emails and harassment of employees was shared; the manager and attorney are exploring legal options to protect staff, including designating certain areas as non-public forums (citing a Punta Gorda case). - An ordinance on smoking bans in parks/beaches has been drafted (per new state law), but council expressed concerns about enforceability. - The city successfully moved $1.5 million in federal funding through the House Appropriations Committee for a project (via Congressman Crist). - City Attorney Salzman noted that any zoning changes for short-term rentals could risk losing current restrictions, and recommended caution. Councilmember Thanos suggested hiring a dedicated code enforcement officer or using software (Granicus) to monitor short-term rentals on a complaint basis. Resolutions - Resolution No. 2022-44 (ARPA funds): Authorized the city manager to fund and appropriate Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to address negative economic impacts from lost revenue and CPI changes. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2022-45 (Beach playground replacement): Authorized a contract with Project Innovations, Inc. (via piggyback on Manatee County School Board contract) for $1.5 million to replace the beach playground and surface with artificial turf (12-year warranty). The old equipment has rotted; some pieces will be salvaged and sold. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2022-46 (Oktoberfest Market): Approved a special event application from the Gulfport Merchants Chamber for October 22, 2022, from 10 AM to 6 PM on Shore Boulevard and Veterans Park, with temporary waivers of city codes to allow open containers and street extensions for food/beverage sales. Music will end by 5:30 PM to accommodate a wedding at the casino. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - FY 2022-2023 Budget Discussion: - City manager presented a conservative budget proposal, emphasizing rebuilding reserves to 25% (currently 16%). Inflation in Tampa Bay is 11.3%, fuel costs up 58%, and public sector salaries cannot keep pace. The millage rate will remain the same for the 11th year. The budget will be formally submitted by July 15. Council supported maintaining service levels and not expanding government. - A proposed 6% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees (including council and charter officers) was endorsed. - Discussion included potential incentives for permeable surfaces and smaller building footprints to reduce runoff, but no action was taken. - Community Rating System (CRS): - Staff presented options to move from CRS Class 6 to Class 5 (additional 5% flood insurance discount). Achieving 500 points would require adopting stricter regulations (e.g., higher freeboard, cumulative substantial improvement tracking), which would increase costs for homeowners and potentially force taller structures in flood zones. The city currently does 13 of 19 eligible activities. Council decided not to pursue changes at this time due to economic uncertainty and potential negative impacts on existing homes. Council Comments & Informational Reports - Councilmember Thanos requested: - A future discussion (workshop or meeting) on short-term rental enforcement. - Permission to submit a monthly report for inclusion in the city's weekly email blast (non-political, factual). Council agreed, subject to legal review. - A desire to update the city's strategic plan (last done in 2011) given rapid changes. - Councilmember Ray reminded residents of a town hall meeting on July 13 at 7 PM at the library. - Councilmember Ferdovich asked about the Gulfport pier project (awaiting Duke Energy and Pinellas County cost estimates). - Mayor Henderson requested consensus to allow staff to explore the war memorial at Veterans Park (approved) and to add shade structures at the dog park (approved, under $20,000). Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously: Consent agenda items, Resolutions 2022-44, 2022-45, 2022-46. - Directed staff: To explore war memorial placement in Veterans Park and dog park shade improvements. - No action taken: On CRS class change, smoking ban ordinance, short-term rental enforcement (deferred to future meeting). - Next steps: City manager to present rate structure changes and budget on August 2; state representatives to attend August 16 meeting.

The Gulfport City Council met on June 7, 2022, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting covered routine consent items, several resolutions authorizing funding and contracts, a discussion on outdoor entertainment regulations, and public comments on enforcement, events, and code issues. Councilmembers Michael Fridovich and Mayor Henderson were excused; Vice Mayor Brown chaired the meeting. Consent Calendar - Item 5.a: Approval of City Council meeting minutes of April 5, 2022, and April 19, 2022. Councilmember Thanos requested a correction to the April 5 minutes regarding board appointment procedures. After discussion, the minutes were approved as presented by a vote of 2 ayes (Councilmember Ray, Vice Mayor Brown) with Councilmember Thanos voting no, though she later clarified she intended to vote yes on the other consent items. The correction was not adopted, and the council agreed to discuss the process further at a future meeting. - Item 5.b: Resolution No. 2022-38 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Caladesi Construction Company for the Scout Hall Restoration and Waterproofing Project. Approved unanimously. - Item 5.c: Resolution No. 2022-39 authorizing the City Manager to amend and restate the Mission Square Governmental Money Purchase Plan & Trust Document. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Banno (Gulfport Merchants Chamber): Announced the Chamber is hiring a full-time Director of Operations (CEO-like role) to manage day-to-day operations, membership, and events due to growth. She thanked the council for ongoing partnership. - Unnamed resident (complaint driven): Expressed frustration with code enforcement, stating that ordinances (dogs on beach, smoking, short-term rentals) are not enforced without citizen complaints. Questioned the “complaint-driven” approach and COVID protocol messages. Urged better enforcement and public education on reporting. - Marissa Stewart Dix (Gulfport Kiwanis Club President): Invited council to the second annual Juneteenth celebration on June 18, 2022, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Gulfport Recreation Center, with speakers, DJ, raffles, and lunch. Noted support from businesses and donations. Requested the mayor to deliver a welcome if available. - Debbie Amos (Tiki Bar and Grill owner): Commented on the noise ordinance discussion, noting her business faces the Gulf and has received few complaints. Supported realistic decibel limits and fair distance requirements. Urged consideration of other ambient noise sources (beach, cars). - Margaret (speaker): Asked if Councilmember Ray had published a summary from his recent town hall. Mentioned sending a suggestion on accounts receivable improvements to the city manager. Expressed concern that the proposed noise ordinance process appears similar to existing permit requirements. - Mr. Simek: Again proposed forming an advisory committee on diversity (ethnic and age) to represent younger generations and underrepresented groups, citing that all board members are over 50 while median age is 56–57. Argued cognitive diversity leads to better decisions. Resolutions - Item 7.a – Resolution No. 2022-40: Authorized using Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) for a Watershed Management Plan with Advanced Engineering & Design, Inc. (cost $1.5 million, 2-year timeline). Justin Keller presented the plan’s three phases (investigation, assessment, recommendation) to address flooding, water quality, and sea-level rise resilience. Approved unanimously. - Item 7.b – Resolution No. 2022-41: Approved a special event application from Unity of Gulfport, Inc. for a Summer Solstice Celebration on the casino pad. The applicant requested a fire dancer (approved by fire chief) and a ceremonial fire pit, which was initially denied. The applicant, a former fire protection engineer, offered to hire an off-duty firefighter. Council approved the resolution and directed staff to work with the fire chief on the fire pit issue. Approved unanimously. - Item 7.c – Resolution No. 2022-42: Authorized using ARPA funds for water and sewer infrastructure related to Priority Two pipe repair. The City Manager noted a project contract would be presented in July. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 8.a – Code of Ordinances Section 22-6.12 (Outdoor Entertainment): The City Manager and Councilmember Ray clarified that the city already has a process for outdoor entertainment permits, involving staff review and council/CRA approval. The discussion aimed to formalize the process to ensure proactive consideration of business and resident impacts, not to change existing permits or sound ordinances. Council directed staff to continue using a mindful, site-plan-review approach for new permits. Council Comments & Informational Reports - Councilmember Ray: Reported attending a homelessness meeting; suggested inviting a speaker from that program. Mentioned a new dog fountain installed at Wood Ibis Park and removal of an old fence. Noted that resident Nadine Smith was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022. Suggested deferring installation of portable restrooms at the marina until the marina project is further along, but was reminded funds must be expended by 2024. - Vice Mayor Brown: Announced his next quarterly town hall on July 13, 2022. Recapped successful Pride Festival and Flag Day event. Invited to Juneteenth celebration. Updated on efforts with county commissioners for senior center funding. - Councilmember Thanos: Reminded that Flag Day is June 14 and that a flag retirement ceremony will be held at Veterans Park, urging residents to drop old flags at the fire station. Key Outcomes - Consent items 5.b and 5.c approved; item 5.a (minutes) approved with no change, but council will revisit board appointment procedure. - Resolution 2022-40 (Watershed Management Plan) approved unanimously. - Resolution 2022-41 (Unity of Gulfport special event) approved unanimously, with direction to work on fire pit approval. - Resolution 2022-42 (ARPA funds for Priority Two pipe repair) approved unanimously. - Council directed staff to process future outdoor entertainment permits with enhanced review, including site plans and resident input. - Councilmembers will invite speakers on homelessness, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and county updates to future meetings. - Vice Mayor Brown’s town hall scheduled for July 13, 2022.

The Gulfport City Council met on May 17, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured presentations from Duke Energy on grid improvements and undergrounding, a summary of a parking town hall, public comments, consent and resolution approvals, and discussions on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The council also heard reports from the city manager, attorney, and clerk. Consent Calendar - Resolution No. 2022-36: Authorized the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC for debris collection and removal services. Approved unanimously. - Resolution No. 2022-37: Authorized accepting CRRSA Act-Phase VI grant proceeds from the Early Learning Coalition to purchase a hip roof shade structure from Creative Shade Solutions, Inc., and a budget amendment. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Miss Love: Praised the invocation; noted inconsistent use of right-of-ways for parking and lack of bicycle racks in appropriate locations (e.g., five bicycles parked on tennis courts due to poorly placed rack); urged better maintenance of sidewalks and crosswalks for mobility. - Walter Barker (Trade Winds Drive): Requested council members provide monthly reports in the Gulfport e-newsletter to increase transparency. - Margaret (call-in): Discussed Resolution 2019-04 regarding compound interest credits on water accounts; claimed that of 20 properties identified, none received letters about the credit, and some who paid in full after the resolution date did not receive the credit. Urged the council to send letters and retroactively credit those owed. - Mr. Simic (call-in): Commented on Duke Energy ground transformers being unsightly and asked the city to request landscaping; proposed a Generational Equity and Diversity Committee to address underrepresentation on advisory committees (median age 55 in Gulfport, 20-30% minority not represented). Discussion Items - Duke Energy Presentation (Theresa Crane & Libby Hoctor) - Duke Energy is upgrading the 51st Street substation serving 16,607 customers. - Work includes: equipping 8 feeders and 50+ miles of lines with self-healing technology; upgrading 500 transformers and 240 fuses; replacing 1,600+ feet of underground cable; upgrading 500 poles; placing 23 miles of overhead lines underground. - Undergrounding prioritizes outage-prone areas; easements are needed for front-lot placement to improve access. - No out-of-pocket costs to residents; Duke will pay up to $1,500 for meter relocation if needed. - Timeline: overhead work starting within a month; undergrounding expected around August 2022; project completion within 4 months after start. - Council asked about rate impacts (none expected soon) and asked about untargeted areas (future project possible). - Parking Town Hall Summary (Councilmember April Thanos) - Met with residents and experts; no consensus on paid parking—most favored free parking. - Ideas discussed: eliminating east-west resident-only parking (few houses face those streets); placards for staff/vendors to park in resident-only areas during daytime; more EV charging stations; additional handicap parking; designated motorcycle/golf cart parking; valet parking service (e.g., from marina or other lots). - Council noted simple, low-cost options could free spaces without enforcement complexity. - American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding - City Manager presented a proposed allocation of $4.5 million ARPA funds. - Projects include: fire truck, stormwater master plan (resiliency/vulnerability study), water line replacement, and other infrastructure. - Remaining $762,000 recommended for sewer system improvements (consent order work). Council agreed to allocate $600,000 to sewers, keeping balance for contingencies. - Discussion also touched on potential employee pay raises (6-7% COLA) to address 10.2% inflation in Tampa Bay area; decision deferred to operating budget. - Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Program Budget - One-year and five-year budgets presented. - Key items: paving and brick restoration ($400,000); library generator; emergency facility generators; police vehicles; auto extraction equipment; casino substructure repairs; theater curtain replacement; senior center trust fund transfer (city match for congressional appropriation); splash pad in future years. - Utilities budget includes sewer bypass loan payments, water line rehabilitation, and private lateral programs. - Council generally supportive; questions about tablets for library (moved to library budget for flexibility). Key Outcomes - Consent items and Resolution 2022-37 approved unanimously. - ARPA direction: Council concurred with using remaining funds for sewers, with $160,000 held for cost overruns or emergencies. - CIP budget: No vote taken; discussion informed the upcoming budget adoption process. Council will consider final approval in June. - Council Comments: Councilmember Ferdovich suggested recognition plaques for retiring employees and board members; will bring an example. Councilmember Thanos proposed adding council reports to the city website (amending council rules) to increase transparency, with caution against political opinions. Mayor reported progress on senior center funding—meetings scheduled with Pinellas County commissioners. - Next Steps: June 7th meeting will include stormwater master plan presentation; June 21st meeting may address short-term rentals; July 5th meeting likely canceled due to holiday.