Public Meetings - Gulfport, Florida

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), public comments, approval of the consent calendar, a second reading of charter amendment Ordinance 2025-12, and resolutions concerning the Lions Club lease payout and annual road paving. A discussion on stormwater management and new business items concluded the meeting, which adjourned around 8:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved Meeting Minutes (November 18, 2025) – Unanimous. - Resolution No. 2025-100 – Authorized the City Manager to expend funds for annual audit services with Forvis Mazars, LLP (formerly MSL, P.A.). Unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Coast Guard Auxiliary (Mr. Bush) – Presented a certificate of appreciation and challenge coin to Mayor Love, thanking the city for providing meeting space and a VHF radio facility after the storms. The auxiliary noted the city’s support helped make Flotilla 716 one of the most progressive in the division. - Christine Crosby – Expressed concern about the annual holiday parade’s use of fire truck and police alarms, which she found frightening. She requested that the city use music (e.g., jingle bells) instead. City Manager O’Reilly noted the parade was a COVID-era activity and is being sunsetted this year. - Tom Hanley – Praised the city’s recreational facilities but requested additional weightlifting equipment at Tomlinson Park, noting the new equipment has fewer weight stations. City Manager O’Reilly said he would obtain a price for additional equipment. - Julia Bull – Urged the council to continue its advertising contract with the Gabber newspaper, stating that not renewing would appear retaliatory and undemocratic. City Manager O’Reilly reported a meeting scheduled with the Gabber to resolve details, clarifying there was no intent to cancel the contract. - Lenny (public comment on Ordinance 2025-12) – Pointed out typographical errors in Section 302 (use of “both” and “severed” instead of “served”). Council accepted the corrections. - Jonathan McCoachy (on Resolution 8A) – Stated that the lease required a market value appraisal by an MAI appraiser, and the current appraisal used actual cash value, which he argued would be near zero for the building. He urged the city to obtain a proper appraisal. - Courtney Prokoppis (reading statement from Lauren Stern) – Expressed dismay that remote public comment was not yet implemented and questioned the Lions Club lease payout, given the building’s damaged condition and impending demolition. She called the terms questionable. Discussion Items - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Presentation – Linda Fisher, AICP, Forward Pinellas Executive Planner, presented an overview of ADUs, including state statutes, countywide rules, and regulatory decisions the city must consider. She reviewed 60 estimated ADUs in Gulfport and 113 properties with more than one house per parcel. The council discussed previous consensus on lot size (no minimum), setbacks (current rules), parking (no consensus), owner occupancy (disagreement), and lot coverage (40% limit). Council agreed to refer the matter to the Planning & Zoning Board for further development, using the previous consensus as a starting point. No decisions were made. - Ordinance No. 2025-12 – Charter Amendments (Second Reading) – City Attorney Salzman summarized the proposed amendments: changes to extraterritorial powers (lease terms reduced from 30 to 5 years), council term limits (three consecutive terms, with a two-year out period and exception for unopposed races), removal of outdated prohibition language, forfeiture of office definitions, and charter review every 5 years. After public comment, the ordinance passed unanimously (4-0; Councilmember Jackson excused). - Resolution No. 2025-101 – Lions Club Lease Payout – Authorized the City Manager to approve payout per the lease agreement upon termination. Councilmember Early questioned the appraisal, noting the lease required a market value appraisal by an MAI appraiser, but the city obtained an actual cash value appraisal by a state-certified appraiser, resulting in a payout of $538,000. He argued the building had zero value given its age and planned demolition. Council voted unanimously to table the resolution to obtain a proper MAI market value appraisal. Resolution No. 2025-102 – Demolition of Lions Club Building was automatically tabled as well. - Resolution No. 2025-103 – Roadway Milling and Resurfacing – Assistant Public Works Director Kendrick Sanderson presented the annual paving plan covering 1.4 miles of roads across all wards, including microsurfacing of the Senior Center and Catherine Hickman parking lots. The contractor (Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc.) was $300,000–$400,000 lower than a competing quote. Council approved unanimously. The work is expected to be completed before Christmas or by early January 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar – Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-12 – Approved unanimously (4-0). Charter amendments will appear on the next ballot. - Resolution 2025-101 & 2025-102 – Tabled to obtain a new MAI market value appraisal for the Lions Club building. Demolition deferred. - Resolution 2025-103 – Approved unanimously. Road resurfacing to proceed. - City Manager Report – Meeting scheduled with Gabber to clarify advertising contract; holiday parade to be sunsetted. - City Attorney Report – Update on former council member O’Hara investigation: state attorney’s office to decide on charges within weeks; if none filed, small claims case will be pursued. - Council New Business – Councilmember Early suggested requiring hurricane straps/clips for older homes during re-roofing, increasing pervious surface requirements from 20% to 25–30%, restricting bright exterior lighting (dark sky compliance), and limiting impervious driveways. City Attorney noted potential conflicts with Senate Bill 180. Councilmember Shaw expressed interest in a sign designating Gulfport as home of Stetson College of Law. - Stormwater Master Plan – Council discussed next steps after a November workshop. The engineer will be asked to study the feasibility of using green space for stormwater retention, possibly at no cost through an adaptation study from Tampa Bay Regional Planning. Further discussions will continue through 2026.

This workshop, held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall, focused on the findings and recommendations of the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) presented by Mr. Justin Keller, President of Advanced Engineering & Design. Mayor Love opened the meeting by emphasizing stormwater as the city's top priority and comparing the $13.5 million spent on sewer improvements over the past 9.5 years to the estimated $75 million needed for the six proposed WMP projects. The council discussed the defined level of service, project development assumptions, and the possibility of using green spaces for flood storage. Public comments raised concerns about flooding in specific neighborhoods and sought clarity on maps and technical terms. The council directed staff to evaluate the use of several parks (Climber, Caldwell, Hoyt, and the 19th Avenue circle) as potential flood storage areas. Public Comments & Testimony - Shauna Stone (3014 DuPont Street) : Expressed concern that the focus on creating "pretty parks" may distract from fixing drainage systems; reported flooding in her garage from moderate rain and wakes from drivers. Urged the council to address drainage in Town Shores, especially 58th Street and 30th/29th/31st areas. - Anna (unidentified last name) : Questioned the effectiveness of a drain at the lowest point (59th & 27th) and asked about the path of water from 27th/26th onto 59th Street. Also asked why Wood Ibis pond was not dredged to lower water levels. - Laura Oldaney (9th Avenue South) : Asked about available funding (Mayor clarified $75 million estimated for six projects vs. $13.5 million spent on sewer). Requested clearer maps for public understanding and suggested involving Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Forward Pinellas, and rainwater expert Diane Willis for additional ideas. Also suggested analog solutions like signs in flood-prone areas. - Bob (unidentified last name) : Described contacting a pump project manager from Xylem Pumps who works with Pinellas County, Treasure Island, and Indian Rocks. Handed out drawings and suggested leasing high-capacity pumps (4,000–8,000 GPM) to move stormwater to the bay. Noted that pumping could reduce standing water and sediment issues. - Michael Thornton (3014 DuPont Street) : A mechanical engineer, he praised the model but asked specific technical questions: whether the report considered historical impacts of Town Shores development and beach parking lot/rec center elevation blocking watershed, whether check valves at outfalls were evaluated, and whether over-pumping during tailwater events (between 1.78 and 3.5 feet NAVD 88) was considered as a mitigation measure. - Scott Bernstein (Skimmer Point) : Asserted that rainwater on 59th Street flows into a culvert under the guard house and into PYCC, not back to Ibis. Expressed concern that converting parks to water features could pose drowning risks for children during sudden storms. Suggested coordinating with PYCC country club’s planned expansion to align drainage infrastructure. - Anonymous speaker : Requested simplified, publicly-available materials (slides, explanations) for non-experts, noting that acronyms like BMP were not defined. Discussion Items - Mayor Love’s Overview: Stated stormwater is Gulfport's number one issue; highlighted the WMP presentation as a major step. Asked council to address the defined level of service (0, 6, 9 inches of water on streets) and project development assumptions (e.g., not buying homes for stormwater storage). Noted that the vulnerability study will be presented in January 2026, and that funding discussions will be deferred until after that study. - Justin Keller’s Technical Presentation: Explained that most problematic water originates from the northeast (PYCC basin) and cascades southwest. Addressed cross-boundary water from St. Pete (Bear Creek, 49th Street basin) and concluded that St. Pete water does not significantly impact PYCC. Discussed link-node diagrams and modeling assumptions; acknowledged maps were difficult to read. Responded to council questions about dredging Wood Ibis (explained that it is a wet pond at groundwater level, so dredging would not lower water). Offered to provide recovery floodplains showing how quickly water recedes after storms. - Councilmember Shaw: Requested more legible maps with legends and a written report; noted that the presentation slides were difficult to interpret and that the full report is due by end of 2025. Suggested that park conversions (e.g., Climber Park) could serve dual purposes. - Councilmember Early: Asked about BMP 6 (Marina Tidal Flooding Mitigation) – specifically the public-facing platform and sensors for roadway inundation. Learned that these are part of a pilot program to replace backflow valves. Agreed that some projects seem like no-brainers. - Vice Mayor Thanos: Expressed comfort with the defined level of service. Questioned the assumption that parks should remain entirely green; proposed using parks (Climber, Caldwell, Yolanda, Hoyt) as holding ponds to reduce costs and avoid tearing up Gulfport Boulevard. Mentioned the low-lying property at 59th & 27th as a potential pond site. - Councilmember Early (continued): Noted that BMP 2 and BMP 3 are sequential to avoid adverse downstream impacts. Supported looking at green space use. - Mayor Love: Summarized consensus that green space is not off the table; council wants to explore using parks for stormwater storage. Directed staff to have the engineer evaluate specific parks: Climber, Caldwell, Hoyt, and the 19th Avenue circle. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously agreed that using city-owned green space (parks) for flood storage should be evaluated, reversing the project assumption that parks remain entirely green. Specific parks mentioned: Climber, Caldwell, Hoyt, and the 19th Avenue circle. - The council directed Mr. Keller to prepare recovery floodplains (post-storm water depths) to show how quickly water drains from streets, which could help prioritize pipe upgrades. - The council asked for more user-friendly maps with legends and a simplified public summary of the WMP findings. - The vulnerability study will be presented in January 2026; funding discussions will occur after that. - The engineer will review the potential of using the low-lying parcel at 59th & 27th as a pond, though initial assessment suggested it may be too small to make a significant impact. - The council will consider pump station options but recognized that the magnitude of stormwater (600 CFS) may exceed typical pump capacities (17 CFS). - No votes were taken; the meeting was a workshop for discussion and direction.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting centered on a comprehensive presentation of the city's Watershed Management Plan by Advanced Engineering & Design, Inc., followed by public comments, council reports, and approvals of consent items and resolutions. A charter amendment ordinance was tabled for additional public review, and several workshops were scheduled. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes from November 4, 2025. - Approved Resolution No. 2025-97 appointing Kimberley Hamilton to the Board of Adjustments. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Lewis (Beach Boulevard resident, environmental engineer) requested that computer modeling calculations be included in the public report and noted a culvert near the Senior Center that needs attention. - Peter Ford (59th Street South, near Wood Ibis) thanked staff for drainage improvements on 59th Street but expressed frustration that work stopped at the boundary of Pasadena Yacht and Country Club (PYCC) private property; he urged cooperation across public/private lines. - Jennifer Webb (resident) recommended the city learn from Safety Harbor's financing models, pursue joint projects with neighboring municipalities (St. Petersburg, South Pasadena), and look forward to council discussion after reviewing the presentation. - Donovan Nickel (Bicycle Pedestrian Action Committee, Gulfport representative) reported that Pinellas County ranks first in the state for e-bike injuries and advocated for safety measures (minimum age 16, helmet requirement, no sidewalk riding). He also thanked the city for installing pedestrian signs on Beach Boulevard. - Kathy Ford (59th Street South) requested that the presentation slides be made available on the city website or in printed form. - Bob Kang (Shore Boulevard) criticized the proposed nine-inch over-center-line flood tolerance, saying it effectively means 12 inches, and argued that leasing pumps from Godwin would be more cost‑effective than building permanent pump stations. He also noted the absence of check valves causing tidal backup and asked that engineers attend the upcoming workshop. - Carrie Schwartz (Delaware Avenue South) questioned whether drainage easements on private property allow the city to maintain ditches; she urged enforcement of existing easements. - Amy Costa (28th Avenue South) questioned whether flooding originates outside Gulfport and urged regional coordination with other municipalities. - Eileen Corning and Bill Griffin (Gulfport Senior Center Foundation) reported fundraising success, including a $87,000 bequest, and announced plans for a newsletter and expanded board. Presentation Stormwater Drainage Study – Watershed Management Plan Justin Keller and Raf Kadai of Advanced Engineering & Design, Inc. presented the city's Watershed Management Plan (WMP). Key findings and proposals included: - The study used NOAA Atlas 14 rainfall data (100‑year 24‑hour storm: 13.7 inches; 25‑year: 9.61 inches) and incorporated sea‑level rise via a tailwater elevation of 1.78 feet NAVD88, consistent with the city's Comprehensive Plan. - The model covered 454 drainage catchments; a large portion of the city drains through PYCC. - Floodplain maps for the 25‑year and 100‑year storms highlighted hotspots: City Hall, Tomlinson Park, 59th & 20th Avenue, Wood Ibis/Shore Boulevard, Stetson area, and the Marina. - Level‑of‑service evaluation (using 6 inches for passenger vehicles, 9 inches for emergency vehicles over the crown) showed that 192 of 454 basins (43%) failed the 25‑year storm. - Six capital projects were proposed: (1) Police/Fire rapid response improvements ($18.1M); (2) PYCC bypass box culverts ($11.8M); (3) PYCC pond expansion with box culvert ($10.2M); (4) 58th & 30th overland flow reduction (benefits in concert with projects 1–3); (5) 15th Avenue conveyance improvements ($10.2M); (6) Marina tidal flooding pilot with smart outfalls and sensors ($1.5M). - Program recommendations included refining level‑of‑service definitions, updating sea‑level rise projections to 2050/2070, reducing allowable imperviousness in residential code (20% green space), reevaluating the stormwater utility fee, and considering non‑structural fill in low‑lying areas. - Council members asked about conservatism in rainfall data, the potential impact of ADUs on imperviousness, and the relationship with the pending Vulnerability Assessment (presentation scheduled for January 6, 2026). A workshop was scheduled for November 25 at 4:00 PM for deeper discussion. Discussion Items Ordinance 2025‑12: Charter Amendments (Second Reading) The ordinance proposing multiple charter amendments was tabled to the next meeting to allow the public time to review the revised language. Council requested that the updated ordinance be posted on the city website. Key Outcomes - Consent items approved unanimously (Resolution 2025‑97). - Ordinance 2025‑12 tabled to next meeting. - Resolution 2025‑98 (58th Street Roadway Improvements) approved. Authorized a contract with Keystone Excavators, Inc. for full‑depth reconstruction of 58th Street from 17th Avenue to Gulfport Boulevard at a cost of approximately $2.2 million (alternative B). An additional segment (15th to 17th Avenue) was omitted due to budget constraints. Project includes new sidewalk and limited drainage improvements. - Resolution 2025‑99 (Hurricane Helene/Milton budget amendment) approved. Accounts for $1.2 million in non‑reimbursable costs and a pending $2.9 million FEMA claim. Finance Director Chris Cadell and staff were commended. - E‑bike ordinance direction: Council directed the City Manager to draft an ordinance prohibiting e‑bikes in parks and on the beach (sand area) as permitted by statute. - Code enforcement updates: Of 192 flood‑related violation notices sent, 140 residents have responded. Council emphasized public outreach before initiating new enforcement campaigns (line‑of‑sight, RV storage). - State attorney meeting: An investigation (Invest) regarding potential charges related to code violations is scheduled for November 24, with City Clerk Keriko and a police detective attending. - Upcoming workshops: November 25 (stormwater study), January 8, 2026 (Lions Club property visioning, marina area), and February 5, 2026 (referendum question explanation). - Election qualifying: Opens December 1 for Ward 1 and Ward 3 seats in the March 10, 2026 election. - PYCC drainage: City Manager clarified that PYCC owns its stormwater system; any capital projects requiring work on PYCC property will need easements. The city will continue to explore coordination.

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting at Gulfport City Hall on November 4, 2025. The agenda included a trolley marketing presentation, the adoption of the comprehensive plan update, first reading of charter amendments for the March 2026 ballot, authorization of a beach restoration contract, and numerous resident comments on code enforcement, air traffic, and the future of the volleyball courts. Presentations - Halloween Decoration Contest Winners: Mayor Love announced the winners, Alex Garcia and Robert Ware of 5317 28th Avenue South. The winners were not present to receive their award. - Trolley Marketing Plan: Justin Shea, Cultural Facilities Events Supervisor, presented an updated plan for the Gulfport Looper/Trolley service. The plan features a redesigned interactive map on MyGulfport.us, new branding (bench backs) pending Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) approval, and a QR code survey for rider feedback. Discussion focused on maintaining a 20-minute continuous loop, ridership tracking, reflective signage, and real-time route mapping. Public Comments & Testimony - Operation Santa: Francine reported the program served 90 families and 300 children last year and is seeking donations. - Discover Walkport: Brad Bruner announced the new walking trail system and the Mayor's Community Walk on November 15th. - Community Events: Amy Costa highlighted the successful Halloween Creepy Crawl (over 20 businesses) and promoted Senior Center Foundation events. Julie Armstrong thanked the city for Art in the Yard (40 houses, 70 artists). Ingrid Bredenberg noted Gulfport's feature in USA Today. - Air Traffic Safety: A resident from 21st Avenue South expressed concern about low-altitude air traffic (helicopters, Legion Air jets, military aircraft) posing a significant safety risk. He requested the city coordinate with airport and air traffic managers and consider FAA noise monitors. - Code Enforcement: Mary Hanrahan and Laura Oldaney criticized aggressive enforcement of vision-corridor codes (e.g., citing a 13-inch plant), arguing resources should be redirected to education (rain gardens, native plants) and a resilience task force rather than threatening $500/day fines. - Trolley Feedback: Lenny Guckenheimer and Karen Schwartz asked for better integration of trolley information with event parking signage and asked about routes to Trolley Market Square and Beachway Park. - Drainage: Bob Canning urged the city to install baffle boxes and flanges in storm drains being replaced to prevent trash from entering the bay. - Beach & Volleyball: Multiple speakers, including several non-resident volleyball players, spoke about the community and economic importance of the courts. Priscilla Kidder advocated for a living shoreline approach with native plants and oyster shells instead of purely gray infrastructure, citing data from Florida Sea Grant showing natural shorelines can reduce erosion by 50 to 80 percent and sustain no damage compared to 76% of seawalls damaged in hurricanes. Discussion Items - Code Enforcement Reform: Councilmember Shaw proposed reforming the enforcement process for long-dormant codes by reinstituting initial courtesy letters, providing better educational diagrams, and drawing a line in the sand before enforcement begins. - E-Bikes in Parks: Vice Mayor Thanos proposed banning e-bikes in parks due to pedestrian safety concerns. The City Manager cautioned that state law treats e-bikes as bicycles, requiring a careful legal review to avoid unintentionally banning all bicycles. - Ian Investigation: Vice Mayor Thanos requested an update. The City Manager stated the investigation is awaiting an interview with Ian, and the case should be sent to the state attorney's office within weeks. - Comprehensive Plan (Ordinance 2025-02, Second Reading): Adopted unanimously. The state's only objection was the need to formally adopt two planning horizons (ending 2035 and 2050) into the policy text. Council discussed the removal of outdated policies (affordable housing liaison, 5% meter replacement) and CIP items (marina building). - Charter Amendments (Ordinance 2025-12, First Reading): Passed unanimously to advance to second reading and referendum. - Terms: Increased from 2 to 3 years for council and mayor, limited to 3 consecutive terms (9 years). Running for a different office (e.g., council to mayor) bypasses the 2-year waiting period. - Prohibitions: Removed the "guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor" clause. The power to reprimand or suspend a member for up to 60 days will be governed by council rules, not the charter. - Vacancies: The absence threshold for forfeiture of office was changed from 6 missed meetings to 4 in a 12-month period. - Beach Restoration (Resolution 2025-93): Debated heavily. Vice Mayor Thanos wanted to delay sand placement until a comprehensive resiliency plan was complete. Councilmembers Shaw and Jackson argued against risking the permit gained after 10 months. The resolution authorizing the $811,000 project from reserves was passed unanimously, with a strong directive to immediately pursue resilient plantings alongside the construction. City Manager stated the project will make the beach an engineered beach eligible for future FEMA reimbursement. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Unanimous): Approved October 21 meeting minutes. Set the 2026 municipal election for March 10, 2026. Authorized a 20x20 steel shelter at Veterans Memorial Park. - Comprehensive Plan (Unanimous): Adopted the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update. - Charter Amendments (Unanimous): Approved the first reading of a package to go to public vote in March 2026. - Beach Restoration (Unanimous): Authorized the City Manager to contract with Burgess Civil, LLC for restoration, with a requirement to develop a concurrent resiliency plan. - Lobbying Contracts (Unanimous): Renewed contracts with state lobbyist Shumaker Advisors and federal lobbyist Thorn Run Partners. - Senior Center Fee (Unanimous): Increased the non-resident annual membership fee from $50 to $100, effective January 1, 2026. - Council Directives: - Staff to research the legal framework for regulating e-bikes in city parks. - Staff to review and propose reforms to the code enforcement process regarding vision corridors. - A public workshop on the proposed charter amendments will be organized. - A presentation from the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas County will be scheduled. - Staff will work with Councilmember Shaw to implement a consensus to relocate 7 existing bike racks and purchase 3 additional racks, painted a consistent blue.

At the regular meeting of the Gulfport City Council held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall, the council discussed a presentation on forming a resident tree board, reviewed proposed charter amendments from the Charter Review Committee, heard public comments on various topics, and approved several resolutions including electric vehicle charging station fees, a special event for the Gulfport Food Forest, a feasibility study for the Senior Center, and a post-storm recovery interlocal agreement with Pinellas County. The meeting included extensive deliberation on charter changes, with consensus to move forward with most recommendations except for the vice mayor selection method, which was left unchanged. Presentations - Resident Tree Board Proposal: Mr. Dean Hay, ISA Certified Master Arborist, presented a proposal to establish a resident tree board to support urban forestry goals, including a 30% tree canopy cover target. Councilmembers expressed strong support, with Vice Mayor Thanos noting the new volunteer portal could facilitate coordination. The council agreed to move forward with staff to develop the board. Discussion Items - Charter Review Committee Recommendations: Mr. Joe Guenther, Chairperson, presented recommended changes to nine sections of the City Charter: - Section 103 (Extraterritorial Powers): Proposed maximum lease term of 5 years (from 30), fair market value appraisal requirement, and deed recording responsibility. Council agreed to draft ordinance. - Section 302 (Terms of Council/Mayor): Proposed three-year terms (from two) and two consecutive term limits. Council reached consensus to proceed. - Section 304 (Vice Mayor): Proposed chronological rotation by ward and minimum one-year service requirement. After debate, council voted 3-2 to leave the current language (elected by council) unchanged. - Section 305 (Removals): Proposed ability to remove council members by three-fourths vote with due process. Council discussed adding a warning/sanction option; consensus to proceed with attorney-drafted language. - Section 306 (Vacancies & Forfeiture): Proposed automatic forfeiture for losing qualifications, conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, or excessive absences; plus due process hearing before an independent special magistrate. Council agreed to create a new section for removals and proceed. - Section 309 (Ordinances & Resolutions): Updated recording method per state law. Consensus to proceed. - Section 314 (Charter Review Frequency): Changed from every 10 years to every 5 years, with full review by a citizen committee. Consensus to proceed. - Section 402 (City Manager Qualifications): Removed residency requirement, allowing city manager to live outside the city. Council agreed 3-2 to remove. - Section 501 (Elections): Removed phrase "as determined by council." Consensus to proceed, noting potential future changes if Section 302 passes. Council directed the city attorney to draft ordinances for the approved items. Public Comments & Testimony - Several residents spoke on the tree board proposal, term limits, and charter sections (e.g., Jonathan McCoachy asked about mayoral term limits; Jennifer Donch raised concerns about vice mayor selection). - Amy Costa announced a Senior Center Foundation fundraiser and a citywide Halloween crawl. - Courtney Prokopis requested updates on door-to-door sales permits, the Living Shoreline Project timeline, remote public comment, and expressed concern about the cooking ban ordinance. - Lauren Stern requested childcare during council meetings and raised questions about water bills and delinquent accounts. - Scott announced the 2026 Pink Flamingo Home Tour (March 7, in Ward 4). - Multiple residents commented on the charter removal provisions, urging caution about political misuse. - Jennifer Donch questioned the selection of Lemoine Disaster Recovery for the post-storm interlocal agreement, citing limited resources compared to other vendors. Consent Calendar - Item 7a: Approved minutes of October 2 workshop and October 7 regular meeting. - Item 7b: Resolution No. 2025-85 accepting donation of an ice maker from the Senior Center Foundation. - Item 7c: Resolution No. 2025-86 amending the EMS ALS First Responder Agreement with Pinellas County. (All approved unanimously by voice vote.) Resolutions - 9a (EV Charging Stations): Resolution No. 2025-87 establishing charging rates ($0.30/kWh) and idle fees ($5/hr) at city-owned stations. Unanimously approved. - 9b (Food Forest Special Event): Resolution No. 2025-88 approving a special event application for the Gulfport Food Forest monthly market. Unanimously approved. - 9c (Senior Center Feasibility Study): Resolution No. 2025-89 authorizing a $38,000 scope of services agreement with Harvard Jolly-PBK for renovation-expansion feasibility study. Unanimously approved. - 9d (Post-Storm Recovery Interlocal): Resolution No. 2025-90 authorizing an interlocal agreement with Pinellas County for post-storm recovery services, with Lemoine Disaster Recovery LLC as preferred vendor. Approved 4-1 (Councilmember Shaw dissented). New Business - Councilmember Early reported on a positive water billing experience and asked about paddleboard rentals (deferred to winter). - Vice Mayor Thanos noted no new business. - Councilmember Jackson had no new business. - Councilmember Shaw asked about the federal government shutdown impact (none to date). Council Comments & Reports - Councilmember Early reported on Florida League of Cities committee work (Municipal Operations Policy), including legislative priorities (sovereign immunity, public records exemption for clerks, open carry, emergency communications, competitive bid thresholds, group homes). - Vice Mayor Thanos provided updates on Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, coastal master plan, Florida League of Cities legislative priorities (enterprise fund transfers, extraterritorial surcharges), her town hall recording, design guidelines for elevated homes, and requested a flood insurance presentation (deferred). - Councilmember Shaw reported on Sun Coast League of Cities, Florida League of Cities (development committee), Midtown Business Collective, Gulfport Merchants Chamber, Young Gulfport Parents Group, and infrastructure updates (25% of stormwater pipe televised). - Councilmember Jackson reported on remote public comment progress (in contact with vendor). - Mayor Love addressed code enforcement and permitting, emphasizing compliance with FEMA requirements to protect the National Flood Insurance Program discount. She urged residents with questions to contact her directly. Key Outcomes - Charter Review: Consensus to proceed with ordinances for sections 103, 302, 305, 306 (with independent magistrate), 309, 314, 402, and 501; Section 304 (vice mayor) left unchanged. - Resident Tree Board: Council directed staff to work with Mr. Hay to establish a volunteer tree board. - Resolutions: All approved except 9d with one dissenting vote. - Duke Energy Solar Program: Council confirmed continued participation. - Lincoln Cemetery: No action; awaiting direction from St. Petersburg (property owner). - Post-Storm Recovery Applications: Mayor Love encouraged all affected residents to apply for the $813 million federal program administered by Pinellas County.

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on October 7, 2025 at City Hall. The agenda included presentations on a new volunteer management software and a redesigned city website, the adoption of consent items and several resolutions, and public hearings. Key actions included passing an ordinance regulating cooking while parked, approving the fiscal year 2025-2026 special events calendar, and reaching a consensus on fees for electric vehicle charging stations. The Council also addressed parking management strategies and provided updates on various city projects. Presentations - Get Connected Volunteer Software: Assistant City Manager David Mather introduced "Gulfport Connects," a platform to connect residents with volunteer opportunities from the city and local non-profits. It allows users to track hours for grant in-kind contributions, manage volunteer qualifications, and can be used for emergency response coordination. The platform is now live. - New Website Enhancements: Mr. Mather showcased the redesigned city website featuring cleaner menus, an AI-powered FAQ agent, a comprehensive form library, and a mobile-responsive design aimed at meeting upcoming ADA compliance standards. - Council Discussion: Council members asked questions about social media integration for events, skill-based volunteer matching, and the ADA compliance road map. Consent Calendar All items on the consent calendar were approved unanimously, including: - Holiday decoration services agreement with Rileighs Outdoor LLC dba Clark Sales Display (Resolution 2025-72) - Authorization to purchase library materials via state contract (Resolution 2025-73) - Purchase of IT products and services from SHI (Resolution 2025-74) - Payment authorization for Tech Guru Consulting IT managed services (Resolution 2025-75) - Funding for Granicus platforms for FY 2025-2026 (Resolution 2025-76) - Annual maintenance fee payment to Tyler Technologies (Resolution 2025-77) - Agreement with PSD Citywide Inc. for Public Works asset management software (Resolution 2025-78) - Contract with Todd’s Air Conditioning for HVAC replacement at the Yakes Rec Center (Resolution 2025-79) - Approval of the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Bonnie Bray proposed the city explore focus groups for golf cart regulation reassessment, a dog beach on Shore Boulevard, and converting 54th and 56th Streets to one-way. She also requested stop signs on Beach Boulevard. - Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) reported 49 participants removed 180 pounds of trash during the Clam Bayou cleanup. He strongly criticized the lack of enforcement of no-parking laws on sidewalks, stating it creates a major hazard for people with disabilities. - Amy Costa (Midtown Business Collective) invited the community to a business mingle and offered to host public focus groups. She detailed plans for a “Hurricane Healing” day and a community-wide Halloween “Creepy Crawl.” - Eileen Corning (Gulfport Senior Center Foundation) expressed gratitude for city support, highlighting the new volunteer software platform and the Foundation’s growth. - Carol Kelly (New Horizons Band) thanked the city for performance space, emphasizing the importance of free community concerts. - Courtney Prokopis (Gulfport Coastline Coalition) announced the availability of “No Wake Zone” yard signs. She inquired about the living shoreline project’s status and whether the new C Click Fix app would be public-facing. She voiced support for the One Community Grocery Co-op. - Karen Schwartz thanked Public Works for installing bike racks at the rec center and suggested a website or app feature to request new bike rack locations. - Katie (Shore Boulevard) advocated for the city to actively promote the beach water quality, stating it is now clean and safe. - Scott Reevy (4th Ward) expressed frustration with permitting roadblocks when renovating a property for a mixed-use business. He supported evaluating traffic flow and parking solutions. - Korea (Gulfport Food Forest) reported a successful inaugural fundraiser with over 300 attendees and announced new board members. She recommended the “Effortless City” mapping service for accessibility. - Bill Griffo (Gulfport Senior Center Foundation) detailed upcoming fundraising events, including a Health & Wellness Expo and Night in Italy. - Bob Canning (Shore Boulevard) requested a status update on the stormwater flood study. Discussion Items - City Manager Report: - Permitting Update: 104 notices of violation for unpermitted work were sent to maintain NFIP compliance; 37 responses have been received and 35 demolition permits issued. A second round of letters covering approximately 300 more properties is pending. - EV Charging Fees: Staff proposed instituting fees to offset $1,100/month costs. Council discussed rates and reached a consensus on 30 cents per kilowatt-hour plus a $5-per-hour idle fee. A formal resolution will be drafted. - Ordinance 2025-11 (Cooking while Parked): During the second reading and public hearing, several commenters expressed concern over unclear definitions of “cooking” and “parking.” Despite this, the Council voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance. - Special Events Resolutions (8A, 8B, 8C): Justin presented the 2025-2026 event calendar. Council discussed the shift of the holiday parade to a daytime community event, the cancellation of the Pride Festival (with a new Pride Market scheduled for February), and the waiver of theater fees for the Gulfport Community Players. All three resolutions were approved 5-0. - New Business: - Downtown Parking Management: Vice Mayor Thanos proposed a bike rack inventory, better trolley signage, and modifying resident-only parking for employees. Councilmember Earley expressed a desire for further discussion before implementing specific changes. Mayor Love confirmed staff is already collecting data on employee parking needs. Council agreed to hold a dedicated discussion before the end of 2025. - Stormwater Study: The report is scheduled for presentation to Council on November 18, 2025. - Youth Mock Council: Councilmember Shaw’s proposal for a youth mock council meeting received Council consensus to proceed. - Lincoln Cemetery Update: Mayor Love provided an update from an accidental meeting with Corey Givens and a subsequent call with Pastor Williams, who she stated does not support the negative public narrative against the city and clarified the city is not the property owner. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2025-11 (Cooking while Parked): Approved (5-0). - Special Events Resolutions: Resolutions 2025-80 (New Events), 2025-81 (Recurring Events), and 2025-82 (Multiday Events) all passed (5-0). - Submersible Pump Purchase: Resolution 2025-83 for Lift Station 2 passed (5-0). - Mental Health Services: Resolution 2025-84 renewing the Directions for Living contract passed (5-0). - EV Charging Fee Schedule: Council reached a consensus to implement a $0.30/kWh charge and a $5/hr idle fee. A formal resolution will be brought to the next meeting. - Stormwater Study Presentation Date: The study will be presented to Council on November 18, 2025. - Future Parking Discussion: Council scheduled a discussion to take place before the end of 2025 to address downtown parking regulations. - Youth Mock Council: Council agreed to organize a youth mock council meeting.

The City of Gulfport held a workshop meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2025, to discuss the possibility of implementing timed and/or paid parking in the Waterfront District. Mayor Sam Love opened the meeting by emphasizing that it was a conversation only, with no proposal, ordinance, or vote. The meeting included opening remarks from council members, nearly two hours of public comment, and wrap-up comments. No decisions were made, but the council gathered extensive input from residents and business owners to inform future planning. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Byron Shalfant (owner of Siri's Gourmet Burgers and Pizza, Gulfport resident): Stated that parking problems significantly affect his business. He advocated for timed parking (maximum four hours) to increase turnover and suggested a parking garage between the senior center and library. He opposed metered parking but supported a system like “first two hours free.” - Nat Kitter (resident, 46 years in Gulfport): Supported timed parking (suggested two hours) and argued that the city needs tools to regulate abuse of parking. He referenced St. Petersburg’s central business district model where employees can get permits. - Gloria E. Hart (Town Shores resident): Opposed both paid and timed parking, stating that parking abuse is not widespread and that free parking is part of Gulfport’s unique, “keep it weird” character. - Bonnie Sklar (Gulfport resident): Opposed paid parking, open to timed parking, and urged finding designated employee parking to free up customer spaces. - Joe Ginther (co-owner of O’Maddie’s Bar and Grill): Read a letter from Barbara Banno (owner of Stella’s) who opposed paid or timed parking, citing free parking as a unique advantage. Ginther added that Gulfport has tried this four times before, each failing, and opposed both paid and timed parking, warning of spillover parking in neighborhoods. - Thomas Luciano (owner of Tommy’s Hideaway): Opposed paid parking, supported timed parking only as a compromise. He emphasized that Gulfport is not a large tourist destination and that free parking is essential to its small town character. - Courtney Pro Capis (resident near Stetson area): Proposed a business offset fee to fund alternative transportation (bike lanes, shuttles, tuk-tuks). Discussed accessibility and noted that parking enforcement inherently involves revenue. - Jennifer Donch (Premier Drive resident): Argued against paid parking on fiscal grounds – hiring enforcement and buying software would cost more than the revenue from limited spaces. - Karen Schwartz (resident): Supported timed parking over paid, but noted cost concerns. She mentioned bike rack shortages and suggested validating parking for longer stays. - Laura Oldaney (9th Avenue South resident): Opposed paid parking, concerned about stress of time limits, and asked for cost data before further discussion. - Lisa Kaufman (Shore Boulevard resident): Opposed overnight parking due to safety concerns with van dwellers, but also opposed paid parking. - Bridget Marshall (Town Shores resident): Opposed paid parking, suggested designated 15-minute pickup spaces for takeout orders. - Chamber representative (treasurer of Gulfport Merchants Chamber): Presented survey results: “overwhelmingly unfavorable toward paid parking”; if timed parking, a three-hour minimum was preferred. Warned of spillover problems and called for a holistic parking analysis. Discussion Items - Mayor Love’s opening remarks: Explained why the council is discussing parking now (long-standing complaints, post‑storm redevelopment, upcoming new restaurants, previous council’s reluctance). Clarified that no proposal exists and the meeting is purely for listening. She noted that modern paid parking systems allow city control over pricing, free first hours, resident discounts, and business coupons. - Councilmember Nancy Earley: Mentioned her earlier town hall on parking (four years ago) with no consensus. Suggested giving workers stickers to park in resident-only zones south of 28th Avenue. Also noted that the federal government shutdown may halt new flood insurance policies, affecting property sales. - Councilmember Marlene Shaw: Said she had heard more residents in favor of parking regulation in recent years, but emphasized that the meeting was to hear from the public, not to decide yet. - Wrap-up by Mayor Love and Councilmember Earley: Both thanked participants. Councilmember Earley shared cost estimates from a previous study: first-year implementation $50–70,000, ongoing $25–40,000/year for paid parking, and about 2.5–3 staff for timed enforcement. She also recalled the failed Gecko golf cart shuttle. No consensus was formed; the council will consider input for the Gulfport 2050 planning process. Key Outcomes - No vote or decision was taken; the meeting was solely a discussion to gather public input. - The council will use the feedback to inform future planning, likely as part of the Gulfport 2050 vision. - Mayor Love stressed that no changes are imminent, and any future proposal would involve further public engagement.

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting at City Hall. The council approved the final millage rate and operating budget for FY 2025-2026, debated and partially passed an ordinance regarding vehicle lodging and cooking, and approved several resolutions, including a contract for permitting services and engineering for the Historic Casino Building. A discussion on the potential de-annexation of Lincoln Cemetery was held, and a workshop on timed and paid parking was scheduled for October 2, 2025. Public Hearings: FY 2025-2026 Millage Rate and Budget Ordinances - Millage Rate (Ordinance No. 2025-09 – Second Reading): The council approved the ad valorem tax levy of 4.0258 mills for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. This is the third consecutive year at this rate; the prior rate was approximately 4.3 mills. The rate was lowered due to a statutory cap triggered by property value increases exceeding 10%. A member of the public (Mr. Freedom) noted that for his duplex (one side homesteaded), this represented a 14.1% tax increase. The ordinance passed unanimously (5-0). - Operating Budget (Ordinance No. 2025-10 – Second Reading): The council adopted the operating budget for FY 2025-2026 (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026). During discussion, council members raised questions about the impact of outsourcing permitting services. City Manager O'Reilly explained that the budget had been adjusted by reducing two building inspector positions (saving approximately $150,000 with benefits) and reducing revenue projections based on the last two years' permit revenue ($275,000). The deficit would be managed through general fund savings and vacancies. Additional discussion covered the Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection program (past three years cost $7,300; future seven years projected cost $7,600; net credits expected after year 10, between $1,000 and $3,300 per year), electric vehicle charging station costs ($11,000 annually for public stations), and the city's $19,000 annual advertising contract with the Gabber (Gulf Beaches Gabber). Council members expressed interest in exploring payment options for charging stations and reducing the Gabber contract. The budget passed unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - On Millage Rate: Mr. Freedom spoke about the tax increase on his duplex. - On Budget: Several residents commented: - Mr. Freedom encouraged continuing the Duke Energy program. - Ms. Stern expressed concern about the lack of grant writing in the community development role and asked about remote public comment. - Tom Bixler (Town Shores) supported moving to paid electric vehicle charging, noting the city had been paying $1,020-$1,150 per month after the initial free period. - Priscilla Kitter questioned the Duke contract and the Gabber advertising expense. - Amy Costa noted misuse of charging stations (vehicles parked all day) and agreed the Gabber cost was excessive. - Laura urged surveying older residents before eliminating the Gabber calendar. - General Public Comment: Mr. Freedom spoke about free speech and a Supreme Court case; Wolfgang Dininger reported on the Beyond the Beach cleanup (207 volunteers, 100+ pounds of trash collected) and announced future cleanups. - On Ordinance 2025-11 (Vehicle Lodging/Cooking): Multiple residents spoke: - Katie (resident across from beach bathrooms) noted recent improvements in enforcement but requested continued attention. - Shauna Stone (ward two, house damaged by Hurricane Helene) supported the ordinance, citing negative impacts on tourism. - Priscilla Kitter described personal experiences and called for rules. - Amy Costa urged focusing on actions rather than people, suggesting paid parking or designated areas. - Wolfgang Dininger supported paid parking. - Nancy supported paid parking. - Lisa Malkey argued that many van dwellers choose the lifestyle and are not truly homeless. - Lorraine Lights (Seabreeze Manor Inn) said the situation affects her business. - Laura asked for police data on crimes involving the unhoused. - MJ Kozlowski reported issues at the wreck area. - Trey Johnson (Gabber employee) urged compassion and alternative solutions. - On Resolution 9.a (Permitting Services): Mr. Freedom opposed subcontracting government responsibilities. - On Casino Building: Mr. Freedom suggested moving the casino to Claymore Park to avoid flooding. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 2025-11 (First Reading) – Motor Vehicles and Cooking: City Attorney Salzman presented a revised ordinance that prohibits lodging (living or staying temporarily) in vehicles on public property, with exceptions for recreational vehicles per existing codes. The cooking prohibition (Section E) was uncontroversial. Council debated the lodging provision (Section D). Councilmember Jackson opposed criminalizing poverty. Vice Mayor Thanos opposed, suggesting alternatives like a designated parking lot with facilities or resident parking stickers. Councilmember Shaw supported the ordinance, showing photos of encampments and citing safety concerns. Mayor Love emphasized the distinction between sleeping (allowed) and habitation (prohibited) and noted the private property exemption. After public comment, the council voted on the original motion (including both sections): opposed 3-2 (Jackson, Early, Thanos no; Shaw, Love yes). Then, on a separate motion to retain only Section E (cooking), the council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve, which will proceed to second reading. - Resolution No. 2025-69 – Contractor Permitting Services: The council approved awarding the bid to C.A.P. Government, Inc. (Bureau Veritas) for contractor permitting services. The hybrid model will use the vendor for contractor plan reviews and inspections, while city staff will handle owner-builder permits. The contract is 5 years with a 30-day out; the vendor receives 80% of permit fees and the city 20%, though council members expressed concern that owner-builder permits (where city does most work) should have a different split. City Manager O'Reilly agreed to negotiate. The resolution passed unanimously (5-0). - Resolution No. 2025-70 – Police Department AC Unit: Authorized purchase of a Trane 25-ton AC unit from Todd's Air-Conditioning for the police department. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2025-71 – Historic Casino Building Engineering: Authorized agreement with Halff Engineering for professional services (approximately $280,000, about 8% of the estimated $3.5 million rebuild). Project includes preserving the historic floor, restoring ticket booths, and adding resiliency features. Design expected 8-10 months, construction about 12 months. Passed unanimously. - Discussion – Potential De-annexation of Lincoln Cemetery: Mayor Love explained that the property owner has not contacted the city; the discussion stemmed from media inquiries and a request from St. Petersburg Mayor Welch. Documents provided indicated the cemetery was once part of St. Petersburg. Council members expressed caution about precedent-setting and optics. No action taken, as no formal request has been made. - New Business: - Councilmember Jackson announced a sandbag and tree giveaway on Saturday (9 AM to 1 PM at Neighborhood Center). - Vice Mayor Thanos requested a future presentation on the city's flood insurance discount program (currently 20% off) and proposed a format for structuring council discussions. - Mayor Love announced: a beach toy library donation (approved by consensus); participation in the National Day of Peace on September 21; a workshop on timed and paid parking on October 2, 2025; and a request to partner with the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan (consensus to sign a letter). Mayor Love also offered to lead a town hall on property tax bills if needed. Key Outcomes - Millage Rate (Ordinance 2025-09): Adopted (5-0). - Operating Budget (Ordinance 2025-10): Adopted (5-0). - Ordinance 2025-11 (Cooking while parked, Section E): Approved for second reading (5-0). The lodging prohibition (Section D) failed (2-3). - Resolution 2025-69 (Permitting services): Approved (5-0); city manager to negotiate owner-builder fee split. - Resolution 2025-70 (Police AC unit): Approved (5-0). - Resolution 2025-71 (Casino Building engineering): Approved (5-0). - Lincoln Cemetery De-annexation: No action; discussion continued. - Parking Workshop: Scheduled for October 2, 2025. - Consent Agenda (Minutes of September 3, 2025): Approved.

The Gulfport City Council met on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The lengthy meeting included first readings on the FY 2025-2026 millage rate and operating budget, second readings and public hearings on four utility rate increases (water, sewer, garbage, stormwater), approval of several resolutions for capital projects and donations, and a detailed discussion on recommendations from the Charter Review Committee. The meeting concluded with a disclosure from the Mayor regarding a preliminary discussion about the potential de-annexation of Lincoln Cemetery. Public Hearings: FY 2025-2026 Millage Rate and Budget Ordinances - 1.a. Ordinance No. 2025-09 (Millage Rate): The Council held the first reading and public hearing. The proposed levy of 4.0258 operating mills represents a 4.71% increase over the rolled-back rate of 3.8446 mills. The ordinance was approved by a unanimous vote (5-0). - 1.b. Ordinance No. 2025-10 (Operating Budget): The Council held the first reading. City Manager O'Reilly noted the budget grew by 0.039% and was reduced by $218,613 from the initial proposal. Changes included reallocating $300,000 from a solar project to stormwater initiatives (following a consensus vote), adding funds for roadway projects, and planning for Mooring Field expansion. The ordinance was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Budget: Resident Karen Schwartz questioned why detailed budget questions were not resolved in a workshop. Resident Coley proposed volunteer beach restoration and a film investment to boost city revenue. - On Utility Ordinances: Tim Walters opposed the 8% water and garbage increases, citing the lower CPI and inefficient collection systems. He and Karen Schwartz suggested moving to once-weekly, automated garbage collection and clearer recycling guidelines. Ralph Jordan inquired about the accuracy of electronic water meters. - General Comments: Residents addressed Creative Pinellas defunding concerns, BCYC's post-hurricane recovery, and Gulfport Grassroots cleanup events. Several speakers raised concerns about long-term camping and car dwelling in public parks, with Police Chief Fernandez stating current ordinances lack enforcement authority. Lenny requested better remote parking and shuttles for Gecko Fest. Discussion Items - City Manager & Police Reports on Beach Encampments: A draft ordinance regarding beach camping is scheduled for the September 16th meeting. The City Attorney is drafting legally defensible language to address long-term occupancy without running afoul of Supreme Court precedent on homelessness. - Vice Mayor Thanos Remarks: Proposed increasing permeable surface requirements, creating a rain garden rather than replacing sand at the casino pad, and establishing a town hall on hurricane fatigue. Requested a presentation on tree canopy and an update on permeable paving ordinances. - Mayor Love: Announced the "Gulfport 2050" vision town hall and rain barrel distribution. Addressed state-wide constraints on zoning/development under State Bill 180 and reminded residents that on-street parking is public property. - Charter Review Committee Recommendations: The Council debated several proposed charter changes. - Section 103 (Extraterritorial Powers): Proposed reducing lease terms from 30 to 5 years and requiring fair market appraisals. Some members felt elements could be handled as policy rather than ballot measures. - Section 302 (Terms): Broad support for term limits emerged, but the Council was split on term lengths (2 vs. 3-4 years). The committee's proposal of Mayor 2 terms (6 years) and Council 3 terms (6 years) remains under discussion. - Sections 305 & 306 (Prohibitions & Vacancies): Replacing criminal conviction requirements with a 3/4 council vote and due process for removal received conceptual support. An ethics advisory committee with a magistrate will be established to review forfeiture cases. Council members requested explicit addenda for residency requirements and a broader dissemination of vacancy notices. Key Outcomes - Votes & Approvals: - Unanimous approval of the Millage Rate Ordinance and the Operating Budget (both first readings). - Unanimous passage of second readings for Water (8A), Sewer (8B), Garbage (8C), and Stormwater (8D) utility rate increases. - Unanimous approval of Resolutions 9A through 9F, including donations (refrigerator, $126,000 for veterans park upgrades) and capital improvement contracts (seawall repair, sidewalks, stormwater system televising, intersection restoration). - Directives & Next Steps: - The City Attorney and Clerk were directed to refine Charter Review ballot language based on council feedback. - A draft ordinance restricting camping on the beach is scheduled for the September 16th meeting. - The procurement guide will be provided to the council for review. - The Mayor provided council members with documents from St. Petersburg regarding the historical ownership of Lincoln Cemetery following a preliminary de-annexation discussion.