Public Meetings - Gulfport, Mississippi

The meeting opened with an invocation and pledge, followed by two presentations: the first Centurion Award to Lum Atkinson for 50 years of Little League service, and a legislative update from Council Member Webb on high-impact state bills affecting Gulfport’s utilities, finances, land use, and DEI policies. The council also addressed pension clarifications, approved a water main engineering contract, and discussed workshop scheduling for August. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from June 2, 2026 (Item 6A). - Adopted Resolution 2026-38 (Item 6B) formally supporting Pinellas County Schools’ planning for progress rezoning to assign all Gulfport addresses to Gulfport Elementary School zone. Both items passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Captain Mark Hubbard (Hubbard’s Marina) advocated for a cross‑Bay ferry terminal on Gulfport’s waterfront, citing regional momentum and the city’s maritime history. Provided QR codes for more information. - Richard Freed (Tangerine Ave.) expressed concerns that property tax savings would be offset by rising insurance costs; asked about piggybacking on St. Petersburg’s utility feasibility study; called for ranked‑choice voting and open primaries; questioned funding risks for senior center and library if the city maintains DEI programs despite new state law; and requested deputization of citizens. - April Thanos (53rd St.) requested an update on Hurricane Ian recovery funding, criticized the installation of artificial turf around trees (environmental concerns), and asked why the city’s trolley would not participate in the St. Pete Pride Parade. - Jonathan Oldsburg (46th St.) reported unusually severe street flooding near the marina area, stating water levels are twice as deep and last twice as long as previous years. Urged the city to look beyond King Tides and investigate possible system deterioration. - Mary Atkinson DeAngelis (former resident) thanked the council for honoring her father, Lum Atkinson, and praised the city for preserving Gulfport’s spirit. - E‑comment from Margaret Tober questioned why late charges on utility accounts are 5% of balance while marina accounts are a flat $15, and noted many active marina accounts are past due (some over a year) without updates. Discussion Items - Legislative Update (Council Member Webb): Webb detailed eight high‑impact state bills. Key changes include: (1) Utility surcharge – eliminates automatic 25% out‑of‑city surcharge; future rates must be set by public hearing, capped at 25%. (2) Local government budget transparency – cities must publish budget calendars, quarterly employee compensation, and conduct a “belt‑tightening” exercise. (3) Suits against government – raises claim limits from $200k/$300k to $350k/$500k and shortens pre‑suit notice from 6 to 4 months. (4) Land use – requires “compatibility” factors in denials; must specify areas of incompatibility. (5) Local land planning – cities over 10,000 must offer pre‑application consultation and maintain a contractor registry; imposes deemed‑approved consequences. (6) Affordable housing – expands Live Local to include school board and house‑of‑worship land; limits setbacks; amends Fair Housing Act. (7) Anti‑DEI (effective Jan. 1, 2027) – prohibits DEI offices/officers and use of local funds for DEI training; prohibits preferential treatment based on race, gender, etc., but allows compliance with state/federal anti‑discrimination laws, holiday observances, and content‑neutral event permits. Webb warned of revenue challenges, litigation exposure, and staff workload increases. - Resiliency Summit Report (Vice Mayor Shaw): Shaw summarized the two‑day Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Summit. Highlights: Project Phoenix (cat. 5 hurricane simulation), innovative resiliency financing (St. Pete uses AI for stormwater fees; Fort Lauderdale earned AAA rating), real‑time flood sensor networks (Lee County), food system resilience (Feeding Tampa Bay distributed 100M meals; 1 in 4 children food insecure), and seagrass restoration (Crystal River – 120 acres restored, 90% storm surge reduction). Shaw noted 33 government entities are now in the Resiliency Compact. - Regional Planning Council & School Redistricting (Council Member Webb): Webb attended her first TRPC meeting; highlighted Project Phoenix webinar (June 26), Blueprint 2030 halftime report, and 2020 census undercount losses (billions lost regionally). She also reported on the Gulfport Elementary Enthusiasts group, which is rallying support to keep the school open and potentially create a K‑8 campus amid Pinellas County Schools redistricting. Next listening session: July 9 at 6 p.m. at Boca Ciega High School. - Pension Ordinances (Items 7B, 7C, 7D): Three ordinances clarified credited service for general employees, police, and firefighters. The new pension attorney interprets credited service based on contributions rather than date of hire; employees on workers’ compensation are not contributing and therefore would not accrue service time. Discussion included concerns about penalizing injured workers and the financial impact on the pension plan. A public commenter (Rebecca Dean) shared personal experience with workers’ comp and noted that missing months may not affect the highest‑five‑year pension calculation. An e‑comment from Tony Smith (wife of Officer Corey Smith) urged the council to count time recovering from a line‑of‑duty injury. - Town Shores Water Main Resolution (Item 8A): Advanced Engineering & Design will design upgrades to potable water mains in Town Shores and surrounding buildings (Lancaster, Manchester, Nottingham, Diplomat Embassy, Buckingham, Windsor). The $59,000 design cost comes from the previously approved $200,000 match (state‑funded). Construction expected by end of 2027. - Workshop Scheduling (New Business): Council agreed to cancel a July 2 workshop and schedule a budget workshop for August 6. Mayor Love will consider a less formal town hall on boat‑life hurricane readiness if interest arises. - Call for Artists (New Business): Mayor Love proposed that council members independently rank the top five submissions (artist names blinded) for the new “Welcome to Gulfport” sign; the top three will be brought to a future meeting for final vote. The Trolley Market Square sign will remain unchanged. Key Outcomes - ADU Ordinance (Item 7A – Second Reading): Passed unanimously (5‑0). The ordinance allows accessory dwelling units, but not in the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHAJ) pending FEMA feedback on CRS points. - General Employees Pension (Item 7B – First Reading): Passed 3‑2 (Early, Donch (no), Shaw (no), Webb, Love). The ordinance changes credited service from date‑of‑hire to contributions‑based, meaning time on workers’ comp without contributions does not count. - Police Pension (Item 7C – First Reading): Passed 4‑1 (Early, Donch (no), Shaw, Webb, Love). Same contribution‑based change. - Fire Pension (Item 7D – First Reading): Passed 4‑1 (Early, Donch (no), Shaw, Webb, Love). Same contribution‑based change. - Town Shores Water Main Engineering (Resolution 8A): Passed unanimously (5‑0). - Censure Policy (City Attorney Report): Council agreed to place the policy on the next meeting agenda for a vote after adding a written warning for first‑time violators. - Pride Parade Trolley (City Manager Report): Council gave consensus to allow the looper (small trolley) to participate in the St. Pete Pride Parade on June 27, as the larger trolley’s driver is on leave. - Yacht Club Lease Renewals (City Manager Report): Both the Boca Ciega and Gulfport yacht clubs have been asked to obtain appraisals to determine fair market rent, per the charter change. Leases expire end of this month and in August. - Workshop Dates: July 2 workshop canceled; budget workshop set for August 6.

The meeting opened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The council heard two presentations: a utility rate sufficiency study by Stantec and the annual financial audit by Forvis Mazars. Several ordinances and resolutions were considered, including actions on parking signs, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and school resource officer services. Public comments addressed a range of topics from community events to infrastructure concerns. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the May 19, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Schwartz (South Pasadena) announced the sixth annual Juneteenth celebration on June 6 at Tomlinson Park, 5–9 p.m. - Eileen Corning and Bill Griffo (Gulfport Senior Foundation) introduced a new logo and mission pillars, and announced a grant from Duke Energy and a veteran salute event on June 20. - Tim Walters (Gulfport) opposed proposed 8% garbage fee increase, noting it outpaces Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (5.3% over two years), and questioned twice-weekly pickup and outsourcing. - Thanos (Gulfport) echoed concerns about garbage service and asked about the adaptation survey for stormwater. - Aaron Angst (former resident) and Joshua Forst (South Pasadena), representing Parkview and the volleyball community, requested reinstatement of a beach live cam, presenting a petition with 140 signatures. - Sharon Wheeler (Gulfport) advocated for hiring professional grant writers to improve grant success. - Amy Costa (Wonderworks) promoted the Pride Festival on June 6, with 70 vendors and entertainment. - Marilyn McClellan (Gulfport) praised the Pride Festival and reported dog waste issues at Climer Park, suggesting signage. - Lenny Gukenheimer (Gulfport) thanked the city for hosting a candidate forum. - Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport) announced a Beach Cleanup on June 13 and a Nordic walking class on June 15. - Jonathan McCoachy (Gulfport) requested a screen for the council and audience to view presentations. - Tom Hanley (Gulfport) advocated for separate bicycle infrastructure, citing the Netherlands and St. Petersburg as models. - An e-comment from Margaret Tober thanked public works staff Deanna and Kelsey. Presentations Utility Rate Sufficiency Study – Presented by Andrew Burnham (Stantec) and Sonia Levert (Utility Billing Director). The study reviewed the current three-year rate plan (2026–2028) with no recommended changes. Key points: - The plan includes an 8% annual increase on water/sewer and $1/year on stormwater for 2027 and 2028, dropping to 5% thereafter. - 60% of operating costs go to St. Petersburg for water and wastewater treatment. Flows reduced by 17% due to capital improvements, but St. Pete rate increases drove cost up 74% from 2021–2030. - Watershed management plan identified $85 million in stormwater projects. A $1.4 million annual fee increase (doubling current stormwater fees) could service debt on 15–20 million dollars in bonds. - Council questions addressed personnel costs (13.9% of expenses), inflow/infiltration after storms, and feasibility of bonding vs. rate increases. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Audit) – Presented by Jeff Wolf (Forvis Mazars). All audit reports were clean with no findings: - Unmodified opinion on financial statements, no internal control or compliance issues. - City’s net position decreased by $1.8 million in governmental activities and $1 million in business-type activities due to storm impacts, but reserves remain strong (current ratio 4.3). - General fund balance decreased by $3.6 million; however, $4 million in insurance recovery and FEMA reimbursement was recorded in FY25. - The audit noted no adjustments or difficulties. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-03 (Second Reading) – Removed resident-only parking signs in the southwest area (west of Beach Blvd, east of 58th St, south of 28th Ave). Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-04 (First Reading, Tabled) – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Extensive discussion centered on language added by staff allowing nonprofit entities (e.g., Stetson University, Pinellas County Schools) to own ADUs without owner occupancy. Council voted to remove that provision, restoring the requirement that the property owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU. Other points: restrictive covenant to prohibit short-term rentals, treatment of properties in trusts, and snowbirds. The amended ordinance passed first reading (5-0). The council did not address coastal high hazard area concerns pending FEMA guidance. Key Outcomes - Utility Rates: Council concurred with continuing the adopted three-year rate plan; no changes were made. - Audit: Accepted the clean audit report. - Ordinance 2026-03: Approved and effective upon second reading. - Ordinance 2026-04: Passed first reading after amendment; second reading to be scheduled. - Resolution 2026-35: Authorized payment to CAP Government for plan review services (April 2026). Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-36: Approved Vet Sports tournaments (three events) with conditions, including noise restrictions and no impact on permanent courts. Unanimous. - Resolution 2026-37: School Resource Officer agreement with Pinellas County School Board approved 4-1 (Vice Mayor Shaw dissenting) citing concerns about officers with 287G immigration enforcement training. - Workshop Scheduled: June 18, 2026 at 6 p.m. to discuss impacts of proposed homestead exemption expansion on city services. - Consensus Items: Gulfport Environmental Team to present in July; creation of a Centurion Club to honor residents age 100+; consideration of a resolution supporting full attendance boundaries for Gulfport Elementary. - City Manager Report: Property values increased less than 1% due to storm recovery and condo regulations; $3 million congressional request for senior center not funded; city has begun curbing discretionary spending in anticipation of property tax changes.

The meeting began with an invocation by Councilmember Jennifer Dawn, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Councilmember Webb was excused. Presentations included a proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 17–23) and a Duke Energy Vegetation Management update. Public comments featured 11 speakers on topics ranging from a proposed labyrinth, ongoing post-storm housing issues, barking dogs, boat dock safety, to redistricting concerns. The council adopted a resolution on procedural rules, held first readings on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinances, approved two major dock replacement contracts, and discussed scheduling a voter anchorage workshop. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from May 5, 2026 (Item 6A). - Approved Resolution 2026-31 designating the white ibis as the official city bird, presented by the student mock council (Item 6B). - Approved Resolution 2026-32 authorizing purchase of a 2026 Ford F-450 rescue vehicle for the fire department (Item 8A). - Approved Resolution 2026-33 for a South Basin dock replacement contract with Enterprise Marine Contractors Incorporated – $1,556,600 (Item 8B). - Approved Resolution 2026-34 for the Casino dock replacement contract with KM2H LLC, including floating dinghy docks – construction to begin after July 4, 2026 (Item 8C). Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda Hagood, Gulfport resident: Proposed a permanent labyrinth as public art; requested a letter of support from the city. - Marilyn McClellan, 56th Street: Expressed concern for post-storm residents ("the hidden few") still facing contractor abandonment, shoddy work, and mold; specifically cited Cornerstone's conduct. - Charlotte Downey, 13th Avenue South: Suggested acquiring the closed district school on 11th Avenue South for police/fire departments rather than building new. - Anthony Guzman, 2515 50th Street South: Complained about neighbors' dogs barking excessively all day and night. - April Thanus, Gulfport: Suggested inclusion of a retention pond with police department planning and proposed refilling a time capsule for the 250th anniversary. - Richard Fried, Tangerine: Urged the mayor to consider deputizing citizens in future emergencies, stating council avoids state/federal issues. - Fred Rowe, Anchorage: Opposed mooring field expansion (proposed 75 additional balls), citing disuse of existing balls and erosion of anchorages; proposed that boaters be allowed to repair the dinghy dock. - Miss Jones, Anchorage resident: Raised safety hazards at Wetfoot area (sharp objects, inadequate temporary dock, lack of legal parking), requested prompt dock rebuilding. - Kuhn, 2810 48th Street South: Noted dead newly planted trees at Clam Bayou; objected to new non‑permeable black asphalt parking lot at senior center; proposed moving trash collection to streets to preserve alleys. - James Bake, St. Petersburg (on behalf of Arts and Culture): Thanked city for supporting ArtOUT exhibit; invited public to meet-and-greet on June 6, 2026. - Kelly (unstated address): Called for equal treatment of land and water residents; stated she feared retaliation for speaking; urged better communication. Discussion Items - City Manager’s Report: Noted that Gulfport will be redistricted from Congressional District 13 to District 16 (no incumbent), potentially jeopardizing $3 million in expected funding from Rep. Luna for the senior center. - Workshop on Voter Issues: Consensus to hold a workshop to improve communication and address concerns of residents living on boats. - City Council Procedure Resolution (Item 8D): Extensive discussion on council reports (changed from 5 to 10 minutes, “encouraged” retained instead of “required”), workshop scheduling (set first Thursday of month), and clarifying that e‑comments should indicate residency. - Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance (Item 7B): Tabled to next meeting pending FEMA feedback on potential impacts to the Community Rating System score in the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA). PZ Board recommended considering removal of CHHA prohibition if no CRS penalty. - ADU Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Item 7C): First reading passed unanimously to define and allow ADUs, with the detailed regulations to be finalized in Item 7B at a later meeting. - Dock Replacement Discussion: Confirmed that Casino dock will use upgraded materials (concrete pilings, concrete floats) approved by FEMA/insurance; South Basin dock awaiting permits. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-31 (White Ibis): Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-32 (Rescue Vehicle): Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-33 (South Basin Dock): Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-34 (Casino Dock): Passed unanimously. - City Council Procedure Resolution (2026-30): Approved with changes: reverted council report time to 10 minutes, removed “and council members” from clarifying question step, changed “debate” to “discussion”. - ADU Comprehensive Plan Amendment (7C): Passed 4–0 on first reading; will proceed to state review. - ADU Land Development Code (7B): Tabled to next council meeting. - Workshop on Voter Issues: Scheduled tentatively for a future meeting. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:20 p.m.

The City of Gulfport Planning and Zoning Board met on May 6, 2026, to consider two ordinances to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential areas. The board reviewed proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan and the land development code, discussed key provisions, and voted to recommend approval with several amendments. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 7, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - E‑comment: Amanda Costa submitted a comment in support of ADUs with questions, which were noted for staff to address during the presentation. - In‑person public comment (during ADU discussion): - Kevin Connor (real estate investor): Opposed the owner-occupancy covenant, calling it overly restrictive and detrimental to resale value. Also raised concerns about the lack of a parking requirement and the vagueness of impervious surface rules. - Karen Schwartz (Lead Avenue South): Expressed concern about adding more people in the coastal high-hazard area (CHHA) due to evacuation challenges, but acknowledged the complexity of the issue. - Christine Crosby (Wood Point Drive): Supported ADUs as a way to age in place and provide caregiver housing, urging the board to carefully consider property rights. Discussion Items - Ordinance 1: Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Adding policies 1.4.3 and 1.4.4 to allow ADUs generally and exempt them from density calculations, along with definitions for ADU and principal dwelling unit. - Ordinance 2: Land Development Code Amendment – Adding new Section 22‑6.14 (ADUs) and modifying Section 22‑6.3 (Accessory Uses and Structures) to exclude ADUs. Key provisions debated: - Location: ADUs allowed on any single-family parcel outside the CHHA. - Owner occupancy: Property owner must occupy either the primary or ADU, enforced via a restrictive covenant. - Size: City council had not set a maximum; board debated adding a cap of 800 square feet of living space. - Height: No restriction relative to primary dwelling, but must comply with zoning district height limits. - Parking: No additional off-street parking required. - Short-term rentals: ADUs subject to same citywide restrictions as primary dwellings. - CHHA exclusion: The board discussed whether to recommend removal of the CHHA prohibition. Some members argued it deprives property rights without clear evidence of CRS impact; others feared it could affect the city’s flood insurance rating. The board agreed to recommend that the city council revisit the prohibition after obtaining FEMA guidance on the CRS effect. - Other technical issues: Corrections to ordinance numbering, formatting, and clarifying language (e.g., “subordinate in scale and massing” instead of “appearance”; adding a cross-reference to short-term rental regulations). Key Outcomes - Motion to recommend approval of the comprehensive plan amendment (Ordinance 1) with the addition of “housing element” in the title and section 1. Passed unanimously (5‑0). - Motion to recommend approval of the land development code amendment (Ordinance 2) with the following amendments: - Correct section number to 22‑6.14. - Add a new subsection E.4: “Under no circumstances shall an ADU exceed 800 square feet of living space.” - Revise subsection E.3 to state “subordinate in scale and massing” and clarify that height is not limited by this provision. - Add a cross‑reference to the city’s short‑term rental ordinance in subsection F.4. - Include a recommendation that the city council review the CHHA prohibition after determining its effect on the CRS rating. Passed unanimously (5‑0). - The board directed staff to include the discussion and recommendations in the staff report to city council.

The Gulfport City Council met on the evening of May 5, 2026, for a regular meeting that included three presentations, departmental state-of-the-city reports, public comments, and several council actions. The meeting lasted approximately five hours. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from April 21, 2026. - Resolution 2026-28 authorizing an agreement with Central Florida Contractors Inc. for sidewalk and ADA ramp improvements. (Passed unanimously) Presentations & Proclamations - National Safe Boating Week: Mayor Love read a proclamation declaring May 16–22, 2026 as National Safe Boating Week. Howard Bush of the Coast Guard Auxiliary accepted and described a recent rescue operation where auxiliary vessels responded to a person overboard, highlighting the importance of safe boating. - Gulf Scholars Coastal Resiliency Survey: Dr. Amanda Haygood and students from Eckerd College presented results from a 268-respondent survey about Gulfport Beach. Key findings: - 85% of respondents are concerned or very concerned about the future of the beach during hurricane season. - Top concerns: water quality (82% concerned), erosion, and wildlife presence. - 85% approved or strongly approved of nature-based solutions (living shorelines) for resiliency. - The Gulf Scholars recommended a community workshop in fall 2026 to discuss living shorelines, facilitated by Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. - State of the City – Department Reports: City Manager Jim O’Reilly introduced department heads who reported achievements and statistics from the past year. Highlights included: - Finance: $21.8M general fund budget; $5M FEMA line of credit; $6.5M in insurance reimbursements; $1.3M in FEMA reimbursements; $10M in grants over five years. - HR/Risk Management: 200 employees; 12 workers’ comp claims; 10 auto claims; 18 property claims since Jan 2025. - Community Development: 3,297 permits issued; 10,385 inspections; 2,258 code enforcement cases. - Utility Billing: 14,000+ calls; 10,000+ emails; 7,000 service orders; plans for new billing system and AMI meters. - Public Works: 10,582 tons of trash collected; 1.4 miles of road paving; Hoyt Field restoration after hurricane debris; beach restoration with 2,000 cu yds of sand and sheet piling. - IT: 193,000 website views; 2,843 help desk tickets; 1.3 million Facebook post views. - Police: 5,750 dispatch calls; 202 arrests; violent crime down; introduced therapy canine Raya. - Fire: 3,773 EMS/fire responses; new engine in service; new rescue expected July 2026; 64 smoke detectors installed; car seat and life jacket programs. - Senior Center: 500 visitors/day; 80 activities/week; gym transportation gave 11,250 rides. - Marina: 187 wet slips; fueling facility; clean marina designation; mooring field project underway; living shoreline permit pending. - Library: 10,000 program attendees; digital resources; 22,000 historical documents digitized. - Public Arts Center: 1,700 visitors; 121 art workshops. - Recreation Center: preschool, VPK, after-school, summer programs; adult basketball; pavilion rentals resumed. - Cultural Facilities: Casino theater half-million-dollar revenue; Catherine Hickman Theater 141 events; weekly dances to resume late 2027. - City Clerk’s Office: 1,017 public records requests completed; 40 council meetings; 33 agendas; 11,460 files digitized; Clerk Teresa Carico earned Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation. Public Comments & Testimony - Brad Bruner, Kate Seidman, and Regina Buscemi spoke in support of Gulfport’s peacock population, describing them as beneficial and symbolic of the community. They urged the city to protect rather than remove the birds. - Lenny Gukenheimer suggested the city consider contracting for services from yacht clubs rather than leasing city property, referencing charter amendments on leases. - April (address given) asked about removal of utility marking flags after construction and reported a permit delay due to a staff member’s vacation. - Karen Schwartz asked about enforcement of water restrictions during the drought and about “Duke Clear” spray-painted on the street. City Manager O’Reilly explained that the marking means no Duke Energy utility is present; water restriction violations should be reported to code enforcement. - Rosemary Ninton, a new homeowner, praised city workers and asked about repurposing granite curbs removed during 58th Street reconstruction. City Manager O’Reilly confirmed curbs are saved and repurposed. - E-comments: Six e-comments were read, including support for the student mock council, a suggestion to give drought-tolerant ground cover instead of trees, and an ADA compliance concern at Trolley Market Square. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-29 – City Clerk Salary Adjustment: After attaining CMC designation, the council discussed a salary increase. City Clerk Carico reported typical increases of 2–8% from a survey of other Pinellas cities. Councilmember Webb suggested possibly splitting the increase over two years due to anticipated budget constraints. Councilmember Early and Donch supported the full 5% increase immediately. Public comment in favor. The resolution passed 5–0. - Item 8B Tabled: An ordinance regarding policies and procedures was tabled to a later meeting due to the late hour. New Business & Council Actions - Stetson Grant Support (Councilmember Webb): Council agreed to support Stetson University College of Law’s application for a Bureau of Historic Preservation grant to restore woodwork and windows on historic buildings. A signed letter was provided. - Gulfport Elementary Support Group: Councilmember Webb is organizing a meeting with parents and School Board member Laura Hine to form a committee to support Gulfport Elementary. - Gulf Scholars Workshop (Councilmember Donch): Council reached consensus to support the city organizing a workshop on living shorelines in fall 2026, as proposed by the Gulf Scholars. - City Bird Adoption (Councilmember Donch): Consensus to place on a future agenda the adoption of the white ibis as the official city bird, following a mock council decision. - Call to Artists for Sign (Mayor Love): Mayor Love requested consensus to issue a call to artists for a new colorful sign at the intersection of 18th Avenue and 49th Street, replacing the current black-and-white “Welcome to Gulfport” sign. The winning artist would receive $500, and the total cost for fabrication and installation would be $4,526. Council gave consensus after discussion. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda items. - Approved Resolution 2026-29 granting a 5% salary increase to City Clerk Teresa Carico following CMC certification. - Tabled Item 8B (policies and procedures). - Consensus to support Stetson’s historic preservation grant. - Consensus to proceed with a living shoreline workshop in fall 2026. - Consensus to place adoption of white ibis as city bird on a future agenda. - Consensus to issue a call to artists for a new sign at 18th and 49th, with a $500 artist stipend and $4,526 total project cost. - Councilmember Webb announced a town hall on May 14th regarding Stetson’s land use changes. - Mayor Love reminded residents of the Hurricane Preparedness Seminar on May 28th and encouraged participation in the “Pledge to Evacuate” program.

The Gulfport City Council met on April 21, 2026, to address a wide range of issues including public concerns about utility contractor disruptions and beach renovations, a contentious vote on the Lions Club lease payout, approval of multiple resolutions for the mooring field expansion, a presentation on the capital improvement program, and revisions to council meeting rules. The meeting lasted over three hours and concluded with several key decisions. Consent Calendar - Meeting minutes from April 7, 2026, approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-21 (accepting donations for a therapy dog for the fire department) approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Rodney Berkheimer (Gulfport resident, 22-year volleyball veteran) thanked the city for renovated volleyball courts but expressed concern that the sand is littered with shells, concrete, glass, and wood, and that the underlayment was not properly prepared, leaving hard-packed areas beneath the surface. - Tracy Calice (4640 27th Ave S) reported multiple incidents with utility contractors: Duke Energy tree trimming that cut back a large oak tree by half without permission after being told not to, and T-Mobile fiber optic work that damaged sprinkler systems, blocked driveways, and left residents without clear contact information. She asked for better notification and oversight. - Jonathan McCoachy (2819 52nd St) proposed creating a permanent memorial or public display to recognize Gulfport's racist history and honor the struggle for freedom and dignity, suggesting the Tangerine Avenue and 49th Street site as a possible location. - Ingrid Bredenberg (56th St S) invited the community to World Labyrinth Day on May 2 at Clymer Park, starting at noon with music and a labyrinth walk at 1 p.m. - Berkeley Grimble (2701 56th St S) warned about the growing peacock population, noting that they damage cars, gardens, and pool screens, and wake residents at 5 a.m. He cited Longboat Key and Pinecrest as towns that implemented mitigation measures such as egg shaking, oiling, or vasectomies. - Mary Hanrahan (7th Ave S) followed up on utility work, noting that the T-Mobile permit is a one-page document with only 6,402 feet of conduit and a 29-page construction drawing. She requested that the city send letters to affected property owners before work begins, and that contractors be more respectful and accountable for restoration. - Dean Hay (5618 13th Ave S) provided an update on the Gulfport Environmental Team: 21 members, over 4,500 trees inventoried, a rack card on “Right Tree, Right Place” completed, and an Earth Day cleanup planned for April 23 at Clan Bayou. He presented an Earth Day flag to the city. - Wolfgang Dininger (Beachway Park) reported on the April 11 Beyond the Beach Cleanup: 44 volunteers, including a group from Coca-Cola and students from St. Petersburg Catholic High School, collected 195 pounds of trash. The first swap-and-drop event was also a success. He urged council to support a second event in fall. - E-Comment from Margaret Tober (open public comment): Noted that the welcome to Gulfport sign at 49th Street and Tangerine Avenue has significant history but no signage indicating that; requested a smaller sign with historical information. - April Thanos (public comment on item 8A) argued that the Lions Club building is worth far less than appraised due to flood damage, lack of a new roof since 1997, mold, and asbestos. She questioned the validity of the club and urged council to delay payment until more questions are answered. - Jonathan (public comment on 8A) supported the mayor's definition of fair market value but stated that prior flood damage and future flood risk are the most defining elements for any property near the Lions Club. He noted the SDE letter of 27% damage and argued that should be deducted from the building's value immediately. - Lauren Stern (public comment on 8A) expressed gratitude for council's thoroughness, but noted unanswered questions about FEMA and insurance money received by the Lions Club, and the possibility that funds could be distributed among three officers if the organization disbands. - Lenny (public comment on 8A) pointed out that the appraiser stated he did not account for hazardous materials, but asbestos is now known to be present and will cost the city to abate; this should reduce the building's value. - Susan (public comment on 8A) thanked council for diligence, explained that a membership organization (Lions Club Inc.) requires membership vote to authorize expenditures, whereas a foundation can be controlled by three directors. She noted the hold harmless document signed by the foundation gives broad discretion to use funds for any 501(c)(3) activity, potentially splitting among directors. - April Thanos (public comment on 8C) expressed frustration that the city has provided no data on the effectiveness of the managed services model for plan review and inspections (Cap Government Inc.), despite months of requests. She shared personal experience with permit processing times and errors. Discussion Items Lions Club Lease Payout (Item 8A) – Extended Debate - City Attorney Salzman explained that the lease with Gulfport Lions Club Inc. terminated December 5, 2025, and the city is in breach of the 90-day payment provision. The lease requires payment to the Lions Club Inc., not its foundation. He recommended paying the Lions Club Inc. directly, as they are the party to the lease, and noted that the club's international governor confirmed the club is active with 28 members. - City Manager O'Reilly noted that the MAI appraisal (February 2026) valued the building at $455,000 (average of cost approach $430,000 and sales comparison $480,000). The city would owe 50% of that, or $227,500, plus interest. - Mayor Love defended the MAI appraisal, explaining that the appraiser properly excluded land value, used comps from lodges and halls across the state, and adjusted for age, condition, size, and zoning. She noted that public records show the building was dedicated in 1967, not 1950, and that the SDE letter from the storms was only 27%. - Vice Mayor Shaw raised concerns about the appraisal not factoring in past flooding, future flood risk, mold, asbestos, and the lack of a new roof since 1997. She questioned whether the appraiser made independent inquiries about the building's condition. - Councilmember Webb noted that the Lions Club Inc. was administratively dissolved on September 26, 2025, and reinstated only on April 1, 2026, and that the letters from the district governor and foundation lacked official letterhead and contained errors. She also pointed out that the release signed by the foundation would allow funds to be used for any purpose, possibly distributed among directors. - Councilmember Donch supported Webb, saying that despite the lease, a lawsuit could be filed but the city would face attorney fees. She later withdrew her motion to approve the payment as originally drafted. - After extensive discussion, Councilmember Early made a motion to approve payment of $227,500 to the Lions Club Inc., subject to: (1) an affidavit from Lions Club International verifying the club is a valid entity, and (2) a release approved by council before funds are paid. The motion passed 3-2 (Shaw and Donch opposed). Lions Club Building Demolition (Item 8B) - Resolution 2026-22 authorized an agreement for asbestos abatement and demolition of the Lions Club building at 4630 Tifton Drive S. Approved unanimously. Managed Services Payment (Item 8C) - Resolution 2026-23 authorized payment to Cap Government Inc. for plan review and inspections (October 2025 – March 2026) with a budget amendment. Approved unanimously. Vet Sports Volleyball Series (Item 8D) - Resolution 2026-24 approved a series of one-day beach volleyball tournaments over the next few months, with temporary suspension of certain code provisions. Mayor Love noted positive observations from the first event regarding parking and beach rules, but suggested music volume be adjusted away from businesses. Approved unanimously. Mooring Field Expansion – Phase 1 (Items 8E, 8F, 8G) - Resolution 2026-25 authorized a scope of services agreement with Peggy Matthews Environmental Consulting for phase 1 project management (environmental surveys, easement surveys, seagrass studies) for expanding the mooring field from 25 to 100 moorings. Harbormaster Dennis Frain explained that the seagrass study must be done in June; he also noted that the expansion could include power boats (currently restricted to sailboats) pending new permits from the Army Corps. - Resolution 2026-26 authorized a contract with Serve Tech Solutions for multi-beam bathymetric and SSL easement surveys. - Resolution 2026-27 authorized a contract with Environmental Consultants of Florida for a benthic resource survey. - All three mooring field resolutions passed unanimously. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget FY 2026-2027 (Item 9A) - City Manager O'Reilly presented the proposed CIP budget, highlighting priorities: senior center (with a $3 million ask from Congresswoman Luna), stormwater management, and 49th Street projects. The plan includes $400,000 for street paving (12th year), $100,000 for sidewalk replacement in Zone 8 (near the elementary school), $100,000 for the private sewer lateral/water line program, $447,264 for debt service on sanitary sewer loans, and funds for a dog run at Tomlinson Park. The waterfront redevelopment district fund balance will be used for a living shoreline at Veterans Park and a feasibility study for hardening the casino seawall. - Councilmember Webb asked about potential impacts on the Penny for Pinellas sales tax if property taxes are reduced; O'Reilly said that focus has been on property tax impacts, but he would begin conversations with the county. - Councilmember Donch noted that the current stormwater spending represents only about 20% of the priority and questioned whether the city should consider a stormwater enterprise fund or fee increase to address the $78 million in needed drainage projects. O'Reilly said the annual rate study in June would include that discussion. - No formal action was taken; the CIP is a working document for future budget adoption. Council Rules and Policies (Item 9B) - Council discussed and reached consensus on several amendments to the rules: 1. Workshops: Council will schedule a monthly workshop (day to be determined) with the ability to cancel if no business. Public comment at workshops will be “may be permitted” following council discussion (changed from “will be permitted”). 2. E-comments and public comments: The city clerk will note whether a commenter is a Gulfport resident, non-resident, or Gulfport business owner (rather than requiring full address). All e-comments will be read before closing public comment. 3. Council comments: Individual council member comments limited to 5 minutes with an automatic 5-minute extension if needed. 4. New Business: Will be handled via formal motion and second. 5. Consent agenda items removed: Will be taken up immediately after the consent agenda under “Items removed from consent,” unless directed otherwise. 6. Question and debate sequence: A period for additional council questions to staff (only) will be added after public comment and before the final vote, to allow clarification on issues raised during public testimony. 7. Censure provisions: City Attorney Salzman indicated he is working on a draft based on a model from another city and will bring it back. Key Outcomes - Lions Club Lease Payout: Approved 3-2 (Early, Webb, Love in favor; Shaw, Donch opposed) contingent on an official affidavit from Lions Club International and a council-approved release before payment. - Asbestos Abatement & Demolition of Lions Club Building: Approved unanimously. - Payment to Cap Government Inc.: Approved unanimously. - Vet Sports Volleyball Series: Approved unanimously. - Mooring Field Expansion Phase 1 (three contracts): All approved unanimously. - CIP Budget: Presented for discussion; no vote taken. - Council Rules: Consensus reached on multiple amendments; staff directed to incorporate changes and bring final version for adoption at a future meeting. - Earth Day Flag: Council agreed to fly the donated Earth Day flag on April 22, 2026. - Forward Pinellas Meeting: Councilmember Webb was appointed as designee for the next meeting in the mayor's absence.

The Gulfport City Council convened on April 7, 2026, for a regular meeting that featured presentations, public comments, resolutions, and new business. Key highlights included a proclamation honoring 17-year-old racing driver Nikita Johnson, a demonstration of the new Click Fix citizen service request portal, extensive public testimony about Stetson University’s proposed rezoning of a residential block, the election of Councilmember Marlene Shaw as Vice Mayor, and approval of the annual July 4th fireworks display. Several council consensuses directed staff actions on speed limits, parking signage, and a pro‑bono parking study. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: Approved minutes from March 17 and March 26, 2026 (unanimous). - Resolution 2026‑13: Authorized payment to the City of St. Petersburg for 49th Street Corridor phase one improvements (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Stetson University Rezoning: Multiple residents from 12th Avenue South and surrounding areas voiced concerns about Stetson’s plan to rezone the block between 12th and 13th Avenues from residential (R1A) to institutional. Speakers urged transparency, early notification, and consideration of impacts on property values, traffic, flooding, and neighborhood character. They requested a community meeting and emphasized that Stetson has not yet submitted a formal application. (Speakers: Cheryl Siegel, David Bodensted, Barbara Northsay, Mike Boucher, John Beebe, Ken Butler, Janet Kittlau Butler via e‑comment, and Mary Jane Winstead via e‑comment.) - Tangerine Avenue Traffic: Mike Wells, a volunteer at the senior center, requested changing Tangerine Avenue to one‑way traffic to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. - Lions Club Appraisal: Jonathan McCoachy argued that the appraisal of the Lions Club building is flawed because it does not account for flood risks and required flood insurance, potentially reducing property value by over $200,000. - Gas Prices and City Services: Laura Oldini raised concerns about how rising gas prices (over $4/gallon) may impact delivery of city services and resource allocation. - Dog Show and Art: Julie Armstrong announced the dog show will be taken down April 14, and a new bird art exhibit will be installed April 17. - E‑Comments: Included a records complaint against Mayor Love (Deborah Schufs), a request for public restrooms near Charlie Market Square (David Shiner), a question about the Looper trolley (Margaret Tober), and a comment about city advertising in Gulfport Living magazine. Presentations - Proclamation for Nikita Johnson: Councilmember Webb read a proclamation honoring 17‑year‑old Nikita Johnson for winning the Indy NXT by Firestone race at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, leading all 42 laps. Johnson spoke about his 12 years of training and upcoming races, including a chance to become the youngest driver to win three Indy NXT races. - Click Fix Citizen Service Request Portal: Public Works Director Kendrick Anderson demonstrated the new Click Fix portal, a service request system allowing residents to report issues (flooding, potholes, code enforcement, etc.) via the web. The system integrates with the city’s PSD asset management system to generate work orders. It includes an AI moderation feature and allows public tracking of requests. The soft launch is live, with full promotion to follow. Discussion Items - Stetson Rezoning Process: Councilmember Webb reported that she met with Stetson’s dean on April 6. Stetson has only had preliminary conversations about rezoning; no application has been filed. The process requires multiple steps: Planning and Zoning Board, City Council, forward Pinellas, County Commission, and state approval. The dean agreed to host a community meeting on May 8, 2026, 6–7 p.m. at Stetson. Councilmember Webb requested council consent to hold a town hall (granted). - Lions Club Appraisal and Payment: City Attorney Salzman reported that the city is waiting for documentation to determine who is authorized to receive the Lions Club funds. If not resolved by the next meeting, he will ask council to file a declaratory action in court. He also promised to address appraisal rumors. - Council Policies and Procedures: A discussion of council policies was tabled to the next meeting due to a councilmember’s computer issues. Key Outcomes - Vice Mayor Election (Resolution 2026‑14): Councilmember Shaw nominated herself for Vice Mayor; the motion was seconded and approved by roll‑call vote: 4–1 (Mayor Love voted no). Councilmember Shaw will serve as Vice Mayor. - Board of Adjustment Alternate (Resolution 2026‑15): Richard Gluck reappointed as alternate (unanimous). - Planning & Zoning Board Alternate (Resolution 2026‑16): Aaron East appointed as alternate (unanimous). - July 4th Fireworks (Resolution 2026‑17): Contract with Pyro Productions for a 20‑minute fireworks display at $38,000 approved 4–1 (Mayor Love voted no). Costs for security, sanitation, and closures are absorbed by city operations. The celebration will also include a parade, games, food, and a time‑capsule unveiling. - Vet Sports Beach Volleyball Tournament (Resolution 2026‑18): Spring tournament approved unanimously. Vet Sports is a nonprofit for veterans; the event includes men’s/women’s doubles and junior divisions. - Personnel Manual Revisions (Resolution 2026‑19): Approved unanimously, covering on‑call pay, bereavement, education incentives, blood donor, emergency preparedness, and DUI policy. - Budget Amendment (Resolution 2026‑20): Approved unanimously, restructuring fire department (replacing firefighter with paramedic) and streets/sanitation (eliminating assistant public works director, creating streets and sanitation supervisor). - New Business Consensuses: - Host Suncoast League of Cities lunch on May 7, 2026, at 49th Street Neighborhood Center (consensus). - Direct city manager to reduce speed limit to 20 mph on Beach Boulevard and Shore Boulevard (consensus). - Remove all remaining resident‑only parking signs south of 28th Avenue to Shore Boulevard between 56th and 58th Streets (consensus). - Submit application to CPAT pro bono group for a parking study of downtown area; study scope includes effects on small business deliveries, sanitation, postal service, and angled parking options (consensus). - Proceed with a call for artists to design a new colorful welcome sign at the entrance to the city (49th Street at 18th Avenue), with further details on criteria and compensation to be brought back to council. The meeting adjourned approximately four hours after it began.

Mayor Karen Love convened a workshop (not a city council meeting) to discuss traffic flow, speed limits, and parking in downtown Gulfport. She presented a layman’s plan developed over ten years, emphasizing three goals: reduce speeds, increase parking without building a garage, and prepare for future growth. The meeting included a presentation, council discussion, and extensive public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Residents of 54th and 56th Streets (multiple speakers) opposed angled parking on their streets, citing safety concerns (headlights into homes, backing out), loss of trees and gardens, difficulty for mail delivery and garbage pickup, and potential decrease in property values. Many supported reducing speed limits and making streets one-way but not angled parking. - Byron (business owner) urged against designated parking that would remove spots in front of his restaurant, advocated for time limits on Beach Boulevard parking, and expressed support for a parking garage between the library and senior center. - Barbara Banno (business owner) supported speed reduction but asked for a study of economic impact on small businesses before implementing changes. - Ingrid Bredenberg (resident) praised the clarity and process of the workshop, supporting designated parking and the plan’s focus on future demographics. - Doug Porter (resident) listed specific concerns: loss of trees, driveway access, mail delivery, garbage pickup, and enforcement. He requested direct one‑on‑one communication with residents. - Mickey Holzel (resident) worried about difficulty exiting 54th Street during busy times if it becomes one‑way. - Angie Felice (resident) opposed angled parking on 54th because of headlight intrusion and argued that removing resident‑only signs would free 200+ spots without further changes. - Kelly (resident) supported one‑way on 56th for safety but opposed angled parking there, and questioned the value of dedicated golf‑cart spaces. - Linda Porter (resident) emphasized the need for a committee and more resident input before any decisions, noting that the plan was not adequately communicated to neighbors. - Dean Pike (resident) raised issues with diagonal parking affecting boat access and driveway egress, and questioned enforcement of parking lines. Discussion Items - Mayor Love’s Presentation: She proposed reducing the speed limit on Beach and Shore from 25 mph to 20 mph; eliminating resident‑only parking (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) on the west side of town (currently impacting 253 spots); making 54th Street southbound and 56th Street northbound; making 29th and 31st Avenues eastbound and 30th, Delette, and Essex westbound; making Shore Boulevard from 54th to Beach westbound; adding angled parking where possible to increase spaces; and creating designated parking (handicap, golf carts, motorcycles) on Beach Boulevard. She noted that an unscientific employee survey estimated 125–150 employees parking downtown daily, excluding several new and upcoming businesses. She also mentioned applying for free professional planning assistance from the Florida Community Planning Assist Team (deadline April 30). - Councilmember Donch: Supported speed reduction and eliminating resident‑only parking. Expressed concerns about angled parking on residential streets (loss of neighborhood feel, visibility triangles) and about the proposed 15‑minute parking locations being too close to delivery zones and alleys. - Councilmember Shaw: Supported speed reduction and eliminating resident‑only parking. Wanted expert input on one‑way streets, especially regarding alley access for residents and emergency vehicles. Had “heartburn” about angled parking on narrow streets (e.g., 56th) and near houses on 54th. Emphasized the importance of resident input and surveys. - Councilmember Early: Supported speed reduction (maybe to even lower than 20 mph), liked angled parking as a way to add spaces, and asked about the current resident‑only parking hours. She recommended including small business impact as a fourth goal and suggested exploring time limits on parking to prevent all‑day occupancy. Key Outcomes - Consensus: Reducing speed limits on Beach and Shore (and potentially other streets) was widely supported by council and public. There was general openness to making 54th and 56th one‑way streets, but strong opposition to angled parking on those residential streets. - Mayor Love’s Plan: She acknowledged feedback and will incorporate council and public comments into a revised proposal to be brought to a future city council meeting for a formal decision on whether to advance the plan to professional consultants or the proposed planning assistance program. - Next Steps: Mayor Love will present a refined proposal at a regular council meeting. She also noted an application for the Florida Community Planning Assist Team is due by April 30. Council members encouraged further resident surveys and direct communication.

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on March 17, 2026, beginning with the swearing-in of newly elected council members Jennifer Webb (Ward 3) and Jennifer Donch (Ward 1). The meeting featured extensive public comment, a consent calendar with routine approvals, discussion on vice mayor selection and council policies/procedures, and new business items including a proposal to recognize a local teenager. No binding votes occurred beyond the consent calendar, which passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from February 17, February 26, and March 3, 2026. - Approved Resolution 2026-11 appointing a resident trustee to the Gulfport General Employees Pension Board. - Approved Resolution 2026-12 appointing a resident member to the Gulfport Firefighters Pension Board. All three items passed unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Dean Have (5618 13th Ave S), co-founder of Gulfport Environmental Team, reported on the tree inventory project: 1,400 trees inventoried in two months, with the top three species being sabal/cabbage palm, live oak, and laurel oak. The map is available at treeplotter.com/GulfportFlorida. - Mary Winstead (16th St S) thanked the mayor for being the first mayor she had seen in her 36 years on her block, and urged respect for new council members. - Courtney Perkopis (15th Ave S) raised concerns about the city's 287(g) agreement with ICE, citing a February 2025 conference call involving Sheriff Gautieri and then-acting Chief Ferrand. She referenced an ACLU report titled "Deputies for Disaster" and requested impact reporting and scrutiny of immigration enforcement policies. She noted that six of eight sheriffs on Florida's immigration advisory board have expressed concerns about current policies. - Julia Bull (1419 59th St S) praised the Gabber newspaper for its inclusivity and criticized the mayor for allegedly avoiding Gabber readers, stating a disconnect between the city's inclusion resolution and the mayor's actions. Her comments were cut off when she addressed the mayor directly. - Wolfgang Dininger (Beachway Park), representing Gulfport Grassroots, reported a cleanup at Clam Bayou with 7 volunteers collecting 270 pounds of trash, including the mayor on a kayak. He announced upcoming events: April 11 (Beyond the Beach cleanup and Swap & Drop) and a Nordic walking class at the senior center in May. - Joe Senia (59th St S) decried a division in town between pro- and anti-Gabber factions, defended the Gabber as the second-oldest business in Gulfport (established 1968), and urged council members to stop attacking the newspaper, comparing it to federal attacks on free press. - Brenda Graf (5960 9th Ave S) expressed support for the new council team. - Scott Lindy (60th St S), representing Gulfport Merchant Chamber, reported the Pink Flamingo home tour had a 30% increase in attendance to over 600 people, and thanked city staff, particularly Justin. He called for volunteers for next year. - Laura Oldaney (9th Ave S) announced a Nerd Night St. Pete excursion on sustainable living on March 21, 2-4:30 p.m., at Little Tree Homestead near Tomlinson Park. - Lauren Stern (55th St S) reiterated a prior call for childcare at city meetings (estimated $2,600/year), noted that e-comment was missing from the attached policies/procedures document, and criticized the February 20 meeting minutes as editorialized. - Donna Grace (24th Ave S) expressed concern about the 287(g) program, stating that if officers are trained by ICE they will behave like ICE, and urged the council to find a way to rescind the agreement. - E-comments: Two were read. Deborah Schubs requested Councilmember Webb require a written legal review regarding a historic Black cemetery annex petition. Mickey Alberts announced a "No Kings Rally" on March 28, 12-1:30 p.m. at Clymer Park. Discussion Items - Vice Mayor Selection (Agenda 9A): The city clerk explained that traditionally the vice mayor rotates by ward order, with Councilmember Shaw next. Councilmember Shaw favored continuing rotation; Councilmember Early supported seniority; Councilmember Webb left the decision open but noted that nominations could be declined. The mayor suggested letting those interested self-identify and deferring a vote to the April 7 meeting when policies/procedures are discussed. No decision was made. - Council Policies and Procedures (Agenda 9B): The city clerk presented the existing policy (Resolution 25-32) and asked each council member to review it and bring suggested changes to the April 7 meeting for discussion, with a resolution to follow on April 21. Topics to address include e-comment handling (e.g., whether to read all 70 identical comments or summarize), use of clarifying questions, and agenda order. Councilmember Early insisted that all e-comments should be read aloud, even if repetitive. - Lions Club Payment: In response to a question from the mayor, the city attorney explained that a payment due under the Lions Club lease is on hold because the entity may have dissolved. The city is awaiting documentation to identify the proper payee and has prepared a release. If documentation is not provided, the city may deposit funds with the court. Key Outcomes - Approved consent calendar unanimously. - Deferred vice mayor selection to the April 7 meeting; council will discuss and potentially vote on the method (rotation, seniority, or nomination/declination). - Deferred adoption of council policies and procedures to April 7 and 21 meetings; staff will prepare a resolution based on council input. - Consensus reached (4-0) to issue a ceremonial proclamation recognizing Nikita Johnson, a 17-year-old Gulfport resident who won the 2026 Indy NXT race in St. Petersburg. - Council received updates on state legislation: House Bill 382 regarding e-bike speed limits on shared paths (requires audible warning and 10 mph limit within 50 feet of pedestrians, prohibits cities from restricting e-bikes on multi-use paths) and ongoing Forward Pinellas merger discussions. No council action taken. - The city clerk will include e-comment address requirements in the policy review.