Gulfport City Council Regular Meeting - September 6, 2022

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The council conducted public hearings on the FY 2022-2023 millage rate and budget, adopted several resolutions, and heard public comments on various issues. Key actions included setting a millage rate of 4.039 mills, adopting the operating budget, and authorizing the purchase of a new fire truck.

Public Hearings

• Ordinance 2022-07 (First Reading): Established ad valorem tax levy at 4.039 operating mills, a 14.38% increase over the rollback rate of 3.5312 mills. The council unanimously approved the first reading.
• Ordinance 2022-08 (First Reading): Adopted the operating budget for FY 2022-2023. The council unanimously approved the first reading. The second reading and public hearing will be held on September 20, 2022.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob McKenna (Clinton Street resident): Raised concerns about short-term rental violations at a neighboring property, difficulties with the code enforcement process, lack of clear instructions, and requested city assistance. Also reported unauthorized car wash/detailing business at the property.
• Jerry Reid (President of SO49): Celebrated the transformation of the Tangerine Greenway to Trolley Market Square, now referred to as Trolley Market District, and thanked the city.
• Walter Barker (Trade One's Drive resident): Commended the council for implementing voluntary activity reports in the city newsletter, specifically noting Councilmembers Ray and Thanos for submitting first reports, and encouraged other councilmembers to participate.
• Regina Buscemi (resident): Thanked the council for not increasing water and trash bills, reminded about 9/11 remembrance event on Sunday, and suggested restarting a new resident welcome program.
• Tom Tobler (call-in): Suggested adding a history page to the city website in collaboration with the Gulfport Historical Society.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report:
  • Submitted a Resilient Florida grant application for $80,000 for a comprehensive vulnerability assessment.
  • Partnering with Treasure Island for a homeless outreach worker grant.
  • Update on 49th Street safety improvements and Forward Pinellas project.
  • Living shoreline project permitting underway; construction expected mid-2023.
  • Requested and received council approval for Stetson University College of Law to rent three volleyball courts for 10 Sunday nights for a league.
• City Attorney Report:
  • Discussed a proposal from Boga Ciega Yacht Club; council requested additional documentation by the next meeting (September 20, 2022) and directed the city attorney to request good faith effort to provide backup support for their request. Emphasized that adherence to the Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) is mandatory and non-negotiable.
• Councilmember Thanos:
  • Proposed examining business license classifications to separate motels and short-term rentals from apartment buildings.
  • Sought council approval to request an Attorney General’s opinion on whether expanding the zone allowing short-term rentals would be permissible. Council agreed to seek clarification.

Resolutions Adopted

All resolutions were approved unanimously.

• Resolution 2022-54: Authorized renewal of general insurance coverages with Public Risk Management of Florida for FY 2022-2023 (14% premium increase, budgeted).
• Resolution 2022-55: Authorized agreement with Pinellas County for Advanced Life Support First Responder Services, clarifying nearest responder dispatch.
• Resolution 2022-56: Authorized use of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to purchase a 2024 E-One Typhoon Pumper (approx. 18-month lead time) and surplus the 2004 pumper.
• Resolution 2022-57: Authorized payment to Rush Truck Center for emergency repairs to fire truck E-17 and associated budget amendment.
• Resolution 2022-58: Authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with Forward Pinellas to apply for a SS4A Safety Grant (Safe Streets for All) for 49th Street South safety improvements; city share $15,000.

Key Outcomes

• First reading of millage and budget ordinances passed unanimously; final adoption scheduled for September 20, 2022.
• Consent agenda (minutes of July 19 and August 2) approved.
• All five resolutions adopted without dissent.
• Council directed city attorney to request Boga Ciega Yacht Club provide supporting documentation by the September 20 meeting.
• Council agreed to seek Attorney General’s opinion on short-term rental zoning changes.
• City manager confirmed that millage rate has been maintained at a reduced rate for 11 consecutive years.

Council Comments & Informational Reports

• Councilmember Ray: Announced a town hall meeting on October 12, 2022, and a workshop on short-term rentals on October 20, 2022. Noted success of GeckoFest and McMcfly statue unveiling.
• Councilmember Ferdovich: Welcomed new restaurant (The Pearl) and promoted an international conference on education, culture, and arts on October 8, 2022, at the Gulfport Casino.
• Councilmember Thanos: Outlined plans for a community visioning series, with a planning meeting on September 28 and first town hall on November 14, 2022, to discuss Ingrid’s proposal. Also proposed changing definition of "green space" to exclude pavers not set in concrete to reduce runoff; council discussed need for more information on permeability.
• Vice Mayor Brown: Reported on a successful GeckoFest, thanked participants, and reminded residents to take precautions during heat.