Gulfport City Council Meeting - January 17, 2023

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included the oath of office for a new fire chief, recognition of holiday decoration contest winners, unanimous approval of consent agenda and four resolutions, and discussion of two topics: recreational vehicle (RV) storage in residential areas and regulation of motorized scooters. The council also heard public comments on various items and received committee reports.

Presentations

• Oath of Office: Rene Fernandez was sworn in as Fire Chief by City Clerk Leslie. Chief Fernandez, a Gulfport resident since 2006, expressed his honor to serve.
• Holiday Decoration Contest Winners: The commercial theme winner was the Shell Station on Gulfport Boulevard (not present). Christopher Feltman of 57th Street South accepted the general theme award.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.a: The council unanimously approved the minutes of the November 15, 2022, December 6, 2022, and December 20, 2022, meetings. Motion passed by voice vote with all ayes.

Public Comments & Testimony

Open Public Comment (non-agenda items):

• Kieran Love (South 23rd Avenue) thanked the council for service and noted improvement at the waterfront. She asked whether short-term rental enforcement would remain complaint-driven. City Manager O'Reilly responded that enforcement will still be initiated by resident complaints but will use new software and tools starting February 1, 2023. Love requested better resident communication about the process.
• Melissa Helmbold (11th Ave South), President of Gulfport Merchants Chamber, reported on a successful 2022 shop local campaign and announced a strategic planning meeting and hiring of an event coordinator.
• Tommy Bixler (59th Street South), President of Lions Foundation, promoted a pancake breakfast on Saturday, January 21, from 8-11 AM at the Lions Club by the marina.

Public Comment on Discussion Items (RV storage and motorized scooters):

• Patrick Macley (Beach Boulevard South) stated he has stored his RV in Manatee County for four years due to restrictive ordinances, costing inconvenience and expense. He supported amending rules to allow backyard storage.
• Kate Seidman (Beach Boulevard, 26th Avenue) expressed interest in buying an RV but is deterred by lack of storage options. She noted boats are allowed in backyards and saw no reason for different treatment of RVs.
• Jolene Weeks (17th Avenue South), a 25-year resident, said she cannot keep her small A-frame camper in her yard and relies on a neighbor's permission. She asked for parity with boat storage.
• Cheryl (Gulfport resident, last name not given) observed many RVs already in the city, often violating current rules, and advocated for simpler regulations to accommodate the growing number of RV owners.
• Leo (Upper Merriam Street) owns a 26-foot motor home and pays $2,600/year for storage, though it fits in his driveway. He supported changing the law.
• Tommy Bixler (again) owns a camper stored in Wildwood for $200/month, noting that boats with gas are allowed in yards and argued for similar treatment for RVs.
• Marlene Shaw (23rd Avenue South) bought an RV in 2020 but was cited for parking it in her backyard; she had to modify her fence to park in the front yard at great expense. She called the current ordinance nonsensical and urged amendment to align with boat and trailer rules.
• Kieran Love (on scooters) urged differentiation between mobility scooters (e.g., her mother's 7 mph scooter) and faster e-bikes/scooters, and noted enforcement challenges.

Discussion Items

8.a. Recreational Vehicle (RV) Storage in Residential Areas Councilmember Ray introduced the item, noting the current ordinance (enacted in 2013 after 14 meetings) requires RVs to be stored in side or rear yards with setbacks: 6 feet from side property line (15 feet on corner lots), 15 feet from rear property line, and 5 feet from any structure. RVs cannot be parked in driveways or front yards. Councilmember Ray argued that today’s RVs are higher-value and well-maintained, and that the restrictions create hardship. He presented a draft ordinance that would allow RVs anywhere on a lot (front, side, or rear), remove setbacks, and limit to one RV per lot, treating RVs like boats.

City Manager O'Reilly provided history: the city has regulated RVs since 1952, with major revisions in 1977 and the current 2013 ordinance. The draft aims to simplify enforcement. Several council members expressed support for liberalizing rules but raised concerns about fire safety (Councilmember Ferdovich) and nuisance potential (Mayor Henderson). Councilmember Thanos noted the inconsistency with boat rules and suggested a single “toy” ordinance for boats, trailers, and RVs. After discussion, the council directed staff to bring back an ordinance allowing RVs in front yards, removing side and rear setbacks, and limiting to one RV per lot. The item will return for first reading.

8.b. Regulation of Motorized Scooters Councilmember Ray moved to table this discussion to a future meeting. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2023-01: Authorized a contract with Wetter Solutions, LLC for a keyless access system at the marina (north and south basin). Unanimously passed (5-0).
• Resolution 2023-02: Approved restructuring of the Fire Department, adding a paramedic position and creating a deputy chief role, with a budget amendment. Unanimously passed (5-0). Council clarified that only one new physical position is added; the deputy chief is a reclassification.
• Resolution 2023-03: Authorized purchase of replacement Police Department vehicles and emergency equipment. Unanimously passed (5-0). Council noted that hybrid/electric vehicles were not available for police pursuit use.
• Resolution 2023-04 (Public Hearing): Approved a conditional use application (C22-04) for a mixed-use development (church and preschool academy) at 1844 54th Street South. The preschool will be private, with approximately 10 students, some with special needs. Unanimously passed (5-0).
• RV Storage: Staff directed to prepare an ordinance amendment allowing RVs in front yards with elimination of side and rear setbacks, limited to one RV per lot.
• Motorized Scooters: Discussion tabled to a future meeting.