Gulfport City Council Meeting - March 7, 2023

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comments, approval of consent items, ordinances, resolutions, and council reports. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Presentations

• Spirit of Gulfport Award: Presented to Jimmy Oswain for his demonstrated community spirit. The award was accompanied by a gift bag.
• Pinellas County Animal Services: Director Doug Brightwell provided an overview of the department's $6.1 million budget, 59 staff, 300 volunteers, and 15 enforcement officers. Key statistics: 6,000 animals taken in 2022 (down from 10,000 pre-COVID), 87% live release rate for dogs, 82% for cats, 40% return-to-owner for dogs (5% for cats), and 21 registered dangerous dogs. The department runs adoption, foster, community outreach, and youth programs. They encourage microchipping and licensing. Cat owners are less compliant; cats must be kept indoors unless ear-tipped feral. A renovation to air-condition animal housing and strengthen hurricane resistance is planned.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Karen Schwartz (5213 DLED Avenue South): Spoke in favor of improved transit, specifically a freebie service similar to St. Pete Beach’s, which she said saved money and increased ridership. She linked transit to affordable housing needs and urged the council to consider the freebie seriously.
• David McCormick (5306 26th Avenue South): Expressed concern about state legislation (SB 682, SB 346, SB 714) that would limit home rule, proposed by State Senator Nick DiCeglie. He urged the council to educate residents via the Gabber, social media, and the city website about these bills.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.a: Resolution No. 2023-12 authorizing a contract with Pyro Productions for the July 4th fireworks display, including closures and safety requirements. Approved unanimously.

Ordinances

• Item 6.a: Ordinance No. 2023-02 (Second Reading) authorizing a lease agreement with Gulfport Little League Club, Inc. The lease was approved unanimously after no public comment or council discussion.

Resolutions

• Item 7.a: Resolution No. 2023-13 authorizing funding from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for a change order to add playground equipment for toddlers (ice cream shop, small slide, mommy-and-me swing). Approved unanimously.
• Item 7.b: Resolution No. 2023-14 approving a special event application from Unity of Gulfport for a tri-match beach volleyball tournament (Eckerd College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida Southern College). Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report:
  • Scheduling: Council agreed to cancel the April 4, 2023 meeting due to two members attending Florida League of Cities Legislative Days. Items (BCYC lease, RV ordinance, board appointments) will be moved to April 18.
  • BCYC Lease: Council directed staff to present the city’s original offer (including 90-day termination notice and proposed rent) to the Buck City Yacht Club as a final offer, with no further negotiation.
  • Project Updates:
    • Tennis and pickleball courts (two each) will open March 8, 2023. Lights are on timers; 45-minute play limits requested.
    • Scout Hall renovation: Original siding being reinstalled; roof replacement pending. Expected completion in about one month.
    • Beach playground: Soft opening in approximately three weeks; additional toddler equipment will be added later.
• City Attorney Report: No report.
• City Clerk Report: City Clerk Leslie announced her retirement effective May 8, 2023. She recommended promoting Deputy City Clerk Teresa (who has served for five years, one year in the clerk’s office) to the position. Council unanimously agreed to proceed with a contract for Teresa, with a condition to obtain required certification within a reasonable time (approx. three years). The city manager and attorney will draft the contract for future approval. A deputy position will be advertised.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Items (all unanimous):
  • Consent: Resolution 2023-12 (fireworks contract).
  • Ordinance: 2023-02 (Little League lease).
  • Resolutions: 2023-13 (playground change order), 2023-14 (Unity of Gulfport event).
• Direction given:
  • Staff to present final lease offer to BCYC.
  • April 4 meeting canceled; items rescheduled to April 18.
  • City Clerk succession: promote Teresa, draft contract with certification requirement.
• Future items:
  • Councilmember Ray requested a presentation on city communication methods.
  • Councilmember Ray also proposed budgeting for New Year’s Eve fireworks (smaller scale) during the next budget cycle; council expressed mixed views but agreed to discuss.
  • Councilmember Barray requested a Pride Month flag-raising ceremony on June 1, 2023.
  • Councilmember Thanos suggested exploring a marine lake/seawall project for beach protection, to be studied with Tampa Bay Estuary after the vulnerability study is complete.