Gulfport City Council Meeting – November 21, 2023

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included presentations from state and local officials, adoption of a tree ordinance amendment on first reading, approval of police vehicle purchases and staffing services, and council reports.

Presentations

• State Representative Linda Chaney (District 61) presented a check for $2.2 million to the City of Gulfport for improvements to the sanitary sewer system and roads. This was her first appropriation for the city.
• Joseph Barkley III (Commissioner, City of Belleair Bluffs) presented his candidacy for reappointment to the PSTA Board of Directors, representing small inland cities. He highlighted his eight years of PSTA service, including chairing the board, advancing hybrid/electric buses, and facilitating the replacement of Gulfport's trolley in 2019.
• Justin Shea and Topher Ross (City Horticulturist) promoted the Arbor Day Proclamation. Gulfport has been a Tree City USA for 25 years. The city's Arbor Day celebration will be Friday, December 1, 2023, at 3:45 PM behind the Recreation Center, giving away containerized South Florida slash pines and green buttonwood trees.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the meeting minutes from November 7, 2023.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Bixler (Lions Club) presented calendars and thanked the council for support; highlighted the upcoming pancake breakfast and toy collection.
• Raven Kramer criticized the city's permit process (outdated, no online option) and inspection window (8 AM–5 PM). She asked for a narrower inspection window and online permitting.
• Karen Schwartz echoed inspection problems, describing a roof repair where the city refused to inspect a two‑story tile roof and required the homeowner to submit photos.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2023‑12 (First Reading) – Amended the tree code to increase replacement costs, raise the fine for unpermitted tree work from $50 to $100, and adopt a revised list of approved trees provided by the horticulturist. Councilmember Thanos expressed support, noting the adjustments were a step forward. A public commenter thanked the council.
• Resolution 2023‑107 – Authorized the purchase of five replacement police vehicles: two patrol vehicles (Ford Police Interceptor Utility SUVs) and three administrative vehicles (hybrid Toyota Camrys for detectives and a school resource officer). Chief Vincent detailed the shift from sedans to SUVs due to market availability. Councilmembers debated battery types (nickel‑metal hydride vs. lithium‑ion), fire risks, and hybrid costs. Public comments included support for electric vehicles and concerns about saltwater flooding. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2023‑108 – Authorized retaining Robert Half International, Inc. for temporary staffing services in the finance department due to vacancies and restructuring. Approved unanimously without public comment.

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilmember Thanos reported on a tree town hall with about 40 attendees; discussed partnering with St. Petersburg's urban forestry program, potential grant writing for tree planting, and the need for business licenses or registration fees for legal short‑term rentals.
• Councilmember Brown thanked city staff for prompt sewer backup response and traffic triangle study; requested cost information on electric vehicle charging stations and a QR code for Operation Santa donations.
• Councilmember O'Hara announced the South 49th Street Business and Neighborhood District Meeting on January 8, 2024, and noted the monthly gallery nights.
• Mayor Henderson reported on the National League of Cities conference in Atlanta, criticizing vendor‑led sessions (Google, Airbnb) and logistical issues. He offered to provide more detail on homeless policy, drone use, and solar benches.

Key Outcomes

• All four agenda items requiring votes were approved unanimously (consent agenda, Ordinance 2023‑12 on first reading, Resolution 2023‑107, and Resolution 2023‑108).
• Council agreed to cancel the January 2, 2024, meeting (the first meeting of the year) and hold only the second meeting in January, extending the holiday break.
• Mr. Jeff Brandis will appear at the second meeting in January instead of this meeting due to a change in holiday plans.
• The city will join Pinellas County's traffic signal box art wrap program at 58th Street and 22nd Avenue/Gulfport Boulevard.
• Holiday events: Tree lighting on December 4, 2023 at 6 PM at Clam Bayou Park; Public Safety Santa Parade on December 18, 2023.