Gulfport City Council Meeting - December 5, 2023\n\nThe Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at City Hall. The agenda included presentations on a regional transit board seat and a new homelessness outreach partnership, public comments on city services, the unanimous approval of an ordinance and two resolutions, and council discussion on fees and infrastructure. Assistant City Attorney Murchy attended on behalf of City Attorney Salzman.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- Council unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the November 21, 2023, meeting.\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Karen Love praised the improved holiday tree lighting but relayed a personal negative experience with the city's permitting office, citing a lack of assistance in closing a permit during a recent property purchase.\n- Tom Bixler promoted the Lions Club pancake breakfast and free children's vision screening by the Tampa Bay Lions World Vision Institute, and clarified the legal right of veterans to salute during the Pledge of Allegiance.\n- Karen Schwartz proposed using pedicabs to address downtown parking and transit challenges, and urged better publicity for First Friday trolley service.\n- Charlotte Downey requested the city apply for federal infrastructure funding to build sidewalks in Ward 2 for elderly residents, and asked for proactive code enforcement and vegetation removal at intersections.\n\n### Presentations & Discussion Items\n- PSTA Board Appointment: Vice Mayor Thomas B. Reid of South Pasadena presented his candidacy for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority board, detailing upcoming legislative reconfigurations of the board seats and emphasizing the need for collaborative transitional leadership. The council voted 3-2 to recommend Joe Barkley over Vice Mayor Reid for the seat.\n- Directions for Living Partnership: April Lott (President & CEO) and Elijah Mitchell (Street Outreach Case Manager) introduced the new street outreach program serving Gulfport and Treasure Island. Mitchell described his work building relationships with chronically homeless individuals. Ms. Lott argued that emergency shelter is not a comprehensive solution and advocated for a trauma-informed, dignity-focused approach. The partnership was formally welcomed by the council.\n- Tree Ordinance (Ordinance 2023-12): The second reading and public hearing of amendments to the city's tree code, including revised tree replacement requirements and an updated recommended tree list, was passed unanimously.\n- IT Products and Services (Resolution 2023-109): Council approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of IT products and services from SHI under the state contract, noted for competitive pricing and free shipping.\n- GEMS Replacement Vehicle (Resolution 2023-110): Council authorized the city manager to apply for an FDOT Section 5310 grant to replace a GEMS vehicle, with the city covering 10% of the cost. Councilmember Thanos suggested requesting an electric vehicle.\n\n### New Business and Council Reports\n- Short-Term Rental Registration Fees: Councilmember Brown proposed researching registration fees for short-term rentals to recoup the approximately $100,000 annual cost of enforcement software and personnel. Councilmember O'Hara stated she was not interested in pursuing this option at the current time.\n- Sidewalks and Solar Permits: Councilmember Thanos advocated for applying for federal infrastructure grants for sidewalks and suggested reducing solar permit fees as an incentive, proposing to offset the revenue loss with potential short-term rental fees.\n- Other Reports: Councilmember Brown reported on the successful Arbor Day and tree lighting events. Councilmember Thanos reported on a Florida League of Cities conference and confirmed the city has no lead pipes. Mayor Henderson praised city staff for their dedication and service over the past year.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Recommendation: Joe Barkley was recommended for the PSTA board seat by a 3-2 vote.\n- Adoption: Ordinance 2023-12 (Tree Ordinance) was adopted.\n- Authorizations: Resolutions 2023-109 (SHI Contract) and 2023-110 (GEMS FDOT Grant Application) were approved.\n- Recognition: The Directions for Living street outreach partnership was formally recognized.\n- Deferral: The council did not advance the proposal for short-term rental registration fees.