Gulfport City Council Meeting - February 6, 2024

This was a regular meeting of the Gulfport City Council. The meeting included an invocation by Councilmember Ian O'Hara, extensive public comments regarding noise and safety complaints about the Sazerac Lounge, several unanimous votes on resolutions, and a significant debate on whether to schedule a workshop on affordable housing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sazerac Lounge Concerns: Several residents (including Maria, a St. Pete resident; Renata Taylor, a Gulfport resident; and David Flammenbaum, a local business owner) raised complaints about excessive noise, safety issues, overcrowding, and parking problems at the Sazerac Lounge (formerly Zippers Bar), which opened on January 1, 2024. They requested increased accountability and enforcement from the establishment and the city.
• Business Owner Response: Bassim Shaheen, the owner of the Sazerac Lounge, defended his business, stating they employ security guards, off-duty police officers, and cameras, and have addressed initial parking complaints. He asserted that the business has had no trouble under his ownership and that critics were targeting his success.
• Lions Club Update: Tom Bixler reported on successful Lions Club events and the potential for an additional scholarship.
• Affordable Housing & Transit: Ms. Love and Karen Schwartz criticized the council for a lack of action on affordable housing, specifically urging the council to consider recommendations from Jeff Brandis regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and linking transit to housing solutions.
• Infrastructure Requests: Charlotte Downey requested a pedestrian crossing signal at 15th and 55th for the Pinellas Trail. Walter Barker criticized the council for postponing a town meeting on a tree census due to the upcoming election, calling the tradition politically motivated.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the January 16, 2024 council meeting, Resolution 2024-04 (Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement), Resolution 2024-05 (Update city facsimile signatures), and Resolution 2024-06 (Adopt fee schedule for 2024 Children's Summer Recreation Program).

Resolutions

• Resolution 2024-07 (Robert Half Staffing): Passed 5-0. Authorized spending an estimated $80,000 on professional staffing services for the finance department transition.
• Resolution 2024-08 (Vapex Odor Control): Passed 5-0. Authorized the installation of odor control systems at Lift Stations 1 and 2. Public Works Director Tom Nichols explained the odor issues arose because successful sewer repairs reduced inflow and infiltration, leading to more concentrated waste.
• Resolution 2024-09 (Low Tides Creations Event): Passed 5-0. Approved a special event permit for a street festival on the 2900 block of Beach Boulevard.
• Resolution 2024-10 (Pyro Productions Fireworks): Passed 5-0. Approved a $30,870 contract for the July 4th fireworks display. The Mayor noted the cost had increased; discussion occurred on drone and laser alternatives, which were deemed prohibitively expensive and logistically difficult.

Discussion Items

• Affordable Housing Workshop Debate: Vice Mayor Ray expressed support for a council workshop to discuss zoning changes for ADUs, duplexes, and triplexes to increase housing stock. Mayor Henderson was open to the idea. Councilmembers Brown, Thanos, and O'Hara opposed scheduling a formal workshop before the April election. Councilmember Brown argued it would give residents "false hope" and cited the city's limited ability to solve a national crisis. Councilmember Thanos raised concerns about changing neighborhood character and parking. Councilmember O'Hara expressed worries about feasibility and traffic. The consensus was to hold an informal discussion item in April rather than a formal workshop.

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilman O'Hara: Reported on the Fusion 49th District progress, including plans to meet with Duke Energy about underground power lines. Received consensus to formalize the Gulfport Poet Laureate position via proclamation for a three-year term.
• Councilmember Thanos: Reported on addressing safety concerns at the Town Shores north entrance road with new signage and pavement markings.
• Councilmember Brown: Promoted the Fine Arts Festival and the Friends of the Library annual meeting.
• Vice Mayor Ray: Received consensus to fly the Pride flag on June 1st, and acknowledged the Black History Month flag being raised at the library.
• Mayor Henderson: Defended the postponement of certain public workshops during the election season to avoid the perception of impropriety and campaign-related activity, calling it a wise practice.

Key Outcomes

• Sazerac Lounge Issues: No formal council action was taken; residents and the business owner were directed to work with the Gulfport Police Chief to resolve ongoing complaints.
• City Manager Reports: Sewer repairs (24,000 linear feet) announced. Black History Month flag authorized for flying at the library, with an acknowledgement that it may be the final year due to pending state legislation.
• Votes: All items on the consent calendar and resolutions passed unanimously (5-0).