Gulfport City Council Meeting – April 16, 2024

The Gulfport City Council met on April 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, proclamations, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, first readings of two ordinances, adoption of two resolutions, and council comments. The meeting recessed for ten minutes and reconvened at 7:12 PM.

Presentations

• Joe Guenther (Little League) reported on two events: a St. Patrick’s Day event that raised $5,000 for Gulfport Little League, and a prior event benefiting PSA Check (prostate cancer awareness) that donated $35,000 to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He thanked the city for support.
• Cathy Salustri Loper (co-owner, The Gabber Newspaper) donated the newspaper’s full archive (dating to 1968) to the Gulfport History Museum for digitization. The city has $30,000 in its FY24 budget and $30,000 planned for FY25 for digitization. The donation is on the consent agenda (Item 5.f). The newspaper will pay to have digitized issues bound and returned to the museum.
• Proclamation – National Public Works Week (May 19–25, 2024) presented to Public Works Superintendent Kendrix Anderson, who thanked staff.
• Proclamation – National Safe Boating Week (May 18–24, 2024) presented to Flotilla Commander Howard Bush (USCG Auxiliary). He noted declining active-duty Coast Guard membership and increasing auxiliary responsibilities.
• Proclamation – Purple Up Day (April 15, 2024) recognizing military children. The mayor read the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Lucioni (Gulfport resident, candidate for U.S. Congress in FL-13) introduced his campaign and congratulated Councilmember Thanos on her election and Vice Mayor O’Hara on his appointment.
• Lenny Guckenheimer (5213 Dallet Ave S) thanked council for their service and urged humility and respectful listening during decision-making.
• During discussion on Ordinance 2024-02, Walter Barker (4725 Tried to Win St) asked that the 13 facility rules be clearly delineated; the city attorney noted they are listed in the ordinance.
• During discussion on Ordinance 2024-03, Lauren Stern (1608 55th St S) asked about RVs and private property; Chief Vincent clarified the ordinance does not affect lawful vehicle sleeping where already permitted.
• During discussion on Resolution 2024-21, several residents spoke:
  • Laura Lee Wenger (1613 Gray St S) urged requiring council reports from taxpayer-funded trips.
  • Karen Schwartz (5213 Dillett Ave S) supported a parliamentarian.
  • Bonnie Sklarin (5950 Pelican Bay Plaza) supported a parliamentarian to moderate heated discussions.
  • Kimberly McLenus (2633 Upton) noted parliamentary procedure is already used and a parliamentarian ensures consistent enforcement.
  • J.D. King (48th St S) supported a parliamentarian or point-of-order process to maintain decorum.
  • Lenny Guckenheimer asked about the rule prohibiting electioneering in meetings; the city attorney confirmed it applies only during meetings.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report:
  • Marina charrette survey results and property appraisals are being compiled; staff will meet with the consultant and then clubs.
  • The city maintained its Class 6 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program, providing a 20% discount for residents. Mike Taylor and staff were recognized.
  • City Manager O’Reilly thanked Chief Vincent and City Attorney Salzman for drafting the two ordinances.
• Ordinance 2024-02 – Control of Access to City Property (First Reading):
  • Chief Vincent explained the need: to protect employees and customers from disruptive videotaping and other conduct in non-public areas. The ordinance establishes 13 facility rules (e.g., no smoking, no disruptive behavior, no remaining after hours) and authorizes the city manager to designate public, limited-public, and non-public interior spaces. Enforcement would occur through trespass warnings and arrest if necessary.
  • Councilmember Brown clarified the ordinance applies only to indoor facilities; outdoor areas remain public. Councilmember Ray noted pending state legislation. Vice Mayor O’Hara asked for definitions of public, limited, and non-public.
  • Public comment: Walter Barker asked for the 13 rules to be explicit; they are listed in the ordinance.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously (5–0) on first reading.
• Ordinance 2024-03 – Prohibiting Sleeping on Public Property at Night (First Reading):
  • Based on new state law (effective Oct. 1, 2024) that prohibits governments from allowing public sleeping/camping. The ordinance defines overnight as 9 PM to 6 AM, exempts sleeping in lawfully registered vehicles, and excludes those who fall asleep during daytime activities.
  • Councilmember Thanos raised concerns about pending Supreme Court case from Oregon and suggested waiting. The city attorney noted the state law provides liability protection. Chief Vincent emphasized the ordinance targets behavior, not homelessness, and enforcement would first offer resources.
  • Council agreed to make the effective date October 1, 2024, to coincide with the state law. Second reading will be scheduled later.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously (5–0) on first reading.
• Resolution 2024-20 – Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Improvements (Zone 1):
  • Public Works Superintendent Kendrix Anderson presented: Zone 1 (south end) includes 1,800 linear feet of sidewalk replacement, 81 ramp reconstructions, 25 new ramps, and installation of 1,148 detectable warning surface (DWS) mats. Budget is $150,000 from the current capital budget; anticipated to complete about half of Zone 1. Work will start at 28th Avenue south to minimize beach season disruption. The city has already removed 184 trip hazards via shaving.
  • Councilmember Brown noted that 70% of existing ramps were not ADA compliant but many only need DWS mats.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously (5–0).
• Resolution 2024-21 – Council Rules and Policies:
  • Three amendments were discussed based on previous workshop:
    1. Add language encouraging all council members to provide reports (retained).
    2. Change the order of discussion to: (1) Mayor calls item, (2) City manager/staff comments, (3) Motion, (4) Council debate, (5) Public hearing/comment, (6) Close public hearing and vote (adopted by consensus).
    3. Add a parliamentarian role (city attorney as advisor) – removed after 3-2 opposition (Councilmembers Ray and Thanos opposed; Brown, O’Hara, Henderson in favor).
  • The motion was amended to include the first two changes but omit the parliamentarian. The seconder agreed.
  • Vote: Passed 3–2 (Brown, O’Hara, Henderson yes; Ray, Thanos no).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (Items 5.a–5.f) approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 2024-02 passed first reading (5–0); second reading to follow.
• Ordinance 2024-03 passed first reading (5–0); effective date set to October 1, 2024; second reading to be scheduled.
• Resolution 2024-20 approved (5–0), authorizing the city manager to execute the sidewalk contract and budget amendment.
• Resolution 2024-21 approved as amended (3–2), establishing new council meeting rules.
• Councilmember Thanos requested a town hall meeting and asked that an Art Out representative be allowed to speak at the Pride flag raising on June 1, 2024.
• Councilmember Brown announced Feeding Tampa Bay’s cereal drive, Purple Up Day, and Lions Club scholarships.
• Vice Mayor O’Hara reported on Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, noting 264 mobile home parks in Pinellas County and a new emergency planning group.
• Councilmember Thanos mentioned the Florida ROCK program for faster disaster reimbursement and a resilience conference on May 9–10, 2024. She also raised the possibility of a tobacco-free beach ordinance with signage to discourage smoking.
• Meeting adjourned.