Gulfport City Council Meeting - May 7, 2024

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comments, the passage of ordinances, resolutions, and the first of two budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year. Key actions included the adoption of an ordinance controlling access to city property (4-1), a ban on sleeping on public property overnight (unanimous), and first readings of pension adjustments for police and firefighters.

Presentations

• Fire Department Promotions and Helmets: Four probationary firefighters (Jonathan Saxman, Richard Atwater, Scott Miller, Courtney Spann) received their yellow helmets after completing their one-year probation. Lieutenant John Trickarico (hired 2018) and Fire Captain Gerard Grady (with the department since 2003, lieutenant since 2016) were formally pinned in their new ranks.
• Senior Center Update: Representatives from Harvard Jolly/PBK presented an update on the planned new senior center. The design is funded by $1.5 million in federal dollars for planning and architectural design. The new center will be built adjacent to the existing one, with a future addition to the theater. Key features include universal design, a portico, multipurpose rooms, and office space for third-party services. Community feedback requested an additional elevator, an indoor walking track, a larger fitness center, and a larger multi-purpose room. The design team will return in approximately three months with revised plans and a budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting minutes from April 16, 2024, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rick Gilbert (Concordia Court): Requested that future marina meetings require sign-in and ID verification for Gulfport residents, and asked for a financial analysis of marina operations, noting that many sailboats rarely move and do not purchase fuel.
• Unidentified speaker (addressing Mayor): Accused the Mayor of spreading falsehoods about his behavior leading to a false arrest; demanded an apology.
• Nathaniel Kidder (5320 Havana Court): Raised concerns about parking on both sides of 53rd Street during festivals, creating a safety hazard (fire truck could not pass). Suggested one-side parking or resident-only parking on weekends. Also complained about noise ordinance enforcement from bars on Shore Drive, saying it interferes with peaceful enjoyment of his property.
• Priscilla Kitter (5320 Havana Court): Urged the city to protect trees, especially native trees like laurel oaks, and to enforce tree regulations. Expressed concern about wildlife displacement.
• Pete Renty (Out Arts & Culture Treasurer): Announced two Pride Month events: the inaugural Audi's Award gala on May 31 at the Casino, and the 7th annual Art Out exhibit at the Gulfport Library throughout June.
• Bonnie Bray (56th Street): Thanked the council for starting work on the dog park. Raised parking and traffic issues on Beach Boulevard, suggesting a parking and signage committee, possible one-way streets, and restrictions on large delivery trucks.
• Karen Schwartz (5213 Dillet Avenue): Supported one-side parking on 53rd Street and agreed that music is loud but had not called code enforcement.
• Sarah Napier (Sierra Club volunteer): Announced installation of Gulfport’s second rain garden at the beach park on Saturday, May 11, from 9 AM to noon; sought volunteers for ongoing maintenance.
• Metria Jones (1107 56th Street South): Suggested a real-time trolley tracking system to ease traffic during events.
• Mr. Crispy (press representative): Criticized the proposed access control ordinance as unconstitutional, citing fictitious anecdotes and fearmongering. Accused the city manager of bullying a correspondent and the chief of refusing complaints.
• Individual (suing Easley, SC): Presented court documents and letters of intent to sue the city, claiming the proposed ordinance violates First Amendment rights. Argued that Sheets v. Punta Gorda does not protect the ordinance and warned of litigation.
• Zach (correspondent): Clarified that recording in public lobbies is not intended to capture private information; police departments have private interview rooms. Urged council to enforce the ordinance by rule of law, not to trespass recorders.
• Karen Schwartz: Asked the city attorney for legal basis and case law behind the access ordinance, and whether other Florida cities have similar ordinances.
• Jesse Lee (multiple items): On the access ordinance, claimed he was trespassed from City Hall for filing racial discrimination complaints, and that the human rights officer (not present) is unresponsive. On the sleeping ban, stated that the city has forced him into homelessness by blocking his business efforts, and asked what programs the city offers.
• Metria Jones (on sleeping ban): Asked if the ordinance applies only at night (yes, 9 PM to 6 AM). Noted that using trespass laws as enforcement lacks due process.
• Priscilla Kitter (on sleeping ban): Supported the ban, noting that people living in cars/vans are common and she sees them at 5 AM. Wanted enforcement extended to vehicle dwellers.
• Warren Stern (55th Street): Supported the senior center; requested a splash pad in the budget (estimated $600,000). Promised to research lower-cost alternatives.
• Karen Schwartz (on budget): Asked about transit improvements; suggested a FreeBee shuttle and inquired about the future of the neighborhood center if police/fire move to 49th Street.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2024-02 (Access Control): Second reading. City Manager O'Reilly explained that the ordinance allows designation of public, semi-public, and non-public areas in city-owned buildings, based on behavior and disruption. Council debate centered on police department lobby vs. city hall lobby. City Attorney Salzman cited case law (Punta Gorda) and noted that filming is allowed in public areas unless disruptive. Councilmember Thanos voted no; others voted yes. Passed 4-1.
• Ordinance 2024-03 (Sleeping on Public Property): Second reading. Prohibits sleeping from 9 PM to 6 AM, matching St. Pete Beach language. Effective date October 1, 2024, to align with state preemption. Councilmember Thanos raised concerns about lack of shelter beds and a state mandate to provide alternative locations, but voted yes. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2024-04 (Police Pension): First reading. Increases benefits; city cost $24,573 (1% of payroll). Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2024-05 (Fire Pension): First reading. Provides a 3% COLA; city cost $2,775 (0.2% of payroll). Councilmember Brown recused herself (receives fire pension). Passed 4-0.
• Resolution 2024-22 (Waterline Assistance): Authorizes additional ARPA funding for the Private Waterline Replacement Program (142 applications served so far). Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2024-23 (Building Services): Authorizes additional funding with SAFEbuilt/M.T. Causley and reallocation of Pinellas County funds (county cannot provide assistance). Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2024-24 (Records Management): Authorizes funding with SML, Inc. to digitize building records from 2020-2022 (and possibly 2023). Passed unanimously.
• FY 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget Discussion: City Manager O'Reilly presented the proposed capital budget (using Penny for Pinellas, ARPA, federal grants, etc.). Major items: senior center design, 49th Street Safe Streets ($500,000 for design), Tonkin Park playground replacement, traffic speed trailer, police equipment, dump truck, marina improvements (boat lifts, seawalls). Operating budget highlights: 7.5% COLA for employees, succession planning, possible assistant city manager position, and goal to bring building department fully in-house. Council discussed splash pad location (Paul’s neighborhood, west of playground at 64th & Boulevard), parking concerns, and the need for a grant writer. No votes taken.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2024-02 (Access Control): Passed 4-1 (Councilmember Thanos opposed). Effective upon filing.
• Ordinance 2024-03 (Sleeping Ban): Passed unanimously. Effective October 1, 2024.
• Ordinance 2024-04 (Police Pension): First reading passed unanimously. Final reading scheduled.
• Ordinance 2024-05 (Fire Pension): First reading passed 4-0 (Councilmember Brown recused). Final reading scheduled.
• Resolution 2024-22: Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 2024-23: Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 2024-24: Unanimously approved.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Tree Ordinance: City Attorney will bring back amendments to align with state statute and address right-of-way tree removals.
• Crosswalk Beacon: Councilmember Thanos requested a pedestrian-activated beacon at 15th Avenue and 55th Street; staff will include in budget.
• Fundraising Idea: Mayor proposed a “License to Keep Gulfport Weird” fundraiser for city programs (e.g., senior center). Staff will develop details.
• Next Budget Discussion: To continue through September; final adoption expected in September.

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilmember Ray announced Pride events on June 1: flag raising at 10 AM, festival, and parade at 2 PM (no motorized vehicles).
• Vice Mayor O’Hara noted the Fusion 49th meeting was well-attended; requested a PSTA presentation at a future meeting. Praised the First Friday gallery walk.
• Councilmember Thanos announced a town hall on May 22 at the neighborhood center to showcase community-led projects (rain garden, food forest, block parties).
• Councilmember Brown reminded about CERT training starting June 11, fraud prevention forum on May 15, and graduation week (May 16). Thanked staff for pond improvements.