Gulfport City Council Meeting Summary - May 21, 2024\n\nThe Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, as scheduled (note: the raw transcript audio incorrectly opens with 'June 21st, 2024'). The meeting featured presentations on Older Americans Month, a library donation, and a donation from the Sons of the American Legion. The Council approved the consent agenda, two pension ordinances (Police and Firefighters COLA), and multiple resolutions regarding the Lincoln Cemetery settlement, a new payment processing system, flood management plans, and a library grant. Public comments addressed a proposed community movie night and splash pad feasibility. The meeting concluded with council updates on community events and hurricane preparedness.\n\n### Presentations\n- Mayor Sam Henderson proclaimed May 2024 as Older Americans Month, accepted by Senior Center Director Rachel Cataldo.\n- Dave Matter and Valerie Welch (Circle of Friends) reported a $5,400 donation for library computer chairs and a $5,000 grant from the Hello in There Foundation. The Friends group averaged $17,500 in annual revenue and $16,000 in annual disbursements over the last two years.\n- The Sons of the American Legion Post 125 donated $4,000 to the Recreation Center's summer program for children's scholarships.\n- Mayor Henderson announced the City received the Future of the Region Award from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for the Gulfport Rebound program, the City's fourth such award.\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Kelly and Eric Garcia expressed support for the 'Welcome Gulfport' program, noting it hosted over 20 new residents. They proposed a summer movie night on June 6th at Clymer Park using silent disco headphones to avoid noise issues. The Council unanimously approved the special event application by consensus.\n- Lauren Stern presented findings on splash pad designs, expressing a preference for a flat plan model over more expensive alternatives. She reported a cost estimate of $300,000 based on research with the cities of Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and Madeira Beach, and noted the amount aligns with the budget for the Tonkin Park renovation. She encouraged more parent involvement at meetings.\n- Ms. Henn expressed concern regarding the BS&A Payments resolution (2024-26), arguing that building the credit card transaction fee into permit costs would unfairly penalize residents paying by cash or check.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- The Council unanimously approved the meeting minutes from May 7, 2024.\n\n### Ordinances (Second Reading)\n- Ordinance 2024-04 (Police COLA): Passed unanimously (5-0). Amends the Police Officers' Trust Fund to provide a 6% cost-of-living adjustment for retirees.\n- Ordinance 2024-05 (Firefighters COLA): Passed (4-0). Councilmember Brown abstained after submitting an 8B form. Amends the Firefighters' Retirement Pension Fund to provide a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for retirees.\n\n### Resolutions\n- Resolution 2024-25 (Lincoln Cemetery): Approved unanimously. Authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Cross & Anvil Human Services to waive code enforcement liens. Pastor Clarence Williams described plans for a $380,000 project to fence and restore the cemetery over two years, including surveying and homeless relocation.\n- Resolution 2024-26 (BS&A Payments): Approved unanimously. Authorizes BS&A as the payment processor for Community Development transactions. Staff noted the system is cloud-based and a new permit fee structure absorbing the transaction fees will be proposed in the summer.\n- Resolution 2024-27 (Program for Public Information): Approved unanimously. Adopts the annual CRS report. Mike Taylor noted Gulfport is a Class 6 community, 11 points above the threshold for Class 7, providing a 20% flood insurance discount for residents.\n- Resolution 2024-28 (Floodplain Management Plan): Approved unanimously. Adopts the annual report for the floodplain management plan.\n- Resolution 2024-29 (Library Summer Reading Grant): Approved unanimously. Accepts a $1,700 grant from Florida Humanities for the library's summer reading program.\n\n### Council Comments & Reports\n- Councilmember Thanos: Discussed plans for 'no smoking' signs on the beach. Raised concerns about regional homelessness costs, suggesting the City budget $500,000 for potential obligations.\n- Councilmember Ray: Announced the Flag Raising ceremony on June 1st at 10 AM and the Safety Around Water program. Expressed satisfaction with the Lincoln Cemetery resolution.\n- Vice Mayor O'Hara: Thanked community organizers for the 'Welcome Gulfport' event. Invited Fusion 49th to present at the next council meeting.\n- Councilmember Brown: Reported on the new dog park opening, noting a surface temperature of 126°F on the decomposed granite. Announced the Hurricane Conference on May 30th and CERT classes in June. Provided historical context on Lincoln Cemetery.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Votes: All agenda items passed. Ordinance 2024-05 passed 4-0 (1 abstention); all other resolutions and ordinances passed 5-0.\n- Special Event Approved: The June 6th Food Forest movie night was approved by consensus.\n- Next Steps: Staff will implement the BS&A payment portal and develop a permit fee structure for the summer. The City will collaborate with Cross & Anvil on the Lincoln Cemetery restoration plan.