Regular City Council Meeting: June 4, 2024

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on June 4, 2024, at City Hall, presided over by Vice Mayor Ian O'Hara in the absence of Mayor Sam Henderson. Key topics included a presentation on the Fusion 49th District revitalization initiative, a detailed update on the 49th Street Safe Streets for All study, and a public comment period that raised concerns over vendor selection at the Gulfport Pride event. The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a stormwater pipe lining contract.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.a: The City Council unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the May 21, 2024, meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Howard Bush, Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary: Presented a book to the city honoring Douglas Monroe, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Paul Raker, Board President of Out Arts & Culture: Presented the City of Gulfport Ally Award to the Gulfport Library for its partnership and support.
• Susan Gore, Town Shores: Announced the upcoming 'Speak Out' dialogue series on LGBTQ identity and humanities, scheduled for June 27 at the Gulfport Library.
• Christine, Baywood Point resident: Expressed strong excitement and support for the Fusion 49th district revitalization project.
• Journey Oster: Expressed concern and opposition regarding the inclusion of a Trump-themed vendor at the June 1 Gulfport Pride event. Oster argued that the vendor's merchandise and political alignment contradict Pride's mission of creating a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and urged the council to ensure such vendors are excluded from future Pride events.
• Karen Love: Thanked city staff for the budgeting process but expressed strong displeasure with the City Council's recent vote making reports on meetings attended by council members not mandatory.
• Public Commenters on 49th Street Study (Jerry Reid, Jonathan McCoachy, Karen Schwartz, Nancy Dunham, Lenny Gukenheimer): The public largely voiced strong support for the project, particularly Alternative 1, which repurposes the roadway. Concerns were raised about preserving mature oak trees, maintaining parking for businesses, and addressing the dangerous intersection at 18th Avenue South. Nancy Dunham of Fusion 49th encouraged council members to be more actively involved in community cleanups and meetings.

Discussion Items

• Fusion 49th District Update: Presented by C. Area M. Clark (Vice President, 49th Fusion). The project is a community-driven, volunteer-based effort to revitalize the 49th Street corridor spanning Gulfport and St. Petersburg. It is structured around the Main Street organization framework focusing on organization, economic vitality, promotion, and design. The group has conducted cleanups, developed a website (Fusion49th.com), and is working towards 501(c)(3) status. Their priorities align with the Safe Streets initiative.
• City Attorney Report: Councilmember Thanos requested a change to the tree ordinance regarding trees in the right-of-way. The City Attorney drafted an amendment under the nuisance section requiring permits for removal or planting in the right-of-way. The council requested time to review the draft before taking action.
• Resolution 2024-30 (Stormwater Culvert Pipe): A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Atlantic Pipe Service to line 120 linear feet of 21-inch stormwater culvert pipe in the Del Rio Circle area. The resolution passed unanimously.
• 49th Street Safe Streets Study Update: Eric Hines (WSP) presented the study's findings. The corridor (1st Ave N to 24th Ave S) carries 15,000 vehicles daily and is on the county's high injury network. Community engagement included walking audits (135+ responses) and an online survey (650+ responses).
  • Alternative 1 (Lane Repurposing): Reduce from 4 lanes to 3 (2 travel lanes, 1 center turn lane) with a 12-foot multi-use path on the east side. Higher cost but significant safety improvements (20-50% crash reduction). Preferred by 53% of survey respondents.
  • Alternative 2 (Vertical Traffic Calming): Retains 4 lanes with raised crosswalks. Lower cost but less effective and inconsistent with current comprehensive plan.
  • Recommendation: The study team recommended advancing Alternative 1 for further analysis, proposing it in short-term (crosswalk enhancements, LED lighting), mid-term (multi-use path, bus bays), and long-term (full lane repurposing, intersection modifications) phases. A demonstration project using temporary materials was suggested.
  • Council Discussion: Council members uniformly expressed support for Alternative 1, citing safety and aesthetics. Councilmember Brown asked about speed reduction effectiveness. Councilmember Ray raised concerns about parking for businesses on the west side. Councilmember Thanos discussed lighting studies. St. Petersburg Councilmember John Mohammed explicitly reaffirmed St. Pete's support for Alternative 1 as a transformative project for the corridor.

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilmember Thanos: Attended the Out Arts and Culture Gala and voiced a concern that having a vendor at Pride with conflicting political messaging, who was also represented on the nonprofit's board, was inappropriate.
• Councilmember Brown: Met with the Teen Council to discuss voting. Promoted CERT classes and hurricane preparedness. Received informal approval from the council to host a 'History with a Council Member' event at the Gulfport History Museum.
• Councilmember Ray: Attended the Pride event (which raised money for local causes) and other community events. Urged residents to prepare for hurricane season.
• Vice Mayor O'Hara: Thanked Karen Love for the Memorial Day flag raising and promoted First Friday and local art galleries.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2024-30: Passed unanimously to authorize the stormwater pipe lining contract.
• Consent Agenda: Minutes from May 21, 2024, approved.
• 49th Street Safe Streets Study: The council expressed consensus to advance Alternative 1 for additional evaluation. It was agreed to place the item on the agenda for the next council meeting for formal action to adopt the study and endorse the recommended alternative.
• Councilmember Event: Councilmember Brown received informal approval to host a 'History with a Council Member' event at the Gulfport History Museum.
• City Attorney Action: Directed to distribute the drafted tree ordinance amendment to all council members for review.