Gulfport City Council Meeting – July 16, 2024

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included two presentations, public comment, consent agenda approval, first readings of two ordinances, and approval of six resolutions. Councilmembers April Thanos and Mayor Henderson were excused; Vice Mayor O'Hara presided.

Presentations

• Mr. Larry Kennedy, President, Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation, Inc. – Provided an update on the Foundation’s activities. Key points: The Foundation has raised over $500,000 towards a building fund, with $100,000 per year committed over five years. The first $100,000 installment was reinvested due to favorable interest rates (over 5% on CDs). A second $100,000 CD was approved and will mature in June 2025. An additional $50,000 was moved towards the third installment. The Foundation has hosted over 40 events in 18 months, added board members (now 11), and expanded outreach via radio. They also covered unexpected needs at the senior center (fitness equipment, compressor). The food pantry is well-stocked.
• Mr. Andrew Burnham, Vice President, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. – Presented a water/sewer efficiency rate study. Key points: The utility enterprise fund is in good financial health. A prior three-year rate plan (with no increase in FY2023, then 8% increases in FY2024 and FY2025) is on track. Wastewater expenses came in $750,000 under budget in FY2023 due to reduced flows from infrastructure improvements. The utility meets its target of three months of operating reserves. St. Pete’s wholesale rate increases (7% water, 11% wastewater) are major cost drivers. The proposed FY2025 rate adjustment (8% water/sewer, plus stormwater and solid waste increases) results in about a $7 increase for a typical 2,000-gallon bill (7.5% total). Gulfport’s rates are at the regional average for low usage. The presentation recommended sticking to the approved plan; no new actions were requested.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Karen Love – Expressed support for the Senior Center Foundation, praised a hurricane preparedness insert in water bills, commended new sidewalk curb cuts for accessibility, and asked residents to wait for the “Special Delivery” mailbox auction (September). Also thanked sanitation worker Pete Torres for 38 years of service.
• Kelly Garcia – Thanked the city for supporting the Food Forest’s movie in the park event, announced “Art Blooms” at Red Feather Studios on July 21, and urged residents to find common ground despite divisions.
• Chuck Kitchler – Asked for transparency on the marina study (charrette held March 25), expressed frustration with lack of follow-up and survey limitations, and called for data release. He supported marina improvements like additional restrooms.
• Walter (marina district resident) – Echoed concerns about the marina study, citing a four-month delay in results and rumors about Lions Club property. He requested the City Manager address these issues and provide timely communication.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5a – Approved meeting minutes of June 18, 2024.
• Item 5b – Resolution No. 2024-33: Authorized funds for annual maintenance of the Andrew’s Technology UKG time & attendance system.
• Item 5c – Resolution No. 2024-34: Accepted a donation of a recumbent stepper from the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation for the senior center. All passed unanimously by voice vote.

Ordinances (First Reading)

• Item 6a – Ordinance No. 2024-06 (Subdivision Replat) – Approved a replat of Lots 81, 83, 85, and 87 in Veteran City (Sunflower School property) from one parcel with four lots into two parcels. The property currently houses three schools (Sunflower, a preschool, and a third school in the former sanctuary). The replat includes variances for a flag-shaped lot and reduced parking (eight spaces eliminated). Public comment: Karen Love opposed the parking variance, noting conflict with city parking concerns. Applicant’s representative Deborah Mortahue explained that on-street parking has been used for 50 years and no changes are intended. The replat passed unanimously (3-0).
• Item 6b – Ordinance No. 2024-07 (Garbage Service Charges) – Amended Chapter 11 of the City Code to increase garbage and recycling rates by 6% for FY2024/2025, reflecting a 6.7% increase from Pinellas County. The city’s sanitation fund can absorb the difference. Passed unanimously (3-0).

Resolutions

• Item 7a – Resolution No. 2024-35 (Millage Rate) – Set the proposed millage rate at 4.0258 mills for FY2024/2025 (same as prior year) and scheduled public hearings for September 3 and September 17, 2024. Passed unanimously.
• Item 7b – Resolution No. 2024-36 (Conditional Use – Schools) – Approved a conditional use to maintain three schools on the property formerly associated with a church (Sunflower School). The church left, so the schools became principal uses; this resolution preserves the status quo. Passed unanimously.
• Item 7c – Resolution No. 2024-37 (Employee Health Insurance) – Authorized renewal with Public Risk Management of Florida Health Trust/Florida Blue for FY2024/2025. HR Director Janet Farrell reported a 1.9% increase. Passed unanimously.
• Item 7d – Resolution No. 2024-38 (Employee Life/AD&D Insurance) – Authorized renewal with Standard Insurance Company. Passed unanimously.
• Item 7e – Resolution No. 2024-39 (Employee Long-Term Disability Insurance) – Authorized renewal with Standard Insurance Company at the same rate. Passed unanimously.
• Item 7f – Resolution No. 2024-40 (Archiving Services) – Authorized purchase of archiving services and an online database for the Gulfport History Museum through ArcaSearch. The first-year cost is $30,000; the second-year cost will be determined. City Clerk David noted 37,000 items to be digitized. The project includes climate control and conservation measures. Passed unanimously.

City Manager Report

• Marina Study – City Manager Jim O’Reilly reported that due to conflicting public input (charrette vs. survey) and lack of community consensus, the marina study is being paused. No funding for further action is proposed in the FY2024/2025 budget. Instead, infrastructure investments will focus on the North Basin (boat lifts, breakwater, fuel tanks). Restroom construction is a possibility if council decides. The City Manager will release all data from the charrette and survey. He also noted the Lions Club property issue is separate and unresolved.
• Living Shoreline – Permitting is ongoing; a submerged land lease may be required from the state. Funded by a grant with city match.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items and resolutions passed unanimously (3-0).
• First readings of Ordinances 2024-06 and 2024-07 approved; second readings will occur at a future meeting.
• The August 20, 2024 council meeting will be cancelled due to the primary election (City Hall is a polling place). Council consensus was to cancel.
• The marina study is on hold; infrastructure investments in the North Basin will proceed.
• Archiving contract with ArcaSearch authorized; digitization of 37,000 items to begin.

Council Comments

• Councilmember Brown announced a “History with a Council Member” event at the Gulfport History Museum on Saturday, July 20 from 1-3 PM, featuring archivist Megan Camp.
• Councilmember Ray noted the importance of residents trimming brush along sidewalks (after being hit by overgrowth while e-biking) and praised the Senior Center Foundation’s work.
• Vice Mayor O’Hara thanked Mr. Kennedy and staff for their efforts on the archive project and the senior center.