Gulfport City Council Meeting – September 17, 2024: Millage Rate and Budget Ordinances Approved

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The primary business was the second reading and public hearing of two ordinances: the ad valorem tax levy (millage rate) for FY 2024‑2025 and the operating budget for the same fiscal year. Both ordinances were passed unanimously after public comment. Other items included consent agenda approval, discussion of community funding requests, park improvements, homeless enforcement, boat removal, and a citizen complaint regarding a council member.

Consent Calendar

• Item 6.a – Approval of Meeting Minutes (September 3, 2024): Approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

Budget Public Hearing (Items 1.a and 1.b)

• Kirsten Strang (works with Funky Gecko Queen): Asked whether city funds could be allocated to events that unite multiple communities (e.g., seniors, mothers, homeless) across the county, and suggested such efforts can generate broader giving.
• Andrew Turner (resident 16 years): Expressed concern about persistent potholes and road conditions, noting that some streets are repaved while others are not. He asked for a street maintenance plan. City Manager O’Reilly responded that the city budgets approximately $400,000 annually for paving and maintains a prioritized street rating map.
• Lauren Stern (1608 55th St. S): Addressed the planned Tonkin Park playground upgrade. She noted that many parents had provided input at the previous meeting and urged the city to obtain multiple vendor bids. She requested continued parental involvement in design decisions.
• Ms. Love (no address given): Supported volunteer groups like Fusion 49th, noting that they operate without city funding and rely on out‑of‑pocket expenses. She contrasted this with the city’s reluctance to provide cash to such groups.

Open Public Comment (after budget hearings)

• Alexander Dunsing (Michigan resident, 5607 Loveland St., West Bloomfield): Alleged that Councilwoman Thanos repeatedly violated the City Charter by directly ordering city employees to act, which he stated constitutes a second‑degree misdemeanor under the charter. He requested an investigation into emails and personal communications. The Mayor stated the council does not handle such complaints and could not advise on how to proceed.
• Unnamed speaker (public service announcement): Encouraged voter registration, noting that the last day to register for the upcoming election is October 7, 2024. Recommended researching candidates and ballot measures via the League of Women Voters.
• Ms. Love (second appearance): Observed that large homeless encampments remain at the beach (pavilion 3), with picnic tables and areas taken over for weeks. She called for enforcement of existing ordinances, particularly the three‑hour pavilion limit. She also requested an update on removal of boats damaged by Hurricane Debby. City Manager O’Reilly later reported 16 vessels have been identified for removal, with a contractor expected to mobilize within two weeks.
• Victoria Doyle (5235 26th Ave. S): Expressed gratitude on behalf of parents who met with city staff earlier that day about the Tonkin Park playground upgrade. She thanked the council and staff for listening to parental input and noted that it is difficult for parents of young children to attend evening meetings. She hoped for continued involvement.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2024-08 (Millage Rate): City Manager O’Reilly clarified that the proposed rate of 4.0258 mills is the same as the current year’s rate. Because rising property values will generate more revenue, state law requires it to be advertised as a tax increase. The rolled‑back rate (3.6865 mills) would yield the same revenue as the prior year. Council noted that the local newspaper had corrected an earlier error mischaracterizing the increase. No public comments were offered on this item; it passed unanimously.

• Ordinance 2024-09 (Operating Budget): City Manager O’Reilly presented an updated version incorporating edits from the September 3 meeting. Council discussed several items:

  • Fusion 49th funding: Councilwoman Thanos proposed $10,000 for Fusion 49th, a community group working on 49th Street revitalization. City Manager O’Reilly strongly opposed giving cash, arguing the city has never provided direct monetary support to such groups (only in‑kind services). He warned of setting a precedent and noted the group lacks 501(c)(3) status. Councilwoman Thanos suggested a loan, but the City Manager was not in favor. No action was taken; the proposal did not gain support.
  • Homeless Leadership Alliance membership: Councilwoman Thanos requested $300 to join the Pinellas County Continuum of Care/Homeless Leadership Alliance. The council agreed to consider the request after two weeks of individual research, noting the expense does not need to be in the budget.
  • Leisure Services Director position: Councilwoman Thanos suggested removing the unfilled Leisure Services Director position from the budget, saving approximately $113,000. No decision was reached; the item was deferred.
  • Tonkin Park playground: City Manager O’Reilly reported that a morning meeting with parents produced three surface options, including one similar to Boyd Hill Nature Park. The group will meet again next week, and staff hopes to bring a recommendation to the October 1 council meeting.
  • Road paving: City Manager O’Reilly confirmed that a major project on 15th Avenue from 15th down to the boulevard is beginning.

• City Manager Report:

  • Homeless enforcement: City Manager acknowledged the beach encampment complaint and said he would look into enforcement.
  • Boat removal: 16 vessels identified for removal; contractor under Pinellas County contract expected to mobilize within two weeks. The city will seek FEMA reimbursement.
  • Anchoring at Veterans Park: City Manager announced plans to bring an ordinance amendment to Chapter 6 prohibiting anchoring in the submerged land adjacent to Veterans Park (owned by the city). This targets dinghies that access the park via the seawall. Councilmember Thanos raised concerns about impacts on live‑aboards who leave dinghies while working; the City Manager noted the marina has time limits and the issue is about people “taking advantage.”
  • Holiday decorations on 49th Street: Staff is working with Duke Energy to install additional power drops and add brackets to poles.

• Trolley route for events: Councilwoman Thanos suggested using a smaller trolley for event days on 49th Street to pick up people from remote parking. City Manager O’Reilly noted past issues with route length and rider interest. He agreed to test the idea during major events to gauge usage.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2024-08 (Millage Rate): Adopted on second reading with a unanimous vote (5–0). The rate is 4.0258 mills, a 9.20% increase over the rolled‑back rate.
• Ordinance 2024-09 (Operating Budget): Adopted on second reading with a unanimous vote (5–0).
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Homeless Leadership Alliance membership: Deferred for two weeks for council review; if approved, the $300 fee will come from the council’s budget.
• Fusion 49th funding: No action taken; council declined to provide direct cash.
• Tonkin Park playground: Staff to bring recommendation to October 1 council meeting.
• Anchoring ordinance: City Manager directed to draft an amendment prohibiting anchoring in the Veterans Park submerged land.
• Boat removal: Contractor expected within two weeks; emergency purchase order may be needed.
• Charter violation complaint: Council declined to take action, stating such matters are not within their purview.