Gulfport City Council Meeting - July 15, 2025

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting featured presentations on the Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection program and the Charter Review Committee's recommendations. Council passed a smoking ban in city parks, set the proposed millage rate at 4.0258 mills, and accepted an FDOT grant, while continuing discussion on a green space zoning amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the July 1, 2025 meeting.

Presentations

• Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection (CEC): Travis Knauss and Jeff Baker presented an update on the city's participation in the CEC program. The program offsets 10% of the city's scope 2 emissions. Over three years, Gulfport paid $57,000 in subscription fees and received $50,000 in energy credits. The projected payback period is 17-24 years, with estimated net savings of $60,000 to $120,000 over the 33-year program. Mayor Love inquired about wind projects, land use for solar arrays, and the distinction between this off-site utility program and on-site rooftop solar.
• Charter Review Committee: Chairperson Joe Guenther presented the committee's recommendations on assigned charter sections (103, 302, 305, 306, 1005) and provided unsolicited feedback on Section 304. The committee found several other sections adequate. Council discussed timelines, favoring a single comprehensive review for the March 2026 ballot over a rushed November 2025 submission. The committee was directed to review the entire charter.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lauren Stern and Karen Schwartz advocated for implementing a remote public comment option to increase accessibility for snowbirds, seniors, and residents with conflicting work or childcare schedules.
• John Bryan questioned the enforcement priorities, contrasting the new smoking ban with existing, unenforced littering ordinances.
• Lenny Guckenheimer praised the 4th of July parade and suggested holding a public workshop on the charter review to educate voters before the referendum.
• Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) reported removing 170 lbs of trash during a beach cleanup with 18 volunteers, including scouts. He expressed support for the no-smoking ordinance.
• Lisa Melkey (Waterfront District) raised concerns about individuals living in vehicles along Shore Boulevard, proposing extended parking restrictions and time limits to address the impacts on businesses and residents.
• Deb Atkins requested that presentation materials be posted online for public reference and that changes resulting from the hurricanes be documented for the historical archive.
• Bob Carring Schulden advocated for a baffle box stormwater filtration system, offering pro bono services from a local engineer, to address flooding and trash. Mayor Love clarified that the city is awaiting the final watershed study (expected Fall 2025) before pursuing specific capital solutions.

Discussion Items

• Code Enforcement Process: City Attorney Salzman provided a detailed explanation of the code enforcement workflow, including notice requirements, the role of the Special Magistrate, fine structures ($250/day initial, $500/day for repeat violations), and the distinction between police matters (living in vehicles, public camping) and code enforcement (property maintenance).
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): City Manager O'Reilly reported a productive meeting with Forward Pinellas. Council agreed on 40% lot coverage and maintaining setbacks. Outstanding issues include parking requirements, owner-occupancy, and utility fees. A potential conflict with Pinellas County's interpretation of Senate Bill 180 is being reviewed.
• Coast Guard Building & Marina Properties: The City Manager briefed council that the former Coast Guard building is 90% destroyed and contains asbestos. Options for removal are being explored, as rebuilding is deemed cost-prohibitive due to elevation requirements. The Lions Club lease may not be renewed.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2025-03 (Smoking Ban in Parks): Passed unanimously on second reading, amending Chapter 17 to prohibit smoking in city parks, athletic fields, and children's play areas. An amendment to explicitly add the word "parks" to the language passed in a subsequent unanimous vote. The ban does not currently apply to Williams Pier.
• Ordinance 2025-04 (Green Space Definition): Continued to the next meeting to correct language regarding 100% pervious surfaces and the exclusion of walkways.
• Resolution 2025-58 (FDOT Grant): Passed unanimously, authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a Section 5310 grant for seniors and individuals with disabilities, along with an associated budget amendment.
• Resolution 2025-59 (Millage Rate): Passed unanimously, setting the proposed FY 2025/2026 millage rate at 4.0258 mills. Mayor Love noted that public hearings are scheduled for September.
• Charter Review: The charter review committee was directed to conduct a full review of the city charter, aiming for a single referendum on the March 2026 ballot.
• Rain Barrel Program: Council granted consensus to subsidize half the cost of rain barrels ($22.50) for Gulfport residents.
• Sustainability Internship: Council directed the City Manager and Human Resources to evaluate bringing on an unpaid student intern focused on sustainability, resiliency, and water quality.
• Permitting Customer Feedback: Council reached consensus to implement a customer service survey card for the permitting department, modeled after the City of St. Petersburg's system.
• Absences & Next Meeting: Councilmember Jackson and Councilmember Early will be absent on August 5, 2025, potentially breaking quorum. The City Clerk was asked to poll members on the availability of July 29, 2025 as a possible make-up date.