Gulfport City Council Meeting: July 7, 2022 - Budget, Estuary, and Resolutions

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured a presentation on the state of Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, public comments on various topics, approval of consent items and resolutions, and discussion of the proposed FY2022-2023 operating budget and the Community Rating System (CRS) for flood insurance. Council members also addressed workplace safety for employees and short-term rental regulation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Council approved the City Council meeting minutes of May 3, 2022, and May 17, 2022, as presented.
• Resolution No. 2022-43: Approved the appointment of Christine Crosby to the Senior Citizens' Advisory Committee on Aging.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Gore (Board President, LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Library) announced the 2022-2023 Branch Out Scholarship of $2,500 to Natalie Marcelin, an MSW student at USF, noting the increase from $1,000. She expressed appreciation for the council's commitment to LGBTQ inclusion.
• JW Maddigan (2520 York Street, representing neighbors) proposed reducing the water, sewer, and recycling bill for seniors by changing garbage/recycling collection from twice to once per week on Thursdays, arguing that those on fixed incomes struggle with the current cost.
• Kim Glenn (5601 Shore Boulevard South) requested a beautification upgrade at the corner of 56th and Shore Boulevard around a light post, suggesting mosaic art or planting, but acknowledged flooding issues.
• Steve Utavich (President, Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial Foundation) presented a proposal to place a memorial honoring Floridians who served and died in Iraq and Afghanistan in Veterans Park. The memorial would list 355 names and require a 50x50-foot space, with the foundation raising funds and the city providing maintenance and dedication support.

Discussion Items

• Presentation: Tampa Bay Estuary Program – Ed Sherwood, Executive Director, presented the state of Tampa Bay. He noted that seagrass coverage peaked in 2016 but has lost about 4,000+ acres in Old Tampa Bay due to nutrient pollution. Non-point sources (stormwater) now contribute 64% of nutrients. He highlighted the City of Gulfport's past investments, including the sewer lateral incentive program ($372,000 over three years), living shoreline grants, and the Tangerine Avenue project. He encouraged continued efforts to reduce impervious surfaces and invest in Florida-friendly landscaping. Sherwood also mentioned upcoming federal funds (about $1 million/year for five years) for private lateral improvements, pending EPA guidance.
• City Manager Report – The City Manager reported that the proposed rate structure (reducing the minimum tier to 1,000 gallons) will be presented on August 2. He noted property values increased 15.2% (second highest in Pinellas County) and 24% over two years. He also discussed employee safety concerns, citing increased harassment, threats, and vitriolic emails, and requested council support for measures to protect staff, including potential legal action.
• Budget Discussion #3 – The City Manager presented the FY2022-2023 proposed operating budget overview and fund analysis. Key points: a conservative approach to rebuild reserves to 25% (currently at 16%); a 6% COLA for all employees including council; inflation at 11.3% in Tampa Bay; fuel costs up 58%; and ongoing capital projects (sewer, drainage, resurfacing). Councilmembers expressed support for maintaining the same millage rate for the 11th year and keeping the budget service-focused.
• Community Rating System (CRS) Discussion – Staff analyzed options to move from CRS Class 6 to Class 5, which would require 500 more points. Proposed activities include higher freeboard, cumulative substantial improvement tracking, and hiring a floodplain manager (est. $100,000/year). Councilmember Thanos suggested evaluating lower-cost options like flood data maintenance. Vice Mayor Brown raised concerns about increased costs for homeowners and potential impacts on neighborhood character. Council consensus was not to pursue changes at this time.
• Short-Term Rentals – The City Manager provided updated information and a legal opinion from the City Attorney cautioning against zoning changes that could jeopardize existing restrictions. Councilmember Thanos proposed hiring a contract code enforcement officer (complaint-driven) and using software like Granicus to monitor listings. Discussion deferred to a future meeting, likely in October after budget adoption.
• Smoking Ban – The City Manager noted that a draft ordinance has been prepared following the new state law allowing municipalities to ban smoking on beaches and parks (with exceptions for unfiltered cigars). Councilmembers expressed skepticism about enforceability; no action taken.
• Councilmember Comments – Councilmember Thanos requested a monthly report to be included in the city's weekly email newsletter. Councilmember Ray announced a town hall meeting on July 13 at the library. Mayor Henderson asked staff to explore feasibility of placing the Iraq/Afghanistan war memorial in Veterans Park and adding shade structures to dog parks.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously by roll call (5-0).
• Resolution No. 2022-44 (ARPA funds for inflation relief): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution No. 2022-45 (Beach playground replacement with Project Innovations, Inc., using ARPA funds): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution No. 2022-46 (Oktoberfest Market special event on October 22, 2022): Approved unanimously.
• Budget Direction: Council endorsed a conservative budget approach, maintaining reserves rebuild to 25% and the same millage rate.
• Employee Safety: Council expressed support for exploring legal and policy measures to protect staff from harassment and threats; City Attorney will research options including declaring certain areas non-public forums.
• Short-Term Rentals: Deferred to a discussion at a future council meeting (likely October 2022).
• War Memorial: Staff authorized to evaluate the proposal from the Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial Foundation for placement in Veterans Park.
• Dog Park Amenities: Staff authorized to proceed with adding shade structures at the big dog park, cost under $20,000.
• Town Hall Meeting: Councilmember Ray's town hall scheduled for July 13, 2022, at the library (hybrid format).
• Future Meetings: County Commissioner Justice to attend August 2 meeting; State Representative Cheney to attend August 16 meeting.