Gulfport City Council Regular Meeting – August 16, 2022

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on August 16, 2022, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included public comment on housing affordability, short-term rentals, and rent control; first readings of four utility rate ordinances; and the fourth discussion on the proposed FY 2022-2023 budget. A town hall workshop on short-term rentals was scheduled for October 20, 2022, and a separate workshop on housing affordability was set for October 12, 2022.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.a: Approved the Council Meeting Minutes of July 7, 2022, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Noreen (resident): Presented results of a poll showing 47% support for rent control, 34% oppose. Urged residents to speak up and called for a town hall on housing affordability.
• Cheryl Schwartz (landlord, 4920 28th Ave S): Shared her personal experience of keeping rents low and treating tenants with respect. Urged compassion from landlords.
• Eddie Ford (3002 53rd St S): Followed up on a short-term rental reporting app he developed. City manager noted possible good news on county-level action.
• Phyllis Plotnik (3038 Dupont St S): Expressed concern over illegal short-term rentals and lack of enforcement. Noted the city’s diversity is threatened by gentrification and rising rents.
• Robert Salza (1407 Gray St): Opposed rent control, citing economist consensus (1% support). Suggested that rent control reduces housing supply, as seen in St. Paul (61% decrease in units) vs. Minneapolis (65% increase). Stated there are over 600 Airbnbs in Gulfport, growing 27% per quarter.
• Mary Muscato (4920 28th Ave S): Expressed distress over friends being priced out. Supported rent control, noting her experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it worked.

City Manager Report

• Tenant’s Bill of Rights: City Manager recommended the city not opt out of the Pinellas County tenant’s bill of rights, which provides notice requirements for rent increases (60 days for increases over 5% for annual leases, 30 days for shorter terms). The county measure will apply by default.
• Short-Term Rental App: The previously discussed reporting app is available; further enforcement discussion will follow the budget process.
• Boca Ciega Yacht Club Litigation: The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice; the city and club will resume discussions.
• Dry Storage at Marina: Planned improvements (asphalt replacement, fencing, pedestals) estimated at $50,000–$100,000. Councilmember Thanos suggested deferring until a marina master plan is developed.
• Laundry Program: The Recreation Department will host a free laundry day for children the week of Thanksgiving, funded by council members (about a few hundred dollars each).

Ordinances (First Readings)

6.a – Garbage Ordinance (Ordinance 2022-03)

• 6% rate increase due to fuel, employee costs, and tipping fees. Councilmember Ray asked about pay-as-you-throw options; City Manager noted staff can explore later. Passed unanimously (5-0).

6.b – Stormwater Fee Ordinance (Ordinance 2022-04)

• Postpones the planned $1/month increase to next year (rate remains unchanged). Councilmember Thanos opposed, preferring to take the $1 now to fund stormwater projects. Passed 4-1 (Thanos against).

6.c – Water Rate Ordinance (Ordinance 2022-05)

• Restructures rates to a base charge plus volumetric tiers; eliminates standby charges. No increase for customers using more than 2,000 gallons. Customers using less than 2,000 gallons may see a small decrease. Late fee increased from 1.5% to 5% per month. Tampering penalties escalated. New account activation fee of $30. Public comment raised concerns about the high late fee and the modest savings for low users. Passed 4-1 (Thanos against).

6.d – Sewer Rate Ordinance (Ordinance 2022-06)

• Moves to base charge plus volumetric use; no increase this year. Compatible with water rate changes. Passed unanimously (5-0).

Discussion: Proposed FY 2022-2023 Budget (Discussion No. 4)

• City Manager’s Highlights:
  • Budget grew ~6.7%, 70% is personnel costs. Fuel costs are volatile.
  • Reserves at ~$3.7 million (23% of budget), not including ARPA funds.
  • Property values increased 15.21% citywide; waterfront redevelopment district up ~17%.
  • Health insurance costs held to 1% increase.
  • A potential additional code enforcement officer is included if council pursues stricter short-term rental enforcement.
  • Population declined from 12,222 (2010) to 11,773 (2020), impacting state revenue sharing.
• Councilmember Thanos: Proposed funding a resiliency study (~$30,000–$40,000) to qualify for upcoming federal grants for infrastructure projects (e.g., raising Shore Boulevard, public safety building). Council expressed caution about staff time and matching funds; City Manager will assess options.
• Public Comment: Ann Tober praised the budget and suggested using an independent facilitator for the housing workshop to avoid confusion.

Council Comments & Informational Reports

• Councilmember Ray: Inquired about organizing a street party; City Manager advised to coordinate with neighbors and city staff.
• Councilmember Ferdowich: Invited Susan Glickman (solar boats) to present to council post-budget.
• Councilmember Thanos: Proposed a Freebee micro-transit service in Gulfport (similar to St. Pete Beach) to address parking and traffic; suggested a presentation to council. Also floated the idea of placing a portable toilet/shower at a city lot (e.g., 49th Street) for people living in their cars; Mayor asked for police feedback. Discussed adopting a drain program and putting code liens on property taxes.
• Mayor Henderson: Announced a town hall on housing affordability on October 12, 2022, and a workshop on short-term rentals and rental stabilization on October 20, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Noted that the county tenant bill of rights will be posted on the city website once effective.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All five ordinances passed first reading (two unanimously, two 4-1, one 4-1). Second readings will occur at future meetings (likely September 6 and 20).
• Workshops Scheduled: October 12, 2022 (housing affordability town hall); October 20, 2022 (short-term rentals workshop).
• County Tenant Bill of Rights: City will not opt out; enforcement by Pinellas County.
• Litigation Dismissed: Boca Ciega Yacht Club lawsuit dismissed with prejudice; discussions will resume.
• Budget: Council will continue deliberations at meetings on September 6 and September 20, 2022. Final adoption expected after second readings.
• Next Steps: City Manager to gather information on grants, resiliency study, Freebee presentation, and marina master plan; council members to coordinate with staff on individual initiatives.