Gulfport City Council Regular Meeting – September 20, 2022

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on September 20, 2022, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The council unanimously adopted the FY 2022-2023 millage rate and budget, passed several utility rate restructuring ordinances, and approved resolutions related to sewer infrastructure. Public comment focused on a police incident involving a minor and concerns about rental housing affordability.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bryce Graham (Second Vice President, National Network, Central Florida chapter) expressed strong opposition to the use of excessive force by a Gulfport police officer against 15-year-old Maniah Sharif, calling for an independent investigation and criticizing the police chief’s statements on Facebook.
• Maniah’s grandfather described the emotional impact on his granddaughter, stating she was not protected and is now afraid to return to school.
• Mr. Lee complained about decades of racial discrimination and lack of action by the council, alleging that the city weaponizes police against residents.
• Elizabeth Hendricks (Townshores resident, former Gecko Queen) advocated for rent control and limiting short-term rentals, reporting that a 38% increase in her own rent and that the city has lost 70% of its long-term rentals.
• A speaker from the Activism News Network noted the contrast between a prior officer suspended for shoplifting and the current sergeant remaining on duty after the incident with Maniah.
• Another resident urged the council to stop “dancing around the Mulberry bush” and make decisions on racial justice, rent fairness, and short-term rentals.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2022-07 (Millage Rate): Adopted a levy of 4.039 operating mills for FY 2022-2023, a 14.38% increase over the rolled-back rate of 3.5312 mills. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2022-08 (Operating Budget): Adopted the FY 2022-2023 budget. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2022-03 (Garbage Service Charges): Updated sanitation fees in response to County tipping fee changes. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2022-04 (Stormwater Utility Fee): Established a multi-year rate schedule: no increase in FY 2023, a $2/month increase in FY 2024, and a $1/month increase in FY 2025. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2022-05 (Water Service): Moved from a 2,000-gallon minimum to a base charge plus volumetric billing; no rate increase in FY 2023, followed by 8% increases in FY 2024 and FY 2025. Also authorized the city manager to waive certain administrative fees. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2022-06 (Sewer Service Charges): Similar volumetric structure with no increase in FY 2023 and 8% increases in FY 2024 and FY 2025. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2022-59: Authorized the city manager to enter into agreements with Miller Pipeline, LLC and Cardno, Inc. for Priority Two sanitary sewer repairs, funded by $600,000 in ARPA funds. This completes the settlement from the 2016 hurricane-related litigation. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2022-60: Approved an amendment to the State Revolving Fund loan for the Lift Station No. 2 Force Main Extension and Pumping Improvements Project, increasing the loan amount (still at 0%–1% interest). The project is 95% complete and will finalize the consent order with FDEP. Passed unanimously.
• Discussion of Zoom Virtual Meetings: Council decided to discontinue Zoom for regular council meetings, returning to in-person public comment only, but will consider hybrid options for special workshops and events (e.g., the October 20 workshop). City staff will explore cost-effective alternatives for library events like Read Out that benefit from virtual participation.

Key Outcomes

• All seven ordinances and two resolutions passed by unanimous 5-0 votes.
• The city will install no overnight parking signs at Trolley Market Square Park and Tangerine Greenway, consistent with other city parks (closed midnight to 4 AM).
• The City Manager will schedule a presentation from Forward Pinellas on the Affordable Housing Compact.
• A town hall meeting is scheduled for October 12 and a workshop for October 20 to address the rental crisis and short-term rentals.
• Council thanked staff, particularly Tom and Cheryl, for restructuring utility rates and completing the budget.
• The city will not opt out of the Pinellas County Tenants’ Bill of Rights; landlords are required to provide the notice to tenants.
• The police incident involving Maniah Sharif remains under investigation; council noted it will be made public after completion.