Gulfport City Council Regular Meeting: January 17, 2023

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comment, approval of resolutions, and discussion on recreational vehicle (RV) storage and motorized scooters. All resolutions were passed unanimously.

Presentations

• Oath of Office: Rene Fernandez was sworn in as Fire Chief. He expressed gratitude and commitment to the community.
• Holiday Decoration Contest Winners: Commercial winner (Shell Station) not present; residential winner Christopher Feltman (57th Street South) was recognized.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.a: Approval of City Council meeting minutes from November 15, 2022, December 6, 2022, and December 20, 2022 was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Open Public Comment (non-agenda items):
  • Kieran Love (South 23rd Avenue) thanked the council and inquired about short-term rental enforcement. City Manager O'Reilly clarified that enforcement remains complaint-driven but software will assist starting February 1. Love requested better public notification.
  • Melissa Helmbold (11th Avenue South, President of Gulfport Merchants Chamber) reported on successful 2022 Shop Local campaign and upcoming strategic planning.
  • Tommy Bixler (59th Street South, Lions Foundation President) promoted a pancake breakfast on Saturday, January 21, 8–11 AM at the Lions Club.
• Public Comment on Discussion Items (RV storage and scooters):
  • Patrick Macley (Beach Boulevard South) described difficulty finding RV storage outside Pinellas County and supported relaxing rules.
  • Kate Seidman (Beach Boulevard, 26th Avenue) wished to buy an RV but lacked storage; questioned why boats are allowed and RVs are not.
  • Jolene Weeks (17th Avenue South, 25-year resident) has a small camper stored at a neighbor's; urged allowing RVs in yards.
  • Cheryl (no last name given, Gulfport resident) noted many RVs already violate current rules; supported easier regulations.
  • Leo (Upper Merriam Street) pays $2,600/year for storage; his RV fits in his driveway; supported rule change.
  • Tommy Bixler (again) owns a camper stored in Wildwood for $200/month; compared RVs to boats and supported equal treatment.
  • Marlene Shaw (23rd Avenue South) bought an RV in 2020, was cited for parking in backyard, had to move fence to front yard; asked for amendment to restore property rights.

Discussion Items

• Item 8.a: Recreational Vehicle (RV) storage in residential areas:
  • Councilmember Paul Ray introduced the topic, noting that current setbacks (6 ft side, 15 ft rear, 5 ft from structures) and prohibition on front-yard storage create hardship. He provided a draft ordinance treating RVs like boats.
  • Mr. Metcalf (city staff) summarized history: RV regulations date to 1952, with a major revision in 2013 after 14 meetings. Current rules allow side/rear storage only with setbacks and no front-yard storage. Grandfathered RVs are being phased out.
  • Council debated fire safety concerns (Councilmember Thanos) and the need to treat RVs, boats, and trailers equally. Councilmember Ferdovich raised the issue of grandfathered RVs and replacement size.
  • Consensus was reached to direct the city manager to bring back an ordinance that allows RVs in the front yard (outside the public right-of-way) and removes rear and side setbacks, consistent with the draft ordinance. The discussion will continue at a future meeting.
• Item 8.b: Regulation of motorized scooters:
  • Councilmember Ray moved to table this discussion to a later date; the motion was seconded and carried.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions passed unanimously (5–0):
  • Resolution 2023-01: Authorized a contract with Wetter Solutions, LLC for a keyless access system at the marina north and south basins.
  • Resolution 2023-02: Approved restructuring of the Fire Department, adding a paramedic position and creating a deputy chief role, with a budget amendment.
  • Resolution 2023-03: Authorized purchase of replacement Police Department vehicles and emergency equipment.
  • Resolution 2023-04: Approved conditional use application C22-04 for a mixed-use church and preschool (private, 10 students, special needs) at 1844 54th Street South.
• RV storage: The city manager will prepare an ordinance to allow RVs in front yards (not in right-of-way) and remove setbacks, with future readings. Boats and trailers were not included in this discussion.
• Motorized scooters: Discussion was tabled.

Council Comments & Informational Reports

• Councilmember Paul Ray:
  • Thanked staff for addressing speeding on 11th Avenue with traffic calming measures.
  • Announced Black History Month flag raising on February 1 at 5:30 PM.
  • Planning a town hall meeting on March 8 (second Wednesday) at Scout Hall.
  • Noted an increase in stray dogs; requested a presentation from animal control.
  • Suggested a short-term rental overview for residents.
• Councilmember Ferdovich:
  • Urged dog owners to pick up waste; noted dispensers are available but underused.
• Councilmember Thanos:
  • Reminded of his town hall on January 30 (second in a series).
  • Noted tennis court construction is delayed (surface curing, approximately six weeks).
  • Suggested reviewing the recycling program to focus on items with market value (cardboard, aluminum, tin).
• Vice Mayor Brown:
  • Reported that the Senior Center food pantry is well-stocked for Gulfport residents over 50 with financial need (income below 200% of poverty level, ~$27,000/year).
  • Recapped the Employee Appreciation Luncheon, highlighting long-serving staff (e.g., Dennis, 39 years).
  • Announced a tour of the Park Center for disabled adults/children; invited CEO Michelle Detweiler to present to the council in the future.