Gulfport City Council Meeting - May 2, 2023

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included public comment, approval of a consent agenda, a second reading of an ordinance regarding recreational vehicles, approval of three resolutions, and council discussion on new business items including a housing compact workshop and a donation to Neighborly. Council also addressed concerns about employee safety and public behavior, and voted to remove community food pantries from city property.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the Council Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2023 (Item 5.a).
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-29 appointing a trustee to the Gulfport Firefighters' Pension Board.
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-30 authorizing a change in the city's facsimile signatures.
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-31 authorizing the City Manager to sign a Managed Services Agreement with MY TSC LLC for a one-year term, extendable up to three years.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rosalie Ross (Windsor Building Town Chores): Requested that the trolley (Looper) resume service into Town Chores for Friday nights and Saturdays, citing mobility issues. The City Manager responded that this could be arranged for the first Friday and third Saturday.
• Rick Gilbert (resident and boat owner): Expressed strong support for making marina land public, urged setting an end date on the Bogasiega Yacht Club lease, and advocated for development of the marina (e.g., restaurant, high-and-dry storage) to generate more revenue. He stated the marina is a "cash cow" that supports other city facilities.
• Lenny Genheimer (5213 Dillett Avenue South): Urged the council to pass a resolution supporting the Florida Right to Clean Water constitutional amendment, warning about state proposals to use radioactive gypsum stacks as building material. He provided a packet with a sample resolution.
• Ms. Love (first name not given): Thanked the city for the volunteer luncheon and requested that the council revisit a previously canceled discussion item about the use of sidewalks by various vehicles (bicycles, scooters, mobility scooters), noting speed issues on the Pinellas Trail and safety concerns for pedestrians.
• Unidentified speaker (on playground safety): Expressed dissatisfaction with the city's response regarding a playground bridge at the beach, claiming it does not meet ASTM safety standards for ages 2+ and citing inconsistencies from the manufacturer (Jambat). She noted that the structure is listed for ages 5–12, not 18 months.
• Kathleen Kayerox (resident, homeowner since 2016): Supported short-term rental regulations but urged differentiation between homeowners renting a room (like teachers supplementing income) and corporate investors. She also expressed support for allowing multi-family housing in specific areas to increase affordability.
• Mr. Freedom (name given): Commented on political issues unrelated to the agenda and asked for clarity on speaking rules for consent agenda items.

Discussion Items

• City Manager's Report:
  • Stetson University graduation (May 13) will close 61st Street from 13th Avenue to the library; the downtown looper will shuttle from off-site parking at Holy Name; parking signs on Hull Street will not be removed due to neighbor impact.
  • Scout Hall construction is complete; operations expected to begin next week.
  • Planning and Zoning Board alternate position is being advertised; appointment expected in June.
  • The Bogasiega Yacht Club lease has been approved by the club's board; city attorney and manager will review and place on the May 16 agenda. The city attorney noted that while most terms were agreed upon, the property description remains an unresolved issue for council.
• City Attorney Report: Discussed employee safety and public records requests. The mayor called for stricter enforcement against individuals who harass city employees via email, phone, or in-person (citing an incident at the volunteer luncheon). The city attorney proposed standardizing public records responses and possibly creating non-public forum areas inside city buildings. A related ordinance is expected in a few months.
• Ordinance 2023-01 (Second Reading): Amends Chapter 21 (Recreational Vehicles). Approved after public hearing (no public comment). Councilmember O'Hara noted the compromise was well-received.
• Resolution 2023-32: Approved special event application from O'Maddy's for a fundraiser benefiting Rachel McQuillen (breast cancer patient). The event will close 54th Street; 100% of proceeds donated.
• Resolution 2023-33: Authorized the city manager to enter into the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC), updating the agreement to a 10-year term with a mid-term amendment. Library director David noted this provides shared circulation and group pricing.
• Resolution 2023-34: Accepted a Florida Humanities Summer Reading Program Grant ($1,500–$2,000 over existing Friends of the Library funding) for youth programming. Grant was written by youth librarian Julia Pruitt.
• New Business:
  • Councilmember Thanos proposed inviting Forward Pinellas to present on housing compact opportunities, emphasizing actions suitable for a built-out city. After debate, council agreed to revisit the topic in late summer via a workshop.
  • Councilmember Thanos also suggested a donation to Neighborly (Meals on Wheels, etc.). After discussion, council indicated support for a donation in the range of $1,000–$2,000 (previous practice). Further details to be discussed.
  • Councilmember Thanos suggested considering a resolution supporting the Florida Right to Clean Water amendment, noting Gulfport was first in the county to adopt a fertilizer ordinance now threatened by state preemption.
• Council Comments/Reports:
  • Councilmember Brown raised concerns about community food pantries on city property (library and fire station) due to health hazards (raw meat, bugs, medicine). Chief supported removal, citing enabling behavior. Council agreed to remove the pantries and post signs directing people to Feeding Tampa Bay and other resources.
  • Councilmember O'Hara requested a written report on the demographics, agenda, and discussed items from the Gulfport on the Edge community visioning group. Councilmember Thanos responded that data is being compiled but no demographic breakdown is available due to sign-up methods.
  • Vice Mayor Ray reported on the upcoming Safety Around Water program (May 6–July) funded by a $30,000 donation from Milner Incorporated and the city; Pride Street Fair on June 3; and flag raising on June 1.
  • Councilmember O'Hara also noted his wife's art event at Tiki on Saturday.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 2023-01 (Recreational Vehicles): Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Resolution 2023-32 (O'Maddy's Special Event): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2023-33 (PPLC Interlocal Amendment): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2023-34 (Summer Reading Grant): Approved unanimously.
• Food Pantries: Council agreed to remove the two community pantries on city property (library and fire station) and post signage directing to other food resources.
• Harassment/Safety: City attorney to develop standardized public records response and bring a proposed ordinance on non-public forum areas in city buildings to protect employees.
• Housing Compact Presentation: Deferred to a workshop in late summer.
• Neighborly Donation: Council expressed support for a donation ($1,000–$2,000 range), with formal action to be taken later.
• Council Cell Phones: City manager to provide cost estimates for potential city-issued phones for council members; discussion to continue.
• Trolley to Town Chores: City manager committed to arranging service for first Friday and third Saturday.
• Playground Safety: City manager stated the manufacturer confirmed the structure meets ASTM standards for ages 2–12; attributed concerns to supervision issues.
• Bogasiega Yacht Club Lease: City manager and attorney to review and place on the May 16 agenda; property description remains to be resolved by council.