OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gulfport City Council Meeting: August 15, 2023 - Special Events, Pensions, and Insurance Renewals

City Council — Tuesday, August 15, 2023
BodyGulfport, Mississippi
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 15, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
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4:35

Um, I had July fifteenth.

4:37

For some reason, I got stuck in July.

4:39

Um, Mayor Anderson is unable to be here this evening, so I will be filling your shoes as mayor.

4:46

Um, our invocation is being given tonight by council member um Brown and followed by the Pledge of Leasions.

4:52

Please join us.

4:57

Uh, the official title was Three Days of Peace and Music.

5:01

Does anybody know what that is?

5:02

Woodstock.

5:04

Woodstock was both a peaceful protest and a global celebration.

5:08

It was not about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

5:11

It was about spirituality, about love, about sharing, and about helping each other live in peace and harmony.

5:17

Though it's frequently portrayed as this crazy unbridled festival of rain-soaked stoned hippies dancing in the mud.

5:28

Woodstock was obviously much more than that, or we wouldn't still be talking about it.

5:33

These are the words of Richie Havens, who was the opening musician for Woodstock on this day 54 years ago.

5:40

Raise your hand if you were there.

5:41

Oh, I was alive.

5:47

I was eight.

6:06

Roll call, please, City Clerk.

6:08

Councilmember Brown.

6:09

Here.

6:09

Vice Mayor Ray?

6:11

Here.

6:11

Councilmember O'Hara.

6:12

Here.

6:13

Councilmember Thanos.

6:14

City Attorney Salzman.

6:15

Here.

6:16

City Manager O'Reilly.

6:17

City Clerk Carico present.

6:19

Mayor Henderson has asked to be excused.

6:23

All right.

6:23

So we're going to start out with public comments, which is anything that's not on the agenda for this evening.

6:28

We'll go with a show of hands.

6:32

She's not here.

6:39

I can skip this for you.

6:42

Hi, Susan Gore, Windsor House, Townshores.

6:47

The Resource Center is very pleased to announce this year's branch out scholarships.

6:53

We have evolved from one $1,000 scholarship to three $2,000 scholarships.

6:59

Applications open today and close on the 29th of September.

7:03

We categorize them as emerging scholars for people newly out of high school or having recently gotten a GED, continuing scholars who want to retool or advance their capacities, and returning scholars who've been away from continuing education for a number of years.

7:22

We're very pleased to be partnering with Raymond James.

7:25

They raise the money, we give it away.

7:32

It is open to LGBTQ students in Pinellas County only.

7:36

You have to live, work, or play.

7:38

It's online, and there is no upper age limit.

7:42

You could have gotten your GED at age 89, and you would be an emerging scholar.

7:47

And if you want a copy, I have copies for everybody.

7:50

Thank you.

7:52

Thank you.

7:54

Anyone else for a public comment?

7:56

Karen.

8:02

Okay.

8:03

So during the city manager's report on July 18th, he reported that the historical societies need to default on their lease of two buildings as well as their desire to continue providing programming and porch parties for both buildings.

8:19

The Historical Society president was given approximately 20 minutes to plead her case without having to answer any tough questions.

8:28

The city manager then asked the council for consensus to take back both buildings, budget for staff, and allow the historical society to keep programming.

8:41

The mayor agreed to take back the buildings and decide the other options at a later time.

8:47

Councilman Thanos said she felt the council needed more time to make decisions and consider other users.

8:54

Other uses, excuse me.

8:58

Because this was not on the agenda, there was absolutely no public comment, unlike the BCYC lease.

9:21

As if this was a done deal.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment█████████████████████████25%
Special Events█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Public Engagement██████████10%
LGBTQIA Rights███████7%
Hurricane Preparedness████4%
Elections████4%
Veterans Affairs████4%
Council Comments████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Gulfport City Council Meeting: August 15, 2023

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Vice Mayor Sam Ray presided in the absence of Mayor Anderson. The meeting included a consent agenda, two ordinances on second reading, a series of resolutions for insurance renewals and special events, public comments, and council updates. Key decisions included approval of the police pension fund amendments, adoption of the fiscal year 2023-2024 special events calendar (with a contentious debate over the Pride event organizer), and renewal of city insurance coverages.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 5.a: Approved the City Council meeting minutes of August 1, 2023, unanimously.
  • Item 5.b: Resolution No. 2023-59 authorizing a contract with Atlantic Pipe Services to line 895 linear feet of 24-inch stormwater culvert pipe was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Susan Gore (Windsor House, President of LGBTQ Resource Center) announced the Resource Center’s Branch Out Scholarships: three $2,000 scholarships for LGBTQ students in Pinellas County (emerging, continuing, returning scholars), sponsored by Raymond James. Applications open through September 29.
  • Karen Schwartz (5213 Dillet Avenue South) criticized the city manager’s July 18 report on the historical society building lease default, stating the process lacked transparency and public input. She urged the council to open the discussion to the public and consider other groups.
  • Nushemmy (Gulfwood resident) thanked the council for responsiveness regarding a welcome event at Scout Hall.
  • Walter Barker (Treadwinds Drive) praised new median landscaping and bump-outs as gateway beautification, suggested additional plantings, and commended the city’s horticulturalist, Topher. He also expressed hope for the history center.
  • Barbara Banno (Gulfport Merchants Chamber Treasurer) thanked staff for partnership on the numerous special events.
  • Greg Saddam (2502 Beach Boulevard) supported the Pride celebration and noted the historical roots of Pride in Gulfport, cautioning against a “culture of personality.”
  • Karen Schwartz (again) questioned the change in Pride event organizer from the LGBTQ Resource Center to a new entity, citing potential transparency issues. She noted that the Resource Center applied first.
  • Pete Rinti (2408 51st Street South) asked about a council member’s conflict of interest regarding the Pride event, referencing Vice Mayor Ray’s involvement. City Attorney Salzman responded that under Florida statute, no conflict exists as there is no special financial gain.
  • Susan Gore (again) explained that the Resource Center’s application was submitted on June 9, without naming an event planner because of a 45-day reporting window with their contracted planner, Suzy King (SIK Promotions). She requested the council separate the Pride event from the omnibus calendar for further review.
  • Karen (unnamed resident) expressed disappointment that the city does not host a Memorial Day ceremony, but was told by staff it cannot be held on a city holiday. She offered to organize an event with city support.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance 2023-08 (Garbage Service Charges): Second reading and public hearing. Councilmember Thanos expressed support for a future discussion on a “pay-as-you-throw” tiered system to encourage recycling. The ordinance passed unanimously.
  • Ordinance 2023-09 (Police Pension Fund): Second reading. Amends multiple sections of Chapter 15 (pensions) regarding pre-retirement death, minimum distribution, military service, prior service, supplemental benefits, and DROP. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolutions for Insurance Renewals:
    • 2023-60 (Health Insurance): Renewal with Public Risk Management Trust for FY 2023-2024. City Manager noted a 2.75% premium increase. Passed unanimously.
    • 2023-61 (Life and AD&D): Renewal with Standard Insurance Company. Passed unanimously.
    • 2023-62 (Long-Term Disability): Renewal. Passed unanimously.
    • 2023-63 (General Insurance): Renewal with Public Risk Management of Florida. City Manager reported a 19.26% rate increase, competitive given market conditions. Council discussed hardening measures for city buildings. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2023-64 (Special Events Calendar): This omnibus resolution approved 74 special events for FY 2023-2024, including 52 weekly events (Tuesday Fresh Market, monthly art walks), 24 at the theater, 14 at the casino, and three events suspending alcohol restrictions (St. Patrick’s Day, Gecko Fest, Gulfport Pride). The Pride event organizer was contested. Vice Mayor Ray, who had been involved in the event for five years, stated the event was created by him and Susie King, and the LGBTQ Resource Center was used as a fiscal sponsor. He argued the application from his new organization should be accepted. Councilmember Thanos moved to remove the Pride event from the calendar for separate consideration, but the motion lacked a second. The resolution passed 3-1, with Councilmember Thanos dissenting.
  • Resolution 2023-65 (Gulfport Merchants Chamber Fine Arts Festival): Two-day event in Veterans Park. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2023-66 (VETSports Beach Volleyball Heroes Weekend): Veterans Day event including parade and volleyball tournament. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2023-67 (LGBTQ Resource Center ReadOut): Three-day event at Catherine Hickman Theater. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2023-68 (Art Jones Studio Tour Signage): Authorizes temporary signage in rights-of-way. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2023-69 (Retro Production Company Casino Dances): Additional purchase order of $15,000 for Wednesday Swing and Second Friday Soul/Disco dances. City Manager reported casino revenue of $467,000 in FY 2023 (rental, bar, and dance revenue), with door revenue from dances reaching $180,000. The vendor’s share is half the gate. Passed unanimously.
  • New Business: Councilmember Thanos reported on a NOAA grant opportunity with a letter of intent due August 25, and suggested possible projects. She also shared updates from the Florida League of Cities conference: crisis communication, legislative supermajority risks, affordable housing (Live Local Act), PFOS chemicals, parks as key to livability, and upcoming business impact statement requirements. Councilmember Brown reminded residents to buy Gecko Ball tickets. Councilmember Ray announced the August 28 South 49th Street Business and Neighborhood District meeting.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 2023-08 (Garbage Charges): Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 2023-09 (Police Pension): Adopted unanimously.
  • Resolutions 2023-60, 61, 62, 63 (Insurance): All adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 2023-64 (Special Events Calendar): Adopted 3-1 (Councilmember Thanos dissenting).
  • Resolutions 2023-65, 66, 67, 68, 69: All adopted unanimously.
  • Discussion on pay-as-you-throw garbage billing: Council agreed to revisit the topic after further research.
  • No action on Memorial Day ceremony: The resident was informed that the city cannot host events on city holidays; she will organize independently with potential city support.

Meeting Transcript

Um, I had July fifteenth. For some reason, I got stuck in July. Um, Mayor Anderson is unable to be here this evening, so I will be filling your shoes as mayor. Um, our invocation is being given tonight by council member um Brown and followed by the Pledge of Leasions. Please join us. Uh, the official title was Three Days of Peace and Music. Does anybody know what that is? Woodstock. Woodstock was both a peaceful protest and a global celebration. It was not about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It was about spirituality, about love, about sharing, and about helping each other live in peace and harmony. Though it's frequently portrayed as this crazy unbridled festival of rain-soaked stoned hippies dancing in the mud. Woodstock was obviously much more than that, or we wouldn't still be talking about it. These are the words of Richie Havens, who was the opening musician for Woodstock on this day 54 years ago. Raise your hand if you were there. Oh, I was alive. I was eight. Roll call, please, City Clerk. Councilmember Brown. Here. Vice Mayor Ray? Here. Councilmember O'Hara. Here. Councilmember Thanos. City Attorney Salzman. Here. City Manager O'Reilly. City Clerk Carico present. Mayor Henderson has asked to be excused. All right. So we're going to start out with public comments, which is anything that's not on the agenda for this evening. We'll go with a show of hands. She's not here. I can skip this for you. Hi, Susan Gore, Windsor House, Townshores. The Resource Center is very pleased to announce this year's branch out scholarships. We have evolved from one $1,000 scholarship to three $2,000 scholarships. Applications open today and close on the 29th of September. We categorize them as emerging scholars for people newly out of high school or having recently gotten a GED, continuing scholars who want to retool or advance their capacities, and returning scholars who've been away from continuing education for a number of years. We're very pleased to be partnering with Raymond James. They raise the money, we give it away. It is open to LGBTQ students in Pinellas County only. You have to live, work, or play. It's online, and there is no upper age limit. You could have gotten your GED at age 89, and you would be an emerging scholar. And if you want a copy, I have copies for everybody. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else for a public comment?

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