Gulfport City Council Meeting - November 21, 2023

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured several presentations, approval of a tree ordinance on first reading, authorization for police vehicle and staffing purchases, and council reports. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Presentations

• State Representative Linda Chaney (District 61) presented the City of Gulfport with a check for $2.2 million for improvements to the sanitary sewer system and roads. This was her first appropriation for the city.
• Joseph Barkley III, Commissioner of Belleair Bluffs, presented his candidacy for the PSTA Board of Directors seat representing small inland cities, which will be open due to the retirement of Dr. Jim Oliver. He highlighted his previous eight years on the board, including work on electric bus charging systems, the Gulfport Trolley replacement, and first-mile/last-mile coordination.
• Justin Shea and Toffer Ross presented the Arbor Day Proclamation. Gulfport has been a Tree City USA for 25 years (National Arbor Day Foundation). The city will celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 3:45 PM behind the Recreation Center, giving away containerized South Florida slash pine and green buttonwood trees. The city also released a public service announcement video featuring the Mayor and Horticulturist.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes from November 7, 2023 – Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Bixler (59th Street South, Town Shores) – Representing the Lions Club, presented a 2024 calendar featuring Ray Domingo's artwork, with information on city services. He thanked the council for support of the club’s pancake breakfast and Santa Claus toy drive.
• Raven Kramer (5105 12th Avenue South) – Criticized the permit process as outdated (no online permits) and the inspection process as requiring a full-day wait with short notice. She requested an online permit system and narrower inspection windows.
• Karen Schwartz (5213 Delight Avenue South) – Echoed frustration with inspection process, stating that for a roof repair she was told “we don’t do two-story houses” and was forced to self-inspect with photos.
• Public comment on tree ordinance – A resident (unidentified) expressed appreciation for the ordinance update, calling it a step toward sustainability.
• Public comment on police vehicle resolution – Walter Barker (Trade Winds Drive) praised the move toward hybrids and suggested considering an electric police car for Boca Ciega High School as a statement to youth. Karen Schwartz noted that 2024 Camry hybrids use lithium-ion batteries with lower fire risk than gasoline. Tom Bixler raised concerns about electric vehicles in saltwater flood zones, citing fire department guidance to remove EVs from garages during hurricanes.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2023-12 (First Reading) – Amends Chapter 22 (Zoning) regarding trees: increases replacement cost per inch for trees that cannot be replaced on-site; increases the fine for unpermitted tree work from $50 to $100; and adopts a revised list of approved trees prepared by the city horticulturist. Councilmember Thanos expressed support but said she would have made it stronger. The ordinance passed on first reading.
• Resolution 2023-107 – Authorizes the City Manager to purchase five replacement police vehicles (two patrol SUVs, two detective vehicles, one SRO vehicle) and associated emergency equipment. Chief Vincent noted that the memo inaccurately stated seven vehicles were available; two models (Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang Mach-E) are no longer produced for police. The recommended vehicles are Ford Police Interceptor Utility (patrol) and Toyota Camry Hybrid (administrative). There was extensive discussion about hybrid battery types (nickel-metal hydride vs. lithium-ion), fire risks, warranty, and availability. The council voted to approve.
• Resolution 2023-108 – Authorizes the City Manager to retain Robert Half International for temporary professional staffing services, primarily for the Finance Department due to restructuring and vacancies. Approved unanimously.
• Cancellation of January 2, 2024 meeting – Council agreed to cancel the first meeting scheduled for January 2 (day after New Year's) and hold only one meeting in January 2024.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2023-12 – Passed on first reading (4-0). Will return for second reading.
• Resolution 2023-107 – Approved (4-0). The City Manager is authorized to purchase the vehicles as recommended.
• Resolution 2023-108 – Approved (4-0). City Manager may retain Robert Half for staffing services.
• January 2024 meeting schedule – Only one meeting will be held (date to be determined).
• Tree lighting – December 4, 2023 at 6 PM at Clymer Park.
• Public Safety Santa Parade – December 18, 2023.
• Traffic signal box art wrap – City will participate in Pinellas County program at 58th Street and 22nd Avenue/Gulfport Boulevard.
• Councilmember Thanos reported on a tree town hall (~40 attendees) and suggested partnering with St. Pete’s urban forestry program, possible grant funding. She also raised the need for business licenses and registration fees for legal short-term rentals.
• Councilmember Brown thanked Tom Nichols and code enforcement for quick responses on sewer backup and traffic triangle study. She requested cost information on electric car charging stations and a QR code for Operation Santa donations.
• Councilmember O’Hara reported on the National League of Cities conference in Atlanta: positive sessions on environmental science and homelessness; negative experience with vendor-driven sessions (Google, Airbnb). He noted the city already uses drones for post-storm evaluations via code enforcement.
• Mayor Henderson thanked staff for dredging sediment from the pond, improving water flow.

Next Steps

• The second meeting in January (tentatively Jan 16 or later) will include a presentation from Jeff Brandis (rescheduled).
• Council will consider further discussion on short-term rental regulation.