Gulfport City Council Meeting - April 2, 2024

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included the swearing in of newly elected councilmembers for Wards I and III, public comments on a range of issues, staff updates, and discussions on city resilience, dog park maintenance, board appointments, and council rules of procedure. The council also heard numerous resident concerns about the marina redevelopment plan, noise from a local bar, election integrity, and the quality of public engagement processes.

Swearing In of Councilmembers

• Newly elected Councilmember April Thanos (Ward I) and Councilmember Ian O'Hara (Ward III) were sworn into office by the City Clerk. The ceremony included the oath of office.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes (March 5, 2024): Approved unanimously on a motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Thanos.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several residents spoke in opposition to the proposed marina redevelopment, expressing concerns about increased traffic, noise, parking shortages, and loss of community character. One speaker noted that the charrette (community workshop) felt like a "sales pitch" with predetermined ideas and that the survey options were limiting. Another resident requested feasibility studies (traffic, noise, environmental) before proceeding.
• Multiple residents raised concerns about noise and vibration from the Sazerac Lounge (a bar/club at 4917 22nd Ave S), saying they call the non-emergency police line but the noise measures below the 55-decibel threshold, while the bass still disturbs sleep. The Police Chief confirmed high complaint volume and said no code violations have been found; he noted state law on noise from vehicles does not apply in private parking lots. The council discussed possible ordinance changes to address plainly audible noise from vehicles in parking lots.
• A resident alleged bribery in the recent election, calling for a police investigation. Other speakers criticized the council's endorsement of a candidate who ran an allegedly unethical campaign, while noting the winning candidate received over 60% of the vote.
• A former finance director, Cheryl Hanniffer, announced that she had submitted the Gulfport REBOUND program for a "Future of the Region" award and wished the city well.
• Speakers requested that public comment on agenda items be placed after council discussion so that citizens can hear council's reasoning before speaking. The council later agreed to change this practice.
• One resident proposed that the council hold regular workshops (prior to meetings) to discuss issues openly with staff and the public.

Discussion Items

1. Resiliency and Master Plan (Director Tom Nichols and Justin Keller, Advanced Engineering)

• Update on two ongoing studies: the Watershed Management Plan (stormwater and sea-level rise in 2040) and the Vulnerability Assessment (hurricane impacts in 2100). The team has collected field data, visited flood complaint sites, and is developing a geodatabase for asset management.
• Councilmember Thanos asked about flooding near Wood Ibis Park and along 58th Street. Mr. Keller confirmed the area would be evaluated, noting that solutions in low-lying coastal areas are limited (e.g., road elevation, pump stations). The final deliverables are expected by year-end with actionable project recommendations.

2. Large Dog Park Surface Options

• Director Nichols presented options: re-sodding ($6,000), engineered wood fiber ($35,000 for the large park), or decomposed granite. Synthetic turf was dismissed due to cost ($100,000+) and environmental concerns (rubber pellets ending up in the bay).
• Council discussed the pros and cons: granite drains well but may be taken home on paws; wood fiber may need topping off and can foster bacteria in shade. The group agreed to test a section (the high-use strip) with either granite or wood fiber, and to bring back cost estimates for both options at a future meeting.

3. Appointments to City Boards

• Mayor Henderson reported that he is working on filling his appointment to a board. Councilmember Thanos noted she has filled her appointment.
• It was agreed that when an incumbent wishes to remain on a board, that preference should be honored unless there is a performance issue. The pension board alternate position will be advertised if the current member chooses not to continue.
• The council thanked outgoing board member Kelly Wright for four years of service.

4. Rules and Policies for City Council and Public Comment

• The council discussed several proposed changes to the rules (Resolution No. 2023-27 is the current set). Key outcomes:
  • Public Comment Timing: After council discussion on agenda items (instead of before), effective immediately. The existing open public comment at the start of the meeting remains unchanged.
  • Parliamentarian: The City Attorney (Andy Salzman) will serve as parliamentarian to help enforce rules of decorum and procedure, with the understanding that council members may also call points of order.
  • Consent Agenda: A single council member may not unilaterally pull an item; a majority vote is still required. No change.
  • Board Reports: Council members appointed to outside boards are encouraged (not required) to report back to the full council.
  • Vacancy Process: The existing charter process will be followed (published advertisement for at-large seats; incumbents allowed to reapply).
  • Speaking Order: No formal change; the council will strive to adhere to the order specified in the rules.
  • Political Talk: The parliamentarian will address any inappropriate political remarks.
  • The city attorney will draft a revised resolution reflecting these changes for a vote at a future meeting.

New Business

• Election Date Change: Councilmember Thanos proposed moving the city election from March to August to align with county elections. Councilmember Brown and Vice Mayor O'Hara opposed; the motion did not pass (2-3).
• Advance Purchase Orders for Electric Vehicles: Councilmember Thanos suggested ordering electric trucks now to avoid long lead times. Mayor Henderson and Councilmember Brown opposed, citing concerns about suitability (flood zone, tree debris) and cost. Not adopted.
• Affordable Housing Workshop: Councilmember Thanos requested a workshop to discuss zoning changes (e.g., ADUs, duplexes) to increase affordable housing. Councilmember Brown, Vice Mayor O'Hara, and Councilmember Thanos agreed to hold a workshop; Mayor Henderson and Councilmember Brown expressed skepticism about the city’s ability to solve a national problem. The workshop will be scheduled, likely in June, without outside consultants (relying on staff and existing data).

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilmember Brown reported on the successful Easter Egg Hunt and upcoming events (Junk Drop, Lions Club pancake breakfast, Kiwanis baby shower).
• Vice Mayor O'Hara noted his attendance at the Fusion 49th Street meeting and the marina charrette; he requested that the 49th Street alternatives map be displayed in City Hall. He also announced the Poet Laureate event on April 11.
• Councilmember Thanos thanked voters and volunteers, reported on traffic calming measures on 59th Street, and expressed disappointment with the marina charrette (lack of preparation, missing context, question of continuing the $80,000 contract).
• Mayor Henderson gave an extended statement condemning the conduct of the recent election campaign, calling out bullying and disrespect, and urging the council to focus on the work rather than personal conflicts. He moved to adjourn; the meeting adjourned without further action.

Key Outcomes

• New councilmembers sworn in.
• Consent minutes approved.
• Director Nichols and Mr. Keller to return with final resiliency study recommendations by end of 2024.
• Dog park surface test section (granite or wood fiber) will be costed and presented at the next meeting.
• Rules of procedure revised (public comment after council discussion, city attorney as parliamentarian); formal resolution to be brought for vote.
• Affordable housing workshop planned for June (date TBD).
• Election date change and electric vehicle purchase orders not approved.
• Mayor Henderson’s request for a more respectful council climate noted.