Gulfport City Council Meeting - September 3, 2024

The Gulfport City Council met on September 3, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The primary agenda items were first readings and public hearings for the FY 2024-2025 millage rate (Ordinance 2024-08) and operating budget (Ordinance 2024-09). A proclamation designating September 4, 2024, as "Mayor Emeritus Michael J. Yakes Day" was presented. Public comments addressed the Tonkin Park playground renovation, holiday lighting for 49th Street, and budget questions. Both ordinances passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Emanuela Muhica (resident, 26th Ave S) expressed appreciation for city parks and requested collaboration on Tonkin Playground at Chase Park, noting a survey of nearly 100 community members showing support for a fenced-in playground, natural features, and shade. She asked the city to consider parent input.
• Angelina Rugia (resident, 52nd Ave) echoed support for the Tonkin playground renovation, citing 91 survey participants (80 from Gulfport). She advocated for full fencing, seating in shade, protection of existing trees, nature-based play, equipment for ages 2–5, wood mulch ground cover, and a water feature (mister or fountain).
• Aaron Kennedy (St. Pete resident, Fusion 49th District) requested $9,191.25 to extend holiday lights to the west side of 49th Street, stating the lighting contractor could combine the order with no additional setup fees. He noted both cities support Fusion 49th initiatives.
• Mary Hanarhan (resident, 27th Ave S) questioned a $232,000 line item for an "essential employee" (identified as fire employee costs), the addition of an assistant city manager (salary range same as police chief), and the absence of a dedicated marine police officer and community resource officer.
• Miss Schwartz (resident, location not specified) asked why an assistant city manager was needed given the stable population of ~12,000, and expressed concern about lack of public discussion on the budget.
• Karen Schwartz (Delight Ave S) asked about transition planning for retiring staff (referencing Tom and others), the cost of a national search for replacements, and funding for the 49th Street police/fire station relocation.
• Susan Gore (Edie Windsor Building, Town Shores) reminded the council that Out Arts and Culture applications for three $2,000 scholarships (Branch Out program) are open until end of September, and requested an update on funds raised for the senior center after three years of $184,000 budgeted for fundraising.
• Nathan Brummer (South Merriam St, candidate for State House District 61) thanked the council for their service and praised the community dialogue.

Discussion Items

• Millage Rate (Ordinance 2024-08): Councilmember Love asked why the ordinance language references a 9.20% increase over the rolled-back rate; City Attorney Salzman explained it is a Florida statute requirement. The rate was set at 4.0258 operating mills, unchanged from the advertised TRIM notice. The ordinance passed unanimously (5-0).
• Operating Budget (Ordinance 2024-09): City Manager O'Reilly noted the budget increased $100,000 from the earlier proposal, including $5,000 for Pinellas County homeless facilitation, $20,000 for park plant materials, and $75,000 for grant procurement services. Councilmember Thanos asked extensive questions about reserve funds, EMS fire truck deferral, the assistant city manager position (budgeted ~$130,000), software lease accounting, and various line items. She suggested removing the budgeted leisure services director position (~$100,000) to require council approval for rehiring. Councilmember Brown expressed support for the assistant city manager after calling peer cities. Vice Mayor O'Hara and Councilmember Ray supported succession planning and the assistant role. The ordinance passed unanimously with a direction to add an estimated $9,200 for holiday lighting on 49th Street to the next reading.
• Tonkin Park Playground: City Manager O'Reilly reported staff is meeting with providers and will share results. Fencing is included in the project. He noted the safety surface (rubber) is preferred over wood mulch. Councilmember Brown asked that staff meet with parents before selecting providers.
• Proclamation: Mayor Henderson read a proclamation declaring September 4, 2024, as "Mayor Emeritus Michael J. Yakes Day" in honor of his 27 years of service (5 years on council, 22 as mayor). The city will fund five children's summer recreation programs in his name.
• City Manager Report: O'Reilly reported lift stations worked during Hurricane Debbie, with no spills. The 58th Street project is reappropriated to fiscal year 2025 due to design and state funding issues. Emergency purchase orders may be needed for removal of 10-11 derelict vessels.
• Consent Agenda: Minutes from July 16 and August 6, 2024, approved unanimously.
• Council Comments: Councilmembers thanked staff for Gecko Fest cleanup, Hurricane Debbie response, and noted kudos to Officer Menson (for three different calls) and casino staff (Gigi, Jack, Tim) for assisting a collapsed resident at Gecko Ball. Councilmember Thanos suggested a welcome package for new residents and asked about procedures for tree removal calls after hours.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2024-08 (Millage Rate): Passed unanimously (5-0). The 4.0258 millage rate will be levied for FY 2024-2025.
• Ordinance 2024-09 (Operating Budget): Passed unanimously (5-0) with an amendment to include approximately $9,200 for holiday lighting on 49th Street (to be finalized at second reading).
• Proclamation: September 4, 2024, designated as "Mayor Emeritus Michael J. Yakes Day."
• Budget Direction: Council will consider removal of leisure services director position from the budget; city manager will return with a recommendation.
• Public Input: Staff will meet with Tonkin Park parents and review survey results before finalizing playground designs. City manager will coordinate with Duke Energy and St. Petersburg on power drops for holiday lighting. An update on senior center fundraising is expected in October.