Gulfport City Council Regular Meeting - October 1, 2024

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on October 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting focused on the city's response to Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive flooding damage to approximately 25% of the city, primarily in the marina area and along 59th Street. The council also addressed allegations against two council members, approved several routine resolutions, and recognized the community's volunteer efforts.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent agenda (Resolutions 2024-52 through 2024-63) with the exception of Item 5.f (Resolution 2024-57 for Casino HVAC replacement), which was pulled from the agenda. The approved items included holiday decoration services, dance services at the Casino, library materials purchases, software maintenance fees, IT managed services, a Toro mower, sanitation vehicle repairs, fitness equipment replacement, playground replacement, tire repairs, and a new Chevy Silverado work truck.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Celestry (owner of The Gabber newspaper, resident of Gulfport) praised city staff for their storm response and noted that Gulfport, Mississippi is organizing a relief drive to bring supplies. She confirmed the city is coordinating with them.
• Amy Costa (Executive Director, Gulfport Merchant Chamber) reported that a donation center at the Senior Center/Hickman has served approximately 1,200–1,500 people since Sunday, served over 700 hot meals that day via World Central Kitchen, and that all October events downtown are canceled. She noted teams are delivering food and supplies to residents in powerless buildings.
• Kathy (last name not given) (representing her neighborhood on 53rd Street) expressed concern about strangers “snooping” around homes and requested a curfew. She also complained about garbage not being picked up quickly, causing flies.
• Keith Elias (5725 Shore Boulevard) questioned the requirement to wait 29 days for a demolition permit before starting repairs, and asked about the stormwater study (report due December 2024) and timeline for improvements. The city manager later addressed these concerns.
• Marlene Shaw (58th and 23rd Avenue South) asked about allowing RVs on properties of destroyed homes, about food trucks for displaced restaurants, and about utility charges for those who lost use of their homes. She also stated that if one council member’s staff interactions are investigated, all council members should receive the same scrutiny.
• Scott Lindy Stetson (resident) praised the community spirit and cooperation during the disaster, urging that it continue beyond the crisis.

Discussion Items

• Investigation of Council Member Allegations: Mayor Henderson stated there are allegations against Vice Mayor Ian O’Hara regarding use of a city P-card, and against Council Member Thanos regarding directing employees. The council voted to have the city attorney investigate and recommend a course of action. The vote was unanimous from those eligible to vote (the subjects did not vote). Mayor also asked the city attorney to research codes of conduct used by other cities.
• City Manager Report: Jim O’Reilly provided a detailed storm recovery update:
  • 25% of the city suffered significant surge damage; damage assessments are underway.
  • Removal of wet drywall, insulation, and damaged materials does not require a permit, but rebuilding does (due to FEMA and NFIP requirements). The city cautioned against skipping permits, citing Fort Myers’ loss of NFIP participation.
  • Under Florida Statute 125.023, residents whose homes are condemned or uninhabitable may place an RV on their property while rebuilding, only for occupants of the home.
  • The marina’s South Basin Pier 7 is condemned; vessels will be moved. No electric pedestals are operational. Fuel tanks are sealed pending testing. The strip store and Coast Guard building sustained substantial damage.
  • The Casino and Recreation Center also had substantial damage; after-school care moved to Scout Hall.
  • Debris removal will begin Thursday/Friday via a contracted company; residents are asked to separate white goods, brush, and construction debris.
  • Sanitation is back on regular schedule; no utility disconnections for non-payment in October.
• Resolutions: The council passed four resolutions:
  • 2024-64: Mutual aid agreement for law enforcement services (unanimous).
  • 2024-65: Agreement with Pinellas County for Advanced Life Support First Responder funding (unanimous).
  • 2024-66: Three-year agreement with the firefighters’ union (unanimous).
  • 2024-67: Amendment to the MPO interlocal agreement for reapportionment (unanimous). Council then discussed representation; the mayor volunteered and council agreed to appoint him, with regular reports to council.
• New Business: Council Member Thanos requested the city join the “Continuum of Care” organization (annual fee of $300) to address homelessness. The council approved the membership, and Thanos agreed to represent the city.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous vote to have the city attorney investigate allegations against Vice Mayor O’Hara and Council Member Thanos, and to recommend next steps.
• Consent agenda approved (excluding Resolution 2024-57).
• Resolutions 2024-64, 2024-65, 2024-66, and 2024-67 all passed unanimously (5-0).
• Council agreed to join the Continuum of Care organization; invoice to be processed.
• Council agreed to award the “Spirit of Gulfport” award to Gulfport Brewery and the Gulfport Merchant Chamber for their volunteer efforts during the storm.
• City manager directed to address specific public concerns about permits, RV allowance, debris separation, and utility billing.
• November 5, 2024 City Council meeting canceled due to Election Day (City Hall is a polling place).

Note: The meeting began at 6:00 PM and adjourned after approximately 2 hours. All council members were present: Mayor Sam Henderson, Vice Mayor Ian O’Hara, Council Members Paul Thanos, Jennifer Brown, and Christine Ray.