Gulfport City Council Meeting - December 17, 2024

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included a presentation on Senior Center fundraising, extensive public comment on hurricane recovery and permitting delays, approval of four resolutions, and a lot drawing for the March 2025 election ballot. The council also addressed temporary permit fee waivers, a neighborhood parking issue, and other administrative items.

Presentations

• Senior Center Fundraising Update: Janell Johnson (Executive VP & Chief Strategy Officer) and Aaron Johnson (VP, Kinetic Fundraising, Inc.) reported that the campaign has raised $3 million toward the $13.1 million goal. They have solicited $28 million in total but noted that $13 million is still under consideration. Challenges include a 100% capital campaign (no program funds), slow decision-making, and limited foundation interest. They proposed a scaled-back contract (two on-site days per month, $4,200/month, not to exceed $40,000 for 12 months) focusing on outstanding asks. Councilmembers expressed concerns about lack of progress and rising construction costs. Councilmember Thanos stated, "I don't think the money is out there at this time for this project." The mayor noted that a city partnership means the campaign was announced early, unlike typical silent phases. The presenters agreed to return in the first quarter of 2025 for an update.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Emmett Walsh (2232 Beach Blvd.): Thanked Vice Mayor Fredovich for stepping up to serve.
• Ed Benson (3026 57th St S): Criticized the city's hurricane recovery process, stating residents are unable to get permits or substantial damage assessments in a timely manner. Called for 24-hour turnaround on certain permits, in-house assessments, and emergency funding for the building department.
• Veronica Saladino (2713 46th St S): Described confusion over appraisal requirements for the 50% rule. Noted the city's packet says county tax assessor evaluation can be used, but permit office demanded a FEMA appraisal. Requested clearer communication.
• Lisa Shoey (318 59th St S, Unit 103 - Townshores): Brought restoration contractor Brian Johns to speak. Johns stated his company handles 151 units at Townshores and needs clarity on valuation for FEMA 50% rule, especially for condos. He proposed using the property appraiser's "just market value" per unit. He noted that the county is still determining valuation methods.
• Myron (restoration contractor): Representing 30 homeowners; said the 50% rule and zoning restrictions make rebuilding difficult. Suggested revisiting zoning to allow creative solutions like duplexes.
• Sue Book (5925 Shore Blvd S, Lancaster Building, Townshores): Asked why Dunedin and Clearwater grant one master permit per building while Gulfport requires individual condo permits.
• Annie Minick Beck (14th Ave S): Described ongoing harassment by a neighbor who parks vehicles to block others, including emergency vehicles. Requested council action. Police and fire have responded; Chief Nichols proposed removing parking from both sides of the block as a temporary solution.
• Debbie Stoby (2702 45th St S): Owns a rental that cannot be repaired due to permitting delays; renters displaced. Concerned about losing character of neighborhood.
• Joe (2666 45th St S): Reported rude treatment at permit office and added cost due to AC unit height requirement from FEMA. Accused council of not caring, except Councilmember Brown.
• Diana Booth (5955 30th Ave S - Ivanhoe Building, Townshores): Noted that whole first floor was wiped out. Suggested waiving permit fees and allowing one permit per building, not per unit.
• Karen Love (23rd Ave S): Asked for Plan B if Title BaSin does not deliver assessments. Questioned who holds FEMA and county accountable. Praised Christmas lights and Operation Santa.
• Fred Rowe: Requested access to the seawall at Coast Guard Auxiliary for mooring field users; city manager explained ADA compliance would require substantial improvements.
• Bob Canning: Asked council to vote to extend permit fee waivers for flood damage permits until the valuation equation is clarified.
• Marlene Shaw (58th & 23rd Ave S): Asked for relief on utility standby fees for displaced residents.
• Karen Schwartz (Dillette Ave S): Asked if there is a Plan B for the senior center if fundraising fails.
• Amy Costa (28th Ave S): Suggested donating the senior center building to a nonprofit to ease fundraising; mayor noted city charter restricts transfer of recreational facilities without referendum.
• Susan Gore (6020 Shore Blvd S): Asked for a 30-day reporting requirement on fundraising contract.

Discussion Items

• Election Ballot Lot: City Clerk conducted a lot to determine name placement on the March 11, 2025 General Municipal Election ballot. For Ward 2 (three candidates): 1. Byron Shellfont, 2. Marlene Shaw, 3. Christine Brown. For Mayor (three candidates): 1. Sam Henderson, 2. Karen Love, 3. John Liccioni. Nancy Early (Ward 4) was unopposed and declared elected. Clerk also reviewed temporary sign ordinance rules.
• Wood Ibis Pond Flooding Study: Councilmember Thanos proposed paying $28,000 to expedite a stormwater study for Wood Ibis Pond, which floods regularly. City Manager noted it could be brought forward as a separate agenda item. Council agreed to place it on a future agenda.
• Temporary Labyrinth in Clam Bayou Park: Council gave consensus for a temporary labyrinth display for World Labyrinth Day in May, placed on the south end across from Hickman Theater.
• Permit Fee Waiver Extension: Council agreed to extend waiver of building permit fees for storm-related repairs through March 7 or the first meeting in March 2025, with a review after 60 days. City Manager will implement.
• 14th Avenue Parking Issue: City Manager reported that the police chief recommended removing parking on both sides of the block between 55th and 56th Streets on 14th Avenue South to address neighbor harassment. Council gave consensus for the temporary measure.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes from December 3, 2024: Approved unanimously.

Resolutions (All Passed)

• Resolution No. 2024-100: Authorizing renewal of contract with Kinetic Fundraising, Inc. for Senior Center Capital Campaign management (scaled-back contract). Passed 4-1 (Councilmember Thanos opposed).
• Resolution No. 2024-101: Authorizing FDOT Section 5310 grant application for replacement of a GEMS bus. Passed 5-0.
• Resolution No. 2024-102: Authorizing payment to Servpro Industries, LLC for emergency remediation at city buildings from Hurricane Helene. Passed 5-0.
• Resolution No. 2024-103: Authorizing payment to Servpro Industries, LLC for emergency remediation from Hurricane Milton. Passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Senior Center fundraising contract renewed for 12 months at $4,200/month (not to exceed $40,000) with 30-day termination notice. Kinetic will focus on outstanding asks and scale on-site presence to two days per month.
• Building permit fees for storm-related repairs waived through early March 2025, with re-evaluation in 60 days.
• Temporary no-parking restriction approved for 14th Avenue South between 55th and 56th Streets to address a neighbor dispute.
• City will explore expediting Wood Ibis Pond study (cost $28,000) as a separate agenda item.
• Substantial damage letters are now available online through the community development portal (BS&A), searchable by address.
• Council directed City staff to work on clarifying the appeal process for substantial damage determinations.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.