Gulfport City Council Meeting – March 4, 2025

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included a presentation from the American Public Works Association, public comments, city manager and attorney reports, unanimous approval of a consent calendar, and passage of six resolutions related to infrastructure recovery from recent hurricanes. Council also discussed revenue losses, FEMA reimbursement progress, and the upcoming election.

Presentations

• Kendrix Anderson, President of the American Public Works Association (APWA), recognized two city employees for their achievements at the February equipment rodeo: Sean Gatlin (sanitation equipment operator) won first place in the claw challenge, and Chris Smuth (utility crew chief) won the overall top gun award. Both will represent Gulfport at the state championship next month.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.a – Approved the meeting minutes from February 18, 2025, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kelly Garcia thanked the council for supporting a millennial meet-and-greet event at the brewery on March 5.
• Richard Freed made disparaging remarks about national political figures and accused Councilmember Christine Brown of being a “collaborator,” calling her comments “nasty.”
• Ms. Love announced the Second Saturday beach cleanup (March 8) and the Great American Cleanup (March 15, 9–11 a.m.), both organized by Gulfport Grassroots.
• Tom Bixler (Town Shores) reported that drywall installation is progressing across multiple buildings, with residents appreciative of the coordinated permit process.
• Fred Rowe (boater) requested better shore access for vulnerable boaters, noting that the mooring field is too far from town. He asked about the status of dinghy dock repairs.
• Karen Schwartz urged attendance at the March 26 PSTA board meeting to vote on new bus routes; the revised plan reduces routes but adds later service.
• Ms. Downey suggested requiring sewer line inspections at home sales to prevent leaks, asked about sunshine law applicability to council appointments, and thanked the city manager for a recent apology.
• Christopher Fultman reported that his window permit was approved but not released pending a contractor’s signature; city staff agreed to assist.
• Marlene Shaw announced a Fusion 49th District cleanup on March 22, expressed concern about break-ins in empty homes, and recommended the city adopt the “C click fix” reporting system.
• A resident (Sirning) asked about the March 31 deadline for free flood-damage permits, noting that some residents received their substantial damage letters late and could not get appraisals in time. The city manager said no blanket extension would be granted.
• Courtney Prokopis added details about Fusion 49 meetings, thanked those interested in volunteering, and criticized Vice Mayor Ferdovich’s apology for his earlier comments about barring a citizen based on religion, calling it insufficient and calling for a public affirmation.
• Susan Gore asked about the status of former council member Ian O’Hara’s payment plan (city attorney responded later) and why horticulturist Tofra Cross left the city.
• An investigative reporter alleged that 411 Gulfport voters had fraudulent vote-by-mail ballot requests submitted on January 11 without required identification. A criminal complaint was filed with Gulfport police, and a grand jury investigation was requested.

City Manager Report

• City Manager O’Reilly reported on hurricane recovery financials, including an estimated $1.455 million general fund revenue loss (casino closure, waived permit fees) and $811,000 enterprise fund loss (marina, fuel sales).
• Shannon, risk manager, presented a detailed breakdown: $5.5 million in expenses paid to date, $3.5 million in pending purchase orders, and $4 million in reimbursements received (NFIP $850,000 for Helene; property insurance $2.8 million for Helene, $343,000 for Milton). FEMA cost-sharing is 75% federal, 12.5% state, 12.5% city.
• The city is working to claim waived permit fees through FEMA’s Section 1206 program. Additional plan reviewers and inspectors have been hired, but the city still faces a resource shortage.
• The city manager recommended sunsetting the free permit fee waiver by March 31, but council preferred to extend it for those with substantial damage letters, with details to be refined at the next meeting.

City Attorney Report

• City Attorney Salzman stated that Brother John Mohammed’s participation in city activities does not violate the Human Rights Ordinance.
• Former Council Member Ian O’Hara has made his first payment under a repayment plan; the next payment is due March 15, with a balloon payment due July 1.

City Clerk Report

• City Clerk Carico reminded the public of the March 11 election and noted that the March 18 council meeting would be canceled because certification takes 10 days. Council agreed to cancel.

Discussion Items

• None.

Resolutions (All Approved Unanimously)

• Resolution 2025-24 – Authorized agreement with Lizotte’s Welding for replacement of aluminum railing along Shore Boulevard South.
• Resolution 2025-25 – Authorized payment to Tetra Tech for debris monitoring services related to Hurricane Milton.
• Resolution 2025-26 – Authorized agreement with SPATCO Energy Solutions for replacement of two fuel dispensers at the marina.
• Resolution 2025-27 – Authorized agreement with Enterprise Marine Contractors for replacement of Veterans Park dock.
• Resolution 2025-28 – Authorized agreement for replacement of Clam Bayou South Dock.
• Resolution 2025-29 – Authorized agreement for replacement of Clam Bayou East Dock.

Key Outcomes

• All six resolutions passed unanimously (5-0).
• The March 18 council meeting was canceled due to election certification delays.
• The council directed staff to explore extending the free permit fee waiver for properties with substantial damage letters, with a report due at the next meeting.
• The city manager will continue to pursue FEMA reimbursement for waived permit fees and other recovery costs.
• Councilmember Thanos nominated Billy Drexler for a Spirit of Gulfport Award for his community service.
• Vice Mayor Ferdovich gave farewell remarks, noting this was his last meeting after 10 years.