Gulfport City Council Meeting – September 16, 2025

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included two public hearings on the FY 2025‑2026 millage rate and budget, general public comment, a first‑reading ordinance on vehicle lodging and cooking, several resolutions, a discussion on the potential de‑annexation of Lincoln Cemetery, and council reports. All routine items and resolutions were approved, while the lodging portion of Ordinance 2025‑11 failed on a 2‑3 vote.

Public Hearings: Millage Rate and Budget

• Item 1.a – Millage Rate (Second Reading): Ordinance 2025‑09 set the ad valorem tax levy at 4.0258 mills, unchanged for the third consecutive year (previously 4.3 mills before a rollback due to property‑value growth exceeding 10%). One resident spoke, reporting a 14.1% tax increase on his duplex (half homesteaded). The ordinance passed unanimously (5‑0).
• Item 1.b – Budget (Second Reading): Ordinance 2025‑10 adopted the operating budget for FY 2025‑2026. Discussion included:
  • Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection: City Manager O’Reilly stated the city has paid $7,300 over three years and is scheduled to pay $7,600 over the next seven years; after year 10, net credits of $1,000–$3,300 per year are projected for up to 30 years. Council members questioned the investment’s value; the program can be cancelled but not easily re‑entered.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: The city spent approximately $11,000 last year on electricity for two charging pedestals (four connections) at City Hall, which are heavily used, including by non‑residents. Council directed staff to pursue a payment option (e.g., credit‑card swiping) and, if unavailable, to consider turning off the stations until needed for city vehicles.
  • Gabber Advertising Contract: The city pays about $19,000 per year for a centerfold calendar of events in the Gulf Beaches Gabber. Some council members deemed it redundant given the city’s own online calendar and printed newsletter. The contract runs through November; a report will be brought back in late October.
  • Additional public comments addressed the Duke Energy program (a resident urged continuation), the Gabber (a resident opposed the expense), and the charging stations (support for payment system). The budget ordinance passed unanimously (5‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (non‑agenda):
  • A resident gave remarks on First Amendment rights regarding funeral protests.
  • Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) reported the September 13 “Beyond the Beach” cleanup collected over 100 lbs of trash with 207 volunteers (including a contingent from Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital). Next cleanups: October 4 (Great American Coastal Cleanup at Clam Bayou) and October 11 (winter schedule begins).
• On the budget:
  • A resident questioned the Duke Energy contract’s viability if Duke Power is no longer the provider.
  • A resident urged caution before eliminating Gabber advertising, noting many older residents rely on it.
• On Ordinance 2025‑11 (vehicle lodging/cooking):
  • Several residents described negative impacts: unsanitary conditions, loss of family‑friendly use of parks/beach, business revenue loss, and safety concerns (domestic incident at Veterans Park). Others argued against criminalizing poverty and suggested alternatives like designated parking with restrooms, church partnerships, or paid parking.
  • The chief of police was not asked to provide crime statistics from this population; a question from the audience went unanswered.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2025‑11 – First Reading:
  • Section D (Lodging in vehicles on public property): City Attorney Salzman presented a revised draft addressing council feedback – the prohibition applies only to public streets, parks, and parking lots, defines “lodging” as “a place in which someone lives or stays temporarily,” and exempts existing recreational‑vehicle allowances (120‑hour limit). After extensive debate, council members split: Jackson, Early, and Thanos opposed (citing concerns about criminalizing homelessness and vagueness); Shaw and Love supported (citing enforcement needs and resident complaints). The motion to approve Section D failed 2‑3.
  • Section E (Cooking while parked): This provision was supported by all council members. A separate motion to keep Section E alone passed unanimously (5‑0), and it will advance to second reading as an amended ordinance.
• Lincoln Cemetery De‑annexation: Mayor Love provided background: the owner has not contacted the city, but St. Petersburg Mayor Welch provided historical documents suggesting the cemetery was once part of St. Pete. Council recognized the private‑property issue and precedent concerns; no action taken. A map was provided in council mailboxes.
• Casino Building Improvements (Resolution 2025‑71): The council authorized the city manager to contract with Halff Engineering for professional services at 8% of anticipated $3.5 million construction cost (under $280,000). The project is expected to take 8–10 months for design and 12 months for construction. The engineering contract was approved unanimously (5‑0).

Key Outcomes

• Millage Rate (Ordinance 2025‑09): Approved 5‑0.
• Budget (Ordinance 2025‑10): Approved 5‑0.
• Vehicle Lodging (Section D of Ordinance 2025‑11): Failed 2‑3.
• Cooking while Parked (Section E of Ordinance 2025‑11): Approved 5‑0 for second reading.
• Contractor Permitting Services (Resolution 2025‑69): Approved 5‑0, authorizing city manager to negotiate with C.A.P. Government (80/20 revenue split on contractor permits; council directed staff to renegotiate the split for owner‑builder permits where the city performs more work).
• Police Department AC Unit (Resolution 2025‑70): Approved 5‑0.
• Casino Engineering Contract (Resolution 2025‑71): Approved 5‑0.
• Charging Stations: Staff to obtain a payment‑option contract or consider turning off public charging.
• Gabber Advertising: Staff to provide contract details and bring a recommendation before the contract expires in November.
• Parking Workshop: Scheduled for October 2, 2025, to discuss timed and paid parking.
• Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan: Council consensus to sign a partnership letter.
• Flood Insurance Presentation: Vice Mayor Thanos requested a future presentation on the city’s Community Rating System discount.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after council comments and new business.