The meeting began with an invocation by Councilmember Jennifer Dawn, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Councilmember Webb was excused. Presentations included a proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 17–23) and a Duke Energy Vegetation Management update. Public comments featured 11 speakers on topics ranging from a proposed labyrinth, ongoing post-storm housing issues, barking dogs, boat dock safety, to redistricting concerns. The council adopted a resolution on procedural rules, held first readings on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinances, approved two major dock replacement contracts, and discussed scheduling a voter anchorage workshop.
Good evening. And thank you all for coming out in this wonderful, wonderful rain. I know we love it. Um, so I do see quite a few new faces here tonight. So I just want to for the folks who don't come all the time, they don't necessarily know a couple of the procedures. So the first thing is no telephones should be ringing or buzzing or anything like that. Second, I understand that there's going to be times where you might want to talk to the person next to you. That's fine, but do it in the hallway. Because this is like a I it's so weird. Anytime anyone's speaking out there, I can hear it really clearly here. So it's quite distracting. So I ask that. And when we get to public comment, public comment, the first public comment will be for anything that's not on the agenda. And you have three minutes. But if you haven't done it before, you might not know that you can talk about whatever you want. Okay, but it's not a question and answer period. You can ask us questions, but don't look at us like, why aren't you answering? We don't do that during this time. Uh if you ask a question and you're really looking for a definite answer, you might get it during public um our council comments, but you can also leave your name and a way to contact you with our city clerk, and she'll pass that on to us, okay. I always feel bad when somebody's standing up there looking at me like, aren't you gonna say anything? No, I'm not gonna say anything. Nobody's gonna say anything. So, that all being said, what we're gonna do tonight is we will start with our invocation and then it will be followed by the pledge of allegiance. So I ask that everyone stand. Councilmember Jennifer Dawn. I have a quote from Dolly Parton. The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain. Find out who you are and do it on purpose. If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you're an excellent leader. Oh my god. Roll call, please. Councilmember Early. Present. Councilmember Donch? Here. Vice Mayor Shaw, present. Mayor Love here, City Attorney Salzman? Here. City Manager O'Reilly, here. City Clerk Carico is present, and Councilmember Webb has asked to be excused. All righty. Thank you. We have two presentations tonight, and we will start with our city clerk reading the first proclamation for National Public Works Week. Whereas public works contributes to advancing and enhancing our quality of life and provide services that are vital to sustainable and resilient communities, and whereas public works professionals are responsible for planning, building, improving, maintaining, and protecting essential infrastructure, facilities, and services that support public health, safety, and well-being. And whereas the support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public work systems and programs such as parks, streets, highways, traffic, stormwater, public buildings, transit, fleet maintenance, and solid waste. And whereas public works professionals, including engineers, managers, supervisors, operators, technicians, and employees provide essential services that lead to healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities. And whereas it is in the public interest for citizens, civic leaders, and children in the city of Gulfport to gain knowledge and of and maintain an ongoing understanding of the importance of public works and the public works programs. There, be it resolved, therefore, be it resolved that I, Karen Love, mayor of the city of Gulfport, do hereby proclaim May 17th through 23rd as National Public Works Week, and witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Gulfport, Florida to be a fixed this 19th day of May 2026. No, thank you so much. Thank you so much.