St. Petersburg City Council Meeting Summary: June 8, 2023

The St. Petersburg City Council convened on June 8, 2023, at 20:00 UTC. The meeting opened with an invocation by Chaplain Janet Clark of the U.S. Coast Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members approved the agenda unanimously, with Councilmember Hanowitz absent. The meeting included several proclamations, updates from community partners, and an emergency procurement notification.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approval passed unanimously with Councilmember Hanowitz absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Sokel, owner of Fresco's, spoke during the first open forum. He expressed his intent to bid on the marina RFP and mentioned a $4 million budget to demolish and rebuild the restaurant. He highlighted his 20-year tenure, his investment in the property, and his commitment to retaining his employees.
• Evan Jones, a resident at 2314 Woodlawn Circle West, spoke in the final open forum about the Tampa Bay Rays. He urged the Rays management to negotiate in good faith with the city, citing the team's valuation of $1.3 billion, an 8x return on investment, and increased attendance and viewership.

Awards & Proclamations

• Aphasia Awareness Month (June 2023): Councilmember Gurtis presented the proclamation. Debbie Yones, executive director of Voices of Hope for Aphasia, accepted and emphasized the importance of awareness.
• Gun Violence Awareness Month (June 2023): Mayor Welch presented the proclamation. Multiple speakers, including Reverend Ken Irby, a representative from Moms Demand Action, Pastor Clark Hazley, and Maurice Scott from Keeks for Life, spoke in support. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for advocacy efforts and highlighted the need for community action.
• Juneteenth Day (June 19, 2023): Mayor Welch presented the proclamation with Terry Lipsy Scott from the Woodson Museum. Councilmembers Mohammed and Fig Sanders spoke about the importance of equity and recognition.
• Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week (June 5-9, 2023): Mayor Welch and Amy Foster recognized code enforcement staff. Councilmembers expressed gratitude for their work.
• Mordecai Walker Day (June 8, 2023): Mayor Welch proclaimed the day in honor of Mordecai Walker, a 98-year-old veteran and educator. Tom Packer shared a personal story of Walker's generosity.
• Sunshine Ambassador Award: Presented to McKenzie Davis Coart, a recent high school graduate with a 4.4 GPA, who received 80 scholarships and was accepted to all 14 colleges she applied to.

Report Items & Presentations

• Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) Update: Dr. Monty Graham reported on FIO's role in ocean science education and infrastructure, including the new research vessel Western Flyer. He noted that 400 undergraduate students participated in trips on the Hogarth in the past year.
• Tampa Bay Estuary Program Update: Dr. Sherwood discussed seagrass loss, harmful algal blooms, and the need for nutrient management. He highlighted a $30 billion economic impact of Tampa Bay and over 200,000 jobs. Councilmember Floyd asked about macroalgae blooms, and Councilmember Hanowitz inquired about wave attenuation devices and fertilizer ordinance preemption.
• Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast Update: Maxine Kaufman and Stuart Berger presented the federation's programs, including support for Holocaust survivors, community relations, and advocacy. Councilmembers discussed the rise in anti-Semitism and the adoption of the IHRA definition.
• St. Petersburg Housing Authority Update: CEO Lundy reported on agency progress, including a 96% cumulative score in housing choice voucher program, a 100% score in 2022, and recent high-performance status for public housing. He detailed redevelopment projects: Jordan Park ($93 million, 206 family units, 60-unit senior building), Hartford/Saratoga (81 units), and Ed White Hospital (70 senior units). The Housing Authority has renovated or improved 240 units and constructed 177 new units.
• West Central Revitalization Plan Update: Brajesh Prayman provided an update on the streetscape and water main project from Park Street to 58th Street. He noted the water main is about 60% complete, with completion anticipated by October.
• Emergency Procurement Report: Community Enrichment Administrator Mike Jeffries reported that the mayor activated emergency procurement provisions for the summer lunch food program vendor. A new contract was awarded to Pinellas County Schools after the previous vendor, Canteen Refreshment Services, failed to deliver. Councilmember Driscoll expressed appreciation for the quick response and called out the previous vendor.

Key Outcomes

• Approved agenda with no objections.
• No formal votes were taken on proclamations or report items; they were informational.
• Emergency procurement notification accepted.

Announcements

• Birthday announcements for Cindy Shepard and Councilmember Gurtis.
• Councilmember Gurtis announced that legislative aide JC Pritchett was accepted to Stetson University Law School.
• Mayor Welch announced the 4th anniversary celebration at the Youth Farm on June 9, 2023, at 6 p.m.