St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - June 15, 2023
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St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - June 15, 2023
The St. Petersburg City Council met on June 15, 2023, for a full agenda including routine approvals, reports, public hearings, and a controversial ordinance restricting tables on sidewalks. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by unanimous approval of the agenda and consent agenda. Key items included funding for the Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Reading literacy program, adoption of the Albert Whitted Airport Master Plan, approval of labor agreements and a social services contract, and rezoning for new developments. The most divisive item was Ordinance I5, which expanded a ban on tables and similar objects in public rights-of-way, passing 5-3 after extensive public comment.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda and consent agenda approved unanimously.
- Item E4/E5: Labor agreements for blue collar, white collar, and professional bargaining units (three-year contracts with 3.5% annual wage increases and step progression) approved unanimously after a roll-call vote (2 separate items combined in one motion).
- Item E6: Second amended agreement with PERC (Hidden Voices program) for $95,000 to connect 25 newly returning residents with jobs or soft skill training and host 4 community events. Approved unanimously after discussion.
- Committee reports (G1A - HOUT committee action plan for FY23-24; G2 - investment policy update) approved unanimously.
- Preliminary assessments (I1 and I2) and alley vacations (I3 - 685/699 1st Ave N; I4 - 1421 Central Ave for Green Bench Brewing) approved unanimously.
- New business referral (F1) to discuss commercial corridors and Sunrunner station area zoning updates approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Open Forum (non-agenda):
- Jack Tunkel (Chair, Albert Whitted Airport Advisory Committee) urged acceptance of the airport master plan and layout plan.
- Walt Driggers (Friends of Albert Whitted Airport) reported on airport activity, scholarships, and community events; expressed support for the airport.
- Esther Matthews raised concerns about the South St. Pete CRA microfund application process, alleging a lack of formal review and requestng investigation.
- David Sokel (owner of Fresco's) highlighted the business's community contributions (charity events, fundraisers) and urged the city to keep Fresco's local rather than lease to an out-of-town corporation.
- Evan Jones spoke against the Woodlawn Town Home Development, citing safety issues with a single entrance/exit.
- On Item I5 (Table Ban Expansion): Many speakers opposed the ordinance, arguing it would harm homeless individuals, street performers, artists, and community organizations distributing supplies (e.g., Narcan, food). Speakers included representatives from Food Not Bombs, St. Pete Tenants Union, and Florida Harm Reduction Collective. One speaker described previous arrests in China for similar activities and feared infringement on free speech. No speakers supported the expansion.
- On Item I6 (Rezoning at 118 66th St N): One speaker (Tim Lucking) opposed, citing increased traffic, safety concerns, and inconsistency with the neighborhood.
- On Items I4 (Alley Vacation for Green Bench Brewing): Multiple speakers (Nathan Stonecypher, Roger Curlin, Leslie Curran) supported, noting the alley would allow the brewery to connect a warehouse with a creekside courtyard, enhancing the Edge District.
Discussion Items
- Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Reading Program (Good News item E3): Mayor Ken Welch and Community Enrichment Administrator Mike Jeffries presented a $95,000 funding request to stand up the program. Maria Scruggs detailed deliverables: formal MOU with Pinellas County Schools (pending June 20 meeting), two family navigators at Campbell Park Elementary, a literacy consultant, a website, and enrollment of 66 students. Councilmember Fig Sanders expressed hesitation about lack of baseline data but ultimately supported the motion. Council celebrated the initiative.
- Disaster Operations Plan Update (E1): Emergency Manager Amber Bolding reviewed the city's preparedness culture, training programs (e.g., Operation EOC Ready), and the 2023 DOP update cycle (changing from 2-year to 5-year review). She emphasized the need for residents to know their storm surge evacuation zone (KYZ.pinellascounty.org). Council commended the work.
- Albert Whitted Airport Master Plan (E2): Richard Lesniak (Airport Manager) and Doug DeCarlo (ESA) presented the 20-year plan (accepted 2007 master plan update). Key projects: hangars, runway threshold shift for safety, and a long-term runway extension into Tampa Bay (10-15 years out). The plan was approved unanimously after public comment from Evan Jones suggesting the airport is not the best use of land. Councilmember Montanari and Driscoll discussed parking, EV/urban air mobility, and economic impact.
- CRA Development (CRA2 - 1663 1st Ave S): Corey Melishka (Zoning Official) presented an 8-story, 97-unit micro-apartment building (no parking, units under 750 sq. ft.) along the Sunrunner line. Applicant Katie confirmed reliance on transit, bikes, and potential off-site lease agreements. Councilmember Montanari expressed concerns about parking for businesses; Councilmember Gabbard supported the project as affordable housing innovation. Approved unanimously.
- Hidden Voices/PERC Contract (E6): Amy Foster (Housing) and Esther Matthews (PERC) discussed the program's comprehensive case management for families affected by violence. Councilmember Mohammed asked for clearer metrics; Matthews promised detailed data. Councilmember Fig Sanders praised the program's impact on returning citizens and victims' families. Approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Approved unanimously: Agenda, consent agenda, E4/E5 (labor agreements), E6 (PERC contract), E2 (airport master plan), CRA2 (1663 1st Ave S development), F1 (referral to HLUT committee), G1A and G2 (committee reports), I1/I2 (assessments), I3/I4 (alley vacations), I6 (rezoning 7-1 with Councilmember Gerdes dissenting).
- Ordinance I5 (Table Ban Expansion): Passed 5-3. Voting yes: Councilmembers Driscoll, Gabbard, Gerdes, Hanowitz, Montaneri. Voting no: Councilmembers Mohammed, Floyd, Fig Sanders. The ordinance expands the prohibition on tables and similar objects in rights-of-way (including walkways and landscaped areas) beyond downtown to the Pier District and other pedestrian-heavy areas, with enforcement focused on education first.
- Next Steps: Staff will update the comprehensive plan and zoning maps to reflect approved changes. The DOP update will proceed on a five-year cycle. The community charrettes for Sunrunner station areas are scheduled for June 21 and 28.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the City of St. Petersburg City Council meeting. Your elected officials are Mayor Ken Welch. District 1, Copley Gurdis, District 2, and Council Chair, Brandy Gabbard. District 3, Edmonton Ari. District 4, Liseth Panawitz. District 5. And Council Vice Chair, Deborah Fig Sanders. District 6, Gina Driscoll. District 7, John Mohammed. And District 8, Richie Floyd. Good afternoon, everyone. We will call to order the June 15th, 2023 City Council meeting beginning with a roll call. Driscoll here. Mohammed? Here. Lloyd. Gurdis. Here. Gabbard. Here. Montaneri. Here. Hannawitz. Here. Fix Sanders. Okay. We will begin our meeting today with an invocation that will be given by fellow council member John Mohammed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Well, everyone, please join me in standing. Let us pray. The name of the one true God who's known by many names, we beseech your help and ask your mercy. You are a nourisher and our sustainer. So before you we ask you for anything, we'd like to thank you for everything that you've already given us. We thank you for the opportunity to serve and provide leadership and direction for the city of St. Petersburg. In this sacred moment of prayer, we come before you with hearts full of hope and a burning desire to be agents of change and transformation. We recognize the power within us to shape the world around us and to make positive impacts on the lives of others. We seek your guidance and blessings as we embark upon this noble journey. Dear Lord, give us the clarity of vision to recognize the areas of our city that are in need of change. Illuminate our minds with innovative ideas and creative solutions, empowering us to think beyond boundaries and embrace new possibilities. Help us to see the interconnectedness of all beings and instill in us a deep sense of empathy and compassion for all those who are suffering. Fill our hearts with the courage and resilience to step forward and take action. Strengthen our resolve in the face of adversity, knowing the path to transformation is always met with challenges. Grant us the perseverance to overcome the obstacles and the unwavering belief in our ability to make a difference. Dear Lord, guide our intentions that we may be rooted in love, justice, and equality. Help us to navigate the complexities of this world with integrity and the commitment to fairness. May our actions be fueled by a genuine desire to uplift others to create spaces of inclusivity and to dismantle systems of oppression. Keep us mindful of the impact that our choices have on others and its contributions to their well-being. Dear Lord, unite within us a passion for learning and growth and inspire us to seek knowledge and engage in meaningful conversations and remain open to new perspectives. Help us to recognize the value of collaboration and the strength that comes from diverse voices working together.
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