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.
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.