St. Petersburg City Council Meeting Summary: August 3, 2023

The City of St. Petersburg City Council met on August 3, 2023, beginning at 2:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation honoring former Councilmember Charles Gertis, several public hearings, and votes on development agreements, a tenant bill of rights repeal, and a number of new business items. Council members Floyd and Hanowitz were absent for several votes. The meeting lasted approximately four hours.

Proclamation

• Charles "Charlie" Gertis Day: Mayor Ken Welch and Councilmember Copley Gerdis presented a proclamation declaring August 3, 2023 as Charles "Charlie" Gertis Day, honoring his service on City Council from 2012 to 2020 and his lifelong community involvement. Multiple council members spoke in appreciation of his leadership and integrity.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: Motion passed unanimously with Floyd and Hanowitz absent.
• Consent Agenda: Passed unanimously with Floyd and Hanowitz absent.

Good News Item F4 – CALL Program Renewal

• Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) Program: The council approved a three-year contract renewal to expand hours from 8 a.m.–12 a.m. to 8 a.m.–2 a.m., seven days a week. Since its launch in January 2021 (912 days prior), the program has made nearly 10,000 contacts. Key metrics: 86% of clients attended follow-up appointments; 93% of calls resulted in diversion from a crisis unit, hospitalization, or police response. Chief Holloway has been recognized nationally for the program. Councilmember Mohammed noted the program emerged from community advocacy following George Floyd’s murder and praised the police chief’s responsiveness. The vote was unanimous.

Open Forum (Public Comments)

• John Schoer (250 58th Street N): Expressed opposition to public financing for a potential stadium, arguing that historical subsidies (totaling $483 million in today's dollars for the Trop) have not produced economic benefits and that the process lacks transparency. Requested the city provide full financial statements since the 1980s.
• Dawn Dames (Faith in Florida, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N): Urged the council to prioritize affordable workforce housing in the redevelopment of the historic gas plant district, stating that proposals using 120% of area median income (AMI) are insufficient. Called for units affordable to households earning 50–80% of AMI and noted the need for a community benefits agreement.

Public Hearings

• E1 – FY2324 Annual Action Plan: Unanimously approved. The plan governs CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds from HUD. The process included public meetings and a committee review. Vote: unanimous with Hanowitz absent.
• E2 – Jordan Park School HVAC Pre-Design: Unanimously approved a $140,700 CDBG amendment for HVAC replacement design at the school serving over 200 Head Start children. Vote: unanimous with Hanowitz absent.
• E3 – Vehicles for Hire Ordinance: Unanimously approved removing Chapter 28 and creating new Article IX for non-motorized and low-speed vehicles. Vote: unanimous with Hanowitz absent.
• E4 – Repeal of Tenant’s Bill of Rights: Unanimously approved to comply with state preemption. Public commenters (William Kilgore, St. Pete Tenants Union; Dawn Dames) urged the council to continue protecting tenants, especially against source-of-income discrimination. Councilmember Floyd expressed frustration but stated the council would continue efforts for tenant protections. Vote: unanimous with Hanowitz absent.

Discussion Items

• F1 – Citywide Pilot Rebates for Residential Rehabilitation: Unanimously approved. The program aligns with CRA rules. Staff noted funding ran out on the second day of advertisement and are exploring changes for next fiscal year, including lowering AMI to 100% and prioritizing homeowners. Councilmember Gerdis thanked the administration for expanding the program citywide.
• F3 – Third Amendment to Orange Station Development Agreement: Approved 6-1 (Floyd voting no). The amendment replaces 56 market-rate condos with 15,000 more sq. ft. of office space (now min. 115,000 sq. ft.) and increases workforce housing from 30 to 42 units (20% at 80% AMI, rest at 120% AMI). The city mortgage increased from $2M to $4M at 1% interest. Developer contributions for public art increased to $250,000. A new partner (Ellison Development) will start construction in Q4 2023. Councilmember Floyd expressed concern that the total subsidy ($25M+) could have built hundreds of affordable units. Councilmember Fig Sanders requested a ceremony for the lone surviving Courageous Twelve member, Mr. Jackson.
• CRA Item – Land Sale to Habitat for Humanity: Unanimously approved selling 2.18 acres at 2100 18th Avenue S for $10. Habitat will develop townhomes with initial sales to households at or below 80% AMI, subsequent sales at 120% AMI for 15 years. Construction must begin by September 2025 and finish by April 2028. Liquidated damages of $1.43M apply if not developed. Council members praised the homeownership opportunity and Habitat’s sweat equity model.

New Business Items

• H1 – Budget Discussion Referral (Montanari): Motion amended to remove the date, then failed 3-3 (Driscoll, Floyd, Montanari yes; Fig Sanders, Gabbard, Mohammed no; Gerdis and Hanowitz absent). Council members debated timing and preparation; the budget director was unavailable on proposed date. Councilmember Driscoll suggested building a standing budget committee of the whole into the annual calendar.
• H2 – Discrimination Discussion Referral (Floyd): Reffered to Housing, Land Use & Transportation (HLUT) committee. Approved 5-1 (Montanari no). The discussion will explore what legal options remain after state preemption to protect against discrimination, particularly in housing. Councilmember Fig Sanders sought specificity; Brad Tennant from legal will research and present.
• H3 – Municipal Bonds for Housing Referral (Floyd): Unanimously approved referral to HLUT to discuss funding housing development through municipal bonds.
• H4 – Opioid Abatement Fund Update Referral (Fig Sanders): Unanimously approved referral to Youth and Family Services committee for an update.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved the CALL program renewal, annual action plan, Jordan Park HVAC design, vehicles for hire ordinance, tenant bill of rights repeal, citywide rehab rebates, and Habitat land sale.
• Approved Orange Station third amendment 6-1.
• Referred three new business items to committees; the budget discussion referral failed.
• Set future committee meetings on discrimination, housing bonds, and opioid funding.
• Council will consider a community benefits agreement for gas plant redevelopment as urged by public comments.