St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - October 5, 2023

The meeting began with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, roll call, and unanimous approval of the agenda and consent agenda. Ceremonial items included a visit from the Takamatsu, Japan delegation celebrating the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship, a proclamation for St. Petersburg Folk Festival Days, and the introduction of Lanise Emmanuel as the city's first Chief Equity Officer. Public comment addressed the proposed stadium deal, digital inclusion, and business equity initiatives. Legal settlements were approved, and ordinances were debated on a minority and women business enterprise program, a bus pass subsidy for low-income residents, amendments to the community benefits program, and a waiver for Edge District special events. The meeting adjourned after announcements.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously.
• The consent agenda (routine items) was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tori Walker (St. Vincent DePaul Disaster Services) introduced the organization's disaster case management program for Hurricane Ian survivors and requested partnership with the city.
• Jeremy Tolberg (Snell Isle resident) opposed publicly funding a new stadium, citing studies showing overestimated economic benefits and the Miami Marlins example.
• Beatrice Farrell expressed support for digital inclusion efforts, highlighting the city's progress and a planned Municipal Trailblazer Award submission.
• Carrie Mueller (Campbell Park resident) praised recent business equity events, including a Turner Construction class, a health equity community event, and the supplier diversity day.
• Ruth Whitney (700 14th Ave N, member of the Community Benefits Advisory Council) spoke against the streamlined process in the community benefits program amendment, urging that community input not be bypassed.
• Kimberly Stidham (St. Petersburg College student) spoke in favor of the Edge District special events waiver, noting the slow summer for hospitality.
• Roger Curlin (Executive Director, Edge Business District Association) supported the waiver for the Orange Belt Criterium cycling event, citing business support and a police-approved safety plan.
• Nathan Stonecypher (Co-founder, Green Bench Brewing) explained the event's mission to promote cycling diversity and accessibility, and its potential to attract professional cyclists.

Discussion Items

• Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program (Item E4): Staff presented an ordinance creating an MWBE program with project-specific goals, a Business Equity Advisory Committee, and a five-year sunset. Councilmember Montaneri raised constitutional concerns under strict scrutiny, referencing the Richmond v. Crizon and Students for Fair Admissions cases. City Attorney staff explained the disparity study and narrow tailoring. Councilmember Mohammed urged passage as a moral imperative. Passed 7-1, with Montaneri voting no.
• Transportation Disadvantaged Program Bus Pass Subsidy (Item F1): Transportation Director Evan Mori proposed a $175,000 annual subsidy to eliminate fares for low-income residents (below 200% federal poverty level) who meet transportation disadvantage criteria. PSTA's Ross Silver described the application process. Councilmember Floyd requested streamlining documentation for vulnerable populations. Approved unanimously.
• Community Benefit Program Amendments (Item G3): Economic Development Director Brian Cover presented revisions including a streamlined process, alternative benefits, and exemptions. The streamline option allows developers to either provide 30% residential units at 80% AMI with a 30-year affordability period or make a payment in lieu plus meet other requirements (SBE/MWBE participation, lead certification, etc.). The stadium development was explicitly excluded. Councilmembers Gabbard, Driscoll, Floyd, and Mohammed expressed concerns about community input, the exclusion of the stadium, and the "or" provision for mixed-use projects. Promised clarification language before second reading. Passed 6-1 (Councilmember Floyd voting no; Councilmember Gurdas absent).
• Edge District Special Events Waiver (Item G4): An ordinance to allow council to waive the 60-day application requirement for special events in the Edge District Specialty Center. Councilmember Driscoll noted the district's stricter rule vs. the 30-day requirement elsewhere and indicated plans for a permanent change. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• MWBE Program (E4): Passed 7-1. Establishes certification, project-specific goals, a Business Equity Advisory Committee, and a five-year sunset.
• Bus Pass Subsidy (F1): Approved unanimously. Authorizes a three-year agreement with PSTA to subsidize fares to $0, budgeted at $175,000/year, starting November 1, 2023.
• Community Benefits Program Amendments (G3): Passed 6-1. Revises the code with a streamline process, alternative benefits, and clarifications. Further revisions to be presented for second reading on October 19, 2023.
• Edge District Special Events (G4): Passed unanimously. Grants council authority to waive the 60-day notice requirement.
• Legal Settlements (Items J1-J4): Approved unanimously. Settlements: Charles Myers ($200,000) and Loretta Myers ($30,000) for a police vehicle collision; James Culverson ($80,000) for workers' compensation; Richard Miranda ($245,000) for workers' compensation and separation from the police department; and authorization to make an offer of judgment up to $65,000 in a pending auto accident case.
• Referral (I1): Approved unanimously. Referred to the Budget, Finance and Taxation Committee to discuss proposed procurement code changes.