City of St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - May 16, 2024

The St. Petersburg City Council met on May 16, 2024, to address a wide range of items including proclamations, reports, public hearings, and new business. The meeting featured extensive public comment opposing the proposed Rays/Hines stadium deal, concerns about affordable housing, and environmental issues. Council members also engaged in a spirited discussion about the scheduling of future meetings related to the stadium deal, with several expressing frustration about the pace. Routine items were approved unanimously, with one notable exception: the Youth Opportunity Grants pilot program passed 6-1.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda and Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously with two council members absent.
• Consent Agenda Items: Approved unanimously; CA10 was pulled to reports as a good news item.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Peter Kent (former Commissioner of Public Works) opposed the proposed Rays/Hines deal, arguing it undervalues city property and provides no profit-sharing. He suggested the city instead develop the site itself and invest in affordable housing, stormwater, infrastructure, and tax relief.
• Rev. Ben Weiner (First Baptist Church, member of FAST) urged the city to create 5,000 units of affordable housing for those at 80% AMI or less during the mayor's first term.
• Geneva Nelson (Unitarian Universalist Church, FAST) highlighted the affordable housing crisis, noting that 90% of those paying more than 50% of income for housing earn below 80% AMI. She called on council to act.
• Scott Cooper (resident) described his own poor living conditions and the lack of affordable housing and grocery stores on the south side, urging council to step up.
• Brad McCoy (resident) criticized the Rays/Hines deal, claiming it lacks affordable housing, ignores environmental concerns, and does not represent the community's needs. He expressed concern that council members are not representing constituents.
• William Kilgore (St. Petersburg Tenants Union) opposed the Rays/Hines deal, calling it immoral to give corporate handouts while people are homeless and suffering. He also spoke later during the Police report about concerns over sleeping citations issued to homeless individuals.
• James Scott (Sierra Club) argued the Rays/Hines deal lacks serious renewable energy commitments, contradicting the city's Integrated Sustainability Action Plan. He urged council to take climate change seriously.
• Kathy Harrelson (resident) supported improving the deal, noted TIFs often don't benefit the community, and requested action on the Stop to Chop task force and tree preservation.
• Nicole Morris (resident, fifth-generation St. Pete native) raised environmental concerns about events at parks leaving debris, and asked for better stewardship.
• Jeremy Tolberg (resident) opposed the Rays/Hines deal, stating it is a financial sinkhole, harms local businesses, and takes resources away from families and children. He called for a vote against it.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Mayor Welch presented proclamations for Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and Military Appreciation Month. Council members expressed gratitude and recognized the service of officers and veterans.
• Employee Recognition Committee: HR Director Chris Gwella and committee chair Jennifer Jordan presented a year-in-review, noting 162 employees recognized so far in 2024, with a goal of 250. New awards and a family day at Sunken Gardens were announced.
• Police Department Quarterly Report: Chief Anthony Holloway reported on crime statistics, including 4 homicides (all closed), traffic enforcement, and homeless outreach. He noted 29 guns stolen from vehicles (16 from unlocked cars). Councilmember Montaneri asked about a spike in habitual offender monitoring; the chief promised to follow up.
• Preserve the Burg Report: Executive Director Manny Leto presented a study on the economic impact of historic preservation, showing that historic districts recover property values faster, and Central Avenue's historic buildings house mostly local, minority/women-owned businesses.
• Youth Opportunity Grants (F3): Jess Rideau presented a pilot program providing $500/month for 12 months to 88 former foster youth. The program, administered by Ready for Life, includes financial literacy and case management. Councilmember Montaneri voted no; the item passed 6-1.
• CRA - Transfer of NSP Lots: Approved unanimously to transfer 32 vacant lots to the Affordable Lot Disposition Program for affordable home construction.
• Seawall Project (F7): Engineering Director Brajesh Freyman presented a GMP for seawall repairs at three locations. Councilmembers praised the work. Discussion included a larger seawall vulnerability assessment and the use of surety bonds.
• New Business Referrals:
  • G1: Referred to Budget, Finance & Taxation for discussion on adding lights to fields 5 and 6 at Northwest Park.
  • G2: Referred to HLUT for a program to address code violation issues.
  • G3: Referred to HLUT for expansion of Jamestown Apartments for affordable housing.
  • G4: Referred to Youth & Family Services to explore reinstating social action assistance for non-homeless initiatives.
• Stadium Deal Scheduling Discussion: Councilmember Montaneri requested an update on scheduling. Administration proposed a Committee of the Whole (COW) on June 13 and a council vote on July 11. Several council members (Driscoll, Floyd, Hanowitz) expressed frustration about being rushed, lack of time to review final documents, and canceled meetings. Councilmember Gabbert noted that draft documents have been available for months. The chair and administration agreed to explore options, including moving the COW to an earlier date. The discussion was lively but no final decision was made.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda and most routine items: Approved unanimously.
• Youth Opportunity Grants (F3): Approved 6-1 (Montaneri opposed).
• Seawall Project (F7): Approved unanimously.
• New Business Referrals (G1-G4): All approved unanimously.
• Stadium Scheduling: No formal vote; council agreed to continue discussions with administration to find a schedule that allows adequate time for review and public input.