St. Petersburg City Council Meeting – April 3, 2025

The St. Petersburg City Council met on April 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM. The meeting included a moment of silence for Officer James A. Krupp, approval of the consent agenda, public comments, approval of a legal settlement, and a presentation and vote on high water rescue vehicles. The major discussion of the day focused on two resolutions for the repair of the Tropicana Field roof, which passed 7–1. Council also heard updates on a traffic signal technology grant and a variance for a subdivision. The meeting concluded with announcements honoring staff members.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Cronin (225 First Avenue North) urged the council to move forward with Tropicana Field roof repairs, emphasizing the city’s contractual obligation under the 1995 use agreement, the need to show MLB and businesses that the city honors its agreements, the importance of a municipal facility for events, and the economic impact on 4,000 employees and 120 local businesses. He suggested looking at the Rogers Centre renovation as a model and noted the city would gain leverage by repairing the roof.
• Walt Dreggers (1 Beach Drive SE, #1811) thanked the council for supporting the Friends of Albert Woodard Airport Scholarship Program. He reported that the program will award 29 scholarships totaling $184,000 this Saturday, bringing the three-year total to $425,000. He shared a success story of a former scholarship recipient now working as a flight instructor.
• Jeremy Tolberg (417 Lead Oway) expressed strong opposition to the stadium deal, stating that opponents were proven correct. He argued that public financing of stadiums provides no economic benefit, that the owner (Stuart Sternberg) is a “greedy, arrogant bully,” and that council supporters failed to negotiate a fair deal. He criticized the council for wasting time and money while residents still suffer from hurricane displacement and other issues.
• Ron Diner (via Zoom) strongly recommended against approving the $22.5 million roof repair, urging the city to renegotiate the use agreement instead. He cited high costs, risk of further hurricane damage during construction, tariff uncertainties, and the need for infrastructure funding. He suggested using $25 million in insurance funds to settle with the Rays.

Discussion Items

Tropicana Field Roof Repairs (Items F3A and F3B)

• Presentation by Raul Quintana (City Engineering) and Beth Herrendine (City Development Administration): They reported that since December 12, 2024, the city has worked with a design-build team (Hennessy Construction and AECOM Hunt) to develop a plan for a new PTFE roof. The guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the roof replacement is $22,541,000, with total funding of $23,011,000 through an interfund loan and supplemental appropriation from various city funds. The roof will meet current Florida Building Code wind load requirements (165 mph). Major League Baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays approved the material (white PTFE) after acoustical and lighting testing. The installation will take about 10 months, with completion by December 2025. Additional repair packages (metal panels, architecture, lighting, AV) will be brought to council in subsequent months. The contractor has included a $100,000 allowance for potential tariffs. Council members discussed legal obligations under the use agreement, concerns about costs, tariff risks, and the importance of fulfilling the contract. A motion to approve F3A (funding) and F3B (design-build agreement and GMP) was made and seconded. Both resolutions passed 7–1, with Councilmember Floyd voting no.

High Water Rescue Vehicles (Item F2)

• Presentation by Fire Chief Siskoske: The fire department requested three reconditioned high water vehicles after Hurricane Helene. The vehicles will have lift gates for wheelchair access, firefighting pumps, and air conditioning. They will be stationed across the city to cover all flood-prone areas. The chief reported that during recent storms, the department rescued 430 citizens with limited assets. The vehicles cost is covered by funding from the parking revenue fund and other sources. Council expressed strong support, noting the vehicles will save lives. Motion passed unanimously.

Traffic Signal Technology Grant (Item F1A)

• Presentation by Cheryl Stacks (Transportation and Parking Management): The city received a $1.159 million FDOT grant to upgrade 15 signalized intersections on 66th Street and Tyrone Boulevard. Upgrades include new controllers, cabinets with 18-inch risers for flood protection, integrated roadside units with video detection, fiber optic communications, and a new video wall at the traffic management center. The technology enables adaptive signal control and prepares for connected vehicle systems. Council requested updates on emergency vehicle preemption and communication benefits. Motion passed unanimously.

Settlement – Sanchez Mayan Case (Item I1)

• City Attorney Joe Patner presented a settlement agreement for a lawsuit arising from a traffic incident with catastrophic injuries. The city will pay $200,000 upfront and seek a $2.3 million claims bill from the state, for a total of $2.5 million. The claim was reduced from initial allegations of intentional acts to negligence. Council approved unanimously.

Variance for Subdivision on 7th Avenue North (Item E1)

• Cheryl Brigallo (Development Review Services) presented a variance request to plat three lots without public street frontage, using an existing private street. The property is 1.17 acres in the NT-1 zoning district. A registered opponent requested no driveways on the private street except for the existing house, and the applicant agreed. Staff recommended approval. Council approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Consent agenda, legal settlement (I1), high water vehicles (F2), traffic signal technology grant (F1A), variance (E1).
• Approved (7–1): Tropicana Field roof repair resolutions (F3A and F3B). Councilmember Floyd voted no.
• Next Steps: Administration to provide detailed cost breakdowns for tariff impacts and additional repair packages (metal panels in May, architectural and lighting packages in subsequent months). Council will receive updates on parking share revenue and potential county funding for the repairs.
• Public forum included strong criticism of the stadium deal and support for the roof repair.
• Announcements: Council recognized the birthday of legal advisor Jackie and celebrated the retirement of Liz Abernathy, City Development Administrator, for her decades of service.