St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - April 10, 2025

This meeting of the St. Petersburg City Council included presentations of multiple proclamations (Black Maternal Health Week, Fair Housing Month, Water Conservation Month, National Library Week), recognition of the Essence of Ebony Pearls scholarship cotillion honorees, a report from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, an update from the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and approval of resolutions regarding settlement authority limits and financing.

Awards and Recognitions

• Essence of Ebony Pearls Debutante Scholarship Cotillion Honorees: Councilmember Fig Sanders recognized 20 young women, with special awards: Debutante Jordan Moore, First Attendant Braylon Brickson, Second Attendant Courtney Snee, Third Attendant Jasmine Evan Partner, Miss Congeniality Jalen Higgs, Miss Community Service, and Miss Supreme Spirit Sabrina Mametz. The cotillion was held on March 15, 2025, by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Oops Lana Omega chapter. Councilmember Givens acknowledged the legacy of debutante events, noting his grandmother’s 1945 debut at the Melrose Clubhouse.
• Black Maternal Health Week Proclamation: Councilmember Fig Sanders read a proclamation declaring April 11–17, 2025 as Black Maternal Health Week, citing that in 2020 Black birthing people in Florida were four times more likely to die from pregnancy complications. Dr. Mashara Frost of the Florida Black Maternal Health Initiative spoke about racial disparities.
• Fair Housing Month Proclamation: Councilmember Gabbard proclaimed April 2025 as Fair Housing Month, noting the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Housing team staff and Pinellas Realtor Foundation representatives attended; Dr. Avery Sleicher thanked the council. The city’s housing team was praised by several councilmembers for their work.
• Water Conservation Month Proclamation: Mayor Welch proclaimed April 2025 as Water Conservation Month. Public Works Director Claude Tankersley noted St. Petersburg has not expanded water supply since 1971 and projects no expansion needed until 2050. Al Smith highlighted programs: sensible sprinkling checkups, rebates for smart controllers, and rain barrel workshops.
• National Library Week Proclamation: Mayor Welch proclaimed April 6–12, 2025 as National Library Week. Library staff noted the system has over 360,000 books, served 502,000 visitors last year, and had 8,000 participants in the summer reading program. Councilmembers shared personal library experiences.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Perry G. Washington: Addressed council with remarks that included personal claims about building city structures and references to security. He did not address a specific city agenda item. No other speakers.

Presentations and Reports

• Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital: President Alicia Shuloff presented an update. Key points: JHACH is the #1 children’s hospital in Florida (U.S. News & World Report), operates 259 beds (near capacity), and has over 60% of patients on Medicaid. It is the only hospital in the world with a dedicated unit for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (over 90% survival rate). The hospital is investing $34 million to harden facilities after $1.5 million in hurricane damage. It is opening a new campus in Wesley Chapel (56 beds). Councilmembers expressed strong support and noted the hospital’s gene and cell therapy work and sickle cell disease treatment.
• St. Petersburg Free Clinic: CEO Jennifer reported on the Fresh PACE program (healthy corner stores), which has doubled produce sales in some stores. 81% of surveyed customers no longer need other stores. The clinic’s food bank distributed over 20 million pounds of food (17 million meals) in 2024, saving families $47 million. The health center provides free primary, specialty, and dental care. The clinic is pursuing acquisition of the former Badcock Furniture building at 22nd Avenue S and MLK Street to expand services. Councilmembers noted the clinic’s dignity-focused approach and economic impact.

Discussion Items

• I1 - Settlement Authority Limits: City Attorney Ken McCollum requested increasing the legal department’s settlement authority from $25,000 to $50,000 (and risk management to $25,000), citing inflation (1993 values) and new Florida civil procedure rules requiring quicker responses to arbitration awards. Council approved unanimously (8‑0 with Driscoll absent).
• H1A/H1B - Revenue Note Resolutions: Council voted on two resolutions amending fiscal policies to authorize a not-to-exceed $85 million non-ad valorem revenue note series 2025. H1A passed 6-1 (Floyd no), H1B passed unanimously.
• H2 - Bond Anticipation Note Payment: Council approved a resolution to use existing fund balances for May 1, 2025 principal and interest on the public utility subordinate lien bond anticipation note series 2024. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved settlement authority increase (I1): unanimous.
• Approved H1A (fiscal policy amendment) 6-1 and H1B unanimous.
• Approved H2 (bond anticipation note payment) unanimous.
• All proclamations and recognitions were accepted without opposition.
• Council adjourned after announcements.

Announcements

• Councilmember Givens announced a community basketball game between Jordan Park neighborhood and St. Pete Police on Saturday, April 12, 5–9 p.m. at Jet Jackson Recreation Center, and a health expo at Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete. Also, Councilmember Givens’ birthday was celebrated.