City Council

>> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting if you're elected officials are mayor Rick district one well Bert black money this trick too Brandi Gabbert this trick, 3 and Council chair and might marry. District 4 garden right. The district 5. Deborah big Sanders. Council vice chair Gina Driscoll this strict 7 Lisa Wheeler Bowman. And district Foster. >> The 3rd of JUNE 2021, let's begin with the roll call please. Briscoe you're really Bowman. You're on to marry your price. Fix Sanders here. Thank you MADAM We're pleased to pastor William Anderson from the Pentecostal Temple Church of GOD in Christ. Here do the invocation for us followed by the pledge of allegiance. Well everyone please stand. Our eternal GOD of justice and mercy. Thank you for the life, health and strength that we face today. You have warned us this grace today, and we thank you. Thank you Lord for making the right choice of this team. The mayor, the deputy mayor. The City Council and the staff members that serve our great community. Thank you for each and every citizen of our great city. Give to our leaders. The courage to lead our city and our community with character and conviction and dignity. Restore to our citizens understanding peace and happiness and hope, especially during these times of uncertainties that we face help us out people to allow cells and pray, seeking your face and turning back to you so that we MAY. And healing for our great city from the evils and the sicknesses that we face. Grant that we MAY return to hope peace and blessings without Now cities. Today Lord speak to our hearts with clarity for the people that you have given us to lead. Continue to give out great leaders, a spirit of service for our great city reminding them that they are stewards of your authority using wisdom from above. Guide our leaders in our community with the heart and mind to work together. Grant to them that they MAY show humble. Here now is humility and dignity for those that who agree disagree with them. And grant them that they MAY treat all persons. No matter how weak or how poor or of whatever nationality our cultural with the same respect your creation deserved. And as we continue to be allowed great city brick by brick let us be your mind that it was our fathers of the city who laid this great Foundation and we can never forget their sacrifices and their labor. And family Lord in closing. Father renew our faith renew our strength. A viewer or presence. And the joy of helping to rebuild our community. >> We're the of all. Human persons. We asked this in your father's name in Jesus name we pray, a man. >> Thank Pastor Anderson for such a invocation. Council before approve the agenda I want Just a short section or policy and procedures manuals manual. Pastor Anderson touched on some of subjects but. And chapter 2 of our policy and and manual talks about how we conduct business here in the city of St. Petersburg and it reads do the public nature of our position council members have a great responsibility to set the standard for civility and professional while interacting with other Council member says sin city staff and other elected and appointed officials. Cilla civility is not easily defined. But every but everyone knows when they see it. Generally it is based on the concept of the Golden rule. That we should treat others the way we wish to be treated. And government that means conducting the public's business with respect to other elected officials staff citizens and citizens irrespective of the positions held on specific issues in civil different discourse opponents make their arguments on the merits of the case rather than engaging in personal attacks or acrimonious statements. Civility and professionalism our it is about more than just politeness. Politeness is necessary. It's about disagreeing without disrespect seeking common ground as a starting point a dialogue without difference, listening to pri, past listening past ones preconceptions and helping others to do the same. Civility contemplates cultivation of traits such as honesty fairness self-control and prudence that help us reach our full potential when we practice ability and professionalism in the conduct of the public's business we're helping our city for fill its potential by putting the common good ahead of personal rivalries in Everett Haitians. Council members actions are highly visible. Therefore setting a high standard of conduct. And doing the public's business as an important example to our entire community. The manner by which we govern ourselves as often as important as the positions we take. The little Liberty done. Let me. Saw of the important business that we have before us. Council We do have a agenda before us. We have some changes we're going to lead f 7. We're going to move f 3 can the consent be agenda, im going to add f 8 a fire station update. Councilmember gather. Thank you I wanted to request that we defer cre too. Out of respect to the council member who wanted this brought She's not here today to be able to take part in the discussions so i would ask that we defer that to a later date. There are any other changes. With approval with changes. Second. We have a motion is second on the floor, seeing no further request to speak with the clerk please open machine for voting. Council members please cast your votes. You know PRESIDENT Council members voted with the clerk please tally announced of them. MISTER Chair, the motion to approve the agenda as amended passes unanimously with council member will Bowman me absent. Thank you. MISTER Clerk. Next up is approval of the consent agenda. Do we have any cards on the consent agenda cards. No we do not MISTER Chair. All right, I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. Move approval. We have a motion second to approve the consent agenda. Seeing no further requests to speak with the clerk please open the machine for voting. Council members please cast your votes. Single PRESIDENT Council members voted with the clerk please tally now announce the vote. MISTER Chair, the motion to approve the consent agenda passes unanimously counselor we're going to be absent. >> We'll go to open the clerk please read the rules for open form open forum. If you wish to address City Council on subjects other than public hearing. Cause I did issue items listed on the agenda. Please sign up with the clerk. Only the individual wishing to speak MAY fill out a yellow card. Only city residents owners of property business owners in the city or their employees to speak all issues discussed in an open forum, let's be limited to issues related to the city of St. Petersburg government. If you're speaking to an item on the agenda. You MAY only speak once during the open form when the item comes up on the agenda in order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to address Council. Each individual will be given 3 minutes to speak and after which the microphone will be muted. If you wish to address City Council do the zoom meeting, you must use the raise hand feature button in the zoom app or into a store 9 and your phone at the time the agenda item is addressed. What is your turn to speak, you will be a new get an extra state, your name and address at the conclusion of your comments when you reach the 3 minute time limit. You will be needed all raise hands will be lowered after each agenda item regardless of the method of participation used normal rules apply, including the 3 minute time limit on comments the requirement that any presentation materials must be submitted in advance of the meeting and the rules of decorum if live public comment is disrupted by the allegations of the rules of decorum the chairs authorized to accept the public comment. My alternate means including by email only. MISTER Chair we do have speakers in zoom as well as in the chamber, when alternate them during his first speaker in from zooms time. Ok thank you MISTER Clerk, sure the first speaker is Orlando a cost of a wants to enter into the meeting space please unmute yourself state your name and address for the record you have 3 minutes to address City Council. >> Good morning and thank you this is Orlando that 1, 1, 5, 5, 53th am New York. Thank you again for this opportunity to speak to the council. I wanted to express my congratulations to the parks and rec department for being ranked number one in the state of Florida. By the trust for public land definitely enjoy our parks and hundreds great leadership. We have enjoyed for many decades and look forward to many decades to come also want to give kudos to the parks and rec department for working hand in hand the Florida nature plant. They defend society and its local chapter. As we increase use of native Florida plants which beautify our parks reduce the resources required to maintain them and increases pride in our native plants and our own state. I encourage that the City Council support the park's efforts to increase use of native plants throughout all city properties. MISTER Chair, I sincerely appreciate your opening comments there. That an individual's character become very apparent when given power and especially when engage with people with less power I laud MISTER Allen the Lyle and his handling with the confrontation with Council 2 weeks ago. It was a very unfortunate incident. But the very illuminating. The individuals involved. You're reading of elements of public guidance. We're very welcome and definitely needed to be heard no we definitely looked accounts can provide us the exemplar of leadership in a public society and a Democratic society at the set the standards on how we ought to behave. Both in public and private. So thank you again. And thanks again for this opportunity. Thank you MISTER Costin next speaker please. MISTER Chair, the next speaker this in the chamber. CHAIRMAN Kean. Good morning. My name is Kevin King, south side of St. Petersburg Florida. Get right to it 3 minutes of for decades, our public school system has fallen short of implementing the multicultural curriculum and the prom those County classrooms. All schools, but the majority minority populated schools. Since the 1960's are school board has delayed a proper teachers to our students of African African American and people of color. 25 years ago, Florida lawmakers passed a law called infusion black students people of color students of color was see themselves reflected in their daily studies and teachers will be trained on how to implement the multicultural curriculum in all grades and all subjects, not just social studies, but math, English, a math, English and science too was this such a problem for children to get the education they need in order to thrive in this unjust society are we afraid they MAY look at themselves different realize they more or were freed them you realize the 4 fathers and sisters were keen cleans that come through it. The only way our students will see themselves and believe in themselves differently we must implement a fusion media multicultural curriculum in the classroom. We must create a new vision of hope prosperity in an equal economic events so they MAY thrive and become successful. Before my time as I would like to read a couple of numbers up to you. This is the minority enrollment in Florida skin Pinellas County schools, a 74% of student body. James be sent to us and the pk amassed 7% reading 73%. Lakeview in elementary math, 70 to 74% reading 65 to $0.69. Perkins elementary math, 74% reading 59%. Bay point middle school math 48% reading 48%. They point elementary school math, 43% reading 39% Melrose elementary reading 25 to 29%. Bottom 50% math, 35 to 39% and last maximal elementary school. Math 25 to 29% in reading 25 to 29% as well. The 4,011 students. a minority of students enrolled and as you can see we have a problem if you look at the numbers. I'm asking that my district 5, 7, leaders do more to secure tomorrow's future. Here on the south side. Before closing out just like Reto quotes the first one is from Adolph Hitler we all know who it off if there is he said he who controls education controls the future. Okay the last school a light read by Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela, the power of education extends beyond the developmental skills, we need for economic success. Us although but say we just have a lot of work to do with the schools on the south side and I just wish that early as will step up and make sure everything is done. Thank you. Thank you. MISTER King, this next speaker place. >> MISTER Chair, the next peak resumes William Kilgore we want to enter into the meeting space and please unmute yourself in state your name and address for the record and you have 3 minutes to address City Council. >> William Kilgore here currently reside in the hospital early on neighborhood. And I'm I'm not here today to speak in support of the new business being brought forth by council member Blackmon. Is asking for a referral to the h l ut Committee for. Discussion over bicycle giveaway program for. But we've come earners and not in the city of Saint Pete here. I think that this is great to you know give bikes a way you know people who you know can't can't afford. To get them on their own low income earners who who don't have cars and things like that and in need bikes to get around especially. You know get looking you know kind of siphon money from the scooter You know I just want to you know bring attention to a couple things with you know the e scooters which are you know there they're finding good. They're you know they're good But you know they're kind of design for you know tourist and and maybe. More fluent members of the community even though they've kind of been billed as like a transit solution. You know as opposed to you know it to help supplement buses and other things like that. But you know they run around you know, 25 bucks an hour when it's all said and done with tax and all that they're really not affordable. You know solution for for a lot of I'm thinking especially of people like you know homeless you know and people who are you know what technologically disadvantaged as well I you know you can even add cessa scooters you know I get a good example, you know using those those I actually I just upgraded my. My my cell phone But I originally had one of the city's plans if these like lower rung plans that they give you a little bit of high speed data and then you know once you use that you know it your your data I don't know if anybody's experience that you know throttling on you know the data but it pretty much makes like out it's impossible to use. You know unless you know say aye. I I was you know not able to access this could actually it was close to a wi-fi hotspot which choice. Yeah, you know how I was able to you know get access to scooter, but you know so so there's a lot there's a lot of issues with that with the scooters and accessibility and ends. You know I think it's it's good to give people something that they can use. You know people to get you know get to and and things like that. So I just want I speak hopefully that that pushed in and referred to the h o ut committee and I that thank you did House member Blackmon for for taking a look at that now and you know taking action on that really really appreciate it so thank you very much and you'll have a great day. Ok. Thank you. Next speaker please. >> Gen x speakers and a there. We are. >> Good morning, everyone, I'm Kara Bay Har I own a project in South Saint Pete called the factory is a 6 and a half acre 90,000 square foot project focused on the arts education community. Nearly 2 years ago City Council the mayor deputy mayor. Granted us to see grants to develop our project we're here I'm here today on behalf of the factory to return those grants. One Grant was given to us to develop a brewery and we're in the middle the warehouse district we are not short on breweries distilleries or any other area that needs alcohol. We have since developed that project into a warehouse that is arts fabrication over the covid employed 62 artists and we want to thank you for interesting us with that Grant and we're happy to return that grant. The other grant we were given was for one of the buildings where we House artists studios and the nonprofits we are currently open we opened in DECEMBER. We did not need a permit, therefore we did not need to grant. We did however develop out a garden in the back that is the home to keep Saint Pete lit a literary Foundation that does great work in Saint Pete to MISTER King's point South Saint Pete schools are very underfunded and underserved literary arts. We are now home to classes for students for teaching the teachers and for other literary programs in that garden inside the building. We are also home to China mural festival part of Saint Pete. Arts Association and we're also home to the Pinellas community Foundation and Saint Pete strategic partnership for the Arts. We're very proud of our programs that we were able to do without the grants and want to get those grants back to formally and to also remind City Council and the mayor and deputy mayor, the importance of serving the cra South Saint Pete is seeing an immense amount of growth with that growth comes to property sales and with those sales and projects like ours taxes increase property owners all around us commercial and personal residence are facing an every year 10% increase in their property taxes. This is something that developers cannot mitigate really falls to the city to figure out how to protect. The community and the businesses that exists around us. It's a rich historic community over 100 years old like an oak tree when you develop you protect the trees that you have no other way of replacing. I think a City Council needs to look at the developments there happening with the trop with South Saint Pete with projects like ours of our house are strict look to the existing community and how you can protect what's already there. How you can protect the tenants who are renting the landlords who are facing the tax increases and mitigate those problems thank you. No more speakers, MISTER. >> Thank you very much for good and open form and will go to awards in their presentations. >> Good morning, MISTER Chair members of City Council leisure to be with us here this morning. So the presentation we would like to make. This morning is recognizing the Canterbury Crusaders softball team and I would ask their coach, Judy Moore he would you hear what you would join me please. >> Looks like we have the whole team here Us understand me if the team is here please stand so everyone can see. Like all the medals. >> But today is to recognize and celebrate a a softball team that has had a has had great success not only this year. But who really have a remarkable history of success both on and off the softball field Canterbury softball team has captured 4 titles between 2018 2017 and this year won their 5th state title. And in doing so were the youngest Class a team to ever win that title fielding a team that included 3 freshman and 2 8th graders which is really simple. So read this proclamation whereas from 2008 to 2017 the Canterbury School of Florida's Crusaders softball team was among the best in Florida with 9 state semifinal appearances and winning a Bay Area record 4 titles and whereas their legacy as one of Tampa Bay's best softball programs with cement and whereas Canterbury softball team has worked hard to return to championship form and whereas on MAY 19th of 2021. Canterbury started one junior 3 sophomores 3 freshman and 2 8th graders in there 3 to one victory over Jacksonville University Christian. And whereas Canterbury upon winning its 5th state title MAY have become the youngest Class a softball team ever to win a state title. And whereas knowing the core of this team is young our community has high expectations. No pressure for the future of this program. Now therefore I Rick Rice, the mayor the city of St. Petersburg and on behalf of the citizens of St. Petersburg here I proclaimed JUNE 3rd 2021 to be Canterbury Crusaders softball day in St. Petersburg and I urge all residents to join me and congratulating crusaders and their coaches for winning their 5th Class a 2 a state championship title that. We want to gather the team right there mayor quickly when we met say something and then we can maybe do it. But with the team from the council and absolutely. Thank you so much so I just wanted to begin to the entire Council here for the recognition and I just wanted to point out the beginning you started with civility and though everybody. Promote and celebrate championships. Really what we do starts with that civility that on a stand that integrity so carrying those values out in the game of softball is how we're able to be successful when the kids put the team first they care about each other and they and professionalism so that's my to leading to great great people and when you're a great person championships happened yet. Great great comments. Thank thank we deputy mayor Tom Lynn. Up first to say some remarks. Thank you chair. Congratulations Canterbury softball so excited for you I have people love and affection for every student who is growing up in our community but a special special place in my heart for the scholars of the Canterbury School of Florida been very fortunate to be a candidate or a family for many years and just want to share that the x for the community that MAY not be as familiar with Canterbury as my family has been blessed to be the excellence that you see exhibited in the softball team is just a slight indication. The excellence that is Canterbury it's a place for character counts it's a place of kindness and integrity in this championship spirit flows through every student so proud of you all keep up the good work wherever you might land whatever you might do you know our entire city is behind you very well done into the adults hoop or so lovingly into the students at Canterbury on this team and in every endeavor. Thank you for your excellence and thank you for what you do as educators and is letting parents you make our city better. Congratulations. A council member gap. Thank you chair I also as a member of the Canterbury We are lower campus going into Just wanted to say how proud we are of all of you. And especially to the faculty and the parents, I know purse, personally first hand what you sacrifice to make these championships happen. You know the Canterbury honor code is something that you know we all live we all know you know deputy mayor mentioned that just a bit words like promotion of equality being respectful consider it. Those are all things that I know you all live in your everyday lives and it personified here in the championship that got you to this place, so congratulations thanks for bringing a little bit of our school family here to City Council today, it's great to see you all. Thank you, thank you chair, thank you council member Gabbert. Vice chair just thank you chair and congratulations to everyone. I when it did tell you this really it's very special to me because my youngest sister when she was in high school. She was an all-star pitcher and she was so passionate and I remember you know at that point I was in my 20's and we're driving all over the state between her softball games and and my 2 brothers who are in Little League they were out, you know all-stars in Little League all of that so it's part of part of my my own family's passion. But the really cool thing is that my youngest sister now she Happily married and the mother of 2 children and her daughter my knees is now. A rock star softball player, herself. And my brother in lies they is that one of the coaches a routine and my son, my sister goes in and she tries to just stay out of the way now but she can't help herself. She does that coaching along. So what it what I want to tell you is that you know it seems like it MAY seem that this is something that you just do in school. But even if it's not something that that you do yo go on other careers. But this is probably going to be in your family for a very long time and something that at some point. It's a passion that you'll pass down to your own children and so when I look at the success of this team and the way that you all have bonded together. I know from my own family's experience that this is something that you'll never forget. And so just please hold this time very close to your heart and carry it with you. Thank you so much for making Petersburg so proud. With this wonderful victory. Thank you. Thank you. Vice chair just go. Councilmember Blackmon thank just want to say I'm proud I'm all you guys you know as the mayor when the and especially for such a young group you know it's it's it's a great day. And I'm I'm happy that we have this proclamation that we're having a crusader. Fri.. You know this is something that is vice chair to school touched on you guys remember forever, and to be so accomplished and so successful in such a young age you guys have still so many more years. Left ahead of you, you know it's it's not too long ago that I remember I played baseball at Canterbury and. You know we were not a great team, so it's good to see how successful you guys are because uses let anybody play so congratulations guys proud of you and keep up the good work. Well I I wanted also congratulate coach more. Great words and great leadership to everybody on the team and the parents. Mike my kids and my family was part of the Canterbury family for for a long time. My my kids ran track in daughter played golf and volleyball. It was just a wonderful experience, I know that winning a championship. It is not easy. And it's it takes a team effort. You need to have good leadership. And the practices are hard but you are dedicated and you're very young team so as the mayor said we're expecting more of this but I couldn't be more proud the Canterbury Crusaders in this championship, thank you for for representing the city of St. Petersburg in congratulations on on your state championship. Wonderful. Bring everybody up for b. >> Congratulation. >> If he wants to come in my queue. We've got a wide angle for this. Yes ma'am I will try. Good to see all connected. >> Mayor kriseman that do you want. Thank you. MISTER Chair, MISTER Chair members of Council if you'll indulge me for one moment before right your move this next celebration. I did want to call to everyone's attention. A member of our city family. Former Bill just lost his mom. In a car accident and so I would respectfully ask if we could just do a moment of silence in her mind absolutely. One we all all stand. Mayor if I could just say something we just had Canterbury school here. So the Foster families just a wonderful family in our in our city. My my family's very very close to to. Mayor Foster in and their family. They were Canterbury family also. And I spoke to Mayor Foster on on Sun.. And it's just been a his mother. Carol passed away. His father was in the hospital he's out of the hospital now. Earth hour thoughts and prayers go to the Foster family as they go through this difficult time. Thank you for recognizing him. Thank you MISTER Chair. I city employees that Carol where and selling Marvin here. We we get to honor. Amazing seniors. Who when you hear the information about them it's going to blow you all the way as to the amount of time and ours that these folks have dedicated to this community to try and make Saint Pete a better place to live work and play. I don't know where they get the energy to do it. And I think when you hear their stories about each of them. You'll come to the same conclusion I did with you first thing we'll do is we'll go. I'm exhausted just from hearing. But you'll be equally appreciative of the impact that they have on our community. In the lives that they that they've I will mention their names and then all that. Carol go into details about each of them, but hearty congratulations to Bob Campbell Judy kind of Marion Alton and 2 of our family members. Thomas jet Jackson who retired as manager of recreation facilities in athletics and Bonnie Douglas who was the city administrative secretary and with that all this over to care. >> thank you all once again for having us here it's always my favorite day of the year that we can celebrate the seniors of St. Petersburg and I think I can sending better than the mayor said The one thing I wanted to clarify is that it's been a unique year 1218 months, everybody realizes that. I think it speaks to that estimate of our city is that we had 16 amazing nominees even through everything with covid and I'll tell you the competition was fierce. So the ones that were inducted into the senior Hall of Fame are just amazing and without delay when you go ahead and reach either by was a little bit. First bunny Douglas like to come up. Can you imagine providing a volunteer service for one a company for over 40 years. Bonnie has done just that by delivering meals on wheels for neighborly care network for 41 years. She says it's an addicting have it to deliver the meals, neighborly care says she is the epitome of what it truly means to be neighborly. She's demonstrated this by the extra mile she goes in order to keep her clients healthy and fed by taking out garbage bringing extra snacks were needed. She has long as as she's known has kept people smiling with her deliveries. She will keep on delivering meals and she is also a valued ambassador an advocate for the meals on wheels program. I also want to clarify that this actually started when she was in play for the city, there is a program where she was able to. Volunteer during her lunch hour, and I just think that speaks again to that testament of the city so body and you go. Nominated by another senior Hall of Fame inductee Joan. She provided a huge dossier of accomplishment act Lloyds and new dark Nichols showing. MISS Judy has donated her time and talent to the Florida or Custer killed the boys and girls Club Guild, the American Cancer Society, the science Center Gill the junior league Saint Anthony's I could keep going going The Petersburg women's club. But the unique thing is this kind of his not only want to just sit on the for namesake she doesn't whittle her thumbs. Her submission has 3 pages of leadership positions all in those organizations mansion. We also find other organizations going all the way back to 1985. Where this shooting has made her mark in the city of St. Petersburg we just thank her so much for all that she is done. MISTER Campbell is a man of many talents. He volunteers with a wide range of nonprofits as well and is well loved in all of them. He recently had been introduced to baby cycle who actually nominated him. They provide in food supplies for those in need where he organized diaper drives it is church Saint Peter's cathedral, he now picks up donations delivers and helps them organize the shop. He also volunteers at Christmas time Santa for local nursery school. He hosts weekly breakfast for veterans and their families and helps veterans get insurance coverage. He has also proven valuable by only omen center food bank in the Pinellas County Coalition for the homeless. They MAY be cycle says Bob is always smiling which I can test yes and ready for a good joke which I can also attest he always has and a super helpful Bob set an example for the younger set by the giving back to the community. Thank you Bob. I just had to share a little too that he when he came in he was trying to tell us he got fired from his volunteer job because he was unable to do quite as much. We said no we don't think you're fired. I'm sure you'll be going back next is Marian Alton. MISS Alton has been a volunteer with Suncoast hospice for over 11 years nominated her. She also did many many years before that she visits patients makes bereavement support phone calls provide sewing in administrative help at her church Saint Jude's cathedral. She laundries alter linens and so's up any rips or tears at the treasure outlet of treasure Allen she has a longstanding member and volunteer. She also helps promise of Pinellas providing housing and meals for the homeless and with them the Hof the theater she's a Nasher when MR. This is what was an amazing story to me when this all to notice that patients who were wheelchair bound would experience skin tears on their cast due to fragile skin. She and a nurse made up a sleeve that would Velcro close it was a resounding success to have a volunteer who is creative who doesn't hesitate to help out wherever she is needed who is smart and more than able is a rare commodity. Marion is the epitome of a valuable volunteer. Staff members have hurt her been heard to areas such a positive energy that the whole atmosphere changes when she arrives. Thank you. And last, but not least I really think that you guys could probably do resume even better than MAY have known him all summer long. Thomas Jett Jackson. MISTER Jackson is hard to pin down. To say the least right he's been such a huge force in the Saint Pete community. So for so long, he's amassed an unusual amount of Ward's alkaloids and respect he even has a recreation center named after him mind you why he's alive I just that always amaze me. He has been a mentor to our children through his work with the pop Warner football League. At the genie pool Hall and Jordan Park. He is very involved with his fraternity who are active in various community events with the with his Phi beta Sigma fraternity MISTER Jackson also has mentioned mentored many youth and as some of them has become frat members and respect for his legacy. He has been recognized by citizens Saint Pete police Pinellas County school board Saint Mark missionary Baptist Church where he volunteers thousands of of hours to teach and served as deacon and trustee to the church. His nominee Lucinda Grant says he has a heart of service and love and will to do anything for anybody. He should be noted jet has put in 56 years with the parks and Recreation Department. MISTER Chair if it's all right we bring the absolutely another photo accounts and absolutely. Welcome back to my Cuban and one of the game. Okay. >> after hearing all of that I don't know when you all sleep. >> Thank For for all that you do that that was just an to all the different ways that you all serve our community. And that's what makes makes ours our city just so special. To hear the stories and then. We we need to hear that in other people need to hear that. But your stories motivate others to get involved in to help also so thank you so much for for everything that you to make St. Petersburg a better place. We'll go next d to one juneteenth the proclamation. If we could see more the ceo and equity director of Saint patient is here he'll join in. And by virtue of the power and for the purpose of 4 said. I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated states in parts of states are in henceforth shell be free. And that the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities there of will recognize and maintain the freedom of said person close quote. These words proclaimed by PRESIDENT Abraham Lincoln. Thankfully forever change this country and juneteenth is a celebration of this monumental change. So read this proclamation. Whereas PRESIDENT Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation proclamation on Jan. First 18 63 declaring the slaves in Confederate territory is free. Paving the way for the passing of the 13th Amendment which formally abolished slavery in the United States of America. And whereas word about the signing of the Emancipation proclamation was delayed some 2 and a half years to 6/19/1865 and reaching authorities in African Americans in the South in southwestern United States and whereas emancipation in Florida was proclaimed in Tallahassee on MAY 20th, 1865. And whereas JUNE 19 has a special meaning to African Americans and it's called juneteenth combining the words JUNE in 19th and has been celebrated by the African American community for over a 150 years. Now therefore I Rick Reisman mayor of the city of St. Petersburg Florida do hereby proclaim JUNE 19th 2021 to be juneteenth in St. Petersburg and I urge all citizens to become more aware of the significance of this celebration, an African American history and in the heritage of our nation and our city. Deputy mayor. City Council. City staff my name is Mikel Seymour and I want to thank you for your time today to mark a critical moment in American history. An important moment in African American history. They say that the news that PRESIDENT Lincoln freed the slaves took over 2 and a half years to reach the most Southern of states. Some say this was because the person carrying the message died along the way while others knew of the decision but didn't share it maybe to enjoy another planting and harvest season. Either way the news spread slowly from one year to the next however, when those words were finally shared life changed for ever. That's the thing about word of mouth, it's slow it's laborious and subject to dilution of the message but if done right. The intentionality of what is being said passes from one year to the next and in this case declares a freedom with each reverberation a voice until now a t that richly whispers those sweet words. All slaves are free. Though declared free the moment activated a new kind of struggle. The struggle for equality. The struggle to be seen. And from the earliest days to the darkest days of struggle shackled to the consequences of prejudices racial bias and inequities not wanting to be addressed every generation enjoying a new slice of freedom yet still yearning for more of the pie it kind of sweet deserving slice of the pi yearning for more freedom is a struggle so deep in our dna that I'm still wondering why geneticists have yet to name its phenomenon. Where the sun shines in our city freedom is still being sought after in the mother of 5 living with her aunt because housing is still too expensive to afford. Freedom is still being sought by. The young black mom who is being rushed to the hospital to give birth hoping that she is treated with the same care as her white counterpart. Freedom is still being sought by the father who is being threatened by or with political propaganda being sent to his home anonymously as a threat against his family. Freedom is being sought by the educators still asking for funding to send our kids on better life trajectories freedom is still being sought by those pressing their ears against the board room doors that slams shut just as they finally get access. Freedom is being sought by those in neighborhoods neglect neglected of care and intentional focus by those wishing not to have to cross the desert just to buy a bag of groceries. Freedom is being sought by those who live the inequities of the land who are then discarded in the forgotten after development pushes them out and keeps them out of the decision-making and the thing about this proclamation in this moment, even in just these few breaths we find ourselves passing on these beautiful words taken just a moment to declare JUNE 19th juneteenth we shared these words in this chamber and online and on tv. As those who only want the full ability to pursue their happiness, the happiness of their families and that of their neighbor. Our fortunes are inexplicably linked to the Liberty and freedoms we should all expect to enjoy not because of legislation but because of a shared human experience that beckons us toward mutuality and a preference for one another you go first and I'll go next let me share what I have so that you MAY have to or a live your best life in the best way that you can knowing that you are free. So as you listen to my carefully crafted we're 6 full of intentionality MAY they ring the Bells of freedom in your soul in such a way that propels you to see me to see your neighbors as people of value MAY they propel you to view your decision-making as so important that they can become either keys to unlock the future or cemented shut. MAY they propel you to love others in a way that love becomes a verb an action that you do linking arms saying I've got you and you've got me and we've got this. We are as free as our words can spread tolling the great freedom Bell ringing from every city and every hamlet from every state and every city we will be able to speed up that day when all of GOD's children, black men and white men Jews and gentiles Protestants and Catholics we'll be able to join hands and seeing it in the words of the old Negro spiritual free at last free at last great GOD almighty we are free at last and thank you. Different deputy mayor Tom. Thank you CHAIRMAN Terry mayor mikko as a pro how lifelong resident of St. Petersburg I think it merits mid mention. >> The city, but you know the whole time you're speaking I was thinking about your intentionality and you mentioned your carefully crafted words with intentionality and I just wanted to. Make sure that everyone knows that because not only is is writing the words, he's doing the action with intentionality serving one review Commission this year and representing district a very well with a focus on equity and advancing this conversation for all citizens for generations to comments I just wanted to say thank you for that important work. >> Councilmember fix Sanders. Okay, what do you say. You know I always proudly announce that I am a man Mama used to say a boy mom into my son's corrected me. But I am a man mom. And to see you. Before I hear you. I want to let you know that I heard you. That we still experience daily. We can I say those words and share that encouragement any better than what you did. And please know that this estate and I hope you had a copy red because I'm going to use it. I think that that was eloquent I think it was to the point but I know. As as council member fosdick's it was intentional. And I receive it and I pray that everyone else within the sound of your voice also received it. The more importantly excepted and now willing to act on it and for that I thank you so much. Thank you. Because thank you for sharing such a powerful. And moving statement with with all of us. My request is to get a copy of it so that I could reread my myself what would you mind e-mailing that to. All of us that Council it Saint Pete dot org. Powerful words for a pump powerful moment. In our history that we celebrate on JUNE the 19th so thank you so much for being here and thank you thank you again for your service on the charter review Commission, some very important work for for our city. We need to we need strong leaders to to serve and that promote our city and to do these things to make a difference in our community so thank you. Move next to d 3 lgbtq Pride proclamation mayor. >> Kriseman. Thank you MISTER Chair members of Council can Jim Nixon who is our lgbtq liaison for the city and Nathan bremmer PRESIDENT Of the pride board and the acting executive director to come join me. So before I read this proclamation Saint Pete pride his become such a fixture. In our and something that I know our community looks forward to celebrating every year. Obviously the these last couple years with covid have made it a little more challenging to have that celebration. But I want to personally thank Nathan in your entire board for figuring out a way to do pride justice this year. In the With each weekend. There being a different event taking place throughout the city and in particular in downtown. As a way of celebrating pride. You It's fitting to go from juneteenth to this as we talk about trying to create the city of opportunity where the sun shines on all and I know all of us. Take our pan out and we underline the all because that's what each of us work every day to try and do is create that city where we are celebrating our African American community we're celebrating our lgbtq community. We're celebrating everyone in Saint Pete that's what makes Saint Pete. The amazing place to live work and play and it's why companies are relocating here because they want to be a part of it and they believe in what we believe in the values that we stand for and the welcoming community for everyone that Saint Pete has become. Whereas the city of St. Petersburg has a diverse bisexual transgender community and is committed to supporting visibility dignity and equality for all people in the community and whereas many of the residents students city employees and business owners within the city of St. Petersburg who contribute to the enrichment of our city are part of a bisexual transgender and questioning community and whereas various advancements have been made concerning the equitable treatment of lesbians men bisexual transgender in questioning persons throughout the nation. But there continues to be opposition against people from this community and around the world making it essential for cities like St. Petersburg to stand up and show support for our residents who are affected. And whereas covid 19 has changed the way we celebrate pride in 2021. We are excited to celebrate all month long outdoors with Saint Pete pride fest 2021. We appreciate safety prides effort to host a safe and covid conscious plan that celebrates the best of Saint Pete, accessible to all all month long. We stand with other cities across the United States that recognize and celebrate JUNE as the lgbtq pride month. The Rainbow flag also known as the lgbtq pride flag or pride flag has been used since the 1970's as a symbol of bisexual, transgender pride and lgbtq social movements and whereas flying the Rainbow flag at City Hall throughout the month of JUNE further symbolizes the city's celebration of diversity and support for the bisexual transgender community. Now therefore I Rick Rice the mayor the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim the month of JUNE, 2120 21, to be lgbtq pride month in St. Petersburg invite everyone to reflect on ways we can all live and work together with a commitment to mutual respect and understanding and further recognizes pride month by flying the Rainbow flag at City Hall during the month of JUNE. I'm still feeling the words that were just spoken and I want to center what I say around those words. Our movement even the lgbtq movement has been imperfect and our history has erased some of the most marginalized in our community. That's something that has been part of the history of Saint Pete pride, frankly, and our commitment in the city as we have 19 years here and as we look towards the future of what we celebrate here as Saint Pete pride and what I think is so special about what this year's celebration is doing for us is introducing us to new parts of our community quite intentionally that we have forgotten. That we must elevate and lyft and celebrate. Equality doesn't happen. Intel we have the freedoms that I heard spoken about just moments ago. And I have I've done a lot of work in this community and there's a lot more work that needs to be done and that's my commitment is I lead this organization where we go that as we celebrate pride here. We celebrate lgbtq pride for our entire community. For our black and brown community are clear or trans or indigenous or disabled or elders who stories. I don't even think we all know. There are parts of the city where there was history for the lgbtq community that are gone their buildings gone there people gone. And I hope next year as we build towards our 20th anniversary. We're going to start to see celebrations happened in a completely different way because of this moment that I could hear happening in the chambers today as we work together collectively and then. We will all celebrate pride. Together happy pride, thank you, thank you ma'am. Thank you. Council member Rice. >> Do you mind if I speak for second about what pride means to me. A senior member of City Council along with council member Amy Foster. To elected officials that are actually have gone through the experience of being. Elected officials have had to fight through a lot of the discrimination and curtain fear and Joyce and celebration to get here. But pride to me is how far we've come and it's Nathan just eloquently stated, it also means the work we have to do. And what's ahead of us to make things really right for everybody. Pride is about how telling her stories and sharing stories about who we are the one person at a time can change one heart at a time can change the whole country. We're standing on the shoulders of Giants who have fought for equality. 4 decades for lifetimes. Pride in Saint Pete means to me I can hold my wife's hand walking down Central Avenue and not feel scared are not feel like someone is going to yell at me. That I don't feel safe. I feel safe in my city and a lot of us do. Pride means I can kiss my. Wife on the cheek at a rowdies game and were cheering on a soccer goal and not have to think twice about was the person behind us going to say or do. Pride is seen. There are lgbt q plus use jaysh us and their freedom and seeing young people from all stripes holding hands on dates hanging out being who they are. It's just such the Saint Pete way. Prior to seeing older couples have been together for ever who have the greatest stories everything they've been through the stories you couldn't imagine. Pride for me means being married to the woman, I love. So thank you all for your support. Thank you mayor for being such a great straight ally. Okay ally. And thank you Jen Nixon for all you do for our city. Happy pride guice you. >> Very nicely Council memorize. Thank Nathan in Jim 4 for being here and for everything that you you all do. It was good to good to see you all. On Tue.. Next we'll bring up birdie for him, but it. Council member introduce the mayor on on this item. Thank you CHAIRMAN Months, It's really. You can't talk about the Moffitt cancer Center without talking about the incredible leadership that they provide to our community and especially the leadership in. That nexus of cancer treatment with the community and just last week we heard how hiv rates are spiking and. The hiv incidents with cancer patients does have a specific medical type of treatment and. Just want to thank so off a cancer Center for their leadership and everything you do handed over to the mayor to read the proclamation. Thank you MISTER Chair councilmember and I had some comments that any better council members of thank you I can I ask a doctor about him a key the research advocacy manager. Whereas JUNE is nationally recognized as pride month to celebrate bisexual transgender questioning members of our communities and support and achieving equal justice opportunity and access to health. And whereas the cancer health disparities that exist in the lgbtq community are caused by multiple risk factors, including social factors, economic factors, behavioral factors, many of which can be traced to the stress, a systemic discrimination. A living as a gender minority and whereas Moffitt cancer Center recognizes the unique health care needs of the lgbtq patients who are at risk or have cancer and are considered a priority for continued community outreach patient care and research and whereas Moffitt cancer Center has been named a leader in lgbtq health care quality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and remains get this. The only Florida cancer Center. The health care equality index. That is the National benchmarking tool that evaluate health care facilities policies and practices related to the equity inclusion of their lgbtq patients that are visitors and employees and whereas Moffitt cancer Center creates an inclusive comfortable environment for lgbtq patients in partnership with the Sylvester comprehensive Cancer Center and you f health care center health cancer Center created the colors training program curriculum foreign college us an lgbtq populations to optimize relevance and skills. An online cultural competency training program to improve on college us knowledge of lgbtq related issues to improve institutional practices leading to better cancer health outcomes. And whereas hiv continues to dispute disproportionately impact segments of the lgbtq community and in the us cancer is the leading cause of non aids death among people living with hiv. As a result Moffitt cancer Center has identified hiv is and cancer as an emerging issue. Moffitt cancer Center has employed top researchers with experience and hiv related cancer research has become a site of the National Cancer Institute. Aides malignancy consortium and conducts research and clinical trials on p l w h now therefore I Rick Reisman mayor of the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim the month of JUNE, 2021 to be lgbtq pride month in St. Petersburg to bring public awareness to the burden of cancer and lgbtq communities and to encourage participation in voluntary activities to support education programs and the funding of research programs to find a cure. I'll be brief, especially the last few speakers. You really follow that but thank you for your comments, you mayor kriseman Moffett is committed to addressing cancer health disparities the burden of cancers complicated enough. And it's not just in the treatment and services we provide but research as we mentioned here where it's not just. What we're doing right now about what needs to be done in Moffat is committed to that ongoing. Research said thank you. >> The cp pause state proclamation mayor kriseman thank you MISTER Chair members of Council says the. Nasa's the a hawker community service director and the person who has really taken on the challenge that I issued to her to create the Saint Pete process program. You know it in This city is so many of us and so many of you on Council are our pet owners. And what we know about being a pet owner having a pet whether it's a dog a cat or whatever it is that you have is good for our health. Reduces blood pressure. It's good for mental health you have that really tough day. You walk in the door and you're greeted with unconditional love don't matter what you did. What happened that day there is a pet there that is there a lot of you. And it's also good for our economy. Businesses are looking to relocate to cities. They want to come to places that are pet friendly because they know their employees want to be in cities that are pet friendly because so many of their employees have pets and that's why creating this program. I think it was so important to us to recognize impact that our pets can have on our community and have on our community and so it is with pride that read this proclamation and then a mentor to that Mike over to see. Whereas on JUNE 22th of 2018 St. Petersburg was proclaimed a pet friendly city. And whereas Saint Pete pas has completed 3 years of pet friendly engagement and projects within our city. And whereas the Saint Pete pause collective was created comprised of 31 and I understand I guess is now 32, 32 community-based partners shelters and the city of St. Petersburg and whereas Saint Pete pause collective puts the city of Saint Petersburg's pet friendly proclamation into action making St. Petersburg a place where pets are happy, welcome and healthy and we shine a light on the unconditional love animals given promote compassion for all of our 2, 4, legged neighbors and whereas within 3 years. Saint Pete pause has accomplished many activities to encourage more pet friendly events, businesses and communities to help build a pet friendly culture. And whereas St. Petersburg was recognized by the better cities for pets organization as the first certified city in the country. And whereas Saint Pete pause received nearly $40,000 in grant dollars for educational opportunities to keep pets, healthy and safe and protect our waterways and our environment. And whereas through the mayor's pet friendly certified business program, 12 businesses have been officially certified and 6 are pending official award for a total of 18 pet friendly certified businesses. And whereas 3 of the 18 businesses or rental communities. That are breed and size restrictions free. And whereas Saint Pete pas collective members participate in one of 4 committees. Housing parks, business and health to identify priorities activities and programs and wear a mask. Saint Pete wants to lead the nation as a pet friendly city that protects supports and welcomes pets and the people who love them. Now therefore I Rick kriseman mayor of the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim JUNE 22th, the 2021 to be Saint Pete pas de in St. Petersburg and I ask all citizens to join me and applauding the accomplishments of Saint people's collective over the past 3 years and encourage St. Petersburg to continue our efforts as a pet friendly city where pets are welcome and owners are carrying. Nurturing guardians working together to provide safe and secure environment. >> Mayor thank you. Deputy mayor. And Mary and members of City Council. It's been a wild ride over the last 3 years, I and and men as many of us know. St. Petersburg is a pet friendly community. We have followed the lead of our our leader. Kriseman who has passion his family has passion for many of you are passionate about your pets. But I think the beauty of the collective is there are 32 organizations, several of them are here to today. But I'd like to make sure that we recognize their efforts because collectively. We made a difference when mayor. And deputy mayor first approached me about starting this program. Safe I keep this one together. It was a really tough time for me. I had just lost a couple of months prior to it lost to to buy dogs. Within 12 hours of each other. So they're unhappy mayor helped me heal. Through this program. 2 other dogs and a cat But it is. I think the enthusiasm that you see from our partners. Same same thing that you see in your pets. When you come home. And you know, everybody's liking the tail and everybody's happy. You know, and I think the the the advocates that are part of that have been part of Saint Pete pas collective you'll find that same enthusiasm welcoming. i'd like to go ahead and let me let me mention let me go ahead and call out the the members of the same people as collectives you'll see that it's a pretty broad group a r p we have an author caregiver pas connection. Obviously the city of Saint Pete Devlin dog sitting in training. Dog friendly Saint Pete. Dog training Club of St. Petersburg dog bar. Dog talk pet photography. Edwards elder law. For starters bar and Grill friends of strays Hollander hotel, humane society Pinellas more resources. Insurance, nationwide pet insurance Northeast animal hospital hospital downtown Saint Pete. Pet pal animal shelter. Pet wants clear water Saint Pete pets living the dream pets, friendly works. Pinellas animal Foundation. Florida veterinary. Analysts County animal services project up shop St. Petersburg sit happens. Siya Tampa Bay. State Farm insurance. Suncoast organized animal relief the artistry the new Parker, urban dog studio. Now late living pet. Your cbd store Saint Pete. I think when when we first started the Saint Pete. Not so sure we were we were clear in terms of what we're hoping to achieve. We set some initial goals and we far exceeded them. The mayor challenge just to double those goals. So we did as we as we head into our 3rd year. I think where it looks like we're going to double what we've done. You know in and getting the word out within the last 2 and a half months not even 2 and a half months 600 touch points with t