City Council

>> welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting you're elected officials are mayor Rick kriseman e. District one care Turley Curtis this trip too. Randy Gabbert district 3 Council 5 years Edmonton Mary. The core now. Gee whiz call. This just 7 Lisa Wheeler Bowman. And a pastor. >> Good afternoon and welcome to the Apr. 11th reading of the St. Petersburg City Council. Roll call please. Oscar. Here there it is. The today will be given by council member garden race followed by the pledge of allegiance. Joe police to. >> Please join us in prayer and our heads. Spring time is the time of Passover and Easter. Can I properly fill the shoes of the rabbi who was originally asked to give today syndication. But I am fortunate to share to fates under one roof in my household. I'm Christian and my partner's Jewish I've always loved the thoughtfulness and reflection of did you get traditions. Passover begins next week. It is a commemoration of the Jewish people's liberation by cod from slavery. In ancient Egypt and their freedom as a nation. It's a story of strife. The Passover seder literally means order. During the meal participants retell the story of slavery. The 10 plagues in their path to freedom. The holiday emphasizes the importance of remembering our past in retracing the steps to our President. Like the Israelites who Moses led out of slavery long ago. It is up to us to never lose faith and the better day that lies ahead. Every day in these chambers are city in its own way works towards bettering our community and making a more perfect union. We cherish the values of freedom and peace prosperity and security and respect and love that's creation. And together mean we continue the hard it's so important work but he Kuehn. And do our part to repair the world. In. >> For all. Thank council member race. We have agenda before We do have one change we'd like to delete to item the 4. The Tampa Bay regional planning Council report. I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda with the changes. Council member as and I move to defer team run. All right deferred to be one. Any other changes. Now entertain a motion. You never know you have a motion in a second. Can we prepare the machines for going please. Council members please enter your phone. Present council members voted to declare tally and announced to them. Mister Chair, the agenda passes unanimously. With council member Curtis Thank you. First item on the agenda is a Earth Day proclamation. The mayor Tom. >> Afternoon vice chair Council afternoon. Police to present and Earth Day proclamation I feel like this is a celebration that we observe in our city every day. As evidenced by a van session that we had committee earlier as we move our and integrated sustainability action plan Ford into its final stages for implementation we're very proud that that plan really involved. Citizens from every corner of our community and is going to purposefully advance us to be a more sustainable resilient and equitable community. And our mayor right now is not here because he's in Washington dc. The key to the Democratic. Congressional body. About climate change and Saint Pete's role in leading efforts around climate change within the nation. And advocating for those things that we need our federal government to do to aid local governments abilities to meaningfully advance that important topic and as many of you know last month he was named one of. In 100 most influential people on climate policy in the world. Named alongside visionaries and luminaries such as the pope and Michael Bloomberg. So we're very proud of that he accept that honor really has won indicative. Not of work that he's done by any means but work that his partners and policy on Council very committed citizens and people throughout our community are doing to create a healthier climate and leading that effort are the good people of Earth Day listen the Johnston and all of her other volunteers who make such a difference, so it's my pleasure to read this proclamation. And it reads whereas the first Earth Day was proclaimed in 1970 to raise public awareness of the need to protect the environment and conserve resources. And whereas international Earth Day is now celebrated on Apr. 22th of each year in order to foster environmental awareness in our community and throughout the world. And whereas international Earth Day is now the largest civic movement in the world involving more than 1 billion people and 50,000 events in 196 countries and whereas our city was designated the first during city in Florida on 5/16/2008. And in 2016 became the first city in Florida to adopt the integrated sustainability action plan which charted a course toward 100% renewable energy. And whereas Saint Pete Earth Day is an Earth friendly event organized and presented using sustainable practices and all people regardless of ethnicity is in there economic status or geography have the right to a healthy clean environment, sustainable economic growth and access to wild. Natural settings and we're asked the citizens of the global community must take individual and collective action to create a green economy to confront global challenges and a green economy can be achieved through individual commitments. Education, sound public policy and consumer activism campaigns. And we're asked chart for 1, 1, and the city of Saint Pete are hosting the 6th annual Earth Day celebration on Apr. 13th at historic Williams Park with programs and events for people of all ages we look forward to seeing you there. Now therefore I kmiec a time when deputy mayor of the city of St. Petersburg on behalf of our mayor Rick kriseman do hereby proclaim 4/13/2019 as Earth Day in St. Petersburg and encourage the city's residents, businesses and institutions to commit to a sustainable environmental future on Earth Day and every day. I just wanted to give some good news, I'm not going to take a lot of time I think it's very telling that the first year that we had her day it within South job perk. We didn't have any solar vendors at all. We couldn't find one. Second year we didn't have running the 3rd year we had one this year we have 5 and I turned away 7. So I believe are reaching a tipping point on solar he Charlie Crist congressman Charlie Crist is going make a big announcement it has something to do with solar from hoping that people can come out and hear that it's going to be very important. The other thing I wanted to do because he's not with a usually I bring the art if it does the artwork and this year's state Peter day is this magnificent Al photographed it with actually taking it taking that point how nature prisoner. So I want to shout out to the park department and to the city of St. Petersburg for having that little oasis of wild Florida right smack in the middle of our city. So that people can go and enjoy it and see our parents like this it was taken at rector fact that within a wild guy, but still I think it's magnificent and Sandy Scott, the photographer is recovering from cancer surgery, so he could not be with us today for did I did want to acknowledge him there and the other thing that I wanted to acknowledge with Tampa Bay estuary program and the grant that they gave church for 1, 1, Because of them we were able to upgrade to stainless steel bottles that we give away our with us for will their nation for that and most people applied, but if they can't think they thought that a bottle and we have at this point we've given away over 5,000 a reusable bottles and over 1000 reusable strives we just purchased 2500 more that will be getting out of or day and I think that providing people with an alternative. It's a good way because people are realizing that it's cool to have your and strong that that that's what we hear the merits so our tagline is every day is Earth Day and thinking every day is Earth Day and thank you and I love this city and I love that I'm able to put this program on thank you. Thank you. That I thought of this. >> Council member Wheeler moment. Thank you Mister Chair, a loose end the I just want to say thank you for everything that you do for Thu. In after Sat.. I have my friend back because I feel like I have a plan for day 2 with that being said the West still have to. Actually I didn't commit so white and they said I had to do it. I see you Sat., thank you. >> And remember just come. Thank you Mister Chair and did I did to reap read that I have not been asked to hold the snake you I don't know about this man and feeling pretty lucky that instead of the speaking. At or day screw think you lose than that. And thank you for being such an incredible you are. >> To not just to our city that to to me in my the efforts that I've made over the last year to bring cent environmental issues to light. You have been just an amazing ally. For the environment I really don't know if I could accomplished anything without you you've just been incredible you know you do all of this. Year round not just planning Earth Day that you really do celebrated every day new share with others. And I'm I'm so grateful for that. So thank you for loving our city. We love you back. >> Percent I wanted to thank you also for your leadership. And in so areas of our city. As I I love I love the tag line. Every days Earth Day in St. Petersburg that's a good attitude to have in a in a city like ours, but all of our nature all around us. I know what you do is not easy. Putting this whole. The Earth Day together but thank you for your leadership and thank you for caring about our our great city and making it better. The and the next item is that we're going to. Yes Sir can speed on a local love for our lovely plan it rolling. This is a water conservation month proclamation. And it reads we're asked water is a basic and essential need of every living creature. And the state of Florida water Management District, Tampa Bay water and the city are working together to increase awareness about the importance of water conservation and we're asked Florida is the only state in the country to designate a month promoting water conservation leading at every turn. And whereas Saint Pete and the state have designated April typically a dry month. When water demand increases as Florida us water conservation month. And whereas Saint Pete has always encouraged and supported water conservation through various incentive programs educational presentations and special events like Earth Day and whereas every business employee industry school. And citizen can make a difference when it comes to conserving Florida's precious water resources. Now therefore I can you cut Tomlin. Deputy mayor, the city of St. Petersburg on behalf of our mayor Rick kriseman do hereby proclaim the month of April as water concert in in our city and urge every citizen visitor and business to help protect our precious resources but becoming more aware of your use of water and using water saving appliances and practices. >> Good afternoon, I'm not Chris closure, what conservation coordinator. By making this proclamation a St. Petersburg joins other municipalities in organizations the what a management district as well as the state of Florida in recognizing the value of protecting our environmental resources. I would like to Joe Brown. Global government affairs program manager with the Southwest, Florida water Management District who has joined us today. With your permission I would like to provide some information about for residents who wish to learn more about the city's what conservation program. I would like to start a with the a program that we debuted a few months ago, it's a pilot program. It's the residential clothes. Washer rebate program. Which provides up to $125 for single family customers replacing high flow clothes, washers or a flat high flu clothes washer with a water and energy efficient e p nhu store model. We also had the city's toilet rebate program which offers eligible what customers a rebate of up to $100 for your place and I flush toilet. Yes, they're still out there. With the e p a certified high efficiency model. For residents said are interested in the they can e-mail tool that rebate office at Saint Pete, that'll work where they can call dedicated phone line 8, 9, 3, 7, 6, 7, 6, And when it comes to the clothes washer rebate program, the e-mail addresses washer rebate at Saint Pete dot org. And the phone number is 8, 9, to 5, 6, 1, 1, I would also like to end with this sensible sprinkling program. And at the program provides eligible customers sprinkler system audit. As well as installation of a rain sensor a follow-up report and the actual drawing of to lay out of the sprinkler system that corresponds to a report. Residents who are interested in that can cause can e-mail sensible sprinkling at Saint Pete dye to work or they can call 8, 9, to 5, 6, 1, 1, Brett more information on these topics residents as well as businesses can call 8, 9, to 5, 6, 8, 8, or they can visit Saint Pete got to work slash water conservation. Thank you very much. I think thank you. And congratulations. Thank you for your leadership and thank you for making our city. A better place to live for all. Thank you. I also wanted to think it over from taking the time to be here with us today. It's always great to see. Next item we have is a alcohol awareness month. Mister Bring. Afternoon good afternoon Council. But if you can see a pattern here. The deputy mayor gets to do all the fun things that I didn't hear. And I get called on to do a little bit more somber. Ah but here goes anyway up. The proclamations that um we get the honor to read with respect to alcohol awareness month. I think it's not too far from anybody's. History are passed to know someone a family member a close relative or or friend who's had issues with alcohol. So it's an unfortunate fact of our our society today and the proclamation reads whereas excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300 deaths among under-age use youth each year. And whereas alcohol is most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. And whereas more than 1.6 million young people report driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year. And whereas young people to begin drinking before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence and those who begin drinking age 21. And whereas drinking by persons under the age of 21 is linked to 189,000 emergency room visits. And whereas the typical American will see 100,000 beer commercials before he or she turns 18. Youth who drink. Are more likely to be victims of violent crimes to be involved in alcohol related traffic crashes and to have serious school related problems. And whereas youth who have conversations with their parents and learn a lot about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50% less likely to use alcohol and drugs than those who don't have such conversations. Now therefore I Tom Green assistant city administrator on behalf of Rick kriseman mayor of the city of Petersburg Florida. Do hereby proclaim the month of Apr. 2019 to be alcohol awareness month. In St. Petersburg and ask citizens, parents governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses hospitals, schools and colleges to support efforts that will provide early education about alcoholism and addiction and increase support for individuals and families coping with alcoholism. Through these efforts together we can provide help for today and hope for tomorrow. For those in our community and who are facing challenges with alcohol. Yes please do. >> Good fun at the lamp Lee, I'm the prevention services administrator with operation par and I also serve as the director of the live free coalition live free is a group of businesses nonprofit organizations and individuals who are working to raise awareness about substance use. Among our young people and older adults as well. The coalition started focused on out within our young people that has times of change we have continued to increase the substances that we're in which we're focused April alcohol awareness month is very critical because even though young people are I'm using other substances, alcohol continues to be a gateway drug. And so we appreciate the council the mayor recognizing April the more that people are where the more that people talk about it. People can come out of the shadows and get the help and support that they need and our community can continue to grow and thrive so I thank you for this. Thank thank you very much. But I can introduce ginger, but also like to say that one I didn't get a good job. One item was left out of that when us whereas a supportive family environment is associated with lower rates of alcohol use. Adolescents it's very important in our families are involved and what's going on. Engineers want to talk to that. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is ginger bring go I'm the chairperson for the palace alcohol coalition, which is a subcommittee of the live free. >> Coalition. We focus on underage drinking issues that we also are working on and fighting drunk driving in the community. We've been supporting our law enforcement through dui Wolf packs and other events to raise awareness on. My family lost 4 members to a drunk driving crash right here in this beautiful city and on we have been fighting for 8 years to make sure that doesn't happen to anyone else. And so we really appreciate the fact that you're honoring antics and the pre and ideology alcohol awareness month. It's a serious issue that we tend to look the other way from and we really would like to bring it to the forefront and and remove that stigma and talk to people and see what we can do to heal our community. Kate thank you. >> Ginger thank you for. Talking a very important subject. And we're so sorry for you your family and your your loss. Thank you. The next item a sexual-assault assault awareness month proclamation. >> You know as I was reading this. Share a little personal story and the baby of 9 kids. I have 6 sisters and so as I'm reading the statistics, you know one of my sisters, you know theoretically are statistically could have been a victim of sexual-assault and that is very troubling and something that you know as I mentioned as I was reading this I was touched by so. The proclamation reads whereas according to the rape abuse and incest national network, a person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds and whereas one in 6 women and one in 20 men in Florida have experience sexual-assault at some point in their lives. According to the Florida Council against sexually violent. And whereas in 2017. There were 498 great reports of rape and 200 sexual-assault victim examinations in Pinellas County. And whereas through the sexual-assault response team over 40 community partners ranging from law enforcement to direct service providers are committed to providing quality service to treat educate and advocate on behalf of sexual-assault victims. While also addressing prevention and awareness in Pinellas County. Pinellas County has certified sexual-assault service program through Suncoast center responsible for sexual-assault victim examinations therapy at the therapy and the advocacy education and awareness. Now therefore I Tom Green assistant city administrator on behalf of Rick kriseman mayor of the city of St. Petersburg Florida. Do hereby proclaim the month of Apr. 2019 to be sexually assault awareness month in St. Petersburg energy citizens, a spur to spread information about sexual-assault awareness and Prevention to keep all citizens, safe, healthy and strong. >> a memorial though with some kuss and Terry and I want to thank you for recognizing sexual-assault awareness month. This Sat. Is an important event for us and we have a community of survivors attached to a realization who will be showing their art work at the telly Levine gallery as part of the art walk so the ones available come out and see you work they've presented in and support our survivor community to think. >> Mr. 8 May have gone out of order. The child abuse awareness, a proclamation. >> ok the next one is see a child abuse awareness month. In this proclamation reads according to the Florida network of children's advocacy center more than 50,000 children. Our victims of victims of child abuse or neglect in Florida each year. And in an average year in Pinellas County 14,440 abuse reports are made to the Florida child child abuse hotline for 1802 children. Children abuse victims know their perpetrators in 94% of all child abuse cases, resulting in the majority of children never disclosing their abuse due to fear. Loneliness so flame, anger and mental health issues. And whereas children in school. We see Jews difficulty cation about child abuse prevention, identifying a safe adult and empowering and empowerment to disclose their abusive behavior. And whereas community partners are committed to providing quality service to educate prevent and treat child the trail child abuse victims in Pinellas County to reduce the number of children, abuse child abuse incidents, and whereas and I was County has a dedicated children's advocacy center through the Suncoast center created to educate the community and reduce the trauma experienced by child victim and family members through the course of a child abuse investigation. Now therefore I Tom Green assistant city administrator on behalf of Rick kriseman mayor of the city of St. Petersburg Florida. Do hereby proclaim the month of Apr. 2009 19 to be child abuse awareness month in St. Petersburg and urge all Pinellas County citizens to spread information about child abuse awareness and Prevention to keep all children safe, healthy and strong. >> My name is Abby goes on and one of the managers at Sancho center responsible for children's advocacy program. I just thank you for your support of children, our community who are affected by child abuse. We know it's under-reported issue we know there's many children who suffer in silence so our goal is to eliminate all forms of child abuse in Pinellas County. So thank you. >> Hello everyone I wasn't expecting to speak, but thank for allow me to be here. Thank you for your support and the city support to help the prevention of child abuse as President Of the Northeast exchange club. It is one of are many programs that we Throughout the years. That we've been around and April is wear blue and blue on Mondays to make awareness for the parent to child abuse excuse me. Thank you. >> Next up a. I just want to say thank you for what you do. It's a very difficult job and I really appreciate what you do and I think sometimes I hear the myth than and correct me if you disagree with this, but the myth to me that that oh my gosh nowadays if you just look at your kids want to call dcf made storm out and take away your kid and I see you shaking your head, no. That's a myth as they said it's under-reported in something that we all and it cuts across all the kinds of. Strata own racial strata, an you know you see it from tiny and it can be shocking how much it An interesting tidbit about the tell welfare system was actually started in the 1880's by the spca and the way and the reason the spca was involved with it is because there was a kid was being abused like his father was taking scissors and stabbing him as a punishment and the judge and went to court and the judge said literally no laws to to cover this. So the spca stepped in and said well we're considering this child is part of the Animal Kingdom. And there's laws that protect animals so her laws that protect animals but did not protect children. And of course a lot of people who abuse animals also abuse children so. Thank you so much dealing with these very very. Mostly draining issues. Day in and day out it's greatly greatly appreciate and we're lucky to have people like you doing that job. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Next up is the Pinellas County urban League update. And a presentation council member to school. Thank you and you know as as we've and hearing after the last several minutes here, there's so many challenges. That families in our area fees. Every single day you know we have to do what we can do. 2 on to support. I neighbors as they go through a variety of different struggles. One of the organizations. That's making real strides in helping people. You through various challenges in their lives is that Pinellas County urban League. They are they're one of the. Biggest organizations in our area. It's truly moving the needle when it comes to helping people to as to obtain self-sufficiency in their lives yet to No better lives for themselves and for their children and making a huge difference in our community when it comes to things like workforce, development education and you know finding that better job getting help with your utility bills. Home weatherization the list goes on and on when it comes to the services the Urban League provides and so I've asked them to join us here today to give us a little overview of what they are currently working on. And helped to spread the word so that maybe more people will find out how they are really can help them. And I believe we have our presenter here rather much and he's welcome reverend Haynes thank you for that council member and. >> And the mayor and his absence who is probably heard the story so many times to advice chair. Thank you and thank of the Councilman Too and most of the events we've you have that you've shown a so we just have a a brief video that we're going to show and then we have a few minutes, a presentation. >> And shes. >> The people know that urban Lee has organization that turned on the light when things go dark. Now we're reaching out to those of you the heard about us, but really don't know much about what we do. So was shining the light on many of the other services that we come back. Is the support of the establishment of a once thriving community that was ending the potential that possibilities. Local resident, business owners and governmental agencies and to remember that it takes unity to build a community. >> What is where you need to mean to you. I think he and the means that people getting together with good thing. >> And a lot of the things come together. >> Every one of you is correct. It's joining together for calls and helping to make a change. Unity is a force to be reckoned with. Here the Pinellas County urban League we believe in learning backs periods and leading by example. We take great pride in the successful programs we offer and the minute success stories that have followed. Style is a program that provides children with educational life still leadership and character building classes. We also provide as a t m a c t preparation workshops because comprehension help further education and member knowledge can lead to college new lights. The National urban League's incentive to sell its at sea program provides our teen population with career training industry certification, entering a community outreach, encouraging this young generation to keep out of trouble and stay focused on the future by doing so they will have the ability to obtain a career and earned a respectable info. The youth crime prevention and intervention program has served more than 1750 individuals now you understand it is in your hands. Our career connections center provides gb assistance employment research, corporate recruitment for support and job placement. A new statistics show that out of 556 points 127 place jobs. The mayor says tutorial program mentor 16 stewed with over 82 1, 2, hours. We'll put that in the community with that our about 2. The camillus Tony mobile health unit provides free service to members of the community with over 362 health screenings and his home a new consumers enroll in a health insurance marketplace, we're proud to continue transforming it hoped landscape and those killed. We believe that good health is free and encourages well. A lie the low income home energy assistance program has helped over 6,000 clients in their time of need. The Urban League is here for you to help and make your dreams come true. Many people dream of one day owning a home of their own. There are many low income of a first-time buyer programs available. The up with is a process May seem complicated or overwhelming. Our new home buyer programs help make the impossible seem possible. The time is now. So let us show you how. The foundation of the Pinellas County urban we has been built on community support and dedicated individuals want to help change lives and know what it takes to make a difference in the past 3 years, it's been amazing to see the change in people when they come in with little or no hope at all. >> And then they come to us the design to be the start a business or to get their finances right and to be able to help them and train them empower them to help them rise to the occasion that they want to be for example, the quander came to to the fat program desire e a better life she won at home ownership. She wanted to start a business as well as own home and we were able to provide her with everything the tools that she needed to get to where she wanted to be on Oct. 18 she close to her first. After attending the Duke energy llamas broke out. I was inspired by the opportunity to give back and serve my community at the same time I was excited and that prospect of are in this to help but take care of my friends out of that increase my earnings and I better benefits I allow myself the freedom to do different things in life and now my future looks great I'm looking forward to experiencing new things I just like to thank to energy as whether they're really for providing me this opportunity. It's been life changing and I appreciate it more than know every note. I am the Pinellas County it really I am privileged come here to meet. I am the Pinellas County every leak. I am the polls come there really since 19 77 at and the problem is counted for billing. I am the Pinellas County or money. I am the Pinellas County urban League. I in the Pinellas County are morning. >> counties. I am the Pinellas County or but. I am the Pinellas County urban League. Are you. >> Now it's counter the leak. I would love to take credit for everything you see that I certainly with me today is my board chair. Then the Mike Kelley. Kevin Gordon. Pinboard hits I education committee and I'm nominating committee and Earth coin without back second vice President. About what we have 25 board members I I believe is tops in this country. I know it stops in this country. And certainly can't. He even talk about what we do what you've seen without acknowledging some of the employees who allowed to leave without locking them in the office. But a fantastic group of of workers who love what they do. And they hear a certain under the direction of and the son whose advice, President Of operations. And some about finance people. a who's who is with us. Some of the information you have to think that you have a copy of the presentation so we won't. Will one of 90 or Billie Jean, the country. Each are beleaguered response to the needs of the community which we serve so we're not like a McDonald's. You go to McDonald's, you can know what to expect to add or delete whether it's Chicago, a Philadelphia. Pinellas County. We do programs to respond to the needs of the community in which we exist. We served out this past year 11,000 residents. The residents in Pinellas County all 24. Municipalities we provide services. Marion County. Hernando County. Sumpter County. Lake County Seminole County use. All those areas is where we provide programs a very bleak weather. That person's here. It with the utilities aware the its seniors living in those rural areas who need an extra hand up in order to to to serve at this 42th year of operation as an urban League. And 42 years with a clean audit. And no management lead as no exceptions and not the same audit in to provide those on it's over the years and so we have a fantastic a operation. We have a bad direct services, advocacy research policy analysis collaboration is and we work with community organizations. We were not silos everything that we do it they're really love to say we did it all by ourselves. But we did not as with other community organizations to do what they do and do it well and we partner with them to get it done. We're not concerned about taking the credit. It's making sure that the person becomes hole and that the person moves and it to the next step in their in their livelihood. Last we were able to share with you it Council certainly the award that we received as one of 2 are bullies in the country to receive the workforce champion award. And it's because person to work with the Urban League and decided that it's it's time to stop just doing one a little deal with somebody walking in to get a job it's about not in those job. Korea it's about a business it's about doing all those things to get your financial house in order and so they don't just leave us, we track him down and say we've got another problem for you, here's something else that we can do for you and the 4 prongs of the Urban League is one education, making sure our children a well educated and with just thankful that not only we talk about the success that's needed in a Pinellas County school system but the preparation that kids need and stepping out to do things like we're doing right now enjoy the park with the kids suh who were providing tutorial system through the tune into reading program that this certainly board under the direction of doctor going has implement enjoin pocketed already shown some success academically with those young people. Adults obtain the economic self-sufficiency. Is not about just getting a minimum wage paying job. It's about managing the dollars you have and then being able to better yourself. So we will just take a cna into yet get a good job as a cna and keep moving to now you're cna you need to figure out how to be an lp and and how to be a nurse and as a matter of fact if you want to go further how to be in their practitioners and even the doctor and so we don't we just don't stop there. All of that we have a holistic approach we we use when we get on with the persons that we deal with it's the whole person. It's not just the fact that we want to help turn on your utilities because they're off. We will look at some of the other issues that you have yet Suncoast year earlier if we've have issues with a mental health challenges. We deal with that through utterly throughout partnership with Suncoast or through the whale which we partner with the provide mental health services. So it you just don't walk in and walk out. That's what we put that we that a cop partners. We collaborate to increase the impact that we have whether it's a p works where we serve whether it's the 2020 program where we had the fiscal agent to move things whether it's the one community that plans for this community. And develop a plan for it and whether it's the gross Mata the Chamber of Commerce Grossmont a program. We're involved in that we participate in that just to show that we're not just based in one part of the community. A summer youth leadership program is 8 week program where we have young people that come to us that don't want to be there. That first day they tell us that they just finished school and now we're making them come back to us for 8 more weeks of their lives that we say yes, they tell us to people don't know what to do with us they they with polls have fun and not letting us have fun because we about serious business about time that 8 weeks is over the kids don't want to leave they would like what can we stay in the program at me was it over now, and that's a program that you at the city of St. Petersburg fund has leadership program. When we talk the entrepreneur. This young man came into the early because the contract that he was working on at a business was about to be cancel and so he said to us. His information his the rfp that this company put out, and I'd like to figure out a way to get that business. Now he worked in the company as a janitor we work with him work with this finances, help them develop a business plan and he went out not only secured a contract, but now he has 4 employees working for him and this is within a one year period of time. We've talked about the young lady who went from a out a program that's called step and then you see that acronym on that netted expert successful training empowerment program. This young lady came and said I want a job I want to house and we're like ok, so does everybody else. And so we said we'll work with you to make that happen. Work with her got her the job got her degree so she needed and she owns a home. All because of the work of the folks working with these people and many of the all of the people I think most of them came from join Park, public housing. That's what we work with and that's who we've kept 2 to grow. Some of the highlights of this step program is we had 23 families working with us in about 10 we completed the program 6 months later, 74% of those families that stay with us. 50% of them who had jobs received pay raises and one gentleman came to us and say you know what after finding listen to you out you told me to not talk back. The short to work on time to do what I'm toe and guess what I got promoted. And so that's the success of a program once again that the city of St. Petersburg has funded a through their of the league since is data shows that there had been a decrease in person zone in poverty in South Saint p attributable to the ability of all of our organizations to work together to do that and that this is part of the Congressional record. The reduction of poverty in this city the work of these organizations as I see it working together to make a difference. The Pinellas County government has sought what we've done and have funded an urban the youth empowerment program to work with you 14 to 24. In St. Petersburg clear water industry to provide services to these young people and out of a 100 people who was book was supposed to be enrolled in the program for the next 6 months, 79% of already enrolled in the program and we provide a Ray of wrap around services to them you've seen the Duke energy experience. We are asked to provide Duke energy for land. Just 4. From souths a p we work with Duke energy we work with these young a young people to get them in the cast program to talk to them about work habits and what they need to do studying and as a result of that. This was a one-year program 3 years ago. As of today we have 16 persons who are working at Duke energy entry level of $60,000 for 5 years apprenticeship and after that 5 years a $100,000 and at 16 of now and we have 16 already in the pipeline. That economic growth and economic development and when and Marcela to close out for us. My name is Linda March alley and I'm proud to be the board chair of the Urban League. It in terms of my own background I had 32 years in senior executive leadership in financial services in New York City. And about 10 years in Saint Pete, in social activities and I have to tell you that the Urban League and the wonderful staff wonderful committed staff who all do about 3 jobs led by the reverend Watson Haynes is probably the best platform I have seen to deliver social services to people who who need it and the reason is is education because people the Urban League helps people step up learn how to do it themselves gain confidence and pride in themselves and can become contributing members of the community and that is a great pleasure to be a part of. Thank you our congresswoman for bringing us here today and thank all of you for your interest in the Urban League and for the partnerships that we've shared and I look forward to those growing. So that we can help more people. Oh thank you. Congresswoman. And here I have got to you've got a challenge before you know. Quite a few board members and staff members here with you today could everyone stand up to the eu could be recognized for all of the great work that you do you. I really know how to show up. I love that and you do every single day and thank you at 4. Leading in 4 for being part of an organization that is truly focused on outcomes. And. With all of the success stories to back that up please keep doing what you do. And let us know how we can help you reach even higher and help more people in our community. Thank you. >> The reverend Haynes a I I too wanted this For being such a strong leader for such a strong organization. It's clear. From from the top down you've got some very good people working for you that care care about our community and have been carrying for 42 years. That's that says a lot. The presentation and the video. Give give us a reminder. And it really energizes us to to do what we do and I know it really energize people that see what you're doing to help everybody in our community so thank you so much. I too wanted to to Driscoll or for bringing this to us and and I'm just so excited to have such a a wonderful organization, right here in St. Petersburg thank you. Next up, but chief large. We had a umass a less competition recently o'keefe what moment. You're in your Sun., best to them. >> On the were my best self you got. We appreciate the opportunity to be here today chair members of The roesgen offer to put a little sunshine back in the room after I'm sorry what was done with the kids in the videos who they trust us on that we're going to put some kids are videos from now on. We're here for today's to to provide you some support back up for what we profess a regular basis. So you guys know you have an exceptional Fire Department that we regularly say that one of the best in the world and we believe that and I'm sure you for the far to say a number of times that for the best because of the people in the organization that's that's why we're exceptional it's the people in the work that they're doing and so we want to take this opportunity. A brief moment to present you some of those exceptional people share with you some of the exceptional work that they've accomplished very recently selective I'd up for a less competition team. As they come up old. But to give you just a brief. Introduction to each of them and then all of sure little bit about what they've accomplished and why it's so substantial more are so proud of so I have the right, here's dirt prez free sees he's been with us for 4 years now. He came to us from Saint Pete Beach and there just wasn't enough action out there a Greek and leverages talents fully and he found a place to do that here in St. Petersburg and his office he works as a flight medic for Bay flight which is a pretty significant asked to have this were a air transportation transferred to the most critically injured patients to trauma centers. You are says the field purse precept irna adjunct professor for St. Petersburg College and the paramedic an emt program. He currently holds a critical care paramedic certification and a flight paramedic certification in addition to his. Required certifications for the part of firms of these are above and beyond a little interesting fact here is there's only about 500 people in the world that whole both of those certifications and what those represent is a level of mastery for emergency medicine and the paramedic field that is well above what the standard expectation would be so that's an exceptional accomplishment. He's currently assigned to fire station 3 which that's a produce some of the best products, the Fire Department but to say. I'm from that's right. These were the streets. Of 3 years ago or so there came 40's is not like to like to get in a less competition team spun up again and said you know east to do that why not you know what a great way to showcase the worker people do so he was kind of key in getting this thing kicked off again so we thank you for that he did a really good job. David Walker was hired with the Saint Peter's from our department 2014 he got his firing into certification 2010. Started working deal as transport immediately thereafter and volunteered as a for Hills Fire Department until he came to Petersburg he also works as a field service precept or an adjunct professor for Saint Peter's for college in the permanent program. He's a certified has met that mission a member of her Pinellas County hazmat team. He's a certified engine operator and also holds a flight paramedic certification. He's assigned or master fire station and he has been with the competition team for 3 years now. Was hired in 2011 safety fire rescue is probably put his by these a Saint Pete native so that's that's a good thing. He's here serving the community grew up in and actually working out of the firehouse that he was in and out of his little kids so it's kind of a neat little a dream realization there. He's currently a permanent precept and then acting that ended with the Fire Department he is a certified far officer to state certified engine. The truck operator. He's also a flight paramedic certification holder. He works at a station 7 and he's been with the competition team for 2 years now. And then on the end here to 10 and Adam will prevost it's a 15 year veteran the St. Petersburg fire rescue he became a paramedic in 2007 with the department and a lieutenant in 2016. He's a Saint the fire rescue precept or a cme instructor, he holds a. Why breath of instructor certifications and he's one of her key people for all the other certifications we have to teach and the he's also kind of the den mother of the competition team was one of the original members from back when and have the ability to Shepherd them through the process to hone their skills and no one is a little bit about with that encompasses you'll see where that was so valuable but he holds a fire officer to certification, he's a member of our technical rescue team. The station for where he is this is home is lieutenant. You know when when at when there came and said you know we like to kick this competition come off I reached out because he was my first thought just those exceptional paramedic an exceptional our officers that hey can you take these guys under way in and shown the way and he did that so what the a less competition team is is it's it's a series of events that occur kind of all over the country where they do high-fidelity very realistic simulations of medical emergencies that you mess would respond to but the key is is the incidents in some areas that they give them are at 3 or 4 clicks above what we would see on a daily basis so for these guys to be successful. They have to have an ability to think on their feet do rapid diagnostic decision-making the term an upright proper dosing and administration of medications called the head so there's and there's no time in the competition to be successful to reference a material to call a doctor on the radio to ask for advice. So they really have to pollen a lot more knowledge and expertise and you would require for street level clinician but that's something they decided to do in their own and the work that went into them being successful is this team started 3 years ago require them getting together every other week on their own time practicing in training. The flight medic certifications a critical care certifications that pain they pursue that on their own time with their own to make themselves competitive. Because of those efforts in 2/22/2009. They were competing in the gems clinical game competition that was held at the National Harbor Maryland. The gems competition is the Super Bowl of the. A less competition world it's the largest ems competition are you mess conference rather and the in the world annually as well as the competition that it feels and international teams of the computer their guns teams from Taiwan against Europe as well as teams in the United States. And ultimately they were victorious in that competition and and what made of the more significant is their victory unseated the reigning champion. To do what they did as a team with 3 years on just put in perspective. The teams are competing against have been competing for decades. So to rise to that level of competitive edge, enough to be victorious in 3 years I think just again speaks to the exceptional nature of the people in our organization. Surely just real quick, you know the good about 60 competitions a year as an organization we can always support so many of those so we support all the ones that we can but then they make their own time and finances available to go to the others to get the reps necessary to be competitive which just again speaks to the character and the dedication of the people in your fire and rescue department. For the competition it occurred over 2 days. There's a point in every round where they had to successfully manage 3 different scenarios, the first one was a mass casualty scenario. They had effectively tree Irish transport prioritize. And set up a command structure for a mass casualty incident, then they headed to a 60 question critical care written test that had a 10 minute time of the I feel that right out the gate on the 10 minutes test taker. And then the final portion of the first part of the day was to medical scenarios consisting of a pregnant mother into premature 26 upi year-old babies. Again those are incidents that are high Fidelity that they have to manage offer the knowledge and skills that they had just inside their heads. No reference material. So they play second that preliminary round and the top 3 teams of the Pullman around competed the final competition. The final competition was 20 minute high energy scenario where they were required to manage. Just the 3 of them. They had to manage. I'm a critical patients we have here 9 critical patients that were involved in offshore boating crash incident. So again that's effectively Jing prioritizing the needs making unnecessary treatments and they can actually get on a stage well. Hundreds of people got to watch everything that they were doing including the heart monitors that wrong people so it was little more pressure you have a bunch of other industry experts watching what you're doing. And Tony was to say that they perform well and ended up winning winning gold and that's what we're here to recognize them today because not just exceptional work that they're doing every day in the streets of St. Petersburg that this is direct evidence of the quality the organization that serving your community and it deserves certainly recognition. But what they did is we know that we live here. We see it by them winning a national competition that the field of international. The teams. They really put Petersburg a platform as a national leader for excellence in the mess and really put us on an international platform and and that type of marketing for our agency and our community is difficult to put a price tag on so we're here today to to present them to you and congratulate him for those efforts. O all start off by just saying wow that's quite quite a story that there David David Adam. Thank you for representing. Our city. Thank you for that fire rescue so well but thank you for representing Petersburg so well to it sounds like a. Such a a a a challenging competition. Who was the city that was unseated. Who was who is the reigning champion whose. Well in that and the fact not only did to you all put this together and volunteer your time and volunteer. 2 make yourselves better. That says a lot about. Who who the and the caliber of people that we recruit to our I think the 5 fire rescue says a lot about the organization. I'm I'm a strong believer in strong leaders in organizations like this. Leadership comes from the top that goes down to the bottom. And you all represent to all of us so so very well we're very proud of. Thank you for everything you did that you did. And congratulations. Council member Jessica. >> I know everything the ad said in an. I'm just congratulations. It takes. I can't even imagine how you had a to prepare for this them into going in basically not everyone a fair feeds coming in like that it's really exciting. But it does show who's like not only dedicated you are to your work. But how how you can also who represent our city with such pride. Not only in competitions spent every single day that you do what you do so thank you for that and then pays for putting think people back on the map with this competition. That's really exciting. And I hope to see you guys You know next time around is the defending champions. You know 2 for 2 on this one. So yeah. Things thanks again and definitely we're here for you anything that you need really appreciate you so much. Thank you. >> First of all thank you. But snow second of all. We have some really high expectations in our city and you just ramp them up and ah. You know, lots of teams won one Super Bowl. Very few teams get to be like. The New England Patriots who I don't even like by the way let me just be clear with a win a lot to my a mice agree and so you know we're kind of expecting a dynasty I hate that word out there after a fresh own oppressor we want we want to die missed another and author the seriousness. Thank you for your commitment, your dedication, your hard work to keeping the citizens of Petersburg safe and you know what to do is is tricky because I get e-mail sometimes and people are like well, there's a lot of waste in the fire departments are all is there tell me about that who's usually something like woman 5% of the time. Ok you tell me that 5% after us into a burning building in. We'll come back on the other 95. But it's hard to predict you know obviously impossible to predict when you're going to be needed to thank you for being ready in any way shape or form and like I said we're looking forward to that dynasty so I guess that makes the chief bill bill bill bill attack of the Fire Department. Hope a really the you know unfortunately been you went on. Thank you all very much. Say one more thing huh. >> Chief can you recognize the members of the the other members of the department that are that are here with us today and I know that there's some family members here also I also want to thank the families. I know that this competition you probably that probably spent some time away from from the families and we always want to recognize the families. These these jobs that you have they're they're dangerous positions and and we recognize that and we recognize the people that are supporting you. Back at home also so thank you. Can you can you recognize the the other members of the department that are good. Thank thank you all for being here. >> All right Lee and Hayley Smith there believe are an engine 7 today was they Schaefer so he's on the today was fun for a little bit. Thank you ever the I-ten us the wars, the largest on untrained a vision is lieutenant station 3 district the 10 of Nugent my right hand Suzanne James you're going to be leaving the scene for the Pirates on the Rocha ok our fire marshal Mike the money. You Watts personnel administration chief and then leicester's fire chief James, the large. Thank you thank you all. The economy, you know person in the fan here so this is lieutenant Lou prevost who there are 2 of them. This is father and the son. His lieutenant a station 11 a member of our dive team. These are dive master actually for diversity. We could become a pick him up slowly. You must do that. That's right. >> No no no you're not you're that guy. >> Next next step is a a. Yes city beautiful update. Council member Driscoll. Thank you Mister Chair and and had to be in my second years serving on the. City beautiful Commission representing City Council. The city beautiful Commission has. Been around for for a long time n I'm just a lot of great work by news that time. In the focus some traditionally has been the great stewardship that this cbc has. Over the Palm Arboretum that there's so much more that our city beautiful commission is doing these days. And so I invited. Representatives from the commission to join us today and give us a little update. Scott Youngblood great to see everybody had some May your faces a long time so it's good to Thank you for having me. >> First of all I was afraid I was going to have to follow the reverend after that wonderful presentation but then have to Rosen champions. With the Double big congratulations to those Gentlemen. Our mission at the it's a beautiful commission is to enhance to safeguard the beauty of the city's natural resources and city landscapes thereby enriching the quality of life for our community. We achieve this mission by the following duties. We assist and promote public programs and activities that will further the beautification protection of the natural resources in and around St. Petersburg we assist the parks and Recreation Department with the initiating planning directing and coordinating the following programs. The annual city beautification awards the gift reprogram and that is all a cop sitcom overeem so assist with the formulation of and implementation of city statutes and ordinances concerning property made much if cation standards signage and national a natural resources. I would like to see more involvement between the code enforcement and our neighborhood associations which hopefully we can getting those groups together in the near future. We also advise the City Council in matters pertaining to the case of the city that will result in more active and will mean to maintain city again with many different groups efforts I think that will come together. We also system than any other functions and duties as assigned to us by the City Council so please if you have anything that we can assist with please reach out to us. The commission was formed in 61 year in 1961 so will be 58 years old this year. We are an advisory commission. The compromiser 14 partisan volunteers and one council member member and council member to school. They are appointed by the Merritt approved by City Council. And we hold the monthly meeting on the second Mon. Of each month and it is open to the public. Our current numbers are myself. Vice chair, Rick nail. Treasure we have a vacancy but hope to have that field next month historian as Stephanie Lawler Ellington and again council member Driscoll from district right we have Ryan coping. District 2 we have league under district one is Doris Heisman district 4 Lucinda Johnson who was here earlier speaking. District 6 Alexander necklace. Carol Moore district 6 as well. George Stovall district 3 John Lopez district 8. Trimarco and trying to shoot for and for city legal is get and our liaison with a parts operation manager a cent lend us to for it. And I want to mention her name again. Linda sue for because she does the job of 2 or 3 people session probably say Linda super it again, she's amazing. Thank you. Linda. We also have 2 consultants that show up on a regular basis that help us out Phil stagger and a Tom Saint Peter. If you are ongoing programs with the commission that's the gift reprogram age towards a commemorative tree to be planted in the city part. Our annual city beautification awards. And having for 51 years. It's a time to thank and recognize the community. Our palm Arboretum is a level 2 accredited Arboretum and It the a c a she's not. It's both beautiful and educational and actually if you have of them by their in a while it's incredible up to go through it just walk to its it's really a hidden gem within our Jim of the city. It's it's gorgeous takes your