City Council

>> Good morning, everyone. I can have council members Turner videos on please. Thank you. Good morning and welcome to the July 9th meeting of the think here's 4 City Council. Can we begin with the role. >> I hear good morning. I'm sorry Mister Chair, let me begin with their only meeting sorry about that. I'm sorry it's going to be in there. You want They want to do it. >> And Mister Jerry Falwell. >> Yes good morning we're going to call July nice meeting up to thank you for City Council to order we begin with the role. >> Good morning here. >> Mister Clerk, a new elevate the can and that. Cager well to Alan p. >> She's already the meetings that year. >> Will begin with indication by teacher think here cathedral. All of I the pledge of allegiance. Please and in place. Good morning can a juror. Good morning, it's nice to be with you all today. It is your custom you are invited to pray. This is another day Lord. We know not what it will bring 4 that make us ready. Whatever it May be. If we are to stand up help us to stand bravely if we are to sit still help us to sit quietly. If we are to lie low. Help us to do it patiently. And if we are to do nothing. Let us do it valiantly. Make these words more than words and give us the spirit, Hugh. >> Please join me with her for the pledge of allegiance. to their to the Republic. 4 which is banned. With liberty and justice for. Well thank you for the moving Janitor well. You're always welcome back City Council meeting you do have to wonder. >> Yeah getting down to the pier. >> The eu and yeah. >> Have a great day everyone ok thank you again. >> Do we sort statement the The city buildings have been closed to the public due to covid 19 emergency accordingly. The meeting location has changed from in person to virtual meetings. I mean the communications media pursuant to executive order. 26 to 9 issued by the governor March one year 2020, an executive order 32 issued by the mehr on April. Please you buy that at all times the chair of the authority and discretion to reorder. And then the big event the role of the core or violated to the point of disruption of the meeting to all the means I would public comment is submitted. The city clerk on our plan to rules for public comment in this virtual meeting. >> The City Council receives public comment want open forum. And on agenda items with limited exceptions, consistent. Florida law. All issues discussed and are open for him was be limited to issues related to the city of St. All city residents, owners of property in the city. Owners of businesses in the city or their employees me speak, we're open for. If you wish to address to the council May send an e-mail to city dot org. At Saint Pete, or you May address agenda item number income and less in the Jenin item is specified you May also be read during war otherwise Mills will be regular public comment. This President By not. You know one of the males must be received before the public comment period. The agenda item as well. If you wish to address to the council was only. He was used to raise hand Beach but in this June out or endure Staten Island phone at the time the agenda item. It's a mess. Your turn to speak you'll be a new axis fate May and the dress. At the conclusion of the comments we reached an agreement it reached a 3 minute. You always hands will be nor at each agenda item regardless of the method of participation news moves by when the 3 men remain a time on comments. And in the presentation materials must be submitted in advance. The meeting in the rules of the call. If my comment is disrupted by violations would have the calm the chair is often rise to accept public comment. Alternate me including my email. >> We do have a tendency for us and we have some changes of go through all of them. We're going to delete item h to. Cb 27. We deleted to be a 9 we've mind can find t one and t 3. I was we've added back off. All the other changes. And you heard. Mister Chair before you proceed down was my market continued are you to answer. I was certainly wasn't even written statement. You hear. >> I did we get here. I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> Would you mind just repeat those ads and early again for me real quick because I tried to write them down and work so sorry about that. So we've added cb 27. We really did. Ca 2. Ca 9. We've added f 9. We have a motion to approve the agenda that we have to start. Second second. We have a motion and a second to approve the agenda revived. >> Motion passes unanimously council member, the wrong with that Sun. Ok thank Mister Clerk. We have a consent agenda before us. Do we have any cards on the consent agenda. >> Mister Chair there no e-mails but how there is and raise money it is generally less. I'm going to change that features council members will be aware of that the only person who will be able to me when I knew the meetings need so you won't be around the gist cells to allow this person now. >> Go right ahead in this hour. >> Mister Billy gillispie state your name. Speaking on the consent agenda. Please let us know Adam is it just didn't know where he was sleeping on open flown in. >> Can you hear me. Yes, like yeah, my name is Kimberly this there's no Al. Be iss and I'm the chief of staff that they friend and I'm using my eyes on him. Okay I will bring you back into the meeting and that time to time in different Orlando health comes up. Ok, thank you. Moment Mister Chair. Flores back to you Sir, you know, mostly. >> Thank you. Mister Clerk. Entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. Yeah, well. We have a motion and second to approve the consent agenda. The clerk please call. >> Motion passes unanimously with council member William Bowman, the absent. Will move to open. >> Can you read the rules were open form. >> If you wish to address. City Council news and you know the city not work you name address that and I'm no more. Who has an agenda item is best art, you know. We read during open or otherwise you know what we're learning. Well the comment was best barging item he knows must be received from the public on here you can lose. If you missed Mister Address City Council who meeting was used to raise hand beaches but resumed at or in to start an eye on all the time in June I was dressed. We need your turn to speak you need it I need it that's a statement name and address. And I'm not sure which ones you're dressing. At the conclusion of your comments when you reach the 3 minute. Time and you will be new to all raise hands will be lured after each of the night. Regardless of the method of participation use normal rules fire gardens, really 3 minute I'm on comets are meant that if you face in that areas must be submitted in advance arm, a lot of millions of dollars you are in the church off of life except out of town. Alternate me Gooding much in their own Mister Chair we do not have any raise millions in there are no e-mails we're open. >> Hey thank you Mister Clerk, we'll move on to cb 20 which was by a council member right. For good news. To introduce a time. >> And I wanted to pull that I use I $50,000 grant from what we know it. For now it is the county why I planning and transportation agency that council member captured it on the chin, currently vice chair. These grants are competitive. And it really is a showcase of our cities. I mentioned in granting parent. Face making and bicycle and pedestrian-friendly this one of us think that test really I think May seem keeps neighborhood that this court a word. So special and yesterday at the Grand unveiling for the hour. I hear she and I can see the show and they said well you guys lovely here compared to the rest of this still to come. Restaurateur and why the project we do here. I think that's an adopted I have a cities in Florida. So with that I handed over to every morning and he's going to talk a little bit out of the work they did to us. When the competitive Grant. Thank you. Thank you council member Rice. Looks like my sound is coming through ok. That introduction was was great. And I'm actually going asked the clerk if he can elevate how some sun Kyle's one of the planners in our office and he did a lot of the heavy lifting on this grant application. Along with some of our other team members such as Lucas I'm Cheryl. So I think he could be elevated up we'll go through a few slides with you we're going to keep it. Read this morning we wanted to highlight some of the other grants that we've been fortunate enough to win through for Pinellas and at the end. I'll Cheryl and I would be available to take any questions. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you have and the good morning Council. Kyle since then with the Transportation Department. I believe we had a short presentation, this Chan wanted to but better. Thank So today we're talking about the demonstration and pilot that we recently received funding from for Dallas for the next slide please. So in the fall of 2019 for Pinellas opened application. For 3 different programs a complete streets program which included a planning grant of $200,000 and construction which would be for projects up to $2 million. Second program was the transportation alternatives program and that was 300,000 to 2 million and each jurisdiction could submit a maximum of 2 proud to and last week had one in the old They were reworking that program and then there's the planning in place making which was grants up to a $100,000. Next slide please. So little We did some a grant applications for all 3 programs and in prior years we were successful with the complete streets with winning a million dollars for construction of the trail down in the scary Marina district 34th Street. So. Million dollars a ferry project on 22th Street from So the 9th Avenue so and $50,000 for a. Complete streets study on 18th Avenue South which is actually currently underway. We did not receive funding and this year's applications like a little bit we believe that was due to us receiving funding in previous years and the 4 Pinellas money to have geographic. Parity with other jurisdictions in the county. We were successful and the transportation alternatives in which we won funding for 3 different projects, including it bikeway and Central Avenue from 31th to 34th Street which will complement the work that's coming with the sun the sun runner project formally known as the central Avenue brt. One 0.9 million for a better connection on 28th Street from the and also trail to first Avenue North. And that's the 1.9 million to continue the work. And 22th Street which we previously received funding for to bring up further north from 5th Avenue. So 2 for 17 or and then what we're here for today we asked that $50,000 for a demonstration pilot Under the planning placemaking Grant and previously the planning of historic preservation division and receive $50,000 through that grant to do a missing middle housing typology and analysis. Next let its. So a little bit about what project will do. It was named as an action item within the complete streets implementation plan which is why we proceed funding for it. As it was an action item we would have needed to accomplish this with or without hope at some point so we're happy that we're able to complete this. Were quickly with the funding received from forward Pinellas and so what actually distinguishes between is demonstration projects which are community lead and we've received requests from members of the community often to do. Projects on the street and currently there is no formal process that stream mind for people to do projects such as paint and intersections or traffic calming things like that. And then pilot projects that they're going to be city initiated I kind of quick build what I mean by that is often times when we want to we recognize an issue and say we. Are going and saw all about that takes a long time to program and it's very expensive so through this. We're treated formal process to implement things more quickly with cheaper and more flexible materials. The an example of this is the pizza ball doubts that second Avenue North and its treatment Jason to City Hall. And week that's kind of a holdover in so we can. Program and complete the capital projects and so through this we're going to review all the existing city process is because there are ways to Street murals currently but it's not streamlined so this will help provide a framework internally and externally on what the process is and just clear expectations for everyone involved and hopefully make it a smooth and easy process. And next slide please. And with this we hope to. We're going to develop a project visioning team. That is going to include city staff and community stakeholders representing a broad spectrum. The business and community years and we are planning to use an on call consultant of either the city or forward Pinellas to help expedite it. Completion of this document which we insist it sticking around the And that's and mine with what for Pinellas has requested of us through their program. And next. And then this is just a little more of what other communities have The top is a project that the day. A painted curb extension or balled out which helps people across the street more easily shortens the crossing distancing can also so speed of hers and then. The top rate is going to Burlington Vermont is one of the leaders in the sun that created a a good process that outlines what exactly is needed what departments are involved. Anticipated timelines and things like that. So that's kind of where we hope to go with this and next slide and with that I'd be happy to answer any questions that there might be. Well thank you Kyle for the presentation. >> Mister Clerk on Tue. To raise hands. >> Yes there are Mister Chair in as I mentioned before on now things. Missions on meeting you doing, so we can bring public. Mister Chair for speaker I want to bring it is Ashley green screen. Once you come into the meeting these things are name and address for the record. >> Its streets. >> I mean it was actually Pearl to want a little bit each I will start by saying that there seems to at the summit in sea versus when things heat up. It's I know there are people who are interested in speaking to public comment before didn't understand they're motivated or 2. It just really has that these tomorrow. My thoughts into mist to get more free so much that it's going to states. Not sure the rules on this moment, we're not just sitting on the agenda item. Instead we'll just a bird pool or on either Council chair or fortune or the city clerk in order to put out there that you can't Miss Them. >> These are not speaking on this agenda item great. Aaron Gilmore once you enter into the meeting please state your name and address for the record. >> Hey I'm here starting at that. My name is Aaron Gilmore. My address is actually 37 to 37th Avenue South. My question would So I was watching I got tonight notice we were you were discussing art projects. Isn't it clear that we have more direct issues recent we should be spending money on them in our projects in the community. >> You have another 2 minutes and 45 seconds for your comments to good morning. There are no more speakers Mister Chair for these items were a green is ours open. Her time frame. There's more speakers. What was yours and you just know. >> ok thank you, thank you, I'm sorry for the delay a ride on the self retire. Ok well, thank you. Appreciate the information. Kyle and Evan. And we do have a resolution on that item entertain a motion to over. We have a motion. In a second. Planning in place making at grant from. Well a clerk please call. >> Was it passes unanimously councilmember woman being absent. >> Evan thank you Kyle and that comes a member right. We'll move to the one we're going to public hearings and bring up the item e one. An amendment to the why 1620 can solve it. Planned annual action plan. >> I see that the council member Blackmon its hands off it looks like he was attempting to speak. >> Councilmember Blackman you have the floor. This is really where and I do love that. That first see her form I couldn't hear them. Most of you all do we train tried any of the commenters are waiting for I just I want to know the protocol has to sit back and hear most part. She was saying. I was wondering what we do in a situation like that. >> They repeat that question use them. >> Yeah, I would just say I didn't understand the bows of one of speak the first the who was saying what are we transfer to what we should do it very light. We can't cure. What they're saying. >> Mister Black they do we actually need that comes their reported almost half of this meeting is know who knows what promises this week. It was it was usual for last minute indicating there was a delay. In time we didn't know that was the period to reach their full. >> That your meme the own goal. One deputy mayor. Would you have for you when it was played in the region. Or why when when we all they did when made this is what they want done. Was it. Getting there. We do it would. But. Or will it have been to the 1920. A new action plan to make what we had over a 1100 thousand 9 of new 45 new budget to be new development. Cv on that. Suncor why do you bring up your patient. The place which that page. It is going to need an important mission plans includes would be using a 30 day public comment period to a 5 day. I worry what I'm doing. People put in a public hearing and instead using but what they are. Notice the funding mobility May not be with By the city. The we May contact into jea's within the community withhold the city is know your house them in a ring to it. Director Brandon we want to. Every party what they're saying. They couldn't we. We what would but it was. One to 2000 by Sunni by the administrative costs. But housing 500,000 ran toward building business. $17 on 614 program recalls building is this in front of 380,007 to made was doable whoever. So we're sitting in who was on. And let us know big needed to fight in humans. Okay I don't know. Well key we a group maybe. This is associated with $30,000 or was it pretty doesn't it. And this year. Would agree 1000 we've gone 46, don't which total on Ms. >> one can make great an age services Association. >> That up with. $18,000 would wear which who've been there but 91. >> You really don't know where it all went $89,410 has been added to the window to program which also. Includes. Bottom we change. The service of the end program bluery cost to reflect 48,009 in $6 which we says or reducing the city's administrative costs by the same about. Any. >> The final break. Number 1,000,191.5. You on Earth all. The Burke is built for the cost includes a dollars. But. The rental value system has been increased to 5,806 goes. Which includes program. The new group are coming by not talking. The funding for the 3 agencies. 91,000 important things. That is it a a service an association or and what it. I hope it has been questioned and work and the will of me with me. >> Thank you Mister Jobs I want to say your your audio was very very powerful it was difficult that. To follow at times. Some of what he said. Mister Clerk, we have Request my. >> Sure no we do not have any accidents are theirs. There's one game drains Mister Chair and going to. Change the in the meeting on getting were council members region. It's a and into the conversation. So one moment. And I want you into the into the meeting state your name and dress for the record. You have 3 minutes to speak with students and to them it. >> Hello can you hear me. Ok my name's Hannah tweet I live at 5635 a street Northeast. Since we're on the topic of funding. I just wanted to bring up question that a lot of people have in Saint Pete right now it's about what is the city's response to calls to defund the week and I realize this does not directly relate to the agenda item but a second what actually green says I attended this meeting to talk about this and I was unclear. >> there's another open for abortion tours in the meeting that you're not speaking on this topic. I want you back in as an 10 be wants to form that was me you have the opportunity to speak there. Mister Know me Brooke Bates. Once you enter into the meeting please state your name and address for the record if you speaking on this topic what you injure the make into the meeting you have 3 minutes to speak. >> Good morning. My name is my home County 7, 6, 3, more. And I was when he discussed some possible covid response actions. We all understand that widespread testing would be so but it. >> We stay I want to repeat the same common enemy if you're not speaking on the specific item. There there is another open or 4 important meeting at him out towards the end of the meeting you're in the midst, it will bring you back in that time. So I'm speaking also speak going who reports were that comes in. Nick comes up. Mister Chair there on were hands raised at this time. When changes saying so the council has done so. >> Thank Mister Clerk. >> Thank you Joshua maybe it's just because you're presentation was so garbled I didn't really Kind of difference said. In funding on the year. All right, I mean it all at to the same amount. But I'm just a little can you. Or that I have in my presentation here in front of There's 500,000 for rental mortgage and utility assistance but when ever you flip it over to the final polls. It talked about different amount and broken out temporary new mortgages to stand. Emergency rental assistance and I'm just kind of confused. Why get my numbers and like it that maybe it's because I couldn't understand a presentation by if you could just kind of break that down a little bit better. That I understand it and what the difference between temporary mortgages to an emergency rent. I don't understand the difference in those terms and how they're saying it. >> Okay you do it. Yeah and healing. The first my included a combination of mental and mortgage assistance. The slide. You're referring to were you so the mortgage assistance separately from burning mortgage assistance and utility assistance. And it includes ended. Includes the 100,000 that was previously in the temporary mortgage assistance. Real quick too. >> To be. Emergency rental assistance. What that amount in the funding that was not requested by a nonprofit agency. So therefore there's 443,000 of the c b remember we will play in $100,000 in the are you amendment that was more to you what we do know 20 worse. And so we're flipping that you're good at it too b additional funds were not used by the nonprofit only by the know her too to tell us what they needed. Tough one due to the covid 19. You know. So back. >> can you fix. I mean. What it means that 3rd flight again the 380,000 to prevent prepare for and respond to 19 can you give some examples of what that thing is for. But then. They become and I am. I was the person due to the impact could be done to it or they needed $30,000. Keep your dish equipment to this and that housing units for the most one from covid 19 and we're here said they needed to purchase some laptops tablets and various other items to continue to provide words will counseling Inc while maintaining social distancing. Has recommended by the Center for Disease Control. So those are the external items that were recommending on that. >> Okay understand you you came back in just a few game to rank and file. Thank you. And. I think that's thank you chair. >> And on the couple that with the mention everything on people at the accident into a target heart and if you could. The audio would be a lot. You can do that you don't make sure already have much more fission. Thank you councilmember Patrick will go to life here. >> The air. Thank you for mentioning. Yeah, It's very difficult for us to you. And May. Important Asian plant here that. >> In. Haha and work speaking out. I hear you. I can be a. You many people not understanding the Eastern up and why and uh you know we want people that are the message from that. And we think that he here. Trailing arm and be able to hear from the people it and starting May have left I'm sure and it May be not by me I read it. There are a lot of people there and make sure that they can be here a first term. We want to hear that and they need you know you're in or where you play it cool. They are when they when they can raise your hand. I greatly. At this point that people have to lay off a letter. I think in the end out for that. Thank you. Thank you for making that yet. Point that vice chair go. I do have the discretion to reopen open. Open form. Why don't we. Go back open for if we have to we do have people who are. I am it will limit open warm to. So if there are are there any other council members that want the on this item. I remember it centers start to your hand up you have to. Good morning chair, good morning, everyone oh yes that's ever pull that one off. But we do have a couple of presentations one of them being doctor way onto. Informed us ahead of time that she was on a schedule and yet to sign off. So I'm asking that we if we could possibly follow the agenda. To at least allow those on the time constraint. I know that people May not have heard initially in the beginning but I don't want us to redirect the entire agenda for another 30 to 45 minutes when there's others that were worn by 8 2330 to make sure that they're present for their portion of the agenda. So I would like to request that we at least that those with the time strengths go ahead and make their presentation and then if you would like to rearrange the agenda then we can do that as well but we have cooled their agenda with the certain format and with this a certain time constraint and not thank you. >> Thank you for that the council member expanders after you have one. >> He thank I just wanted to get a council member Driscoll's. Concerns I I do understand the time constraints of people who are presenting to us. But we have had multiple meetings now without the ability for people to speak an open forum. It is one of the most important things we do. There is a significant lag depending You know whether people are watching on tv or on their screens. It is it is very hard for us to do our business this way I know that you're in the clear is everybody is doing the best they absolutely can and I appreciate that. I just wanted to do councilmember just those concerns that. I I do think it would be appropriate to take open form and I really appreciate that year using his discretion to do that and I'd like that to happen sooner rather than later considering that people were or when and at the beginning of the meeting with comments ready. Thank you. >> The park with going to lower hand at. We're back chair. I I have nothing out. >> Item the month. We do have >> Never altered 1000 number of its citizens. >> Thank you Mister Clerk. Council member. Sanders. >> All right ok I just got an update. President Williams said issue with the willing. To hang in there for you if you didn't want to go back. Show just take other calls and just wait until we call and if she's available show show percent. >> Thank thank you for that update the council member big bankers. We have a motion to approve that we have. We have a motion in a second to approve the resolution on agenda items the one with the court quick call. >> Mister Chair before you think that there is an unmet needs in other comment portion still open on this item. I think the hand has been lowered and signed this order. >> Okay I actually knew. >> Motion passes unanimously with councilmember Wheeler moment be absent. >> Thank you Mister Clerk got a legal question for you are procedural. Real an open forum. Can you give me some guidance. A specific agenda item I take it they will not be allowed to. Speaker gained that is that correct or can you give me some guidance on on that. Yeah the circumstances chair, and I really think anybody who spoke at a forum had an opportunity to address some sun every day wanted to. So I think under the circumstances it would be ok to allow them. >> ok very good. Thank you allow that. Mister Clerk on duty can big are the meeting to allow that public. To interact with us. And you can call for speaker. >> And Aaron, you know more when you enter into the meeting the state. You May in various over there. You have 3 minutes to speak much to enter. >> Aaron Gilmore's 37 to 37th Avenue South. I yeah I had a question of the year, but I was confused. The South is working on. I've been out protesting daily. In studying the budget. I understand that the police budget. I mean the the general fund but you towards the police isn't all they get. It did in excessive amount of money. I'm from the south side. I grew up in the states and as I drive down nights, nice treat all I see They can buildings. Overgrown grass and depending on you know unused, there's nothing for anybody did you know the kids to do. And we're constantly dumping money police and they've got tricked you know trucks in the neighborhoods with eyes on the sides. You find the neighborhoods significantly more than others in the area. And instead of putting funding for its. Like I said we're occupying community with our police and then also I one thing that I was pretty upset about was that I saw too much free time those going up in the starring rainn district. Christ has said he was going to work on e the Skyway Marina district and when he said that I thought he was going to help the community on the south side of you know he's going to try to catch a flight. Luxury condos and apartment homes or not to provide housing to the people of South side to be out. That's not affordable housing. I just not a lot of jobs for them. We already know that most often. Condos and apartments higher. And maintenance and what not. And we also know that there's not too many officers shot him in a tie goes to the amount of space it takes up. I really I mean that's really disappointing to me. I'm from the south side. But I'm like percent on the south side. It was my life and to just watch. All my family over there struggle people that I care about and not have any help at all and just to the police completely occupying its it's it's extremely disrespectful that humanity and the civil rights of people in our communities. So I think that needs to be addressed more than anything during the. >> I don't know if that was 3 minutes, but that's all Sarah. >> Mister Chair, the next speaker is Ashley Greene the screen wants to come into the meeting the stage in May and address for the record and you have 3 best to speak once you're into them that. >> I asked the greens that they want a mean on. I training Corps native Fri. That really the manager on so Taishan I'm still very confused about how these 2 meetings were some guessing you all are still struggling through it. We appreciate the reopening public comment. You know you all heard receive many times in Perth City Council. >> And it's. For a long time there seems to be this. It's a perception of things that most open others was this long work straight wins, things that are grounded in reality grounded too much to him. >> And I hope over the last. He weeks that you're on scene the polar opposite is true. I went down to the purity of them now. I was with that was protesting. I wasn't out for underage, no no no and number microphone. But the people who are residents of the city and its people on the sidewalk oversharing saying things like I had a car when he wo wore. What are you all doing in the street. Well don't even care about. Yeah a lot of Washington black lives don't matter. All lot of snow. I hope that they arrested I hope that they take to the gym. I hope that somebody comes into Will's nothing that I've heard over a span of an hour. The music key here. When. $92 million were invested that could have gone to any number of places in the city. I want to enjoy it seems lines. But the art installation, but these are things that are already in that are happening in Tampa that are happening. Sarasota are that are happening in America. These are things that are happening in the city. We've got residents that's think that people were protesting to the dignity and value of their very lives deserve to be dead or in jail. It was the city respond. But threatening to on people who are protest. We're in a crisis right now of our own making where reckoning. That is centuries in the making and I don't see City Council standing up to the moment, I don't see City Council being the leaders that she bet that you pleaded that she told us we will be will be elected you. What is it going to take is it going to take some being run over here is it going to take someone being killed. For us to actually recognize that this is a problem in our own city. Right now the mayor is asking us to March on the sidewalk was in direct competition, business owners with patrons. With the situation have been eligible to escalate if you are sitting and having dinner with your family and a group of people on the sidewalk so yelling and chanting at you you might be agitated. We've actually done the business of keeping people safe right now. It's grown and that. Mister Chair, the next speaker. I want to answer the meeting. Her and the Dow sorry. The next speaker is Richie Floyd Mister Floyd watching as into the meeting please state your name and address. Well the record. You have 3 minutes to speak once you're into the meeting. >> this is Richie Floyd over 3, 4, 5, 2, 10th Avenue North. I'd like to sort of uplift the message that Ashley Greene was just giving from a slightly different perspective. I saw the city is basically going to enforce jaywalking laws to sort of get the protesters out of the street. And I just hope that the city considered the history of jaywalking laws in the way the jaywalking have been in force in our society. So Jay walking along with laws like a big run seen loitering we're initially. >> I guess founded or use to sort of. Criminalize the behavior freed slaves after and it helps round up a lot of free black people and take them right back to prison. So that they could basically be slaves on the plantation again. So I hope to that was considered whenever you considered. >> Using these laws to sort of criminalize the protests. We're just get the protest side of the In addition to that we know that low level laws like this still to this day are used to. Disproportionately affect communities of color black people. >> We know low level laws. For instance like. Marijuana legislation. To Is used. Much more on black people and it is on why people and so I just hope that things like this are considered when you decide how you want to handle the protests because they really can come across as racially insensitive. When you choose along with the sort of a racist legacy like jaywalking. >> Next speaker. They had to do individual have their name there am if he can stay here. Maine and address for the record once you enter into the meeting and you have 3 minutes to speak or to enter a. >> Hi my name is Ana Maria Lane in a village is latest from there. It is to meeting my address is pretty 7 14th Avenue South. I'm can you guys hear me, ok. Chaos and we can. My point is similar to the gentleman Aaron had spoken I just wanted to express my disappointment that. >> You know we have something like a 250,009 housing budget meanwhile we have an $86 million police and Jen this pair is 92,000,009 spill. You know as people who love St. Petersburg and as Patriots. It's really our duty to lift people up. You know as you guys know the social the social contract. Rests upon the assumption that and surrendering a part of our autonomy. We join a coalition of equals that is going like that is going to create a quality of life. So this insane disparity in funding created through people paying taxes immediately exit their community is in direct opposition to the spirit of the government that we like as a society have collectively agreed to submit to. >> It is something that can be reconciled I think that we have brilliant minds and motivated people in Saint Peter's back. And I do not think that there's any Hina. Excuse for the way that. Our finances are being handled and the way that money is being systematically funneled out of communities of color and our communities. Thank you that's all. >> Mister Chair next speakers thing is. Hannah. And I want you coming to the meeting you have 3 minutes to address City Council please state your name and address for the record. >> All right can you hear me. All right once again Hannah tweet 5635 Bay Street Yes, thank you for opening public comment again. So yeah I echo what's already been said especially by Ashley. I also have been participating in the protests. Not every day as much as they can. And in my short time of participating, I also have really negative Threatened to be run over getting yelled at. The other and spit twice directly at me. Just reiterating that that is going on in our city. I agree with what Ashby said about this is a reckoning centuries in the making. So I'm a historian, I said the cloning of Florida history right now actually. But I have put in some work to try to learn more about the history of St. Petersburg and what stands out to me more than anything else is the history of segregation. Right and its impact on our community. So when we talk about the South side when we talk about the black community in St. Petersburg we're talking about this as it relates directly to. A long history of segregation and marginalizing the black community. And so when you think about our request to defund the police to reallocate some of that funding elsewhere think about it in a historical sense right. We have decades and decades that are built upon centuries of injustice and we have a choice at this moment to move forward in a way that aims to it create a more just society or continue moving in a direction that is less just which is where money stays in the wealthy white parts of town which is what I see. When I moved to St. Petersburg I grew up in predominantly very like 90% white communities right. So for me it was a new experience that when I took the bus one direction. I noticed if there was one black person on the bus because everybody else was white. I took the bus to other direction. I was the only white person on the bus. Right so that the segregation in our community. And the history of that is so visually have been checked to anybody who goes around St. Petersburg and now is the time to start addressing not start owning up to it it's about reconciliation. It's about acknowledging the troops. The truth that your protest is or harassed their lives are threatened as a relatively small group of protesters walking around peacefully. And that our protest group does a lot to protect ourselves. And to be fair and kind and peaceful. So it's really your guys is starting now to do the work. >> And your time's up thank you. Mister Chair, the next speaker and Allendale virtual room. If you can state your name. And address for the rest are in us 3 minutes to speak with you or in the room. >> Hi, this is pastor, Andy Oliver pastor at Allendale United Methodist Church. My address is 1, 3, 6, 3, 42th Avenue and St. Petersburg as all of you know I am deeply disappointed in the city's decision to find peaceful Keep what I need to say short as I have submitted most of what I need to say to you in writing already. But with the exception of one driving protest. I have not been out on the streets at protests because of covid. And many of my clergy colleagues that normally would be out. Having. Have been doing the same things that things safe. They've been finding other ways to have their voice heard. However, in the same way that Trump's policies have awoken many people's conscience, your new policy has been successful in moving us to direct action. Yesterday I wrote all the faith leaders in St. Petersburg and I've received dozens of emails back including reverend Murray and reverend Sykes who are pillars in this community. You'll have every right to apply fines and to arrest people for being in the streets but you need to know there's going to be a cost and that is that your city's faith leaders are going to be at the center of that net new cast. We will be among the first to receive the so the fines and the first to be arrested. And you will have to deal with that fallout. And that headline. On the front page of the Tampa Bay times. It shouldn't have to be that way you should be able to see the humanity in these protesters without people in collars being among them. But unfortunately you have awakened our conscience and have put us at the center of this. I appreciate all the work that all of you are trying to do. But now is the time to speak up and say that this is not right. Thank you. >> Secure the next speaker is bar, none. Mister Hadley when you come into the role please state your name and address the record. You have 3 minutes to speak when she went into the world. >> This trouble, it man all 3450 17 that South St. Petersburg Florida. All I want to echo all all my comrades also been called in the air its peak and first also want to thank the council. And Chairman All 4 allow public on all and also. >> All. Want to make sure that is clear that I don't want to call these protesters and more right we demonstrate. We demonstrate our freedom of speech in the most peaceful humane way possible. Right. We are de escalate it. Right we are taking it upon ourselves. Police are cells. We are doing the things necessary to keep ourselves safe and the people in St. Petersburg safe. Peaceful protests in the reason. Right if not the United States. Right. Right now what we're doing is we're escalating into gets the most peaceful protest is in America. And you are see it all City Council. Your silence is comply. >> Right. And we need is there. Your silence is violence because it could be in my life so I made a call to one of the chief of police yesterday when the announcement came out. And I told him I was scared, I was going to go to jail. A ledge or white vote you're not going to do. It might escalate right because money it's easy to take it. A little with that pick it up got to get somebody else to pick up there with the ticket so it's just potentially going to escalate when it was peace for the entire time spent 33 days plus we know the risks. I repeat, it's been 33 days plus with no risk. The media is not reporting this I don't know get the chief is reporting these back to City Council and the mayor I don't know what's going on in your week. But I would say for the record. We are the most peaceful protests in Saint Pete if not another County the whole area. I know that people are is their feelings about going down to the pier. Right just a protest in front of their house right and I know it's getting personal right so when when the day after the pier. When there is no reports facebook cold about it. But before anyone speak any of us right. So a lot of you know my number a lot of a lot of the Chiefs no one number I mean my my phone was public right. The demonstrators numbers are proof of public to you guys to call we can make conversation but it seems like a hit piece right. Because right after this. There was the head of Florida. >> Mister Chair, the next speaker is. All the correct. She brought into the meeting. Please state your name and address for the record and you have 3 minutes to speak with your daughter. >> Karla Ray out 3, 4, 5, I mean more. I would just like to thank all of the people on the public has spoken so far like I just want to reiterate everything what they're saying like the way that the protesters are being treated thoughts trash, but it's also kind of weird how I feel like you guys aren't talking about this or like doing anything about it like we're just telling you what is it like. Like is that this is new information is that this hasn't been reported on the news like it just kind of weird and then like are you guys hearing the protests like there's a clear demand to defund the police like every single bank people are going out and protesting like people have lives like people are really committing. So much to like are you guys hearing the people and if you are like what exactly are you doing what are you actually going to do from the police like I just think it's ridiculous stop almost $79 million was spent on the police headquarters $92 million on this here and what role for double have $10,000 is how most people outside everywhere. And I just it's a human rights abuse like this is like housing is a human right. I hope you guys know that and just you guys are on City Council. You have the power to change things and I just feel like you guys are doing everything in your power. Like and this crisis like first of all the housing crisis but also just what everyone has been saying about Southside like there's a clear segregation like why does downtown look so nice and Southside but so should wise white guys letting. Gentrification happened. >> Mister As you please be my book the language that you. Okay I I don't feel like I should have to censor myself or a City Council meeting. But just to reiterate what I'm saying like I just want to make it clear that like this is a demand and I feel like you guys aren't listening and. I don't know I just want you guys to take more action Mike homelessness is a real problem, so I honestly feel like up to number one issue in Saint Pete like affordable housing and gentrification and I just I just want you guys to do more. I think my time thank you. >> Mister Chair, the next speakers name is Brooke 8. When you go to the meeting you have 3 minutes to speak please state your name and address for the record. >> Good morning. My name is I love that 0.33 Street in I I'm a public health practitioner and very concerned about the increase in cases of covid 19 your community. We are woefully. With out supplies to do the mass testing that is truly required and I want to let the City Council know that. They could use some c e g for anything. To look at more monitoring of the community viral prevalence. Through sewage sampling. It would be a leading indicator as opposed to elect a lagging indicator of testing you all individually and it would also allow you to shape of public Health in real time. This is something we're doing for University of North Carolina. You know through their of their student housing. It's a new technology and when to let you know that there's there are other ways available to be monitoring against It was terrible. Thank you for your car. >> Mister Chair, the next speaker sends tear inland. Karen what you into the into the meeting. You have 3 minutes. The please state your name and address. >> I went in with Toure ongoing and I address is 1000 to 18 Good morning, everyone Kerry. I just want to say when with the real City Council stand out. When will black lives begin to matter here in the city of St. Petersburg Florida. We have been out here protest in 4 days and days and days. Protests that has been going on for not only days. Before George Floyd. What are we going to do about it. What have you guys been put in the chair to do about it. Your silence is compliance like Jabbar said every day that we go on and nothing is done. Your silence is compliance, which means you agree with everything that is going on in the city of St. Petersburg and you guys absolutely are not doing any thing about it. We are out here fighting for equality solidarity in our community. And not one of you have stood in solidarity with the city of St. Petersburg your residents of St. Petersburg Florida. None of you have come out to our marches has spoken to us have Charlotte you're concerned. It should be a shade that you guys did not pay attention or see what is going on in our city. It is ridiculous use a feel guilty. It's quite rare the u and I was being we can't do without you and you cannot do without power. Fight for equality. All live will matter when we receive the quality but until then we will put black lives matter at the front. We're not saying that white lives don't matter that's not what we say will be protests. We know that white lives matter in our community. We can visibly see it. But it is time to stand up. Our community fr black lives. And this community. Let them be heard that the bbc. Picks up our community. Are young pair had nothing to do in the south side of St. Petersburg absent no plea nothing. Let's get the job done. Less than a solidarity with our community in our city. Let's get black lives to matter so that we know we all can stay together in solidarity that all. >> Mister Graham. Mister Chair there are no more speakers. Thank you chair I know it's unusual for us to council to the after open forum. But I just want to ask. Will there be an opportunity today for us to the council to discuss the policy of picking that was the now. This is our first meeting and then obviously we cannot all be with each other out I did the meeting by any of these issues and there's no place on the agenda where it would be appropriate but I'm asking now that we consider having a conversation about the power she and a bow how Council field. I mean we've been asked to do so we've been asked to stand up and got that potential issue and I think that I'm not doing so. We do it later, but I wanted to hear from legal about Council's ability take any action today to change that policy. >> The charity like me 3 spot. >> No way if you have or. So you Mister Chair discretion not to allow this conversation to her. So something that we can discuss it now that being said counselor rosters correct that this is an administrative decision between there and chief of police so Council does not have any authority to influence said. But you're certainly welcome to provide here. You've got to comment at this time. Sheriff you would like to allow that. >> Continue that you're from council members and then that the deputy mayor let's go next to council members. Thank you chair. I just wanted to thank the people who called in today. We're going to talk about the issue here. We are seeing we can hear you and I think that. Another factor is bringing forward that. Yeah there there are a lot of the that came with the police there really under the administrative purview but we can and we want to get your way what we need here and we you know I mean are you feel like you know we think here. They're going to be an announcement later this afternoon there guarding the staffing in her. I have seen it with that and I think that what you will hear later afternoon and will be received positively and I think that the demonstrators in part taking credit for the victory because they have been your local boy. Strong a national movement that is how are people who need in the air to make some changes and it let's take the train on that later today acreage right now, but I wasn't what mine how we have to say that I could certainly be open to discussion. Relaxing. The in May. In the premarket are there. High country here. I want to say though anything out of the neighborhood where we with more real and there have been kind of like that our Internet it is. And I couldn't put them in a fewer demonstrators are dealing with people who are holding them in. Well I think that what we really really here now is your safety and it's a consideration. The event will really guy how to make a decision on how we enforce jaywalking water. But we didn't want everybody to be safe. We don't work if you get hit by a car. And I think that right there. Thank you very much. Council member that. >> I want thank you chair and thank you to those that made the comment and I wanted to respond to the fact when we speak about black lives matter. Yes, black lives matter. And yes we hear you. And as a council member. I would appreciate it if we sat down and had a conversation. So that when it was time to actually have been put that we were able to make educated seabed esta how we can address says hearing your concerns and then having to be react. I would really love to be proactive or something like this doesn't take center stage and then where were asked to trying to go back and rethink something expecially something that's administrative. I think demonstrated would have listened to us and I definitely would have put forth an effort to have that conversation and getting Tex I'm getting. Recommendations that I'm going to definitely research and investigate what would those that spoke as you your numbers up. So is my your email us company. So is mine. So if we can have those conversations then we come together as accounts so this is our first Council meeting back. After we have accounts so great. Again I appreciate all the comments we want to have those comments and I spoke about this. On a radio show over the weekend. We need to have that. But I also concur with council member eyes when we're looking at the demonstrations will listen to what it is that you're saying when I hear you say well the real council member stands up we've been standing just because you didn't hear that meeting had been saying just because you don't see the air doesn't mean that you don't agree. There are things that are going on around you that can be evidence in conversation if we're just willing to sit down and have them so before we say West not happening, let's talk about what is happening. And then there's also identify what we can do better. But green solutions and then because I don't know, but I don't know and I'm not the one that is a reaction person where said you know now we're going to jot know we have to be a we have to be intentional because we want this to be We want this to benefit do we want this to make sure that we're reasonably needing your knees I want to just jump was something that was something I wanted to make a difference. I want to be something that we can implement policy over I wanted to be something that we have a debt project is that we can actually reach so Romney should teach it call me professional calmly a progressive that wants to make sure that everyone's voice is heard. But I went into it to do it reasonably and I want to make sure all of the voices are heard and there's a way to do that everyone has a way to advocate everyone has a way to demonstrate. Everybody is not going to March. But there's some people that that has Cowan ph so I rather be able to have those and hold people accountable with the resources and the platforms that they have so again thank you for that I appreciate. >> Thank you councilmember think Sanders everywhere. Can bite into administration. That complexity that the issue because it a really critical that we treat that with that then you want an understanding what I'm all done in developing not only in our community. The entire nation attention was captured with the horrific unfolding. What happened to George Floyd it was the catalyst. Systemic racism that has yesterday in our country for far too long. Protests have been generally about the racism. There is a chance for us. Real and lasting so much all around them and property and programs to pick to our community. Protected design to get the attention of those in positions of power and make decisions. It's important that those who demonstrate hear and understand that not only are we listening. We hear you. And the protesters designed to capture the attention and asked those in power to hear you and also let me respond to that when don't and though he say we hear you and I are really ready to take it to the next level. That's where we find herself as an illustration personally had conversation people who are on the call well today. I know that she Pallone has as well we've invited dialogue and exchange Lucian and how we move to the next step. But about this we left the unapologetic. It's one back. We understand and we believe that protests and public safety. They call it that without conflict as much as we have a responsibility to provide for the safety of the protest or the nose and demonstrate. We also have responsibility to ensure that our streets are being to burst safely and that everybody understands how to easily come with that and that is all. We are working hard to communicate and to create tactics that will constructively lead that to resolution and meaningfully advance up. The end with the protests. We have no fight with the message. What is being demonstrated. What we are doing is inviting. To be heard and want to be a part of the solution and want to be apart of the changes that we agree. We invite you to come and be a part of the conversation will continue to reach out and those things that create undeniable safety risk for not only those are demonstrating. But those 2. Happened to catch them all proximity to the crowds and demonstrations are unfolding. We have to work meaning only to make sure and that safely and so I remember I mentioned. She calaway in New York right man. It cited to talk about some changes that are being implemented implemented as a result of this time of change we believe they're right and they are important and we believe that start to the ongoing work and effort that required to move think people need to be torn nation of opportunity for everyone, it's work that we can do together. We have no bite with each other. It's a city of 10 p and all that it isn't and in the jet. And that's the direction in which we please hear us say we hear you and now let's get to work. Thank you mayor. Tom I mean it. Weighing myself. I agree with. I liked what I heard. Councilmember rights and also councilmember expanders. I think it would be we should we get through the announcement. Later on today take that into account and. >> Councilmember big Sanders brought up some very good point I don't by taking things up. Kind of thinking through what our. I'd like to take a more the key to produce to solving problem. Especially complicated problems like this. I think it would be more appropriate appropriate. As a body to listen to the announcement. The afternoon at the police station and then. City Council meeting that. >> Chairman Mary I wonder It would be appropriate to have some kind a special committee of the whole that is a little different than our normal committee meetings where we would invite public comment. You know one of the discussions I had with the mayor yesterday had to do It is certainly there are things in the administration's purview. Council holds the authority with the budget other ordinance issues that we all all of that the administration and Council together hold the responsibility for ending systemic racism in our community. And as it sits right now the administration I feel like it's having to do that work alone. They along with the Chiefs have had to have conversations with protesters and other community members. There's not been a Thor Anna. Similar to or you know people's budget review kind of forums where the public has had an opportunity to address the body they elected. And I and wondering if instead of trying to do that in a council meeting with lots of other business if we would schedule something single purpose. That would be like a committee meeting but allow public comment I I think that would be more than appropriate you've seen that happen in other communities in. There be some ability for 32 a dialogue and and maybe that Help us have the ability to listen to our constituents that's all thank you. >> I like that. Approach. We all know. You know how City Council meeting to go we look at our I at