City Council Meeting

>> So we want to welcome everybody, okay we are going to have an invocation by Paul. >> Is by me? Can't you just say thank you for showing up. >> I would like to say that the state and the county has reduced all of the restrictions and I hope that people will keep in mind that we are still talking about each other's safety and we will continue to be considerate with each other's safety going forward. >> That is good. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the upper public for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. [Roll Call] >> Is there a consensus to excuse the mayor? >> Yes make a motion to excuse that. >> I will second period >> Do we need a motion for that? >> I don't think we formerly have required a motion. >> a consensus will suffice. >> Okay it was mentioned it so we can make sure our mice are very close to what so everybody can hear us. And then just turn them away if you were not speaking. So it is teacher appreciation week, yay. The mayor did a proclamation for that. So I am going to give that to Christine as our fabulous teacher. >> Thank you very much. Okay. >> Now we can have public comment for anything that is not on the agenda. >> Hi I live in Gulfport, and I would like to congratulate the clerks for living this long to celebrate Florida municipal clerks week which is this week. It would be nice if we honored them, because of how rotten their lives have been lately. Has everyone seen the movie Groundhog Day? Weatherman Bill Murray was trapped forever in the same loop. I bet you couldn't think it happened to you. If this meeting was ever declared not to have been in the sunshine, we would have two completed again with more discussion and more voting. So who wants to do that again? It is serious stuff when a resident asked recently why he got such a short notice and proper notice means the meeting wasn't in the sunshine and it's a do over. Is there anyone up for doing this again? How about another one of your four hour marathons? The proper notice is the clerks job? Who is she anyway? She is one of three charter employees according to the Council. The other is the city manager in the city attorney. So there are 600 municipal clerks being honored this week in Florida. Were a clerk isn't quite right, it is a little like saying the Secretary of State down to Washington is a secretary in the mailroom sending out for coffee. But the clerk has more to do than just secretarial duties. Notice is fixed in state law and it goes on to the bulletin board outside the front door. Any Internet notice is icing on the cake and done is courtesy. So being a good citizen means you have to detach from social media and devices and get off the couch and drive over here to actually look at the bulletin board. Certainly we would not want to swing considerable weight around and asked city clerks to step outside their legal responsibilities. Since abuse of power also come with owning their troubles. So good citizens arrive from the curb comas, check the public to schedule a month ahead of time, and check the bulletin board out by the front door with your eyes. Remember, our city clerks are not your own personal secretaries, that means you might have to get your own coffee. Secretary of State doesn't mean secretary in the mailroom thank you. >> If I can address that for you. I know we do put it out on our e blast that we sent to everybody. It is always on the website. >> Okay we are going to go. >> Are there any other? >> My name is Richard Walters, starting in June 21 and it is going to go on to July 9. This is free to all kids. Any kids that want to learn how to sail we've been teaching kids for 35 years how to sail. So we have eight more openings. It starts at nine and goes to noon. If you go on our website, you can register. There is a bun under youth sailing. There is a youth sailing program. Just click on that it takes her to youth sailing age and you can click the register. The only other thing that the family has to do, is fill out the permission form. And then that is it is free. We have been doing this a long time and we are glad that we can continue our mission of teaching youth and adults how to sail. Thank you. >> May ask a question? What are the ages? >> Okay, it is between 8-13. >> Is that just Gulfport children? >> Know we open it to members and Gulfport members primarily. But we do not turn anybody away. We try to go with a mature eights, because there is a lot of concepts and there's a lot being taught through the three weeks. But it is a great program. We've had multiple generations come back and take the class. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody else? Okay. >> We do have someone on Zoom Vice Mayor. >> Thank you. >> I am here. Good evening everyone, I wanted to say something about the governor's recent action. What I want to say was, I am very proud of how the city Council and the city manager and the city staff handled covid-19 over the past year. I think the citizens in Gulfport can be very proud and thankful for. So I would like to thank everybody on the Council and the staff for being so alert and so attuned to our resident safety. The second thing I had a question for is the attorney. That is this, recently the Council rules and procedures were changed a bit and passed. During the discussion of the Council, the proposed Council rules and kiss procedures public input was overlooked. I'm sure it was just a mistake. It got me too wondering, for lack of a better phrase, who is watching the hen house? I guess my question is, who is helping Council to ensure that they follow the right procedures and the right rules. Over the last four or five months we've had numerous instances where perhaps things did not fall in line with the rules. And then we had a couple of comments overlooked. I am just wondering who was helping the Council follow through on that? Thank you. >> Is there anyone else on Zoom? >> Not at this time Vice Mayor. >> Thank you, so onto the city manager report. >> Yes, ma'am, just a few items, we received information from state Representative Cheney, who was asking for your endorsement of her legislative action that has been submitted to the governor first signature. For your support if you like as the policy has been to the Council and individually like to express that explain opinions on political issue or legislative issue. You can work with the clerk to draft something if you would like to send it to representative Cheney. The house bills are attached and is a resolution basically asking if you would, if the governor would approve this resolution and provide for a referendum on the question that provides for a relief of property taxes for individuals who elevate the homes. >> That is not going to come up in the session right? >> No, no it is been in the session now it has been sent to the governor for adoption of resolution to place it on the agenda. He has not signed it yet, but it has been sent to them. >> So it need to be done immediately? >> Yes, soon. Yes. >> So how does everyone feel about this? >> I think it is a fair thing to do, when somebody is spending money to mitigate a problem with rising tides. Two I mean, otherwise it's going to increase property values pretty extensively. If they are given the option to not have to pay taxes or May be an incentive for people to do. I hope that does not mean anywhere, I hope that means within the flood zone area. >> I wonder, I know it seems like we need to do this quickly. I would like to take some time to read it, shall we do individually or do we do it as a Council. >> No, you can do it individually, we just want to provide you the information that was a premise. It was been your policy that you respond by letter, in lieu of a resolution. It is outlined in the memo. >> So we could ask for a letter to be drawn up and then we can individually talk to you about signing it. >> Yeah, you could do that or you can send your own letter. Whichever you choose. >> One of my questions is she put together a hospital. It passed she's go with the governor assigned is that correct? >> Yes. Now she wants. Here's what it is, but it was a resolution that was approved >> Here's what it is but it was a resolution to be put on the barrel. It goes to the state of Florida, to approve it. Then the house bill will go into effect. >> I would like to take a look at. >> I just want to provide you with the information. >> It be nice if she gave to us before she gives her the governor. >> As you are aware we've had comments in the last two meetings in regards to noise or decibel level sound within the waterfront redevelopment district. We've had received complaints about noise around the courtyard area, and you have been asked to raise the decibel level, and you also have heard from the residence adjacent to the property. They have expressed their concerns, at some point we will need direction is where the Council would like to proceed. If Council would like to open this topic up, we have received complaints, and the offices have taken appropriate action. We've issued a local ordinance violations. They have also done readings where they are not an been in violation, so I am just looking for Council's input. >> I would like to address this if this is okay. I haven't talked to both sides and both parties involved. I have met with them, I have met with the business people, I met with the business owner, and the residence. I would like to ask if we could do a moratorium the violations until we can get the two sides together, and have a mediation. May be an attorney or you can do a mediation between the neighbors and the business owners and see if we can find common ground, I feel like there May be some bad blood going on and I would like to bring people together to see if we can find a compromise that works for everybody. So are you amenable to doing that? If I can work it out. Then I could put a dent lying on a sunset time on how we wouldn't violate people until we get worked out. >> I just have a question, say in your mediation they decide to raise its for instance, 10 decibels. That would then apply to the whole waterfront area right? >> The whole city. >> They can also vote. >> To lower it, so whatever. >> I am just hoping there would be a compromise between the two parties, with respect to maybe bringing the time down a little bit a little earlier. I know when I talk to business owners there was mitigating issues they were going to try to bring the noise level and keep the noise in the courtyard instead of a coming out. So I would like to give them time to work it out, and set a meeting for remediation between the two entities. If you feel that is something that we can try. If it doesn't work it doesn't work. I have talked to both sides, I feel that we could work it out. >> Okay you might want to include a few other business owners because it would end up affecting them too. I do not have a problem. >> I think that's a good idea to give them a couple leagues -- make a couple weeks to come up with solutions with homeowners and business owners and come up with something. I would rather see us mediated that way than having to start ruling on lowering or raising or whatever. >> We need to have a moratorium on the fines, and the violations, until we get this worked out. Attorney do you think that is something we could do? >> That is fine, we just need again direction from counsel to do that. If I understand if counsel is in agreement, it would be something that we would do subject to having this meeting. Then coming back and at least giving the results of that meeting to counsel to decide how you want to move forward based on that. So yes if you give direction to city manager he will inform the police jeep and we will move forward accordingly. >> How much time do you think? >> I think once we get the meeting started or get the meeting step -- Mike set. We can give each had a chance to get that compromise is in place and do some mitigation to keep the noise and. Two weeks? >> I would say that we could give counsel at least an update at the next meeting. It might be the first, depending on schedules, it could be by the first meeting in June. >> Okay, I have reached out to the residence to see if she could bring her group of people but I have not heard back. >> The quicker the better that is not a problem. I think we can give you an update at next meeting, and you can perverse what you do at this meeting if you want to. >> Right, I talked to the business owner, the property owner. He felt like this was something that he could better get on board with as well. >> It is certainly from a legal standpoint, we would rather do things this way, then get involved in changing the codes and or being involved in code enforcement. Then going down to County Court with the special magistrate and whatever that would be involved in in requiring people to get find. Nobody is happy if we can work it out and get a boy away. >> So you guys are in agreement? >> Thank you for taking the initiative to do that. >> You're welcome. >> As we all know we have had ongoing discussions, and the media has talked a little bit about it. In regards to our police officers interacting with individuals who are suffering in mental health episodes situations. I want to bring up we are looking at participating in a program where we would provide immediate assistance to can't get into specific details. But more of a tele-dock environment where an officer has a tablet where they can connect the individual to a mental health professional. This would be in lieu and try to find a social worker or something down there or reaction on the street or the reaction time, we don't have the ability to have somebody to accompany them or working shift work. So this program would allow someone to talk to a professional and a mental health professional immediately once the officer de-escalate the situation chief you want to come up? >> Good evening everybody, how many of you heard of directions for living? >> The fellow behind you. >> Directions for living is they provide mental health care to people who are need it does not matter if it's a crisis based or chronic. They provide the need regardless a person's ability to pay. They are a active member of the national alliance for mental illness. They are the lead organization behind the law enforcement training for crisis intervention for Pinellas County. They are very well respected, their executive director has been mulling this over trying to think what can we do? There are obviously a desire from everyone's perspective, to try and have a mental health professional at the scene of the crisis. But, it is risky if we replace the police officer with the mental health professional. That person May not necessarily have the tools to intervene if the person becomes physically violent. Two other suggestions were let's team them up. That is a good idea to. In a town like ours we don't have the demand. In order to create that opportunity we would have to hire for full-time social workers to have somebody available at all times for the call. What directions for living is doing is saying we already have a staff of experienced licensed clinical social workers. Why don't we make them available to communicate face-to-face with people in their crisis. Let's just do it on a tablet. So they have already done this on a pilot in Bel Air and annexes Gulfport in Clearwater. We should have it out in the field by the end of May. It is no cost to us at all. There is no commitment if we decide we don't like it. The idea is ease patrols God will have a tablet. And then when they respond to a crisis they can take the tablet. They can generate the call to the social worker then they can discuss the call and then set the tablet aside and interact with the person inside, make sure they understand what is going to happen and put the tablet in the hands of the person was having a crisis. Then they can have a private conversation, with the officer in the social worker can have another conversation and decide how to proceed. In many cases where this is already being done, the officer has been able to leave without taking the person into protective custody just based on reliance that there will be a follow-up meeting between the person and the provider. There is nope commitment on that person's part to go that particular provider. There is just a resource to make sure there is follow-up. I think it's going to be good thing. I don't really see a downside we talk to the chief in Largo and Bel Air. And that works. Other questions? >> So someone will be available 24/seven? >> Yes. >> Fantastic totally great idea. >> Does each patrol car needed tablet? We will have one per squad. >> We will have one per squad total of four. >> If it is adopted, is there a fee for that? >> No, they are covering the data because they are covering the cost of the tablets. What if somebody smashes the tablet I said? Will we will but they say they will buy a new tablet. >> That would be my question two is as a pilot program? >> They won't charge us, all the seed they rely heavily on grants and government funding. But there is no charge for the service. >> That sounds fantastic. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next item I had was we have completed 63 lateral repairs. We have exhausted exhausted the $25,000 that counselor Ray had recommended adding to the project budget. Where we are at today is we are starting to draft a new budget for next year. And I would recommend if counsel has in consensus we will include in our preliminary budget. Including it in the operating utilities fund. In then including the amount. I just want to recognize the effort of Cheryl and Tom with getting it funded. Getting it in the ground and we realize 63 success stories. >> So I know when Paul made that proposal, it was with the idea that we would have potentially another 25,000. If we have it, I would like to do another $25,000 now and not wait for the budget. >> If I could speak, I am sorry. One of the things I was going to make a recommendation on, we know that sometime probably in May or whatever we could be getting part of that money from the federal government on the last of the bailout. Whatever we like to call it. I would like to see us add a significant amount of that. I know that's not part of the operating budget, but this going forward just to be on the record, I would like to be able to see them add more money to the lateral lines. Also to the water felines to make and in addition to both of those. Right now people are going in having their sewer lines dug up, and that waterlines are sitting right there but they just don't have the additional funding to have the waterlines replaced as well. >> Soap matching type program for the waterlines? >> Say matching up to the 3500. >> Is starting when? >> This would be when we get the money from the federal. When we get the funding, why would like to see put significant amount of money into that program. If we are to use this much over the last couple of years of the program for the lateral lines, I think it behooves us to continue forward. >> I am interested in being fiduciary, being fiscally responsible. Hopefully addressing the budget before we start doing and entering more money coming out before the budget comes out. I would like to work on the budget a little bit to see if we can make it? To see if we can make it part of the budget. Not before the budget. >> What I was talking about was not really part of the budget per se. This is part of what happens when we get this additional funding the $5.1 million. I believe will get a 50% upfront, initially and then the other 50% later. However that works. That is the funding I'm talking about. I just want to go on record for that allocation. >> That is a great idea. I agree with you. But instead of putting more money into it now I would like to take a better look at our next budget, before we do another 25,000. >> That would be in the operating budget. >> In October. >> Right. >> Is totally a good idea I think we should wait. So let's wait to we get the money for the feds or our next budget so, yes, I like your idea. >> That's why I'm going on record saying that's what I want to do. When that money comes in, that's were part of it will go. >> I agree with that, and about the felines. I would talk to the city manager, he probably says we do have 25,000 that we can put towards that starting now. But if you guys want to wait. >> If it is not that long, if we're talking about May at midday I think that would be fine going forward. >> I also want to announce this is when we were drafting the comments for this evening. Up until what changed yesterday neighborly care services will be resuming dining at the senior center on May 24. Those that are posted to Meals on Wheels with us also. We continue those meals on wheels and expanded during covid-19. This is something that May be people's are coming back to the senior center. Working on how to do that on a safe responsible manner. Now that the rules of change. We just want everyone to know that and will get dining back up >> I did attend the Senior Center volunteers Cinco de Mayo at Chase Park last Friday. The folks there at the volunteers were so excited to see each other. It was really nice to see people together and laughing and enjoying them since. They really Miss Each other Rachel said. So I would like to see us get back to that. >> One other or to others. One was discussed at length about the government is to say get afforded. It puts the responsibility on businesses and then government cannot be involved at this point. This county has rescinded their mask order. They also rescinded the plans for large-scale outdoor events. Basically the owning -- basically the onus is on, if someone has an issue with the business the business can require someone to wear a mask or social districting. -- social distancing. Facilities will start opening and that will require mass, and we will start looking at reopening the casino and start planning our usual events. We did cancel fourth of July, boat at the same time it gives us some time to move into this May be of full slate of gecko Fest events. That is something that we will be looking at we will start with a soft opening with most of our facilities and being there will be back on a regular basis. >> When you see that happening? >> Probably around the first surgery of June or so. The next few weeks will start doing more things and l let the public know we are opening up. >> Can I open the attachment can I ask one question, as I understand from the governor's statement. There was no provision in that, that if the pandemic gets worse, to we would then have to do emergency things and they can only last a week at a time. >> Yes, that would be two-step parts in that statement it says about rejecting the health safety and welfare. That is normal operations. >> I'm sorry, you could pass an ordinance but his health safety and welfare. As you would normally. As you would really pass an ordinance. You cannot use emergency powers is good with the governor was saying in that aspect. >> Right, and basically you would have to base it on facts of how you are improving something. With the county stepping back the anticipate there is a spike if there was the County would have to take the lead on the enforcement aspect of it. Period the city attorney at have met with the yacht column -- Mike Witt met with the yacht club and asked them what to do all in anticipation of reaching an agreement. We have asked them to start moving materials, and equipment and boats into a more concise area. There was spread out throughout the complex. We are still working with them. I know they have been out of town for a couple of weeks. And soon as he returns will keep moving forward. The city attorney has provided them a draft to start looking at. And we've asked for their comments in regards to it. >> The last item I have this evening is, after you will a trial period, one of the business restaurants in the waterfront redevelopment district had secured use of vacant property. They have been utilizing as in a parking area. With that said, it has been successful. And I am asking for guidance if city Council would like to entertain the possibility of allowing, changing your zoning regulations to allow standalone parking properties within the waterfront redevelopment mixed use area? There would be standards of course that they would have to meet. If this was something the council would like to provide we could move forward on the drafting language to allow this to be permitted use. >> I would definitely not have a problem with that. It's not like we have tons of open spaces where people will come utilize and starts that in the parking lots everywhere. I think if we move forward and allow that special use, I think that would be a wise decision. I am proud to see they have stepped up and made an agreement on that property. They are going to be doing beautification up to look better. So far I have not heard anybody complain about anyone using it. They are working on coming up with a fee based on the import from people that are utilizing a. What we did dine out for life, with the ambassadors, we had a couple people that use it and they were quite happy about that. >> It's a good private solution to a public problem I am for it as well. >> I have no problem with it. As always is strictly for the restaurant itself. A lot of their patients come in and parked there. So that sounds good. As Paul said is not like we have abundance of 50 property. That is fine with me. -- an abundance of empty property so that's fine with me. >> So I can ask there was all that information on Facebook or whatever. About the boarding up building by Soltis. I understand there was a site plan for that? >> No, because we have to evaluate the fact that is going to be fema issues with it. We need information additionally to the fact that there is substantial improvements. >> Whether it is over 50% or not? >> Exactly. >> They haven't submitted anything. >> Exactly, you have seen as much as I have. >> City a attorney? >> Nothing further to report. >> So the consent agenda, consent five a resolution 2021 -- 34. Enter enter cooperative purchasing agreement with landfall strategies. >> City manager. >> Is a consent. >> I will make a motion, didn't we just have to agree to and she has just. >> Motion to accept resolution 2021 -- 34. >> Second period second period >> Okay ordinances. Ordinance number 212102 city of Gulfport Florida providing for the amendment to city of Gulfport. Retained to the board of adjustment of appeals and variances. Providing for an amendment section 22-11.10 appeals board decision. Parts of ordinance conflict here to revive her ability and providing for an effective date. Vice Mayor this is the second reading of the ordinance. >> Hearing an appeal from a that in the city attorney can answer specific questions. >> Any questions? Any public comment? On Zoom? >> Not at this time vice Mayor. >> I make it a motion we accept that motion. >> Second period >> Help will, from the audience? Ten she just asked. [Roll Call]. >> So resolution 7a2021 -- 35 for the installation and maintenance of two electric vehicle charging stations. >> Voicemail you would as early on in your tenure asking the further's availability of electric charging stations. They have worked with Duke energy to solicit or secure to locations that which they will install here at City Hall. They are here for any specific questions. There is approximately 600 dollars a year to cost. To buy the electricity but Duke energy provides a charging station. Is very similar to the agreement that counsel previously passed on shore Boulevard next to the casino. >> Who was responsible for the maintenance of those. >> Through the explanation of the agreement that it's our responsibility. >> Any public comments? >> I just want to get the locations? >> Do you want me too put them both over in one location due to the fact that we start tying up and reconfiguring back there. But we will have both on the south end of the parking lot. >> So the public and use them as well? >> Yes sure. >> How many visitors you have using them? >> You know it is mainly to put them in so that we will have them for police cars and municipal cars. As we buy them. >> If it is for the city that's fine but it sounds like or something. >> Somebody could come and put the current if they want to. >> That is a good question and it's a fair question. I was assuming that will put additional ones down where we already have the infrastructure. The wiring and everything. >> Tom do you want to come up. The wiring is standalone you would have to reconfigure each one. >> We just have one doubt the waterfront right? >> That is correct. >> We are going to get new ones but all of them would go here. >> Yes. >> Do we have two going at City Hall and Duke energy is responsible to complete the energy the wiring. The lease agreement or the agreement runs to the end of 2022. And then you will be responsible at that point. The thought was we will put them here so when we do expand or grow a city fleet, with electric fields we would have a spot to charge. There would be available for anybody to use them. >> So unless we have somebody who lives close by that has an electric car there might just sit out there. I think it's a great idea. Maybe it is a premature place to be putting them that is my personal opinion. I don't know what other people think. Can't you think what? >> I think it is premature to put them in the parking lot expecting electric vehicles when you don't really have any scope for that immediately. >> But our budget is coming up. And we have police vehicles in the budget. >> I to wonder where else would we put them without taking away from the parking? Because if we have three of them in the redevelopment area, that's three parking spaces that no one else can use. I mean, I don't know or also put them. Here would be the logical place. I do know somebody that does live nearby that has an electric vehicle that could use it. But. >> I guess it would make sense of how many times we have openings downtown is the casino. We have electric already, if it is being used on regular basis it kinda makes this putting another one down there. Just my thought. >> I see the space open a lot but I do not know if you have figures out how much you get used? >> When we took the agreement over, Duke to the monitoring equipment back out of it. So we looked at it before but I could not pinpoint it. It is hit and Miss Down there. I am down there quite a bit >> At least when I made the proposal the idea was we didn't end up buying any electric vehicles. But if we did biologic vehicles, where we going to charge them? So this way we are getting free charging stations, and we will be ready. When we buy electric vehicles. >> Thank you. >> I have a quick question I'm sorry. Can anyone, if you have electric vehicle, can you just plug it in Orr's special charging situation that you need? >> That is a good question, I think you just plug it in. Technically you could plug in at your house you don't need a station of any sort. >> It takes longer to's chart. >> I had an old Mercedes years ago up north, there was a heater in the car. >> It could be a 30-amp or 50-amp. >> That's what I was wondering if you just have an electric car could you plug it into any socket? >> I think it is a dryer plug? >> I don't think so, I think you can plug them into a regular plug it just takes a lot longer to charge. >> I don't think you have to have a special court, when I was getting my car fixed, they gave me a loner and it was an all electric vehicle. You don't have to have the court, you just go up to the dude at unless you have it at home. >> Sounds good to me. >> There is another question. >> I don't know because were not discussion. >> Can you come up to the mic. >> If you are having it I don't see why you would make it for everybody. I understand not want to take spots on town. So how about a central location where we are trying to get people to park for the way from downtown. Like the library or the theater. When downtown is full. Why not make it available there and that would give people incentive who have electric cars to park there instead of trying to get downtown. That would make it available to police offices and everything else that's close enough. You not really taking up parking spots downtown. >> Thank you. >> Set us up with to think about. >> We could get more. >> We need a motion. >> I will make a motion on 2021 -- 35. >> Second period [Roll Call]. >> Resolution 2021-36. A 5-cent local option fuel tax for the Board of County commissioners. >> Vice mayor, the Board of County commissioners at the April 22 meeting, discussed the possibility of increasing a countywide fuel tax. The possibility of a new fee of tax, in the range of 1-5 cents per gallon. Subsequently that will require the agreement of the municipality within Pinellas County that make up all larger than 50% population. They asked before they entertain the ordinance, creating the additional fuel tax, that local municipalities consider participating in the interlocal agreement. And that's a chapel for you. >> This is anywhere between a one-5-cent? >> Yes to to be determined by Pinellas County Board of County commissioners. >> From states that have excise taxes that are applied to vehicles. Because we are getting more and more to electric cars that are going to be utilized in the streets and roads. That we are raising extra funds for to pay, and they will be paying this. I guess I am okay with this but it would be nice to come up with something more fair and equitable I guess. >> So this is, this is not necessarily going to be 5 cents. We are asking the mayor to sign it Saint Allport agrees. >> Yes 1-5 cents. >> I kind of agree with Paul. What are we going to use the money for? >> Roads, paving, so I was. >> We can't use it. >> Yes you will receive a balance that is allocated to them as a palace. >> You have a number on that? >> approximate $9000. >> I am not in favor of it. This promise, for many years. In this country we get our roads face from taxation from gas. This is been going on for years. I am also for firm believer we should have light rail. Maybe a people start driving over portals for wire maybe they will decide that we need bright light rail. I am not for doing this. I need to -- I think we need to see what other countries do and how they finance their roads and things like that. We have an antiquated system to begin with I gotta tell you with three County commissioners I was at a meeting this afternoon with two County commissioners and not one of them brought up to me. I thought that was interesting I am not in favor of this now. >> I have to agree, I think there is probably a better way to figure out to get the funding for whatever whether it is transportation or roads. >> We have antiquated transportation in the state. >> Of course we do. >> If anybody is ever driven on when I refer to as the the tollroad on the East Coast. It is a total disaster. The lighting is bad, there is this much distance between this one of the other and they have enough recent years. I don't know what they're doing this money. Whatever it is this not the way to do it. Just can I add on, there are things that are going up on first Avenue South. Those big huge pads that they are putting in. I learned that that is the sun runner bus system. And they will have little sensors that change the light for that. So they can keep going faster and it does not have to stop. It goes down to Saint Pete and up and around in over to the beaches and back. It keeps doing it, somebody said maybe that is the precursor to light rail. >> What we did is we passed it a while ago saying that buses could drive on the shoulder. That's what we came up with. That's way it would void the traffic. Then again there's a lot of transportation ways in a lot of ways to fix transportation. This is not one of them. >> The one thing that I did not realize, this is set to expire December 31, 2032. Maybe I originally missed that. I thought this was kind of more or less a stopgap measure in order to be able to help facilitate the funding that we have lost due to covid-19. The roads were empty at the beginning of covid-19. >> In the county utility trust fund, they have seen those impacts by the use of electric vehicles and people drying desperate people driving more fuel-efficient cars. That is one of the topics that they make. >> What percentage of the cities need to say yes to this for it to be. >> Of 50% of the population cities have to contribute up to 50%. >> Is there public comment on this? >> Hi I am from Gulfport. You very generously expanded your council rules allowing residents to speak publicly at the end of your discussion on the prior thing. So I wonder if someone would answer my question in a city which has a weak mayor system. Our mayor is ceremonial, and a tiebreaker. Why is the mayor signing resolution 2021-36 instead of our chief administrator who is Mr. O'Reilly? This is a question of public import. I would wonder if someone would break the crosstalk rules and answer my question? >> Is up to you. City manager do you want. >> The Board of County commissioners that have asked that all the governments that use tax issue. They have asked for that to be signed by the mayor. That you're agreeing to enter through local agreement. They have always true -- might they have asked all the city mayors to take the same action. >> Even though the charter. >> Our charter can just like the state of Florida, if the governing bartering asked for the mayor's signature they can authorize it. >> Thank you. >> Are there any other questions or comments? Dave anything? >> Not this time vice mayor. >> So then emotion. >> I will make a motion on 2021-36. Second period >> For approval. >> It does not matter you can still do. >> You can stomach the motion of the positive. [Roll Call] >> So that takes us to the discussion for the proposed fiscal year capital budget. >> Yes vice mayor, what this does is provide you a very conservative capital improvement budget at this time. Reflecting the impact that we could possibly have with the Pinellas monies. We have also reduced the amount of money spent on capital from a general fund by postponing vehicle purchases. Primarily in the public works. This is basically recurring costs that we would like and need to budget for. Such as roadway and paving. And city facility maintenance. In course our ongoing improvements to computer networks here in the city. And of course Public Safety is a use of the money set aside within the penny for Pinellas. Then you moved to the enterprise funds. The waterfront redevelopment there is no real changes to that. You also have in this budget the senior center trust fund that has counsel in the future we May have have a discussion if they want to move forward with fundraising. Then we moved to our utilities which is an ongoing program that we have talked about. You will see a line in there that, $50,000 is included in the physical sewer operating budget. And the assistance replacement program. >> It also has manhole restoration that we would like to fund. Sanitation, is just a purchase of vehicles and that is in operating costs that you see is an ongoing process. We are working through the fleet and we also have some debt service from previous vehicles that we bought. That is funded by sanitation fees. The marina, this is going to be a moving target. This is a proposed budget for the Marriott this point. To resolve the issue related to the yacht club in the development of the living shoreline, the breakwater Park in the dry storage area. Opening up as much of that area to public access. What we would like to do as we started with the engineering. Weakening security because of the development living shoreline. Hopefully the governor has it in his budget for his consideration, our breakwater Park is in the budget. In the previous year it has been vetoed but hopefully it will stay in this year. Then we come back before July 15 or even sooner to get some hard numbers, with reallocating monies. And that is all I have. Primarily you see the reduction is 10% was our estimate that that would be the financial impact we have lowered from last year's number. >> Okay other any comments? >> I was curious what is the additional cost for the new fencing? >> That's what we are estimating right now. That number will change as we go forward. >> I like to conservative look on this. Especially after what we have been through the last year. Take care of the things we must take care of and then talk about things we want. Because we will get a little reduction in money coming in. So I like to conservative budget. We can do the Ferris wheel next year. >> No splash pad next year. >> Did you have anything else Paul? >> I just have one quick question. >> We looking at the five year plan a one year plan. I was looking at the five year period >> It is one continuous sheet. >> I was just curious what the $34,000 for network update was going to be for? >> It is basically we are constantly replacing our information equipment and we also have some issues related to tying things together. >> We have a lifecycle budget, so we have a pretty fairly large spreadsheet of every computer and network device in the city. When they go out, we get new ones. If they go out of warranty and then we cascade some of those old ones down to people who don't use them as much. So, it is actually kind of a frugal way of doing it. We are a small city. It also allows us to buy things like if the camera goes down or police for prior test might require another camera. Just basic network infrastructure. >> To release or could purchase to computers? >> We purchased those computers. Usually on state contract so it is fairly cheap. >> Thank you David. >> I have nothing to say at this moment. >> I have a few questions. So the first one, so there was gps, it was only $6500 but there was gps tracking devices for sanitation trucks. >> Yes we track our vehicles. >> Why? >> Because if they're involved with somebody complaining or someone is driving too fast or at the issues and things to that effect. It is an efficiency model. >> Okay. I noticed there was no money for more body cameras. I know the police department has some body cameras. The idea was, as we will place the cars, with updated equipment. The body cameras in the cars would be coordinated. Even in the five-year plan there is no body cameras. >> Those monies are included when he brings police cars online. >> 's that would be included in vehicle cost? >> Yes. >> It'll probably reduce the number of vehicles. >> And then there was something for the casino dog expansion? What is that? >> What that is initially, we are going to take and go away from the complete fixed dock that we have it today. But because of the damage that has been done to it, we will go through error repair process and replace it through insurance proceeds. That was included in the budget. But it May change. This was proposed in the expansion was the idea was to move it and modernize it. You have that old catwalk type dog that has been beat to death over the last 12 years. Our plan would be tomorrow night is it. >> Would that be a floating dock? >> More elements of the floating drop, because even the floating docks have life expectancy to them. >> Okay, and then I noticed my thing about electric vehicles. There were several vehicles on here like community development had a charger on there. I know that might not what they might get. There was a Ford Taurus a 2011 I'm not quite sure what that is. >> Know that is the vehicle that's going to be replaced. >> That vehicles going to be replaced? >> What page you looking at? >> Pastry. >> It was under gm, Ford Taurus 2011 it was $10,000. >> My point was, >> It was a 2010 charger replacement. >> Why is it only $10,000? >> Community development charger. >> I am down to the gym one. >> That is a grant to Max. >> My question to the Council is, I would like to see always first look at an electric vehicle. If he can fulfill the task that the car is needed for. Not necessarily what the department is proposing to buy. But if they are proposing a pickup truck but they don't need a pickup truck. Then a sedan will do, or whatever. My idea would be to buy the most economical thing that we can that fulfills the needs. And we first consider electric vehicles and look at the cost savings over the life of the car. In terms of more maintenance, lower fuel, and all of that. Even if it cost more up front. Last year they did look at that, and the only vehicles that we had to replace for the police vehicles that need to be pursued vehicles. There wasn't one exactly made for that. But things are changing fast. So I am asking whether this is something we can just do as a policy. Or if you want me too bring you something like a written guideline that they use in other cities. Again it does not mean that we have to buy an electric vehicle. It means that that is the first thing we give priority to and if it doesn't work or it's going to cost way more money. Then we buy something else. And certainly dump trucks and things like that are knocking to be on it. But I want to get your feedback whether you want me too bring you some a written proposal or we could just make it a general policy that we always consider electric vehicles. >> I like to see written proposal. >> I am just looking at the Ford Taurus that you brought up. I just told you that I had to have an electric vehicle because my was being fixed. The nicest part about it was speedy fast. But it is really small. So I don't know if you could get senior citizens in the back seat so they'll be some of think about. >> Absolutely has to be appropriate for will be needed for. What you had was a small sedan but there might be big ones. We have to look at what's available. >> You have to look at for its application. For some things it would not work. >> They are starting from our pickup trucks. >> I been watching too so that's three to four years away. >> We should look at the purpose for it and is something we can fit within the price range I would definitely before. >> Would you want me too bring a written proposal that we bring a policy for. >> I think the staff would have to do that because there they have their own funding mechanisms. >> I could give that to dim -- Jim. >> I say we show to counsel because is not a policy decision. >> Okay I don't have anything else. >> Are there public comments? >> Why don't you just make it a policy and when you requisition a vehicle whoever needs it puts a statement saying why an electric vehicle won't fit the bill otherwise you're buying one. >> That is something I'll bring up to them. >> If I'm a woman but the vehicles last year we explained that in each situation. -- if I May, we bought the vehicles last year end we explained. What you are doing today is just approving funds. You are not approving any purchases or anything. >> No I understand that, I was wondering if I should make a written policy. I know we did last year end I appreciate that. Is there anybody on zoom? >> Not this time basement. -- not at this time vice mayor. >> Do we go to c counsel reports? >> Yes. >> I apologize for not having my preps for my opening invocation. I only got caught doing that once before and that was three years ago. >> And we didn't have you the book for you to find something in. >> Where the heck is there a book? Did Dan take it with them? I don't have a lot. One thing that they're going to look at now that things are relaxing is discussions with Stetson ymca in the Pinellas juvenile board for restarting swimming lessons. The free swimming lesson program. I don't know we get it going for the summer but we can get it going for late summer early fall. The only, I am trying to think I'm sorry, one thing I did want to ask is when is the city dock going to be into operation? More damage than we thought? >> Exactly, we've had the estimates come in to rebuild the transoms in the trans way the runways or fairways the dock. And we are working with the insurance carrier. >> They are going to do a full replacement think. I guess I don't have much. We have pride coming up on the 29th. Which is going to be the lgbtq resource center is going to be the art out exhibit. Which last the whole entire month. That'll be the kick off for it and will last an entire month of June. At the same time at 4:00 P.M. That day we will do the flag raising in front of the library. Then also we are going to have the street festival. Which we were basing it off of the get rescued which was very successful in keeping social distancing. Of course we put a lot of effort into it for not. We are still at using less than half of the slots that are open. And they are pretty much all full. It will be really great. I think the band is supposed to be playing. >> Is it new horizons? >> know it's the gecko marching band. I think it's gonna be great as can be a good turnout. Most of the businesses in town are joining in on fun things. As we read, from a certain person who wasn't happy about it, there was going to be some races that certain articles that are funny I think it came from Key West originally. You didn't read the gaffer? >> I did I don't even have any idea what that looks like. >> whenever I bring you see which one goes the fastest for the shoot. Anyway it's refinanced her fundraising as well. That is pretty much all I have right now. >> I don't really have much, but thank you for bringing up the dog. I wonder when we get the funds from the insurance company, to replace the casino doll, doesn't have to be, it is not going to be the same configuration? I have been talking to fishermen and saying it should not be parallel to shore. >> That is one of the things I spoke of as the floating dock aspect of it. When we modified it originally, we had floating docks to it. And now we want to try to remodel it so this breakwater injury. >> That fixed part in that was a big deal for seagrass. Okay thank you. >> a couple of things. First of all I want to thank Cliff and Jerry Davis. And then all of the city Council and the city manager for the Stephen Robin Memorial we did a couple weeks ago. It was on April 10. We had a great turnout. Stephen Robin's family came from all over the country. From the Fort Lauderdale area, from Savannah. It was a good Memorial. Cliff and Jerry Davis did a good job with a gentleman by the name of Mike Liles. They started this thing from Tennessee. So thank you for everybody that attended. If you have not seen the plaque over the veterans Park I recommend checking it out. It is a beautiful memorial for a gentleman who suffered that something most of us can even remarry imagine going through. The rest of us on city Council I am talking to them without asking. I am assuming we'd all like to make sure everybody stays healthy. Even though the governor doesn't care if we live or dial or get healthy. Or doesn't believe in science. I would like to ask the businesses critique Kd what they're doing with the mass ordinances. -- Mike I would like to businesses to continue what they are doing with the max ordinance. >> We got several e-mails, assuming everybody saw them. About RVs. I know it has come up before, but I would like us to potentially take a look at this again. Because right now RVs do not enjoy the same thing as both through in terms of being able to be part in your yard. I can understand how people find that unfair. I would like us maybe to take a look at it and have staff make a proposal for what we could do to sort of equalize it. Whatever we have for boats May be the same length or whatever could be made for RVs. If there is other council members that might think that would be all right. >> This is where it's interesting, I guess on how long you been in town and knowing the history of that discussion before it was really ugly. Basically we have an ordinance that states you can put in your side or backyard. People are saying you can't have it in your yard that is not true. >> You are correct, but many people don't have access to that backyard from an alley. Half the city doesn't have alleys. Most people depending on how big your side yard is, if houses were built with only a five or 6-foot on the side they do not have room. >> I'm not interested on having a little discussion on it. >> I brought this up about four years ago, that was the last bloodbath on it. >> If you will forward then. >> I think we should just leave it as it is right now. There are places to park. >> Yes but you have to pay. >> I understand that, yes I'm just not favor bringing the backup. >> I don't have an alley at my house, but I am not in favor of it either. Ten so you want to leave the way it is? >> Just for now yes. >> We can revisit it later. >> I had about five. >> I think there were three but that is okay. I think I would like to have more citizens than five. >> Well, what we want to put it on, the agenda as a discussion item sometime? >> I am not in favor of that, I think of people are interested we should hear them for more than five people. There is 12,200 and something people in Gulfport. Five a majority does not make. >> Okay. We will wait to have more people. >> What we hear from a significant portion of the community that want to go down that road then we will bring it up for discussion. >> Okay, another thing I want to bring up which May be controversial. His collections. We have significant outstanding collections. I am not talking about lean collections. This is just utility collections. So I would like us to potentially have a presentation from the finance department, maybe having someone from a collection agency that they would find that is the best for us. To see whether it we want to use a collection agent, I know before people have been upset. Because they do not want to collect from their neighbors. And send their names to a collection agency. Talking to Cheryl, the majority of people who don't pay utilities, are people who moved out of the area. So it's not your neighbors anymore. Because if they don't pay one bill, and move somewhere else they can't get a new account in their name unless they play the previous one. So these are usually people will move away, and sometimes it is people who have other properties here in town but still are not paying for a bill on some property. If the places derelicts or the people have died or whatever, if it is people who don't have the money there is still money in the cares program for them to be able to get financial assistance. I know the city is given information to people about that. So it shouldn't be people who just lost that job and cannot pay. Because there are programs for that. >> This program for some people but not all. >> Not necessarily all. >> Is something I would like to pursue but I think at some we should wait a little while. People are coming from covid-19 and this is probably not the best time to b put collections on people that May have lost their jobs during covert -- met Jan covid-19 and got behind and move. I think it's a great idea to collect that money, but it is an insensitive time to actually promote it. That's my personal period. >> Okay, Christine? >> It sounds like a great idea to wait and return to this process. I would like to have a conversation with Cheryl as well. We get an award every year for great financing. So I trust her very much, that the finance department is the need to do. >> I find nothing wrong with Cheryl giving a presentation on collections and such. Just so we know more about it so it is a less insensitive moment. >> Right, and someone from a collection agency so we know how they do things in they can work with us. >> There is various methods of doing that. >> My recommendation, not bringing in someone unless you are going to want to bid for this. You need to hear from staff, if you want to research on your own or something. But for me too bring someone in air to give a presentation they are looking for the work. They are going to present to you as that. You will going applicants are desperate. I will have in my next memo I would need the resources, if this were accounts would like to go counsel that I w will as counsel to giving resources. >> I know where this came from, I feel that the person, has a lot more qualification that I do. So I would much rather see what Cheryl says and get her opinion before bring anybody else in. >> Can we each have a private meeting with Cheryl before we do anything okay. >> We will see with the finance director says if she feels it's a necessity. >> She doesn't. >> I'm going to go with her versus the person comes and complains all the time. >> Collections is something different typically we have been going after. We have a new process where they have people's e-mails and cell phone numbers so they can text them and stuff. And she is trying to do more collections that way. We still have a backlog of old things that have not been collected. They haven't really pursue them. >> I rather have her come and give it to all of us. >> I think it should be brought up short. >> I think my times up so bring it up next time.