City Council

>> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting and if you're elected officials our mayor Ken Welch. District one Council vice chair, hopefully Curtis. District 2 Randy Gabbert district 3 and Mary. District 4 with that Hanna winds. And Council chair ever take Sanders. District 6 Gina Driscoll district 7 John Muhammad. And district day Richie Floyd. >> Known everyone I welcome you to the JULY 11th City Council meeting can we please begin with the roll call on the air alert there are us air ever Watts near and what's here. Thank you now we will have our pastor car k's leave from Mount Pilgrim missionary Baptist Church will provide us with in a vacation can we please stand followed by the pledge of allegiance. >> Oh my GOD we're humble that you've allowed us to come together this day will humble that you continuing to lead us and the great work that we must do to serve this PRESIDENT H I will call into full field. Maybe on a one of them by keeping an open mind to the truth that we need to hear. In the hearts of the people MAY we discern your wheel so that we can lift up all that and the lift in a and little got me to work that we do brand-new glory. We pray Amen >> Thank you pastor hazy for coming in providing an indication for us today. I do need to make an We are rescheduling the public hearings for the vesting development agreement. >> And the cra in town plan amendment ordinance is from today's meeting to the JULY 18th in the rezoning application has rescheduled been rescheduled to the Aug. 1st and Aug. 1st Council meeting. >> While the agenda council members we have an agenda before us I entertain a motion for approval of that interchange is real. Now that we have a second motion and a second can you please open the machine voting council members please. Now that a prison council members a vote a can you please town announced the votes. MADAM Chair, the motion to approve the agenda passes unanimously. Thank you. Council members we have this image and to be for us to entertain a motion for approval. I was very do have one car we do have one car. Marcus Davis please go to the podium state your name and address for the record. You have 3 minutes to a City Council. >> My name is Marcus Davis our sky communities on acquisitions team. And I'm a proud resident of city of Saint Pete and we're just super excited for the opportunity to bring a new community here, I'm here on behalf of the Saint Pete housing Authority as well as blue sky. Thank staff for the recommendation and for any questions that you MAY have would you state your address please. I addresses 3951 34th Street South. And I can really kind of case. >> So now that we have a motion Israel properly second and can you please open the machine for voting council members please cast your votes. This one moment please. Okay. Now that a prison council members have already can you please town announced the votes. MADAM Chair, the motion to approve the consent agenda passes unanimously. Thank you now we're going to our wars and presentations in our first or will be presented by our vice chair. Good is it is the ada day proclamation vice chair girders. Thank you MADAM Chair. And I joined by bright need a drier from our team here at the city. Matt Walker for a miracle by the Bay and members of our Cappy citizens advocating for persons with impairments and other distinguished guests and they join me that have you hold that window. >> This is one of the greatest honors I get during the years to present this proclamation chair and a mayor I want to thank you for the opportunity both to serve on Cappy and to be a part of this proclamation for I'm American with Disabilities Act day. This amazing group of people that we have not only Cappy members. But our are persons with impairment throughout our community that community continues to amaze me on a daily basis. The work that they do throughout the city throughout this County throughout the state throughout this country. I was told by Matt earlier he was invited to Nashville to be on a podcast he politely declined. But that's how popular he is these days and you are able to see the e-mail that was sent out earlier this morning. Matt was on good morning America yesterday morning with Michael Strahan. >> And I'm going to brag on mat for a little bit not because he loves the same sport I do. But because of the work he does in our community and bringing are disabled community together with the game of baseball and over a five-minute period. Good Morning America highlighted the work that Matt and miracle by the Bay does here in St. Petersburg and was celebrated across the country yesterday morning I got to watch it last night at about 09:00pm and my wife had asked me what was wrong because I was snuggling like a little baby. I'm going to try not to do that today, yeah and haha at the Max keeping me honest and so. That is just just a small portion and Matt thank you for the work that you do that's just a small portion of the amazing this. >> That happens in our city every day and to be able to be a small part of that too it to be able to be the conduit in which our Cathy and City Council administration communicate and to be able to see us move the needle on a monthly basis and to see our capping members. And this community move the needle on a daily basis. Is absolutely amazing. It is humbling and it is something we should celebrate not during a day not during a week not during the month, but the whole year. So I'm very proud to present this proclamation at into our Cappy. Whereas JULY 2620 24 marks the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and whereas the ada has improved access to government services programs. Transportation public places communication and information technology. And whereas the city established the community the committee to advocate for persons with impairments happy. In 1972. With the purpose to serve as an advisory group who would advocate advise and formulate positions on issues facing persons with impairments and provide advice and guidance relative to affairs concerns rights and special needs of persons with impairments to ensure their full participation in the city's facilities, programs and services and whereas Cappy has advocated and funded many services including closed captioning of all City Council meetings Handicap accessible aluminum docks for the St. Petersburg sailing center closed captioning related to disasters and emergencies. Beach wheelchairs and 88 training for city staff and whereas the city of St. Petersburg has a longstanding commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act and continues to strive to provide programs and services to all segments of the community. Now therefore I cope leaguer us vice chair of City Council on behalf of Kenneth t Welsh mayor of the city of St. Petersburg do hereby declare 7/26/2024. Americans with Disabilities Act day in Petersburg end call upon all residents to recognize that understanding and compliance with the ada is the surest means to guarantee equal opportunities for all. Thank you. And quickly before I ask at if they'd like to speak a council in front of you you have a talking about the 34th ada anniversary celebration on JULY 28th, 11 to 4 which by the way Matt has taken over and put on with over 18 vendors money donated silent auction fifty-fifty raffle. And it's going to be an amazing time on JULY 24th, and I'm sure Lindell we'll talk about it you have that information in front of you and I invite you all to attend with me and chair and Mayor thank you so much, thank you. First I want to thank Council. You know, I've 88 versa quite a for the city. >> It is so much on a work without a campy movie how much do they give out make my job a lot easier as for making sure, but I want to give you a few minutes when Matt because I've been working that for the last 7 years. This young man has more in an able-bodied person. Force he put South everything's a. I don't I'm good. >> Well well good afternoon. Well good afternoon Council. My name is Matt Walker on the PRESIDENT And ceo of America by the Bay. We're located at 1810 Maryland Avenue, Northeast St. Petersburg 3, 3, 7, 3 for for the year for the record. I'm. On behalf of myself and and the entire communication theme. I'm I'm not go by the Bay. We encourage you to come on out JULY 28th at not the 24 that the correction on the record place. I'm that is the 28. I'm sorry to I'm sorry. But but I have myself and Lindell s right and it and they needed a dryer. We want you to know this we are working tirelessly with Sean and ruin and the city of St. Petersburg and with your support we've been able to successfully obtain new vendors, new city services and everything I actually just got a voicemail from a consume a consumer looking for services while he was sitting in here. That is the power of the 88. >> So before you leave know Biden push their button week you know. >> That I. Was not going to let you leave without. Thanking you in in vice chair Garrett is for bringing this proclamation to us and me sitting on the Pinellas County persons with disability. Counts so this means so much. First of all let me say thank you. This was a great way to start this council meeting because when I see and I hear and I look at the joy inmates eyes. After that nothing else man. After that nothing else matters because you look at his that we call limitations what he calls his uniqueness and I want to thank him so much for being here so with the invocation having met here. And what you have consistently done in vice chair Garrett is really takes all of this to heart and that's what it takes is for us to make sure then those that need us there they're there for us and I want to preach and thank you for bringing this proclamation great way to start thank you for all that you do. Thank you. >> In our next proclamation will be presented by our American of 2 Welch in this the Duke energy day celebrating a 125 years. >> Thank you MADAM Chair. First let me thank Matt and when Bill and Kathy. Thank you all your great Adam Ben, curious on how to do correct. The vice chair for a while show me how to do that a just thank you for your passion. You could hear your comments and thank you for your leadership on this issue appreciate. It is a great way to to The meeting MADAM Chair, chair council members of the Saint Pete team and members of the public. It's great to be back with you again I'm excited today to recognize one of the oldest corporations in our city and a major employer and community partners. Duke energy has been in service to St. Petersburg and Central and North Florida. 425 years it is nearly as old as the city itself. But history is important and before the company was Duke energy it was Florida power. And Florida power along with the then Petersburg times and a few other businesses really where the course Saint Peter's business community for a long time, especially in the 80's when I was growing up. A little a number of efforts including the pursuit of major league baseball. Now some MAY remember the Florida Power corporation and its affiliate progress energy companies. Really employ many staff and executives of color way before diversity in leadership in the corporate workplace with the mainstream discussion. In fact my first full-time corporate job. After college was with Florida power and ironically, they were recruiting at the highs of 7 hills in Tallahassee know a few people know what I'm talking But they were actually at famu recruiting some of that I was graduating from a graduate school. So ironically I was hired 200 miles away to come back home to my hometown and work a mile from where I grew up. And I worked there for 14 years and counting and it and systems administration. But during that time I got to know many of the employees of Florida power now Duke energy. From ceos like Andy Hines and jet critchfield to the line and in the field. This time and I know Tom could relate to that if he's watching assistant city administrator Tom Green. My first job was a as an auditor. So I got to call the linemen and Harry in Longwood guys and gals have been working 1213 hour days and so you see your receipt but I don't have a receipt for that Wendy's I'm chicken sandwich and I don't need to get that money to authorize in signatures. Well. So needless to say I got to hear some interesting dialect from all across. North and Central Florida, but over time I got to to actually meet a lot of employees and really understand how hard they work every day and communities across the state of Florida to bring power to homes and businesses and to help us recover from the inevitable storms those are the folks that make up Duke energy. Fast forward to today synergies headquartered in downtown Saint Pete imports more than 640 people resulting in economic impact of $80 million annually. Duke energy and its foundation annual return more than $2 million to the community in the form of donations grandson volunteer hours. They also provide $400,000 annual sponsorship of the Mahaffey Theater for the Arts. And have a great linemen workforce program in partnership with the Urban League in Saint Pete college that provides training and then job that I think about $60,000 to start for line. It's a great example of how we can improve our workforce and many other community initiatives. This proclamation recognizes the milestone of a 125 years of service and commitment to our city. So an invite Duke energy PRESIDENT Of Florida move Melissa say hsus in government community liaison, Jeff Baker and other members of the Duke team to join me at the podium as I read the proclamation know coming up. And it reads whereas on 7/18/1899. St. Petersburg electric light and Power company later to become Florida power corporation. Progress energy and now Duke energy Florida. And I didn't know somewhere at one 0.4 short time it was Pinellas County power as well. We see that state charter signed by the secretary of state in governor to power the lives of customers. And whereas Duke energy Florida headquarter in the heart of historic downtown and its legacy companies are nearly as old as the city of St. Petersburg which demonstrates Duke Energy's longstanding history of service. Dedication and investment too and in this community. And whereas 425 years Duke energy Florida and its legacy companies ever made a powerful economic engine community champion and provider of safe. Reliable and increasingly clean energy to approximately 2 million customers across 35 counties, including a 160,000 customers in St. Petersburg and whereas approximately 3800 employees of Duke energy Florida. Join our first responders and local emergency services personnel as they head into storms while others seek shelter who in their spare time volunteer thousands of hours and make significant contributions to support the programs and organizations that strengthen and up with the Saint Pete community and environment. And whereas Duke energy Florida its foundation employees continue to build and nurture the places we call home to millions of dollars of local grants sponsorships donations and economic development efforts that are making a difference in the community and helping Petersburg thrive now and well into the future. Now therefore I to Welsh mayor of the city of St. Petersburg be here by the clear Thu. 7/18/2024. As Duke energy day in St. Petersburg and call on residents to recognize this incredible milestone of a 125 years and celebrate Duke Energy's everlasting commitment to the St. Petersburg community, thank you for being >> Thank you mayor, thank you council members of this is a great great honor to be here today. I'm for a kid who grew up in St. Petersburg I went to Perkins not a lawn Northeast. Saint Pete junior college Eckerd college usf Saint Pete. And started at then Florida power corporation one I was 19 years old and to think that these almost 40 years later that I get to stand in front of all of you and represent incredible work force. Behind me is I'm still kind all inspiring to myself. To be able to serve the people of the city of St. Petersburg as the mayor said we've really grown up together. I can tell you my years of working as a government community relations manager and other roles that I've had here working with the city of St. Petersburg has made us a better company and for that I'm extremely grateful. And while we are innovating and changing and moving to a greener technology. Every single day. It's one of our number one priorities along with reliability resiliency it is truly the people of our company that make the difference and I am incredibly proud they call Petersburg home in many many ways and they have grown up here and they continue to work here and so I've been with the company almost 40 years and 9 kind of one of the younger ones. So with us today, we have a few people just a sampling that represent those who are keeping the lights on for our customers in the city of St. Petersburg behind me we have a Tony solver as a who today is celebrating 47 years of service. >> Tony is responsible for the operation of our solar units and all our other generation sites. We have shank a Norman who is here from as a lineman in Petersburg Lillian long who runs our Saint Pete operating center where I started Melvin philpott's 43 years our neighborhood energy saver program Debby crisp in the meter department another 43 years. So it that kind of talent and people don't stay. I'm just for the paycheck. They stay because of the commitment they have in their hearts for our customers and our communities and I think that does differentiate us, but also what differentiates us is the relationship that we have with leaders like all of you, so we are incredibly grateful for your time your dedication that you get to the city and to also helping to make us better. We look forward to continuing to serve the city and as I get better and who knows what the next 125 years will bring but among these employees behind me we represent about 320 years of service. So with that I thank you stay safe. >> Councilmember Floyd thank you I just wanted to take an opportunity while all the Duke energy people are here to say we've been going through in health energy resilience and sustainability committee getting information about how our partnership is gone and I just wanted to advocate for While you are all here to be able to say. Look forward to continuing to get that I hope that Here we've been up to and I'm. Help us along in that process. >> And then the only other thing I'll say is I'm. I also hope that you would continue to look at where your profits stand versus other communities of corporations power power corporations and see if you can. Advocate for some relief for our consumers. But I'll leave it there today, I just wanted to advocate for the city a little bit. Well ahead your audience, thank you. >> I also remembered >> Thank you, I just wanted to give a special message. I'm it specifically to the front line line workers the linesman. You know during it right here we are in the in the midst of our already active hurricane season. And whenever we have a storm approaching our city our area. I'm it always gives me some comfort and encouragement and hope when I drive by Tropicana field parking lot and see it full. I'm do trucks ready to go as others are taking shelter and keeping their families safe. I'm >> You all are. Leaving your your families behind leaving their pets behind. When we talk about our first responders and how important they are to us. That's you. That's you as well. And so I am just grateful for the work that you do when things go wrong to get us back up and running again. I just really appreciate that I knew that our city appreciates that quick response at the times when we need it the most so thank you and big shout out to Melvin who is amazing with their neighborhoods. Haha. The best-dressed man in the company right there thank you so much, thank you to everyone for coming in letting is reduced proclamations for you thank you for all that you do. Thank you. Now we'll move on to our open form clerk can you please read the rules. >> If you wish to address to the Council on subjects other than public hearing our cries out across the additional items. This is on the agenda. Please sign up with the clerk. Only the individual wishing to speak MAY signed the open form sheet only city residents owners of property business owners in the city or their employees MAY speak all issues discussed and are open for must be limited to issues related to the city of St. Petersburg If you're speaking to an item on the agenda you MAY only speak once. During the open form when the item comes up on the agenda. In order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to address City Council. Each individual be given 3 minutes to speak after which the microphone will be muted. If you MISTER Addressed City Council through the zoom meeting issues raise hand feature but in the zoom app or enter star 9 on your phone at the time the agenda items address. When it's your turn to speak up in unit and next a state your name and address. At the conclusion of your comments for when you reach the 3 minute time you will be muted. All raise hands will be lowered after each agenda item regardless of the method of produced participation use the normal rules apply, including the 3 minute time limit on comments. The requirement that any presentation materials must be submitted in advance of the meeting and the rules of decorum if my public comment is disrupted by violations of the rules of decorum shares authorized to accept public comment by alternate means including by email only. And CHAIRMAN Called speakers to any time. You name called please go to item I the podium state your name and address for the record and you have 3 minutes to address City Council. Re Tampa and Kerry. Mueller Mueller please go to the podium. We have 3 minutes to address City Council. Council members. City administrators. >> Certainly I appreciate the opportunity to even address for okay. Re Tampa. 55 oh one 80 of street North St. Petersburg. Lifetime resident. In an interview. With the catalysts magazine. Dated Dec. 20th 2021. Outgoing city administrator. Allen did allow. Saying it quote the teen kriseman put together was the best team I've ever work with. In my career. I'm looking at a lot of projects right now. I'm in discussions with developers and different cities. Are calling me. I'm a deal junkie. I love good deals. Putting the puzzle together. I also love public private partnerships 0 dot. End of quote. I offer this clip because MISTER Did allow lent his expertise to the current discussions by thoroughly examining. The development agreement point by point. And concluding. No development agreement is perfect. But no city deserves an agreement. This bad. A council member. Made this statement. Quote. We have a responsibility to get this right in the cool. The deal wasn't right at the time that statement was made. So the question is. What has changed. About the deal. That suggests you all have gotten this deal right. By your own admissions. Council members. You all have it gotten all the information needed to make informed decisions regarding this deal. There were questions about the sustainability. Polls by 2 or 3 of you. As a matter of fact. One council member, it seemed tired. Of the drip drip drip. Apartment information thank you thank you for your time I really appreciate it. Good afternoon Council. My name is Kerry Miller, and I love that 1, 1, 4, 7, James Avenue South. And the Campbell Park neighborhood. And I recently served on the community benefits Advisory Council and I stand by my no vote that the community benefits are grossly inadequate compared to the substantial public investment. This deal is not about who is for or against a new baseball stadium. It's about a corporate welfare scheme to transfer 65 acres. A prime downtown real estate to Stu Sternberg raise Hines will only pay $4 million a year. For the real estate for a maximum of 50 million in the first 12 years. Taxpayers will be responsible. Contributing $142 million of tax dollars from the intown cre to subsidize the infrastructure of a private real estate development. The developer can opt out of the affordable housing by pain liquidated damages equivalent to 10%. The cost of building affordable housing unit. The developer won't have to pay for the land. Intel, it buys individual parcels it won't have to pay property taxes until individual buildings are put into service estimated property tax revenues need to be adjusted significantly downward to account for that. In addition the renderings of the development no longer apply. The minimum development in the development agreement are all that require that all that matters. The project has 30 years to be completed. And only 333,000 square feet, various types of real estate has to be built in the first 10 years half of which has to be Class a office. Just for reference. The orange station that will be located at the old police station will be a 125,000 square feet of Class a office. So we can expect the equivalent of 2 of those types of building which are 2 mid-rise office buildings to be built in the first 10 years along with a 130 room hotel in 650 market rate, residential units that's it that's all the property taxes were going to be earned. The professional poll completed by Mason Dixon shows that the public thinks the steel is unfair that it should be renegotiated that there should be a vote and then a new appraisal is needed. The Mason Dixon poll is posted online and available to the public at no homerun dot com. This is not a project for the community or to benefit the public the community benefits are window dressing and they're not a gift or contribution from the developer. They're a payment in lieu for the land City Council vote no on the rays Heinz deal don't approve the largest subsidy and mlb history and obligate taxpayers to 686 million dollars in debt. Thank you. Next 2 carts please. One room we're calling in. This is Allendale United Methodist Church. Please state your name and address for the record you have 3 minutes to the stress counseling they need to self. Allendale United Methodist Church. >> We only have 30 minutes. We've got the next the next 2 speakers. Tom to do and all the Stinson please go to I the podium state your name and address for the record and you have 3 minutes to address City Council. >> Thank you council members the opportunity. My name is Tom t do live at 6.22 12th Avenue South. Like to offer few comments. Mainly I like to ask you to please vote no on this deal needs improvement. I support a lot of what was said by Kerry Mueller by know home-run dot com by the Sierra Club and need to repeat. But they've said, but they've given you great information. Been out about 10 weeks. It's been revised, but the main points have not been approved. I think the majority of council members want this to be leed certified. New contract is kind of says we like that, but it's not from requirement. Councilmember city would love to see more affordable housing. I think most of you would love to see more affordable housing but it's not required. I think MISS New or just said you pay you're getting about 10% of the housing you're talking about the 1250 might be 125. The museum is still a maybe but the discount for the cost to the museum. I believe the still on the land. So you're paying for museum that MAY not be a certainty. The open space and parkland section is a question is the city paying for 14 acres. But requiring 10. Months ago, my council member supported changing the team's name does the Saint Pete race and I think that's a great idea. I just wonder what happened. I'm was there a dollar amount the dollar value given to that change it's fantastic promotion. Reminds me what happened in Miami. The Florida Marlins became the Miami Marlins. It's possible it could be it could be done. Team in Miami had. I need for stadium, they were playing out in the sun and the rain. They got the same architect we have stadium didn't really help their tenants but they did honor the city of Miami which supported them with a name change and I think some of the politicians who supported that are out of office now. It's pretty much that's my point and I'm. Please do this right. We've talked about it for 17 years now we've had about 10 weeks look at this contract. Let's give it a few more months if you need maybe. Thank you very much for your consideration appreciate it. >> My name is Charlie Austin son and I met 2920 15th Avenue South in Milton Heights. I'm here today for presenting the Alliance for sustainable landscaping a collection of experts and eco-friendly landscaping practices we're asking that you add the letter before you to the agenda for the next hers committee meeting the letter details the reasons we are requesting that ordinance 16 dot 4, 0, dot 0, 6, 0, that 3.1. D the largely emitted from the code and to meet with the committee to discuss recommendations that might accomplish that purpose stated in 16 that 4, 0, that 0, 6, 0, 6, 0, that one that one which is in part to encourage the design and use of plant material which reduces watering requirements for example would lessen Augustine side and with more planting of drought-tolerant plant materials in other words, practice, Florida friendly landscaping which is also protected by state law. Under statute, 3, 7, 3, 0.1 8, 5, as written the code requires homeowners. Wishing a practice, Florida friendly landscaping or wildlife habitat management to employ landscape architect to write a management plan. The service that landscape architects would not typically offered to homeowners creating a $3,000 or more financial barrier to practice Florida friendly landscaping or wildlife habitat management. This is the exact opposite of encouragement furthermore, the code currently requires the management plan to be approved by Isis calling upon them to take a road. A role in code enforcement which is inappropriate. The code is already being enforced. There is an outstanding case against at least one resident of St. Petersburg who is an underemployed single mother with a screech are living on the property that she has managed as a wildlife habitat for decades without issue until this new code became active Jan. 1st of 2024. She received a violation notice, Jan. 4th 2024. The first workday after this code appeared as written the code is effectively a prohibition on Florida friendly landscaping which is not allowable under statue 3, 7, 3, 0.1 8, 5, We can help you create a code that aligns aligns with the city's eco-friendly goals and the state law but first we need the harmful existing language removed. This letter was also email to all of you on JUNE, 26 is it possible to get a response on this of some kind within a week. And thank you all for your time and consideration. >> Next speakers, MADAM Chair, Madison rice and Warren Willingham please go to I the podium state your name and address for the record and you will have 3 minutes to address City Council. >> I'm Madison rise 3 to 4, 5, Jackson Street North. I'm. Comparisons between this current proposal and some previous proposals that we received for the Midtown included 28 and a half acres of open space and included him in parking garages with no on-street parking. The current proposal includes less than half the open space and allows for street level parking. The midtown proposal included 10,000 housing units total with some available for sale to promote generational wealth this proposal only include 6400 units and all are rentals midtown midtown was going to spend 93 million on infrastructure and we're now going to spend 142 million over tax dollars not including debt service on infrastructure for a private developer. This proposal doesn't hold up when you compare it to the others that we've received why and how did we end up here in the rfp the mayor's top priority for this development where things like affordable housing and honoring history of the gas plant district but after picking raise Himes a top priority is now keep the rays in Saint Pete at all costs does this seem like a great place to be when you're negotiating the largest deal in the city's history. I went to all of the cac meetings and I can see how these people are really hard negotiating with you don't become one of the largest developers in the world without playing hardball. But there is a city employee who I I literally thought that he worked for the rays based on the way that he was like if use of Lee. About how great their proposal was and how great raise hind are but he he literally work for the city he's one of the people who negotiated this deal for us. I'm we need these are the people who advocate for how we spend our tax dollars on this deal. I'm and during those meetings COUNCILWOMAN Fix, Sanders kept a green kept saying like words are words we need are promises in writing which totally agree but we we have this agreement in writing now and the protections for the city are laughable there's a lot that we can improve on. I'm like like someone mentioned earlier all of the upfront financial risk on the city well raise Hines makes how much return on their investment do we even know did we even asked them do we have that information. I'm how much will they make by selling the team if this deal is approved can we get out of this deal. I don't I think so I haven't seen the new development agreement because it hidden next week's agenda. I'm this deal is the best thing to ever happen to the rays. And I urge you to reject the development agreement. Were unwilling him. 3 to 4, 5 Jackson Street North 3, 3, 7, for a lifelong Saint Pete resident. GOD what an incredible deal exclusively 3rd for the rays. People came out early in the process and demanded affordable housing at the core of this project it was paid lip service and we chose a proposal with the worst affordable housing numbers. The amount of affordable housing is abysmal, especially compared to superior proposals like midtown or sugar pill or probably most of them. Resident asked for mixed income affordable housing, but all we get is a little pinky promise of a few affordable units on site and then a few more off site lovely. We already felt for the stadium grift once before we now have decades of research showing the public investment in stadiums does not ever break even. Baseball is fine, but subsidizing the rays to this extent will be an economic burden for generations, let's not fall for the sunk cost fallacy of oh no look at all the work we've done we can't deny the deal now. The stakes are too high please don't push this economic disaster throughout of convenience. I urge you to vote no and go with literally any other developer from that rfp or make the deals come make the rays come back with a deal that is substantially different enact actually benefits the city or just one big Park. It's at least not letting our money on fire. Our cities to cut on its own. Let's not fall for this please deny this your kids and grandchildren will thank you. Thank you. >> Next speaker Adams here Abdul Karim Ali in Loretta. Please go to I the podium state your name and address for the record and you have 2 minutes to just City Council when she time remaining that 14 minutes and 20 seconds. >> Thank you GOD peace be with you. MADAM Vice chair members of Council administration. I don't really need. >> Big introduction but put a record I would just say my name is Abdul Karim Ali and I served as PRESIDENT Of Tampa Bay area most of mussel station and also a memo enough a Tampa Bay. I'm here to and. Talk to you a little bit about you know in a play Tampa Bay. And later by PRESIDENT Will come and get the and that record is recording and you give your address please if I need to give you address please buy some time. The address is for fired sorry about that for you by protests, we saw out St. Petersburg we straight time. Yes we're a very good. As a member of in up a path of a and somebody you for me into a Tampa Bay and some of the work that we do here in the city. I know I chair COUNCILMAN Meant. Attendance some of the on with the canopy of service we have and you're live there. But hopefully today the rest of you will be better for me with what be about. Like to just say we have members who come into play Tampa Bay here today. And if you would please stand. And I want this war to a close by we we're very happy to be here and Vice PRESIDENT Will speak later and he will tell you more about going to a Tampa Bay. Thanks so much GOD p 3 Richard. >> Good afternoon. My name is laurette arena and I live at 2336 12th Street North St. Petersburg I have lived in Saint Pete and been a member of Saint Paul's Catholic Church for over 40 years. At Saint Paul's I'm a member of the fast justice ministry and also a member of our Saint Vincent depaul conference which provides direct assistance to neighbors in need. Whenever possible been sanctions going make House visits to meet with the colors in person respecting their dignity and assessing how we can work together to meet their needs. Most requests are because someone's budget is so tight that a single financial emergency puts them into delinquency for their rent or their utility bills. In one case we recently visited a woman who was working as a tax accountant in paying $1700 a month for a one bedroom, mobile home. The mobile home was old and was not insulated well under electric bill had more than doubled. Another was a disabled woman whose son had just graduated from high school and was working at Michael's but his hours were cut recently, he's looking for another job, but that's small loss in income put them in a financial bind. Over the last 2 years this woman's rented increased $500 a month. With the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Saint Pete at 80. $1800 a month. Families who make less than 80% of the am I our 69,000 a year for a family of 4. Would you pay over 30% of their monthly income on rent. When you add in all the other essentials food utilities transportation health care and child care. It's just not feasible to live within the city in that budget and that's just for a one-bedroom apartment. A family, a friend of mine was just at the hospital and she did an informal survey of all the nurses who are with her were waiting on her and helping her and she learned that all of them lived outside of the city and traveled a significant distance because they couldn't afford to live here. We celebrate the councilmember Floyd in the House land use and Transportation Committee for taking the initiative to prioritize this income level and we are looking forward to a resolution being passed that reflects this. Our neighbors in need are struggling to make ends meet. They deserve better. City councilors we're looking to you and to your leadership to prioritize housing for families making 80% or less of the am I you have the power to make this happen. Thank you. >> It's to speakers, MADAM Chair James Scott in Jeanine less money please go to I the podium state your name and address for the record. And you have 2 minutes to address City Council. When you can start speaking make. My name is Jimmy less minimum 5138 way South here in St. Petersburg and I'm following up on the comments made by Darla Austin son. I'm I'm here to speak on behalf of the Alliance for sustainable landscaping beginning my 25th year at Eckerd College in the departments of marine science and biology. I'm coming here regarding the landscape code changed is negatively affected the ability of a homeowner to practice Florida friendly landscaping by requiring the employment of a landscape architect to write a management plan and submit it for approval. It's already accurately asserted but it's a financial burden to homeowners and that there's a lack of proper expertise and procedure to prove such plan. As an educator I and other educators spend our careers. Careers not only educating our students. But also our neighbors and communities on Florida friendly landscaping principles. We're passionate about sustainable and affordable living in St. Petersburg and teaching we utilize our city parks where taxes are usefully promoting these principles where we highlight the parts educational interpretive material and Rangers Boyd who a city park cells, Florida, friendly native plants on site for residents to utilize in their landscaping our city landscaping code needs to support the educational message. We the city already invest not counteract this investment now made by the city and our supporting community members. Looking to our future please let us continue educating on water the us that x and principles of Florida friendly landscaping to promote sustainable efforts in our densely populated city including through our city code. Thank you very much. >> James Scott 5324 Street South a good to see you again. I am going to a something might be a little bit divisive today. I want to speak on item d The declaration proclamation of JULY 18th as Duke energy day. To too many of us. That is a very tone. Deaf. And I'm out of touch. A proclamation and I'll explain why. For starters of work with staff to cause a lot of really good people who work for Duke energy, the people and there's the corporation. Duke is the 3rd largest utility in us. We're $77 billion market cap. Is the 5th most expensive in the us. With one of the pursuing one of the highest profit margins of utilities. They're trying to add another 800 million plus to our rates this year in the next 3 years apologize. And their 47 to 53 and offering energy efficiency torta there customers. In short, they don't look up the repairs. They don't look out for the vulnerable. And they make their money off of a building power plants and infrastructure. There a profit making into to Duke energy is not our friend. The user money to lobby. They give money to campaign cash to elected officials and politicians. Hey good morning to them happy as well said. And and and $2 million in donations that's our money. They're spending to lobby us and our elected officials and and I would open my temper. Time's up by going to get her ged ad. Those that's our money that they're spending to lobby in propaganda Isis so while people struggle. With paying their bills Duke energy is slow walking the energy transition. And. Look at to shore acres that is a canary in the coal mine were ground 0 big corporations that pollute like they do. Our massive part of the problem. They are not taking this seriously our our city's declared values and our declared goals around climate energy. They are so far from that. Duke energy is not our friend. The first committee is engaging with the questions of where we're at with our energy where we're going. And and that means a conversation a franchise agreement. And also Duke is grappling with the bad press around rates and whatnot and here we go as a city giving them their pr department. A a on a platter exactly what they've asked for. Duke's plan is on the line with our plans. The mayor's plan on his policy on energy evidently is not a progressive one. So I would say that Council please lead on energy policy and the city of Saint Pete. Please get an energy analysis about a franchise agreement that would mean for our city to meet its goals and make it more affordable energy system and the city of Saint Pete and we have 2 big decision 2026 the franchise agreement and the mayor's race. Thank you. >> I'm sure we have enough time for one more speaker of the portion open for Susan mcgrath please go to the podium state your name and address for the record you have 2 minutes to address City Council. >> Good afternoon Council Susan mcgrath 27 32 Burlington Avenue North. One 2nd time looking for some of my notes I didn't know if I was going make it today. I'm here to speak to the reins Hines agreement and I know you hear about this all the time. I just wanted to highlight to begin with the broad swath of community partners that I know you have received input from who stand in solidarity in support with this plan. One that particularly spoke to me which I only have time to share one line from one partner is feeding Tampa Bay. And most everybody knows who feeding Tampa Bay is because they serve some of our most marginalized residents and citizens of our city and we also help saw how important they are during the pandemic and every day since that win struggling families need their resources and feeding Tampa Bay said. We believe the rays and their partners are poised to actively create intentional. Equitable initiatives that will pave the path to housing small business development. Employment and educational opportunities. And there's more of that of course. There's 2 sides of this there's 2 sides that have issues with the plan right. There's the side and I got I got a message from someone I very much respect to said. We can do so much more we can add x y z. All really great grand things. But I'm like okay and then we have the side. Some folks today have spoken to both that are concerned about the cost. There's a major this is an expensive plan. There's major costs with him people are rightfully concerned about that. But there comes a point well there has to be a happy middle there has to be things that we can deliver on this planned and a cost that we can manage for residents and so one thing that particularly speaks to me while I have a few minutes is the Carter g Woodson Museum and I know I'm running out of time. But in a time when black education is not being done the way it should in our state I'm going to celebrate that movement. So it's not going to be the end all be all of everything but it's a good plan and I know you'll support it thank you. And by the way if I have time my union brothers or sisters are here and I stand with them in solidarity on apprenticeship programs. So thank you. >> ok so now we're going to go ahead and close open form and we're going to remove we're going to move on to reports and wouldn't go to item f one which is the fiscal year 25 mayor's recommended budget presentation and joining us is mayor Welch and budget director Liz my coffee. >> Thank you MADAM Chair and Council give a couple of seconds for the room the clear. Well you can't see me so that's a bonus for you to start with. I was just making a joke you can live Actually probably taken out so we can see the power point. Good evening MADAM Councilmembers along with our budget team. I'm really honored to join you today to present my recommended budget for the fiscal year 2025. As in previous years, a like to highlight some of our collective priorities funded in this recommended budget and take the opportunity to thank our team. Our administrators. Budget team, our city departments Council and the public for your collaboration and the development of this budget. The annual budget process is an opportunity for our city to fund his priorities to innovate and to respond to new challenges while meeting the critical service delivery responsibilities of city government. Make sure we close its doors. Now City Council knows our budget process begins early in the year with an important discussion about Council and community priorities the whole budget workshops with City Council in the budget open house with the community. Those meetings are opportunities to hear from the council and our community on what most important funding priorities are. The budget you have before you hot off the presses is a result of that process and seeks a balance of community impact sustainability and equitable investments in our city. Now I often mentioned this to a principal named after former City Council member and county commissioner Bob Stewart states that our needs are infinite well our resources are finite. It means that we can never fund every worthy program or service in any city budget. So we work to balance our fiscal resources with our diverse community needs in a way that is equitable sustainable and impactful the budget process is centered on ensuring our resources are deployed within our 5 pillars for principal progress, including housing opportunities for all environment infrastructure in resilience. Equitable development arts and business opportunities, education and youth opportunities and neighborhood health and safety. These pillars reflect what we do in the community. These pillars are guided by 6 principles for accountable and responsive government including in touch leadership, inclusive governance innovation inform decision-making impactful investments and services and intentional equity. These principles guide how we govern. Before hand this over to our ace our budget director Liz mccoskey I like to highlight a few items aligned with those pillars and principles from the recommended budget. First once again we're seeing strong growth in our city why property values allowing us to include in our budget recommendations a reduction in the fy 25 millage rate from 6.4 6, 7, 5, to 6.4 5, 2, 5, Mills. Reduction of 0, 1, 5, Mills. Additionally we are maintaining our contribution to the economic stability fund at $500,000 to better position ourselves to address potential future challenges. Finally will be recommending to a future be fnt committee meeting that we modify our fiscal policies to increase our target for the general fund balance from 12% of the annual appropriation to 14.6 7% on the way to a goal of 16.6 7% or 2 months of the current year appropriation and that's in order to align with government finance officers Association recommendations for best financial practices with respect to reserves. The second area like to highlight is housing. This is one of our pillars and we continue to invest and development and preservation of housing opportunities with an emphasis on housing for those making 80% am I or less as part of the 10 year housing opportunities for all plan that began in 2020 to date we have 2148, multifamily rental units completed or in process towards the goal of 3200 units with an overall goal of 7800 units including accessory dwelling units single-family lots for new home construction. And homeownership opportunities. City administration and City Council recently celebrated some of the successes that a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the 16th square. Townhome project by estate homes. The you know far a grand opening. And the groundbreaking for the gravel road development near Lake with the ministry which will prioritize affordable housing for teachers and city employees and for the sky we lost to development among other affordable housing developments. Housing highlights from our recommended budget include 500,000 to continue funding both the city employee housing assistance and citywide rebates for residential rehab programs. The recommended budget will also fund a new program in the code compliance department to assist citizens in addressing larger code violation repairs. That are ineligible for current housing cre or in teen programs. And continue funding for citywide tenant eviction assistance program. And the environment infrastructure and resiliency pillar fy 25 recommended budget includes funding to strengthen our mitigation efforts in response to wet weather events that impacted the citywide stormwater utility system. This funding will provide additional personnel and support services and operations and maintenance as well as increased funding in the 5 year stormwater cip to address immediate localized flooding capital projects and additional stormwater projects within the cip budget. A note, a special thanks to councilmember gabbard in Mount airy and administrator Claude Tankersley and his team. Thanks to their efforts. We added a storm drain maintenance team mid-year during this current fiscal year. After receiving community feedback and recommendations after storm events and at the recent resiliency summit which was held in FEBRUARY. Under the equitable economic development arts and business opportunities pillar. The recommended fy 25 budget provides funding for economic development initiatives, including small business grants and programs at $300,000. The St. Petersburg economic development corporation at a $150,000. The greenhouse at a $150,000. Well smart economic and workforce development assistance program at a $100,000. There's also a $200,000 also $200,000 included for a new citywide workforce development programming program. And 220,004 are 4 Main Street business organizations. Also included in the recommend it for 25 budget is new and increase funding for the Arts. 550,000 is allocated for the cities, arts grants program which is a $50,000 increase over the fy 24 adopted budget. New funding program in fy 25 includes $250,000 for the palladium which would be year one of a four-year commitment and there were strong Council supporting your priorities for that $50,000 for arts micro grants, $50,000 to fund program at the warehouse arts district Association. $20,000 for so vest and $10,000 for the cpis 50th anniversary. We continue to develop and refine our programs and support of our education and youth opportunities pillar. The recommended budget continues funding for my brother and sister's keeper program and a $199,500 I was this one on one of just 200. But youth development grants at $450,000. The mayor's future ready Academy. Which we're really excited about and a vice chair good issue join me for the graduation where 6 of the 9 graduates of the first cohort have now moved onto full-time jobs with the city of St. Petersburg that's making an impact. That's one of the $500,000. The budget continues funding for invoices. Which includes job readiness and soft skills that a $100,000. Our year-round youth employment programs at $500,000. Literacy in steam programs at $500,000. And the reads to me program at $50,000. You'll also find within the budget additional funding for parks and Recreation facilities which as you all know where the best in Florida according to the trust for public land. So I got that in so we don't have to have my Jeffrey said one more time. We continue to make investments in safe and healthy neighborhoods. Including the the call program community assistance in life liaison body-worn cameras and fire cadet programs within the fire rescue department there are 8 additional full-time firefighter, paramedic positions at Rounding the thousands with us. I'm included as part of the three-year plan to bring the department position count up to staffing the staffing multiplier within the county and additional full-time fire lieutenant position at a 121,000. $655. It's also included 4 headquarters to manage logistics and ems related training. These positions will be funded by the county. If approved by the ems authority. Now in each of our pillars we encourage innovation and that applies to the safe and healthy neighborhoods pillar as well. We continue to seek new and impactful ways to increase neighborhood safety and to connect youth and families to positive opportunities and resources. As I reported to you earlier we've created a new youth care program through the Saint Pete Police Department. Our new community impact and safety liaison in the office of equity is a key partner in that program which is focused on breaking the cycle of crime among our young residents through early intervention and comprehensive support counseling and family services. The program is aimed at applying resources to address the root causes of crime. In partnership with our Police Department and our social service partners. During fy 24. We started our safe summer program the program in partnership with the Office of equity community enrichment administration and Saint Pete Police Department engages children and youth in the community encouraging them to be to make positive choices and to take advantage of the opportunities that the city and our partners provide for families and youth. The program kicked off with a block party provides youth outreach events every Fri. At Lake Vista recreation center. You know one of the things we hear is there's nothing for the kids to do they'll get in trouble so. This is available every Fri. At Lake Vista funding for this program will continue in fy 25 and the recommended budget includes additional funding. For the safer neighborhoods for all programs at $231,000 and community impact grants and programs at that same amount including development of a faith community partnership which will be coordinated by our faith and community justice. The aye's I'm. We also recognize that a healthy city is vital to our success. The recommended fy 25 budget maintains the city's healthy Saint Pete initiative with a $1 million allocation for the program. We've also included $245,000 to continue the healthy neighborhood store program which was previously funded through the American rescue plan act. And there is one more thing like to speak about our innovative and in touch budget initiative even into the store principle of limited resources. I think we still she's seeking new ways to explore innovation and inclusive governance as it relates to our budget. So out of our budget discussions immersion idea which MAY have been fueled by chocolate in Mountain Dew. That is and and And the question of the one we ask the community to weigh in on a project that would address a key need in the community and with Foster empowerment and participation of budget process. And so the innovative equity project initiative was developed and the response from the community was tremendous with more than 1200 residents voting on these projects with a dedicated budget of up to million various departments spent time collaborating is teams and fine tuning proposals for projects. The prioritize innovation inclusivity and equity and a line with our pillars for progress in our governing principles. The 5 projects were cover Saint Pete. A roof replacement program. For together a youth crime prevention program. Swim smart in library lockers a swimming and literacy program. The 4th was dream big day and mlk day of service and the 5th was wash water assistance for Saint Pete homeowners. The program to assist homeowners with their utility bills. So safety residents voted for their top choice and the winner is should have a drum roll here, but we do that do you. The winner is forward together. A youth crime prevention program. Now the goal of the 4 together program is to ensure Saint Pete's youth have achievable pathways to success and provide a supportive safety net to enable better choices and prevent future crimes. It is an important initiative designed to address again the root causes of youth involvement in crime and to steer those young folks to better pass with a primary focus on youth aged 12 to 17. This program will emphasize intervention and violence reduction you lies and outreach mental Health and Human Services programs. I want to thank everyone who participated in this process and I look forward to implementing reporting on the impact this program going forward. And as I conclude I want to comment on our city team. City Council knows well that we have an outstanding teen. Throughout the budget development process in reviews their skill commitment and focus on our pillows and governing principles consistently produces a budget that we can be proud of and one that reflects our shared priorities and here's to the highest professional standards. This budget supports the work of varsity team as they provide essential services and the infrastruct