City Council

>> I wish we had more teachers here. >> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting and your elected officials our mayor can well. District one hopefully Curtis. District 2 Council vice chair Randy Gabbert district 3 and not marry. He's worked for with that kind of way. Deborah big Sanders. And Council chair Gina Driscoll district 7 Lisa Wheeler Bowman. And district day Richie Floyd. >> And everyone will call to order the JULY 14th 2022 meeting of the St. Petersburg City Council MAY we begin with a roll call please. We're live omen Garrett is here every year mountain area, your hand what you're 6 Sanders. >> Thank you. Our for our invocation today please join me in welcoming. Reverend Frank Peterman of wreckage eases missionary Baptist Church. This will be followed by the pledge of allegiance full everyone please join me in standing. >> Thank you MADAM Chair that once again it's one of the sea service to serve in these this capacity. And as I said Alton haven't served 4 years ago. I know the responsibilities and the the duties that you doesn't have to and here too. And so we're very thankful to all of the staff they want. What you do the mayor himself. Great near the city. So we thank you. And this time like to with prayer. The heavenly father we come Lord praising a name and thank you for this wonderful wonderful day for this is the day the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it with that your spirit will be in this place and that everything that happens he'll be sanctioned by your power is Trump you might you love. Let this city go to the next level. This mayor and staff city Council and every one Lord who's involved in this work. Lord we give you on and we give you praise will give you glory for what you're doing. In this great little endeavor in this city. This is old bless those who are in this chamber and everyone within the city lot. Operation. We love you GOD, we praise your name bless this meeting now. The chair woman lead Lord, which can smell it, 42 wisdom. And a great love for the city along with the City Council members. We have says prayer in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ Amen. >> Thank you reverend for that beautiful invocation it's always such a pleasure to see you. And an honor to have you with us here today. Council members we have an agenda before us for today's meeting with the addition of vitamin d 3 a resolution in honor of Japan, prime Min prime ministers be with that entertain a motion for approval. Move approval. We have a motion in a second to approve today's agenda. Seeing that there's no request for discussion with the clerk please open the machine for voting. Council members please enter your votes, winning present council members have voted with the clerk please tallying announced the votes. MADAM Chair, the motion Pat to approve the agenda. Passes unanimously with council members fix Sanders will Boeing being absent. Thank you. Council members, we have a consent agenda before us today. I will entertain a motion for approval of the consent agenda. >> Approval second. We have a motion a second to approve the consent agenda. Do we have any request for comment. All right in saying that there's no request for discussion. Will the clerk please open the machine for voting. Council members please enter your votes, seeing that are present council members have voted with the Christmas telling announced the votes. MADAM Chair, the motion to approve the consent agenda passes unanimously with council members fix Sanders and will Bowman being absent. Thank you before we knew to open farm and by 2. Give the floor to our city attorney Jackie Cove, a large for a special introduction. Thank you MADAM Chair I just as part of your consent agenda you confirmed our new assistant city attorney, as you know, it's been a long time that we've been understaffed fortunately we were able to get someone like MISTER Bryan Ruff with his excellent skill set for what we need we feel like he's going to be a perfect fit for the office and I just wanted you to be able to meet him with Bryant's a quick word to you and say thanks for the continued support of the office is going to make a big difference and every attorney in the office thank you as well now that how we can spread the wealth just a little bit more. >> And thank you I it's a pleasure to be here. An honor to be here and I just look forward to working with you all making a difference with the city of St. Petersburg. Thank you so much and thank you for joining and for your willingness to serve our great city. We're excited to have you here and I'm sure I speak for all that we look forward to working with you. All right. Thank you. Is open for assignments, 81 on Mon.. Haha. >> Various haha all right. Thank you Sir. >> Next we have an open forum do we have citizens requesting to speak today doable hitting read the rules open forum if you wish to address to the council in subjects other than public cuando usual items listed on the agenda. Please sign up with the clerk. Only the individual wishing to speak we signed the open form sheet always city residents owners of property business owners in the city or their employees MAY speak, always just discussed in open form must be limited issues related to the city of St. Petersburg government. If you're speaking to an item on the agenda. You MAY only speak wants to in the open form or when the item comes up on the agenda in order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to address Council. Each individual will be given 3 minutes to speak and after which the microphones will be needed. If you wish to address City Council through the zoom meeting. It was used the raise hand feature button in the zoom app or into star 9 on your phone at the time the agenda item is addressed where is your turn to speak, you would be a new to annex to state your name and address at the conclusion of your comments or when you reach the 3 minute time limit you will be needed all raised hands with the Lord after each agenda item regardless of the method of participation used normal rules apply, including the 3 minute time limit on comments the requirement that any presentation materials lets me submitted in advance of the meeting and the rules of decorum if live public comment is disrupted by violations of rules of decorum the chair is authorized to accept public comment. My art and it means including by email only. And chair, we have 4 speakers here in the chamber o co 2 at a time. Terry Miller, New York. And William Kilgore. >> Hi my name is Kerry Mueller thank you for the opportunity to have it. Opportunity comment here at City Council appreciate your time. I live in Campbell Park at 1125 genes Avenue South. And I just wanted to speak in regards to this report that we're trying to provide our neighbors in. Campbell Park neighborhood we have about 250 homes in that neighborhood. We have about 80 homes that are owned by people who lived there since before 2015 and I just want to highlight the significant number of legacy homeowners that we have in our neighborhood and we have some new homeowners like myself and we do a lot of volunteer work a lot of outreach work with our neighborhood to support that existing base of homeowners as want to bring attention to the great neighbors that we have in some of the new. Homeowners that are moving into the neighborhood. So I just want to highlight that we've done a lot beautification projects within our neighborhood. But we're also doing a lot of neighborhood outreach to try to get community program information too. Some of the residents in our neighborhood and we're teaming up with the cross in center which is sponsored by a greater Mount in the church and it's a city facilities so I just wanted to say thank you for continuing allowing the use of that city facility. It allows us a partnership opportunity to provide more information our residents and existing community programs. And also want to say thank you for the continued support for the in team, a program that helps us homeowners that need some assistance in repairing their homes that MAY not be in a position of finance that we can get on the list and get some grant money in some help to get some repairs made to their homes. We have about 50% of Residents are renters we have a pretty high percentage of renters in our neighborhood and I just want continue to try to support some of those lower income. Rentals in not put any more additional support behind those existing landlords I think that the already have a lot sport pressure on them because of the rising home prices to sell but they're in place there continue to provide rental housing. And I like to just try to leave them in place to not add to any more regulations or burdens to them at this point they are providing a lot of Section 8 housing. It's possible we could potentially offer some training. 2 potential landlords that they can also the section 8 housing because it is a good product you need to get guaranteed. Rent through hud for that so I think it's a good program. So I just wanted 2 things I think the city for the support that they offer our neighborhood and let you know about some great things that we're doing. Thank you. >> men it's William Kilgore and with the St. Petersburg tenants reside in that constantly on neighborhood here in Saint Pete. I'm I'm just to talk about i know there's a couple but there's a that thing on the agenda for later for 80 years and was unable to an idol to stick around for it. So I wanted to speak on it But it kind of before that there meeting nhl ut committee that most of you here where There was something said I really would like to clarify you know they say aye. I'm I'm tired of the land more lobby. The realtor lobby we've got the corporations coming in and that narrative that's being spun constantly we had this statistic that was thrown out that 41 42% of landlords are mom and pop landlords that's a national statistic and that's not mom and pop landlords as or individual. Investors that includes people who own buildings with a 100 units or more okay, 35% of us rental housing is concentrated in one to 4 unit properties owned by these individual investors that means like 2 thirds of the country's rental stock is either control bike by court corporations partnerships some kind of entity or individual investors who own properties with 5 or more units ok that's a lot that's most of us this is a big business. And it's a tiny number of people. It were you all are looking out for when when that kind of things happening. It 10 million rental income are 10 million rental income. According to the irs, okay, there's a 109 Americans in rental households. It's it pales in comparison. But renter households make $42,000. Income annually the median income for a 2 to 4 unit landlord was $67,000 in 38 compared owners of single-family units who made about $81,000 here so there's no comparison, I'm tired of he did that influence of National Association of Realtors really tired of that trying to you know talk about our our profits we want to keep our industry. Profitable when we have low-income renters who are struggling people are getting evicted people are homeless. I'm tired of seeing it I think it's disgusting and it's a deep infuriates me to be completely honest so you know we look at the ad use the housing supply sent out an e-mail with an article with the about some of the short term rentals in Saint Pete, and they've got some of these. Complex is the vantage in the way winter warehousing. Units to be used to short-term rentals. You know I don't think it violates city code but it's a bad thing they're talking about housing shortage. There's no housing shortage. 19% of the homes in Saint Pete or vacant. Or for all or part of the year so I encourage you to check out that email that I sent please thank you. Honestly, it is it's got to stop we need to protect the tenants here. Thank you. And chilly stuff like sheer. >> Item number 8 on the agenda referendum for the Dali Museum. We are in favor of helping the Dolly. But expansions but not putting them happy and the big from entertainment in jeopardy. We need to work together going forward not I do became services. Next door to each other. This is a critical process and the Dali should be not be able to cannibalize their neighbor neighbors land operations. There's no problems. No protection for their loss is a big 3 entertainment. The operator of the athletes here. For 11 years bringing in over 2 million people that theater in a period of time. We just want to be included and for any losses you MAY incur during this construction period. The ordinance for the first to my happy Theater for one show only and big transit Amman. The city is covered a 100%. An indemnified and so is the Grand Prix on asking for it to be included and all that the shows an indemnification for any losses. The same is just sitting in the Grand Prix as you can on masking for some fairness. Thank you. >> To Lisa Blackshear 2510 10 Street so good afternoon MADAM Chair city city administration and staff in your respective places. My name is to Lisa Blackshear I am a Cape MAY New Jersey native and a descendant of residents from the neighborhood of Methodist town. As a resident civically engaged, I am the rights of black women living in the Sun Belt, Virginia all the way down to Florida. Continue to press with legislation whether it be from our highest court of the land and its overturning Roe v Wade or the new redistricting map proposed by the governor of Florida reduce black voting power by suppressing over 370,000 black voters and mostly Rowe counties. Whether it be local City Council committee needed to be in convoluted due to the nature of sitting members have been multiple conflicts of interest and most of all sitting council members knowingly violating sunshine law. I I what I respect about the drc the development review Commission here in St. Petersburg is even at the most minuscule level of reason for conflict of interest they recuse themselves from discussion and final vote. My personal opinion and this is not a personal attack. But however, if you are a realtor or work in exchange for money with anything to do with selling homes. Police in commercial spaces, buying commercial properties selling or leasing multifamily dwellings in or property management. All respect quickly. I respectfully I'm asking you to recuse yourself from all discussions and final vote ins. >> And An example would be from this morning's new business item brought by council member Floyd a notice in requirements provided by landlords and tenants for rent increases and rental dwelling units. This past Memorial weekend eyewitness to City Council members come off a boat and then sit at a bar and have drinks and shrimp the according to the Duval grand jury would be deemed curious absence of canned or it I am now calling on Ken Burke to remind our elected. City Council members here in Petersburg the consequences for violating sunshine law. Our democracy is under attack and enough is a enough. There's an article Reese release recently involve enough for members of Jacksonville, a City Council at a It is it looks very suspicious and that ultimately violates public trust and to end on a positive note. I would like to thank the city of St. Petersburg in all of its contribute efforts in bringing. He me and native in Toronto residents use quibi's exposition to the Museum of Fine Arts. I also want to extend my gratitude to the us while they and her expert Tories celebration of blackness and womanhood thank you thank you, thank you. >> Anywhere speakers today, no speakers into. All right, thank you we'll close they're open for today and go on to words and presentations beginning with item d one. A proclamation for parks and Recreation month. Presented by. A deputy mayor Stephanie Owens good afternoon good afternoon Council church or a school and honorable members of City Council. >> No fantastic in recognition of parks and Recreation month, I'm pleased to offer a local proclamation declaring the month of JULY parks and Recreation month in St. Petersburg last leisure services administrator Mike Jeffries join me at the podium. The proclamation reads as follows whereas Park and recreation are essential public services that enhanced the quality of life in a community by providing neighborhood health and safety end. Whereas the Petersburg parks and Recreation departments nationally accredited programs. Our fundamental to the well being of adults and children in our community. And whereas Petersburg parks and Recreation Department incorporates innovative policies that promote equitable development and the economic growth while enhancing property values, attracting new business opportunities, increasing tourism and reducing crime and whereas the St. Petersburg Park and Recreation Department offers impact full, educational and youth development opportunities. But Foster positive behavior, built self esteem teach life skills for career development promote leadership and community service and provide exemplary mentors and whereas the Petersburg parks and trails and sure ecological beauty beauty provide space to enjoy nature. Help maintain clean air and water. Preserve plant and animal wildlife. An exhibit and environmentally resilient and sustainable green infrastructure and park system and where St. Petersburg parks and rec first therapeutic recreation programs that promote the independent functioning of individuals with varying special needs in an exclusive and equitable environment with the experiences that improve their physical intellectual and social abilities. Now therefore mayor Kenneth t Welsh declares the month of JULY parks and Recreation month. And urges all citizens to join and celebrating and enjoying the parks and recreational facilities and activities in the city of St. Petersburg and before he says that Al say it all starts and >> Before I start with my comments I would like to the parks and Recreation management staff to the podium. I will take a minute and introduce them I want to make sure that all of our elected have a a face for the name. To make sure we stay on track. We've Rick craft who is our superintendent and our system director of the recreation side of the House. We have Brian Eichler who is our assistant director over the park side of the House and then I will all started work their way through we have a dual Yates who our parks manager over the park's districts, we have Kerry Bittner who is our fiscal manager. As you can imagine that is a very challenging a position. We've got a little bored and who is the manager over co sponsored events in Pasco we have wind in or who is the manager over the recreation centers and youth programs. We have loosened the grant who is manager over sunshine center Enoch m social services multi-service centers. We have su teagarden who is manager over facility improvements and management and then again you've heard me say this before, but we my right hand person, yes, no Partridge who keeps me on the straight and narrow so again I will be brief. The deputy mayor said it best there were a lot of fans and that proclamation. Today I want to focus on the support that we get from our mayor from our deputy mayor from our city administrator from each one of you. As I look at the Dyess each other council members has pulled me to the side at least once if not many times if and how many years they've been on Council. Asking me what do you need how can I support you how can I advocate for you. And that is huge that is the reason that we are who we are you know I get a lot of the credit for the success of the department. The candle to the credit really should go to our elected officials and are appointed. City officials I have colleagues throughout the country have colleagues locally here who are not supported by the council whether Commission and candidly I I have no ability to serve if I don't have that support and that's something that you all each and every one of you comes through daily. And supports us and and allows us to do our job. My commitment to you has been and will always be we will never take that support for granted we will never abuse that support. We are as fiscally conservative as we can be while impacting and making a difference in moving the needles. The needle and as many people's lives from cradle to grave that that we can the other thing that I really want to point out about Saint Pete parks and rec is that we really do have something for everyone. We have something for all age groups all stakeholder groups. Visitors citizens. We realize that one size does not fit all and we realize that we need to be something different to every person who comes through our doors and when we talk about impact and collective impact and we talk about innovation that's really how we make a difference. We figure out what the need is we look to connect those dots and that's what makes this department unique. Again I will close and just say that this group behind me is the reason that we're successful. There are. Hundreds of years worth of service here I couldn't be happier with our our team our management team. I think we're the strongest we've ever been we've been able to increase the level of professionalism and at the management level for parks and rec and has made all the difference in the world so again, i know I've gone over the memorial rule. I I will I will stop there and just to thank you being the great advocates that you are thank you so much. Thank you. >> We have a few council members who wish to speak. We'll start with vice chair gathered. Thank you chair thank you deputy He did still like the beginning starts in parks like that was going to be my lines so you stole it, but that's right you can have it. >> Because we all agree. Thank you Mike for everything that you do and thank you to all of you. You know our parks are sacred they are a place that you know. Foster kids their Foster seniors, there has been to weddings there. I mean I've been to celebration of life center. Parcs I mean everything that our parks bring to our community is because of all of them and they're so sacred and therefore that makes all of you secret. So thank you for what you do every single day. All that support that you say you feel from us. I know I can say and I'm sure you all agree we feel from you as well when a resident need something a resident sees something resident won something in a park to be better. You all go above and beyond every single time to make that happen the answer is seldom know the answer is normally how can we get there and that is what I really appreciate about you all. So thank you so much on behalf of not only City Council, but my family because we use the park so much that I just really want to thank you for enriching my personal life through the work that you all do every day so thank you. Thank you chair. Council member months in Erie, MADAM Chair. Well it's good to see Mike you mentioned in your remarks about the the credit goes to us I want to turn that around and say the credit goes to you all you all are just used to set such a high standard. For keeping our parks, a special for everyone and. People notice sent. And we notice that. Last weekend I at the shore acres right rec center ribbon cutting and I got to a lot of you all there I talked a little bit about how our Park system, want our waterfront Park system what something that our founders. A very special. As a vice chair gathered mentioned it it's something that defines us as a city and it makes St. Petersburg unique. Through throughout the whole state of Florida. And people have been attracted to our In our city for for years because we we value them so so. So much and you all take take care of them. And you have a great team Mike. And. Thankful that we have people like you that work hard every day make on our Park special. Thank you Mike for your leadership with the shore acres rec center. I know it was a team effort. We always talk about team efforts but I don't see how that project would have gotten done without a strong leader like you over a lot of years to to pull that together it was good to see so many friendly faces and happy happy faces and had a happy occasion last weekend. So thank you thank you for your leadership. Thank everybody for what you all do to make our city a special place for him people. >> Council member Curtis thank you chair. I would echo. Everything that my colleagues have said so far and and I I wanted to bring something up Michael probably elamine for bringing this up but. Nervous He should he's going to like why did you say that. I'm a product of our parks. >> I would I would not be the business owner I am today I wouldn't be the dad. I am today the husband, I am today the city COUNCILMAN I am today if it weren't for our parks. >> Being able to have a space. I'm sure my parents wanted me to run out a lot of the energy. But being to have a space to go and pick up a ball and throw where I wanted and to go and and to run on our field and then to jump into our pools and do look at those black lines way longer than I ever wanted to. But. >> That that outlet. Gave me the opportunity to seek. The things that I wanted to pursue in my adult life. It gave me the opportunity to go to school where i want to go to school to venture off and and take risks and understand what failure is and all of those things are parks gave that to me. >> And you are all a part of that. And I and for for my brothers that I know they're that they're the same product again sorry Mike. >> My hope my kids are that same product and it's it's part of my dna and probably get yelled out again, but Brian spending the time we did. In the pool. You know. And now getting to work together dude. I met just makes my heart happy sue I am a better coach because of having watched you coach. Sue coach, my little brother when he was 4, 5, years old I'm sorry you had to do that haha. >> The things you all do on a daily basis is miracle working. And I agree I think I think it was councilmember gathered. I have never been told that I've been told maybe we'll see probably not right now. And I've gotten some yes us too. But I've never been told no. And it's just amazing and so I'm just so thankful. I'm so thankful for all of you. The whole team just for what you do on a daily basis and I know I know our whole Council feels this way but we've got your back we've got your back and and we can't say thank you enough. Council member candidates, thank you. So I'm going to step back because I've only been a City Council member for a hot minute but before that haha I PRESIDENT Dissociation and I had the opportunity of dealing with a lot of you as a citizen in and as someone who would sometimes have to deal with the neighborhood on a lot of issues in Crystal Lake Park and I have to say that. >> I found everyone in the organization innovative in responding to citizen issues and as as. Protective of the park says we are as I know you are so our citizens and you work together so well in every community because Crystal Lake Park is to the neighborhood surrounding it the same way as any other Park is people feel very protective about their parks in our city and I know you know that and I I have to say that I know how we work with the community groups that work in these parks hand in hand every day. And presently, good friends of Crescent Lake Park and and trying to come up with solutions and sometimes innovative things that are outside what you normally do when you listen. And I think people need to understand that I don't think people realize how much day to day. You you really do go out and listen to people and work with them. I see Pasco shirts and I love Pasco they're in Crystal Lake Park I've worked with them what you what Haskell does in producing and people have no idea it's miracle work. Work that Pasco dies they come in. And it's like well get this side and they get it done. And they reach our teens and our kids and he put on an amazing programs and if everybody knew what they did it just I think what you do is wonderful. The working presently Park I have to say this weekend I saw a roseate spoonbill in in our wake and I was just I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it the amount of wildlife has increase in arlee and I don't know if you are when you go there and see it it really is spectacular one seeing the roseate spoonbill there is a public in you know suiting up a fission and that's all due to the work and work with the community so I just want to thank you for that and really being a partner not just because we're here City Council members really with everyone so thank you. Councilmember Floyd. Thank you I will keep this brief because. I think everybody knows how we feel up First yes, it's ridiculous for you to put that back sits. It's it's you and the workers in your department that really make the Parks Department what it is parks and Recreation and so. I just wanted to say I chose the House that I live in based off the parts that I was near chose to live in Saint Pete, a large reason because of the I spent almost every weekend over the pandemic in a meeting with my provided that space for us. Still to this day. I mean I Fishing from shore lot and I always go to a park usually to enjoy myself and >> It's I'm very grateful to be able to do this today in honor. You all you know, that's it's really what are cities about and so. I think everybody up here would like to just spill praise on And so I figured I'd take a moment to do that, but I'll leave it there so thank you very much for all that you all do. >> MISTER Curtis thank you so much air you know I I started my career in parks and Recreation and I wish I could say I graduated, but. Really they told me I might be better off somewhere you know it's great to see everybody here today I value so much the friendships and relationships I made the parks and rec and it's great to see everyone and you know the one thing about parks and Recreation that I learned why was there and still to this day is the passion and love that they have for the city of St. Petersburg and so it's super it comes across so significantly. And it influences their work every day and thank you so much all of you for all that you do and Sue I'm sorry but I MAY never get another chance so I just one city not only sue teagarden a great person comes from a great family, She's a legend in West Petersburg she's one of the best athletes we've ever seen and she is hands down the best baseball coach we've ever had so soon thanks for every team. Thank you. Thanks here gathered. Thank you I will be brief but I had 2 things that I forgot to say one, huge shout out to my legislative aide Kimberly Amos because she started in parks and so I just wanted to give her a big shout out I'm glad she's on my team now but she came from the best there's that. And then back to that whole thing about not saying no, just wanted to. Out there for everyone you know Park. Mike especially and Brian I'm very kind of open-minded I'm starting to do a little cross work with some of our urban ag initiatives. So this Sat. We will be dedicating the first to St. Petersburg be hotel at Riviera Bay Park and that is an example of one of those crazy ideas that I called Mike one day and was like hey what about this and he did not say no. He said let's meet. And see what you're talking I just wanted to thank you guys give a plug for what you're going to be doing this Sat. With me in Riviera they Park and we hope that we see their 10:00am on Sat.. Thank you. >> Feel like I came up with a clever name for the hotel, but I can't remember what it was I mean really is going to be lots of the puns going about. So if you'd like to come and see what all the buzz is about to that you're welcome to you know I remember yeah haha I suggested that we need the air b >> he could do first Council item it's our the bigs are derailed sorry haha. So I I've been told no before haha. Haha. I got to figure this Here's the thing like even when Mike tells you know he says he's in a way that you end up thinking haha I walk away going. Holden, I didn't know what I asked for an 8th, thanks the guy Yeah, I'm easing. You know our our. For fathers in an and other leaders over the years put so much time and energy in and financial resources into creating our Park system. That they ever could have dreamed that it would be taken care of by such an incredible group of people. You are making our forefathers proud, those who founded our city those who spend the time. 2 grab that the water fronts Basin and beyond. They're looking down on us. So proudly because of you look at the words how many words you get like every years you get 20 different words every time we turn around there's a new accolade. That's being bestowed upon you and it's it's you. The park spaces is beautiful, it's great to have land. But you all are the ones who make it beautiful year, the ones who activated. Really personalize it to what our residents need. The reason we get so many calls about parks is because you have nurtured this wonderful sense of pride that our entire city has in our Park system that is meaningful that is significant that is legacy stuff. I'm just so incredibly grateful for each of you does day in and day out. And the commitment that you have to our city and in such an end credibly important way parks and Recreation isn't just like the fund staff, it's one of the most important things to our residents. And so I'm glad that you feel that you're supported you really are we really do want to know every day how can we help you. I'm Walt Disney once said you can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. It takes people to make the dream a reality. For creating. This dream and making and over in a reality every single day for our residents. >> If we could gather in front and grab a quick picture still don't have to the walk of shame through another administrator is and directors after a after this >> we like them haha. When you use. I know we're too far West. Yeah that's right so we're in the middle behind them. Better yet. Thank you all. >> Our next item that will take out is. Our second proclamation night in the 2 for Americans with Disabilities Act day. Present event again by deputy mayor Owens. Thank you so much. In recognition of the 32th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Coming up later this month, I'm pleased to present a local proclamation declaring JULY 26 as Americans with Disabilities Act day in St. Petersburg I'll ask 88 and diversity coordinator Glenn do great needed drier to join me at the podium. The proclamation reads as follows where is JULY 26. 22 marks the 32th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ada has improved access to government services programs. Transportation, public places communications and information and technology and whereas the city established a committee to advocate for persons with impairments Kathy. In 1972. With the purpose to serve an advisory group 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 and the city's facilities, programs and services. Kathy has advocated and funded many services, including closed captioning of all City Council meetings handicapped accessible aluminum docks for the St. Petersburg sailing center closed captioning related to disasters and emergencies. Beach will chairs 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 Kenneth t Welch hereby declares JULY 26 as Americans with Disabilities Act day in St. Petersburg and calls upon residents to recognize that understanding and compliance with ada is one of the surest means to guarantee equal access opportunities for all. >> Thank you deputy mayor, Council chair and council members. The first I want to say is that I like and like Mike said to us. Thank the City Council and the mayor's office. So you have full support for enforcement and Activision under the ada law and one of the things is that I think put back and have a Mike happy members to come up here. And one of things I want to add it to let the council and we've got new council members also let you know is debt throughout the country as to ada Quentin for the city. You know we have a statewide 88 point in his group and also a member of the National ada I get calls all the time trying to emulate what act Catholic community does all right and I forward to them information have was set up the process that is used and we are getting so many requests now to be able to model after them and one of the things the ada love that want to make sure is that the 32nd ad that adversity even though is slated for JULY 26. That's acted to start at the whole year and to the following year. So we will kick off on JULY JULY 26, but each and every day after that until 2023 is that we are celebrating 80 a la okay and make sure that the city stays in compliance and what my contacts lsu, I just came to Washington dc last week and met some I kind of questioned partly justice. And some of the things that they're right. They know about Saint Pete. All right not to how you guys be so committed to stand above and above the rest of the craft. All right and that's one of the things that I cannot do it day that my second is the need to drive my administrative assistant with the to invest in community affairs. Not on that hand 80 outside the civilian police review, all right so I'm going with 2 different angles instant but with that needed right here who makes a lot easy to find and the Kathy is the one that really drives me and the ada compliance. All right with the father Ross overs, you know. And it also might. You've got your haha. I need to set us up she is the part that when that time still away from haha last thing I want to say is that I'm asked the City Council and you get more of that went to present the new tonight, 2021 and you 88 compliance report and give you a lot more information but again thank you guys in keeping us in the loop to keep uniform and a lot of sass and a lot of e-mails qasem right now that is one of the things that I have to do because we're getting so much pressure from dc right now, and it's going to be honest with you as for its compliance to ada and all that stuff so I would like to invite that now who's the chair to see a couple in. >> I just like to thank the mayor deputy mayor, a City Council. Having this proclamation shows your support for the the ada and Cappy the people we try and help thank you and them you can continue support. >> bring it down. So for those of you who have been around long enough this is a product of Wally better if we all remember him, he was one of the first advocates when the early advocates for the city of St. Petersburg so we thank you for the city to have foresight to actually look into including people with disabilities prior to the ada and not only do we just need to comply by the law but more importantly go above and beyond it so that people with disabilities. Our members of our community every way possible. I do have to commend Wendell bright and in the dryer for all the work that they do in the advocacy that they have and how I remember when Lindell came into this position I think I was chair at that time, but he has wholeheartedly coming to this position and has become a true advocate for the 88, I think he should be recognized for starting the statewide 80 coordinators within the state of Florida and how it's grown into every facet of the state of Florida. So he has we should be very proud that we have such an advocate in their city. >> Thanks and out you It's wonderful to see the tremendous work that and then Dallas leading us in here in the city of St. Petersburg I have a similar role with psta Nguyen. I want to just keep looking up I do all that he does how can I ever achieve that so it's it's a high standard he setting you're very fortunate to have him and your service I I started on capi a map and while the doctor was the chair and us time when he caught a page out of that committee a resurgent Commission on aging and back on capping now I just encourage for folks who are watching at home to please get involved in different. There's so many different advisory committees and groups you can be involved with the city get involved with your community to great way to help you to expand your own horizons and 2 to make you more satisfied as member the community, thank you. >> Thank you very Again you get more detail we do to a new report because I got a lot of mission want to share with you guys this. I get on a daily bases own weekly meetings with 88 was around the state so. Thank you so much and I but for did 2 receiving that report in talking about some details moron what you've been working on. It's always so interesting. 2. To get those updates from you because your work is very interesting to me always looking for ways that we can be more more accommodating and really just go beyond compliance, too just a greater experience for everyone in the city of St. Petersburg so really that. That extra that what more we can do is something you're always asking. That's why your noon. You across the state and and and really nationally a true leader in this field and we're very fortunate to have you. We're also so grateful for Kathy and. The the advisory role that you have have the passion that you have to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make sure that everyone everyone has access to everything they need and want. And not just the minimum and having that real insight just makes such a big difference whether we're talking about the sun runner bus rapid transit. System that's launching on Oct. 21th we just announced that yesterday. Or if it's our parks and creating those accessible playground so that every single child can have the time of your life every time a day visit our parks. So thank you for everything you do to help make our city shine so much brighter. Vice chair Gabbert. Thank you Thank you deputy mayor for recognizing the day thank you Lynn Dow and the the entire Kathy team for everything that you do. This work is close to my heart, my mom became disabled when she was 40 I was 14 years old. And that changed our lives dramatically Has been incredibly challenging for her, she lives in a community that doesn't have the resources that we have here in the city of St. Petersburg so thank you on behalf of someone who peripherally what the disabled community goes through. Thank you for being an advocate for them and for making Saint Pete, a welcoming place for everyone thank you can we get photographs also can absolutely absolutely I do not use them. One must go down go down with Thanks everyone will go next to. I didn't do 3 or a resolution urging and Prime minister shinzo ah-bay council member months nary. Thank you MADAM Chair. >> Last fall. >> The city of St. Petersburg. And the city of talk about to Japan. Celebrated the 60th anniversary of the relationship, the sister city relationship between. Talk much in Japan and the city of St. Petersburg on Fri. Of last week. The former prime minister of Japan was assassinated. I asked our staff to drop a resolution so we can recognize the Jaffa and talk about Sue and the country of Japan. Resolution reads resolution of Memorial tribute. Former prime minister of Japan ping 7/14/2022. Whereas our Lord and his infirmed infinite wisdom. Has called home a beloved and remarkable world leader to dedicated his life to his country. And whereas former prime minister shinzo ah-bay was a member of a prominent political family. His grandfather served its Japan's prime minister from 1957. The 1960 and his great-uncle held the same post from 1964 to 1972. And whereas former prime minister tion so Abby after graduating from. A university in Tokyo in 1977 moved to the United States where he studied political science at the University of Southern California before returning to Japan in 1979. And whereas former prime minister shinzo Abby was that youngest prime minister of Japan since World War 2. Where he became the mainstay of contemporary Japanese politics serving as prime minister from 2006 to 2007. And again from 2012 to 2020, becoming the longest-serving serving prime minister in Japan's history and whereas former prime its prime minister shinzo appy was a private servant of the Japanese people and a friend of the United States of America and whereas the city of St. Petersburg Florida became a member of the sister cities international citizens to diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between communities in the United States and those in other countries through the establishment of sister cities and whereas in SEPTEMBER of 1961. The St. Petersburg City Council unanimously voted to accept the invitation from talk about such up and become a sister city where the city of St. Petersburg has enjoyed and mutually beneficial sister city relationship with the city of talk for more than 60 years. Now therefore be it resolved. But by the St. Petersburg city by the City Council the city of St. Petersburg Florida of the United States of America that this Council here by stands with Japan in a steep our grief and expresses arson sincere condolences to the family. His loved ones and the people of Japan with the hope that they will take a measure of consolation in the knowledge that he gave himself whole Harley and its leadership time in contributions to making the world a better place. I hereby move approval of this resolution, second. >> Thank you we have a motion a second to approve the resolution. Council member Floyd. I want to take this time to say I'm really grateful for our sister city And I feel you know anyone in Japan and the broad who and across the world whose. Upset my. What quite frankly violence that led to It's very disheartening. But I have 2 things to comment one for Council and everyone else is here. I hope we can get. Resolutions like this further ahead of time the last couple of calm at the very last second on the The second is. Unfortunately I don't know if I can support this at the end it talks his can contributions to making the world a better place and I take this time to. >> Talk something that's going on in our now to help took place shinzo Abe is leadership in Japan, he put pressure on the book publishers in Japan to rewrite the history. Surrounding World War 2 and some of the atrocities that were committed. At a time when our governor and our and some leaders of our country are putting pressure on revising history knots to not look so offensive and to not be is and and quite frankly silence. And shame things that happened to people across our state and across our country. When the same kind of tactics were used under his leadership I can say that he worked to make the world a better place that's without even mentioning the atrocities of the comfort women and Korea during a World War 2 that he worked hard not only deny but to try to rescind apologies to the Asian his Asian neighbors now I don't want to make this all that I just want to say. I agree with every word in But the last sentence I wonder on whose You know some of our world leaders to work for and so I'm having said that I will say I'll just reiterate that I'm sorry to his family and to anyone in Japan are across the world whose upset by a shameful act of And I'll leave it there. Thank you chair. >> And in lieu of my comments I would like everyone to. These join me in a moment of silence. 2. Recognize. The loss of this leader from our city, our sister city. I cannot sue. The tragedy that happens you know our sister city is a tragedy for us here. At home. We have a motion a second to approve this resolution saying that there are no further requests for comment with the clerk please open machine for voting. Council members please enter your votes. Seeing present council members have voted by the clerk please telling announced the votes. >> The motion to approve. Agenda item d 3 passes 5 to one. The council members. This school. Martin narey voting, yes. And council member Floyd voiding know and council members took Sanders and we'll Bowman absent. All right. Thank you. And thank you councilmember months Mary for bringing this item forward I thought it was very a mild and very respectful. I appreciate that. Thank you, MADAM Chair, and I want to thank you, everyone that I think it's going make it. Big difference and talk about the trip and we're thinking of them. Thank you before we move on with this be transmitted. It will. Okay perfect thank you. Our next item is a legal item I one. And joining us for that. And from the city attorney's offices for headache or good afternoon you afternoon chair Council. Very I'll be sending you a memo in the next day or so with some additional details on the process for appointing commissioners and making the transition into the commission phase of the redistricting process upon submission of the mayor's support to City Council and I understand that the administration remains on track to submit that report to Council on Aug. 3rd or 4th, which is consistent with the schedule provided to counsel by the deputy mayor earlier through a memo in APRIL. But in the meantime, I'm Pleased to my colleague Ben James who's very quickly become an indispensable member of our team and is assisting me in the redistricting process and he'll be talking to you a proposed appointment of a legal advisor to support the redistricting process. Thank you. Good afternoon Council been James assistant city attorney. >> Before you today as a resolution to confirm gray Robinson as a special legal adviser for the city so that they can assist the City Attorney's Office, providing legal advice for the city's redistricting process. This is being brought before you because the interpretation of laws that affect redistricting is a highly technical and specialized area of legal practice and therefore is prudence that we have someone who has a experience in the legal aspects of redistricting the available to assist the City Attorney's Office in devising the city and the citizens redistricting Commission on the application and and consequences of redistricting laws. Should the resolution be approved in the pardons will be our contacts from gray Robinson. He has extensive experience in redistricting at the state and local level and he will be our contacts. Here it referred from the redistricting consultants, the city has already retained to assist in redistricting and hasn't it as I stated before has significant experience in this area. We seek your approval of the resolution and are available for any questions. I move for approval second. Thank you have a motion a second to approve this item. I'm not just I'm just one what one quick thing for those of you I think I think you've seen members of great Robinson periodically appear before City Council we've had a ongoing relationship with them on a variety of matters said they do have a proven track record with us so we're looking for unmarked the same pending your approval. Any public comment. The public. >> And seeing if there's no request for discussion we have a motion is second to approve this item. Well the current place open the machine for voting. Council members please into votes. The thing that a PRESIDENT Council members have voted with the sec please tell ya Nance the votes. Motion to approve agenda item f 2 passes unanimously. With council members pick Sanders will bone absent site. >> Thank you for the room says everyone in the same breath like 20 more here Our next we have our report items beginning with I have to. >> The introduction of the fy 23 recommended budget. Given by our mayor. Well good afternoon Sir. Thank you MADAM Already moving stuff so helping to break something. Madam chair council members of the public our staff it is great to be with you. Today it's an exciting day I think you all have the recommended budget in your hands, you a But it's just something about having that budget it reminds me you know this is my budget there are many like it, but this one is Movie buffs are going to get that in a minute no one moved to But this is really an exciting day as our present my recommended budget for fiscal year 2023. And starting with this budget I think we'll have a new tradition where I'd like to actually present this budget to you just into rise way but also so the members of the public can you can learn about our budget process and how we got to this point. The annual budget process is an opportunity for a city to fund our priorities through a series of resource allocation decisions. While meeting the day-to-day service delivery responsibilities of city government. Now City Council knows this process began way back in JANUARY can't believe we're almost more than halfway through the year. We follow that up budget workshops with the City Council in APRIL and MAY we have a budget open house with the community. And those meetings were all about listening to the council into the community. What the most important funding priorities are the budget you have before you is a product of that robust collaboration and dialogue. We are aware of the Stewart principle that always go back to former City Council member Bob Stewart. He said there are unlimited needs and limited resources. We know that we cannot fund all of our needs especially in one fiscal year. But I'm really confident that this is an impactful budget that balance is fiscal stewardship with community needs. I believe we struck that important balance. This budget center and ensuring our resources are deployed within our 5 pillars for principal progress which are on the power point now housing opportunities for all environment infrastructure and 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. Recommended budget reflects ongoing conversations and outreach with the community with the council and with other stakeholders I'd like to highlight just a few items first in keeping with our commitment to strong fiscal stewardship. We have seen strong growth in our city property values an understatement. This allows us to include in our budget recommendations, a reduction and the fy 20 fy 23 millage rate from 6.6 5, 5, 0, to 6.5 2, 5, 0, Mills which is a reduction of 0.1 3, 0, Mills. You want that reduction we will have much more in terms of resources than we had last year. We are maintaining our contribution to the economic stability fund it $500,000 to better position ourselves to navigate future challenges. And finally we are recommending that our fiscal policies be modified to increase our general fund target from 5% of annual appropriation to 10 plus percent of annual appropriation and our goal is to align with the government finance officers Association is recommendations for best financial practices with respect to reserve levels so we want to increase our reserve. Highlights from our recommended budget include 1.5 million to fund a city employee housing assistance program to provide $500 to city employees to help offset housing costs. We know there is much more to do to insurers access to safe affordable housing for all and this measure ensures we are providing needed resources to our city workforce. It also builds on progress already made through several several newly completed affordable housing projects, new projects in the pipeline. Enhancements to our down payment assistance program increased funding availability for home renovations continued use of our affordable housing lot disposition program and so much more. For example long not directly part of the fy 23 budget I do want to point this out in terms of us being responsive. Both the council and administration. While not directly part of the fy 23 budget working with Council we've allocated $34 million in our resources to address housing affordability in our community including 1 million for housing support services $2.5 million for scattered site housing. 6.5 million for the deuce is rising home ownership opportunity and nearly million for the construction of multifamily housing units. We are also recommending the reallocation of million in South Saint Pete cra funds to create or preserve 429 units of affordable housing. And so I want the community know we are being responsive. In addressing this affordable housing mission. And we are committed to making significant investments to address housing affordability and working with the council and the community will continue. We develop and implement creative solutions to the housing affordability crisis in our community. I want to thank the City Council for your leadership and your collaboration on this critical issue. This budget if a size opportunity creation evidence by the funding recommended for the creation of the diversity equity and inclusion office recommended funding includes 4 positions for the procurement and supply management department to implement a supplier diversity initiative in light of the disparity study these investments will create opportunities for all members of our community and address our principal of intentional equity in a meaningful way. I'm excited by these investments and look forward to our collective efforts to make these opportunities, a reality for all in our city. Our budget highlights include $800,000 for our integrated sustainability action plan implementation to ensure effective progress for our environmental and resilience programs. You'll also find within the budget additional funding and of course at some point as the season starts in parks because we just say that so additional funding for parks, continued funding commitment for the community assistance in life is on or call program. This innovative program provides appropriately directed services for non-criminal calls to the police by sending professionally trained mental health or social service providers to address calls it would have been previously referred to law enforcement additionally continued funding for body worn cameras included in the fy 23 budget. Before I want to comment on our city team. City Council knows well we have an outstanding team. Our subject matter experts are second to none, not only in the state of Florida but in the nation. Budget development process. I got an up close look at the operations and services delivered every day to our citizens. I've had the opportunity to visit spreadsheet haven't with Tom green and budget director I know, I'm being repetitive spreadsheet him what and budget director Liz makowski and Jim. The line out a review process allowed myself and the deputy mayor to have in-depth discussions with all of our departments and I really appreciate the opportunity to do that I'm so proud of our city team. I've seen a lot of budgets, I'm