City Council

>> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting and your elected officials our mayor Ken well. District one Council vice chair, hopefully Curtis. District 2 Brendan Barber. Is to 3 on Mary. District 4 with that kind of way. And Council chair Deborah take Sanders. District 6 jihad District 7 John Muhammad. And district day Ritchie Floyd. >> 2024 city County, the meeting beginning with the role. Veritas here ever hear mountaineer and what's. Sanders, this cool air behind it and Floyd here. >> You joining us today to provide the invocation is we face and we like to call him pastor of it what this is asked about it and seeing what. Moment of silence and remembering those line. In the last 9 to 11 and then following that we will do our business please join an instant. >> Almighty GOD we give the he had today in service with a beautiful city of St. Petersburg. Elected bound together by a shared commitment to the well-being and progress of 5 people. Made that deliberations be guided by wisdom, compassion and foresight. MAY they listened to one another with open minds and respectful hugs. Seeking common ground and innovative solutions to the challenges we face. Grandest all the to to see individual perspectives. The courage to make difficult decisions for the greater good. And the strength to implement positive change. Miles city. Ams that come up with his stuff as well as all the City Council members and their families. Bless all the proclamations which have been on that. Today. It's a City Council in bucks on today's agenda. Let us remember our responsibility to service to as of this city's PRESIDENT. Contents of its future. In this bit of unity and purpose would begin our meeting holding name. We pray. Men. Let's head to the beaches. The United States. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation. With liberty and justice for all. >> It's a Memphis. We haven't seen before a sign of change the motion for approval, second. It seemed that the agenda has been motion and properly seconded can you please open the machine for voting. Council members please cast your votes. Now that are pressing council members have voted can you please tell in announce the vote. MADAM Chair, the motion to approve the agenda passes unanimously with councilmember and what's being absent. You. >> So now we have a consent in game. There's no cause no consent sign reading passage. So now we're going to move into open farm. Do we have any cards And he's read the room. If you wish to address City Council on subjects other than public hearing. Or. >> Was it this year items listed on the agenda please sign up with the clerk. Only the individual wishing to a sign that open forum sheath 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 government. If you're speaking to an item on the agenda you MAY only speak once during the open former when it comes up on the agenda in order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to adjust Council. Each individual be given 3 minutes to speak and have to which the market phone will be muted. If you restrict your City Council through the zoom meeting you must use the raise hand feature been in the zoom app or interest are not on your phone at the time the agenda item is address. When it's your turn to speak up a new and next a state your name and address at the conclusion of the comments for when you reach the 3 minute amendment time. You've been unit. Raise hands will be lowered after each agenda item regardless of the method of participation use normal rules apply including 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 Lott public comment is disrupted by violations the rules of the decor of the Koran that shares authorized to accept public comment. Alternate means including by mail only. MADAM Chair, we have one speaker in the chamber and wound one want to call the chamber speaker first Matt Whitener please go to I the podium state your name and address for the record you have 3 minutes to address City Council. Thank you MR. Clerk, MADAM Chair members of Council, thank you so much for all your service and all that you do. We talked to today about historic preservation and give some you folks some background on why you see so much to 50 nearly. Thank you is Matthew Weidner and I want to give you folks in context and background on why historic preservation of such a fight in the city. Ground my comments on a case called the city St. Petersburg for Dan Shue versus the city St. Petersburg Dan was my mentor, my here you would know more general Jenner's and honorable man the Dan Hsu he died fighting the city of St. Petersburg over historic preservation and want to get your attention about it. You do remember the council MAY not be aware of it. But in that case there were allegations that the city Saint Pete staff was involved in changing ballots. Here is the ballot of Terence Moore, not support, here's where it changed support. Here's the bout of Ronald Greg, not support it becomes that port, here's the one of Mordecai Walker, not support support. You councilmember sat there have got your testimony here in your name and your questions of council members in of the staff. MADAM Gabbard you ask Duval caught tell me about that but allegations of I guess tampered with Gad that I'm gabbard yes that was your testimony MISTER Monti near you might remember when the question. We're asked Michael dema can you talk about the date stamp the problem with that ballot in that whole process was the ballots change. Some members still supported it. My great frustration, however is the fact that it took going up to appellate court in order to get it ultimately reverse in that opinion is so important. I beg of you please read the opinion that the appellate court reversed that designation that occurred but folks what was worse than these ballots that change what was worse than the technical issues that you MISTER Mountaineer you councilmember gabbard identified in at a problem with you voted against it, there's a gentleman called dirty is that sat right there not you the other one. He conducted the trial. I will promise you if you ask him about that trial and about that fact in our city you will tell you it was one of those disturbing things that he saw his storied career as a public servant. But folks I told you there was something more disturbing than what happened with these ballots are the problems with the date stamp I hope you all are remembering what happened there only 2 people voted against on to marry in gurneys folks the reason one before you today is what happened next was frankly more disturbing my mind and that is what you folks did after the fact and that was you change the ordinance the ordinance for said once the vote comes in it MAY not be changed. But the ordinance now reads the city reserves, the right to contact the signer and get informed them of the status there blank ballot. Really. After 2 Circuit court cases in federal court litigation. We come before Council with an ordinance change that says now we want to allow staff to change their votes. I'm asking for someone to have leadership and courage you've new council members review this ordinance in please change haven't revote I we've always been to these review and thank you so much. And Peter Kant is the next big resume. Peter, once you enter into the meeting space. Please unmute yourself stage, your name and address for the record you have. >> Okay, but before you start the clock I I do need to point of order. I'm going to be speaking on. >> Can you hear me, okay, I'm going to be speaking on my opposition to resolution cr a 2. And I'm here based on my prior meetings with the unclear if I could do that now it open for him or if you have to wait until all resolutions cra to is bonus so if you turn your the chair could let me know when I when you want me to speak. Will your get the clock is running so you can go ahead and speak now. >> so push to restart the clock, I'm Peter Kant PRESIDENT 8 Academy way for over a decade, I'm retired by superficial engineer land surveyor city engineer and commissioner of public works are many reasons I feel voting to pass resolutions jury to today would be acting fiscally responsible. Here's Saint Peter's. Perkins constituents. Number one 2 appraisals of the property for $18 million over a year old. There were obtained before the recent approval of the Jason rezoning and the 6.5 billion dollar raise time so is it likely they represent the current property value prior to the partial sale, a new appraisal must be of change and should be in the 22 live to $30 million range to the sale includes the South portion of Second Avenue South. Which is an active city street where traffic lights and both industry cannot be sold until it is formally abandoned part the city after appropriate public hearings. 3 Council person get us claims that the deal is selling and recovering the South half of so it can Avenue. So for 2 to $4 million it has 0 d o well you and to claim otherwise appears to be fiscally responsible or the city must negotiate or litigate the large increase a large increase in the current parking please on this parcel which pays only 20. $1021 thousand a year annually while the city is paying 58,000 annually in property taxes. It poured determined least cancellation payment is likely to be less than the several $100,000 now to one billion implied in the 2 appraisals or the $46 million implied by COUNCILMAN Give us cannot resolve this issue first and either negotiations or court proceedings is not acting fiscally responsible 5 the city appears to be acting fiscally responsible and selling a parcel probably were 18 to million to a Delaware financial adviser for only $10 million. The agreement allows adviser to resell the parcel. Then fair market value which is likely to double or quadruple their investment. Why is the city enriching a Delaware financial advisory firm. 6 is fiscally irresponsible over the city administration to offer an $18 million parcel for public she did lasting only 30 days. Thank you MR. Kan. So now is the point where we have so many of our distinguished guests here today as we are about to present proclamation. 2 thank you and congratulate you for all that we have and before we get to that I have to close open I'm just so excited to see so many of you are here today. Well we're gonna go includes open form and I'm going to ask our vice chair Gary's who will be presenting the first 2 proclamations the first one will be our child here. Childhood cancer awareness month proclamation, which will follow the 2 which is always the ovarian cancer awareness month proclamation so now with an open the floor for vice sugar dust. Thank you, MADAM Chair. Colleagues and all invite Michelle Cooper and Joe primavera from Johns Hopkins all Children's Hospital in the cancer and blood disorders Institute and tow for Larkin from Moffitt cancer Center up to join me. I think you put you probably know childhood cancer month. It's something that is near and dear to my heart. 10 years ago, my wife and I created a foundation supporting families dealing with pediatric cancer. We celebrated our 10 10th year anniversary this year. Over the 10 years we've raised over $1.5 million to try to find a cure for pediatric cancer that is my big hairy audacious goal as they like to say. And we're well on our way to doing that with a great partner and Johns Hopkins all children's e d I just quickly before I read this proclamation. I want to really emphasize how important. Today is and recognizing the work and not only and the struggle that families go to last year we had pictures of 8 families that we had directly supported on stage for our event. Since then we have lost 6 of those children. I can't tell you. That that has. Our supporters our board members but more importantly the families of this atrocious disease that attacks our children I just I want to thank you for your support, not only for this proclamation. But the support you've given me personally. Since I've been on Council and to everybody that's listening or watched for all the support that all of the organizations Moffitt cancer Center dream dream fund children's cancer Center all of the carts for kids. All of those organizations that support trying to find a cure in supporting families dealing with pediatric cancer. So it's my honor to read this proclamation. Whereas the National Cancer Institute American Cancer Society report cancer as the leading cause of death by disease. Among us children 0 to the age of 18. This tragic disease is newly diagnosed in not in over 9,910 of our country's young people under the age of 14 each year. Over 40,000 children undergo treatment each year. And whereas one in 5 of our nation's children loses his or her battle with cancer. This year alone, an estimated 1590 cancer deaths will occur in children. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children one to 14 and whereas 60% of infants children and teens who survive. We'll suffer the long-term effects of comprehensive medical treatment, including secondary cancers. And whereas blaze of hope was founded to magnify the message of hope to families of children battling threatening illnesses by providing financial assistance, raising awareness and building community. Blaze of hope continues to recognize that pediatric cancer affects families of all races color ethnicity and socioeconomic status and whereas during the month of SEPTEMBER. We remember the young lives taken way too soon stand with the families facing childhood cancer today and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible is on us and whereas blaze of hope has partnered with Florida Department of Transportation to have Bob Graham sunshine Skyway illuminated goal during the month of SEPTEMBER to honor and pay tribute to families friends and professionals and communities who lend their strength to children fighting pediatric cancer. Now therefore I vice chair gerda some behalf of Kenneth t Welsh mayor of St. Petersburg Florida do hereby proclaim Sept. 20 24 as childhood cancer awareness month and encourage all citizens to join in reaffirming the commitment to fighting childhood cancer. I'll invite representatives to Johns Hopkins all children's in for you want to say anything to say a few words. >> Thank you for having us here and we appreciate sincerely the support from this Council, the city we couldn't do what we do every day which is supporting our providers nurses frontline staff and fighting this disease. It really takes a village literally so anything and everything that people can do to help support and bring attention to this. That's what we need we need more people to be engaged to provide funding to do research to fight this disease so we don't have to rely on the statistics that were just voted. Thank you all we appreciate it >> thank you very much, MADAM Chair. Now you're gonna do d to the a very in cancer awareness month ok, I get all the hard ones. >> I'd invite ashtray and Kerry kriseman and then told her I think is going to stay up with us. It gets to do both of these with me too. And I think most of my colleagues and probably most of the people in the audience and watching are watching know both of these last name in the master easing the crisis munns and I just want to thank them for their continuous fight and advocacy for those. Battling ovarian cancer and those who have been through ovarian cancer and I just want to say personally knowing both of these families it's a great privilege. To be able to stand up with them to be able to stand up with Moffitt who I've had a longstanding relationship with and I'm just so proud of the work that not only is being done here in our community but the impact that is being able to be widespread because of the fine people standing behind me are standing with me and so it's it's my honor to read this proclamation. Whereas ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States and causes more deaths than any other got a logic. Cancer. And whereas the American Cancer Society estimates 19,680 cases of ovarian cancer will be newly diagnosed in 2024. And 12,740 individuals will die from the disease nationwide, including 1650 new cases and 1050 deaths in Florida and whereas while the mammogram can detect breast cancer and the Pap smear can detect cervical cancer. There is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer. And whereas too many people remain unaware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer often include bloating, pelvic an odot and abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly urinary symptoms and several other vague symptoms that are often easily confused with other diseases and whereas the lack of an early detection test for ovarian cancer combined with its fit with its vague symptoms means that approximately 80% of cases of ovarian cancer are detected at an advanced stage. And whereas black women with ovarian cancer are more likely to have late stage diagnosis. Receive a lower quality clinical services and have lower 5 year survival rates than non-black women and whereas ongoing investments and ovarian cancer research and education and awareness efforts are critical to closing these gaps in improving survivorship for women with ovarian cancer. And whereas each year during the month of SEPTEMBER ovarian cancer research alliance or Orca and community partner organizations hold several events to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms. Now therefore I vice-chair cowgill eagerness on behalf of Kenneth t Welsh mayor of St. Petersburg Florida. Do your boat hereby proclaimed Sept. 20 24 as ovarian cancer awareness month and urge every citizen to take time to learn more about this crippling disease. Thank you. >> Thank you for this great proclamation and them I wanted to say to that. My brother who obgyn in Australia. We have partnered with them as well. They're doing research in their lab I was there last year and they have come almost close to a test so let's hope we can get the other here as well. So thank you for all your support and we have our run on Sat.. If anybody wants to join us walk or run. Okay, thanks a lot. >> Thank you Council, vice chair gerda some mayor Welch who I know is not here. Almost 5 years ago this month. I was in a hospital and that was what I was told I had a 20 centimeter tumor on my right ovary. So fast forward to week, I'm having surgery and I had 3 tumors total so thankfully, and infection is what landed me in the hospital on a trip to California because I was one of the few lucky ones that received a rather early diagnosis. Not it's not that way for everyone they say ovarian cancer whispers because the symptoms are vague and by sheer luck. I had an infection that necessitated other tests so that's why I advocate that's why I joined with organizations like Astro very cancer Foundation to do what we can for the people who are not here ovarian cancer will affect one in 75 people with ovaries. This year. Look around I mean I don't know if they're 75 in this room. But we know that it's going to affect somebody in this room, whether it's you or someone you love so learn what you can listen to your your relatives, your spouse's daughters and what they might say in how they're feeling because aside from a definitive test. We have to be our own advocate. So I want to thank you all for helping us raise awareness of this deadliest of gynecological cancers and if you want to come out and run and walk it's it's supposed to be beautiful on Sat.. So thank you for for what you all do as well with your service, thank you. >> We've got to get some laughs out of this right. Thank you very much, MADAM Chair, thank you so much now moving to item d 3. A proclamation in honor of hunger action month. By our councilmember Gina Driscoll. Thank you MADAM Chair. We have some some wonderful people from the community who are doing incredible work in this area and that I would like to have join me at the podium today for hunger action awareness month. From hope villages of America. The ceo Nick to Seguin who also serves as our. Distinguished states state Sen. The St. Petersburg free clinic has Jennifer you agree and Xavier Andrews from and feeding Tampa Bay Shannon all a from daystar life center Heidi Kerr now. >> Mary Ann Putnam Jacques mean Roche. And from positive impact re imagine Saint Pete Karen Rae Saum and Caroline brewbaker. Thank you all for joining us here today. I want to tell you why this is so important to me. When I was 13 my family fell on hard times. And I couldn't go to Catholic school anymore it always gotten so I had to switch over to public school. It's very different to cafeteria, where they're serving the food and I had this. This free lunch cart and I did now I thought everybody had one things are different in private school right. So I'm in line. You know first time using it and the kid behind me he said are you have one of those 2. Unlike. Yeah it is in everybody's like no. It's for poor people. And I didn't know I know are poor. I know what was going on and I was 13 and I was embarrassed. >> And after that the I didn't have that want to be more because I didn't want anyone else to see that I have that card. >> So today. It gives me hope. These organizations that are not only providing food for families that need it. But they do with dignity. They give people that dignity of food to put on the table healthy groceries. Good meals for whoever needs it whoever wants it. Most of the time they don't even ask questions. And so I am eternally grateful. For the people who do this today. And 13 year-old me is for you grateful as well. On that note, I'll read the proclamation. SEPTEMBER is recognized as hunger action month. A time dedicated to raising awareness about food insecurity and mobilizing communities to take action to end hunger. And whereas in Pinellas County approximately 11% of residents experience food insecurity with nearly 140,000 individuals, struggling to access sufficient nutritious food on a regular basis. And whereas food and security impacts our community's health well-being and economic stability affecting children, seniors, and families alike. And whereas it is essential to acknowledge the hard work of local organizations such as whole villages who's committed to alleviating hunger and providing critical support to those in need. And whereas hope villages distributes nearly 6 million pounds of food throughout Pinellas County each year. And whereas collective efforts to combat food insecurity through education, advocacy and community involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. And now they're for ig know Driscoll on behalf of Kenneth t Welch the mayor of the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim SEPTEMBER 2024 as hunger action month. And I encourage residents to participate in local initiatives such as food drives fundraising events and volunteer opportunities to support our communities fight against hunger and I'll add together. And now I know we have a lot of folks here Bay I today I just want to invite. Senator deciglie ceo of whole villages to say a few words. >> Thank you so much for sharing your story. Thank you Council for your support here. I also want to recognize my friends in and colleagues behind you great organizations that are really working towards dealing with the issue of food and security obviously as you heard whole villages were based in Clearwater. We distribute 6 and half million pounds of food. Every single year. We serve around 65 to 7,000 guests who come to the food bank once a month to get 3, 4, days worth of food. These proclamations go a long way in creating that awareness for leaders in our community so you can all spread the word in in and create that The residents who need these type of services know that they're available know that there are folks in organizations, not only just hope villages but the ones that stand behind me that we're here for them that we care for them we are we are in existence to to take care of those very specific needs. So these proclamations go go a very long way. And despite the fact that whole villages is based in Clearwater. This year alone we've seen a 50% increase in residents coming from St. Petersburg to come to a food bank because again there they're dealing with with the food and security so again thank you so much. Thank you for for sharing your story and certainly would. You know love to invite my friends and colleagues to say a few words as well if that's okay to us. We're so grateful for the recognition. Thank you to the mayor and the council. >> Do trischan is critical to promoting health equity and making sure that our whole community stays healthy. I'm grateful for the recognition of the great organizations here our partners as the senator said we're seeing enormous increase in food and security, the free clinic alone serves 40,000 people monthly just across our 3 locations at over a 120,000 folks through our partners, many of whom are here today. So those numbers are astronomical we cannot do it without the support of our great community our partners which want to thank you for the recognition and invite all of you to get involved in a statement. >> My name is Carolyn printmaker of pasta from packed. I stand before you try not to cry today. Because I'm so proud of you that she would make a stand in our city that we fight against hunger. What the main things that we want to do is make sure that no child goes to bed hungry. I'm concerned with what's happening to our children. We know that behavior problems come sometimes for just not having the right nutrition. We also note that learning disability happens not having the right nutrition we want to build that it could not make system of our city and how do we did that. It's when make sure that people have food by having food that can pay their rent with the extra money. They can make their house payments or rent payments are be able to pay their insurance. But the first things my friend that happens is people will eat spaghetti House and Sherry said not have that right nutrition that they need because they have to have the money to pay for their tanks. Let's not forget that food has to be first after that we can come place all the other things that need to be accomplished. Thank you for Your love and your support. >> Good afternoon. My name is Mary an apartment on the vice PRESIDENT The board of directors today star first off thank you City Council mayor Welsh the city for supporting day start for the last 40 years. This proclamation in so much worst we've come straight from daystar we see a day after day. Getting the word out making the impact to the community. We see about 50,000 families individuals that we help the year and that emergent seafood that need right there is the first thing that we want to help we talked about MISTER School talked about when you're younger of the children in Pinellas County her food unsecured a star sting about 25%. So this is so important getting that word out and helping those children so thank you for this plot proclamation. Thank you for your support. We love it anytime you want to come down take a tour a taster we love to have you. Thank you again. >> All right well I only have one proclamation so maybe you guys can take turns hanging on to it for a while and share it. >> Thank you again to all of all of these partners who are working. Working their tails off and working together to make sure. That everyone in our County has the food that they need thank you MADAM Chair. Thank you vice chair, Gary does MADAM Chair. I just wanted to say to thank You's all the organizations just thank you for all the work you're doing having seen each of those and I was thinking about it a minute ago, dealing with daystar since I was 14 years old because that's what my school did their Thanksgiving drive for and so I think that's the for this one back and I won't say how long that is but just thankful for all the organizations and then lastly I just wanted to say thank you to council member driskell for sharing her story. It's it's a powerful one and when you can attach a story like that to the work that these organizations are doing. It's a multiplier it's not an addition that's a multiplier and so just very thankful for you and for sharing that I know that Ken I know that can be difficult sometimes so. Thank you, MADAM Chair. Thank you. I also want to first of all I'm glad that everyone to see but I also want to think. Those cent. Provide that nutrition in provide that because councilmember Jessica led him to call it in. And I was grateful for that new car. I was thankful for that and kind. But to know that there are people that are made it their mission and their purpose to ensure that there's no shame there's no harm in knowing that you have the opportunity because sometimes that's the only meal that and so for that I just wanted to chime in to let you know councilmember just don't know believe it and that this story for quite a few of us and we're just so grateful that we had those to help this to us and get us to the next place and now we're on the of the evening we were receiving now we have the opportunity to help you provide so for that I want to thank you. So now we're going to move to item d-four the suicide prevention month proclamation by councilmember Floyd. >> Thank you I want to invite I'm not sure. They're here Julie Rocco. And Tracy are Trudy beeler if we're available no I didn't think so all right well done. It's just me up here real good to let you speak it's fine because I feel passionately about the subject and I was very grateful to be able to share some information. >> Yeah, ok, ok cool or I did not get that rebound. Thank you if you would like to join me up here be more than welcome to yes. You know about Houston County. Well they're coming up, I'll say. >> I was grateful to be asked to read this on behalf of the mayor and it's a subject that's touched my family and friends multiple times you know we have there's a line in here that you'll see in a moment, but you know I really do think that we can do better on this not seeing people heal from its on grateful to be able to participate in this today, so I'll read the proclamation. Where is where a Sept. 8th through Sept. 14th 2024 is national suicide prevention week. And Sept. 20 24 is national suicide prevention month. At a time during which individuals organizations and communities join their voices to amplify the message. The suicide can be prevented. And whereas these up observances are united in raising awareness that prevention is possible treatment is effective and people do recover. And whereas the 0 suicide framework emphasizes that even one life lost to suicide is too many. And whereas it is essential that we educate and encourage relatives friends co-workers and providers about the signs of suicidal ideation and that it affects all people in the community and whereas we believe it takes all of us doing what we can to create a community without suicide and whereas 0 suicide partners of Pinellas led by Suncoast center. Unite's community members and organizations with the common mission to end suicide in Pinellas County. Now therefore I councilmember Ritchie Floyd on behalf of Tennessee Welsh mayor of the city of St. Petersburg do hereby declare Sept. 8th through SEPTEMBER 14th 2020 for a suicide prevention month and urge all citizens to join me in doing what they can by being kind Kurt courteous and connected to end suicide in St. Petersburg. >> Members of the council and Mayor we thank you so much for recognizing as we are members of some coast and 0 suicide partners of Pinellas and we recognize that the most important thing is to to talk about suicide and how it affects our community and I can tell you that and we're an organization made up of 27 partners in the community and the team standing here behind me. It is chilly the most dedicated and put their heart and soul and every single day to reach out to those especially our veterans members of the lgbtq plus population, our youth and our young adults that this impacts every single day and we work tirelessly to reduce suicide rates in Pinellas County and again just thank you for recognizing this month and having us here and I would like to introduce you to our new ceo Jean Pierre. Good afternoon Council I want to thank the mayor and the Council for this special recognition. We are grateful for it and we continue to look forward to spreading the word in getting the word in the community. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for being here Suncoast center thank you for all the work you're doing councilmember Floyd thank you so much for presenting that proclamation. We'll move on to the 5 senior center month proclamation. Presented by our chair, perfect Sanders. >> So you know when we come to knowledge and history of who we are and how we've come to be our seniors. I play such a vital role so I'm going to ask you craft I thought so it crashed. Hey come on over PRESIDENT And MS. Cara where a year. A scare. You all have done a phenomenal job of. Providing services to icus and for those of us to still have our seniors and our lives. You play of intercultural in helping to keep them with us and during the time that they're with so I want to read this proclamation on behalf of the mayor. And I give you a moment too. Actually say some business news in the We got to say I need to appear you need to be out here with me this We're as senior citizens are considered an integral part of the aging network and in 1972, the older Americans act was amended to support senior citizen centers and whereas SEPTEMBER as national senior center month in the United States every year since 1979. The National Council on Aging has celebrated senior center week. In 1985 PRESIDENT Ronald Reagan signed the first senior center week presidential proclamation and in 2007. The weeklong celebration was extended to the full month of SEPTEMBER to put focus on how senior citizens, senior centers. Help improve the lives and well-being of older Americans in the United States and where ends older Americans are significant members of society, investing their wisdom and experience to help enrich in better the lives of younger generations. And whereas the St. Petersburg Florida sunshine senior center. The first nationally accredited senior center in the state of Florida has acted as a catalyst for mobilizing the creativity. Energy vitality and commitment of the seniors. And whereas through the wide array of services programs and activities, senior centers in power the seniors of St. Petersburg to contribute to their own health and well-being and the health and well-being of their fellow citizens of all ages and whereas the senior sunshine center in the city of St. Petersburg if firms that dignity, South worth and independence of older seniors by facilitating their decisions in actions, tapping their experiences skills and knowledge in enabling their continuing contributions to our community. Now therefore I'd ever fix. Sanders chair on behalf of 10 of 2 Welch mayor of the city of Saint Peter's Square to hear back from clean. Sept. 2024. As senior center month. Congratulations. Good afternoon. The honorable mayor and its absence. Council well chair Deborah fix, Sanders City Council. And all within my for us Maya Angelou. Has a point called alone. And it says that nobody but no back can't make it out here alone alone all along nobody but nobody can't make it out here. Hello. This point if a side says that no matter who we are. We all need the love compassion and friendship of others that the right. It also reminds me of those who live in isolation. In lonely news. >> We are excited to bring forth. This proclamation to honor national senior center month. >> Power we need connection is the National Institute. 4 senior centers 20, 24 thing. There are many opportunities that sunshine senior center to assist seniors with the established in relationships and engage and social activities that lead to a healthy you, happier parts. In St. Petersburg we have the old us facility. In the state. The This working as a senior manage. I think I told my boss. It's a full circle moment for me. Because when I started with the city of St. Petersburg thank you. 19 82. I in turn at the sunshine. Senior salute. >> I am the manager. But the sunshine, senior son and I have for the use of service with the city of Saint Kitts per. >> I sent a look that because i want you all to understand you don't care passionate about and you can see it's coming out. I said on that just so you would understand that we have a facility here that caters to the needs. A senior popular each. We look forward to that Singh senior center continuing with my colleague Keir counter where as well as her boss saleem I've my bosses. We look forward to that center being something that every body law. So we invite you. We invite you. The comeback. So what we do with it. They would they do over them they all the time as some of the South stop by your home. I think with Eric says stop by your home. But you were there no, I don't said it in the facility. I would love to have been there when he stopped by but one of my much for us is that the value of one of us is to value of all of us. And I want you to know that I see you and I want you to see me. I hear you and I want you to hear me. And I'm asking that we take the time to wall together with all the citizens of Saint Peter's Square. Thank you, MADAM Chair. Thank you. It's so much for that. You want to say anything is to grant. Good okay very good. So now we're going to move to item d 6 our fall prevention awareness week proclamation by councilmember might near. MADAM MADAM chair, thank you. We've got a lot of people from Saint Pete fire fire and rescue. Interim Watts is here. And join me chief you to chief Goma lack. I saw amber bowling why it looks like half of safety for my you're kind of wonder who's minding the store. I we also have a lattice us to fight. If you want to come up. I've got a proclamation here on fall prevention week did want to. Talk just a little bit my my mother had had a fall a few few months ago, she broke her hip. And the it affected her. Affected her mentally she was in the hospital for for a little while. But we've got a close family and my family is there at my mom's House every day to help around some people don't don't have that support system. So false can affect people both physically and mentally and I have this proclamation that I want to what. Read to the city. Whereas it's estimated that 19.9% of Florida citizens are 65. Years age and older, and whereas it is estimated that one 4th of the people 65 and older older rock fall each year. In all older adults will once again. Once well, no fog once or 2 or 3 times more likely to fall again and whereas one out of 5 falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or head injury and whereas falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Among Florida citizens 65 years of age and older. And whereas falls can lead to depression. Loss of mobility. Loss of functional independence and whereas injuries from falls are largely preventable. A community health problems and whereas evidence-based programs reduce falls by utilizing constant effective strategies such as exercise programs to improve balance and strength medication management vision improvement reduction of home hazards and for all prevention education. And whereas the fall falls free Florida falls prevention coalition say that fast. I think Theres bird fire and rescue. The sunshine center and regional 911, regional County 911 works together to prevent to increase awareness of this issue promote multi discipline, Mary strategies to prevent falls and encourage citizens to take steps to protect those who are in have an increased risk of falling. Now therefore I want to marry on behalf of Mayor Kenneth d Welch the mayor of St. Petersburg Florida. Do hereby proclaim that Sept. 23 through Sept. 27th, this falls prevention awareness week. And urge every resident to take. Energy every resident to take time to time this month to celebrate older adults and the people who serve and support them as powerful in vital individuals who greatly contribute to the community. And I'd like to. I have a chief wants to say a few words if you if you have to. I think if there's any indication on what the priorities are of the city these proclamations today are a great example, and I'm very proud to be a part of this organization. Deer Council chair and council members on behalf of St. Petersburg fire rescue we are honored to accept the fall prevention proclamation and sincerely appreciate the support of Mayor Welt and the City Council on this important initiative preventing falls especially in our older population is very important to St. Petersburg fire rescue. This is a very particularly important initiative as my dear grandmother Irene died after complications from a fall on Sept. 19th 2022. She was a vibrant and thought driving 90 year-old woman with the quickest way of anyone I've ever met she accidentally tripped on a rug. Fill in during a hip fracture underwent surgery and was up and walking that same day unfortunately what we didn't know and those hopeful moments there was a severe case of pneumonia developing in her lungs. The St. Petersburg fire rescue community risk reduction team and the Pinellas County falls free coalition. It is a tongue twister. It have worked together to prevent fall and or injuries and deaths initiatives include creating materials to educate community members on fall prevention providing resources and encouraging citizens to take steps to protect themselves and those who are at increased risk of falling as well as promoting the 6 steps to preventing falls which are finding a good balance an exercise program talk to your Healthcare provider regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses keep your home safe and talk to your family members. Here are a few examples of local collaborative efforts fall prevention present presentations are offered through community risk reduction personnel and can be requested by completing a public education community outreach request form on the Petersburg fire rescue website. The steps to senior safety activity book was created and distributed to over 5,000 people living in 55 and older communities in the city of St. Petersburg and adopted by neighboring County and state coalitions for continued distribution. In Feb. 20 20 for St. Petersburg fire rescue personnel visited local senior living facilities to spread some love. Crews distributed flowers with Valentine's Day, Valentine's cards which included fire safety and fall prevention tips. This month St. Petersburg fire rescue will be partnering with the sunshine center. During fall prevention week, Sept. 23th through 27th for a falls talk and a resource fair. Despite all of our collective efforts the Pinellas County data shows an increased incidence of falls. There have been 4,607 fall incidents in the city of St. Petersburg since Jan. 1st our intent here today is to acknowledge our cities later our city leadership's support and hope to raise awareness for this persistent leading cause of injury-related deaths among are 65 and older population. In partnership with Pinellas County St. Petersburg fire rescue attempts to connect patients to health buddies which is a program to help reduce preventable hospital readmissions and aims to empower seniors through social connection. If you know a senior who MAY need assistance and enhancing their quality of life and living independently. Please email health buddies at seniors in service dot org and consider reviewing the cdc study stopping elderly accidents deaths and injuries home fall prevention checklist for older adults and the fall risk screening available free on the cdc website. Thank you. Thank thank you. Vice chair. Thank you to everybody at Saint Pete fire rescue for everything you do and continue to do on a daily basis on the front lines was very thankful for all of you and obviously we're all here to support that work so thank you so much COUNCILMAN Terry thank you so much for presenting this proclamation. Okay, yeah, I'm all for that. >> Okay we will move on to the 7 a Hispanic heritage month proclamation presented by council member was that handle its council member. Thank you vice-chair Curtis, i would like to invite some of the Hispanic representatives from some of our conversations here in the city come join me. We have the Hispanic outreach center here Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic leadership Council and say a couple of words read proclamation in Spanish and English and then Eli is going to say a couple words after I have to start by saying as a mom, the struggle is real if you keep the heritage alive. I have a 9 year-old daughter and and I'm trying to get her learn Spanish and we do not live in Miami. Where everyone speaks pan is. He said so. I was having a conversation with her and explain to her and I listen to myself thinking. Oh my GOD, it's not like my mother. You are going to regret not learning Spanish. You know it is something that we all want to pass down to our children and our family and chairs that heritage that makes us who we are it's something that's so precious and we all carry it in it and these are cultures and traditions that have been passed down through generations. So I hope my daughter learns to speak Spanish, maybe even dance a little bit of size summiting and by top that. >> I struggle to health in comparison to what my family at obviously struggled with in coming to this country and starting a new life and living in a different culture and integrating and I this is a this is a story that many here and how how do you raise your children and keep that heritage alive. So this proclamation is to honor those who gave us so much to celebrate even those struggles that led us to where we are. So I'm very proud that I can actually read this in Spanish and in English. And so with that being said I will read it in Spanish. But it won't go and MISS Not you're not daylighting ca spina going to see the Oklahoma say lighting say spina they say about baking say this again buddy I can say the 2 vehicle, no say nothing but that this company will see on Floyd said they will seize finals in mice tortilla like was doe diagnosed locals in with that and that's you know people want to get into the city embracing the other independents have a list by says Santa MAY be kind of vehicles that meet guys so by though to what they might not want do not unique at Iowa. As you say the ceo to the safety ended in MAY he Koichi they said they went to the of a line they've been days, yeah, they speak to you I mean the people want to live this evening. This is spinal say that we that the St. Petersburg they play same thing Apple team out I mean the to put up on top of see until then with a couple that seal waking up and be done and with Michael know miya the flip side I would I people want to let me that the St. Petersburg to close enough importante this continue still in a single season finales including wheels mortal simply awful state that we that in ways that are we need that. So what do you like by the sea best deal. We need sink in with the best we that's exactly what I meant they must be bad cycle co hit I do that but I do those people want the last week that the St. Petersburg saying no to yes e they say they've added. Economists say that I could innings a span us go not bought the boat that they then with who do what I see that you see that no see spinal somebody they store most in somos Saint Pete yellow to local dental you'll like once a highly said Khan was in no way they like it they can if he Welch will not be sent to the collateral King say this if the nba I can see the duda they'd the meeting been watching Oklahoma's the night and say spina Insee start though this will see the animals I we need to say me bought a condo said nine-foot basket case that will cost you don't see that this St. Petersburg. So now in English. Whereas Hispanic heritage month known as MAY said it is a spiny out is celebrated from Sept. 5th to Oct. 15th and recognizes the significant contributions and influence of Hispanics on our nation's history culture and achievements and whereas Sept. 15th is independence day for the Central American countries of Costa Rica El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on Sept. 16th and Sept. 18th Mexico in she lay celebrate their independence Day respectively and whereas Hispanic residents in the city of St. Petersburg amount to an estimated 8.4% of our population and play a vital role in an economy and workforce and whereas the city of St. Petersburg recognizes the significant contributions of Hispanics, including many city employees in our community. Their support and community involvement make our city more culturally diverse and welcoming for everyone whereas the city of St. Petersburg is proud to celebrate and recognize Hispanic culture and heritage as an important part of our inclusive city Hispanics are part of the week and we are Saint Pete and now therefore I councilmember Lisette hand with some behalf of Mayor Kenneth he wants to hear by the clear Sept. 15th through Oct. 15th, 2024 as Hispanic heritage month and urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the significance of this occasion in the city of St. Petersburg thank you. Thank you so much to set. It's a wonderful day to be here with you all today. >> The region stewardship that the council is showing today is absolutely remarkable very cancers even children of food nutrition prevent suicide supporting honoring seniors the fire rescue. And now adding some suspected in there with the Hispanic heritage month. I want to officially say that the City Council is on fire. i'm deeply honored to be speaking on behalf of all the amazing Hispanics. In Saint Pete and Pinellas County starting with the Hispanic outreach center that has been doing an amazing fantastic job for 20 years. They don't get enough recognition like to give them and us. And I myself serve as the first ever PRESIDENT Of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Pinellas County. I would like to thank and recognize the Council for approving the do this proclamation, I'd love to officially recognize the set. I know she goes by mishandle it's yeah he said, but it was at those she says she still ours and I'd like to of course nothing can honor mayor Welch is going to great friends in the span of community and these bank chamber, a few months ago for the first time since I've been a member of the chamber. He gathered all the all the leaders of the different Hispanic organizations to see how we can better work with the city and work together. Air well it is definitely a pioneer and a friend to the Hispanic community. And I also want to say we are headquartered here in Saint Pete we serve Pinellas County are you guys he was so welcoming that even though I personally have been put in in Palm Harbor. Our headquarters is here at the drive building and we absolutely love Saint Pete. Another thing I want to do is I want to recognize MISTER Karr lavender who now works for the city when he was with the equity center has been a great great friend, an ally to our chamber and our efforts and I'm very happy that he's now with the city and continuing to pave the way for us here in the city and I'll leave it to end with this use great to be recognized. And if you as wonderful to be heard. But that doesn't change lives. It's better when you become actually part of what's going on to be called into planning sessions. So with that in mind I want to just raise my hand for all of us that we would be more than welcome to come and speak and learn and share and how we can all work better together here in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. But St. Petersburg has done that more than any other municipality in Pinellas County so we're very happy for this proclamation. We now I know you guys want to hear about the highs raise project again. But I think the cause for getting that approved. We that Hispanics have been getting to see have been given a seat at the table and we expect great things to happen for Hispanic businesses, I'm not Hispanic families do that so thank you very much for for your foresight with that and on the behalf of the Hispanic community I thank you. We too are cp snow. So those 10 games, some of Saint Pete. Thank you. >> I just would like to say thank you to make it well today City Council members and the city of Saint Peter's for for this many full recognition. Your support in continuous and a wrecking the he's been at this month inspired us to continue working hard serving our community and sharing our culture and traditions so thank you so much for all your support. >> on there. Thank you. Council member Hannah what's thank you for. Reading the proclamation on pre pre she ate the the mayor recognizing Hispanic heritage month. I didn't want to mention night I talked about my mother when I read the proclamation on on fall, so my mother was born in Cuba back when Cuba was a free country before the Revolution. And the my she she met my father at the University of Florida my father was a geologist and growing up we lived in in 3 countries. We lived in Spain for 3 years we lived in Ecuador for 3 years. We lived in Chile for 3 years. And we didn't just live we weren't in the my father was in the in the military, he was a challenge is. But we lived and got to know the Hispanic culture very well, and we all were from the flu and in Spanish back then as young kids. I remember moving to Ecuador kids like to watch tv watch tv. Everything was in Spanish. And we had to the Spanish we had this Spanish made we had a Spanish Cook, we went to Spanish American schools we learned about the Hispanic in culture glad that my family was able to move a move around like that and learn about different the different cultures. If you go to my mother's House her house is full of furniture from Spain. Ecuador and Chile and she's got paintings from from those 3 countries to do so. Let's go ahead, des. Here this proclamation and I'm glad my family has a connection to the Hispanic cultural some thank you. >> Thank you everybody for being here it's awesome and thank you for the work that you continue to do and and very thankful to have you in St. Petersburg to the added bonus but councilor handle its. Thank you very much for presenting that proclamation. Okay we move. Take on new ordinance ev one joining us assistant city attorney share make know it's a clerk can you please read the title. Woes ordinance number 5, 9, 9, h an ordinance repealing section 2 dash. Proposed ordinance number 5, 9, 9, 8, an ordinance repealing section 2 dash 2, 7, 7, article 5 division 9 of the city code relating to responsible wage for certain construction contracts them in the section 2 dash 2, 7, 5, of article 5 Division I the city code to remove provisions ripped relating to responsible ways for certain construction contracts and providing an effective date in the public hearing for the titans on 10/3/2024 and we have no cards. >> No need for a presentation. Everybody all good. Okay scenes, we have a motion a second. Clerk could you please open the machine for voting. Council members present your votes. Seeing is all present council members have voted please telling announce the vote. It's to chair the. >> Motion to approve agenda item p one passes unanimously with councilmembers fix Sanders and and what's being absent. Ok thank you will now move to report items beginning with f one joining us is chief financial officer Erica lands and budget director lives makowski. >> That's it for today, we have roughly 25 we have 6 changes to the city's physical policies. And these changes were presented to the budget finance and taxation Committee on 8/8/2024 and were approved by the committee and 5 of these changes are related to target fund balance changes and the 6 is updating outdated language in the fiscal policies. Any questions. Council members any questions. >> So when when came up before be fnt and I put a new base business item a. On on this on this subject. Well a few months ago. And. Have an is we have on page 8 of the fiscal policies. We have. A lot of guidance on the economic stability fund and a few years ago City Council approve it doing inner fun loans out of the economic stability fund we had of resolution that we passed to limit those loans to $5 million. Back in. JANUARY of this year we had a count that we had an item come before City Council on the deuce is rising townhomes that to included. And and in her phone loan of a was about million and we we're pushing the $5 million limit so we went we went over that and I know we have another item coming up later on in our. Today to talk about some selling some property in paying back that $6.8 million loan. But I would like to make a change. In addition to the wording. On page 9. Sub paragraph the. A triple I at the end of that paragraph I would like to add the language. The maximum amount of loans from the economic stability fund will not exceed $5 million. Move approval of that change. Is every year. Is that it can someone else. Councilmember gather. Thank you chair and thank you for the presentation. Thank you for the update and the item. So we have that of the surrounding committee quite a bit and had a lot of conversation around this so I just want to ask administration. If you can speak a little bit to concerns or complications that could arise into the future by limiting what we can do with the loans for this program can we talk a little bit about that because I was here when we created the loan and it was very important that we have flexibility as i remember and so I just want to kind of go back and revisit the original intent of why we did it and if we can talk about concerns around. Yes, absolutely councilmember and and thank you for that question. You're absolutely right. We did discuss this at the committee meeting a couple of times and I want to maybe provide some additional background we did come to Council as an area. In 2021 and created the credit facility to be. Capped at $5 million and that was for affordable housing. Investments with private parties who are building and constructing the the units so that was one piece of the puzzle. The second piece of the puzzle is the the advance that we made from the economic stability for the town homes. 2 separate. Issues so we do have a cap of 5 million for the gap financing for affordable housing. And then we have the other one that was approved just last year early this year to fund the town homes which hopefully if Council approves says one transaction on the agenda today. We will re re store that advance this afternoon. Now to the question of flexibility, yeah that was the concern we talked about in in committee is we would like to have the flexibility in in situations to make advances from the economic stability fund in the future and placing a cap on it would limit that flexibility. >> Other situations you can think of of which we might use this just give us some examples of a few opportunities that w