City Council

>> welcome to the city of Petersburg City Council meeting your elected officials are mayor Rick kriseman district one chair Charlie hurt. This trip too. Randy Gabbert. Council vice chair Ed might marry. The core now. District 7 Lisa Wheeler Bowman. And district state Amy Foster. >> Going to call the May 18,019 meeting of the St. Petersburg City Council to order. Madam Or Mister Clerk and I have a roll call please. >> Are now under this cool air really Bowman here Foster here. >> And as we do in every meeting we're going to begin with an indication in the pledge of allegiance and we're privileged today to have with us. A fellow West Sider. And when that I've had the pleasure of hearing speak in Hama lies and uh I can tell you that he's a tremendous asset to our community so welcome Philip want Robert can that congregation b'nai Israel. Welcome thank you for being here today so we're going to rise for the indication in the pledge of allegiance please. The to the us team Council. Thank you for having me today. >> My congregation b'nai Israel has been on 58th Street. Celebrating almost a 100 years in the community. I like to share a brief word from the Vegas, 24 I know of the case is one where everyone sort of closes their eyes and they play. Law and sacrifice things that seem foreign to them our modern world. But there is one verse from this week's reading that says an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. That injury inflicted on the show be inflicted on him. At first it sounds cruel. It sounds primitive and violent and yet it also is a source of justice and my Jewish tradition, our sacred text t just that those verses were never ever to be taken literally but rather to represent monetary damages. They demand that those injured 2 others action receive fair compensation and even punitive damages so that they can live their lives. Standing and front of you all I see people who must carefully consider the needs of the entire city to lead you must not only follow the letter of the law but discover the meaning underneath the spirit within so I pray that you will fight for justice for all of us from the indigent to the wealthy that you continue your thoughtful work continue to take care and support this holy community and bring blessing to our city and they also have a personal blessing, a model to congratulations, the garden Rice on her wedding. Of the United States of America and there An my nation. With Thank you God bless you rabbi. >> My colleagues, we have agenda. Item at 4. The acquisition of the grace connection church property has been deleted from the agenda that will not be. Part of our business today we've deleted item h one which is the committee of the whole report. Fly 20 operating budget. We've deleted the public hearing for the renaming of 37 Street South that item will be back before set up the meeting. Those are the chang, I know about if any of you have any other and it's a revisions. I'd entertain a motion. The crew I can. We have a motion in a second to approve the agenda as amended. Please open the machine for voting and colleagues if you please and the votes. Mr Clarke seeing that all President Council members voted would you please tally and announce the vote. Here the motion to adjourn the passes unanimously the council members gather be Henson. Thank you Mister Court. Next we have a consideration of approval of the consent agenda. Entertain discussion, the liberation our motion. Approval that could. Mister Cook we have a motion a second to approve the consent agenda. You would prepare the machine for voting please. How exactly you know your votes on the consent agenda. Mr. Clarke saying that all President Council members have voted would you please telling announce the vote. The motion to approve the consent agenda passes unanimously the council new ever the absent. >> Next on our agenda is open forum. I'm informed by the That there is an abundance of folks who want to speak at open forum. We have a procedural were open forum is limited to 30 minutes. Every speaker gets 3 minutes. So I'm really helped me with the math that's 10 speakers right. And there is an open forum at the end of the meeting as well. So sometimes we go a little bit over half an hour because the speaker will start at 28 minutes and no we're going to abide as close as we can to happen hour rule. I'll share with you. What I've been this year with If there's something that's really really really important. The main point that you really came here. And you worked hard and written something on your phone or your ipad and there's a sentence or 2 in there that you think is the most powerful stop. Please put that at the beginning or the middle because 3 minutes we'll get to you before you think it will. And I'm going to cut you off at 3 minutes and you're going to be angry with me because the sentence that you thought about for a week. You didn't get to say and I don't want to do that to you so I'm going to ask you if there is such a sentence or such a thought and what you want to present to us. We want to hear it. And so if you would put that at the beginning or the middle of what you want to say to that will ensure that you deliver the message you intended to deliver as powerfully as effectively as you wanted to. With that said I'm Mister Cornell Mister Chair does have point of clarity of like to understand so so everybody here. Can understand as well. So there's open format. The beginning an open forum at the end and also open form before an item comes up on the agenda. >> Yes, so if there's an agenda item that you want to speak to you are It's perfectly proper to put a card in for that agenda item and if you're not sure of what that agenda item is you can ask. Mister Or Madam Clerk and they'll help you with that. But let's say you're the 35th card and you're not going to get to talk at the first 30 minutes of open forum. But what you wanted to talk about is on the agenda. On that agenda item as well ok and then there's another 30 minutes at the end of the meeting conform is that does that clarify one more one more clarification item t one is the for side and people are going to talk about which is the potential removal. >> The sinking housing Authority commissioners and it's caused by judicial so. So for people who are here about that if they don't make it into the top 10. The next item up is that item so they'll have a chance at that point and there's no time limit to that he either way you can't speak on a closet judicial item during open forum. You have to be okay but they will shortly once we get to the agenda. They'll be a chance for for those folks, however, many there are to speak to that item certainly ok I just want to make sure that right and we're the 2 to one on a road can be seen doing open. I think that has to work to want to go over the rules for open form and then will begin to. To address City Council and subjects other than public hearing because I did issue items listed on the agenda police say that the clerk prior to the meeting only the individuals wishing to speak base in the open sheet lease citizen, residents. Owners of the property. Business owners in the city where their employees the speak all issues discussed the open form with the limited issues related to the city us that piece for If you are seeking to item on the agenda. You May least the ones during the open form or when the eye comes up on the agenda in order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to just cancel each individual be given 3 minutes to speak and after which the microphone will be needed. Thank you first car please. And doctor Lynn say not. >> a good cop and 4044 Street South. The President Like with tears neighborhood Association founding board member of can use it is in neighborhoods. Unite. Like many here today I was elected by the members of my Association represent in city affairs. Therefore we are here today reminding the City Council that the city charter sets up a strong Council in near as the administrators of the city section 3 oh one vest all legislative powers, the City Council, 3 oh 5 gives override the veto power of the mayor with a 2 thirds vote of the entire Council. The world for outlines mayors duties and give councils the power to assign. According we're not opposed complete streets as a whole. Lake with tears excited about the bike connector between Grandview in Lakeview parks via 38th Avenue South a residential Street. This connector will give our neighborhood across la carte over an okay that's not allowed under existing Florida statute. We will have a safer way to cross came too late for glory Park. But we oppose that we lost our Routes. There are those that believe reducing lanes will slow down traffic to save lives. We the people see it differently. It is increasing frustration road rage in place more people in danger. I have been traveling in ok North. A lot lately I just the other week while driving bicyclists in the northbound Lane fall his upper body felons, the right vehicle travel knees if the car was traveling in that lead at the turn into bicyclists would have been killed. Regardless of the cars driving 20 or 30 miles per hour. He would have been hit in the head. We the President's of or social a respected neighborhoods are here representing her neighbors Eastern's incomplete streets. We believe complete streets can be done well for the long-term health of our city. But this requires participation. It put by the City Council in citizens, not just in the beginning of the design phase. But throughout the whole entire project together we can do complete streets, right. I have a handout. Thank you thank you. >> Afternoon I'm I'm when Resident of St. Petersburg in Mount Kay Lady member downtown neighborhood Association and member of can you citizens and neighbors and neighborhoods United. Some mlk businesses are exploring a class action regarding the city for competence a Tory damages for business loss general damages and punitive damages. And City Council for dereliction of duty and negligence. 18,000 drivers. Expand the class so this was out article in the in the Tampa Bay times $1216 was dollar amount last 2 congestion on on from each driver for one year. I was a couple days ago, I was in haslam's and I happen to have my call shirt on and the checkout Kirk Lady city she stole my son so my shirt she started raving she said I can't stand mlk that's terrible terrible terrible. So I said well tell me about it she said I live up there. She said normally it would take me 5 minutes to drive from the post office up there on 34th Avenue to my home, she said it takes now takes me 15 minutes to get there. So I said would you like to get our call information to be on the list she said, no you don't want be on your committee she said I'm a screamer. Be glad she's not here today, ladies and gentlemen. So call is for maintaining the throughput of traffic by avoiding Lane last call is for Boulevard sidewalks which would accommodate walkers and bicyclists safely call is for beautiful landscaping to beautify our city. So thank you very a vital healthy enhancing complete streets requires the participation of councils and citizens. Thank you q. Doctor and Carlson and hiding 7. >> In the past offices, not that. >> He knew. Or you can use that step to 90. >> Am I using which she just passed out doctor separate. >> 2 separate things, I'm going to go first then I just going to go. Hartman Turley gets to decide who goes for. >> And doctor Carlson President Of can you citizens a neighborhood United. This is on the mathematics of Lane loss. This congestion complaints are more and more frequent around our city now the mathematics of Lane loss is a huge increase in traffic in the remaining lanes what Elaine is removed. An mlk there's 18,000 vehicles a day according to 4 point Alice att 2017. Rounded for the math that's 4 and a half 1000 and each of the 4 lays you eliminate one of the lanes you put 4 and a half 1000 vehicles in the other Lane and now you have 9,000 vehicles in that Lane. So 2 lanes going into one like the avenue north of Tyrone 12,000 vehicles a day, you're eliminating 2 lanes for major James from schools and colleges on that segment of the road. You're putting 3,000 cars into a lane with already 3,000 cars which make 6,000 cars. The same in the late going the other direction. First Avenue South 15 vehicles a day. You're eliminating one lay that puts 2 and a half 1000 cars in each of the other lanes for 7 and a half 1000 cars, 50% more traffic in each Lane. 16th Street North eliminating 2 lanes for 12,000 vehicles, you're putting 3,000 cars into a lane with 3,000 cars already which is instant 6,000. And the same in the early going the other direction. You have a 100% traffic increase in each Lane. Only one lane in each direction. The slowest car determines or a to travel. If you have somebody going 20 miles an hour nobody can go faster than that you cannot go around to slow the stalled or a crashed vehicle. The stoplight you have pushed twice as many cars backed up. Rapid repeat flashing beacons they're not coordinated to the traffic light timing now they're instant on and they disrupt the flow and the timing of the traffic lights. Healthy complete streets require citizen Council participation. Lots of eyes, lots of tears, lots of voices together we can do this well. >> Good afternoon. My name is hiding Sumner and I have served as a member of the eu Chris Association Board of director for 24 years. And I also a member of can you. The groundbreaking for pre varian's American Home senior living last Fri. Is a beautiful result of West neighborhoods, United battle, 14 years ago against a major shopping center. We know things can be done right and all of our neighborhoods are thrilled with this result. Complete streets can be done right with input from citizens and Council. A handout on Boulevard sidewalks was just provided to you of examples in Saint Pete that the city has done right. Atlanta is another good example of Boulevard sidewalks. Boulevard bike path separated safely from the street by landscape trees for shade and beauty and the bike path separated from the pedestrian sidewalk by shrubbery the pain and a line on the sidewalk but also worked fine. We can have the same beauty and function in Saint Pete when citizens and Council participate page 2 of today's handout are photos of full of dark side Boulevard sidewalk space in Eagle Crest along 9th Avenue North. Why that we're catch wide right of way, mature trees and shrubs for shade and beauty tailor made for a Boulevard sidewalk for pedestrians and bikes. But our Transportation Department told eagle Crest we cannot have this only paint on the street eliminating lanes on 9th Avenue North. Complete Street seriously needs your help and the help of St. Petersburg citizens to get this right for the President In the future health vitality and ascetics of our city. Thank you for your time. Robson there and Dominic or c. Mr. Sumner good afternoon good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the council, thank you for the opportunity to. Address you today I'm Roberts under an active member of the eagle Crest for 25 years and a member of can you. But to point out in article. Road I equals death in paradise, California. A grand jury in 2009 told paradise they need to increase the evacuation routes in the city. However they embarked on complete streets of the road I narrowing for roads. The result, the camp Last year 187 people died. Well that's an extreme example, we're also in a hurricane. An evacuation area. Tampa Bay times article in January of this year. Entitled streets unsafe for pedestrians concludes with the rise in fatalities comes after Tampa Bay has made investment and complete. Street and biker deaths rarely the roads fault, we must consider the human error and factor in this. Quoting lieutenant a rally in Saint Pete police Department at a complete streets presentation this month regarding fatal crashes. 79% a moped and motorcyclists were not wearing helmets. 79% of pedestrians were not in work crosswalks and usually some kind of payment was involved wearing dark clothes after dark, and he said no way the driver could have to put prevented the crash. These folks who are in dark clothing, a dark hours and it went out into could. One 3rd of pedestrians and bicycles in crash or if you need related. And multiple studies, including the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. In a 3 year study in Florida concludes that most crashes are due to bicycle pedestrian actions, not the vehicles and now consider cell phones. Cities are ticketing people for staring at their cell phone while crossing the street. You don't have to look to to define videos of somebody looking at a cell phone tripping on a kerb and walking into an open manhole this happens a lot. The pedestrians have responsibilities as well. There are multiple times speaker, here who has reference a friend of hers who is died crossing the street also reference. Eddie Apr. 18th Council meeting. Thank you said we wanted it to be the driver's fault, but it was not it was his fault because he just didn't make it across the street he walked too slowly. We must include the reality we must be aware of additional human factors and behavior with Council us citizens participation. Complete streets can become a true asset to our community will enhance in the beauty and sense of place. Thank you very much. Tracy good to see you. And Dominic re se I'm President Of this and never Association. And want to share the complete streets can be done if it's done right. Let me give you a few facts. Orlando spent over billion in late morning projects. Still have problems with congestion Tampa widen veterans Expressway and white and I 75 through their downtown area. And champ is still a 17th. Most congested city in the country. In fact I watched their new mayor, a dedication on the news yesterday. They're going to put in a huge complex a few miles from the stadium and Dale Mabry and she's really concerned about the traffic congestion which is really a nightmare. Howard Franklin bridge is going to be expanded. To 12 lanes if you've ever driven across the bridge in. Time traffic areas, it's it's a nightmare. But Ellis County between 3920 20 plans 5 major widening projects from 4 to 6 lanes and 2 new roads which is right here in the forward Pinellas which is online. Our citywide our city website shows that we have about 250 here 1000 citizens. And our great city and it's growing. I just drove around downtown I'm amazed at the new construction projects everywhere. We have about 50 million visitors every year bringing about 9.2 $5 billion in economic benefits to our city. High density and Lang loss equals disaster to eliminate lines in St. Petersburg in my opinion borders on Sat.. I was a police officer worked traffic of work traffic homicides and clogging the streets an hour in the lanes it's not a safe way to go. Scott shave Lee executive vice President Of Lincoln properties who helped develop campus failed Harbor Island. So the reason Lincoln property left Tampa 10 years ago. What's the temple lot Tampa last interview and vision of the American car. Citizen and Council participation is essential to create a functional design for complete streets. Let's not lose our vision and the vision of cars in St. Petersburg thank you for this opportunity to speak to today. >> I'm Annie Le and Lance Olsen. >> The afternoon if you counsel at my name is Taylor Stanley I'm currently a member of engineering department and I'm here today to actually thank you and to say goodbye. I don't see up to 12 higher just before I graduate high school at Walter for pool and was able to build what I didn't know would become a career with the city through all that time I spent almost half my life representing the Saint Pete city, I mean it's pretty amazing. I look at that way. It's given me some really really great things gamey job security at a time when that was not given to anyone that gave me financial stability by home at 27 when my friends are moving back in with their parents. And most it unexpectedly and best of all i don't see him and hear given my husband, Kevin, the security officer. That he's he's been a bright spot. He's a good guy right. Let's hope he be next is facing these red is the shirts behind by down. Were on an adventure we're heading to Maine at the end of the month we are packing up so we're we're taking on a whole call 1, 8, ii retrieve the beach for farm I will look back on all my years here with nothing but smiles and nothing but appreciation for what you do because as a person who provides information for you to make decisions. I know how hard it is to be informed and I know how hard these decisions are in front of you when both decisions look right or you're never going to make one that makes everybody happy end. There's massive respect on on the part of your employees who provide that to you I hope you know because it really it's hard work and we get burden but we know this Council has genuine genuine ambition and fought for what comes out of this decision so it's been really great to work for a place like that. So I in half 2 minutes, he really has a farewell as sort of grandstand say thank you. We appreciate I look forward to coming back to visit friends and family see with the pier looks like a ahead. This is also missed a gate is my public pledge to never root for the Patriots or the Red Sox that. I will fly the rays flag proudly, that does not like that, but you know what on the wife's like it to make that call. So we we're going to have a great time, but again thank you all very much and we do really appreciate. What it takes to be up there so. The teen you have an engineering Mr. Raymond James McCann in Mister Takers Lee are good people. We work hard there they work hard for you, they're a good team and they will see you in the right direction. So thank you again. They must be. Because members thank you. 2 weeks ago. You proved the in town redevelopment plan historic rehabilitation and conservation Grant awards for fiscal 39. Thank you. Thank you, your support is terrific. It is right on mission with your vision for this great city and your approval will make a difference. My name is Lance Olsen I live a 25 30th Avenue North in his story can would and I worked downtown at the floor de Leon apartments. These grants use tiff money to encourage good stewardship in turn that good stewardship makes neighborhoods more desirable thereby increasing the tax base which in turn generates new tip revenue. So each grant you make increases the revenue to fund the next trance put another way your biased a good action. Results and even more good actually. Good stewardship of any building is pretty obvious keep the roof. Keep the water at keep it habitable good water, good air safe power and for him to sit its function. But when you're stewarding a historic building. You need to reflect original building materials and practices as well as keeping the inherent beauty that makes them landmarks, keeps them and every walking tour and in every tourist brochure that costs a bunch more. And that's why you're grant program matters fifty-fifty it's a match. You're Grant encourages owners do it right and keeps plenty of owners skin in the game. Hugh Grant also encourages owners to commit to seek. Owner initiated landmark status to participate in your incentives to seek transferable development rights to give your economic development office, the tools. It's so sorely needs for building a new downtown that we will love and recognize 20 years from now recognize it will still be Saint Pete. Your worries reflect your intended development biases toward Central Avenue towards locally owned small businesses retail startups and towards rescue of endangered landmarks. In the future you might consider encouraging as well comprehensive planning, long-term infrastructure, renewal and a live work walkable downtown. Good stewardship of the historic buildings will help us agree and what is a landmark and what they mean to our economy. Their grant program is a great step in that direction. I talked with staff volunteer my time to help ensure a positive future outcomes with your indulgence I will reach out to you individually to propose further ways to accomplish those goals. Thanks again for your time and your support of conserving our historic environment. >> Not so the Amaury and Kitty ricin. Is Mister Speaker, I'm sorry. The court is telling me that can't be done that's great. She's not once people call the next speaker. Jeff Williams. Which was your name call. European the names police. And keep it Kitty Kieran. When young Lee good afternoon. Afternoon to all of you thank you for wing us to be here and here in behalf of affordable housing. Part of a group named fast faith in action for strength together and of course we're distressed that we no longer have that property that the church so that to another church which is a good reason. However. So many people who need affordable housing, the work here in Saint Pete and they would like to be able to live here is well right now they many of them can not. So we're hoping that something will happen very soon to make that possible. Were given 30 seconds. Thank you. I'm Kitty Ross and I live at one 10 24th Avenue, South and beautiful sussing p. >> I'm here to speak about affordable housing. My son for the last 5 years has been homeless. He cannot find some place where he can afford to live. That's why he was so pleased that the city has committed $15 million a penny for Pinellas funds to go to affordable housing with the understanding that at least 1.5 million of that money would be spent each year. Families who make less than $55,000 per year are desperately struggling to afford housing in Saint Pete and we need to start spending that money to help these families that money was promised to the people saying peace so that the people that have lived here all their lives are not forced to move further and further from their families our into to our bus commutes and their careers we want to see that promise fulfilled. We are expecting to see at least million of the penny money allocated to affordable housing in the 2020 budget year. And 1.5 million allocated to the project for each future year. We understand that the land the city was thinking of buying in the bear Creek neighborhood is no longer available. But this should not be an obstacle to that using that 1.5 to having a project for this upcoming the first year. There are plenty of areas in the city were affordable housing can be built whereas zoning change would not be needed and you should and stir please instruct your step come back to you in the next few months with a variety of other possible projects. We would encourage you to put out of work are of peas now regarding spending than 1.5 million in 2020. Alyssa proposals from partners in the community like bully and Catholic charities. The city has a responsibility to its citizens and the council has a responsibility to its constituents to ensure that fair and affordable housing is a priority. One 0.5 million of the 2020 penny money. It's a small step on a miniscule step really tour the affordable housing crisis, but it's important that our elected officials follow through on this commitment to show the community that you are taking this crisis seriously. We cannot grow if the city we're pushing the working people that make up our backbone out to other areas because they cannot afford to stay here. Thank you. Thank you. Jeff lamb's or speakers. If Williams in jail in coal. >> The residents Saint Pete, here in September October time frame a to bear Creek right down the street from the church that was a being considered for affordable housing. Like a dodge the Why growth in a row for the first time to look for a before I even saw my house. I knew I was home. I'm just to the type of neighborhood is just it's just lovely of the area and to think that could have been just pulled out from underneath me from rezoning for whatever reason was a little disheartening so well, I understand the affordable housing issue in Saint It's real. I'm not up an opponent of it. But I am of you know what I would consider careless rezoning of someone just moved here. I can't imagine what some of that had lived in the neighborhood for 2 decades. Must have felt and um I just hope that going forward when you continue your mission on the for while the eu a little more thoughtful transparent sooner in in the whole process thing I think a lot of residents in the area felt was that um well transparency start to come together quickly initially it seemed you on that the minimum we consider if not to know getting some of the conspiracy nut to some father on being just that and I don't know that was the intent but just maybe some things to consider the next time you're going to a very well established neighborhoods, ground beef longer than I've been walking this Earth and just 2. You know make sure that that's the right way to spend the city's money on a on a well needed issue for sure so thanks for your time and happy to be us President. I think seeing. Good afternoon. My name is Gerald Inc holes and I am a lifelong resident and proud to be so. I have been very proud of St. Petersburg in its growth. This is the first time I've ever felt the need to come in talk to that my City Council Mister Curtis are you representing me or are you representing the city because my concern it's hot I am the city. But no one has come to us. The bear Creek, community and asked us about our properties this was. When I was in line to it it didn't come from the city it came from my neighbor saying have you heard. The city did not. Allow us to put any input into what would be good for our community at no point is there are 3 story building in our whole community. Yet there was no other offers of any other intentions. So it was to come in and completely change our neighborhood and that is our concern. I truly support affordable housing, I'm a nurse. According to the mayor, I guess I need affordable housing and you're going have to bulldoze down neighborhoods to provide the housing and I really feel based on what I read in a newspaper that you are trying to shame us for not wanting, I'm a 3 story building in our neighborhood. It would completely again change the neighborhood. The traffic. Our lives and the next time you decide to. Approaching neighborhood. Why don't you ask your can to your constituents rather than just going to make decisions for them. So this is why I felt. To come up here and talk to you I want to be the person that knows what's happening in my community. I don't Some you know the side sidelined by some other things that are going on here in City Council. So when you decide oh this would be a good property. Why don't you ask your neighborhood if they would like to by an I feel that that property would have been perfect for single family homes. Add to our our neighborhood. But to come in and say that's not enough. I just feel that um we were not taking into consideration. Thank you for my your time. Thank you and I'm sorry, I'm sorry if you perceive that anything that I said. Was intended to shame and nothing I said was intended to shame me. That's a misunderstanding and I apologize to the extent that my words were clear I I never shame anybody. I don't do that. That Mr. Clarke. And I would invite you to call me I we'll go to lunch, a buy. We'll talk. Please please take me up on it. All right we're going to go to item t one thank you for everybody that came and your thoughts and dreams and visions with us thank you very much. Go to item t one will let some people clear out real quick. >> One he was relieving if you could leave quickly and I would ask you a favor please don't congregate right outside the doors because we can hear it in here. >> I can't tell you taking place at the end of the meeting. If I was you I would check in around 8 o'clock you can you can haul and see where we're at 8 o'clock at night. We have public hearings starting at 6. And they're going to go at least a couple hours, so it won't be before a I can tell you that. Who's here from security. What time does this is can they call tonight can they call it they call City Hall at 8 o'clock will someone be able to tell them where we're at. So call. Yeah. It's going to we have to we have folks in overflow to a. So there's going to be folks coming in. Maybe we should take 5 minutes while we get if there's going to be people coming in from overflow. Because they don't want ins and outs while we're making presentations so let's take a five-minute breather while we get logistically set. Thank you city Council is back in session and we're going to take up agenda item t one which is the consideration of removal. Of certain safety housing Authority Just want to go over with everyone real quick just kind of a summary of how this is going to go. The clerk is going to do an introduction read the caption of the charges that have been inserted. Then there will be an initial presentation of by the party's first with city administration 10 minutes. Times the number of commissioners so the city administration will get 10 minutes before commissioner. Each commissioner, we'll get 10 minutes to make a presentation. There will then be a public hearing portion. Any person May speak for 3 minutes. Any person his speech you has to have filled out a yellow card with the clerk and before we get started. The clerk is going to swear you in you have to be sworn. Before you come up and speak to us because this is a cause a judicial proceeding. After the public hearing. City Council members are allowed to ask questions of any speaker. Not just city administration, not just each of the commissioners but if you come up and publicly speak. You are subject to being asked a question by a or some council members it will not go against your 3 minutes. You get 3 minutes to speak in answering question time does not count against you 3 minute. After that process is completed there's a time for cross examination. Where the city has 5 minutes per commissioner to perform any cross examination. Each commissioner in turn would get 5 minutes to cross examine who they May want to cross examine. After the cross examination, there's a rebuttal and the closing period where each party gets 5 minutes. Her commissioner. So the city administration would get 15 minutes in each commissioner in turn would get 5 me. After the closings there's a executive deliberations and that's time for the City Council to discuss the evidence to ask questions of legal and anybody else they want to ask questions about how to apply the facts to the law and what the process for the decision is and hopefully get to some point where we a move up move one outcome or another. So that's kind of a summary of what's going to happen. I would appreciate everybody being dignified I'm going to be somewhat of a gate keeper. There are some very specific. Issues facts and law that are set forth in the charges and in the documents supporting an underlying the charges. We are going to be. I'm going to say pretty strict about. Speaking to those issues those facts and the application of those facts to the law. In other words if you start to stray. And you start to talk about things that are not included in the issues law and facts that have to do with the charges asserted I'm going to stop you and ask to stay relevant and to stay within the 4 corners of the subjects that have been outlined in the charges. I'll give you an example. The future of Jordan Park. What's going to be done with Jordan Park. Has been done with Jordan Park in my reading of the charges. Is not included in the subject matter. That's one example of topics and subjects that really are outside of the scope of the charges. I'm not going to be real strict unless you know you start spending your whole speech on something that has nothing to do with the charges is just something that you think we ought to consider, but if it's not inside the charging documents. It can't be considered anyway. So I'm going to be a gate keeper I apologize in advance if I hurt your feelings. But I'm going to try and do my best to make sure that we stay relevant. We stay to the issues and we don't strike. Having said that. If you would introduce the presentation please. Mister Chair, this items regarding public hearing item. The one concerning the removal of the affinia in Davis. Here you know, Harvey and Sherman white as commissioners of the Housing authority of the city of St. Petersburg Florida. Various instances, instances of inefficiency neglect. Or misconduct put a statue 40 were 21.0 7. Those of you wishing to speak if you leased an r-rating including staff, he filled out a card to speak and you intend to speak please stand to be sworn. >> That completely reduction Mister Court. Mr. Cornell. >> I just wanted to clarify a point of clarification but to legal. I believe I understand through that I do and that the public understands as well what what they're just a as far as what people are are allowed to say what they're not allowed to. The cause a judicial proceeding with that to a court proceeding. So does like if you went to court on an issue. The judge would not allow you to go off topic. It would be about what the lawsuit is about. Is that correct. That's correct you and you agree with that I do. Ok and that's standard cause I do Sul procedure it is it really is the procedure for any of your agenda items. Really the people on that the public comment has to be on a particular item. But it's especially true in this situation. And if anybody wanted to come and address Council. On a broader scope. They could come at any from Foreman, sure and do that attacked I just want to make sure I'm clear thank you. >> We'll start with city Afternoon City Council Robert us neighbors affairs administrator. As the city clerk said this is a public hearing regarding the removal of Delphine Davis Harry Harvey and Ann Sherman white from the Office of commissioner of the St. Petersburg housing Authority. The St. Petersburg housing Authority is a vital institution to the city and its residents. We all know the importance of the housing authorities mission and provide work or some affordable housing. In our city. For the housing authority to be effective in this mission. It requires effective commissioners with diligent oversight of the operations of the authority. Unfortunately this presentation will show the 3 commissioners have not fulfilled their responsibilities. Therefore pursuant to state statute section 4 to 1.0 7. The mayor removes subject to City Council concurrence affinia Davis Harry Harvey and and Sherman white as commissioners of the Saint Pete housing Authority. You were various instances of inefficiency neglect of duty or misconduct. These are the list of violations which all go into more detail about later in the presentation. Count one failure to file an annual report. Lack of regular timely attendance at board meetings count 3 misuse of authority property. Failure to provide material facts and information count 5 failure to exercise due care in count 6 failure to abide by sunshine law Cormac wire months. Before we go into the specific charges I want to talk a little bit about the housing authority in the commissioner's generally. Florida statutes chapter 4.21 part one. >> I happened to be a. Personally sensitive to court reporters because I deal with them a lot and I myself what I'm when I'm reading things and I know it's important that you read this because there's a lot of detail. When you read things need to pace yourself because the court reporter Kate goes fast as you. So just remember there's a court reporter trying to take down what you're. >> Florida statutes chapter 4.21. Part one. Establishes for each city in Florida, a separate body for the purpose of addressing the shortage of affordable housing in that city. Each entity is known as the housing Authority as authorized to transact business and exercise its powers after the governing body of the city adopts a resolution declaring the need for the housing Authority. Chapter 4 21 authorizes the mayor of each city with approval from the governing body which is the City Council to a point reappoint and in certain circumstances, removed commissioners. On 11/9/1937. The City Council St. Petersburg authorized to St. Petersburg housing authority to transact business and exercise its powers. The St. Petersburg housing Authority is currently governed by 7 commissioners appointed by the city's mayor and approved by City Council. Chapter 4.21 a state statute which is also known as the housing Authority law authorizes the mayor to remove commissioners subject to the concurrence of City Council, the statute states for inefficiency or neglect of duty or misconduct in office. Commissioner of authority May be removed by the mayor with the concurrence of the governing body. But a commissioner shall be removed only after he or she should have been given a copy of the charges at least 10 days prior to the hearing. They're on. And had an opportunity to be heard in person or by Council. In the event of the removal of any commissioner, a record of the proceedings. Together with the charges and findings their own. She'll be filed in the office of the city court. And this is the timeline related to the 10 days notice that is required on Mon. Apr. 29th, 39. The mayor initiated removal process pursuant to state statute. The cover letter from the mayor provided notice of the May 16th public hearing at which commissioners May appear in person or by Council. Informed commissioners that was a judicial proceedings would be followed to extent possible. And offered opportunity to file written response advance of hearing or to resign. The cover letter was a company by 31 page charging document and the documentation Binder with more than 400 pages of relive related documents. The cover letter charging document and documentation Binder sent to each commissioners. St. Petersburg housing Authority email address with hard copy for each commissioner delivered by courier to the safety housing Authority main office. Copies of all these documents were provided to the Saint Pete housing Authority general counsel via e-mail and a hard copy was hand delivered to the law fuss. This is 17 days in advance of the hearing rather than the 10 days provided in-state statute. On Sun. May 5th 39 notice of the public hearing was published in the Tampa Bay times. On Mon. May 6.39. A memo sent to the commissioners facing removal via e-mail and Courier which was copied to the Housing Authority general counsel via e-mail that included a copy of the Tampa Bay times legal notice. Copy of procedures for the removal hearing which are adapted from city standard judicial procedures to address circumstances unique to the removal hearing. And of course the removal hearing which is occurring here today. Now many go through the specific charges. This is count one failure to file an annual report. This is related to commissioner Dale Finney and Davis commissioner Harry Harvey commissioner and Sherman white. Florida statute section 4 to 1.2 2. Requires that at least once a year and authorities show filed with the clerk, a report of its activities for the preceding year. She'll make recommendations with reference to such additional legislation or other actions as it deems necessary in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter. A review of the city clerk's records confirms that the safety housing Authority failed to submit an annual report for the years 1995 through 38. The commissioners identified for removal failed for multiple years to take the necessary actions to cause the safety housing authority to comply with the statutory requirement. The housing Authority failed to submit to annual reports during the tenure of Sherman white. The housing Authority failed to submit 10 annual reports during the tenure Fisher Davis any, the housing Authority failed to submit 23 annual reports during the tenure of commissioner, Harvey failure to file the annual report constitutes neglect of duty. Lack of regular and timely attendance at board meetings this is related to commissioner and Chairman Why. Commissioner Sherman White was absent from 40% of the regular board meetings held in 38. Mister Sherman White was late or absent from 60% of the regular board meetings held in 22. Commissioner Sherman White was late or absent from 61% of regular and special call meetings held in 38. Commissioner Sherman White was later absent from the first 3 meetings of 38. In the last 4 meetings of 38. Attendance at board meetings is a crucial component fulfilling the duties of the commissioner. Accordingly the bylaws provide the commissioners are expected to attend all board meetings. It has been determined the commissioner and Chairman Whites absences during 38 equal to 40% excessive absence threshold in the bylaws but did not exceed it. Because the bylaws authorize removal one absences exceed 40%. Paragraph one oh 7 in the charging document is withdrawn. Although the absences are not considered excessive absences as defined in the bylaws this level of tardiness and absenteeism constitutes an efficiency by any standard. And paragraph one oh 8 seeking removal on the bases and efficiency is retained. Misuse of authority property. It's relates to commissioner Tiffany and Davis commissioner, Harry Harvey. Commissioners Davis and Harvey permitted to the Saint Pete housing authority to reside at the housing Authority controlled Saratoga apartments for a period of approximately 9 months in violation of hud mandated income requirements. Commissioners Davis and Harvey made an efficient use. Of a safety housing Authority resource by preventing occupancy of the Saratoga apartment unit. But qualifying low income household. Commissioners Davis and Harvey neglected their duty to keep the housing Authority in compliance with the hood mandated affordability requirement of the Saratoga apartments. Commissioners Davis and Harvey committed misconduct by violating the Saint Pete housing ethics policy which states that a commissioner shall not permit the unauthorized use of authority owned property. Failure to provide material facts and information related to the c o valuation this relates to commissioner. Davis commissioner, Harvey. Commissioners Davis and Harvey had a fiduciary duty to disclose material facts and information related to a personnel committee meeting recommendation which came before the full board on Nov., 16 37. These material facts included. Survey results from senior staff which accuses Seo being verbally abusive. A delay of 5 months by the personnel committee and making a recommendation so the Seo could receive coaching. And admission by the c o that he had screamed that senior staff in order to multiple staff members to use safety housing Authority time for his personal benefit. Commissioner Davis is and commissioners Harvey's non-disclosure of material facts and information is a breach of fiduciary duty which constitutes inefficiency neglect of duty or misconduct. Failure to exercise due care related to Seo valuation. Commissioner and Chairman White. Commissioner Sherman white had a fiduciary duty of due care to consider all available material information before making a decision on the recommendation of the personnel committee concerning ceo compensation. However commissioner Sherman white voted to approve an increase in ceo compensation. Even after discussion made clear the material information existed. But had not been provided to the board. Commissioner Sharon Whyte's failure to exercise due care concerning a decision by the board constitutes inefficiency when a collective duty. Failure to abide by sunshine law reform requirements. This relates to commissioner and Chairman White commissioner, Harry Harvey. Commissioners Sherman white and Harvey participated in an emergency meeting, the safety housing authority that failed to comply with both the public notice requirements of Florida statutes section 2, 8, 6, 0, 1, 1, The sunshine law and the Quorum requirements of Florida statutes for 21. 0, 5, parentheses too. Participation by commissioners Sherman white and Harvey in this meeting constitutes neglect of duty or misconduct. Pursuant to Florida statute section for 21.0 7. And for the reasons set forth in this presentation. And in the charging documents admitted into the record. The mayor removes the affinia and Davis Harry l Harvey. And and Sherman white from the Office of commissioner of the Housing authority of the city of St. Petersburg Florida subject to the concurrence of City Council. And Council we would ask that when you enter into your deliberations please be reminded that each charge against the commissioner represents an independent ground for removal of the commission. And that concludes my presentation thank you. So next we'll hear from the commissioners on reprimand the commissioners are the commissioners here and they won't speak first. Commissioners here. >> Mister Chair just for the benefit of where I was going to ask you to it too to just confirm that each of the commissioners have been given an opportunity to speak that have not appeared at this hearing. >> We want to make a hallway call. That's what they would do with the courthouse. The Sherman white Miss Miss Davison and Mister Harvey. >> Mister Chair, it appears they're neither is any Council here to represent any of the commissioners as well. You know, let's just make sure if you are counsel representing one of the charge commissioners would you please stand or. Introduce yourself. We moved to public hearing. Ok. Oh yes, council member rights. >> Chairman Did they submit anything in writing in lieu of of there being here today. Mister Clark are you in receipt of any written document in response to the charges. On the commissioners and the commission will have never seen. I'm sorry I have not received anything from the commission. So the attorney are you in receipt of the written documents in response to the charges. We don't we don't have we have not received anything from the commissioners in response to the charges. Thank you. So seeing that the commissioners have chosen not to appear. Having made a whole call for them, having asked for counsel or other representation to recognize he recognized and hearing on and seeing none. We'll move on to the public here the only thing I would note council member Curtis's we did receive a letter from an attorney yesterday. For the can who said he was representing the commissioners. So there hasn't been a formal response to any of the charges from a commissioner that being said we did receive the letter that was provided to you requesting an extension of time. But it was not related to. It was not per se a response to any of the charges and that letters in the record. And the City attorney's response to that letter is in the record Sir. >> Now can we move to the public hearing. You call the first 2 cards police. Gray beat her out. And we re is >> The afternoon Grady 2067, 1st them North. The it's in the best of the of this administration to add to this public lynching. These have authority board members into Tech to character integrity. The origin is ludicrous. This type of hearing to remove have the board members has never been done before in my knowledge. Your legal team has just put together protocol for the first time. Hypocritical symbolism of this mayor and Council to be a moral position of judgment walk community is under financial and legal scrutiny for dumping wastewater the Paulo. Now my review of city charter. Article 4 section 4.0 5 administrative affairs. Council participation paragraph a prohibitions. Neither the council nor any of its members May do any of the follow. Whether publicly privately directly or indirectly. Individually or collectively. Paragraph 3 direct or request the removal of any member of the board or Commission who has confirmed. The confirmed by the City Council except through here in such as this. Director request, the removal of any member of abort or Commission who has been appointed by the mayor except for a hearing like this. To these prohibitions. Actually in several articles and facebook were council members have posted. Quotes and made statements asking for the removal. A board members for example, Nov. 27th, 2018 titled Saint Pete Council want some housing abort authority members removed. Council members such as Lisa Bowman quote it. Well Terry Harvey to lose his seat. Brandy Gabbert who felt that other board members should be removed and whoa this action sends a clear message Steve corneal quote the basic oversight is not happen. It is about the board advocating their authority to the executive director. These comments before this hearing. Before we had this hearing put many of these council members in violation of paragraph c. Any violation of the previous of the provisions of this section by a member of Council show be grounds for removal. Under section 3 0, 4, c. If you know you made these comments public comments. You need to abstain from this process. Bottom line is to leave this authority alone to build or remodel for this needed community. The afternoon good afternoon. Sir. My name is Maria scribes service the President Of the Petersburg Branton double acp. >> And I'm here on behalf of the n double acp to ask this Council to vote against. The mayor's recommendation to remove the housing Authority commissioners. I worry from un article pretty much on the same premise that Mister To Carol has stated that there had been a predetermined decision to remove these commissions before any facts have been gathered. In a 2/22/2019 article from the Tampa Bay times. The article leads off with mayor Rick kriseman said Fri.. He plans to remove 5 commissioners from the St. Petersburg housing Authority governing board for failing to properly oversee the agency. This has probably been one of the most egregious attempts of tyranny. That I've ever witnessed in my 30 plus years of public administration. While these individual serve asked volunteers to the Housing Authority. Their work is just fact in a volunteer capacity. The effort that this committee that this administration has put in to create a charging document that paints these are all of these African American leaders as criminals by use of language such as charge it's it's probably one of the most profound charging documents I've ever seen in my criminal justice experience and it paints them as incompetent. That is a responsible that there was a predetermined decision to remove these council members based on it in a new Windows based on misrepresentations of 5. And the mischaracterization of the work that these people have done in a volunteer capacity. It is up coming up on you and I thought it was very interesting that rather rabbi our wind frob led off with Leviticus 24th 1722. Because it's a parent upon each of you all to recognize whatever decision that you rent it today. You will be held accountable. This side of the other and that is public administrator's it is my hope that you uphold the oath that you took prior to serving this office that you would represent all people. In this community to take action that dismantle. The fate Pittsburgh housing Authority puts this project in jeopardy of being complete being completed it is that a wreck lall it is calm. Residents in South St. Petersburg hold the majority happened to happen to be African American. I asked the council to please reconsider that you have old and a responsibility to exercise due diligence for all of your citizens and that it is our hope that today you weren't sent a message to the mayor that we will no longer. >> Describes the Scruggs have you read on the skunks have you read the document are you familiar with the table itemize is commissioner Sherman whites attendants. Do you know this to be accurate or inaccurate. >> And while I am not all thing that the authorities governing body did not have administrative issue I've not seen a government if it doesn't ok, I'm asking you if you know if this table is accurate or not. I would not open. Josh levs liver. Thank you. Well, any other questions of his scrubs. Thank you doctor Bassett Jordan junior. >> This very hearing is why I and so many others keep repeating the refrain the charity is not the rightful business of government. Forcing people to pay for a program that is supposed to help the poor usually results in graft exploitation corruption. So I'm not surprised by this hearing at all. It will not matter how many times you replace the members of the board of the Housing Authority. Within this is institutional in nature. The source of funding itself is evil taxation is nothing more than legalized extortion. If anyone else threatened my life and property over money you would call them criminals, somehow it's different when they call themselves. The government. Furthermore what kind of limb or acquire says tenants to pay him one 3rd of their income Milan or doesn't do that Joshua. >> You're making an argument about taxation and things that are part of this and I'm going to ask you to stick to the topics and issues. The value your opinion but I'd like to hear your opinion on these issues. Mister Girders. I will reserve my rest of my comments were open for. >> Good afternoon I'm back to Boston to Jordan junior passed a found a hole about reason I'm here today. Representing hopeful about Reese and being the grandson a bill to Jordan. Situation as I see it as regards the guards to the commission is not just the 3 commissioners. The question now. But me being a former commissioner and knowing how I was removed. I am concerned about this whole process. I look at it as a complete smoke screen. The palace to be. Have total control not only of the Housing authority by replacing. The commission is all of the commission is with the exception of. The ultimate authority in Jordan Park and the housing Authority will be that of the city. My grandfather. Name is on Jordan Park. Tremendously deeply to see all of utilize the word. Mess. This is a mess. a praying man God wanted me to to pray for the situation that came in here this morning because I didn't know exactly what what to say. There's been so much miscommunication misinformation and so much dependence upon social media that the truth has not yet revealed itself. The partial truce. One of the things that has not been mentioned and that is that the goodies that had been done by these commissioners and including the c o one of the things that I'm concerned about is that the man is making all of these charges have been not spoken to any individual. Commissioner or the c o. As far as my spiritual, the problem this is concerned I'm a spiritual position is concerned I could never openly condemn anyone without having spoken with them in private, my Bible that ivory tells me that if I have a problem individual I need to go to them in private as I have done this some of Council persons and the Met and the c o. But that has not been done. I was removed and never even consulted I was appointed. Okay let me stick to this is. These commissioners who are trial. Because that's what it is. I hate to use the word but but the word racism. In terms of partial truths if you have some piece of true, but you think we don't know, yes me right now what those are. Out about Mister Love there's nothing about Mister Levin here. Well commissioner