City Council

City Council — May 8, 2025

>> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting and your elected officials our mayor Ken well. District one Council chair. Hopefully Curtis. District 2 Brendan Barber. Mike Harding district 4 Council vice chair, Liz said Hannah with district 5 never take Sanders. District 6 jihad in districts, 7 warri Givens junior. And district day Richie Floyd. >> MAY 8th 2025 City Council meeting if we can please do roll call color. Sanders, yeah, this school year Givens Floyd here are this year ever. Parting there. Here okay, we will today have our indication given by Bishop manual Sykes from Bethel community Baptist Church then please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance if everybody would please stand. Good afternoon, everyone. We are thankful to be hit once again. That you've allowed us to see another beautiful day in the city. With GOD for the opportunity to gather together to listen to give opinions to give fought all the things pertaining to all of the people of this city. We asked now that you bless each and every elected official to have a mind of service to listen to the voices of their constituency that together they will need together fabric that will make this community one and that every person in big small wealthy and poor welcome to get annoyed that their voices are heard they're hard to being felt. We pray that you bring the resources together that will allow us and that will allow our elected officials to capture in to cast a vision that will be one that will make everybody feel this at the Cheyenne of the sun. Bless us now as we come together let out the ration ys be thoughtful be just. And compassionate and where the we need answers. We pray that your divine wisdom will provide us with the right answer is at the right time that when this session is dismissed everyone present will know that your hand has been up on it. This is our prayer in Jesus name. Amen. I pledge allegiance. Thank you please be seated. >> MR. Sykes thank you so much for the invocation and thank you so much for everything you do in our community, it's greatly appreciated. Okay council members we have an agenda in front of us owner Tina motion for approval Seeing as we have a motion a council members wishing to speak clerk could you please open machine for voting council members please enter your votes. Seeing is all present council members a vote a clerk could you please telling announce the vote MR. CHAIRMAN to approve the agenda passes unanimously, the council will be given to being absent council members we have a consent agenda in front of us alert a motion for approval. Move approval. Second. We have a motion a second season other council members wishing to speak clerk could you please open machine for voting. Council members please enter your votes, seeing is all present council members have voted clerk please talent announce the vote to chair motion to approve the consent agenda passes unanimously. The council will be given us being absent. MR. Chen just a place on the record we had no car tank you my apologies, thank you clerk. Ok we now move in open form clerk could you please read the rules if you wish to address to the Council on subjects other than public hearing a quasi judicial item to the store on the agenda please sign up with the clerk. Only the individual shun to speak MISS On the open form seat on the city residents, owners of property. Business owners. In the city or their employees MAY speak all issues to 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 and you MAY only speak months during the open former when the time comes up on the agenda in order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to address the council. Each individual be given 3 minutes to speak and after which the microphone will be muted. If you wish to address to the council to the zoom meeting, humans use the raise hand feature been in the zoom app or enter starting on your phone at the time the agenda item is address when it's your turn to speak. You'd be an unit access state your name and address at the conclusion of your comments are when you reach a 3 minute time limit you've been unit, we'll raise hands will be lowered after each agenda item regardless of the method of participation use normal rules apply, including the 3 minute time limit on comments the requirement that in a presentation materials must be submitted in advance of the meeting and the rules of decorum it's like on the common is disrupted by the bout by violations of the rules of decorum the chairs authorized to accept public comment on to that means including by email only and MISTER Chair we do not have any speakers, >> well then we'll move on from open forward and the open form and move right into awards and presentations are going to start with d one senior Hall of Fame inductees and this is given by American of 2 Welch. I think we probably beat him to it. We're just that efficient mayor. I was expecting open forum. But actually the chair and I've had. Quality time with our seniors. Both at the Mahaffey and then earlier today Lucent is actually going to bring this forward. And to all of us a huge thank you for everything you do for our city and what you continue to do your blessing for us Senate. >> Thank you thank you, thank you. To Council. And all of those within my for us, joining me today, it's a newly appointment recreation supervisor, too MS. Morrissey Neal. Care aware. Rec center supervise the one. Aging it's not about how many years have passed. But how much light. You've been brace that spies Suffield the rent. I shared this quote it's we celebrate older Americans month. This month. And senior citizen month in AUGUST this year's theme is flip the script on aging. Which encourages share it and how society views and talks about ag highlighting the positive aspects of growing older in promoting engagement and various activities and opportunities. On Apr. 16. That is just what we did it. As we celebrated the 41th anniversary of the senior Hall of Fame. We honored for it. Senior nominees who have given over it. 900 and 75 years of volunteer service. Seniors represented various fields of education Fe, and civic engagement. They help all flip. The script of aging by giving new meaning to being At the ceremony we deducted 10 of these remarkable seniors into the senior Hall of Fame. It was a great event full of fun. Labor in loft we thank the mayor. I noticed ration. Department parks and rec and community for the support you all fight. So that we can do these things for the seniors of this community. Earlier today. Its mayor Welsh mention. These 10 seniors that are here today with us we're honored with keys to the city, I'm gonna ask that everybody hose or applause and side read out all of the 10 nominee names. And if you can stay in state. Otherwise. And hold it up so everybody I know who you are. So Allen. That to Davis Barris. While its top Brett. And to net in stone. Pollitt Jones. Kathy Michaels. David Middleton Joe and rainy. And Jeffrey Thomas, 2 of the individuals could not be here with us at this service but did join us earlier today. This is your group of inductees for 2025 to this senior Hall of Fame. Will you join me. We have yeah some of the good. Jess do be able to share with you how thankful. We are that you are always willing not that you want. Okay all right, but you are not going to want. >> Always willing to help us with the senior whole thing and be there is a supporter for the seniors supper. Absolutely I really appreciate you very much so we just wanted to give you small talk. We have to change alone are going to take a photo of a massive cheer to come out. And take this And I'll accept this on behalf of our entire city team we all support our seniors in the long range vision so thank you so much, thank you. It certainly. Maria tell us what to do. We've got a a. Ok up next we have the 2 ems oh I'm sorry I didn't sorry. Deborah Fink vendors councilmember Denver fix Sanders Farhi. >> The Toledo blade only. >> Don't go anywhere yet they have volunteer work to do Well since this we see that our seniors have somewhere to go. Well first of all let me let me say I am super jealous. Because when they call your name is you've got up quickly take me a minute to think about getting up from the chair, so that's my first point I need to make you all are are staying young staying active. Well please know you are all ways. Going to be appreciated you know it you're one of my favorite populations because GOD has given us you to us with the wisdom that you bring and with that we would not be able to find it anywhere else. And we're so thankful for the fact that. >> You are. Arsene use and you've been honored with that and say it. It was missed to center. Thank you for always putting on that class and for our seniors, we appreciate you and your staff for doing that, but you know I I when it comes down to and don't don't that to busing elders but for me and my house or elders is distinguished title. It's something that lets me know that you out rain any other in regards to care concern any attention that we should play in your and ration Henry speight and for that thank you so much for being who you are and I do congratulate you again. >> Thank you chair and thank you all for being with us this afternoon, you know listen to knows all too well that the event the senior Hall of Fame event is one of my absolute favorites every year. I leave there with my face hurting from smiling the entire time. But really what I leave there with is such an inspiration to know that the rest of my life. I have all of you to look up to you combined with all the work that you all have done for our city make us look like light weights like I feel so inspired by what you bring to the city. I went home that evening and I shared with my 14 year-old son that we just celebrated 900 plus years of volunteering in our city and his little mind was just wasn't right. I don't even know what that looks like it looks like all of you and so thank you for everything that you do for making Saint Pete truly the special place that it is and I keep on inspiring. Thank you. >> I just had an amazing time. The senior Hall of Fame and one of the councilmember I'm glad you brought it up because the view you have from the stage right. You're you're smiling, you're listening to the stories you get to interact and say hello And get 2 minutes of picture hearing a little bit of the background and then you see everybody sitting and you smile even more because you hear the family's you hear the frenzy here the organization's just celebrating these amazing people and for me it was just it was it was a lot of fun and I got to see my colleagues with massive grins on their face too. And so it's it's it was just an absolute blessing and I'll just repeat just a little bit of what I said that evening. I can I wanted to come back to this town because of people like you. We are doing a good enough job to where my kids. Want to come back to this town like I wanted to come back. Because they get to experience it now like I did as a kid and hopefully we are carrying that mantle even though you're still carrying which is absolutely incredible. Hopefully we continue to do that work behind you so they feel the same way I do about this amazing amazing place. So once again thank you from the bottom of my heart. And congratulations. >> Okay we're going to move into d 2 ems week proclamation given by councilmember fig Sanders. It's like me at the recess Bell. >> They're busy day. I listen i get it I get it. So as the ex and I want to thank mayor was for allowing me to present this particular proclamation and I'm going to ask chief if you would join me as I read this please I want to give a brief history of where we are with this week. In 1974 PRESIDENT Gerald Ford authorized ems week to celebrate ems professionals and the important work they do in our nation's communities. National emergency medical services week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day. Today every morning they wake up they're there for us. Services of medicines frontline. Ems week is presented by the American College of emergency physicians in partnership with the National associations of emergency medical technicians. Together these organizations are working to ensure that the important contributions of ems professionals in safeguarding the. Safety and well-being of our community is fully celebrated and recognize. And I can't claim that y'all I get there from the ems we that award. But it was it was worth sharing as to why we are here to celebrate these phenomenal people and as I have standing with me I'm going to read this proclamation. Where as emergency medical services is a vital public service. And whereas the members of the St. Petersburg fire rescue are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day 7 days a week. And whereas access to quality emergency care dramatically improves their survival and recovery rate of those who experience said an illness or injury. And whereas emergency medical services has grown to fill a gap by providing important out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care and access. 2 Tele medicine. And whereas the emergency medical services system consists of first responders emergency medical technicians paramedics emergency medical dispatchers firefighters police officers, educators administrators pre hospital nurses. Emergency nurses, emergency physicians and others and whereas the members of the emergency medical services team engage in thousands of hours. A specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifes get life-saving skills and whereas it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating emergency medical services week. Now therefore I councilmember Debora fix Sanders on be have of can of tea Welsh mayor St. Petersburg Florida. In recognition of this event do hereby proclaim the week of MAY 18 to 26,025. As emergency medical services week in St. Petersburg and encourage the community to observe this week with the proper programs. Ceremonies in activities and with that I'm going to ask all of our e u s heroes if you of police pay and as we asked the chief becoming you a free with a few words. >> I'm here on behalf of chief Watts and I am the rescue chief my name is Lindsey do die service St. Petersburg fire rescue. As the rescue chief I have the opportunity to be able to share a few words related to ems week. Dear mayor Council chair, vice chair council members and the city of St. Petersburg community. We respectfully request the ems week proclamation be included by the City Council each year to recognize the significant contributions made by our fire rescue personnel every single day MAY 18 through 24th is the 51th anniversary of national ems week the theme is we care for everyone. The city of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg fire rescue began providing ems service over 50 years ago it was 1974. Ems week and this proclamation are to highlight our gratitude toward emt's and paramedics who provide lifesaving care throughout our community day and night through sunshine and hurricanes on holidays and anniversaries in many environments such as businesses homes roadways and waterways ems week offers time to educate the public about ems and essential services provided to our residents and visitors as well as reducing preventable injuries. St. Petersburg fire rescue offers cpr classes and connects with the community to provide safety themed children's books fall prevention materials and smoke alarms just to list a few. Spf are was dispatched over 57,000 ems incidents throughout 2024 some ems incidents require multiple fire rescue apparatus to respond and provide quality patient care to residents and visitors in our community. Our total apparatus response to ems incidents throughout 2024 was over 78,000 currently we have over 370 sworn personnel serving our community as paramedics and emt's and we are grateful for their dedicated service and providing exceptional emergency services and just to add one more we retire you right here. >> This summer the ok we good. No you know, I'll take a picture. So again I don't think we've given our viewer MISS Euros the proper acknowledgment we want to thank you. If you can come up for the photo because MISS Our first photo, so they wanted to make sure you include it so can you all can take a photo please chair. >> Well no I'm not going to lie. I haven't washed my desk. And that's from water wise and this is these are the ones. >> Thank you chair. I just want to take a quick moment to say. >> Thank you to all our emt's paramedics and first responders I've been there when we have celebrated some of the lives that you have saved and the difference between life and death is seconds and people do not realize how it feels and I've been an accident and you see that first responder get there. And how it makes you feel when you feel safe. And that's what you are you you make us feel safe in our community and you save lives every day and there was a there is a kid who had a motorcycle accident. And it was district 4 and that was station for that responded. And the doctor showed up the nurses showed up. All the paramedics emt's were there and the doctor said it was the work of you all that save his life. And it was just moments that would have changed from having and he was a child he was he was early 20's. And the it was it was one up 100. Hi case we are the couldn't believe that he survived and it was because of the fast response and that's why whatever you need whatever equipment you need whatever you need from City Council and you know because you've heard it from all of us you heard it the other day at we're talking budget you'll hear it now. We got you and we have your back thank you. Well chief I'm not sure I can say it a whole lot. >> Better than vice chair Hannah Woods just did but. You And unfortunately I've taken a a few ambulance rides and in my life and just this past weekend gerda stick an ambulance ride. And a rescue 6 showed up and I only live about 20 blocks away from where they were. They got there and had that dirt us out of there before I could even get there. The work that this team does. It's miracles every day. Period end of story. Its heroes every day. And the and unsung heroes and so mayor thank you for bringing this proclamation forward chief Gina I don't think you're going to have to have any worry about this proclamation being here on annual basis. There might be a riot on our side of the building if there isn't and just very happy to celebrate all of you and thank you for everything you do. Second by second minute by minute hour by hour day by day all day every day. Thank you for doing it, it's very much appreciate and thank you for being here to celebrate with us. Thanks chief. Thank you chief. >> And next up we have the 3 drowning awareness month and our own share. Curtis is going to be presenting. Thank you vice chair. Colleagues of I could have Rick raft any Chi Brandi Dorsett enjoying it looks like we've got a couple already and then Those we just celebrated our ems staff also also play a big role in this. >> I certainly didn't mean to get serious in the ems conversation and then go straight into this. But I'm sure you've heard from me before This proclamation is near and dear to my heart. Just to give you a little bit of background for those that don't know in my lifetime, I have swam thousands of miles in a pool. Probably hundreds of miles in open water. I was a certified lifeguard I was a certified lifeguard trainer I was surprised lifeguard supervisor. I have I knew how to swim before I knew how to walk. 5 years ago. When my wife was going through a medical condition the night before her treatment I would go to my best friend's House. And during those nights it was a night to give my wife sometimes some peace and quiet with a 18 month-old and a 2 year-old. It was a time for me to download for with with with my best friend and that's what I was doing I was downloading our kids were playing together. And I thought we were in a very secure House. Because my 2 year-old couldn't open the sliding door. My 18 month, definitely couldn't. But my best friends 2 year-old could he knew how. And my son walked out the door and jumped into the pool. And I had no idea it happened. So the young adult with thousands and thousands of miles of swimming training have done cpr have made saves in pools has made saves in open water have made a save in a river. Had no idea his 18 month was in a pool who couldn't swim. Thank GOD. My daughter is a better babysitter that I am. And she came running in and said Daddy Daddy Cade water Daddy Daddy Cade water, let me tell you I've never been more joyous that my 2 year-old daughter could speak. And so I went running out seen my son sure a goal in a pool. Thank GOD. He wasn't at the bottom of it because that certainly could have been the end of the story. I say all of that to go it can happen to anybody it can happen anywhere to anybody. What our parks and Recreation team does and trust me, I'm a byproduct of that. The swim lessons, the time they spend the advocacy they do along with our fire and ems departments we were just that water safety weekend last weekend. Walter Fuller which I think you know I have a love hate relationship with that place because that's where most of those 1000 miles have been done. And so. >> Although this this is. I hope it's one of those things we never have to do. It's what I'd love to throw in the trash. And so I just thank you for all of your work for all of your advocacy. And for anybody that's listening. It's seconds it's not minutes. It's seconds it's not minutes. So it's it's my honor. It's my honor to bring this proclamation to celebrate drowning awareness month. And so the proclamation reads. >> Whereas in Pinellas County, 70% of all summer jin's occurred at beaches or residential or community pools and 68% of all submerge ins were children under 5. And whereas according to the Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of children and families and 2024. Pinellas County had 31 non-fatal submersion ys and one death. And whereas with public education. Constant adult supervision. Around all types of water. Formal swimming lessons installation of safety barriers and learning cpr Pinellas County is reducing. That's the highlight here Pinellas County is reducing drowning statistics and whereas through this awareness, the city of Saint Peter's work will continue to educate the public and and eliminate the devastating effects of drowning. Now therefore I covid or to serve the City Council on behalf of Mayor Kenneth t Welch for the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim a 2025. As drowning awareness month in St. Petersburg and I urge all citizens to join me and actively protecting our children. By promote promoting learn to swim programs and parental caregiver awareness. Thank you. >> I'm standing here and I'm almost in tears because I did not I did not know your story. Yes, every year. Florida tragically leads the nation in drowning deaths for children under the age of fat. Drowning is the number one cause of injury death related to put toddlers in the state and it often happens. Likely said in homes in people's backyards, when no one expects so data can happen and less then 30 seconds and it's almost silent. So to help protect our children and families. The Saint Pete parks and Recreation aquatics division in Saint Pete fire rescue have partnered to bring water safety education, directly to our community. So thank you to chief Watts and his team for all