City Council

>> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting and your elected officials our mayor Ken Welch district one hopefully burdis. >> District 2 Council chair Randy Gabbert district 3 and not marry. Was picked for 5 and Council vice chair Debra big Sanders. Gina Driscoll. John Muhammad. Richie Floyd. >> Good afternoon everyone we will call to order the Sept. 7th 2023 city City Council meeting beginning with the roll call. And it's Sanders in this cool air. A comment there Lord here. We will begin our meeting with an invocation and today that is going to be given by Council vice chair fix Sanders and following that up please remain standing for a moment of silence to honor fallen officers, followed by the pledge of allegiance please join me in standing. Good afternoon. Please bow your heads in join me in reference to that source with Ricci's jeriann peace guidance in light. As I humbly share words borrowed bird every side in honor of all here today. Both in presence and spirit. North of the light. I pray that unity respect and humility prevail today and throughout our communities. Please guide us and help us all to be instrument of your peace, your compassion in your great that although many times we do not deserve it yet your forgiveness of our scenes continue to shower. Upon us please help us in the city to come together to resolve the issues that affect us all help us cooperate well in overcoming societal issues project is and injustices that impacts so many MAY we each bring our experiences. Expertise we're moving our personal says in the equation to embrace in-display the world of justice unity and acknowledgement of all more and I thank you for the diverse personalities abilities passions and unique ways of seeing the world that is around. I pray today for unity in our city. In our state. And our nation. For you alone are the Prince of peace you alone are the one whose name is love. North please cover our city. I counsel with your peas teach us to love show us the ways of forgiveness but loving our neighbor to love those Minnie consider less than are the least of these that us Open our eyes to those who are rejected powerless and oppressed. We give thanks for your great promises for us when we showed the burdens of others with them. All is well according to as am 48. Let us be the voice for the voiceless he's in the time of confusion. Jury where sad news in you is our night during the Times of darkness. I say thank you for the wonders of your words and I'm grateful for the coverings of your protection. Father we know that your ways are higher than our ways in your higher than our thoughts. We need your wisdom to guide us as we seek to unite and serve our city granderson knowledge of your room and the grace to follow it. All of these we pray in Jesus name. A man Please join me in a moment of silence as we honor fallen constable Edward a George end of watch Sept. 16 19 oh 8 and fallen police officer Charles Lee Eustis end of watch Sept. 24th, 1967. I pledge allegiance to the flag of United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under GOD indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you vice chair for that beautiful invocation I appreciate you doing that for us today. Council members we have an agenda before us owner 10 motion for approval. Frugal again hey we have a motion and a second to approve the agenda and seeing no request to speak clerk please open the machine for voting. Council members and your votes seeing a present council members have voted clerk please telling announce the vote. What you to approve the agenda passes unanimously we can council member Hannah was absent. And we next have consent agenda before us clerk do we have any public comment on the consent agenda. Okay with that I'll entertain a motion for approval of the consent agenda. I can and we have a motion in second to approve the consent agenda. And seeing no requests to speak clerk please open the machine for voting. Council members please enter your votes saying a present council members voted clerk please tally announce the vote. We'll show you the consent agenda passes unanimously with council member Hannah was being absent. Okay and next we're going to move on to our awards and proclamations and take up item d one. We're joined today by Mayor Kenneth t Welch who will be doing off for a belief or maybe 3 of the 4 proclamations so we'll start with item d one which is our senior center month proclamation. Good afternoon, MADAM Actually partnering with council member Garrett is on one yes. There is a it's good to see everybody back on the other side of the storm to counsel to our safety team and our members of of of the public. Thank you all for being with us today. We have a number of proclamations for the first proclamation in recognition of senior center month. I'm pleased to share this with you today, I'm asking Mike Jeffries and Rick craft to join me. So Martin good to see you again. And the proclamation reads as follows. Whereas senior centers are considered an integral piece of the aging network. And in 1972, the older Americans act was amended to support senior Center's and whereas the Petersburg Florida sunshine senior center. The first nationally accredited senior senator in the state of Florida has acted as a catalyst for mobilizing the creativity energy vitality and commitment of seniors. And whereas the sunshine senior Senate Sen. Okay. Haha. Whereas the sunshine senior center in the city of Petersburg okay. He actually wrote Affirms the dignity and self-worth and independents of older seniors by facilitating their decisions and actions, tapping their experiences skills and knowledge and enabling their continued contributions to our community. Now therefore I can and that he was mayor of the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim Sept. 23. 2023 as senior center month and call upon all citizens to recognize the contributions of the sunshine senior center and the efforts of the staff participants and volunteers, the daily enhance the will bit being of older seniors in our community. Thank you. And thank you Council. I just want really thanks Allie Martin and her team Kerry pennies here as well for the work they do with the seniors in our Without them. You know, we wouldn't be near where we are today and the hard work they put in every day they just completed their 4th re accredidation so we're very proud of that I think we mentioned that last time we were here so thank you to your team and also we have j Morgan here with us is a retired manager for the sunshine senior center. And he is a big support to us as well thank you for all you do for us thank you mayor for the proclamation. >> Let's say thank you very much for your support of the senior center we know that we mean a whole lot to our seniors in the community and we appreciate that thank you. Thank you Sally, you mean a whole lot to us as well. All right we will move on to d 2 which is our 9.11 day of remembrance proclamation. Thank you MADAM Chair and recognition of 9.11 day of remembrance, I'm pleased to be here today. We're flicked on that fateful day. Hard to imagine that was 22 years ago. We all remember where we were on that day. I'd like to ask chief large and chief Holloway from Saint Pete police in Saint Pete fire rescue to join me. As we honor those who act without hesitation our first responders the proclamation reads as follows whereas Congress has designated Sept. 11th. As Patriot day and national day of remembrance in honor of the innocent victims who lost their lives. On 9/11/2001. And whereas this year marks the 22th year we remember and honor those have been touched by the tragedy of 9.11. And whereas Patriot day and national day of remembrance recognizes our first responders emergency workers service members law enforcement officers and firefighters who answered the call to action with bravery and courage courage. Bravery and courage shown that fateful day inspires us to care for our first responders remember the patriotism shown by our service members. And celebrate our collective strength. Now therefore I to welcome mayor of the city of St. Petersburg here by the clear. The 11th day of Sept. 20 23. As Patriot day and day of remembrance and urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the significance of this occasion and the city of St. Petersburg and beyond thank you. So your team members free service. For the first time both to 7 nothing to see. >> Well then we'll let councilmember mountain Thank you thank you for proclamation mayor. For for me is a very personal day also as many people I flew for American Airlines for 32 years we lost too 2 that day about members of the American Airlines family. The country lost 3,000 people 2600 at the World Trade Center. 125 at the Pentagon in 265 people. On the airplanes and the terror that was seen that day on America's Was something that we've never seen before. But on the flip side of the terror and make merry new proclamation you talked about the hero that we saw on that day. And I'm glad the chief large and chief Holloway are here because the other image that I have it's the heroes. The in the form of firefighters that rushed into burning buildings to save people that they didn't know and that means a lot to me. I also want us to always remember. It always honor and always support the people that were affected. By 9.11. We can just never forget that day. I've mentioned this before and I'll say it again this American flag lapel pin was given to me a couple days after 9.11 by a friend of mine and I wear it every day when I when I wear a suit to remember not all of them. So thank you mayor for this proclamation. And let's never forget 9.11. Thank you thank you COUNCILMAN. >> Item d 3 ovarian cancer awareness month. Thank you MADAM Chair, the next 2 proclamations deal with important health issues for the first I'd like to invite missus Kerry kriseman a mastery Dave Moran and polling border to join me at the podium. As we partnered to educate and enlighten the can the community on the impact of ovarian cancer. As a girl dad and son brother husband, I'm deeply concerned about this as many are many families have been touched by cancer and we're concerned about the devastating outcomes of such a deadly disease. Our hope is that today's presentation will help spread the message to our community about the importance of health care and screenings. The proclamation reads whereas ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths in women. The United States and causes more deaths than any other got to college. Gynecologic cancer. And whereas the American Cancer Society estimates 19,710 cases well very in cancer will be newly diagnosed in 2023. And 13,270 individuals would die from the disease nationwide, including 1630 new cases and 1060 deaths in Florida. And whereas well the mammogram can detect breast cancer in the Pap smear can detect cervical cancer. There is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer. And whereas too many people remain unaware that the symptoms of ovarian cancer often include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain difficulty eating well feeling full quickly, you're never 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 his fake symptoms. I mean the approximately 80% of cases of ovarian cancer detected at an advanced stage. Whereas black women with ovarian cancer are more likely to have late stage diagnoses receive lower quality clinical services and we have little or 5 year survival rates than on black women and whereas ongoing investments and ovarian cancer research and education and awareness efforts. We are critical to closing these gaps and improving survivorship with women for women with ovarian cancer. And whereas each year during the month of SEPTEMBER ovarian cancer research alliance and community partner organizations host several events to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. Now therefore I come to wiltz mayor of St. Petersburg Florida do hereby proclaim Sept. 2023 as ovarian cancer awareness month. And urge every resident to take time this month to learn more about the disease. And thank you all for your work and with you would like me to comment. >> I thank you for recognizing This ovarian cancer month. As you know it's very near and dear to my heart. My mother stoma passed away and cancer it's almost 20 years now, but we have that Foundation some a master of Aaron counts cancer Foundation. And we kept it going because he felt he started it because she was so fortunate at have family and friends that were so willing to help her and be with her during her treatments and he was able to stay at her home and he just wanted to help as the less fortunate women and to this day and I q. Appreciate it all the support that we have from the city. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you mayor Welsh and thank you for recognizing September is ovarian cancer awareness month. 4 years ago the month of SEPTEMBER. I had it and I didn't know it. 4 years ago today it was inside of me and unfortunately, or rather fortunately I wound up in a hospital in the er and that's where I learned that I had stage 2 ovarian cancer, which I hate to say I was thrilled about because it was treatable and as a survivor I feel like I have a duty to advocate if I can for those who can't so that's why I'm here and that's why I talk about it as much as I can and I urge all of you to share information about it be aware be your own advocate be advocates for the ones that you love and thank you all for your support. Councilmember Curtis, thank you MADAM Chair. America thank you for bringing this forward to all that advocates misses kriseman the master Foundation. I just know the impact. This organization has on our community and and farther beyond I have seen it I have a I have felt it and I just wanted to say a big heartfelt. Thank you for continuing that torch I know sometimes. It can be a burden but I also know that it is a blessing and a privilege to do so as well and so I just wanted to say thank you for me. I'm just I think our community is blessed to have advocates like you that I think get arsene far and wide. For this for this terrible disease. So thank you very much for everything you do. Thank you MADAM Chair. Thank I just want to say as well thank you for bringing this proclamation forward and thank you all for the advocacy that you do Kerry. So glad to you know see you through your recovery and you know you you are first lady during that time and your bravery and what you showed the strength that you really is just such a model for people who are going through something so similar. Thank you for being here today and continuing to be an advocate and thank you all for what you I've shared sometimes publicly sometimes not so much I've had my own in the past sit here 20 plus years later because of early detection so on I stand with you and advocating all of the resources that we can provide women to make sure that they can come through on the other side and with a long full life after detection so. Thank you all for what you do. >> And now a mayor Welch will be joined by council member go to sport item d-four which is our childhood cancer awareness month proclamation. Thank you MADAM Chair just want to note the councilmember gerds has done yeoman's work in our community supporting families and individuals dealing with cancer and we're honored to have him present this proclamation. Thank you mayor. >> Mayor chair colleagues. I am very blessed and honored to be able to present this proclamation mayor, thank you thank you for that honor. 9 years ago my wife and I started a charity called love mckinley to help battle pediatric cancer are 2 year-old niece was diagnosed with a l l. >> And. It was. A blow to our family and so we did what we could and we started love mckinley and since then we've raised over a million dollars towards pediatric cancer research and direct funding to families dealing with pediatric cancer. My big hairy audacious goals I was telling. The members from blaze of hope is to shut that shut that charity down one day because we found a cure. I only say that because it is like organizations like blaze of hope that I look to because they have become far and away a leader about getting awareness out to other communities about pediatric they will they will talk about some of the things that they have done, but I'm very very thankful for them. And so we have some representatives here from blaze of hope including blazes mom Lisa Moore and then also with us is doctor Cassandra from the cbd I from Johns Hopkins all children's and so I read this proclamation and It's my honor and privilege to do so. Whereas the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society report cancer as the leading cause of death by disease among us children between newborn and the age of 18. This tragic disease is newly diagnosed in over 9,910 of our country's young people under the age of 14. Each and every year. Over 40,000 children undergo treatment each year. 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 and our 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 will suffer from long-term effects of comprehensive medical treatment, including secondary cancers. Rays of hope was founded to magnify the message of hope to families of children battling life-threatening illnesses by for providing financial assistance, raising awareness and building community. Blaze of hope recognizes that pediatric cancer affects families of all races, color ethnicity and socioeconomic status. And whereas during the month of SEPTEMBER. We remember the lives taken too soon too soon stand with the families facing childhood cancer today. And rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness. And whereas rays of hope has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation to have the Bob Graham sunshine Skyway bridge illuminated gold. During the month of SEPTEMBER to honor and pay tribute to the families friends, professionals and communities who lend their strength to children fighting peach pediatric cancer. Now therefore I councilmember Copa leader us on behalf of Kenneth the Welsh mayor of St. Petersburg Florida. Do hereby proclaim Sept. 20 23 as childhood cancer awareness month and encourage all citizens to join in reaffirming the commitment to fighting childhood cancer. MADAM Chair I invite anybody from blaze a blaze of hope doctor Cassandra just to share a few wins. MISTER Mayor Council. Colby thank you very much. We're we're honored and flattered to be here and to be a part of this. Well a bit starstruck so forgive us and these wings are really start to go last couple years. Blaze of hope as a company said we provide financial assistance to families who have children the hospital with life-threatening illnesses. We provided the $500 gift to pay their bill of choice. We don't generally help with at all with medical bills because we believe there's enough programs out there that can assist with that we're here for the everyday bills. We pay the car payment we help pay the electric bill the water below the rate the insurance you name it and we paid directly to whomever. They owe the money too. That being said last year we hope 52 families and this year we're trying to double that were on a pretty good pace so far. We also have had about 75 other proclamations of skews me of my name is Marilyn I was the vice PRESIDENT Of paper Barnes and our founder and believes his mom Lisa Moore. Vice PRESIDENT Going above and beyond and she is applied to hundreds of places to get let go then I'm happy to say we've had 75 confirmation so far of courthouses bridges Ferris wheels city walks and some even as far as Canada and Australia, we have 4 or 5 provinces in Australia that have confirmed. So it's because of our volunteers, our board members that were able to grow these wings so far so I want to thank you all very much for being here again please check out these little dot org and there's a lot of cool stuff going on this Sat., the 9th walking the John Ringling Causeway for our second annual. Childhood cancer awareness walk into a lake that gold as well so encourage anybody to come out. And check that out a free event and then on the 30th of this month were put in a free fall Festival family friendly with food trucks bounce houses and stuff in Sarasota as well as on the on the Web Please come check it out and thank you again, everybody very much for your time like to offer a vice PRESIDENT For baseball too. Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Thank you very much for making this proclamation mayor and Council. My name's Cassandra Josephson and I am the medical director of the cancer and blood disorder Institute which is at Johns Hopkins all Children's Hospital and just a little background about me, I'm a product of the University of South Florida's medical school. I rotated through Saint Pete and that is part of why 3 doctor barbeau says practice who took care of ways. I'm During my 3rd year of medical school in 4th year and that's why I decided to go into he Mark. So I just want to lay the foundation of I'm a native Floridian this means a great deal to me that this is happening in Saint Pete. But what I do want to say and I'm going to quote some statistics again, but we must stop out childhood cancer. We know in the us. One out of 260 kids and adolescents under the age of 20 will be diagnosed with cancer this year. We have made advances and propelled their propelled by cancer research in clinical studies in children, we've driven down cancer death rates by 70% in children. These are ages birth to 54 years and by 64% in adolescence which are 15 to 19 year-olds this is happened over the past 40 years. But sadly we also know this isn't good enough. Because approximately as you just heard 10,000 children and approximately 5,300 adolescents are expected to be diagnosed in 2023. And tragically, we also know that around 1500 patients, children and adolescents will die this year. And these are estimates from the American Cancer Society. But we know that we must do better for these children adolescents and their families and that is why we are here to recognize and be aware that the fight is still on and we at Johns Hopkins all Children's Hospital right here in Saint Pete are helping combat and changed the lives of the patients and families together as a community and an academic clinical force at the hospital and this part of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine family. We will continue to battle and make strides against all forms of cancer that affect our children, adolescents and families. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to speak. >> Thank you all for being here today. I I wish you didn't have to be. But I'm glad to know that there are such strong advocates for our children and thank you so much councilmember Curtis and mayor for bringing this proclamation forward thank you all. >> Okay we will now move into open forum and clerk at this time could you please read the rules for open form. And let's let's that everyone clear the chamber's real quick. I thank you everyone. >> If you wish to address City Council on subjects other than public hearing or quasi judicial items of this it on the agenda. Please sign up with the clerk. Only the individual wishing to speak MAY signed the open form she. Only city residents owners of property, business owners in the city for 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 form when the item comes up on the agenda in order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to address Council. Each individual be given 3 minutes to speak and after which the mark Foley will be muted. If you wish to address to the council to the zoom meeting. You must use the raise hand feature been in the app or inter star 9 on your phone at the time the agenda items address. When is your turn to speak up a new to the next state your name and address that conclusion of your comments when you reach the 3 minute limit. The minute I met you you will be muted. All raise hands will be lowered after each agenda item regardless of the method of participation news, the 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 my public comment is disrupted by violation of the rules of decorum that shares authorized to accept public comment by alternate means including by email only and MADAM Chair we do have some speakers. We have as well. Chelsea up Rivera and Vincent know Weeki please go to the podium state your name and address for the record and you have 3 minutes to address City Council. Please go ahead and act. Good afternoon everyone, my name is doctor Chelsea were there. I am a climate equity policy strategist for central for a job to just dance your address please for the record but magistrate. 230 Street South. And I wanted to speak today about our I know that utility on the agenda today focuses mainly on water. So the utility rates are actually a public hearing item and so we can't allow any comment on those at this time public hearings actually start at 5 oh one. And so we would be taking up that after that time right I'm not talking about I just we see as a second ok. About right I know that is an agenda item for the And I just wanted to use this opportunity to talk about the fact that it is pretty radical them using a Saint Pete residents and members of the community that we do have the capacity to speak on behalf of our resources on in the chamber such as this and we have a say in the way that our resources are priced in the way that they're using the way that is collected. And as I'm thinking forward and as we're thinking forward to 20 26 when the Duke concludes I want to urge you all to the municipal station over electric as It might seem MAY not seem like a radical thing to discuss water in the community that the water is generated and used. And I want you to carry that as we begin to think about how we're going to use and think about electricity in our city. The psc is located the public Service Commission is located in Tallahassee which is miles and miles. The whole universe, the way. And they can't necessarily act on behalf of the key community members of Saint Pete Tampa. But any other community except the one of which they're a part. And in consideration of energy democracy. And the fact that our rates continue to go up and up in the energy burden can see it continues to grow for our residents. I want to urge you all to think and began to plan for the municipal edition of our electricity here in Saint Pete. >> Good afternoon that's into a key to 2, 5, first Avenue North unit 2000. Like to start off by have no pleasure in being here today. I've sadly had to file another ethics complaint with the commission on ethics in the state of Florida for 2 of the members here Council chair Brandon gabbard and councilmember Ritchie Freud for violation of the charter will start off with some facts on the Tampa Bay times published an article on 8 for 8, 1, 2023. St. Petersburg fire chief Pete previously criticized over minority promotion. On 8 to 23 City Council member Ritchie Floyd post acts calling for new leadership in our Fire Department, the Tampa Bay times and published an article about how councilmember Floyd remarks and calling for the removal of chief large on 8 on or about 8, 3, 2023. Council chair, Brandon Garrett joined calls for new leadership at the Petersburg Fire Department. She did so via an emailed statement to the press sent from the official city of St. Petersburg email server forwarded by her taxpayer funder funded legislative aide, most I apologize if I but your name in her statement she acknowledges quote but out of respect of our charter which does not allow council members to interfere with employee relations. I have refrained from commenting publicly but I can no longer remain silent. End quote. She acknowledges the statement itself is a violation of the St. Petersburg city charter council member Garrett admits herself knowingly violating it. St. Petersburg charter section 4.0 5 administrative affairs Council participation prohibits such statement whether it be publicly privately directly indirectly individually or collectively. But council member Council chair gabbard is clearly in a direct violation of our charter and its unethical because she knew about it by admission of her own statement. Council chair gabbard goes on to say internally I have not been quiet with my interactions with chief large I made many discussions over the last month with mayor Welch and his administration and have faith that they will handle this appropriately and swiftly. It is time for a new day new leadership, she violates the charter again because she not only publicly called for his resignation and remove one new leadership, she said she involved herself in the affairs with the mayor so 2 section violations. But again you know it's it's a sad day and thankfully for mayor Welch in a clear review of the facts reinstated chief large, but yet councilmember Floyd and Council chair gabbard said it wasn't their attentions but yet never even apologize to the citizens the residents that taxpayers for violating the charter and never apologize that chief large for their false accusations and the call for his removal of office. >> And so am I calling this body to take action because it says any violation of that charter shall be grounds for removal of office. Thank you. Next to speakers. Mary Kovacs and Dylan Danes please go to I the podium state your name and address for the record and you have 3 minutes to address City Council. >> It's coming oh thank you. My name is Mary Kovacs I'm a 2 oh 3 for Burlington Avenue North. I am a working business woman that's why not say move him before, but it's a pleasure to be in front of you all and see why complain about all the time or I'm happy about. This one I'm really I really took off work to be here because this one kind of threw me over the edge. And this is regarding gin Lane. And what's been going on and how you've been managing its it's kind of over the top because when I read the articles I I couldn't believe what I was reading not only is it a violation of our charter and getting involved but here you have a man that was based on and I'm I'm in a national corporation here running the sales and marketing department out of a 1000 surveyed you've got 5 responses, according to the article that's pretty good for a leadership position we have 5 complaints out of that many. In violation of art harder I mean you should not be involved in that. So are you going to take a leave of absence because you've broken the charter. Should we investigate and take time just like we did for Jim Lange who's been in services since 2006. And then when I had to read about the Sox equity and throwing around those terms that we've heard about for years now in our country and leadership change by COUNCILMAN Floyd is this is this an influence campaign against him to get in some new leadership. This is the questions an average citizen in Saint Pete might have. So. Why would you call for change of leadership. I mean who else if you influence. Behind the scenes that we don't know about at least you committed this time that you violated our charter. I was impressed Jim Lang's response to being. Put on leave was he's been in since 2006. He's been loyal. He had 49% of new hires are minority. So what's there to complain about can we look into that is that a truthful statement like yours. And let's see what else we want to say. I think you should take a leave of absence like Jim Lange we should investigate this and I'm very worried about the influence to have in our city politics and our staff of our city employees. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker. >> And he's doing 1, 2, 0, 0, 1, doctor Martin Luther King junior Street Norris, its faith in City Council to do everything in his deciding power to ensure affordable workforce. Housing remains a priority and the redevelopment of the historic gas one district. Thank you for the democracy practice and is open section. I shared some of those last month, but also again our mayor and the city have made public their commitments affordable housing. But my neighbors and I don't believe that's enough proposals for redevelopment that consider residents making wages out under a 120% of the area median income as workforce housing are not on us proposals because those are not on those numbers. The history of the displacement of families and the city as well as the current reality of price gouging does not give me hope that are developing partners will have the best interests of the working class people heart people making 8050% of the area median income. I understand that most of these negotiations come to you guys offer decision has already been made. I also know both you and MAY have you know shared commitments to community benefits agreement process. But you're so City Council and as the ones with the deciding power. People see you as those who ultimately determine the future of the gas plant. I urge you to put us first and honor the memory of the gas point. My colleagues and I will speak at these meetings aren't going anywhere. I can't stress enough that are sustained pressure is in the push you around, but actually to urge you not to let outside developers do the same. I urge you to put us first and honor the memory of the gas plant, thank you for letting me speak. >> Next to speakers and 2 speakers, MADAM Chair Caitlin new in Laurel Hartman please go to I the podium state your name and address for the record and you have 3 minutes to address City Council. >> My name is our Hartman I'm a combat veteran, a post 9.11 combat veteran. I'm a full-time nurse. And a minister and they need your address for the wreck it 3 72nd half 3 of 7 or 3, 3, 7, or the Cirrus x thank you. I'm here today as the concerns that a Taking up a half a day of work to adjust the council. The reason that we're here is the reason that I'm here it's a dreck Lee ask you MISTER Floyd and you MADAM COUNCILWOMAN to resign. You have overstepped the boundaries. 30 is no longer trust in he demonstrated the lack of awareness you've demonstrated to the taxpayers that you don't know the rule that you're here for. I'm aware you have made the intention to not overstep but eu debt. So when your actions don't add up to the actions that you've to peak end. That's terms removal my humble opinion. You violated the city charter you broke the trust he overstepped her authority so again. The reason that I'm here I'm asking for your resignation. I believe intensely was I need is more appropriate and at least leave you with a little dignity. I'm concerned that you will do this again and I'm fearful as you will continue to overstep your authority moving forward. What's the trust is broken as a taxpayer. It's hard to regain we live in Florida in this state. We have law and Order. We use due process. Citizen journalists will continue to be here will continue to call up an reliable council members. His names and we're not scared to do so and so it is. >> Good afternoon Council. My name is I love that 200 Central Avenue. I too am a post 9.11 combat veteran. Richie Floyd and bring the Bard both violated our city charter. When the cough when they called for the removal of fire chief large are we not a council rules does this body believe it is acceptable to have 2 members violate our charter and not be held accountable. Both brand new Cub art and Richey Florida are quick to call for the removal chief large without any due process where is the due process that our charter outlines when someone violates it both provide and Floyd broke section 4 point oh 5 administrative affairs Council participation, the charter clearly states that a violation of this section as grounds for removal from office. Well some of the council members think it is acceptable to sit on the sidelines. You are all elected and took an oath to uphold the charter. Do not have you believe in your oath. Branding abide said in a written statement that she knew it was a violation of the charter but proceeded with publicly and privately calling for new leadership with Saint Pete fire and rescue. I believe Richie Freud and bringing a barge should resign. If they don't resign. I asked this Council to uphold the oath you took when you were sworn in and begin the process of removing them from office her the charter. Don't let this airgun stand no one is above the law. Next to speakers. More speakers, MADAM Chair, the case. We will move on to our report items and move to item f 9 which is our hurricane idalia update and we will be joined by several members of our but it looks like we're going to start with Mayor Kenneth t Welch mayor do not adjust your television screens that's ok rebuilding you are not but that is ok mayor but the before she begins her report I'd like to first thank and to begin our emergency management team. For their leadership. Young come up on that front and we're making. And MADAM Chair, I just want to take a few minutes just to thank our entire Petersburg team for their extraordinary work to prepare our city for the storm. During the storm in their ongoing efforts to help our residents recover from the storm's. Impacts I'm sure the council is aware of what goes into prepping our city for storm but I thought to be worth well that are. Our citizens know that it takes an entire team I just like to recognize some of our team members that can recognize everyone but first. Our city administrator Rob for his leadership. I have to tell you his Mountain Dew a lot of the energy comes from public works and Claude Tankersley including storm water. Pavement and traffic ups flee, water resources and engineering and capital improvements. Housing and neighborhood and are in the Foster including sanitation codes. And veteran homelessness or social services. A city development administration under James Corbett including real estate enterprise facilities and planning and development services of course our first responders Saint Pete Police Department under chief hallway and Saint Pete fire rescue and chief large community enrichment admin under Mike Jeffries including parks and rec. I'm really proud of what they're doing for debris removal in our city. And you still have to pay for all this stuff and you still have to have personnel and hr finance procurement, and technology and all of that rose up to Tom Green our system. City administrator. I'm really proud of the effort our did to communicate to our citizens. A doing in response to the storm and prepped for the storm. I want to Communications marketing and governmental affairs under chief of staff door Walsh. And the list goes on and includes legally clip includes Council. It mean the clerk's office in all 35 departments all 35 out of our departments contributed and played a role. In storm prep storm recovery. From the time we started distributing sandbags to evacuations to shelters and now cleanup and even securing a fema assistance for recovery after the storm. Also want to our County partners for their ongoing collaboration. During the storm and post storm as well as a congresswoman Kathy castor senator Rick Scott and senator Marco Rubio for their partnership and advocacy regarding fema assistance. They were all helping us to get that designation and finally to Duke energy for their close collaboration and staffing. At our emergency operation center. Finally I want to thank our COUNCILMAN There you set the driving through areas with your truck. Right after the storm. We heard that from a lot of in shore acres and. Want to thank the Council MADAM Chair, for you as well reviewer Bay. Folks are very appreciative that the council members were during this show. And so to incite tire safety team I think is worth a few minutes just for folks who recognize that we have more than a 3rd of our employees engaged and storm prep in storm recovery. And we can couldn't get it done without all of them, so I want to say thank you. And now turn it over to our emergency management manager and we're both amber. >> Good afternoon Council is a pleasure to be here. I have been asked to be briefed. I'm not good at brief when it comes to storms so I'm going to try so feel free to give me if I linked to long. I'm. Proud and blessed to be joined by a whole group of folks over here who's going to keep me honest and if you have additional info questions or need additional info have them presidents need it. I will say that we are working on a full after action report we're still really close to the incidents or under. We're still in response or recovery mode once we look at a little further out from that and we're already compiling all that information and evidence and timelines I'm happy to come back for more robust presentation should you like one with the power point. So I would just run into it. So for preparedness response. The city came together very quickly Jamal Marable just leadership and we were dedicated to sharing information early and often an emergency management years talk a lot about lessons learned and I think activation for this storm Chile was a compilation of lessons learned over the past several years, I'm very proud of the city team and everything with accomplished with the storm. We learn even more and will still take that on to the next one. The oc was fully activated and we also had 10 department Yossi sub Center's activated. So as mayor watch said a 3rd of city employees are all involved in that operation whether it's in those in the oc the sub center on the ground doing the work so it really was an all hands on deck and we couldn't be more proud of the city and our employees and impact summary. So Delia moved about a 112 miles off of our coast is a strong cat 2 approaching a cat 3 storm. I'm here locally we had about 40 mile an Wind speeds peak. Which it's a nice little it wasn't a big wind event for us it was the water. The story was all about water, so we saw about 4 and a half to 5 feet of storm it mainly affected our our low-lying neighborhoods. So far initial response and recovery really kicked off with the Police Department limiting access into the shore acres and so I'll neighborhoods and I think that really helped us to be successful with some of the mitigation the going on out as far as mitigating the cars driving through and pushing water into homes and really increasing even more damage out there. And it also kept cars off the road that were stalling out that our first response crews and fire rescue crews could get in there. Our fire rescue teams to 75 water from folks out of those neighborhoods, including 18 pets and that was using 7 high water vehicles which include Fire Department assets as well as water resources and sanitation trucks. And 7 with 2 of loan from our partners over the Powell County Sheriff's office. So The initial storm conditions were cited and we had to wait on that water to resign. Our teams went into action to start that damage assessment process because we have to find out. You know what's the breath of the damage. What are the unmet needs what how can we start recovery right now. This is something you know as an emergency manager that I'm super proud of is this whole damage assessment process and how fast are teams got in and got it done. Damage assessment is important because again it gets resources to our community that needs it. When we think about fema and you know I I know you were with me when we were looking for the presidential declaration and we're wishing for it and it was our teams out there doing the hard work to make sure we got that because they're documenting the damage they're out there in the Heat going door to door taking pictures of water lines and talking to people in so that we can pull that damage together to an aggregate that data with the county to give a good snapshot to our fema and state partners. They also took those fema and state partners out to show the damage started or so all that hard work I think they were pretty much wrapped up with all of these residential assessments that Fri. Evening maybe Sat. Morning which is amazing. In addition, we have the public assistance team engineering teams went out to look at public infrastructure to see if we had any damage there again all that rolls in to get fema, a big picture of are we going to get that presidential declaration and get those federal resources n a lot during that first couple days just a snapshot of damage we had over Fort or just under 1400 damage structures about 1200 and shore acres, a 171 in Revere Bay, 35 in coquina key and 32 in snow while and that range from inches up to 2 and a half feet or so of water. While damage assessment teams are out doing their daughter door damage we also had neighborhood teams going out simultaneously and this Teams made up of codes housing and community development neighborhood services, social services and really those folks are our eyes and the ears on the community so when they were struggling and trying to figure out you know what are we going to do you know what's the next steps they're out there getting resources handing things out helping connect those resources and sing with unmet needs are and bringing that information back to us. They're still out there, there's you know as we get more information and we have shelters opening or. And to bring information happening temporary housing, you know resources. They're still carrying that step out too. Those affected communities, so it it's really a great practice. Right now to look at resources and what recovery looks like. One of our innovations that I it's great and can be written into our after action report to the best practice to be implemented. In recognition of heavy lift for the families that are working to clean up their homes and get back to normal. We decided to open up childcare at shore acres rec center. And so it's it's hard in the best of circumstances to pull your your house to get aid to recover from that much fun and if you're able to have your kids you know in a cool place with childcare having fun and experiencing some normalcy with their friends. Even better for the parents have the city left so we opened that up last weekend will continue that this weekend from 93 assuring Kurz rec center. And it's not just for sure it is families is for all families affected by floods so whether it's Revere Bay, shore acres cooking turkey. Cyle all families are welcome. In addition, there will just authorize onsite use the recreational vehicles and traveler travel trailers on residential lots for flood impacted individuals so as we know housing can a struggle if you can't stay at your own home and. If you don't get rental assistance or or other help to stay in a temporary dwelling and this could help close that gap for some folks. That's a fema assistance so we did get our declaration on Sun., so the open the doors for any and everyone that was affected by flood. We encourage you to disaster since assistance dot gov. It's important to know that fema want to pay your insurance So there's a you know steps that have to be taken as a homeowner or even as a renter but apply see what happens there's assistance with you know If you have to live somewhere else with items you MAY have lost in just a few in that recovery process. All right in addition, we opened up the for the American Red Cross in coordination with the Allendale United Methodist Church and thank you pastor, Andy. Really welcoming this operation support as the Taliban with open arms. We've got that shelter up off the ground to help meet that need for the community if they don't feel safe at home or their am able to stay at home. Costs are high to stay in hotels for prolonged amount of time we have that shelter, they're available and it's not just a an overnight shelter, it's also resource place. So to come for feeding case management other resources by the Red Cross you're encouraged to go to that location if if you need assistance and they can help guide you there. A few more resources and I will move on crisis cleanup dot org has been one of the main Web sites that we have been using for to help. Residents Macau, their houses and get some of those resources they need so you go on to that Web site and you you know put your address and what you need and they connect you with resources for other non-government organizations to come in whether different foundations just provide assistance and help you with that work. So that's really source if if you need help we're working as we speak to set up a disaster recovery center in the city. I think they're doing site assessments today and what that is a basically a fema resource enter so fema will come and they'll set up that site they'll help people apply for fema assistance you can bring your paperwork everything that's needed and they walk you through that process because sometimes it's not as easy as going to a website or the app on your phone. So that will be a great resource for the city as well. Site visits or today, so we're hopeful that that senator can open in the coming. Days or in the next week. Finally residents are still encouraged to contact 2, 1 one for resources that's a good hub of information. So if you're not sure where to turn to what's available to 1, 1, is always there to help guide you. All right, we will finish with debris. So we're happy to say debris contractors are out working right now to clear debris from those flood affected neighborhoods. It's important to know that this is a household type of debris. The construction demolition and white goods because this is more of a water event than a wind event we were lucky enough not to have all the debris. Collection so we're only looking at those flood impacted communities if you do have debris are asking that you put him in cans or call on the city or see click fix for special pick up otherwise if you have that debris from your house place it on the curb in the public right away if you want to take it if you don't make sure it's back on your private property, if you need your insurance or. Whoever needs to look at it so all that information is up on our Web site that talks about how to start that debris and what to look for and what to expect. And that concludes my report. Thank you thank you so councilmember Curtis, thank you MADAM Chair. Amber before I have a couple of comments I really only have one question have you and your team slept yet. We know thank you so much. I'm not only for the update but for for all the work all the city departments, you and your team have done throughout. This last couple weeks I am very very proud of our city and how we have handled this. I drove Wed. Wed. Evening and then most of Thu.. And. I think every truck from the fire Department was out that I every block it felt like I was seeing a rescue truck or a ladder truck there. It was incredible and so and and and all of Then we had a incident with the police I ended up seeing a lot of police officers to but not not a not because of the storm but I just think the way our city your team handled this I just I could not be more proud. >> It really really is incredible and and that's all the city departments and Mayor thank you for for mentioning, you know most if not all of them. It was you could see it at the press conference is being around the city you can see it was a complete team effort and I think when all the departments are working together that's when the magic happens right. I mean it's it's really incredible to to other things are really 3 other things I just want to quickly comment on. One I mayor and administration thank you so much for the childcare the shelter options acting on that quickly and swiftly I think was an incredible move and I think our community saw that we were trying to see this through all the lenses and I I'm really proud of that. Last but not least I wanted to publicly publicly thank people and he got the community together in a in shore I thinks that some of my colleagues went by on Sat.. If I'm letting it out of the bag Pete sorry, but I think he's planning on doing something again this Sat. To watch the community rally along with the city. There's something right going on there when that Pastor Andy thank you for your partnership. I just when when those things are coming together. We're doing something right and it made me really really really really proud. So thank you thank you so much to everybody. And Mayor thank you for your leadership. It does not go unnoticed. Thank you so much amber. Thank you MADAM Chair councilmember Muhammad. Thank you MADAM Chair, and this really add my voice to the chorus of thank think the mayor really did a great job of naming people so I will try it and if we get people but. Thank you for the secret also we do need better coffee at the eels c she will mount a move that a Haha it's but what really thank you again for the way that you approach We've like my interactions with this started with you I want to stay 3637. In the recovery room. And I mean just to see the way that you've incorporated the lessons learned and the things that we experienced at that time. Has been phenomenal to to be a part of into to see happen. Again that feedback Things light. Bringing sandbags understand Bay location to the Southwest. I right. While I was out there at times part of the Charles Park pool. I was you know meeting residents from twin Brooks and you know brought water and those who you know are closer to water but in previous years we didn't have that service available so communicating that and you seem to be in the dress was definitely appreciated the cooling stations being ready for the comfort stations. Other things that we've talked about over the years was definitely appreciated so I just wanted to. Again be but with not leave this opportunity to say thank you for what you do. And the last thing I'll say particularly about all of the way it was communicated from the mayor, you know on through the reorganization was this a thin line between urgency in panic. Being able to see how you know the city in the communications with able to create urgency around it but not causing people to panic. While also acknowledging the you know the hawker donors and the folks who just by going to be I'm not I've been through this before being able to have accommodations and I know there was conversations about not being able to be helped. From what I saw everybody who needed help got the help that they they So I just again just thank you all. And everybody who was involved with the recovery the prep and one less thing to another one of the highlights for me was when we were doing our wellness checks and making calls before the storm. Hearing from people who say oh yeah, I got everything I need because you know that giveaway to tow the you know I have a flashlight to have it so they were able to you know have that comfort of knowing that they had the list partially filled in other things that they need it would you know was close at hand so thank you again for your service, your leadership and thank you to the mayor's city team and everybody who's involved. Thank you, MADAM Chair. Councilmember mountain area and thank you MADAM Chair. Well let me just join in and thank you thanking from from the mayor. The city staff all the way down to the lowest newest hire in the city. I just saw very dedicated team working very well together well led. Good Communications in a lot of hard work and I know that each department and in every unit within the city they all have their own stories to tell whether you're filling up sandbags some some place on a hot day before the storm and helping people out we're going out right after the storm. It and from from my perspective. We have gotten so much better. Over the years. I was always I was also very impressed with the communication. Because when we don't know something as a City Council member we get asked questions and then we have to start. Asking what department start bothering you all in the in the yellow sea, so the communication I thought was was very good and if there are any gaps than we could we could to reach out and usually we had a a quick response. I did want to talk just a little bit about shore acres yesterday I was I took that tour of 3 homes in shore acres with congresswoman a cast or representative cross and myself and and some of our staff and you go through shore acres and is kind of cool that the tale of 2 cities. Some parts the shore acres look like a war zone. I mean it really looks like downtown Beirut. You look at other parts of shore acres in and it looks pristine and it just depends on how low that area was in how the how area was was flooded. When when you go into people's You see. A lot of sadness. But you also see a lot of hope you see a lot of strong people that have dealt with this before. And they're dealing with it now and they're going to deal with it in the future. But it just shows the greatness of the city of St. Petersburg and the American spirit. It's it's very good to see it's it's energizing but I also saw a lot of tears. And it's it's hard to see. But but the people in shore acres are resilient. Kevin bent toward the PRESIDENT For shore acres. I I've never spoken to him so many times on the phone as I did during the storm. But we are in constant communication and he would ask a question could we get this could you all think about that and then I would reach out to the city team and usually iconic a pretty quick answer and in it. Affirmative fashion. Which was which gives people hope that we're listening to the problems and we're dealing with the problems that's just to this very very positive. I was glad to hear about the different disaster recovery center. I think that's that's a that's very needed and contact into 1, 1, as a a resource. As we move forward. I know there's going to be a lot of community meetings to deal with some of the aftermath and what we can do to prevent some of these things from happening going going for and I I saw the commitment to yesterday elected officials that the federal state and and for me at the local level to to address some of the problems that we have in our city I just want to say thank you again for for all the leadership, everybody involved very good job very very well done we're not done. Completely still more work to do. We can always do better. I'm glad to with the what I saw with the storm. So thank you MADAM Chair. The vice chair fix Sanders. Thank you thank you first of all I could not This moment go without saying thank you, but I have to recognize and ever since I've been on Council you have to leave in that Energizer bunny. In you have been more then proficiency in making sure that our cities really working to the communication. I have to agree was phenomenal. We were constantly camp in touch with what was going on in the city but I did want to read I reached out to some of it. My my civic associations after the storm and one of them out an this