Borrow $5 Million for City Improvements, Councilor Says

Gulfport City Councilors shared "wish list" ideas at Thursday's workshop including moving the Police Department, improving infrastructure and even installing a new kitchen in the Casino Ballroom. City Manager Jim O'Reilly asked councilors for feedback as he begins drafting information for next year's fiscal operating budget.

New councilor Michael Fridovich, who represents District Four, suggested borrowing $5 million to pay for large projects that leaders have been talking about for years, like moving the Gulfport Police Department to 49th St. Projects like this could be included in a five-year plan, Fridovich said.

"If we follow the budget, follow my way of thinking, we can be breaking ground by September on the new police station," he said.

Fridovich also said the loan could help pay for Gulfport Marina improvements like expanding the ship store and adding greenery at the marina. And, the city can finally begin major improvements with the sewer system.

Fridovich says interest rates are very low right now, making it the right time for municipalities to borrow.

Council Member Jennifer Salmon didn't agree with going after a large loan and suggested loaning to ourselves and paying it back "with a reasonable interest rate."

Among the items on Salmon's "wish list," are utilities, infrastructure, Clam Bayou, the Marina and improving playgrounds and parks.

"In my mind if we could do a park every year, they would all be upgraded and really nice places," Salmon said.

New Council Member Christine Brown, for Ward Two, suggested looking at infrastructure, the Marina and finding a resolution to the Clam Bayou issue.

Vice Mayor Dan Liedtke wants City Manager Jim O'Reilly to gather information about health care costs for city employees, union contract negotiations, a five-year plan and installing a new kitchen in the Gulfport Casino.

"I know a lot of people don’t use the casino because the kitchen cannot provide for some of the events they want to have," Liedtke said.

Mayor Sam Henderson listed five priorities he would like Jim O'Reilly to consider while drafting the budget:

• Extending the Pinellas Trail spur into downtown Gulfport and adding user activated crosswalks
• Like to gather more information about the 49th St. retention pond project.
• Address a greater police presence and enhanced facilities on 49th St.
• Increase the pace we are placing sewer lines
• Look at updating the marina

Gulfport City Councilors will begin discussing the budget in the coming months. They have to approve the operating budget by September 30, 2013.

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