Discussion regarding granting authority to the Mayor to issue letters of support on behalf of the City of Fort Pierce without seeking formal approval on an agenda for local organizations seeking grants that do not require any obligation of the City.

The city is routinely asked to issue letters of support for local organizations seeking grants that have a very short turnaround time.   At times, we are unable to meet the required deadlines and thus unable to issue the requested letter of support.   We recognize that the city's support of local organizations is critical to the betterment of our community.   Recent examples include:

3/21/2022 - Letter of support for Florida East Coast Corridor Trespassing and Intrusion Mitigation Project - walked on item
5/16/2022 - Letter of support for St.Lucie Cultural Alliance - walked on item
5/18/2022 - Request from Clerk & Comptroller Michelle Miller for letter of support for document preservation grant - unable to do the letter because no meeting prior to her deadline
5/18/2022 - Request from St. Lucie Art Club -  unable to do the letter because no meeting prior to her deadline

Grant the Mayor authority to issues letters of support to local organizations that do not require an obligation of the city, financial or otherwise.   Copies of all letters would be provided to the Commission.

Continue to require letters of support to be placed on an agenda and voted upon by the Mayor and City Commission.

Linda W. Cox, City Clerk

Linda Hudson, Mayor