MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 6:30 P.M. ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Earl W. Hendricks, Family of Faith Worship Center
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona
- Absent:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- Interim City Attorney Benjamin Bryan
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
Commissioner Sessions arrived at 7:05 p.m.
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of the minutes for the October 1, 2018 Regular Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 5 a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona
- Other:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions (ABSENT)
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Hudson issued the Proclamation.
Mayor Hudson issued the Proclamation.
a.
Proclamation recognizing National Arts and Humanities Month
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
There were no letters.
There were no letters.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no comments from the public.
There were no comments from the public.
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Linda Cox indicated staff was requesting to postpone item 12 b to the November 5, 2018 Regular Meeting because of advertisement issues.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona
- Other:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions (ABSENT)
Passed
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
a.
Seaplane Base Presentation
Kaitlyn Ballard, Executive Assistant to the City Manager’s Office and Steven McCaughey, Executive Director of the International Seaplane Pilots Association presented a conceptual plan of a seaplane base in downtown Fort Pierce. This seaplane base would serve as an airport for seaplanes and amphibious aircraft taking-off and landing in the water. The area is located just south of the Riverwalk Center. Ms. Ballard provided the Commission with the details of the City of Tavares, who have established a successful seaplane base. Tavares has thrived with the development of the seaplane base, seeing improved economic development efforts estimated at $30 million in new, private sector of development. Two conceptual plans were presented for the City of Fort Pierce. The first conceptual plan would cost approximately $526,845, and the construction costs for the second would be approximately $370,856. A seaplane base would allow the city to increase its tourism, visibility, exposure and propel the city to reach its economic capacity.
Mr. McCaughey offered some ideas on how to minimize costs of construction. He discussed the type of fuel used for seaplanes and how safe it is; indicating seaplanes are much more environmentally friendly than motors and very ecologically oriented.
The City Commission expressed positive comments about the possibilities this could present for our city and residents’ future.
The next steps to take would be to contact the FDOT’s Aviation Office and apply for a Seaplane Base License, apply for an FAA Airspace Review and Certification and lastly, identify funding and commence construction efforts.
Mr. McCaughey offered some ideas on how to minimize costs of construction. He discussed the type of fuel used for seaplanes and how safe it is; indicating seaplanes are much more environmentally friendly than motors and very ecologically oriented.
The City Commission expressed positive comments about the possibilities this could present for our city and residents’ future.
The next steps to take would be to contact the FDOT’s Aviation Office and apply for a Seaplane Base License, apply for an FAA Airspace Review and Certification and lastly, identify funding and commence construction efforts.
b.
Brightline Proposal Presentation
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, indicated the City of Fort Pierce has always had strong ties to the FEC Train Station since the mid-1900s. The proximity of Fort Pierce to other stations, airports, beaches and tourism, as well as accessibility to State Roads, US Highway One, I-95, etc. position Fort Pierce to be the perfect spot to attract Brightline to our city. Additionally, we have 7.2 acres waiting to be developed and we can include mixed-use development onsite. Eighty-five percent of the individuals who took our survey were in favor of Brightline coming into our city and there are two potential spots to develop this station. Mr. Mimms stated Brightline is planning for the future and they are not here just for rails and passengers, but to develop real estate. We are already seeing more jobs because of the expansion in neighboring cities, thus it’s evident the economic impact if they develop here will be positive as well.
All City Commission comments were very positive in regards to having Brightline develop in the City of Fort Pierce and asked staff to send a Statement of Interest to Brightline.
All City Commission comments were very positive in regards to having Brightline develop in the City of Fort Pierce and asked staff to send a Statement of Interest to Brightline.
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approval of annual/blanket purchase orders for the Police Department for FY2019 in an amount not to exceed $381,560.
b.
Approval of application of Glotel, Inc. for installation of one (1) 100-gallon above-ground emergency diesel fuel tank.
c.
Approval of one (1) above-ground buffer tank (450 standard cubic feet) for compressed natural gas (CNG) at property located at 1701 South 37th Street, a Fort Pierce Utilities location.
d.
Approval to install holiday lighting at Marina Square by Lighting by Design, Wellington Florida in the amount of $52,309.00 per year / three (3) years (156,927.00 total).
e.
Approve Blanket Purchase Orders for the Sunrise Theatre in the amount not to exceed $184,400.
Commissioner Alexander pulled item 11 e for discussion.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve items 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
As to item 11 e, Commissioner Alexander inquired if the amount listed was the total amount for one fiscal year. Anne Satterlee, Communications and Marketing Manager for the Sunrise Theatre indicated this was for advertising in TC Palm which will now include print and digital media, as well as a catering contract for the entire year.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11 e.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 18-035 - Amending Chapter 5, Article II of the Code of Ordinances Entitled "Contractors" - SECOND READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED "CONTRACTORS"; AMENDING SECTION 5-19, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RULES FOR BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF CONTRACTORS MEMBERS; AMENDING SECTION 5-20, PROVIDING BOARD SECRETARY DUTIES; AMENDING SECTION 5-21, TO PROVIDE CONDUCT OF BOARD MEMBER REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING SECTION 5-31, PROVIDING CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION REGULATIONS; AMENDING SECTION 5-33, TO CLARIFY CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY APPLICANTS; AMENDING SECTION 5-36, TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL FEES; AMENDING SECTION 5-48, TO UPDATE RECIPROCITY PROCEDURES; AMENDING SECTION 5-49, TO CLARIFY THE EFFECT OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ISSUANCE; AMENDING SECTION 5-51, MODIFYING CONTRACTOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES; AMENDING SECTION 5-53, TO CHANGE THE VENUE OF CITATION ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS TO THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE; AMENDING SECTION 5-55, TO CLARIFY EMERGENCY LICENSING PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED "CONTRACTORS"; AMENDING SECTION 5-19, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RULES FOR BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF CONTRACTORS MEMBERS; AMENDING SECTION 5-20, PROVIDING BOARD SECRETARY DUTIES; AMENDING SECTION 5-21, TO PROVIDE CONDUCT OF BOARD MEMBER REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING SECTION 5-31, PROVIDING CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION REGULATIONS; AMENDING SECTION 5-33, TO CLARIFY CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY APPLICANTS; AMENDING SECTION 5-36, TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL FEES; AMENDING SECTION 5-48, TO UPDATE RECIPROCITY PROCEDURES; AMENDING SECTION 5-49, TO CLARIFY THE EFFECT OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ISSUANCE; AMENDING SECTION 5-51, MODIFYING CONTRACTOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES; AMENDING SECTION 5-53, TO CHANGE THE VENUE OF CITATION ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS TO THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE; AMENDING SECTION 5-55, TO CLARIFY EMERGENCY LICENSING PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 12 a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Quasi Judicial Hearing -Ordinance 18-036 for a Planned Development (PD) for Indian River Villas to rezone the subject site and to authorize the development of a 12 unit multi-family development that will include 2 (6 unit) buildings with garages. Parcel IDs:2410-808-0017-000-7 & 2410-808-0019-000-1 FIRST READING
This item was postponed to the November 5, 2018 Regular Meeting.
c.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 18-037 Amending Chapter 13; Changing the Retirement vesting period from 10 years to 5 years. FIRST READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-36; PROVIDING FOR DECREASE IN CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT ENTITLEMENT; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-39; DECREASING CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR NORMAL RETIREMENT; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-40; DECREASING CREDIT SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR UTILITIES AUTHORITY COVERAGE PLAN; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-42; DECREASING CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR POLICE OFFICER COVERAGE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-36; PROVIDING FOR DECREASE IN CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT ENTITLEMENT; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-39; DECREASING CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR NORMAL RETIREMENT; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-40; DECREASING CREDIT SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR UTILITIES AUTHORITY COVERAGE PLAN; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-42; DECREASING CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR POLICE OFFICER COVERAGE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 12 c.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution No. 18-R50 - Accepting the Building Official's Certified Building Code Exemptions of certain structures.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE BUILDING OFFICIAL’S CERTIFIED BUILDING CODE EXEMPTIONS AS PROVIDED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY OF OTHER CITY ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE BUILDING OFFICIAL’S CERTIFIED BUILDING CODE EXEMPTIONS AS PROVIDED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY OF OTHER CITY ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 13 a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Resolution 18-R51 Reappointing Carlos Villanueva to the Police Officers Retirement Fund Board of Trustees.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Cox indicated this reappoints Mr. Carlos Villanueva. There were no other applications.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Cox indicated this reappoints Mr. Carlos Villanueva. There were no other applications.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13 b.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
c.
Submittal of applications for the Historic Preservation Board
City Clerk Linda Cox, indicated this was the submittal of applications for the Historic Preservation Board. This will come back to the City Commission Meeting in the form of a resolution in which the City Commission will have the opportunity to vote at the November 5, 2018 Regular Meeting.
d.
Submittal of applications to serve on the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Advisory Board.
City Clerk Linda Cox, indicated this was the submittal of applications for the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Advisory Board. This will come back to the City Commission Meeting in the form of a resolution in which the City Commission will have the opportunity to vote at the November 5, 2018 Regular Meeting.
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Marcia Baker
Paul Schall
Jerome Gayman
Lennart Dodoo
Rebecca Iwueze
Jeanne Arias
Paul Schall
Jerome Gayman
Lennart Dodoo
Rebecca Iwueze
Jeanne Arias
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, indicated Chief Diane Hobley-Burney would provide an update on the Police Community Advisory Committee and Planning Director, Rebecca Grohall, would introduce a new member of the Planning Department.
Chief Hobley-Burney provided the City Commission with the activities leading up to the commencement of the commtitee. She indicated that welcome letters were sent. These letters also requested each person’s schedule. Once received, an orientation meeting will be scheduled and the process of acquiring background checks and finger printing for each member will commence. As soon as these are received, a date for the first meeting will also be scheduled.
Rebecca Grohall, Planning Director, introduced the newest member of the Planning Department, Rebecca Guerra who joined them as the Assistant Planning Director.
Chief Hobley-Burney provided the City Commission with the activities leading up to the commencement of the commtitee. She indicated that welcome letters were sent. These letters also requested each person’s schedule. Once received, an orientation meeting will be scheduled and the process of acquiring background checks and finger printing for each member will commence. As soon as these are received, a date for the first meeting will also be scheduled.
Rebecca Grohall, Planning Director, introduced the newest member of the Planning Department, Rebecca Guerra who joined them as the Assistant Planning Director.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Sessions indicated he was looking forward to Brightline and Seaplanes coming to Fort Pierce. The major developments going on in our city are making the future look bright for the City of Fort Pierce. He also had an opportunity to go to the football game over the weekend to see two of Fort Pierce’s homegrown players play, Albert Wilson and Kahlil Mack.
Commissioner Perona agreed with Commissioner Sessions about all the wonderful things happening locally. He sees the growth really impacting us positively and he thanked the community for working hard for so long to get to this point of having trains, planes, tourism and everything that impacts are economy. He also thanked the Commission for approving the five-year vesting period for employees to improve retention and bring on good talent.
Commissioner Alexander indicated we are no longer a training ground for police enforcement officers because of the five-year vesting period approval. He also is very excited about the seaport and train coming to Fort Pierce. We should be very proud of all how we are growing.
Commissioner Johnson would like to continue to keep our homeless community in mind and find ways to help. The Boys & Girls Club will be opening their Infinity Teen Center on October 25, 2018. Howard Tipton, County Administrator, will be presenting the State of the County at the Chamber Luncheon on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Commissioner Johnson thanked all the individuals and organizations who sent in letters of support for the Brightline station. We are here to make history.
Mayor Hudson reminded all of the November 6th elections. There will be 12 amendments and she encouraged all to consider voting Yes on Amendment 14 and No on Amendment 1 since it is not a tax-cut but rather a tax shift. Fort Pierce MainStreet will be hosting Ghost Tours on October 24th and October 25th. Additionally, our city staff has put together a Scavenger Hunt in honor of Florida City Government Week on Monday, October 29th.
Commissioner Perona agreed with Commissioner Sessions about all the wonderful things happening locally. He sees the growth really impacting us positively and he thanked the community for working hard for so long to get to this point of having trains, planes, tourism and everything that impacts are economy. He also thanked the Commission for approving the five-year vesting period for employees to improve retention and bring on good talent.
Commissioner Alexander indicated we are no longer a training ground for police enforcement officers because of the five-year vesting period approval. He also is very excited about the seaport and train coming to Fort Pierce. We should be very proud of all how we are growing.
Commissioner Johnson would like to continue to keep our homeless community in mind and find ways to help. The Boys & Girls Club will be opening their Infinity Teen Center on October 25, 2018. Howard Tipton, County Administrator, will be presenting the State of the County at the Chamber Luncheon on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Commissioner Johnson thanked all the individuals and organizations who sent in letters of support for the Brightline station. We are here to make history.
Mayor Hudson reminded all of the November 6th elections. There will be 12 amendments and she encouraged all to consider voting Yes on Amendment 14 and No on Amendment 1 since it is not a tax-cut but rather a tax shift. Fort Pierce MainStreet will be hosting Ghost Tours on October 24th and October 25th. Additionally, our city staff has put together a Scavenger Hunt in honor of Florida City Government Week on Monday, October 29th.
17.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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