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, JUNE 2, 2014.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Father McNally of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Robert Bradshaw
- City Attorney Robert Schwerer
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes from May 19, 2014 meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting on May 19, 2014.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation recognizing June 1st - July 4th as Juneteenth Season of Freedom and June 19 as Juneteenth Day. It was received by Marjorie Harrell.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - the following letter will be kept on file in the City Clerk's office.
a.
Several members from the Fort Pierce Police Department were nominated for the ASIS Regional Law Enforcement Officers Awards – an extremely prestigious awards program that accepts nominations from across Southeast Florida. The awards ceremony was held on May 22, 2014 in Palm Beach Gardens and as always, the Fort Pierce Police Department received great recognition.
Deputy Chief Greg Kirk – Lifetime Achievement
Deputy Chief Greg Kirk – Lifetime Achievement
Officer Ryan Moore – Peer Award
Accreditation Manager Michelle Sirois – Peer Award
Officers Guy Montgomery, Marty Ortiz, and Detective Petry – Community Policing Award
Detective Dave Jones, Sergeant Jimmy Grecco, Detective Tyrone Campbell, and Crime Scene Investigator Erin Greiner - Investigative Award
Officer Michael Azevedo – Officer of the Year
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Ms. Marjorie Harrell
Mr. Clay Yates
Mr. George Gibson, 1404 Reynolds Court
Mr. Roy Darby, 619 South 6th Street
Mr. Patrick Henry, 1123 Granada Street
Rev. John Lee, 1204 Avenue K
Mr. Chris Williams, 1006 Avenue L
Ms. Marjorie Harrell
Mr. Clay Yates
Mr. George Gibson, 1404 Reynolds Court
Mr. Roy Darby, 619 South 6th Street
Mr. Patrick Henry, 1123 Granada Street
Rev. John Lee, 1204 Avenue K
Mr. Chris Williams, 1006 Avenue L
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Reduce Code Enforcement Lien in the amount of $36,240 against 1705 Boston Avenue, owned by David Bragg, to $10.00 contingent upon payment within 60 days.
b.
Reduce Code Enforcement Lien in the amount of $54,030.00 against 1923 Eucalyptus Avenue, owned by Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, to $1,500.00 contingent upon payment within 60 days.
c.
Approval to submit and accept the 2014-2015 U.S. Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial JAG (local) in the amount of $28,117.
d.
Approve Gentile Corporation as the lowest responsive bidder to RFP No. 2014-018 for an amount not to exceed $24,180.00 for the rehabilitation of 1113 Soltman Avenue.
e.
Approve Emporium Construction Company as the lowest responsive bidder to RFP No. 2014-019 for an amount not to exceed $32,800.00 for the rehabilitation of 305 N. 31st Street.
f.
Approval to submit and accept the 2014-2015 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Minority Violence Prevention Grant in the amount of $400,000.
g.
Approval of RFP 6060 - Change Order No. 2 - Final to Lucas Marine Acquisition Co.,LLC (LMAC) in the amount of $700,00.00, pending City Attorney approval.
h.
Request from Main Street Fort Pierce for $20,000 for the payment of fireworks and other expenses.
i.
Request for a two (2) year Site Plan extension through September 15, 2016 for the construction of the Candlewood Suites located at the Fort Pierce Hotel Plaza, 7151 Okeechobee Road.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved - 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9i. Commissioner Alexander pulled items 9f and 9g. Mayor Hudson pulled item 9h. Commissioner Sessions also pulled item 9f.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
As to item 9f, Police Chief, Sean Baldwin, responded and explained this grant requires a partnership between the police and health department and will provide the City the opportunity to hire street outreach workers. These workers will go out into the community and create relationships with the juveniles that are involved in gang activity. It will also enable the City to hire case workers to help provide custom services.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve and accept Minority Violence Prevention Grant in the amount of $400,000.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
As to item 9g, Mr. Schwerer explained there is legal language in this change order that calls for a waiver by the City for future warranty claims. If the Commission moves to approve tonight he is asking it be subject to additional language approved by his office.
Project Coordinator, Mr. Edward Seissiger, appeared and was available for questions. He clarified this is a final change order typical of most projects, it adjusts the final quantities to zero out the contract. He confirmed this is the end all, final project and he is very pleased with the results.
Project Coordinator, Mr. Edward Seissiger, appeared and was available for questions. He clarified this is a final change order typical of most projects, it adjusts the final quantities to zero out the contract. He confirmed this is the end all, final project and he is very pleased with the results.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve Consent Agenda item 9g, Lucas Marine change order as to the matter set forth in section 2 through 5, subject to the City Attorney's drafting and approval of language and additional documents if necessary for the City's waiver of future warranty claims.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
As to item 9h, Mayor Hudson was concerned about spending on a non-budgeted item amount. July the 4th falls on a Friday this year which makes it the usual day of Friday Fest, she inquired if some of the additional costs that Main Street is asking for be offset by their usual costs for Friday Fest. Funding for this line item has a remaining balance of available funds of $13,000.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve funding of $20,000 for Consent Agenda 9h.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Ordinance No. 14-015 - Providing a five percent (5%) increase in Business Tax Receipts. SECOND READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
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 Edward Becht to approve Ordinance No. 14-015 on second and final reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
11.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
12.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution 14-R19 authorizing execution of a Joint Participation Agreement between the City and FDOT for Operation and Maintenance of the Traffic Control System and Intersections on the State Highway System within the limits of Fort Pierce.
Mr. Jack Andrews, City Engineer, appeared and stated this is a routine joint project agreement. It is back before the Commission due to a line item adjustment to add school crossings and fire department warning signals, the City will be reimbursed for these.
Mr. Jack Andrews, City Engineer, appeared and stated this is a routine joint project agreement. It is back before the Commission due to a line item adjustment to add school crossings and fire department warning signals, the City will be reimbursed for these.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Resolution 14-R19.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Submittal of application for appointment to the Code Enforcement Board for consideration.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, indicated applications are attached and will come back at the next meeting in the form of a Resolution for approval.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, indicated applications are attached and will come back at the next meeting in the form of a Resolution for approval.
13.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
City Manager's Departmental Activity Report
Mr. Bradshaw wanted to remind the Commission that we are starting our 2014-15 budget considerations. Everyone should have received a memorandum concerning the budget workshops, two have been scheduled. We are also scheduling one on one meetings between staff and the Commissioners beginning next week and in addition to that there will be a meeting with each department head to give them an opportunity for input and comments on the budget. He stated the City has partnered with the county and there is now an FPAT billboard on I-95, he commended Ms. Libby Woodruff for all of her assistance.
Mr. Bradshaw wanted to remind the Commission that we are starting our 2014-15 budget considerations. Everyone should have received a memorandum concerning the budget workshops, two have been scheduled. We are also scheduling one on one meetings between staff and the Commissioners beginning next week and in addition to that there will be a meeting with each department head to give them an opportunity for input and comments on the budget. He stated the City has partnered with the county and there is now an FPAT billboard on I-95, he commended Ms. Libby Woodruff for all of her assistance.
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Perona requested consensus of the board to send staff back to speak with United for Animals and correct any problems or issues and get back to work offering these spay and neuter vouchers for residents in need. He spoke with Susan Parry and she confirmed part of the requirements to take advantage of the $10,000 grant was that they identify a lower cost for the procedures. They located two vendors, one in Fort Pierce and one located outside the city. The cost would be $50 for cats and $70 for dogs. It was stated the vouchers would remain the responsibility of the City and United for Animals stated they were okay with that.
Mr. Bradshaw stated he would welcome the opportunity to go back to the table with this organization, as they provide a tremendous service to the city.
Commissioner Sessions also agrees they have done a great job. He feels we have to stay focused on what the mission and goal is and set aside personal differences to work towards making this the best city. He stated that even though the Commission approved the entire $20,000 for the July 4th fireworks display he hopes this does not mean we cannot contact participants that helped in the past to maybe offset some of these costs. The Commissioner recently attended a conference Preventing Crime in the Black Community and was disappointed that he did not see any of the City's local officers in attendance. The conference was very interesting and informative and he was pleased to be able to participate. He stated he is not discouraged, he is encouraged and motivated and wants the challenge of doing all that can be done to make this a better place to live.
Commissioner Becht stated real estate values are up 1 1/2 points and was wondered what portion of the numbers were actually in the FPRA area. He asked the Commission be provided the requested information as soon as it is available. The general fund is funding the FPRA and this is going to be important information to know going into the next budget cycle.
Commissioner Alexander commented on the transporting of animals by United for Animals to and from Vero, where one of the veterinarians is located. He sympathises with them and wanted them to know he supports them. Another point of concern was the web cams at the Marina and Jetty that was discussed at a previous meeting. Mr. Schwerer responded everything that was needed by the City is done. The interlocal agreement will be on an upcoming agenda. Commissioner Alexander also attended the conference, Preventing Crime in the Black Community, and wanted to share what he experienced when the speaker, Mr. Willie Gary, spoke to the children. He had never seen children so consumed with what an adult had to say. He was pleased to see them there as representatives of the city, he described it as a kodak moment.
Mayor Hudson attended the Jazz and Blues Scholarship Award Night where they awarded 10 scholarships to young musicians in St. Lucie County. It was a great night with a lot of talented musicians. The City got word today the Governor signed appropriations so the Lincoln Theater receives a $200,000 grant from the state and this is great news.
Commissioner Perona requested consensus of the board to send staff back to speak with United for Animals and correct any problems or issues and get back to work offering these spay and neuter vouchers for residents in need. He spoke with Susan Parry and she confirmed part of the requirements to take advantage of the $10,000 grant was that they identify a lower cost for the procedures. They located two vendors, one in Fort Pierce and one located outside the city. The cost would be $50 for cats and $70 for dogs. It was stated the vouchers would remain the responsibility of the City and United for Animals stated they were okay with that.
Mr. Bradshaw stated he would welcome the opportunity to go back to the table with this organization, as they provide a tremendous service to the city.
Commissioner Sessions also agrees they have done a great job. He feels we have to stay focused on what the mission and goal is and set aside personal differences to work towards making this the best city. He stated that even though the Commission approved the entire $20,000 for the July 4th fireworks display he hopes this does not mean we cannot contact participants that helped in the past to maybe offset some of these costs. The Commissioner recently attended a conference Preventing Crime in the Black Community and was disappointed that he did not see any of the City's local officers in attendance. The conference was very interesting and informative and he was pleased to be able to participate. He stated he is not discouraged, he is encouraged and motivated and wants the challenge of doing all that can be done to make this a better place to live.
Commissioner Becht stated real estate values are up 1 1/2 points and was wondered what portion of the numbers were actually in the FPRA area. He asked the Commission be provided the requested information as soon as it is available. The general fund is funding the FPRA and this is going to be important information to know going into the next budget cycle.
Commissioner Alexander commented on the transporting of animals by United for Animals to and from Vero, where one of the veterinarians is located. He sympathises with them and wanted them to know he supports them. Another point of concern was the web cams at the Marina and Jetty that was discussed at a previous meeting. Mr. Schwerer responded everything that was needed by the City is done. The interlocal agreement will be on an upcoming agenda. Commissioner Alexander also attended the conference, Preventing Crime in the Black Community, and wanted to share what he experienced when the speaker, Mr. Willie Gary, spoke to the children. He had never seen children so consumed with what an adult had to say. He was pleased to see them there as representatives of the city, he described it as a kodak moment.
Mayor Hudson attended the Jazz and Blues Scholarship Award Night where they awarded 10 scholarships to young musicians in St. Lucie County. It was a great night with a lot of talented musicians. The City got word today the Governor signed appropriations so the Lincoln Theater receives a $200,000 grant from the state and this is great news.
15.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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