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 01, 2020.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the June 01, 2020 Regular Meeting of the City Commission to order at 6:30 PM.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Ricardo McGee, Bass Temple Church of God in Christ
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Absent:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Peter Sweeney
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to excuse Commissioner Alexander.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes from the May 18, 2020 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the minutes from the May 18, 2020 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
a.
Email from Holly Theuns thanking the City of Fort Pierce for her excellent professional experience at the coronavirus test site and for making the test available.
b.
Nextdoor testing response from Kim S. thanking the City of Fort Pierce for the testing site, which was very well planned and carried out.
c.
Facebook messages giving kudos to the City of Fort Pierce for the COVID-19 testing site.
d.
Thank you card from Carol Washington expressing heartful appreciation for the support received from Police Officer Damian Spotts and the Fort Pierce Police Department for the centennial birthday celebration for Queen Jannie Ellis Alexander.
e.
Email from Michael Antoniak in recognition of exceptional customer service from Jacqueline Young-Smith, Alarm Coordinator, Community Response Department. She was very helpful, professional and offered useful advice.
f.
Email from Lisa Potter expressing her sincere appreciation for the deployment of Code Enforcement Officers to Jaycee Park for the past few weeks to address potential issues.
g.
Thank you card from Robin Smith thanking the Fort Pierce Police Officers for their protection, support and friendship.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
Any person who wishes to comment on an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda may be heard at this time and must sign up to speak in advance. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Any person who wishes to comment on an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda may be heard at this time and must sign up to speak in advance. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve and set the Agenda.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
a.
Monthly Financial Report for the Month Ending April 30, 2020
Johnna Morris, Finance Director presented information regarding the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending April 30, 2020. This presentation included the Fund Evaluation Report; General Fund revenue and expenditures; Special Revenue Funds which include CDGB, FPRA, Grant Administration, SHIP; and Enterprise Funds which include Marina, Solid Waste, Golf Course, Sunrise Theatre, Building, and Stormwater.
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approval for to purchase law enforcement technology with a grant received from the Department of Justice to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus in the amount of $80,404.00 with no required match.
b.
Approval of the acceptance of an award from Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.) in the amount up to $11,250 for the removal of a derelict vehicle from the Intracoastal Waterway.
c.
Approval of request to award the Citrus Avenue Bridge Repairs construction contract to the low bidder, M & J Construction Company of Pinellas County, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,062,927.80.
d.
Approval to award Captec Engineering, Inc. the CEI service contract for the North 17th Street Roadway Project in the amount of $129,800. This is Specific Authorization for RFQ 2019-027, Professional Engineering Services.
e.
Approval for FPUA to provide and install decorative street lights on the North 17th Street Roadway Improvement project in the amount of $125,130.00.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve items 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution 20-R26 authorizing the city to resume public hearings.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-R26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA RESUMING ALL PUBLIC HEARINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Nick Mimms, City Manager, presented an overview of this resolution which would lift the moratorium on public hearings and allow city business to move forward. Businesses and development have re-started. This resolution will allow legislative public hearings to resume on June 15, 2020 and quasi-judicial hearings on July 6, 2020. Various options for resuming public hearings while maintaining social distancing and safety for staff and the public with regard to public comment were discussed and will be evaluated for implementation.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-R26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA RESUMING ALL PUBLIC HEARINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Nick Mimms, City Manager, presented an overview of this resolution which would lift the moratorium on public hearings and allow city business to move forward. Businesses and development have re-started. This resolution will allow legislative public hearings to resume on June 15, 2020 and quasi-judicial hearings on July 6, 2020. Various options for resuming public hearings while maintaining social distancing and safety for staff and the public with regard to public comment were discussed and will be evaluated for implementation.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution 20-R26.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Resolution 20-R27 Reducing Certain Planning Department Fees
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-R27
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING BY RESOLUTION THE FILING FEES FOR DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS AS DIRECTED SECTION 22-141 BY THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO TEMPORARILY REDUCE NON-RESIDENTIAL SITE PLAN FEES FOR PROJECTS GREATER THAN 30,000 SQUARE FEET FROM $6,995 + $95 FOR EACH 1,000 ADDITIONAL SQUARE FEET TO $6,995 + $50 FOR EACH 1,000 ADDITIONAL SQUARE FEET AND WAIVE PRE-APPLICATION MEETING FEES, SIGN PERMIT FEES, AND SIDEWALK CAFÉ PERMIT FEES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE PLANNING DEPARTMENT FOR SIX MONTHS, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2020; RESTATING OTHER PLANNING DEPARTMENT FEES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Nick Mimms, City Manager, discussed the Planning Department's portion of the economic recovery program. This resolution will support the private sector and business development during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. City staff is proposing a temporary modification to the Planning Department fees for a period of six months through November 30, 2020. The adjustment includes suspending the pre-application meeting, sign permit, and sidewalk-café permit application fees as well as reducing the fee for non-residential site plans.
The City Commission discussed options for the six-month period of time and reducing fees on a simple tiered system and what the impact on the budget would be. Mr. Mimms will meet with staff and develop a more aggressive proposal with calculated budget figures including the impact based to the budget upon current trends.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-R27
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING BY RESOLUTION THE FILING FEES FOR DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS AS DIRECTED SECTION 22-141 BY THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO TEMPORARILY REDUCE NON-RESIDENTIAL SITE PLAN FEES FOR PROJECTS GREATER THAN 30,000 SQUARE FEET FROM $6,995 + $95 FOR EACH 1,000 ADDITIONAL SQUARE FEET TO $6,995 + $50 FOR EACH 1,000 ADDITIONAL SQUARE FEET AND WAIVE PRE-APPLICATION MEETING FEES, SIGN PERMIT FEES, AND SIDEWALK CAFÉ PERMIT FEES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE PLANNING DEPARTMENT FOR SIX MONTHS, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2020; RESTATING OTHER PLANNING DEPARTMENT FEES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Nick Mimms, City Manager, discussed the Planning Department's portion of the economic recovery program. This resolution will support the private sector and business development during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. City staff is proposing a temporary modification to the Planning Department fees for a period of six months through November 30, 2020. The adjustment includes suspending the pre-application meeting, sign permit, and sidewalk-café permit application fees as well as reducing the fee for non-residential site plans.
The City Commission discussed options for the six-month period of time and reducing fees on a simple tiered system and what the impact on the budget would be. Mr. Mimms will meet with staff and develop a more aggressive proposal with calculated budget figures including the impact based to the budget upon current trends.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to table Resolution 20-R27.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Rick Reed
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Grant Assistance Program
The City of Fort Pierce has received 1,415 applications for businesses and residents who have been pre-screened for the Covid-19 Grant Assistance Program. 16 residential and ten business applications have been completed and approved, with 20 residential and 50 business applications currently under review. The City of Fort Pierce is considering re-opening the grant program in mid-June.
COVID-19 Testing
The first round of testing was very successful. The second round of testing will be at the same location on June 06, 2020, with Dynix Diagnostics. Approximately 400 tests will be made available by appointment only. The city has been reaching out to area pastors to inform their congregations of this program. The owner of Dynix will be invited to a future meeting to discuss the various testing that is being conducted.
Food Distribution
The City of Fort Pierce has partnerships with Graceway Village, the Boys & Girls Club, and Treasure Coast Food Bank. As of today, approximately 75,000 meals have been served to our community. This past weekend there was a food distribution event wherein 1,100 grocery packs were distributed. The grocery packs included chicken, hotdogs, rice, milk, bread, and vegetables. Another grocery distribution event is scheduled for June 27, 2020, at Percy Peek Gymnasium. In addition, through our partnership with Graceway Village, they are able to distribute an additional 2,000 meals to the senior and disabled community.
Special Events
Special events remain suspended. At the June 08, 2020, Conference Agenda meeting, the City Commission will discuss resuming the special events.
Facility Access
Starting today, June 01, 2020, City Hall, Police Department Headquarters, and Police Substation are open to the public by appointment only. Sunrise Theatre remains closed. City Marina is open. Indian Hills Golf Course remains open. Parks, beaches, and boat ramps are all open. All services by the City of Fort Pierce offices have been maintained.
Communications
Our “See, Click, Fix” program has been successful. Since inception, we have had 45 submissions with an average response time of one day.
Economic Recovery
As discussed earlier with the proposed resolution, the City of Fort Pierce will continue to review all budget options for reducing fees in all departments to assist the community.
Recreational Programs
Children's camps, sports, and arts programs remain on hold until guidance has been established for the safety of the children.
Sunrise Theatre
In two weeks, the Sunrise Theatre will have its first comedy show at the Black Box. The capacity is 200 and that will be reduced for social distancing to 100. Two weeks later, another show will be held at the Black Box with the same social distancing guidelines. We are starting slow and staying within guidelines followed by other local theatres. It is hoped that by September or October, bookings for regular headline shows will resume at the main theatre.
Parklet Program
Portions of on street parking along Second Street were blocked with parklets to allow restaurants and businesses to offer outdoor space for increased capacity. There were initially 15 participants in the program and now there are 24 participants. Businesses have come up with unique designs for their outdoor areas which are used for seating or merchandise display. Second Street was also closed to all vehicle traffic on the weekend. The pilot program is underway and positive feedback has been received.
City Attorney, Peter Sweeney had no update.
The City of Fort Pierce has received 1,415 applications for businesses and residents who have been pre-screened for the Covid-19 Grant Assistance Program. 16 residential and ten business applications have been completed and approved, with 20 residential and 50 business applications currently under review. The City of Fort Pierce is considering re-opening the grant program in mid-June.
COVID-19 Testing
The first round of testing was very successful. The second round of testing will be at the same location on June 06, 2020, with Dynix Diagnostics. Approximately 400 tests will be made available by appointment only. The city has been reaching out to area pastors to inform their congregations of this program. The owner of Dynix will be invited to a future meeting to discuss the various testing that is being conducted.
Food Distribution
The City of Fort Pierce has partnerships with Graceway Village, the Boys & Girls Club, and Treasure Coast Food Bank. As of today, approximately 75,000 meals have been served to our community. This past weekend there was a food distribution event wherein 1,100 grocery packs were distributed. The grocery packs included chicken, hotdogs, rice, milk, bread, and vegetables. Another grocery distribution event is scheduled for June 27, 2020, at Percy Peek Gymnasium. In addition, through our partnership with Graceway Village, they are able to distribute an additional 2,000 meals to the senior and disabled community.
Special Events
Special events remain suspended. At the June 08, 2020, Conference Agenda meeting, the City Commission will discuss resuming the special events.
Facility Access
Starting today, June 01, 2020, City Hall, Police Department Headquarters, and Police Substation are open to the public by appointment only. Sunrise Theatre remains closed. City Marina is open. Indian Hills Golf Course remains open. Parks, beaches, and boat ramps are all open. All services by the City of Fort Pierce offices have been maintained.
Communications
Our “See, Click, Fix” program has been successful. Since inception, we have had 45 submissions with an average response time of one day.
Economic Recovery
As discussed earlier with the proposed resolution, the City of Fort Pierce will continue to review all budget options for reducing fees in all departments to assist the community.
Recreational Programs
Children's camps, sports, and arts programs remain on hold until guidance has been established for the safety of the children.
Sunrise Theatre
In two weeks, the Sunrise Theatre will have its first comedy show at the Black Box. The capacity is 200 and that will be reduced for social distancing to 100. Two weeks later, another show will be held at the Black Box with the same social distancing guidelines. We are starting slow and staying within guidelines followed by other local theatres. It is hoped that by September or October, bookings for regular headline shows will resume at the main theatre.
Parklet Program
Portions of on street parking along Second Street were blocked with parklets to allow restaurants and businesses to offer outdoor space for increased capacity. There were initially 15 participants in the program and now there are 24 participants. Businesses have come up with unique designs for their outdoor areas which are used for seating or merchandise display. Second Street was also closed to all vehicle traffic on the weekend. The pilot program is underway and positive feedback has been received.
City Attorney, Peter Sweeney had no update.
a.
Reports
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Perona had no comments.
Commissioner Sessions commented that the food distribution program was planned and executed strategically. Many people benefited from the program. The only reservation he held was that there wasn’t more which could be offered. When the distribution was completed, there was still a line of people waiting who are in need. Commissioner Sessions would like to recognize Sweeties Diner along with the NAACP who distributed approximately 25,000 – 30,000 meals to those in need in our community. On May 31, 2020, there was a peaceful protest march held with approximately 300 community residents participating. Commissioner Sessions was pleased to see funding for lighting on the 17th Street bridge on the FPUA agenda.
Commissioner Johnson echoed Commissioner Sessions' sentiments on the peaceful protest. Regarding the Parking Committee, constituents have expressed interest with vehicle charging stations and the opportunity to offer them throughout the city. The parking in the garage will evolve when the building fit-outs are completed.
Mayor Hudson has received requests for longer parking times in the two-hour slots. Customers at hair salons have requested a little more time. On Thursday, ethics training will be held via Zoom. Mayor Hudson expressed heartache over what happened to Mr. Floyd and the resulting response throughout the country. Mayor Hudson has pledged to make sure everyone is respecting one another, loving one another and changing society. We must take personal responsibility for our actions.
Commissioner Sessions commented that the food distribution program was planned and executed strategically. Many people benefited from the program. The only reservation he held was that there wasn’t more which could be offered. When the distribution was completed, there was still a line of people waiting who are in need. Commissioner Sessions would like to recognize Sweeties Diner along with the NAACP who distributed approximately 25,000 – 30,000 meals to those in need in our community. On May 31, 2020, there was a peaceful protest march held with approximately 300 community residents participating. Commissioner Sessions was pleased to see funding for lighting on the 17th Street bridge on the FPUA agenda.
Commissioner Johnson echoed Commissioner Sessions' sentiments on the peaceful protest. Regarding the Parking Committee, constituents have expressed interest with vehicle charging stations and the opportunity to offer them throughout the city. The parking in the garage will evolve when the building fit-outs are completed.
Mayor Hudson has received requests for longer parking times in the two-hour slots. Customers at hair salons have requested a little more time. On Thursday, ethics training will be held via Zoom. Mayor Hudson expressed heartache over what happened to Mr. Floyd and the resulting response throughout the country. Mayor Hudson has pledged to make sure everyone is respecting one another, loving one another and changing society. We must take personal responsibility for our actions.
17.
ADJOURNMENT
Immediately following adjournment, please move toward the doors and exit the chambers. This allows for the safe and courteous exit of all persons, and those on the dais. Conversations after the meeting should be held outside of chambers, in the foyer or elsewhere, but not in the commission chambers where lights will be out as soon as the chambers are empty.
Immediately following adjournment, please move toward the doors and exit the chambers. This allows for the safe and courteous exit of all persons, and those on the dais. Conversations after the meeting should be held outside of chambers, in the foyer or elsewhere, but not in the commission chambers where lights will be out as soon as the chambers are empty.
Mayor Linda Hudson adjourned the meeting at 8:03 PM.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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