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 4:30 P.M. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the December 21, 2020 Regular Meeting of the City Commission to order at 4:30 PM.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Ted Rice, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Peter Sweeney
Commissioner Alexander was present by telephone conference call.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson was present by telephone conference call.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson was present by telephone conference call.
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of the minutes from the December 7, 2020 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the minutes from the December 07, 2020 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
6.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Commissioner Thomas Perona was presented with a plaque and certificate to acknowledge his service to the City of Fort Pierce for ten years.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
a.
Email from Beryl Muise, owner of Notions & Potions, expressing her appreciation of the efforts of the City of Fort Pierce and Main Street Fort Pierce that contributed to record sales for some downtown businesses this Holiday Season.
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.
None.
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Staff has requested Item 12d be pulled from the Agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve and set the Agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
None.
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve grant award for 2311 Avenue D, DC Grocery, in the amount of up to $5,000, as an eligible recipient under the Way to Grow Lincoln Park Historic Avenue D Business District Small Business Commercial Facade Grant Program.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve item 11a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 20-030 rezoning two (2) properties generally located at or near 1700 S. 23rd Street from Office Commercial (C-1) to Planned Development (PD) with an underlying Zoning of Office Commercial (C-1). SECOND READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-030
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; REZONING TWO (2) PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT OR NEAR 1700 SOUTH 23RD STREET FROM OFFICE COMMERCIAL (C-1) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) WITH AN UNDERLYING ZONING OF OFFICE COMMERCIAL (C-1); PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the Public Hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-030
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; REZONING TWO (2) PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT OR NEAR 1700 SOUTH 23RD STREET FROM OFFICE COMMERCIAL (C-1) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) WITH AN UNDERLYING ZONING OF OFFICE COMMERCIAL (C-1); PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Ordinance 20-030.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
b.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 20-033 - extending the territorial limits of the City of Fort Pierce, to include 2564 S. Kings Highway in Fort Pierce, Florida. SECOND READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-033
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE 2564 SOUTH KINGS HIGHWAY IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2021; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION; DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the Public Hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-033
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE 2564 SOUTH KINGS HIGHWAY IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2021; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION; DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Ordinance 20-033.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
c.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 20-034 - extending the territorial limits of the City of Fort Pierce, to include 706 Midway Road in Fort Pierce, Florida. SECOND READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-034
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE 706 MIDWAY ROAD IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2021; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION; DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the Public Hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-034
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE 706 MIDWAY ROAD IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2021; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION; DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Ordinance 20-034.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
d.
Staff is requesting this item be pulled; owner intends to rehabilitate. Resolution No. 20-R61 and Quasi-Judicial Hearing – A hearing to allow the owners and/or parties of interest in the property identified as 425 N 23rd Street to show cause why the structure located on the premises should not be condemned and demolished.
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution No. 20-R62 recognizing the portion of North 29th Street between Orange Avenue and Avenue Q as "Fannie Lewis-Darden Street"
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION 20-R62
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING THE PORTION OF NORTH 29TH STREET LYING BETWEEN ORANGE AVENUE AND AVENUE Q AS “FANNIE LEWIS-DARDEN STREET”; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Manager Nick Mimms provided a brief summary of Resolution 20-R62. The Community had responded to the staff’s inquiry with a strong desire to rename a portion of North 29th Street with a dual designation in honor of Fannie Lewis-Darden. The process for the future renaming of streets was developed by the Parks Advisory Committee and is the same format used for the renaming of parks and facilities to provide consistency. Commissioner Perona acknowledged staff for their work on developing this uniform policy.
RESOLUTION 20-R62
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING THE PORTION OF NORTH 29TH STREET LYING BETWEEN ORANGE AVENUE AND AVENUE Q AS “FANNIE LEWIS-DARDEN STREET”; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Manager Nick Mimms provided a brief summary of Resolution 20-R62. The Community had responded to the staff’s inquiry with a strong desire to rename a portion of North 29th Street with a dual designation in honor of Fannie Lewis-Darden. The process for the future renaming of streets was developed by the Parks Advisory Committee and is the same format used for the renaming of parks and facilities to provide consistency. Commissioner Perona acknowledged staff for their work on developing this uniform policy.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Resolution 20-R62.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
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.
Tim Guenther
Barbara Moore
Barbara Moore
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Nick Mimms provided a COVID-19 update. At a recent testing event, 440 people were tested with 44 positive results.
The FPUA has provided $200,000.00 for an assistance plan. As of December 15, 2021, $151,000.00 had been granted to FPUA customers for utility assistance. The utility disconnect list has significantly decreased.
Mr. Mimms commended the employees of the City of Fort Pierce, especially the front-line employees including police, public works and code enforcement.
Mr. Mimms commented on how beautiful the downtown area is decorated and it was a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and the holiday light spectacular.
City Hall has a new LED marquee sign out front which will provide a highlight of information for the public.
City Attorney Peter Sweeney had no update and wished everyone happy holidays.
City Clerk Linda Cox had no update and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.
The FPUA has provided $200,000.00 for an assistance plan. As of December 15, 2021, $151,000.00 had been granted to FPUA customers for utility assistance. The utility disconnect list has significantly decreased.
Mr. Mimms commended the employees of the City of Fort Pierce, especially the front-line employees including police, public works and code enforcement.
Mr. Mimms commented on how beautiful the downtown area is decorated and it was a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and the holiday light spectacular.
City Hall has a new LED marquee sign out front which will provide a highlight of information for the public.
City Attorney Peter Sweeney had no update and wished everyone happy holidays.
City Clerk Linda Cox had no update and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Rufus Alexander wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please stay safe and remember to wear masks.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and acknowledged staff for all their hard work.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Kwanza. Commissioner C. Johnson thanked City Manager Nick Mimms for joining him on a radio show to promote community engagement. Special prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to those who have tested positive. Beginning in on January 07, 2021, Commissioner Curtis Johnson will have a satellite office and be available by appointment on Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the IRSC Blackburn Center. Commissioner C. Johnson looks forward to a productive 2021.
Commissioner Thomas Perona commented that this has been a year like no other. Commissioner Perona looks forward to 2021 and re-instituting the forward movement on the Strategic Plan. This holiday season, please take precautions and wear masks. Merry Christmas to all and your families.
Mayor Hudson commented that even though we were challenged this year by COVID-19 the City got a lot done. There were two tracks we worked on: one was keeping the City business running smoothly; and two, was making sure we were keeping people safe. Mayor Hudson is very proud of the City of Fort Pierce and grateful to those who have been kind and supportive. This is the season of gratitude and Mayor Hudson is grateful to serve and be your Mayor. Mayor Hudson wishes the citizens and staff of Fort Pierce a very safe and warm Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and acknowledged staff for all their hard work.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Kwanza. Commissioner C. Johnson thanked City Manager Nick Mimms for joining him on a radio show to promote community engagement. Special prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to those who have tested positive. Beginning in on January 07, 2021, Commissioner Curtis Johnson will have a satellite office and be available by appointment on Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the IRSC Blackburn Center. Commissioner C. Johnson looks forward to a productive 2021.
Commissioner Thomas Perona commented that this has been a year like no other. Commissioner Perona looks forward to 2021 and re-instituting the forward movement on the Strategic Plan. This holiday season, please take precautions and wear masks. Merry Christmas to all and your families.
Mayor Hudson commented that even though we were challenged this year by COVID-19 the City got a lot done. There were two tracks we worked on: one was keeping the City business running smoothly; and two, was making sure we were keeping people safe. Mayor Hudson is very proud of the City of Fort Pierce and grateful to those who have been kind and supportive. This is the season of gratitude and Mayor Hudson is grateful to serve and be your Mayor. Mayor Hudson wishes the citizens and staff of Fort Pierce a very safe and warm Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
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 4:59 PM
ATTEST:
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|