MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FORT PIERCE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, HELD IN THE CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 4:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 28TH, 2020.
1.
CALL TO ORDER- Chairwoman Linda Hudson called the meeting to order at 4:01 P.M.
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Chairperson Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Peter Sweeney
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes from January 28, 2020 Regular Meeting
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the minutes.
- AYE:
- Chairperson Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
5.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC- No comments from the Public
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this agenda may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Chairperson, as this section of the Agenda is limited to fifteen minutes. The FPRA Board will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Chairperson, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this agenda may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Chairperson, as this section of the Agenda is limited to fifteen minutes. The FPRA Board will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Chairperson, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
6.
NEW BUSINESS
a.
Discussion and identification of funding to provide relief and assistance to city residents and businesses as a result of COVID-19.
Mr. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager proposed that $150,000 for business development be moved into the general fund to assist businesses and people during the COVID-19 pandemic. He understands that given the situation, it is priority to help businesses recover rather than incentivize businesses. Of the repurposed funds, $125,000 will be appointed to aid small businesses, and $25,000 will be assigned for food distribution.
Commissioner Perona recommends that when the transfer into the General Fund is completed, that the FPRA make a strong recommendation for the City Commission to consider those $150,000 as debt repayment from the FPRA.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to transfer $150,000 economic development incentives into the General Fund as debt repayment.
- AYE:
- Chairperson Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
7.
STAFF COMMENTS
a.
FPRA Programs and Activities Summary - FY2020 2nd Quarter
Some activities are on hold due to the COVID- 19 situation, according to Mr. Mimms. He assured the Board that the developer for King’s Landing is still committed to the project. The Sunrise Theatre will likely be one of the last operations to go back to normal, as doing otherwise would go against social distancing recommendations. Every special event has been cancelled through mid-May. Fortunately, capital improvement projects within the city are still working.
Retail recruitment has been placed on hold until the May 26th meeting. School resource officers have been re-assigned to patrol due to schools being closed. The RFP for Fisherman’s Wharf has been put on hold until further notice, and the CRA Plan update will be discussed during the final presentation on May 26th. Due to the situation, integration with the community is stagnant, yet there is a commitment to move forward.
Commissioner Johnson inquired about the challenges and obstacles that are impeding the Fisherman’s Wharf project to be continued. One of the challenges the city is facing with the Fisherman’s Wharf project is the availability of qualified vendors, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the internal schedule for proposal from developers, Mr. Mimms explained. Commissioner Johnson understands that construction is considered an essential function for the government, and that progress could be made by the developers by means of getting through the governmental process. Commissioner Sessions commented that there should not be a problem with the government moving forward with projects. If the developers are willing to work and develop on time, he understands that city hall should not be an obstacle.
Chairwoman Hudson asked for clarification on the process of public input. Commissioner Johnson explained that hopefully, public hearings could be held in the near future; however, he asked of Mr. Mimms to not let the process slow down within reason. Mr. Mimms wanted to be reassured that the Board was comfortable with the decision to move forward with the re-advertisement of bids. The board assured him that they are comfortable with that decision. Commissioner Perona inquired whether the FPRA would have assistance from the General Fund. Mr. Mimms explained that the FPRA is heading in the right direction, and that he will proceed as directed by the board.
8.
BOARD COMMENTS
Commissioner Sessions hopes that the FPRA Board is sending a message to the citizens that their concerns are being taken care of. He added that he would like for the board to work smoothly and with transparency, and that they need help from churches to identify people in need. The Sunrise Theatre, Commissioner Sessions included, is having a coloring book contest where the prizes are going to be free pizza and tickets to the drive-in theater. Commissioner Alexander expressed that he was very happy with the meeting, and that the FPRA is making significant strides. Chairwoman Hudson concluded by reminding the citizens to take the census and stressed its importance.
Commissioner Sessions hopes that the FPRA Board is sending a message to the citizens that their concerns are being taken care of. He added that he would like for the board to work smoothly and with transparency, and that they need help from churches to identify people in need. The Sunrise Theatre, Commissioner Sessions included, is having a coloring book contest where the prizes are going to be free pizza and tickets to the drive-in theater. Commissioner Alexander expressed that he was very happy with the meeting, and that the FPRA is making significant strides. Chairwoman Hudson concluded by reminding the citizens to take the census and stressed its importance.
9.
ADJOURNMENT- Chairwoman Hudson adjourned the meeting at 4:23 P.M.
ATTEST:
| ________________________________ CITY CLERK |
__________________________________ CHAIRPERSON |