- Present:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Mayor Linda Hudson
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Peter Sweeney
Commissioner Curtis Johnson was present by telephone conference call.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve the minutes from the December 21, 2020 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
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.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve and set the Agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Ms. Fogarty outlined the 2021 legislative program for the City which included the Enterprise Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, Qualified Targeted Industries Tax Refund, Local Fuel Tax Indexing, Sales Tax Fairness, and Public Safety-School Resource Officers; and remains opposed to further erosion of home rule authority and imposition of unfunded mandates. Additionally, Ms. Fogarty discussed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Beach and Inlet Management projects which seek full funding. Legislative priorities also include supporting Comprehensive Water Reform, Port of Force Pierce, Micro-mobility Programs, Broadband and is opposed to legislative interference with location imposition of impact fees.
City Manager Nick Mimms requested the City Commission to review the attached draft and submit comments. A final program will be presented to the legislative delegation on January 15, 2021 at Indian River State College.
They have outlined an unconventional approach by starting as Operation SOS who is funding this program. Their goal is to create a new non-profit organization called Sunrise Humane Society (SHS) in a four-phase approach. The immediate transition of animal care would be by February 01, 2021, with a Shelter Manager immediately in place. That person has been identified and an acceptable salaried compensation has been negotiated. The current kennel staff will be offered continued employment.
Operation SOS has been servicing the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County since 2017. The Executive Director, Dr. Julie Kittams has been a Veterinarian for 23 years, licensed in the State of Florida for six years. They currently employ two full-time veterinary technicians. They are the largest provider of high-quality and high-volume spay/neuter services in the area. To date, over 10,000 sterilization surgeries have been administered. They have contracts with the City of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Okeechobee County, and the City of Port St. Lucie and are the only provider to all three local jurisdictions for TNVR services.
It is their objective to create a new non-profit entity, the Sunrise Humane Society (SHS), which will be separate from Operation SOS, its board, finances, permits, insurance, and operations. They anticipate transferring all documents from Operation SOS to the Sunrise Humane Society by the end of year two. The SHS will be responsible for collecting all fees, such as impound fees, due to the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County and remitting such payments in a timely manner. The SHS will be responsible for ensuring a City / County animal registration exists or issue a new one before any animal is adopted or returned to its owner. There will be a three-person management team: Facilities Director, Shelter Manager, and Veterinarian. The proposed business plan has been broken down into a four-phase approach.
Phase One will include filling the position with a Shelter Manager and to take over animal care, policies, and procedures; transfer utilities into Sunrise Humane Society; begin management of general site operations including impounds, adoptions, veterinary clinic, and prevention; and, maintenance of buildings and all outdoor spaces including parking lots. The facility will not be open to the public until all safety protocols are in place.
Phase Two will be to open the animal shelter to the public and develop the Sunrise Humane Society by establishing a Board of Directors. Fundraising will begin and plans will be established for community outreach, volunteers, and fosters. The research will be done for a generator solution in the event of a hurricane.
Phase Three will include instituting the volunteer program and foster programs and the start of the veterinary clinic. The veterinary clinic will need to be fully outfitted. This clinic should generate enough funds to be self-supported.
Phase Four will include opening the spay/neuter clinic to the public, SHS will be fully operational and Operation SOS will return its regular routine offsite.
Operation SOS Will work with existing budgets for both City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County through the end of FY 2021. Service agreements will be drafted for each jurisdiction, but all terms and conditions will be identical.
SHS has agreed to the inspections and evaluations that were presented in the RFP's. Staff recommends two separate evaluations. The semi-annual evaluation will be of the facility and be included in the lease. The bi-monthly inspections will be of animal care and services and will be included in the service agreements. Operation SOS will establish a $20,000.00 loan to SHS to provide the services needed to establish operations.
The lease is for one year, with a four (4) one-year renewal options (5 years total). Staff recommends that the lease agreement have the same term as the service agreement and be tied directly to the service agreement and vice versa. Therefore, if the service contract is terminated, the lease will terminate at the same time. Staff recommends a minimum of 120 days to terminate without cause. For cause termination clauses will be provided for both parties.
SHS has offered a position on the Board for a representative from each jurisdiction. If the jurisdictions provide a representative for the Board of Directors, they will be bound by sunshine law regulations.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve items 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Any Public Comment on these Public Hearing items, if not being offered in person, should be submitted by noon on the day of the meeting using the Sworn Public Comment Form which is available on the city's website at: http://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/8741/Sworn-Public-Comment-for-Public-Hearings
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to appoint Commissioner Curtis Johnson to act as Mayor Pro Tem pursuant to Section 23 of the City Charter.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R01
A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THAT A CERTAIN BUILDING OR STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 513 N 18th STREET IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, 34950 IS UNSAFE AND A NUISANCE THAT CONSTITUTES A MENACE TO THE BUSINESS, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY; AND THAT ALL PARTIES OF INTEREST MUST SHOW CAUSE WHY THE STRUCTURE SHOULD NOT BE DEMOLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE; AND NOTIFYING ALL PARTIES OF POTENTIAL ACTION BY THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR FAILURE TO ACT; AND THAT A PUBLIC HEARING BE HELD AT THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COMMISSION MEETING ON FEBRUARY 1, 2021 AT 6:00 PM, IN THE CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS LOCATED AT 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING FOR NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution 21-R01.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution 21-R02.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
City Clerk, Linda Cox, introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PARKING COMMITTEE; CORRECTING THE TERMS OF OFFICE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Resolution 21-R03.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE; CORRECTING THE TERMS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve Resolution 21-R04.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE CITY PLANNING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve Resolution 21-R05.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT AND REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Resolution 21-R06.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE; CORRECTING THE TERM OF AN EXISTING MEMBER; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve Resolution 21-R07.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 21-R08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT AND REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE; CORRECTING TERMS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Resolution 21-R08.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
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.
City Attorney Peter Sweeney had no updates.
City Clerk Linda Cox had no updates.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson wishes everyone a Happy New Year. Commissioner Johnson encourages everyone to maintain the hope and optimism that we entered 2021 with. Commissioner Johnson is also looking forward to the upcoming joint meeting.
Commissioner Alexander wishes everyone a Happy New Year. We must not forget our community, and we must keep them informed as the information becomes available.
Commissioner Perona wishes everyone a Happy New Year. We may not have a lot to do with the Health Department, we are the conduit to the community. Commissioner Perona shares the same frustrations that the community has. We will get answers to our community as soon as we can. The 38th Running of the Kiwanis Bridge Buster 5k is coming upon January 09, 2021. It’s a short 3.1-mile run so if you made your New Year’s resolution to exercise this is great fun!
Mr. Mimms added that the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center’s CEO will be at the City Commission Meeting on January 19, 2021.
City Attorney Peter Sweeney added that the Governor’s Statewide State of Emergency, which was set to expire on January 03, 2021, but on December 29, 2020, Governor DeSantis extended the Order for another 60 days and is set to expire on February 27, 2021. Mr. Mimms added that City Hall remains closed to the public.
Mayor Hudson wishes everyone a Happy New Year. Mayor Hudson visited a local business that had their best year ever, and they were so grateful to the City of Fort Pierce and Main Street for emphasizing shop local. It really made a difference. Mayor Hudson is very happy that the City is thriving even through this pandemic.
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.
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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