C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
CONFERENCE AGENDA MINUTES
Conference Agenda Meeting - Monday, February 8, 2021 - 9:00 a.m.
City Hall - City Commission Chambers, 100 North U.S. #1, Fort Pierce, Florida
1.
Call to Order - Mayor Linda Hudson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
- Present:
-
- Linda Hudson, Mayor
- Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner
- Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner
- Thomas Perona, Commissioner
- Absent:
-
- Rufus Alexander, Commissioner
- Staff Present:
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- Linda Cox, City Clerk
- Nicholas Mimms, City Manager
- Peter Sweeney, City Attorney
Commission consensus to excuse Commissioner Rufus Alexander.
4.
New Business
a.
Presentation by Clint Sperber, St. Lucie County Health Officer and Administrator
Clint Sperber, St. Lucie County Health Officer and Administrator, gave a presentation regarding Covid-19 status. He explained that as of this date, vaccine demand is very high and that the City of Fort Pierce does not have the supply to keep up with the demand. St Lucie County has had about 20,000 positive cases and over 500 fatalities. He explained that the Health Department has received Moderna and Pfiserv vaccines. The Health Department has vaccinated about 21,000 people. They have transferred over 16,000 doses to 11 local medical providers to vaccinate their most vulnerable 65 years of age and older lor health care personnel. These medical providers need to have a plan to use these vaccines within 5-6 days. He mentioned that the county set up three site. Two are located in Fort Pierce and one is located in Port St. Lucie. They will also be hosting clinics at different church locations in the Lincoln Park Community and throughout the City.
City Commission discussed the multiple waiting lists. They also asked how they could help and Mr. Sperber said they need help recruiting medical providers willing to receive the vaccine to give to their patients. Media releases are almost always translated to Spanish and Creole. The Commission thanked Mr. Sperber for all his hard work and dedication.
b.
Discussion of boarding/rooming houses and related Code of Ordinance requirements led by Commissoner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Commissioner C. Johnson requested a discussion of boarding/rooming houses and related Code of Ordinance requirements. Jennifer Hofmeister, Planning Director did a comprehensive review of the City Code. She explained that the specific use of a Boardinghouse (rooming house) is not found withing the list of uses. It may be argued that a Boardinghouse could possibly be categorized as Group Living (which is not defined in our Code of Ordinances). In that case, a Boardinghouse may then be allowed subject to Conditional Use approval by the City Commission. After Conditional Use approval, the Boardinghouse would require all state licenses. Commissioner C. Johnson explained that he has concerns for a Boardinghouse on 19th Street without any appropriate approvals from the City of state. He would like to make the Code clear and that these homes not be allowed.
City Commission asked staff to find out what other cities are doing with Boardinghouses. They asked for staff to do some research so that they an decide if they will be prohibited in the City. If so, they would like to make the City Code clear regarding the prohibition of these specific homes.
c.
Discussion regarding the adoption of a Civil Citation program for minor marijuana offenses. This discussion is pursuant to a recommendation by the Police Community Advisory Committee regarding such a program.
Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney and Deputy Chief Robert Ridle discussed adopting a Civil Citation program for minor marijuana offenses. This recommendation by the Police Community Advisory Committee. Deputy Chief Ridle explained that he researched civil citation programs. Chief Hobley-Burney explained that if someone is caught with under 20 grams of marijuana, they will not arrest the individual because the state attorney is not prosecuting those types of cases. However, they are required to complete a report. It is not a misdemeanor. It will not show up on a background check or criminal record.
Mayor Hudson explained that one of the concerns previously discussed was that minors having a criminal history preventing them from education or employment opportunities in the future. They discussed that a civil citation could be a monetary fine or community service.
Commissioner C. Johnson mentioned that many individuals at a previous meeting were concerned with their criminal records preventing them from job advancements.
Commissioner Perona mentioned that he would support a monetary or community service penalty.
Commissioner J. Johnson asked what happens when an individual is caught with 15 grams of marijuana. Deputy Chief Ridle mentioned that they would fill out a report and the marijuana would be taken into evidence. He then asked what would happen if the individual was a minor.
Consensus is to ask staff to continue communication with City Commission and keep them informed of what is going on in the community. They would like more specific data regarding minors and adults. They asked Mr. Mimms invite the State Attorney to provide information regarding these types of prosecutions.
d.
Porpoise Beach Access Improvement Project
Jack Andrews, gave an overview of the Porpoise Beach access improvement project. The agreement included to provide parking and improve the access. This plan would provide 24 total spaces. The estimate that the cost is about $240,000.
Mike Reals, Public Works Director, mentioned that this design would eliminate the pavilion and this would be a beach access only.
Mr. Mimms explained that the funding would come from Park Impact fees.
Commissioner J. Johnson mentioned that his concern was that the parking lot has a dead end and if the parking lot is full, the driver would have to backup to get out. Mr. Andrews explained that they wanted to maximize the number of spaces for this area. Mr. Andrews explained that if they provided a turn around spot that they would lose 3 spaces.
Mayor Hudson mentioned that she would like to explore the design idea that Commissioner J. Johnson suggested.
Mr. Mimms explained that staff will redesign the project and bring it back to City Commission for approval .
Mr. Mimms explained that staff will redesign the project and bring it back to City Commission for approval .
5.
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.
There were no comments from the public.
6.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner C. Johnson mentioned that the Transportation Planning Organization and the Roundtable meetings have been going very well. He mentioned that there is a new organization called Safe Families for Children. It is a program that places children in a home temporarily. This agency is looking for temporary homes for children.
Commissioner J. Johnson mentioned that Department of Transportation has plans to repave Orange Avenue from US Highway 1 to 33rd Street.
He attended the first Chamber of Commerce meeting. Mainstreet Fort Pierce discussing starting Friday Fest again. The Downtown Business Association discussed the parklets.
Mayor Hudson informed the commission that the Tourist Development Council is discussing different ways to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Fort Pierce Inlet. The Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments mentioned that they discussed vaccination efforts and demand. All 4 counties are experiencing the same situation. Fort Pierce Utilities Authority was awarded a grant in the amount of 3.8 Million Dollar Grant to line the sewer pipes and prevent environmental damage. FPUA is offering financing for a low pressure sewer service program to help households convert from septic to sewer.
Commission discussion included to have a staff member present at the Tourist Development Council meetings in the absence of a Commissioner
7.
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 11:11 a.m.