C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
CONFERENCE AGENDA MINUTES
Conference Agenda Meeting - Monday, March 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:
-
- Linda Cox, City Clerk
- Nicholas Mimms, City Manager
- Peter Sweeney, City Attorney
Commission consensus to excuse Commissioner Rufus Alexander.
4.
New Business
a.
Discussion with State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl regarding civil citations for marijuana possession and implications for juveniles.
State Attorney Thomas Bakedahl discussed civil citations for marijuana possession and implications for juveniles.
Commissioner C Johnson asked specific questions regarding juveniles prosecution for juveniles. He mentioned that he would like to get specific numbers for St Lucie County and Fort Pierce. He would like to create a juvenile diversion program.
b.
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority Presentation on Wastewater Treatment Facility Relocation.
City Manager, Nick Mimms, introduced John Tompeck and Howard Tipton. Mr. Tompeck, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority Director, gave a presentation of the Wastewater Treatment Facility Relocation. Bo Hutchinson, FPUA, explained that the relocation would cost $131.5M. The planning , designing and construction plant would be a 6 year plan. He told the commission to look at this as an investment and not as a cost.
Commission C. Johnson mentioned that he would like to look very closely at the rate increase. He is concerned about the environmental impacts to the lagoon if it is left at its current location. He also wants to engage the community and inform them of the significance and impacts of the project. He wants to make sure that the community is informed with the facts.
Commissioner Perona mentioned that the longer they wait to move the facility, the more expensive it will be. He also thanked the team for putting this together.
Commissioner J. Johnson thank the team and explained that he is in support to move forward. He mentioned that there are 600 job opportunities and 550 million dollars of economic impact.
Mayor Hudson says she will support the relocation. FPUA has already made an investment towards moving the plant. She mentioned that FPUA has over 20 million investment. She would like to be present when the St Lucie County discusses it and wants to move forward towards the joint meeting. The Interest rates are low and it would be a good time to move forward.
c.
Parks Advisory Committee presentations on:
- Completion of pedestrian plaza at NW Pioneers Park
- Volunteer Park Ranger Program
- PAL Park Renaming
Completion of pedestrian plaza at NW Pioneers Park
Mike Reals, Public Works Director, introduced Charlene Adair, member o the Parks Advisory Committee. Ms. Adair explained that the Parks Committee supports the idea of honoring the pioneers who helped develop and protect Lincoln Park. She recommended bronze plaques to honor the pioneers.
Mike Reals, Public Works Director, introduced Charlene Adair, member o the Parks Advisory Committee. Ms. Adair explained that the Parks Committee supports the idea of honoring the pioneers who helped develop and protect Lincoln Park. She recommended bronze plaques to honor the pioneers.
Commission discussion included fundraising options. They also discussed making sure the proper research is done to honor and tell the true story of the pioneers. The Lincoln Park Main Street organization has expressed interest in managing this project. They also mentioned that the Planning Department should also be involved in these types of decisions. Pamela Carithers of the Lincoln Park Main Street mentioned that the organization has started drafting a list of individuals that should be recognized at this park. They would be looking at individuals that made an impact on the community in terms of education, social injustice and economically. The Commission wants to be clear and would like to help set the criteria for the individuals. The Commission consensus was for the Lincoln Park Main Street committee to have a process and procedures established to honor the pioneers. They will then come before the Commission for approval.
Volunteer Park Ranger Program
Ms. Adair provided an overview of the Park Ranger Program and explained that the Parks Committee developed a list of what a Par Ranger would do in the City of Fort Pierce. The Park Ranger would be an Ambassador for the City and parks. They would answer questions and provide information. They would manage Special Event Permits including meeting with the person responsible for each rental at the beginning of and end of the rental of the pavilions. This person would also manager Special Use Permits and report needed repairs, improvements, suspicious activities and medical emergencies.
Ms. Adair provided an overview of the Park Ranger Program and explained that the Parks Committee developed a list of what a Par Ranger would do in the City of Fort Pierce. The Park Ranger would be an Ambassador for the City and parks. They would answer questions and provide information. They would manage Special Event Permits including meeting with the person responsible for each rental at the beginning of and end of the rental of the pavilions. This person would also manager Special Use Permits and report needed repairs, improvements, suspicious activities and medical emergencies.
Their recommendation is that this position would be a paid position and not a volunteer positions. They do not believe that a FPPD Community Service Officer would be a good fit since that position is non-confrontational and it should be left to sworn officers.
The Commission agreed that the Code Enforcement Officers and Police Department is doing a great job with the parks and there is no need for a Park Ranger at this time.
PAL Park Renaming
On October 27, 2020, the City requested nominations to rename the former City facility known as PAL Park. It is now being used by the City as a Community Center. The City received 5 nominations, 4 of which were complete and met the criteria.
On October 27, 2020, the City requested nominations to rename the former City facility known as PAL Park. It is now being used by the City as a Community Center. The City received 5 nominations, 4 of which were complete and met the criteria.
Mayor and Commission mentioned that the 4 names mentioned in the nominations do meet the purpose of the park. This facility is used for recreational activities. They agreed that they should market and honor local champions possibly call it Champions Park. The consensus was to task the Youth Council to provide a recommendation for consideration that meets the criteria for the park and recreation center.
d.
One Fort Pierce - Community engagement strategy and discussion at the request of Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Comm. C. Johnson explained his vision for One Fort Pierce. He explained that he envisioned a couple of concepts that included to talk about vision, leadership, and community engagement. He wants to help people see themselves participate in a vision of Fort Pierce. To live that, people have to see it and understand it. He wants the leaders of the community to engage the community. This is Commissioner’s C. Johnson’s way of recognizing people of Fort Pierce. He created a lapel pin and challenge coin that envisioned leadership and community engagement. He wants the community to understand the vision of the Strategic Plan that they put in place. He wants to community to know that the Commission will need their support and participation.
Mayor Hudson asked if this would be a recognition for citizens of Fort Pierce and Commissioner C. Johnson confirmed. She also mentioned that she liked the name One Fort Pierce and that she liked the bridge because it symbolizes bridging the both areas of Fort Piece.
Commissioner J. Johnson thanked Commissioner C. Johnson for creating this and bringing it to the Commission. He said that he loves promoting the City and the people that live in it. He supports the concept.
Commissioner Perona also liked the idea. He mentioned that Commissioner C. Johnson’s perception of One Fort Pierce is very much like the rest of the others on the dais and that they all can all be on the same team when they all promote the same message.
This will be discussed at a future Conference Agenda meeting.
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.
Ionis Jefferson
6.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner J. Johnson provided an update for the Fort Pierce Mainstreet and mentioned the big event for the centennial celebration on May 8, 2021. He mentioned that the downtown business is booming. The downtown businesses have putt-putt golf event scheduled on the parklets. He has attended two Retirement Board meetings and is scheduled for some training and classwork.
Commissioner C. Johnson reported that he is excited to report the Lincoln Park Mainstreet Board is very engaged. He provided an updated on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and the St. Lucie County Fire Board.
Commissioner Perona provided an updated on the Parking Committee, the Retirement Board and the Florida Municipal Power Agency.
Mayor Hudson provided a board update for the Florida League of Cities and spoke about two different house bills. She also mentioned the 100th Anniversary of the Fort Pierce inlet.
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 12:04 p.m.