- Present:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Mayor Linda Hudson
- Absent:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Peter Sweeney
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the minutes of the May 17, 2021, meeting.
- AYE:
- 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 Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to set agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Mayor Linda Hudson pulled 11 h.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Consent Agenda items 11 a, b, c, d, f, and g.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Consent Agenda item 11 e with updated resignation date of July 23rd, 2021.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Mayor Linda Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Consent Agenda item 11 h.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Ms. Wise informed the Commission that the draft of the Plan Year 2018 and Plan Year 2019 CAPER reports are available for review until June 9th, 2021, on the City’s website.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Before commencing this Quasi-Judicial Hearing, Peter Sweeney, City Attorney, reminded the City Commission that they serve in both a legislative and quasi-judicial role. When acting as a legislative body, the commission engages in law-making activity by passing laws and establishing policies. When acting as a quasi-judicial body, the commission applies those laws and policies and is held to stricter procedural requirements. Quasi-judicial proceedings are less formal than proceedings before a circuit court but are more formal than the normal commission meeting. Quasi-judicial proceedings must follow basic standards of notice and due process; and decisions must be made based on competent substantial evidence. Therefore, Commissioners have a duty to conduct the quasi-judicial proceedings more like judges than legislators. That is why the commission has established the uniform procedures for quasi-judicial hearings that will be followed this evening. Finally, no one should approach any member of the City Commission on the Dioceses, City Clerk, or City Attorney during the hearing. If documents are to be given to the City Clerk please give them to the Sergeant at Arms, which are either of the two Police Officers in the Chamber.
Mayor Linda Hudson called the proceeding to order.
City Clerk Linda Cox confirmed the City complied with advertisement and notice requirements.
Mayor Linda Hudson inquired with the Commission regarding ex-parte communications and asked City Clerk to call the roll:
Commissioner Curtis Johnson Jr.– No.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson - Yes.
Commissioner Perona – No.
Mayor Hudson – Yes.
City Clerk Linda Cox was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on this item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Those that were sworn in were asked to clearly state their name for the record and confirm they were sworn in at such time as they were asked to come forward to testify.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson requested clarification on the shell driveway to ensure that it meets the conditions of the City design parameters for the connection to the road.
Commissioner Perona inquired about the code for single family homes and sidewalks, to which Jennifer Hofmeister, Planning Director, sworn, responded that the current code in the City of Fort Pierce for single family homes does not require sidewalks.
Applicant Presentation: Richard Slater, sworn, had nothing to add to the presentation. He clarified the driveway will be shell fragments, however there will be the required 25 foot concrete apron and then it will turn to the shell pieces. Mr. Slater also clarified that the total livable space of the home is approximately 2900 sq.ft.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve 12 b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Mayor Hudson reminded everyone that the quasi-judicial procedures previously explained by the City Attorney remained in effect.
Mayor Linda Hudson called the proceeding to order.
City Clerk Linda Cox confirmed the City complied with advertisement and notice requirements.
Mayor Linda Hudson inquired with the Commission regarding ex-parte communications and asked City Clerk to call the roll:
Commissioner Curtis Johnson Jr.– No.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson - No.
Commissioner Perona – No.
Mayor Hudson – No.
City Clerk Linda Cox was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on this item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Those that were sworn in were asked to clearly state their name for the record and confirm they were sworn in at such time as they were asked to come forward to testify.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson questioned if all staff had a chance to review the request and Mrs. Hofmeister ensured all staff had reviewed the request. Commissioner Johnson also asked if the wash area meets the city parameters as there is a canal near where this wash area is being built.
Applicant Presentation: Alejandra Molina-Jackson, Architect, sworn, responded to Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson's question of the wash area stating that there are swales to the south and east, and the wash area has its own water recycling system. Ms. Molina-Jackson indicated that the company washes the equipment as a part of the rental.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve 12 c
- AYE:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Ordinance 21-014 - AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ABANDONING A PORTION OF THE AVENUE B RIGHT-OF-WAY, BOUND BY A.E. BACKUS AVENUE TO THE NORTH; NORTH 2ND STREET TO THE EAST, AVENUE A TO THE SOUTH, AND THE FEC RAILROAD TO THE WEST; BEING APPROXIMATELY 65.00 FEET WIDE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Staff presentation: Planning Director Jennifer Hofmeister, presented an overview of the Kings Landing proposal requiring the abandonment which was previously approved in August, 2020 and is being brought back at the request of the developer to ensure no issues with the title since a condition within the original ordinance were not met.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired if the majority of the easement was in the FEC right of way and Ms. Hofmeister clarified the portion that is in the FEC right of way is the 65ft by 55ft portion on the west side of the property.
Mr. Sweeney stated the easement is independent of the ordinance, the ordinance is for abandonment only. City Clerk Linda Cox clarified that the easement will be on the consent agenda at the next meeting. City Attorney Pete Sweeney informed the Commission that the easement is not a request the City has made, but it is a request of FPUA.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve 12 d.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the letter of support.
- AYE:
- 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.
Attorney Pete Sweeney has no comments.
City Clerk Linda Cox provided a reminder for the names for their nomination for the audit committee which was created at the last meeting. In addition, she noted she will be working with Mr. Mimms to contact Slavin Management Consultants who will be conducting the search for Mr. Sweeney’s replacement.
Commissioner Perona added any vacations or time off request must go through the City Clerks office as the summer months will be busy.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson mentioned the need for the census data for the 2021 strategic plan action item for redistricting. He asked Mr. Sweeney to provide information for the commissioners about what has been ordered by a court with regard to districts. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson also mentioned hearing from the community regarding any election items to be put on the 2022 election ballot.
Commission Thomas Perona thanked Mayor Linda Hudson for her effort in promoting Fort Pierce through the 100th year inlet celebration.
Mayor Linda Hudson mentioned schools out.
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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