MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014.
1.
CALL TO ORDER at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Jill Hinkle, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions;
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Robert Bradshaw
- City Attorney Robert Schwerer
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 6, 2014 Meeting
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting on January 6, 2014.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS - No Proclamations were issued.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - The following letters will be kept on file in the City Clerk's Office:
a.
Letter from Roy Whitehead, President, Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation, commending Libby Woodruff, grant writer, for sharing her experience, knowledge and guidance as they were writing their application for CDBG grant funds.
b.
Letter from Roy Whitehead thanking Chief Sean Baldwin for serving as a guest speaker at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club.
c.
Letter from Blades Robinson commending the City Manager and City staff members for their leadership, friendliness, knowledge and "can do" attitude as he was deciding whether to invest in the City of Fort Pierce. He is now a proud tax-paying citizen.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Ms. Peggy Harris, My Choice Inc
Mr. Willie Henton and Mr. Neal Sirmons, Third World Promotions
Rev. John Lee, 1204 Avenue K
Mr. Doy Demsick, American Cancer Society
Mr. Patrick Henry, 1123 Granada Street
Mr. Rick Reed
Mr. Gage Steffen, 332 NW Aurora Street, PSL
Mr. Roy Darby, 619 South 6th Street
Ms. Nyla Pipes, 332 NW Aurora Street, PSL
Ms. Peggy Harris, My Choice Inc
Mr. Willie Henton and Mr. Neal Sirmons, Third World Promotions
Rev. John Lee, 1204 Avenue K
Mr. Doy Demsick, American Cancer Society
Mr. Patrick Henry, 1123 Granada Street
Mr. Rick Reed
Mr. Gage Steffen, 332 NW Aurora Street, PSL
Mr. Roy Darby, 619 South 6th Street
Ms. Nyla Pipes, 332 NW Aurora Street, PSL
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approval of 2014 CDBG Public Service Agency Funding Recommendations. The Communitywide Council evaluated sixteen (16) PSA grant applications, recommended funding for eleven (11), in the amount of $70,000. This amount was previously approved in the PY 2013-2014 CDBG Annual Action Plan ($70,000).
b.
Approval of Change Order No. 6 in the amount of $197,483.30 for SR A1A Phase I Improvements with Dickerson Florida, Inc. PO No. 110671 - Ref. Bid No. 6008.
c.
Request for a one (1) year for Site Plan and Conditional Use Extension for Mount Bethel Baptist Church - South 25th Street, east of Fort Pierce Central High School. Approval of this item will grant the applicant a new site plan approval through January 21, 2015.
d.
Approval of request to waive administrative fees in the amount of $100 for a Lot Clearing Lien totaling $350 against 810 N. 4th Street, owned by Theresa and Jerry L. Wilson, contingent upon payment of $250.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved - 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Ordinance No: 14-001 - Application for Alleyway Abandonment - American Legion Post 40 - 810 South US Highway 1. SECOND READING.
Mr. Ryan Sweeney, Senior Planner, was present for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Mr. Ryan Sweeney, Senior Planner, was present for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
b.
Ordinance No: 14-002; An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida amending Chapter 13, POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT TRUST FUND. FIRST READING
Ms. Gloria Johnson, Finance Director, appeared with a recommendation for approval. She stated that this was amending the Police Officer's Investment Policy, the section pertaining to the investment area of the trust.
Commissioner Becht questioned if this was related to the 185 money. Ms. Johnson identified
that this was, with no financial cost to the city.
Ms. Johnson clarified for Mayor Hudson that it was the City of Fort Pierce Retirement and
Benefit System that was recommending approval.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Ms. Gloria Johnson, Finance Director, appeared with a recommendation for approval. She stated that this was amending the Police Officer's Investment Policy, the section pertaining to the investment area of the trust.
Commissioner Becht questioned if this was related to the 185 money. Ms. Johnson identified
that this was, with no financial cost to the city.
Ms. Johnson clarified for Mayor Hudson that it was the City of Fort Pierce Retirement and
Benefit System that was recommending approval.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
11.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
Building Department Click-2-Gov Presentation in an effort to educate the public on the Building Department permit portal. Mr. Marc Myers, Building Department Director, offered a presentation of the City of Fort Pierce's internet accessible permit program known as Click-2-Gov.
Mayor Hudson inquired if the applicant would also receive notification other than online. Mr. Myers gave a brief explanation of the permit process explaining that the applicant receives written notification after the information has been put on the website of any holds, rejections or problems.
Commissioner Alexander asked how long the program has been available and if there is a process in place to red flag permits on hold and have a monthly report. Mr. Myers stated that this program has been in place for two years and that if the plan has been rejected then it has been returned to the building department and a notification has been sent with a list of deficiencies.
Commissioner Becht commented that he he finds the program interesting because it is not just for the contractor, that the owner can go online with their permit number and check with the city the status of their permits.
Commissioner Perona addressed a scenario where inclement weather creates a backup of inspections and asked how does the department communicate that the inspector is not going to be there. Mr. Myers stated that the inspectors are very diligent but if the inspection has to roll over to the next day a notification call is made.
Commissioner Sessions asked what was the percentage of users to this program. Mr. Meyers explained that there are two systems to schedule inspections, online as well as an automated phone line system. The Selectron system has been in place for two years prior to Click-2-Gov and within a year of the online service usage was at 50 percent. Commissioner Sessions made note that this system is a tracking device and asked of ways to improve the timing of the permitting process. Mr. Myers responded that he does a monthly check and when something stands out he will talk to the individual or direct staff to make contact. He stated that time frame will be added to there current monthly report.
Mr. Myers concluded by stating that there are 50 percent more permits this year than last with no increase in staff.
Mayor Hudson inquired if the applicant would also receive notification other than online. Mr. Myers gave a brief explanation of the permit process explaining that the applicant receives written notification after the information has been put on the website of any holds, rejections or problems.
Commissioner Alexander asked how long the program has been available and if there is a process in place to red flag permits on hold and have a monthly report. Mr. Myers stated that this program has been in place for two years and that if the plan has been rejected then it has been returned to the building department and a notification has been sent with a list of deficiencies.
Commissioner Becht commented that he he finds the program interesting because it is not just for the contractor, that the owner can go online with their permit number and check with the city the status of their permits.
Commissioner Perona addressed a scenario where inclement weather creates a backup of inspections and asked how does the department communicate that the inspector is not going to be there. Mr. Myers stated that the inspectors are very diligent but if the inspection has to roll over to the next day a notification call is made.
Commissioner Sessions asked what was the percentage of users to this program. Mr. Meyers explained that there are two systems to schedule inspections, online as well as an automated phone line system. The Selectron system has been in place for two years prior to Click-2-Gov and within a year of the online service usage was at 50 percent. Commissioner Sessions made note that this system is a tracking device and asked of ways to improve the timing of the permitting process. Mr. Myers responded that he does a monthly check and when something stands out he will talk to the individual or direct staff to make contact. He stated that time frame will be added to there current monthly report.
Mr. Myers concluded by stating that there are 50 percent more permits this year than last with no increase in staff.
b.
City Marina Reconstruction Update. Mr. Edward Seissiger, Project Coordinator, appeared and stated that they are finalizing Phase 1 of the project and beginning to assemble the contract documents for Phase II. He hopes to have them before Commission in early February.
c.
Monthly update of the City of Fort Pierce Solid Waste Division's Single Stream Recycling Program. Mr. Mike Reals, Public Works Manager appeared with a presentation outlining that once the single stream containers started in July there has been a steady rise with December reaching an unexpected milestone. For the year 2013, the City saved $12,793.79 in avoided disposal fees and within the same year, the recycling revenue was $8,249.90. The City kept just shy of 600 tons of material waste from the landfill.
d.
Highwaymen Heritage Trail Project Presentation. Ms. Libby Woodruff, Grants Administrator, and Mr. Nick Mimms appeared and presented a power point presentation that will be kept on file in the City Clerk's Office. She detailed the trail map and highlighted many aspects of the website that has been established with this project. The website is Thehighwaymentrail.com.
Commissioner Becht asked if a visitor to the website could leave a donation using a credit card. Ms. Woodruff stated that they will make sure to include that. He stated that he could see people getting excited about this website.
Commissioner Becht asked if a visitor to the website could leave a donation using a credit card. Ms. Woodruff stated that they will make sure to include that. He stated that he could see people getting excited about this website.
f.
Financial Report for Quarter Ending December 31, 2013. Ms. Gloria Johnson appeared and presented an update.
Commissioner Becht questioned why the personnel services for the departments were exceeding quarter marks. Ms. Johnson responded that during the first quarter in each year we get our sick leave conversion. It is received once for the year and this is done in the first quarter and will sometimes boost the number.
Ms. Johnson stated that we never budget for seasonal Christmas docorations. The process has been a transfer of funds after the budget. Commissioner Becht stated that he would like to see the Christmas expenses become part of the budget and asked that the previous process be changed.
Ms. Johnson said that she wanted to go over the FPRA fund. The City received TIF funding from the City and the County for $3.9 million, about $9,000 short of what was budgeted.
Mayor Hudson questioned a reimbursement of expenditures that had a budget of $0.00 but is showing an amount of $82,300. Ms Johnson stated that 1 1/2 years ago, we drew down money from CDBG that were not allowable. We used that money to do work on the houses on Orange Avenue and when the houses were sold we had to reimburse CDBG that money. Ms. Johnson further clarified the charges were disallowed by HUD and the reimbursement funds were to go to them.
Commissioner Alexander asked if any of the roll over funds were for the repairs to St. Anastasia. Mr. Mimms stated that the repairs were not allocated from these funds. Ms. Johnson stated that she will get with Mr. Mimms and do a budget amendment to give a break down of the funds.
Ms. Johnson spoke briefly about the Marina. Commissioner Becht asked when she will be comfortable making projections on the revenue that will be coming in on the boat slips, slip rental receipts and additional fuel sales. She stated that Mr. Kubitschek has been working on that. They will put those projections in whenever we are closer to knowing the completion.
The final report was from the Financial Position Resources and Uses. She stated we have not closed out the 2013 year but our estimated resources for the general fund is $4,186,041.00. Out of that amount, $3,410,000.00 is for the 10 percent reserve. We also had to appropriate for the 2014 budget a total of $723,624.00, so what the general fund is bringing forward in 2014 is $46,000.00.
The first quarter revenues are $12,220,000.00, the budget appropriation amount of $723,624.00 and we also had to reserve $1,500,000.00 of the tax revenue for our 2015 budget; she was taking that amount out. For the first quarter our resources are $11,436,000.00, out expenses were $8,794,000.00 and our total available resources are $2,600,000.00.
Commissioner Becht questioned why the personnel services for the departments were exceeding quarter marks. Ms. Johnson responded that during the first quarter in each year we get our sick leave conversion. It is received once for the year and this is done in the first quarter and will sometimes boost the number.
Ms. Johnson stated that we never budget for seasonal Christmas docorations. The process has been a transfer of funds after the budget. Commissioner Becht stated that he would like to see the Christmas expenses become part of the budget and asked that the previous process be changed.
Ms. Johnson said that she wanted to go over the FPRA fund. The City received TIF funding from the City and the County for $3.9 million, about $9,000 short of what was budgeted.
Mayor Hudson questioned a reimbursement of expenditures that had a budget of $0.00 but is showing an amount of $82,300. Ms Johnson stated that 1 1/2 years ago, we drew down money from CDBG that were not allowable. We used that money to do work on the houses on Orange Avenue and when the houses were sold we had to reimburse CDBG that money. Ms. Johnson further clarified the charges were disallowed by HUD and the reimbursement funds were to go to them.
Commissioner Alexander asked if any of the roll over funds were for the repairs to St. Anastasia. Mr. Mimms stated that the repairs were not allocated from these funds. Ms. Johnson stated that she will get with Mr. Mimms and do a budget amendment to give a break down of the funds.
Ms. Johnson spoke briefly about the Marina. Commissioner Becht asked when she will be comfortable making projections on the revenue that will be coming in on the boat slips, slip rental receipts and additional fuel sales. She stated that Mr. Kubitschek has been working on that. They will put those projections in whenever we are closer to knowing the completion.
The final report was from the Financial Position Resources and Uses. She stated we have not closed out the 2013 year but our estimated resources for the general fund is $4,186,041.00. Out of that amount, $3,410,000.00 is for the 10 percent reserve. We also had to appropriate for the 2014 budget a total of $723,624.00, so what the general fund is bringing forward in 2014 is $46,000.00.
The first quarter revenues are $12,220,000.00, the budget appropriation amount of $723,624.00 and we also had to reserve $1,500,000.00 of the tax revenue for our 2015 budget; she was taking that amount out. For the first quarter our resources are $11,436,000.00, out expenses were $8,794,000.00 and our total available resources are $2,600,000.00.
12.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Submittal of Applications for appointment to the Communitywide Council to fill one (1) regular member vacancy.
b.
Submittal of Applications for reappointment to the Board of Examiners of Contractors
c.
Submittal of Applications to the Board of Examiners of Contractors to fill one vacancy.
d.
Submittal of Applications for reappointment to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
e.
Ratification of 2014 Board and Committee appointments for Mayor and Commissioners
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve 2014 Board and Committee appointments for Mayor and Commissioners.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
f.
Resolution 14-R01 re-appointing James H. Brown to the Housing Authority Board.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution 14-R01.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
g.
Resolution 14-R02 Supporting Grant Application to Visit Florida to cover the design and printing costs of tourism brochures.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Resolution 14-R02.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
h.
Resolution 14-R03 Supporting Grant Application to Dr. Pepper Snapple Keep America Beautiful (DPS-KAB) to provide recycling bins for City parks.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Resolution 14-R03.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
13.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
Department Activity Report - Mr. Bradshaw had no comments.
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Sessions expressed concerns about what we are seeing on the streets of the city, the occurrences of events and the lack of lighting of hot spots in the City. He asked Chief of Police, Sean Baldwin, for an update on grants for the Shot Spotter. Chief Baldwin stated that the City received one of the two grants that had been applied for but the grant received was for four officers positions. They currently have two more grants that they are waiting for the application period to open so they can reapply for the Shot Spotter. He then asked why we do not have local resource officers at the local schools; Chief Baldwin responded it was a matter of funding.
Commissioner Becht asked of City Manager, Robert Bradshaw, what is the path for the Fertilizer Ordinance to be processed. Mr. Bradshaw stated this will be on the agenda in February. Commissioner Becht requested that Mr. Bradshaw check with City Manager Jeffrey Bremer on a consensus for the Port St. Lucie ordinance prior to our workshop.
Commissioner Alexander stated that when they meet for Conference Agendas they do not make decisions and asked about the implementation of audio only public comments. When City Manager, Robert Bradshaw stated the decision was an administrative one made by the City Manager's office, Commissioner Alexander requested that in the future the Commission be notified.
Commissioner Perona thanked all of the people that contribute their time and talent on the various City boards and committees. He specifically wanted to thank the Communitywide Council for all of their assistance.
Mayor Hudson thanked the Fort Pierce Lincoln Park Community Association, especially Pastor Walter Barron for their cleanup efforts in the City. She stated they have a Facebook page and everyone is welcome. She attended the Health Department presentation and received the complete program packet from Louisville, KY. She was pleased to hear that the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council passed the Resolution supporting the Maritime Academy. She asked that the North Beach Association be put on a future agenda with a request for a letter of support to the U.S. Coast Guard for timed bridge openings.
Commissioner Sessions expressed concerns about what we are seeing on the streets of the city, the occurrences of events and the lack of lighting of hot spots in the City. He asked Chief of Police, Sean Baldwin, for an update on grants for the Shot Spotter. Chief Baldwin stated that the City received one of the two grants that had been applied for but the grant received was for four officers positions. They currently have two more grants that they are waiting for the application period to open so they can reapply for the Shot Spotter. He then asked why we do not have local resource officers at the local schools; Chief Baldwin responded it was a matter of funding.
Commissioner Becht asked of City Manager, Robert Bradshaw, what is the path for the Fertilizer Ordinance to be processed. Mr. Bradshaw stated this will be on the agenda in February. Commissioner Becht requested that Mr. Bradshaw check with City Manager Jeffrey Bremer on a consensus for the Port St. Lucie ordinance prior to our workshop.
Commissioner Alexander stated that when they meet for Conference Agendas they do not make decisions and asked about the implementation of audio only public comments. When City Manager, Robert Bradshaw stated the decision was an administrative one made by the City Manager's office, Commissioner Alexander requested that in the future the Commission be notified.
Commissioner Perona thanked all of the people that contribute their time and talent on the various City boards and committees. He specifically wanted to thank the Communitywide Council for all of their assistance.
Mayor Hudson thanked the Fort Pierce Lincoln Park Community Association, especially Pastor Walter Barron for their cleanup efforts in the City. She stated they have a Facebook page and everyone is welcome. She attended the Health Department presentation and received the complete program packet from Louisville, KY. She was pleased to hear that the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council passed the Resolution supporting the Maritime Academy. She asked that the North Beach Association be put on a future agenda with a request for a letter of support to the U.S. Coast Guard for timed bridge openings.
15.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm.
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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