Vendor Ordinance Update - Code Compliance Manager

Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager reported that we have received a surprisingly low response.  To date, only 1 seasonal and 1 mobile vendor permit has been issued.   Feedback we have received is as follows:  Distance restrictions are causing the most problems, followed by the costs ($1,000.00 to get license going between the state and the city).  Other comments are the need for a criminal background check and the fact that the unit must be removed each night. 
 
We also discovered that we need to include a definition for the sale of fish and seafood products.  After discussion, the Commission agreed to move forward with minor changes and clarifications necessary but no modifications to the distance and costs requirements.
 

Proposed Acquisition of Lot Owned by Flagler Development (FDG Rail Holdings), Parcel ID 2410-503-0036-010-3 - Planning Manager

Rebecca Grohall, Planning Manager reported that the City has been approached by Flagler Development to consider the acquisition of two parcels.   The first Site A is a tiny strip of land located north of Avenue A parallel to the tracks.  This parcel could be used to create a pedestrian walkway ultimately connecting into Moore’s Creek.  
 
Site B is located south of Orange Avenue past Boston Avenue and consists of 37 parking spaces the city previously improved along Depot Drive along with other unimproved property.  There remains an ownership question on this property and discussion ensued about the recording of a maintenance map on this area as well as what areas are being maintained or should be maintained by the City.   There needs to be direction from the city commission on whether we want to maintain the property or not.
 
After discussion, consensus was to move forward with the purchase of Parcel A.
 

Annexation Update - Planning Manager

Rebecca Grohall, Planning Manager indicated that FPUA has agreed to go back to customers to get annexation agreements for those who are receiving service but no agreement is in place.   They are also going to review all of the agreements and implement some quality control on their end to insure the City is getting all of the parcel data correctly. 
 
In order to entice voluntary annexation, Ms. Grohall is suggesting a 100% fee waiver for residential property.  Currently, it is over $1,000.00 for voluntary annexation.   For commercial property, she is recommending a waiver of fees, with collection of only advertising costs which typically run between $120.00 and $200.00.  
 
In the meantime, we continue to move forward with annexation on a larger scale through ISBA or voluntary annexation.
 
Commissioner Becht shared his conversations with Mr. Schwerer regarding language contained in the annexation agreements and how, with a modification, it could read “any now owned, or hereafter owned property” to capture contiguous properties.  Mayor Hudson indicated that Mr. Koblegard mentioned that option in his report to the FPUA Board.  Mr. Walker confirmed that Mr. Schwerer and Mr. Koblegard are discussing changes to the standard agreements.
 
Ms. Grohall will work with FPUA to memorialize our agreement to work together to acquire annexation agreements as soon as we identify the parcels receiving municipal services without an annexation agreement in place.
 
Commissioner Alexander requested that the district boundaries be included on all future annexation maps.
 
Commissioner Becht requested a copy of the TCERDA agreement so we can determine if we can use that agreement to achieve contiguity even though annexation won’t immediately occur.
 

Proposed Rental Unit Inspection Ordinance - Building Official

Marc Meyers, Building Official reported that the original ordinance that was submitted to the commission and failed was in 2000.  After reviewing the ordinance and the minutes, Mr. Meyers understood its failure. 
 
Mr. Meyers reported the top three complaints he receives about rental units are electrical problems, water problems – either roof leaks or plumbing problems, and mold (caused by the water).   
 
The adoption of a rental unit inspection ordinance will be an uphill battle and a tough sell.   We need to get input from the Landlord Association.  The Housing Authority has its own inspection program in place and could be used as a model.  DBPR inspects all buildings five units and great.   Consideration could be given to having a third party inspection process as an alternative.  Another alternative would be to license every rental property.  Any ordinance would only apply to open market rental properties with less than five units.
 
Mr. Mimms suggested that the City of Fort Pierce needs to look at the entire City and its vision.  We suffer from a poor housing stock.  This ordinance will assist the city in bringing our housing stock up to a minimum level that is acceptable for our residents to live.  We need to work with the Landlord Association in order to make this workable.  
 
Mr. Meyers indicated that this ordinance will create minimum standards and protect residents.   A license of rental homes is an option we can explore and can be used to trigger an annual inspection.  The Section 8 inspection program is a good model for us to evaluate and explore.
 
Consensus was reached to move forward to outline a possible rental housing program creating minimum standards. 
 
Mayor Hudson inquired as to the status of the abandoned properties registration ordinance that was discussed previously.  Mr. Meyers indicated it is still being discussed by Building and Legal.  Questions arose as to whether it met the desired goals by other jurisdictions that passed such an ordinance such as St. Lucie County and Port St. Lucie.  Mr. Meyers indicated that the ordinance was needed when we had a foreclosure problem; that problem is now not the same as it was in 2008. 
 
Commissioner Perona shared that he has received many phone calls lately about the Commission waiving the liens, fees and fines from Code Enforcement.  At a future Commission meeting, Commissioner Perona suggested that we explain why these liens are waived.   Commission Becht raised the point again about capping these liens and fines.   While Mr. Schwerer disagrees, the county and/or Port St. Lucie is successfully capping their liens.  Mr. Walker suggested that we may be able to diminish the problem by reducing the daily fines.   Ms. Arraiz indicated that staff would be willing to consider a reduction.