Presentation of the Intersection Designs for Fort Pierce - All Aboard Florida

Mr. Jose Gonzalez, Senior VP - Florida East Coast Industries, Adrian Sheerer, Executive VP - AAF Rail Infrastructure, and Alex Gonzalez, Development / Corporate Manager - Florida East Coast Industries, each appeared, was available for questions, and presented designs that they have come up with after engaging in a comprehensive planning and diagnostic review of the intersections and infrastructure needed to accommodate All Aboard Florida.

Working closely with the Federal Rail Administration, FDOT, the County, and City staff, they are evaluating safety concerns including double tracking, sealed corridors, and quiet zones. The planned improvements include restoring the second track for passenger service, traffic separators, entrance gates, and bridge improvements to Taylor Creek, Moore's Creek, and at Avenue C. The design is for 32 passenger trains (16 in each direction) and up to 20 freight trains. The built-in safety protocol ensures that the train knows the speed limit, which should not be faster than 79/mph at each crossing. Quiet zones will need to be applied for, however, the advantage to the City is that 90% of the quiet zone requirement is met with sealed corridor treatment. All Aboard Florida is open to working with City officials and staff to ensure that quiet zone requirements are met.

The Commission discussion included a decision for quiet zones prior to the next Commission meeting, clarification of the fact that the concrete tie company is not "tied to" All Aboard Florida, property value reports, and possibly having the Engineering department review plans in addition to the Planning department and City Manager's office.

Discussion of Section 108 and BEDI Grant Resources - Deputy City Manager

Mr. Nick Mimms provided a review of the availability and use of the Section 108 and BEDI Grant funds. The agreement was initiated in 2009 for a grant amount of $800,000. The funds were to be used for debt service reserve, and a loan to the developer to assist with clean up and reconstruction for the Coral Square Development.  The commitment schedule for the proceeds runs from 2010 to 2029, and the current annual debt repayment is $283,000. In 2014, we received a $3.1M payment for Sec 108, but are currently unable to use it for loan repayment. However, as long as we are paying the loan back, we may use the funds creatively to fund other small capital improvements and / or CDBG projects.

Backus Museum Expansion Cultural Facility Grant Opportunity - Senior Planner

Kori Benton, Senior Planner, appeared and reported on the Backus Museum's request for the City to embrace their expansion plan which includes pursuit of a grant opportunity with the Department of State's Cultural Facility Expansions Program. The lease was extended to include plans of expansion, and growth to enhance their program and services for the public. Unfortunately, economic times have brought delay and they have since revisited a more modest expansion. The Museum has been working with staff and looking for opportunities to expand the current building, add recreational opportunities, and embrace the nature of the waterfront. In addition to securing $40,000 worth of funding from the City, they wish to revisit the terms and details of their lease.

Kathleen Frederick, AE Backus Museum, appeared, was available for questions and discussed their expansion plans. The museum has secured a grant of $400,000 that has a deadline for breaking ground by April 2016. They are applying for another $300,000 to assist with facility expansion. The project is a 2250 square feet addition which will house a new exhibit space that will be dedicated to the work of AE Backus, as well as an area to display Highwaymen paintings. The drawings show an outdoor art gallery on the walls of the museum which will become a free outdoor exhibit. Free Wi-fi for the area, employee VIP passes, and more should entice visitors to explore the museum, as well as the park and beautiful waterfront.  The aim is to create a conversation between the museum, visitor, and lagoon.

Ms. Frederick is requesting a letter of support from the City, and the chance to revisit the lease. The current lease is specifically targeted towards the full conceptual design of the museum. A lease modification to include the current design with an opportunity to come back in the future for further expansion is desired.