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 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Mayor Hudson 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
a.
Approval of Minutes from the May 4, 2015 meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting on May 4, 2015.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation recognizing May as Community Action Month. It was received by Pa Houa Lee-Yang, CSBG Economic Services Director.
b.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation recognizing the retirement of Officer Robert Stagner.
c.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring May 16 through 22, 2015 as National Safe Boating Week. It was received by Mary Taylor, Commander, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 58, Fort Pierce.
d.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring May, 2015 as Building Safety Month. It was received by Marc Meyers, Building Official for the City of Fort Pierce.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - The following letter will be kept on file in the City Clerk's Office.
a.
Letter received from Charles Hayek thanking officers Keith Holmes and Brian Avilla for their assistance during Waterfest on May 3, 2015.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING - there were no comments from the public.
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Waive interest, penalties, and administrative fees in the amount of $547.15 for lot clearing lien against 507 Hernando St., Ft. Pierce, FL owned by David Steiner, 2580 Estates Dr., North Palm Beach, FL 33410 contingent upon payment of $590.70 within 60 days.
b.
Emergency Approval to Wilco Construction Inc. of Fort Pierce, Florida to install 12 Navigational Buoys in the City Marina Entrance Channel in the amount of $10,840.00.
c.
Approval of Change Order No.3 to Florida Floats dba Bellingham Marine for RFP No. 2013-021 in the amount of $44,288.00 pending approval of the City Attorney.
d.
Request approval of Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $44,416.40 as submitted by Timothy Rose Contracting, Inc.
e.
Approval of a Donation Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County for the donation of property for inclusion with the Porpoise Beach parcel.
f.
Approve contribution from Law Enforcement Trust Fund to MAD DAD's Fort Pierce Chapter Inc. in the amount of $2,500.00 to support attendance at the National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety, items 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
Presentation of Monthly Financial Report by Finance Director
Chief Accountant, Johnna Morris appeared with a presentation for month ending April stating that everything is on target as projected. The City took in $7.1 million in revenue for the month of April, mainly due to ad valorem taxes and the City’s transfer from the Utilities Authority. Expenditures are also on target with what was budgeted.
Commissioner Becht feels the current funds that are not frozen, need to be put back to work on properties designated as brownfields to help clean them up. Mr. Bradshaw stated he will get back to the Commission with a plan concerning brownfields and available funding.
Chief Accountant, Johnna Morris appeared with a presentation for month ending April stating that everything is on target as projected. The City took in $7.1 million in revenue for the month of April, mainly due to ad valorem taxes and the City’s transfer from the Utilities Authority. Expenditures are also on target with what was budgeted.
Commissioner Becht feels the current funds that are not frozen, need to be put back to work on properties designated as brownfields to help clean them up. Mr. Bradshaw stated he will get back to the Commission with a plan concerning brownfields and available funding.
12.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution No. 15-R15 re-appointing Leon Porter to the Communitywide Council.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution No. 15-R15.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Resolution 15-R16 re-appointing Charlotte Bireley to the Fort Pierce Authentic Tours Advisory Board.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Resolution No. 15-R16.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
c.
Resolution No. 15-R17 appointing members to the Civil Service Appeals Board.
City Clerk Linda Cox asked there not be a vote on Resolution No. 15-R17 due to a name being inadvertantly excluded from the list of candidates circulated for the Commission's vote.
City Clerk Linda Cox asked there not be a vote on Resolution No. 15-R17 due to a name being inadvertantly excluded from the list of candidates circulated for the Commission's vote.
d.
Application to serve on the Fort Pierce Authentic Tours Advisory Board
City Clerk Linda Cox indicated applications are attached and will come back at the next meeting in the form of a Resolution for approval.
City Clerk Linda Cox indicated applications are attached and will come back at the next meeting in the form of a Resolution for approval.
13.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Ms. Dodi Spence
Mr. Frederick Jackson
Mr. Chop Lege
Mr. Frederick Jackson
Mr. Chop Lege
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
City Manager's Departmental Activity Report
Mr. Bradshaw reminded everyone that before the next Commission meeting on Monday, June 1st, there will the City’s welcome reception for the new Police Chief starting at 5:00 p.m. in the lobby. The follow up workshop for the Strategic Planning is scheduled for Thursday, July 16th. His last item is about the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful clean-up, there was a great turn out for a great day.
Mr. Mimms wanted to thank everyone that participated in the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful cleanup. There were over 300 volunteers that participated, it was a fantastic day. Individual teams planted, mulched, painted over graffiti and removed over 16 tons of debris and trash. The City has received calls from other groups wanting to paint homes for the handicapped and elderly, also folks wanting to do another community cleanup in the Lincoln Park area. He feels the City is moving people to do better and wants to continue that movement forward.
In closing Mr. Bradshaw wanted to thank the Commission for a very successful joint workshop with the Board of County Commissioners regarding the port development. There were a lot of positive comments and everyone is looking forward to some type of development with a partnership with the County. Mr. Bradshaw stated in response to Commissioner Becht there is a meeting being scheduled with County staff and he will address and discuss the Free Trade Zone, Inter-local agreement and propose water be supplied to Harbor Point Park.
Commissioner added that there was talk at the joint workshop of condemnation and the taking of property, he feels the politicians need to pull the trigger or quit talking about it because it will kill any chance of development or incentives to move forward.
Mr. Bradshaw reminded everyone that before the next Commission meeting on Monday, June 1st, there will the City’s welcome reception for the new Police Chief starting at 5:00 p.m. in the lobby. The follow up workshop for the Strategic Planning is scheduled for Thursday, July 16th. His last item is about the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful clean-up, there was a great turn out for a great day.
Mr. Mimms wanted to thank everyone that participated in the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful cleanup. There were over 300 volunteers that participated, it was a fantastic day. Individual teams planted, mulched, painted over graffiti and removed over 16 tons of debris and trash. The City has received calls from other groups wanting to paint homes for the handicapped and elderly, also folks wanting to do another community cleanup in the Lincoln Park area. He feels the City is moving people to do better and wants to continue that movement forward.
In closing Mr. Bradshaw wanted to thank the Commission for a very successful joint workshop with the Board of County Commissioners regarding the port development. There were a lot of positive comments and everyone is looking forward to some type of development with a partnership with the County. Mr. Bradshaw stated in response to Commissioner Becht there is a meeting being scheduled with County staff and he will address and discuss the Free Trade Zone, Inter-local agreement and propose water be supplied to Harbor Point Park.
Commissioner added that there was talk at the joint workshop of condemnation and the taking of property, he feels the politicians need to pull the trigger or quit talking about it because it will kill any chance of development or incentives to move forward.
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Alexander stated he wanted to discuss the topic of being a Sister City with the Bahamas, pointing out it is quicker to the port of Fort Pierce than it is to Miami. Mayor Hudson responded that there is contact with the Bahamiam government. The Consul General in Miami is working to set up a Sister City with a port in the Bahamas; it is likely to be Freeport. There has been follow up contact and Fort Pierce is definitely on their radar.
Commissioner Perona commented on a website link that was on Facebook identifying Fort Pierce as one of the worst places to live in Florida. This has made him more aware of what needs to be done to move forward, intelligent people that have experienced Fort Pierce can make up their own minds, but it is a little more difficult for those that have never visited. He is sure that all of the good things happening in Fort Pierce have not been factored in, things like Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful clean-up event, the Sunrise Theatre or the packed beaches. Commissioner Perona stated this site is not accurate and Fort Pierce got a bum rap on this one. Fort Pierce is an evolving community that is doing nothing but getting better every day. Commissioner Alexander added that Fort Pierce has a great reputation; he hears nothing but good things when he travels each year to the League of Cities.
Commissioner Sessions expressed to not be discouraged by what other people think of you, stating his experience has been that the more you strive to be successful, the more haters you will get. He suggests making this a motivator. He inquired about street paving and eliminating costs by performing the repairs in-house. He stressed the dire need of repair for 13th Street, 17th Street and Delaware Avenue. We have to find the funds to make the necessary repairs because sometimes the environment has an impact if you want people to take pride in their community and be more responsible. On a positive note Commissioner Sessions was very moved by the will of this Commission with the County and how they approached the issue regarding the Port. He feels a lot was accomplished, when we all work together and consider what the issues and goals are the possibilities are endless to make this Port the best it can be. In closing, he wants everyone to know that St. Lucie Transit will honor individuals under the age of 18 to travel back and forth free of charge during this summer and he encourages all young people to take advantage of this opportunity to get to and from the many activities available to them.
Commissioner Becht asked to be forwarded the information pertaining to Sean Baldwin’s request mentioned during public comment; he would like to know the specifics. The reaction of some at the joint meeting was that a lot has been done and feels it is very important to focus on the next step, the next project to building the infrastructure at the Port. We are years from a ribbon cutting. The gentleman that spoke from the Port’s Council was extremely informative and appreciated him being in attendance. Mr. Bradshaw responded he will have information at the next meeting concerning questions of local brownfields and possible funds.
Mayor Hudson stated she was contacted by Channel 25 today asking for the City’s reaction to the Facebook post, she responded that obviously the people have never been here and obviously using old statistics. The internet is a beautiful thing, but it can also be a terrible thing if it is not used for truthful statements. She admitted to being on Facebook and wanted everyone to know there were a lot of positive postings, posts sticking up for Fort Pierce. St. Paul A.M.E. Church will be having their annual law enforcement appreciation event on Sunday, May 24th. They are hoping for a big turnout at this event to tell law enforcement how they are appreciated. This Memorial Day at 11:00 a.m. in Veteran’s Memorial Park Amvets Post 15 will be hosting the memorial ceremony honoring veterans. Lastly, if you want to know what the bus routes are you can go to www.treasurecoastconnector.com or call (772) 464-8878 to ride free with your student id.
Commissioner Alexander stated he wanted to discuss the topic of being a Sister City with the Bahamas, pointing out it is quicker to the port of Fort Pierce than it is to Miami. Mayor Hudson responded that there is contact with the Bahamiam government. The Consul General in Miami is working to set up a Sister City with a port in the Bahamas; it is likely to be Freeport. There has been follow up contact and Fort Pierce is definitely on their radar.
Commissioner Perona commented on a website link that was on Facebook identifying Fort Pierce as one of the worst places to live in Florida. This has made him more aware of what needs to be done to move forward, intelligent people that have experienced Fort Pierce can make up their own minds, but it is a little more difficult for those that have never visited. He is sure that all of the good things happening in Fort Pierce have not been factored in, things like Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful clean-up event, the Sunrise Theatre or the packed beaches. Commissioner Perona stated this site is not accurate and Fort Pierce got a bum rap on this one. Fort Pierce is an evolving community that is doing nothing but getting better every day. Commissioner Alexander added that Fort Pierce has a great reputation; he hears nothing but good things when he travels each year to the League of Cities.
Commissioner Sessions expressed to not be discouraged by what other people think of you, stating his experience has been that the more you strive to be successful, the more haters you will get. He suggests making this a motivator. He inquired about street paving and eliminating costs by performing the repairs in-house. He stressed the dire need of repair for 13th Street, 17th Street and Delaware Avenue. We have to find the funds to make the necessary repairs because sometimes the environment has an impact if you want people to take pride in their community and be more responsible. On a positive note Commissioner Sessions was very moved by the will of this Commission with the County and how they approached the issue regarding the Port. He feels a lot was accomplished, when we all work together and consider what the issues and goals are the possibilities are endless to make this Port the best it can be. In closing, he wants everyone to know that St. Lucie Transit will honor individuals under the age of 18 to travel back and forth free of charge during this summer and he encourages all young people to take advantage of this opportunity to get to and from the many activities available to them.
Commissioner Becht asked to be forwarded the information pertaining to Sean Baldwin’s request mentioned during public comment; he would like to know the specifics. The reaction of some at the joint meeting was that a lot has been done and feels it is very important to focus on the next step, the next project to building the infrastructure at the Port. We are years from a ribbon cutting. The gentleman that spoke from the Port’s Council was extremely informative and appreciated him being in attendance. Mr. Bradshaw responded he will have information at the next meeting concerning questions of local brownfields and possible funds.
Mayor Hudson stated she was contacted by Channel 25 today asking for the City’s reaction to the Facebook post, she responded that obviously the people have never been here and obviously using old statistics. The internet is a beautiful thing, but it can also be a terrible thing if it is not used for truthful statements. She admitted to being on Facebook and wanted everyone to know there were a lot of positive postings, posts sticking up for Fort Pierce. St. Paul A.M.E. Church will be having their annual law enforcement appreciation event on Sunday, May 24th. They are hoping for a big turnout at this event to tell law enforcement how they are appreciated. This Memorial Day at 11:00 a.m. in Veteran’s Memorial Park Amvets Post 15 will be hosting the memorial ceremony honoring veterans. Lastly, if you want to know what the bus routes are you can go to www.treasurecoastconnector.com or call (772) 464-8878 to ride free with your student id.
16.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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