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, FEBRUARY 3, 2014.
1.
CALL TO ORDER at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Commissioner Reginald Sessions offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Fort Pierce Boy Scout Troop #772 , followed by a special presentation.
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Absent:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Robert Bradshaw
- City Attorney Robert Schwerer
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to excuse Commissioner Rufus Alexander.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - from January 21, 2014 meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting on January 21, 2014.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation naming February 11 - 17, 2014, as 2-1-1 Awareness Week. It was received by Page Woodward, Community Relations Specialist, 2-1-1 HelpLine.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Tracey Williams, The American Dream Factory
Mr. Patrick Henry, 1123 Granada Street
Mr. Rick Reed
Rev. John Lee, 1204 Avenue K
Mr. Roy Darby, 619 South 6th Street
Capt. Don Voss, 323 Leeward Lane
Mr. Marion Matthews, 1612 Oleander Boulevard
Ms. Ursula Freeman, 714 South 10th Street
Ms. Bonnie Howard, 8007 Eden Road
Mr. Tracey Williams, The American Dream Factory
Mr. Patrick Henry, 1123 Granada Street
Mr. Rick Reed
Rev. John Lee, 1204 Avenue K
Mr. Roy Darby, 619 South 6th Street
Capt. Don Voss, 323 Leeward Lane
Mr. Marion Matthews, 1612 Oleander Boulevard
Ms. Ursula Freeman, 714 South 10th Street
Ms. Bonnie Howard, 8007 Eden Road
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve contribution of $5,000 to the Police Athletic League from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.
b.
Approve purchase of equipment in the amount of $15,426.28 from SHI to replace aging routing and switches at City Hall and the remote sites.
c.
Approve payment of $16,687.93 to Conkling & Lewis Construction, Inc. for the repair of the Sunrise Theatre's building overhang.
d.
Approve payment of $14,700 to Wantman Group for the assessment of the seawall along Moore's Creek at the H.D. King Power Plant property.
e.
Reduce Code Enforcement Lien from $69,340.00 to $18,854.92 against 2102 Golfview Court, owned by A to Z Properties, Inc. and Joan M. Hook.
f.
Reduce Code Enforcement Lien from $63,640 to $8,031.91 against 517 South 8th Street, owned by Al Bernetti.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved - 9a, 9b, 9c, 9e, 9f. Commissioner Perona pulled item 9d.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
As to Item 9d, Commissioner Perona asked if this is a city issue. Mr. Andrews stated that this is a stormwater issue. If a seawall falls in, it affects our stormwater discharge and we need to keep Moore's Creek flowing.
Commissioner Becht asked if Mr. Andrews was contemplating work being done following this report. Mr. Andrews said that there is a section of seawall that has moved and after the report they will be able to see what needs to be done. He stated that we would depend on the consulting engineer of choice to provide any construction drawings that may be needed. Commissioner Becht asked if we would receive a report that would be accessible to other firms if the City chose. Mr. Andrews responded that this is the first step to evaluate what we need to do and that we are proceeding in the right direction.
Commissioner Becht asked if Mr. Andrews was contemplating work being done following this report. Mr. Andrews said that there is a section of seawall that has moved and after the report they will be able to see what needs to be done. He stated that we would depend on the consulting engineer of choice to provide any construction drawings that may be needed. Commissioner Becht asked if we would receive a report that would be accessible to other firms if the City chose. Mr. Andrews responded that this is the first step to evaluate what we need to do and that we are proceeding in the right direction.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Item 9d, payment for $14,700 to Wantman Group for the assessment of the seawall along Moore's Creek at the H.D. King Power Plant property.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Ordinance No: 14-002, Amendment to Chapter 13, Police Officers Retirement; Amending Section 13-165(e) to permit the Board to use its discretion to invest and reinvest the moneys of the fund. SECOND READING
Commissioner Becht asked of staff to include the word none to appear on agenda items when there is no fiscal impact. Mr. Bradshaw thanked Commissioner Becht for bringing this to the attention of staff and that adjustment will be made.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Becht asked of staff to include the word none to appear on agenda items when there is no fiscal impact. Mr. Bradshaw thanked Commissioner Becht for bringing this to the attention of staff and that adjustment will be made.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Ordinance No. 14-002.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Notice of Appeal submitted by Mr. David Cleveland. The relief sought is the reversal of the Historic Preservation Board’s decision to deny the Certificate of Appropriateness for replacement of original and non-original windows at Old City Hall and St. Anastasia School Building. (CONTINUED FROM 1/21/2014)
Ms. Rebecca Grohall, Planning Manager, appeared with a staff recommendation for a continuance until March 3, 2014 meeting.
Ms. Grohall stated that they are at the final stage of the process. She is hopeful that they will wrap this all up at the end of this week and that the appeal will be withdrawn.
Commissioner Becht asked if City staff is comfortable with the materials that they are being directed to use. Ms. Grohall responded that staff thinks they are a better solution, better fit for St. Anastasia than was originally proposed.
Ms. Rebecca Grohall, Planning Manager, appeared with a staff recommendation for a continuance until March 3, 2014 meeting.
Ms. Grohall stated that they are at the final stage of the process. She is hopeful that they will wrap this all up at the end of this week and that the appeal will be withdrawn.
Commissioner Becht asked if City staff is comfortable with the materials that they are being directed to use. Ms. Grohall responded that staff thinks they are a better solution, better fit for St. Anastasia than was originally proposed.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to continue the Notice of Appeal to the March 3, 2014 meeting.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
11.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
12.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution No. 14-R04, authorizing the execution of a Local Agency Program (LAP) Agreement with FDOT for South 31st Street sidewalk improvements from Tennessee Avenue to Okeechobee Road; and approval of the Federal-Aid Project Funding Request.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve Resolution No. 14-R04.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Resolution No. 14-R06, appointing members to the Communitywide Council.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution No. 14-R06.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
c.
Resolution No. 14-R07, appointing members to the Board of Examiners of Contractors.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution No. 14-R07.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
d.
Resolution No. 14-R08, appointing members to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution No. 14-R07.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
e.
Resolution No. 14-R09 appointing members to the Board of Examiners of Contractors.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve Resolution No. 14-R09.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
f.
Submittal of applications for appointment/reappointment to the Code Enforcement Board for consideration.
13.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
Department Activity Report - Mr. Bradshaw had no comments.
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
City Attorney, Rob Schwerer announced as per Florida Statute 286.011 that they may need an Out of the Sunshine Meeting to discuss the settlement proposals in the litigation case Harbour Isles vs. City of Fort Pierce.
Commissioner Perona expressed his continued concerns about the All Aboard Florida high speed rail coming to Florida. He is happy to know that city staff is involved with the TPO, they have formed a committee called the Treasure Coast Passenger Rail Action Committee. He requested that the commission be kept updated on a regular basis. Commissioner Becht also commented on the possible economic impact. Commissioner Perona wanted to let the public know that there will be an FPUA Public Hearing on February 4th at 6p.m.
Commissioner Sessions asked to get an update on the port development. Mr. Bradshaw stated that we are working on updating the master plan and as far as an actual candidate for the port tenant we do not have anything right now. Mayor Hudson stated that with the Maritime Academy we are working on studies with Dr. Massey at Indian River State College. Commissioner Sessions was concerned about assessed fees on businesses trying to open in the City. Ms. Grohall explained that staff is always willing to meet with individuals without incurring a fee. She said that the applicant in question met with staff, no fee was charged nor paid.
Commissioner Becht was approached about Art in Public Places and told that there was $15,000 in an account at the county for maintenance of the art, and requested that we inquire about getting some of this money released. He asked for an update on a ground breaking or ribbon cutting at the Stormwater Recreational Project. Mr. Andrews stated he believes that a preliminary date is Tuesday, February 25th.
Mayor Hudson attended a presentation by Secretary Walters of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice at the Children's Services Council. Chief Baldwin also attended and did an excellent job presenting to the Secretary what is happening in our area and what kind of help we need. Mayor Hudson reported that real estate sales are looking good according to a report from the St. Lucie County Realtors.
City Attorney, Rob Schwerer announced as per Florida Statute 286.011 that they may need an Out of the Sunshine Meeting to discuss the settlement proposals in the litigation case Harbour Isles vs. City of Fort Pierce.
Commissioner Perona expressed his continued concerns about the All Aboard Florida high speed rail coming to Florida. He is happy to know that city staff is involved with the TPO, they have formed a committee called the Treasure Coast Passenger Rail Action Committee. He requested that the commission be kept updated on a regular basis. Commissioner Becht also commented on the possible economic impact. Commissioner Perona wanted to let the public know that there will be an FPUA Public Hearing on February 4th at 6p.m.
Commissioner Sessions asked to get an update on the port development. Mr. Bradshaw stated that we are working on updating the master plan and as far as an actual candidate for the port tenant we do not have anything right now. Mayor Hudson stated that with the Maritime Academy we are working on studies with Dr. Massey at Indian River State College. Commissioner Sessions was concerned about assessed fees on businesses trying to open in the City. Ms. Grohall explained that staff is always willing to meet with individuals without incurring a fee. She said that the applicant in question met with staff, no fee was charged nor paid.
Commissioner Becht was approached about Art in Public Places and told that there was $15,000 in an account at the county for maintenance of the art, and requested that we inquire about getting some of this money released. He asked for an update on a ground breaking or ribbon cutting at the Stormwater Recreational Project. Mr. Andrews stated he believes that a preliminary date is Tuesday, February 25th.
Mayor Hudson attended a presentation by Secretary Walters of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice at the Children's Services Council. Chief Baldwin also attended and did an excellent job presenting to the Secretary what is happening in our area and what kind of help we need. Mayor Hudson reported that real estate sales are looking good according to a report from the St. Lucie County Realtors.
15.
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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