Mayor Hudson called the April 11, 2022, Conference Agenda Meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

City Engineer, Jack Andrews presented the data findings from the traffic study performed on Frist Boulevard. Lawnwood CEO, Mr. Eric Goldman gave an update on the new additions coming to Lawnwood within the next few years. The Commissioners came to the consensus to pursue this request.

Florida Housing Coalitions Chief Program Officer, Ashon Nesbit, presented the Equity profile for closing the Racial Gap in Homeownership. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson asked how they are adjusting for the fluctuation in material costs and Mr. Nesbit stated it is taken into consideration and they are looking into different solutions like alternative construction methods. Commissioner Arnold Gaines mentioned when they are ready to reach out to the community to let him know as he will be able to assist in getting the information out.

City Manager introduced this item and stated there is no presentation just the information attached to the agenda item as this is a continuation of the parking workshop. Mayor Linda Hudson by stating the residents are not happy with the idea of paid parking and gave the option of a pilot program for the beach areas for non-residents at the three major beaches the Jetty, Jaycee park, and the Causeway. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson stated the most beneficial option for parking is to go vertical, he is for the idea of paid parking in the downtown area, and he is for the pilot program at the beaches as well. City Manager Mr. Mimms stated we have convenient parking in downtown and we can look for developing partners for the prime parking areas in downtown. Commissioner Arnold Gaines questioned the ability of the paid parking at the beaches for residents versus non-residents, and they discussed non-residents will have to pay and residents will have no fees. They discussed the Tram in the downtown area and the idea of adding another vehicle to the route. 

Cares Act Funds Update by the Director of Finance, Johnna Morris. The Hands Clinic reached out and are interested in receiving remaining funds. She stated we can allocate up to 15 percent of the funds we received to a Public Service Agency, and we have until 2025 to distribute the funds. She also mentioned these funds are very specific in what it can be spent on. Ms. Morris recommends allocating $100,000 of the remaining funds to the Hands Clinic. The Commissioners are all in agreement for the allocation of the $100,000 to the Hands Clinic. Commissioner Curtis Johnson did mention he is on the Hands Board.

Code Enforcement Director Peggy Arraiz gave the presentation on the current policies for liens and consideration of amending / updating the policy to allow for alternate solutions for reductions and establishing a cap on the accrual of fines. Commissioner Gaines mentioned we should serve them the notices versus sending them by certified or standard mail. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson agreed and stated he would like to see the process starting after 3 months starting with sending and serving the property owners the notices of violation, he mentions the process continuing for the year before we issue the foreclosure notice. The timeline would start after the Lien is recorded. They clarified the $250 Reduction fee is added to the fine not needing to be paid upfront. Commissioner Perona stated the $100 fee is a hard fee and shouldn’t be taken off as it is for the work and preparation of these notices. Commissioner Gaines and Curtis Johnson would like to see the breakdown of the administrative fees and what all it includes. They all came to the agreement that the $100 administrative fee is not a Hard or Soft fee. Ms. Arraiz is to move forward with the proposed changes in the amending / updating of the policy.

City Clerk, Linda Cox, presented the follow-up discussion on the Business Tax Receipt Rates increase or decrease. The Mayor and Commissioners agreed to raise the fees the 5% back to the pre-pandemic level.

Mayor Hudson started off the discussion by stating she is very happy with the Clerk and her emphasis on transparency. Commissioner Perona is thankful for Ms. Cox response time and her attentiveness for scheduling as well as updating them with the trends in technology. Commissioner Curtis Johnson is confident in the Clerks department on keeping them on task and he asked to make them aware of the new advances and trends in technology. Commissioner Gaines stated that Ms. Cox is very professional and helps keep him well updated on the agenda and calendar. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson appreciates Ms. Cox work effort, dedication, and efficiency within the City Clerks Office. Ms. Cox reported that as of this Friday the minutes, ordinances, and resolutions will be available on the City’s website.

Mayor Hudson started off the discussion by stating she is happy with the City Manager's administration, the tracking on the City’s Strategic Plan, and prompt communication. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson appreciates the effort Mr. Mimms has taken to keep the Commissioners updated and would like to see how they can identify ways to improve technology within City Hall. Commissioner Perona mentioned his success is his organization and communication skills. Commissioner Curtis Johnson thanked him for his hard work, he mentioned he appreciated his investment in his team and improving their leadership capabilities, and the changes he has made to be more communicative to them and the organization, and he would like Mr. Mimms to keep them informed on new advances in the trends in technology. Commissioner Gaines thanked Mr. Mimms for his preparations for all the meetings. Mr. Mimms reported he is constantly reinvesting in staff and working to keep them engaged.

Mayor Hudson started off the discussion by stating she is very pleased with Ms. Earley’s work ethic and seriousness. Commissioner Gaines thanked her for their conversations, and he is looking forward to continuing to work together in the future. Commissioner Curtis Johnson thanked her and mentioned her great temperament, expertise, and her anticipation on changes. Commissioner Perona appreciates her distinction for rules and regulations as well as her great sense in timing. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson appreciates her efficiency, how direct she is with answers, and her professionalism. Ms. Earley thanked the Mayor and Commissioners for their feedback and let them know she is listening to their input.

Reginald Sessions
Charlie Frank Matthews
Mario Wilcox

Commissioner Arnold Gaines went to the Treasure Coast Council on Local Government meeting, they are still trying to persuade the governor not to sign Senate Bill 620. The Homelessness Task Force held a town hall meeting for feedback on the direction of the task force. St. Lucie Council on Aging is doing good. Lincoln Park Main Street completed the questionnaire and are tallying them now to create a strategic plan. He also attended the Retirement Board meeting.
 
Commissioner Curtis Johnson attended the TPO board meeting, they are working on being responsive. He attended the Roundtable meeting, they are working on evaluating their programming. The Fire Board has an event coming up for the dedication station for Dr. Liu. He mentioned the City’s Strategic Plan is on the City’s website for review.
 
Commissioner Thomas Perona attended the Sunrise Humane Society meeting, they discussed the financial issues and sustainability. The Retirement Board met and are looking at revenues and marketing, they are changing the rate of return, and they had a discussion on colas. The Parking Committiee Board had a presentation from an Electric Vehicle company to install parking spaces in the downtown area, and they discussed the parking garage configuration. They Jaycee Park Committee is working on a draft. They are waiting to hear back on the grants they applied for later this week and fundraising to help complete the project.
 
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson attended the TPO Board meeting, they discussed the Electric Vehicle opportunities, submitted a letter to Brightline, and they applied for a grant for the advanced air mobility study. Mainstreet Board's budget is coming back, he asked Mr. Mimms if they will be partnering with the City on the Fourth of July celebrations and about the administration budget for the event. The Tourism Board has a meeting coming up on Wednesday to discuss the new projects, visitor tracking study, and market perception study. 
 
Mayor Linda Hudson mentioned the Florida League of Cities annual meeting is in August. The Treasure Coast League of Cities Board meeting is coming up and Curtis Johnson and the Mayor both are receiving Home Rule Hero awards. The FMIT met and discussed the insurance being in good shape. The Fire Board meets Wednesday. The FPUA Board had a presentation on the Retirement plan by Keith Stevens, they discussed capital improvement projects. She mentioned she attended the Means Court ribbon cutting celebration, and it was well attended. 

Mayor Linda Hudson adjourned the meeting at 1:41 pm