Mayor Hudson called the June 13, 2022, Conference Agenda Meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
 

Chief of Police, Diane Hobley-Burney and Deputy Chief, Robert Ridle gave the Police Department update. Commissioner Gaines thanked the Chief for all her research into new software and programs that could assist the Police Department in keeping the City safe. Commissioner Curtis Johnson asked about the expense of adding new staff and Chief Hobley-Burney stated they are working on putting together the data for new staff. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson asked about the diversity of obtaining vehicles and equipment and Chief Hobley-Burney responded they are working on diversifying the process. The Commissioners asked if there is better community involvement and Chief Hobley-Burney stated yes however people are still afraid. There are new operators on the marine unit.
 

Public Works Director, Mike Reals and Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Board Chair Person, Caleta Scott gave the Neighborhood Identification Presentation. The Commissioners mentioned community involvement is very important, especially with the cleanups and how excited they are for all the new projects and developments coming to the City.

Parks Advisory Chair Person, Charlene Adair, Mike Reals, and Deputy Chief Robert Ridle gave the Jetty Park Operation Report. The Commissioners asked about the response time and Deputy Chief Ridle let them know there is an Officer assigned to the South Beach area every day.

Chair Person, Charlene Adair gave the updated presentation for Sponsorship of Public Facilities Guidelines addressing the corrections the Commissioners recommended. The Commissioners agreed the updated application process is good.

Mike Reals gave the Parks and Playground update presentation. The Commissioners asked about the boat ramp at Jaycee park and if it is included in the upgrade budget, and the possibility of removing old structures rather than fixing or replacing them. Mr. Reals responded that the boat ramp is a part of the Jaycee Park upgrades, and the removal of old structures would have to be discussed in better detail. Commissioner Curtis Johnson mentioned the sponsorship opportunities and community engagement for support of these upgrades. Mayor Hudson thanked the Lions Club for their support in many of the parks throughout the City. City Manager Nick Mimms mentioned the parks will be expanding as we have an award-winning recreation program and National Championship POP Warner now will be including a variety of sports.

Mike Reals, David O’Brien, and Vic Miller gave the Project LIFT Presentation. Michelle Miller with Marine Industries, Tom Whittington, Jill Marasa, and Harbor Isle resident Steve Giruaski all spoke on the benefits of Project LIFT at the park. Mayor Hudson mentioned the communication she has had with the residents near the park and how they are worried there will be an industrial operation in this park. Mr. O’Brien stated the operations will not be industrial, but a teaching facility and the young people will never be left unsupervised. The Commissioners agreed this is a project that will greatly benefit the City, but the park is not the appropriate location.

Economic Development Manager, Shyanne Harnage, gave the presentation on the City-owned property. The Commissioners all spoke on the need for parking in this area and would like to see what the contractors would be building if the location will not be a parking area. This item will be reviewed again when the nearby parcel’s use is decided.

Brittany Marinello gave the CARES Act Funding Proposal on the utilization of the remaining funds. These funds will be specific to the City of Fort Pierce. Commissioner Curtis Johnson asked how this program is different from Career Source. Mrs. Marinello responded that Career Source goes out into the community where United Against Poverty is stationary. The Commissioners requested Mrs. Marinello to obtain the actual numbers on how many residents these programs will be able to assist. 

City Engineer, Jack Andrews, gave the presentation for the proposal to relocate the existing shuffleboard courts located near the Riverwalk Center. The Commissioners agreed they would like to hear from the citizen who use the courts regularly to be able to accommodate their needs. 

Keith Ulrich

Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson mentioned he attended the Main Street meetings, and they discussed Edgartown and redevelopment. At the Chamber board meeting, they discussed him becoming a voting member. He was not able to attend the TPO Board meeting. At the Tourism Board meeting, they met the new hospitality director, and he mentions they have maintained funding for Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism.
 
Commissioner Arnold Gaines attended the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments where they discussed the recent legislation and bills, the State Representative Dana Trabulsy will be giving the update at the next Commission meeting. They have their annual picnic on July 20 in Okeechobee. Lincoln Park Main Street did not have a meeting however they will have a report this Thursday for the Community from the surveys that went out. The Homelessness Task Force submitted their recommendations to the St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners, and they will vote to see if the Task Force will be a standing Committee. The Council of Aging is discussing new ways to get their information and assistance out to the residents of the City. He attended the Retirement Board meeting and learned the retirement benefits the City offers to the Staff are great compared to the other retirement offerings around. He also mentions the mural unveiling is this Friday at 1 P.M. for the late Commissioner Alexander.
 
Commissioner Curtis Johnson attended the Fire Board meeting. He also mentioned the unveiling of the mural for the late Commissioner Alexander. He did not attend the TPO Board meeting. He also did not attend the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meeting.
 
Commissioner Thomas Perona mentioned the Retirement Board does have the best benefits around for the City’s employees. The Parking Committee has been discussing the Walker parking study and identifying the proposed parking areas. There was an emergency meeting with the Humane Society about future sustainability, they will be meeting with Mr. Nick Mimms and Ms. Peggy Arraiz to discuss how they will be working with the City. He thanked everyone who came out to the Jaycee Park unveiling and mentioned the renditions are up for anyone to see in the main lobby of City Hall and the community build for the Park is October 11 through 16.
 
Mayor Linda Hudson mentioned the Fort Pierce Utility Authority was forced to increase the PCA which is now $59 because of the rising price of natural gas. Florida Municipal Insurance Trust has an overall increase of 6.5% for property and casualty insurance because of cybersecurity and market pricing. She mentioned there is a Treasure Coast League of Cities luncheon on June 15th at IRSC in St. Lucie West and Curtis Johnson and herself will be receiving the Home Rule Hero awards. 

Mayor Linda Hudson adjourned the meeting at 1:33 P.M.