C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
CONFERENCE AGENDA MINUTES
Conference Agenda Meeting - Monday, November 14, 2022 - 9:00 a.m.
City Hall - City Commission Chambers, 100 North U.S. #1, Fort Pierce, Florida
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Hudson called the November 14, 2022, Conference Agenda Meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
- Present:
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- Michael Broderick, Commissioner
- Arnold Gaines, Commissioner
- Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner
- Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner
- Linda Hudson, Mayor
- Staff Present:
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- Linda Cox, City Clerk
- Nicholas Mimms, City Manager
- Sara Hedges, City Attorney
4.
New Business
a.
Presentation of One St. Lucie Community Homelessness Task Force Report and Recommendations
No presentation was given.
b.
Discussion of health and safety ordinances related to panhandling and other activities.
City Attorney Tanya Earley provided an overview of laws pertaining to panhandling and other activities as there have been complaints and concerns in the downtown area and public parks after hours. Data provided by Chief Ridle is forthcoming. A memo has been attached with panhandling ordinances. Unfortunately, many of the ordinances have been overturned and repealed. Recommendation was made to wait for court guidance.
Mayor Hudson commented on complaints of feeding at Pinewood Park and marina square, homeless on private property and panhandling in the downtown area.
Commissioner Gaines commented that until homelessness is addressed it will continue to be a problem, and recommended that the Commission wait until the pending ruling to determine panhandling ordinances, and solutions to homelessness. Commissioner Perona recommended the issue be addressed regionally.
Ms. Earley addressed the concerns posed by Mayor Hudson and commented that there may be logistical fixes for the issue.
Mayor Hudson requested to hear from Deputy Chief Ridle.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson offered his assistance in determining resources and fostering conversations.
Deputy Chief Ridle provided statistics on calls for service for panhandling, most from business. In addition, he explained the drop-offs, including clothing at Pinewood Park.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired if the calls for service were related to any of the items referenced in the memo or of a broad nature. Deputy Chief Ridle commented that they were broader in nature as they received statics. He also addressed panhandling near the turnpike and I-95 as there is a state statute for that.
Mayor Hudson commented on complaints of feeding at Pinewood Park and marina square, homeless on private property and panhandling in the downtown area.
Commissioner Gaines commented that until homelessness is addressed it will continue to be a problem, and recommended that the Commission wait until the pending ruling to determine panhandling ordinances, and solutions to homelessness. Commissioner Perona recommended the issue be addressed regionally.
Ms. Earley addressed the concerns posed by Mayor Hudson and commented that there may be logistical fixes for the issue.
Mayor Hudson requested to hear from Deputy Chief Ridle.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson offered his assistance in determining resources and fostering conversations.
Deputy Chief Ridle provided statistics on calls for service for panhandling, most from business. In addition, he explained the drop-offs, including clothing at Pinewood Park.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired if the calls for service were related to any of the items referenced in the memo or of a broad nature. Deputy Chief Ridle commented that they were broader in nature as they received statics. He also addressed panhandling near the turnpike and I-95 as there is a state statute for that.
c.
Providing updates and status on Capital Improvement Projects.
Jack Andrews, City Engineer, provided an overview of Capital Improvement Projects and issues with Comcast and AT&T, lack of correspondence with St. Lucie County on streets and resurfacing.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired on the problem with Comcast and AT&T including involving City Attorney Earley. Mr. Andrews explained that they use the word “enhancement” to charge the City.
The Commission inquired on the city cost and commented that this is not a new issue and the importance of including the state and Federal legislature in the conversation. Mr. Andrews explained that the cost has not been factored into what has been presented.
Mr. Mimms commented on the battle with Comcast, plan to move forward with the projects and attempt to recoup the funds.
The Commission discussed specific street needs and projects, repairs, materials, stormwater, and drainage concerns.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired on the problem with Comcast and AT&T including involving City Attorney Earley. Mr. Andrews explained that they use the word “enhancement” to charge the City.
The Commission inquired on the city cost and commented that this is not a new issue and the importance of including the state and Federal legislature in the conversation. Mr. Andrews explained that the cost has not been factored into what has been presented.
Mr. Mimms commented on the battle with Comcast, plan to move forward with the projects and attempt to recoup the funds.
The Commission discussed specific street needs and projects, repairs, materials, stormwater, and drainage concerns.
d.
Lease Agreement Extension Request from Little Jim Bait & Tackle
City Manager Nick Mimms and City Attorney Tanya Earley opened discussion regarding the lease agreement extension request from Little Jim Bait & Tackle. Donna Quarterman, representatives from Little Jim, and Marina Manager Dean Kubitschek, were available for questions.
Mayor Hudson referred to City Attorney Earley to determine the course that could be taking based on the information provided in the memo.
Ms. Earley explained the code requirements and options to move forward.
The Commission inquired on the dates of the lease, if there is anything prohibiting the City from selling the parcel, historical status, and how the land was acquired. Suggestion was made for an RFP with the requested Commission direction. Ms. Early answered the questions posed by the
Commission and will take direction from the them moving forward.
Mayor Hudson referred to City Attorney Earley to determine the course that could be taking based on the information provided in the memo.
Ms. Earley explained the code requirements and options to move forward.
The Commission inquired on the dates of the lease, if there is anything prohibiting the City from selling the parcel, historical status, and how the land was acquired. Suggestion was made for an RFP with the requested Commission direction. Ms. Early answered the questions posed by the
Commission and will take direction from the them moving forward.
e.
Repurpose one lane on the SR-A1A South Causeway Bridge to accommodate two-way bicycle traffic from South Hutchinson Island to Downtown Fort Pierce.
Mr. Mimms opened discussion on the repurposing of one lane on the SR-A1A South Causeway Bridge to accommodate two-way bicycle traffic from South Hutchinson Island to Downtown Fort Pierce. Selena Griffett, Engineering, and Peter Buchwald, TPO, were available for questions.
The Commission inquired on improvements near Chucks Restaurant, signage, bridge function, fire district involvement and cost.
Mr. Buchwald commented on Fort Pierce being a progressive city, how this change aligns with that, the bridge will remain two lanes, and that the proposed be changed if needed.
Mr. Mimms recommended a resolution for the proposed change.
The Commission inquired on improvements near Chucks Restaurant, signage, bridge function, fire district involvement and cost.
Mr. Buchwald commented on Fort Pierce being a progressive city, how this change aligns with that, the bridge will remain two lanes, and that the proposed be changed if needed.
Mr. Mimms recommended a resolution for the proposed change.
f.
Community Engagement Strategy
Devoshay Johnson, IT Director, and Joe Sweat, Communications Specialist, presented the community engagement strategy.
The Commission commented on the engagement strategies presented as engagement was included in the strategic plan.
The Commission commented on the engagement strategies presented as engagement was included in the strategic plan.
5.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Patti Walker
James McCarty
James McCarty
6.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner Curtis Johnson provided updates on the TPO, Fire Board, and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meetings.
Commissioner Gaines provided updates on the Council of Local Governments and retirement board certification.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson provided an update on Mainstreet, hosting Coffee with the Mayor, upcoming holiday events, TDC meeting postponement.
Commissioner Perona provided an update on the retirement board, parking board cancelation and Jaycee Park hurricane preparation.
Mayor Hudson provided an update on the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities, and commended the staff for their response during the hurricane.
Commissioner Gaines provided updates on the Council of Local Governments and retirement board certification.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson provided an update on Mainstreet, hosting Coffee with the Mayor, upcoming holiday events, TDC meeting postponement.
Commissioner Perona provided an update on the retirement board, parking board cancelation and Jaycee Park hurricane preparation.
Mayor Hudson provided an update on the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities, and commended the staff for their response during the hurricane.
7.
Adjournment
Immediately following adjournment, please move toward the doors and exit the chambers. This allows for the safe and courteous exit of all persons, and those on the dais. Conversations after the meeting should be held outside of chambers, in the foyer or elsewhere, but not in the commission chambers where lights will be out as soon as the chambers are empty.
Immediately following adjournment, please move toward the doors and exit the chambers. This allows for the safe and courteous exit of all persons, and those on the dais. Conversations after the meeting should be held outside of chambers, in the foyer or elsewhere, but not in the commission chambers where lights will be out as soon as the chambers are empty.
Mayor Hudson adjourned the meeting at 12:11 P.M.