C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
REDISTRICTING PUBLIC INPUT WORKSHOP
Redistricting Workshop - Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 4:30 p.m.
City Hall - City Commission Chambers, 100 North U.S. #1, Fort Pierce, Florida
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Linda Hudson called the March 23, 2022 Redistricting Workshop of the City Commission to order at 4:30 p.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
- Present:
-
- Arnold Gaines, Commissioner
- Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner
- Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner
- Thomas Perona, Commissioner
- Linda Hudson, Mayor
- Staff Present:
-
- Linda Cox, City Clerk
- Nicholas Mimms, City Manager
- Tanya Earley, City Attorney
4.
Workshop
a.
Presentation - Kurt Spitzer of Kurt Spitzer and Associates
Kurt Spitzer, Kurt Spitzer and Associates, presented the two (2) proposed redistricting maps for the City of Fort Pierce and explained the entire redistricting process and how the census numbers are used within the maps.
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. 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. 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.
Mario Wilcox commented that the proposed redistricting poses a threat to voter’s rights, unincorporated areas were excluded, and inquired on the inclusion of the Supervisor of Elections in the process.
Robert Hall commented on unincorporated residents and the differences in the level of service within districts.
Rebecca Isaac inquired if other consultants had been considered and had the background of Kurt Spitzer and Associates been investigated.
Luca Bradley inquired on the effects of the changes to the demographic makeup and commented on the need for continued representation when the change occurs.
Hazel Hoylman praised the Commission for their transparency and One Fort Pierce.
Robert Hall commented on unincorporated residents and the differences in the level of service within districts.
Rebecca Isaac inquired if other consultants had been considered and had the background of Kurt Spitzer and Associates been investigated.
Luca Bradley inquired on the effects of the changes to the demographic makeup and commented on the need for continued representation when the change occurs.
Hazel Hoylman praised the Commission for their transparency and One Fort Pierce.
6.
Commission Comments and Discussion
Mayor Hudson addressed the public questions.
City Clerk Linda Cox and City Manager Nick Mimms explained the recommendation of Mr. Spitzer and Kurt Spitzer and Associates from the Florida League of Cities. Mr. Spitzer commented that his background included work with The Florida League of Cities and explained how the census activates and impacts redistricting.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired of Kurt Spitzer and Associates involvement in any court cases and explained that to move north annexation would need to happen. Mr. Spitzer explained his involvement in three cases.
Mayor Hudson addressed the question regarding the confusion with jurisdictions and taxes, explained that properties are being annexed and that One Fort Pierce is inclusive.
Commissioner Perona explained that if ad valorem taxes are paid to the City, you are represented on the presented map.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson addressed the concerns of District 1, explained that One Fort Pierce is inclusive and advised the public to share the accurate information provided to them.
Commissioner Gaines inquired of the ability to include communities north, the date Kurt Spitzer and Associates was hired, and encouraged residents with district concerns to meet with him. Mr. Spitzer explained that adding additional population not within City limits is fraudulent and that he was hired sometime last year.
City Clerk Linda Cox and City Manager Nick Mimms explained the recommendation of Mr. Spitzer and Kurt Spitzer and Associates from the Florida League of Cities. Mr. Spitzer commented that his background included work with The Florida League of Cities and explained how the census activates and impacts redistricting.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired of Kurt Spitzer and Associates involvement in any court cases and explained that to move north annexation would need to happen. Mr. Spitzer explained his involvement in three cases.
Mayor Hudson addressed the question regarding the confusion with jurisdictions and taxes, explained that properties are being annexed and that One Fort Pierce is inclusive.
Commissioner Perona explained that if ad valorem taxes are paid to the City, you are represented on the presented map.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson addressed the concerns of District 1, explained that One Fort Pierce is inclusive and advised the public to share the accurate information provided to them.
Commissioner Gaines inquired of the ability to include communities north, the date Kurt Spitzer and Associates was hired, and encouraged residents with district concerns to meet with him. Mr. Spitzer explained that adding additional population not within City limits is fraudulent and that he was hired sometime last year.
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 Linda Hudson adjourned the meeting at 6:07 P.M.