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 5:05 P.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Sean Carr with Fort Pierce First Church of the Nazarene
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Mayor Linda Hudson
- Absent:
- Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Tanya Earley
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to excuse Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Hospice and Palliative Care Month Proclamation
b.
Special Presentation to Commissioner Thomas K. Perona
Commissioner Tom Perona was presented with a proclamation and a key to the City recognizing his retirement from elected office. The Mayor, City Commissioners and City Manager Mimms all expressed their gratitude for his service to the community.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
a.
Letter from Patrice Ann Adams in recognition of Officer Nicholas Nothof’s protection and service to the people in the community.
b.
Voice message from Nick Bradley expressing his appreciation for Public Works Department employee Ricard Adam’s assistance when he was in need of aid.
c.
Comments from the City’s Facebook page acknowledging Communication Specialist Joe Sweat’s phenomenal job of keeping residents informed about Hurricane Nicole.
d.
Email from Melanie Wildrick, Admin Specialist with FPL St. Lucie Service Center, commending Jimmy Lee White, Equipment Operator III with Public Works Department for his integrity and willingness to offer assistance.
e.
Email from June Eliassaint, New Home Specialist with Express Homes, complimenting the dedicated employees of the Building/Permitting Department for their assistance in the construction of homes for more than eighty families in the City of Fort Pierce.
f.
Letter of appreciation from FDLE, Orlando Regional Protective Operations for Fort Pierce Police Department personnel's professionalism and integrity, as well as their readiness to assist wherever required, during the Gubernatorial Debate at the Sunrise Theatre.
8.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the agenda as presented.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
9.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
Any person who wishes to comment on an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda may be heard at this time and must sign up to speak in advance. 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 an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda may be heard at this time and must sign up to speak in advance. 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.
The following speakers spoke on item 11a:
Scott Abbate
Bryce Doughty
Beau Slay
Raymond Selph
Bob Benton
Greg Simmons
Glen Manchester
Frank Vericello
David Webbenhorst
Richard Hunt
Harry McTigue
Arlee Hatch
Michael Jenkins
Scott Abbate
Bryce Doughty
Beau Slay
Raymond Selph
Bob Benton
Greg Simmons
Glen Manchester
Frank Vericello
David Webbenhorst
Richard Hunt
Harry McTigue
Arlee Hatch
Michael Jenkins
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Authorization to terminate Fisherman's Wharf Bulkhead Boat Ramp and Basin (Phase I) Project Agreement with St. Lucie County
b.
Approval of First Amendment to Amended and Restated Agreement for Development of King’s Landing
c.
Amended 2019 DEO Grant Funding Agreement for Approval and Signature extending the expenditure period through June 30, 2023.
d.
Approval to piggyback HGAC Contract No.: GR01-20 HGACBUY Grounds Facilities & Parks Maintenance for the purchase of six (6) Dixie Chopper Mowers from High Performance Mowchines, Port St. Lucie, FL in an amount not to exceed $65,952.00.
e.
Approval to piggyback Sourcewell Contract #093021-ELG for the purchase of an Elgin Broom Streets Sweeper from Environmental Products Group, Inc., Apopka, FL , in an amount not to exceed $320,484.45.
f.
Approval of Interlocal Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County for Cost Share Relating to a Housing Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan for the amount not to exceed $50,000.
Commissioner Gaines pulled item 11a.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve items 11 b, c, d, e and f of the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 11 a, termination of Fisherman's Wharf Bulkhead Boat Ramp and Basin Project Agreement with St. Lucie County, Shyanne Harnage, Economic Development Manager, provided some background regarding the reason for the request. Ms. Harnage explained that the termination of the agreement with St. Lucie County is one of several steps necessary to cure one of the title objections raised under the Purchase and Development Agreement with Pierce 1 Marina for the development of the Fisherman's Wharf area.
After much discussion regarding the request, the process by which the city is proceeding to cure the objections, and other outstanding questions, the City Manager and City Attorney were asked to come back and provide additional clarity as to the request and subsequent actions which may be required.
After much discussion regarding the request, the process by which the city is proceeding to cure the objections, and other outstanding questions, the City Manager and City Attorney were asked to come back and provide additional clarity as to the request and subsequent actions which may be required.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to postpone item 11a to the 12/19 City Commission meeting to receive more clarity.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution 22-R44 Accepting the Returns from the November 8, 2022 General Election.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, introduced the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R44 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RETURNS OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022, AS PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson introduced Gertrude Walker, Supervisor of Elections, who was available to answer any questions regarding the certified election returns.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R44 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RETURNS OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022, AS PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson introduced Gertrude Walker, Supervisor of Elections, who was available to answer any questions regarding the certified election returns.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Resolution No. 22-R44.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Resolution 22-R45 Appointing John Heaning to the City of Fort Pierce Planning Board as Mayor Hudson's appointee.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R45 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE CITY PLANNING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R45 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE CITY PLANNING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Resolution 22-R45 appointing John Heaning to the Planning Board.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
14.
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.
Pearl Liverpool
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Nick Mimms referenced the final report from PFM regarding the Sunrise Theatre which was extremely positive. The City's turkey giveaway assisted over 750 families and he is grateful to all of the city staff and volunteers who helped. He reported minimal damage as a result of tropical storm Nicole. Jetty Park received the most significant damage but thanks to our Public Works staff, it is back open to the public. The City Team really came together preparing for the storm and dealing with the after effects.
Ms. Cox expressed her appreciation to Commissioner Perona for his service to the community.
Ms. Earley also expressed her appreciation to Commissioner Perona.
Ms. Cox expressed her appreciation to Commissioner Perona for his service to the community.
Ms. Earley also expressed her appreciation to Commissioner Perona.
a.
Report
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Perona provided an update on the playground rebuild at Jaycee Park. He also reiterated his appreciation for fellow commissioners and how well they have been working together on the Dias, everyone's true professionalism, and looks forward to great things to come as Commissioner-Elect Broderick takes his seat.
Commissioner C. Johnson reminded everyone that Commissioner Perona now has free time to serve on boards and committees. He is appreciative of the great dialog that occurred regarding Fisherman's Wharf and is grateful to all that came out to speak.
Commissioner Gaines expressed appreciation again for working with Commissioner Perona. He will continue to work hard for the City on the Retirement Board as Commissioner Perona asked him to do. He was happy that everyone came out tonight to share their thoughts with the Commission.
Mayor Hudson was reminded just how important boating is to the community and the history of boating in Fort Pierce. She is hopeful that the developer is encouraged to watch the meeting to fully grasp the desires of the community. She wished everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Commissioner C. Johnson reminded everyone that Commissioner Perona now has free time to serve on boards and committees. He is appreciative of the great dialog that occurred regarding Fisherman's Wharf and is grateful to all that came out to speak.
Commissioner Gaines expressed appreciation again for working with Commissioner Perona. He will continue to work hard for the City on the Retirement Board as Commissioner Perona asked him to do. He was happy that everyone came out tonight to share their thoughts with the Commission.
Mayor Hudson was reminded just how important boating is to the community and the history of boating in Fort Pierce. She is hopeful that the developer is encouraged to watch the meeting to fully grasp the desires of the community. She wished everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.
17.
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 6:58 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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