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, DECEMBER 5,2022.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the December 05, 2022, Regular Meeting of the City Commission to order at 5:05 P.M.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor David Star with Citadel of Truth Faith Ministries
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Mayor Linda Hudson
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Tanya Earley
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of minutes from the November 7, 2022 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the Minutes of the November 7, 2022 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Approval of minutes from the November 21, 2022 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the Minutes of the November 21, 2022 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Special Presentation of a Donation by Hibiscus Park Neighborhood Association
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
8.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the Agenda as set.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, 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.
Shawn Wilson 11b
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approval of a blanket purchase order to use awarded funds from the 2022 Bullet Proof Vest Program (BVP) to purchase vests from GL Distributors, Inc in an amount not to exceed $104,500.
b.
Approval of Florida Housing Finance Corporation Local Government Verification of Contribution to support an affordable housing development at 3000 Okeechobee Road by authorizing $460,000 local match funding in the form of a CDBG loan from the City.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson pulled item 11b
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve item 11a
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 11b
Commissioner Curtis Johnson inquired of Shawn Wilson, Blue Sky Communities, the income requirements and expressed the importance of fixed income housing. Mr. Wilson explained that fifteen percent of the units are allocated for those at or below thirty percent AMI with most units at sixty percent AMI.
Commissioner Broderick commented that this type of community will provide opportunity for workers.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson inquired of Shawn Wilson, Blue Sky Communities, the income requirements and expressed the importance of fixed income housing. Mr. Wilson explained that fifteen percent of the units are allocated for those at or below thirty percent AMI with most units at sixty percent AMI.
Commissioner Broderick commented that this type of community will provide opportunity for workers.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve item 11b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Public Hearing and Resolution 22-R47 - TEFRA Hearing for Synergy School of Tomorrow, f/k/a St. James Christian Academy, Inc., request to issue tax exempt private activity bonds to be used to acquire facilities located at 5900 Tedder Road, 6130 Tedder Road, and 5200 Oleander Avenue in Fort Pierce, Florida, and related activities.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R47
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $20,000,000 PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES REVENUE AND REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS (SYNERGY SCHOOL OF TOMMORROW, INC. PROJECT) WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 147(f) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 66.0304(11)(a) OF THE WISCONSIN STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Jason Mittler and Dr. Donna Curry, Synergy School of Tomorrow, presented an overview of Synergy Vocational Academy including school programming, student fund allocation, and the proposed middle school location.
Commissioner Gaines inquired on enrollment opportunities. Dr. Curry explained enrollment can be done online and explained the expansion to accommodate Step Up for Students recipients.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired on the new site. Dr. Curry explained the programs and the upgrades required for expansion. Mr. Mittler commented that they are working on the conditional use.
Commissioner Broderick inquired on the need for conditional use. Mr. Mittler and Dr. Curry explained the challenges with conditional use as it pertains to educational purposes and prior usage.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R47
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $20,000,000 PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES REVENUE AND REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS (SYNERGY SCHOOL OF TOMMORROW, INC. PROJECT) WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 147(f) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 66.0304(11)(a) OF THE WISCONSIN STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Jason Mittler and Dr. Donna Curry, Synergy School of Tomorrow, presented an overview of Synergy Vocational Academy including school programming, student fund allocation, and the proposed middle school location.
Commissioner Gaines inquired on enrollment opportunities. Dr. Curry explained enrollment can be done online and explained the expansion to accommodate Step Up for Students recipients.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson inquired on the new site. Dr. Curry explained the programs and the upgrades required for expansion. Mr. Mittler commented that they are working on the conditional use.
Commissioner Broderick inquired on the need for conditional use. Mr. Mittler and Dr. Curry explained the challenges with conditional use as it pertains to educational purposes and prior usage.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Resolution 22-R47.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Public Hearing for the 2021 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
Brittany Marinello, Grants Division Manager offered a brief presentation on the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and an update on the CARES ACT.
Anastasia Legakes, Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County, presented a brief overview of the benefits of the CARES ACT funding.
Lisa Hatch, Executive Director of the Hands Clinic, provided an overview of the allocation of the CARES ACT funds.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Anastasia Legakes, Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County, presented a brief overview of the benefits of the CARES ACT funding.
Lisa Hatch, Executive Director of the Hands Clinic, provided an overview of the allocation of the CARES ACT funds.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to accept the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
c.
POSTPONED FROM NOV. 7, 2022 Legislative Hearing - Ordinance No. 22-036 amending Chapter 34 - Article I and Chapter 34 - Article II establishing Parking Regulations. FIRST READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 22-036
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE I TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF RESERVED SECTIONS; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE II, BY DELETING SECTIONS 34-35 THROUGH 34-62; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE II BY TITLE, AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE II BY ADDING SECTIONS 34-16 THROUGH 34-62 TO ESTABLISH PARKING REGULATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Peggy Arraiz, Director of Community Response, highlighted the changes from the previous ordinance explaining that it addresses the City’s current parking issues.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
A brief discussion was had by the Commission regarding signage, enforcement, and location specific parking concerns.
ORDINANCE NO. 22-036
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE I TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF RESERVED SECTIONS; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE II, BY DELETING SECTIONS 34-35 THROUGH 34-62; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE II BY TITLE, AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE II BY ADDING SECTIONS 34-16 THROUGH 34-62 TO ESTABLISH PARKING REGULATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Peggy Arraiz, Director of Community Response, highlighted the changes from the previous ordinance explaining that it addresses the City’s current parking issues.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
A brief discussion was had by the Commission regarding signage, enforcement, and location specific parking concerns.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve Ordinance 22-036.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
d.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance No. 22-038 Amendments to Chapter 109 of the Code of Ordinances entitled Floodplain Management. FIRST READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Ordinance, read by title only, into the record
ORDINANCE NO. 22-038
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA BY AMENDING CHAPTER 109 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED “FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT,” TO AMEND DEFINITIONS; TO CLARIFY BASE FLOOD ZONE ELEVATION DETERMINATION CRITERIA; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Paul Thomas, Building Director, provided updates and adjustments to the Floodplain Ordinance.
A discussion was had by the Commission addressing storm water concerns, how they will be addressed moving forward, and the determination of evaluations.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance 22-038.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution No. 22-R46 appointing Tina Peterson to the Board of Examiners of Contractors to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Fogg.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R46
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF CONTRACTORS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-R46
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF CONTRACTORS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve Resolution 22-R46.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, 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.
Alex Shelenski
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Commended Public Works on their hard work and welcomed Commissioner Broderick to the diocese.
City Clerk Linda Cox – Commended Public Works, the parade and welcomed Commissioner Broderick.
City Attorney Tanya Earley- Congratulated Commissioner Broderick and Commissioner Gaines.
City Clerk Linda Cox – Commended Public Works, the parade and welcomed Commissioner Broderick.
City Attorney Tanya Earley- Congratulated Commissioner Broderick and Commissioner Gaines.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Gaines welcomed Commissioner Broderick, thanked District 1, commended Public Works, and commented on the fence Ordinance.
Commissioner Broderick commented on his observation of City staff during the parade, their work in maintenance after the recent hurricanes, and fencing.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson welcomed Commissioner Broderick, notified him of the upcoming pinning for One Fort Pierce and commented on the job done by Public Works.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson commented on the efforts of Public Works and all City staff, congratulated Commissioner Gaines and Commissioner Broderick, the fence Ordinance, the postponed meeting with St. Lucie County, Fisherman’s Wharf, after action hurricane report, and One Fort Pierce.
Mayor Hudson welcomed Commissioner Broderick, applauded Mr. Shelenski on is research on fencing, commented on the parade, provided an update on the Florida League of Cities, funding for the Council on Aging, and Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities.
Commissioner Broderick commented on his observation of City staff during the parade, their work in maintenance after the recent hurricanes, and fencing.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson welcomed Commissioner Broderick, notified him of the upcoming pinning for One Fort Pierce and commented on the job done by Public Works.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson commented on the efforts of Public Works and all City staff, congratulated Commissioner Gaines and Commissioner Broderick, the fence Ordinance, the postponed meeting with St. Lucie County, Fisherman’s Wharf, after action hurricane report, and One Fort Pierce.
Mayor Hudson welcomed Commissioner Broderick, applauded Mr. Shelenski on is research on fencing, commented on the parade, provided an update on the Florida League of Cities, funding for the Council on Aging, and Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities.
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 Linda Hudson adjourned the meeting at 6:54 P.M.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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