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, AUGUST 07, 2023.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the August 07, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Commission to order at 5:05 P.M.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Evangelist Mary Sirmons with Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church
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
- Interim City Attorney Sara Hedges
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes from July 17, 2023 Regular Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the Minutes of the July 17, 2023 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
a.
Letter from Dale and Roberta Allen expressing their appreciation for Officer Daniel Femminello’s professionalism and understanding while assisting with an incident in their neighborhood.
b.
The Boys and Girls Clubs Percy Peak Gymnasium Team Center sent a thank you card to the City of Fort Pierce for funding a Summer Workforce Program in which 80 youth participated during the months of June and July.
8.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 11j of the Consent Agenda was pulled at staff’s request.
Mayor Hudson noted that two additional names were added to Resolution 23-R41 item 13a and recognized Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo, President of the Florida League of Cities
Mayor Hudson noted that two additional names were added to Resolution 23-R41 item 13a and recognized Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo, President of the Florida League of Cities
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the agenda as amended.
- 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.
Pinkie Hendley commented on item 11b
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
a.
Municipal Youth Council Community Service Contest Winner
Erin Russel, Membership Program Specialist, Florida League of Cities, and Jolien Caraballo, President of the Florida League of Cities, recognized the Fort Pierce Youth Council as the 2023 Municipal Youth Council Community Service Winner.
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approval of Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement for the Downtown Fort Pierce Smart City Initiative.
b.
Approve request for the Fort Pierce Police Department to utilize $122,673.44 of Law Enforcement Trust Funds for the purchase of surveillance cameras.
c.
Approval to piggyback Charlotte County Contract #2021000541 to three (3) 2023 Ford F-150 Super Cab 4x2 (upfitted as crime scene investigation support vehicles) and one (1) 2023 Ford F-150 Super Crew 4x4 (upfitted as an emergence operations commander vehicle) from Bartow Ford in the amount of $194,969.11.
d.
Approval for the Police Department to purchase emergency equipment in the amount of $73,237.50 from Galls.
e.
Approval of the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation, Inc. (TCYSF) revocable license agreement for a five (5) year term, ending on July 31, 2028.
f.
Approve letter to the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority offering the City's support and agreement to jointly submit a grant application for potential financial assistance from the State of Florida Resilient Florida Grant Program to offset the conveyance costs of the Wastewater Reclamation Facility relocation.
g.
Approval to award RFP No. 2023-032 Lease and Operation of the Seven Gables Visitors Center to the highest ranked proposer, St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
h.
Approval to purchase traffic signal supplies from Econolite (sole source provider) in the amount of $74,984.00.
i.
Approve award of the Canal Right of Way Mowing & Debris Removal Services, Bid No. 2023-009 to the lowest bidder, Heath Beimley Services, LLC of West Palm Beach, Florida in the amount of $251,500.00.
j.
PULLED AT STAFF'S REQUEST. Approval of Fourth Amendment to Agreement for Purchase and Development of Fisherman's Wharf to extend and toll time periods in the Agreement for 12 months.
Commissioner Broderick pulled item 11e
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson pulled item 11f
Commissioner Gaines pulled item 11b
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson pulled item 11f
Commissioner Gaines pulled item 11b
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve items 11a, 11c, 11d, 11g, 11h and 11i. of the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 11b
Commissioner Gaines commented on the protection of the residents of the City. Commissioner Curtis Johnson added that there are steps taken for protection that are not available for discussion and thanked Chief Burney for her contribution to the advancement of technology.
Commissioner Gaines commented on the protection of the residents of the City. Commissioner Curtis Johnson added that there are steps taken for protection that are not available for discussion and thanked Chief Burney for her contribution to the advancement of technology.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve item 11b of the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 11e
Commissioner Broderick expressed concern with compliance as it pertains to safety and liability issues.
City Manager Nick Mimms commented that the City relies on the tenant for self-monitoring.
Commissioner Broderick expressed concern with compliance as it pertains to safety and liability issues.
City Manager Nick Mimms commented that the City relies on the tenant for self-monitoring.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11e of the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 11f
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson expressed a conflict with the FPUA contract and will be abstaining from the vote and file the required form.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson expressed a conflict with the FPUA contract and will be abstaining from the vote and file the required form.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson (ABSTAIN)
Passed
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 23-047 An ordinance extending the territorial limits of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, to include two (2) parcels at or near approximately 2570 S. Rock Road. The parcel IDs are 2323-501-0011-000-6 & 2323-501-0013-100-1. SECOND READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 23-047
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE TWO (2) PARCELS AT OR NEAR APPROXIMATELY 2570 S. ROCK ROAD, FORT PIERCE, FL 34945 AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2024; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION; DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 23-047
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE TWO (2) PARCELS AT OR NEAR APPROXIMATELY 2570 S. ROCK ROAD, FORT PIERCE, FL 34945 AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2024; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION; DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Ordinance No. 23-047.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Public Hearing
Verna Jackson, Reporting & Grants Specialist, presented the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Delores Hogan Johnson commented that information should be made available in multiple ways to the public for the best usage.
Marjorie Harrell commented that information should be provided to the community.
Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
No action was needed.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Delores Hogan Johnson commented that information should be made available in multiple ways to the public for the best usage.
Marjorie Harrell commented that information should be provided to the community.
Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
No action was needed.
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution 23-R41 - appointing members to the Fort Pierce Youth Council.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-R41
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Commissioner Gaines inquired on the requirements for the council meetings and introduced the new members.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-R41
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Commissioner Gaines inquired on the requirements for the council meetings and introduced the new members.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve Resolution No. 23-R41.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Resolution 23-R43 approving the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority FY2024 Annual Budget and FY2023 Amended Budget.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-R43
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE FY2024 BUDGET FOR THE FORT PIERCE UTILITIES AUTHORITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2023 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024; APPROVING THE FY2023 AMENDED BUDGET; WAIVING THE 30 DAY PERIOD FOR DISAPPROVAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Javier Cisneros, Director of Utilities, FPUA and Barbara Mika, Director of Financial Services, FPUA, presented the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority FY2024 Annual Budget and FY2023 Amended Budget.
Mayor Hudson inquired on the votes required for the resolution.
Sara Hedges, Interim City Attorney, requested a recess to speak with Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson.
Recess at 6:05 p.m.
Resumed at 6:09 p.m.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson recused himself from the vote due to a contractual relationship between his employer and FPUA.
Ms. Hedges clarified Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson’s position to recuse himself and move forward with one vote.
The Commission inquired on the need to amend fiscal year 2023, projected revenues, distribution of payment and thanked the FPUA for their transparency to the public. Ms. Mika explained the process of amending and what that includes, explained the proposed revenues for 2024, and the date for distribution. Mr. Cisneros provided an in-depth explanation of the proposed revenues.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-R43
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE FY2024 BUDGET FOR THE FORT PIERCE UTILITIES AUTHORITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2023 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024; APPROVING THE FY2023 AMENDED BUDGET; WAIVING THE 30 DAY PERIOD FOR DISAPPROVAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Javier Cisneros, Director of Utilities, FPUA and Barbara Mika, Director of Financial Services, FPUA, presented the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority FY2024 Annual Budget and FY2023 Amended Budget.
Mayor Hudson inquired on the votes required for the resolution.
Sara Hedges, Interim City Attorney, requested a recess to speak with Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson.
Recess at 6:05 p.m.
Resumed at 6:09 p.m.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson recused himself from the vote due to a contractual relationship between his employer and FPUA.
Ms. Hedges clarified Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson’s position to recuse himself and move forward with one vote.
The Commission inquired on the need to amend fiscal year 2023, projected revenues, distribution of payment and thanked the FPUA for their transparency to the public. Ms. Mika explained the process of amending and what that includes, explained the proposed revenues for 2024, and the date for distribution. Mr. Cisneros provided an in-depth explanation of the proposed revenues.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Resolution 23-R43.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson (ABSTAIN)
Passed
c.
Submittal of applications to fill an unexpired term on the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Committee as an at-large member.
This will come back at the next meeting for a vote and appointment by resolution.
d.
Submittal of applications to serve on the Infrastructure Surtax Advisory Committee to fill two at-large seats.
This will come back at the next meeting for a vote and appointment by resolution.
e.
Submittal of applications to serve on the Fort Pierce Planning Board as an at-large member.
This will come back at the next meeting for a vote and appointment by resolution.
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.
Lisa Prince Mobley
Christa Stone
Rebecca Isaac
Christa Stone
Rebecca Isaac
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
Reports
City Manager Nick Mimms discussed three reports attached to the agenda and addressed concerns including affordable housing, mental health counseling, and law enforcement ahead of the FPRA board meeting.
City Clerk Linda Cox – No comments
Interim City Attorney Sara Hedges – No comments
City Clerk Linda Cox – No comments
Interim City Attorney Sara Hedges – No comments
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
The Sunrise Theatre Speakeasy event video was presented.
Commissioner Gaines discussed the August 19th town hall meeting at Percy Peek Gymnasium, mental health support for students, marketing for bilingual police officers, the affordable housing committee, subpar living conditions, and the upcoming Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. Mayor Hudson commented on the role the Legislature played in reporting requirements to code enforcement.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson discussed consumer protection acts for those reporting subpar living conditions, CDBG opportunities, clarifying arcades and convenience stores with machines, and mental health services.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson commented on providing a tour of the City to Congressman Mast and excitement for the new school year.
Commissioner Broderick commented on Capital Improvements for art, FPUA’s annual contribution to the City, and predatory landlords.
Mayor Hudson commented that Attorney Curtis Boyd invited her to his office for the presentation of a scholarship to a local resident for welding school.
Commissioner Gaines discussed the August 19th town hall meeting at Percy Peek Gymnasium, mental health support for students, marketing for bilingual police officers, the affordable housing committee, subpar living conditions, and the upcoming Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. Mayor Hudson commented on the role the Legislature played in reporting requirements to code enforcement.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson discussed consumer protection acts for those reporting subpar living conditions, CDBG opportunities, clarifying arcades and convenience stores with machines, and mental health services.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson commented on providing a tour of the City to Congressman Mast and excitement for the new school year.
Commissioner Broderick commented on Capital Improvements for art, FPUA’s annual contribution to the City, and predatory landlords.
Mayor Hudson commented that Attorney Curtis Boyd invited her to his office for the presentation of a scholarship to a local resident for welding school.
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 7:19 P.M.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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