C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
CONFERENCE AGENDA MINUTES
Conference Agenda Meeting - Monday, May 8, 2023 - 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 May 8, 2023, Conference Agenda Meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
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
- Tanya Earley, City Attorney
4.
New Business
a.
Discussion of Little Jim Bait & Tackle lease
City Manager Nick Mimms opened the discussion of the lease for Little Jim Bait & Tackle and the possibility of historical designation for the site. The City Commission discussed what they would like to see done for the site. City Engineer Jack Andrews stated he has reviewed the deed and would like to reach out to a Surveyor to review the historical deeds and leases to determine the property boundaries. They all want to see Little Jim continue because it is iconic to the City of Fort Pierce. The Commissioners are all for tasking the Historic Preservation Board with determining if the location can be designated as a Historical Site. They would like Mr. Mimms to proceed with obtaining a Surveyor and research the process of the Historical Designation. The sanitation and health issues need to be addressed now like the bathroom plans. City Clerk Linda Cox mentioned the abundance of records on file in her office and the need for a title search. Commissioner Curtis Johnson wants more of an understanding of the title and property boundaries before staff moves forward with any process of an RFP. Mr. Mimms requested 6 months to research the items the Commissioners have been asking about and then draft an RFP for the sale or lease of the land. Building Director Paul Thomas mentioned there is a pending Flood Mitigation Permit being submitted and a potential solution for the electrical concerns.
b.
Renewal of Revocable License for Land Use with Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation at Jaycee Park Recommendation from the Parks Advisory Committee.
Public Works Director Mike Reals and Charlene Adair gave the presentation for the Renewal of Revocable License for Land Use with the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation at Jaycee Park. The Commission questioned the enforcement of the agreement and the concern about where they are parking vehicles and the storage of the boats. The enforcement of the agreement of this agreement is done by the Code Enforcement and the Police Departments. Mr. Mimms mentioned that the Code Enforcement and Police departments cannot be there every day inspecting the operations of this group. The Public Works Department is the administrator of the facility and agreement.
c.
Presentation of concepts for waterways policies by Marina Director Dean Kubitschek
Mr. Mimms introduced Marina Director Dean Kubitschek who gave the presentation of Concepts for waterways policies. Commissioner Broderick asked if there is a possibility of adding a mooring field to the Marina and Mr. Kubitschek answered that it can be done but due to the depth of the water and the current around the Marina it would be difficult. The Commissioners agreed the committee should be made up of City and County staff. They asked about the enforcement out on the water and if the City could expand the Marine Police unit. Mayor Hudson asked about the swim area at the Causeway Park and Mr. Mimms let her know that the Park is owned by St. Lucie County, and they would have to be the applicant with the FWCP for the swim area.
d.
Utilization of Local Contractors update by Purchasing Manager Gelencia Carter
Purchasing Manager Gelencia Carter gave the presentation on the utilization of Local Contractors. The Mayor mentioned that all awarded bids are available for review on the City’s website. Commissioner Curtis Johnson wants to encourage local vendors to apply to work on bids from the City.
e.
Discussion on Future of Micro-Mobility Program in Fort Pierce
Mr. Mimms gave the presentation on the future of the Micro-Mobility program in Fort Pierce. They are not interested in a scooter program right now. In the future, if the need arises, they can reinstate the program. Commissioner Curtis Johnson asked about the possibility of expanding Freebee, the transportation service, and Mr. Mimms stated that there will be a presentation in August on the program and St. Lucie County has reached out to become a partner.
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.
Marjorie Harrell
6.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner Gaines went over the Boards and Committees updated starting with the Treasure Coast Council of Local Government meeting, and they are monitoring the new bills and plan to be more proactive towards bills and legislature that are directly impacting our areas. The Retirement Board meets this week. The Council on Aging is dealing with funding cuts from transportation. The City of Fort Pierce Affordable Housing Committee met, and they are working on the report and recommendations to provide to the Commission. The St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Committee working on opening veterans home. Lincoln Park Main Street Board has a celebration brunch coming up on May 20th at the River Walk Center. He wants the public to know that they did not vote to turn down Bright-Line.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the TPO Board that doesn’t meet this month, but they continue to talk about Bright-line. Main Street Fort Pierce has an annual meeting coming up this Wednesday afternoon. He was not able to attend the meeting of the Tourism Committee, but the Mayor attended in his absence. The Downtown Business Alliance group engaged with the Sunrise Theater.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the Seaport and Aviation Board has not met. He let the Mayor give the update on the Fire Board meeting and the TPO Board he let Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson speak on.
Commissioner Broderick went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the Retirement Board's meeting that is coming up this week. The Parking Committee is busy coming up with new parking ideas, and they are working on getting the recommendations for the parking garage counting system to the Commission for review. The Sunrise Theater is getting ready for its 100-year celebration.
Mayor Hudson went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the Fire Board mentioning that they installed a new Fire Chief. FMIT meeting is in June and the FPUA Board is working on the budgets. The Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities has a luncheon coming up on May 17th which all the Commissioners are invited. She mentioned the Florida Legislature has been adjourned, and she went over the bills that were passed and their benefits to the City. She has not heard from our local State Representatives on the local bills. She talked about the music scene in the City and that they are not done with devising a plan to encourage the music scene and be fair to the surrounding residents, the rest of the Commission agreed with keeping the music alive, and they discussed the possibility of reaching out to out her municipalities to see how they deal with their music scenes.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the TPO Board that doesn’t meet this month, but they continue to talk about Bright-line. Main Street Fort Pierce has an annual meeting coming up this Wednesday afternoon. He was not able to attend the meeting of the Tourism Committee, but the Mayor attended in his absence. The Downtown Business Alliance group engaged with the Sunrise Theater.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the Seaport and Aviation Board has not met. He let the Mayor give the update on the Fire Board meeting and the TPO Board he let Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson speak on.
Commissioner Broderick went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the Retirement Board's meeting that is coming up this week. The Parking Committee is busy coming up with new parking ideas, and they are working on getting the recommendations for the parking garage counting system to the Commission for review. The Sunrise Theater is getting ready for its 100-year celebration.
Mayor Hudson went over the Boards and Committees updates starting with the Fire Board mentioning that they installed a new Fire Chief. FMIT meeting is in June and the FPUA Board is working on the budgets. The Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities has a luncheon coming up on May 17th which all the Commissioners are invited. She mentioned the Florida Legislature has been adjourned, and she went over the bills that were passed and their benefits to the City. She has not heard from our local State Representatives on the local bills. She talked about the music scene in the City and that they are not done with devising a plan to encourage the music scene and be fair to the surrounding residents, the rest of the Commission agreed with keeping the music alive, and they discussed the possibility of reaching out to out her municipalities to see how they deal with their music scenes.
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 11:48 A.M.