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 02, 2024.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the December 02, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Commission to order at 5:05 P.M.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Devoshay Johnson, Deputy City Manager, EmPowered in Christ (E.P.I.C.) Ministries
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Commissioner James Taylor; Mayor Linda Hudson
- Staff Present:
-
- Acting City Manager and City Clerk Linda Cox
- Records Management Coordinator Tina Rel
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes of the November 18, 2024 Regular Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2024 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
8.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Acting City Manager, Linda Cox pulled item 11a as it must be approved by Resolution. It will be added to the agenda of the upcoming meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner James Taylor to approve the agenda as amended
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor, 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.
No comments
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approval of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) of the 2024 Program Year's final recommendations as required by the Florida Housing Corporation for Grantees receiving SHIP Funding.
b.
Approval of Agreement for Special Magistrate Services with Jamy Barreau - RFP No. 2024-028
c.
Approval of Agreement for Special Magistrate Services with Jennifer D. Peshke - RFP No. 2024-028
d.
Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding for the collaboration of FEMA, St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities with regarding non-financial Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) under FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.
e.
Approval of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Amendment to finalize programming dates.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve items 11b - 11d on the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Quasi-Judicial Hearings follow a strict set of rules and procedures which can be found on the City’s website using this link: https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/6740/Quasi-Judicial-Procedures. All Quasi-Judicial decisions by the City Commission must be based on competency substantial evidence. Competent substantial evidence is evidence which will establish a substantial basis from which the fact at issue can reasonably be inferred. It includes fact or opinion evidence offered by an expert on a matter that requires specialized knowledge and that is relevant to the issues to be decided. It is evidence a reasonable mind could accept as having probative weight and adequate to support a legal conclusion. Hypothetical, speculative, fear or emotion based generalized statements that do not address the relevant issues and that cannot be reasonably said to support the action advocated, are not competent substantial evidence.
Quasi-Judicial Hearings follow a strict set of rules and procedures which can be found on the City’s website using this link: https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/6740/Quasi-Judicial-Procedures. All Quasi-Judicial decisions by the City Commission must be based on competency substantial evidence. Competent substantial evidence is evidence which will establish a substantial basis from which the fact at issue can reasonably be inferred. It includes fact or opinion evidence offered by an expert on a matter that requires specialized knowledge and that is relevant to the issues to be decided. It is evidence a reasonable mind could accept as having probative weight and adequate to support a legal conclusion. Hypothetical, speculative, fear or emotion based generalized statements that do not address the relevant issues and that cannot be reasonably said to support the action advocated, are not competent substantial evidence.
a.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 24-040 - Review and approval for a Voluntary Annexation by applicant and owner Guillermo Claure, to extend the territorial limits of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, to include two (2) parcels at or near the intersection of S. Ocean Drive and Blue Heron Blvd., establishing The request is to annex Parcel IDs: 2413-501-0176-000-6 and 2413-501-0288-000-3, located at or near the intersection of S. Ocean Drive and Blue Heron Blvd. - SECOND READING
Records Management Coordinator, Tina Rel, introduced the Ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 24-040
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE TWO (2) PARCELS AT OR NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF S OCEAN DRIVE AND BLUE HERON BOULEVARD 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, 2025; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING 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. 24-040
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE TWO (2) PARCELS AT OR NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF S OCEAN DRIVE AND BLUE HERON BOULEVARD 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, 2025; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING 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 Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance No 24-040.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 24-043 - Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Pierce Chapter 125, Zoning, Article VII, Supplementary Regulations, Division 1 - Generally, Section 125-314 Design Review, to provide for General Design Review updates and allow for architectural Design Standards, which shall be adopted by Resolution; providing for a severability clause, repealing all Ordinances or parts thereof in conflict, and providing an effective date. - SECOND READING.
Records Management Coordinator, Tina Rel, introduced the Ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 24-043
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 125 – ZONING, ARTICLE VII - SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, DIVISION 1 – GENERALLY, SECTION 125-314 – DESIGN REVIEW TO PROVIDE FOR GENERAL DESIGN REVIEW UPDATES AND ALLOW FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS WHICH SHALL BE ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING
Staff Presentation:
Kevin Freeman, Planning Director, presented the amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Pierce Chapter 125, Zoning, Article VII, Supplementary Regulations, Division 1 - Generally, Section 125-314 Design Review, to provide for general design review updates and allow for architectural design Standards, which shall be adopted by Resolution.
Questions of Staff:
The Commission commented on the addition of the prepackaged innovative features and inquired if utilities could be added, and if there had been communication with the Treasure Coast Builders Association.
Mr. Freeman commented on the addition of the prepackaged features, and that there would be liaising once the foundation has been set.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Darryl Epps commented on the architectural designs presented.
Marjorie Harrel thanked Mr. Freeman for his work and commented on the signage.
Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Mr. Freeman commented that the presented designs are not a mandate but recommends them.
Mayor Hudson clarified that this does not advocate a cookie-cutter style but innovation.
ORDINANCE NO. 24-043
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 125 – ZONING, ARTICLE VII - SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, DIVISION 1 – GENERALLY, SECTION 125-314 – DESIGN REVIEW TO PROVIDE FOR GENERAL DESIGN REVIEW UPDATES AND ALLOW FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS WHICH SHALL BE ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING
Staff Presentation:
Kevin Freeman, Planning Director, presented the amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Pierce Chapter 125, Zoning, Article VII, Supplementary Regulations, Division 1 - Generally, Section 125-314 Design Review, to provide for general design review updates and allow for architectural design Standards, which shall be adopted by Resolution.
Questions of Staff:
The Commission commented on the addition of the prepackaged innovative features and inquired if utilities could be added, and if there had been communication with the Treasure Coast Builders Association.
Mr. Freeman commented on the addition of the prepackaged features, and that there would be liaising once the foundation has been set.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Darryl Epps commented on the architectural designs presented.
Marjorie Harrel thanked Mr. Freeman for his work and commented on the signage.
Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Mr. Freeman commented that the presented designs are not a mandate but recommends them.
Mayor Hudson clarified that this does not advocate a cookie-cutter style but innovation.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Ordinance No. 24-043.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution 24-R57 Adoption of the Fort Pierce Architectural Design Standards
Records Management Coordinator, Tina Rel, introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-R57
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ADOPTING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Kevin Freeman, Planning Director, explained that the Resolution formalizes the standards as part of the City code review.
The Commission inquired if changes could be made by the planning department.
Mr. Freeman explained the standards by reference booklet and the process of adoption ending with the Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-R57
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ADOPTING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Kevin Freeman, Planning Director, explained that the Resolution formalizes the standards as part of the City code review.
The Commission inquired if changes could be made by the planning department.
Mr. Freeman explained the standards by reference booklet and the process of adoption ending with the Commission.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Resolution No. 24-R57.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Resolution 24-R60 Appointing Clayton Colby Johnson to the City of Fort Pierce Planning Board as Mayor Hudson's appointee.
Records Management Coordinator, Tina Rel, introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-R60
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. 24-R60
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 Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Resolution 24-R60.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor, 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.
Darryl Epps
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
Reports
Acting City Manager Linda Cox commented that the final draft of the legislative priorities will be presented at IRSC on December 16th, community clean up will take place Saturday, December 7th, Sunday, December 8th the Sights and Sound parade, the PCA with the FPUA will go from -3 to -150, thanked Audria Moore, the police department and public works for their hard work for the Thanksgiving meal distribution and recognized officer Damian Spots named Practioner of the Year by the Florida Crime Prevention Association.
Records Management Coordinator, Tina Rel – No comments
City Attorney, Sara Hedges - No comments
Records Management Coordinator, Tina Rel – No comments
City Attorney, Sara Hedges - No comments
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Taylor thanked Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson for his mentorship, Ms. Cox and her team for assisting with the onboarding process, Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis, and Fort Pierce Main Street regarding the Sights and Sounds Parade.
Commissioner Gaines welcomed Commissioner Taylor, addressed Mr. Epps's noise complaint, City clean up, and the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee meeting this week.
Commissioner Broderick commented on the parade and attending the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee meeting this week.
Commissioner Johnson commented on the holiday season and the City and other organizations' participation in ensuring its residents have a great season. The Alexander Toy Drive will take place on December 21st at the Percy Peak Gym from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and would like the police department detail regarding Mr. Epps's noise complaint, the demand for electric stations and annexations in the policy committee meeting, and thanked everyone who attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Ms. Cox commented that it is scheduled for the FPRA meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Mayor Hudson commented on Mr. Epps's noise complaint and how it could be resolved and attending the Florida League of Cities Policy Committee meeting.
Commissioner Gaines welcomed Commissioner Taylor, addressed Mr. Epps's noise complaint, City clean up, and the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee meeting this week.
Commissioner Broderick commented on the parade and attending the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee meeting this week.
Commissioner Johnson commented on the holiday season and the City and other organizations' participation in ensuring its residents have a great season. The Alexander Toy Drive will take place on December 21st at the Percy Peak Gym from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and would like the police department detail regarding Mr. Epps's noise complaint, the demand for electric stations and annexations in the policy committee meeting, and thanked everyone who attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Ms. Cox commented that it is scheduled for the FPRA meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Mayor Hudson commented on Mr. Epps's noise complaint and how it could be resolved and attending the Florida League of Cities Policy Committee meeting.
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.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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