C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
CONFERENCE AGENDA MINUTES
Conference Agenda Meeting - Monday, March 11, 2024 - 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 March 11, 2024, Conference Agenda Meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
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
- Sara Hedges, City Attorney
4.
New Business
a.
Discussion on the Indian Hills Golf Course Expansion Project.
City Engineer Jack Andrews and Indian Hills Golf Course Manager Danny Visconti gave the Indian Hills Golf Course Expansion project overview. The Commissioners discussed the parking concerns they have and the idea of using the building as a multi-purpose location for emergency or disaster use. The Commission asked them to add the additional use for emergency or disasters to the plan because of how close the golf course building is to the Police Department.
b.
Review of proposed amendments to Chapter 24 - Nuisances.
Community Response Director Peggy Arraiz gave the presentation on the proposed amendments to Chapter 24 – Nuisances. The Commissioners discussed a few of the amendments in detail, like homeowners parking on the front lawn and the percentage for the partial lien reduction. The commission agreed to change the percentage to four percent whether inside or outside the city limits. They want to see more community involvement or small volunteer groups to assist the people in the community who may not be able to take care of their property by themselves.
c.
Army Corps of Engineers response update regarding shoaling in the Intracoastal Waterway
Brian Proctor with Tetratech and City Engineer Jack Andrews gave the presentation on the shoaling in the Intercoastal Waterways. The Commission discussed whether the Army Corps or the City would take the responsibility to dredge the channel. The City Manager let them know that they had discussions with the Corp to resolve the dredging issue and find the funding.
d.
City Attorney 6-month performance evaluation
The Commissioners all expressed their gratitude and enjoyment of working with Ms. Hedges for the past few months. They do not have any changes to make regarding her benefits or salary.
e.
Discussion regarding Pinewood Park
The Mayor started the discussion of the park and let the other Commissioners know the community surrounding the park had reached out regarding the growing homeless population taking over the park. Suggestions included removing the pavilion and the benches and replacing them with a splash pad or a pickleball court. They discussed these ideas and determined the park needs to be temporarily closed until they can address the homeless population. They asked the City Manager to do an assessment of this park and others throughout the city for current conditions and ideas for future use.
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.
Susan Parry
Hoyt Murphy
Jacques Chester
Marjorie Harrell
Chris Gardner
Michelle Danaluk
Shimp International
Kris Einstein
Hoyt Murphy
Jacques Chester
Marjorie Harrell
Chris Gardner
Michelle Danaluk
Shimp International
Kris Einstein
6.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner Broderick had to excuse himself and the other commissioners gave the updates on the boards they share. He had no further updates.
Commissioner Curis Johnson mentioned the land acquisition meeting he was a part of and the new opportunities available. The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council has a meeting with Palm Beach this Friday. Lincoln Park Main Street has a big festival coming May 18th from 10am – 4pm at the corner of 8th Street and Avenue D.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments meeting was rescheduled. The Council on Aging and the Homelessness Task force meetings are coming up. He asked if someone would be available to cover the next Roundtable meeting. They discussed COLAs at the last Retirement Board meeting. The Affordable Housing Committee met last week and presented their recommendations to the Commission and are looking for feedback. He also asked the City Manager to add the park on 13th Street and Avenue D to the list of parks they would be reviewing.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson mentioned at the TPO meeting they discussed urban boundaries and long-range transportation. The TDC would like to present the new visitor study report. Main Street has their Reverse Raffle event coming up in April, and they are looking to revamp the Friday Fest events. The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting is going to be hosted in the Fort Pierce City Chambers on March 28th at 3pm.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson asked if they would be able to invite the Downtown Business Alliance to one of the next meetings to give an update on trends in the downtown area.
Mayor Linda Hudson let everyone know there would be no changes to the Parking Garage hours of operation. She mentioned the Legislative session has adjourned and there are several new bills to investigate, like the one for Short Term and Vacation Rentals and the one regarding the building department timetables. FMIT meets next week, and the Fire Board is in the process of hiring a new Clerk/ Treasurer.
Commissioner Curis Johnson mentioned the land acquisition meeting he was a part of and the new opportunities available. The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council has a meeting with Palm Beach this Friday. Lincoln Park Main Street has a big festival coming May 18th from 10am – 4pm at the corner of 8th Street and Avenue D.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments meeting was rescheduled. The Council on Aging and the Homelessness Task force meetings are coming up. He asked if someone would be available to cover the next Roundtable meeting. They discussed COLAs at the last Retirement Board meeting. The Affordable Housing Committee met last week and presented their recommendations to the Commission and are looking for feedback. He also asked the City Manager to add the park on 13th Street and Avenue D to the list of parks they would be reviewing.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson mentioned at the TPO meeting they discussed urban boundaries and long-range transportation. The TDC would like to present the new visitor study report. Main Street has their Reverse Raffle event coming up in April, and they are looking to revamp the Friday Fest events. The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting is going to be hosted in the Fort Pierce City Chambers on March 28th at 3pm.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson asked if they would be able to invite the Downtown Business Alliance to one of the next meetings to give an update on trends in the downtown area.
Mayor Linda Hudson let everyone know there would be no changes to the Parking Garage hours of operation. She mentioned the Legislative session has adjourned and there are several new bills to investigate, like the one for Short Term and Vacation Rentals and the one regarding the building department timetables. FMIT meets next week, and the Fire Board is in the process of hiring a new Clerk/ Treasurer.
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 12:50 P.M.