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 6:30 P.M. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Commissioner Reginald Sessions offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Robert Schwerer
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of the Minutes from the December 21, 2015 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the Minutes from the December 21, 2015 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation to John Carroll High School recognizing their 50th Anniversary.
b.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation recognizing the Week of Kindness.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - There were no letters to the Commission.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS - There were no comments from the public.
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9.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve the Police Department request for the purchase of three new vehicles (2 Ford Explorers and 1 Transit Cargo Van) from Sunrise Ford at a total cost of $74,138.00 pursuant to Bid No. 2016-008, New Vehicles.
b.
Approve staff request to hang across-the-street banners prior to and during annual Highwaymen and Hurston celebratory events on Avenue D in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
c.
Approve and accept lowest bid for RFP #2015-050 Catering/Hospitality Services for Sunrise Theatre submitted by Annie's Catering, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $86,000.00 contingent upon obtaining a mobile vendor permit as required by Chapter 9, of the Fort Pierce Code of Ordinances.
d.
Approval of travel expenses for Commissioner Perona in the amount of $1272.02 to attend the Florida Public Pension Trustees Association Conference in Orlando, FL on January 31 - February 3, 2016.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve items 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, on the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Commissioner Alexander inquired about status of changing the process for the Commission to make additions or deletions to the agenda. Linda Cox, City Clerk, stated that she is working on the background research now, as it requires an Ordinance change.
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Ordinance No. 15-049 - Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to eliminate the 40% total floor area minimum requirement for residential uses, reduce the required number of uses from three (3) to two (2) and modify the open and green space requirements. SECOND READING
Clarissa Davis, Planner, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 10a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Review and approval of an application for a Conditional Use submitted by RG Towers, LLC to construct a 150’ tall communication tower at 2551 Jenkins Road, Fort Pierce, FL. The property is zoned C-3, General Commercial (Parcel ID 2324-500-0004-000-4).
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Holly Valdez, VP Operations at RG Towers, LLC, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. They have agreed to comply with all conditions.
Commission discussion included camouflage options, lighting requirements, and surrounding jurisdiction selections.
Mike Perri, citizen, suggested a sailfish should be placed atop the tower so that it may be considered a landmark.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Holly Valdez, VP Operations at RG Towers, LLC, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. They have agreed to comply with all conditions.
Commission discussion included camouflage options, lighting requirements, and surrounding jurisdiction selections.
Mike Perri, citizen, suggested a sailfish should be placed atop the tower so that it may be considered a landmark.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the conditional use application with the following conditions:
1. Engineer tower to be self –collapsible within property owned.
2. Tower must be 25’ from all property lines.
3. Minimize adverse visual effects of the wireless communication tower facilities through innovative camouflaging techniques, finding a monopole as acceptable camouflage.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
c.
Review and approval of an application for Site Plan & Conditional Use, submitted by Property Owner, Cynthia J Baker, and representative, William Stoddard of Schulke, Bittle, & Stoddard, LLC.. to construct a single-family home seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) at 1709 SURFSIDE DR, Fort Pierce, FL. The property is zoned Single-Family Intermediate Density (R-2), (Parcel ID 2412-501-0108-000-6).
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included neighborhood compatibility, environmental impact, height and sight restriction concerns.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
William Stoddard, applicant representative, appeared and was available for questions. This will be a nice addition to the neighborhood and fit into the area.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included neighborhood compatibility, environmental impact, height and sight restriction concerns.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
William Stoddard, applicant representative, appeared and was available for questions. This will be a nice addition to the neighborhood and fit into the area.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 10c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
d.
Ordinance No. 15-056 amending section 5-267 "Permit Fee Schedule". SECOND READING
Marc Meyers, Building Official, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. The rapidly increasing needs of the public require an increase in fees. There is a shortage of qualified, certified inspectors and plans examiners.
Commission discussion and inquires included rate comparisons to other municipalities and solutions to finding qualified employees. Nick Mimms, City Manager, stated that the upcoming Conference Agenda discussion will touch on the pay structure for all professional City employees.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Marc Meyers, Building Official, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. The rapidly increasing needs of the public require an increase in fees. There is a shortage of qualified, certified inspectors and plans examiners.
Commission discussion and inquires included rate comparisons to other municipalities and solutions to finding qualified employees. Nick Mimms, City Manager, stated that the upcoming Conference Agenda discussion will touch on the pay structure for all professional City employees.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 10d.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Mayor Hudson requested a progress report in three (3) to six (6) months to determine if the commercial fees are chasing people away. Nick Mimms stated that Marc Meyers will track and provide a follow up report.
11.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
12.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Consideration of Applications for Appointment to Fort Pierce Authentic Tours Advisory Board. - This item will come back at the January 19, 2016 regular meeting in the form of a resolution.
b.
Resolution 16-R01 appointing Mr. John Kevin Griffin to the Communitywide Council.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 12b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
c.
Pursuant to Section 23 of the City Charter, the city commissioners shall select one (1) of their number as Mayor Pro Tem at the first regular meeting following January 1.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, stated that based on the traditional rotation, Commissioner Perona is next in line to be Mayor Pro Tem.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, stated that based on the traditional rotation, Commissioner Perona is next in line to be Mayor Pro Tem.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to select Commissioner Tom Perona as Mayor Pro Tem.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
d.
Consideration of board and committee assignments for Mayor and Commissioners.
Commissioner Alexander stated that he would like to stay on the Fire Board, as he has been appointed Chairman.
Commissioner Perona stated that he has been interested in the Fire Board and asked Commissioner Becht if he would allow him to take that spot.
Commissioner Becht stated that he is willing to give that spot. He would like to have the alternate Roundtable member.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, confirmed that the effective date for these changes will be January 4, 2016 and calendars will be updated.
Commissioner Alexander stated that he would like to stay on the Fire Board, as he has been appointed Chairman.
Commissioner Perona stated that he has been interested in the Fire Board and asked Commissioner Becht if he would allow him to take that spot.
Commissioner Becht stated that he is willing to give that spot. He would like to have the alternate Roundtable member.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, confirmed that the effective date for these changes will be January 4, 2016 and calendars will be updated.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to select Commissioner Perona as Fire Board member and Commissioner Becht as alternate Roundtable member.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
13.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mike Perri
Annette Brown
Tiffany Kelly
Mike Perri
Annette Brown
Tiffany Kelly
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
City Manager's Departmental Activity Report
Nick Mimms, City Manager, wished everyone a Happy New Year!
Robert Schwerer, City Attorney, provided clarification on the December 21, 2015 vote on items 12b, 12c, and 12d. There was a memo distributed that references Robert's Rules of Order for non-legislative matters. The number of votes cast determines whether majority is reached, therefore the vote(s) did pass.
Nick Mimms stated that the downtown area is vibrant. The holiday lights have brought many diverse families, the restaurants are filled to capacity, and the Farmer's Market continues to draw thousands to our downtown.
Mayor Hudson stated the the Farmer's Market will be celebrating their 19th anniversary with free cake on January 23, 2016.
Continuing, Nick Mimms, stated that he has met with all department heads to discuss goals and set expectations. He announced the upcoming Conference Agenda items and provided an update on the City Attorney search.
Mayor Hudson inquired about the signage on the work being done at Veteran's Memorial Park, because many interested citizens want to know what is happening over there.
Jack Andrews, City Engineer, stated that there will be an update at the next City Commission meeting.
Commissioner Alexander inquired about the overflow parking at the King Plant site. Nick Mimms confirmed that there are two parcels available for parking.
Nick Mimms, City Manager, wished everyone a Happy New Year!
Robert Schwerer, City Attorney, provided clarification on the December 21, 2015 vote on items 12b, 12c, and 12d. There was a memo distributed that references Robert's Rules of Order for non-legislative matters. The number of votes cast determines whether majority is reached, therefore the vote(s) did pass.
Nick Mimms stated that the downtown area is vibrant. The holiday lights have brought many diverse families, the restaurants are filled to capacity, and the Farmer's Market continues to draw thousands to our downtown.
Mayor Hudson stated the the Farmer's Market will be celebrating their 19th anniversary with free cake on January 23, 2016.
Continuing, Nick Mimms, stated that he has met with all department heads to discuss goals and set expectations. He announced the upcoming Conference Agenda items and provided an update on the City Attorney search.
Mayor Hudson inquired about the signage on the work being done at Veteran's Memorial Park, because many interested citizens want to know what is happening over there.
Jack Andrews, City Engineer, stated that there will be an update at the next City Commission meeting.
Commissioner Alexander inquired about the overflow parking at the King Plant site. Nick Mimms confirmed that there are two parcels available for parking.
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Alexander wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Commissioner Perona spoke about the BridgeBuster 5k held on January 2, 2016. He also mentioned the Police Department’s Courage For Life program and thought is was a very positive program to have. He thanked the Chief for her work in the community and asked her to speak on a new program.
Chief Hobley-Burney discussed the Courage for Life program that mentors children and gives them the tools to be successful in life. She is also working on a program to incorporate seniors.
Commissioner Becht thanked the Chief and asked her to forward the info to the print media.
Commissioner Sessions thanked the FPUA for taking care of customers during the gas leak. He would like to have them look at reimbursement to those customers who lost out financially.
Commissioner Becht mentioned that Heathcote, Veteran’s Park and King Power Plant property will be done this year and happening all within Mr. Mimms' first year of service. While he was downtown this weekend, it was unbelievable. He'd like to make sure we pay attention when things aren’t going right but it is nice to note when things are going well.
Mayor Hudson thanked the FPUA for their hard work and thanked the customers for being patient. The City Commission is participating in the upcoming Dr. MLK Jr. parade. Mayor Hudson saw the "I've Lived" at the Sunrise Theatre on January 2, 2016 and thought is was wonderful.
Commissioner Alexander wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Commissioner Perona spoke about the BridgeBuster 5k held on January 2, 2016. He also mentioned the Police Department’s Courage For Life program and thought is was a very positive program to have. He thanked the Chief for her work in the community and asked her to speak on a new program.
Chief Hobley-Burney discussed the Courage for Life program that mentors children and gives them the tools to be successful in life. She is also working on a program to incorporate seniors.
Commissioner Becht thanked the Chief and asked her to forward the info to the print media.
Commissioner Sessions thanked the FPUA for taking care of customers during the gas leak. He would like to have them look at reimbursement to those customers who lost out financially.
Commissioner Becht mentioned that Heathcote, Veteran’s Park and King Power Plant property will be done this year and happening all within Mr. Mimms' first year of service. While he was downtown this weekend, it was unbelievable. He'd like to make sure we pay attention when things aren’t going right but it is nice to note when things are going well.
Mayor Hudson thanked the FPUA for their hard work and thanked the customers for being patient. The City Commission is participating in the upcoming Dr. MLK Jr. parade. Mayor Hudson saw the "I've Lived" at the Sunrise Theatre on January 2, 2016 and thought is was wonderful.
16.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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