- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona
- Absent:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Robert Schwerer
Commissioner Rufus Alexander arrived at 7:10 p.m.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the minutes from the March 7, 2016 regular meeting and the March 10, 2016 special meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander (ABSENT), Commissioner Reginald Sessions (ABSENT)
Passed
Mayor Hudson requested to consider sending a letter to the Governor about the SunTrail at the request of the County.
Mayor Hudson also requested to move item 10i to a later point in the meeting so that Commissioner Alexander is present.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the addition and change to the Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander (ABSENT), Commissioner Reginald Sessions (ABSENT)
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve the Agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona
- Other:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander (ABSENT), Commissioner Reginald Sessions (ABSENT)
Passed
Commissioner Becht pulled item 10f.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve items 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10g and 10h.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander (ABSENT), Commissioner Reginald Sessions (ABSENT)
Passed
Libby Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manager, read the list of recommended organizations that will divide the $60,000 of Public Service Grant Awards.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 10f.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Libby Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manager, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. This plan assists in determining community needs and generating community-wide dialog. In June, community input and surveys will be presented.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Vennis Gilmore, Planning Analyst, 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 Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander (ABSENT)
Passed
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included landscaping, petroleum and fire safety concerns.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Dennis Murphy, applicant representative, stated that his client will comply with the amended conditions of approval.
Richard Pratt, applicant, addressed concerns of fire safety, odor, job opportunities, and even provided a sample of their finished product.
Dr. Robert Bowen spoke in support.
Bill Nunn inquired if any monies are given to the applicant and wanted clarification into the wages.
Pete Tesch, St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, confirmed there are no incentives from the City, that they will be looking at state and federal tax credits, and that they may be eligible for county incentives for job growth. The minimum wage is $16 - $18 per hour.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11c with the following amended conditions:
1) The applicant provides a safe and efficient sidewalk linkage between the building entrance and the future 2nd Street sidewalk, when said sidewalk is completed, pursuant to City Code Section 22-62 (d) (2).
2) The property owner shall provide in the form of a contract between the property owner and St. Lucie County, the right-of-way necessary to provide for the construction of North 2nd Street in accord with approved plans for construction from Taylor Engineering (dated July 2014).(Approx. 1368 sq. ft.)The property owner agrees, that prior to the issuance of any building permits for a primary portion of the approved Conditional Use, to provide an easement for the location of utilities adjacent to the west side of reconstructed North 2nd Street, said area to provide for a maximum combined width (easement and fee ownership) of 30-feet from the centerline of North 2nd Street, but in no event shall the west line of the easement be located west of the existing chain link fence.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Vennis Gilmore, Planning Analyst, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Mike McCarty, property owners' representative, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included expansion plans, storage capacity and water consumption. All growing will be done inside and the small operation is low impact.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 11d with the condition that the applicant installs a bike rack on-site.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record on First Reading.
Jack Andrews, City Engineer, gave a brief presentation on the history of the property and was available for questions.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included the possibility of abandonment along Indian River Drive, the process for relinquishing interest, use of a quick claim deed and staying out of legal trouble.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Dr. Ronald Lyman spoke in opposition.
Linda Nunn spoke in opposition.
Ray Stillwell spoke in opposition.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Nick Mimms, City Manager, mentioned that our records indicate that the land was deeded to the City in 1964 as a proposed right of way. Commission discussion included opposing positions, consistency, and being business friendly.
Robert Schwerer, City Attorney, opined that his research does not show the .07 acres as right of way and we can not vouch for it. Further discussion included how the applicant will be impacted and staff having these concerns smoothed out before appearing at the public hearing. Nick Mimms stated that due to future discussions this item does not need to move forward and we should withdraw the ordinance and bring back as Resolution via quit claim deed.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to withdraw the Ordinance and bring back via quit claim deed.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSTAIN)
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record on First Reading.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Dr. Ronald Lyman spoke in opposition.
Ray Stillwell spoke in opposition.
Joe DeBittle, project engineer, stated they are not trying to do anything irregular. The abandonment is only to deal with the setbacks.
Joe Foglia, owner, appeared and was available for questions.
Bill Nunn spoke in opposition.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Further Commission and staff discussion included benefits to the City and the Rivers Edge historic district designation not being changed. It is a minimal amount of right of way. Robert Schwerer, City Attorney, recommends that we reserve an easement for the sidewalk.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11f.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSTAIN)
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record on First Reading.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearnig.
Joe DeBittle, project engineer, appeared and was available for questions.
Linda Nunn spoke in opposition.
Bill Nunn spoke in opposition.
Ray Stillwell offered a suggestion for pedestrian crossing.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commission discussion included the size of the project in comparison to the Renaissance building.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11g with the following conditions:
1) ROW abandonment is approved by the City Commission
2) The property is deeded to separate the west side from the east side of 401 & 411 S Indian River Drive.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSTAIN)
Passed
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Linda Nunn spoke in opposition.
Nick Mimms, City Manager, stated that some Ordinances, including the bulkhead Ordinance, are outdated and they need to be updated from time to time.
Jack Andrews, City Engineer, discussed the history of the old bulkhead Ordinance.
Joe DeBittle, project engineer, stated that he hopes the public will be happy with 10 additional parking spaces and a kayak launch.
Joe Foglia, owner, stated that the $50M+ development will be an investment in the community.
Bill Nunn spoke in opposition.
Harold Hortzburg spoke in opposition.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commission discussion included traffic impacts, Department of Environmental Protection authority, and modifying the antiquated Ordinance as a condition of approval.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11h with the following conditions:
1) Right-of-way abandonment must be approved by City Commission.
2) Provide easements for all FPUA utilities.
3) The property is deeded to separate the west side from the east side of Indian River Drive prior to building permit.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSTAIN)
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record on First Reading.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Lee Dobbins, applicant representative, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. They are okay with conditions as presented.
Tammy Everly, citizen, mentioned a lack of buffer and would like a 10ft fence.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11i with staff conditions.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record on First Reading.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
David Cleveland, applicant, appeared and was available for questions.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11j.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, reported that all funds with the exception of the golf course have positive net unrestricted resources.
Chief Diane Hobley-Burney gave a presentation on the State of Affairs on the Police Department. She provided a Gangs Action Plan Report and a Community Policing Action Plan Report. Other concerns include officer salaries and benefits, the effect of population growth via annexation has on service calls, and poor equipment. She highlighted changes that should prove to improve the level of service from the Police Department for the citizens of Fort Pierce.
Commission discussion included recognizing the impact of the community outreach, determining where the funds will come from to fund requests and the application for and utilization of grant funds.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 13a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Commission discussion included removing the criterion that appointees must reside within the City boundaries, own a business within the City boundaries or be a representative of management of a business within the City boundaries and/or governmental agency.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13d as amended.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Commission discussion included clarification and request for legal opinion on the eligibility of Mazella Smith to serve on the board based on a previous settlement agreement with the City.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13e.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- NAY:
- Commissioner Thomas Perona
Passed
The Commission reached a consensus to issue a letter of support.
The Commission reached a consensus to draft letter of support.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, stated that Mr. Messer is very excited to join the City of Fort Pierce. He has signed the employment agreement which has an effective date of April 25, 2016.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13i.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Rick Reed
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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