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, APRIL 18, 2016.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Reverend Frank Sawyer of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 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
- Assistant City Attorney James Walker
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of minutes from the April 4, 2016 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve the minutes from the April 4, 2016 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 recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - The following letters will be kept on file at the City Clerk's office.
a.
Letter from Commissioner Alexander thanking Officer Francois, Officer Jones, Officer Kirkus and Officer Massey for collectively and quickly diffusing a situation at Sarah's Memorial Chapel, his place of business.
b.
Email from Bruce Murray, COP District 9 Leader, South Hutchinson Island, thanking the Fort Pierce Police Department for their leadership and dedication to the safety and security of their community and for their continued support of the volunteers.
c.
Email from Martha Hornsby commending Peggy Arraiz and Janey Vanderhorst for their professionalism and courtesy.
d.
Email from Laura Lane Bender commending the staff at the City Marina for the operation of a first class marina.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS - There were no comments from the public.
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Hudson requested to have item 12a moved ahead of the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Hudson requested to have item 12a moved ahead of the Consent Agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
10.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve installation of an above-ground L.P. Tank for Serenity Food Ministries LLC at 609 Orange Avenue.
b.
Approval of the IUPA Contract that has been ratified by the Union.
c.
Approval of emergency repairs to parking garage elevators by Kone, Inc., in the amount of $21,695.23.
d.
Approval of travel expenses in the amount of $1234.93 for Commissioner Thomas Perona to attend the Florida Municipal Electrical Association Conference in Orlando, FL on July 19 - July 22, 2016.
e.
Approval of the payment of $7,060 to Gone Fishing Landscaping & More, LLC to secure 14 abandoned structures.
f.
Approval of a twenty-four (24) month Lease Extension Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and FP-DW, LLC and FP-DX, LLC for certain parcels along Indian River Drive, that are being utilized to provide additional parking spaces for the public by the Backus Gallery & Museum.
Commissioner Sessions pulled item 10b.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve items 10a, 10c, 10d, 10e and 10f.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 10b, Commissioner Sessions wanted clarification on the shift changes affecting emergency response. Chief Diane Hobley–Burney confirmed that shift changes may happen in emergency situations and this edit allows for changes within 7 days rather than the previous 14 day period.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 10b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Ordinance No. 16-011 - Final Budget Amendment of the 2014-2015 Budget. SECOND READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record, on second reading.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record, on second reading.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
2016 Legislative Update by Representative Larry Lee, Jr. - This item was moved ahead and presented prior to the Consent Agenda.
State Representative Larry Lee, Jr. gave a legislative update. Of the six (6) bills Representative Lee sponsored, four (4) of them passed. The bills focus on food deserts, absentee ballot clarification, middle school art in the Capital, and updating fire district borrowing parameters. He also discussed the $82.4B budget, monies set aside for the Indian River Lagoon, Veteran's Memorial and airport expansion, as well as a Restoring the Village update.
State Representative Larry Lee, Jr. gave a legislative update. Of the six (6) bills Representative Lee sponsored, four (4) of them passed. The bills focus on food deserts, absentee ballot clarification, middle school art in the Capital, and updating fire district borrowing parameters. He also discussed the $82.4B budget, monies set aside for the Indian River Lagoon, Veteran's Memorial and airport expansion, as well as a Restoring the Village update.
b.
Second Quarter Financial Report
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a brief presentation on the 2nd quarter financial report. All funds with the exception of the Sunrise Theatre and Golf Course have positive cash flow. There are no projected shortages.
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a brief presentation on the 2nd quarter financial report. All funds with the exception of the Sunrise Theatre and Golf Course have positive cash flow. There are no projected shortages.
c.
Report from the Orange Avenue community meeting held on February 25, 2016
Clarissa Davis, Planner, provided the information gathered from the meeting. The Orange Avenue corridor, identified as Hwy US1 to 10th street, is a blighted area. Citizens were given the chance to offer input on what they'd like to see in the community, highlighting what they like most and least, as well as suggestions for the Old Post Office and St. Anastasia building. The vacant store fronts and empty buildings were noted important issues, as well as remembering to cater to the year-round citizens and not only the "snow-birds." Ideas for rehabilitation of the area included limiting the dollar stores, bail bondsmen, car part stores that open in the area. In conclusion, Staff will identify the top five (5) items and look at ways to bring them to life. This will take coordination with various departments.
Commission discussion included inviting property owners to take initiative, code enforcement concerns, and making sure that the City makes improvements to the property it owns prior to issuing citations to others.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, provided the information gathered from the meeting. The Orange Avenue corridor, identified as Hwy US1 to 10th street, is a blighted area. Citizens were given the chance to offer input on what they'd like to see in the community, highlighting what they like most and least, as well as suggestions for the Old Post Office and St. Anastasia building. The vacant store fronts and empty buildings were noted important issues, as well as remembering to cater to the year-round citizens and not only the "snow-birds." Ideas for rehabilitation of the area included limiting the dollar stores, bail bondsmen, car part stores that open in the area. In conclusion, Staff will identify the top five (5) items and look at ways to bring them to life. This will take coordination with various departments.
Commission discussion included inviting property owners to take initiative, code enforcement concerns, and making sure that the City makes improvements to the property it owns prior to issuing citations to others.
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Consideration of the FPUA’s FY 2015 Final Budget Amendment.
Nina Pennick, Finance Director, and Clay Lindstrom, Director of Utilities, gave a brief presentation and requested approval of the FY2015 Final Budget Amendment.
Nina Pennick, Finance Director, and Clay Lindstrom, Director of Utilities, gave a brief presentation and requested approval of the FY2015 Final Budget Amendment.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 13a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Consider acceptance of the FPUA Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for FY2015.
Nina Pennick, Finance Director, requested approval of the audit as being the unqualified opinion of the auditors that FPUA's financial statements for the FY2015 are fairly represented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and accept the filing of such audit with the City of Fort Pierce, the same to be kept together with the FPUA CAFR, on file with the City Clerk's office.
Nina Pennick, Finance Director, requested approval of the audit as being the unqualified opinion of the auditors that FPUA's financial statements for the FY2015 are fairly represented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and accept the filing of such audit with the City of Fort Pierce, the same to be kept together with the FPUA CAFR, on file with the City Clerk's office.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13b as requested.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
c.
Consider applying City Distribution Funds in the amount of $155,541 toward FPUA's Weatherization Program.
Clay Lindstrom, Director of Utilities, requested that $155,541 of City Distribution Funds be used towards FPUA’s Weatherization Educational Outreach Program (WEOP). It is a good conservation effort and improves quality of life of the customers. They would like the program to be expanded so that they may complete improvements on up to 30 to 60 more homes this year. Eric Winterstein, Facilities Manager, gave the qualifications for the WEOP program, noting that the applications are available at FPUA and City Hall.
Commission discussion included homeowner cost savings, where the funds come from, the possibility of reduced funding and looking for grant programs. There is a great benefit to partnering with FPUA, using local contractors to do the work, and helping our citizens.
Clay Lindstrom, Director of Utilities, requested that $155,541 of City Distribution Funds be used towards FPUA’s Weatherization Educational Outreach Program (WEOP). It is a good conservation effort and improves quality of life of the customers. They would like the program to be expanded so that they may complete improvements on up to 30 to 60 more homes this year. Eric Winterstein, Facilities Manager, gave the qualifications for the WEOP program, noting that the applications are available at FPUA and City Hall.
Commission discussion included homeowner cost savings, where the funds come from, the possibility of reduced funding and looking for grant programs. There is a great benefit to partnering with FPUA, using local contractors to do the work, and helping our citizens.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to allocate $35,000 towards the WEOP in addition to the CBDG $20,000.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- NAY:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander
Passed
d.
Approval of FPUA Resolution No. UA 2016-02, which provides for a 3% increase in the water customer and volume charges, which was approved by the FPUA Board on February 2, 2016.
Murray Hamilton, Rate Consultant with Public Resources Management Group, gave a presentation on the Utility Rate Study and was available for questions. FPUA has done annual rate reviews for the last decade. The requested rate increase is for the water system only. This increase would pay for the expenses that provide their services. A typical customer will see an approximate $.85 increase on their monthly bill. Clay Lindstrom, Director of Utilities, hopes that this is the last time we come to ask for a 3% increase. The alternative to the increase will require taking better consideration of projects.
Commission discussion included residential rate water comparison to surrounding municipalities, what can we do to be more competitive and the consideration of borrowing funds. If the resolution is not passed by 4/5 majority vote, after 30 days, it will become effective.
Murray Hamilton, Rate Consultant with Public Resources Management Group, gave a presentation on the Utility Rate Study and was available for questions. FPUA has done annual rate reviews for the last decade. The requested rate increase is for the water system only. This increase would pay for the expenses that provide their services. A typical customer will see an approximate $.85 increase on their monthly bill. Clay Lindstrom, Director of Utilities, hopes that this is the last time we come to ask for a 3% increase. The alternative to the increase will require taking better consideration of projects.
Commission discussion included residential rate water comparison to surrounding municipalities, what can we do to be more competitive and the consideration of borrowing funds. If the resolution is not passed by 4/5 majority vote, after 30 days, it will become effective.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to disapprove item 13d.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- NAY:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Failed
Commissioner Perona made a motion to approve item 13d.
The motion failed due to lack of second.
The motion failed due to lack of second.
e.
Resolution 16-R13 reappointing Mary Minton and Terry Wolters to the Code Enforcement Board.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13e.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
f.
Resolution 16-R14 appointing Michael Broderick and Jared Osteen to the Historic Preservation Board.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 13f.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
g.
Resolution 16-R15 approving the Submittal of a Grant Application to the Florida Inland Navigation District to Improve Boat Access at Fisherman's Wharf and Moore's Creek Boat Ramps.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13g.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
h.
Resolution 16-R16 - Recognizing the portion of Avenue "A" lying between the Indian River Lagoon and North US Highway 1 as “Marina Way”.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 13h.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
i.
Resolution 16-R18 Declaring Certain property as Surplus
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution into the record, by title only.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht with comment to approve item 13i.
Commissioner Becht asked Mr. Mimms to provide the point of contact for those who are interested in our surplus property. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, provided the City Manager, Planning, and Purchasing offices as contacts for information regarding surplus property.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Charlie Frank Matthews
John Lee
Travon Simmons
Rick Reed
Charlie Frank Matthews
John Lee
Travon Simmons
Rick Reed
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, announced the new City Attorney joins the City of Fort Pierce on April 25. Two (2) Assistant City Attorneys are scheduled to join the team on May 2nd and 9th, respectively. On April 21, there will be a joint meeting with the County to update on the Port. He also spoke about the relationship with Restoring the Village and Alleghany as well as the Summer Slam program at Percy Peak Gymnasium.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, announced the new City Attorney joins the City of Fort Pierce on April 25. Two (2) Assistant City Attorneys are scheduled to join the team on May 2nd and 9th, respectively. On April 21, there will be a joint meeting with the County to update on the Port. He also spoke about the relationship with Restoring the Village and Alleghany as well as the Summer Slam program at Percy Peak Gymnasium.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Alexander had no comment.
Commissioner Perona would like to have an updated list of our boating/fishing locations on map near Blind Creek beach.
Commissioner Sessions stated he hopes that all is in place for the new city attorney and he requested that the City Manager's office follow up with the police department situation mentioned in the public comments.
Commissioner Becht stated he was happy to be back home after traveling.
Mayor Hudson had no comment.
Commissioner Alexander had no comment.
Commissioner Perona would like to have an updated list of our boating/fishing locations on map near Blind Creek beach.
Commissioner Sessions stated he hopes that all is in place for the new city attorney and he requested that the City Manager's office follow up with the police department situation mentioned in the public comments.
Commissioner Becht stated he was happy to be back home after traveling.
Mayor Hudson had no comment.
17.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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