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, MAY 2, 2016.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Reverend John Lee of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Absent:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney James Messer
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to excuse Commissioner Alexander from the meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of minutes from the April 18, 2016 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve the minutes from the April 18, 2016 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation recognizing April 29, 2016 as Arbor Day.
b.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation recognizing May 2016 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
c.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation recognizing May 1 - 7, 2016 as Travel and Tourism Week.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - A copy of these letters will be kept on file in the City Clerk's office.
a.
Email from Rachel Heddings, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters, thanking Kay Czarnecki and Derrick Johnson for their support of the Taste of St. Lucie event on April 13, 2016.
b.
Letter from Assistant State Attorney Rebecca White and Assistant State Attorney Felony Supervisor David Dodd commending Detective Jesse Streeter for his outstanding job, tireless work and invaluable assistance on a case.
c.
Email from Alan Montgomery, Director of Campus Safety/Security,commending several Fort Pierce Police Officers for their promptness and professionalism in response to a possible threatening incident at IRSC.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
Charlie Frank Matthews - Item 5a
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Charlie Frank Matthews - Item 5a
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9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Hudson requested to have Howard Tipton's presentation moved to before Public Hearings and after Consent Agenda.
Mayor Hudson requested to have Howard Tipton's presentation moved to before Public Hearings and after Consent Agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
10.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approval of request from Main Street Fort Pierce for $20,000 to cover the cost for fireworks and expenses for the 2016 4th of July Celebration.
b.
Approval of travel expenses in the amount of $767.80 for Commissioner Alexander to attend the 31st Annual Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference being held on May 25 - 27, 2016 in Miami, Florida.
c.
Approval of travel expenses in the amount of $767.80 for Commissioner Sessions to attend the 31st Annual Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference being held on May 25 - 27, 2016 in Miami, Florida.
d.
Approval of an extension, until June 16, 2017, of Development Plan and Conditional Use Approval for St. Lucie Court Mixed-use development at 301 South Ocean Drive.
e.
Approve the installation of an above ground LP Tank for Ronald and Mary Duncan at 2444 Mohawk Avenue.
f.
Approval of contract award in the amount of $35,395.00 to Lynch Paving and Construction, Bid #2016-016, to Resurface Dan McCarty Track.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve all items on the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Approve with conditions a Preliminary Plat submitted by Walton Acquisitions, LLC for the development known as Village at Midway located at 9850 Midway Road and parcel number 2334-410-0000-000-1. Property is zoned PD, Planned Development
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. There were errors in a previous advertising which caused this item to return before the Commission.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. There were errors in a previous advertising which caused this item to return before the Commission.
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 11a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Amend U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Citizen Participation Plan per HUD mandate.
Libby Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manager, gave an overview of the HUD mandate. We must update the citizen participate plan to accommodate to the new Analysis of Impediments to fair housing reports. We are working on it now and updating the citizen participation process. During the five (5) year analysis, we will be using a variety of mechanisms to reach out. A draft of the report should be made available for public review for 30 days prior to Commission consideration. There will be a Public Hearing to accept public comment. Upon adoption of the report, the analysis should be incorporated into the five (5) year Consolidated plan.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Libby Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manager, gave an overview of the HUD mandate. We must update the citizen participate plan to accommodate to the new Analysis of Impediments to fair housing reports. We are working on it now and updating the citizen participation process. During the five (5) year analysis, we will be using a variety of mechanisms to reach out. A draft of the report should be made available for public review for 30 days prior to Commission consideration. There will be a Public Hearing to accept public comment. Upon adoption of the report, the analysis should be incorporated into the five (5) year Consolidated plan.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
c.
Approval of an application for Conditional Use with conditions submitted by Sherria Baptise to operate a private school named Advanced Scholars Christian Academy at 720 Delaware Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. The property is zoned Office Commercial, C-1, Parcel ID 2410-705-0001-000-6
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included the play area, drop off and pick up concerns and assigned parking spaces.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Sherria Baptise, applicant, stated that she wants to re-introduce the children in the community to a Christian education. Commissioner Becht was concerned a school may not be the best mix for the area and Commissioner Perona discussed concerns with future expansion. Commissioner Sessions believes it will be a breath of fresh air for the area.
Mike Menard spoke in support.
Chris Williams spoke in support.
Danny McLaw spoke in support.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Clarissa Davis, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included the play area, drop off and pick up concerns and assigned parking spaces.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Sherria Baptise, applicant, stated that she wants to re-introduce the children in the community to a Christian education. Commissioner Becht was concerned a school may not be the best mix for the area and Commissioner Perona discussed concerns with future expansion. Commissioner Sessions believes it will be a breath of fresh air for the area.
Mike Menard spoke in support.
Chris Williams spoke in support.
Danny McLaw spoke in support.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 11c with staff conditions.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
Presentation of Sales Tax Update by Howard Tipton, County Administrator, St. Lucie County.
Howard Tipton, County Administrator, gave a presentation and overview of recommendation to explore possible sales tax initiatives to address infrastructure challenges. There are many road and sidewalk projects, water quality issues, as well as storm water and drainage retrofits. There is a $255M shortage in funding the County's top five (5) projects. The options to bridge the gap are to do nothing, cut services, shift resources, increase property taxes, reduce reserves, or find a new revenue source. A recent survey indicates support for needed projects with a .5 cent increase. The money would be raised here and stays here. It requires a vote of the citizens and over a time period of 10 years, it would generate over $18M for the City of Fort Pierce, based on the state default formula. The projection is pretty conservative. The County will hold a Public Hearing on June 7, 2016.
Commission discussion included the possibility of using the funds for relocation of the sewer plant, this being a viable way to pave city streets, utilities efficiencies, accountability and transparency, and that doing nothing is not an option. The key is to stress that the increase is only for infrastructure and having the item on the ballot allows the voters to decide.
Howard Tipton, County Administrator, gave a presentation and overview of recommendation to explore possible sales tax initiatives to address infrastructure challenges. There are many road and sidewalk projects, water quality issues, as well as storm water and drainage retrofits. There is a $255M shortage in funding the County's top five (5) projects. The options to bridge the gap are to do nothing, cut services, shift resources, increase property taxes, reduce reserves, or find a new revenue source. A recent survey indicates support for needed projects with a .5 cent increase. The money would be raised here and stays here. It requires a vote of the citizens and over a time period of 10 years, it would generate over $18M for the City of Fort Pierce, based on the state default formula. The projection is pretty conservative. The County will hold a Public Hearing on June 7, 2016.
Commission discussion included the possibility of using the funds for relocation of the sewer plant, this being a viable way to pave city streets, utilities efficiencies, accountability and transparency, and that doing nothing is not an option. The key is to stress that the increase is only for infrastructure and having the item on the ballot allows the voters to decide.
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution No. 16-R19 adopting the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concept and principles.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Enforcement Manager, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. This program will assist with making the environment safe by helping the community take ownership in their property through landscaping, lighting and graffiti standards.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Enforcement Manager, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. This program will assist with making the environment safe by helping the community take ownership in their property through landscaping, lighting and graffiti standards.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 13a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Chris Williams
Tina Lomax
DJ Ferguson
Charlie Hayek
Rick Reed
Reverend John Lee
Lashonda Henderson
Oslind Marie
Mark Hadden
Chris Williams
Tina Lomax
DJ Ferguson
Charlie Hayek
Rick Reed
Reverend John Lee
Lashonda Henderson
Oslind Marie
Mark Hadden
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
City Manager's Report
James Messer, City Attorney, gave an update on his office's transition. Iola Mosley has been hired as Assistant City Attorney. Their office is now dealing with law enforcement, code enforcement, personnel department, planning board and redevelopment agency. He also gave an update on the City of Fort Pierce Marina ad valorem tax case.
Nicholas Mimms, City Attorney, gave a brief update on the 1610 N 25th Street property; the residents did not have to be evicted thanks to the quick work of the building department and code enforcement. He also announced that in collaboration with the State's NAACP, a Town Hall Meeting will be held on May 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. The City's website will continue to provide a new flash as information is updated. The parking committee's draft document will soon be presented to the Commission.
James Messer, City Attorney, gave an update on his office's transition. Iola Mosley has been hired as Assistant City Attorney. Their office is now dealing with law enforcement, code enforcement, personnel department, planning board and redevelopment agency. He also gave an update on the City of Fort Pierce Marina ad valorem tax case.
Nicholas Mimms, City Attorney, gave a brief update on the 1610 N 25th Street property; the residents did not have to be evicted thanks to the quick work of the building department and code enforcement. He also announced that in collaboration with the State's NAACP, a Town Hall Meeting will be held on May 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. The City's website will continue to provide a new flash as information is updated. The parking committee's draft document will soon be presented to the Commission.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Perona wanted to thank staff for thinking outside of the box to address the parking concerns.
Commissioner Sessions would like to reconsider our position on reaching out to Department of Justice. He also doesn’t appreciate peaceful protest being scared away.
Commissioner Becht had no comment.
Mayor Hudson grieves along with the family and citizens and appreciates everyone coming to the meeting.
Commissioner Perona wanted to thank staff for thinking outside of the box to address the parking concerns.
Commissioner Sessions would like to reconsider our position on reaching out to Department of Justice. He also doesn’t appreciate peaceful protest being scared away.
Commissioner Becht had no comment.
Mayor Hudson grieves along with the family and citizens and appreciates everyone coming to the meeting.
17.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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