MINUTES OF A REGULAR DAY 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 9:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024.
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Hudson called the June 10, 2024 Day Meeting of the City Commission to order at 9:00 A.M.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Mayor Linda Hudson
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
4.
Approval of Minutes
5.
Proclamations
a.
City of Fort Pierce Youth Award Recognition Presentation
6.
Additions or deletions to agenda and approval of the agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the agenda as set.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
7.
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.
Becky Damanuel
8.
Miscellaneous Reports and Presentations
a.
National Community Survey Results Presentation
Special Projects Coordinator, Audria Moore-Wells and Brandon Barnett gave the presentation on the results of the Community Survey. The Commission discussed how the County scored higher in this survey with their provided services and how they would like in the future, send out more surveys to the entire city.
9.
Consent Agenda
10.
City Commission
a.
Resolution 24-R34 appointing Bob Burdge to Police Community Advisory Committee as Commissioner Broderick's appointee.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to appoint Bob Burdge to the Police Community Advisory Committee.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
New Business - City Commission Discussion Items
a.
Discussion regarding establishing an optional "Hard Stop" at City Commission meetings.
The Commission discussed the options of a Hard Stop for the evening City Commission meetings. They are keeping the citizens and staff in mind about this decision as postponing items could lead to citizens from out of town having to come back for a different meeting. They decided that agenda management would be the most effective route to move forward and add more items to the daytime meetings to free up space for the evening meetings.
b.
Discussion of the Historic Preservation Board
Commissioner Broderick started the discussion of the abilities of the Historic Preservation Board. He let the Commissioners know some of the decisions this board makes are tedious and if they lose this ability the Commission will be overburdened with these decisions. Our Board is similarly structured to the other municipalities around us. The Commission suggested for staff to transfer some of the items that would normally come before the Commission to the appropriate staff to review and approve or deny.
c.
Discussion of City Attorney's request for additional Assistant City Attorney position
City Attorney Sara Hedges discussed the need for an additional Assistant City Attorney. The Commissioners all support this request.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to accept the request for an additional Assistant City Attorney position.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
d.
Annual evaluation of Linda Cox, City Clerk
The Commissioners all agree that Ms. Cox has been doing a wonderful job with all the tasks she has and how well she keeps them all on track with all their meetings and events. They mentioned she is a great leader, and it is reflected through her staff's great work as well. City Clerk, Linda Cox thanked the Commission for their kind words and the praise of her staff members.
e.
Annual evaluation of Sara Hedges, City Attorney
The Commissioners mentioned they enjoy working with Ms. Hedges, she is direct and honest, she is a dedicated leader and works hard, and they applaud her for reaching out for the request of an additional staff member. Ms. Hedges thanked the Commissioners and stated her goal has always been to bring stability to the department.
f.
Annual evaluation of Nick Mimms, City Manager
The Commissioners thanked Mr. Mimms for his honesty and his ability to make tough decisions within the city. They commended him for creating the Deputy City Managers position to distribute the workload. They mentioned his office should work closer with the City Attorneys office. The City Manager, Nick Mimms thanked the Commissioners for their feedback, he mentioned his mutual respect for others and how he will always put the citizens and community first.
12.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner Broderick mentioned the Parking Committee, Sunrise Committee, and Retirement Board meetings are all coming up. He thanked the Commission for their support through his recent health issues.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson mentioned Lincoln Park Main Street had a successful May Day Freedom celebration and the Jazz on Moore’s Creek event is coming up. The Florida Annual Main Street conference is July 10th through the 13th. The TPO had an exciting meeting with many projects funded and placed in the books. The Fire Board meeting is coming up, and they are going to be hiring a Clerk/Treasurer. The ribbon cutting event for the new Fire Station is coming up. He also mentioned that there are many jobs locally that need to be filled.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson mentioned the TPO has long range transportation plans, and they discussed funds going to the expansion of the Treasure Coast Airport for expanding terminals and improving the taxiway, as well as a discussion of the possibility of a train station locally. The TDC submitted a request for expenditures north of Midway Road. The Downtown Business Alliance discussed the car shows and that they provide extra revenue for the downtown businesses.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Treasure Coast Council of Local Government had a presentation on communications with reporters. The Retirement Board meeting was canceled. The Homelessness task force is working with the City Mangers office on projects throughout the city. The Affordable Housing Committee will have a presentation coming up on ideas to accommodate tiny houses and the required zoning changes. The Council on Aging meets at the end of the month. He mentioned that he has been having difficulties attending the Roundtable meeting and the Commissioners decided that they would have a staff member to sit on the Board to represent the City and the Mayor will check her schedule to see if she would be able to attend the meetings.
Mayor Hudson mentioned FMIT had modest rate increases. The FPUA budget meeting is coming up. The Florida League of Cities conference is coming up. She also mentioned the Coast Guard certification status is still in the works.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson mentioned Lincoln Park Main Street had a successful May Day Freedom celebration and the Jazz on Moore’s Creek event is coming up. The Florida Annual Main Street conference is July 10th through the 13th. The TPO had an exciting meeting with many projects funded and placed in the books. The Fire Board meeting is coming up, and they are going to be hiring a Clerk/Treasurer. The ribbon cutting event for the new Fire Station is coming up. He also mentioned that there are many jobs locally that need to be filled.
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson mentioned the TPO has long range transportation plans, and they discussed funds going to the expansion of the Treasure Coast Airport for expanding terminals and improving the taxiway, as well as a discussion of the possibility of a train station locally. The TDC submitted a request for expenditures north of Midway Road. The Downtown Business Alliance discussed the car shows and that they provide extra revenue for the downtown businesses.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Treasure Coast Council of Local Government had a presentation on communications with reporters. The Retirement Board meeting was canceled. The Homelessness task force is working with the City Mangers office on projects throughout the city. The Affordable Housing Committee will have a presentation coming up on ideas to accommodate tiny houses and the required zoning changes. The Council on Aging meets at the end of the month. He mentioned that he has been having difficulties attending the Roundtable meeting and the Commissioners decided that they would have a staff member to sit on the Board to represent the City and the Mayor will check her schedule to see if she would be able to attend the meetings.
Mayor Hudson mentioned FMIT had modest rate increases. The FPUA budget meeting is coming up. The Florida League of Cities conference is coming up. She also mentioned the Coast Guard certification status is still in the works.
13.
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 12:19 P.M.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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