MINUTES OF A BUDGET WORKSHOP AND 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, JULY 8, 2024.
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Hudson called the meeting 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
Assistant City Attorney Andrea Duenas attended in place of City Attorney Hedges until 10:25 a.m.
4.
Approval of Minutes
a.
Approval of Minutes from June 10, 2024 Day Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve minutes.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
5.
Proclamations
6.
Additions or deletions to agenda and approval of the agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve agenda as presented.
- 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.
No comments from the public.
8.
Consent Agenda
a.
Approval of Heavy Civil, Inc. Change Order 2 in the amount of $16,392.50 for final sidewalk construction along the Avenue B (8th Street to 13th Street) Roadway Reconstruction project.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
9.
New Business - City Commission Discussion Items
a.
Presentation of Proposed FY 2024-2025 General Fund Budget
Johnna Morris, Director of Finance, presented the FY2025 Proposed Budget balanced at $63,405,381. The budget is proposing no change to the existing millage rate of 6.9%. Based on an 11.5% in property valuation, the ad valorem revenue has been increased by $2,663,628. We are also projecting increases in infrastructure sales tax revenue. Highlights include: six new positions are being added to the General Fund; cost of living increases of 5% for all bargaining and non-bargaining employees; step plan +3% cost of living for sworn officers; an increase in the retirement contribution rate and the city will absorb the increases to the health insurance and dental insurance premiums. The total debt balance is currently $47,923,050. The FPRA will be transferring $2,000 to the general fund.
b.
Five (5) Year Financial Projection
Johnna Morris, Director of Finance, presented the 5 year general fund projected budget. Based upon her assumptions, in FY 2026, there is a projected shortfall in the general budget when looking at revenues and expenditures. As things move forward, she will be better able to project the revenues and expenditures, but our fund balance remains strong.
c.
Proposed FY 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Program
- Roadway Maintenance Overview
Jack Andrews, Deputy City Manager and Tracy Telle, Assistant City Engineer provided an update on the Proposed FY 2024/25 Capital Improvement Project Budget. They provided an overview of completed projects in FY23/24, projects that are ready for construction, projects in design, and projects slated for construction in 2025. They provided an overview of projects funded with Surtax funds including an overview of all street resurfacing that has occurred and those that are slated for future work.
d.
Police Annual Report
- Southwest Substation Update
Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney and her command staff provided an extensive overview on the Police Department organization structure including statistics and program outcomes and successes. They are seeking funding for portable radios, license plate readers, additional civilian staff, salary increases and significantly more sworn officers.
e.
Peace & Safety Initiative
Nick Mimms, City Manager and Audria Moore, Special Projects Coordinator, provided an overview of a comprehensive community-based violence prevention program to reduce gun violence and foster a culture of peace. Key elements include violence interrupters, conflict mediation, behavior change, changing community norms, community engagement, neighborhood watch and security programs, beautification projects, community resource centers, after-school programs and youth activities, restorative justice programs, local business support and development, school resource officers, school board partnerships, St. Lucie County Sheriff Office partnerships, opioid and hallucinogen abatement programs, and Department of Justice City Spirit program participation. This program will require a series of collaborative efforts and more details will be forthcoming as the various elements are implemented.
f.
Comprehensive Marketing Program
Devoshay Johnson, Deputy City Manager and Kaitlyn Ballard, Communications Manager provided an overview of the core functions and responsibilities of their division. They discussed some key strategies being implemented to bolster the City's relationships with the media and community in telling our story and conveying our messages.
g.
Facilities Utilization
- Old City Hall
- Sunrise Center (1st Floor)
- Sunrise Center (4th Floor)
Nick Mimms, City Manager, sought guidance from the City Commission regarding utilization of various city facilities. Consensus was to allow the Fort Pierce Police Department to utilize Old City Hall. As to the Sunrise Center, the Solar Energy Loan Fund is interested in building-out the space, particularly the 1st floor; any occupancy would require an RFP. As to the 4th Floor of the Sunrise Center, consensus was to explore build-out as conference space.
10.
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 Hudson adjourned the meeting at 1:31 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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