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 9:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024.
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Hudson called the October 14, 2024, Conference Agenda 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:
-
- Acting City Manager Linda Cox
- Records Management Coordinator Tina Rel
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
4.
Approval of Minutes
a.
Approval of the Minutes from the September 9, 2024 City Commission Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the minutes from the September 09, 2024 City Commission Meeting.
- 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.
Commissioner Gaines thanked the FPUA for their diligent work in restoring customers power after the Hurricane. Commissioner Curtis Johnson thanked the FPUA and inquired about the financial impact of the storm's damages and associated costs. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson thanked the FPUA for having teams strategically placed before the storm, which helped restore power effectively and efficiently. Commissioner Broderick thanked the Public Works and Police Department for their quick work in clearing debris and maintaining order in the city, especially when the Sheriff's Office was busy in the Spanish Lakes area.
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
8.
Miscellaneous Reports and Presentations
a.
Kings Landing Project Quarterly Update
Acting City Manager Linda Cox introduced Mr. Bill Ware with Harbort to provide the Commission with their quarterly update. After the September report was submitted, they reached out to Main Sail to adjust the site plan. Mr. Ware shared an email from Joe Collier at Main Sail, which mentioned that the franchise application to Mariott would be submitted by November 15th. He has been working with City staff to keep the project moving and thanked them for their efforts. Other city projects will be completed before construction on the hotel begins. The next update is scheduled for January. Commissioner Broderick inquired about parking. Mr. Ware advised they are looking to add two floors to the parking garage, which would provide an additional 120 spaces. Additionally, extending the garage by 6 feet could add an extra 18 spaces. They are also working on further site plan adjustments that could increase onsite parking. To accommodate the condos, the retail and restaurant spaces are being relocated elsewhere. Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson asked about the specific hotel applications being submitted to the Building Department. Mr. Ware confirmed that the franchise application will include revised site plans and renderings, and they are on schedule to meet the projected permit application dates. Commissioner Johnson asked whether the permits are being handled through the City or a third party, Mr. Ware stated he was uncertain but would provide the information later. Mayor Hudson asked if the vehicle parking under the condos would increase the building's height. Mr. Ware confirmed that it would not, as the retail and restaurant spaces had been moved to create room for the parking area. Ms. Hudson suggested relocating the retail and restaurant spaces along Morre's Creek to enhance downtown walkability and expressed excitement about the hotel's future naming of its various spaces.
9.
Consent Agenda
a.
Approval of year 1 of the 2-year renewal option of the Auditing Services contract with DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley and Barnes, P.A for total costs of $128,000.00.
b.
Approval of the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and Teamsters Local Union Number 769 (General Employee Unit) October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2026.
c.
Approval of the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association (Police Officer Unit) October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2027.
d.
Approval of the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association (Sergeants' & Lieutenants' Unit) October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2027.
Commissioners requested to comment on item b.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 9b
Commissioner Curtis Johnson and Commissioner Gaines thanked the Finance Director Johnna Morris, Deputy City Manager DeVoshay Johnson, and HR Manager Jared Sorensen for their efforts in successfully completing the negotiations before October. They also extended thanks to the Police Officers who attended the meetings and contributed to finalizing the agreement. Mr. DeVoshay Johnson echoed the appreciation to everyone involved and mentioned the HR and Police departments would be meeting monthly to ensure continued collaboration and cohesiveness between the two departments.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson and Commissioner Gaines thanked the Finance Director Johnna Morris, Deputy City Manager DeVoshay Johnson, and HR Manager Jared Sorensen for their efforts in successfully completing the negotiations before October. They also extended thanks to the Police Officers who attended the meetings and contributed to finalizing the agreement. Mr. DeVoshay Johnson echoed the appreciation to everyone involved and mentioned the HR and Police departments would be meeting monthly to ensure continued collaboration and cohesiveness between the two departments.
10.
City Commission - Resolutions
a.
Resolution 24-R54 which authorizes a grant from FDLE for a Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Resolution 24-R54.
- 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 Short Term and Vacation Rental registration fees.
Ms. Cox started the discussion on Short-Term and Vacation Rental registration fees. The Commission asked what the fees are going towards, and Ms. Cox let them know she will have that specific information at the next update. There were no changes made to the existing fees.
12.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson mentioned the annual Ghost Walk tour coming up at the end of this month.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Council on Aging meeting did not have a quorum. The Affordable Housing Committee met and approved the report, which will be presented to the Commission. They will be looking for input on where to focus. The County Homeless Committee and Retirement Board meetings are scheduled for later this week.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson mentioned that the TPO presented the Greenway project, which was approved. The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meeting is coming up. He expressed interest in exploring emergency operations with Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County to go over the plans in place.
Commissioner Broderick mentioned all his meetings were canceled.
Mayor Hudson mentioned Florida Municipal Insurance Trust insurance rates will not be going down. The FPUA was discussed. The Fire District and Treasure Coast League of Cities meetings are coming up.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Council on Aging meeting did not have a quorum. The Affordable Housing Committee met and approved the report, which will be presented to the Commission. They will be looking for input on where to focus. The County Homeless Committee and Retirement Board meetings are scheduled for later this week.
Commissioner Curtis Johnson mentioned that the TPO presented the Greenway project, which was approved. The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meeting is coming up. He expressed interest in exploring emergency operations with Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County to go over the plans in place.
Commissioner Broderick mentioned all his meetings were canceled.
Mayor Hudson mentioned Florida Municipal Insurance Trust insurance rates will not be going down. The FPUA was discussed. The Fire District and Treasure Coast League of Cities meetings are coming up.
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 12:20 P.M.
ATTEST:
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|