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, JUNE 20, 2016.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Mayor Hudson 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
- City Attorney James Messer
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of minutes from the June 6, 2016 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the minutes from the June 6, 2016 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS - There were no proclamations.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - A copy of this letter will be kept on file in the City Clerk's office.
a.
Email from Janice Douglas and Susan Parry thanking Public Works Fleet Maintenance Staff, Jean Longcore, Doug Desmarais, George Hunter, Maurice Parnell and Sandy Freudental for their helpfulness and efficiency of the maintenance of the van utilized by United for Animals for the transportation of pets and the delivery of essential items.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS - There were no comments from the public.
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9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA -
Mayor Hudson requested to add the approval of the Joint Application with St. Lucie County for the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.
Mayor Hudson requested to add the approval of the Joint Application with St. Lucie County for the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve the addition to the agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the agenda as amended.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve grant award for Hassie Russ, owner of Granny's Kitchen in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2015-2016 CDBG Grant Award for Small Businesses.
b.
Approve grant award for A.J. (Angela) Brown, owner of Florida Highwaymen Artist A.J. Brown 2nd Gen and Legacy, LLC in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2015-16 CDBG Grant Award for Small Business.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety, items 10a and 10b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Application submitted by Joe’s Dawgs, LLC to operate a Hot Dog Cart at the One Eleven Building, 111 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce. Said use requires a variance from Sec. 9-111(b)(1) to operate within 500 feet from a similar type business and Sec. 9-111(b)(3) to operate within 1,000 feet from an approved special event.
Rebecca Grohall, Planning Director, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Doris Gracia, applicant, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner discussion included making sure to support all downtown businesses, the possibility of generating traffic, property owner buy-in and the applicant's petitions obtained from supportive downtown businesses.
Rebecca Grohall, Planning Director, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Doris Gracia, applicant, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner discussion included making sure to support all downtown businesses, the possibility of generating traffic, property owner buy-in and the applicant's petitions obtained from supportive downtown businesses.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Ordinance No. 16-003 pertaining to an application submitted by the property owners, Equity Trust Company, Mohammad Hajjar IRA, and Sassan LLC for Future Land Use Map for six (6) parcels of land, totaling +/- 36.93 acres, to change the future land use designation from RM, Medium Density Residential to NC, Neighborhood Commercial. Said parcels are generally located at the southwest corner of Hartman Road and Whiteway Dairy Road, or approximately 1803 Hartman Road. SECOND READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Dennis Murphy, applicant representative, appeared was available for questions. His comments stand for the next agenda item.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Dennis Murphy, applicant representative, appeared was available for questions. His comments stand for the next agenda item.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
c.
Ordinance No. 16-004 pertinent to an application submitted by the property owners, Equity Trust Company, Mohammad Hajjar IRA, and Sassan LLC for a Zoning Atlas Amendment for six (6) parcels of land, totaling +/- 36.93 acres, to change the zoning designation from R-4, Medium Density Residential to NC, Neighborhood Commercial. Said parcels are generally located at the southwest corner of Hartman Road and Whiteway Dairy Road, or approximately 1803 Hartman Road. SECOND READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
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 11c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
d.
Ordinance No. 16-012 Amending the Retirement System as to exclusions for membership requirements and adding a designee who may act on behalf of the City Attorney as legal advisor to the Retirement Board. SECOND READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 11d.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
e.
Ordinance No. 16-013 - An Ordinance amending City Code Section 22-22 - Allowed uses; to allow Bed and Breakfasts as a Conditional Use within the C-1, Office Commercial District. FIRST READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Vennis Gilmore, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Vennis Gilmore, Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11e.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
Approval to submit and accept the Allegany Franciscan Ministries Grant in the amount of $250,000.
Upendo Shabazz-Phillips, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included thanking Mrs. Shabazz-Phillips and Allegany Franciscan Ministries for their partnership, and the matching funds being identified.
Upendo Shabazz-Phillips, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included thanking Mrs. Shabazz-Phillips and Allegany Franciscan Ministries for their partnership, and the matching funds being identified.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 12a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Monthly Financial Report for the Month Ending May 31, 2016
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. All funds have positive cash balances and are stable.
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. All funds have positive cash balances and are stable.
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Submittal of Applications for Communitywide Council - This item will come back at the next meeting in the form of a Resolution.
b.
Submittal of application for appointment to the Historic Preservation Board. - This item will come back at the next meeting in the form of a Resolution.
c.
Submittal of application to serve on the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Board. - This item will come back at the next meeting in the form of a Resolution.
d.
Approve the Joint Application with St. Lucie County for the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the total amount of $59,750.00.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13d.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rick Reed
Rick Reed
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, mentioned that the infrastructure surtax has been approved to go on ballot in November, Unity Night at Tradition was a success and 50 people gave blood. The departmental budget meetings are complete and upcoming meetings with Commission are scheduled; looking forward to a promising year. Realtor Night on June 9 was a success. Restoring the Village was a fantastic event.
James Messer, City Attorney, thanked the Commission for the acceptance of the upcoming quasi-judicial workshop.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, mentioned that the infrastructure surtax has been approved to go on ballot in November, Unity Night at Tradition was a success and 50 people gave blood. The departmental budget meetings are complete and upcoming meetings with Commission are scheduled; looking forward to a promising year. Realtor Night on June 9 was a success. Restoring the Village was a fantastic event.
James Messer, City Attorney, thanked the Commission for the acceptance of the upcoming quasi-judicial workshop.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Alexander inquired into the monies for the Moore's Creek transfer of mortgages. Nick Mimms, City Manager, confirmed that they are in the finalization phase.
Commissioner Perona stated that the Parking Committee workshop is on June 29 at 9 a.m. We will be looking at solutions for our parking problems. The public is invited.
Commissioner Sessions thanked everyone for participating in the Restoring the Village event. There is definite improvement on 25th Street. He was proud to see all the citizens investing into the community and moved by the enthusiasm of hard working Public Works department and other employees.
Commissioner Becht stated that we should, as should the County, consider that we receive a percentage of the slots, once it goes out for referendum. He gave thanks to Allegany Franciscan for their continued support; maybe we can get cameras added to our garbage trucks. He has received an inquiry about downtown on-street handicapped parking, we should discuss this during the Parking discussion. He reiterated the public private partnerships, thanking Allegany Franciscan, Lion's Club and South Beach Association.
Mayor Hudson expressed her gratitude for all who worked hard at the Restoring the Village event. There were a lot of support and it was truly a unity event. The sign looks beautiful. On June 17, there was a Peace Rally and Youth Panel held in the Percy Peak Gymnasium with great turnout and community support. She announced the World Changer's Block Party on June 22. She mentioned that during the Orlando shooting situation, she received many media requests, and ensured that she tried to portray Fort Pierce in a positive light.
Commissioner Alexander inquired into the monies for the Moore's Creek transfer of mortgages. Nick Mimms, City Manager, confirmed that they are in the finalization phase.
Commissioner Perona stated that the Parking Committee workshop is on June 29 at 9 a.m. We will be looking at solutions for our parking problems. The public is invited.
Commissioner Sessions thanked everyone for participating in the Restoring the Village event. There is definite improvement on 25th Street. He was proud to see all the citizens investing into the community and moved by the enthusiasm of hard working Public Works department and other employees.
Commissioner Becht stated that we should, as should the County, consider that we receive a percentage of the slots, once it goes out for referendum. He gave thanks to Allegany Franciscan for their continued support; maybe we can get cameras added to our garbage trucks. He has received an inquiry about downtown on-street handicapped parking, we should discuss this during the Parking discussion. He reiterated the public private partnerships, thanking Allegany Franciscan, Lion's Club and South Beach Association.
Mayor Hudson expressed her gratitude for all who worked hard at the Restoring the Village event. There were a lot of support and it was truly a unity event. The sign looks beautiful. On June 17, there was a Peace Rally and Youth Panel held in the Percy Peak Gymnasium with great turnout and community support. She announced the World Changer's Block Party on June 22. She mentioned that during the Orlando shooting situation, she received many media requests, and ensured that she tried to portray Fort Pierce in a positive light.
17.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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