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 TUESDAY, JULY 5, 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 Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Absent:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Edward Becht
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney James Messer
Commissioner Becht arrived at 6:32 p.m.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to excuse Commissioner Alexander from the meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSENT)
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of minutes from the June 20, 2016 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2016 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander (ABSENT)
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation recognizing Albert Wilson and gave him a Key to the City.
b.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation recognizing the Elks Lodge #1520 90th Anniversary.
c.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation recognizing Hayskar Walker Schwerer Dundas and McCain PA.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - There were no letters to the Commission.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
John Allman - Item 10c
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John Allman - Item 10c
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9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
10.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve grant award for Mr. Darrell Wilson for his business, Wilson Game Room, in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2015-2016 CDBG Action Plan Grant Award for Small Business
b.
Approve grant award for Faye Owens McCarthy, owner of Precious Lamb Kiddie Kollege in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2015-2016 CDBG Grant Award for Small Businesses.
c.
Approve waiver of all lot clearing costs, interest, penalty and administrative fees in the amount of $574.69 for Lot Clearing Lien against 405 N 6th Street, Property ID #2410-603-0043-000-9 owned by John B. Allman, 45 Rio Vista Drive, Stuart, FL 34996.
d.
Approve award of Bid No. 2016-026 to dispose of Surplus Property located approximately at 401 Indian River Drive to the highest rank responder TAI LLC/TMH LLC, 266 Park Drive, Palatine, IL 60067.
e.
Approve award of RFP No. 2016-019 for Underwater Stormwater Locating Services to the highest ranked firm, USIC Locating Services, in an amount not to exceed $45,000.00.,
f.
Approve execution of the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Grant Agreement No. HL076 in the amount of $100,000.
g.
Approve Specific Authorization No. 20 to Tetra Tech EC, Inc. of Stuart, FL. in the amount of $27,196.00.
h.
Approve execution of the Melody Lane Parking Area Interlocal Agreement with Saint Lucie County.
i.
Approve Agreement for Continuing Legal Services with Hayskar, Walker, Schwerer, Dundas & McCain, P.A. for litigation cases currently being handled, and the provision of legal representation to the Retirement Board.
j.
Approve purchase of Ice Making system from Complete Restaurant Equipment in the amount of $12,706.59
Commissioner Becht pulled items 10d and 10h.
Commissioner Perona pulled item 10c.
Commissioner Perona pulled item 10c.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve items 10a, 10b, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10i, and 10j.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 10c, Commissioner Perona wanted to clarify that this problem has been fixed and it shouldn't happen this way often. Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager, confirmed that it was a timing issue with the closing date. This should not happen often and the recommendation is to waive all cost and fees.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 10c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 10d, Commissioner Becht wanted to know how we could ensure the improvements were completed. James Messer, City Attorney, stated that a timeline can be built into the agreement that will allow the City to file a lawsuit if the improvements are not met.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 10d as recommended with additional language in the contract and deed to secure the improvements.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSTAIN)
Passed
Commissioner Becht filed form 8b, as required.
As to item 10h, Commissioner Becht inquired if staff was ready to start renumbering parking spaces. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, stated that they are planning to meet with the County to determine if they want to assign parking spaces for their employees. Commissioner Becht clarified that the per the interlocal agreement, we are responsible for the design. It will be a nice compromise for retailers, employees and customers.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 10h.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Presentation and First of Two (2) Public Hearings for 2016-2020 5-Year Consolidated Plan and 2016 Annual Action Plan.
Elizabeth Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manger, gave a presentation and was available for questions. Per state guidelines, the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and the 2016/17 Annual Action Plan require public hearing and public comment. This will be the first public hearing. The next public hearing will be on August 1, 2016.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Elizabeth Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manger, gave a presentation and was available for questions. Per state guidelines, the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and the 2016/17 Annual Action Plan require public hearing and public comment. This will be the first public hearing. The next public hearing will be on August 1, 2016.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
b.
Presentation and Public Hearing for 2016-2020 Assessment of Fair Housing Report
Elizabeth Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manager, gave a presentation and was available for questions. After the public hearings, the draft will be sent to HUD on August 15.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Elizabeth Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manager, gave a presentation and was available for questions. After the public hearings, the draft will be sent to HUD on August 15.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
c.
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.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record on the second reading.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, 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 on the second reading.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, 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 Edward Becht to approve item 11c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
d.
Ordinance No. 16-014 amending Chapter 16 of the City Code of Ordinances and creating a 'Clean Community Initiative'.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager, gave a presentation and was available for questions. The Clean Community Initiative (CCI) was created to fund proactive measures to address nuisance conditions and contribute to greater good of the community. The goal is to improve property values, esthetics, corridors, etc., through lot clearings, demolitions as well as removal of graffiti and junked vehicles. The proposal includes a $1 increase on the utility bills. The monies will only be eligible for CCI expenses. The projected annual revenue is $281,000.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Bob Burdge spoke in support.
Charles Gannon spoke in opposition.
June Raymond spoke about the needs of the community.
Robert Sandifer inquired about billing.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commission discussion included adding a sunset date to the program, how many homes would need to be demolished, the staff needed to handle the proposed workload, the potential to hoping for beautification of our corridors, the large contribution from the Utilities Authority to offer to add charge to bill without a fee, how an increase may effect an already burdened rate payer and how to measure the success of the program.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager, gave a presentation and was available for questions. The Clean Community Initiative (CCI) was created to fund proactive measures to address nuisance conditions and contribute to greater good of the community. The goal is to improve property values, esthetics, corridors, etc., through lot clearings, demolitions as well as removal of graffiti and junked vehicles. The proposal includes a $1 increase on the utility bills. The monies will only be eligible for CCI expenses. The projected annual revenue is $281,000.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Bob Burdge spoke in support.
Charles Gannon spoke in opposition.
June Raymond spoke about the needs of the community.
Robert Sandifer inquired about billing.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commission discussion included adding a sunset date to the program, how many homes would need to be demolished, the staff needed to handle the proposed workload, the potential to hoping for beautification of our corridors, the large contribution from the Utilities Authority to offer to add charge to bill without a fee, how an increase may effect an already burdened rate payer and how to measure the success of the program.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11d and add a sunset date of 10 years.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona
- NAY:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Failed
12.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution 16-R29 Appointing Jon Neprud and Robert Brown to the Communitywide Council
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 13a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Resolution 16-R30 Appointing Marlene Sherwin to the Historic Preservation Board
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 13b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
c.
Resolution 16-R31 appointing Matthew Samuel to the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Board.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 13c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Joyce Jackson
Charles Gannon
June Raymond
Joyce Jackson
Charles Gannon
June Raymond
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
City Manager's Report
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, discussed the Restoring the Village initiative, local artist Anita Prentiss decoration of Highwaymen artist graves and World Changers volunteers rehabilitated 16 homes in Fort Pierce. The City Manager’s report will continue to accentuate the positive in Fort Pierce.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, discussed the Restoring the Village initiative, local artist Anita Prentiss decoration of Highwaymen artist graves and World Changers volunteers rehabilitated 16 homes in Fort Pierce. The City Manager’s report will continue to accentuate the positive in Fort Pierce.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Perona would like to coordinate our efforts on the issue of homelessness.
Commissioner Sessions stated that we need to address the root of our problems, the lack of jobs, to bring people out of poverty.
Commissioner Becht mentioned the Fourth of July fireworks and how he hopes the tradition continues.
Mayor Hudson stated that the Economic Development team is constantly looking for opportunities. She is thinking of Commissioner Alexander and would like to reintroduce the CCI when he returns.
Commissioner Perona would like to coordinate our efforts on the issue of homelessness.
Commissioner Sessions stated that we need to address the root of our problems, the lack of jobs, to bring people out of poverty.
Commissioner Becht mentioned the Fourth of July fireworks and how he hopes the tradition continues.
Mayor Hudson stated that the Economic Development team is constantly looking for opportunities. She is thinking of Commissioner Alexander and would like to reintroduce the CCI when he returns.
17.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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