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, JULY 18, 2016.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Keith Albury of Macedonia Seventh Day Adventist Church offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Absent:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney James Messer
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to excuse Commissioner Alexander from the meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of minutes from the July 5, 2016 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the minutes from the July 5, 2016 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation recognizing July 23 - 29, 2016 as Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Week.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - A copy of these letters will be kept on file in the City Clerk's office.
a.
Letter from Pam Gillette,Main Street Fort Pierce,Inc.thanking the City of Fort Pierce for funding the Stars over St. Lucie - 4th of July Celebration and for the continued efforts of the Public Works Department and the Fort Pierce Police Department in helping and supporting their events.
b.
Emails from members of the community complimenting the Indian Hills Golf Course summer camp program and staff members for their time, patience, and creativity.
c.
Letter from Lenny and Tobi Schelin of Marine Trawler Owner’s Association 2016 Southern Rendezvous thanking the City of Fort Pierce and its staff members for their helpfulness, cooperation, guidance, and role in making their event a success.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, gave a brief statement in reference to the disciplinary action of Chief Diane Hobley-Burney. Any allegation of misconduct on the part of a City employee will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. The State Attorney’s office has found no criminal violations by Chief Hobley-Burney. The administrated investigation identified code of conduct violations which require disciplinary action. As of July 18, 2016, Chief Hobley-Burney has been placed on unpaid suspension through July 22, 2016. A 90-day performance improvement plan will be implemented upon her return.
Joyce Jackson - item 13f
Borthland Murray - item 13f
Charlie Frank Matthews - item 13f
Curtis Moore - item 13f
Rebecca Isaac - item 13f
Travon Simmons - item 13f
Keith Hoylman - item 13f
Bishop Joseph Kidwell - item 13f
Charles Hayek - item 13f
----
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, gave a brief statement in reference to the disciplinary action of Chief Diane Hobley-Burney. Any allegation of misconduct on the part of a City employee will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. The State Attorney’s office has found no criminal violations by Chief Hobley-Burney. The administrated investigation identified code of conduct violations which require disciplinary action. As of July 18, 2016, Chief Hobley-Burney has been placed on unpaid suspension through July 22, 2016. A 90-day performance improvement plan will be implemented upon her return.
Joyce Jackson - item 13f
Borthland Murray - item 13f
Charlie Frank Matthews - item 13f
Curtis Moore - item 13f
Rebecca Isaac - item 13f
Travon Simmons - item 13f
Keith Hoylman - item 13f
Bishop Joseph Kidwell - item 13f
Charles Hayek - item 13f
----
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve the agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
10.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve requested increase in funding to Purchase Order No. 160587 - GFA International, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00
b.
Approve request for an increase in Solid Waste Blanket Purchase Order amounts not to exceed $80,000.00.
c.
Approve permit requested by Juvencio Rojas to install an above ground L.P. tank for a stove at 3102 Louisiana Avenue pursuant to Section 7-20 of the City Ordinance.
d.
Approve Award of Bid No 2016-024 to De La Hoz Builders, Inc. to rehabilitate 2005 Barcelona Avenue in an amount not to exceed $18,979 through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program.
e.
Approve contract between the City of Fort Pierce and Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association, Sergeants and Lieutenants Unit for the term October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2018.
f.
Approve the purchase of thirteen (13) Optiplex desktop computers from Insight Public Sector in the amount of $11,115.00 pursuant to the U.S. Communities IT Products & Services Contract # 4400001195 (RQ09-997736-42B).
g.
Approve general letter of support of the Steam Locomotive Association #253, its museum and its effort to restore its 1924 Steam Locomotive.
h.
Approve license agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and Bluewater Beach Grill to allow installation and use of sail shades on city property at 2025 Seaway Drive.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve all items on the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - There were no public hearings.
12.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS - There were no reports or requests.
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Resolution No. 16-R27 Providing for Publication of Precinct Polling Places for the Primary Election to be held August 30, 2016.
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 Reginald Sessions to approve item 13a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
b.
Resolution No. 16-R28 Amending Membership Requirements on the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Advisory 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 Reginald Sessions to approve item 13b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
c.
Resolution 16-R33 Authorizing the transfer of property generally located at 401 Indian River Drive to TAI, LLC and TMH, LLC.
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 13c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSTAIN)
Passed
Commissioner Becht filed form 8b as required.
d.
Submittal of the applications for the Civil Service Appeals Board - This will come back in the form of a Resolution.
e.
Submittal of Application for appointment to the Board of Adjustment - This will come back in the form of a Resolution.
f.
Disciplinary Action for Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, reiterated his statement from earlier in the meeting. The performance improvement plan will provide both the Chief and Mr. Mimms an opportunity to build trust in each other. The good work by the Police Department to reach the community should continue.
Commissioner Becht confirmed that the Chief of Police reports to the City Manager and not the City Commission. This seems to have been confused in the press and public. He also stated that it is important that during these emotional times everyone remember to be peaceful and civil.
Mayor Hudson stated that the Chief of Police needs to work closely with the City Manager. The performance plan is a good thing. This situation should not detract from the City's positive progress.
Commissioner Perona stated that Chief Hobley-Burney was a good selection and that this incident is a bump in the road. He is encouraged by the City Manager's leadership and trusts that any issues will be addressed. The community will only come out on top.
Commissioner Sessions stated that he respects the decision made by the City Manager to enter into an agreement. Mr. Mimms will be held accountable for the outcome. There are major issues to fix and there is no room for confusion or animosity.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, reiterated his statement from earlier in the meeting. The performance improvement plan will provide both the Chief and Mr. Mimms an opportunity to build trust in each other. The good work by the Police Department to reach the community should continue.
Commissioner Becht confirmed that the Chief of Police reports to the City Manager and not the City Commission. This seems to have been confused in the press and public. He also stated that it is important that during these emotional times everyone remember to be peaceful and civil.
Mayor Hudson stated that the Chief of Police needs to work closely with the City Manager. The performance plan is a good thing. This situation should not detract from the City's positive progress.
Commissioner Perona stated that Chief Hobley-Burney was a good selection and that this incident is a bump in the road. He is encouraged by the City Manager's leadership and trusts that any issues will be addressed. The community will only come out on top.
Commissioner Sessions stated that he respects the decision made by the City Manager to enter into an agreement. Mr. Mimms will be held accountable for the outcome. There are major issues to fix and there is no room for confusion or animosity.
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Frederick Jackson
June Raymond
Doretha Hair Truesdell
Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Frederick Jackson
June Raymond
Doretha Hair Truesdell
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Mimms had no comments.
James Messer, City Attorney, announced that pursuant to Florida Statute 286.011(8), he is seeking advice in connection with the Haven Detox Center case and requires a closed session that is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 10:00.
Mr. Mimms had no comments.
James Messer, City Attorney, announced that pursuant to Florida Statute 286.011(8), he is seeking advice in connection with the Haven Detox Center case and requires a closed session that is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 10:00.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Mayor Hudson stated that she has sent condolences to the Mayor of Baton Rouge.
Mayor Hudson stated that she has sent condolences to the Mayor of Baton Rouge.
17.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
ATTEST:
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|