- 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 6:33 p.m.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the minutes from the August 15, 2016 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander (ABSENT), Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSENT)
Passed
Letter from Elder Terrence Beauford of Sword Outreach Mentoring and Resource Center thanking the City of Fort Pierce for the approval and development of the community volunteer sign that has been placed at Linear Park and Moore's Creek.
Steve Tarr - Item 13a
Mike Broderick - Item 13a
Hans Kraaz - Item 13a
Carole Mushier - Items 9 and 15a
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Commissioner Alexander requested that item 11f be moved to 11a.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to move item 11f to 11a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve the remainder of the agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve all items on the consent agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. L-295 IN ORDER TO CORRECT SCRIVENERS ERROR IN CLASSIFICATION OF DWELLING RENTALS IN CERTAIN ZONING WITHIN THE ADOPTED ZONING USE TABLE; ASSIGNING THE ACCURATE CLASSIFICATION WITHIN THE ADOPTED USE TABLE OF SECTION 22-22 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
James Messer, City Attorney, 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 Reginald Sessions to approve item 11f.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
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 Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
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 Rufus Alexander to approve item 11b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Rebecca Grohall, Planning Director, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions. She stated that the recommended condition of approval has already been met.
Commissioner Becht inquired if the plan will accommodate future traffic patterns and growth. Rebecca Grohall stated that the applicant has acquired the additional right of way necessary and are in discussion with the Department of Transportation. This should allow for accommodation of future growth plans.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 11c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Commissioner Sessions stressed the importance of prioritizing road resurfacing.
Commissioner Becht highlighted the importance of the proposed sales tax initiative and that those funds would be able to be utilized for capital improvements such as road resurfacing. This will be on the upcoming ballot in November.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Cleaver Hayling inquired about public education on budget terminology.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
a. Consider any proposed amendments to the 2016-17 Budget.
There were no amendments to the budget.
b. Adopt the (amended) tentative 2016-17 General Fund Budget.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the tentative 2016-17 General Fund Budget.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- NAY:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
c. Recompute (if necessary) and adopt the proposed Millage Rate.
No recomputing was necessary.
d. Announce the percentage, if any, by which the millage rate exceeds the roll-back rate.
The City of Fort Pierce is proposing a millage rate of 6.90 and the rate exceeds the roll-back rate (6.5867) by 4.76%.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE XIII.5, ENTITLED “SUPPLEMENTAL MUNICIPAL CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES”; AMENDING SECTION 2-254 CITATION AUTHORIZATION; VIOLATION AS CIVIL INFRACTION; MAXIMUM CIVIL PENALTY; AMENDING SEC. 2-257 – FORM OF CONTENTS OF CITATION; FILING WITH COURT; AMENDING SEC. 2-259 - PROCESSING CITATIONS; PAYMENT OF FINES; HEARINGS; AND AMENDING SECTION 2-260 (B) RELATING TO CLASSES OF VIOLATIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CITY CODES CONSTITUTING CIVIL INFRACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Cleaver Hayling inquired about staff increases needed if Ordinance is passed.
Gary Soffin spoke about enforcement and revenues.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 11e.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Darrell Drummond discussed the recent meeting that discovered opportunities for funding in the upcoming Legislative session. The FPUA along with City and County staff are on board and working towards the next steps. The committee is charged with investigating all possibilities and bringing the options before the Commission for the final decision.
Commission discussion included identifying a functioning utility system, determining who is best suited to come up with a phased schedule and how far the committee has come thus far.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to direct Nick Mimms, City Manager, to follow through with the Committee's recommendations.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
Wayne Gent, Superintendent, gave a brief presentation on the current status of the St. Lucie County School Board. He discussed the increase in graduation rates and the goal to be at 90% within the next two (2) years, the biggest challenge being in elementary school standards assessments, as well as career, college ready and technical programs which will adequately prepare youth for the future. Mr. Gent is interested in getting results and he sees much potential in St. Lucie County Schools.
Commission discussed included being glad that the County is going in the right direction and building community and City relationships with the school board through volunteer efforts.
Clint Sperber gave a presentation providing a general introduction and breakdown on the Zika virus and concerns for the area. He provided contact information for his agency and gave suggestions on how citizens can protect themselves against the virus.
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave the July financial report. All funds with the exception of the golf course are stable.
Commissioner Alexander believes that the changes for the parking lot should be initiated gradually, possibly with phases. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, outlined the parking recommendations. Commission discussion included seasonal parking changes, ideas for phasing in 2-hour parking and other alternatives. The City is providing the trolley as transportation to facilitate the downtown workforce.
Commissioner Alexander made a motion to adopt option 3 and rescinded the motion after some discussion.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to delineate the parking lot to monitor half of the parking spots, particularly the northern half of the lot and the eastern row, over a 90 day period of time and come back to review.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- NAY:
- Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
Failed
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to use the natural borders of the parking lot, north and south of the parking lot, for free 2-hour parking and revisit after 90 days.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Resolution, by title only, into the record as follows.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER(S) TO THE FORT PIERCE AUTHENTIC TOURS (FPAT) ADVISORY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve item 13b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the resolution, by title only, into the record as follows.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE RELOCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR FORT PIERCE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 13c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the resolution, by title only, into the record as follows.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING FLORIDA SENATE PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE JOE NEGRON’S PLANS TO PURSUE FUNDING TO ADD 120 BILLION GALLONS OF NEW WATER STORAGE SOUTH OF LAKE OKEECHOBEE TO REPAIR THE FRAGILE EVERGLADES ECOSYSTEM; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the resolution, by title only, into the record as follows.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RETURNS OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION HELD ON AUGUST 30, 2016, AS PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 13e.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Gary Soffin
Charles Gannon
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, highlighted the South Beach Association's community outreach, the Planning Department's school supply drive and other community outreach programs. The Conference Agenda meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2016.
James Messer, City Attorney, is looking forward to the upcoming Conference Agenda. The recent changes in handling business should make transactions more efficient as well as making everyone more knowledgeable about legal affairs.
Commissioner Alexander stated his concern about the Zika virus and the children being effected most.
Commissioner Perona is grateful for the types of business being brought in front of the Commission. He is looking to moving growth and forward in the next few years.
Commissioner Sessions mentioned that he would like to know what plans are in store for the old Central High School property.
Commissoner Becht would like staff to take the time to discuss plans with the school board for the old Central High School property. He requested that Mr. Mimms discuss with the County bringing lifeguards back in the City of Fort Pierce. He thanked staff for the work on the budget and noted that there was no negative public feedback on the topic.
Mayor Hudson mentioned the renovated Village Resource Center building next to the First Step Park, which houses a food bank, after school program, satellite clinic of HANDS and encourages everyone to tour. The housing authority units have been repainted in that community. She was happy to attend the Florida League of Cities conference and work on the Legislative nominating committee.
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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