- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner James Taylor
- Staff Present:
-
- Acting City Manager Linda Cox
- Deputy City Clerk Latoya Ransom
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the agenda as set.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Any person who wishes to comment on an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda may be heard at this time and must sign up to speak in advance. 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.
Scott Hawkins
Michelle Longarzo
Gus Guiterrez
Commissioner Johnson pulled item 11e.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve items 11a-11c and 11f of the consent agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Commissioner Broderick commented on the interlocal agreement and the annexation.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve item 11d of the consent agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Jack Andrews, Engineering, explained that this is for the design of the Indian River Drive project and is necessary for the pavement and bridge improvements.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner James Taylor to approve item 11e of the consent agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Commissioner Broderick inquired if this was done last year.
Acting City Manager Linda Cox explained that this sponsorship also took place last year and includes a bid for a Highwaymen mural.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve item 11g of the consent agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Quasi-Judicial Hearings follow a strict set of rules and procedures which can be found on the City’s website using this link: https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/6740/Quasi-Judicial-Procedures. All Quasi-Judicial decisions by the City Commission must be based on competency substantial evidence. Competent substantial evidence is evidence which will establish a substantial basis from which the fact at issue can reasonably be inferred. It includes fact or opinion evidence offered by an expert on a matter that requires specialized knowledge and that is relevant to the issues to be decided. It is evidence a reasonable mind could accept as having probative weight and adequate to support a legal conclusion. Hypothetical, speculative, fear or emotion based generalized statements that do not address the relevant issues and that cannot be reasonably said to support the action advocated, are not competent substantial evidence.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-001
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 3, ARTICLE VII, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA; CREATING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE; ESTABLISHING AN EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN AD VALOREM TAXATION FOR CERTAIN NEW AND EXPANDING BUSINESS PROPERTIES; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDED FOR PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION; SPECIFYING DUTIES OF THE PROPERTY APPRAISER IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH PROPERTY; REQUIRING A WRITTEN TAX EXEMPTION AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR A SUNSET CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. FIRST READING
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Ordinance No. 25-001.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
ORDINANCE NO. 25-007
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 103 – BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE IX – PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE AND HOUSING CODE, SECTION 103-338 – PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE AND HOUSING CODE TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. FIRST READING
The Commission briefly discussed the changes and the adoption of the policy.
Mr. Thomas explained that this is a Federal policy.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Ordinance No. 25-007.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
ORDINANCE NO. 25-008
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 103 – BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE XI – MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOMES ORDINANCE, SECTION 103-403 – MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOMES ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME REPAIR AND REMODELING GUIDELINES; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. FIRST READING
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance No. 24-008.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE CITY PLANNING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Resolution No. 25-R01.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, ASSERTING NO OBJECTION TO ST. LUCIE COUNTY ABANDONING PORTIONS OF AN UNNAMED 25 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY, AN UNNAMED 50 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY, AND AN UNNAMED 60 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY WITHIN THE PLAT OF ST. JAMES PARK; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner James Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Resolution No. 25-R02.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN AT-LARGE MEMBER OF THE FORT PIERCE UTILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, REGARDING THE CITY’S APPROVAL OR DENIAL OF THE SALE OF THE VILLAS PLAT AT KING’S LANDING; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Commission commented on concerns with separating the project, the performance bond, and the impact of sequencing.
Kevin Freeman, Planning Director, commented on the major site plan amendment as it is independent of this resolution.
Sara Hedges, City Attorney, commented on and clarified the date requirements for moving forward.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Resolution No. 25-R05.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
- NAY:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE LEASE OF SPACE IN CITY HALL, 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FL 34950 TO BRIAN MAST, UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Resolution No. 25-R06.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner James Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve the selection of Commissioner Johnson as Mayor Pro Tem.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
The Commission discussed the applications and reducing them.
Commissioner Johnson requested hiring a staffing service to increase the applicant pool.
The Commission discussed the time frame and cost of hiring a staffing service.
Sara Hedges, City Attorney, commented that the decision does not have to be made tonight and recommended a special meeting.
The Commission agreed on a special meeting to be held on January 16, 2025, at 4 p.m.
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.
Commissioner Taylor wished the City a Happy New Year, commented on the City's direction, and St. Lucie County officials and new chiefs' swearing-in tomorrow.
Commissioner Johnson wished the City a Happy New Year and commented on the MLK Parade, new fire station dedication, and TSERTA.
Commissioner Broaderick wished the City a Happy New Year, commented on his optimism for the upcoming year, and expressed the need to address security concerns with the marina and protocols.
Mayor Hudson wished the City a Happy New Year and thanked the staff for their work in 2024.
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.
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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