- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner James Taylor
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- Interim City Manager Devoshay Johnson
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the minutes of the March 03, 2025 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 Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick 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.
Commissioner Broderick inquired on the budget expenditure.
Ms. Henton commented that it was provided to the City Manager.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve items 11a, 11c, and 11d of the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Julie Polliette, Arts Committee Chair, explained the parameters for funding, and Arts in Public Places fund usage.
Commissioner Broderick inquired on the budget request, Arts in Public Places Funding, and the current funding available.
Sara Hedges, City Attorney, commented on Ms. Polliettes’ legal clarification request.
The Commission commented on the national possibilities of the festival, the Tourist Development Council's ongoing promotion of the festival and trail, an update on the committee attendance, and the funding timeline.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines approve item 11b of the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
Commissioner Broderick posed concern with renting equipment, inquired on the status of purchase orders on equipment, and if this would replace a truck removed from service.
Interim City Manager, Devoshay Johnson, commented that several purchase orders are open as the equipment is on backorder.
Jason Atkinson, Director of Public Works, commented that the cost of the truck is in line with the lease, is taking a comprehensive look at the fleet overall, and a new truck is expected in three months.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines 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
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.
Sara Hedges, City Attorney, reviewed the quasi-judicial hearing rules and procedures.
Mayor Linda Hudson called the proceeding to order.
City Clerk, Linda Cox confirmed that the City complied with the advertisement and notice requirements.
Ex parte communications
Commissioner Broderick – No
Commissioner Gaines – No
Commissioner Johnson – No
Commissioner Taylor– No
Mayor Hudson – No
City Clerk, Linda Cox, swore in those wanting to speak during the Quasi-Judicial hearing.
Staff Presentation:
Kerry Driver, Planner, presented the review and approval of an application for a Conditional Use with no new construction at 2210 Orange Ave.
RECOMMENDATION:
The proposed Conditional Use: No New Construction application adheres to the requirements and guidelines of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, staff recommendation is for City Commission to approve the submitted application with two (2) conditions:
Sign permits should be applied for prior to the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
A notarized landscape maintenance agreement is due prior to the issuance of CO.
Commission Questions of Staff:
The Commission inquired on landscaping due to line of sight, traffic flow, occupancy load, what triggers conditional use, the playground area, and parking.
Kevin Freeman, Planning Director, confirmed landscaping and commented on closing the Orange Ave exit but other comments were received due to engineering issues, and staff desire to have one way in and out.
Ms. Driver confirmed the traffic flow, occupancy load, and that 26th Street will be closed off.
Ms. Hedges reiterated the quasi-judicial rules, specifically witness testimony as evidence.
Jack Andrews, Engineering, commented on concerns with running additional vehicles through a residential area, and the 22nd Street exit is not a permitted driveway.
Applicant Questions of Staff:
Lany Romulus, the applicant, had no questions for staff and provided a view of the day including parking and parents’ requirement to park and drop off their students.
Commission Question of the Applicant:
The Commission commented on traffic management.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Ms. Hedges reminded the Commission that if they desire additional information, the item can be moved to a date certain.
The Commission recommended the applicant manage the traffic flow and consider obtaining permitting for 22nd Street.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the Conditional Use application with (2) two conditions.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
ORDINANCE NO. 25-017
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-24 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA BY INSERTING THEREIN A SCHEDULE ATTACHED HERETO AND DESIGNATED AS THE 2023-24 FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT; THE SAID SCHEDULE PROVIDES FOR THE INCREASES AND/OR DECREASES IN REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GENERAL FUND; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. FIRST READING
Johnna Morris, Director of Finance, presented the Final Budget Amendment of the FY 2023-24 General Fund Budget.
The Commission inquired on the excess fund balance, current debt, and personnel costs.
Ms. Morris commented on the excess fund balance, the debt load and completing debt service payments by 2032, and personnel costs.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, she closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Ordinance No. 25-017.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE KEEP FORT PIERCE BEAUTIFUL ADVISORY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Resolution No. 25-R22 appointing Staci Dunn.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; APPROVING CITY MANAGER CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Hedges commented on the contract with Mr. Chess including the removal of reference to the FPRA Director and the increase in moving costs to include the language “up to”.
The Commission inquired about what constitutes a satisfactory review for the five percent increase, and the parameters of the City limits.
Ms. Hedges commented on the review criteria for the increase after six months and clarification for Mr. Chess, on the City limits.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Resolution No. 25-R25.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
- NAY:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick
Passed
RESOLUTION NO.25-R26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR CITY OF FORT PIERCE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2023 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Johnna Morris, Director of Finance, was available for questions.
Commissioner Broderick inquired on the hiring of a new grant writer.
Ms. Morris confirmed the hiring of a new grant writer.
Commissioner Johnson requested the presentation of the FY2024 final budget amendment.
Ms. Morris commented on CDBG, SHIP, and budget revenue and expenditures adjustments.
Commissioner Johnson discussed the funds that are available for citizens to use for home rehabilitation.
Ms. Morris briefly explained the criteria and why some of the proposed projects could not proceed.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Resolution No. 25-R26.
- 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 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.
City Clerk, Linda Cox commented on the special FPRA meeting scheduled for March 31, 2025.
City Attorney, Sara Hedges – No comments
Ms. Hedges commented that the letter would need to be approved during a public meeting.
The City Manager's office can provide a letter for consideration at a meeting.
Mayor Hudson commented on the form provided by the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities.
Interim City Manager Johnson commented that the form is forthcoming.
Commissioner Gaines commented on public notification of bills in the legislature.
Commissioner Taylor provided an update on TDC funds.
Commissioner Broderick inquired on the TDC funds and legislation.
Mayor Hudson commented on the legislation, development input, and lobbying next month.
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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