MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITYWIDE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 6:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025.
- Present:
- Betty Jo Starke; Sandy Nedd; Wesley Sands; April Nixon
- Absent:
- Denetria Timms; Quincy Arceneaux; Ella Hodge-Wimes
- Staff Present:
-
- Kimberlee Henton
- Covasky Brutus
- Donnella Clarke
- Theresa Orellana
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:09 pm by Councilmember Betty Jo Stark
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
a.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 12th, 2025
February 12th, 2025
Motion was made by Wesley Sands, seconded by Sandy Nedd
- AYE:
- April Nixon, Betty Jo Starke, Sandy Nedd, Wesley Sands
- Other:
- Ella Hodge-Wimes (ABSENT), Denetria Timms (ABSENT), Quincy Arceneaux (ABSENT)
Passed
5.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda may be heard at this time. Please sign the sign-up sheet in order to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than five (5) minutes, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The Communitywide Council will not be able to take any official action under “Comments from the Public” section.
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda may be heard at this time. Please sign the sign-up sheet in order to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than five (5) minutes, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The Communitywide Council will not be able to take any official action under “Comments from the Public” section.
No comments from the public are available.
6.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business to be discussed.
7.
OLD BUSINESS
Review of incomplete Small Business Application (SSS Inlet Bait Tackle, Inc)
Review of incomplete Small Business Application (SSS Inlet Bait Tackle, Inc)
Review of incomplete Small Business Application (SSS Inlet Bait Tackle, Inc.)
The Grants Administration Division (GAD) contacted the applicant and requested that the application be revised to reflect the maximum allowable grant amount of $5,000. Additional information was also requested, including a profit and loss statement and a more detailed explanation of the purpose of the grant application.
The council reviewed the updated application of a previous applicant, SSS Inlet Bait Tackle, Inc. A hard copy of the revised application was provided by the Grants Division Manager for the council’s review.
Conflict of Interest forms were reviewed by the council, and no conflicts were identified between the council members and the applicant.
A thorough review of SSS Inlet Bait Tackle, Inc.'s packet was discussed to determine point allocation. The council discussed discrepancies and missing documentation within the application. Final point totals were tallied.
The council moved to consider a motion to either approve or deny the application.
The application was denied based on lack of clarity and specificity. Council makes a note to encourage the applicant (SS Bailt Tackle, Inc.) to reapply (next term) with a clear and defined request for one to two specific items.
A council member expressed concerns about feeling rushed during the review process and suggested implementing a better system for reviewing packets in advance. Staff advised Sandy to submit her suggestions and concerns to GAD so they could be discussed and potentially added to the agenda for a future meeting.
The Grants Administration Division (GAD) contacted the applicant and requested that the application be revised to reflect the maximum allowable grant amount of $5,000. Additional information was also requested, including a profit and loss statement and a more detailed explanation of the purpose of the grant application.
The council reviewed the updated application of a previous applicant, SSS Inlet Bait Tackle, Inc. A hard copy of the revised application was provided by the Grants Division Manager for the council’s review.
Conflict of Interest forms were reviewed by the council, and no conflicts were identified between the council members and the applicant.
A thorough review of SSS Inlet Bait Tackle, Inc.'s packet was discussed to determine point allocation. The council discussed discrepancies and missing documentation within the application. Final point totals were tallied.
The council moved to consider a motion to either approve or deny the application.
The application was denied based on lack of clarity and specificity. Council makes a note to encourage the applicant (SS Bailt Tackle, Inc.) to reapply (next term) with a clear and defined request for one to two specific items.
A council member expressed concerns about feeling rushed during the review process and suggested implementing a better system for reviewing packets in advance. Staff advised Sandy to submit her suggestions and concerns to GAD so they could be discussed and potentially added to the agenda for a future meeting.
Motion was made by Wesley Sands, seconded by Betty Jo Starke
- AYE:
- April Nixon, Betty Jo Starke, Sandy Nedd, Wesley Sands
- Other:
- Ella Hodge-Wimes (ABSENT), Denetria Timms (ABSENT), Quincy Arceneaux (ABSENT)
Passed
8.
COMMITTEE AND STAFF DISCUSSION
- City of Fort Pierce - Needs Assessment Survey (Discussion and Distribution Methods)
- City of Fort Pierce - Grants Division Activities
Council members were provided with hard copies of the 2025 Needs Assessment Survey for review. Members were asked to provide feedback before the survey is launched citywide, ahead of the opening of the CDBG programs.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Betty Jo Starke, seconded by Wesley Sands The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 pm.
- AYE:
- April Nixon, Betty Jo Starke, Sandy Nedd, Wesley Sands
- Other:
- Ella Hodge-Wimes (ABSENT), Denetria Timms (ABSENT), Quincy Arceneaux (ABSENT)
Passed