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 9 A.M. ON MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025.
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Hudson called the May 12, 2025, Day meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner James Taylor
- Absent:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines
- Staff Present:
-
- City Manager Richard Chess
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
- City Clerk Linda Cox
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to excuse the absence of Commissioner Gaines.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
4.
Approval of Minutes
5.
Proclamations
a.
Lupus Awareness Month
6.
Additions or deletions to agenda and approval of the agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner James Taylor to approve the agenda as set.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
7.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
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.
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.
Joyce Jackson
Kris Einstein
Kris Einstein
8.
Miscellaneous Reports and Presentations
a.
Lincoln Park Main Street, Inc. program update covering the first and second quarters of FY2025 (October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.)
Pamela Carrithers, Lincoln Park Mainstreet, provided updates covering the first and second quarters of FY2025 (October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.)
Commissioner Broderick inquired where the operations are run from and the lease agreement with Means Court.
Ms. Carrithers indicated she primarily works from the library as the lease agreement had not been executed with the City.
The Commission commented on the lease agreement and inquired on current challenges to the organization, and accountability.
Ms. Carrithers commented that they are challenged by the lack of State funding as the program was eliminated. However, they are actively applying for funding.
Mayor Hudson inquired of City Manager, Richard Chess, as to the resolution of the lease concerns.
Mr. Chess indicated that he has been working with the City Attorney, and has a plan.
Commissioner Broaderick inquired on the Lincoln Park Theater.
Ms. Carrithers provided an update on the theater.
Commissioner Johnson commented on having a meeting with the new president of the MLK Commemorative Committee, Mr. McNeally.
The Commission inquired on volunteers, funding sources, and Means Court.
Ms. Carrithers commented that there is a subcommittee for the Lincoln Park Theater responsible for renovations and the new protocols.
Mayor Hudson requested the City be added to the newsletter mailing list and for the contact information of the board members.
Commissioner Broderick inquired where the operations are run from and the lease agreement with Means Court.
Ms. Carrithers indicated she primarily works from the library as the lease agreement had not been executed with the City.
The Commission commented on the lease agreement and inquired on current challenges to the organization, and accountability.
Ms. Carrithers commented that they are challenged by the lack of State funding as the program was eliminated. However, they are actively applying for funding.
Mayor Hudson inquired of City Manager, Richard Chess, as to the resolution of the lease concerns.
Mr. Chess indicated that he has been working with the City Attorney, and has a plan.
Commissioner Broaderick inquired on the Lincoln Park Theater.
Ms. Carrithers provided an update on the theater.
Commissioner Johnson commented on having a meeting with the new president of the MLK Commemorative Committee, Mr. McNeally.
The Commission inquired on volunteers, funding sources, and Means Court.
Ms. Carrithers commented that there is a subcommittee for the Lincoln Park Theater responsible for renovations and the new protocols.
Mayor Hudson requested the City be added to the newsletter mailing list and for the contact information of the board members.
9.
Consent Agenda
a.
Approval of the updated Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and Lincoln Park Main Street, Inc. to provide services from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $50,000.
b.
Approval of Kimley-Horn Specific Authorization No. 8 in the amount of $35,000 for Residential Rehabilitation Environmental Reviews
c.
Approve award of Bid No. 2025-028 for CDBG Residential Rehabilitation for 318 N. 18th Street Fort Pierce, FL to De La Hoz Builders, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $92,310.00
d.
Approve award of Bid No. 2025-030 for CDBG Residential Rehabilitation for 2708 Avenue H Fort Pierce, FL to KIB Construction Corp. in an amount not to exceed $53,445.00.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner James Taylor to approve the Consent Agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
10.
City Commission - Resolutions
a.
Resolution 25-R40 appointing Shatell Hypolite as Commissioner Johnson's appointee to the Infrastructure Surtax Committee.
City Clerk, Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R40
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R40
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Resolution No. 25-R40.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
b.
Resolution 25-R41 appointing an at-large member to the Infrastructure Surtax Committee.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R41
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Commissioner Broderick - Betty Jo Starke
Commissioner Johnson - Shanell Rene
Commissioner Taylor - Betty Jo Starke
Mayor Hudson - Betty Jo Starke
RESOLUTION NO. 25-R41
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Commissioner Broderick - Betty Jo Starke
Commissioner Johnson - Shanell Rene
Commissioner Taylor - Betty Jo Starke
Mayor Hudson - Betty Jo Starke
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner James Taylor appointing Betty Jo Starke to the Infrastructure Surtax Committee.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
11.
New Business - City Commission Discussion Items
a.
Discussion of Community Listening Action Plan - City Commission's Action Item in 2025 Strategic Plan
City Manager, Richard Chess, presented an overview of the community listening action plan and the goals.
The Commission commented on the inclusion of the youth council, community and staff involvement, and neighborhood identification.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged Congressman Brian Mast in the audience.
The Commission commented on the inclusion of the youth council, community and staff involvement, and neighborhood identification.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged Congressman Brian Mast in the audience.
b.
Discussion regarding a proposed ordinance and interlocal agreement with St.Lucie County regarding anchoring limitation areas prior to submission to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
City Attorney, Sara Hedges, introduced the proposed ordinance and interlocal agreement with St. Lucie County regarding anchoring limitation areas.
Kyle Kauffman, Marina Operations Manager, presented the map concerning anchoring areas.
The Commission commented on the new law and how it would be enforced.
Ms. Hedges commented on enforcement measures and Mr. Kaufmann explained.
Mr. Kauffman detailed the enforcement measures.
The Commission commented on police enforcement and comprehensive plan, County contribution, expansion, roll out, funding updates, and what is in the marina.
Mr. Kauffman commented on the plan for continuity due to limited resources, expansion and discharge.
Dean Kubitschek, Marina Manager, commented on the Counties' involvement, and that tracking had started.
Gary Franklin, St. Lucie County, commented that the County has already approved the plan, and it must go before the County Commission and that the application process has started with the FWC.
Ms. Hedges commented that it has to meet the advertising requirements of FWC.
Mr. Kauffman commented on derelict vessels and their removal.
Kyle Kauffman, Marina Operations Manager, presented the map concerning anchoring areas.
The Commission commented on the new law and how it would be enforced.
Ms. Hedges commented on enforcement measures and Mr. Kaufmann explained.
Mr. Kauffman detailed the enforcement measures.
The Commission commented on police enforcement and comprehensive plan, County contribution, expansion, roll out, funding updates, and what is in the marina.
Mr. Kauffman commented on the plan for continuity due to limited resources, expansion and discharge.
Dean Kubitschek, Marina Manager, commented on the Counties' involvement, and that tracking had started.
Gary Franklin, St. Lucie County, commented that the County has already approved the plan, and it must go before the County Commission and that the application process has started with the FWC.
Ms. Hedges commented that it has to meet the advertising requirements of FWC.
Mr. Kauffman commented on derelict vessels and their removal.
c.
Discussion regarding the final report conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management regarding the operations of the Fort Pierce Police Department.
Craig Junginger, Center for Public Safety Management, presented the police department assessment via telephone.
Commission Questions:
The commission inquired on the changes to the draft report, items in the report that are not finance-driven and when the report was concluded.
Mr. Junginger commented that the report is data-driven and based on department employees prioritizing recommendations, and provided a timeline for completion.
Chief Hobley- Burney, Deputy Chief Kenny Norris, Deputy Chief Robert Ridle, Major Eric Chan, and Major Santiago provided an overview by each commander based on the recommendations.
The Commission inquired on the significance of knowing who is on duty, portal concerns, replacement of the Captain, personnel gaps, promotion process, leadership development, boat, deputy officers.
Deputy Chief Norris clarified the reason behind on-duty accounting, portal concerns, internal replacement of the Captain, the need for at least ten officers, call volume, comprehensive policy, and staffing.
Deputy Chief Burney commented on the promotion process and the sucession plan.
Chief Ridle commented on the boat, call volume, comprehensive policy, staffing.
Chief Burney commented on purchasing a boat in preparation for the summer, deputy officers, and staffing.
The Commission inquired on the sworn positions, training, and staffing for crime scene technicians.
Major Chan commented on sworn officer as the evidence custodian, modernizing the policies and procedures, and annual salary for crime scene technicians.
Chief Burney elaborated on addressing evidence concerns and audits completed.
The Commissioner inquired on the assignments for three years, professional standards, external investigations, response times.
Chief Burney commented on professional standards, meeting with the director of communications, and commented that what they are doing is working.
Major Santiago commented on external investigation, response times and the EOC.
Commissioner Taylor expressed his desire for a change in leadership at the police department.
Mr. Chess commented on the direction, corrective action plan and prioritizing implementation.
The Commission asked for s special meeting to discuss the study, department operations, and the leadership of the police department.
Commission Questions:
The commission inquired on the changes to the draft report, items in the report that are not finance-driven and when the report was concluded.
Mr. Junginger commented that the report is data-driven and based on department employees prioritizing recommendations, and provided a timeline for completion.
Chief Hobley- Burney, Deputy Chief Kenny Norris, Deputy Chief Robert Ridle, Major Eric Chan, and Major Santiago provided an overview by each commander based on the recommendations.
The Commission inquired on the significance of knowing who is on duty, portal concerns, replacement of the Captain, personnel gaps, promotion process, leadership development, boat, deputy officers.
Deputy Chief Norris clarified the reason behind on-duty accounting, portal concerns, internal replacement of the Captain, the need for at least ten officers, call volume, comprehensive policy, and staffing.
Deputy Chief Burney commented on the promotion process and the sucession plan.
Chief Ridle commented on the boat, call volume, comprehensive policy, staffing.
Chief Burney commented on purchasing a boat in preparation for the summer, deputy officers, and staffing.
The Commission inquired on the sworn positions, training, and staffing for crime scene technicians.
Major Chan commented on sworn officer as the evidence custodian, modernizing the policies and procedures, and annual salary for crime scene technicians.
Chief Burney elaborated on addressing evidence concerns and audits completed.
The Commissioner inquired on the assignments for three years, professional standards, external investigations, response times.
Chief Burney commented on professional standards, meeting with the director of communications, and commented that what they are doing is working.
Major Santiago commented on external investigation, response times and the EOC.
Commissioner Taylor expressed his desire for a change in leadership at the police department.
Mr. Chess commented on the direction, corrective action plan and prioritizing implementation.
The Commission asked for s special meeting to discuss the study, department operations, and the leadership of the police department.
12.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
13.
Adjournment
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.
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.
Mayor Hudson adjourned the meeting at 1:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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