Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve minutes to the October 6, 2025 meeting.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

Commissioner Johnson asked that the Medical Services Agreement that was pulled from the October 6 meeting be added to this agenda as Item 13B.

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve agenda as amended with the addition of item 13B.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

Robert Rantus
Chris Gardner
Kris Einstein
Darryl Epps
Rick Reed
Charles WIlson

Commissioner Broderick pulled item 11B.
Commissioner Gaines pulled item 11G.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve items 11A, 11C-E, 11G-H.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

As to item 11B, Commissioner Broderick inquired as to the status of the lighting equipment in the theater and historical background.   Marisa Quijano. Interim Theater Director, provided the background regarding the prior equipment as she understands it.  The purchase order being requested is for an entire year however they do not anticipate utilizing the entire year because negotiations for the transition of theater management is ongoing.  The existing contract with the vendor is a month-to month agreement for the rental of the audio and visual equipment.  There was no RFP for this equipment as they are operating under emergency circumstances.  Once negotiations are concluded, they anticipate being in a better position to identify the appropriate capital equipment necessary and procure it appropriately.  Commissioner Johnson asked that at future day meeting, they have a discussion on the income and expenses on the shows for the theater productions.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve blanket purchase order at $115,000 with a staff update on negotiations in three months.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

As to item 11F, Commissioner Gaines wanted to be sure the public understands that the conferences that the Commissioners attend are so they can fight for the residents of Fort Pierce. 

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve item 11F.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.

ORDINANCE NO. 25-029 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING  CHAPTER  103 –BUILDING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE VII – COASTAL CONSTRUCTION  CODE  BY  DELETING  AND  RESERVING SECTIONS 103-263 –103-268; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  SECOND READING.

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 Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance 25-029.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.

ORDINANCE NO. 25-030 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING  CHAPTER  103  – BUILDING  AND  BUILDING  REGULATIONS,  ARTICLE  II  –  BUILDING CODE,  DIVISION  1  –  GENERALLY,  SECTION  103-24  BY  DELETING FLORIDA  BUILDING  CODE  TECHNICAL  AMENDMENTS  FOR ADDITIONS; AMENDING  CHAPTER  109  –  FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT,  ARTICLE  I  –  IN  GENERAL,  SECTION  109-2  BY MODIFYING  CERTAIN  DEFINITIONS; AMENDING  ARTICLE  III  – FLOOD-RESISTANT  DEVELOPMENT,  SECTION  109-49  BY PROVIDING  FOR  A  TECHNICAL  AMENDMENT  TO  THE  FLORIDA BUILDING  CODE  FOR  ADDITIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SECOND READING.

Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.   Seeing no one, she closed the Public Hearing.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Ordinance 25-030.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.

ORDINANCE NO. 25-031 AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; APPROVING A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT POD 1 FINAL SITE PLAN AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING AGREEMENT FOR THE SYMPHONY LAKES PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) GENERALLY LOCATED AT OR NEAR THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SELVITZ ROAD AND DEVINE ROAD AND WEST OF CHRISTENSEN ROAD, CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 88.5 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, PLUS ADDITIONAL RIGHT-OFWAY;  PROVIDING  FOR  A  SEVERABILITY  CLAUSE;  PROVIDING  FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN  CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  SECOND READING.

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 Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance 25-031.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.

ORDINANCE NO. 25-032 AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE ONE (1) PARCEL AT OR NEAR THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SOUTH 25TH STREET AND CORTEZ BOULEVARD, AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2026; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF SINGLE-FAMILY INTERMEDIATE DENSITY (R-2); ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (RL); DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  FIRST READING.

Vennis Gilmore, Historic Preservation Officer/Planner, presented the request for an annexation of property located at the northeast corner of South 25th Street and Cortez Blvd. containing 8.25 acres.  The new zoning will provide for a maximum of 53 unites per acre.

Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.   

Juan Rivera representing Tim Morely indicated they are excited to be adding to the tax base of Fort Pierce.

Seeing no one else, she closed the Public Hearing.

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance 25-032.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.

ORDINANCE NO. 25-033 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR A MORATORIUM ON THE IMPOSITION AND COLLECTION OF CITY IMPACT FEES FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY’S DESIGNATED URBAN INFILL AND REDEVELOPMENT AREA REQUIRED BY SECTIONS 113-8, 113-15 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 113-19 OF THE CITY CODE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  FIRST READING.

Shyanne Harnage, Community and Economic Development Director, provided a brief overview of the potential impacts of the continuation of the impact fee moratorium, showed the growth in building permits year over year within the FPRA and provided staff's recommendation to continue the moratorium for a period of 12 months.

The Commissioners expressed support for the continuation of the moratorium and want to have the county potentially participate at some level as well and have that as a topic at a future joint meeting.  County Commissioner James Clasby was in the audience and recognized by the Mayor.   The Commissioners discussed the positive impact on the local economy the moratorium has, including jobs and local businesses.

The Commissioners voted on this item without a public hearing.  Following the review of Mr. Chess, the Mayor came back to this item and opened the public hearing on this Ordinance.

Commissioner James Clasby spoke in support of continuing the moratorium for the city and will advocate for the county to do a moratorium of county impact fees within the CRA boundary as well.

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance 25-033.

AYE:

Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

Mayor Linda Hudson commended Mr. Chess for his relaxed demeanor, sense of humor, and approachable management style. She said that he has a good command on what we’re doing in Fort Pierce and is very impressed with the knowledge gained in the six months. He was described as analytical, professional, and not easily swayed by emotion.  Mayor Hudson also recognized Mr. Chess as a staff champion, actively working to improve morale and encourage professional growth. She highlighted the improvement of the purchasing process and Mr. Chess’s commitment to adhering to the City’s Strategic Plan was praised.  She appreciated his efforts to keep the organization aligned with its long-term goals despite challenges and shifting priorities. She also noted the upcoming legislative session and potential scrutiny of property taxes, expressing confidence that Mr. Chess will provide strong support. She ended by saying that, so far, she is very pleased with Mr. Chess.

Commissioner Gaines recalled an early conversation with Mr. Chess, noting that he “walked into a hornet’s nest” but immediately rolled up his sleeves and began addressing challenges head-on. His approach with staff and department directors was described as direct but respectful, setting clear expectations without being condescending.  Mr. Chess was praised for being unafraid to identify and confront problems, bringing them to the Commission’s attention rather than avoiding difficult issues. His work on the budget—in collaboration with the Finance Director was highlighted as a major success, improving the city’s financial outlook.
While some members of the public initially wanted more one-on-one time with the city manager, Commissioner Gaines emphasized that Mr. Chess’s focus on internal improvements was necessary and appropriate.  He expressed confidence that he remains accessible and committed to public engagement as time allows.  Mr. Chess was credited with critically reviewing purchasing, RFPs and RFQs, and with taking initiative to correct outdated or problematic processes. Commissioner Gaines encouraged him to continue making changes, even if doing so “steps on toes,” to ensure accountability and efficiency. Commissioner Gaines also commented on Mr. Chess’s cooperation with the City Attorney and other key staff, emphasizing that these internal partnerships are vital to the city’s success.  Mr. Chess was encouraged to remain assertive—“take off both gloves”—and continue identifying and addressing systemic issues openly with the Commission. He was asked to ensure accuracy and due diligence in all city operations to avoid negative press or public confusion, particularly referencing the Little Jim matter as a lesson in oversight and communication.  He also noted a positive change in City Hall’s atmosphere since Mr. Chess took office, observing improved morale and a stronger sense of staff engagement. His commitment to helping employees grow within the organization was especially appreciated.

Commissioner Johnson continued the six-month evaluation of City Manager Chess, offering recognition for his leadership, professionalism, and growing confidence in the role. He reflected on the hiring process, noting that Mr. Chess stood among candidates due to his extensive experience across diverse sectors and his strong financial management background. His ability to work effectively with different cultures and organizations was cited as a key strength that made him the right fit for Fort Pierce. Mr. Chess was commended for his growth in confidence and steady leadership during his first six months and Commissioner Johnson emphasized his expectation that Mr. Chess continues to make tough but fair decisions as the city’s CEO, and to ensure that those decisions are clearly communicated. Appreciation was expressed for his willingness to tour the city and learn about its neighborhoods and culture. His engagement and curiosity were viewed as signs of genuine commitment to understanding the community he serves.  Commissioner Johnson strongly supported Mr. Chess’s focus on developing city staff and leadership, encouraging him to continue setting stretch goals to elevate performance and accountability throughout the organization. He was reminded to hold leaders responsible for both positive and negative actions, while fostering professional growth and morale.  He encouraged Mr. Chess to continue building partnerships with the County, the Port of St. Lucie, and other local entities. His ability to collaborate across jurisdictions was recognized as essential to the success of the broader “One Fort Pierce” vision—an effort to strengthen unity and shared purpose across the community.

Commissioner Broderick noted he was the only member who originally voted against hiring Mr. Chess, based on concerns about the magnitude of the city’s longstanding problems rather than his qualifications. Upon review of Mr. Chess’s performance, Commissioner Broderick stated clearly that his initial judgment was wrong, acknowledging that Mr. Chess has proven himself to be the right person for the job.  He emphasized that the complex issues facing Fort Pierce—many decades in the making—cannot be solved quickly. However, he expressed confidence that Mr. Chess’s methodical, “surgical” approach to problem-solving is the right strategy for achieving long-term, sustainable progress.  Mr. Chess was described as a true chief executive officer, skilled in management and respected by his staff and the employees speak highly of him, which is viewed as a strong testament to his leadership and professionalism. He praised Mr. Chess for being unafraid to confront problems directly, making necessary changes, and earning the trust and support of the City Commission.  His work so far has signaled to the community that change is underway and being implemented effectively.  Commissioner Broderick expressed a commitment to continue working collaboratively with Mr. Chess and the other officers to improve city operations and address challenges one issue at a time. He acknowledged that more obstacles lie ahead but voiced confidence in Mr. Chess’s motivation, competence, and determination to lead Fort Pierce forward.

Overall Summary:

City leadership—including the Mayor and all Commissioners—expressed strong satisfaction with Mr. Chess’s performance during his first six months. They commended his professionalism, effective leadership, and reform-minded approach in addressing significant challenges and improving city operations and culture. Overall, they all acknowledged visible progress affirming confidence in Mr. Chess’s ability to continue guiding Fort Pierce toward steady progress and lasting improvements.

Mr. Chess responded by expressing sincere gratitude to the Mayor, Commissioners, and staff for their transparency, guidance, and trust since his first day. He highlighted the strong collaboration with the City Clerk, City Attorney, and department heads, emphasizing mutual respect, teamwork, and professionalism as the foundation for success.  He discussed current priorities, including beautifying key corridors, improving code enforcement through temporary service support, and fostering public input to shape city enhancements.  Mr. Chess stressed that progress depends on collective effort, noting the essential contributions of all departments—from public works and police to finance and HR. He reaffirmed his commitment to engaging more deeply with the community, listening to residents’ and businesses’ concerns, and promoting Fort Pierce through the Commission’s Listening Action Plan.  He concluded by thanking everyone for their continued support and reaffirming his dedication to respectful, results-driven leadership.

Commissioner Johnson asked to talk about the medical services agreement that was pulled from the last meeting.  He was concerned that we may have missed an opportunity.  The medical services contract allows employees with non-emergency cases to visit the walk-in clinic rather than the emergency room which helps the city with our insurance claims.

City Manager Chess provided an overview of the review process from his point of view and City Attorney Hedges provided additional information.  Ultimately, there is specific language that is statutorily required that was not in the agreement as proposed.   The existing agreements in place for the other governmental entities utilizing their services are older agreements and likely predate the statutorily required language.  Staff will continue with the negotiations and bring the item back for a decision by the Mayor and Commission at a future meeting.

Matt Samuel
Lashon Bell
Mark Benjamin
Chris Higgins
Kris Einstein
Chris Gardner
Rickk Reed
Jeremiah Johnson

Commissioner Broderick expressed disappointment that individuals spread misinformation in the public.  The Highwayman Museum is moving along and they are working on the drainage issue.  He suggested that the City consider creating a brick paver area in the rear of the museum under the oak tree as a outdoor venue area.

Commissioner Johnson agrees with the idea of a brick paver area at the museum to help create an opportunity for self-sustainability for the organization.  

Commissioner Gaines agrees that the museum needs to be done right.  Commissioner Gaines suggested having a special workshop on Little Jim.  He also discussed how important the Christmas lights are for downtown.

Mayor Hudson reminded everyone about the Ghost Walk downtown sponsored by Main Street Fort Pierce.   The Fort Pierce Fire Hawks celebrated Homecoming on Saturday and the first Fire Hawks were in attendance.

 

Mayor Hudson adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.