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 9:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2025.
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Hudson called the December 08, 2025, Day Meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Mayor Linda Hudson
- Staff Present:
-
- City Manager Richard Chess
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
- City Clerk Linda Cox
4.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Approval of the minutes from the November 10, 2025 Day Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve the minutes for the November 10, 2025 Day Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
5.
Proclamations
6.
Additions or deletions to agenda and approval of the agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the agenda.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
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.
Mario Wilcox
Nancy McConkey
Martha McKean
Nancy McConkey
Martha McKean
8.
Miscellaneous Reports and Presentations
A.
St. Lucie County Regional Resilience Draft Plan and companion Resilience Vulnerability Assessment-Other Hazards Resiliency Strategy Report and Feedback - Sandra Bogan, SLC Resilence Navigator
Sandra Bogan, SLC Resilience Navigator, and Erin Davie of Tetra Tech presented the St. Lucie County Regional Resilience Draft Plan and companion Resilience Vulnerability Assessment-Other Hazards Resiliency Strategy Report. Staff are seeking input for the draft SLC Regional Resilience Plan report (RRP) and companion Resilience Vulnerability Assessment-Other Hazards report (RVA-OH). A Final SLC RRP and RVA-OH report will be brought back to the Board for formal acceptance at an upcoming Regular meeting. The Commission appreciated the report, however they did express concerns about funding from the city. Ms. Davie provided information to clarify how the state grant will assist with funding.
B.
Annual Update (2024–2025) from Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council on Services Provided to Fort Pierce’s Unsheltered Population.
Special Projects Coordinator, Audria Moore and Visionary Leader of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Rayme Nuckles, presented the Annual update from the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council on Services Provided to Fort Pierce’s Unsheltered Population. They are requesting the Commission to consider renewing the Interlocal Funding Agreement with St. Lucie County. The Commission requested the data on the funding from other cities and counties to help fix the inequality in funding that is currently primarily reliant on the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County contributions.
9.
Consent Agenda
A.
Approval of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Supplemental Agreement No. 1 Extending Jetty License Agreement No. DACW17-3-21-0001 for the Operation of Jetty Linear Park by one (1) additional year to December 13, 2026.
B.
Approval of Interlocal Funding Agreement with St. Lucie County for homeless services in the amount of $125,000 for FY2026
C.
Approval of the Amendment to the grant agreement between the State of Florida, the Department of State and the City of Fort Pierce extending the grant period for the Highwaymen Museum project to June 30, 2026.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to pull item 9A and approve items 9B and 9C.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to Item 9A, Commissioner Broderick requested more information from staff regarding the agreement. Special Projects Coordinator, Marsha Commond, discussed the extension of the existing License Agreement for an additional five years with a supplemental one-year agreement. The Commission stated that because this is a federal issue, the City should request further assistance from Congress to ensure the 5 year memorialization of the agreement.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve item 9A.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
10.
City Commission - Resolutions
A.
Resolution 25-R81 adopting polling places for the January 13, 2026 Special Run-Off election.
City Clerk, Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION 25-R81.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THE DESIGNATED PRECINCT POLLING PLACES IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR THE SPECIAL RUN-OFF ELECTION TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 13, 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION 25-R81.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THE DESIGNATED PRECINCT POLLING PLACES IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR THE SPECIAL RUN-OFF ELECTION TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 13, 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Resolution 25-R81.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
B.
Resolution 25-R83 appointing members to the Civil Service Appeals Board.
City Clerk, Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION 25-R83.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CIVIL SERVICE APPEALS BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION 25-R83.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CIVIL SERVICE APPEALS BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve Resolution 25-R83 appointing Steven Dipalma.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
New Business - City Commission Discussion Items
A.
Discussion of a proposed initiative to reduce review timelines for Single-Family, Duplex and Cottage planning applications within certain Zoning Districts.
Planning Director, Kevin Freeman, gave the presentation on the proposed initiative to reduce timelines for Single-Family, Duplex and Cottage planning applications within certain Zoning Districts. He mentioned the project specifically for the R-3 and R-4 zoning areas and the Commission asked if we could open it up for all zoning areas within the city. The plan is to have a package ready with plans and the proper approvals all together and ready for a developer or contractor to have an expedited review process. They did discuss that this would not be mandatory plans, just available as an option for homeowners to help the underdeveloped areas of the city. There would be different design packages to match the existing homes in the different neighborhoods. The commission discussed the option for FPRA to be able to purchase the design or catalogs and set a standard price for the plans.
B.
Comprehensive City Economic Development Overview Presentation, Discussion and Direction
Mr. Freeman and Community and Economic Director, Shyanne Harnage, presented the Comprehensive City Economic Development Overview. Ms. Harnage let the commission know this is from the strategic plan and will lay the foundation for future discussions. The commission commented on the growth happening out west of the city.
C.
Discussion and approval of City Manager's appointment of Fort Pierce Police Chief.
City Manager, Richard Chess updated the commission on his appointment of Commander David Smith from the Prince William Police Department as the Police Chief for the City of Fort Pierce Police Department. He stated all the candidates were well qualified. He is positive that Mr. Smith will bring accountability and a strong and cohesive unification between the city and the Police Department. Commissioner Gaines requested an email that was received be read into record from the Police Union; Commissioner Gaines read the email. Everyone mentioned Mr. Smith being their top choice of the three interviews for Police Chief. They also thanked staff for their hard work on this project. Mr. Chess expressed his appreciation for the staff who assisted in this process as well as the previous Chiefs who sat on the panel board.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the selection of Commander David Smith as the next Chief in accordance with City Manager Chess' recommendation.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner Johnson mentioned the TPO discussed a development by Ashley Capitol Group. The Fire Board has one more meeting this year and will be extending the contract of the current chief. He thanked the Fire Department for their hard work and dedication during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The Port Advisory Board meeting is on the 18th, and they will be discussing Harbour Pointe Park.
Commissioner Broderick mentioned his takeaway from the TPO meeting is that the city needs a discussion with the County on the railroad and freight plan. The Parking Committee revisited the pay to park program. They will be recommending stopping the program and that will be brought to the commission at a meeting next year.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Treasure Coast league of Local Government will be picking officers in January. He is in good standing with the Retirement Board. The Council on Aging is getting a new director. The Affordable Housing meeting is this week, and they will be discussing the annual report, and it will be brought to the commission.
Mayor Hudson mentioned that the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust meeting is on Friday. She commended the FPUA on their contribution to the Holiday parade. They received an award for building strong communities. The Treasure Coast League of Cities meeting is on the 17th. She thanked Fort Pierce Main Street, Kiwanis and the Police Department for their outstanding work for the Christmas parade.
Commissioner Broderick mentioned his takeaway from the TPO meeting is that the city needs a discussion with the County on the railroad and freight plan. The Parking Committee revisited the pay to park program. They will be recommending stopping the program and that will be brought to the commission at a meeting next year.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Treasure Coast league of Local Government will be picking officers in January. He is in good standing with the Retirement Board. The Council on Aging is getting a new director. The Affordable Housing meeting is this week, and they will be discussing the annual report, and it will be brought to the commission.
Mayor Hudson mentioned that the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust meeting is on Friday. She commended the FPUA on their contribution to the Holiday parade. They received an award for building strong communities. The Treasure Coast League of Cities meeting is on the 17th. She thanked Fort Pierce Main Street, Kiwanis and the Police Department for their outstanding work for the Christmas parade.
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 12:23 P.M.
ATTEST:
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|