MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 N. US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 10:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025.
- Present:
- Bob Burdge; Erick Gill; Ionis Jefferson-Knowles; Mary Durkin; Renella Mitchell
- Absent:
- Patty Reconco
- Staff Present:
-
- Latoya Ransom, Deputy City Clerk
- Marsha Command, Special Projects Coordinator
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Mitchell called the March 20, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Parks Advisory Committee to order at 10:00 A.M.
2.
ROLL CALL
3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of the Minutes from the June 20, 2024 Meeting.
Motion was made by Bob Burdge, seconded by Mary Durkin to approve the minutes of the June 2024 meeting.
- AYE:
- Bob Burdge, Erick Gill, Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, Mary Durkin, Renella Mitchell
Passed
4.
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 Parks Advisory Committee 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 Parks Advisory Committee will not be able to take any official action under “Comments from the Public” section.
No comments
5.
NEW BUSINESS
a.
Jetty Park Memorial Flowers discussion
The board discussed the issue of faux flowers used as memorials. Suggestions included memorial plaques proposed by Rick Fiddler. They also discussed safety concerns and city liability. The item was tabled for a specific date to gather additional information.
Motion was made by Bob Burdge, seconded by Erick Gill to table the item to a date certain pending additional information.
- AYE:
- Bob Burdge, Erick Gill, Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, Mary Durkin, Renella Mitchell
Passed
b.
Street Renaming Nomination for Avenue D, East of U.S. 1 discussion
Christian Anderson submitted an application for the naming of public facilities. Ms. Command highlighted the importance of completing the application before it can be considered. The committee reviewed a previous recommendation for a name change that had been presented to the City Commission but was not accepted. More information is needed regarding the earlier name change recommendations. This item will be postponed to a specific date to allow for the collection of additional information.
Motion was made by Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, seconded by Mary Durkin to table the item to a date certain for additional information.
- AYE:
- Bob Burdge, Erick Gill, Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, Mary Durkin, Renella Mitchell
Passed
c.
Request to add Pickleball Court Lines to the Tennis Court at Jaycee Park
Rick Fiddler requested permanent pickleball lines to be painted on the tennis court at Jaycee Park. Mr. Fiddler noted that his organization had permission from Mr. Reals to use tape but would prefer a more durable solution for dual use.
Motion was made by Bob Burdge, seconded by Erick Gill to approve the recommendation that painted lines be added to the tennis court, allowing dual use.
- AYE:
- Bob Burdge, Erick Gill, Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, Mary Durkin, Renella Mitchell
Passed
6.
BOARD AND STAFF DISCUSSION
The board discussed Eileen Emery's resignation as Co-chair. Mary Durkin volunteered to take the position of Co-chair.
Motion was made by Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, seconded by Erick Gill
- AYE:
- Bob Burdge, Erick Gill, Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, Mary Durkin, Renella Mitchell
Passed
Ms. Command noted that she will ask Jason Atkinson, the new Public Works Director, to introduce himself.
Ms. Knowles discussed the need for rehabilitation of Fenn and Pioneer Parks. She inquired if there are any plans for these parks and mentioned the memorial plaques that were previously approved.
Ms. Command acknowledged that resources are necessary for these improvements, and she will bring this request to Mr. Atkinson's attention.
Mr. Gill asked about park impact fees. He also introduced himself to the Board as its newest member and discussed possible funding sources.
Ms. Knowles discussed the need for rehabilitation of Fenn and Pioneer Parks. She inquired if there are any plans for these parks and mentioned the memorial plaques that were previously approved.
Ms. Command acknowledged that resources are necessary for these improvements, and she will bring this request to Mr. Atkinson's attention.
Mr. Gill asked about park impact fees. He also introduced himself to the Board as its newest member and discussed possible funding sources.
7.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Mitchell adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Motion was made by Bob Burdge, seconded by Erick Gill
- AYE:
- Bob Burdge, Erick Gill, Ionis Jefferson-Knowles, Mary Durkin, Renella Mitchell
Passed