MINUTES OF A SPECIAL 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 5:05 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the February 19, 2025 Special Meeting of the City Commission to order at 5:05 P.M.
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner James Taylor
- Staff Present:
-
- Records Management Coordinator Tina Rel
- Deputy City Manager Jack Andrews
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
4.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
Any person who wishes to comment on an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda 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 an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda 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.
No comments
5.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Discussion and decision regarding City Manager position.
Sara Hedges, City Attorney, addressed Mr. Scrapchansky's residency issue and provided ballots.
The Commission discussed Mr. Scrapchansky's residency.
Ms. Hedges tallied the votes.
Commissioner Gaines - Richard Chess
Commissioner Johnson - Richard Chess
Commissioner Taylor - Derek Scrapchansky
Commissioner Broderick - Linda Cox
Mayor Hudson - Linda Cox
The Commission discussed the votes.
Ms. Hedges provided the options if a consensus was not made.
Commissioner Taylor rescinded his original vote and changed it to Richard Chess.
The Commission discussed Mr. Scrapchansky's residency.
Ms. Hedges tallied the votes.
Commissioner Gaines - Richard Chess
Commissioner Johnson - Richard Chess
Commissioner Taylor - Derek Scrapchansky
Commissioner Broderick - Linda Cox
Mayor Hudson - Linda Cox
The Commission discussed the votes.
Ms. Hedges provided the options if a consensus was not made.
Commissioner Taylor rescinded his original vote and changed it to Richard Chess.
Motion was made by Commissioner James Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to begin negotiations for the hiring of Richard Chess as City Manager.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Commissioner James Taylor
- NAY:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Ms. Hedges addressed the need for an Interim City Manager, mentioning the Deputy City Managers.
The commission inquired of Jack Andrews.
Mr. Andrews confirmed his retirement date and commented that he planned to work with the new public works director and city engineer before leaving.
Ms. Hedges commented that Deputy City Manager Johnson commented he would need assistance in the interim position.
Commissioner Gaines inquired on the assistance required.
Deputy City Manager, Devoshay Johnson, elaborated on the assistance needed to fill the interim position.
Jared Sorenson, Human Resources Director, commented on the timeframe needed for negotiations for hiring.
The Commission discussed assistance from the Florida League of Cities and Russ Blackburn for an Interim City Manager.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, assured the Commission that Mr. Johnson has full support as Interim City Manager.
Mr. Sorenson commented on support for Mr. Johnson and continuity.
The Commission discussed Mr. Johnson as Interim City Manager.
Ms. Hedges addressed the question of the Florida League of Cities' possible appointment at the March 3rd meeting.
The commission inquired of Jack Andrews.
Mr. Andrews confirmed his retirement date and commented that he planned to work with the new public works director and city engineer before leaving.
Ms. Hedges commented that Deputy City Manager Johnson commented he would need assistance in the interim position.
Commissioner Gaines inquired on the assistance required.
Deputy City Manager, Devoshay Johnson, elaborated on the assistance needed to fill the interim position.
Jared Sorenson, Human Resources Director, commented on the timeframe needed for negotiations for hiring.
The Commission discussed assistance from the Florida League of Cities and Russ Blackburn for an Interim City Manager.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, assured the Commission that Mr. Johnson has full support as Interim City Manager.
Mr. Sorenson commented on support for Mr. Johnson and continuity.
The Commission discussed Mr. Johnson as Interim City Manager.
Ms. Hedges addressed the question of the Florida League of Cities' possible appointment at the March 3rd meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner James Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to appoint Devoshay Johnson as the Interim City Manager.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner James Taylor
Passed
6.
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 6:59 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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