Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Broderick arrived at 9:02.

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve minutes.

AYE:

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

Passed

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to set the agenda as printed.

AYE:

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

Passed

No comments from the public.

Erick Gill, Communications Director for St. Lucie County provided a presentation offering background on the 1/2 cent sales tax which is planned to go on the referendum ballot in November, 2026.  He shared an update on the referendum committee activities and how the County, Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie are working together. He also shared plans on the future messaging plans.   The Commissioners asked that they be provided an opportunity to weigh in on the messaging and to be sure to include the costs of construction so it will resonate with the public as to the importance of continuing the surtax revenues.   Mark Zrallak, City Engineer, also shared the City's proposed ten-year project list which will become part of the effort.   This list will correspond with the 10-year capital program of the City.

Richard Chess, City Manager, provided a brief update on negotiations with the successful bidder for Sunrise Theatre negotiations.   He didn't want to provide a lot of detail since they were still in negotiations, but he felt that things were going well and there were no deal breakers that he anticipated.   Marissa Quijano, Interim Sunrise Theatre Executive Director provided an update on the lighting and audio equipment rentals.   She reports that she has a new technical director on staff who is conducting a review of their existing equipment and evaluating ways in which they may be able to save money.   Additionally, they have been approached by organizations and members of the public who may have an interest in donating some of the necessary equipment for the theater.    They continue to evaluate the various options available to the theater.

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve items 9A and 9B, Commissioner Gaines pulled 9C and Commissioner Johnson pulled 9D.

AYE:

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

Passed

As to Item 9C, Commissioner Johnson wanted the mayor to have the opportunity to explain her role with the Florida League of Mayors. The mayor commented that she was elected to be on the Florida League of Mayors Board. The Commissioners mentioned the importance of the mayor being a part of this board and their efforts to lobby with the State for the upcoming legislative session.

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve item 9C.

AYE:

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

Passed

As to item 9D, Commissioner Gaines pulled this item to get confirmation that the contract is completed and Mr. Smith will be starting February 2nd. Human Resources Manager Jared Sorensen, let the Commissioners know that the contract is in place and there were a few items that Mr. Smith wanted specifically in the contract like the salary, the accrual for vacation and sick time, and a police vehicle with sirens. February 2nd is the date Mr. Smith will be sworn in. The Commissioners and Mr. Chess thanked Chief Ridle for him stepping up when he was asked.

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve item 9D.

AYE:

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

Other:

Commissioner Michael Broderick (ABSENT)

Passed

Commissioner Gaines mentioned the Treasure Coast Council of Local Government is the only board that has met so far this year. They elected the same group as the officers, and they are working on a scholarship. The City is celebrating Martin Luther King with multiple events, like a youth event where he was able to speak. He mentioned that Mr. Kenneth Drummond was laid to rest over the past weekend. He was a pioneer for the City of Fort Pierce as he built many of the buildings in the Lincoln Park area in the City.
Commissioner Johnson mentioned he is no longer the chairperson of the Fire Board. That position now belongs to the Mayor of Port St. Lucie. They are continually facing the challenge of staffing within the Fire Department. He also mentioned he is no longer the chairperson of the Transportation Planning Organization; they are continuing the planning for the growth within our area. The Port Advisory Board met, things are moving along with the Port and the development of the northern marina area. Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council has a meeting coming up, and he will be discussing homelessness with them. He mentioned the Wreath Laying Ceremony on Saturday at 1 PM. He will be the Master of Ceremony.
Commissioner Broderick mentioned the TPO meeting where they discussed the FEC. The parking Committee meets this week. They will be bringing the discussion of the Pay to Park scenario to the Commission. The contract the City has with the Pay to Park Company is not favorable to the City. The Parking Committee will be letting the Commission know they voted to change their recommendations to no longer keep the contract. Commissioner Gaines asked when they come to discuss the Pay to Park program if they would be able to discuss the Parking Garage and Downtown Parking. Commissioner Broderick has an update on that; they received a study that shows where the city should build a garage, but they were using locations the city does not own. The area that he suggests is the JC Penny Parking lot to build an additional garage.
Mayor Hudson mentioned she will be the Mistress of Ceremony for the Martin Luther King Breakfast, and she will be in attendance for the Wreath Ceremony as well as the parade on Monday the 19^th.  The Florida League of Mayors was discussed. The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority had a great ribbon cutting event. At the Fire Board meeting they discussed there is a statewide shortage of Fire Fighters. The Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities will meet this coming week. The Mayor and Commissioner Johnson will be in Tallahassee for the Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days. There was a great turnout for the History Fest. She also mentioned that the 13^th is election day for the City of Fort Pierce Commissioner seat for District 2. Commissioner Broderick is asking the district 2 residents to come out to vote. He has a conflict for the January 20^th Commission meeting, so he will not be in attendance. Commissioner Johnson mentioned the opening reception for the Highwaymen Museum exhibit at the A.E. Backus Museum this Friday the 16^th. He also asked what City staff has planned for the celebration of the City’s 125^th year.

Mayor Hudson adjourned the meeting at 10:43 A.M.