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 A.M. ON MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Hudson called the March 09, 2026, Day Meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky; 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 February 9, 2026, Day Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve the minutes for the February 09, 2026, Day Meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
5.
Proclamations
A.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish American Heritage Month
B.
The City of Fort Pierce, Flood Awareness Week
C.
American Red Cross, Red Cross Month
6.
Additions or deletions to agenda and approval of the agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the agenda with the addition of item 9B, a letter of support regarding the Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup RFP.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, 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.
Karen Manista
Marylin Lapp
Wilber Hankerson
Louann Jones
Jim Iumo
Barbara Moore
Tammy Mitchell
Commissioner Gaines asked about High Point Development and if the developers are available for questions that the residents have brought forward. The Commission discussed the issues concerning safety, construction starting times, and the general welfare of the residents in the community. It was reqested that the developer attend the next City Commission meeting to provide an update.
Marylin Lapp
Wilber Hankerson
Louann Jones
Jim Iumo
Barbara Moore
Tammy Mitchell
Commissioner Gaines asked about High Point Development and if the developers are available for questions that the residents have brought forward. The Commission discussed the issues concerning safety, construction starting times, and the general welfare of the residents in the community. It was reqested that the developer attend the next City Commission meeting to provide an update.
8.
Miscellaneous Reports and Presentations
A.
Ryan Matthews, of GrayRobinson, will provide the City Commission with an update on current state legislative activity impacting the City of Fort Pierce, including appropriations progress and pending legislation related to municipal utilities.
Ryan Matthews with GrayRobinson provided an update on current state legislative activity impacting the City of Fort Pierce. They discussed the bills being passed regarding municipal utilities and unions. The Commission thanked Mr. Matthews for the important information.
B.
Update on Sunrise Theatre Management Negotiations with VenuWorks
Community and Economic Development Director Shyanne Harnage provided an update on the Sunrise Theatre negotiations with VenuWorks. Michael Silva, Chief Operations Officer, and H.R. Cook, Eastern Regional Vice President, provided an overview of the company. The Commission inquired about VenuWorks’ familiarity with Florida Public Records Laws; they confirmed their understanding and obligations. The Commission inquired as to the financial portion of the agreement, and staff explained the City will fund the theater’s operating budget, while VenuWorks will receive a monthly management fee and a percentage of food and beverage sales. Commissioners discussed the importance of a diverse performance lineup and engagement with local schools to provide student access to performances and shows. VenuWorks also discussed potential uses of the theatre, including banquets, weddings, church services, family-oriented shows, and other community events to increase revenue, as well as partnerships with local organizations to broaden community participation. The Commissioners agreed that the theater is important to the City and expressed excitement about the future of the Sunrise Theatre.
C.
Lincoln Park Main Street, Inc. First Quarter Program Update covering FY2026 (October 1, 2025 to December 30, 2025).
Pamela Carrithers with Lincoln Park Main Street presented the first quarter overview. Commissioner Broderick asked to be included in their Christmas donation events as his company is a big supporter of residents. Commissioner Johnson asked Ms. Carrithers if she had any information on the recent business closures, and she said she will bring the information back to them. They discussed the resurfacing project for Avenue D and the Commissioners stated she should reach out to the community residents as well as the business owners to ensure they are aware of the project. Commissioner Gaines stated he would like to see this Main Street more involved with the community, and they can start by speaking with the local pastors and churches. To get ahold of Ms. Carrithers, the email address is lincolnparkmainstreet@live.com. City Engineer Mark Zrallack mentioned they do not have a set date for when the resurfacing project will begin, but it will be in May.
9.
Consent Agenda
A.
Approval of Lincoln Park Main Street, Inc.'s First Quarter Disbursement in the amount of $12,500 subject to acceptance of the First Quarter Report.
B.
ADDED ITEM: Letter of support on behalf of Marine Cleanup Initiative, Inc. to Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast regarding Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup RFP.
Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the Consent Agenda with the addition of 9B.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
10.
City Commission - Resolutions
A.
Resolution 26-R10 supporting the ongoing efforts of St. Lucie County to place a referendum on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot for voter approval of the continuation and reauthorization of the one-half cent sales tax levy for ten (10) years to fund infrastructure projects.
City Clerk, Linda Cox introduced the Resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION 26-R10.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS INTENTION TO PLACE A REFERENDUM ON THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 BALLOT FOR VOTER APPROVAL OF THE CONTINUATION AND REAUTHORIZATION OF A ONEHALF CENT SALES TAX LEVY FOR TEN YEARS TO FUND INFRASTRUCTURE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
RESOLUTION 26-R10.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS INTENTION TO PLACE A REFERENDUM ON THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 BALLOT FOR VOTER APPROVAL OF THE CONTINUATION AND REAUTHORIZATION OF A ONEHALF CENT SALES TAX LEVY FOR TEN YEARS TO FUND INFRASTRUCTURE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Motion was made by Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve Resolution 26-R10.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
New Business - City Commission Discussion Items
12.
City Commission Boards and Committees Updates
Commissioner Broderick mentioned the Parking Committee will be bringing forward two items for recommendation to the Commission. He also thanked the mayor for recognizing Irish Heritage Month as he is of Irish descent.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned at the Council on Aging they presented Mr. Drummond with a proclamation and the new chairperson is a little more outspoken than Mr. Drummond. At the last Treasure Coast Council of Local Government meeting, they had a presentation from the Indian River Airport. They are trying to get more flights, and they are updating the terminals.
Commissioner Dzadovsky commented on the airport's development as he had a lot of prior knowledge of the project, they are in the process of extending the runway for cargo flights.
Commissioner Johnson mentioned the Fire Board meeting that is coming up and asked about the joint meeting with the County. Special Projects Coordinator Audria Moore stated they are still working with the County representative on the date, but it is currently May 7th or May 14th.
Mayor Hudson mentioned this Saturday is the Great American Clean-up, and it will be held at Rotary Park from 8am to 12pm.
Commissioner Gaines mentioned at the Council on Aging they presented Mr. Drummond with a proclamation and the new chairperson is a little more outspoken than Mr. Drummond. At the last Treasure Coast Council of Local Government meeting, they had a presentation from the Indian River Airport. They are trying to get more flights, and they are updating the terminals.
Commissioner Dzadovsky commented on the airport's development as he had a lot of prior knowledge of the project, they are in the process of extending the runway for cargo flights.
Commissioner Johnson mentioned the Fire Board meeting that is coming up and asked about the joint meeting with the County. Special Projects Coordinator Audria Moore stated they are still working with the County representative on the date, but it is currently May 7th or May 14th.
Mayor Hudson mentioned this Saturday is the Great American Clean-up, and it will be held at Rotary Park from 8am to 12pm.
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 12:16 P.M.
ATTEST:
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|