Update on the Construction of North 2nd Street

Chairman Johnson introduced Howard Tipton, County Administrator, to address the meeting on this item. The County Administrator introduced the new members of the team, Kyle Croce, Port Engineer and Stan Payne, the Special Economic Development Advisor. He detailed their experience and relevant skills and welcomed them to the joint team.

The County Administrator introduced the Kyle Croce, Port Engineer, to present the "Port of Fort Pierce North 2nd Street Roadway Improvements". He thanked the Board for the opportunity to present and commended the county and the City of Fort Pierce for their cooperation with the project. Staff's presentation covered the key aspects of the road improvement project such as location, a breakdown of the budget, the projected timeline and the goals of the project. The Port Engineer presented images of ongoing construction and progress from the project, including the retention pond, the stormwater system, and the water main construction. He concluded his presentation with an update of the future construction work to take place and the timeline and coordination plans for these projects.

Staff confirmed Mayor Hudson's inquiry as to if the sidewalks were placed only on the west side of the road.

The County Administrator recognized the City Manager, Nick Mimms for his work with county staff.

Commissioner Mowery asked about the appearance of the finished retention pond, and the Port Engineer confirmed that there is a landscaping plan that is currently being examined for improvements and budget approval.

Commissioner Perona emphasized the importance of notifying local businesses that may be impacted by the construction and keeping any inconveniences at a minimum. He mentioned that many businesses, such as restaurants, are very sensitive in regards to timing.

Staff agreed with the commissioner and indicated that the construction engineering inspector communicates this information to impacted businesses in person.

Update of the Fisherman's Wharf Development

Don West, Public Works Director, presented this item. He listed the organizations that have been working on this project, including the Department of Transportation, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, and engineering specialists from the city and county. Staff indicated that his presentation would cover the current progress of the strategic plan and steps needed to move the plan onto the next level.

A major objective of the Fisherman's Wharf Development plan is to create a "transition zone" between downtown and the industrial area to the north. The Public Works Director presented aerial images of the boundaries of the project, as selected by the Board at a previous meeting. He explained that this project has expandability and presented the areas available for expansion. He expressed optimism at the area becoming a "destination" for visitors, much like the farmers' market or downtown marina.

Commissioner Becht commented on the importance of terminology, and called the project a destination for St. Lucie County and perhaps the entire Treasure Coast.

Chairman Johnson agreed with the commissioner's point and emphasized the need for the citizens of the county to participate in all aspects of the area.

The Public Works Director continued his presentation by covering the previous efforts associated with the Fisherman's Wharf Development. The results of those efforts included identifying the land use, completing the phase 1 study, interviewing local businesses and nearby ports for the phase 2 study, determining the infrastructure that will be needed, and identifying available state funding. Staff presented the status update and detailed the various grants that were applied for and those that have been secured already.

Staff advised Mayor Hudson that the deadline for spending the $510,000 from FDOT is fairly long term, and will provide several years for spending with required updates on status and spending.

The Public Works Director continued his status update by listing the various contracts involved in the project and their progress.

Staff clarified for Commissioner Alexander that it is a city-owned roadway. He clarified that the city and county are co-applicants on all grants, and emphasized the importance of the inter-local agreement.

The presentation continued by covering the need to create a conceptual site plan to describe the vision for the Port of Fort Pierce Fisherman's Wharf. He explained the possibility of another joint effort between city and county planning departments to collaborate on this site plan.

Commissioner Dzadovsky commented on the importance of involving Pete Tesch from the Economic Development Council and Peter Jones, the County Business Navigator to determine potential investment opportunities.

The Deputy Administrator commented that the next step in the project involves urban design issues such as; how the area will function, what the buildings will look like and how it will relate to downtown.

Commissioner Dzadovsky agreed with the Deputy Administrator's points and said the area should coexist with the downtown area, and not be a separate entity.

Commissioner Mowery suggested the Regional Planning Council perform the study and to examine the industrial area to the north.

The Public Works Director indicated that DOT has offered assistance with the planning phase. He also mentioned the opportunity for funding at this stage as well. He concluded his presentation to the Board with a request to proceed with the planning efforts to develop a conceptual site plan for Fisherman's Wharf. He emphasized that no formal action would be taken today, but if a consensus is reached it can be placed on the consent agenda for approval at the next meeting.

Chairman Johnson clarified that staff was requesting the city and county collaborate on an urban development plan.

Commissioner Lewis commented that this next step seems like the most reasonable action to take. She commented on the assistance from Lauren Rand at DOT and suggested on reaching out to her for future help.

Mayor Hudson mentioned the previous charrette and the emphasis on this area as a "buffer zone" between the downtown area and the port operations. She felt the proposed design was needed. She recognized Jack Andrews as the city's engineer and partner, and the representatives from Fort Pierce Utilities Authority that were present.

Commissioner Dzadovsky commented on the relationship between the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County over the past 30 years and the ability to move things forward through these efforts.

Commissioner Alexander pointed out the features of the proposed area, including the walkway along the water and nearby parking.

Commissioner Perona commented on the efforts from staff and their ability to see the planning necessary to move forward. He said that the biggest success has been the ability of the 2 organizations to work together for the citizens of St. Lucie County. He also mentioned that potential timing issues can be resolved by working together.

Chairman Johnson thanked staff for all their hard work. He felt this project is a great opportunity and expressed optimism over the potential for grant funding.

Update of Port Business Development Interests

The County Administrator introduced Mark Satterlee, Deputy Administrator, to provide an overview of the port business development interests.

The Deputy Administrator commented on the increased interest associated with the port. He spoke about the mega-yachts and the potential business they will bring to area boat builders and refitters. The key elements that appeal to these businesses include direct ocean access, depth of the port and inlet, and no railroad tracks or bridges between the ocean. Staff pointed out interest in the Bell property and Harbor Point, and expressed optimism about this activity.

The County Administrator added that these steps are considered foundation building and the current focus is on raising visibility of the important assets around the county.

Chairman Johnson asked the Stan Payne, Special Economic Development Advisor, for an overview of the "big picture" in regards to the port project.

The Special Economic Development Advisor advised that the combined efforts of the city and county working together will be rewarded. He said that combining the local government's collaboration, infrastructure and the "gateway" location should be seen as ingredients to success. He urged the Board to operate with patience and urgency in regards to timing of the project and felt that the market will respond to the Harbor Point sale.

Commissioner Dzadovsky asked for a time frame for the site plan proposal to be presented for approval, and the County Administrator indicated the item would come before the Board in May.

Chairman Johnson thanked the City of Fort Pierce, the mayor, commissioners and staff for their collaboration with county staff on this project.