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 6:30 P.M. ON MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Alice Ladomirak of Pearl Ministries offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Edward Becht; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Robert Bradshaw
- City Attorney Robert Schwerer
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes from meeting on 3/3/2014
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting on March 3, 2014.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2014 as Fire Fighter Appreciation Month for their efforst on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It was received by Alexia Birth, St. Lucie County Fire Fighter, and Stephanie Glavin, Executive Director of the South Florida Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
b.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation designating the week of March 22 - 29, 2014 as Fort Pierce Jazz Festival Week. It was received by Don Bestor, President of the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society.
c.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2014 as City of Fort Pierce Volunteer Month. It was received by Gerald Roden, Commissioner, Volunteer Florida, and Barbara Smith, AmeriCorps Program Assistant.
d.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring April 5, 2014, as Elder Care Day in the City of Fort Pierce. It was received by Stephanie Morgan, Chief Volunteer Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - the following letter will be kept on file in the City Clerk's Office.
a.
Letter of Appreciation from Ms. Donna Friedman to Executive Director, John Wilkes, Staff, Board of Directors and Volunteers of the Sunrise Theatre for their continuing efforts to grow an affordable cultural assett in downtown that benefits all of Fort Pierce and the surrounding communities.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Homer Boston - 2205 Avenue M
Mr. John Debus - 5244 Compass Cove
Mr. Homer Boston - 2205 Avenue M
Mr. John Debus - 5244 Compass Cove
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Accept Florida Humanities Council Grant Award in the amount of $15,000.00 to Complete Highwaymen Heritage Trail project.
b.
Approve request for Site Plan and Conditional Use extension of two (2) years from Grace Way Village, 1780 Hartman Road.
c.
Approval of Dunkelberger Engineering proposal in the amount of $24,990.00 to provide geotechnical services during the construction of the Indian Hills Drainage Improvement Project.
d.
Request for waiver of interest, penalties and administrative fees totaling $1,192.92 of a Lot Clearing Lien in the amount of $1,828.91 against 430 North 7th Street, owned by Fire Equipment Services of St. Lucie, Inc., contingent upon payment of $635.99.
e.
Approval of Travel Expenses in the amount of $1,086.44 for Commissioner Rufus J. Alexander, III, to attend the 2014 Florida League of Cities' Legislative Action Days which take place April 1 - 2, 2014, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved - 9b, 9c, 9d. Commissioner Sessions pulled item 9a, Commissioner Alexander pulled item 9e.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
As to Item 9a, Commissioner Alexander wanted to know specifically what this grant was for. Mr. Nick Mimms clarified this grant award is the second phase of the Highwaymen Heritage Trail. This grant will see the project to completion hopefully by the end of this year.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve Consent Agenda 9a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
As to Item 9e, Commissioner Alexander stated he wished to withdraw his request for travel expenses. He does not want to spend this type of money when he is asking for help for the children of the community. We can find better use of this money.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to accept the withdrawal of Item 9e.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Ordinance No. 14-007 - A Zoning Atlas Amendment request for 4100 Glades Cut-Off Road. FIRST READING
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Ms. Clarissa Davis, Planning Specialist, appeared with a presentation and a staff recommendation that the City Commission approve the zoning map amendment .
She responded to Commissioner Alexander that this facility is not processing fertilizer material, they simply sell it at a warehouse. There is no chemical processing of any kind done at this facility.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. John Debus expressed concern and inquired if any EPA inspections had been done recently.
Mr. Mike Hudson, President and CEO of Diamond R Fertilizer, stated he is there for a reinstatement of the zoning this property had prior to annexation into the City. They do not plan to change their current operations. The facility is regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, not the EPA and is regularly inspected. He stated this is not a manufacturing facility, there is no blending of materials at this location. They deal specifically in the bagged commodities they sell.
Ms. Joyce Calvert feels we ought to hear the side of the citrus growers because they are doing their best to grow their crops without harm to the public.
Seeing no one else, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Ms. Clarissa Davis, Planning Specialist, appeared with a presentation and a staff recommendation that the City Commission approve the zoning map amendment .
She responded to Commissioner Alexander that this facility is not processing fertilizer material, they simply sell it at a warehouse. There is no chemical processing of any kind done at this facility.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. John Debus expressed concern and inquired if any EPA inspections had been done recently.
Mr. Mike Hudson, President and CEO of Diamond R Fertilizer, stated he is there for a reinstatement of the zoning this property had prior to annexation into the City. They do not plan to change their current operations. The facility is regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, not the EPA and is regularly inspected. He stated this is not a manufacturing facility, there is no blending of materials at this location. They deal specifically in the bagged commodities they sell.
Ms. Joyce Calvert feels we ought to hear the side of the citrus growers because they are doing their best to grow their crops without harm to the public.
Seeing no one else, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Edward Becht to approve Ordinance No. 14-007 on first reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Ordinance No. 14-009 - Easement Abandonment, Fort Pierce Shopping Center, 1167 S US Highway 1. SECOND READING
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Ordinance No. 14-009 on second and final reading.
Commissioner Becht abstained from the vote because he represents the applicants requesting the abandonment of the easements, Fort Pierce Shopping Center, and filed Form 8B as required.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Other:
- Commissioner Edward Becht (ABSTAIN)
Passed
c.
Ordinance No. 14-010 - Amending the Future Land Use Designation of Properties Generally Located at 1210 S 25th Street from OP to NC - FIRST READING
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, appeared with a presentation and a staff recommendation for the City Commission to approve the proposed amendment.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Verill Moore stated his property is right behind the proposed building site. He is concerned about the proposed road abutting his property and requested that a wall be constructed if this project moves forward. Another concern is this vacant lot is no longer being maintained.
Mr. Damien Leslie of Bowman Consulting, representing the applicant, stated the current plans do include buffering in the form of a wall. He was not aware of what was happening with the maintenance of the lots but stated his willingness to facilitate the issue and bring it to the attention of the owners.
Seeing no one else, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, appeared with a presentation and a staff recommendation for the City Commission to approve the proposed amendment.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Verill Moore stated his property is right behind the proposed building site. He is concerned about the proposed road abutting his property and requested that a wall be constructed if this project moves forward. Another concern is this vacant lot is no longer being maintained.
Mr. Damien Leslie of Bowman Consulting, representing the applicant, stated the current plans do include buffering in the form of a wall. He was not aware of what was happening with the maintenance of the lots but stated his willingness to facilitate the issue and bring it to the attention of the owners.
Seeing no one else, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Ordinance No. 14-010 on first reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
d.
Ordinance No. 14-011 - Rezoning Properties Generally Located at 1210 S 25th Street from C-1, Office Commercial to C-2, Neighborhood Commercial. FIRST READING
Mr. Benton stated this request is being submitted concurrently with the amending the Future Land Use previously discussed in Ordinance No. 14-010. Staff recommends the City Commission approve the proposed amendment.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Mr. Benton stated this request is being submitted concurrently with the amending the Future Land Use previously discussed in Ordinance No. 14-010. Staff recommends the City Commission approve the proposed amendment.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Edward Becht, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Ordinance No. 14-011 on first reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Edward Becht, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
11.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
City Marina Reconstruction Update
Mr. Ed Seissinger, Project Coordinator, stated curb and paver repairs have already begun, paving of the parking lot should begin on April 1 and it will take 10 days.
Mr. Ed Seissinger, Project Coordinator, stated curb and paver repairs have already begun, paving of the parking lot should begin on April 1 and it will take 10 days.
b.
Report on railway grade crossing diagnostic inspection for All Aboard Florida project.
Mr. Jack Andrews appeared with a presentation. Mr. Andrews met with representatives of All Aboard Florida, FEC, DOT and the Federal Railroad Administration at an "in the field" meeting at each of the train crossings in the City. He stated there would be 32 train passings, 16 round trips, daily and it is estimated the trains would be proceeding at approximately 110 mph. He continually requests updated plans but agreed with commission that the information is just dribbling out.
Commissioner Becht asked if it were possible for the City to go to the FRA and request they post a specific rate of speed for the trains through the downtown area. Mr. Andrews mentioned we have an advantage of a bend in the right of way that is a physical restraint for which the trains will have to slow down. Mr. Andrews was informed by the engineers and representatives present, it was determined that they could not go any faster than 40 mph in that area.
Commissioner Perona asked if the environmental study had come through. Mr. Andrews responded the study should be available within the next 60 days.
Mr. Jack Andrews appeared with a presentation. Mr. Andrews met with representatives of All Aboard Florida, FEC, DOT and the Federal Railroad Administration at an "in the field" meeting at each of the train crossings in the City. He stated there would be 32 train passings, 16 round trips, daily and it is estimated the trains would be proceeding at approximately 110 mph. He continually requests updated plans but agreed with commission that the information is just dribbling out.
Commissioner Becht asked if it were possible for the City to go to the FRA and request they post a specific rate of speed for the trains through the downtown area. Mr. Andrews mentioned we have an advantage of a bend in the right of way that is a physical restraint for which the trains will have to slow down. Mr. Andrews was informed by the engineers and representatives present, it was determined that they could not go any faster than 40 mph in that area.
Commissioner Perona asked if the environmental study had come through. Mr. Andrews responded the study should be available within the next 60 days.
12.
CITY COMMISSION
13.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
Department Activity Report - Mr. Bradshaw had no comments.
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Perona wants to encourage everybody to look at weatherization as an option to reduce some of their utility bills. Applications can be picked up at the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority to apply for the grants. There is available money to help with doors, windows and insulation.
Commissioner Alexander had no comment.
Commissioner Sessions suggested we look into purchasing or leasing the necessary equipment to start handling the city's street paving and to train our Public Works department to handle these issues. He wanted to commend P.A.L. for the time and effort they put into the decorations for their banquet fundraiser. It was elegant and beautiful, first class.
Commissioner Becht agreed with Commissioner Sessions, it is an excellent, proactive idea for dealing with the paving problem. He mentioned the old City Hall is in need of repair, since we have lost the federal funding we need to at some point in time figure out how we are going to do those repairs and from where is the money going to come. We have a parking problem in downtown Fort Pierce on Saturday mornings, at Causeway Park and Jetty Park. This is a sign of success; these parking problems are a sign that we are doing something right. He asked for feedback on some proactive ways to deal with the parking issues for the City's events.
Mayor Hudson wanted to thank the Public Works and Police departments and any staff at the clean up on Saturday in Lincoln Park. The Boy Scout's Troop 772 was there working in the neighborhood and a lot of cleaning up was going on; she wanted to thank them. Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. there is a Lincoln Park Improvement Projects meeting at the Willie B. Ellis Substation located at 1220 Avenue D. Also, this Saturday is Taste of the Sea and Sandy Shoe Festival at the Riverwalk Center starting at 10:00 a.m.
Commissioner Perona wants to encourage everybody to look at weatherization as an option to reduce some of their utility bills. Applications can be picked up at the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority to apply for the grants. There is available money to help with doors, windows and insulation.
Commissioner Alexander had no comment.
Commissioner Sessions suggested we look into purchasing or leasing the necessary equipment to start handling the city's street paving and to train our Public Works department to handle these issues. He wanted to commend P.A.L. for the time and effort they put into the decorations for their banquet fundraiser. It was elegant and beautiful, first class.
Commissioner Becht agreed with Commissioner Sessions, it is an excellent, proactive idea for dealing with the paving problem. He mentioned the old City Hall is in need of repair, since we have lost the federal funding we need to at some point in time figure out how we are going to do those repairs and from where is the money going to come. We have a parking problem in downtown Fort Pierce on Saturday mornings, at Causeway Park and Jetty Park. This is a sign of success; these parking problems are a sign that we are doing something right. He asked for feedback on some proactive ways to deal with the parking issues for the City's events.
Mayor Hudson wanted to thank the Public Works and Police departments and any staff at the clean up on Saturday in Lincoln Park. The Boy Scout's Troop 772 was there working in the neighborhood and a lot of cleaning up was going on; she wanted to thank them. Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. there is a Lincoln Park Improvement Projects meeting at the Willie B. Ellis Substation located at 1220 Avenue D. Also, this Saturday is Taste of the Sea and Sandy Shoe Festival at the Riverwalk Center starting at 10:00 a.m.
15.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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