Proposed Mobile Vendor Ordinance Update - Code Compliance Manager / City Attorney

The City Commission held a discussion on changes to the pending ordinance.  Peggy Arraiz met with Mr. Walker to review the proposed ordinance, he has asked for a couple of changes.  Aside from changes to the title and formatting issues there two changes to resubmit to Mr. Walker.  The original draft was written to prohibit all door to door sales, this created constitutional issues.  Jehovah's Witnesses are deemed as solicitors as well as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts with their can drives; the City has to be cognizant of that and work a constitutionally acceptable provision into the ordinance while restricting sales of what the Commission wants restricted.  There was also a discussion of the process and ability for a vendor to appeal. 
 
Ms. Arraiz stated the Commission is considering allowing vendors in certain prime locations downtown and beach side, outside of the parks.  These are prime locations and there will be expected competition for these spots; there was discussion of an annual lottery.  Once the requested changes are made, the ordinance will be locally advertised before placement on the agenda for Commission approval.

City Manager's Performance Evaluation

The City Commission held a discussion and stated they are pleased with Mr. Bradshaw's strong work ethic and professionalism.  He understands the City's economic challenges and shared vision of what is best for the city. He is commended on his strong leadership qualities;  his ability to push his staff to their full potential and his team approach to shared duties with his staff. The Commission noted his understanding of problem solving and organizational skills are at a level higher than most.

Public accessibility is very important and the public perception is that he is inaccessible, the Commission would like Mr. Bradshaw to address the public more during City Commission Meetings and let the citizens see and know who he is.  When the public is unable to contact him, it creates a heavier burden for the Commission to bear.  They are granting him time to assemble his team and settle into his position before coming back to the Commission with his team's input on the direction the City needs to go, utilizing the limited resources the City currently has.  They expect more than mediocrity, they are looking for a professional City Manager that establishes, shares and provides solutions to accomplish goals for the City.

In response Mr. Bradshaw stated at the top of his list of goals was addressing crime in Fort Pierce. He feels it is important for the City to refocus on crime prevention. Number two is the City's economic development component, the City needs to start to recognize and develop additional revenue streams. The third point is the balancing of the budget.  He further commented his past experience and education has dictated that commission meetings is the forum for the elected officials, he respects that this is the commission's opportunity to openly discuss topics and issues and will strive to be more forthcoming during Comments from the City Manager.

 

City Clerk's Performance Evaluation

The City Commission held a discussion and stated they are pleased with Ms. Cox's professionalism and positive attitude.  Even though it is going to take some time to get her team fully together it is appreciated how well she works with staff.  Her availability to the public has enabled the citizens to more efficiently access public information. It was noted that in seven months time there has been a big difference in the City Clerk's office.  The paperless agenda, reorganization of the office functions, as well as a better calendaring system.  Her motivation and communication skills have enabled her to accomplish more than was expected.  She is doing a fine job and has a great future with the City.

Ms. Cox responded to Commissioner Becht.  In terms of her biggest accomplishment, she stated it was the integration of the paperless agenda.  This then ties into more readily accessible public records.  The other accomplishment to note has been the cross training of staff within the City Clerk's office.  Her next goal is to learn the business licensing system inside and out, she explained she does not know this system and procedure as well as she wants to.

Discussion of a City Attorney's Performance Evaluation

The City Commission held a discussion to determine if there was interest in creating an evaluation process of the performance of the City Attorney, both legal efficiency and cost.  It was stated that one department should not be given preference over another and we have distinguished this department by not going through the evaluation process, we are not being fair and transparent to the public when we fail to do that.
 
Mr. Schwerer has been with the city for over three decades.  He is an advisor and a counselor that is looking out for the well being of the City of Fort Pierce, he brings knowledge, wisdom, experience and history.  However, there is concern about the costs and the money being spent. 

Commission made a recommendation to schedule a workshop and have an outside counsel to provide unbiased thoughts and comments, then to provide Mr. Schwerer an opportunity to speak and justify accordingly. It would be beneficial to the Commission to be able to walk away from the workshop with an understanding of the costs of counsel they can readily justify.