- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney James Messer
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the minutes from the March 6, 2017 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Kathy Wesalanko - Item 13e
Sharon Cooper - Item 13e
John Parry - Item 13e
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve the agenda as is.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve items 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g and 10i.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 10h.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Vennis Gilmore, Planning Analyst, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11a1.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 604 MIDWAY ROAD, FROM NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL, C-2, TO OFFICE COMMERCIAL, C-1; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11a2.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2498 EDWARDS ROAD, SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2017; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; CERTIFYING PUBLICATION OF THIS ORDINANCE; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION; ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11b1.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2015-16 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA BY INSERTING THEREIN A SCHEDULE ATTACHED HERETO AND DESIGNED AS THE 2015-16 FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT. THE SAID SCHEDULE PROVIDES FOR THE INCREASES AND/OR DECREASES IN REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GENERAL FUND, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included appropriations, departmental budgets and enterprise contributions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11b2.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a presentation on each budget amendment and was available for questions.
Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a presentation and was available for questions. All funds with the exception of the Golf Course are currently in a financially stable position. Commissioner Alexander inquired about the availability of funds for road resurfacing. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, stated that a portion of the funds are being used for capital outlay which includes leasing vehicles, maintenance and road resurfacing.
DeVoshay Johnson, IT Manager, gave a presentation on the IT innovations and upgrades implemented and discussed future technological plans for the City of Fort Pierce.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, presented a significant opportunity to partner with the Guardian ad Litem program by entering into an interlocal agreement for utilization of office space in the City of Fort Pierce parking garage. This will generate activity downtown, provide exposure to Fort Pierce and generate a use of the building. There is no cost to the City as it will be the responsibility of the four (4) counties that support the Guardian ad Litem program.
Commission discussion included the program highlights, moving closer to the courthouse as being a benefit, helping families with many being right here in St. Lucie County.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve entering into contract negotiations.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the resolution, by title only, into the record as follows.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, URGING ALL MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO OPPOSE HB 17 AND SB 1158 WHICH PREEMPTS LOCAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS, PROHIBITS LOCAL GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING OR ADOPTING ANY NEW REGULATIONS ON BUSINESSES UNLESS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY THE LEGISLATURE; DIRECTING CITY ADMINISTRATION TO TRANSMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE TREASURE COAST LEAGUE OF CITIES, THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the resolution, by title only, into the record as follows.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE SALE VIA QUIT CLAIM DEED OF REAL PROPERTY NOT NEEDED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE, KNOWN AS LOT 13 LINCOLN COURT, OWNED BY THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FL TO CORNELIUS BERNARD AND FOLLY ELIZABETH VASSELL FOR THE PRICE OF $50.00; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 13c.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the resolution, by title only, into the record as follows.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, STATING THE CITY AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) ARE DESIROUS OF ENTERING INTO A LOCALLY FUNDED AGREEMENT AND A THREE PARTY ESCROW AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN OBSERVATION DECK LIGHTING AS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S BRIDGE REHABILITATION WORK OF THE SR A1A – PETER P. COBB MEMORIAL BRIDGE, PROJECT # 426840-1-52-02, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, CITY CLERK AND CITY ATTORNEY TO ENTER AND EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT ON THE PART OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, stated that this is a major capital improvement project. Jack Andrews, City Engineer, gave a description of the FDOT project. Commission discussion included the need for lighting along the bridge, possibly reducing the number of lights and other ways to cut costs. Consensus was to have Staff relay the Commission concerns to FDOTand bring back to reconsider at a future meeting.
Commissioner Perona wants to ensure that the grant application does not have contradicting efforts and that we provide support by correcting the Ordinance issue. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, confirmed that since working with Mr. Parry, we are getting the information needed to finalize the grant application. The initiative has merit and will bring many benefits for the City of Fort Pierce. The draft format has been received by the City Manager's office and it follows the criteria needed. Consensus was that the City of Fort Pierce will be the applicant.
June Raymond
Randy Tunes
Michael McCleod
Harold with Dr. Pickle
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, stated that Mr. Tunes concern is currently under investigation. The Enns Golf Tournament was a great family event. On March 30, there will be an interactive public workshop discussing the golf course. The Florida Inland Navigation District will be opening up bids for dredging of channel in front of City Marina. The 2016 Uniform Crime Report showed a decrease in crimes using guns and decrease in crime in the district. The Hooked on Music festival will be held on Saturday, March 25, bringing thousands more people to downtown Fort Pierce. The Orange Avenue project is underway and there has been no notice of delay.
James Messer, City Attorney, congratulated Assistant City Attorney Valentin on the birth of her son, Ivan.
Commissioner Perona stated that bike lanes have been addressed by TPO in the past. The weekend was busy with St. Patty's day, seafood festivals and going to the Mets game. He thanked Public Works and Police Department for their cleanup efforts. Our community is amazing and he is proud of our community partners.
Commissioner Sessions had no comments.
Commissioner Johnson spoke about the 15th Judicial Circuit presentation on sober homes and that it provided good information and involuntary annexations. He is proud to be a part of the City that is growing so much.
Commissioner Alexander had no comments.
Mayor Hudson spoke about three critical bills in the legislature including limiting business tax receipts, eliminating CRAs and eliminating local jurisdiction over vacation rentals. The Great American Clean Up will be held on April 1 and will be a great event.
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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