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Minutes for City Commission Regular Meeting

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 20, 2017.
 
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
 
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Harry Shaw, Good News Missionary Baptist Church, gave the opening prayer.
 
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
4.
ROLL CALL
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
 
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
a.
Approval of minutes from the March 6, 2017 regular meeting.
 

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

 
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
 
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation declaring April 2, 2017 as Parents' and Children's Day. 
 
b.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation declaring April 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
 
c.
Mayor Hudson issued a proclamation declaring April 1, 2017 as Arbor Day.
 
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - Copies of the following letters will be on file at the City Clerk's office.
 
a.
Letter from Kathy Ludwiezak thanking BJ, Animal Control Officer, for an excellent job and wonderful customer service.
 
b.
Letter from Doretha Hair Truesdell, President, Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, Inc., thanking Elizabeth Woodruff, Urban Redevelopment Manager, Mike Reals, Public Works Director, Derrick Johnson, Public Works Compliance Manager and the Police Department for their contribution to the success of the 2nd Annual Highwayman Heritage Trail, Art Show and Festival.
 
c.
Email from Brian Reuther, Safety/Security Chief, St. Lucie County School District, commending Sergeant Donnon and Officer Maldonado for their assistance and detailed reports in reference to school threats.
 
d.
ActiveCaptain 4 star review submitted by Captain Gene on his first visit to the City Marina that is well run and has a nice atmosphere and friendly staff.
 
e.
Email from Brian Mallonee commending Kenny Nelson, Animal Control Officer, and Ed Seissiger, Engineering Project Coordinator, for their prompt responses to his requests.
 
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS

Kathy Wesalanko - Item 13e
Sharon Cooper - Item 13e
John Parry - Item 13e
 
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 

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

 
10.
CONSENT AGENDA
 
a.
Approve grant award for Tammy Rodgers, owner of Tazzy T's Boutique in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2016-2017 CDBG Grant Award for Small Business.
 
b.
Approve grant award for Ms. Crystal Willis, owner of C&J Bright Services in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2015-2016 CDBG Grant Award for Small Business.
 
c.
Approve grant award for Mr. Charles Jackson, owner of C-N-C Soul Food Restaurant in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2015-2016 CDBG Grant Award for Small Business.
 
d.
Approve grant award for Elaine Williams-Bell, owner of Hair is My Business, in the amount of $3,000 an an eligible recipient under the 2016-2017 CDBG Grant Award for Small Business.
 
e.
Approve grant award for Joann Thompson, owner of Grace Development & Community Outreach in the amount of $3,000 as an eligible recipient under the 2016-2017 CDBG Grant Award for Small Business.
 
f.
Approve increasing Blanket Purchase Order #170149 for I-Heart Media Radio Advertising for Sunrise Theatre in the amount of $15,000.00.
 
g.
Approve increasing Blanket Purchase Order #170374 for Vero Beach 32963 Print Advertising for Sunrise Theatre in the amount of $3,000.00.
 
h.
Approval of professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates for design of improvements to the recreational trails within the Indian Hills Recreation Area in the total amount of $55,400.00.
 
i.
Approve FEMA-4283-DR-FL Federally Funded Public Assistance Funding Agreement to restore the City to its pre-Hurricane Matthew conditions.
 
Commissioner Perona requested to pull item 10h.
 

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

 
As to item 10h, Commissioner Perona inquired about the Sun Trail being non-pervious and how FDOT participated in the drawings, planning and funding of the project.
 

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

 
11.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
 
a.
Quasi-Judicial Hearings
 
1.
Review and approval of an application for a Preliminary Plat of the Portofino Landings Subdivision submitted by Applicant/Owner; Landings Ft. Pierce LLC, to subdivide the Portofino Landings development into four (4) tracts at 18.85 acres. The subject properties are located at 4217 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, FL. The properties are zoned C-3, General Commercial (Parcel IDs 2419-122-0001-000-4, 2419-122-0002-000-1, 2419-123-0003-000-1).

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

 
2.
Ordinance 17-007 - An Ordinance by the City Commission of the City of Fort Pierce, FL rezoning property located at 604 Midway Road from C-2, Neighborhood Commercial to C-1, Office Commercial. SECOND READING

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

 
b.
Legislative Hearings
 
1.
Ordinance 17-008 - Extending the territorial limits of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida to include property located at 2498 Edwards Road. SECOND READING

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

 
2.
Ordinance No. 17-009 - Final Budget Amendment of the General Fund 2015-2016 Budget. FIRST READING

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

 
12.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
 
a.
Approval of FY 2016 Final Budget Amendments for Grant Funds:  CDBG, SHIP, and Grant Administration.

Johnna Morris, Finance Director, gave a presentation on each budget amendment and was available for questions. 
 
b.
Monthly Financial Report for the Month Ending February 28, 2017.

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.
 
c.
Presentation on IT Department Upgrades by DeVoshay Johnson.

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.
 
13.
CITY COMMISSION
 
a.
Approval of concept and an interlocal agreement between St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce for the lease of office space in the Parking Garage for utilization by the Guardian Ad Litem Program.

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

 
b.
Resolution 17-R11 Opposing House Bill 17 and Senate Bill 1158 which preempt local business regulations and prohibits local government from imposing or adopting any new regulations on business unless express authorized by the legislature.

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

 
c.
Resolution 17-R12 Authorizing the sale of Lot 13 Lincoln Court

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

 
d.
Resolution No. 17-R13 Approving a Locally Funded Agreement With FDOT for Pedestrian Lighting on Observation Deck for the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge.

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.
 
e.
Updates on anti-tethering ordinance amendment and Florida Animal Friend grant efforts.

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.
 
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

June Raymond
Randy Tunes
Michael McCleod
Harold with Dr. Pickle
 
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

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.
 
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION

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.
 
17.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
ATTEST:

____________________________ _________________________________
CITY CLERK
MAYOR COMMISSIONER