- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona
- Absent:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
- City Attorney James Messer
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve minutes from the March 20, 2017 regular meeting.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- Other:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions (ABSENT)
Passed
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 Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve items 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i and 10j.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Rick Reed, applicant representative, advised that they are working with the Army Corps of Engineers and FDEP to get proper permitting. He would like to get the project going as soon as possible. The two year request comes from Staff recommendation because of the scope of work.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 10k.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Bill Fetworth, applicant representative, was available for questions. Commissioner Johnson inquired about dumpster access. Mr. Fetworth stated that Chik-fil-a corporate prefers the dumpsters away from the drive thru and outdoor eating area.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11a1.
- 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. The applicant has changed the length of stay for her vacation rental from less than 30 days to less than six (6) months. Commission discussion included the change in application status and reasons for Planning Board denial.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Robin Debarry, applicant representative, spoke in support.
Jim Flynn mentioned his concerns.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Jim Messer, City Attorney, stated that State law preempts a municipalities' authority to regulate the duration and/or frequency of stay, however, a municipality can impose certain requirements that relate to occupancy, parking, licensing and advertisement.
Further Commission discussion included the Commission's ability to take away the approval if conditions of approval are violated, the definition of a property manager and sending the application back to the Planning Board with the updated information.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to send the application back to the Planning Board requesting reasons for approval or denial and tasking Staff to define property manager in a manner consistent with previous Commission discussion.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
- NAY:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander
Passed
Vennis Gilmore, Planning Analyst, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included ADA accessibility and having the City Attorney's office advise the Planning Board to review applications using the same considerations as the City Commission.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Joanne Abarelli, applicant representative, read a letter from the property owner.
Commissioner Perona inquired about HOA prohibitions to vacation rentals and requests staff research the ADA compliance in question.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11a3 with the following staff conditions:
1) The applicant identifies the maximum occupancy of the unit, ensuring compliance with City Code Section 8.5-43. - Required space in dwelling units, based upon the size of each unit;
2) Registration of the property manager accessible at all times, to resolve complaints or violations of City Code;
3) Issuance of guide booklets for renters regarding local rules and public service resources to minimize conflicts;
4) Installation of one (1) handicap space per City Code Section 22-60 Off-Street Parking and Loading;
5) The applicant files for and obtains State of Florida, St. Lucie County & City of Fort Pierce Business Tax Licenses within fourteen (14) days of Conditional Use approval.
- 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.
Commissioner Perona inquired if the 1600 feet was the norm and inquired the setbacks will cause more problems in the future.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11a4.
- 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 GENERALLY AT 900 AVENUE O FROM GENERAL AND RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE ZONE, OS- 1, TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE, C-3; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commissioner Alexander mentioned traffic concerns and safety of the residents in the area and does not want any apartments on that land.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Amanda Martinez, applicant representative, spoke in support and addressed concerns.
Linda Rowe opposes without a traffic light.
Brenda Robinson spoke in opposition.
Delores Johnson spoke in support.
Amanda Martinez, applicant representative, addressed traffic light concerns.
Brenda Robinson spoke about traffic light concerns.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commission discussion included improving the blight in the area, this type of growth being apart of the Strategic Plan, and how FDOT's current redesign projects may impact the traffic concern.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11a5.
- 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 GENERALLY BETWEEN 1000 AND 1190 AVENUE O FROM SINGLE FAMILY MODERATE DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE, R-3, TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE, C-3 AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL ZONE, C- 2; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief statement 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 Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 11a6.
- 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.
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 Rufus Alexander 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 BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED GENERALLY AT 900 AVENUE O FROM COS, CONSERVATION OPEN SPACE TO GC, GENERAL COMMERCIAL; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11b2.
- 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; AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED GENERALLY BETWEEN 1000 AND 1190 AVENUE O FROM RL, LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, TO GC, GENERAL COMMERCIAL; AND NC, NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11b3.
- 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, ABANDONING A PORTION OF NORTH TENTH STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY, LYING SOUTH OF AVENUE O WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Kori Benton, Senior Planner, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions.
Commission discussion included connectivity, expansion of sidewalks and shortcuts.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Amanda Martinez, applicant representative, spoke in support and addressed right-of-way concerns.
Linda Rowe inquired about abandonment and spoke in opposition.
Mike O'Leary, applicant, spoke about responsible growth for the community.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11b4.
- 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 FORT PIERCE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE XI, SECTION 2-201(a); ELIMINATING PARTICIPATION OF UNCERTIFIED ALTERNATE MEMBERS IN DISCUSSIONS OR DELIBERATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS OR COMMITTEES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11b5.
- 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 REPEALING FORT PIERCE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE XII, SECTION 2-225; CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II, SECTION 5-19(e); AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE XIII, SECTION 2-243(c); CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE X, SECTION 22-147(d); ELIMINATING COMPENSATION TO BOARD MEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Bob Burdge spoke in opposition.
Al Bernetti spoke in support.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commission discussion included defining compensation versus a stipend, amending the Ordinance to include reimbursements and which boards currently receive compensation.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11b6 as submitted.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- NAY:
- Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 4 – ANIMALS TO ALLOW FOR COMMUNITY CATS BY AMENDING SEC. 4-1 – DEFINITIONS; SEC. 4-22 – RESTRAINT OF ANIMALS, GENERALLY; SEC. 4-50 – REGISTRATION REQUIRED; SEC. 4-72 – IMPOUNDMENT AND DISPOSITION NOT UNDER RESTRAINT, AT LARGE, AND NUISANCE ANIMALS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager, gave a brief update and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
John Parry spoke in support.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Johnson inquired about returning the animals to the location removed.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11b7.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Jeff Wykoff and Steven Schwerman of ConEdison gave an update on the Energy Performance Contract highlighting energy calculations, issue resolution and methods to verify savings.
Clay Lindstrom, FPUA Director, and Nina Penick, Director of Financial Services, presented an overview of the FY2016 Final Budget Amendment.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to waive the 30 day period and accept the budget amendment.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
Nina Penick, Director of Financial Services, gave a brief presentation and requested the Commission accept the report.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to accept the CAFR as submitted.
- 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, APPROVING THE CITY’S PARTICIPATION AS A PARTY TO THE LAKE OKEECHOBEE REGIONAL COMPACT AND THE COLLABORATION OF PARTIES IN DEVELOPING A LONG TERM REGIONAL ACTION PLAN DEDICATED TO SOLVING COMPLEX WATER MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND AS OTHERWISE AGREED UPON BY ALL PARTIES TO THE COMPACT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson stated that this Resolution requires no financial contribution to the City. It shows that we stand with our neighbors and that we want a solution to our water problem.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13c.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
Mario Wilcox
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, stated that staff visited Fort Lauderdale to meet with FDOT to discuss lighting, Ohio Avenue realignment and pedestrian access, which could provide significant cost savings. The Florida Animal Grant has been submitted nd Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful was a great event with 197 volunteers that helped to beautify many areas throughout the City. Mr. Mimms provided the agenda items for the April 10 Conference Agenda and announced the April 18 Public Workshop on the Harbour Pointe RFP.
James Messer, City Attorney, spoke about the quasi-judicial hearings and provided an example from tonight's meeting and suggests granting conditional use for one year, requiring renewals, for the vacation rental hearings.
Commissioner Perona stated that cleanup was fun and the Oyster Festival was fun, he is happy to see everyone taking advantage of our assets.
Commissioner Sessions enjoyed the Oyster Festival and volunteered shucking oysters. It is one of the biggest festivals we have that was well attended by surrounding cities.
Commissioner Johnson thanked the volunteers that came out to the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful cleanup efforts. He requested an update on downtown parking enforcement efforts.
Commissioner Alexander regrets he is not off on weekends to attend events.
Mayor Hudson mentioned the new movie house at Sabal Palm, requested information on the Marina proceeds and thanked the Garden Club for their refreshments at Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful.
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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