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, JULY 17, 2017.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Devoshay Johnson, IT Manager, 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 the minutes from the July 3, 2017 Regular Meeting and the July 3, 2017 Special Closed Meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve the minutes of the July 3, 2017 regular meeting and July 3, 2017 special closed 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 recognizing the Fort Pierce Lions Club 70th Anniversary.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - Copies of the following letters will be kept on file at the City Clerk's office.
a.
Email from John Hart, V.P. Construction Services, Senior Project Engineer, Carnahan Proctor & Cross, expressing their appreciation for the excellent job by Ed Seissiger, Engineering Project Coordinator, with the FDOT Jenkins Road/SR 70 project.
b.
Letter from Sheriff Ken J. Mascara thanking the men and women of the Police Department's Rotation A Day Shift for their assistance with a barricaded subject at the Flying J Truck Stop on June 12, 2017.
c.
Letter from Sheriff Ken J. Mascara in sincere appreciation for the assistance provided by the Police Department's Traffic Unit during the June 8th funeral of Sergeant Valentine.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS - There were no comments from the public.
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona 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.
Approval of travel expenses in the amount of $1560.00 for Mayor Hudson to attend the 2017 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference being held in Orlando, Florida on August 16 - 20, 2017.
b.
Approval of travel expenses in the amount of $1560.00 for Commissioner Johnson to attend the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference being held on August 16 - 20, 2017 in Orlando, Florida.
c.
Approval of travel expenses in the amount of $1560.00 for Commissioner Alexander to attend the 2017 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference being held in Orlando, Florida on August 16 - 20, 2017.
d.
Approve $15,000 increase in BPO 170247, A-1 Balers and Compactors, West Palm Beach, Florida.
e.
Approval of Change Order No.1 for Bid No. 2016-022 North 13th Street Roadway Improvements in the amount of $12,863.25 to Pav-Co Contracting Inc. pending City Attorney approval.
f.
Approve Grant Award from Allegany Franciscan Ministry to cover portion of salary for Lincoln Park Revitalization Coordinator staff position for three (3) years.
g.
Approve request of Lawnwood Hospital to install an above ground fuel tank at 1700 South 23rd Street.
h.
Approval to piggyback Town of Jupiter Utilities Unit Price Contract for Stormwater Utility Infrastructure Repairs, Contract No. S1628, as awarded to Johnson-Davis, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00.
i.
Approve lease amendment between the City of Fort Pierce and Jetty View, LLC for a six (6) month term for continued use of a temporary parking lot along Seaway Drive in the amount of $36,000.00.
Commissioner Perona requested to pull item 10i.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve items 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g and 10h.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
As to item 10i, Commissioner Perona, wants the public to know that the temporary lot will be phased out and the development of the lot at St. Lucie and A1A should be completed within the next 4 - 6 months. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, stated that Public Works personnel are responsible for the design and installation.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 10i.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
11.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance No. 17-020 amending Chapter 4 to establish procedures for keeping backyard chickens. SECOND READING
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; AMENDING SEC. 4-2 – PROHIBITED ANIMALS BY ALLOWING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL EXEMPTION PERMITS FOR BACKYARD CHICKENS; AND CREATING SEC. 4-33 – BACKYARD CHICKENS TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR THE KEEPING OF BACKYARD CHICKENS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Anouk Shimeall spoke in support.
Alki Steriopoulos spoke in opposition.
Roy Darby spoke in support.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager, believes this will stop the complaints about free-roaming because they will now be contained in coups. The trapping of chickens will be increased due to new traps. Currently chickens are outlawed; this is a procedure to try to regulate and stabilize the chicken problem. Commissioner Sessions will not support this Ordinance.
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; AMENDING SEC. 4-2 – PROHIBITED ANIMALS BY ALLOWING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL EXEMPTION PERMITS FOR BACKYARD CHICKENS; AND CREATING SEC. 4-33 – BACKYARD CHICKENS TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR THE KEEPING OF BACKYARD CHICKENS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Anouk Shimeall spoke in support.
Alki Steriopoulos spoke in opposition.
Roy Darby spoke in support.
Seeing no one else, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Peggy Arraiz, Code Compliance Manager, believes this will stop the complaints about free-roaming because they will now be contained in coups. The trapping of chickens will be increased due to new traps. Currently chickens are outlawed; this is a procedure to try to regulate and stabilize the chicken problem. Commissioner Sessions will not support this Ordinance.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 11a.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- NAY:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance No. 17-023, amending Article XXII, Chapter 2 to provide for Arts and Culture Advisory Board to oversee Art in Public Places Program and 10-Year Arts and Culture Strategic Plan. FIRST READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE XXII, CHAPTER 2, ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, BY AMENDING SEC. 2-355 – DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF AN ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY BOARD AND CREATION OF A 10-YEAR ARTS AND CULTURE STRATEGIC PLAN; AMENDING SEC. 2-356 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM, INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC PLAN; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND REPEALING ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Libby Woodruff, Grants Administrator, gave a presentation and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one, Mayor Hudson closed the public hearing.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, read the Ordinance, by title only, into the record as follows.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE XXII, CHAPTER 2, ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, BY AMENDING SEC. 2-355 – DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF AN ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY BOARD AND CREATION OF A 10-YEAR ARTS AND CULTURE STRATEGIC PLAN; AMENDING SEC. 2-356 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM, INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC PLAN; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND REPEALING ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Libby Woodruff, Grants Administrator, gave a 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 11b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
12.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
Update from the Wastewater Relocation Advisory Committee - Darrell Drummond, Chairman
Darrell Drummond, Chairman, gave an update on the activities of the committee over the past year. He provided a brief summary of each meeting held. The committee has a identified a phased plan from the Utilities Authority, a cost estimate of $100M-$120M to make the location ready for redevelopment and suggests continued discussions between the City, County and FPUA.
Commission discussion included looking into opportunities that are outside of the box, picking the correct plans for the location and the need to take the lead to collaborate on the project.
Darrell Drummond, Chairman, gave an update on the activities of the committee over the past year. He provided a brief summary of each meeting held. The committee has a identified a phased plan from the Utilities Authority, a cost estimate of $100M-$120M to make the location ready for redevelopment and suggests continued discussions between the City, County and FPUA.
Commission discussion included looking into opportunities that are outside of the box, picking the correct plans for the location and the need to take the lead to collaborate on the project.
13.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Submittal of applications for consideration to serve as a regular and alternate member of the Civil Service Appeals Board.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, explained that the applications are being submitted for review and a vote will take place at the next meeting on August 7, 2017.
Linda Cox, City Clerk, explained that the applications are being submitted for review and a vote will take place at the next meeting on August 7, 2017.
b.
Resolution 17-R23 appointing Jorge Goz to the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Advisory Board to fulfill the unexpired term of Cheryl Glenn-Reed as the police department representative.
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, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE KEEP FORT PIERCE BEAUTIFUL ADVISORY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE KEEP FORT PIERCE BEAUTIFUL ADVISORY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 13b.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions, Mayor Linda Hudson
Passed
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mario Wilcox
Richard Pinsky
Roderick Burgess
Roy Darby
Tina Lomax
Michael Jackson
Betty Bradwell
Annette Brown
Jamire Anderson
LaStacia Williams
Dodi Spence
Mario Wilcox
Richard Pinsky
Roderick Burgess
Roy Darby
Tina Lomax
Michael Jackson
Betty Bradwell
Annette Brown
Jamire Anderson
LaStacia Williams
Dodi Spence
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, thanked the Commission for the support in establishing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Boards and Committees Appreciation Breakfast will take place on Thursday, August 10 at the River Walk Center. The City of Fort Pierce will continue its approach towards community outreach to stay in the lives of the youth in this community.
James Messer, City Attorney, requested an attorney-client meeting for the Haven Detox case. The Florida State Beach Preservation Association has invited the City Attorney's office to speak at an upcoming convention. A sober home task force is being created on the Treasure Coast to address concerns. A limited charter review will be proposed to examine Article XII of the Charter in reference to the FPUA.
Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, thanked the Commission for the support in establishing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Boards and Committees Appreciation Breakfast will take place on Thursday, August 10 at the River Walk Center. The City of Fort Pierce will continue its approach towards community outreach to stay in the lives of the youth in this community.
James Messer, City Attorney, requested an attorney-client meeting for the Haven Detox case. The Florida State Beach Preservation Association has invited the City Attorney's office to speak at an upcoming convention. A sober home task force is being created on the Treasure Coast to address concerns. A limited charter review will be proposed to examine Article XII of the Charter in reference to the FPUA.
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Alexander does not want his named referenced during FPUA meeting and does not like City staff bring brought into the conversation.
Commissioner Perona spoke about TNR program in development and how it should address the feral cat issue in Fort Pierce. He'd like to discuss COLA adjustments for our retirees; the Retirement Board cannot address the concern due to unfunded liability.
Commissioner Sessions looks forward to the Charter Review Committee and hopes there will be positive changes. He spoke about the recent shootings a few blocks away from the Avenue M community kickball event. He inquired about police visibility on Sundays in the area.
Commissioner Johnson . He asked the FPUA employees to be encouraged and know that they are important. The Charter Review will be a good thing, there is a lot of opportunity to review what is in place and make changes. There is a Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments and Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities luncheon will take place on July 19. He thanked Chief Hobley-Burney for the awesome Unity in Our Community event.
Mayor Hudson said that the wanted to thank the City of Fort Pierce and Police Department for their effort and success in the Chili Cook Off. Back to School night being held at Mets Stadium on August 4, to celebrate the School District increase's recent improvements. John Tompeck is the Interim Director of the FPUA, is encouraged by a seamless transition and professionalism of the FPUA staff.
Commissioner Alexander does not want his named referenced during FPUA meeting and does not like City staff bring brought into the conversation.
Commissioner Perona spoke about TNR program in development and how it should address the feral cat issue in Fort Pierce. He'd like to discuss COLA adjustments for our retirees; the Retirement Board cannot address the concern due to unfunded liability.
Commissioner Sessions looks forward to the Charter Review Committee and hopes there will be positive changes. He spoke about the recent shootings a few blocks away from the Avenue M community kickball event. He inquired about police visibility on Sundays in the area.
Commissioner Johnson . He asked the FPUA employees to be encouraged and know that they are important. The Charter Review will be a good thing, there is a lot of opportunity to review what is in place and make changes. There is a Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments and Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities luncheon will take place on July 19. He thanked Chief Hobley-Burney for the awesome Unity in Our Community event.
Mayor Hudson said that the wanted to thank the City of Fort Pierce and Police Department for their effort and success in the Chili Cook Off. Back to School night being held at Mets Stadium on August 4, to celebrate the School District increase's recent improvements. John Tompeck is the Interim Director of the FPUA, is encouraged by a seamless transition and professionalism of the FPUA staff.
17.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared this meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
ATTEST:
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|