Lincoln Theater Presentation by Margaret Benton, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee
 
The City Commission held a discussion and expressed a need to have a realistic expectation of the Lincoln Park Theatre. Mr. Waller showed a Power Point presentation of the improvements to the building.  They have received Governor approved funds through the State Legislature and have had three successful fundraising events.  The Lincoln Park Theatre is a regional theater with about 500 seats and the business plan is a work in progress.  Their intent is to look at all grant possibilities on a consistent basis and is aware that an operational business plan is necessary for sustainability.  They anticipate a better scope of funding as well as programs and operations once construction is completed.  
 
There was discussion of a prior commitment made by the Commission to the Lincoln Park Community to assist with the theatre; the initial commitment was not met and the remaining funds having been reallocated.  It was suggested one way to offset costs and supplement ticket sales is through concessions and alcohol sales.  It was suggested Ms. Benton speak and meet with other managers to share information on managing a theater; it was stated money isn’t all that is needed to be successful.  It was also suggested that they contact the County concerning matching funds and extending it out over a five year time period.
 
The CRA Advisory Board recommended keeping the adjacent lots and working with the Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee to enhance the area.  They suggested utilizing the lots for parking, landscape upgrades or the specifications in the restructure plan.

Urban Redevelopment Mortgage Delinquencies - Deputy City Manager
 
The City Commission held a discussion regarding an update on the status of the mortgage delinquencies at the Oaks at Moore’s Creek.  Staff was asked to provide more thorough and accurate information, a list of 1 thru 12 specifically detailing the original mortgage rate, original principal amount, assessed value and how many payments were late or missed.  On the late payments, Commission requested a breakdown of how many payments were made 30 days late, 60 days late, and 90 days and over.  It was requested the item be brought back when staff is prepared to make a formal recommendation on the modifications for the four that staff have been assisting.  Lastly staff was asked to provide a status of the Oaks at Moore's Creek property's conditions.

Governance of the Port of Fort Pierce - Marina Manager / Deputy City Manager
 
The City Commission held a discussion.  Mr. Mimms identified a major short fall with the current Port of Fort Pierce, as there currently is no full time port director with connections and economic development experience to go out and start recruiting the connections to work with the local vendors and manufacturers.   The joint meeting where the Harbor Advisory Committee is going to make their recommendations is the perfect springboard for the conversation.

Commission asked staff to approach the State with possible funding assistance and requested that they be provided with additional information identifying the makeup and composition of other Port Authorities in the State of Florida, particularly the ones comparable to Fort Pierce.  There was a consensus there has to be a governing body built with dedicated funding and organized support to move forward.

Mr. Schwerer encourages the Commission to look to the County’s Comprehensive Plan Port Sub Element for the legal framework of management, operation and also the framework of future uses.  Look to what is currently there as far as the policies, goals and objectives; the actual law governing the port.