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, APRIL 7, 2014.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Reverend Eddie Oliver of Neighborhood Bible Way Church offered the opening prayer.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Absent:
- Commissioner Edward Becht
- Staff Present:
-
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Robert Bradshaw
- City Attorney Robert Schwerer
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to excuse Commissioner Edward Becht.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes of March 17, 2014 meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting on March 17, 2014.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
a.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation in honor of Sylvie Kramer Marceau as a Public Health Hero. It was received by Marc Malloy.
b.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring April, 2014, as Guardian ad Litem Month. It was received by Vern Melvin, Circuit Director of the 19th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, Gail Griffith, Volunteer Recruiter for the 19th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program and James Pawlak, President of Voices for Children of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast.
c.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring the month of April, 2014, as Water Conservation Month. It was received by Kathy LaMartina, SFWMD.
d.
Mayor Hudson issued a Proclamation declaring the month of April, 2014, as Child Abuse Prevention Month. It was received by Courtney Gurtowski, CASTLE Community Relations.
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION - the following letter will be kept on file in the City Clerk's Office.
a.
Letter from Ken Milner, Commodore - Fort Pierce Yacht Club, commending the work and cooperation in appreciation for Michelle Kubitschek and Steve Strong.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rev. John Lee Sr. - 1204 Avenue K
Mr. George L. Gibson - World of Unite Muslim
Mr. Rick Reed
Capt. Chop Lege - 20 Harbour Isle Drive West
Ms. Cristin Ryan - St. Lucie County Aquarium
Ms. Laura Dietrich - Smithsonian Marine Station
Ms. Camie Sellin - Treasure Coast Boat Rentals Bait & Tackle
Mr. Alan Hayes - Tours on Horseback
Mr. Bill Gibson - Motorized Kayak Adventures
Ms. Betty Bradwell
Ms. Rena Jordan Wyatt - 2017 Avenue D
Ms. Barbara Copeland - 105 North 15th Street
Ms. Miranda Mozell - 105 North 15th Street
Mr. Tavares Moore - 105 North 15th Street
Mr. Terrance Bulford - 105 North 15th Street
Ms. Kimberly Clark - 101 North 15th Street
Mr. James Buchheit
Rev. John Lee Sr. - 1204 Avenue K
Mr. George L. Gibson - World of Unite Muslim
Mr. Rick Reed
Capt. Chop Lege - 20 Harbour Isle Drive West
Ms. Cristin Ryan - St. Lucie County Aquarium
Ms. Laura Dietrich - Smithsonian Marine Station
Ms. Camie Sellin - Treasure Coast Boat Rentals Bait & Tackle
Mr. Alan Hayes - Tours on Horseback
Mr. Bill Gibson - Motorized Kayak Adventures
Ms. Betty Bradwell
Ms. Rena Jordan Wyatt - 2017 Avenue D
Ms. Barbara Copeland - 105 North 15th Street
Ms. Miranda Mozell - 105 North 15th Street
Mr. Tavares Moore - 105 North 15th Street
Mr. Terrance Bulford - 105 North 15th Street
Ms. Kimberly Clark - 101 North 15th Street
Mr. James Buchheit
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Waive interest and penalties for Lot Clearing Lien in the amount of $372.27 against 503 N. 14th Street, owned by P. Serge Camille, contingent upon payment of $256.77 in 60 days.
b.
Waive interest, penalties and administrative fees for Lot Clearing Lien in the amount of $1,795.16 against 503 N. 14th Street, owned by P. Serge Camille, contingent upon payment of $533.77 in 60 days.
c.
Waive interest and penalties for Demolition Lien in the amount of $5,256.48 against 503 N. 14th Street, owned by P. Serge Camille, contingent upon payment of $2,820.00 in 60 days.
d.
Waive interest, penalties and administrative fees for Lot Clearing & Demolition Liens in the amount of $12,772.40 against 2604 Avenue E, owned by P. Serge Camille, contingent upon payment of $6,114.85 in 60 days.
e.
Waive interest, penalties and administrative fees for Lot Clearing Lien in the amount of $2,785.75 against 507 N. 14th Street, owned by P. Serge Camille, contingent upon payment of $1,027.23 in 60 days.
f.
Waive interest and penalties for Demolition Lien in the amount of $7,883.40 against 507 N. 14th Street, owned by P. Serge Camille, contingent upon payment of $4,100.00 in 60 days.
g.
Waive Code Enforcement Lien in the amount of $1,000.00 against 2604 Avenue E, owned by P. Serge Camille.
h.
Waive Code Enforcement Lien in the amount of $8,800.00 against 118 N. 11th Street, owned by Michele Mayhew.
i.
Request to reduce Code Enforcement Lien in the amount of $60,840.00 against 5496 Altman Road, owned by Mariner Cove Fort Pierce LTD, to $2,300.00, contingent upon payment within 60 days.
j.
Waive interest, penalties, and administrative fees for Lot Clearing Lien in the amount of $251.50 against 1113 Avenue F, owned by Aaron Richardson, Jr., contingent upon payment of $150.00 within 60 days.
k.
Waive interest, penalties, and a percentage of administrative fees for Lot Clearing Lien in the amount of $336.28 against N. 12th Street, owned by Marie M. Joseph, contingent upon payment of $175.00 within 60 days.
l.
Deny request for reduction of Code Enforcement Lien in the amount of $109,540.00 against 2729 S US Highway 1, owned by Mr. Juan E. Garcia.
m.
Request approval to piggyback to Collier County "Storm Drain Cleaning, Documenting & Repairs" Contract No. ITB 10-5507 with Shenandoah General Construction Company, and award of contract for the emergency stormwater lining of 980 LF of 60" RCP storm drain to Shenandoah in the amount of $315,194.00.
n.
Request approval of Kimley-Horn and Associates Specific Authorization No. 2 for compensation of additional engineering services in the amount of $31,172.00 for the Heathcote Botanical Park and Gardens Stormwater Project - Phase I Improvements AKA Indian Hills Recreation Area Stormwater Improvement Project.
o.
Acceptance of proposal from Yamaha Motor Corp. for 60 month extension of golf car lease at the current cost of $40,572.00 per year for 73 new Yamaha standard gasoline and 2 electric golf cars.
p.
Accept Teamsters Local 769 Settlement Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety, items 9a - 9p.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Ordinance No. 14-007 - A Zoning Atlas Amendment request for 4100 Glades Cut-Off Road. SECOND READING
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Ms. Clarissa Davis, Planning Specialist, appeared with a brief presentation and staff recommendation that the City Commission approve the zoning map amendment.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Ms. Clarissa Davis, Planning Specialist, appeared with a brief presentation and staff recommendation that the City Commission approve the zoning map amendment.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve Ordinance No. 14-007 on second and final reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
b.
Ordinance No. 14-010 - Amending the Future Land Use Map for property located at 1210 S 25th Street from OP to NC. SECOND READING
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve Ordinance No. 14-010 on second and final reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
c.
Ordinance No. 14-011 - Rezoning Properties Generally Located at 1210 S 25th Street from C-1, Office Commercial to C-2, Neighborhood Commercial. SECOND READING
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Ms. Joyce Calvert opposes the change in zoning. Ms. Calvert briefly explained it was originally zoned as P-1, allowing for professional offices. She said the zoning was originally designed to protect anybody that was going to abut commercial zones. She feels the parcel should remain a C-1 zone, previously known as P-1.
Seeing no one else, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Mr. Benton responded to Commissioner Perona and explained the difference between a C-1 and a C-2 zone as it pertained to allowable types of businesses. He also spoke of the required buffers as well as structure height requirements.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Mr. Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, appeared and was available for questions.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Ms. Joyce Calvert opposes the change in zoning. Ms. Calvert briefly explained it was originally zoned as P-1, allowing for professional offices. She said the zoning was originally designed to protect anybody that was going to abut commercial zones. She feels the parcel should remain a C-1 zone, previously known as P-1.
Seeing no one else, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Mr. Benton responded to Commissioner Perona and explained the difference between a C-1 and a C-2 zone as it pertained to allowable types of businesses. He also spoke of the required buffers as well as structure height requirements.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve Ordinance No. 14-011 on second and final reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
d.
Ordinance No. 14-012 - Budget Amendment of the 2012-13 Budget. FIRST READING
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Ms. Gloria Johnson, Finance Director, appeared and was available for questions. The City's original budget was $32,326,046 with the same in expenditures. The budget decreased by $296,792 amending the budget to $32,029,254. She responded to Commissioner Perona about the Revenue Fund Balance. She explained because the City originally had more expenditures than revenues they appropriated $1.2 million to fund the general fund balance; the City did not need it all and only used $564,000 of this.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
Ms. Gloria Johnson, Finance Director, appeared and was available for questions. The City's original budget was $32,326,046 with the same in expenditures. The budget decreased by $296,792 amending the budget to $32,029,254. She responded to Commissioner Perona about the Revenue Fund Balance. She explained because the City originally had more expenditures than revenues they appropriated $1.2 million to fund the general fund balance; the City did not need it all and only used $564,000 of this.
Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve Ordinance No. 14-012 on first reading.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
11.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS & REQUESTS
a.
Presentation on Fort Pierce Authentic Tours (FPAT) Program
Ms. Libby Woodruff appeared with a presentation. She stated they have applied for a grant for funding to design and print brochures that will be put into every visitor's center in the state of Florida.
Commissioner Perona commented on the number of kayaks and bicycles he has seen around recently, he said that it was good to see a lot of the local people enjoy their own community.
Ms. Libby Woodruff appeared with a presentation. She stated they have applied for a grant for funding to design and print brochures that will be put into every visitor's center in the state of Florida.
Commissioner Perona commented on the number of kayaks and bicycles he has seen around recently, he said that it was good to see a lot of the local people enjoy their own community.
12.
CITY COMMISSION
a.
Approval of the FPUA’s FY 2013 Final Budget Amendment.
Mr. William Thiess, Director of Utilities, appeared with a combined presentation for the Final Budget Amendment and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and a request for approval. Ms. Nina Hurtubise, Director of Finance, was available for questions.
The city's distribution amount is $5,605,157 and will be payable within 60 days of approval and acceptance of FPUA's audit report. Funds will be sent this week if approved.
Commissioner Alexander inquired if this is not approved tonight will it fall into place anyway. Mr. Schwerer responded, "Yes it would unless disapproved by a four fifths vote".
Motion was made by Commissioner Perona, Mayor Hudson relinquished the gavel to acting Mayor Pro Tem Sessions and seconded the vote to approve the Final Budget Amendment.
Mr. William Thiess, Director of Utilities, appeared with a combined presentation for the Final Budget Amendment and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and a request for approval. Ms. Nina Hurtubise, Director of Finance, was available for questions.
The city's distribution amount is $5,605,157 and will be payable within 60 days of approval and acceptance of FPUA's audit report. Funds will be sent this week if approved.
Commissioner Alexander inquired if this is not approved tonight will it fall into place anyway. Mr. Schwerer responded, "Yes it would unless disapproved by a four fifths vote".
Motion was made by Commissioner Perona, Mayor Hudson relinquished the gavel to acting Mayor Pro Tem Sessions and seconded the vote to approve the Final Budget Amendment.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Thomas Perona
- NAY:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Failed
b.
Presentation of the FPUA Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for FY2013.
Motion was made by Commissioner Perona, Mayor Hudson relinquished the gavel to acting Mayor Pro Tem Sessions and seconded the vote to approve the FPUA (CAFR).
Motion was made by Commissioner Perona, Mayor Hudson relinquished the gavel to acting Mayor Pro Tem Sessions and seconded the vote to approve the FPUA (CAFR).
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Thomas Perona
- NAY:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Failed
c.
Discussion requested by Commissioner Sessions regarding the cost effectiveness of an in-house street paving program.
Mr. Nick Mimms, Mr. Mike Reals and Mr. Jack Andrews appeared and were available for questions. Mr. Mimms stated the City does have a significant need for preventative maintenance as well as reactive maintenance within our street network. This has not been done due to the city's restrictive budget.
Mr. Andrews stated if we just resurface, there is a possibility we could do this, but we are in the unfortunate circumstance that the city streets have gone beyond that. A lot of the streets are in need of curb and gutter replacement, millings and base work must be done prior to resurfacing. The necessary equipment and crews gets costly. He commented that it will take a while to obtain the expertise of the contractors who perform this type of work on a regular basis, it is going to take a while to get production rates up to that. If we had money that could be set aside for a year for a program we would be better able to budget.
Mr. Reals stated the cost to obtain the equipment to do just resurfacing would be a capital outlay of $200,000. In order to take care of roads that require milling, the equipment would cost upwards of $380,000 to $400,000 if the city were to purchase the equipment outright. In order to handle curbing, any storm water or sanitary sewer repairs to complete road reconstruction, the costs for that necessary equipment would be around $725,000. Mr. Reals stated he looked into a lease option to lease all of the equipment needed. A five year lease would have a yearly payment of $115,000 and at the end of the term there is a $200,000 buyout if the city decides to keep the equipment. Additional staff would be needed to conduct this work.
Mr. Bradshaw stated when we get into budget discussions this is an item to be discussed, maybe lay out a 5 year, an 8 or 10 year plan. The funding opportunities are not there right now.
Mr. Nick Mimms, Mr. Mike Reals and Mr. Jack Andrews appeared and were available for questions. Mr. Mimms stated the City does have a significant need for preventative maintenance as well as reactive maintenance within our street network. This has not been done due to the city's restrictive budget.
Mr. Andrews stated if we just resurface, there is a possibility we could do this, but we are in the unfortunate circumstance that the city streets have gone beyond that. A lot of the streets are in need of curb and gutter replacement, millings and base work must be done prior to resurfacing. The necessary equipment and crews gets costly. He commented that it will take a while to obtain the expertise of the contractors who perform this type of work on a regular basis, it is going to take a while to get production rates up to that. If we had money that could be set aside for a year for a program we would be better able to budget.
Mr. Reals stated the cost to obtain the equipment to do just resurfacing would be a capital outlay of $200,000. In order to take care of roads that require milling, the equipment would cost upwards of $380,000 to $400,000 if the city were to purchase the equipment outright. In order to handle curbing, any storm water or sanitary sewer repairs to complete road reconstruction, the costs for that necessary equipment would be around $725,000. Mr. Reals stated he looked into a lease option to lease all of the equipment needed. A five year lease would have a yearly payment of $115,000 and at the end of the term there is a $200,000 buyout if the city decides to keep the equipment. Additional staff would be needed to conduct this work.
Mr. Bradshaw stated when we get into budget discussions this is an item to be discussed, maybe lay out a 5 year, an 8 or 10 year plan. The funding opportunities are not there right now.
d.
Submittal of Applications for Appointment/Re-Appointment to the Civil Service Appeals Board
e.
Submittal of Applications for Appointment and/or Reappointment to the Sunrise Theatre Advisory Board
13.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
a.
Department Activity Report - Mr. Bradshaw had no comments.
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Alexander requested for consideration at the next meeting that the funds he did not use for travel to Tallahassee, be used to assist the children to travel to Jacksonville for the Crime Prevention seminar.
Commissioner Sessions had no comment.
Commissioner Perona wanted to thank staff and the Mayor for attending the Treasure Coast Regional Planning meeting in March. There was a representative from All Aboard Florida and it seems that everybody in the surrounding areas share a lot of the feelings that we have. The FECI applied for a railroad and improvement investment loan and one of the requirements is an environmental impact study. As part of this study, there will be public input. As frustrating as it is, there is little that we can do unless we amass public opinion and be able to talk to our congressmen. This is an ongoing process and he invites anyone who is interested in All Aboard Florida to get on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning website and view the March meeting minutes.
Mayor Hudson said there was a great crowd this past weekend; between the market and OysterFest, you could hardly move through downtown Fort Pierce. This coming Saturday at the Farmer's Market it is Empty Bowls Day, a great fundraiser. High school art students make pottery bowls they then decorate and autograph; the culinary arts students make a soup to serve in the bowls that are sold. All proceeds go to the Treasure Coast Food Bank.
Commissioner Alexander requested for consideration at the next meeting that the funds he did not use for travel to Tallahassee, be used to assist the children to travel to Jacksonville for the Crime Prevention seminar.
Commissioner Sessions had no comment.
Commissioner Perona wanted to thank staff and the Mayor for attending the Treasure Coast Regional Planning meeting in March. There was a representative from All Aboard Florida and it seems that everybody in the surrounding areas share a lot of the feelings that we have. The FECI applied for a railroad and improvement investment loan and one of the requirements is an environmental impact study. As part of this study, there will be public input. As frustrating as it is, there is little that we can do unless we amass public opinion and be able to talk to our congressmen. This is an ongoing process and he invites anyone who is interested in All Aboard Florida to get on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning website and view the March meeting minutes.
Mayor Hudson said there was a great crowd this past weekend; between the market and OysterFest, you could hardly move through downtown Fort Pierce. This coming Saturday at the Farmer's Market it is Empty Bowls Day, a great fundraiser. High school art students make pottery bowls they then decorate and autograph; the culinary arts students make a soup to serve in the bowls that are sold. All proceeds go to the Treasure Coast Food Bank.
15.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
ATTEST:
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|