Meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m.

Commissioner Sessions arrived at 8:38 a.m.
Commissioner Becht arrived at 9:31 a.m.

Acting Administrative Services Director, Sheritta Johnson, brought forward three (3) proposals that were submitted to assist the city in its search for a new police chief.   Ms. Johnson recommends that the City move forward with the search firm of Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).   After evaluating the proposals, she determined that PERF had the most comprehensive approach to the search.  She reached out to neighboring jurisdictions that had utilized their services and received positive feedback.   The firm will meet with city leaders and stakeholders before initiating the search in order to determine what the city is seeking in a chief as well as learn about our community.  They utilize diverse groups in their recruitment efforts and their proposal includes all travel expenses.  City Manager Robert Bradshaw reiterated his desire to have the Mayor and Commission involved in this recruitment process from the beginning.  Consensus was to move forward with entering into a contract with PERF based on their discussions.

Acting Police Chief Frank Amandro appeared to discuss a request to rededicate the Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Park, as the Danny Parrish Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Park.   It is customary to honor fallen police officers by naming police facilities after them and Danny Parrish was killed in the line of duty in 1991.  This request has been supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Hundred club of St. Lucie County, all local law enforcement agencies and Danny Parrish's widow, Mirtha.   The police department will raise sufficient funding to provide proper signage, an appropriate monument and landscaping.  Mayor and Commission supports this request.

Planning Manager Rebecca Grohall appeared with a presentation to discuss regulation of medical marijuana.   She indicated that the City needs to be in front of this issue so we have the ability to regulate dispensaries and other issues related to medical marijuana if and when the constitutional amendment passes.  She recently attended a planning conference where she was able to meet with representatives that are providing assistance and guidance to many municipalities in Florida regarding this issue.  After discussion, it was agreed that Ms. Grohall should proceed with drafting ordinances to insure our ability to regulate medical marijuana through land use, site restrictions, licensing, hours of operation and similar regulations so were are not prohibited from doing so in the future.   She will work with our police department and other jurisdictions when crafting ordinances for the City of Fort Pierce.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.