MINUTES OF A SPECIAL 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 7:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017.
1.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
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
4.
NEW BUSINESS
a.
Inquiry into the propriety of certain actions of Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) Board members in order to determine if such actions constitute grounds for removal.
James Messer, City Attorney, spoke about the purpose of the meeting. The City Commission must proceed into the inquiry that alleges Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) Board member misconduct and if it constitutes grounds for removal from the board. He outlined the authority of the City Commission, Florida Statutory provisions, Charter compliance, and options for consideration.
Commission discussion included the timeframe in which the documents were received, the certification of the records presented, due process, and the information obtained from the Supervisor of Elections' office. Mayor Hudson requested to hear from Louis Vocelle, attorney for Darryl Bey and Glynda Cavalcanti.
Louis Vocelle, Jr., stated that the allegations are unsubstantiated, his clients were denied due process, and that charges should be brought through the Florida Commission on Ethics. He would like to see the hearing canceled.
Further Commission discussion included looking at each issue/board member specifically and not discussing the issues at this point. Mayor Hudson passed the gavel to Mayor Pro-Tem Sessions.
Motion was made by Mayor Linda Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to continue the inquiry to a date uncertain, with discussion. Commissioner Johnson wanted clarification from James Messer, City Attorney, regarding informing the board members. Messer explained that if they are moving towards suspension/removal then yes they should continue the hearing.
Mayor Hudson withdrew the motion. Commissioner Johnson withdrew his second.
James Messer, City Attorney, spoke about the purpose of the meeting. The City Commission must proceed into the inquiry that alleges Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) Board member misconduct and if it constitutes grounds for removal from the board. He outlined the authority of the City Commission, Florida Statutory provisions, Charter compliance, and options for consideration.
Commission discussion included the timeframe in which the documents were received, the certification of the records presented, due process, and the information obtained from the Supervisor of Elections' office. Mayor Hudson requested to hear from Louis Vocelle, attorney for Darryl Bey and Glynda Cavalcanti.
Louis Vocelle, Jr., stated that the allegations are unsubstantiated, his clients were denied due process, and that charges should be brought through the Florida Commission on Ethics. He would like to see the hearing canceled.
Further Commission discussion included looking at each issue/board member specifically and not discussing the issues at this point. Mayor Hudson passed the gavel to Mayor Pro-Tem Sessions.
Motion was made by Mayor Linda Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to continue the inquiry to a date uncertain, with discussion. Commissioner Johnson wanted clarification from James Messer, City Attorney, regarding informing the board members. Messer explained that if they are moving towards suspension/removal then yes they should continue the hearing.
Mayor Hudson withdrew the motion. Commissioner Johnson withdrew his second.
Motion was made by Mayor Linda Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to reject the inquiry.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Mayor Linda Hudson
- NAY:
- Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
Additional discussion included going in the right direction since the Commission is not equipped to handle this type of an inquiry, reconvening if/when findings from the FEC are substantiated, and accomplishing due process. Commissioner Alexander stated that he will not turn a blind eye to this and continue to bring it forward.
5.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS - There were no comments from the public.
6.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mayor Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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