MINUTES OF THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Ben Bryan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Chairman Ben Bryan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Ben Bryan, Jr.; Eddie Becht; Bob Burdge; Darrell Drummond; Frank Fee, III; Harold Smyth
- Absent:
- Gloria Johnson
- Staff Present:
-
- James Messer, City Attorney
- John Tompeck, Director of Utilities
- Linda Cox, City Clerk
- Nicholas Mimms, City Manager
3.
OVERVIEW OF LIMITED CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE - SCOPE OF REVIEW
James Messer, City Attorney, described the limited scope and purpose of the Charter Review Commission. First, to review the relationship of the FPUA to the City of Fort Pierce. Second, to review the methodology of how funds are transferred to the City. Finally, to discuss how and if the Utility Authority should expand its boundaries.
James Messer, City Attorney, described the limited scope and purpose of the Charter Review Commission. First, to review the relationship of the FPUA to the City of Fort Pierce. Second, to review the methodology of how funds are transferred to the City. Finally, to discuss how and if the Utility Authority should expand its boundaries.
4.
PUBLIC INPUT (5 minutes per person)
Mike Perri indicated that he knew when they put $30.00 from the power cost adjustment into the base rate to increase the city's take by about $1,000,000, he said then that it wouldn't stop and here we are. He estimates ad valorem taxes at approximately $14 million; the FPUA collects approximately $3.6 million on the utility bill for the City; the Redevelopment Agency has about $5 million coming each year and the transfer is about $6.5 million dollars. He discussed what he believes to be the city's financial condition and outstanding bond issues. He believes it is wrong for the city to seek additional funds from the Utility Authority just because they run a prudent operation. Mr. Perri suggests expanding the FPUA board to include representation of those customers that live outside of city limits with no representation on the board; possibly to seven members to include 2 county residents.
John Tompeck, Director of Utilities, reported that they continue to work on the items requested at the last meeting. He expects to have the information by the end of the week and will provide to the Clerk for distribution.
Chairman Bryan discussed the scheduling of the next meeting. Consensus was to hold the next meeting on November 14, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. Mr. Messer plans to have a "road map" to outline issues and alternatives with appropriate back up materials.
Bob Burdge suggested that as the Commission gets closer to the end with some potential recommendations, it would be a good idea to hold two public meetings, one in the northwest section of Fort Pierce and another in City Hall. The public should have a clear understanding of what the Charter Review Commission may be recommending the the City Commission for consideration and have more ideas upon which to speak.
Chairman Bryan confirmed with Mr. Messer that the Commission has now met the requirement to seek public input prior to consideration of specific issues.
Mike Perri indicated that he knew when they put $30.00 from the power cost adjustment into the base rate to increase the city's take by about $1,000,000, he said then that it wouldn't stop and here we are. He estimates ad valorem taxes at approximately $14 million; the FPUA collects approximately $3.6 million on the utility bill for the City; the Redevelopment Agency has about $5 million coming each year and the transfer is about $6.5 million dollars. He discussed what he believes to be the city's financial condition and outstanding bond issues. He believes it is wrong for the city to seek additional funds from the Utility Authority just because they run a prudent operation. Mr. Perri suggests expanding the FPUA board to include representation of those customers that live outside of city limits with no representation on the board; possibly to seven members to include 2 county residents.
John Tompeck, Director of Utilities, reported that they continue to work on the items requested at the last meeting. He expects to have the information by the end of the week and will provide to the Clerk for distribution.
Chairman Bryan discussed the scheduling of the next meeting. Consensus was to hold the next meeting on November 14, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. Mr. Messer plans to have a "road map" to outline issues and alternatives with appropriate back up materials.
Bob Burdge suggested that as the Commission gets closer to the end with some potential recommendations, it would be a good idea to hold two public meetings, one in the northwest section of Fort Pierce and another in City Hall. The public should have a clear understanding of what the Charter Review Commission may be recommending the the City Commission for consideration and have more ideas upon which to speak.
Chairman Bryan confirmed with Mr. Messer that the Commission has now met the requirement to seek public input prior to consideration of specific issues.
5.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Bryan adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
Chairman Bryan adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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CHAIR
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