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Minutes for City Commission Regular Meeting

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 16, 2018.
 
1.
CALL TO ORDER
 
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Elder Eldrew Baldwin, Lincoln Park Council of Ministers, Inc.
 
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
4.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Staff Present:
  • City Attorney James Messer
  • City Clerk Linda Cox
  • City Manager Nicholas Mimms
 
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
a.
Approval of Minutes from the April 5, 2018 Special Closed Meeting.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 5 a.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
b.
Approval of the minutes for the April 2, 2018 Regular Meeting.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 5 b.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Hudson issued the Proclamations below.  
 
a.
19th Circuit Guardian ad Litem in recognition of National Child Abuse and Prevention Month and National Volunteer Appreciation Week.
 
b.
CASTLE Child Abuse Prevention Month
 
c.
Proclamation recognizing April as Earth Month
 
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
The following letters will be kept on file in the City Clerk's Office.
 
a.
Letter from Fort Pierce resident, Kori Benton, expressing his recognition and appreciation for Detective James Greco's excellent service and esteemed professionalism while on duty at the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.
 
b.
Email from Ilona Rouda from Roseville, Minnesota, sharing her appreciation of the City's newly developed website and Facebook postings that include gorgeous pictures and congratulating Shyanne Helms, Communications Manager and Shay Johnson, Information Technology Manager for their great media job.
 
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no comments from the public.
 
9.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve the agenda as presented.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
 
a.
Eckerd Youth Alternatives Programs Update - Claudia Laos, Operations Director
Claudia Laos, Operations Director with Eckerd Connects stated Jack and Ruth Eckerd founded Eckerd Connects as a way to help children and their families get a second chance. Nearly five decades later with a presence in 20 states their services have expanded to include foster care, adoption, workforce development, aid for the homeless, and transitional services for troubled youth. The local Eckerd Connects is working with Circuit 19 since July 2013 to assist at-risk youth.
 
b.
Presentation on the new CAST School - St. Lucie County School District
Dr. Helen Wild, Chief Academic Officer with St. Lucie County Public Schools indicated they’d applied for and were awarded the MSAP Grant for $12,541,533, a 5-year grant.  This grant will allow our community to open three new magnet programs.  Sam Gaines Academy and Fort Pierce Westwood High School will now have S.T.E.M. programs which focus on science, technology, engineering and math.  Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Arts will now be called C.A.S.T and will focus on a full range of arts.
 
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
 
a.
Approve termination of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County for the lease of office space in the Fort Pierce Parking Garage for the utilization of the Guardian ad Litem Program.
As to 11 a, Commissioner Alexander wanted clarification on why the Interlocal Agreement was terminated.  Mike Reals, Public Works Director, stated the County terminated the agreement because they are not ready to move forward at this and have had to renew their lease where they are at the moment; however, the County has expressed their desire to move forward in the future.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 11 a.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
NAY:
Commissioner Rufus Alexander

Passed

 
b.
Approval of 2016-2017 Final Budget Amendments for Grant Funds:  CDBG, SHIP and Grant Administration
 
c.
Approve travel for Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson in the amount of $841.42 to attend the 2018 Institute for Elected Municipal Officials.
 
d.
Approve travel for Commissioner Rufus Alexander in the amount of $1031.96 to attend the 33rd National Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference.
 
e.
Approve travel for Commissioner Reginald Sessions in the amount of $1031.96 to attend the 33rd National Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference.
 
f.
Approve settlement agreement in City of Fort Pierce vs. Fort Pierce Petroleum, LLC, St. Lucie County Circuit Court Case No. 2017-CA-001586. 
 
g.
Approve change order for SHIP Rehab Bid #2017-019-not to exceed $6,490 to provide replacement of Central Air/Heating system
As to 11 g, Commissioner Johnson thought the bid was too high for the industry.  He requested additional bids be submitted for review.  Ms. Elizabeth Woodruff, Grant Writer & Administrator, said she would acquire more bids.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to deny item 11 g.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve items 11 b, 11 c, 11 d, 11 e, and 11 f.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
 
a.
Public Hearing for 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP).
Ms. Elizabeth Woodruff, Grant Writer & Administrator, indicated a three-year Local Housing Assistance Plan is due May 2, 2018 to the State of Florida.  This plan will cover the years of 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. For two months applications were accepted from the public and approximately 80 were submitted.  They are currently working on verifying income of these applicants and the plan thus far is to do 40 rehabilitations depending on how they come in. Ms. Woodruff went over the various strategies used in order to provide assistance. 

Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.  
Seeing no one, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
 
b.
Ordinance 18-009 (Quasi-Judicial Hearing Waived) Rezoning the property generally located at 102 Avenue A (Marina Way), from PUR, Planned Unit Redevelopment, TO C-4, Central Commercial Zone.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.  

ORDINANCE NO. 18-009 - AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; REZONING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 102 AVENUE A (MARINA WAY), FROM PUR, PLANNED UNIT REDEVELOPMENT, TO C-4, CENTRAL COMMERCIAL ZONE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 

Mr. Vennis Gilmore, Planning Analyst, stated the applicant is seeking to rezone the property to C4 Central Commercial making it more compatible with the existing building of 2nd Street Station to the west.  All affected departments have reviewed the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment with regards to the requirements of the City Code. Findings from the review by corresponding departments and any associated responses by the applicant were provided for viewing by the City Commission.  The proposed amendment meets the criteria specified in Section 22-131 of the City Code and promotes and protects the public health, safety and general welfare; therefore, Staff recommends that  the City Commission approve the proposed amendment.

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 item 12 b.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
c.
Ordinance No. 18-010 - Final Budget Amendment of the General Fund FY 2017 Budget.  FIRST READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.  

ORDINANCE NO. 18-010 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2016-17 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA BY INSERTING THEREIN A SCHEDULE ATTACHED HERETO AND DESIGNED AS THE 2016-17 FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT.  THE SAID SCHEDULE PROVIDES FOR THE INCREASES AND/OR DECREASES IN REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GENERAL FUND, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Ms. Johnna Morris said they are amending their budget to $40,055,259 and are seeking approval from the City Commission to proceed with the amendment.

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 Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 12 c.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
d.
Resolution No. 18-R20 and Quasi-Judicial Hearing - A hearing to allow the owners and/or parties of interest in the property identified as 513 (AKA 519) N 13th Street to show cause why the structure located on the premises should not be condemned and demolished.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.  

RESOLUTION NO. 18-R20 - A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THAT CERTAIN BUILDING OR STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 513 (AKA 519) N 13TH ST IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA IS UNSAFE AND A NUISANCE THAT CONSTITUTES A MENACE TO THE BUSINESS, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY; AND THAT SAID BUILDING OR STRUCTURE SHALL BE CONDEMNED AND DEMOLISHED; DECLARING THE PARTIES OF INTEREST WERE PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE BUILDING OR STRUCTURE; AND ORDERING THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE TO AFFECT SUCH REMOVAL AND PLACE A LIEN UPON THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED IF COMPLETED BY THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE; PROVIDING FOR APPEAL; AND PROVIDING FOR NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Since this is a Quasi-Judicial-Hearing, Attorney James Messer asked Ms. Arraiz if there were any interested parties that objected.  Ms. Arraiz answered not to her knowledge.

Ms. Peggy Arraiz, Code Enforcement Manager, proceeded to state there are multiple code violations on this property and fines have been running since 2015.  There was a fire in 2017 and time was allotted to allow owners to rehabilitate the property; they never replied.  Shaun Coss, Building Administrator, changed his recommendation from Rehabilitation to Demolition.  The property is a nuisance for Police Enforcement as well, since this is a property that seems to be used for criminal activity despite its dilapidated condition.

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 Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 12 c. Attorney James Messer said this would come with a 30-day appeal period.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
13.
CITY COMMISSION
 
a.
Presentation and acceptance of City Audit on all funds for fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, as prepared by DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartly & Barnes, P.A.
Mr. Mark Barnes of DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartly & Barnes, P.A. stated the audit was finished in March 2018 and the Financial Statement is also complete.  The audit went very smoothly.  Mr. Barnes presented the City Commission with various reports, including but not limited to, Balance Sheets, Governmental Funds Revenue, Governmental Funds Expenditures, Community Redevelopment, Solid Waste Fund, and Marina Fund. 

The City Commission's most notable concern was the Sunrise Theatre and the Indian Hills Golf Course.  These will be discussed at the next Conference Agenda.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Perona to approve item 13 a.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
b.
Approval of Resolution #18-R18, adopting the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for program years 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.

RESOLUTION NO. 18-R18 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA APPROVING THE LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ACT, SUBSECTIONS 420.907-420.9079, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND RULE CHAPTER 67-37, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS NEEDED BY THE STATE; AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF THE LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 13 b.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
c.
Request from Denise Sirmons, Treasure Hunter, Kids at Hope Coordinator for a contribution of $10,000 to help fund the cost for 30 youths and 10 adults to attend the National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community, May 30 to June 1 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Mr. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, expressed how much the attendance of the kids at this conference has helped them.  We have had a lot of support from the community, collaborating together to assist in this project.  We’ve also had a lot of support from City staff, as well as, the Fort Pierce Police Department.  There have been funds allocated for this project.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13 c.

AYE:
Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions

Passed

 
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Eric Gonzalez
 
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, expressed the beach restoration project has begun and, while a pretty large project, it should be completed by mid-May 2018.  Mr. Mimms along with City Engineer, Jack Andrews, Assistant City Engineer, Tracy Telle, and Representative Larry Lee amongst others, attended a meeting with the FDOT and negotiated that the department will include an observation deck on North Bridge.  Mr. Mimms also had a meeting with the Backus Museum Director, J. Marshall Adams, who is working with City staff allowing the use of his space to provide educational and teaching sessions.  The City will be using the west wing of the museum.  The Great American Clean-Up was a success.  Mr. Mimms met with the Salvation Army, the Housing Authority and staff members of St. Lucie County to speak about our homeless resources and establishing a Homeless Resource Center.  The Housing Authority is wrapping up a rehabilitation project called Adam’s Place off of Cedar Avenue and 7th Street.  The City hosted the Consul General of the Bahamas, Linda Mackey and the Assistant Consul General, Sandra Carey.  They were given a tour of the City and both were excited about the possibility of partnering with the City of Fort Pierce. 

Mr. James Messer, City Attorney, thanked the City Commission for approving the settlement which took six months of work. Mr. Messer also thanked his staff for their efforts, as well as, Shaun Coss and Kristie Kirstein with the Building Department, Peggy Arraiz, Code Enforcement Manager and City Manager, Nicholas Mimms.
 
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Alexander stated he didn’t mean to ridicule or push staff regarding the vacant building.  He said he is very much aware of the hard work that Mike Reals, Public Works Director and Nicholas Mimms, City Manager, for the City of Fort Pierce.  He was just disappointed for the public.

Commissioner Johnson reminded all of the Main Street Golf Tournament in May.  He thanked everyone who contributed at the Great American Clean-Up, there was also a five-year block party downtown.

Commissioner Sessions is looking forward to the King RFP.

Commissioner Perona mentioned land is very rare on Hutchinson Island and thus, while we have a lot of parking, we don’t have ample parking so this will always be somewhat of an issue.  The Parking Committee invites people to come and, not only air their issues, but also provide solutions to the committee.

Mayor Hudson was very impressed with the amount of young people that were at the Great American Clean-Up, as well as, the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Committee.  At the Galleria there was an art show put on by the art students of St. Lucie County Public Schools.
 
17.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
ATTEST:

____________________________ _________________________________
CITY CLERK
MAYOR COMMISSIONER