Dec 16, 2024 City Commission Regular Meeting

[1. CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:11]

>>> THIS IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, 2024. PLEASE STAND FOR THE OPENING PRAYER FROM ELDER RUBEN MITCHELL AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

>> WE THANK YOU OH GOD FOR THIS DAY AND THIS IS THE DAY THAT YOU HAVE MADE A BIGGER THANK YOU FOR YOUR GRACE, MERCY AND MOST OF ALL THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNLIMITED LOVE. WE ASK YOU TO CONTINUE TO LEAD US AND GUIDE US AS WE SERVE YOU IN THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY . CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND GUIDE US THAT WE SHOULD GO AS WE CONTINUE TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THIS CITY IN THIS COMMUNITY. ALLOW US TO MAKE DECISIONS IN FAITH AND TO MAKE DECISIONS IN LOVE. ALLOW US TO MOVE FORWARD TO SERVING THIS CITY AND THIS COMMUNITY. WE ASK IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN.I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND

JUSTICE FOR ALL. >>

[5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES]

REGULAR MEETING. >> MOVED TO APPROVE.

BEING CALLED ] THE NEXT THE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS OF A

[a. Special Presentation of a Donation by Hibiscus Park Neighborhood Association]

>> A GOOD EVENING, CITY COMMISSIONERS AND EVERYONE ELSE. I AM HERE TO REPRESENT THE HIBISCUS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION. WITH SOME DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS THAT YOU COULD RECOGNIZE FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD BEHIND ME. JUST A QUICK THOUGHT IN LIGHT OF THE ASSOCIATION ITSELF. IT IS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS IN FT. PIERCE HAVE CEASED TO EXIST. I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT AND PUT A CALL OUT TO OUR NEIGHBORS AND ACTIVE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY. MANY WHO WANT TO CHANGE THAT THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU GUYS BY CREATING NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS. I PUT ON THE CALL TO YOU GUYS. TRY TO GET THEM TO ORGANIZE. IT IS NOT NECESSARILY NEED TO BE A HOMEOWNER TO BE A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION. PERHAPS THERE IS A MISUNDERSTANDING. BUT IT COULD BE AN ALLIANCE FOR YOU GUYS THAT HAVE THE SAME INTEREST AND THEY WANT TO PRESENT THOSE CASES BEFORE YOU. AFTER ALL, THAT IS WHY YOU ARE HERE. IF THEY NEED HELP, FEEL FREE TO GIVE THEM OUR INFORMATION AND WE CAN TELL YOU HOW WE RUN OUR ASSOCIATION. WHEN YOU DIE, YOU DIE WITH YOUR PRINCIPLES SO IF THEY DIE, AND THE ASSOCIATES AND CONTINUES TO DIE. THE GRASSROOTS IS WHAT WE WANT, AND THE CIVIC ACTIVITY. ALSO I JUST WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE OFFICER WHO IS OUR MONTHLY MEETING OFFICER. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. HE GIVES US A CRIME UPDATE AND TELLS US WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE CITY AND WHAT WE HAVE GOING ON, CRIME -WISE OR QUESTIONS. HE IS ALWAYS THERE, AND FRIENDLY AND THANK YOU. LASTLY, WE HAVE A DONATION TO PRESENT IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS AND IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING. IT HAS BEEN A TRADITION TRY TO DO THIS EVERY YEAR. WE PERHAPS OFFSET SOME OF THE COST OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IS REALLY WHAT IT IS FOR. JUST A SMALL DONATION .

>> THANK YOU. MERRY CHRISTMAS . >> WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A

PICTURE? >> NOT REALLY. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

[00:05:28]

>> MAY I MAKE A COMMENT? >> I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND WE APPRECIATE THE DONATION. HAVING BEEN TO YOUR ASSOCIATION MEETINGS, YOU ARE REALLY SETTING THE STANDARD FOR WHAT I THINK WE CAN PASS ON TO OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS. I TOOK SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DID WITH THE AGENDA AND BROUGHT IT TO MY CLUB WHICH IS MY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION. IT IS A HUGE BENEFIT TO THE CITIZENS, AND THE NEIGHBORS THAT GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS. IT HELPS FOR SECURITY AND BEING ABLE TO KEEP AN EYE ON EACH OTHER AND EACH OTHER'S HOUSES. THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO VERBALIZE HOME IS ONE THERE IS A GOOD ASSOCIATION . I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR CONTINUING THAT EFFORT.

>> AGREE , AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR OFFER OF HELPING OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS. THAT MAKES FOR A STRONG CITY AND A WELL-KEPT CITY WHEN EVERYBODY TAKES PRIDE IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD. SO, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[b. Dorothy Brennan Learn to Read St. Lucie County Proclamation ]

>> THE NEXT ITEM IS THE LEARN TO READ PROCLAMATION. IN 1981, FT. PIERCE RESIDENT READ A STORY ABOUT A MOTHER NEARLY OVERDOSED HER CHILD BECAUSE SHE CANNOT READ THE LIGHT LABEL ON THE MEDICINE BOTTLE. THE INSPIRATION MOVED DOROTHY TO FOUND THIS ASSOCIATION A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION TO SERVE THOSE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY IN NEED OF LITERACY SKILLS. FOR 40 YEARS, SHE WORKED TO BE THE CHANGE THAT SHE WANTED TO SEE IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY. AND THE INSPIRATION SHE WAS TO OTHERS TO JOIN THE MISSION. HER DEDICATION AND PASSION FOR LITERACY COMES FROM THE BELIEF THAT ADULTS AND FAMILIES THAT WILL THRIVE AND SUCCEED IF THEY CAN READ, WRITE AND SPEAK ENGLISH. THESE SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS IN DAILY LIFE. HER MEMORY CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND COUNTLESS LIVES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY THE MAGICAL GIFT OF LITERACY. AND WHEREAS, THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY RECOGNIZES THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT SHE IS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TO OUR RESIDENCES. WE OFFER HER MEMORY FOR HER MISSION AND PASSION WHICH IS ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH MORE THAN MOST OF US WILL EVER BE ABLE TO IMAGINE. THEREFORE, THE MAYOR OF FORT PIERCE PROCLAIMS DECEMBER 10TH, 2024 AS THEY LEARN TO READ ST. LUCIE COUNTY DAY, DOROTHY BRENNAN IN CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS .

>> CONGRATULATIONS, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS?

>> YOU KNOW, IT IS BEEN AN HONOR TO BE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS. MY NAME IS MATT ANDERSON AND I MET DOROTHY BRENNAN LAST YEAR UNTIL SHE PASSED AWAY. WE THOUGHT HONORING HER WITH THE BEST THING THAT WE WOULD DO.

SHE STARTED THIS 40 YEARS AGO AND THEY HAVE BEEN PROVIDING ADULT ILLITERACY FOR 40 YEARS FOR FREE TO THE COMMUNITY OF CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE COUNTY.

WE WANT TO CONTINUE THAT . THIS COMMUNITY NEEDS IT AND WE WANT TO THANK MAYOR LINDA HUDSON FOR ALL OF THESE SUPPORTIVE YEARS.

>> THANK YOU, IT IS VERY VALUABLE. THANK YOU.

[a. Email from AJ Alexio commending Building Department employees: Janice Espino, Tioka Wolfhagen, Danielle Goncalves, Frank Remling, and Anthony Jetmore, for going above and beyond to provide helpful and knowledgeable support.]

>> THIS IS THE BUILDING THE PARTNERS AJ ALEXIO, JANICE

[8. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA]

AND ADDITIONS TO THE LESIONS - DELETIONS? OR APPROVE?

>> I SECOND.

[9. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS Any person who wishes to comment on an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda may be heard at this time and must sign up to speak in advance. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.]

[00:10:02]

>> SUSAN PERRY. >> PERRY UNITED FOR ANIMALS . I AM HERE IN REGARDS TO THE PET SMART PARTNERSHIP. I ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT, IT IS A NO-BRAINER. IT DEFINITELY WILL AID IN INCREASING ANIMAL ADOPTIONS FROM OUR OVERFLOWING ANIMAL SHELTERS. THIS LIST PROVIDED AT THE PET SMART IS REACTIVE, NOT PROACTIVE. THIS IS DISTURBING AND I REMAIN FIRM AND THAT EVEN WITH THIS PET SMART PARTNERSHIP YOU WILL NEVER ADOPT ENOUGH SHELTER ANIMALS TO PREVENT THE SHELTER FROM ON A CONTINUOUS OVERLOAD. THIS LEADS TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF INCREASED EUTHANASIA. PET SMART OFFERS AMAZING GRANT AND ASSISTANCE FOR DOGS AND CATS BUT THIS IS NOT MENTIONED ON THIS LIST. NOT ONE MENTION OF PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR OUR CITY'S VITAL SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM. I HAVE A LIST OF STILL UNANSWERED QUESTIONS I HAVE ASKED AND THAT MOST OF YOU. AND THEY ARE STILL UNANSWERED. THESE ARE SIMPLE QUESTIONS AND UNANSWERED PROMOTES CONCERNS OF WHAT DIRECTION YOU ARE TAKING. SOME OF THESE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ON YOUR TOP PRIORITY 2024 ACTION ITEM MILESTONE LIST. WHERE IS THE JOINT CITY COUNCIL OF WHICH COMPLYING WITH FLORIDA STATUTE REQUIRING YOU TO COLLECT RABIES RECORDS AS THE COUNTY SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE OPENING OF THE VETERINARY CLINIC OF OCTOBER 2024. HE PURCHASED A BUILDING IN 2023. WHAT IS THE DELAY? AND OUR PROPERTY OWNER IS BEING NOTIFIED OF THE CODE VIOLATIONS. THE CONSIDERATION OF A DEDICATED STAFF PERSON TO ANIMAL REGISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE AND THE CONSIDERATION ALSO OF AN INCREASED UNALTERED AND TO HAVE THOSE SPAYED AND NEUTERED. THIS WOULD REDUCE BREEDING IS THE ULTIMATE FIRST IMPACT ACTION POLICY YOU CAN PUT IN PLACE TO REDUCE THE HORRIFIC CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING A SHELTER ON OVERLOAD ALL THE TIME. YOU WILL NOT EVER ADOPT YOUR WAY OUT OF THIS EVEN WITH PANDA SMART'S GENEROUS ASSISTANCE. I WONDER, WHICH ONE OF YOU WILL HAVE THE CURRENT TO PROMOTE BREEDING REDUCTION POLICIES TO TRULY BE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING ANIMAL AND POUNDS AND THE KILLING OF THOSE NOT ADOPTED. LAST AND NOT LEAST I LOST A DEAR FRIEND LAST NIGHT TO CANCER. THE CITY LOST A GREAT PROPERTY MANAGER. SHE MANAGED 45 CINDY RATTLES AND SHE SINGULARLY INCREASED ANIMAL WELFARE BY REQUIRING TENANTS TO COMPLY WITH CITY ANIMAL CODES. PET OWNERS HAD TO OTHER ANIMALS VACCINATED AND KEPT INSIDE. SHE WILL BE MISSED AS A FRIEND AND AS A TRULY GOOD RENTAL MANAGER. UTILIZING THE POWER OF LEASE AGREEMENTS TO ENSURE ANIMAL WELFARE SO THAT LANDLORD NOTIFICATIONS DO A LOT TO IMPROVE THE CITY. THANK YOU.

[11. CONSENT AGENDA]

>> THE CONSENT AGENDA . ARE THERE ANY ITEMS THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO PULL FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA?

>> ITEM C. >> ANY OTHER?

>> WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION?

>> I WOULD MAKE A MOTION. >> SECOND.

] >> THE NEXT ITEM IS APPROVAL

[c. Approval for a partnership between the Fort Pierce Animal Adoption Center and PetSmart Charities. ]

CENTER AND PET SMART CHARITIES. >> I WANTED TO GET SOME PARTICULARS ON THIS. I KNOW IT WAS IN OUR PACK SHOULD ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS. THIS IS PART OF THE ISSUE AND I WOULD LIKE TO

HEAR MORE DETAIL. >> WE HAVE TWO HERE THAT WILL ADDRESS THAT. I ALSO WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THERE WAS AN UPDATED VERSION THAT WAS JUST VERY RECENTLY UPLOADED THAT WOULD ADDRESS SOME OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S CONCERNS.

>> GOOD EVENING . I AM THE OPERATIONS MANAGER AT THE ADOPTION CENTER. SHE WAS THE ONE THAT DID ALL THE WORK ON GETTING THESE HOPEFULLY APPROVED PARTNERSHIP REQUESTS.

[00:15:01]

>> COULD YOU JUST GIVE ME AN OVERVIEW?

>> THE HOPE WITH THIS PARTNERSHIP IS THAT I AGREE. WE CANNOT ADOPT OUR WAY OUT , BUT EVERYBODY I REACHED OUT TO EVERY RESCUE OR SHELTER. LAST YEAR WE HAD 404 ADOPTIONS.

SINCE THEN, WE HAVE INCREASED OUR OUTREACH BY A TON. WE HAVE SEEN EXTRA 300 IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS JUST ON FACEBOOK WHICH IS A BIG DEAL. GOING TO PET SMART AND IT DOUBLES THE ADOPTION RATE. THE HOPE IS THAT WE HAD 1000 ANIMALS COME TO THE SHELTER LAST YEAR. IF WE COULD ADOPT OUT 800 I THINK THAT IS PRETTY GOOD. THAT IS THE BIG HOPE FOR THE SPAY AND NEUTER OPPORTUNITIES, THE TRAINING FOR THE COMMUNITY. THEY HAVE A TON OF THINGS THEY PROVIDE FOR THE COMMUNITY AS WELL, NOT JUST THE SHELTER. THE SHELTER JUST DOES NOT BENEFIT FROM THIS PARTNERSHIP, THE COMMUNITY WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS, AS

WELL. >> DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO

ADD? >> BASICALLY I WANTED TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW THAT WE ALSO RECEIVED REPORTS FOR OUR ADOPTION. WE GET AN ENTRY FEE OF $50 THAT WOULD HELP FOR FUTURE THE SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM. THE PARTNERSHIP WITH US IF WE CAN APPROVE OTHER ITEMS . THIS IS A SMALL STEP BUT I THINK IT WOULD BE VERY BENEFICIAL FOR US.

>> I THINK THAT IS THE BIG THING, THEY HAVE A TON OF PROGRAMS. AND SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY WITH FOOD, THERE IS A TON OF THINGS THAT WE PLAN TO NAVIGATE ALL OF THAT. WE WANT TO HELP THE SENDER AND THE COMMUNITY WITH THIS

PARTNERSHIP. >> I THINK IT IS A GREAT PROGRAM BUT THE DETAILS ARE A BIT ALL OVER THE PLACE. THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION BUT I'M ENCOURAGED TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO A DEEP DIVE INTO THIS TO LEVERAGE EVERYTHING WE CAN OUT OF THE PROGRAMMING. THE LOGISTICS, WE SENT ANIMALS TO THEM FOR THE FACILITIES?

>> RIGHT. THEY HAVE THEIR OWN ADOPTION CENTER IN EVERY STORE.

WE PLAN TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH THE LOCATION AND THE VERO BEACH LOCATION. WE BRING THEM 15 ANIMALS IN THE MORNING YOU.

THEY TAKE CARE OF THEM, FEED THEM AND THEY HOLD ON TO THEM UNTIL THEY ARE ADOPTED. THEY DO THE ADOPTION SCREENING AND FINALIZE THE ADOPTION. AFTERWARDS THEY WILL SEND US

$50 FOR THE ADOPTION. >> THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT

PROGRAM. >> ABSOLUTELY. THEY PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE ADOPTION SO THEY WILL GET TRAINING AND PROVIDE COUPONS. THERE IS A TON OF OPPORTUNITY.

>> NOT NECESSARILY A QUESTION BUT AN UPDATE FOR THE COMMISSION. I WILL WAIT UNTIL THERE IS NO MORE QUESTIONS.

>> I HAVE NO MORE QUESTIONS. >> LET ME ADD , I WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE ON THE LEGAL COSTS THAT WE DISCUSSED ON OUR MEETING LAST WEEK. WHERE ARE WE ON THAT WHEN IT COMES TO THE CITY?

>> YES, AND COMMISSIONERS, I APOLOGIZE. I AM GETTING EVERYTHING OPENED RIGHT NOW, THANK YOU TO MR. MOSLEY. THE PACKET THAT YOU INITIALLY RECEIVED OUTLINED A LARGE HISTORY OF MY OFFICE WORKING WITH PETSMART TO REVISE THIS AGREEMENT. THERE WERE NUMEROUS PROVISIONS THAT WERE QUITE CONCERNING TO OUR OFFICE. YOU WILL SEE THAT WE DID WORK WITH THEM TO GET THIS INTO A SOMEWHAT PALATABLE VERSION.

WHAT WAS STILL CONSUMING THAT WE CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THEM WAS THE INDEMNIFICATION PROVISION IN SECTION TWO . AS YOU RECEIVED IT LAST WEEK WE INCLUDED AN ADDITIONAL CLAUSE AT THE END. IT ESSENTIALLY SAYS THAT NOTHING IN THIS INDEMNIFICATION IS INTENDED OR SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO RAISE SOVEREIGN LIMITS OR LIMIT SOVEREIGN. THAT IS TRYING TO PROTECT THE CITY . IT IS NEVER RECOMMENDED TO AN AGREEMENT

[00:20:03]

FURTHER. >> THIS IS WHAT WE STARTED WITH , THE UPDATED VERSION THAT YOU HAVE TONIGHT IS WHERE WE HAVE

LANDED WITH THEM. >> COMMISSIONER JOHNSON?

>> DO THEY HAVE THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY OTHER CITIES?

>> I DO NOT KNOW THAT ANSWER, SIR.

>> THEY DO WITH THE CITY OF VERO BEACH .

>> I WOULD BE CURIOUS, IF THAT IS THE CASE. COULD WE SEE IF THEY ARE ACCEPTING OR SUCCESSFUL GETTING IT CHANGED.

IF NOT, IT IS THEIR ISSUE BUT I WOULD BE CURIOUS IF THEY WOULD BE DOING THIS IN ANY OTHER MUNICIPALITY. I WOULD ALSO FOLLOW WITH ANY CARS - CASE. BECAUSE I AGREE THAT INDEMNIFICATION IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS OF. IF THE PRESIDENT IS ALREADY SET, THERE IS AN EXTRA LEVEL OF CAUTION WE SHOULD ENTER, IF WE ARE GOING TO ENTER WITH ANY CASE LAW IS

WITH ADOPTION WITH PETSMART. >> IF THIS LOOKS LIKE A GOOD THING, I DO NOT WANT TO SAY AN OUTRIGHT NO BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW PHARAOH BEACH WORKED IT OUT. -- VERO BEACH WORKED IT

OUT. >> WHAT TYPE OF LIABILITY THEY ARE CONTEMPLATING. THEY HAVE THIS SWEEPING INDEMNIFICATION PROVISION . I GUESS ANYTHING THAT WE COULD POSSIBLY THINK OF. AND THAT IS WHERE I WAS GOING TO GO NEXT. IT COULD BE ANYTHING FROM THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE ANIMALS OR IF SOMEBODY GETS ATTACKED. ANYTHING YOU COULD THINK OF, OR EVEN THE ANIMAL CRAWLED UNDERNEATH , IT COULD BE

ANYTHING. >> JUST LIKE A TROJAN HORSE.

>> EXACTLY, IF THERE IS A CASELOAD OUT THERE, IT WOULD

HELP US TO UNDERSTAND. >> I LOVE THE IDEA WITH THE PARTNERSHIP BUT AS A PLAINTIFFS ATTORNEY. I COULD ASK YOU A QUESTION WHAT YOU COULD ASK. IT COULD BE SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS MOVING A PET FROM OUR VEHICLE TO THEIR STORE AND A SLIP AND FALL. BUT, YOU HAD GOOD EXAMPLES OF ANYTHING. FROM WHAT I READ LEGALLY, THEY'RE GOING TO SAY THAT IT IS ON US.

EVERYTHING IS ON US AND I HAVE ISSUES WITH THAT.

>> THAT IS A GREAT PARTNER, BUT WE WANT A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOOD THINGS THEY DO . BUT THAT IS A HEAVY HAMMER.

>> THEY ARE GIFTING THIS SO SUCK OUT THE LIABILITY WHICH IS

JUST NOT GOING TO WORK. >> I AGREE WITH YOU GUYS ON

THAT. >> WE DO NOT WANT TO BE SPLIT IN THE CROSSHAIRS WITH THAT OR THE INSURANCE COMPANIES.

>> ANOTHER CONSIDERATION IF YOU THINK ABOUT PET SMART IS A NATIONWIDE COMPANY. IF BIG PROG NATIONWIDE WITH THIS AND OTHER CITIES? THAT COULD BE ALSO TELLING. I AM JUST CURIOUS WITH THEIR NATIONAL FOOTPRINT IS ON THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM. WE TALK ABOUT VERO BEACH BUT WE DON'T DANCE WE DO HAVE LARGER CITIES WITH ADOPTION ISSUES. IF I DO NOT KNOW MY FELLOW

[00:25:02]

>> A LOT OF THE PARTNERS ARE 5013 SEES AND RESCUES AND

THINGS LIKE THAT. >> WHAT IS YOUR PLEASURE?

>> YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IS NOT THE LIABILITY. THE LANGUAGE IS POOR RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE. IT IS AN BIG ISSUE.

IS THIS SOMETHING WE WANT TO TABLE OR FOR THE NEXT MEETING

IN JANUARY? >> WE CAN FIND OUT MORE

INFORMATION. >> A LEGITIMATE QUESTION AND WE SHOULD DO OUR DUE DILIGENCE AND I'LL BE INTERESTED IN HAVING A FOLLOW-UP TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY PRECEDENT AT OTHER MUNICIPALITIES FROM A LEGAL STANDPOINT.

>> RIGHT. >> IT IS A SHAME BECAUSE IT

SOUNDED GOOD. >> IS THERE A MOTION TO TABLE

THIS? >> SECOND.

>> BY TABLING IT, IT WOULD PAUSE UNLESS WE WANT TO TRY TO BRING IT AT A LATER DATE. IF WE WANTED TO BRING US BACK, WE WOULD HAVE TO RE-ADVERTISE. THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISED ITEM.

>>, THAT FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY?

>> COULD WE DO THE SECOND MEETING IN JANUARY?

>> THAT IS FINE. >> I SECOND IT.

CALLED ] >> WE NEED TO BE CLEAR ON HOW VERO BEACH MANAGED THIS IF THEY LEFT THIS OPEN.

>> ALSO FOLLOWING UP WITH THE COUNCIL , FMIT, AND ERIC CARTWELL IS THE PERSON I KNOW.

>> YES. I UNDERSTAND THE DIRECTIVE AND I WILL WORK WITH STAFF TO HOW COMMUNICATING WITH THE DIRECT ENTITIES.

>> I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SAY THAT WE ARE GOING INTO STRATEGIC PLANNING SOON. I AM GOING TO WANT TO KNOW WHERE WE ARE ON THE THINGS THAT WE ARE DOING NOW AND WHERE WE NEED TO GO LONG RANGE. I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE WANT TO EXPLORE. GOOD, THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[a. Presentation and Public Hearing of the 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).]

>> THE NEXT IS PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PRESENTATION OF THE 2023, 2024 CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT.

>> WE HAVE OUR GRANTS DIVISION MANAGER DANIELA CLARK. SHE ALSO HAS SOME POWER - HER STAFF WITH US.

>> HELLO AND WELCOME. >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US

HERE. >> GOOD EVENING MADAME MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US. KIMBERLY AND I WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME UPDATES ON OUR ANNUAL PAPER. JUST TO ILLUMINATE EVERYONE OF WHAT THIS PAPER IS.

IT IS A CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND REPORT . IT IS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT THAT THE CITY RECEIVES IN TERMS OF FEDERAL FUNDING TO PROMOTE HOUSING PROGRAMS , SMALL BUSINESSES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WITH IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. WE WOULD JUST WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE

[00:30:04]

>> WE WERE ALSO ABLE TO ASSIST WITH 28 FAMILIES WITH FINDING PERMANENT HOUSING THAT WERE HOMELESS. THEY WERE ABLE ABLE

TO SECURE A 12 MONTH LEASE. >> THE OTHER DIVIDEND THAT WE ASSISTED IN WAS THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS. WE DID 10 OF THOSE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. WE PROVIDED SERVICES FOR THOSE OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCIES, NOT-FOR-PROFIT THAT REQUIRED ASSISTANCE FROM US TO VIABLY HELP TO SERVE THE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. THOSE ARE THE TWO PROJECTS THAT WE UNDERTOOK DURING 2023, 2024. ONE OF THE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WE WORK ON WAS PINEWOOD PARK . WE ESTIMATE THAT OVER 500 PEOPLE UTILIZED THE SERVICES OF THAT PARK. WE ALWAYS WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GROWING AND PROVIDING GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND INVOLVEMENT. THAT WAS ONE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT WE UNDERTOOK AND PROVIDED ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE PEOPLE TO UTILIZE THE SERVICES OF THE PARK. FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS, WE PARTICIPATED WITH THE REHABILITATION PROJECTS FOR OUR HOMEOWNERS WITHIN THE CITY. WE ALSO DID A HOUSING WORKSHOP THAT TAUGHT SOME OF THOSE HOMEOWNERS HOW TO MAINTAIN THEIR HOMES AND IDENTIFY CHALLENGES PRIOR TO INCURRING GREATER DEBT AROUND THEIR PROPERTIES. SOME OF THESE HIGHLIGHTS ARE ASSISTING 52 BUSINESSES WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE GRANT. AS I SAID EARLIER WE PARTNERED WITH THOSE CLASSES TO HELP PEOPLE LEARN HOW TO BUDGET AND MAINTAIN THEIR SMALL BUSINESSES. WITH THE HOUSING PROGRAMS, 11 HOUSEHOLD WERE IDENTIFIED USING THE FUNDS AND HOUSING REHABILITATION. 225 PEOPLE WERE ASSISTED WITH HOUSING WORKSHOPS, FINANCIAL LITERACY, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS , EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND WORLD

[00:35:03]

THIS COULD BE PROVIDED FOR OUR FUNDERS AT HUD . THE GRANTS DIVISION WILL MAKE ANY CHANGES OR UPDATES NECESSARY BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE OFFERS THAT YOU PROVIDE.

>> IS THIS COMMUNITY GARDEN AT NINTH STREET?

>> YES. >> PEOPLE ARE USING THAT AND

GROWING FOOD FOR THE FAMILIES? >> YES.

>> I HAVE NOT BEEN OVER THERE BUT THERE IS ANOTHER COMMUNITY GARDEN AT THE METHODIST CHURCH.

>> WE HAVE BEEN PARTNERING WITH THEM, AS WELL. THEY WERE PART

OF OUR NONPROFIT. >> THEY RECOGNIZED US AND HE

GAVE THEM A GRANT OF $5000. >> THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A

RIBBON CUTTING IN JANUARY. >> THAT IS ON JANUARY 15TH AND WE WANT TO EXTEND THAT TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SO THEY ARE PARTICIPATING AND SEEING WITH THIS GREAT ORGANIZATION IS DOING IT. IN ADDITION TO SEE WHAT THE CITY IS DOING WITH THE FUNDING TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY SEES AND IS AWARE OF THE ACTIVITIES THAT WE COULD BE POSSIBLY PARTICIPATE WITH.

>> I THINK THEY FIGURED OUT A WAY TO PROTECT THEIR GARDEN

FROM THE PEACOCKS, I THINK. >> I AM NOT TOUCHING THAT PEACOCK MADAME MAYOR. I HAVE A QUESTION. YOU SPOKE ABOUT THE JOB FAIR'S. WE HAVE THESE JOB FAIRS AND REDO THEM EVERY YEAR.

DO WE HAVE ANY TYPE OF CALCULATIONS TO SHOW HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT ATTEND ACTUALLY LEAVE WITH A JOB OR SOME TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT? THE REASON I AM ASKING IS BECAUSE WHEN IT COMES UP NEXT YEAR, OR TWICE PER YEAR.

>> THE LINCOLN PARK EXPO. >> I KNEW IT WAS TWICE PER YEAR. I AM TRYING TO GET THE WORD OUT AND GET MORE PARTICIPATION. IF WE CAN SAY THAT LAST YEAR AT THE JOB FAIR WE HAD ONE OF THE PEOPLE, OR 50 PEOPLE LEAVE HERE WITH JOBS .

WHEN I GET ON MY SOAP BOX AND SAY HEY. WHY AM I THE ONLY ONE HERE? I'M JUST CURIOUS IF WE HAVE ANY WAY TO TRACK THOSE NUMBERS DOWN SO WE CAN GET MORE YOUTH. SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT I'VE SPOKEN TO ABOUT IT WILL COME. THEY SAY TO WRITE MY NAME DOWN AND I WILL ASK THEM. THEY SAY THAT THEY DID NOT GET A CALL. I WANTED TO GET OUR NUMBERS TO GO UP BECAUSE I KNOW THE HARD WORK THAT YOU DO. I AM CURIOUS. IS THERE ANY WAY TO

TRACK? >> LAST YEAR, WITH 80 REGISTERED EMPLOYERS. THERE IS DATA THAT 600 PEOPLE ATTENDED.

WE ARE WORKING INTO THE MODEL THIS YEAR IN JANUARY OF 2025 TO COUNT THE NUMBERS FOR THE EMPLOYERS REPORT BACK ON HOW MANY PEOPLE THEY REHIRED - THEY HIRED AS PART OF THE JOB FAIR.

WE WILL HAVE THAT NUMBER SOON. LAST YEAR THEY HAD EMPLOYERS DOING ON THE SPOT INTERVIEWS AND HIRING. WE ARE WORKING FOR THIS COMING YEAR TO GET THE DATA ON HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE

HIRED. >> WHEN WE ADVERTISE AND GET IT OUT, WE NEED TO SAY THAT WE ARE NOT JUST COMING IN FOR JUST A

[00:40:10]

>> YES, AND EVERY YEAR, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS HAS GROWN.

IT IS REACHABLE AND REACHABLE -- AND IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A JOB AND YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE? IT IS ALWAYS A GREAT PLACE TO GO. GREAT FOR THE REGION AS WELL.

>> ALL THE FUNDING COMES THIS THROUGH HONDA?

>> YES. >> LAST YEAR'S WAS $564,000 .

THROUGH HONDA - HUD . >> DO WE HAVE ANY LEFTOVER FUNDS? AND IT IS A SMALL AMOUNT FOR WHAT WE DO WITH THE PROGRAMS. AS KIM STATED , WE PLAN TO INCREASE OUR FOOTPRINT AND WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK THIS COMMISSION AND EVERYBODY WHO IS IN EARSHOT OF THIS. WE HAVE A CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN COMING UP IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. WE ARE GOING TO START TO PUT SURVEYS OUT AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CITIZENS OF CITY OF FORT PIERCE ARE PARTICIPATING IN. FROM THAT PARTICIPATION PLAN WILL COME CONTENT FOR 2026 TO 2030. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ENGAGING THE CITIZENS. FUNDING

IS ALSO INCREASED ALSO. >> DO YOU GET EVERYTHING OR DO THEY TAKE YOUR REQUEST AND CUT IT?

>> THEY TAKE OUR REQUEST. THEY ARE VERY KIND BUT THEY DO NOT

ALWAYS HONOR IT. >> DO THEY SAY NO NICELY?

>> WE ARE LOOKING AT $564,000 PER YEAR FOR 5 YEARS WHICH IS

$2.5 MILLION. >> THIS IS BASED ON OUR RESULTS AND OUTCOME. WE ARE TRYING TO BUILD A MODEL AND SAY THIS IS A CITY THAT NEEDS IT. WE ONLY GET A LITTLE BIT OF THE PATH OF THE OTHER COMMUNITIES GET. WE ARE DOING MORE AND THERE IS A GREATER NEED AND WE CAN PUT THAT ON PAPER TO GET MORE

FUNDING. >> PREVIOUSLY, WE HAVE GOTTEN

GREATER AMOUNTS. >> IT HAS GONE DOWN OVER THE YEARS BECAUSE THEY HAVE SHARING WITH OTHER CITIES AND COUNTIES.

THE ADJACENT IS ALSO LARGER OF THE TWO OF US AND THEY GET A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUNDING. WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VOICES OF THE RESIDENCES ARE HEARD.

>> IS A BASED ON POPULATION? >> IT IS BASED ON POPULATION, AS WELL. ENGAGEMENT, PARTICIPATION ALSO COULD BE A FACTOR. IF PEOPLE ARE NOT PARTICIPATING , HOW DO WE EXPLAIN THAT WE NEED MORE FUNDING?

>> WE NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN ORDER TO GET MORE FUNDING.

>> THAT IS THE GOAL. >> HUD , YOUR LITTLE ISSUE WITH

YOUR MEETING. >> WHAT A GREAT POINT.

>> THE ELECTED OFFICIALS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL IF THEY HAVE ANY

INFLUENCE? >> THEY DO . IF WE COULD GET MEETINGS WITH THEM TO PUSH IT ON THEIR AGENDA SO WE COULD ASK

OR REQUEST AND PLEAD. >> I HAVE A SUGGESTION. DRAFT YOUR WANTS LIST WHICH I AM SURE IT IS EXTENSIVELY HIGHER THAN FIVE AND $64,000. PLUG IN EVERYTHING YOU WANT ON THAT LIST AND NAVIGATED TO THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE TO ME. I WILL GET A MEETING WITH OUR CONGRESSMEN. I WILL BE ABLE TO

DISCUSS THAT SPECIFICALLY. >> THANK YOU.

>> ONE OF THE OTHER CHALLENGES WE HAVE IS PARTICIPATION. THE PEOPLE HAVE TO FILL OUT A REQUEST . SOMETIMES OUR COMMUNITY, FOR WHATEVER REASON IS NOT WILLING TO GO TO THE STEPS BECAUSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIRES DOCUMENTATION. THAT IS THE CHALLENGE , WE WANT MORE MONEY.

BUT WHEN WE GET IT , WE ARE NOT BE ABLE TO GET IT OUT SO WE COULD BE PENALIZED. IF YOU GET IT, WE CANNOT -- WE CANNOT GET

[00:45:02]

THE PAPERWORK. >> WE HAVE SEEN THE EDUCATION PART OF IT. I'VE SEEN A PROJECT READY TO GO BUT I JUST NEEDED THE RESIDENT TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION. BUT SHE CHANGED HER MIND. IT IS NOT THAT WE ARE BEING INTRUSIVE, WE JUST NEEDED

THE DEMOGRAPHIC NUMBERS. >> WE FOUND THAT OUT DURING COVID. MANY PEOPLE COULD NOT COME UP WITH THE PAPERWORK OR DO NOT WANT TO COME UP WITH THE PAPERWORK.

>> IT WOULD CANCEL THEM OUT FOR SERVICE SOMETHING ELSE.

>> CORRECT. >> IF WE COULD BE MORE PROACTIVE ON THE EDUCATION OF WHY THIS INFORMATION IS

REQUIRED. >> MY QUESTION IS THAT HOW IS THE COUNTY PULLING THIS OFF? WE ARE A SMALL CITY IN THE COUNTY IS GETTING MUCH MORE. AT ONE TIME, THEY WOULD HAVE A CHALLENGE WITH THESE QUALIFIED APPLICANTS. DO WE KNOW WHAT IS

HAPPENING WITH A COUNTY LEVEL? >> AS FAR AS WE KNOW IT IS PROBABLY GEOGRAPHICAL OF WHY THEY ARE GETTING MORE MONEY.

THEY HAVE A BIGGER POPULATION OF THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS.

>> WITH THIS MONEY? >> WITH THIS MONEY. BECAUSE THEY REALLY HIGHLIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WOULD BEAUTIFY THE CITY . THE COUNTY HAS A LOT OF THOSE ISSUES WITH IMMEDIATE NEEDS. THAT IS WHY THEY HAVE THE BIGGER PORTION OF

THE FUNDING. >> IF WE WERE DOING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT WAS UNDER THE CITY CONTROL

WOULD THAT HELP? >> BUT IT HAS TO MEET THE NATIONAL OBJECTIVE IN THE AREA THAT IS LOW AND VERY LOW. THEY REALLY WANT VERY LOW INCOME AND YOU COULD PUT MODERATE IN THERE. BUT THEY WILL PRIORITIZE LOW INCOME.

>> DOES THIS NEED TO BE A DIRECT IMPACT TO A SPECIFIC HOMEOWNER? OR COULD WE POTENTIALLY UPDATE THE CITY IS?

>> AREAS OF THE CITY. >> OR CAN WE JUST UPGRADE?

>> ANYTHING THAT FALLS WITHIN THE CENSUS TRACTS THAT NEEDED TO BE ELIMINATED THAT IS PART OF THE PLAN. THOSE ARE AREAS

THAT WE COULD FIX. >> IT SEEMS TO BE A NO-BRAINER.

>> WE NEED TO HAVE A CREATIVE LIST THAT WOULD FIT THAT BILL.

BACK IF WE GET WITH ENGINEERING AND WHAT PROJECTS DO WE HAVE THAT COULD FIT THE MODEL THAT YOU ARE SUGGESTING AS FAR AS ECONOMIC STRATEGIZE . IT SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD BE A PERFECT MARRIAGE. WE HAVE A ZILLION PROJECTS THAT WE COULD TAKE ON.

>> IS IS THE CALENDAR YEAR THING?

>> THIS IS ACTUALLY JULY . >> WE ARE ON THE FEDERAL

GOVERNMENT? >> YES.

>> IN THE RESOURCES AND VESTMENTS SECTION OF THE REPORT , THE RESOURCES MADE AVAILABLE EXPENDED DURING THE PROGRAM IS 3 TO 38. IS THAT FUTURE SPENDING OR WHAT WOULD HAPPEN

TO THAT MONEY? >> WE ENCOUNTERED FOR SOME OF OUR OWNER-OCCUPIED REHABILITATION. HOWEVER WE LOST SOME OF OUR CONTRACTORS IN TERMS OF COMPLETING THOSE JOBS.

THEY BID ON THEM AND SOMETIMES FOR WHATEVER REASON, THEY COULD HAVE STEPPED AWAY. WE ARE STILL ATTENDING TO MAKE SURE THOSE HOMES AND FAMILIES ARE MADE UP. WE HELD THAT FUNDING BACK TO MAKE SURE THOSE HOMES THAT WE DID MAKE THOSE PROMISES TO

WOULD GET TAKEN CARE OF. >> SO WE ARE NOT LOSING THAT

MONEY. >> CORRECT.

>> THE CONTRACTOR TOOK ON TOO MANY JOBS THAT HE COULD HANDLE.

[00:50:04]

>> WE GO THROUGH AN RFP PROCESS WITH THOSE. THE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING , THE GOAL WAS 78 AND WE WERE AT 44. WAS THERE A 15% LIMIT ON SPENDING MONEY ON

PUBLIC SERVICES. >> YES, THERE IS A CAP. THANK

YOU. >> AND WE NEED TO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING. IS ANYBODY INTERESTED IN COMMENTING ON THIS, PLEASE COME FORWARD. SEE NO MOVEMENT, WE CAN GO BACK TO THE COMMISSION. WE HAVE A GOOD IDEA OF WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO.

MAKE YOUR LIST RIGHT AWAY. IS THERE A MOTION OR MORE

DISCUSSION? >> JUST IN TERMS OF HAVING US MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS DRAFT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PUBLIC

HEARING. >> DO YOU NEED A MOTION?

>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT DO NOT NEED A MOTION BUT I WILL DEFER TO STEPH . MY UNDERSTANDING IS THEY DO NOT NEED APPROVAL IT JUST NEEDS TO BE PRESENTED IN THE PUBLIC. AND THE PUBLIC CAN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT.

>> I WANT TO ECHO THIS. WE HAVE HEARD FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THAT THE MISSION IS HOW DO WE HELP THE CITIZENS, THE POOR AND THE LOW INCOME CITIZENS BETTER THEIR SITUATION. I HEARD AN EXPANSION THAT WE COULD LOOK AT THE PROJECTS THAT WE COULD QUALIFY. OBVIOUSLY THOSE CONDITIONS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT COULD BE ADDRESSED THAT IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD WANT ON THAT EXPANSION THE LIST SO WE CAN COMMUNICATE THAT. IF THAT BRINGS MORE MONEY, WE COULD PUT THAT MONEY TO USE. THAT IS FROM MY PERSPECTIVE AND I WANTED TO ECHO THAT. FIRST AND FOREMOST, THERE ARE SOME SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO NEEDED THIS SUPPORT AND HELP THAT I'VE REACHED OUT TO ME. THEY HAVE HOLES IN THEIR ROOF AND WE NEED TO HAVE THIS OFFERED TO THEM AS AN OPPORTUNITY. I THINK THAT WAS A FUNDAMENTAL GOAL OF THIS THAT I WANTED TO REMAIN STEADFAST TO THIS. YES, WE CAN FIND PROJECTS BUT I'M ALL FOR THAT. BUT THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE CALLING ME WITH ISSUES THAT ARE LIVING ON FIXED INCOME SO THAT IT NEED THIS HELP IN THIS COMMUNITY. WE NEED TO EXPLORE EVERY OPTION TO HAVE THEM REALIZE THAT THE HELP IS

ALREADY HERE. >> I AM GLAD THAT YOU BROUGHT THAT UP. THERE IS A FOLLOW UP ON SOMETHING WHAT THE STAFF SAID. THIS COULD BE A DIFFERENT ISSUE BUT A LOT OF TIMES, WHEN I'M DEALING WITH SENIOR CITIZENS. IT IS NOT A DO NOT WANT TO DO IT, IT IS ALMOST I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO IT. TO SAVE THEIR DIGNITY , THEY WILL SAY I DO NOT WANT TO DO IT. MY QUESTION IS THERE ANY WAY THAT WE COULD HELP A SENIOR CITIZEN TO SAY IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO IT, WE CAN DO IT TO MAKE THEM FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE.

>> WE HAVE STAFF AVAILABLE. IN MY PREVIOUS ROLE, THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE SPECIALIST IS THE PERSON THAT HELPS THE APPLICATION. THEY WILL ACTUALLY GO OUT TO THE HOME AND HOW TO FIND YOUR DOCUMENTS. THEY COULD EVEN ASSIST YOU WITH THE APPLICATION SO THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE.

>> I AM GLAD TO HEAR THAT. I KNOW PEOPLE IN MY LIFE ARE NOT COMING DOWN TO CITY HALL BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WANT TO LOOK LIKE THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING. IF YOU CAN MAKE SOMEBODY FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THEIR OWN HOME THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO HELP? I AM GLAD TO HEAR AND I HOPE THE PUBLIC IS LISTENING. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, IF PEOPLE LEFT CONTACTED YOU . I PROBABLY HAVE THE SAME EMAILS THAT YOU DID.

PEOPLE CALL THE CITY AND ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED THE HELP,

WE WILL BE HERE. >> WE CAN PRIORITIZE THOSE SENIORS THAT ARE NOT ABLE TO COME INTO THE OFFICES OR

[00:55:03]

AND MAKE SURE WE CAN HELP. >> WE ALSO UTILIZE OUR PARTNERS SO WE HAVE A CONTACT THAT WE KNOW THAT COULD PLUG US IN AND ASSIST RESIDENCES . ESPECIALLY WITH THIS TYPE OF ASSISTANCE, THEY NEED TO BE WITH SOMEBODY THEY CAN TRUST. FOR THE MOST PART, WE TRY TO HAVE THAT STANDARD INTEGRATED.

>> MADAME MAYOR, I DID NOT USE THE WORD TECHNOLOGY OR A SENIOR CITIZEN. BECAUSE I GOT IN TROUBLE THAT THE SENIORS DID NOT KNOW HOW TO USE TECHNOLOGY. BUT THANK YOU, THAT IS WHAT IS

NEEDED. >> AND SHARE THIS WITH ME SO WE

CAN GET SOMEBODY OUT . >> AND GET TO ME THAT LIST .

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO. WE APPRECIATE IT.

>> LET US MOVE ON. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC .

>> WE ARE AT THIS TIME WHERE ANYBODY COULD COME FORWARD . I AM NOT SEEING ANY MOVEMENT. WE WILL COME BACK TO THE

[15. COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER]

COMMISSION. >> COMMENTS FROM THE CITY

MANAGER? >> I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT IF HE DID NOT NOTICE PINEWOOD PARK HAS BEEN REOPENED. WE ARE DOING IT SLOWLY BUT THE TENNIS COURTS ARE GETTING READY TO BE RE-STRIPED. THE PLAYGROUND IS ALSO BRAND-NEW SO WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THAT. WE WILL BE MONITORING ACTIVITIES OUT THERE VERY CLOSELY BUT WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO HAVE IT BACK OPEN. IT NEEDED TO BE REOPENED. I WANTED TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW THAT WE'VE HAD SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT OUR DANCING LIGHTS OF DOWNTOWN ARE GOING OUT. PART OF THE PROBLEM IS THAT EVERY TIME IT RAINS, THE GFI BREAKERS DO WHAT THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO DO AND SHUT DOWN. WE HAD A STAFF OUT THERE THIS EVENING EVERYTHING WORKING AND IT RAINED. HE IS GOING TO GO BACK OUT AND CHECK. BUT IF YOU DO GET THOSE COMPLAINTS, LET US KNOW. WE ARE MONITORING IT VERY CLOSELY BUT SOMETIMES THE RAIN WILL SHUT DOWN THE POWER CORD.

I WANTED TO WISH EVERYBODY A MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. >> THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER BRODERICK HAS A CONFLICT TOMORROW AT 10:00 A.M.

COMMISSIONER ARNOLD S. GAINES HAS A CONFERENCE CALL FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING. YOU HAVE IT AT 8:00 A.M. AND JOHNSON HAS HIS AT NOON. IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO SWAP WITH BRODERICK FOR THE 10:00 A.M. WE COULD LET SOMEONE KNOW.

>> OKAY. >> I WILL TAKE IT:00 A.M.

>> 7:00 A.M. OR WOULD YOU PREFER NOON?

>> WE ARE SWITCHING 8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.

>> I AM GOOD WITH THAT. >> THAT IS ALL I HAVE. THANK

[16. COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION]

YOU. ANY COMMENTS? >> I WANTED TO WISH EVERYBODY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. JUST TO REMIND YOU THIS SATURDAY, THE 21ST IS THE TOY DRIVE. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING

[01:00:01]

EVERYBODY AT 10:00 A.M. >> PUT THAT ON OUR CALENDAR. I WOULD LIKE IT TO BE ON THE CALENDAR.

>> FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M. LET ME SEE, I THINK THAT IS

REALLY ALL I HAVE. >> COMMISSIONER BRODERICK?

>> I ATTENDED A RIDE ALONG WITH OUR CONGRESSMAN FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT AND JACK ANDREWS WAS ALSO THERE TO TAKE IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. IT WAS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO SAY THE LEAST. HIS ISSUES RANGE ARE UNDER OUR CONTROL AND SOME ARE NOT. SOME ARE STATE OR COUNTY ISSUES. IT IS A POT FULL OF COMPLAINTS NOT NECESSARILY DIRECTED IN THE CORRECT CAPACITY TO THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. WE TRY TO EDUCATE HIM RELATIVE TO AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND THE COUNTIES PERSPECTIVE IN THE CITY'S PERSPECTIVE. THAT WAS A FAIRLY EFFECTIVE LEARNING EXPERIECE I BELIEVE. IT MAY TEMPER HIS DISCONTENT BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY VERY POSITIVE ON THINGS THAT WE HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKING. HE WAS VERY POSITIVE ON ONE OF THE SCHOOLS AND ALSO THE GOLF COURSE, THINGS OF THIS NATURE.

THERE WERE SOME POSITIVE THINGS THAT CAME OUT SO IT WAS JUST NOT ALL BASHING THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. IT WAS A GOOD CONNECTION FOR HIM, MYSELF AND THE STAFF, AS WELL. IT IS A WORK IN PROGRESS AND WITH MORE TO COME. WE DID GET INTO THE DISCUSSIONS ON ESTATE ISSUES WITH ORANGE AVENUE , STATE ISSUE. ESTATE CONSTRUCTION ISSUE , AVENUE D AND THE CORRIDOR. THE CONCEPT WAS FLOATED THAT HE IS GOING TO SET UP AS ANOTHER RIDE ALONG THAT I PLAN TO ATTEND WITH OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND THE CONGRESSMAN AND MYSELF . WE WILL ASSEMBLE THE TEAM AGAIN AND IT WILL BE FAIRLY EFFECTIVE. SOME OF THOSE ESTATE PROJECTS ARE AN ABSOLUTE DISASTER. THEY HAVE BEEN VERY POORLY RUN IS THE BEST WAY WE CAN PUT IT. WE ARE LOOKING TO ENGAGE SOMEBODY AT THE STATE LEVEL TO TAKE SOME ACTION TO GET IT DONE. AFTER THAT SESSION, I WILL REPORT BACK AND LET YOU KNOW.

>> THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT. >> I WILL TAKE THE HIT FOR THE

TEAM FOR THE STATE. >> IS THAT IT?

>> I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE COMMISSIONER ALEXANDER EVENT.

I'VE ENJOYED THAT THOROUGHLY, IT IS BEEN A REAL BRIDGE BUILDING EXPERIENCE IT IS WATCHING THOSE KIDS MAKES YOUR DAY. OUR COMPANY IS PARTICIPATING AT A HIGHER LEVEL

SO I AM EXCITED. >> COMMISSIONER ARNOLD S.

GAINES? >> GOOD JOB.

>> YOU CAN COME ALONG NEXT TIME TOO.

>> WE APPRECIATE IT. GOOD JOB. >> THANK YOU TO COMING INTO LISTING AND WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON IN CITY OF FORT PIERCE

SO I WILL LEAVE IT AT THAT. >> WE TALKED ABOUT THE FUNDING AND WHERE IS MY $45 MILLION THAT I REQUESTED? THAT IS STILL

OUT THERE. >> GOOD JOB.

>> IT WOULD BE A GREAT JOB WHEN I WALKED BACK IN WITH A CHECK.

>> I WANT TO SEE MARY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TOY DRIVE. JUST TO SEE THE EXCITEMENT ON THEIR FACE , AND JUST TO TALK TO THE OFFICERS. JUST HOPING THE ATMOSPHERE OUT THERE IS JUST GREAT. IF YOU CAN DO IT, THAT IS FINE. I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO THE LIONS CLUB , NORTHSIDE HAD A BREAKFAST THIS WEEKEND. I LOOKED UP AND THERE

[01:05:05]

>> THEY ARE GREAT IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT KIDS WILL GET OUT THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. I THINK THEY GET OUT ONE HALF DAY THURSDAY , BUT I COULD BE WRONG. I WANTED TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW TO BE SAFE OUT THERE. KIDS ARE GOING TO BE WALKING AROUND AND DOING SOMETHING BECAUSE THEY ARE OUT. INSTEAD OF FUSSING AT A KID OR SPEAKING DOWN TO A KID, TAKE TIME TO SEE WHAT IS ON THEIR MIND. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED AS TO WHAT YOU GET. HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND WHAT I SEE MADAME MAYOR , I WILL SEE YOU WEDNESDAY. ALSO TO THE STAFF , I WILL BE BACK. IF I AM NOT BACK THIS WEEK FOR MY MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, WHAT A GREAT JOB THIS YEAR. EVEN WITH THE RAIN GOING ON, YOU ARE STILL OUT PUTTING OUT THE LIGHTS. THE CITY DOES LOOK GREAT AND THE STREETS . I EVEN SAW A STREET SWEEPER.

>> I SAW IT TOO. >> I EVEN MADE A U-TURN TO GIVE THEM A HIGH FIVE AND THEY SAID COMMISSIONER BUT I LOVE IT. BUT I LOVE MY CITY . PEOPLE KNOW THE STREET SWEEPER AND THEY SAW THE GUYS OUT THERE. WE ARE REALLY TRYING TO DO RIGHT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF CITY OF FORT PIERCE . MERRY CHRISTMAS AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR. >> COMMISSIONER JAMES TAYLOR?

>> I HAVE SEVERAL THINGS. FIRST, IT IS BEEN A VERY BUSY WEEK THIS WITH CHRISTMAS PARTIES. I JUST WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FORT PIERCE ROTARY CLUB FOR THEIR 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT AND I LEARNED A LOT OF HISTORY. THERE WERE MANY PRESTIGIOUS MEMBERS OVER THE LAST 100 YEARS AND IT WAS INTERESTING TO HEAR SOME OF THE HISTORY. ALSO A SHOUT OUT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

AFTER THE PARADE, THEY WERE IMMEDIATELY TO WORK. IT IS DISHEARTENING TO SEE HOW MUCH TRASH WAS LEFT OUT ON THE ROADS AFTER THAT. IT WAS A BIG JOB BUT THEY GOT IT ALL CLEANED UP AND WERE PROBABLY HOME BY 11:00 P.M. THEY WERE GETTING IT DONE RIGHT AWAY. I ALSO WANTED TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION. WE JUST RECEIVED A GRANT FOR NEARLY ONE HALF MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOR OUR INDIAN RIVER LAGOON SCIENCE PROGRAM. THERE IS MONEY GOING TO FOREST GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL IN DEVELOPING THE MARINE OCEANOGRAPHIC PROJECT. THEY ARE GOING TO BE TEACHING STUDENTS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MOVING THEM EVENTUALLY TO THE MARINE OCEANOGRAPHIC ACADEMY. THEY WERE HISTORICALLY GROWING TROUT THAT IS A NON-NATIVE FLORIDA FISH. THIS WAS SOMETHING EASY BUT WE WERE TRANSITIONING INTO GROWING OYSTERS. THEY ARE GOING TO BE GROWING OYSTERS AND PUTTING THEM BACK INTO THE SEABED. THIS WILL ALSO INCLUDE MONEY FOR A VOTE SO WE CAN TRANSPORT STUDENTS TO THE ISLAND . IT IS GOING TO BE CARRIED IN, CARRY OUT CLASSROOM FACILITY. WE WILL BEING - BE TRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY. IT IS GOING TO BE EXCITING TO SEE

THIS UP TO FRUITION. >> ARE YOU IN NEED OF

TRANSPORTATION FOR THAT? >> WE TRY TO PARTNER WITH

[01:10:01]

HOWEVER THERE IS INSURANCE REGULATIONS THAT THEY CANNOT LEAVE THE VOTE. WOULD HALF TO BUILD A DOCK WHICH OF COURSE WE CANNOT DO. IT IS BEEN AN ISSUE TO OVERCOME WITH THAT, SO THE GRANT COMES WITH A VOTE. WE WOULD PURCHASE A VOTE TO TRANSPORT THE STUDENTS SO WE WILL SEE HOW THAT GOES AND DEVELOPS. IT IS PRETTY EXCITING AND IT IS RIGHT HERE IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. WE HAVE BEEN DOING A COUPLE OF CLEANUP PROJECTS BUT WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO TURN THAT INTO A LEARNING THINGS FOR THE STUDENT. IT IS REALLY EXCITING TO SEE THIS COME FORWARD. I THINK THAT IS ABOUT IT. I WILL BE ON A 12 HOUR DRIVE TO KENTUCKY ON FRIDAY. I AM GOING TO MEET THE IN-LAWS FOR CHRISTMAS . SO EVERYBODY HAVE A VERY MERRY

CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. >> I WAS ALSO AT THE ROTARY DINNER AND WAS VERY WELL ATTENDED. WITH 100 YEARS, IT WAS IMPRESSIVE ON HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN IN ROTARY. THE ROTARY CLUB PEOPLE FOUR PEOPLE THE PAUL HARRIS AWARD WITH CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY . IT WAS A SURPRISE, AND I DID NOT KNOW THAT I WAS GOING TO GET AN AWARD.

>> I HAD TO LOOK IT UP AND THIS IS REALLY A BIG DEAL SO I APPRECIATED IT. TODAY, I PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION THE SENATOR REPRESENTATIVE AND I REPRESENTED IT . I ALSO REPRESENTED AND PRESENTED OUR PARTIES FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. THE BIG TAKE AWAY IS THE STATE IS GOING TO TIGHTEN ITS BELT. DO NOT ASK FOR A LOT OF MONEY FROM THE STATE. AT ANY RATE, I THINK THAT IS ALL AND I WANT TO SAY TO THE CITIZENS OF FORT PIERCE, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GRACIOUS WELCOMING OF ALL OF US ALL YEAR LONG

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.