[1. CALL TO ORDER] [00:00:13] >>> I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER. CITY OF FORT PIERCE COMMISSIONING MEETING. THEY STAND FOR THE OPENING PRAYER AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. >> LET'S PRAY. ALMIGHTY GOD AND HEAVENLY FATHER, WE COME TO YOU TO ASK FOR YOUR FAVOR AND BLESSING AND WISDOM THAT COMES FROM YOU YOUR FATHER, IN YOUR WORDS YOU TELL US WE PRAY FOR THE PROSPERITY OF THE CITY WE LIVE. WE LIFT UP THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND PRAY FOR ITS SUCCESS . BECAUSE AS THE CITY PROSPERS, SO DO THE INDIVIDUALS THAT LIVE WITHIN THAT CITY. FATHER, WE LIFT UP EVERY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS HERE, THE MAYOR, CITIES OF THE CITY COMMISSIONERS, LORD GOD, ALL THOSE TAKEN DECISION FOR THE CITY. YOU GIVE THEM WISDOM, CLARITY, AND DIRECTION SO THEY CAN LEAD THE CITY IN A DIRECTION WHERE THE RESIDENTS CAN EXPERIENCE PEERS. I PRAY FOR CLARITY FOR EVERYONE SPEAKING TONIGHT TO SPEAK CLEARLY WHAT THE INTENT OF THEIR HARDEST AND LORD GOD , DISHES AND ARE GOING TO BE MADE THAT ARE GOING TO TAKE THE CITY IN A DIRECTION THAT IS GOING TO BE MOVING FORWARD INTO THE BENEFIT OF EVERYONE THAT LIVES IN IT . FATHER, WE PRAY THIS IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN. >> 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. >> CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. >> >> I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO EXCUSE COMMISSIONER . >> SECOND. >> [5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES] ON THE AGENDA IS APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 21, 2025 MEETING. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. [a. Haitian American Heritage Month ] >> SECOND. >> THERE'S BEEN A MOVE AND APPROVAL. CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. >> ON THE AGENDA IS THE HAITIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE PROCLAMATION. >> I WOULD APPRECIATE IF WE WOULD ALL HAVE -- STAND AND HAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE KILLED ON THE TURNPIKE THE PAST WEEK, THERE WERE SEVERAL FROM FORT PIERCE. PLEASE STAND FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOU MAY BE SEATED. >> MATTA MAYOR, BEFORE WE PROCEED I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT RECOGNITION. WE ALSO LOST SOMEONE ON SUNDAY TO UNNECESSARY GUN VIOLENCE, A 79-YEAR-OLD MAN PROTECTING KIDS WHEN BULLETS WENT THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY, AND HE LOST HIS LIFE , FROM THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. I THINK IT'S APPROPRIATE WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND SILENCE -- I WANT TO BRING THAT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMISSION IN PUBLIC I WANT TO APPROVE THEM IN THE FAMILY, YES, MA'AM. THAT WAS AS OF YESTERDAY, LAST NIGHT. >> READ THE PROCLAMATION. >> THOSE IN ATTENDANCE THAT ARE GOING TO ACCEPT THIS, COME ON DOWN, PLEASE. WHEREAS THE VIBRATING IMAGE CULTURE HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DIVERSITY AND HERITAGE OF OUR SOCIETY, AND WHEREAS THE PEOPLE OF HAITI HAVE DEMONSTRATED RESILIENCE, CREATIVITY, AND STRENGTH IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, INSPIRING GENERATIONS WITH THEIR DEMONSTRATION AND WHEREAS, HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE AND HONOR THE ACHIEVEMENTS, HISTORY, AND TRADITIONS OF THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY, AND WHEREAS, THE CELEBRATION OF HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH SERVES AS A REMINDER OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF HAITIAN AMERICANS TO OUR NATION. NOW, THEREFORE, I, LINDA HUDSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF MAY AS HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND ENCOURAGE OUR CITIZENS TO JOIN IN CELEBRATING THE RICH CULTURE, HISTORY, AND HERITAGE OF HAITI AND TO RECOGNIZE THE VALUABLE O >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE, MATTA MAYOR, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR THIS PROCLAMATION ONCE AGAIN. I [00:05:01] AM THE SECRETARY OF TREASURE COAST CULTURAL FESTIVAL. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR THIS MOMENT OF SILENCE BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY. WE APPRECIATE THAT. ON THIS NOTE WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE EVERYBODY TO A CELEBRATION WE ARE HAVING EVERY MAY 18TH. IT WILL BE AT THE MID-FLORIDA CENTER. EVERYONE IS INVITED. FREE ADMISSION, FREE PARKING, LOTS OF FOOD. I KNOW EVERYBODY LOVES FOOD. WE THANK YOU FOR THIS PROCLAMATION, IT IS A BIG MILESTONE FOR US, AND THANK YOU FOR GRANTING THAT EVERY YEAR. WE APPRECIATE YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. SORRY FOR [b. National Student Leadership Week ] YOUR LOSS. >> NEXT WE HAVE NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP WEEK. WHEREAS, SCHOOLS SPONSOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH VITAL EXPERIENCE IN EXERCISING A VOICE IN MATTERS OF COMMON CONCERN, R WHEREAS, STUDENT LEADERS ARE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON THEIR PEERS, MODELING GOOD CHARACTER AND SCHOLARSHIP IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, AND SERVE AS CHANGE AGENTS TO IMPROVE THE LEADERS DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY DEVELOP SOUND LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND REQUIRE TRAINED, DEDICATED FACULTY ADVISERS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP THE ESSENTIAL TRAITS AN SUPPORT OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND FACULTY, PARENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IS NECESSARY TO HELP ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL EDUCATION OF ALL EMERGING WHEREAS, NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP WEEK SERVES AS AN IDEAL TIME TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANT AND INTEGRAL CONTRIBUTIONS THAT STUDENT LEADERS AND ALL STUDENTA HUDSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM MAY 5 -9, 2025 AS STUDENT LEADERSHIP WEEK IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND URGE CITIZENS TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO RECOGNIZE STUDENT LEADERS IN OUR SCHOOLS AND SUPPORT THEIR A >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, MATTA MAYOR, CITY COMMISSIONERS, CITY STAFF, NICE TO MEET YOU, WELCOME TO FOR PEERS. I AM THE SGA SAID ANSWER . THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING STUDENT GOVERNMENT THIS WEEK. WHAT STUDENT GOVERNMENT DOES IN EACH SCHOOL, THEY DEVELOP STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, THEY ATTEMPT TO INCREASE ATTENDANCE. THEY MAKE EVENTS FOR THE SCHOOL, AND ESSENTIALLY THEY WORK AT THE LINK BETWEEN THE STUDENT BODY AND THE ADMINISTRATORS. IN A WAY , THEY WORK VERY MUCH AS YOU DO IN YOUR CAPACITY, JUST AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL. THE BEAUTIFUL THING IS THAT WE HAVE STUDENTS FROM NINTH GRADE TO 12TH GRADE, THERE IS A BIG RANGE OF MATURITY, UNDERSTANDING OF THINGS. THEY ESSENTIALLY DEBATE ON MAKING DECISIONS BASED ON THOSE MENTIONED TASKS. THEY HANDLE BUDGETS, MARKETING, THE HANDLE ORDERING, THEY DO WITH STORING OF ALL OF OUR MATERIALS, AND THEY GAIN A LOT OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS, ESPECIALLY THE SENIOR ONES, THEY ARE READY FOR HIGHER IN THE CITY OF FOR PERS. -- CITY OF FORT PIERCE. HERE IS YOUR NEXT CREW. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THEM. SERVING IS NOW OFTEN THANKED. THEY ALL DO HAVE A WILLINGNESS TO SERVE AT THE SCHOOL AND CREATE A LOT OF EVENTS AND WORK WITH THE ADMINISTRATORS IN THE WAY MOST STUDENTS DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW IT HAPPENS, WERE WAS BEHIND-THE-SCENES. IN THOSE FUNCTIONS. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THEM FOR WORKING WITH ME EACH YEAR. WHAT THEY DO , THEY DEFINITELY HAVE A CALLING FOR SERVING. I THINK THAT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE , IT'S TRULY A CALLING OR GIFT. THESE YOUNG FOLKS ARE THE FUTURE BOSSES, MANAGERS, LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. I THINK WE SHOULD NURTURE AND CARRY ON. THANK YOU, WE ARE GOING TO HEAR A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND SENIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT. >> GOOD EVENING, MATTA MAYOR, CITY COMMISSIONERS AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS . I AM HONORED TO SERVE AS GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATES AND PRESIDENT. ON BEHALF OF THE STUDENT BODY I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR [00:10:02] RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF STUDENT LEADERS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY. BEING -- TOMMY LEADERSHIP ISN'T ABOUT TITLES, IT'S ABOUT SERVICE, TEAMWORK, STANDING UP FOR WHAT MATTERS. IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO WORK ALONGSIDE MY PEERS, THIS YEAR, PLANNING EVENTS, SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL, AND LEARNING HOW TO LEAD WITH PURPOSE. WE'VE HAD THE CHANCE TO MAKE AN IMPACT FROM ORGANIZING MEANINGFUL EVENTS TO CREATING SPACES WHERE STUDENT VOICES ARE HEARD AND VALUED. WE ARE NOT JUST PREPARING THE FUTURE, WE ARE STEPPING INTO THE CONFIDENCE, COMPASSION, AND -- WE KNOW LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH SHOWING UP, STAYING COMMITTED AND WORKING HARD EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AND FOR BELIEVING IN US AND THE POWER OF STUDENT VOICE. IT MEANS MORE THAN YOU KNOW. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER STUDENTS THAT WANT TO SPEAK? I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOU, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, YOU'RE WELCOME IN CITY HALL AT ANY TIME. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SAY, WHEN YOU GET THROUGH YOUR EDUCATION, THAT YOU COME BACK TO FORT PIERCE AND SERVE FORT PIERCE. WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU HERE IN FORT PIERCE. >> MATTA MAYOR. >> IS. >> JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. MY FIRST TASTE OF POLITICS WAS WHEN I RAN FOR CLASS PRESIDENT. IN MY SOPHOMORE YEAR. I GUESS I LIKED IT BECAUSE I STICK TO IT. IT WAS BRUTAL. POLITICS AND SCHOOLS CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT. I WON. IT WAS MY FIRST ELECTION I HAD EVER WON. IT WAS A THANKLESS JOB, I WILL SAY THAT. THE FOUR OF US, MY THREE OTHER OFFICERS PRETTY MUCH RUNNING EVERYTHING. A LOT OF WORK, IT IS A THANKLESS JOB . BUT IT WAS A GOOD WAY TO CITY COMMISSION POLITICS, THE PAY IS ABOUT THE SAME. I GOT A GOOD TASTE OF IT. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO. IT'S IMPORTANT WORK, AND WE APPRECIATE IT, AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE BALLOT ONE DAY. THANKS, GUYS. >> ANYBODY ELSE? >> MATTA MAYOR, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THE CLASS AND, THIS IS FANTASTIC, GREAT TO SEE YOUNG PEOPLE HERE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, FEEL FREE TO INVITE US OUT. I WOULD LOVE TO COME AND ENGAGE AT CENTRAL. THE WORK YOU DO NOW , AS STUDENTS, IS THE WORK WE DO FOR THE COMMUNITY. WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING AND THE PRINCIPLES HERE ARE APPLICABLE TO WHAT WE DO TO TRY TO SERVE OUR CITIZENS, YOU, THE YOUNG F1 PEOPLE, IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. YOUR INPUT IS INVALUABLE, WE NEED YOUR INPUT AS YOUNG PEOPLE. WE ARE TRYING TO BUILD A CITY, CRAFT A CITY FOR YOU GUYS, RIGHT? YOU WANT TO LIVE HERE, WANT TO RECREATE HERE AND TELL OTHER PEOPLE COME HERE, BUILD YOUR FAMILY AND FUTURE HERE. IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE INPUT . WHEN WE HAVE TIMES FOR SURVEYS, THOSE TYPES OF THINGS, PLEASE HAVE THE YOUNG PEOPLE WAY IN, IT'S VERY VALUABLE, THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> WE APPRECIATE IT. >> COMMISSIONER BRODERICK. >> KEEP IN MIND, YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF FORT PIERCE. YOU WILL BE THE LEADERS. MANY WILL HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO SIT UP HERE, PARTICIPATE ANOTHER COMMUNITY BOARDS, THINGS OF THIS NATURE. A LOT OF LEADERSHIP POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CITY, NOT JUST NECESSARILY GOVERNMENT. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING. GOING OFF TO COLLEGE, GET INVOLVED IN THE LEVEL OF COLLEGE , AS WELL. THE EXPERIENCE WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR YOU. YOU CAN BRING IT HOME AND WE WILL ALL BE THE BENEFIT OF THAT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YOU FOR BEING HERE. GREAT SCHOOL, FORT PIERCE CENTRAL. THANK YOU. [c. Family Abduction Awareness Day] >> THE NEXT PROCLAMATION IS FAMILY ABDUCTION AWARENESS. WHEREAS, THIS DAY IS DEDICATED TO RAISING AWARENESS OF THOSE AFFECTED BY FAMILY ABDUCTION. THESE ABDUCTIONS HAVE A DEVASTATING IMPACT, CAUSING DEEP EM TRUST, WITH FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON THE BROADER COMMUNITY. WHILE NONFAMILY ABDUCTIONS ACCOUNT FOR ONLY 1% OF MISSING CHILD REPORTS TO THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN, SERVES AS A PIVOTAL TIME TO COMBAT FAMILY ABDUCTIONS, REUNITE MISSING CHILDREN WITH THEIR FAMILIES, AND RECOGNIZE THOSE DEDICATED TO PROTECTING SAWARENESS, SUPPORT AFFECTED FAMILIES, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY EFFORTS TO PREVENT FUTURE ABDUCTIONS. AND WHEREAS, A FAMILY ABDUCTION [00:15:01] OCCURS WHEN A CHILD IS TAKEN, WRONGFULLY RETAINED, OR CONCEALED BY A PARENT OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBER, DENYING ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL THEIR RIGHT TO COURT ORDERS. SUCH ABDUCTIONS ARE OFTEN DRIVEN BY THE PERPETRATOR S FRUSTRATION WITH THE LEFTBEHIND PARENT, THE LEGAL SYSTEM, OR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. AND WHEREAS, THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE IS COMMITTED TO REMAINING VIGILANT AND INFORMED ABOUT THE DANGERS FACING CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY, RECOGNIZING THAT FAMILY ABMATTER. LAW ENFORCEMEN OFFICERS SHOULD TREAT THESE INCIDENTS AS SEVERE FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE, RATHER THAN MINOR OFFENSES. AND WHEREAS IT IS INCUMBENT UPON LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO HAVE WRITTEN PLANS OUTLINING ACTIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR PROMPTLY ADDRESSING FAMILY ABDUCTION CASES. COURTS HAVE THEIR LAWFUL CUSTODIANS AND VERIFY THE VALIDITY OF ANY COURT ORDERS, AS FAILURE TO ESTABLISH NECESSARY TRAINING AND POLICIES POSES A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY. NOW, THEREFORE, I LINDA HUDSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM MAY 25, 2025 AS FAMILY ABDUCTION AWARENESS DAY IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, ENCOURAGE OUR CITIZENS TO BECOME EDUCATED ABOUT THE PREVALENCE, RISKS, AND CONSEQUENCES OF FAMILY PREVENTIVE MEASURES, AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THIS CRITICAL ISSUE. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THE COMMISSIONERS ANOTHER MEMBERS UP HERE, I APPRECIATE THE VOICE YOU HAVE GIVEN THE FAMILIES HERE IN FORT PIERCE. FROM THE YOUNG MEN'S WE SAW EARLIER, TO THOSE WHO HAVE COME TO RETIRE HERE, FORT PIERCE HAS BEEN LIFELONG FOR SOME OF US. FOR OTHERS, WE CALL THIS PLACE HOME. I APPRECIATE THE PROCLAMATION AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENDORSEMENT. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> NEXT WE HAVE ADDITIONS OR [8. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA] DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. >> ANY CHANGES TO THE AGENDA? >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND A SECOND, CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. IT IS A CHORUS OF SECONDS UP HERE. >> COMMISSIONER BRODERICK, COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, COMMISSIONER SIX, COMMISSIONER JOHNSON. WE DIDN'T HAVE ANYBODY [11. CONSENT AGENDA] SIGN UP IN ADVANCE, WE WILL MOVE ON TO THE CONSENT AGENDA. >> IF NOT I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE. >> I WILL WAIT THIS TIME. >> YOU GO AHEAD. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND A SECOND, CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. >> [a. Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 25-016 - An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, Establishing Chapter 125-Zoning, Article VII - Supplementary Regulations, Division 1 - Generally, Section 125-328 - Boardinghouses and Roominghouses; to regulate the standards of operation of Boardinghouses and Roominghouses. SECOND READING.] WE HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING ON , A LEGISLATIVE HEARING, ON ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, ESTABLISHING 125 ZONING ARTICLE SEVEN SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATION DIVISION ONE GENERALLY SECTION 125 - 328 , TO REGULATE THE STANDARDS OF OPERATIONS OF BOARDING HOUSES AND ROOMING HOUSES PROVIDED FOR SEPARABILITY GLOSS, REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES -- PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. THIS IS THE SECOND READING. >> SECOND READING. ANYONE WISHING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, PLEASE COME FORWARD. SEEING NO MOVEMENT I CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AND ENTERTAIN A MOTION. >> I MOVE APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 05 -- 25-016. >> A MOTION AND SECOND, CALL THE OLL, PLEASE. [a. Resolution 25-R37 Authorizing the Lease of Space in City Hall to Brian Mast, United States Representative ] >> RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AUTHORIZING THE LEASE OF SPACE IN CITY HALL, TO BRIAN MAST, UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE, PROVIDING FOR SEPARABILITY GLOSS, REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS AND CONFLICT AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE . >> DISCUSSION OR MOTION? >> MATTA MAYOR, I MOVE TO [b. Resolution 25-R38 Appointing Chase Whitaker to the City of Fort Pierce Parks Advisory Committee as Commissioner Broderick's appointee. ] APPROVE. >> IS THERE A SECOND? >> SECOND. >> THERE'S A MOTION AND A SECOND, CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. >> HAVE RESOLUTION 25-R 38. RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, DISAPPOINTS CHASE WHITAKER TO THE PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AS COMMISSIONER BRODERICK 'S APPOINTMENT -- APPOINTEE. >> COMMISSIONER BRODERICK, WHICH LIKE THE MOST -- MAKE A MOTION? >> I MAKE A MOTION. [c. Resolution 25-R39 Appointing Susan Garrett to the City of Fort Pierce Historic Preservation Board as Commissioner Broderick's appointee. ] >> SECOND. >> CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. >> [00:20:02] CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. DISAPPOINTS SUSAN GARRETT AS COMMISSIONER BRODERICK'S APPOINTEE. [14. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. 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.] >> COMMISSIONER BRODERICK. >> APPROVE. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND A SECOND, CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. >> WE HAVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC . >> TIME FOR COMMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. MISS COX WILL GIVE YOU A 10 SECOND WARNING. PLEASE COME FORWARD, SIR. >> MATTA MAYOR, GERMAN, MY FIRST TIME WANT TO GET IN AND OUT. >> STATE YOUR NAME, SIR. AND YOUR ADDRESS. >> MY ADDRESS AND IDEAS GENERAL DELIVERY, IF YOU'VE HEARD OF THAT, EMMITT THOMAS. IT'S OKAY. IT IS WHAT IT IS. >> THANK YOU, SIR. THIS IS WRITTEN -- IN REGARDS TO HOMELESS, DISADVANTAGE, VETERANS, MENTAL HEALTH POOR FOR MY NAME IS MATTHEW AND I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS A POTENTIALLY NEW IDEA THAT MAYBE OFFENDED THIS BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY IN POSITIVE AND MEANINGFUL WAYS. I'VE SEEN OUR WORK DOWNTOWN AND ALL THE BENEFITS AND A HEALTHY AND CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT. I'M GETTING TO SEE THIS TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME. HOWEVER, THE HIGHWAYMEN PAINTINGS YOU ENJOY SO MUCH, THERE ARE FOLK IN THE SADDLE -- SHADOWS THAT WOULD BE INSPIRED BY A LOCAL CONCERT OR A PLAY, OR GALLERY SHOWING. AND THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON DOWNTOWN, GOSPEL STUFF GOING ON. I DON'T HAVE THE WAYS AND MEANS TO PAY FOR A TICKET OR EVEN BE INVITED, AND THEY STAND OUTSIDE THE DOOR LOOKING INWARDS WONDERING WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE ONE OF YOU. I PROPOSE WITH PROPER RESEARCH, EVEN MYSELF DOING A PETITION FOR PUBLIC CONSENSUS, THE COUNTY RELYING ON RICH TOURISM, ART, CAN PAY IT BACK TO ITS OWN COMMUNITY CITIZENS BY AFFORDING A PROGRAM WHERE THERE ARE SO MANY TICKETS OR EVENTS APPLICABLE FOR THOSE LESS UNFORTUNATE. EQUALLY CREATIVE HUMAN BEING. OUR CHURCHES HAVE BEEN DOING WELL IN THEIR MISSIONS. I AM WELL -- WILLING TO MOVE FORWARD WITH MERIT-BASED IDEAS, COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS CAN BE CASHED IN FOR LOCAL EVENTS. IF THE EVENT HAS 300 PETA -- PEOPLE, SPACE BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WOULD APPRECIATE IT. I WAS STANDING I HAVE NO PROBLEM DEFERRING TO A MORE EDUCATED PANEL OF LOCALS IF THEY FIND THIS IDEA WORTH EXPLORING. THAT WOULD MAKE MYSELF 100% AVAILABLE AND I WOULD STAND IN THE STREET GETTING SIGNATURES AS THEY USE THEIR CAREERS TO ALIGN WITH THE VISION I'VE BEEN ALLOWED TO AG LANDS. I'VE NEVER BEEN TO A TOWN MEETING, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, PATIENCE. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME SORT OF FEEDBACK SO I DON'T FEEL DISCOURAGED STANDING UP WITH A VOICE. I REMAIN YOURS, I HAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER ON HERE. I WILL LEAVE A COPY AND I WILL JUST GO. >> THANK YOU, SIR. WE DON'T USUALLY DIALOGUE . IT IS YOUR TIME FOR THREE MINUTES, THAT'S A. >> LIBRARY TODAY, I HAVE $.50 IN MY POCKET I GOT TO A COMPUTER, TYPED IT UP. THE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE THAT WANTED. >> THANK YOU, SIR. INC. YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE. YES, YOU MAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU. >> WHO ELSE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK? PLEASE COME FORWARD. >> THANK YOU. >> MATTA MAYOR AND CHAIR, MY NAME IS EDIE HARRISON, I AM WITH -- WEST. I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THE WESTERN CHARADE OR THE CHANGES TO THE WESTERN CHARADE. OUR UNDERSTANDING IS IT WOULD BE PUT ON THE AGENDA BUT IT WAS REMOVED FOR -- FROM THE AGENDA. FOR PEERS ASK SPENT TIME -- THIS PLAN CREATED A STRONG COMMUNITY INPUT VISIONS -- BUSINESSES, HOMES AND APPROVED ACCESS TO PUBLIC ARTS. PUBLIC TRANSPARENT PROCESS THAT PRIORITIZED THE CHARACTER OF OUR WATERFRONT IN RESIDENTS. HOWEVER, WHILE THE COMMUNITY DRIVEN PLAN EVER WAS UNDERWAY , THE OWNER OF -- ALONG WITH DEVELOPMENT TEAM TOOK A DIFFERENT APPROACH. RATHER THAN SUBMITTING THE PROJECT TO REVIEW BY THE CITY THAT BYPASSED THE LOCAL OVERSIGHT ENTIRELY AND SOUGHT DIRECT IMPROVEMENT FROM THE STATE. THIS PROPOSED PROJECT IS A MASSIVE 18 STORY DEVELOPMENT THAT BEARS LITTLE RESEMBLANCE TO THE CITY'S PLAN. THROUGH THE LIVE LOCAL ACT LEVEL -- LEGISLATION DESIGNED TO SUPPORT HOUSING FOR LOW TO MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES. REQUIRES 40% OF RENTALS. FOR 30 YEARS. ON PAPER IT LOOKS GREAT, BUT THAT CONCLUDES -- AVERAGE OF $1800 IN RENT. RATHER THAN THE [00:25:01] 40%, OF THE UNITS QUALIFIED -- THE REQUESTER IS ASKING FOR 30 UNITS PER ACRE, 42 ACRES TOTAL , HALF OF IT BEING UNDERWATER. FOR A TOTAL OF 1260 UNITS TO THE APPLICABLE -- ONLY 1063 BETTER THAN WE BUILT. TO BE HONEST, WITH HUNDRED AND 84 SLIPS CABANA RENTALS AND RESTORED STYLE AND ENTITIES REFLECT THE INTENT OF THE ACT. OR IS THIS A CALCULATED MOVE TO SECURE STATE FUNDING FOR A PROJECT PRIMARILY BENEFITS HIGH INCOME INTEREST? I'M NOT OPPOSED TO THE ACT OR THE GOALS OF IT. BUT I'M DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT HOW IT'S BEING USED HERE. THE PUBLIC WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THIS BACKDOOR APPROACH THIS PROJECT UNDERMINES TRANSPARENCY OF THE WESTERN PROCESSES AND ERODES PUBLIC TRUST. ADDITIONALLY, THERE'S NO ATTEMPT AT TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS, PARTICULARLY IN THE EVENT OF EVALUATE'S EVACUATION. RAISED WESTERNS ABOUT WHO'S DEVELOPING -- WHO THIS DEVELOPMENT IS REALLY FOR. DURING THE UPCOMING MEETING THE TECHNICAL REVIEW MEETING , MAY 15TH AT 10:00 A.M., WHERE THE LIVE LOCAL ACT PROJECT -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO CALL IT IS DISCUSSED. IT WILL PROVIDE COMMUNITY WITH OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK UP THE SECOND -- I URGE THE RESIDENTS WHO CARE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND OUR CITY, OUR WATERFRONT AND RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT TO ATTEND THESE MEETINGS. LET'S HAVE OUR VOICES HEARD . FORT PIERCE DESERVES BETTER THAN BEING LEFT OUT OF ITS OWN FUTURE. >> ANYONE ELSE? ANYONE ELSE? ANYONE ELSE? OKAY, SEEING NO OTHER MOVEMENT I AM GOING TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING AND COME BACK TO OUR AGENDA. WE WILL BE DISCUSSING THE LIVE LOCAL ACT WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR THE COMMISSION DISCUSSIONS, SO YOU WILL UNDERSTAND , AT LEAST, A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT WHAT THAT ACT IS AND WHY IT IS UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW . WE WILL GO ON TO -- NOW TIME FOR CITY MANAGER COMMENTS. >> COMMENT. [16. COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION] >> MISS COX, DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS? >> MA'AM, I DO. COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION. >> THANK YOU. LEGISLATOR PASSED THE LIVE LOCAL ACT AND THEY PASSED IT WITH A DIRECTIVE THAT IT WAS TO HAVE ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND THAT THE COMMISSION IS NOT TO HAVE ANY WAY IN . THERE'S A NUMBER OF RESTRICTIONS, A NUMBER OF REQUIREMENTS, BUT WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE YOU IS IS THAT THIS IS NOT THE BODY TO BE UPSET WITH , BECAUSE THIS WAS PASSED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE. ALSO, IT WAS NEVER ON THIS AGENDA. IS THAT CORRECT, MISS COX? I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT IDEA GOT -- IT'S THE FIRST TIME IT'S BEING REVIEWED WITH THE TRC, AS FAR AS YOU KNOW? >> YES, MA'AM. >> ALREADY. COMMISSIONERS, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT TO WEIGH IN ON THIS. >> I'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK INTO THIS IN SOME DETAIL. THE MAYOR IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. IT'S AROUND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. THAT'S AS PLAIN AS I CAN MAKE IT, IT'S AN ESCAPE MECHANISM TO GET AWAY FROM PLANNING BOARDS, PLANNING DEPARTMENTS, CITY COMMISSIONS, ET CETERA. AND ZONING. THIS WAS DONE INTENTIONALLY BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE . IT WAS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY BY THEM TO CREATE THIS AND RUN AROUND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR INSTANCE , IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THERE IS A LAUNDRY LIST OF REQUIREMENTS THEY HAVE TO MEET TO HAVE THEIR APPLICATION BE CONSIDERED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL ONLY. IN OTHER WORDS IT MEETS THE TECHNICAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS , SAFETY, THINGS OF THIS NATURE, BUT AS FAR AS ZONING IS CONCERNED, IT'S IRRELEVANT. REGARDING SURROUNDING PROPERTIES IT IS IRRELEVANT. THE THEORY IS THAT LOWER INCOME HOUSING IS PROVIDED AS PART OF THIS. MY POINT ON MY HAS BEEN , I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN HAVE A COMPLEX WITH MILLION-DOLLAR UNITS THAT IS REPORTING TO HAVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING , IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. I INTEND TO ATTEND THE TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE HOPEFULLY TO GET THE SAME QUESTIONS ANSWERED YOU HAVE. WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET ANY INFORMATION ON THIS. NOTHING IS [00:30:01] COMING FORWARD TO THE CITY COMMISSION, AS SHOCKING AS THAT IS, THAT'S THE WAY THIS WORKS. IT'S THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO WORK. THAT'S WHAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS. THERE IS NOTHING THIS BODY CAN DO ABOUT IT TO IMPROVE IT , ANALYZE IT, CRITICIZE IT -- I GUESS WE CAN CRITICIZE ALL WE WANT BUT IT FALLS ON DEAF EARS BECAUSE IT GOES NOWHERE. I KNOW THE COMMISSION AS A WHOLE, AND I PERSONALLY, SHARE YOUR CONCERNS . FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THIS IS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG. THIS IS JUST GOING TO BE THE FIRST ROUND OF THIS , AND IT'S GOING TO BE A SLUGFEST ALL THE WAY THROUGH ANYPLACE IN THE CITY. THE ONLY THING I CAN SAY IS THERE'S GOING TO BE A LOT MORE TO COME OF THIS AS DEVELOPERS ANALYZE THIS STATUTE, HOW IT WORKS, AND HOW IT NAVIGATES AROUND CITIES LIKE THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. WE ARE GOING TO BE DELUGE WITH THESE. WE ARE GOING TO BE SITTING HER TOILETING -- TWIDDLING OUR THUMBS, IS NOTHING WE CAN DO. I FEEL BADLY FOR THAT. I'M YOUR NEIGHBOR. I LIVE DOWN THE STREET FROM YOU. I'M GOING TO BE AFFECTED BY THE SAME -- I'M GOING TO BE AFFECTED THE SAME WAY AS YOU. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE WAY THIS IS BEING MANIPULATED OR HANDLED, BUT AGAIN, THIS IS STATE LEGISLATOR. THESE ARE YOUR LEGISLATURES AT WORK. WE CAN ALL SEND THEM A THANK YOU NOTE FOR THIS. THAT'S IT. >> THIS WAS PASSED, I BELIEVE, TWO YEARS AGO. THIS YEAR THEY WERE GOING TO TRY TO TINKER WITH IT. I AM NOT SURE . COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, MAYBE YOU KNOW, TOO. I'M NOT SURE THEY APPROVED IT, I DON'T THINK THEY APPROVED IT AT ALL. THE IDEA BEHIND IT WAS TO CREATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING. THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, WHICH WE ALL ARE MEMBERS OF, FOUGHT THIS , AND WE FOUGHT IT VERY VALIANTLY, BUT WE WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THEY WERE DETERMINED TO PASS THIS LAW. WE FOUGHT AGAINST THE TWEAKS THIS YEAR. THE LEGISLATURE OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED IT. IT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US BECAUSE IT IS REALLY BYPASSING THE CITY AND ALLOWS, REALLY -- IT'S A DEVELOPERS STREAM. ANY OTHER COMMISSIONER WANT TO WEIGH IN ON THIS? NOPE. >> MET AMIR, I WANT TO SPEAK TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THIS . AND I ENCOURAGE YOU , THIS IS WHY YOU NEED TO GET INVOLVING GOVERNMENT. YOU NEED TO FIND OUT AND RESEARCH LIVE LOCAL ACT AND UNDERSTAND THAT. THAT IS A FAR-REACHING IMPLICATION THAT IS GOING TO AFFECT YOUR FUTURE. WE ALL KNOW THAT IN THIS ECONOMY, YOU KNOW, IT IS TOUGH TO FIND HOUSING THAT IS AT THE MARKET RATE IN WHICH YOU ARE BEING COMPENSATED FOR THE JOBS THAT YOU DO. THIS GOVERNMNT, IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, THE STATE LEGISLATURE , HAS ACCEPTED THIS THEORY , IN PRINCIPLE, THAT THEY ARE GOING TO ALLOW FOR SOME OF THIS OUT OF THE MULTI-OTHER ROOMS TO BE A PART OF THAT LIVING. EVEN YET STILL, THOSE RATES ARE HIGHER THAN THE MARKET RATES THAT FORT PIERCE , FLORIDA, PAYS FOR WAGES AND COMPENSATION. I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE YOU TO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, NUMBER ONE. I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE CURIOUS , SEEK TO UNDERSTAND. THAT'S FOR THE ADULTS IN THE ROOM, TOO. I APPRECIATE THE PASSION OF YOU COMING HERE TO US, WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT CLOSEST TO THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE. WE SHOP IN THE SAME STORES, YOU SEE IS EACH AND EVERY DAY. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU TALK TO YOUR STATE LEGISLATURE? WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD A TOWNHALL WITH THEM? THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WILL, IN TALLAHASSEE, THAT BASICALLY PASSES THIS LAW THAT SUPERSEDES THE PEOPLE YOU ARE CLOSE TO. WE HAVE NO SAY SO. FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES IS COMPRISED OF 411 CITIES. 411 CITIES, AS YOU TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA, THERE ARE 67 COUNTIES, ST. LUCIE COUNTY IS ONE OF THE 67, AND WE ALL COMBINE IS ONE AND WE STILL CANNOT MAKE AN IMPACT ON THIS. WITH ALL OF THOSE BILLIONS, WITH THE SUPPORT, ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE , WE STILL DON'T HAVE A VOICE WITH THIS. MORE ABILITY TO IMPACT IT. WHEN IT COMES TO THIS. I BELIEVE IN THE PEOPLE . THE PEOPLE HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT IN THE STATES. AND THE PEOPLE NEED TO GET INVOLVED. IT'S NOT RED, IT'S NOT BLUE, IT'S PEOPLE. THIS IS GOING TO AFFECT EVERYBODY. POOR PEOPLE, [00:35:03] RICH PEOPLE, DEMOCRATICS, AND REPUBLICANS AND INDEPENDENTS. YOU HAVE TO GET INVOLVED AND STAND ON PRINCIPLE BECAUSE THE PRINCIPAL THEY HAVE INVOKED HERE IS GOING TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOU AND HOW YOU WANT TO LIVE YOUR LIFE IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. IT'S GOING TO IMPACT US. THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY. >> IF YOU HAVE FURTHER INTEREST, SENATE BILL 102 , AND IT WAS PASSED TWO YEARS AGO. IT WAS SWEEPING. TOTAL PREEMPTION BILL PREEMPTING CITIES FROM HAVING ANY SAY SO IN THESE HUGE DEVELOPMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS IS THE SECOND ONE FILED IN FORT PIERCE. THE FIRST ONE WAS ON SELF -- IF YOU WANT TO TALK INTELLIGENTLY ABOUT IT TO YOUR STATE SENATOR OR YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, IT IS SENATE BILL 102. THIS YEAR IT WAS TWEAKED WITH A BILL -- I DON'T REMEMBER THE NUMBER, BUT EVERYONE KNOWS SENATE BILL 102, LIVE LOCAL ACT. OKAY. IT'S TIME FOR COMMISSIONERS. ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS FOR TONIGHT? >> I HAVE A COUPLE. YOU WANT TO GO? >> COMMISSIONER BRODERICK. >> I'M NOT SURE IF ANYBODY ELSE HERE HAS BEEN CONTACTED OVER THE LAST WEEK OR SO CONCERNING THE WASTE MANAGEMENT FEC ISSUE. YEAH. APPARENTLY -- WHAT IS THAT, JAMES? >> I HAVEN'T BEEN TALKED ABOUT -- CONTACTED BUT I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. >> APPARENTLY THE SITUATION IS GROWING SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE WITH -- I RECEIVED CALL FROM HIGH POINT ABOUT RODENT INFESTATION INTO THE COMMUNITY, ODORS, NOISE, ET CETERA. I'M REALLY NOT SURE WHO -- I DO INTEND TO CONTACT OUR CONGRESSMAN, WHO WAS ON MY LIST TODAY BUT I HAD A CHALLENGING LIST -- AFTERNOON. HE'S WORKING DIRECTLY WITH FEC. TO PAINT THE PICTURE, AND THIS IS MY UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THIS WORKS. FEC IS HAULING TRASH FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT BEING GENERATED OUT OF MIAMI DADE. THE TRASH IS BEING SENT BY TRAIN TO FEC'S DEPOT IN SOUTH FORT PIERCE, BEING STORED ON SITE AND LOADED INTO TRASH HAULERS TO TAKE TO THE DUMP BECAUSE THE CAPACITY OF THE DUMP IS SUCH IT'S GOT YEARS OF CAPACITY AND IT . THEY ARE SELLING CAPACITY TO WASTE MANAGEMENT TO HAUL OUT OF MIAMI DADE. APPARENTLY, OUR NEIGHBORS ARE SUFFERING SOME VERY NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES TO THIS. I AM NOT SURE HOW DO WE RESPOND TO THIS? WE'VE HAD ENGAGEMENTS TO FEC IN THE PAST, THE RESPONSES GO AWAY. GO AWAY, LITTLE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. IGNORE. I'M NOT SURE HOW WE DEAL WITH THIS. OBVIOUSLY IT'S A PUBLIC NUISANCE. POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUE. THERE IS A LAUNDRY LIST OF ISSUES THIS CREATES , BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE WE DIRECT THIS TO. IS IT A LEGAL ISSUE, CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUE, WHICH I THINK IS OUR FIRST STOP, HAVING OPEN STORAGE OF WASTE ON-SITE AT THE FEC FACILITY . I CAN'T ENVISION THAT AS PART OF THEIR ACCEPTABLE OPERATIONS TO WHAT THEY HAVE GOING ON. I INTEND TO GET A HOLD OF OUR CONGRESSMAN, WHO IS NEGOTIATING WITH FEC ON A VARIETY OF THINGS RIGHT NOW TO HAVE HIM GET A HOLD OF THE FEC FOLKS AND SAY, THIS IS NOT RIGHT. YOU CANNOT USE THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AS YOUR DUMPING GROUND. WE DON'T CARE WHAT YOU DO WITH OUR WAYS, GET IT OUT OF OUR CITY. JUST BECAUSE YOUR TRACKS COME THROUGH HERE, I DON'T FIND THAT AS AN ACCEPTABLE EXPLANATION AS TO WHY OUR NEIGHBORS ARE GOING TO BE SUBJECTED TO THIS. I DON'T KNOW WHERE WE TAKE THIS. >> I DON'T EITHER. THERE'S A BIT OF HISTORY WE ALL NEED TO SHARE BECAUSE -- THIS STARTED BEFORE YOU WERE HERE, BUT WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO BRING YOU UP TO DATE ON IT. THE GARBAGE FACILITY IN MIAMI DADE BURNED DOWN. >> THE INCINERATOR. >> THE INSERTED RATER -- INCINERATOR, RIGHT. FIRST THEY WERE HAULING BY TRUCK AT SOME POINT IT TURNED TO -- THE PEOPLE ON INDIAN RIVER DRIVE BEGAN TO NOTICE STENCH , ET CETERA , ET CETERA. WE REACHED OUT. MISS COX, YOU WERE ACTING CITY MANAGER AT THE TIME. WE REACHED OUT TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT , [00:40:03] ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO IT. WE BROUGHT MISS HEDGES IN. WE TRIED TO BRAINSTORM TO FIGURE OUT WHERE WE COULD -- THE PRESSURE POINTS WERE . ONE OF THE THINGS, I THINK, THEY STARTED TO DO WAS MAKE IT -- INSTEAD OF PARKING IT AT INDIAN RIVER DRIVE IN CITRUS THEY PARKED IT FURTHER SOUTH, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHY HIGH POINT IS SUFFERING FROM IT. I THINK, AT ONE POINT, DID WE REACH OUT TO -- I CAN REMEMBER, WE TALKED ABOUT IT. THE LEAD. >> WE DID REACH OUT TO HIM. I DO KNOW THAT HE HAD ANY BETTER LUCK THAN WE DID. >> YEAH. >> I WILL CALL HIM AS SOON AS THIS MEETING IS OVER. >> WE HAVE BEEN WRESTLING WITH IT BECAUSE, I THINK, CODE ENFORCEMENT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO SERVE BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT IT STAYS THERE A CERTAIN TIME AND THEN MOVES ON. YOU HAVE TO CATCH AT THE RIGHT TIME. AM I RIGHT? LADIES? ALSO, THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS TO CATCH AT THE RIGHT TIME. WE HAVE BEEN WRESTLING WITH IT WITH ME -- WASTE MANAGEMENT. WASTE MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN TALKING WITH THE NEIGHBORS. THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER, BACK AND FORTH. YOU ARE NOW TELLING ME THE HIGH POINT NEIGHBORHOOD IS ALSO -- >> THE NEWS HAS ALSO ALLOWED -- LATCHED ONTO THIS. CBS NEWS IS DOING AN INVESTIGATIVE PIECE ON THIS. THEY WANT TO COMMENT. I'M STAYING AWAY FROM UNTIL WE CAN GATHER MORE INFORMATION AS TO WHAT A COURSE OF ACTION IS GOING TO BE. >> THERE'S A SERIES OF EMAILS BETWEEN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND FEC. THERE IS SOME BACKGROUND ON THAT BUT I AM SURE THE STAFF WOULD BE HAPPY TO FURNISH US ALL WITH, IN TERMS OF -- >> PERSONALLY I THINK THIS COMES ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL FROM WASHINGTON. FEC IS REGULATED, NOT BY US LOCALLY OR THE STATE. >> THAT'S THE RAILROAD, FEDERAL REGULATED INDUSTRY. ALSO CONGRATS -- CONTRACTUAL BETWEEN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND FEC. HONESTLY, WE COULD USE THE CONGRESSMAN'S HELP, I BELIEVE. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD TO THIS ? >> I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING ALONG IN TERMS OF WHAT LIABILITY IS TO ENFORCE IT. WE HAVE NO JURISDICTION OVER THAT. BETWEEN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND -- F.A.R. REGULATES THAT RELATIONSHIP AND WE NEED TO GET CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT ON THE ISSUE. >> GETTING THE RAILROADS ATTENTION , AND THE RIGHT PERSON IN THE RAILROAD. THAT'S WHY WE NEED -- >> I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO MAKE THE INITIAL CALL ON THIS. AS SOON AS I WALK OUT THE DOOR I WILL CALL. HIS COMPLAINT WITH THE CITY HAS BEEN BLIGHT AND TRASH AND THIS. OKAY, HERE WE HAVE A COMMERCIAL OPERATION HAULING IT TO THE CITY, WE NEED HELP BECAUSE WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS. I AM GOING TO IMPLORE HIM TO GET ON THE PHONE AND RAISE AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED. >> I'M GOING TO WEIGH IN ON THIS. TWO THINGS, FIRST OF ALL, LET ME THANK STAFF FOR SENDING THIS OUT. I WAS UNAWARE, I WAS BLINDSIDED. I WAS ANGRY WHEN I GOT IT. I DON'T RECALL THIS . I THOUGHT WE WERE OPERATING UNDER A PRINCIPAL. THIS AFFECTS ME. IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WENT TO CERTAIN MEMBERS BEFORE IT GOT TO THIS LEVEL THAT I AM NOW INFORMED. >> IT DIDN'T COME FROM THE CITY. >> FELT THE COMMUNICATION WAS GOING TO THE MAYOR FROM CERTAIN PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY. I READ THROUGH ALL OF THAT. I AM NOT HERE TO FIGURE THAT OUT RIGHT NOW. WHAT I AM INGRID ABOUT IS, I THINK YOU SAID, WHAT CAN I DO -- FIRST OF ALL WE HAVE A CITY. OUR COUNTY PARTNERS, WE HAVE TO JOIN FORCES WITH THEM, THEY ARE COMING INTO ST. LUCIE COUNTY, AS WELL. NUMBER ONE. BETWEEN THE FLORIDA LEAGUE AND MANAGEMENT OF COUNTIES, WE HAVE TO HAVE A UNITED EFFORT ON THIS. MY REAL ISSUE IS , NOT ONLY ARE THEY BRINGING A TRAIN HERE, BUT THEY ARE CHECKING THAT FROM THERE ACROSS OUR COUNTY AND THROUGH OUR CITY TO THE DUMP, WHICH IS SPILLING EVEN MORE RAW STUFF ON THE ROAD AS THEY GO. AS A RESULT OF THAT, THAT'S GOING TO CAUSE MORE CRITTERS AND ANIMALS THAT WILL PICK UP ON THAT SENT TO COME INTO THE CITY. WHEN I READ ABOUT THE SITING OF WILD ANIMALS IN OUR CITY, COYOTES, THAT CONCERNS ME. I THINK THE OTHER FORCE HERE IS WE HAVE TO TALK TO THE PEOPLE. WE HAVE GOT TO LET THE PEOPLE KNOW THAT THEY HAVE TO TALK TO THE CONGRESSMAN. THE CONGRESSMAN HAD A LOT TO SAY ABOUT OUR CITY. WE HAVE A LOT TO SAY TO HIM. LAST TIME I CHECKED, [00:45:06] HE LIVED HERE. WE DON'T WANT TO BE ON THE NEWS WITH A COYOTE ATTACKING A DOLL, PERSON, BABY OR ANYTHING. BUT IF THIS KEEPS UP AND WE AREN'T VOCAL ON THIS, I THINK WE ARE GOING TO HAVE FOR -- FOR GREATER ISSUES HERE. I AM ALL IN. AS I CAME APPEAR, I DON'T CARE IF IT'S HAPPENING HIGH POINT, LOW POINT, NO POINT. IF IT'S HAPPENING IN FOR PIERCE, WE HAVE TO COME AS A COMMISSION TO STAND ON PRINCIPLE HERE. LIKE I SAID, WHEN I READ IT, I READ A LOT OF STUFF AND THIS IS THE FIRST I HEARD WHEN I GOT IT THIS WEEK. I AM READY TO TAKE ACTION. CALLING THE CONGRESSMAN, CALLING HOWEVER, DOING WHAT WE HAVE TO DO. I MORE IMPORTANTLY WANT TO TALK TO THE PEOPLE BECAUSE THE PEOPLE HAVE TO SPEAK UP. AGAIN I AM GOING TO KEEP SAYING THIS, THIS IS NOT A RED THING, NOT A BLUE THING, THIS IS A FORT PIERCE ST. LUCIE COUNTY THING. PERIOD. >> OKAY, IS THAT YOUR REPORT? >> I HAVE ONE OTHER ISSUE. SOMEWHAT OF A LIGHTER NOTE, AS THE COMMISSION IS AWARE, I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH CONGRESSMAN AND HIS STAFF ON FEDERAL FUNDING TO BENEFIT THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. STARTING LAST MONDAY, THE BREAKWATER SEEMS TO BE BREAKING ON THIS WITH THE ADVENT -- I REPORTED TO THE COMMISSION PREVIOUSLY CONGRESSMAN COULDN'T TAKE ACTION ON GETTING US FUNDING WE WERE REQUESTING ON CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS OF FUNDING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THEY NEED TO GET IN THE BUDGET PROCESS. THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS CURRENTLY. HE -- HIS ONLY -- OFFICE CONTACTED ME LAST MONDAY. ACTUALLY, BRIAN CALLED ME AND SAID, WHY HAVEN'T YOU SUBMITTED ANYTHING? COUNTY SUBMITTED THIS. I SAID, I SUBMITTED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF REQUEST TO YOU LAST SEPTEMBER. OH, I DON'T RECALL THAT. HE GETS HIS STAFF INVOLVED . HIS STAFF LOST THE PAPERWORK. IT WAS PUT THROUGH THE PAPER SHREDDER, I'M NOT SURE. WE STARTED OVER. I HAVE TO THINK THE CITY CLERK, MS. COX, SHE WORKED ON THIS NIGHT IN DAY FOUR DAYS TO REGENERATE -- WE HAVE THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS, WE FOUND THEM IN THE COMPUTER. WE WERE GOING TO WORK OFF OF THOSE UNTIL WE STARTED GOING THROUGH IT AND DETERMINED MANY OF THE ITEMS REQUESTED HAVE ALREADY BEEN PAID FOR. WE CAN'T SMELL LOOK TO SEEK THE MONEY RETROACTIVELY. IN ESSENCE IT IS A GRANT-TYPE PROCESS. THEY ARE GIVING US THE MONEY. MS. COX WAS KIND ENOUGH TO EXPLAIN TO ME. WE HAVE TO SPEND IT ON WHAT WE GOT A FOUR. PERFECT EXAMPLE, I WILL USE THIS AS AN EXAMPLE, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUESTED APPROVAL FOR HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN NEW SIDEARMS. THAT WAS IN OUR REQUEST. THAT IS ALREADY PAST TENSE. ALL THIS HAD TO BE RECALCULATED, RESPOND. WENT BACK TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, GOT A WHOLE NEW CHECKLIST , REORGANIZED IT, THIS IS A 36 HOUR TIMELINE TO GET IT DONE. CITY MARINA STEPPED UP TO GET A FULL REVAMP PACKAGE FOR THEM, AS WELL. WE MADE A SUBMISSION FOR A FEW MILLION DOLLARS, BENEFIT TO THE CITY THAT HAS LANDED ON THEIR DESK . THAT'S THE NEXT THING IN MY CONVERSATION WHEN I AM DRIVING HOME. IN THEORY THEY ARE GOING TO EARMARK A VARIETY OF THESE THINGS TO THE BENEFIT OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. KNOCK ON WOOD, OUR CONGRESSMAN IS GOING TO UP -- COME THROUGH FOR US. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MS. COX AND HER TEAM FOR PULLING OFF A MIRACLE DOWN TO THE LAST MINUTE TO GET THIS STUFF. I WAS READY TO COME IN AND WORK FOR HER TO GET THE STUFF OUT THE DOOR. THEY CRUSHED IT AND GOT IT DONE. THANK YOU, LINDA, FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY EFFORT. I CALLED HER UP, THIS IS A MESS. SHE SAID, YEAH, THIS IS A REAL MESS, WE HAVE TO START OVER. 24 HOURS WAS THE TURNAROUND TIME? >> EVERYBODY PITCHED IN. >> I AM HOPEFUL THE PAYOFF WILL BE THERE FOR US. WE WILL DERIVE SOME TRUE BENEFIT TO THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FROM OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS. TIME WILL TELL . HE IS THE ONE CRITICIZING US SAYING [00:50:02] WHY HAVEN'T YOU SUBMITTED YOUR FUNDING REQUEST, EVERYONE ELSE HAS. WE WERE THE FIRST WENT TO THE DANCE. WE WERE SO EARLY YOU FORGOT ABOUT US. IT'S IN PROCESS. I INTEND TO BRING THAT UP IN MY DISCUSSION IN THE CAR ON THE RIDE HOME. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> QUICK QUESTION. HOW MUCH AND WHERE ARE WE NOW WITH THE HOUSE? ANYBODY RECALL? >> I DON'T REMEMBER THE TOTAL. I SENT YOU ALL THE -- I SENT YOU THE COMPLETE PACKET. >> SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS. >> SEVERAL. OKAY. ALL RIGHT. I HOPE YOU GETTING UP TO SPEED ON THAT. >> MY POSITION IS THAT WE NEED TO INCLUDE ALL DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL. I BELIEVE THIS EFFORT WAS PRECEDED ME. WHAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR ME AS WE HAVE ALL OF OUR CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN OUR BUDGET APPROVED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD, AND THAT MAKES ALL THOSE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON FOR THIS PARTICULAR BUDGET SEASON, HAVING COUNCIL IMPROVEMENT PLAN THAT INCLUDES CAPITOL PROJECTS, SO THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR FUNDING. NOT JUST SPECIFIC PROJECTS. THAT'S A GOOD EFFORT, THAT'S A GOOD START. THAT'S WHERE WE NEED TO BE. WE NEED TO BE WORKING WITH OUR CONTACTS IN D.C. ON DISCRETIONARY GRANTS , AS WELL AS -- GRANTS. >> YEAH, I THINK A COUPLE QUESTIONS GOING FORWARD , WE DO WELL IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THE FIRM. I DON'T KNOW WHERE WE ARE IN THE FEDERAL LEVEL. I THINK THAT FOR PIERCE NOW IS DRAWING THE FEDERAL ATTENTION ON FEDERAL ISSUES. WE MAY BE, AS WE GO INTO BUDGET CYCLE, I WOULD BE INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT IS OUR FERTILE STRATEGY. WE NEED TO -- WE SHIFT IN FOCUS TO GET MONIES THERE TO GET A CONSULTANT TALKING FOR US IN TALLAHASSEE. WE MEET NEED TO HAVE SOMEBODY WORKING FOR THE DELEGATION BECAUSE OUR ISSUE IS NOT JUST FORT PIERCE, IT'S THE STATE OF FLORIDA, RIGHT? >> ABSOLUTELY. >> MY COMMENT, I WANT TO THANK YOU. THE LAST THREE OR FOUR DAYS HAVE BEEN MIRED WITH TRAGEDIES, SPECIALISTS -- SPECIFICALLY IN THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY. STARTED WITH THE ACCIDENT. THE VIOLENCE EXPERIENCED ON -- LARGE RESPONSE, A YOUNG MAN FROM THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY. THIS TRAGEDY LAST NIGHT ON AVENUE D AND 23RD STREET. PARTICULARLY THAT ONE MUST NIGHT. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY GOT ANY SUSPECTS. APPARENTLY RANDOM GUNFIRE FIRING AT EACH OTHER. THIS MAN WAS IN HIS YARD HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY OF THIS. PROTECTED SOME KIDS. HE PROTECT THAT THAT KID AND LOST HIS LIFE. I JUST WANT TO APPEAL, PARTICULARLY RIGHT NOT TO THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY, TO REACH OUT. WE ARE ONE FORT PIERCE, WE'LL HURT WITH THIS, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT AS THEY SAID EARLIER, THE FLAG DAY IS COMING UP ON THE 18TH. THAT'S A BIG THING IN THIS COMMUNITY. I JUST WANT US TO HAVE A GREAT HAITIAN FLAG DAY CELEBRATION WITH JUST GREAT PEACE, GREAT FOOD, ALL OF THAT. THAT IS ALL I HAVE UNCOMMON TONIGHT. I WANT TO ADD A LITTLE MORE TO THAT. I AM SERIOUS ABOUT THIS ONE FORT PIERCE, AND THINGS COMING ACROSS. WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE HANDLING THIS AND ADDRESSING THIS AS A COLLECTIVE, RIGHT? I MAY NOT HAVE THE GREATEST RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE CONGRESSMAN, BUT I KNOW OTHER PEOPLE IN D.C., AS WELL. WE NEED AS MUCH ATTENTION ON THIS ISSUE WITH THIS FEDERAL RAILROAD BECAUSE THEY TEND TO NOT EVEN PAY ATTENTION TO THE CITY AND COUNTY, THEY JUST RUN THROUGH OUR CITY AND DO WHATEVER. THANK YOU, SO MUCH. >> I WILL BE BRIEF, AS I HAD BEEN, ALL MEETING. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO COMMISSIONER BRODERICK FOR YOUR EFFORTS. I READ THROUGH. THANK YOU FOR SENDING TO US AND KEEPING US UP-TO-DATE ON WHAT'S GOING ON. IT LOOKS LOW TO ME, BUT -- >> WE DIDN'T HAVE MUCH TIME. WE WERE ON A SHORT TIMELINE TO GET IT DONE. LET'S PUT IT THIS WAY, IN MY MIND NOW, JANUARY IS GEAR UP TO KNOCK DOWN -- THE DOOR WITH FUNDING REQUESTS. I WILL BE HERE NEXT JANUARY. I WILL PLAN ON MAKING A NOTE IN MY CALENDAR THAT THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO GET FUNDING REQUESTS IN . WE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY MUCH MORE METHODICAL IN OUR APPROACH. >> MAKE SURE YOU REMIND HIM WE JUST APPROVED LEASE ON CITY [00:55:02] HALL. >> DID WE CHARGE HIM ANYTHING? >> VERY REASONABLE. VERY REASONABLE. >> I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. YOU TOOK THE BULL BY THE HORNS ON THAT. FOR US AS COMMISSION, I APPRECIATE IT. I WILL ALSO BE MAKING A PHONE CALL TO CONSTITUENT SERVICES MANAGER. THE GUY USUALLY SPEAK WITH. TRY TO HIT HIM FROM BOTH ENDS. HEARING IT FROM STAFF, AS WELL, WITH THESE ISSUES, AS WELL AS FUNDING REQUESTS. LOTS OF HEAVY STUFF WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TONIGHT . ON A LIGHTER NOTE, I DO WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO THATCHED CHICKEN ON THEIR GRAND OPENING THIS AFTERNOON. I TOLD COMMISSIONER JOHNSON IN THE MAYOR THIS AFTERNOON , I AM STILL FULL FROM LUNCH. IT WAS BARELY SIX HOURS AGO AND I AM STILL FULL. IT IS AWESOME TO SEE LOCAL FAMILY AND EXPANDING THE RESTAURANT AND DOING IT IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. VERY POSITIVE THING. I WILL END ON THE POSITIVE NOTE. THANK YOU. >> THAT IS -- THAT BLOCK IS REALLY IMPROVED BY THAT. THEY WERE THERE BEFORE. THEIR REPUTATION GOES BEFORE THEM. I KNOW THEY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. I AM GLAD FOR THEM. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, I HEARD YOU LOUD AND CLEAR ABOUT BEING BLINDSIDED. I WANT TO SAY I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT. I WAS WORKING WITH SOMEONE I KNOW. I WAS WORKING WITH ONE NEIGHBOR WHO SAID I DON'T WANT TO MAKE A BIG FUSS ABOUT THIS, AND I WAS TRYING TO RESPECT THAT. ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST AND ALL THE EMAILS WERE IN AND THAT HAPPENED VERY FAST. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE HIGH POINT SITUATION. WE WERE -- THIS PRECEDED MR. CHESS, DEALING WITH ME -- NEIGHBORS, WASTE MANAGEMENT, THE RAILROAD, CODE ENFORCEMENT, DEAL WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. WE TRIED A NUMBER OF AN OVERDOSE -- NUMBER OF AVENUES. NO I THINK IT'S TIME WE GET Tâ– HE ATTENTION OF HE RAILROAD. THAT IS THE HISTORY OF THAT. BUT I DO ALSO WANT TO SAY THE LEGISLATURE HAS IT. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY CALL IT ADJOURNED, BUT THEY ARE COMING BACK TO TALLAHASSEE IN -- MAY 12TH, TWO TRY TO GREAT -- TO TRY TO AGREE ON A BUDGET. THERE WERE A LOT OF THINGS THAT WE FOUGHT AGAINST AS THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES THAT DID NOT PASS. THERE IS A POSTSEASON WEBINAR COMING UP . WE WILL FIND OUT WHAT CAN HAPPEN IN THE BUDGET SESSION . THOSE THINGS CANNOT BE RESURRECTED. THAT'S A GOOD THING. OTHER THINGS CAN HAPPEN IN TERMS OF PROPERTY TAXES, THE BUDGET AND SALES TAX. THEY WILL BE CALLED BACK INTO SESSION ON MAY 12TH IN TALLAHASSEE BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AGREE ON BUDGET. ANYWAY, THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO REPORT. I'M SO HAPPY THE STUDENTS STAYED FOR THE WHOLE MEETING. THANK YOU ALL FOR STAYING FOR THE WHOLE MEETING. WE APPRECIATE YOU VERY MUCH BEING HERE , LISTENING TO WHAT IT IS THAT WE ARE FACING AS A CITY. WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT, TOO. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, UNLESS THERE'S ANYTHING ELSE, I WOULD LIKE TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. WHAT WE DO IS EVERYONE LEAVE THE CHAMBERS AND THEN WE ADJOURN THE MEETING, BUT WE WILL BE TURNING THE LIGHTS OUT. IF YOU HEAD TOWARD * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.