[1. CALL TO ORDER]
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THIS IS A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE.
PLEASE STAND FOR THE PLEDGE. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAGO F 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.
THE PUBLIC. >> WE DID NOT HAVE SIGN UP SHEETS BUT ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK TO THE COMMISSION PLEASE COME FORWARD. SEEING NO ONE, I'LL CLOSE THIS PUBLIC COMMENT AND WE'LL MOVE ON.
>> THE NEXT ITEM , THE ONLY ITEM IS THE COVER CO COVID-19 UPDAT.
[a. COVID-19 Update ]
>> THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THIS MEETING.
I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT WE GET TOGETHER AND DISCUSS ISSUES SURROUNDING OUR COMMUNITY, AND WORLD AT THIS TIME.
THE FIRST THING I WANT TO DO IS HAVE OUR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF WHERE WE ARE SITUATED AT THIS TIME. IF YOU WOULD ALLOW DEPUTY CHIEF
TO COME UP, HE WILL BRIEF YOU. >>
>> GOOD MORNING. >> GOOD MORNING.
AS OF THIS THIS MORNING FLORIDA HAS 2359 CASES.
29 DEATHS. ST. LOUIS SI HAS 11 CASE.
YESTERDAY TEN OF THEM WERE BEING TREATED AT HOME WITH MODERATE SYMPTOMS. U.S. IS UP TO 85,996 CASES WITH 1300 DEATHS. ST. LOST. ST. LUCY MORTALITY RAS BETTER THAN WE'VE SEEN IN OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD.
THE LEVEL TWO ACTIVA VAGUES WORKING LEVEL TWO.
THIS INCLUDES ALL MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS.
RIGHT NOW STATE IS INUNDATED WITH RESOURCE REQUEST.
YESTERDAY IT WAS MENTIONED THAT IT WAS A COUPLE OF DAYS SINCE THEY HAD GOTTEN NEW PRICE. I KNOW THEY ARE WORKING HARD TO GET THAT. AS FAR AS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER ENTITIES, WE'RE WORKING TO GET OUR OWN SUPPLIES BESIDES RESOURCE REQUEST WE PUT IN.
OUR POLICE OFFICERS ARE HANDING OUT FLIERS TO THE PUBLIC WITH PREVENTION INFORMATION ALONG WITH PHONE NUMBERS AND ONLINE RESOURCE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CITY AND COVID-1.
THERE ARE TWO TESTING SITES IN ST. LUCY.
THERE ARE SOME PRIVATE ENTITIES THAT ARE DOING TESTING BUT I DON'T HAVE THEIR NAMES. IT'S UP TO INDIVIDUALS TO CONTACT THEIR PRIVATE DOCTORS TO SEE IF THEY ARE DOING THAT TESTING. THERE ARE THREE OR FOUR PREDICTIVE MODELS ON THE INTERNET.
THEY HAVE DIFFERENT ASSUMPTIONS BUILT INTO THEM.
WE DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS THING IS GOING TO GO.
WE'RE HOPING THE CDC WILL PUT OUT THEIR OWN PREDICTIVE MODEL NEXT WEEK. I TALKED TO CLIN RIGHT BEFORE I CAME HERE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY NEW INFORMATION HE COULD SHARE WITH ME THIS MORNING, ANYTHING CHANGED FROM LAST NIGHT. BASICALLY IS MESSAGE WE'RE PUTTING OUT SITS HERE, IT'S ALL AROUND US.
HIS WORDS WERE SOCIAL DISTANCING, SOCIAL DISTANCING, SOCIAL DISTANCING. WE NEED TO JUST SUPER IT'S AROUND AND TAKE THE PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS WE CAN TO PROTECT OURSELF, OUR FAMILIES AND EVERYONE ELSE AROUND US OR THIS
COULD GET A LOT WORSE. >> ANY QUESTIONS? I HAVE A QUESTION. IF YOU SEE PEOPLE NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING, WHAT IS -- WHAT ARE THE POLICE DOING SO FAR?
>> WE CAN SPEAK WITH THEM, EDUCATE THEM.
IT IS NOT ENFORCEABLE AT THIS POINT.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? >> I HAVE AQUESTION ON THE SAME LINES. I HAD A QUESTION TOO ON THAT SAME ISSUE. I CAN SEE WHERE INDIVIDUALS ARE GATHERING, 150 INDIVIDUALS ON 13TH STREET AND AVENUE M.
AND IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO GET ANY BETTER.
IT GETS WORSE. WHAT IS OUR GOAL IN A SITUATION LIKE THAT? DO WE JUST -- ARE WE APPROACHING
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THESE INDIVIDUALS OR SHOULD WE APPROACH THE COUNTY AND HAVE THIS PLACE CLOSED DOWN? THAT'S THE ONLY PLACE I SEE THIS HAPPENING. WE CAN APPROACH THEM.THE POLICE OFFICERS CAN HAND OUT FLIERS TRYING TO EDUCATE THEM.
AS FAR AS FORCING THEM TO SOCIALLY DISTANCE, WE DON'T HAVE THAT POWER. THAT MAY COME ABOUT FROM ANOTHER ENTITY. I DON'T KNOW.
IT'S SOMETHING I CAN LOOK INTO. >> WHAT HAVE WE DONE IF ANYTHING? ARE YOU SEEING THE SAME THING I'M SEEING? IS THERE ANY EFFORT TO TRY OMIT
DEVIATION THIS SITUATION. >> 'VE SEEN GROUPS OF PEOPLE NOT SOCIALLY DISTANCING GREATER THAN 10.
>> ABOUT 150, I COUNTED THEM YESTERDAY.
AS TIME GOES ON AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE WANT -- IT'S PROBABLY
GOING TO GET WORSE. >> DOES THIS HAVE DIRECT
>> THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE. WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT POLICE HANDING OUT PAMPHLETS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.
THAT'S FINE FOR PEOPLE LIKE US. KIDS DON'T THINK THEY'LL EVER GET SICK. KIDS DON'T THINK THEY'LL CONTRACT SOMETHING THAT CAN KILL THEM.
IF YOU SEE GROUPS OF PEOPLE, IT'S USUALLY KID UNDER 20.
HOW DO WE TALK TO THEM? HOW DO WE CONVINCE THEM THAT THIS IS SERIOUS AND THAT EVEN THEY ARE NOT PART OF THE AGED GROUP THAT HAS THE HIGH SENSITIVITY, HOW DO WE GET THROUGH TO THEM? I SEE IT ALL OVER THE PLACE.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUE? IS THERE ANY TYPE OF STRATEGY ON
THIS? >> WE WERE ALL INVINCIBLE AT ONE TIME. WITHOUT A DOUBT.
WE CAN SPEAK TO THEM AND DO THE BEST WE CAN.
WE CAN SAY YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE OTHER PEOPLE SICK BY DOING THIS.
WE CAN TRY AND REACH OUT TO THE PARENTS AND GET THAT MESSAGE OUT THERE. THROUGH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THROUGH THE MEDIA. IT'S ALL AROUND US AS FAR AS THE MESSAGING GOING ON WHAT TO DO AND WHATNOT TO DO.
UNFORTUNATELY PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING NOT TO DO THE RIGHT
THING. >> I KEPT THINKING AND I'M NOT -- I KNOW WHAT FACEBOOK IS. THAT HAPPENS IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO. I DON'T GET IT ON IT.
BUT THAT MAY BE A VALUABLE TOOL, THOSE SOCIAL MEDIA TYPE THING ABOUT NOT BEING COOL AND NOT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING GOOD IF IT CAN COME FROM YOUNG PEOPLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE, IT SEEMS LIKE THE MESSAGE GETS HEARD AND UNDERSTOOD.
IT'S LIKE ME TRYING TO TALK TO MY KIDS WHEN THEY WERE AROUND AND JUST WENT RIGHT OVER THEIR HEAD.
I'M SAYING TO THE FACT IT'S THAT REAL IMPORTANT FOR TO US GET OUT THERE AND COMMUNICATE THIS AND SEND HOME THE MESSAGE THIS IS STRANGE. NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. SOCIAL MEDIA CLASSES THAT THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES HAS GIVEN IS YOUNG PEOPLE AREN'T ON FACEBOOK ANYMORE. US GRANDPARENTS ARE SO IT'S NOT COOL. SO YOU HAVE TO BE ON WHATEVER THEY ARE ON TO GET THAT MESSAGE. INSTAGRAM OR WHATEVER IT IS.
>> I HAVE ONE OTHER QUESTION TOO.
YOU TALKED ABOUT ST. LUCY COUNTY AND FOLKS THAT HAVE THE VIRUS.
>> THERE IS ONE POI PATIENT IN T PIERCE.
>> I HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IN TERMS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE ADULTS THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. IF THEY ARE NOT GOING TO FOLLOW THE RULES, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE THEIR BEST INTEREST AT HEART IN THIS SITUATION IT'S DETRIMENTAL FOR THEM.
I TAKE THIS JOB WHEN I WALK OUT IN OUR COMMUNITY AND SEE 150 YOUNG PEOPLE CONGREGATING, THE VOLUNTEER APPROACH IS NOT GOING TO WORK. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE COUNTY FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE SHUT THE RECREATION CENTER DOWN SO I DON'T KNOW IF TIME ONLY ONE UP HERE IN THAT POSITION OR NOT BUT THAT'S THE ONLY WAY WE'RE GOING TO GET SOMETHING DONE.
WE ARE GOING TO SIT HERE AND EXPECT TO GET THEIR COOPERATION.
THAT SITUATION IS NOT GOING TO GET BETTER, IT'S GOING TO GET
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WORSE AS TIME GOES ON. TO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM I THINK WE NEED TO SHUT IT DOWN.THEY HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO SO.
MAYBE WE CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM AND MAKE SURE IT'S DONE.
>> IT'S A COUNTY FACILITY RIGHT? >> YES.
>> AND THEY WOULD HAVE JURISDICTION.
WE CAN CERTAINLY MAKE SURETA THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND TAKE CARE OF IT I HAVE GOTTEN AN IRATE EMAIL FROM A CITIZEN WHO SAYS THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING ON THE JETTY AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE WITNESSED THAT OR NOT AND USUALLY PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE FISHING. SO BY DEFINITION THEY ARE SOCIAL DISTANCING. BUT.
>> IS THERE I LOT OF NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING GOING ON.
>> I'VE SEEN SOME REPORTS OF THE COUNTY CLOSING FACILITIES.
I DON'T KNOW IF THE BUILDING IS OPEN AND THEN HOW DO YOU CLOSE DOWN EVEN A CITY PARK LIKE WE DID JC PARK BECAUSE IT WAS TIED TIE BEACH. WE CLOSED IT WITH BARRICADES AND WE HAVE OUR PARK FENCING ALL THE WAY AROUND.
IT WAS FAIRLY SIMPLE TO DO. IF IT'S A WIDE OPEN GREEN SPACE, I DON'T KNOW. I'M ASKING FROM THE CITY PERSPECTIVE WHAT PARKS DO WE HAVE IN MIND IF WE HAVE TO START
TALKING ABOUT THAT? >> IT MAY DRIVE THEM SOME PLACE
ELSE TO ANOTHER PARK. >> I'M GOING TO GO THROUGH THE PROTECTIVE MEASURES THAT THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE HAS PUT IN PLACE THUS FAR. YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT ISSUES RELATED TO THOSE PROTECTIVE MEASURES.
BEFORE WE GET TOO DEEP INTO THAT I'D LIKE TO GIVE YOU A BRIEF
UPDATE. >> I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION.
DID YOU HEAR ANY INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT THE SCHOOL BOARD IS DOING? I KNOW SCHOOL DISTRICT IS GOING TO ONLINE COURSES FOR OUR STUDENTS.
AND I THINK THAT STARTS NEXT WEEK.
NOT THIS WEEK? >> THAT STARTS OUT APRIL 15 OF STUDENTS RETURNING TO SCHOOL, I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WILL CHANGE.
THEY ARE GOING TO ONLINE NEXT WEEK.
>> YES. >> THAT'S GOING TO CHANGE SOME OF THE PARAMETERS WITH THE AT HOME SCHEDULING AND TIME FRAME TO MEET WITH YOUR TEACHER FROM 9:00 TO 10:00 OR THEN TAKE A BREAK AND 1:00 TO 2:00. I THINK THEY ARE SETTING UP SCHEDULES LIKE THAT. I THINK TEACHERS ARE PRACTICING AND MY WIFE IS ONE OF THOSE. THE OTHER QUESTION I HAD.
>> AT THIS TIME I'M GOING TO GO OVER A FEW OF THE CURRENT MEASURES PROTECTIVE MEASURES THE OPERATIONS CHANGES THAT WE HAVE THUS FAR FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE.
LET'S BEGIN WITH THE FACT THAT WE HAVE SOME FACILITY ACCESS
CHANGES -- >> YOUR PHONE IS GOING TO DIE,
YOUR FLASHLIGHT IS ON. >> THANK YOU SIR.
SO AT THIS POINT CITY HALL IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC WITH APPOINTMENT ONLY ACCESS TO THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
THAT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL. FOLKS ARE CALLING IN.
WE HAVE NOT HAD A PLETHORA OF APPOINTMENTS BUT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SERVE PEOPLE IN PERSON THAT NEEDED TO INITIATE THE PERMITTING PROCESS AND WE HAVE OUR BUILDING OFFICIAL WHO IS HERE AND I'M GOING TO ASK THAT OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS THAT ARE IN THE AUDIENCE THEY ARE GOING TO GIVE YOU A BRIEF UPDATE AFTER I RUN THROUGH OUR FACILITY ACCESS CHANGES.
I DIDN'T TELL THEM THAT YET. GIVE THEM A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO PREPARE. SUNRISE THAT'SER IS CLOSED NO.
SHOWS, NO EVENTS, NO RESERVATIONS.
ORIGINALLY WE CLOSED THIS THROUGH APRIL 3.
WE WERE GOING TO TAKE EARLY NEXT WEEK AND DO AN ASSESSMENT AN EVALUATION OF THE CURRENT SITUATION TO DETERMINE IF WE COULD MOVE AND GO BACK TO NORMAL AFTER APRIL 3.
IT DOES NOT APPEAR THIS IS THE CASE.
SO IT MAY BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
ALL OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS , THE MAIN STATION, THE SUBSTATION AND ALSO THE RIDGE HOUSE ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. CITY MARINA IS OPEN BUT IT IS NOT OPEN FOR NEW RESERVATIONS. AS YOU KNOW THE CITY MARINA, WE HAVE SOME CONSTRUCTION GOING ON. WE HAVE A NEW MARINA FUEL DEPOT AND RESTAURANT GOING ON CONSTRUCTION HAPPENING AT THIS
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TIME. WE ALSO HAVE LIVER BOARDS AT THE CITY MARINA. WE'RE SERVICING THE TENANTS AND WE SHALL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.THE INDIAN HILLS GOLF COURSE IS OPEN AND IT IS BEING USED AT A VERY HIGH CAPACITY. DANNY IS VERY BUSY AT THE GOLF COURSE AND FOLKS ARE ENJOYING THAT AS OF THIS TIME.
THE BEACHES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE COUNTY ARE CLOSED.
AND IN DOING THAT WHAT ST. LUCY COUNTY HAS DONE IS PROMPTED US AS A CITY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CLOSING OF THE BEACHES THAT WE CONTROL AS WELL. THE BEACHES THAT CITY OF FORT PIERCE CONTROLS WERE JC PARK AND SOUTH CAUSEWAY PARK.
THOSE ARE THE ONLY TWO BEACHES THAT IS THE CITY CONTROLS.
ALL WAY DOWN TO -- THAT IS THEIR JURISDICTION FROM THE DUNE TO THE WATER LINE. THE PARKS ARE OPEN WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TWO PARKS THAT I MENTIONED EARLIER.
SOUTH CAUSEWAY PARK AND JC PARK. ALL PUBLIC RESTROOMS IN OUR PARKS AND OPEN SPACES AND GREEN AREAS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN.
OUR BOAT RAMPS ARE OPEN AS WELL. THE JET I DID WHICH IS THE PROPERTY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND YOU ALL KNOW THIS BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE LOOKING AT THE WEB CAM TAKING A LOOK AT THIS.
OUR CITY COMMISSION MEETS ARE SCHEDULED.
WE HAVE A CITY COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 6 THAT IS STILL PROPOSED TO HAPPEN.
WE HAVE A CONFERENCE CALL PROVISION THAT THE CITY CLERK ACTS AS THE HOST. TODAY WE DIDN'T HAVE ANYONE UTILIZE THAT CONFERENCE CALL ABILITY BUT WE ARE DEFINITELY -- [INAUDIBLE] OUR EMPLOYEES ARE STILL ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE. ALL THOUGH I'M GOING TO URGE THE DEPARTMENT HEAD MOVING FORWARD TO ASSESS THEIR EXISTING LABOR FORCES AND DETERMINE IF THERE IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR EMPLOYEES TO WORK FROM HOME. WE ARE CURRENTLY ESTABLISHING THE WORK FROM HOME PROGRAM. BUT WE'RE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE THROUGH STATE OF FLORIDA FOR OUR VPN.
SOME OF OUR EMPLOYEES DEPEND UPON CONNECTIVITY TO THE CITY'S NETWORK TO PERFORM THEIR JOB DUTIES.
SOME DO NOT. SO I'M GOING TO URGE DEPARTMENT HEAD TO SEE IF WE CAN REDUCE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES THAT ARE CURRENTLY IN CITY HALL AND IN OTHER CITY FACILITIES AS WELL.
THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH ST. LUCY COUNTY AND OTHER PARTNERS IN THE AREA, DAYCARE IS BEING PROPRO PROVIDED FOR OUR ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES AND CITY EMPLOYEES AS WELL.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY IDENTIFIED A FUNDING SOURCE TO PAY FOR DAYCARE. LIKE OUR EMPLOYEES THAT ARE GOING TO HAVE TO CONTINUE WORKING TO KEEP THE CITY RUNNING. I BELIEVE THERE WERE 1367 ORIGINAL SHOTS AND IS MY UNDERSTANDING -- [INAUDIBLE] AT THIS TIME WE'VE NOT GONE TO ESSENTIAL AND NONESSENTIAL DESIGNATION OF EMPLOYEES. ADD MINUTE LEAVE HAS NOT BEEN GRANTED AT THIS TIME TO SEND EMPLOYEES HOME.
IT IS BEING CONSIDERED AN I'LL TELL YOU ABOUT THAT IN A LITTLE BIT LATER. DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE HAVE REDUCED OUR IN PERSON INTERFACE WITH OUR COMMUNITY, WE ARE ASKING THAT EVERY DEPARTMENT LOOK AT THEIR AVAILABLE LABOR RESOURCE AND IDENTIFY WAYS TO REPURPOSE THEIR EMPLOYEES.
IF THEIR EMPLOYEES CAN ASSIST THEM WITHIN THEIR DEPARTMENT THEN WE HAVE THEY FIND, TASK RESPONSIBILITIES TO CONTINUE THEIR OPERATION. IF NOT, WE WILL WORK TOGETHER AS A COMMAND STAFF AND IDENTIFY WORK FOR THESE EMPLOYEES TO DO TO KEEP THEIR JOBS VIABLE AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE ORGANIZE SLEIGHS. AS YOU KNOW YOU WERE SENT A MEMORANDUM ABOUT OUR BUDGET. UNFORTUNATELY I DO BELIEVE THAT THIS WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC IS GOING THE HAVE SOME EFFECTS ON OUR BUDGETING FOR THE UP COMING PHYFISCAL YEAR, OUR EMPLOYEES AE GOING TO FEEL IN THIS. AND IMMEDIATE HIRING FREEZE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MR. PIED AND PUBLIC WORK DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN
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IMPLEMENTED. THE STRATEGIES WE'RE TRYING AT THIS TIME INCLUDE A 2.5% SPENDING PLAN REDUCTION.THIS SPENDING PLAN REDUCTION WILL HOPEFULLY CREATE JUST OVER $1 MILLION THAT CAN BE USED TO OFFSET POTENTIAL REVENUE DECREASES FOR THE UP COMING FISCAL YEAR AND POSSIBLY OFFSET WHAT WE WILL EXPERIENCE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS FISCAL YEAR.
THIS IS THE INITIAL STEP SO ALREADY SOME DEPARTMENT HEADS HAVE COME BACK IN THE GENERAL FUND AND IDENTIFIED THOSE COST SAVINGS. I WOULD ECOTHAT THIS IS THE
INITIAL STEP. >> WHAT EMPLOYEES ARE THE
EXCEPTION. >> POLICE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE TO KEEP THE LAW ENFORCED AND HAVE TO KEEP THE GARBAGE OFF THE STREETS.
WE HAVE TO KEEP THIS CITY RUNNING AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE FULLY STAFFED AND WE HAVE ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES THAT WE CAN POSSIBLY CAPTURE IN THOSE TWO DEPARTMENTS.
>> I KNOW YOU WERE GOING TO SAY THIS, THAT'S WHY I ASKED.
>> ON THE GROUND GETTING THINGS DONE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, CERTAIN JOBS IN THOSE PARTICULAR AGENCIES THAT DON'T EVEN INITIATE LET ALONE OBTAIN WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
I'M TALKING ABOUT IN TERMS OF ADMINISTRATION IN A SENSE, THOSE INTO. BEING ON THE GROUND WILL ACCOMPLISH THAT, MEN AND WOMEN ON THE GROUND WILL ACCOMPLISH POLICE WORK AS WELL AS KEEPING THE GARBAGE OFF THE STREETS.
BUT THERE ARE CERTAIN JOBS WITHIN THOSE PARTICULAR AGENCIES THAT DON'T ACCOMPLISH THAT AND I MEAN FROM ADMINISTRATIVE STANDPOINT. SO PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THAT.
BECAUSE WE ARE IN AVERAGE CRUSH A A CRUNCH ASYOU INDICATED.
IT'S NECESSARY WE ENFORCE RULES ACROSS THE BOARD.
I'M NOT GOING TO GET INTO IT RIGHT NOW.
THERE ARE SOME THINGS GOING ON AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT STARTING TO DRIFT AWAY AND RIGHT NOW WE DON'T NEED THAT.
I'LL SPEAK WITH YOU ABOUT THAT LATER.
>> YES, SIR. >> THE SPENDING PLAN REDUCTION WILL CREATE CONTINGENCY FUND AND THIS FUND WILL DEFINITELY ASSIST US AS WE MOVE FORWARD IN PLANNING FOR THE UP COMING
FISCAL YEAR. >> THIS WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE APRIL 1. OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME TO IDENTIFY THESE RESOURCES.
THIS EMERGENCY HAS SPRUNG UP ON US OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. WE ARE REACTING AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN. AT THIS TIME I WOULD BEFORE I GET INTO ANY FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION OF WHAT WE COULD EXPERIENCE, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS OR ALSO I'D LIKE TO HAVE SOME OF THESE DEPARTMENT HEADS COME UP AND GIVE YOU A QUICK BRIEF AS TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING IN THEIR PREPARATION, PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND HOW THEY ARE RESPONDING TO THIS
>> WE'LL HEAR FROM THE DEPARTMENT HEADS.
>> PAUL THOMAS. HE HAS AN INTERESTING TAKE.
HE'S PROBABLY THE MOST COMPLICATED SO WHY NOT START THE
THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT ORDER THAT WAS ISSUED BY ALLOWING THE PUBLIC TO COME IN BY APPOINTMENT AND SO WHAT THAT MEANS IS WE'RE ENCOURAGING EVERYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WHO CAN SUBMIT ONLINE WHICH WOULD BE ANYTHING ADOESN'T REQUIRE SIGN AND SEAL PLANS.
YOU CAN SUBMIT THAT ONLINE. IF IT'S A PRODUCT APPROVAL, SEND US AN EMAIL AND WE CAN TAKE THAT.
WE'RE MOVING TOWARDS PAYMENT ONLINE AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE COVERED. THAT HAS REDUCED THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO COME INTO THE CITY AND THAT'S HELPFUL. THE APPOINTMENTS WE HAD FROM LAST WEEK ONLY AMOUNTED TO LESS THAN 10.
SO THAT IS A SMALL NUMBER OF APPOINTMENTS, BUT YOU HAVE TO BALANCE THAT WITH THE FACT THAT WE'VE GOT SOME PRETTY LARGE DEVELOPMENT GOING ON AND SOMETIMES THEY COME IN WITH NUMEROUS NUMBERS OF PERMITS. THERE IS STILL QUITE A BIT OF WORK GOING ON EVEN THOUGH THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN COMING INTO THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN REDUCED.
IT'S AN INTERESTING THING WE LOOK AT THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT. IF WE SAY RIGHT NOW THAT THIS PANDEMIC CREATED AN ECONOMIC -- IT'S CREATED ECONOMIC FALLOUT, NATURALLY YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BAY SLOW DOWN PRESENTLY HAPPENING TO COME IN THE FUTURE. WE'RE NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT WORK THAT WE WERE PROPOSING TO DO OR THINGS THAT WERE IN THE
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PLANNING PHASE. I WANT TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT WORK WE HAVE RIGHT NOW THAT IS ACTIVE AND THAT CAN BE ISSUED. SO AS FAR AS EXISTING PROJECTS THAT WE'RE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE CELEBRATION POINT, MAGNOLIA SQUARE, CARRIAGE POINT, CRABBIES WHICH IS A CITY PROJECT, CAMPING WORLD OUTDOORS. THOSE ARE JUST A FEW.WITH THOSE RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS. THOSE ARE THOUSANDS OF HOMES THAT ARE POTENTIALLY GOING TO BE BUILT WHICH EQUALS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF INSPECTIONS. SO THERE IS NO THESE HOMES , THE ONES THAT WE HAVE IN THE PIPELINE RIGHT NOW FROM WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TOLD HAVE ALREADY BEEN PURCHASED.
IF THEY SAY WE'RE GOING TO STOP IN THE FUTURE , THE ONES WE ARE INSPECTING NOW HAVE ALREADY BEEN PURCHASED.
THERE IS NO WAY WE CAN STOP OFFERING THE SERVICE OF INSPECTIONS. WHEN YOU ARE DOING INSPECTIONS YOU HAVE TO HAVE OFFICE STAFF TO SUPPORT WHATEVER NEEDS YOUR CONTRACTORS HAVE. NEW PROJECTS FOR EXAMPLE WE HAVE THE LONGWOOD HOSPITAL PROJECT WHICH IS COMING IN PHASES.
THERE ARE THREE SEPARATE PHASES. KOA IS ONE ON EDWARDS AND JENKINS ROAD. MAY FLOWER AT LONGWOOD POTENTIAL I HAVE READY TO BE ISSUED. IT'S TWO APARTMENT BUILDINGS 12 UNITS TOTE UNTIL THOSE TWO BUILDINGS.
INDEPENDENT CLASSIC CHARTER SCHOOL IS READY TO BE ISSUED.
BUT THAT'S A TIME SENSITIVE PROJECT BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO GET IT BUILT TO OPEN SCHOOL NEXT YEAR.
WE HAVE DUNKIN DONUTS DOWNTOWN. 7 ELEVEN ON THE CORNER OF 25TH AND EDWARDS. THESE ARE PROJECTS THAT ARE READY TO BE ISSUED BUT THEY REQUIRE PERMIT STAFF TO KEEP THAT PROCESS GOING. EMERGENCY THINGS THAT COME UP WOULD BE YOUR AC REPAIRS. IF WE GO TO A SHELTER AT HOME ORDER AND YOUR AC BREAKS, THAT'S A BIG PROBLEM.
IF THERE SHALL UNSAFE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE PUBLIC, WE HAVE TO RESPOND. THERE IS NO MORATORIUM ON RECORDS REQUEST. WE STILL HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS REQUEST BECAUSE IMAGINE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT IF PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SELL PROPERTY BUT THEY NEED THESE RECORDS REQUESTS AND THEY CAN'T GET THE INFORMATION THAT THEY NEED. THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT CONTINUE ON AND THAT IS REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. RIGHT NOW WE HAVE SO MUCH WORK IN THE PIPELINE THAT WE HAVE TO KEEP BUSY AND CONTINUE TO WORK
TO SUPPORT THE PUBLIC. >> SO IS YOUR POINT THAT CAN YOU DO MANY OF THOSE FUNCTIONS FROM HOME?
>> VERY FEW. IF WE DID HAVE THE ABILITY FOR OUR PERMITS TECH STAFF TO HAVE AIR CARDS AND ACCESS, WE COULD DO THAT. WE DON'T HAVE THAT RIGHT NOW.
THERE IS VERY LITTLE WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW FROM HOME WHICH MEANS THAT WE MAY NEED TO CONTINUE DOING -- COME IN AND DO ONE PROJECT AND GO HOME DEFRACAS OF HAVING THEM SIT THERE ALL DAY.
WE HAVE WORK TO KEEP OUR STAFF BUSY.
>> ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD THINK WHEN THIS IS OVER YOU WILL HAVE LEARNED THINGS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SOMETIMES NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF THE MENTION. SO YOU FIGURE OUT WELL WE'VE BEEN DOING HIT THE WAY ALL THIS TIME BUT WE LEARNED WE CAN DO IT THIS WAY. I HOPE WE LEARN SOMETHING IT
FROM. >> I HAVE --USE OF ISSUES WITH R SYSTEMS AND COMPATIBILITY WE WERE NOT ABLE TO GET THAT AND WE'RE LOOKING INTO ANOTHER ONE. WE DO HAVE A SOLUTION -- IT'S OUT THERE JUST NOT HERE YET. WE'RE TRYING.
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EVERYBODY HAS PROTOCOLS OF WHAT THEY THINK IS CLEAN AND SAFE AND THAT ENVIRONMENT IS WHATEVER THAT HOUSE IS.IS THERE DIFFERENT STRATEGIES YOU CAN USE THAT CAN MAKE THIS
SAFER FOR OUR EMPLOYEES? >> YES.
SO WE ISSUED A MANDATE THAT OUR INSPECTORS WILL NOT GO INTO RESIDENTIAL HOMES THAT ARE OCCUPIED.
WE HAVE -- THEY CAN SHOW YOU HERE ARE THE SCREWS AND THE DETAILS, AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY FOR CONTRACTOR.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS THEY CAN HAVE AN ENGINEER COMPLETE THE INSPECTION AND SEND US A LETTER. WE WILL NOT GENERAL SIZE OUR INSPECTORS ON CONTAMINATING CITY HALL.
BUT WE'RE NOT GOING TO CURTAIL BUSINESS IN THE CITY EITHER.
>> YOU USE ALL THE TIME YOU HAVE A CERTAIN KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEIR QUALITY OF WORK. NOT THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO LOOK AT I. BUT TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE CELL
PHONE, SEND IT TO YOU GUYS. >> WHAT PROJECTS DO WE HAVE RIGHT NOW THAT ARE MAJOR THAT MAY WARRANT THOSE TYPE OF ACTIONS? DO WE HAVE ANY MAJOR PROJECTS
THEY? >> EVERY ONE I MENTIONED ARE MAJOR PROJECTS. ESPECIALLY RIGHT NOW WE'RE IN THIS RESIDENTIAL BOOM. IF YOU CAN IMAGINE A RESIDENTIAL HOME HAS A SERIES, THERE ARE SO MANY AND SO MANY RESIDENTIAL HOMES BEING BUILT CONCURRENTLY THAT THIS IS WE CAN'T AFFORD
THESE -- >> THIS IS A GOOD THING IN A BAD
SITUATION. >> YOU ARE THE FIRST ONE, I WAS GOING TO ASK EVERY DEPARTMENT HEAD IF YOU MADE A LIST OF ALL THE PPE THAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES AND DO YOU HAVE THAT RIGHT NOW? THE VIRTUAL SYSTEM IS PERFECT.
THAT'S AN AWESOME WAY TO FIGURE OUT PPE.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE FOR NOW?
>> WE PUT IN AN ORDER FOR SUPPLIES, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE WE WERE HAVING A LIMITED AMOUNT OF PEOPLE COME FROM THE PUBLIC.
AND THEY WERE COMING INTO THE DEPARTMENT.
AND SO WE PUT PROTOCOLS IN PLACE.
MASKS AND GLOVES ARE DIFFICULT TO COME BY.
WE'RE SAYING DON'T PUT YOURSELF ANYWAY SITUATION.
DON'T GO INTO ANYONE'S HOME. DON'T DO IT.
SO THAT WAY IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE GOING INTO A RAW CONSTRUCTION SITE, THAT'S GREAT. BUT THERE IS NO REASON TO GO INTO A SITUATION THAT IS GOING TO PUT YOU AT RISK.
>> ON THAT SAME NOTE -- MAYBE I NEED TO ASK CITY MANAGER THAT.
FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT DO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC, WHERE ARE WE IN TERMS OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
>> I CAN SPEAK TO MY DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE AN EXTREMELY LIMITED SUPPLY. BUT THERE ARE MASKS IN THE DEPARTMENT. WE'RE NOT USING THEM REGULARLY BECAUSE WE'VE ESTABLISHED A PROTOCOL THAT THERE SALINE THAT THE PERSON IS INVITED INTO THE OFFICE.
THERE SALINE THAT IS ON THE FLOOR ON THE CUSTOMER SIDE OF THE COUNTER AND ON THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT SIDE.
WHEN THEY BRING THEIR PERMITS TO THE COUNTER AND PUT IT THERE.
OUR EMPLOYEES ARE BEHIND THE SIX FOOT LINE.
WHEN THEY STEP AWAY THEN WE INTERFACE WITH THE PERMIT.
WE'RE HONORING THAT. IF A PERSON IS COUGHING WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO GIVE THEM MASKS BUT IT'S EXTREMELY LIMITED.
>> GOOD MORNING. YOUR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
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STANDS READY FOR THE CHALLENGE AHEAD OF US.AT THIS TIME ALL LEVELS OF SERVICE ARE BEING PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY AS NORM BILLION THE EXCEPTION OF LEISURE SERVICES. RIVER WALK AND RECREATION RESOURCE FACILITY HAS BEEN CLOSED.
WE ARE DOING BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY.
WE ARE HAVE MADE CHANGES WITHIN OUR DEPARTMENT TO SOCIAL DISTANCE AS WEST BECK. WE HAVE CHANGED SOME PRACTICES OF NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN VEHICLES AND SUCH.
YOUR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS IN STORM MODE.
THEY ARE AT A HEIGHTENED LEVEL OF SERVICE.
THEY ARE OUT AND WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
THEIR TASK CHANGE BY THE DAY AND SOMETIMES BY THE HOUR.
THEY ARE ALL ON BOARD. THEY ARE ALL AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON. BUT IN TIMES LIKE THIS, YOU OFTEN FIND THE BEST IN PEOPLE AND THEY ARE BEING RECOGNIZED MORE. FOLKS VISIT A PARK OR TAKE A WALK DOWN A SIDEWALK AND SEE CREWS AND THEY ARE TALKING TO THEM AND THANKING THEM. THAT REALLY MOTIVATES OUR TEAM TO DO MORE AND STEP UP MORE. THEY REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE TO THE VITALITY OF THIS COMMUNITY.
THEY ARE IN GREAT SPIRITS. WE ARE MAKING SURE THEY ARE TAKEN CARE OF AS BEST WE CAN. WE ARE HERE FOR THE DURATION.
>> >> I NOTICED TOO THAT AS FAR AS YOUR WORKLOAD IS CONCERNED, THAT YOU'VE BEEN OUT THERE WORKING REAL HARD AND PROBABLY CATCHING UP ON A LOT OF THINGS BECAUSE THE PUBLIC IS TO SOME DEGREE AT HOME, SUPPOSED TO THAT GIVES YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO A LOT OF WORK.
YOU HAVE BEEN VERY VISIBLE AND I WANT TO COMMEND YOU IN TERMS OF BEING VISIBLE OUT IN PUBLIC. I APPRECIATE THAT.
ONLY THING IS I'M JUST CONCERNED ABOUT THEM WORKING A LOT OF EMPLOYEES WORK SING CLOSELY TOGETHER AND BEEN INDICATED WE ONLY HAVE 11 CASES BUT I FEEL THAT IS GOING TO INTENSIFY.
I'M HERE TODAY AND WE MAY MEET AGAIN.
SO CIRCUMSTANCES LIKE THAT IF IT DOES COME, I HOPE WE'RE PREPARED FOR IT. TODAY WE'RE LOOKING GOOD.
BE PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE. >> ESPECIALLY SOUTH BEACH.
IT'S PRISTINE OUT THERE. YOU GUYS HAVE DONE GOOD.
THE FOLKS THAT ARE OUT AND I PRETTY MUCH KNOW THE AVERAGE WALKER OR CYCLIST AND THERE IS TEN TIMES THAT AMOUNT THAT THERE NORMALLY IS. SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ARE PICKING UP LITTLE SCRAPS OF PAPER HERE AND THERE.
SO THE BEACH IS LOOKING REALLY I DID GOOD.
LAST WEEK I WATCHED ONE OF YOUR RECYCLING GUYS COME UP AND PICK UP A CAN. AS HE DROVE AWAY HE NOTICED THAT A PIZZA BOX HAD FLOWN OUT. HE STOPPED, GOT OUT, NOBODY AROUND, PICKED IT UP. I THOUGHT TO MYSELF I'M REALLY PROUD OF THISTH EMPLOYEES OF CITY OF FORT PIERCE.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO HE IS SOME DAY I'LL TELL YOU.
I THINK ALL OF YOUR TEAM WOULD BODOWN THE SAME THING.
THAT TRANSLATES TO ALL THOSE FOLKS THAT ARE OUT THERE WALKING, RUNNING, FISHING, WHATEVER AND THEY SEE THAT FROM OUR OWN CITY EMPLOYEES AND IT TRANSLATES ALL THROUGH THEM TOO.
WHAT WE CAN DO BECAUSE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A VIRUS THAT THERE IS NOT A LOT WE CAN DO EXCEPT AVOID.
THE REAL THING IS WHAT WE'RE DOING TO MAKE THIS CITY SURVIVE WE'RE DOING IT. I'M ENCOURAGED BY THAT AND YOUR
TEAM IS A PART OF THAT. >> THERE ISN'T A HOUSEHOLD THAT ISN'T AFFECTED BY THIS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
AND BY PROVIDING THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE, WE ARE PROVIDING NORM SI TO THESE PEOPLE THAT OTHER AREAS OF LIFE ARE IN SHAMBLES. THEY ARE ABLE TO TAKE A RIDE.
THEY ARE ABLE TO GET TRASH PICKED UP.
BEING HOME THEY GENERATE MORE TRASH.
PEOPLE ARE CLEANING MORE SO WE'RE GETTING MORE MATERIAL.
WE'RE ABLE TO PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES AND GIVE THEM NORRAL SI WHERE IT'S SLACKING. THEY ARE ON BOARD.
WE'D LOVE TO KNOW WHO THAT INDIVIDUAL SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE THEM. I BELIEVE YOU WILL SEE MORE OF
THAT IN THE FUTURE. >> THANK YOU.
>> I GO BACK TO THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND THE QUESTION. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED OR JUST FOR OUR KNOWLEDGE.
>> LIKE EVERYONE ELSE , THE MASKS ARE A CHALLENGE TO OBTAIN.
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AS FAR AS CLEANING SUPPLIES, WE'RE DOING PRETTY GOOD THERE.WE HAVE A GOOD SUPPLY ON HAND. SO FAR WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO GET WHAT WE NEED FROM VENDORS. MASKS AND FACE SHIELDS ARE SOMETHING WE ARE TRYING TO GET MORE OF.
>> CLEANING SUPPLIES I FOUND TO BE CHALLENGE, IF VENDORS GET IT HOPEFULLY THEY'LL KEEP GOVERNMENT AS A PRIORITY CUSTOMER AND I THINK MOST OF THEM ARE.
THROUGH THE STATE IT'S A CHALLENGE BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SEEMS TO BE -- THAT'S THE OBVIOUS PLACE TO FOCUS ON IS THE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.
JUST A COLLABORATION ACROSS THE ENTIRE NATION REALLY.
FOR SURE ST. LUCY LUCY COUNTY L. >> WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO MEET OUR
NEEDS AT THIS TIME. >> GETTING YOUR HANDS ON CHLORINE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. THERE IS A RATIO MIXTURE.
1/3 CUP. THERE IS A DIFFERENT BETWEEN BLEACH AND CHLORINE. 1/3 CUP OF BLEACH TO A GALLON OF WATER WILL DISINFECT WHAT YOU NEED.
SPRAY BOTTLES. THAT'S A VALUABLE RESOURCE WITH PAPER TOWELS. I KNOW A LOT OF CHEMICALS, WE RELY ON THEM. IT'S IN A STORAGE CLOSET SOMEWHERE. IF WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO STORE CHLORINE, THEN THAT GOES A LONG WAY TOO.
>> THANK YOU. I'VE SEEN YOUR CREWS PARTICULARLY IN JETTY PARK. I'D GO OVER THERE AND CLEAN AND THEY ARE SO CHEERFUL AND PEOPLE ARE SO APPRECIATIVE OF THEM.
AND SO AT TIMES LIKE THIS THAT WE APPRECIATE PUBLIC WORKS.
SO WE APPRECIATE YOU. >> THANK YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING CHIEF. IT'S A PLEASURE TO BE BEFORE YOU. WHEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS DOING BUSINESS AS USUAL. WE ARE RESPONDING TO CALLS.
AND WE ARE STILL ON THE FRONT LINE.
BY BEING ON THE FRONT LINE IS SO IMPORTANT THAT ALL ADMINISTRATIVE INDIVIDUALS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REMAIN IN TACT. BECAUSE THERE IS A FLUID SITUATION AND WE HAVE TO CHANGE DIRECTIONS EVERY DAY DEPENDING UPON WHAT THE DAY IS. ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE ADDRESSING RIGHT NOW IS HOW WE ARE ANSWERING THE CALLS FOR SERVICES. BECAUSE OUR OFFICERS ARE STILL GOING TO THE HOUSES, THEY ARE STILL DOING ALL OF THESE THING.
NOW WE ARE LOOKING AT WAYS WHERE WHEN WE HAVE CALLS FOR SERVICE HAVE THE PEOPLE TO MEET THEM OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO ENTER THE HOUSE. WE ARE TRYING TO LOOK AT WAYS WE CAN DEFER CALLS IF IT NOT AN URGENT TYPE OF CALL THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE IT BY PHONE. AND THAT WILL GIVE OUR OFFICERS THAT OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER THE CALLS AS NEEDED WITH EMERGENCIES AND THINGS LIKE THAT IS HAPPENING.
THAT PUT A LOT OF WEIGHT ON COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL AND WE ARE LOOKING AT THAT.
WE CONTINUE TO DO THAT. WE HAVE THE GEAR IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS. WE ARE REQUESTING ADDITIONAL BECAUSE WE HAVE NOW NO IDEA HOW LONG THIS SITUATION IS IS GOING TO LAST. EVERY SINGLE DAY, IT HAS NOT CHANGED NOT ONE TIME HAS IT CHANGED.
BUT WHEN WE ARE ON THE FRONT LINE AND WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN TO ASSURE THE OFFICERS ARE COMFORTABLE TAXER HAVE THEIR MORALE QUESTIONED IN A CASE WHERE THIS IS A CRISIS SITUATION. IT BRINGS OTHER ISSUES INTO THE PICTURE THAT SHOULD NOT BE THERE.
INSTEAD OF SAYING THAT THESE ARE OUR HEROES OF THE CITY --
>> I'M NOT GOING TO GET INTO THAT WITH YOU TODAY.
WE ARE NOT HERE FOR. THAT WE HAVE MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES TO DEAL WITH. THIS PERSONAL VENDETTA STUFF.
LET THAT SEES PLEASE. I HAVE A CITY AT STAKE.
I HAVE PEOPLE'S LIVES AT STAKE. WE ARE NOT HERE TO NITPICK AND GO BACK AND FORTH WITH EACH OTHER ABOUT MY CRITICISM ABOUT WHAT I WAS TOLD ABOUT YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I WOULD APPRECIATE YOU IF YOU WOULD GET ON THE JOB.
I'M NOT HERE TODAY FOR. THAT WE GOT MORE IMPORTANT
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THINGS TO DEAL WITH. YOUR OFFICERS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT. RESPECT THEM.THAT'S THE ONLY REASON WHY I BROUGHT IT UP BECAUSE YOUR OFFICERS ARE COMING TO MY HOUSE. WE ARE NOT HERE FOR THAT TODAY.
>> I'M FED UP WITH IT. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME
AND YOU. >> EVERY TIME I SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THIS DEPARTMENT YOU ALWAYS COME DIRECTLY WITH FOOLISHNESS.
THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER. LET'S TAKE BUSINESS AND HANDLE BUSINESS LIKE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE HANDLES.
I WAS HIRED BY THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR SAFETY IS TAKEN CARE OF.
>> >> WHEN IT COMES TO OFFICERS WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ASSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY PREPARED TO GO OUT INTO THE FIELD AND DO WHAT IS REQUIRED.
THERE IS A FEAR FACTOR THERE. THEY NEED TO HAVE THE ENCOURAGEMENT INSTEAD OF CRITICISM AT THIS TIME OF NEED.
AND I STAND BEHIND THESE HEROES EVERY SINGLE DAY.
WE HAVE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM HERE, THESE TWO OFFICERS THAT ARE HERE. I HAVEN'T TALKED TO THEM ABOUT THEIR MORALE. BUT YOU CAN TALK TO THEM AND I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT. WE ARE HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL.
ONLY THING I AM SEEING IS WHEN WE ARE IN SUCH A TIME OF UNEXPECTED, THAT WE HAVE TO BE AS A CITY AND WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER. AND WHATEVER THE THOUGHT PROCESS IS, PUT THAT ASIDE UNTIL WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS CRISIS.
AND DO YOU HAVE THE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THAT YOUR OFFICERS NEED? THEY CAN'T WORK FROM HOME.
>> THAT'S THE ONLY THING THEY CAN'T WORK FROM HOME.
AND WE HAVE THE GEAR FOR THEM. BUT NOW WE ARE LOOKING AT OTHER DIRECTIONS THAT FOR THEIR SAFETY.
BECAUSE THEY GO HOME THE THEIR FAMILY.
AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE SAFE.
>> DO THEY WEAR GLOVES? >> THEY HAVE GLOVES AND MASKS.
>> THANK YOU CHIEF THAT WAS A GOOD REPORT AND I APPRECIATE THE EFFORT. TODAY IN THE NEWS FLASH IT SHOWED THAT IN PALM BEACH COUNTY THERE WERE 40 DEPUTIES GOING TO BE QUARANTINED. OBVIOUSLY THEY RAN INTO SOME CASES WHILE THEY ARE SUBBING ON THE FRONT LINE LIKE YOU TALK ABOUT. IF WE HAVE A CASE LIKE THAT HERE, I KNOW THAT'S PRETTY EXTREME, 40 WOULD BE A LOT FOR US. IF WE HAVE A CASE LIKE THAT, WHAT IS YOUR FIRST SOLUTION TO CHANGING ORDER OF OPERATIONS IF YOU HAD TEN FOLKS THAT WERE EXPOSED AND YOU HAD TO
QUARANTINE THOSE 10? >> HONESTLY WHAT WE ASKED ABOUT THERE IS NO TESTING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS.
SO WE HAVE AN OFFICER WE HAVE THAT SITUATION WE HAVE TO REEVALUATE ALL OUR STAFF. AND THEN WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THESE DIFFERENT POSITIONS.
WE WILL CHANGE OUR STAFFING TO ASSURE.
WE HAVE ENOUGH STAFFING TO ASSURE THAT CALLS, SERVICE WILL ALWAYS BE ANSWERED. THIS IS WHY WE'RE ALSO LOOKING AT TAKING CALLS OVER THE PHONE, WE ARE WORKING ON PROGRAMS WHERE YOU CAN DO ONLINE REPORT TAKING AS WELL.
THAT MIGHT WITH MORE IN THE FUTURE.
WE ARE GOING TO GIVE ALL CSO'S MOBILE PHONES SO THEY WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THOSE CALLS BY PHONE AS WELL.
IS THERE A TRANSITION BETWEEN CRIME SCENE UNITS AND WHEN DO YOU INVESTIGATIONS, HOW DO WE REACH OUT TO OTHER RESOURCES.
WE HAVE BOOTS ON THE GROUND AND PATROLLING HOW DO YOU SPLIT THAT
[00:50:09]
BALANCE. >> AT PRESENT WE'RE ABLE TO HANDLE THE MAJORITY OF THE CALLS.
ANYTIME THEY NEED ASSISTANCE WE CALL FOR THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT BECAUSE WE HAVE A MUTUAL NEED AGREEMENT.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUT THAT FORTH.
THEY ALSO MONITOR OUR CALLS FOR SERVICE AS WELL AS WE MONITOR THEIRS. WHEN THESE ARE HAPPENING WE CAN
ADDRESS IT QUICKLY. >> WE NUT AN ORDER FOR BACKUP
WE HAVE ONE ORDER IN AND THAT'S GOING TO BE WE THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE SHORT TERM. WE PUT ANOTHER ORDER IN BECAUSE NOW NO IDEA WHEN AN END TO THIS WILL BE.
>> I CAN'T IMAGINE WHEN PUBLIC WORKS WE WERE TALKING ABOUT PRIOR TO THAT, THEIR CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC, YOUR DEPARTMENT'S CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC IS MORE THAN THAT.
HAVE WE CHANGED ANY PROTOCOLS AND ALL THE ISSUES THAT ARE GOING ON. IS THE CITY TRAINED FOR HA AS FAR AS ALL THE ISSUES. WE'RE ALSO GIVING OFFICE TERSE GUIDANCE ABOUT THE DISTANCING AND SUCH.
BUT WE ARE TRYING TO ELIMINATE SOME OF THE CALLS THEY ACTUALLY GO TO. IF THERE IS A THEFT THEY CAN TAKE THAT CALL OVER THE PHONE. IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT THIS IS LIKE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY RIGHT NOW.
YOU CHANGE THE REGULAR ROUTINES OF FOLKS.
NORMALLY YOUR BUSINESS GETS A LITTLE BIT MORE ACTIVE FROM MY PAST HISTORY. SO I CAN ONLY IMAGE THAN THINGS ARE HAPPENING. THERE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE. WE DON'T HAVE SCHOOLS.
WE'RE NOT IN SCHOOL RIGHT NOW. WE HAVE FOLKS THAT AREN'T WORKING RIGHT NOW. WE HAVE ALL THIS STUFF GOING ON SO I CAN ONLY IMAGINE AND WONDERING IF YOU ADD MORE PATROLS AND DOING OTHER THINGS LIKE THAT.
>> WE ARE ASSURING THAT THE STAFFING LEVELS ARE CORRECT AS EACH DAY. BUT WHAT WE ARE FINDING THAT BECAUSE EVERYONE IS CONTAINED TO THEIR HOMES, WE HAVE A LOT OF DOMESTIC SITUATIONS THAT ARE ARISING.
THOSE LIKE THAT WE HAVE TO GO IN.
AND WE ARE DEALING WITH THAT. >> FINAL QUESTION.
THERE IS TALK ABOUT SHELTER IN PLACE AND MANDATE HAD MAY REQUIRE FOLKS FOR NONESSENTIAL ISSUES TO STAY AT HOME IN THE HOUSE. EVERYTHING I READ THE INFORCEMENT OF THAT I THINK IS A MISDEMEANOR.
YOU HAVE AND THE DEPARTMENT TALKED ABOUT THAT AND HOW YOU ARE GOING TO APPROACH THAT ISSUE.
I BELIEVE IT JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK THAT. ONCE IT HAPPENS, YOU HAVE TALKED ABOUT HOW WE ARE GOING TO APPROACH THAT IN FORT PIERCE IS
THIS. >> THAT'S A PART OF THESE CONVERSATIONS THAT WE'RE HAVING. WE ARE RESEARCHING SO THAT WE HAVE ALL OF THE RIGHT ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS SUCH AS THAT AND THE ONES THAT WE MIGHT NOT HAVE WE'RE RESEARCHING.
>> CAN'T GO BACK IN HISTORY AND FIND OUT HOW WE DID IT THE LAST
THIS IS COMPLETELY FLUID. >> BRAND NEW GROUND.
>> I WANT TO ENCOURAGE OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT AS I INDICATED EARLIER, PUBLIC WORKS AND POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THEM OUT THERE.
THEY'VE BEEN VERY VISIBLE. AND THEY ARE GOING BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY WITH SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I'VE SEEN.
I GIVE THEM WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
I KNOW THEY ARE SHORT STAFFED. AND IT'S ROUGH OUT THERE.
BUT KEEP THE FAITH. AND IT'S GOING TO GET BETTER.
HOPEFULLY OUR SHERIFF DEPARTMENT IS WORKING JOINTLY WITH YOU.
I KNOW WITH THE CITY OF OUR SIZE WITH THE MAGNITUDE OF INCIDENTS
[00:55:03]
THAT WE HAVE AND SOMETIMES THE CRIME AND THE SHORTNESS OF STAFF, IT GETS TROUBLING. BUT KEEP THE FAITH.I'M ENCOURAGED. I SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
AND WE'LL BE ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.
I WAS GOING TO ASK IF YOU SEE A DIFFERENT PATTERN IN CRIME OR BECAUSE OF EVERYTHING ELSE IS IN A DIFFERENT PATTERN.
I THINK YOU TALKED ABOUT DOMESTICS AND SO I WAS JUST CURIOUS ABOUT KIND OF HOW LIFE IS NOW WITH EVERYTHING AT HOME
AND IN THIS SITUATION. >> WITH THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS, WE HAVE ASSIGNED THEM TWO SQUADS.
THEY ARE IN PATROL TO ASSIST IN OUR CALL VOLUME.
SO THIS IS WHAT THEY ARE DOING. A SITUATION IN SCHOOL WHETHER THEY ARE SERVING LUNCH OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT, THEY WILL R THERE AND THEN RETURN BACK TO PATROL.
THAT'S THE SITUATION WITH THEM. WHEN IT COMES TO CALLS FOR SERVICE, MOST OF IT A LOT OF TIMES UNFORTUNATELY WE GET CALLS WHERE THE PARENTS ARE SAYING THEIR CHILD IS NOT LISTENING TO THEM AND THEY ARE NOT DOING THEIR HOMEWORK.
AND WE CAN'T POLICE THAT PART. BUT WE TRY AND TALK AND GIVE WHATEVER GUIDANCE THAT WE POSSIBLY CAN.
AND WHEN IT COMES TO OTHER THINGS LIKE I SAID, WE ARE GOING TO REDIRECT THOSE TO KEEP OUR OFFICERS TO BE LESS EXPOSED AS
POSSIBLE. >> AND WITH LIGHTER TRAFFIC, ARE THERE FEWER TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OR FEWER TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS? HAVE YOU SEEN A DIFFERENT PATTERN AT ALL?
>> WHEN IT COMES TO TRAFFIC, ABSOLUTELY RIGHT , THE TRAFFIC HAS I DID CREASED SIGNIFICANTLY. DO WE STILL HAVE SITE TORNADOES? YES. BUT WE ALWAYS GIVE DISCRETION TO THE OFFICERS WHEN IT COMES TO CITATIONS AND SUCH.
WE ARE ENCOURAGING THEY GIVE WARNINGS BECAUSE OF THESE DIFFICULT TIMES AND THAT THEIR EXPOSURE LIMIT IF THEY DON'T HAVE TO. UNLESS IT'S SOMETHING OF AN
AGGRAVATED SITUATION. >> WE APPRECIATE THEM AND YOU.
WE APPRECIATE ALL THE SERVICE THEY PROVIDE ALL THE TIME.
THANK YOU. >> I APPRECIATE THEM FOR BEING FORT PIERCE HEROES. THANK YOU.
>> I'M GOING TO BRING UP LEADER OF ONE OF THE SMALLEST DEPARTMENTS BUT PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DEPARTMENTS AND THAT IS MR. JOHNSON. I.T. MANAGER.
THERE THIS GENTLEMAN IS KEEPING THE BACKBONE AND SUPPORT OF THE ENTIRE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AT BAY AT THIS TIME.
AS YOU ALL KNOW -- >> HE HAS TO BE MR. REMOTE
RIGHT. >> HE ENABLES EVERYBODY ELSE TO
BE REMOTE. >> HE HAS A DAUNTING TASK.
WE'RE AND YOU TACK. UNDER ATTACK.
>> GOOD MORNING. JUST A LITTLE UPDATE TO WHAT THE I.T. DEPARTMENT IS DOING. I'LL START WITH MAYBE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS AND THAT IS COMMUNICATIONS.
AS ARGUE WARE I'M SURE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN ANY UPDATES FROM THE LOCAL PLATFORMS WE USE CONSTANTLY PUSHING OUT UPDATES TO OUR PUBLIC. THE APPLICATIONS WE UTILIZE TO PUSH THOSE SAME UPDATES ACROSS MOBILE DEVICES SO EVERYONE IS INFORMED WITHIN SECONDS.
[01:01:04]
ANY QUESTIONS OF MR. JOHNSON? >> IF WE COME TIE POINT WHERE WE HAVE TO BECOME MORE REMOTE AND THAT MEANS THE ENTIRE NATION IS DOING SAME THING AND LAPTOPS ARE GOING TO BE THE NEWEST HOT COMMODITY AND WE NEED TO INVEST IN LAPTOP PRODUCING COMPANIES.
DO YOU HAVE A PROVISION TO ALLOW DESKTOPS TO BE SET UP AT HOME WHERE WE CAN IMPLEMENT A UNITED WHERE THEY CAN VPN LIKE ON A LAPTOP? WE ARE GOING TO SAY THE STAFF CAN USE EQUIPMENT THAT IS DIFFERENT.
IF WE ARE GOING TO TRANSITION FROM THE CITY TO HOME, I DON'T KNOW THE ROUTER, THERE IS A LOT OF DYNAMICS THAT COULD DOES THAT TO EITHER BE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL OR PROBLEMATIC.
RESOURCES BECOME SCARS AND HOW DO WE CONTINUE CONTINUE NEWTY OF OPERATION AND HOW DO WE GO HOME AND WORK AND STILL LOG IF.
AS I TOLD YOU BEFORE I APPRECIATE THAT WE HAVE OFFICE 365 AND MICROSOFT TEAMS AND WAYS TO COLLABORATE WITHIN DEPARTMENTS. AND THEY CAN GET THEIR WORK DONE. JUST IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
SO WE ALWAYS HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY -- YOU HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY THINK ABOUT THAT. BECAUSE WHO KNOWS.
WHO KNOWS. I KNOW THERE IS AN ORDER FOR LAPTOPS. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
I THINK THEY PUBLISHED A THING TODAY THAT SAID WE'RE 5,000
SHORT. >> AND THEY HANDED A BUNCH OUT
>> WE DO AND IT GIVES THE ANSWER AIM GOING UNDERSTAND IT, I DON'T
KNOW. >> PETE HAS NOT RECEIVED THE DRAFT EITHER. IT SOUND SCARY.
IT SOUND LIKE STAY HOME, YOU ARE QUARANTINED AND CAN'T MOVEMENT I WANT TO BE REALISTIC WITH YOU. THERE ARE A LARGE AMOUNT OF EXCEPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO, WHERE THEY CAN GO, WHAT BUSINESSES ARE GOING TO BE OPEN.
WHAT IS CLASSIFIED AS CRITICAL OR ESSENTIAL.
SO I JUST WANT TO EDUCATE YOU A LITTLE BIT ON THIS.
[01:05:05]
AS FAR AS IF THIS ORDER WERE TO BE PASSED AND MIMIC ORANGE COUNTY, FOLKS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THEIR PREMISES FOR BASIC NEED. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.TRAVEL RELATED TO BASIC NEED AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TRAVEL RELATED TO THE PROVISION VISION OR RECEIPT OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES. WHEN IT COMES TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES, I WANT TO RUN THROUGH A LITTLE BIT OF THIS LIST BUT THIS LIST IS EXTENSIVE. BUSINESSES THAT PROVIDE FOOD.
NEWSPAPER, TELEVISION, RADIO, MEDIA, GAS STATIONS, ALL THOSE APPLY, BANKS, HARDWARE, LICENSED CONTRACTORS.
LAUNDROMATS, DRY CLEANERS, RESTAURANTS, THAT BUSINESSES THAT SUPPLY OFFICE PRODUCTS, BUSINESSES THAT SELL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, BUSINESSES THAT SHIP DELIVERY OF GOOD AND FOODS AND SERVICE, AIRLINES, TAKES, PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION, HOME BASED CARE FOR SENIORS. ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES.
LEGAL OR ACCOUNTING SERVICES. LANDSCAPE AND POOL CARE SUPPLIES AND SERVICES. CHILD CARE FACILITIES.
BUSINESSES THAT OPERATE AT AIRPORT.
PET SUPPLY STORES. TELECOMMUNICATIONS, CONSTRUCTION SITES, ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING FORMS, FACTORIES, WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, BUSINESSES THAT HAVE CUSTOMERS THAT OPERATE SOLELY THROUGH ELECTRONIC AND TELEPHONIC MEANS AND THERE ARE
SEVERAL MORE. >> SO THE LIST OF WHAT IS NOT -- I WANT TO YOU UNDERSTAND LET'S SAY A STAY AT HOME ORDER I WAS AGREED BY THE COUNTY AND YOU AGREED TO PARTNER WITH THE COUNTY TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. IT IS GOING TO BE HARD AND I BELIEVE THIS IS A MECHANISM TO GET PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING. I THINK THAT WE NEED TO GET OUT AHEAD OF THIS THING. I THINK WE BELIEVE -- THAT I BELIEVE WE NEED TO URGE PEOPLE TO STAY AWAY FROM EACH OTHER.
STOP THE CONGREGATION. STOP THISTH SPREAD OF THE VIRUS.
OUR NUMBERS ARE GROWING. OUR STATE IS EXPLODING.
WE NEED TO TAKE PROTECTIVE MEASURES.
WE HAVE DONE SO AND WE'LL DO MORE.
WITH ALL OF THAT BEING SAID F WE HAVE A STAY AT HOME ORDER THEN WE'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT A COUPLE OF CLOSURES THAT AFFECT THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE WHICH WOULD BE INDIAN HILLS GOLF COURSE, PUBLIC RESTROOMS. WE WOULD MORE THAN LIKELY TO DUO TO ESSENTIAL NONESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE TYPE DESIGNATION.
THAT WOULD MODIFY OUR OPERATION. BUT WE ARE PREPARED.
OUR STAFF, OUR CHARTER OFFICERS, WE ARE ALL PREPARED TO DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO. WE HAVE DESIGNATED THE ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES. WE HAVE PREPARED FOR THIS POTENTIAL SCENARIO AND WE ARE AWAITING A POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY AND ALSO PORT ST. LUCIE TO POSSIBLY MAKE THIS HAPPEN. IN SAYING SO, I WANTED TO GET YOUR INPUT AND UNDERSTAND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IF YOU THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE SHOULD PARTNER WITH
THE COUNTY IN DOING SO. >> JUST IN TECHNICALITY AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER REASONS BECAUSE YOU TALKED ABOUT PARTNERSHIP AND THAT'S A BIG THING. WE AS A COUNTY MOVE IN SOME FORM UNIFORM ALTY. DOES CITY OF FORT PIERCE HAVE THE RIGHT TO LET'S SAY THE COUNTY IMPOSES SHELTER IN PLACE.
DO WE HAVE THE RIGHT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT.
>> THAT SOUND LIKE A LEGAL QUESTION.
>> IT'S A GOOD QUESTION. >> IT'S A LID QUESTION AND ONE WE'VE DISCUSSED SEVERAL TIMES. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY AND
[01:10:19]
HAVE THE ABILITY TO GOVERN AS WE SEE FIT.WE'RE NOT NA I CHARTER COUNTY SUCH THAT WE'RE BOUND BY THAT.
DIFFERENT COUNTIES HAVE DIFFERENT SETS OF RULES.
>> THAT WAS A TECHNICAL QUESTION.
BECAUSE I REALLY THINK IT'S GOING TO BE IMPORTANT FOR US TO PARTNER AND HAVE A UNIFIED FORCE.
UNLIKE THE CLOSING OF THE BEACHES WAS.
THAT WAS A LITTLE BIT SHOULD BE A DECISION THAT WE AS A COMMUNITY MAKE. INSTEAD IT GOT MADE FOR US.
I WANT FOLKS TO KNOW THAT WAS MADE FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE. WE AS GOOD NEIGHBORS AND PARTNERS JOINED IN JUST BECAUSE WE WANT TO SHOW THAT WE'RE ALL SUPPORTIVE OF THE EFFORTS GOING ON.
I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE PRACTICAL EFFECT IF WE DIDN'T, WOULD PERHAPS MEAN CONGREGATING WOULD BE IN FORT PIERCE.
>> I BELIEVE IT'S BEING CLEAR AND CON SUES AND LESSONING THE CONFUSION. IT'S UP TO US AS LEADERS OF THIS AREA TO PARTNER TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A CONSISTENT MESSAGE AND UNFORTUNATELY WHEN DECISIONS ARE MADE IN A PANICKED STATE, THINGS DO NOT CARRY FORWARD IN THAT WAY.
WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR PARTNERS, WE SHALL CONTINUE.
I WANT TO KNOW IF YOU ARE PROPOSING WE TAKE AN ACTION
SUBJECT TO THAT TODAY? >> NO, MA'AM I'M NOT.
AT THIS TIME AN ORDER HAS NOT BEEN DRAFTED NOR HAS ONE BEEN PRESENTED TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
I WOULD LIKE YOUR FEEDBACK TO DETERMINE IF AN ORDER OF THIS SORT WAS TO BE CONSIDERED, WOULD YOU ALL LIKE FOR YOUR COMMAND STAFF TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT SUCH AS THAT WITH THE COUNTY TO
SHOW SOLIDARITY. >> AND I THINK THAT IS ALSO IN THE CHARTER THAT THE MAYOR CAN DO THAT ANYWAY CORRECT?
>> DURING TIMES LIKE THESE, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT -- WHO KNOW WHAT IS THE FUTURE HOLDS. REST ASSURED IF WE WORK TOGETHER WE WILL OVERCOME. SO IT'S NECESSARY I BELIEVE THAT WE WORK UNIFORM TOGETHER AND WHEN WE LOOK AT ALL OF A LOT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES NOW THEY TAKE THEM OUT OF FORT PIERCE AND A LOT OF THEM MOVED TO PORT T.LUCIE OR MIDWAY ROAD.
EVEN THE W THE POLICE AUTHORITY AND SHERIFF DEPARTMENT, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE UNDER THE SAME UMBRELLA IN TERMS OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF SHUTDOWN SHELTER SO TO SPEAK.
THEY HOLD THE REGIME, WE NEED THEM.
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WORK WITH THEM.
LET'S WORK WITH THEM. I THINK CITY THE MAYOR WAS PUSHING IT AND AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD.
THE MAYOR WAS PUSHING IT. THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT WAS RELUCTANT TO DO SO. HOPEFULLY THEY'LL WORK IT OUT.
I'M ON BOARD WITH WHATEVER THE COUNTY DOES.
WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER ON THIS.
>> I GOT LOST IN WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT.
LET ME -- OH I KNOW. TRYING TO FIGURE OUT AGAIN WE DON'T HAVE ANY TYPE OF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO BE ABLE TO SAY WHAT DID WE DO BEFORE SO THIS IS NEW GROUND FOR US.
[01:15:05]
I WAS TRYING TO GET A HANDLE ON THIS LAST NIGHT.QUESTIONS STARTED POPPING IN MY HEAD.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES WAS HOMELESS, THE HOMELESS OUT THERE. WHEN YOU STARTED STALKING ABOUT SHELTER IN PLACE. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE HOMELESS. I GOT READING ALL ABOUT THAT.
FOR MOST OF THEM THEY ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS TYPE OF THING. I BELIEVE IF APPROXIMATE THE COUNTY IS GOING TO COME UP WITH A FORM OF A MANDATE THAT THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. THAT NEEDS TO BE A PART OF THIS WHOLE PLAN BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE IDENTIFY ALL DIFFERENT SECTS OF PEOPLE. BUT IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE IDENTIFY ALL FOLKS AND WE MAKE THESE MANDATES, THESE BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. JUST MAKE SURE THAT IS AT LEAST TALKED ABOUT AND IS PART OF THE PACKAGE WHEN WE GO INTO THAT.
TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH. WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW.
THEY ARE STARTING TO COMPREHEND MORE AND THE YOUNGER PEOPLE MAYBE NOT SO MUCH. THAT'S OK.
THEY ARE GOING TO GET THERE. THEY ARE A LITTLE MORE STUBBORN.
TAKES A LITTLE MORE TIME. BUT IT'S HAPPENING.
IT'S HAPPENING IN A NATURAL SENSE.
AND FOR US TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN WHAT OUR COUNTY AND SISTER CITY MIGHT BE DOING I'VE SEEN IT SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD
CREATE MORE TURMOIL. >> COUNTER PRODUCTIVE.
IT'S ALMOST LIKE I WAS TALKING TO SOME FOLKS ABOUT LIBRARIES AND WE WERE TALKING ABOUT LIMITING LIBRARIES.
NOW YOU JUST PUSHED ALL OF THE CONCENTRATION TO THREE MAIN LOCATIONS. WHY WOULDN'T YOU KEEP ALL 11 OPEN OR TEN OR WHATEVER THE NUMBER IS OR SHUT THEM ALL DOWN.
IT'S ALL IN OR ALL OUT. TAKE ONE AND TAKE IT AS IT IS.
I AGREE. IT'S A PARTNERSHIP THERE.
AND THEN THAT WILL GET IT MORE STICKY BECAUSE IT WILL GET INTO THE JETTY. DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN'T CLOSE OUR JETTY PARK. IF WE PUT A BOUNDARY AROUND OUR PARK THE JETTY IS CLOSED OFF. YOU CAN ONLY GET TO THE JETTY THROUGH A PARK. YOU SEE WHERE WHERE I'M GOING WITH THAT. BOAT RAMPS ARE GOING TO COME INTO PLAY. PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE JUMPING AT THE BIT TO GET OUTSIDE. IF IT GETS TO THAT POINT WE'LL HAVE A DIFFERENT CONVERSATION. I HAVE OPINIONS ON BOAT RAMPS RIGHT NOW AND I'M GLAD THEY ARE OPEN.
I'LL LEAVE IT AT THAT. >> TRUTHFULLY AND THIS IS PART OF TODAY'S DISCUSSION, I DEFINITELY NEED YOUR INPUT WITH REGARD TO THESE SENSITIVE AREAS. BOAT RAMPS, TALKING ABOUT THE JETTY, TALKING ABOUT ALSO INDIAN HILLS GOLF COURSE.
I WOULD LIKE TO GET YOUR FEELING AS TO HOW WE MOVE FORWARD.
AND WE CAN TALK ABOUT PARKS AND IF WE TALK ABOUT CLOSING PARKS, THAT IS VERY NICE TO SAY. PARKS DON'T HAVE MOST OF THEM DON'T HAVE FENCES AROUND AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE AN OFFICER POSTED AT EVERY PARK IN FORT PIERCE.
IT'S NOT FEASIBLE. WE HAVE TO BE REALISTIC WITH EVERYTHING WE'RE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH.
THE SENSITIVE AREAS THAT I WANT TO YOU CONSIDER TODAY WOULD BE JETTY PARK -- THE JETTY, JETTY PARK, THAT'S EASY.
THE JETTY ITSELF. ALSO BOAT RAMPS AND INDIAN HILLS GOLF COURSE. I WANT TO KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THESE SENSITIVE AREAS AND HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO MOVE
FORWARD. >> DIDN'T YOU ON THAT LIST FROM ORAL ORAL DIDN'T YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
AFTER BASIC NEEDS? >> CAN I SPEAK TO THAT?
>> AND I'LL BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE IT.
IT'S A PUBLIC RECORD. BUT THE LIST IS VERY EXTENSIVE.
THAT'S ONE THING I WANTED TO MENTION THROUGH A TECHNICAL LEGAL ASPECT. THERE ARE TWO PARTS TO THIS.
MOST OF THESE ARE BIFURCATED IN THAT THEY HAVE A CLEAR CURFEW.
THE EXCEPTIONS ALMOST DON'T APPLY.
IT BECOMES MUCH MORE PAIRED DOWN.
TYPICALLY WHAT I'VE SEEN IS 11:00 P.M. TO 5:00 A.M. SO NOBODY IS OUT JOGGING AT 4 :30 IN THE MORNING.
SO THAT YOU JUST CUT OUT A LARGE SWATH OF ALL OF THOSE OTHER
[01:20:03]
ACTIVITIES. AND IT BRINGS UNIFORMITY AS MOSTLY EVERYBODY SAID IF YOU HAD A CURFEW IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND A VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER JUST WEST OR JUST SOUTH OF OUR MUNICIPAL LINES, SOMEBODY COULD ARGUABLY BE FINE FINE FIND THEN COME BACK IN AND BE IN VIOLATION OF THE CURFEW.IT'S A MISDEMEANOR PUNISHABLE BY $500 FINE OR 60 DAYS IN JAIL.
THERE IS AN ASPECT OF POLICING THAT THE CHIEF TALKED ABOUT.
AND THERE HAS BEEN DISCUSSION ALREADY ABOUT COULD YOU POSSIBLY BE CREATING MORE OF A PROBLEM BY ARRESTING A LOT OF PEOPLE.
THEN WHEN YOU TAKE THEM TO THE JAIL.
FROM A LEGAL ASPECT I WANT TO GET AHEAD OF.
BUT THE NUMBER OF AREAS AND ITEMS INCLUDING EXERCISING, IT'S ENUMERATED 35 DIFFERENT EXCEPTIONS.
ALL OF THOSE EXCEPTIONS HAVE MULTIPLE LEVELS AND LAYERS TO THEM. I'LL FORWARD THAT ALL TO YOU NOW SO YOU HAVE A COPY OF IT. THE ONE LAST NIGHT IT WAS FIRST
NIGHT OF EFFECTIVENESS. >> AND THAT INCLUDED THE CURFEW.
>> INTERESTING THAT IS NOT IN THIS ONE.
MIAMI DADE , THE HARDEST HIT COUNTIES.
I BELIEVE THOSE ACCOUNT FOR HALF THE CASES.
THOSE ARE THE PLACES PUTTING IN THE CURFEW.
AS WE'VE SEEN IT'S PROGRESSIVE. AND DEPUTY CHIEF ELUDED TO IT.
IT'S HERE AND IT WILL BE COMING HERE AS FAR AS THOSE TYPES OF MEASURES. SO.
>> AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE TALKED TO THE COUNTY, DO YOU KNOW IF THEY ARE GOING TO DO A SHELTER IN PLACE, ARE THEY GOING TO TALK ABOUT A CURFEW SH DO YOU KNEE?
>> WE ARE WAITING AND AS SOON AS WE GET ONE WE'LL SIT DOWN AND
>> WE HAVE A CURFEW ON THE BOOKS DON'T WE?
>> I'D LIKE THEIR UPON ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CURFEW.
I WANT TO KNOW FROM MY OWN INFORMATION.
>> A CURFEW WILL BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR US TO HAND BILLIOH THE CALL VOLUME. THE JAIL INSTRUCTED US NOT TO BRING PEOPLE TO THE JAIL. THEY ARE DOING FELONY TYPE OF SITUATIONS. SO IT BRING OTHER ISSUES FOR US.
>> WHAT SHE'S ELUDING TO SO THERE WILL BE A CURFEW.
>> WE DON'T KNOW. >> I HAVEN'T SEEN THE DRAFT SO I
DON'T KNOW. >> MOST OF THEM DO ENTAIL A CURFEW. THAT'S THE PURPOSE TO CONTAIN THE PUBLIC. TO TAKE THE PUBLIC OFF THE STREETS. I KNOW IF LIKE I SAID EARLIER IT'S GOING TO BE IMPORTANT FOR TO US WORK TOGETHER AND WHEN IT COMES TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WORKING WITH THE SHERIFF
DEPARTMENT, IF WE TRY TO -- >> I BELIEVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
ACTIVITY -- >> LOGISTICS OF CLOSING A PARK.
I'M NOT SURE HOW DO YOU THAT. WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO THAT.
MY QUESTION FOR YOU INDIAN HILLS IS A BIGGER CHALLENGE.
BECAUSE IT'S ALSO IT'S AN OUTLET FOR FOLKS.
IF YOU DON'T IMPLEMENT EXTREME MEASURES FOR THE OFFICE
[01:25:03]
OPERATIONS AND GOLF CART OPERATIONS LIMIT, THERE IS NUMBERS THAT DANNY PUT TOGETHER THAT SAYS I CAN GIVE OUT SO MANY GOLF CARTS AND THERE IS ONE PERSON PER GOLF CART UNLESS IT'S YOUR SON THAT IS RIDING WITH YOU.I'VE ONLY GOT SO MANY GOLF CARTS.
ONE PERSON THIS, ONE PERSON OUT. >> HE TOLD ME YESTERDAY WAS A FANTASTIC DAY. PARKING LOT IS FULL.
PEOPLE ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THAT VERY LARGE OPEN SPACE.
PEOPLE ARE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING AT THE GOLF COURSE ALONG WITH GETTING EXERCISE. IT'S ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR
VENUES IN THE COUNTY RIGHT NOW. >> STATES HAVE DONE THAT.
FLORIDA IS THE GOLF CAPITOL OF THE UNITED STATES.
IF THE SHELTER IN PLACE -- I THINK COUNTY SHUT DOWN GOLF
COURSE, DID YOU TELL ME THAT? >> YES.
>> HOW ABOUT PRIVATE GOLF COURSES?
>> NO. >> THEY ARE STILL OPEN.
THEY ARE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING.
ONE PERSON PER GOLF CART AND PROHIBITING ANY MILLING AROUND AFTER GOLF. YOU PLAY, YOU LEAVE.
>> SO THE CLUBHOUSE AND THOSE TYPES OF THINGS ARE NOT OPEN.
IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. YOU CHECK IN AND YOU ARE OUT.
ANYTHING GREATER THAN 30-45 DAYS, THAT IS GOING TO BE THE NORM SI. THAT'S THE WAYS GOING TO BE FOR A WHILE. I DON'T HAVE AN ISSUE THERE.
>> BOAT RAMPS. YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT THAT.
>> THAT'S LIKE SHUTTING A TURN LANE DOWN ON U.S. 1.
YOU SHUT THE BOAT RAMP. THERE IS NOT ONE PERSON IN THIS ROOM THAT I TALK TO WHEN I GO TO A BOAT RAMP.
I PUT MY NOTE AND I'M OUT. I DON'T CARE TO TALK TO MIGHT BE. I DON'T INTERACT WITH PEOPLE WHEN I GO TO A BOAT RAMP IS MY POINT.
I BACK MY TRUCK IN. GET ON MY OWN VESSEL.
I RARELY TOUCH THE DOCK. THERE IS NO INTERACTION THERE.
SO YOU ARE RIGHT MAYOR. IT'S A THING.
>> IT'S A COUNTY BOAT RAMPS ARE OPEN?
THE COUNTY BOAT RAMPS ARE OPEN? >> YES.
>> THEY ARE OPEN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD CHANGE.
JC PARK OPENED. FISHERMAN'S WHATEVER IS OPEN.
MANATEE OPEN. I BELIEVE IT'S IN THE NEXT FOUR DAYS. CAUSEWAY PARK BOAT RAMP.
THAT IS SCHEDULED TO BE REPAIRED.
WE'RE GOING TO EMBARK ON THAT SHORTLY.
FUR GOING TO TAKE A BOAT AND USE A.
>> BOB: RAMP, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PLACE TO PARK A VEHICLE.
>> THE PARKING LOT IS OPEN. THAT'S CORRECT.
IT'S THE SAME AS SHOPPING PLAZA PARKING LOT.
THE PARKING SLOT OPENFUL DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATER MIGHT MAKE
THEIR WAY BACK. >> I'VE HEARD.
>> THE JETTY. THE JETTY IS TIGHT, NARROW AND LIMITED. BY ME WALKING AND YOU COMING IN AND ME GOING OUT, I THINK YOU ARE WITHIN THE SIX FEET.
IF YOU CLOSE JETTY PARK , THE BOUNDARIES OF JETTY PARK, I BELIEVE OU SOLVED YOUR PROBLEM. BECAUSE YOU PUT A FENCE AROUND JETTY PARK THAT THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE OWNS HOW DO YOU GET TO THE JETTY? YOU CAN'T.
>> YOU CAN WALK OVER THERE TO FISH.
>> I BELIEVE JUST ON THE -- I BELIEVE YOU CAN.
I BELIEVE THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OWNS THE PROPERTY TO THE NORTHERN MOST EXTENT OF JETTY PARK.
>> WE HAVE A LEASE THAT WE LEASE FROM THEM.
[01:30:02]
IT CONTINUES ON AND CONNECTS TO THE CONCRETE.JETTY EXTEND OUT INTO THE OCEAN. >> I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO HEAR MORE DISCUSSION ON THAT ONE. THAT'S A TIGHT LINEAR SPACE.
>> IF YOU SOCIAL DISTANCE YOU ARE IN THE WATERS RIGHT.
>> ABOUT THE BOAT RAMPS, IT'S MORE OF A HIGHWAY OR A ROADWAY TO GET TO THE WATERWAY. SO I MEAN AND FOLKS ARE IN THEIR BOAT OUT THERE DOING THAT AND THEY ARE NOT IN LARGE GROUPS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. AND THE GOLF COURSE WHATEVER DANNY IS DOING SEEMS TO BE WORKING.
ONE OTHER THING ABOUT PARKS, WE DON'T CLOSE THE PARK, YOU TALK ABOUT RESTROOM, FOR RESTROOMS, LEAVE THE PARK OPEN.
YOU HAD TO HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS.
I'M TRYING TO GET MY HEAD AROUND IT.
IF WE TAKE THE STANCE WE'RE ASKING PEOPLE.
POTENTIALLY TRANSMITTING DISEASE AND CLOSING OF A PARK FACILITY LIKE A RESTROOM. THEY KNOW OK THERE IS NO RESTROOM. I WON'T GO THERE.
BUT YOU KNOW WE'RE GOING THE HAVE WALKUPS.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE CHILDREN WALK UP TO OUR PARK.
OR SOUTH 29TH STREET PARK. >> MY FAVORITE -- I'M GOING TO TELL FOLKS I MIGHT NOT SEE LARGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE.
FATHER AND HIS DAUGHTER OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT WALKING UP AND DOWN. AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS TOTALLY APPROPRIATE. THE ONLY THING I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH. THE SCOOTERS ON THE ISLAND.
FIVE PHONE CALLS, A COME OF EMAILS, PEOPLE ARE SAYING ARE WE GOING THROUGH RIGHT PROTOCOLS ON THAT.
ARE THEY CLEANING THE SCOOTERS, ARE THEY DOING ALL OF THAT.
I KNOW IT'S AN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS PEOPLE HAVE TO TAKE ON THEIR OWN SECURITIES AND SANITATION PRACTICES.
BUT WE'RE NOT MANDATING ANYTHING FOR THEM I'M SURE.
>> BEING THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, THIS IS A PRIVATE VENDOR, WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THEY ARE SANITIZING THEIR UNIT ON A DAILY BASIS. TRUTHFULLY THERE HAS TO BE SOME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE SOMETHING THAT SOMEONE HAS ALREADY USED, YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. IF YOU FEEL THAT IT MAY BE A CONTAMINATED DEVICE, MAYBE YOU OUGHT TO CLEAN IT YOURSELF TO PROTECT YOURSELF. I REALLY DON'T BELIEVE THAT WE CAN TELL THEM HOW TO DO IT. BUT WE CAN DEFINITELY STOP THEM.
BUT THAT HAS NOT COME UP IN DISCUSSIONS AS OF YET.
>> I'M SURE THAT IF THE MANDATE COMES OUT FOR SHELTER IN PLACE, THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE INTO
AGAIN, THAT'S A RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY TO GET.
THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED A WAY FOR FOLKS TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. JUST LIKE RIDING A BIKE.
[01:35:02]
ALL THINGS ARE ON THE TABLE RIGHT NOW SIR.>> AND GOING THROUGH SOME OF THE NONESSENTIAL TRIPS AND NONESSENTIAL OUTINGS OUTSIDE THE HOUSE, GOING THROUGH IT, AND MAYBE MR. SWEENEY CAN SPEAK TO , THIS THERE IS MORE LOOPHOLES THAN ANYTHING. I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE AND PROBABLY BE EASIER TO LIST THE ABSOLUTE THINGS YOU CAN DO RATHER THAN CAN'T DO. IT'S UNBELIEVABLE.
>> IT'S ALMOST PSYCHOLOGICAL. IT'S ALMOST.
GETTING PEOPLE'S ATTENTION SERIOUSLY NOW.
WE REALLY MEAN IT NOW. >> YES.
>> AS WE ASSESS THESE PARKS AND THINGS, WITH OUR PARKS, WE JUST HAVE TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE TRAFFIC BECAUSE IF IT GETS WHERE THERE IS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND IT'S REAL HEAVY THEN BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT WE SHOULD SHUT THE OPERATIONS DOWN.
THAT'S FOR ANY SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE.
RIGHT NOW WHILE RECREATION IS IMPORTANT, WE WANT TO LIVE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE RECREATION. WHAT GOOD IS RECREATION IF YOU DON'T HAVE LIFE. RIGHT NOW IT'S LOOKING GOOD FOR US. I TEND TO BELIEVE, PERHAPS WE MAY BE DOING THE RIGHT THING. ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN WE START OPENING OURSELVES UP AND THE OTHER MUNICIPALITIES AND CITIES, COUNTIES AREN'T DOING WHAT WE'RE DOING, WE'RE GOING TO BE THE ONLY SHOW IN TOWN. WITH THAT BEING SAID, PEOPLE COME FROM OTHER AREAS HERE. SO AGAIN, YOU GOT TO MONITOR THAT SITUATION. AND MAKE SURE THAT IT DOESN'T GET TO THAT POINT BECAUSE THAT'S GOING TO BE DETRIMENTAL FOR US AS A WHOLE THAT ARE HERE. WE'RE THE ONLY SHOW IN TOWN.
RECREATION IS IMPORTANT. AND I KEEP HEARING YOU EMPHASIZE ON WE WANT TO MAINTAIN TO SOME DEGREE LIVELIHOOD AND HAVE RECREATION AND I RESPECT THAT. BY THE SAME TOKEN THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS THAN THAT RIGHT NOW AND THIS IS JUST SHORT TERM.
WE CAN'T OVER DO IT. WE WON'T APPROXIMATE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WE OVER DID. IF WE WANT THIS TO BE CARRIED OUT RIGHT, IN THE END WE MAKE IT THROUGH ALL OF THIS, OVERDOING IT, TOO MANY PRECAUTIONS WE CAN'T DO.
THE MORE WE DO, THE BETTER OFF WE ARE GETTING TO THAT POINT.
THANK YOU. >> I'D LIKE TO KEEP THE BOAT RAMPS OPEN AS LONG AS WE CAN. EVEN THOUGH I THINK PEOPLE ARE CONGREGATING AT THE COVE. SO THAT IS SALT WATER AND SUNSHINE WHICH IS GOOD FOR YOU. BUT PERHAPS SOCIAL DISTANCING ISN'T HAPPEN SING MUCH THERE. AND I I'D LIKE TO KEEP INDIAN HILLS OPEN AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AS LONG AS DANNY PRACTICING -- HE'S VERY MUCH AWARE. THIS IS GIVING PEOPLE AN OUTLET.
AND THE JETTY, I HAVE BEEN OVER THERE SEVERAL TIMES CLEANING THE PARK AND RIDING THROUGH. AND I HAVEN'T SEEN A LOT OF CONGREGATING ON THE JETTY. ALTHOUGH IT IS CROWDED BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE FISHING. AND PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE AND OUT AND ABOUT. BUT THEY ARE NOT CONGREGATING IN LARGE GROUPS. I'D LIKE TO KEEP IT OPEN -- I'D LIKE TO MONITOR ALL OF THIS. AND THIS IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO US AS A CITY, AS A STATE, AS A COUNTY, AS A NATION, WE'VE WATCHED THIS GO ON AND INCREASINGLY BECOME MORE AND MORE RESTRICTIVE. EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT IN OUR NATURE TO BE RESTRICTIVE. I'D LIKE TO GIVE PEOPLE AS MANY OPTIONS BUT OF COURSE YOU GIVE THEM THE OPTION TO MAKE MISTAKES
RIGHT. >> THAT'S A GOOD POINT MAYOR.
AS COMMUNITY LEADERS WE HAVE TO BALANCE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE PEOPLE SAFE WITHOUT OVERTHINKING IT. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF IT TOO THERE IS ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DO HAVE THE RESTRICTIONS AND WE HAVE THE CLOSURES.
IS THAT WE PUT PEOPLE IN THE SAME PAGE ALMOST FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. AND THEN AS OUR POLICE CHIEF SAID WE HAVE DOMESTIC ISSUES AND ALL THESE OTHER THINGS.
IT IS A BALANCE AND WE'RE TRYING TO BE SENSIBLE.
THAT'S THE WORD WE HAVE TO USE IS WE HAVE TO BE SENSIBLE.
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT IS GOING ON.
BUT WE HAVE TO BE SENSIBLE HOW WE APPROACH THIS.
[01:40:02]
THIS IS NEW AGAIN AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ISN'T GOING TO BE OVER WITH NEXT WEEK. AND I'D LIKE TO TAKE JUST A VERY GENERAL INFORMATIVE AND IT'S IMPORTANT WE STAY INFORMED ABOUT WHAT THE NEW THINGS ARE AND TO BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD.>> I JUST SAW A POPUP ON MY JEAN ONE OF THE 11 PASSED.
>> WE'VE HAD A DEATH I GUESS NOW.
CONDOLENCES TO THAT FAMILY. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? AND I BELIEVE ALSO MARTIN COUNTY MAY BE CLOSING BOAT RAMP THIS IS WEEKEND. DOES HA PUT MORE PRESSURE ON US?
PSL -- >> THEY'VE ALREADY CLOSED I THINK. THEY'VE ALREADY CLOSED THEIR
BOAT RAMPS. >> HERE WE GO TALK ABOUT THE SOLUTIONS OR DO WE -- DO WE JUST SAY OK IT'S OPEN TO CITY OF FORT PIERCE RESIDENTS. THAT'S TOUGH I KNOW.
>> WHO CAN CHECK? WHO IS GOING TO CHECK?
>> OR AT LEAST COUNTY. I'M WILLING TO PULL UP IN MY VEHICLE WITH A SIGN THAT SAYS HERE IS MY ADDRESS AND PUNCH ANYTIME REAL QUICK AND SOMEBODY SAYS PROCEED AS YOU CAN.
THAT IS CRAZY AND EXTREME BUT AT THE SAME TIME THE OTHER IS TRUE BECAUSE THE FOLKS THAT ARE LOOKING TO GET AWAY FROM PEOPLE AND GET ON THE WATER OR PUT A PADDLE BOARD IN THE WATER, TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM BEING IN THE SHELTER, BEING IN THE CAGE.
>> AND THEY ARE TRYING TO BE HEALTHY TOO.
>> SO IT WOW. >> I THINK WHAT I HAVE HEARD IS THAT WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING.
BUT WE ALSO LOVE THE FACT THAT WE HAVE THESE RECREATIONAL AMENITIES THAT PEOPLE CAN UTILIZE TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.
BUT WE NEED TO URGE OUR PARTNERS AT THE COUNTY AND OUR CITIZENS TO EXERCISE THE SOCIAL DISTANCING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
COMMISSIONER SESSIONS YOU TALKED ABOUT ELLIS PARK.
THAT IS OWNED BY THE CITY BUT MANAGED AND MAINTAINED BY THE COUNTY THROUGH AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.
I THINK THERE A MEASURE WE CAN WORK WITH THE COUNTY WITH THEIR RECREATIONAL STAFF AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET THE WORD OUT TO PASS THE INFORMATION ON TO THE KID AND THE ADULTS THAT WERE THERE.
THERE WAS A BUNCH OF ADULTS THERE PLAYING BASKETBALL AS WELL. I BELIEVE WE STILL HAVE SOCCER GAMES GOING ON AT DREAM LAN AND PINEWOOD.
IT'S A MATTER OF CONTINUING TO GET THE WORD OUT.
IF YOU ALL TABLE CONSENSUS IS TO LEAVE THE BOAT RAMPS OPEN, LEAVE THE JETTY OPEN AND LEAVE INDIAN HILLS GOLF COURSE OPEN WITH A STRONG MONITORING PERSPECTIVE. AND IF WE SEE A NEED FOR CHANGE, WE WILL CHANGE IT IMMEDIATELY. BUT WHAT WE CAN DO MYSELF AND MR. SWEENEY, ONCE WE GET A POTENTIAL DRAFT OF A SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER, WE WILL WORK THOSE LOOPHOLES INTO THAT AGREEMENT OR INTO THAT ORDER AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE PROTECTED, THEY REMAIN OPEN AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION.
AND LIKE I TOLD MY DEPARTMENT HEADS, THIS SITUATION CHANGES DAILY IF NOT HOURLY. SO WE HAD A MEETING MONDAY AND EVERYTHING CHANGED BY WEDNESDAY. WE'RE DOING THAT AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER JOHNSON YOU UNDERSTAND FULL WELL WHAT WE'RE GOING THROUGH BECAUSE THINGS CHANGE IN THE COUNTY AS WELL.
WE SHALL DO THAT. I APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT.
IF YOU FEEL I'VE CAPTURED THAT THOROUGHLY, WE'LL MOVE FORWARD
IN THAT DIRECTION. >> I THINK YOU HAVE.
THE OTHER THING IS IF THERE IS A SHELTER IN PLACE AND WE'RE GOOD WITH THAT. WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO COME TO A GROUP OF FOLKS AND SAY LISTEN, THIS NOT ALLOWED, YOU GOT TO MOVE ON. PLEASE DISPERSE.
THERE IS NOTHING TO SEE HERE. YOU GOT TO MOVE ALONG.
>> AND INCLUDING THOSE BOAT RAMPS AND JETTY AND -- EXACTLY.
>> DOES THAT PUT MORE STRESS ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT? MAYBE. IF THERE IS REBUTTAL.
>> I DON'T THINK THE BOAT RAMPS ARE THE ISSUE.
>> I'M TALKING ABOUT IN THE PARK.
>> GROUPS AND KIDS ARE HANGING OUT.
>> AND NO SCHOOL. >> I THINK MONDAY IS GOING TO CHANGE A LOT WITH THEIR SKID YOU'LL COMING BACK INTO EFFECT.
WE'LL SEE AND FEEL A DIFFERENCE. THEY WILL BE PREPROGRAMMED WITH SPECIFIC TIMES. MAYBE THEY GOT TO GO OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR A BIT AND ENJOY SUNSHINE AND COME BACK BECAUSE
[01:45:01]
THEY HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR TEACHER.>> SO YOU'VE HEARD FROM US. AS YOU SAY, THE GAME CHANGES REALLY QUICK. I EXPECT YOU TO BE ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS ON A DIME TO BE ABLE TO TURN THIS AROUND AND WHATEVER WE SAID TODAY MAY CHANGE TOMORROW.
AND UNDERSTAND IT. BUT AT LEAST WE'VE HAD THE DISCUSSION WITH YOU THAT IF THINGS REMAIN THE WAY THAT THEY ARE RIGHT NOW, BUT JUST LIKE IT DID WITH THE BEACHES, PALM BEACH CLOSED THEIR BEACHES, EVERYTHING SHOWED UP IN MARTIN COUNTY NEXT DAY. THEN MARTIN COUNTY CLOSED THEIR BEACHES AND THEN WE SAID YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DO.
THAT WE'VE GOT TO BE ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS QUICKLY TO BE ABLE TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE. AND SO I EXPECT THAT FROM YOU.
I DO APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT WE'RE HERE NOW TALKING ABOUT HOW WE WANT TO MOVE GUARD BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT CAN CHANGE BY THE TIME WE LEAVE HERE. JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA, YOUR COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT HAD ME DO A PROMO.
>> DID A GREAT JOB BY THE WAY. >> I WAS ON MY LITTLE RUN, CAME IN AND THEY CAUGHT ME AT SOUTH BEACH.
I SAID GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING NICE AND GO TO THE BEACH.
IT DIDN'T EVEN GET -- [INAUDIBLE]
. >> WE'LL GET YOU BACK IN THERE.
>> MAY I ASK A QUESTION? >> PLEASE.
>> IN LIGHT OF EVERYTHING ON HOW QUICKLY THIS CAN CHANGE.
WE ARE SCHEDULED TO HAVE A REGULAR MEETING ON APRIL 6.
I'M ASKING FROM A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE AS YOU CAN SEE THE PUBLIC IS ABLE TO COME. WE HAVE AREAS WHERE THEY SHOULD NOT BE SITTING. IT WOULD BE OPEN PUBLIC MEETING.
WE CAN MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE OTHER PLACES HAVE.
IT'S A STANDARD REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING.
AND IF SHELTER IN PLACE IS DISCOURAGING EVERYBODY NOT TO COME, ONE OF THE EXCEPTIONS TO OF COURSE IN THAT ORANGE COUNTY ORDERER IS LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES.
SO SOME DIRECTION AT LEAST FROM A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT YOU FEEL IF WE ARE UNDER A SHELTER IN PLACE WHETHER WE SHOULD HAVE
A REGULAR MEETING OR NOT? >> WELL, THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.
>> THE REASON I ASK IS ONE OF THE THINGS ON THE AGENDA TENTATIVELY IS THE FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT WHICH HAS TO BE A
PUBLIC HEARING. >> IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY --
>> A QUASI JUDICIAL HEARING. >> MY POINT IS WHEN IT IS HELD
IT HAS TO BE A PUBLIC HEARING. >> OUR CHARTER REQUIRES TO US HAVE TWO MEETINGS A MONTH. REGULARLY SCHEDULED TWICE A
MONTH. >> I DON'T THINK WE CAN BE -- DOES SHELTER IN PLACE TRUMP THAT?
>> I'M GOING THE SAY THIS TO YOU, IF WE'RE TELLING PEOPLE TO STAY HOME, I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD INVITE THEM TO COME TO OUR MEETING. WE HAVE -- I THINK WE NEED A CONSISTENT SIGNAL. TYPICALLY THESE SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS ARE TWO OR THREE WEEKS. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MISSING ONE MEETING AND MAX TWO. BUT WE CAN SCHEDULE A SPECIAL MEETING SUCH AS THIS TO MAKE UP FOR ANY LOST PRODUCTTIVITY.
I WOULD SAY MY RECOMMENDATION IF WE ARE IN A SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER FOR THE TIME PERIOD, I WOULD SUGGEST CANCEL THAT
MEETING. >> UNLESS THERE IS SOMETHING
REALLY PRESSING RIGHT. >> THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.
WE CAN PRESS AHEAD. >> PRESSING ITEMS, LET'S CALL AN EMERGENCY SPECIAL MEETING, WHATEVER YOU CALL IT AND LET'S HAVE AN OPEN PUBLIC MEETING AND DO BUSINESS OF THE CITY.
I AGREE. >> EVEN WHEN THE CHARTER WAS VOTED ON, WHAT WAS THE FIRST PANDEMIC 11 THEY WERE NOT THINKING ABOUT THAT WHEN THEY VOTED ON THE CHARTER.
HERE WE ARE. >> ANYTHING ELSE?
>> NO, MA'AM. I BELIEVE I RECEIVED THE DIRECTION AND INPUT THAT WE NEED.
AND PETE AND I WE WILL BE WORKING AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE THAT DRAFT AND KEEP UP UP TO DATE AND WE'LL KEEP BRINGING YOU IN TO GET THE WORD OUT TO THE PEOPLE.
>> I ENVISION IF THIS HAPPENS WE WILL BE GETTING ASKED BY COMMISSIONERS CAN I DO X OR Y. AND SO UNLESS IT -- I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHARE THAT WITH YOU. SO TRY TO ANSWER IT MYSELF IF I FEEL CONFIDENT. BUT IF WE DON'T WE'LL GET THE
ANSWER FROM STAFF. >> WE'LL GIVE YOU A COPY OF THE ORDER WITH ALL OF THE EXCEPTIONS.
>> RIGHT. >> JUST BEFORE WE GET OUT OF HERE. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE CAN'T
[01:50:04]
REALLY TALK ABOUT NOW BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW HOW THIS IS GOING TO END. BUT THE IMPACT TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES. JUST MAKE SURE WE HAVE STAFF MEMBERS LOOKING AT MONITORING ALL THE BEST PRACTICES AND EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO US RECOVERING QUICKLY. IN MY MIND THIS IS A HURRICANE THAT IS HAPPENING. HURRICANES YOU KNOW WHEN THEY HIT, THEY ARE GONE AND WE CAN FIX EVERYTHING.BUT WE'RE GOING TO BE AT THAT STAGE WHERE WE'RE TRYING TO FIX THE THINGS THAT GOT HURT. AND I REALLY THINK THAT WHAT WE CAN DO WHILE WE'RE GOING THROUGH THIS PROCESS IS GEARING UP FOR THAT AND MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE THE BEST AT GETTING BACK TO WHERE WE WERE BEFORE. WE NEED TO HAVE DISCUSSIONS AT THE CRA LEVEL TO TALK ABOUT OUR BUSINESS LEASES AND THINGS LIKE THAT. THESE FOLKS ARE HURTING.
AND IF YOU ARE OUT THERE TODAY AND WE DON'T HAVE THE SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER FRESH A RESTAURANT, TIP PEOPLE REALLY GOOD.
TRY TO KEEP THESE FOLKS IN SOME FORM OF ANOXIC POSITIVE MODE.
AND I THINK THAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
CONSTANTLY MONITOR WHAT IS GOING ON.
LET GET READY. WHEN WE HIT THE OK.
WHEN THE GATE COMES UP, LET'S MAKE SURE FORT PIERCE IS ONE OF THE FIRST COMMUNITIES TO GET BACK TO NORMAL.
>> SEEKING INFORMATION FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES ON THEIR CURRENT SITUATIONS AND LETTING THOSE BUSINESSES KNOW WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM SHOULD THEY BE SUFFERING THE DOWNTOWN. SO I WOULD ENCOURAGE ANYBODY THAT HAS QUESTIONS OR BUSINESS CONCERNS TO REACH OUT TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR
THEIR ASSISTANCE. >> I'VE BEEN SEEING THAT ON
SOCIAL MEDIA. >> WE HAVE A COUPLE OF LEASES THAT DIRECTLY COME TO THIS COMMISSION AND SO WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT CREATIVE WAYS POTENTIALLY, THINK ABOUT CREATIVE WAYS TO OFFSET THAT IMPACT IF WE CAN.
WE ARE ESSENTIALLY THE LANDLORD. AND SO IF THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY THERE, TEMPORARILY SPENDING, WE CATCH IT UP LATER.
WE'RE THE LANDLORD. NOW WE DO HAVE ONE LEASE CURRENTLY , THE COULD BE'S LANDING.
IT'S THROUGH THE FPRA. AND THAT LEASE UNFORTUNATELY THE RESTAURANTS WHO ARE OUR TENANT HAS CLOSED.
WE'RE WORKING WITH THAT TENANT TO HELP THEM THROUGH THIS PERIOD WHETHER IT IS A SUSPENSION OR A DEFERMENT OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE FPRA. WE SHALL WORK WITH THEM TO HELP THEM THROUGH THIS TIME. UNFORTUNATELY WE'VE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH DEFERMENTS AND PAYMENTS.
WE'VE HAD HURRICANES THAT HAVE AFFECTED OTHER LEASES IN OTHER BUILDINGS. WE HAVE UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE.
IT IS OUR HOPE THIS SITUATION DOES NOT LAST MORE THAN A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET PAST THIS AND THESE
BUSINESSES WILL THRIVE AGAIN. >> MY OTHER REQUEST IS -- WELL THERE ARE TWO MORE. THE BUSINESSES ARE STRUGGLING AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO COME ONE PLANS ON HOW TO CONTINUE TO HAVE BUSINESS AND WHETHER IT'S COOKING OR MAYBE IT'S AN EVENT YOU CAN'T ATTEND BUT YOU CAN BECAUSE IT'S A LOCAL FOOD TRUCK OR SOMETHING WHERE PEOPLE ENJOY THE OUTDOOR AND GET A BITE TO EAT AND MOVE ALONG.
MAYBE REVENUE SHARING. I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY DO IT.
I'M NOT IN THIS BUSINESS. THERE IS NOT AN EASY WAY FOR US -- I GOT TO BE CAREFUL HOW I SAY IT.
WHETHER IT PARKING IN A SPACE BECAUSE RIGHT NOW WE HAVE PERMIT APPLICATIONS, YOU CAN RENT A SPACE, YOU CAN SAY I NEED A PARKING SPACE ON THE STREET. IT'S USUALLY FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY. I'M NOT READY TO MAKE A DECISION ON THAT. HOWEVER I'M READY TO PLANT A SEED SO WE THINK ABOUT IT IF THERE IS OPPORTUNITY THERE FOR
THE NEXT MONTH OR TWO. >> I THINK HOPEFULLY WE WON'T OVERCOMPLICATE THIS. IF WE WORK WITH THEM WE CAN GET CREATIVE FOR A TEMPORARY TIME PERIOD.
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WE JUST NEED TO WORK WITH THEM AND HAVE THAT PREDETERMINEDEVENT SCHEDULE OR PLAN IN PLACE. >> AND THEY HAVE TO COME ONE A PLAN. NO ONE SHOULD GET LEEWAY FOR NOT HAVING A PLAN AND SAY I'M SETTING UP SHOP WITH MY GRILL.
>> YOU TALK ABOUTING ABOUT YOUR GRILL.
>> THERE IS A LIFE SAFETY PLAN THAT HAS TO BE IN PLACE.
>> WE SOMETIMES OMIT THAT. MY OTHER REQUEST IS THAT ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS FROM HERE FORWARD OR ANY KIND OF A CLOSURE, ANY DIRECTIVE, ANY PARK THAT IS CLOSING, THAT IT'S A UNIFIED DIRECTIVE FROM YOU TO THE DEPARTMENT HEADS WITH US BEING COPIED SO THAT WE HAVE IT. I'M NOT SAYING YOU ARE NOT DOING THAT. THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF CONFUSION. THE MEDIA GOT AHOLD OF JC PARK.
AND THERE WERE ARTICLES ABOUT BOAT RAMPS AND EVERY ONE OF THEM I WAS TRYING TO CALL SOMEBODY ON THE PHONE GOING NO, LIFE NOT OVER. IF WE COULD HAVE THAT UNIFIED APPROACH. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT AND WE CAN SHARE WITH THE PUBLIC.
THAT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. >> IN CLOSING I'D LIKE TO SAY THAT THE BOTTOM LINE IS THE MORE BOTTOM LINE OF ALL OF THIS IS IF WE JUST DO WHAT WE'RE TOLD WHICH DOESN'T SOUND VERY AMERICAN BUT IN THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION, WITH THE LISTENING TO THE CDC TELLING US HOW TO STOP THIS AND SO I JUST HOPE ANYBODY WHO IS LISTENING UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS THANKSGIVING IS WHAT ALL OF THIS GETTING OVER THIS DISEASE AND GETTING BACK TO NORMAL.
>> SO THAT'S ALL ON OUR AGENDA CORRECT.
>> WE'LL ADJOURN AND BE HEADING OUT OF THE CHAMBERS AND SHALL WE
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.