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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCBC Minutes Committee Approved 1_21_2022 CITIZENS’ BUDGET COMMITTEE ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting January 21, 2022 Convened: 7:39 AM Adjourned: 9:07 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:35 AM by Mr. Hensley, and at his request, the members introduced themselves. Mr. Hensley introduced the new Recording Secretary, Lenita Evans. Ms. Hill introduced the new Budget Manager, Mark Lauzier. Mr. Hensley shared his appreciation for the staff before introducing Howard Tipton, County Administrator to run the election. MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Hensley, Chair John Culverhouse, Vice Chair Jerry Buechler Robert Lynch Hector Rodriguez Barry Mucklow Mark Gotz Gwen Morris Harvey Alligood Steven Reuther MEMBERS ABSENT: Jake Sanders Richard Pancoast Ed Lounds Jeff Emmeluth 1 Vacancy OTHERS PRESENT: Jennifer Hill Thom Epsky Grisel Cortes Ron Parrish Mark Lauzier Joshua Revord Grantly Ricketts Jim Lappert Howard Tipton Leslie Olson Gino Butto Matt Baum Regular Meeting Friday, January 21, 2022 7:30 AM 2 | Page 2. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Mr. Tipton expressed his appreciation for everyone’s service and opened the floor for nominations for Chair. Mr. Alligood nominated Mr. Culverhouse; Mr. Gotz seconded. All being in favor, Mr. Culverhouse was unanimously elected Chair for 2022. Mr. Culverhouse thanked the committee and asked for nominations for Vice Chair. Mr. Mucklow nominated Mark Gotz; Ms. Morris seconded. Mr. Hensley nominated Mr. Alligood. Mr. Alligood stated he appreciated the nomination but is unable to serve. Mr. Gotz also said he was unable to serve. After a nomination by Mr. Mucklow, moved by Mr. Gotz, and seconded by Mr. Hensley, Mr. Rodriguez was unanimously elected Vice Chair for 2022. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT No member of the public spoke. 4. APPROVAL OF August 20, 2021 MINUTES Mr. Rodriguez made a motion to approve August 20, 2021 minutes and Mr. Reuther seconded. Mr. Mucklow noted that he would like to revisit item number 5 during this meeting, without corrections. With that, the Committee unanimously approved the minutes. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. 2022 MEETING DATES Mr. Culverhouse reviewed the attached meeting dates. Mr. Gotz made a motion to approve the dates. Mr. Alligood made a second. They were unanimously approved. B. PARKS MASTER PLAN Matt Baum, the new Parks and Recreation Director, formerly the Assistant Parks Director, introduced himself and spoke of his background and perspective of his position. He expressed his desire to do more to serve the community. Mr. Baum explained that he would be presenting the Parks new Master Plan, as the current 20-year plan has served the County since 2003 and will conclude in 2023. He states the County was able to accomplish almost all its goals in the first 10 years of the plan. The Master Plan was developed by contracting with David Barth, who was unable to attend. During the next 10 years Mr. Baum will be working to implement the Master Plan. Ms. Cortes handed out copies of the attached slideshow and Mr. Baum gave a presentation. Mr. Gotz asked how many parks there are, and Mr. Baum told him roughly 40, with some parks being within other parks. Mr. Baum remarked that there is no regional park in Port Saint Lucie and recognizes the need to invest in one, which is part of the plan. Regular Meeting Friday, January 21, 2022 7:30 AM 3 | Page Ms. Morris questioned Mr. Baum about off-road ATV trails for teenagers. Mr. Baum explained that the youth programs are lacking and offered possible programs as solutions. He stated many parks are outdated and that any new parks built will also be inclusive of those with special needs. The developing conceptual plan of a performing arts venue, beach facilities, pickleball courts, indoor recreation center, ATV park and an aquatic center were also part of the presentation. Mr. Baum remarked that sponsorships and partnering with the college, cities, and/or school board are the goal to accomplishing the items within the plan. He reiterated the importance of the Master Plan to the community. Mr. Gotz asked about the Parks budget and spending. Mr. Baum explained that almost half the budget is spent on personnel, and the department has been mainly tasked with rentals and maintenance since the recession. Ms. Hill explained the MSTU process and that the current MSTU was set to expire in 2023. Mr. Alligood asked if the MSTU was used for maintenance. Ms. Hill answered that the MSTU was implemented 20 years ago by referendum and includes a restriction that it must be used for capital facilities. Ms. Hill further explained that although the MSTU is imposed and collected countywide, the County writes checks to the City of Port Saint Lucie and the City of Fort Pierce for the MSTU money paid by those residents. 6 OTHER ISSUES Mr. Alligood requested that the next meeting provide the opportunity to discuss the jail facility and to discuss the committee’s focus for the coming year. Mr. Mucklow said that he’d like to revisit the discussion regarding inmate medical in a meaningful and in-depth manner in the near future. 7 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to be brought before the Board, Mr. Culverhouse adjourned the meeting at 9:07AM. Respectfully submitted by: Lenita Evans The next CBC meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2022, at 7:30AM, at the Fenn Center.