HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.17.26 - Regular Agenda
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
6:00 PM
St. Lucie County Commission Chambers
2300 Virginia Avenue
3rd Floor of Roger Poitras Building
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
BOARD MEMBERS
District No. 4, Chair
JAMIE FOWLER
District No. 2, Vice-Chair
LARRY LEET
District No. 1
JAMES CLASBY
District No. 3
ERIN LOWRY
District No. 5
CATHY TOWNSEND
Mission Statement
Committed To Service, Focused On Our Future, Grounded By Tradition
*Revised Final on 2/13
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
2 | P a g e
GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES – The agenda will typically determine the order of business conducted at today’s Board
meeting. However, the final order of agenda and items heard is to be determined by the Chair.
INVOCATION‐PLEDGE – To bring order and decorum, the BOCC begins its meetings with an invocation followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance. Participation is voluntary.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Time is allotted at the beginning of each regular meeting for general public comment.
CONSENT AGENDA – These items are considered routine in nature, are reviewed by BOCC members in advance, and typically
do not require BOCC comment and may be voted on with one motion. There is no separate discussion or individual vote on
these items unless requested by a BOCC Member.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – Public hearings will commence at or as soon as possible after the advertised time. In no event will public
hearings commence prior to the advertised time. These items are heard at Regular or Special BOCC meetings and are
normally scheduled for the first and third Tuesday of the month, or as soon thereafter as possible.
As a general rule, when issues are scheduled before the Commission under department request or public hearing, the order
of presentation is: (1) Staff presentation (2) Applicant presentation (3) BOCC questions for Staff and/or Applicant (4) Public
comment, (5) further discussion and action by the BOCC.
REGULAR AGENDA – Items appearing on the Regular Agenda require BOCC direction, a policy decision, or are otherwise of
significance necessitating separate attention and action. Agenda items may consist of proposals for new County policies,
adjustment of budgets, requests to approve contracts with vendors for services, and items as requested for presentation
and approved through County Administration and the BOCC.
COMMISSIONER UPDATES – These items are presented by an individual BOCC Members as necessary. BOCC Members will
use this time to highlight items of interest that impact their districts or special items of interest they feel warrants the
attention of the St. Lucie County community.
MEETINGS – All BOCC meetings are open to the public and are held on the first Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. and on the
third Tuesdays at 9 a.m., unless otherwise advertised. Meetings are held in the County Commission Chambers of the Roger
Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virigina Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982. The BOCC schedules and notices
additional workshops throughout the year as necessary to accomplish their goals and commitments. Anyone with a disability
requiring accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the Human Resources Department at 772‐462‐1456,
HumanResources@stlucieco.gov or TDD 772‐462‐1428 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
3 | P a g e
RULES OF DECORUM FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
PURPOSE:
Pursuant to Sections 125.01(1)(a) and 286.0114, F.S., this policy sets forth the rules of decorum for public participation at the
St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners Meetings (Rules of Decorum). These Rules of Decorum are adopted to ensure
a positive and productive environment that is conducive to good order and discipline which in turn will enhance the
democratic process, individual rights of expression, engaging conversations and mutual respect for shared ideas.
As used in these Rules of Decorum, decorum means propriety and good taste in conduct or behavior.
The St. Lucie Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has numerous public meetings that include, but are limited to, Regular,
Informal (Workshops), and Special meetings. Having set rules, policies, and guidelines are paramount in maintaining a civil,
respectful, and a courteous environment during government proceedings, which ensure support of and respect for an open,
fair, transparent decision-making process.
A. General Guidelines for Appearance Before the BOCC
1. Individuals may participate in the public meeting process.
2. Individuals wishing to speak must adhere to these Rules of Decorum.
3. Individuals will be recognized by the BOCC Chair.
4. Individuals will approach the podium and provide their name, address, and/or associated organization (if
applicable).
5. Individuals will be provided with three (3) minutes and a representative of an organization has five (5) minutes to
speak during Public Comment and during Public Hearings.
6. Individuals will direct all comments directly to the BOCC. All remarks will be directed to the BOCC as a body and not to
any one person or commissioner.
7. Individuals will address all BOCC Members by their proper title.
8. Individuals will limit comments to a proposition before the BOCC, or a subject matter related to county government
related items. Individuals should make comments concise and to the point and present any data or evidence they
wish the BOCC to consider.
9. Comments in support or opposition to candidates for public office are not pertinent to the BOCC’s duties. This
includes any speaker identifying himself or herself as a candidate for public office.
10. No person may speak more than once on the same subject unless granted permission by the Chair.
11. Individuals will observe the timer device located directly under the microphone at the podium. Lights indicate
the following:
Green: Indicates commencement of addressing the BOCC.
Yellow: Indicates the individual has one (1) minute left and should begin to close their comments.
Red: Indicates time has expired and the individual needs to end their remarks.
12. Once time has expired individuals must cordially leave the podium and return to their seat.
13. The Chair has the discretion to either extend or reduce the time limits for public comment based on the number of
speakers. To ensure the orderly conduct of meetings, if a large number of individuals wish to speak for public
comment on a topic, the BOCC may require that one representative of a group or faction on a specific proposition be
permitted to address the BOCC, rather than all members of such groups or factions, and/or the Chair may designate
a specified period of time for public comment.
14. Individuals who are not able to attend a scheduled meeting may submit a public comment via the St. Lucie County
Web Page at https://stluciecounty.formstack.com/forms/public_comment_form.
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
4 | P a g e
B. Speakers Decorum
1. Speakers will:
a. Conduct themselves in a respectful manner.
b. Be clear and concise.
c. Be civil in nature (polite, courteous and respectful).
d. Address the BOCC directly.
d. Speak into the microphone.
2. Speakers will NOT:
a. Make comments of a personal nature regarding others.
b. Shout, yell, or /scream.
c. Use obscene or disruptive language.
d. Make complaints, remarks, personal attacks or inflammatory comments against any public official or staff
member.
e. Members of the audience will not be allowed to enter the public meeting discussion from their seats.
Individuals wishing to speak must follow the proper etiquette, approach the podium, and be recognized by
the Chair.
f. Individuals in attendance may not interfere with or interrupt the orderly procedure of the BOCC, any BOCC
Member, or the person speaking whom the Chair has properly recognized.
C. Audience Decorum
1. Turn off or silence all devices.
2. Refrain from inappropriate and/or disruptive behavior.
3. Refrain from private conversations.
4. Restrict disruptive commotion when transiting meeting spaces.
5. To ensure the safety of the public, campaign placards, banners or signs will NOT be permitted in the Chambers.
6. Refrain from disorderly or boisterous conduct to include but not be limited to:
a. Applause
b. Whistling
c. Stamping of feet
d. Booing
e. Threatening dialogue
f. Slanderous utterance
g. Actions that impede the orderly conduct of a meeting
D. Enforcement of the Rules of Decorum
1. The BOCC Chair is responsible for maintaining and enforcing the Rules of Decorum.
2. Individuals who do not adhere to the Rules of Decorum will receive an initial warning from the Chair to cease and
desist in order to restore order.
3. If an individual continues to breach the Rules of Decorum, the Chair may order the individual to relinquish the
podium and/or leave the public meeting.
4. If any person refuses to leave following an order to leave, the Chair may order the Law Enforcement on duty to
remove them from the public meeting.
Any person who disrupts or interrupts a BOCC meeting by violation of these Rules of Decorum, including the use of profane
language or the threat of physical violence, or who makes personal, impertinent remarks or who exhibits loud or boisterous
behavior while the BOCC is in session, may be removed from the meeting by the Sheriff’s office. Removal may be requested at
the direction of the Chair or by consensus of the BOCC, or by the Sheriff’s office, if there is perceived to be an immediate threat
to any person.
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
5 | P a g e
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. RECESS FOR SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETINGS
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, REVISIONS
6. PRESENTATIONS
There are no items scheduled.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT (excluding Public Hearing Items)
8. PROCLAMATIONS APPROVAL
A. Resolution No. 26-025 - A Resolution Proclaiming February 22 - 28, 2026 as "Engineers Week" in St.
Lucie County, Florida - ADD ON
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Board of County Commissioners minutes for the BOCC Regular Meeting of January 27, 2026.
B. Board of County Commissioners minutes for the BOCC Regular Meeting of February 3, 2026. -
ATTACHMENT AMENDED
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. WARRANTS
1. Warrant Lists 18 - 19
B. ADMINISTRATION
1. Commissioner Fowler's Appointment to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
6 | P a g e
Staff recommends the Board ratify Commissioner Fowler's appointment of Albert Pigozzi to
the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
2. Commissioner Lowry's Appointment to the Citizen's Budget Committee
Staff recommends the Board vote ratify the appointment of Lynette Lockwood as
Commissioner Lowry's representative on the Citizen's Budget Committee.
3. Opioid Abatement Advisory Committee Appointment - ADD ON
Staff recommends the Board ratify the appointment of Jennifer Hance to serve on the Opioid
Abatement Advisory Committee as approved by the County Attorney.
4. Approval of a Letter of Support for the City of Port St. Lucie's BUILD Grant - ADD ON
Staff recommends Board approval of the Letter of Support and authorizes the Chair to sign
the document as approved by the County Attorney.
C. AIRPORT
1. First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Finnish Strong, LLC
Staff recommends the Board approve the first amendment to the lease agreement and
authorize the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney.
2. First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Olympus Aviation, LLC
Staff recommends the Board approve the first amendment to the lease agreement and
authorize the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney's Office.
3. Airport Maintenance and Operations 4-Wheel Drive Truck
Staff recommends the Board's permission to purchase the 2026 Chevrolet Suburban as
quoted and authorizes the chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney.
D. COUNTY ATTORNEY
1. St. Lucie Fire District Assistance - ADD ON
Staff recommends the Board grant permission for the County Attorney to assist the District.
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
7 | P a g e
E. FACILITIES
1. Award of Bid No. 25-076 for Veteran Shelter Renovation Project
Staff recommends Board approval to award Bid No. 25-076 to FSV Construction Company in
the Amount of $817,259.56 and authorize the Chair to sign documents as approved by the
County Attorney.
F. LIBRARY SERVICES
1. McNaughton Subscription Adult Plan Proposal
Staff recommends Board approval of the proposal and authorization for the Chair to sign the
contract documents as approved by the County Attorney.
G. PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS
1. Purchase request of Parcel ID 2429-441-0005-010-6
Staff recommends the Board approve the purchase of Tax Deed 25-171 for $2,695.86 and
authorized payment to the Clerk of the Circuit Court and record the Tax Deed in the Public
Records of St. Lucie County.
H. PUBLIC UTILITIES
1. Capital Equipment Purchase - 270 Cat Skid Steer Loader
Staff recommends the Board authorize staff to purchase a new 270 Cat Skid Steer Loader via
Florida Sheriffs State Bid No. FSA23-EQU21.1 upon review and approval by the County
Attorney.
2. Sole Source Vendor for Public Utilities Department, Solid Waste Division
Staff recommends Board approval of the bid waiver and sole source determination for the
purchase of parts, equipment, services, and supplies for the maintenance and operation of
Kaiser Compressors at SLCSW from the sole source vendor, Miami Kaiser, and authorization
for the Chair to execute all applicable contracts and documents, as approved by the County
Attorney.
I. PUBLIC WORKS
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
8 | P a g e
1. Proposal for Amendment No. 8 to Contract C17-08-532 with Kimley Horn and Associates, to
Increase the Cost of Project for Expert Witness for Ongoing Litigation regarding Lennard
Road/Tilton Road Corridor Drainage
Staff recommends the Board approve the request to increase the project an additional
$35,000.00 and approve the 8th Amendment to contract number C17-08-532 for expert
witness fees with Kimley Horn and Associates, and direct the Chair to sign documents, as
approved by the County Attorney and in accordance with Strategic Plan Policy QI 3.1.1.
2. Award of Bid No. 26-001 for the Construction of the Tilton Road Watershed Drainage
Improvements Phase 2 Project
Staff recommends Board approval to reallocate the Tilton Rd Phase I Project funds in the
amount of $2,172,319 to the Tilton Rd Phase II Project as listed in the Financial Impact
section. Staff also recommends Board approval of the Bid Award to Dickerson Infrastructure
dba Dickerson Florida in the amount of $4,875,195.77 and authorize the Chair to sign
documents as approved by the County Attorney in accordance with Strategic Plan Policy QI
3.1.1.
J. TOURISM & VENUES
1. Interlocal Agreement with City of Fort Pierce for Art Conservator Services
Staff recommends the Board approve the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Fort Pierce
for Art Conservator Services and authorize the Chair to sign the documents as prepared by
the County Attorney.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PUBLIC WORKS
1. Culvert 2026-02 Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) - Assessment Resolution
Staff recommends Board approval of Resolution No. 2026-19, the Culvert 2026-02 MSBU
Final Assessment Resolution and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved
by the County Attorney, in accordance with Strategic Plan Policy QI 3.1.3.
B. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
1. County Initiated Land Development Code Text Amendment for Fencing - Adoption Hearing
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
9 | P a g e
Staff recommends the Board vote to approve the proposed Ordinance as drafted by staff.
C. PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS
1. Resolution No. 2026-20 - Public Hearing to Abandon an Unopened County Right-of-Way
known as Tupelo Street, as shown on the Plat of White City Plaza
Staff recommends the Board approve Resolution No. 2026-20, authorize the Chair to sign the
Resolution, instruct staff to publish the final notice of abandonment and record the
resolution and the proof of publications in the public records of St. Lucie County, Florida.
12. REGULAR AGENDA
A. COUNTY ATTORNEY
1. Resolution 26-027 - Ratification of the Public Safety Director's Declaration of Local
Emergency and the County Administrator's Order Banning Open Air Burning in St. Lucie
County
Staff recommends the Board approve Resolution No. 26-027 ratifying the Public Safety
Director's Declaration of Emergency and the County Administrator's Order banning open air
burning in St. Lucie County.
2. Permission to Advertise - Ordinance Scheduling a Referendum Election on November 3, 2026
for a Proposed 0.5 Percent Local Government Infrastructure Surtax - ADD ON - ITEM MOVED
FROM CONSENT AGENDA
Staff recommends the Board determine which draft ordinance, Ordinance No. 26-XXXA or
Ordinance No. 26-XXXB will move forward and grant permission for a public hearing on
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:00pm.
B. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
1. Almeria Residential at Smallwood Ave - Major Site Plan - THIS ITEM IS QUASI-JUDICIAL
Staff recommends the Board evaluate the proposed development, consider the Standards of
Review and Conditions of Approval eligible for a Major Site Plan, and approve the Major Site
Plan with the conditions of approval outlined in Resolution 2026-23, along with any other
conditions the Board may deem appropriate, authorizing the Chair to sign documents as
approved by the County Attorney.
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
10 | P a g e
2. Resolution No. 2026-28 - Approving Certain Incentives on Behalf of Project Orchid
Staff recommends the Board adopt Resolution No. 2026-28 and authorize the Chair to sign
documents as approved by the County Attorney.
C. PUBLIC WORKS
1. Eastwood Canal Restoration Project No. 25-072 - Final Acceptance
Staff recommends the Board's final acceptance of the Eastwood Canal Restoration Project in
accordance with Strategic Plan Policy QI 3.1.1.
13. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
14. UPCOMING MEETINGS
A. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at
6pm in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300
Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL.
B. The Board of County Commissioners will hold an Informal meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at
9am in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300
Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL.
15. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Don’t miss the annual Marine Science in the Morning series, hosted by the Smithsonian Marine
Ecosystems Exhibit, at the St. Lucie County Aquarium, located at the foot of the bridge on South
Hutchinson Island. This lecture series takes place on the third Wednesday of the month through
April, starting at 9 a.m. with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. The series is free with general admission
into the Aquarium. Advance registration is required as spaces are limited. To register, please email
SMSEducation@si.edu or contact our Education Office at 772-465-3271. The next event takes
place Feb. 18 as Elizabeth Urban-Gedamke from the Smithsonian Marine Station explains the
importance of seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon.
B. St. Lucie County’s Animal Safety Division is encouraging pet adoption by offering half-price
adoption fees for animals highlighted on the county’s social media platforms. Adopters must
present the featured post to qualify for the discount. The discount for a specific pet is only valid
the week of promotion. Residents are encouraged to follow St. Lucie County’s social media
accounts on Nextdoor, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram (@stluciegov). The County’s
Communications staff posts weekly updates about pets that are available for adoption through the
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 PM
11 | P a g e
Animal Safety Division on a weekly basis.
16. MOTION TO ADJOURN