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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07.18.202391rc LUCE 0 Q n BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting July 18, 2023 1. CALL TO ORDER Convened: 9:00 AM Adjourned: 11:11 AM The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by Chair Cathy Townsend, District No. 5. Present Commissioner Cathy Townsend District 5, Commissioner Linda Bartz District 3, Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky District 1, Commissioner Larry Leet District 2, Commissioner Jamie Fowler District 4 Also Present George Landry, County Administrator Mayte Santamaria, Deputy County Administrator Katherine Barbieri, Asst. County Attorney Jennifer Hill, OMB Director Benjamin Balcer, Planning & Dev. Services Director Jennifer Garrity, Interim Budget Manager Rangel Guerrero, Public Safety Director Sonji Hawkins, Emergency Management Division Manager Joel Shine, Development Director, Derecktor of Fort Pierce Joshua Revord, Coastal Engineer Barbara Guettler, MSBU Coordinator Chris Craft, Tax Collector Eddie Beck, Tax Collector Attorney Stephanie Morgan, City of Port St. Lucie Council Member James Stokes, City of Port St. Luice Attorney Katrina Slay, the Agenda Coordinator Vera Smith, Deputy Clerk Recording Secretary 2. INVOCATION The County Administrator led the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. RECESS FOR SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETINGS Mosquito Control District Meeting Erosion District Meeting Sustainability District Meeting BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA -ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, REVISIONS A motion was made to approve all additions, deletions, and revisions to the agenda, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 3 Linda Bartz SECONDER: Commissioner District 4 Jamie Fowler AYES: Cathy Townsend, Linda Bartz, Chris Dzadovsky, Larry Leet, Jamie Fowler NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 6. PRESENTATIONS A. 2023 Hurricane Season Overview Sonji Hawkins, Emergency Management Division Manager, and Ron Guerrero, Public Safety Director, presented the Board with the 2023 Hurricane Season overview. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service hurricane season outlook have 12-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 1-4 major hurricane predictions until August 2023. There was Tropical Storm Dawn June 1st - June 3rd, Tropical Storm Brett June 19th - 24th, and Tropical Storm Cindy June 22nd - 26th, 2023. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has increased virtual meeting capabilities with multiple online video conferencing platforms and work -from -home capabilities. The EOC will have the replacement of laptops and monitors, create 50 Emergency Response Team Go -Kits to ensure readiness and the section coordinating procedures have been updated. They have two additional WeatherSTEM Stations which can be located at the EOC and the City of Fort Pierce Marina on the site https://stlucie.weatherstem.com/. They have increased engagement through community events with hurricane preparedness and are in the process of proposing to host an event for hurricane preparedness in northern Fort Pierce. The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised St. Lucie County to be a StormReady County until 2026. The Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) Refresh Program are working with County departments and Constitutional Offices to update their plans and develop a countywide Continuity of Government (COG) plan. The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) updated version is being reviewed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and is pending approval. The Community Rating System (CRS) audit allows a 20% discount on flood insurance to residents in unincorporated areas and the County is currently at a 5. Over $5 Million in Mitigation Projects continues to be implemented. There are training and exercises training available for new employees for Active Shooter Awareness, Cybersecurity Awareness, Emergency Operations Center Interface, Management of Spontaneous Volunteers in Disaster, Basic Community Emergency Response Training (CERT), Incident Command System (ICS) 300/400, Debris Tabletop Exercise, Statewide Hurricane Exercise, and EOC Alternate Operations Exercise. There are a total of 14 shelters in the County: • 11 General Population Shelters 2 1 P a g e BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM • 1 Pet -Friendly Shelter (Fort Pierce Westwood Academy) • 2 Special Needs Shelters ➢ Fenn Center (primary) ➢ PSL Community Center (secondary) ➢ Registration can be done at www.stlucieco.gov/specialneeds At a minimum, 4 shelters will always open • 2 General Population • 1 Pet Friendly • 1 Special Needs The Public Information Line (772)-460-HELP (4357) can be activated remotely at one of the County libraries. Alert St. Lucie's emergency notification system provides emergency messages via home phone, cell phone, email, and text messages. Also, registration is online at www.stlucieco.gov/alert. Public Safety's message is to make St. Lucie County safer, stronger, and more resilient. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT (excluding Public Hearing Items) Chair Townsend opened the meeting for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Townsend closed public comment. 8. PROCLAMATIONS APPROVAL A. Resolution No. 23-124 - Proclaiming July 19, 2023, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day in St. Lucie County, Florida. Chair Cathy Townsend read the title onto the record only. Item will be presented at a later date. 9.APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no items scheduled. 10. CONSENT AGENDA H IIIULIUII VVd.13 IIIdUC LU C1 L)PL LI IC L.UIIJCIIL dr'CIIUd, dIIU IL Pd J.-jCU UIIdIIIIIIUU.-iIy. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 3 Linda Bartz SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Cathy Townsend, Linda Bartz, Chris Dzadovsky, Larry Leet, Jamie Fowler NAYS: None EXCUSED: None /_Ah%1:1:7-A L111 M 3 BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM 1. Warrant Lists 39 - 40 Adopted by Consent Vote B. COUNTY ATTORNEY 1. Revocable License Agreement - Lennard Road - Utility Improvements - Prima Vista Apartments, LLC - Parcel ID 3414-501-0608-150-6 The Property Acquisition Division received a Right -of -Way Permit from Prima Vista Apartments, LLC to install utility improvements across the right-of-way of Lennard Road, which requires a Revocable License Agreement. Prima Vista Apartments, LLC is installing approximately 18 linear feet of 10" PVC water main, a 10" water valve, 73 linear feet of 6" HDPE sanitary force main, to be installed via open cut trench excavation, and a temporary 2" jumper assembly, near the entrance to the development, across the County right-of-way of Lennard Road. Additionally, Prima Vista Apartments, LLC is installing approximately 18 linear feet of 10" PVC water main, a 10" water valve, and a temporary 2" jumper assembly on the north end of the property, across the County right-of-way of Lennard Road. Engineering, Road & Bridge, Water Quality, and the City of Port Saint Lucie have reviewed the license agreement and have no objections. Staff recommended the Board approve the revocable license agreement, authorize the Chair to sign the agreement, and direct Prima Vista Apartments, LLC pay to record the agreement in the public records of St. Lucie County, Florida. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Resolution 2023-120 - Accepting a Conservation Easement and Preserve Area Monitoring and Maintenance Plan from Prima Vista Apartments, LLC - Parcel ID 3414-501-0608-150-6 On May 17, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 2022-087 granting a Second Major Adjustment to a Major Site Plan for a project known as Prima Vista Commons. A condition of approval required Dybra, PSL Development, LLC to dedicate a Conservation Easement over all the onsite wetlands, along with an approved Preserve Area Monitoring and Maintenance Plan (PAMMP) to St. Lucie County. Subsequent to the approval of Resolution 2022-087, the parcel was conveyed to Prima Vista Apartments, LLC. Attached for review and acceptance is the Conservation Easement, sketch and legal description, and the Preserve Area Monitoring and Maintenance Plan which has been reviewed and approved by the Environmental Resources Department and the County Surveyor. Staff recommended the Board accept the Conservation Easement and Preserve Area Monitoring and Maintenance Plan from Prima Vista Apartments, LLC, authorize the Chair to sign the resolution, and direct staff to record the documents in the public records of St. Lucie County, Florida. Adopted by Consent Vote 4 1 P a g e BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM 3. Resolution 2023-119 - Right -of -Way Donation - 5' of Right -of -Way on Rolyat Street and 5' to 10' of Right -of -Way on Kerr Street - St. Joseph FTP, LLC - Parcel ID 2419-601-0012-000-4 St. Joseph FTP, LLC submitted a project known as 7-Brew to the City of Fort Pierce Planning Department for site plan review. During the site plan review process, it was determined by the St. Lucie County Public Works Department that Rolyat Street and Kerr Street are substandard rights -of - way. St. Lucie County requested that St. Joseph FTP, LLC, convey to St. Lucie County 5' of right-of-way along Roylat Street and 5' to 10' of right-of-way along Kerr Street. St. Joseph FTP, LLC has indicated they are willing to dedicate the right-of-way to St. Lucie County. The proposed Warranty Deed is attached for your review, approval, and acceptance. Staff recommended the Board accept the Warranty Deed from St. Joseph FTP, LLC, authorize the Chair to sign the resolution, and direct staff to proceed with the closing and record the documents in the public records of St. Lucie County, Florida. Adopted by Consent Vote 4. Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement Between St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners and St. Lucie Fire District Relating to the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation Critical Facility Hardening Program Staff recommended that the Board approve the amended and restated interlocal agreement and authorize the Chair to sign the amended and restated interlocal agreement. Adopted by Consent Vote 14"ZIN1:101ZI►Vi14Z11/_l11113*19111:1"1 1. CAT 309 Equipment Purchase Staff recommended approval to purchase the CAT 309 Excavator off the Florida Sheriff's Association Contract Number FSA20-EQU18.0. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Award of Bid No. 23-035 - Lake Indrio Recreational Amenity Improvements Staff recommended Board approval of the 23-035 bid award and to develop a contract with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Lake Indrio Preserve Recreational Structures project to design, permit, and build the following public use amenities at Lake Indrio Preserve as required by the Grant Award Agreement with our funding partner, Florida Comminities Trust, per the scope of work and the attached bid tabulation: (1) fishing per/observation deck, (1) boardwalk, and (1) pavilion; and authorization for the chair to sign the associated documents as approved by the County Attorney. The bid award total for all three (3) amenities totals $224,000.00 to So Cal Shaker Plates & Construction Site Services, LLC d/b/a National SWPPP Services. Adopted by Consent Vote 5 1 P a g e BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM 3. Piggyback FWC17/18/82 Vegetation Management Continuing Contract with Earth Balance Corporation Staff recommended the Board approve to piggyback off FWC17/18-82 with Earth Balance Corporation and authorize the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote D. FACILITIES 1. Award of Bid No. 23-036 - SLC Historical Museum Roof Replacement Staff recommended Board approval to award Bid No. 23-036 to The Roof Authority, Inc. in the amount of $97,150.00 and authorize the Chair to sign the contract as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote E. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1. Plante Moran Advisory Services Second Amendment Staff recommended the approval of the Plante Moran Advisory Services Second Amendment to contract C22-03-201 for advisory services for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Utility Billing (UB) systems in the amount of $32,400.00 and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Gartner Consulting Services Staff recommended the approval of the Gartner agreement for consulting services for the amount of $75,329.00 utilizing Florida State Contract 81141902-VITA-ACS, and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote F. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET 1. FY 23 Budget Resolution Recognizing Unanticipated Revenue Staff recommended approval of this agenda item to recognize the funds to amend the budget by $2,325,525.00. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Fixed Asset Inventory - Property Record Removal 6 1 P a g E BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM Staff recommended Board authorization to remove fixed assets as reflected on the attached property inventory lists from the capital asset inventories of St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners and St. Lucie County Clerk of Circuit Court. Adopted by Consent Vote 3. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 23-018 - Professional Services — Infrastructure Inventory and Condition Assessment Data Collection Staff recommended Board approval of the short-listed firms for RFQ No. 23-018 and permission to: • Conduct contract negotiations with the highest -ranked firm, Infrastructure Management Services. • If negotiations are successful, award the contract to the highest -ranked proposer and authorization for the Chair to sign the documents as prepared by the County Attorney. • If negotiations are unsuccessful with the highest -ranked firm, negotiations would be terminated with that firm and staff would initiate negotiations with the second -highest - ranked firm. Adopted by Consent Vote G. PARKS & RECREATION 1. Renewal of Agreements with Local Youth Sports Providers Staff recommended Board approval of the Facility Use Agreements with St. Lucie County Youth Baseball Inc., Northside Bat & Ball Inc., Fort Pierce Buccaneers Inc., Mako Soccer, and the City of Ft Pierce Firehawks Football & Cheerleading Group and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as prepared by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Facilities Use Agreement with V Carlesi & Son LLC, d/b/a Florida Coast Baseball Staff recommended the Board to approve the Facilities Use Agreement with V Carlesi & Son, LLC, D/B/A Florida Coast Baseball (FCB) and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement as drafted by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote H. PUBLIC UTILITIES 1. Wharton -Smith, Inc. Contract for Progressive Design/Build Services for Water & Wastewater Facilities Staff recommended Board approval of the Wharton -Smith, Inc. contract and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 7 1 P a g E BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM 2. Bid Waiver and Sole Source Determination FY 23-24 for Solid Waste Division Staff recommended Board approval of bid waiver and sole source determination for the purchase of parts, service, and supplies for various heavy and other specialized equipment from: Accent Wire, Air Burners Inc, Air Compressor Works, Inc., Andela Products, Case Power, Conveyor Consulting & Rubber Corporation, Crigler Enterprises Inc., eFACTOR3 LLC, Machinex Technologies, Inc., Macpresse, Nextran Truck Centers, Paw Materials, Rexel USA Inc., Sitech South, Specialty Fire Suppression, Inc., VanDyk Baler Corp. (formerly Lubo USA) and authorization for the Chair to execute contracts as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 3. Award Bid No. 23-043 - Indrio Road Water Main and Force Main Construction Contract - THIS ITEM IS RELATED TO THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN Staff recommended approval to award Bid No. 23-043 to Felix Associates of Florida, Inc. of Stuart, Florida, in the amount of $5,679,412.60 contingent upon approval of their bid package by the County Attorney, and authorization of the Chair to sign the documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote *Chair Townsend pulled the Item for separate comment only. I. PUBLIC WORKS 1. Street Lighting Districts Annual Resolution Staff recommended Board approval of the annual assessment resolution for the Street Lighting Special Assessment Districts. Adopted by Consent Vote 2. Lakewood Park Drainage MSBU Annual Assessment Resolution Staff recommended Board approval of the Lakewood Park MSBU Annual Assessment Resolution and authorization for the chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 3. River Park II Streetlighting District - Permission to Advertise Staff recommended Board permission to advertise a public hearing for the River Park II SLD to be held on September 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as may be heard. Adopted by Consent Vote 4. Novotx, LLC - Elements XS Work Order and Asset Management System Software Sales Agreement Staff recommended Board approve the attached software license agreement with Novotx, LLC, and 8 1 P a g e BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Adopted by Consent Vote 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. PUBLIC WORKS 1. Culvert 2023-06 Municipal Services Benefit Unit - Assessment Resolution Barbara Guettler, Public Works MSBU Coordinator, presented this item to the Board. In 2021 the Board created the Culvert Assistance Program to provide property owners with the option to fund the replacement of failed culverts through the non -ad valorem assessment. The proposed resolution is the assessment resolution as required by the County ordinance. The purpose of the resolution relates to the imposition and collection of special assessments to fund stormwater culvert improvements within the Culvert MSBU, determine that real property therein will be specially benefitted, establish the method of assessing the cost of the improvements, approve the assessment roll, and provide an effective date. Staff recommended Board approval of Resolution No. 2023-107, the Culvert 2023-06 MSBU Final Assessment Resolution, and authorization for the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. The Board did not have any questions or comments on this item. Chair Townsend opened the hearing for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Townsend closed the public hearing. a. motion was made to approve statt recommendations, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 4 Jamie Fowler SECONDER: Commissioner District 3 Linda Bartz AYES: Cathy Townsend, Linda Bartz, Chris Dzadovsky, Larry Leet, Jamie Fowler NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 12. REGULAR AGENDA A. COUNTY ATTORNEY 1. Fisherman's Wharf Boat Ramp - Letter Dated June 20, 2023, from Lee Dobbins, Esq. Katherine Barbieri, Assistant County Attorney, presented this item to the Board. The Fishermans Wharf Boat Ramp proposal letter dated June 20, 2023, from attorney Lee Dobbins, Esquire concerning the potential acquisition of two County -owned lots as part of a proposed mixed -use development project by Mr. Dobbins' client, Pierce 1 Marina, LLC. The County purchased two lots in the Fisherman's Wharf area in 9 1 P a g E BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM 1995 and 1996, using grant proceeds from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) and the Florida Boating Improvement Program. Both lots are currently used for boat ramp parking. In December 2016, the County received funding from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to develop a bulkhead design and submit a dredging permit for the Fisherman's Wharf Drainage Basin. The County completed the bulkhead design, obtained a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit, and received a Florida Inland Navigation District grant to construct the project. On March 13, 2018, the County entered into a project agreement with Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) wherein they agreed to assist in funding the construction of the Fisherman's Wharf Bulkhead and Boat Ramp Phase II for an amount not to exceed a little less than $400,000. The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant conditions required the owners of the parcels that benefit from the proposed project to agree that the project site will be dedicated to public use for a minimum period of 25 years from the completion. In 2020, the City of Fort Pierce issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Redevelopment of Fisherman's Wharf. Pierce 1 Marina, LLC submitted a response to the RFP to the City of Fort Pierce in 2021 and was selected as the top -ranked proposal. On August 16, 2021, Pierce 1 Marina, LLC, entered into an "Agreement for Purchase and Development of Fisherman's Wharf" with the City of Fort Pierce. Pierce 1 Marina, LLC, proposed Fisherman's Wharf project as currently contemplated would require Pierce to purchase the two (2) lots from the County. The County staff has concerns regarding the proposed sale of the two (2) lots with several issues for the Board to consider. 1. The competitive procurement process in which state law and County procurement policy require that the County solicit competitive bids for the sale of County property. 2. The effects on the existing boat ramp parking. The County is developing a plan to possibly construct more boat ramps on the County's Harbour Pointe property. If the Board decided to move forward, the County staff estimated it would take 2-4 years to complete. 3. The timing related to Pierce 1 Marina, LLC, closing with the City of Fort Pierce. If the Board is interested in selling the County's lots to Pierce 1 Marina, LLC, County staff would not recommend that the County sell the lots until after the City of Fort Pierce and Pierce 1 Marina, LLC have closed on their sale. 4. Return of County and Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Funds were spent on the boat ramp project. If the Fisherman's Wharf project proceeds, the County would require reimbursement of funds spent on the boat ramp improvement project. 5. Possible use of County lots for stormwater from the County's Port Property. With regard to Mr. Dobbins' letter, the request: "Therefore, we are simply requesting that the County give the City of Fort Pierce written authorization to process the review of the site plan for Fisherman's Wharf, with the two County lots included. The request is being made with the understanding that the foregoing authorization by the County will create no obligation on the County to sell those lots to Pierce 1 Marina, LLC". Staff recommended that the Board determine first if it is interested in selling the County lots. If so, staff recommends that the Board give the City written authorization to process the review of the site plan for Pierce 1's proposed Fisherman's Wharf project with the understanding that the County's authorization will create no obligation on the County to sell the lots to Pierce 1 or anyone else. Mr. Lee Dobbins addressed the Board on behalf of the applicant, Pierce 1 Marina, LLC, regarding the 10 1 P a g BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM development agreement with the City of Fort Pierce. He advised under the development agreement between Pierce 1 Marina, LLC and the City of Fort Pierce they were required to submit a site plan and are in the process of going through the city's site plan review process. The site plan for Fisherman's Wharf includes the two County lots for parking, and the city code requirement for the site plan review process is that each owner within the site plan has to give authorization. Pierce 1 Marina, LLC will need the County's authorization to include the two County lots within the site plan review process. Last year there were discussions with County staff (Mr. Tipton and Mr. McIntyre) regarding the possible purchase of the lots and appraisals were completed along with the submittal of a drafted purchase contract. A decision was made to hold off, being that it was too premature to enter into a purchase contract at that time due to some issues being worked out for the Fisherman's Wharf project. There are title issues with the City property, a boat ramp relocation that needs to be addressed, the possibility of moving the boat building to Harbor Pointe, and several other issues that are being explored. At this time, Pierce 1 Marina, LLC is not requesting approval to purchase the property at this time. The proposed approval will not obligate the County to sell the two lots to Pierce 1 Marina, LLC. Pierce 1 Marina, LLC understands if the City can work out the issues at hand, the title defects, the boat ramp, and the site plan, and if the County lots are a part of that plan, he would need to come back to the Board and go through the County's process for the sale of the property. The presented request is just for the authorization required to allow them to move forward with the site plan process with the City and continue to work on any other issues. Commissioner Dzadovsky commented on the statement regarding the County not being obligated to sell the property. He said that new boat ramps would need to be in place before anything else is done. Chair Townsend commented and advised she agrees with the need for boat ramps to be completed before anything else is done. Commissioner Leet commented he is all for the development of Fishermans Wharf but he is not in agreement with the removal of the boat ramps. Commissioner Bartz commented and expressed her concerns and advised that until the adjustments are made she does not want to move forward with supporting the approval. Commissioner Fowler questioned whether, with the two lots being purchased with the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant, was it determined if the agreement has expired with the lots and if the County would need to return the funding for the purchase of the lots. Ms. Barbieri advised that staff has not had a chance to speak with Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) regarding the timeframes but there will be a discussion to make sure everyone is on the same page. Commissioner Dzadovsky commented and advised the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grants and advised there was a 25-year life on them and the time lapsed. Commissioner Fowler mentioned emails received from staff regarding the usage of the two lots for additional stormwater drainage and the issues at the port. She does not understand why the City of Fort Pierce needs the lots when the original RFP is not what it is currently. She advised that with so many factors at hand, she supports staff recommendations and will not agree to anything until the City of Fort Pierce closes on the property. 11 1 P a g BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM There was additional discussion regarding the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant, sale of the property, site planning process with the City of Fort Pierce, County authorization, boat ramps, the original RFP, additional parcels, CRA development opportunity in the City of Fort Pierce, the cost/funding of rebuilding the boat ramp, negotiations, and the development of Harbor Point. Commissioner Dzadovsky questioned the motion maker and seconder to clarify the reasons for the denial of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Leet advised the removal of the boat ramp within the RFP, and the additional land needed to do so. He understands if the County does not want the boat ramp removed it is in the City's control, but he believes the City can redo its site plan without it, and if there is a plan that will keep the boat ramp, he would consider moving the property as long as the boat ramp is not removed. A motion was made to deny/not allow staff recommendations for selling the County lots and not to give the City written authorization to process the review of the site plan for Pierce 1's proposed Fisherman's Wharf project with the understanding that the County's authorization will create no obligation on the County to sell the lots to Pierce 1 or anyone else and upon roll call, it failed (2)-(3). RESULT: DENY MOVER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet SECONDER: Commissioner District 4 Jamie Fowler AYES: Larry Leet, Jamie Fowler NAYS: Cathy Townsend, Linda Bartz, Chris Dzadovsky EXCUSED: None A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation to give the City a written letter of authorization to process the review of the site plan for Pierce 1's proposed Fisherman's Wharf project and, upon completion of the process, move forward with any opportunity that will contribute to the building of boat ramps as indicated. Chair Cathy Townsend passed the gavel to Vice -Chair Linda Bartz and seconded the motion to approve the recommendation, and upon roll call, it passed (3)-(2). After the vote, Vice -Chair Bartz passed the gavel back to Commissioner Townsend, and she retained her position as Chair. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 1 Chris Dzadovsky SECONDER: Commissioner District 5 Cathy Townsend AYES: Cathy Townsend, Linda Bartz, Chris Dzadovsky NAYS: Larry Leet, Jamie Fowler EXCUSED: None Commissioner Dzadovsky commented on the motion and advised the County is not agreeing to sell the two lots or do anything to in participate the process. The approval is to allow the City of Fort Pierce to move forward and review the proposed site plan. The decision to sell the two lots or remove the ramps is not within the motion nor a part of the process. It will be at another time for the decision to be made and there will be public involvement. B. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET 121Page BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM 1. Setting of FY 2024 Proposed Millage Rates and Dates for Budget Public Hearings Jennifer Hill, Office of Management & Budget Director, and Jennifer Garrity, Interim Budget Manager, presented the proposed millage rates for the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget to the Board. Ms. Hill advised the adoption of the millage rates for the Property Tax notices also referred to as TRIM notices. Through a series of budget discussions and workshops, the recommended budget was distributed to the Board in June and discussed in July. The Board will have 2 public hearings, September 7, 2023, to adopt the tentative budget and September 21, 2023, to adopt the final budget set to begin October 1, 2023. After that, the millage rates can be decreased throughout the budget process, but they cannot be increased. As the budget is prepared, the staff are sure to make decisions consistent with the County's strategic plan, mission, and core values. In March, the Board adopted ten (10) priorities based on feedback from a citizen engagement survey including Housing Affordability/Workforce Housing, Airport/Seaport, Infrastructure (Water, Sewer, Stormwater, Roads Development), Natural Environment, Balancing the Impacts of Development — Responsible Growth, Economic Development, Community Engagement/Messaging, County Government Campus Assessment, Medical Examiner's Office, and Water Quality. At the beginning of the year, the Citizens Budget Committee (CBC) approved two (2) resolutions to set their priorities. 1. To encourage the Board of County Commissioners to keep the overall millage rate the same. 2. To identify these five priority areas, Infrastructure Maintenance, Capital Investment, Fair Compensation, and Reserves. To reemphasize the previous direction to strive to maintain a reserve in the General Fund/Fine & Forfeiture Fund that is 25% of the budget for these funds. 3. Encourage superior service by providing competitive, fair compensation to attract and retain qualified personnel. 4. Encourage providing recurring, reliable revenue sources to work toward a short-term goal of preserving and maintaining existing infrastructure utilizing best practices and toward a near -term goal of providing funding for unmet capital needs. The County's recommended budget includes growth and economic factors influences estimated by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), which shows a low and medium, and high projected growth rate. The projections show the County at about 350,000 on the low side in 2025 and SLC reaching a population of 600,000 by 2050. In the past 12 years, the County's budget has gone from $523 million to an approved $743 million, with a population that has increased from 280,355 to a forecasted 363,081 or an increase of 82,726. The County is proposed to be operating with 86 fewer positions than in 2007. For fiscal year 2024, the County will be operating with a workforce that is 6 full-time employees, less than the size of the workforce in 2005. Since that time, the County's population has been projected to have grown by approximately 50% or 121,116 residents. Jennifer Garrity, Interim Budget Manager, provided a brief overview of the fiscal year 2024 budget aggregate millage recommendation of 8.1124 mills. This will be the fourth consecutive year of a millage rate reduction, which represents a total reduction of 0.7635 mills of the aggregate millage rate since the fiscal year 2020, which equates to a recurring annual reduction of just under $26 million. For fiscal year 2024, the property values have increased by 18.1% Countywide, with Port St. Lucie by 22.9%, Ft. Pierce by 17.9%, and the unincorporated area by 10.5%. The property taxes in the state of Florida are very complex. The formula for property taxes levied equals the millage rate times the assessed property value divided by 1,000. The taxes collected are influenced by two factors; millage rate, and the assessed value. The 13 1 BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM aggregate rate expresses the average tax rate and is obtained by dividing the sum of the ad valorem taxes levied by the taxable value of the County. The first factor in the taxes levied is the millage rate. For the current fiscal year, the aggregate or average millage rate levied by all taxing districts in St. Lucie County was 22.0009 mills and of that, 8.2117 mills were levied by the Board including constitutional officers, dependent districts, and MSTUs. During the workshops, the recommended millage rate reduction was discussed and it will take a collective effort by all taxing agencies to be able to make a significant impact on the overall tax bill. The average tax bill and advised the difference in unincorporated rates related to stormwater, unincorporated MSTU, and law enforcement MSTU, which only residents of the unincorporated area pay. In the unincorporated area, the millage rate totals 19.9269 mills, with the County being 9.7833 or 49%, Fort Pierce at 24.3383, with the county being 30%. In the City of Port St. Luice, the total is 22.7386 with the County being 32%. Nearly 80% of the population lives in the cities, where the County's portion of the taxes is 32% or lower. The second factor in the taxes levied is the property value. In this current year, the highest per capita property value was Monroe County at $438,400 and the lowest in Union County at $20,085. The Statewide Average taxable property value was $116,117 per capita with St. Lucie County's value being $85,921 per capita, which is 26% lower than the average. In analyzing the taxes on the tax bill that the Board in each County has control over and the services under each jurisdiction vary. The lowest aggregate millage rate was Monroe County at 3.2315 and the highest was Dixie County at 13.50 mills. For the 67 Florida Counties, the average millage rate was 7.8514 and St. Lucie County's millage rate was 8.2117. The lowest per capita taxes are at $201 for Union County and the highest at $1,597 for Martin County. The statewide average is at $784 and St. Lucie County is at $706. While St. Lucie County's millage rate is higher than the statewide average the taxable value is lower. The two factors together result in County taxes per capita being slightly below the statewide average. The neighboring counties found that the Board's portion of the tax bill in Indian River County was $865 per capita, in Martin County was $1597 per capita, and in Okeechobee County $672 per capita. Ms. Hill provided an overview of the Incremental Revenue coming into the General Fund/Fine & Forfeiture Fund as related to the changes in property values and the proposed changes in the millage rates. The overall change represents a $33.3 million increase in the General Fund/Fine & Forfeiture Fund revenues as a result of the property value increase netted against the millage rate reduction. With the $33.3 million incremental revenue, the process of allocation of funding to different areas, such as state mandates, constitutional officers, judicial agencies, and outside agencies other than the Board operations. The capital equates to $16 million. After allocation, in those areas, the remaining is $17.3 million, which will first be allocated for Board operations where funding is needed to maintain the existing service levels. Adjustments were made to some of the other areas and millage rates that shifted funding into the General Fund and that funding was allocated. The biggest area is $2.7 million for capital maintenance to keep up with infrastructure. Also addressed funding in areas such as increases in our liability and health insurance, inflationary increases, FRS Increases which are mandated by the State, wage adjustments, improvements to the County website, and jail diversion program. Once the allocations were out to different areas to maintain the service levels, the available amount was down to $10.4 million from $17.3 million. The largest allocation of funding was capital -related. The available $10.4 million $9 million was allocated to the Facilities Master Plan Implementation, Harbour Pointe, Airport, Animal Shelter, Jail Medical Facility, Transit Facility, Prima Vista temporary Library, New fuel truck/2 fuel trailers, and HANDS Clinic capital improvements totaling $9 million with a remaining balance of $1.4 million. The $1.4 million was allocated 14 1 BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM to advance some of the County's services, including Housing Hub & Women's Shelter, Security at County facilities, a County Attorney position, Rental/Utility assistance, and a Community Services Assistant Director position. Reductions are being recommended in the Fine and Forfeiture Fund, Parks MSTU, and the South Hutchinson Island Beach district. Four millage rates are being proposed to be changed for the fiscal year 2023-2024. • General Fund: 0.0763 mill increase • Erosion District: 0.0763 mill reduction • Parks MSTU: 0.1813 mill reduction • Transit MSTU 0.1231 mill increase The changes in the individual millage rates result in an overall decrease of 0.1001 mills in the aggregate millage rate. The recommended budget includes a 0.0582 millage reduction and a countywide reduction. This equates to $5.82 per hundred thousand dollars of property value or $18.92 for a homesteaded home with an assessed value of $375,000. Staff recommended Board approval to set millage rates to comply with Truth in Millage (TRIM) requirements by: • Advising the Property Appraiser's Office of the millage rates as outlined on "Worksheet Analysis of Roll -Back Millage Rate, FY 2023 - 2024" for fiscal year 2023-2024 under the column headed "2023- 2024 Millage." • Setting two public hearings, on September 7, 2023 (tentative budget hearing) and September 21, 2023 (final budget hearing), at 6:00 PM in the Roger Poitras Administration Annex Commission Chamber. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 1 Chris Dzadovsky SECONDER: Commissioner District 4 Jamie Fowler AYES: Cathy Townsend, Linda Bartz, Chris Dzadovsky, Larry Leet, Jamie Fowler NAYS: None EXCUSED: None C. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 1. Administrative Approval Update from the PDS Director Benjamin Balcer, Planning & Development Services Director, presented this item to the Board. A brief presentation on the Planning & Development Services monthly update on development applications received administrative approval through the department. This discussion focused on approvals that occurred over May and June. • Tesla Ft. Pierce Kings Hwy. — Minor Adjustment to the WAWA Final PNRD Site Plan • Creekside PUD — Minor Adjustment 151Page BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM • 7-11 at Kings Hwy. and Angle Rd. — Minor Site Plan • Mid -Florida Credit Union — Minor Adjustment to Major Site Plan • Meadowood PUD Phase 2— Minor Adjustment to PUD • Cabo Rio RV Resort — Minor Site Plan • Little Learner's Preschool (FKA Barnett Bank — River Park Office) Minor Adjustment to a Minor Site Plan • DLF Citrus (FKA Sun Brite Citrus) — Major Adjustment to a Minor Site Plan • FP&L North Orange Solar Energy Facility — Minor Site Plan • Southeast Pool and Spa — Minor Site Plan The purpose was to notify the Board of projects that qualified for administrative approval. No formal vote is necessary for this agenda item. This item was presented to the Board for informational purposes only. D. PORT, INLET & BEACHES 1. Foreign -Trade Zone Operations Agreement (Derecktor Fort Pierce, LLC.) - Alternative Site Framework (ASF) Subzone 218A Joshua Revord, Port, Inlet & Beaches Director, presented to the Board the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operation agreement between the County and the Derecktor Fort Pierce. The agreement outlines specific responsibilities for operating the Foreign -Trade Zone Subzone 218-A. Supervision of Foreign -Trade Zone 218-A was transferred to St. Lucie County in 2021. Upon transfer, a subsequent Alternative Site Framework (ASF) Application was filed by St. Lucie County to take advantage of a more streamlined approval process for Subzone designations within the broader FTZ Zone 218-A. That ASF application was approved in 2022 and provided by St. Lucie County with a more efficient way to endorse and establish future subzones for specific companies/industries within the tri-county area. A formal ASF Subzone designation request for Derecktor Fort Pierce, LLC. was recently submitted by County staff on May 11, 2023, and approved on May 22, 2023. Derecktor Fort Pierce, LLC. submitted a separate Production Notification Application to the FTZ Board/Customs and Border Protection on June 2, 2023. This application outlines the proposed activities (products, components/imports, and exports) that may qualify for duty rate reductions and/or deferments under the ASF designation. This sub -zone designation will help market and retain business at the port. Joel Shine, Development Director, provided the Board with a brief overview of the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). He advised the FTZ to allow a foreign flag vessel to enter the United States to be offered for sale to a US Citizen without pre -paying a duty. Before the FTZ, boats requesting to enter the United States would be required to pre -pay 1 1/2 percent of their value before they are offered for sale. Yacht brokers and Marinas in South Florida were about to get the assistance of industry organizations to create the FTZ 15 years ago to help with the economic impact in South Florida and it has since spread throughout the country. The FTZ is another competitive tool to assist the County. Commissioner Dzadovsky commented on the marina cleanup and artificial reef. The Board had no further questions or comments on the item. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations, and it passed unanimously. 161Page BOCC Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:00 AM RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 1 Chris Dzadovsky SECONDER: Commissioner District 4 Jamie Fowler AYES: Cathy Townsend, Linda Bartz, Chris Dzadovsky, Larry Leet, Jamie Fowler NAYS: None EXCUSED: None 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Regular meeting on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 6 p.m. 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, August 8, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. C. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Regular meeting on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. 14. MOTION TO ADJOURN With no other information to be brought for consideration before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:11 AM. Please note: Final minutes are recorded in the official minute books filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and available for inspection upon request. 17 1