HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12.15.2016 - Joint MeetingT.
COUNTY
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I D A
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Joint Meeting
December 15, 2016
Convened: 4:30 PM
Adjourned: 5:28 PM
Attendee Name
§ Title
Status Arrived
Cathy Townsend
District No. 5
Present
4:30 PM
Linda Bartz
District No. 3
Present
4:30 PM
Chris Dzadovsky
District No. 1
Present
4:30 PM
Tod Mowery
District No. 2
Absent
4:30 PM
Frannie Hutchinson
District No. 4
Present
4:30 PM
Linda Hudson
Mayor
Present
4:30 PM
Jeremiah Johnson
District No. 2
Present
4:30 PM
Howard Tipton
County Administrator
Present
4:30 PM
Mark Satterlee
Deputy County Administrator
Present
4:30 PM
Asheley Hepburn
Office of Management & Budget Director
Present
4:30 PM
Melissa Upton Clerk to the Board
Present 4:30 PM
Representatives from the Bahamas: Minister Glenys Hanna -Martin, Minister of
Transportation and Aviation; Anita Johnson, General Manager of Communications;
Consul General Ricardo Treco; Calvin Turnquest, Bahamas Government Liaison
Others present included: Kim Johnson, Pete Tesch, Nick Mimms, Fort Pierce City
Manager and James Messer, Fort Pierce City Attorney
2. Introductions
Chairman Dzadovsky welcomed everyone to the meeting including the representatives from
the City of Fort Pierce, St Lucie County and the Bahamas. The County Administrator welcomed
the dignitaries from the Bahamas on behalf of the county and indicated his appreciation of their
visit.
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Joint Meeting Thursday, December 15, 2016 4:30 PM
3. Welcoming remarks from Board Chair Commissioner Dzadovsky and Mayor Linda
Hudson
4. Welcoming remarks from Minister Gleyns Hannah -Martin
5. Presentations by St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Fort
Pierce
At this time, the County Administrator presented the delegation with hats and jerseys from the
New York Mets spring training program.
The Fort Pierce Mayor, Linda Hudson and City Manager, Nick Mimms presented the
representatives with the key to the City of Fort Pierce.
6. Open Discussion
Chairman Dzadovsky explained the tour the delegation took of the county for the
commissioners who were not able to attend. He indicated that the group saw the airport
facilities and explained the improvements and programs that will affect tourism from the
Bahamas. He noted the group saw the Islamorada Beer Company and indicated the impact this
type of business has on the area. Chairman Dzadovsky discussed the conversation regarding a
new manufacturing, renovation and overhaul (MRO) facility for the airport and the potential
ferry from the port.
At this time, Minister Gleyns Hanna -Martin commented on the multiple projects going on at the
airport and the potential benefits for the area. She spoke about the opportunity for the
Bahamas and St Lucie County to mutually benefit from tourism efforts.
Chairman Dzadovsky elaborated on the tourism impact from the New York Mets and asked the
County Director of Tourism and Marketing to provide some figures. Staff estimated that
300,000 tourists visit yearly and indicated a formal visitor study would be conducted for the
first time this year. She stated that in 2016, $3.7 million were collected from tourist tax
revenues.
Minister Hanna -Martin asked about the capacity at the airport terminal. She spoke about issues
with terminal capacity at airports in the Bahamas.
County Staff answered capacity is 300 people at any given time.
Consul General Ricardo Treco commented on the projects that would potentially create
benefits for both parties. He expressed optimism at continuing to explore these options and
thanked Calvin Turnquest for facilitating communication. General Treco also spoke about the
recent investments into the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute and potential
synergy with St Lucie County through aquaculture projects.
Calvin Turnquest, Bahamas Government Liaison asked how pre -clearance into the Bahamas
would work.
General Treco answered that discussions regarding pre -clearance at Miami will happen first,
and then the other ports will follow.
Chairman Dzadovsky mentioned the Foreign -Trade Zone and discussed bonded warehouses
that may provide distribution to the Bahamas via plane or ship.
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Joint Meeting Thursday, December 15, 2016 4:30 PM
Mr. Turnquest discussed the potential for students from the Bahamas to attend Indian River
State College. General Treco reiterated the value of training provided at IRSC.
Chairman Dzadovsky indicated that the president of the college would be happy to discuss
those potential programs for international students.
At this time, Mayor Hudson discussed the benefits of a partnership with Indian River State
College.
Chairman Dzadovsky indicated the potential connection with Harbor Branch regarding
aquaculture and the Treasure Coast Research Park's Farm to Fork and Farm to Fly programs.
Mr. Turnquest emphasized the sense of urgency to make improvements to Bahamian tourism,
due to the easing of US sanctions on Cuba.
Commissioner Hutchinson added that many domestic airlines are using general aviation
airports to have flights to Cuba. She added that this would be the time to create a successful
partnership.
Chairman Dzadovsky spoke about the benefit of the close proximity of customs to the airport
and port.
Minister Hanna -Martin asked about the involvement of Fed Ex or DHL at the airport.
Chairman Dzadovsky indicated that currently there is no service for either company at the
airport, however in the future there may be an opportunity.
Commissioner Hutchinson indicated that there had been conversations years ago, however the
business went to the Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Mr. Mimms spoke about the hospitality that his group received in the Bahamas. He indicated
the developments in technology country has made and the potential relationship with the city.
Minister Hanna -Martin spoke about the development of a new resort and expressed optimism
over the growth of various properties in the Bahamas.
Chairman Dzadovsky indicated the connection between St Lucie County's golf community and
the Bahamas. Minister Hanna -Martin spoke about a recent golf tournament in the Bahamas
and the group discussed the other events in the country.
Commissioner Townsend pointed out the connection with Club Med for both regions.
Fort Pierce Commissioner Johnson discussed the potential tourism between St Lucie County
and the Bahamas. He indicated that the ability for residents to take their boat between the two
areas would be beneficial and spoke about having customs at the Port of Fort Pierce.
The County Administrator emphasized the willingness of both parties to create this partnership.
Commissioner Townsend spoke about her experience visiting the Bahamas and expressed
excitement at creating a partnership that will enhance both areas and allow for growth.
Minister Hanna -Martin stated that the foundational vision for the partnership would be to
create a mutual benefit for St Lucie County and the Bahamas.
Commissioner Bartz reiterated the points regarding a mutually beneficial relationship and
indicated that this is the start of a great relationship. She stated that St Lucie County is an
untold gem of South Florida, and spoke about the area's growth over the last 30 years and the
community spirit that has remained.
Chairman Dzadovsky spoke about Commissioner Bartz's career in the City of Port St Lucie and
recommended a focused marketing effort to the city.
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Joint Meeting Thursday, December 15, 2016 4:30 PM
The County Economic Development Director addressed the Board and delegation. He
welcomed the group to the county and explained the purpose of his organization and stated
that he would be happy to help facilitate any of the ideas discussed today.
Minister Hanna -Martin asked for a break -down of what cities make up St Lucie County.
Chairman Dzadovsky explained that St Lucie County is 600 square miles, one of 67 counties in
the state and falls under the Constitution of the State of Florida. He stated the county is made
up of 2 cities and a village, Port St Lucie, Fort Pierce and the Town of St Lucie Village. He added
there are 190,000 residents in Port St Lucie, 44,000 in Fort Pierce and 648 in St Lucie Village.
The County Administrator added that the county overall has approximately 300,00 residents.
Minister Hanna -Martin confirmed that number is very close to the population of the Bahamas.
Kim Johnson addressed the group and stated that he supports the synergy between the county
and the leadership in the Bahamas.
Mr. Turnquest spoke about his previous meeting with Mayor Hudson 3 years ago when he ran
for congress. He indicated at that time that he would not forget about Fort Pierce and would
reinforce the relationship with the Bahamas. He reiterated the importance of making the
airport and the port functional in order to facilitate a partnership. He expressed pride at being
able to create this relationship and produce the best deal possible for both entities.
7. Adjournment
Chairman Dzadovsky thanked everyone in attendance and concluded the meeting at this time.
NOTICE: All Proceedings before this Board are electronically recorded. Any person who decides to appeal any action taken by the Board at
these meetings will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is
made. Upon the request of any party to the proceedings, individuals testifying during a hearing will be sworn in. Any party to the proceedings
will be granted the opportunity to cross-examine any individual testifying during a hearing upon request. Anyone with a disability requiring
accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the St. Lucie County Safety & Risk Manager at (772) 462-1783 or TDD (772) 462-1428 at
least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting.
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