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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09.16.2025 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Sustainability District Meeting September 16, 2025 Convened: 9:04 AM Adjourned: 9:07 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 9:04 AM by Chair Erin Lowry, District No. 3. Present Commissioner Jamie Fowler, District 4; Commissioner Larry Leet, District 2; Commissioner James Clasby, District 1; Commissioner Erin Lowry, District 3 Excused Commissioner Cathy Townsend, District 5 Also Present Katherine Barbieri, Interim County Attorney George Landry, County Administrator Mayte Santamaria, Deputy County Administrator Erick Gill, Communications Director Benjamin Balcer, Planning & Development Services Director Barbara Guettler, MSBU Coordinator Joseph Sabater, Sr. Management Analyst Kori Benton, Planning & Zoning Manager Daniel Ramos, Community Services Assistant Director Linda Hudson, City of Fort Pierce Mayor Jennifer Hance, Community Services Director Michael Jerihan, Building Inspector Sydney Halleran, Agenda Coordinator Vera Smith, Deputy Clerk Recording Secretary 2. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Lowry opened the meeting for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Lowry closed public comment. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no items scheduled. 4. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items scheduled. Sustainability District Meeting Tuesday, September 16, 2025 9:01 AM 2 | Page 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. PUBLIC WORKS 1. Energy Special Assessment District Barbara Guettler, MSBU Coordinator, presented this item to the Board. One of the funding methods available for energy conservation and renewable energy improvements is to levy non-ad valorem assessments on the properties that derive a direct benefit from the improvements. This type of assessment is based on benefits and is collected with property taxes using the uniform method pursuant to Section 197.3632 of the Florida Statutes. To preserve the funding option, the Board must adopt a resolution expressing its intent to use the uniform method of collecting, commencing in November 2026. The resolution must be considered at a duly advertised public hearing held before January 1, 2026. The resolution does not in any way obligate the County to levy the special assessments. Rather, it simply satisfies the legal requirement, preserving the County's option to use a uniform method of collection if special assessments are levied. Staff recommended that the Board adopt the Energy Special Assessment District, notice of intent, resolution, and authorization for the chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Chair Lowry opened the hearing for public comment at this time. With no one wishing to address the Board, Chair Lowry closed public comment. Commissioner Clasby requested clarification of the resolution. In response, Ms. Guettler explained that the resolution is specifically for the pace projects that were previously approved and are still ongoing, with assessments levied annually for properties already in the program until the loans are paid off. The resolution is being renewed for next year, and there is no new information or changes to the previous approvals. The Board did not have any further questions or comments on this item. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation, and it passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commissioner District 1 James Clasby SECONDER: Commissioner District 2 Larry Leet AYES: Jamie Fowler, Larry Leet, James Clasby, Erin Lowry NAYS: None EXCUSED: Cathy Townsend 6. REGULAR AGENDA There were no items scheduled. 7. MOTION TO ADJOURN With no other information to be brought for consideration before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:07 AM. Sustainability District Meeting Tuesday, September 16, 2025 9:01 AM 3 | Page Please note: Final minutes are recorded in the official minute books filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, which are available for inspection upon request.