HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006CONCERNED CITIZENS AND OF FIC
LS t
September 7,
2006
IU
CORE COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT:
The monthly figures for community service hours worked provided
by CORE are listed below.
9/06
8/06
7/06
6/06
5/06
4/06
2/06
1/06
Ft Pierce Public Works
20
110
30
42
30
0
50
0
0
63
Ft. Pierce Police Dept.
Treasure Coast Food Bank
0
210
0
118
0
150
0
199
0
334
30
459
334
238
St. Lucie County Leisure Dept.
509
180
162
293
150
272
177
50
PSL Parks Dept.
50
52
190
101
161
126
487
370
PSL Public Works
106
4
0
56
0
50
50
0
PSL Police Dept.
6
0
0
24
50
0
0
0
St. Lucie County Schools
40
163
277
50
0
0
0
0
Salvation Army
26
266
0
0
28
50
0
20
Mustard Seed Thrift Shop
445
240
0
355
221
279
95
40
Goodwill Industries
74
400
150
360
220
405
605
391
Miscellaneous Agencies
2,447
4,024
3,180
2,588
3,300 2,926
2,628
1,894
3,933
5,557
4,139
4,068
4,494 4,426
4,547
3,116
Miscellaneous Agencies include ARC, Boys & Girls Club, and religious affiliations. The workers
are given the option of where they want to work their community service hours. A full time
Coordinator for the Circuit is working with the community service sites.
COMMUNITY SERVICE TO FINES (PAID OUT):
Sept. 2006
St. Lucie Sheriffs Office
$4,000.00
Port St. Lucie Police Dept.
$ 500.00
Florida Highway Patrol
$ 700.00
Fort Pierce Police Dept.
$1,500.00
Total
$6,700.00
CORE will be participating in Misdemeanor Drug Court on October 9.
REFERENDUM #9:
ed Larry Pelton of the Economic Development
Doug Anderson, SLC Administrator, introduc
Council to discuss St. Lucie County Referendum #9 which will appear on the November 7 ballot
as follows: "Shall the St Lucie County Research and Education Authority be authorized and
created by special act of the Legislature with authority to collect a research and educational
facilities benefit assessment on real property transfers in St. Lucie County to finance research and
education facilities?"
This real estate transfer fee would generate approximately $5 Million per year. An independent
Board would be set up to administer the funds. This fee would be collected only when a real
estate sale occurs. The Board of Realtors, Treasure Coast Builders Association, and Chamber of
Commerce all support this referendum.
The county and city worked together on this important project. An effective team was formed
and worked very hard to make this happen.
This referendum will allow us to attract and keep companies and other institutes and speed up
our efforts to grow the cluster. It is anticipated that the St. Lucie County Referendum #9 will:
• Provide job opportunities for graduating students
• Increase St. Lucie county's median salary
• Support clean industry
• Expand existing research programs
• Diversify the economic base for St. Lucie County
• Attract high tech business
• Enhance education opportunities for everyone
ST. LUCIE COUNTY:
While construction continues downtown, parking continues to be a problem. Every Monday
between 130-150 people are called for jury duty and 60-100 people on Tuesday and all need
parking. Bids were too high for adding two more floors onto the existing parking garage. Are
working with the Episcopal Church and have rented Willie Gary's property to help with the
parking problem. The Renaissance building will provide parking for their businesses and
property owners but no public parking will be available. The City's parking garage will be built
by the City Hall.
COURT ISSUES:
The new Clerk of the Courts building is underway and should be completed October 2007.
65-70 people are now going through Mental Health Court.
Misdemeanor Drug Court is starting.
Collection Court has started. About $30,000 has been collected so far. Approximately $50,000-
$60,000 per month is anticipated.
A part time judge will start in January to work in Felony to help alleviate jail overcrowding
issues. With Judge Bauer in Okeechobee working here part of the month for Felony cases, there
will be 3.5 judges working Felony. Judge Connor will handle the major crimes docket. This
should help move people through the court system.
A new judgeship was created by Florida
resultslegislature
We have 19 circuit judges now and ouldPegg
e 2
Laurie Ehlers depending on the election
more.
The position description is being written for the Case Manager position working with Circuit
Felony judges. The position will be advertised and interviews scheduled.
FORT PIERCE POLICE DEPT.:
A Memo of Intent has been signed between Port St. Lucie Police Dept., SLC Sheriff's Office, and
Fort Pierce Police Dept. to share gangs intelligence information.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
A new budget season has begun. The county funded 72 new positions. Jail population has been
in the 1,370-1,375 range.
FEDERAL COURTHOUSE:
The building design is done and ready to go to bid. This federal courthouse is for the northern
part of the southern district of Florida.
NEXT MEETING:
The next Concerned Citizens meeting will be held on Thursday, November 2, 20at 12:00
06,
Noon at the St. Lucie County Courthouse in Fort Pierce. Lunch will be provided.
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"),ujlice /or ACC"
kqus J/0rancirr, L.omrn
City or -7vr% I-Arrce
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V.
Saint otucie County Concerned Cifi"¢n6 coonni.iflea
March 16, 2006
Dear Member of the Clergy,
For the past three years, the Concerned Citizens ODmmittee of St.
Lucie County has been attempting to address the concerns of Fort
Pierce Utilities Authority customers, who are adversely effected by
inercplicabiy high, and wildly fluctuating, utility bills. We have received
hundreds of reports and documentation of these bills, which reflect
charges that sometimes exceed monthly mortgage or rental
payments.
FPUA customers are largely unable to dispute or pr test their bills in
an organized manner. This Is due in part to the structure and charter
of FPUA, which defines the relationship of the t 01ty Board to the City
Commission. As a municipally owned and managed entity, the FPAU is
unregulated by the Public Service Commission.
r The Concerned Citizens Committee has, on many occasions,
3. 8Pancht Lria attempted to appeal to our elected officials, and the utility board
itself, for explanation and Investigation into this matter. Some of the
�ry clergy have been there with us at these meetings.
¢. ►llaxinawren
The Concerned Citizens Committee realizes that our local ministers
�. l� vhnwie ,1JilG alll know ofasittuaattiions hwhhenee ips elderly d dtsableetiir individuals. We
�/
have received devastatingly high bills followed by disconnection of
6. )ales -Arwits sevice when Institutions such as churches or Mustard Seed are
unable to help.
7. Mu. 211aittK _Xttt The Concerned Criizens Committee of St. Lucie County is writing to
request that you, as a Minister whose parishioners are customers of
S. Jaw+ fIoivaty Ft. Pierce .Utilities Authority, be at the forefront In addressing this
ff Issue. We are calling on all our ministers to join us in numbers on
9, L'fivn fGbl�e Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 1:00 PM in the Ft. Pies City Hail
Engineering Conference Room. The purpose of this meeting Is to
engage the leadership of our churdtes in the effort to represent the
customers of FPUA.
Y
St. a ne tize Conarnoee
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CONCERNED CITIZENS AND OFFICIAL
February 2, 2006 w
CORE COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT:
The monthly figures for community service hours worked provided by CORE are listed below.
1/06 12/05 11/05 10/05 9/05 8/05 7/05 6/05 5/05
Ft Pierce Public Works
0
166
0
0
50
0
0
0
50
Ft. Pierce Police Dept.
63
0
0
50
43
0
0
0
165
Treasure Coast Food Bank
238
690
439
410
165
290
607
302
364
St. Lucie County Leisure Dept.
50
0
0
204
530
341
50
398
230
PSL Parks Dept.
370
332
608
231
522
516
462
609
972
PSL Public Works
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
55
100
PSL Police Dept.
0
0
25
0
24
Ill
40
0
50
St. Lucie County Schools
0
0
0
0
0
0
50
0
0
Salvation Army
20
49
50
70
0
40
4
50
121
Mustard Seed Thrift Shop
40
100
232
1,194
70
20
61
103
0
Goodwill Industries
391
525
281
249
339
646
533
614
749
Miscellaneous Agencies
1,894
2,949
2,033
1,509
1,883
2,778
1,849
2,074
3,058
3,116
4,811
3,668
3,917
3,626
4,742
3,656
4,205
4,925
COMMUNITY SERVICE TO FINES (PAID OUT): Jan. 2006
St. Lucie Sheriffs Office $1,500.00
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. $4,750.00
Florida Highway Patrol $-0-
Fort Pierce Police Dept. $1,400.00
St. Lucie County Incarceration Fee $ -0-
Miscellaneous Agencies include ARC, Boys & Girls Club, and religious affiliations. The workers
are given the option of where they want to work their community service hours.
The Goodwill agency is now requiring that CORE works through their West Palm Beach office
and fill out lengthy paperwork about the probationers. They are trying to work it out but might
have to pull them as a provider for community service.
St. Lucie county is working on a mowing contract to utilize convicts.
There has been a decrease in monies for community services money converted to fines. Some
judges prefer that the community service hours be performed.
PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL:
Mark Godwin, Criminal Justice Coordinator, reported that the Juvenil Is_
--
fully operational on Bell Avenue located next to the detention center. Ins tlib 21/2 o s
previously took per juvenile arrest at the jail, the law enforcement o can transfer the
paperwork in 15 minutes. This enables the law enforcement officers to cf � vro>d fter
with an estimated cost savings of $1 Million per year. The Assessme t nter will provide
CO. ADMIN. OFFICE
security, booking, screening, and case management services, etc., right at the Juvenile
Assessment Center with services provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
In January the number of juveniles brought to the Assessment Center by SLC Sheriffs Office
was 102, Fort Pierce Police Dept. 52, and PSL Police Dept. 51.
A listing of inmates who have been in jail the longest indicates inmate booking dates of two in
2002, sixteen in 2003, and 5 in 2004.
The write up for the 19th Circuit Mental Health Court was also discussed. The concept paper
will be sent to the Bureau of Justice Administration to apply for a grant to bring a Mental Health
Court to our community. The Mental Health Court will help with jail population mental health
problems. This will provide an opportunity for a judge to be over that individual to be sure they
comply with management of their situations. Jason Berger of the State Attorneys office, Public
Defenders Office, and New Horizons were instrumental in the project.
Sandy Stecko, who owns the company that runs the GPS tracking program, was introduced to
the group. She reported that the GPS tracking program has been in place for 2 weeks and there
are currently 6 defendants in the program. There have been no violations so far. The people in
the program have only been charged. They have not yet been convicted. Pre-trial programs will
eventually be rolled out.
The interlocal agreement for information sharing with agencies was discussed. School principals
are notified within 24 hours if a juvenile is arrested. Information is shared with the School
Resource Officers and other entities that impact the child. The value of sharing information
should help identify trends, etc. Information sharing is also in place for gang activity. An IT
Analyst will be hired for data integration in April.
SLC SCHOOL BOARD:
The number of cases for expulsion hearings is staying steady. The number of violence cases is
small. School property seems to be mostly neutral territory.
The makeup of the schools will be different next year with the new zones. Resources need to be
in the proper places.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
A graph was distributed showing average daily jail inmate population by year. In 2000 the
average daily population was 815. There has been a steady upward trend with average January
2006 population at 1,304. This month it is up to 1,324 and today's count is 1,334. There are
1,055 beds.
Adam Fetterman was introduced to the group. Adam is the new attorney for the Sheriff's
Department.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TREASURE COAST:
Many careers that are in demand on the Treasure Coast only require a certificate, degree, or
diploma from a vocational or technical school that will train you for a specific career, trade, or
profession. Students take career -focused, hands-on classes where they immediately apply the
CONCERNED CITIZENS AND OFFICIALS
January 5, 2006
CORE COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT:
The monthly figures for community service hours worked provided by CORE are listed below.
12/05
11/05
10/05
9/05
8/05
7/05
6/05
5/05
4/05
Ft Pierce Public Works
166
0
0
50
0
0
0
50
0
Ft. Pierce Police Dept.
0
0
50
43
0
0
0
165
72
Treasure Coast Food Bank
690
439
410
165
290
607
302
364
426
St. Lucie County Leisure Dept.
0
0
204
530
341
50
398
230
50
PSL Parks Dept.
332
608
231
522
516
462
609
972
658
PSL Public Works
0
0
0
0
0
0
55
100
143
PSL Police Dept.
0
25
0
24
111
40
0
50
0
St. Lucie County Schools
0
0
0
0
0
50
0
0
327
Salvation Army
49
50
70
0
40
4
50
121
84
Mustard Seed Thrift Shop
100
232
1,194
70
20
61
103
0
0
Goodwill Industries
525
281
249
339
646
533
614
749
489
Miscellaneous Agencies
2,949
2,033
1,509
1,883
2,778
1,849
2,074
3,058
2,922
4,811 3,668 3,917 3,626 4,742 3,656 4,205 4,925 3,389
COMMUNITY SERVICE TO FINES (PAID OUT): Dec. 2005
St. Lucie Sheriffs Office
$2,157.50
Port St. Lucie Police Dept.
$3,180.00
Florida Highway Patrol
$-0-
Fort Pierce Police Dept.
$2,200.00
St. Lucie County Incarceration Fee
$ -0-
Miscellaneous Agencies include ARC, Boys & Girls Club, and religious affiliations. The workers
are given the option of where they want to work their community service hours.
PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL:
Mark Godwin, Criminal Justice Coordinator, reported that the GPS tracking of inmate process
is being finalized and should begin Monday.
The communication lines should be in by the end of this month for data exchange for the point to
point network from the jail to the State Attorney's office to the Clerk of the Court's office.
Information will be sent electronically in digital format.
A mental health court meeting is scheduled to be held on January 23 to discuss the development
of a program for those that would qualify to keep them from being recycled through the jails.
As of 2 weeks ago 82 cases came through the Rocket Docket program to process VOP (violation
of probation) cases faster.
The case management project is being worked on and will be tracked through the entire system
for felonies and misdemeanors as the cases progress through the system.
►AN 2 i
In 25 years the area population is anticipated to be approximately 532,000. At 5.66% the
number of incarcerations would be over 3,000. A pre -trail program is being developed which
would take approximately 20% out of the jails. Individuals would be monitored and referrals
made to appropriate drug and alcohol programs. Statistical models would be used. The models
indicate there is a savings in having them out of jail (medical issues, the mental health
component, etc.). Profiles to determine who is safe to release would be developed and risks
would be identified. It was noted that it will always be the judge's decision at First Appearance.
Funds for the pre-trial program have been set aside and the program should start this summer.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
Jail population today is at 1,304. Average population in December was 1,299. There are 1,055
beds. The new building with 320 beds is not yet funded to operate or to hire staff (requires 26
staff). The number of VOP's is up with 428 now in custody. The cost of VOP's last year was $30
Million. To transport VOP's last month, it cost the St. Lucie county transportation unit $6,000.
Jail overcrowding has an impact on both the inmates and the staff and has a rippled effect on the
conditions in the facility. In 2005 82 lawsuits from inmates were filed on conditions of
confinement. An attorney has to be retained for each lawsuit. There has been no movement on
the part of the county to open pod two. Trends usually go down through the Christmas holidays
and then go back up afterwards. There were 1,398 inmates during the holidays. The new
programs will help with the stabilization but not the increase in population. Currently none of
the new programs are in full swing yet. Population continues to grow in the interim. An entirely
new facility with kitchen, medical, etc., will be needed in the next few years to accommodate the
growth numbers.
Port St. Lucie Police Department is looking ahead at growth issues and has been approved to
hire 25 recruits. St. Lucie County Sheriffs office asked for 25 deputies, were given none, but
were then given 10 grant positions. When building permits are being approved, decisions should
be made on that growth for the necessary infrastructure. Services to the public must be
accounted for. It was noted that the Committee on Sustainable Growth has been meeting to
discuss this issue and is making recommendations.
COURT ISSUES:
Statewide legislation is needed re the current zero tolerance policy on VOP's. In Circuit Court it
is a huge problem. The rocket docket which expires this month was experimental. Some
statutory changes are needed to alter the course of zero tolerance violations.
Another important issue is the space needs for the court system. We are out of holding cell
capacity. We don't have the capacity to move cases through the system. It may be time to have
a Criminal Justice Complex. The property between 911 and the jail that is owned by the county
may be a convenient site. Family and Civil could remain at the current location.
Once communication lines are in place, the data exchange program will be up and running. This
should make a significant difference in how long people stay in jail for minor offenses. Instead of
the current 5-7 days, it would take one day. Safeguards will be put in place when releasing
individuals.
The new building should start construction next month. This construction will create some
parking issues as Indian River Drive is currently closed from Citrus to Orange Avenue and
Atlantic Avenue will be closed for the new building construction. A trolley service will be
coordinated with the city.
Discussions are underway for renovation of the old courthouse. It is hoped that circuit civil and
family court will be located in that building which would keep inmates out of that facility for
security issues.
Two floors are being added to the parking garage.
On February 3, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the County Commission Chambers there will be a joint
meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, PSL City Council, and Fort Pierce City Council
to discuss the need of additional court space.
PORT ST. LUCIE POLICE DEPT.:
All 3 law enforcement agencies (PSL, Fort Pierce, and SLCSO) are meeting to discuss the gang
problem. It is important to have all agencies communicating to work together.
To deal with the growth issues, additional staffing is necessary to do the job adequately. An
additional 25 positions have been approved to provide the coverage.
NEXT MEETING:
The next Concerned Citizens meeting will be held on Thursday, February, 2, 20061 at 12:00 Noon
at the St. Lucie County Courthouse in Fort Pierce. Lunch will be provided.
e yJjf
/ls
BOARD OF
COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
COORDINATOR
Date: January 26, 2006
N
To: Board of County Commissioners
Doug Anderson, County Administrator
Aff
From: Mark Godwin, Criminal Justice Coordinator
Re: St. Lucie County Concerned Citizens Meeting
Mork J. Godwin
I have attached the January minutes of the "Concerned Citizens and Officials Committee"
which reflect some interesting topics that are discussed on a monthly basis. I will
continue to forward you each month's minutes for your review. The next meeting will be
on Thursday, February 2, 2006, in Courtroom D, of the Fort Pierce Courthouse.
Cc: Dan McIntyre, County Attorney
JOSEPH E. SMITH, District No. 1 • DOUG COWARD, District No. 2 • PAULA A. LEWIS, District No. 5 • FRANNIE HUTCHINSON, District No. 4 • CHRIS CRAFT, District No. 5
County Administrator - Douglas M. Anderson
2300 Virginia Avenue • 3rd Floor Admin. Annex • Fort Pierce, FL 34982-5652 • Phone (772) 462-1441
FAX (772) 462-1440 • TDD (772) 462-1428
r4_ - ...
CONCERNED CITIZENS AND OFFICIALS JAN. 2 4
January 5, 2006 -`
CORE COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT:
The monthly figures for community service hours worked provided by CORE are listed below.
12/05
11/05
10/05
9/05
8/05
7/05
6/05
5105
4/05
Ft Pierce Public Works
166
0
0
50
0
0
0
50
0
Ft. Pierce Police Dept.
0
0
50
43
0
0
0
165
72
Treasure Coast Food Bank
690
439
410
165
290
607
302
364
426
St. Lucie County Leisure Dept.
0
0
204
530
341
50
398
230
50
PSL Parks Dept.
332
608
231
522
516
462
609
972
658
PSL Public Works
0
0
0
0
0
0
55
100
143
PSL Police Dept.
0
25
0
24
111
40
0
50
0
St. Lucie County Schools
0
0
0
0
0
50
0
0
327
Salvation Army
49
50
70
0
40
4
50,
121
84
Mustard Seed Thrift Shop
100
232
1,194
70
20
61
103
0
0
Goodwill Industries
525
281
249
339
646
533
614
749
489
Miscellaneous Agencies
2,949
2,033
1,509
1,883
2,778
1,849
2,074
3,058
2,922
4,811 3,668 3,917 3,626 4,742 3,656 4,205 4,925 3,389
COMMUNITY SERVICE TO FINES (PAID OUT): Dec. 2005
St. Lucie Sheriffs Office $2,157.50
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. $3,180.00
Florida Highway Patrol $-0-
Fort Pierce Police Dept. $2,200.00
St. Lucie County Incarceration Fee $ -0-
Miscellaneous Agencies include ARC, Boys & Girls Club, and religious affiliations. The workers
are given the option of where they want to work their community service hours.
PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL:
Mark Godwin, Criminal Justice Coordinator, reported that the GPS tracking of inmate process
is being finalized and should begin Monday.
The communication lines should be in by the end of this month for data exchange for the point to
point network from the jail to the State Attorney's office to the Clerk of the Court's office.
Information will be sent electronically in digital format.
A mental health court meeting is scheduled to be held on January 23 to discuss the development
of a program for those that would qualify to keep them from being recycled through the jails.
As of 2 weeks ago 82 cases came through the Rocket Docket program to process VOP (violation
of probation) cases faster.
The case management project is being worked on and will be tracked through the entire system
for felonies and misdemeanors as the cases progress through the system.
In 25 years the area population is anticipated to be approximately 532,000. At 5.66% the
number of incarcerations would be over 3,000. A pre -trail program is being developed which
would take approximately 20% out of the jails. Individuals would be monitored and referrals
made to appropriate drug and alcohol programs. Statistical models would be used. The models
indicate there is a savings in having them out of jail (medical issues, the mental health
component, etc.). Profiles to determine who is safe to release would be developed and risks
would be identified. It was noted that it will always be the judge's decision at First Appearance.
Funds for the pre-trial program have been set aside and the program should start this summer.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
Jail population today is at 1,304. Average population in December was 1,299. There are 1,055
beds. The new building with 320 beds is not yet funded to operate or to hire staff (requires 26
staff). The number of VOP's is up with 428 now in custody. The cost of VOP's last year was $30
Million. To transport VOP's last month, it cost the St. Lucie county transportation unit $6,000.
Jail overcrowding has an impact on both the inmates and the staff and has a rippled effect on the
conditions in the facility. In 2005 82 lawsuits from inmates were filed on conditions of
confinement. An attorney has to be retained for each lawsuit. There has been no movement on
the part of the county to open pod two. Trends usually go down through the Christmas holidays
and then go back up afterwards. There were 1,398 inmates during the holidays. The new
programs will help with the stabilization but not the increase in population. Currently none of
the new programs are in full swing yet. Population continues to grow in the interim. An entirely
new facility with kitchen, medical, etc., will be needed in the next few years to accommodate the
growth numbers.
Port St. Lucie Police Department is looking ahead at growth issues and has been approved to
hire 25 recruits. St. Lucie County Sheriffs office asked for 25 deputies, were given none, but
were then given 10 grant positions. When building permits are being approved, decisions should
be made on that growth for the necessary infrastructure. Services to the public must be
accounted for. It was noted that the Committee on Sustainable Growth has been meeting to
discuss this issue and is making recommendations.
COURT ISSUES:
Statewide legislation is needed re the current zero tolerance policy on VOP's. In Circuit Court it
is a huge problem. The rocket docket which expires this month was experimental. Some
statutory changes are needed to alter the course of zero tolerance violations.
Another important issue is the space needs for the court system. We are out of holding cell
capacity. We don't have the capacity to move cases through the system. It may be time to have
a Criminal Justice Complex.- The property between 911 and the jail that is owned by the county
may be a convenient site. Family and Civil could remain at the current location.
Once communication lines are in place, the data exchange program will be up and running. This
should make a significant difference in how long people stay in jail for minor offenses. Instead of
the current 5-7 days, it would take one day. Safeguards will be put in place when releasing
individuals.
The new building should start construction next month. This construction will create some
parking issues as Indian River Drive is currently closed from Citrus to Orange Avenue and
Atlantic Avenue will be closed for the new building construction. A trolley service will be
coordinated with the city.
Discussions are underway for renovation of the old courthouse. It is hoped that circuit civil and
family court will be located in that building which would keep inmates out of that facility for
security issues.
Two floors are being added to the parking garage.
On February 3, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the County Commission Chambers there will be a joint
meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, PSL City Council, and Fort Pierce City Council
to discuss the need of additional court space.
PORT ST. LUCIE POLICE DEPT.:
All 3 law enforcement agencies (PSL, Fort Pierce, and SLCSO) are meeting to discuss the gang
problem. It is important to have all agencies communicating to work together.
To deal with the growth issues, additional staffing is necessary to do the job adequately. An
additional 25 positions have been approved to provide the coverage.
NEXT MEETING:
The next Concerned Citizens meeting will be held on Thursday,, February, 2, 2006, at 12:00 Noon
at the St. Lucie County Courthouse in Fort Pierce. Lunch will be provided.
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CONCERNED CITIZENS AND OFFICIALS
May 4, 2006 / U 1/
CORE COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT:
The monthly figures for community service hours worked provided by CORE are listed below.
4/06 2/06 1/06 12/05 11/05 10/05 9/05 8/05 7/05
Ft Pierce Public Works
0
50
0
166
0
0
50
0
0
Ft. Pierce Police Dept.
30
0
63
0
0
50
43
0
0
Treasure Coast Food Bank
459
334
238
690
439
410
165
290
607
St. Lucie County Leisure Dept.
272
177
50
0
0
204
530
341
50
PSL Parks Dept.
126
487
370
332
608
231
522
516
462
Public Works
0
50
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
PSL Police Dept.
0
0
0
0
25
0
24
111
40
St. Lucie County Schools
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
50
Salvation Army
50
0
20
49
50
70
0
40
4
Mustard Seed Thrift Shop
279
95
40
100
232
1,194
70
20
61
Goodwill Industries
405
605
391
525
281
249
339
646
533
Miscellaneous Agencies
2,926
2,628
1,894
2,049
2,033
1,509
1,883
2,778
1,849
4,426
4,547
3,116
3,911
3,668
3,917
3,626
4,742
3,656
COMMUNITY SERVICE TO FINES (PAID
OUT):
Feb. 2006
April 2006
St. Lucie Sheriffs Office
$1,500.00
$3,154.50
Port St. Lucie Police Dept.
$2,400.00
$3,487.50
Florida Highway Patrol
$-0-
$-0-
Fort Pierce Police Dept.
$ 500.00
$1,488.64
St. Lucie County Incarceration Fee
$ -0-
$-0-
Miscellaneous Agencies include ARC, Boys & Girls Club, and religious affiliations. The workers
are given the option of where they want to work their community service hours.
There has been a decrease in monies for community services money converted to fines. Some
judges prefer that the community service hours be performed.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY:
Doug Anderson, SLC Administrator, reported that our legislative delegation has risen to the
occasion for St. Lucie county. They have been in contact almost daily. Should know by Monday
if there are any changes to the budget. Currently $6 Million has been funded for a new SLC
Emergency Operation Center. The county has $1.7 Million set aside through various funding to
outfit the building. FPL will also contribute to the building. 911 and the county key computer
operations will be moved there.
A Special Needs Shelter will be built at the Lawnwood Complex to house 500 _special needs
people and their caretakers. It will also be a NAA gymnasium and avaHa]He `fpr cdminunity
events such as graduations, etc., with seating for 2,000. The second floorwill Tie for the Parks
Dept. offices. $1.8 Million is in the upcoming budget for this. ''
At a meeting held with FEMA this morning, a final inspection of the Civic Center was made and
the green light was given to remove the building. This needs to be done before the rainy season.
An artificial reef will be made from large sections of the Civic Center building.
The Clerk of the Court building should be done late next summer. This is a $12 Million project.
The county continues to prepare for the hurricane season. The fuel capacity has been doubled.
Emergency supplies are stored at the Walmart Distribution Center and School Bus Depot. The
county will receive $59,000 per month from FEMA to be the staging area for several thousand
FEMA trailers.
Some of the trees planted on Indian River Drive have died and will be replaced.
A meeting was held with law enforcement and the health department to discuss our potential to
deal with a serious bird flu outbreak. The Fairgrounds would be used if the hospital was
overwhelmed. Extra cots are being ordered. Quarantine areas would be set up. Expert opinion
is that it is not a matter of "if" but "when" it will come.
Ed Massey, President of IRCC, is heading up a team and Doug Anderson and others have met at
OF to attract a national Agri/Bio Center vaccine testing facility which would located in a 500,000
sq. ft. building at the Research Park on about 30 acres north of Pecos near the USDA. About 40
other communities have applied to put in this facility but we are the only Florida location that
has applied. Miami Herald will have a large article coming out on this. This would be a huge
addition to our community. Governor Bush took the Expression of Interest to Washington, D.C.
COURT ISSUES:
Judge Connor reported that the court system is still struggling with large case loads. The
problem with turnover in the state attorney and public defenders offices is a big issue as it slows
down the operation.
In the Felony division there has been an increase in the number of demands for speedy trial
which puts huge demands on the system due to space restrictions. One week coming up the end
of May where the two domestic relations judges have to close their courtrooms to handle the
speedy trial cases.
Looking forward to the new Clerks office to be completed next August.
SLW is becoming a full time courthouse. Problem is it will be impractical to do criminal cases.
Only 4 courtrooms are attached to the holding cell in Fort Pierce. Per Doug the old courthouse
will be renovated and more holding cells will be added.
Mark Godwin, Criminal Justice Coordinator, recommended bringing in 3 case managers to
better deal with the system, track progress of the cases, and move them along to help the court
more. If a case has a large number of continuances there is probably several public defenders
that handled the case because of the heavy turnover. It is incredible SLC does the workload with
the staffing they have. The number of cases processed and completed weekly is amazing. The
starting salary for a prosecutor is approximately $40,000 and slightly higher at the Public
Defenders office. With student loans usually $100,000+ they can't afford to work there.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
Major Tighe reported the jail population today is 1,348 with 1,055 beds. It is becoming
increasingly unsafe to work at the jail. The day shift is 27 to 1 and the night shift is 50 to 1.
Garry Wilson noted the ratios speak for themselves. Court security is also a concern.
The Mental Health Court will begin soon with Jason Berger and Judge Cox. There are 240 in
custody now that have broken the law and have mental health problems. SLC is working with
New Horizons to open up 41 beds there. The hospital in Arcadia has closed and there are only
150 beds at Chatahoochee Hospital. It is estimated that there are 815 homeless people in SLC
and 50% have mental health problems.
CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE:
Mayor Minsky reported the Burnham Institute is on hold until the budget is approved. A letter
of intent will not be issued until there is an answer about the budget. It is felt we have a 90%
chance of landing them here. Developers are lined up. If it weren't for permitting, they could
start in 3 months.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS:
Jason Berger noted the law enforcement run for Special Olympics was held. Next year they are
hoping for a better turn out. Is a great thing for the kids, the county and law enforcement.
FEDERAL COURTHOUSE:
Dr. Dannahower reported that the Federal Courthouse design plans are complete and ready to
go to bid if Congress appropriates $50 Million. Construction would start in 2007 if the funding
is approved.
PSL POLICE DEPT.:
Capt. Scott Bartles reported that PSLPD is on line with the GangNet data base which is a central
location to send gang related data. This will give a lot of ammunition to identify and disrupt
gang activities. The information will be shared with other law enforcement agencies.
Super Play opened in St. Lucie West and got with SLC Sheriffs Dept., PSLPD, and MC Sheriffs
Dept. to prevent any gang activity on premises. Super Play gave a list of rules to enforce for
conduct, dress, etc. The gangs got frustrated and went to Vero. Super Play has bowling,
miniature golf, batting cages, etc.
The Boys & Girls club has had success working with gangs. PAL is being used to funnel some of
the people. One group in Fort Pierce provides escort service for the people that are trying to get
out of the gangs.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD:
Kathryn Hensley of the SLC School Board reported that after school programs will be held in
elementary schools to prevent gangs. Gangs are recruiting 41h and 51h graders.
FCAT scores were received and indicated they went up this year.
NEXT MEETING:
The next Concerned Citizens meeting will be held on Thursday. Jane 1.2006, at 12:00 Noon at
the St. Lucie County Courthouse in Fort Pierce. Lunch will be provided.
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