City Council

121 SW Port St. Lucie City of Port St.Lucie Blvd. Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984 City Council Meeting Minutes Gregory J. Oravec, Mayor Stephanie Morgan, Councilwoman, District I John Carvelli, Councilman, District II Shannon Martin, Vice Mayor, District III Jolien Caraballo, Councilwoman, District IV Monday, September 23, 2019 7:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall Meeting to begin at 7:00PM or to immediately follow 6:30PM Budget Hearing 1. Meeting Called to Order A Regular Meeting of the CITY COUNCIL of the City of Port St. Lucie was called to order by Mayor Oravec on September 23, 2019, at 7:10 p.m., at Port St. Lucie City Hall, 121 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida. 2. Roll Call Council Members Present: Mayor Gregory J. Oravec Vice Mayor Shannon Martin Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo Councilman John Carvelli Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan 3. Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Oravec noted that the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were performed at the Special City Council meeting, which was held at 6:36 p.m. 4. Proclamations and Special Presentations Proclamation - Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Day (Clerk's Note: This item was added at the meeting by Mayor Oravec.) Mayor Oravec read the Proclamation into the record, and presented it to Denise Avril, a breast cancer survivor. Page 1 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 5. Public to be Heard Diane Goldberg spoke about an increase in taxes because of property value, a one-mill increase for the School District, and an increase in stormwater and waste collection. She asked the Council to delay the vote for an increase in their salaries until it was known whether a recession would occur next year. Steve Carroll spoke against the proposed increase in the City Council's salaries. Vice Mayor Martin said that the Stormwater Fee was not going up this year. She said that the issue of Council raises was brought up by citizens, not the Councilmembers. Mayor Oravec reminded Ms. Goldberg that the one mill increase for the Schhol District did not have anything to do with the City. 6. Additions or Deletions to Agenda and Approval of Agenda There being no discussion, Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve the Agenda. Councilwoman Morgan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. 7. Approval of Consent Agenda Mayor Oravec stated that Item 7 f) was requested to be pulled and brought back at a future meeting. Councilwoman Caraballo requested that Item 7 b) be removed for separate discussion. VIce Mayor Martin moved to approve the Consent Agenda, with Item 7 b) removed for separate discussion, and Item 7 f) pulled and rescheduled to a future date. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. 7.a August 26, 2019 Regular Council and August 30, 2019 Special 2019-849 Emergency Council Meeting Minutes 7.b Approval to Participate in the Sourcewell Cooperative (Coop) 2019-765 Contract #051717 for Low Speed Vehicles, Medium Speed Vehicles, and Utility Related Equipment, Accessories, and Supplies (Golf Carts). Councilwoman Caraballo commended staff for reducing the cost of the contract. She asked if golfers typically used GPS on their phones instead of the golf carts, to which Councilman Carvelli replied that the GPS in the cart was used to control where the cart could go, and avoid damage to the golf course. Councilwoman Caraballo moved to approve Item 7 b). Councilman Carvelli seconde the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Page 2 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 7.c Award Contract #20190062 for Geotechnical Services for 2019-815 Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2 Expansion to Ardaman and Associates, Inc. 7.d Request to Subordinate City’s Mortgage in Pending 2019-828 Foreclosure Action 7.e Award Contract #20190093 to Furnish and Install Asphaltic 2019-841 Concrete Paving under 200 tons. 7.f Authorize payment to the Economic Development Council of 2019-844 St. Lucie County for the Annual Investment Partnership. 7.g Approve Declaration of Surplus and On-Line Auction for 2019-851 Departmental Fixed Asset Items. 7.h Acceptance of FY 2019-2020 Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) 2019-846 Grant - Grant # VOCA-2019-City of Port St. Lucie-00450 7.i Motion to approve a Minor Site Plan for 9200 Express Car 2019-635 Wash (P18-174) 7.j Award Contract #20190113 for the construction of the 2019-855 Torino Parkway roundabouts at Cashmere Blvd. and California Blvd. 8. Second Reading, Public Hearing of Ordinances Page 3 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 8.a Ordinance 19-45, Public Hearing, Motion to adopt ordinance 2019-835 amending the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Port St. Lucie to include a large scale amendment to the future land use map to change the future land use designation of approximately 16.17 acres from Commercial General (CG) and .72 acres from Open Space Conservation (OSC) to 16.89 acres of the future land use designations of High Density Residential/Commercial General /Open Space Conservation (RH/CG/OSC) for the Six Diamonds property, generally located west of U.S. Highway No. 1, east of Morningside Boulevard, and approximately 840 feet south of Lyngate Drive (P19-053). The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-45 aloud by title only. Long-Range Planning Administrator Tobin stated that the item was a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and it was the adoption Public Hearing. She explained that the property's location was between US1 and Morningside, just south of Lyngate, and said that the Future Land Use designation was General Commercial and Open Space Recreation. She said that the purpose of the Amendment was to combine all the Land Uses together. The Long-Range Planning Administrator advised that the PLanning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the item in a 6-1 vote, and the Council unanimously voted to transmit the item. No negative comments were received from local, State, or Regional agencies. Mayor Oravec asked if the Council or any member of the public wished to speak, to which there was no response. Michael Houston, HJA Design Studio, stated that he represented the applicant. He said that he would be submitting a PUD within a week, and there would be a new project within the CRA, on US1. There being no further discussion, Councilwoman Morgan moved to approve Ordinance 19-45. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Ordinance 19-45. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Page 4 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 8.b Ordinance 19-61, An Ordinance Amending Ch. 92 “Animals” 2019-867 Of The City Of Port St. Lucie Code Of Ordinances To Add Sec. 92.19 To Authorize The City Manager To Institute A Pilot Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate And Release Program; Providing For Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing An Effective Date. The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-61 aloud by title only. The City Manager stated that the Ordinance would provide a Pilot Program to trap, neuter, vaccinate and release cats back into the wild. He said that it was a way to control the feral cat population long-term, and was proven to be effective. Councilwoman Caraballo noted that feral cats were very different from domestic cats. Mayor Oravec asked if any member of the public wished to speak. Diane Goldberg said that she was the Conservation Chair for the St. Lucie Audubon and asked the Council to consider running a Consignment Program for the feral cats, instead of releasing them back into the wild. Mayor Oravec asked if any other member of the public wished to speak. There being no response, Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Ordinance 19-61. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Ordinance 19-61. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Page 5 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 8.c Ordinance 19-62, An Ordinance Amending Ch. 92 “Animals” 2019-868 Of The City Of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Code Of Ordinances By Amending Section 92.01 “Definitions” And Section 92.14 “Animal Care; Manner Of Keeping” To Revise And Provide Additional Restrictions For The Tethering Of Animals; Providing For Codification; Providing For Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing An Effective Date. The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-62 aloud by title only. The City Manager stated that the Ordinance provided provisions prohibiting tethering of certain periods of time, and matched an ordinance passed by Fort Pierce. Mayor Oravec asked if any members of the Council or the public wished to speak, to which there was no response. Councilman Carvelli moved to approve Ordinance 19-62. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Ordinance 19-62. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. 8.d Ordinance 19-63, Motion to Adopt an Ordinance Abandoning 2019-869 a Portion of a Twenty (20) Foot Utility and Drainage Easement Affecting Lot 3, Block 1670, Port St. Lucie Section Thirty-One, recorded in Plat Book 14, Page(s) 22, 22A through 22G, of the Public Records of St. Lucie County. The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-63 aloud by title only. Mayor Oravec opened the Public Hearing and asked if any member of the public, or the applicant, wished to speak, to which there was no response. There being no discussion, Councilwoman Caraballo moved to approve Ordinance 19-63. Councilwoman Morgan seconded the motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Ordinance 19-63. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Page 6 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 8.e Ordinance 19-64, Public Hearing, Approve an Ordinance for 2019-870 Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Rate Increase for FY 2019-20 The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-64 aloud by title only. Mayor Oravec opened the Public Hearing. The City Manager stated the the item was the annual Water/Wastewater/Reclaimed Water rates, with a few minor revisions. He said that there was a proposed increase of 1.6% annually, which matched the CPI Urban Rate for the area, and would effectively keep the rates the same in total dollars raised. Councilwoman Caraballo asked if the item would help with the debt and bonds related to Utilities, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative, and explained that because the City kept the rates consistent with the cost of providing services it helped maintain a bond rating that increased in a positive manner, while lowering the costs of borrowing in the future. He said that a recent study conducted for the Council showed that if rates were raised approximately 1.6%, there would be no need to borrow for several years, and the Utilities System would continue to be well-maintained. Mayor Oravec added that there was a series of articles in Florida Trend about the need for water and wastewater systems in the State, as overall, the State was not adequately investing in developing freshwater supplies to meet the growing demand. Mayor Oravec asked if any members of the public wished to speak. There being no response, he closed the Public Hearing. There being no further discussion, Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Ordinance 19-64. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion. The CIty Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Ordinance 19-64. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Councilwoman Caraballo noted that the Stormwater Fee was not increasing. Page 7 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 8.f Ordinance 19-65, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 32, 2019-871 Article VIII, Section 32.77 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Port St. Lucie with respect to the Police Officers’ Retirement Trust Fund The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-65 aloud by title only. The City Manager explained that the Ordinance was specific to the participants in the Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund. He said that several years ago, a number of Officers were in a Defined Contribution Plan and were offered the opportunity to enter into the Defined Benefit Plan, which some did. He said that now, some of the Officers were entering DROP or getting ready to retire, and an inconsistency was discovered in how Sick Leave was accounted for in the Defined Benefit Plan. The Ordinance would correct the inconsistency. It was looked at from an actuarial standpoint and there was no negative impact. He stated that staff recommended approval. Mayor Oravec asked if there were any questions for the City Manager, to which there was no response. There being no discussion, Councilwoman Caraballo moved to approve Ordinance 19-65. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion. Mayor Oravec opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone was present to speak on the item. There being no response, he closed the Public Hearing. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Ordinance 19-65. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Page 8 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 8.g Ordinance 19-67, An Ordinance Approving Agreement as to 2019-873 Park and Recreational Facilities Impact Fees and Off-Site Drainage for Park Site 1 The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-67 aloud by title only. Mayor Oravec opened the Public Hearing. Deputy City Attorney Hertz stated that the item was an agreement with GL Homes to give Impact Fee Credits for the construction of park improvements on Park Site #1, within the Riverland Development. She said that the estimated Impact Fee Credit for the park improvements was $2,354,000. Mayor Oravec asked if any member of the public wished to speak on the item. There being no response, he closed the Public Hearing. Councilwoman Morgan moved to approve Ordinance 19-67. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Martin pointed out that the Ordinance would give GL Homes the ability to build the park quicker. Mayor Oravec said that the park was in the CIP, which would make one think that the City was spending money on it, but GL Homes was going to build it and get credits. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Ordinance 19-67. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. A break was called at 8:20 p.m., and the meeting resumed at 8:26 p.m. 9. Other Public Hearings There was nothing scheduled under this item. 10. First Reading of Ordinances 10.a Ordinance 19-68, Adopt an Ordinance Authorizing the 2019-829 Conveyance of Real Property Located at Crosstown Parkway (pf 63-34) Lot 2, Acquired by the City on October 28, 2010, which was Identified and Approved for Surplus on April 8, 2019. The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-68 aloud by title only. There being no discussion, Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Ordinance 19-68. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. Page 9 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 10.b Ordinance 19-66, Motion to Adopt Ordinance Amending 2019-872 Section 158.174(G) of the Zoning Code to Modify the Provisions for Off-Street Parking and Off-Street Loading Requirements for Planned Unit Developments (PUDS). The City Clerk read Ordinance 19-66 aloud by title only. There being no discussion, Councilwoman Morgan moved to approve Ordinance 19-66. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. 11. Resolutions 11.a Resolution 19-R87, Approving Naming City Park #1 Riverland 2019-876 Paseo Park. The City Clerk read Resolution 19-R87 aloud by title only. Mayor Oravec asked if the Council had any questions for staff, to which there was no response. There being no discussion, Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Resolution 19-R87. Councilwoman Morgan seconded the motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Resolution 19-R87. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. 11.b Resolution 19-R88, Adopt Resolution approving the 2019-837 Preliminary and Final Subdivision Plat for Southern Grove Plat No. 2 - Community Boulevard (P19-134) The City Clerk read Resolution 19-R88 aloud by title only. Mayor Oravec asked the City Manager if there was a presentation, to which the City Manager replied that it was at the Council's desire. Several Councilmembers indicated that a presentation was not necessary. There being no discussion, Councilwoman Morgan moved to approve Resolution 19-R88. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Resolution 19-R88. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Page 10 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 11.c Resolution 19-R89, Authorizing the City Manager or his 2019-875 Designee to enter and execute an interlocal agreement between the City of Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council for the purpose of developing a master plan for the approximately 1,150 acres of land located in the Southern Grove Development of Regional Impact. The City Clerk read Resolution 19-R89 aloud by title only. Interim Planning and Zoning Director Lamar-Sarno stated that Kim Delaney, with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, was in the audience. She stated that on August 20, 2019, the GFC Board recommended that City staff move forward with an Interlocal Agreement to hire the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council to work on the Southern Grove Master Plan, and directed staff to provide a sub-consultant list, which was provided in the supporting documentation. She said that a scope of service, with a timeline, was also attached. She said that if unsolicited proposals were submitted, staff could work with them. Mayor Oravec stated that the scope and timeline may be missing from his packet. Councilwoman Caraballo asked for backup to be provided in a timely fashion, as she observed the scope and timeline paperwork being placed on the dais when she arrived, and did not have time to properly review it. She asked the City Manager to consider creating a policy that staff highlight or indicate what is being changed when there is an addendum or revision. Councilman Carvelli asked for a cutoff point for the preparation of documents, going forward. Councilwoman Caraballo addressed Dr. Delaney, and said that she was supportive of the partnership, but it was a procedural issue. The City Manager stated that he was not aware that the information was handed out, and that typically, staff tried to not have any handouts after Friday. Vice Mayor Martin said that a red line showing changes would be the best way to do it, going forward. Mayor Oravec said that the Site Plan was easy, but the scope, timeline, and Master Planning process was the meat of the item. He agreed that addendums should be in strikethrough/underline format, and highlighted. Mayor Oravec asked the City Clerk if there was a meeting on October 14th, to which she responded in the affirmative. There being no further discussion, Councilman Carvelli moved to table Resolution 19-R89 to the Regular City Council meeting of October 14th. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion. The City Clerk Page 11 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 restated the motion as follows: for approval to table Resolution 19-R89 to the City Council meeting of October 14th. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Page 12 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 11.d Resolution 19-R90, Interlocal Agreement for Emergency 2019-880 Animal Services The City Clerk read Resolution 19-R90 aloud by title only. The City Manager stated that the Resolution was authorizing an Emergency Animal Services Agreement between St. Lucie County and Fort Pierce. He added that there were some last minute changes that staff was not asking the Council to adopt, specifically. He asked that the Council adopt the Resolution, allowing him and staff to make changes, and it would be brought back for finalization at the Regular Council meeting on October 14th. Mayor Oravec asked if the City Manager needed approval for the interim. The City Attorney replied in the affirmative that it needed to be in place by October 1st, and under Florida Law, an Interlocal Agreement required Council approval. He asked the Council to approve the City Manager to continue negotiations, as the Interlocal Agreement was temporary. He said that it would be brought back for ratification and added that it was the same process that St. Lucie County and Fort Pierce were proposing to their Commissions. Mayor Oravec said that there had to be somewhere to take the animals, beginning October 1st. He asked the City Attorney to explain termination and how the City could be removed from the Agreement. The City Attorney replied that this was one of the most recent sticking points, as the agreements had a Cancellation for Convenience Clause, but the County wanted the City to lock in for a guaranteed 90 days and the City and Fort Pierce were unwilling to do so. He said that he would not be approving anything that locked the City in. Mayor Oravec asked why staff didn't recommend to give the City Manager an emergency authorization, and have it ratified after, to which the City Attorney replied that there were several changes to the language since what was provided with the Agenda. He said that what was in the packet was not the most recent thing that the County proposed, but he was asking the Council to give the City Manager authority to enter the Agreement, and it would be brought for ratification on October 14th. Councilman Carvelli asked whether the Council was authorizing the approval of the contract, to which the City Attorney responded in the negative, and said that Senior Deputy City Attorney Norbraten could explain it better. Mayor Oravec said that he did not like being asked to vote on something that he was not sure of, to which the City Attorney replied that when the Agreement was done, a Special Council meeting could be called. Mayor Oravec said that he was comfortable with the Council directing the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement, on Page 13 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 behalf of the City, for Emergency Animal Control Services, provided that there was a Cancellation for Convenience Clause. The City Attorney replied that it was made clear to the County that the City could only agree to it if it had a Cancellation for Convenience Clause, which was the City's right under law. Senior Deputy City Attorney Norbraten stated that the County contacted her on Friday with requested changes to the 90-day provision. The County had a piece of property that the City would like to use as a temporary shelter, but the County was concerned that they needed 3 months' commitment for it to be fiscally feasible. She said that what they asked for was not necessarily unreasonable, and that their concern was that they did not want the temporary solution to become a permanent solution. She said that the Resolution was allowing the City Manager to negotiate up to the PD's budgeted funds for Animal Services. She said that she did not think that such a high number would be reached, as it was supposed to be a temporary solution. She said that the County and the City were not far apart, but there were a few issues where they differed. Vice Mayor Martin pointed out that the County Facility was located at the Airport. She said that currently, a majority of the animals in the City were taken to the Glades Facility, and asked how much more travel time and out-of-service time there would be, versus taking them to a location such as Palm City. Chief Bolduc said that it would work if staff knew who the vendor was going to be, but right now, there was a third-party who had indicated an interest in being the Emergency Center Operator. He said that once the City got past the Interlocal Agreement, a request for an offer could be made. Vice Mayor Martin said that if the City went with the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, it would be less travel time and they had already indicated that they would be willing to help. Chief Bolduc said that if it got to the point where the City was negotiating with the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, there was a clear indication that it would be the most efficient for both parties. Mayor Oravec asked if the City had to go through the solicitation process for a long-term vendor, to which Chief Bolduc responded in the affirmative, and said that the first step was to get the 3 parties to agree about how they were going to contract a third-party. Ms. Norbraten said that in the Interlocal Agreement and the Resolution, the County or a third-party vendor would be manning the Airport location. Councilman Carvelli asked the City Manager if he anticipated that the costs for Emergency Services was within his Page 14 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 spending authority, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative, and added that he did anticipate that it would cost more than what was budgeted for FY20 in the total year. He said that staff was asking for the Council's approval to allow him to enter into an emergency contract in a form that was somewhat similar to the Emergency Interlocal Agreement that was provided to them, but with the inclusion of a Cancellation Clause. He said that the Agreement would be provided at the next Regular Council meeting. Councilwoman Caraballo asked if the County was prepared to allow adoptions and get the animals placed, while the City was waiting for a long-term solution, to which Chief Bolduc replied that the emergency sheltering would include all components of a shelter, such as what was currently in place. He said that the shelter to the south had been responsive to the needs of the animals in the County, and was helping as the situation unfolded. Councilwoman Caraballo said that it was important to make sure that the animals got adopted, and that the public knew where to go. Vice Mayor Martin said that she was concerned about how taxing it would be on Animal Control to take the animals to the Airport. Chief Bolduc said that the mandatory 5-day holds would be done, and the trips would not occur every time a stray was picked up, but possibly one trip a week. Mayor Oravec asked if there was a scenario where the City could contract with alternate providers, to which Chief Bolduc replied that an RFP could be put out. Mayor Oravec asked if all bidding could be waived, under an emergency, to which Ms. Norbraten replied that the City had the ability, but the goal was to work as a team with the other entities, and Fort Pierce would issue the RFP. She said that the the County was asking that the City could only opt out after 90 days, that there would be 3-month increment extensions of the agreement, and $2,000 additional after May from each entity to make up for lost revenue. Councilman Carvelli asked if it was possible to do an RFP and get a provider within 90 days, to which the City Manager replied that it would be very close. Councilwoman Caraballo asked Chief Bolduc if he thought that the City should work with the Interlocal situation or eventually look at a third-party provider. Chief Bolduc replied that animal sheltering was most cost-effective when there was an economy of scale, and his research showed that the group seeking sheltering services seemed to get prices down to cost the taxpayers the least. He said that was the reason why all 3 entities wanted to work together and that in many Page 15 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 places, there were regional shelters. He said that there were short-term legal issues causing the City to not take a direct path there. Councilwoman Caraballo moved to approve Resolution 19-R90. Councilman Carvelli seconded the motion. Mayor Oravec stated that he was concerned that the newspaper reported that people would not be able to surrender animals to the temporary shelter. He said that he was not okay with it, as dogs would be abandoned in the streets. Vice Mayor Martin said that Melissa McInturff discovered that 83 animals were dropped off at the Humane Society of St. Lucie County in the last 3 weeks. Chief Bolduc said that the City of Port St. Lucie was not going to turn residents away and if people were having issues keeping their animals because of food or vaccinations, the City could try to help them. Vice Mayor Martin asked what the citizens would be told if they wanted to surrender animals, to which Chief Bolduc replied that if someone lived in the City and could no longer care for their animal, they could call Animal Control. Vice Mayor Martin said that the message had to get out. Mayor Oravec asked Chief Bolduc what the capacity of the shelter was, to which Chief Bolduc replied that he did not know. Mayor Oravec asked him to follow up and provide an answer. He asked the City Manager to provide an official statement to the public regarding what was being done and explaining the transition period. Councilwoman Caraballo asked if a temporary contract could be done with the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast to turn over animals that were surrendered. Mayor Oravec said that he wouldn't mind entering into a contract with them, but a motion was made and the Council had to support the City Manager to work it out during the bridge period. The City Attorney suggested amending the motion to give the City Manager the authority to execute the Interlocal Agreement, or if it failed, to enter into an emergency agreement, perhaps with the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, on a temporary basis until the 3 parties could come together, or the City did an RFP. Councilwoman Caraballo amended her motion as follows: to approve Resolution 19-R90, with the stipulation regarding the Interlocal Agreement, as stated by the City Attorney. Councilman Carvelli seconded the amended motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: to approve Resolution 19-R90, with the stipulation regarding the Interlocal Agreement, as stated by the City Attorney. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Page 16 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 11.e Resolution 19-R91, Authorizing the Acquisition of Real 2019-884 Property located at 1333 SE Floresta Drive in Port St. Lucie for the Floresta Drive Improvement Project. The City Clerk read Resolution 19-R91 aloud by title only. The City Manager stated that there was no presentation, unless needed. Mayor Oravec asked if it was for a u-turn. Public Works Director Sweeney replied that it was for one of 3 u-turns on the project, which the City was going to need property for. He said that the parcel was for sale and staff wanted to accelerate the purchase of the property. Mayor Oravec asked if there were any questions of staff, to which there was no response. There being no further discussion, Vice Mayor Martin moved to approve Resolution 19-R91. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Resolution 19-R91. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. 12. Unfinished Business There was nothing scheduled under this item. 13. New Business Page 17 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 13.a Approve Draft 2020 State Legislative Program 2019-881 Deputy City Attorney Gilbert stated that the 2020 Legislative Session was going to convene on January 14, 2020, due to the approval of the Florida Constitution Amendment that was on the ballot in 2018. She said that staff had an accelerated schedule to approve the Legislative Program. The St. Lucie County Legislative Delegation was due to meet on October 7th at Indian River State College. The Draft Program given to the Council reflected the priorities from 2019, as well as septic-to-sewer conversion and additional projects from departmental recommendations. She asked the Council to provide the City's priorities for the 2020 session. She said that staff was recommending a change to the title of the McCarty Ranch item, as the Lobbyist indicated that the City should convey the project with its true intention of water quality restoration. She said that additionally, the Southern Grove Hegener Drive Extension, the Riverwalk Extension Project, and the Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project were the highest priorities recommended by staff. Recommendations that came from the departments included the James E. Anderson Water Treatment Plant Well Field in the amount of $2.4 million, the Veterans' Memorial Water Quality Management Improvement Project, the Westport Wastewater Treatment Facility, and additional monies for recreation. The City was supporting the following requests: the St. Lucie County Legislative Program in areas with like issues, the Florida Department of Transportation's Work Program, the Village Green Corridor Revitalization, the East Coast Greenway, the Indian River Lagoon South, and Everglades Restoration. The City was also recommending support of policies that were resolutions approved by the Florida League of Cities' Policy Committees. Councilman Carvelli said that he was okay with the Top 3, but he was concerned about asking for funding for the Wastewater Treatment Facility, as it was a customer service request. Mayor Oravec agreed, and said that grants could be looked into. Ms. Gilbert pointed out that the Septic-to-Sewer Conversion was the 4th priority, to which Mayor Oravec agreed and said that Riverwalk was at the bottom and it had to be laid out better. He said that he did not want to present other requests. Ms. Gilbert asked if Mayor Oravec wished to remove all other requests. Mayor Oravec replied that the Council focused on the most strategic priorities. Councilwoman Caraballo asked when appropriations requests would be cut off, to which Ms. Gilbert replied that November 15th was the Page 18 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 Senate deadline and the Lobbyist was requesting that all forms be submitted by September 27th. Councilwoman Caraballo stated that she was okay with the Water Quality Restoration Area 4 Project and the Hegener Drive Extension. She said that there was grant funding that would complete the Riverwalk, connecting to the Westmoreland Tract. The City Manager replied that the funding would take the project up to the bridge. She asked that materials be updated through the process, to provide pictures and diagrams of exact locations of the connections for the Riverwalk Extension Project, to show what was being asked. She asked that the name for the Riverwalk Extension Project be changed to make it more marketable to the Legislature, such as adding Tourism to the title. She said that she agreed with the Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project. Mayor Oravec said that he thought that the Riverwalk Project was the weakest, as it was vetoed 2 years ago. He suggested calling the Riverwalk Extension Project the Missing Link. Councilwoman Caraballo said that she was okay with approving things internally, and asked that supporting projects not necessarily be submitted but could be ready to go if the opportunity presented. Ms. Gilbert asked if they would be included as requests in the program, but submit the forms, to which Councilwoman Caraballo replied that she thought the internal documents should be completed in case there was an opportunity, but not submit it in the Legislative Program, nor include it as a request. Mayor Oravec said that he was okay with submitting forms on the 4 priorities, and asked if the Council agreed, to which the Councilmembers responded in the affirmative. Councilman Carvelli said that he would like to invite the delegation in to explain the requests and get them on board. Councilwoman Caraballo asked Mayor Oravec how he wished to proceed, to which Mayor Oravec stated that Senator Harrell and Representative Hogan-Johnson were very supportive of the McCarty Ranch. Ms. Gilbert said that Senator Mayfield is the Subcommittee Chair for the 2 water projects. She suggested finding a way to enhance the relationship with Senator Mayfield. Mayor Oravec pointed out that Hegener Extension made its way to the Governor, but was vetoed. He informed that Senator Harrell said that Septic-to-Sewer had to be a 50/50 match, which could be the no-interest loan or what the customer was going to pay. He asked if construction funding for C-23 St. Lucie River Water Quality Restoration Area 4 was not being asked for, in hopes that water supply money would be received, to which Ms. Gilbert responded in the affirmative. Councilman Carvelli said that there had to be verbiage indicating that it would impact the Page 19 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 Treasure Coast Region. There being no further discussion, Councilman Carvelli moved to approve Item 13 a), with the list of the C-23 St. Lucie River Water Quality Restoration Area 4, Septic-to-Sewer, Southern Grove, and Riverwalk. Councilwoman Caraballo seconded the motion and informed Ms. Gilbert that she wanted to meet with her and the City Manager to discuss whether there were other State opportunities for the Village Green Corridor Revitalization Project. Mayor Oravec said that the application for the Federal grant was not strong. The City Clerk restated the motion as follows: for approval of Item 13 a), with the list of the C-23 St. Lucie River Water Quality Restoration Area 4, Septic-to-Sewer, Southern Grove, and Riverwalk. The City Manager said that other funding opportunities would be pursued for the other requests. 14. City Manager's Report The City Manager announced that the Grand Opening of the Crosstown Parkway Bridge would be on September 28th, and would begin with an official ceremony at 9:00 a.m., a Ribbon-cutting at 10:00 a.m., and a procession going over the Bridge. He said that at 4:00 p.m., the Bridge would be officially opened. He said that there would be tents from community businesses and a children's play area. Mayor Oravec thanked the sponsors and asked the City Manager to make sure that the traffic signals were working the way they were supposed to. Page 20 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes September 23, 2019 15. Councilmembers Report on Committee Assignments Councilwoman Morgan attended the Treasure Coast Safe Kids Board meeting, the Chamber of Commerce's State of the County, and the Fire Board. Councilman Carvelli said that tourists would be coming soon, and the signals on the Crosstown Parkway had to be operational as soon as possible. He said that he met with the Citizens Oversight Committee. Councilwoman Caraballo attended the September 11th Ceremony, the Prima Vista Repaving Public Information Meeting, a Birthday Party with Sandpiper Bay, the Realtors' Association Breakfast, the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities Meeting, the Chamber of Commerce's State of the County, the Florida League of Cities Executive Committee Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting. Vice Mayor Martin said that the Fire Board's Millage remained the same. Mayor Oravec stated that Councilwoman Morgan was appointed to be the primary for the Roundtable, and he would be the alternate. he attended the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meeting. He said that he would be in Washington, D.C. to lobby for continued funding for Everglades Restoration, and he would be in Gainesville to lecture about water quality. 16. Public to be Heard - (if necessary as determined by City Council at conclusion of public to be heard) There was nothing head under this item. 17. Adjourn There being no futher business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. ________________________________ Karen A. Phillips, City Clerk ________________________________ Jeannette C. Baechle, Deputy City Clerk Page 21 of 21