Edmund Bas

The Board discussed various proclamations, including Guardian ad Litem Month and National Autism Awareness Month. Key agenda items included the establishment of zoning regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries, amendments to Fire/EMS protection impact fees, and amendments to impact fees for libraries, parks, law enforcement, and public buildings. The Board also reviewed a future land use map amendment for the Ravinia project and approved a conditional use permit and major site plan for the FPL Loggerhead Solar Energy Center. Additionally, the Board reviewed the final assessment resolution for the Fra Mar/Wagner Municipal Services Benefit Unit regarding potable water and fire protection improvements.

The Board discussed the review committee rankings for the Request for Qualifications regarding the operation and development of the former Indian River Terminal at the Port of Fort Pierce. Following extensive public comment in support of the proposers, the Board determined that additional time and interviews were necessary for proper consideration. Consequently, a motion was passed to continue the item to a future special hearing for additional interview sessions with both proposers.

The Board meeting included the approval of several proclamations, including National Farm to School Month, National Business Women Week, and Disability Employment Awareness Month. Presentations were made regarding a visit from Liberian dignitaries, a Hurricane Dorian relief fundraiser, and a lifetime achievement award for Richard Bouchard. The board also addressed various administrative and consent agenda items, such as grant agreements, municipal services benefit unit notices of intent, and contract amendments for infrastructure projects. Public hearings were held to abandon a utility and drainage easement and to consider an amendment to a development agreement. Additionally, the Board discussed opioid litigation participation, the purchase of a property for a family health care center, and a lease addendum related to the Port of Fort Pierce.

The board discussed and addressed several administrative and operational items, including public comments regarding access to Pineland Preserve and the approval of the consent agenda, which covered warrants, lease amendments, various professional engineering service qualifications, and resolution approvals for emergency management, public works projects, and utility service extensions. Additionally, the board held public hearings to declare surplus property, amend the fiscal year budget, and conduct the first public hearing regarding an amendment to the Silver Oaks development agreement. The board also appointed a member to the planning and zoning commission and approved the replacement of stadium seating.

The meeting was convened to continue the interview process for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 18-049 regarding the operation and development of the former Indian River Terminal at the Port of Fort Pierce. The Board conducted closed, recorded sessions with two proposers, Fort Pierce Yacht & Ship, LLC and Derecktor Shipyards, to engage in question-and-answer exchanges concerning their proposals, business models, financial plans, job creation projections, and environmental strategies. Additionally, the Board heard extensive public comments from residents and local representatives regarding these proposals prior to the sessions.