Commission approves Venue Works management of Sunrise Theater, increases outside legal budget

The Fort Pierce City Commission approved a management agreement with New Works of Fort Pierce LLC (doing business as Venue Works) to operate the Sunrise Theater, and separately voted to increase the city's purchase order for outside legal services.

HR Cook, who identified himself as "HR Cook with Venue Works management firm out of Ames, Iowa," spoke during public comment before the votes and said he was grateful for the welcome from staff and residents and looked forward to operating the historic Sunrise Theater. "We've been very welcomed by everyone," he told the commission.

Commissioners discussed contract provisions for termination and renewal. Commissioner Zadofsky flagged sections 7.6 and 7.7 (termination without cause and notice periods) and asked staff who will monitor contract performance. City staff said the project manager in procurement would track the contract and that Miss Wallace and Miss Harnish will share operational oversight and fiscal monitoring.

Commissioner Broderick urged close oversight in the early months and asked for regular updates. "I would suggest that because this is the contract to operate the Sunrise... the commission needs to keep their eyes on this from an operational standpoint to make sure this is staying within the guardrails," he said; the commission requested 90-day updates in the initial term.

On the consent agenda the commission also approved an increase in the outside-legal services purchase order for Grey Robinson (PO 260270) from $40,000 to $100,000. Commissioner Broderick said the line is used by the city attorney's office "for supplemental services required by the city attorney's office for issues the city finds itself involved in, be it complex contractual issues or complex real estate issues."

Votes and next steps: The management agreement becomes effective June 1; staff agreed to deliver regular 90-day operational and fiscal updates to the commission while the vendor establishes operations. The legal-services increase was approved at the meeting to ensure adequate funding for outside counsel on unanticipated litigation or specialized matters.