FPRA approves JC Park funding interlocal, Sunrise Center art agreement and advisory committee appointment

The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency approved several routine and project-specific actions at its July 14 meeting.

The board unanimously approved FPRA Resolution 26-18, an interlocal funding agreement with the City of Fort Pierce to fund improvements at JC Park while the city will manage project delivery and oversight. Staff said the agreement clarifies responsibilities for project management and bid awards.

The agency also approved FPRA Resolution 26-21, an interlocal agreement to fund elevator cab improvements, exterior door repairs and public-art murals in the Sunrise Center parking garage (a city facility originally constructed with FPRA funds). Staff said bids for contractors and artist proposals will be returned to the board for award.

FPRA Resolution 26-19, a first extension to a commercial façade-improvement grant for the bed-and-breakfast at 515 South Indian River Drive, was approved after staff reported the property recently obtained a fire permit and is working through grease-trap issues; staff recommended the extension and the board approved it.

The board also held a ballot to fill two at-large seats on the Community Redevelopment Agency advisory committee; the public ballot tallies announced in the meeting were Edward Beck (8 votes) and Jessica Sampson (2 votes). The board then moved and approved the appointments by roll call.

During the consent-agenda review a board member flagged a line-item discrepancy for a small gazebo or pavilion roof showing $49,975 in one document but $25,000 in a budget sheet; staff was asked to verify the figures before final contract awards. Staff also reported that 'BigBelly' compacting garbage cans have been installed downtown as a pilot; staff said they will consider expansion to the Peacock Arts District and Lincoln Park in the next fiscal year if the pilot proves successful.

All formal resolutions presented that evening were approved on motions and recorded roll-call votes of the commissioners present; there was no recorded dissent on the votes taken at the meeting.