Regular Meeting of the Stuart City Commission

Date: September 25, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Commission Chambers 121 SW Flagler Ave.
Stuart, Florida 34994

Mayor Troy McDonald gave the order for the meeting. Vice Mayor Becky Bruner, Commissioner Christopher Collins, Commissioner Eula R. Clarke, and Commissioner Campbell Rich were among the commissioners in attendance.

Comments by City Commissioners: Every commissioner gave a succinct report and offered insights on current projects in their individual districts.
Comments by City Manager: Michael J. Mortell, the city manager, gave an update on the Regular Meeting of the Stuart City Commission, stressing important accomplishments as well as future initiatives.
Approval of Agenda: The commissioners unanimously agreed on the suggested agenda.
Comments from the Public: A number of locals spoke before the commission, sharing their worries and recommendations regarding a range of subjects unrelated to the agenda.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: There were no objections to the minutes from the meetings that were conducted on September 7, 2023, and September 11, 2023.
Update Employee Handbook: Resolution No. 69-2023, which was passed by unanimous vote, approved the amendments to Chapters 11 (Employee Recognition) and 13 (Leave Time and Leaves of Absence) of the City Employee Policy Handbook.
Memorandum of Understanding with UF-IFAS: By Resolution No. 79-2023, the commission approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the UF/IFAS Extension “Florida Friendly Landscaping” (FFL) programs.

Stuart Christmas Parade Road Closure: A majority vote was held to approve Resolution No. 85-2023, which closes the road for the Annual Visiting Nurse Association’s Stuart Christmas Parade on December 1, 2023.
Award of ITB #2023-111: Resolution No. 88-2023 was passed, authorizing the award of ITB #2023-111 to Sunbelt Waste Equipment, Inc. for the $80,800.00 total unit cost of converting a front load truck into a roll-off truck.
Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreements: By Resolutions Nos. 91-2023 and No. 92-2023, respectively, the commission approved the third-year reopeners of the collective bargaining agreements between the city and the Professional Firefighters of Stuart, Local #2411 (IAFF) and the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (PBA).

Confirmation of City Attorney Appointment: Lee J. Baggett’s appointment as City Attorney was confirmed and an employment contract was authorized with the passage of Resolution No. 93-2023.
Ordinance Second Reading – Abandonment of S.E. Ocean Avenue: Following careful consideration and discussion, the abandonment of a portion of the city’s public right-of-way was approved.
Amendment of Chapter 22, Fire Prevention: Ordinance No. 2522-2023, which mandates the electronic reporting of all fire protection system inspection reports.
Amendment of Chapter 26, Law Enforcement, and Chapter 28, Offenses: Following a thorough debate, Ordinance No. 2523-2023 was adopted, modifying the Stuart City Code with relation to fines and outlawing the destruction of public property.

Discussion and Deliberation: The commissioners held a quick discussion on a range of topics, placing a special emphasis on citizen participation and community development.

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