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FPRA names Richard Chess director after wide-ranging debate on governance and reporting
Summary
After an extended discussion over whether the FPRA director should be a separate position or combined with the city manager role, the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency approved Resolution 25-11 appointing Richard Chess as FPRA director and directed staff to work with HR and legal to clarify reporting and responsibilities.
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency on May 13 appointed Richard Chess as FPRA director by adopting Resolution 25-11, after an extended, substantive discussion about whether the FPRA should be led by the city manager or by an independently appointed director.
Resolution 25-11 names Richard Chess as the FPRA director. Commissioners debated the advantages and risks of keeping the FPRA director position combined with the city manager’s post versus creating a separate, directly reporting director. Supporters of a separate director argued it would create a direct line of responsibility to the FPRA board, protect stewardship of FPRA funds and provide a “guard dog at the door” for the agency’s assets. Other commissioners said keeping the roles linked can speed coordination because FPRA projects rely on city services such as finance, procurement, human resources, public works and planning.
City Attorney Sarah Hedges said the board could appoint a director who reports directly to the FPRA board and that the FPRA’s establishing ordinance does not require a formal search; HR would need to address nitty-gritty questions about reporting, employee policies and disciplinary procedures. Ms. Harnage (Community and Economic Development Director / CRA administrator) said templates and staff adjustments can be made to accommodate minors and other program details; she also suggested options such as a deputy director or increased board-facing reporting.
Richard Chess, who addressed the board, described the FPRA as a “blended component unit” that uses city systems for payroll, procurement and grants administration and said, “I can definitely manage that and do that, and I'd rather be in this seat managing areas that impact me than not managing it.” He added that, if the responsibilities became too large, he would recommend hiring or appointing another person to the role.
Board members asked staff to work with HR, finance and legal to produce a clear delineation of reporting, oversight and how FPRA employees relate to city policies. Several commissioners said they wanted improved, regular, direct communication with FPRA staff on projects and budgets. At the meeting’s conclusion, after the discussion and an opportunity for Mr. Chess and Ms. Harnage to speak, the board voted unanimously to appoint Richard Chess as FPRA director. The board directed staff to return with an HR/organizational plan clarifying reporting lines and operational details.
