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FPUA director praises crews after storm; board asks staff to follow up on public comments about liens and vehicle damage
Summary
Director summarized mutual‑aid restoration after tornadoes and high winds that left about 15,000 customers briefly without power; board commended crews and directed staff to follow up on a public question about liens and a resident's unresolved vehicle‑damage claim.
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority Director briefed the board on an intensive multi‑day response to tornadoes and wind damage tied to recent storms and thanked FPUA crews and mutual‑aid partners for rapid restoration work.
"Every storm is very different, but FPUA's response is the same. We are your hometown utility and, very proud to serve our community," Mister Cisneros said as he summarized restoration work that restored about 94% of affected customers within 24 hours and essentially completed restorations within 48 hours with the help of mutual‑aid crews.
During the public‑comment period, Jock Chester, a local real‑estate broker, asked why meters are left in place and charges continue for properties with prolonged unpaid utility bills that later appear as liens and can block property transfers. Chester told the board he met with affected families and asked the utility to consider policies that would prevent liens from deterring transactions.
Shontay Smith told the board her vehicle was damaged July 18 after hitting a large indentation on 13th Street; she said she has been in contact with city risk staff and FPUA HR/risk but, three months later, the repair remains unresolved. "How long is too long for me to get my vehicle fixed after the defect that I've encountered in the road?" Smith asked.
Board members asked staff to follow up on both public comments and report back; the director said FPUA would work through the Florida League of Cities process for claims and close the loop with the commenters before the next board meeting or earlier if possible.
