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Commission approves interim Jetty Linear Park license, election precincts, appointments and unanimously confirms city manager’s police chief pick
Summary
The commission approved a one‑year extension of the Army Corps license for Jetty Linear Park, passed resolutions naming polling places and board appointments, and unanimously approved the city manager’s selection of David Smith as the next police chief; staff will negotiate his contract and return it for ratification.
The City of Fort Pierce commission took several formal actions at its Dec. 8 meeting, approving an interim license extension for Jetty Linear Park, routine resolutions and the city manager’s police chief appointment.
Jetty Linear Park license: The commission approved a supplemental agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to extend the existing license that allows the city to operate and modify Jetty Linear Park for one additional year — moving the expiration to Dec. 13, 2026 — while staff and the Corps finalize negotiations on a longer five‑year renewal. Marsha Kamond, special projects coordinator in public works, explained the city holds a longer lease through 2034 but the license that allows park operations is on a separate schedule; commissioners agreed an interim extension is necessary to avoid an expired license and directed staff to seek a longer renewal term.
Resolutions and appointments: The commission approved Resolution 25‑R81, designating precinct polling places for the Jan. 13, 2026 special runoff election, and Resolution 25‑R83, confirming appointments to the Veil Service Appeals Board (appointing Steve DiPalma and reappointing Thora Moore). Both measures passed on roll call votes.
Police chief appointment: City Manager Mr. Chess announced his selected candidate, David Smith (identified in the meeting record from the Prince William County Police Department), and the commission voted unanimously to approve the selection. Commissioners cited Mr. Smith’s presentations at community meet‑and‑greets, his focus on data and succession planning, and union outreach as reasons for support. The city attorney said contract terms will be negotiated from standard precedent and returned to the commission for final approval.
Action details (summary): - Jetty Linear Park license extension (supplemental agreement): approved by roll call; staff to negotiate five‑year renewal with the Army Corps. - Resolution 25‑R81 (polling places): approved by roll call. - Resolution 25‑R83 (board appointments): approved by roll call. - Police chief appointment (David Smith): approved unanimously; contract negotiations to follow with staff to return the contract for commission ratification.
