Fort Pierce Commission approves EDC contract, police wage reopener and annexation; selects Gaines as mayor pro tem

The Fort Pierce City Commission met Jan. 5 and unanimously approved a series of routine and substantive measures, including a services agreement with the Economic Development Council of Saint Lucie County, a police wage reopener, and the annexation of a parcel near Skylark Drive.

Commissioners voted to approve a one-year service agreement with the Economic Development Council of Saint Lucie County Inc. for up to $62,500 to fund studies and economic development strategy work, including work described as related to the Kings Highway jobs corridor. Commissioner Chris Broderick asked staff to clarify whether annexation-specific work and any subcontracting costs are included in the $62,500 cap; staff said the scope refers to studies and program development and agreed to provide clarity on billing before finalizing details. "We need to find that out," Broderick said, asking for confirmation that the contract is inclusive.

The commission also approved authorization for Mayor Hudson to attend the Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, Jan. 25–28, 2026, at an estimated cost of $1,366.97. Commissioners characterized the trip as a four-day advocacy effort to raise local concerns with state legislators and committee staff.

On labor matters, the commission approved a wage reopener agreement with the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association sergeant and lieutenant unit for the Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2027 contract period. Jared Sorensen, the city's HR manager, explained the agreement implements an economic wage opener and a step program that increases step amounts; he said changes are retroactive to Oct. 1 and that affected employees should see adjustments on the Jan. 23 payroll. "When we negotiated a contract, we had a wage opener for each year of the contract...this is the economic portion that was opened," Sorensen said, describing step increases that in some cases will amount to roughly double-digit percentage adjustments for individual employees.

On land-use action, the commission adopted Ordinance 25-038 on second reading to annex a parcel near 906 Skylark Drive, set the property’s land-use and zoning to medium-density residential and direct the county and state to update records accordingly. No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Commissioners also advanced Ordinance 26-001 on first reading to extend the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency's expiration to December 2042 under section 163.3755 of the Florida Statutes; the item passed first reading. The commission confirmed the mayor pro tem rotation and approved Commissioner Arnold Gaines to serve as mayor pro tem.

Other business included certification of the mayor's reappointment of Brandon Noble to the Fort Pierce Housing Authority and a parks advisory committee reappointment. Commissioners discussed steps staff can take to make clear to residents that the housing authority operates independently and suggested posting contact information and explanatory material on the city's website.

During public comment, Edgar Copeland asked what officials do at the Florida League of Cities meetings, and Jamerick Morel asked the commission to address littering that affects beaches and tourism. Commissioners invited follow-up and offered to work with residents on cleanup ideas.

City staff gave an update on a pending police chief contract expected for consideration at a Jan. 12 meeting; Jared Sorensen said the chief is tentatively scheduled to start Feb. 1, pending final review.

The meeting concluded with community announcements including reminders about early voting and a ribbon cutting for the FPUA water reclamation facility.

Votes at a glance: - Approval: Economic Development Council services agreement (up to $62,500) — approved by roll call. - Approval: Mayor travel to Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days — approved by roll call. - Approval: Police PBA (sergeant/lieutenant) wage reopener (retroactive to Oct. 1, 2025) — approved by roll call. - Approval: Ordinance 25-038 (annexation of parcel near 906 Skylark Drive) — adopted on second reading by roll call. - Approval: Ordinance 26-001 (FPRA expiration extended to Dec. 2042) — advanced on first reading by roll call. - Approval: Selection of Commissioner Arnold Gaines as mayor pro tem — approved by roll call. - Approval: Resolution certifying Brandon Noble appointment to the Housing Authority — approved by roll call. - Approval: Resolution reappointing Betty Lassane to Parks Advisory Committee — approved by roll call.

The commission adjourned at the close of the meeting; the next scheduled meeting is Jan. 12, 2026, which will include final consideration of a police chief contract if submitted to the commission.