Michael Mortell Appointed Interim City Manager; Term Effective March 31, 2023

City commissioners voted at the Special City Commission Meeting on Thursday (3/9/2023) to appoint current City Attorney Michael Mortell as the interim city manager effective March 31, 2023.
Current City Manager David Dyess' last day will be March 30, 2023.
Commissioners voted 5/0 to appoint Mr. Mortell as the interim manager for a six-month period with a three-month check in to assess his performance and also to give Mr. Mortell time to determine if he would like to pursue a permanent role as City Manager. Commissioner Collins made the initial motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Rich.
Commissioners also voted 5/0 to approach former City Manager and City Attorney Paul Nicoletti as interim City Attorney on an hourly or flat-fee monthly contract basis. Commissioner Clarke motion to have Paul Nicoletti become interim City Attorney; Commissioner Bruner seconded the motion.
The Thursday, March 9, 2023, Special City Commission Meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.

Michael Mortell, City of Stuart City Attorney to become interim City of Stuart interim City Manager effective March 31, 2023.

Memorial Park Phase 4 Amphitheater to be Discussed at March 13 City Commission Meeting

Phase 4 of Memorial Park will be presented at this coming Monday's City Commission Meeting by Doug Fitzwater of Lucido & Associates.

Below is the site plan, and concepts for the amphitheater and entry area. Please join us at the March 13 City Commission Meeting, beginning at 4:00 p.m., to learn more about this project.

Neighborhood Clean-Up Saturday, March 18

The City of Stuart will host a Neighborhood Clean-up for Bessey Creek, Frazier, Potsdam, Indian Groves/Poppleton and Casa Terrace residential neighborhoods Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
During the cleanup, City of Stuart sanitation trucks comb the streets of these neighborhoods to collect bulk items, such as appliances and furniture, miscellaneous trash, and yard waste that residents place at the curb. There is no fee for the extra pickups during this cleanup.
The Martin County HazMobile will be parked at the host location in Shepard Park for the convenient drop-off of household hazardous waste such as paints, oils, and household cleaners. Residents may also bring old electronics for recycling to this same central location.
For a complete listing of acceptable hazardous materials or to find out what month the City will host a Neighborhood Cleanup in your neighborhood, visit www.cityofstuart.us or call (772) 600-1206.

Water Fest Gearing Up to Educate Public on the Value of Water and Importance of Protecting Water Resources and the Environment

Annual Festival Teaming Once Again with Mutt March and Students4H20

The City of Stuart in collaboration with the Students4H2O, and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast are once again teaming up to host a combined free event — Water Fest and Mutt March —on March 25, 2023, at Memorial Park in Stuart.
The annual water and environmental festival is designed to educate the public on the value of water and the importance of protecting our water resources and the environment.
Attendees can expect to have fun while learning at more than 50 exhibitor booths providing environmental lessons via hands-on activities, games, contests, and crafts for all ages. Water Fest begins at 10 a.m., ending at 2 p.m.
Food trucks will be on site, the Acacia Lodge No. 163 will have hamburgers and hotdogs available for purchase, and event attendees will be able to enjoy face painting, contests, demonstrations, educational activities, and music throughout the event.
The Mutt March is an annual event produced by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast focusing on family and four-legged friendly event activities including a dog-friendly 5k and 10k race, pet photo booths, canine costume contest, mini derby races, and more.
After a 7 a.m. check-in, a 5k and 10k run for both people and pets will kick off Mutt March festivities beginning at 8 a.m. Awards will be presented at 9:30 a.m. Prospective runners are encouraged to register in advance online for $35 at www.hstc.org/muttmarch. At 10 a.m., Water Fest gates will open and at 10:20 a.m., guests will be able to parade their pets around the park in a group walk.
Memorial Park is located at 300 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart.
For more information on Water Fest, including participating vendors and activities, contact Anne Ellig, Program Manager, City of Stuart at (772) 600-1206 or aellig@ci.stuart.fl.us.
For more information regarding Mutt March, contact Courtney Zanetti at czanetti@hstc1.org or (772) 600-3211. And, for more information regarding Students4H2O, please contact Adriana Mancini at (772) 220-0279 or by email at info@Students4H2O.org.

Irrigation Reminder

The City of Stuart reminds residents and business in city limits to limit irrigation to no more than two days a week.

Watering schedules for odd and even addresses are shown below.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Temporary Road & Lane Closures

The following temporary road and lane closures are scheduled accommodate festivals, special events, road paving and utilities projects.

Sections of S.E. High School Ave., from S.E. Ocean Blvd., to 5th Street, March 2-30, 2023, will be closed for the installation of a utility force main replacement. Lane and road closures with detours and traffic control signage will be place. Both motorists and pedestrians can expect traffic delays.

For additional information, please call (772) 288-5398 or (772) 221-4700.

Dates to Remember & Special Notices

Agenda for March 13, 2023, City Commission Meeting

City of Stuart Commission meetings are conducted in the City Hall Chambers and are streamed live. (View HERE). City Hall Chambers are open to the public during the meetings.
Summary of Expected Action Items / Presentations:
1. ARTS MOMENT - CHAZ RUSSELL, STEEL DRUM DUET
PROCLAMATIONS
2. IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH - MARCH 2023
PRESENTATIONS
3. SERVICE AWARDS
4. INDIAN RIVER LAGOON NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM
5. POPULATION STUDY FOR THE CITY OF STUART AND THE UTILITY SERVICE AREA.
6. PHASE 4 MEMORIAL PARK
CONSENT CALENDAR
7. APPROVAL OF 02/27/2023 CCM MINUTES
8. RESIN REPLACEMENT WATER TREATMENT FACILITY (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 17-2023; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING BUDGET ADMENDMENT NO. 9 TO THE 2022-2023 ENTERPRISE FUND; APPROPRIATING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR RESIN REPLACEMENT IN THE VESSELS USED IN THE REMOVAL OF PFAS AT THE CITY’S WATER TREATMENT FACILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
9. RELATING TO SB 102 AND HB 627 ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING PREEMPTIONS (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 18-2023; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, REQUESTING STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE MODIFY LANGUAGE IN SENATE BILL 102 AND HOUSE BILL 627 RELATING TO HOUSING; URGING THE LEGISLATURE TO NOT PREEMPT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM THE LOCAL REGULATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
COMMISSION ACTION
10. LEASE NEGOTIATION AUTHORIZATION FOR DOG PARK CAFE:
RESOLUTION No. 19-2023; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF AN OFF LEASH DOG CAFÉ AT THE POPPLETON CREEK DOG PARK; FURHTER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY APPLICATIONS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN SITE PLAN APPROVAL OR A BUILDING PERMIT NECESSARY FOR THE OPERATION OF SAME; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
ORDINANCE SECOND READING
11. 751 SE CENTRAL PARKWAY - REZONING FROM COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (QUASI-JUDICIAL) (RC):
ORDINANCE No. 2487-2023; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO REZONE REAL PROPERTY FROM COMMERCIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT “CPUD” TO RESIDENTIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT “RPUD” FOR A 4.88-ACRE PARCEL, LOCATED AT 751 SE CENTRAL PARKWAY; SAID LAND BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED; ESTABLISHING THE SAILFISH CAY RPUD CONSISTING OF SIXTY (60) TOWNHOUSE UNITS; APPROVING A MASTER SITE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS AND A TIMETABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT, DECLARING THE PLAN TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
ORDINANCE FIRST READING
12. FS PROPRTIES LLC., ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (RC):
ORDINANCE No. 2513-2023; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP; TO REFLECT THE REZONING OF A 0.68 ACRE PARCEL; LOCATED AT 2970 SE DOMINICA TERRACE; BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED; FROM COMMERCIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT “CPUD” TO BUSINESS – GENERAL (B-2) ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
DISCUSSION AND DELIVERATION
ADJOURNMENT

FUTURE CITY OF STUART MEETINGS

Special Commission Meeting - Attorney - Client
March 13, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Regular City Commission Meeting
March 13, 4:00 p.m.

Magistrate Hearing
March 15, 2:00 p.m.

Local Planning Agency (LPA)
March 15, 5:30 p.m.

Community Redevelopment Agency
March 27, 4:30 p.m.

Regular City Commission Meeting
March 27, 5:30 p.m.

Calendar of Events

Park Tai Chi
With FAI Certified Instructor Patti Craig
Every Tuesday, 10 a.m.
Memorial Park, 300 SE Ocean Blvd
Every Thursday, 10 a.m.
Downtown Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
More information: (772) 288-5340

Riverside Yoga
Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.
Every Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
Riverwalk State, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
More information: (772) 288-5340

Yoga on the Lawn
Every Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.
Memorial Park, 300 SE Ocean Blvd
$5
More information: (772) 288-5340

Zumba
With Certified Instructor Linda Mendoza
Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
Downtown Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
More information: (772) 288-5340

Market on Main
Every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Flagler Park, 201 SW Flagler Avenue
Produced by Stuart Main Street
More Information: (772) 286-2848

Rock'n Riverwalk
Every Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
Produced by Stuart Main Street and DBA
More information: (772) 286-2848