BCC Minutes 03/07/2017 J (w/Naples City Council) March 7, 2017
MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP MEETING
Naples, Florida, March 7, 2017
LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Board of County Commissioners in and for the
County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM in a
WORKSHOP SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida
with the Following members present:
Chairman: Penny Taylor
Vice Chairman: Andy Solis
Donna Fiala
Burt L. Saunders
William L. McDaniel, Jr.
CITY OF NAPLES:
Bill Barnett, Mayor
Linda Penniman, Vice Mayor
Bill Moss, City Manager
Reg Buxton, Council Member
Doug Finlay, Council Member
Michelle McLeod, Council Member
Sam J. Saad III, Council Member
Ellen Seigel, Council Member
Dana Souza, City of Naples HR Director
ALSO PRESENT:
Leo Ochs, County Manager
Jeff Klatzkow, County Attorney
Nick Casalanguida, Deputy County Manager
Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Management
Tammy Williams, Library Director
Michelle Arnold, PTNE Director
Kim Grant, Community & Human Services Director
Dr. George Yilmaz , Public Utilities Department Director
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JOINT MEETING AGENDA
COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AND THE NAPLES CITY COUNCIL Board of County Commission Chambers Collier County Government Center 3299 Tamiami Trail East, 3rd Floor Naples, FL 34112
March 7, 2017
9:00 AM
COLLIER COUNTY
Commissioner Penny Taylor, District 4 – BCC Chair
Commissioner Andy Solis, District 2 – BCC Vice-Chair
Commissioner Donna Fiala, District 1; CRAB Co-Chair
Commissioner Burt Saunders, District 3
Commissioner William L. McDaniel, Jr., District 5; CRAB Co-Chair
CITY OF NAPLES
Mayor Bill Barnett
Vice-Mayor Linda Penniman
Council Member Reg Buxton
Council Member Doug Finlay
Council Member Michelle McLeod
Council Member Sam J. Saad III
Council Member Ellen Seigel
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Public Beach Parking, Access and Renourishment
3. Public Services
a. Parks and Libraries
b. Public Transportation
c. Housing
4. Transportation and Stormwater
5. Countywide Ethics Commission
6. Public Comments
7. Adjourn
NOTICE: All persons wishing to speak on Agenda items must register prior to presentation of the Agenda item to be addressed. All registered speakers will receive up to three (3) minutes unless the time is adjusted by the chairman.
March 7, 2017
Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the
video recording from the Collier County Communications and Customer Relations
Department or view online.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Penny Taylor called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. The Pledge of
Allegiance was recited.
2. Public Beach Parking, Access and Renourishment.
County Manager Leo Ochs opened the meeting, providing a brief overview of the items
City Manager William Moss sent in addition to items that caused interest among the
County Commissioners, most notably the potential of a county-wide ethics commission,
on the basis that both agencies would benefit from the discussion. The goal of the
workshop is to open discussion between the City and County on if and how to proceed on
several items of mutual interest, first of which were public beach parking, access, and
renourishment.
City Manager Bill Moss outlined a local agreement in which Collier, Collier pays
Naples, offsetting costs of beach use and parking by non-city residents for 13,000 beach
parking spaces. Both the county and city issue the stickers, but neither charge for the
program, which allow owners to park without cost on beach parking spaces.
Councilman Finley began speaking about the issue in detail. The program began in 2008
and is scheduled to end in June of 2018. He raises the question: Does the city feel
properly compensated for beach maintenance and parking? The County started charging
non-residents for parking in 2007, starting at $35 and has increased to $50. He doesn't
know why the county charges non-residents; probably because non-residents don't
contribute ad valorum taxes long-term. State requirements for the definition of beach
parking are within 1/4 of a mile of the beach. The City has 13,004 beach parking spaces,
while the County has 13,044.
Potential renegotiation of this 10-year agreement is more of an issue of equity,
recognizing the high value of beach parking. As the city's population increases, the value
of beach parking will commensurately rise. There are inquiries about the existence of a
program to buy or create more beach parking? The City has supplied 49% of spaces,
while the county supplies 51%. The City sends the County $31,000 per year per capita,
while the County sends $3 to the city per capita.
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March 7, 2017
It's not just about beach parking, but the County's use of"our" City parks. The park
system is not getting enough support through money transfer. Contract disagreement is
up for renegotiation.
Councilman Finley raises the idea charging residents $50 for beach parking, city could
charge on its own or negotiate transfer from General Fund or 111 fund that would be
appropriate for the county.
Commissioner Fiala asked if city residents use county parks?
Councilman Finley said yes. The City sends $60 million to the County, which makes up
25% of city ad revenue. It was noted, 75% of park users are city residents; 25% of Collier
County's tax base comes from the City of Naples.
Commissioner Saunders appreciates the free beach parking stickers, says price has
stayed consistent for 10-years, and asked how long 1 million dollars has been in place.
Councilman Finley said it's a 10-year agreement in its ninth year.
Commissioner Saunders is interested in discussing the 1 million dollar fee and a fair
share allocation or increase.
Commissioner Taylor pointed out that the agreement was put in place in June, 2008, and
the City should consider itself lucky the contract went through before the recession.
The County let 200 people go in 2008.
County Manager Ochs concurs with Commissioner Saunders and admits there should
be discussion regarding allocations. He emphasizes the rise of a thought process in the
discussion: "It's not your beach, it's not your city, it's ours. It's our beach, we all need to
work together to find a solution. A vernacular shift is required. It's all ours, not yours and
my parks." There is a dividing line in rhetoric of"us vs. them". What can we do together,
rather than drawing a line in the sand?
Councilman Finley admits that it is the State's beach, with City and County parking.
Commissioner Solis asked about the timing of the programs.
Dana Souza, Human Resources Director for the City of Naples explained statistics based
upon the last fiscal year, ending October of 2016.
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March 7, 2017
Commissioner Sc is is of the same mind as his colleagues regarding charging for beach
passes, a fundamental shift, but is open to further statistics, emphasizes equitability.
Commissioner Fiala asked if people can take buses to the beach and spoke on
accessibility for those citizens without funds to buy a $50.00 beach parking sticker.
Councilman Finley discussed how Naples, to his knowledge, has never had a problem
with beachfront landowners trying to run citizens off their property. "We are a very, very
accommodating city and it will stay that way." He cited citizens from Coquina Sands
were unable to park at Lowdermilk Park because Collier County residents filled the
parking lot. As the city grows, the problem will become more obvious and difficult. He
admits at times he becomes mired in statistics and suggested a refocus on generalities.
Commissioner Saunders gave direction to managers to sit down and discuss the 1 million
dollar fee and gave ninety days for a more equitable number. Commissioners are
interested in maintaining the sticker system as is, with the agreement on possible fee.
Commissioners agreed that ninety days allows enough time to continue to assess the
parking issue and"pin down numbers during season and the summer.
Mayor Bill Barnett agreed he would leave everything on the table, and the issue would
be approached later.
Commissioner Taylor discussed potentially bringing in the CRA's $130 million dollars of
incoming revenue. Mayor Barnett tabled that aspect of the discussion until more data is
brought in.
The was discussion regarding ad valorum taxes and how they are set up to support
services that aid both city and county residents including libraries, police, and EMS.
Commissioner Solis thinks there needs to be a comprehensive review that is much bigger
than just beach parking, but everything that works together.
Commissioner McDaniel shifted the topic of conversation to beach renourishment,
focusing on engaging other municipalities up the coast to reach economies of scale
regarding renourishment.
Commissioner Saunders wants to keep the issue confined to beach parking first,
especially the contract due to expire and the million dollars, focusing on staff's return in
ninety days with further conversation.
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March 7, 2017
The Commissioners and City discussed traffic issues and certain limits both the City and
County have, with the focus on developing the necessary infrastructure, focus shifts to
overall Naples development.
Commissioner Taylor reminded those in attendance it was the County that persuaded
FDOT to study the "Four Corners", with more hotels being built and an overall increase
in density. With Naples's focus on small town, and low density, the question then
becomes, how can;we get traffic moving in downtown Naples?
Mayor Barnett discussed the City and County must work together to see if they can
develop a plan as far as how to get in and out of the city. Is the fifth cent tax a solution?
Using money to pay down debt for new sports complex, travelling teams will use it in
addition to local teams. Who will promote the area if promotion dollars are shifted to
beach renourishment? No other county has two Ritz Carlton's and Marriott's, and will
eventually have a Four Seasons. Sports tourism makes sure hotels east of 41 have people
in them (parents) as a year-round endeavor.
Increased storm activity and sea level rise means that the commission will be moving
those funds. Commissioner Fiala asked where the sand was building up, and could it be
reclaimed back onto the beach? Hotels can promote Naples beaches on their own, but
can't renourish beaches.
There were several questions raised by council members. County staff Gary McAlpin
was asked to answer those questions. He stated 65-70% of sand is retained underneath the
beach itself, it supports the dry beach, allows the beach to stay in place. Berms in the
ocean serve systemic purpose and prevent cliff development within the beach. The sand
stays in the system, but there will always need to be some kind of renourishment; it's
inevitable.
Commissioner Taylor mentioned that the only time there was ever a tourist tax, it was
specifically for the beaches, otherwise it would not have passed. With no 50% match by
federal and state commissions, federal money won't be forthcoming, and "we've seen
what has happened with the State".
B. Public Transportation
There was a general focus on getting people to beaches through combined network of city
and county buses.
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March 7, 2017
Mayor Barnett is open to other modes of transportation and relates to the traffic issue.
He said getting to the beach is the worst part. What kind of transportation would be under
discussion? How many trips would get people to beaches and from where?
Would like this to be pklaced on a future council agenda.
Councilmember Saad brought up how there is no way to get buses to beach without
going through residential neighborhoods. Should CAT or a private trolley be used for this
purpose?
Commissioner Solis, Councilmember Saad, and City Manager Moss discussed how the
city system is so new; there is no data on ridership or pressure due to locations such as
beaches, employment centers, or malls.
Councilman Finley mentioned how buses might alleviate some of the parking issue,
however there are only 2 commercial beachfront properties in the County area, which is
unusual in the State of FL. Gulfshore Blvd. is very narrow, and Parkshore drive has
15,000 vehicles coming in, most residential. Realistically there would be pushback from
residents, no decisions, simply dialogue. There is general assent on opening dialogue
with residents.
Attendees called on Michelle Arnold to give details on the routes. The CAT system
operates on 90 minutes intervals, depending on the route. Most are 60 minutes, frequency
is an issue and must be increased on US 41 and Golden Gate, thus increasing use of the
CAT systems on arterial streets. The route frequency should be addressed.
Vice-County Manager Nick Casalanguida provided a short presentation and update on
public transportation and commented on certain ways in which that could expand.
There was consensus open dialogue should continue.
C. Housing
Commissioner McDaniel cited a community-housing plan is proceeding on schedule with
a visit from the Urban Land Institute. An affordable housing advisory committee and the
state are working on final report. Vice-Mayor Penniman showed concern regarding issues
related to access i;: the application process, as regulations require certain things be
provided and questioned Kim Grant, who cited individual work was helping clients get
items together, and organize attempts to be as manageable as possible, given state
requirements. She remains open to new ways of doing things.
County Manager Ochs remarked outreach would be setup and adequate staff would be
present as answers to these issues.
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March 7, 2017
Commissioner McDaniel moved discussion to NRPA (National Resource Protection
Area) where the city has water wells. Eastern collier county discussions of TDR
(Transferrable Development Rights) are mentioned with a focus on water quality.
NERPA overlay areas should not allow TDRs to mingle but rather bring them in as an
incentive to reduce induction of residents to water well areas. Goals: Protect property
rights and reduce density, maintain water quality. Would like discussion to continue.
Would be happy to explain any potential adjustment to GMP.
Break announced at 10:27A.M, reconvened at 10:35A.M
4. Transportation and Stormwater
Commissioner McDaniel began the discussion on Transportation concerns
Regarding the airport and proposed an adjustment to allow non-city residents to
serve on airport authority,
Mayor Barnett said it's always been policy is not a priority and questions if such
an adjustment is even possible.
Commissioner McDaniel remarked that currently the city uses 3 municipal
airports, and he had a vision of aggregation in the future. However, the airport's
operation very city centric and there is uncertainty if a non-resident would be
allowed on that board.
Vice Mayor Penniman alerted the group to NAA (National Aviation Association)
issues already in existence. If the NAA's plan is to go countrywide, the city and
county simply may not have a say in staffing matters. There is mutual decision to
not discuss it at the current time.
The libraries were brought up by Councilman Finlay, citing violence and books
and magazines disappearing over the last 3-4 years. As technology is changing,
there are more vacant shelves, with a huge loss of magazines.
Library Director Tanya Williams was asked to address concerns. She explained the
library is wrapping up a community-wide assessment. There are seven days remaining in
the assessment. Naples regional is the second-largest library, so it often shifts books for
reasons besides circulation. Fiscal year 2016 saw an increase in circulation and foot
traffic. What are patrons coming in for? There is a huge, 48%, increase in eBook
circulation to address the electronic demand of patrons. The Library has assessed
collection management. If a book gets checked out once every three years, that's not
optimal; books need to be checked out two or three times in a year.
The Library is cognizant and make sure classics and research material is there.
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March 7, 2017
There is a simple shift in libraries nationwide.
Councilman Finley remarked library system caters to a higher median age of 66 years
old, is it meeting patron's demands? He remarked the County can afford books and there
wouldn't be empty shelves and magazine racks
Library Director Tanya Williams Naples Regional is a "dumping ground" for books, so it
just keeps growing, losing public and computer space. If there is public use, the library
will bring things back.
Furthermore, Commissioner Fiala has seen a resurgence of physical books, citing Marco
Island library as a hub in the community.
Vice-Mayor Penniman inquired about a mobile library.
Commissioner McDaniel questioned where the books went when they leave the library?
Tanya Williams discussed resurrecting books. If they are old, financial or medical
the books are recycled while fiction and nonfiction books are donated. If we mistakenly
take something away, we can add it back.
Ellen Siegel brought up her use of the OneDrive eBook system and the importance of
libraries for students and tutors, creating community cohesion.
City Manager Bill Moss brought up a Stormwater utility update: Professional
and competent briefings, County Manger Ochs remarked Phase Two consultant
engagement responses are due on March 15.
Immensely successful program to raise revenue for an important program, encourage
continued discussion. Councilman Finley cited dedicated funds, eye towards future. An
increase in stormwater fees would bring in potentially $22 Million a year.
Some condo owners are paying more to stormwater than they pay to the city in property
tax.
Commissioner Taylor calls up Dr. George Yilmaz for a 50-year plan brief overview and
what it means for the future.
Dr. George Yilmaz discussed integrated, sustainable water supply management strategy
contains stormwater. Managing sustainable water supply and net impact per acre is net
zero water loss.
It rains about 15 million gallons every day in Collier County. By recycling into individual
and bulk customer, about 5 billion gallons of water recycling by suppressing salt water
intrusion.
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March 7, 2017
5. Countywide Ethics Commission
Commissioner Penny Taylor opened the discussion, admitting that the cost would not
be terribly high, with initial volunteers and some paid positions. Consensus to explore
further, not necessarily move forward on with such a commission. The ethics commission
would oversee complaints from citizens, and determine their validity.
Mayor Barnett emphasized falling back on state ethics, that under a citizen's review
panel, there can be no teeth with that.
Vice-Mayor Penniman said a City ethics commission would be unusual; few counties do
not have an ethics commission. If the Mayor wants some teeth in it, you would ultimately
need a referendum. Councilman Finley suggested exploring a county commission to look
at different models, certainly up for discussion. Commissioner Andy Solis concurs, and
would like staff to explore the opportunity and discover what commission models look
like.
County Attorney Jeff Klatzkow was called up for comment. Palm Beach has had a
mixed experience and is more of an investigatory issue. Palm Beach is known for
corruption. An ethics commission's focus would be on investigation and handing out
justice. Investigations are followed by the State who have far higher punitive measures,
so if something was found; the State would then step in. Collier is pretty unblemished
Commissioner Saunders. If we create the committee, it will find work to do. If we start
talking about ethics, media will pick it up, it's an important issue. There are state officials
that are in charge of these things, transparency is a good thing. We are all reporting
bodies. The electorate will make determinations. General consensus.
6. Public Comments-No registered speakers
Commissioner Taylor spoke regarding workforce housing and two areas to maintain and
enhance for workforce housing are instead changing. She is very dismayed regarding the
systemic buying of foreclosed houses "across the tracks" dismays the Commissioner. She
cites it's a golden opportunity for the city in these areas with foot traffic between schools,
hospitals, grocery stores, and public transportation cutting down on aforementioned
transportation difficulties. The power of$116 million CRA dollars can maintain these
areas.
7. Adjourned
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March 7, 2017
COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMI IONERS
Commissioner, Penny Taylor
ATTEST;,
Dwi t't ,4k, Clerk
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These minutes ap ved by the Board/Committee on 3ic)-SI J 3- as
presented ✓ or as amended
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