BCC Minutes 10/14/2003 ROctober 14, 2003
TRANSCRIPT OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Naples, Florida, October 14, 2003
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Board of County
Commissioners in and for the County of Collier, and also acting as
the Board of Zoning Appeals and as the governing board(s) of such
special districts as have been created according to law and having
conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:08 a.m. in
REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex,
East Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN:
Tom Henning
Jim Coletta
Fred Coyle
Donna Fiala (Telephonically)
Frank Halas
ALSO PRESENT:
Jim Mudd, County Administrator
David C. Weigel, County Attorney
Page 1
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA
October 14, 2003
9:00 a.m.
Tom Henning, Chairman, District 3
Donna Fiala, Vice-Chair, District 1
Frank Halas, Commissioner, District 2
Fred W. Coyle, Commissioner, District 4
Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5
NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM
MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER
WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE
AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED.
COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 99-22 REQUIRES THAT ALL
LOBBYISTS SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING ACTIVITIES
(INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO THE
BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT.
REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON SUBJECTS WHICH ARE NOT ON
THIS AGENDA MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING WITH EXPLANATION
TO THE COUNTY MANAGER AT LEAST 13 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF
THE MEETING AND WILL BE HEARD UNDER "PUBLIC PETITIONS".
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD
WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING THERETO,
AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD
OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE
TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
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October 14, 2003
ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS WILL RECEIVE UP TO FIVE (5)
MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY
ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING,
YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF
CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3301 EAST
TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED
LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAILABLE IN
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE.
LUNCH RECESS SCHEDULED FOR 12:00 NOON TO 1:00 P.M.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. Pastor Steve Wigdahl, Emanuel Lutheran Church
AGENDA AND MINUTES
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Be
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Approval of today's regular, consent and summary agenda as amended. (Ex
Parte Disclosure provided by Commission members for summary agenda.)
September 9, 2003 - BCC Regular Meeting
September 10, 2003 - BCC Regular Meeting
September 10, 2003 - BCC/LDC Meeting
September 16, 2003 - BCC/Emergency Meeting
September 16, 2003 - BCC/Legislative Initiative Workshop
September 30, 2003 - BCC/Franchise Fees and TDR Workshop
SERVICE AWARDS
Twen .ty Year Attendees:
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October 14, 2003
1) Joanne Soprano, Library
2) Wanda Warren, Building Review and Permitting
4. PROCLAMATIONS
Ae
Proclamation to designate the month of October as National Alliance for the
Mentally ill. To be accepted by Kathryn Leib Hunter, Executive Director of
NAM! of Collier County.
Be
Proclamation to pledge support towards the efforts of Sheriff Hunter and the
Collier County Sheriff Office for 2004 to be Year of Safe Roads. To be
accepted by Sheriff Don Hunter.
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Proclamation to designate the week of October 24 through October 31, 2003
as Red Ribbon Week. To be accepted by Angela Hignite and several others
on behalf of the Substance Abuse Coalition.
5. PRESENTATIONS
6. PUBLIC PETITIONS
Ao
Public Petition request by Mr. Robert Hartman to discuss Tax Certificate 97-
213, Stokes Avenue, Immokalee, FL.
Be
Public Petition request by Mr. Thomas Sansbury to discuss a resolution
supporting creation by Special Act of the Ave Maria Stewardship
Community District.
Co
Public Petition request by Mr. Thomas E. Conrecode to discuss a Resolution
regarding establishment of a Chapter 189 Special District, Big Cypress
Stewardship District.
7. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Ae
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. CU-2003-AR-3954,
Jerry C. Neal, P.E. representing R. H. of Naples requests Conditional Use #1
of the Rural Agricultural Zoning District for the purpose of earthmining.
The property to be considered for the conditional use is located north of U.S.
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October 14, 2003
41 and east of Greenway Road, in Section 7, Township 51 south, Range 27
east, Collier County, Florida. This property consists of 42.33 acres.
Be
This item continued from the September 23, 2003 BCC Meeting. This
item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte disclosure be
provided by Commission members. Petition CCSL-2001-5/AR-1922, Brett
Moore of Humiston and Moore Engineering, representing the Vanderbilt
Beach Motel; requesting a variance from the Coastal Construction Setback
Line (CCSL) to allow construction of a multi-story residential building, a
parking structure, two swimming pools with extensive paver decking, and a
wooden boardwalk connecting to a handicapped beach access ramp all of
which are located on property known as the Vanderbilt Beach Motel with a
street address of 9225 Gulfshore Drive North in an area generally known as
Vanderbilt Beach and more particularly described as Lot 4, Block A,
Conners Vanderbilt Beach Estates Unit No. 1, located in Section 32,
Township 48 south, Range 25 east, Collier County, Florida.
8. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ae
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. RZ-2003-AR-4041 J.
Gary Butler, of Butler Engineering Inc., representing Spinelli Land Holdings
LLC, requesting a rezone from "A" Rural Agricultural to "RSF-4 (3)" for a
single-family development. Property is located on the south side of Golden
Gate Canal ½ mile east of Livingston Road and 1 mile north of Radio Road,
Section 3 l, Township 49 south, Range 26 east, Collier County, Florida,
consisting of 40+ acres.
9. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A. Appointment of member to the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board.
Be
Appointment of member to the County Government Productivity
Committee.
C. Confirmation of member to the Collier County Planning Commission.
De
Item continued from the September 23, 2003 BCC Meeting. Discussion
regarding FL Statute 193.703, Reduction in assessment for living quarters of
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October 14, 2003
parents or grandparents. (Commissioner Henning)
Appointment of member to the Historical/Archaeological Preservation
Board.
F. Confirmation of member to the Collier County Citizens Corps.
G. Appointment of members to the Golden Gate Estates Land Trust Committee.
He
Appointment of member to the Immokalee Enterprise Zone Development
Agency and the Immokalee CRA Advisory Board.
10. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
Ae
Adopt resolution to approve transfer of Florida Water Services
Corporation's Marco Island and Marco Shores Utility Systems to the City of
Marco Island and to waive the transfer application fee of $2400 as
recommended by the Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority.
(Joseph K. Schmitt, Administrator, Community Development)
Be
Approve developer agreement with Collier Land Development Inc., for
proportionate fair share of costs associated with the future Lely Canal Storm
Water Improvements Project and other storm water projects. (Norman
Feder, Administrator, Transportation Services)
Consider a Tourist Development Category "A" Beach
Renourishment/Maintenance Funding Policy as recommended by the
Coastal Advisory Committee and the Tourist Development Council.
DeLony, Administrator, Public Utilities)
(Jim
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Report to the Board regarding the management of County contracts. (Steve
Carnell, Director, Purchasing Department)
Seek Board approval to install permanent median opening improvements at
Palm Drive and Harrison Road and Teryl Road at an estimated cost of
$67,000. (Norman Feder, Administrator, Transportation Services)
Fe
Report and ratify staff-approved change orders and changes to work orders
to Board approved contracts. (Steve Carnell, Director, Purchasing
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October 14, 2003
11.
Department)
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS
12. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
13.
Ae
Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners waive trial court
costs in the amount of $1,433.31 in the case of Vanderbilt Shores
Condominium Association Inc., et al, v. Collier County, Case No. 01-5080-
CA, now pending in the Second District Court of Appeal (otherwise known
as the "Bellagio Grande" Case).
Be
To inform the Board of the action taken by the County Attorney and staff
regarding Friends of Gummi Inc.'s petition in Collier Court for approval to
appoint investigator.
OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
14. AIRPORT AUTHORITY
15. STAFF AND COMMISSION GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS
16.
CONSENT AGENDA - All matters listed under this item are considered to be
routine and action will be taken by one motion without separate discussion of
each item. If discussion is desired by a member of the Board, that item(s) will
be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.
A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
1)
Petition AVESMT2003-AR3920 to vacate, renounce and disclaim the
County's and the Public's interest in easements recorded by separate
instruments in the Public Records of Collier County, Florida. Located
in Section 30, Township 48 south, Range 26 east, Collier County,
Florida.
2)
Approval of agreement between Collier County and the Collier
County Housing Authority (CCHA) for the administration of the
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program for the purposes of
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October 14, 2003
providing individual households with assistance for the payment of
rent, security deposits, and utility deposits.
3)
Request to grant a conditional final approval of the roadway (private),
drainage, water and sewer improvements for the final plat of
"Bridgewater Bay Unit One" the roadway and drainage improvements
will be privately maintained, the water and sewer improvements will
be maintained by Collier County.
4)
Request to approve for recording the final plat of "Arrowhead Reserve
at Lake Trafford- Phase Two", and approval of the Standard Form
Construction and Maintenance Agreement and approval of the amount
of the performance security.
5)
Recommendation to approve Commercial Excavation Permit No.
59.868 "Stewart Earth Mining", located in Section 18 and 19,
Township 46 south, Range 29 east; bounded on the north and west by
existing citrus groves, on the south by vacant land and existing citrus
groves, and on the east by vacant land and a farm building.
6)
Approve an increase in expenditure authorization in the amount of
$400,000 in the FY04 Tourism Advertising and Promotion Fund (194)
with a corresponding decrease in reserves for contingencies to further
promote tourism in Collier County and approve a related budget
amendment.
7)
Approval of agreement between Collier County and the
Empowerment Alliance of Southwest Florida Community
Development Corporation for affordable housing activities and
operating expenses.
8)
Approval of Tourism Agreements for grants and sponsorships for
FY2003-04, to find that the projects are in the public interest by
promoting tourism in Collier County and to authorize payment of all
expenses related to those projects.
9)
Board of County Commissioners acting as the Community
Redevelopment Agency. Obtain direction to implement a program
that utilizes a portion of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds
allocated to the Immokalee Community Redevelopment Area as a
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October 14, 2003
designated funding source for the Immokalee Residential Deferral
Program, Property Tax Stimulus Program and Fee Payment
Assistance Program, and directing staff to draft all required
ordinances and/or amendments necessary for implementation of the
program for future consideration by the Board of County
Commissioners.
10)
Request to grant final acceptance of the roadway, drainage, water and
sewer improvements for "Livingston Road, Phase Two (Mediterra
entrance to Lee County Line)".
11)
Proposed amendment to Resolution 2003-335 which established a fee
schedule of development related review and processing fees as
provided for in Division 1.10 of the Collier County Land
Development Code.
B. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
1)
Approve the purchase of 3.55 acres of land required for a stormwater
retention and treatment pond for the Santa Barbara Boulevard
Expansion Project. (Fiscal impact: $321,837)
2)
Approve the purchase of 2.96 acres of land required for a stormwater
retention and treatment pond for the Santa Barbara Boulevard
Expansion Project. (Fiscal impact: $268,365)
3)
Approve selection committee ranking of firms for contract
negotiations for RFP #03-3553, "Engineering and Permitting Services
for Capacity Improvements to Collier Boulevard from US 41 to Davis
Boulevard", County Project No. 60001.
4)
Board approval of quotes under Contract #03-3495 concrete/pavement
contractors for "Countywide Sidewalk Projects" and the issuance of a
purchase order in the not to exceed amount of $592,400 to Cougar
Contracting Specialties Inc.
5)
Status report regarding Collier County Landscape Beautification
Master Plan and to approve implementation and funding.
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October 14, 2003
6)
Board approval to sign and execute an agreement between Collier
County and the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
7)
To obtain Board approval to award RFP #03-3505 "Transportation
Roadway Asset Inventory Database" and authorize staff to commence
negotiations. Estimated fiscal impact to be $250,000.
C. PUBLIC UTILITIES
1)
Recommendation to award Bid No. 03-3513 - Purchase and Delivery
of Wallace and Tiernan Lime Slaker to LOC Pump and Equipment
Inc., in the amount of $85,474.
2)
Recommendation to award Bid No. 03-3541 - Purchase of one (1)
carbon dioxide system to TOMCO2 Equipment Company in the
amount of $73,650.
3)
Approve the satisfaction of lien documents filed against Real Property
for abatement of nuisance and direct the Clerk of Courts to record
same in the Public Records of Collier County, Florida. Fiscal impact
is $36.00 to record the liens.
4)
Adoption of a resolution approving special assessment hardship
deferrals for certain sewer special assessments for the 2003 tax year.
The fiscal impact is $16.00 to record the resolution.
Approve Work Order CDM-FT-03-03 for engineering services to seek
modification to the South Florida Water Management District Water
Use Permit for withdrawal of water from the Golden Gate Tamiami
Wellfield in the amount of $87,500 Project 70158.
6) This item has been deleted.
7)
Approve a resolution authorizing the submission of a loan application
to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the
wastewater capital projects pre-construction in the amount of
$7,556,000; authorizing the loan agreement; establishing pledged
revenues; designating authorized representatives; providing assurance;
and providing for conflicts, severability, and effective date.
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October 14, 2003
8)
Authorization to execute and record satisfactions for certain water
and/or sewer impact fee payment agreements. Fiscal impact is $31.50
to record the satisfactions.
9)
Adopt a resolution approving the satisfaction of lien for a Solid Waste
Residential Account wherein the County has received payment and
said lien is satisfied in full for the 1993 Solid Waste Collection and
Disposal Services Special Assessment. Fiscal impact is $12.00 to
record the lien.
10)
Adopt a resolution approving the satisfaction of lien for a Solid Waste
Residential Account wherein the County has received payment and
said lien is satisfied in full for the 1994 Solid Waste Collection and
Disposal Services Special Assessment. Fiscal impact is $12.00 to
record the lien.
11)
Adopt a resolution approving the satisfaction of lien for a Solid Waste
Residential Account wherein the County has received payment and
said lien is satisfied in full for the 1996 Solid Waste Collection and
Disposal Services Special Assessment. Fiscal impact is $16.50 to
record the lien.
13)
Approve submission of a request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
to initiate a Collier County Shore Protection Project, and approve
coordination with Congressman Goss' Office to pursue a
Congressional Resolution in support of initiating the project.
Approve an assignment of reimbursement to developer agreement for
the costs of constTuction of a wastewater force main to serve the M &
E Trailer Park.
14)
15)
Approve submission of a grant application for and resolution in
support of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant to
contribute to the renourishment of Vanderbilt, Pelican Bay, Park
Shore and Naples beaches.
Approve a work order under Contract #01-3271, Fixed Term
Professional Engineering Services for Coastal Zone Management
Projects, with Coastal Planning and Engineering for developing a
public information program for the County/City of Naples major
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October 14, 2003
beach renourishment, Project 90527, in the amount of $8,491.
16)
Approve a joint coastal permit application for the renourishment of
Vanderbilt, Pelican Bay, Park Shore and Naples beaches, Project
90527, and payment of fees not to exceed $30,000.
17)
Approve submission of a grant application for and resolution in
support of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant to
contribute to the renourishment of Marco Island South Beach.
18)
Approve a purchase order, under Contract #02-3360, with Lightner
Contracting Inc., for grading Marco Island from Tigertail Park to
Residents' Beach, in the amount of $15,000.
19)
Approve a work order and purchase order for the project to renourish
Hideaway Beach with Upland Sand, Project 90541; a work order with
STD Enterprises of Naples Inc., under contract #02-3305, transport,
placement and grading of beach sand, in the amount of $387,250; and
a purchase order with E. R. Jahna Industries Inc., under Contract #01-
3272, production of beach compatible sand, in the amount of
$183,400.
20)
Approve a work order, under Contract #01-3271, Fixed Term
Professional Engineering Services for Coastal Zone Management
Projects, with Humiston and Moore Engineers for Hideaway Beach
renourishment with Upland Sand Construction Monitoring Services,
Project 90541, in the amount of $20,450.
Approve a joint coastal permit application for the renourishment of
and replacement of temporary t-groins on Hideaway Beach, Project
90502, and payment of fees not to exceed $36,000.
22)
Approve a work order, under Contract #01-3271, Fixed Term
Professional Engineering Services for Coastal Zone Management
Projects, with Humiston and Moore Engineers for Hideaway Beach
Renourishment Design Magnetic Anomalies Investigation, Project
90502, in the amount of $15,829.
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October 14, 2003
D. PUBLIC SERVICES
1)
Approve an agreement with the District School Board of Collier
County for transporting school-age recreation program participants at
an estimated cost of $70,000.
2) Approval to dedicate Capri Park to the memory of Doc Loach.
3)
Approve and fund a short-term maintenance schedule for Shell Island
Road, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.
4)
Reject proposals received under RFP 01-3228 "Design of the
Vanderbilt Beach Parking Facility".
E. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
1)
Request Board approval for a first amendment to lease agreement
between Collier County and Crown Castle GT Company at an annual
cost of $6,300.
2)
Approve amendments to Coastal Zone Management Engineering
Contracts to adjust fee schedules for Consumer Pricing Index.
3)
That the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approve the Collier
County Driver Education Grant Program to fund the direct education
expenses of driver education programs in both public and non-public
high schools.
4)
Request Board approval of a lease agreement between Collier County
and South Seas Northwest Condominiums at an annual coast of $600.
5)
Approval to award Bid No. 03-3554 for the purchase of paint and
related items used in county repairs, maintenance and beautification,
estimated at $55,000.
6)
Approve contract amendment involving Contract #03-3493 "Grey
Oaks Public Safety Facility".
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October 14, 2003
7)
Approval of a Risk Sharing Agreement between the Naples Physician
Hospital Organization d/b/a Community Health Partners, Inc., and
Collier County Government.
F. COUNTY MANAGER
1)
To adopt a resolution approving amendments (appropriating grants,
donations, contributions or insurance proceeds) to the Fiscal Year
2002-03 Adopted Budget.
2)
Approval of budget amendment report - BA #04-005 in the amount of
$24,850 to pay for study of emergency management and preparedness
fees compared to other Florida counties; and to recommend potential
revenue streams.
G. AIRPORT AUTHORITY
H. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
1)
Commissioner Halas request for approval for payment to attend
Public Water Access Conference.
I. MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
1) Miscellaneous items to file for record with action as directed.
J. OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
1)
Authorize the Supervisor of Elections to enter into an agreement with
the City of Everglades for the use of services and voting and
tabulation equipment for their election November 25, 2003.
2)
That the Board of County Commissioners make a determination of
whether the purchases of goods and services documented in the
Detailed Report of Open Purchase Orders serve a valid public purpose
and authorize the expenditure of County funds to satisfy said
purchases. A copy of the Detailed Report from September 20 to
October 3, 2003 is on display in the County Manager's Office, 3301
East Tamiami Trail, 2nd Floor, W. Harmon Turner Building.
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October 14, 2003
K. COUNTY ATTORNEY
1)
2)
Approve the Stipulated Final Judgment relative to the Fee Simple
Acquisition of Parcel 184 in the lawsuit styled Collier County v.
Lazaro Herrera, et al, Immokalee Road, Project No. 60018.
Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners approve
settlement of certain payment issues that have arisen between and
among Collier County, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and Kraft
Construction Company, Inc., in connection with Contract No. 98-2829
and Contract No. 00-3064.
3)
Approve the stipulated final judgment relative to the acquisition of
Parcels 807, 907A and 907B in the lawsuit styled Collier County v.
Michael A. McCumber, et al, Golden Gate Parkway Project No.
60027.
4)
6)
7)
Approve the mediated settlement agreement and a stipulated final
judgment to be drafted incorporating the same terms and conditions as
the mediated settlement agreement relative to the acquisition of Parcel
170 in the lawsuit styled Collier County v. Ismael Gonzales, et al,
Case No. 02-2159-CA (Immokalee Road, Project No. 60018).
Approve the mediated settlement agreement and a stipulated final
judgment to be drafted incorporating the same terms and conditions as
the mediated settlement agreement relative to the acquisition of Parcel
172 in the lawsuit styled Collier County v. Ismael Gonzales, et al,
Case No. 02-2159-CA (Immokalee Road, Project No. 60018).
Approve the stipulated final judgment relative to the fee taking of
Parcel No. 152 in the lawsuit styled Collier County v. Tech
Foundation Inc., et al, for the Golden Gate Parkway Project (Project
No. 60027).
Approve the stipulated final judgment relative to the acquisition of
road right of way and drainage easements designated as Parcels 157A,
857, 157B in the lawsuit styled Collier County v. Joseph J. Guidish,
Jr., et al, Case No. 03-2549-CA (Golden Gate Parkway) (Project No.
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October 14, 2003
60027).
8)
Item continued from the September 9~ 2003 BCC Meeting. That
the Board of County Commissioners, as the Governing Body of
Collier County and as Ex-Officio Governing Board of the Isles of
Capri Municipal Rescue and Fire Services Taxing District and the
Ochopee Fire District enter into interlocal agreements with
independent fire districts for the purpose of implementing the duties
and obligations of the various dependent and independent fire districts
with respect to fire plan review and fire code inspections for new
construction, construction projects and existing structures within the
various districts.
17.
SUMMARY AGENDA - THIS SECTION IS FOR ADVERTISED PUBLIC
HEARINGS AND MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: 1) A
RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL FROM STAFF; 2) UNANIMOUS
RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL BY THE COLLIER COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISSION OR OTHER AUTHORIZING AGENCIES OF
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOTING; 3) NO WRITTEN OR ORAL
OBJECTIONS TO THE ITEM RECEIVED BY STAFF, THE COLLIER
COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, OTHER AUTHORIZING
AGENCIES OR THE BOARD, PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF
THE BCC MEETING ON WHICH THE ITEMS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE
HEARD; AND 4) NO INDIVIDUALS ARE REGISTERED TO SPEAK IN
OPPOSITION TO THE ITEM. FOR THOSE ITEMS, WHICH ARE
QUASIJUDICAL IN NATURE, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE SWORN
IN.
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. SV-2003-AR-4207, Gil
Strelec, of Kemp Signs Inc., representing Mobil/Exxon Oil Corporation,
requesting a sign variance of 10 feet from the minimum rear yard setback of
10 feet to 0 feet for a ground sign for an automotive service station located at
4577 Executive Drive, further described as Quail Creek Plaza Phase 1, Lot
9, in Section 20, Township 48 south, Range 26 east, Collier County, Florida.
Bo
To adopt a resolution approving amendments to the Fiscal Year 2002-03
Adopted Budget.
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October 14, 2003
Co
De
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. VA-2003-AR-4243,
Melanie Bcebe requesting a variance of 11.9 feet from the minimum side
yard setback of 30 feet to 18.1 feet for the existing single family residence
and 12 feet from the minimum side yard setback of 30 feet to 18 feet for thc
existing utility shed on property located at 245 22"d Avenue NE, further
described as Golden Gate Estates, Unit 23, east 180 feet Tract 50, in Section
27, Township 48 south, Range 27 cast, Collier County, Florida.
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. VA-2003-AR-4426,
Andrew Solis, Esquire, of Siket and Solis, LLP, representing John J. Slaugh,
Owner, requesting a 7.4 foot after-the-fact front yard setback variance from
the required 15 feet leaving a 7.6 foot front yard for 1.46 acres of property
located in the "E" Estates Zoning District. The property is located at the
southwest comer of the intersection of 1 Et Street SW and Golden Gate
Boulevard, in Golden Gate Estates, specifically in Section 9, Township 49 S,
Range 27 E, Collier County, Florida.
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. CUE-2003-AR-4544,
Homere Hyppolite, representing First Haitian Alliance Church, requesting a
one-year extension of Conditional Use CU 2000-08 for a church in the "E"
Estates Zoning District located on the west side of County Barn Road in the
2300 Block, described in Section 8, Township 50, Range 26, Collier County,
Florida.
Fe
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. CUE-2003-AR-4257,
Jcrcmy Stcrk of Hoover Planning and Development representing Iglesia
Hcrederos Dc Dios, requesting a one-year extension of Conditional Usc CU
2000-07 for a church, private school and a church run child care facility of
thc A-MHO Zoning District located on the south side of Lake Trafford
Road, approximately 2 ½ miles west of SR 29, for property hereinafter
described in Section 36, Township 46 south, Range 28 east, Collier County,
Florida.
Go
This item has been continued from the September 23~ 2003 BCC
meeting and is further continued indefinitely. This item requires that
all participants be sworn in and ex parte disclosure be provided by
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October 14, 2003
Commission members. SNR-2003-AR-4058 Peter Goodin, Oaks Estates
Advisory Inc., and Rich Lidgard, requesting a street name change from ! 0th
Avenue NW to English Oaks Lane for property located in Golden Gate
Estates, Unit 96, Township 48 south, Range 26 east, Collier County, Florida.
This item requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte
disclosure be provided by Commission members. An ordinance
amending Ordinance Number 91-102, the Collier County Land Development
Code, to correct a Scrivener's Error due to inaccurate language in an
intended revision to Section 2.6.4.2.1. and by providing for an effective date.
18. ADJOURN
INQUIRIES CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE BOARD'S AGENDA SHOULD
BE MADE TO THE COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE AT 774-8383.
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October 14, 2003
October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Call the meeting of the Board of
Commissioners to order. Everybody take their seats, please.
Today's invocation will be delivered by Pastor Steve Wigdahl
from Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Are we on?
MR. MUDD: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Today's invocation will be
delivered by Pastor Steven Wigdahl, Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Follow that would be the pledge of allegiance, led by David Weigel.
Would you all rise, please.
MR. WIGDAHL: Let us ask God's blessing upon this day and
upon this gathering.
Most gracious God, you have indeed given us this good land as
our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and
constantly work according to your goodness.
We ask that you might bless our land with honest industry,
truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us, we pray,
from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and
from every evil course of action.
Make us, who came from many nations with many different
languages, a united people. Defend our liberties and give to those
whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit
of wisdom.
We pray especially today for the Board of County
Commissioners, that you might go before them to show them the
way, that you might go behind them to encourage them, and
alongside them to befriend them, that you might go above them to
watch over them, and that you might indeed go within them to grant
them the wisdom needed for this day, that there might be justice and
peace in our land.
And we ask too that when times are prosperous that our hearts
might indeed be thankful, and in troubled times, do not let our trust
Page 2
October 14, 2003
in you fail. We ask this in your Almighty Name this day, most
gracious God, Amen.
(Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.)
Item #2A
REGULAR, SUMMARY, AND CONSENT AGENDA-
APPROVED AND/OR ADOPTED WITH CHANGES
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Mr. Weigel, any changes from today's agenda?
MR. WEIGEL: No, sir, none from the County Attorney office.
I'll note for the record that any continuances listed on the agenda
change are continuances to be adopted by the Board. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: County Manager Jim Mudd?
MR. MUDD: Commissioners, good morning, Mr. Chairman.
The agenda changes for the Board of County Commissioners'
meeting October 14th, 2003.
Continue indefinitely Item 9(D). This item was continued from
the September 23rd, 2003 BCC meeting, and it was a discussion
regarding Florida Statute 193.703, which is a reduction in the
assessment for living quarters of parents and grandparents. And
that's at staff's request.
Add Item 10(G), and that's to approve a proposed partnership
with the Children's Museum of Naples, Inc. for the development of a
children's museum at North Naples Regional Park. And that's at
staff's request. And you received the executive summary last night.
It was a last minute change that came up yesterday afternoon.
Next item is continue Item 16(A)(5) to October 28th, 2003.
And that's a recommendation to approve commercial excavation
Permit No. 59.868, Stewart Earth Mining, located in Section 18 and
19, Township 46 south, Range 26 east, bounded on the north and
Page 3
October 14, 2003
west by existing citrus groves, on the south by vacant land and
existing citrus groves, and on the east by vacant land and a farm
building. And that's at petitioner's request.
Next item is to withdraw Item 16(B)(6). That's a Board approval
to sign and execute an agreement between Collier County and the
Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. And that's at
staffs request. That item was tabled in Tallahassee and that's why the
staff is withdrawing it.
Next item is to withdraw Item 16(B)(7), to obtain Board
approval to award RFP 03-3505, Transportation Roadway Asset
Inventory Database, and authorize staff to commence negotiations.
Estimated fiscal impact to be
$250,000. And that's at staffs request.
The two items of note: Item 3(1), and Joanne Soprano will be
accepting her service award on October 28th, 2003, and she won't be
with us this morning.
And Item 10(C) to be heard, a time certain at 1:00 p.m., and
that's to consider a Tourist Development Category "A" Beach
Renourishment/Maintenance Funding Policy as recommended by the
Coastal Advisory Committee and the Tourist Development Council.
Again, Item 10(C), time certain, 1:00 p.m.
That's all I have, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Commissioner Coletta, do you have any changes?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: No changes.
And as far as declarations on the summary agenda, Item D, I
met with the petitioner, had some correspondence, and it's all in my
file for anyone to see.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I have no disclosures.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Do you have any changes
to--
Page 4
October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COYLE: No changes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- today's agenda?
I have no changes to today's agenda and I have no ex parte
communication on today's summary agenda.
Commissioner Coletta -- or Coyle -- Halas? Well, we're all here,
I just took a roll call.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Except Commissioner Fiala, and
we sure miss her today.
I don't have any changes on the agenda, but I do have two items
of ex parte. One being 7(B) that's on today's agenda. That's the
Vanderbilt Beach Motel. I have had meetings with the petitioner and
I also had an item on 8(A), which is the rezoning or the -- yeah,
rezoning of some land from Agricultural to RSF-4. And that's it for
my ex parte.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala is with us today.
Commissioner Fiala had surgery a few days -- well, a few weeks
ago, and she's doing well.
And Commissioner Fiala, do you have any changes to today's
agenda or any ex parte communication?Commissioner Fiala? Okay,
should we pray?
Mr. Weigel?
MR. WEIGEL: Thank you.
In regard to Commissioner Fiala's participation by telephone
today, I'll add for the record that in light of recent Attorney General
opinion, it would be appropriate for this Board, at her participation
today or any other participation in the future, for this Board to
indicate that it is appropriate under the circumstance for her to be
participating, that this is an extraordinary circumstance.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I make a motion to that effect.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Do we need a motion on that?
MR. WEIGEL: I would appreciate it if you would make a
Page 5
October 14, 2003
motion.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, motion by Commissioner
Coletta, second by Commissioner Halas. All in favor of the motion,
signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
Commissioner Fiala, are you with us today? We've got some
communications problems.
That motion carried and --
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Can you hear me now?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: We can just barely hear you.
Do you have any changes to today's agenda?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No changes and no ex parte.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Got it loud and clear.
Entertain a motion today to accept today's regular consent and
summary agenda as amended.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: So moved.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: So moved.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by Commissioner Halas. All in favor, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Any opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries 5-0
Page 6
AGENDA CHANG'ES
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' MEETING
October 14, 2003
Continue indefinitely Item 9D: This item was continued from the September 23,
2003 BCC meetinq. Discussion regarding FL Statute 193.703, reduction in
assessment for living quarters of parents or grandparents. (Staff)
Add Item 10G: Approve a proposed partnership with the Children's Museum of
Naples, Inc., for the development of a children's museum at North Naples
Regional Park. (Staff request.)
Continue Item 16(A)5 to October 28, 2003: Recommendation to approve
Commercial Excavation Permit No. 59.868 "Stewart Earth Mining", located in
Section 18 and 19, Township 46 south, Range 29 east; bounded on the north and
west by existing citrus groves, on the south by vacant land and existing citrus
groves, and on the east by vacant land and a farm building. (Petitioner request.)
Withdraw Item 16(B)6: Board approval to sign and execute an agreement between
Collier County and the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. (Staff
request.)
Withdraw Item 16(B)7: To obtain Board approval to award RFP #03-3505
"Transportation Roadway Asset Inventory Database" and authorize staff to
commence negotiations. Estimated fiscal impact to be $250,000. (Staff request.)
NOTE:
Item 3(1) Joanne Soprano will be accepting her service award at the October 28,
2003 BCC meeting.
Item 10C to be heard at 1:00 p.m. Consider a Tourist Development Category "A"
Beach RenourishmentJMaintenance Funding Policy as recommended by the
Coastal Advisory Committee and the Tourist Development Council.
October 14, 2003
Item #2A, Item #2B, Item #2C, Item #2D, Item #2E, Item #2F, and
Item #2G
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2003 REGULAR MEETING,
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2003 BCC REGULAR MEETING,
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2003 BCC LDC MEETING,
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2003 BCC EMERGENCY
MEETING, MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2003 BCC
LEGISLATION INCENTIVE WORKSHOPS, AND MINUTES OF
SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 BCC FRANCHISE FEES AND TDR
WORKSHOP- APPROVFD
Entertain a motion to accept the September 9th, '03 regular
meeting, the September 10th, '03 BCC regular meeting, September
10th, '03 BCC LDC meeting, September 16th, '03 BCC emergency
meeting, September 16th, '03, BCC legislation incentive workshops,
and September 30th, '03 BCC franchise fees and TDR workshop.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: So moved.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Halas,
second by Commissioner Coyle. All in favor of the motion, signify
by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Any opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Page 7
October 14, 2003
Item #3
SERVICE AWARDS: TWENTY-YEAR TO WANDA WARREN
OF BI IIT.D1NG REVIEW AND PERMITTING- PRESENTED
And today we have the honor to have Wanda Warren from
Building Review and Permitting with us. We're going to do this at
the dais?
MR. MUDD: Yeah, I think so, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Wanda?
Ms. Warren, I want to thank you for your years of service with
Collier County with a county pin and a plaque, and a small token of
our appreciation for your service for Collier County. Thank you.
And I don't think I mentioned, that's at 20 years Wanda's been
with us, and a real dedicated employee, so thank you.
Item # 4A
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
AS NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL -
ADOPTED
First proclamation will be delivered by Commissioner Coletta.
This proclamation is to designate the month of October as National
Alliance for Mentally Ill. To accept this proclamation will be
Catherine Lieb Hunter, the Executive Director of NAMI.
Would you please join us up front, please.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you,
Commissioner Henning.
WHEREAS, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has
proclaimed the month of October, 2003 as mental illness awareness
Page 8
October 14, 2003
month; and,
WHEREAS, Collier County has a local affiliate named National
Alliance For the Mentally Ill of Collier County, commonly known as
NAMI CC; and,
WHEREAS, the local affiliate is a member in good standing;
and,
WHEREAS, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Collier
County is dedicated to improving life for our family members and
friends with mental illness through support, education, advocacy and
research; and,
WHEREAS, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Collier
County wishes to proclaim the month of October, 2003 as Mental
Illness Awareness Month; and,
WHEREAS, the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Collier County
wishes to proclaim this day, Tuesday, October 7th, 2003 as Mental
Awareness Illness Day; and,
WHEREAS, the National Alliance for the
Mentally Ill hopes that by passing this proclamation we will raise
awareness about all mental illnesses and reduce the stigma that
currently exists about mental illness; and,
THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of Collier County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida that the month of October,
2003 will be designated as Mental Illness Awareness Month, and
Tuesday, October 7th, 2003 be designated as Mental Illness
Awareness Day.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 14th day of October, 2003, Tom
Henning, Chairman.
And I make a motion for approval.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coletta,
second by Commissioner Coyle. All in favor of the motion, signify
by saying aye.
Page 9
October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Any opposed?
Motion carries 5-0.
Thank you.
You're welcome to say a few words, if you'd like.
MS. HUNTER: This past week the National Alliance for the
Mentally Ill, in partnership with the Mental Health Association, did
hold several events.
We just want everyone here to be aware that one in four families
are affected by mental illness and take medication. All of our
programs and services are free of charge. The packets we gave you,
we also hope that each one of you will be a team captain in our
NAMI Walks for the Mind of America to be held in May. And we
appreciate your doing this.
I'm going to introduce you now to Petra Jones, who is the
Executive Director of the Mental Health Association.
MS. JONES: Good morning. My name is Petra Jones. I'm the
Executive Director for the Mental Health Association of Collier
County. I would like to thank the Collier County Commission for
declaring October Mental Illness Awareness Month. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Item #4B
PROCLAMATION PLEDGING SUPPORT TOWARDS THE
EFFORTS OF SHERIFF HUNTER AND THE COLLIER COUNTY
SHERIFFS OFFICE FOR 2004 TO BE THE YEAR OF SAFE
Page 10
October 14, 2003
ROADS- ADOPTED
Next proclamation will be delivered by Commissioner Halas.
This proclamation is to pledge support towards the efforts of Sheriff
Hunter and Collier County Sheriff's Office for 2004 to be the Year of
Safe Roads. To accept this award is the Honorable Sheriff Don
Hunter.
Sheriff, would you please join us?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Thank you, Commissioner
Henning.
Good morning, Sheriff.
SHERIFF HUNTER: Good Morning, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: How are you?
This proclamation is:
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the
theme for 2004 World Health Day as Safe Roads Day; and,
WHEREAS, the Collier County Sheriff's Office recognizes that
the issue of traffic safety is of great concern to the citizens of Collier
County. And the human and economic losses that result from traffic
crashes are horrific and of great detriment to the -- to Collier County
community; and,
WHEREAS, the Collier County Sheriff's
Office is dedicated to making Collier County a safe place to live,
work and drive; and,
WHEREAS, Collier County Sheriff's Office has pledged to lead
Collier County community on its path to safe roads; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners pledges its
support towards the efforts of Sheriff Don Hunter and Collier County
Sheriffs Office.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida that 2004 is declared the
Page 11
October 14, 2003
Year of Safe Roads.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS day-- 14th day of October,
2003, by the Board of County Commissioners, Collier County,
Florida, Tom Henning, Chairperson.
And I make a motion that we accept this proclamation.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Halas,
second by Commissioner Coyle. All in favor of the motion, signify
by saying aye.
yOU.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Any opposed?
Motion carries unanimously. Thank
Would you like to say a few words?
SHERIFF HUNTER: Yes. I'm hobbling around on my bad
knee.
Don Hunter, Collier County Sheriff.
I thank the Board for their support. The Year of Safe Roads,
long in coming for Collier County and this nation. We are asking the
public to assist us in their motoring habits to make this a safe place.
And as you already know, we have placed a great emphasis on and
have already had some successful operations pertaining to traffic
enforcement and traffic control and the prevention of crashes.
Because we don't believe that we need to see yet one more family
affected by unsafe driving habits, even this morning. And there was
mention -- made mention in the resolution that we have direct and
indirect costs attached to improper driving habits.
Page 12
October 14, 2003
Just this morning we had 1-75 shut down. That commerce that
we rely upon, the surface traffic, our transporters, were not using 1-75
between Broward County and Collier County this morning because
of a very serious crash. Once again, families affected, three fatalities
that we've been informed of.
We know through the World Health Organization that traffic
accidents are the ninth leading cause of death internationally in the
industrialized countries and that the United States of America is not
unique in this. But we hope to make Collier County a safe place and
we want to get on the front edge of this before we hit peak season so
that our visitors and our part-time residents are well informed and
well aware and we have a reasonable enforcement effort.
I thank you again, Commissioners. Sorry to take up so much
time, but I appreciate the resolution and your commitment to this
project. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Item #4C
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF OCTOBET 24
THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2003 AS RED RIBBON WEEK-
ADOPTFD
Next proclamation will be read by Commissioner Coyle. This
proclamation designate (sic) the week of October 24th through
October 31st, 2003 as Red Ribbon Week. To accept this is Angela
Hignite and several others on behalf of the Substance Abuse
Coalition. Please join us up here.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: WHEREAS, prevention resources
have been dramatically cut, programs and community based efforts
are asked to do more with less and community services compete with
remaining limited support; and,
Page 13
October 14, 2003
WHEREAS, substance abuse is the most common risk factor
impacting our behavioral health, particularly for our young people,
furthering delinquency, teen pregnancy, HIV, AIDS, child abuse and
violence and so forth; and,
WHEREAS, families face unprecedented pressures and stress
imposed upon them by the overwhelming nature of today's society;
and,
WHEREAS, prevention and intervention efforts continue to
influence non-use of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, it still
remains prevalent in every Florida community; and,
WHEREAS, Floridians must recommit to strengthening
families, neighborhoods and communities and educating our citizens
about prevention in every Florida community; and,
WHEREAS, research and data reflect unquestionably that
prevention works and that our commitment to education, prevention
and positive lifestyles is imperative; and,
WHEREAS, the red ribbon represents the nation's united effort
to support prevention and build healthy and safe communities and to
remember the brutal murder of federal agent Enrique Camarena; and,
WHEREAS, the 2003 Florida Red Ribbon celebration-focuses
on the importance of supporting our young people and creating an
environment in which our youth may flourish; and,
WHEREAS, the Florida Prevention Association, Incorporated
coordinates year round prevention programs throughout the state;
and,
WHEREAS, the 2003 Florida Red Ribbon celebration asks that
the citizens of Florida become motivated and involved in alcohol and
other drug abuse prevention.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that the week of October
24th through the 31st, 2003 be designated as Red Ribbon Week and
encourage all Collier County citizens to wear a red ribbon to
Page 14
October 14, 2003
symbolize our commitment to healthy and safe environments for
each citizen and to participate in events throughout the week and
throughout the year that support positive lifestyles.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 14th day of October, 2003,
Board of County Commissioners, Collier County, Florida, Tom
Henning, Chairman.
And before I ask to move acceptance of this petition, for those
people who do not knoTM who Enrique Camarena was, he was a
federal drug enforcement agent who was captured, tortured over a
sustained period of time and ultimately murdered by a drug cartel in
Mexico, one of the evils
Commissioners, I'd
COMMISSIONER
spawned by drug addiction.
like to move that we accept --
COLETTA: Second.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: -- this proclamation.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by Commissioner Coletta. All in favor of the motion, signify
by saying aye.
yOU.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Motion carries unanimously. Thank
If you'd like to say a few words on behalf of the organization,
we would appreciate it.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I'd like to take this time to thank
the entire Commission and Collier County for the Substance Abuse
Coalition of Collier County. We represent a new program that's been
working for the last three or four years, looking at to prevention for
Page 15
October 14, 2003
our children, all the way through seniors through our coalition.
And one note to really address, that 59 percent of our middle
schoolers are using alcohol. And we need to address this on a basis
that we need to get out and really help these people, and this is what
the coalition's all about.
In saying that, October 29th, the evening of October 29th and
the 30th, at the Unity Church, we will be having what we call reality
journey. It will take place by all professionals: The Sheriff's
Department, judges, lawyers, EMS, hospitals, fire department will be
putting on a program which will take 25 minutes, which you're all
invited to come out, if you'd like to walk through this. We will take
500 middle schoolers through this program. Last year we took
approximately 100. This year we are getting tremendous support by
the school system. They will go through actual party time, rec, ER,
courtroom, funeral, and a spokesman that will be addressing the
issues on what DUI's have done to their daughters and children in the
process of killing. And I'd like to invite and extend an invitation all
of you to that.
Red Ribbon Week is a busy week. During the school time
every school will be honoring Enrique Camarena by wearing red
ribbons. And we encourage everyone, again. And we thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Anybody wishing to speak on any item today, there's a speaker
slip out in the hall, just fill it out and give it to the County Attorney,
David Weigel, and we'll call your name up when that item comes up.
Item #6A
PUBLIC PETITION REQUEST BY ROBERT HARTMAN TO
DISCUSS TAX CERTIFICATE 97-213 STOKES AVENUE,
IMMOKAIJEE- PRFJSENTF. D
Page 16
October 14, 2003
Next item is public presentation, which we don't take public
comment on, but first one is public petition request by Robert
Hartman to discuss this tax certificate 97-213 Stokes Avenue, in
Immokalee.
Mr. Hartman?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Commissioner Henning, can you
hear me?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yes.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, good. I just wanted to make
sure I was connected to you. Thanks.
MR. HARTMAN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
MR. HARTMAN: By name is Bob Hartman, 520 Tigertail
Court, Marco Island.
As holder of tax certificates 97-213 on property on Stokes
Avenue, Immokalee, I filed for a tax application. At the tax sale,
there were no bids higher than the minimum of $2,747; therefore, I
proceeded with the fees for the tax deed.
Later I found that there were $5,143 of(sic)unpaid to the
county for lot clearing. That started in '91, continued in '92, '94 and
'95. That adds up to $2,305 still owed to the county for this tax
clearing. The interest on that amounts to $2,838, for a total of
$5,143.
I am asking that consideration be given to the elimination of the
$2,838 interest accrued from '91 through '95. This would allow the
lot to be sold at a reasonable market price of $5,000. The county
would receive their principal of $2,305, and I would recover the
$2,700 1 paid for six years of back taxes and fees.
The lot is currently overgrown and appears to be almost
impassable. I am more than willing to reduce my part of the sales
price on the lot to interest a contractor to build a low cost home for
someone on this land. Thank you.
Page 17
October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Any questions, comments from the Board of Commissioners?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Seeing none, thank you, sir.
MR. HARTMAN: Thank you.
Item #6B
PUBLIC PETITION REQUEST BY MR.. THOMAS SANSBURY
TO DISCUSS A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CREATION BY
SPECIAL ACT OF THE AVE MARIA STEWARDSHIP
COMMUNITY DISTRICT - TO BE BROUGHT BACK AT A
FI~TI~RE lqCC MEETING AGENDA - APPROVED
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Next public petition is request by
Mr. Tom Sansbury to discuss a resolution supporting the creation of
a Special District Act for Ave Maria Stewardship Community
District.
MS. FILSON: Mr. Chairman, I have a speaker for this item.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: If the Board of Commissioners takes
action to forward this, it will be heard at a later date, and that is the
time that we want public speakers. Mr. Sansbury?
MR. SANSBURY: We are here -- and thank you very much for
agending us today -- with a request for a resolution of support for the
Ave Maria Stewardship Community District. I would like to
introduce to you Mr. Ken van Assenderp, who is our Tallahassee
attorney, who has authored the proposed act. And Ken is prepared to
answer any questions you may have regarding the act. Ken?
MR. van ASSENDERP: Thank you, Mr. Sansbury, and good
morning, Mr. Chair and members of the Commission. I am here to
respond to any questions. We have submitted drafts to you and met
Page 18
October 14, 2003
with Colonel Mudd and the staff and the County Attorney's Office
and environmental organizations and others and with the legislative
delegation in order to learn some of your concerns and questions, and
we have incorporated them in the drafts. I'm happy to answer any
questions. We urge your support.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Before I go to Commissioner Coyle,
Commissioner Fiala, do you have any questions or comments? (No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala?
Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No comments, thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Mr. Chairman, I would just like to
emphasize, for the benefit of the public, that this is just a request to
have this heard. This is not--
MR. van ASSENDERP: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: -- the point where we make a
decision to approve or disapprove it. And I would presume if we
approve it, we will have a full hearing at that point in time.
One point of clarification. Does the person who has requested
to speak--
MS. FILSON: He's speaking.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Oh, that is the person. Okay, in
that case, I would like to make a motion that we schedule this for a
formal hearing at the next earliest date.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by Commissioner Coletta. Any discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All in favor of the motion, signify by
saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
Page 19
October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Opposed?
Motion carries 5-0.
I think everybody knows I have concerns. Working with the
county attorney and petitioner for Barron Collier and Collier
Enterprises, the next one, to resolve some of those issues.
Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Question: Would this go to the
planning commission before it comes to us? MR. WEIGEL: I don't think so.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Our county attorney says no.
MR. MUDD: They're seeking a resolution by the Board of
County Commissioners that basically says they're in favor of this
independent special district. It would not go to the planning
commission, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
MR. van ASSENDERP: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and
members.
Item #6C
PUBLIC PETITION REQUEST BY MR. THOMAS E.
CONRECODE TO DISCUSS A RESOLUTION REGARDING
ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHAPTER 189 SPECIAL DISTRICT,
BIG CYPRESS STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT- DISCI ISSED
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Next petition -- public petition is a
request by Mr. Tom Conrecode to discuss a resolution regarding
Page 20
October 14, 2003
establishment of a Chapter 189 Special District, Big Cypress
Stewardship District. Mr. Conrecode?
MR. CONRECODE: Commissioners, thank you for the
opportunity to speak this morning and request a time on an agenda in
the future for you to hear a presentation about the Big Cypress
Stewardship District and our request of the legislature to establish
that district by special act. We'll also be requesting a resolution of
the County Commission in support of that special district.
I know I've met with each of you individually to brief you on
what's -- what the district encompasses and what the purpose of the
district is. We'll cover that in much more detail in two weeks when
we're here.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I make a motion that we have
this scheduled for a future agenda.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Second it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coletta,
second by Commissioner Halas.
Commissioner Fiala, do you have any questions?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No, I have no questions.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Any more discussion on this item?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All in favor of this motion, signify
by.saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Page 21
October !4, 2003
MR. CONRECODE: Thank you.
Item #7A
RESOLUTION 2003-354 REQUESTING CONDITIONAL USE #1
OF THE RURAL AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICT FOR
THE Pl IRPOSF. OF F. ARTHMINING- ADOPTED W/CHANGES
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, that brings us to 7(A). This item
requires that all participants be sworn in and ex parte disclosure be
provided by Commission members. This is Conditional Use
2003-AR-3954. Jerry C. Neal, P.E., representing R.H. of Naples
requesting Conditional Use No. 1 of the Rural Agricultural Zoning
District for the purpose of earth mining. The property to be
considered for the conditional use is located north of U.S. 41 and east
of Greenway Road in Section 7, Township 51 south, Range 27 east,
Collier County, Florida. The property consists of 42.33 acres.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Anybody wishing to participate in
this discussion of this item, please rise, raise your right hand and
you'll be sworn in by the court reporter. (All speakers were duly sworn.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Now we'll go to ex parte
communication.
Commissioner Fiala, do you have any ex parte communication
on this item?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yesl I spoke to the county
manager and also to Mr. Norm Feder about this particular -- those are
the only people.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, I also spoke to county
staff, and on 10/8 1 met with Dr. Francis Husky, the owner of the
property.
Page 22
October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I have no disclosures, but I would
like to clarify one thing with the county attorney. Must we disclose
conversations we have with county staff each time when we discuss
any items?
MR. WEIGEL: That is correct.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay, then I have discussed it
with county staff.
MR. WEIGEL: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I also have discussed this item with
our county staff.
Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I have also discussed this with
county staff as of yesterday.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. I guess I'll ask Mr. Jerry Neal
to please come forward and explain the item that we're about to take
action on.
Shall we continue this item, or are you ready to do it today?
MR. NEAL: I'm ready to do it today.
I'm Jerry Neal, representing the petitioner.
I want to orient you to where the site is. It is about three miles
east of County Road 951. That's County Road 951. The site is here.
It is about a quarter mile north of 41, and it is to the east of
Greenway Road, which is this one. And that is Marquis, and it's at
the end of Marquis.
The site is 42.3 acres. And it was an old cleared farm field
before the operation started.
The proposed earth mining operation is consistent with the
future land use element of the growth management plan. The mining
is allowed in the agricultural rural district.
A little bit of history on this site. The Board of County
Commissioners approved the earth mining operation for this site in
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October 14, 2003
August, 1997. The operation continued from '97 to 2003.
During the county's internal audit in February, 2003 of
excavation permits, it was found that the 1997 conditional use and
excavation permit had expired. The earth mining operation was
stopped and the county asked the owners to dress up the side slopes
and stop hauling material off-site.
During the neighborhood meetings this summer it was
discovered that the excavation was too close to the property lines.
The Land Development Code requires setback of 50 feet. The site
was excavated up to about 15 feet in some spots. Since there is rock
about four feet below natural grade, blasting took place for 13 days
in May, '99, 10 days in June, '99 and additional blasting was required
in 2001, six days in November.
Today's request is to complete the mining project. The site is
about 80 percent complete, and there is only one proposed receiver
for the remaining material, and that is Habitat for Humanity. One second, please.
The site needs to be regraded to meet the 50-foot setback
requirement along the property lines. After shaping the side slopes
of the lake, a littoral shelf will be planted on the eastern side of the
lake.
This is the project site. This is going to be the littoral shelf.
This triangle area, excluding the church, is Habitat for Humanity.
That is a receiving point of the material. And when completed, the
lake or excavation site will meet the Collier County Land
Development Code requirements.
One of the questions in some of the public hearings with the
neighbors and also at the planning commission, there may need to be
some additional blasting. It may be necessary if, when they started
digging they find that an area has not been appropriately blasted and
the rock is still solid.
And this white area is a photo in the beginning -- January,
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October 14, 2003
February, of 2003. And that we think is blasted but it may not be
blasted, so we may have to go back in and do minor blasting.
The old stipulations under the 1997 permit was to take Marquis
Road, which is this one right here, it was 18 feet wide gravel, and to
convert it over to a 24-foot paved roadway. And that was done under
the old permit.
The second old stipulation under the '97 permit was to add a left
turn lane on U.S. 41 onto Greenway Road. Turn lane right here. That
left turn was also constructed.
Under my understandings of the new stipulation and
conversations with county staff, first, repair the damaged spot on
Greenway Road at the U.S. 41 edge of pavement at the turning
radius, where they turned off here and go that way.
Number two, repair the damaged drainage pipe under Marquis
Road at the intersection of Greenway. That's right there.
Third, limit the operations of truck traffic, starting hauling
off-site at 8:00 a.m. and end off-site hauling at 3:00 p.m. And this
was a stipulation from the Department of Transportation of Collier
County.
Fourth, if it is found that the additional blasting is necessary,
notification letters will be sent to all property owners within a 1,000
foot radius of the site.
Fifth, the operation and dress-up to be completed within 12
months.
And sixth, the lake setback be corrected to maintain the required
50-foot from the property line at the edge of the water, measured at
the control elevation.
I attempted to be brief but give you the information. If you have
any questions?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala, do you have
any questions of the petitioner today?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I have a few questions, actually.
Page 25
October 14, 2003
Because the neighborhood is so much more populated than when
they first began, I have a problem with start at 8:00 a.m. when
children are still trying to go to school. I would prefer to see us not
start until 9:30 -- excuse me.
The second thing is they're talking about permission --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Can you hold on just a minute?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Sure.
MR. MUDD: She needs to talk a little bit slower,
Commissioner.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yes, a little bit slower and right into
the receiver on the telephone. We would appreciate it if you'd start
over, please.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I'm sorry.
Yes, is this any better? Hello?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Sure.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Okay, good. Okay, slower it is.
My first concern is the neighborhood has become quite built out
already, is going to continue to do so. I'm concerned about the
starting time of the trucks, being that the children will still be going
to school. I would prefer to see it from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to
make sure that the children are out of harm's way.
The second concern I have is the developer is saying that they
have -- they will let the people know in the area if and when they're
going to blast, but he didn't mention anything about repairing
damages to their homes or additional structures, if indeed there are
cracks or whatever caused from the blasting.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Anything else?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: One last thing is, which Habitat are
they -- there are three Habitat developments going in in that
particular area. I want to know which one that one is.
Page 26
October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, I'm sure Dr. Durso would
address that -- that issue when he comes up.
Mr. Neal, Commissioner Fiala has questions about the
operation.
MR. NEAL: Yes. Number one, the build-out of the area. That
is sort of why I gave you the large map to see where it's located, and
also this aerial, which zooms in. There is some housing in here, but
it's in my opinion nowhere close to build-out condition.
We had talked to Transportation. Collier County Transportation
staff will address this, if you so choose. But it is my understanding
they prefer to have the traffic start at 8:00 and end at 3:00, rather than
have something go to 4:00. So the last conversation I had with
Transportation, they were still recommending the 8:00 to 3:00.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. I think we have something in
our agenda packet that says 9:00 a.m. But we'll address that with our
staff.
MR. NEAL: Okay.
Number two, any damage from blasting. We have held two
neighborhood meetings, and at the meeting there was a concern that
-- a possibility that blasting had or possibly could have done some
kind of a cracking to a house.
We informed them that -- who the blasting contractor is and that
they need to identify them and we'll have an insurance adjuster go
out and look and see, which is standard procedure, if there is any call
for damage.
Also, as you know, Collier County has their regulations that
when you blast, the county will go out and register the effect of it,
and if it is past the regulated amount of shaking, then it will terminate
the blasting. So we -- from the records, we have met the standards of
the blasting.
Number three, which Habitat. Since you could not see. the aerial
that's on the wall, it's the triangle shaped piece that's adjoining to
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October 14, 2003
Paradise Point RV. And for those who are here, there's Paradise
Point RV.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Do you mean South Place?
MR. NEAL: It is the one that has a chunk out of the middle of
it, which is the Haitian Baptist Church.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: So you must mean Charlie's place.
There's one on Greenway, there's one in the Henderson Creek PUD,
and there's Charlie's place. You must be referring to Charlie's place.
MR. NEAL: Yes, Charlie's place.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, thank you. Also, too --
and I know we're going to get into it with staff, but I'm very
supportive of Commissioner Fiala on the 9:00 to 3:00 because of the
school situation.
On the blasting itself, would you agree to a pre-survey to be
able to make -- a pre-assessment to make sure that -- what the
conditions are of each home that's in that area to be able to assess it
later if they come back with a complaint about the blasting? There
can't be that many of them within 1,000 feet.
MR. NEAL: Yes, there's not that many houses.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Could you agree to that?
MR. NEAL: We could agree to that, yes.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Also, too, I'm very concerned
about the language that's in here about it's the Habitat project.
There's a very
big plus in the fact that you're coming from a direction not too far,
you're repairing the stability of 41 just for a short distance, rather
than having the fill brought in from some distant point and impacting
the highways greatly.
There is concern, though, that you may not limit yourself to this
Habitat project. And that's a very big concern, because all of a
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October 14, 2003
sudden we may find you carrying fill the whole length of 41, which
is a two-lane highway that's well past the point of repair and
widening, and it would impact traffic greatly. Is there something you
can give me, assurance as far as definite language that your permit
that you have will be specifically tied into this Habitat project, and if
there's any change to that, you'll come back to us for further
clarification and additions to your permit?
MR. NEAL: Okay, you want me to answer question one and
two, or you have more?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: You can answer it any way you
like, sir.
MR. NEAL: Okay. Yes, we will check the conditions of the
houses before blasting so it will be on record. Video is the normal
practice.
Number two, the amount of material that is left on-site here is
about 100,000 yards, and Habitat needs that, maybe a little more.
There is a contract that they will receive the material and they're the
only ones to receive the material.
As I was told a couple months ago, that they needed more than
what we have on-site. So right now our material, all of it that's in
here, that's still in that, will go to there and no further.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: That still has not said the
words I'm looking for, that you will limit it just to that Habitat site,
your deliveries.
MR. NEAL: Yes, that's our contract with Habitat, yes.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I mean your contract with this
Collier County Commission will also --
MR. NEAL: And the contract --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: -- be stated in the permit?
MR. NEAL: -- agreement with you, stipulation, yes.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you.
The turn lanes are something I'm going to have to talk to staff
Page 29
October 14, 2003
about to be able to get a better feel for.
I'm also concerned about average of 52 haul trucks accessing the
site daily. Not the numbers so much but how 52 is arrived at. Did
you divide seven into the total for a five-day work week or did you
divide five into the total -- your days of operations are going to be
Monday through Friday, correct? MR. NEAL: What--
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Monday through Saturday --
what is it?
MR. NEAL: Yes. What we did is we took the historical
loading information and we came up with an average of 52 from 7:00
to 5:00. That was the very initial application to continue the
operation as it was approved in '97.
Since then, it has gone down to 8:00 to 3:00 and possible 9:00 to
3:00, so the 52 is going to get smaller and smaller as the time gets
shorter and shorter.
We have one loading facility to load material. I think I read in
the staff report that they are going to limit, as a stipulation, that we
only have that one loading capability and not stick another loader in
there to fill the trucks up faster.
So to answer your question, the 52 started from 7:00 to 5:00 and
now it's getting smaller, so we're going to have less trucks.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Just to give me assurance that
we're talking the same thing, could we have the language read that
they won't exceed -- even because, I mean, they could put extra
capacity in there for loading the trucks, they could have the fill ready
to go -- that they won't exceed 55 trucks in any given work day?
MR. NEAL: Yes.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA:
problem. I appreciate that.
MR. NEAL: No problem.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA:
Then that shouldn't be a
And also, too, I'm not too sure
Page 30
October 14, 2003
what the planning commission's recommendations were. I don't
think I seen them listed in there. Did anyone else see them in there?
It refers them, but I didn't see them mentioned in our summary.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yeah. Planning Commission
recommendations, blah, blah, blah -- okay, we're going to get an oral
report on that from our staff.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Okay. I appreciate that. That's
all I have, and thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Yes, sir, I have a couple -- some
questions here.
In regards to your blasting, you said you did some blasting six
days in November. Can you tell me what year that blasting took
place?
MR. NEAL: In November, it was 2001.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: November, 2001.
And is it also fair to say that the permit that you had for this
commercial excavation also expired, I believe, March 27th, 2001 ?
MR. NEAL: That's what the report says from staff.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Well, do you have a certificate
that would say that that's the time frame that -- that the termination of
the permit was -- do you have that permit that says the date that it
was -- to be terminated and that you had to get a renewal?
MR. NEAL: I do not have a copy in my file. I got involved in
this about in February, so I don't have a copy of that. What I'm doing
is going for after-the-fact permits.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Okay. I have a very strong
concern here who's watching the store, since this is a county permit,
and why this wasn't discovered until this year, while this mining
operation continued; is that correct?
MR. NEAL: That is correct. It's my understanding that the staff
was doing an internal audit through everything -- and there are stacks
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October 14, 2003
and stacks of permits -- and they had found this one. And when they
entered it on the computer summary, it was noticed that it had
expired.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Don't you think that that's your
responsibility, or the person that's mining this operation, that's his
responsibility to keep up to date in regards to when his permit would
expire?
MR. NEAL: Normally it is, yes.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: And was there any fines imposed
on this period of time when you were mining outside of the permit?
MR. NEAL: That I do not know; that's not an area I'm in.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: That I could ask staff, maybe
direct that question to staff, if there's been any fines imposed with
regards to this operation that's been running illegally on this strip part
of time (phonetic).
The other concerns that I have, since you were operating this
mine and the mine was not in compliance as far as a permit, what
other areas of concern should we be worried about as far as what
damages did you do to the environment, not being under permit?
Because obviously nobody was watching what was going on. And so
I have some real concerns about how much more gravel was
extracted from this area above and beyond what was permitted. And
what this has to do with the surrounding environment.
MR. NEAL: I think I understand your questions, so I'll see if I
can respond to it.
There is a natural berm because of the elevation of the water and
the pit itself, or the lake or the excavation site, and the surrounding
ground. And when stormwater runs and falls directly on top of it,
then there's enough capacity that it won't overflow.
The sheet flow that comes through here is minor that it is not
significant enough to add to having a larger capacity to receive
off-site waters, so there was no -- to my knowledge, any water that is
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October 14, 2003
-- as you can see there is the clean water around the outside, and
there's the dirty water where they're digging inside -- that the water
went over the banks and onto the adjoining property owner on the
adjoining property.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Well, you made mention of the
fact that you were not in compliance as far as your setbacks. So what
other items did you -- are you -- should you bring forward at this
point in time?
I understand what you're going to do with this gravel, it's going
to a very good cause. But it seems -- what concerns me is that when
you got caught with your hand in the cookie jar, that all of a sudden
I'd like to start opening up this mine again and I'd like to take care of
Habitat for Humanity, but the problem is that you've been out of
compliance all this time.
And what we need, I think, on the Board of Commissioners is to
make sure that you're going to be in compliance, that if we do let you
go on with this permit, that the mining operation is only going to
serve the Habitat of Humanity (sic) and nobody else in regards to the
material coming out of that particular mine.
MR. NEAL: Yes, we have agreed to staff that we will go back
and fill in the perimeter areas where it's less than the 50 feet, and that
we will address it to the county standard.
Also, it's my understanding that they had a bond for $100,000
that also sort of puts us in a compliance mood because they can pull
that bond at any time.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I guess the last question I have,
and this would be to staff: How are we going to make sure that this
particular mining operation and any other type of mining operations
in Collier County are being set up for the particular standards that we
set forth, and that we're going to make sure that all the -- this mine,
along with other mines are going to be held in compliance? I guess
what I'm asking is what type of follow-up are we going to have on
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October 14, 2003
this?
MR. KUCK: For the record, Tom Kuck, Engineering Director.
I think I can address most of those questions you ask.
Yes, we did make a mistake. I guess -- you know, I'm not
making excuses, we did not pick up that this -- the conditional use
had expired, or the blasting -- I shouldn't say the blasting -- the
excavation permit had expired. Whether it was shorthanded in our
office, whatever caused them, I'm not really sure.
One thing it did do, it precipitated a procedure that we worked
out a software computer program for all excavations and blasting, so
60 days in advance of a conditional use or a blasting or an excavation
permit expiring, that alerts us. We worked with the county attorney's
office and formulated a letter at that time that goes out advising the
petitioner that in 60 days their permit is going to expire. And then
we get another reminder and send out another letter within 30 days.
And then if they don't respond, we take positive action.
We also set up a procedure so all excavations in Collier County
will be inspected once per month. We've got a regular form, and that
gets entered into it also.
For each time that they do a blast, they have to call and make
arrangements with us, and we do have an inspector out observing
each blast that occurs.
We do have -- I think something was mentioned on the security.
We have $100,000 cash security posted by the petitioner on this
particular project.
I'm not sure what other questions you may have with staff, but
I'll try and answer them.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I guess my final question, before I
turn this over to my fellow Commissioners, when did you put this
new process into operation, so that we have follow up? Because
obviously this was going on for about two to three years prior to your
staff catching on what was going on here.
Page 34
October 14, 2003
MR. KUCK: We started in February, and it's taken like three
months to write this -- you know, the right type of software program.
One of the people from my staff has worked with IT, and it's working
out real well. And it will correct this so hopefully it won't happen in
the future. But I'll have to admit that we probably should have
picked it up sooner.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Well, it sounds like big brother is
doing his job.
MR. KUCK: Well, we're trying.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: You don't have to comment on that.
I know you do a great job, Tom, and I appreciate it. Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I'm concerned about these
excavations from the standpoint of depth of excavation.
And we have another one we're considering. This one says that
the average bottom elevation will be 20 feet below the average
original grade. Now, of course you can get to an average bottom
elevation by digging some areas really deep and some areas really
shallow.
My concern really is with the confining layer of the aquifer.
And I wonder if we should not also establish a condition concerning
the maximum depth, not just the average depth for the excavation.
MR. KUCK: Yeah, we can look into that. One thing we do is,
for an annual report we require the excavator or the owner to submit
an aerial photograph to scale, along with soundings of what they've
excavated. And then if it's a long-term excavation, like some of the
commercial mines, every three years they have to provide us certified
cross sections on what's occurring so we can monitor and make sure
that they're not exceeding the permitted depth. When I say that, we
give them-- usually on the ones like at 20-foot, you know, 10
percent tolerance is okay, but --
COMMISSIONER COYLE: One of problems I have is that a
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October 14, 2003
lot can happen in a year or in three years, and all it takes is the
perforation of the confining layer and we're likely to have some
problems with the aquifers.
Do we know where that confining layer is in this particular
area?
MR. KUCK: In this particular area, I'm not sure. And Jerry
may be able to answer that.
And it may be we need to look at our excavation ordinance and
identify what type of borings we need in advance from a, you know,
regular soils testing laboratory, so they would be able to identify if
there is a confining layer and at what depth it is.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: We do not have those borings at
the present time?
MR. KUCK: I'm not sure -- Jerry says yes, they're in the file.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Now, are these borings sufficient
for us to determine what would be an acceptable maximum depth of
excavation in that area?
MR. KUCK: I believe with the soil borings we also, when
they're provided, get a certification from the -- you know, the soils
lab on what the recommendations would be. But -- and I know what
the concern is, is to say we've got one excavation permit that was
scheduled for today, and it was continued till the next meeting. And
I want to make sure that we can address everything.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yes, it's the same problem.
I would like to see us address that before we make final decision
on this. Or otherwise, put some condition here that will protect the
county from the eventuality of someone perforating the confining
layer. I think we can do that perhaps today, as an additional
condition.
But we also have to follow up with inspections on this because.
Quite frankly, once it's perforated, what do you do about it? I don't
know. We have to safeguard that from happening rather than trying
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October 14, 2003
to deal with it on an after-the-fact basis.
MR. KUCK: And again, on the particular one today that's for
the conditional use, if that does get approved, we'll be back before
you in two weeks, I would imagine, or whatever, for the excavation
permit. And some of the questions that have been brought up today
can be answered at that time and made conditions of the permit.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay, good. Thank you very
much.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Two things. Tom, we need a report
of what the recommendations of the Planning Commission from our
staff. And I don't know if you have that.
MR. KUCK: Yes, we do. And we can make that available
either with the excavation, or if you would like to have that
submitted between now and two weeks from now or at the next
meeting.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I think the Board needs to know
what the planning commission recommendation on the conditional
use. Sir?
MR. BOSI: Chairman Henning, Mike Bosi with planning
services. In Page 3 of the executive summary, under the Collier
County Planning Commission recommendation, the planning
commission heard the petition at the September 18th planning
commission meeting, and they recommended unanimous approval,
subject to the conditions that were contained -- or attached to the
resolution. And the clarification, the hours of operations that were
approved by the planning commission was 8:00 to 4:00. It's been
subsequently noted by staff that the -- that the conditions could be
changed by a motion of the Board.
And just maybe to give the Board of County Commissioners a
little more comfort, we understood that this area has changed in
transition from its character from the original conditional use that
was granted in '97. It still retains its agricultural zoning district, but
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October 14, 2003
you're starting to see more residents populate the general area.
We felt that the conditions that we had imposed, associated with
the conditional use, would grant assurances that this operation will be
done within one year, and that excavation pit would be placed into
the requirements that the LDC has for excavation pits and how
they're supposed to be left.
If we were to walk away today, that area does not benefit that
neighborhood as it transitions to a residential district. And
eventually the agricultural zoning district is probably going to
transition more to a residential character. And we felt this one year,
one year from the time of approval by this Board, that they have to
be done and they have to have it back within the requirements of the
Land Development Code.
And just to clar -- just so I can make sure that I'm fully
understanding the conditions that the Board would like to place upon
the conditional use, Commissioner Fiala had suggested 9:00 to 3:00.
An additional condition recommended by Commissioner Coletta,
stating that a survey of the existing housing before any blasting was
to be done would be taken by the applicant to ensure that if any
damage that was done related to the blasting activities that would be
associated with the excavation permit could be documented, as well
as another commission -- another condition to limit the haul activity
strictly to the Charlie Estates Habitat for Humanity site on 41, based
upon the concerns that we did not want to populate that 41 segment
any more than that half mile distance that separates Greenway Road
between the Charlie Estates interest.
And a fourth condition that would -- I believe it was suggested
by Commissioner Coletta as well, that a 55-day haul trip cap would
be placed per any given day upon the site, just upon the same
concerns about accessing 41.
And I think that the -- Tom Kuck had indicated that the
condition in terms of the perforation of the aquifer would maybe be a
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October 14, 2003
condition that should be -- or better addressed at the actual
commercial excavation permit that would be back before you in two
weeks.
And staff realized that, in summary, that this operation -- the
ball has been dropped by the county, the ball has been dropped by
the applicant. There's no denying that. As a planner, I just do not
see the benefit of putting a halt to this operation based upon the
zoning designation of the land and based upon the number of
residents. There are a number of houses there, and they've expressed
their concerns, but they've also expressed that they want assurances
that the county is going to be on the ball in monitoring anything that
happens in the future, and that they're going to suffer no more
damages from that.
We believe, and we've got engineering services who have stated
that they will be at any blasting that occurs in the future. And we
feel that this one-year window that's going to allow them to get in
there, clean up their site, get the rest of their haul material out of
there and then have a 32-acre lake that can be considered an amenity
to the area and can be considered more attractive to the residents.
Any other questions, I'd be happy to answer.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yeah, I have some -- a question for
Mr. Neal.
Sir, you stated during the public neighborhood meeting that (sic)
was one resident complaining about damage to his property; is that
correct?
MR. NEAL: That's what I understand. It's third hand, but that's
what I understand, that--
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Was (sic) you at the neighborhood
meeting?
MR. NEAL: Yes, there were two neighborhood meetings, and I
was at both of them. And I did the presentation, along with the staff.
And at the last one, the statement was to notify us or the blaster and
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October 14, 2003
we would get them in contact with the adjustor, adjuster for the
insurance to go out and look at the house. It was my understanding
that the adjuster may have gone out and looked at the house. That
part of it, I'm not involved in. So it's third hand.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Let's get back. Was the owner of the
house or residence there complaining about possible damage from
your operation?
MR. NEAL: The blasting went on in '99 and it was in 2001, and
the first that anyone, even the county has heard of it was at the
neighborhood meeting a few months ago.
The person said they more or less assumed that since we were
close to them and we were doing blasting, it probably was us.
However, there was no record of time that she put on to the county or
to us or any notification that when she thought this had happened and
so therefore, to correlate one to the other at this time, you would just
have to guess that it either occurred from the blasting or it was -- it
occurred naturally, which sometimes you do when you have --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I guess you answered my question.
MR. NEAL: -- houses in -- material. I don't know how to
answer your answer, because I know when we blasted but I don't
know when she's claiming it happened.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All right. I didn't ask that. The
question was, was the resident there at the neighborhood meeting
complaining about possible damage? And I think you said yes, the
resident was there. That was the question.
MR. NEAL: I don't know if that particular one, because I don't
know who you're referring to, but there was someone there.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
complained about damage.
MR. NEAL: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
MR. BOSI:
Well, you referred to it, a person that
Okay.
Just for clarification, I was present at both of the
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October 14, 2003
meetings and there was a resident-- there were a number of residents
complaining about a number of things, but one resident specifically
stated that they felt that their house was structurally damaged
because of the activities at the site.
I'm not making a claim as to whether there was, but she did
make that statement.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I appreciate a direct answer to my
question.
Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: One question that I asked that
hasn't been answered and that is, why hasn't there been any finings
imposed on this person who's been running this mine out of
compliance?
MR. BOSI: Commissioner Halas, I had it on my notes to
address your question. I'm sorry I didn't get to it.
In terms of the planning services, we aren't in the business of
fining. What we do -- what we do when we receive an application
that is after the fact, we assess an after-the-fact fee, just two times the
-- two times the regular application fee for conditional use. But other
than that, the planning services department doesn't get into any sort
of-- any sort of fining or any sort of action such as that. But they
were charged twice the amount that a normal application would come
in, based upon the after-the-fact fees.
They were issued a notice of violation to have -- brought (sic)
their conditional use and their excavation permit up to date, which
they're in the process of doing. I believe if they did not act upon that,
that was when the Code Enforcement Board would take action upon
it, and then that would be the avenue and opportunity for fines and
monetary damages imposed upon the applicant.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: So do we have something in place
now so that there is a sequence of events that will take place that will
make sure that all these mines are in compliance?
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October 14, 2003
As Commissioner Coyle stated, I'm in the same boat as he is
that I'm concerned that if you have mining operations that are not
adhering to the rules, especially on the permit -- and I think that that
would be something that they should be able to know, when their
permit is going to expire, and I have concerns that maybe they could
also be involved in disturbing the confining layer that would keep the
mine segregated from the aquifer. And so that's why I'm very
concerned about not only this mining operation, but other mining
operations that we have going on in Collier County.
MR. BOSI: Commissioner Halas, I believe Tom Kuck started to
address that about the monitoring process that has been established
and the indication that maybe they will need to look at the mining
ordinance in terms of the regards to the depth and-- maximum depth
and protecting the aquifers.
As far as notifying the applicant as to when their conditional use
would expire, we have this -- we have the system being developed
and being in place now, and we will continue to remind the
applicants, once they receive approval from the BCC, that it is their
responsibility to act upon the conditions that are stipulated to any
approval granted by this Board. And I'm sure the Board of County
Commissioners will do so as well.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: We're starting to repeat ourselves.
Appreciate the information.
MR. MUDD: Mr. Chairman, bottom line, there's a system in
place, 60-day notice when you're stuffs getting close to being time
up on conditional use and permitting. Tom Kuck inspects the mines
every month and has a check sheet to make sure that they're in
compliance with their permit. He also takes a look at the depths in
the -- that they're doing. He's going to go back and take a look at the
ordinance to make sure if there needs to be something added as far as
the depth piece of-- and Commissioner Coyle brought it up as
average depth versus, you know, one's shallow, one's deep, did they,
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October 14, 2003
did they bust the confining layer.
We'll take a look at that a little bit more in detail, and hopefully
in two weeks when we come back with the permit he'll be able to tell
you what he's found.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Great.
Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Just one other question. One
more time, what are you going to do with this when it's all mined
out? What is the intentions to use the land for?
MR. NEAL: The land use -- well, on the western side, you can
see some green grass area. That will be building pad areas and --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Could you take your light there
and shine it on there?
MR. NEAL: This area right here.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: That area right -- with the
white line over to the left to the lake is what you own as property,
right? Is that what I'm looking at?
MR. NEAL: Right. Yes, we own to that white line.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yeah. What are your
intentions once this is mined out?
MR. NEAL: Our intentions is to subdivide it into five-acre
tracts, and that's the reason why the wide area is left there, is so they
have a home site and then they'll back up to the lake.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: That would be real nice if you
could sell it to the county for a dollar for a park, but that's a --
MR. NEAL: And if you would, I would answer Mr. Coyle's
question.
On this particular application before you, the area that's in white
will have a depth of 12 feet. So the original may have been 20 feet,
but what we're planning on excavating, the rest of it is only down to
12 feet.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Did we beat this up enough?
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October 14, 2003
Shall we go to public speakers?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I had enough fun with it.
MS. FILSON: Mr. Chairman, I have one public speaker. Sam
Durso.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Commissioner Henning, can you
hear me?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yes.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I had a couple more things that
after our speaker I would like to mention them. CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
MR. DURSO: Good morning. I'll be very brief. My name is
Dr. Sam Durso, I'm here as president of Habitat for Humanity for
Collier County, one of your partners for providing affordable housing
in the county.
The subdivision Charlie Estates will provide for 120 families.
The way we got involved in this, we went out to bid this summer and
because of regulations that are coming to pass, three people bid on
the project and two people bid the fill at 9.50 a yard and these people
bid the fill at $5.00 a yard. We're only going to use 130,000 yards of
fill here, so you do the math. You know, we're saving four or
$500,000 by having these folks do it.
Obviously when I did it, I didn't know they didn't have a permit,
and you can imagine my surprise in August when I saw it before the
planning Board. I said, what's going on, you know.
But the project is in place. They've already started with fill
from the lakes on Charlie Estates. We need this 100,000 yards today.
We need it right away. So I can assure you, number one, that all the
fill there will be ours.
Number two, it's going to save us four or $500,000, which is
going to save you, because that's more affordable housing we can
build.
Obviously it will save the roads, because it's right across the
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October 14, 2003
street from us, it's only a half a mile.
So, we just strongly support it and we hope it happens. And I
think the end result, this piece of land will be better, and, you know,
maybe there will be another use for this land later on.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
MR. DURSO: But flips very expensive.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Boy, is it.
MR. DURSO: I was hoping -- when I thought they had three or
400,000 yards of fill here, and I thought we were going to be able to
use this on all our projects -- because we've got two other projects in
the area. But they only -- apparently they don't even have enough fill
for us. So we will get all the fill. And we want it right away, so it
will be soon.
I am a little unhappy with the restrictions, but I suppose 9:00 to
3:00 they can do it. And they won't be trucking more than 30 or 40
loads a day. I don't see how they can.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Well, we left them the leeway
so they may find a way to do more to be able to end the project
sooner.
MR. DURSO: That's okay. We're ready for the fill. We can
use it today. So the sooner they do it the sooner we'll be building
houses.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
MR. DURSO: Thanks.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Great.
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes. Thank you very much. We're
happy they're going to have trucks going such a short distance, as
Commissioner Coletta previously stated, and not traveling a long
distance and all on our roads.
The things are still bothering me. Number one, the people in the
area have had damage to their homes, but they of course thought that
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October 14, 2003
these people were mining, excavating legally. They had no idea that
they should be reporting this.
Secondly, for two years the company has been mining, taking in
off the mining. Never had to pay for a permit, never had to pay for
anything. So that's two years free and clear that they've had this
money coming in, which to me is just appalling.
And second -- and thirdly, our -- Tom Kuck was apologizing for
staff blaming themselves actually for not being after this. But, you
know, how do they know the people are mining illegally? They
think that once the contract is completed that people will be
responsible enough to come back if they want to continue it. That
has to take place. I'm very, very disappointed.
The only good thing about this entire situation is that there will
be lots of trucks off the road, it will also be a short distance, it will be
9:00 to 3:00, and that they'll make sure that they repair these people's
homes, and it's going to go to Habitat. Thank you. CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
That was kind of the same stuff we've been talking about, what
Commissioner Fiala was talking about. So I guess there's enough
concern that staff is going to fix it. And it sounds like we're going in
the right direction to fix that.
So if there's no further questions, I'm going to close the public
hearing.
Commissioner Fiala, anymore questions?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No, thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Seeing none, the public hearing is
closed. Entertain a motion. Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Commissioners, I think there are
two issues here that probably have to be dealt with separately.
One is our failure to enforce the process. And I think we
probably do have some kind of procedure for handling illegal mining
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October 14, 2003
activities.
The other issue is one of using the remaining fill and getting this
mine cleaned up so it is a community amenity rather than a hazard,
and allowing Habitat for Humanity to get that fill at a reasonable
price.
So what I would suggest is that we approve the mining permit,
direct staff to pursue whatever measures seem appropriate under the
enforcement provisions of our Land Development Code, and to make
the necessary changes with respect to the current conditions that are
contained in our-- and the recommendations from staff for the hours
of operation from -- it varies from 9:00 to 4:00 or from 8:00 to 4:00,
depending upon what sheet of paper I'm looking at. But I think
we've agreed on 9:00 to 3:00.
And that we also direct staff to add a condition concerning
maximum depth. And the petitioner has indicated that 12 feet is
where they intend to go. Perhaps that would be -- it would be easy to
determine if that causes any danger to the confining layer of the
aquifer and proceed with something less than the 20 feet that's
currently stated as a condition.
So what I would like to do is to make a motion to approve with
those changes to the conditions that are attached to the resolution,
and again, to emphasize that we -- the staff describe a maximum
depth which is realistic and is the least depth that is necessary for
successfully accomplishing this excavation without placing the
confining layer of the aquifer in danger.
MR. MUDD: Mr. Chairman, if I could make one correction to
the motion. This is for conditional use, not the permit. You said
permit, and I just want to make sure for the record it's conditional
use.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Conditional use. The permit
comes next.
MR. MUDD: And staff will come forward with restrictions on
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October 14, 2003
the depth in the permit.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay. Good. Thank you. Then I
make that motion.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I second it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: There's a motion by Commissioner
Coyle, second by Commissioner Halas. Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I was wondering if you'd also
include in your motion the fact that this would be limited to this
Habitat project, to keep them from all of a sudden deciding to carry
the fill farther. And also that it's capped to a maximum of 55 trucks a
day, so if they do find another way to be able to move the fill faster
we don't find 150 trucks out there tying up 41.
And that -- let's just see, what's the other one. And also the
planning commission's recommendations be also added.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, they were. I had referenced
those in my original motion, but I will modify the motion to include
the items you have described.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I modify my second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: There's an amended --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Forgive me.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: No, that's too late, you already had
your mm.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: You can only amend the motion --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Come on, it's my birthday, I get
another try.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Let's sing happy birthday -- no, go
ahead.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Also, too, about the
pre-assessment of the homes within 1,000 feet, as far as blasting
goes.
Page 48
October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COYLE: What does that mean?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: That means the petitioner has agreed
to assess the surrounding homes for structural, so that's recorded, if
there's any complaints on any structural damages, that will be taken
care of.
MR. MUDD: The only way that these people are going to get
any kind of reimbursement for any structural damage is to have a
pre-inspection that's video taped and on record so that if a crack
shows up that wasn't there, then they can -- then they can blame it on
the blasting at such and such a time. If you don't have that pre-video
or those snapshots, you might as well -- you forget about it, it's a
waste of time. So you've got to have the pre-assessment.
MR. KUCK: I would just like to add that we did revise our
blasting ordinance several years ago, and we require pre-blast
surveys on a certain radius. It's all tied into how many pounds you're
using per charge. And then in addition to that you go 50 percent
beyond that distance and have to notify the neighbors. But we do
have that in -- where they have to go in and video -- or give -- the
property owners can say no, we don't want it.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Would that include at least
1,000 feet?
MR. KUCK: It really depends. It's like 200 -- I don't want to
get technical.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Well, no, I -- what I would say
is that it be 1,000 feet minimum or to the extent of our --
MR. KUCK: In most cases it is, and we can make it -- and we
can make it 1,000 foot.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Is that a part of the motion maker?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Is that a part of second?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Commissioner Coletta,
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October 14, 2003
there's one issue that you raised about mm lanes, I believe, and you
wanted to get our transportation staffs input on that?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, input. But I think what
would be very simple to do is just have it that the turn lanes have to
be -- Mr. Scott, would you like to comment on that? Or else we can
include it in the motion that the necessary turn lanes be so designed
as to make this all functional and safe.
What do you have to say about that, Mr. Scott?
MR. SCOTT: Well, the -- as he mentioned earlier, the --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Your name for the record, please.
MR. SCOTT: Don Scott, sorry, transportation planning.
The left turn lane at Greenway was put in as part of the previous
development in this area. The left turn into the Habitat doesn't meet
-- because of the size, it doesn't meet the requirements for a left turn
at that location.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: So the way the road's designed,
or will be designed, will be more than adequate to meet the needs of
the public?
MR. SCOTT: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Scott.
Is there anymore discussion? Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No, thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Seeing no more discussion, all in
favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries 5-0.
Page 50
October 14, 2003
We're going to take a seven-minute break so our county
manager can fix the communication problem that we have with
Commissioner Fiala. (Brief recess.)
MR. MUDD: Mr. Chairman, you have a hot mic.
Item #7B
RESOLUTION 2003-355 REGARDING PETITION CCSL-2001-
5/AR-1922 RFiQUESTING A VARIANCE FROM THE COASTAL
CONSTRUCTION SETBACK LINE (CCSL) TO ALLOW
CONSTRUCTION AT 9225 GULFSHORE DRIVE NORTH-
ADOPTED W/CHANGES
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Board of Commissioners are back in
session. We are on Item 7(B). This is item--
MR. MUDD: This item is continued from September 23rd,
2003 BCC meeting. This item requires that all participants be sworn
in and ex parte disclosure be provided by Commission members.
It's Petition CCSL-2001-5/AR-1922. Brett Moore of Humiston
and Moore Engineering, representing the Vanderbilt Beach Motel,
requesting a variance from the Coastal Construction Setback Line,
the CCSL, to allow construction of a multi-story residential building,
a parking structure, two swimming pools with extensive paver
decking, and a wooden boardwalk connecting to a handicapped
beach access ramp, all of which are located on property known as the
Vanderbilt Beach Motel, with a street address of 9225 Gulfshore
Drive North, in an area generally known as Vanderbilt Beach, and
more particularly described as Lot 4, Block A, Conners Vanderbilt
Beach Estates, Unit Number 1, located in Section 32, Township 48
south, Range 25 east, Collier County, Florida.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All wishing to participate in this
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October 14, 2003
item, discussion today, please rise, raise your right hand to be worn
in by the court reporter.
Hang on before we swear them in. We have some public
speakers on this item. How many? We have three, okay, that wish to
speak, and I guess we're all standing. Please. (All parties were sworn.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Ex parte communication by the
Board of Commissioners. 7(B), Commissioner Fiala, do you have
anything to declare?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No, I do not.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, I do. I talked to staff on
this item and also received an e-mail, or e-mails from William
Boggus.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yes, I have also talked with staff
and I met with Mr. Rich Yovanovich who is petitioner -- who is
agent for the petitioner.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I have talked with staff and I have
met with Karen Bishop on this item some time back.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: And I have no disclosures to make.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, Commissioner Henning, I
forgot to mention, I have spoken to staff.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Yovanovich?
MR. YOVANOVICH: Yes, good morning. For the record,
Rich Yovanovich, representing the petitioner.
I also have with me Brett Moore who I believe is one of the
registered speakers, who is the engineer on the project and Van
Miller, who is the architect on the project. So I think that's the other
public speaker. We three put slips in so I don't know if there's
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October 14, 2003
anybody else. And also a representative of the property owner, if
you need to talk to them.
I do need to correct for the record, Commissioner Fiala, we did
meet on this petition, so I just wanted to add that to the record.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, I'm glad you mentioned that.
I'm sorry, I didn't remember that. I don't have it written down, but
thank you for keeping me honest.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Okay.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you.
MR. YOVANOVICH: I have put on the visualizer an aerial of
the existing project, as well as the proposed redevelopment of the
property. And Mr. Moore will take you through in greater detail.
But essentially what we are doing is we are removing -- we are
removing these two existing structures and replacing them with a
residential 100-foot building.
What we will be doing, we will actually be bringing the
structure more landward of the water than currently exists.
The variance we're requesting is for a portion of the building --
and this dotted line is the coastal construction setback line that's
established. What we're asking for is this portion of the building, the
swimming pool and this is the handicap ramp. That's what we're
asking for. As you can see, it is more landward than the existing
structures, so it's an improvement, we believe, over the existing
situation out there.
We are in line with the established construction out there. And
that's the process we're following with the petition. You're allowed a
variance if there's an established construction line seaward of the
coastal construction setback line. And our proposed construction is
consistent with that established construction line.
This property has an existing seawall on it and the beach is
obviously seaward of the existing seawall.
We do need to make one revision to the resolution, and it's in
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October 14, 2003
the third whereas paragraph. We believe the following revision
would be more consistent with the ordinance language that pertains
to coastal construction setback variances.
And that third paragraph -- whereas paragraph should be revised
in its entirety to read as follows: The buildings shall be located
consistent with the line of authorized construction. And that's what's
been established is the line of authorized construction, and that is
consistent with the site plan attached to the resolution.
With that, we have met with your staff. We have incorporated
all of their requested revisions. I believe Barbara Burgeson is going
to make one more requested revision to the amount of pavers that we
can have with this project, and we can agree to those, so if you want
to put them on the record, Barbara, you can do that.
But with that being said, we are in agreement with all the staff
conditions. We request that one revision to the resolution. And Mr.
Moore can take you through briefly what we're doing and get into
any technical engineering questions, if you have any. Unless you
have any legal questions, I will sit down.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I don't have any legal questions, no.
I don't see anybody jumping up. Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'm sorry, I heard that language
that you added, shall be adjusted to construction -- to agree with --
constant with the construction line?
MR. YOVANOVICH: The buildings shall be located consistent
with the line of authorized construction.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: The only thing I'm going to add
is when staff gets up -- and maybe they'll comment on that particular
statement. It seems like that's a little more general than what was
specifically there before.
MR. YOVANOVICH: And it is. It was intended to be more --
see, the exhibit is consistent with the ordinance. The exhibit -- that's
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October 14, 2003
why we wanted that clarification, so that there was no ambiguity.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Possibly I might be able to
right now just get this behind us.
Mr. Weigel, any comments on that?
MR. WEIGEL: No. Ms. Student may have something
additional to add to clarify the question. But Rich is -- Mr.
Yovanovich's indication is to revise the third whereas to be consistent
with the language of our ordinance.
Marjorie, do you have anything further?
MS. STUDENT: I have just -- this had just come up. I just
want an opportunity to see if staff had a problem with it and then
compare it with the actual language here in the code, which I'm going
to do right now.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: And if we're changing it based on the
exhibit, shouldn't we base it on the exhibit and not the site plan?
MR. YOVANOVICH: That would be my preference, that there
be no reference whatsoever and that you're approving it based on the
exhibit. But I was concerned that it was inconsistencies between the
exhibit and the whereas paragraph. And if there was going to be a
question about it, I wanted to make sure we were tracking the exhibit.
And if you take -- frankly, in my opinion is, if you take the whereas
paragraph out, we're all better off.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: May I ask a question?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yes.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: By the improved, if you will,
request that Mr. Yovanovich has, will that also say that anybody who
has buildings out to the old CCSL, not the new one, is now allowed
to build out that far? What is practical here is to correct some of the
errors from the past.
MR. YOVANOVICH: No, this is -- this is -- Commissioner
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October 14, 2003
Fiala, this is -- and I'm assuming you can see it on TV?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes.
MR. YOVANOVICH: This is actually to pull the building back
closer to where the existing buildings are.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Well, you're number three. What
does that really mean? Lots of times it's sounds very -- well, to me it
sounds very ambiguous. What are you really trying to say there?
MR. YOVANOVICH: What we're trying to say is -- basically
what I'm trying to say is the exhibit attached to the resolution, which
is the picture you see on the visualizer-- COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes.
MR. YOVANOVICH: -- is where we're authorized to construct.
We can't go any further seaward than that. And that lines up with
the buildings to the right and the left, which is north and south, if
you're looking at a direction.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Well, I'll-- as Commissioner
Henning said, I'll wait to hear what staff says.
MS. BURGESON: For the record, Barbara Burgeson with
Environmental Services.
We used the current Collier County Land Development Code
language to create that third whereas, so it was using that Land
Development Code language to determine that it was appropriate that
the buildings would not extend further seaward than the building on
the parcel immediately adjacent to the north of this property. So it
would be appropriate to use that language, but I don't believe that it
would be appropriate to take out the whereas that staff has in the
resolution. So if we want to add the recommended language and
clarify that by keeping this whereas in as a part of that, that would be
acceptable.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I'm confused. You're referring to
a whereas that states that the buildings will not extend further
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October 14, 2003
seaward than the building on the parcel immediately adjacent to the
north of the property.
MS. BURGESON: Yes.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: He's talking about removing the
next whereas, where he's talking about -- MS. BURGESON: No.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: You said the third whereas.
MS. BURGESON: Yes, the first one is that large paragraph.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Oh, okay. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I
got it. I got it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I know that you have somebody to
explain the details on that. And Commissioner Halas, I don't know if
your question pertains to what we're discussing now or what is going
to be presented.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Yeah, there's a number of
questions I have here.
I'd like to also eliminate the fourth whereas, where you have
extensive pavers, terrace that will extend seaward over the pools. I
think that we don't need to extend pavers out past the west of the pool
there. I think decking would be more appropriate.
MS. BURGESON: Again, for the record, Barbara Burgeson.
I do agree that decking would be more appropriate out in front
of the CCSL. We had come to an agreement to allow pavers, but
staff had requested that it been in a minimal dimension in front of the
CCSL.
I do have one item I wanted to show on the visualizer. I'm not
sure how clearly you can see. Around the pool there's an area that
I've highlighted in green. That's the pavers that, in accordance with
the language of the CCSL resolution, would be permitted, which
would not exceed an average of 15 feet around the pool. The areas
that I've highlighted in red are additional areas of pavers that, in
accordance with the resolution language, would not be permitted. It
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October 14, 2003
would be permitted to put in a minimal walkway from the building to
each of those pools. We'd accept concrete walkway or a wooden
pathway from the building to the pool.
So that this diagram shows a change that I'd like to put on the record
to what our resolution requires. Though it would be staffs -- staff
would support a recommendation to remove the pavers as well.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Commissioner? You want to
wait or--
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I'll -- well, the other question is,
the seawall that's presently there, is that going to be removed?
MR. YOVANOVICH: No.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Why not?
MR. MOORE: For the record, my name is Brett Moore with
Humiston & Moore Engineers.
If you note on the site plan in the exhibit, there's an existing
seawall which goes across the entire property. Two buildings are to
be removed which are nonconforming from coastal development
standards. But there still is building to the south which includes the
Turtle Club restaurant, which is not designed for certain storm
events, and the wall will remain to provide protection for that
existing structure.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: What is that dotted line on the --
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: That's the CCSL.
MR. MUDD: The dotted line is the CCSL, sir. The dotted line
on the beach.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: No, the dotted line on the beach.
The dark dotted line on the beach; what is that?
MR. YOVANOVICH: That's the property boundary.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay. Are you proposing
building anything seaward of the seawall?
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October 14, 2003
MR. YOVANOVICH: No. Other than -- well, I take that back.
The handicap actually ramp will be seaward --
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Of the seawall.
MR. YOVANOVICH: -- of the seawall. But the building
obviously would not and the pool would not.
MR. MUDD: And the handicap ramp is this yellow?
MR. YOVANOVICH: Is the yellow Mr. Mudd is pointing to.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Moore, you want to give us a
short presentation?
MR. MOORE: Sure. And I'll try not to repeat what you've
already heard.
Really, some of the highlights are that we are removing two
non-conforming buildings. The new building will have a habitable --
a seaward habitable limit, which will be approximately 65 feet
landward of the motel -- the seaward limit of the motels that are there
now on-site.
The new building also will be elevated to meet the Florida
Building Code. And other than that, this project also will require a
permit from the State Department of Environmental Protection. We
have met with them throughout the project and they are -- they're
very comfortable with what's being proposed.
There are two pools, by the way. There's also a pool on the
south side of the project.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, a quick question back
about the seawall, if I may. And I understand what Commissioner
Halas's reservations are on this.
The properties to the south and the north, do they have seawalls
anywheres near you, or are you the only property that has a seawall
down through there?
MR. MOORE: I believe there's also a seawall on the adjacent
property to the north.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: My concern is, is that seawalls
are notorious for causing the beachage (phonetic) to wash away at
times of storm events and the fact that they act as a buffer and
usually are cause for beach erosion, future beach erosion. Has that
been addressed in any way, or is this entered into the equations? Is
.this something that we should be, from our own environmental
department, be very concerned about as far as long term? I mean, if
we allow this to happen now, we're locked in for another 20, 30 years
with the seawall still in place. I need advice on this.
MS. BURGESON: Again for the record, Barbara Burgeson.
We did not address the seawall during this review. This was
something that we had looked at in previous CCSL variances and had
requested petitioners to remove seawalls previously. We did not get
support from staff supervisors to continue to pursue that removal of
the seawall language in that old CCSL variance. I guess I'm
probably still taking direction from that management which goes
back quite a ways to not request the seawall be removed. But we had
determined at that time it would be more appropriate and better for
the beach for that seawall to be removed.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: So seawalls do cause beach
erosion at the erosion at the time of storm events?
MS. BURGESON: Yes, they do, typically.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: And what percentage of beach
can we expect -- what would be the magnitude in comparison to be
without a seawall? I'm just trying to put this together in my mind.
MS. BURGESON: I couldn't tell you what the difference in the
erosion would be, but it does cause an uneven erosion. It actually
creates a difference in how that -- the shoreline waves come in during
a storm event. They would come in normal to the beach and
consistently along that entire shoreline, if that seawall were not there.
When it encounters a seawall then it changes that, and that's not a
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October 14, 2003
consistent wave action along that stretch. In some cases it causes
additional sand to be placed one end of the seawall and scour at the
other.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'm very uncomfortable about
putting a burden on this particular petitioner at this point in time if
staff has not been following this procedure about the importance of
seawalls or the existence of seawalls and the impact they have on our
beach restoration efforts. And generally once you put a seawall up,
normally you have to start, continue the seawall down and protect
other properties, unless you've got beach restoration taking place at
an accelerated rate; is that correct?
MS. BURGESON: Yes. And we took a look at the other
parcel, which is the old Twin Eagles Beach Club which had the
seawall. We had -- our original request was to take that out. We did
look at a lot of the properties along Vanderbilt Beach and I believe
that there are
only four parcels that have seawalls on the entire stretch of
Vanderbilt Beach.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I have some concerns about
this. And I'll be honest with you, I don't know how to address it. It's
come to us at this point without staff interceding in some way, and
I'll be looking for my fellow Commissioners to give me guidance in
this.
MR. MOORE: May I also comment about some of your
questions?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Please.
MR. MOORE: With regard to the seawall, I mean, it has been
pretty well documented in the past that when waves interact with
seawalls, the wave energy reflects off the wall and causes additional
scour. This particular seawall does have toe scour rock in place to
help reduce that and dissipate that energy, so there's not a great
amount of accelerated erosion when storms hit this particular wall.
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October 14, 2003
There is a wall that is on the north -- to the property to the north,
per the survey.
With regard to setting a precedent that other people will come in
and build more and more walls, there's a fairly stringent statutory
provision dealing with coastal armoring that allows you to come in
and fill some gaps -- this is from the state perspective -- but in order
to be able to come in and build additional walls takes a great deal of
justification, and it's a pretty long road. And it would have to go
certainly before the County Commissioners to gain that approval
first.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I appreciate that answer. And
maybe staff could comment again on the rocks that will act to
prevent the -- dissipate the energy from the waves in such a way that
it will -- is there any comments on that? Is this going to achieve the
desired purpose, or have we still got a major problem?
And if you don't know the answer, it's all right to say that, too.
MS. BURGESON: Well, I don't know the answer to this
particular project, whether those stones are permitted in front of the
seawall. But I do know that state has not permitted that on other
properties.
It's in the permit? Okay, then what Rich Yovanovich is saying
is that it is required on this particular project.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you.
MS. BURGESON: I would rely on the state permit.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas has a number
of questions, and Commissioner Coyle wants to have some input.
Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: To start with, when we -- if we
decide to approve this variance, will this project go before the
planning commission for review of this whole structure that's going
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October 14, 2003
to be placed on this property?
MR. YOVANOVICH: No. What this is, is this is a site
development plan and building permit. So that's the process we
follow on this particular project.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: And there's no review whatsoever
by the planning commission?
MR. YOVANOVICH: No, because we're developing under the
existing zoning for the property.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Okay. I have some concerns
about the seawall. I'd like to see the seawall taken out. Have you
made some provisions also for beach access for the public?
MR. YOVANOVICH: The Turtle Club will remain in
existence, and they're accessing the beach right now through the
Turtle Club.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Okay. So there is provisions there
for people to use the beach?
MR. YOVANOVICH: Yes.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Other than just the people that live
at this club?
MR. YOVANOVICH: Yes, the Turtle Club is --
COMMISSIONER HALAS: That will be put in the resolution
also that we'll make sure that that beach access remains open for
those people?
MR. YOVANOVICH: Well, we would need to address where
-- right now the Turtle Club will stay. The Turtle Club is planned to
stay as a public eating establishment, which would get people access
to the water.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Well, it will be at the restaurant.
But does that give them the opportunity also to use that beach?
MR. YOVANOVICH: We've never had an issue with the
people who come to our restaurant going and walking on through and
getting to the beach.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER HALAS:
MR. YOVANOVICH: Yes.
want on the beach.
COMMISSIONER HALAS:
Okay. And swimming?
Yes, sir. Or doing whatever they
How many stories is this building
going to be, since it's not going before the building -- the planning
commission?
MR. YOVANOVICH: It is 10 stories over parking.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: And how many stories of parking
do we have?
MR. YOVANOVICH: One.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: One story. And that's what, at
FEMA level, 13 feet?
MR. YOVANOVICH: It is -- I'll bring the architect up.
MR. MILLER: For the record, I'm Van Miller with My
Architect, Inc.
The elevation is -- in this case is required at the underside of the
beam that supports the roof of the parking structures. That required
elevation's 19.25 feet NGVD, and then the deck above it is -- the first
habitable floor is at 25 feet NGVD, because of the beams that we
need to hold the structure up.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: So the parking structure's going to
be 19 feet, almost 20 feet; is that correct, from --
MR. YOVANOVICH: Well, the existing grade, the finished
floor is nine, so you take the 19 -- it's 10 feet to the underside of the
beam and another five feet of beam depth and slab to hold the
building above.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: So what are we talking total
height of this building?
MR. YOVANOVICH: From grade?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: From grade, yeah, all the way to
the top. Very top of the --
MR. MILLER: It's about 135 feet.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER HALAS: 135 foot.
MR. MILLER: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: And we're going to build this, the
other side of this CCSL line, westward of the CCSL line. MR. MILLER: Correct.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Not all of it.
MR. MILLER: A portion of it--
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Well, a good portion of it, half of
it, 50 percent of it.
MR. YOVANOVICH: I think it's a little less than 50 percent --
COMMISSIONER HALAS: 49.8 percent.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Did you measure it?
MR. MUDD: Bear with me, Commissioner.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I'm starting to get dizzy.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, it's a little sensitive, that button.
I'm sorry.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Okay. So if you take me to the
top of the parking garage, this little decking you have up there, what
did we say -- what was the height at that point, to the top of the
decking?
MR. YOVANOVICH: It's--
COMMISSIONER HALAS: That's correct, from grade.
MR. MILLER: 16 feet above grade.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: 16 feet above grade. And you've
got six foot of grade; is that correct? Nine foot -- MR. MILLER: Yeah, at nine.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: So have we addressed what we're
going to do with the pavers?
MR. YOVANOVICH: Yes. And that was when I earlier said
we were in agreement with what staffs revisions to the pavers --
we're in agreement with staffs --
COMMISSIONER HALAS: And we're going to end up putting
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October 14, 2003
decking there instead --
MR. YOVANOVICH: Yes.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, I want to revisit this issue
about the seawall. It's my understanding, based upon what staff just
told us, that the current code doesn't require the removal of these, but
yet there is evidence which suggests that it causes additional erosion.
I think we need to get some additional information from staff
concerning that for a future, perhaps, LDC revision as to how we
deal with these.
Although I'll tell you quite personally, after watching seawalls
over a period of 50 years or so, I haven't seen many seawalls wash
out if they've been properly protected. And I know from personal
experience that there are a lot of beaches that wouldn't exist if there
were not seawalls there.
And certainly it interferes with the natural erosion, but I don't
think our objective is to make sure that all of these beaches erode
naturally; otherwise, we wouldn't be replenishing them every year.
So I think we need to take a close look at that. And what I'm
suggesting is that if it is a problem, and I'm willing to be convinced
of that, we should deal with that at an LDC workshop of some kind
and see if we can't address it in our code.
The other thing I'd like to make sure of is that -- is that we are
not locking ourselves into a situation at this point in time where we
are approving a 135 or 40 foot tall building. What we are dealing
with only is a CCSL variance, as I understand it--
MR. YOVANOVICH: That is correct.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: -- is that correct?
MR. YOVANOVICH: That is correct.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: And you will have to come back
to at least us, if not the planning commission.
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October 14, 2003
MR. YOVANOVICH: No.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: You will not?
MR. YOVANOVICH: I will not.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: No?
MR. YOVANOVICH: No, no, no. The -- remember, this is at
the RT zoning district that addresses the heights. We have to comply
with the RT zoning district height requirements when the site
development plan and building permits are reviewed.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: This is a permitted use.
MR. YOVANOVICH: This is a permitted use. The height is a
permitted use in the existing zoning district.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I want to deal with the seawall. I
don't see the Board of Commissioners not going to renourish the
beach in this area. I think it's important that we protect property.
And if we have a slight storm where wave action is going to get up to
the seawall, we are doing our job by protecting property, or allowing
the landowner to protect his property. Under a major storm event, I
don't know what would happen to that piece of property, but I think
we ought to allow as much as we can to allow people to protect their
property.
So I don't have a problem with the seawall, and I'm-- and I
know this meets the requirements and future proposed requirements
for beach renourishment. So --
MR. YOVANOVICH: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala, do you have
anything?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No. I agree with you on that, by
the way.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Any other questions?
Okay.
MR. YOVANOVICH: May I? I just have more -- I'm sorry.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, I'm sorry, I did have one
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October 14, 2003
more. Before Commissioner Halas was asking about access. And I
-- I was listening very carefully to the answers, and I felt that he was
kind of hedging as far as the answer, something about the restaurant.
What I want to know is will there be permanent beach access for
local residents, whether they use the restaurant or not.
MR. YOVANOVICH: There is not now formal access. And
we--
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Well, I don't care about now. What
I'm talking about is from now forward.
MR. YOVANOVICH: And I was going to answer the question,
Commissioner Fiala, that we're not -- we do not plan on creating a
formal beach access point. We continue to plan to keep the Turtle
Club open and operating and allowing people access to the beach like
we have now-- like we do now.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Yovanovich, if I can help out
Commissioner Fiala.
Do you want to put that in a form of the condition of the CCSL
line that the --
MR. YOVANOVICH: That as long as the Turtle Club is
operating, we provide access? Sure.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: That the Turtle Club will remain in
existence, dealing with this CCSL line.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Commissioner Henning, I don't
really much care whether the restaurant stays in existence. What I
care about is the access, which is something that we've all -- all five
of us have been very concerned about is access to the beach. And
right now we're hinging it all on whether the restaurant stays open.
Well, we don't know that that's going to stay open. I want to make
sure that we have permanent beach access for residents who do not
live in that particular structure.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Commissioner, if I could help you.
Immediately to the south, about 250 feet away is Vanderbilt Beach
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October 14, 2003
Road. That already has public access and parking in that area.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Okay, I would like Commissioner
Halas's comment on that. Does he feel that that's sufficient or does
he feel that-- from what I understand, every 100 feet is really
encouraged.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: At this point in time, that's not
adequate enough beach access down there at the foot of Vanderbilt
Beach Road. We've already got a high amount of impact there. And
if you -- as everybody knows, we're also trying to work with other
identities in regards to a parking garage. And I feel that yes, this is
300 feet down the road, but it's also necessary that I think that we
have permanent beach access so that we can spread the crowd out
even farther.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Well, we would propose then, if-- on
the north side of the property we will create a five-foot wide -- which
is a typical sidewalk-- walkway for the beach access. On the north
side.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: North side.
MR. YOVANOVICH: North side.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Great. Thank you.
Any more -- further questions?
Mr. Weigel?
MR. WEIGEL: Yes, thanks.
In regard to Mr. Yovanovich's statement that he just placed on
record about the five-foot wide access way, I wanted to just see for
the record if in fact you mentioned that the Turtle Club restaurant
will continue to be in existence at least for the foreseeable future, and
that it itself has served and will continue to serve as a public access
way to the beach as well. I wanted to just check with you, Rich, if
that will continue to be the case, as well as the other stipulation you
agreed to of the five-foot separate access.
MR. YOVANOVICH: I'm going to let the owner of the Turtle
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October 14, 2003
Club address that issue.
MR. MOORE: Good morning, Commissioners, Attorney
Weigel. I just want to --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Your name?
MR. MOORE: I'm sorry, Mick Moore for the Vanderbilt Beach
Motel. It's my family's business. We've been in business there since
1968 when my grandfather first purchased the hotel. My father is the
one operating it on a day-to-day basis now, but he couldn't be here so
he asked me to be here in his stead.
One thing that's getting lost here in the discussion is that we are
operating as a hotel, along with the restaurant, the Turtle Club, as an
accessory use. After this property is developed we're going to
continue operating as a hotel. We'll be smaller.
Anybody who wants .to come to the Turtle Club can come.
They can sit out on the beach.
They can walk out onto the beach. In that sense they have beach
access. But we're still trying to operate our business as a hotel. And
as a hotel, most hotel guests don't want everybody storming through
the hotel property. So I think the -- I hope the Commission
understands that the reluctance to say that it's beach access is because
while we do provide beach access to the public, we're not asking
Collier County to come through our hotel property and come onto the
beach unless they're coming to the Turtle Club. I hope that's clear.
There is beach access about 250 feet away down at the end of
the road, and it's a very short walk out to the front of our property. In
fact, many of the people who come to the Turtle Club come up off
the beach.
So I hope that clarifies on the beach access thing. We don't
mean to be elusive in our answer, but we are running a hotel, and so
we have to have some concern for our hotel guests as well.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: But you are going to provide the
five-foot walkway to the beach from
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October 14, 2003
the road?
MR. MOORE: Mr. Yovanovich can answer that, but that's
going to be on the north side of the property, it won't be in the area
where the Turtle Club is.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I understand. That's actually
better.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I have -- those comments raise some
questions for myself.
What I'm seeing is a request -- is a variance from the coastal
construction setback to allow construction of a multi-story residential
building and parking structure, two swimming pools and extended
paver, blah, blah blah. I don't see where the hotel or motel is going
to continue with the restaurant.
MR. YOVANOVICH: That -- if you look at the exhibit,
Commissioner, attached to the resolution, you will see we're only
dealing with the portion of the property that has the yellow
highlighted over it. The remaining portion of the property, right
here, is going to remain in existence. We're not asking for any
changes to that property. It will stay status quo.
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: Okay. All right. Anything else?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Close the public hearing.
MS. FILSON: We have speakers.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: We have speakers. Please call up the
speakers.
MS. FILSON: I have Rich Yovanovich and Brett Moore, and I
believe they already spoke. Next speaker is Van Miller. MR. YOVANOVICH: That was the architect.
MS. FILSON: And your final speaker is Brad Cornell.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Oh. I'm sorry, Mr. Cornell.
MR. CORNELL: Brad Cornell here on behalf of Collier County
Audubon Society. Thanks for the opportunity to weigh in on this
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October 14, 2003
particular issue of a variance on the coastal construction setback line.
I would like to just comment that this whole area along
Gulfshore is -- and Vanderbilt Beach area -- is a redeveloping area.
Witness this project. And I think that really in reflecting what
Commissioner Fiala had said earlier in her comment about this is an
opportunity for the county to bring some out-of-compliance, you
know, based on old development, bring them into compliance with
that coastal construction setback line, and all the benefits that that
line does bring to the public.
And, you know, among those are the -- we would support
considering removing the seawalls and -- but I would make a note on
that. One strategy you could have would be in the case where you've
got intermittent seawalls, like this case where you've got one
Property that's using the seawall for protection, allow it to
temporarily stay there until redevelopment happens and when that
property is redeveloped, move the building back landward and then
you can remove the seawall.
It seems to me that all such updates where you're moving
buildings back behind the coastal construction setback line is going
to be complimentary to efforts to provide beach access, to also
renourish the beach, notwithstanding whatever allowances DEP has
for seawalls and out-of-compliance or grandfathered construction.
Moving behind that setback line is going to -- it's going to be much
better for our renourishment results. We're going to have more of a
beach and it's going to be better protected in the long run, and you're
going to have more opportunities for public access, and it's also
going to be a benefit for beach habitat.
I think that the county has an opportunity -- if you look down
the road for the entire stretch of that beach, which has notoriously not
had a lot of access and has had a lot of beach erosion problems, and
in fact I think you've got some proposals to renourish this beach
through various funding mechanisms in your agenda today, I would
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October 14, 2003
support looking at ways to make these new projects comply with that
setback line and not do variances. Thanks.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Any further questions?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Seeing none -- Ms. Burgeson?
MS. BURGESON: I just had one thing I wanted to clarify, a
question for Commissioner Halas.
Earlier you discussed the proposal to remove all of the --
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Pavers.
MS. BURGESON: -- the pavers and replace it with decking?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: That's correct.
MS. BURGESON: When you questioned the petitioner about
that, I think the petitioner was referring to the drawing where some of
them would be removed and not all of them. And I just am not sure
what the recommendation is on your part, or whether that discussion
was understood back and forth.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I'd like to see all of those pavers
removed and -- other than maybe a perimeter of three feet around the
pool. And then that rest of it be decking, since this is on the CCSL
line, on the other side of it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: The meeting of the minds. Does the
petitioner agree with that?
MR. YOVANOVICH: Is decking wood and concrete, things
like that; is that what you had in mind, Commissioner?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Decking would be wood or
something that would benefit the -- be more compatible with the
environment than pavers.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Which I understand staff is fine with
concrete as well.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Right. And that's what I heard, too.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Well, how much concrete are we
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October 14, 2003
going to pour here?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I don't know. I think pavers are
more -- I mean--
MR. YOVANOVICH: We frankly think the pavers are a lot
better for the environment and a lot more aesthetic with the 15 foot
that staff is pulling us back to and eliminating the red areas. I don't
know if you can see the red, Commission Halas, but it takes a lot of
the red area out.
MR. MILLER: Yes, Commissioner, Van Miller again for the
record. The pavers are small --
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I know what they are. But what
happens is when water gets involved, since we're right close to the
other side of the CCSL line, when you have wave action, even
though you may have a break wall there, you end up where the sand
gets washed out under those pavers and then of course we have a
problem then where pavers are.
MR. MILLER: Okay, I was just going to -- thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Anymore discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Close the public hearing.
Somebody want to formulate a motion?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Well, you know, I'd like to mention
first, I'm still having a real problem with adhering to the CCSL. I
feel we should be diligent in trying to correct some of these areas in
the past that have been sought for them. And I'm wondering if there's
a -- we cannot indeed pull this back somewhat with eliminating the
pool or something about the pavers. I just don't think we ought to
feel free with extending the CCSL out.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, Commissioner, your
communication is very weak.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: No, it's not your problem. You're
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October 14, 2003
breaking up. I understand that your concern is is that you want to
pull it back so there's not a variance on the CCSL.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All right. I can tell you what I see is
this is less intrusive to the CCSL than what's there presently. Just a
clarification what I see.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Uh-huh.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: We have -- Rich, if you want to help
me out, where the yellow line is of the footprint to the existing, how
many feet would that be?
MR. YOVANOVICH: About -- it's approximately 70 feet.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. So it's 70 feet further--
MR. YOVANOVICH: Away from the wall.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- away from the CCSL.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: But then aren't they going --
MR. YOVANOVICH: Closer to it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Closer to it.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: -- to be filling that
70 feet?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Pardon me?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aren't they going to be filling in
that 70 feet with other ancillary --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Swimming pool.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Right. Okay. Just so we have a
clarification what is being presented here today. But I hear your
concerns.
Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I have some real concerns with the
CCSL line, not only here up in Vanderbilt, but all through Collier
County. And we have in the past allowed building to be the other
side of the CCSL line. In fact, a lot of these buildings were built
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October 14, 2003
prior to the CCSL line being established. I think, as Commissioner
Fiala said, that we should be adhering more to the CCSL line and not
allowing any type of variances to go beyond that line.
And I have a difficult time with this whole process here. That's
just my feeling. Because I know there's other issues up in District 2
in regards to CCSL lines. And I have a very difficult time giving a
variance on this.
What we're doing is we're building -- we're encouraging pools to
be built here, we're encouraging pavers to be put in here, and I feel
that the reason that CCSL line was there was basically to protect the
people in the county, realizing that this could be potential for
flooding.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, Commissioner, this is your
district, and I've got to question where we're going to go with this in
the future if we have any other requests.
I'm looking at the left and the right side of the motel, and I'm
seeing two buildings that are -- exceed, far exceed the CCSL line. If
we have a major hurricane where those buildings are damaged or
even, I hate to say, removed from their existence, they're going to
have to come in for a variance through the CCSL line. Where are you
going to take us in case that event happens?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Well, I think what we need to do
is maybe address this in future Land Development Code
amendments.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. I just want to be fair to all the
property owners in this area so that -- you know, I mean, I want to
support what you want to do. And if we're going to address it at a
future Land Development Code, then that's fine, but if we have a
hurricane tomorrow, what are we going to do with these buildings?
So--
MR. SCHMITT: For the record, Joe Schmitt, Administrator,
Community Development and Environmental Services division.
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October 14, 2003
Mr. Chairman, we are coming back with an amendment to the
Land Development Code which will prohibit any more construction
forward of the CCSL.
Now, when you're asking about a hurricane, we do have a
hurricane provision in our code right now that allows rebuilding
within the current footprint. That's a hurricane.
Now, other acts of God, fire or some other type of activity, then
they have to comply with the Land Development Code as amended.
But we do have a hurricane build-back policy that does allow within
the current footprint.
But to answer your question specifically --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All right. So we'll deal with it at that
time.
MR. SCHMITT: -- we have an LDC change coming forward
that basically will implement that throughout the county.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Great. So we'll have further
discussion on that.
Any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Entertain a motion.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I'll make a motion to approve,
with the conditions that have been attached by staff.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: And in that motion, Commissioner,
the issue was addressed about a five-foot pathway from Gulf Drive to
the beach. Is that part of your motion?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: On the north side, yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: On the north side.
Is there anything else that we need to address?
MR. WEIGEL: While you're questioning, Ms. Student is
checking with Rich Yovanovich in regard to the five-foot pathway, if
it will be in the form of an easement to the county or how it will be --
MR. YAVONOVICH: We'll give you a five-foot easement.
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October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
MR. WEIGEL: And additionally, in the motion, you may wish
to reference whether there will be a change in the third whereas
clause or not. There was some discussion both with Ms. Burgeson
and with Mr. Yovanovich. Mr. Yovanovich had offered replacement
language where the language reflected -- correct me, Rich, if need be
-- reflected the exhibit which shows the reality on both sides of the
site in question.
MS. STUDENT: If I may, Marjorie Student, Assistant County
Attorney.
I have looked at the criterion that we're addressing here, and the
language of the statute -- or of the code says, either immediately
contiguous, which is right -- in my mind, right next door or adjacent.
And I think that Ms. Burgeson looked at a building to the north
which would meet the immediate contiguous criterion. And I don't
know why we would need to add the extra, unless somebody can
give me some additional information.
MR. YOVANOVICH: That's fine. As long as we all are
talking about Exhibit A --
MS. STUDENT: Okay.
MR. YOVANOVICH: -- being -- as long as the record's clear
it's Exhibit A, we can leave the whereas paragraph as it is.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Let's leave it the way it is.
MR. WEIGEL: Fine.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
I'm going to second the motion. And I'm a little disappointed
that -- we have some residents in the Vanderbilt Beach area looking
for some criteria for the Vanderbilt Beach area. I'm disappointed that
they're not here to help give us direction on this item. But that's their
right whether they want to be here or not. And I hope it doesn't come
up later when we go through the Land Development Code that what
we should have done on this particular item. Because I have no
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October 14, 2003
direction or communications on this what they wish to do.
So be it that it may, I'm seconding the motion. Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, could I just make a
comment? I think it's -- I think the issues relating to the CCSL that
have been raised by Commissioners are valid issues. The problem is
that we're dealing with what's on the books today and with a law
that's on the books today. If we want to change the law, I'm strongly
in favor of that so that we can solve some of these problems.
But there are some long-range implications that people may not
appreciate with respect to a strict adherence to this CCSL under the
current circumstances, and it could have a long-range disastrous
impact upon their property values. But that's for a different
discussion sometime in the future.
But what we will get out of this is the elimination of two
buildings that extend far beyond the coastal construction setback line.
We will get a newer building which is moved further away from the
beach. We will get a dedicated easement for public access to the
beach, which we have always been interested in doing. And we have
not in any way violated the existing zoning allowances. Whatever
the owner is going to do has to be done within the existing zoning.
And therein lies the issue.
We cannot begin to impose different requirements on existing
zoning, because the laws don't permit that. If we want to impose the
requirements, additional requirements, then what we have to do is go
through and revise the Land Development Code and apply it equally
and fairly to all property owners.
So I would suggest we go through that process. But in this
particular case, I think the public is benefitting under the existing
law. And that's the only thing we have to work with.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Just briefly. I just wanted to
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October 14, 2003
commend Commissioner Coyle for breaking this down to the logic to
the whole thing so it becomes more understandable the reason why
this is doable the way it is. You know, we can't rewrite the rules up
here on the
dais hour by hour, day by day.
I also want to commend Commissioner Fiala for moving it
forward for the beach access. That's a very important item and that's
a major concession to get for the general public in that area.
And I totally agree with Commissioner Henning that the lack of
participation by the residents in that area indicates non-concern over
this particular issue. We try to use these people, the residents in that
area as a gauge to how to react to some of these things. In this case
here we -- I received nothing on the chart that gave me any indication
of which way they are interested. So I am going to vote in favor of
this.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
MR. WEIGEL: 3-2.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Okay. Any further discussion?
Seeing none, all in favor of the
The motion carries, passes 3-0.
3-2.
Commissioner Halas and Commissioner Fiala descending (sic)
from the motion.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Thank you.
Page 80
October 14, 2003
Item #8A
ORDINANCE 2003-57 GRANTING THE REZONING FROM
"A"RURAL AGRICULTURAL TO "RSF-4 (3) FOR A SINGLE-
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF
GOI.DF, N GATF. CANAI,-ADOPTFD W/CHANGF. S
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Next item is 8(A). This item requires
that all participants be sworn in, by ex parte communication by the
Board of County Commissioners. This rezone is 2003-AR-4041,
Gary Butler of Butler Engineering representing Spinelli Land
Holdings LLC, requesting a rezone from Agricultural to RSF-4; three
units for a single-family development.
The property is located on the south side of Golden Gate canal,
one half mile from Livingston Road and one mile north of Radio
Road. Section 31, Township 49, Range 26 east, Collier County,
Florida, consisting of 40 acres.
Mr. Anderson, are you here to present this?
MR. ANDERSON: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All right, we're going to swear at
everybody right now. Anybody wishing to participate in this
discussion, please rise to be sworn in by the court reporter. (All parties were duly sworn.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Disclosure by the Board of
Commissioners.
Commissioner Fiala, any public -- or disclosures on this item?
Commissioner Fiala(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, I'm sorry, I'm on mute. And
that's 8(A), is that what you're saying?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yes, ma'am.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, I have disclosure. I have
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October 14, 2003
received e-mail, I talked to staff, and I have it all in my package here,
actually, that I will submit to the court reporter.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, thank you.
Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, I had a meeting on 10/13
with Bruce Anderson, who represents the petitioner. I received
correspondence on 10/8 from John Alcott, (phonetic), an e-mail on
9/14, 6:10, from David Clemmens (phonetic), and nine-- 3/19 from
an unknown person, sirem2~aol.com. And my file is here for
anyone who wishes to see it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I have met with Mr. Anderson and
Mr. Spinelli concerning their petition. I have met with residents of
Briarwood about their concerns. I have talked with Mr. Alcott on
several occasions. I have corresponded with residents. I have
received e-mail. I have talked with the staff concerning this and with
the legal department concerning the ability to attach conditions to the
approvals.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Yes, I met with Mr. Anderson and
have had correspondence, both mail and e-mail, and everything is
provided here in my folder.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I have -- thank you. I have not met
with the petitioner. I did receive a phone call from Mr. Alcott,
received numerous of correspondence from Mr. Clemmens and other
residents in the Briarwood area. And I did speak to a resident, that's
in my ex parte communication, just to the south of the proposed
project. That's it.
Mr. Anderson?
MR. ANDERSON: Good morning, Mr. Chairman,
Commissioners. For the record, my name is Bruce Anderson, on
behalf of Spinelli Land Holdings, the applicant.
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October 14, 2003
A little bit of history is in order. This petition, although with a
far greater number of dwelling units proposed, was heard by the
planning commission and the County Commission in 1999. At that
time the County Commission directed the then property owner to try
to arrange for an interconnection and access through the existing
Briarwood PUD rather than utilizing access on San Marcos
Boulevard and a connecting private road which abuts the subject
property.
After several years of discussion and negotiation, my client, the
current developer, Briarwood, acquired the subject property, and in
accordance with the County Commission's directive has proposed an
interconnection through the Briarwood PUD.
This rezone request is for Residential Single-Family-Four
development standards. The actual density would be limited to three
units per acre. The development standards of the RSF-4 zoning
district are closest to the development standards which exist for
single-family in the Briarwood PUD, although the lot sizes are larger
in the RSF-4 zoning district than in the current Briarwood PUD.
The development on this 40 acres that is the subject of this
petition would be limited to only detached single-family residences.
The planning commission unanimously recommended approval.
All infrastructure, roads, water and sewer are sized to accommodate
this additional land, and the water management would be standalone
on this 40-acre parcel, and it would be retained -- water management
would be retained on the 40 acres with eventual discharge into the
abutting Golden Gate Canal.
My client is in agreement with all staff stipulations, including
specifically that all of the lots within the additional 40 acres will be
incorporated into the Briarwood Homeowners Association and will
pay their proportionate share of all associations fees and costs. And
they've also agreed to amend the Briarwood declaration of
restrictions and covenants to eliminate a potential for internal
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October 14, 2003
inconsistency by adding a reference to the 40-acre parcel in those
places where the declaration refers only to a PUD.
Lastly, I want to reiterate on the record the commitment made at
the planning commission hearing by my client that a second pool will
be constructed before any building permits are issued for homes on
the 40 acres that are the subject of this hearing. I want to note that
Mr. Alcott, who did communicate, it sounds like, with each of you,
did speak at the planning commission hearing, and the minutes from
that hearing reflect that once that commitment was made on the
record to construction of the second pool before any building permits
are issued for this 40-acre parcel, he then changed his position to
support this request.
This morning we received revised staff stipulations, and we
have discussed those with the staff and have come to an agreement.
I'll wait for Ms. Deselem or Mr. White to distribute those to you.
They're primarily to do with paragraph number five, I believe it is.
We also reached agreement this morning with the three eastern
abutting property owners for provision of a six-foot high wall on top
of a 1 O-foot berm. That is reflected in Stipulation No. 7 that's being
distributed.
We believe that -- my client believes that we have resolved all
issues and reached agreement with all interested parties, and we
would respectfully request your approval of this petition and be glad
to answer any questions that you or members of the public might
have.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I just want to make sure that your
stipulation about the swimming pool is legally enforceable, since it is
not included as a condition for this particular rezone.
Mr. Weigel, what is your position concerning that?
MR. WEIGEL: Well, I really think that the question is if they
agree -- the petitioner agrees to put that in there and create conditions
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October 14, 2003
that have enforceability by private residents, private property owners,
that's fine for the record.
The question I have -- maybe Patrick White may be here -- but
the question is do we want the county to be in a position of
enforceability? If the answer is yes, can we -- can we be there, and if
the answer is yes, that we want to be there, additionally the question
is does the petitioner agree to that effect? And that may be a
clarification to be made.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: If I could just clarify my concern
here.
MR. WEIGEL: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: The petitioner has stated that they
are willing to have the completion of that swimming pool tied to the
approval of the site development plan --
MR. ANDERSON: Building permit.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Building permits, I'm sorry.
MR. ANDERSON: For the 40 acres.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Right.
And can that become a legal obligation without it being
included in the conditions applied to the approval of this rezone?
MR. WEIGEL: It can. And if I understand correctly, what Mr.
Anderson was indicating was that no building permits will issue until
the pool is built and completed.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay.
MR. WEIGEL: And the answer is yes.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Good.
MR. WEIGEL: This is consensual and it can be done. We have
the parties here that can agree to that and enforce it upon each other.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Now, with respect to the other
issues, I understand and appreciate the fact that we cannot and should
not get involved in the process of enforcing provisions of an
agreement which existed between the homeowners and the developer
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October 14, 2003
at some time in the past for a PUD which is not the subject of this
hearing.
MR. WEIGEL: I would certainly concur.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay. All right. But I think we've
solved the problem with the pool. Good.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Any further questions?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I have none.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. We have a number of public
speakers today.
MS. FILSON: Mr. Chairman, we have five public speakers.
Scott Keller. He will be followed by Christine -- and I don't know
how to pronounce this. It looks like, K-E-U-E-R.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: They're related.
Mr. Keller.
MR. ANDERSON: One clarification. Mr. Butler indicated I
might have slurred my words. I said a two-foot berm, not a 1 O-foot
berm. Just want to make that clear.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I understood 10 foot.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I understood 10 foot.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: It's on the record.
MR. KFJLLER: My name is Scott Keller. I'm actually just
going to be speaking on behalf of a few of the other speakers,
because we've already came to an agreement at the beginning. So I
just wanted to put it on record verbally that we agree to everything as
stated in that document, that two-foot berm, six-foot wall. The wall
to be precast, nothing that's going to be metal fencing or anything
like that. And that it should be done prior to any permitting of any
construction on the property. And that would be about that.
And I do have one question. You were mentioning contacts.
All of us had faxed documentation to the County Commissioners
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October 14, 2003
through a certain fax number, but you didn't list any of our names.
Did you guys receive -- for future communications of anything, did
you receive any faxes from myself, Scott Keller, or Steve Payne?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: They're all in -- everything we've
received are in these folders.
MS. KELLER: Okay. I just want to make sure we -- for future,
anything that I deal with in business, or wherever, I'm
communicating properly. And that's about that.
Thank you.
MS. FILSON: The next speaker is Christine Keller.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: You can waive, if you wish to.
MS. KELLER: I wish to waive.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
MS. FILSON: Tim Allen.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Next speaker.
Mr. Allen?
MS. FILSON: He will be followed by Steve Payne.
MR. ALLEN: Hello. I've lived in Briarwood since 1995.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Your name, sir?
MR. ALLEN: My name is Tim Allen. I'm a Briarwood
resident, okay?
I've lived in Briarwood since 1995 and I've seen many
improvements in Briarwood since Mr. Spinelli took over the
development from Mr. Mitchell some time ago.
Mr. Spinelli has made Briarwood a wonderful, safe place for my
children. He has added play areas for basketball, volleyball and
soccer. He has significantly upgraded the clubhouse and the
playground and has added a beautiful entrance to Livingston Road.
There is a great variety of home styles and elevations in Briarwood
and our property values have greatly increased.
Based on Mr. Spinelli's past performance in Briarwood and as a
Briarwood homeowner, I recommend that you allow Spinelli Land
Holdings this rezone of the existing agricultural area on the south
Page 87
October 14, 2003
side of Golden Gate Canal to single-family residence for additional
homes in Briarwood. I didn't send an e-mail so I thought I'd show up
here.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
MS. FILSON: The next speaker is Tim Allen.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Allen?
MS. FILSON: I'm sorry, the final speaker is Steve Payne.
MR. PAYNE: I'll waive, thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
MS. FILSON: And Dan Payne.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Ms. Deselem?
MS. FILSON: I'm sorry, one more. Dan Payne.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Payne?
MR. PAYNE: Yeah, my name's Dan Payne, for the record.
Only one I wanted to clarify, they didn't say anything about a setback
on that berm that we had agreed to -- the wall and the berm. That
wasn't --
MR. ANDERSON: That's in the written text that the -- let me
read it.
Stipulation No. 7: Prior to the issuance of the first building
permit, the developer must provide a six-foot high structural,
parentheses, concrete or precast, end of paren, wall, instead of a type
A buffer. The wall must be placed on top of a two-foot high --
two-foot high berm -- along the east property from the FPL easement
north to the canal easement. The wall must be no closer than four
feet from the eastern property line.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
Commissioner Halas, then Commissioner Coyle.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I have a question for the residents
there. You're more in favor of a concrete wall than some type of a
buffer with landscaping, tight landscaping like a hedge or something?
Okay.
Page 88
October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, Mr. Chairman, I would like
to commend the residents who have been meeting for a long time in
an effort to resolve these problems, and the developer, for their
willingness to sit down and work out these things prior to bringing
them to the County Commission. I think that's the kind of
cooperation that results in having good neighbors. So I'm --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I close the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Oh, I'm sorry, go ahead.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I close the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: You did.
Okay. And consequently, I would like to make a motion to
approve because I think all of the neighbors have gotten what they
wanted.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'll make a motion for a second,
and I'd also like to add my comments, if I may --
MS. DESELEM: Could I put something on the record? I need
to, before you close the hearing.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: That's all right, I'll ask you after
Commissioner Coletta is done.
MS. DESELEM: Okay. I'm sorry.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'll just be just a second. I just
wanted to say it's a lot different than it was in 2000 when we first
started. There was knock-down battles in here and no one was
happy. And a lot of credit goes to, I've got to say, Mr. Anderson.
He's done this a number of times now working very closely with the
neighbors. Very often -- it's not often we give credit to an attorney
that's worked with developers. In this case I'm going to. Bruce
Anderson has done a remarkable job and has helped to set the pace
for a number of other people that are working with residents. And
we're seeing this more and more.
And Commissioner Coyle is truly to be recognized for the fact
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October 14, 2003
that he has been involved with this in working with the residents and
with the attorneys and landowners for a long time to bring this to
resolution.
This is the kind of thing that makes me feel good about being a
commissioner.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
In the motion, Commissioner Coyle, does it include the Exhibit
A revised on October 14th, '03?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yes, these new conditions. Yes,
exactly.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Is that included in the second?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: It is.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Ms. Deselem, I have a question for
yOU.
MS. DESELEM: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: You wanted to say something?
MS. DESELEM: Yes, thank you. And I do apologize for
interrupting --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: That's fine.
MS. DESELEM: -- I just wanted to make sure that the staff
recommendation was on the record, that we did recommend that this
be found consistent with the Comp. Plan and we are recommending
approval.
And thank you, Commissioner for the clarification. We did
want to make sure that you understood it was the conditions that are
revised on 10/14/03. And yes, you had a question?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I'll send you an e-mail on a different
issue.
MS. DESELEM: Okay.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
MS. DESELEM: Thank you.
My name is Kay Deselem.
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October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: And that was included into the
motion.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: By the motion makers, and the
second.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
anything?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Nothing.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All right.
signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Any further discussion?
Commissioner Fiala, do you have
Opposed?
Motion carries 5-0.
All in favor of the motion,
And we are going to take a lunch break for one hour.
back at 1:00.
(A recess was taken.)
We'll be
Item # 10C
CONSIDER A TOURIST DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY "A"
BEACH RENOURISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE FUNDING
POLICY- DENIED - STAFF TO BRING BACK AT FUTURE
MF, ETING
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October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Everybody take their seats, please.
Board of Commissioners back in recess.
The next item is 10(C), consider a Tourist Development
Category A Beach Renourishment and Maintenance Funding Policy,
as recommended by the Coastal Advisory Committee and the Tourist
Development Council.
Mr. Wort is going to present this -- Mr. Wert, not Wort, Wert.
MR. WERT: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For the record, Jack
Wert, Tourist Development Director for Collier County.
And as you indicated, the reason we're here today is to bring to
you a Category A Beach Renourishment and Maintenance Funding
Policy.
Back on May 27th and again on June the
10th, the County Commission directed the Tourist Development
Council and the Coastal Advisory Committee to come up with a
policy. And part of that direction was to look at beach access as part
of the -- of that policy.
A little bit of history. The Coastal Advisory Committee met on
August 12th -- excuse me, they first met, yes, on August 12th, and
our sub-committee for the Tourist Development Council reviewed
what the Coastal Advisory Committee had put together in terms of a
policy. They made a few changes, and the CAC met again
September the 1 lth, and they adopted the changes that that TDC
sub-committee had indicated. And then on September 23rd the TDC
recommended adoption of that revised, revised policy, and we are
bringing that policy to you today.
The staff has done an analysis of the policy and -- but there is
certainly a lot of detail to it, although you have it there. We thought
it might be appropriate to have a Coastal Advisory Committee
representative come and give you kind of a breakdown of what that
is. And we've asked Vice Mayor Gary Galleberg,
who is Chairman of the Coastal Advisory Committee, also happens
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October 14, 2003
to be Vice Chair of the TDC, to give us a kind of a walk-through of
that policy.
Mayor Galleberg?
MR. GALLEBERG: Vice Mayor Galleberg.
MR. WERT: Correction, vice Mayor.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Congratulations on your
promotion.
MR. GALLEBERG: And I'm here today, as Mr. Wert said, as
chairman of your Coastal Advisory Committee.
First off, I want to thank the Board and City Manager (sic)
Mudd for scheduling this at 1:00. It's very much appreciated.
You have both the policy and the report backing the policy
before you. And I won't -- I'll of course answer any question -- I
don't want to go through every step of that. But I do want to put this
whole debate that we've been having into context.
Some months ago the Board asked Coastal Advisory Committee
to put together a policy for beach renourishment and maintenance,
which we spent several months doing, and to have it
approved by the TDC.
After much debate we managed to get a unanimous vote out of
the Coastal Advisory Committee. And I assure you it didn't start that
way. And we got a 7-1 vote out of the TDC. So collectively, 15-1.
That one dissent was a very important dissent, that being Chairman
Henning.
Into this topic has intruded another topic, which is very
important but not what we were charged with doing, and that is how
do we increase public access in Collier County. That sounds the
same, but it's not. It's different than saying how do you use Category
A funds for beach renourishment. And this is only about Category
A, it is not about the desire or the laudable goals of access. Surely
that is laudable, but that doesn't mean it has to be from Category A:
I'd just like to take you back for a moment to the ballot
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October 14, 2003
referendum that was approved by the voters a little over 10 years
ago. And the purpose for instituting this tax, the TDC tax was, I'm
quoting the whole use, financing beach renourishment and
maintenance
and promoting and advertising tourism. While access is a laudable
goal, ! think we're in the wrong source here.
Before the policy was generated, there was no policy
whatsoever. In essence, everything was eligible, if only by default,
because we had no policy. The hierarchy or the method that has
been established here is to first establish what is an eligible beach
and what is not an eligible beach. That is the first step. Not eligible
presently are Hideaway, most of, not all, of Pelican Bay, the part by
the Ritz is eligible, and an undeveloped area like Keewaydin. That is
the first step in this process. Hideaway -- and I think you'll hear from
speakers later, perhaps -- Hideaway does want to become eligible,
but as of now status quo it's not.
Once a beach is eligible, then we set up a criteria for high use
and low use, which is based -- it's the measurement from adequate
public access. If a beach area is high use it's eligible for full
renourishment funding. If it's low use, which again, you have to have
public access to even be in this conversation.
If it's low use, you get the minimum amount, which is basically
defined as shoreline protection. Private monies can come in to
augment that, if they want, but the important point is it will be
private money, not governmental money.
In the beginning there was much discussion about referring to or
adopting the state framework, which is a very formula-based policy.
If you do this, it's 80 percent, if you do that, it's 50 percent, if you do
that it's 20 percent or whatever. We determined that that wasn't the
right way to go here because, for one thing, we have very specific
knowledge of our beaches, whereas in a statewide program there's
very little money. From a statewide perspective, it's about -- I think
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October 14, 2003
it's about 20 million. But anyway, it's not much money to be
allocated around. So we preferred to set up this hierarchy system
rather than you're so many feet from a bathroom or something like
that.
You have before you a staff report -- and it's staff's job, I
understand, to give you their points of view. Quite honestly I think
that's kind of an emotional report and doesn't give you a good
picture. This idea of the panacea of federal or state funding just
appearing just -- if we get state funding, that's great. But let's just
stop and think, you know, we do have some parts of beaches -- some
parts of our beaches eligible now for state or federal funding, and if
that's such an easy solution, where is it? What's staff been doing?
I'll answer any questions you have. I do think this is a very
positive step forward to our funding. It does discriminate among
beaches as to the level and even their eligibility for funding, and it
also emphasizes that once we address our beach renourishment
needs, any monies that might be available for increased acquisition
of access, that's a laudable goal but it cannot take precedence over
the fundamental purpose of this fund.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Question by the Board members?
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No questions at this time.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Under your proposal, what kind of
funding do we have in reserve in case of a disaster such as a storm?
MR. GALLEBERG: Well, our reserves presently, and this is a
-- you'll appreciate, I'm sure, this is a budgetary presentation, as we
must behave in government.
Budgetarily on paper there's zero money. In fact there is,
because these projects take a lot of time and there's a lot of money in
the bank. Under the proposed CAC budget for this year, based on
projected revenues, there would be $3 million left over as a reserve
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October 14, 2003
for emergencies, and hopefully in time of course that number would
increase.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: And what is the proposed budget
that you presently have if we go along with the plan that is instituted
today or that we're going to discuss today?
MR. GALLEBERG: Pardon me? I didn't understand.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: What is the proposed budget for
beach renourishment under the plan that's proposed today?
MR. GALLEBERG: Well, the budget is by
definition the amount of funds available, and right now the total -- I
don't have the figures specifically in front of me, but the total
renourishment projected which will -- we're starting in the permit
sense, we're trying to start now and it will take probably two years to
completion is -- and I'm going to be close here, but as I said, I don't
have it in front of me -- is I believe about 12 to 15 million.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: And what is our income roughly a
year?
MR. GALLEBERG: Well, it's -- the income, it's roughly that.
However, out of our total income, we do have funds set aside, for
example, the parking facility in Vanderbilt. We have funds set aside
for dredging inlet and pass maintenance. And staff can give you the
total TDC number, I'm sure. I came here, as you'll appreciate, today
with the policy circumstances rather than the budgetary matters.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Galleberg, Item No. 7, the way I
read this grant application, that all grants or applications for Category
A funds would have to come to the Coastal Advisory
Committee, including the Parks and Rec Advisory Board would
have to come to CAC.
MR. GALLEBERG: That is part of the proposal. I meant to
mention that. That of course is up to the Board to determine.
We put this in for two reasons: One is the authority delegated to
the advisory committees by the Board. The Coastal Advisory
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October 14, 2003
Committee ordinance says that we shall review all capital
improvement projects for Category A funds, and that's meant to
reflect that. Obviously that can be changed. There is some
discussion about what was really meant by that phrase. So one
reason is the authority granted to the committees by the Board.
The second thing is if-- you have to make a 10-year plan, and
these are long-term projects, they're not something that you just do in
a day or a week. You have to have a complete comprehensive view
of the monies you have and where they should be spent, and we
believe that should be settled in one place. We thought given the
authority you've granted in the ordinances, Coastal Advisory would
probably be the appropriate place for that. It
may be another place. But wherever that ends up I do think the
function of having a holistic view of the maintenance-related needs
and the other needs such as access should be determined in one place.
Otherwise, you know, how do you make a budget if you don't know
what the sum of the parts is?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Well, there's other venues to do that,
but I -- you know, I understand where we're going with No. 7. But I
just want the Board to be aware of one advisory board would have to
get approval of another advisory board for it to proceed.
MR. GALLEBERG: And I'd like to be very clear, I sit on your
side of the table, so to speak, sometimes, and I'm here only not
advising you where you should end up necessarily or that -- but just
to say that there's a need to have one spot for this. And we felt given
the authorities you granted, that could be CAC. We honestly didn't
see it as one advisory board overseeing the other, rather that Parks in
their ordinance doesn't -- it doesn't mention this Category A area,
whereas that's why we exist. So I'm not trying to lobby, so to speak,
for that, just to point out an issue.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Right. I just want to point that out to
the Board. Appreciate that.
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October 14, 2003
The next one -- and I appreciate your giving the what the
question on the ballot was when tourist development taxes was
initiated by the voters and subsequently the Board of Commissioners
approved it. I didn't hear in the question whether -- about inlet passes
was a part of the voters' approval.
MR. GALLEBERG: Those words are not in the statute, but I
should note that when we do inlet pass maintenance, the only way
you can do it is if you're recovering sand to put on the beach. So it
really is renourishment.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Well, I don't know if that's true or
not, in all cases of inlet pass maintenance that has been expended by
Category A funds.
MR. GALLEBERG: Again, not necessary to debate, but I think
it is true, and certainly as a statement of policy that's true.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes. Please stay.
My question's going to be directed to Jack Wert.
I'm a little bit concerned in the fact that in this summary, when
it comes to staff recommendations, the word is none. It's in there.
And I think that leaves us a little bit short. What's the reason for
that?
MR. WERT: Commissioner, the direction from the Board was
to bring back a policy that has been recommended by the TDC and
the CAC, so we felt that we were fulfilling that without an actual
recommendation yea or nay. We're really saying you asked us to
bring a policy back and that's what we are presenting to you.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: From the original directions we
gave you -- and I don't see anything that gives me anything to be able
to find the where we -- the directions that we had, after they went --
the directions we gave you and after they went through the different
-- the two committees and they came back to us, tell me what the
difference is here than what it was in the beginning when we
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discussed it earlier what our objections and goals were.
MR. WERT: I think the primary difference is that part of your
charge to the CAC and the TDC was -- included something about
beach access. And we feel as a staff looking at this policy that there
may not be enough emphasis on that side. The Growth Management
Plan is very specific in terms of when you have a beach
renourishment project, that there needs to be -- you need to look at
beach access and if there's not, you need to buy land to give you
adequate access.
And so if that -- if we want to follow the Growth Management
Plan, probably we need something in the policy to guide us in that
direction, and we just didn't feel it was there.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: What we have here doesn't
quite measure up to what our own Growth Management Plan
currently is; is that correct?
MR. WERT: Yes, sir, that--
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: That would do with the beach
access part of the whole thing and access every so far, as far as
access every quarter of a mile, half mile was required, we're still
falling short. That's the way this
is coming down, right?
MR. WERT: It would appear that way, that we're keeping the
emphasis on beach renourishment projects. And as you can see -- I
meant to give you those, the figures that Commissioner Halas asked,
too.
Our revenue is six and a half million dollars from the tourist tax
going to Category A projects. Yet we have $19.1 million worth of
request for funds, which would include the major beach
renourishment. And that doesn't-- that's how, as Vice Mayor
Galleberg indicated, we are in fact spending the reserves on this next
beach renourishment, and it's of concern that --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I guess my question would be
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October 14, 2003
to Vice Mayor Galleberg.
You don't think we could be able to reach the goals of our
Comprehensive Plan within this document if we tried to revise it
slightly, or is that something that's unattainable?
MR. GALLEBERG: Well, I would say respectfully that the
goals in the Comprehensive Plan stand on their own. But this is a
document for TDC category funds. The
Comp. Plan firstly is a goal, a laudable goal, but it's not law in the
sense of an ordinance or the state law on TDC. So I think they're two
different things. This again is a discussion on category A funds and
where they should be devoted first.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I commend your committee for
all the work they have done on this and I know they considered a lot
of different factors. However, with that said, I still have reservations
on where we're going with this. I don't think there's enough strength
in this to encourage CAC.
MR. GALLEBERG: Well, again, respectfully, I would say -- I
would say there is. Because without access, nobody's eligible. The
present policy is that 100 percent of the beaches are eligible. So this
most clearly is a trimming back. And all we'd have to point to is
Exhibit A. We all know that in this process Hideaway Beach has
garnered a lot of attention.
And one of the -- and the fundamental ideas when this started
and shared by your advisory committees and staff, is the number for
Hideaway Beach, that is the beach
renourishment number kept climbing and climbing and climbing. It
got up to be over five million. And people were kind of saying, is
that really -- is that really where we should be putting the five
million. And this is not -- I don't want to in my presentation make
this about Hideaway in the least. But this policy deals with that. I
would argue this policy deals with that. Hideaway is not eligible.
We already know, and I don't know the details, that'll come
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October 14, 2003
before the Board, but Hideaway is crafting -- in the process of
crafting an arrangement whereby access will be provided. They want
to be eligible. They're going to step up and provide access. So I do
think the incentives are in place here.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: And I commend you for all the
work you have done on this. And by the way, the City of Naples has
taken on an over part of their share as far as beach access goes. If it
wasn't for the City of Naples coming forward with what they have
come forward over the years, our situation for beach access would be
much worse than it is today.
MR. GALLEBERG: I thank you for that. And we do our best.
Some of that, of course, is historical happenstance, but what we do
have try to be very open about making it truly available to anyone
who wants to come.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: And I commend you for it, and
I'll always support the City of Naples in their endeavors to improve
upon that.
The other question is what about Barefoot Williams Beach, that
part of it going into the park? There's a section there that's well over
a quarter of a mile away from the nearest beach access away from the
park. Are we going to have to -- by this rules will we be
renourishing their beaches too, where the condominiums and the
homes are?
MR. GALLEBERG: If you posit that it's more than a half mile
away from a public access point, the answer would be no. Except
there is a minor exception -- I consider it a minor exception -- that we
don't want gaps in the beaches and zig-zags in the beaches and all
that. So if a stretch is 80 -- and it has to be not at the end of 80
percent but in between. If a beach is 80 percent eligible, we'll -- this
proposal says we'll deal with the last 20 percent. But if you're talking
about a stretch which is more than a half mile away, the answer
would be no.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: If I may one more time lean
upon your background and experience in this particular subject
matter. Do you think that a half a mile might be an exorbitant reach
of this particular direction, to expect the person to travel a half a mile
across sand to be able to gain beach -- have access to the beach? In
other words, you have to walk a half a mile through the sand to be
able to utilize it?
MR. GALLEBERG: That-- you know, anyone can concede
and I would concede that that -- setting that figure is something of a
judgment call. But we discussed it as a committee and it went
through the TDC also. And we felt, not that every person would
walk half a mile, but it would be reasonable to say if, you know, a
person could or would be willing to walk half a mile -- in a typical
pace that's under 10 minutes -- we thought that was an appropriate
measurement. But just as with the state formulas, you know, you
have to draw a line somewhere and we thought that was --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: So the state formula is based
on a quarter of a mile, right?
MR. GALLEBERG: State formula has a whole bunch of
different rubrics. I think there are measurements -- and I'm not
absolutely certain -- but I think there are both half mile and quarter
mile measurements. But the state, you know, goes to parking and
bathroom availability and that type of thing. And I believe the state
formulation, as I said, doesn't take into enough detail the situation in
Collier, and we're familiar with Collier.
And the state formula and the federal formulas really don't
address the type of situation we have here. I mean, let's not forget,
we have over 60 ways to access our beaches in Collier County.
Duval County, where Jacksonville is, I believe has just two. We
have a lot of access.
Now, at any given point can you get to a number of people, be it
10,000 or 1,000 or 50,000, whatever -- can you get to a point where a
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October 14, 2003
given access is overloaded? Of course.
But there's a huge choice of access in Collier County.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: But it's not adequate during the
peak of season. There's many times that every one of these access
points are right to capacity. And our future needs are going to only
increase the demands for access, not diminishing it.
What I'm concerned about is the half mile rule, for one thing. I
think that's a -- should be shortened. I don't know if a quarter of a
mile is realistic, but I'm sure that a half a mile is not realistic to be
able to credit somebody for a half a mile of beach away from the
access. The average family, the average person is not going to carry
all their beach umbrellas, baskets, or whatever a half a mile away
from that exit to be able to access it. And then you've got the
problem, too, of a limited amount of parking. I could see some day
where we might come up with something in the way of a tram to be
able to take people to numerous access points, but I don't want to do
anything to jeopardize that future movement.
Because what we're doing now is planning not for one year
away, but for five, 10, 20 years from now. And we're trying to undo
the mistakes that were made by past commissioners where they gave
up these rights at a point in time that they thought that the abundance
would never end. Guess what? Beach property doesn't increase
every year. It's the same amount to begin with and end with. And if
you -- every part of it that turns into private domains of a certain
select few, that's less of an inventory for the rest of the world to draw
on.
That's my comments. I do think you've done an excellent job of
coming up with this document and I do have some reservations about
certain points in it, though.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Vice Mayor Galleberg, I'm happy
to have you here today. I think you have done a lot to allay our
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concerns, at least my concerns about this policy. But I think there
are some fundamental conflicts here that we as a board have to
resolve. And one is the conflict between beach access and beach
renourishment. That's a lot like getting into the argument about
which comes first, the chicken or the egg.
Is there any need to have beach access if you don't have a beach
that people can use, that has been renourished after a storm? I would
say no, people aren't going to go there. If the beach isn't acceptable
for their enjoyment, then they're not going to make the effort to go
there, even if you have a path leading them there. So I think we as a
commission have to deal with that issue.
The beach access issue in my opinion should not take
precedence over maintaining beaches that people want to have access
to. If you have good beaches, people will go there.
And there's some realities about beach behavior. Yes, there are
a lot of people who will go to a beach access point and they won't
walk very far. And that point gets very, very crowded. And people
who don't want to be near the crowds will walk beyond that. And
then every time you go to the beach there are dozens, some would
say hundreds of people who walk the beaches for miles either way
and jog up and down the beach.
So this concept that a quarter of a mile from a beach access
point is as far as people go to enjoy a beach is simply not true. The
most crowded times that I have seen in the beaches in Naples are
probably during the fireworks display, sometime during the
wintertime when there's some big event. People will come to those
beaches. There's always capacity for people at those beaches. I have
never, ever, ever seen the beaches in Naples as crowded as the
beaches in Fort Lauderdale or Miami where there's access
everywhere.
So I do not believe we need to get into this conflict about taking
money that should be used for beach renourishment and using it to
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try to get beach access. There are places people can get to the
beaches. And I'll tell you, every weekend there are places where
there's nobody there and it will take you 10 minutes to get there. So
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Can you tell us where they are?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, I can. I'll tell you after the
meeting's over.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Don't give away the secret.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: But this policy I think is a big step
forward from where we have been. We don't have a policy. The last
policy that we got I think was a beach acquisition policy, a beach
access policy. It wasn't really a beach renourishment policy. And I
think that I prefer this policy over the others. It clearly provides
guidelines for us to make decisions about what we do with beach
renourishment.
And I do have a couple of questions I just need some
clarification on.
With respect to level of service, we talk about an eligible low
use beach would qualify for minimum maintenance for a protected
period -- or for a project that might go for five years.
My question is, and it's a question the staff has raised to me:
What's then to stop someone who would otherwise be ineligible from
having a series of five-year projects and thereby get permanent beach
renourishment?
The other question is, it's not clear to me how we allocate
percentages of funds for these particular uses. An eligible low beach
area that qualifies for minimum maintenance, what percentage of
funds should go to that low use beach area, and what percentage
should have to be paid perhaps by local residents?
And those are the kinds of questions I have with respect to the
policy as I see it. But overall, I think the policy is a big step forward.
MR. GALLEBERG: Did you want me to --
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COYLE: If you wouldn't mind. If you can
deal with those two issues for me, it would be helpful.
MR. GALLEBERG: On the idea of a low use beach, I -- you
may be -- if I heard you correctly, you're talking -- the staff has
raised concerns about a beach which is otherwise ineligible in effect
getting permanent renourishment.
The first step in this process is whether a beach is eligible or not
eligible. If the beach is eligible, then it goes into the low use, high
use. So there is no scenario under which an ineligible beach -- which
is a technical phrase for no public access -- qualifies for funds.
The rolling five-year renourishment, I think perhaps
theoretically could happen. I don't think it would in reality, because
it goes into the next point that I understood you to ask; that is, that
this sets forth a framework for making renourishment decisions.
The advisory committees didn't feel it advisable or even doable,
frankly, to set forth very stringent criteria. If this policy --just to use
fictional numbers, if this policy results in ineligibility, which if fully
funded would be $10 million, and there's $5 million in the pot, you
have to make some policy decisions. We think it's more advisable to
set up the framework of where our given structure beach fits within
this funding system and then to establish priorities when you're
dealing with real world facts.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I want to thank you also for the
study that the CAC put together on this and along with the TDC, but
I have some strong reservations in regards to we're not looking at the
possibility of obtaining state and federal funding. Now, this is tax
dollars that all of us here in Collier County spend, and why not try to
bring the bacon home where it belongs? And since we have a $19
million -- possibly $19 million price tag on renourishing the beaches
and we're only bringing in about $6 million, that concerns me quite
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drastically.
And we look at the reserves, we're only looking at, I think you
said, around $3 million for any type of reserve for storm damage.
And if any of our past experience holds true, the storm damage
would be quite a bit more than $6 million.
Also addressing beach access and the possibility that there's --
we have more than an adequate beach access, I can assure you that in
my neck of the woods, we find that on a particular weekend, when
everybody's off, that there is a traffic jam all the way past the east
side of Bluebill Bridge waiting to get into Delnor-Wiggins Park,
which has a load capacity rating of how many people they'll let there.
Also, the Vanderbilt Beach Inn has a parking lot there, and that
thing is completely jammed. We also have a parking lot that was
built by The Dunes, and at season that's anywheres from seven --
three-quarters to seven-eighths full and that's about a half a mile walk
to get into Delnor-Wiggins Park.
Then we also have up there, we have Barefoot Beach, and they
have limited amount of parking on how much parking they can put
into Barefoot Beach Preserve up there.
So there's times when there's inadequate beach area for people,
and then of course there's areas where there's a lot of beaches, but of
course it's very difficult to get to.
And I go along with one of my other fellow Commissioners who
brought up the fact -- and I think it was Commissioner Coletta -- I
think a half a mile is way too far, especially if there's no facilities
there. I would look at something closer to more like a quarter of a
mile, because if you need to use facilities, then at least you've got a
total round trip of a half a mile; a quarter a mile to where you're at
and then a quarter mile back to your car, and hopefully you can find
some facilities close by.
So these are some of the points that I think are very -- that
concern me immensely in regards to parking.
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And the other thing is that there are beach accesses, but there's
no parking. And there's a lot of cases where you'd have to walk a
half a mile to get to an opening where there would be a beach
opening so that you could walk to that point. But first of all, you've
got to find parking, and it could be as far as a half a mile away.
So I really think that we need to look at this and that we need to
look at not only beach renourishment but we also need to look at
ways of increasing beach access, not only for now but in the future,
as 20 to 30 years was brought up. But I also really think that we
need to look at making sure that we can be eligible for state and
federal funding to also enhance what we have coming in from the
tourist development tax.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I don't know if you need to comment
on that.
MR. GALLEBERG: Your pleasure whether you want me to or
not. I don't know.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I just want to know what your
thoughts are on this.
MR. GALLEBERG: Well, on the state and federal grants, first
of all, I agree with a lot of what you said, and a lot of it gets back to
what's the purpose of this fund. You know, there's that broad
discussion and then there's how do we use the beach renourishment
funds?
State and federal grants, the policy says that they're desirable
and should be diligently pursued. And clearly to the extent one can
get federal or state grants, that leaves more money available for
access. But taking the money away from renourishment in order to
do that is a separate discussion, and I would say not advisable.
And as I mentioned earlier, while we want the state and federal
funds, if that's easy to do, we should be getting some now. We have
areas that are eligible, and we're not. When you meet those
qualifications, you get on a long list from the state and a certain
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portion are funded. It's desirable to try for but it's not there for the
taking.
I wanted -- and I agree with you on the reserves point as well. I
just wanted to point out that the reserve number is pretty low right
now, and the reason is that we're doing, or planning to do, obviously,
the big renourishment now, so you would expect that to be the low
point. And clearly, reserves should be built up over the years. But
while we're doing the major renourishment, that is the ultimate goal,
if you need a reserve, is to protect against storms.
And finally, the half mile/quarter mile argument. It's up to the
Commissioners. I and the committees feel that a half mile is
reasonable and logical. If one were to reduce that to, say, the quarter
mile rubric, I do think as part of the consideration -- one of the
elements of your consideration should be that if you reduce it to the
quarter mile, do you get that zig-zag effect that you restore it here
and not here, you restore it here and not there. Because that's
tantamount to gutting renourishment, I belive, if we start going to
condo owners and say your condo doesn't qualify by the guys next
door do, I don't know that the funding would be coming.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. We have some public
speakers and I hope that we get a chance for them to speak, but let
me go to Commissioner Fiala and see if she has anything.
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, can you hear me?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yes, ma'am, it's great.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, I'm glad this is working out
better. I changed phones and changed speakers.
Yes, I wanted to remind myself as well as all of us that we have
to remember that right now we're talking about Category A funding
policy. And I think one of you stated that we have to make sure that
that's where we stay focused. Absolutely we want to -- oh, I hear
some noises. Absolutely we want to have state and federal funding
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and we should be pursuing those. But we -- and we haven't done that
to date, but we're basing a lot on something we haven't even applied
for, and it should be our policy also -- are you getting this okay?
Hello? Are you getting this okay?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Is your TV on, Commissioner?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No, it's not. It's muted. But I hear
that noise now, and I don't know why I'm getting that noise.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, do you have your headphones on?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, I do.
MR. MUDD: You don't have the speaker on your phone on too,
do you?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, I think I do.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, can you hear me now?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Well, that solved the problem.
Good work, Mr. Mudd.
Sorry, Donna. Just kidding.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner Fiala, can you hear us?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes. Can you hear me?
MR. MUDD: Yes, ma'am.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Okay. And I didn't hear what he
said, but birthday boy, I would like to hear what you were just
saying.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Please continue, ma'am.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Okay, thank you.
Yes, I think we have to stay focused on this policy. I think it's
an excellent policy. We as Commissioners have always weighed very
heavily on the advice of our advisory boards, and I think what Vice
Mayor Galleberg is telling us is this is what we are addressing today
is this policy and they have labored over it, they, along with the
TDC, and have come up with a policy that is much better than the
one we have in place right now. The one that we have in place right
now is far too liberal.
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Yes, we need to pursue state and federal funding, but that
doesn't enter into this particular policy.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I agree.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yeah, thank you so much for
allowing me this minute.
I'd like to point out some real facts. Some of them aren't so nice
either.
One of the facts is that in certain areas of our county at the
beaches we have suffered from high bacterial counts in the water.
Generally these are beaches that are a little isolated and they have the
lack of restroom facilities. And I hate to tell you what people are
doing without the lack of them or the fact that they have to travel a
distance back to reach the restroom facilities.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: How do you know that? Do you
know that for a fact?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Not firsthand. I think you told
it to me years ago.
But in any case, that's always a concern. And it's not going to
get any better, it's only going to get worse.
But also, too, this proposed policy does not enhance the county's
ability to leverage state and federal funds. And that is a reality.
We're here to try to maximize our taxpayers dollars, and these funds
are taxpayers dollars, in one form or not. They come through this
Commission to be dispensed by us in an orderly and fair fashion.
And I'll point out to you, when the voters voted years ago, they
weren't voting so much for sand, they were voting for a beach to be
able to go to and have access to. So it all comes down to the very
basics. It's access. And the access issue is not solved by this current
set of suggestions. I think it's gone a long ways towards where we
need to be, but I think we're still short for the most part.
And a couple other points I wanted to mention: Commissioner
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Coyle correctly pointed out that the Naples beaches can hold
tremendous numbers of people, and he proved that with the 4th of
July. However, I think if we went back to the City of Naples and
told them that we were going to use their beaches every weekend
during the season like they were used for the 4th of July, there would
be an outcrying of grief that would be unbelievable, due to the fact
that the place does not have enough parking, that people would park
blocks away in people's driveways in the swales. There was all sorts
of pandemonium, and it took like two hours for everybody to empty
out from that point in time. They're not built to be able to do it. And
the City of Naples has had their just share of accepting the beach
access, and we need to be able to spread this across the rest of the
county to make it fair for everyone. And if we don't have the
guidelines for it now, we never will.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, can we go to public speakers
now?
MR. GALLEBERG: Thank you for your time and
consideration.
MS. FILSON: Mr. Chairman, we have six speakers. The first
one is John Arceri. He will be followed by John MacDougall.
MR. ARCERI: Good afternoon, Commissioners. John Arceri
from Marco Island, for the record. I too want to thank you for your
patience over the last couple of months as we try to work through
these details.
I think there's been a lot of progress since May. If you sat here
in May, the CAC had a policy. TDC disagreed with the policy. Staff
had a completely separate policy. Most of us were looking at back
agreements of the past. And where we are today, it is a step forward.
You have a CAC and TDC agreement, as Gary mentioned; you have
a policy that does result in more access requirements and a policy
that requires cost sharing. And also, I think there's an understanding
here that you really shouldn't have this all-out competition between
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renourishment and buying access property. I mean, your initial Parks
and Recreation request is for $17 million for access. Put that in
perspective, the beach renourishment total budget is 15 million. So
you really should have this competition at that level.
You wouldn't sense that we've had this kind of progress when
you look at the executive summary that you got. And I'm really
concerned that -- how hard it is to understand how nothing positive
can be said about the work we've done by your staff in that executive
summary. And I want to make sure that you're getting the proper fair
and balanced information. I just -- Gary mentioned it was an
emotional report.
I'd like to put a little specificity on some of those items without
making this a defensive approach.
The executive summary concludes that this policy expands
eligibility to certain beaches that weren't funded before. It doesn't
mention that the required funding for these extra beaches may be
minimal; doesn't mention the fairness of the expansion. For example,
is it fair to say that a half a mile away each way of the Ritz-Carlton
should not be funded? I don't think so. It doesn't mention at all that
other traditional funded areas like Hideaway Beach will now require
more access and cost sharing. Doesn't even mention it. And it says in
there there's no incentive in this plan to improve access, quote.
That's totally wrong. This does require access, more access, from
some areas and cost sharing. That is incentive itself to provide
access.
And it's really not accurate at all and it doesn't mention the fact
that staff itself in February of 2002 suggested a policy that identifies
low-use beaches like Pelican Bay and Hideaway Beach for some
cost-sharing policy, which we now present before you.
Second, it has been continually mentioned the policy statement
about we should be worried about state and federal leverage is
unrealistic. We expand on that in the report. The reason we became
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and had TDC funding was because the state and federal just have not
worked for Collier County in the past and probably won't work in the
future, especially with all the budget cuts they've taken at the state
level.
It talks about emergency reserves in the executive summary
saying there's a big problem here. It doesn't mention, as Gary stated,
that there's a $3 million reserve that builds to 6 million in the third
year of our plan.
It mentions this $19 million of expense and $6 million of
revenue as if we got a shortfall of 13 million the first year. That's
totally untrue. The budget plan put together by CAC is not only
balanced but provides surpluses right from the first year, building up
to 6 million the third year. So that's a distortion.
And my concern is why there wasn't anything positive said
about all the work that was done, and not a balanced presentation at
all.
For the next two minutes that I've got left, I'd like to just focus
on Hideaway, because that is a lightening rod. First of all, as Gary
mentioned, it does require new access to get any funding at all, so it
is not eligible right now at all. It requires access. It probably will
become eligible, once it does put the access path in, under the criteria
of a vital area, subject to abnormal erosion.
There have been a number of reports. The state in 2002 defined
basically Hideaway Beach as a beach that should be renourished for
the purpose that it affects other areas, such as Tigertail. The erosion
of the Hideaway sands has created Sand Dollar Island, which is
shutting off Tigertail.
The county, in 1997, had an inlet management study done that
concluded that the Hideaway Beach is part, quote, of a complicated
system with significant influence over adjacent areas, and that the
loss of Hideaway Beach and the possibility of the installation of
seawalls will have a loss of beach and seawall formation that will
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have increasing sand transport rates and exasperates the erosion
along all other beaches. And that's why they recommended a T-groin
installation back in 1997, because the clear technical realization that
the loss of Hideaway Beach will affect many adjacent beaches to
Hideaway, and not just Hideaway itself.
The Hideaway proposal, originally staff was saying was
difficult to come up with a cost sharing. While we've got preliminary
estimates from staff that will be reviewed by CAC, if this policy gets
approved, it says Hideaway has to pay $1.3 million.
First of all, they've got to build a pathway; otherwise, there's
nothing. And once they do, they'll be designated as a low-use beach,
one of the few, and will have to pay for at least 55 percent of the
sand placement at Hideaway, $1.3 million.
I think we've got to work with Hideaway to assure that this
beach isn't lost. The county has spent millions on Hideaway already,
trying to save it. There was a big boat access issue. I think the
policy's fair.
I just want to answer a question Commissioner Coletta had, if I
may, about the half mile. The half mile, it's not a half mile to get to
the point of the beach, it's a half mile from the access points that
you're renourishing, a half mile each way.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: No, I understand that. My
understanding there is perfect on that.
MR. ARCERI: Okay, you don't have to walk a half a mile to
get to the beach.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Oh, no, no. But when you get
to the beach, if that section of the beach is filled, then you have to go
on down farther and farther. There's a point that you're not going to
go any further.
MR. ARCERI: That's correct. That's exactly right.
And the other issue -- I mentioned the issue about the funding,
but, you know--
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October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Wrap it up, please.
MR. ARCERI: -- I think it's an issue -- yes.
I think it's just a step forward. I don't think it's perfect, but I
think it's a step forward, and I think we ought to adopt it, get on. The
CAC's prepared -- put a budget together based on a new policy.
Going back again and trying to come up with another one when I
think staff is not necessarily going to be supportive of anything is
going to be, I think, a fruitless effort.
But, you know, we'll do what you do, but I would recommend
that we move forward with a policy, let the CAC put together a
budget reflecting that policy. Thank you.
MS. FILSON: The next speaker is John MacDougall. He will
be followed by Kyle Kinney.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. MacDougall?
MR. MACDOUGALL: Thank you, Commissioners. My name
is John MacDougall. I'm a member of the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board.
As a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, I feel
strongly that the beach access needs to be a primary consideration in
the use of Category A tourist development tax dollars for several
reasons.
First, state and federal beach funding are geared for public
access beaches and, therefore, Collier County needs to make sure that
its beaches maximize public access in the future to be eligible for
state and federal funding.
Secondly, Florida Statute states that the tourist development tax
funds for category A projects can be used for more than just
maintenance and erosion control. They can also be earmarked for
beach park facility improvements and beach access point acquisition.
Third, the Collier County Growth Management Plan states that
if existing access is not sufficient, then the county shall acquire
additional access points as part of the renourishment project.
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Fourth, Collier County is approaching a crisis in beach access.
In North Naples where I live, parking spaces are full by 10:00 a.m. at
Vanderbilt Beach in season. The tourists and the citizens are really
frustrated. Currently there's no alternatives to driving in and parking
for most citizens. We're looking at building a parking garage, which
may meet some of our short-term needs, but in the long term it's not
going to be sufficient. We're going to have to look at Park and Ride
or beach shuttles. And for an effective shuttle system to operate at
Vanderbilt Beach, people need to be ferried up and down Vanderbilt
Drive to other access points.
The county has many rights-of-way between high-rises and
private homes, and the beach between Vanderbilt Beach and the state
park up the road is fairly unpopulated. And unfortunately people
can't get to those spots. And the county likely will have to purchase
one or two lots to have sheltered dropoff points if we ever go the
route of developing a shuttle system. Those will cost upwards of $4
million each. Where is that money going to come from?
Beach renourishment is a worthy goal. However, what good is
this for the average citizen and his family who has no access to the
beach during the season?
The Coastal Advisory Committee I believe is a little nearsighted
in its vision. They seem to be operating under the assumption that
everyone is already at the beach, now all we have to do is make sure
there's plenty of sand for everybody to lay on. It's the idea of build it
and they will come. Well, you can build it and have the sand there,
but they won't come because they can't get there in season. We need
to have better access. Our beaches and our quality of life are the
bread and butter of Collier County.
Regarding the Coastal Advisory Committee, they propose to
become the final review source for all requests for TDC Category A
funding. This will likely place park improvements and beach access
on the back burner.
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Furthermore, this advisory board is primarily mandated with the
role of beach erosion control programs, and they will be responsible
for review and requests that deal with beach parks improvement
funding, which has traditionally been handled by the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
We believe that reviewing those projects will be more out of the
scope of what the Coastal Advisory Committee is geared for doing.
So in summary, I think it's really important for us to leave no
stone unturned in finding state funding for these projects and to make
sure that the citizens of Collier County can get to their beaches. And
that's all I had to say.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
MS. FILSON: The next speaker is Kyle Kinney. He will be
followed by Ron Pennington.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Kinney?
MR. KINNEY: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is
Kyle Kinney. I serve as the president of the Pelican Bay Foundation,
which is the master homeowners association for the Pelican Bay
community. I just have a few comments for the Board as relates to
today's policy.
I think it's important for the Board to keep in mind that the
proposed policy is not a guarantee for funding for any community,
but it is an opportunity for a community to seek out and justify
funding. Us in the Pelican Bay community realize that we would be
deemed, in most instances, a low use beach, but it at least allows the
Pelican Bay community to approach the various committees and
finally the TDC to work jointly on beach renourishment issues. This
policy allows that to occur.
Secondly, the Category A funding which was voted by the
residents was for beach renourishment. It would be our feeling that if
beach access was to be used for the TDC dollars that come in from
the bed tax, then allow the residents to make that change and let us
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all be a part of that process as that stands for.
Thirdly, the Pelican Bay community certainly understands that
beach access is a complicated issue, but it's not the issue that was
asked by staff or the Coastal Advisory Committee or the TDC. It
was a policy to go forward for beach renourishment, and that beach
access might be a separate issues but one that walks together hand in
hand. But that's not certainly what was on the table during that
process.
We talked about federal and state money. It would be our
assumption that federal and state money is years, years and years
away and that process has not begin. So voting down the policy as it
is proposed today basically puts our community back into square one
on what is currently the beach renourishment project. I encourage, as
we do the county, to start that process going forward to see where
that might be. But that is years away from the first check ever being
written that comes in.
Finally, in closing, the policy is certainly not perfect, but it is
certainly a step forward so that we can all work together on county
issues. Thank you.
MS. FILSON: The next speaker is Ron Pennington, he will be
followed by Jim Snediker.
MR. PENNINGTON: Good afternoon, Commissioners. As a
prelude to my prepared remarks, I feel compelled to make a comment
that over the years I have read many executive summaries, but I have
never seen one with so much erroneous information as the one you
received today. It's really sad.
Also, I would point out, we have applied for state funding. We
were on the state list for $90,000 for Marco Island for this year;
however, we were on the unfunded list. We have applied again, and
you have a resolution coming before you today for funding for our
full beach renourishment. We have been working on the state. It has
not been productive.
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But good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm Ron Pennington, a
resident of the City of Naples and a member of the Collier County
Coastal Advisory Committee, although I'm not here specifically in
that capacity, nor do I necessarily speak for the committee.
In January, 1992, 11 plus, almost 12 years ago, as chairman of
the City of Naples Beach Renourishment and Maintenance
Committee, I appeared here before the County Commission with a
report and a visual presentation on the deplorable state of our
beaches. At Lowdermilk Park, palm trees had washed away. Naples
Beach Hotel had erosion threatening to undermine their seawall. The
beach was impassable at high tide. Edgewater Beach Hotel had no
beach at high tide, as was the case along most of our beaches. At
Vanderbilt Beach on the south end, there was no beach at high tide,
with exposed tree trunks all along the beach at low tide. La Playa
Hotel had to remove lounges from the beach before each high tide.
Many long-term visitors refused to return because the beaches, which
had been our prime attraction, had now deteriorated.
I presented to the Commission our plan to correct the problem
by nourishment of seven miles of beaches and provided funding
options. These were: A sales tax, a tourist development tax, or a
combination of the two.
The sales tax option had been previously rejected by the voters,
so the Commission ultimately chose to present the tourist tax options
to the voters at two percent of short term rentals, in accordance with
Florida statutes, with the proceeds to be split 60/40 between beach
maintenance and tourism promotion.
Many others and I worked to inform the public of the
advantages of this tax. Most were favorable to the beach
nourishment part, but didn't think we needed to attract more visitors,
even though we emphasized it was to be for the shoulder season.
At the election of November, 1992, the tax was overwhelmingly
approved by over a 2-1 margin. However, if it were not for the
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voters' concern for our beach, Collier CountY would have no tourist
tax today.
Because of the size of the beach project, the 1.2 percent portion
of the tax for the beach was not adequate to provide total funding.
We proposed the Commission add an additional one percent to the
tax for the beach, which they were empowered to do with the super
majority vote. Initially the hoteliers were opposed, but ultimately
Joe Frenny (phonetic), then Vice President of Ritz-Carlton
International, advised they would go along with it.
The Commission then acted to increase the tax to three percent,
with two percent to be allocated for the beaches.
After four years of dedicated effort by many people, in 1995 and
'96, we restored our beaches to be among the finest in the nation,
affording additional protection for beach front property and
providing our primary tourist attraction.
Trying to obtain federal and state funds to maintain our beaches
is not a viable alternative. We've been that route, and depending on
the vagaries and politics of annual legislative appropriations does not
enable well maintained beaches. However, we continue to try. And
I will say for this year, the legislature cut a $30 million allocation to
22 and a half million for the entire state.
We, Collier County, maintain a 1 O-year plan, update it annually
to assure our beaches are well maintained and to be prepared for any
major disaster, such as a hurricane, to assure ability of a speedy
recovery.
There's been a push from some quarters to divert tourist tax
Category A beach maintenance funding to be used for acquiring
additional beach public access. Although there are approximately 60
public beach access points in Collier County, probably more than any
other urban county in the state, obtaining additional public access
points to our beaches is highly desirable. And for those of us in the
city, in particular, we'd like to see more of them out in north county.
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If I may have about 30 seconds.
Category A tourist tax funds are not adequate to both maintain
our beaches and buy high value waterfront property for additional
access. A scheduled major renourishment of Vanderbilt and Naples
beaches has been initiated for next year. Any diversion of funds
would be disastrous to the program.
I urge the Commission to continue to maintain the sanctity of
Category A funds to ensure a continuation of the high quality of
Collier County beaches.
I thank you, Commissioners, and will be happy to respond to
any questions.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Seeing none, thank you.
MR. PENNINGTON: Thank you.
MS. FILSON: Jim Snediker. You're waiving, sir?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yeah, he's waiving.
MS. FILSON: John Ribes? And he is your final speaker.
MR. RIBES: Chairman and Commissioners, thank you for
having me here today. I'll try to be brief. I am John Ribes, chair of
the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. And I'm here on their
behalf. If I can --
The one thing -- the first thing that I would like to do is to
commend the CAC and the TDC for the efforts that they have done.
I read the reports and the policies. I think they're outstanding. I
think they continue to do an excellent job. And I again commend
them for a great job.
The third thing I'd like to touch on is the executive summary,
since I've been sitting back here listening. I have read the executive
summary. I did not read any emotional things in it, nor did I think it
non-positive. But maybe I've missed a few points.
But the policy, as it sits today, represents a step forward for our
beaches. And we all know that our beaches are very important to our
economy and the quality of our life.
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There's two points I'd like to make regarding our beaches: One,
we must have beach access. And to get beach access and our-- the
state and federal funds for beach access, we need to start developing
and going forward for state and federal funds.
Maybe we have done it in the past and have not been successful,
but it's time to start again and begin to get our share, because it's my
belief that we will not have the funds within our counties and our
private sources to do what we need to do for our beaches in the
future.
A key to access, as I see it, has to do with dispersal. Many -- we
do have access to our beaches, but they're like getting to the beach
through a funnel. And that does not work. We need to find many
ways to get to the beaches. I don't know whether it's a half a mile or
a quarter of a mile. I just know that the concept has to be built
around dispersal. And the beach access is tied to renourishment
funds.
Another item that I'd like to touch on is the grant -- the TDC
grant applications in the past have been reviewed by the PARAB,
which historically has been doing an outstanding job. And I believe
this policy, as I read it, does not have any representation for the Parks
and Recreation Board as part of the review process, and ! think that
would be a mistake.
And in closing, I think Vice Chair Galleberg had mentioned
something about a holistic view. And from my perspective, the Parks
and Recreation Board participation in the review of these funds in
our beaches is the only way to get a holistic view for the entire
Collier County. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
That was the last speaker?
MS. FILSON: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Can I have staff's perspective on, just
for the viewing audience, of managing this policy, on what it would
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do to the categories and how you read this proposed policy?
MR. WERT: Again, Mr. Chairman, for the record, Jack Wert,
Tourism Director.
The proposed policy does give us some framework to look at the
various projects that come before the CAC and the Tourist
Development Council. We do, however, see that it's subject to a
great deal of interpretation, and that was one of the things we were
hoping we would have some pretty clear direction on being able to
prioritize projects.
As we've seen, the number of projects and the dollar amount has
gone quite high now, and we're seeing in the future there will
probably always be enough projects and dollars requested to spend
all of the money that's available. And we certainly see this in the
coming year.
So we are looking for a policy that will give us a better way to
prioritize these projects so that -- and I think Vice Mayor Galleberg
even said there are '-- if we have requests for more money, we really
do need a way to prioritize them, and we're just not going to be able
to do all the projects. And pretty much we've done everything that
has come before the CAC and the TDC in the past. And it's going to
get more difficult as it goes.
So as we look at this policy, we think it could be stronger in a
number of those areas.
The other thing that if I might, Mr. Chairman, I think our other
concern is -- and several of the Commissioners have pointed out, the
state and federal funds -- to be able to leverage our money against
those funds is going to be very important. That's why the half mile is
important, because that's built into the state requirements. Within a
half mile of a major beach access point, that qualifies. Actually, they
also have the quarter mile, but that is from minor beach access. So
that's the reason that quarter mile is there, so that it does certainly
help us define what is eligible.
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I think that, finally, our concern overall is that we aren't really
addressing the criteria that's stated in the Growth Management Plan
that we need to allow for beach access. And every project that we
look at, we need to look at beach access, and according to that plan
we ought to be looking for additional access, if it's needed.
So overall, I think those are our three areas of concern related to
this policy.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle, then -- ah,
County Manager.
MR. MUDD: We're still talking to staff for a second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: How are you?
MR. MUDD: Doing fine, just fine.
I want to make sure we put this in context, okay? Where this all
started -- and I don't think we got a full -- I don't think we got a full
piece of where it all started. We came forward with a master plan,
okay, that talked about beach and boat access, okay? And the Board
approved that, all right, and said go forth and conquer, staff. And the
staff came back and said one way to try to leverage and increase
access is to make it desirable, when you do beach renourishment, to
make sure that you have the access points, to give some incentive to
have people have access than not to have.
Access. And today was one of those points when we did the
Vanderbilt Beach -- or the Vanderbilt Inn Motel, or whatever -- the
Vanderbilt Beach Motel -- I know I'll them get them right -- where
you basically asked for an access point so that people could either
walk off the beach or walk on the beach, so it was more convenient
than going all the way down to the end of the street and finding a
parking space. So that's how this all started, okay?
We came forward with a staff opinion that basic -- or a policy
that basically devised a way to make it and to incentivise the beach
renourishment program with some kind of a cost share, depending on
where you were and how far you were from that access.
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The Board basically on a 2-3 vote, three disapproval, basically
said to send the policy back down to the CAC and the TDC to come
forward. And I think you've seen today in the public comment, and
even in your own comments today, that you see the beach
renourishment access thing on two different sides and the scales
trying to be balanced.
Another thing I want to make sure for the record that we do talk
about is we have received some state funding. We have a $1.7
million contract, of which we've got $600,000 based on that contract.
And that basically talks about trucking the sand that we've done in
previous years plus a FEMA contract of about $400,000 where we're
getting $300,000 back from them, with the hope of about 2.5 more
million coming because of Hurricane Gabriel.
So those things -- those things are out there, and in those
instances when we can go about and get them, we will. You have an
Item 16(C)(12) today that you approved on the consent agenda
whereby you're instituting the authorization process with
Congressman Goss to get a major renourishment program some 10
years from now in the federal side of the House in order to leverage
those dollars.
Last, but not least, there was a conversation about reserve
monies, and there is $3 million in the reserve today. But I promise
you, when I come forward with the Vanderbilt Beach parking garage
in six months, there will be no reserve left. Because the plan is to
bond TDC dollars in order to pay for that particular parking garage.
That parking garage was approved by this Board two years ago, and
money was set aside. We were in a court case and so that money was
set aside and stayed there. In this particular case, those monies
would be bonded in order to pay for that parking garage, in order to
get the major renourishment program done.
So I will say to you, there's a lot to the pot when you start
talking about reserve dollars and what they're laid aside for in that
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1 O-year plan.
So I just want to make sure that you know that, because in six
months I'm going to come forward to the Board of County
Commissioners, because there was another item on your agenda
today to basically kill the contract for the RFP for the design of that
parking garage so that next meeting we can award an RFP to go out
for the design. And we're in the middle of a successful negotiation
with WCI whereby I think the court case will be thrown out, we'll
have an agreement and we'll be able to build a two-level parking on
the roof type terrace garage in that particular location. And I think in
this FY we'll be ready to go forward with those dollars that you set
aside some two years ago. So for the record, I'll just set those
particular cases straight.
There is some concern on the staff about how do you set
priorities for these particular projects. But Mr. Galleberg in his
testimony said today that the CAC will set that priority. And as far as
staff is concerned, that's great. Get us out of that mode -- and so that
the CAC is telling us, well, instead of what do you think, they're
going to set that priority about which projects are going to get funded
or not or not. And I commented them for that, because it definitely
takes staff out of it. Because, I will tell you, I've asked these
gentleman, and I said, how do you set this thing? And they said,
we're not too sure. And so that is a dilemma. But nobody said this
isn't a step in the right direction. Because it is a step in the right
direction. So that's all I have to say, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, I'd like to touch upon a
couple of points.
Earlier today we saw a situation where a developer and the
residents of the area had a disagreement about what should or should
not be done in that area. And they worked these things out and they
solved them and they reached a compromise that made everybody
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happy.
What happened the last time we got a policy from the staff was
that the policy was developed without any input at all from our
advisory boards. Completely bypassed them. And that upset a
number of us. That's something that should never have happened.
And that set a tone that essentially pitted staff against our advisory
boards. And that's not a healthy position for any of us to be in. And
I am disappointed that the staff really hasn't worked closer with the
advisory committees and worked these problems out.
Now, beyond that, let's go to the real crux of the issue. The staff
seems to have the position that beach acquisition or beach access is
the most important thing for these beach Category A funds. Yet we
see time and time again beach access doesn't mean a place to get to
the beach. Beach access means a place to park. It means
transportation. How do you get there?
A lot of those beach access points can in fact handle more
people on the beach. What happens is they don't have enough
parking there. How do we deal with that? We're going to build a
parking garage, as County Manager has just pointed out. Maybe
more than one. How about rearranging our bus schedules a little bit
to make sure we can shuttle people to and from the beach, make runs
up and down the beach to the beach access points?
We've talked in the past about creating boat shuttles to take
people to beaches that are otherwise inaccessible. We own beaches
that nobody's using because they can't get there except by boat. I
believe the staff is working on those kinds of things.
Now, those are relatively, relatively low cost solutions to beach
access. Yet it appears that we have chosen to allocate 17, $19
million to the purchase ofbeachfront property somewhere to get
beach access. And I would say to you that that's not necessary as a
first step to get more beach access. I think transportation and parking
is the most important thing to getting beach access now. So I would
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like to see us reassess those priorities, go after the things that can be
done more quickly and at lower cost and long range, of course, plan
for purchasing property that will give our residents more beach
access.
But I think this policy is a good policy, I'd like to support it and
I'll make a motion that it be approved.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: And I second that motion.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: There's a motion by Commissioner
Coyle, second by Commissioner Fiala. Discussion?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Yes, I'd like to ask staff what their
interpretation of this -- basically either John or else Jim, if they
would give us input into how they felt this recommendation that's
come forward here by CAC.
MR. DUNNUCK: For the record, my name's John Dunnuck,
Public Services Administrator.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Hang on. We're doing what
Commissioner Coyle just brought up. We're pitting our staff against
the advisory boards. And Commissioner Coyle, I being the chairman
of the TDC and on the subcommittee on this policy, I've got to say
the staff has been very amenable to the needs of the TDC and the
subcommittee.
There wasn't any kind of a prodding or trying to trying to direct
like we get in some of these focus groups where you have planning
staff trying to direct people where they want to be. They were there
to support with information. So I want to clarify that. Please be
careful with your comments.
MR. DUNNUCK: I'll do the best I can.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Now that he's got you off the
hook.
MR. DUNNUCK: I just want to take you back, and the County
Manager kind of outlined it a little bit previously. Back in May we
brought you the master plan for boat and beach access. And the
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Board unanimously adopted 5-0. And there were a couple of
parameters that we had put in there. We said from a Parks and Rec.
Department standpoint, we believe in spreading out the access as
much as possible. We said putting everybody in one location is not
good from our perspective because when people are on top of each
other it's not the type of environment we are recommending. And the
Board supported that. They said go out and look at other places
where you can find additional access points. And we even outlined
in a five-year plan where we would go about doing those. And we've
been pursuing those with all vigor.
We're also looking at the boat access issues and we're looking at
the park and ride. We mentioned during that plan too that park and
ride from our perspective may be a last ditch thing because it's the
gift that keeps on giving, from an operational standpoint.
What this issue comes down to from my perspective is really a
matter of funding. You know, we're trying to put a 200-pound gorilla
into a 20-pound bag, so to speak, from the standpoint of you have all
the renourishment projects and then you have all the acquisition
projects we'd like to do. Because what we pointed out to you back in
May was there's no dedicated funding source for acquisition. And
frankly, for maintenance, from the standpoint of our concession
buildings that we currently have our parks, we have traditionally
used TDC money to help look at some of those, those fix-it projects.
Under this plan we're concerned that it seems to broaden the
scope of where the Board has, without having a policy, has approved
funding of projects. It does seem to broaden that to some degree
from our perspective and the -- the utility staff can outline that
specifically.
And from my perspective, from a Parks and Rec standpoint, it
does put our priority of public access at what I would consider the
back step. You know, we have provided -- I think initially we
provided about $17 million of additional acquisition projects to the
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TDC for consideration. And they've put a lot of those projects on
hold, pending the outcome of this policy.
Recognizing where we are with renourishment, the only project
we currently have in that 1 O-year plan is the Vanderbilt Beach
parking garage, and as the County Manager pointed out, it's in a
bonding scenario. It doesn't even have -- in order to balance that
budget it doesn't have it as a full acquisition price, so we would be
bonding it.
So I just want to outline factually where we are from our
standpoint of getting additional acquisition.
A prime example would be we have five access points on
Vanderbilt Beach, and now thanks to the Board it looks like we're
going to have six. One of the things we looked at doing was
purchasing a lot -- that was outlined by the Parks and Rec. advisory
board -- within that middle portion. That would allow us to be
federally eligible for that beach. And while we recognize it may be
seven to 10 years down the road, it does get us our foot in the door,
and we think that's a good thing.
So, you know, from our perspective, you know, certainly we
will carry out the Board's policy direction in every aspect as upon
directed, but we did have some concerns about that, and we did work
with the advisory boards throughout this process as well and we
expressed our concerns based upon that master plan that was adopted
by the Board.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: John, I appreciate the back-up on
this. But one thing, and it's not just because I live in that particular
area, but Vanderbilt Beach right now is 1.1 miles long, and as you
said, we've got about six beach accesses. And so really the load is
being put up there. We got -- at the north end we got
Delnor-Wiggins State Park. At the south end we've got the
Vanderbilt Beach area. Plus in between, we've got areas where
people can go to the beach.
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The problem is is that Vanderbilt Beach cannot keep continually
taking the load. It's just like the same problem that the City of
Naples has. So what we have to do is make sure that we spread this
thing out. And I think that's where this whole scenario about who is
going to get the funding for beach renourishment is going to really
take hold. And I hope that the -- I'm sure that the CAC group will
make sure that the areas that have the highest concentration are first
on the agenda to get that taken care of. They're going to be number
one on the priority list.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, thank you. First off, John,
I wanted to say that my personal observation is that staff has worked
excellent with every committee out there and they've been going way
out of their way.
Obviously there's been some harassment that's taken place from
some direction for staff to have no comments. I'll tell you, I
appreciate different sources to be able to come forward and give me
the outlook of what we're up against. I like to have the special
interest groups come in, I like to have citizens. I especially expect
my staff to be able to comment, and I hate to beat them up for these
comments. Obviously, you were beat up not to make comments and
to try to remain so neutral that you couldn't bring out the facts until it
was drug out of you.
I kind of hope we can avoid this in future meetings. I don't like
it. I don't like it one bit. None. I don't want to ever see
recommendations, none. That's an insult. You know, I need those
recommendations to be able to make my -- base my decisions on.
As far as the issue goes, I'm going to vote against this
recommendation, not because I think it's a terrible recommendation.
This outline of the proposal for the funding policy has a lot of very
good points in it. It's something to build on. However, it does fall
short. And because of that very reason that it falls short I can't
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support it as it is now.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, I think it's not a perfect
policy either, but it's better than what we have. And I think we need
some experience with it to refine it. I think to wait until it's perfect is
a big mistake.
But explain to me, John, why we would be ineligible to apply
for federal or state funding for the renourishment of beaches within
one-half mile of any of our beach access points if we adopt this
policy.
MR. DUNNUCK: Mr. Hovell may be able to better answer that
question for you, but I believe when they look at a project's length
they look at not just the access but the access and use. And that's
defined by a number of how many -- you know, from a standpoint of
-- and I'll use Vanderbilt Beach as an example. You've got significant
parking at the Vanderbilt Beach location. You go a half mile out,
you have no parking in the middle of what will be considered a full
project. And then you have the Wiggins Pass side on the north end,
which would be eligible as well.
I think what you're asking, the question is, could you apply for
bits and pieces of that federal funding.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: No. Actually, let's take one of the
most convenient beach accesses you can identify. Pick one. I don't
know, Fifth Avenue beach?
MR. DUNNUCK: Okay.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: And using the state criteria, one
quarter mile either way, it meets all the requirements. It's got
restrooms, has everything you need. One quarter mile each way.
Why can't we apply for federal and state funding to support beach
renourishment for that area?
MR. DUNNUCK: It's not to say we can't. I think we're looking
at a full stretch. But Mr. Hovell can probably better answer that
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question.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: That's my point. This policy does
not keep you from applying for federal or state grants for those
beaches that meet the requirements for the federal and state grants.
So it is my opinion, and I'm not an expert in this area, it is my
opinion that to say that this policy doesn't leverage our ability to get
federal and state funds is in fact misleading, because it -- in my
opinion, it doesn't impact your ability one way or the other. Because
you can still go after federal and state funds for those beaches that
meet the federal and state requirements, leaving then the remaining
beaches up to us to fund with our TDC dollars.
So I don't see that as an accurate portrayal of the effect of this
particular policy. So I think this is -- I think we're going to be able to
do both. And I would like to proceed, see if we can't--
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I would like -- let me tell you what I
see, is -- you're absolutely right, we can apply for state grants on that.
But what I see with this policy is you're going to see more
applications for beach renourishment in areas that the general public
can't get to. That's what we're going to do. Then we're going to make
it a political issue, where it should be a policy driven issue.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Commissioner Henning?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yes.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I just want to be next when you're
finished.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
So I'm very concerned about that. But, you know, that's my
perspective.
Mr. DeLony?
MR. DeLONY: Sir, for the record, Jim DeLony, Public Utilities
Administrator.
I just wanted to clarify one point that Mr. Coyle made, if I
could.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay. Go ahead.
MR. DeLONY: Sir, I think that the -- it's not staff to say that
we're not going to leverage those funds. I think the point that's made
in the executive summary in front of you says it doesn't make it any
easier for us to do that in terms of enhancing our current ability to do
that. You know, the ticket home with regard to state and federal
funding is, you said it before, it's going to be access. Any policy that
we have that does not get us more access will not get us more state
and federal funds. And that's what's pointed out in the executive
summary.
Not that we're not going to go after it. Mr. Mudd reminded you
again, 16(C)(12) today is a strong attempt on behalf of County
Commissioners to go after those federal funds for the areas where we
have adequate access today. Yes, we'll have to get in line, but
Collier County is going to be here for at least a couple hundred more
years at least, I'd say.
So now is the time to start is essentially what this Board has
made a commitment to do. The comments from staff were is that this
policy doesn't leverage those additional funds beyond what we have
currently in terms of access because it doesn't prescribe a policy with
regard to access to the degree that those funds are not fully eligible --
or fully leveraged. That's a fine point, but I did want to at least point
that out to you, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you very much. I wanted to
mention a cause and effect. We're talking here about beach access
and purchasing of it and so forth. I want to mention about a beach
access that might not be accessing a beach shortly. And I'm going to
specifically talk about Tigertail and Hideaway Beach.
We have Hideaway Beach is asking for funds and people are
resisting that. And, of course, we understand from Ron Hovell how
badly eroded, it's the worst eroded beach in the entire State of
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Florida. And what's happening is the effect of that is it is now
mining or taking away Tigertail Beach, which was a county beach.
We've poured millions of dollars into the 350 parking spaces, as well
as the beach and park atmosphere that's in that area to now be
creating a bird sanctuary because the beach is leaving us because of
the erosion on Hideaway.
So now we're going to have a beach access for 3 50 cars, but we
don't have a beach there. And of course the environmentalists and
bird lovers are asking us to please stay away from Sand Dollar Island
because it's becoming a bird haven. Well, this is a cause and effect
also that I don't think we've even addressed here, and I feel it's
another important access of this.
I think this is a giant step forward, this new policy. And
Commissioners, we must make a step forward in order to correct
some of the imbalances that we now have. I urge you, please to vote
in favor of this.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Well, nobody's going to change my
mind. I've got my mind made up, and I think the rest of the
Commissioners have their mind made up.
Commissioner Halas, do you have your mind made up on this
issue?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Why don't we just take the vote.
Because all we're going to be doing is discussing this issue on and
on.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Can I at least offer an opinion?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Sure.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Then I want to add a comment,
and Mr. Halas, and then Commissioner Fiala --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Wait a minute, wait a minute.
Everybody has a right. I just want to recognize something, so
Commissioner Coyle --
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COMMISSIONER COYLE: I'll waive my right if he'll be quiet.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: No, no.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: That's a doable deal.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle, please.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: You know, I think there's an
important point here. We don't have a policy now. And everything
-- every decision we make tums out to be a political issue. If we
refuse to accept this policy, it's going to continue. How long are we
going to sit here then and continue to do the same thing we've been
doing and other Commissioners have been doing for years and years
and years without a policy? And we'll be fighting over this based
upon political issues or whose district it's in, and we're not going to
get anywhere.
This policy does not in any way diminish the ability to get
federal and state funds. It does provide us guidelines, although
they're not perfect and not complete, but it gives us guidelines upon
which we can base -- make reasonable decisions.
So I would ask the Commissioners to please consider whether
you want to do nothing and continue the status quo, or do you want
to take a step forward and improve this process with the
understanding that we will continue to improve it as we work with it?
So I would ask that you give consideration to that. If this
proposal is not acceptable, then we have gotten nowhere, and what
will be the result?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Well, I disagree with that. Because
if it fails, I'm going to make a motion to bring back staffs
recommendation at our next meeting. Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I think you just answered that.
And I don't think this is a lost cause in any means. I think the
committee's working and everyone's work up to this point in time has
given us an avenue to go with. Just because we don't vote on
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October 14, 2003
acceptance of it today doesn't mean it's over with. All we're going to
do is embellish upon it to something that's going to serve the uses of
everybody in the future.
Has nothing to do with the district. It has nothing to do with
political. This is just one of those things the public's been telling
us and we've been in agreement with for a long time. We're just
trying to get to that end results.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
anything else?
Commissioner Halas?
I wish it was quicker.
All right. Do we want to throw out
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I just want to say, I would like --
also feel that I would like to have some of staff's input into this and
blend it with what CAC came up with. I think these people did a
wonderful job. I just wish that the two would have worked together,
and I think we would have come up with a good blending and we
wouldn't be in the area we're at.
I don't really think this is an issue where it's district against
district. I think what we're looking at is making it fair and equitable
for everybody in Collier County. And at that, I'll end my comments.
Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I've stated how I feel.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. We beat this up enough,
Sheriff. I think if we beat it up anymore, you'd arrest us all for
abuse.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: How about you, you want to
have a say?
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
saying aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA:
COMMISSIONER COYLE:
All in favor of the motion, signify by
Aye.
Aye.
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October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I'll count it.
Commissioner Fiala and Commissioner Coyle voted for the
motion. Commission Halas, Commissioner Henning and
Commissioner Coletta voted against the motion. Okay.
Make a motion to bring -- direct staff to bring back
recommendations on Category A beach funding policy. Is there a
second to the motion?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Second.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Are you sure?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes. I don't care who you give
credit to. I was just going to make --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: You sounded hesitant.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: No, no, not that way. I just
wanted to -- direction to staff, I thought we might be able to direct
them to use the previous discussions and discussions today to guide
them in that endeavor.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: That's fine as part of my motion.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Could I get a clarification of the
motion?
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: Sure.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Are you suggesting they bring
back the proposal they presented to us the first time, or are you
suggesting that they work with the CAC --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: No.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: -- to get--
CHAIRMAN HENNING: No. I'm suggesting what
Commissioner Coletta said, is the comments today and their previous
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October 14, 2003
recommendations, bring back a recommendation. Now, not to work
with the CAC or the TDC on that. We've asked the CAC and the
TDC to give us a policy. The majority of the Commissioners could
not pass that policy. Okay?
Any other -- Commissioner Fiala, do you have anything?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Seeing none, all in favor of the
motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas, Commissioner
Henning, Commissioner Coletta was in favor of the motion.
Commissioner Coyle and Commissioner Fiala was opposed to the
motion. Okay, great.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Are you okay? We -- five minutes?
We're going to take five minutes.
Before we take a break, we've got some public in here. I would
like to know which item that you're here for, so I'm just going to step
down and address that. We're going to take a five-minute break.
(A recess was taken.)
MR. MUDD: Commissioner you have a hot mic.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: The Board is back in session.
Item #10G
APPROVE A PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
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October 14, 2003
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF NAPLES, INC. FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILDREN'S MUSEUM AT NORTH
NAPI,ES RF, GIONAI, PARK- APPROVED
I'm going to move around so we can move some residents out.
We are going to the add-on, Item 10(G) and then 10(E).
10(G) is an add-on approving partnership between the
Children's Museum of Naples for development of a children's
museum at North Naples Regional Park.
Marla, I'm going to make a motion to approve, because I'm so
excited about this, I just can't contain myself.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I will second.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: And I will second that motion.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle grabbed the
second.
Please, let's tell everybody what we're doing.
MS. RAMSEY: Okay, just briefly, the Children's Museum of
Naples, Inc. is a private nonprofit institute. They came to Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board on September 27th with a request to put
together a partnership which would in essence allow them to lease
two acres within the North Naples Regional Park for a children's
museum about the size of-- about 20,000 square foot.
We're here today based upon the recommendation of Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board to ask you to approve the staff to work
with the Children's Museum of Naples, Inc. to develop a lease
agreement.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: And if you step aside, we've got two
lovely ladies that maybe could shed a little bit of light of what this
park is all about.
MS. BARNETT: I'm Lisa Barnett. I am the Treasurer and
Director of the Children's Museum of Naples. This is Julie Kester
(phonetic), our President and also a director.
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October 14, 2003
I first want to say thank you so much for allowing us to even
present this to you. It's a project that we are very excited about. We
incorporated about a year ago as a nonprofit. We are a 501(c)(3).
And in that year we've been working very hard to put together a
mission and a vision for this museum.
We've gone out into the community. We've conducted focus
groups and a needs assessment. And the community response has
been overwhelmingly positive. So much so that people are saying to
us, you know, can you get it open tomorrow, when can we start
coming, what can we do to help. So we think that this is going to be
a wonderful, wonderful benefit to the community.
For those of you that have not been in a children's museum, it's
a little bit of a misnomer. It's not a hands-at-your-side,
look-at-the-things-on-the-wall type of museum. It's a touch
everything, play with everything. It's an interactive learning space.
We're hoping to make it accessible county-wide.
We'd like to, as Marla said, lease the land from the county for a
nominal fee and in return we intend to pay for a portion of the
infrastructure, our pro-rata share of the infrastructure for the park. So
we're actually going to be putting money back into the park budget.
We're not going to ask the county for any additional funds to
build this. It will be all privately funded, so it's not going to be a
burden on the taxpayers. And again, we're hoping that this is going
to be a community-wide playspace, for lack of a better word. Julie, if you want to add to that.
The basic terms of the lease that we would like to see would,
again, be a long-term land lease, something like 30 years or longer,
with continuous options to renew for a nominal fee.
We would be required to pay for-- when I say infrastructure, I
mean the roads into the park, the entranceways, our pro-rata share,
because we understand that we would be using those interior
roadways, entranceways in the park facilities to get to our facility,
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October 14, 2003
but we would be completely autonomous.
I don't know if anyone has any questions or if you want to add
to that.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I'm sorry the press is not here to
really pick this up, because this is an exciting moment in Collier
County. And I want to be involved in, you know, your aspects of
fundraising, putting the shovel to the ground, whatever I can do.
MS. BARNETT: Well, we appreciate that, and we would love
to have your assistance, so thank you very much.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: It's a positive kind of thing. Why
would the press want to report on that?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Don't push your luck.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I don't see any further discussion.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Just one quick word, if I may.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Please, Commissioner Coletta.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Is there going to be an
admission charge?
MS. BARNETT: There will be an admission charge.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'm a grandparent, can I get a
season pass?
MS. BARNETT: We are -- we're working on what those
charges are. We don't know yet. But we -- it is our intention to have
some sort of annual passes. We are hoping that we can raise enough
money to have an endowment so that we can also subsidize entrance
fees, as necessary.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Would you please, for the
benefit of our listening audience, give us the telephone number they
can call for more information? MS. BARNETT: Sure--
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Your home number will be just
fine. Call after nine.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I think they're going to do a press
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October 14, 2003
release --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: That sounds fine.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- and hopefully get it out to
everybody.
MS. BARNETT: And we have a P.O. box at the moment where
we're receiving all of our mail. We don't have a formal office set up
yet with one phone number. So if people want to contact any of us,
we'll give you the P.O. box information and be happy to --
MS. KESTER: We do have the e-mail addresses that are in the
packet that we've provided you. I don't know if you have a website
that you could link the public to or not. But we would be happy to
receive any questions that way.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: What we could do in the short
order is they can call the Commission's office and we'll make sure
that the receptionist has this information up front, so she can give
them the e-mail address of how to get in touch with you. So I assure
you, you're going to find a lot of support out there for this.
MS. BARNETT: And if you want, for the record, the Post
Office box, if anyone wants to contact us that way, is Post Office
Box 2423, and it's Naples, Florida, 34106. And we check it
regularly, and we do respond to whatever inquiries we get that way.
But as this moves forward, too, and as we finalize our lease with
the county, we will be going very public with this and providing all
kinds of forms for people to contact us and to get involved. Up until
now, we've been looking for a site, and so we've been hesitant to
open it up too much until that happened. CHAIRMAN HENNING: Great.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER FIALA:
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
MS. BARNETT:
Aye.
Opposed?
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Item # 10E
SEEK BOARD APPROVAL TO INSTALL PERMANENT
MEDIAN OPENING IMPROVEMENTS AT PALM DRIVE AND
HARRISON ROAD AND TF, RYI, ROAD- APPROVED
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Next item is 10(E). That's seeking
Board's approval to install permanent median opening improvements
at Palm Drive and Harrison Road and Teryl Road, at an estimated of
67,000.
Mr. Scott, I can tell you my concerns. This was on the consent
agenda --
MR. SCOTT: Yes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- is the cost. And my perspective,
I'd just rather leave the improvements up there instead of spending
this type of money for this improvement.
MR. SCOTT: Don Scott, Transportation Planning.
The -- one of the things -- previously, last year, December, the
Board approved putting the flex stakes up. And then in April at the
government services workshop, the direction was to make the entry
treatment at that location more permanent, and that's why we brought
this forward at this time.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Any public speakers?
MS. FILSON: Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, we do, we do have two.
Lindy Adelstein, and he will be followed by John Cassio.
MR. ADELSTEIN: Good afternoon. My name is Lindy
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October 14, 2003
Adelstein. I'm a member of the County Commission -- county
planning commission and an owner and director in the Glades.
Before I proceed, we had 15 members here from the Glades.
We're left with about five now, but obviously the length of time was
unable to stay for this.
I personally have a great deal of faith in our county government
system, and I'm hoping today will reinforce that faith. This is our
third appearance regarding the needed road and changes on Palm
Drive.
The first is when the county wanted to build an addition to the
present jail and a new parking garage, and both of them would
substantially exceed the present 75-foot height zoning requirement.
Before the close of the County Commissioners meeting, it was stated
they understood the sacrifices the Glades would be making and those
that would be necessary in the future because of additional
expansions. We were promised that they would correct the problem
on Palm Drive in order to protect the Glades way of life.
The second meeting was a workshop to discuss the proposed
road work that would be necessary to keep Palm Drive from
becoming overburdened, as it is the only entrance and exit to the
Glades Country Club, which is made up of 1,253 units. This need
was very detailed, and a great deal of time was spent in the
discussions. One of the items concluded that the construction trucks
for the government complex would not be allowed to drive through
Palm Drive. The County Commissioners, with one dissenting vote,
approved this.
Now today it is time to find -- to fund the project and start the
work that will in fact bring the Glades back to the way they were or
the way they can make their own way of life.
I hope that I can thank you in advance for keeping the promise
you made to us so many months ago. Thank you for your time.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
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October 14, 2003
MS. FILSON: Your final speaker is John Cassio.
MR. CASSIO: Good afternoon, Commissioners. For the
record, my name is John Cassio, I'm the General Manager of the
Glades Country Club. I took over this position on August 4th of this
year.
I would like to take this opportunity to make this comment
regarding the median improvements on Palm Drive.
I represent 1,253 unit owners. The Glades is one of the largest
single condominium associations in the county. We have a large
amount of traffic on Palm Drive and it is increasing each year. In the
morning we have a steady stream of traffic going into the complex,
this complex, and in the evenings a steady stream going out.
As you may know, the golf cart paths run across Palm Drive.
I've had numerous complaints about the amount of traffic in this area.
Many motorists do not stop for golf carts. There are also many
senior bikers and walkers that utilize this path.
In looking over the proposed plan to alter the median, I see that
it will work and that -- the plan that's in front of you will work at a
cost of $67,000. As an alternative, if it becomes too costly to modify
Palm Drive, I would like to suggest changing Harrison Road that
accesses the government center to one way entrance going in.
We would have the incoming traffic, which is in the area of 7:00
to 8:00 a.m. each morning, but in the afternoon, when our residents
are out and about on the golf course, it would limit the traffic
substantially.
Also, I am asking the board not to allow any construction traffic
on Palm Drive, in anticipation of any expansion projects at the
government center.
In closing, on behalf of the Glades, I would like to thank you all
for your support throughout the years, as well as in future projects.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Cassio?
MR. CASSIO: Yes, sir.
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October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
MR. CASSIO: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
lobbyist.
MR. CASSIO: Oh. Okay.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
to you how to do that.
MR. CASSIO: Okay, yes, sir.
Are you paid for your position?
I believe you need to register as a
And I'm sure Mr. Oakes will explain
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: Entertain a motion.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Motion to approve.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Fiala,
second by Commissioner Coyle. Any discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All in favor of the motion, signify by
saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
Aye.
Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE:
COMMISSIONER HALAS:
COMMISSIONER FIALA:
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: Opposed?
I am going to oppose this item for the reasons I stated earlier.
Item # 10A
RESOLUTION 2003-356 TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF
FLORIDA WATER SERVICES CORPORATION'S MARCO
ISLAND AND MARCO SHORES UTILITY SYSTEMS TO THE
CITY OF MARCO ISIJAND- ADOPTF, D
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October 14, 2003
Next item is 10(A), adopt a resolution approving of the transfer
of Florida Water Services, Incorporated--
MR. MUDD: Marco Island and Marco Shores Utility Systems.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- Utility System to the City of
Marco Island and to waive the transfer application of $2,400 in the --
recommended by the Collier County Wastewater -- Water and
Wastewater Authority. Mr. Wallace.
MR. WALLACE: Mr. Chairman, for the record, Bleu Wallace,
Director of Community Development Operations. I'm also the
Executive Director of the Collier County Water and Wastewater
Authority that has already heard the application and taken testimony
from the public, representatives from Florida Water and
representatives from the City of Marco Island.
The application was considered and there's five issues that was
considered by the fact finder in this case, which was the Authority.
You have those presented to you in their preliminary order, which
contains their recommendation for approval of the transfer.
I would like to place on the record the fact that there is a Florida
statute that when a municipality serves outside of its corporate
boundaries, they may impose a 25 percent surcharge on those
customers when serving outside of their corporate boundaries.
However, I have discussed this issue with the City Manager as late as
yesterday and he has advised me that the City of Marco Island has no
intent to impose such surcharge on those folks outside of their
corporate limits.
Also, the Marco Shores area provides sewer to the Isle of Capri.
And those folks down there, most of them are on septic tanks. I
wanted the Board to be aware of the fact of another state statute that
may require mandatory connection to sewage that the City of
Marco Island may impose on folks in Goodland or anywhere down
there that is served by this Florida water system that they're
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October 14, 2003
purchasing.
And with that, staff would recommend that the Board follow the
recommendation made by the Collier County Water and Wastewater
Authority and approve the transfer and also approve the waiver of the
application fee.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Motion to approve.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Second.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Second. I'd also like to ask one
question, if I may.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Let me get the motion. Motion by
Commissioner Coyle, second by Commissioner Halas.
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, yes. I also seconded it. Sorry
I didn't get in there in time.
Mr. Wallace, you stated about the five years and not to increase
the fees, and I appreciated that. You also mentioned the mandatory
hookup fee within 90 days? If it's a state statute?
I just wanted to know -- I didn't see anywhere in all of this
paperwork any mention of that, and I was wondering if Bill Moss
could comment on that and tell us if this is something that they are
going to pursue or if it's something that they don't need to pursue?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Moss?
MR. WALLACE: Well, I can respond to it.
MR. MUDD: Bill, you want to take that?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Might as well get up there, because I
have some questions.
MR. WALLACE: The Florida Statute is Chapter 381.00655,
and it has to do with municipalities establishing a policy requiring
mandatory hookup. I think Collier County has something very
similar. I just wanted to get that on the record and let you know that
the areas in unincorporated Collier County that are your constituents
now may be subject to this mandatory hookup policy. And that's the
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October 14, 2003
only point I was trying to make.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I just wanted to know if indeed that
is what Marco Island is going to be doing.
MR. MOSS: Commissioner, Bill Moss, I'm the City Manager of
Marco Island. Good afternoon.
The policy that Mr. Wallace is stating is consistent with the
policy that will be developed by the City for the city residents.
Frankly the sewage issue is more of a problem on Marco Island than
anyplace else that I'm aware of. And any policies that will be
applicable to Marco Island will be applicable to the area that we call
the urban service area.
Typically we would expect connections to a sewer system, if
sewer is available within 200 feet. Unless I'm mistaken, I don't think
that is applicable currently to the Isle of Capri or to two-thirds of
Marco Island. Now, some day we will be developing policies and a
business approach to try to sewer all these areas into the future. But
that is yet to be decided as to how to do that and what it will cost to
do it and how it will be funded.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: The agreement, and it wasn't in the
motion, that you're going to waive the 25 percent surcharge for the
residents not in the municipality that are Isle of Capri and Goodland?
MR. MOSS: Chairman, there is a-- there is indeed a state
statute, Florida Statute 180, that allows municipalities to surcharge
for areas outside the corporate limits. I can give you my word that
the City Council of Marco Island has never discussed or even
considered such a surcharge, and I frankly would recommend that we
not do a surcharge for some very fundamental reasons. The revenue
that we get from that surcharge could not nearly offset the goodwill
that would be lost by having that surcharge.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Can we put that in the resolution?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Forgive me, I don't know how
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October 14, 2003
you can --
MR. WALLACE: I don't think you can trump a statute by
resolution. I'd have to defer to the County Attorney. But I think as
long as we have what we have on the record, I think that may suffice.
MR. MOSS: I perhaps can maybe give you a little bit of
satisfaction by advising that we are -- that I am drafting a utility
ordinance for council's consideration on Monday and in that
ordinance it specifically states that there shall not be a 25 percent
surcharge.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: We okay with that? I mean, we can't
-- what Mr. Wallace says, we can't -- by this resolution it would --
MR. WEIGEL: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- be a conflict with state statutes.
Okay. You answered my question.
MR. WEIGEL: If your resolution has a contingency in it, it
would be problematic, so the answer is no.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: The next question, and I appreciate
your-- I don't know if we're assuming, Mr. Moss, that none of the
residents on Isle of Capri has -- are within 200 feet of the -- of the
sewer line. And if they are within 200 feet, they naturally need to
hook up.
Can we get, for those residents not within the incorporated area
to get -- offer some kind of financing? Let me give you an example
of what happened in East Naples a lot of years -- back in '89.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yeah, Max Hasse was there.
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: The -- some people got foreclosed on
because they could not pay their utility assessment hookup charge.
Therefore, the county offered some financing over a period of time. I
think it was eight years, six years, seven years. MR. MUDD: Seven years.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Is the city willing to do that?
MR. MOSS: To answer the question, yes, but I'm not able to
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October 14, 2003
bind the city in that respect. Let me offer a couple of suggestions.
First of all, this is somewhat of a unique area, because it's served
by both Collier County, as well as what will be the City of Marco
Island's sewer area. If the county would rather provide sewer service
to that area, we will donate that line to the county for your district, if
that's what you would prefer.
But actually what's going to happen, I suspect, is that we'll have
to work closely with the county. I do not see us going out there and
doing a mandatory sewer hookup program without coordinating
closely with your staff, with this Board, as well as with the residents.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
We have another speaker?
MS. FILSON: Yes, sir.
Are you finished speaking, Mr. Moss?
MR. MOSS: If you're calling for Mr. Arceri, he had to go.
Chairman Mike Minozzi of the Marco Island City Council is here
and would like to say a couple of words.
And again, on behalf of my staff and City Council I would like
to thank you for six years of support to help us reach this. Your
decision is critical to us. In fact, within moments of your decision a
lot of things will get set in motion, because that is the last major
decision that needs to be made. The interest rates on these -- on $102
million bond issue will be set in two days. And the closing -- final
closing will occur in three weeks. Thank you. CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
MR. MINOZZI: Good morning -- it started out good morning.
Good afternoon,
Commissioners.
Just to add on to what Mr. Moss had said, it has been a very
arduous, long, I think six plus years on three -- and this is taking over
the water company. On three occasions in those past six years, we
came within a hair of closing, only to just watch it just fade away
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October 14, 2003
before our eyes. And one of them, which I know that you're aware
because the county helped us out tremendously, where we had two
little tiny cities way, way up in the opposite end of the Panhandle, so
far away from us that they were actually in a different time zone,
taking over this water company. I mean, this would have been
totally, totally disastrous, not only for the City of Marco Island but
all the other cities that are involved. Because we had a situation
where they were totally overpaying, and we did very careful due
diligence and we knew that the money they were paying could not
begin to afford this system. And along with that, we had a situation
where there were no PFC controls. I know, I do that all the time.
You kicked the phone off the receiver there?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: No,' it was a gavel.
MR. MINOZZI: In any event, so we had a situation where we
knew they totally overpaid. We knew that there was no controls
whatsoever, because it was now a municipality that was going to be
running the system, and our water rates would have just absolutely
skyrocketed. So with the thanks -- with the help of the county, we
certainly, you know, thank you for actually having that deal fall
apart.
When it did fall apart, we were back to ground zero. Not only
were we back to ground zero, but the water company was angry with
everybody.
And I've got to say, with the persistence of-- the one who took
the leadership role was our manager, Bill Moss. Not only for Marco
Island, but I think there are many, many cities in the State of Florida
that owe a debt of gratitude to Bill Moss. He did a tremendous
amount of work. He was able to pull this coalition back together and
bring us to this point.
And this vote that we're hoping will be positive this afternoon is
really the last hurdle. And as Bill has mentioned, as we speak,
there's $103 million worth of indications of interest being taken on
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October 14, 2003
the bonds. They will be priced out on Thursday, and at this point we
got permission from the -- from Florida Water Services to close
independently of any of the other cities. Originally it was supposed
to be a closing all at one time, which certainly is not practical.
So at this point, having gone through this last hurdle today, we
will then be a position -- we're not quite celebrating. Once we get the
bond issue and we expect it will be -- by Thursday it will be all taken
up. Once we sign on the dotted line and give the check over, then
we'll start our celebration.
But in the meantime, there was a lot of help that we did get from
Collier County, and we certainly do appreciate that, on behalf of the
people of Marco Island. So thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Thank you.
Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All in favor of the motion, signify by
saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Opposed?
Motion carries unanimously.
Next item is 10(B) to approve a development agreement with
Collier County Land --
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, do you want to finish up 9, or do
you want to keep going on 107
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Oh, we've got 9?
MR. MUDD: Yes, sir, you haven't got there yet.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
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October 14, 2003
MS. FILSON: That would be me.
Item #9A
RESOLUTION 2003-357 APPOINTING ELSA MARIA
HERNANDEZ TO THE HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY
BOARD- ADOPTFJD
MR. MUDD: First item is to -- the appointment of a member to
the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board. That's 9(A).
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Entertain a motion.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'll make a motion that we
approve Lisa Hernandez to the Board.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All in favor of the motion, signify by
saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries.
Item #9B
RESOLUTION 2003-358 APPOINTING STANLEY E. FARNHAM
(TERM EXPIRES 2/4/06), SYDNEY E. BLUM (TERM EXPIRES
2/4/05), AND CELIA M. FELLOWS (TERM EXPIRES 2/4/05) TO
THF, COl INTY GOVFRNMF, NT PRODI ICTIVITY COMMITTF, E.
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October 14, 2003
Next item is appoint a member to the productivity committee.
MS. FILSON: Mr. Chairman, if I may interject, I advertised for
vacancies on this committee, and during my advertisement I had
another resignation, and the three applicants I got all tied for first
place, although they made the recommendations after I did the
executive summary.
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: Okay.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I nominate all three of them.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by Commissioner Halas.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Item # 10C
RESOLUTION 2003-359 CONFIRMING SCHOOL BOARD'S
APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISION: AMY TAYLOR (4 YEAR TERM
EXPIRING ON 10/1/07 - ADOPTED
Confirm a member representing the Collier County School
Board and determine a member as voting as a non-voting member of
the Collier County Planning Commission. Your time's up.
MS. FILSON: In this issue, the school board is appointing Amy
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October 14, 2003
Taylor as their representative. And the Board's decision will be
whether she is a voting member or a non-voting member, and to
confirm her appointment.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Hang on.
MR. MUDD: Mr. Chairman, if you're going to do a voting
member, make it be -- if you consider that, if you consider her to be a
voting member in any respect, that it only be a voting member when
it has to do with school planning issues.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Which most of the things on the
planning commission are school planning issues. They're land use
issues.
MR. MUDD: Well, this is your planning commission, the one
that you have standing up that listens to all your land use items
before it comes to you as -- in your capacity as the zoning board.
Amy Taylor, based on the interlocal agreement, and by direction
from the Florida legislature, says that a school board representative --
and in this particular case, that's Amy Taylor, their planner -- will sit
on the planning commission in some aspect. You can either have her
sit in your planning commission as a non-voting member, and she
will sit and give comment about school board -- school building
issues, zoning issues, or she can sit on that commission and be a full
voting member, or you can withhold her voting on other rezoning
issues in Collier County and only have her vote on those issues that
pertain to schools and school zoning issues.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, what I remember the statute
saying is for the school board to have a member on there to give their
input on issues that affect the school and school -- I mean, land use
items, a PUD, however big, might affect the school board, you know,
school sitings or whatever. Am I -- Marjorie, would you help us out?
MS. STUDENT: Yes, I will. Marjorie Student, Assistant
County Attorney.
And the statute has a provision in it, not to rehash this, to have a
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October 14, 2003
school district representative on the planning commission to be
present and comment where their Comp. Plan amendments are
considered or rezones are considered that would increase residential
densities.
And it's up to the Board of County Commissioners to determine
whether or not that member is a Voting member. It would be the
County Attorney Office position that the statute limits what they vote
on, and it would be limited to those items that I referenced, Comp.
Plan amendments and rezonings that increase residential density.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I have a question here. Is it the
objective really to assure that there is communication and
information flow?
MS. STUDENT: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: So that we can make unified
decisions? I really don't see a school board member sitting as a
voting member of their planning advisory commission. If there --
they can exchange ideas and exchange information in a non-voting
capacity. If there is any conflict, I think that's an issue that should be
brought to us and let us revolve it. And it should not be done at the
Planning Commission level.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I agree.
MS. STUDENT: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Then I would make a motion that
Amy Taylor be appointed as a non-voting member of the Collier
County
Planning Commission.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by Commissioner Fiala.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Item #9E
RESOLUTION 2003-360 REAPPOINTING WILLIAM J. TYSON
AND WILLIAM J. DEMPSEY (TERMS EXPIRING 10/1/06) AND
APPOINTING ADAM BROOKS (TERM EXPIRING ON 10/1/06
TO THE HISTORICAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRESERVATION
BOARD- ADOPTF, D
Next item is 9(E), appoint members to the Historical
Archeological Preservation Board.
Commissioners, one thing that we might want to consider, we've
got, let's see, six members, three seats. It's been suggested that we
take each and every one of them one by one and vote on each one of
them.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I'd like to nominate Bill Tyson then
to be reappointed.
MS. FILSON: And if Mr. Tyson is reappointed, Section 7(B) of
Ordinance 2000-155 will have to be waived. He has served two
terms.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Is that part of your motion,
Commissioner?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, it is, thank you.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I would second that.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Fiala,
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October 14, 2003
second by Commissioner Coyle.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Go ahead.
Opposed?
Motion carries unanimously.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I would nominate Mr. Dempsey
for reappointment and also with section -- he be waived.
MS. FILSON: He doesn't have to be waived, he's only served
one term.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: He doesn't have to be waived,
okay.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by --
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I will second it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- by Commissioner Halas.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
COMMISSIONER COLETTA:
Brooks as a new appointment.
Opposed?
Motion carries unanimously.
I'd like to nominate Adam
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner
Coletta, second by Commissioner Coyle.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Item #9F
RESOLUTION 2003-361 CONFIRMING REGINALD A.
BUXTON, II (TERM EXPIRES 11/5/05) TO THE COLLIER
COl JNTY CITIZF, NS CORPS- ADOPTF, D
Next item is 9(F), confirmation of members to the Collier
County Citizens Corporation.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Nominate Mr. Buxton.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Second.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: This is written out different. Okay, I
got it.
MS. FILSON: Yeah, he's the representative and they supplied
his name.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by Commissioner Fiala.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER.COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Item #9G
RESOLUTION 2003-362 REAPPOINTING LINDA HARTMAN
(TERM EXPIRES 10/13/07) AND CHARLES P: VANGELDER, II
(TERM EXPIRES 10/13/07) TO THE GOLDEN GATE ESTATES
I,AND TRI IRT COMMITTEE- ADOPTED
Appoint members to the Golden Gate Estates Land Trust
Committee.
Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, I'd like to nominate both
people there. I got the wrong page --
MS. FILSON: And again --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Which would be Mrs. -- excuse
me, Linda Hartman and Charles Gelder, III (sic) -- II, rather.
MS. FILSON: If Mr. VanGelter is appointed, you'll need to
waive Section 7(B).
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I wish to waive that section.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coletta,
second by Commissioner Henning.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
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October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Item #9H
RESOLUTION 2003-363 APPOINTING GARY D. HOLLOWAY
(TERM EXPIRES 4/4/07) TO THE IMMOKALEE ENTERPRISE
ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE IMMOKALEE CRA
ADVISORY BOARD- ADOPTF, D
Appoint members to the Immokalee Enterprise Zone
Development Agency and the Immokalee CRA committee.
Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, I'd like to make a motion
to appoint Gary Holloway. And I'd like to also mention, this is a
young man that's coming up far. He's committed to his community.
Only 25 years old, and he is involved in everything in Immokalee.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coletta
second by Commissioner Halas.
All in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
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October 14, 2003
Item # 1 OB
APPROVE DEVELOPER AGREEMENT WITH COLLIER LAND
DEVELOPMENT 1NC., FOR PROPORTIONATE FAIR SHARE
OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUTURE LELY CANAL
STORM WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND OTHER
STORM WATF, R PROJF, CTS- APPROVF, D
Now we are going to 10(B).
MR. MUDD: To approve developer agreement with Collier
Land Development, Inc. for appropriate fair share of costs associated
with the future Lely Canal Stormwater Improvement Project and
other stormwater projects. And Mr. Wiley will present, the director
of stormwater.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
MR. WILEY: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Does staff agree with this one?
Motion to approve.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Second.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, for the record, I just want to let
you know if you had to itemize that, depending on who does the
assessment of-- and how you compute the benefit to the taxpayers of
Collier County, this agreement basically goes anywhere from $3.3
million to $1.7 million as a savings. And it's in that range. It
depends on who's doing the calculation and exactly what the
appraised values that they are using. But we did some stubby pencil
work in order to get that done.
Another issue that needs to be brought to the record, if for any
reason the Collier Land Development, Inc. doesn't do what they say
they're going to do, we have free reign to go out there and get access
to the particular property in order to get that done. So I think it fares
well for the citizens of Collier County with this agreement.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Henning,
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October 14, 2003
second by Commissioner Coyle. Discussion? Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yeah, I would just like to add that
staff deserves a lot of credit for this. This is going to help
dramatically with the Lely drainage stormwater issue, as I understand
it. And the fact that the staff has been able to negotiate these
transfers of property and/or purchases of property at reduced prices is
really a great service to the taxpayers. And you're to be commended
for it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: With this added stormwater
management, how does this blend in for the whole picture out there
in Lely? And does -- will it meet the criteria that is going to be set
forward to us -- sent forward to us for meeting the 2007 goals?
MR. WILEY: What you have before you -- Robert Wiley, with
Collier County Stormwater Management.
What you have before you today is the agreement that provides
for easements for about half of the outfalls. The other half you
already have obtained them when you did your development
approval for Wentworth Estates PUD. So those are all three outfalls
for the entire Lely area now.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala, do you have
anything?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, I'm just so happy that we're
finally getting to this and I'm delighted that the Collier people are
moving forward with this. And of course, stormwater management
has been a great concern not only to myself but to East Naples Civic
Association and the residents who are getting flooded so regularly.
And to stormwater management, Robert Wiley has been
wringing his hands for years trying to figure out how he's going to
get the money to buy this. Now we're in place and we're moving
forward. And I'm just -- I just see that this is a great step forward in
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October 14, 2003
our history. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING:
motion, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
Thank you.
Seeing none, all in favor of the
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Item #1 lA
FACT FINDING ON MERGING FIRE DISTRICTS OF EAST
NAPI,ES, TSI,ES OF CAPRI, AND OCHOPEE - DISCIISSED
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, next item is 10(D), it's report to
the board regarding the management of country contracts, presented
by Steve Carnell, the Director of the Purchasing Department.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: We got some -- can we go to public
comments now? I mean, we've got some fire chiefs and firefighters
that would like to state some things on the record. Anybody opposed
to that?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No.
MS. FILSON: I have two public comment registered speakers,
Mr. Chairman. Bob Schank. He will be followed by Dan Summers.
MR. SCHANK: Wow, thank you so much. Good afternoon,
Commissioners, Bob Schank, Fire Chief, East Naples Fire
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October 14, 2003
Department.
Approximately about six months ago my staff met with some of
the members, actually, the Chief of the Ochopee Fire District, along
with two of the chiefs of Isles of Capri, basically to talk about some
issues we could have to better improve our services, being that we all
work so close together. And many items were kicked around and
some we already have completed and working on.
But most important, one of the issues that did come up for a
lengthy discussion was to consider the concept of a merge between
the three districts. And I have met since that time with Chief
Rodriguez on several occasions to see if there's any feasibility into
this, and we all decided before we go any' further with this that we
need to bring it to the Board and bring it open and hopefully get your
support and your -- and any concerns you may have to see if this is
even something we should go forward with. This does affect the
residents of Donna -- Commissioner Fiala's district, as well as
Commissioner Coletta.
But more than that, we have Commissioner Henning now who's
playing a vital part of our steering committee and working with the
special districts on behalf of the Board, and we have him to work
with us now and hopefully he can join us, along with the county
administrator's staff, to see if this is a -- once again a feasible thing to
do.
I've asked the two chiefs to come as a show of support that this
just isn't my idea, this is something we're working on, and hopefully
we'll get your blessings on it and if we can go forward with it, we'll
do that.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, question. This would
include Isle of Capri and Ochopee, is that what it is?
MR. SCHANK: Isles of Capri, Ochopee and East Naples.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: What about -- and Everglades
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October 14, 2003
City would still be isolated from all this, from any consideration?
MR. SCHANK: I understand they -- if I understand that right --
I need to learn a little bit more about that area, but I believe they
contract with Ochopee Fire District so they would be included in it
also.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Okay, you'd be holding
community meetings on this to be able to get to the public? I'm all
for looking at every possibility we can find to do a better job for our
taxpayers out there.
MR. SCHANK: That's what we're trying to do.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Let them evaluate it. So, you
know, put the show on the road, see what happens.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: We're going to have a road show?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Sure, why not?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala, do you have
any input on this item?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I just think that it's great that these
-- the fire departments are communicating with one another and
finding a way to work together. And it seems as one unit. And that's
going to be great as we move forward. But I'm so glad that they're
doing it amongst one another rather than striking out separately.
Great job, Chief Schank.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
Mr. Summers, do you want to give us-- I guess what we're-- I
think everybody's in favor of giving the blessing to, I guess, do a
fact-finding mission, flushing out and seeing if it's possible.
MR. SCHANK: It's very imPortant. All we want to do at this
point is look at the feasibility of this. This is nothing in concrete.
We do have some issues with the Ochopee area because of the
millage differences, but I think we can work through that with county
staff's help.
CHAIRMAN HENN1NG: Mr. Summers, do you have
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October 14, 2003
anything?
MR. SUMMERS: Thank you. Dan Summers, Director of
Emergency Management.
I just wanted to mention to you that critical in this discussion of
any feasibility of merger or consolidation between the departments is
the partnership that Emergency Management has with the fire
service.
Critical to the EOC, critical to major emergency operations is
the disaster planning and programming. And I wanted to make sure
that you were aware that if you see fit, I will volunteer to be part of
that process to make sure that we look at it programmatically, so we
look at it -- look at the big picture in terms of strategy during major
emergency operations. Again, continuing to stress the word
feasibility and the fact that we need that partnership.
I use the two dependent departments as the conduit for
emergency management programming in and out in our major
emergency response. And I can't function without these departments
and the resources, along with others, but primarily these departments
that work with us during major emergencies.
Remember, in our comprehensive emergency management plan
we committed to an integrated emergency management approach. So
maintaining that partnership, I wanted to stress to you, is mission
critical for me and the EOC to be successful.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Great. I think that's great for our
emergency management director, or is it administrator? MR. MUDD: He's director.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Director to flush out this issue and
bring it back to the Board and East Naples Fire Commissioner. And
we have two advisory boards, correct, for the dependent? You know,
everybody needs to be involved. And of course Commissioner
Coletta's Everglades City. Agree with that? Okay.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner-- Mr. Chairman, I would suggest
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October 14, 2003
that they start with those advisory boards, okay, and make sure that
they don't mix. Because you don't want anybody saying, well, they
bypassed us. They are your advisory boards on those dependent
districts and they need to talk to those folks first.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Don't have a problem with that?
MR. SCHANK: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay, great. Thank you.
MR. SCHANK: Thank you.
Item # 1 OD
REPORT TO THE BOARD REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF
COl INTY CONTRACTS - PRESENTED AND DISCIISSED
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Carnell, I'm -- kind of slid you.
We're back on 10(D). Report to the Board regarding
management contracts -- county contracts.
MR. CARNELL: Yes, sir, worth waiting for. Thank you very
much. Steve Carnell, purchasing general services director. I
appreciate your time.
I just want to take a few minutes this afternoon and walk you
through some information that we have regarding our contracting
process. And if I could, just a little help here briefly. Thank you.
You'll see we have on the screen for you a brief presentation.
What I'd like to do is tell you a little bit about what we've been trying
to accomplish, what we're seeking to achieve through our contracting
process and through some innovations and changes, enhancements
we've been making to the process, really starting back about two to
three years ago, and what we're actually doing to make that happen,
what we've accomplished to date and what we're planning to do in
the future.
I begin by -- if I could begin by just focusing on, again, kind of
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October 14, 2003
the big picture and what we're trying to achieve in a general way. I
have for you four different values, if you will, that we try to focus in
on in contracting: accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, and
timeliness.
When I speak of accountability, of course I'm talking about
making sure that our contracts are proper, legal, fiscally responsible
and that we document that the actions that go with our contracts in
support of them and administering and carrying them out, we
document them in a thorough and transparent type of manner given --
that's especially important, given that we are a public agency.
When we speak of effectiveness, we're talking about getting the
bottom line, the job done. Did we accomplish what we set out to
with regard to that project and the end result? Was the public served
in the manner that we sought to? Are they served? Do they have
something now, an improvement that's of value to them?
Efficiency -- and that's for just for you engineers in the audience
-- that's outputs to inputs. That's really the amount of effort that goes
into get that deliverable and being sure that we are intelligent and
good stewards of our time and resources in administering and
delivering projects.
And then the final consideration here or value, if you will, is
timeliness. Do we get it on time, do we deliver the project, the
improvement, the services, at the time that it's needed by the public?
Now, accountability obviously is extremely important, and
there's been some previous discussion about that. We must be legal,
we must be proper, we must be physically prudent -- fiscally prudent
in what we do. But we have to hit these other things too. We have to
be effective, we have to be efficient and we have to be timely. And
that's particularly true for this Board and those of you who work for
this Board in terms of being able to hit all four of those criteria if
we're to deliver full and complete service to the public.
So when we go through and we look at our processes, and we
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October 14, 2003
look at our actions, we've got to be sure that we're hitting the mark in
all four areas.
Now, today we have a few things on record that have taken
place that have started the process of enhancing our current contract
administration. This Board, for the past really two and a half years,
has been on record in its strategic plan as having listed contract
administration as a -- among its top five priorities for improvement
within county government operations.
Shortly after the Board adopted that, and that was in March of
2001, a task force of staff was appointed that was put together to look
at some initial opportunities for improving our system, and that group
met and worked from March to August and did some review of some
different programs and other agencies and came up with some
general ideas to begin with, which included starting a project
management training program, increasing the use of alternative
methods for delivering projects and contracting for projects, and then
coming up with a little more centralized method of tracking contract
activity and changes to contracts. And as you'll see here shortly,
some of those things are in place and others are in process of being
developed and put into place.
More recently, this past March we formulated a steering
committee for contract administration -- or I think executive
oversight group which includes directors, administrators from within
the County Manager agency, as well as participation from the Clerk
of Courts agency. Jim Mitchell sits on this executive committee that
meets periodically to review different issues regarding our
contracting process and overseeing some of the enhancements and
improvements that we've made to the system, which I'll tell you
about in more detail in just a moment.
So those are some of the initial broad initiatives that we have
identified and that we are bringing into place.
What this has brought about to date have been some specific and
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significant changes to our system. Among these include the
development of a new construction management at risk agreement.
If you'll remember a moment ago, I mentioned the use of alternative
delivery methods.
The most common method of contracting that we use in county
government and that most local governments use is the sealed
bidding process where, in the context of construction, we will hire an
engineer who will design a project or improvement for us and then
we will take those plans and specifications that come from the
engineer and put them out for formal competitive bid, with award to
the lowest qualified and responsive bidder. That method works very
well for many types of projects.
There are some projects where, due to the complexities and due
to the nature of them it is helpful to look at alternatives. And the
construction management at risk is an alternative tool. And in the
construction management at risk approach, we hire a construction
manager through a qualifications process first. And then that
individual works with a design professional, similar to the sealed bid
process. The design professional has been hired apart from that to be
our representative. The design professional designs the
improvement. But the construction manager is involved in the
process before it ever goes to bid and has input into the
constructibility of the plans and the specifications and gives input
into improving that process.
That is perhaps our most significant method of value
engineering that we use to improve our projects. And we have used
that process in the last 10 years about 10 to 12 times, and we
anticipate using it with a little more frequency in the future. It's been
very successful by and large from a performance standpoint.
The most notable project was our recent major central library
construction up on North Airport Road. There were issues with that
contract, but there were not issues with the project itself. I think the
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public by and large has been extremely pleased with that facility and
I think it's going to serve the citizens of this county for many years to
come in a high-- highly level effective way.
In addition to the CM at risk process, we have also updated our
direct purchase procedures. That's the method for being able to make
purchases of materials and equipment directly from suppliers to
legitimately avoid having to pay State of Florida sales tax. That
gives us the opportunity to save six percent on large portions of our
contract. And we have updated that method so that we can capture
those savings appropriately within each project.
We've also done something with contract retainage. And again,
this applies primarily to construction agreements. We have for
many, many years, as have many other governments, in our
construction agreements we have a practice of retaining a portion of
the payable funds.
Typically pay requests are paid on a monthly basis to
contractors, and each month the contractor will submit a pay request,
and assuming that all items in the pay request are deemed acceptable
and having properly delivered and received, we will sign off on that
pay request and we will withhold, however, 10 percent on that
payable amount. And our practice -- historical practice has been to
withhold that 10 percent each month, repeat that cycle each month,
put aside 10 percent, hold it back, if you will, and then that money is
released at the very end of the project when everything is complete.
Now, what we've gone to in recent months -- and this is a
practice that many other local governments and state government,
State of Florida uses this practice as well -- is to use that, initiate that
retainage process at the beginning of a contract period. But we've
now given our project managers the discretion to adjust the level of
retainage as the project progresses. So, in other words, we begin by
holding 10 percent. When we get past the 50 percent point of the
project, if things are going well, if the contractor is schedule,
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performing effectively, and we don't have any significant outstanding
issues, we've given our project managers the discretion to reduce the
level of retainage withheld in the second half of the project delivery.
So they can go from 10 percent to five percent, to three, to seven, to
any amount less than 10 that they deem appropriate. And they do
that through -- there is a formal process that we have instituted to
notify the contractors of the change.
Now, why do this? We do this to incent contractors to perform.
And we do this to reward people who have their act together and
who are delivering their work to us monthly. We believe that the
incenting of contractors helps us in the long run in terms of retaining
their business and their interest in bidding on our work. We also
think it has some reduction of cost in our projects. Because if we are
holding back less of their money, that's less money they have to float
in terms of payroll and expense and costs they have. So we think
some of that comes back to us sometimes in terms of price savings in
our contracts.
But that's a tool that we implemented in May, with your
blessing, and it is now in place and working with Jim's staff very
closely to implement that and be sure that we put those changes into
place in a manner that's consistent with your policy and with good
contract practices, and I think we're achieving quite a bit of success
with that as we go.
One other enhancement that we have done in a big picture kind
of way, and we had some mention of this a few weeks ago when I
spoke to the Board. And you may have seen the article in yesterday's
Naples Daily News regarding our vendor performance evaluation
system. I wanted to just take a moment and tell you a little bit more
about that.
The primary objectives, again, of that system are to incorporate
past performance data into future award considerations, so that when
we're awarding contracts in the future we have some sense of how
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you, Mr. or Ms. Contractor, have performed for Collier County
previously. In the instance where you have done a good job, this
affords us an opportunity to recognize and consider that. If you were
in a situation where you haven't performed as well, it gives us the
opportunity to provide you feedback and hopefully see your
performance improve.
Some of the factors, or the factors that we use in each and every
evaluation include the quality of work, the adherence to schedule,
how timely they are in delivering their work, cost control, business
practices within that firm as we do business.with them, how do they
deal with issues that arise on the contract project site and during the
delivery period, how effectively and clearly do they prepare their
invoices and their pay requests, and then performance of key
personnel representing the contracting firm and how professional and
effective they are in dealing with us. We evaluate all those things
and then we provide that feedback to the contractor after the project
is completed.
Now, if we can take -- the other part of the focus that we want to
take today and look at today very closely in our presentation is really
the area of contract changes. I mentioned some of these other
changes to the bigger contracting process, but we've also
implemented some changes in -- as they pertain to contract changes
and amendments to contracts.
Our current work policy first, just to refresh everyone's memory,
is that all changes to contracts that exceed 10 percent of the Board
approved amount or $10,000, whichever those two -- whichever is
greater, are approved by this Board. Anything that falls below either
of those limits are approved by administrators or directors. That's
our current policy.
Now, we've done two significant initiatives that pertain to
change orders that are in place now. One is, about a year ago this
time we instituted a central -- or a centralized, I'll call it, contract
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modification review process where we put together some instructions
and a form that we ask each of our project managers to fill out every
time they wish to initiate a change order. And that is regardless of
the scope or size of the dollar amount of the change order. And those
contract modification forms are prepared and they are processed
through the system with the change orders, and the appropriate
approving party will see those modifications forms prior to approval
or action on a change order.
So in the case of change orders that come to this Board, you'll
see that in your backup material, the contract modification form.
Simply put, that modification form is a one-page summary of the key
issues pertaining to the contract, and I'll elaborate just a little more on
that in just a moment.
The other aspect of our contract processing that has changed is
that we have commenced reporting of what our -- what we call
administrative change orders. If you remember what I said a moment
ago about our policy, change orders in excess of 10 percent come to
this Board, those that are less than 10 percent are approved by either
a director or administrator. The ones that are approved by directors
or administrators, the action takes place at the staff level, but there is
a reporting of all of those to this Board each and every month. And
we commenced that process back in April with your blessing.
And with regard to the contract modification process, just to
elaborate a little further on that, the project manager will evaluate,
document the purpose and the need for the change. The purchasing
staff, my department, is now centrally involved in reviewing each of
these. That was not the practice prior to a year ago. We are now
reviewing all changes to contracts. And then the administrator or
director will approve each change. These of course will be the
administrative changes.
And then the Board of County Commissioners, in the case of
changes that exceed 10 percent, the Board will approve. Changes that
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are less than 10 percent, the Board will ratify them monthly through
the reporting process.
What kinds of things are we looking at in the contract review
process? We look at the hard and soft costs associated with the
change.
We look at the benefits and the impacts of that change. We also
look to see that the change that's proposed is consistent with the
existing scope and pricing of the contract. And we also verify that
this constitutes a true addition of work or a true deletion of work to
the contract and that we are not paying twice for something or not
paying in any way for repetitive work.
Ultimately there's an overall appropriateness of the change that
that project manager is required to certify on behalf of this agency.
And that certification then is passed up the line to the approver,
whether it be the division administrator, the department director or
ultimately this board.
I wanted to just briefly talk about why contracts change and
why these things -- these changes occur in the first place. Because
there really are a number of different factors. I don't have to tell the
five of you that this is a dynamic community. I don't have to tell you
that life changes in a short amount of time. If you sat here today,
October 14th, 2003, and I asked you to think back one year in time,
October 14th, 2002, and I asked you, what was your life like then
versus what it is like today, if you thought about it carefully, you
could probably think of a number of things that changed in the last
12 months; whether it be with your family, your friends, your
business, whatever you might be involved in in your life. And
contracting is no different than that. We contract in an environment
where things change and alter around us all the time.
Some of the typical types of changes that we see to projects
include what we'll call internal changes to the project scope, where
we may change -- for example, if we're building a building, we may
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change the exact composition of the occupants. That is a very
common type experience. We may start out, for example, with the
intent of constructing a public safety facility that will be shared by,
say, EMS, the Emergency Medical Services Department, and the
Sheriff's Department. Well, we get into the early stages of the design
or maybe we get toward the end of the design and perhaps a fire
district asks for permission to participate in the project, to have space
in the facility. Now, we can take the hard line of well, gee, we're
already past our window of design and we don't want to make --
we're in a zero tolerance for change orders so we're not going to
allow you to come into the facility. But more often than not, that's
not a good business or a good public service type decision. More
often than not, the public as a whole benefits from a change like that,
from modifying, if you will, the design to accompany another
participating entity into a building or facility.
And so naturally we're going to work very cooperatively with
other agencies to try to bring them into the process and to hopefully
eliminate some redundant costs for the taxpayer as a whole if we can
share facilities. So that's one example of how facilities will change,
changes in occupants that occur.
Then we have external changes to the project scope. And when
I say external I'm kind of going outside the realm of the public
sector. This is a very common occurrence with your transportation,
your road building program. And the five of you especially, I think
the public as a whole needs to understand the position that you are in,
this particular Board is in.
I've worked for this agency for 18 years. The first 14, 15 years I
was here, we probably built five, 10, 15 new roads, in terms of out
and out new construction of a new facility, of new roadway. You
have a roadway, a very aggressive road building program now that
calls for a whole lot more activity than that. So naturally, as you go
and we proceed with this work and we implement it and construct it,
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we are touching more points of the community than ever before in
our road construction. And a very common occurrence with road
construction, with the rate of growth and development taking place
around us, is that we have private developments coming on line as
we bring these roads into existence. And a number of these private
developments aren't on the drawing board in some cases or are barely
off the drawing board at the point that we're designing the road. We
go to construction and lo and behold, developer A or developer B is
ready for access to -- with adjacent property adjunct to what we are
six laning or four laning or improving.
So we have to -- again, the smart, logical business, most
efficient, economical way to give that developer access is to alter the
contract in many instances and to make changes to the design,
changes to the construction in order to bring them into the process.
Now, there's no free lunch here. The developer pays for that
improvement as a developer contribution agreement approved and
accepted by this Board. But what you'll see in the change order side
is you'll see a substantial change order sometimes to add intersection
or lane or turn lane access improvements to bring that development
into the larger arterial road that we are constructing.
So those are some of the examples that we run into.
With regard to internal and external changes, we also have very
common, unforeseen site conditions above and below ground. A
very common issue is that we go out, we build something, we have a
drawing and a scope of what's under the ground, we dig it up, it's not
what was drawn on the plans at all. Now, there is a long-term
solution. Your graphical interface system, your GIS system, is going
to address that, and hopefully some day we'll have a much better data
base that will eradicate some of these issues, but for now that's going
to be happening in many, many instances, where we go underground,
we're going to hit some surprises and we're going to have to adjust
our contracts to reflect that as we go. And there's just no way to
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avoid that in many instances.
Finally, last couple of categories here that I wanted to highlight.
We often have changes in our product or quantity estimates in our
contract. We'll go out and our engineers will do their best job to
estimate how many materials are needed to cover a physical area, to
make a physical construction of an improvement, but it's not a perfect
science and we're going to have to adjust quantities from time to
time, sometimes in substantial amounts.
So these are some of the things that bring about changes to
contracts. And it's something that we have to recognize that's just
part of the process.
Now, that said, we will continue to make improvements to our
system, we will continue to try to improve our reporting
methodology to this Board so that this Board is kept fully informed
of what we're doing with regard to contract changes. And we will
continue to train our project managers better so that we can try to do
our best to anticipate these things and minimize the need for changes
wherever possible.
Finally, just kind of back to the big picture. We have some
bigger and larger initiatives that we are pursuing in the coming
months. Right now we are working on updating our selection
committee procedures to make them a little bit more comprehensive
and to try to address some of the issues of being able to identify
issues of vendors up front as we make selections in our RFP process.
We're also going to be updating in the future months our
standard construction and design agreements. These agreements, by
the way, these are the base language of agreements that we had that
we use every time we award a sealed bid or we hire a consultant.
And these agreements, for the most part, have served us very well.
They're very protective of the county's interest and they've protected
us in many instances, either prevented us from going to court or
served us well in court. So we're going to continue to improve those
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and make them stronger.
And as I alluded to a moment ago, we are in the process of
developing an agency-wide project manager training program.
Right now all of these things I've described are things that we're
doing with existing resources and I'm at a point in my department
where I've redirected people from task A to task B to try to address
some of these more intense areas of focus right now, particularly
change order management.
So in order to move forward in the future you may see some
requests in the FY '05 budget to look for additional resources to
enhance our process, and of course we'll come back to you at that
time and give you a more full explanation of that. But that's the gist
of where we are at this point in the process.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Question by --
MR. CARNELL: Please.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: -- the Board members?
Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Yes. We have a representative
from the Clerk of Court's office, Jim Mitchell. Jim, does this tie in
with what you're -- how you want staff to interface with the Clerk of
the Courts in regards to all these change orders and so on?
MR. MITCHELL: The only thing that I can say,
Commissioner, is Steve Carnell and his staff have done a great job in
keeping us involved in the loop and coming up with these initiatives
that they've created.
I think that we can say that we have come a long way in a very
short time. I think we have a few more steps to make but I think that
Steve as his group have identified those areas and are working
toward those successes.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: You know, Steve, this has been, like
you pointed out, a pet project of the Board of Commissioners for
quite a number of years, and I think Commissioner Coyle was the
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one who initiated the discussion process.
You know, they always need to change and I commend you and
Jim Mudd for being very pro-active on this.
Some things on the agenda for the change orders that we have
today. You know, I have concems about a couple of them. County
Manager is aware of my concerns and we're going to work through
those.
But I like the system, as we are moving forward, the changes
that you have made to bring the Board more aware of what's going
on in the day-to-day business.
And the power point presentation was great. I know one
organization that we would probably really benefit from seeing what
the Board has been doing and the staff, and, you know, with the
permission of the County Manager I would hope that we can offer
that up to -- for their review. Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I think that's a wonderful idea.
The only thing I would suggest that you do since -- we're familiar
with a lot these terms and these processes. The average layperson is
not. And I think it would be really good if you were to take a couple
of examples and go through the process and show how you have
effectively managed those contracts and how these particular
modifications that you have made have benefitted the taxpayers.
And I think Commissioner Henning's idea is an excellent idea
because I have heard just recently probably one of the most
uninformed and biased characterizations of our contracting
procedures that I have ever heard. And it essentially means that
people just don't know and they assume the worst. And I think it
would be a great idea to try to help those people understand what
really is happening, and that way maybe they will be less inclined to
conjure up these horror stories that they seem to like to throw around.
And I just think it would be a great idea if you were to do that.
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COMMISSIONER HALAS: I agree with you wholeheartedly,
Commissioner Coyle.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: County Manager, Jim Mudd, do you
want to give us a short overview of the -- I think it's the "Weiss"
phonetic) system or the "Bernie" system.
And I think that we need to come to a consensus on where the
buck stops on this.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, what-- first of all this has been a
three years' journey for us, okay, and it started in -- around 2000 but
really started to kick off in February 2001 with your strategic
guidance for the plan for 2002.
And you will go back and you'll notice that contract
management was one of your prime items that you wanted to take a
look at because Collier County was going into a new dimension. It
was going into increased construction and with that you needed to
have some good contracting methodologies.
And what Steve basically described to you was, you know, first
14 years of his 18, okay, you built five to ten roads, okay. That's
about -- well, if it was five roads that means you were building a
little less than one road every three years and if it was ten roads then
you were building something -- about every 18 months you were
putting a new road on line. Well, you're doing seven or eight now a
year and it's significantly different.
And Steve's staff hasn't grown by leaps and bounds in order to
do that nor has the clerk's staff, as far as contract management is
concerned. And I think what you're getting and you're hearing from
Steve, and you hear a little bit from the clerk -- and the clerk has
taken some action in order to increase his particular staffing in order
to start covering some of those things to help us out. But Steve is
going to have to take some -- some -- he's going to have to do some
help in '05 in order to, as we proceed forward, to get more eyes on
those contracts and manage them.
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Let me give you a for instance. In the district that I was in we
had about a $168 million annual budget. We had over a dozen, close
to 21, contracting people and that's all they did were contracts.
That's all they watched. And your budget, your capital improvement
budget is three to four times that, at least three times that, and I think
it's significantly less as far as staff is concerned watching that. I
think we need to be prudent in the future to make sure that we do
have the staff levels in order to manage that.
One of the things that we're missing, and we had at one time and
it kind of fell to the wayside, was a way to grade the contractors for
the work that they did.
In the present environment if you have a contractor who does a
poor job, if that project manager or that director is no longer in the
service of Collier County and they are not on the selection committee
for that particular contract that this contractor did a lousy job in the
past has bid for, we have no way to come back and say, "Well, do
you remember, do you remember that one and the project they did on
the north water plant and how they botched it? Do we really want
that person to come in here again and do that to us?" It took us five
years -- sometimes you lose that, that historical flow of information.
And having a grading system that isn't so cumbersome for the
employees to grade and is fair to and is objective -- has objective
standards, not necessarily so subjective that you can, you can get into
an argument no matter what you put down on that piece of paper, and
have some particular items that you're grading against like a check
sheet, I think you'd have a way to institutionalize that historical
memory of the county staff for future selection processes. And you
also dissuade people that do a poor job from bidding again and you
incentivise with a good grade those people that did a great job for
you to bid on future projects.
We need to reinstitute that process, and I basically told the
employees that I would back them as far as their gradings are
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concerned. I didn't say that I wouldn't ask them questions about their
grading and how they came up with them in order to put them on
there, but I would back them on their grading sheets and I would give
them the opportunity. And if their analysis and their grade of a
particular contractor for his or her job is, is a good one, I'll go to the
carpet with them. Because that's the only way we're going to get
some control as far as the contractors are concerned to make sure
they are giving us what they told us they were bidding on as far as a
product is concerned, and that they don't take any short cuts.
Now this grade system should be one that happens someplace
about a quarter of the way through the project so that you get an
in-process review, and you sit there with the contractor or the
designer and you tell them about how you feel about the product.
And then you go half way through the project and you let them --
you talk to them about the process and you grade them about three
quarters of the way through, and then you get a final grading. So if
somebody is going -- deep sixing it, it won't be a broadside or it
won't be an enlightenment at the end that they were doing a poor job.
They will have a series of times where there has been conversations
and grade sheets have been passed so that they understand where
their shortcuts are and where they need to do better. Or if they are
doing a great job you can tell them along the process what is really
working well, and then you can worry about the minor things that
could be going even better as far as that's concerned.
So it's a way to move the process along and at the same time
keep your corporate memory for future bids from particular vendors
and contractors. And that's what we want and we're doing training
right now on that new revised system, and they call it "Bernie" after
Bernie Weiss (phonetic) who was the person on the productivity
committee that had the idea in the first place many years ago.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: The last Board meeting, the issue
was, Commissioners, you're going to get a lot of complaints once we
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implement this.
MR. MUDD: If somebody gets a bad grade they will come to
the Board of County Commissioners in droves because -- let's say it's
a local firm and they do a poor job, okay'? Maybe this is one in a
million or maybe this is a reoccurring thing, but it is the first time
they had a grade. If they get a bad grade and they are a local firm
and they depend upon Collier County government work and now
they don't have a leg up because they are a local firm and they didn't
do a good job and now they're something less than the other people
that are bidding, yes, they are going to complain.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Let me just make an analysis and I
think the Board needs to take action on it.
This is -- this "Bernie" system and the evaluation is a part of the
day-to-day operation of the county government. There's a County
Manager's ordinance prohibits County Commissioners interfering
with the day-to-day operation. That's how I see this system, and the
buck stops at the County Manager. If the Board gets a complaint it
needs to refer it back to the County Manager because he's in charge
of the day-to-day operation of county government.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Exactly right.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Anybody have any disagreements
with that?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I might also add on that, if you
get any calls from vendors refer them right to the County Manager's
office because we've got no business dealing with them.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Vendor complaints, or protests.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Vendor complaints, or even
vendors making pitches for their product.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Oh, yes. I always do that anyways.
I agree.
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes. That's fine with me.
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October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: All right. Thank you.
Item # 1 OF
REPORT AND RATIFY STAFF-APPROVED CHANGE ORDERS
AND CHANGES TO WORK ORDERS TO BOARD APPROVED
CONTRACTS- APPROVED
Next item.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, that's 10(F). And that's a report:
Ratify staff-approved change order and changes to'work orders to
Board approved contracts. And again Mr. Carnell, the Director of
Purchasing, will--
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Any questions by the Board
members?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I just, again, have a concern about
one. We're going to deal with that --
MR. MUDD: We're going for-- and we're going for a ride,
Commissioner.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Yup. We might bring it back or
whatever, but-- I like this process, Mr. Carnell. It's great, it gives us
some more detailed information what's going on. It gives the public
some more information what we're doing on these very small, minute
change orders. And I see there's some good stuff in here too on these
change orders, some positive things for the taxpayers of Collier
County.
MR. CARNELL: Mr. Chairman, if I could just say one thing. I
appreciate that feedback. And I would like to thank, for the record,
my staff and specifically Linda Jackson and Greer White, who work
in our office, who have worked very hard with Jim's staff, Bonnie
Zinn and Bonnie's folks, to develop this report and to coordinate the
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information and to stay in step with one another. They have worked
extremely hard, particularly in the last few weeks to hone this report.
And in future months I think you're going to continue to see it
improve further in terms of its level of information and clarity.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
MR. MUDD: Sir, I'm going to need a motion.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Motion to approve.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion by Commissioner Coyle,
second by Commissioner Henning.
All in favor of the motion signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries 4-0, Commissioner
Halas not in attendance.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, that would bring us to --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Public comment?
Item #12A
RECOMMENDATION THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS WAIVE TRIAL COURT COSTS IN THE
CASE OF VANDERBILT SHORES CONDOMINIUM
ASSOCIATION INC., ET AL, V. COLLIER COUNTY-
APPROVED
MR. MUDD: No, we already did that. Then we go to the
County Attorneys' report, Number A, and that's a recommendation to
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October 14, 2003
the Board of County Commissioners: Waive trial court costs in the
amount of $1,433.31 in the case of Vanderbilt Shores Condominium
Association Inc. et al, versus Collier County. Case number
01-5080-CA, now pending in the Second District Court of Appeals,
otherwise known as the Bellagio Grande case.
MR. PETTIT: Good afternoon, Commissioners. For the record,
Mike Pettit, Chief Assistant County Attorney.
I have brought this item forward. It arises because there was a
question raised by the plaintiffs as to the propriety of the motion to
recover cost here. I went back and researched it and found that there
had been some discussion at the time this case concluded at the trial
court level in which Mr. Tripp explained to this Board that we could
not recover his attorney's fees but under Florida law the prevailing
party typically recovers what are called taxable costs. Those are very
narrow items that are set forth in the statutes that we can recover
costs on. He has filed a motion for $1,433. He did that out of an
abundance of caution when we realized that the plaintiffs were going
to appeal this matter.
There had been some discussion, as I understand it, about
waiving those costs if they were not going to pursue an appeal. The
reasons that we believe you could consider authorizing him to drop
that motion at this point are set forth in the executive summary.
I would emphasize that the Board didn't make a decision or give
him specific direction at the time, contrary to what I think the
plaintiffs believed. And I put the minutes attached there.
But the reasons that we bring this forward are that, for one thing
he'll have to come down and argue this. Our office is conflicted out.
This is the case in which we were -- I was a witness and others in our
office, I believe, could have been or were asserted to be witnesses.
And so Mr. Tripp is handling this not with me as co-counsel. So
he would cost money for the county to bring him down here from
Fort Myers to argue it. Obviously some of the cost might be
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October 14, 2003
disputed.
And finally, this is a distinguishable issue from the case --
typical case we are dealing with where somebody seeks damages
from the county. It's a group of neighborhood citizens. I think they
are wrong. Mr. Tripp thinks they are wrong. The Court's already
decided they were wrong. They've appealed, but the reality is they
were simply seeking an interpretation of a county code where they
simply disagreed with county staff as to how the code was to be
interpreted. I think it's a distinguishable case from an entity seeking
damages from the county, so you may want to take that into
consideration and with this recommendation to waive.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Mr. Pettit, you're essentially
saying that the cost to recover would probably equal the amount that
we would recover if we were successful?
MR. PETTIT: I can't say that they would equal. I think they
would halve at least.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay. So it's hardly worth the
effort, and I would agree. So I'll make a motion to accept your
recommendation.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Second that.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Second that.
MR. PETTIT: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Any further discussion?
It's pretty hard in this case, you know, what the taxpayers'
benefit -- and I think Commissioner Coyle stated it. And then suing
some of our residents -- but I hope this doesn't encourage others to
sue the taxpayers of Collier County.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: You can always set up an MSTU
after, to recover that money.
MR. PETTIT: Like I said, I think we need to keep clear in our
minds the distinction between a dispute over how a county code is
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October 14, 2003
interpreted --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Exactly.
MR. PETTIT: -- versus a claim for damages against the county.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Any further discussion?
All in favor the motion signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Motion carries unanimously.
Item #12B
MOTION TO OPPOSE THE APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY
DAVID W. RYNDERS AS AN INVESTIGATOR ON BEHALF OF
THE COURT TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED UNLAWFUL
ACTIONS AT THE COLLIER COUNTY DOMESTIC ANIMAL
SERVICES DEPARTMENT- APPROVED
MR. MUDD: Brings us to 12(B). That's to inform the Board of
the action taken by the County Attorney and staff regarding Friends
of Gummi, Inc.'s petition in Collier Court for approval to appoint an
investigator.
Miss Jacqueline Robinson will represent.
MS. ROBINSON: Thank you for introducing me.
Good afternoon, Commissioners.
Our office was informed that a petition had been filed by the
Friends of Gummi and their attomey, David Rynders, for the
appointment of an investigator pursuant to Florida Statute 828.03,
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October 14, 2003
which is the prevention of cruelty to animals provision. And,
although we weren't served with this petition, we were named-- we,
being the county -- several times in the petition. And the petition is
specifically to have Mr. David Rynders appointed as an investigator
to investigate the conditions that have been alleged in the petition
against our Domestic Animal Services Division -- department.
When we received a copy of the petition our office decided that
since it really is attacking the county, that we should take a defensive
posture. And the posture that we've taken is that, first, the Court
needs to decide if an investigator is merited. And, if it does, then it
needs to decide who it will appoint.
We are opposed -- and hopefully the Board of County
Commissioners will agree with us -- that Mr. Rynders should not be
appointed the investigator because Mr. Rynders has a number of
matters pending either-- in the local courts against the county. The
most important one of those matters is the fact that he represents a
former employee of our Domestic Animal Services Department and
he's indicated to the county that this person intends to sue the county
and that he's representing that person.
Frankly, there's a conflict of interest. And that is the position we
have taken in our response to the Court. We filed a memorandum of
law opposing his appointment on the basis of this conflict of interest.
We also asked the Court for a hearing and on Friday we were
informed that the Court will in fact have a hearing on this matter.
So I'm presenting this to you today on behalf of our office for a
number of reasons: One of them is that I think it's important that the
Board of County Commissioners take a position in this matter, and
then I would ask that you adopt a motion that you oppose the
appointment of Mr. Rynders.
Our office is not asking the Commission to oppose an
investigation of the facility, but we are asking that you oppose his
appointment.
Page 194
October 14, 2003
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Let me get this straight, Ms.
Robinson.
A lawyer who is representing a plaintiff to sue the county wants
us to appoint him as an investigator for the same facility that he has
filed his complaint against; is that essentially correct?
MS. ROBINSON: He's not asking that you appoint him. He's
asking the county court to appoint. And what I'm requesting on
behalf of our office is that you not approve his appointment.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: How can any lawyer, any lawyer,
make this kind of proposal without violating the rules of the Florida
Bar?
MS. ROBINSON: Well, you know, I personally think, and it's
expressed in my memo to the Court, that he is possibly violating
certain ethical considerations that are set forth in the Florida statutes.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yes.
MS. ROBINSON: And whether or not he's violating Florida
Bar rules, I haven't researched that issue.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Well, I'd like to understand that, at
least.
But the -- I would be happy to make a motion that we oppose
his appointment.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: I would be happy to second it.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Yes. I think that is the most
ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. I'm just flabbergasted that
any practicing lawyer in Florida would even propose such a thing.
But nevertheless, I believe that -- I hope that the county
manager is already investigating the situation over there, and I'm sure
he is. And -- but nevertheless, I presume that the Court has the right
to appoint an investigator if they believe something needs to be
investigated. Is that not --
MS. ROBINSON: It appears from the statute that the Court
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October 14, 2003
does have the right. It also appears from the statute that the Board of
County Commissioners can express their disapproval of a particular
appointment. There is some ambiguity in the statute, and that's why
we brought it to your attention.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Can we possibly inform the Court
that we have an ongoing internal investigation and that we would like
to present -- have the results of that -- or have that investigation
finalized and have the results of it made public prior to --
MR. MUDD: We have done that investigation.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay.
MR. MUDD: It's about two inches thick. That's what got
everything -- it was basically this attorney's client and his -- and his
friend, okay, who is also a former employee that quit. They made
some charges. We investigated those particular circumstances. And
the things that you saw in the press and have heard in the editorial
page were results of that investigation.
The results of that investigation was the suspension of Ms. Jody
Walters. Okay? Mr. Dunnuck went into that particular area for over
a two week period of time and developed a very detailed behavior
action plan for Ms. Walters on her -- on her return, as far as actions
that she needed to do within her organization for improvement, in
order to get that done.
There was another thing that hit the press, and that had to do
with a newsletter that had some -- some comments about the Friends
of Gummi in it, okay, that were unfortunate but were written by Ms.
Walters prior to her behavioral action plan process that was going on
in that investigation. Okay? So it was a little bit of an action that
happened prior to it.
We have also, for Ms. Walters, have a mentor for her and Ms.
Denise Blanton is her mentor to try to help her correct those
particular things that might be a lack of leadership, a lack of
management on her part, to make her a stronger director and have her
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October 14, 2003
try to live up with that, live up to that behavior -- live up to that
behavioral action plan.
And the Court is still out on that because it was significant and
it's a six-month journey, as far as the corrective action is concerned,
with monthly and quarterly counselings that go along with that, with
measurable outcome that Mr. Dunnuck has put in place in that
behavioral action plan.
What I would like that do is give that-- this is a long-time
employee of Collier County, who has done some good work for us in
the past. And, you know, you're talking about a Department of
Animal Services that's the best in the State of Florida this last year.
So we're trying to correct behavior that doesn't live up to standard
and trying to not throw the towel in on a director that's been a long
time employee. But, if she can't live up to the directorship that she's
been given in our government agency, then she'll be the one that will
determine that, along with us. And, if she can't make it, then, you
know, we'll let her go.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay. Thank you.
The bottom line of all of this was, does it make sense to ask the
Court to consider the fact that we have got this program going and
we would like to see it through to its ultimate conclusion or--
MS. ROBINSON: Yes. I think that does make some sense, and
the Court has granted us a hearing and we can certainly inform the
Court of those facts.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: What's interesting here, Ms.
Robinson, is the fact that it sounds like the Board of County
Commissioners are going to be pitted against a judge. Now, who has
the ruling factor; is it the judge or is it the Board of County
Commissioners?
MS. ROBINSON: There is some ambiguity in the statute. The
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October 14, 2003
statute basically says that the county -- if a society that exists to
prevent cruelty to animals is duly incorporated in the state, and the
address of that society is within a municipality -- and the address of
Friends of Gummi is within the city limits of Naples -- then they
have to receive permission from the mayor of the City of Naples.
And, if they are operating outside of the city limits -- which they
would be doing in investigating our Domestic Animal Services
Department -- then they have to get the approval of the county judge.
The statute, however, the language is a little ambiguous. You
could read it to say that both the judge and mayor must approve the
appointment, or you could read it to say that only the Court -- only
the judge -- I think my mic. went off.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: You could use mine. It works. Why
don't you step over to the other podium.
MS. ROBINSON: Okay. All right. I'm sorry about that. Can
you hear me now?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: I can hear you loud and clear.
MS. ROBINSON: All right. The statute has ambiguous
language and I think it could be interpreted to mean that the mayor of
the City of Naples -- because Friends of Gummi, its address is in the
City of Naples -- has to approve the appointment of an investigator,
as does the county judge.
Or it could be read arguably to say that the county judge will
appoint an investigator if the judge feels it's merited. But there's also
a sentence at the very end of the statute that implies that the County
Commission can approve the appointment of an investigator. So, in
an abundance of caution, we're asking for that motion, that you not
approve this particular investigator.
Our office is not asking that you oppose the appointment of the
investigator, although at the hearing we certainly think that the
Friends of Gummi need to show that an investigation is needed.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
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October 14, 2003
MS. ROBINSON: Okay.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Fiala, do you have
anything?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No. No comments. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Mr. Pettit?
MR. PETTIT: I just wanted to add that -- maybe Mr. Mudd has
caught all of this -- but the report that was done was done by Human
Resources Department staff. They investigated some of these issues
over a period of time. And, as Mr. Mudd is correct, the issues were
raised by a then current county employee, now former county
employee who -- it is my understanding is a client of Mr. Rynders',
as well as based upon allegation by the former county employee, who
is a client of Mr. Rynders'. That report I determined was a public
record. To my knowledge, the Naples Daily News and Mr. Rynders'
client have read it. And it is quite detailed.
So that information is out there for anyone to see, and we have
done that investigation. And, to my knowledge, based on
recommendations from our office, that-- regarding auctioning
procedures and so forth, we have given some guidance to Mr.
Dunnuck and Ms. Walters about things to do prospectively to correct
any issues that may have existed.
Another thing I've suggested, and Mr. Rynders will be aware of
this because I sent it to him in a letter a couple of weeks ago, is invite
someone down from the Department of Professional -- Business
Professional Regulations to talk to our staff out there about how
Chapter 474, which deals with the practice of veterinary medicine
and potential unlicensed practice claims -- which is one of the issues
that I think is being asserted -- can be avoided and the safeguards we
need.
So there has been a lot of positive action by county staff to
address these issues.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Commissioner Halas?
Page 199
October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Just to get one last clarification
from Ms. Robinson here.
MS. ROBINSON: Yes.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: You said that the Board of County
Commissioners has the ability to approve. Does that also mean that
they have the ability to disapprove?
MS. ROBINSON: Well, in an abundance of caution, we're
asking that you disapprove.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: That was the motion and the second.
Any further discussion?
All in favor of the motion signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN HENNING: The motion carries unanimously.
MS. ROBINSON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Don't go away.
You know, looking at this petition -- and I'm not going to call
anybody a scumbag attorney, ambulance chaser or anything like that
-- but I think there is concerns that, you know, this should be taken
up by the -- what is that, the attorney --
MR. MUDD: State Attorney's office?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: State Attorney's or -- but not State
Attorney's but whatever.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Florida Bar?
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Florida Bar, or something. And if
we can get some kind of input on that maybe at our next meeting, the
Board make recommendations of some sort of investigation of this
Page 200
October 14, 2003
attorney due to conflict of interest or something like that, I think it's
prudent.
MR. WEIGEL: Mr. Chairman, Dave Weigel here.
We'll look forward to getting back to you. I think that the
information that we would have for you would be more u~eful after
we have had the hearing with the Court and see how the Court deals
with this request in the first place and the aspects of conflict that we
bring before the judge.
And so that I would suggest that our report back to you would
be subsequent to that hearing and a determination by the judge so
that we can give you a fuller account of how it's been viewed in the
court. If they determine it's a conflict right there, it may be of some
assistance to us if we wish to go further with the Florida Bar.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Thank you.
MS. ROBINSON: You're welcome.
Item #15
STAFF AND COMMISSION GF, NFJRAI, COMMIJNICATIONS
CHAIRMAN HENNING: That's the end of today's agenda.
Now we're going to go to staffs comments and County
Commissioners.
Mr. Weigel, do you have anything today?
MR. WEIGEL: Just a few and it follows from the item you just
heard, and that is you can see that the County Attorney office,
particularly in terms of acting as counsel to this Board of County
Commissioners, the county taxpayers, the county government in
general, fear that we will from time to time respond where the county
is placed in a defensive position, so that there is a posture of the
county in court.
It will be our practice, as today, to come to you to indicate what
Page 201
October 14, 2003
we have done. But I want to differentiate this from the constant
practice, as my predecessors as well as with me, that we do not file
anything as a plaintiff, as a protagonist party in court without coming
to you first minimally on an individual basis to tell you what we're
about to do, but for -- looking and seeking ratification of this Board
of County Commissioners.
But this will show that from time to time with the meetings that
we have with the Board that are regularly scheduled, that it may still
be important and prudent from a court standpoint and a filing
standpoint for the County Attorney to file on behalf of this county.
And I would appreciate if you understand that fact, that we have no
agenda of our own but it is for the protection of the county and the
county taxpayers and that -- and the staff practices that we will act
from time to time in a manner such as this and report back to you.
Additionally, in the back of the room we have an attorney who
is relatively new to our offices and I think new to all of you. Mr.
Scott Teach (phonetic) is with us. Identify himself. And his
background is in a national business contracting practice and he's
working with us into our contracts as well as HR, Human Resources,
services from the legal side. And we're very pleased to have him
here.
One last thing I would mention is that with the discussion with
Mr. Moss and the Marco water system, I would like to let the record
reflect that our outside counsels, Mr. Mike Toomey and Susan Fox,
and our inside counsel, Tom Palmer of my office, together as a team,
and working with Bleu Wallace as well, did a tremendous yeoman
effort toward achieving the outcomes that led for the city of Marco to
do what they are about to do right now. So I wanted the record to
reflect my appreciation of what they had done. And I thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Don't go away. I got a call
from Mr. Hemke, our attorney, and we never did address that. And I
talked to Mr. Pettit about that.
Page 202
October 14, 2003
MR. PETTIT: Mike Pettit again for the record, Chief Assistant
County Attorney. I will be bringing an item before the Board on the
28th --
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
MR. PETTIT: -- relative to the proposed resolution of the
Aquaport claims against individual County Commissioners, not
against the county, that appeal will continue on.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Thank you.
MR. WEIGEL: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: County Manager, Jim Mudd.
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, hopefully a little shorter than
David's because normally I'm long winded and he's short winded and
we just changed seats today.
This has to do with the conditional expenditures of dollars for
the game plan training program. That was the abstinence training
that you were petitioned on the last meeting.
If you remember, I sent a letter, or you signed it or I signed, that
basically told the school board that the dollars are there if they would
like to accept and pay us back in next year's budget because they
found themselves in a fix. We received a letter, Commissioner
Henning did, that said, "In response to your letter" -- this is from the
office of curriculum and instruction for the district school board of
Collier County.
"In response to your letter regarding the Board of County
Commissioners' approved action of September 18th, 2003 regarding
funding assistance for the game plan training, I must send my regrets
relating to our inability to participate. As I understood, this was a
grant request from the Life Network. We will not participate in an
advancement of funds program. Thank you for your attention to this
matter. If you have any questions please contact me, Deborah
Ogden", who is the health coordinator for the Collier County public
schools.
Page 203
October 14, 2003
So with that I'll put the money back in reserves.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Good. Anything else.
MR. MUDD: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Wow.
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: No. Would you believe that. Next
time I'll be back to sit up there with you guys. I'm two weeks out of
surgery and I'm not ready to kick butt yet, but I'm working there --
I'm working in that direction.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay. Well, just don't kick the butt
with the bad knee. But I'm glad to hear you're doing better.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you so much.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: And looking forward to your return.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Halas?
COMMISSIONER HALAS: Commissioner Fiala, we all -- we
missed you very dearly here. And of course, Commissioner Coletta,
we observed his birthday today. Sixty-one years old, and of course
we had cake and he also partook of some cake. So at that we would
like to sing happy birthday to him.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I'll join in.
(Commissioners sing happy birthday to Commissioner Coletta.)
COMMISSIONER FIALA: And I've got some chocolate cake
here to enjoy.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'll be down there in a few
minutes, Donna.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Well, I'm kind of at a loss for
words. I thank you very much for the -- it didn't quite work, though,
I'm not that much at a loss for words.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Commissioner Fiala, unlike you,
Commissioner Coletta looks much older than his age.
Page 204
October 14, 2003
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Donna, I'll never look as good
as you and that I know that for a fact. We miss you, we really do.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER COYLE: Been a wonderful meeting. I've
enjoyed it.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Commissioner Coyle?
COMMISSIONER COYLE: I'm ready to go home.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Okay.
One thing. The fire -- the county is going to host the fire
steering committee here in the boardroom tomorrow night. And
maybe the public can get an idea what the fire steering committee is
all about. One thing that, regretfully, that we can't provide any fixins
like they usually do at the fire steering committee, but I think it'll be
an asset to the community to understand what the fire service, fire
steering committee is all about.
MR. MUDD: It's televised too, Commissioner.
CHAIRMAN HENNING: Great. Okay. With that we are
adjourned.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you.
*****Commissioner Coyle moved, seconded by Commissioner
Halas and carried unanimously, that the following items under the
Consent and Summary Agendas be approved and/or adopted: *****
Item #16Al
RESOLUTION 2003-337 PETITION AVESMT2003-AR3920
VACATING, RENOUNCING AND DISCLAIMING THE
COUNTY'S AND THE PUBLIC'S INTEREST IN EASEMENTS
Page 205
October 14, 2003
RECORDED BY SEPARATE INSTRUMENTS 1N THE PUBLIC
RECORDS OF COI,IJIER COI JNTY. FI,ORIDA
Item #16A2
AGREEMENT BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND THE
COLLIER COUNTY HOUS1NG AUTHORITY (CCHA) FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE TENANT-BASED RENTAL
ASSISTANCE (TBRA) PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSES OF
PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS WITH ASSISTANCE
FOR THE PAYMENT OF RENT, SECURITY DEPOSITS, AND
1JTIIJlTY DEPOSITS
Item # 16A3
RESOLUTION 2003-338 GRANTING A CONDITIONAL FINAL
APPROVAL OF THE ROADWAY (PRIVATE), DRAINAGE,
WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FINAL
PLAT OF "BRIDGEWATER BAY UNIT ONE" THE ROADWAY
AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE PRIVATELY
MAINTAINED, THE WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
WILL BE MAINTAINED BY COLLIER COUNTY-WITH
STIPI JI.ATIONS
Item #16A4
RECORD THE FINAL PLAT OF "ARROWHEAD RESERVE AT
LAKE TRAFFORD- PHASE TWO", AND APPROVAL OF THE
STANDARD FORM CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE AMOUNT OF THE
PERFORMANCE SECI IRITY-WITH STIPI H,ATIONS
Page 206
October 14, 2003
Item #16A5 -Continued to October 28, 2003
APPROVING COMMERCIAL EXCAVATION PERMIT NO.
59.868 "STEWART EARTH MINING", LOCATED IN SECTION
18 AND 19, TOWNSHIP 46 SOUTH, RANGE 29 EAST;
BOUNDED ON THE NORTH AND WEST BY EXISTING
CITRUS GROVES, ON THE SOUTH BY VACANT LAND AND
EXISTING CITRUS GROVES, AND ON THE EAST BY
VACANT LAND AND A FARM BUILDING-WITH
STIPULATIONS AS DETAILED IN THE EXECUTIVE
SI~MMARY
Item # 16A6
AN INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE AUTHORIZATION IN THE
AMOUNT OF $400,000 IN THE FY04 TOURISM ADVERTISING
AND PROMOTION FUND (194) WITH A CORRESPONDING
DECREASE IN RESERVES FOR CONTINGENCIES TO
FURTHER PROMOTE TOURISM IN COLLIER COUNTY AND
APPROVFJ A REI.ATED BIIDGF. T AMENDMENT
Item # 16A7
AGREEMENT BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND THE
EMPOWERMENT ALLIANCE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACTIVITIES AND OPERATING
F. XPF. NSF. S
Item #16A8
TOURISM AGREEMENTS FOR GRANTS AND SPONSORSHIPS
Page 207
October 14, 2003
FOR FY2003-04, TO FIND THAT THE PROJECTS ARE IN THE
PUBLIC INTEREST BY PROMOTING TOURISM IN COLLIER
COUNTY AND TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF ALL
EXPENSES RELATED TO THOSE PROJECTS-THE FIRST
ANNUAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, THE RESTORATION OF
PALM COTTAGE AND THE NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN
PROJECT
Item #16A9
BOARD OF COIJNTY COMMISSIONERS ACTlNG AS THE
COMMIJNITY REDEVEIJOPMENT AGENCY. OBTAINING
DIRECTION TO IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM THAT UTILIZES A
PORTION OF THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)
FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE IMMOKALEE COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AREA AS A DESIGNATED FUNDING
SOURCE FOR THE IMMOKALEE RESIDENTIAL DEFERRAL
PROGRAM, PROPERTY TAX STIMULUS PROGRAM AND FEE
PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AND STAFF TO DRAFT
ALL REQUIRED ORDINANCES AND/OR AMENDMENTS
NECESSARY OR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM FOR
FUTURE CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Item #16Al0
RESOLUTION 2003-339 FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE
ROADWAY, DRAINAGE, WATER AND SEWER
IMPROVEMENTS FOR "LIVINGSTON ROAD, PHASE TWO
(MEDITFRRA ENTRANCF. TO IJEE COl JNTY IJNE)"
Item #16Al 1
Page 208
October 14, 2003
RESOLUTION 2003-340 REGARDING AMENDMENT TO
RESOLUTION 2003-335 WHICH ESTABLISHED A FEE
SCHEDULE OF DEVELOPMENT RELATED REVIEW AND
PROCESSING FEES AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 1.10 OF
THF, COIJJIF, R COl JNTY I,AND DF, VF, LOPMF, NT CODE
Item # 16B 1
PURCHASE OF 3.55 ACRES OF LAND REQUIRED FOR A
STORMWATER RETENTION AND TREATMENT POND FOR
THE SANTA BARBARA BOULEVARD EXPANSION PROJECT.
(FISCAIJ IMPACT: $321_8371-WITH STIPlII,ATIONS
Item #16B2
PURCHASE OF 2.96 ACRES OF LAND REQUIRED FOR A
STORMWATER RETENTION AND TREATMENT POND FOR
THE SANTA BARBARA BOULEVARD EXPANSION PROJECT.
(FISCAIJ IMPACT. $268;365)-WITH STIPlH~ATIONS
Item # 16B3
SELECTION COMMITTEE RANKING OF FIRMS FOR
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOR RFP #03-3553,
"ENGINEERING AND PERMITTING SERVICES FOR
CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS TO COLLIER BOULEVARD
FROM US 41 TO DAVIS BOULEVARD", COUNTY PROJECT
NO. 60001-TO CH2M HILL, KISINGER, CAMPO AND
ASSOCIATF, S. AND BOYIJFJ ENG1NEFRING
Item #16B4
Page 209
October 14, 2003
APPROVAL OF QUOTES UNDER CONTRACT #03-3495
CONCRETE/PAVEMENT CONTRACTORS FOR
"coUNTYWIDE SIDEWALK PROJECTS" AND THE ISSUANCE
OF A PURCHASE ORDER IN THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT
OF $5927400 TO COl ~GAR CONTRACTING SPECIAl.TIES [NC
Item # 16B5
REPORT REGARDING COLLIER COUNTY LANDSCAPE
BEAUTIFICATION MASTER PLAN AND APPROVING
IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING-AS DETAILED IN THE
EXFJCI JTIVE SI JMMARY
Item # 16B6 - Withdrawn
AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND
THE COMMISSION FOR THE TRANSPORTATION
DISADVANTAGED-FOR THE PROVISION OF
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR QUALIFIED MEDICAID
RFJCIPIENTS
Item #16B7 - Withdrawn
AWARD RFP #03-3505 "TRANSPORTATION ROADWAY
ASSET INVENTORY DATABASE" AND AUTHORIZING STAFF
TO COMMENCE NEGOTIATIONS. ESTIMATED FISCAL
IMPACT TO I:IFJ $250~000-TO SPACE IMAGING
Item # 16C 1
AWARD BID NO. 03-3513 - PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF
Page 210
October 14, 2003
WALLACE AND TIERNAN LIME SLAKER TO LOC PUMP AND
EQIIIPMENT 1NC_: IN THE AMOIINT OF $85,474
Item #16C2
AWARD BID NO. 03-3541 - PURCHASE OF ONE (1) CARBON
DIOXIDE SYSTEM TO TOMCO2 EQUIPMENT COMPANY IN
THE AMOIJNT OF $737650
Item # 16C3
SATISFACTION OF LIEN DOCUMENTS FILED AGAINST
REAL PROPERTY FOR ABATEMENT OF NUISANCE AND
DIRECT THE CLERK OF COURTS TO RECORD SAME IN THE
PUBLIC RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA. FISCAL
IMPACT IS $36.00 TO RECORD THE IJIENS
Item # 16C4
RESOLUTION 2003-341 AND RESOLUTION CWS-2003-04
APPROVING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT HARDSHIP DEFERRALS
FOR CERTAIN SEWER SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
2003 TAX YEAR. THE FISCAL IMPACT IS $16.00 TO RECORD
THE RESOIJl ~TION
Item # 16C5
WORK ORDER CDM-FT-03-03 FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES
TO SEEK MODIFICATION TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT WATER USE PERMIT FOR
WITHDRAWAL OF WATER FROM THE GOLDEN GATE
TAMIAMI WELLFIELD IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,500
Page 211
October 14, 2003
PROJF, CT 70158-TO CAMP DRESSFR & MCKEE, INC.
Item #16C6- THIS ITEM HAS BEEN DELETED
Item # 16C7
RESOLUTION 2003-342 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF
A LOAN APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (FDEP) FOR THE
WASTEWATER CAPITAL PROJECTS PRE-CONSTRUCTION IN
THE AMOUNT OF $7,556,000; AUTHORIZING THE LOAN
AGREEMENT; ESTABLISHING PLEDGED REVENUES;
DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES;
PROVIDING ASSURANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR
CONFIJICTS_ SF, VF, RAFIII,ITY_ AND EFFECTIVFi DATE
Item #16C8
RECORD SATISFACTIONS (3) FOR CERTAIN WATER
AND/OR SEWER IMPACT FEE PAYMENT AGREEMENTS.
FISCAL IMPACT IS $31.50 TO RECORD THE SATISFACTIONS-
AS DFiTAII,F,D IN THE F, XECI ITIVF, SI JMMARY
Item # 16C9
RESOLUTION 2003-343 APPROVING THE SATISFACTION OF
LIEN FOR A SOLID WASTE RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNT
WHEREIN THE COUNTY HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT AND
SAID LIEN IS SATISFIED IN FULL FOR THE 1993 SOLID
WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT. FISCAL IMPACT IS $12.00 TO RECORD THE
IJIFiN-FIRADFORD W & lqRF, NDA STF, INMANN
Page 212
October 14, 2003
Item # 16C 10
RESOLUTION 2003-344 APPROVING THE SATISFACTION OF
LIEN FOR A SOLID WASTE RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNT
WHEREIN THE COUNTY HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT AND
SAID LIEN IS SATISFIED IN FULL FOR THE 1994 SOLID
WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT. FISCAL IMPACT IS $12.00 TO RECORD THE
IJlEN-DARREIJlJ S SHF. PHFRD
Item # 16C 11
RESOLUTION 2003-345 APPROVING THE SATISFACTION OF
LIEN FOR A SOLID WASTE RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNT
WHEREIN THE COUNTY HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT AND
SAID LIEN IS SATISFIED IN FULL FOR THE 1996 SOLID
WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT. FISCAL IMPACT IS $16.50 TO RECORD THE
IJlEN-HI IlqERT P & DIANA E SCHFRER
Item #16C12
SUBMISSION OF A REQUEST TO THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF
ENGINEERS TO INITIATE A COLLIER COUNTY SHORE
PROTECTION PROJECT, AND APPROVING COORDINATION
WITH CONGRESSMAN GOSS' OFFICE TO PURSUE A
CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
INITIATING THE PROJECT-FOR SHORE PROTECTION
Item #16C13
Page 213
October 14, 2003
ASSIGNMENT OF REIMBURSEMENT TO DEVELOPER
AGREEMENT FOR THE COSTS OF CONSTRUCTION OF A
WASTEWATER FORCE MAIN TO SERVE THE M & E
TRAIIJFR PARK
Item # 16C 14
RESOLUTION 2003-346 SUBMISSION OF A GRANT
APPLICATION FOR IN SUPPORT OF A FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GRANT
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RENOURISHMENT OF
VANDERBILT, PELICAN BAY, PARK SHORE AND NAPLES
REACHES
Item # 16C 15
WORK ORDER UNDER CONTRACT #01-3271, FIXED TERM
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR COASTAL
ZONE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS, WITH COASTAL
PLANNING AND ENGINEERING FOR DEVELOPING A
PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM FOR THE COUNTY/CITY
OF NAPLES MAJOR BEACH RENOURISHMENT, PROJECT
90527: IN THE AMOI INT OF $8,491
Item # 16C 16
RESOLUTION 2003-347: JOINT COASTAL PERMIT
APPLICATION FOR THE RENOURISHMENT OF
VANDERBILT, PELICAN BAY, PARK SHORE AND NAPLES
BEACHES, PROJECT 90527, AND
PAYMENT OF FEES NOT TO EXCEED $30~000
Page 214
October 14, 2003
Item # 16C 17
RESOLUTION 2003-347A REGARDING A GRANT
APPLICATION IN SUPPORT OF A FLORIDA DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GRANT TO
CONTRIBUTE TO THE RENOURISHMENT OF MARCO
ISI,AND SOl,TH BEACH
Item # 16C 18
PURCHASE ORDER, UNDER CONTRACT #02-3360, WITH
LIGHTNER CONTRACTING INC., FOR GRADING MARCO
ISLAND FROM TIGERTAIL PARK TO RESIDENTS'
PlF, ACH. IN THE AMOIJNT OF $15.000
Item # 16C 19
WORK ORDER AND PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PROJECT
TO RENOURISH HIDEAWAY BEACH WITH UPLAND SAND,
PROJECT 90541; A WORK ORDER WITH STD ENTERPRISES
OF NAPLES INC., UNDER CONTRACT #02-3305, TRANSPORT,
PLACEMENT AND GRADING OF BEACH SAND, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $387,250; AND A PURCHASE ORDER WITH E. R.
JAHNA INDUSTRIES INC., UNDER CONTRACT g01-3272,
PRODUCTION OF BEACH COMPATIBLE SAND, IN THE
AMOIINT OF $183,400
Item #16C20
WORK ORDER, UNDER CONTRACT #01-3271, FIXED TERM
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR COASTAL
ZONE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS, WITH HUMISTON AND
Page 215
October 14, 2003
MOORE ENGINEERS FOR HIDEAWAY BEACH
RENOURISHMENT WITH UPLAND SAND CONSTRUCTION
MONITORING SERVICES, PROJECT 90541, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $20,,450
Item #16C21
JOINT COASTAL PERMIT APPLICATION FOR THE
RENOURISHMENT OF AND REPLACEMENT OF TEMPORARY
T-GROINS ON HIDEAWAY BEACH, PROJECT 90502, AND
PAYMENT OF FEES NOT TO F, XCF, ED $36~000
Item # 16C22
WORK ORDER, UNDER CONTRACT #01-3271, FIXED TERM
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR COASTAL
ZONE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS, WITH HUMISTON AND
MOORE ENGINEERS FOR HIDEAWAY BEACH
RENOURISHMENT DESIGN MAGNETIC ANOMALIES
INVESTIGATION, PROJECT 90502, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$15_829
Item # 16D 1
AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF
COLLIER COUNTY FOR TRANSPORTING SCHOOL-AGE
RECREATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AT AN
FSTIMATF, D COST OF $70~000
Item #16D2
DEDICATION OF CAPRI PARK TO THE MEMORY OF DOC
Page 216
October 14, 2003
I.OACH
Item #16D3
TO FUND A SHORT-TERM MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR
SHELL ISLAND ROAD, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$307000
Item #16D4
REJECTION OF PROPOSALS RECEIVED UNDER RFP 01-3228
"DESIGN OF THE VANDERBILT BEACH PARKING
FACILITY"-DUE TO CHANGING CONDITIONS OF THE
PROJECT OVER A TWO-YEAR PERIOD
Item # 16E 1
FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
COLLIER COUNTY AND CROWN CASTLE GT COMPANY
AN ANNI;AI~ COST OF $6:300
AT
Item # 16E2
AMENDMENTS TO COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
ENGINEERING CONTRACTS TO ADJUST FEE SCHEDULES
FOR CONSUMER PRICING INDEX-FIRMS INCLUDE:
TAYLOR ENGINEERING, INC., COASTAL PLANNING &
ENGINEERING, INC., AND HUMISTON & MOORE
F. NGINEFRS
Item #16E3
Page 217
October 14, 2003
COLLIER COUNTY DRIVER EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM
TO FUND THE DIRECT EDUCATION EXPENSES OF DRIVER
EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN BOTH PUBLIC AND NON-
Pl IFIl.lC HlGH SCHOOI,S
Item # 16E4
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND
SOUTH SEAS NORTHWEST CONDOMINIUMS AT AN
ANNIIAI. COAST OF $600
Item # 16E5
AWARD BID NO. 03-3554 FOR THE PURCHASE OF PAINT
AND RELATED ITEMS USED IN COUNTY REPAIRS,
MAINTENANCE AND BEAUTIFICATION, ESTIMATED AT
$55,000-TO M.A. BRUDER AND SONS, INC., SCOTT PAINT
COMPANY, THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY, AND
COl.OR WHF. EI. PAINT MFG. CO., INC_
Item # 16E6
CONTRACT AMENDMENT INVOLVING CONTRACT #03-3493
"GREY OAKS PIIFII.IC SAFETY FACII.ITY"
Item # 16E7
RISK SHARING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NAPLES
PHYSICIAN HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION D/B/A COMMUNITY
HEALTH PARTNERS, INC., AND COLLIER COUNTY
GOVFRNMENT
Page 218
October 14, 2003
Item # 16F 1
RESOLUTION BAR-2003-02 APPROVING AMENDMENTS
(APPROPRIATING GRANTS, DONATIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS
OR INSURANCE PROCEEDS) TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2002-03
ADOPTED BI IDGF. T
Item # 16F2
BUDGET AMENDMENT REPORT- BA #04-005 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $24,850 TO PAY FOR STUDY OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AND PREPAREDNESS FEES COMPARED TO
OTHER FLORIDA COUNTIES; AND TO RECOMMEND
POTENTIAI. REVENIIE STREAMS
Item #16H 1
COMMISSIONER HALAS APPROVAL FOR REQUEST FOR
PAYMENT TO ATTEND PUBLIC WATER ACCESS
CONFERENCE-AT THE SOUTH SEAS RESORT ON CAPTIVA
ISLAND, FLORIDA ON NOVEMBER 5-7, AT A COST OF
$129.00 FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSE TO GARNER
INFORMATION ON PI~BI.IC WATER ACCESS ISSIJES
Item # 16I 1
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE- FILED AND/OR
REFERRED-
The following miscellaneous corresl~ondence, as l~resented by the
Board of County Commissioners, has been directed to the various
departments as indicated:
Page 219
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
October 14, 2003
FOR BOARD ACTION:
1. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TO FILE FOR RECORD WITH ACTION AS DIRECTED:
mo
Bo
Clerk of Courts: Submitted for public record, pursuant to Florida Statutes,
Chapter 136.06(1), the disbursements for the Board of County Commissioners for
the period:
1. Disbursements for August 2, 2003 through August 8, 2003.
2. Disbursements for August 9, 2003 through August 15, 2003.
3. Disbursements for August 16, 2003 through August 22' 2003.
4. Disbursements for August 23, 2003 through August 29, 2003.
5. Disbursements for August 30, 2003 through September 5, 2003.
6. Disbursements for September 6, 2003 through September 14. 2003.
7. Disbursements for September 15, 2003 through September 21, 2003.
Districts:
Key Marco Community Development District - Annual Financial Report,
Audit, Management Letter, Minutes of Meetings for June 2, 2003: Agenda
for June 2, 2003.
Naples Heritage Community Development District - Proposed Budget for
Fiscal Year 2004; Agenda and Minutes of Meeting June 9, 2003.
o
Collier Soil and Water Conservation District - Proposed Budget for 2003-
2004.; District Map, Public Facilities Report and Description of
Outstanding Bonds.
Heritage Greens Community Development District - Proposed budget for
FY 2004, Agenda and Minutes of May 12, 2003
°
Port of the Islands Community Improvement District - Minutes and
Agenda for the July 18, 2003 meeting and the FY Adopted Budget for
2004.
H:DataJFormat
Co
Fiddler's Creek Community Development District - Minutes of Meeting
for June 25, 2003 and May 28, 2003; Agenda for June 25, 2003.
o
Immokalee Fire Control District - District Map; Proposed Budget for
2003-2004 and Notice of their monthly board meeting.
°
East Naples Fire Control District -Proposed Budget for 2003-2004;
District Map; Schedule of Meetings for 2003-2004 and Public Facilities
Report.
Golden Gate Fire Control - Proposed Budget for 2003-2004; District Map
and Registered Office and Agent.
10.
North Naples Fire Control District - Annual Financial Report; Audit;
Management Letter; Rebuttal to Management Letter; Budget for 2002-
2003; Proposed Budget for 2003-2004; District Map; Registered Office
and Agent; Schedule of Meetings and Public Facilities Report and their
five year capitol plan.
Minutes:
1. Collier County Airport Authority - Agenda for September 8, 2003.
o
Collier County Planning Commission - Minutes of July 18, 2003, August
21, 2003; Agenda for September 18, 2003.
o
Collier County Contractor's Licensing Board - Agenda for September 17,
2003.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board- Agenda for September 17, 2003;
Minutes of August 20, 2003.
o
Forest Lakes Roadway and Drainage M.S.T.U. -Agenda for September
1 I, 2003; Minutes for July 16, 2003.
°
Pelican Bay Services Agenda for the September 10, 2003 Sub-Committee
and the Minutes of August 6, 2003.
o
Lely Golf Beautification Advisory Committee - Agenda for September
11, 2003; Minutes of August 14, 2003 and August 21,2003.
H:Data/Format
October 14, 2003
Item #16J1
AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS TO ENTER
INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF EVERGLADES
FOR THE USE OF SERVICES AND VOTING AND
TABULATION EQUIPMENT FOR THEIR ELECTION
NOVEMBER 257 2003
Item # 16J2
DETERMINATION OF WHETHER THE PURCHASES OF
GOODS AND SERVICES DOCUMENTED IN THE DETAILED
REPORT OF OPEN PURCHASE ORDERS SERVE A VALID
PUBLIC PURPOSE AND AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF
COUNTY FUNDS TO SATISFY SAID PURCHASES. A COPY
OF THE DETAILED REPORT FROM SEPTEMBER 20 TO
OCTOBER 3, 2003 IS ON DISPLAY IN THE COUNTY
MANAGER'S OFFICE, 3301 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL, 2ND
F[,OOR~ W. HARMON TIIRNFR FIl HI,D1NG
Item #16K1
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT RELATIVE TO THE FEE
SIMPLE ACQUISITION OF PARCEL 184 IN THE LAWSUIT
STYLED COLLIER COUNTY V. LAZARO HERRERA, ET AL,
IMMOKALEE ROAD, PROJECT NO. 60018-$8404.00 TO BE
PAID TO THE RESPONDENTS, LAZARO HERRERA,
ELIZABETH HERRERA, BERTO HERRERA AND LUCIA
HERRERA; $892.00 TO BE PAID TO KENNETH A. JONES,
ESQUIRE FOR ATTORNEY FEES; AND $900.00 TO BE PAID
FOR APPRAISAIJ FEES
Page 220
October 14, 2003
Item #16K2
SETTLEMENT OF CERTAIN PAYMENT ISSUES THAT HAVE
ARISEN BETWEEN AND AMONG COLLIER COUNTY, THE
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, AND KRAFT
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., IN CONNECTION WITH
CONTRACT NO. 98-2829 AND CONTRACT NO. 00-3064-AS
DETAII~ED IN THF~ F, XECI JTIVE SI JMMARY
Item # 16K3
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT RELATIVE TO THE
ACQUISITION OF PARCELS 807, 907A AND 907B IN THE
LAWSUIT STYLED COLLIER COUNTY V. MICHAEL A.
MCCUMBER, ET AL, GOLDEN GATE PARKWAY PROJECT
NO. 60027-STAFF TO DEPOSIT THE SUM OF $21,023.00 INTO
THE COURT REGISTRY AND $100 SERVICE FEE TO CLERK
OF COl JRT
Item #16K4
MEDIATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND A
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT TO BE DRAFTED
INCORPORATING THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS
THE MEDIATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO
THE ACQUISITION OF PARCEL 170 IN THE LAWSUIT
STYLED COLLIER COUNTY V. ISMAEL GONZALES, ET AL,
CASE NO. 02-2159-CA (IMMOKALEE ROAD, PROJECT NO.
60018~-AS DETAII~ED IN THE EXECI ITIVF, SI JMMARY
Item #16K5
Page 221
October 14, 2003
MEDIATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND A
STIPULATED F1NAL JUDGMENT TO BE DRAFTED
INCORPORATING THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS
THE MEDIATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO
THE ACQUISITION OF PARCEL 172 IN THE LAWSUIT
STYLED COLLIER COUNTY V. ISMAEL GONZALES, ET AL,
CASE NO. 02-2159-CA (IMMOKALEE ROAD, PROJECT NO.
60018)-$93,000.00 TO BE PAID TO RESPONDENTS IN FULL
SETTLEMENT; PETITIONER SHALL PAY $5940.00 AS
STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES; COLLIER COUNTY TO PAY
AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $32,640.00 EQUALING THE
BAI~ANCE OF FI II,l~ COMPENSATION AND ATTORNEY FEES
Item # 16K6
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT RELATIVE TO THE FEE
TAKING OF PARCEL NO. 152 IN THE LAWSUIT STYLED
COLLIER COUNTY V. TECH FOUNDATION INC., ET AL, FOR
THE GOLDEN GATE PARKWAY PROJECT (PROJECT NO.
60027)-STAFF TO DEPOSIT THE ADDITIONAL SUM OF
$700.00 WITH THE REGISTRY OF THE COl IRT
Item #16K7
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT RELATIVE TO THE
ACQUISITION OF ROAD RIGHT OF WAY AND DRAINAGE
EASEMENTS DESIGNATED AS PARCELS 157A, 857, 157B IN
THE LAWSUIT STYLED COLLIER COUNTY V. JOSEPH J.
GUIDISH, JR., ET AL, CASE NO. 03-2549-CA (GOLDEN GATE
PARKWAY) (PROJECT NO. 60027)-STAFF TO PAY THE SUM
OF $11,535.00 TO THE RESPONDENTS, JOSEPH J. GUIDISH,
JR. AND ANNE C. Gl JIDISH~ C/O KF, NNF, TH A. JONES~ ESQ_
Page 222
October 14, 2003
Item #16K8
ITEM CONTINI IED FROM THE SEPTEMBER 9:2003 BCC
MEETING. THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS, AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF COLLIER
COUNTY AND AS EX-OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD OF THE
ISLES OF CAPRI MUNICIPAL RESCUE AND FIRE SERVICES
TAXING DISTRICT AND THE OCHOPEE FIRE DISTRICT
ENTER INTO INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS WITH
INDEPENDENT FIRE DISTRICTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
IMPLEMENTING THE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE
VARIOUS DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT FIRE DISTRICTS
WITH RESPECT TO FIRE PLAN REVIEW AND FIRE CODE
INSPECTIONS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION
PROJECTS AND EXISTING STRUCTURES WITHIN THE
VARIOUS DISTRICTS-STAFF TO WORK WITH E. NAPLES
FIRE DISTRICT TO REVIEW AND ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE
METHODOLOGY TO EVALUATE CONTINGENCY FUND
I.EVEIJS
Item #17A
RESOLUTION 2003-348 SV-2003-AR-4207, GIL STRELEC, OF
KEMP SIGNS INC., REPRESENTING MOBIL/EXXON OIL
CORPORATION, REQUESTING A SIGN VARIANCE OF 10
FEET FROM THE MINIMUM REAR YARD SETBACK OF 10
FEET TO 0 FEET FOR A GROUND SIGN FOR AN
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE STATION LOCATED AT 4577
EXECUTIVE DRIVE, FURTHER DESCRIBED AS QUAIL
CREEK PI.AZA PHASE 1
Page 223
October 14, 2003
Item # 17B
RESOLUTION 03-BAR-03 (RES-03-349) APPROVING
AMENDMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2002-03 ADOPTED
BI JDGET
Item # 17C
RESOLUTION 2003-350: VA-2003-AR-4243, MELANIE BEEBE
REQUESTING A VARIANCE OF 11.9 FEET FROM THE
MINIMUM SIDE YARD SETBACK OF 30 FEET TO 18.1 FEET
FOR THE EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND 12
FEET FROM THE MINIMUM SIDE YARD SETBACK OF 30
FEET TO 18 FEET FOR THE EXISTING UTILITY SHED ON
PROPERTY I,OCATFD AT 245 22ND AVF, NI JE NF,
Item # 17D
RESOLUTION 2003-351: VA-2003-AR-4426, ANDREW SOLIS,
ESQUIRE, OF SIKET AND SOLIS, LLP, REPRESENTING JOHN
J. SLAUGH, OWNER, REQUESTING A 7.4 FOOT AFTER-THE-
FACT FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FROM THE
REQUIRED 15 FEET LEAVING A 7.6 FOOT FRONT YARD FOR
1.46 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE "E" ESTATES
ZONING DISTRICT. THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF 1 ST
STREET SW AND GOLDEN GATE BOULEVARD-WITH
STIPI JI,ATIONS
Item # 17E
RESOLUTION 2003-352: CUE-2003-AR-4544, HOMERE
Page 224
October 14, 2003
HYPPOLITE, REPRESENTING FIRST HAITIAN ALLIANCE
CHURCH, REQUESTING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF
CONDITIONAL USE CU 2000-08 FOR A CHURCH IN THE "E"
ESTATES ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE
OF COUNTY BARN ROAD IN THE 2300 BLOCK, DESCRIBED
IN SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 50, RANGE 26, COLLIER COUNTY,
FI.ORIDA
Item # 17F
RESOLUTION 2003-353: CUE-2003-AR-4257, JEREMY STERK
OF HOOVER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
REPRESENTING IGLESIA HEREDEROS DE DIOS,
REQUESTING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONDITIONAL
USE CU 2000-07 FOR A CHURCH, PRIVATE SCHOOL AND A
CHURCH RUN CHILD CARE FACILITY OF THE A-MHO
ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF LAKE
TRAFFORD ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 2 ½ MILES WEST OF
SR 29, FOR PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED IN
SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 46 SOUTH, RANGE 28 EAST,
COI,I~IER COl INTY~ FI~ORIDA
Item #17G-Continued Indefinitely
THIS ITEM HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM THE SEPTEMBER
23, 2003 BCC MEETING AND IS FURTHER CONTINUED
INDEFINITELY. SNR-2003-AR-4058 PETER GOODIN, OAKS
ESTATES ADVISORY INC., AND RICH LIDGARD,
REQUESTING A STREET NAME CHANGE FROM 10TH
AVENUE NW TO ENGLISH OAKS LANE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED IN GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, UNIT 96, TOWNSHIP
48 SOIJTH~ RANGE 26 EAST~ COIJI.IER COIJNTY~ FIJORIDA
Page 225
October 14, 2003
Item #17H
ORDINANCE 2003-56 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE NUMBER 91-102, THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE, TO CORRECT A SCRIVENER'S
ERROR DUE TO INACCURATE LANGUAGE IN AN
INTENDED REVISION TO SECTION 2.6.4.2.1. AND BY
PROVIDING FOR AN F, FFF, CTIVE DATE
Page 226
October 14, 2003
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 4:40 p.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/EX
OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD(S) OF
SPECIAL DISTRICTS UNDER ITS
CONTROL
TOM HENNING, Chairmaflr
ATTEST:
DWIGHT ~;:B,.~K, CLERK
These minuteS, approved by the Board on
as presented v/
or as corrected
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF GREGORY COURT
REPORTING SERVICE, INC. BY CHERIE NOTTINGHAM AND
ELIZABETH BROOKS
Page 227