HEX Minutes 07/27/2023July 27, 2023
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TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
COLLIER COUNTY HEARING EXAMINER
Naples, Florida
July 27, 2023
LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County Hearing Examiner, in and for the County of Collier,
having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 a.m., in REGULAR SESSION at
2800 North Horseshoe Drive, Room 609/610, Naples, Florida, with the following people present:
HEARING EXAMINER ANDREW DICKMAN
(Appearing Via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT:
Raymond V. Bellows, Zoning Manager
John Kelly, Senior Planner
Sean Sammon, Principal Planner
Tim Finn, Principal Planner
Ailyn Padron, Management Analyst I
July 27, 2023
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P R O C E E D I N G S
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Let's give our pledge to the flag.
(Pledge of Allegiance.)
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Thank you, everyone.
We have four items on the agenda.
As far as the disclosures that I need to give, I have none, other I have -- I am aware of
two of the items that have come before me in the past couple of years, and so I'm familiar with
that. I have had no ex parte communication regarding that. I am familiar with those two
properties. And that would be the 3-A, and I believe it's -- it looks like it's 3-C.
So with that, anyone who is going to speak today or give testimony will have to take
the oath in a few minutes.
And if anyone needs to have a conversation or something like that, so we don't
interrupt anyone, step outside in the hallway, if you would. Please mute your phones or
anything else that might interrupt somebody.
The way that we're going to handle this is that the petitioner -- or the County will go
first and they will give me a quick overview of their staff review, any recommendations. And
then we'll go to the petitioner, petitioner's representative. And then after that, we'll go to the
public, any public comment.
So you have to fill out a speaker's card and provide it to -- provide it to the County
staff, and then from there I'll state -- I'll allow some time for rebuttal, if it's necessary, to the
representative, if he wants to have rebuttal.
So you guys can switch me around, so -- okay. I can see myself, but I'd rather see
the -- can you guys switch it back to the view you had it on so I can see the group?
MS. PADRON: Can you see the room now?
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: No, I can't -- I'm looking at myself. I'd rather
see the room.
Yeah, let's leave it like that, if you would, please.
MS. PADRON: Absolutely. Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Thank you.
So, as I was mentioning before, this is an -- this is a quasi-judicial hearing. My job is
to get all of the evidence, competent substantial evidence, that I need to make the decision on the
petition that we'll be hearing. And specifically I'm looking for the evidence that applies to the
specific criteria for the specific petition that's in front of us.
So while -- this is mainly to the public, but it's for the petitioner as well. While you
can say whatever you want to say, talk about whatever you want to talk about, it's more
important to get to the very specific details, the facts, evidence, that I need in order to make a
decision.
I will not be making a decision today. I have 30 days to render a decision. But after
this meeting, I will not be able to collect any more information. That's the nature of a
quasi-judicial hearing. So try to use your time judicially.
This is an informal hearing. It's -- I don't want anybody to get nervous or worried.
You know, we'll try to -- we'll follow the procedures that are laid out, but it's more
important to me that I get the information that I need for the criteria applicable to the petitioner.
So with that, let me go ahead and ask the court reporter to apply the oath to anybody
who is going to speak today. So this applies to anyone who is going to speak on any of the
items. So Madam Court Reporter.
THE COURT REPORTER: Mr. Dickman, can you hear me?
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yes, ma'am.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay. I couldn't hear your introduction, anything before
we did the Pledge of Allegiance. So I don't know if that needs to be on the record.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: I didn't really say much.
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THE COURT REPORTER: Okay, thank you.
(Oath administered.)
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Great.
So why don't we just jump right into item 3-A.
Well, first of all, are there any changes to the agenda that we need to know about?
MR. BELLOWS: Good morning. For the record, Ray Bellows. No, we have no
changes to the agenda today.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Thank you, Ray.
Why don't we go right to 3-A.
MR. KELLY: Good morning, Mr. Dickman.
John Kelly, Planner III, for the record.
Before you is Item 3-A. It's a boatlift canopy deviation, PL20230003026.
The petitioner requests that the hearing examiner approve a boatlift canopy deviation
to increase the allowable length from 35 feet to 45 feet to allow a boatlift canopy measuring 45
feet long by 15.2 feet wide, pursuant to LDC Section 5.03.06.G.3.
The subject parcel is located at 10090 and 10091 Gulf Shore Drive. It is further
identified as the North 50 feet of Lot 14, Block C, Re-Subdivision of part of Unit Number 1,
Conners Vanderbilt Estates, in Section 29, Township 48 South, Range 25 East, Collier County,
Florida.
The subject property is located within a Residential Single-Family 3, RSF-3, zoning
district.
The subject parcel, 10090 Gulf Shore Drive, measures 30 feet by 50 feet and is joined
by means of a deed to 10091 Gulf Shore Drive, a single-family residence located adjacent to and
across the road.
The combined parcels have historically been treated by Collier County as a single
combined property dissected by Gulf Shore Drive, with the subject parcel serving to support a
residential boat dock facility.
The existing dock facility was constructed in accordance with Building Permit Number
PRMAR20220207585, for which a certificate of completion was issued. Said permit was issued
subsequent to the approval of two land use petitions, a variance, PL20210002276, HEX Decision
Number 2022-01, which served to reduce the side setbacks to zero, and boat dock extension
PL20200002573, HEX Decision Number 2022-02, which allowed for the 45-foot protrusion.
The petitioner now desires to add a boatlift canopy that exceeds the allowable 35-foot
length, which -- for which it could have received administrative approval; however, it exceeds
that length by 10 feet.
Staff will note that you haven't reviewed a boatlift canopy deviation before; however,
the secret is now out and we suspect you'll see more of these.
The public notice requirements were satisfied as per LDC Section 10.03.06H. The
property owner notification letter and newspaper ad were satisfied by the county on July 7th,
2023. And the public hearing sign was posted by me on July 7, 2023.
The boatlift canopy deviation was reviewed by staff on the review criteria contained
within LDC Section 5.03.06.G, 1 and 2, and found it complies with all but the available length.
Staff notes that the subject dock facility is located at the terminal end of a canal.
As of this time, no public comment has been received by me.
Staff recommends that you approve this petition as described, in accordance with the
canopy and site plan provided within Attachments A and B, subject to the following condition of
approval: And that is that the boatlift canopy is to be removed upon issuance of a hurricane
warning affecting the general vicinity of the referenced location.
That concludes staff's report.
And at this time, I believe Francine Holt will represent the applicant.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Great. Thanks, John.
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MS. HOLT: Good morning, sir. I don't know if that's --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Good morning, Ms. Holt.
TECHNOLOGY TECHNICIAN: It will turn red if --
MS. HOLT: Okay.
TECHNOLOGY TECHNICIAN: -- it recognizes your voice.
MS. HOLT: I'm short, sorry.
Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Francine, and I work with Waterway Boat Lift Covers. I
have been with them for about eleven months, but I was with a marine contractor for two years,
helping with planning and things like that. So permitting is not a new thing for me.
But we are here today to request a boat dock canopy extension for Dr. Jaffe. He has
other permits in place, as Mr. Kelly has given you, and that we were wanting to go an additional
10 feet, for his canopy to cover most of his boat.
He does have a 50-foot boat, so we are not covering the whole thing, like we normally
do. And -- but if you look at page 7 in the presentation, it looks like we are going to be
building -- sorry. Words. We will be building a canopy that will not go past the eyebeam,
because he's actually getting what they call a gradient beam design, which on one -- the west
side of the lift is going to be bound on the inside of the piling, so we do not go with the riparian
lines. So we are going to go right along the side of that.
And then also, on the east side, we are actually going to go right on top of the pilings,
like usual, also staying within those riparian lines as well.
And then if you also look at page 9 of the presentation as well, there is a survey that we
had done to show where the canopy is actually going to lie within those riparian lines as well, so
that we have a site plan and a survey showing where the canopy will be laid.
That's all.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Is that it?
MS. HOLT: That's all I have for you, sir.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Oh, okay. I was waiting for you and let that
run a little bit long.
MS. HOLT: Sorry. Just trying to show you the survey.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: That's -- that's okay.
I do recall this application, a boat and a unique configuration of the parcel and bisected
by Gulf Shore Drive. So whatever -- I'm just very familiar with that.
And so if you don't have anything else, why don't we go ahead and take public
comment on this. Is anybody signed up for speaking on this? Hello? Anybody?
MS. PADRON: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Dickman.
At this time, we do not have any registered speakers.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. All right.
Does the County have anything else that they want to add?
MR. KELLY: John Kelly, for the record. No, sir.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Great.
Well, this is pretty straightforward. As I said, I remembered this application when it
came before me, so I'm familiar with it.
And I don't have any other questions. Unless the applicant has anything else they
want to say, I'm good on this one.
MS. HOLT: Thank you, sir.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Thank you very much.
MS. HOLT: Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Why don't we go to 3-B?
MR. SAMMON: Good morning, Mr. Dickman.
For the record, Sean Sammon, principal planner in the zoning division.
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Before you is agenda item 3-B. This is a request for a determination that the proposed
use of an alternative learning and enrichment education facility is comparable in nature to other
permitted uses in Section 3, Tract A of the Northbrooke Plaza Planned Unit Development,
adopted by Ordinance Number 98-59.
The subject property is located at 2659 Professional Circle, Naples, Florida 34119, also
known as Northbrooke West, a commercial condominium, units 1107 and 1108, in Section 19,
Township 48 South, Range 26 East, Collier County, Florida.
The petition was reviewed by staff based upon review criteria contained within LDC
Section 10.02.06.K, A through E, and staff believes this petition is consistent with the review
criteria in the LDC as well as with the GMP.
Per the LDC Section 10.03.06.O and Administrative Code Chapter 3-L, a
neighborhood information meeting sign posting on the subject property and a mailing to the
surrounding property owners are not required for this comparable use determination petition.
With respect to the public notice requirements, they were complied with as per LDC
Section 10.03.06.O.
The newspaper ad was taken care of by the County and posted in the Naples Daily
News on Friday, July 7th, 2023.
I have received no calls from the public, and there has been no public opposition
pertaining to this petition.
Staff recommends that you determine that the proposed use of an alternative learning
and enrichment education facility that offers programs in the core STEM areas is comparable
and compatible with a list of permitted uses contained in Section 3-A-2 of the Northbrooke Plaza
PUD with the following conditions:
One, the age of the students that will be served are primarily elementary-age students,
five to eleven years old; and two, the operating hours will be Monday through Friday from
2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. during the school year and Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to
5:00 P.M. during the summer.
That concludes staff's summary.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Thanks very much.
MR. SAMMON: Yes, sir.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Is the petitioner's agent there or petitioners?
Good morning.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Good morning. Good morning, Mr. Dickman.
For the record, Francesca Passidomo, 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Coleman,
Yovanovich & Koester, representing the landowner and affiliated Stock Development.
I will be brief, because I think staff did an excellent job outlining the proposal. I do
have a presentation, if you could pull it up, though.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Sure, yeah, go through your presentation.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Sure. Thank you.
Next one.
Summary as addressed by staff. This is an alternative learning enrichment education
facility that focuses on the STEM and art programs, which I think there's an acknowledgment
that are underserved for children.
And it's basically an after-school and summer program.
And the next slide, please.
The location is Northbrooke Plaza, which is a commercial development at -- just east
of the I-75 interchange. All right. It is right south of Hodges University. And I'll show
you -- actually, there's a Hodges satellite within Tract A.
There was a prior interpretation -- you can move on.
There's a prior interpretation that you can see on the screen that educational facilities
are compatible and comparable with other expressly enumerated uses in the planned unit
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development. That's really the standard we look at, is compatibility and comparative, and -- and
so that prior determination was made. I think that's very significant for this -- this proposal.
I do also see on the map that there are other educational and similar facilities in
Tract A. There's that Hodges satellite campus I noted, which is what the prior interpretation
speaks to. There's also the future Mason Classical Academy location and Destiny Learning
Center.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Next slide.
Just for your benefit, these are some of the uses listed in the PUD. The prior
interpretation noted that most of the uses are much more intense than the subject use, from a
parking and traffic and -- and generally related to the way it -- externalities.
And number 12, you'll see that's what provides -- what provides for this process that
we're going through, the comparative-use determination.
Next slide.
Staff hit on all of these, but again the operating hours are a condition of the approval.
We don't disagree with that condition.
Traffic is minimal, and parking space requirements are minimal, both consistent, as
noted in the staff report, with other uses in the planned unit development.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: So you're okay with the conditions?
MS. PASSIDOMO: Correct, from both -- both the hours and the -- and the grade
levels that were noted in the conditions.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MS. PASSIDOMO: And that's really my presentation. If there are any specific
questions, I'm happy to address them.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: No, no.
Let's -- why don't we go to anybody who has signed up to speak and take some public
comment. And, if necessary, I will give you time for rebuttal.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Okay.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Is anybody signed up to speak on this item?
MS. PADRON: No, sir, Mr. Hearing Examiner. We do not have any registered
speakers at this time.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Well, I don't think there's anything for
you to rebut, then.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Can I make one closing comment?
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yes.
MS PASSIDOMO: From a contractual standpoint, I represent the
landlord-landowner, and we have some lease deadlines that we're already kind of running really
tight to because the prior hearing examiner date was deferred. That's fine. But if there's any
way you can expedite review of this petition --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Noted.
MS. PASSIDOMO: -- I would appreciate it.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Noted.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Nice job. Thank you very much.
Unless the County has anything else, we'll go on to the next item.
MR. SAMMON: Sean Sammon for the record. Staff does not have further
comment.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Going on to 3-C.
MR. KELLY: John Kelly, Planner III, for the record.
Before you is going to be Item 3-C. It's boat dock extension PL20200001107.
The petitioner requests you approve a 20.3-foot boat dock extension from the
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maximum permitted protrusion of 20 feet for waterways greater than 100 feet in width, to allow
construction of a boat docking facility protruding a total of 40.3 feet into a waterway that is 872,
plus or minus, feet wide pursuant to LDC Section 5.03.06.E.1.
The subject property is located at 275 Third Street West, Bonita Springs, also known
as Lot 2, Block F, Replat of Unit Number 3, Little Hickory Shores, in Section 5, Township 48
South, Range 25 East, Collier County, Florida.
The subject property is located within a Residential Single-Family 4, RSF-4, zoning
district.
This project was previously heard on August 26, 2021, as agenda item 3-D.
There has been no changes to the property or the zoning petition other than with
respect to ownership and the issuance of a building permit for the principal upland structure, a
single-family residence, which was issued on May 4, 2023. It's permit number
PRFH20221257271.
As previously presented, the petitioner desires to replace an existing dock with a dock
facility comprising two boat slips and a boathouse. The facility will have two boat slips, each
with a lift, one to accommodate a 30-foot vessel and the other a 10-foot vessel.
The dock will protrude 40.3 feet into the waterway, as measured from the seawall.
However, the boathouse requires an additional 1.3 feet to compensate for the roof overhang.
Therefore, the total requested protrusion is 41.6 feet.
Public notice requirements were as per LDC Section 10.03.06.H. The property owner
notification letter and newspaper ad were satisfied by the County on July 7, 2023. And the
public hearing sign was posted by me on July 7 as well.
The boat dock extension was reviewed by staff based on the review criteria contained
within LDC Section 5.03.06.H. Of the primary criteria, it satisfied five of five. Of the
secondary criteria, it satisfies five of six, with the sixth being not applicable. It's the Manatee
Protection Plan.
The boathouse was reviewed per Section 5.03.F.1 through 7, and satisfied all seven of
the criteria.
Both the dock and the boathouse were found to be consistent with the Growth
Management Plan and the Land Development Code.
As far as public comments, as of this time none have been received by me.
It's staff's recommendation that you approve this petition as described in accordance
with the proposed dock plans provided within Attachment F, subject to the following condition:
And that is a certificate of completion for the subject dock facility will not be issued until such
time as a certificate of occupancy is issued for the principal structure.
And that concludes staff's presentation.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Thank you.
Is the petitioner here or their representative?
Good morning.
MR. OREUS: Good morning.
Good morning, Mr. Dickman. Mark Oreus, Greg Orick Marine Construction.
Yeah, we're back for this petition that we heard about a year and a half ago for this
dock extension. Everything seems to be exactly the same. We're just trying to get that
protrusion out there.
We finally have the house and everything, as you can see from the drawings and
everything. Nothing has changed at this time.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. So are you sure you want to do this
one?
MR. OREUS: I've been trying to get it off my plate for the longest time.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Your time has come.
MR. OREUS: I don't know if you have any questions.
July 27, 2023
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HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: No. It's really up to you if you want to point
out anything specific or if you -- obviously, if you -- you accept everything that staff is -- they're
recommending approval, so it's your -- your presentation to make, however --
MR. OREUS: Yeah.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: -- detailed you want to do.
MR. OREUS: Yeah, Mr. John Kelly covered everything.
Basically we're just trying to go out 40.3, in terms of the dock, and 41.6 with the
boathouse, with the 1.3 overhang on the boathouse.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MR. OREUS: Yep, that's basically it.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Well, yeah, I am familiar with this
property, obviously. I mean, I have seen it before, the project.
So why don't we see if anyone has signed up to speak on this item.
MS. PADRON: We do not have any registered speakers at this time.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Need to start making these meetings a little bit
more interesting.
All right. Any last comments?
I don't know -- I'm fully aware of what this is all about. And I see the supplemental
staff report. It explains why we're here again.
And if the petitioner has anything, last-minute comments, or staff? Would the County
have any last-minute comments? This would be the time to do it.
MR. KELLY: For staff, John Kelly. We're complete.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Great.
Okay. I think we're good here. I don't have any questions. And I'll get a decision
out as quickly as I can.
MR. OREUS: All right. Thank you. Appreciate it.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yes, sir.
Okay. Let's go to the last item, which is Item 3-D.
MR. FINN: For the record, I am Tim Finn, Planner III.
This is for petition number NUA-PL20220003854, Northtide Naples RV Resort on
North Road.
This is a request for a nonconforming use alteration pursuant to LDC
Section 9.03.03.B to allow the continuation of nonconforming landscape buffers and
nonconforming setbacks of recreational RV pads and park models for the property located within
a travel trailer recreational vehicle campground, TTRVC zoning district.
The subject property is 16.3 acres located at the Northtide Naples RV Resort on North
Road, in Section 2, Township 50 South, Range 25 East, Collier County, Florida.
The applicant has complied with all hearing notices by our operation's staff.
The advertisements and mailers went out on July the 7th. The hearing advertisements,
property signage, were constructed at the property by the applicant per the affidavit of posting
notice and which is included in Attachment F of the backup materials.
The project is compliant with the GMP and LDC; therefore, staff recommends
approval subject to the following conditions:
First condition: The Northtide Naples RV Resort nonconforming use alteration shall
be limited to that which is depicted on the site plan, Northtide Naples RV Resort site plan, dated
May 17th, 2023, prepared by Kimley-Horn.
Second condition: The RV pads and park models on the rental RV and park model
lots adjacent to North Road right-of-way are allowed to remain as shown on the conceptual plan
within the required 25-foot setback on the condition that the applicant waives business and
severance damages as to those lots adjacent to the North Road right-of-way, that would be on
pads and models, within the 25-foot setback in the event that the County or City of Naples needs
July 27, 2023
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additional right-of-way for Rock Road.
There was insufficient evidence presented that the RV pads and model homes met the
setback at the time they were installed.
And that concludes staff's presentation.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Thank you very much. Nice job.
Is the petitioner there or the petitioner's representative?
MR. WRIGHT: Good morning, Hearing Examiner.
I'm Jeff Wright with the Henderson Franklin law firm here on behalf of the applicant.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Good morning, Mr. Wright.
MR. WRIGHT: We had a presentation. We'll try to be efficient with our time, and a
shout-out to the county's IT staff for their assistance this morning.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah.
MR. WRIGHT: So next slide.
With me today, our team -- Jason Russo is on his way here. He got stuck on the
Skyline Bridge, I'm told. And so he -- his navigation system tells him that he will be here a
little after 10:00. So I'm not sure we'll see Jason, but he's trying.
Adam Pitts, our engineer from Kimley-Horn, is also here by my side, and myself with
Henderson Franklin.
Before I begin the presentation, just a couple of administrative matters to address.
The first thing is recognizing Adam as an expert. I do have his résumé here. I have
not yet provided that to staff, but I'm happy to do so. I just want to make sure the hearing
examiner is comfortable recognizing him as an expert this morning.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: I am. Can you just provide the -- you know,
provide the CV or résumé, whatever you have, to the staff so they can get that in the record. I
recognize him as an expert.
MR. WRIGHT: And if it's possible, just to keep things clean, can we call that
Applicant's Exhibit 1?
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Absolutely.
MR. WRIGHT: Okay. We have a 2 and a 3 that I'm going to get to in just a second.
The second exhibit is our PowerPoint presentation, which we will be giving this
morning. If it's okay with the hearing examiner, I would like to label that as Applicant's
Exhibit 2.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. So moved.
MR. WRIGHT: Okay. And the last thing, the last exhibit is Exhibit 3, and that's just
a blown-up copy of the NUA site plan that will govern this approval. I have labeled that
Exhibit 3 for the record.
And that will --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Are these things that the County has already
had a chance to look at?
MR. WRIGHT: Yes.
This is just a big copy of the NUA site plan. It's incorporated in our application. It's
the latest site plan.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MR. WRIGHT: I just thought a blown-up copy might be good for reference.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Very good.
MR. WRIGHT: And I'm just going to hand that last exhibit out to staff and then we'll
get started.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right.
MR. WRIGHT: Okay. I'm not aware of any objection from staff on those three
exhibits, and I appreciate you allowing us to make those part of the record.
I also wanted to take a moment to thank staff. This has been -- you can see from the
July 27, 2023
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application number 2022, it's been a long hall.
And this is a project that's pretty close to home. It's right on the other side of the
Naples Airport, about a mile away from here.
And you can see on the slide that -- the approximate location. It's just south of the
Naples Airport, on the city line. So the northern boundary of this property touches the city of
Naples.
And -- but the big picture, we have reviewed staff's analysis and recommendation of
approval. We agree with it. We agree with the conditions of approval as well.
And as Mr. Finn pointed out, we're looking to memorialize what's there, basically.
And just a little background.
A new owner came in and wanted to make the park better. And in order to do that,
they needed to amend the site plan. Unfortunately, there was no site plan, given the history.
It's been there since the '60s. And through the years it's evolved, but there never was a plan of
record for this site. So staff said, "Well, you can't amend the site plan until there's a site plan to
amend." So that's how -- that's what led us on this process, the NUA process, to memorialize
what's there and to allow these improvements to go forward with the park.
And I truly believe it will be an improvement overall in the park.
So as we get into this presentation -- next slide. I'm sorry, previous slide.
As I mentioned, we're looking for an NUA approval to recognize those nonconforming
buffers and setbacks. It's been there a long time. And the big picture, we want to establish a
site plan of record for the resort.
The big picture again, nothing's in dispute. We agree with the staff’s
recommendation.
Next slide, please.
As I mentioned, it's been there a long time, the southwest corner of Airport and North
Road, a mile from here, 16.3 acres. It's comprised of five separate parcels just south of the city
limits on Rock Creek.
Next slide.
The future land use is urban residential subdistrict. The TTRVC zoning and uses are
consistent with the GMP, as Mr. Finn pointed out. And in the staff report, staff opined that the
request does not have any impact on the consistency with the Growth Management Plan.
Next slide.
There's a picture of the zoning. As you can see, the property at issue in this petition is
zoned TTRVC. It's surrounded by a mix of different uses. You have ag to the west. You
have assisted living and memory care in a PUD to the southeast, a lot of RMF-6 to the south.
And that squiggly line at the bottom of the TTRVC parcel is Rock Creek. So everything south
of Rock Creek there is RMF-6, in the purple. And to the north, you have the city. That's where
the airport is.
Next slide.
At this point I'm going to turn it over to Adam, just to go over some of the details of
the NUA site plan. We'll try to keep it brief and simple.
And with that, Adam Pitts.
MR. PITTS: My name is Adam Pitts, civil engineer with Kimley-Horn. It's
A-D-A-M, P-I-T-T-S, Adam Pitts, civil engineer with Kimley-Horn.
Okay. Yeah, so as Jeff was saying, we have had application meetings with Collier
County. They said that we don't have a plan of record for the development or at least a full plan
of record, a portion of it. So they requested that we develop a plan record. So that's what this
site plan is.
It should not be construed as an engineered site plan. Essentially this is just an
attempt to show you what's out there, as -- we'll call it site plan.
So we engaged with a surveyor. The surveyor went out there. They -- they staked
July 27, 2023
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and they surveyed the existing RV sites and mobile homes and the clubhouse. And then from
that, we created the site plan.
So we listed the -- the buffers and, you know, the property line and each
individual -- we'll call it site. It's not -- it's not technically -- it's not a lot. So each of those
sites for the mobile homes and the RV pads are shown on there.
The boundaries of the sites, so essentially the lot lines, those are not true lot lines.
They're not -- you know, they have not been formalized. They were just from the survey. We
used our engineering judgment just to determine between -- the separation between the pads and
buildings, what they should be. So that's what's shown on there.
So, again, this is a -- essentially an existing-conditions site plan, not an engineering site
plan, but it shows the property as it is today.
MR. WRIGHT: Next slide.
MR. PITTS: Yeah.
Furthermore, this is just a -- you can see it's a line and curve table, and that's kind of
just outlining the boundary of the property, so it's just engineer information.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right.
MR. WRIGHT: Okay. Now, the approval criteria for this petition A through F, as in
Frank, and the first one -- and staff covered this we very well in their staff report. And we're
happy to have our engineer testify, but these are pretty straightforward, common-sense criteria
and I don't think that they need expert opinion to establish.
There's no density increase. That's a matter of fact. We're not planning on increasing
the density of this site or via this petition.
It does not impact building height. The building height requirements will not be
exceeded.
The whole idea of the NUA site plan and establishing a site plan of record is to make
sure there's no further encroachment beyond what exists there today. So that's criteria number
C. I believe we meet that as well.
Next slide, please.
The next one is decreases in the parking. There's no plan to decrease the parking on
the site via this petition.
Will not damage the character, the quality of the neighborhood in which it is located.
As I mentioned, we're trying to memorialize what's there and make it better. So, if anything, it
certainly will not be damaging to the character and quality of the neighborhood, but, if anything,
it will improve both the character and quality of the neighborhood, as well as the maybe provide
an incentive for development of surrounding properties, as that criteria mentions.
And next slide.
Will there be any threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the community or its
residents? We don't foresee any threat. In fact, we're hoping to make it a better place to be.
And we think we'll actually enhance the health, safety, and -- or welfare of the community or its
residents.
Next slide.
Just to recap. The staff report we agree with 100 percent. It meets all the criteria for
approval. They recommend approval. It's consistent with the GMP and it's consistent with the
zoning, future land use map. And the two conditions of approval we agree with.
Next.
And just to conclude, we meet all the requirements. Consistent with zoning and future
land use. It's an improvement on the community. It's going to establish a plan of record for the
site. We're in agreement with staff, conditions of approval.
And we would respectfully request your approval of the petition.
Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay, great. Yeah, no, great. That was very
July 27, 2023
Page 12 of 18
straightforward. Thank you for that.
Why don't we check and see who's signed up, if anybody, to speak on this item,
members of the public.
MR. MOGELVANG: Yes. I didn't sign up but just a few moments ago.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MS. PADRON:
TECHNOLOGY TECHNICIAN: Can you please come to the podium?
MS. PADRON: Mr. Dickman, we have Leonard Mogelvang to speak.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Thank you.
Good morning, sir.
MR. MOGELVANG: Good morning.
My name is Leonard Mogelvang, and I'm the landowner that borders the western side
of the RV park.
And as they have noted, there is no -- there is no site plan. I think that they just kind
of did it, well, you know, a fair amount of time ago.
The eastern part of that RV park is -- is there from so long ago, I believe it was
barracks for soldiers when the -- when the airport was developed. And they turned -- the Davis
family had owned it for a very, very long time --
MR. WRIGHT: Uh-huh.
MR. MOGELVANG: -- and developed it as they will.
But the western portion of the RV park was not done until probably, I don't -- I would
guess about 20 years ago maybe, well after the initial park was, and I think they just did it.
And when I acquired the land that I have there, it was completely overtaken by exotics,
which no longer are there. And when I removed the exotics and had it surveyed, there were
protrusions into my own property. And -- and I brought that to their attention.
And they told all the people that had put their pavers and whatnot, brought it
back -- brought it back to about the property line. And a few -- I think -- if you would bring
back -- if you would like to bring back one of your exhibits, if it's possible, the NUA plan, the
black and white one.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Sir, you're referring to the pavers that are
basically adjoining your property?
MR. MOGELVANG: I'm sorry? Could you repeat that?
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Are you looking -- referring to the pavers that
are adjoining your property?
MR. MOGELVANG: Not only that, but the distance that some of the -- the mobile
homes or RVs, however you wish to classify them, are -- how close they are to my property line.
I have no -- I have no idea what the proper setback should have been had it been
developed today or even 10 or 20 years ago, but it is at one point -- the southernmost unit on
there, 22 --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Uh-huh.
MR. MOGELVANG: -- is probably about 6 feet from my property line.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MR. MOGELVANG: And -- and some of them are closer. They vary a little bit,
because somebody parks up in there, and then built their pavers, or however they wanted their
yard, around it.
And also this -- the southern portion that seemed to be blank, the southwestern corner
of it, also there's a berm there that is on my property line.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Uh-huh.
MR. MOGELVANG: And it kind of changed the hydrology of the area.
And so I'm -- I'm concerned about how -- how it values my property for future
development if this is put in place without any variation or perhaps more proper setback.
July 27, 2023
Page 13 of 18
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. I see your point. I'll let -- are you
finished?
MR. MOGELVANG: Well, I would also note that I have a home -- I live
on -- on -- at 917 Preacher Court. I have a home there that backs up to it.
We consider ourselves to be good neighbors. We usually converse with our neighbors
across the property line and are very friendly. And we wish to continue to be good neighbors.
But those are my concerns, and I would like my concerns addressed.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. All right. I'm going to go back to
the -- let's see if anybody else has signed up to speak.
MR. MOGELVANG: Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Thank you. Thanks for coming.
MS. PADRON: Mr. Dickman, we do not have additional speakers.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. All right.
So, Mr. Wright, do you want to address these issues?
MR. WRIGHT: Sure.
I appreciate the opportunity and appreciate the good neighbor coming by.
I can actually vouch for -- the Mogelvangs are neighbors of mine, and they're excellent
neighbors, so I appreciate his input.
Right now we're not aware -- you know, we did the -- mapped out the -- what's there
today. And we're not aware of a specific encroachment that he's referring to and whether it is
even an encroachment, but I will -- I would be happy to work with Mr. Mogelvang, and I'm sure
the applicant would as well, to make sure that his concerns are addressed.
I heard two big things: The berm and potentially pavers that are too close to his
property. And we would have to measure to see whether or not there's a -- some sort of a
violation there.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: He -- yeah. So, I mean, the issue on the one
specifically, you know, if there's anything that's an actual encroachment into his property, I think
it's reasonable to ask that, you know, that not happen. You know, obviously, this is a property
in a gray area that is -- the full reason you're here is because it was developed organically, as you
would say, and, you know, the County is asking for some kind of formal -- a formal plan to be
put in place so that, you know, things can go forward and you can improve it.
So I would think that, at a minimum, you could at least -- while you may not be able to
meet the current setbacks, and I think that's the whole point of all this, it is to at least have
something documented so that you can address any issues that -- you know, you really can't be
encroaching -- you know, can't approve things that are encroaching on somebody else's property.
I mean, I think that's a fair ask.
MR. WRIGHT: I agree with that, Hearing Examiner. Obviously, we can't go onto
their property. We shouldn't get too close.
Now, the county attorney's office was kind enough to just point out to me that there's
an existing condition of approval that requires a certain level of opacity between the two
properties, and we'll take a look at that and make sure that we're also being good neighbors.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Any problem with me putting that
down in a condition, that -- for resolution of any encroachment onto adjacent property that's not
owned by your client?
MR. WRIGHT: Well, Hearing Examiner, we would be happy to have a condition to
that effect that says we can't be spilling over onto the neighbor's property. At this point I'm -- I
understand that -- we'll address the opacity condition that's currently on the record and make sure
that we comply with it.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Do you want to -- if somebody could
send me that language, whatever -- whatever the language is, the opacity language, or something
to that effect, at least I could get it into the decision so that the neighbor is comfortable that this
July 27, 2023
Page 14 of 18
wasn't just passed over.
MS. ASHTON: Hi. Good morning, Mr. Hearing Examiner.
For the record, Heidi Ashton, assistant county attorney.
So the condition that already exists is in Resolution 1995-690, which states that within
the 25-foot boundary setback, existing vegetation shall be supplemented, if necessary, to achieve
an opacity rating of 80 percent at the time --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MS. ASHTON: -- building permits are issued.
But what I wanted to point out is that that relates to one of the two parcels that's part of
this project that abuts the prior speaker's property. So it would only have an 80 percent opacity
on a -- a small part of his property.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MS. ASHTON: And --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: The recommendation is -- do you want to
expand that a little bit to the full -- that any possible encroachments to that side, that --
MS. ASHTON: That's at your discretion.
On the site plan that's being provided and shown previously, the dimensions along the
western boundary of the trailer pads are not shown, so they would need to show that.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MS. ASHTON: Site plan does show the setback and the landscape buffer --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Uh-huh.
MS. ASHTON: -- where you can see it on the visualizer.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Uh-huh.
MS. ASHTON: So we would ask that they update those dimensions for those
lots -- those pads that are on the western boundary.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MS. ASHTON: Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Let's do this. Why don't I -- I'll go
with whatever language you all believe will solve the problem. You know, I just don't want the
neighbor to leave here today thinking that, you know, this isn't going to get resolved,
but -- because I know the intent would be everybody to be good neighbors and resolve these
things. So I'm happy to entertain any kind of condition that the assistant county attorney just
referred to, if you want to just submit it to me after this. You guys put your heads together and
come up with something that will -- you know, will resolve this so that whatever de minimis
changes have to be made here or shown here actually holds the applicant's feet to the fire.
Is that a fair request?
MR. WRIGHT: We'll be happy to work with the county attorney's office and come up
with appropriate language.
I just want to point out that the speaker mentioned two things: The berm, and some of
the pavers being too close. He also mentioned that he says hi to his neighbors, so I just want to
make sure we're not going to put a wall in between him, and --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Don't want them to not be able to say hi.
MR. WRIGHT: Yeah. He didn't ask for an opacity, so I don't know why we're going
there.
But, in any event, we want to get this project going, and we're happy to work to come
up with appropriate language to address the --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah, just come up with something. I don't
think this is big, complicated stuff, but I definitely don't want to authorize any encroachments
over there that are already --
MR. BELLOWS: For the record, Mr. Dickman, I just wanted to point out that you do
have the ordinance or resolution in your backup file that had the language about the opacity.
July 27, 2023
Page 15 of 18
And I think we just need a clarification, too, that that 80 percent opacity --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah.
MR. BELLOWS: -- that was to be abutted to the entire length of that western
boundary or just along this property line, or --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Yeah, I see. The one that's in -- the
language that's in 1995-690, yeah.
MR. BELLOWS: Correct.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Anything else?
MR. WRIGHT: Just to clarify. To the extent we're going to come up with a
modified condition to make it a longer opacity, we're just right now, I think, addressing
Mr. Mogelvang's concern. I don't know how many properties are involved. I don't know how
many linear feet. I don't know how much it costs. So I don't want to overcommit when we
have a speaker come in and ask about pavers and a berm and all of a sudden we're doing a
300-foot-long opaque buffer. It doesn't seem to be aimed at the --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah. I understand.
MR. WRIGHT: So just --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: I understand that.
I'm looking at this, and it does look like -- you know, based on the legend, it's showing,
you know, RV pad, and it looks like there are at least a couple of parcels on that western side
that show, you know, the -- the design or whatever it is for pavers. It looks like it's actually
going into the northern -- you know, especially when you look at the sort of north -- the
northwest parcels, whatever your client -- is that -- I mean, it just looks like there are some being
shown, or is that more like an as-is existing survey/plan? Do you see that, or am I missing that?
MR. WRIGHT: No, I do see it. And it would be --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah.
MR. WRIGHT: -- particularly lots that we have marked as 7 and 8.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah.
MR. WRIGHT: We literally have pavers spilling onto someone else's property, so
obviously --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah.
MR. WRIGHT: -- that can't --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: That doesn't seem to be -- I think, in fairness,
that needs to be dealt with.
MR. WRIGHT: Yes, and we're happy to deal with that.
Since it's off-site and we're happy to make it a condition, not to trespass and to remove
any trespassing features --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah. I didn't want to say that, but yeah.
MR. WRIGHT: But -- and we're happy -- and I think that the law would dictate that
anyways, whether it's a condition or not, but we're happy to agree to that.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: If we can -- if we can clean this up and make
sure that -- why don't you -- why don't you guys put your heads together about getting any -- not
having any unintentional trespassing of the pads onto the neighbor's property and then to
whatever extent they want to have the opaqueness so they can say hi or not say hi, and I'm not --
MR. WRIGHT: We agree with that. Thank you.
MR. BELLOWS: Again, for the record, Ray Bellows, zoning manager.
I just want to also request that the site plan that was submitted be revised and updated
to show the dimensions from the structures to the western boundary, just so -- to give confidence
that other structures or changes won't further encroach closer to --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Right.
MR. BELLOWS: -- the adjacent property, and --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: And then I'll wait to make sure -- I mean, do
July 27, 2023
Page 16 of 18
you want to wait on my decision so I can see that, or -- Mr. Bellows, how do you want to handle
that? Just administratively? That they --
MR. BELLOWS: I think we can stipulate that's changes for you. And that way, we
won't delay the process.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah. And then if they -- if they don't -- the
decision won't be effective until they make the change and to meet that condition.
MS. ASHTON: For the record, I'm Heidi Ashton.
I would recommend that they submit the revised site plan, staff review and approve it,
so that it can be attached to your --
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: I agree.
MS. ASHTON: -- decision.
Thanks.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: So that puts the burden on you, Mr. Wright,
and your client to get that plan done as quickly as possible.
MR. WRIGHT: Yes, we'll take care of that. Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: In the age of computers, it can be done
quickly.
Sir, did you have anything else you wanted to mention?
MR. MOGELVANG: Yes.
You had said that there were basically two concerns: The pavers and their items from
their yards encroaching, and -- and the berm. And also, how far the actual homes are from the
property line is a concern, because they butt up quite close. So that is a concern, the actual
homes themselves.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Well, I think part of this is to acknowledge
that this is a nonconforming -- a nonconforming use alteration, so it's kind of understood. And
I'm not sure that it's the intent to have everything pushed to the east. Is that what you're
suggesting, is that they have to come into conformity with the current zoning?
MR. MOGELVANG: I am not suggesting that. I was unaware of what the zoning
would be, and -- and perhaps there might be a few that are perhaps so close as to be
in -- in -- almost intrusive to my concern, but I would be happy to look at that with them.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Well, I mean, as you yourself said, that this
was a -- took place a long time ago, back in -- it may have been barracks for the military. So --
MR. MOGELVANG: Right.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: -- it's pretty common in these situations, when,
you know, lots of things have developed in Florida, for -- government and zoning and land use
was more -- has become more official and more of a profession. So I don't -- I don't think that
they need to ask for a variance here. I think that's the point, is that they're trying to legalize
what is here and it's acknowledged as a nonconforming use.
MR. MOGELVANG: I understand.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: So I think -- I mean, it's a good -- I think that's
a good move overall for the community, because you'll finally have something documenting
what's there, which was a major problem, I guess. And this gives the owner the ability now to
move forward with any improvements or anything else. Otherwise, you know, they couldn't,
because there wasn't anything on record. You know, normally you would see a plat or some
kind of zoning, you know, document.
But I think what we're going to strive for here is to make sure that nothing is
encroaching into your property and that, you know, there be -- back to that -- you know, take a
look at that, those northern properties and make sure that there's compatibility and nobody is
being intrusive on the other party, and they can continue to be good neighbors and say hi to each
other.
MR. MOGELVANG: Understood. That's fine.
July 27, 2023
Page 17 of 18
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay.
MR. MOGELVANG: Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Thank you for -- thank you for bringing that to
our attention.
MR. MOGELVANG: My pleasure.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. I think we have a plan forward here,
no pun intended. So I'll wait to see when the revised plan -- so that, you know, we're -- it's
actually attached to the decision that I render. Okay?
MR. WRIGHT: Yes, sir. Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right. Anybody else have anything else to
say? I shudder -- I shake when I ask that question.
No? Okay.
MR. FINN: No.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. I have -- I have nothing more on this.
And I'll get a decision once I get that plan, and get it out as quickly as I can.
MR. WRIGHT: Thanks very much.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Oh, I do want to just ask for, I guess, a
little grace on this, because I want to make sure that we get the language right on the condition,
you know, and so I need to look at what they -- the opaque language that's -- that was referenced
and work through that. So there may be a need for some clarification. And I can do that
through the County. And -- and I just want to make sure we get the language right so I don't
have to render an amended or -- an amended decision. Okay?
MR. WRIGHT: Yes. Understood. Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right.
Anything else on this side before we go on?
MR. FINN: No, nothing else.
MR. WRIGHT: Nothing else for the applicant.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Well, I'm sorry your colleague at
Kimley-Horn is still on the road, and he might want to do a U-turn.
MR. WRIGHT: Thanks for your time this morning.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Thank you. Take care of yourself. Have a
nice day.
MR. WRIGHT: You too.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Before we close the meeting, I want to make
sure that the -- the court reporter had mentioned that maybe she missed something that I said,
and I want to make sure before we close the meeting if there was something that I should go
ahead and say now.
So where did you drop off, drop in, and did you just merely miss my introduction?
(Comment by reporter.)
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Yeah. My name is Andrew Dickman. I'm
the hearing examiner for Collier County.
I am not an employee of the county's, but I was retained by the Board of County
Commissioners to render the services that are required under the code for the hearing examiner.
And I think that's normal -- I think after that I went into the reasons for the meeting and
some of the sort of normal things, but that's -- I think usually that's what I say at the very
beginning.
THE COURT REPORTER: Thank you.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: All right.
MS. PADRON: Thank you, Mr. Dickman. Until next time. Have a great weekend.
HEARING EXAMINER DICKMAN: Okay. Thanks a lot. Appreciate your help.
Have a good day, everybody.
July 27, 2023
Page 18 of 18
MS. PADRON: Thank you.
MR. BELLOWS: Bye-bye.
*******
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the
Hearing Examiner at 10:22 AM.
COLLIER COUNTY HEARING EXAMINER
_______________________________________
ANDREW DICKMAN, HEARING EXAMINER
These minutes approved by the Hearing Examiner on __________, as presented _________ or as corrected _______.
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF FORT MYERS COURT REPORTING BY MARIANNE
E.SAYERS, COURT REPORTER AND NOTARY PUBLIC.
8/31/23 4