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BCC Minutes 03/11/2009 TH (District 1) March 11, 2009 TRANSCRIPTION OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TOWNHALL MEETING DISTRICT #1 Naples, Florida, March 11,2009 LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County District #1 Town Hall Meeting, in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met in a TOWN HALL SESSION, on this date at 7:00 PM at the South Regional Library Auditorium, Naples, Florida, with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Commissioner Donna Fiala Commissioner James Coletta Commissioner Fred Coyle Commissioner Tom Henning ALSO PRESENT: J ames Mudd, County Manager Leo Ochs, Jr., Assistant County Manager JeffKatzkow, County Attorney Jordan Krumbine, Aide to Commissioner Fiala 1 Board of Collier County Commissioners DISTRICT 1 TOWN HALL MEETING Wednesday, March 11,2009 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. South Regional Library · 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples HOSTED By Donna Fiala, Commissioner, District 1 AGENDA Introductions and Pledge of Allegiance 1. Sheriff's Office 2. Code Enforcement's Blight Prevention Program 3. District 1 Development 4. Budget update from the County Manager 5. Transportation Projects 6. Comcast Cable 7. Bayshore CRA Update 8. Questions and Answers March 11, 2009 Commissioner Donna Fiala called the Town Hall Meeting to order by at 7:00 PM. Introductions Chairman Fiala stated the Town Hall Meeting was the only meeting to be held during 2009, and the first meeting broadcast on the County's Channel. The other East Naples Commissioners and County staff members were recognized and introduced along with SheriffRambosk and CRA Director David Jackson. 1. Sheriff's Office Sheriff Kevin Rambosk presented an update of the Collier County Sheriff s Office during 2008-2009 relative to District I with various statistics: . Crime rate reduction, which began in 1971, continued in 2008 . Collier County, one of 67 Counties within the State of Florida, has been ranked lih under the category of "Total Crime Rate" . 40,458 calls for service, generated by the community, were responded to by the Sheriff s Office . 23,000+ traffic stops were made and 80,000 traffic citations were issued . 61,000 extra road patrols - checked on County facilities or were requested by residents to check specific locations . 2,383 traffic accidents have occurred He stated the number of foreclosed and/or vacant properties which have exceeded 10,000 to date have presented challenges. The Sheriffs Office is working with the Code Enforcement Department to safeguard blighted neighborhoods. He also cautioned residents to prevent "opportunities" for crime by locking their car doors as well as their homes. He stated the Sheriff s Office will begin holding Town Hall-style meetings on March 19,2009. North Naples is the first location but meetings will be held throughout the County. 2. Code Enforcement's Blight Prevention Program Diane Flagg, Director, Code Enforcement - a PowerPoint presentation was given. Some of the points outlined were as follows: Purpose: . To address health and safety issues, stabilize property values, and prevent blight from spreading throughout the County . Over 2,000 properties are currently in foreclosure in East Naples. . 5 Community Task Force Teams were formed with membership from the Sheriffs Office, Domestic Animal Services, Code Enforcement, and representatives from various Civic Associations and Homeowners' Associations . The East Naples Task Force Team meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 2:00 PM and the meetings are open to the public. The meeting schedule for the Task Force Teams (dates/times) is available on the County's website Process: 2 March 11, 2009 . If a property is in Lis Pendens, the first step in a foreclosure proceeding, a courtesy notice is sent to the Bank by Code Enforcement . Identified properties are inspected for potential Code violations o If violations are found, property ownership is verified and the case is forwarded to the Code Enforcement's Foreclosure Team . A Foreclosure Investigator notifies a Bank, via email, of a property's condition, cites the violations and the required steps to abate . If compliance does not occur, or ifthe County abates the violation, a lien will be placed against the property preventing a sale until the lien has been paid . Banks have been cooperative - not one of the 50 Banks currently working with Code Enforcement has refused to comply . After a final inspection, an Affidavit of Compliance is forwarded to the Bank allowing payment to be made to a Contractor Ms. Flagg noted the Banks hire local Contractors to repair the properties. She stressed community participation is a vital component ofthe Program. "Community Care Taking List:" . Abated properties are placed on a "Watch" List and the Task Forces are sent copies of the List on a monthly basis . Properties are visually checked to assure they remain in good condition . Code Enforcement's website allows an individual to anonymously file a complaint and/or check the status of a property . Foreclosed properties are the Banks' assets and Code Enforcement is helping to protect those assets. . By abating violations, the Banks are maintaining the aesthetics of the Community, and a "win-win" situation has resulted. Code Enforcement has developed a Community Resource Guide listing Collier County food banks. . References for mortgage/financial resources, medical resources, information concerning the County's transit program, and a list oflocal charities are included in the Guide. Ms. Flagg suggested investors contact Code Enforcement to determine if a foreclosed property has been cited for violations. She stated mold is another problem to consider when purchasing a foreclosed property because the utilities may have been turned off for a period of time. 3. District I Development Jamie French, Operations Manager, Operations Support and Regulatory Management Office, introduced Everildo ("Evy") Ybaceta, a former Code Enforcement Investigator, who is the Citizen Liaison for CDES ("Community Development and Environmental Services"). Mr. French gave an overview of Mr. Ybaceta's duties under the Ombudsman Group. Mr. French outlined new developments in District I: 3 March 11, 2009 . The Fairfield Inn/Spring Hill Suites in the White Lake Commerce Center on Davis Boulevard, neighboring District I, were recently completed . The Benderson/I-75 Commerce Center is still under construction. The Florida Building Code was discussed . Sugden Park Plaza, US 41 South: an additional 40,000 square feet of new construction will be added . Towne Center Plaza: Restaurant Marcelli's applied for a permit to expand the facility formerly occupied by Rogero's Restaurant to add a dance floor . Remington Lakes, off Thomason Drive: the permitting process has begun to construct 3 buildings in a new 340 multi-family housing community. . Treviso Bay: a club house will be built . 951/US 41 to Rattlesnake Hammock: the Lutheran Life Community organization has submitted preliminary drawings of an assisted living facility and adult living community with a golf course . Verona Walk, off 951: DiV osta has begun building larger models and has committed to complete the community . Naples Motor Coach (the former "Greystone" property): construction ofthe club house has begun and Lowes is planning to build a facility at the former Winn-Dixie site . Gridley Medical Center: construction will be completed during 2010 Public Ouestion and Answer period: . The Lutheran Life assisted-living facility will be located within the Lely community . Norman Feder, Administrator, Transportation Department, stated the consortium formed regarding the intersection improvements on 951 was dissolved due to lack of funding. . No new "big name" restaurants are coming to East Naples A question was asked concerning the status of a building/business located behind the CVS Drug Store on US 41 South, near the proposed Remington Lakesfacility. Mr. French stated he will obtain information concerning the status of the permit. Dr. Christian Mogelvang asked why it was necessary to schedule a 3-story home for total demolition. Diane Flagg stated the owners of the home were forced to move due to illness caused by mold which is classified as "toxic" and could not be removed from the premises. The decision was made to completely demolish the home for disposal by mold abatement specialists. 4. Budget Update from the County Manager James Mudd stated the Budget Presentation was prepared by Commissioner Coletta. . February 24, 2009: Board of County Commissioner directed Staffto prepare a "Millage Neutral" budget and a "Tax Neutral" budget . June 1,2009: Property Appraiser will distribute preliminary figures for assessed values . June 29 and 30,2009: Workshops will be held . July 1, 2009: Certificate of Tax Property Assessed Values 4 March 11, 2009 . July 15, 2009: Tentative 2010 budget will be presented to the BCC . July 28, 2009: BCC will adopt tentative maximum Millage Rate . August 4,2009: Millage Rates sent to Property Appraiser's Office . August 24,2009: Truth in Millage ("TRIM") Notices mailed to property owners . September 10, 2009 - First Public Hearing on Budget . September 24,2009 - Second Public Hearing - adoption of Millage Rate . October 23, 2009 - Submit TRIM Compliance Package to Florida Department of Revenue Mr. Mudd provided a breakdown of a Typical Tax Bill with percentages. He stated the County controls only 27.2% of the tax bill. He explained "Mandates" which are obligations to the State of Florida requires which Collier County pays from the General Fund (Non-Discretionary): . Debt service - on Bonds borrowed - the County pays its 10ans . Juvenile Justice System - if a juvenile commits a crime in another County, Collier is responsible for costs of incarceration . Water Shed Management Program . Facilities . Regional Planning Council . Community Redevelopment Areas ("CRA") including the City of Naples' CRA (5th Avenue CRA) Discretionary items include: . Storm Water . Roads and landscaping . Collier County TV Channel . Collier Area Transit System ("CAT") Mr. Mudd stated the amount in the 2008-2009 Budget for the "Discretionary" Fund was $107 M. He encouraged residents to voice their opinions to the Commissioners so the Board can make an informed decision concerning the two Budget proposals, i.e., "Millage Neutral" and "Tax Neutral" The Commissioners stated: . The Property Appraiser's web site includes statistics which outlines the percentages of increase. When the Millage rate remains constant, the County collects less money. . The County does not have control over approximately 70% ofthe taxes assessed, including the School taxes. . Over the past 2+ years, approximately $84M has been cut from the Budget. . The "homestead" issue is complicated because the valuation of homestead properties can only increase by a 3% tax per year. . The assessed value of the property may have decreased, but the property taxes will be higher. . "Amendment I" promised the biggest decrease in the history of Florida but the final amount of decrease may be only minimal. 5 March 11, 2009 . The State's fiscal policies have "tied the hands" oflocal governments regarding their ability to raise money, and local governments will have less revenue to provide services. . The quality oflife in Collier County will suffer. . Comprehensive tax reform is needed. 5. Transportation Projects Norman Feder, Administrator, Transportation Department, gave a slide presentation outlining road construction in Collier County. . There was a transportation crisis due to the expansion of Collier County without building enough roadways to handle the traffic. . The Board committed to expand the roadway system and to Concurrency Management . 11 projects were under "Active Construction" at one time, and most have been completed . 951 North to Collier Boulevard has been completed . Active projects: o Santa Barbara from Copperleafto Davis, and expansion of Radio Road - expected completion is Summer, 2009 o Santa Barbara Extension from Davis to Rattlesnake - expected completion - Spring, 2010 o Collier Blvd. from 41 to Davis - expected completion - Fall, 2009 . Future projects: o Collier Blvd. from Davis to Golden Gate Canal (6 lane divided, with sidewalks and street lights) and companion on Davis from Radio to Collier (6 lanes) - pending Budget in 2010 with completion in 2012 o The State will complete the section on Davis from Radio to Santa Barbara beginning in 2013 o County Barn Road has been permitted and is ready to start whenever funding becomes available Mr. Feder stated the program has been scaled back due to decreased taxes and Ad Valorem fees. The focus is on maintenance and operation of the road system to maintain the investment. Public Comments: A question was asked concerning the status of the area from Pine Ridge Road north to 951. . Design is almost complete with anticipated start of2012 - but funding is an Issue A question was asked concerning the status of landscaping and median improvement on the Collier project. . The BCC approved funding for 3 recently completed projects: Rattlesnake- Hammock, Vanderbilt Beach Road and Immokalee Road from 951 to 1/75- Contractors will begin work in Spring, 2009 . Collier Blvd. (north and south) and Santa Barbara - may be postponed due to funding - can only mow on a regular basis at this time 6 March 11, 2009 A question was asked concerning whether or not the County applied to obtain Stimulus funding for landscaping of completed road projects. . Stimulus allotment for highways and bridges is $30B (nation-wide) . Collier may receive $5.7M Commissioner Coyle stated there will be no significant economic Stimulus funds coming to the County from the Federal government. The State's Regional Transportation District may receive $60M for distribution to 12 Counties. . Projects have been prioritized and recommended to the State and are "shovel ready" . Collier County must work to diversity its economy to attract new business to the area Chairman Fiala stated Budget funds have been spent for the following since the Commissioner took office approximately 8 years ago: . Roads - repaired and new roads built . Waste Water Treatment Plant - repaired, expanded and updated . Wells - built . Maintenance is key to keeping levels current 6. Comcast Cable Jamie French, CDES, stated he also serves as Franchise Administrator for many of the private utilities. . In 2007, the Florida Legislature passed a Bill requiring all new franchises to be under the Department of Agriculture. . The franchise with Comcast Cable (purchased Time Warner) will sunset in July, 2012. . In November 14,2008, there was re-alignment of channels throughout the region of southwest Florida . Locations: County channels - Channel 97; City Government - Channel 98 and School/Educational - Channel 99 . Several communities experience poor reception after the re-alignment . Comcast engineers stated several FM radio stations use the same bandwidth on Channel 97 and the poor reception is due to interference from the stations Maureen Stark, Comcast Cable, stated: . All problems can be resolved - her direct phone number is 432-1628 . Comcast did not place the government access channels on digital so the entire community can view them 7. Bayshore CRA Update David Jackson, Executive Director of the Bayshore/Gateway Triangle CRA, stated: . The Bayshore CRA ("Community Redevelopment Area") was created in by the BCC in 2000. . The area includes Bayshore Drive, Shadow Lawn Drive, Davis Blvd., and US41 7 March 11, 2009 . Located partially in Commissioner Fiala's District and Commissioner Coyle's District . Funded by property taxes and a differential based on Tax Year 2000, i.e., TIF ("Tax Incremental Finances") . Increases are re-invested into the area . Strategies were developed to combat the problems - "building block approach" . Successes: o Lighting on Davis Blvd. (Bayshore CRA contributed some funds) o Haldeman Creek Stormwater Dredging Project (funded by the County and the South Florida Water Management District) o Phase I of Stormwater Pond Project has been completed o Phase II will begin o Mini-Triangle Catalyst Project - 14 acre area - proposed site development from metal buildings to a business center . Future Projects: o Treviso Bay Project - the "Odyssey" - a boat "hotel" (located at old Gulf Shore Drive Marina) o Arboretum Village Project - initial concept (condo project) is being redesigned (intersection of Thomason Drive and Bayshore Drive) o Naples Botanical Garden - part of Cultural District - exotics have been removed and will open in Summer, 2009 o Remington Lakes - will add 340 multi-family residences to area o New school- south of Remington Lakes project - will become a magnet school for performing arts (31 acres) o South Bayshore Road - transition into new area - funded by MSTU o Mixed Use Site - to be developed on 17 acres . Slum areas have been cleaned out; blighted trailers have been purchased and demolished (Van Buren, Lunar St., Karen Drive) . Pro-active about reducing crime; cooperating with Sheriff s Department . Goal: o to become self-sustaining community, o encourage economic revitalization; o pursue public/private partnerships o sunset in 5 to 10 years (optimistic) 8. Questions and Answers (see above) Chairman Fiala noted the Library will open on May 15, 2009. ***** 8 March 11, 2009 There being no further business for the good of the County, the Townhall Meeting was concluded at 9:07 PM. ATTES1;:\,'C:J.( , DwightE. Brock,'C~rk ~.,~*OL' . fenat....Oll.. ~\. ~ ,". COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IP.--. .JL~ Donna Fiala, Chairman The Minutes wen;/approved by the Board/Committee on as presented V or as amended l 9