BCC Minutes 01/24/1995 RREGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 24, 1995,
OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COHMISSIONERS
LET IT BE REHEHBERED, 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 9:09 a.m. In REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the
Government Complex, East Naples, Florida, with the following members
ALSO PRESENT:
present:
CHAIRPERSON:
VICE-CHAIRMAN:
Bettye J. Hatthews
John C. Norris
Timothy J. Constantine
Pamela S. Hac'Kie
Timothy L. Hancock
W. Neil Dotrill, County Hanager
Ken Cuyler, County Attorney
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I want to call to order the January 24
meeting of the board of county commission for Collier County.
Mr. Dotrill, would you lead us in an invocation and pledge?
MR. DORRILL: Heavenly Father, we give thanks as we always do this
morning for Collier County. We give thanks for the wonderful weather
that we have enjoyed over the last week. Father, we just praise your
name for the many blessings that you have bestowed on the people of
this community.
As always, we pray that you watch over and guide, guard, and
direct our commission as they make these important business decisions
and deliberations today that affect Collier County. We'd ask that you
bless our families, our supporters, our support staff, and the many
citizens who choose to participate in this government. We give thanks
for all this in the name of Your Son. Amen.
(The pledge of allegiance was recited in unison.)
Item #2A
AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED WITH CHANGES
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Hr. Dorrill, we have a few changes to the
agenda?
MR. DORRILL: Yes, ma'am. Good morning, Commissioners. There are
only two changes this morning to the agenda. I have one add-on item
that will be under constitutional officers. It will be item ll-A which
is a request to authorize the purchase of additional voting machines
for Ms. Morgan. She has asked to be here when we get to that item, and
I'll make a note that we try and call her and give her a little
advanced notice. You have received an executive summary that was
distributed on Friday. It may already be in your -- your books. And
she also provided our office with some supplemental information. I
have reason to believe you have that as well. That will be ll-A.
I have one item that's on the consent agenda that we would like to
continue to your next regular meeting. And for purposes of those folks
watching at home, the commission will be in a workshop meeting next
week. We will not have our next regular meeting until the 7th of
February. And we're requesting that item 16-E-1 as it pertains to pay
titles for the department of revenue be continued until that time. And
that's all that I have.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Thank you -- thank you, Mr. Dorrill.
Amongst the commission, are there changes? Commissioner Norris?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
No further changes.
Commissioner Hancock?
No changes.
Commissioner Mac'Kie?
None.
Commissioner Constantine?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: No.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: No?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: No.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I have one question. There's an
item on the agenda, and -- and I have not gone back to -- to search
it. I just -- just remembered it. And it's 16-A-6, a recommendation
to defer 100 percent of the impact fees on 34 dwelling fees for Timber
-- Timber Ridge. Didn't we already do that?
MR. CUYLER: It was necessary for the actual agreements
to be put into the agenda because they were not in front of you last
time. I think Mr. Mihalic asked for the funding source. You approved
a funding source, and then he's bringing the actual agreements back to
you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I thought the 34 units were the
rental units that we approved three weeks ago and 24 units are the
owner occupied.
MR. MIHALIC: For the record, I'm Greg Mihalic. Yes,
last week you did approve the 34 rental units and the deferral of the
impact fees for the 15 years.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay.
MR. MIHALIC: We're just bringing the resolution as well
as the agreement to you for approval and signature today. CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. I understand.
MR. MIHALIC: Because it was not included in your packet
last week.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: That's fine. Okay.
If there are no further changes, could I have a motion
on the -- COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: So moved.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: -- agenda and consent agenda?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Motion and a second on the -- the
agenda and consent agenda. All those in favor please say aye.
Opposed?
There being none, motion passes five-zero.
Item #3
MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 20, 1994 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 21, 1994
SPECIAL MEETING AND JANUARY 5, 1995 WORKSHOP - APPROVED AS PRESENTED
I'd like a motion on approval of the minutes for
December 20 regular meeting, December --
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Motion to approve.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All three?
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: All three.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. We have a motion by
Commissioner Norris, a second by Commissioner Mac'Kie to approve the
regular meeting minutes of December the 20th, the special meeting
minutes of December 21, and the workshop minutes of January 5. There
being no further discussion, all those in favor please say aye.
Opposed?
There being none, motion passes five-zero.
Item #4A1
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 1995 AS "NATIONAL RADIO
MONTH" - ADOPTED
Proclamations and service awards. The first one -- I
don't have --
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I think I'm the first one.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All right. Commissioner
Constantine, you have a proclamation for us.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Is Joe Landon with us this
morning? Apparently not. Is anyone here for National Radio Month?
Well, we have the following proclamation anyway. Whereas, radio
broadcasting is an essential service in creating public awareness to
constantly changing situations in the community, state, nation, and
world; and
whereas, radio advertising stimulates commerce which
helps to maintain a stable economy; and
whereas, our radio stations consistently offer
facilities for furthering civic projects that benefit all; and
whereas, radio broadcasters stand in constant readiness
to give selfless aid in times of crisis; and
whereas, the radio broadcasting industry has endeavored
to provide all listeners with programs designed to inform, educate,
and entertain.
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that the week of January 22
through 28, 1995, be designated as National Radio Month.
Done and ordered this 24th day of January, 1995, BCC,
Bettye J. Matthews, chairman.
I'd like to make a motion that we make that week
National Radio Month.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'd like to second that motion,
but it's difficult.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Perhaps --
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: How about we make that month
national --
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Perhaps we'll correct that
and make that National Radio Week.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: That I'll second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second to
approve the proclamation. All those -- there being no discussion, all
those in favor please say aye. Opposed?
None, motion passes five-zero. And we have no one here
to accept the proclamation; is that correct?
Item #4A2
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 4 - 12, 1995, AS "FLORIDA
ARCHAEOLOGY WEEK" - ADOPTED
Next on the agenda is a proclamation for Florida
Archaeology Week. Is there a Jack Thompson? Do you want to come
forward, sir? And I'm going to read the proclamation and propose a
motion to approve it, and then you can tell us --
MR. THOMPSON: I apologize. I'm working in the lab this
morning in the museum.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Well, archaeologists don't always
wear suits, do they?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Don't ever apologize for
working.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Never. Never apologize for
working and helping us.
A proclamation. Whereas peeper -- people of all races
have made Florida their home for more than 12,000 years; and
whereas, the archeological sites representing Florida's
Native American and early European people constitute a unique and
irreplaceable resource; and
whereas, such archeological remains represent the only
records of human history in Florida before the European contact; and
whereas, it is the policy of Florida to protect and
preserve archeological sites in our rapidly growing state; and
whereas, archeological sites contribute to our quality
of life, our recreation, and our understanding of human history; and
whereas, public appreciation and understanding is the
foundation of archeological conservation; and
whereas, the Florida Anthropological Society, the
Florida Archeological Council, the Florida Division of Historical
Resources, and the National Park Service have organized over 100
events in Florida to increase public awareness and understanding of
archaeology.
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that the week of February
the 4th through the 12th, 1995, be designated as Florida Archaeology
Week and encourage our citizens and visitors to learn more about the
archaeology of our state and to protect and preserve this important
part of Florida's rich cultural heritage.
Done and ordered this 24th day of January, 1995, Board
of County Commissioners, Collier County, Florida, Bettye J. Matthews,
chairman.
My colleagues, I motion that we approve the proclamation
creating this.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Second.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor please say aye.
Opposed?
There being none, the proclamation is issued. And, Mr.
Thompson, I want to thank you very much.
MR. THOMPSON: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: If you want a few words on what's
happening during this week, we'd be glad to --
MR. THOMPSON: Well, locally here in Collier County --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Thompson, we need to -- we
need to put it on the record on the microphone.
MR. THOMPSON: I'm sorry. The Southwest Florida
Archeological Society which was founded here is responsible for things
going on in both Lee and Collier County. Collier County on the -- we
have some schedules available at the museum and the libraries and will
be in the newspaper we trust; a little difficulty there.
But we will have -- at the museum we will have a very
noted speaker, Dr. William Markwad (phonetic), on the -- Sunday the
5th in the afternoon. He'll be speaking about archaeology,
particularly about some of the very important things here in Collier
County. We will have a film series during the week. We will have an
archeological fair on the 12th at the museum grounds with
demonstrators making things the way the Indians did. We invite the
public to all of these affairs.
There is a field trip to Mound Key which, again, is in
the -- in the literature and will be in the paper which is perhaps up
in Estero the place that the Spanish contact was made with the
Caloosas.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Thank you.
MR. THOMPSON: Thank you very much.
Item #5
SERVICE AWARDS - PRESENTED
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you. Next on the agenda
are service awards. Commissioner Norris.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Thank you, Miss Chairman. We have
today two service awards for five years. We have Albert Pesillo from
road and bridge and Jane Lang from pollution control. Would you come
forward, please? I have your certificates here, certificate and a
pin. Congratulations.
pin.
MR. PESILLO: Thank you very much.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Jane, here's yours.
Richard Winans from road and bridge. Congratulations.
certificate and a nice pin.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Thank you, Richard.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you, Richard.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Thanks.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Thank you, sir.
Here's your
MS. LANG: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thanks, Jane.
MS. LANG: Thank you.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Congratulations.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Thank you.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: We also have a ten-year pin for
Here's your
Item #SA1
PRESENTATION OF THE COLLIER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ADVISORY
COMHITTEE'S ANNUAL REPORT TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - REPORT
ACCEPTED
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Moving along on the agenda, there
are no budget amendments today, so we'll -- we will move forward to
our first agenda item under the manager's report which is item 8-A-l,
presentation of the Collier County Development Services Advisory
Committee's annual report to the Board of County Commissioners.
MR. DANE: Good morning. My name is Kris Dane. I'll
have some brief comments. I know that you've got a report in your
package about the work of the Development Services Advisory Committee
this year.
It was a pretty exciting year to chair that committee.
We saw a lot of change in development services, a lot less bureaucracy
and inflexibility and a lot more cooperation. And the attitude that
has been embraced by the staff over there I think is due in large part
to the changes in management that you people have made and the
manager.
We especially would like to recognize Dick Clark and
Wayne Arnold and Bob Mulhere and Tom Cook and Bill Smith for their
good work. We appreciate all your support of the activities of our
committee this year. And I know that Tom Peek will be here next year
to report on a good year for this year. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you very much. Are there
any questions regarding the information in the report?
Commissioner Hancock?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: One question. It may be -- Mr.
Clark may be more appropriate to answer it, but your report brought it
out to me. Is the -- where are we concerning the consultant's
recommendations on the -- the computerization, the automation of
development services? Just where do we stand right now, and -- and
where is that proceeding to?
MR. CLARK: We -- we are kind of -- I won't say on hold,
but we're awaiting several alternatives. And -- and we are also I
suppose concerned with -- with the ultimate administrator. We want to
make sure where the ultimate -- where the administrator is going --
permanent administrator is going to be, that -- that that person is on
board. Obviously the philosophy of where we're at now we think is
very appropriate and as well as the steering committee.
But we've looked at the vendors. In fact, we're in the
process of looking at demonstrations, operational demonstrations, in
different counties where -- where they are currently in operation.
But that's one of our -- that's one of the concerns. We're not
waiting for that, but that's one of the concerns that we're looking
at.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Okay. Because I -- this to me is
one of the most important tools that development services is so long
overdue in getting that I want to thank the committee for bringing it
out and also encourage moving ahead on it.
MR. CLARK: Miss Chairman, if I might make another
comment, we also -- staff would like to express our appreciation for
the steering committee. As -- as the board is very well aware, this
last year was somewhat challenging. And the challenge in -- in large
part, the answers to many of the questions and -- and the direction
both from the BCC and from the steering committee and from the
community as a whole is what was the impetus in changing it to what we
currently have which is very acceptable, and it's very productive.
It's very productive. With less people we're doing a much higher
volume at a faster pace.
And those efficiencies were brought about in part due to
Kris Dane and many of the steering committee members as well as
yourself, Commissioner Hancock, from the productivity committee and
all the commissioners speaking in addressing the concerns that you
heard from your constituents.
And so I would like to express our appreciation as well
to the steering committee for -- for the fine efforts that they
imparted to us.
MR. DANE: Thank you. One final comment, as you do
deliberate and select the -- the person who will become the permanent
director for that division, I hope that you'll look for somebody that
displays the leadership that Dick Clark has and that will -- will keep
that positive attitude going over there.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you, Mr. Dane. Thank you,
Mr. Clark. The report is appropriately received, and I believe we
will move on. Really I personally for the steering committee want to
thank them for all of the work that they've done in the -- in the last
year. And I'm sure as the next year proceeds that they've got a tough
act to follow, but they'll manage I think. Thank you.
Item #8A2
RESOLUTION 95-65 ESTABLISHING A WORKPLAN AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS RE
SEVEN YEAR EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORTS RELATING TO COLLIER
COUNTY'S GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN; - ADOPTED WITH CHANGES AND RESOLUTION
95-66 RE TIME FRAME OF THE SCHEDULE OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS FOR
PREPARATION OF THE SEVEN YEAR EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORT - ADOPTED
Next item on the agenda is item 8-A-2, a resolution
establishing a work plan and schedule of events for the upcoming EAR.
Mr. Litsinger.
MR. LITSINGER: Good morning, Madam Chairman and
Commissioners. For the record, Stan Litsinger of the community
development services division with management section.
This morning we're asking the board to review and
approve a reso -- resolution kicking off the statutory required
seven-year evaluation and appraisal report preparation process under
your growth management or comprehensive plan.
What we've tried to do here is within the guidelines and
criteria that we have available to us today and the -- in the essence
of time, we've tried to outline a process which we feel, most of your
technical and legal staff, meets the minimal reasonable requirements
of legislative intent and rule 9J50053. I'd like to point out a
couple of some high points or low points, if you prefer, in the
executive summary and then open it up for discussion.
Key elements in this proposal, of course, are an effort
to comply with the minimum requirements of the rule which I must tell
you is open to debate throughout the state of Florida at all levels.
We still have not received final guidance in the form of what we've
come to know as incipient DCA policy on how they will interpret the
rule. What we have seen, there has been a lot of discontent as far as
the resource effort it would require in order to satisfy the
Department of Community Affairs.
Nonetheless, we would propose to go forward with the
process that meets this community's needs, that is, what we need for
our comprehensive planning process, our future land use planning
process, a look of what we've done, where we've been successful, where
we were not successful, and what we want to change in the future.
We feel very strongly that comprehensive planning is a
local government prerogative under Florida home rule. We do believe
and I must tell you, quite frankly, it's been our experience in the
past six years that we are usually in an adversarial relationship with
the Department of Community Affairs. And I'm not sure that I can
guarantee that we won't be as a result of this process.
However, I do believe that we can conduct this process
and it can be fruitful and that we can make those changes and look at
our progress and meet the requirements of the statutes.
I'd like to point out some items to you. As I
mentioned, this is required by the growth management act and rule
9J50053. As the board is aware, the state has provided $20,000 in
grant funds to assist the considerable cost in producing this report.
In October of '94, the DCA promulgated a handbook of
instruction on how to produce these reports which I'll say was very
controversial. I can tell you that to date three major jurisdictions
have submitted early EARs. They are Lee County, Hillsborough County,
and city of Tampa, all of which were I would say blasted by the
Department of Community Affairs as being not sufficient according to
the department's requirements. That's putting aside the community's
requirements.
What we have proposed here is a work plan, and now I'm
going to go out on a limb here. We proposed a work plan that we
believe we can accomplish with existing staffing which you've approved
in your appropriations and your budget and probable appropriations in
the coming fiscal year. We have proposed what we believe and the
county attorney has endorsed as a legally sufficient public
participation process and program in the preparation of this report
using existing advisory boards with assignments as noted in the
resolution which I will address in a moment.
Very briefly, the reason staff is recommending the --
the use of existing advisory boards is time constraints. You have
twenty some -- twenty-six advisory boards currently standing. Even
with this proposal, we're asking you to or we will be asking you to
approve a resolution to form an ad hoc citizens advisory committee for
review of the future land use element, Golden Gate master plan,
Immokalee master plan, and potentially the forthcoming Marco master
plan. So that would be a new ad hoc advisory committee.
I've included information that is -- is a copy of rule
9J50053. It's an informational item, but I'd like to point out to you
one or two items in 9J50053 which I believe is relevant to your
decision making on this matter.
As I noted in the executive summary and in the
resolution, as usual, Collier County is one of the earliest counties
required to submit their report. That's because we were one of the
earliest counties to adopt our growth management plan.
Technically we're required to submit the report -- you
are required to adopt the EAR by January 1 of 1996. This is a tight
time frame. We are starting well into the current calendar year as
you're aware. Guidance is still spotty. We have to go on our own
initiative.
I believe that there is a potential that we may not meet
that deadline. And if we are to produce an effective process, the
consequences are primarily administrative in that in the event that we
do not meet the January 1 deadline in the interim period before we
have a sufficient EAR submitted, we would not be able to adopt
additional plan amendments. That is the primary consequence.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: Well, I'm -- and I am concerned
about why do we -- why -- why starting a year in advance are we
concerned that we're not going to meet the deadline?
MR. LITSINGER: I believe I can point out some of the
steps in the process. If we look at the requirements of rule 9J5,
even a rational minimum -- minimalist interpretation of 9J50053
requires a lot of initial groundwork on the part of staff prior to the
initiation of the public participation process. You have a lot of
input and potential concerns, agendas, if you will, that will come out
in the public participation process. When you have that many
participants trying to control the schedule -- and this was a problem
in the initial process going back --
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Oh, yeah.
MR. LITSINGER: -- trying to stick to a schedule is very
difficult which we want to try to do. But as we point out, we feel
that the -- the highest priority here is the process and not the time
frame.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I agree with that. I guess I
don't mean any disrespect, but I'm curious if -- if you know that a
year is not enough time why we didn't start a year ago or six months
ago.
MR. LITSINGER: Six months ago we -- two reasons. We do
not have the luxury as far as resources go in community development
services for a number of reasons, as you're aware, to initiate any
process before its time.
The other reason is -- is that we still do not have
clear guidance from the Department of Community Affairs as to what
they will find acceptable. We are concerned that we undertake a
process that will result in a unwise utilization of resources at both
staff level and community participation level to find out that it was
inadequate. Those are the two reasons that I can give you.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Okay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock, you have
questions?
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: My question is -- and -- and on
top of looking at my stuff, this was also brought to my attention by
some members of the EDC. I commend you for your -- your approach to
using existing advisory boards to reduce the time frame, the timeline
in which we have to -- to get things going. I think it's a good
idea. There are some areas in which the match may not be just right,
and I'll get to those in a second.
A secondary concern is that people that -- that put
their name in for an advisory board -- and let's say the Council of
Economic Advisors -- may -- some of them may take some offense at
being put in the position where they are being utilized for the
purpose of doing an evaluation and appraisal report for our growth
management plan.
So I don't think we can reasonably request that those
committees step into this program by virtue of being a member of that
committee. I think we may ask that committee and its individual
members if they would like to sit on a community advise -- an advisory
committee, an ad hoc committee, and that may be the start of the
request.
But I have a problem with taking people who have
volunteered their time for a specific committee with set goals and
laying this level of work on them over the next 12 months. I think
it's -- it's something we need to be concerned with. And -- and
hopefully the rest of the board will share that concern.
My second comment is a little bit of a mismatch. The
Council of Economic Advisors reviewing the capital improvements
element, I fail to see a connection there, a clear connection. Again,
maybe it's the hub. Maybe it's the initial group, but it needs to be
open up to more of the public and people who may have a greater level
of expertise in dealing with that such as transportation engineers.
And Lord knows we have a ton of retired engineers in this community
that have got time over the next year to help us on that.
So I guess I could sum it up just by saying I -- I
encourage your approach, but I don't think it's -- in its absolute
form is -- is in the best interest. And I would encourage that we --
we request these people as -- as part of an ad hoc for each area but
not to comprise the entire ad hoc committee of that particular
advisory board.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I share that sentiment, and --
and I -- I'm a little bit concerned that we have several visioning
processes going on right now in Collier County. The -- the EDC
completed a visioning process last year? Greater Naples Civic
Association has just undertaken a visit -- a visioning process that
encompasses many, many civic groups. Marco Island is undergoing a
master planning which includes visioning. Commissioner Hancock and I
were at a North Naples meeting last night. North Naples is
considering a mast -- also master planning and -- and a visioning
process. And I guess my -- my question in a summary is what happens
if we don't make January 1, 19967
MR. LITSINGER: In my personal opinion, consequences are
not particularly severe. Let's take a scenario. Say that we were 90
days late. Say we did not -- the board did not adopt an EAR until
March the 1st. The consequences are -- is during -- and the county
attorney can correct me if I make a misstatement here. The
consequences of during that interim period between January 1 and the
adoption of an EAR is that we are not, quote, allowed to adopt any
additional plan amendments during that period.
As a matter of fact, we generally in the period January
to April do not adopt plan amendments anyway because our cycle does
not run in that -- so that we adopt plan amendments during that
period.
Additionally we're asking the board as part of their
resolution to direct us not to initiate or entertain any amendments
during this process which are not either totally necessary or
discretionary or not necessary for health, safety, and welfare. So we
don't expect a large amendment package during that period.
The consequences are primarily administrative. In the
event that ultimately we submitted no EAR at all, of course, the
department can take administrative remedies.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: But certainly if -- if we were to
issue interim reports to the DCA as to the progress we're making and
the anticipated time frame that I for one don't understand why they
wouldn't accept the fact that we're not just doing an EAR but we're
doing a major teevaluation.
MR. LITSINGER: I don't see that as a problem. I think
that we're going to have enough interaction with the department and
possibly yet to be determined with the Regional Planning Council, Mr.
Daultry's organization, that the activities in process will obviously
be underway. And I don't believe that the department has any
particular interest in any action relative to a submittal. In fact,
the rules and the statutes don't provide them with a remedy unless
they determine that we're simply not making progress.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'd just '-
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Mac'Kie?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: -- briefly like to add my
endorsement to -- to the comments about the advisory boards and -- and
be sure that we don't assign work to people who have volunteered to do
specific jobs.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Might I suggest that -- that the
approach there may be --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I'm sorry, Madam Chairman -- that
the approach there may be that informing the element and subelement
committees that an open invitation to the appropriate advisory
committees be issued to form the hub of a -- of a CAC, an ad hoc CAC?
Again, I'm attempting to get this resolution -- MR. LITSINGER: I understand.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: -- to a workable level that
incorporates your concerns and your ideas but also doesn't lay the
burden of the work on a single advisory committee.
MR. LITSINGER: I think I'm hearing -- the consensus of
the board here is that you're not particularly endorsing our proposal
which is fine. I have no problem with that. It seems to be that you
agree with their proposal, that the process is more important than the
January 1 date which I think we should still try to come as close to
as We Can.
I -- I might suggest hearing your comments since that --
if we're talking about ad hoc citizens advisory committee that they
would have to be established by ordinance I believe.
MR. CUYLER: Not if -- if they're -- if they're ad hoc
and they're going to be approximately a year or less, they can be done
by resolution.
MR. LITSINGER: By resolution? I think we might --
under these circumstances might want to consider -- and I had been
reluctant to propose it due to the time frames or because I thought
that the process of establishing the citizens advisory committee in
and of itself would be time consuming.
We might want to consider the approach we took initially
in the development of the plan. We had a -- a -- first a 21-member
citizens advisory committee which was later expanded to 25 members due
to quorum issues. That was further broken into subcommittees. It
would involve a much more complicated process of -- of soliciting
interested applicants from various fields of interest in the community
based -- and we can use as a guideline the original ordinance. I
think that it would make our schedule slip, but it sounds to me as if
the board is -- is more leaning in that direction.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: I -- I would agree with that.
And I -- again, I don't want it to be lost. I commend you for trying
to adhere to the schedule, and you've brought us an option. Just from
the input we've had from citizens or I've had individually from
citizens, I think that would be the road to go that -- that would
benefit the community the greatest.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I -- I think I agree with that
especially in lieu of the -- of the recent court decisions with the --
the Schneider Act and the -- and the recent decision of this board in
which there's ongoing litigation that we -- we need to take a harder
look at what -- at -- at what the foundation is that our staff and the
planning commission are working under and then it gets to this level
and we say, hold it, wait a minute, I'm not sure we want to do that.
And -- and we've said that now on a couple of
occasions. And I'm not convinced at this point that the petitioner
rightfully moves forward, goes into court to get his petition approved
from a judicial point of view and -- and yet we -- we still have the
same rules where this board has said we don't want to do something and
yet we haven't -- haven't changed the rules yet to keep it from
happening in the future.
So that's where I think we need to be looking at is --
is does our current land development code, future land use, and master
plans and so forth for the various components of Collier County -- is
it really what the citizens want? These plans are five or six years
old now. Things change quickly.
So I'm -- I'm endorsing what you're saying. I -- I
think it's a good idea. And I -- I'm not too terribly concerned based
on what Mr. Litsinger has said that January the 1st, 1996, is a fast
and firm date. I would just as soon issue interim reports of what
we're doing so that we get to the right conclusion and not just a time
limit.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: So let me make sure that I'm clear
on what we're going to do with the advisory committees.
MR. LITSINGER: Okay. If we could turn to the
resolution that we prepared for your consideration, it starts out on
your agenda on page 25 --
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Uh-huh. I have the list of those
committees in front of me. Some of them look appropriate. Some of
them are --
MR. LITSINGER: I'll have to tell you that there's force
fits in some circumstances, and we felt that we had to at least
propose that to you in essence of -- time being of the essence.
I think the consensus of the board -- and I know that
some of the board members were involved in the original plan
preparation process. To brief you on what took place for the public
participation element of the original plan preparation was the
appointment of a citizens advisory committee or preparation of the
growth management plan consisting of 21 members from the community
representing varied interests, community -- excuse me, development,
citizens at large, environmental groups. We have a -- the original
ordinance which is what I would propose to bring back to you at
another advertised public hearings.
The structure would be pri -- pretty much identical in
that I believe we would probably recommend 25 members to be further
broken down into subcommittees based on particular interest of the
applicants to review each element, make final consolidated EAR review
by the total CAC. It would involve any number of public workshops at
the discretion of the citizens advisory committees and their
subcommittees. I'm going to tell you up front it's -- it's going to
be a very comprehensive process.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Okay. So you're -- what you're
saying is that -- that instead of having these separate elements done
by separate committees here as outlined in the resolution that you're
going to take a more global approach and have a larger committee with
perhaps subcommittees on that. MR. LITSINGER: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Okay. That's acceptable to me
then.
MR. LITSINGER: And I would ask -- when we reach that
consensus I'd ask for some further direction as to the way you would
like us to draft this -- it might save time -- draft this ordinance
before we bring it to you at a public hearing. I have a couple
clarifications I would request.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are you talking an ordinance or a
resolution?
MR. LITSINGER: The last time the CAC was established by
ordinance. I believe the -- this could go over a year.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Do we need to do an ordinance,
Mr. Cuyler, to establish --
MR. CUYLER: It depends on how long they're going to
be. If they're going to be a year or less, you can do it by
resolution.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Excuse me -- Commissioner
Matthews?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Mac'Kie?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: It seems to me that -- that in
the good faith effort to meet the deadline we ought to at least start
this anticipating that we're going to -- we're going to establish a
committee with a life of less than a year or we're setting out to
ignore the deadline.
MR. CUYLER: Yeah, I would -- I was going to say at some
point that is a deadline. I mean, you were asking what happens if we
go over the deadline. But obviously as with anything else, that's
what you want to be shooting for. If you happen to go over, then
we'll have to deal with that.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: And if we get to 11 months and 29
days, we can do an ordinance.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Or a new resolution.
MR. CUYLER: You'll -- you'll extend your resolution if
that's what it is.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: All right. My preference would be
to go ahead right away with a resolution rather than to go through the
ordinance process.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Me too.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Do we want to -- do we want to
have a motion on this today, or do we want to direct staff to rewrite
the resolution and bring it back at the next meeting?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I -- I think it would be
appropriate to --
MR. DORRILL: We have one speaker too.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have one speaker?
MR. DORRILL: Yes, ma'am.
MR. LITSINGER: As information with regard to the
original ordinance, the original ordinance had a sunset of adoption of
the growth management plan, a specific sunset of the ad hoc
committee. Here again the question is whether or not the ad hoc
committee would sunset on adoption of the report or adoption of the
subsequent amendments. There again, we're looking at a much larger
time frame.
I would suggest upon adoption of the EAR which would
leave the -- if we shoot for January 1, we can spell that date out in
the resolution. And if we need to make various changes, we can do
that at a later date.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Mac'Kie?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Is it more complicated than this,
Mr. Litsinger, that we could adopt your resolution but -- but
substituting that an ad hoc CAC be appointed, a 25-member ad hoc CAC
be appointed, in substitution for this list of advisory boards to
review the elements and subelements? MR. LITSINGER: Yes, ma'am.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Could we just do that today?
MR. LITSINGER: Yes. And then we will come back to you
probably at your next regular meeting -- we'll have to do it -- it's
going to be a resolution. So we'll come back to your next -- at your
next meeting with a proposed resolution based --
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I guess what I'm asking is
couldn't I -- couldn't I today move approval of the resolution with a
substitution of instead of these advisory boards for reviews of
elements and subelements that a 25-member ad hoc committee be
established and then we could start today instead of later?
MR. LITSINGER: We can go further. And again, I'll ask
the county attorney to correct me if I make a mistake. You could I
think in your resolution direct us to come back to you with a
resolution that is drafted along the lines of ordinance 87-7 which was
your original CAC ordinance. The difference between the resolution
and the ordinance is the time frame.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Before we get to the
motion, let's hear from the public. MR. DORRILL: Mr. Neron.
MR. NERON: Madam Chair, members of the board, for the
record I'm Bill Neron, director of government affairs for the Economic
Development Council.
Last fall the Government Affairs Committee of the EDC
appointed a subcommittee to sort of monitor the progress of the county
and become involved in this important evaluation and appraisal report
process. We did have some concerns about the public participation
process that was originally proposed. It appears that the board is
going in a direction to broaden that process. We applaud that effort
and look forward to working with you on this most important endeavor.
Thank you very much.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you, Mr. Neron. So do we
have a motion?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Just a question for the county
attorney. Is -- would it -- would it be appropriate -- would a --
would a motion be thorough enough if I -- if I moved that we approved
this resolution with a substitution for these re -- review by advisory
boards to say that a 25-member CAC would be adopted in -- along the
lines of the former CAC for adoption? I mean, does it have to be more
specific than that? I just hate a resolution -- MR. CUYLER: I'll tell you what --
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: -- and another resolution.
MR. CUYLER: Yeah, I know. I'll tell you what we can
do, though. We're going to have to eventually adopt another
resolution to appoint the members. So what you can do is go ahead and
make the motion the way you want to put the general -- not -- not the
specific structure but generally what you want for item number 7 in
the resolution.
Then when we bring back the resolution appointing the
membership, we'll put their powers and duties and such into that
resolution as well so that we'll accomplish both and won't hold
anything up.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Okay. Then I -- then I move
approval of this resolution with a substitution for paragraph 7 that a
25-member ad hoc committee be appointed by resolution of the board for
the purposes described in paragraph 7.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion. Is there a
second?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Second.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Couple of seconds. Motion by
Commissioner Hac'Kie, second by Commissioner Norris. The motion as
described is to substitute --
MR. CUYLER: And if you'll give us --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: -- a citizen advisory committee.
MR. CUYLER: And if you give us a little discretion,
we'll write that up for you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Fine. Commissioner
Hac'Kie, there's a second resolution in the package that's a work plan
and schedule. Did you want to handle that also?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Yes. I'd move approval of that
work plan and schedule.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Would the second accept that?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. We have a motion and a
second for two resolutions, one for the committee and the second one
for the work plan. Is there any further discussion?
There being none, I'll call the question. All those in
favor please say aye.
Opposed?
There being none, motion passes five-zero.
MR. LITSINGER: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you, Mr. Litsinger.
Item #SD1
TEMPORARY DISPOAL METHOD OF LIQUID WASTE FROM THE ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM
AT NORTH COUNTY WATER TREATMENT PLANT - STAFF RECOMHENDATION APPROVED
AND STAFF DIRECTED TO EXPLORE PERMANENT SOLUTION AMD DISPUTE WITH
ENGINEER
Next item is 8-D-l, approval of a temporary disposal
method for liquid waste.
MR. MCNEES: Good morning, Madam Chairman,
Commissioners. Mike McNees representing your utilities division.
I'm here this morning ultimately to get your approval of
a budget amendment but probably more importantly to inform you and
update you on the reason that we need that.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: You always bring the most
pleasant things to us, Mr. McNees.
MR. MCNEES: Yes, ma'am. My job's a lot of fun.
We have a situation at your new north regional water
treatment plant where as you -- as you well know we have an injection
well through which we dispose of the concentrate that is a reject
product of the membrane softening process. We put anywhere from a
half a million gallons to 1.2 to 1.3 million gallons per day of this
concentrate down this deep well without a problem.
There is a second waste stream source that comes off the
degasifier or the odor control units at that plant that's of a
magnitude which is considerably smaller, anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000
to 15,000 gallons per day, that the -- the employees at that plant
discovered a couple of months ago that at the point where those two
waste streams mix to go down the deep well, the chemical properties of
that -- of those two streams were such that a precipitant was formed
that eventually turned into a very hard substance, almost like a
plaster of Paris or -- or some sort of a hard solid substance.
And staff immediately became concerned that if we
continued to pump that solution down the injection well that there
would be a potential at some point that the injection well be fouled.
They immediately called on our contract hauler that we have an
existing bid for emergency waste hauling and began to haul that liquid
waste stream which is, again, a relatively small volume from the odor
control towers to the sewage lift station which I believe the nearest
one is -- is somewhere near the Vineyards and that that material is
then -- is now being sent to our waste water treatment plant.
Long-term solution to this problem is probably going to
be the construction of a force main to take this piece of the waste
stream and take it to the north regional waste water treatment plant.
Now, you may ask, shouldn't the design engineer have
known enough about the chemical properties of these two waste streams
to have avoided this? And I'm going to say absolutely I think yes.
We have had discussions with -- with the design engineer. They feel
like the potential for problems with the injection well is relatively
slight. They feel like that probably the first step is to study a
little bit more in detail the chemical properties of this precipitate
which we don't necessarily disagree with.
I can tell you that we've poked and prodded and
dissolved and -- and, you know, every chemical solution that we can
think of, our chemists have approached and tried to find some process
means to deal with this and have been unsuccessful I guess to this
point.
I guess to describe where it stands with the engineer,
we have somewhat of a disagreement on whether they have any
responsibility for the interim costs we have had here. If there was
an omission on their part, they did not design a force main, we would
have had to pay for that anyway, and we will probably pay for that.
But the question is who pays for all these interim costs that we
should not have incurred.
And -- and I'm telling you I can't answer that right
now, but we will pursue that. And obviously there's a lot of other
issues with the close-out of this plant, so this is going to be very
complicated.
But for immediate purposes, staff feels very strongly
that the risk of potential and the cost of filing of that injection
well is not worth continuing to pump this solution down. And for the
cost that we're incurring, it's much more worthwhile to continue to
haul it away while we develop a long-term solution.
We would propose to be back with you within two to three
weeks with an analysis of a force main versus the hauling cost versus
potential chemical solutions and then let you tell us how to solve
this problem in the long haul. Hopefully by then we'll have some
better answers about -- about the engineer's position on this, and --
and we'll tell you those then.
What we're asking for today, you recently approved a
contract for leachate hauling at the landfill at a piece rate that's
considerably lower than our emergency hauling contract. That vendor
has agreed to do this hauling for us at that price. We have to put a
storage tank there that we'll also rent from him which is relatively
inexpensive.
So we're asking essentially for your permission to -- to
use that solid waste leachate hauling bid to do this hauling and
secondly, to approve a budget amendment in the amount of -- I believe
it's $116,000 -- yes, $116,500 to fund this hauling through the end of
fiscal '95 if that should be necessary.
And with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions. I
have Randy Geraghty, a chief operator from the plant, if you want to
get any more into the technical issues of all this.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris?
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Mr. McNees, is the concern from a
standpoint of particulate in this waste stream clogging the -- the
disposal well, is that -- MR. MCNEES: Yes.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Is that correct?
MR. MCNEES: Yes.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Okay. Do we have two disposal
wells? Do we have a back-up?
MR. MCNEES: We do not. As you know --
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: We're using a single tube on
this?
MR. MCNEES: We've come -- that's one of the reasons why
we're anxious to get the back-up well. One of the reasons this is
more critical, we do not have the back-up well yet, and -- and so we
don't feel like it's a good idea to take any chances.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Have we -- have we investigated
the practicality and the economic feasibility of an acid treatment or
some such treatment to the injection well if -- if it did become
clogged?
MR. MCNEES: We have studied various chemical
alternatives to either try to present -- prevent the precipitate in
the first place and through that, yes, what will dissolve it and that
sort of thing. We don't feel like there is a feasible solution for if
there were a clog. We think it's much wiser to avoid it entirely.
We don't have any definitive -- we can't say -- first, I
can't honestly say the well would ever clog. And I think the
engineers are saying we may be reacting a little too strongly. I
personally don't think that. I think we're being very prudent. If it
were to clog, I can't stand here and tell you yes, there's a way we
can unclog it. So I'm -- chemically.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: And -- but we have investigated --
MR. HCNEES: Yes, we have, a number.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: -- with people like Slumbojay
(phonetic) or Halaburton (phonetic) or someone who do these things on
a routine basis.
MR. HCNEES: One of the things that the engineer is
recommending is that we -- we get another water quality consultant of
some sort to -- to review this. I can tell you that our chemists that
work for us have -- have been working on this from every conceivable
angle from the day this problem was discovered. And so far they
haven't come up with a feasible chemical solution. But we'll sure
continue to pursue that.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Any other questions? I have one,
Mr. HcNees, and that -- that is that the executive summary refers to
this as a design omission. And our -- and I understand that -- that
Boyle Engineering may not feel that it's quite the problem that our
staff feels that it is. But we have engineers that re -- review
design plans. And I -- I guess that my question is when those plans
were reviewed, it must have been obvious that they were going to
intermix these two waste streams.
MR. HCNEES: And it's not the fact that the streams are
being intermixed. It's not a mechanical problem where if someone
would look at a set of plans -- it's a chemical problem where the
plans don't address the chemical constituents or the properties of the
two waste streams.
And I don't know, short of the chief chemist at the --
at the water plant perhaps having had that thought at some point had
he been able to review the plans, which he probably didn't, anywhere
in the county's process that that might have arisen. I think that's
what we pay an expert in membrane softening technology to design a
facility like this for because they're supposed to know this sort of
thing. We don't have a membrane plant.
This is obviously a lesson learned for us. But I can't
honestly say where in the county's review process we could have or
should have seen this. It's -- even the experts didn't anticipate it,
and they didn't see it. And I believe they should have, and that's
something we'll certainly discuss further with them.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I -- I just -- I guess I'm just a
little bit disheartened that this north plant continues to have
problems. And they're not contract problems; they're design
problems.
MR. MCNEES: Absolutely. And while he's in the room,
I'll point out Randy Geraghty who's the chief operator of that plant.
The staff up there has done an exceptional job of bringing that plant
to a full operating status. They've been working with the neighbors
up there to resolve some of the noise problems and issues that they've
had up there. And they have got that plant calibrated and operating.
And they have taken that load on themselves throughout the close-out
of this construction process. And they've done a great job. They
have really, really worked hard. And I recognize Randy while he's
sitting there.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I agree. The operating staff I
think has done a marvelous job in trying to remedy the problems, and
the -- the problems stem from prior to the project being handed over
to the operating staff. And I guess that's -- that's a continuing
concern that I have. Any other questions?
MR. MCNEES: And I agree the shake-out of that is --
remains to take place.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Any other questions? Do we have
a motion?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I think there's a hesitation on a
motion because I'm sitting here with the feeling that are we going
after Boyle for what we feel was an incomplete job? And I -- I don't
know the status of that. I don't know whether we're going to be
reimbursed for these costs.
I understand that -- that it obviously makes sense to
put it elsewhere rather than clogging the only deep injection well we
have. This is one of those decisions I don't think we like to make
but have to. But I -- I would feel a better or greater level of
comfort knowing that we are going to pursue Boyle with all haste.
MR. DORRILL: We -- we -- we have two different issues
here. The -- there is a claim and a dispute of that claim between the
owner, the county, and the general contractor over a wide variety of
-- of issues that pertained in the delay of the original plan.
County has retained the law firm of Carlton, Fields in Tampa to
develop our strategy for what may ultimately be a trial.
As part of that, Boyle is -- is integral because they
were the on-site construction superintendent to monitor construction
and to review pay requests for adherence to the schedule of values,
make sure we weren't overpaying them. We're still holding several
hundred thousand dollars, and failure to pay the final retainage is
part of that. Boyle is important as part of our team to attack the
general contractor.
The issue in this particular case has and will continue
to be discussed with Carlton, Fields, that being the error or omission
on the part of Boyle to anticipate and/or design for the separate
source of -- of waste water that comes from the plant.
I will tell you it's been my experience that to try and
hold a -- either an architect or an engineer responsible for a design
error is difficult with the exception of getting them to provide as
part of their original fee the design necessary for whatever
alternative is selected.
I don't think we're to the point yet where we know
whether we really have a bona fide problem there. And I'm not willing
to recommend a force main until such time that we've exhausted other
alternatives. And the one that I suggested was given the chemical
properties of this water -- it's a very alkaline source of water --
can we not just have some type of septic tank and drain field on site
to be able to just dispose of this minor amount of water. That's one
example. It would be far less expensive than trying to construct a
force main to dispose of that.
And until we get a final report and recommendation,
we're not suggesting what, if any, fix is necessary during the
interim. We found a cheaper way to truck the water, and that's what
your staff is asking you to do, and I'm supporting that.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Let me make -- try to make a
motion then, Miss Chairman. I make a motion that we approve the
interim measure here and further that we direct staff to continue to
explore a permanent solution, and the solution may include any of the
number of alternatives that have been discussed here today from
chemical retreatment of the well to a drain field to a force main, any
of those alternatives plus any other alternative we may not have
discussed here at this meeting that would be economically feasible and
further that we direct staff to explore the -- the dispute that we may
have with the engineer over the appropriateness of their
recommendation and see if there's any resolution to be gained there.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion. Is there a
second?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion by Commissioner
Norris, a second by Commissioner Mac'Kie. I'm not going to rephrase
the motion. It was quite lengthy. But if there's no further
discussion, I'll call the question. All those in favor please say
aye.
Opposed?
There being no one opposed, motion passes five-zero.
MR. MCNEES: Thank you very much.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
Item #10A
EXTRA GAIN TIME FOR INMATE NO. 56034 - DENIED
Next item on the agenda is under the Board of County
Commissioners, and it is 10-A, extra gain time. COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Motion to approve.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion to approve. Is
there discussion on the motion or a second?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: My only point of discussion is
looking at the crime, violation of county probation, breach of peace,
resisting arrest without violence, a second crime, violation of county
probation also, resisting or obstructing an officer without violence,
I'm not inclined to -- to off -- to agree with extra gain time for
someone who has a continued approach to resisting arrest and standing
in the way or obstructing justice, so I'm not as favorable on that.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I concur.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I concur also.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: So do I.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have four, so I -- I presume
the motion will not be seconded and it will die for that reason. This
person will not be granted extra gain time.
Also for the staff to know, the sheriff has sent me a
letter regarding extra gain time and the policy of the BCC. And on
staff communications this afternoon, I had planned to discuss that
with the board if we wanted to make changes in the recommendations.
So we'll move on.
Item #10B
RESOLUTION 95-67, APPOINTING CLEMENT MCHAHON AND JAMES THORSEN TO THE
HOMELESS ADVISORY COHMITTEE - ADOPTED
Next item, 10-B, appointment of members to the Homeless
Advisory Committee. Miss Filson?
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Miss Filson, we have two
appointments. We have three names. One of those has withdrawn, and
we had one person turn in late.
MS. FILSON: That's correct.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: So we had two who turned
theirs in and are still eligible to fill two positions?
MS. FILSON: Yes. And -- and the advisory committee
after I had already prepared the executive summary had recommended
that Mr. Thorsen be appointed in Miss Fiscina's place.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I'll make a motion that we
appoint Clement M. McMahon and James E. Thorsen. COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Second.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Before calling the question on
that, I do want to say that I agree with the board's policy that --
that things that are received late are difficult. But I do want to
commend the person that submitted late. I would ask that they apply
at the next available opportunity because I think they're a
well-qualified candidate. And hopefully they'll be within the time
frame on the next one because I -- I think they offer a great value to
-- potentially to the Homeless Advisory Committee.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second.
Is there further discussion on the motion?
There being none, I'll call the question. All those in
favor of the appointment of Clement McMahon and James Thorsen please
say aye.
Those opposed?
There being none, motion passes five-zero.
Mr. Const -- Commissioner Constantine, do you have any
recommendation as to who should serve which term, or do you want them
to draw straws?
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I have no recommendation.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: I thought it was part of the
staff report. There was a recommendation made. Oh, that was for
Katherine. Sorry.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: That was for Katherine.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: Oh, okay. I'm sorry.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Katherine was not appointed.
MS. FILSON: Would you like me to work with staff in --
in recommending those, or do you want it brought back? If --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I don't think we need it brought
back. I just think we -- I mean, Commissioner Constantine said that
they can decide amongst themselves which one is to serve which term.
MS. FILSON: Okay. If -- if they decide amongst
themselves, they need to bring it back in the form of a resolution.
Otherwise we can include it in the appointment resolution.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: If you bring that back, it
can go on a consent agenda.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yeah.
MS. FILSON: Okay.
Item #10C
RESOLUTION 95-68 REAPPOINTING WILLIAM PENNELL AND FRANCES TIFT TO THE
OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD - ADOPTED
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Next item is 10-C, appointment of
members to the Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Board.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Madam Chairman, seeing that
there are two members opening and two applicants, I'll make a motion
that we fill those two positions with those two applicants.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second.
Is there discussion on the motion?
Being none, I'll call the question. All those in favor
please say aye.
Opposed?
There being none, motion passes five-zero.
Item #10D
RESOLUTION 95-69 APPOINTING FREDERICK FLATTO, THOMAS C. BROWN, BERNON
W. YOUNG, CORA P. OBLEY AND ANTHONY P. PIRES, JR. TO THE PELICAN BAY
HSTBU ADVISORY COHMITTEE - ADOPTED
Next item is 10-D, appointment of members to the Pelican
Bay HSTBU Advisory Committee.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I -- I had a -- a -- some
difficulty with this. We have two people that are currently on the
board that requested reappointment and apparently were not voted for
that. And I -- it has been the -- the recent history of this board to
respect the appointment of the committees that they bring forth. And
I agree with that.
However, I do notice that one of the people, a resident
new appointment, and one of the existing -- or one of the other people
to be reappointed, both Hiss Cora Obley and Hiss Suzanne Doff, are not
only in the same industry but work in the same office. They're both
not only in real estate, but they both work for I think Hunt Real
Estate Group.
And I just thought that -- I have absolutely nothing
against either person. I think they're both terrific to the board.
But in the encouragement of diversity, that -- that raises a question
for me, that we would probably want a broad -- as broad a base on
these HSTBUs as possible.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Just I have to say too I think
Fred Flatto's done a magnificent job on that board, and I was
disappointed to see him not on the recommended -- recommended list
so --
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I was -- I was disappointed but
not surprised because Fred is -- is -- Fred speaks his mind.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Yeah, I like that.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: And he's very, very
straightforward, and I agree with you. I -- I hate to be the hatchet
person, but simply because Hiss Obley and Hiss Dorr both are not only
in the same profession but even work in the same office and then
trying to encourage diversity on the boards, I would like to see Mr.
Flatto appointed, and possibly I -- I guess Thomas C. Brown is the
other person that was -- that was recommended.
I guess I'll make a motion that Mr. Thomas C. Brown and
Mr. Frederick Flatto be appointed to the HSTBU Advisory Committee for
Pelican Bay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: That's two. We need five.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I'm sorry. The other three I --
I don't have any questions about: Bernie Young, Cora Obley, and
Anthony Pires along with Mr. Flatto and Mr. Thomas C. Brown.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: So you're substituting --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Flatto for Suzanne Doff.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Correct, and only because of --
of the -- trying to reach the diversity on the -- on the HSTBU as much
as --
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I'll second the motion.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second.
Is there further discussion?
There being none, I'll call the question. All those in
favor please say aye.
Opposed?
There being none, motion passes five-zero for the
appointment of Frederick Flatto, Bernon Young, Thomas C. Brown, Cora
Obley, and Anthony Pires to the Pelican Bay MSTBU.
Item #10E
PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE TDC CATEGORY "C" FUNDING CRITERIA - TDC TO
EXPLORE BCC SUGGESTIONS
Next item on the agenda, 10-E, a proposed change to TDC
category C funding criteria.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: The -- I want to run this by
the board, and this will ultimately need to go through the TDC and
have some legal format put to us and come back to us for a final
vote. But I wanted to kind of run this through and get a feeling from
you all.
This past year we put roughly 2.6 million aside for
beach renourishment, beach and pass renourishment. We put what's
approaching now a million dollars towards category B which is
promotion of the area for off-season tourism.
We awarded only about $145,000 for category C which are
special event funding. And we have in the neighborhood of $800,000
set aside for category C. It says a lot to me, and it -- particularly
the way some of the applications for category C funds came this past
year when I was chairman for the TDC. It says a lot that category C,
the criteria for that, is cumbersome, bureaucratic. It's not
conducive to trying to do what it -- what it was intended.
The special events obviously are to encourage more
summer tourism here, more off-season tourism. We have some very good
events. We had the pro bowlers tour come through. Last year I think
they booked 100 room night -- 500 room nights during the course of
that; had a big impact.
But we've had a pile of either unqualified applicants.
Or even if you tallied up all the applications, we still don't come
close to -- even the ones we turn down. We still don't come close to
that $800,000, and -- and it makes me think and I think it's very
apparent that the format we have discourages people, and we need to
change that.
The TDC has a subcommittee on tourism. And they met 12
days ago today. And they've made some specific suggestions. Among
those, right now, current law does not allow -- if a not-for-profit
agency or non-profit agency puts on an event, salaries or paying their
own employees who are likely paying -- working at that event can't be
included. They've either got to go lease people or bring in new
people or create a separate entity. There's a way to use your own
employees, but you've got to set up some bureaucratic nonsense to do
it.
The current funding match is you have to match dollar
for dollar. If you want $50,000 you have to put in at least 50, and
that can be half in kind, but still you have to put a
dollar-for-dollar match.
The subcommittee suggested changing each of those, first
that you would allow the not-profit groups to use their own staff
without creating all the extra paperwork to do it. I think that makes
sense.
They've also suggested that the match -- perhaps it
would encourage more people if the match was only 50 percent rather
than 100 percent. And -- and they've also suggested that a super
majority of the TDC be required to be considered an endorsement of any
event that would cost over half a million dollars.
We've only had -- I don't know -- I think we had one of
those which has since withdrawn. So we've never had any event
actually put on that was more than half a million dollars anyway.
Again, I --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Is that the funding would be half
a million or the event itself would be half a million, the budget for
it?
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: The funding I believe as they
have it worded, yeah, over 500,000 TDC funds, so not the event but the
TDC funds.
I'd like to -- just by way of history, at the last two
meetings of the TDC in 1994 there were a couple other changes. The
hotel industry came to us and suggested the percentage formula change,
and that-- that works.
But they also had suggested we roll that excess monies
over into category B, and I think maybe we're premature doing that.
Category C isn't working now, but I think that's probably our fault or
whomever put together, Ken -- whomever put together -- just kidding --
whomever put together the wording.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: It's always a lawyer's fault.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: No. All joking aside, it's
better that we were too cautious than too far the other way.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Agreed.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And I think now we need to
let that rope out a little and make it more workable. The -- I don't
know that now is the time to roll over those excess funds into
category B. I think now is the time to correct the problems we have.
And I've just got a couple suggestions on that. I'd
like to go a step further than what the subcommittee suggested, and I
kind of like this board's preliminary blessing anyway of the concept
before we ask the TDC to workshop it. And -- and I have spoken with a
number of the TDC members and also the hotel and motel industry about
the concept.
What I'd like to do is right now if you have a $100,000
event and you put $50,000 of that up and the TDC puts $50,000 of that
up, if you make a penny in revenue over that $100,000 total, you are
subject to return the overage, and you can also end up being subject
to return the entire grant. So you are running the risk of -- even if
you get a revenue the same amount that the event cost, of losing money
on the event.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And I think that's the big
discouraging factor on --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Can I interrupt?
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Sure.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Just on that point while -- while
we're still on it, it was my understanding that -- that yes, you would
have to return the funds if you made a profit. But I thought it was
only a return of profit up to the amount of the grant so that if you
had a $50,000 grant and you made a $2,000 profit, you had to give the
$2,000 back, that the entire grant was not subject.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Right. The example in my
case, you would -- for $100,000 event, any group would have to bring
in a hundred and -- in the scenario I outlined would have to bring in
150,000 before they'd see a penny -- CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: -- for themselves.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yeah, because the first 50,000
would have to go back.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Right. And it almost seems
as though we're penalizing people if their project is successful in
bringing people in.
What I'd like to do is create a ratio for percentage of
grant money that they would not be subject to return. In other words,
if they could fill -- in Collier County there are 5,000 rooms. If
they could fill half of those, if they could fill 2,500 rooms, then
you've got in the middle of July half your hotel rooms filled.
Obviously the restaurants and businesses and so on would get the
trickle down if it were -- as it were.
And I'd like to see maybe some formula there where if
you could fill half the rooms, you're only responsible for returning
half that grant. And my logic for that is the TDC funds are intended
to encourage off-season tourism. That's what they're intended to be
spent on. And if we can succeed, if a group can do that and succeed
and fill up half the rooms, they can fill up all the rooms in the
county, we shouldn't penalize them for doing that.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: No. I agree. And the flip side
of that is I would probably stop short today of endorsing specific
ideas --
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yeah, I don't want --
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: -- but obviously endorsing you
going to the TDC with these because there's -- there's a neat dual
role here. The more room nights that they create, not only does it
benefit them personally, the hotelier members of the TDC, but it
throws more money into the funding for beach renourishment and so
forth.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Right.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: So the more we can encourage them
and give them incentives to fill their hotels, the more money we have
for beach renourishment. It's a win-win situation.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I'd suggest a couple of
things. Anything under, say, 30 percent of the beds in the county
should be ineligible because if somebody has an event that brings 100
people to the county, I think we're going to do more paperwork than
it's worth there. But if -- my thought here is if you have a -- a
large event that's bringing in and having a definite impact on the
summer economy, we shouldn't be penalizing that. We should be
encouraging that.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hac'Kie?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Two comments. One is -- is I
want to be careful. I -- I think that the idea of reevaluating
category C monies is absolutely essential, and -- and I commend you
for that. I want to be careful, though, that we don't endorse
anything specific today so that we -- the door's wide open for
recommendations from the TDC.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Absolutely.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I agree.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: But my suggestion today is
only that -- kind of the broad concept and so we can send this to the
TDC for them to workshop. Obviously it has to go through them and
eventually come back to us for final vote anyway.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: And if there is a way that they
can internally reevaluate, you know, the application process for the
category C monies without having to go back through the bureaucracy,
I'd like to encourage them to do that.
And my second comment is do I understand there's like
$800,000 plus sitting somewhere, and -- and is it invested?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: In category C.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Is it -- is it earning interest,
and is it invested wisely?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I presume it is.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: It's in Commissioner
Constantine's personal savings account. Just kidding.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: It is sitting, but it is
earning interest.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes, it is earning. On -- on the
category C funds, another item that we may want to ask the TDC to take
a look at because I'm not even sure that it's includible in -- in the
current ordinance for what we use these funds for. But I've been --
been sitting with the film commission for Collier County on some
meetings, and I think we're -- we're all aware of the hugely
successful Just Cause that filmed here last year. Warner Brothers put
some eight or nine million dollars into the economy of Collier County
in about a two -- two-month period. And at the same time we had
Captiva going on.
And there's some thought in the community that we could
attract and have a lot more filming going on in Collier County. And,
of course, the filming credits would give Collier County Tourist
Development Council some credits for having -- having funded part of
or all of a -- a film commission office.
Some -- some of the numbers being tossed around are for
the first year maybe a hundred or a hundred and ten thousand dollars
including start-up costs. But some ongoing operational expenses --
and I think that's where we run into problems with the TDC is
operational expenses. And that would essentially be a salary of one
or one and a half people and, you know, the standard electric, phones,
and so forth.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Just my -- my only comment is
with a careful eye toward being sure that -- that we are generating
hotel room revenues.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Well, Just Cause was 3,000
rooms.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Then that would be a good thing
to do.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Three thousand room nights. So
that's -- that's a good thing. Commissioner Constantine.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I think -- and we'll get
into, I'm sure, another time a full discussion on the film thing. I
think what I -- might be a nice start to that, there are any number of
industry type shows around the country. And this spring -- I don't
know what the release date is, but it's sometime for early summer.
MAy or June is the proposed release date for Just Cause.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: It's been moved to February.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Is it February?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes. In fact, I hope I'm not --
I hope I'm not too soon in saying this, but I think we're going to get
a film preview in -- in Naples in the middle of -- of February.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Gala event.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: So that -- that information will
be coming forth.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: It will shoot down my idea.
I was going to say we could go to -- we should have a representative
at a show the time that comes out. That's not to say if it's a smash
hit that we still can't do that in April or May while it's still a --
a large hit. But I would think we'd want to take advantage of the
good will and the attention of a -- a successful film while it's out
there.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes. Most certainly.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Rent your limo now.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Just a final thought on the
category C item is the toughest part of what I've suggested is going
to be quantifying the number of room nights. And I've talked with
some of the hoteliers about that, and one of the things they are very
successful -- we're very lucky to have some of the most successful and
sophisticated resort hotels in the world right here in Collier
County. And they can track their advertising, what's working, what's
not working. And they know from where they're generating the most
interest. So they do have the ability to track that. And some of
them have expressed some interest in trying to pin down how they can
quantify that.
But again, I just wanted to kind of get a preliminary
blessing with the idea that it has to go through all the appropriate
thing. But I think it's important that we go through and try to
adjust that category C so that the groups out there who are interested
in participating aren't being penalized for it.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I concur with that.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Uh-huh.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We've got a chunk of change
sitting there waiting to be used and not being used.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: I also concur. It's -- it's
fairly obvious since we have all that money laying around in that
account that nobody's found a way to utilize that we need to do
something with category C. If -- if the TDC can come up with a
reasonable solution, something that makes if more workable, that's
fine. If -- if they can't, I'm certainly not opposed to eliminating
category C and doing something different with the money.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: So, Mr. Con -- Commissioner
Constantine, do you want this brought up under new business at the
next TDC meeting?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yeah, I'll put together an
executive summary for you if you'd like.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: If you would, I'd appreciate
that. Thank you.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Thank you for bringing it up.
Appreciate that.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Thanks.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: It's the right thing to do.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We'll -- we'll find a way to
spend that money yet.
Item #11A
VOTING MACHINE ACQUISITION - APPROVED
MR. DORRILL: Madam Chairman, I just want to advise you
that you have one public comment today which will be the next item on
the agenda.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have one item --
MR. DORRILL: I'm sorry.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: -- coming up yet for the voting
machine.
MR. DORRILL: I'm sorry. Ms. Morgan is here.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We're going to now handle item
ll-A. It's an add-on item from the elections office regarding voting
-- voting machines. Miss Morgan, do you want to --
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Cuyler?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Motion to approve.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Second.
MS. MORGAN: Okay. That's my kind of motion.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second.
Is there any discussion?
There being none, I'll call the question. All those in
favor please say aye.
MS. MORGAN: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Opposed?
There are none opposed. Motion passes.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Miss Morgan always has these very
persuasive arguments for her needs.
MS. MORGAN: Could I digress for one moment? Have you
all reached any more definite opinion about this mail ballot election
in September?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: No, we've not yet.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
We'll move onto the public comment.
MR. DORRILL: Mr. Tuff.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Dorrill, we have one.
MR. DORRILL: Yes, ma'am. Mr. Tuff, if you would,
please, sir.
MR. TUFF: I'm Roy Tuff. I represent Tuff
Publications. We have the shopper here in town, a Golden Gate
Gazette, the Senior Times, and the Everglades Echo. I'm here today.
I talked with Sandy Tropasso (phonetic), the publisher of the Marco
Island Eagle. And I would understand the bids for publishing the
legal notices have to be submitted in January. And we would be
interested in pursuing a joint bid, and I don't know that it's come
up, and I'd like to bring it up and see if that's possible.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Dorrill, have those requests
for bids gone out yet?
MR. DORRILL: I don't know. I'll take Mr. Tuff at his
word, though. And if he says that they're scheduled to go out in
January, I believe that your purchasing department is responsible for
coordinating the legal notices that you are responsible for. There's
always a separate issue annually as it involves delinquent taxes, and
I think that the tax collector is responsible for coordinating the
bidding for that.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I think this -- I think last
year we had to by law -- help me with this -- but by law we had to
make that decision by the end of the month of January or -- I'm trying
to remember. There was a deadline last year. And I think the Naples
Daily News was the only respondent last year.
MR. DORRILL: The Naples Daily News has historically
been the primary or only respondent and then the successful bidder, if
you will, on legal or public notices. My understanding is that the
statutes require a -- I think the definition is a newspaper of general
circulation. And the board will need to make a finding that anyone
who does bid meets that criteria and then award full or partial bids
as they see fit.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Is -- is it possible that we
could -- well, number one, Mr. Tuff has talked about a joint pro --
proposal from both themselves and the MArco Island Eagle which would
then cover MArco Island, all of Golden Gate Estates, all of Everglades
City. And a significant population receives this paper free of
charge, don't they, through the mail, Mr. Tuff? MR. TUFF: The Golden Gate, yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes. Is -- is it possible --
and I guess it's a question for Mr. Cuyler -- that we could
distribute the issues according to the relevance and the part of the
county that they're in? For instance, if all of ZIP Code 333 -- what
is it? -- 33999 -- that's my ZIP Code -- and 33964 which is Golden
Gate Gazette's coverage, if everyone in that mailing area gets that
paper through the mail, is that considered general circulation for an
issue that affects that -- that group of people?
MR. CUYLER: We'll be happy to check. I'm going to need
to do some research on that. I assume that you're in a position to
submit your bid?
MR. TUFF: Oh, absolutely.
MR. CUYLER: So I think they can go forward either way.
And I'll get an answer as quick as I can on that.
MR. DORRILL: If -- if there's an impending deadline, my
suggestion would be for them to evaluate, and I'll have the purchasing
department contact them. If they want to submit what is a joint
venture type bid or proposal in conjunction with another paper -- and
specifically the one on MArco -- I think that's an intriguing
concept. Offhand I don't know why we would have a problem with it.
But I'll have Mr. Camell discuss that with the gentleman hopefully
while he's here.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine?
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Let me just make sure I get
this. Mr. Tuff, you said the Gazette, which goes East Naples, Golden
Gate, Golden Gate Estates.
MR. TUFF: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: MArco Island Eagle?
MR. TUFF: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And Everglades Echo?
MR. TUFF: Right.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And any -- do you have --
MR. TUFF: Well, we could put them in the shopper too.
There wouldn't be -- it's not a legal newspaper. You have to have a
second class mailing permit in order to be. But I mean, there's
nothing stopping you as long as -- actually all you would have to do
is publish in one paper to fulfill your legal obligation.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Do you do -- do you guys
publish Senior --
MR. TUFF: Senior Times.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Senior Times? And what's --
where is that distributed?
MR. TUFF: That's a monthly throughout the county. That
would probably be not very workable.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Okay.
MR. DORRILL: Max Haas likes that.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: So I presume then, Mr. Tuff,
you're going to go ahead and submit a proposal?
MR. TUFF: I don't know how that is done I guess. We've
never done it before. We've been here five years. And to my
knowledge we've never been invited to -- we've never pursued it to my
knowledge either.
MR. DORRILL: I'll step out of the room for just a
second and see if Mr. Camell is -- is available. If there is an
impending deadline, this gentleman needs to know that today. If they
want to pursue a joint venture bid for proposal, he's going to have to
make a decision that that's in his own corporate best interests. I
don't think we ought to give him any advice in that regard.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I just -- I just -- I guess when
this comes back we're going to need an answer to my question, Mr.
Cuyler -- Mr. Cuyler, as to whether we can consider these newspapers
general circulation newspapers for at least the location that they're
in.
MR. CUYLER: Yeah, we'll do that long before it gets
back to you.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Cuyler, there's -- and
I'll ask you to look at this. But I assume there's nothing that
prohibits a joint venture such as that, more than one newspaper
combined.
MR. CUYLER: Offhand I would say no. I guess the
question is whether, quote, a newspaper of general circulation,
whether something inherent about the term newspaper that precludes it
from being more than one newspaper, but that's what we'll check.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Okay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay.
MR. TUFF: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you, Mr. Tuff. And it's
10:35, and we have finished the morning agenda, and I think I'd like
to take a ten-minute break, and we'll start with the afternoon
agenda. Recess for ten minutes.
(A short break was held.)
Item #12B1
ORDINANCE 95-2 RE PETITION R-94-6, HICHAEL SAADEH REPRESENTING ELITE
COHMUNITIES, INC. REQUESTING A REZONING FROM "E" ESTATES DISTRICT TO
RSF-5 SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF
BAILEY LANE APPROXIMATELY 1,200 FEET WEST OF AIRPORT-PULLING ROAD -
ADOPTED (COMPANION TO ITEM 13A1)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Reconvene the board of county
commission meeting for January 24. We are going to now move to the
advertised public hearings. The first item on the agenda seems to
have a companion item, 13-A-1. I would ask this board if we should
take them together.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: And we can do that. Do we need
two separate motions on them, Mr. Cuyler?
MR. CUYLER: When you get to that point, yes, you'll
take two separate motions. And, Madam Chairman, since again we're
dealing with quasi-judicial proceedings, we are going to swear in
those members of the audience that are going to -- to speak on this
item. And since our court reporter is a notary, from now on since
we're having verbatim transcripts made, we'll ask the court reporter
to swear those -- those persons in if you'd just ask them to stand
up.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: You have a question before we do
this?
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Just a comment. I had a
couple of letters in regards to this which as soon as I realized it
was in regards to this I set aside and asked Chris Brighton to make
part of today's record. But I didn't want -- under our quasi-judicial
hearings, that didn't influence me in any way pro or con.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yeah. I -- I did the same
thing. I got down to reference, and I saw conditional use 94-20 and
-- and stopped reading because --
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Same --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: For that very reason.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Same story for me.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Same story.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: I also received the
correspondence. I'll make my decision based on what I hear here this
morning.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I think we will all do that.
Would all those people who are here to give testimony on item 12-B-1
and 13-A-1 please stand.
THEREUPON,
ALL PROSPECTIVE WITNESSES,
having been first duly sworn, upon their oaths, testified as follows:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. With that we'll proceed.
Mr. Nino.
MR. NINO: Good morning, members of the commission. My
name is Ron Nino for the record presenting petition R-94-6 and its
companion petition, CU-94-20.
The property which is the subject of this petition is
located on Bailey Lane. Excuse me. I'm going to go to the board.
Bailey Lane is a street lying to the east of -- west of
Airport-Pulling Road by some 1,200 plus or minus feet. It includes a
two and a half acre portion directly on Bailey Lane and an additional
two and a half acre portion that's kitty corner not on Bailey Lane.
And we will talk about the issue of access.
The property -- the subject properties are currently
zoned E estates, and this petition would have those properties if
approved zoned to the RSF-5 zoning district with the caveat of a
conditional use to address issues of increased flexibility and
relation of development standards.
The property immediately to the north and east of the
subject property is zoned E estates and has one residence located
thereon. The property immediately to the west of the property, the
subject property, and south of the subject property is also zoned E
estates and has a residence located thereon.
Immediately opposite the subject property is a project
called the Cottages, and there are 20 dwelling units within the
Cottages for a density of four dwelling units per acre. The Cottages
is a project that includes both single-family and two-family
residences.
Immediately east of the subject property the land is
zoned agricultural up to the lots that front on Airport-Pulling Road
which are zoned commercial and are developed commercially. At the
intersection -- at this corner you have a -- a medical office. And
immediately north of that, of course, you have the 7-Eleven
development.
To the west of the subject property you have RSF-4
zoning. And at the very end of Bailey Lane, you have an agricultural
parcel that runs north-south throughout the -- the Bailey Lane
configuration. Proceeding back east again we have an RSF-3 zoning
district, the Cottages. We have an "A" district with the Church of
the Nazarene, and we have a PUD commercial zoning district at the
southwest corner of Airport-Pulling and Bailey Lane, and that is the
home of the Wilson Professional Center, a large office complex.
Further south you have the Poinciana Residential Golf
Course. To the north of the subject property touching the subject
property in this location here you have the Hawk's Ridge development
with single-family out in front. In the back portion of the Hawk's
Ridge PUD is -- is -- is approved for multiple-family housing. The
Hawk's Ridge PUD specifically would authorize 143 multi-family units
on 12.6 acres of land per density of about eleven and a half units per
acre. And that property is contiguous to the subject property in some
-- some aspects.
We should advise you that we are currently -- we
currently have held a preapplication meeting with a developer who has
assembled the RSF-3, RSF-4, and the "A" district and will shortly be
submitting a PUD rezoning application for all of that property.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Excuse me, Mr. Nino. The
property adjacent to I guess the northern piece that you've got
outlined in red, is that part of the property assembled by this PUD
coming forward?
MR. NINO: The property assembled is the RSF-4. It's
immediately west of a two and a half acre estates zone with an
existing residence on it.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: So it's that first five-acre
tract to the north?
MR. NINO: The first 5 acres and then the 10 acres and
this 10 acres, a 25-acre parcel.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Thank you.
MR. NINO: I think it's safe to say that Bailey Lane
ought to be zoned in some manner of residential development. To
suggest that the E estates is going to remain for any period of time
is certainly contrary to what the comprehensive plan directs for that
development.
That area is set aside as designated urban residential.
And with an urban residential classification, one has an expectation
that some level of residential zoning will be approved for that
property. So the question really becomes what density response ought
that residential rezoning action be.
In that regard, we are driven by the density rating
system to the future land use element in the growth management plan.
That is the mechanism that says what density is appropriate for
various geographic locations of the county.
In the Bailey Lane area, we're dealing with a base
density of four dwelling units per acre. Since we're in a traffic
congestion zone, it's -- one dwelling is needed for a base density of
what amounts to three dwelling units per acre.
However, the density rating system provides that for
properties of less than ten acres in size that enjoy full utilities,
sewer and water, that are surrounded basically with urban development,
that an additional three dwelling units per acre is allowed as a
bonus.
Therefore, the density rating system tells us that six
dwelling units per acre is an appropriate level of development that
ought -- that could be reflected by some zoning action on your part.
This petition being a petition for 4.68 units per acre is, therefore,
consistent with the density rating system of the future land use
element and the growth management plan.
The petition has been reviewed by jurisdictional staff
responsible for those elements of the growth management plan that lie
within their jurisdiction. And we have been assured that on the basis
of traffic, utilities, levels of service, natural resource enhancement
or protection that this petition is consistent in all regards with the
provisions of the growth management plan.
One of the issues that staff raised in terms of
enhancing -- enhancing the suitability of a rezoning action here would
be one that would offer a greater floor area, minimum floor area that
is otherwise allowed in the RSF-5 zoning district if you deem the
RSF-5 zoning district to be an appropriate zoning response.
And the petitioner has consented to an RSF-5 zoning
district which would otherwise authorize a smaller floor area and has
agreed to the 12,000 -- 1,200 square feet which is the minimum floor
area that is required by the RSF-4 zoning district and is 200 square
feet greater than the minimum floor area that is otherwise allowed by
the E estates district.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'm sorry, Mr. Nino. Would you
repeat that one more time? I needed to get that.
MR. NINO: The RSF-4 -- the minimum house size of 1,200
square feet is what is required by the RSF-4 district. The RSF-5
district would authorize a floor area of a minimum of 800 square
feet. The E estates district requires a minimum floor area of 1,000
square feet.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And the petitioner has agreed
to 1,2007
MR. NINO: To 1,200 square feet.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Thanks.
MR. NINO: The petitioner's asked for a conditional use
for cjuster development. And the purpose of that, quite frankly, is
to allow for a reduction in the standards that are available in the
conventional zoning district, RSF-5. The RSF-5 zoning district
requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet, minimum frontages of
60 feet, minimum side yards of seven and a half feet, front setbacks
of 25 feet, and rear setbacks of 20 feet.
The conditional development -- conditional -- cjuster
development provisions offer a developer an opportunity to reduce
those standards for trading off improvements that traditionally are --
we've concluded that -- that these standards tend to eliminate the --
the reduction in the standards that are -- that go with the
conventional zoning district.
And the requirement of -- a requirement of the cjuster
development section is that if you ask for reduced standards, then you
need -- you need to respond with a common architectural theme that
masks the diminished standards. And there are examples of that abound
throughout the county. There are many projects in Pelican Bay, for
example, that have standards that are quite similar -- that are
exactly the same as the standards that are proposed in the conditional
use master plan that becomes a part of this rezoning action should you
approve it, i.e., 10 feet between buildings instead of 50 -- 50 -- 15
feet, 45- and 50-foot frontages instead of what would normally be a
60-foot frontage, slightly reduced setbacks and rear yards.
Those standards are not precedent setting. We have --
as I say, we have some upper end PUDs that currently employ those same
standards. Vineyards is one. Pelican Bay is another. And it goes on
ad infinitum.
The planning commission dealt with this petition -- I
can't remember the date now -- January the 5th, I believe, January the
5th and unanimously by a vote of eight to zero recommended approval of
the petition of the R -- of the rezoning petition and the conditional
use petition subject to the conditions that are noted and iljustrated
in the resolution and ordinance of adoption.
A number of people were at the public hearing and
objected to this petition. I recently received the exhibits that were
filed with the clerk's office. I apologize. They're not in your
executive package, but I received them after that executive package
was submitted to you. I'm going to give you the -- these are the
photographs. Who should get those?
MR. CUYLER: Give them to the board and then the clerk.
MR. NINO: Here are some photographs and --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I'll hand those out.
MR. NINO: Pardon?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I'll hand those down. Thank
you.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: You're going to tell us more
about what these are, Mr. Nino?
MR. NINO: Yes, I am.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Thank you.
MR. NINO: I was advised that your executive package did
not contain page 3 of the findings, and I've given you the missing
page 3 from your agenda package. I also circulated for you a petition
of persons registering as objectors. And I've given you a letter, one
letter, that I have from a Robert A -- A -- Alaim -- Alaim -- Alaimo
or close to that -- I apologize -- and Diana Tomlinson, both of --
both of which have signed the petition. That ends my presentation,
and I'll answer any questions.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there questions for staff?
Then I presume you want to hear from the petitioner?
MR. SAADEH: Good morning, Commissioners and Madam
Chairman. For the record, my name is Michael Saadeh. I'm
representing Elite Communities.
First of all, I'd like to thank Mr. Nino for a very
well-written report and for explaining most of the report. And I try
not to be redundant because I understand there is few registered
speakers. And, Madam Chairman, respectfully I'd like to have some
time after the public people speak to come back and rediscuss some of
the issues they bring up.
One thing I'd like to emphasize is very, very important
is I want to go back to the map for one second. As Mr. Nino indicated
that properties along Bailey Lane have been rezoned for the most
part. This is Wilson, Miller PUD on the corner. There's commercial
property on this corner.
This area Mr. Nino referred to as being zoned as
agricultural which is true. However, there has been a conditioned use
for it approved by the county for a nursing home with 240 beds for
this here property.
This five acres is the only one -- this five acres is
one of the pieces on Bailey Lane that have not been rezoned, is still
ag. or estates. These two properties are the two parcels that are in
question today. Those are pending. This is RSF-4 zoning district
with a cjuster housing development approved. This is RSF-3 zoning
district with cjuster housing development approved.
This is the Cottages RSF-4 zoning district with a couple
of detached units and also has been approved and built out. And the
letter that you received right now with opposition with about 13
property owners represent the people who live here, and they're
opposing for what I'm proposing to do is what exactly they've done a
few years ago.
And this here property is also -- these pieces were put
together by one developer. This was already rezoned. This was
rezoned. And this one is being petitioned to be rezoned, and they've
already contacted staff.
So the point I'm making for compatibility which will
come up today over and over is please note that most of the
compatibility on this street is fezones and urban development except
for this parcel and these two parcels here. I don't see anything of
estate zoning remaining on this street. So that becomes the exception
in my opinion, not the rule. Thank you very much.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you, Mr. Saadeh. Mr.
Dotrill, let's move forward with -- with the public comment.
MR. DORRILL: Yes, ma'am. There are about a half a
dozen. The first will be Mr. Locker if he'd come forward please. And
then, Mr. Hoover, if I could have you stand by. Mr. Locker.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: They haven't been seen down --
down at this end yet.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought they had
already gone that way.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Nope. Okay.
MR. LOCKER: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is
Joseph Locker. I'm the owner and have an estate home on this piece of
property right here, about a six -- six thousand square foot home. I
appeared at the planning commission and along with Bruce Coates who --
MR. CUYLER: Mr. Locker, there's a hand mike up there if
you would.
HR. LOCKER:
HR. CUYLER:
HR. LOCKER:
piece of property.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Right behind you.
All right. Bruce Coates owns -- owns that
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Hr. -- Hr. Locker, if you're
going to be away from this mike -- MR. LOCKER: I'm not going to go there. I'm just going
to -- I just needed to show you those two things. I apologize.
Basically we appeared at the planning commission. We
argued compatibility. We argued reduction of our property values in
regard to the conditional use; argued traffic congestion and
drainage.
The motion to approve the petition at the planning
commission began in the absence of competent evidence to the
contrary. We recommend approval. So recognizing that our testimony
as property owners was not competent evidence to the contrary, we have
retained a planner and an appraiser to speak before you today to --
and basically I would like them to make their presentations. And then
as an attorney, I'd like to sum up and address issues that they have
not addressed.
The planner will address compatibility, will address
especially compatibility in regard to the density bonus with the
in-fill, and will also address what we consider to be serious flaws
with the conditional use which is basically conditional use provides
for no common area spaces.
To help you follow along, I have prepared a memorandum
in opposition to the petition which I would like to submit at this
time.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. I need to put a question
to this board. Normally we only permit five minutes of time per
speaker. And based on what Mr. Locker has just said, I guess we're
going to hear input from a -- a couple of professional people that
they've hired. I need consensus of this board that we're going to --
to allow --
MR. LOCKER: This is a serious question.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We realize that.
MR. LOCKER: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: That we're going to allow more
than the five minutes normally allotted per -- per speaker.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: I'm not sure what the basis for --
for deviating from procedures would be in this particular case. I
think each public petitioner is welcome to their five minutes, but we
do -- we do have our -- our regulations. I don't see that -- that we
need to deviate.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I guess the question is -- is are
we going to confine the hired professionals to the five minutes of Mr.
Locker and Mr. Coates?
MR. CUYLER: Each of those individuals is separately
registered. And since this is a quasi-judicial proceeding, I'm not
saying you should stray too far from your normal procedures. But you
may want to give just a little bit of leeway.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I would support five minutes for
each of the speakers who have registered.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Fine. We'll -- we'll move
in that direction.
MR. LOCKER: Okay. In that case I would like to hand
out the memorandums and turn the floor over to Mr. Hoover, but I would
like my five minutes to begin after these professionals are done.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Well, normally -- another thing
is normally we take our speakers in the order that -- that they're
registered.
MR. LOCKER: Okay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Dorrill, is Mr. Hoover next?
MR. DORRILL: Mr. Hoover is -- is -- I had Mr. Locker
first with a note that -- that he would make a presentation, introduce
Mr. Hoover and --
MR. LOCKER: All I wanted to do was pass out the
memorandum.
MR. DORRILL: -- then following Mr. Hoover is Mr.
Coates.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Fine. Do you want to hand
that out and we'll proceed, and do you want to call Mr. Hoover?
MR. DORRILL: We have Mr. Hoover and then I believe Mr.
Coates. Mr. Hoover, go ahead, please, sir.
Mr. Coates, if I could have you please stand by, sir.
Mr. Hoover.
MR. HOOVER: For the record, I'm Bill Hoover of Hoover
Planning. I'm representing the two property owners of the estates
home.
And compatibility is the most important issue that I'm
going to talk about. And the future land use element states that
before residential in-fill bonus of three units per acre can be
granted, quote, the project must be compatible with surrounding land
uses, unquote.
Additionally, the land development code states one of
the requirements for a conditional use petition is, quote,
compatibility with adjacent properties and other property in the
district, unquote.
If you look at Exhibit A which shows the site plan
overlaid on an aerial photograph, you can see that the subject
property abuts the two estates homes not on one side but two sides.
This makes compatibility even more of a critical issue against the
estate homes.
The -- I looked in the land development code. There's
no definition for compatibility. However, the American Planning
Association in their -- a book entitled The Language of Zoning defines
compatibility as the characteristics of different uses or activities
that permit them to be located near each other in harmony and without
conflict.
The definition goes on to advise us that density and
traffic generated are also elements to measure compatibility. In this
case the density is 12 times higher and the vehicular traffic
generated is 12 times higher.
The homes are proposed at 1,200 square feet. I am told
-- I thought it was 1,000 for the one-story and 1,200 for the
two-story. However, the -- the two estates homes average 5,000 square
feet each in air conditioned area.
One other item that's going to affect the compatibility
is there's 24 units proposed on there, and these -- based on the size
of the lots and the intensity of the use, they're -- basically the
whole project is going to have to be cleared of trees almost 100
percent. If you look at the aerial, you can see that most of the
trees still remain on the estates homes.
What I found out was that the application for cjuster
development further increases the non-compatibility. Exhibit B, if
you take a look at that, you'll see the approximate lot layout. And
it shows lot widths and lot sizes. One thing you'll notice on there,
they're proposing that the homes be located only ten feet away from
both of the existing estates homes. The average lot widths --
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: I'm sorry. From the -- from --
ten feet from the lots where the estate --
MR. HOOVER: From the -- from their boundary of the
PUD. I've never seen a project yet less than 20 feet away from the
perimeter of their project.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: I see. From -- from the lot,
though, not from the home is what I wanted to be sure -- MR. HOOVER: Well, they're saying that they can put
their homes within ten feet of Mr. Locker's home --
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: No. Mr. --
MR. HOOVER: -- or property boundaries.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: My question is from his property
boundary but not from his home.
MR. HOOVER: Correct, you're right. It's from the
property boundary, not Mr. Locker's home. It's from the property
boundary.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: I didn't want them to be holding
hands out the windows is what I was trying to be sure. MR. HOOVER: Correct.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock, did you
have a comment?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: No.
MR. HOOVER: One thing we have here is we have lots that
are only 44 feet in average width. And so what we're going to get --
the only way you can really build on that is to have narrow homes, so
these lots are actually six feet nattower than the ones in Naples
Park.
And I think one of the things that we find in Pelican
Bay, we have some projects on narrow lots. However, Pelican Bay has
some very stringent architectural standards that are in place. In
this case, there's nothing -- once it goes past here, we have
subdivision regs., and that's about it.
If you look on Exhibit C, we can find that the -- it
shows -- there's RSF standards that show there's -- for RSF-5 there's
17 homes. Thus, the cjuster development is allowing an extra seven
units to be built.
And if you take a look at Exhibit D, you see two site
plans from the American Planning Association. One shows a standard
lot layout, and another one shows a cjuster development layout. They
both have the same exact number of units, so we have something a
little bit different from what is a standard practice in planning.
What happened in this case is the petitioner has picked
up an extra seven units because they are not meeting part of the land
development code in the cjuster development section.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Can you wrap up soon?
MR. HOOVER: I -- I sure can, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
MR. HOOVER: That's in section 2.6.27.4.5, and that just
says that the area that you reduce in lot size, lot width, and yard
requirements has to be added back in the form of common open space.
And I've computed this and roughed it off to that. It's probably
about one acre that is missing in this case.
What I could say as a professional land use planner,
that the two abutting proposed projects are not compatible with the
abutting two estates homes. And what it seems like somebody's asking
for here is RSF-5 zoning which is higher than any zoning on Bailey
Lane. And then to get an additional seven units, they're asking for a
residential in-fill bonus of three units per acre, a conditional use
for cjuster development, and then instead of providing the required
common area, they're asking for further reductions in development
standards due to a common architectural theme.
I think this sets a real bad precedent for not only the
residential in-fill bonus as well as the conditional use for cjuster
development standards in the county.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Nino, I have a -- a
question. The in-fill, does -- does this qualify as a residential
in-fill?
MR. NINO: Yes, it does.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Is there the next speaker
I guess?
Hoover as we go? Okay.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK:
about compatibility --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
back? Thank you.
Mr. Dotrill? Are there questions for -- for -- for Mr.
I do have one. Bill, in talking
Mr. Hoover, do you want to come
COHHISSIONER HANCOCK: -- there's no question in my mind
that one house on two and a half acres next to five homes per acre
brings a compatibility question. There's a multi-family 12 unit an
acre on the north side, okay, of this parcel. On one of the estates
lots to the north and east, there was a 240-bed nursing home facility
approved. To the south is a four-unit per acre residential facility.
When we talk about compatibility in any area of
development, you know full well that patterns begin to develop due to
existing zoning and development for a general area. And if you
isolate your compatibility argument to the two estate lots, you're
correct. There appears to be an incompatibility question.
But I would suggest in that analysis that you bring in a
multi-family 12 unit per acre, existing 4 unit per acre, proposed
240-bed nursing home facility and the picture becomes very different
than isolating those two lots.
MR. HOOVER: The -- the nursing home and the conditional
uses that Mr. Saadeh was mentioning, I believe the staff report said
that those have expired, so I don't think we can look at expired
zoning. What we have to the east is agricultural.
And I agree with you. The -- the project is compatible
as proposed with the other property that is adjacent to it. And if
you look at the -- what my point was, if you read very closely the
requirements in the future land use element, it says the project must
be compatible with surrounding land uses.
The other one says compatible with adjacent properties
for the conditional use and other property in the district. Yes, it
is compatible with other properties in the district. But compatible
with adjacent properties, if you go to the LDC, adjacent -- it says
see abutting, and abutting means touching. COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Uh-huh.
MR. HOOVER: So one half of the subject property of
their abutting boundaries are these two estate homes. It is
compatible with the -- the non-estates homes.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: With the other half.
MR. HOOVER: But it is not compatible with the estates
homes when you have a density difference of 12 times greater.
Normally we're -- we're in here looking at density
differences of maybe 3 units per acre on your single typical family
against maybe a multi-family of 12 or 15 units. So that's a
difference of four or five times. And in that case we've got to put
some pretty stringent buffers in there to -- to make that happen. And
in this case we've got a buffer A between the two, and you get one
tree per 30 feet, and that's it.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: We haven't gotten to that
question yet. I just wanted to bring out that your compatibility
argument did point out the estates lots but ignored the 12 unit per
acre and the 4 in the surrounding development. I think that all gets
thrown into the mix when we're looking at compatibility.
MR. HOOVER: Yes.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Okay.
MR. HOOVER: And I agree that it is compatible with
stuff like RSF-3, RSF-4, and the -- the multi-family. However, it's
-- most of your stuff is right next to each other and on Bailey Lane
and the multi-family I don't think has a real big impact because all
their traffic and traffic -- or pedestrian circulation will be to the
north off of their private street.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Next speaker.
MR. DORRILL: Mr. Coates, and then following Mr. Coates
I believe the gentleman's name is Armalavage, A-r-m-a-l-a-v-a-g-e.
Mr. Coates.
MR. COATES: I'd like to give the floor to Mr.
Armalavage first and then let Mr. Locker sum up before I speak.
MR. LOCKER: That was the order they were submitted.
MR. COATES: That was the order.
MR. DORRILL: I'm not going to debate it. But my momma
taught me how to write to three, and you've got your own numbers, one,
two, and three, on these, but at the discretion of the chairman, you
can do whatever you want to.
MR. LOCKER: I did not put the numbers on.
MR. CUYLER: I put the numbers. What's the question?
He's not with you, Mr. Locker? Is that -- MR. LOCKER: Pardon?
MR. CUYLER: I said he's not with your group? Is that
what the question is?
MR. LOCKER: Who is? Bruce? Yeah, Bruce is.
MR. CUYLER: What is the --
MR. LOCKER: He's an adjoining property owner, but I
wanted to finish the -- with the professionals first.
MR. CUYLER: Okay. Madam Chairman, why don't you switch
them.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Mr. --
MR. DORRILL: Mr. Armalavage, I believe.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: -- Armalavage. Let's see if we
can't move, though, a little -- a little faster.
MR. ARHALAVAGE: I'll be very brief.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
MR. ARHALAVAGE: We'll get through this quickly. My
name is Richard Armalavage. I'm an HA1 certified with the Appraisal
Institute. I'm a state certified general real estate appraiser in the
state of Florida. I'm a licensed real estate broker in the state of
Florida. I'm president of Armalavage and Lacroix. I've been
appraising real estate and analyzing real estate in Naples area,
Collier County, Lee County, Charlotte County for 17 years.
I was asked to study this situation and analyze the
effect of the proposed fezone from estates to cjustered housing on the
adjoining properties owned by Coates and Locker. The question is can
the Coates, Locker properties -- or the second question is can the
Coates, Locker properties be rezoned to RSF-5 to allow use of
cjustered housing and offset any diminution of value that might be
created by the adjoining two properties that will be or could be
rezoned to cjustered housing.
The scope of my study included an analysis of the
subject property, surrounding neighborhoods, similar type properties.
And in the past we've appraised the Coates and Locker properties over
the past year.
My conclusion is that the proposed use of the adjoining
properties as a cjustered housing project having no common element, no
open space, no common recreational amenities or no amenities in
particular would reflect a community with lesser marketability
resulting in lower price ranges. This in turn would restrict the
marketability of Coates and Locker at their existing values.
In my opinion the rezoning and use of the adjoining
properties to the cjustered housing density as proposed would result
in a diminution of value to Coates and Locker. The rezoning of Coates
and Locker to RSF-5 cjustered housing would be impractical due to the
placement of the existing housing and would not offset any diminution
in value. Thank you. Any questions?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you. Are there questions?
Being none --
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yeah.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: You have one? Go ahead.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: The final sentence in the
next to last paragraph on page 2 says use of the two proposed tracts
with lower density single-family housing is consistent and would have
minimal, if any, effect on value. How much lower?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: If you had a consistent type of use,
maybe three units per acre or a single-family configuration, that
would likely result in no diminution in value.
The problem with the existing plan is the tight
cjustering, the limited or no open space, and the lot widths which are
not compatible or not consistent with the existing type
single-family.
If you look on the map or the aerial there, if you were
to look at Hawk's Ridge to the north, you have large single-family
lots in that area also. So to spread out density, that entire
subdivision is probably three units per acre. And I think you need to
be consistent in zoning to maintain value.
Unfortunately, these tracts are smaller. So to try to
create a large open space and a tight cjustered density will not
work. And it's going to result in lower prices to those products in
order to sell them which will result in lower values to the adjoining
properties.
So you really need to try to reduce the density there to
something more realistic in terms of a single-family configuration
which is likely three units per acre.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: We have throughout the county
hundreds, maybe thousands of homes built on estates zoned property.
Do you have any idea what the average value of those homes would be?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Well, I don't have an average because
they're located in a variety of locations. But they might range
anywhere from $125,000 upwards of $500,000.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Can you fathom that they
might range considerably lower than $125,0007
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Oh, sure. But not in close proximity
to the city of Naples they don't.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Are there any restrictions or
requirements on estates zoning?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Yes, 2.5 acres.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And what is the smallest home
that can be built on estates zoning?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Outside? Well, you could probably have
1,200 square feet with no problem.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Nino, did you tell me you
could have 800 square feet?
MR. NINO: One thousand.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: One thousand on estates?
MR. NINO: Yeah.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: The -- so theoretically you
could have a one single -- 1,000 square foot home.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: On 2.5 acres.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Right.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Right.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And by having -- I'm just --
I'm picturing as I drive through different areas whether you're in
some of the more upscale estates areas, Oaks Boulevard, some of those
areas, but intermittently you may see a tiny home. MR. ARMALAVAGE: Sure.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Dilapidated home, so there's
really no guarantee that if it's left as estates zoning that it will
necessarily have a positive impact on value either, is there?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: I didn't say that it would remain
estates zoning. What I said is that if it would remain single-family
and consistent with single-family, it would likely result in the -- no
diminution in value.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Right.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: And I think that's a fair answer.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And I'm asking a question of
you as a professional. Is there any guarantee of --
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Well, there's no guarantee of anything
in real estate values because you're dealing in a market that is a
free and open market that is open to --
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Apparently you're not going
to get to the answer. You're not going to answer my question, so I
won't ask it a third time.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Well, answer -- if you ask me a
question in a yes or no, I could possibly answer that, but I can't
answer it that way. It's open to too many variables.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I think the first question I
asked was yes or no. If you built a 1,000 square foot home, is it --
is the potential that that could have a negative impact on the value
of the existing homes if that's left as estates property?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: It could, yes.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Mr. Armalavage, this -- this
whole project brings to mind on Coach House Lane the -- there's a
project on Carriage Circle in there. Are you familiar with that?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: You're talking about the project to the
south, about a mile south?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Yes, about a mile south. It's --
it's a single straight road through and as this shows estates zoning.
And there is this same type development, very similar to what's
actually across the street from what's being proposed. Was there any
look at how that project affected the property values immediately
adjacent to it as a part of your report?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Yes, I looked at several areas. But
what I found was actually those homes on Coach House had limited
marketability themselves. And in order to be marketable, they had to
be at a lower price range. And as a result, that's -- that's what
results in the lower value to the adjoining properties or in-fill
development.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: In other words, the estates lot
next to it, is it valued significantly less than the one on the other
side and on down the road? I mean, I'm just looking for some numbers
that show me that that type of development --
MR. ARMALAVAGE: In terms of numbers, I can't give you
numbers because I didn't go out and appraise those particular
properties. But it has resulted in diminished marketability, and I
think that's a real question. In order to sell the properties, you
have to reduce the price, and that's just the test of is there a loss
in value.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I understand the marketability.
I was just -- I actually was looking for some numbers. I was looking
for an assessment of those homes to find out what real impact they
had.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Well, many of those homes have not
sold.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Right.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: And so we don't have that number.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Mr. Armalavage, as I understood I
believe part of -- a portion of your argument here, I'm trying to
understand. You said that -- that we should not go into an area
basically -- and I'm paraphrasing you -- but we should not go into an
area and increase density because that would not -- that would make an
incompatibility or lessen the compatibility between the different
sections. Is that somewhat correct? I think you said --
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Well, it depends on each particular
case. But in this particular case when you have small tracts that
don't allow for additional open spaces --
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: So you're telling us that to go
into an area that's -- that has a set density on it and come in and
change that density is -- is not the appropriate action to take.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: No, that's not what I've said. If you
had a 20-acre tract here and you could leave open space or leave
buffering, then it would be an entirely different situation.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: No, I wasn't -- I wasn't speaking
to the buffering and the open space because on small tracts that's
very difficult to accomplish no matter what you do. But my -- the
point I'm trying to understand is you said that if -- if you have one
set zoning, then you go in and change it on nearby properties that
that's not appropriate. You said something to that effect.
And so I'm trying to think of the logical extension of
that argument. A few short years ago this was all zoned
agricultural. So just by the very nature of having any density at all
on there in these homes that are already existing on there, isn't that
doing the same thing you're -- you're admonishing us against here
today?
MR. ARMALAVAGE: No, not necessarily, no, because the
difference is you have an existing single-family structure, two of
them, that were developed under one premise. And what you're now
calling for is to change the consistency of that surrounding property
to a tight cjustered form of housing.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Which is exactly what happened
when they built their house.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Well, no, the difference is it was just
vacant land before.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Agriculture, so they doubled --
they doubled the density because you can build one house per five
acres in agriculture. When they went to estates, then you can build
one house for two and a half. That's a doubling of the density.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Actually they did 100 percent increase
because there was vacant land before that. So any use of it would
have been -- I mean, you have to use the property. It's not a
question of use.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: And that's my point exactly.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Right. It's a question more of
consistency.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: Right. Okay. Thank you.
MR. ARMALAVAGE: Uh-huh.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
MR. DORRILL: If there are no other questions, I believe
we'll be back to Mr. Coates.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Coates, would --
MR. LOCKER: I haven't said anything. All I did was
hand something out.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Excuse me, Mr. Locker. You had
said that you wanted to sum up. You want to sum up --
MR. LOCKER: I don't want to sum up. No, I'll just
address -- with only five minutes, I'm not going to sum up. I want to
address the specific issues if you don't mind.
The first issue that I think is -- is important is we
look at -- is we look at the conditional use petition. It's -- it
makes no provision for common open space. I reviewed the shiny book
for the last three years. There's not been one conditional use for
cjuster development that's ever been approved by county commissioners
that didn't provide for common area open space.
We've made a big deal out of conditional uses that were
opposed here. This is 9.7 acres. That conditional use for cjuster
housing provided 2.51 acres for common open space. Here's another
4.86 acres that provided 3.14 acres for common open space. Here we
have -- on these two projects we have no common open space.
So as a consequence, by going to cjuster zoning, we
don't take RS-5 zoning and rearrange it. By not having common areas
we add seven units, so we've maximized this with minimum standards.
Point of clarification, this nursing home conditional
use was approved in 1979. It's been long dead. The property's zoned
estates.
Other clarification, the reason you see this line here
is because this is single-family phase 2 of Hawk's Ridge that abuts my
property.
I'm a realist. I recognize that we're going to end up
with three units an acre here, and I don't feel it's a bad use. I'm
sure that this property's going to be rezoned. Actually this whole 15
acres is owned by the -- by the same owner except this is corporate
ownership and this is individual. It's the same party. I feel that's
going to end up eventually at three units an acre.
What I object to is going in here using in-fill petition
-- in-fill provisions and giving a density award bonus which in my
mind has a stronger presumption of proving compatibility than just
asking for a fezone and then going in and using cjuster housing to
create seven additional unit -- units which cjuster housing either has
a greater presumption of -- of -- of proving compatibility. And it's
the in-fill bonus and the cjuster housing bonus that -- that I object
to and that is not compatible with the use here.
If you can -- if he was in here like everybody else and
ending up with three units per acre I -- I'd have a hell of a time
opposing that. I wouldn't like it, but I don't know how I would
oppose it. So that's the basis of my objections on the merit. Thank
you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there questions? Next
speaker is Mr. Coates?
MR. DORRILL: I believe so.
MR. COATES: Good morning. I'd like to ask Mr. Nino as
far as the access to the rear property, it is a 30-foot right-of-way,
and I want to find out if there are any other projects that are
cjuster developments that have a 30-foot right-of-way.
MR. NINO: I believe the Cottages does right across the
street.
MR. COATES: Okay. Their entire 330 feet abut a county
road.
MR. NINO: Nevertheless, they have a 30-foot road
serving 20 dwelling units.
MR. COATES: Right. Once you enter the property, but
they have --
MR. NINO:
MR. COATES:
MR. NINO:
a 30-foot road.
They still have a 30-foot road.
Okay.
Whichever way you cut the mustard, they have
And yes, there are many, many other developments in
the county that -- that have -- as a matter of fact, some of them have
easements. They don't even have private roads that serve a cjustered
development.
MR. COATES: Okay. Moving right along so I don't waste
my five minutes, I'd just like to point out that 30 feet crosses my
property. And that's my biggest problem with it because when I bought
the property, they were four estate lots. And that easement was given
for a driveway to a single-family home in the back, not 12 units, not
11 units. It's just ridiculous to think that you can cross that
property and come to a point of 30 feet and have that service the 12
units behind me.
As far as the type of units, we've heard or I've heard
in the past in other meetings that they're upscale, luxury, and in the
two to three hundred thousand dollar range. This insults my
intelligence, and it should insult yours because with something that's
1,200 square feet -- and the documents used to read 1,000 square feet
-- with 10-foot setbacks, it's just beyond my comprehension that you
could get that much money for it with no amenities, no common space.
As far as compatibility, 50 percent of it borders on
estate lots that are built. You've talked about other zoning around
it, but the only thing that is built at this point is our 50 percent
estate. And after that you see the Cottages which is across the
street. Everything else could happen, may happen, but has not
happened. We have our investment in those estates. They do exist.
Also on compatibility, legally permitted on our estates
we can have livestock, horses, poultry, field crops, et cetera. Put
yourself in the place of someone buying one of these units who is ten
feet like I am from -- from here to you right now and within ten feet
you've got livestock and horses and what not. It's not compatible for
them. It's not fair to them to sell something to them like that and
allow it. It's just not compatible.
I'm not saying I'm going to run out and build a chicken
coop. But when I die, my kids love animals. Anything could happen.
My land could be used for those purposes, and that's really not
compatible.
On the other hand, on the property to the west which is
RSF-4, if this passes they can go in and get the same zoning and
cjuster development I would assume. At that point if they
get ten-foot setbacks, then you've got a ten-foot setback looking at
a ten-foot setback, twenty feet between the houses, and yet this is
supposedly luxury housing.
When the -- if you look at Coach House Lane, if this
happens here, it can also happen on Coach House. These are tiny
little two and a half acre properties. It's ridiculous to think that
we're talking about something so small today with such great density.
If this happens, all of Coach House Lane is subject to
the same thing. And there you're looking at some older properties
that could just be knocked down. And then next to a nice estate you
have this -- this 12 units.
I'd just ask you to put yourself in my place owning an
estate worth over $400,000 based on integrity in government, existing
zoning. Mr. -- Mr. Saadeh said when I met with him that he rolled the
dice -- and those are his words -- on the zoning. I think this is an
example of greed. I think it's needless zoning, and I -- I'd like to
show you some -- some pictures of the existing residences so you get a
better feel for the area and know what we're talking about and take
into consideration once again these are properties that are built.
Everything else is subjective.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Thank you.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We need a set for the record too,
Mr. Coates. Can you wrap up fairly quickly now? MR. COATES: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
MR. COATES: I just -- excuse me. I just ask that you
put yourself in my place. How would you feel if this were being done
to you? Your life savings tied up in a house that will go down in
value overnight, your right to privacy and quiet enjoyment denied by
traffic across your own property, your driveway and yard under water
all because someone special asked for some special concessions and
needless zoning. I urge you to uphold the existing zoning.
We purchased the land and built our house on good faith
in the integrity of local authorities. Now please have the moral
fortitude to vote your conscience. I beg you, I beg you to do what
you know is right but maybe not politically correct.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Coates, I must say I take
personal offense at suggestion that we make decisions on what's
politically correct. And I'm not sure what someone special means, but
I make my decisions based on the facts of each one of these cases.
And to suggest otherwise I take great offense at.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: I agree with that.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: I was going to ask what someone
special meant, Mr. Coates.
MR. COATES: Well, there are some irregularities here as
far as different involvements from -- from different areas of the
county.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: That pertain to this rezoning.
MR. COATES: Yes.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: That pertain to the use of that
land.
MR. COATES: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: To the use of it.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Are you saying there's a conflict
of interest on this board?
MR. COATES: Well, I'm not an attorney. I don't know if
there's a conflict of interest. I'd be happy to explain the facts as
I know them, though.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I don't -- I don't think that I
see any -- anything that creates any sort of conflict.
MR. COATES: Oh, nothing's been brought up that would
indicate that.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Cuyler, could you help us
with that? Are you aware of any conflicts on this issue?
MR. CUYLER: The answer is no, there are no legal
conflicts. Mr. Locker discussed with me several items that he had
some concerns about. I talked to him about them. Apparently they --
he's reached a conclusion that they're not legally relevant to the
proceeding, and he hasn't brought them up. But, I mean, the answer is
no, there are no legal conflicts.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: If there's no legal conflicts, we
are required in -- by the Florida Statutes that unless there is a
conflict created with a monetary reward that we are required to vote,
so there -- there is no conflict unless there is a monetary reward to
be gained by -- by voting in favor or against something. So the
attorney has told us there is no conflict in the legal sense of the
word. Thank you.
Mr. Dotrill, is that the last speaker?
MR. DORRILL: No, ma'am, there are a couple more. The
next one is Mr. Costello.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Costello?
MR. DORRILL: Michael Costello.
MR. COSTELLO: Sir, I'd just like to submit my written
form rather than speak.
MR. DORRILL: Very good. He has a letter and asked that
the original be made a matter of record, and I've got some additional
copies I'll pass out to you in just a second. CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay.
MR. DORRILL: Ms. Tomlinson-George. And then following
this lady is Mr. Dawson if I could have you stand by, please, sir.
And Mr. Dawson will be your final registered speaker.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Thank you. Yes, Miss
Tomlinson-George.
MS. TOHLINSON-GEORGE: Okay. Good morning.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Good morning.
MS. TOHLINSON-GEORGE: I'm Diana Tomlinson-George. I
live in the Cottages. My backyard faces where the driveway would pull
into this new subdivision. I come as the treasurer of the Cottages
Association, and I submitted a petition. And a lot of -- most of the
people in the Cottages are opposed to this.
When we're talking about compatibility, I'm talking
about compatibility of ambience. We all bought in the Cottages as
well as myself for the ambience of where we chose to live. And the
ambience is all woods. And we live in stilt homes. Their homes are
country homes. We're talking about zero lot lines with no trees.
And I just bought there a year ago and -- and did some
remodeling and put tile down and made quite a financial investment.
So the ambience is something that we all enjoy living out there.
We're not opposed to the three per acre that's going
behind us, but we are opposed to what he wants to put, five, perhaps
six per acre right across the street.
I do not like the implication of the traffic that will
occur from all the people coming out. I will hear it in my backyard.
I'm already concerned as a taxpayer and as just a layman -- I don't
know all the legal terms for everything -- but we do have problems
down this street, and the problems are it takes me five minutes to
take a left-hand turn out of Bailey Lane as it is today. We only have
40 cars, and we have Wilson Professional Center, and we have the
dental.
They did not plan on that new road which they spent
millions and millions of dollars to let us take a left-hand turn to go
to Publix or Winn Dixie. So we're talking about another fifty cars
with this new subdivision and another hundred and fifty. That's 200
more cars. I'm very concerned about the traffic implications that
this -- what would happen.
I'm also concerned because we're living on an aquifer,
and the aquifer fills up with water when it rains. I've already
reported to the county that we have a major flooding problem out there
right now. We are stilt homes. We have property around our homes
that's not concrete and asphalt. I'm afraid of the zero lot lines
causing this problem to become worse. Those are issues that I'm very
concerned about.
Also I'm concerned, the jump in dens -- in density is
much more than we anticipated when we bought out there. When we saw
estate homes, we believed it. I'm just a layperson. I don't go into
all -- when I saw it there, I thought this is perfect. I can look out
my back window, and it's going to be estate homes. We're talking
about a ten-acre tract of land, and already half of it is zoned estate
homes. So I believed it. And everyone else believed it.
And for some reason now all of a sudden, you know, we
can't believe this? I mean, so I'm just asking you, can you see where
we're coming from living out there? We just want to know something's
real, you know. Things don't change as -- the rules don't change as
we go along.
We're talking about approximately 45 people that are
opposed to this rezoning. There's one person whose influence is
coming in here, and he won't even live there. We're the ones paying
the taxes on this property. We're the ones that have to live there.
And I'm sure, you know, I'm -- I'm all for people making a living and
-- and enjoying a certain kind of lifestyle. But I also understand,
you know, Michael, that sometimes fulfillment in life doesn't come
from dollars and cents, but it's compatibility with your neighbors as
well.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Can I ask a question?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: You sure can, Commissioner
Constantine.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: How long have the Cottages
been there? You said you've been there about a year.
MS. TOMLINSON-GEORGE: I've been there a year, and I
believe they've been there six.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And what were they -- have
they always been zoned for that, or what were they zoned prior to
that?
MS. TOMLINSON-GEORGE: I'm not sure.
COHHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Nino, can you help me
with that?
MR. NINO: They were zoned agricultural.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: They were zoned agricultural
prior to that?
MR. NINO: (Mr. Nino nodded head.)
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: So I guess when -- I -- I
understand your concern. But when I hear, gosh, we shouldn't let the
rules change as we go along, the rules changed to allow you to have
your home there and -- and everyone else in the Cottages to have their
home there.
MS. TOHLINSON-GEORGE: Okay. But we also have an
ambience that we set with the rules that are sort of already there
like a lot of trees. I mean, if you saw those photographs, I'm very
concerned about the architecture, the -- the mature landscaping. I
mean, if you were to live there, would you want everything that you
dreamed to live there for be taken away in the surrounding areas?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: There's only one way that you can
guarantee that to have happened and that's to buy the land around
you. I don't see any other way that you can deal with what you're
asking.
MS. TOHLINSON-GEORGE: Is there a way that perhaps he
could sell the land to the two people that are very opposed? I mean,
that would be an equitable arrangement, and I know that they would be
in favor of buying it back. Thank you very much. CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: I would -- I would like to make
one little statement. Commissioner Constantine, I think you said that
the rules changed to allow her to build her house. I don't think the
rules changed. The rules, as we've heard from our staff, that -- the
growth management plan, the rules are set forth in there to allow this
to happen. I don't think the rules changed at all. Times change.
MS. TOHLINSON-GEORGE: Uh-huh. Yeah, but then the --
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Let me tell you a story. Let me
tell you a little story. When I moved here, there was nothing between
this building and Lely, where I live, but about three buildings.
Going out Rattlesnake Hammock where all those apartments are, they
weren't there. That was all agriculture as was all of this going down
through here.
The rules didn't change to allow that development to --
to come in, but times do, and people came here. And people like you
need a place to -- to live when you come here. And there's really not
a lot we can do about stopping people from using their land. We -- we
have a set of regulations this thick to control that and to be able to
make it look like what we want our community to look like. But
there's no practical way of stopping people from using their own
property.
MS. TOHLINSON-GEORGE: Then can we make sure that we
have the architecture and the landscaping compatibility issue brought
up and really dealt with today because, I mean, that's what we're all
talking about? You know, we want to live there. We don't want to
move. But I know that that's a major issue for us. And that's why we
-- if you've ever been down Bailey Lane, you'd see how quaint it is
so okay. Thank you very much.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
MR. DORRILL: Mr. Dawson.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Dawson.
MR. DAWSON: My name is Thomas Dawson. I reside in the
Cottages at 3612 Cottage Club Lane. And I'd just like to echo what
Diana just said. I think definitely that I've seen -- I've been an
original owner in there since 1989, and I have seen the traffic
increase with our development and other development in there. I know
what it will be down the line. I can only echo what she said about
Airport Road.
Generally we -- we bought in there. We didn't know it
was rezoned from agricultural or anything like that. But I just see
further congestion, and I cannot see rezoning to make even more
congestion. I just feel we have a future growth management plan that
this man spoke about.
I spent a lot of time in Dade County, and I've been in
Naples for quite a few years, for 15 years. And I see Collier County
becoming a Dade County. I hate to see it.
We have a classic example of the congestion up at the
corner of Airport and Pine Ridge Roads with that Ridgeport Center is
now an empty monstrosity, and I see nothing that's going to change --
I can see only problems from it down the line. The developer will be
gone, and we will still be there.
We've seen -- our real estate values have dipped
recently or dipped initially. They have started to come back, and I
see that this development will do nothing but in my opinion reduce
them. I feel sorry for the people that have the -- the estate homes.
They have far more at stake than I do, but I sympathize with them, and
I trust that the board will do likewise. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you, Mr. Dawson. Is that
the last public speaker, Mr. Dotrill?
MR. DORRILL: Yes, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Just a moment, Mr. Saadeh.
MR. SAADEH: Madam Chairman, just a couple of notes to
respond to what's been said because the issue's been clouded a little
bit. I want to clarify it. The Cottages sits on 4.9 acres, and
that's with 20 units. The proposed project I have is 5.12 acres with
24 units.
The 7 units extra and this and that and everything
you've heard today, the bottom line is this: 5.12 acres with 24 units
right across the street, 20 units for 4.9 acres, the whole difference
in this site disregarding the acreage is 4 units.
The property at the Cottages, according to the tax
record, the highest unit sold there in the neighborhood of a hundred
and forty thousand. The property that I'm proposing to do, the entry
level unit will be in the -- in the range of the 130 to 140, the entry
level. I have three floor plans. And the higher unit, if there's a
demand for it in the market, will be compatible roughly with the price
of the units that Mr. Coates and Mr. Locker's been talking about.
According to their tax record -- I haven't seen their
appraisal by Mr. Armalavage. But by their tax record, their
properties are valued in the 240 to 230 range as of 1994 tax records.
I'm not talking about half a million or a million dollar homes. I'm
talking about 240 based on the property appraiser's records.
One last comment. Compatibility around you, he kept
saying about the two adjacent properties. To the north is the section
of the Hawk's Ridge that contains 12 units to the acre uncontested.
That's already proved and approved.
To the west of my property there's RSF-4 already
approved. To the south of my property there is RSF-4 that's already
approved. And that should conclude what I have to say.
The one last item is there are many, many, many
neighborhoods in this community -- I will not name them, but I can
give you a list of them, as many as you want -- 40-foot lots and
45-foot lots that product sells from two hundred thousand to a million
dollars in this community in Naples. I think Mr. Nino can testify to
that, and I'll give you a written report on that. And basically I
just want to thank you for listening to me today.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank -- thank you. Are there
questions for Mr. Saadeh? Commissioner Hancock?
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Just a comment --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Excuse me, Mr. Norris. I've
recognized Mr. Hancock first. I'm sorry.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: I just wanted to ask -- Mr.
Saadeh, based on the estates -- the two pockets of estate homes, did
you take into account any increase in buffering or setbacks when
adjoining those properties as opposed to when you're adjoining on
RSF-4 and --
MR. SAADEH: Absolutely. And for the record, actually I
met Mr. Locker and Mr. Coates knowing that they will have concerns and
offered to work with them throughout the process. I went as far as
hiring the architecturals and hiring an architect to draw plans and
spend a lot of money on those plans to get them before this hearing so
I could give them some -- some level of comfort that what I'm trying
to do is not something crazy.
I propose Mediterranean villas, three-bedroom, two-bath
with three-car -- with two-car garage and three-bedroom, three-bath
with two-car garage across the board. Every unit will have tile
roof. Those are things that I'm proposing. They're not by
regulation, by anything. These are things that I showed them that I
would work with them on if we can reach an agreement that these folks
will be content to won't oppose it.
I made a lot of -- I offered to make a lot of
concessions for them to give them a level of comfort. I offered a lot
of landscape buffering to give a level of comfort. But I don't think
under the circumstances I'm going to do -- at this point since they
opposed me, I don't feel like I'm obligated to be a good neighbor. I
tried to be a good neighbor. I went in up front and met with them
several times trying to show them what I plan on doing and how I can
work things out with them. And they both adamantly refused to work
with me, and so here I am. I did take the effort to meet with them.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I -- I do have to express concern
that -- whenever we go in and do the planning on a particular project,
whatever the adjacent land use is we try and either increase or
decrease our setbacks or buffering appropriately to try and be more
compatible there.
And in looking at your plan I see a consistency on the
perimeter of -- of each, consistency whether you're next to RMF-12 or
whether you're next to estate zoning. And my question there is, you
know, I -- I -- I feel like a type A buffer is not necessarily
appropriate next to estate zoning.
MR. SAADEH: Well, I'm not going by the buffer,
Commissioner Hancock. That's specified by code. I mean, I didn't get
this far. What I committed up front is that everything within -- when
the property is cleared, everything within the first 15 feet of the
property or 10 feet of the property would remain natural. And
anything that is not filled up by natural, I propose hedges, not just
for the interest of Mr. Locker but also for the interest of the
customer who's buying that unit.
So I propose heavy buffers so that you can't see from
one end of the project to the -- on their property, nor -- nor should
they see from their property to -- to this project. And that's the
intent. That's the marketing intent. You can't sell those units if
you don't have proper buffering for them.
So I'm not going by minimum code requirements. I'm
going to go by what the market tells you, you know, that that unit
will have which will exceed the code by far.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Can we make some of those
assurances a part of the record in this application so that the
estates residence, those two particular properties, are given some --
MR. SAADEH: Are adequately buffered? I have no problem
with that at all.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I don't know how we '-
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: What's -- what's the -- class A
buffering is what? Eighty percent opaque?
MR. SAADEH: I don't really know what class A buffering
is.
MR. HOOVER: Zero.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: The type A is -- is one tree
every 30 feet basically. You get to a type B, you get to a low level
hedge with one tree every 30 feet. But what Mr. Saadeh just said
where he's going to leave natural vegetation within that buffer
area --
MR. SAADEH: Absolutely.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: -- that you're not going to
remove any vegetation from that buffer area that exists other than
what you have to remove by -- you know, Brazilian pepper or whatever
it may be there.
MR. SAADEH: There's tons of pine trees on the property,
and there's cabbage palms on the property. And we have every
intention of around the perimeter on all sides to retain that natural
buffer and then enhance it with additional vegetation that blends in
for that specific environment.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Would -- do you feel it'd be fair
to -- to assume that you can reach 80 percent opacity within the first
year after completion of the project on those property lines that abut
the estates?
MR. SAADEH: Eighty percent -- I'm sorry?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Eighty percent opacity. It's a
standard landscape architecture --
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Can't see through it.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: -- level.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Can't see through it.
MR. SAADEH: I don't have a problem with that.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: It's not solid wall, but in other
words, there's -- there's '-
MR. SAADEH: I don't propose any walls. I just propose
natural landscaping like planting trees, palms, oaks, you know, things
of that nature.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Because I -- again, I feel like
the concerns that have been brought up, water management -- well, this
particular project is going to have to conform to current water
management requirements and, in fact, presents the possibility of
helping any sheet flow that's going from his property now onto the
Cottages. It's actually going to intercede that more than a single
estates home would.
When you built your home, you plopped it down. There
was no full water management plan for the balance of your acreage. In
other words, whatever rained and flowed, it flowed. And you didn't
have to stop it. You on the other hand are going to have to do a full
water management plan for the entire property. MR. SAADEH: Exactly.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: So I see the water management to
the adjoining properties actually being improved, not degra -- not
degraded. But again, I would like to ask that as a part of the motion
that we achieve within one year of final construction an 80 percent
opacity on those property lines adjoining the estate zoning and that
-- that the developer make all attempts to maintain every element of
non-exotic vegetation within that 10 or 15 feet, in other words, that
you not be allowed to clear up to the property line and then come back
and put an 8-foot oak tree every 30 feet. I don't want to see that
happen, and I -- I hear that's what you're doing, but I just want it
for the record. And I'd like to see it as a part of the motion.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: Madam Chairman?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Just a second. Are you willing
to accept -- accept that, Mr. Saadeh?
MR. SAADEH: I will in the spirit of cooperation. I'll
do that, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Commissioner Norris was
next.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: I was just going to make a comment
that -- that presenters on both sides of this issue have -- have based
a portion of their arguments in retail market value of the homes and
really has -- I just wanted to make a comment that it really doesn't
have any effect on our decision process. We don't take market value
into consideration.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: No, we don't. That's quite
true. Commissioner Hac'Kie.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I just -- and I know -- I know
Commissioner Hancock is a -- is a planner, but I just wondered if --
if Mr. Nino had any opinion about this 80 percent opacity, if that's
the right word.
MR. NINO: Correct.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Is that -- since that isn't a
recommendation that came out of staff or CCPC, I was just -- I'd like
to hear what the staff has to say.
MR. NINO: Well, the type -- the type A buffer which is
the requirement by code for this kind of relationship doesn't require
an 80 percent opacity rating, but the type B buffer does. That's not
to say you couldn't take the position which I believe Mr. --
Commissioner Hancock has taken that within a type A buffer you will
achieve a type B opacity rating of 80 percent.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I'm not asking --
MR. SAADEH: Within one year from final construction if
I understood you correctly.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Right, because you have to allow
maturity time.
MR. SAADEH: That's right.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: And we don't want to allow five
years, but I think a year is reasonable. I am not concerned about
where you're abutting other single-family 4 units an acre or
multi-family 12 units an acre. I think a type A buffer is
appropriate.
But where you are abutting existing developed estate
zoning which is approximately 50 percent of your side yard, I am
concerned that we don't have just a type A buffer there, that if this
project does get approved that that be a part of the approval to -- to
achieve that within the first year and again, an important part of
that, to maintain the existing vegetation in that buffer, that we
don't go in and remove it and replant it. That's -- that's just a
concern that I would -- that I wanted to -- to put on the table.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: My -- my only suggestion in that
regard is -- is to the extent that that's not what code presently
requires that we shouldn't require property owners to come in and --
and spend the money that these people have spent to -- to bring that
issue before us. If it's an inappropriate buffer in this case, then
we should look at our codes so that that's uniformly applied. So I'd
just ask staff to look at that and give us some -- some report.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Some values on future codes.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: (Commissioner Hac'Kie nodded
head.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I have one question that came
up. The petitioner and the neighbors brought up the question of
traffic, and I've looked through and read the transportation
circulation. And while the petitioner himself was not required to do
a traffic impact statement, our staff did one? MR. NINO: Yes, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: And those results were that it
really won't generate that much traffic.
MR. NINO: Exactly. Correct.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. You finished with whatever
you --
MR. SAADEH: Yes, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any further questions
for Mr. Saadeh? I'd like to close the public hearing. Mr. Cuyler?
MR. CUYLER: Madam Chairman, as part of your findings,
obviously you're going to need to take two -- two votes on the -- on
the two petitions. You may want Mr. Nino to summarize what the staff
findings were. You can reject those findings. You can adopt those
findings. You can change those findings as you wish and then either
vote approval or vote denial.
MR. NINO: Commissioners, I need to remind you that as a
function of the -- of the rezoning petition, there were certain
rezoning findings that the planning commission is charged to make.
In summary, I would advise you that the preponderance of
the findings is one that supports the rezoning. As we've indicated in
the past, we -- we do give you both pros and cons on all the findings;
however, in this case the preponderance of the evidence in evaluating
the findings that supports the rezoning action.
Similarly, in regard to the findings that are unique to
conditional uses, again, the planning commission in their -- in that
findings takes the position that this -- this conditional use rezoning
action should be approved. Then relative to the issue of
compatibility, it is the opinion of the planning commission that this
petition is indeed compatible with its -- with its -- with its
adjoining property.
MR. CUYLER: And, Madam Chairman, those findings in your
agenda book under 12-B-1 are listed on pages 13 through 17 or 18, and
that's one of the ones -- the missing page that was handed out for
you. Those are the various criteria and the listed findings of
staff.
On the conditional use they're listed under 13-A-1 on
page 8 of your agenda package. And as you recall, that'll -- that's
consistency with the growth management plan, ingress, egress, and
further as listed, and then the other items, the conditional use
listed under C and D.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you. Do we have a motion?
Is there further discussion before motion comes?
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'd like to move approval of the
-- of the application. Do I need to do it in two separate motions?
MR. CUYLER: The first would be the fezone.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Okay. Move approval of the
fezone subject to the condition imposed by -- described by
Commissioner Hancock. Or would that be more appropriate in the
cjuster housing conditional use?
MR. CUYLER: It would probably be more appropriate under
the conditional use.
MR. NINO: Under the conditional use.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: On the conditional use portion.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: All right. I move in accordance
with staff recommendations and findings.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion. Is there a
second?
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: I'll second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Motion by Commissioner Mac'Kie
and a second by Commissioner Norris. Is there any discussion on the
motion?
There being none, I'll call the question. All those in
favor please say aye.
All those opposed?
There being none, motion passes.
Is there a second motion?
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: I do have a question before
proceeding on the cjuster housing. We heard about the architectural
controls and the standards.
MR. NINO: Yes. The -- the common architectural theme,
as indicated in the staff report, is dealt with administratively
through the site development plan review process.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: So the public really isn't
notified of it or doesn't have much input or any input really when we
get to that level?
MR. NINO: Correct.
Item #13A1
RESOLUTION 95-70 RE PETITION CU-94-20, MICHAEL SAADEH REPRESENTING
ELITH COMHUNITIES, REQUESTING CONDITIONAL USE "5" OF THE RSF-5 ZONING
DISTRICT FOR CjustER DEVELOPMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE
OF BAILEY LANE APPROXIMATELY 1,200 FEET WEST OF AIRPORT-PULLING ROAD -
ADOPTED (COMPANION TO ITEM 12B1)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Is there further discussion on
conditional use application? If there isn't, I'd like a motion.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: I move approval of the
conditional use application subject to the additional requirement of
landscape buffering on the estates boundaries as described by
Commissioner Hancock earlier in the record.
MR. CUYLER: And that again is pursuant to staff
findings and staff evaluations.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Staff conditions and staff
findings, yes. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: With that -- with that one change
as to the opacity of the buffers.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Yes, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: And that also included not
removing existing vegetation within the buffer area.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE:
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK:
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
second?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
Other than exotics.
Other than exotics.
Yes.
We have a motion.
Is there a
Second.
We have a motion by Commissioner
Mac'Kie, second by Commissioner Hancock. Is there discussion on the
motion?
There being none, I'll call the question. All those in
favor please say aye.
Opposed?
There being none, conditional use application passes.
With that I think we'll take a break for lunch. It's
quarter after 12.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Suggestion. Someone may want
to contact the fire chiefs and let them know we're running a little
behind so that they don't have to come and sit for a half hour,
forty-five minutes.
MR. DORRILL: Just as a clarification, that we were
scheduled to do the 800 megahertz as close to one, or do you want to
do that next and then continue with the public hearings?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: What do you want to do? Do we
want to try and move through and maybe come to the 800 megahertz
discussion about 1:30, quarter to two?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Let's complete the agenda before
we start with the megahertz.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. That's what we'll do.
Will you notify them --
MR. DORRILL: Yes, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: -- that we'll probably be closer
to two?
MR. DORRILL: Yes, ma'am.
(A lunch break was held from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m.)
Item #12B2
ORDINANCE 95-3 RE PETITION R-94-7, MR. ROBERT DUANE REPRESENTING DR.
LUC CHRISTIAN HAZZINI, REQUESTING A REZONE FROM RSF-3 TO C-3 FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAN MARCO DRIVE AND
COVEWOOD COURT ON MARCO ISLAND - ADOPTED WITH STIPULATIONS
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Reconvene the January 24th
meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. Our next item on the
agenda is Petition R-94-7; Mr. Duane representing Dr. Luc Christian
Hazzini in a fezone.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Good afternoon.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Good afternoon.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Chahram Badamtchian, County Planning.
Mr. Duane is not here yet, and Dr. Hazzini is requesting that you hear
his argument. And he will try to represent himself. He is requesting
a fezone from RSF-3 to C-3 for property located at the corner of San
Marco Drive and Covewood Court on Marco Island.
The property is located within mixed use activity
center. It is adjacent on one side to a commercially zoned and
developed property. This property consist of .23 acres, which is
roughly 10,000 square feet. The petitioner is requesting a fezone in
order to build a dental office. The Planning Commission heard this
item, and by unanimous vote recommended approval subject to the CCPC's
recommendation.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Are there any questions
for staff?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I have one.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Go ahead.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Mr. Badamtchian, did you receive
any letters of objection?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: I received two letters of objection,
yes. And they showed up at the Planning Commission meeting, and the
problem was resolved. We added two stipulations, and they were happy
with that.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: And those stipulations were
included?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Yes, ma'am.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Who were these objectors?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Where were they?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Who were they?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: One was the owner of the house
somewhere in here; the other one was the owner of the house right here
(indicating).
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: You'll have to pick up that
microphone and put it on the record.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: One was the owner of the house on Lot
3, on Covewood Court; the other was on Lot 9, Sheffield Avenue. They
weren't adjacent neighbors.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: They were not adjacent?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: They were not adjacent.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Hazzini?
MR. MAZZINI: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm Luc
Hazzini; I am the petitioner. My representative has been delayed.
I'm here to ask that you grant my petition to fezone my lot so I can
build my dental office there. The lot is located -- the lot is
located -- the lot is located on San Marco next to a large garden
center, and it's abutting C-3 and across from C-3. The office will
act as a transition between the commercial properties and the
residential neighborhood behind it.
Also, I want to point out, in blue here, I also own this
lot which I will build my residence on shortly. So this basically
will be my neighborhood. I do not want to do anything in any way to
jeopardize the property value of this property -- of this area, since
I will have my house there also. I have also agreed to limit the
parking to the side and the front of the office. The office, as you
can tell from the front elevation here, will be residential both in
its size and in its architecture. I think it will also act as a noise
buffer for the neighbor here from the County road. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Any questions for the petitioner?
Commissioner Hancock.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: Dr. Mazzini, unfortunately this
may be a question better suited to your representative who is not
here. I believe a dental office is also allowed in the C-1
transitional zoning district. Do you know the reason you are -- MR. MAZZINI: Yes.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: -- requesting C-3 instead of a
lesser degree?
MR. MAZZINI: Yes. The reason we did that is because of
the requirement of the buffer --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: You have to keep it on the --
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Unfortunately, it's one or the
other.
MR. MAZZINI: It's because of the requirement for the
buffer. If we were to go with the -- I don't believe it's C-i; I
believe it's C-2 -- and we would have to have a fifty-foot buffer. I
mean, I wouldn't have any land left, and I couldn't build a dental
office there.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: So apparently with a C-3, what
type of buffer will you have?
MR. MAZZINI: I believe it's fifteen feet. Now,
currently the neighbor here (indicating) has built a large Eureka Palm
fence, basically. So we've got probably a buffer like you were
talking about with 80 percent opacity. Actually, it's probably 100
percent opacity.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: Okay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Dr. Mazzini, are you aware that
Marco Island is currently undergoing a master planning process?
MR. MAZZINI: No, I'm not.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: You're not?
MR. MAZZINI: No.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: The Vision 2000 Committee, you are
not aware of that?
MR. MAZZINI: No, sir, I am not.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: Okay. Well, what they're doing
down there is making a master plan for the island. And zoning, of
course, is one of the important elements of that master plan, as is
transportation and parks and schools and so forth. Were you unable to
find a suitable office space somewhere for your dental practice
without having to build your own?
MR. MAZZINI: Well, I really didn't look. I mean, I own
this lot, and I think it's a great location. I think there's a need
for another dental office in Marco Island.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Well, I --
MR. HAZZINI: I'm in an area actually --
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: I find it hard to disagree with
you on that. My point is that the people down there are busily, and
have been working for the last year or so, developing a master plan
for Marco Island. And changing zoning is one of the things that
they're trying to avoid until they have their planning process
through. I think it would be helpful at least to integrate what you
are trying to do with what they're trying to do.
MR. HAZZINI: Well, if you look in -- in its current
location -- I mean, it would be impossible -- I mean, I cannot imagine
of anyone who would actually like to have a residence there. It's --
it's abutting here next to a large garden center. And during the day
they are unloading mulch and soil and things like that. I mean, that
would be someone's back yard. I think it would be, you know, very
hard for anyone to want to, you know, put their residence there. And
obviously that's why it's still a vacant lot.
Now, all this -- other than one house here and here, all
this area is still just vacant.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there other questions for the
petitioner?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Do we have any public speakers?
MR. CUYLER: No, ma'am, no public speaker.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. I'll close the public
hearing, then. Is there a motion?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Madam Chairman, although I agree
with Commissioner Norris, I would like to see the Marco Island group
that's called Vision 2000 have a voice in this. It does appear to be
a residential character-type development in an area where a house
might not be suitable. It appears to me to be a good idea. I will
make a motion that we approve petition R-94-7 with C-3 zoning.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK:
staff report.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
second?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE:
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK:
Is that with the stipulations?
With stipulations included in the
There's a motion. Is there a
Without having --
I will second the motion.
I guess with that hesitancy, I
guess I want to -- I may want to ask if there's some element of this
petition that I am not understanding. Is there some deference to it
for any particular reason?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Well, we have a second now.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: You have a second?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes, we have a second now. We
have a motion by Commissioner Hancock and a second by Commissioner
MAC'KIE. Is there further discussion? COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I believe there is.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: This morning we heard a petition
where we rezoned property. We went from residential to residential.
That's quite a different step from going from residential to
commercial. The other thing is that as far along as the Marco Island
Vision 2000 people are in their process, I really don't think it's
appropriate for the Board of County Commissioners to go in and start
making zoning changes while they were in the middle of that process.
Perhaps at some point when you can hear input from the
civic associations that they have finished their process and have no
objection, this petition would be appropriate. But at this particular
point in time I just don't feel that it is.
MR. CUYLER: I need to indicate to you that this is
consistent with the comprehensive plan. I think you will find that in
your staff report. Although, it is a change from residential to
commercial, it is something that is allowed by county's planning
department.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: I would -- I'm sorry.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: Madam Chairman?
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: Go ahead.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Just where are they in the
process, and how long are we considering delaying this? Because my
obvious concern is this man's ability to use a piece of land that he
owns, and how long are we going to restrict that.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: I think they are probably a year
away from having the master plan complete. But that's only part of my
concern, the other part of my concern is going from residential to
commercial. That's a larger leap.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: Well, I --
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: We have to remember that Marco
Island is a fairly well built-out community. The major exception is
residential property, only about half of the residential -- single
family, excuse me, residential lots have been built out.
The commercial and the multifamily are essentially all
built out or spoken for. And to go in and change the zoning at this
late date is something that we should be very careful about in my
opinion. It was quite an issue three years ago when a lot of this type
of rezoning was going on on Marco. It was quite a bit of discussion
during the political campaign that took place back in 1992.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: I would have a serious concern
about our taking a position on this petition that we won't consider a
fezone potentially for a year until the plan is completed. I
understand it's the County Attorney's job and not mine to give you
legal advice, but I would be concerned about a suspension of that kind
without some sort of a formal public hearing and some sort of a more
careful review.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Then my suggestion would be for
you to ignore that issue. And my other area of concern is that we are
rezoning residential property to commercial, which I find
inappropriate in this particular case.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I've got to agree with
Commissioner Hac'Kie. I think the suggestion that we put any land
issue changes on hold while Marco is in the process of redesign is
inappropriate. You're right, we need to give them a closer look, but
hopefully we do that with everything. I don't think we can put
everything down there that private land owners have on hold for a
year. It appears to be compatible, and Mr. Cuyler said it does
conform with our current requirements. MR. CUYLER: It is consistent.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: So with those in mind, I
think it's hard to say no.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK:
leave my motion as is.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
comment from staff.
Commissioner Hancock?
I echo that exactly, and I will
I believe we had a further
HR. HULHERE: I just wanted to offer that I'm not sure
whether the Marco Island Civic Association or the other civic
associations on Marco Island have specifically looked at this fezone,
but I think Commissioner Norris is accurate in about one year being a
time frame for them to have some final -- to have a final look at that
or a final ideology on that commercial zoning issue.
Certainly it would be up to the applicant, but if we so
desired, we could contact them and see if they had any comments on
this petition.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hac'Kie?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: What are the advertising
requirements for a petition such as this? And is there a possibility
that the civic associations and affected residents on Marco don't know
about this?
MR. HULHERE: No. All of the residents within 300 feet
were notified. And a couple did appear at the Planning Commission,
and I believe they were appeased by the conditions that we put on the
fezone. Other than that it was placed in the paper, and the property
is posted.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: So my presumption would be -- and
I absolutely mean no disrespect to Commissioner Norris -- that if they
had objections, I think they would be here or at least we would have a
record of some kind; we would have a letter or a phone call. So
absent that, I will support the motion.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Now, I know the motion has come
forward, but I haven't yet closed the public hearing. And I need to
do that. But I think the petitioner has one more thing to say.
MR. MAZZINI: I just want to basically -- basically, can
I give you guys a copy of the rendering?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I believe we have it.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: We have it.
MR. MAZZINI: Other than that -- other than having, you
know, small signs and noting this is a dental office, the structure
will look just like a house. I mean, probably most people will not
know this is not a residence any more than anyone else on the street.
It's not going to look like, you know, an office; it's basically going
to look like a residence.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All right, fine. I believe Mr.
Cuyler said there was no public comment?
MR. CUYLER: Correct.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. I will close the public
hearing. We have a motion. Can I carry it forward, or do we need it
stated again?
MR. CUYLER: If the motion is for approval and there's
been a second, you can go ahead and call for a vote.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second.
They've already been stated. I will call the question. All those in
favor please "Aye."
(All commissioners responded simultaneously.)
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Excuse me, I said, "Aye."
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. All those opposed? Now,
it's your turn.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Aye.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Motion passes four to one.
Thank you.
MR. MAZZINI: Thank you.
Item #12C1
RESOLUTION 95-71/DEVELOPHENT ORDER 95-1 RE PETITION DRI-93-1, SUSAN
HEBEL WATTS REPRENSETING WCN, INC. REQUESTING DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL OF
THE PELICAN MARSH DRI/PUD, A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT
CONTAINING COHMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL GOLF COURSE AND RELATED FACILITIES,
CULTURAL/COHMUNITY FACILITY, AND OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION LAND USES
LOCATED GENERALLY IN AN AREA LYING NORTH OF VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD -
ADOPTED WITH ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: The next item is item 12-B-3,
which is a companion item with 12-C-1.
Mr. Cuyler, do we need two separate motions, or can we
do them both together?
MR. CUYLER: Both. You can hear them together, and then
when it's time to take a motion you can take a motion on each one.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay.
MR. CUYLER: One public hearing.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. So one public hearing; two
motions?
MR. CUYLER: Correct.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Nino.
MR. NINO: For the record, my name is Ron Nino, current
planning and service to staff.
The petitions that are before you --
MR. DORRILL: Mr. Nino, if I could, would you -- thank
you very much.
MR. NINO: The two petitions are going to be referred to
hereafter as PHC, the Pelican Marsh Community, Petitions. By virtue
of its size, it's subjected to a higher level of scrutiny because its
development has impacts which extend beyond its boundary and affects
public infrastructure, community facilities and services, an area of
natural resources that are of regional significance.
Consequently when we deal with development applications
having regional impact and significance, we are required to accomplish
this by a specific type of development order which we commonly refer
to as a DRI Development Order as distinct from the normal development
order that is associated with rezoning or PUD rezoning action or a
conditional lien.
While this approval is executed by the County Board,
nevertheless its content is largely shaped by the regional planning
committee and the review input it receives from a host of review
agencies with a regional or statewide jurisdictional mandate. The DRI
Development Order, which is before you for approval, while it
addresses regional concerns, nevertheless for most of the categorical
issues and impacts it addresses these can also be said to be equally
of importance for their local content, such as the provisions that
deal with housing, transportation, water manager, hurricane
evacuation, and so forth. While we allege that they have primary
content for regional application, nevertheless I think we would all
agree that they are equally of local concern.
The DRI Development Order you are asked to approve is
one which basically incorporates the recommendations included in the
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council's Official Recommendations
Report, which you all have in your Executive Summary Packet. It
should be appreciated that these are recommendations and are therefore
not absolute prerequisites to an approval which will not be challenged
through an appeal process which rests with the Department of Community
Affairs.
The development commitments provisions to be invoked at
stages of development and the general development framework set by the
provisions within that development order, which you have in your
packet, are not in all cases exactly the same as the RPC. There were
two areas where there is some departure; one deals with housing. And
your packet does not reflect the housing language that has been
negotiated in the last couple of days.
Basically -- basically, the current provision in the
packet, in the development orders as you have it, is a statement that
says,"PHC at some subsequent stage in their development will analyze
whether or not they in fact have responsibilities to provide
affordable housing." And that is kind of a wait-and-see proposition.
PHC and our housing director, about a week ago, got together and
concluded with a revision of that wait-and-see kind of proposal.
And PHC offered, in the alternative, a $50,000 cash
contribution which would be used for first-time home buyers or for
employees who are -- for employees that are spun off from the PHC
Development. I'm advised by regional staff that that modification is
acceptable and would not meet with their -- would not meet with
their-- would not be objected to. Our housing director is much more
enthusiastic about that approach, and therefore we recommend that that
be the strategy employed.
Relative to the departures in the transportation
provisions, staff would ask that your approval take into account the
need to make some modification to the transportation section. The
applicants and the regional staff have gotten together and have
resolved that difference. And if your approval will reflect an
ability for us to make some minor massaging of the transportation
section, that would appropriately address the issue. There is closure
there. RPC staff and PHC have agreed to the slight modification that
is necessary to bring the provisions relative to transportation in
line with the original official recommendations.
Relative -- relative to the rezoning -- I want to go on
to the rezoning aspect of this at this point in time. The development
I would remind you -- I think we all know where Pelican Harsh is.
It's been under development for a considerable length of time. It's
an area of 2,075 acres; it extends all the way from U.S. 41 all the
way east to what would be the Livingston Road right-of-way, and in the
process crosses Goodlette Frank and Airport.
That development will consist, if approved, of 5,600
residential dwelling units, 1,200 of which are intended to be single
family, 4,400 units intended to be multi-family; 575,000 square feet
of gross floor area for commercial development; 350,000 gross floor
area for office developments, with 100,000 square feet of that total
allocated for medical offices; 280 hotel rooms; 80,000 square feet of
gross floor area for cultural activities -- libraries, auditoriums,
perhaps another philharmonic, who knows; 36 holes of golf with 55,000
square feet of clubhouses and various related land uses, including
that preserve, lakes, open space, the school site, and et cetera.
The development agenda put forward by the PHC, let me
say, is consistent with the FLUE, because the density -- the
residential density is less than is otherwise authorized by the
density component -- by the density rating system to the FLUE to the
GMP. This development is 2.86 dwelling units per acre, and the
density rating system allows three over most of this area. It also
allows a-- provides for a density bonus attributable to the fact that
it fronts on more than -- two or more arterial roads and indeed has a
portion within the density bank up at the Immokalee -- generally the
Immokalee/Livingston Road area. So there is obviously more than three
dwelling units authorized for this. And this is definitely consistent
with the FLUE.
Relative to the commercial component, there is an
activity center at the intersection of Vanderbilt Beach Road and
Airport Road. Therefore, the commercial -- the commercial area is
consistent with the GMP to the extent that the activity -- the
activity centers cannot be developed until VBR, Vanderbilt Beach Road,
is physically in place. That condition is spelled out in the PUD
document, and it is a condition of invoking development there within
the future land use itself and the GMP. Therefore we have found that
with respect to the land use strategy, in its entirety for PMC, it is
consistent with the FLUE.
Relative to the other relationships to the growth
management plan -- the transportation, natural resource preservation,
the utilities, hurricane evacuation -- housing reviews by
jurisdictional staff have found that PMC is consistent with the goals
and objectives in the master GMP in all of its aspects.
The PUD document that is before you reflects -- reflects
indeed a high level of cooperation between the PMC personnel and your
staff. The PUD document includes all of the considerations and issues
that were raised by our staff to insure that this development, as it
progresses, is consistent with not only the GMP but the Land
Development Code and, also, the requirements of the Land Development
Code.
Some of issues that were -- that came to our attention
in terms of traditional application of capability issues, for example
the PMC document, in that regard, assures that all contiguous property
of a residential nature will get a response on the PMC side of the
line with housing of similar density and similar design in terms of
height. That provision is contained in here, so we really don't have
a problem with capability with respect to contiguous residential
properties. That includes Victoria Park; it includes the Four
Seasons; it includes Crescent Lake; it includes the Quail Woods
Development.
If you read the PUD document, you will find that in that
portion of Quail Woods where the housing is single family the response
on the Pelican -- PMC side will be single family. Where it's multiple
family, the response will be multiple family housing structures of
equal height on the contiguous side. Of course PMC is providing the
right-of-way for the Vanderbilt Beach Road. And I'm advised that that
may be under construction this fall. If that being the case, then
obviously PMC will have the ability to come forward with some
commercial development on an activity center if that is to occur.
This issue was heard by the Planning Commission on
January the 5th. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the
-- both the development order and the PUD master plan -- the PUD
document.
We have some minor issues that -- that we need to bring
to your attention with respect to the PUD document; they are not of
any substance at all. But in the legal review we find some references
to sections of the LDC to be incomplete where they may have -- where
the PUD documents suggest, for example, 3.57; our legal staff feels
more comfortable with 3.5.7.1. It's really not of any substance, but
I do want to bring this to your attention.
In one instance we have a deletion, on Page 77 of the
PUD document, under Environment Stipulation A. There is a -- the last
three sentences would be deleted and a period would be added -- would
be placed after the word "assigned." That is consistent with Mr.
Reynold's understanding of what that section provides. Other than
that, we have a document that is complete in all respects in terms of
addressing our concerns and the concerns of the LDC.
The Collier County Planning Commissioner recommends it
to you, and there were no objections either in writing or verbally
expressed.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there questions for staff?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Mr. Nino -- and you'll have to
forgive me, I know the Board has heard this before or portions of this
before, and I may be asking a repetitive question. When Pelican Bay
developed, there were some park areas set aside; they got moved or
shifted and a lot of park areas were removed from Pelican Bay, and the
community park that was build on the north end began to kind of serve
that purpose.
I look at the Pelican Harsh Community, and obviously at
this point nothing is set aside for local parks for residents and so
forth. I began, after playing basketball up at North Naples a couple
of times, to wonder about how many people that park can hold. 5,600
units in the Pelican Harsh Community is going to have an impact on the
Veterans' Park and on the Pelican Bay side.
And I guess what I just want to ask is have we addressed
-- I know the development will pay impact fees to the park system as
required, but what about whether or not the impact of those parks is
going to take them to a point of saturation, or what local areas are
we looking at potentially setting aside for the additional population
added here. Has that really been an element that has been looked at?
MR. NINO: Well, I hope it has, because we -- this
document here was submitted to all of our jurisdictional agencies.
And the County Parks and Recreation Department would have been asked
to review the Pelican Harsh submission. And as the staff report
indicates, we've had no request from any county agencies to set
aside-- to require land be physically set aside by the PHC Community
for public recreational purposes.
And that may largely be because the Pelican Harsh
Community is a gated community; so really in the sense of a recreation
space for the public need, i.e., the entire county, you are not going
to get in there. However, we certainly would hope that the county's
recreation goal would include using those impact fees to offset -- to
acquire land within the immediate environs of the PHC Community, and
similarly with other county agencies. Now, that's with the exception
of the School Board. We are aware of the fact that the School Board
did enter into an arrangement with PHC on the twenty-acre site -- I'm
sorry, I have the wrong map up. But there is a twenty-acre school
site that is in this area here (indicating).
COHHISSIONER HANCOCK: Now, there's a planner; he draws
in circles.
MR. NINO: So that the only public facility that is
acknowledged within the PHC is the school site. And that issue of the
school site and the provisions under which it has to be or has to be
developed are all contained within the PUD document.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I guess I will have to leave that
to the Parks and Recreation Department. I just wanted to ask you if
you've addressed that particular issue.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any questions for
staff?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Does the petitioner have anything
to say, or are you simply here to answer questions?
MS. WATTS: Madame Chairman and members of the Board, my
name is Susan Watts. I'm here today with our extensive team that has
been working on this. If you prefer, we would be happy to answer
questions as opposed to making a formal presentation.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there questions?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Hi, Ms. Watts.
MS. WATTS: Hi, Commissioner Norris.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Since the last time we spoke on
this development, what have you done to notify the people that were
near the waste-water treatment plant?
MS. WATTS: Well, we were before a portion of this Board
in Hay of 1993 when the Pelican Marsh Community's 1,100 acres and the
preliminary development was approved. And at that time you asked us
the question regarding the regional sewer facility in North Naples,
and our response to you at that time was that it is shown on the
master plan in the PUD document, on all the zoning things that are
recorded in public documents, and it's also part of our copy of the
Pelican Marsh PUD which we hand out to all prospective -- well, I
shouldn't say "all." It's available in our sales trailer. We have
distributed over 600 of these documents. And it shows the location of
the sewage-treatment facility. It is also shown on the new PUD master
plan for the full 2,075 acres; so it is very, very available.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Available is fine. If I were a
customer to go in and buy a piece of property in there, would I
definitely be notified or is the information just available?
MS. WATTS: I would say the information is available.
It's not something that we make in a presentation or a sales pitch. I
would mention, though, that we do have an effluent pond on-site, as we
also have in Pelican Bay. Those are located along Goodlette Frank
Road. We have notified buyers that are adjacent to that site of that
particular arrangement.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Well, I know that Westinghouse has
certainly always been in favor of full-and-fair disclosure on all of
their properties. So I'm trying to find out if there is a mechanism
available for us, and are you willing to do so -- to make sure that
all parties who buy properties in that development are notified that
they are near a waste-water treatment?
MS. WATTS: Well, I think our response would be what
happens to the people that are buying in South Hampton -- or I'm not
sure what the new name of that is -- and people who are buying
property in the entire vicinity.
COHHISSIONER NORRIS: When they come before the Board of
County Commissioners, we will be happy to discuss that. Today we're
just asking about Pelican Harsh Communities.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: If I may, on that point --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Just a second.
Commissioner Norris, have you finished?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: I haven't gotten an answer yet.
MS. WATTS: I guess we've been in the position, from the
last public hearing before this body, that showing that land use on
these particular maps is a notification.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hac'Kie
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I certainly support your goal
there, Commissioner Norris. And although I have not had the pleasure
of sitting here as some of those problems have come up, I have
certainly watched you as you have.
My concern is about the can of worms that we might be
opening if we -- if we start identifying specific items that we want
developers to put potential buyers on notice of. My concern is that
the list -- I'm not sure we are qualified to define the list -- and
I'm really quite sure that I don't want the responsibility of defining
the list of what are nuisances or what are potential problems that
this county thinks are important enough for potential buyers to be
notified of. So recognize the goal, but I also think that coming up
with some particular special disclosure could be troublesome for us in
the long-term future.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Okay. I understand that you see
it as a can of worms. What you see as a can of worms, I see as
protection for our citizens and also protection to keep this Board
from getting into the type of situation we have had near other public
facilities that could be construed as nuisances by some people. What
I'm trying to do is make sure people are alerted to the fact that they
are near some sort of public facility so in the future they won't be
able to come back and say, "Well, we don't know anything about it. We
were never notified, and therefore we want you to spend 30 billion
dollars working it out."
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: If I can just respond to that.
Certainly, I don't think that notifying the public of
potential problems is a can of worms. That's not what I meant, and
I'm sure you don't think that's what I meant. What I meant is that we
have to be careful as we identify what are problems that we think are
important enough to require specific disclosure. This may be one.
But if it is, there may also be others. And we should be careful as
we make a list.
Again, I know you hate this lawyer talk, but as a lawyer
I can't help but think that if I had a client who -- to whom you
disclosed as a county, "Here's a water-treatment plant." And later I
discovered something else that I consider a nuisance, I'm going to
bring that to you and say, "You're liable, County, because you choose
to determine that the waste-water treatment plant was a problem, but
you didn't tell me about the other one." And I just don't want --
that's the can of worms that I am concerned about.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: You indicated you don't want
to be responsible for putting together that list. And I understand
your point there, where does the line draw. However, unfortunately,
that's the responsibility that we get saddled with here. I think
things like a landfill or like a waste-water plant are clearly things
that are potentially a nuisance to neighbors.
And we couldn't have any clearer example than the Lely
example and having people come back after the fact at us. We have
already committed to spending another nine million, at least, and it
will likely cost us more; because the community has grown around that.
I have got to agree -- I understand your concern, but I have to agree
with Commissioner Norris that we know this particular one is a
concern.
I agree as a separate issue, maybe in one of those
workshops, we decide what is all inclusive in our list. But I think
this is clearly one. I don't think there is any question that a
waste-water facility is a potential nuisance and has been and could
again be something that residents will come back and ask for changes
after the fact. So I don't think we are out of line at all in asking
-- I don't think Commissioner Norris is out of line.
MS. WATTS: If I could, Chairman and members of the
Board, if I could suggest -- maybe, one approach is that the county
look at these particular uses and see if there is some way that they
could come up with some sort of overlay zone and think about how all
through the county, not just on a case-by-case piece, that we need to
address these.
I understand the cost implications of the East Naples
sewage treatment situation, and there are others. But I think it's --
maybe that's a more holistic approach to addressing this situation,
maybe some type of overlay zone or committee to look at that. I'm not
sure what the appropriate mechanism would be.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I'm a little unsure as to what
level this Board should go to in trying to indemnify and protect. I
think there is a responsibility. But when we begin saying, "Beware of
this"; and "Beware of that," that should we omit one; should we not
incorporate one, we could be held liable.
More importantly than that, when I bought my house, it
was up to me to do whatever research I deemed necessary to protect
myself in the long term. It didn't protect me from things happening
that I had no control over, but it certainly forced me to take a real
hard look at what's around and what affects my environment. If we
begin-- if we remove the "Buyer beware" portion of individual
purchases; if we begin to take on some of that responsibility
ourselves, I fear what position that puts us in down the road.
I was not here for -- or, I'm sorry. I was not part of
this Board for the Lely sewer situation. I am a part of this Board
for the current landfill discussions. The landfill was there; people
moved close to it and then don't want it there. That's reasonable;
that's understandable.
But I think we are going to deal with that whether we
put this on there or not; whether we require Pelican Marsh to tell
each home owner within a half mile radius that there is a waste-water
facility there, it in no way keeps us from hearing that argument down
the road and having to address it. I think we still have to address
it. I don't think we can say, "Hey, look, you were notified it was
there." I don't think that people who moved close to landfills ever
claimed that they didn't know it was there. I don't think the people
who moved close to Lely's water-treatment plant ever said, "Golly,
gee, I didn't know it was there."
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes, they did.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yeah. That's what -- I guess
I would respond is that Iwm not suggesting that we take away "buyer
beware." Obviously, everyone as they purchase their own property
needs to be responsible for that. I would be the last person to say
government should take responsibilities away from individuals.
The reality of the situation with Lely was if everyone
had played by the rules, if everyone had done as you and I would do,
we probably wouldnwt have had as much of a problem. But there were
Realtors who said that was water storage for the golf course or that
was X, Y, Z. There were different claims of what that was.
Obviously, that homeowner can go after that Realtor after the fact for
misrepresenting and so on. But the fact remains that there were many
people that did not know that that was there or did not know what it
Was.
If we can do one more thing in assisting people in being
aware, in being diligent in what it is they are purchasing, I think we
should do that. I'm not suggesting that we should take responsibility
from them. If we could assist them in that effort, then maybe we
should.
MS. WATTS: I would mention one thing, Commissioners,
and that is this sewage-treatment facility is very visible from
Goodlette Frank Road. So if you've driven on it lately, with the
overpass, you can't help but see that it's there. And that may make
somewhat of a difference as opposed to something being at grade and
hidden behind some residential development. It's quite visible.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hac'Kie.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Just a general comment, and I
will hush on the issue. I think it would be appropriate if we are
concerned about this on a global county-wide basis that we approach it
on a county-wide basis and that we not chose this particular project
to kick off a new program; that we investigate these overlay zones.
And, perhaps, that's an appropriate way to look at them, but not going
case by case.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I think that might be an
appropriate discussion in a workshop. We seem to want to create
overlay zones similar to the overlay we created down in the south
county area with the mobile home overlay. And recognizing the fact
that we do have public services spotted throughout the county. The
problem that I'm having with what Commissioner Norris has asked for --
and I don't disagree with him, because I too would like to find a way
to avoid the problems that we have experienced with the Lely plant.
But Pelican Harsh is possibly the first PUD/DRI that we
have asked -- that we are even discussing the issue with. And as Ms.
Watts has said, there's South Hampton that is coming on line -- maybe
under a different name -- but certainly they are going to be putting
in single family and multifamily as well; and they are within the same
general miles, by air, so to speak. So I think the issue is probably
more global than simply a particular PUD.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I do agree; it's a timing issue.
In this case we have action preceding policy. I agree fully that it's
something that we need to take a look at, but I would like policy to
precede action so that we have some precedent to move ahead on. At
this point I'm not even sure if what we asked them to do provides us
any leeway down the road -- or in other words, we haven't worked this
idea out fully to apply to all these situations. I'm just a little
concerned stepping on untested ground.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Would there be any interest
in asking them, not to be a requirement, subject to -- at least up
until the time we adopt a policy, if we then adopt a policy
county-wide, they would no longer be subject to the stipulation?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Let me ask Mr. Cuyler.
If we were to have this discussion six months down the
road, in a workshop, and in that workshop we decide that we want to
advertise and bring forth an ordinance county-wide that would require
notification on all future home sales, how would we do that as opposed
to resale and new sales? I mean, is it possible to do something like
that, and are we -- are we as a Board then taking on a responsibility
that we may not want to?
MR. CUYLER: With regard to resales, that's -- at this
point you're talking about new fezones of undeveloped property or the
property that is going to be developed. I would, under those
circumstances, if you put a written policy into affect that as part of
the fezone document and PUD's there was going to be a certain type of
notice, yes, prospectively you can do that. With regard to this PUD,
that would be past the time unless they'll agree that they will abide
by whatever policy you put into affect. And, obviously, they don't
know what that is.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: If we were to adopt an overlay
situation as has been suggested, how would we -- how would we
differentiate between new sales and resales, or would we? I mean,
there's just too many questions here that -- that we have not
addressed yet.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: I agree with you; there are too
many questions here to get into a global discussion about an overlay.
But I'm sure Westinghouse Communities certainly wouldn't object to it
if they were asked to comply with an overlay. And, I guess, we need
to move forward with the discussion here at hand today and just ask
Westinghouse if they have any objection to some sort of further
notification to original buyers.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: On all marketing literature
and otherwise?
MS. WATTS: Yeah, I think we -- we would be willing to
work on a committee if you put it together. We would like to help
review that. I think we are open to that because, obviously, it's not
something that's going to go away.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I just heard Mr. Hoegsted,
from the crowd, say contracts only not parking literature, which gets
me back to my original concern. I know when I bought my home I signed
almost as many things as I signed when I was Chairman of the Board.
You flip through page after page; I had a stack this thick
(indicating). And the likelihood of me seeing that disclaimer were
pretty slim. Now, if I go in to look at a product, a new product,
when I open up that sales brochure, I'm not looking at 80 or 90 pages;
I'm looking at maybe three pages. So there is a difference to me. I
would like to see it so that people are aware.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner MAc'Kie.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: More government regulation out of
this republican Board? I think this is absurd. You know, people are
intelligent; people can buy homes; people can do their own inquiry.
If we do an overlay zone, what are we going to do? Require it be
disclosed in the deed? There is -- this is too much government
interference. I think it's inappropriate and that we should stop and
look at it in an overall global prospective with some serious advice
from our county attorney before we start trying to make them back off.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Fine. I'm asking them to
voluntarily disclose it in their literature.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: And my thought is that we -- I
think that people know that there are public utilities in a county
where there is water management. I just -- it's silly to me.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Excuse me. Could we have an
answer to Commissioner Norris' question?- MR. VARNADOE: Can I address that as an attorney for the
-- I have some other -- I need to understand the scope of what he is
asking.
MR. CUYLER: State your name.
MR. VARNADOE: For the record, George Varnadoe,
attorney.
This is almost a 2,100-acre project. Mr. Norris, you
are not suggesting that people that are adjacent to Airport Road need
to be notified of a sewage-treatment plant that may be over two miles
away, are you, sir? I'm just trying to understand the scope of what
you are asking -- what you're asking us to do. And more specifically
-- because this has some legal ramifications to the developer there
that are very, very serious. I mean, if you guys go out there
globally, then everybody's in the same boat. When you ask us to
voluntarily do something, now you're putting some liability on us that
I'm not sure that we really need to have.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Mr. Varnadoe, I've asked
Westinghouse Communities to voluntarily notify the respective buyers
of the property within that development; to notify them of this
sewer-treatment plant. Either they will or they won't.
MR. VARNADOE: Yes, sir. But what part of the
development are you asking us to do that in? The whole development?
If you'll look -- will you help us up there and show us where we are,
where you see those words up there? In other words, the majority of
this project is not approximate to this.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: So if we can define what area
we would like that disclosed in, then you don't have a problem?
MR. VARNADOE: Well, and then I want to know what kind
of disclosure you really want. You understand that Westinghouse is a
horizontal developer; we sell to subdevelopers that actually build the
product and sell to you, the consumer. We can certainly take it so
far, but we have very little contact with most of the actual buyers of
our residences in the project. Now we have some; we have some direct
home sales, but a lot of this is done through signature communities or
other people who actually have -- who actually do the development in
the community. I'm just -- I'm sorry, but I have some real legal
problems.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Do you have certain
restrictions in the Pelican Harsh Community as a whole? MR. VARNADOE: Absolutely.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And when you pass that
property on to the builders, signature communities or whatever, I
assume you alert them to what those restrictions are and hold them
responsible to build within those restrictions? MR. VARNADOE: Absolutely.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And I assume, in turn, they
alert the owner in some way shape or form?
MR. VARNADOE: There I don't know, sir. You may have
lost the privity of contract. When we have privity of contract, that
means we have a contractual relationship. I can control that. Once
it goes beyond that, I have lost control.
If you are asking us to put that in our community
documents, where the location of this is, I submit to you that if
there's one thing that most people aren't going to read when they're
handed to them is -- that Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions is
this thick (indicating). I'm trying to be very practical here with
you. It is a problem that I'm not sure you have really considered all
the ramifications.
How far away, Mr. Norris, were you considering having
this notification?
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: I haven't considered that at all.
I know you have an extensive development there, and to try and put a
feet limit on it or mile limit on it or something to that affect would
be sort of difficult. Perhaps everything west of Airport Road --
that's Airport Road there in the middle? MR. VARNADOE: That's one mile.
MS. WATTS: If I could just, Commissioners, mention one
thing that may or may not have any relevance on this discussion.
1,100 acres of Pelican Marsh is already zoned, and sales have been
ongoing and single family residents actually live there already, and
the majority of that property is west of the sewage-treatment facility
as well as southwest and south. And that's where development is
going, and that is already in the approximate area of the
sewage-treatment facility.
I would -- on behalf of Westinghouse, I would say that
we would prefer to work with you on something in the future that would
apply to the whole county. And I think at this point in time, unless
Lou would like to jump up and say something, we would not agree to
voluntarily notify.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Would you be willing to
voluntarily join whatever we establish for a county-wide policy when
that comes about?
MS. WATTS: I don't think that, Commissioner, we could
say unequivocally, "yes." But I would say that we would be more than
happy to work on that committee.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Because there's -- as much as
the argument goes, it's not black and white. You're making it black
and white, either you're in or out. If we don't do anything here, at
no point are you required to, and I think we've lost the opportunity
for thousands of people to be made aware.
MS. WATTS: I think, Commissioner, at this point in time
with the -- the situation is really not defined; we don't know what
distances we're talking about, how we could influence something like
this. I just don't think that we could agree do something at this
point in time.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any further questions
or comments?
MS. WATTS: Could I mention, for the record, a point to
Commissioner Hancock's question, just to get on the record, regarding
the parks and recreation?
For your information, the Pelican Marsh Community will
generate 3.2 -- over 3.2 million dollars in parks and recreation
impact fee credits, which equates to one regional park and two
community parks per the County Park assessment. Also, I would like to
hand out -- Mr. Nino indicated earlier that there were some language
missing from the DO regarding one of the transportation situations,
and I would just like to hand that out to you, which is part of the
Regional Planning Council approval.
COHHISSIONER HANCOCK: Ms. Watts, I'm sorry, one of my
concerns was having such a large community and not really having -- I
understand once we receive the impacts fees we could come back around
and then buy property from you to do a park in Pelican Harsh. But
such a large population, I just want to have a park very close to them
if not in their community. I guess we will handle that at a later
time.
The only other comment or question I have is was there
some question as to the buffer on the south side of Vanderbilt Beach
Road and then some resolution presented to the Pine Ridge residents?
Because I would just like to hear that, for the record; know what
those people can expect to have; and see if it matches what I think
they're looking for.
MS. WATTS: Commissioners, a long time ago -- two or
three years ago -- when we first started discussing the County
Transportation Department, the agreement that was entered into between
ourselves and the county to do the environmental permitting, one of
the issues related to the environment was protecting the Pine Ridge
residents, specifically those along Hickory. And we had offered to
the residents of Pine Ridge to construct a buffer-berm system on the
south side of Vanderbilt Beach Road equal to whatever we were going to
place on the north side. And they had asked us to include that in the
PUD document; and that is in the PUD document, on Page 8-4. And that
is at our cost.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Is that a minimum of six foot?
MS. WATTS: It's a minimum of six feet in height, and it
would -- well, except for the area adjacent to Lake Bunting where
there is not enough room to actually construct a berm. And in that
location it would be canopy trees and shrubbery that's spelled out in
the stipulation. That would be completed no later than when
Vanderbilt Beach Road is open for public use.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: The minimum six-foot height is
what I was concerned with. That wasn't the initial height? MS. WATTS: No, that was --
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Was that the initial height?
MS. WATTS: Well, we really didn't talk about the
height. Initially we were just looking at concept schedules. But that
is the height, and that information has been sent to the Pine Ridge
group.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: No further questions.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Any further questions?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Before we take a vote, I have one
last question for Mr. Varnadoe. MR. VARNADOE: Yes, sir.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: You earlier mentioned a thick set
of community covenants and restrictions, I believe you called them.
MR. VARNADOE: Yes, sir.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Would you have any objection of
putting the disclaimer in there?
MR. VARNADOE: I have, I think, a better suggestion.
The one document I think we all read is the actual contract for
purchase, because that's the one that really -- where the rubber meets
the road, if you would. We would agree, Mr. Norris, that until the
county comes up with a global approach to this to, in the contract for
purchase, put a notification of the proximity to this regional
facility for all property located within 500 feet of that facility.
And then we would also agree that whatever the county ordinance that
globally approaches this, we'll comply with your county ordinance.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I try to picture the Lely
Community 500 feet, and I know the impact and turnout we had far
exceeded 500 feet. I have two questions. One, it would make me more
comfortable if you would increase that 500 feet. Also, you said until
such a time we come up with a global, I assume you don't mean then
you'll stop and you won't be subject to the global either. I assume
you will not do one or the other.
MR. VARNADOE: What I said was very clearly, Mr.
Constantine, that when you adopt a global approach, we will comply
with that. So if you draw up something that is 300 feet or 1,000 feet
or a quarter of a mile, whatever you adopt, at the point you adopt
that globally, we will then comply with that ordinance. COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Okay.
MR. VARNADOE: But until that time, our suggestion is
500 feet, and it would be in contractual documents. And you need to
note for the record that some property that would fall within that
scope has already been contracted for and sold, and we are not going
-- we are applying this prospectively; we are not going to try and go
back and redo contracts where we already have contracts for sale.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any further questions
for Mrs. Watts?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Cuyler, are there any public
speakers?
MR. CUYLER: There are no public speakers on either of
these two items.
MR. VARNADOE: Could I, for the record, just make one
more comment, Madam Chairman? CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yes.
MR. VARNADOE: There was one stipulation in the -- I'll
get use to this, don't worry. There was one stipulation in the
transportation that we tried to, from the Regional Planning Council,
that when we tried to merge that into being subject to concurrency, we
took out -- or thought it was unnecessary. The Regional Planning
staff has asked that we put that back in there, and we got copies of
that. It's also in your regional planning -- Staff Regional Planning
Council Report. It's fairly lengthy, and it requires us to do a
reanalysis. And I just want to make sure that you understand that is
going back into the development order, if that's approved today; that
we had agree with Regional Planning Council staff to at least proffer
that for you to put back in the development order.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: That's the transportation
language?
MR. VARNADOE: Yes, ma'am, thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Is there additional comment,
discussion or questions?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: If not, then I'll close the
public hearing. Thank you. Is there a question?
MR. CUYLER: Yes, Madam Chairman. I would, just before
you make your motion, I would take the C-1 as your first motion and
then the fezone as your second motion.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: This is on the DRI?
MR. CUYLER: Development order first, the C-1.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Which one?
MR. CUYLER: Petition DRI-93-1.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Which one would carry the proffer
to include that in the sales contract? MR. CUYLER: The transportation.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: No, not transportation.
MR. CUYLER: That would be in the zoning; transportation
would go in the development plan. The fezone would take the language
that you are talking about.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: So the development order we're
taking first is C-i?
MR. CUYLER: Correct.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: I will make a motion that we
approve Petition DRI-93-1 with the stipulation that Westinghouse
includes in their sales contracts a disclaimer concerning the
waste-water treatment plant.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Excuse me. That belongs in the
development order. This is the DRI that we are doing.
MR. CUYLER: You could put them in both unless there is
an objection. It's probably more applicable to both. COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Which one does it belong in?
MR. VARNADOE: It belongs in the PUD document. That's
the zoning document. The development order really addresses regional
issues. And that means if later we change that, then we have to go
back to DCA, and I don't think that's something you want.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Close enough.
MR. VARNADOE: So let's keep that local.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Let me restate my motion. As I
stated before, I make a motion to approve Petition DRI-90-1 --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: 93-1.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Excuse me, 93-1.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All right.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I will second that motion.
Does that include the transportation language?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: The transportation language.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. We have a motion by
Commissioner Norris and a second by Commissioner Constantine to
approve Petition DRI-93-1 with the transportation adjustment included.
Is there any discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Being none I will call the
question. All those in favor please say, "Aye."
(The Commissioners responded simultaneously.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: No one is opposed; motion passes
five/zero.
Item #1283
ORDINANCE 95-4 RE PETITION PUD-94-9, ALAN D. REYNOLDS, AICP, OF WILSON,
MILLER, BARTON AND PEEK, INC., REPRESENTING WCN COHMUNITIES, INC.
REQUESTING A REZONE FROM PUD AND "A/ST", TO PUD FOR A PROJECT TITLED
PELICAN HARSH NORTH OF VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD - ADOPTED WITH
STIPULATIONS (COMPANION TO ITEM 12C1)
Do we have a motion now on the PUD Agreement?
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: Yes. I will also make a motion
that we approve PUD-94-9, and that we will also accept the stipulation
as brought forth by Mr. Varnadoe concerning the disclosure on sales
contracts --
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I will second that motion.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: -- Concerning the waste-water
treatment plant.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion by Commissioner
Norris and a second by Commissioner Constantine. Is there any
discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Being none, I will call the
question. All those in favor please say, "Aye."
(The Commissioners responded simultaneously.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: There being none, motion passes
five/zero.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Just as a suggestion, maybe
we set some kind of time line, maybe the next three months, we try to
get started on that overlay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Yeah, in the communications -- on
this long list of communications items this afternoon, which we may
not get to, the priority workshop was on that list. But we probably
need to add this overlay concept to that.
MR. DORRILL: Is that something that you might like,
first, to refer to your Development Services Advisory Committee and
let it come back from them, or how do you want to handle it?
COMHISSIONER HAC'KIE: I think that makes a lot of
sense.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: It seems fair to me. Does that
sound good to you?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I think I would like to see it on
the list, so we don't lose it over time.
MR. DORRILL: Very well.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Does that sound agreeable?
MR. VARNADOE: I would like to thank the Board.
MS. WATTS: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
Item #12B4
ORDINANCE 95-5 RE PETITION PUD-94-8, DWIGHT NADEAU OF HCANLY, ASHER &
ASSOCIATES, P.A., REPRESENTING JOHN BRUGGER, TRUSTEE, AND DELORES
DEEKS, REQUESTING A REZONE FROM "A" AND "PUD" TO "PUD" TO BE KNOWN AS
WILSHIRE LAKES PUD LOCATED NORTH OF VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD - ADOPTED
WITH STIPULATIONS
The next item is 12-B-4. Petition PUD-94-8.
MR. MILK: Good afternoon, Commissioners. For the
record, my name is Bryan Milk. I am presenting Petition PUD-94-8.
The petitioner wishes to amend the Wilshire Lakes PUD by adding thirty
acres to the subject site, which will in affect increase the size of
the project, 216 acres to 246 acres.
The petitioner also wishes to add 120 dwelling units for
the property, which would increase the density for 432 units to 552
units which would be a density increase from 2.0 units per acre to 2.2
units per acre while within the threshold of the gross management
plan. Of the 552 units provided in the Wilshire Lakes PUD, 224 units
are slated for multifamily development; 104 units are currently
presold and are within the Fieldstone Village Subdivision, which is an
eight-acre site development plan located near the project entrance.
The remaining 120 units would be built as a two-story condominium
project in what they propose as Keystone Village. The remainder 328
units would be developed throughout the Wilshire Lakes PUD, which is
currently platted.
This subdivision is a private-gated subdivision with
access provided off Vanderbilt Beach Road. The properties to the west
and to the north are primarily undeveloped agricultural properties.
Land to the east and abutting the subject property is Interstate 75;
and Vanderbilt Beach Road abuts the southern project boundary. The
petitioner, through the PUD process, has committed to set aside 60
percent of the area for common open space. Of that percentage, 58
acres will be set aside as natural vegetation.
A Planning Commission meeting was held on January 5,
1995; the Planning Commission recommended unanimous approval -- vote,
eight to zero. There was no one in the audience speaking for or
against the petition. However, the petitioner provided staff with two
petitions from the residents of Fieldstone Village and the residents
of the single-family subdivision, both approving of the acreage and
dwelling unit amendment.
This concludes my presentation. I'd be happy to answer
any questions.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Questions for staff?
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Mr. Milk, the last time this
particular PUD came before us, what was the request at that point?
MR. MILK: The request at that time was to add two acres
to what we call Fieldstone Village, and, I believe, approximately 80
dwelling units. At that time the Board at that time approved the
two-unit additional property, but for some reason cut back on the
overall dwelling unit count for that item.
I think there was some input about the growth management
plan and about the density in that particular Keystone Village -- oh,
I'm sorry, the site development plan. In other words, it's
approximately eight acres; there's 104 units in that particular area;
there are 13 dwelling units per the acre. As proposed, with the
30-acre addition and the 120 dwelling units, that would equal four
units per acre. The overall project density is at 2.2 dwelling units
per acre. So with all that in mind, the Board had some discussion on
density and additional land; that density being too much for the two
acres being sought at that time.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Okay. This request that we are
seeing today, is this a modification of a request that we have seen
before?
MR. MILK: No, sir, it is not.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: This is all new, the 30 acres?
MR. MILK: This is a brand new 30 acres. Actually, what
this parcel --
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Was this 30 acres contained within
the PUD before?
MR. MILK: No, sir.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: This is being added to the PUD?
MR. MILK: This is being added to the PUD. It is
currently zoned agricultural; and it is currently a landlocked parcel.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: The existing density is 2.0?
MR. MILK: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And if we do this it becomes
2.2?
MR. MILK: 2.2.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: It's an increase, but 2.2
isn't exactly Dade County now, is it?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any other questions of
the staff?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Point well taken.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any other questions of
the staff?
MR. DORRILL: You have registered speakers. Mr. Nadeau
is here.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Nadeau are you here to answer
questions, or are you here for a presentation?
MR. NADEAU: I have a very short presentation,
Commissioner.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay.
MR. NADEAU: For the record, my name is Dwight Nadeau
with the firm of HcAnly, Asher & Associates. I am representing the
applicants, Delores Deeks and John N. Brugger as trustee. As Mr. Milk
stated, we are proposing to add 120 dwelling units to the overall PUD
through the addition of a 30-acre parcel.
To give you a little bit of history behind the
development as it is right now, as Mr. Milk stated, the Fieldstone
Village 1 and 2 is a part of the Phase 1 of the Wilshire, which has
been -- all infrastructure has been in place; the property has been
recorded. Unit 2, being the area to the north, has been approved for
construction and is under construction at this point. Our Unit 3
would be the addition of these 30 acres to the Wilshire Lakes, of
which we would be proposing the 120 multifamily dwelling units. Now,
of that 30 acres, approximately, eight acres of that site is
considered to be jurisdictional both to the Army Corp of Engineers,
Collier County, and South Florida Water Management District. The
entire eight acres are going to be preserved as conservation easement
as part of our conscientious effort to do a proper planning.
Now, based on the significant and substantive
information that was provided in our PUD application and rezoning
applications, we've shown that the internal and external traffic
circulation has been analyzed, both public facilities demand drainage,
emergency service. Archaeologic and historic considerations have all
been identified and addressed. That would be found as a result of the
rezoning finding of the Collier County Planning Commission's Staff
Report as well as the PUD findings.
Based on all that information as well as the addition of
62 signatures in support from residents inside the development, I
would humbly request your positive approval of this petition. I would
be happy to answer any questions.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
Are there any questions for Mr. Nadeau?
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: Mr. Nadeau --
MR. NADEAU: Yes.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: -- On the north side of this 30
acres, is there an opportunity, perhaps, for you to gather some more
property and expand --
MR. BRUGGER: Can I answer some questions?
MR. NADEAU: Mr. Brugger, trustee, would like to
approach you.
MR. BRUGGER: What I would like to say is that we are
attempting to accommodate a landowner here who is landlocked. They
have approached us, and they had sat down and discussed with us their
right to have access because they have 1-75 on one side and it's all
wetlands on the other. And we have mutually agreed on them joining
our PUD so that we would have architectural control. They are
providing contributions to our association, because it is a gated
community.
And, basically, we are working together to resolve a
land-lock situation. All the property to the north is owned,
basically, by one family, the Jaeger (phonetic) family. The section
line lies on the north boundary on the 30-acre parcel. The property
just to the east of it is zoned, I believe, by the State of Florida.
So we do not anticipate -- we did not anticipate bringing land in, but
the property owners have no way of getting to their property
otherwise.
We have mutually agreed on a form of development. I
have gone to all the residents in the community; I've brought in a
petition with sixty of the people living there, which is just about
everybody that is in residence now, in support of it. We would rather
all work together to provide the access and have agreed on the
development. They are going to provide another community pool. And
it really would be, to the best of my knowledge -- unless someone else
can come in and show they can't get in any other way. We are trying
to resolve a landlock; they can't go north. They can only go south,
and it's all wetlands over here.
All the land to the west is owned by one farmer, David
Touchstone (phonetic). I don't anticipate any future amendment.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: That's a very good answer. I have
to commend you for that answer. It seems to me it wasn't the answer
to the question, though.
MR. BRUGGER: The land to the north is part of a DRI
extension; it could be zoned up to seven units an acre, lying directly
to the north.
COMMISSIONER NORRIS: But the question was do you have
the opportunity to expand any other direction with this PUD.
MR. BRUGGER: With this PUD, no.
COMHISSIONER NORRIS: Okay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any other questions for
the petitioner?
COHHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I have just one.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: It doesn't show up on this
map very well, and maybe it's just because I can't see that map very
well. But if you look at this map, to my left or your right, is it
just coincidence or was it designed to look roughly like the State of
Florida?
MR. BRUGGER: No, I believe that would be coincidence,
Commissioner Constantine.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hac'Kie.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'm still not sure that we got a
complete answer to Commissioner Norris' question. The concern that I
believe he was voicing -- whether or not, it's the concern that runs
for me -- is there additional property that you may bring back at a
later date to add to this PUD or to this development, or do you have
any other development plans in the area? And not that having any is
necessarily a bad thing, but since the question was asked, I would
like to know the answer.
MR. NADEAU: I can respond on behalf of our firm as well
as to conversations that Mr. Brugger and I have had. We have not been
given any direction to pursue any analysis or rezoning endeavors on
the northerly -- Section 30, I believe it is, to the north of the
subject property; nor has Mr. Brugger indicated to me any intentions
to expand; nor has Mrs. Deeks.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: And, in fairness, we are only
making our decision on what is in front of us today, not on what might
or might not appear at some distant future date.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: The only element that I would
offer as caution, more to the petitioner, Mr. Brugger, than anyone
else, is the piece you are bringing in itself is four units per acre.
So even though we add the density together and it looks overall very
low, you are bringing it in at the upper end of the urban area.
So I think the concern of looking at future expansion,
bringing other areas in at four units an acre to a development that is
originally permitted at two units an acre, that there's a character
difference there. And I only offer that for clarification, not
requiring an answer. I just want to put that out there. So if this
pops up in three years with another addition to it, it might require a
harder look by this Board.
MR. NADEAU: I can tell you we have no intention of
expanding, and we have specifically -- if this gentleman wasn't
landlocked, we wouldn't be expanding now. We're trying to accommodate
someone there. Our only potential in the future would be if the
property owner, the State of Florida, comes in and says, "We need
access to our land." What do we do with it?"
Otherwise, the people -- I've looked at it, I'm an
attorney. I have looked at it from a legal point of view. I have to
provide access. This was all one tract of land in the past. I have
no choice but to provide this man access. And through negotiations as
to what he wants to put there and what he is willing to provide to our
community, we have reached the agreement on what he could do. So we
don't want to expand north; we will not expand north.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any further questions
for the petitioner or the staff?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Dorrill, are there any public
speakers?
MR. DORRILL: No, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All right. I will close the
public hearing.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Madame Chairman, I will make
a motion to approve Petition PUD-94-8.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion. Is there a
second?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion by Commissioner
Constantine and a second by Commissioner Hancock to approve Petition
PUD-94-8. I presume that includes all stipulations? COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: That's correct.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: With that in mind, is there any
further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. I'll call the question.
All those in favor please say, "Aye."
(All Commissioners responded simultaneously.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: There being none, motion passes
five to zero.
MR. NADEAU: Thank you, Commissioners.
Item #13A2
RESOLUTION 95-72, RE SV-94-5, SANDEE HUHFORD OF THOMAS SIGNS AND AWNING
CO., REPRESENTING NAPLES JOINT VENTURE (FREEDOME SQUARE K-MART STORE),
REQUESTING A VARIANCE FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF ONE WALL SIGN TO ALLOW
TWO ADDITIONAL SIGNS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
LELY RESORT PUD KNOWN AS FREEDOM SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER - ADOPTED
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
The next item is 12 -- I'm sorry, we finished with 12.
13-A-2, Petition SV-94-5.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Good afternoon, Chahram Badamtchian,
county planning. This is a sign variance for a new K-Mart in Lely.
The petitioner is requesting to install three signs instead of one as
allowed by Code. They are proposing to have one K-Mart sign; one
garden center sign; and one pharmacy sign, three separate signs. A
similar variance for Target was denied by this Board a few months ago.
There is no hardship, therefore the staff recommends denial. MR. DORRILL: No speakers.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Questions for staff?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: In the -- I recall that
Target question. In there -- have they suggested to keep the total
below 250 as well, or have they --
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: No, they were planning to increase it
to 300, I believe. And here they are keeping it below 250. They have
the option of having all three signs cjustered together, but they
wanted three separate signs.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: But there is some distinction
between the two in that Target had requested an increase in total --
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Fifty more feet.
COHHISSIONER HAC'KIE: If I can just get clarification.
Our regulation permits these three signs if they were -- MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Together.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: -- Congregated together?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Yes.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: But does not permit these three
signs if they are separate?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Correct.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any questions?
MR. DORRILL: This came up the last time that we
discussed it with Target. The only thing I can relate it to is if
you're familiar with the new Winn Dixie store that is across from
Target, it says, like, "Winn Dixie Market"; and I think it says "Deli"
and"Pharmacy" underneath. And that's a cjuster signed and otherwise
has all of those three different entities within the normal signage
allowed. So that's a point of information.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: The cjuster can be considered one
sign.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: This is something that I think
requires -- if you look at Page 5 of 13-A-2, showing the front of the
store, the location of the signs, it's just an unobtrusive request; it
doesn't -- you know, I'm as concerned about the glaring proliferation
of signs in certain areas. But this appears to be pretty basic and
straightforward. So I would ask the Board to take a look at that.
That's my only comment so far.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: So far. Petitioner, do you have
something you want to say?
MR. DAVIS: Yes. Madam Chairman and Members of the
Board, my name is Gregory Davis. I am employed by Thomas Signs and
Awning Company. We are fortunate in some cases to be the sign
consultant for K-Mart. Just to address some of the issues that I've
heard earlier -- the reason why we don't, in most cases, cjuster these
signs together, for example the Winn Dixie location that was mentioned
-- Winn Dixie uses what we call in the business a Channel Letter,
which the letters are actually all compacted into one.
If the Board is familiar with the K-Mart logo, the
K-Mart logo, like the one that's on the front of this store, is a 10
foot by 11 foot, 122 square foot signage. That's fairly large plastic
faces that read K-Mart over the front of it. To incorporate these
letters would kind of be rather asinine. These letters are black --
excuse me -- red, plastic, not illuminated, stud mounted letters that
would look rather out of place and awkward if we cjustered them next
to and put them -- to try and make what the Board wants us to do with
one sign.
We have a store front here that stretches more than 426
feet. To take the K-Mart, K-Mart Garden Shop, and Pharmacy cjustered
in over the entrance of the store, it wouldn't make the store very
pretty at all. Again, 426 feet. We are asking for three signs that
are still below the maximum allowed under the Code. And it's more
pleasing to the eye to the public for us to use the concept that we
have used in other municipalities by spreading them out over a 426
foot store front.
I will be more than willing to answer any -- again, and
I think the key to this is we are looking at a store front that is
several hundred feet long. That has got to be anywhere from 50 to 100
or so feet from the -- actually from the right-of-way of the street,
we're talking about.
Again, we are talking about plastic letters, not
illuminating it, stud mounted. I mean, it would -- we're not asking
for anything that is going to be a large glare or highlight the store
or light up the front of the building at all. But to try and cjuster
all three of these signs on a 426 foot store front in the middle of
the building is just not going to be very attractive. And I think
that's the reason why we're asking to do what we're asking.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Any questions for the petitioner?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Yes.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yes, I have one.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I think she was first.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: You are too kind. I just want to
say I think it's important that we not lose site and not get tied up
so much in the specific regulations that we lose site of what their
mission is. In this case, we are going to make the neighborhood look
better if we permit this variance. And that is, after all, what our
goal is. So let's -- my wish would be that this Board not get caught
up in the technicalities and then look at the practicality and approve
the request.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Mr. Davis, I think you said you do
this work for K-Hart around --
MR. DAVIS: Yes, sir. Unfortunately, I drew the card to
do the variances all the time. Yes, we ended up -- we ended up lucky
with K-Hart's --
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: You don't like being here?
MR. DAVIS: We do pretty much all the K-Hart stores in
the United States and Puerto Rico.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Where is your company located?
Where are you from?
MR. DAVIS: Our company is based out of Clearwater,
Florida.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Clearwater?
MR. DAVIS: I have sat here from nine this morning, very
patiently, to address the Board. K-Hart is rather stubborn, I guess,
for lack of another word, as to try and keep their stores in some
level of uniform.
Again, for those of us who don't know that K-Hart has a
pharmacy, this is the only way that the general public would know they
have a pharmacy in the store.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: I can understand K-Hart being
stubborn about it; however, here in Collier County, we're fairly
stubborn about our signs.
MR. DAVIS: I understand that.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: We may be butting heads here in a
minute.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Any more questions?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Cuyler, theoretically,
anyway, we're suppose to find some sort of hardship in order to grant
this?
MR. CUYLER: Correct.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Would it be -- surely between
the four of us we can come up with some sort of hardship here.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Who is the one left out?
MR. CUYLER: If you look at Page 7 and beyond in your
agenda package, those are the items that staff reviews and those are
the criteria for the variance.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: My thought is perhaps having
something to do with the pharmacy or perhaps having to do with the --
I'm not sure how much of a hardship aesthetics can be, but if it's
certainly more attractive in one format than the other --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: While you're looking for that --
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Cuyler, what page did you
refer us to?
MR. CUYLER: Page 7 of your agenda package, there is
criteria set out; and then it's responded to, and it goes on to the
following page.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: It starts with, "Are there
special conditions and circumstances existing which are peculiar to
the location"? Is that what you are showing us? MR. CUYLER: Yes.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: My interest is, like
Commissioner MAC'KIE, it's probably in our best interest to approve
this. I just want to make sure that we do so legally. I'm looking
for your assistance.
MR. CUYLER: If you are going to approve this and you
would like a basis, I would suggest to you two things. First of all,
the -- even though it should have been contemplated in the ordinance
-- and that's going to be the second thing I want to talk about --
perhaps the length of the wall in terms of lineal feet down the front
of it gives some basis.
And, secondly, you need to send this to your staff. If
you are going to approve this, you need to send this to your staff and
get some input from them as to these types of situations. Because you
have looked at some of these things in the past, at least one of them,
that was sort of similar, though not very similar. If you are going
to be looking at these things and you want to approve it on a -- if
you think the gentleman has presented a legitimate, logical case, you
probably need to get your staff to look at the variance procedure in
the ordinance and find out if there's not something -- something else
we need.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Just for purposes of the
record, I want to reiterate the very similar case you refer to was
asking for an increase of what was allowed by Code. COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Right.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: So there is a distinct
difference here.
MR. CUYLER: That's why I didn't use the word
"identical."
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Oh, okay.
MR. CUYLER: But, yeah, I would recommend that that go
to your staff.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Staff is trying to give us more
information.
MR. MULHERE: I just want to indicate that we have begun
to look at the Sign Code, sort of, comprehensively. There has been
some requests from the community and some requests from the Steering
Committee to take a look at some of the issues. And with more
direction, we'll continue that process with a, you know -- obviously
not for this LDC Amendment Cycle but very possibly the next LDC
Amendment Cycle -- to come back.
And one of the things we'd be looking at is more
specific criteria relative to requests for variance from the Sign
Code. This criteria really is generic to any request for a variance
and may be more appropriate for a, you know, a variance relative to
development setbacks and the like. And maybe we could look at more
specific criteria relative to the Sign Code -- for example, the length
of the wall providing that the size in aggregate doesn't exceed the
250 that we've established and so on and so forth.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: The last point you hit on was one
I was heading to. Our sign ordinance states a sign or talks about a
sign and not necessarily an aggregate total; is that correct? MR. HULHERE: That's correct.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: My feeling is that we have
developed a sign ordinance that we intended to apply to a single user
and a single building and a single sign. However, that is not a real
world application. In many cases we have a single building with four
or five potential users in it that may want to aggregate their signs
and currently do. They put them all next to each other, and it counts
as one sign.
It would appear to me that we have restricted the fair
advertising element from retailers to the public by doing that,
particularly in buildings with such a length as this. MR. HULHERE: It's --
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I'm not criticizing you; I'm
setting up where I am trying to go with this. And that is that under
Number 3 in their application it states, "A literal interpretation of
the Zoning Code would force a grouping of K-Mart signage and thus
decrease consumer identification of services offered within the K-Mart
store."
If I need a prescription filled and it's an emergency
and I need to know the nearest place, I don't want a poor signage
ordinance keeping me from finding out or recognizing there's a
pharmacy in that building. And if our decision today, to allow a
variance, allows the placement of the letters "Pharmacy" so they are
clearly identifiable, I think we have provided a service to the
community.
And that's where I'll be going, and that's one of my
concerns, that our sign ordinance is not taken into account if the
ability to aggregate your signage to a level as opposed to just
placing one sign on the building. I would hate to see somebody drive
by and not know it's there when they may need it.
MR. HULHERE: And I just wanted to add if it was three
separate businesses, if it was not K-Hart's pharmacy but someone
else's pharmacy, then they could have a sign and it could be 250
square feet.
MR. CUYLER: Madame Chairman, let me clarify one thing.
This document in there is the petitioner's. So if you find there is
merit to the reasons under each of the criteria, as you just did under
one of them, then you would be able to grant the variance.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
questions of staff?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS:
clarification, really.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COHMISSIONER NORRIS:
Okay. Are there further
Just one quick one, just a
Commissioner Norris.
If this variance is approved, we
are still under the 250 square feet limit?
HR. BADA_MTCHIAN: Yes.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: So it's just spread out in three
locations?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Yes, it's three signs just spread out.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Fine.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Being no further questions, Mr.
Dotrill, are there any public speakers?
MR. DORRILL: No, ma'am. I take that back, Mr. Davis
was the only one.
MR. DAVIS: That's me.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: That's you. In this case you
don't count.
MR. DAVIS: No, ma'am, not in this case.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I'll close the public hearing.
Is there a motion?
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I will make a motion to
approve the item subject to or as a result of the merit of the
petition, both the paperwork presented and the oral presentation
today, and also taking into account Mr. Hancock's comments about the
pharmacy.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I will second it.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and second. Is
there any discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. I'm not going to support
the motion. And I'm not going to support it merely -- and only
because there is no hardship that's been brought forward. I agree
that, perhaps, we need to change the criteria; but if that's so, I
think we need to change it.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Commissioner, before you call
the vote, you don't consider Mr. Hancock's scenario a hardship?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: No, not a hardship within the
criteria for the Code. I will not support it.
Does this vote require four?
MR. CUYLER: Just three.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Just three, okay. With that in
mind, I will call the question. All those in favor, please say "Aye."
(Commissioners MAC'KIE, Hancock, Norris, and Constantine
all responded simultaneously.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All those opposed? Aye.
Motion passes four to one.
MR. DAVIS: Madam Chairman and Members of the Board, I
thank you.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Thank you for sitting with us
all day.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: It's been nice to have you.
MR. DORRILL: The Chairman of the Board of K-Mart lives
here in Naples, someone should tell him you did a good job.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: He did do a good job. The only
problem I was having is I couldn't identify a hardship on this.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I think that will be changed in
the very near future.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I shall -- I would like to see it
changed.
Item #13A3
RESOLUTION 95-73, PETITION V-94-17, DAVID LONGBINE REPRESENTING JOHN
AND DEBORAH WOGAN, REQUESTING A 5 FOOT VARIANCE FROM THE REQUIRED SIDE
YARD SETBACK OF 30 FEET TO 25 FEET TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 2 CAR
ATTACHED GARAGE - ATTACHED
Next item, 13-A-3, Petition V-94-17.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Mr. And Mrs. Wogan are requesting a
partial variance from the required side yard setback of 30 feet to 25
feet in order to build a two-car garage. They have a single-family
house in the Pine Ridge Extension Subdivision. The house is 49 feet
from the property line, and they are proposing to build a two-car
garage which is going to be 25 feet from the property line. I
received a -- the staff has received a petition signed by surrounding
property owners favoring this variance. CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Favoring?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Yes. There, again, there is no land
related hardship. The staff has recommended denial. The CCPC, by a
unanimous vote, recommend denial also.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: The staff could find no hardship?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: There is no hardship.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: He could put the garage somewhere
else?
MR. WOGAN: There's very little room.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Well, they could build a 19-foot
garage for two cars without a variance, or they can build a two-car
garage, a detached garage.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Would they have to put them
in one in front of the other? In a 19-foot garage, is that what you
are suggesting?
MR. WOGAN: Yes.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: The standard garage doors are six feet
wide.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: A two car garage -- two cars
would fit in a garage 19 feet wide?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Two compact cars.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Two compact cars.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Not a '72 Buick Skylark.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there additional questions
for the staff?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Which is the -- it's kind of at
an angle? But have you received a letter of agreement from the
property owner nearest to the affected property line?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Yes, I have it in the file.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: So, in other words, the person
who is -- really the only person that is going to be affected by this,
which is the nearest property owner, has said it's okay with him?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: Has no objection. Probably nobody is
going to be affected, setbacks are so great in here.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Can I ask what the vegetation
between the proposed building and the property line is?
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: There are some trees. I was at the
site, like, a month and a half ago. I don't recall the trees; there
were some.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I see a wood fence and chain-link
fence. Am I looking at the right one?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Yeah. I was just wondering about
pine trees and all that kind of stuff, what goes there. And I guess
maybe there will be time for the petitioner to make some remarks.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Wogan?
MR. WOGAN: Yes, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Do you have something you want to
add to this?
MR. WOGAN: Pretty much the garage is -- in order to get
a two-car garage where I needed it, I really wanted a fifteen foot
variance. And Chahram assured me that that just wouldn't fly. So I
re-adjusted my scale down to get two cars. The real reason for it is
it's attached. I can do a garage elsewhere or one single garage, but
I really -- for security reasons and also there is a huge slab there,
so for a financial reason I would like for the garage to be attached,
so a five-foot variance.
My immediate neighbors that it would affect the most are
very good friends. And as a matter of fact, it will perhaps help our
relationship because I have two teen-age boys that get a little loud.
And this garage would be more of a buffer for them. But there are
trees. And as Chahram has said, there's -- he has an additional
30-foot setback in mind. We're still way apart. It's really not a
big issue. Although from a financial standpoint, it would be much
better for me to do a two-car attached garage if I could have the
five-foot variance.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Okay. Are there questions for
the petitioner?
MR. DORRILL: No speakers.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: The reason you are putting it on
that side is because you have 50 feet and on the other side of the
house you only have 37.3 which would require you either get a 7.3 foot
garage or another variance?
MR. WOGAN: That's correct. And the driveway, as you
can see by the picture there, is already there and the slab is already
there. In fact, we are only able to use about half of that slab even
with the five-foot variance. The five-foot variance really is the
bare minimum that we need to do a two-car, side by side.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: If you are granted --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hac'Kie.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'm sorry. If you built a garage
as wide as the slab presently exists --
MR. WOGAN: That's a 15-foot variance.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: That's would be a 15-foot
variance. So all you would have there would be ten feet?
MR. WOGAN: That is correct. I also missed the
preliminary-- the hearing, Chahram being aware of it. But he assured
me they would deny it anyhow, so I thought, "well." You know, that
was stupidity on my part. But there was that time where he more or
less said that it was his opinion that they would turn it down anyhow
because it wasn't really a hardship.
I don't mean to be putting you in the middle. Am I?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: He's quite used to it.
MR. WOGAN: I'm sorry.
MR. BADAMTCHIAN: I cannot talk for the Board.
MR. WOGAN: Well, I was just --
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: That's okay, new process to you.
MR. WOGAN: Yes, it is.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Wogan, I don't suppose
two teen-agers qualify as a hardship. Mr. Wogan, what you are
suggesting then is you would like to build this so you would have one
single two-car garage?
MR. WOGAN: Attached.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Attached. The slab exists?
MR. WOGAN: Yes.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: It's already there?
MR. WOGAN: Yes.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: This will obviously save you
some dollars?
MR. WOGAN: Yes.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: The neighbor doesn't object?
MR. WOGAN: I went specifically with a survey and a
diagram to each neighbor that was even reasonably close, not just the
one per side, the one behind me and both sides.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: To the best of your knowledge
no one objects?
MR. WOGAN: Exactly.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: What kind of vehicles do you
own?
HR. WOGAN: I own a 1934 Ford pick-up.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: That's all I need to hear.
Would it be fair to assume if this is left out in the
open --
MR. WOGAN: It's currently sitting under a kind of shed
with a carport over it; and it needs to be in a garage.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: It would be detrimental to
the value?
MR. WOGAN: Detrimental to the value, absolutely.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: That's an awful hardship.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I cannot in good wisdom allow
that to happen to a '34 Ford.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there further questions for
the petitioner or staff?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Mr. Dorrill, are there any public
speakers?
MR. DORRILL: No, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: There being none, I will close
the public hearing.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I make a motion that we
approve Petition V-94-17.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Second.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We have a motion and a second.
Is there further discussion?
(No response.)
MR. WOGAN: It's been a long day. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All those in favor, please say
"Aye."
(All Commissioners responded simultaneously.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All those opposed?
(No response.)
MR. WOGAN: Sorry, Chahram.
COHHISSIONER HANCOCK: He doesn't take it personally.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: The motion passes --
MR. WOGAN: I hope not.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: The motion passes five/zero. And
I, too, see a '34 truck deteriorating in the weather a hardship.
Item #13A4
RESOLUTION 95-74, PETITION SV-94-4, EVA WEEKS REPRESENTING ROBERT L.
WEEKS REQUESTING A 50 FOOT VARIANCE FROM THE REQUIRED 150 FOOT LOT
FRONTAGE TO 100 FEET TO ALLOW FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A V-TYPE POLE SIGN
FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TAMIAMI TRAIL EAST (U.S. 41)
- ADOPTED WITH STIPULATIONS
The next item, 13-A-4.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Mr. Cuyler, I at one point was
the agent of record for this property when it proceeded for a
conditional use for its construction under my employment with Wilson,
Miller, Barton, and Peet. My concern at this point, one, I have
absolutely no vested interest financial or otherwise in this vested
property; nor do I have a vested financial interest in Wilson, Miller.
I see they are not involved in this at this point. But I wanted to
state that for the record and request a clarification on a conflict of
interest.
MR. CUYLER: With regard to the Statute, again, as we
discussed on a couple of occasions, just for the record, there has to
be a financial gain or loss. If you have cut your ties, this is a
past project, and there are no ties with Wilson, Miller than you are
permitted to vote. And, in fact, under statutory provisions you are
required to vote unless there is that type of conflict.
COMHISSIONER HANCOCK: Okay. Thank you for that.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Petition SV-94-4. Mr. Saadeh.
MR. SAADEH: Good afternoon, Commissioners. For the
record, Sam Saadeh, Project Planning, for Petition SV-94-4. The
petitioner is requesting a 50-foot variance from the required 15 -- a
50-foot variance from the required 150-foot lot frontage to 100 feet
to allow for placement of a V-type pole sign. A conditional use for
airboat tours and associated exhibits was approved by the Board on
March 8, 1994.
The subject property is the old railway corridor
extending from U.S. 41 to Everglades City. It is surrounded by
mangroves. It is extremely difficult to see the business from U.S.
41. The petitioner is requesting approval of the sign variance in
order to provide the business with more exposure and visibility from
U.S. 41.
I need to bring to your attention that we had a phone
call to Compliance Services that was the subject of a violation.
Someone stated there are too many signs on the property. So I took
another site visit last Thursday, January 19th, and the sign that is
in question before you today is already on-site. Staff is asking that
the Board give us some guidance whether or not the petitioner should
pay twice the fee, which is the after-the-fact variance fee, and the
building permit fee because one was not obtained.
I will answer any questions that you have.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Questions for staff?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I have one on this schedule.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Mac'Kie.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: There is a picture of a Panther's
head at the top, and a picture of a snake on the left, and a picture
of what on the right?
MR. SAADEH: That's an alligator. I have a live picture
if you'd like to see. The sign is already there.
COHMISSIONER HAC'KIE: That is troubling, that it's
already there. And I note that the K-Hart, I think it was,
application -- somebody today had to pay an after-the-fact fee. And
it's troubling that the sign is already there.
MS. WEEKS: Yes, Commissioners, I wish to apologize.
It's pure ignorance. The sign was on the plan, and to our ignorance
we thought that it was already okayed. So we do agree to pay double
the fee or after-the-fact fee or whatever -- double the permit fee, or
whatever you require.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: The size of that sign is in
conformance with sign regulations?
MR. SAADEH: There is a restriction in the approval, if
you chose to approve it, that they will meet the Code. I didn't
actually measure the sign, but it's all spelled out in the staff
report that it has to be 15 feet from the right-of-way; no higher than
25 feet; and the sign itself is no bigger than 100-square feet. And
the petitioner is aware that it's a condition of approval.
To answer your question, I did not measure that; I do
not know whether it complies or not.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: You didn't climb up there?
MR. SAADEH: No. I should state for the record there is
a hardship; there is a 1920 boat on site.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are you Mrs. Weeks? Will you
identify yourself, please.
MS. WEEKS: Eva Weeks.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there other questions for the
petitioner or staff?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Ms. Weeks, I'm not sure I was
clear on your explanation of why you built the sign without a permit.
MS. WEEKS: It was on the site development plans, and it
was just pure ignorance. We just thought that once we had a site
development plan that everything was okay that way; that that was part
of the permitting. It was just pure ignorance on our part.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there other questions?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Mac'Kie.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: If the sign was shown on the site
development plan and the site development plan was approved, it occurs
to me that we might bear some responsibility. I want to be fair; I
don't want you to be paying double the fee. I'm confused. What's the
practice for permitting the sign?
MR. SAADEH: There was -- the sign did show on the
initial condition-and-use plan; and the sign did show on the site
development. However, there is language there that the approval of
this plan does not include the sign. COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I see.
MR. SAADEH: And there is a condition in this report
itself that the approval of this still would require a sign permit.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: And the sign permit has not been
gotten yet?
MR. SAADEH: That's correct. In talking to the
petitioner Bob Weeks, Eva's husband, on-site he was not aware that he
had to get a sign permit; and they erected prior to getting a permit.
They didn't know. I did inform him that he would need one. She
knows, and they are willing to pay double the fee. We are asking for
you guidance to make the call.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Again, on this item we have to
find a hardship or there has to be one readily apparent? I appreciate
the 1920 boat; however, this particular property -- and I'm going to
mention this from experience -- has something that's unique that the
adjacent properties don't have.
If you are traveling down U.S. 41, just before you get
to this property, on the right-hand side, there's another airboat ride
facility. It was constructed kind of in the middle of some grass
area. And they made their building readily visible by, basically,
mashing the grass down. As you drive by, it looks like the area has
been flattened.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: The other one or this one?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: The other one.
MS. WEEKS: Not me.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: It's the one prior to this
particular one.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Is that the one that has the
lease with the Collier family?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: Yes. And, again, I am not
pointing fingers, but the bottom line is that they are able to do
something with the vegetation to make their building visible. This
particular property, being 100 feet wide has mangroves on both side.
I think we all can appreciate the permitting responsibility when it
comes to mangroves. In order for anyone to even know they are there,
some type of signage is required. And whether it's 100 or 150 feet,
best of luck to you, because that's a long way from the road.
MS. WEEKS: It is a long way; it's very hard.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: So the difference between 150 or
100 feet for a sign, as long as it complies with the rest of the sign
ordinance, you know, I don't think that's obtrusive on the roadway.
But I will say that the vegetation in the immediate area does make it
impossible to clear a visual to the building. I mean, you can argue
they should have considered that, but at least it is an element to
consider in looking at any particular variance for the property.
MR. SAADEH: Staff would agree with you, Commissioner
Hancock. And I should add to that that this has been a railroad for
the longest time, and it became inactive in 1950. It just sort of
happens to be 100 feet wide as opposed to 150, which is a requirement
for a sign variance. So they can't possibly get any more land. And
another thing, there is a structure on-site that sits 360 feet from
U.S. 41. The petitioner chose to use the same structure as opposed to
building a new one closer to the road and impact the mangroves even
more. So I do believe there is a hardship other than the boat.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Are there any questions?
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Yes, ma'am. Who erected the sign
for you?
MS. WEEKS: My husband, my son, my son-in-law. It
wasn't a sign company.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK:
together.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
Everybody sort of pitched
Any further questions?
Mr. Dotrill, are there any public
speakers?
MR. DORRILL: No, ma'am.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Being no speakers, I will close
the public hearing. Do we have a motion?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'll move we have approval.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: At the risk of being variance
happy today, I will second that. I'm not real happy about approving
all these variances, but in this case with vegetation around it I will
second the motion.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner MAC'KIE, does your
motion include merely approval or are you going to address the payment
of double the -- after-the-fact variance fees? And what about the
building permit?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I'm sorry. I understood that
they had already committed to pay double the fee. MS. WEEKS: We're willing to do that.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: They're willing to do that if
instructed to.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Okay. I thought that we had
instructed them to whether we approved it or not. I think it's
appropriate that they should pay double the fee for the application,
not the approval. So, yes, it does include paying double the fee; and,
yes, it is subject to getting a sign permit which will require payment
of the fees for that as well.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
asking?
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK:
accordingly.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
second.
And the building permit were you
Yes.
Is there a second?
I will amend the second
Okay. We have a motion and
Hs. Weeks, do you understand the motion?
HS. WEEKS: Yes, I do.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: With that in mind, I will call
the question. All those in favor please say "Aye."
(All the Commissioners responded simultaneously.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: There being none, the motion
passes five to zero.
MS. WEEKS: Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
You are quite welcome.
Item #15
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
That concludes the regular agenda for this meeting. We
will move on at this time to staff communication. And, Mr. Dotrill,
you had listed first on the communication, the agenda for the January
31st workshop.
MR. DORRILL: I just want to advise the Board, in
discussing with the Chairman, you're suggesting that for next
Tuesday's workshop there are three items. The first would be a
discussion of the overall structure and the accounting of advisory
boards or task forces under the County Commission, this is suggested
Topic Number 1. And we would also like to present the County Manager
Staff Work Plan for this calendar year, for the twelve months of this
calendar year; and to also show you the proposed implementation plan
for the Department of Revenue, which is something you had also asked
for recently.
If there are other subjects, I'm contemplating that
these would take less than three hours, and that we could conclude the
workshop prior to noon. But if you had additional items or
substitutions, if you'll give me those today then we will prepare the
final agenda tomorrow.
COMHISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Particularly where this is
our first workshop day or whatever we are referring to these under the
new format and particularly since our track record for finishing
things under time as opposed to over time is limited -- I think that
that's a pretty full agenda for our first time around.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I agree.
COMHISSIONER MAC'KIE: I agree.
MR. DORRILL: With that aside, I have one additional
item. I wanted to advise you -- and I will send you inter-office
correspondence -- the A1 Goalman (phonetic) estate has offered to the
County the thirty-five acres, the last property that would be adjacent
and contiguous to the government center here. It is intriguing for no
other reason than they have offered it to the County at a fairly
substantial price under the price of the County's own appraisal the
last time that we did one. And I want to say that that occurred about
four years ago.
Mr. Goalman, I believe, died at the end of the summer.
And the estate is now handling the disposition of certain assets. The
thirty-five acres would be contiguous with the northern boundary of
this property. It continues, and is L-shaped, and it would wrap
around and include all of that property that surrounds the Pontiac
dealership. So we would have an alternate access off of Airport Road.
I mention it to you only because when doing long-term
planning for government -- the government center and the campus that's
here, trying to acquire land adjacent to the courthouse is a very
difficult thing to do. Their current asking price for the thirty-five
acres is $2.6 million. I want to provide this to you. It is not
something that has been budgeted or contemplated. The last time we
inquired about the availability of this property, we were told in no
uncertain terms that it was not for sale. And as I recall, I think
Mr. Goalman said he would entertain an offer of between ten and twelve
million dollars.
So it's just something for you to mull over
individually. And I will send that to you tomorrow. It's something
that we probably need to talk about in a little longer terms. Some
County Commission twenty years from now might thank you for that. But
it's going to be, I think, a budget item and a call that you might
have to make as early as this summer if it's something you are
interested in. That's all that I have. CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Thank you.
We have a long list of things here, and we are running
about an hour and a half behind at least. If the Board doesn't mind,
I would like to shorten this list. There are only a couple of items
that we really need to address, and one of them is the landfill
meeting. Commissioner Hancock last week suggested that today in
communications we would discuss the time and place for the February
7th meeting as proposed at this time for discussion of the
waste-management contract again.
Do you have any recommendations, Commissioner Hancock?
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I am --
MR. CUYLER: Commissioner Hancock, our court reporter
needs just a minute to switch paper.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I am a little concerned that when
this Board decided to hear the privatization contract, not so much
that we didn't do what I felt was right; but the perception that we
left the estate residents with was that we didn't want to have a
public hearing because it wasn't convenient. I'm not saying that's
true; I know it's not, but it was the perception that was -- that was
out there.
What I would like to do is propose that this Board look
at taking -- breaking that Tuesday meeting so that we can put a
portion of that in the evening time so the residents in the estates
that want to attend can. Again, I am trying to -- trying to bridge
the gap -- trying to bridge the gap here of doing what is right and
getting business done. I think we all can agree that we have an
agenda on that day that needs to be followed specifically and that we
don't get off into tangents. But by the same token, I want to
increase the accessibility or at least the perceived accessibility for
the estate residents.
So I would like personally to have that meeting either
starting late afternoon or early evening and do it -- try to do it
time certain. In other words, this is going to be a three-hour
meeting or a four-hour meeting and try and stick to that so that we
don't allow things to get out of control, and by the same token we
provide accessibility.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I think it's a great idea. A
number of people won't necessarily even chose to speak at that, but
will have a hands on; they will want to be here; they want to see it;
they want to feel that -- they want to be a part of process.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I would think that any meeting
that we held prior to 6:00 p.m. Would eliminate -- COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: -- A lot of people who work. And
I guess that what we're talking about doing -- and, Mr. Cuyler, help
me. What we're talking about doing is recessing our meeting at
whenever we conclude, with the exception of that item, and then
reconvene, I presume, in this room at 6:00 or 6:30 whenever we do
that.
MR. CUYLER: That's an option you have if you want to do
it that way.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Mac'Kie.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: I had the perception from our
last marathon meeting on this issue that we had addressed a great many
of the concerns of the Golden Gate residents. In that while I, of
course, endorse the accessibility issue I don't want us to create
problems where they don't exist; and I don't want us to create -- to
create solutions to problems that don't exist.
I don't think that the problem continues to exist. I
think that we had a full and fair hearing, and we have done a whole
lot to address the concerns that were raised. And I just don't want
to see us start down a road that we are not going to want to stay on
and have every time -- if we should change our meetings to night
meetings, then we should do that. But, again, I just don't think an
ad hoc policy is a good one.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I think, unfortunately, by
the nature of what we do, certain decisions have to be made on an ad
hoc basis. And there are certain things that -- if you have East
Naples or Golden Gate or portions of North Naples, Everglades or
Immokalee, for that matter, they are more able to participate because
they are working every day than perhaps the city residents.
And I think when there is something in the city or in
other parts of the county, we need to comply with what is most
convenient for them regardless. And I think the five of us -- what
works for our schedule, is the least important thing. COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Of course it is.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: What works for the public's
schedule is the more important thing. And I think in this case the
public's schedule in the evening will work the best.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hac'Kie.
COHMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Just a couple of things. One is
I feel I'm obliged to continue to remind my colleagues that my
district includes a great deal more than the City of Naples and a
great many blue collar working people who have difficulty -- would
have difficulty appearing during a day meeting. And I agree that our
schedule's inconvenience is absolutely the least important factor.
I am concerned however that if it -- is the choice that
we're making that if we are -- if we are discussing an issue that
affects people in Immokalee we're going to have our meeting in
Immokalee? You know, the trend concerns me.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Hancock.
COHMISSIONER HANCOCK: I think that depends on the scope
of the issue. And this is one that -- I've learned very recently, if
not before that, that when you're wrong you admit it and move on. And
I think we created a poor perception in the action that we took,
bringing things to fruition quickly. It appeared that we were rushing
things. Even though that may not be the case, it appeared that way.
So I think we need to reinstill a little bit of
confidence in the estate residents, that they are a priority; their
concerns are valid to us. And that if -- with some strong leadership
in that evening meeting, we can keep things on line, on table, and
attempt to bridge that gap and make things all the more pleasant, if
you will, on that issue. So that's where I would like to take it, and
that's how I would urge the rest of you.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Constantine.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: I will echo your thoughts as
well. I think from the action and the comments of the Board during
last Tuesday's meeting, it's clear everyone is acting in the best
interest in doing the best they can. But there may be a perception
there, and we need to be clear with that. I don't think anybody here
is doing anything but their very best and their very fairest. But
there is some question out there.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: Well, a couple of things.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Commissioner Norris.
COHMISSIONER NORRIS: A couple of things. First of all,
most of the issues that come before us are very important to somebody.
And we don't make special accommodations for every single issue that
we hear, even though it might be life-and-death important to some
people. And the other thing is how many evening public hearings are we
going to have on this subject? We've had a number of them; we had
eight hours this last time on the subject. How much more public input
do we need? We've made our decisions, to a large degree; there's just
a few details to be finalized. I don't understand what -- what is so
drastically important about having another eight-hour evening public
hearing go on this.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Just to move along, I will
make a motion if I can. And that is to have our whatever the date --
I think it's February 7th is when it's scheduled, whatever the date is
to return, to hold the item at a time certain, at 6:00 p.m., for the
following reason: Not to have another evening public hearing and not
to have another eight hours, but to have it when the most public
participation is possible.
And, again, I think a lot of them don't necessarily feel
a need to get up and speak, but they want to be here and be part of
the process. And if we can serve that, then everyone's best served.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
second?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
there any discussion?
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE:
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS:
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE:
We have a motion. Is there a
I will second the motion.
We have a motion and a second, is
Yes.
Commissioner Hac'Kie.
Yes, ma'am, two things.
One is
that I urge this Board not to get into the business of doing what
looks good, of what appearance demands. It's inappropriate and not
the best use of our time. And I don't suggest that that's the
motivation here, but please be careful that that isn't.
The other one I probably shouldn't say, but I have to,
is that to the extent an appearance was created here, that we had
tried to keep the public from being adequately involved, I think that
the letter that we got from our Chairman this morning speaks to that
issue, that the appearance that -- there's was a possibility of
another night meeting on this subject arose out of a great deal of
confusion. And I think that -- it troubles me to encourage the kind
of tactic that will result in confusion to the public, that then we
try to correct the appearance of the confusion. I just think -- I
think it's a very bad idea.
COHMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Well, of course, I have got
to respond to that, too. There is no tactic involved. And I really
don't think what we did two weeks ago is that important. The question
before us is how do we want to handle the next hearing. Do we want to
do it during the day or during the night? It's as simple as that; it
doesn't matter how we got there.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: And that's exactly what we are
discussing right now, are we going to have this next meek in the
evening or are we going to have it in the afternoon.
Is there any other discussion on the motion before us?
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I hope not.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Well, I do have --
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Well, I meant from us, those of
us that have been talking for the last twenty minutes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: I do have a comment on it. And
we have had three public hearings now. And the last -- last Tuesday
when we addressed the issue, the meeting began at one owclock. And I
think our intent was to go through the contract and probably -- and
hopefully finish it up in two or three hours, but it did go for eight
hours. It was an evening meeting, at least it extended into that.
Certainly anybody who left their job at five olclock,
got home and turned on the television set knew that we were still
progressing, and they could come here any time they wanted up to nine
olclock at night. And many people chose not to the do that. But I do
know at the same time, because my cable company services Golden Gate,
that it was also not televised after six olclock to Golden Gate. So
there is a problem.
COMMISSIONER MACIKIE: What?
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: So there is a problem there also.
So, anyway, I would like to ask the motion maker and the second, if
they would, if when we listen to this contract item that we limit our
discussion, not to the merits of moving the landfill -- I think we
already discussed that; I think we have discussed it many, many times
-- but we limit our conversation and our direction and ask the public
to limit their input to the merits of the contract.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Agreed, absolutely I would have
no interest --
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: Well, youlre the second; we have
to get the motion maker.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Okay.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Yeah, I think we all agreed
5/0 to set the calendar for trying to move. So I think we need to
focus on is this the contract we want or not and the parts thereof.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: Okay.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: The second accepts that. With
that in mind, we are talking about next Tuesday, 6:00 p.m., in the BCC
chambers, and our discussion, and we are asking for public input, to
be limited strictly to the merits of the contract itself, not to
continuing efforts to move the landfill. We have already decided we
are going to do that. We just donlt know exactly the precise date
yet.
With that in mind, I will call the question. All those
in favor please say, "Aye."
(Commissioners Constantine, Hancock and Matthews all
responded simultaneously.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: All those opposed.
(Commissioners MACIKIE and Norris responded
simultaneously.)
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: The motion passes three to two.
We will have an evening meeting Tuesday, February 7th.
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: Mr. Dotrill, hopefully you
will give us a light afternoon agenda next week since weill be back a
few hours in the evening. Actually, that will be the 7th; right?
MR. DORRILL: If you in turn will promise me that Mr.
Perkins won't tell me how to make diesel fuel out of sewage.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We are --
COMMISSIONER CONSTANTINE: In fact, I'll go ahead and
make that part of my motion.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: We are going to make every
attempt to limit discussion to the merits of the contract, not to
extraneous matters.
This other long list of things, I don't think we need to
cover it today. I can issue a memo, if the Board doesn't mind, to
tell them what brought a lot of this forward. And Mr. Hancock and Ms.
MAC'KIE if you want to do the same with the items that you added to
the list.
COMMISSIONER HANCOCK: I withdraw them from the list.
COMMISSIONER MAC'KIE: Yes.
CHAIRPERSON MATTHEWS: With that in mind, then I am
going to adjourn the BCC meeting for January 24th. We will take a
five-minute break while we move into the workshop for the 800
Megahertz funding.
This meeting is adjourned.
Commissioner Constantine moved, seconded by Commissioner Mac'Kie
and carried unanimously, that the following items under the Consent
Agenda be approved and/or adopted:
Item #16A1
AUTHORIZATION FOR RECORDING THE FINAL PLAT OF "GEMMER SUBDIVISION"
Item #16A2
ACCEPTANCE OF SECURITY FOR EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. 59.532, "PELICAN MARSH
UNIT 9 LAKES #21, #22 AND #23 - LETTER OF CREDIT ACCEPTED
See Pages
Item #16A3
RESOLUTION 95-59, GRANTING FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE ROADWAY, DRAINAGE,
WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FINAL PLAT OF "GREY OAKS UNIT ONE
See Pages
Item #16A4
RESOLUTION 95-60, GRANTING FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE ROADWAY, DRAINAGE,
WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FINAL PLAT OF "GREY OAKS UNIT TWO"
See Pages
Item #16A5
RESOLUTION 95-61, GRANTING FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE ROADWAY, DRAINAGE,
WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FINAL PLAT OF "GREY OAKS UNIT
FOUR"
See Pages
Item #16A6
RESOLUTION 95-62 DEFERRING 100e OF THE IMPACT FEES AND AN AGREEMENT FOR
34 DWELLING UNITS OF THE 34 UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT TO BE BUILT
BY IHMOKALEE NON-PROFIT HOUSING, INC., FROM LIBRARY SYSTEM, PARKS AND
RECREATIONAL, ROAD, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, AND EDUCATIONAL
FACLITIES IMPACT FEES FOR TIMBER RIDGE - ADOPTED
See Pages
Item #16A7
INCREASE OF PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,000 WITH FLORIDA DATA
BANK TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $50,800 TO COVER MICROFILMING SERVICES
Item #16C1 - Deleted
Item #16C2
FORMAL BID PROCESS WAIVED AND STAFF AUTHORIZED TO CONTRACT WITH FLINT &
DOYLE, INC. TO ELEVATE AND REBUILD THE FOUNDATION OF THE HISTORIC
EVERGLADES CITY LAUNDRY BUILDING IN EVERGLADES CITY
Item #16D1 - Deleted
Item #16D2
ACCEPTANCE OF FOUR EASEMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF WATER METERS -
VANDERBILT BEACH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
See Pages
Item #16D3
SATISFACTIONS OF CLAIM OF LIENS FOR L. BERNICE ELKINS, JOHN PIHENTAL,
SR., LEONA P. WONICKER ESTATES, AND PAUL ZAMPELL
See Pages
Item #16D4
SATISFACTION OF CLAIM OF LIEN FOR PINECOAST ENTERPRISES, LTD.
See Pages
Item #16D5
SATISFACTIONS OF NOTICE OF PROMISE TO PAY AND AGREEMENT TO EXTEND
PAYMENT OF WATERAND/OR SEWER IMPACT FEES FOR BESAW COMPANIES, INC.,
WILLAM AND VIOLET COBB, AND RICHARD AND SALLY HARDT, EDWARD AND
PATRICIA HUGHES, PAL HARTONOSY, C.E. AND THELHA O'CONNOR, BETTY
RASMUSSEN, MARY LOU RINER, BARBARA SHIELDS, FREDERICK AND ELSA
SWETLAND, DAVID AND JULIE WELKER, AND PAULAAND MICHAEL ZAGER, AND
JOSEPH BALDWIN AND SALOHON CARDENAS
See Pages
Item #16El
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW PAY TITLES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE -
CONTINUED TO FEBRUARY 7, 1995
Item #16H1
COMPENSATION FOR OWNERS OF 1255 LOGAN BLVD. ON THE SANTA BARBARA/LOGAL
PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,500 (M/M GROTHAUSE)
Item #16H2
AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 89-88
WHEREBY THE CHOKOLOSKEE ISLAND MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT WILL BE
DISSOLVED
Item #16H3
CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE CONTRACT NO. 94-2253, BEACH CLEANING
OPERATIONS ON MARCO ISLAND IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,445 AND A NEW 10e
CHANGE ORDER AMOUNT AUTHORIZED
See Pages
Item #16H4 - Deleted
Item #16H5
CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR THE IHMOKALEE RECREATION CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF
$646,575 AND ADDITIONAL 10e CHANGE ORDER LIMIT AUTHORIZED
See Pages
Item #16H6
WORK ORDER UNDER THE CURRENT ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
HVAC, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE
OPERATIONS BUILDING REMODELING PROJECT AT THE SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL
WATER TREATMENT PLANT - TO TILDEN, LOBNITZ & COOPER IN THE AMOUNT OF
$11,950
See Pages
Item #16J
HISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE - FILED AND/OR REFERRED
The following miscellaneous correspondence as presented by the
Board of County Commissioners has been directed to the various
departments as indicated:
Item #16J1
CERTIFICATES OF CORRECTION TO THE TAX ROLLS AS PRESENTED BY THE
PROPERTY APPRAISER'S OFFICE
1993 REAL PROPERTY
NO's. Dated
409 1/09/95
110-113
Item #16L1
1994 REAL PROPERTY
1/06 - 1/12/95
RESOLUTION 95-64, APPROVING SATISFACTION OF LIENS FOR CERTAIN
RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTS WHEREIN THE COUNTY HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT AND SAID
LIENS ARE SATISFIED IN ULL FOR THE 1993 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL SERVICES SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
See Pages
Item #16L2
See Pages
RESOLUTION 95-63, APPROVING SATISFACTION OF LIENS FOR CERTAIN
RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTS WHEREIN THE COUNTY HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT AND SAID
LIENS ARE SATISFIED IN FULL FOR THE 1991 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL SERVICES SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
There being no further business for the Good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by Order of the Chair at 3:30 P.M.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/EX
OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD(S) OF
SPECIAL DISTRICTS UNDER ITS
CONTROL
BETTYE J. MATTHEWS, CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST:
DWIGHT E. BROCK, CLERK
These minutes approved by the Board on
as presented or corrected
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF DONOVAN COURT REPORTING
BY: SHARON M. LANDIS, CSR 9010