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Agenda 03/28/2017 Item # 2D03/28/2017 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 2.D Item Summary: March 7, 2017 - BCC/City of Naples Joint Meeting Meeting Date: 03/28/2017 Prepared by: Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager – County Manager's Office Name: MaryJo Brock 03/20/2017 8:12 AM Submitted by: Title: County Manager – County Manager's Office Name: Leo E. Ochs 03/20/2017 8:12 AM Approved By: Review: County Manager's Office Nick Casalanguida County Manager Review Completed 03/20/2017 4:35 PM Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 03/28/2017 9:00 AM MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP MEETING Naples, Florida, March 7, 2017 LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Board of County Commissioners in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM in a WORKSHOP SESSION in Building “F” of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida with the Following members present: CHAIRMAN: Penny Taylor Vice Chairman: Andy Solis Donna Fiala Burt L. Saunders William L. McDaniel, Jr. CITY OF NAPLES: Mayor Bill Barnett Vice Mayor Linda Penniman City Manager Bill Moss Council Member Reg Buxton Council Member Doug Finlay Council Member Michelle McLeod Council Member Sam J. Saad III Council Member Ellen Seigel City of Naples HR Director Dana Souza ALSO PRESENT: Leo Ochs, County Manager Jeff Klatzkow, County Attorney Nick Casalanguida, Deputy County Manager Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Management Tammy Williams, Library Director Michelle Arnold, PTNE Director Kim Grant, Community & Human Services Director Dr. George Yilmaz , Public Utilities Department Director March 7, 2017 Page 2 Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the video recording from the Collier County Communications and Customer Relations Department or view online. 1. Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Penny Taylor called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. Public Beach Parking, Access and Renourishment. County Manager Leo Ochs opened the meeting, providing a brief overview of the items City Manager William Moss sent in addition to items that caused interest among the County Commissioners, most notably the potential of a county-wide ethics commission, on the basis that both agencies would benefit from the discussion. The goal of the workshop is to open discussion between the City and C ounty on if and how to proceed on several items of mutual interest, first of which were public beach parking, access, and renourishment. City Manager Bill Moss outlined a local agreement in which Collier Collier pays Naples, offsetting costs of beach use and parking by non-city residents for 13,000 beach parking spaces. Both the county and city issue the stickers, but neither charge for the program, which allow owners to park without cost on beach parking spaces. Councilman Finley began speaking about the issue in detail. The program began in 2008 and is scheduled to end in June of 2018. He raises the question: Does the city feel properly compensated for beach maintenance and parking? The County started charging non-residents for parking in 2007, starting at $35 and has increased to $50. He doesn’t know why the county charges non-residents; probably because non-residents don’t contribute ad valorum taxes long-term. State requirements for the definition of beach parking are within 1/4 of a mile of the beach. The City has 13,004 beach parking spaces, while the County has 13,044. Potential renegotiation of this 10-year agreement is more of an issue of equity, recognizing the high value of beach parking. As the city’s population increases, the value of beach parking will commensurately rise. There are inquiries about the existence of a program to buy or create more beach parking? The City has supplied 49% of spaces, while the county supplies 51%. The City sends the County $31,000 per year per capita, while the County sends $3 to the city per capita. March 7, 2017 Page 3 It’s not just about beach parking, but the County’s use of “our” City parks. The park system is not getting enough support through money transfer. Contract disagreement is up for renegotiation. Councilman Finley raises the idea charging residents $50 for beach parking, city could charge on its own or negotiate transfer from General Fund or 111 fund that would be appropriate for the county. Commissioner Fiala asked if city residents use county parks? Councilman Finley said yes. The City sends $60 million to the County, which makes up 25% of city ad revenue. It was noted, 75% of park users are city residents; 25% of Collier County’s tax base comes from the City of Naples. Commissioner Saunders appreciates the free beach parking stickers, says price has stayed consistent for 10-years, and asked how long 1 million dollars has been in place. Councilman Finley said it’s a 10-year agreement in its ninth year. Commissioner Saunders is interested in discussing the 1 million dollar fee and a fair share allocation or increase. Commissioner Taylor pointed out that the agreement was put in place in June, 2008, and the City should consider itself lucky the contract went through before the recession. The County let 200 people go in 2008. County Manager Ochs concurs with Commissioner Saunders and admits there should be discussion regarding allocations. He emphasizes the rise of a thought process in the discussion: "It’s not your beach, it’s not your city, it’s ours. It’s our beach, we all need to work together to find a solution. A vernacular shift is required. It’s all ours, not yours and my parks.” There is a dividing line in rhetoric of “us vs. them”. What can we do together, rather than drawing a line in the sand? Councilman Finley admits that it is the State’s beach, with City and County parking. Commissioner Solis asked about the timing of the programs. Dana Souza, Human Resources Director for the City of Naples explained statistics based upon the last fiscal year, ending October of 2016. March 7, 2017 Page 4 Commissioner Solis is of the same mind as his colleagues regarding charging for beach passes, a fundamental shift, but is open to further statistics, emphasizes equitability. Commissioner Fiala asked if people can take buses to the beach and spoke on accessibility for those citizens without funds to buy a $50.00 beach parking sticker. Councilman Finley discussed how Naples, to his knowledge, has never had a problem with beachfront landowners trying to run citizens off their property. “We are a very, very accommodating city and it will stay that way.” He cited citizens from Coquina Sands were unable to park at Lowdermilk Park because Collier County residents filled the parking lot. As the city grows, the problem will become more obvious and difficult. He admits at times he becomes mired in statistics and suggested a refocus on generalities. Commissioner Saunders gave direction to managers to sit down and discuss the 1 million dollar fee and gave ninety days for a more equitable number. Commissioners are interested in maintaining the sticker system as is, with the agreement on possible fee. Commissioners agreed that ninety days allows enough time to continue to assess the parking issue and pin down numbers during season and the summer. Mayor Bill Barnett agreed he would leave everything on the table, and the issue would be approached later. Commissioner Taylor discussed potentially bringing in the CRA’s $130 million dollars of incoming revenue. Mayor Barnett tabled that aspect of the discussion until more data is brought in. The was discussion regarding ad valorum taxes and how they are set up to support services that aid both city and county residents including libraries, police, and EM S. Commissioner Solis thinks there needs to be a comprehensive review that is much bigger than just beach parking, but everything that works together. Commissioner McDaniel shifted the topic of conversation to beach renourishment, focusing on engaging other municipalities up the coast to reach economies of scale regarding renourishment. March 7, 2017 Page 5 Commissioner Saunders wants to keep the issue confined to beach parking first, especially the contract due to expire and the million dollars, focusing on staff’s return in ninety days with further conversation. The Commissioners and City discussed traffic issues and certain limits both the City and County have, with the focus on developing the necessary infrastructure, focus shifts to overall Naples development. Commissioner Taylor reminded those in attendance it was the County that persuaded FDOT to study the “Four Corners”, with more hotels being built and an overall increase in density. With Naples’s focus on small town, and low density, the question then becomes, how can we get traffic moving in downtown Naples? Mayor Barnett discussed the City and County must work together to see if they can develop a plan as far as how to get in and out of the city. Is the fifth cent tax a solution? Using money to pay down debt for new sports complex, travelling teams will use it in addition to local teams. Who will promote the area if promotion dollars are shifted to beach renourishment? No other county has two Ritz Carlton’s and Marriott’s, and will eventually have a Four Seasons. Sports tourism makes sure hotels east of 41 have people in them (parents) as a year-round endeavor. Increased storm activity and sea level rise means that the commission will be moving those funds. Commissioner Fiala asked where the sand was building up, and could it be reclaimed back onto the beach? Hotels can promote Naples beaches on their own, but can’t renourish beaches. There were several questions raised by council members. County staff Gary McAlpin was asked to answer those questions. He stated 65-70% of sand is retained underneath the beach itself, it supports the dry beach, allows the beach to stay in place. Berms in the ocean serve systemic purpose and prevent cliff development within the beach. The sand stays in the system, but there will always need to be some kind of renourishment; it’s inevitable. Commissioner Taylor mentioned that the only time there was ever a tourist tax, it was specifically for the beaches, otherwise it would not have passed. With no 50% match by federal and state commissions, federal money won’t be forthcoming, and “we’ve seen what has happened with the State”. B. Public Transportation March 7, 2017 Page 6 There was a general focus on getting people to beaches through combined network of city and county buses. Mayor Barnett is open to other modes of transportation and relates to the traffic issue. He said getting to the beach is the worst part. What kind of transportation would be under discussion? How many trips would get people to beaches and from where? Would like this to be pklaced on a future council agenda. Councilmember Saad brought up how there is no way to get buses to beach without going through residential neighborhoods. Should CAT or a private trolley be used for this purpose? Commissioner Solis, Councilmember Saad, and City Manager Moss discussed how the city system is so new; there is no data on ridership or pressure due to locations such as beaches, employment centers, or malls. Councilman Finley mentioned how buses might alleviate some of the parking issue, however there are only 2 commercial beachfront properties in the County area, which is unusual in the State of FL. Gulfshore Blvd. is very narrow, and Parkshore drive has 15,000 vehicles coming in, most residential. Realistically there would be pushback from residents, no decisions, simply dialogue. There is general assent on opening dialogue with residents. Attendees called on Michelle Arnold to give details on the routes. The CAT system operates on 90 minutes intervals, depending on the route. Most are 60 minutes, frequency is an issue and must be increased on US 41 and Golden Gate, thus increasing use of the CAT systems on arterial streets. The route frequency should be addressed. Vice-County Manager Nick Casalanguida provided a short presentation and update on public transportation and commented on certain ways in which that could expand. There was consensus open dialogue should continue. C. Housing Commissioner McDaniel cited a community-housing plan is proceeding on schedule with a visit from the Urban Land Institute. An affordable housing advisory committee and the state are working on final report. Vice-Mayor Penniman showed concern regarding issues related to access to the application process, as regulations require certain things be provided and questioned Kim Grant, who cited individual work was helping clients get items together, and organize attempts to be as manageable as possible, given state requirements. She remains open to new ways of doing things. March 7, 2017 Page 7 County Manager Ochs remarked outreach would be setup and adequate staff would be present as answers to these issues. Commissioner McDaniel moved discussion to NRPA (National Resource Protection Area) where the city has water wells. Eastern collier county discussions of TDR (Transferrable Development Rights) are mentioned with a focus on water quality. NERPA overlay areas should not allow TDRs to mingle but rather bring them in as an incentive to reduce induction of residents to water well areas. Goals: Protect property rights and reduce density, maintain water quality. Would like discussion to continue. Would be happy to explain any potential adjustment to GMP. Break announced at 10:27A.M., reconvened at 10:35A.M. 4. Transportation and Stormwater Commissioner McDaniel began the discussion on Transportation concerns regarding the airport and proposed an adjustment to allow non-city residents to serve on airport authority, Mayor Barnett said it’s always been policy is not a priority and questions if such an adjustment is even possible. Commissioner McDaniel remarked that currently the city uses 3 municipal airports, and he had a vision of aggregation in the future. However, the airport’s operation very city centric and there is uncertainty if a non-resident would be allowed on that board. Vice Mayor Penniman alerted the group to NAA (National Aviation Association) issues already in existence. If the NAA’s plan is to go countrywide, the city and county simply may not have a say in staffing matters. There is mutual decision to not discuss it at the current time. The libraries were brought up by Councilman Finlay, citing violence and books and magazines disappearing over the last 3-4 years. As technology is changing, there are more vacant shelves, with a huge loss of magazines. Library Director Tanya Williams was asked to address concerns. She explained the library is wrapping up a community-wide assessment. There are seven days remaining in the assessment. Naples regional is the second-largest library, so it often shifts books for reasons besides circulation. Fiscal year 2016 saw an increase in circulation and foot traffic. What are patrons coming in for? There is a huge, 48%, increase in eBook circulation to address the electronic demand of patrons. The Library has assessed March 7, 2017 Page 8 collection management. If a book gets checked out once every three years, that’s not optimal; books need to be checked out two or three times in a year. The Library is cognizant and make sure classics and research material is there. There is a simple shift in libraries nationwide. Councilman Finley remarked library system caters to a higher median age of 66 years old, is it meeting patron’s demands? He remarked the County can afford books and there wouldn’t be empty shelves and magazine racks Library Director Tanya Williams Naples Regional is a “dumping ground” for books, so it just keeps growing, losing public and computer space. If there is public use, the library will bring things back. Furthermore, Commissioner Fiala has seen a resurgence of physical books, citing Marco Island library as a hub in the community. Vice-Mayor Penniman inquired about a mobile library. Commissioner McDaniel questioned where the books went when they leave the library? Tanya Williams discussed resurrecting books. If they are old, financial or medical the books are recycled while fiction and nonfiction books are donated. If we mistakenly take something away, we can add it back. Ellen Siegel brought up her use of the OneDrive eBook system and the importance of libraries for students and tutors, creating community cohesion. City Manager Bill Moss brought up a Stormwater utility update: Professional and competent briefings, County Manger Ochs remarked Phase Two consultant engagement responses are due on March 15. Immensely successful program to raise revenue for an important program, encourage continued discussion. Councilman Finley cited dedicated funds, eye towards future An increase in stormwater fees would bring in potentially $22 Million a year. Some condo owners are paying more to stormwater than they pay to the city in property tax. Commissioner Penny Taylor calls up Dr. George Yilmaz for a 50-year plan brief overview and what it means for the future. March 7, 2017 Page 9 Dr. George Yilmaz discussed integrated, sustainable water supply management strategy contains stormwater. Managing sustainable water supply and net impact per acre is net zero water loss. It rains about 15 million gallons every day in Collier County. By recycling into individual and bulk customer, about 5 billion gallons of water recycling by suppressing salt water intrusion. 5. Countywide Ethics Commission Commissioner Penny Taylor opened the discussion, admitting that the cost would not be terribly high, with initial volunteers and some paid positions. Consensus to explore further, not necessarily move forward on with such a commission. The ethics commission would oversee complaints from citizens, and determine their validity. Mayor Barnett emphasized falling back on state ethics, that under a citizen’s review panel, there can be no teeth with that. Vice-Mayor Penniman said a City ethics commission would be unusual; few counties do not have an ethics commission. If the Mayor wants some teeth in it, you would ultimately need a referendum. Councilman Finley suggested exploring a county commission to look at different models, certainly up for discussion. Commissioner Andy Solis concurs, and would like staff to explore the opportunity and discover what commission models look like. County Attorney Jeff Klatzkow was called up for comment. Palm Beach has had a mixed experience and is more of an investigatory issue. Palm Beach is known for corruption. An ethics commission’s focus would be on inv estigation and handing out justice. Investigations are followed by the State who have far higher punitive measures, so if something was found; the State would then step in. Collier is pretty unblemished Commissioner Saunders. If we create the committee, it will find work to do. If we start talking about ethics, media will pick it up, it’s an important issue. There are state officials that are in charge of these things, transparency is a good thing. We are all reporting bodies. The electorate will make determinations. General consensus. 6. Public Comments-No registered speakers Commissioner Taylor spoke regarding workforce housing and two areas to maintain and enhance for workforce housing are instead changing. She is very dismayed regarding the systemic buying of foreclosed houses “across the tracks” dismays the March 7, 2017 Page 10 Commissioner. She cites it’s a golden opportunity for the city in these areas with foot traffic between schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and public transportation cutting down on aforementioned transportation difficulties. The power of $116 million CRA dollars can maintain these areas. 7. Adjourned COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ______________________________________ Commissioner, Penny Taylor ATTEST: Dwight E. Brock, Clerk _____________________ These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on _________________ as presented________ or as amended ___________.