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BCC Minutes 01/21/2004 TH (District 3)January 21, 2004 TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT #3 TOWNHALL MEETING Naples, Florida, January 21, 2004 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County District #3 Townhall Meeting in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 7:00 PM at the Golden Gate Community Center, Naples, Florida, with the following members present: ALSO PRESENT: CHAIRMAN: Commissioner Donna Fiala Commissioner Fred Coyle Commissioner Tom Henning Commissioner James Coletta Commissioner Frank Halas Jim Mudd, County Manager Leo Oches, Asst. County Manager John Dunnuck, Public Services Administrator Norman Feder, Transportation Administrator Jim DeLony, Public Utilities Administrator Joe Schmitt, Community Development & Env. Services David Weigel, County Attorney Don Scott, Transportation Connie Deane, Transportation Ed Kant, Transportation Lisa Kohler, Community Development Randy Cohn John David Moss Lynn Price, Administrative Services Michelle Arnold, Code Enforcement Stan Chrzanowski Bleu Wallace, Waste Water Sam Tucker, Commissioner Aide Diane Flagg, Alternative Transportation Mode Beth Walsh, Aide to County Manager Board of County Commissioners District 3 Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, January 21,2004 7:00 PM Golden Gate Community Center 4701 Golden Gate Parkway HOSTED BY Tom Henning Commissioner, District 3 1. Introduction and Pledge of Allegiance Golden Gate Code Enforcement Task Force - Peter Lilienthal 3. North Naples Transportation Issues- Meggan Davis New Golden Gate City Downtown Overlay - Cheryle Newman Central and South District 3 Transportation Issues - Floyd Chapin 6. General Public Speakers January 21, 2004 Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. · Commissioner Donna Fiala introduced the head table and turned the meeting over to Commissioner Tom Henning. Commissioner Henning introduced many residents from Homeowner and Civic Associations along with the Administrators and staff in attendance. Commissioner Henning stated the format for the townhall meeting is different than in the past as he has many of the public being the presenters in letting the Commissioners know what is going on in District #3. e Golden Gate Code Enforcement Task Force - Peter Lilienthal · Peter has been a member of the Pathways Organization and thanked the Commissioners for passing the proposed Land Development Code Amendments last year. Several Pathways projects have been successful around the County. The Advisory Committee has a vacancy at the present time and Peter asked those listening to consider putting in their application. · He presented a Letter of Appreciation to the County Commissioners in gratitude for their support of a Golden Gate City Joint Task Force. · He thanked the other many organizations that have helped with the improvements of the quality of life in the Golden Gate City. Many businesses help them with a Neighborhood Barbeque. "Operation Golden Commitment" was a project they did on 41st street and will do another on 40th Terrace. · Peter is also the Chairman of the Golden Gate Code Enforcement Volunteers. He gave many factors that have contributed to the blighting influences in the Community and recommended ways to prevent li£e endangering conditions as well as deterioration of the communities in Collier County. Moving forward with the draft registration minimum housing laws was a suggestion, enforce parking Ordinances, along with improving rescue vehicles and expanding the numbers and hours of the Sheriffs Community Affairs Officers. Michelle Arnold - Code Enforcement answered questions from the audience concerning the sale of vehicles being placed on owner's property and/or other residential areas. Corp. Capezi gave a power point presentation on the Golden Gate Task Force's goals, projects and accomplishments. Different slides were shown of the "before and after" 2 January 21, 2004 improvements of many properties. The Task Force is doing one street at a time. They encourage volunteers. e North Naples Transportation Issues - Meggan Davis Meggan is the Vice President of the Board of Directors in Longshore Lake She reported on some of her concerns, insights, issues, and conditions that affect her community and others in North Naples. Many of the residents became involved in many of the issues concerning transportation in their particular areas. They contacted Commissioner Herming who has been a help to them. They hope the County will monitor the construction schedule of Logan Blvd. Extension. They plan on entering into a maintenance agreement with Collier County to maintain their tract and a new wall. · Daily trip numbers were recorded by Don Scott and presented to the residents. Became aware of environmentalists. · She talked about the expansion of growth in the area and commented the roadway is a must for Collier Blvd. (951) Relief for Immokalee Road. · Held public information meetings. · Master Plan needs to be addressed. · Concerns about turn lanes, widening, school children and their safety was discussed. · Traffic lights and the FPL line alternatives are a big concern. · Depend upon the Commissioners to handle growth and the drain on Natural Resources. · Be Pro-active and looking forward to the positive things in the community with the opening of the new County Park, the completion of Livingston Road, the widening of Vanderbilt Beach Road and widening of 951. Commissioner Henning had communications with FPL and other agencies in Florida and understands there will be an Administration heating in February where the citizens can comment on the proposed alignments. Need to tie into the Orange Tree sub-station which will go down Immokalee Road. Norman Feder - Transportation answered some of her concerns. · Logan Blvd. is being developed along with some development activities. · North oflmmokalee to Bonita Beach Road is being done in 3 segments - final completion 2008. January 21, 2004 · They are working on 951 and the environmental concerns. · Immokalee widening - Northeast comer of 951 & Immokalee is slated for 2006 · Livingston Road completed end of 2004 or January 2005 up to Immokalee. Is now open to Vanderbilt Beach Road · Have 7 signals in 1 V2 mile - Livingston Road to Logan with one proposed signal for the future. · Vanderbilt Beach Road - 6 laning between Airport - first segment will be between Livingston Road and continue to 951. · 951 from Golden Gate up to Immokalee - 6 laning project. · Long Range Plan - see growth, has a plan and will be updating with Don Scott and the MPO. · Will work with the residents and encourages them to get involved. Commissioner Coletta thanked Meggan for her public involvement and attendance at the 951 informational meeting held recently. Commissioner Henning recognized School Board President Linda Abbott and the Golden Gate Area Civic Organization President Bill Poteet. New Golden Gate City Downtown Overlay - Cheryle Newman Cheryle gave a history of the citizens working on the Master Plan in which was turned over to a small group of people within Golden Gate City with a vision. She will present this vision and mentioned there will be many public meetings and looking for input from the residents. She gave a slide presentation on what they are classifying as their Downtown Sub-division from 41 st Street to Sunshine Blvd. · She displayed pictures of their Neo-Traditional Planning concept showing peaked roof tops, awnings, balconies, lush landscaping, rear parking, wider sidewalks & crosswalks. Height limitations to be decided upon. · They need to establish the District. Get through Planning & Zoning to have an Overlay. Mentioned funding possibilities through the creation of a CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) or investors. · Showed what is on display at the Community Center for expansion. The Pro shop for Skate Park, bicycle track, two meeting rooms, outside amphitheatre and additional parking. · Showed the new local Government Center, sheriff's sub-station and a rendering of traveling down Sunshine Blvd. · They were the first community to establish their own MSTU to beautify their medians. Commissioner Halas commended the people that were involved, and united together for a positive approach. 4 January 21,2004 Central and South District 3 Transportation Issues - Floyd Chapin Floyd commended the County and staff for their efficiency. He asked many questions of the different transportation issues facing the citizens at this time. At the last Townhall meeting he had made a presentation on the improvements on 951 and Davis Blvd. He read an article that it would be completed in the fall of 2003. Nothing has happened and he asked what the future of the project is. Super Wal-mart is going up on Davis and 951 and asked about the Loop road, and if it would be approved prior to or after CO. · Golden Gate Parkway and 951 intersections - asked when the target date is with completion. · Sunshine Blvd. and Green Blvd. improvements - asked about the Budget and is it taking place on time. · 1-75 Interstate and Golden Gate Parkway -knows it is a State project and very important. He asked the Commissioners to take whatever action necessary to insure it is developed to 4 lanes with possibility of 6 laning. · Overpass at Airport and Golden Gate Parkway - Commissioners need to look at it very seriously. Mr. Chapin commended Jim Turner and Paula Fleishman in Joe Schmitt's office that have been very understanding, considerate and helpful. Norman Feder and Bob Tipton had met with himself and residents of Sapphire Lakes addressing concerns with traffic at Santa Barbara and Radio Road and Radio Road and Davis Blvd. and were taken care of promptly with improvements. He was concerned and asked about the widening of Radio Road from Santa Barbara to Golden Gate. He understands the design is 60% compete and would like to have more information. He also mentioned at the last townhall meeting in May exotics was a concern o he adjoining property to his development in which was given to Code Enforcement. The case was recently given to a staff member in November and Mr. Chapin felt it should have been addressed much earlier than November. Mr. Feder responded to the items asked: · 951 and Davis - did go after it aggressively and found they needed to get some exception on permitting and an agreement from the agencies January 21, 2004 because there was a major project coming and programmed in the states program, it is programmed in the five year right-of-way - but no construction yet. He talked about the turn lanes and dual lanes with extensions. They are putting a median down the center of Davis on the West side of 951 and additional lanes. Significant improvements will be made to the intersection. County Manager Jim Mudd mentioned he was not pleased with the situation and did not want it to be done in high season. It was really a money issue and didn't want to forego the refund from the State. He said it was an uncomfortable situation internally with staff and did not want it to happen again during high season. Norman Feder stated they are working on a five year work program and stated with the exception of Immokalee Road, they are on schedule. The loop road in reference to the new Wal-Mart - road will come from Davis to 41. The loop road will bypass the intersection and also for the public to bypass the intersection to get to the commercial area. Joe Schmitt mentioned it will be a loop road that will access other out parcels to include Wal-Mart. He also assumed there will be stop signs on the loop road. It is not one continuance road but will intersect with another road in the development according to Mr. Kant. There will be 6 or 7 parcels being developed in that area. The projected date for Wal-Mart opening is fall of 2004. He will get back to Mr. Chapin with more details. 1-75-Golden Gate Parkway Interchange with the State - getting ready for opening bids next month and May or June starting work. They have purchased right-of-way and doing clearing at this time. Some work on the 6 laning will also be done within limits on GG Parkway. Overpass at Airport Road - many studies have been done and are debating with the City of Naples - five consultants have stated an overpass is needed by 2025. A split concept has been introduced they are looking at with concerns and issues. They will bring it to the Board of County Commissioners in April or May for some decisions. Golden Gate Parkway at 951 - Looked at median modifications and working with the community on how to modify and structure it. Commissioners and hotel has met with them to look at all alternatives and want to make sure the community will be comfortable with whatever they proceed with. January 21, 2004 Green Blvd. and Sunshine Intersection - will be under construction next month. Radio Road - widened to Davis and realigned with intersection with Davis and short section of 4 laning and 2 lanes to Santa Barbara. This is part of the Santa Barbara & Logan improvements and will add the 4 lanes. That will be let in 2005. (starting construction) SPEAKERS Raul Saad - Santa Barbara will be let in 2005 and he spoke on the subject. He lives and owns a business on Santa Barbara. He felt the project penalizes a few residents with unreasonable burden. He is not convinced that a $30M 6 lane highway is needed through the heart of a residential neighborhood. He stated many reasons why he felt it was unreasonable: 108 feet will be taken from front of property 9 lanes will be put in front of the homes - 2 left, 2 through, a bike path and 2 rights and a walking path. Will promote speeding - gave examples of neighboring problems. Traffic counts are down 17% on Santa Barbara because of Livingston. He can not support the project and does not feel it is not needed. Alfred Cicioni - 32nd Street - home has been damaged by dynamite that was used for the construction of the new school in the area. He was referred to Linda Abbott and the School Board. Keith Reed - 32nd Ave. SW - has called numerous times in the past month with the horrendous odor coming from the waste water treatment plant. He has been told they are taking care of it, but it has not gone away. Another issue he had was the Tropicana Extension for the High School. Four homes were discussed with a traffic study and he has not heard the results. · Mr. Feder stated they are working with the School Board in appraisals and looking at the possibility of purchasing the four homes. · Linda Abbott responded that an engineering firm is doing research at the present time and Mr. Reed should get in touch with Amy Taylor. · Commissioner Henning responded to the question of the waste water treatment plant odor. Their storage ponds start to evaporate if not a lot of rain and do present an odor. It has been brought to their attention and staff has contacted Florida City Waters and informed them there is a problem and it needs to be addressed. Mr. Reed is to contact his office when there are odors so they can assist him in trying to fix the situation. 7 January 21, 2004 County Manager Mudd is also aware of the problem and informed everyone Bleu Wallace is the contact person that is working with all the water and sewage plants within the district making sure they stay in compliance. Mr. Sweet is the contact person for Florida Government Utility Authority in which they lined the ponds. They knew there was a problem. The perk ponds dried up and the solids got to the air causing the odor. Ed Wojtowioz "Wojo" - he asked about horseshoe, bridge and cribbage players. He has played these sports for many years and can not find persons to play. He has contacted the Boys & Girls Club to offer his services to teach cribbage to the children. He has had no response. He is a willing teacher and player and welcome those interested. Don Schummer - Santa Barbara Blvd. - he discussed: · Golden Gate Parkway 6 and 4 laning (not in favor of widening) · 17% reduction on Santa Barbara since the construction of Livingston · Encourage Public meetings and asked about the advertising of such meetings. Commissioner Henning noted they try to get out as much information as they can and do submit them to the newspaper. Bill Poteet - Board of Directors Golden Gate Civic Assn. He spoke of the diversity in the community and progress they are making in moving forward. Stated they are in support of several items and concerns shown earlier in a presentation on the Master Plan. -He spoke of some of the flooding problems being done before the next rainy season, the Vehicular Bridge - Tropicana - (keep working on it) and the Overpass at Airport and Santa Barbara. The work forces are the majority of the drivers in that area and the Civic Assn. support the construction of the overpass. - They also support the concept of purchasing beach access with TDC funds. Creating more beach access and parking is very important. When going to the beach they have to drive, so want to park someplace that is not intrusive to the neighborhoods there. Kaydee Tuff- spoke for the Civic Assn. and the Golden Gate High School that is being built across from Tropicana. Her concern is the traffic light at 951 and Magnolia Pond. Would like to make sure it is installed by August when the school opens. Mr. Feder stated they are working with the School Board and the developers in the area to try and move the access point further to the north below the canal. So "yes" it will be at Magnolia Pond and 951 when school starts. 8 January 21, 2004 Closing comments from the Commissioners: Commissioner Coletta thanked everyone and felt at home at the Community Center. Commissioner Halas thanked everyone and said it was a pleasure to see everyone in the community work together - he wished he had that in his area. Commissioner Coyle is always amazed at how much Commissioner Henning gets accomplished by getting involved in developing innovative and constructive ideas and working together with the staff and Collier County Government as a whole. He has done a wonderful job of improving the community. Many people say the government doesn't do anything or listen to anyone and yet two groups of people have praised Collier County Government for the job they have been doing. Have been accomplishing more in the past few years to manage growth and improve communities. Commissioner Fiala said it was nice to see a townhall meeting full of people and working together. Commissioner Henning thanked everyone and felt blessed with his community coming together to resolve issues. There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 9:00 PM. COLLIER (i~DUNTY TOWNHALL MEETING Chmrman~(~6mm~ss~oner'~onna ~la ATTEST$~"~.,~' ~;~ ~, These m~nures,ag~r~ed by the Board on ~, as presented ~ or as co~ected