BCC Minutes 02/18/2004 TH (District 2)February 18,'2004
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER
COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
TOWNHALL MEETING-DISTRICT #2
Naples, Florida, February 18, 2004
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Board of County Commissioners
in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein in
Workshop Session, met on this date at 7:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist
Church, Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Commissioner Donna Fiala
Commissioner Fred Coyle
Commissioner Frank Halas
Commissioner Tom Henning
Commissioner James Coletta
ALSO PRESENT: Jim Mudd, County Manager
Leo Ochs, Assistant County Manager
Joe Schmitt, Development & Environmental Services
Norman Feder, Transportation Administrator
John Dunnuck, Public Services Administrator
Len Golden Price, Administrative Services
David Weigel, County Attorney
Jim DeLony, Public Utilities
Debbie White
Greg Strakaluse, Transportation
Bob Tipton, Traffic Operations
Diane Flagg, Director of Alternative Transportation
Don Scott, Transportation
Robert Wiley, Stormwater
Michelle Arnold, Code Enforcement
Bleu Wallace, Public Utilities
Lisa Koehler
Patti Patriella
Shawn Lutkie
Trish McPherson
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Board of County Commissioners
District 2 Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
7:00 PM
St. John the Evangelist Church
625 111th Avenue North
HOSTED BY
Frank Halas
Commissioner, District 2
1. Introduction and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Acknowledgement of staff
:3. Proclamation recognizing Sally Barker
4. Code Enforcement Issues in the Naples Park Area
5. Collier County Sheriff's Office
· Naples Park Parking Issues
· Traffic Enforcement throughout District II
10.
Presentation by homeowner groups on the success of obtaining building height
and setback restrictions in the R/T zoning on Vanderbilt Beach
FPL's proposed route of new power line along Livingston Road (Grover
Whidden of FPL)
Traffic issues on Immokalee Road (I-75 - Immokalee east of Livingston Road)
Recyclin~ pilot program in Willoughby Acres (George Yilmaz, Solid Waste
Direck.,' and Larry Berg of Waste Management)
Stormwater Management issues including the Cocohatchee watershed's effects
the estuary system in District II
1'1. Public Speaker Comments and Questions
February 18, 2004
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Introductions and Pledge of Allegiance was given by Commissioner Chairman
Donna Fiala. Commissioner Fiala introduced Commissioner Frank Halas.
Acknowledgment of Staff:
Commissioner Halas introduced staff members in attendance.
Proclamation recognizing Sally Barker: · Commissioner Halas introduced and read a proclamation for
Sally Barker.
· Remarks were given by Ms. Barker.
Code Enforcement Issues in the Naples Park area:
Michelle Arnold - Code Enforcement addressed concerns:
Talked about the Vanderbilt Encroachment Study
· Pool decks, screen enclosures and set-backs
· 75 properties had encroachment violations
· Much data gathered and many in compliance
· Only 3 in violation now and described variance process
· Main concerns in Naples Park - parking on grass (740 cases in one year)
· Request signs for this purpose - $3,700 installed
· Sheriffs office training - Code Enforcement working towards issuance of
citations
· Overcrowding in Naples Park - Minimum Housing standards
Collier County Sheriffs Office · Naples Park Parking Issues - discussed traffic enforcement in the area.
· Community Policing
· Traffic Enforcement throughout District II
· Discussed traffic violations in North Naples area.
· Problems with traffic lights and speed - more patrol
· 105th Avenue - cut through and serious speeding
· School zones discussed
· Encouraged residents to stop by with any issues or concerns.
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Presentation by Homeowners groups on the success of obtaining building height
and setback restrictions in the R/T zoning on Vanderbilt Beach:
A Power Point presentation was given - Citizen Action for Rational
Control of Neighborhood Developer & Redevelopment:
· Went through series of events that led up to the Adoption of the Ordinance.
· Discussed creation of the Vanderbilt Beach Zoning Committee
· Covered some of the problems they encountered and the adversaries they dealt
with.
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February 18, 2004
· Mentioned the funding that needed to be raised by volunteers for attorneys
etc. ($50,000)
· Widespread support by Vanderbilt Bay and Vanderbilt Property Owners
Associations.
· Gave their future visions - some are: 4 units per acre, 75' maximum height,
(FEMA), reduce canonization, no boathouses and the preservation of the
character and sense of neighborhood throughout the area.
· Gave their recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners
7. FPL's proposed route of new power line along Livingston Road (Grover
Whidden of FPL)
Commissioner Halas introduced Mr. Whidden in regards to a power line that
was suppose to run down State Road 82 into Immokalee and back feed into
Naples. There is a possibility in the Livingston Road area that the grid line may
come down towards Vanderbilt. He would like to see the power line run down
State Road 82 like it is intended.
Commissioner Coletta stated the people in Immokalee are very upset with the
route they are proposing.
Commissioner Halas was with the understanding the route was favorable except
for one large landowner.
Commissioner Coletta said many groups and advisory boards are opposed to the
route along the Highway - wishing they could put it inland would be more
favorable. He stated they could have done a better job, but the environmentalists
are involved making a difference in where it goes.
Mr. Whidden displayed a map showing the areas and selection process involved
in the particular areas in Collier County. Most persons do not want transmission
lines close to them, and yet all enjoy having electricity. He briefly told everyone
where they are in the process and the routes being considered:
· Collier County is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States at
this time and the demand for power is also growing - computers, large
screen TV's etc.
· Need to enhance the reliability of their system to insure continued power
when needed.
· They will build a new bulk transmission line down from the Orange River
Sub-station close to the Fort Meyers power generating station.
· Will bring more power down to Golden Gate Parkway and Livingston
Road where the Golden Gate Sub-station is.
· They started looking for routes a year ago and came up with a preferred
corridor. They traced the route on the map displayed which basically
starts at Collier Sub-station and goes to State Road 82 to a rural road
(Green Meadows) to FPL's existing right-of-way going east to
Immokalee road then eventually back to their new Orange Tree Sub-
station at approx. Wilson Blvd. and Immokalee Road.
· He covered and traced another small section on the map.
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February 18, 2004
· This is the route they are asking approval for.
· He stated the Logan Blvd. extension route has been withdrawn.
· The other route proposed is an existing route. From Collier Orange Sub-
station to Livingston Road. Then to Immokalee Road past 1-75 going east
to the Orange Tree Sub-station. With the residential development along
Immokalee Road there has been a lot of concern.
· Have had hearings the past 2 weeks. They want to continue to serve the
residents with safe, reliable electric service. Both routes have pros and
cons.
Commissioner Henning asked Mr. Whidden to trace the route past Livingston and
Wilson Blvd. He also asked him about the poles on 951.
Mr. Whidden showed the main power in Collier County and where it is proposed to go
down the existing line. The major transmission source that is being provided Collier
County now wants to be duplicated. The public hearings that have been held have stated
they are trying to get away from the duplicated line in case of terrorist attack or other
events such as hurricanes, tornadoes and fires.
They are trying to establish a geographically diverse route to have another way of
bringing power in.
8. Traffic issues on Immokalee Road (I-75 - Immokalee east of Livingston Road)
Norman Feder gave a report on the various traffic issues:
· Has been aggressive last 3 years; highest impact fees in the State, strongest
growth management concurrency standards in Florida, and permitting under right-
of-way permitting requiring strenuous efforts for access to the system.
· 15 of the 29 segments needed are implemented, 4 under construction and the
band-aid at 1-75 ramps has been a benefit that was needed.
· Working with timing at the lights and balancing them at the ramps.
· Bob Tipton working on the AM traffic timing.
· Immokalee under construction - 41 to 1-75 letting this year. 4 to 6 lanes to 1-75.
Won't be as direct, but will be safer.
· 1-75 & 951 needs to be 6 lanes.
· 4 laning/6 laning from 951 to 43rd.
· Livingston is now finished from Radio to Vanderbilt Beach Road
· Goodlette Frank - Pine Ridge to Vanderbilt construction under way.
· FDOT - 41 North into Lee County to West Terry - will be 6 lanes all the way.
· Vanderbilt Drive study - will hold workshop next month.
· Has aggressive Landscaping and Pathways program thanks to Diane Flagg.
9. Recycling pilot program in Willoughby Acres (George Yilmaz, Solid Waste
Director & Larry Berg of Waste Management)
· Mr. Yilmaz introduced Denise Kirk, Waste Reduction and Recycling Manager for
Collier County.
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February 18, 2004
He introduced a pilot recycling collection project that is being implemented in the
Willoughby Acres neighborhood.
· Designed to investigate alternatives for residential recycling collections and other
program enhancements.
Their goal is to achieve preservation of landfill space as much as possible as their
asset and conserving the natural resources.
· It includes a larger recycling cart with wheels and provides larger capacity for
residential recyclables that are not being collected now.
· He introduced Larry Berg, Waste Management Inc., District Manager.
· Trying to achieve recycling more volume from the trash into recycling. Also
convenience of using a cart. Collection process will be twice a week.
· He gave statistics on the collections for the various days.
· County Manager Mudd stated it will benefit all as it will be less expensive
collections - not just for landfill space.
10. Stormwater Management issues including the Cocohatchee watersheds effects
the Estuary System in District II.
Robert Wiley discussed the watershed areas: · Fresh water discharge
· Water quality- sedimentation - corrected
· Palm River issues are being addressed.
· 3 year study on water quality
· Vanderbilt Lagoon map was shown - 3 drainage basins shown - water in lagoon
has been in question for many years - man made - 11 ½ miles of vertical seawall.
Narrow channels with Naples Park contributing run off. Need good evaluation.
11. Public Speaker Comments and Questions:
SPEAKERS
Sandy Mendelson - wants to have a Marina at Wiggins Pass. Need to sit down and talk
about how a Marina can stay in that area.
Harold Eaton - County purchasing Wiggins Pass Marina site - using Eminent Domain.
Joe Connolly - had concerns of approving developments before roads are built and
widened. Wanted to know the status of Checkbook Concurrency.
Commissioner Halas responded within 2 years of a project being approved the
building of roads would be taken care of. Density has been addressed at the
Commission meetings.
Mr. Feder addressed the changing of the Growth Management Plan, moratoriums
and shutting down the County - have to say what they are going to do to resolve
and overcome. The Board made significant changes; requiring developments - if
adequate public facility available, the development can proceed if it pays half of
the impact fees at the time of final plat. The other half paid within three years to
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February 18, 2004
maintain the vesting on the balance of the project to go forward. Not seen much
in the State of Florida - was a very aggressive change. The last cycle they
changed the Growth Management Plan with the DCA and now gotten approval.
The Land Development Code will be implemented soon to get the system in
place. Checkbook concurrency was explained - projects are out there not ready to
start until the balances are in place and will be in a real time basis.
Joe Schmitt responded also that staff cannot approve any zoning. They can only
issue building permits based on previously approved zoning. The Board approves
zoning.
Brent Parker - resident of North Naples for 25 years - his concerns were:
Palm River Shores - storm water issue
· Cocohatchee River system and its health
· Deterioration and quality- water and silting
· Dumping of Water
· Concerns of the future
· SFLWM weir
· What can be done? Dredged or cleaned
Jim Mudd- County Manager - responded the weir is not on the primary or secondary
system. March 15th will be a joint workshop discussing this and other issues on the Big
Cypress Basin.
Les Lezak - Palm River Shores - Same issue as previous speaker. He is a charter
captain and stated something needs to be done all the way to Tarpon Cove. He was glad
to hear a workshop is going to be held to address their concerns.
Transportation safety was another concern and appreciated what Mr. Feder stated on the
roads. He is very concerned about bicycle and pedestrian safety in construction zones.
Make sure the children and all persons are protected. He lost a son due to a particular
incident concerning safety.
John Stevens - Gulfshore Drive - he complimented the present Commissioners and
staff. Stop approving all the construction projects before the roads are finished and they
catch up.
Janet Vasey - Longshore Way - FPL alignment - she asked the Commissioners to
support the proposed route for the new power line. Many Organizations have already
supported it including Lee County, the Audubon Society, the Conservancy, SFLWM and
the South Regional Planning Council. The alternative route proposed by Collier Industry
impacts many existing developments along Immokalee Road and not suitable. No room
along the road. Act now and be in place when Governor Bush and the Cabinet meet on
the issue.
Mr. Feder answered a question of what is being looked at on Vanderbilt Drive. · Looking at Vanderbilt Drive and Bonita Beach Road to Bluebill & 11 lth.
· Any 4 laning would be north of Wiggins Pass
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February 18, 2004
Concerned about the narrowness of the two southern bridges - in design program
with State.
· Working with State.
· South of Wiggins will be turn lane improvements to 11 lth and Bluebill and
maybe to 11 lth to 41.
John Austin - 97th Street - discussed Friendship Park and the Dover Kohl survey. The
3 surveys were defeated for parks and common squares. He asked if another survey is
going to be done and felt enough is enough.
B. J. Savard-Boyer - Palm Court - she stated the CC Planning Commission and the
BCC are doing an excellent job and listen to the citizens. She asked why the power lines
can't be buried when widening Immokalee Road.
Jim Mudd and Joe Sehmitt responded they cannot bury the high voltage lines due to
cost.
Doug Fee - thanked the staff, Commissioners and Sally Barker. He also thanked two
people that put an eagle back into its nest.
Commissioners
Thanked everyone for coming and participating.
- Commissioner Itenning asked the Minimum Housing Ordinance be discussed in the
future.
Concerns over doing work for the Sheriff- Approx. $100M is appropriated for them.
If Code Enforcement is going to take over doing citations, decisions need to be made at
Budget time for the Sheriffs Dept.
- Board should consider a recommendation or a Resolution supporting FP&L's easement
for the health and safety of duplicating the line on Livingston Road. Should be made an
Agenda item.
- Commissioner Coyle addressed the Chartered Govermnent issue. Disputed several
facts and stated there has been no property tax increases approved by the present County
Commission. They have good government at the present time and to elect the right
people.
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February 18, 2004
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned by order of the Chair at 9:25 PM.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/EX
OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD(S) OF
SPECIAL DISTRICTS UNDER ITS
CONTROL
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