BCC Minutes 02/22/2022 RFebruary 22, 2022
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TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Naples, Florida, February 22, 2022
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, 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 9:00 a.m., in
REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex,
East Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
Chairman: William L. McDaniel, Jr.
Rick LoCastro
Burt L. Saunders
Andy Solis
Penny Taylor
ALSO PRESENT:
Mark Isackson, County Manager
Amy Patterson, Deputy County Manager
Jeffrey A. Klatzkow, County Attorney
Crystal K. Kinzel, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Troy Miller, Communications & Customer Relations
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February 22, 2022
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Community Redevelopment Agency Board (CRAB)
Airport Authority
AGENDA
Board of County Commission Chambers
Collier County Government Center
3299 Tamiami Trail East, 3rd Floor
Naples, FL 34112
February 22, 2022
9:00 AM
Commissioner William L. McDaniel, Jr., District 5; – Chair – CRAB Co-Chair
Commissioner Rick LoCastro, District 1; – Vice Chair
Commissioner Andy Solis, District 2
Commissioner Burt Saunders, District 3
Commissioner Penny Taylor, District 4; – CRAB Co-Chair
NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS MUST
REGISTER PRIOR TO PRESENTATION OF THE AGENDA ITEM TO BE
ADDRESSED. ALL REGISTERED SPEAKERS WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE
(3) MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
REQUESTS TO PETITION THE BOARD ON SUBJECTS WHICH ARE NOT ON
THIS AGENDA MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING WITH EXPLANATION
TO THE COUNTY MANAGER AT LEAST 13 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF
THE MEETING AND WILL BE HEARD UNDER “PUBLIC PETITIONS.”
PUBLIC PETITIONS ARE LIMITED TO THE PRESENTER, WITH A
MAXIMUM TIME OF TEN MINUTES.
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD
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February 22, 2022
WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDING PERTAINING THERETO,
AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD
OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE
TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 2003-53 AS AMENDED BY
ORDINANCE 2004-05 AND 2007-24, REQUIRES THAT ALL LOBBYISTS
SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AT THE
BOARD MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY
ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING,
YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN
ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT DIVISION LOCATED AT 3335 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL,
SUITE 1, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112-5356, (239) 252-8380; ASSISTED
LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAILABLE IN
THE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION.
LUNCH RECESS SCHEDULED FOR 12:00 NOON TO 1:00 P.M.
1. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. Father Reji Joseph of St. Ann Catholic Church
2. AGENDA AND MINUTES
A. Approval of today's regular, consent and summary agenda as amended (ex
parte disclosure provided by Commission members for consent agenda.)
B. January 25, 2022 - BCC Meeting Minutes
3. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. EMPLOYEE
B. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
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February 22, 2022
C. RETIREES
D. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
1) Recommendation to recognize Christopher Montolio, in the Corporate
Business Operations Division, as the January 2022 Employee of the
Month. (All Districts)
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. Proclamation recognizing the Parks and Recreation Division for 50 years of
service to the citizens of Collier County. To be accepted by Barry Williams,
Parks and Recreation Division Director, Melissa Hennig, Region 1 Manager,
Aaron Hopkins, Region 2 Manager, Annie Alvarez, Region 3 Manager, and
Olema Edwards, Region 4 Manager.
B. Proclamation recognizing Naples Children & Education Foundation for 20+
years of serving the needs of children in Collier County. To be accepted by
Paul Hills, Board Chairman, and Maria Jimenez-Lara, Chief Executive
Officer.
C. Proclamation designating February 20 - 26, 2022, as National Engineers
Week in Collier County. To be accepted by Kevin Dowty, Hole Montes,
Alison Bickett, City of Naples, and Kellie Fissinger, Agnoli, Barber &
Brundage.
D. Proclamation designating February 2022 as Career and Technical Education
Month in Collier County. To be accepted by Yolanda Flores, Lorenzo
Walker Technical Institute, Dorin Oxender, Immokalee Technical College,
Alex Breault, Director of Talent Initiatives, and Michael Dalby, President &
CEO, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.
5. PRESENTATIONS
6. PUBLIC PETITIONS
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS NOT ON THE CURRENT
OR FUTURE AGENDA
8. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
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February 22, 2022
9. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A. This item to be heard no sooner than 1:00 p.m. Recommendation to hear
a presentation from Colin Baenziger, Baenziger and Associates, outlining
the steps and timeline for the County Manager recruitment process;
designate a staff point of contact to coordinate the recruitment; and consider
naming a Commission designee to work with the County’s representative.
(Amy Lyberg, Director of Human Resources) (All Districts)
11. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. Recommendation to accept Staff’s recommendation to issue Collier County
Commercial Vessel Launch Permits to companies seeking permits on a first-
come-first-serve basis until the limit of one-hundred eighty permits (180)
has been reached and to accept Staff’s status update regarding outstanding
requests for permits. (Melissa Hennig, Regional Manager, Parks and
Recreation Division) (District 1, District 2, District 4)
B. This item to be heard at 10:00 a.m. Recommendation that the Board
provide direction to staff to bring back two recommendations for the Board’s
consideration to address housing affordability: (1) proposal for General
Governmental resources to support the Local Housing Trust Fund for
housing development activities, and (2) identification of eligible parcels for
acquisition from the One Cent Infrastructure Surtax. (Jacob LaRow,
Manager Housing, Grant Development, and Operations) (All Districts)
C. Recommendation to adopt the FY2023 Budget Policy. (Mark Isackson,
County Manager) (All Districts)
12. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
13. OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
14. AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND/OR COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY
A. AIRPORT
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February 22, 2022
B. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
15. STAFF AND COMMISSION GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS
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16. CONSENT AGENDA - All matters listed under this item are considered to be
routine and action will be taken by one motion without separate discussion of
each item. If discussion is desired by a member of the Board, that item(s) will
be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.
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A. GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
1) This item has been continued from the January 25, 2022, and
February 8, 2022, BCC Meetings. Recommendation to direct staff
to advertise and bring back for a public hearing at the March 8, 2022
Board Meeting, an ordinance of Collier County, Florida, amending
Ordinance No. 2003-37, as amended, including Ordinance No. 2003-
58, by amending Section 110-30 of the Collier County Code of Laws
and Ordinances to exclude the Bayshore Gateway Triangle
Community Redevelopment Area from the prohibition of enclosing
swales in public rights-of-way; providing for inclusion into the Code
of Laws and Ordinances; providing for conflict and severability;
providing an effective date. [PL20210001222] (This Item is a
companion item to Items #17A and #17B) (District 4)
2) Recommendation to adopt a Resolution to hold a public hearing to
consider vacating the 100-foot right-of-way and easement, described
as Tract “G”, as recorded in Deed Book 23, Page 47 of the Public
Records of Collier County, Florida, located in Sections 23 and 24,
Township 48 South, Range 28 East, Collier County, Florida
(PL20210002017). (District 5)
3) This item requires that ex parte disclosure be provided by
Commission members. Should a hearing be held on this item, all
participants are required to be sworn in. Recommendation to
approve for recording the final plat of Del Webb Naples Parcels 301-
303 and 311, (Application Number PL20210002134) approval of the
standard form Construction and Maintenance Agreement and approval
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February 22, 2022
of the performance security in the amount of $3,362,555.56. (District
5)
4) This item requires that ex parte disclosure be provided by
Commission members. Should a hearing be held on this item, all
participants are required to be sworn in. Recommendation to
approve for recording the final plat of Kaicasa, (Application Number
AR-12767) approval of the standard form Construction and
Maintenance Agreement and approval of the performance security in
the amount of $9,906,234.80. (District 5)
5) This item requires that ex parte disclosure be provided by
Commission members. Should a hearing be held on this item, all
participants are required to be sworn in. Recommendation to
approve for recording the minor final plat of Quarry Phase 1B,
Application Number PL20210001493. (District 3)
6) This item requires that ex parte disclosure be provided by
Commission members. Should a hearing be held on this item, all
participants are required to be sworn in. Recommendation to
approve for recording the final plat of Metropolitan Naples
(Application Number PL20200001193) approval of the standard form
Construction and Maintenance Agreement and approval of the
performance security in the amount of $1,017,723.30. (District 4)
7) This item requires that ex parte disclosure be provided by
Commission members. Should a hearing be held on this item, all
participants are required to be sworn in. Recommendation to
approve for recording the final plat of Valencia Trails Naples – Plat
Four (Application Number PL20210002132) approval of the standard
form Construction and Maintenance Agreement and approval of the
performance security in the amount of $4,551,259.57. (District 3)
8) Recommendation to approve final acceptance of the sewer utility
facilities for Fifth Third Bank- Gulf Gate, PL20210003177. (District
4)
9) Recommendation to approve final acceptance of the water and sewer
utility facilities for Ritz-Carlton Naples Hotel Addition – Phase 1,
PL20210002961. (District 2)
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February 22, 2022
10) Recommendation to approve final acceptance of the sewer utility
facilities for Wyndemere Country Club – Phase 1, PL20210003336.
(District 4)
11) Recommendation to approve the issuance of a Work Order under
Agreement No. 21-7842, “Roadway Contractors,” to authorize
construction of the Randall Boulevard at 8th Street NE Intersection
Improvements, in the amount of $656,746.95, and to authorize any
necessary budget amendments. (Project #60230) (District 5)
12) Recommendation to approve the Collier County Floodplain
Management Plan 2020 and 2021 Progress Report and Proposed
Action Plan for 2022. (All Districts)
13) Recommendation to seek approval for electronic submission of a
Small County Outreach Program for Rural Areas of Opportunities
application with the Florida Department of Transportation to fund a
paved shoulder project to improve safety on a segment of Immokalee
Road - in the amount of $998,661.75. (Growth Management Grant
Fund 711, Gas Tax Fund 313) (District 5)
14) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign
Grant Agreement No. 21222 between Collier County Board of County
Commissioners and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission under the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Program, accept
grant funding in the amount of $113,610.00, and authorize the
necessary budget amendment (Growth Management Grant Fund 711)
(All Districts)
15) Recommendation to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Gulf
Consortium Subrecipient Agreement No. 200097221.01 between the
Gulf Consortium and Collier County Board of County Commissioners
to update certain sections of the agreement. (District 1, District 5)
16) Recommendation to approve the Second Amendment to Agreement
No. 17-7127, “3-1-1 /Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Initiative,” to Qscend Technologies, Inc. and authorize expenditure of
the Second Amendment of the Agreement for a one-time cost of
$6,000 for license implementation and $2,000 for on-going annual
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February 22, 2022
maintenance and support. (All Districts)
B. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
C. PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
1) Recommendation to award Invitation to Bid (“ITB”) No. 21-7921,
“Countywide Chemicals,” for the purchase of various chemicals
required for potable water, wastewater, and irrigation quality water
treatment by the Water and Wastewater Divisions and authorize the
Chairman to sign the attached agreements. (All Districts)
D. PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT
1) Recommendation to approve and authorize the chairman to sign two
(2) mortgage satisfactions for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership
loan program in the amount of $52,290.33 and authorize the
associated Budget Amendment to appropriate repayment amount
totaling $52,290.33. (SHIP Grant Fund 791) (All Districts)
2) Recommendation to approve and authorize the chairman to sign one
(1) mortgage satisfaction for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership
loan; This transaction is a transfer of a $50,000 mortgage liability
from Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Inc., to the homeowners
provided with home purchase assistance through the Construction
Assistance Strategy. (SHIP Grant Fund 791) (All Districts)
3) Recommendation to authorize a Budget Amendment in the amount of
$6,147.71 for program income under the U.S. Housing and Urban
Development Community Development Block Grant Program from
the Immokalee Airport. (Housing Grant Fund 705) (All Districts)
4) Recommendation to approve a 5-year renewal of an agreement with
the Conservancy of Southwest Florida allowing it to continue to
provide environmental education programs at Collier County
managed and operated beach park facilities. (General Fund 001) (All
Districts)
5) Recommendation to authorize the Chairperson to sign the third
amendment between Collier County and the Florida Department of
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February 22, 2022
State Division of Historical Resource for structural stabilization and
rehabilitation of the historic Roberts Ranch home at the Immokalee
Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch. (Public Service Grant Fund 709 &
710) (All Districts)
6) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the
Reinstatement and Fifth Amendment between Collier County and
Prestige Home Centers, Inc., for the Demolition and/or Replacement
of Manufactured Housing program to extend the term and revise
agreement language. (SHIP Grant Fund 791) (All Districts)
7) Recommendation to approve Services for Seniors, “After-the-Fact”
Standard Contract and attestation statement with the Area Agency on
Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc., in the amount of $1,388,954.83 and
authorize the associated Budget Amendments, for FY22 Older
American Act Title III in the amount of $131,913.47. (Human Service
Grant Fund 707) (All Districts)
8) Recommendation to approve an “After-the-Fact” contract and an
attestation statement with Area Agency on Aging for Southwest
Florida, Inc., for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program-
American Recovery Plan in the amount of $96,800 and authorize a
Budget Amendment to ensure continuous funding for FY22. (Human
Service Grant Fund 707) (All Districts)
E. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
1) Recommendation to approve the administrative report prepared by the
Procurement Services Division for disposal of property and
notification of revenue disbursement. (All Districts)
2) Recommendation to ratify Property, Casualty, Workers’
Compensation and Subrogation claim files settled and/or closed by the
Risk Management Division Director pursuant to Resolution #2004-15
for the first quarter of FY 22. (All Districts)
3) Recommendation to approve the administrative reports prepared by
the Procurement Services Division for change orders and other
contractual modifications requiring Board approval. (All Districts)
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February 22, 2022
F. COUNTY MANAGER OPERATIONS
1) Recommendation to adopt a resolution approving amendments
(appropriating grants, donations, contributions or insurance proceeds)
to the FY21-22 Adopted Budget. (All Districts)
2) Recommendation to award Invitation to Bid (“ITB”) No. 21-7926
Heavy-Duty Pick-up Truck Utility Body with Fuel Tanks to Tamiami
Ford, Inc., for the purchase of a Ford F450 Utility Truck in the
amount of $58,473.69. (All Districts)
G. AIRPORT AUTHORITY
H. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
I. MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
1) Miscellaneous Correspondence (All Districts)
J. OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
1) Recommendation to approve a budget amendment recognizing a
Florida Department of State, Division of Elections, 2022 Election
Security Funds Grant Award in the amount of $59,432.74 (All
Districts)
2) Recommendation to record in the minutes of the Board of County
Commissioners, the check number (or other payment method),
amount, payee, and purpose for which the referenced disbursements
were drawn for the periods between January 27, 2022, and February 9,
2022, pursuant to Florida Statute 136.06. (All Districts)
3) Request that the Board approve and determine valid public purpose
for invoices payable and purchasing card transactions as of February
16, 2022. (All Districts)
K. COUNTY ATTORNEY
1) This item has been continued from the February 8, 2022 BCC
Meeting. Recommendation to appoint three members to the
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February 22, 2022
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. (All
Districts)
2) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $168,000 plus $55,541 in statutory attorney and
apportionment fees, and experts’ fees and costs, for the taking of
Parcel 122FEE required for the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension
Project No. 60168. (All Districts)
3) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $155,000 plus $41,150.41 in statutory attorney and
apportionment fees and experts’ fees and costs for the taking of Parcel
1230FEE required for the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension Project
No. 60168. (All Districts)
4) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $128,600 plus $28,859.39 in statutory attorney fees,
apportionment fees, and experts’ fees and costs, and a not to exceed
amount of $3,000 for additional apportionment fees if any, for the
taking of Parcel 233FEE required for the Vanderbilt Beach Road
Extension Project No. 60168. (All Districts)
5) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $117,700 plus $28,721 in statutory attorney fees,
apportionment fees, and experts’ fees and costs, and a not to exceed
amount of $3,000 for additional apportionment fees if any, for the
taking of Parcel 1142FEE required for the Vanderbilt Beach Road
Extension Project No. 60168. (All Districts)
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17. SUMMARY AGENDA - This section is for advertised public hearings and
must meet the following criteria: 1) A recommendation for approval from
staff; 2) Unanimous recommendation for approval by the Collier County
Planning Commission or other authorizing agencies of all members present
and voting; 3) No written or oral objections to the item received by staff, the
Collier County Planning Commission, other authorizing agencies or the
Board, prior to the commencement of the BCC meeting on which the items
are scheduled to be heard; and 4) No individuals are registered to speak in
opposition to the item. For those items which are quasi-judicial in nature, all
participants must be sworn in.
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February 22, 2022
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A. This item has been continued from the January 25, 2022, and February
8, 2022, BCC Meetings. This item is the first of two hearings.
Recommendation to approve an Ordinance amending Ordinance number 04-
41, as amended, the Collier County Land Development Code, to change the
name of the Bayshore Mixed Use Overlay District to the Bayshore Zoning
Overlay District and the name of the Gateway Triangle Mixed Use District
to the Gateway Triangle Zoning Overlay District, to rename the Bayshore
Gateway Triangle Redevelopment Area to the Bayshore Gateway Triangle
Community Redevelopment Area; to add prohibited uses, add appearance
standards for outdoor display and storage, add a boundary map for the
Bayshore Zoning Overlay District and for the Gateway Triangle Zoning
Overlay District, add architectural standards for single family homes, and
change other development standards. [PL20210001222] (This Item is a
companion item to Items #16A1 and #17B) (District 4)
B. This item has been continued from the January 25, 2022 and February
8, 2022 BCC Meetings. Recommendation to adopt Ordinance, as amended,
the Collier County Growth Management Plan for the unincorporated area of
Collier County, Florida, relating to the density bonus pool within the
Bayshore/Gateway Triangle Redevelopment Overlay and specifically
amending the Bayshore/Gateway Triangle Redevelopment Overlay of the
Future Land Use Element, to change requirements for the use of the density
bonus pool; directing transmittal of the adopted amendment to the Florida
Department of Economic Opportunity; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date. (This Item is a companion item to Items
#16A1 and #17A) (Adoption Hearing). (District 4)
C. Recommendation to adopt a resolution approving amendments
(appropriating carry forward, transfers and supplemental revenue) to the
FY21-22 Adopted Budget. (All Districts)
18. ADJOURN
INQUIRIES CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE BOARD’S AGENDA SHOULD
BE MADE TO THE COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE AT 252-8383.
February 22, 2022
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MR. ISACKSON: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, you have a
live mic.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Do I have a live mic, or do you?
MR. ISACKSON: Well --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yours isn't on. We can have you
shout.
MR. ISACKSON: How about that?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: There we go. Hit the right button.
Good morning, good morning, good morning. Good morning,
everybody.
I am first going to call Father Reji Joseph -- I should be able to
say that well, shouldn't I? Father Reji's with St. Ann's -- to do our
invocation this morning, and then, Commissioner Solis, if you would
lead us in the Pledge, I'd appreciate it. If everyone would rise.
Item #1A
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLIGANCE – INVOCATION
GIVEN
FATHER JOSEPH: Good morning, Commissioners and
everybody else. Let us place ourselves in the presence of the Lord.
Loving God, we come to you this hour asking for your blessing
and help as we gather. We ask your blessings on the people who
have been called to lead the community in which we live and work.
We pray for guidance in the matters at hand and ask that you would
clearly show us how to conduct our work with a spirit of joy and
enthusiasm. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our works,
help us to work together and enrich each other to excellence.
Reading from the prophet Isaiah: So do not fear, for I am with
you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you
February 22, 2022
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and help you. I will hold you with my righteous right hand.
Let us pray.
Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this
new year, we confess our need of your presence and your guidance as
we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the
year that is ahead of us, but you alone know what it holds for us, and
only you can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to
meet its challenges. So we -- help us to humbly put our hands in
your hand and to trust you and seek your will for our lives during this
coming year. During life's uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us
of the certainty of your unchanging love.
We pray for our nation and all the people who live in it. Your
word reminds us that blessed is the nation. Host God is the Lord.
We pray for the Board of County Commissioners and all its members
as with us for the elected officials and those who are enlisted to God,
our political welfare, may be enabled by your powerful protection to
discharge their duties with honesty and ability.
We ask your mercy and unbound support to all the citizens of
our county. We pray that we come here to be united in our common
purpose and the next steps we need to take. Give us clarity as
individuals about what each of us needs to do in the days and weeks
ahead.
Oh, Lord, our great shepherd, your way is perfect. You arm us
with strength and train our hands for the tasks that we have before us.
We ask this as your sons and daughters, confident in your goodness
and love. Amen.
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Father. That was a
very nice prayer.
Well, one brief announcement. Just for everybody in the room,
we shall not have a day like today for at least another hundred years,
February 22, 2022
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2/22/22, in case you didn't notice that. And I want to thank my
mother -- she's probably watching -- because she sent me a note this
morning and reminded me of that, so...
All right, County Manager, what are we going to forth with?
Item #2A
APPROVAL OF TODAY’S REGULAR, CONSENT AND
SUMMARY AGENDA AS AMENDED (EX PARTE
DISCLOSURE PROVIDED BY COMMISSION MEMBERS FOR
CONSENT AGENDA.) – APPROVED AND/OR ADOPTED
W/CHANGES
MR. ISACKSON: Thank you, Mr. Chair. These are proposed
changes to the Board of County Commissioners' meeting of 2/22/22.
We're going to continue Item 16A1 to the March 8th, 2022,
BCC meeting. This has been continued from the January 25th
meeting and the February 8th meeting. It's a request by
Commissioner Taylor. It's a recommendation to direct staff to
advertise and bring back for a public hearing at the March 8th, 2022,
meeting an ordinance of Collier County, Florida, amending
Ordinance No. 2003-37, as amended, including Ordinance No.
2003-58 by amending Section 110-30 of the Collier County Code of
Laws and Ordinances to exclude the Bayshore Gateway Triangle
Community Redevelopment Area from the prohibition of enclosing
swales in public rights-of-way.
Continue Item 17A, sir, to the March 8th, 2022, BCC meeting.
This has also been continued from January 25th, 2022, and
February 8th, 2022. It's a recommendation to approve an ordinance
amending No. 04-41, as amended, the Collier County Land
Development Code, to change the name of the Bayshore Mixed-Use
February 22, 2022
Page 5
Overlay District and the Bayshore Zoning Overlay District and the
name of the Bayshore -- the Gateway Triangle Mixed-Use District to
the Gateway Triangle Zoning Overlay District, to rename the
Bayshore/Gateway Triangle Redevelopment Area to the
Bayshore/Gateway Triangle Community Redevelopment area and to
add prohibited uses and appearance standards for the outdoor display
and storage of items within the Bayshore/Gateway area. That's all
the changes I have, sir.
We have two time-certain items. One is Item 11B. It will be
heard at 10:00. It's to provide staff direction regarding affordable
housing concerning the Local Housing Trust Fund for housing
development activities and identification of eligible parcels for
acquisition. And Item 10A to be heard no sooner than 1:00; it's a
presentation by Basinger and Associates outlining the steps and the
timeline for the County Manager recruitment process. That's all I
have, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And when we do hear those items
on the Bayshore Triangle, we won't have to read them in their
entirety for the fifth time.
MR. ISACKSON: Actually, I didn't. I cut it short a little bit.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yeah, you did, just a little bit.
All right. Let's go ahead and do today's agenda, ex parte, and I
do know that we have some public speakers on the consent agenda.
So before we actually vote, we'll go to -- we'll call for any additional
agenda changes.
Commissioner Solis, ex parte and/or adjustments?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Nothing to disclose on the consent
agenda or summary agenda. I do have a question for the County
Manager in terms of the agenda. Is there -- are we going to be
discussing today the Bonita Springs situation?
MR. ISACKSON: Are you talking about the Logan Boulevard
February 22, 2022
Page 6
matter, sir?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Yes.
MR. ISACKSON: We could bring that up under
communication, if you'd like.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay. I'd like to do that if we
want to do it that way. I didn't know if we were going to add on an
item or not, but I can bring that up at --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Do we need to take a vote or just
hear about what's going on?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Well, if I bring it up under
communications, I guess I can bring it up, but I'll -- let me just kind
of prime the pump as to what is happening.
After spending about a year working with the City of Bonita
Springs to be involved in the modeling for any kind of work to bring
water south along the Logan Boulevard Canal to the Cocohatchee and
agreeing that we would be involved in the modeling to make sure that
there was capacity when they needed it, apparently they have applied
for a permit or are applying for a permit from the Water Management
District, and that is not, in my opinion, what we agreed to, and I'd
like to have a discussion about what we do about that. Because in
terms of District 2 there's a lot of concerns as to when that water
would come down the canal.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Gotcha. And so I don't
really -- and it's your wish. If you want an agenda item, we'll --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Well, no. I mean, I can bring it
up. I don't know -- this came up at the end of the week last week, so
it's a new item, but I wanted to bring it -- I'll just bring it up during
communications.
MR. KLATZKOW: Add this as an agenda item, because you
may want to take action.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay.
February 22, 2022
Page 7
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I was just going to say, let's
just -- if you would, put that on as an additional item for us, sir.
MR. ISACKSON: 10B.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: 10B. Done.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Anything else?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: No, that's it. No other changes
other than that.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No changes, no disclosures.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: No changes, no disclosures.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And, Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I have no changes and no
disclosures.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And I as well, no changes, no
disclosures.
Let's hear our public speakers, and then we'll vote for the
changes.
MR. MILLER: We've three registered speakers for the consent
agenda. The first one is Dennis Porche who wants to speak on
Item 16C1. He will be followed by Dan Cook speaking on
Item 16J1.
MR. PORCHE: Good morning. My name is Dennis Porche.
I'm the senior sales manager for the LHOIST North America who has
been Collier County's lime supplier for the last 20 years. And as
your lime supplier, I feel obligated to question any decision to award
your supply agreement to someone other than a lime producer.
Like most commodities these days, transportation and logistics
are very vulnerable due to economic pressures and labor shortage.
The lime you need is not produced in Florida and must be brought in
February 22, 2022
Page 8
by rail, barge, truck, or a combination of those, all of which are
becoming more and more difficult to secure and days away from your
drinking water treatment facilities.
Your certainty of supply is completely dependent on the
reliability and means of transportation as well as the proven
producers. Also, the quality of the lime is crucial to the quality of
your drinking water. Not all lime is created equal.
I would suggest that you verify the purity of the lime, the
gradations of any other sources to make certain that their product is,
at a minimum, 92 percent available calcium oxide and the desired
particle size. Anything less means you would have to use more to
achieve the same results.
The low bidder on this recent bid has failed to act as a reliable
supplier with other Florida municipalities. LHOIST would like to
continue supplying lime to Collier County, but we're not agreeable to
being positioned as a backup supplier to solve any possible issues
that could arise that are out of our control.
I do hope you carefully consider your options and what is at
risk. Your community's drinking water is important to us. Thank
you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Dan Cook speaking on
Item 16J1, and then on Zoom, H. Michael Mogil wants to speak on
Item 16A12.
Mr. Cook.
MR. COOK: Good morning, Chair. Good morning, Board.
I'm going to be very quick today.
16J1 says a recommendation to approve a budget amendment
recognizing a Florida Department of State Division of Elections 2022
Elections Security Funds Grant in the amount of $59,000. So I
simply just wanted to request -- I'm curious how I could follow the
February 22, 2022
Page 9
money and learn how that money is going to be spent. So I just
wanted to make that request and maybe be in contact with somebody
from the Commission.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: As you will, shoot me an email.
MR. COOK: All right. Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Mr. Chair, your final speaker for the consent
agenda is H. Michael Mogil who wants to speak on Item 16A12.
Mr. Mogil, you should be prompted to unmute yourself, if you'll do
that at this time. You have three minutes, sir.
MR. MOGIL: Can you hear me?
MR. MILLER: Yes, sir.
MR. MOGIL: Thank you.
I wanted to speak this morning about Item 16A12, which is
Pages 363 to 398 in the agenda attachments. It's 35 pages of
documentation about what's been done regarding floodplain
management.
And I searched the entire 1,388 pages and all the attachments,
and the word "impervious" is never used. And I'm sort of shocked
that we have studies and work on floodplain management and never
once mention the word "impervious."
I've spoken to the commissioners before about my concerns in
Collier County with overdevelopment, rebuilding, widening roads,
tearing down trees, and I'm going to send a formal letter into the
commissioners today specifically asking that this item be tabled and
that we get some details on how much of Collier County by districts
is covered with impervious surface, how much is planned to be
additionally covered over the next five years, and where we were 50
years ago. I think this is paramount to understanding what our
floodplain issues are.
I'm not talking about FEMA floodplain maps. They're wrong in
many cases. I had to have a LOMA on my house to get myself out
February 22, 2022
Page 10
of a floodplain designation because it was incorrect. But I think we
need to know where we stand before we start fixing it.
And so I'm going to ask the Board, the commissioners, to
seriously do a mini study at least and give the community some
information about how much of our county, especially the western
half, is covered by impervious surfaces and what we are doing to
minimize the growth of that going forward, not just that we are doing
educational and other matters that, to me, seem like moving chairs on
a deck of the Titanic. So I'm just asking for that. I will send in a
formal request later today.
And I don't know if this is linked to floodplain management or
coastal development, but I am going to send in some information and
also some pictures of the Galveston seawall for any studies that are
being undertaken by the commissioners about building a seawall in
Naples. It will be a disaster if you put it in here. You just have to
walk along the seawall in Galveston to see what the seawall has done
in saving the city.
So I thank you for your time, and I will be back later. I have
some items to address in the main public comments. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, sir.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I have a question for you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No, Mr. Chair, I just -- the
speaker that talked on 16C1, I mean, I don't know if this is, you
know, out of order or protocol, but do we have the ability to have
either Dr. George or somebody from our Water Department at some
point make a comment or give us, you know, clarification on -- you
know, I think his points had merit. I don't have enough knowledge
on the topic, but he definitely does.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Let's pull the item, bring it up.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah.
February 22, 2022
Page 11
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And where --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I don't want to vote on it
without at least hearing from our county that we're not just blindly
moving forward. I think his -- he brings up --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I gotcha. I gotcha.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: You got it.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Let's make it an agenda item.
MR. ISACKSON: It will be 11D.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay. Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'm sorry. I should have
turned this off. I was going to make the same suggestion that I'd like
to hear from staff on that.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So was I.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: So was I.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: We all were. We're all going to
take credit for that.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: See power of citizen -- this is
an example of power of citizen engagement, so...
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner -- well, and, you
know, there again, in that light, on citizen engagement, these agendas
are printed on Wednesday before the Tuesday meeting. If there's a
circumstance like that as you're going through -- anybody, anybody
that's going through the bidding process, all you have to do is reach
out. Call our office. Send us an email. I appreciate you coming
here. I appreciate you bringing this item up, but we may could have
dealt with this last week if, in fact, there's something to be dealt with.
If the procurement procedure was not adhered to, if the circumstances
aren't the way they're supposed to be -- and I'm looking at you, sir,
not Dorin in front you. Dorin keeps shaking his head.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: With all due respect to the
February 22, 2022
Page 12
Chair, we can't get involved with vendors before the bid is -- even
afterwards. We're not -- that's where we don't go as a commission.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I understand that, and I'm not
talking about getting involved with the bid. The bid's already been
let loose. This agenda item is published. We can then have a
communication with regard to it in advance of this meeting.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Not with the vendors, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Shoot me an email anytime.
Let's -- I think we're all set. Are there any other adjustments?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: No. We'll call for a motion for
approval of the agenda as amended.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: So moved.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Second.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
the agenda is approved. All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
How about the -- did we approve the minutes -- the minutes
from our last BCC meeting?
MR. ISACKSON: I think that's in order, sir.
Proposed Agenda Changes
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
February 22, 2022
Continue item 16A1 to the March 8, 2022 BCC Meeting: *** This item has been continued from the
January 25, 2022 and February 8, 2022 BCC Meetings. *** Recommendation to direct staff to advertise and
bring back for a public hearing at the March 8, 2022 Board Meeting, an ordinance of Collier County,
Florida, amending Ordinance No. 2003-37, as amended, including Ordinance No. 2003-58, by amending
Section 110-30 of the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances to exclude the Bayshore Gateway
Triangle Community Redevelopment Area from the prohibition of enclosing swales in public rights-of-way;
providing for inclusion into the Code of Laws and Ordinances; providing for conflict and severability;
providing an effective date. [PL20210001222] (This Item is a companion item to Items 17A and 17B)
(District 4) (Commissioner Taylor’s request)
Continue item 17A to the March 8, 2022 BCC Meeting: *** This item has been continued from the January
25, 2022 and February 8, 2022 BCC Meetings. This item is the first of two hearings. *** Recommendation to
approve an Ordinance amending Ordinance number 04-41, as amended, the Collier County Land
Development Code, to change the name of the Bayshore Mixed Use Overlay District to the Bayshore Zoning
Overlay District and the name of the Gateway Triangle Mixed Use District to the Gateway Triangle Zoning
Overlay District, to rename the Bayshore Gateway Triangle Redevelopment Area to the Bayshore Gateway
Triangle Community Redevelopment Area; to add prohibited uses, add appearance standards for outdoor
display and storage, add a boundary map for the Bayshore Zoning Overlay District and for the Gateway
Triangle Zoning Overlay District, add architectural standards for single family homes, and change other
development standards. [PL20210001222] (This Item is a companion item to Items 16A1 and 17B) (District
4) (Commissioner Taylor’s request)
Note:
Time Certain Items:
Item 11B to be heard at 10:00 a.m.: Provide direction to staff regarding Affordable Housing concerning
the Local Housing Trust Fund for housing development activities and identification of eligible parcels for
acquisition.
Item 10A to be heard no sooner than 1:00 p.m.: Presentation from Baeziger and Associates outlining the
steps and timeline for the County Manager recruitment process.
4/14/2022 9:42 AM
February 22, 2022
Page 13
Item #2B
BCC MEETING MINUTES FROM JANUARY 25, 2022 –
APPROVED AS PRESENTED
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. 2B.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'll make a motion to
approve the minutes from January 25th.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Second.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
we approve the minutes from our January 25th meeting. Any other
discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved. Here we go.
MR. ISACKSON: Thank you, sir.
Item #3D
RECOGNIZING CHRISTOPHER MONTOLIO, IN THE
CORPORATE BUSINESS OPERATIONS DIVISION, AS THE
JANUARY 2022 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH - PRESENTED
MR. ISACKSON: That brings us to Item 3D on your agenda,
February 22, 2022
Page 14
the Employee of the Month, 3D1. It's a recommendation to
recognize Christopher Montolio in the Corporate Business
Operations Division as the January '22 Employee of the Month. Is
Christopher in the audience?
(Applause.)
MR. ISACKSON: While Christopher is coming up and
shaking hands, let me read a little bit about his accomplishments.
Chris joined the division in May of 2020 as an operations
analyst responsible for overseeing social media and website changes
for the county's Economic Development section. His attention to
detail and creative thinking has been an asset to the group.
He is responsible for a monthly economic development
newsletter that continues to highlight member successes in the
Florida Culinary Accelerator while working with the Naples
Chamber of Commerce to include other interests -- items of interest.
Additionally, the CRA director often seeks his assistance on
graphic projects such as invitations to local events and reformatting
their annual reports.
In the summer of 2021, his role expanded to include project
management as he took over to lead the coordination of efforts to
move out of a building where the county's lease was expiring. He
worked closely with Facilities to coordinate numerous work orders
related to moving furniture, repairing and painting walls. He took it
upon himself to spend a day de-sembling, moving, and reassembling
furniture to successfully complete the project within a short time
frame.
Additionally, he coordinated an inventory of all items and
worked with other divisions to redistribute them where needed, thus
saving the county money.
Chris went far and above and beyond his normal duties to ensure
this project was completed and the space was turned over to the
February 22, 2022
Page 15
landlord in time and intact and, for these reasons Chris has been
selected as the January '22 -- 2022 employee of the month.
Congratulations, Chris.
(Applause.)
MR. ISACKSON: Mr. Chair, Commissioners, you have a
series of proclamations under 4.
Item #4A
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE PARKS AND
RECREATION DIVISION FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE
CITIZENS OF COLLIER COUNTY. ACCEPTED BY BARRY
WILLIAMS, PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION DIRECTOR,
MELISSA HENNIG, REGION 1 MANAGER, AARON HOPKINS,
REGION 2 MANAGER, ANNIE ALVAREZ, REGION 3
MANAGER AND OLEMA EDWARDS REGION 4 MANAGER –
READ INTO THE RECORD
MR. ISACKSON: 4A is a proclamation recognizing the Parks
and Recreation Division for 50 years of service to the citizens of
Collier County. To be accepted by Barry Williams, Parks and
Recreation Division director; Melissa Hennig, Region 1 manager;
Aaron Hopkins, Region 2 manager; Annie Alvarez, Region 3
manager; and Olema Edwards, Region 4 manager.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Do we have room in the overflow
room?
And before we go -- County Manager, before we go to the
next -- he isn't listening. Whenever they lighten up, you can go.
MR. WILLIAMS: Mr. Chair, Barry Williams, Parks and
Recreations director.
I just wanted to say thank you for the proclamation and
February 22, 2022
Page 16
recognizing the Parks and Rec Division's 50th anniversary. In
2/22/72, a board similar to the one sitting today created the Parks and
Rec Division, and our mission through the last 50 years has been to
help people of our community and visitors to relax, to recreate, to
have fun.
And the staff that you see here -- first of all, I want to promise
you, we did leave some people in the parks, but we wanted to bring
representatives of our staff that represent -- we have folks that have
worked with us many years. We have folks that have worked with
us a few years. And so they represent not only how we got here but
also the future. So you see a lot of people in the room that represent
the future of our division, and we look forward to another 50 years of
service in Collier County. So thank you, Mr. Chair.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
(Applause.)
Item #4B
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NAPLES CHILDREN &
EDUCATION FOUNDATION FOR 20+ YEARS OF SERVING
THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN IN COLLIER COUNTY.
ACCEPTED BY PAUL HILLS, BOARD CHAIRMAN, AND
MARIA JIMENEZ-LARA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - READ
INTO THE RECORD
MR. ISACKSON: Mr. Chairman, 4B is a proclamation
recognizing Naples Children and Education Foundation for 20-plus
years of serving the needs of children in Collier County. To be
accepted by Paul Hills, board chairman, and Maria Jimenez-Lara,
chief executive officer.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Mr. Chair, with due respect, I'd
February 22, 2022
Page 17
like to read this proclamation.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Absolutely.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: It's hard to believe these folks
are our own, that this was created in Naples 20 years ago. And you
are to be commended for your work. You have changed the lives of
countless children, and you will continue to do it, and you hold the
agencies that you fund accountable for the money that is raised.
Whereas, the Naples Children and Education Foundation has
been improving the lives of at-risk and underprivileged children in
Collier County for more than 20 years; and,
Whereas, approximately 275,000 children have received NCEF
funded services, including early learning and out-of-school-time
programs, vision and dental care, nutrition, and integrated healthcare;
Whereas, Collier County Public Schools, the Collier County
Sheriff's Office, the Collier County Health Department, the judiciary,
and colleges and universities collaborate with NCEF;
Whereas, NCEF also partners with 50 Collier County non-profit
organizations to significantly improve children's lives; and,
Whereas, NCEF has fundamentally changed the landscape of
human services for children in Collier County while fostering
collaboration and eliminating duplication;
Whereas, other communities in Florida and the United States
strive to emulate NCEF's successful philanthropic model and its
research-driven results-oriented mission; and,
Whereas, NCEF recently deepened its roots by building a
modern permanent headquarters in Naples to serve future generations
of children; and,
Whereas, NCEF's signature fundraiser, the Naples Winter Wine
Festival, has been nationally recognized as one of the most successful
charity wine auctions in the world; and,
Whereas, this year's Naples Winter Wine Festival recently
February 22, 2022
Page 18
generated nearly $23 million for children's services, bringing its total
since inception to almost $245 million; and,
Whereas, proceeds from the 2022 Naples Winter Wine Festival
will be awarded on March the 14th, 2022, to non-profit organizations
and collective impact initiatives that serve at-risk and underprivileged
children in Collier County.
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that March 14th, 2022, be
designated as Naples Children and Education Foundation Day in
Collier County.
(Applause.)
MS. JIMENEZ-LARA: We have the Naples Winter Wine
Festival, but we've never had an official NCEF Day, so we're very
excited by this proclamation, and thank you very much for the
recognition.
We don't do it alone. We do it with incredible partners, and
we're very fortuitous that we happen to coincidentally be in the same
room as I-Tech, Parks and Rec, Collier County, the Chamber, Eileen
from Community Foundation. If I forgot anybody -- I didn't know
you were going to be here. I would have named everybody.
But we do it as a community, and we're very fortunate to be in
Collier County and so proud to be here, and we will continue to be
here to take care of all of Collier County's children.
So thank you for the recognition and for the special day.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yes, ma'am.
(Applause.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: One second.
MR. HILLS: Sorry.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: No sorries.
MR. HILLS: I'm sorry. I just can't sit there and not say
anything.
February 22, 2022
Page 19
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Happy to have you.
MR. HILLS: Not part of my nature.
But I do want everyone to know, the Commission, Collier
County, all of you, and the people in the audience, that the Naples
Winter Wine Festival receives a lot of notoriety. We raise a lot of
money, but I will tell you every single penny that is raised under that
tent goes directly to the children.
So that huge number this year, almost $23 million, we're going
to put that money to work and help children, and that's, you know,
why all of us as trustees -- and I represent the trustee base -- we have
our heart and soul into this.
Personally, I don't believe there's a town in the United States of
America that is anywhere close to being as good as Naples, Florida.
And my home is in Chicago, but this is my new home, and this is so
much better than any other place I've ever been.
So my compliments to all of you. You're trying to make this
community a much better place, and I totally respect that. So we're
happy to be a part of that. Thank you, all.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
(Applause.)
Item #4C
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2022, AS
NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK IN COLLIER COUNTY.
ACCEPTED BY KEVIN DOWTY, HOLE MONTES, ALISON
BICKETT, CITY OF NAPLES, AND KELLIE FISSINGER,
AGNOLI, BARBER & BRUNDAGE - READ INTO THE RECORD
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, the next proclamation
designates February 20 through 26, 2022, as National Engineers
February 22, 2022
Page 20
Week in Collier County. To be accepted by Kevin Dowty, Hole
Montes; Alison Bickett, City of Naples; and Kellie Fissinger, Agnoli,
Barber & Brundage.
(Applause.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And last but not least -- oh, I'm
sorry. I didn't realize you wanted to speak. Forgive me.
MS. BICKETT: Good morning, Commissioners. This week
we celebrate engineers week. National Engineers Week was
originally founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional
Engineers. It is always celebrated at the time of George
Washington's birthday in February in honor of the first president's
background as an engineer and land surveyor.
We celebrate this week to recognize the field of engineering and
the achievements of the very diverse field.
Engineers apply scientific and technical skills to the
advancement and betterment of human welfare. Engineers are
dedicated to ensuring a diverse, vigorous, and well-educated
workforce by increasing interest in engineering and
technology-oriented careers. Through the field, we encourage our
young math and science students to realize the practical power of
their own knowledge.
National Engineers Week is dedicated to increasing,
understanding, and motivating youth to pursue engineering and
technology careers in support of the future engineering workforce.
On behalf of the Florida Engineering Society, the rest of the
board and our membership, we would like to say thank you for your
recognition of the field of engineering and supporting engineers as
we celebrate Engineers Week.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Before you go away, your name,
please.
MS. BICKETT: Alison Bickett. Sorry.
February 22, 2022
Page 21
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: No sorries. Our court reporter,
she'll be after me if you don't -- if you don't say that. Thank you,
Alison. Appreciate it very much.
(Applause.)
Item #4D
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 2022 AS
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH IN
COLLIER COUNTY. ACCEPTED BY YOLANDA FLORES,
LORENZO WALKER TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, DORIN
OXENDER, IMMOKALEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, ALEX
BREAULT, DIRECTOR OF TALENT INITIATIVES, AND
MICHAEL DALBY, PRESIDENT & CEO, GREATER NAPLES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - READ INTO THE RECORD
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, your final proclamation
designates February 2022 as Career Tech -- Career and Technical
Education Month in Collier County. To be accepted by Yolanda
Flores, Lorenzo Walker Technical Institute; Dorin Oxender,
Immokalee Technical College; Alex Breault, director of the Talent
Initiative; and Michael Dalby, president and CEO of the Greater
Naples Chamber of Commerce.
(Applause.)
MS. FLORES: Yolanda Flores, administrative director of
Lorenzo Walker Technical College.
I would like to thank the commissioners for recognizing the
critical role which career and technical education plays in Southwest
Florida's economy. Since 1974, Lorenzo Walker Technical College
has been equipping Southwest Florida's workforce. We are the ones
that train the nurses, the HVAC techs, the welders, the automotive
February 22, 2022
Page 22
service technicians, and I'm sure that each and every day you run into
one of our graduates.
Currently, we have 27 programs in the Naples area and look
forward to adding more with the addition of the new workforce
center being made possible by the taxpayers of Southwest Florida.
Of course, we could not do the work that we do without the
support of our local business partners, the Chamber of Commerce,
and many of the foundations such as the Collier County Education
Foundation, the Moorings Park Foundation, and, of course, the
Community Foundation.
And thank you, Commissioner Taylor, for being a frequent
visitor to our school throughout the years. And I look forward and
invite the rest of you to come and pay us a visit. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
(Applause.)
MR. OXENDER: Good morning. Dorin Oxender, the director
of the Immokalee Technical College, and our extension camp is the
Training Center of Manufacturing Excellence. And I want to thank
you for recognizing career and tech ed and really look forward to
having you all come out and tour our extension campus. Some of
you already have. We're looking forward to working with you. I
believe I will see you on Friday and work towards our future home
and permanent location so that we can expand the great work that
Yolanda's done and our great team in Immokalee. Thank you so
much.
(Applause.)
Item #7
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS NOT ON THE
CURRENT OR FUTURE AGENDA
February 22, 2022
Page 23
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, that brings you to Item 7 on
the agenda, public comments on general topics not on the current or
future agenda.
MR. MILLER: Mr. Chairman, we have 11 registered speakers
under this item. I'm going to ask the speakers to please queue up to
both podiums so we can facilitate this a little bit more quickly.
Your first speaker is Fern Schmitt. She'll be followed by
Elizabeth Radi.
MS. SCHMIDT: Hi, I'm Fern Schmidt. I'm a full-time
resident here for over 23 years and watched this community grow
along with the highs and lows in the real estate industry.
Right now we have become West Coast pricing but not with
West Coast salaries, which is hurting our businesses along with our
full-time residents of all ages.
I'm a full-time employee in Naples, and I'm sad, embarrassed,
and angry that I have to be here today in front of you all not just
because of the cost of living but the outrageous cost of living to have
a place to sleep and live. The community that has contributed all
year long and for decades, as I like to say, the workforce and the
backbone.
This is my son's hometown that is becoming unrecognizable
with greed and growth. Those are two separate issues.
At this time, apartment complexes has raised the rents in some
cases starting over 30 percent and much more, and single homes
much higher than that with those percentages during the past six
months, and still rising, and not to forget a large increase after the
lockdown.
In my complex, I have witnessed ambulances and police, calls
for suicide and attempted suicide, usually the day that the Sheriff's
going to come. And some from heart attacks because of the anxiety
February 22, 2022
Page 24
and the depression. It's like a weekly thing now. I'm becoming a
little bit numb.
They're depressed because they're losing a place to live that they
called home because there is nowhere to go or they don't -- they won't
qualify now for rental because of percentages of income of ratios.
You're aware affordable housing has a long waitlist, and the
middle class not even qualify for affordable housing nor, again, do
they qualify now for new rentals. The workforce backbone is in an
emergency state and in the position today needing you, the
commissioners, to step in with immediate actions.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you. Just to remind
everybody, there is a timer on the podium there that -- and there is a
warning at 30 seconds for you to wrap up. Thank you, Ms. Schmidt.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Elizabeth Radi. She'll be
followed by Lauren Czarnecka.
MS. RADI: Hi. I'm here to talk about the new face of
homelessness. I am the new face of homelessness. Many of the
people in this room are the new face of homelessness; they just don't
realize it yet.
I have received so many stories and cries for help. They are all
saying many of the same things. Families are being torn apart.
Kids having to leave their schools, friends, and parents having to
leave their jobs. Leases being terminated for rents being raised by
thousands of dollars. People trying to find housing to no avail and,
if they do, it's first, last, and security and three times your monthly
rent and income that's required which, by the way, is basically
impossible with the rents now.
Many of us are facing homelessness, and it's devastating. Many
are confused and blindsided while others are in utter shock. We
have worked so hard just to have our lives and our kids' lives torn
apart.
February 22, 2022
Page 25
One mom wrote, maybe if I just ended my life, my family could
at least be able to live off my insurance for a while. Another wrote, I
am going to lose my child and live in my car. My custody
agreement says I can't leave the county.
Sophia wrote, I'm having to leave my job I worked so hard for
and my son, his school, and his scholarship goals. I've failed my
child. I'm going to leave the only city I have ever called home, my
friends, my family. Many didn't think six months ago they'd be
sleeping in a Walmart parking lot.
The emotional toll is devastating, and it's only just begun. And
what's even worse is I don't have any hope to give them. Many of
the landlords won't take CCAP, Help, or NAMI or any other
assistance. This has become a huge complaint.
So this is not working. The definition of insanity is doing the
same thing over and over again and expecting an outcome. What is
even worse than insanity is doing the same thing over and over again
and pretending to want a different outcome but actually wanting to
stay the same.
We need immediate relief. If it comes from referendums,
moratoriums, or an emergency order, we need it now. According to
the definition of affordable housing burden, 50 percent is extreme
housing burden. When your rent is over 50 percent of your income,
that should become -- that should be some form of an emergency
housing crisis order to cap rents at 20 percent, increase 60.
I'm going to leave with you two scriptures. For those who are
okay with what is happening, for what shall it profit a man to gain the
world and lose his soul? Mark 8:36. For the love of money is the
root of all evil, First Timothy 6 and 10.
I can only hope that you choose wisely and represent all your
constituents the way they deserve to be represented, with integrity
and with intestinal fortitude.
February 22, 2022
Page 26
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Lauren Czarnecka. She's
been ceded three additional minutes from Gustavo Lopez. Can you
raise your hand to indicate you're here?
(Raises hand.)
MR. MILLER: Thank you, sir.
Lauren will be followed by Savannah Larue.
Ms. Czarnecka.
MS. CZARNECKA: I'm a little shorter than everybody else
here.
Hi. My name is Lauren Czarnecka, and I'm representing myself
today. I'm a registered nurse and graduate student currently renting
in Collier County. My rent at a very non-luxury, ground-floor,
one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment originally took 30 percent.
Now it takes 40 percent and, with the rent increase, will soon take
90 percent of the income from my partner and I. This, mind you, is
a bare-bones apartment and is one of the least expensive apartments
available.
As a consumer, I understand rent can increase yearly for
landlords to maintain the property; however, a 40 percent increase is
not reasonable and can only be viewed as an exploitation of the lack
of laws that protect renters like myself. Our wages haven't increased
40 percent, so how are we expected to keep up? When other tenants
have attempted to discuss this unethical increase with property
managers and landlords, they are being banned from the property or
blacklisted from further renting from these management companies.
I risk my own tenancy speaking out against these immoral hikes to
you today.
What you are doing by allowing these companies to increase
rent this much is creating even more desperation among hardworking
and valuable members in this county. People are pushed out of the
places they live because they cannot afford to live there. Not only
February 22, 2022
Page 27
are you seeing people evacuating at alarming rates, you are seeing a
rise in homeless population, and it might be easy for you to put your
own houseless constituents on buses and send them elsewhere so you
don't have to deal with it, but the effect will remain.
Without working middle-class workers and laborers, there are
going to be shortages. There's a bus driver shortage, there's nursing
shortages, there's teacher shortages, there's food worker shortages.
Extra public transportation has been offered by the county as a
tenable solution, and let me tell you, this is not the answer.
Because there are labor shortages of drivers, operators, and also
considering how inefficient our public transportation is, some are
commuting over two hours a day just to get to work. Without more
funding of public transportation, this solution is shaky at best and,
even so, that funding can be used and put to create more affordable
housing in long term.
Your job is to address citizens' concerns. It should be enough
that the working-class folks in this one county will be gouged by the
rent increase, but this will also hurt the upper-class residents who rely
on our labor to live their more-than-comfortable lives.
This is our community as well, and you are responsible for
addressing our concerns. We are at a breaking point.
I will encourage you to read your history books and see what
happens to wealthy societies after they drive the working class into
poverty. I urge you to take action and fight for your working class
and uphold the peace and harmony in this county. What we need is
a temporary rent control until long-term solutions have been initiated.
You need to work with the Affordable Housing Committee and
provide them with the resources that will help them keep those that
are dedicated to servicing this community in your homes. If you do
nothing to protect the working class, you will see an unbalanced
economy and the dire consequences that come along with it.
February 22, 2022
Page 28
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Savannah Larue. She's
been ceded three additional minutes from Debra Chambers. Can you
indicate --
(Raises hand.)
MR. MILLER: She is present. And she will receive six
minutes. She will then be followed by Verinda Albrecht.
MS. LARUE: Good morning. My name is Savannah. I
moved to beautiful Naples about seven years ago. I quickly fell in
love with this area. I am a local hairstylist and beauty influencer and
mother.
I am saddened by -- I am saddened to say that even with my
income, it has become such a struggle to provide for my family. The
rent increase has negatively impacted my home, my safe space that
I've worked hard at creating for my family.
Currently, my teenage daughter and I are forced to share a
bedroom because I cannot afford an affordable place. The income
that was once provided for my daughter and me now has us
struggling because my wages cannot keep up with the increases in
rent. I understand growth is good, but I believe we have surpassed
healthy, affordable growth, and -- I believe we have surpassed
healthy, affordable growth and have allowed greed to run rampant.
I would like to share with you what I have found in my attempt
to secure affordable housing for my family. Seven years ago, the
cost of rent for a two-bedroom in River Reach was 850. Today that
same apartment is 2,550. A two-bedroom in Meadow Lakes was
800. Today that same apartment is 2,450. I applied at a new
apartment complex named Edge 75. I needed to earn 76,000 a year
after taxes to be approved for a one-bedroom, one -- a one-bedroom,
one-bathroom apartment. To live in these places, I need to make
close to 100,000 a year after taxes.
February 22, 2022
Page 29
According to the most recent United States Census, in 2019 the
average individual salary in Collier County was approximately
31,000. How can an apartment complex be asking for 100,000
yearly? I lost my place. How can apartment complexes be asking
for 100,000 yearly income for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom when it
takes -- when the average individual only makes 31,000 a year living
in this area?
Low-income housing could provide homes to many of us and
many of these individuals if they don't have a waitlist that's truth -- if
they didn't have a waitlist that's truthfully years long. There's
nothing available.
And what about the people that make too much for low-income
housing and not enough to qualify for rent at another building?
Those are your skilled laborers that are failing through -- that are
falling through the cracks of the system.
I know what you may be thinking. We have affordable housing
set up just for this reason. We hear this over and over again. That's
the answer. There is low-income housing, but the list is too long.
These living costs are driving essential workers and people like
myself to hit rock bottom. At times people may ask, why don't I just
find a roommate. Search online, and you'll see the cheapest room to
be available is thousand dollars a month, and that still leaves me and
my daughter in the same position.
As a working person, I never thought I would be forced to live
under these circumstances. It's frustrating. I'm at wits end, and I
don't know where else to turn. We feel mentally and physically
defeated. This is an emergency, and it needs to be addressed.
Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Verinda -- I hope I'm
saying that right -- Albrecht, and she'll be followed by Julisa
Rodriguez.
February 22, 2022
Page 30
MS. ALBRECHT: I'm actually ceding my time to Julisa.
MR. MILLER: Okay. I'm sorry. Then your next speaker will
be Julisa Rodriguez. She will have six minutes. She will be
followed by Lauren May.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Hi. Good morning. My name is Julisa
Rodriguez, and I'm here to discuss, once again, what is going on with
the rental crisis.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: One second, young -- one second,
young lady. I think we already heard from Lauren, didn't we?
MR. MILLER: Yes, yes. I just got that. Thank you, sir.
Go ahead.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: I know that stories are not desired, but
how will you be able to know the extent of the negative impact this
rental crisis has caused if we do not briefly provide what we are
going through?
Since November when I got my letter for the increase, I have
been working hard to raise awareness and, since December 14th, I
have successfully established a really strong leadership team to
address this issue to begin the steps forward towards creating a tenant
union.
"Union" is not a favorable word but, really, it's more of
advocating for the people that are going through this crisis such as the
stories you heard before me.
Since the December meeting, new findings have risen, and I'm
here to share them with you as well as a solution. A solution that
may be possible is to canvass all apartment complexes. I don't know
how doable these things are. This is our wonder, because we have
our theories, our brainstorming. We don't know what your
limitations are. We don't know what our limitations are, but there is
a way to take, collectively, a bunch of different ideas and maybe
possibly be able to find a successful solution. Not one idea is right,
February 22, 2022
Page 31
and not one idea will bear the fruit that we need.
The solution that I have been working on, I've created a series of
letters for apartment complexes discussing the problem that people
are facing that the hikes that these rentals are causing -- the mental
health problems, the family problems, the overworking problems just
so that they can really understand what they're doing, and we're
trying to reach their heart, because that's what this comes down to.
There are ways where they can still obtain the substantial
income that is coming from up north while also considering the
well-being of their current residents, us, the working class, the middle
class. I know that there has been a lot of talk, and we don't -- we
don't have sliding-scale fees.
Recently I was approved for the new development that was
coming up in Allura, and I was really happy about it. It's a
workforce program for CCPS. I don't qualify anymore because I
recently got a little raise. So their allowable income for a two-family
household is $53,000 or $54,000. I make 53-. Fifty-three a long
time ago would have been enough to live off of. It's not.
And now, because of that, if I don't pass the second income
approval phase, I no longer get to be part of the workforce program.
So, once again, I'm still in the same situation. It was a great idea,
but there's quirks. And my question is, is there a way where our
group or just like-minded people like LoCastro was mentioning, just
finding people from the community who have fresh eyes to be part of
this, because I don't know who was part of the meeting for creating
that program, but I could have definitely been there and told you the
quirk that was there. I would have spotted the problem right away
and told you, this is the reality of what this is going to cause, because
I might qualify this year, but next year I won't. I'm back at square
one again.
And the difference is, they would want $2,800. That -- right
February 22, 2022
Page 32
now my rent takes up 60 percent of my net income, and that's at
1,900. I will be -- I will be way over what the suggested income is
for a $2,800 apartment for me and my daughter.
Why wasn't this program just based on income for the middle
class or the teachers, however this program -- why does it have to
include people living in there? Because income is income no matter
where it turns.
Businesses now are being affected. 7-Eleven on Immokalee
Road had to close down. There was a gentleman who was very
upset, not at the fact that there's a lack of workers. He did -- he was
upset because he didn't get serviced. He couldn't go in and pay for
his gas. And I tried to explain to him, I said, well, these people have
been working here for a very long time, and they need a break.
Well, this is ridiculous. That is the responses. Restaurants are
shutting down early. They're trying to find different times, because
when a business's rent also gets increased, they can't afford to pay
their workers. Two people, which $15, the minimum wage, which
isn't in effect officially here, even two people at $15 an hour cannot
afford to live and obtain [sic] the rental cost. You need to make over
$40 an hour.
So people are finding no point in working at these businesses
that are below minimum wage or at minimum wage because it does
not financially make sense.
We really want to work with you. My team is a very strong
group, should you give us the opportunity to help you with solutions.
Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Mr. Chair, your next speaker is Jackie Keay.
She will be followed by Steven Bracci.
MS. KEAY: Good morning. My name is Jackie Keay, and I
will be speaking on behalf of the working class.
The number-one step to making housing affordability a reality in
February 22, 2022
Page 33
Naples is to appoint an exceptional leader who will organize a
cohesive team, listen to knowledgeable advisors, assess the resources
and solutions, and implement a sustainable plan of action.
Exceptional leaders have integrity. They are honest and
reliable. These leaders treat everyone fairly and give the same level
of respect, consideration to everyone and not only those who are
affluent. Exceptional -- exceptional leaders consistently show
empathy, genuineness, and compassion to others. They care about
your needs and demonstrate with their actions that they can be
trusted. Exceptional at leaders have a strategic mindset. They see
the big picture. Since they are visionaries, they will make efficient
and effective decisions that will ensure the sustainability of their
community.
Exceptional leaders are willing to make the correct difficult
decisions even if it comes at a sacrifice. They are willing to make
decisions that promote the good of the community over the good of
friends, like-minded individuals, and supporters. They are
courageous enough to make the tough decisions, as they cannot
tolerate to see their people and community suffer.
Exceptional leaders develop and expect the highest ethics and
standards in others. As their goal is to achieve success, such leaders
invite competent and purpose-driven individuals to be a part of their
team.
Since they are inclusive, they will see the need for the
contributions from diverse groups. I have seen and met with great
leaders in our community over the past year. I have advocated for
housing affordability and expressed how we would suffer a
catastrophic loss if we did not provide more resources to the working
class. I have yet to see an elected official to step up to the task of
publicly advocating for the working as they do for their own friends,
nor has any consistently fought for the working class, which is crucial
February 22, 2022
Page 34
to the sustainability of our community.
The key element in solving this housing crisis is to invite the
greatest minds of our community to have -- who have a proven
history of advocating for housing affordability to attend a workshop
in which they will all be expected to bring solutions and resolutions
and resources to the table. And I am in the process of meeting with
more community members this week to get this started. So thank
you all very much.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Jackie.
MR. MILLER: Your final speaker under public comment is
Steven Bracci.
MR. BRACCI: Good morning. Steve Bracci, Oakes Estates.
About a year ago this commission approved the Naples Senior
Center PUD, and the GMP that went along with it was unprecedented
in terms of placement of this type of facility inside of a Golden Gate
Estates community. In our case, it was Oakes Estates. One of the
major concerns of Oakes residents was the traffic coming onto Oakes
Boulevard off of -- off of this project.
And at the meeting, it was -- this is a PUD on the screen,
Ordinance 20-51. At the meeting, there was -- it was proposed by
Commissioner Daniel [sic] and agreed by the developer of Naples
Senior Center under the Transportation Element here that "no left
turn" signs shall be posted at each entrance on Autumn Oaks Lane.
Well, here we are. The engineer of this project is Grady Minor.
It's the same company that was -- that also employs Wayne Arnold,
the planner who participated for over a couple years at NIMs, public
meetings, provided sworn testimony under oath at these commission
meetings.
Well, here's the Naples Senior Center drawing. At the top of
the screen is the north. Immokalee Road is just off the screen.
Over here is Valewood Drive. Autumn Oaks Drive, and off to the
February 22, 2022
Page 35
left is Oakes Boulevard.
Blowing up to, this is the left -- so this is -- this first -- this next
slide here is the left -- or actually, no, this is the main entrance. So
this is -- Valewood Drive comes into their ingress/egress. Here is
their -- they have two lanes going out. You'll see they have a stop
sign, and they have a double arrow showing there's no left turn sign.
They've -- they didn't put it in.
Now, by comparison, on the other entrance, the westernmost
one, you'll see that they put a right-in, right-out. They put a
pork-chop-type facility there, and it specifically says -- right turn
only sign. And I can buy off that a right turn only is functionally the
equivalent of "no left turn" sign, but they committed. Developer
commitment to "no left turn" sign at the entrance, but there is none.
Why not?
I inquired with staff, and staff says, Mr. Bracci, thank you for
bringing this to our attention. Staff certainly tries to catch
everything during our reviews but, unfortunately, in this case, we
inadvertently overlooked this requirement. I've sent an email to the
engineer of record informing him, as required -- you know, that the
signal be required. Thank you, again, and we apologize for the
inconvenience.
This isn't an inconvenience. This is a betrayal to the people of
Oakes Estates. This is the concession that we wanted. How is it
that the developer missed it, the engineer missed it, and this staff
missed it? I'm not buying it.
This project should have never been put here. Everyone
seemingly turned a blind eye to this. They're now trying to push
traffic on here. This project hasn't even opened its doors yet, and
already everyone's cutting corners for this elitist project. Very
concerning.
Thank you.
February 22, 2022
Page 36
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Steven.
I think before we -- do we have any others that have snuck in?
MR. MILLER: That is all the speakers for Item 7, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I think before we go on to our
time-certain at 10 o'clock, I'd like to have Ms. Kristi Sonntag come
up. She's -- she'll tell us her title. She got a new one recently -- and
share with us a little bit about some of the speakers -- a large majority
of our speakers during that item were having to do with rents and so
ons. And I'd like, if you could, Kristi -- I know -- I think you're
going to speak again on the time-certain as well, but sometimes
people clear out after they say their three minutes. So I'd like, if you
could, just share a little bit as to what's, in fact, transpiring.
MS. SONNTAG: Good morning, Commissioners. For the
record, Kristi Sonntag, your Community and Human Services
director. Thank you, Commissioner.
Some of the programs that are currently available that the county
has approved is -- one is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
That program is a federally funded program that was appropriated
under the continuing resolution and under the American Recovery
Program. The county was awarded approximately $20 million.
That program, in fact, only assists those 80 percent and below area
median income, so it is limited --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Before you go on, state what the
area median income is. You're going to hear this AMI all day today,
and state what that amount is.
MS. SONNTAG: So for a family of two at 80 percent, that
would be 54,000.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: No, no, no. Don't go into the
percentages. What is the AMI?
MS. SONNTAG: 84,300, but that was 100 percent AMI.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I understand.
February 22, 2022
Page 37
MS. SONNTAG: Okay.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I just -- I wanted to know what the
actual AMI -- I'm sorry?
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Acronym. It's an acronym.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yeah.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: You want to know what the
AMI stands for.
MS. SONNTAG: Oh, area median income.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: No, no, no, no, I did not want to
know what the acronym stood for. I know what the acronym stands
for. I wanted to know what the area median income was. Because
we all talk about AMI and percentages of AMI, but nobody knows
it's $85,000 starting off. So now we have that percentage. Now you
can talk about your percentages.
MS. SONNTAG: Okay. Thank you.
And so, again, that program, for a family of two, the maximum
income would be 54,000, and a family of four would be 67,450.
And then in July of 2021, you-all approved the American
Recovery Plan Performance Plan. I'm sorry, that's a lot of plans.
And that particular plan includes an allocation for rental and
mortgage assistance. And that will come online in April, and that
helps persons from 0 to 140 percent.
The reason that we designed the program that way,
Commissioners, was to allow those who need mortgage, who are
behind on their mortgage because of the pandemic, to come and seek
assistance. So 0 to 140. And then it helps those renters who are
missed under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. It captures
those rentals at 81 percent, those individuals 81 percent of the area
median income to 140. And so that program will come online in
April.
And to date, since we received the COVID money, so the
February 22, 2022
Page 38
CARES money, the ERA money, and the re-appropriation to the
Collier County Assistance Program, we've helped 1,900 families for a
total of $11 million in mortgage and rental assistance.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Very good.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: May I ask her a question?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: If you would, hit your light as we
go, and then, and -- because I think Commissioner Saunders was
getting ready. But Commissioner Taylor, please.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Ms. Sonntag, we had a
conversation about a month ago. So we heard reports this morning
that the landlords are not accepting this money because when they
upped the rent, it disqualifies current tenants because they're not
making what the rent should be related to. Is that accurate? Are
you hearing that also?
MS. SONNTAG: Yes, we are hearing that from individuals
whose rents have gone up. Their landlords are not accepting them to
continue based on their income.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: And in River Park, they didn't
want to accept it at all.
MS. SONNTAG: You are correct. There are landlords who
are refusing to accept assistance through the Emergency Rental
Assistance Program, you are correct.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Just two quick questions.
The program that you said comes online in April, do we have
anything in our control that could have it come online sooner, or it's
being directed by the state or something above and beyond us?
MS. SONNTAG: No. We can work harder to get it online.
We're working with developing the database, because the federal
government is requiring key performance indicators be built into that
February 22, 2022
Page 39
program. So we're working with the software developers to ensure
we collect all the required data. We can cross our fingers that we
can come online in March, but we've been promised April 1st.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah. And I don't mean to
say this, you know, in any kind of disrespectful way, because we've
been working closely on the Housing Committee. But we have an
emergent situation, so I don't want to cross our fingers. I want to
light a fire. And so April is, like, a million years from now, you
know, for these folks out here, so -- and we'll talk more about that
during the time, so I'm going to leave that there.
The second thing I just wanted to ask is, the multiple programs
that are going to be talked about at 10:00 or whenever we talk about
it, the preemptive question I have is, the ceilings that are set for
income -- and a lot of people are saying, oh, I just make just a little
bit above it so I just found out now I don't qualify -- which of the
programs -- and maybe the answer can be during the bigger
presentation. Are any of those programs within our power to be able
to slide that scale to make more people eligible?
I know the answer to some of them is no because they're
controlled by the state, but if there's any of them, much like this April
program, that maybe if we can accelerate things and, you know, work
around the clock every day -- every month is critical. But if there's
any of those programs where we have the control to say, hey, it's no
longer 54,000. It's anyone, you know, that makes 60,000, or
whatever the sliding scale is, let's articulate that in our presentation
when it comes up so that we're educating everybody about what we
can do and what, you know, is not within our control. Thanks,
Kristi.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders. Don't
go away. We're all lit up. I'm --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Just a couple questions.
February 22, 2022
Page 40
First of all, how much money is left in all of these programs, and
could you provide us maybe a list that has the name of the program
and the amount that's available? But off the top of your head, how
much money is left in these programs?
MS. SONNTAG: The Emergency Rental Assistance Program 1
and 2, there's approximately 12- to $13 million that remains in that
program. The ERA 1 program that has approximately $6 million
remaining, those funds expire in September of '22. The ERA 2
program where we have $9 million, those funds -- I'm sorry, we
have -- yeah, we have about 14 million -- sorry, off the top of my
head, I don't do good math. The 9 million for ERA 2 program, those
don't expire until September of 2025, so we have much longer for
that.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: What I would like is a listing
of all the programs --
MS. SONNTAG: Sure.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: -- how much money is in
each of those programs, when they expire. Then second question,
when you do provide assistance, how long can assistance be provided
to an individual?
MS. SONNTAG: Under ERA 1 it's allowed for 15 months.
That does include their arrearage. So if an applicant is two months
behind, we would help them going forward prospectively 13 months
and then two months for arrearage, and the ERA 2 program allows
for 18 months. And we are taking people who cap out in ERA 1,
and we are moving them to ERA 2.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: If you could include that in
the list of information of how long.
MS. SONNTAG: Sure.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And then a question for the
County Attorney. In terms of capping rents and that sort of thing, I
February 22, 2022
Page 41
know our jurisdiction is extremely limited. The issue of rent control,
I think, requires a referendum. It can only be in place for a year. I
think there's some really significant restrictions on what we can do
from those perspectives. Could you give us a little bit of information
on --
MR. KLATZKOW: Yeah, I'll put it on the overhead, the
statute itself, if Troy would be so kind.
All right. This is the statute, and --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Why don't you go ahead and
read that sentence so at least we --
MR. KLATZKOW: Let me get off --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Do you want me to read it for you?
MR. KLATZKOW: No, I just -- except as hereafter provided,
no county, municipality, or other entity of local government shall
adopt or maintain in effect an ordinance or rule which has the effect
of imposing price controls upon a lawful business activity which is
not franchised by, owned by, or under contract with the governmental
agency unless specifically provided by general law. Now, that last
clause would allow you to get into public-private partnerships with
developers, and those are typically --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: What about rent control?
In --
MR. KLATZKOW: No. If we scroll down all the way, Troy.
Keep going. Keep going, please. All right. Go up. On B. You
have to -- you have to make a finding before we do anything that's
there is such a housing emergency so grave as to constitute a serious
menace to the general public and that such controls are necessary and
proper to eliminate such grave housing emergency.
I would look at that as more of a hurricane event, if a Cat 5
hurricane came in and took out a large part of the county's housing
inventory. I think that provision would be applicable. Simply
February 22, 2022
Page 42
having the market conditions we have here -- and they're all over the
place. They're on the East Coast of Florida. I know that for a fact.
It's just --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And just for folks that were trying
to rip through that as Troy was scrolling it up and down, it's all a
matter of public record. If you want to see a copy of it, send us an
email. I'll make sure you get it. So you don't have to take a picture
of it and you miss something.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: It says that in Section C,
such measure is approved by the voters in such municipality, county,
or other entity. So I'm assuming that means that there has to be a
referendum?
MR. KLATZKOW: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Okay. I just wanted to
understand what the restrictions are in terms of price controls and
rent controls that we have. It's not really a viable solution. But also
I understand, and I don't see it here, that even if there was a
referendum and it was approved and we impose some rent control, it
can only be for one year.
MR. KLATZKOW: Yes, there's a one-year expiration date.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: So that's not the solution.
The solution is getting more housing. I mean, that's the bottom line,
to me.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Good. Well, now you get to wait
now that Commissioner Taylor jumped. Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: So, Mr. Klatzkow, we have a
referendum. There's a primary August 23rd. It's time to get
something on the ballot. It's overwhelmingly approved to have rent
control. It's only for a year. Big deal.
MR. KLATZKOW: Well, no, but you have to make the finding
that -- there needs to be a grave --
February 22, 2022
Page 43
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: What do people have to do;
come here with suitcases because they can't go back to their
apartments? What does the public need to do to show us that there's
a grave problem?
MR. KLATZKOW: The Board would have to make that
finding as a matter of its legislative discretion. You make such a
finding, then we can move on with the process. You will be
challenged in court, and you will lose, but we can go forward with
this.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Can I ask a question?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Absolutely.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: We will lose because it's not a
hurricane, it's not a natural disaster?
MR. KLATZKOW: Ma'am, there are a lot of very progressive
governments in this state. None of them have implemented this
resolution, this ability. It's just -- it's a -- the legislature have given
you such a high bar to do this that it's -- it's a de facto preemption.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Mr. Klatzkow, is there -- is there
any case law on Section B there that --
MR. KLATZKOW: Nobody has -- nobody has done this, to
my knowledge.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Nobody has done this, or it hasn't
been challenged either?
MR. KLATZKOW: Nobody has done this, to my knowledge.
I mean, we went -- my staff went through this because I asked them,
who's done this that I can copy? And they came back nobody.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I believe that they're discussing
this maybe today in Pinellas County, but --
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Yes, yes.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: So there's no case law for us to
February 22, 2022
Page 44
look at to what constitutes a grave public emergency?
MR. KLATZKOW: No.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Where's -- does anybody know
where the Florida Association of Counties are on this issue? Have
they weighed in? Does anybody know?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: No.
Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I want to save the deeper
discussion for when we get into, you know, the main topic, but I do
want to make a comment. So three of us went to Tallahassee last
week -- last week? -- to talk about a variety of things: State-funded
nursing home and several other things. But I know all of us brought
up the affordable housing issue. And, you know, me personally,
especially as the chair -- new chair of the Affordable Housing
Committee, it's -- I'm knee deep into this with our team, and we're
going to talk more about it.
But I can echo that pounding the halls up in Tallahassee and
bringing up this exact thing -- I had an exact copy of it -- every single
legislator that I talked to from -- and I met with quite a few of them.
I actually stayed up there an extra day and met with people from
different counties and even somebody that was from Pinellas County
that Representative Rommel introduced me to -- said, oh, yeah,
they're talking about it, but they're going to get the result that he just
said.
And so not saying I agree with it, but they know that the
wording in this doesn't -- doesn't support what's happening here.
And even though we all know we have an emergency situation, we
just can't wave a magic wand and say we're going to have a
referendum, we're going to start, you know, subsidizing housing and
whatnot. And the representative from Pinellas County said they're
talking about it, but they already know that they're going to have the
February 22, 2022
Page 45
outcome that you say.
I guess my final point is, I know all the things we can't do, but I
sure hope by the end of the day today we have heard some things that
can be done. And I know our staff has a presentation that's going to
have a lot of those suggestions in it, so more to follow. But they
echoed up in Tallahassee the very thing that's being said in here. So
we're not making it up.
And to your point, Mr. Klatzkow, every single person ended the
conversation by saying, do you think this is just a Collier County
problem? It's across the state and across the country. So that
doesn't necessarily mean that that's an excuse, but we're not the only
ones fighting it here, and we're trying to figure out what we can do
legally. We don't need to end up in court and sit here and fight
something in the end isn't going to help anybody, but...
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yep.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I would -- one of the things that I
would like to see is some -- some things that this board can, in fact,
do. We know you're governed by the federal and state funding
regulations. I would like also to see the acceleration of the ERA put
forth as quickly as, in fact, possible. I think I heard you say we
approved the acceptance of those funds last year, and we're
still -- we're waiting on April, one.
And then, two, I would like to propose or have a suggestion
when we actually go on our time-certain after the court reporter
break -- I'm lining everybody up for a break here -- I would like to
see some flexibility in our percentage delineations for the AMI where
we can be able to adjust when someone gets a raise, and it throws
them out of an affordable status, and be able to -- be able to flex with
the physical marketplace for further discussion.
Commissioner Taylor.
February 22, 2022
Page 46
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Mr. Klatzkow, so I'm assuming
that there is no recourse against landlords who up the ante, raise the
rent, and then throw people out because their incomes don't qualify
even if they have this assistance from the county in hand?
MR. KLATZKOW: You have no recourse, no.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: They do?
MR. KLATZKOW: Well, the state may. I don't know. I
mean, the state housing might have some, but you don't, no.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you. Ten or 15?
THE COURT REPORTER: Ten.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Ten minutes. Okay. I'll give you
11. How's that? We're going to come back for our 10 o'clock
time-certain at 10:35.
Thank you, all.
(A brief recess was had from 10:24 a.m. to 10:34 a.m.)
MR. ISACKSON: Mr. Chair, Commissioners, you have a live
mic.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Well, since Commissioner Solis
and I are the only ones, we can get a lot --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Let's vote on something.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I'm thinking, we could get a lot
done today. Here comes Commissioner LoCastro.
Ladies and gentlemen, do you want to --
MR. ISACKSON: Could we take our seats, please.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Ladies and gentlemen, if you
would, please, take your seats. We have 27, 28 public speakers on
this agenda item, and it's imperative that we move along here. So
with that, I think -- are you going to lead us off, Ms. Kristie?
MS. SONNTAG: Yes, sir, I am.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay.
February 22, 2022
Page 47
Item #11B
THE BOARD PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF TO BRING
BACK TWO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BOARD’S
CONSIDERATION TO ADDRESS HOUSING AFFORDABILITY:
(1) PROPOSAL FOR GENERAL GOVERNMENTAL
RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL HOUSING TRUST
FUND FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, AND (2)
IDENTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE PARCELS FOR ACQUISITION
FROM THE ONE CENT INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX –
MOTION TO APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT MOVING
FUNDS FROM RESERVES TO A DESIGNATED PROJECT FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE SALES
TAX FUND – APPROVED 5/0; MOTION FOR STAFF TO BRING
BACK INFORMATION ON A MILLAGE EQUIVALENCY NOT
TO EXCEED 1/10TH OF A MIL AT THE BUDGET WORKSHOP –
APPROVED 5/0; MOTION TO APPROVE OPTION #2 FROM
THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, TO INCLUDE EVALUATION OF
EXISTING COUNTY OWNED LANDS – APPROVED 5/0;
MOTION DIRECTING STAFF TO BRING BACK A
RECOMMENDATION FOR A CONSULTANT TO DO A NEXUS
STUDY FOR A LINKAGE FEE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING –
APPROVED 5/0; COUNTY ATTORNEY TO BRING BACK
LEGAL ANALYSIS ON IMPACT FEE WAIVERS FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING – CONSENSUS; MOTION FOR
STAFF SET A SPECIAL MEETING – APPROVED 5/0; MOTION
FOR STAFF TO LOOK AT PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS
WITH DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES – APPROVED
MR. ISACKSON: Let me, if I may, Mr. Chair, this is your
February 22, 2022
Page 48
time-certain item at 10:00. It's a recommendation that the Board
provide direction to staff to bring back two recommendations for the
Board's consideration to address housing affordability.
The first proposal is to use general governmental resources to
support the Local Housing Trust Fund for housing development
activities; and, two, identification of eligible parcels for acquisition
from the one-cent infrastructure surtax.
Kristi Sonntag, your director of Housing and Community
Development, and also Jacob LaRow, your manager of Housing,
Grant Development, and Operations, will tag team the presentation
from staff's standpoint.
MS. SONNTAG: Thank you. Good morning, Commissioners.
For the record, Kristi Sonntag, Community and Human Services
Director.
The item before you today is to present you with options for
consideration in support of housing that is affordable.
To give you some history on housing affordability, in March of
2016 you directed staff to work on developing a Community Housing
Plan. In July of '16, staff compiled a stakeholder group of various
community members to assist with addressing housing issues. In
January of 2017, the Urban Land Institute began the housing study.
In October of '17, the Community Housing Plan was brought before
the Board with a list of 35 recommendations for consideration. In
February of '18, that list of 35 was reduced to 17 solutions to address
housing affordability, and we were directed to move forward.
A list of those recommendations is included here. Those in
light green, I'm happy to report, have been completed. Those listed
in blue were not originally adopted, however, have subsequently been
adopted. One is the minimum wage here in Florida. That was
adopted back in 2020. Those in yellow are moving through the
regulatory and administrative process, and those in red were not
February 22, 2022
Page 49
adopted.
There remain four solutions to incentivize development that are
moving through the regulatory process, and they will be coming
before you later in 2022. These include the commercial to
residential, a conversion by right from commercial to mixed-use or
residential at 16 units per acre, strategic opportunity sites allowing a
maximum density of 25 units per acre. And, of course, those
strategic opportunity site projects are not located in activity centers
but, rather, there is a greater potential with these for employment
opportunities, and it does allow for 20 percent of the units to serve
those who are low and very low.
Transit-oriented developments allow for 13 units per acre for
market-rate housing, and this complies with the transit standards, and
25 units per acre for transit-oriented approved through a PUD
process, Planned Unit Development process, with two-thirds bonus
density for housing that's affordable.
And the last is your activity centers, and this activity center
allows for 25 units per acre, offers your highest density option, and
the most options for serving the variety of income levels.
And with that, I'm going to turn it over to your housing
manager, Jacob LaRow.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Can I ask a question --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Sure, of course.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: -- before we move on? Where in
the process are these four things that we're working on? Just to -- so
we know where we're at, other than between the A and the T.
MR. BOSI: Mike Bosi, your Zoning director. They are
currently under staff review from a GMP amendment standpoint.
Each one of those starts with a GMP amendment. They're currently
with staff right now. Anticipate probably April -- in the April
Planning Commission and a May Board of County Commissioners.
February 22, 2022
Page 50
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay. I hope it's -- it can be more
than probably.
MR. BOSI: Understood.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Because it's obviously an issue.
Thanks.
MR. BOSI: Yes.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Jacob.
MR. LaROW: Hi. Good morning, Commissioners. Jacob
LaRow, your housing manager, for the record.
So over the next few slides, I'll pick up where Ms. Sonntag left
off with her presentation. Where Ms. Sonntag discussed proactive
actions by the Board, that brings us to today, I'll begin with a
snapshot of the market -- housing market for homeownership and
rentals.
I'll move along to highlighting a number of housing
developments that the Board has touched over the last few years that
have both an affordability and an essential service personnel
component.
Further, I'll move onto local, state, and national trends. Here I'll
identify what policies, programs, and incentives that are currently
being implemented in Collier County addressing housing
affordability as well as changes, proposed changes at the state and
federal level that may either provide resources or additional
flexibility to the county to address housing needs in our community.
And then we'll end on a couple opportunities for the Board and
direct for possible direction for staff to investigate as appropriate.
On this slide, Commissioners, we have divided the slide in two.
On the left we've provided an example of the home purchase and on
the right some figures for rental market.
First on the left, the owner-occupied unit scenario. In this
calculation, we take a family of four earning the county median
February 22, 2022
Page 51
income of $84,300. We take a couple of assumptions, including
20 percent down payment and some estimated HOA fees, taxes, and
insurance.
Commissioners, if we use the metric that paying no more than
30 percent of household income is what is deemed affordable, using
this example, we have determined that back in December, based on
information provided by NABOR, only 54 housing units were
affordable out of the 1,042 that were listed for sale, and total listings,
for example, for your reference, in December of 2020 to
December 2021 dropped nearly 76 percent.
The column on your right, we have data on developments, which
developments is composed of quarterly phone surveys that CHS
performs and we bring to AHAC. Those developments include 62
apartment developments in Collier County. And the private
landlords data that you see is comprised of rental listings that were
gleaned from the MLS. That includes single-family homes.
Commissioners, as you can clearly see, there's a sharp decline of
vacancy and a corresponding increase in median rents, and so much
so that at the date of our survey we only had one unit available that
was affordable for a family of four.
Commissioners, this slide will provide examples of the impact
the Board has had in housing development through past action.
Commissioners, you can see the number of projects that have been
approved through the county with those total units for those identified
as being set aside for ESP and/or have some income and affordability
restrictions.
Of the total units approved on this list, approximately 17 and a
half percent of the units will have preferences for ESP or have
long-term affordability restrictions or both. For example, at the top,
Allura, although the number at the bottom indicates zero units
constructed, Allura is a project that is nearing completion and
February 22, 2022
Page 52
occupancy, which will add 304 units. Inclusive of those are 55 units
that are geared towards and marketed for essential service personnel;
31 of those for 80 percent AMI restriction.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Just if I can ask you a quick
question.
MR. LaROW: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: In the AMI restriction, is there -- is
there flexibility in those, or are they dictated by the PUD in the
governing documents?
MR. LaROW: Commissioner, that would be up to your
discretion, the Board discretion. The income restrictions that you
alluded to and posed that question to Ms. Sonntag earlier, those
are -- as you observed, those are -- those are restrictions that are
imposed by either federal funding or state funding. The state
funding that we receive through the SHIP program, the State Housing
Initiative Partnership program that has an income restriction, that
caps out at 120. Further, some of the federal programs vary quite a
bit, but the bulk of the developments that are constructed nationally
through tax credits target households earning 60 percent AMI and
below. There are some programs that have additional flexibility, but
that's really kind of the high level.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: What was your question? I'm
sorry.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: The flexibility in the restrictions
that are put upon the developments that we're approving.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Those are in the PUDs themselves.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Right. I didn't think they were
adjustable unless we came back and adjusted them accordingly.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Right, right.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Adjusted it for future.
February 22, 2022
Page 53
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Right.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: That -- may I speak? Mr. Bosi
came to the podium. I know he had something to say.
MR. BOSI: Oh, I was just -- Mike Bosi, again, Zoning director.
I was just going to confirm what Commissioner Solis has said
that traditionally the income restrictions would be imposed within the
PUD, and that's -- and that's how we've -- each one of the Growth
Management Plan amendments that have been proposed that has had
an affordable housing commitment, it is spelled out within the
particular PUD.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: And that would have to be an
amendment to that PD [sic] in order to change it?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Correct. So in that light, as going
forward, if you're dealing with people on the ground that are asking
or having these impositions, if you will, or restrictions put upon them,
talk to us about a level of flexibility that we might be able to put into
that language just to allow for market deviations that, in fact,
transpire. I mean, we're always necessarily going to be behind. But
if you could propose some suggestions to allow for some flexibility,
that would be good.
MR. KLATZKOW: You get a number of applications where
they're asking for density far higher than your GMP allows. That's
purely a legislative decision whether or not to grant that. As part of
that granting, you can put whatever conditions you want into the
PUD that the developer will agree with.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. If you'd just propose some
language as we're coming along, I'd appreciate seeing that.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I didn't get a chance to push
this.
February 22, 2022
Page 54
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro was first.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Okay. But the County
Attorney used a word that, I think, needs to be clarified here a little
bit. You said we can put in those PUDs any conditions we want that
the developer agrees with.
MR. KLATZKOW: And if he doesn't agree with it, he doesn't
get his project.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Okay. But we can impose
those --
MR. KLATZKOW: Because it's a GMP amendment, which is
legislative.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I understand now. Okay.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I wanted to say this earlier
just to sort of set the table for this meeting and get it on the record.
One of the reasons why we're hearing this today -- and, Jacob, I really
applaud you and your team for putting together this presentation
quickly -- was at our last commissioner meeting we talked about
having a workshop, and -- you know, and much like we're hearing
here, we don't want to wait till March or April to put together some
workshop, not to say we're not going to have one. But the reason
this is on the agenda is because the county put it on the agenda today.
We do realize the importance of this. And so we gave it a
time -- you know, a time-set presentation for a reason. We've got
some incredible speakers that are going to come up here.
So this wasn't some sort of -- you know, a couple of citizens sent
us some nasty emails and then it got sort of squeezed in here. This is
something that we put a lot of thought into. We met before this
meeting and, you know, there's going to be quite a bit information.
Some of it's going to be hard to hear.
One of the things I wanted to say, you blew through the slide
February 22, 2022
Page 55
quickly, and not on purpose, but the list of developments that have
been approved over the years that show that there's 400 units and 60
of them are for first responders or whatnot or under the AMI, one of
the things that we've done on the Affordable Housing Committee that
I'm a part of has come out with a spreadsheet of every single complex
in Collier County and who has those units -- and Ms. Rodriguez and I
are meeting tomorrow, but I really applauded her comments. This
isn't worth the paper it's printed on if we're not following up and
making sure that those 60 units actually have firefighters in them,
actually have nurses.
And in some cases we're discovering that it's possible that some
of those units that we approved the development because of the great
and wonderful affordable housing piece, if they're not living up to
that, then we need to take action. And so this is a big homework
assignment, and we'll talk more about it. But I just wanted to say,
the reason why the folks are at the podium today is because we've
added this to the agenda because we do realize the importance of
what's going on in our community.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And as a note, having a workshop
is nice. It gives an opportunity for people to speak, but we're here to
vote on things. The reason that we did it this way, particularly, than
a workshop format, is to be able to actually physically take action if,
in fact, the Board chooses to. So continue on, sir.
MR. LaROW: Thank you, sir.
This next slide, Commissioners, you'll observe, contains the
projects that were included on a previous slide. And what this slide
is trying to illustrate is that -- basically, the housing pipeline. So as
the Board has taken action over the years, we've established
essentially an ongoing pipeline for when projects will come on board.
As you can see, a number of these -- you know, we broke these down
into two-year, three- to five-year and six to 10 years. Some of those
February 22, 2022
Page 56
may, as you're probably aware, vary depending on a various number
of factors.
But I'd like to draw your attention to the affordable and total
units that will be coming on board within less than two years. As I
mentioned, Allura, that project will be opening here shortly.
The -- excuse me. The Harmony, that's the Bembridge property,
which has a long-term ground lease with the county, that project will
have a groundbreaking here on March 10th. They've closed on their
financing, and construction will commence shortly thereafter. And
Immokalee Fire Housing, they broke ground on their 128 units back
in November, and the last I heard they anticipate having those units
available for rent at the end of this year, 2022.
Commissioners, this slide touches on a number of pending
legislation items that are currently a discussion for the state session
currently. Also I have one item here on the left, current law, and I'll
just briefly touch on what -- some of the guidance provided by the
Florida Housing Coalition for the slide -- or excuse me -- the current
law on the left.
House Bill 1339 was approved in the 2020 session and is now
law that allows cities and counties to approve developments
effectively overriding their own Comprehensive Plan and their
zoning code to approve housing that is affordable provided there's no
law, local ordinance, or regulation to the contrary. For example, a
project that meets the state's affordability definition could be
approved on a commercially zoned parcel without needing a zoning
change.
For your information, the City of St. Petersburg adopted an
implementing ordinance, the first city to do so, in October of last
year, incorporating those new flexibilities.
And on the right, Commissioners, I'll just touch on Senate Bill
962. The last update I have was that passed the full Senate on
February 22, 2022
Page 57
February 10th. This bill, should it be enacted into law, would further
amend Section 125 that -- the current law that I just alluded to, would
allow projects approved in parcels zoned for commercial/industrial
use with a 10 percent floor for projects for units that meet
affordability as well as those projects would have to forego applying
for the SAIL program, which is a gap financing program for
affordable projects made available through the Florida Housing
Finance Corporation.
Finally, just one thing to note, the provision on Senate Bill 962,
the provisions of this section would become self-executing. It would
not require an adoption or ordinance or regulation by the Board of
County Commissioners before using the approval process.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Jacob, just --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Wait. Don't go away from there.
Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Mr. Klatzkow, please translate.
What does that mean? The Senate Bill 962, that means it's only
10 percent that somebody who has commercial can put affordable
above it, and it's only 10 percent of the square footage or -- I'm not
understanding it. And if you don't want to answer right now, sir, we
can do it later, but --
MR. KLATZKOW: I would like to spend more time to look at
it rather than off the cuff.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I'm sorry. Go ahead.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Jacob, can you just go back
to your comment about what St. Petersburg did and then how it
helped residents. What did it actually do? What action did they
take, and what can they now do that they couldn't before?
MR. LaROW: Sure.
February 22, 2022
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Commissioner, thank you for the question. And if I could just
address Commissioner Taylor's. The 10 percent is the number of
units. So, for example -- it's not based on square footage. If you
have a 100-unit complex, 10 percent of those, or 10 units, would have
to meet the affordability provisions.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Minimum, not maximum?
MR. LaROW: Minimum. That's a floor, yes; 10 percent
minimum.
Commissioner LoCastro, so based on Florida Housing Coalition
webinars that I've attended, the reason why the City of St. Petersburg
adopted an implementing ordinance was because the state statute
wasn't clear in terms of how they would implement said flexibility.
And the Senate Bill 962 has specific language that indicates the
flexibility provided is self-executing and that no ordinance or
regulation is needed to be approved by the appropriate board or
council.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Just going back to the current law,
the Chapter 125. So can you -- can you go through that again? It
allows for approving developments with affordable housing
components to it without rezone or GMP amendment. I mean,
unless -- you said unless there was nothing inconsistent with that.
And so my question is -- I've got two legal opinions, I think,
that -- this is going to be our County Attorney's day today.
MR. KLATZKOW: Well, no. I mean --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Well, let me ask my question
before you -- before you answer it.
I'm curious how that would work in relation to the special act
that requires us to do things a certain way, and does that apply to us
at all and how? And then my other question is, we have four
recommendations that we looked at years ago, a couple years ago at
February 22, 2022
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least, that are pending. And can we -- since this -- I think we're all in
agreement this is an emergency -- bring that directly to the
Commission as opposed to having it go through the Planning
Commission, because that's -- it's a recommendation. I'm just trying
to figure out how we can expedite things if we get to the point where
we want to make a decision. So those are just two legal questions.
I just wanted to put them out there for you to think about. I'm not
asking for an answer right now.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Do you want to answer them right
now or --
MR. KLATZKOW: You've got as-of-right zoning and then
you've got the zoning that comes before you, all right. And when
they come before you, you have a great deal of latitude to require
affordable housing, if that's your preference. It would seem that the
statute's more of the as-of-right variety where a developer doesn't
have to ask you for your permission to put in affordable housing, but
I don't know the last developer that came in here looking for
affordable housing, which is why we have this problem.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Got it. Thank you. Proceed.
MR. LaROW: Thank you, sir.
Commissioners, you can see in this slide just touching on
pending legislation at the national level. The major piece of
legislation that would impact housing that is affordable would be the
Build Back Better Act. I've highlighted some information on the
slide in terms of appropriation that is currently loaded into the bill, of
which Collier County would stand to receive a portion of that, as we
do participate in the HOME and CDGB programs. Currently we
receive approximately 750,000 annually in HOME, which is strictly a
housing-that-is-affordable program, and $2.7 in CDBG, and that is
Community Development Block Grant.
I don't think it should be any surprise, but at this time, according
February 22, 2022
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to Senator Manchin of West Virginia, this bill is currently dead, and
we do not currently see any action at this time.
Commissioners, this next slide touches on three existing local
incentives that the Board has implemented to assist the development
of housing that is affordable with each addressing common issues
that face development: Financing, density, and time.
And impact fee deferrals are a financial incentive to help offset
the initial cost of development and, in this case, of homeownership
program. It operates similar to that of a second mortgage. Rental
properties are eligible for an initial 10-year deferral and extensions
granted on case-by-case basis by the Board after the first 10-year
deferral.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And, again, just for folks that are
trying to consume all this --
MR. LaROW: Sure.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- we'll make this available.
Again, with a quick email, this entire PowerPoint can be made
available to the public, so...
I see folks back there taking pictures of the screen and all. So
just accept it for what it is for now, and then you'll have time to
peruse.
Go ahead, Jacob.
MR. LaROW: Thank you, sir.
The next one down here is the Affordable Housing Density
Bonus Program. This is a program that awards developers with
density, essentially projects that come before you with deeper income
targeting which, in other words, provides units at lower area median
income rents and incomes receive more bonus. So the deeper you
target, the more density you receive. This one also comes with a
30-year commitment that is required.
And, lastly, expedited permitting. As you can see here,
February 22, 2022
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permitting and zoning for developments can incur costs and, as a
result, housing that is affordable and has that process or that tool
available allows developers to close on financing quicker and deliver
units to the market faster.
Lastly, Commissioners, this brings me to my last slide. Here
staff is presenting proposals for the Board to consider. One, general
governmental resources for allocation to support the Local Housing
Trust Fund to support housing development activities; and, two,
proposal to direct staff to identify parcels for acquisition utilizing the
funds made available from the one-cent infrastructure surtax.
And with that, Commissioners, I'd like to introduce Joe
Trachtenberg, the chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory
Committee, for comment.
MR. TRACHTENBERG: Thank you, Jake.
Good morning, Commissioners. Looking at this slide right
here, in the course of my remarks, I am going to suggest that we
schedule the workshop. And I know at least one of you has already
suggested that that may not be appropriate.
The reason why I'm going to suggest a workshop to you is that
AHAC has recommendations that are not on your agenda today.
And if they're not on your agenda today, there's got to be some way
that they get on your agenda in the future, and that's why, further in
here, I'm going to -- I'm going to ask you to make some time to talk
about the other things that the county is -- the county staff is not
specifically proposing that you adopt today.
For the record, I'm Joe Trachtenberg. About a year ago -- about
this time last year, I saw a posting for a vacancy on the Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: How'd that work out for you?
MR. TRACHTENBERG: So far it's been terrific. I got to
make a lot of new friends.
February 22, 2022
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I submitted an application along with 15 other applicants and
was rewarded with a seat. Last month I was elected the committee's
chairman.
I find this group, which includes Commissioner LoCastro as an
active participant and a member, to be a committed body of
knowledgeable volunteers who have no authority and serve only to
advise you, the commissioners. And it's important that I emphasize,
we have no authority. As I thank you for inviting us here today, it's
with the reminder that if you don't see the value that we bring nor use
for our talents and efforts, we have little reason to exist.
Now, you have many important issues on your collective plates.
We only have affordable housing on our plate. In this time of crisis,
we hope you will allow us to guide you through this maze of
complexities.
In the past month, I've met with many individuals and groups
who are critically impacted by the workforce housing crisis we're
experiencing. These include representatives of the school district,
NCH, Arthrex, Chamber of Commerce, charitable foundations, other
business leaders. I've also met with several developers and
contractors and with our land trust representatives and, of course,
with county staff.
Finally, I've met with and received calls at home from countless
dedicated workers who love their jobs and love their lives in Collier
County but can no longer afford to live here. These conversations
were very difficult and, with the exception of those whose income is
low enough to qualify for housing aid, I have little to say but "I'm
sorry."
Together, as Jake pointed out, we've watched the value of our
condos and homes increase by over 30 percent this year as inventory
has declined by 70 percent. Renters are facing increases of 25 to
50 percent or more as landlords take full advantage of their positions
February 22, 2022
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of power.
Now, you all recognize in 2017 ULI stood in this room and
predicted a crisis was approaching if more wasn't done. No one can
dispute that the crisis has now arrived. My intention is to look
forward and not backward. Let's agree to set a new course today
focused on what we can do together.
My message is a simple one. Naples and Collier County are
treasures which have now been discovered by folks who can afford to
live and work anywhere they want, and they've chosen to live here.
Our collective quality of lives are dependent upon a large base of
middle-income workers. They're our teachers, our emergency
service workers, our shop clerks, our waiters. They're healthcare and
office workers and our government employees who keep this county's
daily business running every day. The places we ask these essential
workers to live are rapidly becoming nonexistent in Collier County,
as Jake's numbers demonstrated.
We've all driven on Route 41 and 75 in rush hour. Imagine
driving an hour and a half just to get to your job and then doing it
again to get home every day. How long are you going to do this
before you take your talent and your experience to a job near where
you live? And how long before we may lack enough teachers and
nurses to staff our schools and our hospitals? Will our ER even be
open 24/7?
As of last week, the City of Naples has 11 job openings for
police officers. Which posts are standing empty? How much
longer does it take to respond to a 911 call?
I've heard at least two of you say it's not government's job to
build houses. I completely agree, but it is our collective
responsibility to see to it that inducements are in place to encourage
others to do so. That's why we're standing before you today. We
believe it is essential that more action is taken to reverse the loss of
February 22, 2022
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affordable workforce housing in Collier County.
Now, no one could have anticipated how quickly this situation
has changed and the extreme hardships it's created. On a positive
note, in many ways the infrastructure to work our way out of these
challenges does exist. Your board recreated the housing trust fund, a
significant device to acquire land and to support developers.
We now have a Community Land Trust with strong leadership.
Excluding the cost of land from a development project creates
economic opportunities which would not otherwise exist.
And we do have developers who want to build affordable
workforce housing if they can financially justify these projects. The
county, the school district, the fire companies all appear to have
surplus land. We need to collaborate and get these parcels identified
and put to work for all our needs. It should come as no surprise it
was our tax dollars that paid for this land, and they should serve
today as a collective asset for the future.
I also hope that the generous wealthy families who built our
hospital, our theaters, our opera house, our parks, will soon realize
that affordable housing is their next essential venue for their support.
Today AHAC is asking you to support the allocation of the
$20 million in surtax funds to the housing trust. The sooner these
funds are available, the quicker we can purchase land and solicit
invitations to bid and ultimately get this money working for us.
Let's minimize the red tape and devise a simple system to get this
money into the hands where it can do good for the folks that spoke
earlier today and everyone else in our county.
Now, this is a one-time funding, and this is not going to be
enough to accomplish what needs to be done. Collier County must
follow the lead of other Florida counties, like Hillsborough and
Orange and others. With annual General Fund allocations, we
propose beginning $10 million per year by Collier County from their
February 22, 2022
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General Fund.
Now, as I mentioned earlier, there are several other
recommendations that AHAC would like to discuss with you which
aren't on today's agenda for you to approve. They involve further
density changes or allowances. They allow standardized rules for
when we do go in and make these individual deals with developers
for emergency housing sometimes without economic requirements
for apartments. I don't understand how that even happens.
We need to look at impact fees. Other counties are handling
them differently. Developers who come to us say that impact fees
are -- the deferral of impact fees as it's presently structured doesn't
benefit us. There are ways that it can be changed where it will
benefit us. We need to talk about this. We need to talk about
linkage and the possibility that will be established.
So I'm saying, let's agree to schedule a half-a-day working
session with BCC, with AHAC. Let's include the County Manager,
the Planning Commission, zoning folks, the City of Naples, and other
key players.
Perhaps the most critical item we must address now is the need
to develop an emergency time schedule for all workforce housing
projects. If we continue to allow three to four years to pass from
initiation to construction for every project, we will not be responding
to the magnitude of the problem we face.
I applaud this commission for that list that was on earlier of the
number of projects and the number that have been started with your
help and -- but the number there that troubled me the most was how
many are available today, and that number was zero.
We can't have a system where it takes three, four, and five years
with no apartments ready to occupy. Someone's hair needs to be on
fire to cut through the red tape and give these projects the priority
that they deserve.
February 22, 2022
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As we approve and accelerate new projects, we also must
remember there are 4,500 units that are currently rent protected in
Collier County. All of these are scheduled to expire in coming
years, like the recently privately acquired Gordon River Apartments.
It's essential that negotiations commence well before these rent
controls sunset. It will be a disaster if wealthy investment firms
acquire them and the residents are tossed out. We've heard the
estimates: 40,000 folks who work in Collier County every day live
elsewhere. Think of the taxes that we're losing to the places that
they live and the revenue that that would create for us. Think of the
fact that we're now at serious risk of losing these 40,000 workers.
We need to send a loud message that we acknowledge a serious
problem exists and are willing to deal with it in critical and rapid
ways. We need to join hands, work together now.
And I'll be the first to acknowledge I don't have all the answers,
but that's our collective challenge, and I pray that we're up to the job.
The crisis before us is only beginning to reveal itself to the general
public. We will all pay the price if Collier County doesn't rapidly
reverse this trend and figure out how essential -- how our essential
workers can afford to live here, and if we don't, then I'm afraid we're
going to soon learn why we call them essential workers.
Thanks for listening.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Joe.
Commissioner LoCastro, do you have a question for him?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I do. Well, I've got a couple
questions and couple statements.
First off -- and I think I speak for all my colleagues here.
Nobody's against a workshop. What we didn't want is to schedule a
workshop for the end of March. So what we said our last meeting
was let's have an affordable housing presentation just like this so we
could at least get the ball rolling, so you know.
February 22, 2022
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MR. TRACHTENBERG: I'm available this afternoon. We
could just keep going.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: It sounds great. It sounds
great. You know, I packed a lunch. But no, in all seriousness, you
know, this is -- this is lighting a fire. That's why we put this
immediately on this agenda. So workshop's coming. I'm part of the
Affordable Housing Committee. And as you know in our meetings,
we talked about having a workshop that is also going to accomplish
something, not just we're all going to kick around, you know, all the
homework assignments after it.
I do like when you say we're not going to look back on history;
we're going to look forward. But one of the things that I always say
is looking back on history is important because we don't want to
repeat poor history. And one of the things I can tell you -- and I
don't know if Habitat for Humanity senior leadership is here. I hope
so. I know that I invited them. Yeah, you guys could always sit up
a little bit closer.
But part of learning from history is, there was -- that
organization and a lot of other ones that came in here and spoke at
these podiums over the last few years -- and a lot of their projects got
shot down. I don't know where Jamie French is. I just saw him
escape from the door. But a year ago, right after I was elected, I had
almost a three-hour town hall meeting in a gated community that was
up in arms because a small -- because a small piece of property -- no,
it is important to sort of understand the history. A small piece of
property next to their homes had the possibility of having senior
affordable housing. It wasn't the projects like everybody thought.
Jamie, correct me if I'm wrong, for three hours we got yelled at
of how dare we build something, and now all of a sudden here we are
in a crisis and everybody's -- it was a four-hour town hall, and they
didn't even give us a bottle of water.
February 22, 2022
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But now everybody's become an affordable housing disciple
because now everybody's, like, 100 percent for it. But we had the
opportunity in here to approve some things. And maybe it wasn't as
emergent as it was now. But the reason I say that is before we shoot
down some other great ideas like we have in the past, let's really take
a breath and see what we can do. And we have had organizations in
this county over the last few years that had some solutions. It
wouldn't have solved the problem, but it would have helped a heck of
a lot more people than we had right now.
And as we see on the timeline, if you would have -- if we would
have approved some things a couple of years ago and we would have
cut ribbons at, you know, Habitat for Humanity or contractors that
had some great ideas, people would be living in these units now.
Now everybody's coming with all these great and wonderful
blueprints. But just like you said and Jacob's got in the slide, that's a
three- to five-year timeline. So it doesn't mean we don't do it.
But, you know, shame on all of us. And I'm not pointing
fingers just at the county. You know, there's even, you know,
developers that had ideas and they didn't pursue them or it became
too difficult.
But folks need to realize that we can't just put all the affordable
housing in Immokalee. We can't hide it somewhere or camouflage
it. It needs to be where the workers are.
And so I've had people that have sent me emails, and all of us,
saying, well, if you can't afford to live here, then too bad. I worked
hard, you know, to live in this beautiful place, and my reply was,
well, when you go to Ocean Prime, you're going to have to cook your
own steak and then go back in the kitchen and pick it up and then
deliver it, because the people that actually provide the services for us
need to -- they can't live in Sarasota.
But I just pledge to you -- and I know I'm speaking for my
February 22, 2022
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colleagues here -- we want to light some hairs on fire. We want to
have a workshop.
And, you know, Mr. Chairman, a question I have for you, and
it's really to educate me. On the items that our AHAC has proposed,
is it impossible today to make a motion and -- or is -- or would that
be premature to move any of these forward? Is it possible?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yeah. Well, one of the reasons
why we are doing it in this format is to be able to have this discussion
and actually take a vote and give direction. Workshops are nice, but
we get to sit around and talk about a bunch of things and then have
specific items come back to us at a later date.
And so the AHAC meets regularly. Joe, you mentioned several
things with a revision to our impact fee structure. You mentioned
several things with regard to the whole -- several items, ideas. I
would -- I would prefer that those just come back to us on agenda
items going forward. This issue isn't going to go away --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- anytime soon, and so --
MR. TRACHTENBERG: Do you want to hear it now? Do
you want to -- do you want to put it on the agenda today and vote on
the changes and impact fees that we'd like to vote on on -- and ask
you for approval to do a nexus study for linkage to --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Be still one second, please. And I
know how passionate you are with regard to these things, so...
MR. TRACHTENBERG: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: We are going to hear what is in
front of us today, what's printed in today's agenda today. It wouldn't
be right for us to add in other things without the entire community's
participation in those items as we go forward, just as you know.
And so having a workshop is -- we can do that. If that's what
the community and the Board wishes to do, we can certainly do those
February 22, 2022
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things. But today we have items that are specifically in front of us,
and we're going to hear and have discussions on those after we
receive the public comment, and then we'll go forward with the other
items and suggestions as we go.
MR. TRACHTENBERG: Sir, to be clear, we're willing to do it
either way. We're certainly willing to come back with specific
recommendations as agenda items or to sit with you and other
stakeholders and other important influences in the county and work it
out.
If I can have -- just very briefly respond to Commissioner
LoCastro. This isn't that complex. There are really three issues
here. We're talking about money, we're talking about density, and
we're talking about time. Those are the three areas that will
ultimately pave the way to solving the problem, and AHAC is
prepared to come back with recommendations in all three areas, and
hopefully you'll look favorably upon them.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And you're absolutely correct in
your analogy. So for today's discussion we're going to take action, if
we choose to take action today on the items that are on today's
agenda, and then, moving forward, we can have other agenda items
that specifically identify the recommendations of AHAC to the Board
for future --
MR. TRACHTENBERG: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- future consideration. So
it -- and you have heard me say out loud, I mean, I'm not -- I'm not
hiding it. I mean, having a workshop is nice. It gives an
opportunity for vetting and for community to put input. But specific
agenda items that are publicized and then we hear on from the public
are how I would prefer to move forward.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: And we have that opportunity
today, so that's what I wanted you to hear.
February 22, 2022
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Can I just add one thing?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yes.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Where's all the AHAC
members? Raise your hands. I want to just tell you, in the past 12
months under Mary Waller's leadership, all the -- all my goombahs
back there, and now Joe who, you know, was the newest member and
now all of a sudden is the chair, in the past 12 months, I'm so proud
at how you-all have accelerated your participation. Like you said,
we have no authority but, boy, you attend the meetings, it sure seems
like we're about to have authority.
And, you know, I don't mean to sort of show some dirty laundry,
but I asked for the attendance roster for the year 2020 and, you know,
some of the meetings there wasn't even a quorum of attendees, and
now when you look in 2021 at our last 12 months, I mean, correct me
if I'm wrong, packed house, standing room only, citizens,
Ms. Rodriguez coming.
So, you know, we're not sitting here on our hands. We're not
doing anything [sic]. And, you know, the citizens out there -- I'm so
proud that Joe put in an application and there were 15 applicants.
How many times over the years we've had empty seats and, you
know, the one person who applied who was a friend of somebody in
the county got the seat. These seats need to be competitive. We
need to get people that have resumés like this, people that can attend
every meeting, not put it on their resumé and brag how they're part of
the Affordable Housing Committee and then for a year they attend
two meetings. And I have the attendee list right here for the year
2020 if anybody's curious. It's been much approved.
So thank you to all of you back there that are leading from the
front whose hair's already been on fire the last 12 months, and we are
going to take action. Just as the chairman said, we're not here to just
look at slides and then push it off to April. April is a million years
February 22, 2022
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from now. It won't help anybody. Got to do it today or in the very,
very near future, which is maybe later tonight, right?
Thank you, Joe, and thank you all back there.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: A couple of things. 2020 was
COVID; that's probably why there wasn't very many people attending
meetings. The second issue would be --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Well, I would say there was a
lot people that attended via Zoom and a lot of people that were warm
in their beds and didn't do anything, but go ahead.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: And the second thing is, we do
have the recommendations of AHAC before us. It has been
published in the agenda. I'm not suggesting that we can discuss it
because the direction of the item is to decide on two items, but at
least the public will have an opportunity to read the background of
AHAC's recommendation.
And then, finally, there's two issues in my mind that we're
facing: Immediate and long term. Building buildings is long term.
Immediate is what we heard this morning. And I think we need to
somehow -- without very much preparation in terms of anything
except understanding the need, I think we need to address that
somehow before we go to another item. So that's all I have to say.
Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Thank you. Just one quick
comment in reference to Habitat for Humanity. I don't think this
board has voted against any projects for Habitat for Humanity. I
know that there's some projects that the group did not move forward
with, but I don't want the audience to have the impression that we
have been voting against projects for Habitat for Humanity. That's
one of the most successful Habitat for Humanity programs in the
February 22, 2022
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country, and you've got the full support of the Commission in that
regard.
Mr. Trachtenberger -- Trachtenberg, I'm sorry, pointed out a
couple things that I think we all know. We've been dealing with this
issue. No one anticipated the pandemic and the impacts on
employees. No one anticipated the great migration. People from
the frozen north are moving to Florida in droves, and Naples is one of
those markets that just caught on fire. It could not have been
anticipated two years ago or three years ago.
And so another point is that we know what the solutions are.
This is not rocket science. This is not something that we have to
study. I'm going to be prepared this morning or early afternoon, if
it's deferred till the afternoon, to make motions and to give staff
direction. So, for example, a few years back I was opposed to
linkage fees. I felt that we could incentivize developers. I've now
changed my opinion on that. Developers and property owners have
become extremely greedy.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Here, here.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: No question about it. And I
no longer have any sympathy with property owners or developers,
and so I'm going to be making a motion or supporting a motion to
direct staff to develop a linkage fee at a fairly high level. I don't
know what linkage fees are in some other communities. Some
places have linkage fees as much as $10,000 per unit or more, and I
think that that will be one thing we can direct staff to develop today.
We don't need to wait until April or even wait till March on that.
There are other things that we can do today. Direct staff to
provide us a report on how we can provide developers' approvals of
projects without going through any zoning process. I was not aware
of that section of Florida Statutes that's been quoted, 125.01055(6),
that permits the county to approve projects without concern about the
February 22, 2022
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zoning laws or the Growth Management Plan.
Now, we have a special act in Collier County that may have
some impact on that, but we can direct staff to come back with a
report on how we can implement that.
So there are things that I think we can do today. The issue of
the Housing Trust Fund, we've got that $20 million, I believe, from
the one-cent sales tax. We can direct staff to populate that fund now
with these dollars and get those dollars working.
Now, the issue of how much money can we put into this pot on
an annual basis, we can direct staff to come back with some sort of a
budget. I don't think $10 million is in the realm of potential for us at
this point, but certainly there's a certain amount of money we can
start putting into the Trust Fund from our General Fund, and we can
make that as an annual ongoing commitment.
So, Mr. Chairman, with all due respect, I know at that this
is -- there are certain things that are on this agenda that we're dealing
with, but we're not limited to just dealing with what's on this piece of
paper. We can make these motions, and I intend to do so.
MR. TRACHTENBERG: Mr. Chairman, can I please comment
to Commissioner Saunders?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Sure.
MR. TRACHTENBERG: If you could also ask the County
Manager and county staff, how do we shorten the process to 12
months from three to four years?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Are you talking about the
zoning process?
MR. TRACHTENBERG: I'm talking about the zoning process
from the time we get a developer that comes in and we're negotiating
with them for approval to the time the shovel hits the ground
because --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I believe that that's in
February 22, 2022
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Section 125.01055(6). But I can tell you, by shortening the time
frame on these types of projects, that's worth millions of dollars in
terms of experts and the process.
So that's why we need the County Attorney to come back with a
full report on how we can implement that. That shortens the time
frame.
MR. TRACHTENBERG: I'd like to see the time frame, from
start to shovel in the ground, 12 to 15 months. And I don't know
how to do that, but I'm hopeful the folks in the county can address it
and come up with a plan.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Thank you very much,
Commissioner Saunders. I sat here when you were first elected, and
we talked about affordable housing, and you have just -- you have
just changed your mind, and I am delighted. You listened and you
responded, and it warms my heart --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: -- very much.
I think -- I think when we come back with a report of changing
the zoning and moving it faster, we need to see the dark side and the
light side, what could happen. Has this ever happened before in
Collier County? What kind of -- what are we -- what kind
of -- there's a word for it, but how does this expose the government in
terms of safety? In terms of zoning? It's very, very important that
we understand the implications of it. When the state comes and
preempts things on a local level, it worries me a little bit. But there
it is, and we need to respond to it.
MR. KLATZKOW: You'll have a full memo by your next
meeting.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis.
February 22, 2022
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COMMISSIONER SOLIS: In regards to that memo, I would
like to ask that it also cover whether, in terms of expediting the
process, if it's something that reaches a certain level of affordability,
a certain number of units. I don't know what the parameters are yet.
But can we bring those directly to the Commission? I mean, we
have to have a zoning hearing, it's a public hearing, there has to be a
supermajority vote, unless the statute supersedes that and gives us
some leeway.
But I'd like to see if we can do that and what changes we would
need to make to be able to bring those directly to us, because, you
know, in the last couple years, the Planning Commission -- and I feel
for the planning commissioners because they have been -- they have
been spending more time, I think, on zoning matters than they ever
have with meetings, you know, being continued and lasting more
than a day. So I think that would be a substantial timesaver in at
least what we've seen in the last couple years.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Oh, thank you. The other thing
about the funding, whatever that amount is, it needs to be recurring.
It doesn't need to be a vote of the Commission to see whether or not
they want to. They're faced with, this is the funding. Now the
question is, it is a recurring funding? Every year, automatically, X
amount goes into, you know, a fund. And, yes, we could change our
mind, but I think it's very important to establish it. It's not a
one-time giving to a fund. It's critical that we give the community
confidence that we are moving forward in this.
The other big elephant in the room is the education of the public,
and that I know we started with ULI. I know we're doing a lot better
than we were before. But this is a full court press right now. We
have land. We have land all over this county that is being laid
barren because neighbors say, we don't want those people living next
February 22, 2022
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to us; it's going to lower our property values. I'd like a study to see
how much property values are being lowered.
There's another issue with the Gordon River Apartments that the
City of Naples has. I was there a couple of days ago. The
vacancies in those apartment buildings are amazing because they just
moved people out. I would like to see if we had a consensus up here
to ask staff to reach out to the owners of that to see if there could be
some kind of agreement or to understand the status, because that -- I
mean, that is a prime location for affordable housing.
So if I've got that, then staff can go. Not to necessarily do any
more, but to assess the availability of it within the City of Naples,
what they're doing with it, and how much would it take to get people
in there, and to make sure that if they're agreeing to place people in
there that they will accept the money that the county brings forward
to help these people have a place to live.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Joe.
MR. TRACHTENBERG: Thank you, sir. Thank you,
Commissioners.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Let's go ahead. Kristi, do you
have anything else? Do you want to go?
MS. SONNTAG: I was just going to -- oops, sorry.
So, in conclusion, we're offering the two following options for
Board consideration today: It's an allocation of government
resources to support housing development through the Housing Trust
Fund and to direct staff to identify eligible parcels for the acquisition
of land using the one-cent surtax.
And with that, Commissioners, I'll take any questions that you
may have.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Just real quickly for the
manager: Historically -- this is going way, way back -- the county
February 22, 2022
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had kind of a line item in the budget, a percentage, a millage rate
for -- I believe it was for refurbishing buildings and capital projects,
and that generated a certain number of dollars, obviously, but it was
ongoing. And each year, as the property values went up, that
millage rate became a little bit more valuable. Ultimately the county
eliminated that, but it took a process to go.
So as we're going through this, my question is: How much
general revenue does one mill generate? So, for example, if we
decided, yes, this is a good idea, we want an ongoing amount of
money, we're going to identify a millage rate, maybe it's a 10th of a
mill, maybe it's less, maybe a little more, but a millage rate that gets
set not really in stone but maybe in plastic, gets a little harder to
eliminate a line item that is a millage rate. So as we're going
through this conversation, I'm going to want to know what a millage
generates in the General Fund. You may have that number off the
top of your head or an estimate.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Pretty close. We have a quarter of
a mill on Conservation Collier, and that's close to 25 million --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Right.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- right there. So, you know, one
mill would be double that easy, in today's marketplace. It's all based
upon the assessed valuations.
MR. ISACKSON: Your taxable value is about $106 billion.
So if you think about it, as the commissioner -- the Chair said, your
Conservation Collier levy is a quarter mill. That's going to generate
roughly $27 million in '23, assuming your increase in taxable value
projections hold.
A tenth of a mill is about 10.6 million, I want to say, off the top
of my head.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: That's countywide. That's
not --
February 22, 2022
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MR. ISACKSON: That's -- yes, that's countywide, that's
correct. So, I mean, you can -- and you can step it up from there.
But those are your -- and to your other question, we had set aside and
established a policy back when Jim Mudd was the County Manager
where we would devote an equivalency millage. We used
equivalency millage before in a number of areas. Stormwater is one
of them, our road program was the other, where we devoted about a
third of a mill for various transportation-related projects. We
actually still use that to a certain degree when we make our
allocations from the General Fund and from the Unincorporated Area
General Fund. So to address your previous question about the
historical perspective on equivalency millages and how that worked.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: It's just harder for a
commission to back off a designated millage like that than it is to
simple continue to appropriate on an annual basis.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. With that, let's go to public
comment. I believe we have --
MR. MILLER: Mr. Chair, we have 28 registered speakers on
this item. I will, again -- I will again ask the speakers to alternate
and queue up at both podiums so we can facilitate this quicker.
Your first speak is Garrett Beyrent, and he will be followed by
Gary Costley.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And as Garrett's coming forward,
folks, you certainly have your three minutes to say what it is that you
wish to do, but if someone else has already come forward and said
the same thing, feel free to say "I agree," not with Garrett, but say I
agree with the previous speaker, and state your name so that you will
be, in fact, on the record.
MR. BEYRENT: For the record, I'm Garrett FX Beyrent. I'm
celebrating my 50th year as a lobbyist. And I came up with this idea
a couple years ago. I lucked out and sold two of my golf courses.
February 22, 2022
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And I thought, you know, there's golf courses that are going to be
closing down left and right. Nationally, six golf courses close down
every day in the United States.
And what happens to the golf courses, in most cases they have
to be reevaluated and determine what they're going to use the
property for. And in Collier County, we have way more golf courses
than we need. And the problem is, of course, is the younger
generations are not taking up the sport. It takes too long to play golf.
They'd rather look at their screen on their cell phone.
So what I thought was, if you take a look at all the different golf
courses that will become available in the future, they would fit in
pretty good specifically for uses as affordable housing provided they
don't offend too many of the neighbors. But that was my proposal,
that we should scrutinize all of these golf courses and see what we
can do with them as to what their use would be in affordable housing.
That's it. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Gary Costley. He'll be
followed by Jackie Keay.
MR. COSTLEY: Good morning. Thank you for giving me
this time. Gary Costley. I'm a retired corporate executive who
spent my whole life in corporate America. I'm here representing
myself.
My wife and I have lived in Collier County for 30 -- well, we've
had property in Collier County for 30 years. We've been residents
for 15 years and full time on Marco Island for the last seven.
When I bought -- when we first bought our first condo here,
Marco -- or Collier County was sparsely populated, and it was -- the
housing cost was about the same as everybody else in the country;
otherwise, we could never have afforded to come here.
All that has changed. Others this morning have talked
February 22, 2022
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eloquently about this problem. I had a whole thing here about what
the problem is. It is obvious you know the problem. I was also
going to say to you that I hope you've internalized that you're the only
people in the county plus your counterparts at the city commission in
Naples who can do anything about this, and Marco Island. It's
obvious to me you've also internalized that, so I don't need to say
that.
My personal opinion -- so I'd like to get to what I'm suggesting.
I don't know the details of this nearly as well as it was just stated, but
it's obvious to me that moving money to that trust fund needs to be
done now, not later. The sooner it's there, the more -- the more
likely it is that this process can begin.
I'd like to talk for just a moment about why I think this
happened. Not because the history's so important, but, you know,
we've lived here a long time. And my personal opinion, the political
leaders of Collier County over the last 30 years have consistently
prioritized economic growth over environmental concerns and
certainly over affordable housing. And I mean no disrespect,
because hundreds of projects have been approved over those years.
Maybe each one of those projects was perfectly justified at the time
but, in total, we've created a bit of a monster because the
infrastructure of the county simply isn't -- isn't as big as the county
we've created.
Collectively, we've created a city, even though it's all spread out,
and we still want to treat it like it's a suburb. So I think there's some
real issues with that.
As a business executive, I know how important a stable
workforce really is. Long term that is just not possible if the people
who actually do the work cannot afford to live a reasonable distance
from their house. If the people who actually build our houses,
maintain our businesses, teach our kids, can keep us safe cannot
February 22, 2022
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afford housing, then this is just not sustainable. From a purely
business point of view, it's not sustainable.
So I'll close in asking you again, please move that money and
move it today. Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Jackie Keay. She'll be
followed by Jane Schlechtweg.
MS. KEAY: So the new faces of poverty and homelessness as
it relates to housing affordable emergency. Also included as these
new faces are middle-class essential workers with first -- like first
responders, teachers, hospital staff, veterans with disabilities, and
their children.
Most of the people contacting us for help are single moms.
Their greatest concerns are their children, as their worlds revolve
around caring for and providing for them.
According to recent statistics, 18 percent, that is 13 million, of
all children in the U.S. live in poverty. Poverty increases the risk of
children experiencing emotional, health, social, and behavioral
problems. Not only that, but poverty also undercuts students' ability
to learn, graduate school, as well as build life skills and opportunities.
The most recent statistics show that as of 2020, 49 percent of
marriages end in divorce. These numbers are low because fewer
people are getting married. There are correlations between divorce,
single parents, their children, and poverty. Just like statistics show
that more white non-Hispanic are on public assistance, the 2020
Census data also confirms that at 18.7 percent, white non-Hispanic
single mothers are the largest group living below the poverty line.
As opposed to other households, families with unwed mothers have
the highest poverty rate at 31 percent.
A factor leading to poverty for such families is the high cost of
childcare, which has increased by 47 percent during the pandemic
alone. To put this in perspective, at 33 percent, the number of single
February 22, 2022
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parents who struggle to pay just for food and utilities alone has
doubled. These numbers do not even account for the ability to pay
rent, which is astronomical, especially in Collier County.
The decisions that typically benefit the wealthy are making them
wealthier and causing the poor single mothers and their children to
experience drastic increase in food insecurity and homelessness.
When families must choose between buying groceries and paying for
their rent, which do you think they would choose? At least they
know their children will get a free meal in school. What does it say
about the condition of people's hearts who would rather see children
go hungry and become homeless than rather share community
resources with them?
I do have some packets that I would like to share, specifically a
single mom of six children. She works at NCH as a medical
assistant, and she has until the 20th of March to find a place or she
will be kicked out. So I do have that letter of non-renewal, too, as
well. So do I just bring it up?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Just leave it with the court
reporter, Jackie. Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Jane Schlechtweg. She'll
be followed by Danielle Hudson.
MS. SCHLECHTWEG: Good morning, Chairman McDaniel
and the members of the County Commission. My name is Jane
Schlechtweg, and as the state committee woman for the Collier
County Democratic Party and a board officer of the Democratic
Women's Club of Florida, I urge you to expand the Community
Housing Plan and find new resources for the Housing Trust Fund.
The math is simple. Someone who can afford to spend the
standard 30 percent of their gross monthly income on housing would
need to make over $84,000 a year to afford the median-priced home
in the current market. Unfortunately, as you know, you've heard
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today, those housing is scarce, and rental units are even harder to
find. And we are at risk of losing the essential workers to Lee and
Miami-Dade Counties.
Our housing crisis isn't new. It's been going on for a long time.
In fact, for the last 20 years, lawmakers in Tallahassee have been
syphoning off $2.5 billion intended for the housing market. It's
clear. I mean, even though this fiscal budget they're going to put
$355 million back to the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund,
it's a good start, but it's not going to solve our problems.
The -- it's clear that the legislators have proven that they don't
care about Floridians. And you are our last best hope to keep
housing affordable in the county for the teachers, for the medical
workers, for the first responders, for the police officers, and those
professionals who we count on to keep our community running.
The Collier County Democratic Party thanks you for your time
and attention to this most important issue facing the Collier County
families. Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Danielle Hudson. She'll
be followed by Todd Lyon.
MS. HUDSON: Good morning, Commissioners. For the
record, I'm Danielle Hudson, and I'm the vice president of public
policy from the Naples Area Board of Realtors.
I'm here to speak on behalf of our more than 7,000 members
who, in the midst of the current market conditions, are helping their
customers navigate Collier County's attainable housing shortage.
Among the groups, as we've heard here today, that are most often the
most affected are frontline, service, and emergency workers and
educators whose salaries fall below the amount needed to buy a home
or afford rents in the county.
Understanding that housing for all stages of life and all income
levels is critical for Collier County's economic welfare, we want to
February 22, 2022
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give our support to Collier County's existing development incentives
and the two suggestions that are being made today. That is to
appropriate general funds to the local housing trust funds and utilize
the one-cent infrastructure surtax to fund projects through the land
trust.
With that said, with our support of the two recommendations
today, we would encourage commissioners to exercise prudence
when considering linkage fees and commercial-to-residential
conversions, as they may burden an already limited commercial C-5
and industrial stock in the county. We don't want to substitute one
problem for another.
Also, our members would welcome a workshop to discuss these
concerns but also to discuss additional options that have not really
been brought up in too much detail today such as -- and that may
have immediate results such as zoning changes to allow for the legal
rent of ADUs in single-family districts and ordinance amendments to
allow for adjustments to the building code to further incentivize
builders to build more attainable housing.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Todd Lyon. He'll be
followed by Jennifer Hart.
MR. LYON: Good morning. Todd Lyon. I am the
administrative director of Human Resource at NCH Healthcare
Center. Thank you for hearing us today.
I had the opportunity about two-and-a-half years ago to speak
with all of you except for Commissioner LoCastro, who wasn't in the
position yet, partnering with some great partners in Collier County
about this specific issue and the Golden Gate Golf Course chance we
had there with some housing there.
So I'd like to just say that I cannot express to you enough when
we spend day in and day out in our healthcare system trying to find
the right workers to work here for our patients and the obstacles we
February 22, 2022
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are facing now with housing. It's no longer, for us, just a
compensation issue. We've done everything we can in our power
with sign-on bonuses, relocation bonuses, competitive in the market.
In the height of COVID, we gave our employees all a 5 percent
increase to try to help our workers, and we continue now to hear
about lack of housing, a lack of affordable housing for those that
truly are helping our patients.
Our emergency departments are sometimes now experiencing
excessive waits because we don't have the staff there, and those staff
we have are tired. They have not only been through the pandemic,
many of them are commuting an hour, hour and a half each way after
a 12-hour shift of taking care of our patients.
I would love nothing more than to be here with my partners
from Collier County Public Schools and our other healthcare
organizations bonding over more than trying to find affordable
housing. I want to help with great programs and great initiatives and
moving forward as a community in an area that I love. I moved here
eight years ago from New York City, and I love Collier County and
Naples. I can't say enough about how great it is to work here.
We are finding talent elsewhere that wants to move here, but
they cannot afford to do so. And we don't have the luxury of having
virtual workers living in the Midwest earning Naples -- Naples
wages. We need them in there to take care of our patients.
I don't see this as your problem. I don't see this as my problem.
It is our problem. Everything I've done in my career has been based
on partnership and collaboration. So I do, please, say, as we've
heard today, it sounds like the interest is there, but it's now time to
take action. We don't have time to wait. We need to find housing
now, or the problem will become even greater than it already has
been. Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Jennifer Hart. She'll by
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followed by Eric, I'm going to guess here, Maeno.
MR. MACINO: Macino.
MS. HART: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Jennifer Hart.
I'm the senior HR business manager at Naples Community Hospital.
And I'll echo to what Todd said: We are seeing our workforce
desperately in a crisis. Not just because we went through a
pandemic, not just because we have people who are leaving our
workforce to go other places that are more affordable. We're not
able to attract people even with our dangling carrots of sign-on
bonuses or retention bonuses. We're also keeping the people that we
have here. They're seeing burnout. They're having to work 12-hour
shifts and then have to drive maybe an hour to get back to their home,
and that's also exhausting as well.
We've seen more people using employee assistance program just
for that stress and that physical stress. So it's impacting us. It's not
only impacting those candidates, but it's also impacting our current
staff.
So I'll just echo to say I came here about five years ago with
four children and my husband, and we came to this community
because of the amazing school system, because of the amazing
healthcare system, and I would truly want my children and my family
to be seen by people who truly are emotionally and physically able to
sustain themselves.
And our mission here at NCH is to make everyone live a long,
happy, and healthy life in Naples. And I do believe that we need a
community that can support them as well. So thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Eric Macino. He will be
followed by Nicole Tregea.
MS. TREGEA: Tregea.
MR. MILLER: Tregea.
MR. MACINO: Thank you for the opportunity to speak,
February 22, 2022
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Board. I appreciate that. My name's Eric Macino. I'm the director
of staffing over at Naples hospital. I've also been a resident of
Collier County for about 21 years.
I'm here to speak just personally and professionally.
Personally, my son is in heating and air conditioning, graduated from
Lorenzo Walker just recently, and my daughter's a nurse. And the
sooner that we can get this all resolved, the sooner they can move out
of my house, and then I can have my house to myself. So that is
personally.
Now professionally, I oversee about 150 to 200 nursing and
nursing support positions at the hospital. I'm also the hiring manager
for all of our seasonal nurses, which we need in this town. So
part -- I had to completely change my interview process to the point
where at the end I usually offer them a position if they're qualified.
Now at the end I ask them to find a place to live where they can
afford to live, and that's usually where they come back after about
two weeks and say, "Are you kidding me? How can anybody afford
to live in that town?" They can't find it affordable, and they just
can't find it, pointblank.
The seasonal nurses that I usually get year after year after year
that return are calling me saying, "What is going on in that town?"
And they can't return, so we're losing them.
I also oversee a bunch of traveling nurses as well. And
just -- here's three examples. I just talked to my travel nurses the
other day. One is staying at the Red Roof Inn. Then something's
going on there that he couldn't stay the whole time, so then he had to
do a Vrbo, then back to the Red Roof Inn.
I've got another one that drives from Tampa, and when she
comes down here she actually -- and this is true -- stays in her car,
works for three shifts, and then drives back to Tampa. And she uses
one of the gyms to shower and take care of her business.
February 22, 2022
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And then I have another one that comes here and actually has
the luxury of living in his van, and he's able to do it that way. And,
apparently, one of the campgrounds that's local in Naples that used to
be affordable is no longer affordable as well. That's no longer an
option.
So I'm just here asking you -- I don't have any solutions. I'm
looking for the Board and other community members for a solution,
but we need it badly. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Nicole Tregea. She'll be
followed by Mary Waller.
MS. TREGEA: Hi, I'm Nicole. I've been a nurse in Collier
County for 24 years. I moved here from Philadelphia, and this is not
the same Collier County. So when I got down here, Jersey Joe's was
on Immokalee Road, and it was two lanes. Clearly, a lot has
changed.
I run the largest cardiac unit between both campuses. I have 47
beds. I have probably taken care of many of you or your family
members at some point.
The struggle is real. We're doing a great job at NCH of training
new nurses, but we can't keep them. They're moving to Lee County
because -- we did a survey recently, 40 percent of our survey [sic]
drive 45 minutes or more, and Lee County now is offering them more
money just to stay there. So we're losing staff.
I've got emails from other directors. You know, like our SSPs,
like Eric spoke about, you know, our seasonals, we used to have a
greater seasonal influx. We don't have that anymore. Now we're
busy pretty much all the time. We started the morning off with 35
ER holds. Every day it's a constant battle on how we're going to
staff it.
And the staff, you know, we do what we have to do as nurses to
pick up. We work overtime. I'm in scrubs because I live on the
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floor. I don't live in the office. As a director, I live on the floor
because I have to.
We started committees recently on retention, and we're trying to
figure out -- and that's how we met Joe, and that's how we ended up
here. We all want to fix this together. We're open to anything.
We're trying to poll staff to figure out different reasons and
how -- you know, what can we do to keep these nurses and the
clinical techs. We actually have more travelers and SSPs right now
than we have techs. Techs are a huge deficit for us.
Like Eric, I would love my kids to move out, but they can't. So
we just need to -- we're here. We're here for whatever you need us
for. We're here as a community hospital. But we definitely need to
find a solution, because the struggle is real, and every day, every 12
hours we're trying to figure out how we're going to fix this.
So thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker's Mary Waller. She'll be
followed by Janet Hoffman.
MS. WALLER: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Mary
Waller. I'm a member of the Affordable Housing Advisory
Committee as well as the chair of the Local Housing Trust Fund.
I'm also a director at the Naples Area Board of Realtors.
Education, safety, healthcare, a community cannot survive
without teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and medical
professionals. Local government, schools, fire district, hospitals,
police, and sheriff's office is all reporting that hiring is becoming
increasingly difficult as employees find their paychecks do not cover
the cost of rent or a mortgage.
Attainable housing is not public or Section 8 housing. It's
regular housing only priced different. Housing affordability is a
legal obligation of every local government within the state of Florida.
Aside from the legal obligations of providing housing for the
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entire current and anticipated population, attainable housing improves
the economic health and heart of a community. Collier County
should seek to ensure a mix of housing so that the community can
continue to grow economically.
In this high-cost real estate market, Collier County Government
must address the issues of producing and preserving housing
affordability in the framework of smart growth, such as fund the
Local Housing Trust Fund, approve AHAC's recommendations,
allow rental of accessory dwelling units, establish an inclusionary
zoning policy, ensure fast tracking -- fast track permitting, increase
density, stimulate a smart growth mixed-use plan, reduce impact fees,
streamline commercial and residential conversions.
Collier County Government -- Collier County Government did
not create the housing dilemma; therefore, it is not -- it cannot solely
provide the remedy. We need to have an attainable housing
workshop of community stakeholders and Collier County
Government to help find solutions and to educate the community on
what resources there are presently available for those experiencing
housing insecurity. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Mary.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Janet Hoffman. She'll be
followed by Candy Nordland.
MS. HOFFMAN: Hi. My name is Janet Hoffman. I'm
speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Collier
County.
The League works to strengthen our democracy and empower
citizens to be active in the government. We hold the conviction that
every person deserves decent, safe, and affordable housing. We are
concerned about the high percentage of severely cost-burdened
Collier residents spending over 50 percent of their income on
housing.
February 22, 2022
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Axios listed Naples as the top U.S. city, the highest rent growth
in 2021 with 38 percent.
As mentioned earlier, 40,000 Collier workers are driving into
Collier. This was from the 2017 needs assessment five years ago, so
this number has probably greatly increased.
You've heard much of this, so let me say, we appreciate the
efforts and hard work of the county staff and of the Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee to propose concrete solutions to
address this crisis. We urge you to expedite the implementation of a
plan that would include recurring annual funding of the Housing
Trust Fund that will be sufficient for Collier needs.
The $20 million money from the surtax is greatly needed for
purchase of land. We are in need of 2,000 rental and purchasable
affordable homes every year.
In the Urban Land Institute assessment they recommend
mixed-income communities with a diversity of housing to create
healthier communities. They also recommend that homes be built
near work sites, schools, and other needed facilities. So homes that
are built in Golden Gate Estates, some planning for transportation is
needed. We also are concerned about the renters whose income has
increased and then they lose their qualifications and lose their home.
So I thank you very much for your service to Collier County,
and please make affordable housing your number-one priority.
Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Candy Nordland. She'll
be followed by Stephen -- I'm going to have to guess at this -- Hruby.
MR. HRUBY: Hruby. Don't pronounce the H.
MS. NORDLAND: If you'll excuse me for one second, I'd like
to address my first comments to these people who are living this
disaster. As a person who can afford to live here, I want to assure
you that I care; the people that I go to church with care about your
February 22, 2022
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situation.
Now I'll address you, if it's okay.
I have owned in Naples Cay since 1997. I'm an active member
of Naples United Church of Christ. Both of these happen to be in
Commissioner Taylor's district, and we want to -- are very grateful to
her for being so responsive all these years, and we're also grateful to
you for being concerned about the issue of affordable housing, a
travesty that has grown like a mushroom cloud during my tenure
here. Both, personally through my church we're concerned about
social justice issues, living somewhere where all can find a
permanent solution to putting a roof over their heads is crucial.
I really don't want to live in a place where a senior on a fixed
income with a disability is forced to leave because they get a
thousand-dollar-a-month increase in their rent. I've been on my
condo board for 20 years, and we've never raised the annual fees by
$1,000. I don't want to live in a place where a young chaplain can't
come here and live on their salary because they can't find a place to
live or that a teacher at Barron Collier, where I mentor a student, has
to drive hours round trip in order to teach here.
I don't know how we got here. I know that market forces don't
always work for us. I know you're probably not satisfied with one
affordable housing unit being available. And I think programs
where federal money comes here are great as a Band-Aid, but the
Band-Aid is actually just making rich landlords richer, if you ask me.
Therefore, I think there will be no solution without permanency, and
the Housing Trust Fund can be that permanency.
As much as I love living here, my heart just aches for how we
have ignored not just minimum-wage workers, but our nurses, police,
emergency workers, firefighters and, of course, our teachers. We
have abandoned our community responsibility to provide housing for
all who work and serve.
February 22, 2022
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I happened to have a son who's a developer in another state.
And being his mother, I asked him okay, kiddo, why don't you bother
to build affordable housing? And he said, "Mom, why would I do
that when it's so much harder to do that?"
I had no response. You can have a response. You can make
funds available to buy the land available for the essential part of our
community. You could make it easier. Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Stephen Hruby. He's
been ceded three additional minutes from Michael Puchalla.
(Raises hand.)
MR. MILLER: And he's indicated he's here, and Steven will be
followed by Nick Kouloheras.
MR. HRUBY: Good afternoon, Commissioners. For the
record, my name is Stephen Hruby. I am the vice chair of the
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, and I sit on AHAC's
Housing Trust Fund Subcommittee. I am also the president of the
board of directors for the Collier County Community Land Trust.
I'm here this afternoon to introduce -- to endorse the three
AHAC recommendations before you for funding sources to support
housing that is affordable for Collier County residents.
They are the result of an extensive amount of research into the
best practices employed by counties and municipalities throughout
Florida and were vetted by the subcommittee and the full board of
AHAC.
The first recommendation is to ensure that the funds in the
penny tax that are to be allocated to affordable housing are placed in
a dedicated Housing Trust Fund that is not commingled with any
other county funds and ensure it will be used within the full intent of
the referendum.
I also encourage you to direct staff to develop a procedure for
awarding these funds for their intended purpose in a competitive
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manner that will highly leverage that investment.
The second recommendation is to incorporate an annual
allocation of funds from the county's budget to the Housing Trust
Fund for supporting and incentivizing the production of housing and
affordability. These funds would have a broader menu of uses than
the penny-tax funds which are primarily targeted to the support of
land acquisition.
If we are to address the housing crisis, we must, as a
community, view the production of housing that is affordable as an
economic development issue and not a social program. If our
teachers, firefighters, cops, medical personnel, hospital, and
restaurant workers, construction, labor, and the like are unable to
afford to live here and leave our community, it will leave a huge
impact on the quality of our lives and our businesses that depend on
tourism, construction, and healthcare. We will eventually cease to
be the attractive vacation and second-home destination we are
presently, and it will affect our economy.
The third recommendation is to form a housing impact fee on
commercial and industrial development. It is well known that these
uses require additional labor force, and quite often those workers are
of middle and lower-middle income brackets. These are the folks
currently overwhelmed by the housing costs in our county.
This type of impact fee is no less important than those that we
place on roads, utilities, water management, and the like. The
recommendations -- our recommendations acknowledge that this
legislation would require a study to determine the appropriate
amount. We also recognize from our past experience at AHAC that
this type of study could suggest amounts that are outrageously high
and negatively impact the business community.
As we have -- as you can see, we have encouraged that the fee
be structured in a de minimus manner so as to not overburden the
February 22, 2022
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business community, but at the same time address the fact that it
should have a responsibility and an obligation to help solve the crisis
for its own employees.
Finally, there's one thing I would like to request of you, and it
has been requested by many of the speakers; that is to direct staff to
schedule a joint workshop with you, the applicable departments
involved in this crisis, the Planning Commission, and AHAC to
discuss steps to go forward to create viable, tangible, and adoptable
solutions to our problem. I offer my full participation and my
expertise in this incentive. Thank you for your time and your
consideration.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Nick Kouloheras. He'll
be followed by Lisa Berger.
MR. KOULOHERAS: Good afternoon, Commissioners. It's
nice to all see you again. Chair McDaniel, thank you for letting me
speak for a few moments.
My name is Nick Kouloheras, and I'm the president of Habitat
for Humanity here in Collier County.
Commissioners, this issue has been in front of us for a long time,
and we have made some forward progress over the years. But after
building affordable housing in Collier County for almost two
decades, I've come to one definitive conclusion: We need to be
more efficient and make it a higher priority to move items that
address affordable housing through the system faster.
As we all know, there is no silver bullet to this issue. The only
way to attack this problem is by attacking it from many angles.
With that being said, we need to fill the toolbox now and not wait to
have it filled 20 years from now when it is somebody else's problem.
I believe Habitat plays a role in providing a solution to the
housing affordability issue. Being an advocate for all housing
options, Habitat is embarking what we hope can be a sustainable
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partnership model that will have a significant positive impact on the
crisis we find ourselves in.
Habitat is actively seeking out private partnerships with
for-profit companies to provide housing solutions to families in
Collier County. I'm happy to report that we have a few companies
that are interested. But let's remember, these companies need to
show a profit even if their intentions are noble.
A few years ago a group of professionals in the development
industry got together, and we brainstormed on ways that a
development could save money. Collectively, we came up with tens
of thousands of dollars in savings just on the paperwork side of a
project. What was amazing was that these cost savings also did not
jeopardize the health, safety, or well-being of the residents that would
live inside these communities. These were simple changes made to
existing codes in streamlining what is a very tedious, lengthy, and
costly approval process that we have here in Collier County.
I'm very happy to say that some of those recommendations have
already been approved by this Board. It is these types of changes
that, when approved, might tip the scales in favor for the for-profit
developer to make the margins they need in order to build housing
that is affordable. In the conversations I've had with multiple private
developers, there's so much demand for this type of housing that if
they can make a decent profit, they are willing to build it.
The government by itself will not be able to solve this problem,
but by giving the private sector the tools they need to make a project
pencil out will give us the means to have the greatest impact on
addressing the crisis.
As always, I want to thank you for being up there. It is not an
easy job, and it takes a great deal of self-sacrifice to be a public
servant, and I want to thank you for that.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Litha Berger. She'll be
February 22, 2022
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followed by John Harney.
MS. BERGER: Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity
to talk to you.
I've only been on the AHAC committee for about five years.
That's tough, five years. Very slow. Penny was there. Thank you.
Now we have Rick.
So with the energy that's in this room, I know something will be
done. I'm thrilled with what I hear and very saddened by what I
hear. These people have been coming to our meetings and sharing
what they're suffering. So now you're really hearing it, and now the
ball has started to roll.
So I am just delighted to be part of the action to make things
work. I'm willing to do anything, and I know everybody here will
pay a lot of attention.
I came with a lot of notes. I'm throwing it out. Forget the
notes. You heard it, you heard it, you heard it a hundred times.
Now there's no time left. You have to work.
Urgency is important. Penny said it, two important things:
Right now it's a crisis, a dire crisis. Second is long term.
So we have county land. I know we have it. We have
something called the Manatee site, which nobody brought up. All
right. That was on your agenda a couple years ago.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I have the arrows in my back
from that. I went out there.
MS. BERGER: I know you do. I know you do.
So from my point of view, Manatee sits in District 1, and we
have the right guy in District 1 to make this work. And if you know
what's happening in District 1, which is 941 [sic] and 41 going east,
there's a lot of energy there.
So there is a big site sitting there that we have to really take a
look at so that we can show people who are waiting and listening and
February 22, 2022
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waiting for results. Make that work. It doesn't -- it will not take
that long.
So I'm just here to say I agree with this gentleman and with
Steve. You now have a committee of five, six, seven people, and
they're good. We've finally got people really dedicated to do the
work, to do the research you need, find out the answers, find out who
is accomplishing the job and getting it done fast, not slow. My five
years, if I tell you what I accomplished, it's almost nothing simply
because it takes too long.
I was thrilled to find out that Fort Myers now has established a
fund, a Housing Trust Fund. So the energy is everywhere.
Thank you for who you are.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is John Harney. He's been
ceded three additional minutes from Sharon Genin. Do I see --
(Raises hand.)
MR. MILLER: There's Sharon back there. And after his six
minutes, he will be followed by Kathy Curatolo.
MR. HARNEY: I'm John Harney, an advocate for Habitat for
Humanity, member of the AHAC, and a member of the Housing
Trust Fund subcommittee.
We fall further behind every year on homes that are affordable.
What's going to happen if we don't make a change right now to
support the Local Housing Trust Fund? The county will continue to
rely on the current developers for homes that are affordable. They
are not able to keep up with the need, if they even have an interest.
Jake LaRow mentioned the current incentives that we have for
new development in Collier County for affordable homes. That's not
drawing enough attention. Even though they're a great idea, people
aren't talking them up to the extent that it's going to solve the
problem.
The penny surtax money, once spent, would have nothing to
February 22, 2022
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follow unless we make a major commitment today or in the very
immediate future to long-term funding.
We had an ordinance a couple of years ago that created the Trust
Fund. There wasn't any money in it. Without any money in it, you
can't get a developer interested. It will become irrelevant unless it
has long-term funding which is provided for it.
People are going to leave the county. Who wants to spend
$10,000 a year to drive here? That's about what it costs, regardless
of what you're having to pay when you get here. It's just too much
money to commute to get here.
We're going to reduce the desirability of living here, and we've
already talked about all the changes that are making, but it's
happening right now. It's having a negative impact today on our
quality of life that we have here.
Buying a market-rate condo or house is completely out of reach
for most workers in the county. Statistically, they don't have
thousand dollars in the bank. They don't have $500 in the bank to
buy something. What we need is apartments.
The number of apartments available for low and moderate
income is nothing today. The Shimberg study in 2019 showed that
there was a deficit in this county of 10,000 affordable apartments.
We haven't talked about that number. The number that we talked
about a little while ago was the 1,600 that are in the pipeline today.
That is a long way from where we need to go.
Regional and national builders are developing affordable
multiple-family homes in other counties of Florida. These
developments are being done cooperatively with local governments.
Those partnerships have frequently involved local housing trust
funds. The benefit for communities is very straightforward. These
partnerships are getting things done.
Here's how we can do it: The partnership of the existing Local
February 22, 2022
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Housing Trust Fund and the existing Collier County Community
Land Trust can create long-term leases to lock in affordability for up
to 99 years. This is very important. We talked earlier about how
there are affordable homes on expiration dates; 99 years, we'll all be
gone.
The county won't need to be involved in managing these
developments. Once things are done through the trust fund and it
goes off and the developer does his work, they're responsible. So
this is not creating county housing. This is creating opportunity for
developers to go forward to work with us to solve this problem.
These developments would be available to use federal, state, and
other funds that are available. So it doesn't make any difference if
we create this trust fund and eliminating any of those funds. All
those funds that can be used otherwise can still be used.
Changing the Land Development Code is the second step for
this, and we've talked about that briefly today. But that is a critical
factor, and we feel, on the AHAC, that we have two things before us
that are equally important. One is to get this work done, to put
money in the Local Housing Trust Fund. The second is to make
those four changes, and they are very detailed, and they'll take more
time on another day. But those two together are what are necessary
to make all this work properly and get us the numbers that we need.
Other counties in Florida have successfully implemented these
partnerships. We can learn from them. They are interested in
talking to us.
One of the other lessons that they've learned is that you need to
have the money in the fund first before you can make anything
happen. If I was a developer and somebody came to me and said,
yeah, we want to build affordable homes, if they say, well, do you
have a budget and there's no money in the trust fund, what's going to
happen? Nothing. A promise isn't good enough.
February 22, 2022
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You've heard about our ideas for where we think the funding
needs to come from. It needs to be substantial. If you want to get
caught up -- and we are far from it -- we need more than the 1,600
units that are in the pipeline. We need thousands and thousands of
units. They'll be apartments for the most part, because that's what
people will be able to afford. As long as we can get those built in
large numbers -- by itself, having more apartments available will
make those apartments more affordable.
Thank you for your time. I appreciate it.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Kathy Curatolo. She'll
be followed by Dr. Arol Buntzman.
MS. CURATOLO: Good morning, good afternoon, whatever it
is, Commissioners. I appreciate the opportunity. I'm Kathy
Curatolo, consulting legislative liaison for the Collier Building
Industry Association.
Nobody has brought up these facts, so I'd quickly like to
mention a couple things. In terms of the construction industry, we
are plagued currently with supply shortages, price increases, and a
lack of labor. For many homebuilders, this has curbed what they're
able to build and complete today. This combination of lack of a
supply, supply chain problems, and transportation from supplier to
builder have exacerbated this particular issue.
Currently, we are seeing shortages in lumber, windows, doors,
appliances. The list goes on and on. To give you just one example,
in the early 2000s, lumber prices stayed well below $500 per 1,000
board feet. It has gone up to 1,500 during the summer. Just leveled
off at 1,200. We heard just the other day it's at 1,800. Cost
increases continually affect the industry.
What I'd like to say is that this issue, coupled with the number of
out-of-towners who have come to our community because of the
COVID situation, has really exacerbated the housing problem both in
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cost of homes and rentals in Collier County.
You have heard today from a number of individuals who have
offered suggestions to you. From NABOR, the rental regulations;
take a look at them. Change those regulations. AHAC has
mentioned a number of issues, including impact fees. Let me
explain to everyone in this audience that impact fee deferrals do
nothing, absolutely nothing to support affordable housing. You need
to reduce those costs. We have the highest impact fees in the state of
Florida. As mentioned by Habitat for Humanity, public/private
partnerships are the way to go.
So we've heard these ideas. We respect these ideas. CBIA
would like to be at the table in a workshop setting to discuss, to vet
these issues sooner rather than later. Don't make rash decisions,
Commissioners. It's not going to affect housing affordability in any
way, shape, or form.
Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Kathy.
One second. I've got to ask my court reporter. How you
doing? There's 11 more speakers. Do you want to take a quick
10-minute break? Is that a yes?
THE COURT REPORTER: Yes.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Come back in 10 minutes, Doc.
We'll be back at 12:40.
(A brief recess was had from 12:28 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.)
MR. ISACKSON: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, you have a
live mic.
MR. MILLER: Mr. Chair, your next speaker was Dr. Arol
Buntzman, and he will be followed by Chris Shear.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: One second, Doc. Just hold on
one second till we get everybody situated and back to -- back to our
spots. Did Commissioner Taylor leave us? There she is.
February 22, 2022
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All right, Doc.
DR. BUNTZMAN: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My
name is Arol Buntzman. I'm the chairman of the Immokalee Fair
Housing Alliance, which is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 developing
affordable housing in Immokalee. I'll keep my remarks short.
There are basically two things that I wanted to see and that is
that in 2022 helping to create affordable housing is probably the
single-most important thing you could do to help middle-income
families not sink into poverty and to help low-income families escape
from poverty and exploitation, so I commend you for addressing the
issue.
The second thing is that I'm here to fully and emphatically
support the two recommendations that are before you; AHAC's
recommendations. Not only will helping to provide the land to
developers, certainly for not-for-profit developers and possibly for
for-profit developers, help to bring about more affordable housing,
but it will also ensure that the affordable housing stays affordable not
for 15 or 30 years but for long-term because of the way they have it
set up. That's a critical point. There's lots of affordable housing
that was developed 15 years ago that had subsidized rental until now,
and those units are coming off affordability, and the rents are
doubling, and the families have nowhere to go. So I think it's
critically important that an initiative be approved.
If you're going to have a workshop, I think there's some things I
might be able to contribute based on my experience as a professor of
real estate development, as a developer for 20 years. I also had
experience serving on the Waterfront Commission in New York City
where we tackled the issue of affordable housing even though we
were first appointed to address quality development of some of the
most expensive real estate in the country.
So if you have a workshop, please give me an opportunity to
February 22, 2022
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participate. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thanks.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Chris Shear. He'll be
followed by Valerie Wenrich.
MR. SHEAR: Mr. Chair, Commissioners, thank you for your
time and opportunity to speak before you today. My name is Chris
Shear. I'm the chief operating officer of McDowell Housing
Partners.
And we've been active. We're affordable and workforce
housing developers, owners, and operators. And, you know, I'm
proud to say that I think we have the first tax credit development, and
it's a primary source of how we develop is utilizing the federal
low-income housing tax credit program.
And I'm proud to say I think we have the first development since
2012 that is utilizing the federal tax credit program to bring true
affordable housing, 80 percent and below, majority at 60 percent of
the area median income, to Collier County. It's a program that I'd
love to see more use of because this is such demand at those income
levels.
And I don't envy your position. There's no quick and easy
solution to the housing crisis you're facing, you know, but it's clear to
me that you're taking, you know, meaningful action. And I want to
applaud -- since working here in this county since late 2019 when we
were awarded the land under the Bembridge PUD to have a shovel in
the ground there, it does take a little time. But I've seen staff, I've
seen your actions contribute in a thoughtful way to some progressive
actions that I think are going to pay off, you know, in due course
here, so I wanted to commend you all for that.
A little bit about the tax credit program. You know, it's the
most successful housing program that's been enacted by the federal
government. Public housing didn't work. You know, grants to
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build public housing that were managed by a public housing authority
have failed on many fronts. This program brings private-public
partnership to the table.
In consideration for these credits which are monetized to
subsidize the construction and the operation of this housing, we are
committed to keeping that housing affordable for a period of 50 years
under state requirement, so there's a restriction on the land. That
does not go away when the transfer of ownership happens.
As I mentioned, we serve varying income brackets up to the
80 percent AMI level, so it is true affordable housing our 400 units
that are under construction now, three developments in Collier
County, which we are having groundbreaking ceremony. I'd love to
see you-all there early next month.
Two of those are senior affordable housing developments
62-plus. One is family. Since there's been very little public press
coverage of it, we continue -- even though there hasn't been a lot of
knowledge, continue to get calls. And we're just very excited to be
able to try to contribute. And I think the use of your funds through
the Housing Trust Fund and the things that you're discussing today
are going to be a tremendous help. And I just want to applaud
you-all for keeping that thought going and look forward to continuing
to work with the county. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thanks, Chris.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Mr. Chair, can I ask a quick
question?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Sure.
MR. SHEAR: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: What can we do -- since this is
your business, this is what you do, the tax credits program, what can
we do -- and I know that that is a competitive process, right. When
you -- when you're applying for the tax credits, there's not unlimited
February 22, 2022
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tax credits, right?
MR. SHEAR: There actually are. There's two different types
of credit. The 9 percent credit is extremely oversubscribed and very
limited. So, yes, you're right on that credit.
There's a 4 percent credit that you have to utilize tax exempt
bonds as your debt financing for it.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Right.
MR. SHEAR: And that generally results, 9 percent versus
4 percent, in less than 50 percent of the amount of subsidy you would
receive under the 9 percent program. So you're left with a gap in
financing, and that's where these programs can be tremendously
helpful.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay. But the one that
every -- that is the most sought after is the 9 percent.
MR. SHEAR: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: And that's oversubscribed,
meaning it's very competitive?
MR. SHEAR: And just to be clear, the three developments that
we have that -- two of which are under construction, the next one
closing by the end of this second quarter, none of those used the
9 percent credit. Those were all the 4 percent credit developments.
We utilized other state funds Sadowski housing trust funds through
the SAIL program, and we were -- you know, our look into Collier
County was a result of looking at some of the programs, particularly
the Impact Fee Deferral Program, which doesn't align perfectly with
our tax-credit model, and we look forward to discussing that further
with staff and maybe you guys at the workshop. But that program in
and of itself really helped. But things need to materialize a little
better to align with this tax-credit program, which I think is the faster
way to deliver a high number of affordable units.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Agreed. And so my question
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really is, what recommendations do you have, if any, specific ones, to
make us more competitive, make it more meaningful for a developer
like you to come here to do this? I mean --
MR. SHEAR: Absolutely.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: And if you wanted to submit those
in writing later. But I think -- I think it would be very helpful, at
least for this commissioner, to hear from you specifically what can
we do to improve that program and the desirability of using that in
Collier County.
MR. SHEAR: I'm happy to rattle a couple off if you'll give me
the time. So I've heard the actions that are being presented by
AHAC, and I think they're all very well intended. There's a couple
other things that I'd like to -- I think would bolster those or be added
onto it.
We have -- you do have a lot of county land. The benefit of the
county land is that you can convey those lands through a long-term
ground lease which then gives you the ability to have controls and
regulation at your discretion within there. So if you want to keep the
affordability in perpetuity --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: And the land cost.
MR. SHEAR: -- which is meaningful. You can subscribe the
land cost. Land doesn't have to be free. Remember, there can be a
land payment. It's all a function of is the development still viable
and at what level.
I think the use of the Collier County Community Land Trust,
which was enacted just a few years ago, is tremendously helpful
by -- having them convey the land from the county to the Land Trust
to the developer allows you to relieve the tax portion of the land cost,
of the land value, which doesn't seem like a lot on an annual basis,
but you're able to leverage those funds with more debt proceeds
which allows you to build more units.
February 22, 2022
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Fee waivers and deferrals we've talked about quite a bit, and I
just mentioned they don't align perfectly, but I think you guys are
moving in the right direction there.
The expedited zoning and permitting. You cannot apply for
state funding until you have zoning in place. So the House Bill 1339
that was discussed here that allows a local government to approve
affordable housing on any land zoned residential, commercial, or
industrial use would allow you to expedite that process to bring in the
zoning. It's basically a certification we need to apply to the state.
And if we could do that, that opens up a lot of land.
The hardest part about coming to Collier County is finding land
that's entitled. Most of the land that's entitled for multifamily use
has done so under a PD [sic], and it's done so for that developer who's
going to develop that land ultimately themselves.
So there is very little marketed land that's zoned currently for
multifamily. Some of the PUDs offer senior housing, but there's
other strings attached with that.
And then the density bonus, I think it's 12 units per acre
currently, and I think that's a great start. But given the demand for
housing, you know, that's a really good density to do low-rise
two-story, three-story garden product. If you wanted to increase that
density, it's still going to fit in with the massing of the area. But to
allow them to go to more of a mid-rise development, which would
typically be your 30 to 40 units per acre maybe in certain areas that
are, you know, more commercial zoned areas so it doesn't conflict
with other low-rise or single-family, I think that's something that
should be given some consideration as well.
Those are just a few of the notes that I had in sitting at the
meeting.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Perfect.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Thank you.
February 22, 2022
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CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro, do you
have a question for him?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: The question I had is your
current projects, you said you took advantage of the 4 percent
program. Did you apply for the 9 percent and didn't qualify?
MR. SHEAR: We have another project that we have applied
for the 9 percent credits for for the last three years. It's incredibly
difficult. But the state has recognized -- and that's with the local
government support of Collier County. So we have a funding
commitment that when we close -- it actually doesn't have to be
funded until we complete construction. So the time frame is pretty
lengthy before those dollars actually have to come into the
development. But that funding commitment gives us a preference in
the 9 percent credit selections and how they score and rank the
applications.
Because this development's been supported by the county
two -- sorry, two years now, this third year going into it they're giving
us an additional preference. So we hope to have that application in
front of you again so we can secure that local commitment to deliver
in this case what would be 90 units 55-plus affordable housing.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I think you and I spoke about
it a bit ago.
Lastly, because there's more demand for 9 percent program,
obviously, what's normally the speed bump that makes you not
qualify for it? What's the thing that throws you out of the pool?
And then like you said, 4 percent is sort of the default program.
What are the -- and is it something that the county -- like you said,
our recommendation can help you qualify more for the 9 percent.
Are there other things that make a -- you know, someone like
you -- your company qualify more -- have a better chance for it?
MR. SHEAR: Yeah. There's a number of delineators that they
February 22, 2022
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use to rank these applications, and they're looking for sites that are in
proximity to schools, hospitals. There's locational preferences.
You have to meet a certain threshold level of proximity to these
various amenities that people use on a daily basis. So that's one of
the drivers to certain areas.
One of the other drivers are to be in these geographic specific
areas that the state has done -- I don't profess to understand their
methodology, but basically they've looked at high-opportunity areas
where schools are better, for instance, where there's higher levels of
bachelor's degree or better. There's a whole number of factors that
go in. They map these out. They give you a preference if you're in
those areas as well. And then you do have to have a basic threshold.
You have to have water/sewer availability; zoned land, which we had
discussed. So there are a number of thresholds that get you into the
game and then keep increasing your level of application.
At the end of the day, you're going to compete against a small
handful of other applications, and it comes down to a lottery, so there
is some element of luck there as well, which is why I don't build my
business model on the 9 percent credit allocations.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Got it. Thanks.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Valerie Wenrich. She'll
be followed by Susan Golden.
MS. WENRICH: Good afternoon, board members. My name
is Valerie Wenrich. I am the assistant superintendent of Human
Resources for Collier County Public Schools, a resident of Collier
County for 36 years, and a graduate of a local high school.
As the largest employer in Collier County, we are vested and
interest [sic] to support the recruitment of our most talented
employees, and our primary business is educating your children. To
do that, we must maintain a high-quality staff in all areas of our
organization.
February 22, 2022
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One of the factors considered by all prospective employees is
the cost of housing in our area, especially in our noncertified,
noninstructional staff, like bus drivers, nutrition service workers, and
our exceptional student education assistants who work with our most
neediest students. We are seeing equal impact to our certified staff
as well, prospective employees and those currently working and
accepting positions to only find out there is limited or no housing in
the area to meet their needs or their family's needs.
Weekly, I'm hearing stories of employees' rents going up almost
$1,000 overnight with little notice. Many contemplating leaving the
area and our employment to somewhere more accessible for housing.
We are experiencing high vacancy rates this year. Within the
instructional and noninstructional positions, we lost 175
noninstructional staff from August to February this year.
The lack of affordable housing has an impact on our school
district and our community in several different ways. About
20 percent, which is up from 12 percent when I spoke here three
years ago, commute from out of county, some as far as Charlotte
County depending on the time of the year, and this is only temporary
because they're seeking to find employment and housing in those
areas for which they live. The cost of commuting is getting too
costly.
We are also seeing a financial and emotional burden on our
employees in the schools. We have the highest utilization rates of
our employee wellness program to date, and it's making it more
difficult to retain that staff with skyrocketing rents, and many will
leave their roles at the end of this year.
Recruitment of future employees has become more difficult, as
the struggle to find housing rental and purchases due to the lack of
availability, obtainability, and unrealistic costs.
As many large organizations take steps to collectively address
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these concerns like NCH and others, Collier County Board of
Commissioners, you must take steps to implement the ULI
recommendations, as you are the best entity to address the housing
issues.
We also support the recommendation of the AHAC committee
and hope the county supports their efforts in relieving this crisis, and
we do also support a Board workshop for affordable housing. Thank
you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Susan Golden. She'll be
followed by Michael Dalby.
MS. GOLDEN: Good afternoon. I'm Susan Golden. I'm a
34-year resident of Collier County, and I personally consider myself
a housing advocate. I'm here to support your Affordable Housing
Advisory Committee's recommendations.
If you recall in October 2019, the Board approved Resolution
2019-207 directing your Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to
research and bring back potential reoccurring funding sources for the
re-established Housing Trust Fund. The AHAC subcommittee has
prepared a report identifying 15 potential revenue sources. Not all
of them are feasible, but the committee looked at a wide range of
potential reoccurring sources and are currently recommending three,
which you've heard about today.
These funds need to be placed in the Local Housing Trust Fund
to be provided as grants to non-profit and for-profit housing
developers to purchase land or -- and/or construct affordable housing.
I urge you to pursue those top three dedicated revenue sources.
And just very briefly to remind you, again, we're talking about
general revenue funds. We're also suggesting the allocation of the
$20 million from the 2018 surtax referendum into the Local Housing
Trust Fund. These funds are not reoccurring but will help jump start
the county's grant application process administered by your
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Community and Human Services staff to be used for land acquisition
and housing construction as stated in the approved ballot language.
And the third recommendation is retain a consultant to study a
minimal housing linkage fee on a -- within the subcommittee, the
recommendations are for things as low as a dollar a square foot.
We've had -- we've looked at these nexus studies from other
communities, and it has been stated earlier, sometimes the
recommendation is 15, $20 a square foot. Our recommendations
would take a formal nexus study into consideration even if
they -- even if the consultant recommended a 15- or
$25-a-square-foot fee, you as the elected officials could determine a
lower linkage fee for new commercial and industrial construction.
Other ideas generated from your AHAC staff really can't be
discussed in any detail in what was supposed to be, I think, a
one-hour staff presentation.
So, again, AHAC is requesting a workshop to include the
Planning Commission, Naples City Council, the local employers, the
Chamber, and the business leaders of our community as well as
residents who are directly impacted. That will give you the
opportunity to go into more detail and more depth about these
specific things.
In closing, it's crucial to understand that the affordable housing
crisis cannot be addressed and resolved just at a local level. It's not
solely the commissioners' responsibility but, as others have said, all
of us need to band together and move forward, row in one direction
to resolve this issue.
Some things that the county can do, though --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Ma'am.
MS. GOLDEN: -- are to advocate for --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Your time's up. You're past your
three minutes.
February 22, 2022
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MS. GOLDEN: Okay. Contact your local state
representatives, because the state has not provided -- the state house
has not provided full funding for SHIP and Sadowski. They need to
increase their allocation to be on par with the Governor's and the
Senate's budget. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Michael Dalby. He'll be
followed by Captain Ben Bridges.
MR. DALBY: I'm Michael Dalby, the president and CEO of
the Greater Naples Chamber.
For over 30 years, the Chamber has been a consistent advocate
for affordable workforce housing. Our employers know that they
have a role to play in this issue, as it concerns wages, and in almost
every job category across the board, we've seen wages increased.
And you have received emails from some of our employers who
note that the issue is impacting individuals who make 80,000,
100,000, 120,000 in household income but who cannot find housing.
We commend you for the affordable rental housing that you
have approved to date. We're grateful for your consideration of
applying the sales tax funds, which were approved by the voters for
that purpose of providing for affordable workforce housing. We
were practically the sole advocate for the initiative to make that
money available.
We're thankful for what's been done, and we implore you to take
additional steps, provide tangible incentives to encourage private
development of affordable rental housing to make attainable housing
available for families within multiple income bands.
If a group or developer is willing to develop affordable rental
housing, consider the following: A break in impact fees, not merely
deferrals; a lessening of landscape requirements; an extended density
allowance, increasing the density bonus; expanded zone -- expedited
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zoning and expedited permitting that is actually expedited, not three
to four years; amend the Land Development Code to allow innovative
and proven types of housing such as rental housing with a smaller
square footage or dormitory-style rentals where four unrelated
individuals could live in a four-bedroom unit with a shared kitchen
and living room.
And while we recognize the need for enthusiasm -- we recognize
the need for and we enthusiastically support the development of
affordable housing for essential service personnel, please also make
housing available for other citizens in our economy; manufacturers,
construction workers/personnel, and real estate services, et cetera.
Please take the additional steps that demonstrate your
understanding of the situation and your willingness to take real
tangible actions that will actually encourage and give a level of
certainty to the development of affordable workforce housing for the
working citizens of Collier County. Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Captain Ben Bridges.
He'll be followed by Ashley Jones.
MR. BRIDGES: Hello, Commissioners. Thank you for the
opportunity to gather together here today.
I'm here today not to offer stories. You've heard them already
and, indeed, our team could offer a novel on the stories of folks that
we've talked to over these last couple years.
But I'm speaking on behalf of those most significantly impacted
by this crisis, the hardworking mothers and fathers, but also for the
members of our immediate team at the Salvation Army who work
day in and day out to find solutions, to offer hope, while at the same
time personally being affected by this housing crisis. Indeed, this
housing crisis is not -- is but just one part of an overall emergency
that extends to an inability to find workers, to find employees, as
you've heard so much of already.
February 22, 2022
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As we at the Salvation Army work simultaneously not just to
find housing for folks but also to provide affordable daycare, we've
been challenged over this last couple of years with not being able to
fill our center to capacity simply because we can't find workers to
come into our rooms and watch over our children.
In our recruitment packages, we often have tried to use the
tagline, "we know you can't live here, but we need you to work here."
Surprisingly, it's not been effective to this point.
Commissioners, I acknowledge that this time has been afforded
to all of us because you recognize this is a crisis, and I thank you for
moving to effect change. But with respect, as we heard in our earlier
presentation, we knew this was coming at least eight years ago.
And today I'm faced with a challenge, as is my team, and
Ashley, who you're going to hear from in just a moment, of going
back to our office from this meeting and meeting with family after
family for whom nothing can be done in this current environment.
You can imagine the toll it takes on our team as they have those
conversations day in and day out, and then are left on their commute
back to another county to mull over how are we going to provide
hope to these families.
Indeed, we've already blown through -- tripled what we
currently had budgeted for this fiscal year in rental assistance, and
that's just a drop in the bucket to what really needs to happen here in
Collier County.
And so to that end, we implore you today to approve any and
everything that you can do to move this conversation forward to
effect practical change for our community.
To Commissioner Taylor's point earlier, education of our
community's a key point here. We've heard anecdotally that these
conversations are now making their way to tables at our local country
clubs. That and more will do. And so to the extend that you are
February 22, 2022
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able, we implore you to keep this conversation as a priority at the
front of everyone's mind here in Collier County so that we can rally
around this problem together.
The Salvation Army's committed to play a part in addressing
this crisis along with our other incredible partners from whom we
personally have benefited. And it's our hope that you provide us
with the resources and the capacity to do what our teams do best.
Thank you.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Ashley Jones. She'll be
followed by Lisa Lefkow.
MS. JONES: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and committee
members. For the record, I'm Ashley Jones, director of Social
Services and Emergency Disaster Services for the Salvation Army,
and I'm a proud Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance board member.
The odds of finding a relatively affordable place to live should
not be on par with the odds of winning the lottery. Still, Collier
County, like so many areas of the country, rents outpace income so
quickly that the odds are not in line with a lot of the families.
Affordable housing for teachers, sheriff deputies, service
industry workers, medical and healthcare professionals, the working
poor and low income is needed. Because of the current extreme
housing shortage, it is first-come-first-served crisis with 20 to 30
people applying for one slot. This essentially equates to a game of
musical chairs. Those who are left standing are homeless when the
music stops.
Collier County's long -- or Collier's long-standing housing
affordability crisis entered a new stage of urgency in 2020 as the
COVID-19 pandemic sparked an economic and health crisis that
threatened the housing stability and the lives of renters. The
COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that the complicated link between
housing and individual and public health as renters, predominantly
February 22, 2022
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people of color, struggle to remain safely and stably housed
throughout the pandemic.
With rising rents and housing costs, our friends, neighbors, and
coworkers are being priced out of Collier County, a place where they
once called home. For most low- and middle-aged [sic] workers,
decent rental housing is unaffordable. While wages have been
stagnated or slow to rise, rents continue to climb.
In no state, metropolitan area, or county in the U.S. can a worker
earn federal or prevailing state or local minimum wage to afford a
modest two-bedroom rental at fair market rent by working a standard
40-hour week.
In 2021, according to Out of Reach, the bedroom [sic] of
national housing wage is $24.90 a full-time worker must earn to
afford a modest two-bedroom apartment with spending no more than
30 percent of their income on rent. In Florida, the fair market rent
for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,290. In order to afford this level
of rent and utilities without paying more than 30 percent of income
on housing, a house -- a household must earn $4,302 or 51,619
annually.
In Collier, for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,376, a household
must earn $4,599 monthly or 55,048 annually.
In 2021, rents jumped 20 to 30 percent in cities. In Collier
we're seeing 25 to 50 percent, and we expect rent hikes to continue as
leases are renewed.
Home prices have been rising at a record pace and grew faster
than ever in 2021. Despite the pandemic, people are locked down,
choosing to work from home, wanting more space, and tried to buy
homes. Many relocating to this beautiful county.
I've got lots more to say but are going to focus on the solutions,
because I'm going to run out of time.
One of the things we can look at is similar to FEMA's
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transitional housing program. After a disaster we look to having
agreements with hotels and motels when the snowbirds return home.
That way we could actually have housing now for people in our
community instead of all the wonderful housing that is coming down
the pipeline.
We can also look at shared housing. We also need to look for
programs for commuters. We need to help them with their gas.
And I, myself, am one of the individuals that commute. So we
continue to explore two-year leases.
And, lastly, it's been a privilege to work alongside with Kristi
and her team at the county. We continue to look for ways to address
the affordable housing issue. And, as Captain mentioned, the
Salvation Army is here to serve.
Thank you again, and I'm proud to be part of this endeavor as
we look to find solutions for those in our community. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Ashley.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Lisa Lefkow. She'll be
followed by Michael McCabe.
MS. LEFKOW: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Lisa
Lefkow, CEO, Habitat for Humanity. I'm keenly aware that I'm
standing between you and lunch, and so I will be brief.
I am delighted that we are in this moment where there's so much
positive energy around the concept of affordable housing. We've
been at this for a long, long time. Habitat for Humanity here in
Collier County for 44 years working to make a difference, working to
provide solutions.
We've heard a lot today about the rental housing that's coming
online. You've done a good job in making sure that those things are
stacked up. By my count, I think we had about 250 in the next two
years coming online. That's a drop in the bucket.
What we've not heard anything about today is affordable
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homeownership, and Habitat for Humanity, as your partner, partners
with the county in providing an opportunity for affordable home
ownership. Our rental rates are going to continue to respond to
fluctuations in the market, and we're going to have good days and
better days and worse days. But homeownership provides that
sustainability and helps to break that cycle of poverty.
Habitat for Humanity, as Commissioner Saunders pointed
out -- thank you for that -- in Collier County is the largest producing
affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in all of the United States. We
would love to be a stronger partner with you to make those
opportunities available for our low-wage earners.
We've heard a lot today about essential service providers.
We've heard a lot today about workforce housing. And, certainly,
we acknowledge that the gap is growing larger and larger, and there
are more and more people who are being squeezed out of the housing
market at higher income levels.
But please let you -- let me remind you that the essential service
workers include those who are running our gas stations and opening
7-Eleven and serving our coffees at Starbucks and taking care of our
medians, working for you, working for the county, working as aides
and assistants in all of our healthcare providers, folks that are making
less than 80 percent of the area median income. Let us not leave
them behind.
So making sure that we are continuing to provide opportunities
for those very-low and low-wage earners.
We are in a pivotal moment, my friends. And I'm very grateful
that your visionary -- your vision, your long-reaching arms are taking
into account all of these opportunities. Let's not take any of them off
the table.
Commissioner Saunders, you brought forth some game
changers. Let's be open to these ideas so that we are leaving a really
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good legacy to the next generation.
Thank you so much for your time, for your service, and for your
partnership.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Lisa, I have a question for
you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I'm sorry. He was lit up, and I
missed it.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: First of all, I appreciate what
you do, you know, in the tours that you and I have had through
communities in District 1, especially -- your communities are some
of the nicest ones on the block. So, you know, people that sort of
throw stones at times at Habitat for Humanity, you need to get out
and drive the neighborhoods.
But having said that, you know, you just made the statement
you'd like to be a stronger partner with the county. You know, last
time I was in your office you showed me, like, a huge map of all
these communities that could have been built, ribbons that could have
been cut.
And so just correct the record before. I never, and I don't
believe I said -- and if I did, then I'll correct the record. But after our
conversations, I wasn't implying that the County Commissioners shot
everything down. But in the conversations we had, there was more
than a couple of things, some county level, whether it was planning
board or just maybe negative attitudes that caused you to sort of halt
something and say, you know what, we don't want to swim upstream
and try to beat a dead horse. We're not going to get approval for
this. Nobody wants it in their backyard. Let's shelve it for five
years until there's a big crisis, and then everybody's going to become
a disciple of Habitat for Humanity.
But let me ask you this: So how can we be a better, stronger
partner? Why haven't we been? And all those great communities
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that are on your wonderful map, why aren't they already built? What
were the roadblocks? Because you own a ton of land. We're
talking in here about county land, county land. Correct me if I'm
wrong, I saw a map, and you're like, we own this, we own that, we
already have blueprints to build something on this, but stall, stall,
stall, stall, stall. And I'm not throwing spears at you, but you need a
lot of support, be it community, county, and all the above. So
educate us on how we can be a stronger partner and why we haven't
cut more ribbons.
MS. LEFKOW: Sure. So one of the things that was
mentioned today is that you, as a commission, have been very
supportive, that you haven't voted no against anything that we've
brought forward. That's primarily because we haven't brought
anything forward. We've been very intentional about making sure
the land that we acquire and purchase is already entitled. It's already
zoned. It's already ready to go because of the history of -- just as
you've identified, Commissioner LoCastro, the challenges that have
been before us in that "not in my backyard" syndrome. So we've
been very intentional about making sure that land is appropriate, is
ready to go.
We do have land. We have a couple of parcels that are
appropriately zoned, ready to go. We're working on those now. We
have parcels that are not zoned. So some of the things that you
mentioned, Commissioner Saunders, like moving beyond the growth
plan -- the Growth Management Plan and Land Development Codes
and being able to change zoning without having to go through that
extraordinary and onerous process, those things would absolutely
help to make Habitat neighborhoods come online faster.
Let me be very clear. Habitat for Humanity and Collier County
has been completely non-reliant on government funding. At the
largest level, less than 3 percent of our budget came from county
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government. So -- now, we are absolutely one of the -- I think,
Kristi, correct me if I'm wrong -- we are one of the primary referral
agents to some of your programs like the county's down payment
assistance program, SHIP funding. So we are always bringing
clients to you, but that doesn't -- that's not our budget, right? That's
going to the homebuyers, and we're going to continue to do that.
We're grateful for that partnership.
So all of these things -- and, again, many of the things that
you're studying today that -- the Community Land Trust, a perfect
partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Land is expensive. That's
not news to you. We don't get land for free. We're out there
competing with developers. We know that that is not going to
change. So the Community Land Trust, the Housing Trust Fund, all
ways that can incentivize others to form the partnerships that Nick
was talking about. And we want to be a part of those partnerships,
building the mixed-income communities so that we can have
market-rate and affordable housing in a single community.
Look, there's no doubt that communities are stronger, better,
healthier when they're diverse and when we have a place for
everybody in our community to live and work.
So we're all committed to the same thing. And investigating,
researching, and bringing these programs online, again, will help us
make sure, not only for today but especially for tomorrow, that we
have opportunities for everybody to be here.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I want to say one thing to go
on the record to support your organization, and it's separating rumor
from fact. There's a lot of people out there in the community,
whether they're -- maybe some of them are elected officials or
community leaders or whatever -- who are not supporters of Habitat
for Humanity, and usually the next thing out of their mouth is, oh, it
provides a concentration of, you know, bad actors or whatnot. I met
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with Sheriff Rambosk and Colonel Jim Bloom, and he said that's
absolutely untrue, absolutely untrue.
So, you know, we've got to separate rumor from fact that every
community -- you know what, the Sheriff reports to Port Royal and
has issues there so -- but, you know, they said beyond a shadow of a
doubt that Habitat for Humanity communities aren't off the charts
when it comes to, you know, their responses or whatnot. They have
responses just like they have at any other community. Sometimes
less, because the misconception is that your units are filled with
homeless people.
I know at least six nurses -- and we met them when I went on a
tour with you -- work at NCH that live in Habitat for Humanity
homes that they are working to own. You know, it's not free
housing either. That's the other misconception; you're handing out
keys to people who came over here from Miami and are getting all
their homes.
So I really applaud what you're doing. And part of the
education that, like Commissioner Taylor was talking about, is also
making sure that we have the right education about organizations like
yours and others who actually have been part of the solution, and
now all of a sudden you've got a lot of fans. So I say, great, let's take
advantage of it. But thank you very much.
MS. LEFKOW: Thank you. Thank you so much. I
appreciate that.
There are, you're absolutely right, so many misconceptions
about how Habitat -- how the Habitat model works. We are not like
other developers that build a home, turn a key, and walk away. We
remain involved. We stay in relationship with homeowners. We
mentor homeowners associations. Every Habitat community is
turned over to an association board, so there's a long-term
relationship. We stay with everything that we build.
February 22, 2022
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So, once again, thank you for your good work. I'm happy to
talk to anybody about Habitat for Humanity, since Commissioner
LoCastro has identified that we now have converts. So I want to
make sure that everybody has that opportunity to leave a donation.
Thank you. Thank you for your good work.
MR. MILLER: Your next speaker is Michael McCabe. He'll
be followed by Dan Cook.
MR. McCABE: Good afternoon. It's been a while since I've
been on the podium side of things.
But I was listening to the morning's session, and I felt compelled
to leave City Hall and come down here and speak. And I did that
because we're hearing a lot from the community, and we are getting
the alarm bells that this is a crisis. And this meeting is emphasizing
that we are recognizing it as such. It is a wake-up call. But what
we need to make sure that we do when we get a wake-up call is we
stay awake and we don't snore. We literally now need to go and take
action.
And so I came here to speak to a couple of things. We cannot
look at the past and feel we've missed opportunities. We cannot
commiserate over what should have been. And, Commissioner
LoCastro said it well, he said, we should look to the past to learn, and
the lessons are there, and they are stark.
There are opportunities out there in our community, both the
county and the city. As Mr. Trachtenberg said, in its simplest form,
it really boils down to three things, and as we always try to look
forward and accomplish tasks, it is best to break it down into
digestible levels. The first he said is money. The next is density
and time.
And money. This need is bigger than a breadbox. It is not a
one and done. The $20 million from the one-cent fund is just a
beginning.
February 22, 2022
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The conversation went on to say, well, what about a millage
rate? What about the quarter mill? And a quarter mill would
deliver 27 million a year. I think that would -- should be the
minimum. There was conversations about 10 million. Ten million
won't get it there, not to solve this crisis.
So I think the quarter mill rate of 27 million a year should be
what is discussed and moved forward with. That should be the
minimum.
And it should be strictly fenced off. I'm really running out of
time. It should be strictly fenced off, not what the state fund was,
which was continually robbed for different purposes.
We need to cooperate, the city, the county, the state. We, as the
city, have lost an opportunity in Naples for affordable housing, and as
has been referenced several times today, in the Gordon River
Apartments. I say we lost it, but I don't, because only lost if we
accept it as such.
Henry Ford was a visionary and said, whether you think you can
or you think you can't, you're right. And as I tell my kids
continually, if you think it, you can. If you believe it, you will.
And what we need to do as the city and the county, we need to
believe it. And in believing it, we can accomplish anything.
And as those inevitable barriers come up or the issues that
disable us, we then go around them, under them, over them, or
straight through them, because this is the community. You've heard
these people. This is a need that we all need to address.
And just one more thing, the density, the state has passed a
greater -- a law that allows us to go beyond our ordinances without
having to go rezoning. And I know from the city that will be
invaluable.
We in the City of Naples have undertaken a study with the
Bright Organization to look at this issue, affordable housing. We are
February 22, 2022
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in the final steps of that. We also have initiated a master planning
process for a 41-10 corridor, and in it we've -- the consultant has
identified a couple of areas where we can put affordable housing.
But what we need, as Commissioner Taylor said, we need
short-term and we need long-term solutions. We in the city have a
short-term solution. We need to go back, we need to go after the
Gordon River Apartments, and we need to take that back. We need
to take it back because it is not just affordable housing, 95 units, that
we're losing; it is the anchor for our underserved community, and we
need to do better for that. Yeah.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Mike.
MR. McCABE: In summary -- see, you thought you had
me -- you thought you got rid of me.
In summary, we really do need to have this as a partnership, and
this wake-up call literally needs to be acted upon. And I think
you've got the ability to act upon it today in the money category; the
density, I think, is something that has been addressed by the state, but
we need to go further; and time. The element of time,
Mr. Trachtenberg said, we are out of time. The community is out of
time, and we need to give our time to make this happen. So thank
you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you, Mike.
MR. MILLER: Mr. Chair, final registered speaker for this item
is Dan Cook.
MR. COOK: Mr. Chair, I'm facing the same rental problem
just the same as all the other speakers that we heard early today. I'm
a single father. No child support. No government assistance. I've
been a server, I've been a bartender, I've been a kitchen worker, and
I've pretty much survived here in Naples since 2007 living at or
below the poverty level. I've had to find roommates or lower my
standard of living in order to afford rent.
February 22, 2022
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But I'm not here today interested in the federal programs to
assist in my rent because, as was said earlier, the entire nation is
facing these problems, and I'm philosophically opposed to taking
money from the county who receive money from the federal
government who receive money from taxpayers in Idaho or Michigan
or other states from other individuals probably facing these same
problems.
I am sympathetic to the struggles that many of the Collier
County residents are facing, as I am facing these as well. And I
hope that the Board makes a decision today that helps the people
without creating any unintended consequences.
So I'd like to give my two cents not so much as to the decision
that the Board is facing regarding the immediate solutions, the
Band-Aid, if you will, but I would like to make a suggestion for part
of the long-term solution. I saw in the proclamation at the start of
the meeting of the Lorenzo Walker education, and I'd like to see the
county create the conditions where the workers in Collier County can
increase our earning capabilities by developing high-income skills
that will result in higher paychecks, more small businesses being
started and, for the private sector, the free market, to create the
environment where we the people can afford our standards of living
without relying on government money, and I look forward to being
part of the workshops in the process.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Dan, wait. I've got a
question for you.
MR. COOK: Uh-oh.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: So what do you think the
unintended consequences are of the things that are being proposed
today?
MR. COOK: Well, I'm not entirely sure what unintended
consequences -- to answer the question, Commissioner Saunders
February 22, 2022
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mentioned the linkage, right? And I'm not familiar with what that is
or what the result of that is, so that's really what I was referring to.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor, do you have
a question for Dan?
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: No. I have a statement, and it
will be one sentence. Alan Horton contacted me yesterday regarding
this affordable housing issue we're discussing. He was on the
original county workshop for two years and very concerned about it,
was very concerned about it.
And there's something -- he wrote a long letter, and I'm happy
to -- it's always available. But what he says is, no single
infrastructure issue is more important to our county's future than the
already critical and ever-worsening lack of affordable workforce
housing. Now, I think that sums it up. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. All right. That ends our
public -- our public discussion on this -- on this item. So let's go into
some discussion and how we -- how we think we ought to be moving
through this. I believe we go to Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Yeah, I was not anticipating
being the first speaker, because I'm prepared to make some motions.
And I won't make the motions until I hear other comments. But I
will say that, as I said before, a lot of this problem that we're facing
now, it's been a long-term problem, and we've tried to deal with it.
When we had the pandemic, of course, that certainly exacerbated
everything that we're dealing with in terms of the mass migration, the
mass resignation, all of those things. I'm seeing California license
plates. That's something new for Naples.
And so this problem has become a whole lot more critical today
than it was -- even though it was critical years ago, it's a whole lot
more critical now.
February 22, 2022
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And so I've got a series of six items that I would like to see the
Board consider adopting today. That doesn't mean they're final
decisions. That means that staff is directed to come back with those
final decisions, not in a workshop, but for implementation. So at the
appropriate time, I will make some motions if someone else hasn't.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I'd like to hear from our
County Manager, Mr. Isackson. I mean, he spent a lot of time over
the last few days meeting with all of us separately and we
talked -- we knew the topics that were going to -- nothing surprised
us today. We all knew what the AHAC was going to recommend.
And, you know, especially with your budget and finance background,
I think, you know, you shared a lot of eloquent ideas, you know, with
me and also, separating some rumor from fact, that we can get from
here to there, but, you know, there might be a smarter way or more
appropriate way to sort of do it.
So before we make any motions -- and I'm all for what
Commissioner Saunders said; we're here to take action without doing
premature knee jerks, but some of the stuff is -- like they say, it isn't
rocket science.
But, sir, I think we really should turn the mic over to you. You
know the issues. You've talked to all of us, but put -- bookend this
for us, if you would, for us, Mark, with knowledge and
recommendations.
MR. ISACKSON: Let's start with the $20 million that's in the
Trust Fund. This is the -- this is the surplus fund that the county has
set up. It's Fund 318. I've circled the amount of money that's sitting
in reserves right now, and that can easily be moved in and fenced off
within this particular fund for purchase of land for affordable
housing.
What I would suggest that the Board give me the authority to do
February 22, 2022
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is a budget amendment that moves that money out from reserves, just
like we do every other project that's in this Surtax Fund. It's all
fenced off. We set up a funded program and a cost center for that
specific fund. It's earmarked for that. That can be done
immediately.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: So moved.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Second.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Second.
MR. ISACKSON: Now, what will happen -- what will happen
after that, once the money is now positioned --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: There's a motion and a second
already up here.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Yeah, I'd be --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
we do that budget amendment. Any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All opposed, same sign, same
sound.
(No response.)
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Takes one of my six off.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Now you're down to five.
MR. ISACKSON: What will happen subsequent to that --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Can I just say one thing? I
don't want anybody to think that we're prematurely just doing knee
jerks up here. We've been spending a lot of time on this. This is
February 22, 2022
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sort of the final.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: This is part of the reason --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: This is why we've got a
County Manager that has so much depth in finance and has really
taken a lot of time over the last few days to meet with each one of us
individually. So it gives the same result, Joe, for your knowledge,
fences the money. It's just more of a cleaner way, I guess, to do it.
But trust me, we will all make sure we're protecting that money, and
so we've accomplished the same thing, just a better accounting way
of doing it, I guess, for lack of a better term, but...
MR. ISACKSON: Now, typically what happens is, once the
money is now moved and fenced off in a particular funded program
and cost center, that any expenditure of that money technically goes
to the advisory committee that's set up to handle these types of
projects. We've done this for the last two-and-a-half years. And I
suspect that when a deal comes through, that will also be part of the
protocol. So that handles the 20 million.
Let's now address the affordable housing.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Mark, just for clarification --
MR. ISACKSON: Yes.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: -- how do we make sure that
that definitely happens, that it goes to the advisory committee? Not
that I expect it will -- and I know that I'm paraphrasing. But how do
we --
MR. ISACKSON: Well, it's grounded in the legislation that
was set up.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay. So it will go?
MR. ISACKSON: Yes.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: It will. Got it, okay.
MR. ISACKSON: The next step -- this is the part of the '22
budget that talks about affordable. It's Fund 105. Now, this gets to
February 22, 2022
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the Board's discussion about general governmental resources being
directed or dedicated toward affordable housing purposes on a
reoccurring basis.
Now, we can sit here and talk about the dollars and cents, but
the accounting mechanism is in place to handle a transfer from
general governmental resources, most likely the General Fund, into
this particular affordable housing fund that we have set up.
Now, originally it was set up in 2007. It was an "extraction," if
I could use that term, from developers into this particular fund.
Now, if we decide that it's a quarter mill, it's a tenth of a mill, it's
whatever equivalency we use in order to make that transfer from the
General Fund, that's where that money would set up and reside. It
would come from the General Fund and be transferred into this
affordable housing fund for use in encouraging and fostering
affordable housing.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Is this the Affordable Housing
Trust?
MR. ISACKSON: No, it's just -- it's just a fund that we had set
up to house money to try and offset.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Gotcha. Now, there were a
couple of lights pop up.
Commissioner Solis, are you on a different subject, or do you
want me to come back to you?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Different subject. I'll wait to hear
from --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'm on this subject. A tenth
of a mill will generated about $10 million. I would like -- I would
make a motion to direct staff -- we're getting into the budget process
now -- to come back with some recommendations in terms of a
millage rate not to exceed a tenth of a mill, because I don't think we
February 22, 2022
Page 135
can afford any more than that. More than likely it would be .05
mills. That will still generate a lot of money for the trust fund on an
annual basis. But to come back during our budget process in terms
of setting aside a committed designated millage rate for the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
MR. ISACKSON: That would be a millage equivalency.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: However you want to call it,
but it would --
MR. ISACKSON: But your General Fund rate would not
change; it's still 3.5645.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: That's correct.
MR. ISACKSON: That's what I'm saying.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Just peeling out a portion of the
general -- the overall millage rate and designate it over here, and your
motion is to direct staff to --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: To take a look at that in a
millage equivalency not to exceed a tenth of a mill, because that will
generate $10 million, but the Board will have the flexibility to reduce
that amount in the next budget cycle. It's not a commitment to a
tenth of a mill.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Basically to review the
ramifications of that?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And come back during our
budget process with that.
MR. ISACKSON: Understood.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I think a tenth of a mill
is -- quite frankly, I think that that's a reasonable number for us to
start with. But the Board may have -- I mean, yeah, a tenth of a mill,
I think, is a good place to at least start the planning process. But my
personal view is that we would probably do something less than that
in this first year.
February 22, 2022
Page 136
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Would you consider maybe
staff doing a little research to see if this is being done in other
counties here and what that allocation is? Just --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I don't have any issue with
that, but I don't really care what they're doing in other counties on
this particular issue. I do care about the linkage fee in other
counties, but I think we need to set aside a designated millage
equivalency going forward regardless of what --
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I like that.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: -- regardless of what's done
in other communities.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Millage equivalency, it's the
number of how much. You know, it's just how much.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: On this item?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, briefly. I just want to
ask him one question on this item.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: On this motion?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Well, did he make a motion?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yeah, he made a motion to direct
staff to come back with the information on --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, but just for
education --
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I'll second that.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: -- if we designated, you
know, a certain millage rate, is it just for a year? Do we set a
10-year mark? Every year does it have to be reapproved? What's
the protocol for that?
MR. ISACKSON: This afternoon you're going to hear budget
policy. It is the prelude for the development of the budget that you'll
receive for '23. It comes to you in a workshop session in June.
So what you're going to see in the budget policy -- this can
February 22, 2022
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easily be added as part of that budget policy, though, so the Board
understands the parameters of the set-aside on a reoccurring basis.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Commissioner, the reason
that I thought that doing a millage equivalency is that will be in our
budget. It will stay there until a board votes to take it out.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: To take it out.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And it's harder to take out
than --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Got it. That answered my
question perfectly, yeah.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. It's been moved and
seconded that we do the equivalency study and bring it back -- or
equivalency direction and bring it back for a future vote?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Correct.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Correct interpretation? Moved
and seconded. Any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
MR. ISACKSON: I think that covers the financial stuff, if I'm
not mistaken.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I don't want to steal Commissioner
Saunders' thunder, because he's still got a long list of things he wants
February 22, 2022
Page 138
to make over there, but --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: He's down to four now.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: -- I would like to make a motion,
and it relates to one of the recommendations here that we received
from staff, and that is No. 2. We've already taken care of the first
recommendation. Second was to identify eligible parcels for
acquisition from the one-cent infrastructure surtax. I think we need
a motion to direct staff to do that. But I'd like to add to that motion
that we also look at, again, existing county lands and bring back both
of those.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I'll second that motion.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Including the --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So, basically, you're referring to
No. 2 in the agenda item under recommendations to identify eligible
parcels for acquisition?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Correct.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yep.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: But add to that also, let's bring
back all of the county-owned land, like we did before, and look at the
big picture, not only what's out there but what we already own,
because --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I'd like --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: -- time is money.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Would you give consideration to
including the -- and, again, we aren't committing to anything other
than the lands that we have jurisdiction over. But I'd like to -- I'd
like to have a discussion with lands that potentially the City of Naples
owns or lands that the school district owns.
I actually had a meeting with one of the school board members
two weeks ago at iTECH, and she was quite happy about maybe a
partnership relationship with the school district, especially since we
February 22, 2022
Page 139
have -- I don't know where Chris went. But we have folks who
can -- the school district's not interested in managing the housing or
having it become a portion of their employment scenario, but they
own an enormous amount of land. And plunk 20 units here, 20 units
there, and so on and so forth, and pretty soon you have some. So if
you would consider adding that in as a discussion point for us. We
can't commit to anything that we don't own, but I'd like for us to be
collaboratively working with -- I don't know if Marco has a lot left
other than that one that's archaeologically challenged. But if you
wouldn't mind adding that in, I'd like to have that.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: That would be fine, but I want to
make sure that -- because that's going to take a lot of coordination
with the school district. I want to make sure that -- and maybe that
just needs to be another motion, and I would be glad to make that,
but --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: -- to look at the land that we can
buy and that we own right now, we can do that immediately, and I'd
like that to move as fast as it can move.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. So it's been moved that we
bring back the eligible properties that we have, that the county
currently has, as alternatives for future housing needs. Did I sum
that up okay?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: You seconded it, Commissioner
Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I did.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded.
Any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
February 22, 2022
Page 140
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
Okay. Commissioner Saunders, you moved to the top.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Yeah, I had a couple other
motions to make. You may want to take the one concerning the
school board properties first, but I've got a couple.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I've got a note here that we --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: All right. These are a little
bit more controversial, but I think we need to take a look at. One is
to direct staff to come back with a recommendation on a consultant to
do a nexus study for a linkage fee for the affordable housing.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. It's been moved and
seconded. Any discussion?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I think my discussion point
would be, I don't think anybody should ever be against a study. And
so, like you say, we'll see what comes back from it. I mean, I know
that I've heard pluses and minuses from my constituents. I have my
own ideas about linkage fees and whatnot, but we're voting on
nothing other than having a study. And I think for us to make a
smart decision, you know, we should have all the facts. So I
definitely would support a study. And then, you know, whether it
has my support or not depends on the study, but we can't vote on
something unless we have all the details. And I don't think anybody
up here's an expert on linkage fees.
February 22, 2022
Page 141
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I concur. You know, to me it's an
additional tax, which then ends up being a burden in one way or the
other. Whether you put it on the developer, it ends up being a square
footage expense which then gets passed on to the consumer which
then impacts the person that's earning not enough money in order to
be able to pay for their rent and so on and so forth. It just -- it ends
up being a cyclical thing. But doing -- if we do have a study, I'd
certainly be happy to have a look at it. And like Commissioner
LoCastro said, I'm not -- I'm not all that on it. I want to see what the
information says first.
So any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
we do a study on the nexus -- a nexus study on the linkage fee. Do
you want to put a time frame on that to see it, or do we want to
burden our staff with that?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I think probably staff will
come back in the next couple months, I would assume, with some
recommendations.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yeah, okay. It's been moved and
seconded that we do the study. I won't put you under the gun on
time.
MS. PATTERSON: So you want us just to move out with
hiring a consultant for --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: No.
MS. PATTERSON: Coming back to you with
recommendations on a consultant?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Correct.
MS. PATTERSON: Recommendations on a consultant?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: And is it possible that -- you
know, I'm not a big, huge fan of consultants, as everybody knows.
February 22, 2022
Page 142
Is it possible that we have the expertise in this building to bring us
back --
MS. PATTERSON: Absolutely not.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No. Okay. Then I want to
clarify that. Okay. I want to hear somebody say it.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All right. It's been moved and
seconded we move forward with the recommendation for a consultant
for the nexus study. Any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: What I'd like also to do is
direct the County Attorney to evaluate whether we can do impact fee
waivers for affordable housing as opposed to simply doing impact
deferrals and come back with some legal analysis on that.
MR. KLATZKOW: Yeah. I'm going to be bringing -- I'm
going to give a separate memo to each of you. You've already
tasked me on that Florida Statute. I'll include the impact fees with
that. And if any of you want me to bring that as an agenda item, I'll
then put it on the agenda.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: How about -- I have --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Just one more.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Are you on impact fees or -- are
you done with the impact fees, or do you want me to come back to it?
February 22, 2022
Page 143
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Well, I was going to do one
more in reference to impact fees.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Well, go ahead.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And this will get to be rather
controversial and perhaps an area where we don't want to go, but I
think it's important to evaluate whether a housing impact fee on
commercial industrial property makes any sense. Now, I recognize
that we have the highest impact fees already in the state. Those high
impact fees have not resulted in a reduction in commercial and
residential activity in terms of construction in the county. So I'd like
some information on doing a housing impact fee study on
commercial industrial zoning.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I'm going to -- I'm going
to -- Commissioner Taylor. I'm stuttering because I can't go there.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Yeah. I think we have an
expert that actually testified in the state about impact fees. It's
Deputy County Manager Amy Patterson. Maybe you could respond
to that.
MS. PATTERSON: So point of clarification, then. The
linkage fee attempts, depending on how it's structured, to essentially
be a similar funding source to an impact fee, hence the reason for the
nexus. So if you'd like us to combine the two and give you options,
because it's a question of how far you want to go and if you want to
limit this to commercial only or if you want to touch certain types of
residential.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Well, I think on the linkage
fee, it was really -- we were really talking about residential. But if
that includes commercial and residential --
MS. PATTERSON: The linkage fee is primarily commercial
with some types of residential. I think what -- to achieve what I
believe your goal is is let us just bring you the options of how you
February 22, 2022
Page 144
might approach this with a type of fee structure, be it an affordable
housing impact fee or a linkage fee.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: That's exactly what I'm
trying to do.
MS. PATTERSON: Okay.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: So maybe we don't need
another motion.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I have a motion on something
that's not controversial and very positive, Commissioner Saunders.
No, I'm just kidding.
And I don't know if we need a motion for this, but we've kicked
this around all day today, and we really need to -- you know, if we're
talking about getting our hair on fire, getting stuff done, setting dates,
not kicking the can, and so my motion is on the workshop of tasking
our staff to -- a whole bunch of people also came up to the podium.
So, Jacob, I hope somebody really smart was writing down the names
of the Immokalee people, Habitat for Humanity, you know -- you
know, this young lady, Ms. Keay, she came up here and had ideas
and whatnot, and so we want to be as inclusive as possible without
turning it into a circus but really making sure we bring stakeholders.
We all know the issue. We need now to bring people together that
just don't reiterate what we heard today but have solutions.
But I think -- you know, I make a motion, if we need it or not,
but I think to get it on the record that we task staff to come back to us
with a date for a workshop, make sure it's inclusive of the
organizations that we think are major stakeholders, really, you know,
could help us and make sure that, you know, we don't leave anything
out.
And then, as part of that workshop -- and I wrote down some of
the things that we all, you know, kicked around here and discussed as
February 22, 2022
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things we want to zero in on is the acceleration of the -- I think it was
the ERA program. We talked about, oh, April, April, April, and
we're, like, okay, April's a million years away. So at that workshop
we should be talking about how it can be sooner than April.
The AMI adjustments, how we can have more of a sliding scale
so somebody that just gets a thousand dollar promotion isn't now all
of a sudden living in their car because so many other things have
changed.
And so at the workshop we need people on our staff to have
already researched, if that's -- if those things are feasible or not, not
just come to the workshop and just, you know, represent the problem.
And then, Ms. Rodriguez, as you and I discussed, one of
the -- and for the rest of the group -- but she and I know this, so one
of the things we did at the AHAC was to come up with the
spreadsheet of all the apartments -- and all the commissioners got a
copy of this. But we both talked at one of the breaks, this would be
a great I don't want to say homework assignment, but your tenant
union that you're forming, how could they help us? Tenant union
really isn't going to have legal authority. They can have plenty of
authority, as we saw in one particular case, of leverage and getting,
you know, the news media and whatnot, but where you-all really can
help us is take a spreadsheet like this, and instead of the county
calling, like you heard in the AHAC meeting, one of our county
members said, yeah, we do call these apartments, but we call from
our county offices and then they have caller ID and it says Collier
County, and then they say, oh, yes, we have 60 units, and they're all
full of firefighters and teachers.
And then you so eloquently came to the last AHAC meeting and
said, we made our own -- or it was you. We made our own phone
calls with a Walmart burner phone, or what have you, and we heard
that they didn't have anything.
February 22, 2022
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So this is where you can really help all of us and separate rumor
from fact and be a major portion and, you know, give 10 of these
apartment complexes to each of your members, because it sounds like
your group is growing.
But -- I know that was a mouthful, but I make a motion that we
have the staff set a workshop sooner than later. You know, it doesn't
mean we're going to have every answer at the workshop, but let's not
kick this thing to August or what have you, and we cover all those
areas that we talked about and make sure that the workshop would
address those things.
And in the end, the mission of the workshop would be much like
today. We would be making decisions or suggesting things that
come here for a major vote if we can't do it in the workshop. So that
would be my motion, I guess.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Commissioner?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Can I make a suggestion?
We want to have a -- the reason to have a workshop is so we have a
dedicated day and time. We don't have a whole lot of other
business. Why don't we just have a special board meeting?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Oh, absolutely.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And that way if we decide to
make a motion on something, we're set up for that.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Perfect.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: But it's a separate day for
that purpose.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: You're hearing that, Jacob?
So if you're seen as the ones putting that -- you know, trying to
suggest a date, work with the County, you know, Manager and the
staff here so that we pick a day to make, like you said, sort of an
off-calendar meeting that's an actual meeting so we can vote on
February 22, 2022
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things and kill two birds with one stone. Excellent suggestion and --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: That's better than a workshop.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah. I know everybody
always uses the buzz word "workshop," but sometimes that's just a lot
of chatter, and then nothing comes out of it. So we want -- I guess
maybe my motion's going to be for an action-oriented meeting about
affordable housing, so that's my motion.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And if I may make a suggestion to
the motion maker who got adjusted is maybe all of us individually
send our wish list of what we'd like to see in this special meeting as
topics, subject matters so that we're not -- because you have your
wish list, I have mine, and so on and so on.
So maybe we all send, you know, top three or five or something
along those lines independently so that we're not just throwing darts
on things, so -- but you want to make a motion on the special
meeting?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Seconded it?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Second.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
we schedule a special meeting to go over these issues with regard to
housing particularly. Do you want to pick a time now or -- you
know what, we can maybe even do that in our afternoon break -- or
when we come back after lunch. It's been moved and seconded that
we set a special meeting. Any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
February 22, 2022
Page 148
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Finally, we haven't addressed
for a very good reason, because it's really the most difficult, what do
we do now to help these folks?
So I would like, perhaps, the County Attorney to get involved in
this question, and your answer may be we can't do anything legally,
and we are bound by the law. We cannot -- but if we don't address
people living -- a nurse living in her car to work in Collier County,
we aren't doing what we need to do. And people being thrown out
of their houses and, you know, the game -- I'm going to say it straight
out -- the game that's being played by these management companies
of these apartment buildings where they -- we have someone who's
paid rent for two years, and they double or triple the rent.
And they can come -- the tenant can come to the county to
help -- to give some kind of cushion until they can find another place.
They say, oh, no, you can't do it because you don't make enough
money. It's just the worst kind of behavior, and I don't think we as a
society in Collier County should really tolerate it. But I'm not so
sure we can do anything about it, so I think that would be my
question and ask. And I'm turning to our County Attorney.
MR. KLATZKOW: Specifically, what would you like to do?
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I would like to solve this -- I
don't know if there's any way -- I don't think we can come -- well, I
don't know, you know. Start -- if you're going to triple someone's
rent, give them a year at a base, which is what they've been paying,
so that they know it's coming. You don't, at the end of that term, just
suddenly, oh, you've got two months and by the way your rent is
doubled or tripled.
February 22, 2022
Page 149
MR. KLATZKOW: I'll take a look at the issue and see if you
can get some sort of county fair-housing ordinance put together and
get back to you, because that's what you're talking about.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Okay. If. You know, that's a
big if. But that's -- this is immediate. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Yes. I just want to circle back
to -- and I don't know if this is another one of Commissioner
Saunders' list, but circle back to the four pending changes that are out
there. And I'm trying to pull it up here so I can rattle them off. Yes.
So there's -- we have four things that are actually pending. They're
supposed to go to the Planning Commission. Again, time is money.
We need to figure out a way to expedite these things.
I'd like for staff to bring back a resolution or a
recommendation -- I mean, if it can be a resolution, bring back a
resolution to where these -- it's an emergency. We bring these four
things that are already in the works that we've already approved
directly to the Commission without having to spend a month at the
Planning Commission, if it's possible. And I'd also like us to look at
the possibility of expediting affordable housing development
applications in the same way. I mean, it's at least a month the
meetings at the Planning Commission have been exhaustive, to say
the least, I think, in the last year. It would save a lot of time.
MR. KLATZKOW: You can't bypass the Planning
Commission, not under your current regulatory scheme.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Well, then, whatever change -- if
there needs to be a change to the LDC, then bring a change related to
affordable housing.
MR. KLATZKOW: I'll work with Mr. Bosi.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And that may be part of the
memo you're doing under Chapter 125.
February 22, 2022
Page 150
MR. KLATZKOW: It is now, yes.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And, you know, just as I've
been thinking about that, it's simple to have the statute that says, yes,
you can do this. It gets a little complicated with the special act. So
I don't know how that's all going to turn out. Hopefully we can do it.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Well, but I guess that's my
question, too, is the special act refers to the number of votes from us
on a thing. I guess the issue of it having to go to the Planning
Commission first is our regulatory structure, right?
MR. KLATZKOW: I'm 95 percent sure I know the answer, but
let me get you a memo on this because -- just in case I'm wrong.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay. Do we need a motion on
that?
MR. KLATZKOW: No, no. I'll -- I'm going to send a separate
memo to each of you, and any parts of the memo you want on the
agenda, just notify me, and I'll make an agenda item.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. I had unmarked off things
that we hadn't talked about yet. I'd like to make a motion that we
direct staff to look at partnership arrangements with other
municipalities, school district, fire district, so on and so forth, that we
explore those as well.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
we bring forward partnership arrangements with other municipalities
and school districts and the like. All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
February 22, 2022
Page 151
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: You voting for it?
All opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
Ms. Rodriguez said "I."
I have a fairly controversial one. I'd like to -- and maybe we
can just have this as a direction to review our impact fee structure at
large for -- and specifically for and on behalf of housing affordability,
and come up with ways to appropriate a manipulation of the impact
fee to incentivize developers to keep properties in an affordable
status. We've become very rampant on our consumption of impact
fee revenue at large in Collier County, and not necessarily -- well, I
don't know how to -- I think there are other ways that we can manage
that income fee -- or that impact fee money differently than
burdening the first person in. Establishment of a TIF out of the
increase in ad valorem taxation that comes from the development
itself and the incentivization of the management of the impact fee
back to make and ensure that housing affordability comes about.
So -- and I'd like to have some more in-depth discussion about that.
So I know we have a pilot program in Immokalee. It's kind of
working. I'm hearing positive folks or positive comments from
people that are taking advantage of the pilot program in Immokalee.
It's an amortization. And the impact fee travels with the real estate,
not burdening the first person in. So we still get the money, but it's a
different way of getting there, so --
And I also just to -- Commissioner Taylor, are you lit up?
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Yeah. And I'm looking for it
here, but at our next -- in the next agenda meeting -- or next agenda
item that we will probably, at this rate, discuss tomorrow morning,
we -- in here our County Manager Isackson has given a figure of how
February 22, 2022
Page 152
much money the General Fund has loaned to the impact fee fund
because it's not paying for growth, and it's in the millions.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yeah, it's close to 100 million --
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: So we have a misappropriate --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: But it's been designated as -- and,
you know, we're not going to have a debate on impact fees today.
You and I can debate that ad nauseam.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Well, that's just --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: The bottom line is, we have to -- I
think we should have a review of how we're managing our impact
fees, and then certainly we can have a discussion about the
expenditure of these funds at the same time. So bottom line, density
increases, those are all part of Commissioner Solis' things. I'm all
about that.
MS. PATTERSON: Chairman?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yes, ma'am, I'm listening to you.
MS. PATTERSON: If I may, on the impact fees, for just a
minute. So we have been working since the last update of the road
impact fees on a fee structure for affordable housing. It's presented
some challenges, but we're continuing to work on that. But we will
be coming back to you anyway because of some changes made by the
legislature last legislative session that are going to require some
adjustments to the impact fee program. At that time -- and we can
accelerate that -- we can come back with some options towards what
you're thinking, and that way you get a full suite of looking at what
we can do rate-wise, what we have to do now statutorily, and what
you may be able to do in your policy setting.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And one last point on when we
have our special meeting. You know, we've all looked at this matrix
of the housing need, and I think it's been overlooked. But maybe we
ought to have a look at that housing need matrix, because I recall that
February 22, 2022
Page 153
if you want to touch 10 percent of your need, this is what you do.
And it's been shown here today that we haven't even been touching
that 10 percent of the need for our community.
So maybe when we come back with our special meeting we
have some suggestions from staff about what we can do to manage
that matrix to better understand what the need truly is and then
impacts of what we are already doing to be able to assist with what
the actual need is and not a -- not a percentage of that need. Got it?
So I think we covered everything that we're going to do for
today and still held you off on your workshop. How about that?
So -- all right. Now I need a little help from my friends.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Half an hour.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Half an hour? You good with
that? You good with 30 minutes?
All right. We'll be back at -- I'll give you -- 2:36 -- 2:40.
Thank you.
(A luncheon recess was had from 2:06 p.m. to 2:39 p.m.)
MR. ISACKSON: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, you have a
live mic.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Welcome back, everybody.
Sorry about the abbreviated lunch. I think we're going to go right to
our no-sooner-than 1:00.
MR. ISACKSON: Well, we go to 10A, but if Mr. Baenziger's
not there, maybe we punt and go to 10B.
MR. MILLER: He is with us, sir.
Item #10A
A PRESENTATION FROM COLIN BAENZIGER, BAENZIGER
AND ASSOCIATES, OUTLINING THE STEPS AND TIMELINE
FOR THE COUNTY MANAGER RECRUITMENT PROCESS;
February 22, 2022
Page 154
DESIGNATE A STAFF POINT OF CONTACT TO COORDINATE
THE RECRUITMENT; AND CONSIDER NAMING A
COMMISSION DESIGNEE TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY’S
REPRESENTATIVE - MOTION TO NOT TO PROCEED WITH
CONTRACT AND DIRECT STAFF TO MOVE FORWARD WITH
THE SEARCH – APPROVED; BRING BACK A REPORT AT THE
MARCH 8, 2022, MEETING
MR. ISACKSON: All right. So 10A is a recommendation to
hear a presentation from Colin Baenziger, Baenziger & Associates,
outlining the steps and the timeline for the county manager
recruitment process, designate a staff point of contact to coordinate
the recruitment, and consider naming a commission designee to work
with county representatives. And Ms. Amy Lyberg, our director of
Human Resources, will begin the presentation.
MS. LYBERG: Good afternoon, Commissioners. For the
record, Amy Lyberg, Human Resources director.
The item that's before you, as Mr. Isackson outlined, is to go
through the next steps of the hiring process for the county position of
County Manager.
I'm pleased to introduce Colin Baenziger, whose firm, Baenziger
& Associates, was selected to conduct the recruitment for this
upcoming vacancy.
Mr. Baenziger will take some time to review the process steps
and the tasks that are going to be completed as part of this
recruitment, give you an overview of the proposed project schedule,
and discuss the plan for in-person interviews at the end of May 2022
for the candidates who have been selected as finalists for the position.
He's also happy to answer any questions that you may have.
So without -- there are some things we'll talk about when he's
concluded his preparation, but I'll go ahead and turn this over to him
February 22, 2022
Page 155
so he can speak with you. Thank you.
MR. BAENZIGER: All right. Well, thank you, Amy, and
thank you, Commissioners, for selecting our firm. It's an honor, and
it's a responsibility we take very seriously.
I would like to say at the outset it's great to see Mark in his chair
again, and I'm just sorry that we are taking on this assessment under
these circumstances. A great deal of respect for Mark, so -- but it is
what it is.
I don't know if you can -- if I can get, I think it's Troy, to put the
presentation booklet up on the screen. There we go. And that's
kind of our, you know, fancy stuff.
If you'd go down to the next page, please.
By way of introduction, I'm Colin Baenziger. I'm the owner
and principal of Colin Baenziger & Associates. We've been in
business now for 24 years. And during that time, since about 2005
we've done about two-thirds of the searches in Florida where a city or
county has retained a recruiting firm to select their CEO, their county
manager, city manager, whatever. We like to point out that's about
twice as many as all the other firms combined, so we have a lot of
experience in this market.
Getting into the process, which is on the next page, the first step
is to meet with each of the commissioners and get to know you a little
bit better. I know some of you, at least one of you. But I need to
get a feel for who you are. I've watched a couple of your meetings
with respect to this search, so I kind of know a little bit about where
you're coming from and what your thoughts are. But good
candidates, the best candidates are going to want to know who you
are and how you think, at least through me; I can tell them what I
think and give them an impression. So I need to get to know you as
commissioners but also as people.
They're going to want to know what it's going to be like to work
February 22, 2022
Page 156
in Collier County as your county manager. Now, you know, I know
there was some discussion of internal candidates, and they would
certainly be considered, assuming they're qualified. And so they
already know, but the external candidates don't.
The other thing I want to get -- I want to understand is what kind
of issues you want the next county administrator to address, besides
affordable housing, and what's your ideal candidate? What
characteristics do they have? And then, of course, there's been some
discussion of how much you want to pay. I like to joke a little bit
here, but Superman or Superwoman.
I know that salaries -- we've done a little work. We did a salary
survey for counties within about 100,000 population of either side of
Collier County. I know the county did a survey somewhere bigger.
And, you know, basically, the salaries tend to be between about
2- and 250-. There are some that are higher. The manager in Leon
County is at, I think, 307-. He's over 300- anyway.
And so that's a discussion we'll want to have with you is how
much are you willing to pay, and then we'll decide what the best way
to advertise it is, or, you know, put it in our materials that we use to
recruit candidates.
Once we've got a feel -- oh, and, you know, we'd like to talk to
your staff, too, key people.
Once we've done that, we'll go into the marketplace, so to speak.
We will make telephone calls. We will place an ad in the
appropriate journals. I mean, probably 30 or 40 percent of our
candidates that get placed come from advertising. And we'll look at
past recruitments that we've done to see who might be a good fit.
And we have an extensive email list of almost 14,000 people that are
interested in local government positions that we'll email the
announcement to.
The nice thing about email is that they can forward it to
February 22, 2022
Page 157
somebody who -- you know, maybe the manager's in California,
maybe it's somebody we didn't contact or were unaware of, but
maybe they grew up in Naples or somewhere in Collier County, and
they'd like to come home.
So our goal with this whole process is to create a buzz about the
job through networking, through advertising, through our email,
going back into our prior recruitments, and get people talking about
it, because there's only so many people we can call and reach. And
if we can get the industry doing our work for us, so much the better.
Once we've done our recruiting, which normally is three to four
weeks, we will -- the resumés will all come together on my desk. I'll
have one of my staff work with me, too, and give me, you know, a
different point of view, and we'll decide who the best candidates are.
If we get, say, 40 to 50 resumés -- I really don't have a feel for
how many we'll get for Collier County. Sometimes it might be 100.
But I would think in the 40 to 50 at a minimum.
When they come together on my desk, I'll look at them. Many
of the candidates I'll already know, after doing this for almost 25
years. You know, there's candidates that I'll look at the resumé and
I'll say, that's a great candidate, and there's other candidates I'll say,
no, that's not the right job, and there's other candidates that I already
know have skeletons in their closet, which would preclude them from
really going further in the process. So that's a little bit of an
advantage we have because of our experience and expertise.
We do have -- once I've decided who I think looks like a good
candidate on paper, I'll call them, I'll talk to them. Again, I'll know
some of them. And once I'm done with that, I'll forward probably
eight or 10 candidates to my back office staff and put them to work.
And we'll ask them to do reference checks, do Internet checks, do
social media checks. I can't remember if I mentioned reference
checks. But in any case, that's how we do our background work.
February 22, 2022
Page 158
When we do references, we tend to -- well, we ask for a lot of
names, quite frankly. It's generally about 20 people. Now, you
know, there are some candidates that want to keep their search
confidential, and we will try to work with them to the degree that we
can, but, you know, we need to have the information we need. And,
of course, Florida's an open records state, so anybody who's trying to
remain confidential is taking a risk.
And I would expect some pretty good newspaper coverage, this
search. So there's a good chance if somebody's in the finals or
semifinals, they're going to -- their name's going to be out there, and
their employer will know about it.
And, you know, in the prior meetings different people
mentioned a chilling effect. That does happen, quite frankly, in
Florida. If I can recruit in North Carolina where it's illegal to release
the names, it's -- you do get a little bit better candidate pool.
Once all that background work has been done, again, it comes
together on my desk, and I make an ultimate decision on who goes
forward. Again, it will probably be six to eight candidates we'll
recommend you take a serious look at. Some of them may be
internal. Some of them -- frankly, some of them are likely to be
internal. I don't know who's planning to apply, but I would guess
that, you know, some of your top staff would apply, and so -- you
know, some of those candidates will be internal candidates.
Internal candidates, I know there's been a lot of discussion of
that. I mean, frankly, it does have a bit of a chilling effect. What
we have found historically is that in about 80 percent of the cases
where there is an internal candidate, they get hired, so -- and
candidates on the outside know that, and then there's a question, you
know, do they want to put their name out there knowing full well that
there's a likelihood their employer will learn of it, and they may not
be happy with the fact that they're looking for another job.
February 22, 2022
Page 159
So, you know, the one advantage to a recruiting firm, having
one -- and there's several others, which I can talk about if you'd like,
but one advantage is I think it gives you a little more credibility that
you're actually going to look seriously at outside candidates. You
know, in theory, you wouldn't be spending 34,5- if you already knew
who you were going to hire. There are also some candidates who
won't apply if it's just the HR Department handling the search.
But I think the biggest thing, though, advantage is that we will
be calling people, and that's something that often HR Departments
don't have time to do. They've got full-time jobs as it is, and this is
an added burden.
But in any case, so we're going to forward six to eight
candidates to you. You'll get their resumé; you'll get their cover
letter; you'll get the background checks we do; you'll get, you know,
the criminal, civil, driver's license, credit, so on and so forth; you'll
get the references; and you'll get Internet checks.
And you can learn a lot sometimes reading the Internet about a
candidate and how well he or she gets along with the public or with
their elected officials.
The one other piece -- document you will receive is a candidate
introduction. We have a series of about probably 15, 16 questions
that we ask candidates to respond to that indicate to us or help you
compare candidates by seeing them answer the same questions. It
gives you an opportunity to see if they can write. And we tell them
that we want to limit it to five, six pages, that's the ideal length, and
you can tell whether or not they can be concise.
You'll get all that material. It will be bulky. We normally give
you a week to go through it, take a look at it. We don't recommend
you read the Internet materials in great detail because they can be 75
or 100 pages of Internet. And then we'll come together, and we'll
pick finalists.
February 22, 2022
Page 160
Once we've selected finalists, we have an interview process,
which I'll talk about after we talk about the schedule. And then we'll
make a selection, and we'll help you negotiate the employment
agreement with the candidate, if you like. Some of our clients want
us to take the lead. Some of our clients just let the County Attorney
do the negotiations. It's really your call.
In terms of a fee, you can skip down. I think it's Page 8. Talk
a little bit about our guarantee. Yeah, that's the page. I guess it's
Page 7, probably. It's 34,5-. It includes all of our expenses. So
from our point of view, you're going to pay us 34,500. There's no
extra for advertising. There's no extra for travel. There's no extra
for anything. You will pay us 34,5- when we're done.
The only time that you wouldn't pay 34,5- is if for some reason
in the middle of the search you decided to hire one of your internal
staff or had somebody that you just, I don't know, amazed you and
you decided to hire them, and then we would look at how much work
we'd done and arrive at a reasonable number and ask for less than
34,5-.
You will, of course, have to pay travel expenses for candidates,
and if you invite spouses. And, typically, there's some candidates
from inside the state of Florida. You might have one or two
internally. You might have one or two from Florida elsewhere.
You might do six candidates. We usually settle on five. You might
have a couple from out of the state. You're looking at usually 3- to
$5,000 in expenses for the candidates to actually come and stay in
Naples. Your hotel rates can be a little high, and that might
influence it. And, of course, airfare can be high these days, too.
In terms of a guarantee, first of all, we want you to be happy. It
rarely happens, but if for some reason you are not happy with the
candidates we present, we'll go back on out and look again. We will
not approach a candidate for another job that we've placed forever.
February 22, 2022
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Let's see. Our fee is absolutely guaranteed. And if the
candidate leaves for any reason other than an act of God within the
first year, we'll repeat the search for our expenses only, which means
I don't get paid and my staff doesn't -- at least my key staff person
doesn't get paid. But that's okay. We want to get it right and, you
know, sometimes stuff happens.
So that's kind of it in a nutshell, and I'd be happy to answer
any -- oh, questions about the process, or I can go straight to the
schedule if you like.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: The schedule.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Anybody --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Keep going. We can ask
questions at the end.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Let's go right to the schedule, sir.
MR. BAENZIGER: All right. And I'm going to be looking
probably a little bit to my left simply because I've got three computer
screens here, and I've got the schedule up on the left. I can't see
yours quite as easily as I would like to. May be my problem with
my technology.
We officially said we'd start March 2nd. Obviously, we're
starting earlier. And so this schedule would probably -- everything
would probably be moved up a week. That's a relatively easy thing
to do. Just put in February 22nd instead of March 2nd, and the dates
will all change appropriately. It's a spreadsheet.
So the first step is to meet with each of you individually, as I
said. We'd also like to meet with some of your staff, just to get their
input. And then we'll prepare a draft recruitment profile. As you
know, we've done some work for Collier County in the past, so we
don't think we're going to have to recreate the wheel, so to speak.
We'll be focusing primarily on updating some of the budget numbers
and such. If there's been any changes in structure. Our brochures
February 22, 2022
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have gotten better over time, so there may be some additional
information.
We'll want to spend some time in the brochure talking about the
challenges, as I said earlier. And we'll want to talk about what you
think you're looking for. What's the ideal candidate? Who's that
candidate? What are their characteristics?
So we're really -- you know, we're updating here and there, and
then we're really replacing the challenges section and replacing the
ideal candidate and, frankly, the last person we recruited for, I think,
was a growth management director, so those sections wouldn't be
applicable.
Once we've got that information, we'll put it together in this
brochure. We'll send it over for you to look at, sign off on, so to
speak, and then we'll put it out in the marketplace, begin our
networking, our advertising, so on and so forth.
And we've got a 28-day advertising period there, recruitment
period. And then we report the results to you which, you know, we
probably won't know an awful lot. We may know that we've got
some really good candidates we've been able to recruit. We'll see.
But there will be some other candidates we just don't know as well,
and it will take some time to do the background checks I described.
Approximately, what is it, about a month later? Is it a month
later? Let's see what I've got here. Yeah, about 24 days later, I
guess it is, we'll forward the materials that I discussed earlier over to
you. A week later, roughly, we will talk to you about the finalists
and have you select finalists, and then we will have a reception
perhaps, if you want to have one. It depends on COVID, of course,
and lots of other things, but, some counties do, some don't. Cities
generally do, but counties are pretty big, and sometimes it's just a
little -- it just doesn't work quite as well.
On the 27th minus seven, so, you know, we're looking at
February 22, 2022
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roughly the 20th we would do the interviews. And if you want to
throw the interview schedule document up, I can talk about that. It's
an Excel spreadsheet that has the County Commissioners' names on
it, and Finalists 1, 2, and 3. That's it. Where'd it go? There it is.
We normally recommend that you do a tour of the county for the
finalists, that they meet some of the -- meet the senior staff. If you
want, you can have a reception. Then the next day we do
one-on-one interviews with each of the commissioners for about 40
minutes. Our theory is that a manager succeeds or fails based on
chemistry with the Board. If they have good chemistry with you,
they're going to be successful. If they don't, they're not going to be
successful.
And great managers tend to have good chemistry, you know,
even when board members change. They're just fine with the next
group. But we think the best way to test it is to spend, you know, 40
minutes with each of the candidates and talk to them and get to know
them one on one.
Have a brief lunch, and then in the afternoon we bring the
candidates before you one at a time to interview as a group. So
Finalist 1 would come from, say, 1:00 to 1:40, or 1:00 to 1:30,
Finalist 2, from 1:30 to 2:00, that type of thing.
When you're done, you can either make a decision then if
somebody's really impressed you or you can put it off, you know, a
few days until your next meeting, whatever. There's advantages to
both. If somebody's wowed you, let's get moving. If you're
pondering a little bit, you know, it's nice to sleep on it. Sometimes
things look differently the next mooring than they did the day of.
We did Tampa Bay Water, a few -- oh, gosh, let's see, about six
months ago, and they ended up, just because of their meeting
schedule, interviewing and then waiting about three more weeks to
actually make a decision, and that's fine, you know.
February 22, 2022
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One of the things I would say about this schedule is this is just a
draft. You can take it to the bank if it meets your requirements. I
mean, we're not going to change a date once we commit to it,
and -- so it's a guarantee. But we also understand that things happen
on your end.
And, you know, one thing we would want to be sure of is that all
five of you are present to interview these candidates and actually
weigh in on the decision. So, you know, sometimes we have to
move dates. But, again, we're not going to move a date because of
anything we do. You may need to move a date, and we're fine with
that. We've done this now for 24 years, and we've never missed a
deadline, a significant deadline once we've given a schedule and
committed to it.
And I think that covers everything. If you have any questions,
I'll be happy to answer them.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Mr. Baenziger,
Commissioner Saunders has a question.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I don't have a question.
And I'm going to make a comment, a statement, and I want to first
say that this is not a reflection on my feelings towards Colin
Baenziger and his firm. I have the greatest deal of respect for the
firm. And I was one of the commissioners that was recommending
Colin Baenziger and moving forward with this.
I think I'm going to do something that most elected officials
have a little hesitancy in doing, and I think I'm going to acknowledge
that I made a mistake. I think sticking with our staff and doing the
same sort of process we did before is the best way to go.
Now, that's a 180-degree reversal on where I was two weeks
ago. And I'm certainly willing to listen to the commissioners and
their comments on that, but I'm leaning towards that direction right
now.
February 22, 2022
Page 165
And, Colin, I wanted to personally apologize. This is
something that I've thought about really over the last 12 hours. It's
not something that came up weeks ago. It's something that's been on
my mind for, really, this morning and yesterday. But that's my
thought. And I'd like to hear from Commissioner Solis and
Commissioner Taylor. They were the other two that wanted to move
forward with a search firm. And that's kind of where I'm leaning
right now.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Let's go to Commissioner Solis
and then Commissioner -- well, Commissioner LoCastro's already lit
up. Do you want to hear from all of us?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Sure, sure.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: We'll go with Commissioner
LoCastro and then Commissioner Solis -- or Commissioner Taylor,
and then Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yes, sir. I appreciate your
presentation. I have a couple questions for you.
I'm one of the commissioners that certainly appreciates and
understands what your company does. I've hired plenty of
executives in my military and civilian career, so it's -- you know, it's
not lost on me, the advantage of having a headhunter company when
you need it.
But to be quite frank, everything that you just said you guys
would do is the reason why I voted that our HR office could do it.
One of the big things that was said in this room is, wow, you want to
go with a headhunter company because it keeps everything
confidential, and people will apply for the jobs because, you know,
they're executives in another company.
And as you just echoed, you said, wow, the press will really pick
up on this, and they'll know who the finalists are. And it's not to say
that having a search firm doesn't give some level of confidentially
February 22, 2022
Page 166
that maybe we don't have in our HR office, but I contend if
somebody really wants this job and it's a big step up for them, they
shouldn't be shy about applying. They shouldn't be shy about
applying if we have internal candidates. They shouldn't be shy about
applying if we have an HR office.
And I actually disagree with you. I think our HR office, which
has a payroll of $1.2 million, is capable of making phone calls.
They're very busy, but this is the biggest job they'll hire for.
So I have complete, you know, confidence that our
headhunter/CEO, Amy Lyberg, who's sitting right here, isn't too busy
to have her staff, you know, make phone calls.
The question that I have -- so I still stick by my vote, and it's
even confirmed that much more because, you know, no disrespect to
your comments, but when you said, you know, wow, we just sort of
like get the word out and then let the wind take it, and then you're
going to see the plethora of applicants -- I mean, I was quoted as
saying I think I could write this job description on the back of a
cocktail napkin, put it in the bottle, throw it in the Gulf of Mexico,
and we'd get 50 applicants in the first 24 hours.
This is Naples, and it's a job that's $300,000 plus. That's more
than some executives make in large companies in this county.
But the one question I have is you said you have basically a
stable of clients, people that are looking for multiple six-figure jobs
working for the county and government. If we hired one of those
people, would they be indebted to you at some sort of payment, you
know, a certain percentage of their salary in the first three years, or
do they pay a fee every month to be a client of yours in the hopes of
you helping them find a six-figure job, or you just do this, you know,
strictly for the fee that the county pays, and all your clients are just,
you know, lucky enough to have you advertise, you know, these jobs
to them?
February 22, 2022
Page 167
MR. BAENZIGER: The answer to your question, no, we don't
collect anything from clients -- I mean shouldn't say
clients -- candidates. The only fees we collect are from our clients.
And we feel, frankly, it would be a conflict of interest if we took
anything from a candidate. There would be some expectation that
we might place them, and that could get a little bit tricky. So we just
don't do it. You know, the fee we charge is all we get from this
search. We don't get anything from somebody else.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay. And some do,
actually. You know, if a search firm helps place you and you get the
job, sometimes you pay a certain percentage of your salary for six
months, a year, or whatever.
I still stick by my vote. And I think, you know, even looking at
your timeline, I think your HR office has plenty of time to either
succeed or fail. And if they need assistance, there's other ways that
we can get assistance. I mean, 34.5- might not seem like a lot, but
it's not county money. It's taxpayer dollars. And the taxpayers are
paying our HR Department right now to do this kind of thing.
I think we're going to get very, very competitive candidates on
our own, and if we don't, that's a lot of times when you reach out to
an HR company.
And I can't speak for Mr. Isackson, but I know he's not moving
to Korea or disappearing. You know, he's got a lot vested in this job
and has done more in 12 months than I'd venture to say most have
done in a much longer span of time. If our HR office moves a little
slower than maybe an experienced headhunter company, I'd venture
to say that he doesn't have a date where he's going to disappear from
this building. And, you know, he's already been proactive saying
he's going to work with us, and he wants to help us recruit the right
person, not just walk out the door and hope we get lucky to find
someone.
February 22, 2022
Page 168
So I stick by my vote. I really respect Commissioner Saunders,
you know, giving this some thought as well. You know, this is a
difficult decision. But I already know people who know this job is
advertised, and I'm not just saying locally or even in-house here. I
know people across the country that already know that we're looking
for a county manager.
So I feel very confident our HR office can at least start this
process and may be even have a tighter timeline than this, and we
save taxpayer dollars, and we also prove to the taxpayers that we
have the ability to do this and that we don't have to delegate the
responsibility to an outside firm.
And I will tell you one thing, too, sir, in closing. If a big part of
your mission is to explain this job to candidates, I don't want to
interview any of those people, because the executives I know in the
world that would apply for this job, yeah, they might need to know,
you know, a little bit about Collier County, but they'll Google that.
They'll already know about this job. And the people that I want to
apply for this job, maybe they've already been county managers or
they've been high-level executives that know exactly what this job is,
and that's why they're applying for it. So if that's a big part of what,
you know, our $34,000 buys -- and I don't mean that sarcastically, but
I'm just saying, that's what you said was a big part is for you to sit
down and make sure they know what they're getting into, please don't
have me interview any of these people, because I want them to
already know what they're getting into. I want them to come to us
with a thick resumé, like Mark Isackson did, so they can jump in with
both feet on day one, and, you know, they don't need your company
to spin them up on what a county manager is.
So I stick by my vote, and I look forward to working with our
HR Department on getting this ad out the same way we did 12
months ago with complete success.
February 22, 2022
Page 169
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Well, I -- my position hasn't
changed, so -- but I would like to hear from Commissioner Saunders
as to, you know, why he feels differently than before. You know, I
think it was -- I think it was a 3-2 vote last time.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It was.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: And so I would -- if Commissioner
Saunders changes his vote, then I really want to apologize to
Mr. Baenziger that we have taken up your time in this way and that
you've had to go through this. That's all I have to say.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Well -- and I already have
apologized to Mr. Baenziger. And, like I said, this is not a reflection
on him or his firm at all. And I do feel badly about this. That's
probably one of the reasons why some elected officials don't like to
reverse themselves, because it has impacts. In this case, it has an
impact on Colin's firm and on Colin, and I feel badly about that,
but -- and I hate to say this, because it's sort of a chilling effect on all
of this, but I think our HR Department can basically do the same
things that they did before, and that's just kind of the way I'm leaning.
I don't really have any better explanation other than I feel like this
will save some money but, at the same time, I think we'll get a good
list of candidates.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Is there -- I mean, are your -- that's
where you're at? There's no -- is there some discussion that we
could have?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: That's why I said I'd like to
hear what you have to say and what Commissioner Taylor has to say
because --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: You know, again, I think -- I voted
the same way, I think, the last two times, because I think that having
a fresh pair of eyes looking at the candidates, number one. We heard
February 22, 2022
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that this firm has a very large emailing list, a large stable of -- you
know, of potential candidates. They do the legwork for us. They've
been doing this for a long time.
I think that if we have internal candidates, frankly, I think that it
puts our HR staff in an awkward position because they are asked to
review and make recommendations on candidates that might be their
supervisors at this time, and I think that's a very -- that's a very
difficult place to be. It's not -- if this was for a position that was
below County Manager that was, you know, a mid-level candidate, I
think that's -- the HR Department does this all the time.
So I just -- I think it's -- it puts our HR Department in a position
that we shouldn't put them in. And I think at this point having some
fresh eyes is still the right thing to do. The money is, I think, in the
grand scheme of things, inconsequential in terms of the importance of
the decision that we're going to make and the future of the county.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: First of all, I want to thank you,
Mr. Baenziger. You are someone that I've always heard about. I
don't think I've ever worked with you in the
city -- county -- city -- city manager's searches. But you have an
enormous respect for -- in government, and you've always delivered
what you said you were going to deliver.
You are honest to a fault, sir. Because you said, which is my
greatest fear, when we get internal candidates involved, 80 percent or
90 percent of the final outcome is an internal candidate, and that
binds you. That handcuffs you. And I know that. I believe our
County Attorney said it, and you have now repeated it, and at this
point you are the pro in the room.
I'm -- you know, obviously, right now I don't think
Commissioner Saunders is going to change his mind, so I don't think
we're going to go forward with it. But if we did, you would be my
February 22, 2022
Page 171
choice. Again, I can't tell you how -- I'm sorry this happened, but it
is absolutely no reflection on you. It has to do with, I think,
the -- what I call an unsteady time with all of us, and -- but it's also, I
think, to Commissioner Saunders' credit that he is taking this so
seriously.
Thank you very much for presenting to us.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And I also -- Colin, I want to thank
you for giving us this report. I didn't support the last time when we
voted on this to, in fact, engage your firm. And it wasn't anything to
do with you particularly.
I, Commissioner Saunders, always supported the process that we
just have recently done a year ago. We had a process. It worked
effectively, and I didn't see -- I didn't see a need to reinvent the
wheel. I don't concur with our County Attorney or Commissioner
Taylor with regard to closing the application process to our existing
employees. I actually believe it should be an organization's -- a
basis of the organization to engage with existing staff to try to bring
them through and offer opportunities to move through the
organization and ultimately become the CEO of the organization.
So I applaud Commissioner Saunders. It's difficult -- if, in fact,
he stays with his decision. It's a difficult decision to actually have
to, as he said, come back around on 180 degrees. But I truly believe
it is a good decision, and it's based solely on the process. We have a
very, very competent HR Department who did a wonderful job in the
last go-round when we were doing this just basically a year or so ago.
And so it's with that that I'm pleased that we're moving in that
direction. And I think -- I think we should stay that course.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Mr. Baenziger wanted to say
something.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I'm sorry. Colin, go ahead.
MR. BAENZIGER: Yeah, you know, I've -- we've been doing
February 22, 2022
Page 172
this for 24 years, and I think I can tell how the vote's going to go.
And, you know, I appreciate Burt's position. I mean, one of the
things I feel sad about politics in our country these days is that people
won't admit when they have, you know, made a mistake or that they
feel they have to stick with a course that they've already annunciated
is the one that they want to go on.
I think, you know, people grow, they change, they get new
information, and I think it's important that we recognize that, that
people are -- you know, can change their minds, and that's fine.
We've been doing this for 24 years, as I said. I've seen -- I don't
think I've seen this happen before, but you do have an excellent HR
staff. That was one of the attractions for working with Collier
County. And, frankly, you know, we wish you the very best. And
if something changes down the road, you know, we're here.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Very good.
MR. BAENZIGER: So thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I was just going to address
something that Commissioner Solis said. I certainly appreciate his
comments, but I don't ever remember HR making recommendations
or steering us to picking anyone. I just remember them putting
together all the administrative information, who had a master's
degree, who didn't, who had worked for a county, who worked for a
city. So I felt like, you know, we had complete autonomy to pick
people. I didn't feel steered by HR that you -- you know, I looked at
you-all were the clearinghouses for the applicants and then, you
know, we had the responsibility, and it was a lot of work.
You know, having said that, sir, I really appreciate the
comments you just made, and it's having me change my final
sentence which is, I really don't think an apology is required. A
thank you to you, but this is part of the process was you coming to us
February 22, 2022
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hearing --
MR. BAENZIGER: Yeah.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: -- you know, you've been
selected, now make a pitch to us. Nothing was in stone. And it
takes money to make money. So you made -- you put a contract
together, and you're on a Zoom call. I don't think you expended
$150,000 to compete for this contract, and I don't think you would
have been in business this long if, you know, us changing course is
going to put you in some sort of tailspin in your company's success.
So, you know, I thank you for competing in the process and also
your closing comment of, hey, we're here. You know, we've
selected you as the final search firm and, you know, if we or should
we run into some sort of process, we always know that, you know,
you're out there at an arm's reach.
But you know, I think, you know, a thank you is in order more
than an apology, that -- you know, appreciate you going through the
process here, and I don't think you're expended, you know, a whole
lot of energy and money but, you know, I stay firm on my -- on my
initial vote.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Mr. Baenziger, your remarks
again underline what a consummate professional you are.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Right.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: You are gracious and really a
really -- it's really been a pleasure to talk with you, because
you -- you have gone far and you will go far. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Mr. Chairman, two things.
First of all, I will apologize to Mr. Baenziger for this. And, for the
record, I've always found him to be very professional and very
effective, and I know if we move forward with this, we would get a
February 22, 2022
Page 174
good list of candidates. And so I want to thank you. And if there
are expenses that you've incurred, however de minimus those may be,
I would urge you to let us know, and I'll make a motion at that point
to reimburse you for any expenses that you've had.
And with that, Mr. Chairman, I'm going to make a motion that
we not proceed with this contract but we direct staff to posthaste
proceed with advertising and collecting resumés and moving forward
as they did the last time we were looking for a county manager.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Second.
Okay. It's been moved and seconded that we not proceed with
this contract and that posthaste begin the process of advertising for
our next county manager.
MS. LYBERG: Okay.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Is there any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: With that, all in favor?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: 4-1.
MS. LYBERG: If I may.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yes, you may --
MS. LYBERG: I have some questions.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- because now you have some
questions, don't you?
MS. LYBERG: I certainly do. So thank you. We will
certainly go ahead and get the advertisement underway.
I believe several meetings ago you had the opportunity to review
February 22, 2022
Page 175
the job posting that we put out last year, or the end of 2020, when we
knew that Mr. Ochs was leaving. Is there -- and we can get that back
in front of you at some point here shortly to make sure that you are
still comfortable with the way that the job posting was written.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I'm okay with what was -- I
reviewed it. What we posted the last time I felt was sufficient to
advertise the job.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I guess the only question I
would have is for Mr. Isackson. You have made some major
changes to the staff in a short time. As you look at the job
description that we used to hire you, do you think it accurately
represents the replacement and the level of responsibility that we're
looking for? Is it missing anything that you've added?
MR. ISACKSON: Sir, I didn't see anything, but if it gives the
Board some comfort, I can take a quick look at it again. I looked at
it before we presented to the Board a month or so ago. But I'll look
at it again if it gives the Board some comfort.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And as long as it's -- as far as I'm
concerned, as long as it's within those parameters that we've already
had, I think posthaste we should go forward.
Now, I did have a suggestion that we -- and I think we did the
last time. We left -- we didn't advertise a salary. We just left it to
be negotiated. And I would like to pursue that. Pursue this job
offer without a salary base being offered and then allow for
candidates who are applying to suggest a salary that they feel they're
worth.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Right.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: That's what I think should
happen. And I'd like to do a little research, too. And I may be
February 22, 2022
Page 176
incorrect, but somebody gave me a figure of --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Stay up on your mic.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Someone gave me a figure of
what the City of Naples city manager salary is being proposed.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Right. So -- and I think if we
leave it open, it allows us, as an organization, to be competitive in the
marketplace and doesn't -- doesn't curtail someone who might think
they're worth more to be able to apply and tell us why they should
receive a higher salary.
Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I don't think this is going to
change what you-all decide. But normally for jobs like this, the only
thing I've even seen is a range so that it would say, you know, 250- to
400-plus or something like that. But just to say the salary is zero
until we talk to you and see what you think you're worth, I mean, I
know that that's not exactly what we do. But I've never seen no
salary. I've always seen a range so that --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: The inference wasn't a no salary.
It was to be negotiated.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: To be negotiated, but --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I certainly wasn't saying zero.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Well, I know, but --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: And that's fine. I don't think
it's a showstopper. I just wanted to add what I've normally seen and
I bet what the headhunter company would have probably
recommended. I could be wrong. But I think they would have
recommended a range so that people sort of at least know what the
window was, but it smocks next to me. I mean, I think --
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioner, what you could say is salary
negotiable. The current county manager makes X.
February 22, 2022
Page 177
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, absolutely.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Perfect.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: So there's a little target.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: That's a perfect way to go with it.
And, again, not that we're interested in going and paying an
exorbitant amount of money, but if there was someone who really is a
wow factor, and we can ratify and justify that expense, then I don't
want to deter them from applying.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I agree with that.
MS. LYBERG: And I think the one last thing that we will
need -- I believe we opened the position last time for a period of
about 30 days. We want to probably set a closing date and time so
any candidates who are interested that we have the date that we know
that they have to submit their resumé and cover letter.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I say the end of March.
MS. LYBERG: End of March.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yep.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Well, that's I say. I don't know
how they say.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Well -- and then when you
come back to us --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I say that gives us a month and -- a
month and a week we can have. It gives five weeks for advertising.
How do you feel, Commissioner Solis?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: That's fine.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I mean, if you come back to
us, Amy, and say, you know, you had a lot less candidates than you
thought, we have the ability to say, keep it out there another week or
something like that, but I don't think that's going to be a problem.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And then I would like at least one
report at our first meeting in March as to the number of applicants
February 22, 2022
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you've received and any, you know, unique questions that may have
come up from the solicitation as it goes. I would like to see that as a
report to us at our first meeting in March.
MS. LYBERG: Happy to do that for you, Commissioner. And
then if there's any other discussion topics or even decision points that
need to be made, we'll make sure to bring those back and have that
ready for that first March meeting.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I have two others. And I wanted
to share this. The last time we appointed two board liaisons to work
with HR. I didn't find that to be as productive, necessarily, as what I
thought it was going to be and/or necessary. Our HR staff did an
amazing job. I got to show up and had a really nice book, and really
didn't -- really didn't do anything. This board is ultimately going to
be the one to make the decision.
So I don't think it's requisite that this board have liaisons to be
monitoring the process. And if the Board's okay with that, I'd like to
go forward on that basis.
Number two, to lighten your load, short of general checks and
balances with the applicants, I don't -- I wouldn't ask that you do a
heavy review of the applicants and background checks and
educational checks and everything until -- until the list is pared.
We're going to assume that the folks are applying are going to
tell us the truth. And rather than going and doing the background
checks and employment and references and everything else on -- I
think last time we had 35 applicants. And going through that
enormous amount of work, I would hold off on doing those
references and employment reviews and background checks and
everything until we pare that list down to five to seven. I think the
last time we went from 35 to seven, then to five, and then ultimately
picked Mark.
So I would recommend you be more a receiver of information,
February 22, 2022
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minimum verifications along the way but not going through all of the
background and everything until we pare that list down to, say, the
top seven or something, if the Board's okay with that. That will
alleviate a lot of work on HR's side.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Because, ultimately, some
people fell out just by looking at their resumé and --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Yeah.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: -- you know, if the
background check proved that everything they said was true, they
still didn't really have the depth. They were sort of just competing to
see if they got lucky or if they got an interview. So I agree, I think,
you know, to have you focused as much, I concur.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: You okay with that?
MS. LYBERG: Absolutely. We will take that back.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: My colleagues okay with that?
Commissioner Taylor, you all right?
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I'm fine.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Then that's the way we'll
proceed, and good luck.
MS. LYBERG: Very good. We'll be back in March. Thank
you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay.
Item #10B
LOGAN BLVD. EXTENSION/COCOHATCHEE CANAL -
MOTION TO SEND A LETTER TO THE CITY OF BONITA
SPRINGS RE-EMPHASIZING RESOLUTION 2018-132 –
APPROVED
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, that brings us to an item
February 22, 2022
Page 180
that Commissioner Solis advanced to the regular agenda. It's the
Logan Boulevard issue, Item 10B. I'll let the commissioner start off.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay. And I'll just take
everybody back to 2018. I happened to be the Chair at the time.
And it was brought to our attention that the City of Bonita Springs
was interested in as we were completing the Logan Boulevard
extension through Collier County.
The City of Bonita Springs, after Hurricane Irma and a lot of
the -- not only hurricane flooding that they have but periodic flooding
in the north of Bonita Beach Road, was interested in seeing if there
was some capacity for the water system in Collier County to pump
water south from the area that floods in Bonita Springs to -- into the
Cocohatchee system, the canal along -- it would come down Logan, it
would go into the canal, and, Amy, correct me if I'm wrong, but it
would come down Logan Canal and connect with the canal along
Immokalee Road, then into the Cocohatchee.
MS. PATTERSON: So it will -- it does come down Logan. It
would have to be pumped over into the Mirasol flowway and then
ultimately drop down into the Cocohatchee.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Right. And we learned of this.
County Manager Ochs and I spent a lot of time with Mayor
Simmons. We had meetings with then Commissioner Jeff
Keicher -- Keicher? Yeah, Chauncey Goss. I mean, it was -- this
was a very intense series of meetings, because we experienced
flooding right there at the Coco 1 weir which -- you know, into Palm
River, into Collier's Reserve, and that area of the county.
And so there was a lot of concern that there had to be a lot of
coordination, one, to determine whether or not there's any capacity at
all; two, when is there capacity; and, three, who's going to be in
charge of turning the pump on and off.
And we -- in July of 2018 -- and I think Angela was going to get
February 22, 2022
Page 181
each of you a copy -- we adopted a resolution opposing any -- any
permitting or, you know, plan to move this water south without our
involvement, the county's involvement in determining the modeling
and the analysis.
I was informed last week, I think it was either Thursday or
Friday, that the City of Bonita Springs is applying for a permit to do
just this -- just that, that is pump water into that flowway. And no
one's ever contacted me. I don't think anyone's contacted anyone in
the County Manager's Office. This was not what we discussed at
length in a series of many, many meetings over several months.
And I think we need to reiterate our opposition to that and direct
our staff that whatever we need to do to oppose that, absent our
involvement in the analysis, we need to do. I mean, this is a serious
issue that has to be coordinated. The assumptions that are going to
go into the model make all the difference in the world.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Of course.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Amy?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Excuse me. I'm flabbergasted that
that's actually transpiring and we're actually having to have this
conversation.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: You and me both. It's --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So, I mean, because if it's my
understanding, well, they're looking to move water out of Bonita
Springs into the Logan Boulevard Canal and then flow it into our
water systems without consultation.
MS. PATTERSON: Correct. So going back in time, the
Water Management District had done some pretty extensive
level-of-service analysis. And our concerns arose at the same time
that all of the inputs throughout this watershed were not accounted
for in that level-of-service analysis, thereby the assumption that we
could take water into the Cocohatchee was not proven out, and that
February 22, 2022
Page 182
was displayed pretty significantly in that time period around
Hurricane Irma.
So these conversations opened up. And there are a number of
things besides just the rain events. There's water-quality issues,
conversations about historical flow, but that is a little bit
counterintuitive at this point since we've each built and are now going
to require a pump to get water to someplace where it probably maybe
used to be, but the landscape is different.
The other concerning thing about this is that we've been -- in the
conversations up till now, the discussion was that this is a
duration-of-flooding issue for Bonita. This is not a way to stop this
area from flooding. It will simply lessen the amount of time they
flood, but the impacts on Collier are unknown.
And the last conversations that we had with the folks in Bonita
is that they were looking at other options that, perhaps, would
provide different types of relief, greater relief, and that this had fallen
to a lesser priority.
They had also engaged now more recently with the Water
Management District to perhaps pick up some modeling but
somehow around that, or in advance of that, they have modeled this
outside of our view, outside of the Water Management District's view
as well, the Basin, and now are preparing. They've had a
pre-application meeting, are preparing to permit this infrastructure,
again, without any consultation with Collier. So that's where we
stand.
We have thousands of units permitted. We have capacity
challenges in the Cocohatchee that have been observed not just at
Coc 1 but upstream of there. So we have still significant concerns
that stand. Not that we don't want to be a good neighbor. We
understand regional coordination.
And the last thing I'll say is that we have regular regional water
February 22, 2022
Page 183
working groups, and this has not been a topic of discussion in those
regional -- in those groups.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I think everybody knows that
one of the last things I ever want to do is see one jurisdiction suing
another, especially when the two jurisdictions are in the same county;
however, we have rainy season starting up here pretty soon, and we
may need to be in a position to stop them from what they're doing.
So my request would be for the County Attorney to take a look at
whether we can, from a legal standpoint, file an action to enjoin or to
slow down the process if they are not cooperative with us.
MR. KLATZKOW: Well, we can wait and see if they get a
permit, and then challenge the permit.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Number one. Number two, how
about if we send them a nice happy letter to say, don't be doing this.
And, you know, rather than waiting to see if they get their permit or
not, I've already reached out to one of the councilmen while you were
talking, Commissioner Solis. And so let's -- why don't we put
together a letter of our concern with regard to what it is that's
transpiring and see if we can't realign it. Start that process now --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Sure.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- and then have the County
Attorney -- I mean, we can always, you know, question their permit,
but let's --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I recall correspondence to that
effect last go-round with this in 2018. And, you know, the whole
conversation with Mayor Simmons was we did want to be good
neighbors. We want to make sure that -- we want to make sure that,
you know, we don't create a problem for our residents either.
So, I mean, I'm happy to make a new motion to readopt this
resolution or reemphasize this resolution from 2018.
February 22, 2022
Page 184
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I think that's a really good start is
to send them a copy of this and say that this -- that their current
actions are contrary to what we already have going on.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: And what we specifically
discussed, and myself as the Chair then discussed with the mayor,
with Commissioner Keicher, with -- I mean, I was there with
Chauncey Goss from the district.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Well, you know, Larry's passed
away.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I know.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And there is not -- and Mayor
Simmons isn't there anymore. There's a new regime up there, so...
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Sure.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: But I think a good start --
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: We need to remind them of that.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- to reiterate this, and then we can
also always take legal action if it gets down -- if it gets down the
crick too far.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Sure.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved by Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Second.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And seconded by Commissioner
Taylor.
Any other discussion?
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Yes. I would like to see if we
can't get a copy of the, hopefully, verbatim minutes from the Bonita
Springs meeting where this was decided.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I'll tell you, one, you can't search
their minutes. I don't think they keep them in written form or
something. Angela has been going back and looking at the videos of
their meetings and cannot find where this was brought up as an
February 22, 2022
Page 185
agenda item.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It may have just gotten passed.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: I'll leave that alone right now.
I'll leave that alone.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Well, I'll find that out when I'm
speaking with them as well.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I'll be glad to prepare a draft of the
letter for the Chair's signature.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Perfect.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: There's a motion on the floor.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Did we vote already? No. It's
been moved and seconded that we send the letter and reiterate the
ordinance that we already adopted. Any other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
MR. ISACKSON: Thank you, Commissioners.
Item #11A
ACCEPT STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION TO ISSUE COLLIER
COUNTY COMMERCIAL VESSEL LAUNCH PERMITS TO
COMPANIES SEEKING PERMITS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-
SERVE BASIS UNTIL THE LIMIT OF ONE-HUNDRED EIGHTY
February 22, 2022
Page 186
PERMITS (180) HAS BEEN REACHED AND TO ACCEPT
STAFF’S STATUS UPDATE REGARDING OUTSTANDING
REQUESTS FOR PERMITS - MOTION TO ALLOW THE
ISSUANCE OF UP TO 200 PERMITS AND STAFF TO BRING
BACK A REPORT – APPROVED
MR. ISACKSON: That moves us to 11A. It's a
recommendation to accept staff's recommendation to issue Collier
County commercial vessel launch permits to companies seeking
permits on a first-come-first-served basis until a limit of 180 permits
has been reached and to accept staff's status update regarding the
outstanding request for permits.
Melissa Hennig, your regional manager for Parks and
Recreation, will begin the discussion.
MS. HENNIG: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I was here
last January 11th, so I'm here to update you and to let you know the
current situation with the numbers of permits that have been issued
and also with the different parking lots at Goodland and Caxambas.
So I'll talk about the Caxambas and Goodland parking, the total
amount of commercial launch permits issued, how many were issued
since January 11th, and then we've had 42 companies contact us since
the last time I was in front of you requesting permits, so I'll go over
that also.
An update on Caxambas and on Goodland; it is getting busier.
It is heading into high season, so it's busy. We do have our park
ranger/dockmasters there managing the chaos, so it were. They do
occasionally have to close the parking lots because they are full.
So at Caxambas we met with Marco Island with about -- we had
a pre-app meeting with them about Site Development Plan revisions
on February 1st. They reminded us that we were still technically not
in compliance, and they are awaiting our rezone submittal, which
February 22, 2022
Page 187
should be happening within the next month. Now, when we go for a
rezone and conditional use, once that application's in, it's going to
take six to nine months from submittal to get through to, hopefully,
approval. And at that point, commercial use will be based on the
available parking spaces, and that's per the city.
At Goodland, I did mention last time I was here we'd be
exploring options for additional on-site parking. We are going to
pursue that with Johnson Engineering who did the original site plan
at Goodland.
So right now the cap is 180. We've sold 164. That means we
have 16 left. So, quickly, in -- if you want to see where they are,
primarily Caxambas and Goodland. I know that's no surprise to
anyone. You know, what are we looking at? Fifty-seven percent of
the permits are coming out of there.
The next slide I'll show you is the use. Now, it's a big graph,
but it basically breaks down, okay, this is how many are at
Caxambas, and this is all the uses. This is how many at Goodland.
But for the most part you're looking at boat tours and charter fishing
as your major uses at all your parks right now. I also broke down --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Back up one second, if you could.
I was --
MS. HENNIG: Oh, no problem.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I was in the process of digesting
that, so...
Okay, thank you.
MS. HENNIG: So that means 49 permits were issued since I
was last before you on January 11th, and a majority of those went to
Goodland and Bayview Park. And of those, the majority were
charter fishing, which was no surprise, and also boat tours. And that
makes a little more sense at Bayview. We know there were more
charter fishermen out there.
February 22, 2022
Page 188
So the final slides are -- I'd like to talk about the 42 additional
companies that are now still seeking permits. These are people that
contacted us after my last report to you. So we're looking
at -- they're looking at them all over, but primarily all the parks, or
Goodland and Bayview are the top ones.
Now, there's 11 new permits -- new permits. So that means
there's six companies that exist that are already -- there have permits
right now and want more. There's five companies that are new.
The majority of the people right now looking for permits out of the
42 didn't have permits in 2021, were still operating, didn't know they
needed permits, didn't get a permit for some reason. They're
basically coming to us now and saying, we want to get in compliance.
And here are the uses. Again, primarily charter fishing and
then boat tours.
So the recommendation that we brought before you was to
continue on the path of allowing us to issue the 16 remaining permits
up to 180, which was your original direction, with the caveat so that
you know if we do do that, of the 42 companies looking for permits,
26 of those will not be able to obtain them if they come forward
looking for them. So I just wanted to let you know that. And that's
all.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay. So I wake up every
morning at 2:00 in the morning in a cold sweat screaming the words
"Caxambas" and "Goodland."
Let me just -- let me just mention a couple things just for my
colleagues here. We need to stay away from the word "cap," okay.
We didn't cap anything. We issued 180 permits last year by
accident. It wasn't a number that we targeted. It was -- and actually
it was, like, 183 or whatever. So just for semantics, 180 was what I
called a target for assessment. Let's get to the number of 180 that we
February 22, 2022
Page 189
had last year, and then tell us if it's still the Wild West show down at
Goodland and Caxambas, and the reason it isn't as much is because
you-all have worked so hard to get dockmasters down there to
enforce parking, education, companies that had multiple permits,
then, that came back and said, oh, wow, so my fifth permit isn't the
same cost as my first permit? I only need three now. So I just want
to say that.
But I got interviewed by WINK News yesterday and I want
everyone to think of these marinas -- this is the analogy I used -- as
restaurants, okay. We only have so many tables in the restaurant.
So we can sell 4,000 permits if we want, but when these people show
up and expect service, they're not going to get it. It's going to be,
you know, trailers around the corner, unsafe conditions.
And so the recommendation we need from you-all is, what do
you think that sweet spot is? And I can tell you I'm not losing sleep
because 20 or so people didn't get to eat dinner in the restaurant.
One of the reasons -- and I want my colleagues to know this
because, I mean, I talked to the folks involved here. The news of
how awesome Caxambas is and Goodland -- and it's been on the front
pages a lot of times of the permit issue and all these companies -- has
driven new companies to ask for permits because you have some
people that say, wow, you know, I've been thinking about starting a
business. Man, I see all these companies, they're making money
hand over fist. And, you know, the reality is, we said in here many
times over and over that our priority was going to be to companies
that have already operated out of there, you know, had permits and
whatnot.
So the fact that -- you know, I don't want to -- I just want to
make sure we don't overreach and feel bad that a dozen people might
not get permits unless you-all who are out there every day -- I mean, I
sit here and do the math and I go -- correct me if I'm wrong,
February 22, 2022
Page 190
Melissa -- 167 already, right?
MS. HENNIG: One hundred and sixty-four.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay, 164. And then if we
wanted to be Santa Claus and give the other 42 people permits, right,
and then shut the door, you're talking you're over 200 permits.
Now, if you say to all of us, you know what, 200 today was like
180 last year because of all the improvements we've made -- but I can
tell you, one of the things we also wanted to do is make
improvements because there were so many problems out there with
safety and whatnot. So it wasn't make improvements so that we can
have an unlimited number of permits.
So, you know, that's a little bit of context. I guess I really want
to understand your recommendation to the commissioners here. We
know we have 42 people that are still on the waitlist or whatever, and
all 42 might not come in. I mean, if we say we're going to sell
permits for the next seven days, 42 may not come in. But explain
your recommendation again. So what are you-all saying? Do you
think -- are you saying you think we could actually sell 42 permits
and we won't be, you know, past our sweet spot?
MS. HENNIG: I could say confidentially that if you went to
200 it wouldn't change things based on -- what this has done is it has
allowed people that come forward that want to get in compliance.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: That's what I was going to say. I
heard you say that. How many of the most recent ones were -- I
mean, they're folks that have already been using our ramps and using
our systems and didn't necessarily know or take the time to get. But
there was --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Right.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- I thought I heard you say there
was 20-some of them, those folks.
MS. HENNIG: So I have another -- I actually went through all
February 22, 2022
Page 191
the new -- the 42 to see where everybody was, what they wanted to
do. I didn't --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I mean, that is actually an
important point. We kept saying the number 180, 180, 180. We
actually did have people that were operating out at the ramps without
permits. So our sweet spot was above 180, probably.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And then the other side of that
is -- and, Commissioner Solis, I see you lit up here. I don't want to
gobble up time. But, you know, the other side of the equation is is, I
know myself, I've always perceived our public ramps for our public
where business gets -- businesses get to use our public facilities.
And my complaint department with regard to my residents,
friends, and folks that use our ramps has tanked. For the most part,
folks are -- you know, regular residents that want to go put their boat
in the water are having that opportunity now, and I believe that's
largely due to the enhancements that you folks have done with park
rangers and such along the lines.
And then I'll come to you right after we get your -- go ahead and
talk about this, and then I'll come to Commissioner Solis.
MS. HENNIG: So this is just to show the breakdown. We've
got seven companies that already have permits that are asking for
another permit. We have 35 brand-new people that just contacted
us. Of those 35, seven would be new in 2022. And of the seven,
some of those people said, oh, we had permits before but just didn't
get them in 2021. So technically four of those would be new
permits.
And then there's a breakdown of where the new ones would be.
Three would be at all parks, there would be two new ones at
Caxambas, two new ones at Goodland -- Goodland/Caxambas. And
that's something we're looking at now, and we'd like to change that
next year. Like, you have to pick a spot.
February 22, 2022
Page 192
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Permit-specific locations.
MS. HENNIG: Yes.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, absolutely.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis. Oh, Barry,
did you have something you wanted to add?
MR. WILLIAMS: No, just listening to the discussion. Barry
Williams, Parks and Recreation director.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Well, I'm just -- I'm having a
flashback as to why we're even having this conversation. And as I
recall, we're having this conversation because we were past the sweet
spot. And I was getting a lot of emails, like everybody else, that
with the companies operating out of the boat ramps, it was clogging
up the boat ramps, and there was a lot of residents that were
complaining that they weren't able to use the boat ramps as a resident.
And so my understanding of the whole thing was is that we were
going to try to come up with a way of regulating this so that that
wouldn't happen and residents would be able to use the boat ramps
more freely, you know. And I understand that people have been
using them a long time, but there are also other businesses that don't
use our ramps and, from their perspective, we are subsidizing
businesses by allowing them, for a $100 permit, to use the ramps that
other boat-related businesses are not benefiting from.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's more than 100 now.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Yeah. Well, I mean, whatever it
is, it's a fraction of paying rent for a boat dock.
So my understanding was was that the 180 was the sweet spot
based upon you-all's recommendation and that we were going to try
to over time, through attrition, reduce that because the 180 was where
you thought the permits were and how many were out there, and now
we're talking about going to 200. I mean, this whole conversation
February 22, 2022
Page 193
started because we were going in the wrong direction.
MR. WILLIAMS: Commissioner Solis, Mr. Chairman, if I
could add, I think -- and you said it earlier, the big difference has
been the strategies that's been employed there. And before, when we
were dealing with the wild, wild west, you know, we were looking at
those numbers. Now we're looking at it a little differently.
Anecdotally, I was at Caxambas a couple of weeks ago just
overseeing a construction project there and asking the question, how
are things going, and it was like night and day. So the things that
you've supported have made a difference.
And there is concerns about at what capacity do you extend
yourself. We do know, too, all these permits are given right at the
beginning of the year, so we're getting some stragglers coming in,
people than didn't really understand maybe they needed a permit.
We think we're at the end, we really do.
The suggestion in previous meetings at our 180 -- and,
Commissioner McDaniel, you had made it. You were looking at a
plus or minus so we could avoid coming back to you. And that
would have been a good decision, I think. You know, our
recommendation is going for that sweet spot that we now know.
And, again, Commissioner Solis, I understand the frustration.
We keep -- these numbers keep changing, but I think the biggest
difference for us is where in the past we weren't really taking a good
sense of who were out on the boat ramps. Now we are actively
managing it. So you have a better sense.
Two hundred is a number that we would recommend to you to
look at that and to move forward. With that 200, again, to avoid the
sense of cap -- our commitment to you is to continue to keep you
updated on this issue as we manage and actively manage these boat
ramps. This isn't an issue that's going to go away, so -- but, you
know, to get us through this season, 200 seems to be the magic
February 22, 2022
Page 194
number for us.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Can I add on something?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Sure.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, no. I just wanted to
add that, if you remember, we did pass a whole long list of things that
these folks have worked hard to enact, and that's what has slid the
sweet spot, the scale. One eighty was too high of a number when we
weren't doing that whole list of things. Now that we are, we're
sitting here saying, gosh, we're close to 180. And I can tell you, my
in-box has almost disappeared with complaints.
And, finally, I'm actually getting, from the folks that work out
there, and even emails from people on Marco Island and in
Goodland, hey, every problem's not solved but, boy, what a
difference. It doesn't mean we haven't had some isolated incidents.
But, you know, I think the whole thing was, we were trying not to be
sort of, you know, Grinches and just say, hey, it's 180, take it or leave
it. And I was certainly hoping that all these investments we've made
would slide the sweet spot a little bit, I mean, and not just sort of
keep it at 180 and now it's really easy there.
But when you-all say, like, 200, so if we sold all 42, people that
are on the waitlist now, that's 206. So is your recommendation here,
hey, we open it up, first come, first serve, and when we get to 200,
you know, six people are sort of, you know, too bad, so sad, you
know, that kind of thing?
And, I mean, at some point you do have to sort of stop it. Like
I said, it's like a restaurant. So I know we've got people waiting out
on the street on 5th Avenue, but we have no tables and we're out of
food. I mean, so at some point it just can't be an unlimited number.
But I know we wanted to try to get the maximum number
without busting at the seams. And, you know, once we sell the
permits, we can't take them back. So, you know, one school of
February 22, 2022
Page 195
thought is, hey, do we inch closer to 200 and you guys come back in
two weeks and say, well, we opened the permits. Now we're at 185.
Do you want to open -- I mean, I don't want to nickel and dime this
thing, you know, because I can't imagine 10 permits are going to, you
know, all of a sudden explode Caxambas.
MR. WILLIAMS: One insight for you in terms of that
42 -- and the number is -- seven of those are people that already have
permits that you did grandfather that have existing permits. They're
wanting to expand their business and have more. Our suggestion,
our recommendation to you is to not allow that expansion. You did
make the -- you gave the direction of people that had permits in the
past for them to get those, not to, you know, get those and then
continue to expand their business at the boat ramps. We just don't
have the capacity to continue.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: But forty-two minus seven; is
that what you're thinking?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: You know, then you're under
200.
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Taylor.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: No, I was just -- I would
recommend we don't -- we don't -- we don't issue permits to folks
who already got permits. Let's expand it for the private sector.
Let's expand for the people. Let's not expand --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Well, some of those are
businesses. So let's just make sure that's clear here. The 42 isn't all
just citizens for recreation.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: No, no, they're all businesses,
but what I'm saying is is if we drop it down -- if we don't -- if we do
not issue permits for folks who have already got permits, additional
February 22, 2022
Page 196
permits, then there's seven more opportunities for --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: For new people. I agree.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: -- the private sector. That's the
way I look at it. And we don't have to have it -- we don't have to
have it super crowded. If it's manageable now, why are we pushing
the envelope?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So a happy number for you is no
more than 200? Because at some stage we're going to end up with a
cap. Again, as you've said, when you don't have enough seats and
not enough food, you're -- you have to close the doors, so...
MR. WILLIAMS: It does -- you know, new businesses that
start in May, June come looking for a permit. It would prevent them
from doing it. You're basically saying, you know, we've taking care
of the business that's occurring now. We're not trying to expand it
until we can do some of the other things that we had taken your
direction on in terms of if there were additional spots for, you know,
additional commercial use, that type of thing. So 200 is your
capacity.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I'd make a motion that we
open up the sale of permits, and 200 is the -- we hit 200, and then you
come back to us and give us a report that -- if all of a sudden you're
wrong. You know, the one reason why I do want to go a little bit
higher than 180 is I want to show that the 10 things that we all
approved here actually made a difference. You know, we were able
to absorb 20 more permits. I mean, you know, it was the Wild West
show down there, but you-all have made some pretty aggressive
changes.
And also, too, I'll take my hat off to the professional, you know,
companies and even citizens who have shown patience and who have
made -- you know, there's a few companies, some in the audience
here, some that have contacted me said, hey, we know if we, you
February 22, 2022
Page 197
know, have our customers Uber, hey, we're shuttling people, we're
moving our big trailers off site, you know, we want to meet in the
middle. We've had a lot of people really work hard with us. So I
think it would be a real success story if we said, you know, sort of
like what Commissioner Taylor is saying is that we try to
accommodate as many people as possible but we make sure we don't
bust at the seams, we don't guess wrong.
But you guys just have been on this so tight. I really trust our
Parks and Rec team. And, you know, I think this should be a
good-news story that, you know, we were able to take care of X
number. We didn't leave anybody out in the cold, or it's a small
number. There's always going to be somebody than doesn't get a
reservation, you know, kind of thing.
But I think the positive changes that we all voted on have made
a dig difference. And so, you know, my suggestion, my motion
would be, you guys take it to 200. I do agree with those seven.
Like you said, Barry, these are people that already have permits, and
so I know they want a few extras or whatever. They really shouldn't
be the priority, if I'm hearing you correctly.
MR. WILLIAMS: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: And, I mean, I'd leave it to
my colleagues to also see what they say. But I think, you know,
we're trying to get as many people, different people to utilize the
ramps, not to sort of, you know, have anybody have a monopoly on
it. So if someone's got four permits and they go, wink, wink, we'd
like three more and then you have others on the waitlist that have
zero permits, I think there is a priority process.
(Commissioner Taylor left the boardroom for the remainder of
the meeting.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Quick question for
February 22, 2022
Page 198
Commissioner LoCastro. In terms of the City Council, Marco
Island, I haven't heard anything negative from that.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No. And I meet with
them -- I have a date where I speak before the City Council for 30
minutes, or a 30-minutes exchange, and that's one of the things on my
list is to thank them for their patience. They basically have said, you
know, you guys have it. I mean, the chairman said to all the City
Council this is, you know, Collier County's problem to fix.
And, I mean, I speak with them fairly regularly, sometimes even
off-line, and just say, thank you for your patience. We're hearing a
lot of positive things. So I don't think we're getting pressure.
But to Melissa's point, we've got to make sure we don't forget to
do the -- we've made them some promises, and we've got to make
sure that, you know, we keep our end of the bargain.
But they have not pressured us at all. And I'm going to reiterate
that when I meet with them. I think in a couple weeks I talk about
Tigertail and then I talk about the permits.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So if we -- if we limit it to 200
with no reissues for additional companies, that will cover what you
think your needs are for now?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Today, today. I understand. This
is not a cap or closed -- I saw the public comment, Troy. This one
isn't a cap or a closed door. But if that's your motion for the 200
with no new -- with no extra permits for now, I'll second that motion.
And there is public comment.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay. Let's hear the
comment.
MR. MILLER: Mr. Chair, I have one registered speaker, Mike
Hoffman.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Here comes trouble.
February 22, 2022
Page 199
MR. HOFFMAN: Good afternoon, folks. I'm from WOW
Marco Island Jet Ski Tours.
I just want to thank everybody: Mr. LoCastro, Penny,
Mr. Rodriguez, Melissa, Barry. They made a world of difference,
okay. They have their rangers down there, they have law and order
down there, and it's a pleasure to be there now. It's really a pleasure.
They're doing an awesome job with it, and the whole thing here
is to keep the park rangers there consistently, and as long as you do
that, people come. Not as -- you understand, you get up early. The
early bird gets the worm. It's as simple as that.
They're not having no problems down there.
They -- everything is going good thanks to you guys.
And we're going sort of in a different direction. We're taking
our people. We're taking them in there, shuttling them in, shuttling
them out. We don't want nothing to do with the parking situation.
We don't want to add to the problem.
And hopefully, I can't speak for other companies, maybe they'll
follow, maybe they won't. At next month's meeting, we're going to
be doing something else with the trailers. We'll probably take them
right off site, just use your ramp. And we're trying to figure that
piece of it out. And then hopefully, again, other companies will
follow, and your problems will drastically shrink real fast over there.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I think with attrition and the
increase of the nonresident parking fees, that's also going to
incentivize companies to find other locations for their people to park,
which will free up space for our residents as well.
MR. HOFFMAN: Sure. I said this -- I told Melissa this a
year, two years ago they should be doing this.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Right.
MR. HOFFMAN: Why the companies ain't doing it, I don't
know. And why are they putting all the pressure on you guys?
February 22, 2022
Page 200
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: They weren't having to. They
weren't having to. We were actually being taken advantage of.
MR. HOFFMAN: Yes, that's exactly what happened, and now
it's time to put the foot down and everybody get (unintelligible)
online. It's as simple as that. If it wasn't for Mr. LoCastro, we
wouldn't even be down here today, and all you folks.
So I just want to thank yous, and especially Mr. Rodriguez. He
was a big help in this thing. And I just want to thank everybody for
it. And whatever yous decide, I'll still be indebted to you guys.
Okay, folks? Thank you very much.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I just wanted to add one
thing, and it's not so much on your comment, but Melissa said
something that's important, I think, to remind everybody because you
might be sitting here thinking, well, we're going to be sitting here
next year, and then what, is it 220, is it 240 or whatever?
Between now and then, we really need to work the next wave of
improvements, which is some people just only need permits for
Caxambas, some only need it for Goodland, and we had talked about
that, permits have a different flavor so that we can really control the
population at certain ramps.
And then also, it will advertise to the businesses, hey, this ramp
is at max capacity. We've got another ramp down the street and
around the corner that hardly has any permits, you know. Maybe
you can operate out of there or whatever. I think that would be a big
improvement, and we have a year to figure that out. And, you know,
I think that will help as well.
But, sir, anything you can do to make what you've done
contagious to your fellow business owners, wow.
MR. HOFFMAN: Either they'll shoot me now, or they'll let me
loose. You know, I'll try my best. But at any rate, the thing about it
is -- and I'm not getting involved with Parks and Rec, but if you want
February 22, 2022
Page 201
to issue more permits to people that don't have them, that's all well
and good, but now think about the people that have been here for
years, and you're putting restrictions on them, and you're cutting into
their business by 40 percent to allow these people to get in the loop.
Is that fair?
I mean, is it an excuse that a year goes by, you don't know you
were -- I pay between 35- to $45,000 to use that ramp, okay, and I
can prove that to you. Now you're going to tell me they all of a
sudden want to come into compliance? Yous really believe that?
They escape a year, and they still do it today. You believe that?
So is it fair to the guy that's been there for five, six years to
shrink him down to let new people come in there, okay? Because
like you says, oh, they're making hands over fist. This business you
don't make hands over fist. You're making 25 percent on these jet
skis, because the insurance is probably 7-, 8 grand per jet ski and
everything else that goes with it. So you've got to work for your
money.
So that's the only problem. I'm missing one permit. There was
an oversight. Again, by being considerate for my next company, we
didn't apply for the permit. We missed it, and we just realized it this
year, and I'm short one permit now. Not that I'm saying I'm going to
use it, but I like to know if I have to, I will. But we're going to be
going off site anyway. That's the direction we're in.
Then we'll still need the permits just to dump, but that's
all -- that extra permit, if we can get it, that's all that's going to do for
me. I'm not taking no more spots. I'm not having anything to do
with that. So I don't know how all that can be worked out. I don't
know how Parks and Rec can work that or how that can be worked
out with us. I don't know.
But, nevertheless, yous did a wonderful job, okay. There's a lot
of happy --
February 22, 2022
Page 202
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
MR. HOFFMAN: -- a lot of happy campers out there.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Happier. Thank you.
MR. HOFFMAN: Thank you so much. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And I think -- just as a comment,
and then we'll call for the vote. But you know, we also have
improvements to Caxambas: The rezoning, the expansion of the
parking, things that we're going to be doing throughout the balance of
this year that are going to also enhance the operations as well, so...
All right. It's been moved and seconded that we move the
number up to 200 and not issue any additional permits for those ones
that have applied. Is that a correct synopsis?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes. Just 200 and then issuing the
additional only for those, yes, that didn't have them before.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Correct. That's pretty much what
I said, wasn't it?
All right. It's all -- it's been moved and seconded. All in
favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: (Absent.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
We've lost Commissioner Taylor, by the way, so that's -- I won't
say anything else.
Item #11D
February 22, 2022
Page 203
AWARD INVITATION TO BID (“ITB”) NO. 21-7921,
“COUNTYWIDE CHEMICALS,” FOR THE PURCHASE OF
VARIOUS CHEMICALS REQUIRED FOR POTABLE WATER,
WASTEWATER, AND IRRIGATION QUALITY WATER
TREATMENT BY THE WATER AND WASTEWATER
DIVISIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THE
ATTACHED AGREEMENTS – APPROVED
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, if you don't mind, I'd like
to call Mr. Yilmaz up, Dr. Yilmaz, and move to 11D, which was
formerly 16C1. It's a recommendation to award Invitation to Bid
No. 21-7921 to Countywide Chemicals for the purchase of various
chemicals required for potable water, wastewater, and irrigation
quality water treatment by the Water and Wastewater Divisions and
authorize the Chairman to sign the attached agreements. This was
moved by Commissioner LoCastro and Commissioner Saunders.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And Commissioner McDaniel and
Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Solis.
DR. YILMAZ: For the record, your Public Utilities
Department Head.
I'm ready to answer any questions and answers [sic] you might
have; however, I have very brief overview so that you have the
perspective on this procurement process that goes above and beyond
just one chemical, which we will focus on.
So we had 23 commodities that included six four [sic] our Parks
and Recs. That includes all our aquatics management systems. So
this is a countywide procurement commodity process. There were
13 vendors selected and met the bid requirements.
The bid package included stringent standards: American
Waterworks Association, OSHA, ASDM, FDEP, EPA, MSDS,
RCRA, CERCLA. And we have our procurement director with me
February 22, 2022
Page 204
if there are any questions on the procurement process. So we're
talking about one out of 23 commodities that we're procuring, and
we're here to answer any questions you might have.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: The only question that I had,
the speaker this morning mentioned two things that kind of got my
attention. One was on the lime issue, making sure that we had the
right quality; that was one issue. And I assume that that was
certainly part of the bid package. But the other thing he mentioned
was the fact that the company that we have selected has had other
problems meeting their commitments to other communities. So my
question is, is that -- were those statements accurate and, if so, how
do we -- how do we deal with that?
DR. YILMAZ: Very good inquiry, Commissioner. And our
Procurement Department, in conjunction with our operating
divisions, do background checks and look into those potential
inquiries from other vendors. So I will have our procurement
director address specifically --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: That was my issue. I just
wanted to make sure we have a vendor that's not going to cause us a
problem.
MS. HERRERA: Good afternoon. Sandra Herrera,
procurement director.
Yes. So we do a review of the entire packet, and there were a
lot of allegations made by the petitioner this morning, LHOIST
representative. Those applications were reviewed by my office, and
I personally reviewed it, and I did not find any of those that were
founded on any truth that would preclude us moving forward with
this award.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Okay. That's good enough
for me.
February 22, 2022
Page 205
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: I just -- I want to make sure that I
understand the issue. So there's 26 different chemicals, but we're
hiring one company to provide each one, right, or are we hiring one
company to provide all 26? I just want to make sure I understand
the situation.
DR. YILMAZ: Thank you, Commissioner. We're hiring 13
vendors to provide 23 commodities.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay. And so is the company
that's going to provide the lime providing other chemicals as well?
DR. YILMAZ: Lime only, as I understand.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All right. Commissioner
LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Dr. George, did you get a
chance to talk to that citizen who spoke at the podium? Did you
follow him out, or do you know who he is? Because, you know, one
of the things that I think, you know, I certainly pride myself on, and I
know all of us do, you know, being transparent, being communicative
with our citizens. You know, he took the time to come here, said
some very specific things. I mean, I shut off my light because
Commissioner Saunders, you know, summed it up perfectly. He
brought up two major points that definitely caught our attention.
If you didn't follow him out or whatnot, I would just suggest
contact him and let him know, you know, I don't want to say why he's
wrong, but I think we owe him as a citizen to, you know, compare
notes. And there might be something -- there might be something he
knows that we don't. You know, we've made mistakes before. And
so, you know, he said two very, very specific things that caught all of
our attention and had us pull it off the consent agenda.
So I think, you know, tapping into his expertise or just having
February 22, 2022
Page 206
him say, you know, now that you've explained it to me, yeah, you're
right, I got bad info or something. I don't think we're going to hear
that from him, but I would just suggest that you figure out who that
was; it's in the record. I'm sure he's in your business, so you must
know who he is. You know, it's important to circle back with him
and, you know, let him know that we did pull it off of the agenda.
We talked about it here. You know, we trust your judgment but
also, too, I don't want to dismiss his very specific issues that he was,
you know -- I don't want to say accusing the county, but he
was -- observations he was pointing out, so...
DR. YILMAZ: Comments are well taken, Commissioner, and,
also, the process include bid protest. And anyone did not or did have
challenges or problems with the process, they would be able to
officially protest. When they protest, there's a whole new timeline
kicks in, and there's a different due diligence process bringing all
parties in, our procurement as well as the person protesting it.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Right.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So any sales manager or
representative from other vendors, they do have option to protest the
bid. In this case, they have not. So from my standpoint as
department head, I usually have -- for qualification-based selection
processes, we have recommended members approved by the County
Manager's Office to be on the selection committee for quality-based
procurement. This is a straightforward bid process.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Right.
DR. YILMAZ: And I just did want to clarify that there are
times and there are processes, rightfully so, you indicated, I could get
involved. But in this case, we're in good hands with procurement.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: He was representing a
company that didn't get the bid --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I think he had the bid.
February 22, 2022
Page 207
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: -- and he didn't protest it is
what you're saying. He spoke here, but we've had zero official
protests of --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Correct.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: -- of this contract?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Correct.
DR. YILMAZ: Yes.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay. Got it.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And I'm not positive, but I'm pretty
sure he was the previous vendor --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, oh, I'm pretty sure.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- and he bid for this one and --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I mean, it is concerning when
he talks about the quality, you know, but, I mean, Dr. George, that's
what we --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: We picked up on that. And we
have Dr. George -- and where'd she go? Right there. Wow. We've
been assured that quality has been brought into the decision making
here. So I'm okay, as Commissioner Saunders is, so...
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Me, too.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Someone will make a motion
to -- and a second to approve this agenda item.
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: So moved.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'll second.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Second.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
we move forward with the current selection process. Any other
discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
February 22, 2022
Page 208
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: (Absent.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
Now I'm at your time. I don't know -- how much more do
we -- well, you know what, let's take a 10-minute break -- how you
doing with eight minutes?
THE COURT REPORTER: That's fine.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Eight minutes. We'll come back
at 4:30.
(A brief recess was had from 4:22 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
MR. ISACKSON: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, you have a
live mic.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay. Now we're going to go into
our budget policy.
Item #11C
RESOLUTION 2022-35: ADOPT THE FY2023 BUDGET POLICY
- MOTION TO ADOPT THE SCHEDULE AND RESOLUTION AS
PRESENTED – ADOPTED
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, the Fiscal Year 2023
budget policy. My staff and the financial staff for the organization
has taken about three-and-a-half months to pull together what we
think are prudent budget policies to be considered when we prepare
the workshop budget book, which you guys will get in June.
Now, the PowerPoint that was presented as part of the packet
February 22, 2022
Page 209
gives you a summation of all the policies, and the big summary
documents, some 60 pages, was really put together more for those
individuals and consumers of our financial information.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And those of us who have trouble
sleeping, it's 60 pages.
MR. ISACKSON: You did tell me that that was a -- and rather
than going through the whole policy, let me just make a couple of
comments, if I can. The most important decision that the Board
makes is millage rate, and we're suggesting as part of the preparation
for your June workshop that we keep our millage in the General Fund
the same at 3.5645 and keep the Unincorporated Area rate the same
at .8069. That's all based and predicated on a taxable value increase
of 3.5 percent.
The state thinks the taxable value's going to go up 10, which has
caused some consternation with some of the constitutionals. I think
the -- I think the Sheriff is probably -- it will be interesting to see
what the Sheriff submits, what the Supervisor of Elections submits,
and what the Clerk of the Circuit Court submits. I'll be looking
anxiously for those numbers.
But, generally, the constitutionals are very good at taking our
guidance and trying to work the best that they can with preparing
their budgets, which is required to be submitted on May 1, at least for
the Sheriff, the Supervisor of Elections, and the Clerk of Circuit
Court.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Just to reiterate, the estimates that
are being proposed are at a 3-and-a-half percent taxable value.
MR. ISACKSON: Well, that's my planning number.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: That's your planning number, and
the state's projecting 10.
MR. ISACKSON: The state's projecting 10.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Ten, I gotcha. So we have some
February 22, 2022
Page 210
decisions to make.
MR. ISACKSON: That will be interesting to see what Skinner
provides us at the end of May for June, which is what your workshop
book will be predicated upon. And you won't get July taxable
values, which are certified, until the end of June, so...
I'm going to -- I'm going to stop, and if there are any questions
the Board has on the summary policy PowerPoint, I'd be happy to
address them. If there are none, I will go right to the schedule,
because that's what -- the important thing that the Board needs to give
me some guidance on.
Commissioners, as I mentioned, the resolution that you have in
your packet that we're asking your approval on requires that the '23
budget submittals from the Sheriff, the Supervisor of Elections, and
Clerk of Courts be submitted on May 1. Your 2023 June budget
workshop dates are tentatively June 16th, which is a Thursday and, if
necessary, Friday, June 17th. You adopt your tentative maximum
FY '23 millage rates on Tuesday, July 12th. The Board receives the
tentative 2023 budget document on Friday, July 15th, and your public
hearings are currently slated for September 8th and September 22nd,
both Thursdays and both at 5:05 p.m.
I'll stop there, Commissioners, and if there's a blessing on the
policies, we will move out and have your document prepared in detail
for your workshop discussions in June.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: How you feeling about this? You
all okay? I mean, generally -- generally, I mean, I don't see any
really -- any real issues with the policies that are being proposed.
You and I spoke, I believe, on Friday a little bit about the gas
tax. Do you want to talk about that now or at a later point?
MR. ISACKSON: Well, I can just tell the commissioners that
it may be a wise idea to extend your gas tax -- gas taxes a little bit
prematurely. They're set to expire in 2025. Bring those to the
February 22, 2022
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Board early, get those re-upped, and that would then follow the
situation where we could issue, in rough terms, let's say, up to 200
million in debt, bond that out, and get some of your eastern grid
roadways taken care of and some of your roadways within the mature
areas of the community taken care of. And I probably will bring
those gas tax ordinances to you before my departure in July. That's
my time frame that I have in my mind going forward.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I don't know how you folks are
feeling, but I think it's -- I think it's prudent for us to give due
consideration to the re-upping of those gas taxes sooner or later. I
haven't seen an economist's report -- I haven't seen a report at all
about anything other than the fed increasing interest rates, and we're
in a rising-interest-rate environment. And if we can take advantage
of a point, point and a half in bases points on that much money, it's
going -- it's going to mean enormous amounts of money for our
community from an interest expense standpoint.
You need direction from us other than this discussion?
MR. ISACKSON: No. I think, other than approve the
resolution and identify the schedule that we had on the visualizer, and
let's bless that, if we don't -- if you don't mind, Commissioners.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Someone make that motion.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Motion to approve the
schedule.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And the resolution.
MR. ISACKSON: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yes.
MR. ISACKSON: And the policies as recommended.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Resolution for the policies, yes.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: As presented.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Did you second it, Commissioner
Saunders?
February 22, 2022
Page 212
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'll second that. I thought it
already had been.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's been moved and seconded that
we approve the resolution for the policies and the schedule. Any
other discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: All in favor?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR: (Absent.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Opposed, same sign, same sound.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: So moved.
MR. ISACKSON: Thank you, Commissioners.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Thank you.
Item #15
STAFF AND COMMISSION GENERAL COMMUNICATION
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, that brings us to Item 15 on
your agenda, which is staff and commissioner communications.
Commissioners, let me ask Dan Rodriguez to come on up and
give you a little brief on where we're at with our joint meetings that
we're trying to schedule with the City of Naples and the City of
Marco Island. Dan.
MR. RODRIGUEZ: Thank you, County Manager, appreciate
it.
For the record, Dan Rodriguez, your Deputy County Manager.
February 22, 2022
Page 213
Commissioners, as you know, we are planning a joint session
with the Board of County Commissioners as well as the City of
Naples, City of Marco Island. That's slated for March 1st. The
morning event will be with the City of Marco Island. And we're
putting together the agenda over the next day or two.
The County Manager will be soliciting information from you to
add to the agenda. Currently what we have for Marco Island on the
agenda is the Tigertail Lagoon/Sand Dollar Island project that
Commissioner LoCastro has been spearheading and bringing all the
different agencies together to bring that to a potential resolution.
Additionally, we have the Caxambas Park rezoning update that
they would like to get an update. And Barry Williams, Melissa, and
our project management delivery team are working with an engineer
for getting that put together. So we've made some good progress,
and we've met with the City of Marco Planning several times.
The City of Naples group will be at 1:00. And their current
topic includes interlocal agreements discussion. We don't have any
detail, but we're getting that here within the next day that we'll share
with you and see if they are going to add anything else to the agenda,
and then get your items as well.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: That's basically an all-day
workshop.
MR. RODRIGUEZ: Correct.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I didn't catch the times.
MR. RODRIGUEZ: Sure. The March 1st 1:00 is with the
City of Naples, and then the City of Marco Island will be at 9:00 a.m.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Are you guys going to
Marco, right? They're not coming -- the meeting isn't here, is it?
MR. RODRIGUEZ: They're both coming here.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: It is here, okay. Thank you.
MR. RODRIGUEZ: These chambers, third floor.
February 22, 2022
Page 214
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: We'll be here 9:00 a.m. all day
long on March the 1st. The City of Marco at 9:00, the City of
Naples at 1:00.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Do we have the ability to -- is
there any problem with us -- like, I'd like to sit in on the Marco one.
Is that inappropriate? It's not inappropriate, right? I could sit in on
the 9:00 one?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: You're going to be -- it's with us.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Oh, okay. Oh, it's not just --
(Simultaneous crosstalk.)
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: It's something you're doing
offline. It's us. Okay. I gotcha.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: It's a workshop for all the -- for us
to meet jointly with Marco in the morning and then the City of
Naples in the afternoon on those subject matters.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Got it. Okay. I hope it's on
our calendar.
MR. ISACKSON: Commissioners, the only other thing I had is
I received a letter from Rich Yovanovich covering the property at the
southwest corner of Collier and Vanderbilt Drive, and it was in
regard to some affordable housing prospects at that particular piece of
property. I've asked our staff to get with Rich and discuss some of
the details of it, and certainly when we know more, we'll bring it back
to the Board. But just as an FYI.
That's all I have, Chair.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Have they started in on any
information meetings -- neighborhood information meetings or
anything yet?
MR. ISACKSON: They're still at a staff level.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Can I just add one thing? So
February 22, 2022
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just for dates comparisons, Dan, on the 25th of February, in here I'm
meeting with all the stakeholders, just me, about Tigertail. It's, like,
our fourth meeting. So the good news is there'll be some takeaways
from that gathering which is just about Tigertail, and it's all the
Audubon Society, Hideaway Beach, and everything.
So let's make sure we compare notes so that when we bring in
the City Council on the 1st -- and I won't -- I won't preempt that with
the City of Marco. I'll have that meeting here, and then I'll wait till
the 1st so I don't leak them any info or whatever, you know. We can
do it all in one shot. But those dates, then, work out perfectly,
because there will be a lot of new updates from the Friday,
February 25th meeting and then, boom, you know, we roll right into
the 1st. So it couldn't be planned any better.
MR. ISACKSON: That's all I have, Mr. Chair.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: County Attorney?
MR. KLATZKOW: Nothing from me, sir. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Solis?
COMMISSIONER SOLIS: Nothing from me.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner LoCastro?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Commissioner Saunders?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: No. I think I've had enough
for today.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I have a couple, if you folks will
indulge me. Give me a second. I had it up here, and then I hit the
button.
All right. First of all, I'd like to bring Jamie up and -- because
we had a rather interesting discussion a couple of weeks ago about
cell towers. And so I was --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Oh, no.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: -- having an exploration of -- and
February 22, 2022
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suggested to staff that we go through some of our county-owned
pieces of property and go through a zoning analysis on the property
that Collier County already owns that could be potentially sited.
And what I'd like to do is have this as the preliminary map, have
you folks have a look at it, review it, and then allow it to be public
information. It already is if someone were to make a public records
request.
But the carriers, as you saw when we looked during that last
tower meeting, the carriers have circles of influence around the
towers that they already have and then holes in their coverage. And
so they'll be able to take this locational map -- I'm hoping you find
it -- and take this locational map and apply it to their zone coverages
that they have.
And then I'm asking you folks to have a look at this map and
then add in any other sites. I do know -- I had conversation.
Dr. George shared one particular utility site, I think, up at our north
plant. The facility that we have, we already have cell towers on.
And our utility sites are not located on this particular map right now.
But please go ahead, Mr. Jamie.
MR. FRENCH: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Thank you,
Commissioner McDaniel. For the record, I'm Jamie French with
Growth Management Community Development.
Commissioners, what you have in front of you, or at least on the
visualizer, is all of the county-owned land to include the
Conservation Collier properties that would be allowing -- that would
allow for a cellular telecommunication tower right now.
Many of these are on agricultural properties. They allow up to
250 feet without a conditional use. Anything above 250 feet would
require that minimum acreage as well as the conditional-use process
that would come right here before the Board of County
Commissioners.
February 22, 2022
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Again, this is just a really good starting point on -- what we've
done is we've gone through to identify all the county-owned lands.
We've worked with the Manager's Office, Real Property, as well as
with the Property Appraiser to go through and really just geo code or
map out all of our properties, and then we lay those into a zoning
layer that would give some determination on what process would be
necessary for us to consider putting a tower there one day.
If anything, it just heightens awareness to let the Board know the
available land. Now, many of the properties that aren't on here, this
is not -- this is certainly not all the county-owned lands. These are
just properties where a tower can go right now without going through
much of a process at all unless they're over 250 feet.
But many of these properties that the county does own, they
could be residentially restricted even though, again, it's an essential
service, or they could lie within a PUD such as where Dr. George has
got his wastewater and regional water plant, that's with the new
Orangetree PUD.
Towers are prohibited within Orangetree PUD. So the zoning
is already in place that we would have to go through and rezone that
area or open that PUD back up to allow for towers to be considered
there.
So we've already -- like I said, we've gone through and just
looked at all the county-owned properties where we know a tower
can go right now as the property sits right now.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And the goal here was to pick the
low-hanging fruit, get this map distributed to the carriers so that they
could apply their coverage radiuses on this map, and then fill in
potential holes, and then come back through on other sites that we
have. If it's necessary that we open up and amend the PUD at
the -- at the Orangetree north -- we call it the Northeast Regional
Wastewater Water Facility. If we open that back up and give
February 22, 2022
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consideration -- because it's a huge population growth out there, and
we've already got the park and the big tanks and everything else.
Then we could, in fact, do that as we go forward. So after this map
will come a map of all of the other facilities that the county owns
with the requisites that are necessary to be able to rezone them to
allow them to be hosts of a cell tower.
MR. FRENCH: And, again, just to kind of show you,
everything is broken out on an Excel spreadsheet as well, just to let
you know how that process would work as to whether or not it would
have to go through a conditional use or if the zoning's already in
place.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Perfect. Thank you.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I've got a question, quick, for
you, Jamie. Are you talking to Verizon and these other carriers as
well? I mean, I know you put this map together with info we have.
But are you in conversation with them?
I was just disappointed that after we voted on the tower, you
know, I talked to them on the side, and I said, you know, I really
would like you guys to get with me or me get with you, because the
one dead area I've got in District 1 is Goodland. I mean, you
literally come off of San Marco Road, you make a right on the new
beautiful road that we have, you go from four bars to zero. I don't
know -- I don't know why there's -- you know, it totally drops off.
And, you know, I'm looking at your map, and one of the little
red spots is, you know, on Marco. And so I just wanted them to
educate me on can they put something bigger, faster, stronger on
Marco that would help Goodland. Is there some sort of booster they
could put in Goodland that some -- I mean, I'm no, you know, cell
tower engineer. But, you know, people in Goodland have been
screaming for years that the minute you turn the corner, they get no
cell. And a lot of those people, their cell phone's their only phone.
February 22, 2022
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And one of the things I've educated the residents at my last town
hall recently was if you have no bars and you call 911, it actually
goes through.
But, you know, there are sometimes where you literally have
zero service, and they want to make a phone call to someone and
can't. So, I mean, maybe that's another discussion for another day,
but, you know, what caught my eye here is the little red piece that's
on Marco off of San Marco, you know, Road, and I'm wondering,
you know, there's -- there's a tower there, I believe, right? That's
not -- or is that a piece of property where a tower could go?
MR. FRENCH: That's a piece of property where a tower could
go, Commissioner. And to answer your question just briefly, we
typically do not have conversation with a service provider.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, okay.
MR. FRENCH: It's typically with the tower owner --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah.
MR. FRENCH: -- and then they would -- that's vertical real
estate, as you've heard us talk about that before, that they would work
that -- that lease out with the service provider.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Maybe you and I can talk,
you know, separately, and you can educate me a little bit more. I
really want to -- I really want to go to bat for the people of Goodland.
You know, they've been saying this for the longest time. Even
Commissioner Fiala mentioned this to me, and she was just like, I
never knew what I could do and, you know, it's like -- you know, and
now that we're -- it's 2022 and these people still have zero bars if
you're at Stan's practically. So, you know, another issue for another
day. But next time we talk, make sure that's on our short list, and
maybe you can help steer me in the right direction, or together we
both maybe could address that.
MR. FRENCH: Certainly happy to help.
February 22, 2022
Page 220
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, thanks.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And in review of that, looking at
this map, if you see or know of another piece of property that the
county owns, make sure you get it to them and have it brought up on
here so we can do a review, because that list -- the second list that
Jamie put up talks about the requisites, because some of them are
Conservation Collier lands. I didn't exclude Conservation Collier
lands. Some of those are out in the Rural Golden Gate Estates. The
Gore property was specifically listed on here, and those are places
where cell phone are -- or towers are legal. We just have -- there's
additional permitting that has to go through.
But the map is the -- as we like to say, the low-hanging fruit
to -- you don't -- it's up to 250 feet you can get a permit. So
that -- that's going to make that map public, and then we'll go forward
with other potential sites.
So thank you, Jamie.
MR. FRENCH: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Number two. You know,
we -- last year there was a pretty restrictive preemptive law that was
passed by the State of Florida on the rationale of promoting small
businesses. And I know -- and, Commissioner Saunders, you're
about to get a lesson in Golden Gate Estates Rural, because you've
stayed with Golden Gate Estates Urban as a general rule up until the
recent redistricting.
But we are having an enormous amount of businesses moving
into the Estates that are outside of our zoning law. And so a code
complaint is filed because somebody's operating a business that's
objectionable and not within -- you know, not within what's
perceived to be as the Estates law. And Code Enforcement's been
going out, and the guy's got a business license, and he's supposedly
adhering to the statutory requisites.
February 22, 2022
Page 221
And so one of the things I'm asking for is Board direction to
give the staff -- that when a code complaint comes through, a zoning
review of the property where the complaint is actually filed is
actually performed as well so that we don't end up with a person that
gets a business license in a residential area, and Code says you're
legal but, in reality, they're in violation of our zoning regulations.
So I'd just like to give -- I'd like the Board to give direction to
have that as an additional review on a code. And I talked to
Mr. Bosi about this a couple of weeks ago, and he was, like, it's
basically checking a box. But it's -- it will be an additional
assurance that we're doing our due diligence, so...
Did you have something you wanted to say before I was done?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: We used to say in the Air
Force, I have one we reattack.
I wanted to just give a "thank you" to John Mullins. Myself,
Commissioner McDaniel, and Commissioner Saunders went up to
Tallahassee. John Mullins was our --
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Can you wait till I'm done, and
then I'll come to you for a finish?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No. Yeah, certainly.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: I got two more things.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I might retract it by then,
John. So that's it. This was it. I had the one chance. He cut me
off, hey.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Let me finish what I was doing,
and then I'll come to you, please.
I would also like to expand the notice requisite in agriculturally
zoned lands. We did it in Golden Gate Estates when we learned that
the 250 foot or 500 foot that was originally part of the code was not
sufficient, and we went to 1,000 feet. Found that wasn't sufficient.
Now we do a mile ring.
February 22, 2022
Page 222
And similarly with that last tower that we approved, we had
allegations of impropriety and a sign being stuck at the end of a
mile-long dirt road that nobody went down. And if we expand that
same notice requisite to that mile ring, it's more burdensome on the
permittee -- don't get me wrong. There is an additional expense
there for the mailings and such. But I think garnering greater public
interest in what's, in fact, transpiring in our community is not a bad
thing.
So expansion of that from the current -- I think it's only 500 feet
now in Ag 2, a mile ring similar to what we already have in the
Estates, and I'd like to have staff move forward with that, if that's
okay with you-all.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: We own two pieces of
property -- new subject. The Hussey piece that we bought three
years ago -- two years ago. We've owned it for two years, and then
the thousand acres that Collier County bought at the southeast corner
of Camp Keais and Oil Well Road. And I would like to give
direction to staff to move forward on the rezoning of those two pieces
of property and bring back to us some preliminary drawings as to
what's developable, what's not, and --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: What are they zoned for right
now?
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Ag. They're both zoned
agricultural. There was a preliminary drawing, I think, that Nick
did, Casalanguida, Nick Casalanguida, our previous Deputy County
Manager, on the Camp Keais piece when they brought it to us, and
we thought it was an okay idea to buy, but we haven't done really
anything on the Hussey piece as of yet.
But I'd like to be able to work with staff, develop some very
high-level potential uses for those pieces. I don't want them to just
February 22, 2022
Page 223
sit in our inventory and not do anything with. So I'd like to be able
to -- and certainly no decisions are going to be made, but I'd like to
be able to work with staff to come up with a preliminary picture of
those properties and some potential rezonings that this board could
give consideration to in the future, if that's okay.
And last but not least -- and I don't know how many people were
on this email, but I got an email from a concerned citizen on the
Sheriff's recent move to pass out gift cards to folks that received or
were stopped by the Sheriff's Department because they had a
functional issue going on with their car. And the rationale was we
were giving tax dollars away to help somebody who had a taillight
out go to the auto parts store and get a new taillight.
The actual money came from one of the auto parts stores as a
contribution to the Sheriff's Office when someone's pulled over in
lieu of giving them a ticket to -- they still might have got a ticket, but
they also got a gift certificate to go to that particular auto parts store
to be able to replace that.
And I wasn't sure how many of you actually saw that email.
Well -- and then I was the only one. And so I've -- talking to the
person who's watching it sent that email. It was a -- it was a gift
certificate program by an auto parts store to the Sheriff's Office, so...
And with that, I am completed. It's now Commissioner
LoCastro's turn.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No, I changed my mind. I
don't have anything to say at this time.
No, John, I just wanted to say, you know, on behalf of
Commissioner McDaniel and Commissioner Saunders, and really all
the commissioners, because we were up there representing Collier
County, you know, thank you for putting together a great trip.
Those of you that might not know, the three of us went up there,
spent several days, met with Senator Passidomo, met with
February 22, 2022
Page 224
Representative Bob Rommell, Lauren Melo. We got to sit up in the
cheap seats and, you know, watch down below as they were, you
know, talking about different legislation about, you know, quite a few
things. We met with some -- you know, all the heavy hitters from
the -- what is that, Florida Veterans -- what was it? General Hartsell.
What's his --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Department of Veterans
Affairs.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Department of Veterans
Affairs. And, you know, I won't steal anybody's thunder, and we'll
let everything roll, but we continue to get really, really, really good
news that Collier County is really getting a strong look, if not the
look for the next state nursing home as they educated us. It doesn't
mean that if -- when we get the thumbs up, we put a shovel in the
ground immediately. It's a long process, and they have a lot of
homes that have been built already and that still aren't fully staffed or
populated. So it's a little bit of a methodical process.
And in the end we met with a new, you know, senior staffer for
Governor DeSantis. And there again, you know, they all had
nothing but great things to say about Collier County, the state
veterans nursing home, and then I know we all sort of went off on our
different ways and covered some other bases.
But, you know, John, thanks so much for being our scoutmaster
and making sure we got on the right elevator and all that. And it was
obvious that, you know, you've laid a lot of -- burned a lot of shoe
leather in those halls to keep Collier County on the front pages of a
bunch of things.
And then we got to ride Commissioner Saunders' coattails.
Every hallway you go into, "Hello, Senator." You know, he's
still -- and then we looked at his picture. It's on parchment paper.
It's from, like, 18 -- you know, they took the picture with a flash that
February 22, 2022
Page 225
smoke came out and whatnot. He's got a long beard and a top hat.
It was a little dated. But, actually, it was kind of neat to see one of
our fellow colleagues in a pretty important hall, you know, as a State
Senator and doing good work.
But it was a great trip. It was great to be there. Let's not be
strangers up there. I think even just walking around and just making
sure they saw us and we pressed the flesh a little bit so they know
we're alive down in Collier County is a good thing.
And then Lisa who was, you know, also, you know, your
sidekick there was very, very valuable. It was obvious, when we
walked into offices, she had laid a lot of groundwork, and she has a
very, very good reputation. And so even sometimes when -- we
weren't really in and out of anywhere. We got -- we got the -- we
got the face time you want.
And then, you know, I don't know how General Hartsell
remembers me from the Pentagon and from other jobs or whatever,
but, you know, I said, hey, yeah, sure, you know. Oh, we go way
back.
But we've got some good things happening. And, John, thank
you so much for all that you're doing. You know, keep at it. We've
got a lot of great things coming to Collier County, and we heard
nothing but positive comments for our staff and for the state's and the
Governor's support of what's happening down here in Collier County.
And, obviously, Senator Passidomo, she has a lot of -- a lot of power
up there and a lot of influence, and she thinks a lot of us. And so
those were all really great meetings. Thanks for setting it up.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'll just echo that, that, John,
you did a great job behind scenes, getting things set up before we got
there, and it worked out very well. So thank you for your efforts.
Great job.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: And so will I. You know, I
February 22, 2022
Page 226
complimented you personally but, publicly, thank you. You did an
amazing job. And Lisa Hurley is our lobbyist.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah, she's awesome.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: She did an amazing job as well.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Commissioner Saunders
looks exactly the same. If you look -- the picture was from, like, the
'70s, and it's the same guy.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I go up there every couple
years and change the picture.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: It looked like. It's
PhotoShopped.
CHAIRMAN McDANIEL: Okay, kids. Let's call it a day.
And to that, we're done.
*******
****Commissioner Saunders moved, seconded by Commissioner
Taylor and carried that the following items under the Consent
and Summary Agendas be approved and/or adopted****
Item #16A1 – Continued to the March 8, 2022, BCC Meeting
(Per Agenda Change Sheet)
RECOMMENDATION FOR STAFF TO ADVERTISE AND
BRING BACK FOR A PUBLIC HEARING AT THE MARCH 8,
2022 BOARD MEETING, AN ORDINANCE OF COLLIER
COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2003-37,
AS AMENDED, INCLUDING ORDINANCE NO. 2003-58, BY
AMENDING SECTION 110-30 OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES TO EXCLUDE THE
BAYSHORE GATEWAY TRIANGLE COMMUNITY
February 22, 2022
Page 227
REDEVELOPMENT AREA FROM THE PROHIBITION OF
ENCLOSING SWALES IN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY;
PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION INTO THE CODE OF LAWS
AND ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Item #16A2
RESOLUTION 2022-31: APPROVING A PUBLIC HEARING TO
CONSIDER VACATING THE 100-FOOT RIGHT-OF-WAY AND
EASEMENT, DESCRIBED AS TRACT “G”, AS RECORDED IN
DEED BOOK 23, PAGE 47 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, LOCATED IN SECTIONS 23
AND 24, TOWNSHIP 48 SOUTH, RANGE 28 EAST, COLLIER
COUNTY, FLORIDA
Item #16A3
RECORDING THE FINAL PLAT OF DEL WEBB NAPLES
PARCELS 301-303 AND 311, (APPLICATION NUMBER
PL20210002134) APPROVAL OF THE STANDARD FORM
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND
APPROVAL OF THE PERFORMANCE SECURITY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $3,362,555.56
Item #16A4
RECORDING THE FINAL PLAT OF KAICASA, (APPLICATION
NUMBER AR-12767) APPROVAL OF THE STANDARD FORM
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND
February 22, 2022
Page 228
APPROVAL OF THE PERFORMANCE SECURITY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $9,906,234.80
Item #16A5
RECORDING THE MINOR FINAL PLAT OF QUARRY PHASE
1B, APPLICATION NUMBER PL20210001493
Item #16A6
RECORDING THE FINAL PLAT OF METROPOLITAN NAPLES
(APPLICATION NUMBER PL20200001193) APPROVAL OF THE
STANDARD FORM CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE PERFORMANCE
SECURITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,017,723.30
Item #16A7
RECORDING THE FINAL PLAT OF VALENCIA TRAILS
NAPLES – PLAT FOUR (APPLICATION NUMBER
PL20210002132) APPROVAL OF THE STANDARD FORM
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND
APPROVAL OF THE PERFORMANCE SECURITY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $4,551,259.57
Item #16A8
FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE SEWER UTILITY FACILITIES
FOR FIFTH THIRD BANK- GULF GATE, PL20210003177
Item #16A9
February 22, 2022
Page 229
FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY
FACILITIES FOR RITZ-CARLTON NAPLES HOTEL ADDITION
– PHASE 1, PL20210002961
Item #16A10
FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE SEWER UTILITY FACILITIES
FOR WYNDEMERE COUNTRY CLUB – PHASE 1,
PL20210003336
Item #16A11
THE ISSUANCE OF A WORK ORDER UNDER AGREEMENT
NO. 21-7842, “ROADWAY CONTRACTORS,” TO AUTHORIZE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE RANDALL BOULEVARD AT 8TH
STREET NE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $656,746.95, AND TO AUTHORIZE ANY
NECESSARY BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Item #16A12
COLLIER COUNTY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020
AND 2021 PROGRESS REPORT AND PROPOSED ACTION
PLAN FOR 2022
Item #16A13
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF A SMALL COUNTY
OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR RURAL AREAS OF
OPPORTUNITIES APPLICATION WITH THE FLORIDA
February 22, 2022
Page 230
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO FUND A PAVED
SHOULDER PROJECT TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON A SEGMENT
OF IMMOKALEE ROAD - IN THE AMOUNT OF $998,661.75
Item #16A14
GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 21222 BETWEEN COLLIER
COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
COMMISSION UNDER THE BULK DERELICT VESSEL
REMOVAL PROGRAM, ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING IN THE
AMOUNT OF $113,610.00, AND AUTHORIZE THE
NECESSARY BUDGET AMENDMENT
Item #16A15
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE GULF CONSORTIUM
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT NO. 200097221.01 BETWEEN
THE GULF CONSORTIUM AND COLLIER COUNTY BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO UPDATE CERTAIN
SECTIONS OF THE AGREEMENT
Item #16A16
SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT NO. 17-7127, “3-1-1
/CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (CRM)
INITIATIVE,” TO QSCEND TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND
AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT
OF THE AGREEMENT FOR A ONE-TIME COST OF $6,000 FOR
LICENSE IMPLEMENTATION AND $2,000 FOR ON-GOING
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT
February 22, 2022
Page 231
Item #16C1 – Moved to Item #11D (Per Commissioner McDaniel
during Agenda Changes)
Item #16D1
(2) MORTGAGE SATISFACTIONS FOR THE STATE HOUSING
INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP LOAN PROGRAM IN THE
AMOUNT OF $52,290.33 AND AUTHORIZE THE ASSOCIATED
BUDGET AMENDMENT TO APPROPRIATE REPAYMENT
AMOUNT TOTALING $52,290.33
Item #16D2
(1) MORTGAGE SATISFACTION FOR THE STATE HOUSING
INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP LOAN; THIS TRANSACTION IS
A TRANSFER OF A $50,000 MORTGAGE LIABILITY FROM
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF COLLIER COUNTY, INC., TO
THE HOMEOWNERS PROVIDED WITH HOME PURCHASE
ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE
STRATEGY
Item #16D3
A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,147.71 FOR
PROGRAM INCOME UNDER THE U.S. HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT PROGRAM FROM THE IMMOKALEE AIRPORT
Item #16D4
February 22, 2022
Page 232
A 5-YEAR RENEWAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ALLOWING IT
TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
PROGRAMS AT COLLIER COUNTY MANAGED AND
OPERATED BEACH PARK FACILITIES
Item #16D5
THE THIRD AMENDMENT BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY
AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION OF
HISTORICAL RESOURCE FOR STRUCTURAL
STABILIZATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORIC
ROBERTS RANCH HOME AT THE IMMOKALEE PIONEER
MUSEUM AT ROBERTS RANCH
Item #16D6
REINSTATEMENT AND FIFTH AMENDMENT BETWEEN
COLLIER COUNTY AND PRESTIGE HOME CENTERS, INC.,
FOR THE DEMOLITION AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF
MANUFACTURED HOUSING PROGRAM TO EXTEND THE
TERM AND REVISE AGREEMENT LANGUAGE
Item #16D7
SERVICES FOR SENIORS, “AFTER-THE-FACT” STANDARD
CONTRACT AND ATTESTATION STATEMENT WITH THE
AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA,
INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,388,954.83 AND AUTHORIZE
THE ASSOCIATED BUDGET AMENDMENTS, FOR FY22
OLDER AMERICAN ACT TITLE III IN THE AMOUNT OF
February 22, 2022
Page 233
$131,913.47
Item #16D8
“AFTER-THE-FACT” CONTRACT AND AN ATTESTATION
STATEMENT WITH AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, INC., FOR THE EMERGENCY HOME
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM-AMERICAN RECOVERY
PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $96,800 AND AUTHORIZE A
BUDGET AMENDMENT TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS
FUNDING FOR FY22
Item #16E1
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT PREPARED BY THE
PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION FOR DISPOSAL OF
PROPERTY AND NOTIFICATION OF REVENUE
DISBURSEMENT
Item #16E2
RATIFY PROPERTY, CASUALTY, WORKERS’
COMPENSATION AND SUBROGATION CLAIM FILES
SETTLED AND/OR CLOSED BY THE RISK MANAGEMENT
DIVISION DIRECTOR PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION #2004-15
FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF FY 22
Item #16E3
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS PREPARED BY THE
PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION FOR CHANGE ORDERS
February 22, 2022
Page 234
AND OTHER CONTRACTUAL MODIFICATIONS REQUIRING
BOARD APPROVAL
Item #16F1
RESOLUTION 2022-32: APPROVING AMENDMENTS
(APPROPRIATING GRANTS, DONATIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS
OR INSURANCE PROCEEDS) TO THE FY21-22 ADOPTED
BUDGET
Item #16F2
AWARD INVITATION TO BID (“ITB”) NO. 21-7926 HEAVY-
DUTY PICK-UP TRUCK UTILITY BODY WITH FUEL TANKS
TO TAMIAMI FORD, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FORD
F450 UTILITY TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,473.69
Item #16I1
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
February 8, 2022
1. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TO FILE FOR RECORD WITH ACTION AS DIRECTED:
A. DISTRICTS:
1) Cedar Hammock Community Development District:
Meeting Agenda 05/10/2021
Meeting Minutes 05/10/2021
2) The Quarry Community Development District:
Meeting Agenda 10/18/2021; 11/15/2021
Meeting Minutes 10/18/21; 11/15/2021
B. OTHER:
February 22, 2022
Page 235
Item #16J1
A BUDGET AMENDMENT RECOGNIZING A FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DIVISION OF ELECTIONS, 2022
ELECTION SECURITY FUNDS GRANT AWARD IN THE
AMOUNT OF $59,432.74
Item #16J2
RECORD IN THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS, THE CHECK NUMBER (OR OTHER
PAYMENT METHOD), AMOUNT, PAYEE, AND PURPOSE FOR
WHICH THE REFERENCED DISBURSEMENTS WERE DRAWN
FOR THE PERIODS BETWEEN JANUARY 27, 2022, AND
FEBRUARY 9, 2022, PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE
136.06
Item #16J3
APPROVE AND DETERMINE VALID PUBLIC PURPOSE FOR
INVOICES PAYABLE AND PURCHASING CARD
TRANSACTIONS AS OF FEBRUARY 16, 2022
Item #16K1
RESOLUTION 2022-33: APPOINTING THREE MEMBERS TO
THE CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE – APPOINTING RON CLARK AND
REAPPOINTING MICHELE LENHARD AND HANNAH
RINALDI
February 22, 2022
Page 236
Item #16K2
A STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$168,000 PLUS $55,541 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY AND
APPORTIONMENT FEES, AND EXPERTS’ FEES AND COSTS,
FOR THE TAKING OF PARCEL 122FEE REQUIRED FOR THE
VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT NO.
60168
Item #16K3
A STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$155,000 PLUS $41,150.41 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY AND
APPORTIONMENT FEES AND EXPERTS’ FEES AND COSTS
FOR THE TAKING OF PARCEL 1230FEE REQUIRED FOR THE
VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT NO.
60168
Item #16K4
A STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$128,600 PLUS $28,859.39 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES,
APPORTIONMENT FEES, AND EXPERTS’ FEES AND COSTS,
AND A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $3,000 FOR
ADDITIONAL APPORTIONMENT FEES IF ANY, FOR THE
TAKING OF PARCEL 233FEE REQUIRED FOR VANDERBILT
BEACH ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60168
Item #16K5
A STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
February 22, 2022
Page 237
$117,700 PLUS $28,721 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES,
APPORTIONMENT FEES, AND EXPERTS’ FEES AND COSTS,
AND A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $3,000 FOR
ADDITIONAL APPORTIONMENT FEES IF ANY, FOR THE
TAKING OF PARCEL 1142FEE REQUIRED FOR VANDERBILT
BEACH ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60168
Item #17A – Continued to the March 8, 2022, BCC Meeting
(Per Agenda Change Sheet)
RECOMMENDATION TO ADOPT AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 04-41, AS AMENDED,
THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, TO
CHANGE THE NAME OF THE BAYSHORE MIXED USE
OVERLAY DISTRICT TO THE BAYSHORE ZONING
OVERLAY DISTRICT AND THE NAME OF THE GATEWAY
TRIANGLE MIXED USE DISTRICT TO THE GATEWAY
TRIANGLE ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICT, TO RENAME THE
BAYSHORE GATEWAY TRIANGLE REDEVELOPMENT AREA
TO THE BAYSHORE GATEWAY TRIANGLE COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AREA; TO ADD PROHIBITED USES, ADD
APPEARANCE STANDARDS FOR OUTDOOR DISPLAY AND
STORAGE, ADD A BOUNDARY MAP FOR THE BAYSHORE
ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICT AND FOR THE GATEWAY
TRIANGLE ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICT, ADD
ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS FOR SINGLE FAMILY
HOMES, AND CHANGE OTHER DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS [PL20210001222]
Item #17B
February 22, 2022
Page 238
ORDINANCE 2022-06: AN ORDINANCE AS AMENDED, THE
COLLIER COUNTY GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE
UNINCORPORATED AREA OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA,
RELATING TO THE DENSITY BONUS POOL WITHIN THE
BAYSHORE/GATEWAY TRIANGLE REDEVELOPMENT
OVERLAY AND SPECIFICALLY AMENDING THE
BAYSHORE/GATEWAY TRIANGLE REDEVELOPMENT
OVERLAY OF THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT, TO
CHANGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF THE DENSITY
BONUS POOL; DIRECTING TRANSMITTAL OF THE
ADOPTED AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT
OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Item #17C
RESOLUTION 2022-34: APPROVING AMENDMENTS
(APPROPRIATING CARRY FORWARD, TRANSFERS AND
SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE) TO THE FY21-22 ADOPTED
BUDGET
March 8, 2022
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 12:29 p.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/EX
OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD(S) OF
SPECIAL DI 111.CTS UNDER ITS CONTROL
' ,
c•
WILLI A L. McDANIEL, JR., CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
CRYSTAL K. KINZEL, CLERK
, - /
ute
These minutes approved b the Board on a s
presented or as corrected
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF FORT MYERS
COURT REPORTING BY TERRI L. LEWIS, REGISTERED
PROFESSIONAL REPORTER, FPR-C, AND NOTARY PUBLIC.
Page 128