HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/2005
INDEX TO MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING
OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF VERO BEACH
ON NOVEMBER 14, 2005
1.CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE......................... 1
2.INVOCATION ............................................................................................... 1
3.INTRODUCTIONS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF ........................................... 1
4.OPENING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS OF CITY OF
VERO BEACH CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF ....................................... 2
5.INDIAN RIVER BOULEVARD ................................................................. 2
IRC .........................................................................................................2
NDIAN IVER OUNTY
CVB ...........................................................................................................3
ITY OF ERO EACH
6.FIRE STATIONS .......................................................................................... 4
IRC .........................................................................................................4
NDIAN IVER OUNTY
CVB ...........................................................................................................5
ITY OF ERO EACH
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7.26 STREET ................................................................................................. 5
November 14, 2005 1
CVB ...........................................................................................................6
ITY OF ERO EACH
8.VISIONING ................................................................................................... 6
IRC .........................................................................................................6
NDIAN IVER OUNTY
CVB ...........................................................................................................7
ITY OF ERO EACH
9.RECREATION .............................................................................................. 8
IRC .........................................................................................................8
NDIAN IVER OUNTY
CVB ...........................................................................................................9
ITY OF ERO EACH
10.BIKE PATHS ............................................................................................... 11
IRC ...................................................................................................... 11
NDIAN IVER OUNTY
CVB ........................................................................................................ 12
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11.QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS ......... 13
12.PUBLIC COMMENTS............................................................................... 13
13.ADJOURNMENT ....................................................................................... 15
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November 14, 2005
JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY AND CITY OF
VERO BEACH CITY COUNCIL
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met with the City of
Vero Beach City Council for a Joint Workshop at the Richardson Center, Indian River Community
College, Mueller Campus, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, November 14,
2005, at 9:00 a.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
County Chairman Lowther called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
2. INVOCATION
County Planning Director Stan Boling delivered the Invocation.
3. INTRODUCTIONS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
The following County representatives introduced themselves: Chairman Thomas S.
Lowther, Vice Chairman Arthur R. Neuberger, Commissioners Sandra L. Bowden, Wesley S.
Davis, and Gary C. Wheeler, Administrator Joseph A. Baird, Assistant County Attorney William
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K. DeBraal, Executive Aide to the Board Kimberly Massung, Deputy Clerk to the Board Patricia
Ridgely, Recreation Coordinator/Special Events Jim Chrulski, Recreation Director Cliff
Crawford, Utilities Director Erik Olson, Planning Director Stan Boling, Community Development
Director Bob Keating, MPO Staff Director Phil Matson, Emergency Services Director John King,
Management & Budget Director Jason E. Brown, Recreation Supervisor/Athletics Bob Wilson,
and Recreation Staff Assistant Amy Glaser.
4. OPENING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS OF CITY OF
VERO BEACH CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF
The following City of Vero Beach representatives introduced themselves: Mayor
Mary Beth McDonald, Vice Mayor Thomas White, Council Members Debra Fromang, Bob
Solari, and Sabin C. Abell, Jr., City Manager James M. Gabbard, City Attorney Charles P.
Vitunac, City Clerk Tammy K. Vock, Public Works and Engineering Director Monte Falls,
Interim Planning Director Nancy Carter, Recreation Director Rob Slezak, and Assistant
Recreation Director Patty Mattingly.
5. INDIAN RIVER BOULEVARD
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Director Keating explained the Indian River County Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) using a PowerPoint
presentation (see copy on file in the Office of the Clerk to the Board). He detailed the development
process, the components of the plan, cost affordable alternatives, the draft of the cost affordable
network, and the adoption of the cost affordable plan. The LRTP is nearly completed and was
endorsed by the MPO CAC (Citizens’ Advisory Committee), the MPO TAC (Technical Advisory
Committee) and the MPO in October 2005. The LRTP is in its 45-day comment period and final
plan adoption is scheduled for December.
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Vice Mayor White asked when the 6-laning of Royal Palm (extension of Aviation
Boulevard project) might occur, and Director Keating responded that the consultant is now
working on “interim year improvement sets” and he assumed it could be as soon as the second
5-year period of the plan or starting about 2010.
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Council Member Abell preferred a connection of Aviation Boulevard at 37 Street
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(west of the new Emergency Center at Indian River Memorial Hospital) rather than 36 Street. He
was mostly concerned about east-west evacuation routes.
Director Keating explained the consultants came up with the extension of Aviation
Boulevard as he had shown, that it would work, and would relieve the need for 6-laning the entire
length of Indian River Boulevard.
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Public Works Director Monte Falls advised of the earlier consideration given to an
extension of Aviation Boulevard to serve the hospital and undeveloped properties east of US#1 to
give undeveloped commercial properties access on a “feeder” road to avoid a proliferation of
driveways onto US#1. That concept got them thinking about a connection to reduce the need to
6-lane Indian River Boulevard. He recognized the need for the consultants to present alternatives
before a decision is made. The intersection of Royal Palm Boulevard and Royal Palm Place is
another issue; FDOT has agreed to include that improvement project in their SR 60 project design.
Vice Chairman Neuberger asked if anyone had considered the feasibility of using
the right-of-way for the Main Relief Canal for a roadway or if it was totally out of the realm of
possibility, and Mr. Falls responded that the consultant has merely identified a need to make the
connection.
Council Member Fromang said her concerns were addressed and she was thankful
Indian River Boulevard would not be 6-laned all the way through.
Council Member Abell pointed out that traffic counts are required for developments
as they are planned but that does not take into consideration all the units in the pipeline. He was
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concerned about east-west evacuation routes, minimizing traffic, and maintaining the quality of
life.
Vice Mayor White inquired about widening Old Dixie Highway; it was pointed out
there is no right-of-way, there were numerous impediments, and it does not go all the way through
the city limits.
Discussion ensued regarding the planning that began 20 years ago to widen Indian
River Boulevard and the suggestion that it could be a model project with extensive landscaping.
County Administrator Baird expressed staff’s frustration that just when we get
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rights-of-way purchased and begin designing a project, such as 27 or 43 Avenue, it is cancelled.
These roads were in the plans but when reality comes closer, nobody wants it in their backyard.
Commissioner Bowden was concerned about noise and heavy trucks on Indian
River Boulevard and commented she was unaware of the plan while serving 8 years on the MPO.
Mayor White specified he was opposed to the use of sound barrier walls to cut the
noise.
6. FIRE STATIONS
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Emergency Services Director John King gave a PowerPoint presentation concerning
the Fire/EMS station repairs, replacements and expansions. (Copy on file in the office of the Clerk
to the Board.) He advised of damage to the stations by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004. He
noted that many of the damaged stations were built as single function or were basic metal buildings
with limited life spans and not rated for major hurricane winds. He advised of the lack of backup
power capabilities and the importance of proper facilities due to the need for emergency personnel
to respond during and after emergencies. He presented a summary of funding for the planned
repairs, replacements and expansions with a total of $11,464,159. He then reviewed the specifics
for each of the following stations: Fire 1, Med 1, Fire/EMS Station 2, Fire Station 3, Fire/EMS
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Station 4, Fire/EMS Station 5, Fire/EMS Station 6, Fire/EMS Station 7, Fire/EMS Station 8,
Fire/EMS Station 9, Fire/EMS Station 10, and Fire/EMS Station 11. (See locator map in the office
of the Clerk to the Board.)
Paul Dritenbas
Architect addressed at length the specifics of redesign and rebuild
of Fire/EMS Station 2 (located beachside near the Barber Bridge). He spoke of the need to acquire
the old bridge right-of-way, the need to elevate the building in excess of the flood elevation of 6,
and the need to design it to handle a 150 mph wind-load. Mr. Dritenbas also advised of the
necessity to accommodate the ingress and egress of emergency vehicles so they will not be
impeded by other traffic or parking. The plan is to design it in a Key West style whereas the
architects will be using Station 11 and a design from Miami-Dade County as a prototype for the
other stations for a 50% reduction in architectural services. He responded to questions regarding
the anticipated completion times and a training room. He specified that the plans are subject to all
the same regulations as everyone else’s new construction and that the training room location has
not been determined yet.
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Council Member Solari urged location of the training room at Station 2 because of
the proximity to other jurisdictions’ safety personnel.
Chairman Lowther suggested a more central location for the training room and
County Administrator Baird noted that the Station 2 area is already congested with vehicles and he
did not like to mix recreation with emergency vehicles and wanted the training room to be
centralized. Also Station 2 costs are up to $2.6 million and climbing since it is the “biggest and
fanciest” station.
Vice Mayor White believed the training should be on the mainland because of all the
other challenges of Station 2’s site.
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7. 26 STREET
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Council Member Solari favored widening 26 Street from 43 to 66 Avenue with a
lot of landscaping. Building a community road rather than just putting down asphalt would create
a positive community asset.
Engineering Director Monte Falls advised that a selection committee has been set to
review the design consultants’ proposals this week after the schedule was interrupted by Hurricane
Wilma. After hearing the proposals, the committee will short-list the bidders.
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Chairman Lowther suggested moving the 26 Street intersection at the railroad
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tracks one block north to 27 Street where the Administration Building is being built. This would
lessen traffic through McAnsh Park. He wanted to know the feasibility of moving that railroad
crossing and what the City thought about the idea.
Mr. Falls and County staff will research that suggestion.
8. VISIONING
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Director Keating presented a PowerPoint outline (copy on file with the backup in the
Office of the Clerk to the Board) and advised that the basic concepts of the visioning plan were:
how do we want to see the County grow and does the Comprehensive Plan need to be changed to
achieve it. He advised of the workshops, charettes, interruptions/delays due to Hurricanes Frances
and Jeanne, and the oversight committee meetings. The MPO process differed from the City’s
visioning process because the oversight committee consisted of all the elected officials of the
Board of County Commissioners, School Board and all five municipalities. Alternatives were
developed: 1) continue the existing trends, 2) reduce development by lowering densities
throughout the county, and 3) villages inside and outside the urban service area. There were a lot
of diverse opinions particularly for Gifford and Fellsmere. He thought a general liking of the
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village concept resulted, but without incentives that would increase density outside the urban
service area. Also, there should not be large, major-scale density reductions throughout the
county. Generally, the visioning process validated the existing Comprehensive Plan. The final
vision statement was to maintain and promote the “small town character” of Indian River County
as a low density, low rise, and “green” county, while providing for a variety of housing and
transportation choices.
Commissioner Wheeler questioned whether the cost of $200,000 for the visioning
process was worthwhile since no change was made to the Comprehensive Plan, and Director
Keating thought the meetings gave everyone the opportunity to give input if there were major
problems with the Comp Plan.
Commissioner Wheeler thought our Comp Plan is in pretty good shape but he
pointed out that the “villages concept” was not accepted by the Commission or the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
Commissioner Davis thought another thing that goes against the grain of the
Visioning Committee was the reduction of densities next to the urban service area because the
Commission rejected that also.
Council Member Abell agreed with Commissioners Wheeler’s and Davis’
comments.
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Interim Planning Director Nancy Carter stated that in February 2005 the City
Council adopted its Vision Plan and the implementation team is beginning the implementation
process. A new position of manager will oversee that process. The City had a SR 60 charette to
see how the City would proceed with the redesign of that road. The City Council will hold a
workshop with the Planning Board in mid-December to consider the recommendations of the
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consultant. On December 3, the City will hold a beachside charette to receive input from the
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community to learn how beachside residents want to see the beachside move forward. On
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November 20 the City issued a request for proposals for a Vision Plan Implementation
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Consultant; the bids will be opened on December 15. Ms. Carter anticipated the selection would
be sometime in January.
Chairman Lowther declared a short recess at 10:40 a.m. The meeting was
reconvened at 10:50 a.m. with all the same members present.
9. RECREATION
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Recreation Director Crawford gave a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file in the
office of the Clerk to the Board) by advising of the department’s goals, organization, and program
statistics. He also presented a breakdown of statistics in the aquatic and athletic programs, special
events, and camps activities. He advised of participation in the activities, attendance summaries,
income summaries, special events, junior lifeguard program, and reported on the department’s role
in post-hurricane relief in handling public information, ice, water, MREs (meals ready to eat), and
tarpaulin distribution. He spoke about the department’s community partners, the Children’s
Assistance Program, the department’s awards, and upcoming special events.
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Recreation Director Rob Slezak expressed thanks for the opportunity to appear and
complimented the County’s Recreation Department for an outstanding job. He distributed a
booklet telling about the City’s department (Copy on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board)
and asked if there were any questions.
Council Member Fromang asked that the County and City recreation staffs meet to
see how they can work together and to discuss issues the City has experienced since they lost the
funding from the County.
County Administrator Baird inquired if the City was looking for funding from the
County, and Council Member Fromang stated she had spoken with Mr. Slezak about some
alternatives to explore.
County Administrator Baird stressed there are four other municipalities and the
County must be fair to everybody. He could not recommend providing funding to any city’s
recreation department.
Recreation Director Rob Slezak recommended that City and County staff sit
together and look for duplication of effort and report to their administrations where some costs
might be reduced. In response to Vice Chairman Neuberger’s questioning, Mr. Slezak specified
that sharing for special events or facilities might be possible.
City Manager Gabbard stated the issue that keeps coming up is the overwhelming
number (60%) of county residents who use the City’s recreational program. He and County
Administrator Baird have talked about it, and he would like meet with County Administrator Baird
and the recreation directors to discuss it more fully and not debate it today.
County Administrator Baird countered that 60% of the participants in the County’s
programs come from the municipalities.
Council Member Fromang interjected that this need not be debated today, but just
have our staff members meet to discuss it.
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Vice Chairman Neuberger suggested that the City and County recreation
committees could be assigned to look at this, and City Manager Gabbard responded that had been
considered but he felt something could be worked out now between the City and County because
of their good relationship.
Vice Chairman Neuberger said he would be in favor of the County reimbursing the
cities for the county residents they are serving.
County Administrator Baird accepted that but he also thought the cities should
reimburse the County for the usage of their residents. It should not be a one-sided equation.
Mayor McDonald asked if the City Manager could write a proposal to the County,
but City Manager Gabbard preferred to meet to see where everyone stands and perhaps by the first
of the year they could refine the numbers and report back to their elected officials.
Commissioner Davis suggested they determine which services are mostly used by
city residents and have the City present those and have the County present the programs most used
by county residents.
County Administrator Baird noted that the County does most of the athletics for the
City. We need to find better ways of doing things like analyzing costs, cutting programs and
determine which services the City should provide and which the County should and not just shift
the taxes.
City Manager Gabbard pointed out that logistics also play a part, giving an example
of Leisure Square. He looked forward to having the opportunity to meet with County
Administrator Baird to try to resolve the situation.
Chairman Lowther pointed out that the Commission will be meeting with the City of
Sebastian on Thursday and he thought this issue should be discussed.
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10. BIKE PATHS
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Director Keating began his last PowerPoint of the day (copy on file in the backup in
the office of the Clerk to the Board) by advising that the MPO (Metropolitan Planning
Organization) has had a bicycle/pedestrian plan for the past 10 years. It was updated a couple of
years ago. The plan is essentially an “on-road-plan”. It does not sit on the shelf but is used by
County staff constantly as a basis for determining when developers need to put in sidewalks and
bike paths and when designing roadways and as a basis for submitting enhancement project
candidate applications. The plan is technically based and when first done it used some innovative
concepts in bicycle/pedestrian planning. There was extensive public involvement in the plan and
also emphasis on planning near schools, particularly within the 2-mile walking distance. In the
plan there is both a bicycle priorities map as well as a sidewalk priorities map. Ideally every road
would have 5’ wide sidewalks on each side of the road and have bike path lanes on the road. Since
it is not always possible to do this, there is a decision tree to identify what type of improvement
needs to be on what roadway. He advised of the greenways role in planning for off-road paths.
The MPO has the greenways plan as a task in its current unified planning work program. It has
been in place for the last few years. A scope of services was developed last year but unfortunately
the scope was greater than the budgeted dollars. MPO staff has been talking with Council Member
Solari regarding greenways. The current thinking is that instead of a countywide greenways plan,
maybe just a central county greenways plan would be better. That would limit the scope of the
greenways plan recognizing that there is a lot of work needed to identify a system of off-road
facilities. There are issues of dealing with other governmental entities but also opportunities as
well of using publicly-owned lands.
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Director Keating responded to Commissioner Davis’ question regarding possible
availability and use of Federal enhancement funds for the off-road facility. He also responded to
Mayor McDonald’s question regarding curbing and gave further statistics about grant funding.
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Council Member Solari wanted to get the word out about the “Veteran’s Memorial
Pedestrian Bikeway”.
Vice Chairman Neuberger inquired when the name changed from the “Al Fletcher
Memorial” and advised there was a plaque by the Catholic Church on the bike path put up in 1973
or 1974 which covers the City’s portion of the bike path.
Council Member Solari wanted to get something going for bike paths around the
community and have them be better designed. He wanted to raise them up a level as has been well
done in other communities, particularly Davis, California. He hoped his plan would be put
together after the first of the year in the form of a proposal for the City and the County in order to
get funding for a designer to create a plan to include interconnections and design techniques. It
would be a guide for the future. By having a plan, funding would be more available. He
mentioned connections at the airport, Station 2, Dodgertown, and the Main Relief Canal in the
future by partnering with the water control district. He believed the canal system was a
ready-made roadmap for extending the pedestrian-bikeway system throughout the county at a low
cost. He was hoping to get Commission and the Council support for his idea and take it back to the
MPO.
Commissioner Bowden suggested Council Member Solari look into the history of
this before moving forward with his idea. He said he was unaware of the name and that was not a
material point in his idea and he felt his idea would further the MPO’s plan by filling it in.
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Council Member White recounted that the local Kiwanis Club had made maps every
year on the old bike path. He was certain they could get funding from the clubs in town to fund
that part of it.
Chairman Lowther suggested Council Member Solari meet with Public Works
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Director Davis to work on the bike path between 12 Street and 8 Street on 20 Avenue, he
would be happy to work with him in any way he can with this issue.
11. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mayor McDonald thought this was a wonderful and cooperative effort and thought
we should have more of these meetings. It is a wonderful opportunity for both boards to gather to
exchange ideas. She appreciated everyone’s time and input.
Chairman Lowther commented it had been a vision of his since taking over as
Chairman.
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Council Member Abell also was appreciative of the meeting and inquired as to
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whose responsibility it is to maintain the ditch on 20 Avenue south of SR 60, Public Works
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Director Jim Davis responded that the center of the 20 Avenue corridor is an IRFWCD (Indian
River Farms Water Control District) canal. The County owns right-of-way to the west and the east
of the road, but the center belongs to the WCD. The County maintains on the east (the northbound
lanes). The west side has a narrow limited right-of-way. It would be great if it were culverted but
it would be very expensive.
Council Member Solari commented that the bikeway plan showed it culverted and
he believed, over time, it would improve that whole section of town.
Vice Chairman Neuberger recalled that Craig Fletcher had proposed years ago
making that a linear park. He thought that was an excellent idea.
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Kenneth Daige
, a resident of the City of Vero Beach, encouraged everyone to try to
attend the “Livable Communities” meetings put on by FDOT. He requested the policy makers
allow more green space and not allow so many houses per acre.
Joe Paladin
, the Chairman of Growth Awareness Committee (private sector
committee), advised that County Commissioners have been working with the GAC for over a year
and a lot of those things have been accomplished by working together. The following have already
been addressed: green space, bikeways and sidewalks inside developments, additional buffer
requirements, landscaping on fencing, buffers and walls. As to density, a lot of these measures cut
density but just reducing the density does not make any development more pleasing or more
usable. The thought process was to control the growth through quality, not just reduce the density.
Mr. Daige
asked them to remember that once the building industry quiets down and
the developers are finished, there will be many residents here and there needs to be some kind of
job base with $25-$35 per hour pay. We will need more homes, roads, law enforcement, and fire
protection and he asked who is going to pay for that.
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Freddie Woolfork
, 4590 57 Avenue, shared his concern for the children because
they are our future. He told of positive steps being taking in the Gifford area to get the kids off the
streets. A new program called “Front Line” targets middle and high school children to help them
set goals and stop thinking about bad role models in the media. Front Line wants to put something
in their heads and give them moral value training. There is a need to think about ways to stop
building more jails, but instead to build facilities where the children can be nurtured to help them
become productive citizens.
Mr. Paladin
, who owns Atlantic Coast Construction and Development, specified
that the GAC is also working on workforce and affordable housing. He explained the ideas and
plans they are exploring and will be bringing to the Board in the next few months. In working on
all these things, they are working to make this a totally better community.
Mr. Daige
commented that when looking at making more roadways and adding to
the roadway system, wide lanes create speedways. More law enforcement will be needed to keep
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speeding down. Also, he asked that workforce or middle income housing not be in little boxes in
little areas but spread out throughout the county to avoid creating slums.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the
meeting was adjourned at 12:06 p.m.
ANY PROVIDED BACKUP DOCUMENTATION IS ON FILE
IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD
AND IS HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES
ATTEST:
_________________________________ ________________________________
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Thomas S. Lowther, Chairman
Minutes Approved: _________________
BCC/PR/2005 Minutes
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