Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/08/2004 INDEX TO MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MARCH 8, 2004 MARCH 8, 2004 1 March 8, 2004 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met in Special th Session at Sebastian River High School Auditorium, 9001 90 Avenue, Sebastian, Florida, on Monday, March 8, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. Present were Caroline D. Ginn, Chairman; Arthur R. Neuberger, Vice Chairman; and Commissioners Fran B. Adams, Thomas S. Lowther and Kenneth R. Macht. Also present were Joseph Baird, Acting County Administrator; County Attorney William G. Collins II; and Deputy Clerk Patricia “PJ” Jones. 1. CALL TO ORDER The Chairman called the meeting to order. 2. INVOCATION Planning Director Stan Boling gave the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chairman Arthur Neuberger led the Pledge. MARCH 8, 2004 1 4. PUBLIC DISCUSSION Chairman Ginn announced that Commissioner Kenneth Macht is at a United Way meeting and will join this meeting as soon as possible. Chairman Ginn then announced that all cell phones and/or pagers should be turned off. She briefly went over the procedural rules for this evening’s meeting: anyone wishing to speak should provide their name and address on the cards available outside the door. Speakers will be called in the order they signed up and each speaker will be allowed 3 minutes. Executive Aide to the Commission Kim Massung will hold up a red flag when the speaker has 30 seconds left and the speaker should then conclude his or her remarks. As the meeting is being televised live, she then read the Proposed Interim Growth Control Measures and announced that they can be found on the County’s website. The Chairman then began calling the names of the speakers who had registered and they were heard in the following order: Bob Solari , 730 Painted Bunting Lane, spoke in opposition to the proposed measures and read from a printed statement (copy of statement on file with backup for today’s meeting) mentioning several developments he felt were unwisely planned and permitted. He believed that no one who has lived in Indian River County for any length of time, or anyone in a leadership position, should be surprised by the growth in the County. He noted that the growth in the County is less than projected in the Comprehensive Plan, but the Plan is not giving the results desired by the residents. He felt that the visioning process could not be accomplished in 18 months but the process must not be rushed. He also expressed his fear that a moratorium on building would lead to as much as a 3% rise in the interest rate which could lead to a recession and the highest unemployment rate anyone has seen in this county. MARCH 8, 2004 2 Jackie James , Roseland Road, President of the Friends of Historic Roseland, expressed their support of the proposed measures. Ed L. Lerena , 924 Riomar Drive, spoke in support of the proposed measures. th Carol Nies , 13630 77 Street, Fellsmere, Secretary-Treasurer of the Realtors Association of Indian River County, and speaking on their behalf, spoke in favor of a variety of housing choices, and expressed her willingness to participate in any task force that may be formed. Gwenda Thompson , 9350 South US#1, President and CEO of the Workforce Development Board, spoke in opposition to the proposed measures and noted that Indian River County has the highest unemployment rate in the state and she would hate to see that exacerbated by any restriction on construction. st Penny Chandler , Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, 1216 21 Street, disagreed with the number of projects under development as stated in the backup and urged the Board not to move forward with the proposed measures. st Helene Caseltine , 1216 21 Street, was not present when her name was called. Bob Tenbus , 764 Banyan Road, President of the Civic Association of Vero Beach, spoke in favor of the proposed measures. Joel Tyson , 22 North Mulberry Street, Fellsmere, spoke in opposition to the measures and praised the managed growth taking place in the City of Fellsmere. MARCH 8, 2004 3 Ital Veron , 280 Peppertree Drive, spoke in favor of the proposed measures. David Barnet , 1550 Penlynn Street, Sebastian, believed the proposed measures to be a little too restrictive but was in favor of a 12-month period to study the matter. th Virgil Vannatta , 306 20 Avenue, expressed his concern about additional traffic from new development. th Peter O’Bryan , 2255 11 Lane, warned about creating another “Ft. Lauderdale” and was in favor of a moratorium. Joseph Paladin , Atlantic Coast Construction, 8730 South A1A, supported growth and development and opposed a moratorium. th Dick Bird , 4281 5 Place SW, stated he had served on the Planning & Zoning Commission and on the Board of County Commissioners and had the privilege of working on the Comprehensive Plan during its formation. He felt the talk about a moratorium was a negative and unnecessary signal to the community as the Comp Plan is still being followed and he did not feel anyone has encouraged developers to take advantage of our beautiful county. th Mark Grossman , 9960 86 Street, Vero Lake Estates, stated that his community has grown twice as fast as the county average. He emphasized that residents are now constantly fighting for assistance from Animal Control, Code Enforcement and road and canal maintenance. About 2 years ago the County spent over a million dollars for maintenance and sod for the canals in his community and those are now weed-choked ditches. The Sheriff’s department is also stretched too thin and has had to reduce the services available. MARCH 8, 2004 4 Anthony Donadio , 1665 E. Rosewood Street, felt the Comp Plan is working and the Planning Department is doing a wonderful job. The County needs growth to come in with clean industries which can offer decent paying jobs to residents. He emphasized the effect a moratorium would have on housing for young families and the negative affect on our community. Jerry Swanson , 3001 Ocean Drive #202, stated that he is a commercial developer and is opposed to any moratorium. He also expressed concern about the proposed impact fee increases which he felt would cut down on available jobs in the community George Watson , 150 McKee Lane, expressed his support for gathering information and his opposition to any premature action. th Mark Brackett , 1915 34 Avenue, was opposed to any moratorium and expressed his appreciation for the way the community has grown, which did not happen by accident. Builders and residents at large have taken great pride in this community. He also noted that he is certainly in favor of buffers, open green space, and common recreational facilities, but pointed out that those things do not exist in the beach area where the density is very high. th Mary Jones , 916 25 Avenue, asked how often the Comp Plan is revisited and whether other counties have been contacted in an effort to learn other techniques. Community Development Director Bob Keating responded that the Comp Plan was adopted in 1990, revisited in 1996, and another state-mandated major review is scheduled in 2008. Also, staff is in contact with other counties. Irene Bush , 13370 Old Dixie Highway, Sebastian, was in favor of a moratorium and advocated constant vigilance. MARCH 8, 2004 5 st Chip Landers , 1636 51 Court, suggested a task force to review the LDRs which he felt would be a lot quicker and more efficient. th Brian Johnson , 2200 98 Avenue, waived his opportunity to speak. Tony Keefer , 506 Indian Lilac Road, stated we can have either growth with greed or growth with care. He felt the Board should take the time and effort to slow down the growth. Joseph Schulke , 59 Blue Island Street, Sebastian, stated he has been a civil engineer in the County for 25 years and opposed the moratorium. He enumerated examples of growth that have enhanced the community, such as the Riverside Theater, the Environmental Learning Center, McKee Gardens, the Indian River Mall with its 24 screen movie center, and numerous other restaurants, attractions and businesses that have enhanced property values in the community. Vern Toulson , 95 Cache Cay Drive, a builder and businessman, felt growth is positive and brings good jobs for the community’s citizens. He suggested an emergency panel to focus on the concerns and fears and implored the Board to make an effort to educate the public. th Jesse Williams , 4401 35 Avenue, Pastor of the New Prospect Church and President of the Pastors’ Association, asked the Board to show consideration for the people who have lived here for many years rather than the new residents. He asked for a meeting with the Board of the Pastors’ Association. Chairman Ginn got Pastor Williams’ telephone number and stated she would contact him about such a meeting. MARCH 8, 2004 6 nd Larry Hiegel , 625 32 Avenue SW, just quit his job after 25 years to become a small land developer in the County and his life depends on growth. He was opposed to the moratorium. Robert Franklin , 520 Cypress Road, expressed his view that the large number of people in the County who are employed by the construction industry were over-emphasizing the fears about the economic impact of a slow-down in growth. He stressed that building will not stop and he felt that they are using scare tactics while most of them have to pass up work because they cannot keep up with the demand for their services. thth George Beuttell , 5000 16 Street, stated that not everybody can afford 1/5 of an acre to live on. His son just got out of college and he felt that the Board is forgetting about the people who need multi-family housing in their effort to appease the retirees. He questioned how industry can be brought in when there is no affordable housing for employees. Olivia Sue Franklin , 520 Cypress Road, waived her opportunity to speak. th Jeff Hickman , 7600 134 Street, Sebastian, urged the Board to support a temporary conditional moratorium. th Arthur Deshane , 13675 77 Court, Roseland, favored Chairman Ginn’s proposal. th Steve Moler , Vice President of Masteller & Moler, 2205 14 Avenue, stated that a moratorium would probably not affect him but it would certainly affect his staff. MARCH 8, 2004 7 th Peter W. Jones , 1924 5 Avenue SE, stated that he is an architect and believes that the Comp Plan is doing what it was intended to do. He felt a task force to study the problem would be a great idea and he offered his services to assist in educating the public. He was opposed to any moratorium. st Teddy Floyd Detective , Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, 4055 41 Avenue, asked the Board to look out for the average working man and the young people coming up. Janice Broda , 12396 North A1A, felt the builders are presenting a “doomsday” prediction of job losses when there is a huge demand and people cannot even get them to make a bid on work because they are too busy. She was in favor of growth controls. th Dottie Castellano , 1115 8 Place, was opposed to any moratorium because she did not want her son, who is an electrician, to move back home. The County needs affordable housing. th Willie Mae Phinigee , 4805 35 Avenue, Gifford, was opposed to a moratorium and asked the Board to be more concerned about the people who have lived here all their lives and to give the young people a chance at home ownership. Trish Adams , 47 River Oak Drive, Sebastian, applauded the Board for their courageous step. She worked in Port St. Lucie and does not want to see this community turn into that kind of community. She felt the idea of a task force was great but wanted to be sure that people were not appointed who have a vested interest in continuing the growth. MARCH 8, 2004 8 Vincent Tobin , 4800 Highway A1A, came from Key Biscayne which was an island paradise 20 years ago and is now covered in concrete and choked with traffic. There is not even enough land left for a ballfield. He felt Chairman Ginn’s proposal would give everyone time to avoid permanent mistakes. Richard Hoyt , 9475 East Maiden Court, moved to Vero Beach 2 years ago, but if he had th driven down 58 Avenue, he was not sure he would have come. He was in favor of a pause in growth. th Chuck Stanley , 8020 96 Court, was in favor of the moratorium. He was raised in Hialeah and watched the setbacks go from 10 feet to zero. When he left it was an affordable housing instant slum. Juanita Baker , 522 N. Blue Island Lane, Sebastian, stated that on her way to work she saw a bald eagle and she saw a wild boar on her way home. This is a wonderful county with special places and everyone needs to work toward preserving them. We have a wonderful opportunity to protect our way of life thanks to our founders. She felt the young people of the county are smart and will attract higher paying jobs in industries such as art festivals and bird watching. These industries bring people into the county to spend money and then leave. She felt this is the right time to carefully think about the growth issues. rd Florence Clowes , 8265 93 Avenue, Vero Lake Estates, stated that the surge in growth is because the people who live south of Indian River County are leaving in great numbers. She was in favor of the moratorium and reminded the Board to keep the green spaces in the county. th William Menzies , 400 18 Street, asked the Board not to “sell us down the river”. Too much growth, too fast, will cause irreversible harm and put us in the same category as the MARCH 8, 2004 9 overwhelming growth south of us. No matter how hard you try, you cannot stop growth, but land ownership carries land stewardship responsibilities. He asked the Board to consider a restriction on rezoning agricultural land and supported a moratorium. th Allen Green , 8030 98 Avenue, was in favor of a moratorium and felt that interim growth measures would not slow growth. th Tim Towles , 925 18 Place SW, saw the explosion of growth in Broward County and is watching the same sort of pattern here. Our impact fees are very low which makes the area very attractive to builders. He felt that thought has to be given to where the money will come from to educate children, supply law enforcement and all the necessary infrastructure. He asked the Board to concentrate on the long-term future, not the short-term growth. th Bob Swift , 6450 8 Street, did not subscribe to the perception that growth in the County is out of control and believed the rate of growth to be about the same as when he moved here 20 years ago. He felt there are legitimate concerns and he would certainly support any measures to require more open space but warned against driving the price of development so high that only the very affluent can afford to live here. He supported the idea of a task force and hoped the Board would move forward with that. Mary Wood , President, Indian River Aerodrome Property Owners Association, was strongly opposed to higher density near the airports and was in favor of evening meetings of the Board. MARCH 8, 2004 10 rd Freddie L. Woolfork , 4875 43 Avenue, expressed his confidence in the Board’s ability to eliminate overcrowding and ensure that our community is well thought out and well planned. He noted that many of our kids are getting an education and going elsewhere because of the lack of jobs to come home to. He was in favor of an ad hoc committee to consider the different alternatives. David Terry , 1229 George Street, Sebastian, stated he brought his family here and started his own business because his business management degree was worthless here and he did not want to work in a packing house. If the Board halts growth now and the economy drops, he will not be able to stay here. He was opposed to any restrictive measures on growth. th Nigel G. Mann , 1224 SW 38 Avenue, has lived here for 15 years and is very concerned about the lack of jobs. He commutes to Palm Beach because there are no jobs here to utilize his electrical engineering degree. Piper is an anemic company, Publix and the hospital, Carrabba’s, and K-Mart supply most of the jobs. The focus should be on creating well-paying, high-income jobs. He has 2 teenage daughters who will not work in the medical or service industries so there is no future for them in Indian River County. th Ronald Spicer , 5230 94 Lane, Sebastian, felt that it would do no good to enact new requirements when exceptions are always being allowed. Chairman Ginn asked if there were anyone who did not sign a card who now wished to sign up to speak. There being no response, she thanked everyone for their thoughtful remarks and stated that the Board has listened and will take all the remarks into consideration. NO ACTION REQUIRED OR TAKEN. MARCH 8, 2004 11 ALLBACKUPDOCUMENTATIONISONFILEINTHE OFFICEOFTHECLERKTOTHEBOARDANDISHEREBYMADEAPART OFTHESEMINUTES 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ATTEST: _________________________________ _____________________________ Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Caroline D. Ginn, Chairman Minutes Approved: ______________ PLJ/SpecialMinutes MARCH 8, 2004 12