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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/2005 INDEX TO MINUTES GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES WORKSHOP MAY 25, 2005, 9:00 A.M. SECOND JOINT MEETING WITH ST. LUCIE COUNTY AND INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1.CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE......................... 1 2.INVOCATION ............................................................................................... 1 3.INTRODUCTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY CHAIRMAN ......... 2 4.INTRODUCTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF .............................................................. 2 5.OPENING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF ............................................................................................................. 2 6.OVERVIEW OF PENDING AND PROPOSED DRIS ............................ 3 S.LC ................................................................................................................3 T UCIE OUNTY IRC .........................................................................................................3 NDIAN IVER OUNTY May 25, 2005 1 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC 7.RECENTLY ADOPTED OR PENDING GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS ................................................................ 4 S.LC ................................................................................................................4 T UCIE OUNTY IRC .........................................................................................................4 NDIAN IVER OUNTY 8.MAJOR PLANNING INITIATIVES ......................................................... 4 S.LC ................................................................................................................4 T UCIE OUNTY A.T,V&CE ..........................................................4 OWNS ILLAGES OUNTRYSIDE LEMENT B.RLSAP ............................................................5 URAL AND TEWARDSHIP REA ROGRAM IRC .........................................................................................................5 NDIAN IVER OUNTY 9.UPDATE ON CURRENT MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY .......................................................................................... 5 10.FUTURE NORTH/SOUTH INTER-COUNTY TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS ......................................................... 6 11.JAIL OVERCROWDING ISSUES/SOLUTIONS ................................... 7 12.QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS ........... 8 13.PUBLIC COMMENTS................................................................................. 8 14.ADJOURNED ................................................................................................ 9 May 25, 2005 2 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC MAY 25, 2005 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES WORKSHOP SECOND JOINT MEETING INDIAN RIVER COUNTY AND ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met in Joint Session with St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners at St. Lucie County Commission Chambers, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida, on Wednesday, May 25, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. Present were Thomas S. Lowther, Chairman; Arthur R. Neuberger, Vice Chairman; Commissioners Sandra L. Bowden; Wesley S. Davis, Gary C. Wheeler and Maria I. Suesz, Deputy Clerk. Present from St. Lucie County were Chairman Frannie Hutchinson; Commissioners Joseph E. Smith - District 1, Paula A. Lewis - District 3, and Chris Craft - District 5. Commissioner Doug Coward was absent. 1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Frannie Hutchinson called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. 2. INVOCATION Doug Anderson, St. Lucie County (SLC) Administrator gave the Invocation. May 25, 2005 1 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC 3. INTRODUCTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY CHAIRMAN Chairman Hutchinson introduced and welcomed Indian River County Chairman Thomas C. Lowther to their second joint meeting. 4. INTRODUCTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF Chairman Thomas Lowther introduced the Indian River County (IRC) Commissioners and County Administrator Joseph Baird introduced the following Indian River County Staff: County Attorney William G. Collins, Community Development Director Bob Keating, Traffic Engineer Chris Mora, MPO Staff Director Phil Matson, Executive Aide to the Board Kim Massung, Assistant Utilities Director Steve Doyle, and Utilities Director W. Erik Olson. 5. OPENING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF Chairman Frannie Hutchinson introduced St. Lucie County (SLC) Commissioners Doug Anderson and SLC Administrator introduced Assistant County Attorney Heather Young, Media Operations Manager Shane DeWitt, Growth Management and Special Strategic Planners David Kelly and Michael Brillhart, and Public Works Director Don West. Shane DeWitt SLC Media Operations Manager explained this meeting was being broadcast live on SLTV in St. Lucie County; also, in Indian River County broadcasting was through Comcast Cable. The meeting will air on video on demand at STLuciecode.gov/sltv. May 25, 2005 2 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC 6. OVERVIEW OF PENDING AND PROPOSED DRIS S.LC T UCIE OUNTY Michael Brillhart SLC Strategy and Special Projects Manager used a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file) detailing population trends, estimates and proposed DRIs. By the year 2030 the estimated population is expected to be over 400,000. Currently they have the following six DRIs in the pipeline for development review or in preliminary stages: West Indrio Groves, Visions, Avalen, Provinces, Evans Property and Indrio Groves. Karen Butcher Bike Pedestrian Coordinator displayed a snapshot of the bicycle and pedestrian facilities proposed in conceptual nature for the north SLC area. She displayed a map showing the upcoming major sidewalk project on Emerson Road. SLC submitted a transportation enhancement grant to FDOT to connect from the northern boundary of Waterstone Development to the IRC line. In addition, they have a resurfacing project on the northern section of US 1 up to the Taylor Street Bridge. The second map displayed the result of the 2002 Charrette held at the Oceanographic Institute. She identified corridors conceptually approved by the Board. Their Planning Department has been working though the process of new development approvals and is requiring bicycle paths and sidewalks to be included in their plans for development. IRC NDIAN IVER OUNTY Community Development Director Bob Keating used a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). He advised the Commissioners that IRC does not have any pending or proposed DRIs at this time. The Waterway Village DRI was approved in 2004 and is located in the center of IRC. He anticipates the Fellsmere Annexation DRI to be submitted for DRI approval sometime in 2006. He reviewed the South County Initiative that he previously mentioned at the last joint meeting held in March, 2005. May 25, 2005 3 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC 7. RECENTLY ADOPTED OR PENDING GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS S.LC T UCIE OUNTY David Kelly Planning Manager displaying a map of the recently adopted or pending Growth Management Provisions. He defined the Research and Education Park and the Neighborhood Planning Coordination as planning options for areas facing high demand for future growth. He displayed an aerial map showing a similar planning effort to the South County Initiative in IRC. IRC NDIAN IVER OUNTY Community Development Director Bob Keating said Indian River County (IRC) is involved in a lot of growth management provisions. He discussed the Growth Task Force and the Growth Awareness Committee that analyzed the County’s Land Development Regulations and listed those recently adopted by the Board: Landscaping Buffers, Tree Protection, Open Space, Stormwater, Sidewalks, Native Uplands Preservation, Concurrency Vesting, Walls, Subdivision Security, Corridor Plans, and Turn Lane Standards. 8. MAJOR PLANNING INITIATIVES S.LC T UCIE OUNTY A. T,V&CE OWNS ILLAGES OUNTRYSIDE LEMENT Michael Brillhart Strategy and Special Projects Manager presented a major initiative currently in the review process called Towns, Villages and Countryside Element, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for north SLC. He displayed an illustrative picture showing a town surrounded by a lot of green space. Their main desire is to enable a self-sustaining type of settlement by providing larger amounts of green space around communities. They believe the development pattern will be an opportunity to preserve open May 25, 2005 4 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC space and allow the use of transfer development rights credits to create compact neighborhoods. B. RLSAP URAL AND TEWARDSHIP REA ROGRAM Michael Brillhart Strategy and Special Projects Manager discussed the second major initiative under consideration called the Rural Land Stewardship Program. He displayed the purposes for the program and reviewed the amendment process. There was a brief question and answer period regarding the program. IRC NDIAN IVER OUNTY Community Development Director Bob Keating reviewed the following planning initiatives that resulted from the Visioning Process Committee: New Towns, Villages, Interconnectivity, Urban Service Area Legislation, Impact Fees and the Oslo Interchange. The Board recently authorized the expenditure of funds to retain an attorney to study the legal feasibility of a voter referendum in order to change the Urban Service Area. Commissioner Davis asked for a copy of the SLC bike path plan. 9. UPDATE ON CURRENT MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY David Kelly Planning Manager gave an update on SLC’s current major developments: Coconut Cove (950 units), Indrio Groves (3000 units), and West Indrio DRI (5078 units). He used a freestanding map displaying two years of projects already approved for development. May 25, 2005 5 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC Discussion continued regarding height restrictions relating to high-rise buildings on the mainland. 10. FUTURE NORTH/SOUTH INTER-COUNTY TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS Michael Brillhart Strategic and Special Projects Manager referred to comments made at the first joint meeting with Indian River County regarding the north and south transportation plan between the two counties. He identified the roadways included in their Long Range Transportation Plan that would affect both Counties. He stated I-95 and US 1 are designated to go from 4 lanes to 6 lanes. He explained the Indrio Road expansion plans will be coordinated with the State since that is a state facility. Mr. Brillhart displayed the Comp Plan Right-of-Way Protection Map that shows Johnston Road and Emerson Road extending south of Indrio Road. As part of the North County Charrette, Johnston Road is recommended to be a 4-lane facility. They are aware that th IRC would like to preserve 66 Avenue. SLC is attempting to address the fact that there will be a need for protection for the north/south facility. Rock Road is also a future protected right-of-way. th In response to IRC Attorney Will Collins concern regarding the expansion of 58 Avenue and connectivity with Koblegard Road to allow a north/south corridor to the Indian Michael Brillhart River Mall, said they are currently addressing that issue. (CLERK’S NOTE: Chairman Hutchinson called for a short recess at 10:03 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:20 a.m.) IRC Community Development Director Bob Keating displayed a graphic reviewing th the County’s roadway improvements and describing the County’s plans to extend 58 May 25, 2005 6 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC th Avenue down to the SLC line and IRC’s interest in connecting Koblegard Road to 58 th Avenue. Currently IRC does not have plans to extend 66 Avenue down to the County line. Hopefully detailed transportation modeling will give an indication of where the actual needs will be in the future. Chairman Lowther recommended that the MPO staff meet with SLC MPO. Chairman Hutchinson felt one map covering both Counties, illustrating the connecting of the roads, would be helpful. Brillhart Manager said the County is in the process of looking at a stopgap measure for the north part of SLC in conjunction with the Towns and Villages Concept which is visualized as a measure to help the growth management process during the next several months. 11. JAIL OVERCROWDING ISSUES/SOLUTIONS Doug Anderson St. Lucie County Administrator discussed the following issues Overcrowding in the jail Overburdened court system Sufficient funding to provide public safety to the taxpayers Controlling the operating budget Stabilizing the jail population. He explained measures taken to reduce jail population that have been successful. They discussed the Alachua County program (DVD on file) that has been worked on over the past 30 years. Currently, they are constructing two Pods; one is scheduled to open later this year that will add 576 beds. They contracted with the Institute for Law & Policy Planning Study out of Berkley, California for recommendations on how to control inmate population. They received 33 recommendations from the Study. (PowerPoint presentation is on file). May 25, 2005 7 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC Indian River County Administrator Joseph Baird provided an overview of IRC’s jail situation. Currently the capacity is 453 beds and the inmate population is running over 620. Minimum-security prisoners have been temporarily relocated to the County Fairgrounds until the new facility is built. IRC is looking at some of the same measures as St. Lucie County; such as hiring a Criminal Justice Coordinator, estimated to cost $300,000. Plans, based on a study completed in 2003, to add an additional 256 beds will bring their capacity to 709 beds. However, in 16 months they will open the new jail which will immediately be at capacity. Eleven million dollars has been set aside for this construction. The Board approved an additional 128 beds which will bring the cost to 21 million. The main concern is the operating budget and it is believed that adding beds will offset the operating cost by bringing in other prisoners. They also are looking at Alachua County’s Program. 12. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS Commissioner Wheeler asked if SLC has had favorable responses to the measures they have taken. He asked to be notified so he could attend the presentation of the pretrial services program. He felt maybe IRC should look at implementing some of the recommendations from this study which may prolong the need for additional facilities. He requested a copy of the video of the study to discuss with the Criminal Justice Committee. He did not think it was feasible to build with the anticipation of offsetting the cost with revenue from bringing in prisoners from other places. 13. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Hutchinson opened the floor to the public for comment. Bill Hearn, a north St. Lucie County resident, was excited that Indian River County and St. Lucie County were joining together and sharing ideas. He hoped that this practice continues. May 25, 2005 8 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC There were no additional speakers; Chairman Hutchinson opened the floor to the Commissioners. Joseph Smith SLC Commissioner thanked Indian River County Commissioners for attending the meeting. Chairman Frannie Hutchinson commented about an article in the Tribune newspaper titled Who Do They Think They Are. She was offended that South Carolina is taking the name of “Treasured Coast” and she intends to bring it to the Treasure Coast Local Governments meeting. She felt they need to respond to that. Chairman Lowther agreed. Then he announced that Indian River County is planning to meet jointly with other Counties. 14. ADJOURNED ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AND IS HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the Board adjourned at 11:00 a.m. ATTEST: May 25, 2005 9 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC _________________________________ ________________________________ Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Thomas S. Lowther, Chairman Minutes Approved: _________________ MIS/JTMTGSLCUCIECTYMIN May 25, 2005 10 Second Joint Meeting with St. Lucie County BCC