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>> good morning. We'll call this april 7th meeting of the county commissioners and order.

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we'll go right to the roll call please. >> chair commissioner clay murphy.

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>> present. >> vice chair commissioner and taylor. >> present.

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>> commissioner kristin whitehurst. >> president . >> commissioner sarah arnold.

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>> present. >> we will call for the

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invocation... >> thank you let's pray. Heavenly father we thank you so much for this new day.

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and new day filled with new promises and so give us the ears to hear you speak those promises to us, give us the eyes to be

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able to see those promises at work. Give us the peat to step into those promises and the hands to

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be active and participate in those promises. We thank you for the country we live in on the freedoms we

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enjoy. We pray for the men and women serving around the world right now.

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we pray for those in harm's way would you please bring them home to your family safely. We thank you for this incredible

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county you've given us and it's truly a little slice of heaven

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on earth. There's -- I pray you help us as

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residents to restore this community well and pray for our chief stewards and commissioners here today to conduct business.

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we pray for wisdom as we make decisions as they guide us forward into the next season of this incredible county.

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we thank you for this -- word of god said it's your favors so we

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thank you for your paper here today. We pray over the meeting. >> please remain standing as we

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invite -- to come up and lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

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good morning. >> I pledge allegiance to the

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flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god indivisible with

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liberty and justice for all. >> all right we have two

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proclamations this morning. We will start with a proclamation recognizing assault awareness month.

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>>> it morning everyone. We have quite a full house today. It's my honor on behalf of

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the county commissioners recognizing april a

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sexual assault awareness month. I see the team coming up already. Would you please read the

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proclamation of the record? >> a proclamation by the board of county commissioners st. Johns county florida.

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whereas sexual assault awareness month is observed to bring

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attention to the importance of safety, respect and well-being

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within our community, recognizing that experiences

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involving unwanted or harmful behavior can have impacts

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through st. Johns county and whereas incidents involving sexual assault including unwanted contact or harassment

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affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and research

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shows many people experience such behavior at some point in their lives underscoring the importance of prevention,

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education and support. And whereas through leadership,

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education and collaboration communities can reduce incidents

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of sexual misconduct by promoting awareness, encouraging respectful behavior, supporting accountability and fostering

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environments where individuals feel safe and valued. And whereas the betty griffin center supports the efforts of

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national state and local partners as well as the

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residents of st. Johns county to engage in meaningful dialog and outreach focused on prevention, education, access to supportive

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services and community-wide cooperation to address and reduce sexual misconduct. Proclaimed by the board

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of county commissioners of st. Johns county florida that april 2026 be designated as sexual assault awareness month

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passed and adopted by the board of county commissioners of st. Johns county florida the seventh day of april 2026.

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>> thank you so much for recognizing april as sexual assault awareness month. We have many activities planned

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this month to raise awareness but I'd like to mention we will

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be april 13th for take back the night and april 17th we will be joining lauren's walk as statewide walk to raise

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awareness for sexual assault awareness month that will be coming through st. Johns county on april 17th.

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we will start at 9:30. Please join us if you are able and the walk ends toward the end of the month and tallahassee.

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just again to raise awareness. There's been a lot of talk in the media lately about victims of sexual violence especially

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minors and how they have not received justice and that can be

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impactful to survivors of the community here. We want you to know we're here for you to support you and

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please reach out. Our helpline is 24/7.

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(904)824-1555 and their website has information on how to

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contact us on more information resources. That is bettye griffin center.org.

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there are things you can do this month to take action and we ask you do these things. When we ask you start by

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believing, believe survivors. Believing them is a step in the right direction and help support them.

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please support betty griffin in our mission to support survivors and if you are able, we can always use volunteers.

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thank you commissioners for supporting us during sexual assault awareness month. Thank you.

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's. [applause]

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[applause] >> thank you so much.

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proclamation recognizing child abuse prevention month. Commissioner taylor. >> good morning, everyone.

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it's my honor on behalf of the board to invite the team backed

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up to recognize april as child abuse prevention month.

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a special month to recognize this and it should never hurt to be a child. >> a proclamation by the board

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of county commissioners st. Johns county florida. Whereas national child abuse prevention month will be

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recognized throughout the united states during april 2026

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and whereas child maltreatment occurs when people find themselves in stressful situations without community

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resources on don't know how to cope. The majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and

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conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community. Whereas child abuse or neglect

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not only directly harm children but also increase the likelihood

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of future criminal behavior, substance abuse, health problems and risky behavior. Child abuse and neglect can be

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reduced by making sure each family has the support they need to raise their children in a healthy environment.

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and whereas effective child abuse prevention programs

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succeed because of partnerships created among mental health

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providers social service agencies, schools, communities,

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civic organizations, law enforcement agencies on the business community. All citizens should become

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involved in supporting families in raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment and therefore be it proclaimed by

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the board of county commissioners at st. Johns county florida that april 2026 be designated as

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child abuse prevention month calling all citizens, community

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agencies, religious organizations, medical facilities and businesses to increase participation in our

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efforts to prevent child abuse strengthening our communities.

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passed and adopted by the board of county commissioners st. Johns county florida the seventh day of april 2026.

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I will invite chana to come up but I want to recognize what an amazing team you have. God bless each and every one of

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you for all that you do. >> good morning and thank you

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for supporting the work we do here. I'd like to thank administration for your continued support.

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the county has been doing this work over 24 years now. Could not do it without the team behind us.

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I will turn it over to our partners with the department of children and families who we contract with and if you would

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like to come say a few words on behalf of the department.

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>> it morning and thank you for being here today. Each april communities across florida come together to

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recognize child abuse prevention month. A time to raise awareness and reaffirm our shared commitment

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to supporting children and strengthening families. This work does not happen in isolation.

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it happens to strong partnerships with state and

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local partners, face partners, community-based care partners, service providers, educators, law enforcement and local

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leaders who are committed to helping families succeed.

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together through partnership and shared responsibility we can help ensure every child grows up in a safe, stable and nurturing

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environment. Thank you all for being part of this important effort. [applause]

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>> we want to recognize -- gather nice and close.

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we need at least three rows. Behind your friends and family.

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come on in. Everyone right here please.

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>> if you can't see me, I can't see you. If someone is in front of you shift to the right or left.

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everybody ready? Thank you guys.

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>> I like to make a motion to accept the proclamations. >> we have a motion. >> second.

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>> all those in favor of accepting proclamation signify

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by saying aye. >> aye.

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>> that is unanimous. Commissioner arnold --

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>> I have none. >> okay.

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joseph. >> I'd like to pull number 2 please. >> consent agenda item number 2

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will be pulled and placed in line as number 10.

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>> thank you, chair. >> number 2.

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>> okay commissioner whitehurst. >> I have none.

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>> commissioner taylor. >> I have none. >> I have none. >> mr. Chair there's a -- an

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item for item consent agenda number 13. There's additional information provided to support that item.

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>> do we need to just be aware of this or do we need to pull

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it? Do we need to amended?

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>> you need to amended and it would come onto the regular

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agenda. Material on consent agenda.

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>> I will remove consent agenda item number 13 and make it a number 11. All right.

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motion to -- do we need a motion for an approval of the consent agenda than? I guess we do.

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as amended. Do I have a motion to approve

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the -- approve the consent agenda as amended. >> approved. >> a second.

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I'll agree saying -- we need public comment on agenda items.

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>> at this time we will take public comment for these agenda

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items. If you have a comment, please come up. Seeing none we will close that.

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>> we have a motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. And oppose. That passes unanimously. We will move to additions or

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deletions to the regular agenda. Commissioner arnold. We have none. Commissioner joseph.

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>> I have none. >> commissioner whitehurst.

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>> I have none. >> do we need a vote for

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approval of the regular agenda? I need a motion for approval of

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the regular agenda. >> I will make that. >> we have a motion. >> second.

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>> we have a second. All those in favor of the regular agenda say aye. I deposed.

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we have none so now we will move right to public comment. Before we get started with a public comment I want to remind

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everybody we have a full house so as we start public comment we have three different positions up front.

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please line up and let's let everybody be heard and everybody gets a turn so let's move up and make this orderly and efficient.

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thank you. >> at this time the board will

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hear general public comment on items not scheduled for action on today's agenda. Come to one of the three

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podiums, state your name and address at each person will be provided 3 minutes to speak and we ask you speak directly into

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the microphone. Speakers will comply with the rules of civility and a corpsman may not demand an immediate

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response from the board. Members of the audience will refrain from disruptive demonstration or approval or

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disapproval of any comments. Finally any speaker who would like to present materials, please utilize the center

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podium. Paper materials may be placed on the x for overhead camera to display and the laptop will be

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set up for you. After presenting please provide

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materials to the staff of the court, the clerk.

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>> good morning. >> and morning. Satchel martin 1:30 three coastal hall circle.

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are county has a broken system that's not effectively planning

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ahead for what will happen in our future. Become increased traffic residents cannot often leave

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their driveways. They have to make doctor appointments early morning and fear they will not be able to call an ambulance and will die instead periods the

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county is not able to control or benefit from all short-term

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rentals, resulting in county residents suffering a lower quality of life. Our growth management department

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is not able to meaningfully manage growth. Why? Where there's a will there should be away. Our code enforcement program

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does not work. It's not responsive or available with tiny staff and little authority.

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they don't work hours when violations occur most periods many of our short-term rental businesses do not register as

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business. And do not provide tax income resulting from there profitability.

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are residential streets now have a majority of short term rental

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dwellings why did this happen? As a result of what these

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renters because the counties faced with additional costs and no corresponding additional revenue.

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extra introduction -- infrastructure needed, additional deputies for traffic control and violations.

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as st. John's citizen story on march 30 reported trash for a

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greater number of adult transitory occupants in the same

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building means more trucks over time large piles, slower

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collection,'s and special equipment.

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let's go back to traditional planning practices which can save patent -- taxpayer dollars and bring peace to homeowners.

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homeowners are your taxpayers. They are suffering from sleep

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preventing noise, landscape of many cars parked on the lawn

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across the street. Inability to get out of their driveways. Do errands or buy groceries when

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they want to. I usa story on april 4th

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reported emergency operations are not able to sufficiently provide short-term renters with emergency alerts for storms,

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hazards and other safety concerns. Are residents ability to evacuate as being severely

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affected. Where there's a well on the part of our governing body, there should be a way.

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thank you. >> thank you very much periods next. Good morning.

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>> good morning. 1:30 seven morgan avenue. Full-time resident. Good morning commissioners.

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I stand here representing the residents of...

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we're not just witnessing growth, were witnessing systemic

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failure. And co. Oversight that's actively compromising our safety and our infrastructure and

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quality of life periods are messages simple. Stop waiting for a catastrophe to happen and start planning for

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the future you are currently approving. Are infrastructures at a breaking point.

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were facing possible evacuation problem. How do you evacuate an additional 274 homes minimum 500

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cars over a single bridge on a two-lane highway while emergency

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vehicles are trying to head in the opposite direction. We need a commitment to a new bridge between pot of these --

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to divert traffic before the next major storm.

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public safety we've seen four pedestrian deaths on a one. How many more are acceptable? Leasee zero enforcement of

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traffic violations, people parking and bike lanes, a complete lack of law enforcement presence when people are running

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red lights. Utility and waste, our utility capacity a stretch to the limit. Yet we continue to -- approve

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density. Were seen excessive shortage from short -- garbage from short-term rentals...

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can become florida residents to avoid state taxes while paying

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zero property tax and stretching our schools.

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lack of oversight. The county seems to have no idea what's actually happening on build sites.

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permitting violations developers are operating with free range.

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where's the penalty for dlp cutting down protective

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vegetations that legally required to be retained. Why are -- requirements not being enforced.

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the rv loophole, we need clarity today. What's the legal distinction between park home and the rv and

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our current parks. Are these units needed? Of zoning is handled at the county level why is the county

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refusing to enforce the rules on these sites?

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flooding new developments are being built on top of the flood zones, pushing water into existing neighborhoods.

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were creating a man-made disaster.

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storm and conclusion were tired of contacting with violations only to receive no action and demand a master plan for the a1

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a stretch from alano to south -- if the master plan and growth

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does not exist we demand moratorium on new approvals

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until one is drafted that accounts for emergency services, police and ambulances. The county is under your

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control. Do not wait for the worst to

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happen. Plan our survival, make it happen, your jobs count on it. >> thank you.

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good morning. >> in morning periods I live at

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129 cased and drive. I'm here today to ask for accountability of our county and for your help and it --

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improving the safety of the north beach. Our communities experiencing rapid change of the

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infrastructure and enforcement have not kept up with the pace of development and visitation. We face excessive speeding on a

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daily basis, vehicles regularly travel to fast and residential areas and on roads that lead to beach access points.

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the streets are used by family, children, cyclists and

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pedestrians yet drivers often treat them like a high-speed core door instead of neighborhood roads, creating an

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unsafe environment for both residents and visitors. Another major issue is parking. Vehicles are parked in areas not

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designated for parking, especially along already narrow roadways and over bike lanes. Would cars lined both sides of

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the street, the roadways become dangerously tight. Creating a serious problem for emergency vehicles.

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fire trucks, ambulances and other first responders not being able to pass through quickly or sometimes at all in an emergency

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seconds matter. Of an ambulance or fire truck cannot get through because the roads have been narrowed by

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illegal or unmanaged parking, knives are put at risk. We do not have enough police or first responders for the volume

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of people here now not even taking into account weekends or

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holidays. At the same time our community is dealing with increasing overdevelopment.

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we're seeing projects move forward that have density and

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traffic without the infrastructure improvements necessary to support them in particular the rv park currently

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being built that is not following the approved date that

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was originally agreed upon. There has not been clarification of what actually is being built and every day they keep moving

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forward. There has not been any information given regarding an emergency evacuation plan for the park or for the residents who will need to leave at the

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same time periods how will our roads accommodate this? When developments move forward without adhering to the

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conditions approved it erodes the trust in places greater strain on an already stressed community.

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increase traffic and limited parking compound the safety

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concerns were already facing. The residents are simply asking

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for accountability, enforcement of the rules in place and a thoughtful consideration of the safety impacts these decisions

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create. Would you please commit today to bring the rv park back to the commission for review and

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clarification and enforcement. We love our community and we wanted to remain a safe place for residents and visitors but

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safety infrastructure and accountability must come first. We deserve it. As the saying goes, public

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safety is the first duty of government. Right now our community does not feel protected.

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please help us restore the trust and ensure the growth of our community never comes at the expense of residents or

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visitors. Our community deserve safe roads, clear accountability and leadership that puts public

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safety first. Thank you for your time and for hearing the concerns of our community's.

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>> thank you. Good morning. >> my name is mary sullivan for 515 street and have an overhead

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here. Doesn't need to be shown? Can we restart the time so you can see it?

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thank you. This comes up on your website

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and looking at the vision for our county and the priorities. I went ahead and looked at some of the things that have been

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bothering all the residents of the community and it applies to

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almost any community of this county, overgrowth and

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stopping everything until we breathe and get our heads straight to figure out what's going on.

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everyone here will be talking about or talked about some of the key factors that are listed here and some of our priorities

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but I will focus on the safety. We've completed and spent a

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fortune on all these beautiful new parks along a1. The safety factor. Overflow parking, no one is

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monitoring it. If there was an emergency and rescue first responders needed to get into those, it could not

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happen. The north beach park people parking on the right of way and on the street. You can barely get in and out of that car's to do it.

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the new salem park I counted 35 cars the other day.

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saturday morning before traffic even got busy. 35 cars parked on the right-of-way on the bike path

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and I couldn't even ride my bike. Weekends I put my car -- I want to ride my bike, I can't even

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ride my bike because all the parking people are parking anywhere they want. There's no -- no one finding

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them or toeing them into there's money to be made on the county

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is looking for resources for people to work and help us do it. I went down to the house,

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overflow parking. Surfside overflow parking. People are parking everywhere. They feel -- I'm here, I will go

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to the beach and find space to park.

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but their safety involve. People cannot see crossing among all the cars. People can't -- they call 911

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for rescue and it doesn't do any good having a 911 address there because rescue cannot even get into those places because of all

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the parking that's there. All of these things listed here,

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community trust, community well-being, economic prosperity, where some of the tax money? Why aren't some of the bed tax

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monies coming into the area being used for extra resources?

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you up 4000 people parking on the beach at porpoise point.

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from 4000 people what about the quality of the water out there from people using the beach as the restroom.

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what about overflow. You've one or two recycle bins. Why can't some of the bed tax money and the other money.

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>> thank you very much. Thank you so much. >> thank you for your time. >> fake you.

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good morning. >> my name is john, I reside at 3085 coastal highway periods is the seaside milano condominiums

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adjacent to the rv parks, park homes.

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project. I'm speaking as a resident --

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condo... Thank you for allowing me to speak. I've been a homeowner here for

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roughly nine years and have seen enormous growth in milano beach. In my immediate area. The development of the property

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to north. I'm not against growth and development of land. Milano beach and the community

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and beautiful place to live periods what I'm concerned with

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is unsustainable overdevelopment of the area. I feel the resort approved by you folks wasn't -- was a

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reasonable addition to the community. Not the unauthorized tiny home changes made.

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a homeowner who lived there since 1983 with the previous resort and stated -- absolutely prefers it.

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I surveyed my 26 resident unit from my community.

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overwhelming majority prefer a traditional rv resort.

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I've attended numerous meetings and reviewed options on an rv resort approved several years ago the best choice.

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building horizontal homes is an eyesore and has airbnb written

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all over it. The flooding in my development will be catastrophic. W already had floodwaters on

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our property when the dirt was delivered and performed by the project next door. Our buildings shook terribly I'm

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still due as of yesterday. Pump trucks constant up and down

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the road. Is overdevelopment and the impact on environment disturbing the fragile wildlife.

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I'm concerned about these homes -- a hurricane or major storm

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will they detach from tie-downs' or block the evacuation route.

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do they consider the evacuation plan? I constantly hear complaints on social media from neighbors and

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the beach about short-term rentals. Please consider the concerns of the residents' seaside of milano

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condominiums. We've been there since 1983 and have been caring stewards of the land and ask for your help in

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preventing -- I appreciate your time. Thank you for the opportunity. >> thank you so much.

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good morning. >> my name is patty I live at 2960 coastal highway in milano. While I've been waiting for my

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turn I looked up and it says public comment.

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address matters that may reasonably need the attention of

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the board. Yes. Something that definitely needs the attention of the board.

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that is the rv park project's being currently built by dlp

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capital on coastal highway. This project was originally

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approved several years ago as a natural environment campground.

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since then, the developer has been proceeding without much accountability and advertising something other than a natural

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environment campground. It seems the developers working

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on a bait and switch. I asked the commissioners to

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heighten scrutiny of this project. Make sure it complies with the original approved plan all

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county codes and all safety and environmental safeguards periods

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commissioners, we've a community depend on you to carefully watch

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what's going on and if incorrect things are happening, we depend

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on you to address it. On our behalf periods thank you so much. Good morning.

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>> my name is john, of the store manager of the supermarket

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there. I want to highlight some of our

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growing traffic safety concerns in the community.

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the beach towns tourism local growth continue to spike

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congestion during peak hours, weekends and holidays pick some examples of the risk situations emergency vehicles having access

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to be able to get into the parking lot to move around with

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thecongestion we have. Tensions in the parking lot

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arise with impatient customers, citizens, associates trying to get a cart and being yelled at. Phone calls to the businesses

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asking us to do something about the traffic, asking us to move.

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it's an ongoing issue that needs retention. I get complaints every single day from customers thinking that

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it's -- asking what can we do about this. Last weekend we had an altercation of the parking lot.

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the associates were out there, they had a fight, altercation

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and cops were called. They could not even get to the plaza because of the congestion that -- that the part of the

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bridge on walk and run over to the scene to address the situation. This concern needs immediate

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attention. I invite you to come any given weekend to the peak hours during the season friday, saturday or

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sunday. Wait in the parking lot and come get a public seven see how long it takes to leave the

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parking lot. Thank you for your time. >> think you so much. Thank you.

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good morning. >> good morning. I live at 144 kingston drive periods I'm here this morning to

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say I really love the area and have enjoyed living here for eight years now. There's been a lot of change

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during the eight years. I understand development is just

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part of life in most places especially if you live somewhere as great as st. Johns county. I do feel like we need to

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definitely be more thoughtful and considerate about the development happening and to really monitor each step of the

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process to make sure as by favorite boss would always say,

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inspect what you expect. If we set the expectation of a

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certain pud per property, then that needs to be inspected at each step along the process to make sure what was approved is

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what's happening. And specifically I'm going to

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keep on with this. The rv park concerned, I drive

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past it almost every single day and there's obviously somebody has a plan for what's going on there because there is something

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happening every single day. I feel like the information is

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not being distributed to the residents of st. Johns county. We don't have a clear picture of what is supposed to be happening

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or the -- we think we know what supposed to be happening because

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we look at documens as far as what's been approved. Wha we are seeing is not matching what we have been

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presented as what's been approved. I'm asking that there's a little more due diligence in place to

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make sure we all have a safe place to live, we all have a

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safe plan for when not if when a hurricane evacuation needs to

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happen. And to make sure all our residents and visitors have the same consideration for safety.

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thank you. >> thank you very much.

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>> my name is lisa, I live at 21,117th street.

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I'd like to address regarding the model home project by the

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dlp developers in -- located between the seaside of collado

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townhomes and the hotel. Particularly regarding the government which is the counties accountability with this project

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and the lack of transparency for this project.

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it was to be a natural environment rv park. However it has been allowed to proceed outside the p.e.d.

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periods we already have an rv park that is beautiful in its

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natural environment just north and this is the type of project

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we actually expected and it has never been an issue.

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you wouldn't even know it was there periods since what we're

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getting now is not what we expected, my question is why. Was there an environmental impact study conducted

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particularly regarding flooding to the surrounding area periods the entire land development was clear cut from the intercoastal

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to a-1 a and the land, the elevation was significantly

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raised with -- is there a drainage plan?

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this development will affect traffic and safety of pedestrians crossing the street periods where is this planned?

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and what about evacuation? This is a barrier island and evacuation affects all of us. It's a one-way in and out a

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single road. We as a community should have

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answers and access to the plans and studies done regarding

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drainage, traffic and why permitting was allowed outside of the scope of the p.e.d. Specifically of we as a

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community do not know what their plans are, how can we adjust our plans regarding problems with flooding, evacuation.

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we know raising the elevation will impact the surrounding residences because the water has to go somewhere.

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therefore we just ask you as the board that transparency and

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accountability for this project is essential to our community.

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thank you very much. >> thank you.

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good morning. >> good morning. My name is denise. I live at 615, 19th street.

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on north beach and I've been out here 50 years.

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I was a student here. Of course I have safety concerns

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for number 1 my family. My fellow residents, the other

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fellow residents and our visitors. So it's all --'s here's a reality where we live.

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we have limited land, we only up two lanes on a one. One bridge. As everyone is sharing we have

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trapped -- horrific traffic problems that increase year to year. Like the gentleman was saying

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about publix, it literally can take you no exaggeration one hour to get out of publix parking on the weekends,

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holidays and sometimes even a normal day. Just a busy day. My main concern today is the

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massive and mysterious oceanfront rv project that dlp

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project for the capital par partners.

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myself, and my neighbors talk about this. Were highly suspicious as what was noted to be an rv park which

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we assumed was going to happen. Now it appears the developer has

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something very different in mind. 's it's obvious when looking at the property and visually noting

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the massive foundations, this is a much bigger project.

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my current understanding it may be horizontal hotel which is a new concept for myself but my understanding is potentially

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will bring in even more people. And vehicles and put enormous

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strain on an already very stressed a1a traffic.

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our water system and utilities. High density projects like this

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directly affect our safety particularly with regards to

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hurricane, evacuation and general transportation,

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emergency vehicles. We have drownings too. How are they going to get there? And families in need of

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immediate medical and safety issues. I feel continued approval of high density developments on

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vilano north beach is a reckless gamble with human lives. Our water sewer and road system as we know it already operating,

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it's operating beyond its capacity. >> thank you very much. Thank you.

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>> thank you. >> good morning. >> good morning. My name is laura winston.

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I live at 1905 windjammer lane in north beach and I want to share with you my concerns about bike safety both as a bike rider

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and a car driver. I hoped when we moved to north beach three years ago I'd ride my bike south into vilano

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there's too much traffic moving much too quickly for me to feel

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safe. I limit my bike riding to a short stretch from my home to the gym at the ocean club and

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even going that short distance, I've had a couple of close calls with speeding drivers typically at the end of a kind of long

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backed up chain toward the and feeling very stressed on not

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being able to see clearly what lies ahead.

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with the growth and vilano and north beach is population I ask you to consider lowering the speed limits on a1a as it runs

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along residential neighborhoods in north beach peerk I also

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worry about bikers when driving my car along a1a. With the recent warm weather and other people have talked about

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this beach parking lots have been filled to capacity. The overflow cars are parking in the bike lane, pushing

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bicyclists into the car lane. This is particularly unsafe for

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bicyclists traveling in small groups where the warm weather has brought out steady and have -- heavy to a car traffic.

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these are the ingredients for accidents.

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I urge you to post signs prohibiting parking along a one

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a and to enforce this policy. Thank you for your consideration ways to increase bike safety in north beach and vilano for bike

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riders and car drivers and all of us.

404
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>> think you very much. Thank you.

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it morning. >> I live at 1905 lane and north beach vilano. During the advocation it was

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stated st. Johns county is a slice of heaven and indeed if you've been to vilano you would know that is true.

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I don't have any prepared notes because I'm really just here to provide my support in numbers of the people here that have

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objections around what's going on at vilano beach. I moved in 2023 to a place that I thought was spectacular and

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continues to be. In this.

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of time in the microcosm where I live nearly half of our residencies are short term rentals.

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with a short term rentals come many people, many children and

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many cars. As you have heard from many of the people who can better back up with facts than what I have

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to say that traffic and those people are creating a hazards

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along the roads in vilano so I come to you with a question.

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how will you fulfill your responsibility as a board in st. Johns county to protect the people that live on vilano

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without adequate and enforceable rules and regulations around

417
00:46:08,733 --> 00:46:08,733
short-term rentals and traffic. I leave you with that question

418
00:46:14,566 --> 00:46:16,966
in that play because I think as you can see today by the many people and white, we have a problem on vilano and a problem

419
00:46:25,133 --> 00:46:26,300
on that slice of heaven. Thank you. >> thank you very much. And morning commissioners my

420
00:46:31,600 --> 00:46:34,033
name -- I'm president of north beach community alliance. I'm with good guys wearing white.

421
00:46:39,600 --> 00:46:39,600
I'm here to ask you to please bring the project at 3450

422
00:46:44,800 --> 00:46:46,366
coastal highway also known as former rv park also known as trailer park in vilano development.

423
00:46:50,600 --> 00:46:50,600
we have enough evidence to substantiate -- on the agenda

424
00:46:58,000 --> 00:47:01,533
not just public comment as we have done multiple times. Some of those facts include the fact that a line development

425
00:47:06,200 --> 00:47:06,200
expert in the state of florida. Well within its legal right to

426
00:47:13,933 --> 00:47:13,933
demand to know what the building plans are and that this project

427
00:47:19,233 --> 00:47:19,233
go back to the board of county commissioners because the pud

428
00:47:24,166 --> 00:47:25,966
issued to former owners is not what's being fulfilled by current developers. Also noted the limits and square

429
00:47:31,766 --> 00:47:31,766
footage 2:30 5000 square feet. Attorney was for the county --

430
00:47:39,400 --> 00:47:41,800
she is absolute correct. The existing pud does not allow additional square footage for park models and does not mention

431
00:47:46,300 --> 00:47:46,300
models though the developer has. Which further underscores the

432
00:47:52,066 --> 00:47:52,066
fact that this was not the project permitted.

433
00:47:56,833 --> 00:47:56,833
additioally section of the florida administrative code

434
00:48:02,533 --> 00:48:02,533
requires park models remaining in any one location more than 45

435
00:48:07,333 --> 00:48:09,933
days be inspected. Andhe park model remaining in place for 180 days is classified as a structure.

436
00:48:16,200 --> 00:48:16,200
therefore would be included in the 35,000 square-foot limit for

437
00:48:20,900 --> 00:48:20,900
imperfect -- and he park model remaining in place for more than

438
00:48:26,000 --> 00:48:29,333
180 days is fully subject to elevation standards, full building code inspection and the issue of occupants of

439
00:48:34,066 --> 00:48:34,066
certificates. Where st. Johns county?

440
00:48:41,133 --> 00:48:44,266
having unchecked development in an area already at a crisis level is completely unacceptable.

441
00:48:47,100 --> 00:48:47,100
when we ask what's being built there, where's the county

442
00:48:52,166 --> 00:48:55,866
holding accountability? The answer we've got multiple times in writing and in person is we don't have a clue and we

443
00:48:58,833 --> 00:48:58,833
may not for two years. Bringing this back under your

444
00:49:06,400 --> 00:49:06,400
authority we -- more evidence -- thank you so much.

445
00:49:12,566 --> 00:49:12,566
>> and morning. I live at 143 16th street.

446
00:49:19,866 --> 00:49:19,866
I've been told if you plan to fail -- if you fail to plan, you

447
00:49:24,633 --> 00:49:24,633
fail to plan. Me writing the speech I guess.

448
00:49:32,000 --> 00:49:35,800
I have a number of safety concerns and bullet points, reiterating the concerns you've already heard but if we use

449
00:49:40,700 --> 00:49:44,333
example from february 19th of this year the traffic was so bad that it was impossible to move around within vilano and

450
00:49:50,833 --> 00:49:54,333
north beach.% the strs are taking over our neighborhoods. We once had a unique home

451
00:49:57,266 --> 00:49:57,266
neighborhood that was families were living in a now we have as

452
00:50:05,200 --> 00:50:07,233
tr's that are cookie-cutter little boxes single car garages, not able to support today's families and with cars parked

453
00:50:13,533 --> 00:50:15,200
everywhere. We're just one quick example personally we had one across the street from us not long ago.

454
00:50:20,266 --> 00:50:20,266
seven men rented it. They went out for crew -- booze

455
00:50:26,166 --> 00:50:28,566
cruise that afternoon one of the members was so drunk they brought him back home and put them to bed and went and went --

456
00:50:34,466 --> 00:50:38,000
went back barhopping. A little while later this drunk entered our house and a neighbor's house across the

457
00:50:40,400 --> 00:50:42,200
street. My granddaughter was there. I'm so glad I was not there because I probably would --

458
00:50:46,033 --> 00:50:47,633
would be in very big trouble right now. That's a sidebar. It terrifies me to drive by the

459
00:50:57,766 --> 00:51:01,533
bicycles on the bike lanes. They are struggling to get by. Not just from cars parked there. 's list and is coming off of the

460
00:51:05,966 --> 00:51:08,300
hills beside it and they have nowhere to go. There's trash cans everywhere -- boat across the traffic lanes.

461
00:51:14,633 --> 00:51:14,633
we have 14,000 cars across vilano bridge everyday.

462
00:51:21,233 --> 00:51:24,900
year. We ought to be able to get some of the money shifted our way -- I'd like to see the speed

463
00:51:31,366 --> 00:51:31,366
reduced on a1a. As two safety benefits very real

464
00:51:35,566 --> 00:51:35,566
and immediate safety benefits. Pedestrian crossing and then it

465
00:51:39,900 --> 00:51:41,666
would change the mapping algorithms for the maps of people going north or south when they have to come through vilano

466
00:51:47,333 --> 00:51:51,166
at a lower speed limit they will be rerouted most likely because everybody takes the fastest usually.

467
00:51:58,366 --> 00:51:58,366
onto u.s. 195 to get north and south.

468
00:52:02,533 --> 00:52:05,233
the trailer park building in accordance with the pud is not possible. I don't know what they're going

469
00:52:06,866 --> 00:52:06,866
to do at this point but it had to be a big variance allowed for

470
00:52:14,600 --> 00:52:14,600
that one. >> thank you very much.

471
00:52:19,066 --> 00:52:19,066
I'm sorry there's -- thank you so much.

472
00:52:24,433 --> 00:52:26,833
>> no management. It's not safe. >> good morning. >> morning commissioners.

473
00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:32,666
I live and vilano and I'm not going to reiterate a lot of what you heard. You know we have a problem.

474
00:52:34,933 --> 00:52:36,766
it's very evident what the problem is and the concerns are to people there. A few more specifics to add to a

475
00:52:41,000 --> 00:52:41,000
cliff had particularly the audience -- sitting through

476
00:52:48,000 --> 00:52:48,000
lengthy general comments. 14,000 cars come over the bridge

477
00:52:52,966 --> 00:52:54,700
a day. Probably 1500 cars come to hotels, restaurants, publics, bars -- a day on saturday and a

478
00:53:05,100 --> 00:53:07,366
summer in vilano. That's four to 5000 cars. The reality is there's only one way in and out and you know

479
00:53:10,066 --> 00:53:12,333
that, it's over the vilano bridge. Last year we increase the number of cars I can go over the bridge

480
00:53:14,800 --> 00:53:14,800
from three to six to seven but think about it, it six to seven

481
00:53:19,200 --> 00:53:19,200
cars every minute to 2 minutes. A bolt of lightning or clap of

482
00:53:27,566 --> 00:53:28,900
thunder because every person in vilano decides at that moment they're going to go. And you cannot get over the

483
00:53:32,866 --> 00:53:34,700
bridge. It does not include both lending that we added some parking to at the base of the vilano bridge.

484
00:53:37,766 --> 00:53:37,766
there's some things we think we can do, we can restrict the

485
00:53:43,500 --> 00:53:46,233
number of cars at the beach. A couple thousand is way too many because there's only one way in and out.

486
00:53:49,166 --> 00:53:52,866
we need to increase our police presence. We don't see them like we did last year. Were not quite at the season. Started early the viewer a 19th

487
00:53:55,666 --> 00:53:58,266
was a shock to all of us. 90 degrees undefeatable saturday in the spring. We can reduce our speed limits

488
00:54:07,700 --> 00:54:10,566
in vilano north beach 15 miles an hour. We need to add some stop signs and have some traffic control at

489
00:54:13,766 --> 00:54:13,766
the corner of vilano and coastal highway of the base of the

490
00:54:20,066 --> 00:54:22,766
bridge and the other side because you know people are parking in the intersection of san marco so you cannot get -- I

491
00:54:28,800 --> 00:54:31,466
know it's a lot and will cost money and I know st. Johns county doesn't have some unlimited amount of funding

492
00:54:35,166 --> 00:54:35,166
but maybe we could increase the amount -- to the beach and

493
00:54:41,666 --> 00:54:42,833
started to getting the offenders. The guy grilling the hot dogs it's nice but it's not allowed.

494
00:54:47,066 --> 00:54:47,066
we could ticket the illegal cars parked on a1a up and down those

495
00:54:51,466 --> 00:54:51,466
lanes and may be give vilano a percentage of the tax collected

496
00:54:55,566 --> 00:54:57,000
last year because at this point vilano does not receive any of the bed tax. I know you probably are going to

497
00:55:01,333 --> 00:55:01,333
say all of these things cannot be done but credit to you we

498
00:55:07,333 --> 00:55:07,333
asked about the safety on a1a and said reducing speed limits

499
00:55:13,300 --> 00:55:17,000
wouldn't make any difference but what you did do was put up crosswalks and it was a tremendous effort on the part of

500
00:55:20,433 --> 00:55:20,433
st. Johns county and made a1a safer and I appreciate it so

501
00:55:25,666 --> 00:55:25,666
thank you guys. >> thank you very much.

502
00:55:30,000 --> 00:55:30,900
good morning. >> good morning my name is tabatha frost. At purpose point of the

503
00:55:37,633 --> 00:55:40,366
vice president of vilano beach main street and as a homeowner and single mom the head of my household I'm invest over

504
00:55:45,833 --> 00:55:47,900
$24,000 each year in property taxes and insurance alone. For my fully paid off home. Those costs continue to rise but

505
00:55:52,800 --> 00:55:56,200
I chose to live here because I was investing in a safe community to raise my three kids.

506
00:55:59,866 --> 00:56:01,066
recently that drastically changed. My neighbors and I regularly witnessed vehicle speeding

507
00:56:04,166 --> 00:56:06,366
through a residential streets and running stop signs as they travel to and from the beach. We tried placing cones and signs

508
00:56:09,966 --> 00:56:09,966
for their ignored, stolen or vandalized and my own

509
00:56:14,366 --> 00:56:14,366
observation is 9 out of 10 cars ran a stop side outside of my

510
00:56:19,833 --> 00:56:21,733
home... Even while a dozen children are playing outside. With 4000 cars going to and from

511
00:56:29,133 --> 00:56:31,400
-- there's at least 4000 cars passing my home to it from the beach every single day. There more than a dozen children

512
00:56:37,100 --> 00:56:39,466
in the neighborhood on my corner loaded play outside regularly. For volume of traffic and reckless driving made many of us

513
00:56:43,566 --> 00:56:46,266
feel unsafe in our own community. At peak times especially when beachgoers are leaving, traffic

514
00:56:49,866 --> 00:56:49,866
becomes completely gridlocked. I have a photo right here.

515
00:56:54,866 --> 00:56:54,866
the traffic circle -- this is 4. Here's another one as well.

516
00:57:07,233 --> 00:57:10,233
this is my street. You can't even get out to the public's. Also 45 minutes of waiting.

517
00:57:14,566 --> 00:57:14,566
I've watched our mail carrier get stuck in the same gridlocked

518
00:57:19,033 --> 00:57:19,033
traffic and is trying to finish off the day at 5:00 and can't

519
00:57:24,866 --> 00:57:26,266
move. There are many times when I've tried to back out of my own driveway and there's cars lined

520
00:57:30,266 --> 00:57:32,733
up bumper-to-bumper that they can't even move to get out of my way. Even a quick trip to publics can

521
00:57:35,866 --> 00:57:35,866
be an hour. I can walk there in 4 minutes.

522
00:57:40,933 --> 00:57:40,933
most concerning of all there been instances where a

523
00:57:45,333 --> 00:57:46,866
first responders struggled to access homes during emergencies due to the congestion. It's not just an inconvenience,

524
00:57:51,633 --> 00:57:55,500
it's very serious public issue. Safety issue. Were asking you to take these concerns seriously and work with

525
00:57:57,966 --> 00:58:01,066
our community to find urgent effective solutions. We want our neighborhood and beaches to be safer for

526
00:58:02,733 --> 00:58:02,733
residents and visitors. Thank you.

527
00:58:07,700 --> 00:58:09,233
>> thank you very much. Morning. >> at morning. >> I live on 136 -- I'd like to

528
00:58:14,766 --> 00:58:14,766
offer a solution to the gridlock in vilano.

529
00:58:18,833 --> 00:58:18,833
I think one thing we can do is limit the overwhelming amount of

530
00:58:24,533 --> 00:58:28,266
cars allowed to park on the beach. From march through september it's all the vehicles causing

531
00:58:34,566 --> 00:58:34,566
traffic problems but it's also harmful to the beach itself as

532
00:58:39,233 --> 00:58:39,233
we have heard many people say our beach is a slice of heaven.

533
00:58:45,533 --> 00:58:45,533
when many vehicles are allowed on the sand, it turns what

534
00:58:49,900 --> 00:58:49,900
should be a natural and peaceful shoreline into traffic --

535
00:58:56,700 --> 00:59:00,500
packing the beach far beyond what pedestrian only access would allow. This increases noise,

536
00:59:03,333 --> 00:59:03,333
congestion, litter and causes conflict between the visitors.

537
00:59:09,133 --> 00:59:11,866
instead of a relaxing beach experience, we get gridlocked and overwhelmed sherlock. The damage to the environment is

538
00:59:20,866 --> 00:59:22,833
undeniable. According to the florida fish and game conservation commission, it would be best

539
00:59:26,733 --> 00:59:26,733
practices to never allow any vehicles on the beach.

540
00:59:32,966 --> 00:59:32,966
I think driving on the beach was a fun and unique experience and

541
00:59:37,266 --> 00:59:40,900
I think it should be allowed but beaches are not just recreational spaces. They are living ecosystems.

542
00:59:50,166 --> 00:59:50,166
they disrupt doom systems and destroy the fragile vegetation

543
00:59:54,533 --> 00:59:58,333
that helps prevent erosion. Oil drips, fuel residue, engine exhaust and trash left behind further contaminate the habitat.

544
01:00:04,266 --> 01:00:04,266
over time this accelerates the shoreline erosion and weakens

545
01:00:08,766 --> 01:00:08,766
the barriers that protect our community.

546
01:00:14,533 --> 01:00:14,533
beach driving poses a serious threat to sea turtles.

547
01:00:19,033 --> 01:00:21,500
florida beaches are nesting grounds for five endangered species. Vehicle traffic can crush nests

548
01:00:25,833 --> 01:00:28,733
buried beneath the sand, tire ruts trap the hatchlings trying to reach the ocean. More cars means more people.

549
01:00:31,600 --> 01:00:31,600
which raises the risk of nest disturbance.

550
01:00:38,000 --> 01:00:39,766
who among us has not seen tire tracks and footprints in the areas that are clearly marked conservation zone.

551
01:00:46,066 --> 01:00:50,033
vilano beach should be a sanctuary pick a sanctuary for families, for wildlife and a sanctuary for future

552
01:00:54,433 --> 01:00:54,433
generations. I would ask you to please

553
01:00:58,733 --> 01:00:58,733
consider limiting the amount of cars that can park on the beach.

554
01:01:04,133 --> 01:01:06,933
thank you. >> thank you very much. Good morning. >> at morning. My name is -- I live at 1:30 six on vilano.

555
01:01:14,433 --> 01:01:14,433
it's december 2020 -- since that time we've seen significant

556
01:01:18,600 --> 01:01:18,600
growth in vilano's. The holiday inn express opens as

557
01:01:23,633 --> 01:01:23,633
well as several tour boats began utilizing the dock near beaches

558
01:01:29,433 --> 01:01:29,433
and for tourist trade such as a. Of several to -- in the future

559
01:01:35,466 --> 01:01:37,633
more townhomes, houses on restaurants on an rv park will be opening in the immediate area.

560
01:01:41,200 --> 01:01:44,333
I'm very pro-capitalism and improvements were community but the infrastructure of vilano main street and porpoise point

561
01:01:49,933 --> 01:01:53,466
community has not changed since the grid was opened in 1995. We basically have two lane roads everywhere.

562
01:01:55,633 --> 01:01:55,633
the traffic from north a1a to access the bridge, traffic from

563
01:02:01,166 --> 01:02:01,166
vilano leaving the area from the beach or peer must merge with

564
01:02:05,300 --> 01:02:05,300
traffic coming out... Out of the vilano landing where

565
01:02:11,100 --> 01:02:13,533
you have many trucks with boat trailers coming out. This leads to a severe choke point at the intersection

566
01:02:15,833 --> 01:02:15,833
we call the peanut on san marco in may street.

567
01:02:22,033 --> 01:02:25,733
the gridlock I've seen results and visitors, residents and business employees not getting out of vilano in a timely manner

568
01:02:30,033 --> 01:02:31,866
which should take perhaps 5 minutes can stretch up to an hour as we've already hurt. 's this leads to short tempers

569
01:02:37,933 --> 01:02:37,933
and road rage witnessed by myself and my immediate family

570
01:02:42,000 --> 01:02:42,000
members and raises serious safety concerns with regards to

571
01:02:47,100 --> 01:02:50,633
people experiencing medical conditions and emergencies. In my opinion good governance would dictate that a traffic

572
01:02:53,166 --> 01:02:53,166
gridlock problem should be resolved in a proactive manner

573
01:02:57,433 --> 01:02:59,666
by making changes to ensure the safety of everyone either visiting or living in our area. We've heard a lot of excellent

574
01:03:05,266 --> 01:03:08,300
suggestions I hope we can take those into account. Thank you again for the opportunity to speak.

575
01:03:13,166 --> 01:03:13,866
>> thank you. Good morning. >> morning. My name is dennis I live at 1:30

576
01:03:19,866 --> 01:03:19,866
seven man racer road and I have a personal story to reflect all

577
01:03:24,733 --> 01:03:24,733
that's very relevant to what we're talking about today.

578
01:03:29,866 --> 01:03:29,866
on to 13 26 those fortunate enough to call st. John's -- the

579
01:03:35,433 --> 01:03:37,800
time of the call I wasn't sure% what was taking place but it turns out I was bleeding out of my esophagus in three places are

580
01:03:42,966 --> 01:03:46,700
not to be overdramatic but I was bleeding to death. You know why I'm fortunate? Fortunate to be here today

581
01:03:50,733 --> 01:03:50,733
unfortunate that call took place at 9:45 p.m. On friday.

582
01:03:54,900 --> 01:03:54,900
if this incident would have taken place at 3:00 on a

583
01:04:02,000 --> 01:04:04,833
saturday, or sunday I would have bled to death before I got the hospital. I'm very fortunate somebody is

584
01:04:08,933 --> 01:04:08,933
not here telling my story and I have the ability to talk myself.

585
01:04:14,833 --> 01:04:14,833
if you would've had the bleed at 9:45 and not 3:00 -- the time of

586
01:04:21,033 --> 01:04:23,300
the incident should make no reflection on addressing somebody's medical care whether it's 3:00 or 9:45 everybody

587
01:04:31,533 --> 01:04:32,500
deserves proper reasonable medical attention. Sometimes I think we -- if you don't evacuate we can service

588
01:04:39,266 --> 01:04:43,266
you pick on a weekend between 12 and seven we live in an evacuation so that you can't service us.

589
01:04:47,133 --> 01:04:47,133
god forbid there's an emergency, you can't service us.

590
01:04:51,633 --> 01:04:52,633
were all here asking for reasonable cooperation addressing this issue. I'm glad to be here today.

591
01:04:56,500 --> 01:05:00,233
I'm glad my spouse is not telling the story. I hope when we have the next meeting where not discussing

592
01:05:02,933 --> 01:05:03,700
somebody's post telling the story. We have a problem -- an enormous problem and it needs to be

593
01:05:10,000 --> 01:05:11,233
fixed. We appreciate your attention and let's take care of the issue so my stories never told again.

594
01:05:17,933 --> 01:05:20,933
and if it is, it has a happy ending. >> thank you very much. >> in morning.

595
01:05:25,533 --> 01:05:25,533
's I'm coming to give you an eyewitness account.

596
01:05:30,300 --> 01:05:31,900
everybody heard what happened february 19th. Let's talk what happened on february 22nd.

597
01:05:35,233 --> 01:05:38,000
beaches were packed, there was a clap of thunder and they emptied. I watched the rescue lifeguard

598
01:05:42,033 --> 01:05:45,433
with a firefighter straight down towards beaches. It took them 50 minutes to get to the call and then another

599
01:05:51,933 --> 01:05:55,233
25 minutes for the engine of the squad to show up because they could not get through the traffic. I don't know what the outcome was but dennis brought up a good

600
01:06:01,833 --> 01:06:01,833
point it happened, I witnessed there was no way that engine

601
01:06:06,400 --> 01:06:08,566
could get -- I'm thankful we are the lifeguard and firefigher because at the same time -- he got to respond but it still took

602
01:06:13,600 --> 01:06:13,600
15 minutes to go 5000 feet? That's just a grave concern.

603
01:06:20,566 --> 01:06:20,566
were not talking about is there going to be a fatality, it's

604
01:06:27,300 --> 01:06:30,000
when we will have the fatality that could be prevented. I agree and I've been here for a good while that if we limit

605
01:06:34,566 --> 01:06:34,566
parking on the beach when everyone -- it causes gridlock.

606
01:06:40,100 --> 01:06:42,366
's I don't know what we can do but we have great minds and can put ourselves together but let's -- that's last for.

607
01:06:50,533 --> 01:06:52,266
>> thank you very much. Good morning. >> in morning commissioners. My name is robert -- coastal

608
01:06:56,566 --> 01:07:00,433
highway vilano beach. Thank you for being -- allowing me to speak this morning. My wife and I discovered vilano

609
01:07:03,333 --> 01:07:03,333
about 15 years ago and moved here for our retirement.

610
01:07:08,100 --> 01:07:10,133
we've enjoyed our time here and are pleased others have discovered vilano in the first few years it was very sleepy and

611
01:07:13,933 --> 01:07:16,900
quiet and that's one of the things we liked about it but now it's been discovered and we accept that.

612
01:07:20,733 --> 01:07:22,400
it's spiraling out of control it feels like. Were not -- we don't have the infrastructure in place.

613
01:07:25,933 --> 01:07:25,933
we have regulations but they're not being enforced clearly.

614
01:07:31,033 --> 01:07:31,033
we see some of the growth going on unchecked and our concerns

615
01:07:36,866 --> 01:07:36,866
are going beyond the scope of the planet nobody's monitoring

616
01:07:41,700 --> 01:07:45,166
we say how we survive here. Were getting old, were worried about if we have a medical condition like this gentleman,

617
01:07:48,400 --> 01:07:52,200
will we be able to get the ambulance service we need if that day comes. We see safety issues on the

618
01:07:56,633 --> 01:08:00,466
roads when bicycles are having to swerve out into the roadway because of cars that are part of nobody's enforcing the

619
01:08:05,966 --> 01:08:09,500
regulations. Many have spoken about these issues but I'd ask you commissioners pleased to do

620
01:08:12,166 --> 01:08:15,300
something about this and see what we can do to keep the quality of life we've enjoyed and vilano.

621
01:08:18,433 --> 01:08:22,066
thank you. >> thank you very much. Good morning. >> in morning. Richard living stone 2741 -- vilano beach.

622
01:08:29,833 --> 01:08:32,166
moved here six years ago to this idyllic community. Beautiful place, I'm never leaving, it's paradise.

623
01:08:35,966 --> 01:08:39,466
these are my neighbors, you've heard their complaints about what's going on traffic wise. 's I may have made a mistake.

624
01:08:45,166 --> 01:08:45,166
somewhere along the line I told two of my friends about how

625
01:08:49,700 --> 01:08:49,700
beautiful my place was. And the community that I live

626
01:08:55,033 --> 01:08:56,833
in. I think some of my neighbors may have done the same thing. Those two friends told two

627
01:09:05,266 --> 01:09:07,233
friends and told two more friends to the point that eventually the word got out. Hyatt heard about it, developers

628
01:09:11,233 --> 01:09:11,233
heard about it and the cats out of the bag.

629
01:09:18,400 --> 01:09:21,766
it's not like it was. Fast-forward to the present from four to seven, it's not just weekends and holidays anymore.

630
01:09:25,533 --> 01:09:25,533
it's every day in the summer months from march to september

631
01:09:32,300 --> 01:09:34,400
or from four to seven you don't get in your car. You can't because it's not just 45 minutes, it's 90 even it's to

632
01:09:39,633 --> 01:09:39,633
get out of vilano beach to get anywhere.

633
01:09:43,833 --> 01:09:46,100
don't plan anything between four and 7:00. I know a lot of people complained about the traffic.

634
01:09:48,366 --> 01:09:51,100
there has not been many suggestions about it. 's I think if we in a traffic light of some sort at the

635
01:09:54,666 --> 01:09:54,666
turnaround that takes us to the bridge or some man to traffic

636
01:10:01,833 --> 01:10:05,466
people involved here. This may be a financial burden for the county but I have a suggestion for that as well.

637
01:10:09,566 --> 01:10:09,566
conservatively speaking are going to say 500 cars a day on

638
01:10:13,933 --> 01:10:13,933
the beach at $20 a pop, that's $10,000 a day.

639
01:10:21,100 --> 01:10:23,066
that's $300,000 a month. That's almost one point a million dollars in the summer that might be available to the

640
01:10:27,200 --> 01:10:27,200
county to help defray some of the costs of having man people

641
01:10:33,800 --> 01:10:37,633
and having a few more traffic lights to try to solve the problem. I know it's not unsolvable.

642
01:10:39,300 --> 01:10:41,933
there's some brilliant minds on the council here who could probably figure a way around this and I thank you for your

643
01:10:44,133 --> 01:10:47,366
time. >> thank you very much. Good morning. >> my name is russell phillips.

644
01:10:49,666 --> 01:10:49,666
I live at 109 in china eight and my issue today's the

645
01:10:55,866 --> 01:10:55,866
overwhelming traffic jams that are reached typically saturday,

646
01:11:00,300 --> 01:11:03,733
sunday and holidays between 2:30 and six. The problem will be a beach emergency.

647
01:11:09,333 --> 01:11:11,700
a fender bender or pedestrian head and there's no way the person can be addressed with the exception of out or helicopter

648
01:11:16,100 --> 01:11:16,100
because of the congestion of the road at that time.

649
01:11:20,666 --> 01:11:23,900
I do believe it's a community beach open for all and just like the night of lights, it's a worldwide event.

650
01:11:27,933 --> 01:11:27,933
vilano beaches popularity should be handled in a similar way.

651
01:11:36,700 --> 01:11:39,700
form a committee consisting of key representatives to come together and formulate a plan to create a plan and implement

652
01:11:45,000 --> 01:11:45,000
solutions. Use drones in the initial

653
01:11:51,100 --> 01:11:53,166
figuring out of where the traffic snags from the north beach to porpoise point up to the peanut and u.s. One to

654
01:11:58,133 --> 01:12:01,800
identify some of the congested areas. Make a beach parking app similar to the night of lights.

655
01:12:05,933 --> 01:12:05,933
identifying full lots or open parking lots, all over from --

656
01:12:12,966 --> 01:12:12,966
all the way down to anastasia island.

657
01:12:17,700 --> 01:12:17,700
and assign a traffic guard at those key times very similar to

658
01:12:22,333 --> 01:12:25,500
every school in st. Johns county where they have one or two officers facilitating traffic. To make it efficient.

659
01:12:31,500 --> 01:12:31,500
I think that should always be done on the weekends on saturday

660
01:12:36,033 --> 01:12:38,300
and sunday between three and six. That should just be a given. I do believe the safety issues

661
01:12:42,533 --> 01:12:42,533
are serious, but solvable. We just ask that you as the

662
01:12:48,900 --> 01:12:50,966
commissioners realize this is a tragedy and waiting and make it a priority. Thank you.

663
01:12:54,533 --> 01:12:57,000
>> thank you. Thank you very much. Good morning. >> in morning everybody.

664
01:13:01,900 --> 01:13:05,500
I'm reminded of a saying about well-known football coach from new england who would say, do your job.

665
01:13:09,500 --> 01:13:09,500
and I look at what you all are doing here and you have a

666
01:13:14,266 --> 01:13:16,400
difficult job. I look at even your agenda for today. You've multiple agenda items and

667
01:13:18,933 --> 01:13:18,933
I imagine it's very difficult to avoid a walkable kind of

668
01:13:25,666 --> 01:13:27,633
mind-set here. You've issues you cannot possibly predict or anticipate and you do your best to

669
01:13:30,533 --> 01:13:30,533
accommodate a demanding public to address these.

670
01:13:35,000 --> 01:13:38,600
I think ultimately the answer, there's been a lot of imaginative solutions here for specific symptoms but ultimately

671
01:13:45,600 --> 01:13:47,866
I think the need here is a strategy to address the root problem. The root problem in my mind

672
01:13:51,800 --> 01:13:51,800
particularly the unique geographic area such as the area

673
01:13:58,100 --> 01:13:58,100
down to vilano beach of the bridge this narrow high demand

674
01:14:03,400 --> 01:14:03,400
area is to figure out a way to manage the volume.

675
01:14:09,800 --> 01:14:09,800
I think what's necessary is demand management strategy here,

676
01:14:16,366 --> 01:14:16,366
public safety strategy here which has at its root a way of

677
01:14:20,900 --> 01:14:20,900
controlling buy-in. Meantime there's all sorts of

678
01:14:24,966 --> 01:14:24,966
symptoms that need to be addressed but ultimately there

679
01:14:29,300 --> 01:14:29,300
are a couple dozen plus public access points already between

680
01:14:34,266 --> 01:14:37,566
gtm and vilano beach. Across and, a tunnel, a bridge for all of them? Ultimately I think you need to

681
01:14:39,333 --> 01:14:39,333
figure out a way to manage demand.

682
01:14:44,800 --> 01:14:48,700
which brings me to the second specific issue which is this so-called rv park. That just adds to demand.

683
01:14:59,633 --> 01:15:01,600
my understanding that this was originally proposed five or six years ago arguably under the darkness of covid and perhaps it

684
01:15:08,400 --> 01:15:12,100
didn't afford public scrutiny that it deserved and even still circumstances have changed greatly since then.

685
01:15:15,133 --> 01:15:15,133
might ask here would be take a hard second look at what is

686
01:15:23,333 --> 01:15:27,266
going on there. What are the assumptions, what are the design, what's the process look like in terms of

687
01:15:29,733 --> 01:15:29,733
moving in and out on a hot sunday, on a time when a storm's

688
01:15:36,533 --> 01:15:36,533
impending. Figure that out, laid out, don't

689
01:15:40,900 --> 01:15:43,133
wait until it happens to understand. Anticipate, understand the trade-offs in advance and allow

690
01:15:47,566 --> 01:15:49,600
all of us yourselves included to way and accordingly. I appreciate everybody's time and patience.

691
01:15:53,133 --> 01:15:55,200
>> your name and address for the record. >> robert greene 180 kingston drive.

692
01:15:58,633 --> 01:16:00,900
>> thank you. Thank you very much. >> in morning. 4260...

693
01:16:12,466 --> 01:16:12,466
I'm here to discuss our proposed rv campground and its potential

694
01:16:17,400 --> 01:16:18,633
impact on surrounding communities affecting quality-of-life property and safety.

695
01:16:24,400 --> 01:16:24,400
the proposed 170 park model home rv campground directly on a1a

696
01:16:29,133 --> 01:16:33,000
from intercoastal to the ocean seriously and directly interferes with the quality-of-life and safety of our properties. Traffic.

697
01:16:39,066 --> 01:16:42,400
a1a as you heard is a two-lane highway leading onto a two-lane bridge leading onto a two-lane street and that the peanut

698
01:16:46,033 --> 01:16:49,766
roundabout which is the only form of egress and ingress. Traffic is gridlocked. At least 170 more vehicles to

699
01:16:56,266 --> 01:16:56,266
the picture consider the delays and emergency vehicles arriving

700
01:17:02,633 --> 01:17:02,633
and leaving the potential of loss of life.

701
01:17:10,466 --> 01:17:13,066
safety. Evacuation again only two lane highway et cetera. That affects the population f

702
01:17:20,833 --> 01:17:24,766
from... To porpoise point and another 70 plus vehicles to that. Flooding nor'easter in 2021 in

703
01:17:29,000 --> 01:17:32,333
2022. Devastated vilano beach porpoise point north beach with the main floodwaters coming directly from

704
01:17:40,600 --> 01:17:42,766
the intercoastal both mandatory higher elevations and paved surfaces, the mandatory elevation -- will definitely

705
01:17:47,866 --> 01:17:47,866
increase the likelihood of more severe flooding in the same

706
01:17:53,800 --> 01:17:57,366
areas. The water has nowhere to go. Other than people's property. This is a picture 16th street

707
01:18:04,633 --> 01:18:06,033
vilano bridge after nicole and ian. My conclusion, to the board, you must take into account all of

708
01:18:12,766 --> 01:18:12,766
the above issues with approving any variance rezoning or major

709
01:18:17,533 --> 01:18:21,100
development. Safety of citizens must take precedent over developers profits. Thank you. >> thank you so much.

710
01:18:26,600 --> 01:18:26,600
good morning. >> my name is michael.

711
01:18:31,400 --> 01:18:35,233
and 114 third street st. Augustine and 25 year resident of north beach. There's been quite a few

712
01:18:42,066 --> 01:18:42,066
comments on the various issues and I think vice president of

713
01:18:46,666 --> 01:18:49,933
vilano beach -- I won't repeat those which have already been presented. I'd like to tell a story four

714
01:18:51,266 --> 01:18:51,266
years ago to this day on easter we had easter service my priest

715
01:18:58,400 --> 01:18:58,400
father greg bennett who lived in vilano was taking his monday

716
01:19:05,000 --> 01:19:05,000
stroll after easter and was hit behind by a contractor truck

717
01:19:12,666 --> 01:19:12,666
that knocked him to the ground. A traumatic brain injury and he

718
01:19:18,233 --> 01:19:18,233
died three days later. From that injury.

719
01:19:22,666 --> 01:19:22,666
this is not theoretical, it's not me telling you I happened to

720
01:19:26,900 --> 01:19:29,500
hear or see something that concerned me. This is personal. He was my priest, a great man

721
01:19:32,000 --> 01:19:32,000
and we've hated to lose some. From the time I moved here and

722
01:19:36,266 --> 01:19:36,266
I'm sure all of you heard the jimmy buffett songs strolling

723
01:19:42,333 --> 01:19:46,300
down the avenue is known as a1a. It's not an avenue anymore. The hazard zone. Friends of a1a to periodic

724
01:19:50,800 --> 01:19:50,800
cleanups and adopt a highway. We were there -- I would

725
01:19:56,066 --> 01:19:58,800
challenge any of you commissioners or your staff to come out there and experience this with us.

726
01:20:00,500 --> 01:20:04,366
it's truly taking your life in your hands. To do something as -- a civic service to this county.

727
01:20:13,600 --> 01:20:15,533
at a recent meeting a person who volunteered about five months ago came up to me and said you looked -- lived here long time.

728
01:20:19,200 --> 01:20:19,200
what will this look like in three years?

729
01:20:23,266 --> 01:20:25,200
we've seen some of these changes. Will it be rv parks, gas stations, convenience stores?

730
01:20:30,033 --> 01:20:31,233
high-rise? Multifamily? What's it going to look like? I had to tell them I truly don't

731
01:20:34,933 --> 01:20:34,933
know. We need the county commissioner

732
01:20:41,266 --> 01:20:41,266
to create a vision of the future for this.

733
01:20:45,466 --> 01:20:48,033
's only through your leadership and vision can we understand us residents where this is going and what it will look like in

734
01:20:50,600 --> 01:20:50,600
the next three years. I'm not asking ten years from

735
01:20:55,933 --> 01:20:59,833
now, I'm asking three years from now what will it look like? We do not know. I'm asking your leadership on

736
01:21:02,400 --> 01:21:02,400
this issue to create a vision for our community that the

737
01:21:06,800 --> 01:21:09,966
residence and the district could see and appreciate and live with. Thank you so much.

738
01:21:14,033 --> 01:21:14,033
>> thank you. Good morning.

739
01:21:18,266 --> 01:21:19,166
>> in morning. My name is lee miller and I reside at 121 -- also known as the straight -- street across

740
01:21:25,266 --> 01:21:25,266
from the infamous blue house that is no longer there.

741
01:21:29,933 --> 01:21:32,400
I'm coming because I've been in the area for quite a long time pick our family had a place here as early as 1992.

742
01:21:39,933 --> 01:21:39,933
we loved it so much this is my piece of heaven so we bought a

743
01:21:45,200 --> 01:21:45,200
law and we proceeded to build our home.

744
01:21:50,666 --> 01:21:53,200
I will tell you to build a home at that point I had to go through a lot of hoops because I back up to the marsh.

745
01:21:58,633 --> 01:22:01,866
there were a lot of things I needed to consider as we were building and believe me, if I had submitted my plans and then

746
01:22:05,133 --> 01:22:05,133
change the midway through my building, I'm sure there

747
01:22:09,533 --> 01:22:12,433
would've been some repercussions around that. I'm probably the caboose of the vilano people.

748
01:22:14,266 --> 01:22:14,266
I know you probably hope so but maybe not.

749
01:22:20,466 --> 01:22:23,133
I'm here just to reiterate a few of the points my neighbors have made. First of overlooking for

750
01:22:26,800 --> 01:22:28,266
oversight of this rv park. I spoke against it when it first came out years ago. At that point it was tabled and

751
01:22:34,000 --> 01:22:37,133
not approved when the developer had a big presentation. I'm not -- I don't know how many of you were there than but it

752
01:22:42,033 --> 01:22:42,033
was tabled for a while and then it was approved under being this

753
01:22:48,366 --> 01:22:48,366
rv park after it was sold we now have what we have today.

754
01:22:53,233 --> 01:22:53,233
I ask you to consider 170 residences in your own area.

755
01:23:00,666 --> 01:23:03,066
that's a lot of things. If you consider the density of a number of people that will be crossing over a1a to go to the

756
01:23:08,433 --> 01:23:12,000
ocean with an average of two people per residents, that's 340 people during the day. If it were four people were

757
01:23:15,033 --> 01:23:15,033
talking closer to 700 people crossing a1a to get to the

758
01:23:20,300 --> 01:23:23,000
beach. As far as I know there has not been any proposal as to how that will take place.

759
01:23:27,766 --> 01:23:31,666
my neighbor a longtime resident of vilano fell down and broke her arm trying to cross vilano and dodging the traffic.

760
01:23:37,133 --> 01:23:37,133
again please consider the request to bring the rv park

761
01:23:42,333 --> 01:23:45,233
back under your jurisdiction, take a look at it and thoughtfully consider what our plans would be going forward.

762
01:23:48,600 --> 01:23:48,600
I appreciate your attention. Thank you very much.

763
01:23:54,066 --> 01:23:57,766
>> thank you. Good morning. >> good morning. Sherry badger 2772 south collins avenue. These people are like the angels

764
01:24:03,333 --> 01:24:03,333
-- this is going on all over this town and you can look at

765
01:24:07,933 --> 01:24:09,633
these pictures that I'm fixing to show alyssa's what your neighborhood will look like. Of 4-foot, 6-foot wide deep

766
01:24:17,633 --> 01:24:17,633
ditch. It's even with the sidewalk.

767
01:24:45,433 --> 01:24:45,433
this is also on rabbit hill. Rabbit hill I started coming to

768
01:24:51,433 --> 01:24:52,666
this county commission complaining about what these people are complaining about now seven years ago.

769
01:24:58,733 --> 01:24:58,733
paul waldron died and now it's come to a complete halt in my

770
01:25:03,866 --> 01:25:06,200
neighborhood of your county, your code enforcement does not address it and if they do, your senior staff squash it.

771
01:25:12,833 --> 01:25:15,833
y'all have a big problem here and I've been telling you about it. Now this is what you get.

772
01:25:18,466 --> 01:25:18,466
and I'm so thankful we do have public comment in the morning

773
01:25:22,733 --> 01:25:25,966
because you people need a lot more of this because you're doing it to the whole town some of you are completely

774
01:25:30,233 --> 01:25:31,533
devastating this town and neighborhood. Thank you. God bless and have a good day.

775
01:25:35,100 --> 01:25:37,900
>> thank you. >> good morning. My name is jane norton I live at 109 -- over on porpoise point.

776
01:25:42,966 --> 01:25:42,966
here today to support my neighbors, we are very much

777
01:25:49,366 --> 01:25:52,900
concerned about our quality of life and our safety and the environmental impact that's going on currently with the

778
01:25:55,466 --> 01:25:55,466
number of cars on the beach, the grid log we're facing, that type

779
01:26:04,933 --> 01:26:08,566
of thing. Were asking for attention to our concerns and to help us create solutions.

780
01:26:10,566 --> 01:26:10,566
that's all I want to say today. Thank you.

781
01:26:14,633 --> 01:26:14,633
>> thank you. >> my name is ed.

782
01:26:19,233 --> 01:26:22,233
I had this nice long speech about traffic but I think you get the picture now so I won't bore you with that.

783
01:26:23,933 --> 01:26:23,933
I will give this -- possible solutions I thought about.

784
01:26:29,833 --> 01:26:31,900
one is it's hard to regulate traffic on the beach. You have to be able to count who's going on, who's coming

785
01:26:36,200 --> 01:26:36,200
off, we have multiple accesses. One of my thoughts was let's

786
01:26:41,633 --> 01:26:45,266
raise the daily rate to 20 or $30 an hour. That will definitely reduce some people going down there.

787
01:26:47,966 --> 01:26:47,966
keep the current resident rate annual passwords at.

788
01:26:54,366 --> 01:26:54,366
prohibit on street parking of the residential neighborhoods,

789
01:26:59,466 --> 01:26:59,466
enforce parking violations with tickets or towing, add more

790
01:27:04,766 --> 01:27:04,766
police on the beach and in the neighborhoods to address both

791
01:27:09,800 --> 01:27:12,633
moving and drinking violations. I have a perfect view of the beach and I can guarantee you that no drinking policy is being

792
01:27:18,033 --> 01:27:20,466
ignored. On the weekend public service officers at the base of the bridge and to control the lights

793
01:27:26,400 --> 01:27:28,533
and allow more than six cars through before the light turns red. Also I think there needs to be

794
01:27:34,833 --> 01:27:34,833
strong consideration for another branch between pontevedra and

795
01:27:43,733 --> 01:27:45,500
tried eight beach if a true emergency happened where evacuation was needed immediately, it would be a

796
01:27:49,800 --> 01:27:53,633
complete disaster. Thank you for your time. >> thank you very much. Good morning.

797
01:27:56,066 --> 01:27:56,066
>> my name is nancy watson at -- sorry and nervous.

798
01:28:04,833 --> 01:28:04,833
311 -- all the speeches you've heard, I'm behind them.

799
01:28:13,000 --> 01:28:15,800
everything they've said, I could have repeated here today but -- but I'm not going to waste time with you on it.

800
01:28:21,600 --> 01:28:21,600
all I can say is my husband and I have spent some time down at

801
01:28:26,066 --> 01:28:26,066
the coffee shop and we watch the cars go by.

802
01:28:34,766 --> 01:28:34,766
I would say nine months ago the speeding on vilano road was

803
01:28:41,900 --> 01:28:44,400
atrocious. I used to work with the police and fire department and I see these cars and I'm going he

804
01:28:47,533 --> 01:28:51,400
could get a ticket. Where is somebody to come down there and do something? The other day we were down there

805
01:28:56,900 --> 01:28:56,900
watching the cars and I looked at the sign outside and it said

806
01:29:03,700 --> 01:29:03,700
no parking from midnight to 6:00 a.m.

807
01:29:09,133 --> 01:29:09,133
otherwise you will be towed. I want to know how many cars

808
01:29:18,833 --> 01:29:20,900
have been told. How many cars have been eliminated? I would guess not one.

809
01:29:23,500 --> 01:29:26,300
and anyone who parks their nose it. No one's going to toe our car, don't worry about it.

810
01:29:31,266 --> 01:29:31,266
as far as the police department and the fire department goes, I

811
01:29:36,566 --> 01:29:39,700
have a lot of admiration for these guys. I worked with them. I know how they feel.

812
01:29:44,100 --> 01:29:44,100
and I watch this one car recently park behind all these

813
01:29:49,666 --> 01:29:49,666
cars on the valenti road and he was called, could he get out?

814
01:29:57,300 --> 01:30:00,233
there is no way. Cars were going this way and that way. He couldn't get out.

815
01:30:02,933 --> 01:30:05,466
he would be stuck. I was wondering, what's he thinking sitting there? As for the fire department,

816
01:30:12,500 --> 01:30:15,833
these guys really have it tough. If there is a call for an emergency and they can't get there, they are going to panic.

817
01:30:23,600 --> 01:30:26,000
I could do this or that and I'm losing time. When these guys come back from a call, you should be there.

818
01:30:31,333 --> 01:30:33,933
they are totally different people. They really take it to heart, especially when they lose a

819
01:30:37,933 --> 01:30:41,500
child. And I think you should consider all these things that these people have said today and what

820
01:30:46,800 --> 01:30:46,800
I'm saying with the police and fire department behind you.

821
01:30:51,100 --> 01:30:54,700
we are going to need more of them as time goes on. Thanks for listening to me. >> thank you.

822
01:31:00,533 --> 01:31:01,300
>> good morning. >> good morning. My name is douglas clay. I live at 113 coastal hollow

823
01:31:07,000 --> 01:31:10,500
circle in vilano. Thank you for this opportunity. What I'm going to speak about is the rv park or trailer park.

824
01:31:15,166 --> 01:31:15,166
we don't actually really know what it's going to be.

825
01:31:20,100 --> 01:31:22,300
there is a lot of information rolling around, and a lot of it is conflicting. So that makes it difficult to

826
01:31:27,533 --> 01:31:30,666
understand exactly what we are going to end up with. I know there's a difference between trailers and campers.

827
01:31:33,500 --> 01:31:36,466
I guess you think of trailers as mobile homes, at least that's what I was thinking it was going to be.

828
01:31:40,466 --> 01:31:40,466
either way, they don't play nice during hurricanes.

829
01:31:47,700 --> 01:31:50,700
campers are going to want to be getting out, as everybody says. If they are trailers they're going to be permanent or close

830
01:31:54,700 --> 01:31:57,933
to permanent, and as I said, they won't do well in a hurricane situation. So I think that needs to be

831
01:32:02,866 --> 01:32:06,133
considered. I've also heard if they are going to be trailers they could be low-cost housing.

832
01:32:09,466 --> 01:32:09,466
would that be operated by the county or some other entity for

833
01:32:16,300 --> 01:32:16,300
that? Low-cost housing at vilano is

834
01:32:22,833 --> 01:32:25,133
probably not a good place to locate it because there really aren't a lot of jobs around the area.

835
01:32:29,100 --> 01:32:29,100
most of the people are retired or older.

836
01:32:34,133 --> 01:32:34,133
will there be campers there, nonpermanent residents living

837
01:32:40,300 --> 01:32:40,300
there? As we all know, if you are

838
01:32:46,266 --> 01:32:46,266
living in florida for six months or longer, you can apply for

839
01:32:50,966 --> 01:32:50,966
residency here in the state and there is many snowbirds that do

840
01:32:56,700 --> 01:32:56,700
such and live up north and come down to stay for six months or

841
01:33:02,466 --> 01:33:02,466
so, declare florida to be their residence.

842
01:33:07,666 --> 01:33:07,666
is that somewhat the intention of what's going on here?

843
01:33:12,000 --> 01:33:14,766
infrastructure I think has been talked about. Electrical needs, the water needs, the sewer, the plumbing.

844
01:33:20,900 --> 01:33:20,900
who's going to pay for that? Is some of that burden foisted

845
01:33:25,366 --> 01:33:25,366
on taxpayers, or is it going to be done totally by the

846
01:33:29,700 --> 01:33:32,966
developers of the area? What I have for you is a suggestion. Appoint a committee to be

847
01:33:37,166 --> 01:33:39,833
concerned with this particular development and have that committee with residents from vilano.

848
01:33:43,666 --> 01:33:46,433
they should attend all the commissioners meetings, all the meetings that we are going to have and be able to bring back

849
01:33:50,833 --> 01:33:50,833
information so there isn't all this misinformation going on.

850
01:33:54,866 --> 01:33:56,933
plus, be able to bring in concerns from residents. Thank you for your time. I appreciate you listening.

851
01:34:02,500 --> 01:34:05,666
>> thank you. Good morning. >> good morning. My name is brad martin. I'm not a resident of st. Johns county.

852
01:34:08,066 --> 01:34:08,066
I live in tallahassee. But I'm a safety education

853
01:34:12,333 --> 01:34:12,333
representative. That's the call before you dig

854
01:34:20,366 --> 01:34:22,766
center. April is national safe digging month. I realized when I saw the agenda

855
01:34:25,933 --> 01:34:25,933
this morning I probably should have put in a proclamation

856
01:34:30,533 --> 01:34:32,833
request for the call before you dig message. It sounds to me like listening to the comments, there is a need

857
01:34:37,966 --> 01:34:41,766
or going to be continued discussion on infrastructure, road building, lots of construction driving over from

858
01:34:49,166 --> 01:34:52,466
this area is a boom of construction activities. I urge you guys to really preach the message of call before you

859
01:34:56,900 --> 01:34:59,833
dig and damage prevention to our current infrastructure and the things that are happening now, things that are going to be

860
01:35:05,033 --> 01:35:07,933
taking place it sounds like. We really need to protect the existing infrastructure. We each wake up every morning

861
01:35:14,300 --> 01:35:17,966
and take for granted those vital services that our utilities provide. Water, sewer, turn on the tv,

862
01:35:20,900 --> 01:35:20,900
pick up our telephone, flip the switch, turn on the stove.

863
01:35:25,266 --> 01:35:28,766
gas lines have been cut by excavation practices and you can hear the urgency in some of the voices you've heard this mor

864
01:35:32,500 --> 01:35:33,900
morning. Things tend to get a little carried away or rushed. The one call system and the

865
01:35:40,566 --> 01:35:40,566
state of florida, we take around 2,000,001: notifications.

866
01:35:44,666 --> 01:35:48,666
so things are happening. We really want to encourage our community leaders. My primary target are the

867
01:35:51,266 --> 01:35:54,300
professional contractors and things of that nature. But we are seeing increased urgency, the let's get it done,

868
01:35:57,233 --> 01:35:59,933
we've got to get it done right away. So we are seeing an increase in potential violations of the

869
01:36:03,666 --> 01:36:03,666
statute as well which increases the risk for damages, outages,

870
01:36:08,433 --> 01:36:11,600
explosions, injuries, potential deaths. So we are really trying to extend our outreach for the

871
01:36:15,700 --> 01:36:19,266
education processes to community leaders. Working to get law enforcement more involved, to help with

872
01:36:21,966 --> 01:36:21,966
these violations. Damage prevention is everyone's

873
01:36:26,266 --> 01:36:29,566
responsibility and we want to make sure to include all the stakeholders. I stand ready for you folks, for

874
01:36:33,566 --> 01:36:33,566
law enforcement friends, the general public for educational

875
01:36:38,233 --> 01:36:41,966
purposes. I've been doing it for 25 years now. The reason I'm here is all of

876
01:36:43,833 --> 01:36:43,833
north florida is my educational territory.

877
01:36:48,066 --> 01:36:50,266
please feel free to give us a shout. Thank you. >> thank you so much.

878
01:36:56,866 --> 01:36:59,500
good morning. >> good morning. It's great to see everybody here from vilano about what's going

879
01:37:05,900 --> 01:37:05,900
on there. But I wanted to say that you are

880
01:37:11,933 --> 01:37:14,866
not alone. There's the shores here for similar things. Too much going to that little

881
01:37:19,633 --> 01:37:19,633
area. But for me, I'm in mill creek

882
01:37:26,166 --> 01:37:29,633
estates which is over near county road 208. So I don't go to the beach. But what's happening, ladies and

883
01:37:34,300 --> 01:37:34,300
gentlemen, is this is being broken down into certain ways of

884
01:37:41,633 --> 01:37:41,633
over developing little places like where you are because

885
01:37:46,933 --> 01:37:46,933
there's money being brought in from tourism, whether you are

886
01:37:51,033 --> 01:37:51,033
getting rebates from the tourism money for that specific area or

887
01:37:55,533 --> 01:37:58,000
not. But that's happening throughout the whole county with all the new developments coming up

888
01:38:03,333 --> 01:38:06,433
that's going to increase the population. Now we have infrastructure issues that we are still trying

889
01:38:08,866 --> 01:38:08,866
to work on. If you haven't been following

890
01:38:13,666 --> 01:38:13,666
this committee for the last couple years because you had

891
01:38:19,500 --> 01:38:23,166
senate bill 180 get passed, that's what helped them to shut down some of the changes for 2050, specifically for the

892
01:38:32,133 --> 01:38:35,600
developers having their way to do what they want to. Now house bill 399, which is like a bait and switch from the

893
01:38:40,833 --> 01:38:40,833
other bill, house bill 299 and the senate bill, I forget what

894
01:38:45,166 --> 01:38:45,166
that one was, was focused on developers having their ways.

895
01:38:53,833 --> 01:38:53,833
that was tossed aside, but at the same time, 399 also gives

896
01:38:58,666 --> 01:38:58,666
developers a lot more rights to know from the county.

897
01:39:08,966 --> 01:39:08,966
we are the county. And yes, ladies and gentlemen,

898
01:39:13,833 --> 01:39:16,733
there is commissioners who didn't want to do anything about that because their backers are the ones who were building all

899
01:39:20,500 --> 01:39:20,500
this stuff, who's out there doing all that.

900
01:39:26,933 --> 01:39:29,066
look at it as a whole. If you think it's just happening in your little area, which I hate to hear about it, because

901
01:39:34,233 --> 01:39:37,833
I'm a jacksonville boy. We used to come on down and vilano was nothing. But now, I understand it.

902
01:39:48,933 --> 01:39:51,466
commissioners backed by a big developers, we have them. We probably should. And that's going to continue on

903
01:39:58,166 --> 01:40:01,800
for vilano throughout the county. >> thank you. Anyone else before we close out

904
01:40:03,333 --> 01:40:03,333
public comment at this time? [applause]

905
01:40:15,766 --> 01:40:15,766
>> good morning.% >> good morning.

906
01:40:21,800 --> 01:40:21,800
rodney dangerfield from -- [laughter]

907
01:40:26,666 --> 01:40:26,666
>> no. Bill hennessy, 54,614th street.

908
01:40:32,666 --> 01:40:32,666
before I get to the windswept acres I need to let you all know

909
01:40:37,300 --> 01:40:41,200
something even more dangerous. That butler west boat ramp where you turn in there where dollar general was at his

910
01:40:48,800 --> 01:40:48,800
becoming -- people are coming out of that dollar general from

911
01:40:53,933 --> 01:40:55,300
the north and blocking the traffic. So the guy with the boat has to hit the brakes, and a one a has

912
01:41:01,000 --> 01:41:01,000
thousands of cars on it. And they are not realizing, so

913
01:41:05,733 --> 01:41:05,733
they are going to run into that 20-inch stainless steel and have

914
01:41:09,900 --> 01:41:09,900
serious injuries. I walk this dog around that

915
01:41:13,933 --> 01:41:15,966
neighborhood, I've been doing it for 30 years. Not to stop particularly. [laughter]

916
01:41:20,266 --> 01:41:23,600
>> but I'm telling you, it's going to end up being a tragedy. And once you get on that road it goes from 26 feet wide at the

917
01:41:29,200 --> 01:41:32,933
entrance down to 16 feet where you have that culvert with about a 12-foot drop or 12 feet of water.

918
01:41:37,133 --> 01:41:41,000
and it's got three runoffs on it. As soon as the tire catch is that runoff, you are going in that ditch. And its 10 feet of air or

919
01:41:45,966 --> 01:41:45,966
10 feet of water. And it's not "if," it's "when."

920
01:41:52,366 --> 01:41:52,366
I sat there and watched people have tobacco with their boats to

921
01:41:56,600 --> 01:41:59,966
let other boaters go in there. One day someone from out of town who don't realize what's going on is going to come down that

922
01:42:02,500 --> 01:42:02,500
road and plunged into that culvert there and it's going to

923
01:42:06,600 --> 01:42:08,300
make headline news. I've been preaching about it for a while. Five years that I've been coming

924
01:42:12,966 --> 01:42:16,600
here on may the 18th. On june fifth I was at that boat ramp and ask some people if they could pull out of the way so I

925
01:42:18,866 --> 01:42:18,866
could get my boat put in. I came to in the hospital six

926
01:42:25,966 --> 01:42:25,966
hours later. Now I have equilibrium problems.

927
01:42:36,766 --> 01:42:39,566
walking, depth perception. Whose responsibility is going to be my disability? Is it st. Johns county?

928
01:42:43,500 --> 01:42:43,500
those people should of been told of the recreation man standing

929
01:42:48,533 --> 01:42:48,533
right there, move out of the way and let other people get in.

930
01:42:54,200 --> 01:42:54,200
I gave away my golf clubs because I can't play no more.

931
01:43:03,700 --> 01:43:07,033
I got time to get to the road. Cuts and hazardous situation you will need to address. I used to have good pocket

932
01:43:12,800 --> 01:43:15,266
change from playing golf. It was like a second job. I had beer money and all that stuff.

933
01:43:19,000 --> 01:43:20,366
but now I can't even ride a bike. >> thank you so much. Any other public comment at this

934
01:43:25,000 --> 01:43:27,466
time before we close this I would? All right. Good morning.

935
01:43:34,933 --> 01:43:38,900
>> good morning. The failure of the st. Johns county sheriff to post all mug shots excuses the

936
01:43:42,600 --> 01:43:42,600
actions of those arrested. This continues to jeopardize the

937
01:43:47,366 --> 01:43:48,600
safety of everyone in st. Johns county. At the march 27th, 2026 as a bc meeting, we were told the

938
01:43:56,333 --> 01:43:56,333
beaches visitors and convention bureau advertising is to

939
01:44:02,300 --> 01:44:02,300
new york city. Knights of lights will end on

940
01:44:06,333 --> 01:44:06,333
mlk day, which is all about money, not quality of life.

941
01:44:10,766 --> 01:44:13,800
commissioners murphy and taylor attended this meeting. Taxpayers and residents may not be aware, commissioner taylor

942
01:44:16,833 --> 01:44:16,833
does not live in the city limits of st. Augustine.

943
01:44:21,133 --> 01:44:21,133
the county gives district st. Augustine steady limits to a

944
01:44:28,466 --> 01:44:31,733
commissioner who actually lives in the county and represents the city. If a property owner lives in the

945
01:44:37,966 --> 01:44:37,966
city, the city limits of st. Augustine, and pays the city

946
01:44:43,966 --> 01:44:47,600
and county property taxes, the effect on quality of life is different than those not living in the city and have a business.

947
01:44:53,833 --> 01:44:55,700
question. What is the actual income of all businesses who work but don't live in the city limits of

948
01:45:02,133 --> 01:45:04,400
st. Augustine? This would be an interesting economic study. If that ever got out we would

949
01:45:06,766 --> 01:45:06,766
see where the problem is. Always remember cigars can be

950
01:45:12,200 --> 01:45:12,200
smoked on county beaches, but not cigarettes.

951
01:45:21,766 --> 01:45:25,466
thank you for a public comment before agenda items. Going to continue to say that until people are elected, and

952
01:45:29,833 --> 01:45:32,300
hopefully the ones elected will believe in this. And I want to say, white shirt speakers sounds like knights of

953
01:45:38,933 --> 01:45:38,933
lights problems. Got it everywhere.

954
01:45:44,900 --> 01:45:44,900
perfect example. And -- what time is it?

955
01:45:53,666 --> 01:45:53,666
almost 10:30, 11:00. Now the red shirts have their

956
01:46:01,033 --> 01:46:01,033
opportunity to speak for the item that they are here for.

957
01:46:07,266 --> 01:46:10,400
watch that buzzer, folks. You've got to stay with it when it counts down on you. If you are over, there's some

958
01:46:14,766 --> 01:46:17,833
people that get excited about some people, and other people don't get too excited. You don't have to answer any of

959
01:46:23,500 --> 01:46:23,500
these people that got up, but I hope regardless of who that

960
01:46:28,466 --> 01:46:28,466
district person is that all of you got the gist of what went

961
01:46:33,500 --> 01:46:36,166
over. >> thank you. Good morning. >> my name is laura freeman.

962
01:46:38,600 --> 01:46:38,600
my husband and I own 69 seaside vista court in north beach.

963
01:46:44,566 --> 01:46:44,566
I had notes, but I'm going to wing it, so hopefully I sound

964
01:46:49,300 --> 01:46:49,300
understandable. We moved to vilano in 2010 when

965
01:46:54,533 --> 01:46:58,100
my husband accepted a job with the florida national guard. We decided we were going to retire on vilano.

966
01:47:02,733 --> 01:47:02,733
we moved away and we knew this was the place we wanted to go.

967
01:47:06,966 --> 01:47:06,966
we have children. We used to reside at 104 second

968
01:47:11,566 --> 01:47:11,566
street and decided to build in seaside vista in 2014.

969
01:47:16,633 --> 01:47:16,633
we moved when my daughter was getting...

970
01:47:21,000 --> 01:47:21,000
because we know she was going to high school and we decided that

971
01:47:26,166 --> 01:47:26,166
it was our time to get back to vilano, which we loved so much.

972
01:47:31,333 --> 01:47:31,333
I didn't realize that the first day she got in the car and

973
01:47:35,800 --> 01:47:35,800
pulled out on a1a how scared I was going to be and how every

974
01:47:39,966 --> 01:47:39,966
single day I tell her to be safe when she pulls out on a1a.

975
01:47:44,500 --> 01:47:44,500
because cars are coming through the turn, and you have a brief

976
01:47:51,333 --> 01:47:54,633
moment to pull out before another car is coming your way. I also have a daughter who has severe asthma.

977
01:47:59,633 --> 01:48:02,533
she's had it since she was ten years old, which is about when we moved here. I don't know what that means.

978
01:48:05,933 --> 01:48:05,933
but she's had an ambulance come to the home.

979
01:48:09,966 --> 01:48:13,966
she's blown a hole in her lungs because of her asthma attacks. We've tried to get her to the hospital, and realistically she

980
01:48:18,533 --> 01:48:18,533
could die. She's had moments where she's

981
01:48:24,766 --> 01:48:26,300
flighted to a hospital in jacksonville to save her life. I just do not know that she would be able to get the help

982
01:48:31,366 --> 01:48:34,133
she needs if she has an asthma attack. Thank god most of hers happen in the winter when the traffic is

983
01:48:38,133 --> 01:48:38,133
not as bad, but still. I worry about both of my

984
01:48:42,900 --> 01:48:46,866
daughters. We went to ireland this summer and asked someone, a local, and they said it's been someone

985
01:48:52,733 --> 01:48:56,533
moves to the community and contributes for the greater good. That's when you become a local. I would hope that you would listen to all the white shirts

986
01:49:00,166 --> 01:49:00,166
on this matter and know that natasha, who spoke first, she's

987
01:49:06,566 --> 01:49:10,566
been on vilano, she's contributed, she's a local. She deserves protection. Imagine if she were your mother.

988
01:49:13,933 --> 01:49:13,933
imagine if my 17-year-old were your daughter or my older

989
01:49:18,866 --> 01:49:22,500
daughter with asthma. My husband is a helicopter pilot. He works for the federal

990
01:49:24,500 --> 01:49:27,733
aviation administration. I just texted him to ask him about landing a life flight helicopter on vilano in the

991
01:49:30,933 --> 01:49:30,933
middle of the mess and he says once every development planned

992
01:49:35,500 --> 01:49:35,500
goes in, you can't. >> thank you so much.

993
01:49:43,066 --> 01:49:43,066
are there any other general public comments at this time?

994
01:49:49,233 --> 01:49:50,966
seeing none, we will close public comment. >> let's go right to agenda item number 1.

995
01:49:53,433 --> 01:49:57,033
>> I had a few comments. Through the chair, thank you. There was just no way I could ignore all these white shirts.

996
01:50:01,500 --> 01:50:03,933
I appreciate everybody that came out today. I just want you to know that I do hear you, I've been listening

997
01:50:07,400 --> 01:50:07,400
for some time. I'd love mike roberson to come

998
01:50:11,733 --> 01:50:14,433
up for a moment. I do have a question for the legal team. I know we've heard many times

999
01:50:17,233 --> 01:50:20,933
about bringing back the rv park under our authority. I would like that to be addressed, because if we could

1000
01:50:23,833 --> 01:50:26,833
bring it back, I was not on the board when that was approved years ago, but I would like that address.

1001
01:50:29,466 --> 01:50:32,633
if we could bring it back we certainly would. But if you could please clarify and if you could also clarify

1002
01:50:37,833 --> 01:50:37,833
regarding the pud, what was approved, how that has been

1003
01:50:42,500 --> 01:50:42,500
changed without coming before us again if indeed it has.

1004
01:50:47,233 --> 01:50:51,133
thank you. >> mike robertson, director of growth and management. I will let legal chime in about

1005
01:50:53,866 --> 01:50:55,933
whether it could be brought back, but I think the comments will inform that. The rv campground that I think

1006
01:51:01,733 --> 01:51:01,733
was in discussion or public comment here is -- oh, I'm

1007
01:51:07,300 --> 01:51:09,333
sorry. The campground was from the beachcomber rv club. This had been modified in 2021

1008
01:51:15,700 --> 01:51:19,666
and granted approvals for 170 rv units. So that's an approved ordinance, that's what's allowed and staff

1009
01:51:24,633 --> 01:51:24,633
has looked at this, obviously, with leadership and the legal

1010
01:51:29,933 --> 01:51:29,933
team to confirm. So that is an approved

1011
01:51:35,466 --> 01:51:38,900
development from staff size. I think you asked specifically about changes, commissioner. Repeat your question, if you

1012
01:51:44,433 --> 01:51:46,466
would. >> have there been changes to the pud? >> sure.

1013
01:51:49,033 --> 01:51:51,233
I think we've had three small adjustments. So everyone understands we have different levels of changes and

1014
01:51:55,933 --> 01:51:57,966
modifications. You have a major modification through the planning and zoning agency and you for a

1015
01:52:01,233 --> 01:52:01,233
determination, minor modification so the level is

1016
01:52:05,300 --> 01:52:08,666
lower. It then goes to the planning and zoning, the only agency who decides.

1017
01:52:10,200 --> 01:52:14,133
that you have small adjustments. These are tweaks to a development site that happen at almost every development that

1018
01:52:17,500 --> 01:52:19,466
are small enough that staff looks at it and make sure the change doesn't trip the threshold as well as anything

1019
01:52:23,133 --> 01:52:26,633
that was understood and large enough by the board. We've had three small adjustments that have occurred.

1020
01:52:28,733 --> 01:52:31,700
I don't have all of them in my head exactly. But I have looked at them subsequent to their approval

1021
01:52:34,433 --> 01:52:37,566
from staff and they did not generate it tripping to the minor modification. >> thank you.

1022
01:52:45,566 --> 01:52:46,866
>> through the chair to commissioner taylor, by virtue of the ordinance, the properties entitled.

1023
01:52:54,266 --> 01:52:57,600
there is no mechanism at this juncture to bring it back before this board. The previous board, which you are not a part of I understand had made that approval.

1024
01:53:01,966 --> 01:53:05,333
we don't have a mechanism to bring it back to a subsequent board. >> thank you so much.

1025
01:53:08,500 --> 01:53:11,800
we do hear that quite often. We don't determine what comes before us. I just want that to be very

1026
01:53:15,000 --> 01:53:15,000
clear. But I thank you very much.

1027
01:53:23,300 --> 01:53:27,133
that'll do it. But we will follow up on other things. Thank you both very much. >> thank you so much. >> thank you, mr. Chair.

1028
01:53:32,633 --> 01:53:36,633
I think we would be missing an of these concerns. Commissioner taylor got the big one.

1029
01:53:37,933 --> 01:53:41,533
we don't have a legal mechanism to bring this back and fix it. I was the only commissioner who is still on this board that

1030
01:53:43,500 --> 01:53:43,500
approved that, and this is -- what they are building is not at

1031
01:53:47,966 --> 01:53:50,566
all what I saw in the presentation. So yes, I have some feelings about that, but my feelings

1032
01:53:54,300 --> 01:53:56,700
don't override what my attorneys are telling me is the law. So I think they do have a legal right to build what they are

1033
01:53:59,800 --> 01:54:01,900
building in spite of what my feelings are. That's the advice we are getting from our office at county

1034
01:54:05,300 --> 01:54:07,333
attorney's. I wanted to address the concerns I kept hearing over and over which are legitimate concerns,

1035
01:54:11,800 --> 01:54:13,166
obviously. Many concerns are about illegal parking in the right-of-way, and ticketing those parking legally.

1036
01:54:21,866 --> 01:54:24,500
obviously and speeding, that's all a function of a st. Johns county sheriff's office.

1037
01:54:26,066 --> 01:54:28,766
I realize you can't go speak to the sheriff every two weeks, but I had a great experience with the sheriff and some of his

1038
01:54:36,300 --> 01:54:40,233
executive staff and in my district addressing some safety concerns. Just as a suggestion, the only

1039
01:54:41,933 --> 01:54:45,533
time we can really talk about agenda items, it might be worth having a town hall in vilano with the sheriff, with russ

1040
01:54:51,666 --> 01:54:54,800
martin for transportation, greg caldwell and his public works team just to be subject matter experts on what enhancements if

1041
01:54:57,833 --> 01:54:57,833
any can be made to the area. We had a fantastic back and

1042
01:55:03,700 --> 01:55:05,400
forth with the community. Commissioner joseph was there and I thought it was very productive and constructive, and

1043
01:55:08,900 --> 01:55:08,900
public works was able to erect an improvement within a week of

1044
01:55:14,200 --> 01:55:17,266
that town hall happening. So it was very productive. You may want to get together with the sheriff to talk about

1045
01:55:19,800 --> 01:55:19,800
enforing some of the existing laws with that.

1046
01:55:25,300 --> 01:55:27,766
why can't we use the tax to build infrastructure? State statute does not allow us to use the bed tax.

1047
01:55:32,866 --> 01:55:35,966
there are strictly tailored guidelines for what we can use bed tax dollars for. Widening roads is not one of

1048
01:55:37,466 --> 01:55:37,466
those uses. We also cannot create a law that

1049
01:55:42,833 --> 01:55:42,833
regulates how long or how often someone...

1050
01:55:49,700 --> 01:55:53,700
we went through this back in 2022 for months and we learned during those items that we cannot really regulate

1051
01:55:56,466 --> 01:55:59,200
short-term rentals. If you don't like that law, like I don't, I would recommend you call our state representatives

1052
01:56:05,066 --> 01:56:07,433
and ask them to give some control back to the local government which is what we ask for every year.

1053
01:56:10,066 --> 01:56:13,700
those are my thoughts. >> thank you so much. Commissioner joseph. >> yes.

1054
01:56:15,500 --> 01:56:15,500
first of all, is there a site plan, a current site plan for

1055
01:56:21,533 --> 01:56:21,533
the fake rv property? >> through the chair, there is a

1056
01:56:27,500 --> 01:56:29,733
construction plan, the civil engineer plant. >> can we see with their current plan is?

1057
01:56:32,333 --> 01:56:36,300
we don't have to do it right now, but to my office at some point, that would be great. The other thing is, could we get

1058
01:56:39,066 --> 01:56:39,066
a consensus to actually get a traffic plan immediately?

1059
01:56:44,933 --> 01:56:44,933
can they have a helicopter area cordoned off, it may be the

1060
01:56:49,766 --> 01:56:49,766
public parking lot where it's always open for a life light --

1061
01:56:53,833 --> 01:56:56,866
life flight like immediately? I don't know. The sheriff needs to be involved.

1062
01:56:58,666 --> 01:57:01,433
but I was just wondering if we could get consensus to actually get a traffic plan going right now.

1063
01:57:02,966 --> 01:57:02,966
or look at it. Town hall takes a while.

1064
01:57:11,700 --> 01:57:14,466
>> without the sheriff who would have to enact these suggestions, all we can say is, we'd like to see someone out there

1065
01:57:18,366 --> 01:57:20,866
controlling traffic and the intersections. >> I can't tell him that but maybe they can come with a plan

1066
01:57:23,500 --> 01:57:23,500
as soon as possible. >> we can certainly ask them.

1067
01:57:28,066 --> 01:57:31,766
the challenge with cordoning off a helicopter pad is that it's private property. But that's a good concern that

1068
01:57:36,033 --> 01:57:36,033
we have somewhere over in vi vilano.

1069
01:57:40,833 --> 01:57:43,266
>> the top of the hotel or something like that? Did do that in scottsdale. >> who wants to give up their

1070
01:57:52,833 --> 01:57:54,700
house roof? >> I think they're offering to give up the campground for a helicopter pad.

1071
01:57:58,900 --> 01:58:01,900
>> one last thing. Sorry. And the airbnb ordinance, I know there are other counties that

1072
01:58:04,600 --> 01:58:08,200
have outlawed a or b and b. I don't know why we can't do an ordinance like that or look at it in the future.

1073
01:58:09,933 --> 01:58:09,933
that's it. >> I think I can answer that.

1074
01:58:14,866 --> 01:58:17,833
the state preempted us a couple years ago that if we didn't have a plan already in place, we couldn't go forward with the

1075
01:58:22,000 --> 01:58:25,600
plan now, it was too late. We don't have the legal authority according to the state to now go back and do one.

1076
01:58:30,200 --> 01:58:33,466
commissioner taylor? >> that's correct. In st. Augustine beach, they were aware of the state law

1077
01:58:36,400 --> 01:58:39,766
before it was put in place, they put things in place to restrict their short-term rentals. Unfortunately, vilano did not do

1078
01:58:44,500 --> 01:58:44,500
that in st. Augustine beach did. But I do appreciate what

1079
01:58:52,333 --> 01:58:54,600
mr. Hunt said earlier. You've each got to pay attention of what's going on at the state level.

1080
01:58:57,400 --> 01:58:57,400
he mentioned sp 180 and hb 399. There are a number of things

1081
01:59:04,066 --> 01:59:05,833
occurring at the state level that are handcuffing us from being able to do many of the things that you are asking us to

1082
01:59:09,200 --> 01:59:11,866
do. Please pay attention to what's happening at the state level. Please reach out to those state

1083
01:59:15,466 --> 01:59:18,100
representatives. You do have my commitment, I will definitely plan to have a community meeting with the

1084
01:59:22,833 --> 01:59:26,333
I did actually just meet with the sheriff as well and we specifically did speak about a a1a.

1085
01:59:29,100 --> 01:59:31,866
but I just want you to know you do have my commitment and I look forward to having a town hall to discuss those concerns.

1086
01:59:35,566 --> 01:59:35,566
thank you. >> anyone else?

1087
01:59:39,800 --> 01:59:39,800
okay. Honorable brandon patty, eat the

1088
01:59:47,000 --> 01:59:47,000
floor is yours. This goes right to agenda item

1089
01:59:51,733 --> 01:59:52,966
number 1. >> morning, mr. Chair, commissioners. Good to be with you.

1090
01:59:55,800 --> 01:59:59,233
I'm with richard from bfm to provide an overview of our investment performance for calendar year 2025.

1091
02:00:13,666 --> 02:00:13,666
>> you can go to the first page. Is there a clicker?

1092
02:00:27,000 --> 02:00:27,000
>> I will start off by saying, richard with pfm asset

1093
02:00:34,000 --> 02:00:34,000
management. I'm going to give a report on

1094
02:00:38,900 --> 02:00:38,900
the performance for the county's portfolios for the calendar year

1095
02:00:45,400 --> 02:00:45,400
2025. Overall performance was good

1096
02:00:49,966 --> 02:00:53,900
both in the fixed income funds, which are your operating funds as well as the portfolio. In the core funds you've got

1097
02:01:02,833 --> 02:01:02,833
allocated to two separate portfolios aligned with the

1098
02:01:07,700 --> 02:01:11,700
projections for expenditures for those reserves over time. One is the one to three your portfolio when one is one to

1099
02:01:17,166 --> 02:01:18,033
five. Year one to three year portfolio had a return of 5.52% for calendar 2025.

1100
02:01:24,966 --> 02:01:24,966
1-5 was 6.24%. Both exceeded their benchmark

1101
02:01:33,833 --> 02:01:37,200
and on a relative basis were helped by the decline in interest rates over the course of the year, which increase the

1102
02:01:39,966 --> 02:01:39,966
value of the portfolio's. For opeb funds, it was another

1103
02:01:46,766 --> 02:01:50,033
year, three years in a row with double-digit returns. You had a return close to 16%, 15.93%.

1104
02:01:56,566 --> 02:01:59,533
it underperformed the benchmark over the course of the year. That's a function of us taking us it -- a defensive position

1105
02:02:02,800 --> 02:02:02,800
about this time last year with the announcement of the tariffs

1106
02:02:08,233 --> 02:02:08,233
on april second, liberation day, which created some uncertainty

1107
02:02:14,433 --> 02:02:17,900
around the potential impact for several months. Once there was more clarity around the deals being

1108
02:02:22,633 --> 02:02:26,000
negotiated around the world, the markets actually did very well. But for three months, given that defensive position we had, you

1109
02:02:32,233 --> 02:02:35,900
had a slight underperformance relative to benchmark. However, relative to other similar public plans, your

1110
02:02:38,166 --> 02:02:38,166
performance was in the top quartile.

1111
02:02:42,233 --> 02:02:42,233
I think for the year probably the top decile relative to other

1112
02:02:46,733 --> 02:02:49,900
similar public plans. So very good performance last year. Looking at some of the details,

1113
02:02:56,233 --> 02:02:59,466
the portfolio was in compliance with your investment policy, and your policy is again on state statute, which promotes a very

1114
02:03:05,966 --> 02:03:05,966
conservative requirements and sets the guidelines for what you

1115
02:03:10,033 --> 02:03:13,933
can own in a portfolio. So you are in compliance across the board. In terms of the characteristics

1116
02:03:16,133 --> 02:03:16,133
of the portfolios, the overall credit quality is aa.

1117
02:03:21,733 --> 02:03:24,100
the u.s. Government rating is aa plus. Of again reflecting the high credit log.

1118
02:03:28,333 --> 02:03:28,333
both of the portfolios have yields that are expected to

1119
02:03:35,200 --> 02:03:35,200
produce about 4-4.5% over the course of the year, and that

1120
02:03:39,433 --> 02:03:42,333
will vary based on market conditions throughout the course of the year, but we are expecting decent performance for

1121
02:03:45,433 --> 02:03:45,433
the portfolios in 2026. Jumping to the opeb portfolio,

1122
02:03:54,800 --> 02:03:57,000
we always talk in terms of percentages. You will of course hear about dollars.

1123
02:03:59,233 --> 02:03:59,233
for the calendar year the portfolio grew by 6.7 million

1124
02:04:04,400 --> 02:04:04,400
over the course of the year. And as I mentioned, the return

1125
02:04:10,533 --> 02:04:10,533
was strong for 2025. I will pause there for ques

1126
02:04:18,100 --> 02:04:18,100
questions. >> I just have one question.

1127
02:04:24,433 --> 02:04:24,433
I love whole numbers. In the course of that, our

1128
02:04:29,300 --> 02:04:33,133
investments over 2025 produced what back to the county in total? Do you know? >> in dollars? I don't have the aggregate

1129
02:04:37,400 --> 02:04:41,300
number from all of the funds. This report really just covers the long-term investment fund. But for the two portfolios, it

1130
02:04:47,200 --> 02:04:51,000
was 6.2 million for the 1-5 portfolio and 17.5 million for the 1-3 portfolio. >> thank you.

1131
02:04:55,500 --> 02:04:55,500
other questions? Thank you.

1132
02:05:04,966 --> 02:05:05,933
>> thank you. That is our report. Pending any questions. >> I see no questions.

1133
02:05:14,033 --> 02:05:14,033
thank you so much. That was a great job.

1134
02:05:19,800 --> 02:05:19,800
>> the pleasure is ours. Thank you.

1135
02:05:26,900 --> 02:05:26,900
>> commissioner? All right.

1136
02:05:32,933 --> 02:05:32,933
agenda item number 2 is quasijudicial, so we will go to

1137
02:05:39,033 --> 02:05:42,000
commissioner arnold. You can go first if you well. >> thank you mr. Chair. I had approximately 40 emails

1138
02:05:44,933 --> 02:05:47,700
and a meeting with brad wester on behalf of the applicant and staff. I had a leak meeting in the

1139
02:05:50,466 --> 02:05:52,833
office with residents in opposition and staff was in that meeting as well. >> thank you so much,

1140
02:05:56,866 --> 02:05:56,866
commissioner. You are recognized.

1141
02:06:04,800 --> 02:06:04,800
>> also over 40 emails. I think I had about 5-six.

1142
02:06:16,400 --> 02:06:18,800
and meeting with opposed residents of the team. >> commissioner whitehurst. >> I had over 40 emails, I would

1143
02:06:22,200 --> 02:06:25,533
say 80% were opposed and about 20% in favor. I met in person with brad wester, the applicant, job or so

1144
02:06:28,433 --> 02:06:28,433
and our staff in the office. I met with lynn and john who are

1145
02:06:32,700 --> 02:06:32,700
opposed here in the office. >> thank you so much.

1146
02:06:38,733 --> 02:06:41,166
commissioner taylor. >> I had well over 60 emails. The majority, all but a few were opposed.

1147
02:06:44,366 --> 02:06:47,000
I had meeting with brad wester and staff and a meeting with lynn and james, also opposing and staff.

1148
02:06:51,500 --> 02:06:51,500
>> thank you so much. 47 plus emails, phone call

1149
02:06:56,433 --> 02:06:56,433
meeting with brad wester in the applicant, meeting with brad

1150
02:07:02,000 --> 02:07:05,166
wester, the applicant and joe russo and staff again. Meeting with lynn pagano, james fee, and staff and opposition.

1151
02:07:12,766 --> 02:07:12,766
I received probably before yesterday about 75-80% running

1152
02:07:22,600 --> 02:07:25,900
against, received an email last night with a petition of over 50 people who are for the tower in the communications.

1153
02:07:30,033 --> 02:07:30,033
that's all I have. >> thank you.

1154
02:07:34,066 --> 02:07:34,066
brad wester, driver mcafee how and even oh.

1155
02:07:45,700 --> 02:07:47,700
here at shores telecommunications tower, this is an appeal item. We are appealing the pnc denial

1156
02:07:51,900 --> 02:07:51,900
of a special use permit which was tower 24-0 for to allow for

1157
02:07:58,800 --> 02:08:02,000
170-foot model wireless communication tower and support facilities in the st. Augustine shores pud, which is ordinance

1158
02:08:08,866 --> 02:08:08,866
1974-16, tower 2024-0 for. And quotes, transmitter slow

1159
02:08:17,866 --> 02:08:17,866
content is allowed by exception. The county required processing

1160
02:08:22,766 --> 02:08:25,766
this as a special use permit because there is no exception process in the county. Typically a special use permit

1161
02:08:30,966 --> 02:08:30,966
is only required if a proposed tower is within 250 feet of a

1162
02:08:35,600 --> 02:08:39,566
residential lot or use and the tower is not within 250 feet of a residential property and we exceed that distance requirement

1163
02:08:42,800 --> 02:08:46,300
for the code minimum distance at that criteria. This is a 5-acre parcel located in the business commercial area

1164
02:08:52,266 --> 02:08:52,266
of the pud and not in a residential zoning district.

1165
02:08:58,566 --> 02:09:02,266
the proposed tower site is an 80 by 80 lease parcel and in a location to allow for the church to adequately build in the

1166
02:09:07,533 --> 02:09:08,533
future. The proposed tower is certified with a collapsed radius of 40 feet which exceeds the

1167
02:09:13,466 --> 02:09:16,200
requirement, and that's actually six times the required distance from the nearest residential dwelling as far as the collapsed

1168
02:09:19,500 --> 02:09:23,000
radius. The proposed tower is 170 feet high, 165 feet of tower and a 5-foot switch.

1169
02:09:26,466 --> 02:09:29,900
it's a lightning rod if you will. That's 130 feet lower than the maximum allowed for the

1170
02:09:33,100 --> 02:09:33,100
development code. The tower will not include a

1171
02:09:39,166 --> 02:09:39,166
blinking beacon light on top. There are no environmental,

1172
02:09:44,966 --> 02:09:44,966
wetland, wildlife, fema or archeological impacts for the

1173
02:09:49,900 --> 02:09:52,000
property. We've included all of that with our original submit for this application.

1174
02:09:55,633 --> 02:09:58,966
here is a location map of the parcel on the shores boulevard. Here's an aerial and then we will go into further details on

1175
02:10:02,600 --> 02:10:02,600
all of this. Here's a land use and zoning.

1176
02:10:09,900 --> 02:10:09,900
it's residential c, this is just noting the mixture of uses in

1177
02:10:20,933 --> 02:10:24,866
the pud. It is purely a residential pud. It does talk about the conversion back in the 70s

1178
02:10:29,533 --> 02:10:29,533
from rs three, rg two, two pud. Those uses remain today.

1179
02:10:36,733 --> 02:10:36,733
you can see there are commercial and business areas in the pud

1180
02:10:41,966 --> 02:10:44,266
specifically. Again, st. Augustine shores pud is mixed use with a variety of uses including commercial and

1181
02:10:48,766 --> 02:10:50,133
industrial to complement and serve the residents is similar to this tower, which will serve specific demand and growing

1182
02:10:54,400 --> 02:10:54,400
residential base. Here's the permissible lot by

1183
02:10:59,366 --> 02:10:59,366
exception citation in the code. Please note item h, specific to

1184
02:11:05,800 --> 02:11:05,800
radio or television broadcasting office, radio or television

1185
02:11:09,933 --> 02:11:13,900
studio, radio or television transmitter, antenna, or line of sight really. H describes those uses related

1186
02:11:19,700 --> 02:11:23,233
to radio and television broadcasting, not necessary telephones or even cellular services but ten years prior to

1187
02:11:25,766 --> 02:11:25,766
the existence of the first commercially available cellular

1188
02:11:29,900 --> 02:11:31,933
phone. But the antenna was deemed the basis for this special use permit application and here we

1189
02:11:35,233 --> 02:11:38,333
are. More importantly, central public services. This is in the pud.

1190
02:11:41,533 --> 02:11:45,266
essential public services may be permitted in any area within this pud. Those are defined as you see

1191
02:11:48,966 --> 02:11:48,966
here. Telephone or electrical, dry

1192
02:11:53,600 --> 02:11:55,733
utilities. Systems and similar installations. Cell tower is an essential

1193
02:11:59,766 --> 02:11:59,766
public service use and provide phone and communication

1194
02:12:04,433 --> 02:12:07,766
infrastructure. Similar to the other uses described in the essential public services section.

1195
02:12:09,733 --> 02:12:12,900
I will go into that in more detail. It may be permitted anywhere in this pud.

1196
02:12:14,933 --> 02:12:18,533
I ask for you to consider that. Here's the site plan which shows the context of the property, the green of the blue the separation

1197
02:12:22,166 --> 02:12:22,166
from the wetlands and the green is the buffer in accordance with

1198
02:12:26,533 --> 02:12:28,400
the rules and criteria for separation. You can see the distance criteria for the ring, the

1199
02:12:31,966 --> 02:12:31,966
250-foot line. Again, the site plan we are all

1200
02:12:37,266 --> 02:12:40,666
familiar with. And the 80 by 80 lease parcel and you can see the landscaping added to this small parcel.

1201
02:12:44,733 --> 02:12:47,333
this does not mean the entire 5-acre site will be clear-cut for a cell phone tower. It is specifically cleared for

1202
02:12:51,466 --> 02:12:51,466
an access road and of course the 80 by 80 tower parcel itself as

1203
02:12:56,100 --> 02:12:56,100
you see here. Here is the proposed tower

1204
02:13:02,300 --> 02:13:05,033
elevation. 165 feet tall with a lightning rod at the top. Here are the existing towers.

1205
02:13:09,166 --> 02:13:12,333
this is a required map for this application. You can see the varying towers in the circulation.

1206
02:13:16,733 --> 02:13:18,733
showing what other towers exist in the area. You can see them on there and we can go into those a little bit.

1207
02:13:23,066 --> 02:13:23,066
here's the photo simulations. This has been supplied since day

1208
02:13:28,200 --> 02:13:31,200
one we submitted this application, going through the various viewpoints and view sheds of the vista of this to

1209
02:13:37,933 --> 02:13:37,933
tower. Here is the reason this tower is

1210
02:13:59,166 --> 02:14:01,900
here. As I've mentioned in the hearing and meeting with the commissioners individually,

1211
02:14:05,166 --> 02:14:08,233
services like this follow the rooftops. Whether it's commercial, industrial, something to serve

1212
02:14:11,233 --> 02:14:13,166
residents. Same thing with cell towers. There's a void of coverage in this area.

1213
02:14:15,733 --> 02:14:18,966
have got my experts here with me. Dave is the ceo of next tower, he's got 45 years of total

1214
02:14:22,500 --> 02:14:26,066
communications business behind him and 32 years specifically in the cell tower industry. If there's anything in the

1215
02:14:29,800 --> 02:14:33,566
slides that need further clarification, I will gladly ask him to come up. You can see the several maps

1216
02:14:36,033 --> 02:14:36,033
that we are providing showing coverage layers of before and

1217
02:14:40,166 --> 02:14:40,166
after. You can see the void in coverage

1218
02:14:44,900 --> 02:14:44,900
before and after. Here are the towers.

1219
02:14:51,900 --> 02:14:51,900
this is a more detailed map of the one and 2-mile rings showing

1220
02:14:56,133 --> 02:14:59,166
the proximity. 2.3 miles to the northwest, generally 1.8 to the west, and so forth, out to the beaches

1221
02:15:06,500 --> 02:15:06,500
communities. The applicant affirms that the

1222
02:15:11,500 --> 02:15:13,033
proposed height of the communications tower is essential to support the designed cover object deck --

1223
02:15:17,233 --> 02:15:17,233
coverage objectives. The tower is enhancing to the

1224
02:15:25,100 --> 02:15:29,100
shores area and supports planned expansion around moses creek conservation area as well as in vehicle coverage.

1225
02:15:31,300 --> 02:15:34,866
the submitted and reviewed a radio-frequency study demonstrates the requested elevation is necessary to

1226
02:15:37,566 --> 02:15:40,266
achieve optimal signal coverage and performance in the target area. The closest tower to the

1227
02:15:42,200 --> 02:15:42,200
property is located about 1.8 miles to the west northwest,

1228
02:15:47,266 --> 02:15:47,266
which t-mobile currently utilizes.

1229
02:15:51,700 --> 02:15:54,866
ocg, omnicom, the county's third-party tower review consultant has confirmed our coverage production models and

1230
02:15:59,000 --> 02:16:01,700
all of our information is supplied to be substantially accurate for the coverage prediction software.

1231
02:16:04,700 --> 02:16:04,700
in the report they take no exceptions to our findings as

1232
02:16:09,400 --> 02:16:13,200
submitted. Additionally the tower is strategically positioned on the church property and adjacent to open space to the north and west in the pud and complies with

1233
02:16:17,666 --> 02:16:17,666
the county and st. John's water and building setback regul

1234
02:16:25,066 --> 02:16:28,900
regulations. The green checkmarks are affirmation of the requirements for the communication tower section in the code. It talks about uniform

1235
02:16:32,666 --> 02:16:32,666
standards, natural features, minimize adverse visual and

1236
02:16:38,633 --> 02:16:41,533
esthetic impacts, accommodating growing demand for communication for the telecommunications act of 1996, and avoid and minimize

1237
02:16:46,633 --> 02:16:50,500
damage to adjacent properties from tower failure. The zoning district, regardless of the district in which the

1238
02:16:53,466 --> 02:16:53,466
tower is located, any tower proposed within 250 feet of the

1239
02:16:57,733 --> 02:17:01,700
nearest lot line or residential zoning district shall be reviewed as a special use. We are still required to be

1240
02:17:04,700 --> 02:17:07,133
reviewed as a war because accounting made that determination that the antenna is part of the typical radio and

1241
02:17:09,733 --> 02:17:13,266
television broadcasting verbiage warranted this to be reviewed as a special use permit. Notwithstanding contrary code,

1242
02:17:19,566 --> 02:17:19,566
tower alternative structures shall be located in any

1243
02:17:24,133 --> 02:17:26,900
residential zoning district. That talks about the county has already prescribed criteria for a tower itself on how it looks,

1244
02:17:29,400 --> 02:17:29,400
how it functions. Again, and all other zoning

1245
02:17:36,666 --> 02:17:40,100
districts that are not residential, because we are not, this talks about if constructed for three or more users it could

1246
02:17:42,500 --> 02:17:42,500
be up to 300 feet height. We are 130 feet less than that.

1247
02:17:46,566 --> 02:17:46,566
then it talks about providing colocation technologies and the

1248
02:17:53,166 --> 02:17:53,166
base pad measured from the finished grade.

1249
02:18:01,900 --> 02:18:05,700
here is one of the plats from the st. Augustine shores. You see the church site specifically there.

1250
02:18:12,200 --> 02:18:14,366
this is the site plan superimposed over the aerial and describes all the uses. Again, I want you to focus

1251
02:18:20,433 --> 02:18:20,433
please on the open space track adjacent and abutting our

1252
02:18:25,933 --> 02:18:29,100
property. Residential is not adjacent or abutting. Continuing on, this business

1253
02:18:33,933 --> 02:18:33,933
commercial segment of the pud itself.

1254
02:18:38,433 --> 02:18:38,433
you can see here the yellow is for church and community and

1255
02:18:44,400 --> 02:18:47,200
commercial across the street. If you look at the master plan the area has already been designated for uses other than

1256
02:18:50,766 --> 02:18:54,766
residential. Here's the distance from the centreline of the tower location. You can see from the nearest residential lot what we've done

1257
02:18:58,866 --> 02:18:58,866
is added additional criteria, 276 feet plus or minus two the

1258
02:19:03,133 --> 02:19:06,466
nearest residential lot. You can see growing across the street into other various angles from the different lot lines.

1259
02:19:12,633 --> 02:19:12,633
under the fcc framework and telecommunications act of 1996,

1260
02:19:17,033 --> 02:19:20,933
local governments cannot prohibit or effectively prohibit wireless service. This remote is a little glitchy,

1261
02:19:26,066 --> 02:19:29,400
cannot regulate based on environmental or health effects of the rf emissions. Must base denials on subst

1262
02:19:33,666 --> 02:19:36,833
substantial, competent evidence and the written record. The monopole has been engineered to minimize visual impact

1263
02:19:40,100 --> 02:19:43,733
through height optimization, neutral finishes, landscape buffering. In land-use planning terms this

1264
02:19:46,233 --> 02:19:49,900
represents... Visual presence alone should not outweigh demonstrated service gaps affecting public safety and

1265
02:19:53,900 --> 02:19:56,900
economic activity. We understand visual impacts matter to the community. Our goal is to balance that

1266
02:19:59,900 --> 02:20:02,866
concerned with the documented service need and implement the least intrusive design that still functions and provide

1267
02:20:04,600 --> 02:20:04,600
service to the community. Wireless communication

1268
02:20:08,733 --> 02:20:11,466
infrastructure today serves a similar essential public function similar to water, sanitary sewer, electrical

1269
02:20:15,500 --> 02:20:17,666
systems, gas, fibre-optic's and roads. This is confirmed by the st. Augustine shores pud.

1270
02:20:22,500 --> 02:20:26,100
the tower provide service for team mobile and space for at&t and verizon, the large legacy carriers.

1271
02:20:30,366 --> 02:20:33,500
each company provides partition space, and this is important, for calls prioritized for public safety.

1272
02:20:37,633 --> 02:20:37,633
at&t has first nat and verizon has frontline.

1273
02:20:43,233 --> 02:20:46,066
public safety utilizes these prioritized calling capabilities over and above nonpublic safety use of the carriers network and

1274
02:20:50,833 --> 02:20:53,866
specific cell site. The city of st. Augustine uses at&t first nat and st. Johns county uses verizon's

1275
02:20:56,966 --> 02:21:00,433
frontline. This tower provides normal cell and internet service and is engineered to assist public

1276
02:21:06,766 --> 02:21:09,733
safety. They are very interested if this were to be approved. The public safety entities

1277
02:21:13,500 --> 02:21:13,500
utilize their own 800 megahertz radio communication system owned

1278
02:21:18,066 --> 02:21:20,966
by st. Johns county. For example in st. Johns county of a public safety radio does not have coverage it will revert

1279
02:21:24,633 --> 02:21:24,633
to the nearest verizon frontline cell site and provide such.

1280
02:21:29,800 --> 02:21:29,800
the tower is designed to provide this essential service.

1281
02:21:34,833 --> 02:21:37,266
the proposed tower meets or exceeds every measurable criteria in the st. Joh st. Johns county.

1282
02:21:41,633 --> 02:21:41,633
denying the subject -- on subjective grounds would create

1283
02:21:47,766 --> 02:21:51,300
and consistent enforcement. The denial order is in effect an exclusion of wireless communication facilities in the

1284
02:21:54,100 --> 02:21:57,933
st. Augustine shores pud and there exists no... In fact the pud states essential public services may be permitted

1285
02:22:01,433 --> 02:22:01,433
in any area within this pud, defined as gas, water, sewer,

1286
02:22:07,166 --> 02:22:09,866
telephone -- in 1974 they contemplated telephone. Ten years later service came online -- or electrical systems.

1287
02:22:14,833 --> 02:22:18,633
the denial includes summary determinations without explanation or justification, determination is not relied on

1288
02:22:22,266 --> 02:22:25,933
by pci members and determinations unsupported by competent substantial evidence. There is no testimony as to how

1289
02:22:32,000 --> 02:22:32,000
wide -- nor did the pca member delineate any reason for such.

1290
02:22:38,966 --> 02:22:41,633
additionally the denial order did not make factual findings from the evidence presented, but instead made conclusory

1291
02:22:46,666 --> 02:22:50,500
determinations regarding criteria. Residential c future land use does allow for neighborhood community commercial uses to support the residential base.

1292
02:22:55,266 --> 02:22:58,000
the denial order makes several determinations generally based on the proposed towers and compatibility with the

1293
02:23:01,066 --> 02:23:03,333
surrounding area. Many members adopted the viewpoint and subjectively opined that the entire

1294
02:23:05,866 --> 02:23:08,600
st. Augustine shores community is residential and as a result the cell tower would be incompatible, mainly because

1295
02:23:11,366 --> 02:23:11,366
it's visible during the day. Such analysis is an effective

1296
02:23:17,433 --> 02:23:18,900
prohibition of wireless communications facilities in a residential area prohibited under the federal and florida

1297
02:23:23,500 --> 02:23:26,400
law. This viewpoint is also ignoring the uncontroverted evidence that the proposed tower is located on

1298
02:23:31,000 --> 02:23:31,000
a nonresidential property, which again including the very

1299
02:23:36,466 --> 02:23:36,466
specific lease parcel for the proposed tower, which is the

1300
02:23:42,000 --> 02:23:42,000
criteria to be held required for the separation.

1301
02:23:49,933 --> 02:23:49,933
in closing, and all the denial order is in effect an exclusion

1302
02:23:54,800 --> 02:23:57,866
of wireless communication facilities in the st. Augustine shores neighborhood. Includes summary determinations

1303
02:24:01,900 --> 02:24:03,666
without explanation or justification. Determinations were not relied upon and determinations that

1304
02:24:06,500 --> 02:24:09,300
were unsupported by competent, substantial evidence peer testimony in opposition of the application was general, not

1305
02:24:12,733 --> 02:24:16,200
fact-based but subjective and speculative. Wireless infrastructure today is considered essential public

1306
02:24:19,433 --> 02:24:19,433
infrastructure. Reliable connectivity supports

1307
02:24:23,733 --> 02:24:25,933
emergency response, business activity, and every day communications. Denial of this facility will

1308
02:24:27,900 --> 02:24:31,633
leave a significant service deficiency unresolved, affecting public safety and the broader community including the newer

1309
02:24:34,666 --> 02:24:38,433
residential phase is underway in the area. Our goal is to balance the community's esthetic with

1310
02:24:41,666 --> 02:24:44,066
critical infrastructure needs. They are committed to working with staff and the board on reasonable conditions that

1311
02:24:47,933 --> 02:24:50,866
further reduce visual impact without compromising the facilities function. With that I have my experts here

1312
02:24:52,966 --> 02:24:52,966
if you need any questions, but I won't wait for my rebuttal.

1313
02:24:58,833 --> 02:25:00,600
back. >> thank you. I just have one question. In determining the site, is

1314
02:25:10,300 --> 02:25:10,300
there something that might be more compatible -- and may be

1315
02:25:14,966 --> 02:25:14,966
compatible isn't the word. Is there another site that might

1316
02:25:19,833 --> 02:25:23,700
work that would move it out of that particular area that might be considered closer to the south?

1317
02:25:29,266 --> 02:25:32,233
>> we do have several factors on that. We don't just choose one site. We started this process over two

1318
02:25:35,166 --> 02:25:35,166
years ago, and we don't just pin on one site.

1319
02:25:40,033 --> 02:25:43,433
we have multiple that we are vetting at any one time. I don't recall the exact number, but I've been involved with

1320
02:25:47,633 --> 02:25:50,633
towers, and it's usually 5-10 different sites. You select based on where the rf engineers and legacy carriers

1321
02:25:55,300 --> 02:25:58,866
tell you to go based on where the void in the coverage is. So they already give you a precise location saying, we need

1322
02:26:02,633 --> 02:26:05,233
to provide service here because there's a void. From that we go hunting for parcels.

1323
02:26:07,800 --> 02:26:07,800
we make phone calls, we do mail outs, knock on doors.

1324
02:26:14,266 --> 02:26:17,266
like many other industries, when people are looking at new development or new parcels to build on.

1325
02:26:18,900 --> 02:26:18,900
and in fact it's no different than any other item.

1326
02:26:24,066 --> 02:26:27,066
we put all those different parcels to the chest. Conceivably could there be another down the street that

1327
02:26:29,966 --> 02:26:33,033
works because maybe nobody would see it as well? Yes. Does that mean site condition

1328
02:26:35,000 --> 02:26:37,533
wide it works? No. There's wetlands, floodplain, accessibility issues, elevation

1329
02:26:41,433 --> 02:26:43,300
issues. So there are different factors where you start checking those boxes on what works and passes

1330
02:26:45,766 --> 02:26:45,766
all the tests, and the site was one of those.

1331
02:26:50,033 --> 02:26:53,966
not only providing the coverage layers we need per the engineering, but also the fact that there are zero impact on

1332
02:26:57,033 --> 02:27:01,000
the property. No legacy trees, no floodplains, no wetlands, no bugs and bun bunnies.

1333
02:27:04,333 --> 02:27:06,266
we are not on a residential parcel. We aren't even abutting or adjacent residential parcel.

1334
02:27:09,666 --> 02:27:09,666
being in the commercial business district, it checked all the

1335
02:27:14,000 --> 02:27:15,333
parcels for this site specifically. Then we had an end user, or as we are least parcel, we had a

1336
02:27:20,700 --> 02:27:20,700
parent parcel owner willing to discuss all those opportunities

1337
02:27:25,900 --> 02:27:29,166
with us. So even if no site checks the box there may not be a participant, a participatory

1338
02:27:32,733 --> 02:27:32,733
person that wants to sell that property or lease the property

1339
02:27:36,800 --> 02:27:36,800
to us. So we have looked at many other

1340
02:27:42,200 --> 02:27:43,500
sites. Ufortunately finding an ideal one just doesn't work with the engineering coverage.

1341
02:27:46,300 --> 02:27:46,300
>> thank you so much. Commissioner whitehurst.

1342
02:27:50,666 --> 02:27:52,800
>> thank you, mr. Chair. Give us a lot of information quickly which I always appreciate.

1343
02:27:56,833 --> 02:27:56,833
but just getting a favor for the emails that were opposed to this

1344
02:28:01,733 --> 02:28:04,633
use, and all that work, I get the sense we are going to hear a lot of this in the public comment that's forthcoming.

1345
02:28:07,966 --> 02:28:10,833
make the case for compatibility. A lot of folks don't think this is a compatible use. You have the burden of proof to

1346
02:28:13,700 --> 02:28:17,033
prove to this board that it is in fact a compatible use. Please restate maybe what you've already touched on and a little

1347
02:28:20,133 --> 02:28:23,900
more detail about why you think this is a compatible use. >> it's a compatible use because we meet the tests for all the

1348
02:28:27,833 --> 02:28:30,233
criteria in the code. We check all the boxes. We are within 250 feet, I think we would have a further debate

1349
02:28:33,866 --> 02:28:36,733
on whether it was compatible or not. But there is already prescribed data and criteria in the cove

1350
02:28:38,766 --> 02:28:38,766
that we adhere to. The check all those boxes.

1351
02:28:44,933 --> 02:28:48,400
what you do in this case, there is no prohibition in the pud explicitly that says towers are not allowed.

1352
02:28:55,700 --> 02:28:59,566
and it allows essential service public communications infrastructure and it allows other elements through an exception process. We've already described those.

1353
02:29:04,766 --> 02:29:08,600
the exception process specifically talked about radio television broadcasting infrastructure and antennas and

1354
02:29:10,200 --> 02:29:10,200
things like that. We believe this is an essential

1355
02:29:15,733 --> 02:29:17,566
service, communications infrastructure, that obviously through time was just never really updated in the pud.

1356
02:29:23,933 --> 02:29:26,766
the pud does address communication infrastructure and specifically cites telephone. So we believe we are part of

1357
02:29:32,366 --> 02:29:32,366
that, because again, this was a decade before that cell coverage

1358
02:29:37,066 --> 02:29:39,033
came online. But compatibility comes down to, what are the impacts? As I addressed, this site will

1359
02:29:44,400 --> 02:29:46,766
not have a blinking beacon on top. It's not painted because of the tight with red and orange and

1360
02:29:49,800 --> 02:29:52,966
white stripes. It doesn't have guy wires, it's not a lattice tower. It is uniformly in context with

1361
02:30:00,333 --> 02:30:00,333
the coloration and type. We also 130 feet less than the

1362
02:30:04,500 --> 02:30:04,500
required or allowed amount because of four co. Locates from

1363
02:30:09,900 --> 02:30:12,766
a structural engineering standpoint. Likewise, there is almost zero traffic besides every once in a

1364
02:30:15,400 --> 02:30:18,100
while a maintenance person showing up to check on the generators for security. There is no noise associated

1365
02:30:21,200 --> 02:30:21,200
with this whatsoever. And there is no environmental,

1366
02:30:26,933 --> 02:30:26,933
as we went through, no wetlands, no wildlife, no issues from

1367
02:30:31,933 --> 02:30:35,900
that. From an intensity standpoint it's about as low intensity as you can get. The only element you are going to hear about today is the

1368
02:30:39,933 --> 02:30:42,600
visible aspect, the vista of it. You're going to see it sticking over the trees. There are options.

1369
02:30:46,033 --> 02:30:49,900
coud you do a different type of pole? I think we had this discussion with commissioner joseph, if we

1370
02:30:53,500 --> 02:30:57,466
could do one of those large flagpole type things with the different communications infrastructure up top.

1371
02:30:59,300 --> 02:31:02,233
we've looked at all of that. We look at all that before we even go on the property. So we looked at various things

1372
02:31:06,200 --> 02:31:09,600
to even be more stealthy from a visual standpoint. You are only ever going to see this tower during the day.

1373
02:31:11,733 --> 02:31:11,733
won't be lights on it. That visual element is something

1374
02:31:20,166 --> 02:31:24,033
I almost tie to when you drive through your development and see the sanitary sewer lift station. That half communication tower at

1375
02:31:28,800 --> 02:31:31,533
the top. There are some other things that could be deemed esthetically pleasing by the community, but

1376
02:31:35,800 --> 02:31:38,633
there is vital essential service infrastructure in the same community. And this is certainly one of

1377
02:31:40,566 --> 02:31:43,400
those. So compatibility. It is compatible. If there were an essential

1378
02:31:47,466 --> 02:31:51,300
service that required a tower and the county deemed they wanted to put their own tower up for essential services based on

1379
02:31:54,400 --> 02:31:57,233
that closet could go anywhere in the pud. If the pud wanted to prohibit this based on a specific height

1380
02:32:00,800 --> 02:32:00,800
or anything else in the future based on technology, that would

1381
02:32:08,933 --> 02:32:11,333
be prohibited or outlawed. From a compatibility standpoint this is not a 100% residential pud.

1382
02:32:14,600 --> 02:32:17,333
you're going to hear a lot of that. This is a mixed use pud. It does allow for varying use

1383
02:32:21,966 --> 02:32:23,833
is. I have personal experience representing other matters here. And they weren't even towers.

1384
02:32:28,766 --> 02:32:28,766
there were single-story structures, both '01 building

1385
02:32:36,100 --> 02:32:39,833
and a organic plant nursery. We had a lot of opposition for that as well. So you can see that, but those

1386
02:32:44,766 --> 02:32:44,766
are not more than 25 feet high. The esthetic element of this,

1387
02:32:50,666 --> 02:32:50,666
one day a church is going to go here, and if it were not already

1388
02:32:55,000 --> 02:32:58,400
zoned for church I think we would have the same amount of people showing up opposing a church campus potentially being

1389
02:33:01,066 --> 02:33:03,433
built on the 5-acre property. Because it's something new and they can see it from the backyard.

1390
02:33:07,000 --> 02:33:10,366
the visual esthetics of this means, are we dose you're going to hear this a lot. We are in the middle of a

1391
02:33:13,966 --> 02:33:15,133
residential area or "my backyard." and it's just not true. The adjacency factors are,

1392
02:33:20,233 --> 02:33:20,233
what's adjacent to ice is open space, not a residential lot.

1393
02:33:24,266 --> 02:33:27,000
because this pud allows for a mixture of uses and it doesn't prohibit a cell tower or any type of other tower, he just%

1394
02:33:31,400 --> 02:33:35,166
asks for you to go through additional criteria. We've met every criteria in the land development code including

1395
02:33:37,366 --> 02:33:37,366
the separation. So that would be my item for the

1396
02:33:42,000 --> 02:33:42,000
cap -- compatibility element. It's only based on the visual

1397
02:33:47,000 --> 02:33:47,000
esthetics of it because someone can see it.

1398
02:33:52,600 --> 02:33:55,800
>> anything else? Commissioner joseph? >> the one picture showed the commercial part being long.

1399
02:33:57,866 --> 02:33:57,866
you can't move the tower further down?

1400
02:34:01,966 --> 02:34:01,966
away from the neighborhood? >> we only have a 5-acre parcel.

1401
02:34:07,066 --> 02:34:08,866
>> you showed kind of all the yellow. >> that's owned by a different entity.

1402
02:34:11,866 --> 02:34:14,900
there are other parcels in the area that are under different ownership. And of course we initially

1403
02:34:16,766 --> 02:34:16,766
vetted all those. But this landowner was certainly

1404
02:34:22,900 --> 02:34:25,566
a willing participant to be part of this. We have that 80 by 80 lease parcel as part of this property.

1405
02:34:29,833 --> 02:34:29,833
>> it can't be a relay? Chuck has pictures of different

1406
02:34:37,166 --> 02:34:40,566
relays on top of poles, like your lights where they just don't look like a tower. You can't do a relay system

1407
02:34:46,100 --> 02:34:49,766
there? >> the pca member brought that up as well. I'd like for dave to come up if

1408
02:34:55,133 --> 02:34:57,933
you don't mind to elaborate a little more on this. He's a ceo of next tower. The way those work, they do

1409
02:35:01,866 --> 02:35:01,866
require a lot more of those. One tower provides broad

1410
02:35:08,000 --> 02:35:10,666
coverage of service required for the engineering void in that coverage layer. If you were to do the smaller

1411
02:35:13,500 --> 02:35:13,500
towers typically on top of light poles or anything else, that

1412
02:35:22,900 --> 02:35:24,266
typically, you would need a lot more. You would string those all the way down the street and they

1413
02:35:27,166 --> 02:35:27,166
hand off to each other with a direct line of sight.

1414
02:35:32,966 --> 02:35:35,166
this is dave. If you could just give a name and address for the record and explain a little bit more to

1415
02:35:37,933 --> 02:35:37,933
commissioner joseph on why we are using this cell tower

1416
02:35:42,400 --> 02:35:45,933
infrastructure on this property. Commissioner joseph also brought up the flagpole. >> one other question.

1417
02:35:53,166 --> 02:35:53,166
how long until satellites replace all the poles ever

1418
02:35:57,666 --> 02:35:58,733
everywhere? Starlink is already doing it. >> that's a great question. >> thank you.

1419
02:36:07,666 --> 02:36:07,666
my name is david, 905 northwest 56 terrace.

1420
02:36:13,733 --> 02:36:16,366
and the ceo and president of next tower. I've been a tower developer for 32 years.

1421
02:36:19,466 --> 02:36:19,466
I've been in telecommunications a total of 47.

1422
02:36:23,533 --> 02:36:26,766
we've built over 15 sites over the years here in st. Johns county. We've built hundreds of towers

1423
02:36:29,133 --> 02:36:31,733
basically basically between orlando and atlanta. So we bring a lot of experience in here.

1424
02:36:33,400 --> 02:36:33,400
in regard to your question, the type of antennas, what you are

1425
02:36:40,100 --> 02:36:42,733
talking about is what we call a unit poll. That's where there's one solid pole, all the antennas are

1426
02:36:44,766 --> 02:36:48,733
mounted within it. Sometimes they put a flag on it or it's a flag lists pole. It was very prevalent during 1g,

1427
02:36:55,700 --> 02:36:55,700
2g, 3g era of cellular when the antennas were much more limited.

1428
02:37:01,100 --> 02:37:01,100
radios were on the ground. But now with 5g, much bigger

1429
02:37:05,433 --> 02:37:07,666
antennas, more of them. The radios are no longer on the ground but up on the tower to provide optical signal for data

1430
02:37:12,766 --> 02:37:12,766
and the bottom line is, if I could have a pile of the

1431
02:37:17,366 --> 02:37:17,366
antennas I show you the mount sitting over here, show you

1432
02:37:21,966 --> 02:37:25,133
basically a canister 11 feet long and about 52 inches in diameter it can't fit. The carriers now are no longer

1433
02:37:29,166 --> 02:37:29,166
wanting to go on unit poles and we have a national suit with

1434
02:37:35,733 --> 02:37:37,900
t-mobile. We have not done a unit pole probably at least ten years. If you want 5g coverage, you got

1435
02:37:45,900 --> 02:37:45,900
to have the amount of antennas at the proper height.

1436
02:37:52,066 --> 02:37:52,066
as brad mentioned, when we get a search ring from a carrier, it's

1437
02:37:56,966 --> 02:37:59,600
a specific point at latitude and longitude. Usually depending where it's located we get a certain radius

1438
02:38:02,200 --> 02:38:05,733
that we have to go out and find properties. In a populated area it's typically about a quarter mile

1439
02:38:08,900 --> 02:38:10,733
radius. So we are pretty restrictive as far as an engineering stan standpoint.

1440
02:38:13,733 --> 02:38:13,733
in this instance the towers designed for at&t, and verizon.

1441
02:38:19,100 --> 02:38:19,100
a couple things have happened since I've been developing

1442
02:38:24,100 --> 02:38:24,100
towers. In 2012 there was a national

1443
02:38:28,700 --> 02:38:28,700
agreement with at&t for first net, a prioritized system on

1444
02:38:35,333 --> 02:38:37,800
every at&t site. If you and I were trying to access it with our cell phones and a public safety or

1445
02:38:48,733 --> 02:38:50,966
first responder was trying, they get the channel first. That's a national program. In 2021, verizon came out with their own, cold front line and they had the same.

1446
02:38:56,866 --> 02:38:59,900
st. Johns county, their backup system for their 800 megahertz communication system. The city of st. Augustine for

1447
02:39:01,900 --> 02:39:01,900
example uses first net on the at&t system.

1448
02:39:07,700 --> 02:39:07,700
t-mobile, kind of late to the game, but they've come up in

1449
02:39:11,866 --> 02:39:15,133
september 2024 and offer that same type of service. The only reason the county or the city do not use it is

1450
02:39:18,833 --> 02:39:20,000
because the contracts were probably prior to when t-mobile had the service availability. So the big thing on this tower,

1451
02:39:25,900 --> 02:39:29,300
and again, I've developed towers just for public safety. I bid on all the towers when this was done 10-15 years ago

1452
02:39:32,966 --> 02:39:32,966
with the st. Johns county and I'm very familiar with every

1453
02:39:37,500 --> 02:39:40,133
location. A lot of times people will say, there is a communications tower for public safety and there is

1454
02:39:43,233 --> 02:39:45,100
cell towers and they are different. I beg to argue that point. The county leases space on their

1455
02:39:49,500 --> 02:39:49,500
towers even though they are primarily for public safety for

1456
02:39:53,866 --> 02:39:56,766
cellular. Cellular on the other hand, recently, their systems provide for public safety.

1457
02:39:59,066 --> 02:39:59,066
each one of them with those accessibility for

1458
02:40:05,666 --> 02:40:07,100
first responders. I know where a lot of these towers are because again, I bid on everyone of them back when.

1459
02:40:10,266 --> 02:40:10,266
if you look at locations versus residential areas, there's one

1460
02:40:18,500 --> 02:40:18,500
at scott mill -- scott road. There is one right next to

1461
02:40:22,666 --> 02:40:22,666
cimarron. There is 12 miles due west of us

1462
02:40:28,666 --> 02:40:32,266
right now of the proposed site on the west side of u.s. One right next to the subdivision. I can keep going with the

1463
02:40:36,033 --> 02:40:36,033
different locations, and the bottom line is this.

1464
02:40:40,300 --> 02:40:43,166
yes, people don't want them in the backyard. But especially with everything we've heard earlier this morning

1465
02:40:47,333 --> 02:40:49,766
about public safety and access and first responders, this is absolutely part of that. We could probably argue prior to

1466
02:40:56,666 --> 02:40:59,900
2012 before first net came up with this, he would say this is just for recreational use or surfing the internet or

1467
02:41:03,966 --> 02:41:03,966
whatever. It's not.

1468
02:41:08,433 --> 02:41:08,433
this is also important criteria for public safety to use and

1469
02:41:12,733 --> 02:41:15,966
your own county and city are using these now. Our anchor tenant is t-mobile. Right now none of the agencies

1470
02:41:20,066 --> 02:41:20,066
are on that. But the towers designed for all

1471
02:41:28,866 --> 02:41:32,200
three. We are talking to t-mobile, verizon, and at&t but until we are approved those conversations

1472
02:41:33,833 --> 02:41:33,833
are going to go any further. But the towers being designed

1473
02:41:38,066 --> 02:41:41,166
for it. Also one less thing to point out. Those locations, just the few I

1474
02:41:42,566 --> 02:41:42,566
mentioned on public safety, they wre designed for one specific

1475
02:41:49,400 --> 02:41:51,733
reason, coverage for public safety. I'm not talking about my cell towers, I'm talking about the

1476
02:41:54,833 --> 02:41:54,833
system to use as an example. We didn't take into

1477
02:42:02,300 --> 02:42:05,100
consideration property values, esthetics. It was what worked best for public safety, period.

1478
02:42:09,233 --> 02:42:12,800
I argue with us, yes, we are concerned. We believe this pole is the least obtrusive design to be

1479
02:42:15,866 --> 02:42:15,866
able to accomplish what we are trying to do.

1480
02:42:20,866 --> 02:42:23,866
but please remember first responders. These towers are absolutely part of that.

1481
02:42:26,533 --> 02:42:29,933
>> my only comment is also that -- >> in order please. >> a lot of the pud's already

1482
02:42:34,433 --> 02:42:37,700
say where they're going to be, so when you buy your house you know that's going to happen possibly.

1483
02:42:40,266 --> 02:42:42,133
I think it's just such a surprise to people down the road that have been there for years. That's all I have to say.

1484
02:42:49,500 --> 02:42:49,500
>> understood. >> putting the small ones on the

1485
02:42:56,666 --> 02:42:56,666
street -- >> t-mobile has technology

1486
02:43:01,500 --> 02:43:03,700
called small cell and one called midsouth. T-mobile is the only carrier of the three national carriers that

1487
02:43:08,566 --> 02:43:08,566
have mid sales which are 60-80-foot towers allowed in the

1488
02:43:12,833 --> 02:43:16,666
right-of-way with no public comment with a lot of the requirements you have to go through for a macro tower, which

1489
02:43:19,366 --> 02:43:21,900
this is. You do not have to do for those. The problem with those as they cover the trees and a lot of

1490
02:43:26,466 --> 02:43:26,466
instances are taller than them. They only work on a line of

1491
02:43:30,600 --> 02:43:32,966
sight basis. You were looking at our 8-900-foot radius coverage with one of those.

1492
02:43:35,800 --> 02:43:35,800
so you basically have the highway dotted with those.

1493
02:43:41,466 --> 02:43:44,033
there have been complaints from the public and from residents that they are literally in their front yard.

1494
02:43:47,200 --> 02:43:50,300
a lot of people's yards, unbeknownst to them, have a right of for their mailbox or culvert.

1495
02:43:53,833 --> 02:43:53,833
those right-of-way's are game for small cells and mid-cells to

1496
02:44:00,866 --> 02:44:03,700
go in because they are allowed by right. We argue that this macro tower is going to eliminate that

1497
02:44:07,966 --> 02:44:10,000
possibility, which would be even more obtrusive because they would be so many more of them. >> anything else from the board

1498
02:44:16,633 --> 02:44:19,233
before we go to public comment? >> thank you. If you could go back to the photos, can you please share a

1499
02:44:24,666 --> 02:44:28,000
photo of once all the carriers are on it what it will look like? The one you shared was a little

1500
02:44:29,466 --> 02:44:32,866
bit hard to see but I want to see what it looks like once all the carriers have what they need on there.

1501
02:44:35,900 --> 02:44:35,900
I don't know if you have a picture of another when you have

1502
02:44:40,333 --> 02:44:40,333
somewhere? >> you didn't answer the

1503
02:44:44,966 --> 02:44:44,966
satellite question. >> oh, yes.

1504
02:44:49,833 --> 02:44:49,833
and the satellite question. >> so this is the elevation

1505
02:44:55,966 --> 02:44:58,533
picture. This is the elevation picture of those four units that are on that basically showing the

1506
02:45:03,266 --> 02:45:03,266
colocations. >> do you have a photo that just

1507
02:45:08,366 --> 02:45:09,766
a sketch? Like a photo of what it's going to look like? >> this one has the single user

1508
02:45:15,866 --> 02:45:18,433
right. So you can see that single-user. There would be at least two others under that because

1509
02:45:22,066 --> 02:45:24,900
there's three carriers. At&t, verizon, t-mobile. So there be to others underneath that.

1510
02:45:28,066 --> 02:45:32,066
>> okay. Do you have a photo with all of them on a? >> I do not. This proposal is only for this, but does allow for colocates by

1511
02:45:36,433 --> 02:45:36,433
rule in the code. I also want to show this image.

1512
02:45:42,466 --> 02:45:42,466
dave mentioned a tower about 2 miles to the west.

1513
02:45:47,233 --> 02:45:47,233
I'm going to just show it to you and confirm.

1514
02:45:53,300 --> 02:45:53,300
>> in regard to the question about satellites, right now,

1515
02:46:01,933 --> 02:46:01,933
satellites in the future, 20-25 years down the road, is it

1516
02:46:07,233 --> 02:46:08,933
possible today from a technological standpoint, yes. But there's a little problem. One is penetrating buildings and

1517
02:46:13,800 --> 02:46:16,766
rooftops without having a stationary antenna. One is cost, when his capacity. Cell tower, for example,

1518
02:46:21,600 --> 02:46:25,333
radiates about a mile, a mile and a half depending on the height of the tower and where it's located.

1519
02:46:28,100 --> 02:46:31,333
but the signal is having to fight through whether it's a building or trees or what have you.

1520
02:46:36,533 --> 02:46:40,066
satellite cannot today replace terrestrial infrastructure. The other part of this is that carriers have hundreds of

1521
02:46:47,400 --> 02:46:50,400
billions of dollars each invested in it. Even when a new technology comes out, you don't just go running

1522
02:46:52,766 --> 02:46:52,766
to it. And today's technology will work

1523
02:46:59,800 --> 02:46:59,800
in extremely remote places where there is no road, there's no

1524
02:47:05,066 --> 02:47:07,433
access. Believe me, probably this rescue operation that just happened recently, a lot of satellite

1525
02:47:12,400 --> 02:47:16,066
communications happening there. But it's a different type of communications on the normal public uses.

1526
02:47:18,400 --> 02:47:18,400
I would say we are pretty far from that.

1527
02:47:23,700 --> 02:47:26,933
>> thank you. >> day of, is this the site you were referring to? There were two towers there.

1528
02:47:29,266 --> 02:47:32,466
I believe one of them is a 250-foot lattice tower, the other is 198-foot tower. Those are right here, as I'm

1529
02:47:37,900 --> 02:47:39,866
pointing. This is within the two-mile ring to the rest of the -- west of the proposed site.

1530
02:47:44,233 --> 02:47:47,766
you see this neighborhood here, timbercreek. That neighborhood was built within 300 feet of that tower.

1531
02:47:52,633 --> 02:47:55,266
several phases of that residential neighborhood, hundreds of lots all developed within 300 feet of that existing

1532
02:47:59,166 --> 02:47:59,166
tower. Compatibility works both ways.

1533
02:48:03,200 --> 02:48:03,200
towers do fill a need, but at the time, these were towers

1534
02:48:08,000 --> 02:48:10,033
created years ago, decades ago. This neighborhood was built right up against it. And I'll show an image.

1535
02:48:31,500 --> 02:48:31,500
>> this is from one of the streets.

1536
02:48:36,633 --> 02:48:38,966
part of the row houses I just showed were highlighted. There are the towers in question, both lattice.

1537
02:48:43,233 --> 02:48:43,233
and here's the other residents in that same neighborhood.

1538
02:48:47,666 --> 02:48:47,666
those two lots, this lot here and this lot here.

1539
02:48:56,133 --> 02:48:56,133
those lots were designed, built, and sold within about 300 feet

1540
02:49:01,233 --> 02:49:04,666
of two towers, and larger than ours. 's are residential has clearly been built up and against that

1541
02:49:10,666 --> 02:49:12,600
area where the towers are cited on this proposal or that I just showed in the exhibit. I will enter that into the

1542
02:49:15,566 --> 02:49:15,566
record but we need -- may need to refer to these during my

1543
02:49:20,166 --> 02:49:23,700
rebuttal. Thank you. >> one of the things about that is that people can actually see

1544
02:49:29,800 --> 02:49:29,800
there was a tower there before they bought.

1545
02:49:34,000 --> 02:49:37,100
is there anything else that we need to come from the board, any more questions before we get to public comment?

1546
02:49:39,866 --> 02:49:39,866
I didn't say that for reaction, I just wanted to point that out.

1547
02:49:44,900 --> 02:49:44,900
we understand that point, but they have a right to be here.

1548
02:49:51,200 --> 02:49:51,200
let's go to public comment. >> okay.

1549
02:49:55,300 --> 02:49:59,233
at this time we will take public comment on agenda item number 2. Please come up, and if you have something to show please use the

1550
02:50:02,166 --> 02:50:02,166
middle podium. >> through the chair, just a

1551
02:50:06,300 --> 02:50:06,300
reminder for this item we do have some designated speakers.

1552
02:50:14,866 --> 02:50:17,866
>> we couldn't let her go first, and then we will get to our public speakers. >> I have to leave, that's why I

1553
02:50:24,433 --> 02:50:24,433
jumped up here. I can get it done in a second.

1554
02:50:31,233 --> 02:50:31,233
just listening to this, I just want to say, uphold the denial

1555
02:50:40,500 --> 02:50:40,500
of the pca. And if you don't mind, if you

1556
02:50:44,833 --> 02:50:44,833
can't today or you can't, this is really important.

1557
02:50:49,800 --> 02:50:49,800
whenever you meet with these developers and whoever they are

1558
02:50:54,233 --> 02:50:54,233
employing to get things done, can you start telling us, the

1559
02:50:59,033 --> 02:50:59,033
public, how long your meeting is, whether it's 15 minutes, an

1560
02:51:04,833 --> 02:51:06,766
hour, to? We've been on this since mr. Wester got up from 11:10 to almost 11:55, and I'm sorry that

1561
02:51:13,533 --> 02:51:13,533
I have to leave. I think it would be good for the

1562
02:51:17,766 --> 02:51:19,733
public to understand. That's part of your job, granted, but I think sometimes when you have face-to-face there

1563
02:51:24,166 --> 02:51:26,933
is more then when you get an email. I know you are bombarded by then.

1564
02:51:29,466 --> 02:51:31,500
would you please think about that? We've already spent an hour almost with him and it's going

1565
02:51:33,533 --> 02:51:33,533
to be longer, and I'm sorry I'm going to miss this but I do

1566
02:51:38,600 --> 02:51:41,300
appreciate you allowing me to get up here. I think this should be denied. Thank you.

1567
02:51:45,500 --> 02:51:48,066
>> thank you very much. At this time, we were going to go to our designated speakers. The first will be mr. Ronald

1568
02:51:55,700 --> 02:51:55,700
moody, and he has 10 minutes. >> before you start that I just

1569
02:52:05,366 --> 02:52:08,133
want to remind everybody, if you signed a petition to allow someone to take your time for you, you don't have the ability

1570
02:52:11,100 --> 02:52:13,466
to come up and speak for 3 minutes later on. Thank you for that. >> I get 10 minutes?

1571
02:52:21,700 --> 02:52:21,700
>> yes. She's going to work that out.

1572
02:52:29,866 --> 02:52:32,100
>> there we go. Thank you. >> good morning. My name is ron moody.

1573
02:52:35,000 --> 02:52:37,333
I'm a full-time real estate appraiser for the last 53 years of my professional career. I'm also a real estate broker

1574
02:52:40,800 --> 02:52:40,800
with the state of florida and state certified

1575
02:52:46,833 --> 02:52:49,100
general appraiser. Very active in the appraisal institute, which is the largest, most well-known appraisal

1576
02:52:56,200 --> 02:52:59,433
organization in the world. I hold an m.I.a. Designation that signifies member of the appraisal institute and also the

1577
02:53:03,900 --> 02:53:07,500
sra designation which signifies senior residential appraiser. I have copies of the certificates that I'd like to

1578
02:53:09,366 --> 02:53:09,366
present for the record. Today, in my opinion the

1579
02:53:14,066 --> 02:53:14,066
testimony will be this. The proposed cell tower is not

1580
02:53:18,600 --> 02:53:18,600
compatible with existing uses or with the general character and

1581
02:53:25,366 --> 02:53:29,366
esthetics of the area. At the end of my presentation, my valuation opinion would be this.

1582
02:53:31,333 --> 02:53:31,333
the proposed cell tower will, in my opinion, have a detrimental

1583
02:53:36,033 --> 02:53:38,800
and significant impact on property values. I base this opinion on the following items.

1584
02:53:40,933 --> 02:53:40,933
as an appraiser, we have to go to the marketplace, the

1585
02:53:46,400 --> 02:53:46,400
individuals that are in the market, and collect that

1586
02:53:53,733 --> 02:53:55,933
information. There is also a lot of published information available through the internet, it's very easy to

1587
02:53:59,066 --> 02:54:01,966
search. But I've looked at a lot of information and published articles.

1588
02:54:05,133 --> 02:54:08,633
number 2, I've been reviewing real estate brokers. Number 3, developers. And I also have empirical

1589
02:54:11,233 --> 02:54:11,233
evidence from my own database with my appraisal company.

1590
02:54:17,100 --> 02:54:20,600
so let's quickly go to published articles. Please forgive me for reading some of this, but I will get

1591
02:54:24,366 --> 02:54:24,366
through a quick. From the appraisal journal, this

1592
02:54:29,033 --> 02:54:29,033
was summer 2005, it states 38% of the control group said a cell

1593
02:54:35,700 --> 02:54:35,700
tower would reduce the price of their property by more than 20%.

1594
02:54:41,866 --> 02:54:44,200
another article that I found. U.s. Department of housing and urban development. Classifies cell towers as

1595
02:54:50,400 --> 02:54:53,600
hazards and nuisances. It goes on to say homes in close proximity often experience a decline in value.

1596
02:54:57,366 --> 02:54:57,366
the decrease in property values can be as much as more than 20%.

1597
02:55:02,866 --> 02:55:02,866
from the national association of realtors, recent article 2024

1598
02:55:08,466 --> 02:55:08,466
says this. The results show a significant

1599
02:55:12,766 --> 02:55:15,733
impact that the proximity of cell towers have on residents and property sale prices. However, the impact of cell

1600
02:55:20,200 --> 02:55:24,033
tower proximity on residential property values depends on their distance from the residential properties, and the closer the

1601
02:55:32,466 --> 02:55:32,466
greater it has of an effect. Another organization puts out

1602
02:55:38,000 --> 02:55:38,000
this really interesting, environmental health services

1603
02:55:43,600 --> 02:55:47,566
did research and came up with this. They entitled their brief, cell towers drop property values.

1604
02:55:53,866 --> 02:55:56,000
evidence and published research on market impacts. They posed two questions, make two points.

1605
02:55:59,000 --> 02:55:59,000
they ask this question. Would you buy a home near cell

1606
02:56:03,866 --> 02:56:05,400
tower? The realtor's essay visible towers can cut home values by up to 20%, with surveys showing 94%

1607
02:56:12,233 --> 02:56:12,233
of buyers say they would pay less or avoid such properties.

1608
02:56:17,333 --> 02:56:17,333
number 2, regulatory filings by the fcc representing over 1800

1609
02:56:23,333 --> 02:56:26,900
communities born of cell towers and affect ocean negative impact on esthetics, the beauty aspect, and property values.

1610
02:56:33,533 --> 02:56:37,333
they consulted with an appraiser, state certified general appraiser and he makes this statement regarding

1611
02:56:40,600 --> 02:56:44,533
realtors and cell towers in relation to homes. Buyers are extremely hesitant to purchase homes located near

1612
02:56:47,666 --> 02:56:47,666
cell phone towers and in many cases homes near towers take

1613
02:56:51,966 --> 02:56:55,000
longer to sell and ultimately sell for less. He goes on, his opinion was this.

1614
02:56:58,166 --> 02:57:01,766
in my professional experience, a visible cell tower in close proximity to a property can reduce its value by as much as

1615
02:57:04,700 --> 02:57:04,700
or more than 20%. He goes on to say he reports

1616
02:57:13,766 --> 02:57:16,933
that realtors and cell towers, it says this. Cell phone towers bring extra tax revenue and better reception

1617
02:57:19,700 --> 02:57:23,466
to a section of the city, but many are skeptical because of the impact on property values. Increasing numbers of people

1618
02:57:27,133 --> 02:57:27,133
don't want to live near cell towers.

1619
02:57:33,766 --> 02:57:33,766
in some areas property values have decreased by up to 20%.

1620
02:57:45,900 --> 02:57:49,366
one survey says they are less interested and pay less for a property located near cell to tower.

1621
02:57:53,500 --> 02:57:53,500
interesting information. Next thing I did was interviewed

1622
02:58:00,166 --> 02:58:03,766
realtors. We will probably recognize watson realty, the largest privately owned realty company

1623
02:58:08,300 --> 02:58:10,766
in the state of florida. 5100 employees. He says this. We've consulted on a variety of

1624
02:58:19,666 --> 02:58:22,966
different issues over the years but he says this, cell towers are a negative feature in his opinion that will cause

1625
02:58:27,533 --> 02:58:30,666
devaluing. He goes on to say that buyers want quiet enjoyment. Want to avoid negative

1626
02:58:33,700 --> 02:58:33,700
situations. People don't want to be looking

1627
02:58:40,966 --> 02:58:40,966
out a billboard. They don't want to locate right

1628
02:58:45,000 --> 02:58:45,000
next to a right-of-way. Or overhead power lines.

1629
02:58:51,933 --> 02:58:51,933
they try to avoid being too close to an overhead power line.

1630
02:58:57,033 --> 02:58:59,566
it's because these are noncompatible uses in relation to residential real estate causing diminishing value.

1631
02:59:05,866 --> 02:59:05,866
another prominent realtor that I interviewed was jan shields,

1632
02:59:10,566 --> 02:59:13,566
who's been in the business over 40 years. She says yes, there is a negative effect of a cell tower.

1633
02:59:19,033 --> 02:59:19,033
if given a choice a buyer will typically pick a home without a

1634
02:59:24,866 --> 02:59:24,866
cell tower. Robert porter is the big landmen

1635
02:59:34,666 --> 02:59:34,666
for horton, who like me has been in business over 50 years.

1636
02:59:45,933 --> 02:59:48,566
mr. Porter said this. Cell towers can and most probably will have a negative effect.

1637
02:59:50,766 --> 02:59:50,766
he says the variables are this. The orientation of the cell

1638
02:59:55,300 --> 02:59:57,733
tower in relation to the property. Doesn't have a direct view, what's the distance.

1639
03:00:02,600 --> 03:00:02,600
obviously it has more effect closer at.

1640
03:00:11,433 --> 03:00:11,433
I talked to alex, out in the jacksonville area.

1641
03:00:16,966 --> 03:00:16,966
one of the bright and shining stars as a developer he says

1642
03:00:24,466 --> 03:00:24,466
cell towers can have a negative effect.

1643
03:00:30,166 --> 03:00:30,166
I didn't suggest it, but he said the cell towers can cause a loss

1644
03:00:36,933 --> 03:00:36,933
in value between 2-20% depending on how close they are.

1645
03:00:44,733 --> 03:00:44,733
andy allen is another developer pack he owns a corner lot

1646
03:00:50,233 --> 03:00:50,233
development and clearly says no, we have to work around cell

1647
03:00:55,433 --> 03:00:55,433
towers. He said they decrease the value.

1648
03:01:03,733 --> 03:01:03,733
the last thing I did was from my office, we collected a bunch of

1649
03:01:09,566 --> 03:01:13,133
information. Some properties very close visually to a cell tower, others further away.

1650
03:01:18,900 --> 03:01:18,900
the decrease in market value ranged from 2-26% depending

1651
03:01:25,333 --> 03:01:28,933
where they were located. In summary what I would say is this. I've talked to a lot of

1652
03:01:35,466 --> 03:01:37,700
different people and my own experience. My opinion is this. The cell tower will in my

1653
03:01:40,666 --> 03:01:40,666
opinion have a significant negative effect on nearby and

1654
03:01:49,900 --> 03:01:52,166
adjacent property. That's what I have. Thank you. >> thank you.

1655
03:01:56,366 --> 03:01:56,366
thank you very much. [applause]

1656
03:02:01,933 --> 03:02:01,933
next we have elizabeth scott. She's a designated speaker

1657
03:02:06,233 --> 03:02:06,233
that's been given 5 minutes. >> let me interrupt just a

1658
03:02:13,533 --> 03:02:16,333
minute. This particular issue is what's known as a quasijudicial hea hearing.

1659
03:02:20,966 --> 03:02:20,966
if you would keep your applause down so that you don't

1660
03:02:29,133 --> 03:02:32,900
influence, impede, or disrupt the hearing. Thank you. >> good morning.

1661
03:02:37,233 --> 03:02:37,233
my name is elizabeth michaels and I've been a florida licensed

1662
03:02:41,800 --> 03:02:45,466
realtor since 1999. I have worked in residential real estate in st. Johns county for over 20 years.

1663
03:02:48,566 --> 03:02:48,566
more recently with a focus on... I've provided my real estate

1664
03:02:55,100 --> 03:02:58,633
license to be entered into the record and I'm here today to offer my professional opinion as to why the proposed 170-foot

1665
03:03:03,433 --> 03:03:03,433
cell tower should be denied. Based on my experience in this

1666
03:03:10,666 --> 03:03:14,200
specific market, the proposed tower is not compatible with the surrounding st. Augustine shores residential neighborhood.

1667
03:03:17,633 --> 03:03:17,633
and it will have a direct negative impact on property

1668
03:03:21,933 --> 03:03:21,933
values, marketability, behavior, and the neighborhood esthetic.

1669
03:03:29,133 --> 03:03:29,133
this is also supported by national and international

1670
03:03:33,733 --> 03:03:37,066
recognized studies as previously mentioned, including those summarized by the national association of realtors.

1671
03:03:41,400 --> 03:03:41,400
the reports of price declines of up to more than 20%.

1672
03:03:47,133 --> 03:03:47,133
and fha insured mortgages classify cell towers as hazards

1673
03:03:52,333 --> 03:03:52,333
and nuisances. Appraisers are required to make

1674
03:03:56,866 --> 03:03:56,866
adjustments accordingly. From a market perspective,

1675
03:04:01,833 --> 03:04:01,833
values determined by what buyers are willing to pay.

1676
03:04:07,333 --> 03:04:11,166
and buyers consistently discount homes near towers. 94% of buyers would pay less for a home near a cell tower.

1677
03:04:15,866 --> 03:04:15,866
many buyers eliminate properties even before scheduling a

1678
03:04:20,100 --> 03:04:22,933
showing. In today's digital environment, online listings and drone photography are critical in

1679
03:04:26,400 --> 03:04:26,400
marketing homes. 170-foot tower becomes a

1680
03:04:31,900 --> 03:04:35,266
permanent visual objection, which is extremely difficult if not impossible for a realtor to overcome.

1681
03:04:39,166 --> 03:04:39,166
this is not theoretical. The proposed tower is located

1682
03:04:44,433 --> 03:04:47,933
directly on shores boulevard with homes immediately adjacent and across from the site, and within the visual and market

1683
03:04:52,933 --> 03:04:56,700
field of a residential comm community. From a real estate perspective, buyers will encounter the tower

1684
03:05:01,633 --> 03:05:01,633
immediately entering the area. It will appear in listing

1685
03:05:05,800 --> 03:05:05,800
photographs and aerial drone photography, and homes within

1686
03:05:11,366 --> 03:05:11,366
this visual field will be directly impacted in value and

1687
03:05:16,533 --> 03:05:16,533
desirability. 170-foot tower within the visual

1688
03:05:22,500 --> 03:05:22,500
field of a property becomes an immediate deterrent, often

1689
03:05:28,100 --> 03:05:29,300
eliminating the home from consideration before the showing is even scheduled. This is not speculative.

1690
03:05:35,500 --> 03:05:35,500
in practice this translates to reduced buyer interest, longer

1691
03:05:42,466 --> 03:05:42,466
days on market, increased price reductions, lower appraised

1692
03:05:48,266 --> 03:05:48,266
values when compared to similar homes without such proximity.

1693
03:05:54,333 --> 03:05:54,333
beyond individual homeowners, this has a broader implications

1694
03:06:01,300 --> 03:06:05,300
for the community. Affected homes that struggle to sell impact neighborhood stability.

1695
03:06:09,366 --> 03:06:09,366
the long-term desirability of the community can decline.

1696
03:06:17,266 --> 03:06:17,266
and finally, the shores neighborhood was developed 50

1697
03:06:22,133 --> 03:06:22,133
years ago, and part of that intention was to maintain the

1698
03:06:29,766 --> 03:06:29,766
canopies and vistas that exist within the neighborhood.

1699
03:06:35,433 --> 03:06:39,100
finally, in denying the location it does not prevent service. It simply requires the infrastructure be placed in a

1700
03:06:41,966 --> 03:06:45,300
less intrusive and more appropriate location. I have yet to see evidence presented that this is the least

1701
03:06:49,900 --> 03:06:49,900
intrusive alternative. In closing, as a real estate

1702
03:06:54,300 --> 03:06:57,866
professional working in this market, I can say with confidence this proposal will reduce property values, deter

1703
03:07:05,166 --> 03:07:08,900
buyers, and reduce showings, create a lasting visual and market stigma, permanently compromise the esthetic

1704
03:07:12,866 --> 03:07:16,166
character, degrading to visual integrity and appeal of the shores neighborhood. I respectfully ask that you

1705
03:07:20,900 --> 03:07:23,133
uphold the denial and I'd like to thank you for your time and consideration this morning. >> thank you very much.

1706
03:07:27,866 --> 03:07:27,866
next we have jody caputo, who's also being allowed 5 minutes.

1707
03:07:45,933 --> 03:07:49,633
>> good morning. I am jody caputo with a round table realty. 87 in the shores sable estates

1708
03:07:56,866 --> 03:07:59,633
for almost two years now. I'm a full-time agent who's been in the industry for over 20 years.

1709
03:08:03,033 --> 03:08:03,033
I've held realtor licenses in three states, broker's license

1710
03:08:07,466 --> 03:08:07,466
in north carolina, and I've been a member of the northeast

1711
03:08:12,233 --> 03:08:12,233
florida association of realtors since 2008.

1712
03:08:16,266 --> 03:08:16,266
I mean strong opposition to this tower for several reasons.

1713
03:08:20,966 --> 03:08:20,966
most importantly, as a real estate expert, I've seen

1714
03:08:26,100 --> 03:08:26,100
firsthand how they can negatively affect properties.

1715
03:08:30,700 --> 03:08:30,700
there is a term in my industry called external obsolescence.

1716
03:08:37,933 --> 03:08:41,033
this is widely used among realtors and appraisers when there are negative factors noted that are outside of a property

1717
03:08:48,800 --> 03:08:51,766
owner's control, and this affects desirability, marketability, and results in a loss of value.

1718
03:08:58,066 --> 03:09:02,066
a nearby cell tower is a prime example of that. I can tell you without hesitation that none of my

1719
03:09:05,400 --> 03:09:09,066
buyers have ever wanted to live near a tower. I've seen homes sit longer on the market, bringing several

1720
03:09:14,400 --> 03:09:14,400
price reductions in order to get it sold.

1721
03:09:19,966 --> 03:09:19,966
u.s. Census data shows more than 33% of residents in the

1722
03:09:25,500 --> 03:09:25,500
st. Augustine shores community are over 65 years old.

1723
03:09:38,300 --> 03:09:38,300
our homes our our nest eggs, here to gain equity for

1724
03:09:42,500 --> 03:09:42,500
retirement. For many of us, this is our last

1725
03:09:47,166 --> 03:09:50,700
home as the next step will be going into assisted living or nursing homes, where we will need every last dime out of our

1726
03:09:57,866 --> 03:09:57,866
equity. To pay for our long-term care.

1727
03:10:02,966 --> 03:10:06,833
I'm concerned as to who is going to reimburse us. We are taking a loss on our property values if this eyesore

1728
03:10:12,166 --> 03:10:16,066
gets approved. I'm shocked and saddened that we are even here today, because nothing about this tower fits in

1729
03:10:21,133 --> 03:10:21,133
with the esthetics of the shores community.

1730
03:10:25,900 --> 03:10:25,900
last, I work mostly from home and it's crucial for me to have

1731
03:10:32,533 --> 03:10:32,533
excellent cell phone reception. I'm happy to say that mine is

1732
03:10:36,966 --> 03:10:36,966
excellent. Thank you.

1733
03:10:41,533 --> 03:10:41,533
>> thank you. Next we have cindy, and she's

1734
03:10:48,066 --> 03:10:50,100
been given 5 minutes. Good afternoon. >> good afternoon. My name is cindy aiello, I live

1735
03:10:58,400 --> 03:11:01,166
at 601 felix court in st. Augustine shores. I'm here to ask you to deny the proposed cell tower based on

1736
03:11:05,900 --> 03:11:05,900
land-use law, community impact, and long-term consequences that

1737
03:11:09,966 --> 03:11:13,300
fall squarely within your authority. The law preserves your authority over zoning, land use

1738
03:11:17,466 --> 03:11:17,466
compatibility, esthetics, safety, and neighborhood

1739
03:11:22,000 --> 03:11:23,133
character. Courts have consistently upheld denials when they are grounded in substantial evidence tied to

1740
03:11:26,933 --> 03:11:26,933
those factors. This case gives you evidence.

1741
03:11:32,033 --> 03:11:35,566
st. Augustine shores is a planned residential community. It was not designed to accommodate industrial scale

1742
03:11:37,900 --> 03:11:41,266
vertical infrastructures. A tower by its nature introduces a commercially utility use into a residential zone, and that

1743
03:11:48,000 --> 03:11:50,900
matters legally. It is a use that is out of character with the surrounding area.

1744
03:11:54,266 --> 03:11:57,733
all utility wires are underground, including telephone wires. Then you are within your rights

1745
03:12:01,300 --> 03:12:01,300
to determine that is not incompatible.

1746
03:12:05,633 --> 03:12:09,400
incompatibility is valid basis for a denial when supported by record. This is not whether a structure

1747
03:12:11,433 --> 03:12:11,433
is visible. It's about scale, dominance, and

1748
03:12:15,666 --> 03:12:19,000
permanence. A tower will rise far above the tree lines and rooftops, fundamentally changing the

1749
03:12:21,033 --> 03:12:21,033
visual environment. But here is the deeper issue.

1750
03:12:27,666 --> 03:12:30,000
esthetics directly affects livability. When people look out of their windows and see industrial

1751
03:12:33,866 --> 03:12:36,900
infrastructure instead of a residential skyline, it changes how both they experience their homes.

1752
03:12:41,166 --> 03:12:44,433
that is not abstract, that his daily life. Noise. There is a consistent noise when

1753
03:12:46,300 --> 03:12:46,300
towers operate. Those noises include backup

1754
03:12:52,133 --> 03:12:55,666
generators, cooling systems, and periodic maintenance activities. During testing or power outages, generators can run for extended

1755
03:13:01,100 --> 03:13:04,633
periods of time, introducing intermittent and destructive noise into a neighborhood that was never designed for it.

1756
03:13:09,266 --> 03:13:09,266
that noise is considered unpredictable, and that is more

1757
03:13:15,433 --> 03:13:15,433
destructive than constant noise. It creates stress, anxiety,

1758
03:13:19,533 --> 03:13:22,733
because residents cannot adapt to it. That is a quality-of-life issue that falls squarely under your

1759
03:13:25,833 --> 03:13:25,833
review authority. No fire and safety.

1760
03:13:31,466 --> 03:13:31,466
cell tower facilities include electrical equipment and in many

1761
03:13:37,833 --> 03:13:40,100
cases fuel power backup generators. That introduces fire risk. Even if it is statistically low.

1762
03:13:45,633 --> 03:13:47,166
but did you know that st. Augustine shores has the highest risk for fire by 84% more than any other

1763
03:13:53,733 --> 03:13:55,700
neighborhood? And that's a comparison in all communities across the united states.

1764
03:13:58,100 --> 03:13:58,100
not just st. Johns county. I want to address the emergency

1765
03:14:05,600 --> 03:14:05,600
response and the 9-1-1 calls talked about earlier.

1766
03:14:09,633 --> 03:14:09,633
when you dial 9-1-1, your phone activates its emergency call

1767
03:14:14,433 --> 03:14:14,433
function, sending a signal to the nearest cell tower even

1768
03:14:19,200 --> 03:14:19,200
without an active service plan, regardless of your service

1769
03:14:23,300 --> 03:14:26,900
provider, the phone is legally required to connect any available network. That ensures everyone has access

1770
03:14:29,400 --> 03:14:32,900
to emergency services. Directing your call to the closest emergency center for swift assistance.

1771
03:14:38,633 --> 03:14:42,000
we now have access to satellite services. Now, not in 25 years. If you live in a desolate area,

1772
03:14:45,233 --> 03:14:45,233
which we do not, satellite services exist for those

1773
03:14:49,900 --> 03:14:53,833
purposes. Newer phones, automatically equipped with this feature, and that includes apple and android.

1774
03:14:58,466 --> 03:14:58,466
now I want to talk about -- I want to address something that's

1775
03:15:03,166 --> 03:15:03,166
often left unsaid. She would have impact.

1776
03:15:10,033 --> 03:15:13,933
esthetics, noise, safety, environmental risk, the value of our homes. Together they create a layered

1777
03:15:16,566 --> 03:15:16,566
burden on this community. And the cumulative burden is

1778
03:15:23,633 --> 03:15:27,633
what zoning law is designed to prevent. Residents of st. Johns county and st. Augustine shores chose

1779
03:15:30,133 --> 03:15:30,133
this community for a reason. They expected a certain

1780
03:15:34,233 --> 03:15:34,233
environment, a certain level of peace, a certain degree of

1781
03:15:38,733 --> 03:15:39,800
stability. This sets a precedent. If a tower is approved in a residential neighborhood without

1782
03:15:45,000 --> 03:15:46,100
clear necessity without exhausting alternatives, it sends a message. It says the residential zoning

1783
03:15:50,833 --> 03:15:53,866
protections are flexible when they should be firm. In closing, you have the authority on the responsibility

1784
03:15:57,200 --> 03:16:00,466
to act. You can deny this -- I'm done. >> thank you so much. At this time that does conclude

1785
03:16:05,933 --> 03:16:09,566
our designated speakers. We will open it up to public comment at this time. >> good afternoon.

1786
03:16:17,900 --> 03:16:17,900
>> good afternoon. I'd like to clarify something

1787
03:16:24,233 --> 03:16:24,233
from this morning. Speaking with the residents of

1788
03:16:28,266 --> 03:16:28,266
the vilano north beach area. Their main concern had nothing

1789
03:16:33,100 --> 03:16:33,100
to do with a cell tower that makes traffic.

1790
03:16:38,866 --> 03:16:38,866
there was nobody saying the cell tower right in the middle of

1791
03:16:44,400 --> 03:16:44,400
vilano beach is making the traffic be congested.

1792
03:16:49,933 --> 03:16:49,933
if you want to compare traffic congestion with a cell tower

1793
03:16:56,600 --> 03:16:58,866
placement, obviously the cell tower is put in the wrong place and they built the road into a cell tower.

1794
03:17:04,133 --> 03:17:04,133
even though that was being brought up earlier.

1795
03:17:13,200 --> 03:17:13,200
this is the thing about what's going on now.

1796
03:17:17,833 --> 03:17:17,833
the little protest when the people who showed up find out

1797
03:17:22,466 --> 03:17:22,466
that there's a cell tower going in behind.

1798
03:17:27,000 --> 03:17:29,866
they didn't know, they weren't informed they had nothing to look into. And then they are aggravated.

1799
03:17:32,800 --> 03:17:35,166
but it's treat me like. They just bought the house. Know they are going to have to live with it.

1800
03:17:38,466 --> 03:17:38,466
when an establishment like this, it's bringing it in after it's

1801
03:17:42,666 --> 03:17:42,666
been established for decades. That's what it's going to be

1802
03:17:50,233 --> 03:17:53,000
like. If we just want to put into they are, we will read between the lines and find the words that

1803
03:17:55,800 --> 03:17:55,800
are so broad that we can go put in a tower.

1804
03:18:04,700 --> 03:18:06,366
I'm also concerned that it is this really a church that will be billed here? -- built here?

1805
03:18:11,933 --> 03:18:11,933
it says it. It's easy to put on paper.

1806
03:18:19,800 --> 03:18:21,733
bringing in a representative to speak about it. The church that's going to be built there.

1807
03:18:23,966 --> 03:18:23,966
or is this listed as a church listing so whoever put it in and

1808
03:18:31,300 --> 03:18:33,900
is getting the money, where is it going to then? If it's a nonprofit for-profit tower.

1809
03:18:41,733 --> 03:18:45,600
maybe I'm trying to look at common sense rather than reading the very broad words that are brought up.

1810
03:18:52,600 --> 03:18:52,600
we can squeeze a tower into there, because yes, as they

1811
03:18:58,766 --> 03:18:58,766
talked about the timeline of how technology advanced from no

1812
03:19:05,600 --> 03:19:09,000
cell phone to his cell phone, commercial to residential, everything like that. It seems like they need to get

1813
03:19:12,833 --> 03:19:12,833
these big things out before they need -- start getting cut out.

1814
03:19:19,666 --> 03:19:19,666
>> thank you. Good afternoon.

1815
03:19:25,033 --> 03:19:27,100
>> hi. Denise locke from 50 sevilla drive, st. Augustine shores. I wasn't prepared to speak, but

1816
03:19:30,033 --> 03:19:33,833
I have a few things to say about what I heard, so hopefully I can keep a cohesive. Essential services are on the

1817
03:19:40,400 --> 03:19:40,400
ground, and they are talking about the code and the law, but

1818
03:19:45,900 --> 03:19:45,900
they are assuming telephone, but they are talking that they

1819
03:19:51,400 --> 03:19:53,366
expected... And they are just putting their interpretation on it. We need to me to take into

1820
03:19:59,800 --> 03:19:59,800
consideration when these homes were built, telephone lines,

1821
03:20:04,933 --> 03:20:05,966
utilities, everything was underground. They determined that should not be visible for everyday life.

1822
03:20:10,000 --> 03:20:10,000
so that to me is what was in the code.

1823
03:20:16,333 --> 03:20:19,933
I'm 73 years old, I'm still working to be able to pay for my home, and now we are talking losing 20% or more if I want to

1824
03:20:23,866 --> 03:20:26,900
sell it. Where am I going to go? What can I do? That's ridiculous.

1825
03:20:29,900 --> 03:20:29,900
the zoning, they are talking about a church, not commercial.

1826
03:20:35,033 --> 03:20:35,033
cell towers are commercial. They are shown a picture with

1827
03:20:40,066 --> 03:20:41,900
one antenna. My understanding is they can put up to 24 antennae. What does that look like?

1828
03:20:46,666 --> 03:20:48,033
>> just four I think. >> I know it's more than what they were shown. >> four stacks.

1829
03:20:53,433 --> 03:20:55,866
>> I was under the impression it was more than that. But it's going to be more than what was shown in the picture.

1830
03:20:59,000 --> 03:21:01,633
they are not showing us what they can do, they are showing us the minimum of what they're going to do.

1831
03:21:08,400 --> 03:21:12,233
and what else? We have three churches, so I don't think -- like what the heck is that statement.

1832
03:21:16,800 --> 03:21:20,300
and satellite is definitely something to think about. Europe and africa, the rest of the world is using satellite.

1833
03:21:25,933 --> 03:21:25,933
it's crazy, and I just want to make sure my point of view

1834
03:21:30,166 --> 03:21:33,166
healthwise and for finances, they haven't even talked about health concerns for humans, which my understanding is they

1835
03:21:38,900 --> 03:21:42,400
provide the possibility of health concerns brought up in the future for people. And I have neighbors with

1836
03:21:46,633 --> 03:21:50,366
2-year-old little girls and 6-month-old little boy's. If they want to stay in the home that could be a major concern

1837
03:21:53,333 --> 03:21:54,366
for them. Thank you. >> thank you so much. >> good afternoon.

1838
03:22:00,966 --> 03:22:04,366
or -- I guess it is afternoon, isn't it. My name is sue and I'm a 20 plus year resident of the

1839
03:22:07,700 --> 03:22:07,700
st. Augustine shores. I live at 292 and the new

1840
03:22:13,366 --> 03:22:16,700
community of sable estates. I'm also a licensed real estate professional with over 25 years of experience.

1841
03:22:19,933 --> 03:22:19,933
I'm here today to respectfully ask you to oppose the planning

1842
03:22:24,200 --> 03:22:24,200
and -- the proposed 170-foot cell tower in our community.

1843
03:22:31,466 --> 03:22:33,566
st. Augustine shores is thoughtfully planned community dating back to the late 1950s, developed by a forward thinking

1844
03:22:38,933 --> 03:22:40,800
vision. One of the defining characteristics of the vision was the placement of utilities

1845
03:22:44,233 --> 03:22:48,166
underground, preserving what we still value today, the natural beauty, the scale, and the open skies of our neighborhood.

1846
03:22:52,066 --> 03:22:52,066
that sense of openness is part of what defines our community.

1847
03:22:57,800 --> 03:23:00,600
we are primarily a neighborhood of one-story homes with very few acceding to stories. 170-foot tower would rise

1848
03:23:06,333 --> 03:23:09,000
approximately eight times taller than most of our homes. It would not blend into our skyline.

1849
03:23:10,900 --> 03:23:10,900
it would permanently alter it. It would interrupt the very open

1850
03:23:16,866 --> 03:23:19,200
skies homeowner's value and expect when they choose to live in st. Augustine shores. It is fundamentally a matter of

1851
03:23:25,066 --> 03:23:27,366
compatibility. The proposed structure is out of scale, of character, and inconsistent with the

1852
03:23:30,200 --> 03:23:30,200
established residential nature of our community.

1853
03:23:35,233 --> 03:23:38,366
from a real estate perspective I can tell you these things do matter. Buyers don't just purchase a

1854
03:23:40,566 --> 03:23:40,566
home, they invest in a setting, feeling, and visual environment.

1855
03:23:45,900 --> 03:23:49,900
when that environment changes, especially with the structure of this magnitude, it can influence desirability and ultimately

1856
03:23:52,700 --> 03:23:52,700
property values. This is not about opposing

1857
03:23:58,900 --> 03:24:02,733
progress or technology. It is about appropriate placement, ensuring infrastructure of this scale is

1858
03:24:04,766 --> 03:24:08,700
located where it's compatible with its surroundings, not in the center of an established residential community.

1859
03:24:13,233 --> 03:24:15,633
your planning and zoning agency recognized this location is not appropriate and voted to deny the application.

1860
03:24:17,933 --> 03:24:21,000
I respectfully ask that you uphold this decision. Please protect the character of our community, preserve our open

1861
03:24:24,566 --> 03:24:27,566
skies, and safeguard the property values of the residents of st. Augustine shores. Thank you for your consid

1862
03:24:32,300 --> 03:24:33,266
consideration. I have a couple pictures I would like to show you. This is a five layer tower.

1863
03:24:38,333 --> 03:24:38,333
so just eliminate one of those layers.

1864
03:24:43,166 --> 03:24:43,166
this is the lot where their proposed cell tower is, and this

1865
03:24:49,933 --> 03:24:49,933
we weren't supposed to be talking about, environmental

1866
03:24:54,700 --> 03:24:54,700
issues. And this is our entire

1867
03:24:58,733 --> 03:25:02,533
community, or most of it and that's where the tower would be. Thank you. >> thank you very much.

1868
03:25:05,133 --> 03:25:07,066
good afternoon. >> good morning. My name is david, I live at 667 east bianchi circle in the

1869
03:25:14,166 --> 03:25:14,166
shores. One of the areas that's the most

1870
03:25:18,333 --> 03:25:20,666
remote, the furthest in the east. But I still get good cell service.

1871
03:25:22,933 --> 03:25:22,933
I get two bars, occasionally I get 5g.

1872
03:25:27,900 --> 03:25:29,933
my house will be less than two tenths of a mile from the cell tower. I'd like to be clear, this is

1873
03:25:32,933 --> 03:25:32,933
not a debate about technology. We all need better technology

1874
03:25:37,466 --> 03:25:41,100
and we realize that. But the question is whether a residential neighborhood should carry the burden of that

1875
03:25:43,633 --> 03:25:47,533
infrastructure, and the data suggested should not. First, the science is not settled.

1876
03:25:49,933 --> 03:25:49,933
one person has already brought up the health issue.

1877
03:25:55,466 --> 03:25:58,266
the world health organization classifies radio-frequency radiation as possibly carcinogenic.

1878
03:26:00,833 --> 03:26:00,833
that's not a declaration of safety, it is a statement of

1879
03:26:05,900 --> 03:26:07,466
uncertainty. The federal communications commission sets exposure limits, but those standards focus on

1880
03:26:12,533 --> 03:26:14,166
short-term effects, not lifelong exposure in close proximity to where people live. And the national toxicology

1881
03:26:19,133 --> 03:26:22,333
program has reported two more findings in animal studies. You don't ignore signals like that.

1882
03:26:24,366 --> 03:26:24,366
you take them seriously. Second, 5g changes the exposure

1883
03:26:32,333 --> 03:26:36,000
landscape. This is not just another upgrade. It requires more transmitters placed closer to homes. That means higher density,

1884
03:26:40,733 --> 03:26:40,733
closer range, and continuous exposure, saying each unit needs

1885
03:26:45,900 --> 03:26:47,433
guidelines, and this is the point. The environment itself is changing.

1886
03:26:51,833 --> 03:26:54,066
third, the financial impact israel. Studies in real estate consistently show homes near

1887
03:26:56,366 --> 03:26:56,366
visible towers can lose value, sometimes significantly.

1888
03:27:01,933 --> 03:27:05,066
even when estimates vary, one fact does not. Perception drives markets. If buyers are hesitant,

1889
03:27:09,166 --> 03:27:09,166
homeowners pay the price. Finally, this is a question of

1890
03:27:14,933 --> 03:27:14,933
fairness. The benefits of 5g are spread

1891
03:27:20,100 --> 03:27:20,100
across entire cities. But the risks, visual, economic,

1892
03:27:24,933 --> 03:27:24,933
and uncertain health impacts, are concentrated on a handful of

1893
03:27:29,333 --> 03:27:31,733
residents. I would like to emphasize, that is a handful of residents. That is not balanced policy, and

1894
03:27:36,033 --> 03:27:36,033
it is not necessary. There are less intrusive ways to

1895
03:27:41,333 --> 03:27:43,566
build this network without placing the burden on one neighborhood. Thank you for your time.

1896
03:27:49,433 --> 03:27:53,300
>> thank you. Next, good afternoon. >> hi. My name is jeff hewitt. We live at 461 incentive veto. -- I have three short comments.

1897
03:28:03,100 --> 03:28:05,933
the first one is, there is a hell of a lot of construction going on around here. Why not put the tower in a place

1898
03:28:08,800 --> 03:28:08,800
where people can see it before they buy rather than in our case

1899
03:28:15,600 --> 03:28:15,600
12 years after we bought. When we bought the house, there

1900
03:28:20,133 --> 03:28:20,133
was no church, no nothing in that lot.

1901
03:28:25,333 --> 03:28:25,333
it was starting to find out that they were going to put a

1902
03:28:31,000 --> 03:28:31,000
175-foot tower right there. There are lots of places where

1903
03:28:37,866 --> 03:28:37,866
they could do it from the ground up, and then there would be

1904
03:28:42,300 --> 03:28:44,933
people buying homes knowing what the impact would be. That's my first point. My second point is, they talked

1905
03:28:50,533 --> 03:28:54,000
about connecting with all the safety features. Isn't all of that going on right now?

1906
03:28:57,866 --> 03:28:57,866
I haven't heard anybody say they don't get good signal, that they

1907
03:29:02,000 --> 03:29:02,000
tried to get 9-1-1 and couldn't get through.

1908
03:29:07,866 --> 03:29:07,866
what does that mean, trying to >> somebody who's spent most of

1909
03:29:16,133 --> 03:29:19,233
his life in sales and marketing. The third thing that nobody has mentioned, which I think is critical to this discussion, has

1910
03:29:25,066 --> 03:29:25,066
anybody talked about department of health and human services

1911
03:29:29,166 --> 03:29:29,166
suddenly starting a program to evaluate potential health risks

1912
03:29:35,633 --> 03:29:38,633
from cell phones and cell phone towers? I haven't heard any of that. These standards go back to 1996,

1913
03:29:45,966 --> 03:29:45,966
that we are living with today, okay.

1914
03:29:50,933 --> 03:29:50,933
as of january of 2026, health and human services suddenly took

1915
03:29:58,566 --> 03:30:02,400
down all the information from their website and the fda website that said that cell phone services were not

1916
03:30:06,766 --> 03:30:09,300
health hazards. They took them down, and they've started a new program to evaluate the potential health

1917
03:30:18,833 --> 03:30:18,833
issues with cell phone service towers and handhelds as well.

1918
03:30:25,900 --> 03:30:25,900
guess what, part of the population is most likely to be

1919
03:30:30,800 --> 03:30:33,033
affected? Kids. So here we are today, we are talking about putting something

1920
03:30:39,366 --> 03:30:41,866
in an area where nobody expected it when there are places that they could do it, and everybody would know in advance and so

1921
03:30:46,100 --> 03:30:46,100
that is my story for today. >> thank you very much.

1922
03:30:50,933 --> 03:30:50,933
good afternoon. >> hello.

1923
03:30:58,366 --> 03:30:58,366
I live on caste one circle. I am here today because this

1924
03:31:03,400 --> 03:31:06,000
decision directly affects my home and community, which I chose very carefully. I do not have any issues with my

1925
03:31:09,566 --> 03:31:13,333
current service and there is no demonstrated need that justify placing this tower in a residential area like ours.

1926
03:31:16,166 --> 03:31:16,166
there are over 3500 homes in our community and relatively few --

1927
03:31:22,300 --> 03:31:22,300
the tower doesn't belong here. If this tower had existed or

1928
03:31:26,966 --> 03:31:30,400
even been proposed by my home, I never would've purchased it. I invested my life savings here because I like the character,

1929
03:31:33,966 --> 03:31:37,366
the appearance and stability of my neighborhood. This fundamentally will change that.

1930
03:31:39,233 --> 03:31:39,233
this tower is not compatible with the area, it places an

1931
03:31:43,433 --> 03:31:45,533
excessive burden on the residents who live nearby but the benefits go elsewhere. Those of us who live here will

1932
03:31:51,933 --> 03:31:54,800
have daily visual impacts, loss of enjoyment of our property. It undermines the comfort, appearance, sense of security

1933
03:31:58,933 --> 03:32:02,000
that makes this community a place that people want to live and raise their children. This proposal also conflicts

1934
03:32:03,966 --> 03:32:03,966
with the way this area has developed and the way the

1935
03:32:09,366 --> 03:32:09,366
residents expected it to develop in the future.

1936
03:32:13,766 --> 03:32:17,166
once something is there that's approved, it cannot be undone. The neighborhood will be permanently changed and altered.

1937
03:32:20,366 --> 03:32:20,366
I ask this board to consider the people who live here and to

1938
03:32:24,666 --> 03:32:24,666
protect the integrity of our community by supporting our

1939
03:32:29,833 --> 03:32:33,533
land-use development code and the denial of the proposal. Thank you. >> thank you.

1940
03:32:37,833 --> 03:32:40,800
good afternoon. >> hello. I am rachel good kind, seven catalonia court, st. Augustine.

1941
03:32:46,933 --> 03:32:46,933
first of all, I live in a condo community that is approximately

1942
03:32:51,600 --> 03:32:54,366
five or six blocks from the proposed site. There are over 450 condominiums where I live.

1943
03:32:57,400 --> 03:32:57,400
if each one, the value increases about $10,000, we are talking

1944
03:33:04,633 --> 03:33:04,633
about millions of dollars. These companies never mentioned

1945
03:33:10,800 --> 03:33:10,800
the decrease in property values, and they were well aware of it.

1946
03:33:15,766 --> 03:33:15,766
secondly, one thing I never hear talked about is something called

1947
03:33:19,966 --> 03:33:23,566
fiber-optic cables. They are perfectly safe, they emit no radio frequencies, no emfs and they actually provide

1948
03:33:28,966 --> 03:33:32,200
better coverage. That is a viable alternative to putting a tower in a neighborhood where the vast

1949
03:33:35,233 --> 03:33:39,000
majority of the people object. But nobody mentioned it. And I the reason is because the towers make a good fat monthly

1950
03:33:44,600 --> 03:33:48,333
income from all of those refrigerator things on the towers. But why not bury your cables?

1951
03:33:51,366 --> 03:33:51,366
in fact, I send the board here at least ten articles showing

1952
03:33:56,033 --> 03:33:56,033
property values decrease with cell towers, and two that showed

1953
03:34:01,300 --> 03:34:05,200
that fiber-optic cables actually raise property values. Which would someone prefer as a home owner?

1954
03:34:07,800 --> 03:34:11,000
the choice is obvious. But this has never been brought up as an option because I think it's about profits, not about

1955
03:34:15,300 --> 03:34:15,300
the people. Secondly, thirdly, our fcc has

1956
03:34:22,566 --> 03:34:22,566
betrayed all american citizens by violating our first amendment

1957
03:34:27,966 --> 03:34:27,966
rights and stifling us from talking about health and

1958
03:34:32,166 --> 03:34:33,966
environmental issues. These are directly connected to these towers. Children's health defense in

1959
03:34:38,133 --> 03:34:38,133
2020 the fcc and showed 3000 pieces of evidence that clearly

1960
03:34:46,400 --> 03:34:46,400
showed that even though I'm not allowed to mention it, there are

1961
03:34:50,766 --> 03:34:53,500
health effects, there are environmental effects and the fcc was found liable for everything the children's health

1962
03:34:57,833 --> 03:35:01,466
defense said. And the conclusion of the lawsuit in the appeals court said that the fcc failed to

1963
03:35:07,766 --> 03:35:10,800
provide evidence to 5g -- that 5g and wireless were safe. This is so important to mention. And again, I resent the fact

1964
03:35:16,066 --> 03:35:19,600
that my first amendment rights are violated by the agency that is slated and paid to protect us.

1965
03:35:22,166 --> 03:35:22,166
if they are not protecting us, it's the citizens who must speak

1966
03:35:26,600 --> 03:35:29,566
up and be heard by boards like this. Thank you for listening. >> thank you very much.

1967
03:35:33,900 --> 03:35:33,900
good afternoon. >> colo, my name is tonya alba

1968
03:35:40,533 --> 03:35:44,033
knees, I live in st. Augustine shores. I have lived there for 20 years. I chose the neighborhood because

1969
03:35:48,466 --> 03:35:48,466
of its beauty, and we do not have a problem with any

1970
03:35:56,366 --> 03:35:59,366
cell phone reception. There are two cell towers near the neighborhood, one near each entrance to the neighborhood.

1971
03:36:03,766 --> 03:36:03,766
there is one that is about 1.8 miles away.

1972
03:36:08,066 --> 03:36:08,066
we do not need this cell phone tower that is 170 feet tall,

1973
03:36:13,100 --> 03:36:13,100
which is equal to the height of an 11-story building.

1974
03:36:18,600 --> 03:36:22,466
we do not want this, we do not need it. Towers like this would be compatible in other places like

1975
03:36:29,033 --> 03:36:29,033
rural areas or a timber forest, away from homes and schools.

1976
03:36:37,233 --> 03:36:37,233
when this was established, probably somewhere around the

1977
03:36:42,366 --> 03:36:42,366
50s to the 70s, there was no such thing as a cell tower, so

1978
03:36:47,600 --> 03:36:50,866
they couldn't say we are going to prohibit this because they didn't know anything about it. We do have satellite service, we

1979
03:36:55,300 --> 03:36:55,300
can even purchase a satellite telephone.

1980
03:37:00,900 --> 03:37:00,900
so I say please say no to this. He was turned down four months

1981
03:37:08,200 --> 03:37:11,700
ago. Police say no for this cell tower. Thank you. >> thank you. Good afternoon.

1982
03:37:14,166 --> 03:37:14,166
>> good afternoon. I am showing you a picture again

1983
03:37:20,600 --> 03:37:20,600
of where I live, marked with a x.

1984
03:37:25,766 --> 03:37:25,766
I'm approximately 375 feet from the proposed tower.

1985
03:37:30,600 --> 03:37:30,600
I am at 619 west bianca circle. My next-door neighbor is the

1986
03:37:36,200 --> 03:37:36,200
person who is the closest to the tower site at 263 feet.

1987
03:37:41,000 --> 03:37:41,000
if you weeks ago, a very nice security officer helped me

1988
03:37:45,766 --> 03:37:49,100
measure the distance from this podium to the back wall. It's approximately 60 feet, which means this tower will be

1989
03:37:54,600 --> 03:37:54,600
almost three times this length. The special use permit does

1990
03:38:02,866 --> 03:38:02,866
allow for a taller tower but the st. Joan -- st. Johns county

1991
03:38:09,366 --> 03:38:09,366
ordinance 97.5 restricts the height at 150 feet.

1992
03:38:14,166 --> 03:38:14,166
previously, ice shared the petitions signed by 393

1993
03:38:18,200 --> 03:38:18,200
neighbors, opposing the tower based on language directly from

1994
03:38:23,066 --> 03:38:25,033
the st. Johns county land development code. They were so pleased that the board denied the proposal in

1995
03:38:30,966 --> 03:38:33,366
december. The comments earlier about property value impact was especially appreciated, as he is

1996
03:38:39,833 --> 03:38:43,366
regarded by many as an expert witness in his own right. When I think of the term compatibility, I equate it with

1997
03:38:47,666 --> 03:38:47,666
peaceful enjoyment of my home and property, which we now have.

1998
03:38:52,466 --> 03:38:55,366
our grandchildren enjoy gardening in our backyard with us. We are not supposed to the

1999
03:38:57,366 --> 03:39:01,166
church, I have not heard anyone say that they are opposed to the church, we just don't want the intrusion of a 170-foot tower

2000
03:39:05,433 --> 03:39:05,433
looming over our heads. My cell phone service is

2001
03:39:12,500 --> 03:39:15,266
excellent, my cable service is as well. However, I am confused by their contention that service coverage

2002
03:39:26,600 --> 03:39:30,200
deficits are well documented. I went to the team mobile websites, and this is what I saw when I put in my address for

2003
03:39:37,333 --> 03:39:37,333
coverage, that is pretty saturated, actually, with 5g

2004
03:39:41,400 --> 03:39:44,133
coverage. So I'm confused. Maybe somebody could speak to that.

2005
03:39:49,566 --> 03:39:49,566
and we have asked several times to see a list of other sites

2006
03:39:54,266 --> 03:39:54,266
that they explored. We have yet to see that.

2007
03:39:58,366 --> 03:40:02,000
I am wondering if that might be available for the commissioners. Thank you so much. We are asking that you uphold

2008
03:40:07,533 --> 03:40:10,933
the denial of the pca. Thank you. >> thank you. Good afternoon.

2009
03:40:13,766 --> 03:40:16,600
>> hello. My name is charles moran, I live at 601 felix court. Behind my house is a lake called

2010
03:40:23,633 --> 03:40:26,566
bird lake. When first purchased the property, that's what attracted us to that property.

2011
03:40:29,766 --> 03:40:29,766
when we were looking over at the lake, there were about 2500

2012
03:40:33,966 --> 03:40:33,966
birds there, egrets, ducks, wood storks, you name it, they are

2013
03:40:38,966 --> 03:40:38,966
there. That was a premium loft.

2014
03:40:43,133 --> 03:40:45,833
all of those lots on the lake our premium lots. They sell for more money. So here we are.

2015
03:40:55,000 --> 03:40:57,633
there have been organizations such as the american bird conservancy and the u.s. And wildlife services and the

2016
03:41:04,100 --> 03:41:04,100
national park conservation association that recommends

2017
03:41:08,166 --> 03:41:11,333
avoiding placement of cell phone towers in migratory corridors such as birdlike. Find another place.

2018
03:41:17,733 --> 03:41:21,666
there are plenty of lots for sale all around. There is a state property over there.

2019
03:41:24,366 --> 03:41:24,366
there is a state property past the golf course on the south

2020
03:41:32,266 --> 03:41:32,266
there is room. He says he can't see the cell

2021
03:41:37,900 --> 03:41:37,900
tower at night. B.s.

2022
03:41:41,966 --> 03:41:41,966
let me tell you something, the moon rises behind our house.

2023
03:41:46,366 --> 03:41:48,766
I see the shades of all the trees. It's beautiful when I look out. What am I going to see?

2024
03:41:51,666 --> 03:41:51,666
this crazy cell tower with four different types of carriers on

2025
03:41:58,966 --> 03:42:00,966
it. I don't want to see that. I have beautiful pictures of my backyard and now those pictures

2026
03:42:04,466 --> 03:42:08,166
will be ruined by this cell tower. I'm going to have to move out of this neighborhood, sell my house

2027
03:42:12,533 --> 03:42:12,533
at a lower cost. I don't want that.

2028
03:42:24,833 --> 03:42:24,833
we have an hoa in our neighborhood.

2029
03:42:29,300 --> 03:42:33,166
supposedly they can't take a position. Why? Why can't they take a position

2030
03:42:35,000 --> 03:42:35,000
on this? You are our hoa.

2031
03:42:43,966 --> 03:42:43,966
make a good decision for the people of the community.

2032
03:42:52,366 --> 03:42:52,366
that's all I've got to say. >> thank you.

2033
03:42:58,566 --> 03:43:02,566
>> I am a st. Augustine shores residents. I have never spoken in opposition to this many people.

2034
03:43:06,233 --> 03:43:06,233
so I'm a little nervous. I live in the area of where it

2035
03:43:10,566 --> 03:43:13,866
will be. I will be able to see it from my house. I am so thankful.

2036
03:43:16,366 --> 03:43:16,366
I don't know if anyone else, and I don't know if people have kids

2037
03:43:21,333 --> 03:43:23,966
but I do. And there are more of us moving into the shores because of the wonderful opportunities.

2038
03:43:27,766 --> 03:43:27,766
I have changed carriers twice. The wrong carriers but I do not

2039
03:43:32,266 --> 03:43:32,266
have 5g service. There are a couple of quick

2040
03:43:37,766 --> 03:43:40,366
points I want to make. I'm just hoping that you will do it based on the fax. I know there are a lot of people

2041
03:43:43,566 --> 03:43:46,266
opposed and I'm sure that their points are good. You probably can't see what this is but if you can -- it's power

2042
03:43:52,766 --> 03:43:52,766
lines. Near this, there is a huge space

2043
03:43:57,166 --> 03:43:57,166
where there are a bunch of power lines, they are above

2044
03:44:01,533 --> 03:44:03,466
ground. So yes, there is a lot of underground but there is a huge amount of power lines.

2045
03:44:12,633 --> 03:44:12,633
I'm not against clearcutting and I am so afraid from the ones

2046
03:44:19,033 --> 03:44:22,166
that have gotten clear cut it near us recently. But I want to show you this. That big green space, look who

2047
03:44:30,366 --> 03:44:33,366
comes? This is after the clear cutting. They are still coming. They come all the time.

2048
03:44:35,966 --> 03:44:35,966
I love it. Thank god for our protected

2049
03:44:40,133 --> 03:44:43,200
green spaces. They clear cut just across the street and they are still coming.

2050
03:44:46,233 --> 03:44:46,233
I just saw a baby fond. I get the fear.

2051
03:44:50,433 --> 03:44:53,966
I was against the liquor store coming near the same area but this isn't a liquor store. So I want to speak about safety.

2052
03:44:59,800 --> 03:45:02,400
my kids have reached the age where they can go down the street a bit to my mom's house. They cannot call me and lets me

2053
03:45:06,466 --> 03:45:06,466
know they are there because their watches don't work.

2054
03:45:13,266 --> 03:45:16,800
my husband and I called to my mom on messenger. I don't know why everyone else has great service because we

2055
03:45:20,000 --> 03:45:23,866
don't and I have tried other ones. If you look in the area, if we had taken that map and put the

2056
03:45:28,433 --> 03:45:28,433
number of sexual offenders there, let's just say there are

2057
03:45:33,266 --> 03:45:35,200
three within walking distance that we pass. We have a dog, my kids walk the dog before I get home.

2058
03:45:39,266 --> 03:45:42,600
I would love to be able to call them. They don't have smart watches because I don't believe it's

2059
03:45:45,833 --> 03:45:48,433
safe. It's a special watch and I can only call them. Help a mama out.

2060
03:45:52,533 --> 03:45:55,200
you need a hot spot in emergencies. That would be amazing to be able to have my kids not be bored.

2061
03:45:59,600 --> 03:45:59,600
>> thank you very much. >> 1748 -- technology has been

2062
03:46:15,200 --> 03:46:18,466
running like you wouldn't believe. I remember growing up, you were on a party line, a party line,

2063
03:46:24,600 --> 03:46:27,600
then we got our own separate line. My first mobile phone was the size of a six pack of beer.

2064
03:46:36,366 --> 03:46:39,733
that's a regular handheld set so it's growing leaps and bounds and here we are now to 5g. You were asking about the polls,

2065
03:46:46,500 --> 03:46:46,500
there is your poll. Yes what's on the top of it?

2066
03:46:54,400 --> 03:46:54,400
when you add on all the carriers, it's about the size of

2067
03:46:59,266 --> 03:47:01,800
a sun bus. I understand where people are coming from but there are alternatives.

2068
03:47:04,633 --> 03:47:05,600
there are definitely alternatives. As fast as it is growing, right now, this is on a one.

2069
03:47:13,933 --> 03:47:13,933
a18 has those in place right n now.

2070
03:47:20,166 --> 03:47:20,166
more and more community futures and towns are going with this

2071
03:47:24,366 --> 03:47:24,366
type of cell phone tower. You have to have a few more.

2072
03:47:29,600 --> 03:47:33,133
the proper head, it's a mile and a half that that reaches out with the proper frequency. Downtown, there's another one

2073
03:47:44,400 --> 03:47:45,833
downtown. And jacksonville right now has these in place. They are in place right now.

2074
03:47:52,633 --> 03:47:52,633
95 by gp has one of those things set right in front right now.

2075
03:47:57,833 --> 03:47:57,833
so it is being put to use. Powers, yes, they were needed a

2076
03:48:02,666 --> 03:48:02,666
long time ago but as we progress in the cell phone future,

2077
03:48:10,000 --> 03:48:12,600
satellite is going to be the next step. But in the meantime, we don't have to have these large towers.

2078
03:48:17,266 --> 03:48:17,266
we can use the alternative. You have to have a few more,

2079
03:48:22,866 --> 03:48:22,866
yes, but still, it's better than having one out your back window.

2080
03:48:31,266 --> 03:48:34,433
we don't need to have it. There are alternatives. I urge you to go with the alternatives.

2081
03:48:37,000 --> 03:48:40,100
they are being used out there. Commissioner taylor, I think because you had the nights for lights, the burned a mobile

2082
03:48:44,533 --> 03:48:44,533
unit. There are now one of these units

2083
03:48:49,300 --> 03:48:51,900
sitting outside st. Francis field right now. So it is used now, so let's continue to use.

2084
03:48:55,866 --> 03:48:59,533
there are alternatives. Thank you. >> thank you. Are there any other public

2085
03:49:03,566 --> 03:49:06,233
comments at this time on agenda item number 2. Seeing then, we will close -- we will close public comment.

2086
03:49:11,866 --> 03:49:11,866
>> any questions or comments from the board members?

2087
03:49:17,866 --> 03:49:17,866
okay. >> on rebuttal, I do want to

2088
03:49:32,366 --> 03:49:32,366
enter this into the records. This is the matter I spoke about

2089
03:49:40,200 --> 03:49:40,200
briefly and showed a map, ended talked about -- it really talks

2090
03:49:45,200 --> 03:49:48,000
about the compatibility. Compatibility isn't just about is a tower their first or second or home first or second.

2091
03:49:50,600 --> 03:49:50,600
it's about cohabitating. Harmonious uses.

2092
03:49:54,700 --> 03:49:57,266
it doesn't have to be exactly alike. The plan is very specific about that.

2093
03:49:59,266 --> 03:50:02,600
there's a policy that says that. It does not have to be exactly alike. That's a compatibility stat

2094
03:50:05,500 --> 03:50:08,000
statement. And while a tower is not exactly alike something in the neighborhood, it is critical

2095
03:50:10,900 --> 03:50:14,633
communication infrastructure and an essential service and it does provide that for this neighborhood and the growing

2096
03:50:17,633 --> 03:50:17,633
communities essentially right across the street there are

2097
03:50:23,566 --> 03:50:23,566
hundreds of lots coming online. Deltona themselves owning a lot

2098
03:50:31,900 --> 03:50:31,900
of land in the shores and there are a ton of lots in the area.

2099
03:50:37,000 --> 03:50:39,800
neither of them have shown up. It's just a fact. They haven't written an opposition letter.

2100
03:50:42,600 --> 03:50:45,933
because having cell phone service for new developments, new families, a lot of people ditch the land line and go

2101
03:50:49,533 --> 03:50:53,433
straight to cell phone service. That's an asset, that's a selling point. I wanted to provide concrete

2102
03:50:56,000 --> 03:50:59,866
facts on this on property valuations, and you can see from the property appraisers themselves that there are values

2103
03:51:04,566 --> 03:51:07,300
associated with the properties that are right next door to two of the towers but I just showed. I want to be very approximate --

2104
03:51:12,066 --> 03:51:15,000
I want to have a proximity to this scale of reference regarding comparables. I'm not a licensed real estate

2105
03:51:19,033 --> 03:51:22,400
appraisers so I'm stating that on the record. But we can all do research on sales and comparables and

2106
03:51:26,033 --> 03:51:27,900
evaluations. I just want to show this for the record and then I will enter it into the record as well.

2107
03:51:35,000 --> 03:51:35,000
once again, and the reason why this is key to this subject

2108
03:51:41,066 --> 03:51:43,000
matter because this isn't a google search. I'm trying to find something that's going to fit my narrative

2109
03:51:47,666 --> 03:51:50,766
on do cell phone towers search everybody's property values. Because I can find some articles to talk about the value of

2110
03:51:55,833 --> 03:51:57,466
cell phone coverage and essential services for residential areas. These are properties you see on

2111
03:51:59,900 --> 03:52:02,700
your screen here. These are the lots within 300 feet of two towers. One tower is 19018 -- 198,

2112
03:52:10,400 --> 03:52:12,400
there's 250 feet tall. That was a residential neighborhood built after the towers were there.

2113
03:52:15,633 --> 03:52:19,200
so correct, that is after the towers existed. But again, it didn't sway folks from designing and plotting and

2114
03:52:23,533 --> 03:52:23,533
building and promoting the neighborhood and also let the

2115
03:52:28,066 --> 03:52:30,133
record showed the valuation of the lots that are circled increasing in value. From late 2018, 2019 until

2116
03:52:37,800 --> 03:52:41,300
today. And so there also comes a value with knowing the home you are buying in the neighborhood does

2117
03:52:44,600 --> 03:52:46,833
have adequate cell phone service and coverage. And so I'm going to submit these from the record.

2118
03:52:49,633 --> 03:52:52,733
they are from a property appraiser itself showing valuations. I will submit these showing the

2119
03:52:55,766 --> 03:52:59,466
towers in proximity to those same residential lots as I discussed here. Again, that is the two-mile ring

2120
03:53:03,100 --> 03:53:05,200
around the property and that's part of the exhibit would provide this required for this application.

2121
03:53:17,400 --> 03:53:17,400
I will say that we have met all the criteria in the code for a

2122
03:53:25,200 --> 03:53:25,200
special use permit for this tower location.

2123
03:53:29,466 --> 03:53:32,800
there is one area that people describe and that's why we're here because compatibility. What's the compatibility, it's

2124
03:53:36,400 --> 03:53:40,166
based on visual esthetics. How did those visual esthetics impact. In the code, it says adjacent

2125
03:53:43,166 --> 03:53:45,800
property values. Adjacent means abutting. This tower and this property is not abutting a residential

2126
03:53:50,600 --> 03:53:53,666
property. It's actually exceeds the minimum distance requirements for the code. As we know, 250 feet is the standard we are beyond that.

2127
03:53:58,866 --> 03:53:58,866
so I do believe that some of the discussion about the appraiser

2128
03:54:09,966 --> 03:54:11,100
dating articles back to 2005, when there wasn't even 5g coverage back then, are subjective and not a comparison

2129
03:54:14,200 --> 03:54:14,200
for this specific location, and they lack writable substantial

2130
03:54:19,500 --> 03:54:19,500
details. There's nothing comparing the

2131
03:54:24,066 --> 03:54:27,400
exact type of tower in a neighborhood such as this. It's a strong brush and broad campus of interviews and

2132
03:54:30,800 --> 03:54:33,800
articles online. One could speculate that lack of coverage and a specific area of a neighborhood could result in

2133
03:54:37,866 --> 03:54:40,833
less desirable factors that outweigh having a cell phone tower in view that meets or exceeds the ldc tower

2134
03:54:45,033 --> 03:54:46,233
requirements in the st. Johns county code. We heard today through an hour plus of public comment, a lot of

2135
03:54:51,566 --> 03:54:53,800
them talked about safety and communication. The ability to communicate and the ability to have safety.

2136
03:54:57,600 --> 03:55:00,000
congestion in the tower, congestion and radio-frequency for tower coverage. The key was having adequate

2137
03:55:03,366 --> 03:55:06,000
coverage. Dozens of citizens attests the need for critical communication of a structure that adequately

2138
03:55:07,700 --> 03:55:07,700
serve the community. Again, appraisals in testimony

2139
03:55:13,200 --> 03:55:16,166
doesn't portray an entire picture very detailed with confident substantial evidence were as is reasonably probable

2140
03:55:21,033 --> 03:55:24,433
that comparables of real estate also reflect increase in values near towers as I submitted for the record.

2141
03:55:27,233 --> 03:55:29,266
whether visible in the distance or any similar development because of service they provide. There are not a lot of places to

2142
03:55:34,800 --> 03:55:34,800
put towers like this. We are given a specific ring to

2143
03:55:40,066 --> 03:55:42,933
go hunt for properties. The engineers at the service provider say this is the area where there is a black hole, a

2144
03:55:45,866 --> 03:55:48,500
void in coverage. The key to the void in coverages and home and in the car service. People say I can go in my front

2145
03:55:52,000 --> 03:55:54,433
yard and get my coverage and hold my phone up and everyone does that answer try to get service coverage.

2146
03:55:56,533 --> 03:56:00,033
the key to that, there aren't a lot of places to put this it doesn't come with another set of circumstances including

2147
03:56:03,100 --> 03:56:06,966
visibility. That's nimby as him to team. We want service but get out of my backyard. That's my green space. When I moved there, the church

2148
03:56:11,800 --> 03:56:13,666
wasn't there. There's all trees. So they've adore -- they've adorned it to their own green

2149
03:56:16,200 --> 03:56:19,733
space when it's private property and as part of the commercial and business district. A mixed used pod, not purely

2150
03:56:24,400 --> 03:56:27,400
residential. So I cite the policy and comprehensive plan the talks about compatibility does not

2151
03:56:30,000 --> 03:56:32,833
mean it needs to be exactly alike. That's a policy adopted in the conference of plan.

2152
03:56:35,700 --> 03:56:38,433
we understand towers are not exactly like other elements in there as far as critical information of her structure but

2153
03:56:42,433 --> 03:56:46,266
it does not have to be exactly alike to live in coharmony overtime. And so I stated this before and

2154
03:56:51,866 --> 03:56:55,033
I will again, I have a tower in by backyard as we are going to talk about it. When I look at my back door of

2155
03:56:57,566 --> 03:56:57,566
my front door, I can see the tower, it's on executive way.

2156
03:57:03,033 --> 03:57:05,766
it's about 165 roughly foot tower. It's not live. I bought it several years ago

2157
03:57:11,400 --> 03:57:11,400
and the gentleman that sold it to me certainly didn't offer him

2158
03:57:15,666 --> 03:57:18,866
the ability to negotiate because there's a tower back there for a diminution of property value. I have a tower, I cohabitate

2159
03:57:24,166 --> 03:57:27,333
with it. I see it. And it does provide adequate service.

2160
03:57:30,233 --> 03:57:32,666
again, I ask for your consideration. The other item I will pitch to you that we haven't brought up

2161
03:57:38,066 --> 03:57:40,500
is mr. Moody brought up one good point, we were collaborating in the back. The further you get away from

2162
03:57:45,366 --> 03:57:45,366
the proximity of other specific use, is not a business parcel or

2163
03:57:50,633 --> 03:57:54,266
a tower parcel, it does not affect or diminish property values as much. So I'm willing to proffer if I

2164
03:58:00,466 --> 03:58:00,466
can get your support for this to move the tower about 320 feet to

2165
03:58:05,433 --> 03:58:08,833
the south on the same property. We can only deal with the 5 acres we have at hand. We can't say go to the parcel

2166
03:58:11,666 --> 03:58:13,866
across the street. That public service announcement was for the 5-acre property in total, not just the lease

2167
03:58:18,033 --> 03:58:21,266
parcel. It encapsulate the full 5 acres. We are willing to move the tower to the south side of that

2168
03:58:24,466 --> 03:58:27,966
property in the corner. What that does is it gets that tower 500 feet which is double the 250-foot requirement,

2169
03:58:32,633 --> 03:58:36,100
500 feet from the northern most residential property and the western most residential property adjacent to us.

2170
03:58:39,233 --> 03:58:41,833
again, after cross over the open space residential area before you get to the residential space both ways.

2171
03:58:44,933 --> 03:58:44,933
it's double the standard to 50. And it does lower the perceived

2172
03:58:49,300 --> 03:58:51,666
view or vista of the tower itself. We are willing to make that concession if you would so like.

2173
03:58:55,100 --> 03:58:58,800
from here, if this were to be approved with that condition, we would then go do our environmental studies on that

2174
03:59:01,866 --> 03:59:03,333
parcel. We looked at the church parcel but we were working with the church itself on the master plan

2175
03:59:06,300 --> 03:59:08,933
and where they should go where we're going. But I would like to make that offer.

2176
03:59:16,133 --> 03:59:20,033
>> thank you for adding that. I just wanted you to go back to the last slide that you have. You acknowledge yourself that

2177
03:59:29,166 --> 03:59:29,166
there is a visibility problem. The last thing that you said waa

2178
03:59:37,200 --> 03:59:38,600
quicker way to get through these sites. >> the very last one. >> I know.

2179
03:59:43,066 --> 03:59:46,633
I think it mentioned working with the staff commission. >> because of visibility. >> again, we looked at the

2180
03:59:50,566 --> 03:59:53,566
flagpole type and there are inherent issues with that as described. Furthermore, towers are

2181
03:59:55,800 --> 03:59:57,700
working -- >> I know you are talking fast right now but it looks like you actively would do this.

2182
04:00:01,433 --> 04:00:04,833
>> our goal is to balance community esthetics with critical infrastructure needs. We are committed to working with

2183
04:00:06,866 --> 04:00:10,000
staff and the board on reasonable conditions or further reduce visual impact without compromising the facilities

2184
04:00:12,400 --> 04:00:12,400
function. >> so you acknowledge there is a

2185
04:00:17,066 --> 04:00:20,600
visual problem. And I appreciate right now that you are moving it's. Thanks. >> we acknowledge it. It's hard to put a 164 --

2186
04:00:26,166 --> 04:00:27,966
8165-foot tower anywhere without someone seeing it and potentially complaining about it.

2187
04:00:30,966 --> 04:00:34,066
so I ask for your recommendation of approval on this matter. Thank you. >> thank you.

2188
04:00:38,333 --> 04:00:39,733
commissioner, you are recognized. >> thank you, mr. Chair. Is mr. Moody still here?

2189
04:00:49,966 --> 04:00:51,233
ms. Caputo, you are a real estate agent. Did you bring any comparables that would indicate that a

2190
04:00:56,200 --> 04:00:58,600
property value does go down within a certain proximity of a cell phone tower? >> no, I have not.

2191
04:01:03,966 --> 04:01:05,866
I thought that mr. Moody was bringing them, so I did not bring any. >> just for the record, she

2192
04:01:09,600 --> 04:01:11,800
answered that no, she did not bring any. She thought mr. Moody was bringing them.

2193
04:01:14,200 --> 04:01:14,200
>> through the chair. ♪ mr. Moody left me his

2194
04:01:19,066 --> 04:01:21,066
materials. To reflect for the record, there are no comps in the material. >> so the material left with

2195
04:01:25,166 --> 04:01:27,800
you, there are no comps. Okay. Thank you. >> if I may, mr. Moody was

2196
04:01:34,766 --> 04:01:35,566
predicated on the adjacency factor. The definition talks about adjacent as being abutting.

2197
04:01:41,166 --> 04:01:44,133
the lack of any further clarification, you go to webster's dictionary, I staff can back that up.

2198
04:01:45,966 --> 04:01:45,966
webster's dictionary does describe adjacent does not mean

2199
04:01:50,766 --> 04:01:53,000
abutting or sharing or cohabitating with a property line. And we meet that metric.

2200
04:01:55,400 --> 04:01:59,366
in the code specifically, it's as possible reduction in property value, adjacent property value and we are not

2201
04:02:00,933 --> 04:02:00,933
adjacent by definition. >> okay, back to the board.

2202
04:02:07,966 --> 04:02:07,966
any other discussion from any of the board members?

2203
04:02:13,466 --> 04:02:13,466
okay. I am ready to hear a motion.

2204
04:02:19,733 --> 04:02:23,566
let's me put my two cents worth in here. One of the challenges that I had with this is going back, I

2205
04:02:27,766 --> 04:02:27,766
needed something to really hang my hat on when it came to the

2206
04:02:33,800 --> 04:02:36,600
legalities of this. All go back to what I said earlier, that this is not a regular hearing.

2207
04:02:42,366 --> 04:02:46,166
this is quasijudicial. And we actually have to sit as the judge in this case and not the defense attorney or the

2208
04:02:49,833 --> 04:02:52,566
prosecutor. So we have to take credible substantial evidence, and that's the biggest challenge for me

2209
04:02:55,366 --> 04:02:58,733
going back and looking at this is I needed something to hang my hat on that was credible and substantial in order to move.

2210
04:03:07,600 --> 04:03:07,600
one of the big challenges that I have with this is in mr. Moody's

2211
04:03:13,600 --> 04:03:17,433
testimony, I felt like I had something that I could hang my hat on to deny. I would have liked to have seen

2212
04:03:20,400 --> 04:03:20,400
something else. I would have liked to have seen

2213
04:03:25,366 --> 04:03:27,933
that he had comps, and those of the kinds of things that we can use as a judge to hang our hat up on.

2214
04:03:35,000 --> 04:03:37,766
and talking about that for weeks, as people send me emails and we talk about that. I still struggle.

2215
04:03:48,400 --> 04:03:51,766
one of the challenges that I struggle with is the legalities of it. That we are going to be back

2216
04:03:53,466 --> 04:03:53,466
here in a court of law getting this overturned because I don't

2217
04:03:59,100 --> 04:03:59,100
really feel or I do feel the challenges of trying to do

2218
04:04:05,166 --> 04:04:05,166
something here. So let me take the advice of a

2219
04:04:14,300 --> 04:04:14,300
good friend of mine and when the going gets rough, you've got to

2220
04:04:21,766 --> 04:04:24,400
go with your heart. I'm going to make a motion to deny the appeal. Upholding the decision of the

2221
04:04:29,566 --> 04:04:29,566
planning and zoning agency denied tower 224 based upon the

2222
04:04:35,066 --> 04:04:35,066
substantial evidence of mr mr. Moody, elizabeth michaels

2223
04:04:46,000 --> 04:04:48,566
and judy caputo when they testify about the diminishing values of the property. >> and I seconds that's.

2224
04:04:54,766 --> 04:04:54,766
>> we have a motion to seconds. Just as a reminder, as we go to

2225
04:05:00,000 --> 04:05:00,000
vote, a "yes" vote would be to deny the appeal court -- to

2226
04:05:08,800 --> 04:05:08,800
agree with the appeal -- let me make sure that I get this right.

2227
04:05:15,566 --> 04:05:15,566
a "yes" vote means that you are agreeing with my decision, my

2228
04:05:19,733 --> 04:05:19,733
motion to deny. That's correct.

2229
04:05:23,966 --> 04:05:23,966
as we go to vote, a "yes" would be with the motion and a no

2230
04:05:28,833 --> 04:05:28,833
would be against the motion. >> I don't have it.

2231
04:05:50,966 --> 04:05:50,966
>> that is 5-0. Motion to deny how past.

2232
04:05:56,966 --> 04:05:56,966
thank you so much for the hard work of not only the applicants

2233
04:06:01,366 --> 04:06:04,966
but also the people here. We are going to take a break. We will be back at quarter to choose, 145 will be when we

2234
04:06:20,967 --> 04:06:20,967
>> we are back in the folder, and we are ready for agenda item

2235
04:06:26,500 --> 04:06:26,500
number 3. >> good afternoon, sir.

2236
04:06:37,233 --> 04:06:37,233
>> good afternoon, mr. Chairman. James white house,.

2237
04:06:43,667 --> 04:06:43,667
>> before you get started, this is quasijudicial.

2238
04:06:49,200 --> 04:06:52,833
I will ask commissioner arnold% for her ex partes. >>> thank you, mr. Chair. I had no emails from residents

2239
04:06:55,800 --> 04:06:55,800
or stops but I did have a phone conversation with james

2240
04:07:00,100 --> 04:07:02,067
white house on behalf of the applicant. >> no emails from residents or the team.

2241
04:07:04,800 --> 04:07:06,267
a meeting with james white house and the team. >> thank you. Commissioner whitehurst.

2242
04:07:10,167 --> 04:07:13,967
>> no emails. Did meet with james white house yesterday to select site location, uses and concession to

2243
04:07:19,000 --> 04:07:19,000
make with some of the other signs that were allowed.

2244
04:07:25,000 --> 04:07:29,000
>> commissioner taylor. >> no emails from residents or staff. A meeting with james

2245
04:07:30,400 --> 04:07:31,133
white house, applicant and staff. >> I would say the same, I did have a meeting with mr

2246
04:07:40,900 --> 04:07:40,900
mr. Whitehouse. You know have the floor.

2247
04:07:45,167 --> 04:07:47,800
>> thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman, commissioners. For the record, james whit

2248
04:07:51,067 --> 04:07:52,033
whitehouse, saint johns law group. I am here on behalf of of u-haul florida, for this application,

2249
04:08:00,567 --> 04:08:03,367
which is a application for a nonzone variance to request approval for reason related for -- for the number of signs,

2250
04:08:08,967 --> 04:08:08,967
the total, size amount when added together and including, as

2251
04:08:13,267 --> 04:08:16,300
you heard, and I spoke with some of the about this, the removal of a previous life -- previous line not preferred by the

2252
04:08:20,433 --> 04:08:20,433
community in the area. This is located, as you know, to

2253
04:08:26,000 --> 04:08:26,000
the west of 95 of 16. It's a very large, almost

2254
04:08:31,000 --> 04:08:34,000
13-acre property at the southwest corner of the major intersection of state road 16 and county road 16a.

2255
04:08:36,233 --> 04:08:36,233
here you see an overview of the property itself from the self

2256
04:08:40,267 --> 04:08:43,800
report, as outlined in yellow, with the two buildings. There is a big agricultural piece to the west of this.

2257
04:08:48,000 --> 04:08:51,967
this is a better aerial view where you can see in the green the village, in the orange, the mirabel area, and the pink, as

2258
04:08:58,233 --> 04:09:01,067
well as the red. The intersection we are talking about outlined in blue is the property.

2259
04:09:02,700 --> 04:09:05,333
you can see the bridge down to the left there. We are within the future land use commercial ends world

2260
04:09:10,400 --> 04:09:12,600
commercial on the backside of this particular property. As you can see, these are from your staff report.

2261
04:09:14,500 --> 04:09:14,500
this is within a pud, as discussed within the staff

2262
04:09:19,767 --> 04:09:20,700
report. Staff report. This is an allowed use there in. You can see the two very large

2263
04:09:25,600 --> 04:09:28,467
buildings that have been developed on-site and in use currently without signs on them. That's why we're here are here

2264
04:09:30,267 --> 04:09:30,267
to talk about that. The big building is almost

2265
04:09:35,500 --> 04:09:35,500
125,000 square feet, very large, almost 300-foot in facade along

2266
04:09:41,500 --> 04:09:45,167
16 and smaller buildings about 17,000 square feet. And over 150-foot in facade along the roadway.

2267
04:09:47,667 --> 04:09:47,667
here you can see the major intersection in red.

2268
04:09:53,367 --> 04:09:56,900
that is 16 going to the intersection then turning down toward where you go to 13, so believe and you have 16 a going

2269
04:10:01,833 --> 04:10:05,133
straight. The pink is outlined, this major intersection within our county. Here you can see the

2270
04:10:10,033 --> 04:10:12,033
intersection south outlined in orange. Many are probably familiar with that and have gone through that

2271
04:10:14,133 --> 04:10:16,267
before. You can see the distance with the red arrow, how far it is from the building itself.

2272
04:10:18,833 --> 04:10:21,100
I will have more pictures in a moment. Here you can see the buildings, and these are the distances,

2273
04:10:25,600 --> 04:10:25,600
about 450 feet to the wilting b labeled within the staff report,

2274
04:10:29,633 --> 04:10:29,633
in building a from 16 -- over 550 feet away.

2275
04:10:37,200 --> 04:10:40,833
as we talked about and is outlined within your staff report, this pud is currently approved to have 425 put signs

2276
04:10:47,733 --> 04:10:47,733
on county road 16 a as well as four 30-foot signs on state road

2277
04:10:53,400 --> 04:10:57,367
16 that can all be out and they are tech nick liu monument ground sides going on there, those were the ones talking

2278
04:11:00,633 --> 04:11:03,600
about a mid minute they are prepared to forgo in the exchange of 88. This is an within the northwest

2279
04:11:06,067 --> 04:11:08,767
sector so you will have landscaping, scenic edges and buffers et cetera which as you see, the trees out there now are

2280
04:11:11,700 --> 04:11:15,600
not as big but they will be big when you go up and down roads like st. John's parkway or racetrack.

2281
04:11:18,000 --> 04:11:20,900
you see how a lot of these buildings have to have signs higher up and larger. In fact, I was here before one

2282
04:11:26,167 --> 04:11:28,800
in st. John's it was for a gas station that we had to put higher up and put bigger signs on the gas station because of

2283
04:11:30,500 --> 04:11:30,500
the landscaping. These are the kind of signs that

2284
04:11:34,567 --> 04:11:34,567
didn't go along, and they are approved, four of these on both

2285
04:11:38,700 --> 04:11:42,500
roadways along 16. Like I said, they can be up to 40 feet. And along 16a, they can be

2286
04:11:46,000 --> 04:11:48,600
25 feet. Like I said, the application is being made on behalf of the u-haul center for relief from

2287
04:11:51,033 --> 04:11:54,233
the one-size-fits-all ldc song -- sign code provisions which require 88 resigns -- the request is to talk about the

2288
04:12:03,267 --> 04:12:07,267
number of signs vis-a-vis the total size amount when added together. It includes the removal of this

2289
04:12:08,600 --> 04:12:10,967
approved sign as that is not preferred by the communities along the other state and county roadway.

2290
04:12:13,433 --> 04:12:16,633
this is the language that specifically from the pud that approve these signs, along 16 and 16.

2291
04:12:20,400 --> 04:12:23,400
they have a right to these. Today, they could go put these up, and they would much rather have a minor increase on the

2292
04:12:28,233 --> 04:12:31,100
amounts on the side of the building, giving up these signs, which is on each roadway, would be 500 square feet of ada, which

2293
04:12:37,867 --> 04:12:37,867
is less of what they are asking for in addition to each bui

2294
04:12:42,300 --> 04:12:42,300
building. As you see from your staff

2295
04:12:47,100 --> 04:12:51,000
report, this is within the cattle ridge plan unit. Development is to allow for advertising display of 636

2296
04:12:53,633 --> 04:12:53,633
square feet on building a and 576 feet on building b.

2297
04:12:57,800 --> 04:13:00,733
that's a reduction on building a of over 100 square feet from when they first brought this application.

2298
04:13:04,067 --> 04:13:06,900
as you know, a nonzoning variance is a case-by-case deviation to the rules of our code, upon a showing of good

2299
04:13:11,667 --> 04:13:14,600
because that's an alternative to the code is provided that conforms to the general spirit and intent of the code.

2300
04:13:17,400 --> 04:13:20,500
you see within your staff report, it talks about the fact that this particular pud allows for these other signs on 16 and

2301
04:13:28,200 --> 04:13:30,600
16a. We would assert to you the fact that it is within the spirit and intent of our code and within

2302
04:13:35,000 --> 04:13:35,000
the pud to remove those, adding that ada to the building itself,

2303
04:13:39,867 --> 04:13:43,800
taking into consideration the very large characteristics of the buildings themselves, scenic visibility from the roadway with

2304
04:13:48,567 --> 04:13:52,533
the landscaping et cetera. Like I said, today, I am here to tell you that that is the reason why we think this is appropriate

2305
04:13:58,400 --> 04:14:01,433
because we are willing to give those up and that would be a condition, that would be added to the order if this board

2306
04:14:05,233 --> 04:14:05,233
approved the ada requested for this particular building.

2307
04:14:10,400 --> 04:14:12,900
again, it's very important to note the distances because distance is one of the requirements that we talked

2308
04:14:15,200 --> 04:14:17,967
about when we talk about signs and whether there should be an increase in the size of signs on the holdings.

2309
04:14:23,567 --> 04:14:23,567
as you will see from within your packet, the spirit and intent of

2310
04:14:29,200 --> 04:14:33,200
our code is so you don't take a building and put signs over the whole side of the building or have a sign that is so large

2311
04:14:36,600 --> 04:14:40,000
úthat it takes up the whole side of the building. Not to say we have the signs that take up a reasonable

2312
04:14:42,233 --> 04:14:46,133
amount. When you look at these and you look at the depictions, and I will show you pictures of the buildings itself, they don't. They take up one particular

2313
04:14:49,967 --> 04:14:52,133
area. Our code talks about businesses, signs for business. This happens to be the u-haul

2314
04:14:55,300 --> 04:14:58,633
center, suis considered one business under our code, although they really have four businesses within the building

2315
04:15:01,000 --> 04:15:03,633
itself. That's why they have the four different types of signs on different facades.

2316
04:15:06,467 --> 04:15:09,433
again, when you look at the different on building b, it's right in the middle on the one brown material side.

2317
04:15:13,600 --> 04:15:16,533
when you look at the other side of building b, looking at the intersection, it's only on that one side.

2318
04:15:19,567 --> 04:15:19,567
the one little area, and again on the backside looking up 16a.

2319
04:15:24,633 --> 04:15:26,900
this is accumulation of all the signs, and that's where we come into the request because none of the signs which are code allows

2320
04:15:32,200 --> 04:15:35,367
for up to 150 square seat -- square feet per sign, none of the signs are even 150 square feet.

2321
04:15:38,467 --> 04:15:38,467
in fact, it shows the accumulation because our code is

2322
04:15:42,533 --> 04:15:45,533
interesting in it says you can have signs that can be up to 150 square feet but the maximum can only be 200.

2323
04:15:47,967 --> 04:15:50,967
to really if you have a hundred 50-foot side, you would only be able to have one fine. So it doesn't make sense in

2324
04:15:53,000 --> 04:15:56,600
these huge buildings to do that. That's what a nonzoning variance is. That's why when we look at the

2325
04:15:58,467 --> 04:15:58,467
different -- here you can see from the intersection itself,

2326
04:16:04,100 --> 04:16:06,400
it's not god, it's not like they are putting signs all over the building. It's one section. When you come to the huge intersection, to be able to see

2327
04:16:09,300 --> 04:16:12,767
these for a business. Like I said, it may be these four sides up to 35 to 40 feet up down 16 and 60a which are

2328
04:16:18,833 --> 04:16:21,033
prepare -- they are prepared to forgo those as a condition of this proposal. Within the code, as you know, we

2329
04:16:25,233 --> 04:16:28,867
have the requirements for nonzoning variance. We've gone through that. The staff as shown that within staff report. Therefore, we are here to ask

2330
04:16:34,667 --> 04:16:37,967
you for reasonable considration to allow these additional building exchange removing the right to have these multiple

2331
04:16:40,233 --> 04:16:40,233
signs along the roadways. The request isn't -- is in

2332
04:16:44,300 --> 04:16:44,300
complete harmony with the area, the pud and comprehensive plan

2333
04:16:49,200 --> 04:16:52,033
and that the removal of the unwanted signs will merely allow for additional signs on these very large buildings.

2334
04:16:55,267 --> 04:16:55,267
we have received no calls or opposition to this particular

2335
04:17:01,700 --> 04:17:03,233
request. The staff has provided motion for approval with conditions and findings.

2336
04:17:07,133 --> 04:17:10,567
I'm here to answer any questions. Thank you, mr. Chair. >> thank you. Questions from the board? We will go to mr. Arnold.

2337
04:17:16,000 --> 04:17:18,600
you are recognized. >> to mr. Whitehouse, when we discuss this on the phone, I think you mentioned perhaps the

2338
04:17:23,800 --> 04:17:27,600
pca, when they made their decision, wasn't fully made aware of the entitled signs, if you will, that will be on 16k,

2339
04:17:31,067 --> 04:17:31,067
if this is -- >> yes, ma'am.

2340
04:17:35,800 --> 04:17:38,267
unfortunately -- not unfortunately but as you know, sometimes individual applicants come and present their items,

2341
04:17:40,333 --> 04:17:44,067
which they are allowed to do. Sometimes, since some of us do this a lot and all the time, understand the nuances of how to

2342
04:17:47,167 --> 04:17:49,867
explain things and how to make it clear that that is really the exchange, that's why it's within these.

2343
04:17:52,800 --> 04:17:55,500
and intent of our code and pud is the removal of those. That was not made clear when I went back and watched it.

2344
04:17:57,400 --> 04:18:01,133
I think that's a big difference. >> thank you. >> thank you. We will go to public comments.

2345
04:18:06,233 --> 04:18:06,233
>> at this time, we will take public comment on agenda item

2346
04:18:11,600 --> 04:18:13,067
number 3. >> good afternoon. I live at 101 greenwell lane. I was fully aware of the removal

2347
04:18:21,733 --> 04:18:21,733
of the monument signs. For me, it was a matter of

2348
04:18:26,633 --> 04:18:26,633
636.14 and 576.91 where feet, with the maximum allowed of

2349
04:18:32,133 --> 04:18:34,200
200 feet. It seems like to have -- it seems like too much. Especially with u-haul trucks

2350
04:18:37,833 --> 04:18:40,967
everywhere. It seems like there's no lack of advertising with this large building.

2351
04:18:42,800 --> 04:18:44,900
and perhaps there will be eventually buffers that will grow but for now there are tiny shrubs and tiny trees.

2352
04:18:48,400 --> 04:18:52,000
it just doesn't seem to fit with the character of the neighborhood to add such a huge increase.

2353
04:18:54,700 --> 04:18:58,500
I do understand it's a branding issue, and they know they want what they want to but for me, it was just too much for that

2354
04:19:01,300 --> 04:19:01,300
general area. And defense, with all due

2355
04:19:06,767 --> 04:19:09,767
respect to mr. Whitehouse, who does a wonderful job, and I do appreciate him stepping up for this one, but I think it is too

2356
04:19:13,000 --> 04:19:15,800
much, in my opinion. But it is your decision to make it, mine. Thank you.

2357
04:19:18,700 --> 04:19:18,700
>> good afternoon. >> good afternoon.

2358
04:19:23,800 --> 04:19:27,667
I know exactly where this intersection is because I live right down the road from it. If you want to be able to worry

2359
04:19:31,933 --> 04:19:35,933
about the little shrubs that are growing, then they might overgrow and you won't be able to see the 127,000 square-foot

2360
04:19:41,267 --> 04:19:41,267
storage facility on that small intersection.

2361
04:19:45,367 --> 04:19:47,000
god help you. Please. You shouldn't be driving. Honestly.

2362
04:19:50,533 --> 04:19:54,067
this building is massive. It is. Both of them are. And so we need bigger size -- we

2363
04:20:02,400 --> 04:20:06,400
will take some outside from the road but the building is right there. It's not like these signs are

2364
04:20:08,667 --> 04:20:10,233
four or 5 miles from the building. It is right there. They didn't want to show all of

2365
04:20:14,767 --> 04:20:17,233
the big true pictures of what it's like. Did you see how far 16 is from that building?

2366
04:20:21,267 --> 04:20:21,267
50 eet, 75 feet, of 127,000 square-foot building, with all

2367
04:20:27,633 --> 04:20:31,267
of the u-haul surrounded? Come on. This is a constant issue that happens.

2368
04:20:35,033 --> 04:20:35,033
and yes, this is the same person who brings it up.

2369
04:20:39,200 --> 04:20:41,367
we need to get this building down. The second time, we will come around and get it done.

2370
04:20:44,433 --> 04:20:47,433
we need to get the signs a lot larger. Why? Because bucky's did it.

2371
04:20:49,433 --> 04:20:51,833
why? Because home depot did it. Why? Because the church needed a

2372
04:20:54,533 --> 04:20:54,533
bigger sign because everybody wasn't seeing it, even though

2373
04:20:59,967 --> 04:21:03,567
the iron cross that is above the church about 25 feet, nobody can see that but they need to see the massive sign on the church.

2374
04:21:09,000 --> 04:21:09,000
this is not just a simple -- we messed up and we need to fix

2375
04:21:13,800 --> 04:21:15,900
this. Who really cares if there's a sign beside the road and the 18,000 square foot two story and

2376
04:21:23,333 --> 04:21:27,067
then the 127,000 square foot two story is right there, all of the storage facilities around it and people are like oh, no, I'm

2377
04:21:30,167 --> 04:21:32,900
looking for a u-haul that says u-haul on it. These signs aren't big enough for you to see this.

2378
04:21:35,733 --> 04:21:39,700
this is just ignorance. This is just a way to come in and put their point across of how it looks and it will look --

2379
04:21:45,067 --> 04:21:47,900
it needs to look better because no one will find this thing. It's hidden. By all means.

2380
04:21:51,133 --> 04:21:51,133
we have to have signs bigger and we will take down a few of them,

2381
04:21:56,000 --> 04:21:59,067
but we need to have these other ones larger because when we do that, nobody will find it. We will have problems.

2382
04:22:02,733 --> 04:22:02,733
oh, my word! Are you serious?

2383
04:22:09,800 --> 04:22:09,800
? Nobody will see this better than an inter

2384
04:22:16,833 --> 04:22:18,233
intersection... If you don't know that end come and sit in that intersection and see how many people are driving

2385
04:22:21,833 --> 04:22:21,833
around asking people, have you seen a u-haul place around here?

2386
04:22:26,800 --> 04:22:28,000
>> thank you, thank you very much. Are there any other public comments at this time on agenda

2387
04:22:31,067 --> 04:22:31,067
item number three? Seeing none we will close public comment.

2388
04:22:36,533 --> 04:22:36,533
>> okay we will go back -- do we have any rebuttal?

2389
04:22:41,633 --> 04:22:43,300
>> just briefly. I want to show a couple of these because I'm going -- I. Don't want to -- you've been by here

2390
04:22:46,700 --> 04:22:48,900
so you know so this is looking at the intersection on the left hand turn lane going towards 13 and the wins bridge, you can see

2391
04:22:54,133 --> 04:22:55,733
there's a number of things between this building and where they are and this is another one that shows you there's a number

2392
04:22:58,300 --> 04:23:00,600
of things. Here's looking on 16a looking back at it again. It will grow up.

2393
04:23:03,600 --> 04:23:06,733
these are just and there's one sections that we talked about on the brown areas where the signs will be, they're not trying to

2394
04:23:09,233 --> 04:23:12,000
take up the whole side. I just want to refer back to because our code is very interesting in that when it

2395
04:23:16,400 --> 04:23:19,967
talks about businesses, we could have this -- if this could be a strip mall and you could have 200 per business in a strip mall

2396
04:23:25,367 --> 04:23:27,700
all along the whole side of the building if this is for different businesses, it's not, it just happens to be owned by

2397
04:23:33,067 --> 04:23:33,067
u-haul center, they're all under u-haul center so it can't have

2398
04:23:37,900 --> 04:23:40,100
four different signs for that. If that was the case we would have 200 per and it would be 800 square feet per building.

2399
04:23:44,133 --> 04:23:44,133
and I would still be below that. This is a reasonable exchange

2400
04:23:49,133 --> 04:23:52,233
for taking out those signs which I don't think anyone wants along 16 or 16a which makes it within the spirit and intent of our

2401
04:23:56,500 --> 04:23:59,267
code and the unity itself which is why this is appropriate for nonzoning variance. Thank you mr. Chair.

2402
04:24:00,767 --> 04:24:03,300
>> thank you commissioner joseph you have the floor. >> we will increase the landscaping please.

2403
04:24:05,833 --> 04:24:07,667
>> yes, ma'am, and I've already met with the staff. I didn't do the pca presentation.

2404
04:24:12,367 --> 04:24:15,367
>> not take out and replace but add. >> yes, I talked to them while we were going through this to

2405
04:24:17,300 --> 04:24:19,400
bring it as a pile, I talked to them and they said they would send someone back out to review it to see whether it sector plan

2406
04:24:24,167 --> 04:24:27,133
stopped and people said they were finishing it and they were still having to do more landscaping so what you see out

2407
04:24:30,400 --> 04:24:33,633
there is not fully what is required under the plan in the process of doing that. >> thank you.

2408
04:24:37,367 --> 04:24:39,567
>> thank you mr. Chair. Obviously the trees will never completely blot out this building, I don't think that's

2409
04:24:43,567 --> 04:24:43,567
this business doesn't need -- needs visibility to succeed.

2410
04:24:47,833 --> 04:24:47,833
the signs are big, there's no denying that but against the

2411
04:24:52,233 --> 04:24:56,000
building, it kind of fits. This is totally subjective, in the eye of the beholder and I understand that but for signs

2412
04:24:59,200 --> 04:25:02,700
along the road, in each direction, to me that's more unsightly than these signs right against the buildings so I'm in

2413
04:25:07,433 --> 04:25:07,433
favor of allowing these signs to exist, the applicant is giving

2414
04:25:12,000 --> 04:25:12,000
up to get the signs, I think the signs are a good fit at this

2415
04:25:16,567 --> 04:25:16,567
commercial node. >> I have a couple of comments.%

2416
04:25:23,433 --> 04:25:26,333
when we met I asked if you could please bring in a picture of what it would look like, the sign portion to the wall, did

2417
04:25:30,200 --> 04:25:30,200
you do that? >> not a rendering but another

2418
04:25:35,067 --> 04:25:35,067
building you already have because u-haul is all over.

2419
04:25:39,333 --> 04:25:41,600
>> I only brought the billing we have but I brought the billing to show you that it's on a.brown so when you compare the

2420
04:25:45,133 --> 04:25:47,767
depiction to the building, you can see it's only on that brown section that's in the middle again which is a very small part

2421
04:25:52,333 --> 04:25:52,333
of the facade of this 125,000 square foot and 18,000 square

2422
04:25:56,900 --> 04:26:00,300
foot building when we will go back to the depictions. >> that would have been very helpful to see that.

2423
04:26:02,733 --> 04:26:02,733
I just drive by yesterday, you can't miss it that this is a

2424
04:26:08,100 --> 04:26:11,200
u-haul facility. This is very clear with -- what this is. You've got bright orange all

2425
04:26:13,867 --> 04:26:15,567
over. I think one of my concerns is that right across the street are townhomes going in and signs are

2426
04:26:21,300 --> 04:26:25,067
already there so there will be townhomes there and just the fact that they'll have to look out their window and have to

2427
04:26:26,900 --> 04:26:26,900
look at that, I had no problem from a long way away saying that

2428
04:26:32,333 --> 04:26:32,333
this is a clearly -- it was very clear to me from quite a

2429
04:26:38,333 --> 04:26:38,333
distance, what this business is. I do agree with the pca

2430
04:26:44,433 --> 04:26:44,433
decision. That's a huge increase for that

2431
04:26:52,433 --> 04:26:52,433
building. >> anyone else? Do I have a

2432
04:26:57,033 --> 04:26:57,033
motion? Mr. Arnold,. >> thank you mr. Chair.

2433
04:27:02,833 --> 04:27:02,833
I will make a motion to approve the planning application 2020

2434
04:27:08,333 --> 04:27:08,333
6-04 u-haul center signs 2025 -- ten overturning the decision of

2435
04:27:12,933 --> 04:27:16,267
the planning and zoning agency and improving non zoning variance 2025 -- ten based on five conditions.

2436
04:27:20,867 --> 04:27:23,367
and including the additional vegetation that you've promised here on the record that you will be planting.

2437
04:27:27,833 --> 04:27:29,500
>> second, we have a motion to second. Let's go to vote. Remember, a yes is to overturn.

2438
04:27:38,900 --> 04:27:38,900
that passes 4-1. Let's go straight into agenda

2439
04:27:47,167 --> 04:27:47,167
item number four. Orthodontics this is a quasi

2440
04:28:10,133 --> 04:28:10,133
judicial matter for agenda item number four so I will go to the

2441
04:28:14,967 --> 04:28:16,333
first two. >> thank you mr. Chair. I've had a handful of emails, I'm meeting with mark shelton,

2442
04:28:20,333 --> 04:28:20,333
chris henry on suzanne henry individually about this project

2443
04:28:24,500 --> 04:28:27,633
as well as attempt at community meeting would be hosted at the elementary school. >> thank you so much.

2444
04:28:31,100 --> 04:28:31,100
commissioner joseph. >> I have nothing.

2445
04:28:42,967 --> 04:28:45,867
>> I have a handful of emails, I met with mark sheldon in the office we discussed the site location compatibility and the

2446
04:28:50,733 --> 04:28:50,733
intended use. >> I guess I have -- meeting

2447
04:28:55,200 --> 04:28:55,200
with mark shelton, chris henry, suzanne henry and staff.

2448
04:29:00,033 --> 04:29:00,033
>> I also had no emails that I met with them and staff so we

2449
04:29:06,167 --> 04:29:06,167
will go. >> , thank you.

2450
04:29:11,833 --> 04:29:12,800
good afternoon as opposed to morning. My name is mark shelton with -- my address is 12740 bay parkway

2451
04:29:20,100 --> 04:29:23,633
west suite 2350 jacksonville, florida, 32258. With me today was doctor chris henry, he had to go work on some

2452
04:29:28,000 --> 04:29:31,933
braces but his wife suzanne henry is with me here today as well as bill, also with associates.

2453
04:29:40,567 --> 04:29:40,567
pierre the request before you today is a small pud called pud

2454
04:29:46,567 --> 04:29:49,933
2025-05 henry orthodontics which is located around state road 16 close to igp intersection near mirabella.

2455
04:29:55,567 --> 04:29:58,833
the property is currently zoned as open rural and contains two single family homes. Our request to rezone to pud is

2456
04:30:03,633 --> 04:30:05,800
consistent with the residential letter section of the composite plan in that number when we have to rezone to pud neighborhood

2457
04:30:09,933 --> 04:30:09,933
commercial uses only, number two keep the intensity to less than

2458
04:30:14,267 --> 04:30:17,600
10,000 square feet per acre and number three, make sure we don't develop it as a strip setter, that linear 1970s esque

2459
04:30:24,933 --> 04:30:24,933
commercial. There's the existing zoning, and

2460
04:30:30,400 --> 04:30:30,400
there's a proposed zoning. As we head to rezone the pud as

2461
04:30:37,900 --> 04:30:41,800
we mentioned when we met with y'all back in october last year, it gave us a chance to control the permissible uses.

2462
04:30:45,767 --> 04:30:48,300
we looked in the code, it got those neighborhood commercial uses and we said what is best for this small commercial

2463
04:30:52,167 --> 04:30:52,167
development for medical office being in orthodontics in medical

2464
04:30:56,567 --> 04:30:56,567
office like that so we purposely took out those considerations

2465
04:31:02,100 --> 04:31:05,533
for residential. We took out things like schools, funeral homes, convenience stores, grocery stores, billiard

2466
04:31:09,833 --> 04:31:09,833
parlors, liquor and wine stores, antenna towers, banks with drive

2467
04:31:15,667 --> 04:31:18,833
thrus and then at northwest center meeting we heard a suggestion by chuck lobanovsky to include shops.

2468
04:31:22,800 --> 04:31:22,800
we included that as well. In this slide shows a conceptual

2469
04:31:29,100 --> 04:31:31,767
site plan that you might be familiar with. We left this colorized photo in their -- exhibit in there to

2470
04:31:36,367 --> 04:31:40,000
show the enhanced landscaping that we've agreed to. It's also part of the code. The undistrbed wetlands in the

2471
04:31:44,767 --> 04:31:44,767
back which will be undisturbed, untouched, unmitigated as well

2472
04:31:49,133 --> 04:31:53,067
as compliant with weather management buffer as well as the location of the pond. In this slide, we're happy to

2473
04:32:00,300 --> 04:32:02,500
report that we have multiple letters of support. We reached out to neighbors and the green shaded properties were

2474
04:32:05,833 --> 04:32:09,233
the ones that sent us back letters of support. We had no opposition at the northwest sector meeting which

2475
04:32:13,600 --> 04:32:17,167
was well attended. Heard about the suggestion for the shop which we took off and then we had no opposition at

2476
04:32:23,200 --> 04:32:24,733
pga. This is mainly due to the fact that this is a true neighborhood service development.

2477
04:32:27,933 --> 04:32:27,933
this is not a regional attr attractor.

2478
04:32:32,200 --> 04:32:35,067
some of the project benefits is that this is infill development along four-lane divided highway. These are neighborhood

2479
04:32:38,267 --> 04:32:41,900
commercial uses which are liable in the land use and compatible with the area. It complies with the

2480
04:32:45,967 --> 04:32:48,467
st. Johns county plan, provides appropriately sized commercial development along the minor arterial approximate a

2481
04:32:51,967 --> 04:32:55,967
residential development and schools those children that will use this facility it's preserving the quality of

2482
04:32:58,933 --> 04:32:58,933
wetlands behind us. As mentioned at the pza meeting

2483
04:33:04,367 --> 04:33:04,367
back in march we received a70 recommendation for approval and

2484
04:33:08,967 --> 04:33:08,967
it was suggested that we lower our monument side height from 30

2485
04:33:15,333 --> 04:33:19,100
to 15 and we said yes absolutely, we will change that in the pud to comply with that. With that, bill and I and

2486
04:33:24,833 --> 04:33:24,833
suzanne are available for questions.

2487
04:33:29,400 --> 04:33:31,300
>> any questions? Public comment. >> at this time we would hear public comment on agenda item

2488
04:33:35,867 --> 04:33:39,167
number four. >> hello again, I live right there within that area. I have seen all the developments

2489
04:33:44,333 --> 04:33:44,333
I got denied and everything else getting developed around it.

2490
04:33:50,800 --> 04:33:50,800
there is concern, is that area losing its ruler -- rural area?

2491
04:33:58,333 --> 04:34:02,067
there is no -- nothing we can do about it now because like always here that was 25 years ago when they made the plans to do this

2492
04:34:08,367 --> 04:34:08,367
stuff but orthodontist offered 30,000 square feet, is that

2493
04:34:15,933 --> 04:34:19,433
multiple -- is that worth other businesses in there to make it and to use it? It just seems extremely large.

2494
04:34:24,600 --> 04:34:24,600
that seems to be a big common factor like walmart buys a big

2495
04:34:30,333 --> 04:34:30,333
piece of property and they sub a lot of buildings out so they can

2496
04:34:35,067 --> 04:34:35,067
cover their cost but there's only -- I know where this place

2497
04:34:42,967 --> 04:34:42,967
is, I hate seeing 16 getting stripped out of what it was.

2498
04:34:50,133 --> 04:34:50,133
even though it has no matter of what I say but seeing this for

2499
04:34:57,900 --> 04:34:57,900
the kids, please don't use them as an example or excuse to have

2500
04:35:02,867 --> 04:35:02,867
a business being put in. 16 is losing it.

2501
04:35:12,067 --> 04:35:15,000
that's the middle of district two. It's losing it. I think a lot of people might

2502
04:35:20,133 --> 04:35:20,133
pass by this looking for the orthodontics and then look down

2503
04:35:24,767 --> 04:35:24,767
at the u-haul place because their signs will be so big now

2504
04:35:29,100 --> 04:35:32,567
that, hey, you're in district two we've got the bigger u-haul center, around and if you can't find it, too bad.

2505
04:35:38,700 --> 04:35:41,967
that's what's happening out there. My neighbors who live there for 40 plus years in mill creek

2506
04:35:48,967 --> 04:35:48,967
estates, built in the early 30s, part of it was in the

2507
04:35:54,267 --> 04:35:54,267
dairy lands back there. Yes, we are strange people.

2508
04:36:00,433 --> 04:36:00,433
we know this will happen, this is a normal thing, highway

2509
04:36:07,300 --> 04:36:07,300
coming through but a 30,000 square foot orthodontics

2510
04:36:16,433 --> 04:36:16,433
facility it's used up all the property and are they going to

2511
04:36:24,067 --> 04:36:24,067
ride in ride out to get there? That could cause problems too

2512
04:36:30,200 --> 04:36:30,200
because just because they're doing up the intersection of 16

2513
04:36:36,567 --> 04:36:39,233
and pacetti, there's nothing going to be backing up to help track it there. >> thank you.

2514
04:36:42,833 --> 04:36:46,300
are there any other public comments at this time on agenda item number four? Seeing none we will close public comments buy

2515
04:36:50,667 --> 04:36:50,667
go back to the board. >> thank you mr. Chair.

2516
04:36:57,900 --> 04:36:57,900
motion to enact ordinance 2020 6-6 approving pud 2025-05 henry

2517
04:37:06,000 --> 04:37:09,533
orthodontics based upon nine finding fact as listed in the report. >> second.

2518
04:37:10,200 --> 04:37:10,200
>> we have a motion to second. Let's vote.

2519
04:37:16,533 --> 04:37:19,967
it passes 4yn. Congratulations. Let's go straight into agenda number five.

2520
04:37:33,833 --> 04:37:37,167
so, commissioner, my name is lex taylor deputy county attorney and here bringing the wellhead protection.

2521
04:37:43,167 --> 04:37:46,833
in our review of people coming in, trying to figure out what they can do close to our wellheads, in us trying to go

2522
04:37:50,867 --> 04:37:50,867
get new wellheads to increase water pressure, we found out our

2523
04:37:55,767 --> 04:37:59,467
rules are not completely clear, they don't comply with some state laws on what we've been complying with state laws can

2524
04:38:02,333 --> 04:38:06,100
create some confusion. We're bringing this amendment to bring ourselves into compliance with state law to update the

2525
04:38:09,267 --> 04:38:12,867
wellhead protection standards to the current best practices and make sure we align so that we are working with the water

2526
04:38:15,867 --> 04:38:15,867
management district. This is the authority and

2527
04:38:20,533 --> 04:38:20,533
justification. What is a wellhead? Wellheads

2528
04:38:24,667 --> 04:38:24,667
are the top structure that we use to protect where we get our

2529
04:38:28,900 --> 04:38:31,433
public water. These are not the wellheads that people might have at their houses.

2530
04:38:33,600 --> 04:38:33,600
these are only for large units like ga, our utility company or

2531
04:38:38,400 --> 04:38:38,400
maybe one or two other public use for potable water in the

2532
04:38:43,367 --> 04:38:46,167
county. Not for irrigation. We currently have a prime rate -- 200 feet, the state has one

2533
04:38:51,267 --> 04:38:54,867
zone of 500 feet and we have a secondary zone for 1000 feet so we will change the ldc and come back to you in about a month to

2534
04:39:00,667 --> 04:39:03,533
align with the state 500 feet for our primary zone and keep the thousand foot secondary z zone.

2535
04:39:09,900 --> 04:39:13,100
that -- those are the changes. This is the red line in case questions that were specific but we've already gone through this

2536
04:39:16,500 --> 04:39:16,500
with pza, this only had the baseline questions of what it is

2537
04:39:22,267 --> 04:39:24,100
and they seem to be favorable to it. It was seven and out. If you have any questions, I

2538
04:39:27,833 --> 04:39:31,200
have all of the staff here or a good person to answer questions and we'll be happy to do that. >> the chair: thank you any

2539
04:39:34,833 --> 04:39:34,833
questions from the board? Seeing none --

2540
04:39:42,000 --> 04:39:42,000
>> this time we will take public comment on agenda item number

2541
04:39:46,100 --> 04:39:47,833
five. >>   seeing none we will close public comment. >> the chair: back to the

2542
04:39:51,400 --> 04:39:51,400
board and we can do this by consensus.

2543
04:39:59,700 --> 04:40:03,533
>> you need a motion because you're transmitting. >> I'll make that motion. >> the chair: I think the

2544
04:40:10,467 --> 04:40:10,467
motion would be to transmit the comprehensive plan amendment to

2545
04:40:14,700 --> 04:40:14,700
the state, is that correct? So is that good enough? Would you

2546
04:40:18,900 --> 04:40:18,900
second my motion then? >> yes absolutely.

2547
04:40:23,567 --> 04:40:23,567
>> the chair: a yes vote will be to transmit to the state for

2548
04:40:28,800 --> 04:40:28,800
review. Let's get the vote.

2549
04:40:32,967 --> 04:40:32,967
that passes 5-0. Let's go to agenda item number

2550
04:40:38,233 --> 04:40:38,233
six. >> good afternoon board I am

2551
04:40:46,633 --> 04:40:49,267
terri shoemaker with saint john's county utilities chief engineer for development services.

2552
04:40:52,233 --> 04:40:55,967
I'm back, I was here march third for the first reading of our so we have the second reading today.

2553
04:41:01,133 --> 04:41:04,767
just review what we've been doing. As you recall, this is our utility ordinance, 2237 and in

2554
04:41:12,033 --> 04:41:15,933
october, commissioner murphy asked us to look into our line extension program specifically for sewer, septic sewer, really

2555
04:41:19,900 --> 04:41:23,500
wanted to streamline that and make it accessible to the public. We wrote a white paper that you

2556
04:41:26,667 --> 04:41:30,067
all reviewed, we actually -- commissioner murphy, myself and neil went to treasure beach where a lot of the interest was

2557
04:41:32,833 --> 04:41:35,267
for a public meeting in december. We came back in january for a discussion with you all and you

2558
04:41:39,033 --> 04:41:39,033
said go ahead and do the updates so now we're here to codify this

2559
04:41:43,400 --> 04:41:46,267
program and with that like I said the first reading was on the 3rd of march and here we are today.

2560
04:41:50,933 --> 04:41:53,600
the existing sewer policy -- I. Know you've heard this a few times so I will be quick but this existing program that we've

2561
04:41:58,067 --> 04:41:58,067
had is only 200 feet or less from our infrastructure to the

2562
04:42:02,500 --> 04:42:02,500
home which is very limiting and we do offer that facilitation of

2563
04:42:07,833 --> 04:42:10,500
the project because a lot of homeowners don't have engineers and contractors and the design but only within that 200 feet.

2564
04:42:15,700 --> 04:42:15,700
the rest of the policy is pretty silent and if you have a few

2565
04:42:19,767 --> 04:42:23,067
people what if it is 600 feet and so we want to get all that in writing so we can facilitate more and get the sewer to more

2566
04:42:27,600 --> 04:42:30,000
people. Also our previous line extension program had the 25% administrative fee that we are

2567
04:42:34,467 --> 04:42:37,967
removing now and like I said silent on other things and also didn't even account for the cpi, consumer price indexing we do in

2568
04:42:41,700 --> 04:42:41,700
our tariff every october first. We only focused on sewer, the

2569
04:42:48,800 --> 04:42:51,700
water line extensions are less common and also we had to account for things like fire flow and it's trickier with

2570
04:42:55,767 --> 04:42:59,067
sizing so we're getting the sewer out there to streamline that and make it more efficient paired with that we increase the

2571
04:43:04,600 --> 04:43:07,167
length from 200 feet to a thousand feet. That's considering operations of that line, if you're a thousand

2572
04:43:11,567 --> 04:43:14,267
feet at the end you'll need to find a couple neighbors between or else it will clog up. The infrastructure charge will

2573
04:43:20,033 --> 04:43:23,067
be equitable across the service area, right now depending on where you are, it could cost more or less, how far away you

2574
04:43:25,600 --> 04:43:25,600
are and all of that so $2250 will be the infrastructure

2575
04:43:31,000 --> 04:43:34,233
charge in the main tariff for all the new sewer customers that will be indexed each october first.

2576
04:43:36,300 --> 04:43:36,300
we took out the administrative fee, the tapping fee, and we

2577
04:43:41,067 --> 04:43:44,700
will allow the financing of the infrastructure charge with the unit connection fees that we've always allowed financing for and

2578
04:43:49,333 --> 04:43:53,300
that's 5% over seven years. The rate tariff we're hoping may first would be the effective date and at that point, we have

2579
04:43:56,967 --> 04:44:00,967
a website we will launch with the septic to sewer information, a one-pager that we will mail out to interested -- I. Have a

2580
04:44:05,567 --> 04:44:09,367
list of interested parties and we will send out information to their neighbors to get that street connected at one time and

2581
04:44:13,267 --> 04:44:13,267
the web page will have all the details they need and as you

2582
04:44:18,100 --> 04:44:20,933
know, all the different goals, the treasure beach folks with all their waterways and water quality, the state has these

2583
04:44:24,967 --> 04:44:28,633
goals, the county has these goals to eliminate septic tanks and we will make it happen. So while we're in the ordinance,

2584
04:44:34,700 --> 04:44:34,700
we're doing some cleanup so you saw the red lines that were in

2585
04:44:39,033 --> 04:44:42,333
the package, we will remove an antiquated process that we had for many years ago that hasn't been used recently.

2586
04:44:45,500 --> 04:44:45,500
it's the capacity commitment reservation agreement and the

2587
04:44:51,400 --> 04:44:54,467
associated sections. Also we will allow some flexibility in our rate tariff to try new technology for

2588
04:44:59,067 --> 04:45:02,333
reclaimed water. It's basically where we can control the meter and it will shave off the peak demands when

2589
04:45:06,267 --> 04:45:09,867
everyone wants to irrigate at one time, we will experiment in silverleaf with it. They have an irrigation schedule

2590
04:45:12,000 --> 04:45:12,000
but even so, it's nice to have this technology and we don't

2591
04:45:16,467 --> 04:45:19,700
have to increase pipe sizes, pumps tanks and also gets the best service because if you're all irrigating at once you can

2592
04:45:22,500 --> 04:45:22,500
get less water pressure and just that level of service.

2593
04:45:26,567 --> 04:45:26,567
those are the clean ups in addition to the septic to sewer

2594
04:45:30,767 --> 04:45:34,400
program policy changes. With that I will take any questions you have. >> fantastic.

2595
04:45:39,767 --> 04:45:39,767
I want to say, -- thank you so much for the hard work.

2596
04:45:48,133 --> 04:45:48,133
this is -- I. Can imagine for some people moving here this is

2597
04:45:53,133 --> 04:45:55,967
long overdue. We have so many septic tanks in this county and they just -- to think about the fact that we

2598
04:46:00,567 --> 04:46:00,567
could literally reclaim every gallon of sewer, reclaim it,

2599
04:46:06,500 --> 04:46:09,067
treat it and use it as irrigation somewhere as the county I think is an amazing feat and I certainly appreciate

2600
04:46:13,300 --> 04:46:13,300
the hard work. We will go to public comment.

2601
04:46:17,733 --> 04:46:17,733
>> at this time we will take public comment on agenda item

2602
04:46:22,700 --> 04:46:25,267
number six. Seeing none we will close public comment. >> I would like to make a

2603
04:46:30,333 --> 04:46:32,433
motion. >> seven. >> county ordinance 2022 -- 37 is amended concerning septic to

2604
04:46:36,000 --> 04:46:39,467
sewer program enhancements and other administrative revisions. >> I will second. >> we have a motion to second,

2605
04:46:42,400 --> 04:46:42,400
let's vote. >> that passes 5-0.

2606
04:46:48,133 --> 04:46:50,200
thank you. Let's go to agenda item number seven. >> thank you.

2607
04:47:00,100 --> 04:47:04,067
>> good afternoon commissioner jamie purchasing director item number seven is the award of rp 2476 for the management of the

2608
04:47:08,767 --> 04:47:08,767
solomon county community center pool.

2609
04:47:13,300 --> 04:47:16,667
just to go back over the timeline how we got here back in august, the board gave direction to do a six month extension to

2610
04:47:19,500 --> 04:47:22,767
the current contract because it was expiring in october with direction of doing new rfp solicitation for the services.

2611
04:47:26,367 --> 04:47:26,367
the rfp went out november fifth, proposals came in on

2612
04:47:31,400 --> 04:47:34,633
december 11th, evaluations of proposals were done january 22nd, presentations were done on february fifth and we've

2613
04:47:37,567 --> 04:47:37,567
been negotiating since then to this point.

2614
04:47:41,833 --> 04:47:45,500
there were five responses submitted, three of those proposals were deemed materially responsive to the requirements

2615
04:47:48,200 --> 04:47:50,433
of the rfp. Those three proposals were provided to our evaluation committee for review and

2616
04:47:53,800 --> 04:47:57,367
consideration based on the criteria in the rfp. All three proposals were brought back to due presentations to

2617
04:48:00,967 --> 04:48:04,267
also score presentations and then with the scoring of both the proposals and presentations, it was determined to be the top

2618
04:48:10,600 --> 04:48:14,033
ranked farm. In the negotiations, these are some kind of key points that we've come to an agreement on

2619
04:48:17,500 --> 04:48:21,100
with what we're presenting in the negotiating contract to you. There's been an agreement to keep the rates consistent with

2620
04:48:25,333 --> 04:48:28,400
current rate structure for swim lessons and based on what's in the county schedule. There is a revenue share of 15%

2621
04:48:31,400 --> 04:48:34,733
of all the revenues generated from the programs at the pool to come to the county. There's a contribution for

2622
04:48:38,133 --> 04:48:41,633
capital improvements and maintenance projects of 15,000 plus another potential 10% of all revenues.

2623
04:48:45,500 --> 04:48:45,500
they've agreed to provide annual passes and a summer swim team

2624
04:48:50,167 --> 04:48:53,800
access at reduced fees for cra residents. They're also providing private learn to swim lessons for zero

2625
04:48:56,333 --> 04:48:56,333
to three year olds that have not been previously provided at the

2626
04:49:00,400 --> 04:49:03,167
pool or are not currently provided and they're also providing private development lessons which are being added to

2627
04:49:06,833 --> 04:49:10,500
the schedule. They're also agreeing to provide a 90 minute supervised swim program once each week charged

2628
04:49:16,133 --> 04:49:19,400
to those children that may come to the pool but don't have an accompanying adult to supervise them so they agree to implement

2629
04:49:22,767 --> 04:49:22,767
that program for us as well. Some of the scope of services.

2630
04:49:27,000 --> 04:49:30,600
there's been some questions about the scope of services or the services at the solomon will change drastically.

2631
04:49:34,900 --> 04:49:36,667
where we direct the scope of services that have been under the contract and these are some of the key points that are

2632
04:49:39,300 --> 04:49:39,300
mandated as part of the scope to services of this contract, the

2633
04:49:44,233 --> 04:49:47,000
hours of operation -- these are required to maintain throughout the duration of the contract. If they look to change their

2634
04:49:52,500 --> 04:49:56,500
schedule from swim lessons for programs and things that we have approved as part of their programs they have to let us know ahead of time and we have to give them approval to do that

2635
04:50:00,000 --> 04:50:04,000
so they can't just all of a sudden stop offering programs without our approval and consideration.

2636
04:50:07,533 --> 04:50:10,233
daily regular maintenance pool programs, lifeguard services, supplies and inventories, pool rentals, reporting, all of those

2637
04:50:12,600 --> 04:50:15,600
things are all part of the scope of services that we dictate as part of this contract. They're required to develop and

2638
04:50:19,833 --> 04:50:23,067
implement and abide by a policy and procedure manual which we also approve and mandate and monitor their performance by.

2639
04:50:26,367 --> 04:50:29,600
they have to provide an audit financial statement every october 31st and each year during the contract, there's an

2640
04:50:33,500 --> 04:50:35,733
ongoing requirement for advertising marketing plans that they would refresh every 90 days so that they're getting

2641
04:50:38,967 --> 04:50:38,967
they're offering and what isms- available at the solomon pool.

2642
04:50:44,000 --> 04:50:46,467
they have to refresh it every 90 days throughout the contract so it's an ongoing effort to communicate out into the

2643
04:50:51,067 --> 04:50:52,833
community of what they're doing what's available and how they get access to these programs. If any of their staff is not

2644
04:50:57,967 --> 04:51:00,733
performing or not doing what we need them to do from the county's perspective, the county can let them know they have to

2645
04:51:02,800 --> 04:51:06,000
replace those staff people within five days of our notification. At the outside we sang -- john

2646
04:51:09,333 --> 04:51:12,133
smith is not doing what he's supposed to, he needs to be gone to morrow, then they have to replace him, if that's what the

2647
04:51:15,333 --> 04:51:17,067
county dictates. There's also financial consequences built into the contracts so if they fail to

2648
04:51:20,433 --> 04:51:20,433
provide the number of programs each month or in a month, they

2649
04:51:25,067 --> 04:51:25,067
have to lose $500 off of their payment for that program they

2650
04:51:29,100 --> 04:51:31,700
failed to provide. They're required to provide eight unique programs. If they don't do eight, if they

2651
04:51:34,733 --> 04:51:34,733
do seven, then $500 comes off for each instance of a program

2652
04:51:40,333 --> 04:51:42,600
not provided. There's also requirements for licensing and certification for the various personnel,

2653
04:51:45,233 --> 04:51:47,767
lifeguards and different folks they have to have employed if those certifications lapse, they don't maintain them as they're

2654
04:51:51,200 --> 04:51:54,300
supposed to, their financial consequences built into the contract in those instances as well.

2655
04:51:57,500 --> 04:52:00,733
this is the fee schedule that is in the backup. These are the changes. The strikethrough is what is

2656
04:52:03,567 --> 04:52:03,567
currently in the fee schedule and essentially the items below

2657
04:52:08,967 --> 04:52:12,167
that like for like but just how the titling of the programs are but the pricing structure is insane.

2658
04:52:15,233 --> 04:52:17,133
for the swim lessons and the additional things are the private stroke development lessons, the summer swim team,

2659
04:52:20,533 --> 04:52:22,967
the discount structure for the annual passes and the summer swim team for cra residents. Those are all added to the fee

2660
04:52:27,633 --> 04:52:31,233
schedule but the fees that were currently being charged for programs for daily swim things are all staying flat.

2661
04:52:37,433 --> 04:52:40,867
essentially, the contract is that there's a $300,000 annual management fee that we pay to them each year that will be

2662
04:52:45,300 --> 04:52:48,600
broken up into monthly installments and then the revenue contributions to us will be handled as separate

2663
04:52:51,333 --> 04:52:54,733
transactions so that we can have the auditing trail of where did those revenues come from, what was that amount of revenue and

2664
04:52:56,967 --> 04:53:00,433
then show the portion of it that comes to the county. It's a five year initial term, there are three available, one

2665
04:53:03,267 --> 04:53:05,800
year renewal options and the consideration for that was because of the revenue sharing and the contributions to capital

2666
04:53:08,333 --> 04:53:08,333
improvement it kind of warrants a longer term consideration for

2667
04:53:12,367 --> 04:53:16,300
those renewals. We always have the ability to terminate if someone is not performing, we always have the ability to terminate for convenience.

2668
04:53:18,867 --> 04:53:18,867
that's built into our contracts just as a standard.

2669
04:53:23,967 --> 04:53:26,733
the motion before you is a recommendation to award the negotiated contract to planet swim as the top ranked

2670
04:53:30,733 --> 04:53:34,233
respondent and to approve the modification to the fee schedule because that's adopted by you all so that's also part of this

2671
04:53:37,500 --> 04:53:40,333
motion. I'm here and also recreation and parks is here if you have any questions.

2672
04:53:43,733 --> 04:53:43,733
>> thank you so much. >> I'm very familiar with all

2673
04:53:50,067 --> 04:53:52,533
the programs, my daughter's being part of every single one of them except for the second, I don't know if it's the second

2674
04:53:57,033 --> 04:53:57,033
one. The background checks, all their

2675
04:54:01,967 --> 04:54:01,967
instructors are certified in three different ways, there's

2676
04:54:08,667 --> 04:54:08,667
not -- had the instruction of how to teach someone, how to

2677
04:54:13,567 --> 04:54:16,967
save lives and I know change is hard and I know this group would probably work with anyone who has issues and so with that I'd

2678
04:54:22,033 --> 04:54:22,033
like to adopt -- resolution... I'm making the motion, I'm

2679
04:54:26,633 --> 04:54:26,633
allowed to make the motion. I'm making the motion and

2680
04:54:32,367 --> 04:54:35,867
there's -- the motion is on the table, right? Motion to adopt resolution 20 2026-11 for authorizing the

2681
04:54:45,233 --> 04:54:45,233
county administrator or designee to award rfp 2426 management of

2682
04:54:50,533 --> 04:54:50,533
solomon calhoun community center pool to plan as the top ranked

2683
04:54:55,567 --> 04:54:58,533
proposer and to execute the negotiated contract for the performance of the required services in accordance with our

2684
04:55:03,267 --> 04:55:03,267
fp2476 and improving the revised county fee schedule for the pool

2685
04:55:09,033 --> 04:55:10,067
programs. >> speaker-04: we have a motion and a second. >> thank you mr. Chair.

2686
04:55:15,500 --> 04:55:19,300
miss locklear, have they provided the county with audited financials as part of the rfp process?

2687
04:55:21,933 --> 04:55:21,933
>> no that was not part of the criteria that we were

2688
04:55:26,500 --> 04:55:30,133
considering? >> they will be provided -- required to provide audited financials by october 31st of

2689
04:55:33,033 --> 04:55:35,233
this year but they have not done that as of yet? >> no because they intended to audit the financials as it

2690
04:55:38,533 --> 04:55:42,067
relates to the contracts of the operation of the contract to make sure that their management of the contract for this

2691
04:55:47,033 --> 04:55:50,167
facility isn't negatively impacted by other operations and things they have going on so it's done as a contractual

2692
04:55:53,133 --> 04:55:53,133
measure, it wasn't done as a consideration in the rfp.

2693
04:55:57,233 --> 04:55:58,833
>> thank you for answering that question. I understand the process and why it's set up that way, I just

2694
04:56:01,333 --> 04:56:03,733
wanted to get clarification from that point. Through the chair, miss ferguson mr. Commando mr. Taylor I. Will

2695
04:56:07,933 --> 04:56:07,933
go to you as best equipped to answer this question but I read

2696
04:56:12,133 --> 04:56:12,133
through the contract, I'm not an attorney.

2697
04:56:16,700 --> 04:56:19,567
the things jenny put up here on the slides, I want to make sure they are enforceable for the terms of the contract.

2698
04:56:22,367 --> 04:56:22,367
what I will not ever do is vote yes to hire a vendor that would

2699
04:56:29,767 --> 04:56:32,567
cause the children who live in this community to take a step backwards. That's not something I will ever

2700
04:56:34,067 --> 04:56:37,067
support so all of the things that will benefit the community that jamie put up on these slides which I love, I want to

2701
04:56:40,067 --> 04:56:40,067
make sure they're detailed in this contract and enforceable.

2702
04:56:47,267 --> 04:56:49,800
>> through the chair yes they're enforceable once the county is made aware of those things this county can do whatever the

2703
04:56:51,933 --> 04:56:51,933
county needs to do to make sure all the previous -- contracts

2704
04:56:56,200 --> 04:56:58,900
will be enforced. >> thank you miss ferguson. Mr. Chair I have some comments after public comment.

2705
04:57:05,967 --> 04:57:08,600
>> the chair: let's go to public comment. >> at this time we will take public comments on agenda item

2706
04:57:11,633 --> 04:57:11,633
number seven. Come on up.

2707
04:57:22,167 --> 04:57:22,167
>> my name is laurie muffett I. Live at 917.

2708
04:57:27,533 --> 04:57:27,533
I'm a volunteer for the west -- kids safe zone and some of the

2709
04:57:32,167 --> 04:57:35,300
kids that we teach at the ymca are terrified of the water. We live in florida where there's water everywhere.

2710
04:57:37,600 --> 04:57:40,833
especially in saint johns county. Many will only enter the pool if I promise to hold on to them

2711
04:57:42,967 --> 04:57:42,967
every step of the way. At the start of every lesson at

2712
04:57:47,300 --> 04:57:49,133
the y, we tell them the same thing. I've got you, you'll be safe, I promise.

2713
04:57:52,333 --> 04:57:55,800
and slowly that fear begins to fade. They learn to float, kick and to swim.

2714
04:57:57,767 --> 04:58:01,467
by the end of the summer, many are swimming across the deep end of the pool while the other kids cheer them on.

2715
04:58:05,400 --> 04:58:09,333
experiences like this are incredibly powerful and life saving. Our students often take a little

2716
04:58:12,567 --> 04:58:12,567
longer to learn because many start when they're slightly

2717
04:58:17,067 --> 04:58:20,067
older. Some are deeply afraid of the water and each year we also teach some kids who are

2718
04:58:23,433 --> 04:58:26,233
autistic. These children need consistency and frequent instruction to succeed.

2719
04:58:29,433 --> 04:58:29,433
that's why I'm concerned about the proposed contract change at

2720
04:58:35,333 --> 04:58:37,800
the calhoun pool. The ymca currently provides swim instruction five days a week for the west augustine kids safe

2721
04:58:42,133 --> 04:58:44,233
zone. I understand that planet swim from the slide we just saw is proposing one day a week of

2722
04:58:50,233 --> 04:58:50,233
supervised swim programing for 90 minutes.

2723
04:58:54,500 --> 04:58:54,500
if there is swim lessons during that one day a week of swim

2724
04:58:59,733 --> 04:59:02,600
programing, with that frequency these kids will not learn how to swim. It's simply not enough time to

2725
04:59:04,833 --> 04:59:04,833
build trust, skills or safety. I would ask that any issues with

2726
04:59:10,067 --> 04:59:13,700
the ymca contract be worked on to be resolved in a way that does not reduce access to swim instruction from these children.

2727
04:59:17,367 --> 04:59:20,600
their safety depends on it. Thank you very much for your consideration and time. >> thank you.

2728
04:59:27,767 --> 04:59:27,767
>> good afternoon my name is greg white, 905 pearl street,

2729
04:59:34,200 --> 04:59:37,767
saint augustine florida. I'm here today and I'm asking the county administration as well as the board of

2730
04:59:42,933 --> 04:59:42,933
commissioners, reconsider awarding the solomon calhoun

2731
04:59:47,133 --> 04:59:47,133
pool contract today. Based on the following.

2732
04:59:52,300 --> 04:59:52,300
when the next provider provide over 1800 free swim lessons to

2733
04:59:57,900 --> 04:59:57,900
the relatives in the area per year? Two, would the -- do they

2734
05:00:04,133 --> 05:00:04,133
have a record of providing swim lessons dating back as far as

2735
05:00:09,267 --> 05:00:09,267
the 1800s in the area? Three. Does the next provider have a

2736
05:00:16,367 --> 05:00:16,367
letter of endorsement from the west augustine c. R committee?

2737
05:00:23,967 --> 05:00:27,900
four, will the for profit organization financially be able to provide free swim lessons in our underserved area.

2738
05:00:33,667 --> 05:00:33,667
five, will the next provider ensure that the underserved

2739
05:00:39,133 --> 05:00:39,133
community that swim teams will not ever dominate the pool

2740
05:00:47,267 --> 05:00:49,067
usage. Merger, it would determine several weeks ago that planet swim merged with sport in may o.

2741
05:00:58,067 --> 05:00:58,067
last week, it was an announcement that merger was

2742
05:01:03,833 --> 05:01:07,500
terminated so I would hope that someone would look into it and find out why it was terminated. The current provider teach swim

2743
05:01:19,400 --> 05:01:19,400
lessons in the spring four times a week providing transportation

2744
05:01:25,033 --> 05:01:25,033
to the following schools. R&b hunt, osceola, southwood,

2745
05:01:32,000 --> 05:01:32,000
webster, cruickshank, five days a week, during the summer, the

2746
05:01:36,267 --> 05:01:36,267
camp is a five day a week with swimming lessons.

2747
05:01:42,733 --> 05:01:42,733
the cra committee vote 60 years ago to bring this pool as well

2748
05:01:49,867 --> 05:01:53,600
as the community center to underserved area when some thought it was an impossibility. Trust me, it was always going

2749
05:01:59,000 --> 05:01:59,000
uphill but we succeeded, we've been the -- when it concerns

2750
05:02:05,100 --> 05:02:05,100
during that time. , we put six millions in the

2751
05:02:10,467 --> 05:02:13,333
underserved area and it would not be utilized. The first week it was at capacity and it remains at

2752
05:02:17,600 --> 05:02:20,600
capacity. In the early 2000, we had one public pool in st. Augustine. The organization that ran that

2753
05:02:25,233 --> 05:02:25,233
pool allowed the neighborhood kid to come in for 45 minutes,

2754
05:02:30,400 --> 05:02:30,400
use the pool and exit. >> thank you very much.

2755
05:02:39,967 --> 05:02:39,967
>> good afternoon. >> good afternoon.

2756
05:02:44,733 --> 05:02:44,733
that was really good by the way. Mia and mr. White go way back.

2757
05:02:49,400 --> 05:02:49,400
my name is frank hallman, I live at 1221 north street

2758
05:02:54,633 --> 05:02:56,900
saint augustine florida. I run an independent community based swim program with in saint johns county for the past -- I'm

2759
05:03:03,633 --> 05:03:07,267
also a longtime resident of west st. Augustine and my neighbors and friends rely on the calhoun center as one of their few

2760
05:03:11,967 --> 05:03:14,833
public resources serving the city limits of saint augustine of the west saint augustine community.

2761
05:03:17,433 --> 05:03:19,900
they've served thousands of local families, supported every high school in the area and provided safe, structured

2762
05:03:23,167 --> 05:03:26,733
environments for development. With the new management contract, the solomon calhoun pool I want to ensure that

2763
05:03:31,767 --> 05:03:34,733
long-standing community like mine continue to have stable fair access to the facility. In reviewing the current bid, I

2764
05:03:39,367 --> 05:03:42,167
noticed that several long-standing community groups who were either not dressed or left out entirely.

2765
05:03:46,567 --> 05:03:49,867
these omissions raised to me understandable concerns about access that will be allocated moving forward.

2766
05:03:53,333 --> 05:03:57,067
a fully support and -- improvements to the pool and expanding programing. My only request is that

2767
05:04:00,100 --> 05:04:03,333
independent teams or programs which have been part of this community for decades are not displaced or restricted as a

2768
05:04:06,833 --> 05:04:06,833
result of this transition. I'm asking to ensure public

2769
05:04:11,400 --> 05:04:11,400
facilities remain accessible to all community programs and that

2770
05:04:15,433 --> 05:04:18,233
clear, fair, written access agreements are established so that we can continue to serve the families who rely on us.

2771
05:04:22,433 --> 05:04:25,733
thank you for your time and commitment to the residents of saint johns county. >> thank you.

2772
05:04:34,367 --> 05:04:38,033
good afternoon. >> good afternoon. 895 south orange street. I will speak today on behalf of

2773
05:04:42,600 --> 05:04:45,267
our those who couldn't be here. It's so important and critical to our community that he submitted a written comment that

2774
05:04:47,933 --> 05:04:50,933
he wanted to make so please bear with me. The west augustine cra was established in 2000 on the two

2775
05:04:58,567 --> 05:04:58,567
-- establishment was that the key part of that mission was

2776
05:05:03,300 --> 05:05:03,300
that we were ensure accessible and safe recreational

2777
05:05:07,567 --> 05:05:07,567
opportunities for our community. Submitting this with the strong

2778
05:05:13,433 --> 05:05:17,000
support of the ymca aquatics program at the solomon calhoun center, it was built around 2007 through collaborative community

2779
05:05:20,867 --> 05:05:20,867
efforts and was a direct response to decades of drownings

2780
05:05:25,967 --> 05:05:25,967
in -- dating back to the 19 1950s.

2781
05:05:30,167 --> 05:05:30,167
the need for a safe community pool was long evident and it

2782
05:05:35,400 --> 05:05:35,400
became even more urgent through the tragic drowning of residents

2783
05:05:42,033 --> 05:05:42,033
on april 23rd 1994 at the pits. His passing highlighted the

2784
05:05:47,500 --> 05:05:51,100
importance of water safety and access to proper swimming facilities. Today the ymca continues to pay

2785
05:05:54,000 --> 05:05:54,000
-- play a role in addressing that need with the development

2786
05:06:00,867 --> 05:06:00,867
corporation to provide free swimming lessons to

2787
05:06:05,367 --> 05:06:08,367
approximately 1800 children working with six local schools, transportation was coordinated to ensure access to all of our

2788
05:06:11,633 --> 05:06:15,300
families. In total nearly $388,000 in swimming lessons and water safety program was delivered at

2789
05:06:19,000 --> 05:06:22,767
no cost to the community. These programs go beyond recreation. They're vital to public safety,

2790
05:06:26,000 --> 05:06:28,633
development and preventing future tragedies. I support maintain the ymca at the solomon calhoun center while

2791
05:06:34,000 --> 05:06:34,000
also utilizing the pool to expand access and balance

2792
05:06:38,733 --> 05:06:42,600
programs. The west augustine and understanding that the solomon calhoun center is a community

2793
05:06:48,000 --> 05:06:48,000
pool, any other scope of business goes against the

2794
05:06:53,000 --> 05:06:55,967
efforts of our mission. Thank you for your continuous leadership and commitment to the west augustine community.

2795
05:06:59,800 --> 05:06:59,800
thank you. >> thank you.

2796
05:07:05,333 --> 05:07:05,333
>> good afternoon. I live on harbor vista circle

2797
05:07:10,833 --> 05:07:14,400
saint augustine. I'm here representing myself and community applicants for racial equity.

2798
05:07:16,367 --> 05:07:19,767
since its inception it's advocated on behalf of underserved communities and voices who may not always get

2799
05:07:22,233 --> 05:07:25,400
heard when voices -- decisions are made. Building the community doctor martin luther king envisioned.

2800
05:07:28,267 --> 05:07:31,467
historically west augustine has been underserved and in fulfilling its mission care has always tried to support west

2801
05:07:34,133 --> 05:07:36,567
augustine and consultation with community leaders. The county created the west augustine community

2802
05:07:39,700 --> 05:07:42,367
redevelopment area because of its related condition when the cra was created, west augustine was in dire need for

2803
05:07:46,600 --> 05:07:48,133
redevelopment. Pleased to see that in recent years thanks to the hard work of community leaders and west

2804
05:07:51,400 --> 05:07:51,400
augustine, working with county staff, the county has done a

2805
05:07:55,600 --> 05:07:58,900
much better job of improving this community. We understand the solomon calhoun community center was a

2806
05:08:01,767 --> 05:08:05,400
project that wouldn't have happened without the availability of cra tax increment funding.

2807
05:08:07,200 --> 05:08:07,200
we also understand a community has a trusted working

2808
05:08:12,167 --> 05:08:14,500
relationship with first coast ymca and is unfamiliar with planet swim which is based in -- largely operated in northeast

2809
05:08:20,767 --> 05:08:24,067
saint johns county. Change is often difficult can we get that. Sometimes change may be

2810
05:08:25,933 --> 05:08:28,867
necessary but only when it makes sense. Chair just learned this contract was coming up next weekend for a

2811
05:08:31,367 --> 05:08:34,800
lot of reasons we are in no position to evaluate the pros and cons of various responses to rfp but we can see that on paper

2812
05:08:39,867 --> 05:08:41,400
planets swim appears to be offering some things that would be good for west augustine. Management fee is slightly less

2813
05:08:47,200 --> 05:08:50,433
than the wise plus it's offering to contribute toward capital improvement and maintenance of the pool which apparently the

2814
05:08:53,600 --> 05:08:57,000
ymca is not in a position to do. That said ultimately this decision is not about paper and it's not even about money.

2815
05:08:59,800 --> 05:08:59,800
although we know you must run our county fiscally responsibly.

2816
05:09:06,133 --> 05:09:08,800
finances are a necessary consideration but ultimately this situation must be about people.

2817
05:09:11,200 --> 05:09:14,833
we understand the calhoun center is a resource but the people of west augustine deserve a pool that all -- will continue to

2818
05:09:20,633 --> 05:09:20,633
focus on their needs and serve them well in the pool built with

2819
05:09:26,067 --> 05:09:26,067
their tif funds. West augustine will continue its

2820
05:09:30,700 --> 05:09:33,300
long-standing working relationship with the y regardless of the decision on this contract thanks to its

2821
05:09:36,133 --> 05:09:39,400
opening a branch in the new greg and lydia white health and wellness center. But we are very concerned about

2822
05:09:42,600 --> 05:09:42,600
planet swim's ability to deliver the level of promised pool

2823
05:09:48,400 --> 05:09:50,500
management services. One reason we are concerned is we understand it was publicly announced that the merger was

2824
05:09:56,167 --> 05:09:57,467
called off. Planet's swim is no longer part of the much larger organization with more resources.

2825
05:10:00,567 --> 05:10:04,167
it seems like a good reason to delay and reconsider this decision. Regardless of the contract the

2826
05:10:05,633 --> 05:10:05,633
county must be diligent in managing this contract.

2827
05:10:10,500 --> 05:10:10,500
>> thank you. Good afternoon.

2828
05:10:19,333 --> 05:10:19,333
>> good afternoon. 1808 vista code road.

2829
05:10:24,700 --> 05:10:24,700
you heard the west augustine cra really had the drownings of

2830
05:10:31,833 --> 05:10:35,467
their children at the back -- in the forefront of their desire to have this pool, it was always there in the back of their mind.

2831
05:10:42,300 --> 05:10:42,300
I think what I see missing here is the importance of

2832
05:10:48,867 --> 05:10:48,867
relationship because you can't come into the west augustine

2833
05:10:53,900 --> 05:10:53,900
community as a business from the north or as a city or county

2834
05:10:59,300 --> 05:10:59,300
government and expect them to not be skeptical.

2835
05:11:03,900 --> 05:11:03,900
they earned their skepticism because we've given it to them.

2836
05:11:10,833 --> 05:11:10,833
what I want to say is, the why worked hard over 100 years

2837
05:11:18,167 --> 05:11:22,033
serving underserved communities. This is critical. They don't do it for a profit, they do it out of a sense of

2838
05:11:26,833 --> 05:11:29,933
mission. This is really important. So what I think I want you to this plan and fiscally

2839
05:11:40,267 --> 05:11:42,567
responsible. All kinds of things. But it will not work in this relationship.

2840
05:11:47,400 --> 05:11:51,400
if you -- it will not work there if you just come in and think, we're offering this for your children.

2841
05:11:53,700 --> 05:11:53,700
that's not going to work there. There's good reasons why it

2842
05:11:58,367 --> 05:11:58,367
shouldn't work there so I hope they will pause this long enough

2843
05:12:03,633 --> 05:12:03,633
to listen to the west augustine cra and listen to this

2844
05:12:08,100 --> 05:12:08,100
community, we've already heard some of the things they have and

2845
05:12:13,667 --> 05:12:13,667
then make a decision based on how will we make this work? The

2846
05:12:18,667 --> 05:12:18,667
why has six schools they bus over there, I was there this

2847
05:12:22,767 --> 05:12:26,000
morning, I go to the calhoun center, I live in this area, I go to the calhoun center at least twice a week.

2848
05:12:29,733 --> 05:12:29,733
I take yoga in a class of over 60 people, it's an amazing

2849
05:12:34,400 --> 05:12:34,400
class. I watch the children over 100

2850
05:12:38,933 --> 05:12:41,833
children paraded down the hall while we were doing yoga with the towels around their necks coming from their school to go

2851
05:12:43,833 --> 05:12:43,833
in and take their free swim lessons.

2852
05:12:49,067 --> 05:12:49,067
I'm impressed with the relationship that the y has

2853
05:12:53,400 --> 05:12:56,867
built, I'm impressed with how well, it's worked and I think to our detriment if we don't look more closely at this and value

2854
05:13:02,633 --> 05:13:05,900
of the whole issue of relationship in west augustine. They worked hard -- the cra has worked hard on that relationship

2855
05:13:09,400 --> 05:13:09,400
with y'all and y'all in turn have worked hard with him.

2856
05:13:15,900 --> 05:13:19,467
>> thank you. Are there any other public comments at this time? Seeing none we will close public

2857
05:13:25,267 --> 05:13:28,500
comment. >> mr. Joseph you have the floor. >> planet swim right here in the audience I would love to call them up because I want to ask

2858
05:13:31,633 --> 05:13:31,633
him a couple questions. >> good afternoon.

2859
05:13:42,933 --> 05:13:45,500
>> can you tell us a little about yourself and your mission and have you met with the cra? >> we've been around 16 years,

2860
05:13:53,933 --> 05:13:53,933
,I was a professional swimmer myself and my life is always

2861
05:13:59,900 --> 05:14:02,100
about swimming and aquatic sports. We've started this business called planet swim 16 years ago

2862
05:14:05,433 --> 05:14:05,433
over the last 16 years, we've done over 300,000 swim lessons,

2863
05:14:10,300 --> 05:14:13,267
we do about 6000 swim lessons a year. At that location, we have no profit organization that funds

2864
05:14:20,400 --> 05:14:23,800
scholarship for all aquatic programs that we offer and one good reference is the project that we've started seven years

2865
05:14:27,300 --> 05:14:27,300
ago with the city spring park pool, we teach approximately 300

2866
05:14:33,100 --> 05:14:33,100
kids every year for free. We have that partnership going

2867
05:14:37,833 --> 05:14:37,833
for seven years, we just renewed again so we are very familiar

2868
05:14:42,300 --> 05:14:42,300
with operating in community pools and we are committed to

2869
05:14:46,400 --> 05:14:49,633
creating a better community with better services and better programs. That's what we're all about.

2870
05:14:50,767 --> 05:14:54,600
that's how we define success in this business. We understand that it's more than just an operation.

2871
05:14:58,600 --> 05:14:58,600
it's a community center hub that can become something where it

2872
05:15:04,833 --> 05:15:07,267
connects to the community and provides safety education and fitness and health alternatives for the residents of the

2873
05:15:11,300 --> 05:15:13,333
community. So we're excited for that, we are very confident that we can deliver this service but we

2874
05:15:16,467 --> 05:15:20,133
would like to have the opportunity to show that to the community and hopefully gain -- they view the relationship with

2875
05:15:24,633 --> 05:15:27,100
the ymca. >> did you not meet -- I. Thought -- did you meet with the cra?

2876
05:15:29,767 --> 05:15:29,767
>> we met with a group twice. There was one who was a board

2877
05:15:34,033 --> 05:15:34,033
meeting that we had and it was a neighbor -- member of the cra

2878
05:15:38,300 --> 05:15:41,567
and we never received a formal endorsement as I don't believe there was a requirement. >> we want to really quick talk

2879
05:15:48,600 --> 05:15:52,167
about the jacs issue. >> absolutely. For clarification, I was the one who called off that partnership

2880
05:15:56,267 --> 05:15:58,800
because they were not aligned. I was promised a lot of things that was going to happen and they didn't happen like I was

2881
05:16:01,600 --> 05:16:04,833
promised and I felt like our membership and staff was suffering through that partnership and I decided to

2882
05:16:07,233 --> 05:16:07,233
call it off. That's what happened.

2883
05:16:15,800 --> 05:16:19,333
>> thank you. Mr. Chairman I don't have any questions -- but I appreciate all of that insight.

2884
05:16:26,067 --> 05:16:28,933
I will respectfully request that commissioner joseph withdraw the motion not because planet swim did not rightfully win the bid

2885
05:16:32,600 --> 05:16:32,600
in the rfp, not because they may not be the best vendor but I met

2886
05:16:38,800 --> 05:16:38,800
with them prior to the blackout. And I really liked what they

2887
05:16:44,533 --> 05:16:44,533
said and their perspective on taking care of people.

2888
05:16:48,833 --> 05:16:48,833
the reason the west augustine cra speaks with such affection

2889
05:16:53,467 --> 05:16:53,467
about the ymca was because that was earned over a lot of time.

2890
05:16:58,133 --> 05:17:01,733
the ymca is really taking care of their kids. Some things that I just learned in my briefing yesterday that

2891
05:17:05,033 --> 05:17:07,933
just came to light yesterday, I'm not sure the west augustine cra has had time to fully process, I just learned

2892
05:17:13,033 --> 05:17:15,667
yesterday that we can't award the bid to ymca today even if we wanted to. There are legal and good rules,

2893
05:17:18,933 --> 05:17:21,600
good laws in place that would prevent them from doing that, I'm not sure the cra learned that until yesterday so, I would

2894
05:17:27,333 --> 05:17:27,333
rather take the time to sit down with mr. White and other members

2895
05:17:32,533 --> 05:17:35,533
of west augustine community with our staff with ryan king, I had a great conversation with mr. King yesterday said, with

2896
05:17:39,467 --> 05:17:42,767
the planet -- would they do what ymca is doing and mr. Kane's opinion they might even be better, it's possible.

2897
05:17:45,200 --> 05:17:47,267
it might be worse but I want to sit down and have the conversation so we can work through it together.

2898
05:17:50,367 --> 05:17:53,000
it's different when you're dealing with the cra in my opinion. A community redevelopment agency

2899
05:17:54,967 --> 05:17:58,000
is in place because the community has a voice. Its intent is to get the community more voice and more

2900
05:18:01,600 --> 05:18:04,867
control over where the money goes and how it's used so it is different dealing with his community in some other areas in

2901
05:18:08,633 --> 05:18:11,700
the county. I would just ask if it's the will of this board how to make -- I. Would like to make a

2902
05:18:14,200 --> 05:18:18,033
motion to continue this to the next meeting and we extend the ymca to operate until may seventh so that everything is

2903
05:18:21,367 --> 05:18:23,167
taken care of over there and when we come back on the 21st we might be able to vote for planet win.

2904
05:18:25,867 --> 05:18:25,867
right now I'm not ready to vote on this item so that's my

2905
05:18:31,133 --> 05:18:31,133
request. >> ryan, mr. King, I don't

2906
05:18:37,567 --> 05:18:40,000
really want to withdraw the motion because I don't want to see the summer be gone and they have to staff it by april 21st

2907
05:18:44,067 --> 05:18:44,067
is that correct? >> but the original contract

2908
05:18:49,700 --> 05:18:53,700
would expire though transition would place -- take place there. There would be some challenges no matter what with extensions

2909
05:18:58,267 --> 05:19:01,300
to the contract, we've had some communications from the ymca that they would cover some of the events that would be coming

2910
05:19:05,033 --> 05:19:08,533
down the road but we haven't had anything formal in our writing so you don't have anything formal from the ymca that we

2911
05:19:11,600 --> 05:19:14,267
continue on from the april 20th... >> I don't know if the people will come over, I have no idea

2912
05:19:18,367 --> 05:19:18,367
but what is the problem with the ymca? Why didn't this go out for

2913
05:19:24,367 --> 05:19:26,133
bid? >> I don't know if there's a specific problem to the ymca, there are challenges in

2914
05:19:28,633 --> 05:19:31,867
operating the pool I know that from operating pools for 20 years myself, or governments previously north and I think no

2915
05:19:35,200 --> 05:19:38,967
matter who comes in and tries to operate a pool whether it's the challenges of closures from pools, mechanicals, operations,

2916
05:19:42,000 --> 05:19:42,000
whether, contaminations, et cetera to staffing,

2917
05:19:46,600 --> 05:19:49,500
traditionally pools staffed with younger staff and had a lot of challenges there we've had communication with the ymca over

2918
05:19:52,600 --> 05:19:55,000
the years for challenges that have happened there. Some may have corrected, they've had challenges in correcting and

2919
05:19:59,967 --> 05:20:02,733
I expect that happens with a lot of vendors that are operating pools so I wouldn't say they're alone in that.

2920
05:20:05,433 --> 05:20:05,433
from my own experiences of trying to manage and operate a

2921
05:20:09,633 --> 05:20:09,633
pool facility. I had spoken previously to ymca

2922
05:20:16,200 --> 05:20:19,500
staff about the contract they didn't necessarily like how it was drawn up originally -- I. Wanted to see if there was

2923
05:20:22,367 --> 05:20:24,800
a possibility for change that started in some of the generation of this conversation come back around and go out for

2924
05:20:28,967 --> 05:20:32,633
rfp. So I met with the ymca and he was meeting with me because of the concerns of the contract and

2925
05:20:35,300 --> 05:20:38,567
I simultaneously had concerns about the contract. >> I met with y also and they said they couldn't keep the pool

2926
05:20:41,500 --> 05:20:41,500
open all day long and that's been the problem and that's why

2927
05:20:45,567 --> 05:20:45,567
I thought it was a good idea. If we approve today, could

2928
05:20:52,433 --> 05:20:52,433
planet swim meet with you and come up with a plan for west

2929
05:20:57,533 --> 05:20:58,733
augustine? The only reason I hate to put it off as all of a sudden everybody gets bombarded with all of these

2930
05:21:04,800 --> 05:21:07,800
phony gossip things that are just not true especially about planet swim. And I do feel bad for them

2931
05:21:11,700 --> 05:21:14,467
people. >> the intention has been if it was approved today to do a >> and they would meet with west

2932
05:21:21,867 --> 05:21:25,233
augustine and with frank over here and make sure that the masters program works into our program?

2933
05:21:27,467 --> 05:21:27,467
>> we can organize that, yes. >> thank you.

2934
05:21:31,800 --> 05:21:34,600
commissioner arnold. >> mr. Chair, I respect commissioner joseph commissioner josephs movement and not being

2935
05:21:36,000 --> 05:21:36,000
willing to withdraw but I also like the idea -- what I don't

2936
05:21:40,267 --> 05:21:43,733
see here is community buy-in. That is what makes west augustine so special. It's the way that community

2937
05:21:49,533 --> 05:21:49,533
operates and the way that community -- in this instance,

2938
05:21:56,200 --> 05:21:59,033
it has contribute into their reluctance. There is history. You nailed it. The reluctance is earned. While I'm not saying that the y

2939
05:22:03,833 --> 05:22:06,600
is the best choice or planet swim, what you are offering looks amazing but I want to make sure there is community buy-in

2940
05:22:11,200 --> 05:22:13,800
and that is what I'm truly seeing lacking here and that is what is so important in west augustine and that's why there

2941
05:22:16,600 --> 05:22:19,100
is a cra there and a standing committee. I don't want it to go into the summer months and backed people

2942
05:22:22,433 --> 05:22:25,200
up two weeks. If we could hear this at the next meeting with the intention of us as a board having time to

2943
05:22:28,433 --> 05:22:31,133
meet with the community, that is something I would be in favor of. Tabling to the next meeting.

2944
05:22:33,200 --> 05:22:33,200
but I know there's a motion on the floor.

2945
05:22:37,633 --> 05:22:39,767
>> if I may offer a couple clarifications. >> you make. >> one point I wanted to clarify

2946
05:22:44,867 --> 05:22:44,867
is this rfp was necessary because the term of the contract

2947
05:22:51,233 --> 05:22:51,233
was coming up for expiration. I didn't wanted to be perceived

2948
05:22:56,400 --> 05:22:59,700
that this was a termination of their contract. It just came to its natural contract and which requires

2949
05:23:04,167 --> 05:23:06,767
resolicitation which goes for all of our service contracts. I did want to clarify that. Secondly, food for thought, if

2950
05:23:13,400 --> 05:23:16,800
we are going to push this out, we need to consider the time frame that it will take if there is input from the

2951
05:23:19,300 --> 05:23:19,300
community that needs to be factored in that may or may not

2952
05:23:23,433 --> 05:23:23,433
require additional conversations and/or adjustments on what has

2953
05:23:27,733 --> 05:23:31,433
already been put together and structured for approval today. I don't want to cut a so short in a time frame that we are back

2954
05:23:35,433 --> 05:23:38,033
before you and not able to act in a timely fashion so we are starting and stopping when we need to for recreations,

2955
05:23:43,200 --> 05:23:43,200
programs, operations, logistc purposes, and for the contract

2956
05:23:47,233 --> 05:23:49,633
and for the supplier to be able to ramp up as they need to. I would ask that is thought about with an extension of time

2957
05:23:54,467 --> 05:23:57,867
frame or whatever just a factor in that there is work behind the scenes that coincides with that. >> let me ask you that question.

2958
05:24:02,400 --> 05:24:06,167
if we vote in the affirmative for the motion that is on the floor now, you have to enter into contract negotiations.

2959
05:24:10,833 --> 05:24:12,400
>> we've already negotiated appeared what is before you is the negotiated contract. But I want to say because this

2960
05:24:15,633 --> 05:24:17,733
was mentioned in one of the briefings. We can always facilitate community feedback, community

2961
05:24:23,900 --> 05:24:27,200
input meetings, if there are needs that they are not sure how they are being met or how they roll in.

2962
05:24:29,667 --> 05:24:29,667
a lot of the programs and things -- excuse me, are built

2963
05:24:33,800 --> 05:24:36,433
into the exhibit a that delineates all of the scope of services that factors in swim teams, that factors in summer

2964
05:24:39,433 --> 05:24:39,433
camps, that factors in those hours that are reserved and sad

2965
05:24:44,100 --> 05:24:48,033
for those programs and things to happen. They are obligated to do those things. But there's always the availability for us to sit down

2966
05:24:50,167 --> 05:24:53,333
and look at is there an adjustment that is necessary and needed? It is always subject to

2967
05:24:57,200 --> 05:24:59,333
discussion, agreement, and whether or not it comes back to the board or if it is able to be approved at the level.

2968
05:25:02,200 --> 05:25:06,000
those adjustments and things can always be done with the contract in place. We don't have to do those things

2969
05:25:08,233 --> 05:25:11,833
before there is a contract in order for us to accomplish those things. >> here is my concern.

2970
05:25:15,467 --> 05:25:15,467
because it is in my district, I feel very strongly about the cra

2971
05:25:22,400 --> 05:25:22,400
and the cra's position in us. Also know that legally we have

2972
05:25:26,767 --> 05:25:26,767
put an rfp out. The parameters were set and of

2973
05:25:34,233 --> 05:25:34,233
the was the y came out in third. Even if they fail in the ability

2974
05:25:44,933 --> 05:25:48,467
to uphold their part of the contract, it would go to the second person on the list and not the ymca.

2975
05:25:50,800 --> 05:25:53,233
it is that correct? >> no, sir. If we award the contract, we are under that contract.

2976
05:25:56,833 --> 05:25:59,767
we have taken the action for the rfp. If they fail, if we terminate once the contract is in place,

2977
05:26:03,100 --> 05:26:06,767
we are then in a situation where we have to, likely, could procure an interim solution so that we maintain operation of a

2978
05:26:11,867 --> 05:26:11,867
much-needed and used facility but also to give us time to redo

2979
05:26:16,500 --> 05:26:19,767
the full solicitation. >> so we would have to get another one. >> essentially, yes.

2980
05:26:24,467 --> 05:26:24,467
>> commissioner joseph. >> can I ask mr. Gestapo.

2981
05:26:31,833 --> 05:26:31,833
>> come on down. >> are you willing to get with

2982
05:26:40,667 --> 05:26:44,433
west augustine right away and get those extra swim lessons in that they need and get going? I know you have to get that pool

2983
05:26:47,300 --> 05:26:51,233
going so it's ready to go. At the same time, help them get what they need for their community?

2984
05:26:58,300 --> 05:26:58,300
>> offered once a week. It's the way that we program,

2985
05:27:04,000 --> 05:27:06,367
you as a customer, you can choose if you want to come once a week, twice a week, three times a week.

2986
05:27:09,500 --> 05:27:11,767
we offer linings morning and afternoon monday through saturday and every facility that we operate.

2987
05:27:16,000 --> 05:27:18,467
the client, the family would then choose and say I want to come every monday, I want to come monday tuesdays, I want to

2988
05:27:21,800 --> 05:27:23,900
come wednesday. Whatever works best for the schedule. >> and you have scholarships for

2989
05:27:27,600 --> 05:27:30,433
west augustine, specifically for them? >> yes. We have a fund-raising event happening on the 25th and 26th of april that we've done

2990
05:27:33,467 --> 05:27:37,000
for years and we have raised about $50,000 every year and that is what the funds that we used to fund the scholarships

2991
05:27:39,533 --> 05:27:39,533
for swimming lessons. >> thank you.

2992
05:27:49,333 --> 05:27:50,233
commissioner whitehurst. I will be brief. I want to say again I don't doubt anything about planet

2993
05:27:54,500 --> 05:27:58,167
swim. They clearly won the bid going away. I don't doubt the process by which they won it. I am not questioning or saying

2994
05:28:01,567 --> 05:28:05,233
anything bad about your organization. That is not what this is about. What I think it's critically important is that we work with our community.

2995
05:28:09,600 --> 05:28:11,867
we have this incredible special relationship and the trajectory of our wave motion ship, the arrow has been up for ten or 15.

2996
05:28:21,167 --> 05:28:24,367
I don't want us to take even a half step backward. >> and that would be -- admonishment is not a good word.

2997
05:28:31,867 --> 05:28:31,867
it would be... I want to make this very clear.

2998
05:28:39,367 --> 05:28:39,367
the west augustine community is very important to this board.

2999
05:28:43,600 --> 05:28:46,467
so your ability to work with them is very important to our relationship going forward. Is that fair to say?

3000
05:28:51,167 --> 05:28:54,567
>> absolutely. We are fully aware of the responsibility. >> good. Because it's a big responsibility.

3001
05:28:58,100 --> 05:28:58,100
these people -- these people. My people are very important to

3002
05:29:02,433 --> 05:29:04,367
me. And it's important that you understand how important it is to this board going forward.

3003
05:29:07,400 --> 05:29:07,400
I understand the legal requirements that we have.

3004
05:29:12,000 --> 05:29:15,400
we put it out and scored and it's time to award the highest one. That's where we are.

3005
05:29:18,000 --> 05:29:20,767
>> the board has three options. The motion before you is to award based on the ranking. The board can give us additional

3006
05:29:27,567 --> 05:29:31,433
negotiations that need to occur in order for us to award, but again, that probably necessitates a level of

3007
05:29:33,367 --> 05:29:33,367
extension and time consideration to accomplish that before we are

3008
05:29:37,600 --> 05:29:40,367
bringing back the renegotiated contract or rereject all. Reject all means we are rejecting all for a

3009
05:29:44,500 --> 05:29:44,500
resolicitation and that means that we have to extend the

3010
05:29:49,233 --> 05:29:50,767
current contract for resolicitation. The crux of the resolicitation as we have to materially change

3011
05:29:54,700 --> 05:29:56,967
our requirements because we can't just plop the same solicitation on the street hoping for a different result.

3012
05:30:01,267 --> 05:30:01,267
>> all right. Okay.

3013
05:30:09,300 --> 05:30:12,967
without pulling of your motion, then we have a motion on the floor. Any other discussion before we

3014
05:30:15,567 --> 05:30:18,200
vote? In that case, give us an opportunity to vote. Voting yes means we are awarding

3015
05:30:23,467 --> 05:30:23,467
the contract to planet swim. Did I say planet swim question

3016
05:30:28,733 --> 05:30:30,267
work is that right question work there is a motion on the floor. Let's vote. Okay.

3017
05:30:35,767 --> 05:30:35,767
that passes 3-2. Congratulations.

3018
05:30:40,100 --> 05:30:40,100
let's go on to eight. >> good afternoon commissioners.

3019
05:30:55,967 --> 05:30:58,633
shelby romero, senior assistant to the board of county commissioners. My item today is for the

3020
05:31:01,767 --> 05:31:05,500
conservation board. There is one vacancy due to a resignation. This vacancy was posted and ran

3021
05:31:08,767 --> 05:31:12,733
for 30 days. Please find the attached documents for your review consideration.

3022
05:31:16,200 --> 05:31:19,400
>> okay. Any questions from the board? Seeing none we will go right to public comments.

3023
05:31:22,033 --> 05:31:22,033
>> at this time will take public comment on agenda item number

3024
05:31:26,633 --> 05:31:30,033
eight. Seeing none we will close public comment. >> okay.

3025
05:31:31,833 --> 05:31:31,833
I got an email requesting the appointment of rhonda love it

3026
05:31:40,633 --> 05:31:40,633
separately. So she comes not only by the

3027
05:31:44,767 --> 05:31:47,800
lamp board, but there are people sending me emails about her so I would make a motion to appoint her to the lamp board for

3028
05:31:53,733 --> 05:31:57,600
personal term due to expire november 1st 2027. >> I will second. >> we have a second.

3029
05:31:58,967 --> 05:31:58,967
let's vote. All right.

3030
05:32:04,933 --> 05:32:06,733
that passes 5-0. Congratulations. Let's move right onto the next agenda item.

3031
05:32:10,200 --> 05:32:14,133
>> the next item is also mine. This is for the contract review board. Currently there are two

3032
05:32:14,833 --> 05:32:14,833
vacancies on this board to an expired term and one of a

3033
05:32:20,600 --> 05:32:23,300
resignation. This ad was posted and ran for three months. This one vacancy you received an

3034
05:32:31,067 --> 05:32:34,367
application for the electrician position will remain open because we did not receive any qualified applicants.

3035
05:32:38,300 --> 05:32:42,067
>> any questions from the board? Let's go to public comments. >> at this time we will hear public comment on agenda item

3036
05:32:46,133 --> 05:32:48,533
number nine. Seeing on, we will close public comments. >> making a motion to reappoint

3037
05:32:52,733 --> 05:32:56,400
for the contract review board as a citizen representative for a second four-year term to schedule.

3038
05:32:58,800 --> 05:33:02,200
schedule expires march 1st 2030. >> I will second. >> we have a motion to second. Let's vote.

3039
05:33:06,567 --> 05:33:08,533
that passes 5-0. Congratulations. You have done a great job today. Let's move on to agenda item

3040
05:33:14,433 --> 05:33:14,433
number ten which is agenda item number two.

3041
05:33:24,067 --> 05:33:24,067
that would be jan. >> good afternoon.

3042
05:33:30,800 --> 05:33:30,800
jan with the growth management. >> thank you, jan.

3043
05:33:39,667 --> 05:33:39,667
>> this item was a proposed concurrency and impact fee

3044
05:33:44,433 --> 05:33:44,433
credit agreement for the fountains east independent

3045
05:33:48,700 --> 05:33:48,700
living facility which is 174 senior adult multifamily units

3046
05:33:53,167 --> 05:33:53,167
within the fountains east pud. Which is located on county road

3047
05:33:57,200 --> 05:33:57,200
210 just east of I-95. And I am not real sure what the

3048
05:34:04,400 --> 05:34:07,567
questions were, but I am here to answer the questions and the applicant is here as well. >> any questions from the board?

3049
05:34:11,800 --> 05:34:13,700
commissioner joseph, you are recognized. >> I just want to know how much is the traffic on 210 and what

3050
05:34:17,400 --> 05:34:20,867
is the percentage and how did you come to this amount? I think there were quite a few things, not just that.

3051
05:34:25,600 --> 05:34:25,600
are there homes and all kinds of things?

3052
05:34:29,767 --> 05:34:32,400
>> no. The fountains east is described, I put it in the staff report as far as the background

3053
05:34:36,167 --> 05:34:36,167
information. It is approved to be developed

3054
05:34:41,100 --> 05:34:41,100
as currently there is existing 276 multifamily units that were

3055
05:34:46,900 --> 05:34:49,500
approved and have paid the mitigation for county road 210 similar to this project. This project is a minor in

3056
05:34:53,767 --> 05:34:57,500
nature, but it is still residential units technically so it is subject to concurrency. The nonresidential development

3057
05:35:00,833 --> 05:35:00,833
would not be subject to concurrency review.

3058
05:35:05,167 --> 05:35:08,367
they will be paying the road impact fees, all of which would be used in that district. >> what is the percentage?

3059
05:35:12,167 --> 05:35:12,167
I think it is 178% over? >> the status of the roadway?

3060
05:35:18,567 --> 05:35:22,267
>> and that I just wanted to know how you got to that number because I feel like it should be a lot more. That's the only reason I pulled it.

3061
05:35:26,800 --> 05:35:29,867
>> okay. >> because that area is hor horrific. >> the roadway is deficient.

3062
05:35:34,333 --> 05:35:34,333
they are going to pay the mitigation calculation that is

3063
05:35:38,800 --> 05:35:41,967
their share to ride in the roadway. >> right. I got it. But what is the percentage of traffic on that road?

3064
05:35:46,000 --> 05:35:48,567
>> the percentage of existing traffic or total? >> you said it was deficient. What is the number?

3065
05:35:53,600 --> 05:35:53,600
>> the existing traffic of this segment is a 122.6%.

3066
05:35:58,333 --> 05:35:58,333
and the total committed is 116.8%.

3067
05:36:05,567 --> 05:36:08,633
>> I just wanted to point out that this road has so much traffic on it and I hope we receive as much money as we can

3068
05:36:11,767 --> 05:36:13,967
to help with that road. >> absolutely. That is our effort and we are putting the money in an account

3069
05:36:17,800 --> 05:36:20,467
ready and working with d.o.t. On what the proper improvements would be. >> thank you.

3070
05:36:25,167 --> 05:36:27,167
>> was this a land development calculation where you came up with the amount? >> yes, sir.

3071
05:36:29,633 --> 05:36:33,567
the share calculation is specifically a mathematical equation that is in the land development code.

3072
05:36:36,267 --> 05:36:36,267
based on the cost to improve the road, the amount of capacity

3073
05:36:40,933 --> 05:36:44,000
that is being added, and what this projects percentage of that capacity is. >> fantastic great thank you so

3074
05:36:47,400 --> 05:36:49,567
much. Any questions? >> now. I think we have to vote it

3075
05:36:51,967 --> 05:36:55,133
though. >> do we need to go to public comment? Let's go to public comments.

3076
05:36:57,967 --> 05:36:57,967
>> at this time we will take public comments on agenda item

3077
05:37:02,300 --> 05:37:04,667
number ten. Seeing none, we will close public comments. >> back to the board for a

3078
05:37:08,633 --> 05:37:11,733
motion. >> I will go ahead and make t that. Motion to approve 2026 -- 01 an

3079
05:37:18,167 --> 05:37:21,833
authorized county administrator to execute the fountains east iowa left concurrency impacted by agreement.

3080
05:37:24,367 --> 05:37:27,700
finding the proposed agreement is consistent with section 11.09 of the land development code. >> second.

3081
05:37:30,700 --> 05:37:32,367
>> we have a motion that is seconded. Let's vote. It passes 5-0.

3082
05:37:37,533 --> 05:37:37,533
congratulations. Let's go to agenda item number

3083
05:37:42,333 --> 05:37:42,333
11 which is consent agenda item number 13.

3084
05:37:47,667 --> 05:37:47,667
>> good afternoon commissioners. Consent item 13 was the

3085
05:37:52,833 --> 05:37:52,833
authorization of a purchase of some councils for fire rescue's

3086
05:37:58,733 --> 05:38:01,067
e-91 communications dispatch facility. The current councils have reached their end of life so

3087
05:38:05,733 --> 05:38:09,733
this is a necessary replacement for that infrastructure. The reason why we are coming now is because the provider motorola

3088
05:38:15,733 --> 05:38:18,433
has offered incentives and discounts for us to go ahead and commit to purchasing the replacement consuls and in

3089
05:38:21,333 --> 05:38:21,333
negotiations with them, they have also put forth an

3090
05:38:26,333 --> 05:38:29,067
additional incentive that brings the total discounts if we move now to about $2 million from the original proposed amount of

3091
05:38:34,533 --> 05:38:34,533
about 4.4 million. The 2.5 million is total

3092
05:38:39,133 --> 05:38:42,933
purchase of 23 main dispatch consuls and an additional 14 consuls for the backup dispatch. The commitment is now.

3093
05:38:45,833 --> 05:38:45,833
we would purchase and receive the main dispatch consuls, the

3094
05:38:51,200 --> 05:38:54,700
23 consuls now and the second group for the backup dispatch would occur in october. The commitment for now is to

3095
05:38:57,767 --> 05:38:57,767
secure those discounts so we get it for the best price possible.

3096
05:39:03,800 --> 05:39:05,467
>> save money. >> yes. >> you receive the item with a revised motion as opposed to the

3097
05:39:08,633 --> 05:39:12,167
one in your original packet and that is basically to provide for the purchase of both sets of dispatch consuls but also to

3098
05:39:16,167 --> 05:39:19,267
provide for the funding out of the general fund reserve. Part of this item is fire rescue will pursue reimbursement of

3099
05:39:24,400 --> 05:39:27,533
general fund from the e911 communications fund to see if we can get some monies out of that fund to replenish this.

3100
05:39:30,033 --> 05:39:33,533
they will pursue that and see what process that looks like and if there's any way to bring back those funds or some of those

3101
05:39:36,433 --> 05:39:38,733
funds from the general fund based on the transfer if we approve this today. >> that's working for the

3102
05:39:43,400 --> 05:39:47,033
people. I love it. Great job. Without comment, let's go to public comments. >> at this time we will take

3103
05:39:50,433 --> 05:39:50,433
public comment on agenda item number 11.

3104
05:39:54,733 --> 05:39:58,533
seeing none, we will close public comments. >> fantastic. I will make that motion.

3105
05:40:03,333 --> 05:40:06,700
2026 —-dash 115. Authorizing the county administrator to utilize the contract number 0206254 public

3106
05:40:12,567 --> 05:40:12,567
safety communications technology to purchase radio consuls.

3107
05:40:17,567 --> 05:40:17,567
for fire rescue at a purchase price of 2.589 -- 504 and

3108
05:40:24,533 --> 05:40:24,533
authorized the use of general fund reserves to the amount of

3109
05:40:31,133 --> 05:40:31,133
$2,589,504 for the purchase. >> I will second.

3110
05:40:35,333 --> 05:40:39,133
>> we have a motion to second. Let's vote. That passes 5-0. Fantastic job everyone.

3111
05:40:43,033 --> 05:40:43,033
we made it through the agenda. Let's get right to the

3112
05:40:47,967 --> 05:40:47,967
commissioners report. Commissioner arnold, you are up.

3113
05:40:54,267 --> 05:40:54,267
you are recognized. Nothing to report.

3114
05:40:59,033 --> 05:41:02,367
commissioner joseph, you are recognized. >> I have the coolest thing ever, everyone.

3115
05:41:04,933 --> 05:41:04,933
we will see a beautiful commercial from our new vcp

3116
05:41:09,900 --> 05:41:13,567
advertising firm. And can I just say, they did the impossible. They melded to three different

3117
05:41:15,767 --> 05:41:17,833
areas of our county into one commercial and when you see it, you will see it's great and I'm really shocked because I don't

3118
05:41:23,167 --> 05:41:23,167
think I saw this coming. So hopefully it is ready to s

3119
05:41:29,800 --> 05:41:30,667
show. >> the age of discovery didn't and 500 years ago. It's alive and well today.

3120
05:41:37,200 --> 05:41:37,200
from ancient oaks to wild beaches to cultural treasures

3121
05:41:45,567 --> 05:41:45,567
and sanctuaries for the soul. St. Augustine pontevedra and the

3122
05:41:52,300 --> 05:41:52,300
beaches. Welcome to the new world.

3123
05:42:00,467 --> 05:42:00,467
>> don't you wish summer could go on forever?

3124
05:42:05,533 --> 05:42:07,300
work every day is an endless beach day. With a new adventure on every tide.

3125
05:42:12,133 --> 05:42:12,133
limit list feasts the senses. And long nights filled with

3126
05:42:17,533 --> 05:42:17,533
magic and mystery. St. Augustine pontevedra and the

3127
05:42:23,767 --> 05:42:23,767
beaches. Explore florida's historic

3128
05:42:28,067 --> 05:42:28,067
coast.com. >> I would like to move there.

3129
05:42:32,367 --> 05:42:32,367
>> that's at. >> thank you so much.

3130
05:42:36,400 --> 05:42:36,400
commissioner whitehurst, you have the floor.

3131
05:42:41,000 --> 05:42:43,400
>> nothing to report here. >> commissioner taylor appeared. >> I want to follow-up. Many of you know that we as a

3132
05:42:45,500 --> 05:42:45,500
commission send a letter to governor desantis urging him

3133
05:42:50,633 --> 05:42:50,633
to veto hospital and unfortunately he did indeed sign

3134
05:42:55,100 --> 05:42:59,100
that bill into law. So very unfortunate. I want the residents of st. Johns county to understand

3135
05:43:03,533 --> 05:43:06,900
exactly what tallahassee just did to us because this is a direct attack on our home rule and our ability to manage the

3136
05:43:10,433 --> 05:43:14,300
explosive growth in our bac backyard. Number one, our residents are losing their voice.

3137
05:43:16,700 --> 05:43:19,033
the new law allows certain development applications to be approved without a public hearing or any other further

3138
05:43:24,900 --> 05:43:27,900
local action. Developers can bypass the very process is designed to give residents a chance and ask

3139
05:43:30,267 --> 05:43:30,267
questions and raise concerns and to protect their neighborhoods.

3140
05:43:35,500 --> 05:43:38,500
also we are losing the right to say it doesn't fit. Historically if a developer wanted to draw up a massive high

3141
05:43:40,933 --> 05:43:44,533
density project right next to a quiet single family neighborhood, we had the authority to say no because it

3142
05:43:46,767 --> 05:43:49,833
wasn't compatible with our community character. That strips away the leverage and tallahassee is telling us

3143
05:43:54,667 --> 05:43:57,333
that local zoning compatibility and neighborhood fit are no longer adequate reasons to deny a project.

3144
05:44:00,700 --> 05:44:04,467
the new law also caps development fees and it requires local governments to base those fees it strictly on the actual

3145
05:44:06,733 --> 05:44:06,733
cost of reviewing projects. It really limits how projects

3146
05:44:11,100 --> 05:44:14,333
can be denied and it shifts the power away from your local elected officials and we heard loud and clear this morning from

3147
05:44:17,700 --> 05:44:17,700
so many residents that took advantage of being able to speak

3148
05:44:21,933 --> 05:44:21,933
to us as a board and people need to be aware of what's going on.

3149
05:44:29,100 --> 05:44:32,100
at the state level, they are doing all they can to take away our residents votes. And their voices.

3150
05:44:35,700 --> 05:44:35,700
our residents voices. I just wanted to share that.

3151
05:44:41,200 --> 05:44:43,400
very disappointing. We did that joint letter, it fell on deaf ears. That's all I have and wanted to

3152
05:44:47,733 --> 05:44:47,733
say. >> thank you so much for that.

3153
05:44:53,100 --> 05:44:55,367
I would like to get more consensus. We talked about the fact that I wanted to wait until the

3154
05:45:00,867 --> 05:45:02,800
legislature finished their deliberations on e-bike ordinances and what they had in the laws that they wanted to

3155
05:45:05,933 --> 05:45:08,100
change. They have done that and I would love to get consensus to have an e-bike ordinance workshop and

3156
05:45:11,600 --> 05:45:15,233
figure out how we can look at the state law and what is coming down and what we want to see in our county when it comes to

3157
05:45:21,467 --> 05:45:23,967
e-bike ordinances. If any changes are needed and what changes are needed to bring back to the board.

3158
05:45:25,900 --> 05:45:25,900
can I get consensus for that? Beautiful.

3159
05:45:30,333 --> 05:45:30,333
we will work with your team and probably your team.

3160
05:45:36,267 --> 05:45:38,700
thank you. We will talk about that. One other thing is I noticed one of the things that I would

3161
05:45:42,733 --> 05:45:42,733
really like to do is go back over the rules and to do the

3162
05:45:53,633 --> 05:45:57,033
same thing. Do a revision of the board of county commissioner rules and make sure we are keeping up with the times and making sure we are where we are supposed to be with that. We would love to have board

3163
05:45:58,033 --> 05:46:00,633
consensus to address staff to meet with me and figure out a way to go over that and make sure that we are up at the times

3164
05:46:05,067 --> 05:46:05,067
and we are doing what we are supposed to do.

3165
05:46:11,967 --> 05:46:15,233
>> is there any rule in particular that is of concern that you think needs to be updated?

3166
05:46:21,867 --> 05:46:21,867
>> I would say yes, there are. >> I'm sorry?

3167
05:46:26,233 --> 05:46:29,333
>> there are some legal changes that we need to readjust our rules to comply with. >> okay.

3168
05:46:33,433 --> 05:46:35,967
understood. >> okay. That was easy. Everybody good?

3169
05:46:38,667 --> 05:46:41,300
thank you guys so much for that. I appreciate you. Other than that, I don't have anything.

3170
05:46:43,767 --> 05:46:43,767
I would move to our county administer.

3171
05:46:49,333 --> 05:46:53,067
>> I have no report today. >> our county attorney. >> nothing additional. Thank you mr. Chair.

3172
05:46:54,933 --> 05:46:57,267
>> I look forward to working with you both and the two things that we talked about. Other than that, without

3173
05:46:59,767 --> 05:46:59,767
anything else coming before the board, we are