Town of Ponce Inlet |
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES |
Special Joint Meeting with Planning Commission |
December 17, 2008 |
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1. Call to order: Pursuant to proper notice, Mayor Goudie called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 4300 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, Florida. |
2. Pledge of allegiance: Mayor Goudie led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. |
3. Roll call: |
Council present: |
Mayor Goudie, Seat #1 |
Councilmember Derr, Seat #2 |
Councilmember McCormick, Seat #3 |
Vice-Mayor Davis, Seat #4 |
Councilmember Sturno, Seat #5 |
Staff Members present: |
Ms. Cassady, Town Attorney |
Ms. Clauss, Assistant Town Manager/Deputy Clerk |
Mr. Joulani, Director of Planning & Development |
Ms. Yoon, Planner |
Ms. Richard, Development Review Clerk |
Chief Scales, Fire Chief |
Police Commander Lurcock |
Keith Gunter, General Manager of Public Works |
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4. Additions, corrections, or deletions to the agenda: None. |
5. Presentation of the Lighthouse Overlay District Model |
Mr. Joulani gave a brief history of the Lighthouse Overlay District and the process of creating the model. He then introduced Mr. Kendall Keith from Planning and Design Group and Mr. Alberto Vargas of Martin & Vargas, who designed the model. |
Mr. Keith spoke briefly about the development of the three-dimensional model of the town and introduced Mr. Vargas, who presented the model, beginning with an aerial of the lighthouse area, followed by the model of that same area. In response to Vice-Mayor Davis’ question, Mr. Vargas said that the 35’ represents the height of the existing tree canopy in the town and the 50’ is another incremental height used. Mr. Keith explained that when looking at eye level, much was blocked by the tree canopy and said that with the model, you can put yourself anywhere you would like. Ms. Blissett clarified that the heights used were just for reference points. In response
to Councilmember Derr’s question, Mr. Vargas replied that the differences in grade at each property level can be adjusted with no problem. Mr. Keith said that from the information that they had, it appeared that most of the topographical change is between Peninsula and Atlantic. |
Mr. Keith then spoke of other areas around the country where viewshed protection has been used, specifically where there is a landmark. He then demonstrated the model using a 2,000’ radius of the Lighthouse, then moving in using 500’ increments to 500’. He said their preliminary findings were: |
· Tree canopy |
Defines character |
Adds value |
Current tree protection mechanisms |
Tree Inventory and Management Plan |
· Land Use Patterns |
· Existing mechanisms to protect viewshed |
35’ height limit |
Square footage limits on riverfront |
Dry dock boat storage limits |
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The initial recommendations were: |
· Proposed Overlay District, having a 750' radius from the Lighthouse |
· Limits on visual impacts (performance based) |
Maintaining or enhancing views |
Buildings oriented toward Lighthouse |
Maximum 55’ width for buildings over one-story (15-20 feet) |
· Excludes Single Family Residences |
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Mr. Keith then said that the exclusion of the single family residences was due to the established pattern of development and the Town’s current regulations including the floor area ratio and building envelope requirements. He believes this will guard against assemblage of commercial properties and said that views of the Lighthouse from the water are at least as significant, if not more so, than views from land. |
Mr. Vargas then showed a video showing the drive to the lighthouse with the existing tree canopy and a video showing the view from the river. He said that there is a very unique level of character in the town and showed a collage depicting northern cities that fit the description of a small fishing village, including the Hamptons and Martha’s Vineyard, which he used as a base and inspiration from which to work. |
In response to Mr. Smith’s question, Mr. Vargas said a reasonable cost proposal has been submitted to the town for further study. Vice-Mayor Davis asked for reasoning behind the 750’ recommendation. Mr. Keith explained that beyond 1,000 feet, it did not appear that you would gain a lot more, and in looking at parcels within the distances of 1,000’ and 750’, the 750’ would best protect the viewshed of the lighthouse. Discussion of the cost for the model and software followed, with Mr. Joulani saying that the final cost will depend on the level of detail and the type of software. He believes this software is user friendly and easy to learn, and
stated that current staff can use and operate the model, but would probably need some training because it is the first time using it. Mr. Sturno asked where we are going with this, to which Mr. Joulani replied that the model can be expanded to include the more of the town and we can build those ourselves. He said that we can use the model and/or use the consultant to do as much or as little as we would like, explaining that they are familiar with the town having worked on the model during the Comprehensive Plan revision. He said that the 750’ recommendation is the result of having the model and being able to drive around at different elevations in the model. |
Mr. Kraska said the tool box includes developing the tools and using the tools and asked Mr. Joulani for explanation. Mr. Joulani stated that this town is decades behind in technology and that he and Ms. Yoon are familiar with current technologies and able to use the newly purchased technology which will save thousands of dollars in consultants’ fees by being able to do much of the work in-house. He then spoke about geo-based information and data. Mayor Goudie summarized, saying that the software will give us tools to develop standards and guidelines. He said that the ARC/GIS software is being used increasingly and will be very helpful to the town. Mr. McCormick
asked about budget allocations for this type of work, to which Ms. Blissett responded that three phases have been approved at $25,000 each, for a total of $75,000. |
Gary Comfort, 85 Ocean Way Drive, asked what software program was used and is it importable into SketchUp. Mr. Vargas replied that the base software used was Auto-Cad 2009, and it is compatible with SketchUp, which is a very user friendly program. He said that there are an infinite amount of interactive possibilities with the program. |
Virginia Cassady, Town Attorney, said that there are there are two deeds from the federal government for the Lighthouse property, and pointed out that one or both of those deeds include a deed restriction that the town must protect the view of the Lighthouse. |
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7. Adjournment. Mayor Goudie adjourned the meeting at approximately 5:35 p.m. |
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Respectfully submitted by: |
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Margi Richard |
