Town of Ponce Inlet
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES
Special Joint Meeting with Planning Commission
December 10, 2009
1. Call to order: Pursuant to proper notice, Mayor Goudie called the meeting to order at 6:00 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
Vice-Mayor Derr, Seat #2
Councilmember Rutledge, Seat #3
Councilmember Davis, Seat #4
Councilmember Lewis, Seat #5
Planning Commission present:
Mr. Kraska, Chair
Mr. Jackson, Vice-Chair
Mr. Smith
Ms. Durtschi (seated after Item 5)
Staff Members present:
Ms. Clauss, Interim Town Manager
Mr. Joulani, Director of Planning & Development
Ms. Yoon, Planner
Mr. Adrian Marks, Chief Building Official
Ms. Richard, Development Review Clerk
4. Additions, corrections, or deletions to the agenda: Ms. Clauss explained that the Planning & Development Department has asked that an appointment to the Planning Commission and a request for additional costs for 143 Beach Street be added to the agenda. Hearing no objections, Mayor Goudie added these items.
5. Consideration of appointment to Planning Commission Seat 2
Mr. Joulani explained that with the resignation of Mr. McClellan, Seat 2 on the Planning Commission was vacated. Ms. Durtschi met with the Commission has been recommended for appointment.
Ms. Roxanna Durtschi, 4760 Links Village Drive, addressed the Council saying that she is honored to once again have the opportunity to serve the community. Mr. Kraska said that she was unanimously recommended by the Commission.
Ms. Lewis moved to appoint Ms. Durtschi to the Planning Commission. Ms. Davis seconded. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
6. Upgrades of Credits and Request for Approval for Additional Costs for 143 Beach Street Historic Project
Mr. Adrian Marks, Chief Building Official and Project Manager, addressed the Council and gave a brief overview of the current credits, which total $8,817.22 and request for additional costs, which total $4,879.08, leaving the total credit at $3,938.14. He requested Council’s approval of the change order in order to proceed with the project.
Vice-Mayor Derr asked who chose the light fixtures and why it’s more costly. Mr. Marks explained that the architect originally chose several fixtures from which the Board and members of the Davis House group made a recommendation. He said that these fixtures cost $300 each rather than $160 original estimated. Vice-Mayor Derr asked if there were any other fixtures that would meet the style, to which Mr. Marks replied that there are fixtures that would fit in the budget should Council so direct. Vice Mayor Derr expressed concern about continuing increases and asked if the Historic Board is aware of the budget restrictions. Mr. Marks said that the Historic Board has been the first eyes on items to be chosen and they do not always have the costs in front of them. He said that the bottom line is that these fixtures are not absolutely necessary, but they are exact replicas. Vice-Mayor Derr again stated her concern about the continuing change orders. Mr. Marks said that a
meeting was held on Monday with the engineer, contractor and town and there should not be more unanticipated changes.
Councilmember Davis said that one of the reasons for the light fixtures is that they are non-corrosive; making them more suited to the beachside, and the Board also discussed using energy savings bulbs. She said the other items are construction items and the bottom line is that there is still a credit.
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the change order as recommended by Staff on 143 Beach Street. Mayor Goudie seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0, roll call vote.
5. Presentation of Scenic Highways Program
Mike Palozzi of PBS&J addressed the boards and introduced Chris Dillon and Garry Balogh of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) who are working on this project with him. He explained that this is a grass-roots program through FDOT. They are looking for Council’s support in order to move forward with a letter of intent.
Chris Dillon, chair of Halifax Heritage River Corridor Group, explained his involvement and said this is a positive program for various types of public benefit projects. He said that not only would the town be eligible to apply for certain grants as a result of the designation, but several groups can apply for grants to work toward the same goal. He explained that they are working on an application using the areas rich history and said that this is not a letter of commitment, but merely a letter of support for the application. He said that if approved in Tallahassee, they will be told which roadways they can proceed with. He further explained that this is a two phase project: Phase One includes Atlantic Avenue through town; Phase Two will include Peninsula Drive. He said that the program will provide funding possibilities for the Green Mound and any other types of parks and recreational facilities and that if the town is seeking Certified Local Government, it can work
to our benefit.
Councilmember Lewis asked who would be applying for grants, and if they come through the state. Mr. Dillon replied that the FDOT website has information on funding opportunities, which come via the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Community Affairs and other resources and foundations. This is a state status and later through the project it becomes a federal project and eventually federal funding becomes involved. If approved, the first year of eligibility will be 2011.
Mr. Palozzi said that it is a toolbox to be able to seek grant opportunities and said that things such as historic markers and visitors centers have been funded. DOT maintains this program, but that does not mean there is no cost to the town. The group is asking for administrative support from participants. In response to the question of what, if any, the negative impacts to road changes are Mr. Dillon replied that this program will not affect land use and said that the only stipulation is that billboards are not permitted. He feels there are many positive benefits for the community and said that the program would help in eligibility for federal stimulus money. Councilmember Lewis asked where they stand with other municipalities. He responded that they are all
on board. The advocacy group will set up a monthly meeting schedule and would ask that each municipality host a meeting and take minutes. If the designation is approved, you get free ecotourism publicity.
Mr. Kraska asked how this would affect historic sites on corridor that are also commercial, i.e. North Turn. Mr. Dillon is not aware of any grants that would allow a business to apply. Mr. Palozzi explained that on other scenic highways, in attracting eco tourism, it provides another opportunity to bring people in and everybody benefits. Mr. Dillon said that this would also work into Volusia County’s trails program and that North Turn is being listed as one of the historic sites listed in the application.
Mr. Smith asked about the exact location of the byway, specifically about the Lighthouse area. Mr. Dillon said that the intention is that it would go to the Lighthouse. Councilmember Lewis said that the Lighthouse property actually abuts Atlantic Avenue. Mr. Smith asked the definition of a billboard, to which Mr. Dillon replied that it is outdoor advertising generally owned by a media company.
Councilmember Davis summarized that they are doing all the work and are only asking for our support and the use of a room for one building.
Mr. Jackson asked if the portable sign the town uses is considered a billboard.
Mayor Goudie made a motion to direct staff to prepare a letter of support from the Town Council for the proposed scenic highways program, seconded by Councilmember Lewis.
Councilman Rutledge is concerned that there is a possibility that this will erode autonomy and he is against the use of stimulus money. He does not feel that Peninsula Drive is set up for more traffic in Wilbur and feels this is a bad idea. He is not inclined to support this.
Phyllis Campbell, 4927 Sailfish Drive, chair of the Historic Board, said that the board heard a very thorough presentation. She feels this type of presentation would present well to the groups in town and foster them working together to benefit the town. She feels it might help us on the accesses to north and south turn, and give extra recognition for our historic sites, as this would be on brochures and not cost us anything. She has not been able to discover any out of pocket costs, and because it could help with beautification was very appealing. The Historic Board did vote to support this initial phase.
Vice-Mayor Derr asked about the availability of grants for roadway improvements and how it would impact traffic analyses. Mr. Dillon said there were CDBG funds available for roadways. He said that South Peninsula Drive is not in this Phase, but they are including Peninsula Drive north of Dunlawton Avenue as a link to other sections. Finally, Mr. Dillon said that any parks on Peninsula Drive would be eligible for funding.
Ms. Lewis expressed her support for this initial phase and would like to give it a chance. Mayor Goudie agreed that a letter of support does not commit us and he is favorably inclined.
Motion carried 4-1, with Councilmember Rutledge dissenting.
6. Presentation on the Smart Growth Initiative
Ms. Mary Swiderski and Mr. Rafael Montalvo representing VCOG reviewed their PowerPoint presentation regarding the Smart Growth Initiative (attached).
Mr. Smith asked what the intent is for developers: would a Homeowners Association (HOA) or the municipality be responsible for the open space. Mr. Montalvo replied that the open space is to be dedicated to an entity other than a HOA that will manage long-term.
Councilmember Lewis asked what they are asking of the Town. Ms. Swiderski replied that they are at the least asking that the ECO map shown in the PowerPoint be acknowledged in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Montalvo replied that they would like each jurisdiction to explore whether there are smart growth issues to be discussed with neighboring jurisdictions.
Councilmember Davis referred to the Joint Planning Agreements and stated her concern that we are not really affected by some of these things. She then stated concern about model ordinances and asked if we are opting into something that is going to cost us money. Mr. Montalvo said that the two examples might not be the best for a jurisdiction such as Ponce Inlet and further explained the agreements. Councilmember Davis asked if there is a better example for Ponce Inlet. Mr. Montalvo referred to another model resolution in their packet and explained that what they are requesting is a resolution stating the town’s support for continuing efforts in smart growth. Councilmember Davis asked if other counties are undergoing this process and if there is consideration of multiple counties working
together. Mr. Montalvo doesn’t know of another county where cities and county have worked consistently together to effectively manage growth. Councilmember Davis gave Mr. Montalvo credit for working on this for the past six years, and said that they were six years well spent.
Ms. Swiderski said that in the seven area counties, this corridor is considered one of the jewels and the other six counties will tell you that Volusia is way ahead of the curve working together to preserve.
Mayor Goudie said that from his perspective, he has watched this process evolve from a “tract housing” to the conservation model and ties into the myregion.org. We’re starting to understanding that the denser model is actually more efficient. He said that our town is unique, asked Mr. Joulani to address his perspective on this as well.
Mr. Joulani explained that he is very supportive of the Smart Growth initiatives. He attended some of the meetings, and a huge amount of work has gone into this. After attending some meetings, he realized that we are very different that other municipalities, but he supports the County’s desire to preserve land. He supports the Environmental Corridor Overlay and would like to learn more about what has been done before committing to anything, to be sure that the language supports but does not commit the town to anything that might trump the town’s (17 on tape).
Councilmember Lewis commented that she supports us crafting a customized resolution and said that this affects each and every one of us and it will affect our quality of life and that water issues will definitely be impacted. She would like to see us start with a resolution and move slowly through the process to support where possible.
7. Presentation on the Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines Established by the Volusia County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Karl Welzenbach, Executive Director of the Volusia County MPO, addressed the boards explaining how these guidelines were developed and gave an example of how it helps by having each municipality using the same standards. He said that the MPO suggested that a common methodology be used county-wide and drafted the standards over a period of two years. He is asking that the methodology be adopted by reference, and said that it will be updated annually. He then explained that a database has been created to allow municipalities to identify developments and determine their impacts.
Councilmember Lewis said that it occurred to her that we do have Volusia County here in Ponce Inlet: Lighthouse Point Park, and asked if this will assist us should the park be expanded in any way. Mr. Welzenbach replied that park improvements would probably be considered de minimis, but this tool will track those types of developments as well. He confirmed that there is no cost to access the database. In response to Councilmember Lewis’ question, he replied that Ponce Inlet is the last remaining municipality to adopt this.
Mr. Joulani recommended adoption at this time after looking at how other municipalities’ actions affect us and finding that this provides us an opportunity to adopt something that puts us at the table with them.
Ms. Durtschi said that after listening to three presentations and it seems that there are inconsistencies in the three and they are interconnected in an interesting way. Mr. Joulani replied that we already ask for traffic studies during development and what we are talking about is adopting a methodology that would be consistent throughout the county.
8. Adjournment. Mayor Goudie adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Jeaneen P. Clauss, CMC
Interim Town Manager/Town Clerk
Prepared by: Margi Richard, Development Review Clerk
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