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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07.26.2016S■TkaL■(di 1 E COUNTY F L o R r D A BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting July 26, 2016 Convened: 9:00 AM Adjourned: 10:08 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by District No. 5, Chairman Kim Johnson Attendee Name V District No. 5, Chairman District No. 1, Vice -Chairman Arrived Present 9:00 AM Kim Johnson Chris Dzadovsky Present 9:00 AM Tod Mowery District No. 2 Absent Paula A. Lewis District No. 3 Present 9:00 AM Frannie Hutchinson District No. 4 Present 9:00 AM Howard Tipton Administrator Present 9:00 AM Heather Young Asst. County Attorney Present 9:00 AM Edward Matthews Parks, Recreation & Facilities Director Present 9:00 AM Don West Public Works Director Present 9:00 AM Laurie Waldie Utility Director Present 9:00 AM Beth Ryder Community Services Director Present 9:00 AM Asheley Hepburn Director, Office of Management & Budget Present 9:00 AM Leslie Olson Director, Planning & Development Services Present 9:00 AM John Wiatrak Airport Manager Present 9:00 AM Ron Parrish Public Safety Director Present 9:00 AM Ron Roberts Solid Waste Director Present 9:00 AM Melissa Upton Clerk to the Board Present 9:00 AM 2. INVOCATION Generated 712912016 3:07 PM Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM 3. :j 5. 1.1 7 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Board of County Commissioners minutes for the meeting of Tuesday, July 05, 2016 RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Paula A. Lewis, District No. 3 SECONDER: Chris Dzadovsky, District No. 1, Vice -Chairman AYES: Kim Johnson, Chris Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson ABSENT: Tod Mowery PROCLAMATIONS APPROVAL There are no items scheduled. PUBLIC COMMENT (excluding Public Hearing items) Vernicia Eliacin, St. Lucie County Resident - Ms. Eliacin indicated she was addressing the Board on behalf of Mount Bethel Human Services. She stated that in June, 43 children were removed from their homes and only 20 were placed in group homes or shelters. She spoke about her agency's partnership with the community and Department of Children and Families. She indicated that her agency's mission is to help, heal and provide hope to those who need it the most. Ms. Eliacin emphasized the need for foster care families in the community. She stated that in most cases when a child is removed from a home they are moved to another district, county or city. She informed the Board that any questions or concerns can be directed to Mount Bethel Human Services at 4077 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce or 772-468-7979. PRESENTATIONS There are no items scheduled. CONSENT AGENDA RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Paula A. Lewis, District No. 3 SECONDER: Chris Dzadovsky, District No. 1, Vice -Chairman AYES: Kim Johnson, Chris Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson ABSENT: Tod Mowery A. WARRANTS 2 1 P a g e Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM 1. Warrant Lists 39 through 41 B. ADMINISTRATION 1. Acceptance of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) to Conduct the Design and Construct Segmented Circle project C. COUNTY ATTORNEY 1. Solid Waste Preliminary Assessment Resolution 2. Canvassing Board - Appointment for August 2016 Primary 3. Permission to Advertise - Human Trafficking Awareness Ordinance 4. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant FY 2016 5. Indian River Estates Municipal Service Benefit Unit - Master Meter - Parcel ID 3402-604- 0055-000-7 Access/Pipeline Easements in favor of Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and City of Port St. Lucie 6. All Aboard Florida - Payment of Legal Defense Invoices through All Aboard Legal Defense Fund D. COMMUNITY SERVICES There are no items scheduled. E. COURT ADMINISTRATION There are no items scheduled. F. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES There are no items scheduled. G. HUMAN RESOURCES There are no items scheduled. H. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY There are no items scheduled. I. MOSQUITO CONTROL & COASTAL MGMT. SERVICES There are no items scheduled. 3 1 P a g e Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM J. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET 1. Removal of Fixed Assets from Inventory 2. Award Bid No. 16-038, Pre -Qualification of Fencing Contractors K. PARKS, RECREATION & FACILITIES 1. Lakewood Neighborhood Park Playground Structure and Safety Surface Replacement Project 2. Sheraton Plaza Reserve Funding 3. Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Contract L. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 1. Resolution - Amending Resolution No. 13-196 to update fee schedule to waive the banner permit fee for any new business or a business that is expanding and to correct a typographical error in the fee schedule associated with permitting activities in the Building Division; and providing an effective date of September 1, 2016. M. PUBLIC SAFETY There are no items scheduled. N. PUBLIC WORKS 1. Resolution - Sunland Gardens Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) 2. Resolution - Harmony Heights Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) 2009A Bond Payoff 3. Property Clean-up Special Assessment District 4. Street Lighting Special Assessment Districts - Annual Assessment Resolution 5. Award Bid No. 16-036 - Oleander Avenue Parallel Pipe Phase III King Orange Drive Outfall Culvert Repair 6. Juanita Avenue Sidewalk (21st Street to Taylor Creek Bridge) - Accept Project and Approve Final Payment O. SHERIFF'S OFFICE There are no items scheduled. 4 1 P a g e Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM 1. Perimeter Fence at Fairwinds Golf Course Q. SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS There are no items scheduled. R. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION There are no items scheduled. S. UTILITIES There are no items scheduled. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. COUNTY ATTORNEY 1. Ordinance - Amending the Number of Animals Permitted in Residential Zoning Districts The Assistant County Attorney presented this public hearing for an amendment to the Land Development Code. This amendment would increase the number of dogs and cats over the age of four months which are permitted in residential zoning districts from 3 to 5. The Animal Shelter Standards Committee proposed this amendment based on their experience that responsible pet owners would be able to successfully have 5 animals in their homes. Staff indicated that when this item was first presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission there were questions regarding the potential impact on shelters in the area. The Assistant County Attorney stated that staff contacted the Humane Society and Dogs and Cats Forever and both agencies indicated their support for the proposed amendment because they felt the number of potential adopters would increase. The Planning and Zoning Commission also asked about the potential impact on working dogs on agricultural properties. Staff stated that the ordinance was revised to specifically exclude from the definition of residential district those properties located in AG-1, AG- 2.5, AG-5, AR-1 with agricultural classification for tax purposes and PUD properties that permit livestock. She explained that this corresponds to the list of zoning districts in the code of ordinances which exempts dogs on those properties from the nuisance barking requirements. The Assistant County Attorney indicated that this is the second public hearing and would match the number of animals allowed in the cities of Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. Commissioner Dzadovsky asked if this amendment would supersede the restrictions in place by individual communities. Staff answered that if a community has stricter restrictions, those would apply. 5 1 P a g E Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM A RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Frannie Hutchinson, District No. 4 SECONDER: Paula A. Lewis, District No. 3 AYES: Kim Johnson, Chris Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson ABSENT: Tod Mowery 2. Ordinance - Correcting a Scrivener's Error in Ordinance No. 16-008 The Assistant County Attorney presented this item. She stated that on June 7th the Board adopted Ordinance No. 16-008 which scheduled a referendum for the November 8th election to allow the voters to consider a proposed 0.5 percent infrastructure surtax. She indicated that the draft of that ordinance included a scrivener's error regarding the ending date of the tax, if approved. Staff continued that date was listed as December 31, 2037 where it should have stated December 31, 2036. The draft ordinance provided to the Board would correct that error. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Chris Dzadovsky, District No. 1, Vice -Chairman SECONDER: Paula A. Lewis, District No. 3 AYES: Kim Johnson, Chris Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson ABSENT: Tod Mowery COMMUNITY SERVICES 1. County Owned Property Suitable for Affordable Housing The Manager of the Housing Division presented this item for an inventory list of real property that can be used for affordable housing, as required by Florida Statute. She indicated that at this time there are 2 parcels on that list; 5291 Amy Lane and 7508 Coquina Ave. She stated that at this time the Housing Division is exploring funding sources to possibly provide housing units on these parcels. Staff noted that the statute requires a public hearing for this item. Commissioner Dzadovsky asked staff if there have been efforts made by the affordable housing program to reach out to homeless veterans in the community. Staff answered that the application process is open to anyone and encouraged veterans to apply. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Chris Dzadovsky, District No. 1, Vice -Chairman SECONDER: Frannie Hutchinson, District No. 4 AYES: Kim Johnson, Chris Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson ABSENT: Tod Mowery 10. REGULAR AGENDA A. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET 6 1 P a g e Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM 1. Setting of FY 2017 Proposed Millage Rates and Dates for Budget Public Hearings The County Administrator introduced this item for the Board to approve the proposed millage rate, also known as the property tax rate for the next fiscal year. He explained that property taxes are a source of county revenue and are used to provide services to the community. He stated that this action by the Board will help support the proposed $504.7 million operating and capital budget for next year. He concluded that per the recent budget workshops, the tax rate will be decreasing. The County Administrator introduced the OMB Director to present a summary of the budget, the proposed millage rate and the recommendation from the Citizens' Budget Committee. He began by covering the overall budget of $504.7 million, which is a decrease of 0.5% from the previous year amended budget. Staff continued by listing the major accomplishments by the county during the previous year, including the 2nd Street reconstruction project, the 800 MHz radio system, completion of the Becker House Nature/Ecotourism Center, a new hangar at the Treasure Coast Airport, the Rosser Blvd library, the Midway Road widening project, expanding the capacity of the Hutchinson Island wastewater treatment plant and recent FPL energy efficiency projects. The OMB Director continued by presenting the current condition of the Budget Stabilization Fund and the plans for the future of the fund through 2020. He emphasized the need for the county to remain disciplined with reserve funds through 2020 to reverse current trends. Staff presented a detailed look at the overall budget and General Fund/Fine and Forfeiture Fund next. He utilized charts to demonstrate how the total recommended budget will be allocated for fiscal year 2017. He summarized that the county's main operations are located in the General Fund/Fine and Forfeiture Fund portion of the recommended budget. For the fiscal year 16-17 this amount is $162.7, which represents an increase of 3.88% or $8 million. Next, the OMB Director presented the property values and property taxes. He presented a chart demonstrating the taxable property values in the county from 2006 to the projected values in 2017. He explained that for 2017 the property values have increased 7.32% countywide and the county should be conservative with the revenues generated by these changes. Staff presented the fiscal year 2017 recommended millage changes, which were based on creating a balance despite the significant growth. Commissioner Hutchinson asked for an explanation of the Fine and Forfeiture Fund restrictions. The OMB Director answered that this fund is primarily restricted to public safety activities such as the sheriff and the jail. The General Fund can be used for almost any purpose in the county. Staff summarized that the overall changes in the millage rate for fiscal year 2017 will result in a gross reduction in taxes of $1.1 million and reduction in millage rate of 0.1000. He noted that this impacts all property owners in the county. The OMB Director reviewed a worksheet analysis comparing the millage and taxes for previous years with the recommended rates for 2017. He summarized that the increase in taxes collected is based primarily on the values. He presented a chart of the impact on a homeowner in the county and demonstrated an example based on the average property value. In this example, the property owner will experience a slight increase of $.0.23 for their property taxes in 2017. 71 Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM B Staff presented the Board with the recommendations from the Citizens' Budget Committee from their meeting on July 15th. He explained that the committee recommended the budget of $504.7 million and the reduction of the millage of 0.1 mills and provided the effects for the individual taxing authorities. Staff concluded his presentation with a list of the next steps which included the budget hearings scheduled for September 8th and September 22nd at 6:00 PM. The County Administrator explained the importance of setting the maximum millage rate for the county is an important step to establishing a budget in the State of Florida. He spoke about the countless hours county staff, constitutional offices, courts and committees have spent reviewing this process. He concluded with staff's recommendation of Board approval for setting the millage rates in order to comply with the Truth in Millage requirements; advise the Property Appraiser's Office of the millage rates as outlined in the worksheet analysis of roll -back millage rate for the fiscal year 16- 17 under the column heading "2016-2017 proposed millage.", set two public hearings on September 8th and September 22nd at 6:00 PM in the Roger Poitras Administration Annex Commission Chamber, authorize the County Administrator to be able to modify the millage rates between the General Fund and Fine and Forfeiture Fund as long as the total countywide millage stays the same, and set the proposed aggregate millage as outlined on the worksheet analysis of roll -back millage rate for the fiscal year 2016-2017 budget under the column headed "2016-2017 proposed millage." Chairman Johnson introduced Daniel J. Kurek, chairman of the Citizens' Budget Committee. Mr. Kurek felt that the most important aspect of the recommendation by the committee was concern over the use of reserve funds in the amount of $9.5 million to balance the budget. He indicated that the County Administrator and the OMB Director stated their plan to discontinue this practice in the next several years. He continued, that the expectations of county services are increasing each year as the county grows. He explained that the committee had a split vote regarding the decrease, with the majority choosing to follow the County Administrator's recommendation. Commissioner Dzadovsky thanked Mr. Kurek and the Citizens' Budget Committee for their work on reviewing the budget. Chairman Johnson thanked Mr. Kurek for starting the committee and spoke about the value it provides to the Board. He also thanked the Office of Management and Budget staff and the County Administrator for their work and communication during this process. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Chris Dzadovsky, District No. 1, Vice -Chairman SECONDER: Frannie Hutchinson, District No. 4 AYES: Kim Johnson, Chris Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson ABSENT: Tod Mowery PUBLIC WORKS 1. Port of Fort Pierce, Fisherman's Wharf Roadway Improvements Design & Permitting, Culpepper & Terpening, Inc. Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM The County Port Engineer presented this item for a status update of the Port of Fort Pierce, Fisherman's Wharf project. He explained the objective of the project to create a transition zone between downtown and the commercial area to the north. Staff provided the background and previous efforts related to the development of the area. He summarized the take away items from these previous efforts: land use area was identified, the need for port infrastructure, identification of potential funding and the concept design for the Fisherman's Wharf area. The County Port Engineer provided the Board with a status update of the project that indicated the major steps completed, including which funding has been applied for and received. Staff also detailed the next steps to be taken towards completion of the project. Staff concluded with a recommendation to start with the design of the Fisherman's Wharf roadway and approve the work authorization for the consultant. Commissioner Hutchinson commented on the years of planning to get to this point and the recent completion of payment of the port property bond. She asked if the Board would direct staff to begin looking at the northern section of the port, on the county's property, for what infrastructure improvements need to be considered. She emphasized the importance of beginning the effort early because of the lengthy grant application process to follow. Commissioner Hutchinson stated that the improvements will build interest for those looking to locate in the area. Commissioner Dzadovsky agreed with Commissioner Hutchinson's comments and stated the value of the relationship with the City of Fort Pierce in regards to the port. He reiterated the appeal of combined city and county support and the increased interest that will be focused on the area. He expressed support of conducting a workshop on the topic. Chairman Johnson agreed with Commissioner Hutchinson's comments. He stated that it would be valuable for potential contract holders to see that the county is willing to address any needs in the area. The County Business Navigator addressed the Board's concerns and stated that staff is in the process of moving forward with those efforts. He also acknowledged the importance of the relationship with the City of Fort Pierce. The County Port Engineer added that the Public Works Department is working on a work authorization for a natural resources sea grass study at the port. He felt that this would be a good start to identifying the natural resources at the port. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Frannie Hutchinson, District No. 4 SECONDER: Chris Dzadovsky, District No. 1, Vice -Chairman AYES: Kim Johnson, Chris Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson ABSENT: Tod Mowery 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS Z Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:00 AM A. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Regular Board meeting on August 2, 2016 at 6pm in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. B. The Board of County Commissioners will hold an Informal Meeting on August 9, 2016 at gam in Conference Room #3 of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. C. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Regular Board meeting on August 16, 2016 at gam in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Administration Annex located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. Commissioner Dzadovsky - Waterway Cleanup Commissioner Dzadovksy commended the volunteers who participated in the Treasure Coast waterway cleanup the previous weekend. He stated that 16 tons of trash were removed from waterways and beaches. He thanked them for their work to take care of the community. Chairman Johnson commented on the cooperation between the county and the City of Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. He thanked the cities for their commitment to the county's efforts. 12. MOTION TO ADJOURN There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. Please Note: Final minutes are recorded in the official minute books that are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and available for inspection upon request. 10 1