HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.17.2023
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Regular Meeting
August 17, 2023 Convened: 6:01 p.m
Adjourned: 7:54 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Lowe.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge led by Chair Lowe.
3. INVOCATION
Invocation led by Mr. O'Dell.
4. ROLL CALL
Roll was called by the Board Secretary.
Present
Board Member James A. Taylor, Chair Bob Lowe, Board Member Billy O'Dell, Vice Chair Ed Lounds,
Board Member Ryan Binner, Board Member Valerie Slack, Board Member Craig Bridgers, Board
Member Larry Neese
Excused
Board Member Craig Mundt
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
6. DISCLOSURE(S)
None.
7. MINUTES
A. St. Lucie County Planning & Zoning Commission minutes for the meeting of July 20, 2023
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Thursday, August 17, 2023 6:00 PM
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RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member James A. Taylor
SECONDER: Board Member Valerie Slack
AYES: James A. Taylor, Bob Lowe, Billy O'Dell, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner,
Valerie Slack, Craig Bridgers, Larry Neese
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Children’s University Midway - CU-2306-000058
Children’s University, LLC is requesting a Conditional Use Petition, to allow for childcare
services for up to 120 students between one and five years old, within the CO (Commercial
Office) Zoning District. The petition includes two buildings in the rear of a five-building office
park known as the Drawdy Office Park.
Staff Presentation:
Thad Crowe, Senior Planner, and Kori Benton, Planning Manager, of the Planning Division,
made a presentation for a Conditional Use Petition for Children’s University, LLC. Mr. Crowe
spoke on the public notice requirements that were met, including mailouts to neighbors
within 500 feet of the property and newspaper advertisements. The property is on Midway
Rd, west of South 25th St, in an area supporting a mix of uses. The Future Land Use of the
property is RU (Residential Urban), a residential category, but it does allow for limited
nonresidential uses such as childcare. Mr. Crowe spoke on the background of the Drawdy
Business Park and the site plan. He gave an overview of Children’s University operations, and
discussed the comprehensive plan, environmental impact, and the staff recommendation.
Board Discussion with Staff:
Chair Lowe asked if any letter was received for or against it and how many letters were sent
out. Mr. Crowe, no letters received. Mr. Benton stated 35 letters were sent out.
Ms. Slack wanted staff to expand on the playground and dumpster situation. Mr. Crowe pulls
up the site plan and explained.
Ms. Slack suggested the dumpster be moved and inquired about the connection from the SE
playground to the building. Mr. Crowe agreed about the dumpster and stated that he would
let the applicant speak about that. Mr. Benton expanded on the playground and building
connections.
Ms. Slack inquired about the safety of the playground. Mr. Crowe answered.
Mr. Binner inquired about staging in the parking lot. Mr. Crowe clarified, and Mr. Benton
expanded on the parking lot design and queuing length.
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Applicant Presentation:
Karina Garcia of Children’s University, 951 West Midway Rd Port St Lucie, FL 34981,
addressed the Commission. Ms. Garcia gave a PowerPoint presentation explaining what
Children’s University does, its goals with the new location, and hours of operation. Ms. Garcia
provided an informational handout. Ms. Garcia addressed parking and traffic.
Board Discussion with the Applicant:
Vice Chair Lounds asked about the ages of students and snacks. Ms. Gracia answered and
explained why she chose that age range and that the kids bring their own lunches, and the
school only provides dry snacks.
Vice Chair Lounds asked about background checks on all employees. Ms. Gracia confirmed,
yes, level two checks.
Mr. O’Dell questioned if Ms. Garcia agreed with the conditions staff recommended. Ms.
Garica affirmed, yes.
Mr. Neese asked about a peak time in drop off. Ms. Garcia stated that it varies, but it is never
excessive.
Mr. Bridges asked about the number of employees that will be at the new location. Ms.
Garcia has 20 employees and five administrators.
Mr. Binner pointed out that the guidebook states no outside food or drinks. Ms. Garcia
clarified.
Chair Lowe asked about the opening date plan. Ms. Garcia stated they will hopefully open in
a month.
Public Comments:
None.
Board Discussion:
None.
Motion to approve: Mr. Taylor Seconded: Ms. Slack Board Approved.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member James A. Taylor
SECONDER: Board Member Valerie Slack
AYES: James A. Taylor, Bob Lowe, Billy O'Dell, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner,
Valerie Slack, Craig Bridgers, Larry Neese
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
B. KRE Industrial Rezoning - RZ-2306-000025
KRE Industrial is requesting the proposed change to rezone the entire 37.838 acres from
Agricultural-1 (AG-1) to Industrial, Light (IL). The subject properties have a Future Land Use
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Thursday, August 17, 2023 6:00 PM
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designation of Industrial (IND) and an underlying Zoning designation of Agricultural-1 (AG-1).
Staff Presentation:
Kori Benton, Planning Manager of the Planning Division, made a presentation for a Rezoning
Petition for KRE Industrial. Mr. Benton spoke on the requirements that were met, including
mailouts to neighbors within 500 feet of the property and newspaper advertisements. The
aerial map gave an overview of KRE Industrial’s rezoning proposal, the future land use
designation of industrial, current zoning and the transitioning area, environmental impact,
and the staff recommendation.
Board Discussion with Staff:
Vice Chair Lounds asked about developers being unable to develop in this area unless the
roads are built to County standards. Mr. Benton confirmed the provision in the Land
Development Code and elaborated on scenarios.
Vice Chair Lounds asked about cost responsibility. Mr. Benton clarified. Vice Chair Lounds
suggested that the County explores partnerships, so we do not become stagnant.
Ms. Slack inquired about the unity of title for the three parcels and the required right-away
down the center. Mr. Benton confirmed the requirement, and expanded on matter, that the
three parcels are now becoming two and the divide will be the right-of-way dedication.
Ms. Slack established that it was the developer's responsibility to develop in that area to
County standards. Mr. Benton affirmed the statement.
Applicant Presentation:
KRE Industrial Representative Bradley Currie -1849 SE Deming Ave - with Engineering Design
& Construction, Inc. (EDC) – for 990 N Kings Hwy Fort Pierce, FL 34947, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Currie provided a verbal presentation explaining what KRE Industrial's goals
are with the rezoning, and correcting of a problem that already exists.
Board Discussion with the Applicant:
Vice Chair Lounds asked if the applicant is clearing up a mess that already exists, changing
three lots into two. Mr. Currie confirmed, yes, and expanded on why and the process.
Vice Chair Lounds inquired whether the applicant has usage for the properties once done.
Mr. Currie answered, yes, and stated the businesses that would occupy the parcels.
Public Comments:
None.
Board Discussion:
None.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Ed Lounds
SECONDER: Board Member Craig Bridgers
AYES: James A. Taylor, Bob Lowe, Billy O'Dell, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner,
Valerie Slack, Craig Bridgers, Larry Neese
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
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C. Public Hearing on the Proposed Amendment of the St. Lucie County Land Development Code,
Section 7.10.12., Scrap, Waste and Recycling Operations, and Section 2.00.00, Definitions.
Mike’s Organic Topsoil, Public Hearing on the Proposed Amendment of the St. Lucie County
Land Development Code, Section 7.10.12., Scrap, Waste and Recycling Operations, and
Section 2.00.00
Staff Presentation:
Irene Szedlmayer, Senior Planner and Kori Benton, Planning Manager of the Planning
Division, made a presentation for the Proposed Amendment of the St. Lucie County Land
Development Code. Ms. Szedlmayer affirmed public notice requirements were met. Ms.
Szedlmayer addressed the Amendment of LDC Sec. 7.10.12, the Amendment highlights,
miscellaneous standards, deliveries and sales of products, and the staff recommendations.
Ms. Slack asked if this is specific to vegetative debris. Ms. Szedlmayer confirmed yes.
Chair Lowe asked if the fire plan works for different site sizes. Ms. Szedlmayer also
confirmed, yes.
Board Discussion with Staff:
Vice Chair Lounds states concern about the staff's recommendation to pave the parking lot.
Ms. Szedlmayer explained the recommendation. Vice Chair Lounds suggested gravel would
be better. Vice Chair Lounds addressed restrooms. Ms. Szedlmayer provided a reply, noting
further review will commence with conditional use and site plan review. Chair Lound voiced
concerns about the mulch piles. Ms. Szedlmayer addressed the comments, acknowledging
review with the Fire District.
Ms. Slacks chimed in with the restriction is probably for fire prevention.
Public Comments:
None.
Applicant Presentation:
Mike’s Organic Topsoil Representative Anthony Bordinger - 988 NW Demedici RD Port St
Lucie. FL 34986. Addressed the Commission. Mr. Bordinger gave a verbal presentation
explaining what Mike’s Organic Topsoil goal is with this project.
Board Discussion with the Applicant:
Vice Chair Lounds asked where they were previously located. Mr. Bordinger – Range Line
and Glades (Cut Off) Roads.
Vice Chair Lounds asked what type of business it is. Mr. Bordinger explained the business
scope. Vice Chair Lounds asked about compounds added to the mulch. Mr. Bordinger, stated
none – all organic.
Ms. Slack stated she does think paving is necessary.
Ms. Szedlmayer reminded the Commission that this is a Countywide amendment and not for
one particular property.
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Chair Lowe asked if any objection came from the community. Ms. Szedlmayer stated no.
Public Comments:
None.
Board Discussion:
Vice Chair Lounds suggested that the parking lot not be paved, and inquired more about the
piles being 15 feet high. He stated he doesn’t want to see the County restrict or set limits on
agricultural endeavors. Vice Chair Lounds addressed the applicant. Mr. Bordinger stated they
are pleased with the staff and Fire Marshall's suggestions.
Vice Chair Lounds addressed the Fire Mashall on the size of mulching piles. Captain Boyer St.
Lucie County Fire Marshall expands on the process of putting out a fire on a pile that is too
tall.
Vice Chair Lounds brought up the paving of the parking lot again. Ms. Szedlmayer interpreted
the code Sec. 7.10.12 - Sub-section -C8 on paving.
Ms. Slack addressed the Fire Marshall about the Urban Boundary water sources. Captain
Boyer stated that as the project goes on then the methodology will be placed.
Ms. Slack addressed how the fire department gets the water to put out fires. Captain Boyer
stated that they use whatever water source is available to pull from.
Mr. Taylor asked how we enforce road maintenance. Owner of Mike’s Organic Topsoil -
Michael E Marburger - 988 NW Demedici Rd., Port St Lucie, FL 34986, expanded on why they
are moving and what they do. Ms. Szedlmayer chimed in and says that the applicant is
responsible for the fire plan being approved and having an annual inspection by the Fire
Marshall and St Lucie County Code.
Approved: Vice Chair Lounds Seconded: O’Dell Board Approved.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Ed Lounds
SECONDER: Board Member Billy O'Dell
AYES: James A. Taylor, Bob Lowe, Billy O'Dell, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner,
Valerie Slack, Craig Bridgers, Larry Neese
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
10. WORKSHOPS
None.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
Kori Benton, Planning Manager, of the Planning Division, reminded the board that the meeting for
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Thursday, August 17, 2023 6:00 PM
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September is the fourth Thursday not the third, making the meeting September 28, 2023.
Mr. Taylor addressed staff, inquiring about the School District representative for the Commission. Mr.
Benton confirmed it will be Nicole Fogarty and an invitation will be provided.
12. ADJOURN
Chair Lowe adjourns the meeting at 7:54 p.m