Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.03.2023 HISTORICAL COMMISSION ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting January 3, 2023 Convened: 4:00 PM Adjourned: 4:36 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Chair McAfoos. He requested all present to silence their devices. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair McAfoos. 3. ROLL CALL Present Commission Member Krissta King, Commission Member Mike Menard, Commission Member Betty Jo Starke, Commission Member Judy Biglin, Chair Richard McAfoos Staff Kori Benton, Historical Preservation Officer & Ciara Forbes, Assistant County Attorney Absent Commission Member Mike Middlebrook and Vice-Chair Trewyn 4. Minutes A. Approval of the October 4, 2022 Historical Commission Meeting RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Commission Member Betty Jo Starke SECONDER: Commission Member Mike Menard AYES: Richard McAfoos, Betty Jo Starke, Mike Menard, Krissta King, Judy Biglin NAYS: None Historical Commission Tuesday, January 3, 2023 4:00 PM 2 | P a g e 5. PUBLIC COMMENT: None 6. ELECTION OF OFFICIALS 2023 A. Election of Chair Chair Richard McAfoos was nominated and elected to serve an additional term as the Historical Commission Chair. B. Election of Vice-Chair The Commission decided to postpone Vice-Chair Elections due to the absence of Vice-Chair Melanie Trewyn and Mike Middlebrook 7. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION A. OLD BUSINESS 1. Historic Sign Kiosk Pilot Program Update STAFF PRESENTATION: Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, SLC Planning Division, made a presentation. Mr. Benton gave an update from the October meeting discussions. Mr. Benton was able to speak with Jean Ellen Wilson, Librarian at the St. Lucie County Regional History Center, and Cynthia Putnam. Mr. Benton showed the text feedback from both collaborators, in their review of the proposed Edwin Binney Sign Kiosk at the History Center. He stated that the exhibits are still under review and staff is merging the information for further Peer-Review. Mr. Benton acknowledged the continued commitment from the Fort Pierce Lions’ Club for the Sign Display Frame, to support the final display board contact and fabrication. From that step, coordination with the appropriate staff to complete installation is necessary. B. NEW BUSINESS 1. Florida Sunshine Law Overview Ciara Forbe, Assistant County Attorney gave an update regarding the Florida Sunshine Law. She highlighted that any Commission meeting must be noticed in advance and opened to the public, Meeting Minutes must be taken, and that a “meeting” is / could mean 2 or more members conversing about Commission matters. Ms. Forbes spoke about violations of the sunshine law that can lead to legal penalties as well. Ms. Forbes also passed out a memo containing additional details. Historical Commission Tuesday, January 3, 2023 4:00 PM 3 | P a g e Member Matter, during this agenda topic: Betty Jo Starke wanted to make sure Krissta King's email was correct and on file to receive the Historical Commission invites sent out from Corey Barnes (Commission Secretary). Mr. Barnes went over the email address on file and Krissta King confirmed it was correct. 2. Naming Request: Betty Lou Wells Preserve STAFF PRESENTATION: Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, SLC Planning Division, made a presentation. Mr. Benton displayed the exhibits on screen for the commission members. The SLC Environmental Resources Department is requesting the naming of 2 parcels, owned by St Lucie County, between Southern Oaks Middle School and Rivers Edge Elementary School. The parcels consist of natural habitats, wetlands and recreational space. The renaming request is specific to the parcels held by the Board of County Commissioners, seeking to name the lands “The Betty Lou Wells Preserve.” Mr. Benton spoke about the renaming process along with the history of the Historical Commission, distinguishing the request from those that may included historic resources, structures, etc. Mr. Benton explained some of the characteristics and advocacy Ms. Wells was known for, and her impact on the St Lucie County Environmental Resource Department. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Mr. Menard asked if there are nature trails within the preserve. Mr. Benton showed on the screen display some of the trails that would be enhanced. Mr. Benton spoke about some of the events that are currently going on at these locations and the educational information that is available during these events. Chair McAfoos asked about measurements. Benton showed the Commission approximate land area measurements on display via the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser Website. MOTION: Motion to Approve: Commission Member Biglin made the motion to forward an approval recommendation for the requested preserve naming to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, because there were no issues found during the presentation along with staff comments that would show any discrepancies. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Judy Biglin SECONDER: Betty Jo Starke AYES: Commission Member Krissta King, Commission Member Mike Menard, Commission Member Betty Jo Starke, Commission Member Judy Biglin, Chair Richard McAfoos NAYS: None Historical Commission Tuesday, January 3, 2023 4:00 PM 4 | P a g e 8. DISCUSSION & MEMBER MATTERS Betty Jo Starke stated she went to the SLC website but noticed there was not a lot of historical information on it . Ms. Starke would like more information on what the Historical Commission does along with more historical information about St. Lucie County. Mr. Benton stated he would approach Erick Gill from the Communication Dept. to consider it. Chair McAfoos also agreed. 9. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 4:36 RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Mike Menard SECONDER: Judy Biglin AYES: Commission Member Krissta King, Commission Member Mike Menard, Commission Member Betty Jo Starke, Commission Member Judy Biglin, Chair Richard McAfoos NAYS: None