HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.04.2023
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Regular Meeting
April 4, 2023 Convened: 4:00 PM
Adjourned: 4:45 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Chair McAfoos.
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
Stark, Commission Member Judy Biglin, Commission Member Mike Middlebrook (virtually), Vice Chair
Melanie Trewyn, and Chair Richard McAfoos.
Staff
Kori Benton, Planning Manager & Historical Preservation Officer, Ciara Forbes, Assistant County
Attorney, and Commission Secretary Corey Barnes.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
5. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR
Commission Member Menard nominated Vice-Chair Melanie Trewyn for re-election, and she accepted
the nomination. The Commission re-elected Vice-Chair Melanie Trewyn to another term.
Historical Commission Tuesday, April 4, 2023 4:00 PM
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6. MINUTES
A. Minutes
Approval of the January 3, 2022 Historical Commission Meeting.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Commission Member Betty Jo Starke
SECONDER: Commission Member Mike Menard
AYES: Richard McAfoos , Betty Jo Starke, Mike Middlebrook (virtually),
Melanie Trewyn, Mike Menard, Krissta King, and Judy Biglin.
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
7. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION
A. OLD BUSINESS
1. Historic Sign Kiosk Pilot Program Update
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Kori Benton, Planning Manager, SLC Planning Division, made a presentation. Mr. Benton
provided an update of progress since the January meeting. Mr. Benton showed highlights on
the Sign Kiosk initiative including meeting efforts with stakeholders. Mr. Benton primarily
spoke about the Edwin Binney Information Kiosk Primary Location, which will be at the St.
Lucie County Regional History Museum on Seaway Drive.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Chair McAfoos asked about the existing monument (watering trough) named “Florindia”
from the Binney’ home of that name, immediately adjacent to the selected site, towards the
river (north side) from the kiosk location. Chair McAfoos inquired what could happen in this
area of the museum ground as the historical sign is placed. Mr. Benton stated that at this
time, the staff is not aware of what a third party is proposing to offer or co-locate and plans
to have staff keep the addition on site. Mr. Benton also advised maybe a small placard could
be placed on the existing monument (watering trough – “Florindia”). Board members had no
other questions.
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion of the County's Teague Hammock: A 300-acre natural area within the larger
Steven J. Fousek Preserve.
Historical Commission Tuesday, April 4, 2023 4:00 PM
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STAFF PRESENTATION:
Mike Middlebrook, Environmental Resources Department (ERD) Assistant Director, made a
presentation. Mr. Middlebrook gave a brief background on the Teague Hammock,a 300-acre
natural area within the Steven J. Fousek Preserve. Mr. Middlebrook explained what the St.
Lucie County Significant Land-Bond Program has achieved since 1994, including acquisition of
the subject site. The program set aside 20 million dollars when it started, and to-date this
program has leveraged about $80 million dollars. Mr. Middlebrook displayed how much land
is under preservation. Mr. Middlebrook spoke about the Alpatioka Swamp and the Tree
Islands that still remain in the Teague Hammock Preserve. Mr. Middlebrook spoke about the
artifact findings in the preserve.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Vice-Chair Trewyn, along with other board members, stated the project is fascinating and has
no further questions at this time. Chair McAfoos explained to Kori Benton that the
Commission does express a lot of interest in this preserve and would like to know what
should happen next. Mr. Benton explained that this could be prepared as a future agenda
item in a more formal manner. The Commission was satisfied with Mr. Benton's explanation
and concurred with the potential prospects.
8. DISCUSSION & MEMBER MATTERS
Chair McAfoos wanted to express the Commission’s gratitude to Caroline Valentin (SLC – Assistant
County Attorney) as she served the Historical Commission for several years. Chair McAfoos welcomed
Ciara Forbes as the new acting attorney for this Commission. Kori Benton read an email with information
regarding a former Post Office structure that was a part of the Train Depot that may be proposed for
donation to the County or similar entity.
9. ADJOURNMENT
This meeting was adjourned at 4:45pm.
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