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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.25.2023 HISTORICAL COMMISSION ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting July 25, 2023 Convened: 4:00 PM Adjourned: 5:03 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Chair Richard McAfoos. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair Richard McAfoos. 3. ROLL CALL Present Commission Member Krissta King, Commission Member Mike Menard, Commission Member Betty Jo Starke, Commission Member Judy Biglin, Commission Member Mike Middlebrook (virtually), and Chair Richard McAfoos. Staff Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer & Ciara Forbes, Esq., Assistant County Attorney Absent Vice Chair Melanie Trewyn 4. PUBLIC COMMENT None 5. MINUTES A. Approval of the April 4, 2023 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Mr. Middlebrook Historical Commission Tuesday, July 25, 2023 4:00 PM 2 | P a g e AYES: Ms. King, Mr. Menard, Ms. Starke, Ms. Biglin, Mr. Middlebrook (virtually), and Chair McAfoos. NAYS: None 6. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION A. OLD BUSINESS Chair McAfoos requested clarification of Sunshine Law, including communications between, and written comments or notes by board members. Kori Benton, in cooperation with Ciara Forbes, Esq., Assistant County Attorney, explained the document retention process, and capture of communication regarding subject matters pertaining to the commission. Mr. Benton spoke about commutation before any meeting starts and before recording and gave an example of members simply saying, “Hey that’s a cool house or that’s a great program that the county has.” Mr. Benton explained that would be public record, but if a board member would ask, hey are you still at that meeting? That would not fall under the sunshine law or public records requirements. Mr. Benton spoke about protocol regarding commination via text messages via county phones. Mr. Benton also explained when it would become public record as he has a county mobile phone. If a contractor were to send a text regarding any county work or information, it should be captured through a screenshot and documented with the county. Ms. Forbes, Esq., explained about use of personal electronic devices or note pads, and when the communication would need to be downloaded or saved as a public record. Ms. Forbes Esq. provided an example where merely accessing the meeting agenda or packet via a personal mobile device would not require the need to divulge this device. Also, Ms. Forbes Esq. wanted to ensure that text communication depends on the nature of the text. If you wish to talk about detailed county news/issues, this will need to be recorded. Discussions about topics that are likely to be on any past or upcoming agenda will require sunshine law. B. NEW BUSINESS 1. Tax Exemptions for Rehabilitations to Designated Historic Properties Mr. Benton made a presentation about St. Lucie County Land Development Code (LDC) Section 4.11.17 - Tax Exemptions for Rehabilitations to Designated Historic Properties. Mr. Benton explained that the adopted ordinance allows tax exemptions, for the assessed value (increase) for improvements to the restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation of historic resources. The exemption is only applicable to taxes levied by St. Lucie County (General/Discretionary Fund), however applicants may explore exemptions through other eligible jurisdictions (i.e. Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce). Mr. Benton explained that this method is hereby created for the Board of County Commissioners, at its discretion, to allow tax exemptions for the restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation of historic resources. The exemption shall apply to one hundred percent (100%) of the assessed value of all improvements to historic properties that result from restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation made on or after the effective date of this ordinance. Mr. Benton explained that an eligible Historical Commission Tuesday, July 25, 2023 4:00 PM 3 | P a g e property must be individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places, identified as a contributing property in a National Register of Historic Places listed district, individually listed in the St. Lucie County Register of Historic Places or is a contributing property to a recognized historic district. The exemption applies only to taxes levied by St. Lucie County, not other taxing jurisdictions, or those for repayment of bonds. Mr. Benton explained that the duration of Tax Exemptions is any exemption granted under this section to a particular property shall remain in effect for ten (10) years. The Board of County Commissioners shall have the discretion to set a lesser term. In order to retain an exemption, however, the historic character of the property, and improvements, which qualified the property for an exemption, must be maintained in their historic state over the period for which the exemption was granted. Mr. Benton explained how the Historical Commission has a role in this tax exemption process, as a recommending body. Commission Discussion: Ms. King raised concerns regarding the homestead protection process and sought information about the benefits it offers to residences. Mr. Menard inquired about the extent of the tax exemption and the basic criteria for qualifying for it. Mr. Benton provided an example of when the property appraiser would assess the designated area(s), and provide for tax exemptions. Mr. Benton also discussed the homestead cap and the necessary requirements for eligibility. Ms. Starke inquired about application fees related to the tax exemption process. Mr. Benton clarified that there are no application fees. In regards to an inquiry, Mr. Benton touched on the six historic districts within the City of Fort Pierce and gave multiple scenarios and examples of distinguishing between non-contributing and contributing structures, which may be relevant in the St. Lucie County process. During discussions, the topic of Historic Designation of eligible properties in St. Lucie County arose. Commission members inquired about the designation status of the Edwin Binney Estate on Indrio Road, which has a proposed rezoning and development plan proposed around it. Discussion explored whether the potential to designate the property held any bearing on the design and development scope adjacent. Mr. Benton acknowledged the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Public Hearing Discussion, and action to table the PUD Rezoning to explore a design and scale of building, where adjacent to the Estate, that is more compatible. Mr. Benton spoke about the process of starting local and emergency designations for the national register of historic places. Commission Motion: The Historical Commission considered a motion to guide staff to contact the St. Lucie Historical Society in regard to a potential Designation Request Letter for the Edwin Binney Estate. During the discussion, Mr. Benton and Ms. Forbes, Esq., recited excerpts of the County’s ordinances relating to eligible documentation and necessary steps to initiate a Historic Designation, not signed by the owner. Historical Commission Tuesday, July 25, 2023 4:00 PM 4 | P a g e RESULT: The Historical Commission passed a motion to request consultation with the St. Lucie Historical Society as to a written recommendation regarding Historic Designation of the Edwin Binney Estate MOVER: Mr. Middlebrook SECONDER: Ms. Judy Biglin AYES: Ms. King, Mr. Menard, Ms. Starke, Ms. Biglin, Mr. Middlebrook (virtually), and Chair McAfoos. NAYS: None 7. MEMBER MATTERS & DISCUSSION A. Historical Commission Members, Terms & Appointment Application Form Mr. Benton informed the commission that Ms. Biglin's term was expiring, and she submitted a re-appointment request. Additionally, Mr. Benton mentioned that three more applicants had applied for the position. 8. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 5:03 PM RESULT: Approve MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Mr. Menard AYES: Ms. King, Mr. Menard, Ms. Starke, Ms. Biglin, Mr. Middlebrook (virtually), and Chair McAfoos. NAYS: None