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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.25.2023 HISTORICAL COMMISSION AGENDA ST. LUCIE COUNTY Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 25, 2023 4:00 PM St. Lucie County Commission Chambers 2300 Virginia Avenue Meeting Location: Conference Room 3 3rd Floor of Roger Poitras Building Fort Pierce, FL 34982 BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR Anthropology, Archaeology, History RICHARD MCAFOOS Land Use Planning or Historic Preservation Planning KRISSTA KING Architecture MIKE MENARD Layperson BETTY JO STARK VICE-CHAIR MELANIE TREWYN Conservation/Curation MIKE MIDDLEBROOK Construction JUDY BIGLIN Mission Statement St. Lucie Works to deliver superior service that enhances our quality of life Page 1 of 17 Historical Commission Tuesday, July 25, 2023 4:00 PM 2 | P a g e GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES – Attached is the agenda, which will determine the order of business conducted at today’s Board meeting. REGULAR AGENDA – Proclamations, Presentations, Public Hearings, and Department requests are items, which the Commission will discuss individually, usually in the order listed on the agenda. As a general rule, when issues are scheduled before the Commission under department request or public hearing, the order of presentation is: (1) County staff presents the details of the Board item (2) Commissioners comment (3) if a public hearing, the Chair will ask for public comment, (4) further discussion and action by the Board. ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION – Please state your name and address, speaking clearly into the microphone. If you have backup material, please have eight copies ready for distribution. NON‐AGENDA ITEMS – These items are presented by an individual Commissioner or staff as necessary at the conclusion of the printed agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT – Time is allotted at the beginning of each meeting for general public comment. Comments may pertain to any matter related to the Board’s duties as the County’s governing body. General comments in support or opposition to candidates for public office are not pertinent to the Board’s duties. DECORUM – Please be respectful of others’ opinions. MEETINGS – All Board meetings are open to the public and are held quarterly on the third Tuesdays of month at 4 p.m. and on the Meetings are held in the Planning Conference Room in the Planning and Development Services Department at 2300 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, Fla. 34982. Anyone with a disability requiring accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the St. Lucie County Human Resource Department at 772‐462‐1546, HumanResources@stlucieco.org or TDD 772‐462‐1428 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Page 2 of 17 Historical Commission Tuesday, July 25, 2023 4:00 PM 3 | P a g e 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. PUBLIC COMMENT 6. MINUTES A. Approval of the April 4, 2023 Historical Commission Meeting. 7. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION A. OLD BUSINESS B. NEW BUSINESS 1. Tax Exemptions for Rehabilitations to Designated Historic Properties 8. MEMBER MATTERS A. Historical Commission Members, Terms & Appointment Application Form 9. DISCUSSION 10. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 17 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. Page 4 of 17 Historical Commission Tuesday, April 4, 2023 4:00 PM 2 | P a g e 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. Page 5 of 17 Historical Commission Tuesday, April 4, 2023 4:00 PM 3 | P a g e 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 Page 6 of 17 Created: 2023-03-29 10:15:15 [EST] (Supp. No. 24) Page 1 of 5 4.11.05. Historical Commission. A.Establishment. The St. Lucie County Historical Commission is hereby created and established as a committee of the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners. The Historical Commission is hereby vested with the power, authority and jurisdiction to recommend local historic designations; issue Certificates of Appropriateness; and to regulate and administer the historical, cultural, architectural and archaeological resources in St. Lucie County, as prescribed by this ordinance and the direct jurisdiction and legislative control of the Board of County Commissioners. The Historical Commission's responsibilities shall be complementary to those of the State Historic Preservation Office. F.Role of the Historical Commission. Functions, Powers, and Duties. As provided for in this ordinance, the Historical Commission shall have the following powers and duties: 1. Recommend amendments to the Board of County Commissioners to the Rules of Procedure and to this ordinance. 2. Recommend designation of individual sites, historic districts and archaeological zones as provided for in this ordinance. 3. Initiate petitions for the designation of individual sites and historic districts as provided for in subsection 4.11.06(B)(1)b. 4. Issue or deny Special Certificates of Appropriateness. 5. Approve historical markers for properties listed in the St. Lucie County Register of Historic Places. 6. Recommend building and zoning amendments to the proper authorities. 7. Participate in the review and update of the St. Lucie County Historic Resources Survey and the Archaeological Survey of St. Lucie County. 8. Promote the awareness of historic preservation benefits and concerns throughout the community and assist in providing educational materials, guidelines, and programs on historic preservation in the County. 9. Review and make recommendations regarding the acceptance of donations of real property to the Board of County Commissioners. 10. Recommend as appropriate that certain provisions of the Land Development Code be varied, amended or superseded as a means of encouraging historic preservation. 11. Contact public and private organizations and individuals for the purpose of encouraging alternate arrangements that may lead to the preservation of historic resources that might otherwise be demolished. 12. Evaluate and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners that it comment upon pending decisions by other public agencies that affect the physical development and appearance of architecturally, archaeologically, or historically significant sites, districts, and archaeological zones. 13. At the time that the County becomes a Certified Local Government, coordinate with the State of Florida's Division of Historical Resources Certified Local Government program as follows: a. The Division shall be given thirty (30) days prior notice of all meetings and within thirty (30) days following such meetings the Division shall be provided with the minutes and record of attendance of both the Historical Commission and the public. b. The Division shall be notified of any change of Historical Commission members within thirty (30) days of any changes in membership. Page 7 of 17 Created: 2023-03-29 10:15:15 [EST] (Supp. No. 24) Page 2 of 5 c. Notify the State Historic Preservation Officer within five (5) business days of all new historic designations or alterations to existing designations. d. Any amendments to the ordinance shall be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Officer for review and comment at least thirty (30) days prior to adoption. e. The Division of Historical Resources shall be provided with an annual report by November 1 covering activities of the previous October 1 through September 30 and shall include the following information: (i) Any changes to the Rules of Procedure; (ii) All new National Register listings; (iii) All new local historic designations and alterations to existing designations; (iv) Any changes to the Historical Commission memberships and a copy of their resumes; (v) Revised resumes of Historical Commission members as appropriate; (vi) Any amendments to this Chapter; (vii) A review of survey and inventory activities with a description of the system used; (viii) A program report on each grant-assisted activity; and (ix) Number of projects reviewed. 14. The Historical Commission shall have the authority to review applications for Special Certificates of Appropriateness for all property in the unincorporated St. Lucie County, however owned, by either private or public parties. Except as otherwise provided by law, this shall apply equally to plans, projects, or work executed or assisted by any private party, governmental body or agency, department, authority or board of a municipality, the County, or the State of Florida. 15. As a certified local government, participate in the National Register Program for properties within its jurisdiction as directed by the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 61, and provisions of this chapter. 16. The Historical Commission shall participate in a historic preservation planning process to include the identification and recordation of historic resources within the County. Such survey process shall take place, upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners, approximately every ten (10) years. All historic resource inventories shall be compatible with the Florida Master Site File, which exemplifies the format used for statewide comprehensive historic preservation planning, and kept current and regularly provided to the State Historic Preservation Officer for incorporation in the Florida Master Site File. All such resource inventories shall be open to the public. Historical Commission members shall be encouraged to participate in the survey process carried out by the County. 17. Encourage the collection, arrangement, recordation, and preservation of historical material and data, including books, pamphlets, maps, charts, manuscripts, family histories, United States Census records, papers, and other objects and material illustrative of and relating to the history of the County and of Florida. The Historical Commission may procure and preserve narratives and material of every description relative to the history of St. Lucie County and of Florida for deposit at museums owned and/or operated by St. Lucie County. The Historical Commission shall obtain the approval of the County Administrator prior to the deposit of any narrative or material at any museum owned and/or operated by the county. 18. May, upon its own initiative or upon petition of historical societies, mark by proper monuments, tablets, or markers, the location of forts, Indian mounds, or other places in the county. Before any monument, tablet, or marker shall be placed or erected on county property, the Board of County Page 8 of 17 Created: 2023-03-29 10:15:15 [EST] (Supp. No. 24) Page 3 of 5 Commissioners shall obtain from the Historical Commission a recommendation concerning design and content. (Ord. No. 10-003, Pt. B, 2-15-10) 4.11.16. Incentives. All properties designated as historic resources pursuant to this ordinance shall be eligible, upon application by the owner(s), for any available financial assistance set aside for historic preservation by St. Lucie County contingent on the availability of funds and the scope of the project as described in the application. (Ord. No. 10-003, Pt. B, 2-15-10) 4.11.17. Tax Exemptions for Rehabilitations to Designated Historic Properties. A.Scope of Tax Exemptions. A 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, which result from restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation made on or after the effective date of this ordinance. The exemption applies only to taxes levied by St. Lucie County. The exemption does not apply to taxes levied for the payment of bonds or to taxes authorized by a vote of the electors pursuant to Section 9(b) or Section 12, Article VII of the Florida Constitution. The exemption does not apply to personal property. B.Duration of Tax Exemptions. 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. The term of the exemption shall be specified in the ordinance approving the exemption. The duration of the exemption as established in the ordinance granting the exemption shall continue regardless of any change in the authority of the County to grant such exemptions or any change in ownership of the property. 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. C.Eligible Properties and Improvements. Property is qualified for an exemption under this section if: 1. At the time the exemption is granted the property: a. Is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; or, b. Is identified as a contributing property in a National Register of Historic Places listed district; or, c. Is individually listed in the St. Lucie County Register of Historic Places pursuant to this ordinance; or, d. Is identified as a contributing property to a historic district, under the terms of the St. Lucie County Ordinance. 2. The Historical Commission has certified to the Board of County Commissioners that the property for which an exemption is requested satisfies Subsection 4.11.09(D). D.[Qualifications for exemption.] In order for an improvement to a historic property to qualify the property for an exemption, the improvement must: 1. Be consistent with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation; and Page 9 of 17 Created: 2023-03-29 10:15:15 [EST] (Supp. No. 24) Page 4 of 5 2. Be determined by the St. Lucie County Historical Commission to meet the criteria established in the Rule 1A-38, Florida Administrative Code. 3. The St. Lucie County Historical Commission has issued a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed improvements. E.Applications. Any person, firm, or corporation that desires an ad valorem tax exemption for the improvement of a historic property must, in the year the exemption is desired to take effect, file with the Board of County Commissioners a written application on a form prescribed by the Department of State. The application must include the following information: 1. The name of the property owner and the location of the historic property; 2. A description of the improvements to real property for which an exemption is requested and the date of commencement of construction of such improvements; 3. Proof, to the satisfaction of the Historical Commission, that the property that is to be rehabilitated or restored has been designated historic pursuant to this ordinance; 4. Proof, to the satisfaction of the Historical Commission, that the improvements to the property will be consistent with the U.S. Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation; 5. Other information identified in appropriate Department of State regulations, or requested by the Historical Commission; and 6. A completed application for a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the qualifying restoration or rehabilitation. F.Required Covenant. To qualify for an exemption, the property owner must enter into a covenant or agreement with the Board of County Commissioners for the term for which the exemption is granted. The form of the covenant or agreement must be established by the Department of State and must require that the character of the property, and the qualifying improvements to the property, be maintained during the period that the exemption is granted. The covenant or agreement shall be binding on the current property owner, transferees, and their heirs, successors, or assigns. Violation of the covenant or agreement results in the property owner being subject to the payment of the differences between the total amount of taxes which would have been due in March in each of the previous years in which the covenant or agreement was in effect had the property not received the exemption and the total amount of taxes actually paid in those years, plus interest on the difference calculated as provided in Section 212.12(3), Florida Statutes. G. [Historical Commission to Review Applications for Exemptions.] The Historical Commission, or its successor, is designated to review applications for exemptions. The Historical Commission must recommend that the Board of County Commissioners grant or deny the exemption. Such reviews must be conducted in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of State. The recommendation, and the reasons therefore, must be provided to the applicant and to the Board of County Commissioners before consideration of the application at an official meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. H.Approval by Board of County Commissioners. A majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners shall be required to approve a written application for exemption. Such exemption shall take effect on the January 1 following substantial completion of the improvement. The Board of County Commissioners shall include the following in the resolution approving the written application for exemption: 1. The name of the owner and the address of the historic property for which the exemption is granted; 2. The period of time for which the exemption will remain in effect and the expiration date of the exemption; and 3. A finding that the historic property meets the requirements of this ordinance. Page 10 of 17 Created: 2023-03-29 10:15:15 [EST] (Supp. No. 24) Page 5 of 5 Page 11 of 17 The Arcade Building Page 12 of 17 The Kroon House Page 13 of 17 The Gates Building Page 14 of 17 Historical Commission Members & Terms Page 15 of 17 Please complete the following information: 2. Home Phone:Cell Phone: Work Phone:E-mail: 7.Do you currently serve on any city or county committee(s)? If so, please list: 9. Why do you wish to serve on the committee(s) indicated? 2.Must not be related to a county commissioner or county employee involved with the 3. committee of interest or the supporting department. Must not be employed by the same business entity as a county commissioner or other committee members. 4.Must not serve on more than two county advisory committees. Note: Some committees have additional requirements; please inquire when submitting this application. In addition, service on quasi-judicial boards may require financial disclosure. 1. Name: St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners Application for Serving on County Boards and Committees 8. Other current volunteer activities: 6.Brief summary of education & work experience: (Please attach resumé if available) 3.Home Address, City, Zip: 4. Current Employer/Occupation: 5.Business Address: Thank you for applying for a position on one of St. Lucie County's advisory boards and committees. The minimum requirements for committee membership are as follows: 1.Must be county resident. 10. 11.Are you currently a St. Lucie County resident? Yes No If yes, for how long? Are you currently a registered voter in St. Lucie County? Yes No If yes, have you been registered for at least two years preceding this application? Yes Yes No No Page 16 of 17 DATE true. Staff Use: Received Confirmed Receipt APPLICATIONS WILL REMAIN ACTIVE FOR ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF RECIEPT. MEMBERS WILL BE NOTIFIED WITHIN 5 BUSINESS DAYS OF APPOINTMENT. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION. Applications may be submitted via e-mail or regular mail: St. Lucie County Administration, Attention: Susan White 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Phone: (772) 462-1677 Fax: 772-462-2131 Email: WhiteS@stlucieco.org Website: www.stlucieco.gov/boards Adjudication withheld or prosecution deferred?Yes No Please identify the committee/board(s) of your choice: If yes to any of above, please provide the following information: OFFENSE PLACE (CITY, STATE) A conviction does not necessarily disqualify you from consideration. Factors such as age at time of violation, nature of violation, etc., will be considered. SENTENCE AND/OR FINE Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing and the facts as I have stated are Signature _________________________Date ____________________ Except for noncriminial traffic infractions, have you ever been convicted of, or pled guilty or "no contest" to, a crime, whether or not adjudication was withheld? Yes No Are you currently charged with a crime, other than noncriminal traffic infractions? Yes No Housing Finance Authority Infrastructure Surtax Oversight Committee Internal Audit Advisory Committee (Clerk of Court) Investment Committee Land Acquisition Selection Committee Library Advisory Board Planning & Zoning Commission (quasi-judicial) Port of Ft. Pierce Advisory Committee Public Art & Design Committee Sustainability Advisory Committee Tourist Development Council Treasure Coast Education & Research Dev. Authority Treasure Coast Health Council, Inc. Value Adjustment Board (quasi-judicial) Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Art In Public Places Blueway Advisory Committee Board of Adjustments (quasi-judicial) Children Services Council (separate application) Citizen's Budget Committee Code Enforcement Board (quasi-judicial) Community Development Block Grant Comprehensive Economic Development Contractors Examining Board Early Learning Coalition SLC Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council Historical Commission Homeless Advisory Committee 13. 14. 12.Are you part of a protected class that requires that your personal information be redacted from public view? Yes No Page 17 of 17