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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOCC Minutes 03-18-2008 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA REGULAR MEETING Date: March 18, 2008 Convened: 6:10 p.m. Adjourned: 9:25 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chairman, Joseph Smith, Paula A. Lewis, Doug Coward, Chris Craft, Charles Grande Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Faye Outlaw, Asst. County Administrator, Lee Ann Lowery, Asst. County Administrator, Dan McIntyre, County Attorney, Neil Appel, Purchasing Director, Jim David, Moquito Control Director, Don West, Public works Director, Mike Pawley, County Engineer, Mark Satterlee, Growth Management Director, Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk 1.INVOCATION 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3.MINUTES It was moved by Com. Craft, seconded by Com. Lewis, to approve the minutes of the meeting held March 11, 2008, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously. 4.PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS None 5.GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS The County Administrator summarized the Strategic Planning Session and the County’s Revenue projections. He addressed the $95 million dollars in unfunded mandates and advised the Board and the general public that presently the County has reduced its workforce by 123 employees through attrition. Mr. Edwad McIntosh, 6 Nettles Island Blvd., representing the “Cut Our Taxes” group addressed the Board on their proposed budget for 2008/2009 and presented various recommendations from the group. Mrs. Susan Aronson, Nettles Island, addressed the Board regarding the budget and the spread sheet presented. She felt the county needed to find a way not to fund the School Resource Officers. She recognizes the efforts being made by the Commission to attempt to narrow the gaps. Mr. Ron Ward, 939 Nettles Blvd., addressed the Board and recommended various cut backs including median mowing. He advised the Board the the voters will not stand for a millage increase next year due to budget shortfalls. Mr. Michael Woods 567 Nettles Island, addressed the Board regarding the budget shortfalls and recommended immediate freezing of salaries. Mr. David Guanzini, Nettles Island, addresed the Board and recommended futher reduction of employees in the county and consider giving compensatory time for overtime on a more liberal basis.. He also recommended reviewing insurance for employees and offering early retirement packages paid by the emergency reserves and also asked the Board to consider 4 day work weeks . 1 Mr. Bert Gates, Nettles Island Board of Directors, addressed the Board regarding creative retirement programs and rotating 4 day work weeks. He believes the Board should raise impact fees to cover costs caused by new residents. He also addressed the Sheriff’s budget and asked the Sheriff look at other opportunities to cut his budget. He recommended considering the possible merger of Law Enforcement within the county. Mr. Bill Dougherty, Nettles Island, addressed the Baord regarding School Board taxes and the changes in these taxes proposed by the state. Ms. Julie Zanheiser, St. Lucie County resident, addressed the Board and advised everyone the funds for the FPL wind turbines are from Federal, State and Local funds. She also advised the Board the property FPL is now proposing to use also has environmental issues to be considered. She presented an assessement made by the Fish and Wildlife. The County Administrator addressed comments made by the general public and advised them the Bod will be discussing union contracts as well as other layoffs both white and blue collar. A comp time plan will be implemented as well as other proposals regarding the health plan. These issues will be brought to the Board. Com. Grande thanked those present for their comments and recommendations. Com. Lewis advised the public the funds in the reserves was recommended by the bond carrier for credit rating purposes. 6.CONSENT AGENDA It was moved by Com. Coward, seconded by Com. Craft, to approve the Consent Agenda with items E-2 and E-3 pulled, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously. A.WARRANTS The Board approved Warrant List No. 24. B.COUNTY ATTORNEY 1.Neill Farms- The Board approved accepting the bond from Safeco Insurance Company of America (Bond No. 6444581) for Neill Farms and authorized the release of the original bond from Federal Insurance Company of America (Chubb Bond No. 8204-48-86). 2.Interlocal Agreement- County/Ft. Pierce Farms Water Control District- The Baord approved the Interlocal Agreement and authorized the Chairman to sign the Agreement. C.INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE Central Services- The Board approved to Reallocate IFF Funds in the amount of $43,500 to proceed with the following projects: Service Garage and Fuel Pump Canopy Roof Repairs ($30,000)- UDT Seal Museum Observation Deck and Floor Maintenance (49,000)- RTA Fleet Management System Deoartment On site Training ($4,500). The Board further approved to advertise and issue an Inviration to bid on the Service Garage Roof Repair Project, accepting the low bidder and authorizing the Chairman to sign the contract as prepared by the County Attorney. D.GRANTS 1.The Board authorized the Chiarman of the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners to sign a letter of support for a grant application to be submitted by the Ft. Pierce Housing Authority to the Public Housing Authority CDBG Disaster Recovery Program. 2 2.The Board authorized th Chiarman of the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners to sign a letter of support for a grant application to be submitted by the City of Port St. Lucie to the Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative. E.PUBLIC WORKS 1.Engineering Division - Angle Road Sidewalk Project- The Board approved the Third Amendment to Work Authorization No. 5 with Inwood Consulting Enginers Inc., for a time extension through December 31, 2008 for the Angle Road Sidewalk Project and authorized the Chairman to sign. 2.Engineering Division- Change Order No. 9- This item was pulled. 3.3. Midway Road and Okeechobee Road Intersection- Work Authorization No. 2- This item was pulled. 4.Agreement with Polaris Fund One, LP – The Board approved the Agreement with Polaris Fund One LP to pay fee in lieu of construction concrete sidewalks and authoorized the Chairman to sign. 5.The Board approved the time extension to Joint Participation Agreement with FDOT for Port of Ft. Pierce Land Acquisition & Planning Study extending the JPA to September 10, 2008 and approval signature by the Chairman. FSTED’s contribution is in the amount of $472,000 towards an estimated total project cost of $944,000. This is the first phase of an estimated $4,000,000 road improvement project. F.CENTRAL SERVICES 1.The Board approved terminating Contract # C08-01-034/ Hurst Awning Company. The Board further approved selecting the next responsive bidder to Bid # 07-106 EZ Lock shutters in the amount of $14,900 for the buildings located at Mosquito Control and authorized the Chairman to sign the Contract as prepared by the County Attorney. G.GROWTH MANAGEMENT The Board approved the proposal from Municipal Code Corporation in the amount of $28,550 to publish online the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code as well as execution as contract for same. H.PURCHASING 1.The Board approved advertising an Invitation to Bid for the sale of a Caterpillar D6M Hi-Track Dozer for the Solid Waste Department. 2.The Board approved the sedond amendment to contract C07-12-695 with DeAngelo Brothers Inc., d/b/a Aquagenix for Aquatic Vegetation Control Services and authorized the Chairman to sign the amendment as prepared by the County Attorney. 3.The Board approved the First Amendment to contract C04-07-333 with Water Lilly Cruises, Inc. extending the contract through October 17, 2010 and authorized the Chairman to sign the amendment as prepared by the County Attorney. 4.The Board approved the Third Extension to Contract C04-03-134 with Waste Pro of Florida for Garbage Collection and Recycling at the County Facilities, extending the contract through June 30, 2008 and authorized the Chairman to sign the Extension as prepared by the County Attorney. 3 5.The Board approved the First Amendment to Contract C06-11-804 with Chaz Equipment Co., Inc., for Sanitary Sewer Manhole Rehab and authorized the Chairman to sign the amendment as preparerd by the County Attorney. I.AIRPORT The Board approved Equipment Request EQ 08-307 for the purchase of one 150 lb. BC Wheeled Fire Exteinguisher to replace expired 125 lb. Wheeled Fire Extenguisher as part of the requirements to maintain the Airports State Operating License as mandated by the FDOT. 7. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS A.GROWTH MANAGEMENT Petition of Paparone Homes of Florida Inc., for a 12 month extension of the date of expiration for the Planned Unit Development for Sunnyland Farms- PUD – Consider staff recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 08-018 granting the 12 month extension. Mr. Greg Boggs, Lucido and Associates addressed the Board and requested they approve this item . He advised the Board they have just recently received the permits necessary and this is the reason for the request for the 12 month extension. It was moved by Com. Coward, seconded by Com. Craft, to approve Resolution No. 08- 018, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously. END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. ADMINISTRATION thth April 10 and 11 Acquiition and Restoration Council’s Agenda- Staff recommends the Chairman send the letter not supporting FPL’s request. The County Attorney advised everyone present wishing to speak on this item that the discussion should be on the letter and not on the other issue. It was his opinion that the issue of the wind turbines should be addressed at public hearings after proper advertising has been done. The following residents addressed the Board in opposition to the FPL Wind Turbines being located anywhere on the island. Mr. Kenneth Olan, area resident addressed the Board in opposition to the wind turbines and felt they were cost prohibitibe. He asked the Board to reject their zoning request when the issue comes before the Board. Mr. John Holt, area resident, addreesed the Board on the affects the turbines would have on the Indian River causing vibrations affecting the species in the river. Mr. Paul Schall, area resident, addressed the Board in favor of the project. He stated he could not see where they would not be economically feasible. He believes these turbines will not have an affect on property values. Mr. John Arena, area resident addressed solar panels and the cost of bardges used to make artificial reefs. Mr. Mark Novak, area resident, addresed the Board in opposition to the wind turbines due to the fact he felt the technology will not deliver what is promised. Mr. Mike Arpeo, area resident, addressed the Board in opposition to the wind turbines due to the insufficient wind produced in the area and the electricity generated may not make it into the grid. 4 Ms. Lauri Schwab, Indian River Drive resident, addressed the Board ans staed she supports renewable energy however there should be an appropriate use and felt there was not an appropriate use in the state of Florida. Mr. Miguel Fuentes, Carpenter’s union addressed the Board and recommended giving the project a try. He felt the jobs are needed in the county and felt they should provide the public hearings to hear the facts. Mr. Kevin Stinette, Indirn River Keeper, addressed the Board and stated he felt this project would not give the so called “bang for the buck”. He thanked FPL for droping the issue on the Blind Creek proeprty and appreciated the Board scrutinizing the project. Ms. Susie Smith, area resident, addressed the Board and thanked them for constructing the letter as presented today. She stated those who question the viability of the project should do their research. She is opposed for factual reasons. She also questioned if the wind turbines had to be working in order for FPL to receive their tax credit. Mr. Sean Mitchell, Port St.Lucie resident, addreessed the Board in favor of renewable engery and going green. He also stated the county needed construction jobs available to help the economy in the area. Mr. Nick Theodore, area resident addressed the Board and asked them to consider the proejct. Ms. Sandy Steinrick, Colorado resident addresed the Board regarding her experience with wind turbines in Colorado. She felt they needed to pick an appropriate area for the project where species would not be disturbed. Mr. Bruce Abernathy area attorney, addressed the Board and asked they continue their research and felt the benefits do not out weigh the expense. Mr. Adam Locke, St. Lucie Alliance, thanked the Board for opposing the proposed site and felt they should focus on “net metering” . Mr. Jim McKenzie, Chamber of Commerce, encouraged the Board to keep an open mind and continue to study the project, meet with FPL representatives and look at the dates and see what new technology has come out. Mr. David Weeks, St. Lucie County resident, addressed the Board and stated the issue of Wind Turbines needed to be taken off the table on any sensitive lands but need to consider what they can generate. He does like the idea of placing them on the beach however this is where the resource is located. He also believes “net metering” is a good idea however solar panels are only 17% efficient. Mr. John Donahue, area resident, addressed the Board and asked them to keep an open mind and allow the debate and then make a decision. The County Administrator recommended sending the letter authorizing the Chair to sign the letter expressing the majority of the Board’s desire to have the issue removed from their agenda. In better words, supporting FPL’s withdraw. Com. Coward stated he felt there was a valid reason to send their comments to the state and send the message they don’t believe public conservation lands are appropriate for these types of projects. Com. Craft stated his issue was of a net environmental gain and felt it was not appropriate to say we would never consider it however they can raise the bar extremely high for those conservation lands. 5 Com. Grande stated he concurs with Com. Craft. He does not wish to be looked at in the way that they would be saying they could not be used for green energy but would be considered recreation projects and roads Com. Coward stated he did not have a problem with the broader comments however in his opinion and according to the County Attorney he has determined using these lands for this is in opposition to what the people have approved and this is what should be applied. Com. Lewis stated she would like to start all over and have the County Attorney weigh in as far as recommending the language. The County Attorney recommended the letter stating they are acknowledging and supporting FPL’s withdraw. Com. Grande recommended sending the letter as outlined by the County Attorney and recommended discussion at an informal meeting and then proceed with something separate after their findings. Com. Coward requested identifying key issues in the letter and sharing it with the State and also add a paragraph stating the board has expressed general concerns about legal ramifications about the impact on public trust since the public voted to keep these lands in conservation for a specific purpose and also the environmental gain Com. Craft has commented on. Com. Grande stated he concurred with the first and third point but is afraid the second point may be misinterpreted. Com. Coward stated he was open to suggestions but felt it was a key issue. Com. Craft stated this was not the time to vote on this item, but recommended the draft language being walked around for approval. The County Attorney concurred and asked the Board to give direction and moved to have staff walk the letter around for Board approval once the language has been drafted. It was moved by Com. Craft, seconded by Com. Coward to direct staff to draft the appropriate language as directed by the Board and walk it around for Board approval, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _________________________ Chairman _________________________ Clerk of the Circuit Court 6