HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal Minutes 01-22-2008BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
INFORMAL MEETING
Date: January 22, 2008 Convened: 1:30 p.m.
Adjourned: 3:30 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Joseph Smith, Paula A. Lewis, Doug Coward, Chris
Craft, Charles Grande
Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Michael Brillhart, Strategy &
Special Projects, A. Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk
2. Climate Change Plan for Orange County Government
Com. Craft addressed the Board regarding the Orange County Climate Change Plan and
requested staff and the Board review the ordinance and consider forwarding any ideas to
the sustainability committee.
Com. Coward stated he would bring back an update.
3. Strategic Economic Development for Targeted Industries Plan
Com. Coward stated they needed to identify the goal. He does not want market inventory
that is not needed and requested a breakdown per zoning categories.
Cm. Craft stated he had concerns with properties that are adjacent to the city limits of
Port St. Lucie on Rangeline Road the Glades Road Cutoff so that they are not running to
PSL and asking to be annexed. The Board needs to have a comprehensive plan so that
this would not happen.
Com. Coward stating he has attempted to have discussions with the city of Port St.Lucie
regarding land use planning.
The County Administrator stated they would
1. have discussion on Rangeline Road corridor with Board
2. update the proposed plan
3. have a breakdown per zoning use
4 Residential Buffer
Com. Grande requested the Board members review what he presented regarding Martin
County considering adopting a requirement for new residential developmen to provide
vegetated bufferyards along arterial streets(high speed, high volume streets).
Com. Coward stated he was interested in looking into what Com. Grande presented and
possibly attempt to get more Board support. He would like for this to be reviewed in
open forum. He is in favor of sending it to the appropriate committee for review.
The Growth Management director stated they would sit down and review the issues.
5. Fairgrounds Wastewater Treatment Plant Locations-
Com. Grande had several points for consideration.
The County Administrator stated the Utilities Director could provide more information
on the site, whether it is an appropriate site and if expansion would be the best option.
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The Utiliteis Director stated they are looking at cutting the cost substantially since there
are no customers todate. Where to place the tank was discussed. Any regional plant
location would be further south and also continue the bulk water agreement with FPUA.
6. Discussion on the 298 District
They are looking to have an extension of time from the legislature. The Ft. Pierce Water
Control District will need to work with the TVC concept.
Com.Craft stated the area is tranitional or will be in the future, he sees functions changing
in future. He felt they need to have discussion and does not wish to extend anymore time
until discussions are held. He would like to work with them to make sure the county's
goals are met with the TVC. They need a more comprehensive plan than just extending
the time.
Com. Coward started he belived they are supporting the TVC and their role will be
consisitent with the TVC.
Mr. Gates representing 298 District addressed the Board on this issue and stated they are
supporting the TVC. He stated their term will expire in nine years after hurricane
season. They generally operate under statutes and they wish to codify their act. They do
not wish to have any additional powers. If there are any disasters, they woul dneed to
get a loan for 9 years and there are no banks willing to finance for such a short period.
Mr. Gates stated they have a short time to accomplish this issue due to the legislative
process.
Com. Smith asked what would happen if their districts sunsets.
Mr. Gates stated if the district dissolves all assets and liabilities would fall upon the
county. The liabiities are i.e maintaining and operation of the systems. They presently do
not have any debt liability.
Com. Craft stated he was not at a comfort level to move ahead this year and he was not
looking to extend it past the 9 years at this point.
Com. Lewis stated she felt they needed to have changes in legislation before it moves
forward. They may need a year to work it out. She does not wish to move forward with
what is in place. If the decision is made to put something before the legislature, then the
language needs to be refined.
The County Administrator recommended they apply for a short term loan.
Mr. Gates advised the Board they do not have a bond rating and as they get closer to the
sunset date their ability is less.
Com. Coward stated he was supportive of the request if they would incoporate the TVC
into their mission.
Com. Lewis stated she needed more time to evaluate it and due to there being a
legislative issue she was not ready to move forward.
Com. Craft stated he needed more time and would like to have his legal concerns
addressed. He does not believe another year would make a difference.
Com. Grande stated they would need to have someone from the county working with the
district if they were to take this approach.
Com. Coward stated he was at a loss. The district has been in existence for 99 years and
he sees this as a partnership with the TVC. He believes they should give them the
window necessary incorporating the TVC language.
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Com. Craft stated he also wants to bring them in as a partner but does not wany to jump
into it.
Com. Smith stated he would like more information before making a decision. The fact
that the Board is not moving forward today does not do the District any harm. He would
have a more comfort level next year after reviewing all pertinent information.
The meeting was adjourned.
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