HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal Minutes 11-27-2007BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
INFORMAL WORKSHOP
Date: November 27, 2007 Convened: 1:30 p.m.
Adjourned: 3:40 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Joseph Smith, Paula A. Lewis, Chris Craft, Doug
Coward, Charles Grande
Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Millie Delgado-Feliciano,
Deputy Clerk
ST LUCIE WINDMILL PROJECT- FPL
Com. Coward addressed why he requested this item be placed on the agenda for an
informal discussion due to its controversial nature. He requested the Board permit FPL
to make their presentation.
The balance of the Board concurred.
The FPL team was introduced by Mr. Nick Blunt of FPL.
Mr. Eric Silasy, FPL representative opened the presentation.
Com. Grande questioned if FPL was confident that they would be able to handle a larger
project opposed to the one originally proposed and if they feel there would be sufficient
wind to produce the energy.
Mr. Silasy stated things have changed throughout the years and studies/analysis has been
done on coastal winds in Florida. They are looking at additional wind and solar in
Florida. The state is now ready to look at this issue due to the energy problem in the
country. It is a combination of a lot of things.
Com. Coward stated they had difficult decisions in the past regarding energy and is
excited there is a movement for clean energy. He supports the concept and has since day
one, the only problem he is having is the location. When the concept was first presented
it was the power plant area that was being considered. He is very concern about shifting
the proposal from private land to public land. He is troubled by the concept of
industrializing public conservation land.
Mr. Silasy stated the used of public land is something that needs to be answered in a
satisfactory manner. They do not wish to do a project that the community does not wish
to support. The impact of the land is 1 acre or 1 '/4 acre, this is the amount totally used. I
you put in 4 turbines on public land then you are talking about 5 acres, the rest of the land
you would see no change. During construction there would be some disturbance of the
land but it would be restored. From the wildlife perspective the impact is minimal.
Com. Craft stated he liked the idea of using public lands, he felt it was conservation and
preservation of the land. They need to work on the climate change and these are real
issues they are dealing with. They need to find a way to create the balance. He felt they
have a necessity to use public lands.
Com. Coward expressed his concern with what was sold to the public in order to buy
these lands. It was to save habitat and species and felt they are mixing issues and solving
one problem and creating another.
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Com. Coward commented on possibly utilizing solar energy due to the fact it could be
placed further inland as opposed to the coastal areas.
Mr. Silasy stated they were still looking at various alternatives that are less costly. They
are trying to be pro-active in the environmental front and would like to get the windmills
done within the next year and if not they will continue to seek alternatives.
Ms. Jane Brooks, an active citizen in preserving Florida read her comments (attached)
and stated she was opposed to having public lands for anything other than conservation.
Ms. Brooks, daughter of Ms. Jane Brooks stated she had little concern about the 5 acres,
but was really concerned about the height of the structures and felt coastal areas are non-
renewable resources.
Mr. Craig Mundt, Hutchinson Island resident, addressed the Boazd and recommended
looking at alternative locations. He also stated the project needed to have the community
on board otherwise there would be problem.
Mr. Bill Hammer, Reserve resident addressed the Board and reminded them that water
availability is questionable in the state at this time and commented on desalinization. He
believes Solar was more feasible and recommended a solaz plant be considered in Port St.
Lucie at a present water plant site. He stated there are many ways homeowners and
businesses can conserve energy.
Com. Cowazd recommended considering lands that are privately owed and developers are
having difficulty in developing.
Com. Craft stated he concurred with Com. Coward, however not in place of, but in
addition to. He would like to windmills to be seen and show what St. Lucie County is
doing for energy conservation.
Mr. Dennis Murphy, Culpepper and Terpening, addressed the Board regarding the
proposed sites and their locations and the reason for their selection. They are still open
for suggestions. Another key element is they are looking for dry land. They do not wish
to impact wetlands.
Com. Smith asked if these were final sites.
The FPL representatives stated they were. They would be submitting applications to the
state and DEP. There are 2 on state held property and 2 on county property. They need
to obtain consent from TIFF and there is a procedure for this. There also has to be local
zoning compliance. The County has the ultimate say. The state cannot override the local
will.
Com. Lewis stated she is leaning towards the fact they need to do something, however
she felt there was merit to the azguments on the other side. She would like to visit the
area. She stated no one is against alternative energy however it is the site that is of
concem. She felt looking at the site would assist in her decision.
Com. Coward stated the county should be part of the discussion and part of the
application process with the NRC. He sees 3 different classes of locations, 3 sites fall
into the area Ms. Brooks commented on and one is a dump site. He believes the 4`~' site
should be under a different criteria. He believes they need to work together and see what
can be done.
Com. Craft wished to make his position cleaz. He is open to use public lands, however,
where these public lands would be is still to be determined.
Com. Coward sated his is the fundamental issue which is preservation of land as
purchased. He believes they should look at private land holdings partner with FPL and
look at possible mitigation but is more inclined to partner in purchase of private lands.
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JOHN BROOKS PARK
Good Afternoon. My name is Jane Brooks. For more than 30 years I have been involved
in one way or another in trying to acquire and protect some of the natural Florida for the
enjoyment of present inhabitants, visiting tourists, and future generations. During this
time the citizens of St. Lucie County have voted for two large bond issues for such
purchases. Many of us worked long and hard to persuade owners to sell and the state to
buy Green Turtle Beach, now known as John Brooks Park.
I am in favor of developing alternative, non-polluting sources of energy. If FPL wants to
locate wind turbines on its own property, I would want to be a part of a study and
evaluation of such a proposal. BLTT, regardless of the pros and cons of wind turbines, I
am opposed to ANY use of public lands for ANY purpose other than the ones for which
they were acquired.
The management plan for John Brooks Park states that it was purchased by the state and
subleased to the county "to preserve a section of coastline from further development,
protect its native plants and animals, and provide recreational opportunities to the people
of St. Lucie County". Further goals include "protect environmentally significant natural
communities" and `maintain the land in as natural a state as possible".
I cannot conceive how the commercial installation of huge whirling machines would fit
into these purposes.
(12/11/2007) ~.`"" "'elgado -Nov. 27, 2007 BOCC Inform ~ ting.wpd Page 1
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December 10, 2007
Excerpts from the BOCC Informal meeting on Nov. 27, 2007 with FP&L Representatives.
Dennis Murphy - (Explanation of schedule and this being November 27`'') Because of a tight
time-line, could we bring something to the boazd on the consent agenda for the soil borings in the
next two or three weeks so we don't lose a whole lot of time in the process?
There was a discussion by FP&L representatives explaining the soil boring process.
Commissioner Craft - is two weeks unreasonable?
Commissioner Lewis -could you have everything to our staff in that short amount of time?
FP&L Representative -certainly.
Commissioner Craft -how quickly can you get it to our staff?
FP&L Representative - we can get it there in two weeks.
Commissioner Craft - So in two weeks we can have it on the boazd agenda?
FP&L Representative -Sure.
Discussion.
Comm. Coward -when were we planning to come back and discuss this? I know that there are
some folks here that would like more time to see the properties.
Commissioner Craft -tomorrow or the next day?
Commissioner Coward - we can go out there today if you want.
Discussion.
Commissioner Grande - A suggestion was made about putting it on the consent agenda, but
wouldn't you want public comment? I think there is sufficient public interest in this that we may
want to hear public comment.
(12/11/2007) M'"~^ ^ nelgado -Nov. 27, 2007 BOCC Inform^' ^ ^ting.wpd page'2
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The County Administrator advised the Board they have a request from FPL to have a
Revocable License Agreement to do the testing of the land.
Mr. Dennis Murphy, Culpepper and Terpening advised the Board he would provide
information to the Environmental Resources Department.
Com. Coward stated they have not made a decision on the land at this point.
The County Administrator stated they would hold off at this point.
Staff was directed to look at properties that are available for purchase.
Mr. Murphy asked if they brought information on the drilling if they could possibly add
this item to the consent agenda in an upcoming meeting.
It was the consensus of the Board to bring the Revocable License Agreement request to
the Board at the December 11 `}' meeting on the regular agenda.
SCHOOL BOARD ISSUE
The Board was advised Senate Bi11316 now requires School Board concurrency.
It was the consensus of the Board to schedule a workshop after the 1 S` of the year to
discuss this issue.
INFORMAL MEETING DATES
A discussion was held regarding informal meeting dates. There will not be a meeting
schedule in December due to the holidays.
OTHER COMMENTS
Mr. Duke Nelson, City of Ft. Pierce Commissioner addressed the Board regarding a
request for assistance in providing sidewalks from 25`t' Street to 33 rd Street. Also he
provided information on the Round about at Ohio and Oleander that needed paving and
sidewalks.
The County Administrator advised the Board the county had provided over $1 million
dollars for the reconstruction of Avenue D and reminded everyone the City took over
responsibility of Avenue D from 25~' St., to 33`d St.
The meeting was adjourned.
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