HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal Minutes 07-27-2007BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
INFORMAL MONTHLY MEETING
Date: July 27, 2007 Convened: 9:00 a.m.
Adjourned: 11:15 a.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Chris Craft, Paula A. Lewis, Chazles Grande, Doug
Cowazd, Joseph Smith, absent out of town
Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Faye Outlaw, Asst. County
Administrator, Dan McIntyre, County Attorney, Vanessa Bissey, Environmental
Resources Director, Millie Delgado-Feliciano Deputy Clerk
SOUTHBEND SCHOOL SITE
Mr. Marty Sanders, representing the School District, St. Lucie County addressed the
Boazd regazding the proposed school site. He stated they had been looking for a school
site and this developer decided to sell the property since the housing mazket has dropped
off considerably.
The District needs 20/25 acres for the school, there is 45 acres for upland preservation
and they aze looking for a joint effort between the School District, the County and the
City of Port St. Lucie.
They are anticipating the County and the City's portion would be $1.8 million each in
order to purchase the conservation of the land for 3.6 million. In speaking to the grant
writer, they believe they can bring the price down to $900,000 from each entity with a
50/50 match.
The City of Port St. Lucie was informed this week about the proposed site and they
informed the District their funds are pretty tied up at this point, but hope to have some
funds coming in during the next few months.
Mr. Sanders stated he felt the School District needed to take the lead on this project. The
School District budgeted $5.5 million but felt it was not prudent to purchase the entire
site without having partners for the remainder of the land.
Com. Grande recommended contact the Trust for Public Lands to see if they can assist.
Com. Coward addressed the $900,000 price for each entity and the commitment.
The Environmental Resources Director advised the Boazd they presently have $600,000 .
They received a $500,000 reimbursement and $100,000 in fund 317.
The question of utilizing recreational impact fees for South County if any is available was
brought forward however this would mean the county would need to maintain the
property.
Mr. Steve Fousak advised the Board the main cost would be in the equipment to maintain
the property.
Mr. Sanders stated the School District could assist in the opening and closing access of
the property.
Staff was directed to construct a letter to the School District committing up to $1 million
and agenda approval for the August 7, 2007 meeting.
DISCUSSION ON PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS
The Plan Amendment process was discussed. It was determined that each item should be
handled and heard separately, i.e. on a one by one basis.
The County Attorney commented on having a separate ordinance for each issue, open the
public hearing etc., this would make the process much simpler. Staff had been directed
not to draft ordinances without Board input and this is why they request approval for
advertising first.
The Assistant County Administrator concurred with bringing items to the Board first. In
04,05 and 06, they had amendments that did not come before the Board or were not
advertised however these were not controversial. Staff needs to know the policy and
what is clean up items and what is not they need to differentiate the two.
Com. Lewis stated she felt these issues need to be brought to the Board members prior to
being placed on the agenda for action possibly bring them forth at informal meetings for
discussion.
The County Attorney recommended e-mailing everyone on the Board and asking if they
wish the item to be on the agenda. This will be looked at on a case by case basis.
Staff was directed to schedule a workshop to discuss the 80/20 ,clustering, open space
standards etc.
The Board felt they needed clarity from the Growth Management Director on such issues
as 80/20 with 35% common open space before the August 21St, 2007meeting.
Item # 3 (elderly mobile home park renters) would scheduled for discussion at the next
meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.
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