LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY MEETING Martin County Commissioner Chambers 2401 S.E. Monterey Road Stuart, Florida 34996 MEETING MINUTES- October 5, 2017 Present: Chairman. Jim Moir Vice Chairperson.. Cindy Hall Agency Members. Joseph Banfi. Don Foley, III Scott Watson Executive Administrator Martin County School Board Liaison. Taryn Krysda Kimberly Everman Staff Present: Growth Management Department: Department Director Nicki van Vonno Comprehensive Planning/Site Compliance Administrator Clyde Dulin Sr. Assistant County Attorney Krista Storey Agency Recorder Mary Holleran 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by Mr. Moir, Chairman. quorum was noted. A 2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Consent Agenda and Minutes of the LPA meeting of September 21, 2017. * MOTION MOVED by Ms. Hall to approve the Consent Agenda and Minutes of the LPA meeting of September 21, 2017. ** SECONDED by Mr. Foley Carried UNANIMOUSLY 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Public Hearings 1. None B. Requests and Presentations None
4. NEW BUSINESS A. Public Hearings 1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment 17-E2, Overall Goals and Definitions A proposed text amendment to Chapter 2, Overall Goals and Definitions Element of the CGMP, Martin County Code, based on the 2017 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). Staff Report Requested by: Nicki van Vonno, AICP, Growth Management Department Director Presented by: Clyde Dulin, AICP, Comprehensive Planning/Site Compliance Division, Administrator Prior to the start of the meeting, Ms. van Vonno provided information of the LPA s review of CPA 17-2E, Overall Goals and Definitions. She clarified ay misconceptions and confirmed it does not eliminate the County s four story (40) foot height limitation, it does not reduce the shore line requirements which have been in effect for many years and have been strengthened, it does not affect the quality of our drinking water or reduce standards for hurricane protection requirements. It does not reduce standards for storm water treatment requirements from those already found in Chapter 13 of the CGMP and the LDRS. What the amendment does provide is consistent language to support the amendment, it removes a height measurement that is not workable that would result in taking(s) claims, it contains changes to comply with Federal and State Statutes. In 2013 a list of tasks that staff found were redundant and completion was costly were removed and supporting materials to the tasks have been provided in the package. In addition, there are four different types of measurements for building heights in the package and they will be included as data analysis for this chapter. Staff prefers that Chapter 2 return to its prior version which was Rules of Interpretation and Definitions and if some version of Goals are to have language added, five options have been provided and this is one of the options for consideration. *** Mr. Dulin provided a copy of the Agenda materials, Staff Report and Additional Public Comments submitted after the August 17, 2017 hearing. Mr. Dulin provided background and information on building heights, and the variations and interpretations that have been submitted for the four story, 40 foot measurement over the years. Hutchinson Island building heights were discussed. The LPA commented on confusion and interpretation of the many variations and the need to simplify. 2
Mr. Dulin summarized the specific changes and review of language for consistency and deletion for redundancy in the document. Public Comments: The following (20) individuals spoke in support of the 4-story, forty foot height building limitations: Melissa Keyes, Jerry Klein, Alex Gillen, Kenny Hinckle, Paul Laura (provided statement), Barry McLaughlin, Marcy Pitkin, Wilfredo Montes, Laurie Prim, Barbara Seaton, Stephen Cooney, Tony Polito, Stephen Convey, Carol Ann Leonard, Linnea Desmond, Irene Gomez, Jackie Trancynger, Greg Braun, Linda Broda, Marty Baum, Bridgit Kirouac and Suzanne Fox. Some general comments concerned opposition to policy changes regarding ambiguity, keeping the 4-story 40 foot Height limit in the CGMP and not in the LDRs. Don t weaken the CGMP. The LPA, County staff and planners were acknowledged and thanked for their hard work and the amount of information that was provided. A 15 minute break was taken at 8:30 pm. The meeting resumed at 8:45 pm. LPA Comments: Mr. Watson: Keep Chapter 2 as it was containing only definitions, and avoid confusion. Mr. Foley: Appreciated the changes made since the last meeting; this is an important chapter and should be left the same as much as possible; only make minor revisions. Mr. Banfi: Saw no evidence to eliminate measuring in Chapter 2 and supported retaining Policy 2.2C.6. We need to monitor economic developments as we have no idea about the people who are ready to open business, as to where and what they are. That information should be recorded and can add to job opportunity in the County; industrial is the only land base available. Ms. Hall: Read the changes, we should simplify for clarity; she supports the 4-story, forty foot building height limitation being kept and make Chapter 2 work with other chapters to avoid duplication. She commended staff on their efforts. 3
Mr. Moir: Spoke about policy, goals, and the glossary list as important to have policy information available for the public; removing 2.2C.6 would be a tragedy for our planning capacity and the environment and many of the reports are a good base to measure our decisions. We should have a good dialogue and debate on how we measure 40 ft. building heights. He couldn t imagine someone buying property and not understanding the height limitations based on Martin County s history, geology and neighborhood values; he agreed with Mr. Banfi that we need more data planning on our industries such as where and what they are. He was not in favor of the changes. Mr. Watson: Disagreed, if it stays this way there will be non-stop litigation, there are ridiculous requirements and you can t step on property rights. * MOTION - MOVED by Mr. Banfi who agreed with staff s recommendations with two changes one, to retain all the measures and two, to retain policy 2.2C.6. He thought it was important and would like to include industrial monitoring and reporting be expanded; he did not have language and asked if staff could come back and advise the LPA accordingly. Also, we should know what s going on with the economy in the County. ** SECONDED by Mr. Foley and Carried 3-2. Ms. Hall and Mr. Watson opposed. B. Requests and Presentations - None 5. COMMENTS a. Public - None b. Members Meeting dates for October and November were discussed. October 19th meeting Ms. Hall and Mr. Foley will not attend. November 2 nd meeting Mr. Banfi and Ms. Hall will not attend. November 16 th meeting All attending c. Staff None 4
6. ADJOURN There was no further business. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm. Recorded and Prepared by: Approved by: Mary F. Holleran, Agency Recorder Jim Moir, Chairman Date: 5