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HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2009 01 20 City Commission Workshop MinutesCITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP JANUARY 20, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Workshop of Tuesday, January 20, 2009 of the City Commission was called to Order by Mayor John F. Bush at 6:00 p.m. in the East Training Room of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call: Mayor John F. Bush, present Deputy Mayor Joanne M. Krebs, present Commissioner Jean Hovey, present Commissioner Rick Brown, present Commissioner Gary Bonner, present Commissioner Sally McGinnis, absent Interim City Manager Kevin L. Smith, present City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese, absent Attorney Catherine D. Reischmann, present Mayor John Bush handed out a document dated January 9, 2009 from the (former) City Manager Ronald W. McLemore related to the City of Winter Springs planting a tree and purchasing a granite type plaque honoring former Mayor Philip A. Kulbes. Discussion ensued on the Funds falling under the City Manager's discretionary spending ability. Interim City Manager Kevin L. Smith noted, "The Manager has twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) of spending authority without bringing an item to the Commission." Deputy Mayor Joanne M. Krebs said, "That needs to go to Charter too." Mayor Bush said to the City Commission, "Why don't you think about it at talk about it at the next Meeting." Mayor Bush added, "I just wanted you to know and -don't want to put Kevin (Smith) in the hot seat over this." Commissioner Rick Brown added, "No, he didn't do it." Deputy Mayor Krebs also agreed and said, "No." Commissioner Brown also suggested that perhaps City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese could give a ruling on this and thought they could modify the Agreement. Mayor Bush said to Attorney Catherine D. Reischmann, "Would you ask Anthony (Garganese) to research this?" Attorney Reischmann stated, "Certainly will." Mayor Bush added, "At the next Meeting, maybe under his Seat he could give us a briefing." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 2 OF ] 0 Next, Mayor Bush then spoke of the successful Scottish Highland Games and remarked that Seminole County Commissioner Bob Dallari suggested that Seminole County would like to see a hotel near the GreeneWay, especially as Seminole County is planning to build a softball complex at Jetta Park. Deputy Mayor Krebs asked how Seminole County Commissioner Mike McLean felt about this. Commissioner Brown mentioned that he and Attorney Garganese were discussing economic stimulus packages and incentives and how other cities were using them, and that Attorney Garganese might have some input for them at the next Meeting. Interim Manager Smith commented about an email he sent the City Commission related to Investments and Bank of America and explained, "I immediately consulted with our new Financial Advisor Steven Alexander, which I will do on all cases with any Investment processes going forward, and although he was confident that the money was safe in Bank of America; for a few reasons, he still thought it was a good idea that we proceed by getting that money out of there and comply with the Temporary Investment Policy." With further discussion, Interim Manager Smith noted, "I have asked Steven (Alexander) to come back with along-term Investment strategy and a revised Investment Policy to the extent that it is needed, which it will be, for your February 9`" (2009) Meeting to develop a long-term strategy that he and everyone is comfortable with." Discussion. Mayor Bush added, "I appreciated the email [from Interim Manager Smith]." Deputy Mayor Krebs added, "Yes." Interim Manager Smith then explained, "That is my plan for the future. I trust that's okay with the Commission." No objections were voiced. Interim Manager Smith then noted, "Again, all the Investment decisions in my mind - will be reportedly with the blessing of Mr. Alexander." Commissioner Gary Bonner said, "Very good. Thank you." Discussion. Mr. Randy Stevenson, ASLA, AICP, Director, Community Development Department commented further on discussions about a possible hotel facility, possibly near the GreeneWay Interchange District. Commissioner Brown asked if such a hotel would have conference facilities. Discussion. Mayor Bush reported that Seminole County Commissioner Dallari said it took six (6) months to get Permits from the City of Winter Springs. Interim Manager Smith commented, "They won't have that problem." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 3 OF ! 0 Additionally, on the issue of the proposed softball complex, Mayor Bush asked if the Commission had any objections to stadium seating in the softball complex? No objections were noted. Further discussion. Commissioner Brown spoke of his concern about lighting in residents' back yards. Mr. Stevenson welcomed everyone and turned the discussion over to Ms. Eloise Sahlstrom, ASLA, AICP, Senior Planner, Community Development Department. Newly Appointed Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Member Justin C. Reviczky was introduced. Next, Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Vice Chairman Bill Poe was recognized. Discussion. Mayor Bush said, "One thing that has come up in the past is on these densities - to take the land, and let's say it has got developable land and wetlands and they will apply our densities so that it includes the wetlands. Is that the way it is set up now?" Ms. Sahlstrom stated, "Yes, it is set up as gross." Mayor Bush added, "That seems to be something that always comes up as an issue -that might be something the Commission wants to take a look at?" Deputy Mayor Krebs noted, "Didn't we ask about that?" Mayor Bush suggested, "Making it so that density is based on developable land, not gross." Deputy Mayor Krebs said, "I think we asked about that, but I do not think that the Commission at that time was receptive to that." Continuing, Mayor Bush remarked, "This would be the time that we could put something like that in?" Ms. Sahlstrom said, "Right." Further discussion ensued on density, wetlands, developable land, and Zoning. Deputy Mayor Krebs said to Ms. Sahlstrom, "When you present things to us, when Developers come and present -items to us, they always express it in terms of gross density. When they ask for anumber - it is based on gross. How do we get it so that when we are all listening to it..." With additional comments, Mr. Stevenson stated, "In the definition of maximum density and intensity, it uses the term gross acres." Continuing, Deputy Mayor Krebs then inquired, "That Policy is made by whom?" Ms. Sahlstrom and Mr. Stevenson responded by saying, "By the Commission." Mr. Stevenson then added, "It's in our Comp[rehensive] Plan." Interim Manager Smith then said, "The question is Randy (Stevenson), how can we change it if they wanted to?" Mr. Stevenson then added, "That would have to be a Text Amendment, as part of the Comp[rehensive] Plan." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 4 OF 10 Attorney Reischmann noted, "And I think the point being, that you necessarily further one of these major issues you might identify - I think that is what Eloise (Sahlstrom) is trying to say is that it may need to be a separate -than one of your twice a year Amendments, as opposed to part of the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report). I think that is what we're trying to say." Deputy Mayor Krebs then noted, "So, you are saying, some other time, we would make that Policy change?" Deputy Mayor Krebs added, "Some other time, not with the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report) -okay, well then can you -bring that up during that period of time?" Ms. Sahlstrom stated, "Okay." Deputy Mayor Krebs continued, "Unless you are willing to bring it to us and the Developers are willing to bring it to us with clear understanding that everybody is clear in what exactly that means, with examples that say, just like that ten (10) acre example; then make the change. We will all understand it a lot easier. If it is part of a big change, then we need to have that clearly represented, which -has not been happening in the past." Tape 1/Side B Discussion. Next, six (6) story buildings and density in the Town Center were discussed. Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA's) were addressed next and Mayor Bush said, "Wouldn't it make more sense on -the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agencies) in this GreeneWay Interchange/SeminoleWAY that we adopt whatever the County does. Because the problem is the Developer comes in and says well, `I am in Winter Springs', or `I am in the County'. You have got two (2) different rules, two (2) different people to deal with, and it discourages development." Commissioner Brown said, "I think we ought to be supporting whatever the Master Plan is for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)." Mr. Stevenson spoke of a survey related to going North US Highway 17-92 and noted, "That will be coming to us through the RPA (Regional Planning Agency), of which we can react and begin to determine our level of integration with that. And I would think - that property in Winter Springs is going to be much more attractive if we get on board and monitor what the County is doing. Even though it may necessitate some changes in our Comp[rehensive] Plan to be compatible with that." Mayor Bush added, "We can do that in the Comprehensive) Plan, right - we set up these corridors and treat them differently." Mr. Stevenson explained, "I believe we -can just put an Overlay District in. I'll have to check into that. I want to make sure I'm on firm ground before I commit to it." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 5 OF 10 Discussion followed that US Highway 17-92 should transition to high density; environmentally sensitive lands; timing and the Comprehensive Plan; and how to best preserve land for conservation. With comments on City-owned land, Commissioner Bonner suggested we "Trade some of the City-owned land that doesn't fit that definition of environmentally sensitive to key folks who have environmentally sensitive land, and make it awin-win." Further discussion followed on lands owned by the City, and Mr. Stevenson stated, "Public Works; the spray fields; those things that -could be developable, but they already have a purpose." Commissioner Brown mentioned that the old Public Works property was to become a park. Mr. Stevenson noted, "I've got to look back into that - I don't know that we ever acquired - I believe the last recommendation was to acquire the services of a Landscape Architect for the layout of that -Kevin (Smith) - I need to check on that." Ms. Sahlstrom noted, "I believe that's been done and there's a Concept Plan." Deputy Mayor Krebs suggested offering incentives to leave green space and adding in smaller parks. Discussion ensued on the land across from Layer Elementary School and Mayor Bush suggested this land would make a nice park. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and Green principles were discussed next. Mayor Bush suggested deleting the word "Certified" and using "Principles" instead. Deputy Mayor Krebs added there are many things that can be done which cost nothing. Commissioner Bonner commented that the Mayor was right, in terms of not using the word "Certified". Deputy Mayor Krebs suggested, "Perhaps we could come up with something with our own designation, `Winter Springs Green' designation and certify our buildings `Winter Springs Green' to a certain point -that should not cost them anything for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), but we are doing it ourselves, making sure they are following the principles." Mayor Bush, commented, "That is a good idea." Mr. Stevenson stated, "We will certainly look into it - it could be something implemented into our normal everyday inspection process as the building is going up." Commissioner Bonner said, "The Mayor's point, right now LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a definition. It is one that we embrace but not necessarily all the way to the point of incurring the expense of being officially `Certified'." The City's west side was discussed next; followed by the reference to a Seminar scheduled for the 29a'. Commissioner Bonner then commented on the US Highway 17- 92 CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), and suggested "It is almost as though we need a new version of that -for our historic Winter Springs (State Road) 434 section." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 6 OF 10 With further comments, Mayor Bush inquired, "Why can't you do exactly what Commissioner Bonner just said -the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) on (State Road) 434?" Ms. Sahlstrom responded, "I think that we could put Policies in place in the Comp[rehensive] Plan that give direction in that way." Deputy Mayor Krebs suggested, "I think if we are going to do a vision, and I think we should. That should be one of the points that we discuss, whether or not we want to do what it means." Mr. Stevenson said, "If that's the direction of the Commission and they want to pursue that, then we'd certainly be willing to do it." Deputy Mayor Krebs added, "I do not think we know if we want to pursue it or not, but I think we need to have the information to make that decision." Mr. Stevenson noted, "I believe we can undertake that effort independent of some of the things we talked about in the Comp[rehensive] Plan, at this point." Commissioner Bonner and Deputy Mayor Krebs stated, "Right." Commissioner Bonner added, "The frame of reference is the (US Highway) 17-92 CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)." Further discussion. Tape 2/Side A Discussion followed on Lynx transit and Ms. Sahlstrom suggested agreements be with owners of parking lots to provide park-n-rides or places to park be considered. Ms. Sahlstrom noted, "We have no Policy relating to Trails" [In our Comprehensive Plan]. Continuing, Ms. Sahlstrom explained, "We have the Cross Seminole Trail -it's discussed in the `Recreation and Open Space Element', but we have no Policy relating to Trails." Furthermore, Ms. Sahlstrom said, "It was a real oversight. It wasn't intentional." Ms. Sahlstrom then suggested that the City Commission, "If you -are agreeable to this, I think that is one thing we really could do is -it's in support of the State Road 434 issue and then also the green space issue is look at Trails as a big component of one of our directives for the future' adding Policies - a whole section, an Objective and Policy related to Trails." With no objections, Mayor Bush stated, "Put it in." Discussion followed next on the reduction of speed along State Road 434. Planning And Zoning Board Member Rosanne Karr asked, "Is there anything written in there about lighting along Tuskawilla (Road) and (State Road) 434?" Board Member Karr added, "Can we?" CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 7 OF 10 Ms. Sahlstrom answered, "I think that could be a different question. I don't think it has to be a Comp[rehensive] Plan question; I think it could be a -Land Development Regulation question." Mr. Stevenson added, "It is being addressed with individual Developers now in terms of providing that Element -we're trying to standardize that." Ms. Sahlstrom then noted, "In the Town Center, especially, we will be looking at that." Furthermore, Mr. Stevenson explained, "I think those areas where there is no development needs to be a matter of looking at, probably outside of the Comp[rehensive] Plan; but, we could certainly take a look at it, if that's your direction - to begin to explore how to do it. How to fund it, I think is one of the big things that we have to look at. But, I think we can do that outside of the confines if you will, of the Comp[rehensive] Plan." Mr. Stevenson suggested, "It's certainly a goal." Mayor Bush asked why wouldn't Lighting be included? Mr. Stevenson responded, "I think it could certainly be in as a Goal. It could be addressed outside the Comp[rehensive] Plan, but if it's the Commission's desire Eloise (Sahlstrom), I don't know any reason why we can't put it in as a Goal, maybe in `Transportation'." Ms. Sahlstrom said, "I think especially in the Town Center -our Town Center section and Urban Central Business District section of the Comp[rehensive] Plan has more specifics on how the development should proceed." Commissioner Brown then mentioned "Pedestrian access, and not having lighting as a deterrent to that." Mr. Stevenson suggested, "Put it in that section." Ms. Sahlstrom remarked, "It could be Amended." Continuing, Mr. Stevenson pointed out, "Understand the process -once we get the `GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES', Staff is to implement the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report). Now we have the Comp[rehensive] Plan, and Staff has to turn around and take a look at the next level which are making sure that the text of our Code of Ordinances reinforces and allows us to implement those development principles that foster the `GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES' of the Comp[rehensive] Plan. So, that's what we're going after -this is the first stage, is you get the Comp[rehensive] Plan to make sure it says and puts forth the `GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES' that - fosters the vision of this Commission. So, we -can certainly add that language in and then look at -how we make it happen." With further discussion on lighting for pedestrians rather than "To try to light the street" the City Commission was asked, "Is that the direction that this Commission perceives as the most important -light for the pedestrian?" Commissioner Brown stated, "Yes, for safety." Deputy Mayor Krebs suggested, "Use those lights that come straight down - in residential areas." No objections were noted. "Elderly Housing & Medical Care" and "Communities for a Lifetime" was discussed next and Commissioner Brown asked if we were in Compliance with "Communities for a Lifetime" standards. Discussion followed on standards and whether this should be encouraged. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 8 OF 10 Commissioner Brown mentioned a case study related to developing incentives for the construction of these "Communities for a Lifetime" residences. Mr. Stevenson said, "We get questions all the time about - `How can you help us incentivize this?' - `Can you give us a break on Impact Fees'?" Mr. Stevenson noted, "Those are directions that we need to consider or that you need to consider." Furthermore, Mr. Stevenson explained, "There are all kinds of things that we probably need to take a look at as a comprehensive matter to incentivize -these types of facilities - density, things of that nature that we really need to look at." Mr. Stevenson added, "I want to take a look at the language Oviedo has." In further discussing incentives, Attorney Reischmann suggested, "There are a lot of possibilities -economic development, the Statutes." Further, Attorney Reischmann added, "Under economic development, there are a lot of things that you can do that you wouldn't think that you're able to do." Regarding Assisted Living Facilities, Staff suggested there has been some interest from Developers as to putting in new Policy language that would help support facilities coming into the City; and to have a map of potential locations that we would be supportive of. Discussion followed on Avery Park; Accessory Dwelling Units; Workforce Housing; Commercial Vehicles; and "Granny Cottages." Tape 2/Side B Deputy Mayor Krebs suggested that "Granny Cottages" needed to be considered and regulated; and said to Ms. Sahlstrom, "You are asking - is this the time to discuss it or do you need further discussion on where we need to go with this? Then we would need to bring this up." Mayor Bush recommended that with Accessory Dwelling Units, that there needs to be specific criteria. Discussion continued on compatibility, and conformity. Furthermore, Mr. Stevenson noted, "There are ways to do Accessory Dwelling Units that are totally compatible within the neighborhood." Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Chairman Charles Lacey remarked, "The LPA (Local Planning Agency) could really use guidance from the Commission on where you want to go on this." Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Bonner suggested citizens or a volunteer group could assist with compatibility. Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Member Karr suggested a set of guidelines related to character of neighborhoods. Further discussion followed that "Trails" should definitely be included. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 9 OF I O Ms. Sahlstrom noted, "We will be talking about Housing on the 29th (of January) at the LPA (Local Planning Agency) [Meeting], if any of you want to come and listen in or be there. The way I have worked it is there is actually a copy of that `Draft' in the Lobby and there is also a -hard copy of it in the Commission Chambers. So, if we have Commissioners that come, we should have extra copies. If you want a copy of the `Draft', we could email you a copy as well." Mayor Bush suggested to Ms. Sahlstrom, "email it to everybody." Ms. Sahlstrom added, "If you do plan to attend and you want a copy of the `Draft', (Deputy City Clerk) Joan (Brown) will have acopy - and an electronic copy she can send you, if you want to have it ahead of time." Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Chairman Lacey remarked, "So, we get a sense of the process; you have a Meeting for each of these items -some combined - and then the LPA (Local Planning Agency) team will take a deep dive into each of these areas, foster any final feedback suggestions/modifications, and then bring that back to us for recommended Final Approval." Ms. Sahlstrom agreed and stated further, "Right. What will happen is the LPA (Local Planning Agency) will review it. The Consultant will make the recommended changes to that `Draft', then you will be provided a copy of all `Elements', all together in March, prior to the April Joint Meeting and that `Draft' will have been revised based on the LPA's (Local Planning Agency) comments; and then they will meet with you, will go through it." Ms. Sahlstrom added, "And that will be prior to the Public Hearings." Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Member Karr inquired, "Will we get a copy of the Minutes?" City Clerk Andrea Lorenzo-Luaces responded, "Absolutely." Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Member Karr added, "Before we meet on the 29th (of January 2009)?" City Clerk Lorenzo-Luaces noted, "We will do our best." With further comments, Ms. Sahlstrom commented, "We will provide you a notebook and then a hard copy for the April Joint Meeting." Planning and Zoning Board/Loca1 Planning Agency Chairman Lacey asked, "As we go through each `Element' and make suggested changes, will you be able to provide that `Draft' back then to the Commission; so, they can get it in small chunks as we go, or do they have to get it all in one big set at the end?" Ms. Sahlstrom responded, "The intent was to have a Joint Meeting for you to introduce the Recommendations to them all at the end." Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency Chairman Lacey stated, "Is there any way for each Meeting's work product to be available - it would be easier to digest." Mayor Bush said, "I like the small chunks." Deputy Mayor Krebs agreed and said, "Yes." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -JANUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 10 OF 10 Mr. Stevenson said "This way you have the ability to look at them prior to the Meetings of April -and when it comes forward, you've already had the chance to review it." Ms. Sahlstrom then added, "Assuming we are able to get through the `Housing Element', and the Recommendations are made; and then the Consultant makes that revision. As soon as that revision is ready to go, we'll provide you with a hard copy of that." Furthermore, Mr. Stevenson pointed out, "As long as you understand that your changes won't be implemented until we do get to the end." Attorney Reischmann explained, "I'm sure the new Commissioners are aware there can't be communication on that except at public meetings between you all." Continuing, Attorney Reischmann noted, "One (1) LPA (Local Planning Agency) Member can speak with one (1) Member of the Commission." Furthermore, Attorney Reischmann remarked, "The Sunshine Law applies to two (2) Members of the same Board." ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bush adjourned the Workshop at 8:37 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ~A LORENZO-LUACES, MMC CLERK APPR4,€'ED: . , `~ . I~IAY ~ JOHN. ~'. EiJSFi NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the February 9, 2009 Regular City Commission Meeting.