Beth Tate

What’s Ahead on the January 16, 2024 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on January 14, 2024 by Beth Tate

Plan now for the January 16, 2024 BOCC Meeting

In the regular updates for the BOCC meeting Tuesday there are 2 proclamations; the first to recognize 100 years of the St. Augustine Art Association and the second to recognize Patti Greenough Day.

Public Comment is time certain at 11:30 and we can expect some lively public comment on Tuesday. Why? Because of Regular Agenda Item 15. This item is for the Commissioners to hear the result of outside counsel’s investigation into whether or not Commissioner Krista Joseph violated Florida statutes in the December 5, 2023 County Commissioner’s Meeting.

Since the County’s receipt of the letter from outside counsel, Commissioner Joseph has filed a Federal lawsuit against the other 4 Commissioners and the Florida State’s Attorney, R. J. Larizza.

Because of the open litigation, Agenda Item 15 is now slated to be pulled from the agenda according to to a Press Release received on Friday (content below.)

Prior to this Press Release, supporters of Commissioner Joseph had begun encouraging residents to attend and speak up in support of Commissioner Joseph. We can expect that, even though the Agenda item is intended to be pulled, the supporters will still be present to speak during General Public Comment.

I cannot find the Press Release on the County website but am sharing the content here.

The Chair of the County Commissioners has also released a statement in response to the lawsuit filed by Commissioner Joseph. See links below.

Press Release on Agenda Item 15

St. Johns County Attorney’s Office Intends to Request Board of County Commissioners Approval to Pull Item 15 on Commissioner Conduct from the January 16 Regular Meeting

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, January 12, 2024 – On January 12, 2024, the County Attorney’s Office for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announced their intention to ask the BOCC on Tuesday, January 16 to pull Item 15 on a presentation from outside counsel to provide a legal analysis related to commissioner conduct from the Regular Agenda as originally posted for time certain at 1 p.m. and subsequently request a special “shade meeting” to discuss the item to be held at a later date as permitted by Section 286.011(8), of the Florida Statutes.

The background information on item 15 is:

***THE FOLLOWING ITEM IS TIME CERTAIN AT 1:00 PM*** Presenter: Raymond Treadwell, Esq., Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC Staff Member: David Migut, County Attorney 15. Outside Counsel Presentation. At the December 5, 2023 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board passed a motion that included retaining outside counsel to provide a legal analysis related to commissioner conduct. On December 7, 2023, the County entered into an agreement with Raymond Treadwell, Esquire, Shareholder with Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC for such services. Mr. Treadwell has provided a written legal opinion and will present his findings to the Board.

Section 286.011(8), Florida Statutes, provides a limited exception to this general openness requirement and makes litigation strategy or settlement meetings private when they are held between a board and its attorney and the board is a party before a court or administrative agency. The statute limits the persons who may attend such a meeting, the subject of any such meeting, and the length of time the record of the meeting may be kept closed. The records of the meeting become public at the conclusion of litigation. The statute provides:

“(8) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), any board or commission of any state agency or authority or any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision, and the chief administrative or executive officer of the governmental entity, may meet in private with the entity’s attorney to discuss pending litigation to which the entity is presently a party before a court or administrative agency, provided that the following conditions are met:
(a) The entity’s attorney shall advise the entity at a public meeting that he or she desires advice concerning the litigation.
(b) The subject matter of the meeting shall be confined to settlement negotiations or strategy sessions related to litigation expenditures.
(c) The entire session shall be recorded by a certified court reporter. The reporter shall record the times of commencement and termination of the session, all discussion and proceedings, the names of all persons present at any time, and the names of all persons speaking. No portion of the session shall be off the record. The court reporter’s notes shall be fully transcribed and filed with the entity’s clerk within a reasonable time after the meeting.
(d) The entity shall give reasonable public notice of the time and date of the attorney client session and the names of persons who will be attending the session. The session shall commence at an open meeting at which the persons chairing the meeting shall announce the commencement and estimated length of the attorney client session and the names of the persons attending. At the conclusion of the attorney client session, the meeting shall be reopened, and the person chairing the meeting shall announce the termination of the session.
(e) The transcript shall be made part of the public record upon conclusion of the litigation.”

End Press Release Content

Link to Agenda Item 15: Agenda Item 15

Link to Commissioner Joseph’s lawsuit: Joseph Federal Lawsuit

Link to Commissioner Arnold’s statement: BOCC Chair Statement on lawsuit

Consent Agenda Items

There are 40 items on the Consent Agenda for Tuesday. Many of them are Final Plat approvals for developments or approval of Utility Easement Agreements.

Regular Agenda Items:

Agenda Item 1 – Vermeer Southeast Sales & Services, Inc. Economic Development Incentive Request.

This item is to review an application for economic development incentives in the amount of $118,784. Vermeer Southeast Sales & Services is a construction equipment business serving agricultural and manufacturing operations. This project would establish their regional headquarters in St. Johns County.

Read the presentation here: Agenda Item 1

Agenda Item 2 –2024 Roadway and Transportation Alternatives List of Priority Projects (LOPP)

Each year FDOT and the North Florida Transportation Planning organization request projects from local governments for potential funding through FDOT’s Work Program. This is important to our infrastructure because this is when we as a county prioritize the roadway and transportation projects that need funded.

The county has a Transportation Advisory Group consisting of County staff, City Staff, St. Augustine Beach staff, The School District, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Airport Authority as well as some of the civic organizations in the county. This group met November 17 to review the list that is being presented on the 16th.

Read the full presentation and list here: Priority Projects

There is a long list of projects; some key areas noted include SR 16 from IGP to SR 312, CR 2209 from SR 9B to SR 16, Palm Valley Road from ICW to Mickler Road, the SR 312 Extension from SR 207 to US1, and a feasibility study for new orad and interchange with I-95 at Big Oak Road.

Agenda Item 3 – Petition to create the Greenbriar CDD to serve the Greenbriar Helow Planned Unit Development (PUD)

Many of us who move to Florida from other states are not familiar with the concept of CDDs. Here the CDDs are used to “fund improvements to roadways, stormwater, site amenities, landscaping, irrigation, and water/sewer.” In this methodology, only the residents of that CDD are paying for these services that may otherwise be funded out of general tax revenues for the county.

This agenda item is to approve the structure and funding of the CDD for this portion of the Greenbriar Helow community to be constructed in the future.

Full presentation at this link: Agenda Item 3

Agenda Item 4 – Sandy Creek PUD

This is a request to modify an existing PUD, Sandy Creek, to add a secondary access to CR 210, remove the allowed industrial entitlements and add multi-family and single family units. The Sandy Creek PUD is located on the south side of CR 210 at Sandy Creek Parkway and CR 210. The Planning and Zoning Agency heard this request on December 7, 2023. A split vote of 3 – 3 meant a recommended technical denial.

Read the presentation here: Agenda Item 4

Agenda Items 5 and 6 – 4400 South Francis

These two items are a request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to amend the Future Land Use Map from Rural/Silviculture to Mixed Use District and to rezone from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development to allow for commercial uses on 23.7 acres of land located at 4400 South Francis Road (World Golf Village area.)

Links to materials are here: Agenda item 5 and Agenda Item 6

Agenda Item 7 – Baker Property Rezoning

This is a request to rezone 3.07 acres of land at 1020, 1040, & 1060 State Road 16 from Open Rural and Commercial Intensive to Commercial Intensive. The PZA unanimously recommended approval.

Materials are here: Agenda Item 7

Agenda Item 8 – 4656 First Avenue rezoning

This request is to rezone approximately .34 acres of land from Commercial General (CG) to Residential,Single Family (RS-3), located at 4656 First Avenue. This property is located in the Airport District.

Materials are here: Agenda Item 8

Agenda Item 9 – Second Reading of the St. Johns County Beach Code revisions

This is the second reading of the Beach Code revisions that were presented at the November 7, 2023 Commissioner’s Meeting.

Current materials are here: Beach Code Ordinance Update

Agenda Item 10 – Second Reading of the proposed amendment to the St. Johns County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Ordinance

This is the second reading of the updates to the required make-up of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Ordinance. This brings the ordinance in line with updated Florida Statute requirements.

Materials are here: AHAC Ordinance Update

Agenda Item 11 – Second reading of the Golf Cart, Low Speed Vehicles and Mini Trucks ordinance

This is the second reading of the updated county ordinance related to Golf Cars, Low Speed Vehicles and Mini Trucks. This brings the county ordinance in line with the revised state statute that went into effect in 2023.

Materials here: Golf Cart Ordinance

Agenda Item 12 – Appointment of a St. Johns County Representative to the Northeast Florida Regional Council

Have you heard of the Northeast Florida Regional Council? There are 10 Regional Councils in Florida, established by statute in 1977. St. Johns County is represented by a County Commissioner on the Regional Council. This item is to appoint a new representative to the Council.

Learn more about the council here:

Northeast Florida Regional Council

Agenda Item 13 – Appointments to the South Anastasia Design Review Board

This is interesting because there is an apparent lack of resident interest in the South Anastasia Design Review Board. There are 4 vacancies on the Review Board because of expired terms.

“Some of these vacancies have been advertised multiple times since their occurrence, with the latest vacancy advertisement being placed in January 2023. Please note due to lack of a quorum, the South Anastasia Design Review
Board (SADRB) has been unable to meet. In light of not being able to obtain a quorum, staff is requesting a waiver from Board Policy Rule 2.202.C to make the appointments without recommendations from SADRB.”

What is the South Anastasia Design Review Board? From the County website:

“Purpose: The purpose of the South Anastasia Design Review Board is to protect and preserve the “Old Florida” style, rural beach community in the South Anastasia Overlay District and achieve specific goals and objective of the St. Johns County Comprehensive Plan. The Design Review Board’s (DRB) primary responsibility is to determine compliance with Part 3.07.00 South Anastasia Overlay of the St. Johns County Land Development Code, Ordinance 99-51, as amended.General Qualifications: Applicants serving as Alternate members will have voting privileges only in the absence of one or more regular members. Applicants must reside within the South Anastasia Overlay District. Members serve a term of four (4) years.”

Check out this map to see if you live in the South Anastasia Overlay District – be part of the decisions going forward!

iMap South Anastasia Island Overlay District

Agenda Item 14 – Appointments to the Ponte Vedra Zoning & Adjustment Board

After the recent vote on the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club PUD, 3 members of the Ponte Vedra Zoning & Adjustment Board (PVZAB) resigned. One other member’s term expired so there are 4 vacancies. The member who’s term expired has re-applied.

Materials and recommendations are here: Agenda item 14

Agenda Item 15 – Outside Counsel Presentation

See above information about Agenda Item 15.

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Affordable Housing, BOCC, St. Johns County

Summary of the December 21 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on December 24, 2023 by Beth Tate

Tuesday was a surprisingly long day, largely because of Agenda Item 6, the Heritage Park PUD, that had a large number of residents in attendance.

Note: The next Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting will be January 16, 2024.

Tuesday’s meeting began with a Recognition of Vilano Beach Main Street Board for the work they have done revitalizing Vilano Beach.

A proclamation was presenting declaring January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness month.

Regular Agenda Items

Public Safety Update

SJSO Director Tara Wildes provided a PSA about staying safe during the Holidays, including don’t drink and drive. She also shared that a new class of K-9s for Warriors was graduating on Tuesday with 2 dogs graduating at the jail. Inmates have worked with the program providing a needed service training the dogs and learning a skill that they can use upon their release from jail.

Fire Rescue Chief McGhee provided a PSA on charging lithium-ion batteries and recommended that they not be left unattended when charging.

Service Delivery Update

There was a lengthy Service Delivery Update that you can watch here: Service Delivery Update

Highlights included:

Library Services – Food for Fines

Parks and Recreation – the Hastings Christmas Parade, Phone Calls from Santa, and the Treecycling Program

Veterans Services – Marine Corp Toys for Tots, Firefighters for Families

Health and Human Services – Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, provided gifts for 160 children in care.

Emergency Management – Adopted a family from Firefighters for Families

Fire Rescue – Firefighters for Families served 295 families

Director Larson shared how the Office of Public Affairs is integrated marketing communications to tell the story of the county. He highlighted how they used the great story of the historic 2023 sea turtle nesting season. Check out the video for that alone!

The Director of Library Services shared St. Johns Reads and distributed copies of the new book for the program, “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams.

Regular Agenda Items

Agenda Item 1 was a presentation from the Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County on their Hidden in Plain Sight Program. This is an adult education program begun this year. The target audience is parents, grandparents and any adult caregivers of teenagers.

Please watch the video here – very informative! Hidden in Plain Sight

They also shared about how they reach out to youth to educate about the dangers of substance abuse.

The mission of the organization is about loving, nurturing, educating, and encouraging people to make better choices.

“Susan Jackson, Executive Director of PACT, has requested the opportunity to do a brief presentation to the Commission on PACT initiatives and to discuss the Hidden in Plain Sight program. The Hidden in Plain Sight trailer will be on site in the County Administration Parking lot for Commissioners and the public to participate. The cargo trailer is staged as a youth’s bedroom designed to provide eye-opening education about dozens of things that could be indicators of risky behaviors or mental health concerns. There is also a slide presentation and backpack demonstration showing parents, grandparents, and adult family members problematic things that may be hidden in plain sight.”

Learn more about this organization here: Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County

Agenda Item 2 – Award of RFP 23-32 Residential Solid Waste, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Services

This presentation was a recommendation for the awarding of an RFP for Waste Collection services.

There are currently 3 contracts for solid waste collection. Two will expire July 31 of 2024 and one will expire July 31 2029. They will consolidate these contracts into one contract. This agenda item is to approve the award to FCC Environmental Services Florida, LLC.

Materials are found here: Agenda Item 2

Key slides below:

During Public Comment, two of the competitors spoke. The Waste Management representative asked about the wisdom of changing service during hurricane season and opined that low cost does not always mean best value. The Meridian Waste Management representative asked that the county continue with 2 vendors and award the south part of the county to them.

The motion to award the bid to FCC was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being the No vote. Staff will return with a recommendation on the funding options.

Agenda Item 3 was a presentation on the Design-Build Services for a New SR 207 Water Reclamation Facility and Associated Improvements

This is to enter into a contract with Jacobs Project Management company to complete Scope 1 of Design-Build for the new 207 Water Reclamation Facility. Materials are here: Agenda Item 3

With no public comment, the motion to approve and the motion to transfer money from reserves was approved 5-0.

Agenda Item 4 – Summer Haven – Study of Summer Haven River and Surrounding Areas and Study of Summer House Erosion Findings, including potential FEMA Category B emergency protective measures.

500+ page presentation is here: Summer Haven Presentation

A motion was made to have staff continue researching and come back to the Board with recommendations on how to proceed with protecting this vital area of the county. It was approved 5-0

Agenda Item 5 – Heritage Park PUD

“MAJMOD 2023-10 Heritage Park PUD, a request for a Major Modification to the Heritage Park PUD (Ord. 2000-4, as amended) to divide Parcel B into two sections (B-1 and B-2); to add 12 multifamily residential units to the allowable uses for Parcel B-2; to remove the use of a 7,200 sq ft daycare facility from the list of allowable uses on Parcel B; to provide parking and design criteria to Parcel B-2 for the proposed 12 multi-family units; and to provide a revised MDP Text and Map, specifically located at 227 Hefferon Drive.”

Read the materials here: Heritage Park PUD

This item turned out to be the most contentious of the day, lasting about 2 hours with much public comment from residents of Heritage Park.

You can watch the video here: Heritage Park PUD Video

The request was denied 5-0.

Agenda Item 6 – the 2023 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Annual Report

The Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) presented the report which is required by law to be presented by the end of each year.

Read the full report and recommendations here: AHAC Annual Report

The motion to approve the report was passed with a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Joseph being the no vote.

Key slides are below:

Commissioner’s Reports

Commissioner Joseph shared her appreciation of the people who spoke in Public Comment supporting her. She wished everyone Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas; expressing hope for the New Year.

Commissioner Alaimo congratulated the St. Augustine High School Football team for making it to the finals. Even though they didn’t win, it was a great accomplishment to get there. He also congratulated Dylan Rumrell for being elected as St. Augustine Mayor for the coming year. He asked staff to research the concerns raised during Public Comment about dues paid to the Library Association. And he asked if the staff could be awarded an extra day off for the Holiday in appreciation for their hard work this year. By consensus, the staff will have that extra day off this coming week.

Commissioner Whitehurst wished everyone a Merry Christmas

Commissioner Dean expressed appreciation for the good dialog on Tuesday and the ability to focus on the important elements of the people’s business; the reclamation facility, the solid waste collection, and the eco-system.

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BOCC, St. Johns County

Look Ahead to the December 19 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Beth Tate

Plan ahead for the last County Commissioner’s meeting for 2023!

Tuesday’s meeting will have a Certificate of Recognition acknowledging the Vilano Beach Main Street Board and it’s members along with a Proclamation recognizing January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Regular Agenda Items

Item 1 on the Regular Agenda is a presentation on the Hidden in Plain Sight Program. Parents of teens will be interested in learning more about this important program.

Presentation materials are here: Hidden in Plain Sight

Learn more about this organization here: Prevention Coalition

Agenda Item 2 – Award of RFP 23-32 Residential Solid Waste, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Services

Currently there are multiple contracts for Residential Solid Waste, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Services in St. Johns County. The contracts expire July 31, 2024. They will consolidate these contracts into one contract. This agenda item is to approve the award to FCC Environmental Services Florida, LLC.

Materials are found here: Agenda Item 2

Agenda Item 3 is Design-Build Services for a New SR 207 Water Reclamation Facility and Associated Improvements

This is to enter into a contract with Jacobs Project Management company to complete Scope 1 of Design-Build for the new 207 Water Reclamation Facility. Materials are here: Agenda Item 3

Agenda Item 4 – Summerhaven – Study of Summer Haven River and Surrounding Areas and Study of Summer House Erosion Findings, including potential FEMA Category B emergency protective measures.

500+ page presentation is here: Agenda Item 4

Agenda Item 5 – MAJMOD 2023-10 Heritage Park PUD

Materials are here: Agenda Item 5

Agenda Item 6 – the 2023 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Annual Report. Full report is here: AHAC Annual Report

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BOCC, St. Johns County

Summary of the December 5 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Beth Tate

A day with a light Agenda turned out to be very eventful!

The morning began on a positive note with a Presentation in Remembrance of Paul Waldron, ”Beloved District 3 County Commissioner.

While a video honoring Commissioner Waldron’s life played on the monitors, all Commissioner’s gathered for the presentation. There were several former and current county employees in the audience.

Commissioner Whitehurst introduced former District 2 Commissioner Jeb Smith, who read a touching tribute to Commissioner Waldron. The Waldron family was present to accept the proclamation.

Watch the video here: Paul Waldron Day Celebration

Public Safety Update

Director Jason Caban represented SJSO for the reminded the public that amongst the Holiday shopping there is a rise in scams and frauds. He urged the public to be aware of potential fraud if someone is asking you for personal or banking information or asking you to pay for something with gift cards. He also noted there will be an increase in patrols in heavily trafficked areas.

Acting Chief McGhee from the Fire Rescue shared that the current fire fighter recruitment class is entering it’s final week of training and will be graduating on December 15.

Clerk of the Court Brandon Patty continued with the fraud and scam theme and reminded residents that they can sign up for free fraud alerts related to their property. The link to sign up for these alerts is here: Fraud Alerts – Clerk of the Court

The Public Infrastructure team provided a brief update on the 24 on-going Infrastructure Projects.

Watch here: Infrastructure Projects

Video of 2209 Construction: 2209 Construction

Legislative Affairs updates included that the Governor submitted his budget recommendations for 2024 – 2025. Senator Hutson had mentioned at the Joint Meeting with the School Board a bill he was proposing to help with school construction. That bill is SB 7002 and is in play now. It removes some of the requirements on school construction thus lowering costs. Watch here: Legislative Affairs Update

Consent Agenda was passed with no comment from the Commissioners or the pubilc, a rare thing.

Agenda Items

Agenda Item 1 – Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between St. Johns County and Twin Creeks Development Associates, LLC and Award of IFB No: 23-94 CR 210 Widening from Trinity Way to Beachwalk Boulevard

This is a resolution to a long standing concern about the widening of CR 210. The developer was responsible for widening to a 4 lane road. Since that first commitment, the county determined CR 210 needs to be a 6 lane road to accommodate the traffic flow.

This MOU brings the project to a point that construction can begin. Watch the presentation here: Twin Creeks MOU video

There were 3 motions – 1) approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between St. Johns County and Twin Creeks Development Associates LLC and Twin Creeks Ventures, LLC regarding a good faith dispute about the widening of CR 210. 2) a motion to award the bid for the widening to Watson Civil Construction and 3) to transfer the $2,100,000 from the Transportation Trust Fund to pay for the project. Approved 5-0

Agenda Item 2 – Request for a Major Modification to the Twin Creeks PUD to add a new access connection point along CR 210 West for the Light Industrial parcel located to the south.

This was approved with little discussion, 5-0.

Agenda Item 3- Request for a Major Modification to the Race Track Road PUD to revise commercial and office square footage to accommodate construction of a Personal Property Mini-Warehouse (Self-Storage) facility, which is an allowable use within the PUD.

This item requested a waiver for the distance from residential to the personal storage warehouse and changed the sq. footage allowance to allow a bigger warehouse. A personal storage warehouse could already be built on the site with no approval required.

The location selected for the building allows the developer to retain all existing trees in the development. They will also plant additional trees for screening of the back of the building.

Benefits presented were lower traffic counts than if another doctor’s office or restaurant were to be built there (both currently allowable uses.)

Concerns were raised about traffic. The traffic engineer walked through the traffic counts to demonstrate it would be lower traffic than other uses in the development.

Disclaimer: I spoke and noted that there is another self storage warehouse directly across the street from Durbin Creek Elementary. Having watched the traffic at that location for the months since this project was announced, I had noted there is rarely any traffic at the self-storage building which supports the premise of low traffic counts.

This was approved 4-1 with Joseph being the “no” vote.

You can watch the presentation here: Race Track Road PUD

Agenda items 4, 5, and 6 were approve with little comment.

Agenda Item 4 – Bennett Road Easement – Non -zoning variance requested to allow access for 1 additional home on Bennett Road. Approved 5-0

Agenda Item 5 – Big Pine Drive – Request for use of an existing non-paved roadway to access a non-residential development. Approved 4-1 (Joseph)

Agenda Item 6 – Villages of St. Augustine – request to add Class III Geriatric Acute Care Psychiatric Specialty Hospital for seniors 55 and older as an allowed use within the PUD. Approved 5-0

Agenda Item 7 – Appointments to the Recreation Advisory Board – Marithza Ross was reappointed to the Recreation Advisory Board 5-0

Agenda Item 8 – Appointments to the Planning and Zoning Agency – Dr. Richard Hilsenbeck was reappointed 5-0. Meagan Perkins was reappointed 4-1 (Joseph)

Commissioner’s Reports

Commissioner Joseph took the opportunity to congratulate her husband, Dr. Ron Joseph. He and his sister were elected to the US Hall of Fame for Figure Skating earlier in the week. A short video was played showing their 1964 performance. Commissioner Joseph noted that they are still the only US Jewish Olympic medalists.

Commissioner Alaimo has been meeting with residents of Shore Drive and listening the their concerns about the proposed trail. He also sent congratulations to the St. Augustine High School football team as they head to the State Championship game this weekend.

Commissioner Whitehurst spent a few moments acknowledging the passing of Sgt. Major Ray Quinn and shared some lessons learned from Sgt. Major Quinn, who had also served as Commissioner in St. Johns County. Sgt. Major Quinn had been a source of wisdom for Commissioner Whitehurst when he was elected.

Commissioner Dean‘s comments were of a more somber nature. By now you may have seen some of the media coverage of his comments.

Note that this blogger tries to maintain an objective note and provide information that you can use to form your own opinions. In that vein, I will share what Commissioner Dean stated and provide a link to the video so you can watch for yourself.

Commissioner Dean made it clear that this was an uncomfortable position. He said he “does not enjoy doing it” but felt compelled to act on what had occurred at the last Commissioner’s Meeting (November 21.) He made reference to Commissioner Joseph giving a “several minute campaign speech” which he interrupted on a Point of Order. Commissioner Dean believes this speech may have violated Florida Election Law. Specifically, he mentioned Florida Statute 104.31.

You can read Statute 104.31 here: Florida Statute 104.31

Commissioner Dean presented a 2 part motion. First to censure Commissioner Joseph for her comments and second to ask the Chairwoman to seek outside counsel who could come back to the commission with a recommendation about what should be done, if anything.

After hearing Public Comment, the Commissioner’s voted 4-1 (Joseph being the no vote) to censure Commissioner Joseph and to hire outside counsel to determine if there has been a violation of Florida Election law.

Please watch Commissioner Dean’s Comments and discussion at this link.

County Attorney’s Report – Mr. Migut discussed the Election Canvassing Board. By law, the Canvassing Board is composed of a County Court Judge, the Supervisor of Elections, the Chair of the County Commissioners and one alternate. A Commissioner cannot serve as alternate if there is a conflict of interest.

Because 3 Commissioners (Alaimo, Whitehurst, Dean) have indicated they will run for re-election in 2024, they are disqualified from serving on the Canvassing Board.

Commissioner Joseph indicated her intent to endorse a candidate for President and for the Primary and General elections in St. Johns County. That disqualifies her from serving on the Canvassing Board.

Commissioner Whitehurst was selected to serve as the representative to the Canvassing Board for the Presidential Preference election.

The Circuit Judge will select an alternate for the Primary and General elections.

Attorney Migut also brought up that there are Rules and Policies that prohibit campaigning in county buildings. These Rules and Policies are located in a number of different places. Mr. Migut asked for Board consensus to bring all the different rules into a central document for ease of reference.

The Chair of the Board of County Commissioner’s serves on the Canvassing Board. There are 2 elections in 2024 that will need an alternate member of the Board of Commissioners to serve on the Canvassing Board; the Presidential Preference and the combined Primary/General Election. Because of conflicts of interest, none of the other 4 Commissioners can serve. Commissioner Joseph is endorsing candidates in both elections and the other 3 Commissioners are up for election. Commissioner Whitehurst was selected to serve on the Canvassing Board for the Presidential Preference election. The Circuit Judge will need to appoint an alternate for the combined Primary/General election. By consensus, Attorney Migut will bring together all the various rules around campaigning in public buildings into one central document for ease of access.

County Attorney’s discussion on Canvassing Board

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BOCC, St. Johns County

Look Ahead to the December 5 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Beth Tate

Tuesday’s meeting has several Infrastructure related items on the Agenda and one very special presentation.

The full agenda can be found here: BOCC Agenda

In the opening portion of the meeting, there will be a “Special Presentation in remembrance of Paul Waldron, beloved District 3 County Commissioner.”

Certainly Commissioner Waldron was well known and loved , not only in District 3, but across the County. Commissioner Waldron was a wealth of knowledge and happy to share and educate all of us. I anticipate a full-house for this Presentation.

Consent Agenda

There are 35 items in the Consent Agenda for Tuesday. Some highlights:

Consent Agenda Items 6 and 7 are related to construction easements needed for the CR 210 Widening project from Cimarrone Blvd. to Greenbriar Rd. and construction of a portion of County Road 2209 between International Golf Parkway (IGP) and Silverleaf Parkway

Consent Agenda Item 18 is of interest to those who travel US 1 often. This is the much needed “State Funded Grant Agreement from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for Pine Island Road Intersection Improvements”

“The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and County have identified the need for a signalized intersection at US 1 and Pine Island Road. The FDOT has allocated $2,000,000 for the County to use for design, permitting, construction. post design services and construction engineering inspection (CEI) for improvements at the US1/Pine Island Road intersection, including re-aligning Pine Island Road, signalizing the intersection, adding railroad signal preemption, adding a northbound right-turn lane, and incorporating a multi-use trail-head as feasible. The County has also budgeted $1,900,000 for this project. These funds are currently identified in the FY 2024 budget.”

Consent Agenda Item 19 is another intersection improvement, “State Funded Grant Agreement from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for Intersection Improvements of SR A1A corridor.”

“The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has identified the need for intersection improvements on the SR A1A corridor. The FDOT has allocated $6,000,000 for the County to use for design, construction and construction engineering and inspection (CEI) for the intersection improvements on SR A1A corridor. These funds are currently identified in the FY 2024 budget.”

Regular Agenda Items

Agenda Item 1 – Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between St. Johns County and Twin Creeks Development Associates, LLC and Award of IFB No: 23-94 CR 210 Widening from Trinity Way to Beachwalk Boulevard

“The Board of County Commissioners approved the Twin Creeks Development Order on August 9, 2005 that was amended on August 18, 2015 and September 1, 2021. Since the approval of the Development Order a good faith dispute has arisen in relation to the responsibility for the widening of the Gap on CR 210 and the financial responsibility for such widening. In an effort to resolve this dispute this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets forth their common understanding and interpretation as to the manner in which construction of the 6-Lane Roadway will be performed. The purpose of the project is to complete the 6-lane widening of County Road 210 from Trinity Way to Beachwalk Boulevard, and includes improvements of the roadway, drainage, signage, pavement markings and maintenance of traffic. The Purchasing Department issued an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) in accordance with SJC Purchasing Policy, and four (4) bids were submitted, with the lowest, responsive, responsible bid being submitted by Watson Civil Construction, Inc, at the lump sum bid price of $12,586,631.05 for the Base Bid and Alternate #1 for the Temporary Traffic Control Plan. Local Preference did not apply in this instance as the low bidder is a Local Business. Additional funding in the amount of $2,100,000 from Transportation Trust Fund Reserves is needed to award the contract. The Memorandum of Understanding provides a resolution of a good faith dispute concerning the responsibility for the widening of the gap on CR 210 from the western boundary of the DRI to C.E. Wilson Road and the financial responsibility for such widening. Staff recommends Board approval to award IFB No: 23-94 to Watson Civil Construction, Inc, and to execute a contract in substantially the same form and format as attached for completion of the project as specified in the IFB. Due to the size of the Exhibits and Attachments, they are available upon request from Jaime Locklear”

Details of the background are here: Twin Creeks MOU

Agenda Item 2 – New Twin Creeks Light Industrial Access

This is a request for a new access connection point along CR 210 West. This was recommended unanimously for approval by the PZA on November 2.

Details are here: Twin Creeks Light Industrial Access

Agenda Item 3 – Race Track Road PUD

This is a request for a modification to the Race Track Road PUD to allow a Personal Property Mini-Warehouse facility, an allowable use in the existing PUD. This request is to modify the square footage allocated for the warehouse facility. The PZA recommended this for approval on October 19 with a 5-1 vote.

Details on this PUD are here: Race Track Road PUD

Agenda Items 4 & 5 are Non-Zoning variance approvals for changes to easements and private roadways.

Agenda Item 6 – Villages of St. Augustine – adding a Class III Geriatric Acute Care Psychiatric Specialty Hospital for seniors 55 and older as an allowed use within the PUD. The PZA recommend approval on October 19 with a 6-0 vote.

Agenda Item 7 – Appointment to the Recreation Advisory Board – The District 4 representative resigned. The Board is recommending Marithza Ross to fill that position.

Agenda Item 8 – Appointments to the Planning and Zoning Agency – 2 positions on the PZA have expired. The PZA is recommending the reappointment of Dr. Richard Hilsenbeck and Meagan Perkins .

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