BOCC – Page 7 – Beth Tate

Summary of the January 16th St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on January 21, 2024January 21, 2024 by Beth Tate

Here’s a high level view of what happened last week!

The morning started with two Proclamations. The first Proclamation was to recognize 100 Years of the St. Augustine Art Association and was presented by Commissioner Whitehurst. Founded January 18, 1924 it is the 13^th oldest continually operating Art Association in the United States. The Art Association operates free of charge and has 10,000 visitors annually.

You can learn more about the Art Association at this link: St. Augustine Art Association

The second proclamation of the morning was to recognize Patti Greenough Day. Do you know who Patti Greenough is?

Patti became CEO of EPIC Behavioral Healthcare in 1990. Over the last 33 years she has expanded it from one campus, 14 staff and a $300,00 budget to a multi-behavior healthcare delivery service with 6 campuses across multiple counties, 130 staff and a multimillion dollar budget. Under her leadership they opened a 16 bed critical inpatient detox and residential treatment center to St. Johns county and established other much needed critical substance abuse and mental health disorder programs and services.

Learn more about Epic Behavioral Care and the work Patti has led at this link: EPIC Behavioral Health

Public Safety Update

Director Scott Beaver from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office focused his report on traffic. While we have sadly had 3 fatalities already this year, in the 2023 statistics we have had a continued drop in traffic incidents overall by 15%. Serious bodily injury incidents dropped by 15% and fatalities dropped by 14%. The Sheriff will continue his aggressive approach to traffic safety and DUI enforcement.

Chief McGhee from St. Johns County Fire Rescue thanked the Commissioners for the 2 new Fire Engines put into service in the West Augustine King Street Area and the Pine Island station.

Clerk of the Court Brandon Patty highlighted that through aggressive money management, the comptroller has generated over $20 Million in earned interest in the 2023 calendar year.

Scott Teckler from Legislative Affairs presented on several bills to watch in the upcoming Legislative session. Slides below detail the bills.

Mr. Teckler recommended the county draft formal opposition to the Community -Based Child Welfare Agencies bill as it would have negative fiscal impact on St. Johns county as well as negative impact on needed child welfare services in the county.

Motion to draft the formal opposition was approved 5-0.

The Consent Agenda was approve with no further discussion or public comment.

Regular Agenda

County Attorney Migut made a recommendation to pull Agenda Item 15 from the Regular Agenda because litigation has been filed and this matter should not be discussed in public at this time.

Because this was a ministerial motion, no public comment was allowed.

What is a ministerial motion? “A duty or act is defined as a ministerial when there is no room for the exercise of discretion and the performance being required is directed by law.” (reference link: https://criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com/appeals/writ-of-mandamus/)

Motion to approve was passed 4:1 (Joseph being the no vote.)

Agenda item 1 – Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service, Inc. Economic Development Incentive Request

This property is located in an area that is designated Industrial on the Future Land Use Map, and was rezoned to that designation at the November 21st Board of county Commissioner’s Meeting, Agenda Item 5.

Previous Blog Post Covering Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service Project

The request on January 16 was for an economic development incentive of $118,784 as they complete the project that was approved in the November 21^st meeting. It was not to approve the project to be built.

“The St. Johns County Economic Development Agency has received an application from Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service, Inc. for economic development incentives to develop a total of 32,000 square feet of space located near the intersection of US 1 and International Golf Parkway. The Applicant is a construction equipment merchant primarily selling machinery and parts required to conduct vital agricultural and manufacturing operations, as well as sales of associated parts and services. This project will serve as a regional headquarters for the business. After the Applicant submitted their application, they subsequently withdrew their request for confidentiality. The project scored 5.5 points under the new industry category of the County’s Business Incentive Program, which makes it eligible for expedited permitting and an economic development grant of up to 50% of fees paid to the County by the Applicant (impact fees and water/sewer connection fees), two years ad valorem taxes paid by the Applicant (general County portion) on capital improvements and two years tangible personal property taxes paid by the Applicant (general County portion). Completion of the project is anticipated by the third quarter of 2025. With this schedule, the first annual grant payment would be anticipated during FY27. The total estimated value of the incentive is $118,784. In accordance with Program requirements, the Agency is required to review the application and make a written report to the Board of County Commissioners. Staff recommends support of this incentive application.”

Project Descriptions:

Discussion at the Board and in public comment indicated that people were confused about this Agenda item. Concerns were raised about the location of the project and whether it was appropriate to build this project.

Commissioner Whitehurst emphasized during Board discussion that this is for an economic incentive approval, not to approve the project. The project will be built whether they approve the incentives or not.

The Incentive package was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being the No vote.

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

Annually the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) request project priorites from local governments for potential funding in FDOT’s Work Program. There is a Transportation Advisory Group in St. Johns County made up of representatives from local municipalities and concerned citizen’s groups. Assistant Director of Growth Management, Dick D’Souza presented the priority list for approval by the commissioners.

You can watch the presentation by Mr. D’Souza at this link: LOPP Presentation

Note the Sidewalks to Schools list comes from the School Board and is unchanged from 2023.

Commissioner Whitehurst raised a question about the list of Trails. Representative Stevenson had made a request to move the Orangedale to Mickler Trail up on the list. It is currently #5 in the Priority list.

Commissioner Whitehurst also noted that he was recently selected as Chairman of the TPO and invited the public to attend the meetings to hear the discussions about funding of transportation projects. The public is able to ask questions.

Commissioner Whitehurst made the motion to approve the list with the amendment of moving the Orangedale to Mickler Trail to the top 3. This was approved 5-0

The slides may be difficult to read. You can read the full presentation at this link: LOPP Presentation Materials

Agenda Item 3 – Establishment of the Greenbriar CDD

This establishes the CDD for the Greenbriar Helow PUD. Those who are not currently residents of a CDD may not understand the purpose and structure of a CDD.

Purpose of CDDs is explained in this request:

PLANNING DEPARTMENT REVIEW

Florida Statutes Chapter 190 and Part 5.06.00 of the St. Johns County Land Development Code govern procedures, approval and implementation of a Community Development District (CDD). Section 5.06.01 of the Land Development Code provides the intent of a CDD within St. Johns County is to encourage a strong commitment to capital facilities planning, management and financing to ensure the provision of adequate capital infrastructure to serve projected growth without overburdening the general taxpayer. The intent of Florida Statutes Chapter 190 is similar. The Greenbriar CDD proposes to fund improvements to roadways, stormwater, site amenities, landscaping, irrigation, and water/sewer. The Petitioner also requests the County consent to powers to finance, fund, plan, establish, acquire, construct, reconstruct, enlarge or extend, equip, operate and maintain systems and facilities for parks and facilities for indoor and outdoor recreational, cultural, and educational uses, and security, including but not limited to guardhouses, fences and gates, electronic intrusion-detection systems, and patrol cars, as authorized and described in Section 190.012(2), Florida Statutes.

By establishing a CDD, the infrastructure is funded by the property owners within that CDD boundary and not by the general taxpayer across the county.

You can read the full presentation here: Agenda Item 3 – CDD

This was approved 5-0

Agenda Item 4 – Sandy Creek PUD Modification

“Request for a Major Modification to the Sandy Creek PUD (ORD. 2003-67, as amended) to add a secondary access to CR 210; to remove all the currently allowed industrial entitlements; to add additional multi-family and single family units; and to revise the Master Development Plan (MDP) text and map. The Sandy Creek PUD is located on the south side of CR 210 at Sandy Creek Parkway and CR 210.”

“The applicant is requesting a Major Modification to the Sandy Creek PUD (Ordinance 2003-67, as Amended) to do the following: – Add a secondary access to CR 210 by constructing a road off-site connecting Sandy Creek Parkway to Moon Bay Parkway to provide access to a signalized intersection at CR 210. – Remove all currently allowed Light Industrial entitlements (487,000 square feet) – Subdivide the 128.02 acre Light Industrial parcel into two parcels o 36.18 acres will have 310 multi-family units (115 to be transferred from the current multifamily parcel, and 190 new multi-family units) o 92.81 acres will have up to 74 additional single family homes – Subdivide the 50.78 acre multi-family parcel (currently approved into two parcels) o 30.51 acres of the multi-family parcel will remain multi-family, and the allowed entitlements will be reduced from 465 to 320 o 20.27 acres remaining will become a passive park subject to a conservation easement – Revise the MDP text and Map to reflect these changes and areas of new development”

This modification increases the overall dwelling uits from 818 to 1,082 and removes 487,000 sq feet of light industrial entitlements.

This PUD was originally approved in 2003 and has been modified over the years.

Questions were raised about the impact on schools. Commissioner Whitehurst confirmed with County Administrator Andrews the discussion from the recent joint School Board/County Commissioners Meeting that the School Board does have an opportunity to approve or deny the Proportionate Share Agreements. If the School Board denies the Proportionate Share Agreements, the proposal does not move forward to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.

After Commissioner Dean made a motion to approve, Commissioner Whitehurst asked if the applicant would agree to delay construction of the new units until aver the six lane improvements are finished and the second entrance is activated.

The applicant had verbiage prepared that would not go above 383 units until the completion of the six lane expansion fo CR 210 from Trinity Way to Beach Walk Blvd. or 18 months from the date of the Board of County Commissioners approving this modification.

The motion was amended to include those conditions and approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being the no vote.

Read the details here: Sandy Creek PUD

Agenda Items 5 & 6 – 4400 South Francis

“Request to rezone approximately 28.37 acres of land from Open Rural (OR) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow for approximately 100,000 square feet and allow for Community Commercial uses, which also include, the sales, rental, service, repair and storage of vehicles including new or used automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats and related watercraft, motorcycles and residentially scaled farm and garden equipment. Residential uses are not allowed. The property is approximately 28.37 acres and located at 4400 South Francis Road. This application is companion to CPA(SS) 2023-04. The Planning and Zoning recommended approval with a 5-2 vote at its regular December 7 meeting, with Dr. Hilsenbeck and Ms. Spiegel dissenting.”

There were several interesting slides in this presentation.

Proposed development area bottom right in relations to existing and approved commercial

After public comment and Board discussion, there was a motion from Commissioner Arnold to deny the request and that passed 5-0.

Agenda Item 9 – Second Reading of Proposed Amendments to St. Johns county Ordinance – Beach Code

This was the second reading of proposed changes that are covered in these slides:

The Ordinance changes were approved 5-0

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

This update brings the make-up of the Committee Membership in line with Florida Statutory requriements. At the First Reading Commissioner Joseph objected to the requirements and voted against accepting the change. She again voted no to bringing this county ordinance in compliance with the Florida Statutes. It was approved 4-1.

Agenda Item 11 – Second Reading St. Johns County Golf Cart Ordinance

This Ordinance update was to bring the County Ordinance in line with the updated Florida Statutes (championed by Representative Cyndi Stevenson in 2023.) The update requires drivers of a golf cart who are under the age of 18 to have a valid Learner’s Permit or Driver’s license and anyone over the age of 18 to have a valid government issued ID.

This passed 5-0

Commisioner’s Reports

Commissioners’ Reports

Commissioner Joseph thanked Fresh Market for recently sending sandwiches to an event and thanked Joy Andrews for helping to reschedule games at Davis Park for a large soccer tournament impacted by the heavy storms over the weekend. She will be holding a town hall in Ponte Vedra sometime in March. She also asked that the public keep two Navy Seals lost at sea in their thoughts and prayers.

Commissioner Alaimo attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the PAL (Police Athletic League) Sports Complex. The 37 acre complex in Elkton will be able to handle a variety of sports events.

Commissioner Whitehurst asked for Board consensus to ask staff to study the feasibility of incorporating the inclusion of golf cart paths in the intersection improvements already approved by the Legislature. He also asked for additional “Do Not Block the Intersection” signs to be added at CR 210 and east I-95. He also made a motion to waive event fees when the Park Foundation meets to raise monies for parks. The motion carried 5-0.

Commission Dean shared that 40 years ago, almost to the hour, in 1984 he completed negotiations for the acquisition of Guana River Preserve for roughly $48 million.

Chairman Arnold honored the loss of Dr. Pat Laurenelle, who was a champion for libraries in the county, and died on Dec. 27, 2023, at age 100.

Attorney’s Report – In the matter of Krista Joseph v. St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners and State’s Attorney R. J. Larizza, he will schedule an Executive Session of the Board of County Commissioners. The subject matter will the specifically the litigation and held in full compliance with Florida law. Commissioner Alaimo asked if she would be in attendance at the meeting. Attorney Migut is in conversation with her attorney on that matter.

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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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