The morning will start with 3 Proclamations, including recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Kiwanis of St. Augustine.
Consent Agenda
There are 36 items in the Consent Agenda, with a few of interest.
Consent Agenda Item 11 concerns intersection improvements at Longleaf Pine and Greenbriar road. Details here: Consent Agenda Item 11
Consent Agenda Item 19 details an agreement btween the County and FDOT for the further construction of CR 2209. Details here: Consent Agenda Item 19
Consent Agenda Item 20 addresses funding for intersection improvements at SR 16 and International Golf Parkway. Details here: Consent Agenda Item 20
All Consent Agenda Items can be found in the last pages of the full Agenda at the link above.
Regular Agenda Items
Agenda Item 2 is the result of concerns raised by the residents of Rock Springs Farms at several BOCC meetings.
“Request for a Major Modification to the Rock Springs Farms PUD (Ordinance No. 2017-49, as amended) to clarify the project is limited to 182 single family dwelling units and remove the obligation of the Rock Springs Farms Homeowners Association (HOA) to fund the maintenance of the dedicated public park. The Planning and Zoning Agency recommended approval of MAJMOD 2023-14 at its regular September 21, 2023 meeting with a 4-0 vote.”
Rock Springs Farm Park is a small community of 182 homes located off 206. At the inception of this PUD, an agreement was struck that the HOA would be responsible for maintaining a public park owned by St. Johns County.
When the community management was turned over from the developer to the HOA, the HOA quickly realized they did not have the funds to maintain this public park. In the existing agreement, St. Johns County Parks and Recreation operates the park for use by the general public. There are 2 pieces to the park; a linear park close to US1 and a walking trail further to the interior of the community. This agreement would split the park and the walking trail would be maintained by the HOA with the linear park maintained by the county. Cost to the county is $31,000 per year.
Agenda Item 3 is a discussion item on the 14 Goals for updates to the Land Development Code for tree preservation presented by Commissioner Joseph at a previous meeting.
Staff analysis found that some of the 14 goals were interrelated and they have created a more cohesive view of the goals for this discussion.
The presentation is worth reading, not only for the details of the proposed changes but for the correspondence from builders on impacts to the development/builder community.
Agenda Item 4 is a proposed Settlement Agreement related to the Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma FEMA Restoration Project. There were disputes regarding claims for reimbursement for unforeseen costs during the project.
Agenda Item 5 is discussion on the Agreement between the St. Johns County Community Redevelopment Agency and Vilano Beach Main Street, Inc. The request is for an extension of the existing agreemet.
And the last item of the day for discussion is Agenda Item 6, County Administrator Recruitment Process.
“The Board has engaged GovHR USA to conduct a national search to hire a new county administrator. Additionally, the Board has appointed a selection committee to interview top-tier candidates and make a recommendation to the Board regarding which candidates to interview. GovHR USA has provided the selection committee with the list of all applicants, as well as a recommended short list. The selection committee met in a public meeting to review this information and has provided its guidance regarding which candidates are recommended for in person interviews with the Board. A list of the recommended candidates, as well as their application materials, are attached. Staff will also provide any additional updates on the process, as applicable.”
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A much lighter day for everyone but not one short on substance.
Proclamations were presented recognizing:
EPIC Behavioral Healthcare on their 50th Anniversary
October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National 4-H Week
Public Safety Update
During the Public Safety Update, Director Tara Wildes represented SJSP and remarked on the partnership with EPIC in the re-entry and rapid response programs run by the Sheriff’s Office.
She also shared about the new golf cart law that went into effect October 1. The Sheriff’s department is particulary proud of this new law as this was an initiative put forward by Sheriff Hardwick who worked with Representative Cyndi Stevenson to get this law enacted during this year’s Legislative Session.
The Fire Rescue Update was provided by ActingFire Chief Sean McGee shared that in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, you will see operations personnel wearing bright pink shirts in their “Pink T-Shirt Campaign.”
At the conclusion of the update by Acting Chief McGee, Commissioner Joseph asked if Chief Bullard had formally resigned. Interim County Administrator Andrews advised he had submitted his verbal resignation on Monday.
There was some discussion about the resignation of Chief Bullard and the role of the Commissioners vs the role of the County Administrator.
The Clerk of the Court highlighted Domestic Violence Awareness month and introduced the Family Law clerks who file injunctions related to domestic violence. He also shared that the county had been victim of a Cyber Fraud in the amouont of $1.1 Million. They have recovered about 65% of that amount and do have cyber insurance.
The Public Works Director gave an update on current projects underway.
The Palm Valley Boat ramp is nearing completion and they hope to have a ribbon cutting by the end of the month.
Longleaf Pine Parkway widening is expected to be completed by September of 2024
County Road 210 widening project is out for bid. If all goes to schedule, work should begin in January, 2024.
Information was shared about the work being done to alleviate the issues on 210 east of I-95. The county and the Sheriff’s office are working together to do real time video monitoring of traffic situations on 210 and making adjustments to traffic signals. The county has engaged England, Tims & Miller as the project engineer. They presented a rendering of the final solution of the six lanes in front of Beachside High School.
Also shared was a plan to put in two east bound left turn lanes to alleviate some of the pressure during the construction phase.
Rendering of 6 lanes in front of Beachside High School
The Hastings Community Center design was selected by a vote of local residents and groundbreaking is expected after the first of the year.
Consent Agenda
Commissioner Joseph asked that Item 25 on the Consent Agenda be moved to the Regular Agenda.
Commissioner Dean advised Consent Agenda Item would be withdrawn and brought back at a later date.
Regular Agenda items:
Agenda item 3 was a report from Tara Meeks, Director of Tourism and Cultural Development provided a report on the potential of allocating Tourist Development Tax Reserve funds for the Florida State Parks Foundation’s (Foundation) Fort Mose reconstruction project. The Foundation has raised approximately $1.38 million for the project from a combination of sponsorships and a Florida African-American Cultural & Historical Grant. The Foundation continues to fund raise to generate the additional $500,000 (approx.) in funding that is needed to complete the Fort Mose reconstruction project.
There were several representatives from the community who spoke in favor of the funding.
During discussion, Commissioner’s Arnold and Alaimo expressed their support for the project and also said they thought the recommendation for use of the funds should go through the Tourism Development Council before the Commissioner’s voted on it.
The motion to use the reserve funds was approved 3-2, with Commissioners Arnold and Alaimo being the no votes.
Several residents spoke against moving the project forward.
After discussion, Commissioner Alaimo made a motion for Option 2, sell the property and pursue the purchase of another beach access point. That motion failed with a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Arnold, Whitehurst, and Joseph were the three No votes.
Commissioner Alaimo then offered a motion for Option 1, retain ownership of the property but table development plans. That motion passed 3-2 with Commissioners Arnold and Whitehurst being the No votes.
Agenda Items 5 was the reappointment of Megan McKinley to the Ponte Vedra Zoning & Adjustment Board.
Agenda Item 6 was the reappointment of Melissa Churchwell to the Industrial Development Authorigy and Orville Dothage to a new 4 yaer term on the Industrial Development Authority.
Agenda Item 7 was former Consent Agenda Item 25, “Approval of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Funding Agreement 23SJ4 for cost sharing of the Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Beach Projects”
Commissioner Joseph questioned why this was on the Consent Agenda as at a previous meeting there had been consensus to look at how the $9.5 Million funding would be allocated.
Commissioner Joseph’s concern was funding for the North Ponte Vedra Beach community not being included in this allocation. Commissioner Whitehurst asked if this money could be used for immediate needs while the county continued to look into funding for the North Ponte Vedra community. The answer was yes, both could be done.
Commissioner Joseph made a motion that the $7MM that could be remaining after the repairs in the southern beaches be allocated to the North Ponte Vedra Beach project. That motion died with no second.
After much more discussion and public comment, Commissioner Dean made a motion to approve the funding and provided information that the funding was specifically for FEMA projects and that is what would be covered here.
There was much more discussion and modifications. Eventually, the motion was made to approve the funding and any remaining funding to go to the North Ponte Vedra Beach project
Commissioner Joseph urged the consideration of continued operation of the IMAX theater at World Golf Village by either Epic Theaters or Sun Ray Cinemas owners, both of whom have expressed interest.
Commissioner Alaimo talked about the need for updated beach codes and ordinances. He asked the Board for consensus to have staff evaluate the beach code and ordinances to bring them up to date. The Board agreed.
Commissioner Dean shaed that the Legislative Delegation meeting is on October 13 which is earlier this year because the Legislative Session begins in January, not March next year. This is because of the 2024 Presendential election cycle.
Commissioner Arnold asked the Board for consensus for staff to look at an ordinance for boating safety on Pablo Creek.
Commissioner Whitehurst brought up a recent meeting with the TAG! Children’s Museum group around a request for funding that is coming. to the Board. He asked for board consensus to send the request back to the TDC for more specificity clarification on to fund this project. The Board agreed.
Commissioner Whitehurst also asked for Board for consensus to request the county attorney to review and advise on options to enact an ordinance creating consequences for violations of the Board’s Rules of Decorum. Consensus was not achieved so a motion was made for the same. The motion passed 4-1 (Joseph)
First up on the agenda is an item deferred from August and that is electing the new Chair and Vice-Chair for 2024. This had been deferred until after the PZA hearing on the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club.
Agenda item 2 is one that usually generates much interest, a request for a Car Wash Facility.
“A request for a Special Use Permit to allow for a Car Wash Facility in Commercial General (CG) zoning, pursuant to Section 2.03.50 of the Land Development Code, located at the intersection of Hometown Lane and State Road 207.”
The location is a vacant lot in District 3, off of Hometown Lane, across from a Dollar General and in front of the San Marcos Heights Apartments.
Agenda Item 3 is in District 1, on State Route 13N. This is a request for a Special Use Permit to 1) allow sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages and 2) to allow Outdoor Seating at the Bella Vista Restaurant in Fruit Cove.
Also in District 1, Agenda Item 4 is a request for a Non-Zoning Variance to allow for building wall signs to exceed 150 square feet per sign and 200 square feet per business on the Wal-Mart Fruit Cove building located at 13N and Race Track Road.
Agenda Item 5 is in District 5 and is a request to rezone .59 acres of land from Open Rural to Commercial Warehouse at 135 Nix Boat Yard Road
Compatibility Map
This is a vacant building recently used as a day care center, located in the midst of other commercial properties.
The proposed purchaser of the property is a local, family owned business that has outgrown current facilities at 164 and 190 Nix Boat Yard Rd. The intended purpose of the facility would be light manufacturing, production, packaging and shipping, and associated office space.
The last Agenda Item of the day is back in District 3 and is a request to rezone Commercial Property to Residential, Single Family. The intent is to build 4 single-family homes on the property.
The October 3 BOCC meeting is much lighter than meetings of late so it should be a shorter day!
In the opening section of the meeting, we will see:
A Recognition Award to Commissioner Sarah Arnold from the St. Johns County Professional Firefighters Association
A Proclamation recognizing EPIC Behavioral Healthcare on their 50th Anniversary
A Proclamation recognizing October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
And one close to my heart, a Proclamation recognizing October 1-7 as national 4-H Week. I began my Public Speaking path as a young 4-H’er in Anderson County, TN!
Consent Agenda
In the Consent Agenda, of interest is:
Consent Agenda Item 10
Awarding a Bid to build the Sheriff’s Tactical Training Facility (Base Bid, Allowance #1, and Alternate #1) to DiMare Construction Co., as the lowest, responsive, responsible local bidder for a not-to-exceed cost of $4,478,500.00.
Agenda item 3 is in response to a request to staff at the August 15th Board of County Commissioner’s meeting to review the potential of allocating Tourist Development Tax Reserve funds for the Florida State Parks Foundation’s (Foundation) Fort Mose reconstruction project. The Foundation has raised approximately $1.38 million for the project from a combination of sponsorships and a Florida African-American Cultural & Historical Grant. The Foundation continues to fund raise to generate the additional $500,000 (approx.) in funding that is needed to complete the Fort Mose reconstruction project.
The presentation contains some Fast Facts about Fort Mose. If you aren’t familiar, do check it out!
And learn more about Fort Mose at their website: Fort Mose
Agenda Item 4 is a staff report on the Tortuga Park project.
“St. Johns County Parks and Recreation and Public Works have been developing designs for Tortuga Park, located at 7740 Coastal Highway. The park would create a new public beach access point as well as off beach parking, a walkover, restrooms, and a shower station. The Board initially approved a budget of $1,139,840 for this project however, due to public interest and requests for more public involvement, the project was put on hold. The Board asked Ryan Kane, Director of Parks and Recreation to present a detailed report and include options relating to this proposed project. Mr. Kane will provide information on the following: 1. Retain ownership of the parcel, but table development plans. 2. Sell the property and pursue the purchase of another beach access point. 3. Construct the park as designed, or with modifications.”
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During the Public Safety Update, Director Martin from the SJSO shared some of the mental health initiatives they are engaged in, including working with inmates pre-release to prepare them for success upon release. They are seeing good results here. They also have a partnership with Social Services to engage a mental health specialist jwith first responders to address these related issues.
The Supervisor of Elections shared some important updates. Every mailbox in St. Johns County should have received the new voters election guide. They are doing their bi-annual voter list maintenance, as required under new state laws. Every voter who has not voted in the last 2 General Elections gets a notice asking them to update their information. In St. Johns County that notice went to 17,000 registered voters. They received 1500 responses with a good portion of the notices being returned for a bad address. For voters who did not respond, or their correspondence was returned, they will be marked as “inactive” voters. If they show up to vote in a 2024 or 2026 election, poll workers will confirm they are a St. Johns County resident and they will be returned to the active voter rolls. If they do not vote in these elections, they will be dropped from the voting rolls. We currently have 213,00 registered voters in St. Johns County. A question was asked about the use of drop boxes. Ms. Oakes shared that all drop off boxes are located inside early voting locations and can only be accessed for drop off of ballots during manned hours.
She also reminded citizens that they are welcome to schedule a tour of the Supervisor of Elections offices where they can learn about the process. I have done this tour and highly recommend it!
Commissioner Dean asked to move Consent Agenda Item 30, Six Month Extension of Tourism Marketing Contract from the Consent Agenda to Regular Agenda Discussion.
Commissioner Dean’s concern was that the 6 month extension was not sufficient. This was discussed and a 12 month extension was approved unanimously during the Regular Agenda items.
Regular Agenda Items
Agenda Item 1 is in District 2, Elevation Pointe was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being. the no vote. The request was to increase wetland impacts with a decrease in preserved wetlands, open space, and upland buffers and was driven by the addition of a Publix supermarket as a tenant in the shopping center.
Agenda Item 2, also in District 2, was the Deer Run Road PUD. This request to rezone 25 acres of land from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development for 26 duplexes, total of 52 dwelling units was denied unanimously. Concerns noted were the additional traffic on Holmes Blvd and Four Mile Road and impact to schools.
Agenda Item 3 is in District 5. The Whole 9 Yards is in the Airport District was to rezone 1.37 acres of land from Open Rural to Industrial Warehousing. Many of the same concerns from local residents were voiced at the BOCC meeting. Commissioner Dean noted that this business has been operating for 7 years and is seeking. tocorrect the zoning to reflect the usage. They added some conditions of operation and the project was approved 5-0.
Agenda Item 6 was a combined public hearing item including the Approval of the 2023 Inventory List of Land available for Affordable Housing in St. Johns County and the available affordable housing strategies through the Live Local Act that passed in the 2023 Legislative session.
This is an important topic for addressing attainable housing in St. Johns County.
A review of the inventory list shows almost 300 properties, many of them in West Augustine, Elkton, and the Armstrong area. During Public Comment questions were asked about how to make this inventory of properties available for affordable housing. Many have been on the inventory for years but there is not sufficient infrastructure to support building on the property.
County Owned Property available for affordable housingCRA/County Owned Property available for affordable housing
Also during public comment was noted that affordable housing, with government assistance, is targeted. for individuals making between 30-60% of Area Median Income (AMI.) In St. Johns County that is the range of $37,000 to $70,000. It is impotant to note that in St. Johns County that range includes our teachers, deputies, firefighters, and other public workers as well as many other employees in the service industry.
During discussion on the Live Local Act, Commissioner Alaimo indicated he would like to have staff research and bring back an Ad Valorem tax exemption for affordable housing, similar. to what was done in Clay County.
The motion to bring back an ordinance around the tax exemption was approved 4-1, with the no vote from Commissioner Joseph.
This is a very complex and sensitive topic. I encourage you to watch the full presentation and discussion at this link: Agenda Item 6
This partnership would allow a nonprofit oganization, Cultural Events, Inc. to operate the St. Augustine Ampitheater, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and local cultural events like Sing Out Loud. andthe Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. This was approved unanimously
Agenda Item 9 was the Second Reading of Proposed Amendments to the St. Johns County prohibited Holiday Activity Ordinance for Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators, followed by Agenda Item 10, the Second Reading of the Proposed Amendments to the Child Safety Zone Ordinance. Both were approved 5-0.
Agenda Item 11 is a Proposed Settlement of Lupoli v. St. Johns County and Guilmar, LLC Litigation and Statutory Demand. This stems from a lawsuit filed by residents as a result of a denial decision made by the Board of County Commissioners in 2022. Settlement Proposal.
The Board approved the settlement that will have a payment of $450,000 to Guilmar and $30,000 for attorney fees.
This was a reminder that the Board of Commissioner can put the county at risk of a lawsuit if their project denials are not based in sound legal facts.
Agenda Item 12 is to consider the proposed 2024 St. Johns County Legislative Action Plan. You can read the presentation here: SJC Legislative Agenda Proposal
During discussion, Commissioner Dean asked to add an item to the priority list. This would be to request funds for renourishment of a small section of beach south of Ponte Vedra Beach.
During the discussion, there was conversation about the priority of asking the Legislative Delegation to work on modifying the PECO (Public Education Capital Outlay) requirements for rapidly growing counties like St. Johns County. Mr. Tecler, who was giving. the presentation, noted that this has been discussed with the folks. inTallahassee previously and again this year. There. are indications it is being looked at closely.
Commissioner Whitehurst spoke about coordinating with the School District in this effort and getting them on board with supporting the change.
Here are some highlights from the presentation:
Improve the Transportation Infrastructure
East-West Corridors Upgrade State Road 16, County Road 210, State Road 208, State Road 207, and State Road 206 to provide traffic relief, improve connectivity, fortify hurricane evacuation routes, and enhance safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
North-South Corridors Address overcapacity along US 1 and I-95 and strengthen connectivity between employment centers and residential communities by completing extensions of County Road 2209, State Road 312/313, and related connectors.
State Road 16 St. Johns County requests $20 million in state appropriations to design and construct a new 4-lane divided roadway with a multiuse path from International Golf Parkway to I-95
Strengthening Community Resilience
Fire safety improvements
Beach stabilization and renourishment
Youth Mental Health
Changes in state laws around distance of commercial sales of nicotine products to schools
Youth Sports
Sustaining Economic Prosperity
Vilano Beach Street Improvements
World Golf Village Hall of Fame site improvements
School Capacity – importantly “School Capacity St. Johns County requests the Legislature identify and modify provisions of law and/or administrative rules that may limit the construction of new school facilities, or tie the authorization of construction of new schools to existing school capacity. Additional flexibility will facilitate strategic planning for high-growth districts.”
Revisions to the Live Local Act. “Affordable Housing Compatibility Revise the Live Local Act to restore local government review of multifamily housing projects proposed for land zoned for commercial or industrial uses.”
Hastings Water infrastructure
Unfunded Mandates – “Request the Legislature oppose legislation that requires utilities to expend funds providing information, reports, or other documents to the State without providing a funding source for development of those reports. Specifically, the Legislature should pay careful attention to unfunded reporting mandates related to SB 712 (2020), HB 53 (2021), SB 64 (2021), and HB 1379 (2023).”
Protecting Natural and Historic Resources
Historic Farming Communities
Consider the City of St. Augustine as a location for the State Museum of BlackHistory
Commissioner’s Reports
Commissioner Joseph shared she would like to consider a rollback for millage for the 2025 budget.
Commissioner Alaimo thanked staff for their work on the ceremony recognizing the 200th Anniversary. ofthe Treat of Moultrie Creek.
Commissioner Dean shared that Lowe’s Lumber is opening a new store at US1 and CR 210, provigind 300 new jobs. He also formalized the requst to staff to arrange a meeting between the Board and the School Board to discuss support for revising the PECO funding statute.
Commissioner Arnold expressed appreciation for the work staff did on the Hasting Library meeting “re-do” and encouraged residents. toattend the World Golf Village workshops. onSeptember 27 and 28.
Commissioner Whitehurst expressed concerns about new preemption bills that may come up in the 2024 Legislative session. He wants the county to work with the Florida Association of Counties to push back on these bills.
County Administrator Report
Interim County Administrator Joy Andrews requested and received received unanimous approval to appoint Jamie Locklear as Director of Purchasing. She also shared a new website for the Hastings community as they work on the comprehensive plan.
Last item for the day was the second Public Hearing of the millage rates and 2024 Fiscal Year Budget.
The Board unanimously approved the final budget of $1,665,664,624. Included in the budget are funds for 45 new firefighters, add 35 hours to Libraries for Sunday and Monday operations and a $18 assessment for solid waste collections.
The Board unanimously adopted a millage rate of 6.8265%.
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Beth Tate 