St. Johns County

What Happened at the March 19 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Beth Tate

While it was a short agenda, there were some meaty topics of discussion.

The Meeting began with a Certificate of Recognition welcoming the Open World Armenian Delegation to St. Johns County. The delegation was here as part of a Open World Cultural Exchange program to bring representative of the former Soviet Republic to the United States to learn about American values and our democratic institutions. The Rotary Club puts together the programming for the delegation to learn about participatory government. This delegation was made up of women leaders and St. Johns County was proud to connect them with First Coast women leaders.

Public Safety Update

SJSO assisted with the incident in Jacksonville Beach Sunday night. They also were busy last week with The Player’s Championship and the associated traffic problems. The Corrections Department had their facility and medical inspections, with no violations found. They also shared that Discover and Recover had their grand opening last week. They are focused on helping people with opioid addiction. Learn more at this link: DiscoverRecover

Fire Rescue provided an update on Justin Daily, the firefighter mentioned at the last Commissioner’s meeting who underwent surgery for a brain tumor. He is recovering but still in the hospital. Fire Rescue also had a busy week at The Players last week. They had 100 calls resulting in 22 transports to local hospitals. People are heading out to the beaches – there was a reminder that there are no lifeguards until Memorial Day weekend.

Clerk of the Court’s Report

Focus this week was on Government Finance Professionals Week, recognizing the team focused on finance operations for St. Johns County. These include payroll, accounts receivable, investment management and asset management.

Service Delivery Update

The Service Delivery team focused on libraries and playgrounds Tuesday. If you’re in the northern part of the county, be sure to plan for the “Enjoy, Don’t Destroy” even at Julington Creek Plantation park with Commissioner Whitehurst, a Julington Creek resident, speaking along side representatives from the Sheriff’s Office and Parks and Recreation. Date is April 5, at 10:00 AM.

Consent Agenda

Commissioner Joseph asked to move Consent Agenda Item 8 to the Regular Agenda.

Regular Agenda Items

Agenda Item 3 (the Dobbs Road project) was pulled from the Agenda and continued to the second meeting in April.

Agenda Item 1 was a Request for Approval to Continue Acquisition Process for North Beach Utilities Water/Wastewater System and to Schedule a Required Public Hearing. In August of 2022, the North Beach Utilities system that provides water and wastewater services to 1400 users in Vilano Beach, approached the county with an offer to sell itself to the county. At the time, there was a request for a feasibility review. Having completed that review, they are now requesting the Board to continue the process for the acquisitor. That would include a required public hearing to determine if this acquisition is in the public interest. The public hearing will be held at the May 7, 2024 Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting.

Passed 5-0

Agenda Item 1A was pulled up from the Consent Agenda.

This item is a request to vacate a portion of the Second Street North right of way (in the Sun Valley subdivision in Ponte Vedra.)

A public hearing will be held April 16, 2024. Commissioner Joseph asked for the item to be pulled to the Regular Agenda to make sure the public knew when the hearing would be held.

Agenda Item 2 was the Confirmation of Sean McGee as Fire Chief. Mr. McGee has been serving in this role since October of 2023.

The confirmation was approved unanimously with little public comment.

Agenda Item 4 is a request to rezone 2 acres of land from Residential Single-Family 3 to a PUD for a 19,000 seq ft. freestanding Emergency Room, medical office, and ancillary commercial office space at the corner of Woodlawn Road and SR 16.

Proposed location for ER/Medical Services

This passed 5-0

Agenda Item 5 was a request to rezone .47 acres of land from Commercial General to Residential to allow the build of 3 single-family homes.

Background materials are here: Agenda Item 5

Commissioner Joseph raised a concern that the homes may be used as AirBnBs and there was some public comment regarding the same concern. There was some argument that government cannot tell property owners what to do with their property.

The project was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being the no vote.

Agenda Item 6 is the First Reading of a proposed Ordinance to Establish a Boating Restricted Area at the double-blind curve on Pablo Creek. This began at the October 3 meeting when the Board gave consensus to proceed with an application from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to address a safety concern for this area. Under Florida Statutes put in place in 2023, a business impact statement was required and is included in the presentation. The statement indicates there is no business impact associated with this ordinance.

Background materials here: Agenda Item 6

Agenda Item 7 was the County Administrator Contract. As anticipated there was some pointed public comment about the contract.

There were questions raised about the salary, about the travel compensation, and the time off due to the County Administrator.

The contract details are at this link: Agenda Item 7 – County Administrator Contract

The contract was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being the no vote.

Commissioner’s Report

Commissioner Joseph talked about the Library Book Mobile.

Commissioner Whitehurst congratulated Ms. Andrews on the completion of the contract. He also responded to a public comment that the Commissioners do not listen to the public. He pointed out that they did listen to the concerns of the public regarding the moving of the Canright House. The Commissioners approved spending $230,000 to move the house to another location in response to resident’s concerns. Additionally, he wanted to address “perception vs. reality” regarding the growth rate in St. Johns County. He referenced a recent news article pointing the fastest growing counties in Florida and noted that St. Johns County is not in that list.

Commissioner Dean talked about the important work done by Bill Sadowski during his time in the Florida legislature. The Sadowski Coalition is important for creating funding for affordable housing across the state of Florida.

Learn more here: Sadowski Coalition

Commissioner Arnold congratulated both the new Fire Chief and the County Administrator.

Administrator’s Report

Ms. Andrews provided an update on the upcoming Comprehensive Plan public meetings:

St. Johns County will hold three more public meetings as part of the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan public outreach in March.

Tuesday, March 26th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at W.E. Harris Community Center, 400 E. Harris St., Hastings
Wednesday, March 27th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at The Waterworks Building, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine
Thursday, March 28th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Creekside High School, 100 Knights Lane, St. Johns

And Ms. Andrews spoke to her commitment to professional integrity and her 100% support to all Commissioners, no matter how they voted on her contract.

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What’s Ahead at the March 19 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Beth Tate

The opening includes a Certificate of Recognition welcoming the Open World Armenian Delegation to St. Johns County

Agenda Item 1 is a Request for Approval to Continue Acquisition Process for North Beach Utilities Water/Wastewater System and to Schedule a Required Public Hearing. What a mouthful! What is happening here? In August of 2022, the North Beach Utilities system that provides water and wastewater services to 1400 users in Vilano Beach, approached the county with an offer to sell itself to the county. (Note that the agenda item says August 2023 but the back-up materials say August, 2022.) At the time, there was a request for a feasibility review. Having completed that review, they are now requesting the Board to continue the process for the acquisitor. That would include a required public hearing to determine if this acquisition is in the public interest. The public hearing will be held on May 7, 2024.

Background materials are here: Agenda Item 1

Agenda Item 2 is Confirmation of Sean McGee as Fire Chief. Mr. McGee has been serving in this role since October of 2023. There was some controversy about the departure of the previous Fire Chief. It would not be surprising to see some public comment referencing that controversy.

Materials can be found here: Agenda Item 2

Agenda Item 3 – Rezoning Request for Dobbs Road Plant. This request is to rezone 3.8t acres of land from Industrial Warehousing to Heavy Industrial with conditions. This is in relation to Concrete Block Manufacturing at 2035 Dobbs Road. The PZA recommended denial 5-1 on February 15.

Back-up materials are here: Agenda Item 3

Link to the PZA discussion is here: PZA discussion of Agenda Item 3

Proposed location for ER/Medical Services

Background materials are here: Agenda Item 4

Agenda Item 5 is request to rezone .47 acres of land from Commercial General to Residential to allow the build of 3 single-family homes.

Background materials are here: Agenda Item 5

Background materials here: Agenda Item 6

Agenda Item 7 is the County Administrator Contract. At past meetings there has been much public comment about the process and the contracts for past Administrators. We can anticipate more commentary as the contract is discussed for approval on Tuesday.

This is a 4 year contract with option to renew.

The contract details are at this link: Agenda Item 7 – County Administrator Contract

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BOCC, St. Johns County, Workforce Housing

What Happened at the March 5 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Beth Tate

Summary of what transpired at the March 5 meeting

Tuesday’s meeting began with a Proclamation, presented by Commissioner Krista Joseph, recognizing Flood Awareness Week in St. Johns County

The Proclamation was accepted by John Brown, St. Johns County Flood Plain Manager (bet you didn’t know we had one!)

St. Johns County has over 122,000 acres in the Special Flood Plain Area and over 110 miles of coast line along the Ocean and St. Johns River.

The County wants to raise awareness for residents to help them prepare and protect against flood damage. By their participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, residents are able to purchase flood insurance at reduced rates.

Read more about the Proclamation and learn about the County’s efforts here: Flood Awareness Proclamation

Public Safety Update

Director Martin from SJSO talked about the efforts to combat retail theft rings that operate across multiple jurisdictions. They conducted a traffic stop that resulted in an arrest that included not only stolen merchandise but narcotics and firearms. The Property Crimes Unit continues to work with local retail stores to combat these crime rings.

Acting Fire Chief Sean McGhee highlighted local charity events with participation by fire department personnel; the Battle of the Badges Boxing Match supporting the Police Athletic League (PAL). They also participated in the Guns and Hoses charity hockey tournament.

Learn more about PAL here: St. Johns County PAL

He also shared the sad news about one of our local firefighters, Justin Dudley, who has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is in need of financial support during this time.

You can help support Firefighter Dudley at this link: Support Justin Dudley

Public Infrastructure Update

The Public Infrastructure Update began with updates on traffic signal improvements. The updates are now including if there are developer or impact fee funds helping to pay for the improvements.

Watch the full presentation at this link: Public Infrastructure Update

Some of the significant updates:

Consent Agenda

Commissioner Joseph requested Item 5, PFS AGREE 2023-02 SR 207 Infill Multifamily Proportionate Fair Share Agreement, be moved to the Regular Agenda. This was moved to the Regular Agenda Item 10.

Regular Agenda Items:

Commissioner Dean requested an emergency item be added to the Regular Agenda. There have been complaints from the community about fire and smoke from the Ancient City Wood Recycling Plant near Palencia. Commissioner Dean shared that he had bee in contact with the head of the Department of Environmental Protection about the issue and they were taking steps to address the complaints. The Director of Growth Management, Mike Roberson, shared that the company is operating under a Special Use Permit. All indications at that point were that the company may not be in compliance with the Special Use Permit conditions.

To watch the entire discussion on the Wood Recycling Plant, check this link: Emergency Item – Wood Recycling Plant

At noon, County AdministratorJoy Andrews provided an update that the Fire Marshall, Fire Rescue, and Growth Management staff were on site and the company was being informed of the County’s intent to revoke their permit.

Agenda item 1 – Economic Incentive Request from Acadia Healthcare Company.

This was a request for an Incentive AGreement for Acadia Healthcare Company to be located near the intersection of CR 210 and Moon Bay Parkway.

There was similar confusion on this item as on previous economic incentive items. This was not a request to approve the project, it is already allowed. The item was just to approve the economic incentive package requested.

A bit more about the project. “Acadia is a behavioral healthcare service provider that offers inpatient, outpatient, detoxification, and residential treatment.”

The project is expected to bring 239 direct jobs to the county and generate another 191 jobs indirectly.

The Economic Incentive package would cost the County about $1,648,000 over the initial period. Over a 20 year period the company is expected to pay almost $20 million in Property Taxes.

The materials can be found here: Agenda Item 1 – Acadia

An article in the Jacksonville Business Journal about the development was published here: JAX Business Journal Article – Acadia (subscription required)

Incentive Agreement: 99,000 square ft on CR210 and Moon Bay Parkway 239 High wage jobs. Average annual wage of $75,000 would result in $24.7 million annually in Gross County Product. This is a behavioral health facility that the County worked hard to attract.

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

Agenda Item 2 was the Annual Property Ranking List from the Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP) Conservation Board.

You can watch this portion of the meeting here: LAMP Recommendation Discussion

The five parcels recommended are:

Shores Blvd. – The Deltona Corporation
Bishop Estates Rd. – Bailey
5960 Don Manuel Rd. – Masters
8805 A1A South – Galasso
Hawkins Island – Hawkins Family LLC

Materials can be found here: Agenda Item 2 – LAMP Recommendations

After much discussion on how to obtain funds and the need for more funds to support the LAMP program, the list was approved 5-0.

Agenda Item 3 is an Award of a bid for the Shore Drive Trail. As at past meetings, this topic was hotly debated during public comment. The project was first initiated by Commissioner Waldron in 2021. Since that time there have been surveys and public meetings as well as much public comment during Commissioner’s meetings.

The project is construction of an eight foot shared use/multi-use pathway along Shore Drive in the St. Augustine South neighborhood. This trail would connect 2 County Boat Ramps in that area.

Materials can be found here, with pictures and data about the project beginning on page 144. Agenda Item 3

Some details about the project:

Ultimately the bid award was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph voting no.

The Consent Agenda item, PFS AGREE 2023-02 SR 207 Infill Multifamily Proportionate Fair Share Agreement, that was placed at the end of the Regular Agenda was pulled forward to be heard at this time.

This item is the first development being brought forward under the Live Local Act passed in 2023. That Act allows affordable housing to be constructed on land already zoned Commercial Warehouse, without the need for approval by the Commissioners.

The item is to approve the Proportionate Fair Share Agreement that is required for new developments. This one is for 279 multi-family units on 207 near the I-95 interchange.

There was much discussion about the impacts of these developments that do not get approved by the Commissioners. Legally, the Board cannot deny the development being built. Other counties in Florida have sued the State over the Live Local Act. During public comment there were recommendations to join in those lawsuits.

What this issue came down to was, could they deny the build? Not without consequences. The ask was to approve the Proportionate Fair Share Agreement. They could vote no on the PFS but that would only mean the applicant could build without being required to pay for the deficient roads or public infrastructure.

Ultimately it was approved, with Commissioner Joseph voting no, and staff was asked to come back to the Commission with further discussion on the Live Local Act and it’s implications.

Agenda Item 4 was a Rezoning request for the Mills Workforce Housing on Lewis Speedway. The request is to rezone ~24 acres of land for a total of 110 Workforce Housing Units. The project will be built by KB Homes and their representative spoke about the need for more “starter homes” in St. Johns County.

DISCLOSURE: As Chair of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, I provided a letter of support from the Chamber for this much needed workforce housing project. The letter and my role were referenced in the presentation by Mr. Burnett.

The project is located here.

Materials are here; Agenda Item 4 – Mill’s Place

When this was heard at the PZA Meeting there was concern about the number of units and the length of time they are required to be Workforce Housing price capped. The developer has capped the construction at 110 units and extended the timeframe for the Workforce Housing pricing to 5 years from the county required 2 years.

They also worked with the County to develop a plan to install a round-about to help with traffic calming.

The Roundabout would be located here:

PZA Member Judy Spiegel spoke during Public Comment and stated that although she voted no at the PZA, that with the modifications made by the developer, she now supports the project and would have voted yes with these modifications.

After much discussion, the project was approved 3-2 with Commissioners Joseph and Whitehurst being the No votes.

Agenda Item 5 was an appeal of a PZA approval for the DeArment Residence at 3780 Coastal Highway. A request for a Zoning Variance to allow the construction of a swimming pool with 15 ft. set back instead of the required 25 ft set back was approved by the Planning and Zoning Agency on November 2. Adjacent neighbors have filed an appeal of this approval.

Materials are here: Agenda Item 5

The request to deny the PZA approval was approved 5-0.

Agenda Item 6 was a request to rezone 273 acres from Planned Rural Development and Open Rural to Planned Rural Development for 54 single family homes.

“PRD 2023-01 Honey Branch Farms, a request to rezone approximately 273 acres of land from Planned Rural Development (PRD) and Open Rural (OR) to Planned Rural Development (PRD) to allow for a maximum of 54 single family homes within approximately 27 acres of Development Area, setting aside the remaining approximately 246 acres for Reserve Area; specifically located on unaddressed property on County Road 208 across from Joe Ashton Road.”

Materials are here: Agenda Item 6

With little discussion the project was approved 5-0

Agenda Item 7 –One North Commercial – a request to remove one condition from a previously approved Commercial Intensive zoning. The request was approved 5-0.

Agenda Item 8 was a transfer of $2900 in funds for the Flagler Estates community Redevelopment Area Reserve for a Spring Festival, also approved 5-0.

Agenda Item 9 – An appointment to the Recreational Advisory Committee to fill a vacancy created by an end of term for Bradly Long by renewing Mr. Long’s term was approved 5-0.

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BOCC, St. Johns County, Workforce Housing

What’s Ahead at the March 5 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Beth Tate

Tuesday’s meeting will begin with a Proclamation recognizing Flood Awareness Week.

Consent Agenda Items of Interest:

Consent Agenda Item 11 is an important one for those who travel US 1 between the northern part of the county and St. Augustine. This is a Resolution to adopt a Purchase and Sale Agreement for property at the southeast corner of US1 and Pine Island Road. This is needed to complete the intersection improvements for this dangerous intersection. Read more at this link: Consent Agenda Item 11

Regular Agenda Items:

Agenda item 1 is an Economic Incentive Request from Acadia Healthcare Company.

This development as located near the intersection of CR 210 and Moon Bay Parkway.

“Acadia is a behavioral healthcare service provider that offers inpatient, outpatient, detoxification, and residential treatment.”

Initially the applicant had requested confidentiality but has since withdrawn that request. “The project scored 7.5 points under the new industry category of the County’s Business Incentive Program, which makes it eligible for expedited permitting and an economic development incentive of up to 100% of fees paid to the County by the Applicant (impact fees), four years ad valorem taxes paid by the Applicant (general County portion) on capital improvements and four years tangible personal property taxes paid by the Applicant (general County portion), which is an 8.3 percent reimbursement on all taxes and fees paid to the County over a 20-year period.”

The materials can be found here: Agenda Item 1

An article in the Jacksonville Business Journal about the development was published here: Jax Business Journal Article – Acadia (subscription required)

Agenda Item 2 is the Annual Property Ranking List from the Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP) Conservation Board.

The five parcels recommended are:

Shores Blvd. – The Deltona Corporation
Bishop Estates Rd. – Bailey
5960 Don Manuel Rd. – Masters
8805 A1A South – Galasso
Hawkins Island – Hawkins Family LLC

Materials can be found here: Agenda item 2 – LAMP

Agenda Item 3 is an Award of a bid for the Shore Drive Trail. This has been a highly debated project at past Commissioner meetings and the Community meeting on February 14 had very high attendance with much input from the community both for and against the project.

The project is construction of an eight foot shared use/multi-use pathway along Shore Drive in the St. Augustine South neighbohood. This trail would connect 2 County Boat Ramps in that area.

Materials can be found here, with pictures and data about the project beginning on page 144. Agenda Item 3 – Shore Drive Trail

Agenda Item 4 is a Rezoning request for the Mills Workforce Housing on Lewis Speedway. This project had previously been on the agenda in February but continued to allow for more time to prepare a submittal for a potential roundabout near the property.

The request is to rezone ~24 acres of land for a total of 110 Workforce Housing Units.

Materials are here; Agenda Item 4 – Mills Workforce Housing

Agenda Item 5 is an interesting one. This is an appeal of a PZA approval for the DeArment Residence at 3780 Coastal Highway. A request for a Zoning Variance to allow the construction of a swimming pool with 15 ft. set back instead of the required 25 ft set back was approved by the Planning and Zoning Agency on November 2. Adjacent neighbors have filed an appeal of this approval.

Materials are here: Agenda Item 5 – DeArment Residence

Agenda Item 6 is a request to rezone 273 acres from Planned Rural Development and Open Rural to Planned Rural Development for 54 single family homes.

Materials are here: Agenda Item 6 – Honey Branch Farms

Agenda Item 7 –One North Commercial – This is another interesting request. This property is already Commercial Intensive but has one condition on the property. The request is to remove that condition.

“Request to rezone approximately 1.01 acres of land from Commercial Intensive (CI) with conditions to Commercial Intensive (CI), located northeast of 6236 US Highway 1 North, specifically located at 6241 W. Cypress Drive and unaddressed lots on W. Cypress Drive. The Planning and Zoning Agency heard this request at their regularly scheduled public hearing on February 1, 2024 and recommended approval with a vote of 6 to 1. Agency members and the public discussed the lot sizes, reasoning behind the existing condition, wetlands and flooding in the area.”

The one condition for the Commercial Intensive is from a previous approval of the Commercial Intensive property in 2020:

“1. The uses on the property are limited to buffering and stormwater retention

The Planning and Zoning Agency (PZA) heard the request to rezone the 1.01-acre subject property from RS3 to CI on October 1, 2020 through project REZ 2020-16. During the PZA hearing, discussion was made of the potential development and use of the property in close proximity to the residential properties; this discussion resulted in one (1) added condition to the rezoning to allow only buffering and stormwater retention uses. The Agency unanimously voted to recommend approval of REZ 2020-16 with the added condition. Project REZ 2020-16 went forward to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in a public hearing on November 3, 2020; the BCC approved the request with a vote of 5-0; Ordinance 2020-51 was enacted with one (1) condition as listed above.”

Materials are here: Agenda Item 7 – One North Commercial

Agenda Item 8 is a transfer of $2900 in funds for the Flagler Estates community Redevelopment Area Reserve for a Spring Festival.

Agenda Item 9 – Consider an appointment to the Recreation Advisory Committee to fill a vacancy created by an end of term for Bradly Long. Materials are here: Agenda Item 9 – Recreation Advisory Committee

I’m remiss in posting my update on the February 20 BOCC Meeting. I hope to have that published this week.

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BOCC, St. Johns County

What’s Ahead at the February 20 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Beth Tate

There are no proclamations on the agenda found here: February 20 Agenda

Consent Agenda Items

A couple of items of interest:

Item 20 is a one-time funding agreement with the Florida State Park Foundation for reconstructing Fort Mose at Fort Mose Historic State Park for an amount not to exceed $200,000.

Item 21 is the appointment of 2 residents to the Mid-Anastasia Design Review Board. We usually see such appointments in the Regular Agenda, recently leading to much public comment.

Regular Agenda Items

Agenda Item 1 – Confirmation of Daniel Whitcraft as Facilities Management Director

Mr. Whitcraft was the finalist from over 100 applicants. He joins St. Johns County from Alachua County where he held a similar position.

Read the details here: Agenda Item 1

Agenda Item 2 – Presentation of the St. Johns County Surplus and OPEB Investment Portfolios

“The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Investment Policy, Section XVII Reporting, and OPEB Trust Investment Policy, Section XV, requires the Clerk, or designee, to prepare and submit a written report annually on all invested funds to the Board. Included in the report shall be a complete list of all invested funds, the name or type of security in which the funds are invested, the amount invested, the maturity date, earned income, the book value, the market value and the yield on each investment. PFM Asset Management, LLC, is the County’s investment advisor and has prepared the annual reports for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.”

The report can be found at this link: Agenda Item 2 – Investment Portfolios

Agenda Item 3 – Hastings Community Center & Library and New Southwest First Coast Technical College Campus

There is a lot of activity occurring in our Hastings community and this agenda item serves to arrange funding to facilitate several improvements in the area.

There will be 5 motions presented:

The first, authorizing the County Administrator to execute a funding assistance agreement by and between St. Johns County and the School Board of St. Johns County, FL for a capital distribution of a sub award of $7,614,108, from the American Rescue Plan Revenue Fund Budget.

The second, authorizing the Chair of the Board, on behalf of the County, to execute a County Deed conveying the old Hastings High School property to The School Board of St. Johns County, Florida.

The third, accepting the terms, provisions, conditions, and requirements of a Library Construction Grant Agreement between St. Johns County, Florida and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services; authorizing the County Administrator, or designee, to execute the Agreement on behalf of the County; and recognizing and appropriating the grant within the St. Johns County Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

The fourth, authorizing and approving the HUD Contract for Loan Guarantee and Note in the principal amount of not to exceed $5,075,000 to finance the costs of the Hastings Community Center and Library Project; and recognizing and appropriating loan proceeds, debt service, and debt service reserve within the St. Johns County Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

And last, to authorize the transfer of General Fund reserves, in an amount up to $50,000, for the transition and set-up of a temporary library branch in Hastings.

Details are at this link: Agenda Item 3

Agenda Item 4 – County-wide Vulnerability Assessment Presentation of Findings

This is a DRAFT presentation of the findings from this Vulnerability Assessment with the final report anticipated in March, 2024.

Presentation materials can be found here: Draft Vulnerability Assessment

Agenda Item 5 – North Ponte Vedra Beach nourishment update and Contract Award

“SJC Purchasing Division issued a formal Invitation for Bids (IFB #1677), in accordance with SJC Purchasing Policy, to complete the dredge beach restoration of North Ponte Vedra Beach, as specified. Bids were received on February 13, 2024, and the bid tabulation is provided as part of the presentation. Due to the size of the exhibits included in the Bid Documents, they are available upon request from SJC Purchasing. As part of the IFB, Bidders were able to provide bids on two Bid Options: Bid Option A, which provides for completion by or before 10/7/24; and Bid Option B, which provides for completion by or before 3/2/25, in order to provide maximum consideration for cost feasibility by completion time. Staff will issue a Notice of Intent, based upon Board’s approval/denial, which initiates the Protest Period. Provided no Protest is received, Staff will proceed based upon Board’s direction.”

Presentation materials are here: Agenda Item 5

Agenda Item 6 – 2353 State Road 13 North Venue & Events

This item is to appeal the Planning and Zoning Agency denial of a Special Use Permit to allow for indoor/outdoor wedding and special event venue.

The item had been on the agenda for Feb. 6 and was delayed to the 20^th. Details on the appeal are at this link: SR 13 Special Use Permit

Agenda Item 7 – Alternate Bald Eagle Management Plan for the Shiprek Palm Valley Properties

“Bald Eagle Nest SJ-38 is located on Tract A of the Plantation at Ponte Vedra Unit 5 that directly abuts the eastern portion of 4485B Palm Valley Road. This Bald Eagle nest has been confirmed active by St. Johns County since the 2007 nesting season. The properties proposed as part of this request are currently 4 lots of record as defined by Section 12 of the Land Development Code and therefore must adhere to Federal, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, regulations for the protection of the Bald Eagle. The federal regulations include a primary nest protection zone of 330′ and a secondary nest protection zone of 660′. The applicant desires to reconfigure the lots and add an additional lot which would render them no longer lots of record and therefore the full provisions of Section 4.01.10 of the St. Johns County Land Development Code would apply to development of these properties. This would include a 750′ primary nest protection zone and a 1500′ secondary nest protection zone. The request for a non-zoning variance is in accordance with Section 4.10.10.C.4 of the St. Johns County Land Development Code which states an alternative site specific Bald Eagle Management Plan may be development for a Bald Eagle nest when changes to the provisions of Section 4.01.10 are requested, subject to approval by the Board of County Commissioners. The applicant has obtained an approved Incidental Take Permit (ITP) MBPER0032532 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the construction no closer than 75 feet from the nest tree.”

Details about this request can be found here: Bald Eagle Management Plan

Agenda Item 8 – ML Conner Rezoning

Request to rezone .85 acres of land from Commercial Neighborhood to Residential Single Family. The property is located at 6297 and 6289 A1A S/6298 & 62288 Costanero Rd.

Agenda Item 9 – LAMP Riverdale CR 13/Atlantic Road property Phase II ESA report update and request for direction from the BOCC

This had been a much-debated LAMP purchase recommendation. A purchase was authorized in 2023. On November 21, 2023 the report to the Board included a concern that there may be environmental issues and an extension of the inspection period and closing date of the purchase was authorized along with authority to obtain a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment of the property.

Based on the results of the report, there are two options being presented Tuesday.

The first is to extend the inspection period and closing date. The second is to terminate the purchase agreement.

Details are here: LAMP Purchase Review

Agenda Item 10 – Appointments to the Housing Finance Authority

The Authority is made up of 7 members with “not less than a majority” knowledgeable in the following fields: commerce, labor, and finance.

There are 2 vacancies and 4 applications. Details are here: HFA Applicants

Agenda Item 11 – Appointments to the Health and Human Services Advisory Council

By statute, the Council is made up of 7 members including 5 professionals from the disciplines in the Health and Human Services and 2 at-large members including but not limited to areas such as business, banking and finance, education, law enforcement, community religious leaders, consumers and other interested parties in the general public.

There are 2 vacancies forHealth and Human Services Professionals and 12 applications. Details are here: HHSAC Applicants

Agenda Item 12 – Interim County Attorney Discussion

“At the February 6, 2024, BCC meeting, the Board of County Commissioners and the County Attorney agreed to separate effective February 9, 2024. The Deputy County Attorney is allowed to perform the duties of the County Attorney for no more than fourteen days without approval by the Board of County Commissioners per Ordinance 2003-64 Section 3. Additionally, the Board subsequently approved a motion authorizing the Chair and the County Administrator to enter into contract negotiations with Rich Komando of Bradley, Garrison & Komando, to serve as the Interim County Attorney. A draft contract will be presented for the Board’s review and consideration.”

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