Tag: WorkforceHousing

Posted in BOCC, St. Johns County

Summary of the August 1 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on by Beth Tate

Tuesday’s meeting began with a Proclamation recognizing St. Johns Housing Partnership’s 25 years of service. Bill Lazar and the Housing Partnership have been a vital part of the community for 25 years. Mr. Lazar commented on how far they have come and noted how much is yet to be done.

Public Safety Update

SJSO Director Tara Wildes presented on behalf of the Sheriff’s department reminded everyone about Back to School and the need to adjust your driving habits as school buses and children are back on the roads. She also shared information about the inaugural job fair held at the St. Johns County Jail. They had 8 employers and 100 participants, former inmates, who applied for a total of 200 jobs. This is part of the Sheriff’s program to reduce crime and repeat offenders. Having an education and a good job are ways to decrease criminal behavior in the community. This was so successful they plan to do this at least twice a year.

Chief Bullard shared that Fire Rescue has been doing a better job of collecting on billing for transports. They have been able to collect on 74% of the billing compared to a state average of 51%. For reference, in Fiscal Year 22 they billed for 70,230 transports which brought in $6.8 Million to Fire Rescue. This year, to date, they have collected $3.8 Million.

The Clerk of Court’s Report highlighted and upcoming Passport Saturday, August 12, from 8:30 to 2:30. This is intended to make applying for a passport more convenient for county residents. More info is at this link: Passport Saturday

Consent Agenda

There were 28 items on the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Joseph asked to pull items 15, 23, and 27 from the Consent Agenda and move to the Regular Agenda. Attorney Migut requested that Consent Agenda Item 2 be pulled and moved to August 15.

Regular Agenda Items

Consent Agenda Item 27 was moved to Regular Agenda Item 1A and was heard first. This item was “Allocation of Tourist Development Tax Reserves for Sing Out Loud.” This came out of a request from the Tourism Development Council to transfer $500,000 of Category 1 Reserve Funds to Contractual Services and allocate an additional $500,000 of Category 4 Reserve funds to Special Events to be expended for support of the upcoming September 2023 Sing Out Loud event.

Commissioner Joseph had concerns about the expenditure of these fund for advertising as she felt it was too late in the process to be helpful.

It was explained that the purpose of the Sing Out Loud Festival is to bolster tourism in what is traditionally one of the slowest tourism months of the year. Night of Lights was started with the intent of bolstering tourism during December, which at that time was the slowest month of the year and it is no longer a slow time.

After discussion, the motion to move these funds was approved with a 4-1 vote (nay was Commissioner Joseph.)

Regular Agenda Item 1

This item is for the Mills Place Time Limits Waiver. October 18, 2022, the Board denied a request for Mills Place with a 4/0 vote. The Mills Family is requesting the waiver to the 1 year limitation on refiling. Their plan is to refile with a request to rezone to Workforce Housing and no Comprehensive Plan Amendment and no Planned Unit Development. The attorney pointed out this would be an ideal placement for workforce housing with the proximity of major employers within 12 miles of the property.

There was public comment pushing back against the approval of the waiver. After discussion amongst the Commissioners, this was approved 3-2 (Whitehurst and Joseph Nay votes.)

Agenda Item 5

This is the First Reading of Proposed Amendments to the St. Johns County Ordinance 2009-43, the Prohibited Holiday Activity Ordinance for Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators.

Proposed changed include definitions for “non-familial children” and “practice” in relation to Holiday activities.

There will be a Second Reading of the Proposed Amendment at a later date.

Agenda Item 6

This is the Second Reading of the Floating Structures Ordinance. Further clarification was provided that Floating Structures are not self-propelled and may create a hazard in the event of an emergency situation. Additionally, it was noted they may leak hazardous materials. The ordinance would be applicable to all waters of St. Johns County. Some exceptions were added at the request of the State of Florida Navigation District in order to allow them to do necessary maintenance work.

Agenda Item 7

Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2024 Recommended Budget and Proposed Millage Rates.

Director Jesse Dunn presented the 2024 Budget proposal. Do check the link below to the Budget Summaries for specific details about what is proposed in next year’s budget. It is easy to navigate to specific areas of interest and you can print out for later reading if you desire.

The proposed budget is just under $1.2 Billion for the year. There will be some carryover items from the 2023 Capital budget that Director Dunn will present in the September budget presentation.

The county did receive $59 Million in appropriates from the State of Florida for specific projects.

  • Critically Eroded Beach Restoration – $25 Million
  • CR 2209 and International Golf Parkway Extension/4-Laning – $15 Million
  • CR 210A and US 1 Interchange – $6 Million
  • State Road A1A Intersection Enhancements – $6 Million
  • Summerhaven Managed Retreat – $5 Million
  • Pine Island and US 1 Intersection Improvements – $2 Million

Taxable values of property in St. Johns County increased by $16.5% resulting in a $43.6 million gain in property taxes for St. Johns County.

Florida’s Save Our Homes provision caps Homesteaded property owners so these properties will see an approximate 3% increase in their tax bills because of the increased property values.

At the last budget presentation, the Commissioners by Consensus asked the office of OMB to provide financial information on four proposed items in the 2024 budget. The items and incremental cost are:

  1. 7% employee inflationary adjustment and some micro adjustments for certain pay grades – $0.65 Million increase to the budget
  2. Addition of 18 firefighter positions — $1.9 Million
  3. Land Acquisition & Management Program (LAMP) $1.5 Million
  4. Reinstate Library Branch Hours to FY 2008 Levels – up to $0.49 Million

All four additions were approved by the Commissioners.

Director Dunn presented information about the TRIM (Truth In Millage) notices that will be mailed out in September. Once mailed, millage rates can go down but not up.

The proposed millage rates are flat to 2023.

The Public Hearing for the new budget will be September 5, at 5:01 PM in the County Auditorium.

Budget Summaries can be found at this link: 2024 Budget Summaries

Background information on the Budget:

“The annual County budget process requires a number of steps, ranging from its preparation through adoption, per Florida Statutes (F.S. 129.03(3) and F.S. 200.065, Truth in Millage requirements). The Truth in Millage (TRIM) process informs taxpayers and the public about the legislative process by which local taxing authorities determine ad valorem (property) taxes. On July 18, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners received the FY 2024 Recommended Budget, balanced with expenditures and adequate reserves within each County fund equal to projected fund revenues. County Administration’s Recommended Budget represents a funding level that can reasonably assure the achievement of St. Johns County’s operational needs while minimizing the tax impact on its citizenry. An electronic version (in pdf format) of the workbook may be found on the County’s website at: http://www.sjcfl.us/OMB. Following the development and presentation of a Recommended Budget, the County is obligated to provide certain information concerning that budget to the Property Appraiser. This information includes 1.) The FY 2023 adopted millage rates; 2.) The FY 2024 proposed millage rates; 3.) The FY 2024 calculated rolled-back rates; and 4.) The date, time, and meeting place of the tentative budget hearing. This information is placed on Department of Revenue DR–420 forms provided to the Property Appraiser. Those forms provide the basis for the “TRIM” notice mailed by the Property Appraiser to property owners in St. Johns County. The BCC will need to approve proposed Millage rates (see the attached sheet) for the County’s TRIM mailing, and approve September 5, 2023, at 5:01 PM in the County Auditorium as the Date, Time, and Place of the first public hearing for the adoption of the FY 2024 Annual Budget. For practical purposes, once the proposed Millage rates are set, they can still be decreased but not increased.”

Agenda Item 8

Regular Agenda 8 was the Employment Agreement for the Interim County Administrator. The contract is for an annual salary of $237,000 for a period of 90 – 120 days until a permanent County Administrator is hired.

Regular Agenda Item 9, formerly Consent Agenda Item 3

Commissioner Joseph requested this item be pulled to the Regular Agenda. This item is an Impact Fee Credit Transfer from the Marshall Creek PUD to Ravenswood Village. Commissioner Joseph was concerned that this is setting a precedent for other impact fee credit transfers.

The applicant explained that the reason for the cross-area transfer was based on drive times from the original Impact Fee area. It was noted the park in Palencia is already constructed so the impact fees are not needed.

The transfer was passed 4-1.

Agenda Item 10, formerly Consent Agenda Item 15, also pulled by Commissioner Joseph was for the LAMP acquisition of 46 acres of land.

Commissioner Joseph’s concerns were that the land in question is a salt marsh and can’t be used by the public. Discussion around the purchase identified that the purchase of the wetlands would allow the County to add to the mitigation banks for future development.

This was approved.

After additional Public Comment, they moved on to Commissioner’s Reports

Commissioner Joseph raised again her 14 Points of Revisions to the Land Development Code and shared that the Land Development Code related to tree preservation has not been updated in 25 years. She also shared information about the Friends of Anastasia State Park and challenged the other Commissioners to join the group.

You can learn more about the Friends of Anastasia State park at this link: Friends of Anastasia State Park

Commissioner Dean shared a request from our Florida Representative Cyndi Stevenson for the County to support the inclusion of the Orangedale to Mickler trail Corridor in the 2024-2028 Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan. The Board agreed to send the letter of support. If you subscribe to Commissioner Dean’s newsletter you will have seen his update on the letter being sent:

“I am eager to share that the Board wrote a letter to the Florida Greenways and Trails Council respectively requesting the inclusion of the Orangedale to Mickler Trail Corridor in the 2024-2028 Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan. This gorgeous proposed trail would begin at the new First Coast Expressway Bridge, proceed east over I-95 to US 1 before aligning with existing trails in Nocatee, and then continue farther east to State Road A1A. This corridor presents a unique opportunity to expand recreational options and multi-modal connectivity by linking the trail network in Clay County to the coastline of St. Johns County and other trail corridors, such as the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. I look forward to sharing more with you soon on this exciting natural asset.”

Learn more about the Greenway at this link: Florida Office of Greenways & Trails

Commissioner Alaimo brought forward an item about the ability of the County to make use of SHIP funds to assist with Down Payment assistance. Commissioner Alaimo would like to see the Housing Finance Authority to review and make a recommendation to the County if these funds could be utilized.

The next Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting is August 15.

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Posted in BOCC, St. Johns County

What’s on the August 1, 2023 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Agenda

Posted on by Beth Tate

The August 1 agenda is a little lighter than recent agendas, perhaps a welcome break for all!

There is only one Proclamation on the agenda and that is one recognizing 25 years of service for the St. Johns Housing Partnership.

Consent Agenda Items of Interest

There are 28 items on the Consent Agenda. Here are a few that may be of interest:

Consent Agenda Item 3

IFT 2023-11 Park Impact Fee Credit Transfer – Marshall Creek PUD (Palencia) to Ravenswood Village. Impact Fee Credit Transfer

Recently Impact Fee Credit Transfers have been generating public comment on the Consent Agenda. This Credit Transfer is to transfer $166,870.00 of the remaining park impact fee credit from Marshall Creek PUD (Palencia) to the Ravenswood Village Workforce Housing Development that is south of SR 16 and west of Masters Drive. This transfer is from District 2 to District 3. Because the credit will be transferred outside of the original Impact Fee Zone, into an adjoining Impact Fee Zone, this is a waiver request.

Consent Agenda Item 4

CONSCA 2023-03 Secession School Concurrency Proportionate Share Mitigation Agreement. Concurrency Agreement

School Concurrency Mitigation is a hot topic because of the perpetual overcrowding in the schools. This Concurrency Proportionate Share Mitigation Agreement was approved by the School Board at the June 13, 2023 Board Meeting and now must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

This mitigation is specific to the Secession Subdivision that was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on August 22, 2006. There were 2 parcels approved, Watson Village and Phase II of Watson Woods. The proportionate share mitigation is $126,678.00, or $1,056.0 per unit (120 units.)

Consent Agenda Item 15

 “A Resolution approving the terms and authorizing the County Administrator, or designee, to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for acquisition of approximately 46 acres of land located off A1A South for conservation and accepting donation of the contiguous 2.8 acres.” Lamp Purchase

On March 7, 2023, the Board approved the LAMP Ranking List and directed staff to initiate purchase negoations for the properties on the list. This is one of those parcels and will result in the county acquiring approximately 48.8 acres of land for conservation.

Consent Agenda Item 18

Engage SJSO Public Service Assistants for traffic control at the Intersection of CR 210 and Cumberland Park Drive. Traffic Control Agreement

The project to widen CR 210 between CE Wilson road and the 6 lane portion of CR 210 in Twin Creeks will include a signalized intersection at Cumberland Park Drive/Badger Park Drive and CR 210. The project has not yet gone to bid and construction will last between 9 and 12 months once begun. This item is an agreement for the Sheriff’s Office to provide Public Service Assistants for temporary traffic control at this intersection until this intersection is completed. It is anticipated that the Developer will reimburse the County for their portion of the required responsibility including costs for this temporary traffic control.

Consent Agenda Item 19

Interlocal Agreement Between City of Jacksonville and St. Johns County Regarding Maintenance of Race Track Road. Interlocal Agreement – Race Track Road

This is an agreement between the City of Jacksonville and St. Johns County relative to the funding and construction of widening a portion of Race Track Road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes from approximately Bartram Park Blvd. to the intersection of East Payton Parkway and Race Track Road. If you are a resident of the northwest sector, you know the 2 lane section referenced here!

This interlocal agreement allows for the City of Jacksonville and Eastland Development group to fund and construct this portion of Race Track Road and St. Johns County to operate, maintain and repair this section of road going forward. This will give St. Johns County maintenance of the entire 10 miles of Race Track Road from SR 13 to US 1. This 2 lane section of road is already maintained by the county and adding the additional lanes here will not impact funding.

Public Comment is Time Certain from 11:30 – 12:00

Regular Agenda items of interest

Agenda Item 1

Item 1 is another Waiver of Time Limits request. October 18, 2022, the Board denied a request for Mills Place with a 4/0 vote. The application is ready to resubmit however there is a one year waiting period. This request is to waive the 1 year requirement and allow the property owner to pursue building Workforce Housing on this parcel. Waiver for Development of Workforce Housing

Agenda Item 5

This is the First Reading of Proposed Amendments to the St. Johns County Ordinance 2009-43, the Prohibited Holiday Activity Ordinance for Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators. Updated Prohibited Holiday Activities

The proposed amendments include additional prohibitions on participation in holiday activities by sexual offenders and sexual predators and remove a requirement regarding signage that may be subject to constitutional challenge under the First Amendment.

Agenda Item 6

This is the Second Reading of the Floating Structures Ordinance. This created some discussion at the First Reading on June 20, as there was confusion about the definition of a Floating Structure. There has been much feedback since the original reading. Some of that has been incorporated into the current version of the Ordinance. Floating Structures Ordinance

Agenda Item 7

Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2024 Recommended Budget and Proposed Millage Rates. Budget Presentation

Budget Summaries can be found at this link: Budget Summaries

Background information on the Budget:

“The annual County budget process requires a number of steps, ranging from its preparation through adoption, per Florida Statutes (F.S. 129.03(3) and F.S. 200.065, Truth in Millage requirements). The Truth in Millage (TRIM) process informs taxpayers and the public about the legislative process by which local taxing authorities determine ad valorem (property) taxes. On July 18, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners received the FY 2024 Recommended Budget, balanced with expenditures and adequate reserves within each County fund equal to projected fund revenues. County Administration’s Recommended Budget represents a funding level that can reasonably assure the achievement of St. Johns County’s operational needs while minimizing the tax impact on its citizenry. An electronic version (in pdf format) of the workbook may be found on the County’s website at: http://www.sjcfl.us/OMB. Following the development and presentation of a Recommended Budget, the County is obligated to provide certain information concerning that budget to the Property Appraiser. This information includes 1.) The FY 2023 adopted millage rates; 2.) The FY 2024 proposed millage rates; 3.) The FY 2024 calculated rolled-back rates; and 4.) The date, time, and meeting place of the tentative budget hearing. This information is placed on Department of Revenue DR–420 forms provided to the Property Appraiser. Those forms provide the basis for the “TRIM” notice mailed by the Property Appraiser to property owners in St. Johns County. The BCC will need to approve proposed Millage rates (see the attached sheet) for the County’s TRIM mailing, and approve September 5, 2023, at 5:01 PM in the County Auditorium as the Date, Time, and Place of the first public hearing for the adoption of the FY 2024 Annual Budget. For practical purposes, once the proposed Millage rates are set, they can still be decreased but not increased.”

Agenda Item 8

The last Regular Agenda Item of the day is the Employment Agreement for the Interim County Administrator. Interim County Administrator Employment Agreement

Link to full Agenda: BOCC Full Agenda for August 1, 2023

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Posted in Affordable Housing, BOCC, Growth & Development, St. Johns County

Commissioner Whitehurst on WSOS 103.9

Posted on by Beth Tate

On Thursday, July 7, I participated in a conversation with Commissioner Christian Whitehurst on local radio station WSOS 103.9

Beth Tate, The Kesley Group, with Commissioner Christian Whitehurst
photo courtesy of St. Johns County, Public Relations, Wayne Larson

Local business North Avenue Capital sponsors a monthly show on WSOS talking about all things St. Johns County. Commissioner Whitehurst and I were invited to talk about affordable housing needs in St. Johns County.

Ed Dwyer, North Avenue Capital with Commissioner Whitehurst
photo courtesy of St. Johns County, Public Relations, Wayne Larson

Since our invitation to the show, the Workforce Housing Ordinance was passed and Administrator Hunter Conrad resigned so the focus of the conversation shifted to more current topics. We were able to talk about the need to provide attainable housing for our teachers, firefighters, deputies, tourism and hospitality workers and others who support the county but can’t afford to live here.

You can watch the video on Facebook Live here: WSOS Facebook Live

Or listen to the conversation here:

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Posted in BOCC, Essential Worker Housing, St. Johns County, Workforce Housing

Summary of the June 20 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

Posted on by Beth Tate

The June 20 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was another long one. This appears to be the norm recently, perhaps a reflection of the needs of a rapidly growing county!

There were once again technical difficulties with broadcasting the livestream on GTV so the video was created “old school” with a camera in the back of the room, thus you won’t see close-ups and there is no closed captioning provided for the meeting video. Even for those in the room there are often difficulties hearing what is being said. Hopefully the new Communications Director will be addressing these difficulties and improving the viewing and listening experience.

The meeting started with a highly positive moment as two outstanding young men in the county were recognized for their acts of bravery and heroism in April of this year. Gabriel Caez and Kyle Atwater were awarded a Fire Rescue Citizen Commendation Recognition. These two young men came up on a multi-vehicle accident on International Golf Parkway with multiple occupants injured. Gabriel and Kyle acted selflessly to assist the occupants. Here’s the description from the St. Johns County Fire Rescue Department:

On April 21, 2023, Gabriel Caez and Kyle Atwater were driving on International Golf Parkway when they came upon a multi-vehicle accident with multiple occupants injured. One vehicle was on fire and a second vehicle had rolled over. 

Without hesitation, Gabriel and Kyle rushed to the vehicles and provided assistance, helping the occupants get out. The vehicle which had overturned had caused one patient to become trapped. Gabriel and Kyle assisted in lifting and rolling the vehicle over to give access and help get the accident victim out so medical care could be initiated. Their quick thinking and selfless acts of courage were done without concern for their own safety and reflected the character these two young men possess.

What an inspiring start to the day!

Commissioner Whitehurst presented a Proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation Month. St. Johns County has 7,300 acres of land dedicated to Parks and Recreation, including 56 parks, 41 miles of coastline, 14 boat ramps and a golf course.

While on the topic of parks, there was a Hall of Fame Dedication for the Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame. The 2nd inductee to the Hall of Fame was Eddie Vickers.

Mr. Vickers was a World War II veteran, civil rights activist in St. Augustine, and youth recreation leader in St. Johns County for five decades. He passed away in 1998.

Public Safety Update

During the Public Safety Update, Fire and Rescue Chief Bullard recognized the 22 newest hires for the Fire and Recuse department, Recruit Class 1-23.

Director Russ Martin from the Sheriff’s office talked about the increase in 911 calls recently and that many are attributed to accidental calls. He asked that if residents do make an accidental call to 911, please don’t hang up. Explain to the dispatcher what happened so they can clear the call. If we hang up, dispatch must call us back and confirm there is no emergency that they need to respond to. That ties up resources, so let’s own up to our “butt dials.”

Commissioner Joseph inquired of Director Martin if there is anything that can be done about the large parties occurring on the beaches in District 4. SJSO Director Scott Beaver advised that they have been breaking up these parties when called and have even made some arrests. He noted that the biggest thing that would help law enforcement would be for parents to step up and take responsibility for their teens behavior.

Clerk of Courts Report

Clerk of the Court, Brandon Patty introduced the new Inspector General, David McClintock. Mr. McClintock previously served as an Inspector General in Maryland and Louisiana. He is an attorney and previously worked in law enforcement.

Agenda Item 1 was a review of the budget requests from the Clerk of the Court and the Property Appraiser.

Their budget presentations are at this link: Budget Reports

Agenda Item 2

Agenda Item 2 was a presentation from Brigadier General Mike Fleming about the role of Fire Watch in Northeast Florida.

Highlights included:

  • 42 Veteran suicides in Northeast Florida in 2021, a reduction from 2019
  • Vision of Fire Watch is to “End Veteran Suicide by Preventing Veteran Suicide
  • Watch Stander Program is to engage the community to take training to understand military veteran’s lives and recognize the signs of crisis. Over 4300 people have been trained to date with a goal of 10,000.

You can watch the video here: Fire Watch Presentation

You can read the presentation here: Agenda Item 2

Commissioner Joseph shared that if you are a veteran and need to talk to someone, 988 is the suicide hotline and veterans will be directed to a Veteran specific program. Calling 211 connects veterans to Mission United, a joint effort with the United Way of Northeast Florida. They can connect veterans to case managers who have specific expertise for helping veterans

Agenda Item 3

The Mivo Multi-Family Development in Agenda Item 3 was in response to an appeal from a previous hearing where the development was denied because of a tie vote. If there is a tie vote, it is a technical denial.  

This proposed development is a 204 unit multi-family residential development on property located southwest of the US 1 South and Watson Road Intersection. Details about the presentation are here: Agenda Item 3 – Mivo Development

After the presentation by the attorney representing the developer and much public comment in opposition to the development, it was denied 5-0.

General Public Comment

During Time Certain Public Comment, Al Abbiatello who leads the Bartram Trail Scenic Highway Preservation group spoke about concerns from Fruit Cove area residents related to the development of property on State Road 13. This property is owned by First Coast Energy and they are now intending to build office space on the property. This property had previously been approved by the LAMP Board and the Commissioners as property that could be purchased by the county and possibly turned into a passive park. Unfortunately, the property was never offered for sale by First Coast Energy.

Commissioner Whitehurst asked Growth Management Director Mike Roberson to meet with the community and continue to work with the builder on how best to preserve trees and the beauty of this location while not infringing on the rights of the property owner to develop under the current zoning restrictions.

There were several other items of low impact to the county at large that were heard during the afternoon.

Agenda Item 11 – Workforce Housing Land Development Amendment. This had been deferred from the June 6 meeting to allow staff time to address confusion over the documents that had been included in the June 6 package. At the June 20 meeting, suggested revisions were added:

  1. Imposing maximum rental rates with no increase for 2 years
  2. Demographic information to be collected in 6 years on the sales price and # of people being served and similar demographics on the rental units. This does not impact who can apply for these units; it just allows for reporting to determine if the intended audience is being served.
  3. Modified the AMI for rental units to 70%

Bob Porter of D. R. Horton thanked the Board for the work on this project and noted that 24 units in Ravenswood are under construction and they will begin offering these units for sale to First Responders as early as the coming weekend and to the general public “a couple of weeks” after that.

This was approved 5-0

Agenda Item 12 – Public Hearing and Adoption of Final Schedule of Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Rates, Deposits, Charges, Fees, and Costs for Fiscal Year 2023 for the Main and Ponte Vedra Systems

Recommended a 3% reduction across the main systems and an 8 ½% reduction in the top tier pricing for the system.

These two separate systems were consolidated in 2016 and they have been moving towards equalizing the rates between the two systems.

About 50,000 customers will see a decrease in their bill, the rest will see their bill go up “a little bit.”

Video to hear the explanation is here: Agenda Item 12

Details can be found here:Agenda Item 12 presentation

Agenda Item 13 – The first reading of the Floating Structure Ordinance. This ordinance was proposed because of concerns raised around floating structures, not boats, in the St. Johns County Waters that are creating disturbances for residents along the water. There has been some concern that this is overreach. You can read the Ordinance here. Agenda Item 13 – Floating Structures

Commissioner’s Reports

Commissioner Joseph had a shout-out to her parents celebrating their 65th Anniversary and watching from Phoenix, AZ.

Commissioner Alaimo put forward a resolution to close the Rock Springs Farm Park until the park ownership is transferred back to the County. This was approved.

Commissioner Dean brought up an emergency item related to the Embassy Suites in St. Augustine Beach. They sustained major damage in the last several hurricanes including during Hurricane Ian when the sea wall was damaged. They need access from Pope Road to complete their repairs. This was approved 5-0

Commissioner Arnold – This was the most interesting report from the Commissioners and two items she raised deserve some consideration from the public.

She expressed appreciation for support her family had received in recent weeks from Fire Rescue and from Animal Control. Both were very positive experiences for her family.

She also asked if the County should consider impact of Juneteenth on the staff. This is a national Holiday now and there are associated celebrations. If the County is open, how does the County accommodate needs for staff to participate in the community events.  

The last item raised was a concern about morale and culture in the County staff. I would encourage residents to watch the video to hear the concerns directly and the response from the County Administrator. Commissioner Arnold Comments on Employee Culture

Specific concerns were raised that some members of staff have indicated there is a culture of fear and distrust amongst the county employees. They have been told to immediately report communications from Commissioners to the Administrator.  This serves to limit interactions with the Commissioners. Concerns were raised that some employees in the past have been directed to conceal items from the Commissioners.

Commissioner Arnold is quite concerned about the working environment this is creating for county employees as well as the limitations placed on communication with the Commissioners. She inquired of her fellow Commissioners if they are hearing the same concerns.

Commissioner Whitehurst gave Administrator Conrad an opportunity to respond to the concerns. The response was defensive of any actions taken by Administrator Conrad, emphasizing that he can call meetings or give directives as he sees fit. He felt this should have been addressed privately and referenced personality conflicts.

Commissioner Whitehurst asked if there had been a directive about communications with the Commissioners. Administrator Conrad noted there was a new directive coming forward about when Directors could be available for meetings. He indicated this is an intent to make things better, not worse.

Each Commissioner noted that they valued and desired open and transparent communications with the staff.

It was a very concerning discussion.

Do watch the video.

Do ask questions.

County Administrator’s Report

During the County Administrator’s Report, Administrator Conrad presented Captain Scott Bullard for confirmation as the St. Johns County Fire Rescue Chief. Chief Bullard noted: “Not many people get to do the job that I have dreamed of. It is a privilege. This is a new beginning for me even though I am a 21-career veteran with the County.”

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Posted in Affordable Housing, BOCC, Essential Worker Housing, St. Johns County, Workforce Housing

Preview of the June 20 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on by Beth Tate

This will be another long day!

During the opening of the meeting, there is a Fire Rescue Citizen Commendation, a Proclamation, and a Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame Recognition in addition to the usual Public Safety Update and Clerk of Court’s Report.

Public Comment is Time certain from 11:30 – 12:00 AM or at the conclusion of the Regular Agenda.

Consent Agenda Items

There are 34 items on the Consent Agenda with a few being of particular interest.

Consent Agenda Item 18 – Commercial/Industrial Solid Waste

If you’ve ever wondered about the Solid Waste contracts and who holds those contracts, check out this link: Consent Agenda Item 18

Consent Agenda Item 20 – Awarding of bid for Mickler Road and State Road A1A improvements. Much needed improvements at Mickler Road are included in this item. Consent Agenda Item 20

DB Civil Construction, LLC is being awarded the bid at $4,699,650.00. The approval on Tuesday would include transfer of $1,600,000.00 from Impact Fees Roads Zone B Capital Outlay Reserves to Mickler A1A Intersect Imp Improvements Other Than Buildings for the Mickler Road and SR-A1A Intersection Improvements Project.

“Contractor shall improve the existing signalized intersection by adding two eastbound left-turn bays on Mickler Road, constructing a westbound left-turn bay on Ponte Vedra Boulevard, and constructing a second northbound through lane on SRA1A (which shall be extended to the Crossroad Lakes Drive/Lauden Court intersection, approximately 0.4 miles north of the signal). In addition, the Contractor shall be responsible for relocation of existing St. Johns County utilities along Mickler Road as noted in the approved construction plans. Sidewalk, striping, roadway, and signal adjustments shall be as designed in the construction plans.”

Consent Agenda Item 29 – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program FY 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan, SF-424 Universal Application and Certificates for the October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024, CDBG Program Year.

This is a 1180-page presentation buried in the Consent Agenda. The presentation includes the responses to the Community Needs Assessment Survey conducted in March of 2023. The 310 responses from the community are included in detail in the report, as well as a list of all public comments included in the survey responses. That’s 310 out of what is estimated to be over 300,000 residents in St. Johns County. That’s less than 1%; hardly a fair representation of the needs of the community. Consent Agenda Item 29

Regular Agenda Items

Agenda Item 2 is an update on the role Fire Watch is taking in Northeast Florida. For those not familiar with Fire Watch, check out this link: Fire Watch

This organization is focused on ending Veteran suicides in Florida. Link to their Tuesday presentation is here: Agenda Item 2

Agenda item 3 is an interesting one as it is a rehearing of an item previously denied. The topic is the Mivo Multi-Family Development with a request to “rezone approximately 15.7 acres of land from Open Rural (OR) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the development of 204 multi-family residential dwelling units. The property is located southwest of the US 1 South and Watson Road Intersection.”

The development was denied in a 2-2 vote in October of 2022 and the applicant filed an appeal. At the March 21 BOCC meeting, the County Attorney recommended the Board reconsider the application. After discussion and public comment, the Board voted 4-1 to reconsider the application. This is the rehearing.

Agenda Items 4 – 10 are smaller, more localized items including some easements and a carport approval. I expect the 11:30 Public Comment to provide a break in these items and they will continue on after a lunch recess.

Agenda Item 11 is the Workforce Housing Land Development Code Amendment, Second Reading. This was originally to be heard at the May 2, 2023 meeting and was postponed to the June 6 meeting to allow for time to address questions raised by Commissioners Joseph and Dean. At the June 6 Board meeting, there was much discussion about some of the changes that had been incorporated into the Amendment. Motions were made to revise some of those changes. The Board agreed that staff needed time to incorporate those revisions into the amendment and the item was continued to the June 20 meeting.

The updated Amendment can be found here: Workforce Housing LDC Amendment

Agenda Item 12 is of interest to our Ponte Vedra residents. The St. Johns County Utility Department (SJCUD) is a separate utility that provides water services to the Ponte Vedra area. This item is to approve the new schedules for “water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rates, deposits, fees, charges, and costs that reflected reductions to all current Main System water and wastewater usage rates by 3.0% (or as indicated in the Utility Rate Tariff document attached to this agenda item).” Agenda Item 12

Do you have a houseboat? Then you’ll be interested in Agenda Item 13, the First Reading of the Floating Structure Ordinance. This is in response to concerns raised about the anchoring and mooring of “floating structures” in the County during a February Board meeting. Floating Structure Ordinance

Pro Tip! If you are interested in only 1 or 2 items on the agenda, watch or listen to the meeting on the GTV web-site or on local television. In southern St. Johns County, Channel 3, northern St. Johns County, Channel 29 or 261 and in Jacksonville, Channel 26. Link to GTV here: Watch GTV

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