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11-12-2008 - Joint Cooperative - Edgewater/New Smyrna Beach Q Q MINUTES OF THE COOPERATIVE CITY OF EDGEWATER AND CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH WORKSHOP HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008 CITY OF EDGEWATER COMMUNITY CENTER 104 NORTH RIVERSIDE DRIVE, EDGEWATER, FLORIDA Having been duly advertised as required by law, a cooperative workshop of the City Council of the City of Edgewater and City Commission of the City of New Smyrna Beach, Florida was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, in the City of Edgewater Community Center, 104 North Riverside Drive, Edgewater, Florida. The workshop was called to order at 3:00 p.m. and the following answered present to roll call: Representing the Edgewater City Council was: Mayor Michael Thomas Council Member Ted Cooper Council Member Harriet Rhodes Council members Gigi Bennington and Debra Rogers were absent. Representing the New Smyrna Beach City Commission was: Mayor Sally Mackay Vice-Mayor Randall Richenberg Commissioner J.S. Grasty Commissioner James W. Hathaway Commissioner Lynne Plaskett Also present were: Representing the City of Edgewater, Acting City Manager Tracey Barlow; Development Services Director Darren Lear; and, City Clerk Bonnie Wenzel; other City of Edgewater support staff were present. Representing the City of New Smyrna Beach, City Manager John Hagood; City Attorney Frank Gummey; Development Services Director Mark Rakowski; and, City Clerk Johnny Bledsoe; other City of New Smyrna Beach staff were present. xxx Mayor Thomas welcomed everyone and outlined the purpose of the workshop was to receive a review of the proposed "Restoration" development in Edgewater and to address issues in order to better understand concerns or desires related to the project. Mayor Thomas hoped the workshop would serve as a building foundation of cooperation of governments in Southeast Volusia County. xxx New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 1 of 8 Q o PRESENTATION OF THE "RESTORATION" DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT PROJECT - Mr. Ted Brown, representing the developer of the project, applauded the effort of both Cities by holding the workshop. Mr. Brown highlighted his many years of experience in development and hoped both Cities understood the mass experience represented by the development's consultant team and introduced the team that included Don Mears, representing GS Florida; Brian Canin, representing Canin and Associates, Inc.; Robert Chandler, representing Fishkind and Associates, Inc.; Dr. Mike Dennis ; Chris Walsh, representing Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.; John Florrio; Clay Henderson, representing Holland and Knight, LLP; and, Dr. Pierce Jones, Extension Program Leader of Energy Programs at the University of Florida. Mr. Brown commented on the Development of Regional Impact process the proposed project had gone through, beginning in January 2006 and including public workshops and nine public hearings. Mr. Brown also felt information published in the media was inadequate. xxx Brian Canin gave an overview of the revised Master Plan for "Restoration", a 6,300-acre community in Edgewater that would showcase the natural environment and restore large areas of the site to pre-development native Florida conditions. Mr. Canin highlighted the objective from the initial visioning of the project included the restoration and preservation of the natural environment, and included an extensive recreation trail that would wind throughout the community, an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse including spa/workout facilities, meeting areas, pools, tennis, mixed-use neighborhood centers, a Town Center and workplace with 2 million square feet of office and retail, civic spaces and ample retail opportunities all adhering to New Urbanist Principles. Commissioner Plaskett commented on future residents of the proposed "Hamlet" neighborhood within the development and felt transportation issues could arise due to the distance from the Town Center. Mr. Canin clarified "Hamlet" residents would be within a twenty-minute walk to the Town Center. Dr. Pierce Jones concluded the presentation and commented on development throughout Florida, and highlighted his group's efforts in the areas of energy, water supply and water quality. Mayor Thomas called a recess at 3:50 pm. The workshop reconvened at 4 pm. xxx New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 2 of 8 u o CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH CONCERNS: Potable Water - Edgewater Development Services Director Darren Lear outlined the Consumptive Use Permit issued in December 2007, which allowed 3.5 million gallons of water per day with four potable water wells planned for the development. Commissioner Plaskett requested comment from the Utilities Commission, City of New Smyrna Beach. Robert Rodi, General Manager of the Utilities Commission, City of New Smyrna Beach commented on monitoring of consumptive use permits and ongoing developments in New Smyrna Beach that represented 16,000 units with a consumptive use permit peak estimated for 2012 at 8.33. He felt the current consumptive use permit would support new development in New Smyrna Beach through 2020. Mr. Rodi commented on studies for infrastructure need, the need for the use of reuse water for irrigation and possible future affect on New Smyrna Beach wellfields by the proposed development as there were sufficient water supply currently with the future still uncertain. Brad Blais representing Quentin L. Hampton Associates, Inc., commented on the process of Regional Ground Water Modeling and the affects on regional water resources. Mayor Thomas commented on monitoring activities by the Water Authority of Volusia County. Mark Rakowski, New Smyrna Beach Development Services Director, had concerns with possible future water impacts to New Smyrna Beach and wanted to ensure no potential problems would arise in the future and asked for information or evidence to support future planning initiatives. Mayor Mackay commented on future ground water modeling. Mr. Blais clarified that modeling was completed at future withdraw rates for 2020 - 2022 with projections done with both Cities. Commissioner Richenberg commented on the availability of multiple alternative water supplies and possible future partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District regarding alternative water supply. xxx Transportation - Mr. Lear commented on a past agreement by the City of Edgewater to meet traffic threshold standards as outlined in the most recent Southeast Volusia Traffic Study. Mr. Lear clarified past discussions with the developer regarding fair share costs. Commissioner Hathaway commented on the proposed extension of Williamson Road and was concerned with the possible impacts the increased trips would have on New Smyrna Beach roads. New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 3 of 8 (.) o Chris Walsh, representing Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., clarified the Williamson Extension was planned to go into State Road 44 in 2013 and advised that a new traffic study would be conducted prior to proceeding with the final phase of the extension. Mr. Walsh commented on the process of monitoring and modeling for traffic studies. Tracey Barlow, Acting Edgewater City Manager, felt it was important to review projections in order to make future adjustments. Clay Henderson, representing Holland and Knight, LLP; commented on worse case scenarios regarding the process of how traffic count adjustments would be made. Mr. Henderson also commented on other issues with mitigation plans west of 1-95 and advised that property owners had been advised that during Phase I, Fair Share Cost Sharing would be implemented. Mayor Mackay commented on her need for clarification of phases and plan boundaries. Don Mears, representing GS Florida, clarified project boundaries and approximate timelines. Mr. Mears advised that State Road 442 connections would be constructed first. Commissioner Richenberg commented on the extension of Williamson Boulevard through property owned by the Utilities Commission, City of New Smyrna Beach and felt the Cities of Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange should work together to resolve any issues and possible affects to the Utilities Commission, City of New Smyrna Beach. Mr. Lear commented on past alignments ad discussions with Volusia County regarding maintenance. Mr. Mears commented on attempts made to resolve the location issue at the County level and alternatives for locations to avoid property of the Utilities Commission, City of New Smyrna Beach. Mr. Rakowski outlined three main concerns regarding transportation. First, were possible impacts on older roads in the beginning of the project. Second, was sustainability affects from outside road trips. Third, the fear that New Smyrna Beach would not be allowed to issue construction permits upon approval of the first phase of the Development of Regional Impact. Mr. Walsh clarified the development order would prohibit off balance of residential and commercial development through the use of monitoring and modeling. Mr. Canin commented on a planned slow build up of development and need for a strategy of planning for the creation of quality jobs. Mr. Lear felt the development would be self-sustaining. Mr. Canin felt the project was the most sustainable development he had seen since 1971. Mr. Rakowski restated his concern with sustainability with the development would attract many motorists in the future. New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 4 of 8 Q o Councilmember Rhodes felt people from the community would not leave the community and hoped those who live there would also work there. She did not feel New Smyrna Beach would be impacted. Mayor Mackay wished to avoid State Roads 44 and 442 from appearing like Taylor Road in the event of an evacuation situation in an emergency. Mr. Mears commented on statistics published by the Volusia Growth Management Commission and clarified evacuation routes identified during the phases of the project. Mr. Barlow commented on State Evacuation Policies and the increased number of planned shelters in Southeast Volusia County. xxx Needs Analysis of Non-Residential - Mr. Lear commented on the proposed non- residential portion of the development and felt it would promote healthy competition with surrounding Cities. Commissioner Richenberg commented on the need for a strategic economic development plan and suggested assistance be obtained from Rick Michaels of the Volusia County Economic Development Office in order to develop such a plan. Mr. Barlow agreed conceptually for a plan for the region as a whole and felt there was a need for all Cities in the region to meet in the near future to commit to a strategic economic development plan as well as other issues outside of the "Restoration" development. Commissioner Richenberg commented on University of Florida involvement and asked what the possibility was for a research park in the non-residential portion of the development. Mr. Barlow commented on partnering with the University of Florida. Mr. Brown commented on economic development activities in both Cities and felt the project could not succeed without commercial development that attracted businesses. Commissioner Richenberg asked for assurance that an economic development plan would move forward after future discussions. Mr. Barlow clarified he would support the initiative if his council so directed. Commissioner Richenberg asked if research and development space would be reserved in the development. Mr. Mears commented on research facilities in other Cities and felt approximately one million square feet for research was being pursued from college solar and water resources. Commissioner Hathaway commented on the recently passed referendum that restricted building height. Mr. Brown clarified the referendum restricted residential buildings only to 35 feet. New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 5 of 8 Q o Mr. Rakowski commented on the past non-residential study conduct by Fishkind and Associates, Inc. that contained errors and asked if the needs analysis had been adjusted. Robert Chandler, representing Fishkind and Associates, Inc., clarified the initial study was for retail only and an update of retail was conducted but a new needs analysis was still needed. Councilmember Cooper commented on the attractiveness of the area and urged promoting the area and bringing businesses into both Cities with high paying jobs. xxx Needs Analvsis of Residential - Mr. Lear clarified infrastructure needs would be addressed in the Development Order phase of the project and felt future New Smyrna Beach development would not be impacted. Mr. Brown commented on negotiations with the Volusia County School Board with a Capacity Enhancement Agreement scheduled for School Board consideration on December 9, 2008. Mr. Brown commented on BEBR projections for growth and felt the project would have a population to support itself and not affect other areas. Mayor Mackay wished to clarify that New Smyrna Beach was being careful, and not negative toward the development. She asked that Edgewater provide a copy of its reply to the Department of Community Affairs' Objections, Recommendations and Comments Report on the project and felt fire departments and efficiencies be addressed to safety and the sake of taxpayers. Mr. Barlow agreed to keep New Smyrna Beach in the loop and commented on the need for functional operations. Mr. Rakowski asked if the Schools Element of the Comprehensive Plan would be adopted. Mr. Lear advised that upon completion of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report, the Schools Element would be addressed. xxx Floodplain Development - Mr. Lear outlined stormwater and other requirements with regard to the subject property. Mayor Thomas commented on the topography of the property and outlined the canal system in the area. Both Mayor Thomas and Commissioner Plaskett had environmental concerns. John Florrio, commented on the geographical and topographical characteristics of the site, as well as the characteristics as portrayed on the Federal Emergency Management Agency map. He commented on a flood study conducted and clarified confirmation of findings during Tropical Storm Faye. Mr. Florrio advised New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 6 of 8 Q o that water runoff discharge would be reduced, but he could not promise stormwater would not end up in the Indian River. Dr. Mike Dennis commented on contact with State Game Commission representative on how to deal with the population of bear on the property. Dr. Dennis outlined recommendations submitted that included education of citizens regarding how to deal with bear and other natural creatures. He highlighted that nature would be the amenities of the project. Commissioner Plaskett asked Edgewater's' assurance that it would discuss possible impacts to Spruce Creek and other tributaries. Mr. Barlow acknowledged Commissioner Plaskett's request. xxx Next Steps - Mr. Lear advised the next steps in the process for the proposed development would be as follows: . Development of Regional Impact hearing before the Regional Planning Council in December 2008 . City of Edgewater response to the Objectives, Recommendations and Comments Report from the Department of Community Affairs . Edgewater Planning and Zoning Board review of the Development of Regional Impact in early 2009 . Two public hearings before the Edgewater City Council on the Future Land Use Amendment and Development Order Acting City Manager Barlow clarified items owed the City of New Smyrna Beach as a water supply plan; an updated needs analysis; and, a copy of the City of Edgewater response to the Objectives, Recommendations and Comments Report from the Department of Community Affairs. Mayor Thomas thanked all who participated and felt the discussion was healthy. He was excited about the project and how the large conservation area was fragile. He felt more discussions were needed. Vice Mayor Grasty commented on past experiences on the property and how recent hurricanes had impacted the area. Commissioner Richenberg requested contact information for members of the consultant team. Mr. Barlow requested all questions be sent through staff in order to share information. xxx Public Comments - Barbara Herrin, New Smyrna Beach, asked clarification of the amount of acreage that would be a permanent conservation easement. Mr. Henderson clarified that approximately 3,600 to 3,700 acres, representing over New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 7 of 8 o o fifty percent of the development would be a conservation easement, not to be developed. Carol Anne Stoughton, Edgewater, commented on recent legal action taken by citizens in DeBary, Florida due to flooding and asked if homeowners would be required to have flood insurance. Mr. Barlow clarified that flood insurance would be required. xxx With all business concluded, Mayor Thomas declared the workshop adjourned at 6:05 p.m. MINUTES OF THE COOPERATIVE CITY OF EDGEWATER AND CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH WORKSHOP HELD ON NOVEMBER 12, 2008, WERE APPROVED AT THE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 24, 2009. SALLY MACKAY, MAYOR ATTEST: JOHNNY R. BLEDSOE, CITY CLERK New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Workshop - November 12, 2008 Page 8 of 8