09-12-2001 - Workshop
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CITY OF EDGEW A TER
Planning and Zoning Board
Workshop
Wednesday, September 12, 2001
5:30 p.m.
Chairman Garthwaite called to order the Planning and Zoning Board Workshop at 5:30 p.m.,
September 12, 2001 in the Community Center, 102 N. Riverside Drive, Edgewater, Florida.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Chairman Garthwaite, Mr. Masso, Mrs. Zeese, Mr. Heeb, Mrs. Pluscec,
Mr. Mullen and Mr. V opelak.
Also present were City Manager, Ken Hooper; Planning Director, Lynne Plaskett; Board
Coordinator Pat Drosten and Planning Secretary Bonnie Wenzel.
Chairman Garthwaite stated that Mr. Heeb would like to read a statement to the Board. Mr.
Heeb read a statement introducing himself to the Board.
Chairman Garthwaite turned the meeting over to Ms. Plaskett. Ms. Plaskett explained some of
the responsibilities of the Planning and Zoning Board. She stated the P&Z is the Local Planning
Agency, and they are responsible to oversee the Comprehensive Plan and the direction the City
takes. Ms. Plaskett further explained to the Board what the Comprehensive Plan was. She stated
that the Goals, Objectives and Policies are the key component in the Comprehensive Plan and
that this Council is geared toward seeing more industrial type businesses in the City to offset the
residential tax base.
Mr. Hooper explained that the first role of the Board is to help develop the Comprehensive Plan
(the 20-year plan, blueprint of where the City is going to grow), the backbone of the
Comprehensive Plan is the Future Land Use Map. The primary role is to look at the Compo Plan
and determine if any new projects are consistent with it, and compatible with the surrounding
area. The Board is also to advise the City Council as they have the first public hearing and can
determine if they feel the growth is consistent and compatible. Mr. Hooper explained how
zoning works. He stated that when someone wants to rezone a piece of property they should
look to see if it is consist with the land uses and there is some flexibility with zoning. Mr.
Hooper continued that the Board will also see site plans, subdivision plats and hear Development
Agreements. The plat is the last and most detailed aspect of the planning stage. Mr. Hooper
informed the Board that they are the final authority for variances and conditional use requests,
although a decision can be appealed.
Mr. Hooper discussed the process for granting a variance, he stated the Board did not have to
have several votes on the variance criteria, only a consensus and one (1) vote.
Ms. Plaskett explained the conditional use permits to the Board, stating it was previously called a
special exception. She informed the Board that it was a permitted use, and the Board has the
authority to put special conditions on the use (buffers, parking, etc.).
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Ms. Plaskett informed the Board that when they are hearing a variance request they are to
address each one on an individual basis, as every request has different circumstances.
Mr. Hooper spoke about Board members talking with developers on an individual basis. He
stated this was permitted. The member needs only to disclose at the public hearing that he/she
met with the developer and what was discussed.
Mr. V opelak asked if the Chairman should explain to the public before the meeting the process
that will be taken. Mr. Hooper informed the Board that the Mayor does that before each Council
meeting and the P&Z can also.
Ms. Plaskett explained how anyone with a request for the P&Z will have a pre-application
meeting before submitting any plans or requests. The process is to have each of the Department
Heads review the project and give their "blessing" before any item comes before the Board. She
further stated that once they receive an agenda they are welcome to call her to discuss it. Mr.
Hooper stated the same.
Ms. Pluscec asked what they should do if an agenda item affects them personally. Mr. Hooper
stated it should be disclosed at the public hearing.
Discussion ensued regarding the By-Laws and absenteeism, Mr. Hooper mentioned that some
Boards have alternate members.
Mr. V opelak asked if the agenda's could be given to them sooner. Mr. Hooper explained that
there is a lot of work completed by staff before the agendas go out, he continued that staff is
meeting with the City Attorney and will look into maximizing time. Mr. V opelak felt that the
bigger the project, more time is needed to review it. Mr. Hooper stated that for large projects
workshops could be held, such as the one for Edgewater Lakes.
Mr. Hooper explained how staff is trying to make the process easier, such as changing the
Development Agreement to a Zoning Agreement.
Mr. Heeb stated that the Land Development Code suggests gearing residential lots towards a
minimum of IOO-feet wide, but he is seeing many developments come in with 50-foot lots. Mr.
Hooper replied the market is driving the 50-foot lots and the City Council does not object to the
lots, although they would still like to see larger lots.
Further discussion ensued as to lot sizes being developed and lots currently in the City.
Mr. Hooper explained the Sunshine Law and how it worked.
Mr. Heeb asked what Council's perception of development along U.S. I was. Mr. Hooper stated
they are looking toward more upscale development. He further stated that staff is looking
towards using aesthetic design standards upon completion of S.R. 442.
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Mrs. Zeese asked when the widening along 442 was to be started. Mr. Hooper stated that the bid
is expected to be awarded in 2002 with construction commencing in March. FDOT will be
working with the City as far as landscaping once the road is complete.
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Bonnie A. Wenzel, Board Secretary
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