04-19-2006
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA
April 19, 2006
Edgewater Fire Rescue Association Building
2616 Hibiscus Drive
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Robert Lott called to order a special meeting of the Economic Development Board
at 8:33 a.m., Wednesday, April 05, 2006, in the Edgewater Fire Rescue Association Building.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Robert Lott
Vice- Chairman Chris Balmer
Douglas McGinnis
Oscar Zeller
Fred Fathi
Eric Caplan
Hugh Sheean
Bob Williams
. Jerry Anderson
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Absent
Present
Present
Present
Also present were City Manager Ken Hooper, Assistant City Manager Liz McBride, Development
Services Director Darren Lear, Board Coordinator Pat Drosten, and Planning and Zoning Board
members: Edwin Vopelak, Chairman, John Weiss, Charlene Zeese and Todd Furhman.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chairman Lott asked Mr. Hooper to inform the Board of the time table for the Land Development
Code changes. Mr. Hooper stated that City Council will hold a joint workshop with the Planning and
Zoning Board on May 3,2006 at 6:00 p.m. An invitation was extended to the EDB Board members.
The Planning and Zoning Board will have until June 19th to make a recommendation to Council.
Mr. Lott asked for the members to discuss in a general way their views on the proposed changes.
Chairman Lott feels the proposed changes do not coincide with the Smart Growth initiatives and that
some of the proposed changes would restrict affordable housing.
Mr. McGinnis stated that he felt it was important for the Board to stay focused on the mission ofthe
EDB and address those issues that would affect economic growth.
Mr. Sheean stated he does not believe the changes are the "will of the people" rather the will of the
Council. He feels the restrictions will put the City in reverse and will keep Edgewater as the leader
in high millage rates.
Mr. Blamer was concerned with the effect on affordable housing and stated that the proposed
chllVges would lock the City into the restrictions. He feels it is important to maintain flexibility.
G:\Pat\edb\edb-minutes\2006\051906.spec.doc
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Mr. Anderson stated that his understanding of the Boards objectives is to create jobs. He is
concerned that the changes would layout a framework that would restrict the ability to bring injobs.
Mr. Lott opened the discussion up for public comment.
Mr. Vopelak discussed the need for a variety of housing types and stated that the tax burden would
not be lowered by cutting City services but by increasing the tax base through commercial, industrial
and multi-family development.
Mr. Hooper explained that the many areas of the proposed document were created to be congruent
with the City's Comprehensive Plans, particularly the tree protection and wetland preservation
sections. He also explained the objectives and goals staff was trying to reach as well as the
directions that were received from City Council.
There was much discussion regarding various aspects of the proposed changes with an emphasis on
ways to allow the City flexibility when dealing with developers. Many ideas and questions were
discussed including the possibility of creating overlay zones, options available for development
projects that would not meet the new requirements and appeal procedures.
Chairman Lott will write the letter and transmit it through the Board Coordinator to the Board
members. The membership will vote on the actual letter at their regular meeting on May 3,2006.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING PROPOSE}) CHANGES TO
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE
MOTION bv Mr. Balmer . SECOND bv Mr. Anderson to send a letter to the Citv Council
Workshop to be held on Mav 3.2006 containinl! at a minimum a listinl! of the followinl! concerns
of the Board:
· Flexibilitv for variance pro'cess. i.e. specific lanl!ual!e:
. Clear cut appeal process:
· Exploration of overlav zones.
MOTION PASSED 5-0
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
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