06-05-2006 - Regular
CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 5, 2006
7:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Thomas called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00
p.m. in the Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Michael Thomas Present
Councilwoman Debra Rogers Excused
Councilman Dennis Vincenzi Present
Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes Present
Councilwoman Judith Lichter Present
Interim City Manager Jon Williams Present
City Attorney Nick Palmer Present
City Clerk Susan Wadsworth Present
INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
There was a silent invocation and pledge of allegiance to
the Flag.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting of March 20, 2006
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the March 20, 2006
minutes, second by Councilwoman Rhodes
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
B. Regular Meeting of April 3, 2006
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve the April 3, 2006
minutes, second by Councilwoman Lichter
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
C. Regular Meeting of May 1, 2006
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Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Councilman Vincenzi moved to approve the May 1, 2006
minutes, second by Councilwoman Rhodes
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
D. Regular Meeting of May 15, 2006
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the May 15, 2006
minutes, second by Councilwoman Rhodes
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DON
ATIONS
A. Interim Chief Taves presenting Robert Hazelwood a
plaque for “Officer of the Quarter.”
Interim Police Chief Taves commented on why Officer Robert
Hazelwood was named “Officer of the Quarter” and presented
him with a plaque.
Mayor Thomas commented on complaints he has received about
the skate park at Whistle Stop Park. He expressed his
appreciation and thanked Officer Hazelwood.
B. Mayor Thomas presenting a Proclamation to Mike
Ignasiak for his achievements while serving as
Police Chief
Mayor Thomas read a proclamation outlining the achievements
of Mike Ignasiak while serving as Police Chief. Mr.
Ignasiak thanked Mayor Thomas. He thanked the Council for
the support and guidance they have shown him over the last
five and a half years.
C. Rob Hunter and Bob Tolley, Green Coast Energy,
Inc., presenting proposal for an alternative
energy project
Rob Hunter, Director of Operations, Green Coast Energy,
Resident, 2521 Travelers Palm Drive, made a Powerpoint
presentation regarding a proposal for an alternative energy
project.
Councilwoman Lichter asked Mr. Hunter how long they have
been in business. Mr. Hunter informed her Green Coast
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Energy has been around seven to eight months but composing
it are experts who have been doing this since the world was
young.
Councilwoman Lichter asked what cities they cover right
now. Mr. Hunter informed her currently they are looking at
the Volusia County area. Councilwoman Lichter stated if
Florida Power & Light owns the transmission setup, who is
responsible for fixing things when things go wrong. Mr.
Hunter stated they are. It is their infrastructure. They
would receive a fee for Green Coast Energy using their
infrastructure.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion to instruct Interim City
Manager Williams to look into the feasibility of this and
then bring it back in front of the Council.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she would like to hear more
about it. She asked Mr. Hunter when they bring it back to
bring back some places it is currently being used.
Councilwoman Rhodes so moved, second by Councilwoman
Lichter
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
Interim City Manager Williams informed Mr. Hunter he would
be in touch to set it up.
4. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilman Vincenzi had nothing at this time.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated Mr. Ross gave minimum standards
for RPUD. She feels minimum standards for RPUD’s is a good
idea. She feels the numbers need to be tweeked some and
maybe are a little more stringent than they really need.
She wanted to let Mr. Ross and Interim City Manager
Williams know. Interim City Manager Williams confirmed he
had also received it. Councilwoman Rhodes feels this is a
good idea and is something that needs to be considered when
the final I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed. She
thanked Mr. Ross and appreciated that Mr. Ross complained
about it and came up with a compromise she feels will
really work.
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Councilwoman Lichter agreed with Councilwoman Rhodes. She
told Mr. Ross before the meeting she would like to meet
with him and go over the figures.
Councilwoman Lichter stated since she has served on the
Council, every Veterans Day and Memorial Day for the last
eight and a half years she has attended the ceremonies for
both of these patriotic occasions. Generally she reads an
appropriate poem and gives a short speech. This last
Monday Mayor Thomas was not able to attend due to his
grandson having poison ivy. She was asked to welcome the
large crowd that was present on behalf of the Mayor and the
rest of the City Council. She feels it is important that
they join the citizens on these occasions, if at all
possible. American Legion Post 285 planned and hosted the
occasion and they worked very hard on that program. This
year more children attended than ever before. It was a
very emotional, educational, gratifying experience.
Interim City Manager Williams presented Edgewater’s wreath.
She was very happy to go on behalf of Mayor Thomas.
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
The following citizens spoke:
David Ross
, 2803 Needle Palm Drive, informed Interim City
Manager Williams that when he reviews the proposal from
Green Coast Energy, he likes the idea that the citizens
don’t have to pay this $6 million franchise fee. He would
like to know the name of the individual that money will
come from since it isn’t the taxpayers of Edgewater.
Mr. Ross commented on Red Fish Cove and this being in the
County. This will be an enclave that we will probably
surround one day but to his knowledge they have never
requested to become a part of the City. He spoke of this
being in our utility service area and the City providing
water and sewer. Interim City Manager Williams informed
him that was correct.
Mr. Ross stated since the taxpayers of the City are the
ones that are responsible for paying for the cost for the
sewer and water plants, none of the people outside of the
City have any responsibility to pay that. If the City goes
bankrupt, the County isn’t going to pay it. The taxpayers
of Edgewater have got to pay for the water and sewer
plants. It seems reasonable to him that since the citizens
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of Edgewater are responsible that if we are going to be
generous and give this service to non-Edgewater citizens
they should pay a premium price so his water and sewer
rates are reduced. He asked how much they would be
reduced. If they aren’t, then why are we doing it?
Councilwoman Rhodes informed him they do pay a premium
price and they pay more than we pay.
Mr. Ross asked if that means his rates go down.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated her understanding is the rates
wont’ go down because of it but they aren’t going to go up
because of it.
Mr. Ross questioned why we should do it because some day we
keep selling all of these services and we are going to have
to add more capability, which means we will have to spend
more money. Why do we do it? Water is at a premium. We
know we don’t have enough recycled sewer water. Why are we
giving away to people that have no responsibility to all of
these services if it doesn’t benefit us?
Councilwoman Rhodes stated we have an agreement with the
County, where the County provides the sewer and we provide
the water and it is a trade off. Mr. Ross asked why we
provide the water. Councilwoman Rhodes informed him
because we have water and they have sewer. We can get our
sewer at a reduced rate in this City because we provide
water. Mr. Ross stated he thought we owned the sewer
plant. Interim City Manager Williams stated we have
additional capacity reserved with Volusia County and that
is part of the interlocal agreement we have in place with
Volusia County. Any resident receiving water and sewer
service outside of the City limits pays an additional 25%
and that is applicable on the impact fees as well. They are
being charge a surcharge above and beyond what the
residents here pay. At some point, we intend on going
after those folks to come into the City.
Mr. Ross stated if we don’t receive a benefit financially
why do we do it? If his rates don’t go down there is no
financial benefit. Interim City Manager Williams stated it
helps maintain the rates at the current level.
Mr. Ross stated he would like to see those numbers.
Interim City Manager Williams informed him okay.
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Dominic Capria
, 606 Topside Circle, agreed with Mr. Ross.
Years ago when the City started selling water to the
County, at what they considered bulk rates, which was a
lower rate then what the citizens of the City are paying.
The rates went into Hacienda at a lower rate then the City
residents were paying. He was responsible for getting up
and complaining and saying this is ridiculous to sell these
people water at a lower rate than the residents were
paying. Low and behold right after that the County raised
the water rates at Hacienda at the same level as us. To
him that is still not good enough. Why should we be giving
them those services when they don’t even belong to the City
of Edgewater? Their rates should be higher so ours can go
lower.
Councilwoman Rhodes questioned the City selling to the
County and not selling to individual people in the County.
Interim City Manager Williams stated in certain cases we
do. We have water customers in Cory Estates and Hazelwood
River Road where we sell water. He thought what Mr. Capria
might be suggesting was that the wholesale rate we sell to
the County goes to the County meter and then they turn
.
around and sell it to their residents at a different rate
That is where the interlocal agreement comes into play
where we get wastewater capacity at the County’s plant at a
rate that is equal to that bulk rate for water.
Interim City Manager Williams thought it benefited
everybody. We have additional capacity at the County’s
wastewater plant, which prevents us at this point from
expanding our own plant. For that incremental rate per
gallon charge there, he feels the City and its residents
receive a benefit. Ultimately when it goes to the County’s
meter, they are in control of the rates they charge to
their residents. He wasn’t aware of what those rates were
at this point. He informed Council he could do some
research and bring it back to them.
Councilman Vincenzi informed Interim City Manager Williams
he could get it to Mr. Ross if he liked. Interim City
Manager Williams agreed to do so.
Mike Visconti
, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, stated reading the
paper in the last week, this has to do with River Oaks,
which is a 16-story that comes through Edgewater. There
has been a petition out to stop this project, which has
been voted on and passed by the previous Council, Mayor and
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City Manager. It seems to him that there is a vigilante
group who has been against whatever the previous elected
officials have done. The same group wanted the City
Manager out and the same group worked day and night to make
sure Mayor Schmidt was defeated and they also picked the
Best Western hotel to shy away customers. The voters of
Edgewater elect the Mayor and Council. Once elected, they
use their judgment for the best for our City. There will
always be pros and cons whatever the issues are. River
Oaks is the second high rise to come before the Council.
Edgewater Harbor being the first. He sees many benefits in
tall buildings but limit their heights. These buildings
may house families on less land leaving plenty of green,
natural vegetation and wildlife. He referred to Coral
Trace and asked Council to imagine the same maybe high rise
housing the same amount of people with more vegetation.
Last week we had a fire scare. Imagine if that Fire did
jump and got into Coral Trace what a disaster we would
have. He spoke about River Oaks being about two miles
south of Roberts Road, hidden from sight; you would just
about see it from U.S. #1. River Oaks Edgewater would
collect impact fees on all units, will collect taxes. They
would be shopping in Edgewater. Our economy will flourish.
If growth is stopped how will it stimulate business and
jobs. River Oaks will create them. The petition calls for
1400 signatures of registered voters. There are 11,000
registered voters. That means 9,600 are the silent voters.
This group prides themselves by saying they are saving
Edgewater. It seems to him like they are doing more harm.
He mentioned Michael Ignasiak and Kenneth Hooper resigning.
They both have done great services to our City. He
informed Mayor Thomas and the Council they were elected to
serve the people, not just a few.
Councilwoman Rhodes informed Mr. Visconti his time was up.
Mr. Visconti stated he would like to see the lots sizes
seventy-five feet and no smaller than sixty-five feet. He
encouraged the Mayor, Interim City Manager and
Councilmembers to use their better judgment and put back
pride in our City.
Andy Anderson
, Pine Tree Drive, stated he understood if one
is using the City’s reclaimed water that he can water his
lawn three times a week. Interim City Manager Williams
informed him that was correct.
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Mr. Anderson stated with a well he is only allowed two
waterings a week. He questioned why someone on reclaimed
water would need three waterings compared to his two.
Councilman Vincenzi stated he thought wells were regulated
under different rules than reclaimed water. It’s not that
the lawn needs it more; it’s just that you can do it with
reclaimed water and not a well.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she thought when they started
with reclaimed water, they thought it was a throw away
product. We didn’t realize how valuable that water is.
Mr. Anderson felt if two waterings were sufficient, he
didn’t know why they allow three if we are in water
conservation mode now more than ever. It seems to him we
would limit the three down to two just like everybody else.
Councilwoman Lichter stated the two times a week is
regulated by the County. She believed they are now looking
into two times a week being a permanent thing. That is
tighter than St. Johns, which in some places allows three.
Volusia County is very conservation aware and she thought
they probably are looking at that.
Dominic Capria
, 606 Topside Circle, stated he is not
confused. He knows what is going on is wrong. He wasn’t
talking about reclaimed water. He was talking about well
water and City water. With well water we are allowed to
water twice a week from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. but yet if you
don’t have a well and you want to use City water you can
water eight to four in the morning and four to eight in the
evening. He felt this didn’t make sense.
Carol Ann Stoughton
, 2740 Evergreen Drive, brought the
Council’s attention to a recent newspaper article with
regard to New Smyrna Beach. She didn’t know if the Council
considered before they want to vote on a development or a
developer’s plan of the fact that perhaps our sewer
treatment plant and our water could perhaps need a complete
overhaul. New Smyrna Beach is now expecting $173 million
over five years to repair aging pipes. She asked if they
have ever delved into that before they go into allowing
more developments to come into our City.
Ms. Stoughton stated with regard to Mr. Visconti over a few
certain people putting the Mayor in office and changing
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things around here, it was the wishes of the voters of the
City to make a change. She has been in touch with over
1500 registered voters who didn’t want the 17-story condo.
She commended Councilwoman Rogers for her valiant stand in
actually voting against the fact that the attorneys for the
town said it would cost millions of dollars if they went
against this. However, she bucked that and she is so sorry
the others didn’t because he instilled fear that it would
cost millions to defend this lawsuit. When it comes to a
vote, 9,000 people 10,000 people cause they put it on a
ballot to make it on a referendum have that chance to vote
it in or vote it out, whatever comes and whatever goes or
whatever has passed, they are the people of the City and
they have a right whether it was voted in or not to vote it
out again. All of the people she has spoken to are
disgusted and feel they have been lied to. They wanted to
preserve our City. She feels the condos are not what is
there now and she feels sorry for the people that live
there. They will not be able to ride their bicycles like
Councilwoman Rhodes wants her children to ride theirs. The
people of Florida Shores and Edgewater Landings and the
people all over do not want these condos. The people will
speak when it goes on the ballot in November. She was
shocked that the residents only have three minutes when the
developers get five or ten.
Interim City Manager Williams informed Ms. Stoughton in
reference to the maintenance of the utility systems, the
City has a renewal and replacement fund and each year
appropriations are made to that fund to handle ongoing
maintenance issues with regards to our utilities.
Ms. Stoughton asked how much is in the fund right now.
Interim City Manager Williams informed her he did not have
figure off the top of his head but he agreed to get it for
her.
Ms. Stoughton asked if they are going to have an audit as
to what was done before Interim City Manager Williams.
Interim City Manager Williams informed her we have an audit
done every year.
Ms. Stoughton asked how much the City has presently in a
fund for any catastrophes. Interim City Manager Williams
informed her it wax referred to as fund balance. He
informed her under his report, he was going to give the
Council and residents what he is estimating the projected
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fund balance to be after the seven months of this fiscal
year and that is roughly $4 million. If the fiscal year
were to end as of April 2006 that is what he would project
as our fund balance.
Ms. Stoughton stated she has asked his predecessor that but
she knows she will get answers out of Interim City Manager
Williams. She has never gotten them before.
Chris Balmer
, 148 William Street, stated he recently was
reading the paper where someone had been commented saying
that reference affordable housing that if people can’t
afford houses in Edgewater they can boogie on down the
road. He asked if they have a plan. He is starting to
hear it is an issue from an affordable housing perspective.
Do they have a development plan to address the affordable
housing need that we will have to address in the next three
to five years? He then asked if they have a committee or
the Planning & Zoning Board or someone working on that very
issue. He doesn’t think the answer is just to say move
out. He feels the issue is to provide something for those
type of people.
Councilman Vincenzi stated he didn’t think there was a
committee set up but they have been talking about it. He
and Interim City Manager Williams have talked about it. He
suggested the other Councilpeople probably have to. Other
towns are starting to do some different things too.
Mr. Balmer felt it interesting what people are requiring of
developers. He feels it is going to be an issue in the
next three to five years and he feels they need to address
it.
Bob Overton
, 631 Starboard Avenue, stated the lady that
just spoke doesn’t represent him. He wanted to be sure
that the Council knew that everybody in Edgewater Landing
does not agree with her.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she also lives in Edgewater
Landing and they know she has been a representative for a
good many years. She feels there is some confusion about
the petitions. It is not very clear in their minds the way
it is expressed. She stated Ms. Stoughton mentioned maybe
they weren’t truthful or something to that affect. Of
course, people have a right to sign things but they also
have a right or responsibility to explain it properly.
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Nobody is planning wall-to-wall all across the river
condos. That is one of the concepts that are coming out of
this. They also aren’t being explained about the money
aspect that the City was told by the City Attorney that we
have a done deal as far as being sued and that it would not
be in the best interest to change since we had no Land
Development Code regulating height before. She is getting
calls from people that are very confused.
John Cordeiro
, 1515 Pine Tree Drive, asked why they went
from five minutes to three minutes for citizen comments and
whose idea that was. Mayor Thomas stated he would take
credit for that.
Mr. Cordeiro suggested they get up and say their name and
you dig a big hole and after we state our name you take
them out there and shoot them and then they fall into the
hole and then the Council won’t have to hear them. He
feels that would be the easiest thing for them if they
don’t want to hear what the people have to say. They are
supposed to represent the people. He remembered the
campaign. A city for the people by the people. How can it
be for the people by the people if you cut them off and
maybe give them thirty seconds or five seconds and then
take them out and throw them in the hole and bury them. He
feels it should be changed back the way it was or even add
more. All the developers and lawyers, they get up and rant
and rave and smoke and mirrors for as long as they want to.
Dominic Capria
, 606 Topside Circle, stated the petition is
very simple and self-explanatory. There isn’t anything
confusing about it. He is from Edgewater Landing and he is
against the high towers. He again stated that petition is
very simple. Don’t confuse the issue. As far as the three
to five minutes, he agreed they need to go back to five
minutes.
Carol Ann Stoughton
, 2740 Evergreen Drive, stated what the
people don’t realize is that it says that you will have the
right to vote in November. If you want to vote it in in
November, vote it in. It is something they all feel over
1500 people to date plus and a lot of people who live in
the County can not vote and it is going to be in their back
yard. Terra mar can’t vote and Hacienda can’t vote. Many
places can’t vote but they don’t want it in their backyard.
She hopes the Council realizes what the people want and
don’t want. That is why they put this Council in office.
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Mayor Thomas stated for the three-minute thing, they can
blame him. He likes to listen to people and the meetings
were running anywhere from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. They were
looking for ways to expedite the meeting. He feels if they
have a prepared speech they can get their point across in
three minutes. If they don’t want to do it at the meeting,
they will listen to them at another time and place.
Mayor Thomas stated if we don’t start conserving our water
now, there will be a time that they will restrict on how
much we can use. He spoke of the water being pumped to the
Keys. We need to go to extreme to conserve our precious
water commodity. More and more people are coming to
Florida and we aren’t going to have it. He urged the
citizens to tell their neighbors to conserve. He suggested
using natural vegetation that doesn’t need to be watered as
much.
Councilwoman Lichter feels pretty soon there will be
builders that are required to put other grass in than what
we have right now. They will be required to lay out the
land so each zone is getting the amount of water needed for
the landscaping in each zone. She feels we will have water
but you won’t have cheap potable water. They are starting
plans now because in ten years you will have a crisis.
What happens in Deland will affect Edgewater. You not only
need to conserve, but you need to cooperate. She commented
on our waterless park at Menard Park. They need to start
thinking of it now. She mentioned the packets City Clerk
Wadsworth has available from St. Johns and the Water
Authority of Volusia. They are available at City Hall and
at the Library.
There was a ten-minute recess at this time. The meeting
recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Public Hearing, Michael Evans, agent for
Julington Oaks Investment, LLC, requesting
preliminary plat approval for an 86-unit single-
family residential subdivision located west of US
1 and north of Clinton Cemetery Road
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Council Regular Meeting
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Interim City Manager Williams made a staff presentation.
He went over the specific changes made to the PUD Agreement
when he went over for the preliminary plat.
Mike Evans
, 1682 W. Hibiscus Boulevard, Melbourne, stated
he was available to answer any questions. He also
mentioned they have five passive parks instead of the
required two.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if they were going to get into a
problem like they did with Coral Trace because he has given
us a plat with 86 units but his PUD says 90. Mr. Evans
gave her his word that 86 was it.
City Attorney Palmer stated he believed some of the
confusion with Coral Trace is on the plat itself. There
were on tracts that said they were reserved for future
development even though they had used up the initial 200
lots that were included in the RPUD Agreement. If the
developer wanted to divide this into any more lots they
would have to go through the Planning process again. Mr.
Evans stated there is no tract that says for future
development.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if it is ever possible in this
kind of development that someone buys two lots. Mr. Evans
informed her no.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if they are on the south side or
north side of Clinton Cemetery Road. Mr. Evans informed
her they are on the north side. Councilwoman Lichter
stated on the other side they have horses but none of these
lots are large enough for that. Mr. Evans informed her no.
He also didn’t think the City allowed that.
Councilwoman Lichter commented on swimming pools. She
asked if every one of those lots could have a swimming
pool. Mr. Evans informed her yes.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if St. Johns checks to see what
the swimming pools would do to surrounding stormwater
facilities. Mr. Evans informed her he would have to defer
that to his engineer to see.
Scott Nichols
, 1678 W. Hibiscus Boulevard, Melbourne,
stated it is considered. Whenever they do their stormwater
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calculations, they assume a maximum impervious area over
each lot.
Councilwoman Lichter asked which permit allows that. Mr.
Nichols informed her that was the St. Johns permit.
Councilwoman Lichter confirmed they wouldn’t approve of the
pools unless they thought they had sufficient land, right
water conditions surrounding, the type of soil etc. Mr.
Nichols stated they want to ensure they are being
conservative enough with their impervious area
calculations.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if it ha been their findings
that everybody wants a swimming pool. Mr. Evans stated
probably less than 25% of the people in there would end up
building a swimming pool.
Councilman Vincenzi asked if this was the property that had
the drainage issues. Mr. Evans informed him it was the
next one. Councilman Vincenzi stated he didn’t have any
questions about this one.
Mayor Thomas asked if all of the lawns would be Floratam
lawns. Mr. Evans informed him they would all have
reclaimed water so they won’t be tapping into the wells or
City water to water the lawns. Mayor Thomas asked if they
would be using natural vegetation that doesn’t use as much
water to landscape. Mr. Evans stated the landscaping
requirements in the PUD are to meet City Code and they do
anticipate Floratam sod with reuse irrigation.
Mayor Thomas stated someone has to start the process and
asked Mr. Evans if he could start the process. Mr. Evans
stated they had committed to try and start that process at
Oak Leaf because of the City’s concerns of how
environmentally sensitive that property was. Mayor Thomas
clarified what he was talking about was leaving some of the
natural vegetation that doesn’t use the water. They have
to do that. Mr. Evans agreed to look into it. The back of
these lots all the natural vegetation will be left.
Homeowners prefer for the most part the grass. If you have
reuse, it works a lot better on that because you aren’t
tapping into the water system and it’s a good way for the
Cit to get rid of the effluent water. Mayor Thomas stated
he realizes it is easier for the builder to get in there
and do the construction and wipe out everything in the
front yard. Mr. Evans stated it is cheaper not to put that
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down. Mayor Thomas stated he is really worried. They need
somebody to set the example. When they see that, it is
beautiful to him.
Councilwoman Lichter stated they may need to put that in
the Land Development Code, which they have not thought
about up until now.
Mr. Evans stated the way this particular project is
designed, it was a nursery and it is cleared completely
where the houses are going to go already.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if they can deny developers based
solely on the fact that this County is running out of
water. City Attorney Palmer stated he would like to take
some time to research that. Councilwoman Rhodes stated it
is a concern of everybody and you have more people coming
here, which makes the problem worse. She asked if
mitigation of that problem for the time being be no more
development until we find a way to get more water. City
Attorney Palmer stated if they are talking about a blanket
moratorium say for six months on development applications.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she is talking longer than six
months. She is talking until they have a water source that
can give all these people water, until St. Johns or WAV
comes up with their plan as to how they are going to water
the people that live in this County. Interim City Manager
Williams stated part of the development process ensures
that there is concurrency with our utilities and that they
reserve capacity and that there is a water or sewer source.
He spoke of Volusia County playing a major role in that.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she understood that. That was
her point. Is that we have that water source but at the
same time we are running out of water so you don’t have the
water source right now. She agrees with the conservation
efforts. She would like City Attorney Palmer to find out.
Mayor Thomas commented on cities pulling out of WAV because
they don’t want the WAV regulating their water and what he
feels is going to happen is it is going to cost more for
the water that we are using or they are going to restrict
the use. That is why he says they need to start now on
these subdivisions.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she was talking about water to
drink and water to bathe with.
Page 15 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Councilwoman Lichter stated Steve Gintner on a County level
is in charge of dealing with developers. Steve and Deborah
Green on the WAV group have very good cooperation with some
developers up to this moment but it isn’t a law. It is a
cooperative type of thing at the moment. She feels some of
these things have to come from St. Johns and the County but
the City could put something in the Land Development Code
where every effort should be made. Interim City Manager
Williams stated the County currently has a minimum standard
right now. The house he purchased has those standards
currently in place.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated it wasn’t the standards that
concerned her. What concerns her is that people move here,
houses are built and water source or no, if you are giving
them water, then that means everybody that is here has less
water in the future. That is why she is asking the City
Attorney if that is reasonable.
Councilwoman Lichter asked Interim City Manager Williams
how it worked with this house and if the developer had to
lay it out in a particular manner. Interim City Manager
Williams informed her that was correct. Councilwoman
Lichter then asked if that applies to all new development
in Edgewater. Interim City Manager Williams stated as far
as he was aware, it applied to the whole County.
Mayor Thomas felt before they get something in the Land
Development Code, they could strongly suggest. Mr. Evans
stated he would take that into consideration.
Councilman Vincenzi commented on this being 86 homes and it
already being planned to use reclaimed water. Mr. Evans
informed him yes. Councilman Vincenzi asked about the
other one. Mr. Evans informed him that is reclaimed water
also. Councilman Vincenzi mentioned this being 500 and
some homes and reclaimed water already being scarce. They
haven’t decided definitely on rates and usage. He
remembered a year ago when they were talking about
reclaimed water rates and usage that one thing that Ken
Hooper agreed not to hook up new developments until they
were sure the system could handle the customers it had. He
asked if this wasn’t the case.
Interim City Manager Williams stated it is his
understanding we are still in a moratorium for connecting
new connections. What they are going to be putting in his
Page 16 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
dry lines for the reclaimed water and obviously they will
provide a source to help provide a supply of reclaimed
water.
Councilman Vincenzi questioned their sewer going to the
County. Interim City Manager Williams commented on plans
in place to do some upgrades to the County’s plant to use
that as a resource.
Councilman Vincenzi asked right now, what they do with
their reclaimed water is they just spray it out over old
Orange Groves. Interim City Manager Williams informed him
that was correct.
Councilman Vincenzi then asked if there are plans to build
a reclaimed facility there. Interim City Manager Williams
informed him that was correct.
Councilman Vincenzi said to Mr. Evans so they are piping
for it. Mr. Evans stated they are piping for it and they
are using their own ponds to recycle it in the beginning if
they don’t have the reuse water hooked up. They are being
required to put it in to hook up when it is available.
Councilman Vincenzi asked if it says anywhere they are
entitled to hook up. He doesn’t mind them hooking up and
doesn’t mind new customers as long as the system can
service the customers it has.
Interim City Manager Williams stated it specifies in the
agreement that they are required to put the lines in and
then obviously as the resource becomes available down there
then the requirement is there for them to hook up.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
The following citizen spoke:
Dave Ross
, 2803 Needle Palm Drive, stated he didn’t care
what WAV is doing. If this City and this County don’t get
on the road right now for desalination, we are going to be
missing the boat. They aren’t going to stop another
100,000,000 people from coming into Florida. The only way
they can keep the water supply is desalination.
Mr. Ross informed Mayor Thomas he appreciated his concerns
about St. Augustine grass and he agreed with him 100%. The
Page 17 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
responsibility starts there, not here. Where is the Land
Development Code addressing these issues? That is in the
Council’s hands, not Mr. Evans.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated if you are pumping this out
faster than it can go in, which is what is going to happen,
then you have no more rivers or oceans. That is not the
end of the story. Councilwoman Lichter stated there is
only a certain amount you can take out.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve the preliminary plat
for an 86-unit single-family residential subdivision
located west of US 1 and north of Clinton Cemetery Road,
second by Councilman Vincenzi
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
B. Public Hearing, Michael Evans, agent for
Worthington Creek Investment, LLC, requesting
preliminary plat approval for a 436-unit single-
family residential subdivision located east of
US1 and northeast of William Street
Interim City Manager Williams made a staff presentation and
went over the PUD Agreement.
Mayor Thomas asked Mike Evans to approach the podium.
Mike Evans
, 1682 W. Hibiscus Boulevard, Melbourne, stated
he would be happy to answer any questions.
Councilman Vincenzi stated even though this isn’t what he
feels is an ideal set up for a development he feels it is
moving in the right direction. He feels the variety of
lots, even though he feels there are too many fifty-five
foot lots, is moving the way he would like to see
development go. This is the property with the drainage
issues they talked about six or eight months ago. He
remembered when Mr. Evans was talking to the residents
around there he did a great job of addressing their issues.
He commended him for that.
Councilwoman Rhodes agreed with Councilman Vincenzi. She
would not use the “m” word ever because she feels as a City
they don’t need to leave it up to the County as to how the
Page 18 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
land around us is going to be developed. Annexing it and
doing the best job they can to see they can provide the
services and limit the explosion, she feels is the best way
to go. She isn’t against development. She likes the
concept of this project but she didn’t like the thought of
436 families moving in as much. She felt it was a good
use so she didn’t have a problem with it.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if they have resolved to the
satisfaction of the neighbors on the south their concerns
about the water going onto their property. Mr. Evans
confirmed they had and informed her they have had a couple
of meetings with them. A lady at the P & Z meeting spoke
that they had met with them and had resolved their issues.
They are going to build up their side of the canal and
clean out the canal which will stop some of the water from
going in there. They could not and are not putting any
more water out than is going off that property right now.
Councilwoman Lichter then asked the proximity of this
project to what might be a new Fire Station down there.
Interim City Manager Williams informed her a mile or mile
and a half to the south. Councilwoman Lichter asked about
it being serviced by that. Interim City Manager Williams
informed her it could. Councilwoman Lichter spoke of this
depending on City fire services. She mentioned this being
in District 4 and it sounding like we will need a District
5 soon.
Mayor Thomas commended Mr. Evans for working with the
citizens and the County residents about the problem they
have stated about their drainage in Oak leaf and this one.
He has gone above and beyond the call of duty. He
appreciated that. He didn’t think this fits in with their
goal of 30% with fifty-five foot lots into a variety of
lots. This is 55% but the way Mr. Evans explained it to
him is there is a railroad track running behind it and who
wants to build a big beautiful home behind a railroad
track.
Mayor Thomas asked City Clerk Wadsworth to go back to the
aerial. He knows they can’t use the natural vegetation on
this because there is none. The only vegetation he knows
that exists is along the canals that run through there. He
asked Mr. Evans if they are going to try and preserve that.
Mr. Evans informed him they were.
Page 19 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
The following citizen spoke:
Mike Visconti
, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, asked how many
entrances and exits there are with this project. Mr. Evans
informed him there is are two, one entrance/exit and one
exit only.
Mr. Visconti stated for safety’s sake he was just
wondering. He has made a comment before that he would like
to see some smaller lots. He feels the bigger the lots,
the less houses and the less people and more vegetation and
more green.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the preliminary plat
for a 436-unit single-family residential subdivision
located east of US1 and northeast of William Street, second
by Councilman Vincenzi
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
C. Public Hearing, River Colony Inc. requesting
preliminary plat approval for a 15-unit single-
family/townhouse residential subdivision located
north of Jones Fish Camp Road and west of the
Indian River
Mayor Thomas asked Barney Dillard to approach the podium.
Interim City Manager Williams made a staff presentation.
He went over some of the highlights of the PUD agreement.
Mayor Thomas stated they talked about the fifty-foot and it
is going to be just two-story but that is the
architectural.
Barney Dillard
, 3515 U.S. 1, Edgewater, explained the
layout of the townhouses. He further commented on the
landscaping he is planning to do. Mayor Thomas stated he
was excited about this project.
Councilwoman Lichter asked Mr. Dillard if he had any
pictures of what these homes were going to look like. Mr.
Dillard informed her on the RPUD the plat that they showed
on RPUD, they showed the neighborhood development concept
Page 20 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
and the cracker style houses for the single family and then
the old Florida style townhouses.
Due to there being no comments, Mayor Thomas opened and
closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the preliminary plat
for a 15-unit single-family/townhouse residential
subdivision located north of Jones Fish Camp Road and west
of the Indian River, second by Councilwoman Rhodes
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
nd
D.2 Reading, Ord. No. 2006-O-04, James Morris,
agent for Charles and Phyllis Barry, requesting
an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Future
Land Use Map to include 5.04+ acres of land
located south of SR 442 and west of Old Mission
Road as Commercial with Conservation Overlay,
cont. from 5/1/06, Item 6A to be continued to
7/10/06, awaiting comments from Volusia Growth
Management Commission (VGMC)
nd
E.2 Reading, Ord. No. 2006-O-08, Anthony and
Melissa Lancellotta requesting an amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map to
include .9+ acres of property located at 2923 Oak
Trail as Low Density Transitional with
Conservation Overlay, cont. from 5/1/06, Item 6C
to be continued to 7/10/06, awaiting comments
from VGMC
nd
F.2 Reading, Ord. No. 2006-O-09, Anthony and
Melissa Lancellotta requesting an amendment to
the Official Zoning Map to include .9+ acres of
property located at 2923 Oak Trail as RT (Rural
Transitional), cont. from 5/1/06, Item 6D to be
continued to 7/10/06, awaiting comments from VGMC
Mayor Thomas stated it looked like they were going to
supercede Items D, E, & F.
st
G.1 Reading, Ord. No. 2006-O-18, Reflections
Community Development, LLC requesting an
amendment to the Official Zoning Map to include
877.50+ acres of land located at the southwest
corner of SR 442 and I-95 as RPUD (Residential
Page 21 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Planned Unit Development) and approval of
associated RPUD Agreement
City Attorney Palmer read Ord. 2006-O-18 into the record.
Interim City Manager Williams made a staff presentation.
He then went over the significant points of the RPUD
agreement.
Councilman Vincenzi asked City Clerk Wadsworth to put up
the colored photo again. He asked if the circles at the
top were wellfields and how they are protected. Mayor
Thomas stated he thought with the 500-foot buffer. Mr.
Lear stated it is to be amended in the Code to be 500 but
it is 200 at this point. He then commented on the primary
wellfield protection zone that is required in the City’s
Land Development Code.
Mayor Thomas asked how close they could build to this. Mr.
Lear explained they could build within there as long as you
aren’t seeping any noxious chemicals into the ground.
Councilman Vincenzi confirmed the red area was commercial
and the yellow was single-family residential. He then
questioned houses being built on top of the second
wellfield.
Ken Mitchell, Mercedes Homes, explained if they look at the
planning they have got under way already he believed
virtually all of that area has detention ponds over the
wellfield areas. Scott Sterns explained the single-family
portion of the wellfield is yellow. This portion has no
development currently planned adjacent to that and the
commercial portion has lines on adjacent on top of that
area which will protect the wellfield. Councilman Vincenzi
confirmed even though it is marked yellow and red for
certain types of development there isn’t going to be any
building in that lined area. Mr. Mitchell informed him
that was correct.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated in the yellow but on the
commercial there is going to be commercial built. The
Reflections representative asked if they have the detention
pond in that area as well.
Scott Sterns, 520 S Magnolia, Orlando, Florida, Boyer
Singleton Engineers, explained currently there is at the
Page 22 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
main project entrance adjacent to the red area, in the
wellfields there is a retention pond and the main signage
for the project and that pond will be a feature pond, which
will be a lined pond which will have a fountain or
something like that in it. It is an amenity pond and it
will be a lined pond so that it does not allow the water in
the pond to seep into the groundwater. It actually bleeds
it out downstream.
Councilwoman Lichter questioned if this really works. She
knows conditions with fountains and they are supposed to be
lined underneath and still you lose water. Mr. Sterns
explained it is a lined pond. Just like any other kind of
rainfall you would have, it if hits the side banks it may
percolate into the ground. Everything they are proposing
to do is meeting the requirements of the Land Development
Code. They are going to meet all of the Federal guidelines
that are in the development agreement and the City’s Land
Development Code.
Councilman Vincenzi expressed concern with the map that was
just provided there isn’t going to be anything built.
There is going to be a retention pond right next to the
second entrance. Even though that is marked commercial, it
is really going to be a retention area. Mr. Sterns
explained this plan does not show any of the internal
retention ponds on it so that is inside the development
areas. Councilman Vincenzi was concerned with the
commercial and residential areas running off and people
using chemicals on their lawns. Mr. Sterns thought this
was something that could be discussed at the site plan
approval process. That is a conceptual plan and their
intent. When they have a commercial user that is going to
come in and potentially use that site that is something
that will be contemplated at that time.
Councilman Vincenzi asked if the City has adequate rules
and regulations in place to protect this.
Mr. Lear stated they are well aware. Terry Wadsworth is
looking into it as well. It is very conceptual at this
point. Once the rubber hits the road, they will be looking
more into wellfield protection. Councilman Vincenzi stated
that is a major concern for him.
Councilman Vincenzi asked about the multi-family
residential Village 9 & 10 and what types of structures are
Page 23 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
going to go there. A Reflections representative explained
their typical multi-family structure at present ranges from
approximately 22 feet wide to 30 feet wide. It’s a fee
simple ownership. The lot lines go down to the center of
the individual units. Typically anywhere from between a
minimum of three to a maximum of eight, generally about
four to six units per building, for sale to the general
public. In their current environment, that is a starter
home for a lot of families.
Ken Mitchell, President, Corporate Land Division, Mercedes
Homes, presented a history of Mercedes Homes.
Mr. Mitchell then commented on the water issue with regard
to some thoughts he offered and some of the things that
could be incorporated into this community. They started
several years ago controlling the irrigation, particularly
in their multi-family town homes communities. They have a
master irrigation system with remote valves that they
control as the homeowners association. One of the big
problems in Florida is over watering. He commented on the
St. John’s Water Management District regulations. He spoke
of nobody in Brevard County under the two days a week
control plan ever receiving a citation. They control that
by controlling all the irrigation to all of their higher
density units and to their smaller residential lots. They
put in the common irrigation system and control the valves.
They have a master panel that has anywhere between 100 to
300 individual controls so when they set the community to
water two days a week you can only water two days a week.
The homeowner cannot take responsibility and override the
system. They feel this is very important from a water
conservation standpoint. The other thing they have started
doing is to put natural vegetation around their detention
and retention ponds. He commented on a community in
Melbourne called Montecito that has natural grasses around
the lakes. They don’t allow exotic plants in their
subdivisions and they encourage and approve in their
approved plant list only native vegetation. They started
making this transition about two to three years ago.
Mr. Mitchell stated they were here tonight because they
wanted to be an active part of Edgewater’s future growth
and they want to set an example for a master plan community
development west of I-95. They have been working very hard
with City staff for more than six months to generate a
community that offers a great lifestyle for a very wide
Page 24 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
variety of Edgewater residents. Their plan received
unanimous approval and support of the Planning & Zoning
Board several weeks ago. They offer extensive parks and
open space and several different types of housing. The
commercial land at the corner of I-95 and Indian River
Blvd. represents a unique opportunity to take advantage of
a regional retail demand and the associated revenue. They
are new to the area. He feels their housing operations
will stimulate the local economy, provide new jobs and
increase revenue from the purchase of housing related
products. They will have affordable housing products for
teachers and other public sector employees. They are
matching the needs of the community by offering a site for
a fire station and a school. They have listened to the
needs of the adjoining property owners and they have
modified their access to the south for the benefit of the
Miami Corp and the Ford family. At the joint City Council
and Planning and Zoning Board work session, they share
their vision for the community and they are ready to make
that vision a reality. They asked the Council to support
their hard work and vote for the approval of Reflections as
Edgewater’s newest signature community.
Councilman Vincenzi asked what they plan on having in the
commercial area. Mr. Mitchell informed him it is very
early in the planning for that particular area. Obviously
commercial demand follows residential growth and
residential activity. He mentioned there being nothing on
the west side of Indian River Boulevard. He feels it will
occur in phases. He is a proponent of a village concept.
At this point it is difficult to assess. Today probably
the only heavy demand for this site would be a gas station
and he feels it would be a mistake to just jump in and
throw a gas station at the entrance of their community.
Councilman Vincenzi agreed.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested they think grocery store so
all of the people don’t have to come to downtown Edgewater
to buy groceries. Mr. Mitchell pointed out an area that is
designed to be a Publix or Winn Dixie type grocery store.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated the more self sufficient this
community is, the less impact it will have on the rest of
the community. Mr. Mitchell stated this community center
in this case would service primarily the needs of their
residence.
Page 25 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Councilwoman Rhodes asked who sets up their irrigation
systems. Mr. Mitchell informed her the homeowners
association. Councilwoman Rhodes then asked if somebody in
the homeowners association would be able to over ride it.
Mr. Mitchell informed her yes but their homeowners
association management company who operates the system
isn’t going to want to violate St. Johns standards.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated twenty years down the road if
this is left to degrade and fall apart then you don’t have
an irrigation system. Mr. Mitchell stated the good thing
about this system is that the valves are all controlled
from a master box. Councilwoman Rhodes asked if it is
going to be the homeowners association to maintain the
system. Mr. Mitchell stated the way they would set up
their guidelines would be a homeowners’ association
responsibility. It could not be something that they
abridge their responsibility. Councilwoman Rhodes
mentioned instances in the City where things like that were
put in place and left to forget about and nobody knows
about them. Mr. Mitchell commented on documents being
created today for homeowners associations being much more
rigid and much for difficult for someone to ignore that
responsibility.
Councilwoman Rhodes commented on Interim City Manager
Williams comment about decreasing some of the multi-family
and replacing it with a like number of single-family
dwellings. She asked how this impacts the green space and
if they have to take away from the green space. Mr. Sterns
explained they would be trading a larger number of multi-
family for a smaller number of single family. They could
not alter the amount of park space because that is in the
PUD. Councilwoman Rhodes wants to make sure this is
something the lawyers pay attention to. She doesn’t want
there to be any misunderstanding.
Councilwoman Rhodes felt the fire station but asked about a
shelter also. Because then we are on the other side of I-
95 and we are where we can have a shelter. Interim City
Manager Williams stated they would look at incorporating
that design into the fire station as well. Councilman
Vincenzi mentioned the school. Interim City Manager
Williams stated the school would probably qualify as an
impact resistant shelter being that far out. Councilwoman
Rhodes stated for the school, the land is conveyed to the
City and the City conveys it to the County and if the
County doesn’t use, the developers get it back.
Page 26 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Councilwoman Rhodes wants the City to have it if the County
doesn’t use it. Mr. Sterns asked what they are going to do
with it. Interim City Manager Williams stated he thought
they could. She asked Mr. Mitchell how they felt about it.
Mr. Mitchell stated if they use it as a park and give him
credit on his park fees, he would be happy to do that.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated we might use it for a City Hall
or a shelter. They don’t know what in the future they are
going to need. If it is going to go for public use and the
County does not want to use it for public use, the City
needs to have it for public use. Mr. Mitchell commented on
his conversations with the School District. He pointed out
where the school site would be because they have some
upland that would be available for the school. This would
make a good park area.
Interim City Manager Williams stated between now and the
second reading that is something they could discuss. Mr.
Mitchell stated he was totally unprepared for it because
they have never talked about before. He believed if he
dedicated land for the school site he knew the CDB would
participate. He didn’t know if they would do that for the
City. Councilwoman Rhodes suggested they talk about it and
maybe they could do something if that was going to be a
park at that time that could help the developers out. If
it is going to go for public use anyway, she wants to see
it go for public use regardless of whether it is County
public or City public.
Councilwoman Lichter commented on always wanting this spot
to be the new City Hall because of the river. She
commented on the School Board purchasing the old horse farm
for the middle school. She feels this location is more
central to the City and a gorgeous spot. She was thinking
about some kind of trading. Maybe out there might be a
good spot for the middle school. She would like to talk
about that possible type of swipe. Interim City Manager
Williams explained they have approached the School Board
with some of those ideas as well.
Councilwoman Lichter asked Mayor Thomas if he said on this
property some place there are bears. Kenny Clinton gave
her eight pictures of a bear that she thought were behind
this property. Mayor Thomas confirmed it was.
Councilwoman Lichter asked what they are thinking about
that interaction due to bears being important to the
Page 27 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
environment around here. She asked if they have made any
plans for that type of thing.
Mr. Mitchell stated they have thought about a lot of things
but not bears.
Mayor Thomas stated he leases the 52000 acres that is
adjacent to this 800 and they have between thirty-five and
fifty bears and they roam all over. This is not bear
habitat what they are talking about. It is not unusual for
one to roam up there and they are going to have to take
precautions on how to tie down their garbage cans but they
aren’t going to hurt anything. Mr. Mitchell stated all of
their deed restrictions do not allow you to put out your
garbage other than the day it is being picked up. It
wasn’t written for bears. It was written for raccoons and
other wildlife but it will certainly work for bears as
wells.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she talked to the developer
north of them and they are planning to do something about
bear crossings. She felt they should think about the bears
due to them being very unique around here.
Mayor Thomas felt Councilman Vincenzi had a very good point
about the wellfields. He feels they need to make
arrangements to have those protected. When they put them
next to the road, they are subject to sabotage. He feels
they need to go to extremes to protect those. He met with
the Snowden people the other day and since our wellfields
are here they are going to have to construct the four-lane
road mostly on their property. He hoped he spoke for the
developers saying they would help them or get together with
them. Mr. Mitchell confirmed they have already met with
them.
Mayor Thomas asked if they are still going to leave a
buffer on I-95 where the people going down I-95 will not
see the back of the houses. Mr. Mitchell informed him they
were.
Mayor Thomas pointed out an area that is an extreme cypress
farm. That is really good for your property because it can
help drain and that goes into the Crane Swamp drainage
system and he didn’t think that could ever be developed.
He thinks it is a very good project. He is incorporating
Smart Growth. He is going along with the City plans
Page 28 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
regarding the size of the lots, which he feels they need a
variety and he is also doing commercial. He asked if other
City residents would be able to visit those stores. Mr.
Mitchell informed him absolutely. In fact, they are
counting on it. He patrolled this property before the
wellfields were initiated and our wellfields have really
hydrated that soil and has left most of it high and dry to
be buildable. He spoke of setting up wellfields on the
other side of I-95 for Plan B.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
The following citizens spoke:
Mike Visconti, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, stated in his
estimation this is one of the best concepts that has come
along in a long time. It reminds him when he first went to
the Villages. It reminds him of a city within a city and
it is in a good spot and he feels the name Reflections is
going to reflect on Edgewater of what we do. He is very
enthused about it and feels it is a good concept. He feels
this one should be passed.
David Ross, 2803 Needle Palm Drive, stated he has
absolutely no objections of this development. He feels
there are a couple of things they need to be aware of.
There was a density of 1.5 or whatever per acre. That is
not part of the RPUD because the developer has said he has
intentions of developing additional property on this 877
acres. He thinks it is a little bit misleading to say this
is a 1.5 development. If it is then write it in the RPUD
and that will close it down for future development but that
isn’t the developer’s intention.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated it is in the RPUD because she
remembered reading it. Mr. Ross questioned if at the P & Z
meeting there was conversation that he intended to develop
some additional property on the 877 acres later on. Mr.
Lear informed him he would have to amend the agreement.
Mr. Ross stated there would be a request to amend the
agreement. So the 1.5 is temporary.
Mr. Ross stated the P & Z gave it unanimous approval
however in that approval was a condition that the developer
negotiate in good faith prior to tonight with the City for
five acres of land for a City Hall. He hasn’t heard the
talk about the status on that.
Page 29 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Councilwoman Rhodes stated they went with a fire station
instead. Mr. Ross stated no ma’am, City Hall. It is in
the minutes of the meeting. Councilwoman Rhodes stated she
knows that is what P & Z recommended but that doesn’t mean
that is what they have to do. Interim City Manager
Williams stated negotiations are ongoing and they hope to
have some solidified before the second reading.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if they are still planning that
and she knows they want to see it from the highway but they
said that this was higher than normal. Interim City
Manager Williams stated his understanding is they are still
planning for that. Councilwoman Rhodes stated it is in the
PUD and it is sixty feet.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested they put the City of
Edgewater welcomes you to Reflections. Mr. Mitchell stated
they would be glad to put the City’s logo on it. The
reason behind the height is because they have an overpass
there and you really couldn’t see any entry monument at all
if you didn’t give it some height above the bridge
elevation. He said it is very important to go that high
and it is going to be a very expensive monument but it’s a
very good solution.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she would like to see somewhere
on that sign it says City of Edgewater. She asked Mr.
Mitchell to consider that. This is going to put our little
sign to shame.
Mr. Mitchell agreed to bring some illustrations to the
second reading to show the Council some ideas. He hadn’t
prepared to do it but he didn’t have a big objection to it.
He thinks there is a way they could do that and it could be
quite nice.
Mayor Thomas asked Interim City Manager Williams what notes
he had taken that they are going to negotiate. He listed
the items he would be looking into.
City Attorney Palmer suggested the negotiations also
include a provision that the declaration or homeowner’s
docs provide for the maintenance of the irrigation system.
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Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve Ord. 2006-O-18,
Reflections Community Development, LLC requesting an
amendment to the Official Zoning Map to include 877.50+
acres of land located at the southwest corner of SR 442 and
I-95 as RPUD (Residential Planned Unit Development) and
approval of associated RPUD Agreement, second by
Councilwoman Rhodes
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
Mayor Thomas stated he was instructed by City Clerk
Wadsworth to go back to Items 6D, 6E and 6F. He read the
titles of these ordinances at this time.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to continue Items 6D, 6E & 6F
until July 10, 2006, second by Councilman Vincenzi
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
7. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A.Police Pension Board – affirming Police
Department’s election of Dan Blazi to serve
another 2-year term
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to affirm Sergeant Dan Blazi as
one of the police officer representatives on the Police
Pension Board, second by Councilwoman Lichter.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items on the Consent Agenda to be discussed
at this time.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
A.Interlocal Agreement – staff recommending
approval of the Second Amendment to the
Interlocal Agreement establishing the East
Volusia Local Government Fire-Rescue and
Emergency Medical Services Automatic Aid and
Closest Unit Response System to include the Town
of Ponce Inlet and those eligible stations of
Volusia County Fire Services and authorize the
Mayor to execute the amendment
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Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Mayor Thomas informed Council they were including Ponce
Inlet into the agreement.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve the Second Amendment
to the Interlocal Agreement establishing the East Volusia
Local Government Fire-Rescue and Emergency Medical Services
Automatic Aid and Closest Unit Response System to include
the Town of Ponce Inlet and those eligible stations of
Volusia County Fire Services and authorize the Mayor to
execute the amendment, second by Councilman Vincenzi
.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-0
.
10. OFFICER REPORTS
A. City Clerk Wadsworth had nothing at this time.
B. City Attorney Palmer had nothing at this time.
C. City Manager
Interim City Manager Williams informed Council they each
received consensus points from the Planning & Zoning Board
outlining all of their comments with proposed changes to
the Land Development Code. They are requesting an
additional month to review the comments, which will allow
Council to review them and provide feedback as well with
the final recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Board
coming back for the first reading in August.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if the tree ordinance is in
there. Interim City Manager Williams informed her they are
bringing that forward with all the proposed changes in the
Land Development Code.
Interim City Manager Williams commented on the change to
the revised budget schedule. They will be providing the
thth
preliminary budget on June 14 for the June 26 Council
work session.
Interim City Manager Williams informed Council what they
plan to do for the first meeting of every month is to bring
to Council their projected fund balance or projected
position as of a specific point in time. He went over the
period ending April 2006.
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Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006
Councilwoman Rhodes asked Interim City Manager Williams to
hand out copies of this from now on. Interim City Manager
Williams agreed to do this.
11. CITIZEN COMMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
There were no Citizen Comments/Correspondence at this time.
A. Tentative Agenda Items
There were no Tentative Agenda Items to be discussed at
this time.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Councilwoman
Rhodes moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:32
p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Bloomer
Page 33 of 33
Council Regular Meeting
June 5, 2006