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04-11-2005 - Special D,t Special Meeting with City of EdgQter Re: Discussion of the City of Edgewater's annexation of an approximately 5, 600 acre site north of SR 442 and east and west of 1-95 (Snowden Property). April 11, 2005 MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m. at Edgewater Community Center, 102 North Riverside Drive, Edgewater, Florida. The following Council Members from the County of Volusia were present: County Chair Frank T. Bruno, Jr. Vice Chair Joie Alexander Council Member Jack Hayman Council Member Bill Long Council Member Art Giles Council Member Carl Persis Council Member Dwight D. Lewis was absent. Also present from the County of Vol usia were: Cindy Coto, County Manager Daniel D. Eckert, County Attorney Montye Beamer, Director of Growth and Resource Management Christine French, Recording Secretary The following City of Edgewater Council members were present: Donald A. Schmidt, Mayor Judith R. Lichter, Vice-Mayor CounciIMemberHa~~E.Rhoades Council Member James P. Brown Council Member Dennis A. Vincenzi was excused. Also present from the City of Edgewater were: Kenneth Hooper, City Manager Paul Rosenthal, City Attorney Susan Wadsworth, City Clerk Lisa Bloomer, Recording Secretary Public Notice was advertised. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schmidt. Mayor Schmidt welcomed all of the County Council members and thanked them for taking the time to meet with them on this annexation. This meeting will benefit all involved. The meeting has been called with everyone's best interests in mind. Vice Chair Alexander stated how pleased the Council was to be there. These are the best practices to follow, by meeting and coming to an agreement prior to having to settle u Q the issue in court. She thanked the City for giving the Council members the opportunity to come and offer their input on this issue. Mr. Hooper reviewed the property area that would be annexed, approximately 5.600 acres located south of New Smyrna Beach and west of Edgewater. He spoke about some of the concerns the City has, including the possibility of wetlands within the property, as well as the frontage road and density patterns in this area. Also a concern of the City is the possibility that if this land is not annexed within Edgewater, it will be annexed into New Smyrna Beach. The land has been owned by the same family for a number of years and at one time was part of New Smyrna Beach. There are five commitments that the City of Edgewater is willing to make to the County during this process: (1) the land will be entitled through the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) process; (2) the Smart Growth Implementation Committee's recommendation will be utilized in developing the property; (3) roadway improvements (Williamson Boulevard and Airport Road) will be the responsibility of the developer; (4) the City will contract with County's environmental staff for review and permitting related to wetlands/wildlife; and (5) based on a preliminary Environmental Assessment, up to 45% of the property is wetlands and shall be preserved through conservation easements (SJRWMD, County, City). The City/County Goal is to develop a Joint Planning Area (JPA) Agreement, which will be beneficial to both the City and County. Mr. Hooper also included an article pertaining to how Orange County handled a situation similar to this that could be of some benefit to the planning process during the annexation and future matters. He advised that the developers of the project would speak for about 10 to 15 minutes about the project and what they have done and will be doing. He then opened the floor to the County Council. County Council Member Long asked Mr. Hooper a question regarding enclaves and referred to an area on the map. Mr. Hooper explained that the area was not an enclave. Enclaves are created by the same city, whereas in this case, it is two separate cities. Mr. Hooper advised the area on the map is actually a DOT borrow pit. His staff is currently checking into it. He explained there is another pit that will be included into the annexation. Mayor Schmidt welcomes County Chair Bruno, who had been delayed by a Public Service Commission meeting, to the meeting with the City. Ms. Coto thanked the City of Edgewater again for its willingness to work with the County on this annexation and said she hopes this will set a trend for further annexations within the County. The Council has had a couple of meetings regarding this issue, and Council has been provided with a copy of the work done by Matt Cope from Insight Development Designs. This information also was given to Mr. Hooper. The County is using this as a template for addressing the issues and concerns. The Planning Agreement is something they have identified as a potential resolution on how to address this issue. Ms. Coto is under the understanding that the second reading for this annexation is May 2nd. Ms. Coto's recommendation is that they postpone the 2nd reading until after the April 21st Council Meeting as all of the Council Members are not present. This would give them Page 2 u o time to review the annexation at the next Council Meeting and take an official position on it. Ms. Coto also feels that we should have some indication that all issues and concerns that have been stressed during the planning have been addressed and also are there other things that can be done to address the issue. County Chair Bruno thanked the City of Edgewater for agreeing to meet with Council this evening. He noted that on the Agenda, it states that this is a Joint Meeting with the Council. However, it states in a memo that this is a Joint Workshop. He had envisioned this being a workshop and feels that there should be a consensus rather than a motion made this evening. This could be brought back to the County Council for specific action. He thanked them again as this is what he envisioned happening at the beginning of the year working with the cities on the best way to plan for annexations, and land use issues in the County and City. City of Edgewater Council Member Brown had concerns about roadway improvements on Williamson Boulevard. He questioned how to go north from one section of the property to another and who would build the connecting road. Mr. Hooper stated there is currently a study being done regarding Williamson Boulevard. At this time, no determination has been made as to who will be building the road. This has been identified as an issue with the builders and the cost will be born by the developer. City of Edgewater Council Member Lichter stated there was a meeting regarding Williamson Boulevard. She left with the opinion that along the main street, there would be some businesses that would help pick up the cost for the road construction. Also that the road would not just be part of Edgewater but would expand out further. Mayor Schmidt introduced the representatives for the developers. They included: Gifford Anglin from Daily Design Group for Greatland, LLC; Breedlove, Dennis and Assoc.; Fishkind and Traffic Plan Designs. Also present are Jim Morris and Mike Dennis. Gifford Anglin gave a short presentation on the Snowden property, currently owned by Vincent and Pamela Snowden. At one time the property was actually 6,705 acres, but 1,095 acres were annexed into New Smyrna Beach. The total area for annexation into Edgewater is 5,610 acres. Regional impacts will be reviewed for this development in the future and issues with Highway 442. They will look at the need for sewer, water, waste, fire and police. They will evaluate the readily available information they have now. They have spoken with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the location of hydric wells. As for the 1 DO-year flood plan, there is no flood elevation that far south, but they will get a plan prior to starting the development. Mr. Anglin opened the floor to Breedlove, Dennis and Assoc. for further economic impact information. Mike Dennis from Dennis, Breedlow and Assoc. thanked everyone for being there. The beginning environmental analysis normal protocols will not apply because of the size of the property. They will identify the wetlands by using the St. Johns Water Management District analysis. At this time they are unsure of where they are located, as these studies have not been started. They will establish where these are located when they go through the DRI process. They have checked into endangered species and currently there is one eagle's nest on the property and they will factor in the necessary protection for its habitat. There also are gopher tortoises and wading birds, but at this time no species Page 3 u o have been found that would put an end to construction permanently. There is plenty of wild game on the property. The family has allowed it to be a hunting preserve for turkey and deer for 35 years. Existing site conditions include timberland; various aged stands of pine, some recently planted, others many years older. At this point, they know that they will need a series of roads with transecting lines due to the size of the property. There will be extensive permitting needed for this development. Right now they are beginning the process with DRI procedures. The wetlands run in a north/south direction and the headwaters of the Spruce Creek River also are on the property. The opportunity to do something meaningful in this development is present. They will be looking at these opportunities to determine the extent of what can be done and how to incorporate these natural features into the overall design. Currently, they are gathering data and also beginning fieldwork. They welcome input from the County's GIS office. Next, they would like to take the data to understand the best use of the land. This also will help them to determine the site planning. The land development will require mass permits. In order to determine the more sensitive areas they will be using the same approach. They want to develop the best possible balanced plan for the land use and natural areas on the site. County Chair Bruno would like to know more about the developments regional impact, what the land to the north is like and if development would affect it. Mr. Dennis answered that the land is similar to what is on this site. Mr. Anglin stated that just to the north is a landmark project where the property is part of an approved amendment hearing in New Smyrna Beach. North of S.R. 44, the Venetian Bay project has already been approved. The rest of the area is mostly wetlands. Paskell Ranch and Venetian Bay developers also took into account adequate access needed. Mr. Anglin noted the following agreements the developers are willing to make to the County for permission to start this project. 1. They will check into other developments, The Villages (Lady Lake, FL), Baldwin Park, and Venetian Bay (New Smyrna Beach), to see what approach they took in their planning and what they have done for further ideas with this site. 2. They are planning large lots, border acre lots, and golf course lots. 3. Current pricing for each house unit will be between $180,000.00- $350,000.00. 4. They will identify residential upland areas. 5. They will plan for essential needs with a Town Center, which will include a community center offering golf and fitness, a community commercial court area with shops and a municipal complex. 6. They plan to show how they will minimize the need for automobiles by the use of walkways and golf ways. 7. They will finalize the plans after the residential analysis and environmental analysis are complete and show them to the City and County. 8. They will file for consumptive water analysis with SJRWMD and see about getting water supply increased through pump sites. 9. 3mgd additional capacity with capacity improvements, service agreements. Impact fees based on development. 10. They will work on setting up agreements with New Smyrna Beach regarding some emergency services that may be needed. Page 4 (.) o 11. They will get plans for other developments (Villages of Hammock Creek) that are similar to the one they want to create here for ideas on how to create a workable development. 12. They will identify and sustain green infrastructure with parks and wetlands. 13. The community itself will be based around a goal of preserving the natural environment as much as possible and blending it with the development needs. Mayor Schmidt wanted everyone to get a better feel for the growth potential and what the thoughts were on growth. He asked Mr. Hooper to give an overview of this. Mr. Hooper advised they are seeing more growth everyday in surrounding areas. Right now they are thinking of 1900 units with a 300-acre buffer to the south to be annexed off U.S. 1. They would like to expand the sewer plant to the south. In relation to growth, a property that was purchased by Edgewater from the County previously now has condos being built on it that are selling for $450,000.00 each. They are seeing a lot of industrial growth to the north of this area. Edgewater is looking long term and wants this area to remain residential. Mayor Schmidt opens the discussion to others. Vice-Mayor Lichter, a senior member of the City Council, met Mike Dennis at WA V meetings previously. She felt that involving the SJRWMD inspires a good level of confidence in the analysis they are doing on the property. She questioned whether New Smyrna Beach in its development also went to the SJRWMD regarding the wetlands on the property. Mr. Dennis advised that that they had to involve them because of the permits required. Vice-Mayor Lichter remarked on a previous golf course development that had been turned down because of the wetland areas. She wanted to know how many golf courses would be in this development. Mr. Anglin stated the number of golf courses would be dependant upon final growth plans and the final size of the development. Mike Dennis has had extensive experience with this particular issue. Vice-Mayor Lichter wanted to know, relating to New Smyrna Beach, what would combine the boundary. Mr. Hooper referred to an old interlocal agreement with New Smyrna Beach, noted there is a canal to the west. They are working with New Smyrna Beach to come up with utility boundaries and response issues with emergency services. County Council Member Long was interested in whether the development in New Smyrna Beach is operating under a DRI process. Mr. Hooper said that it is not part of a DRI process. County Chair Bruno understands the environmental aspects of Venetian Bay and wanted to know if this development will be similar. Page 5 C) o Mr. Hooper stated they would be very similar. County Chair Bruno wanted to know if there would be an upgrade in land use. Mr. Hooper stated that yes there would be. County Council Member Long wanted to know if they were speaking with New Smyrna Beach and the Snowden's regarding wildlife and wanted to make sure a wildlife corridor was under consideration. Mr. Hooper stated that they would coordinate something with the New Smyrna development if they agreed to it for a joint parcel. County Council Member Long stated that the one contiguous area for wildlife and the corridor areas discussed are all good concepts. He still has a question about the golf courses at this point. Also, he asked if one town center concept would be able to accommodate all the residents of this development. Mr. Anglin said there would be secondary areas built to accommodate the residents, not just one area. County Council Member Long questioned Mr. Anglin regarding how many people would determine the number of golf courses. Mr. Anglin referred to the fact that Fishkind did the villages also and there is additional property on the interchange available. County Council Member Long would like to see coordination for a contiguous environmental corridor with this development. Mr. Anglin stated that it should be possible. County Vice-Chair Alexander had concerns on whether this would be an active adult community with no children or schools. Mr. Anglin stated that this development would be mostly secondary housing with some primary dwellings. County Vice-Chair Alexander questioned whether they would have taxes due to the fact that there would be no schools in the area. Vice-Mayor Lichter stated that even in adult communities they pay taxes that relate to schools regardless of whether it's an adult community. County Vice-Chair Alexander wanted to know if they would have to pay school impact fees. Mr. Anglin stated that the school impact fees do not apply to adult communities. Page 6 u o County Vice-Chair Alexander wanted to know about watering issues due to the golf courses. Mr. Dennis stated that watering issues for golf courses requires extensive permitting through the SJRWMD. These issues are very sensitive and are very carefully treated. County Vice-Chair Alexander wanted to know about using groundwater. Mike Dennis stated they didn't know yet and that it was a possibility to use it for startup. Most golf courses have other watering methods. County Vice-Chair Alexander wanted to know what other methods. Mike Dennis stated storm water ponds. County Chair Bruno wanted to know if the possibility of a school site was being considered as they are talking about building 7500 units. Mr. Anglin stated that it is a possibility they can look into. County Council Member Hayman stated that this type of meeting is a good idea and he would like to know how the joint agreement would be crafted. He had concerns about this being only an adult community when he would rather it be an open community with children. He had questions regarding economic liability with respect to a unified development code. He feels that a combined effort from City staff and County staff to create the joint development agreement would be the best way to move forward and have the best of both sides. He also thought that this would produce changes to the area. As it is a unique area, it should have unique codes. Most JPAs have a time period before they can be amended. He felt it should be the same with this agreement. Also there are no urban growth boundaries. He feels that through the DRI process, all of these things can be achieved. County Chair Bruno asked if any other Council members had comments. No one did. Mr. Hooper stated that through the discussion and creation of the JPA the following need to be part of the agreement as outlined in Alison Yurko's article and Checklist: The City and County Attorneys will draft the joint agreement. It will show the future annexation area in its entirety. It will discuss utility territorial agreements. It will discuss the police and fire department infrastructure. It will discuss concurrency for determining school sites and whether needed. It will discuss revenue sharing. It will discuss restricted zoning and overlay zoning. It will discuss ordinances to use in the development. It will discuss land development codes. County Chair Bruno stated that the JPA with Ormond Beach was agreed to and they used Ormond's codes. He stated that Ormond's codes were more stringent than those of the County. Wanted to know how are Edgewater's codes. Page 7 Q o Mr. Hooper stated that they are stronger than the County's codes. County Council Member Hayman stated that they should compare the two and use the more restrictive of the two. Mr. Hooper stated that they would have the definitions for the future and that any future board would also go by this plan as well. County Council Member Long would like to see the JPA have rules regarding enclaves, provisions for litigation issues, grant issues, receive notice on land development agreements and noncompliance issues. He wants to make sure that County and City staff meet and come to an agreement. County Chair Bruno liked the checklist and so far it has all of the things he is looking for in a JPA. Mr. Hooper hopes that this can be used as a template for all annexations in the future. County Council Member Giles stated he felt all issues had been addressed and this meeting with the City of Edgewater was the first time a good JPA had been created. Everything had been discussed and he felt it was a step in the right direction for a smart growth initiative. He would like to see further movement before June. County Chair Bruno wanted to know the consensus from Council. Mayor Schmidt commented on the question of schools. He felt it is a hot topic when sales tax is presented to help with issue. He felt that the School Board should be notified. He has decided to meet with the School Board regarding the new development. He would like the Board to know what is happening and what the City and County are doing together. He hopes there will be a place for a school site that will be available to use. He feels that as this will probably be a blue-collar community, the School Board should be involved. County Chair Bruno stated that an open meeting like this is best and that they should see the checklist with the JPA agreement. County Council Member Hayman thinks that this is a good starting point for the annexation. Staff will refine it and have more items to add to the JPA. He applauds the effort put into this. Vol usia County has tried to push for growth in the past but growth through a desirable approach. This is the best attempt so far and he feels it is a marvelous step forward that he supports. County Council Member Persis liked the idea of these meetings and appreciated the invitation. It is a better approach than ending up in court. He wants the City of Edgewater to achieve its goal for growth. Special property could be made into parks in the development. He feels that the use of the DRI process is the best way to go. Between the City and County, they will be able to protect all interests concerned. County Council Member Long felt that the City has done an excellent job with this meeting. When the project begins it will be done the best way due to City and County cooperation and involvement. Page 8 u o County Council Member Giles stated this was the first time he had been to a meeting like this and thought it was great. The wildlife corridor, working with New Smyrna Beach for a JPA to open this up is very important. He would like to see this as a main issue on the JPA. County Vice-Chair Alexander stated that there is not much ever made without cooperation. She strongly supports children and wildlife concerns in the JPA. County Chair Bruno stated that with Ormond and Ponce Inlet Coastal Area meetings a great JPA evolved. He knows a DRI process takes time and would like to know how many years they are looking at now. Mr. Anglin stated the DRI process takes about a year, but does vary from project to project due to incorporated concerns. County Chair Bruno states that when working without a JPA, no date is set and then the project doesn't happen. Thinks everyone is in agreement between the City and County on how the JPA should be created. Mayor Schmidt felt that it is great to keep land pure and protect nature; with a JPA they know what will happen. City Council Member Brown said his concern is the protection of wildlife. He wants the JPA to protect the environment and wildlife as much as possible. City Council Member Rhodes agreed with everything that has been said. Vice-Mayor Lichter agrees and appreciates everything that was said. She felt that kids should be allowed and that the development should not be an adult only park. She feels that children are nice to have around. Mayor Schmidt stated that at this point close to the end of the fiscal year, they should be able to plan for a project that can and will work. Right now there are a lot of questions to be answered. For all of the questions that get answered there are 10 more. He looks forward to working with the County on this project. He would like to leave no unanswered questions. He would like this to be an example for other cities to follow. County Council Member Long stated he had a heartfelt appreciation for working with the City on the JPA. He is committed to a JPA and appreciates all the effort that is being put forth to make this a joint project regardless of the outcome. Mayor Schmidt feels that now there is a direction to move in, that we should not sit and wait, but get started as soon as possible. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm. Page 9 ; o o CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER WORKSHOP JOINT MEETING - VOLUSIA COUNTY COUNCIL - CITY OF EDGEWATER APRIL 11, 2005 5:00 P.M. COMMUNITY CENTER MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Schmidt called the Workshop to order at 5:20 p.m. in the Community Center. ROLL CALL - CITY OF EDGEWATER Mayor Donald Schmidt Councilman James Brown Councilman Dennis Vincenzi Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes Councilwoman Judith Lichter City Manager Kenneth Hooper City Clerk Susan Wadsworth City Attorney Paul Rosenthal Present Present Excused Present Present Present Present Present ROLL CALL - VOLUSIA COUNTY COUNCIL County Chair Frank Bruno County Vice Chair Joie Alexander County Council District 1 Dwight Lewis County Council District 2 Art Giles County Council District 3 Jack Hayman County Council District 4 Carl Persis County Council District 5 Bill Long County Manager Cynthia Coto County Attorney Daniel Eckert Arrived at 5:26 p.m. Present Absent Present Present Present Present Present Present Mayor Schmidt welcomed all of the County Councilmernbers. He feels this endeavor will benefit all parties. He spoke of having the residents and everyone's interest in mind and they want to do the best possible agreements they can do for all of them. County Vice Chair Alexander commented on how to have the opportunity to talk to the City. City for postponing the final hearing on the they had an opportunity to get together. delighted they were She thanked the annexation until Mayor Schmidt asked that everyone identify themselves before they speak for the ladies recording the meeting. u u Mayor Schmidt turned the meeting over to City Manager Hooper and County Manager Cynthia Coto. He disclosed he has met with County Manager Coto and Dan Robison and County Chair Frank Bruno. City Manager Hooper stated the property they are talking about is about 6,000 acres. This is a voluntary annexation. A portion of the ownership is already in New Smyrna Beach. He spoke of concerns with this being a major development close to an interchange with a road alignment that will have a frontage road, connecting, which is an enticement for any kind of high density or more density for development. The City's concern was that if it didn't come into Edgewater this would probably be a New Smyrna Beach project. He further commented on the parcels originally being owned by the same family. He spoke of a portion that went into New Smyrna Beach four or five years ago. The Snowden parcel is asking voluntarily to come into the City. They postponed the second reading to avoid any court issues. He referred to some commitments we have come to be able to tell the County and County staff what we will be able to do. The land will be entitlement. Any development right entitlements will come through a DRI process. He believes that gives the County more say in how that land use will be appropriately deemed for this parcel. He thinks some of the earlier concern was looking to see if it created enclaves, which it clearly does not. The other concern was that it was contiguous. The County's issue with Deltona is just a few hundred feet of contiguous border. With this, there is several thousand feet of contiguous border. The DRI process will have standing or give the County standing as this goes through the process of having the State review it. As an adjacent partner, the County will also be able to review it and have comments. They will also have appeal rights to the DCA that will enable the County to have quite a bit of appeal and input over how that would be done. He spoke of the Smart Growth Implementation Committee that is underway right now, which Mayor Schmidt serves on. When they come out with their final recommendations, the City will use those and the approval of the development of this property. He then commented on roadway improvements, Williamson Boulevard and Airport Road, being the responsibility of the developer. The County had concerns that it would become the responsibility of the County to put those roads in. He assured them it will not be the County's responsibility. The City will contract with the County Environmental Services Staff. Most of what is occurring in Edgewater through any kind of joint relationship with the County or even independent of the County has County staff reviewing and making comments on permits. He further explained the preliminary environmental assessment shows that up to 45% of this property is wet. Page -2- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 o u city Manager Hooper commented on the City/County Goal. When he spoke to the Chairman that was one of the issues he was looking to have implemented in place of an urban growth boundary as a joint planning area agreement with some real teeth in it. City Manager Hooper referred to an article that was put together by the League of Cities some years ago. This has been in front of the City of Ocoee and Orange County. He further commented on what happened. He spoke of this being a good tool for planning and growth in the City of Ocoee and Orange County to be able to move forward with that. City Manager Hooper stated after he is through, County Manager Coto will have a few comments and then the developers are going to run through a presentation to describe for the County Council their view of how this property will be developed and what it will look like. County Councilman Long asked City Manager Hooper to help him with enclaves and the definition of. Is it purely by the vastness of the area there. City Manager Hooper explained enclaves are not created if they are by two separate cities. The issue that was pointed out as an enclave really is a DOT borrow pit. He also commented on another one that was eliminated by changing the annexation application. Mayor Schmidt welcomed Frank Bruno, who apologized for being late. County Manager Coto stated it is their hope that this maybe sets a trend for some of their relationships with other municipal governments who are looking at annexations that they have an opportunity to have dialogue in this manner verses the annexations proceeding forward and then trying to have dialogue once they have already taken their position on both sides. They have had a couple of meetings on this topic. Council was provided on March 3 with a copy of the report that was put together by Matt Kope, Inside Design. That same information was provided to City Manager Hooper. They used that as a template as to how they could address some of those issues and concerns. The Joint Planning Agreement is one of the tools they have stated could be a potential resolution to trying to address this issue. That is up to the County Council's intent after they go through the process this evening. It is her understanding that the second reading of the annexation is scheduled for May 2nd. Page -3- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 Q o County Manager Coto stated it would be her recommendation, since they don't have all Councilmernbers here this evening, that they hold their meeting on April 21st in which they can provide that Councilmernber and take an official position. She is sure Edgewater would like to have some indication, once they go through the process, as to have they responded to all of the issues and concerns that have been identified by the County Council. County Chair Bruno again thanked the City Council for meeting with the County Council this evening. Due to this being a workshop, he feels the appropriate action would be more or less a consensus rather than any kind of motion this evening and they would bring it back to the County Council for specific action. This is what he envisioned at the beginning of the year that they would be doing, working with the cities on the best way to plan for annexations and land use issues between the County and the City. Councilman Brown spoke about roadway improvements on Williamson Boulevard. He questioned who they are going to get north from that to the next property. Who will build the road there? City Manager Hooper commented on the County doing a study of the alignment of Williamson Boulevard. He doesn't think who will build the road has been determined. He spoke of forwarding comments saying the section in Edgewater and we would prefer an alignment and we have identified that. We have identified the cost will be borne by that developer. Councilwoman Lichter spoke of attending the meeting on Williamson Boulevard. She left with the opinion that along the main streets there probably would be some businesses. Mayor Schmidt spoke of having representatives of some of the developers present. Gifford Anglam, Daily Design Group, land planners and project managers for the Villages of Hammock Creek on behalf of Greatland LLC, introduced himself. The Consultant Team for the project includes Freedlow Dennis and Associates for environmental assessment, Fishkind & Associates for economic input, GTC Engineering is the civil consultant, Traffic Planning and Design provides transportation guidance, Hartman & Associates for Geo- technical considerations, Jim Morris for legal issues. Page -4- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 o o Mr. Anglam stated Dr. Michael Dennis of Freedlow Dennis and Associates as well as Tom Daily and Andy Riley of his office were also present. Mr. Anglam stated Pamela & Vincent Snowden are the land owners of 6705 acres of property. Approximately 1,095 of those acres have already been annexed into the city of New Smyrna Beach. The total area proposed for annexation into the city of Edgewater is approximately 5,610 acres. The 6,276 acres located west of 1-95 and north of the extension of State Road 442 is proposed to become the Villages of Hammock Creek. It is to be reviewed as a development of regional impact and also included are 269 acres in the northeast quadrant of the existing SR 442/1-95 interchange and the land is west of Edgewater's existing city limits and is being annexed primarily to obtain municipal services such as sewer, water, fire and police protection as well as solid waste collection. They have begun the planning process by evaluating readily available information on the physiographic characteristics of the land. The valuation included information from the US Dept of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Volusia County for location of hybrid soils as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps for limits of the 100-year flood plain. Because the flood elevation has not been established this far south, they will be conducting a detailed flood plain study to establish 100-year flood elevations. They also obtained the preliminary biological assessment but have recently retained Freedlow Dennis & Associates to perform a more thorough environmental analysis of the site. Dr. Michael Dennis has recommended utilizing the st. Johns River Water Management District 2000 Delineation of Wetland Habitats as a reliable preliminary planning tool ending completion of their analysis. He stated Dr. Dennis is here to present their approach to evaluating the site and provide input for the planning process based on their scientific analysis. Dr. Michael Dennis, Freedlow Dennis & Associates, explained they are beginning the environmental analysis on the property and will follow the normal protocols to some extent and there are some protocols they will have to extend to go beyond what normally would be done because of the size and the complexity of the site. They will be identifying wetlands. They have used the st. Johns land use map for wetlands and boundaries, the 500/600 series and will be refining that. They will also be looking at the hybrid soils and eventually going through the DRI process and going through this project will have to go through and establish wetland jurisdictional boundaries with the State, the County, the City and the Army Corp of Engineers. Page -5- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 o o Dr. Dennis further stated they are also looking at listed species. To date they know there are eagles, gopher turtles, wading birds. other than that they don't know of any show stopper species on the property. They are just beginning and will be looking at that. In terms of wildlife, the site has a lot of wildlife on it. It has been a hunting preserve for at least 35 years. The turkey hunting and deer hunting have been excellent this year. They will be considering that in the site planning. The existing site conditions is timberland and has been for a long time. He commented on the pines on the property. There are a whole series of roads, ditches and canals on the property. There is a major transmission line that goes through it. They will be considering all those things in the site. To go through the process, there will be extensive permitting both at Federal, state and Local levels. They would anticipate beginning that process, particularly with the Water Management District and running that concurrently with the DRI process. Dr. Dennis pointed out the wetlands on the property. The wetlands are in the north-south direction that is typical of this area. They have wetlands that are headwaters of Spruce Creek on the western boundary, which will be a major area to be considered and will provide them an opportunity to do something meaningful along the western property boundary in terms of the identification and protection of the Spruce Creek area. will be looking at wetlands and determining their extent to best incorporate their protection and design into the They and how project. Dr. Dennis went over how they plan to approach the project from an environmental planning perspective. They are in the data gathering process now. They have gotten most of the State and readily available data sources. He welcomed Volusia County's GIS input and of the things they have that they don't have, he would like to know as much as he can about that. They are beginning to feel the work so they can understand the site as well as they need to to proceed with the planning approach. With the data in hand and the site understood, they would develop what he determines as a Natural Areas Conservation Plan. This is the process they used when they permitted Disney's 30,000 acres. In that they developed what areas onsite were the most sensitive that they need to develop corridors around and plans for. They will then have an analysis of the land use and the natural areas, capacities and capabilities so that with working with the homosapien standpoint and them working from the critters standpoint, they can hopefully come up with a good balanced plan. Page -6- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 o Q County Chair Bruno asked Dr. Dennis if they would be developing through a development of regional impact. He then questioned what is planned for the New Smyrna Beach area. Dr. Dennis explained the land is very similar to the north of this property but asked Mr. Anglam to explain the plans for that. Mr. Anglam stated they have indicated just to the north of the property on the westside is the landmark project which is currently subject of an approved Comp Plan Amendment in the City of New Smyrna Beach. Once they have completed that amendment process they expect to have their adoption hearing in June and will proceed with the PUD rezoning process and the detailed platting process associated with that. Immediately north of SR 442 is the Venetian Bay project, which has already been approved by the City of New Smyrna Beach and is under development. They counted there are 2,450 acres of wetland leaving an upland area of 3,160 acres on the 5,610 acres that are being annexed into the City of Edgewater. They are evaluating other development proposals in the area which include, Venetian Bay, the landmark project between SR 44 and their northern boundary as well as the McCaskill Ranch project which is the south of this proposed site and west of 1-95. They have also taken into account the need for adequate access. They know Volusia County has undertaken several corridor studies of the Williamson Boulevard ~xtension southward to SR 442. Both the Venetian Bay and Landmark projects were proposed to extend Airport Boulevard southward to their north property line. Both of those roadway projects rely on dedication of the required right-of-way by the property owners in the area. Based on a recent preliminary marketing analysis by Fishkind & Associates, an active adult lifestyle would generate the best strategy for development of this project. They also incorporated neighborhood design concepts in Venetian Bay and Baldwin Park into the project. The development concept is to offer a wide range of residential options including large lot single family adjacent to the conservation areas and golf courses, quarter acre lots as well as patio homes, zero lot lines and attached a bill of products for residents desiring a lower maintenance lifestyle. The housing values are expected to range from $180,000 to $350,000. The project should also include an element of primary houses for the professional, retail and service sector employees that are working in the project. The residential development is to be clustered in the uplands areas of the site taking advantage of the conservation areas as natural buffers to create a distinct sense of neighborhood around the community. Page -7- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 Q o Mr. Anglam further stated the central element of the active adult lifestyle is provision of a town center located in the heart of the community, with three distinctive components being a community center, community commercial tour area and a secondary commercial area. He spoke of incorporating golf cart paths, bikeways and pedestrian safe walkways to keep traffic to a minimum and reduce the potential for conflicts at intersections. They have prepared a preliminary conceptual master plan based on their initial evaluation of the physiographic features and the area development trends. That plan includes their current best estimate of approximately 7,500 residential units and approximately 400 acres of community, commercial and office space. They intend to revise and refine the plan upon completion of Dr. Dennis' effort in terms of the environmental analysis and get a better fit between the built environment and the natural environment based on his direction and guidance. The City of Edgewater Water Treatment plant is currently applying for a consumptive use permit with the st. John's River Water Management District to allow them to increase withdrawals up to 2.9 million gallons daily. The City can increase from the 2.9 to 5 million gallons daily at the plant without any capital improvement and if limited on groundwater withdrawals water supply could be increased with the reverse osmosis plan. Edgewater is requesting new well sites within the project for additional withdrawal and provision of storage and pumping for golf courses and reuse of effluent will further reduce potable water demand for the project. Edgewater's Sewer Plant has a capacity of 3 million gallons daily and the plant is currently treating 1.8 million gallons daily. Additional capacity required will be generated with capital improvements to the plant as necessary. Edgewater will require a service agreement to offset the impact and the City's planning in the future to have capacity available as it is required. Impact fees will be based on the projected development. Environmental Services Director Terry Wadsworth and City Manager Ken Hooper have indicated that working out an agreement for Edgewater to serve that portion of the project is achievable. The project incorporates numerous principles of Smart Growth such as creating a shared vision for the future; identify and sustain green infrastructure such as wetlands, parks and protective habitat; protect environmental systems and conserve resources such as water and energy; provide diverse housing types and opportunities; build centers of concentrated mixed use where people can dine, shop and work where they live; use multiple connections to enhance mobility and circulation; and deliver sustainable transportation choices with pedestrian and bicycle friendly communities; and foster culture and community with architecture and design. Page -8- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 Q o Mr. Anglam stated they are aware the Smart Growth Implementation Committee has been formed. They intend to work closely with them to incorporate all their findings into the design of this project. The Villages of Hammock Creek is envisioned as a complete community and will achieve a balance of the natural and built environments through application of quality planning and design principles and practices. Mayor Schmidt asked City Manager Hooper to make a presentation to give the County more feel of where Edgewater is going, the growth and what the City's thoughts are. City Manager Hooper stated one of the things they find as a City is that everyday we are going through growth and understanding what is occurring but they believe everybody around us knows what we are doing too and that is not necessarily true. The McCaskill parcel is about 1900 units that they worked with County staff to create a 300 acre buffer around a 600 acre developable property. That is under contract and Mercedes Homes is starting that. To the south, three or four years ago we annexed u.S. #1 right-of- way in an argument with Oak Hill. He and Mayor Schmidt stood in front of the County Council and promised they wouldn't use that road for contiguity, which they haven't. But we have annexed several parcels through the normal voluntary process. Those several parcels have turned into about 2,000 units. We are working with County staff coming up with cash to expand the sewer plant to the south from its current 600,000 gallon capacity to 2 million gallon capacity. From the County, we purchased a parcel of land that they had bought some years ago. He thought it was purchased with the idea the County was going to do something industrial. It wasn't working out. Since then, the City has purchased the land from the County and did a joint public/private partnership with the developer. It went through its final public hearing last week. It has 154 condominiums with building permits approved and already sold and the cheapest was $450,000 each so those are working. We have a tremendous amount of activity that is going on that so far has been under the radar screen as far as a lot of publicity and visibility but there is an awful lot there. A final major point is jobs. We are doing quite a bit of job creation. Our Parktowne Industrial Park, that the County has assisted the City with through some grant applications is sold out in Phase I. It is going through job creation. We are putting in roads and infrastructure. The developer has come in and purchased their buildings so that is underway. This is property the City bought from FIND about three years ago. Page -9- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 Q o City Manager Hooper further stated we have a very good deal arrangement with the Florida Inland Navigation District to pay them over ten years. We sell the property. We reinvest the value in paying off the property and put in the infrastructure. Our growth there is to the north for industrial growth. Along the south are some higher density condominiums along the u.s. #1 corridor. To the west, we are looking long term at this area for some of the residential and town center concept. Mayor Schmidt opened up the workshop for questions. He reminded everyone to state who they are and where they are from for the ladies doing the minutes. Councilwoman Lichter stated she has met Dr. Dennis at the WAV meetings. She further spoke about involving st. John's River Water Management District because they are tough. Dr. Dennis confirmed the developer will go through the permitting process. Councilwoman Lichter commented on the City's relationship with New Smyrna Beach and the boundaries. City Manager Hooper commented on an old interlocal agreement that defines the Gabordy Canal. They are working with New Smyrna to do the one planning area they talked about tonight regarding utility boundaries and closest unit response. Councilman Long asked if the property in New Smyrna Beach has been developed or is under the DRI now. City Manager Hooper explained the property is north of SR 44 and is called Venetian Bay. It's not aggrigated to become a DRI. He pointed out a piece of property that has gone through the process below the DRI threshold for the City of New Smyrna Beach. County Chairman Bruno stated he knows what is envisioned for Venetian Bay. He questioned if it will be similar to the south of Venetian Bay towards the City property to a Venetian Bay concept. City Manager Hooper stated it would be very similar. They will find residential pods throughout with a major town center and commercial at the interchange. County Chairman Bruno questioned the City going through a Comp Plan change in order to accommodate that right now to upgrade the land use. City Manager Hooper informed him that is correct. Page -10- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 u o County Councilman Long asked if Edgewater is speaking with the City of New Smyrna regarding the Landmark, McCaskill and Snowden property. He asked if there is any reason to believe they could not establish a contiguous wildlife corridor through all three parcels of that land under the town center concept. City Manager Hooper commented on the goals of the City. County Councilman Long stated with parcels this large when you are talking about town center concepts and are concerned about the wildlife, perhaps they could establish a contiguous wildlife corridor somehow through that. He mentioned one or two golf courses using the Villages at Lady Lake, he understands the town centers normally at least their concept is every 3,500 homes they go off and branch into another town center concept. He asked if the City believed they would have one center town center concept to accommodate all 7,500 residents. Mr. Anglam explained there would be one primary town center in the center of the project with a secondary commercial area adjacent to that. Mention was made of Airport Blvd, Park Avenue and Williamson Blvd. He further commented on two golf courses being feasible. County Councilman Long asked about the 400 acres of commercial and it being located on the outskirts. Mr. Anglam explained that is what is located within the area on the lower side. There are additional properties at the interchange unique to the site on the east side of 1-95. County Councilman Long would like to see the developer work with the property owners to see if they could establish a contiguous wildlife corridor. Mr. Anglam mentioned they have already worked with Landmark Developers and the development to align Airport Blvd. County Vice Chair Alexander asked for an explanation for an active adult community. She questioned if they are planning for schools in this community. Mr. Anglam mentioned there would be some primary housing with most of the houses associated with an active adult community. He also commented on the secondary housing that would also be available. County Vice Chair Alexander again questioned there not being any accommodation for schools. These people will be over 55 and are not paying school tax. Councilwoman Lichter stated she lives in an adult community and they pay school taxes. Page -11- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 o o County Vice Chair Alexander expressed concern with some of these elderly residents taking care of children. She then asked if they will pay impact fees. City Manager Hooper informed her yes. Mr. Anglam stated he checked with the school board and in a restricted adult community the impact fee does not apply. County Vice Chair Alexander then questioned this being a deed restricted adult community. Mr. Anglam informed her parts of it may be. County Vice Chair Alexander asked about how the golf courses will be watered. Dr. Dennis elaborated. He explained they have to go through with st. John's again to get the consumptive use permits. The whole issue of herbicides, pesticides and water is one that every golf course architect is very sensitive to these days. County Vice Chair Alexander then asked if they would be using groundwater. Dr. Dennis explained if there is groundwater, usually the only time it is used is in start up. If you need it initially to grow in the grass for a few months when it is first planted. Most of the courses he is familiar with now don't use groundwater. They use water out of their stormwater ponds and they recirculate it. County Vice Chair Alexander again questioned the school impact fees and some not having to pay those. Mr. Anglam confirmed this for her. County Chairman Bruno asked about the developer of regional impact. If there are going to be 7,500 residents in that area, they are going to be looking at the possibility of a school site in that area. Mr. Englam stated that is certainly a possibility. He also confirmed there will be 7,500 units with an average of about 2 persons per unit. They intend to do what is necessary to address the needs of the community. County Councilman Hayman feels they are coming to our community with a great idea. He would like to focus on how they are going to draft this joint planning agreement. He feels everybody readily accepts that the DRI concept will probably produce the very best it can for the land they have to work with. He would expect it would be the most comprehensive analyses that will be conducted in this area ever. He spoke of all the experts being involved. He doesn't want to see an adult community that is just restrictive and you don't have children. That is not the vision of this town. He implored the City to look very carefully at that. Page -12- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 Q o County Councilman Hayman feels they should be creating a unified development code for the efforts and energies of City and County staff. The joint development agreement would embody the best of both and the toughest circumstances and toughest criteria they can produce which is a DRI. He feels it should also produce changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations of the City to address this area. He spoke of this being a unique area. It will have its own codes, its own standards and its own inspection criteria. At a time and place where it would either grow or contract, that would be through a joint agreement between the City and the County. He stated most JPA's that he knows of have a life period of five years or so at which time you could amend it or cancel it but it is only done through the joint agreement of both parties. He feels that is what they should have as well. This is an important item. We don't have urban growth boundaries. What we do have is a JPA that will serve the purposes and needs of the County and the City. It is through the DRI process that they will achieve these. City Manager Hooper commented on the Joint Planning Agreement and referred to a handout entitled "Annexation Disputes and the Joint Planning Area Agreement" by the Florida League of Cities. He referred to the checklist of items that may be appropriate for a JPA Agreement and what items are currently being utilized. County Chairman Bruno stated when they did the Joint Planning Agreement with Ormond Beach they accepted their city's codes because it was a higher level then the County. He feels this is also something they need to discuss. County Councilman Hayman commented on preparing and implementing the most restrictive standards. City Manager Hooper further commented on the checklist of items with regard to the JPA Agreement. City Manager Hooper commented on City Attorney Rosenthal drafting the one that has been the example for this whole story. They would like to meet with County staff quickly and draft a JPA Agreement. We had a JPA that matched most of this and then became the Urban Growth Boundaries and he couldn't let Edgewater be the first City to adopt something with that fuzzy thing hanging out there that nobody knew was going to go. We were ready and County staff was ready to present one that would be very workable. They will start as soon as both Councils say go. Page -13- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 Q o County Chairman Bruno expressed his appreciation for the checklist. That is exactly what he is looking for. County Councilman Giles stated it seems like to him that the Villages of Hammock Creek have addressed all the things that the Smart Growth Initiative has been talking about. It is very possibility that the City of Edgewater might be one of the first times that he has been seeing that they can sit down and work a true JPA with. They have already got all the guidelines. He feels this truly is a step in the right direction. H~ feels they will be seeing movement long before June on exactly what will be brought to the County Council. County Chairman Bruno asked for a consensus from the County Council as to how they feel about capitalism and putting together a draft. Mayor Schmidt commented on schools and stated back a few years ago when the committee suggested a half cent sales tax to try and take care of the building and replacements he was one of the members that did that. They know the School Board is notified of everything that every City does. They also know that sometimes it doesn't sink in until it is too late. They did at one of their meetings decided to meet with the entire School Board between now and the beginning of Summer to have a face to face with them to let them know what is happening. He would hope there will be a school site that will fit into this. He feels this needs to be a community of not just one threshold of people and hopes it will eventually get student age and family age. We are a blue collar community and live and breathe by the working middle class. He feels if they can avoid the court rooms by holding meetings it saves everybody money. County Chairman Bruno asked the County Council if they should proceed with the Joint Planning Area Agreement. County Councilman Hayman suggested this is a good starting point. He expected when the staff's get together with the consultants that will refine it and probably have a lot more items supportive of what the City is trying to do. He feels it leads the way in Volusia County on smart growth and he applauded it. Volusia County has tried to encourage growth to occur in the most desirable place. He feels growth should occur in an urban area that has sufficient property to develop and has the necessary utilities and infrastructure in place. Page -14- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 Q o County Councilman Hayman feels making an attempt with an Urban Growth Boundary being a restrictive thing in some sense but in another sense it was trying to move growth to the most desirable place. He feels today, with what has been offered to him, is one of the best attempts for any of the cities he has worked with to achieve that in. There are some challenges there for sure. He feels this is a marvelous step forward and will support it. County Councilman Persis stated he likes this meeting. He appreciated the invitation and being able to talk with the Council. If he had his way, he would want that the City of Edgewater could have another area to achieve their dream and have their City grow but that isn't the case. This property seems really special. It is a conservation and environmentally sensitive area. He wished it could remain a park or something but he knows that won't happen. The next best thing is that it is going to go through the DRI process. He feels between Edgewater staff and County staff they will do their best to protect the City's interest, the County's interest and the interest of mother nature too. County Councilman Long gave a hats off to Mayor Schmidt and City Manager Hooper and the elected body of Edgewater. Again it is one of those situations that is not if it will be developed, it's when it will be developed. It may as well be done the right way. He wholeheartedly embraces the town center concepts and feels they are the way to go because they address all of the issues. For their part and the relationship with the City of Edgewater, like Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach Shores he appreciated the ability to communicate with the elected body and the staff and do it in a way where they can approach things positively. County Councilman Persis also appreciated the meeting. Ever since he has been on the Council all he has been hearing about is this lawsuit and that lawsuit. This is what he really thinks it is all about is to sit down and talk about it. He further spoke about the wildlife corridor and the conservation. He spoke about the City working with New Smyrna Beach on a JPA to try to open up that corridor. Last month the environmental committee with the Smart Growth Implementation Committee talked about this corridor and they talked about how important it was to keep that wildlife corridor going. He would like to make sure that is a big issue for the JPA. Page -15- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 o o County Vice Chair Alexander feels there is not much ever made without communication. She applauded the City of Edgewater. She feels this is great and feels they are able to work together. She supports children in the community and the wildlife. County Chairman Bruno spoke about working out a great JPA with Ormond Beach. He spoke of the DRI taking a considerable amount of time. Mr. Anglam explained typically a DRI takes about one year. County Chairman Bruno questioned what they envision for a time frame for a JPA. City Manager Hooper feels they would have it before the end of this fiscal year. County Chairman Bruno feels they need to set that as a goal. Mayor Schmidt again mentioned the wildlife corridor. He feels this is a great idea. He spoke of some of the wettest land located on the west side of the property. He spoke of how pristine that whole area is for water recharge and he feels it would be great to get the animals to go from here to there. He spoke of the diverse group of people on the Smart Growth Committee. Councilman Brown feels these people are obviously looking to the future to protect the animals as much as they possibly can. He will do everything he possibly can to make sure the animals, environment and water are protected. He feels this is a great idea and a great idea for it to be out there. Councilwoman Lichter thanked the County Council for coming and assured them they will work together. She stat~d there is an ex- Mayor of Edgewater here that taught her everything she knows. She was referring to County Councilman Hayman. Councilwoman Lichter commented on living in an adult park. She taught kindergarten for twenty-eight years. She misses the children. Obviously this is much too big an area to have it just an adult park. Mayor Schmidt stated they are going to shoot for the end of this fiscal year. He feels this is a project that can work and will work. He thinks there has been a lot of nodding heads and questions answered. He feels the first steps they are taking are there. As a City Council they look forward to working with the County. He feels they can get this done and show this as an example to other cities that maybe sitting down and talking can get a lot more done. Page -16- Council Workshop April 11, 2005 <J o County Councilman Long stated the City has his heartfelt appreciation for wanting to work out a JPA rather than having them in a situation like they are with Deltona. The City is committed to do a JPA regardless of what the outcome of that will be. He is sorry that all of their eggs are in one basket as it relates to the City of Deltona and that annexation. He appreciates the fact the City is willing to do it regardless of the way it turns out. Mayor Schmidt stated Edgewater decided six and a half years ago that we weren't going to sit and wait. They took the bull by the horns and do what needs to be done. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the workshop adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Lisa Bloomer Page -17- Council Workshop April 11, 2005