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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02241997 RIVERCITY OF SEBASTIAN RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Vice Chrnn. Smith opened the meeting at 7:04 P.M. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Vice Chnm. Smith Mr. Wild Mr. Chapin Mx. Bennett Mx, Thompson EXCUSED: Chnm. Collins Mx. Moore Ms. Corem Mr. Kndikowski ALSO PRESENT: Robert Massarelli, Community Development Director Ann Brack, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Vice Chron. Smith required about a "readout" of the Bert J. Harris Act, which he asked for at the 2/10/97 meeting, and which he clarified tonight as a legal opinion from the City Attomey. When this information is received, it will be added to the current minutes. MOTION by Chapin/Wild I make a motion to approve the minutes from February i0, 1997. A voice vote was taken. 5 - 0 motion carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Vice Chmn. Smith apologized to Arline Westfalfl for aotions at the previous meeting. Ms. Westfahl noted that no apology was needed. Mr. Massarelli informed the Committee that he has hired a new Planner II, Tracy Hass, who will be starting work on Monday, March 3, 1997. Tracy will also be attending the meetings and will eventually relieve a lot of the workload from Mr. Massarelli. He then noted meeting again with an AIA member who was not able to attend the Saturday workshop meeting held previously, but is actively involved with the SR 60 Comdor project, landscape and' sign standards. Mr. Massarelli felt that we would probably not adopt the SR 60 R~RONT COMMITTEE MiNUTEs OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Corridor Plan but we could probably follow the same format, which would make it easier for them to find information. He was also shown thc color guide presentation and gave a description, and note~d that this Committee will probably work on selecting colors for our riverfront in the near futc re. The first draft of thc design ordinance in which we am still making a few changes, should be corr mg to the Committee very soon, as well as the sign and landscape ordinances. Mr. Massamlli went on to explain the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Act. He noted that since it has been in existence for a couple of years, there may be some case law to show how the cou:~ are interpreting it. He wants to recommend to the City Manager and the City Attomey that a w ~rkshop be held with City Council and have this Committee as well as Planning and Zomng inviled so we can all discuss it at one time. He noted that it will probably not happen before April or {ay because of new Council Members coming in, and other issues already planned. Mr. Massarelli suggested holding the next two meetfl~s on the second and fourth Monday of the morth, March 10 and 24. He would like to discuss utilities at or~ of these m~ings. Some sect ions of the City are not included in the d~ign for water lines by th~ County. Louisiana Ave. are~. and U.S. 1 are two areas not included. Fie suggested this Committee discuss the provision of wat.,~r lines in the riverfront area as a possible Phase IV, and also sewer m the same area. The other issue he would like to discuss in tho near furore is the four pieces of City owned property at h lain Street. [ Mr. Chapin noted the request made at the previous meeting for a list of City owned properties on the: 5veffront. Mr. Massarelli suggested that the above matters would all be discussed in March. Vic~ Chnm. Smith noted that Mr. Thompson would be voting tomght in place of Mr. Collins. OL ) BUSINESS: DISCUSS PARKING ISSUES IN THE RIVERFRONT AREA. 1. How should the existing parking be managed on city owned land? 2. How should parking be controlled along Indian River Drive? 3. Should the city provide additional parking in the riverfront area? 4. Do the existing parking requirements need to be mended? Vic, Chron. Smith suggested that the role of the City shOUld include: 1. Provide leadership and vision to ensure ample parking for the future 2. Ensure public poli~ requires adequate parking for business and private residences in the city 3. Provide adequate parking for city nm facilities RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 1997 4. Ensure that there is enough parking to support public safety at special events 5. What should be funded by citizens and what should be funded by developers Mr. Bennett concurred with the above suggestions, and asked how the Committee and the City would feel about some sort of City backed trolley or vehicle - whether it be private industry or City controlled, to commute back and forth on Indian River Drive, since parking will be sparse. Various members had comments on this issue. Mr. Massarelli commented that he is not aware of any City making money on mass transit. He noted that this issue came up with the first Riverfi'ont Committee, and felt that there was a bigger need within thc City for a transit system. He was n~ suggesting that the City start a bus system. He also commented that our primary goal was not to create a tourist atmosphere, but to help people move around. He presented several scenarios on this subject with the City and private businesses working independently or cooperatively. Grants and impact fees were discussed. There was more discussion of the issue ora trolley type service in the riverfront area. Mr. Chapin noted the number of existing buildings where parking was not planned for when the structures were built, and suggested that the City should have a responsibility to help financially and other ways for parking in the immediate riverfront area. He felt that riverfront area businesses would probably be anxious to join in with the City on this endeavor, but tl~ the City should give leadership on acquiring property for that purpose. Mr. Massarelli suggested that a parking facility for the riverfront area should be within a certain close proximity to the businesses and asked for input on distance. He also asked if U.S. 1 was considered a barrier to walking from the railroad track to the riverfront. Mr. Thompson suggested the following: 1. that the Committee should inquire of the Community Coach about their success, and that they might be happy to increase their stops and help in the riverfront area. 2. that the Committee might check the Land Development Code on parking, which he felt adequate for most businesses except Doctors. 3. that a parking facility on the west side of U.S. 1 to serve the east side would be an "accident waiting to happen". Mr. Bennett asked if there is any kind of funding available for an overhead crossing? Mr. Massarelli responded that he was not aware of anything like this. He felt there would have to be a tremendous number of people crossing this road to go to DOT with a request like this. He also noted that in the future, U.S. l will be six-laned. RIVERFRONT COMMITrEE MII~UTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Ms. Virgene Scherer of Sebastian commented that she did not see anything "charming" about a parl ~ng lot on Indian River Drive. She also noted that the parking space problem and the Code will probably keep any large commercial projects off Indian River Drive. She commented that loosening the restrictions on future parking for busniesses on U.S. I might create a conflict with pre., ent businesses that have already burr large parking areas according to code. She suggested loo~ ing at the property behind the businesses on the west side of U.S. 1, since that is not a "Pretty" are~. anyway. Her comments also included a transit service including the Highlands., not just in the rive ffront area. She thought the City could provide leadership in coordinating, a plan for having bus: nesses contribute to afund for a parking area. · Arli U.S that su~ urge for Ms loo~ haw that Pa~ uBa Att prc~ and froe sev¢ Ms. bec~ Mr. Mr. if sc parl ae Westfall of the Historical Society reminded members of the many historical buildings along . 1 and the lack of parking on their sites when U.S. 1 was four~laned in the 1950's. She felt most of these buildings will be converted to commercial shops, as some are already, and ;ested that parking in that rear area next to the railroad track might be ideal. Her comments ~d the Committee to look closer at U.S. 1 for additional parking. She noted that withouca plan )arking, it will be next to impossible to develop businesses in some of the existing buildings. Edra Young of Sebastian suggested that the mobile home park south of Main Street might be :ed at for parking. She also stated that she is in favor of private enterprise and parking lots ,~ done well that were privately owned. She also mentioned a property further north on ~U.S. 1 might be a viable site. One of her last statements was that at special events.'held at RiVerview ~, she and some of her handicapped friends'have been unable to find parking and haVe been fie to remain for the activities. his point, Mr. Massarelli explained the planned parking for the businesses along CR 512, and ;eeded to compare that with what might be feasible along the raikoad track between CR 512 Main Street. He noted that this is only a concept at this point; it would have to be checked out ~ many angles. He discussed this issue further w/th the members and public, and they clarified ;ral points. Scherer suggested that the City might be encouraged to move along quicker on an idea like rather than wait the length of time it would take to develop by waiting for each property to ~me commercially active and participate. Massarelli agreed with the urgency in this issue. Thompson requested that Mr. Massarelli provide a list of presently owned City property to see ,me of it could be used for parking, before recommending anything on the previously discussed ting issue to City Council. Vic(,~ Chron. Smith gave a brief summary and asked Mr. Massarelli to identify City owned prol ~erty. Mr~Massarelli identified: Riverview Park; the CAV Corp property which will parking; the property directly to the east along the River which has informal parking which could use some implrovement; then to the north is the Yacht ClUb parking lot, which could use some redesign; RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 1997 then at Main Street there are four pieces of property - behind the Chamber of Commerce; the property where the Historical Society is; property where the Main Street boat ramp is; and a stall piece just north of the boat ramp, which drops down rapidly to wetlands and is probably not · suitable for parking; going north, at Jefferson St. and U.S. 1 is a small triangular piece where N. Central splits off of U.S. 1, but would need to be studied; the community Center at Jackson St. and N. C~tral Ave., which does have some parking but is not convenient unless a shuffle was available; the cemetery; several acres on the west side of U.S. 1 across from the cemetery, which could be considered; the Main Street property - Police Depaxtment, City Hall and City buildings; two parcels on Louisiana Avenue - one at the curve (Sign Shop) and the Police impoundment lot. There was discussion of the percentage of use of the present parking facilities and improvements that could be made. The issue of parking fees was also discussed. Mr. Thompson brought up the subject of a County sewer easement along the railroad track from Main St. south. At this point Vice Chum. Smith referred to the questions on the memo put before the Committee for this meeting: Parking is very appropriate on some of the city owned land; others may become appropriate in the future, and handicapped parking is necessary. Improvements and f~es were mentioned. 2. Parking on Indian River Drive was disCUssed. Historical parking was discussed, as wa~ parking at the Floodtide Marina. Mr. Richard Van Zyl, a resident, gave his thoughts on the riverfront area. Discussion took place to give him a better idea of the goals of this Committee. MOTION by Chapin/Thompson I make a motion to extend this meeting till 9:30 P.M. A voice vote was taken. 5 = 0 motion carried. Mr. Massamlli noted the following issues: leadership, lineal parking, sites obtained by the City that businesses would contribute and pay back the City for its involvement, researching other commumties on this subject, parking by the railroad track from CR 512 to Main Str~-~t, parking fees, realistic use of private parking lots possibly on w~ekends only or a~r hours, inventory of City owned property including acreage and statistics. Mr. Thompson suggested that the existing parking requirements do not need to be amended except that Doctor's office requirements may need refinement. There was more discussion on parking requirements in the riverfront dismct. MI? zon~ Vic~ U.S, She ERFRONT COMMITTEE [UTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Wild commented that the city of Vero Beach code allows that certain businesses in a certain don't have to provide parking but can tap off the city parking lots. Chnm. Smith suggested another topic to be discussed should be pros and cons of the parking irements. ILIC COMMENT: Claudia Chaplow spoke in opposition of the recently "recommended for approval" carwash on 1 North, on the east side. She spoke of concern for the aquifer and wells behind, this property. also asked how appropriate the carwash is in the Riverfront district. Mr. Massarelh gave a brief report on this carwash status, and noted that carwashes are not dealt CI-~ ME Mr. pos~ Mr. porn ~IRMAN MATTERS: None VlBER MATTERS: Chapm suggested that at thc March 10 meeting, we continue the discussion on parking, and ~one water servicing U.S. 1 and those areas till another meeting. Bennet suggested that at the next meeting the committee discuss their vision for the Mare area where there is City owned property, and what we envision that parcel to be as a focal in the year 2000. Mr. Massarelli agreed with Mr. Bennet's suggestion and noted the importance of this issue, Mr, Mr. ST.~ nembers agreed to make this a first item of discussion. Mr. Chapm suggested getting the ,da for the next meeting out to the pubhc for their input. Wild suggested checking the feasibility of diagonal parking on some of the side streets rtmmng ,een U.S. 1 and Indian River Drive. Massarelh noted that he is doing a series of maps to indicate existing - land use, Zoning, re land :use, city property, curbs, swales, sidewalks. Road-widths could be added to this list. ~FF ~TTERS: None The meeting was adjOurned at 9:35 P.M. (3/7/97AB) City of Sebastian 1225 MAiN STREET [] SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 o FAX (407) 589-5570 SEBASTIAN RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE DAWN M. CORAPI, S~CRETARY E. ANN BRACK, RECORDING SECRETARY RCMAS.WP City of Sebastian 1225 MAIN STREET ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589-5570 AGENDA RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1997 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1401� Meeting of February 10, 1997 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS. 5. OLD BUSINESS: Discuss Parking Issues In The Riverfront Area. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT. 7. CRA172MAN MATTERS. 8. MEMBER MATTERS. 9. STAFF MATTERS. 10. ADJOURNMENT. No future meetings are scheduled at this time. (0011 ANYPERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTF $, WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A �' VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONYAND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. SAID APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WI77MVV TEN DA YS OF THE DATE OF ACT ION. (28( 0105 FS) IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT (407)-589-5330AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO TATS MEETING. rr•1 City of Sebastian 1225 MAIN STREET ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589-5570 PUBLIC MEETING The Riverfront Committee of the City of Sebastian, Indian River County, Florida, will hold their regular meeting on Monday, February 24, 1997 at 7:00, in the City Council Chambers. Dawn M. Corapi, Secretary Riverfront Committee 2E1W NOTE: IF ANY PERSONS DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, HE/SHE MAY NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND FOR SUCH PURPOSES, HE/SHE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY IN EVIDENCE ON WHICH THE APPEAL IS BASED. NOTE: IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT 589-5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS INADVANCE OF THE MEETING.