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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11181996 RIVERe"11� CITY OF SEBASTIAN RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18,1996 Vice Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 7:07 P.M. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mr. Smith Mr. Wild Mr. Moore Mr. Chapin Mr. Bennett Ms. Corum Mr. Thompson (Alternate) EXCUSED ABSENCE: Mr. Collins Mr. Krulikowski (Mr. Thompson will be voting in place of Mr. Collins.) ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Massarelli, Community Developoment Director Dawn Corapi, Secretary Ann Brack, Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS: Vice Chairman Smith introduced Ann Brack as the new Secretary. OLD BUSINESS: 1. DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAINTAINING ACCESS TO THE RIVERFRONT. Mr. Massarelli presented his six (6) recommendations on Access to the Riverfront, a copy of which was included in each member's packet. Mr. Thompson noted that he was in favor of all recommendations except No. 6. He suggested individual review of fences, and using the word "discourage" instead of "prohibit". He noted the existing stockade fence at Hurricane Harbor. The subjects of walls, fences, natural vegetation, stockade fences, brick and stone walls were discussed. Mr. Chapin questioned a possible higher elevation on any structures permitted to be built on a dock or pier. RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOV. 182 1996 Mr. Massarelli responded that ecological impacts on sea grasses may be involved, and any structure to be built on a pier or dock should be marine related or waterfront accessory structures. An office, restaurant, or residence should not be allowed. A boat lift or observation deck could be considered, as it would be off -shore and would add to the waterfront atmosphere. In response to a question from Ms. Corum, Mr. Massarelli mentioned other possible uses such as an "Archie Smith" fish house, or a marine fuel facility, pump -out facility for a marina, or a fish -cleaning station. In keeping with the "Old Florida Fishing Village" theme for the waterfront, Mr. Massarelli noted that these are the types of things that might occur. Mr. Thompson noted that the area under discussion should be the 25 ft. setback, not what is out in the water, (which the City has no control over at this time). Mr. Massarelli agreed with Tommy's statement, but noted that if we go with this Riverfront Mixed Use zoning district, his intention is to take that all the way out to the City limits. DEP controls impact on the water resources and the waters of the State, but we still have land -use control. Mr. Smith suggested inserting some sentence or phrase in the document indicating the "intent" of this committee, which is to prevent unnecessary blockage of the view of the river. r" IN Mr. Massarelli stated he would work Mr. Smith's suggestion into a preamble and have it back before the Committee at the next meeting. He also noted that he will insert the phrase, "east of Indian River Drive" to further define the area under discussion. There was discussion of additional funding sources in the form of grants, and Mr. Massarelli noted that all grants come with "strings" attached, but each grant has different conditions. He suggested adding the phrase - "when it is in the City's interest" at the end of the last sentence under item 44. At this point, item #5 which deals with removal of exotic vegetation, was discussed. Educating property owners on how to permanently remove these exotics is important. It was decided that item #5 was sufficient as written. Mr. Thompson suggested changing item #6 to read -The City should encourage the non-use of fences east of Indian River Drive. Mr. Smith suggested substituting the word discourage for Mr. Thompson's phrase of encourage the non-use. There was consensus taken of the Committee members to substitute the word "discourage" for the word "prohibit". Mr. Smith Yes Ms. Corum No 2 p� RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOV. 182 1996 Mr. Wild Yes Mr. Thompson Yes Mr. Moore No Mr. Chapin Yes Mr. Bennett Yes The vote was 5 in favor, and 2 against In summary, Mr. Massarelli's "Access to the Riverfront Recommendations" outline was amended as follows: It is recommended that access to the riverfront be maintained the following ways to prevent unnecessary blockage of the view of the river. 2. Strictly enforce building setback requirement. Currently the setbacks are not uniform. In the future, all building setbacks along the riverfront, east of Indian River Drive, should be uniform with the current requirements of the Public Service Zoning district, that is a 30 foot front setback and a 25 foot rear setback. Waterfront accessory structures such as docks and piers and other marine related activities should be allowed in the setbacks. The City should pursue additional funding sources for land acquisition to maximize the l�1 purchase value of the City's dollars when it is in the City's interest. 6. The City should discourage the use of stockade fences and walls east of Indian River Drive. MOTION by Thompson/Bennett (The City should discourage the use of stockade type fences east of Indian River Drive.) I so move. A voice vote was taken (reflective of the poll above). The vote was 5 - 2. Motion carried. There were no changes on item #5. Mr. Wild asked about the property being donated by Dr. Underill. Mr. Massarelli responded that the City Attorney has drafted an agreement to be forwarded to Dr. Underill shortly. If negotiations go forward and the City acquires the property, that is one of the items that could be brought back to this committee for review and discussion on how to utilize it. MOTION by Wild/Bennett A motion - to accept the document as modified by the language Mr. Massarelli just made. (Stated by Vice Chairman Smith.) I so move. 3 RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOV. 18, 1996 A voice vote was taken. The vote was 7 - 0. Motion carried. 2. DISCUSS IDEAS FOR A "MASTER PLAN". Mr. Massarelli asked for direction from the Committee, and presented his outline for such Master Plan. He noted that the work the Conunittee has been doing thus far has been related to developing a Master Plan without anyone realizing it. MOTION by Thompson/Bennett I move that we accept this outline for the City staff to work on for a Master Plan. Discussion: . Mr. Thompson discussed his opinion that the staff has been doing a good job in leading the Committee, that they have the capability, and with additional help, they can come up with this idea of what we want down there (riverfront) and we will build on it as we go along. He noted that he didn't think the City needed to hire someone at a high price to get it done. If City Council assigns this project to staff, let them do it. Mr. Chapin agreed with Mr. Thompson, and noted that if special items need outside help, that can be handled at the time. Mr. Wild remarked that if the City does not own all of the property involved, it has limited control on how it will be developed. Ms. Coram complimented Mr. Massarelli on his Master Plan Outline, and suggested that drainage be included. Mr. Smith also complimented Mr. Massarelli on the Outline, and suggested that other issues may become part of this Plan, such as access to the river, parking, and drainage. Mr. Massarelh noted that parking is a very important issue in the City, and noted that one of the debates in the City of Sebastian is whether the public should be providing parking for private enterprise. That needs to be resolved and a recommendation made as to what the City's role is in providing parking. In the Master Plan Outline presented by Mr. Massarelli, it was determined to add to item b.4. - .... to protect the water auality of the lagoon and fishing; environmental projects, standards and values; and value of lagoon development. And to also add under item VII. (Additional information) - i. parking - i. drainage - k. design of city owned property. The last addition is item VIII. Recommended studies. He also suggested aiming for March, 1997 to have a draft of the Master Plan ready. 4 RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOV. 18, 1996 A voice vote was taken on the motion. The vote was 7 - 0. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSS BUILDING HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS: Mr. Massarelli showed an example of how a rigid height limitation affected a current project as far architectural design went. The limitation did not change the density of the project, just the exterior appearance. There was much discussion about rationale for building height. Mr. Wild offered one explanation as not being higher than the trees growing in the area. Mr. Massarelli reminded the members that land values are much higher today than when the "Fishing Village" theme was a reality, and small one-story buildings are not practical for a reasonable return on investment. He suggested that in considering the decision on building heights, members have a reason for their decision. Mr. Bennet suggested getting an average height on the riverfront trees as this might have a bearing on building heights. Mr. Massarelli recommended some flexibility be considered in the code to allow for design. In keeping the ridge line at 35 feet, it will promote flat roofs instead of the "Old Fishing Village" theme of sloped metal roofs. The AIA. may have some suggestions in this area. Vice Chairman Smith summed up the discussion by stating that the Committee wants the "Old Florida Fishing Village" theme, access to the river, and consideration of the tree -line if it is a factor. He directed this information back to Mr. Massarelli and asked that he get information from AIA or anyone else and come back with information at the next meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ms. Scherrer inquired about open spaces being grassy, impervious, parking lot, etc. She also voiced her opinion about prohibiting fences and walls in the property east of Indian River Drive. CHAIRMAN MATTERS: The next two meetings will be December 9, and 16th. At the meeting on Dec. 9, building height will be discussed. The following meeting on Dec. 16th will include discussion on the parking. MEMBERS MATTERS: /Oft) Mr. Bennet requested limiting the length of the meetings to two hours. Mr. Thompson suggested placing the times of the next meetings at the bottom of the agenda. . 1 r RWERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOV. 18, 1996 Ms. Corum noted the need to check into the "open space" area of a property to see if it could be turned into a parking area by using paver bricks. STAFF MATTERS: None The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 P.M. A e0,'') City of Sebastian 1225 MAIN STREET Cl SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 o FAX (407) 589-5570 SEBASTIAN RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING HELD APPROVED AT MEETING HEL T S H. COLLINS, CHAIRMAN DAWN M. CORAPI, SECRETARY E. ANN BRACK, RECORDING SECRETARY RCMAS.WP City of Sebastian 1225 MAIN STREET o SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 o FAX (407) 589-5570 AGENDA JtIVERFRONT COMMITTEE MONDAY NOVEMBER 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER. 2. ROLL CALL. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS. 4. OLD BUSINESS: 1. DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAINTAINING ACCESS TO THE RIVERFRONT. 2. DISCUSS IDEAS FOR A "MASTER PLAN". 5. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSS BUILDING HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT. 7. CHAIRMAN MATTERS. 8. MEMBERS MATTERS. 9. STAFF MATTERS. 10. ADJOURNMENT. 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)-589-5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. City of Sebastian 1225 MAIN STREET o SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 o FAX (407) 589-5570 PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF SEBASTIAN 1225 MAIN STREET INDIAN RIVER COUNTY FQF1 ' I 1 V THE RIVERFRONT COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, WILL HOLD THEIR REGULAR MEETING ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1996 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS. DAWN M. CORAPI, S CRETARY RIVERFRONT COMIlNITTEE NOTE: IF ANY PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, HE/SHE WILL 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 IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING. RCPUBMTl.WP