HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-25-2023 CC Minutesan0
SEBASTL N
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ANNEXATION AGREEMENT WORKSHOP
& REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023 — 6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
Vice Mayor Nunn called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. A moment of silence was held.
3. Council Member Dodd led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. ROLL CALL
Vice Mayor Chris Nunn
Council Member Kelly Dixon (via Zoom)
Council Member Ed Dodd
Council Member Bob McPartlan
Absent:
Mayor Fred Jones (excused)
Staff Present:
City Manager Paul Carlisle
City Attorney Manny Anon, Jr.
City Clerk Jeanette Williams
Community Development Director Lisa Frazier
Community Development Manager Dorri Bosworth
Leisure Services Director Brian Benton
Administrative Services Director/CFO Ken Killgore
Asst. Administrative Services Director Cindy Watson
City Engineer/Public Works Director Karen Miller
Airport Manager Jeff Sabo
Police Lt. Constantine Savvidis
5. Vice Mayor Nunn recessed the City Council meeting and convened the Draft Annexation
Agreement Workshop at 6:02 p.m.
23.013 A. Discussion on the Graves Brothers Comoanv Draft Annexation Agreement
(Transmittal. Agreement)
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 2
He asked Council if they would like to consider a shorter time limit for speaking. He said
they would run through the agreement article by article. They would not return to an
article after the discussion was completed unless there was time at the end.
Council Member Dodd clarified that would allow an individual to speak six times under
each article. Council Member McPartlan suggested that they go to three minutes and
Council could vote to extend the time if someone was making a point.
MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Dixon to allow a
three minute time limit passed with a unanimous voice vote of 4-0.
Vice Mayor Nunn suggested they start with the annexation itself in Article II.
Article II — Annexation
There was no public input or Council discussion for Article II.
Article III - Development of the Proverty
Grace Reed thanked Council for the workshop and described where to find the concerns
raised by an Audubon Society Facebook post within the annexation agreement:
The size of the PUD shrunk from the minimum of 500 to 400 acres
which is a non -issue because staff, the Planning & Zoning
Commission or Council is welcome to ask for more acreage.
There is no protection provided for a reasonable buffer but on page
11, 14 and 15 there are items about the buffer.
A firm 10% of affordable housing was removed but on page 10,
the owner is encouraged to coordinate with non-profit legal entities
to further expand opportunities for affordable housing.
There is no connecting green infrastructure but on page 10 and 11
there are items on greenways and trailways.
It will bring 15,000 to 18,000 new people —she did not know
where that math came from unless they used the entire acreage to
put a house on.
She encouraged people to read the agreement and form their own opinion.
Dan Lamson, Executive Director of the Indian River Neighborhood Association, said on
page 10 it mentions at least up to 5% could be used for affordable housing and it was
10% in the previous draft. Having more affordable and inclusionary housing is
something that the City and Indian River County really need. He said if affordable
housing isn't required now, they probably won't have it.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 3
George Glenn, Attorney for the Pelican Island Audubon Society, said the definition for
open space has been changed; and the "requirement" of connective green infrastructure
has been changed to "encouraged." He noted that connective green infrastructure
includes stormwater retention areas which makes it easy to get to 50% and provides a
more meaningful impact as far as qualities for the environment. However, by only
"encouraging" it, it has been effectively removed.
He also opposed shrinking the PUD from 500 to 400 acres size.
He emphasized that if a range is given, they will be free to choose the lower end and
when a plan comes to the quasi-judicial rezoning hearing, if they meet the requirement it
will be difficult to deny it.
He concluded by saying they strongly feel there should be a reasonable buffer for the
slough on the south prong of the St. Sebastian River.
Vice Mayor Nunn noted the numbers used in the agreement came from the
Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code.
Council Member Dodd said if they use the information and compute the max number of
houses that can be built, it does come up to about 10,771 units that can be placed on the
property. However, that is not what's going to be there.
He explained this was the layout for conditions on the entire 2000 acres of property
which will be developed in minimum sized parcels; and through the PUD process, all of
the other things will be dealt with.
Dr. Tim Glover, President of the Friends of St Sebastian River, said this is a legislative
process where they can negotiate and receive certain assurances. Without that it equates
to the City's minimum standards which equates to a "D" on a report card. Their primary
concern is protecting the south prong of the St. Sebastian River that they would like to
see it preserved for conservation.
Legny Sanchez, food truck owner, started to speak about her food truck and Vice Mayor
Nunn asked her to come back under Public Input.
Dr. Graham Cox, 1213 George Street, thanked Mr. Bass for sitting down with him about
two weeks ago who gave him an education on the water conveyance on the property. He
highlighted points of his letter distributed before the meeting. (See attached.)
He said they need data for a lot of the comments that are being made. A city is being
built next to a city with a short amount of resources that will change the character of
Sebastian. He said he spoke to a gentleman who moved from Houston, Texas whose
population grew from 400,000 to 2.6M when he was living there so he moved to Hobart
Landing to escape the population growth.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 4
Kelly Jackson, 5�h generation Indian River County resident said she was very concerned
that food is not considered in the economic development plan and asked how they will
grow their food. She spoke to an ex -land use board member who suggested that the land
be developed in 1-2 acre parcels for small farm operations.
Vice Mayor Nunn noted that he serves on the Affordable Housing committee and the
County bought the old Gifford Groves property and they are giving the property to people
to buy houses. The first home builder quote came in at $350,000 a home and it was sent
back out to bid. Habitat for Humanity won the bid but the houses will still range from
$250,000 to $275,000 which might not be considered affordable either. Affordable
housing is a tough concept.
Dr. Richard Baker lived on river for 22 years, paddled for 20 years prior to that and has
seen degradation of river. He said with all of the development the current policies and
ordinances are not working or being enforced. He asked we can add 15,000-18,000 more
people when we can't handle the population of 26,000. He said stricter environmental
policies and ordinances are needed that will bring back the river and the lagoon.
Dr. Baker said more experts are needed to give advice on these policies and he suggested
Timothy Fallon who has experience working with master plans.
Donna Halloran, Sebastian, said she was the person who posted on Facebook inviting the
public to speak out on the annexation in its present form; the City is relying on a woefully
inadequate agreement to kick the tough development issues down the road when it will be
too late to fix it. She said she did encourage people to come.
Dylan Reingold, Attorney, Indian River County, said from the County's perspective they
are just trying to know how the annexation will impact them and their ability to provide
services for the new homes. He asked for assistance in finding concessions from the
property owner/developer to help provide the water and sewer services to the property.
Phil Matson, Community Development Director, Indian River County, thanked the City
for having the workshop and he said he felt very welcomed and also thanked the city for
recording the public comments. He complimented the staff and said they all work with
the County very well. He said there are a lot of challenges regarding affordable housing,
the County just closed on home repairs for two houses in Sebastian through the
emergency SHIP loan repair program. He invited more Sebastian residents to come to
the County and apply for assistance.
Mr. Matson said big isn't necessarily bad; he thinks developing the 400 to 500 acre
parcels is good. It's good to work with chunks of that size to receive public benefits.
You need a larger scale to receive amenities —the visioning program told us that we
might like mountain bike parks, places for kids to congregate and give them an
alternative to what they are doing. He reemphasized some the things that George Glenn
said, "This is the best opportunity to get it right." He said he has a lot of faith in our City
staff, and Council. Also, he said it is important to take into consideration the grid
interconnectivity that will spread the load of traffic.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 5
Council Member Dodd cited section k on page 11 of the agreement and asked if that was
changed from the first draft and is it optional:
The property shall be Master Planned on a minimum of no less than
increments or units of 400 acre parcels as part of an overall Planned
Development project using the PUD zoning district and process, and
promote green infrastructure through a comprehensive plan of connected
stormwater greenways and open space that provides for wildlife habitat,
stormwater management system and recreation opportunities including low
impact design and best management practices.
The Community Development Director advised this section was added to make the
language stronger regarding green infrastructure and open space.
The City Attorney advised that the City would be able to require connectivity and green
infrastructure in the PUD process and the language in sections A-M will also be included
in the future land use map for these obvious reasons.
Council Member Dodd said he be would interested in hearing why that isn't directional to
the developer at a later time.
Article IV - Enforced Delav, Default, Remedies and Termination
George Glenn said this agreement will be binding in any future dispute with a future
developer and if Council's mentality is that they will have discretion at the PUD rezoning
stage, they could get into trouble because rezoning is quasi-judicial where it is
determined that standards have been met. When you add flexibility, you lose the
authority to mandate at the quasi-judicial stage.
Vice Mayor Nunn noted the section k started with the word "shall."
Dylan Reingold advised Council that he would be giving the County Commission an
update at their next meeting.
Donna Halloran said in the original document under section k, it said the property shall
be master planned on a minimum of no less than units of 400 acre parcels as part of an
overall plan development project using a PUD zoning district and "promote" green
infrastructure; it doesn't say "shall."
Kelly Jackson, said they should be seeking outside advice on low impact land
development to provide better resources for the ecosystem.
Council Member Dodd advised that the recent Spirit of Sebastian annexation includes an
agri-neighborhood in the first phase.
Richard Baker said the current stormwater management system in the City and County
isn't working; they have to get their act together today before thinking about future.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 6
Article V- Encumbrances and Releases on Real Property
There was no public input or Council discussion for Article V.
Article VI — Miscellaneous Provisions
There was no public input or Council discussion for Article VI.
Vice Mayor Nunn said staff and the lawyers have done an excellent job following the
Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. He was excited to move forward.
Council Member McPartlan said this was a step in the right direction. He said he would
like to see the actual number on the maximum homes but it is basically about 5.26 per
acre. The City will grow 20% and the homes will have to have County sewer and water.
In response to Elaine Richards, Vice Mayor Nunn advised the schools would be built by
the County.
Vice Mayor Nunn adjourned the Draft Annexation Workshop at 7:01 p.m. and called for
a recess. All Council Members returned at 7:11 p.m.
6. Vice Mayor Nunn adjourned the Draft Annexation Workshop and reconvened the City
Council Meeting at 7:11 p.m.
7. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS - None
8. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS
BriefAnnouncements:
January 28 & 29 - 4th Annual Sweet Tea Sip & Stroll at Riverview Park — Saturday from
9: 30am — 5pm and Sunday from 10am — 4pm
February 3 — Sebastian River Area Chamber Concert in the Park — 5: 30pm to 8pm-
TomMacLear & Friends (Rock, blues & country)
Vice Mayor Nunn announced the upcoming events as well as:
Sebastian Police Department's Citizens Academy will be held February 23
— May 11, 2023. More information is available at the police department.
The Four Chaplains Memorial Ceremony would be held February 5 at
2:00 p.m.
The Sock Drive for the homeless is underway. Donations could be made
in the lobby of City Hall.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 7
9. PUBLIC INPUT
Legny Sanchez said she was the owner of a Cuban food truck on Sebastian Blvd. She
asked that the code be changed so her food truck can stay in one place for up to four days
a week.
The City Manager said it was true that food trucks are only allowed to be one location for
two days a week to protect the brick and mortar business owners.
Sharon Hermann commended the art show that was held this past weekend in the park.
She asked that the prohibition of dogs be enforced and a way for the handicapped to
enjoy the food vendors and music be found for future events.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes — January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting
23.014 B. Resolution No. R-23-02 — Providing Support for the Florida League of Cities
Legislative Platform for the 2023 Legislative Session (Transmittal, R-23-02)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY,
FLORIDA, PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES'
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR THE 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION; PROVIDING
FOR EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR SCRIVENER'S ERRORS; AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
23.015 C. Approve the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget and Capital Improvement Program
Calendar (Transmittal, Calendar)
23.016 D. Approve the Purchase of Twelve Ballistic Vest Panels, Carriers and Rifle Plates
for Sebastian Police Department (Transmittal, Quote)
23.017 E. Approve Alcoholic Beverages for the Van Dunk Family Event at the Community
Center on March 11, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Permittee DOB
Verified (Transmittal, Application, Receipt)
MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member McPartlan to
approve consent agenda items A-E.
Roll call: Vice Mayor Nunn - aye
Council Member Dixon - aye
Council Member Dodd - aye
Council Member McPartlan - aye
Mayor Jones -absent
Motion carried. 4-0
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 8
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS
23.018 A. Auditor Selection Committee (Transmittal, F.S.218.391)
i. Confirm the Staff Selection of Larry Napier and Bruce Hoffinan
ii. Submit Nominations for the City Council Member Representative
Council Member McPartlan and Council Member Dodd nominated Mayor Jones to serve
as the Council representative. There were no further nominations. A voice vote
confirmed the appointment of Mayor Jones and the staff selection of Larry Napier and
Bruce Hoffinan.
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
23.019 A. Approve the Recommended Increase in Wages to Exempt Personnel Based on the
Wage and Comuensation Studv (Transmittal, Chart)
The City Manager said it was asked that this be brought back when the union
negotiations were completed and staff would like to have this instituted for the exempt
employees and managers.
MOTION by Council Member Dodd SECOND by Vice Mayor Nunn to remove this from
the table passed with a unanimous voice vote of 4-0.
Council Member McPartlan said he didn't want to go through the exempt employees
until all of the employees were handled and he didn't think the charter officers should be
part of this discussion. He said he understood the charter officers' contracts provide they
are provided the same as the managerial employees but not everyone on the agenda
backup is at 3%. He noted if the charter officers are unhappy with their pay, they can
address that with their contracts. He said he would like to see the city employees
completed before exempt employees.
He said this was a good opportunity to look at all of the charter officers' contracts
because he has concern on what some are getting and others aren't.
Vice Mayor Nunn said the employees listed are managerial staff and not affected by
bargaining agreements only the compensation study. He said he didn't see a reason to
wait.
He said with regard to the charter officers, he didn't agree with adjusting their wages to
the compensation study recommendation.
Council Member Dixon said she could see both sides; everyone should receive their
raises at the same time, but she also understands the bargaining agreement isn't finished.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 9
Council Member Dodd asked how close he was with the bargaining unit. The City
Manager said they employees have put in some significant demands and there is a
meeting scheduled for January 31 ".
Council Member Dodd said he doesn't have an issue to reviewing charter officer
contracts every three to five years and given that they will be hiring a new attorney soon,
it might be an appropriate time to think about that contract.
There was no public input.
MOTION Council Member McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Dixon to move
forward less the Charter Officers who can wait until negotiations are done with
everybody.
Council Member Dodd asked if his intention was to tie the officers with a revision of
their contract or the completion of the final union negotiation. Council Member
McPartlan said the finalization of the union negotiation and he had no problem with 3%
but he made a public records request and was very concerned about some of the stuff he
reviewed. He described that the City Attorney was going to have his contract redone to
include a vehicle.
Vice Mayor Nunn said he didn't have a problem holding the charter officers until the end
of the negotiations. As far as renegotiating their contracts, that could be added to the next
agenda as a separate item.
Council Member Dodd clarified that the charter officers would be addressed when the
employee's negotiations were done.
Roll call: Council Member Dixon - aye
Council Member Dodd - aye
Council Member McPartlan - aye
Vice Mayor Nunn - aye
Mayor Jones -absent
Motion carried. 4-0
14. NEW BUSINESS
23.020 A. Approve the Hirriniz of an Outside Consultant for the Citv Attomev Recruitment
Process (Transmittal. Code Sec. 2-10(d)(4)
The City Attorney said he was appointed to go to another city and will be entering
negotiations later this week and hopes to enter into a contract with that city the second
week of February. He said he will negotiate an exit for some time in March and he asked
if Council would like to go with a head hunter or look for a city attorney in house. He
also asked if they would like to look for a law firm or in-house attorney.
Council Member Dodd said he would prefer in an in-house attorney.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 10
Council Member McPartlan suggested that they may be some able to find someone to be
part-time for an interim basis.
The City Attorney advised an interim attorney would still need to be appointed by the
board. He offered to reach out on the attorney's ListServ.
Vice Mayor Nunn said they need to move quickly, it's a great time with number of
people moving to Florida. He suggested that they use a headhunter and if Mr. Anon
knows of an attorney, he should give those names to the headhunter.
The City Attorney said he has worked up a template with the Human Resources Manager
that can go out to the Florida Bar and ListSery for the interim basis and permanent
position.
MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Vice Mayor Nunn to retain Mr.
Baenziger's firm to do a search for a permanent city attorney, not a law firm.
Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye
Council Member McPartlan - aye
Vice Mayor Nunn - aye
Council Member Dixon - aye
Mayor Jones -absent
Motion carried. 4-0
15. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS
The City Attorney advised that union negotiations would continue with the general
employees at the end of this month.
He also said the printing of the updated Charter pamphlets was underway.
16. CITY MANAGER MATTERS
The City Manager reported that he met with D.R. Horton on the lots on Roseland Road
and CR512 and are amenable to looking at some options. He would come back to them
once they are firm.
17. CITY CLERK MATTERS - None
18. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
A. Council Member Dixon
Council Member Dixon said she attended the Institute of Elected Municipal Officials last
weekend and brought back a deeper understanding of the workings of city governments
and made some new relationships, notably a newly elected 18 year old mayor.
Regular City Council Meeting
January 25, 2023
Page 11
B. Council Member Dodd
Council Member Dodd congratulated City staff and the Growth Management Department
for putting up with him through the annexation process. They have done a bang up job.
He said they award improvement grants and sometimes they are taken for granted but it
was nice to see the improvements "The District" completed with their grant. He
congratulated them for the work that they had done, it looks wonderful.
C. Council Member McPartlan
Council Member McPartlan noted he is part of the Sebastian Police Department's
Citizens Academy and invited the public to come out and see the role he plays in the
community.
He congratulated Vice Mayor Nunn for chairing his first meeting.
D. Mayor Jones - absent
E. Vice Mavor Nunn
Vice Mayor Nunn thanked staff for the annexation agreement and he understands it
hasn't been an easy experience.
He asked everyone to slow down on the roads and get off of their phones as there have
been a couple of really bad accidents recently.
19. Being no further business, Vice Mayor Nunn adjourned the Regular City Council
meeting at 7:47 p.m.
Approved at the February 8, 2023 Regular City Council meeting.
Mayor Fred Jones
ATTEST: - -
/
anette Williams, City Clerk
My name is Graham Cox, 1213 George Street, Sebastian.
I wish I could tell you that I support the city adopting this annexation
agreement with the Graves Bros. property, but I cannot support it in its
current form.
I have read two versions of the draft agreement, the first released by the
county last November, the second released last week by the city of
Sebastian.
Many of the acceptable details from the first draft have been cut or
watered down in the second version, for example the commitment or
lack thereof to 10% affordable housing. Or the inclusion of golf courses
in the conservation classification when they were excluded in draft # 1.
In November and December the four conservation groups sent three
letters to City Council spelling out our concerns about the draft
agreement. We were hoping that the second draft would be responsive to
our ideas, but it is clear in the second draft on the table here this evening
that most of what we said has been ignored.
For more than two years we have urged the city and Graves Bros. to
obtain the services of a planning consultant with expertise in
biological, ecological and stormwater management systems. THIS
HAS STILL NOT HAPPENED; NO SKILLED CONSULTANT
WITH EXPERIENCE USING AN ENVIRONMENTAL
APPROACH TO LAND USE ALLOCATIONS HAS BEEN HIRED
BY THE CITY OR GRAVES BROS.
This is a massive project that will totally change the character of
Sebastian and our neighboring communities. There are some good
examples in Florida of big developments that were guided by
experienced, expert managers. For example, DelWebb Sunbridge,
24,000 acres, half in conservation, 7,000 homes, east of Orlando.
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WHY IGNORE LESSONS FROM OTHER QUALITY
DEVELOPMENTS?
The City has rejected outright hiring, or requiring the applicant to hire,
an outside planning consultant to formulate a master plan for the
property. This was a sorely missed opportunity to perform the level of
planning that many of the expert state and regional agencies
recommended to the city. I will discuss these recommendations in a
moment.
The regional impact from this development will affect several
jurisdictions and change the character of the area forever. If proper
planning is not completed upfront, before entitlements are assigned to
the property through a land use change, the impacts will be severely
negative. There has been no positive response on this issue from the
city or from Graves Bros.
In our joint recommendations we proposed creating a significant
but reasonably sized buffer for the slough which forms the South
Prong of the St. Sebastian River. We provided a map depicting this
buffer which would amount to 115 acres, some of which is already
preserved as right-of-way for the Sebastian River Improvement District.
THERE HAS BEEN NO SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO THIS.
Just how many homes and people can we expect in this 2,000 acre
development?
The property's entitlement 'of highest and best use under existing
land use and zoning regulations is one unit per five acres, or 400
residential houses. What has been floated around through drafts of
an annexation agreement shows that the property could develop
between—6,400-9,000 units, plus contain significant
commercial/industrial acreage. THESE NUMBERS HAVE STILL
NOT BEEN DETERMINED SO IT IS DIFFICULT FOR US TO
KNOW WHAT IMPACTS TO EXPECT.
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Here are some of the regional and state agency comments conveyed
to the city:
• The Department of Economic Opportunity stated that the proposed
amendment should include an urban sprawl analysis along with
data and analysis to support the proposed amendment. THERE IS
NO SIGN OF THIS ANALYSIS.
• DEO went further and opined that in the alternative, the city
"should consider a different land use category that more
accurately reflects the site's intended uses, density and intensity."
IS THE CITY PREPARED TO CONSIDER A DIFFERENT
LAND USE CATEGORY?
• The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council noted that no
"impacts to level of service" was provided and therefore it was
unable to determine impacts to resources and facilities. A letter
from Fellsmere City Manager Mark Mathis also referenced the
lack of traffic impact analysis. NO DATA ON THIS
• This is a disservice to Sebastian residents and all County residents
who will live with the impacts from an additional—15,000-18,000
people who will reside on the property at buildout, if it is capped at
the above number of residences. The TCRPC notes that the
potential population at buildout without those restrictions
could approach 31,000 people. NO DATA ON THIS IS
AVAILABLE
• TCRPC recommends a network of parks and open spaces as
well as drainage and stormwater planning concepts that provide for
greater environmental benefits in holding and cleaning water,
especially given the proximity to the St. Sebastian River. THIS
MAKES SENSE BUT IS NOT IN THE AGREEMENT
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• TCRPC notes that the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan
requires various reviews and determination analysis that are
currently missing from the proposed land use change.
• The St. Johns River Water Management District also states
that the plan lacks required analysis relating to water supply
and facilities. NO RESPONSE ON THIS
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection notes that the
proposed land use changes have the potential to impact water
quality. WE HAVE NO DATA
In fact, the city's consulting attorney did raise this important
question about lack of supporting data in the first agreement draft.
In Article II Section 2.1, Petition to Annex:
(3) The Real Property is ideally suited for annexation into the City due
to its proximity to the City and transportation planned corridors and
systems; and
(4) The annexation will yield substantial benefits to the Owner, the
City, and to the Real Property in the form of plann ed Mixed -Use
Development, an increased tax base to the City, Conservation of
natural habitats, Open Space, and increased employment
opportunities. CAN THESE BE DOCUMENTED?"
This last question appeared in the December draft but has not been
answered in the January draft. There is still no attempt to bring to
the public any data on these claims. We need numbers and sources.
What is concerning is the apparent acceptance that the landowner
would drive the process and that the final annexation agreement
would reflect their desire, not necessarily what is best for the city
and county residents. THIS IS STILL A CONCERN FOR US —
WHO OR WHAT IS DRIVING THE DECISION?
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There is nothing wrong with a landowner making money, but there is
something wrong with a jurisdiction that heaps huge financial windfalls
without securing the necessary safeguards to protect area residents.
We recognize -- and city officials should as well -- that there is no way
that adding this level of density and intensity to the property will not
negatively impact natural resources and public facilities. THIS IS THE
EQUIVALENT OF A NEW CITY ON THE DOORSTEP OF AN
EXISTING CITY. THERE WILL SURELY BE MAJOR
NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, THE LOCAL
AND COUNTY ECONOMY.
We strongly request that the city delay this process, provide
additional workshops on the latest version of an annexation
agreement, use the input provided by the various agencies and
concerned groups and come up with an agreement that we can all
live with.
In conclusion, we believe working together will result in an outcome
that can accomplish all the parties' goals. Thank you.
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