Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-2025 CC MinutesCITY OI' SEBASTIAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025 — 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA Mayor Jones called the Regular 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 Mayor Fred Jones Vice Mayor Bob McPartlan Council Member Ed Dodd Council Member Chris Nunn Council Member Sherrie Matthews Staff Present City Manager Brian Benton Interim City Attorney James Stokes Senior Executive Assistant Cathy Testa Chief Financial Officer Brian Stewart Building Director/Fire Marshal Wayne Eseltine Community Development Director Alix Bernard Community Development Manager Dorri Bosworth City Engineer/Special Projects Manager Karen Miller Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship Public Works Director Lee Plourde Human Resources Director Cindy Watson Principal Planner Jim Mann Police Chief Daniel Acosta Police Lt. Robert Vafiades S. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS Mayor Jones noted that the City Manager requested the removal of Item 12(a) from the agenda. Council Member Dodd made a motion to remove the item, which was Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 2 seconded by Council Member Nunn. There being no further discussion, Mayor Jones confirmed that Item 12(a) had been removed from the agenda. 6. PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS, BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS BriefAnnouncements. Friday, December 5 - Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce Light Up Bight - Various U.S. Highway 1 Merchants - 5:30pm to 8:00pm Saturday, December 6 - Rotary Club of Sebastian Craft Hullabaloo at Riverview Park - 11 am to 4pm Saturday, December 6 - City of Sebastian Christmas Parade from Main Street to Riverview Park-6.30pm Sunday, December 7 - Pearl Harbor Day Observance at Veterans Memorial-12:30pm Friday, December 12 - Sebastian Police Dept Movie Night at Riverview Park - 5:30pm - The Movie is A Christmas Carol Saturday, December 13 - Wreaths Across America - Placement at Sebastian Municipal Cemetery-9:00am; Ceremony at Veteran's Memorial at 12:OOnoon Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14 - Craft Club of Sebastian Event - Riverview Park - 10am to 3pm Saturday, December 13 - Santa's Open House Sponsored by the GFWC Sebastian Woman's Club in Riverview Park - 2pm to 4pm Council Member Nunn announced the upcoming events. 7. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor Jones* opened public input and invited members of the public to address the Council on matters not listed on the agenda. Charles Wright, 801 Williamson Avenue, introduced himself as a resident.and aircraft owner who leases a hangar at the Sebastian Municipal Airport. He explained that he and other airport users have .ongoing concerns related to airport operations and hangar management. Mr. Wright stated that he had previously met with the City Manager and Airport Manager to discuss these issues and expressed interest in having residents and airport users formally address the Council. He inquired whether an airport -related committee exists and requested consideration of a future agenda item to allow discussion of airport matters. Mayor Jones confirmed that staff had Mr. Wright's contact information and indicated they would follow up with him. Damien Gilliams, 1623 U.S. Highway 1, addressed the Council. He offered congratulations to newly seated Council members. Mr. Gilliams referenced state legislation related to government transparency and small business treatment and expressed concerns regarding the City's enforcement of rules and policies. He discussed prior public records requests and shared his perspective on past legal and code enforcement matters involving his property. Mr. Gilliams encouraged the Council to support small businesses and allow public participation. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 3 prior public records requests and shared his perspective on past legal and code enforcement matters involving his property. Mr. Gilliams encouraged the Council to support small businesses and allow public participation. Mayor Jones asked if there were any additional speakers, including those attending via Zoom. With no further public comment, public input was closed. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Consider Approval of Draft October 22, 2025 City Council Minutes B. Consideration of Road Closure for the Rotary Craft Brew Hullabaloo soecial event scheduled for December 6th. 2025 MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Council Member Dodd to approve Consent Agenda Items A and B. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 9., COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS Mayor Jones asked if there were any committee reports. Vice Mayor McPartland reported that there were none. A. Consider Appointments to the 2025 Charter Review Committee The City Manager explained that each Council Member may appoint two members to the Charter Review Committee. He noted.that applications are still being accepted and that the remaining appointments may be finalized at the December 17 Council meeting. The City Manager encouraged interested residents to submit applications before the agenda deadline. Mayor Jones called on Council Members to announce their appointments if prepared. • Vice Mayor McPartland stated he did not have appointments at this time. • Council Member Dodd appointed Grace Reed and Jeanne Hill. • Council Member Matthews appointed Vicki Drumheller and Sharon Herman. • Mayor Jones appointed Scott Liberatore and Richard Gilmore. • Council Member Nunn appointed Susan Lorusso and indicated a second appointment would be forthcoming. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 4 Mayor Jones noted that these appointments would fill ten positions, with five at -large positions remaining. He explained that the City Charter serves as the City's governing document and encouraged members of the public to apply if interested in participating in the review process. B. Consider Resident Position on the Police Officer Board of Trustees Council Member Nunn nominated Mr. Pusher to serve in the resident position on the Police Officers' Board of Trustees. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to appoint Mr. Pusher. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Consideration of Ordinance 0-25-16 - Second Reading and Adoption - Amendina the Code of Ordinances of the Citv of Sebastian. Chapter 26 - relatina to Buildina and Buildina Reaulations - in order to comply with contractor licensina_ revisions of the Florida Statutes and providina for adoption. The City Attorney read the title to Ordinance 0-25-16 and Mayor Jones opened the public hearing at 6:14 p.m. There was no ex parte communication to disclose. The Building Official noted that Chapter 26 must be updated to remove conflicting definitions, incorporate state licensing exemptions and preemptions, and require contractors to be licensed in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. He added that staff had prepared a summary showing how existing local license categories correspond to state categories and that affected contractors will be notified of the changes. Mayor Jones opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke in favor or opposition to the proposed ordinance. During Council discussion, Council Member Dodd asked whether existing local contractors reclassified under state categories would be required to take additional testing. The Building Official explained that existing contractors would be grandfathered into the corresponding state categories and would not be required to Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 5 take additional testing; however, new applicants would be required to meet state testing requirements. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve Ordinance 0-25-16. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 B. Quasi -Judicial Public Hearing -Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-41 -ADDrovina the Preliminary Plat for "Hawks Landing". a 162-unit Townhome Subdivision on 20.38 acres - Existing Zoning Designation of RM-8 (Residential Multifamily 8 Units/Acre). 1 1 1 The City Attorney read the title to Ordinance 0-25-16 and Mayor Jones opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. There was no ex parte communication to disclose. Mayor Jones requested that all individuals who intended to provide testimony be sworn in. The Senior Executive Assistant administered the oath to all speakers. The Principal Planner presented the staff report. He clarified that the request before Council was limited to preliminary plat approval and that the site plan had previously been reviewed and approved bythe Planning and Zoning Board. The Principal Planner stated that the subdivision layout, lot configuration, infrastructure design, and access points comply with the City's Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. The Principal Planner confirmed that required supporting studies, including environmental review, stormwater management analysis, and traffic impact evaluation, were completed and reviewed by staff and outside agencies as applicable. He noted that the project meets concurrency requirements and that stormwater management will be handled through a wet detention system permitted by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Wesley Mills, Engineer of Record with Mills Short & Associates, presented the application on behalf of the applicant. He described the project location and noted that the property had previously been rezoned to RM-8, allowing the proposed density. Mr. Mills outlined the subdivision design, stating that the development consists of 162 townhome units with internal private streets, sidewalks, and common open space. Mr. Mills explained that over 40 percent of the site will be dedicated to open space, including more than 25 percent preserved as native vegetation. Planned amenities Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 6 include a pool, a cabana, walking paths, a dog park, and landscaped open areas. He stated that the primary access will be gated, with secondary access provided for pedestrian connectivity. Mr. Mills addressed stormwater management, stating that runoff will be treated and retained on -site and discharged in accordance with applicable permits. He confirmed that traffic impacts were analyzed and found to be within acceptable thresholds and that the development is intended to provide attainable housing options consistent with surrounding zoning. Stephen Wooldridge,153 Day Drive, spoke in opposition to the request, citing concerns regarding density, neighborhood compatibility, affordability, and notification of surrounding property owners. Damien Gilliams,1623 U.S. Highway 1, President of the Sebastian Homeowners Association, spoke in opposition, expressing concerns related to project density, traffic impacts, long-term maintenance of canals and seawalls, and overall compatibility with the surrounding community. Mayor Jones closed public comment. Council Members questioned the Principal Planner, Community Development Manager, and the applicant regarding homeowner association maintenance responsibilities, stormwater discharge points, canal and seawall ownership and maintenance obligations, timing of amenity construction, and* compatibility with surrounding development patterns. The Principal Planner, Community Development Manager, and the applicant provided clarification and confirmed that applicable conditions would be reflected on the final plat and in supporting documentation. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Dodd to approve Resolution R-25-41. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - nay Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 4-1 C. Legislative Public Hearina - Consideration of Ordinance 0-25-04 - Second Readina and Adootion - Reauest for Larae-Scale Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment for 148.5 acres - Existina Land Use of Mixed Use (MU). Industrial (IN), and Commercial/Industrial (CA, Indian River Countv) to Low Density Residential (LDR, 5 units/acre) Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 7 The City Attorney read the title to Ordinance 0-25-04 and Mayor Jones opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. There was no ex parte communication to disclose. The Community Development Manager presented the staff report and clarified that this item is a legislative comprehensive plan amendment. She explained that the request applies to a 148.5-acre site currently designated Mixed Use, Industrial, and Commercial/Industrial on the Future Land Use Map. The Mixed -Use designation was applied during the City's 2022 Comprehensive Plan update. The prospective developer originally considered a mixed -use concept but later determined that a single-family residential development would be more appropriate and consistent with surrounding land uses. The Community Development Manager described the project location, including the former Vickers Sand Mine Lake area and a 1.47-acre industrial parcel located in the southeastern portion of the site. She explained that Industrial Park Boulevard, a private roadway within the project area, is also included in the amendment and would be designated Low Density Residential for consistency purposes, while remaining a private roadway. The Community Development Manager stated that the surrounding properties, including Sebastian Highlands, are designated Low Density Residential and that the proposed amendment would provide land -use consistency with adjacent development. The amendment qualifies as a large-scale Future Land Use Map amendment and was transmitted to state and regional agencies for review. There were no comments from the following agencies: • Florida Department of Commerce • Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council • Florida Department of State • St. Johns River Water Management District The Community Development Manager explained that approval on second reading authorizes submittal of the final adoption package to the State. If the package is deemed complete and no appeals are filed, the ordinance would become effective 31 days after the State issues its Notice of Intent. Mayor Jones opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke in favor or opposition to the proposed ordinance. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve Ordinance 0-25-04. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 8 Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 D. Quasi-.)udicial Public Hearina - Consideration and 2nd Readina of Ordinance 0-25-05 - Rezonina Request for a PUD-R Designation, and the Requisite Approval of a Conceptual Planned Unit Development Plan for 148.5 acres - Existina Zoning Designations of RS-10 (Residential Sinale-Family). IN (Industrial), and IL (Light Industrial. County) The City Attorney read the title to Ordinance 0-25-05 and Mayor Jones opened the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. There was no ex parte communication to disclose. Mayor Jones requested that all individuals who intended to provide testimony be sworn in. The City Clerk administered the oath to all speakers. Elise Shaughnessy of BGE, engineer for the project, presented the proposal, describing 180 residential units, including 110 single-family homes and 70 paired villas, and highlighting proposed amenities such as a kayak launch, pickleball courts, playground, dog park, public bike path, and rest area. Dimensional considerations requested included smaller lot widths, five-foot side setbacks, and increased building coverage. The Community Development Manager provided the staff analysis, noting the conceptual plan complies with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code, clarifying that public amenities would be maintained by the HOA, and reviewing the eight recommended conditions of approval. Mayor Jones expressed support for the project overall but raised concerns regarding the proposed five-foot side yard setbacks, particularly for two-story homes. The Community Development Manager provided historical context regarding setbacks in prior PUD developments within the City, noting that while some PUDs have five-foot setbacks, many utilize seven -and -one -half -foot setbacks. She explained that requiring increased setbacks for two-story homes could result in the developer electing not to offer two-story models rather than reducing overall density. Council Member Matthews echoed concerns regarding drainage and long-term impacts associated with narrow setbacks. Council Member Dodd discussed the relationship between lot sizes, setbacks, and workforce housing, noting that smaller footprints are often necessary to achieve attainable housing price points. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 9 Vice Mayor McPartlan agreed with exploring increased setbacks for two-story homes. Mayor Jones opened the public hearing for public comment. No one spoke in favor or opposition to the proposed ordinance. Mike Doula, representing D.R. Horton, addressed the Council. He explained that five- foot side setbacks are common in similar developments and result in a ten -foot separation between structures. He stated that engineering design addresses drainage concerns and emphasized that the projects low density and lake -centered layout distinguish it from more compact subdivisions. Mr. Doula noted that increasing setbacks could impact feasibility and affordability, but acknowledged that they would review Council's concerns regarding two-story homes. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Vice Mayor McPartlan to approve Ordinance 0-25-05. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None 12. NEW BUSINESS -None 13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS Attorney Stokes recommended that the Council formally designate an acting City Clerk to handle the official duties in Ms. Williams' absence. Council Members discussed having the Senior Executive Assistant fill in and what the appropriate compensation would be, noting that she would continue her current responsibilities in addition to City Clerk duties. It was ultimately agreed that she would receive the full salary of the City Clerk during this period. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Vice Mayor McPartlan to appoint the Senior Executive Assistant as the acting City Clerk. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 10 Motion carried. 5-0 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS The City Manager provided updates on several items. First, he addressed the city attorney recruitment process, noting that the candidate pool had narrowed from three to two. He asked the Council whether they wanted to proceed with the previously planned meet -and -greet on January 6 or move directly to interviews on January 7. Council discussion focused on the feasibility and necessity of reopening the search, with most members agreeing that additional outreach was unlikely to yield more qualified applicants and that the current interim city attorney, Mr. Stokes, could continue serving as needed. The consensus was to proceed with interviews for the two remaining candidates without a meet -and -greet, with individual interviews in the morning and a public interview in the afternoon, followed by a special council meeting that evening to make a selection. The City Manager then reminded Council to submit their appointments for the Citizen Budget Advisory Board before the next two meetings to ensure the committee could begin meeting in January. He also shared that a design for "Red, Remember Everyone Deployed" shirts and polos had been finalized, allowing city employees to purchase them with proceeds benefiting a local veterans' organization. 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS The Senior Executive Assistant thanked staff and Council for the opportunity. 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS Mayor Jones introduced the topic of giving employees Friday, December 26 off, noting that since employees would already be off on December 24 and '25 for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, this would prevent them from having to return to work for just one day. The City Manager explained it would be a paid day off, with personal leave or overtime provided if employees must work. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn for December 26th, 2025, to be a paid day off for City of Sebastian staff. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 Mayor Jones facilitated the announcements, confirming agreement and encouraging participation in holiday traditions, including the December 17 "ugly sweater" event for the Council and staff. Regular City Council Meeting December 3, 2025 Page 11 Vice Mayor McPartlan appreciated being able to attend via Zoom. Council Member Dodd promoted the Sebastian High School Prism Concert, sending a recommendation to attend. He also extended well wishes to City Clerk Jeanette, expressing hope for her speedy return. Additionally, he shared concerns about House Bill 105, noting it could negatively impact the city's business community. Council Member Matthews highlighted local high school athletic achievements. She recognized Jackson Wiese for placing eighth in the state golf championship, Addison Milliken for her top-40 finish in girls' golf, and the Shark swimming teams' overall state rankings. She also mentioned individual swimmers Louis and Lee St. Peter Lewis for state championships and Aubrey Durham and Matthew Petite for diving accomplishments. 17. Being no further business, Mayor Jones adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:11 p.m. Approved at the January 14, 2025 Regular City Council meeting. Mayor Fred Jones Ay1�5 /�T: z Catherine Est Ing City Clerk tEBAIiIAN CITY OF SEBASTIAN SPEAKER CARD AND AFFIDAVIT (Please Print- * Asterisk Denotes Required) *NAME: S l A h Az� W CC) I fD n r n Gi r *STREET ADDRESS: *CITY S i3 A S / ! n V *STATE /:�-` d( *ZIP 3 21 CONTACT PHONE: 7 J 7- 7/ 3 CITY RESIDENT: YI-q/J NO CITY /BUSINESS OWNER: YES / NO CITY PROPERTY OWNER: YES / NO AGENDA ITEM NO: �. Z$ "f� ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING: /VOdi SUBJECT: `-Z Lt I AFFIDAVIT: I am aware of the rules of this proceeding and I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that all statements and information thal I pr vide in this matter will be truthful. *Signature: Proceeding Speaker Rules: - Complete card prior to introduction to item - Hand the completed card to City Clerk/Secretary - Speaker will have 5 minutes to address the subject - Additional time may be extended if speaking for an organization or applicant - Speakers will be called upon by the Mayor or Chair