HomeMy WebLinkAbout11062003 WORKSHOP CITY OF SEBASTIAN
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF WORKSHOP MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2003
The meeting opened at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT:
Mr. Faille
Mr. Mahoney
Mr. Keough (a)
Ms. Monier
Mr. Svatik
Chmn. Smith
Mr. Blessing
Mr. Seeley (a)
Mr. AIIocco
ALSO PRESENT:
Tracy Hass, Growth Management Director
Jan King, Growth Management Manager
Rich Stringer, City Attorney
Susan Lorusso, Secretary
Mr. Stringer began the presentation stating that he and staff will be helping the
commission with applying the standards as they are spelled out in the Land
Development Code.
The commissioners viewed a 20-minute film from the Florida League of Cities regarding
land use issues, decisions and how to avoid lawsuits. Mr. Stringer expanded upon when
to disqualify yourself from an issue. Under Florida Statutes you should not vote as a
public official when your action can have a special pecuniary benefit for yourself or
immediate family member or for someone with whom you are doing business. Any other
issue you are required to disclose such as, "that's a good friend of mine".
Conflict comes when you are acting quasi-judicially; you are acting in the manner of a
judge. Mr. Stringer advised the board if someone has a conflict he/she should leave the
meeting. If anyone had a question about whether to step down or not, just call him.
The matters that should concern the commission are those that applies to the use of the
land. You must tighten up on making sure the reasoning for your decision is on the
record. If an applicant is entitled by LDC but there is a large opposition to the proposal,
be very .careful on your decision making.
With regard to the Sunshine Law, you cannot discuss a matter that is coming before you
with another commission member. If you have information you want to share, send it out
one-way in a memo or e-mail that does not request or require a response. Also, if you
should receive correspondence addressed to you at your home or office regarding an
application, make a copy of it and give it to the City Clerk.
There was discussion regarding time limits for public comments and how to handle a
disruption during the meeting. Questions and answers should be directed through the
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 6, 2003
chairman. If an applicant brings changes to the meeting call a short recess so anyone
from the public can review the changes.
There was discussion about the land use map and zone map as well as designated zone
districts. The commission will be reviewing the update to the Comprehensive Plan
shortly.
Mr. Hass answered the question about the review process. He explained the pre-
application meetings, staff review and any changes that come about from those stages.
If an applicant does not want to make changes suggested by staff, he will note that in his
staff report and the final decision lies with the commission. With regard to concurrency
issues, beginning 2004 we will have to submit to the county for school board review as
well as the other reviews applications currently go through.
Chmn Smith excused himself and left the meeting.
Discussion turned to how subdivision density is figured, net or gross acreage and the
benefit of a PUD. The calculation is done on the gross acreage and PUD's usually have
buffers and open space amenities. Mr. Hass noted that only 50% of a PUD can be
developed and the other 50% must be preserve area. Mr. Stringer said Indian River
County has the most conservation land than any other county in the area. He also
explained the Bert J. Harris property rights act.
Mr. Svatik and Mr. Keough left the meeting.
Ms. Monier asked about the U-Haul business on Louisiana Avenue and Paradise Marina
zoning violations. Ms. King said both were being worked on and she would pass the
information on to Code Enforcement about Paradise.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
(11/07/03 SBL)
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