HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-10-06ORDINANCE NO. 0-10-06
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA,
AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO PROVIDE AN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING
FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, an Economic Development Element setting forth principles and guidelines
for commercial and industrial development has been identified as an optional element to a
Comprehensive Plan by Florida Statute 163.3177; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has indicated their desire to memorialize economic
development efforts by incorporating an Economic Development Element into the Sebastian
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Sebastian Local Planning Agency held a public hearing on August 19,
2010 to review the Economic Development Element and recommended approval; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the proposed Economic Development
Element is consistent with the existing comprehensive plan and the future development goals of
the City of Sebastian.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, as follows:
Section 1. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEXT AMENDMENT. The
Comprehensive Plan of the City of Sebastian is hereby amended to add the Economic
Development Element as set forth in the attached Exhibit "A
Section 2. TRANSMITTAL. The City Manager is directed to transmit a certified
copy hereof to the authorities designated under Florida Statute 163.3184(3) upon passage at first
reading, and proceed herewith in accordance with the provisions of Florida Statute Chapter 163.
Section 3. CONFLICT. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith
are hereby repealed.
Section 4. SEVERABILITY. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction shall
hold or determine that any part of this Ordinance is invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of
the Ordinance shall not be affected and it shall be presumed that the City Council did not intend
to enact such invalid or unconstitutional provision. It shall further be assumed that the City
Council would have enacted the remainder of this Ordinance without said invalid or
unconstitutional provision, thereby causing said remainder to remain in full force and effect.
Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. Following its adoption and authentication by the
signatures of the presiding officer and the Clerk of the City Council, this Ordinance shall become
effective upon issuance of a Notice of Intent by the State of Florida Department of Community
Affairs finding this Comprehensive Plan Amendment in compliance.
September
PASSAGE UPON FIRST READING
The foregoing Ordinance was moved for passage upon first reading this 22nd day of
Councilmember Hill
2010, by Councilmember Wright
Mayor Richard Gillmor
Vice -Mayor Jim Hill
Councilmember Andrea Coy
Councilmember Eugene Wolff
Councilmember Don Wright
and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows:
ATTEST:
Sally A. Mai•, MMC
City Clerk
The motion was seconded by
aye
aye
aye
aye
aye
CI1YOF
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
SEPTEMBER 2010
Prepared For:
City of Sebastian
Planning Department
1225 Main Street
Sebastian, Florida 32958
Prepared By:
b�cr¢ien�
EXHIBIT "A"
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
J.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. IN "PRODUCTION
B. GEOGRAPHY MARKET RELATIONSHIPS
C. KEY INDUSTRIES
D. KEY DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
E. LABOR MARKET
F. INCOME POVERTY
G. PAST STUDIES
H. QUALITY OF LIFE
I. AVAILABILITY OF SITES
EXISTING PROGRAMS INCENTIVES
K. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
L. TARGET INDUSTRIES
M. ATTRACTING GREEN /SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIES
N. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
i
1
1
1
5
7
7
7
8
8
9
10
11
12
14
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
TABLE 1: 2002 ECONOMIC CENSUS STATISTICS 2
TABLE 2: OCCUPATION OF WORKERS 16 AND OVER 2
TABLE 3: INDUS I'RY OF WORKERS 16 AND OVER 3
TABE 4: KEY MANUFACTURERS IN SEBASTIAN 3
TABLE 5: LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY (2009) 4
TABLE 6: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (POPULATION 25 5
TABLE 7: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT BY AGE GROUP (POPULATION 25 5
TABLE 8: MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO WORK 5
TABLE 9: PLACE OF WORK OFR EMPLOYED POPUATION 5
TABLE 10: INCOME AND POVERTY 7
FIGURE 1: POPULATION PYRMAID, 2006 -2008 ACS 6
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
ii
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
A. INTRODUCTION
C. KEY INDUSTRIES
bccr�ien-
CHAPTER 12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Chapter 163.3177, Florida Statutes (F.S.) prescribes an economic element as an optional element in
local government comprehensive plans. The City of Sebastian has decided to include this optional
element herein called the Economic Development Element in order to organize and unify its
economic development priorities and programs, and to ensure that the City's economic
development activities and policies are consistent with and further the other elements of the
Comprehensive Plan.
This Data, Inventory and Analysis Report includes an economic profile of the City describing
existing economic conditions, overviews of previous economic development efforts and summaries
of key issues or data.
It should be noted that a significant amount of economic development research and analysis has
been conducted at the County level, including the draft Indian River County Economic
Development Element. This County -level analysis applies to Sebastian. However, the information
presented herein is, wherever possible, more specific to Sebastian, and should be considered within
the context of Indian River County's economic conditions and economic development efforts.
B. GEOGRAPHY MARKET RELATIONSHIPS
Sebastian is located the northernmost end of Indian River County, between the St. Sebastian River
on the west and the Indian River Lagoon on the east. Melbourne (approximate population 78,000)
is about 20 miles to the north, while Vero Beach (approximate population 18,000) is about 15 miles
to the south. Sebastian has important economic connections to both of these localities, in terms of
commuting patterns and exchange of goods and services. Melbourne's airport is also the nearest
with major airline passenger service. Sebastian's location, while free from the suburban sprawl and
other negatives of the major metropolitan areas of South Florida and Orlando, nonetheless offers
relatively easy access to them and their services and attractions. West Palm Beach to the south, and
Orlando to the north, can each be reached by car in about 1.5 hours. The City's location on the
Indian River Lagoon is also economically important. Not only is the Lagoon an important element
in the City's character especially of the Downtown /Riverfront area but als— supports a number
of water -based economic and recreational activities. All of these geographical factors along with
the semi- tropical climate help to make Sebastian a significant destination for retirees, as well as to
make tourism an important local industry.
Key industries in Indian River County have traditionally been agriculture and tourism, which are
now complemented by information technology, health care and light manufacturing. For several
years, construction has been a large sector in Indian River County, accounting for a significant share
of employment. The same largely holds true in Sebastian. Unfortunately, the results of the 2007
1
September 9, 2010
NAICS*
Industry
Number of
Establishments
Number of
Employees
Sales,
Shipments,
Receipts or
Revenue
($1,000)
Annual
Payroll
($1,000)
42
Wholesale trade
12
31
9,591
780
44 -45
Retail trade
39
665
111,019
12,329
51
Information
7
36
X
918
53
Real estate rental
leasing
26
69
8,365
1,297
54
Professional, scientific,
technical services
34
93
11,735
2,936
56
Administrative support
waste management
remediation service
31
76
3,575
994
61
Educational services
4
X
X
X
62
Health care social
assistance
27
653
63,834
18,657
71
Arts, entertainment,
recreation
6
X
X
X
72
Accommodation food
services
17
384
15,571
4,226
81
Other services (except
public administration)
22
X
X
X
Occupation
Sebastian
Indian River
County
Management, professional and related
34.4%
31.2%
Services
18.8%
20.6%
Sales and office
24.4%
24.8%
Farming, fishing and forestry
0.5%
1.4%
Construction, extraction, maintenance and repair
13.8%
13.3%
Production, transportation and material moving
8.2%
8.6%
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Economic Census are not yet entirely released, which means that the best available substitute is the
2002 Economic Census.
Table 1: 2002 Economic Census Statistics
Source: 2002 Economic Census
North American Industrial Classification System
X data was either not collected or is withheld
Table 2: Occupation of Workers 16 and Over
Source: 2006 -2008 American Community Survey (ACS)
2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
September 9, 2010
Industry
Sebastian
Indian River
County
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and
mining
0.0 /0
2.4 /o
Construction
14.2%
13.8%
Manufacturing
5.4%
5.5%
Wholesale trade
2.4%
2.8%
Retail trade
15.3%
13.8%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities
2.7%
3.9%
Information
2.0%
1.4%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental
and leasing
6.1%
7.7%
Professional, scientific, and management, and
administrative and waste management services
12.9%
12.l%
Educational services, and health care and social
assistance
22.3
19.5%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and
accommodation and food services
10.4%
9.0%
Other services, except public administration
3.3%
5.1%
Public administration
3.0%
3.1%
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
In terms of manufacturing employment which is often prized in economic development because it
typically offers relatively high wages but many times without advanced education the Indian River
County Chamber of Commerce website includes a list of key manufacturers in the County and the
number of employees at each firm. Most of these key manufacturers are located in Vero Beach,
which at this time is more of an employment center relative to its population size than is Sebastian
However, those that are located in Sebastian or in close proximity are shown in Table 4 below
(those operations within the City limits are highlighted).
butC'ie�
Table 3: Industry of Workers 16 and Over
Source: 2006 -2008 ACS
Table 4: Key Manufacturers in Sebastian
3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
NAICS*
332
32518
3261
35
321214
334517
Firm
Extreme Impact Shutters
MC Miller Co. Inc.
Macho Products, Inc.
Profold, Inc.
Stock Building Supply
XStream Systems, Inc.
Employees
20
18
35
40
40
30
Source: Indian River County Chamber of Commerce website, accessed June 17, 2010
North American Industrial Classification System
September 9, 2010
Name
NAICS Major Group
Employees
Total
Full -Time
Part -Time
Seasonal
School District of Indian River
County
Educational Services NAICS
61)
2,147
2,147
0
0
Indian River County
Public Administration NAICS
1,706
1,548
98
60
Indian River Medical Center
Health Care and Social
Assistance (NAICS 62)
1,671
1,093
253
325
Publix Supermarkets
Food and Beverage Stores
NAICS 445)
1,104
535
569
0
The New Piper Aircraft
Transportation Equipment
Manufacturing
700
700
0
0
City of Vero Beach
Public Administration NAICS
561
489
67
5
John's Island
Accommodation (NAICS 721)
475
250
50
175
Indian River Estates
Health Care and Social
Assistance NAICS 62)
442
222
136
84
Wal -Mart
General Merchandise Stores
(NAICS 452)
404
293
111
0
Sebastian River Medical Center
Health Care and Social
Assistance NAICS 62)
380
380
0
0
Visiting Nurse Association
Health Care and Social
Assistance NAICS 62)
348
195
153
0
CVS Warehouse /Distribution
Transportation and Warehousing
(NAICS 47 -48)
278
325
0
0
Grand Harbor Management
Construction NAICS 23)
Real Estate (NAICS 531)
312
208
73
31
Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Accommodation (NAICS 721)
300
195
66
39
St. Edwards School
Educational Services NAICS
218
134
9
75
Sun Ag, Inc.
Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing,
and Hunting (NAICS 11)
235
100
0
135
Captain Hiram's Restaurant
Resort
Restaurant /Resort
219
85
134
0
City of Sebastian
Public Administration NAICS
212
154
58
0
Medical Data System
Collection Agency NAICS
561440)
186
171
15
0
Flight Safety International
Educational Services (NAICS
611) and Technical and Trade
Schools (NAICS 6115)
155
120
111
120
44
0
0
0
Novurania of America
Boat Manufacturing NAICS
336612)
219
85
134
0
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Table 5 includes Indian River County's largest employers as of 2009.
Table 5: Lamest Emvlovers in Indian River County (2009
Source: Indian River County Chamber of Commerce (January 2009)
4
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
September 9, 2010
Sebastian Indian River County
Education Level
1990 2006 -2008 1990 2006 -2008
Less than 9t" grade
7.0%
1.9%
7.1%
4.3%
9t" through 12t" grade, no diploma
19.5%
10.0%
16.5%
9.0%
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
38.3%
38.8%
30.6%
29.4%
Some college, no degree
18.4%
22.8%
20.9%
22.6%
Associates degree
6.9%
10.2%
5.83%
8.2%
Bachelors degree
6.9%
11.0%
13.2%
16.9%
Graduate or professional degree
3.1%
5.3%
5.9%
9.6%
Mode
Sebastian
Indian River County*
Florida*
Sebastian
2000
2006 -2008
2000
2006 -2008
2000
2006 -2008
Lived and worked in the
same city
22.9%
20.9%
23.6%
21.1%
30.9%
32.8%
Lived and worked in
different cities
77.1%
79.1%
76.4%
78.9%
69.1%
67.2%
Mode
2000
2006 -2008
Sebastian
Sebastian
Indian River
County
Florida
Drove alone
81.4%
84.2%
82.4%
79.4%
Carpooled
11.9%
9.2%
9.5%
10.5%
Public Transportation
0.0%
0.0%
0.4%
2.0%
Walked
0.4%
0.3%
1.3%
1.6%
Other means
1.9%
1.4%
2.5%
2.2%
Worked at home
4.3%
4.9%
3.8%
4.2%
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
D. KEY DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
Table 6: Educational Attainment (Population 25+
Source: 1990 Census; 2006 -2008 ACS
Table 7: Educational Attainment by Aye Group (Population 25+
Source: 2006 -2008 ACS
Table 8: Means of Transportation to Work
Sources: Census 2000; 2006 -2008 American Community Survey (ACS)
Table 9: Place of Work for Employed Population
Sources: Census 2000; 2006 -2008 ACS
Includes that population living within an incorporated municipality.
5
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
September 9, 2010
Less
Than 9th
Grade
9th to 12th
Grade, no
Diploma
High
School
Graduate
Some
College,
no degree
Associates
Degree
Bachelor
Degree
Graduate
or Prof.
Degree
25 to 34
3.0%
18.9%
30.6%
15.4%
12.9%
16.2%
3.0%
35 to 44
0.0%
1.6%
40.3%
23.7%
11.1%
16.9%
6.3%
45 to 64
0.7%
8.1%
38.9%
24.4%
12.8%
10.0%
5.1%
65
3.7%
12.7%
41.4%
23.4%
5.6%
7.2%
6.1%
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
D. KEY DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
Table 6: Educational Attainment (Population 25+
Source: 1990 Census; 2006 -2008 ACS
Table 7: Educational Attainment by Aye Group (Population 25+
Source: 2006 -2008 ACS
Table 8: Means of Transportation to Work
Sources: Census 2000; 2006 -2008 American Community Survey (ACS)
Table 9: Place of Work for Employed Population
Sources: Census 2000; 2006 -2008 ACS
Includes that population living within an incorporated municipality.
5
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
September 9, 2010
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
The tables presented above include useful information to consider in developing a strategy for
economic development. The City trails behind Indian River County in those with a bachelor's
degree or higher. However, younger residents seem to have a higher percentage with these degrees
than others. This is important to consider as Sebastian tries to attract more residents, business
owners and employees of prime working age with the skills to power economic growth in the City.
The data also suggest that Sebastian residents are increasingly traveling further to work which, while
mirrored in Indian River County, goes against the trend in the State of Florida. Finally, the data
show that Sebastian has become more auto dependent for work related trips. This is potentially
relevant for a number of reasons. One is that if this is caused by a lack of accessibility from
Sebastian neighborhoods to jobs by means other than private automobile, it will very difficult for
those unable to drive to support themselves economically. It is also relevant as Sebastian attempts
to become a more "green" City and attract sustainable industries. A reversal of this trend would
signal progress in the effort to become more green, and would also be a selling point when trying to
attract sustainable industries about the City's seriousness in striving to create a more sustainable
future.
Figure 1: Population Pyramid, 2006 -2008 ACS
85+
80 -84
75 -79
70 -74
65 -69
60 -64
55 -59
50 -54
45-49
LL 40-44
35 -39
30 -34
25 -29
20 -24
15 -19
10 -14
5 -9
0-4
1500
bureivr„-
1000
500
2006 -2008 ACS
0
6
500
1000
85+
80 -84
75 -79
70 -74
65 -69
60 -64
55 -59
50 -54
45-49
40-44
35 -39
30 -34
25 -29
20 -24
15 -19
10 -14
5 -9
0-4
1500
September 9, 2010
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
E. LABOR MARKET
Unemployment statistics are available from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the
Sebastian -Vero Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which coincides with Indian River
County. These statistics are not available at the City level. According to the BLS, in April 2010, the
unemployment rate in Indian River County was 13.1 percent. This is a significant increase over the
unemployment rate in April 2009, when it stood at 11.1 percent. However, the rate was also down
substantially from the prior month (March 2010), when the rate was 13.9 percent. While limited in
scope, these numbers suggest that the labor market in Indian River County is improving slowly,
coinciding with a gradual improvement in the national and state economies.
Anecdotally, residents continue to face a very difficult job market, particularly because construction
employment continues to lag. This situation in the construction industry can be expected to persist
for some time, as speculation and other factors caused a run -up in residential and commercial
building inventories that are only slowly being absorbed.
F. INCOME /POVERTY
butt ier/L-
Table 10: Income and Pover
Source: 2006 -2008 ACS
G. PAST STUDIES
The City has already made concerted moves to develop and implement economic development
strategies. In 2003, Patterson Bach Communications Inc. prepared a document "Economic
Development Strategy Marketing Communications Plan The purpose of this study was to
develop a plan to market approximately 160 acres of land located on the City of Sebastian's
Municipal Airport. While this report ostensibly focused on the Airport, much of its analysis actually
is directed toward the whole community, and capitalizing on the City's quality of life. Six strategies
were identified:
1. Develop a comprehensive strategic marketing communications plan;
2. Position the City of Sebastian as "What Florida is Supposed to be." Live work and raise
your family in the "last," "real" Florida town.
3. For the purpose of economic development, build awareness, comprehension of and
preference for relation and expansion opportunities in the City of Sebastian within the
relocation /expansion consultant industry and the relocation /expansion and site selection
media community.
7
September 9, 2010
Sebastian
Indian River
County
Florida
United States
Median household income
$49,413
$47,069
$48,637
$52,175
Per capita income
$27,223
$33,735
$27,151
$27,466
Persons in poverty
8.0%
11.4%
12.6%
13.2%
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
E. LABOR MARKET
Unemployment statistics are available from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the
Sebastian -Vero Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which coincides with Indian River
County. These statistics are not available at the City level. According to the BLS, in April 2010, the
unemployment rate in Indian River County was 13.1 percent. This is a significant increase over the
unemployment rate in April 2009, when it stood at 11.1 percent. However, the rate was also down
substantially from the prior month (March 2010), when the rate was 13.9 percent. While limited in
scope, these numbers suggest that the labor market in Indian River County is improving slowly,
coinciding with a gradual improvement in the national and state economies.
Anecdotally, residents continue to face a very difficult job market, particularly because construction
employment continues to lag. This situation in the construction industry can be expected to persist
for some time, as speculation and other factors caused a run -up in residential and commercial
building inventories that are only slowly being absorbed.
F. INCOME /POVERTY
butt ier/L-
Table 10: Income and Pover
Source: 2006 -2008 ACS
G. PAST STUDIES
The City has already made concerted moves to develop and implement economic development
strategies. In 2003, Patterson Bach Communications Inc. prepared a document "Economic
Development Strategy Marketing Communications Plan The purpose of this study was to
develop a plan to market approximately 160 acres of land located on the City of Sebastian's
Municipal Airport. While this report ostensibly focused on the Airport, much of its analysis actually
is directed toward the whole community, and capitalizing on the City's quality of life. Six strategies
were identified:
1. Develop a comprehensive strategic marketing communications plan;
2. Position the City of Sebastian as "What Florida is Supposed to be." Live work and raise
your family in the "last," "real" Florida town.
3. For the purpose of economic development, build awareness, comprehension of and
preference for relation and expansion opportunities in the City of Sebastian within the
relocation /expansion consultant industry and the relocation /expansion and site selection
media community.
7
September 9, 2010
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
4. Direct market the relocation /expansion opportunities in the City of Sebastian at the
Sebastian Municipal Airport to aircraft owners that own a business in Miami -Dade,
Broward, and Palm Beach counties through a highly targeted sales campaign.
5. Develop a promotional campaign to provide prospects with the opportunity to
experience the City of Sebastian and the improvements at the Sebastian Municipal
Airport and the features and benefits of locating a business in the City of Sebastian
6. Partner with the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce to promote the City of
Sebastian and the Sebastian River area capitalizing on the synergy of the combined
strengths of the City and the Chamber.
In 2007, the Sebastian City Council held an Economic Development Workshop. This initiative was
conducted in conjunction with the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce. As a result of the
workshop, the City Council agreed to create an Economic Development Plan, and the Chamber of
Commerce created an Economic Development Task Force to assist in the preparation of the Plan.
The Task Force met from November 2007 through April 2008, and members were appointed by the
Chamber of Commerce. The prepared document "Economic Development Plan for the City of
Sebastian" was presented to the City Council in a workshop on January 7, 2009. This plan put
together an overall strategy for implementing economic development policies in Sebastian
H. QUALITY OF LIFE
Increasingly, attracting employers revolves around quality of life factors. Because physical location
has become less important for many companies such as internet companies the quality of life
offered for owners /executives and its effect on ability to attract skilled employees becomes more
important. Sebastian has many advantages in this area, including the surrounding natural resources,
climate, small town "old Florida" atmosphere, park system and easy access to major metropolitan
areas.
In order to attract a skilled workforce that will in turn attract high -tech employers, however,
Sebastian must continue to build on these quality of life strengths. The 2010 Evaluation and
Appraisal Report (EAR) includes a number of recommendations related to maintaining and
improving Sebastian's quality of life. These recommendations are centered around the concepts of
housing choice, alternative transportation, maintaining community character, recreational
improvements and careful planning for any future development on Sebastian's outskirts.
I. AVAILABILITY OF SITES
The City's 2010 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) of the Comprehensive Plan summarizes
and expands upon the analysis in the Plan to project future need for commercial and industrial land,
and concludes as follows:
"Commercial: Based the existing proportion of commercial land uses to population in Sebastian, the
Future Land Use Element projects a need for a total of 371 acres of commercial use in 2025.
8
September 9, 2010
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Existing commercial development plus available commercial land on the Future Land Use Map
(including Riverfront Mixed Use) yields about 312 acres."
"Industrial: The Future Land Use Element projects a need for a total of 345 acres of industrial uses
in 2025, again based on existing proportions of land use to population. Existing industrial land and
vacant industrial land on the Future Land Use Map add to only 138.4 acres. However, according to
the Future Land Use Element method of determining existing land use, there are currently 225 acres
of industrial use, which when added to the 51.81 acres of vacant industrial on the FLUM, totals
about 277 acres, suggesting a need for an additional 68 acres of industrial." (2010 EAR, page 15)
However, the EAR goes on to say (pages 15 and 16): "A simple comparison between projected
needs and available capacity is helpful, but does not tell the entire story. Additionally, using a
projection method that depends upon maintaining the existing proportion of a particular land use to
population has its limitations, in the sense that it assumes that the existing proportion is desirable or
likely in the future The projections above would suggest a need to add approximately 59 acres of
commercial land and an additional 68 acres of industrial land. However the City may benefit
from significantly more employment that could make work trips shorter, as well as bring fiscal
benefits. Further, while much of the City's industrial capacity is at the Airport, that location is not
well suited for all industries the City may wish to attract, and the lack of a quality industrial park or
similar facility has been cited as a barrier to increased competitiveness in attracting targeted
industries. Thus, the City may need to allocate additional industrial lands, including potentially in
areas that are annexed in the future, as part of economic development efforts. Similarly, additional
commercial capacity may be necessary for the purpose of creating more efficient land use patterns,
with commercial uses nearby, and physically and functionally integrated with, residential uses in
order to create areas suited for pedestrian and transit activity and dynamic activity, as well as to
support such existing areas, such as the Downtown Riverfront."
As an indicator of the level of commercial /industrial development activity, the following shows the
amount of square footage for which permits were issued annually from 2002 through 2009. This
information is from the Indian River County Community Development Department:
2002: 36,684 square feet
2003: 192,408 square feet
2004: 136,411 square feet
2005: 200,086 square feet
2006: 27,684 square feet
2007: 63,160 square feet
2008: 63,632 square feet
2009: 14,946 square feet
J.
buzF.ieir,
EXISTING PROGRAMS /INCENTIVES
Indian River County has available the following economic development incentives to qualified
targeted businesses relocating to, or expanding in, the county.
Florida Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program;
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
local jobs grant program (cash incentives for job creation);
utility deposit waivers;
expedited permitting;
Infrastructure with sufficient capacity (roads, water, sewer);
industrial revenue bonds;
job training and training grants through Indian River State College;
assistance in acquiring federal or state grants (such as Community Development Block
Grants).
For the County's incentives, those businesses creating at five new jobs within six months (or a time
period as negotiated), that have salaries or wages equal to or greater than 75 percent of the County's
average annual wage and is part of one of the County's targeted cluster industries qualifies. The City
of Sebastian has also endorsed these wage and job creation guidelines.
Additionally, the City of Sebastian has available the following incentives for economic development:
"fast track" site plan review;
permitting assistance and guidance through the Economic Development Office;
ad valorem tax credits;
CRA financing for County impact fees (for those sites located within the CRA);
CRA funding to reduce cost of water /sewer connections and /or local building
permit fees;
special lease arrangements at Sebastian Municipal Airport.
The City's CRA is an important economic development tool for the City. By promoting and
effectuating redevelopment in the Downtown /Riverfront area of the City, the CRA helps to ensure
that this center of the City's economic activity continues to thrive and improve. CRA activities
include financing infrastructure improvements, acquiring and assembling property and supporting
civic /cultural events.
K. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
Both the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of
Commerce are avenues for cooperative economic development efforts. Both Chambers seek to
promote their respective areas and their economic development. Their websites provide a good deal
of information about the local business climate, quality of life factors and other pertinent
information. The County Chamber's website also includes a a searchable inventory of available
commercial /industrial buildings and sites.
Additionally, Sebastian takes part in the County's Economic Development Council (EDC). One
member of the City Council serves as a voting member on the EDC, which also includes
representatives from other municipalities, the School Board, various industries, the chambers of
commerce and others. The EDC provides advice to the Board of County Commissioners on
regarding how various County policies relate to economic development, as well as providing
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
information and advice on implementing the overall economic development plan of Indian River
County.
Florida's Research Coast Economic Development Coalition (FRCEDC) is a regional economic
development organization encompassing the four- county region of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin
and Okeechobee counties. Its membership includes the primary economic development
organizations of these four counties and the President /CEO of Workforce Solutions.
Workforce Solutions is a private, non profit, Florida corporation covering the four county region of
Florida's Research Coast. The agency is chartered by the State of Florida to create and manage a
workforce development service delivery system responsive to the needs of businesses and
jobseekers. Workforce Solutions maintains 17 Career Centers located throughout the region to assist
job seekers.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is Florida's private /public statewide economic development agency,
with offices in Tallahassee, Orlando and Miami. EFI oversees the state's incentive programs, works
with local economic development organizations on domestic and international investment projects,
and provides local partners a long -range vision plan.
L. TARGET INDUSTRIES
The economic development implementation strategy presented at the January 2009 City Council
workshop, mentioned earlier, identified the following primary target industry clusters for Sebastian:
bwteivt.-
Clean Energy
solar energy
biomass energy /biofuels
fuel cells and hydrogen
ocean energy
Life Sciences Industry
biotechnology
medical device manufacturing
pharmaceuticals
health care
Information Technology
IT products /services
software development
modeling /simulation training
photonics /lasers /optic
microelectronics
telecommunications
Marine -Boat Manufacturer, Fishing Equipment
Eco- Tourism Related Business
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Additionally, the following secondary target industries were identified:
Retail
Aquaculture
Automotive
Family Entertainment
Aviation /Aerospae
aviation education
aircraft manufacturing
general aviation services
medical flight support
Emerging Technologies
materials science
nanotechnology
marine science
Financial /Professional Services
corporate /regional headquarters
research and development
Arts, Entertainment
sports facilities
film schools
Manufacturing /Warehouse /Distribution
Finally, the economic development implementation strategy identified four industries to avoid:
Heavy Industrial /Manufacturing
Chemical
Fertilizer
Cement
M. ATTRACTING "GREEN" /SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIES
The City's past economic development efforts have identified green industries and energy- efficiency
operations as desirable elements in an overall economic strategy. The trend toward more interest in
green initiatives and industry is unmistakable, as interest in global climate change has increased and
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (a.k.a. the "stimulus package has made a great deal
of money available to advance the green economy and create "green jobs."
The following are some financing tools that public agencies have available to build and /or
encourage renewable energy projects.
Tax Exempt Bonds. Traditional tax exempt bonds are bonds issued by a municipal, county
or state government with interest payments that are not subject to federal income tax, and, in
many cases, state income tax as well.
bwteien�
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Tax Credit Bonds. Tax credit bonds are bonds that allow the holder to claim a federal tax
credit instead of receiving tax exempt interest.
Subsidized Taxable Bonds (Build- America Bonds). Build America Bonds (BABs),
authorized by the ARRA, are meant to stimulate the economy by assisting state and local
governments in financing public capital projects at lower borrowing costs.
Loans and Grants. Loans or grants funded in whole or in part by the federal stimulus
package may be an option.
Sustainable Energy Financing Districts. Sustainable energy financing districts offer low
down payment /low rate loans for energy- efficiency projects, solar panels and similar
projects for both homeowners and commercial property owners.
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September 9, 2010
Clean Energy
Aviation /Aerospace
Solar energy
Biomass
energy /biofuels
Fuel cells and hydrogen
Ocean energy
Aviation education
Aircraft manufacturing
General aviation
services
Medical flight support
Life Sciences Industry
Emerging Technologies
Biotechnology
Medica device
manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals
Health care
Materials science
Nanotechnology
Marine science
Information Technology
Financial /Professional
IT products /services
Software development
Modeling /simulation
training
Photonics /lasers /optic
Microelectronics
telecommunications
Services
corporate /regional
headquarters
research and
development
Marine -Boat Manufacturer,
Manufacturing /Ware
Fishing Equipment
Distribution
Eco- Tourism Related Business
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
N. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
GOAL 1: It is the goal of the City of Sebastian to promote economic growth through
commercial development, light industrial development and job creation.
Objective 1.1: In cooperation with partner organizations, strategically target industry
clusters for start -up, relocation and expansion in the City, offer appropriate incentives and
effectively market the City as a location for those industries.
Policy 1.1.1: The City shall support primary and secondary target industries as adopted
by Indian River County. In addition, the City recognizes the special
characteristics of the local economy and will develop Sebastian target
industries as an addendum to County wide targets. The City also
identifies industries which are detrimental to the community and seeks to
avoid. The target list shall be reviewed as needed in order to reflect the
current economic climate.
buteieit„
Primary Target Industry Clusters
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Secondary Target Industries
Retail
Aquaculture
Automotive
Family Entertainment
Industries to Avoid
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Heavy Industrial
Manufacturing
Chemical
Fertilizer
Cement
Policy 1.1.2: In order to qualify for City- provided economic development incentives, a
business start -up, relocation to the City or expansion must meet the both
the following criteria.
The operation must pay wages that are equal to or greater than 75
percent of the average wage and benefits in Indian River County
as published by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce.
The operation shall create a minimum of five (5) new jobs.
Policy 1.1.3: Potential incentives for new or expanding businesses in the City include.
buteieiz_-
Upon completion of application materials, the City of Sebastian
will offer "fast track" site plan review that guarantees
administrative determination, and permit issuance;
Permitting assistance and guidance through the Economic
Development Office;
Ad valorem tax credits, in partnership with Indian River County;
CRA financing of County impact fees (for projects located in the
CRA area); and
Use of CRA funds to reduce the cost of water /sewer connections
and /or local building permit fees.
Policy 1.1.4: The City, in partnership with other organizations, shall develop a
marketing plan to target the industries identified in Policy 1.1.1.
Objective 1.2: Support the continual development and maintenance of a skilled labor force
through the availability of education and training programs and opportunities.
Policy 1.2.1: Establish a list of training needs for target industries and other local
businesses.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Policy 1.2.2: Take steps to further education efforts for job training programs through
local high schools that provide vocational training and assist, if necessary,
in providing venues for training.
Policy 1.2.3: Continue partnering with Indian River State College for post secondary
educational training opportunities.
Policy 1.2.4: Develop other contacts for four -year colleges or universities to determine
the probability of a branch campus or research facility being established
in Sebastian
Objective 1.3: Take steps to ensure that appropriate sites are available in the City for desired
commercial /industrial development that supports the City's economic strategy, and to ensure that
information about available sites and buildings is readily available to prospective users.
Policy 1.3.1: Consider annexation of areas outside the City that could provide future
areas for commercial or industrial development.
Policy 1.3.2: The City shall periodically review the inventory of available industrial
land and the regulations governing them to ensure that appropriate sites
will remain available for the industries targeted in Policy 1.1.1.
Policy 1.3.3:
Policy 1.3.5:
Policy 1.4.1:
The need for future lands for economic development shall be a primary
factor in panning for growth in areas surrounding the City that could be
annexed in the future. In particular, the CR -510 corridor south of the
City should be considered for future industrial growth, including the
possibility of an industrial park.
Policy 1.3.4: Prioritize infrastructure for potential economic development areas /sites.
Support efforts of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and
the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce to make detailed
information about available sites and buildings easily available to
prospective users around the country and the world.
Objective 1.4: Maintain and continually improve the quality of life offered by the City,
particularly in ways that help to enhance the City's current and future economic competitiveness.
Support efforts to develop transportation alternatives to the single
occupant automobile, including the development of greenways,
pedestrian and transit- friendly development and streetscapes, passenger
rail service on the FEC railroad corridor and other opportunities as they
may present themselves.
Policy 1.4.2: Work to provide affordable housing opportunities in the City for the
City's workforce, as well as to provide choice in housing types and styles
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
to appeal to diverse demographic groups needed to drive economic
development in Sebastian.
Policy 1.4.3: Protect the character of the City's stable existing neighborhoods, the
Downtown /Riverfront area and the commercial corridors such as CR-
512.
Policy 1.4.4: Continue the development of greenways as extensions of the City's park
system to increase open space and recreational opportunities throughout
the City.
Objective 1.5: Take steps to improve the attractiveness of the City for alternative energy
and other green /sustainable businesses and industries.
Policy 1.5.1:
Policy 1.5.2:
Capitalize on the City's efforts in the development of alternative
transportation to promote Sebastian as a more "green" alternative to
other localities.
The City shall, as appropriate, pursue federal and state government
grants, or assist existing /potential employers to pursue state and federal
grants to support alternative energy industries, energy efficiency
innovations and other green /sustainable operations. Additionally, the
City shall consider making use of its own financing ability if doing so
allows the City to take advantage of a transformative opportunity to
create a green jobs cluster.
Policy 1.5.3: The City shall make information readily available to its residents of ways
to become more energy- efficient, such as tips through the City's website.
Policy 1.5.4: Research site, structure and infrastructure requirements for targeted
green /sustainable enterprises, and take steps to address any deficiencies.
Policy 1.5.5: The City shall facilitate technical assistance for any Sebastian residents
who demonstrate promise in a start up green /sustainable business
venture.
Objective 1.6: Maintain and improve the City's attractiveness for tourism.
Policy 1.6.1: Coordinate with appropriate partners to promote the fishing industry
(both commercial and recreational) in Sebastian.
Policy 1.6.2: Market the City's historic themes on an eco- tourism and cultural tourism
basis.
Policy 1.6.3: Support the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce efforts to
market the Sebastian area as a vacation /recreation area.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Policy 1.6.4: Maintain gateway corridors (primarily 512 and US 1) with landscaping
and pedestrian amenities.
Policy 1.6.5: Explore historic tourism opportunities including walking tours.
Policy 1.6.6: Ensure that the Future Land Use Element, the Future Land Use Map
and the City's zoning regulations allow for eco- tourism related uses in
appropriate locations and provide suitable regulations.
Policy 1.6.7: Seek out and encourage public- private partnerships with local
organizations that promote bicycling, hiking canoeing /kayaking and
other forms of eco- tourism.
Objective 1.7: Promote, develop and enhance the use of the Sebastian Municipal Airport,
and encourage industrial development.
Policy 1.7.2:
Policy 1.7.1: Provide special lease arrangements at the Sebastian Municipal Airport
that mitigate construction and future costs.
Policy 1.7.4:
Policy 1.7.5:
The Sebastian Municipal Airport shall actively market airport industrial
lots and space and coordinate its marketing plans with other area
marketing plans.
Policy 1.7.3: The Sebastian Municipal Airport will seek grants and other funding
opportunities to improve roads and infrastructure delivery.
In the course of development of the Sebastian Municipal Airport, the
City shall support the economy while protecting the natural environment
and the conservation areas that encompass the airport.
Direct market the relocation /expansion opportunities in the City of
Sebastian at the Sebastian Municipal Airport to aircraft owners that own
a business in Miami -Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties through a
highly targeted sales campaign.
Policy 1.7.6: Develop a promotional campaign to provide prospects with the
opportunity to experience the City of Sebastian and the improvements at
the Sebastian Municipal Airport and the features and benefits of locating
a business in the City of Sebastian.
Objective 1.8: Increase the chances of business success in Sebastian by providing technical
assistance, ensuring that City regulations are appropriate and other steps as may be necessary.
Policy 1.8.1: The City shall involve appropriate parties in any economic development
project so that all entities are properly represented.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Policy 1.8.2: The City through pre application meetings and site plan review meetings,
shall review procedures, identify needed permits, and provide information
and feedback to applicants to expedite the permitting process. The City
shall also assist applicants by providing information on non county
required permits or reviews and provide contact information.
Policy 1.8.3: The City of Sebastian will create a Business Assistance Team in order to
promote Sebastian, as well as provide technical assistance to existing,
expanding, or new businesses through the regulatory processes of the
City, County, State and Federal governments.
Policy 1.8.4: Encourage through review and any appropriate adjustment of
regulations home -based businesses where business will not impact
adjacent properties or damage neighborhood character.
Policy 1.8.5: Continually gather, organize and make available economic and business
data about the City, in order to assist existing and potential businesses and
assist in future economic development planning efforts. The use of
periodic business /employer surveys to determine the needs of the City's
businesses should be considered as part of this effort.
Policy 1.8.6: The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and other economic
development groups designated by the City Council shall develop and
provide a community information package for new businesses and /or
businesses relocating to Sebastian
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September 9, 2010
ATTEST:
Sally A. M
City Cl
o, MMC
ADOPTION
The foregoing Ordinance was moved for adoption by Councilmember Wr ight
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Wolff and, upon being put to a
vote, the vote was as follows:
Mayor Jim Hill aye
Vice -Mayor Don Wright aye
Councilmember Andrea B. Coy aye
Councilmember Richard Gillmor aye
Councilmember Eugene Wolff aye
The Mayor thereupon declared this Ordinance duly passed and adopted this 27th day of
April 2011.
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
B
Approved as to form and legality for
reliance by the City of Sebastian only:
Robert A. Ginsburg, City Atttorney