Nov 02, 2021 Board of County Commissioners

[Call to Order by Chair]

[00:00:11]

. >> GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO THE SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: PRESENT. >> HENRY DEAN: PRESENT.

WHITE PRESENT. >> JEB SMITH: PRESENT WALDRON

WALL PRESENT. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME WE WILL HAVE PASTOR MIKE COME UP AND LEAD US IN A PRAYER.

>> FATHER IN YOUR WORD YOU SAID THAT FIRST OF ALL, SUPPL SUPPLICATIONS AND BE MADE OF KINGS AND ALL THAT ARE IN AUTHORITY THAT WE MAY LEAD A PEACEFUL AND QUIET LIFE.

WE THANK YOU FOR LEADERSHIP OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY AND HONOR THESE PEOPLE IN THESE POSITIONS.

INNED YOUR WORE, WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING AND GET WISDOM AND IN THAT GET ALL UNDERSTANDING.

WE ASK THAT YOU GET FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR WILL AND SPIRIT AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WE WALK WORTHY OF YOU LORD AND THAT WE FULLY PLEASE YOU. IF WE SEEK FOR WISDOM AND SILVER AND HID TREASURES WE UNDERSTAND THE WEAR OF THE LORD AND FIND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THE LORD GIVES WISDOM AND LAYS UP SOUND WISDOM FOR THE RIGHTEOUS AND A BUTLER FOR THOUGH WHO RIGHT UP. WE ASK THAT YOU BLESS THE

WISDOM IN JESUS'S NAME, AMEN. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK Y YOU, PASTOR MIKE. WE WILL HEAR FROM SERGEANT FIRST CLASS. NATIONAL GUARD RECARED.

>> SUE WETTINGTON, NATIONAL GUARD, SERGEANT FIRST CLASS, THIS MORNING AS WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO OUR AMERICAN F FLAG, LET US BE EVER SO REMINDED OF THE SACRIFICES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FREEDOMS. THOSE WHO HAVE SACRIFICED THEIR LIFE ARE VETERANS AND ARE S SOLDIERS TODAY WHO ARE STILL CONTINUING IN THEIR SACRIFICES.

ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN SELFISHLY, SELFLESSLY FOR OUR COUNTRY AND FOR US OUR TREASURES. LET US DO THE PLEDGE.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

[Proclamation Recognizing the Florida National Guard]

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK Y YOU.

PLEASE BE SEATED. AT THIS TIME WE WILL HEAR A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD.

ALL RIGHT, SIR, PLEASE COME ON UP.

A PROCLAMATION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. JOHNS, FLORIDA, WHEREAS THE FLORIDA MILITIA GUARD HERITAGE TO 1865, WHEN SPANISH FOUNDERS HAD THEIR FIRST CITIZEN SOLDIERS, 12,000 NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN REMAIN ENGAGED IN OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPER OPERATIONS, ARE VIGILANT IN PREPARATIONS TO RESPOND EMERGENCIES AND STAND READY TO SUPPORT FLORIDA CITIZENS AND COMMUNITIES.

WHEREAS, THE FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD PLAYED AN INTEGRAL GOAL WITH THE RESPONSE EFFORTS WITH COVID-19 INCLUDING PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR 47 COMMUNITY-BASED TESTING SITES AND 664 ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. AND SUPPORTED THE ADMINISTRATION OF 1.5 MILLION VACCINES.

AND WHEREAS, THE FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD HAS A LONG-STANDING CONNECTION WITH ST. JOHNS COUNTY WITH HEADQUARTERS IN ST. AUGUSTINE AND ARMORYS IN THE COUNTY.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT THE FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD BE AWARDED FOR THE DEDICATED UNWAVERING SAFETY AND THE WELFARE OF ALL FLORIDIANS THIS SECOND DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021. SIGNED BRANDON J. PATTY, BOARD

[00:05:07]

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO HIGHLIGHT A TIME OF UNPRECEDENTED TURMOIL IN THE WORLD, THE LARGEST NATIONAL GUARD CALL-UP SINCE WORLD WAR II AND WE HAD YOUR NEIGHBORS, SHOPKEEPERS, YOUR FRIENDS ALL STEP UP AND SERVE IN THAT EFFORT. WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THAT.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

ON BEHALF OF OUR AVERAGE CONTINUE AT GENERAL AND THE 12,000-PLUS FLORIDA AIR ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND I WANT TO THANK YOU DEEPLY FOR THIS PROCLAMATION.

A DISTINCT HONOR TO BE HERE ACCEPTING THE PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF OUR GUARDS WHO SO VALIANTLY STEPPED UP IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. I AM VERY PROUD OF THE FLORIDA GUARDSMAN BUT I AM ALSO A VERY PROUD ST. JOHNS RESIDENT.

BECAUSE OF EVENTS LIKE THIS THAT MAKE THIS COUNTY THE BEST COUNTY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS AND OUR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN. THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WE WILL

[Proclamation Recognizing November 14, 2021, as St. Augustine Lions Club Appreciation Day]

COMMISSIONER DEAN WILL DO THE HONORS.

>> HENRY DEAN: YES, WILL YOU COME UP PLEASE.

THIS MORNING I AM VERY PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE ST. AUGU AUGUSTINE'S LIONS CLUB. WILL YOU READ THE PROCLAMATION?

>> A PROCLAMATION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST.

JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA. THE ST. AUGUSTINE LION'S CLUB WILL CELEBRATE THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL, THE WORLD'S LARGEST HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION WITH 1.4 MILLION MEMBERS IN MORE THAN 210 COUNTRIES. AND WHEREAS, THE ST. AUGUSTINE LIONS CLUB HAVE ACCEPTED, HAVE MET AND WILL CONTINUE TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF LION CLUB INTERNATIONAL FOUNDER MELVIN JONES TO WORK TO IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITIES HELEN WE WILLER TO BE THE NIGHTS OF THE BLIND, TO AID OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY-IMPAIRED AND LEADERSHIP TO PROVIDE SERVICES CONSISTENT WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION STATEMENT. WHEREAS, THE ST. AUGUSTINE L LION'S CLUB HAS BEEN A VITALITY PART OF THE ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY AND ST. JOHNS COUNTY THROUGH VARIETY OF EXISTENCE AND PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES. THE ST. AUGUSTINE LIONS CLUB SINCE 1981 HELD EXCEPT FOR THE COVID PERIOD OF 2020-2021 THE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL RAISING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR ITS CHARITABLE. AND LIKE MOST LIONS CLUB RAISED FUND BY SELLING LIGHT BULBS AND BROOMS. HAD SEVERAL MEMBERS SERVE IN LIONS DISTRICT AND MULTIPLE DISTRICT LEADERSHIP FOLKS OVER THE YEAR.

NOW THEREFORE IT BE PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT SUNDAY BE KNOWN AS LIONS APPRECIATION DAY PASSED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY THIS SECOND DAY OF NOVEMBER 2021 JOINED BY BRANDON J. PATTY AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, SIGNED BY

JEREMIAH J. BLOCKER, CHAIRMAN. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSION.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF THE PEOPLE OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY THAT THE L LION'S CLUB IS ABLE TO DO WHAT WE DO FOR THE VISUALLY-IMPAIRED AND OTHER CHARITES IN ST.

JOHNS COUNTY. I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK TO A LITTLE NORMALCY. SEAFOOD FESTIVAL HOPEFULLY ON NEXT YEAR. SO THANK YOU GUYS VERY MUCH.

[APPLAUSE] >> NEXT YEAR A WE WILL HONOR

[Bill Dudley Recognition]

MR. BILL DUDLEY. >> THIS IS DISTINCT PLEASURE.

[00:10:05]

GOOD MORNING. WE ARE GOING TO ASK TO READ INTO THE RECORD THE PROCLAMATION.

>> A PROCLAMATION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST.

JOHNS COUNTY. WHEREAS, THE BOARD RECOGNIZES THE HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC SERVANTS IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY, WHOSE EFFORTS IN DEVELOPING, PRO M MOLTING ST. JOHNS COUNTY VETERAN SERVICES DESERVES SPECIAL RECOGNITION. COLONEL BILL DUDLEY TEN YEARS ACTIVE DUTY U.S. AIR FORCE TRANSFERRED TO THE ACTIVE RESERVE FORCE FOR DECADES OF SERVICE INCLUDING SEVERAL WORLD CRISIS MOBILIZATION AND THEREFORE, COLONEL DUDLEY PURSUED A CAREER IN AEROSPACE AND 45 YEARS IN MANAGEMENT LEVEL POSITIONS INCLUDING PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SEVERAL FORTUNE 500 AEROSPACE COMPANIES IN THE U.S., THE UK, AND SINGAPORE. AND WHEREAS, AFTER RETIRING FROM HIS CIVILIAN PROFESSION, COLONEL DUDLEY SERVED ON THE NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES IN SEVERAL POSITIONS INCLUDING COUNCIL PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL COUNCIL, AREA COUNCIL OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA. REGION PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT AND HAS CONTINUED TO SERVE AS A NATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS.

WHEREAS, COLONEL DUDLEY IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL OF ST. JOHNS AS WELL AS THE JACKSONVILLE NATIONAL CEMETERY SUPPORT COMMITTEE AND THE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD IN TALLAHASSEE FOR THE FDVA. WHEREAS, WHILE CHAIRING THE VETERANS COUNCIL, COLONEL DUDLEY WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE VETERANS TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITATING THE LEO C. CHASE VETERANS CLINIC AND PROVIDED NUMEROUS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS AND YOUTH PROXIMATE. WHEREAS, THE PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER OF COLONEL DUDLEY INCLUDED SERVICE NOT ONLY FOR ST. JOHNS COUNTY VETERANS BUT THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE IN A MATTER THAT EXEMPLIFIES THE PROFESSIONALISM, DEDICATION TO DUTY AND STANDARD OF ACHIEVEMENT OF WHAT A PUBLIC SERVICE SHOULD BE TO PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FROM ST. JOHN COUNTY, FLORIDA, NOVEMBER 2, 2021 BE KNOWN AS BILL DUDLEY DAY IN CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITIZENS AND VETERANS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY.

THIS THIS SECOND DAY OF NOVEMBER, SIGNED BRANDON J.

PADDY CLERK OF COURTS AND JERIAMIAH J. BLOCKER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

I APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. AFTER LISTENING TO -- TO THAT BIO AND THE PROCTER & GAMBLE, I NOW KNOW WHY I AM SO TIRED ALL THE TIME. [LAUGHTER] IT IS ON HONOR TO RECEIVE THIS RECOGNITION BUT OCCURRED TO ME EVERYTHING READ DURING THAT PROCLAMATION WAS ABOUT A TEAM, A TEAM EFFORT, A GROUP OF PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER FOR A COMMON PURPOSE AND A PART OF ALL OF THAT, THAT TEAM.

IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE WITH ALL THOSE MEN AND WOMEN IN EVERY ONE OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN A PART OF. THE LAST 20 YEARS SINCE -- SINCE I RETIRED-RETIRED, THE LAST TIME, WAS -- WAS AN EFFORTS TO LOOK AROUND THE COMMUNITY AND -- AND THIS IN COUNTY, AND TRY TO MATCH WHAT I THOUGHT WAS MY -- MY BACKGROUND AS FAR AS MY MANAGEMENT SKILLS IS CONCERNED, MY MILITARY CAREER, AND PUT THEM TOGETHER IN AN ORGANIZATION THAT I FELT THINK THAT COULD -- COULD SERVE AND HELP TO BENEFIT.

AND THE VETERANS COUNCIL AND THE NAVY LEAGUE WERE THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAME TO THE TOP IN MY MIND.

AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE DEDICATED MY LAST 20 YEARS SERVING THOSE TWO FINE ORGANIZATIONS AND THE VETERANS

[00:15:02]

AND IT'S -- IT'S BEEN A DISTINCT HONOR AND A PLEASURE TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF BOTH OF THOSE TEAMS FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS. SO THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS RECOGNITION THIS MORNING. I APPRECIATE IT VERY, VERY MUCH. [APPLAUSE]

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: ALL RIGHT, MR. DUDLEY, DON'T GO TOO

[Proclamation Recognizing November 11, 2021 as Veterans Day]

WITH GREAT PLEASURE WE PRESENT A PROCLAMATION AS NOVEMBER 11 AS VETERANS DAY. TAKE A MOMENT TO ASK THESE GENTLEMEN TO COME BACK AND GIVE THE PROCLAMATION.

>> A PROCLAMATION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST.

JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA. WHEREAS, ST. JOHNS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WOULD LIKE TO HONOR AMERICA'S VETERANS FOR THEIR PATRIOTISM, LOVE OF COUNTRY, COMMITMENT TO FREEDOM AND WILLINGNESS TO SERVE AND SACRIFICE FOR THE COMMON GOOD. WHEREAS, WE RECOGNIZE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMEMORATION AND HOPE THAT A GRATEFUL NATION MIGHT PLAY APPROPRIATE HOMAGE TO THE VETERANS OF ALL ITS WARS THAT CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE PRESERVATION OF THIS NATION AND ANSWERED THE PRAYERS OF MILLIONS AROUND THE GLOBE.

WHEREAS, ON THIS DAY, LET US SOLEMNLY REMEMBER THE SACRIFICES OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO STEPPED FORWARD WHEN AMERICA NEEDED THEM. ALL THOSE WHO FOUGHT SO VAL VALIANTLY IN THE SEAS, IN THE AIR AND ON THE SHORES TO PROMOTE OUR FREEDOM. THEREFORE, WE ARE RESOLVED THAT THEIR SACRIFICES WILL BE REMEMBERED BY A GRATEFUL NA NATION. AND ENDURING PEACE SO THAT THEIR EFFORTS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN VAIN.

AND WHEREAS, FLORIDA IS HOME TO APPROXIMATELY 1.5 MILLION VETERANS AND REPRESENTS THE THIRD LARGEST CONCENTRATION OF VETERANS IN THE NATION. NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE PROCLAIMED AS THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST.

JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT NOVEMBER 11, 2021 BE DESIGNATED AS VETERANS DAY WITH RESPECT FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF SERVICE THAT MEN AND WOMEN HAVE MADE FOR THE CAUSE OF PEACE AND FREEDOM AROUND THE WORLD PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY THIS SECOND DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021 JOINED BRANDON J. P. ADDY, AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEREMIAH BLOCKER.

>> THANK YOU, I THINK PRESIDENT REAGAN SAID WE ARE ONE GENERATION AWAY FROM LOSING OUR FREEDOM.

A LOT OF YOUNG KIDS THAT SERVE STEPPED UP AND SERVED SO WE COULD HAVE THIS FREEDOM. THANKS THE VETERAN COUNCIL WHO HA DONE SO MUCH AND FOR OUR COMMUNITY WHO HELPED TO REMIND US OF ALL THE SACRIFICES THAT SO MANY HAVE MADE.

AND TODAY IS AN IMPORTANT DAY AND WE RECOGNIZE AS A COUNTY OF THOSE OF US FOR THE VETERANS TO ANSWERED THE CALL AND STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE. MR. DUDLEY.

>> AGAIN, A DISTINCT PLEASURE AND AN HONOR TO BE HERE THIS MORNING TO RECEIVE THIS PROCLAMATION FROM THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. MR. CHAIRMAN, WE APPRECIATE THE RECOGNITION OF OUR VETERANS COUNCIL FOR THIS -- FOR THIS NOVEMBER 11 BEING VETERANS DAY. WE HAVE GOT A GREAT PROGRAM PLANNED AT ANASTASIA BAPTIST CHURCH ON VETERANS DAY.

WE EXTEND AN INVITATION TO ANYONE HERE THIS MORNING TO COME OUT AND BE WITH US THAT DAY AS WE HONOR OUR VETERANS.

WE SPECIFICALLY HONOR THOSE VETERANS WHO WERE MOST FORGOTTEN FOR THE SERVICE THAT THEY GAVE TO THOSE VETERANS AND

[00:20:11]

WE HONOR THOSE VETERANS TODAY. SIR, I WOULD LIKE TO -- -- AS PREPARED FOR EACH OF OUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 20TH -- TO HONORABLE JERIAMIAH BLOCKER.

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY. IN 2001, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAD THE FORESIGHT TO CREATE A VETERANS COUNCIL THAT WOULD WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH ALL COUNTY AGENCIES TO SUPPORT THE NEEDS OF OUR VETERANS.

OVER THE 20-YEAR SPAN, THE VETERANS COUNCIL HAS BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE THE SUPPORT AND THE COOPERATION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. NOWHERE IN THIS GREAT STATE OF FLORIDA HAS THERE BEEN A MORE PROLIFIC OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR VETERANS THAN IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY BY OUR ELECTED LEADERS.

THE EVIDENCE AND RECOGNITION IS EVIDENCE.

WITH A BEAUTIFUL VETERANS PARK, THE CREATION AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE VETERANS TREATMENT COURT, RESERVED PARKING FOR VETERANS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS, THE OUTPOURING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE IN BRINGING A V.A. COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC TO ST. JOHNS COUNTY FOR PERMANENT HOME OF THE HEALTH CARE OF OUR VET VETERANS.

AND A MONTHLY VENUE FOR THE VETERANS COUNCIL TO CONDUCT MONTHLY MEETING AND RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF OUR VET VETERANS BY PROCLAMATION ANNUALLY IS BUT SOME OF THE MANY WAYS OUR BCC HAS EXPRESSED THEIR APPRECIATION.

AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY, IT IS WITH GRATEFUL HEART WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE FOR MANY YEARS OF CARING AND SUPPORT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY WHO SERVED THEIR NATION IN THEIR TIME OF NEED.

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL, WILLIAM DUDLEY. SIR, I LIKE TO PRESENT THIS TO YOU. [APPLAUSE] WE HAVE ALSO -- THIS IS THE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY. IT WAS STOOD UP ON JULY 4, 2 2001. WE HAVE MINTED A SPECIAL COIN FOR THAT OCCASION. AND THIS COIN ON ONE SIDE HAS THE LOGO WITH THE MOTTO STILL SERVING.

AND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE IS THE LANDMARK, IF YOU WILL, OF THE MOST SACRED PLACE IN ALL OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY, OUR ST. AUGUSTINE NATIONAL CEMETERY WHERE THE SOULS OF SO MANY OF OUR VETERANS WHO SERVED THIS NATION AND SERVED THIS COUNTY AND THIS STATE ARE NOW LAID TO REST. SO I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT T THIS.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WE ARE GOING TO ASK ANYONE WHO SERVED AS A VETERAN TO PLEASE STAND UP.

[APPLAUSE]

[00:25:10]

>> IF I COULD JUST ASK ONE MORE TIME ANYONE IN THE ROOM HERE WHO HAS SERVED IN ANY BRANCH OF THE SERVICE BUT SERVED THIS NATION IN UNIFORM. WOULD YOU PLEASE STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU.

[Proclamation Recognizing St. Johns County-Israel Friendship Day]

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: NOW WE WILL HEAR A PROCLAMATION REPRESENTING ST. JOHNS COUNTY ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO ASK ALL OF THE REPRESENTATIVES.

JUST LIKE TO SAY THIS. FROM GENESIS CHAPTER 12, SAYS THIS, NOW THE LORD SAID INTO ABRAM, GET ME OUT OF MY COUNTRY TO THE FATHER'S HOUSE TO LAND I HAVE SHOWN AND I WILL MAKE THEE A GREAT NATION AND BLESS AND MAKE THY NAME GREAT. THY WILL BE A BLESSING AND BLESS THEM THAT BLESS THEE. CURSE HIM THAT CURSES THEE AND ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED.

>> A PROCLAMATION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST.

JOHNS COUNTY. WHEREAS, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL IS BASED ON THE TWIN PILLARS OF SHARED VALUES AND MUTUAL INTERESTS.

OPINIONED WHEREAS, IS SIS A BEACON OF LIGHT AS THE ONLY TRUE FREE DEMOCRACY IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

WHEREAS, ISRAEL GUARANTEES IN ITS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FULL FREEDOM OF WORSHIP AND WHEREAS, ISRAEL WAS FOUNDED IN 1948 AS A NATIONAL HOME FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE. WHEREAS, IT IS BELIEVED BY SOME THAT JEWS WERE AMONG THE EARLIEST SETTLERS OF ST.

AUGUSTINE COMING TO THE CITY WTH SPANISH FOUNDERS IN THE 16TH CENTURY. FIRST ORGANIZED JEWISH CONGREGATION OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY WAS FOUNDED IN 1898 AND CONGREGATIONS OF REFORM, CONSERVATIVE AND HABBAB CONGREGATIONS CONTINUE TO FLOURISH.

AND VALUE THE MANY WAYS OUR JEWISH NEIGHBORS HAVE ENRICHED THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF OUR COUNTY'S TAPESTRY.

AND THE PEOPLE OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL IN PROMOTING FREEDOM, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SECURITY. NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BY ST. JOHNS COUNTY THAT MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 BE KNOWN AS ST. JOHNS COUNTY ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY THIS SECOND DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021, SIGNED BRANDON J. PADDY, AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, JEREMIAH BLOCKER, CHAIRMAN.

>> RABBI, ON BEHALF THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS I PRESENT YOU.PROCLAMATION.

>> I AM GRATEFUL TO BE HERE AND HONORED TO BE HERE FROM HABAB OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY. ON BEHALF OF THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY JEWISH COMMUNITY. THANK ALL OF THOSE INVOLVED TO MAKE THIS IS REALITY. WE ARE INSPIRED BY AS WELL WHO TAUGHT THAT EVERY PERSON IS ENDOWED WITH IMPORTANCE AND EVERY POSITIVE ACT, EVEN SM SMALL, HAS A POWERFUL IMPACT AND LASTING IMPACT ON OUR FAMILIES, OUR COMMUNITIES, AND THE WORLD AT LARGE. YOUR FRIENDSHIP IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY, BOTH HERE AND IN ISRAEL, ESPECIALLY WITH THE VASTLY GROWING JEWISH COMMUNITY HERE IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY.

[00:30:02]

THROUGH ACTS OF GOODNESS AND KINDNESS MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE OF ALL. COMES AT A PERFECT TIME.

AT THE END OF NOVEMBER WE CELEBRATE THE JEWISH HOLIDAY OF HANUKKAH. WE LIGHT THE MENORAH THAT REPRESENTS THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM, SENDING A MESSAGE OF LIGHT, LOVE, WARMTH, PEACE AND UNITY TO ALL.

WE WILL BE HOLDING MANY OF THESE PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTINGS AROUND THE COUNTY TO SPREAD THAT MESSAGE OF WARMTH, LIGHT AND UNITY. I WANT TO FINISH OFF BY BLESSING EVERYONE HERE TODAY AND EVERYONE IN OUR WONDERFUL COUNTY WITH GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY, PEACE AND TRANQUILITY. THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER

[Acceptance of Proclamations]

[Public Safety Update]

PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. MOVE TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY

UPDATE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. COUNT AT THE JAIL IS 438.

IN 30 MINUTES IT WILL GO DOWN BY 23 BECAUSE WE ARE GIVING JACKSONVILLE BACK THE ONES TO BORROW TO MAKE ROOM THE GEORGIA-FLORIDA GAME. I WANTED TO SHARE THAT WITH YOU. THEY ONLY HAD 260 ARREST SWISS MORE THAN HALF OF OUR POPULATION THIS WEEKEND AND KIND OF PUTS THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE.

BUT THE STATE HAS REDUCED THE NUMBER OF STATE PRISONERS THAT THEY ARE TAKING FROM US BECAUSE THEY ARE HAVING SUCH TROUBLE HAVING EMPLOYEES WORK IN THEIR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. SO I AM JUST LETTING YOU GUYS KNOW THAT NOW BECAUSE YOU WILL PROBABLY SEE THAT COUNT START TO RISE A LITTLE BIT AS WE WILL HAVE TO HOLD THE INDIVIDUALS A LITTLE BIT LONGER.

WE ARE WORKING WITH THE STATE AND TRYING TO DO DIFFERENT INNOVATIVE THINGS TO KEEP PEOPLE MOVING BUT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS HAPPENING DURING THIS TIME.

I WANTED TO TALK JUST A LITTLE BIT OF MUTUAL AID TOO TO SHARE WITH YOU THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR.

WE ARE GOOD NEIGHBORS. WE HELP WHEN THE OTHER AGENCIES. WE HELP WITH SPECIAL TEAMS, SWAT, DIVE TEAMS. WE HELP WHEN OUR OFFICERS FALL AND I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE AGAIN FOR THE SACRIFICES THEY MADE WITHOUT THEM NONE OF US WILL BE HERE TO PROVIDE AID TO ONE ANOTHER. WE DO SEND PEOPLE WHEN THE CALL COMES OUT AND WE DO THAT ACROSS THE BOARD FOR ALL OF THE DIFFERENT SERVICES WE DEAL WITH AND SHARE WITH YOU GOOD NEWS THAT WE ARE HAVING NO TROUBLE AT ALL FINDING EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR INMATES IN OUR RE-ENTRY PROGRAM.

WE ARE HAVING EMPLOYERS COMING TO US AND DOING LITTLE MINI JOB FAIRS INSIDE THE FACILITY AND ABLE TO PLACE EVERYBODY WHICH IS A DIFFERENT SITUATION THAN IT WAS PREPANDEMIC.

SO I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TODAY.

AND DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US?

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: ANY QUESTIONS?

ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMIS COMMISSIONERS.

I AM GOING TO ASK THE CHIEF AND A GUEST FROM THE GATE FOUNDATION. ONE OF THE THINGS -- WHILE THEY ARE MAKING THEIR WAY UP I HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF A STORY.

WE HAVE A 501 C 3 CHARITY FIRE FIGHTERS FOR FAMILIES.

WE ARE ABLE TO HELP CHILDREN BASED ON, YOU KNOW, GENEROSITY OF THE PUBLIC. WE DO CHRISTMAS.

LAST YEAR, JUST AS AN EXAMPLE, HELPED 240 FAMILIES AND 600 CHILDREN. THE GATE FOUNDATION PICKS A 501 C 3 CHARITY TO BE THE BENEFICIARY AND SELECTED FIRE

[00:35:01]

AND I THINK I CAN SPEAK FOR JEN AND STEPHANIE, I THINK THEY GOT A LITTLE EMOTIONAL BECAUSE IT WAS QUITE A LARGE AMOUNT. I WANTED TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK GATE FOUNDATION FOR THEIR DONATION AND I WANT TO DO THAT IN PUBLIC IN FRONT OF THE BOARD.

DREW IF YOU WANT -- THEY DONATED $170,000 TO FIRE FIGHTERS FOR FAMILIES. WE WILL BE ABLE TO EXPAND OUR SERVICES AND DO DIFFERENT THINGS.

[APPLAUSE] >> I AM DREW, WITH THE GATES FOUNDATION AND PROUD TO BE PARTNERING WITH FIRE FIGHTERS FOR FAMILIES. I HAVE THE BIG CHECK.

AND I WILL PRESENT IT TO THEM. THANK THE FIRE AND RESCUE FOLKS, YOU, THE COMMISSIONERS, ALL THE STAFF AND EVERYBODY THAT SERVED IN THE PUBLIC S SECTOR TO HELP MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES A BETTER AND SAFER PLACE.

THANK YOU FOR THAT AND PROUD TO GIVE A LITTLE BIT BACK.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: YOU WANT TO COME AROUND AND GET A PICTURE? [APPLAUSE]

>> THAT'S ALL I HAVE UNLESS YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: CAN YOU UPDATE US A LITTLE BIT.

YOU GAVE US -- STARTED OFF WITH A RIGOROUS PACE WITH FIRE

PERSONNEL. >> YOU MEAN THIS MORNING? 6:30 THIS MORNING. WE HAD A CONSTRUCTION FIRE IN THE SOUTHWEST PART OF THE AND A VEHICLE ROLLOVER AT THE SAME TIME. SO IT WAS A TAXING HOME FOR THE STAFF, BUT WE WERE ABLE TO GET EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL

[Clerk of Court's Report]

VERY QUICKLY. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WE

APPRECIATE YOUR FINE WORK. >> THANK YOU.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: MR. PADDY, CLERK OF THE COURT

UPDATES. >> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIRMAN, COMMISSIONERS. ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT OUR COUNTY IS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

AN HONOR TO SIT IN THE AUDIENCE AND WATCH THREE OF THE FIVE PROCLAMATIONS TO RECOGNIZE THE CURRENTLY SERVING VETERANS AND SUPPORT GROUPS.

AS A VETERAN I AM PROUD OF OUR LEADERSHIP TO REMEMBER THE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES THAT THEIR SACRIFICE.

MY OFFICE WILL OFFER SEVERAL SMALL APPRECIATION TO OUR VETERANS. WAIVING FEES FOR THE MONTH FOR PASSPORT PHOTOS AND NOTARY SERVICES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY. AND FOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS AND KEEP THE RECORDS SAFE, SECURE AND AVAILABLE FOR EASY FUTURE ACCESS. LORD KNOWS VETERANS TRYING TO GET A DD 14 CAN BE QUITE A CHALLENGE.

WE WILL KEEP THEM IN OUR OFFICE AND SECURED AND THE RECORD IS PROTECTED FOR PRIVACY AS THE DD 2-14S DO NOT PUB PUBLIC RECORD AFTER 62 YEARS FROM THE NATIONAL ARCHIVE. WE CAN COMPLETE IN AT THE COURTHOUSE OR ON-SITE AT THE PROGRAM AT ANASTASIA BAPTIST CHURCH. IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND, HELP SPREAD THE WORD ON THESE OFFERS OFFERINGS.

HOPE IT PROVIDES A LITTLE GRATITUDE FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY FREE. LASTLY FOLLOW UP ON MY LAST BRIEFING. INCLUDED IS THE AMENDED POLICY THAT WILL PREVENT TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO BE INVESTED IN COMPANIES THAT ARE PROHIBITED LIST.

I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP, CHAIRMAN, ADMIN, ATTORNEY AND STAFF OF GETTING THIS DONE.

IN ADDITION MY OFFICE HAVE WORKED WITH COUNTY ADMIN FOR A SIGNING EVENT NEXT MONDAY. CONSENSUS IS REQUIRED FOR BOARD FOR THE EVENT TO OCCUR IN THE ROTUNDA.

WE RESPECTFULLY ASK FOR THIS TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL EVENT.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU.

IS THERE CONSENSUS? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE WILL BE THERE, MR. PADDY. ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE IMPORTANT. AND WE WILL SPREADED WORD WITH THE DD 214. I MIGHT BE COMING TO SEE BUT

[Consent Agenda]

SO WHY DON'T WE MOVE INTO DELETIONS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA. START WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER

WHITEHURST. >> CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST:

NONE. >> PAUL WALDRON: NONE.

>> HENRY DEAN: MR. CHAIRMAN, SEVERAL PEOPLE HERE THIS MORNING THAT EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN ITEM 5 AND WISH TO SPEAK. MY RECOMMENDATION IS THAT WE GO AHEAD AND TAKE THAT OFF THE CONSENT AGENDA AND HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF DISCUSSION. AND WE WILL HEAR FROM THE

PUBLIC. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: OKAY.

>> HENRY DEAN: OTHERWISE NOTHING ELSE.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WE WILL TAKE AGENDA ITEM -- SORRY --

[00:40:01]

>> JEB SMITH: NONE. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: NONE AS WELL. IS THERE A MOTION -- WE WILL HAVE A MOTION TO OPEN UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED?

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: GO AHEAD AND OPEN UP FOR PUBLIC

COMMENT. >> HENRY DEAN: WE ARE NOW TAKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

AND THOSE WHO MAY HAVE COME TO SPEAK ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 5, WE ARE GOING TO TAKE THAT UP SEPARATELY NOW THAT IT IS ON THE REGULAR AGENDA. SO WE WILL TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE REMAINING ITEMS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.

NAME AND ADDRESS, PLEASE, MAN. >> BJ KALALY.

CONSENT NUMBER 25, I THINK YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THIS THING.

MY QUESTION IS, IF THERE IS ANYBODY WHO CAN ANSWER IT -- THAT WILL ANSWER IT. WHY ARE WE RENAMING THIS 312 WHEN IT IS THE FIRST MILE OF STATE ROAD 313 WHICH WILL GO THROUGH 12 MILES AND END ON U.S. 1 WEST OF 6365 U.S. 1 HIGHWAY? HMM ... BECAUSE THAT IS JUST A LITTLE BIT NORTH. AIRPORT.

I THINK PEOPLE ARE FORGETTING WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON AS FAR AS THIS EXTENSION GOING. SO I DON'T KNOW WHY OF A SUDDEN WE ARE CHANGING IT FROM 313 TO 312.

I AM GLAD WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE TALK ON

NUMBER 5. >> HENRY DEAN: NAME AND

ADDRESS PLEASE. >> MARK ATKINS, PONDRE VEDRA BEACH. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE APPROPRIATE TIME. CONSENT AGENDA NUMBER 25.

I HAVE COMMENTS OF THE 312 EXTENSION.

SO I AM NOT ENTIRELY CERTAIN WHAT IS IN THIS AGREEMENT OR SHOULD I LEAVE MY COMMENTS UNTIL THE OPEN COMMENT PERIOD

LATER THIS MORNING? >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: NOW SIR.

>> MY INTEREST -- TWO SLIDES HERE.

I'M HERE TODAY TO SUGGEST THAT THE COUNTY TO WEIGH IN FURTHER ON THE 312 EXTENSION. AND OPPOSE ITS DESIGNATION AS A LIMITED ACCESS ROAD THE FDOT MAP SHOWING EXTENSION AND ITS DESIGNATION LIMITED ACCESS ROAD.

FDOT IS HOLD ALLEGE MEETING NEXT WEEK FOR PUBLIC -- HOLDING A MEETING NEXT WEEK FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

AN ADOPT STREET POLICY, HOW TO DETERMINE HOW FDOT HAS ACCOMMODATED A USE OF ROAD USERS INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS IN THE CONTINUATION OF THE LIMITED ACCESS DESIGNATION. STATE ROAD 312 WAS PLATTED SOME 50 YEARS AGO IN THE 19 1970S.

AND A LOT HAS CHANGED SINCE THEN.

HARD TO IMAGINE AND RATHER FARSICAL TO SAY THAT STATE ROAD 312 WAS A LIMITED ACCESS ROAD WITH SO MUCH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACCESS AND SOME SIGNALLED AND SOME UNSIGNALLED. IF I CAN HAVE IN THE NEXT SLIDE. IN FACT, FDOT IS SCHIZOPHRENIC IN HOW IT CLASSIFIES ROADS. THIS IS SOMETHING PUBLISHED IN RECENT YEARS, NOT 50 YEARS A AGO.

AND THEY ARE PICTURED IS 312. IN THAT CLASSIFICATION, 312 IS LISTED AS A C 3 C ROAD NOT LIMITED ACCESS ROAD.

THERE ARE CLEAR LIMITED ACCESS ROADS ON THIS MAP FOR DISTRICT 2. SOME OF THOSE BEING JTB 295, THE FULLER WARREN BRIDGE AND SO ON.

THERE IS A BIG DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE STATE ROAD 312 AND THE STATE ROAD THAT EXISTS TODAY AND AND WHAT IT WAS DESIGNATED SOME 50 YEARS AGO. SO I WOULD HOPE THAT THE COUNTY WOULD OPPOSE THE CONTINUATION OF THE LIMITED ACCESS DESIGNATION FOR 312. AND QUITE FRANKLY IN THE FUTURE I HOPE THE COUNTY WILL GET BEHIND AN EFFORT TO REMOVE THE LIMITED ACCESS DESIGNATION FOR 312 AND OPEN IT OFFICIALLY TO BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS IN A -- IN AN AREA FOUNDED BY

[00:45:01]

OPPORTUNITIES TO CROSS THE -- >> HENRY DEAN: SIR, IF YOU CAN WIND IT UP. WE HAVE A THREE-MINUTE

LIMITATION. >> I NEED TEN SECONDS.

>> HENRY DEAN: SURE, TEN SECONDS.

>> I AM BASICALLY FINISHED. FEW OPPORTUNITIES TO CROSS THE INTRACOASTAL WITH BRIDGES MILES APART.

SO FDOT HAS BEEN RESISTANT TO CHANGING -- CHANGING THEIR MAPS. BUT HERE CLEARLY FDOT.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU, S SIR.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU DEAN DOONZ ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? CONSENT AGENDA? EXCEPT FOR ITEM 5.

WE ARE TAKING THAT SEPARATELY. WE ARE TAKING IT UP ON THE REGULAR AGENDA BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF SPEAKERS THAT MAY WANT TO SPEAK. ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? MR. CHAIRMAN, I SEE NONE.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: OKAY. THANK YOU, MR. VICE-CHAIR.

WE WILL MOVE ON. A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WALDRON. A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER DEAN.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE.

[Regular Agenda]

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO THE REGULAR AGENDA. COMMISSIONER SMITH?

>> JEB SMITH: NONE, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: COMMISSIONER DEAN.

>> HENRY DEAN: I HAVE A COMMENT AND A REQUEST, I TH THINK. I MAY HAVE PUT AN UNDUE BURDEN FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS HERE TO SPEAK ON ITEM 5 ON CONCEPT AGENDA. THEY WERE GOING TO SPEAK JUST UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT AND WE WOULD HEAR IT AND NOT REALLY GET INTO A DISCUSSION. SO I MOVED IT TO THE REGULAR AGENDA. I WOULD REQUEST, SIR, IF WE CAN PUT THAT UP AS 1 A. THEY ARE HERE.

THEY WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK RATHER THAN HAVE IT AT THE VERY END OF THE AGENDA SOME TIME AT NOON.

IF WE CAN DO THAT I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT BECAUSE I DIDN'T MEAN TO CREATE THAT DELAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE HERE TO SPEAK. IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: NO WORRIES.

WHAT WE HAD ON AS NUMBER 5 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA THAT WE MOVED TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 8, WE CAN MOVE TO 1 A.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU. THAT WOULD BE GOOD.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WE WILL HEAR THAT FIRST.

COMMISSIONER WALDRON? >> PAUL WALDRON: NOTHING E ELSE. I WAS GOING TO RECOMMEND

MOVING IT AS WELL. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER:

COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST. >> CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST: N

NONE, MR. CHAIRMAN. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: I HAVE NO ADDITIONS EITHER. A MOTION TO.

[1. Total earned unused and undistributed revenue.]

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. ALL RIGHT, THAT PASSES.

RIGHT INTO OUR FIRST AGENDA ITEM.

HEAR NUMBER ONE. THE LEASE AGREEMENT FOR HOME

AGAIN AT ST. JOHNS COUNTY. >> HENRY DEAN: I WOULD LIKE TO CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. O SEE IF WE HAVE A

PRESENTATION. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: DO WE HAVE A PRESENTATION FROM ST STAFF?

>> GOOD MORNING, GAIL OLIVER, DIRECTOR OF LAND MANAGEMENT.

WE DO NOT HAVE A PRESENTATION. I HAVE THE LEASE AND CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE LEASE AND HOW WE GOT TO WERE WE ARE. SO IF WE WANT TO WITH PUBLIC COMMENT AND GO FROM THERE, WE CAN DO THAT.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WE CAN DO THAT.

GO AHEAD AND OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

>> HENRY DEAN: NOW WE WILL TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 1-A WHICH WAS 5 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA THE HOME AGAIN ST.

JOHNS LEASE. IF YOU COULD, STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD AND REMEMBER WE HAVE THREE MINUTE

TO SPEAK. >> MY NAME IS DORETHA --

>> HENRY DEAN: LET'S FORM A QUEUE LINE FOR THOSE WISHING

TO SPEAK. >> DORETHHA JAMES SMITH.

I LIVE AT 1055 WEST 15TH STREET.

I HAVE LIVED ON HOLMES BOULEVARD ALL OF MY 73 YEARS.

I AM VERY EMOTIONAL ABOUT THIS.

AND WHEN I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WANTED TO PUT A HOMELESS SHELTER ON HOLMES BOULEVARD IN DOES NOT HAVE ANY KIND OF AMENITIES FOR ANYONE. WE DON'T HAVE A SIDEWALK.

WE DON'T HAVE GAS STATIONS. WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING.

YOU WANT TO STICK THAT OUT THERE.

NOT THAT IT IS SO BAD -- I KNOW EVERYBODY NEEDS SOME PLACE TO LIVE, BUT WE GOT OLDER PEOPLE OUT THERE.

WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING GOING FOR US.

YOU DON'T HELP US DO A WHOLE LOT OF ANYTHING.

NOW THEY HAVE A DRAINAGE PROGRAM GOING THAT WE KIND OF DON'T SEE WHAT THE USE OF THAT IS, BECAUSE IT IS NOT HELPING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DRAINED. BUT ANYWAY, I WANT TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT I AM DEFINITELY AGAINST THAT HOMELESS PROJECT YOU HAVE IN DAVIS PARK. A PLAN TO TRY TO PUT OUT TH THERE. AND I'M SPEAKING FOR MORE PEOPLE THAN MYSELF. AND I WANT TO REALLY ACKNOWLEDGE YOU, COMMIS COMMISSIONERS, DOING YOUR JOB.

ALL THE COUNTY PEOPLE, EVERYBODY.

AND EVERYBODY IN THE AUDIENCE, THANK YOU ALL, BUT WE NEED TO

[00:50:04]

THE COMMISSIONERS DO THEIR JOB, BUT WE SHOULD BE A PART OF THAT JOB. WE ELECT THEM TO SUPPORT US.

SO WE NEED SOME SUPPORT AND THINGS.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS STUFF BEFORE IT GETS ON THE AGENDA AND EVERYTHING ELSE. THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY

ABOUT THAT. >> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU,

MA'AM. >> IRVIN BULLOCK, ST.

AUGUSTINE 32084. I COME TO SPEAK FOR BOTH ENTITIES. I AM FROM COME PASSIONATE ST.

AUGUSTINE AND WORKING WITH HOME AGAIN AND THE WEST AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY. AND I AGREE WITH THE LAST SPEAKER. WE NEED A GOOD FACILITY FOR THE HOMELESS. WE DEFINITELY DO.

THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO IT.

AND I THINK THE COUNTY CAN REALLY HELP US WITH THIS.

AND NEEDS TO HELP US WITH THIS.

BUT DOES NOT NEED TO BE IN WEST AUGUSTINE.

THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN ST. AUGUSTINE HAS WORKED HARD TO MAKE THEIR COMMUNITY MORE LIVABLE, SAFER.

AND THEY DON'T NEED ANOTHER VULNERABLE COMMUNITY PUT RIGHT DOWN ON TOP OF THEM. SO I DON'T THINK I NEED TO A WHOLE LOT MORE. MOST OF HAVE YOU HEARD ME BEFORE AND YOU WILL KEEP HEARING ME BECAUSE WE WILL KEEP THIS ISSUE ON THE AGENDA UNTIL WE GET SOME SATISFACTION FOR BOTH PARTIES. THANK YOU.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU, MA'AM.

YES, SIR. >> WILLY COOPER SENIOR, SOUTH LUCIA STREET. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON THIS.

I WAS HERE A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO WITH THE HOMELESS SHELTER.

I THINK THERE IS A NEED TO FIND A PLACE FOR THEM.

I GUESS THIS PLACE WAS ACTUALLY AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW.

I DO SEE IT AS TEMPORARY. BUT MY CONCERN IS NOT FOR THE REIDENTS, TOO, BUT IF IT IS GOING TO CLOSE DOWN AT 5:30 THAT WE ARE HEARING. WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE GOING TO GO? YOU LOOK AT HOLMES BOULEVARD FOR ONE, I MEAN -- IF YOU ARE HOMELESS, PROBABLY -- I WILL SAY 25% OF THEM DON'T HAVE C CARS.

ALL OF THEM ARE WALKING AND BACK AND FORTH.

HOLMES BOULEVARD IS A BUSY STREET.

IF THEY GOT TO WALK UP AND DOWN HOLMES BOULEVARD TO GET THERE, WHEREVER THEY ARE GOING, THAT IS GOING TO BE DANGEROUS. AND NOW WE ARE TALKING OF ÚPUTTING THEM -- WE WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THEM BUT PUTTING THEM IN A SITUATION THAT MAY BE MORE HARMFUL FOR THEM -- I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE HARMFUL FOR THEM.

WHERE ARE THEY GOING TO GO. HOLMES BOULEVARD AND WALK DOWN THE TRACK. THEY HAVE TO FIND A PLACE TO GO. I AM NOT SO MUCH -- I KNOW IT IS TEMPORARY AND THE PLACE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO GO IS NOT AVAILABLE AND FIND SOMETHING QUICKLY TO PUT THEM THIS TEMPORARILY. BUT I THINK WE MAY BE FUR FURTHERING THEM IN A MORE HARMFUL SITUATION THAN THEY ARE RIGHT NOW. SO, I MEAN, I AM NOT AGAINST IT. I AM FOR IT.

BUT I THINK WE HAVE A PROBLEM, A SITUATION THAT WE NEED TO TRY TO ADDRESS AND THIS MAY BE TEMPORARY BUT WE NEED TO FIND A LOCATION THAT IS REALLY GOING TO FIT -- SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THAT IS ALL I GOT TO SAY ABOUT IT. THANK YOU.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU, SIR.

>> GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING.

GREG WHITE. 905 PEARL STREET, ST.

AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, 32084. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME BEFORE YOU THIS MORNING. I HAD THE PLEASURE TO SPEAK WITH EACH COMMISSIONER AND, AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME. CERTAINLY WE APPLAUD HOME AGAIN, AS WELL THE COUNTY ADDRESSING A PROBLEM THAT IS VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. WE UNDERSTAND THAT.

OUR PROBLEM IS THAT WE DON'T FEEL, AS A COMMUNITY, WEST AUGUSTINE IS THE LOCATION AT THIS TIME, BE IT TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT AT THAT PARTICULAR LOCATION.

MR. COOPER INDICATED SAFETY. CERTAINLY IF YOU GO DOWN HOLMES BOULEVARD 6:15 IN THE MORNING, 5:30 IN THE AFTE AFTERNOON, YOU CAN SEE IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO BICYCLE OR WALK ON THAT PARTICULAR CORRIDOR.

WE PLEAD WITH YOU THIS MORNING TO RECONSIDER AND SEEK ANOTHER LOCATION. AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, ERIC TERRY, PALM COAST. I HAVE AN ADDRESS IN ST.

AUGUSTINE. 242 IBERIA.

I SAY GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

SEARCH YOUR HEART. I'M HERE REPRESENTING THE CRA OF WEST AUGUSTINE, POLICING CHAIRPERSON AND I MOVED ON TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THE LAST 15 YEARS IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD FOR THE CRA WORKING WITH THE WEED AND SEED TO WEED ALL THE BAD THINGS OUT OF WEST AUGUSTINE AND SEE THE SEED GROW. WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.

WE ARE STARTING TO SEE THE SEED GROW WITH THE NEW SHERIFF WE HAVE ON BOARD. WE WANT TO THANK HIM.

HE IS DOING A HECK OF A JOB IN WEST AUGUSTINE.

BUT I CAUGHT HELL WITH THE POLICING TO WEED THE BAD THINGS OUT OF WEST AUGUSTINE. AND THIS HERE THAT WE DON'T NEED. I'M HERE TO REPRESENT ALSO

[00:55:02]

HE TALKED TO ME THIS MORNING. WHEN HE WAS LIVING IN JACKSONVILLE DOWN BY THE MISSION OFF OF DAVIS STREET.

HE OWNED THE PROPERTY THERE. HE SAY ONE OF THE YOUNG MEN CAME TO HIM FROM THE MISSION AND ASKED HIM FOR MONEY.

HE TOLD HIM HE DIDN'T HAVE IT. HE DREW A GUN ON HIM.

THAT MADE HIM SELL HIS PROPERTY AND MOVE TO ST.

AUGUSTINE. SO THANK YOU.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU, S SIR.

>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, COMMISSIONERS.

ROB HARGRET, SHERIFF'S OFFICE. ON BEHALF OF THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND SHARE STATISTICS TO YOU.

WHAT IS DISTURBING TO ME I ACTUALLY FOUND THIS MOVEMENT OF HOME AGAIN ST. JOHNS. I DON'T RESPECT ANYONE TO REACH OUT FOR US AS PERMISSION BUT A PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING.

WHEN HOME AGAIN ST. JOHNS MOVED, WE AVERAGED 43 DOLLS OF SERVICE OVER THE FIRST FIVE YEARS.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS, WE HAD 256 CALLS OF SERVICE.

THIS YEAR WE ARE TRACKING FOR A STEADY INCREASE OF ABOUT OVER 70 CALLS FOR SERVICE. DOESN'T SEEM LIKE A LOT BUT SERVICES DEMANDED BY THE TAXPAYERS FOR OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT. I SIMPLY TELL YOU THIS I AM FAMILIAR WITH THAT AREA OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY.

OVER THE WEEKEND I WAS WITH MR. WHITE AND LEARNED THERE WAS ALREADY A TRAILER ON THAT PROPERTY.

NO COLLABORATION. NO COLLABORATING WITH THE ST.

JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. I AM NOT GOING TO BEAT A DEAD HORSE BUT ON BEHALF OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, NO SIDE SIDEWALKS, NO SUNSHINE SERVICES NO BUSINESSES.

THEY WILL WALK DOWN WEST KING STREET AND WORK HAND IN HAND WITH THE RESIDENTS TO CLEAN IT UP.

THEY ASKED FOR OUR HELP. WE WERE JUST THERE CLEANING UP THAT DISGUSTING TRAILER ACROSS FROM FOUR MILE ROAD ON WEST KINGS STREET. WE ARE WORKING HARD WITH THE RESIDENTS TO MAKE THE PLACE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND RAISE THEIR FAMILY. WE ARE NOT HELPING THE HOMELESS BY PUTTING THEM IN AN AREA WE ARE WORKING HARD HAND IN HAND. THE BACK SIDE OF THE PROPERTY IS RAILROAD TRACKS. QUICKEST WAY FROM POINT A AND POINT B IS A STRAIGHT LINE. THESE HOMELESS PEOPLE WILL BE SET BACK EVEN WORSE IN THE CURRENT LOCATION THEY ARE IN.

IF YOU HAVE DRIVEN DOWN HOLMES BOULEVARD, IT HAS TURNED INTO THOROUGHFARE. IT WILL BE THE CUT AROUND FOR ST. JOHNS DEATH PENALTY. I WILL ASK FOR YOU TO RECONSIDER. I WILL PARTNER WITH ANY SHELTER AND WORK WITH US AND THE COUNTY SO WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU. YES, SIR.

>> GOOD MORNING. REGINALD JAMES.

730 PEARL STREET. I HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT OF PEARL STREET FOR 70 YEARS. I AM ONLY 70 YEARS OLD.

SO THAT MEANS I LIVED ON THAT STREET ALL MY LIFE.

BUT COMING THROUGH THE BACK AREA BY EVERGREEN CEMETERY.

COMING OFF MASTERS DRIVE AREA. THE WAY PEOPLE WILL BE COMING, WALKING, DIFFERENT WAYS. THEY WILL BE COMING ALL DIFFERENT WAYS. THEY COULD BE COMING THE LEST CONSPICUOUS WAYS SOMETIMES TO GET THERE.

AND WE LIVE ON THE STREET AND WE -- NOT REALLY HIGHLY POPULATED, BUT IT IS ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE TO SEE WHEN THEY ARE COMING THROUGH TO DO SOME GOOD THINGS OR BAD THINGS AND KEEP ON GOING. SO WHAT I AM SAYING TO YOU ALL IS, PLEASE, TRY TO FIND SOMETHING THAT -- LOOK AT THE VETERAN ADMINISTRATION. THE VETERAN ADMINISTRATION BUILD A NICE PLACE OUT THERE ON 207.

BUT THEY HAVE -- THEY HAVE TRAILERS AND STUFF FOR US TEMPORARILY. ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING TEMPORARILY? SET SOMETHING UP OF THAT NATURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU, SIR.

>> GOOD EVENING, COMMIS COMMISSIONERS.

KEN MCCLAIN, PO BOX 902, HASTINGS, FLORIDA.

REPRESENT OF CARE AND HASTINGS HOPE.

YOU ARE THE FIVE HEARTBEATS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY.

WE RELY ON YOU AS A COMMUNITY. BUT WE ALSO -- I WANT TO DITTO WHAT HE SAID, BECAUSE THAT IS IMPORTANT.

IT IS A VIABLE MEANS THAT YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY. THE COMMUNITY IS IN DIRE NEED OF YOUR GUIDANCE. YOUR PROPER SUPPORT.

THE VETERANS. WE HAVE VETERANS OUT THERE THAT ARE HOMELESS. IT IS SHOCKING FE TO KNOW THERE ARE 600 KIDS OUT THERE HOMELESS.

AND TRYING TO GO TO SCHOOL. NOW THAT HAS GOT TO BE

[01:00:02]

I AM STANDING HERE FOR THEM. I AM STANDING HERE FOR THE UNDERSERVED. I AM STANDING HERE FOR THE PEOPLE THAT CAN'T BE HERE. AND I AM STANDING HERE BECAUSE YOU ALL OPENED UP WITH GOD, OKAY.

GOD, PEOPLE MAKES THE COMMUNITY.

WE HAVE TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT OUR PEOPLE, NOT PROFITS.

NOW WEST AUGUSTINE HAS BEEN WORKING FOR OVER 15, 20 YEARS.

TO TRY TO GET SOME HELP. IT IS LIKE WE GOT TO BEG FOR MONEY. $51 MILLION SHERIFF STATION OUT THERE IN LESS THAN A YEAR. TO LOCK PEOPLE UP THAT IS HOMELESS. THAT IS -- MOST OF THEM ARE HOMELESS. WE NEED HELP.

WE DON'T NEED LAW ENFORCEMENT LOCKING PEOPLE UP.

WE NEED POLICIES IN PLACE. WE NEED THEM FOLLOWED THROUGH.

WE NEED COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS GUYS CAN GET ENGAGED AND ASK US WHAT WE NEED. DON'T JUST ARBITRARY MAKE THINGS. WHEN I ABOUT IT, I WAS UPSET TOO. I CAUGHT MYSELF HAVING MY FINGER ON A LOT OF THE THINGS TO SUPPORT THE UNDERSERVED.

I AM A DISABLED VETERAN, YOU KNOW.

I HAVE TO COME UP HERE DRIVE FROM MY HOUSE TO COME UP TO AS WELL.REPRESENTATION KNOWN- IT'S HEARTING TO KNOW THESE STATISTICS AND THAT WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST COUNTIES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. ONE OF THE RICHEST COUNTIES, ONE OF THE MOST EDUCATED. AND WE ARE STILL STRUGGLING WITH THIS HOMELESS THING? SHELTER SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUILT 70 YEARS AGO. IT HAS BEEN DIVERTED.

WE DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL IT HAPPENS.

WE GOT TO DO BETTER, COMMISSIONERS.

WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE PUBLIC WORKSHOPS.

WE GOT TO PUT HOME AGAIN IN A VIABLE PLACE.

SOMETHING RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM HERE WHERE WE HAVE PLENTY OF LAND, PLENTY EXCESS TO VITAL SERVICES THAT ARE

ALREADY IN PLACE. >> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU, K KEN. THREE MINUTES.

NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. YES, MA'AM.

>> BJ KALALY, CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE.

ON THE LEASE YOU PUT TOGETHER, PAGE 2, THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS I HAD. IS IT A DOLLAR THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY PAID YOU AS OF OCTOBER 15 FOR THIS ONE-YEAR LEASE? AND ALSO, IT GOES FROM 20 20/15/21 TO 10/14/22.

SECTION 1.05 ON PAGE 2, PARAGRAPH 2, WHAT ARE THE MONTHLY RENTAL INSTALLMENTS. DO THEY RENT DURING THE MONTH OR DOLLAR LEASE FOR THE YEAR FOR THIS TEMPORARY THING THAT YOU PUT THEM INTO. AND I AM SURPRISED TO HEAR SO MANY PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN BEFORE THIS COMMISSION A FEW TIMES.

AND MY QUESTION EXCUSE ME TO ALL THE SPEAKERS.

WHERE DO THEY WANT HOME AGAIN TO RELOCATE? AND MY QUESTION TO THE COUNTY IS, DID MISS ANDREWS BRING ALL THE CITIZENS TOGETHER INCLUDING THE SHERIFF WHICH OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T HAPPEN AFTER THE HOME AGENDA -- DON'T LIKE THIS TERM, BUT I AM GOING TO SAY IT AGAIN.

YOU KICKED THEM OUT OF 207. 207 IS WHERE THEY WERE.

THEY WERE DOING WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO AND I THOUGHT PART OF THE AGREEMENT BEFORE THIS 501-C-3 IS GOING TO BRING IN SUPPOSEDLY AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE WITH $200 RENT. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO WORK OUT A PLACE FOR THE HOME AGAIN TO GO AND THAT WAS NOT DONE.

I AM GOING TO REPEAT IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE HERE AND PEOPLE NOT ABLE TO COME TO THESE MEETINGS.

THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON. MISS ANDREWS HAS BEEN HAVING MEETINGS AND EVERYBODY IS COMING UP SAYING THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. AND THEY ARE CONTACTING POLITICIANS WHEN THEY FIND OUT ABOUT IT AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT IT TODAY. MY QUESTION IF IT CAN EVER BE ANSWERED, HAS HOME AGAIN PAID YOU A DOLLAR.

ARE THERE IN THERE NOW, AN AGREEMENT OR A THING TODAY IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO DO ANYTHING AND WHERE ARE THEY GOING TO BE BECAUSE WE HAVE A CAMPGROUND AROUND OYSTER CREEK.

I AM TRYING TO WORK ABOUT THIS IN THE CITY LIMITS OF ST.

AUGUSTINE. NOT JUST IN THE COUNTY.

EVERYONE, YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION AND LOOK AT THESE MEETINGS BECAUSE THESE THINGS ARE BEING DISCUSSED.

[01:05:01]

THANK YOU. >> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU.

ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIS ITEM, 1-A ON THE REGULAR AGENDA? MR. CHAIRMAN, I SEE NONE.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, MR. VICE-CHAIR.

PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED. BACK TO STAFF GO AHEAD, POLICE

OLIVER. >> FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC I WILL GIVE A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION.

I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE ALL HEARD.

AS WE KNOW THE TURN STONE PROJECT GOING ON STATE ROAD 207 SALVATION ARMY PROPERTY. OPINIONED AT HOME AGAIN HAD TO MOVE OFF THAT PROPERTY NOT TO LOSE THAT PROJECT.

A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR GRANT PROJECT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ST. JOHNS COUNTY. AS A RESULT OF THAT PROJECT COMING IN AND A DEADLINE TO MOVE HOME AGAIN OFF, THE BOARD DIRECTED STAFF WITH WORK WITH HOME AGAIN TO FIND A TEMPORARY SITE LOCATION. PART OF THE CDBG PROJECT, THERE WAS A CONSULTANT THAT WORKED WITH THEM EXTENSIVELY AND TRIED TO FIND A LOCATION FOR THEM AND COULD NOT.

COUPLE OF MEETINGS AGO, DID TELL US OF THIS SITE THAT IS VERY, VERY TEMPORARY. THE LEASE CRAFTED FOR HOME AGAIN IS STRINGENT. SUN UP TO SUN DOWN.

IT IS A FEEDING PROGRAM AND SHOWERS.

NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.

STAFF WORKED WITH ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE AS TIGHT A LEASE AS POSSIBLE. THERE IS NO RENEWAL CLAUSE.

ESSENTIALLY HOME AGAIN WILL HAVE ONE YEAR TO FIND A NEW LOCATION. THAT IS THE OVERVIEW.

IT IS AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD.

I CAN EXPLAIN ANY NUANCES OF THE LEASE SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY

QUESTIONS. >> I DIDN'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, MR. CHAIRMAN. BUT CAN WE HEAR FROM MIKE

DAVIS WHO JUST CAME IN? >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: SURE, ABSOLUTELY. MR. DAVIS, WHY DON'T YOU COME

ON UP. >> GOOD MORNING.

THIS IS A -- KIND OF THE CONTINUATION OF THE ISSUE I BROUGHT BEFORE YOU ALL ABOUT A MONTH OR SO AGO.

THE ONLY PLACE THAT WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY THE COUNTY AND THE COUNTY WAS TASKED WITH ASSISTING HOME AGENDA IN FINDING -- HOME AGAIN AND WE GOT OUT OF THE LEASE SO THE COUNTY COULD DO WORK FORCE IS THE SITE ON HOLMES BOULEVARD.

SEVERAL YEARS AGO THE SITE WAS PROPOSED BY DARYL LOCK LEAR, I TOLD HIM AT THE TIME THAT SITE WOULD NOT BE A SUITABLE LOCATION, ONE FOR SIDEWALKS. AND TWO, I DIDN'T THINK THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WOULD BE EXCITED HAVING HOME AGAIN THERE. ALL OF THAT HAS COME TRUE.

AND I WILL WORK WITH EVERYBODY TO FIND A NEW LOCATION.

I WOULD LIKE TO FIND IT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

I THINK WE NEED TO BE THERE FOR SOME TIME WHILE WE FIND THAT DIFFERENT LOCATION. WE WILL BE WITHOUT SERVING THE HOMELESS -- SOME OF THE HOMELESS IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR TWO WEEKS. WE ALREADY MOVED A TRAILER ON-SITE, WHICH IS A TEMPORARY TRAILER.

WE NEED A LOCATION TO SERVE THOSE -- THOSE HOMELESS FOLKS.

RIGHT. THAT IS A COMMITMENT THAT ALL OF NEWS THIS ROOM SHOULD HAVE. I ALSO HAVE A COMMITMENT TO WEST AUGUSTINE. THEY DO NOT WANT THAT CENTER OVER THERE, WE FIND SOME PLACE ELSE TO RELOCATE IT.

I AM IN ALL ON THAT. I HAVE MEETINGS WITH MANY OF YOU, NOT ALL OF YOU. BUT WE ARE TRYING DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE THE SITUATION THEY DON'T WANT AS GOOD AS WE CAN IN SHORT OF DURATION THAT WE CAN AS WELL.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER THOSE.

>> MR. CHAIRMAN, IF I MAY. MIKE, HAS THE CITY OFFERED ANY

SPACE FOR ANY HELP WITH THIS? >> THEY HAVE NOT.

>> THANK YOU. >> HENRY DEAN: I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. I HAVE A COMMENT.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: PLEASE GO AHEAD.

THANK YOU, MIKE. WE ARE DONE WITH PUBLIC COMMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SUGGESTION PROBABLY IN THE FORM OF A MOTION UNLESS WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR MORE FROM STAFF AT THIS POINT.

WE WERE SORT OF HEARING FROM STAFF.

BUT I AM PREPARED TO MAKE A SUGGESTION WITH A MOTION.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: SURE. WHY DON'T WE GO AHEAD AND HEAR

[01:10:01]

THAT. >> HENRY DEAN: IT IS OBVIOUS, I THINK, TO EVERYONE IN THE ROOM THAT WE HAVE A BIT OF A CONUNDRUM HERE. A SERIOUS PROBLEM.

AND I THINK -- LET ME SAY T THIS.

I THINK THE STAFF HAS WORKED DILIGENTLY AND AS DILIGENTLY AND AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO COME UP WITH A VIABLE SOLUTION. AND THAT SOLUTION HAS NOT AND YET. I THINK THAT EVERYONE IS AWARE NOW AND HAS BEEN FOR SOME PERIOD IN THE PAST, DEPENDING ON WHAT MEETINGS YOU HAVE ATTENDED THAT THIS PARTICULAR SITE OFF HOLMES BOULEVARD IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR AT LEAST SEVEN OR EIGHT REASONS. BUT WHAT I AM GOING TO SUGGEST AND I WILL DO THIS IN THE FORM OF A MOTION, IF IT IS APPROPRIATE -- OH -- FORGOT MY TIMER HERE.

WHAT I WANT TO SUGGEST IS THAT REALLY, WE DON'T HAVE A PLAN B THIS MORNING. WE DON'T HAVE ANOTHER SITE AVAILABLE. ALL WE CAN DO THIS MORNING, I THINK, IT OFFER -- OFFER TO HOME AGAIN A MONTH TO MONTH LEASE THAT WE AS THE COMMISSION IS ASKING STAFF TO WORK AS DILIGENTLY AS POSSIBLE TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE SITE THAT IS MORE APPROPRIATE FOR HOME AGAIN ST. JOHNS NOT ONLY FOR THE WEST AUGUSTINE ISSUES BUT ALSO AS YOU HEARD FROM HOME AGAIN ST. JOHNS FROM THEIR STANDPOINT.

WE NEED TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE SITE.

I KNOW THAT THE STAFF HAS WORKED VERY DILIGENT THREE TO TRY TO REACH THAT GOAL. BUT WE NEED TO REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS. I DON'T KNOW OF ANY OTHER SOLUTION THIS MORNING THAN TO TRY AS HARD AS WE CAN TO REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS TO FIND A GOOD SITE FOR HOME AGAIN ST.

JOHNS AND NOT GOING TO BE EASY AND NOT INEXPENSIVE.

AND WE MAY HAVE OBJECTORS WITH WHATEVER SITE WE COME UP WITH.

THAT IS MY SUGGESTION AND I AM PREPARED TO AFTER THIS AS A

MOTION IF THAT IS APPROPRIATE. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: UNDERSTOOD. I KNOW COMMISSIONER WHITEHUR ST, YOU MIGHT WANT TO HAVE COMMENTS.

MISS ANDREWS FROM STAFF WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES RIGHT NOW.

OBVIOUSLY IF THIS WAS AN EASY SOLUTION WE WOULDN'T BE HERE.

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING THAT CAN HELP GUIDE OUR DISCUSSION?

>> YES, MR. CHAIR. HOME AGAIN -- I WANT ODD TO AT LEASE ADDRESS SOME OF THE COMMENTS AND MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE CLARIFIED. THE REASON THAT THE STAFF REALLY IS ACTUALLY PROVIDING A RECOMMENDATION FOR TEMPORARY LOCATION FOR HOME AGAIN BECAUSE IT IS REALLY ON THIS SPECIFIC SITE IS NOT BECAUSE IT IS A HOMELESS SHELTER, BUT ACTUALLY A SERVICE AGENCY. THAT IS WHAT WE UNDERSTAND TO PROVIDE SERVICES, FEEDING PROGRAM, CASE MANAGEMENT.

WE HAVE NOT AT LEAST ARE LED TO BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT A HOMELESS SHELTER. THE SAFETY CONCERN STILL EXISTS. I UNDERSTAND THE COMMUNITY'S CONCERN BUT MAKE SURE THAT THE BOARD AND PUBLIC UNDERSTAND OUR RECOMMENDATION AND THE BASIS OF IT.

OUR CONSULTANT WORKED WITH HOME AGAIN FOR AT LEAST THE DURATION OF THE RELOCATION AND FOR THE DURATION OF DEVELOPMENT OF THIS HOUSING COMMUNITY, WHICH -- THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS REALLY INTENDED FOR HOUSING SOME OF THOSE HOMELESS POPULATION.

AND ALSO PROVIDE THEM SERVICES.

BECAUSE AS PART OF THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, THE FRONT OF THE SERVICE HALL WILL HOUSE A SERVICE AGO AGENCY THAT WILL PROVIDE CASE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

IN THE MEANTIME, WERE A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS WHO WERE EXPLORED WITH HOME AGAIN, AT LEAST 20 OF THEM.

NONE OF THEM WERE VIABLE AND THAT IS THE REASON WE ARE HERE TODAY. SO THE CHALLENGE WILL REMAIN THE SAME. WE DON'T REALLY HAVE ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE SITED OTHER THAN HOLMES BOULEVARD AS A TEMPORARY LOCATIN. I KNOW INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS HAVE WORKEDWITH HOME AGAIN MAKING SUGGESTIONS.

THE COMMUNITY DURING THE MEETING MADE SOME SUGGESTIONS.

WE ARE HAPPY TO ASSIST AND EXPLORE THOSE SUGGESTIONS AND BRING BACK SOME RECOMMENDATIONS.

THAT IS WHERE WE ARE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: OKAY. THANK YOU, MISS ANDREWS.

GO TO COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST. >> CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST: SO WHAT WAS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS A ONE-YEAR LEASE.

>> YES. >> ENDS OF THE ONE-YEAR LEASE IF HOPE AGAIN DOES NOT FIND SUITABLE LOCATION.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THEIR CON CONTRACT.

>> THE LEASE WILL BE TERMINATED WITHOUT CONSENT OF

HOME GOWN RENEW. >> CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST:

[01:15:01]

UNDERSTAND THE MOTION, SIR. >> HENRY DEAN: MAY BE A DIFFERENCE WITHOUT ANY DISTINCTION.

MY POINT IS -- I WAS TRYING DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT MONTH TO MONTH TO ME SENDS A MESSAGE OF WHAT IS, YOU KNOW, GO FORWARD WITH ALL EXPE EXPEDIENCY.

I DON'T WANT ONE YEAR TO SUGGEST THAT WE ARE BASICALLY NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ONE YEAR AND AT THE END OF ONE YEAR WE COME BACK WHETHER TO RENEW THE ONE-YEAR LEASE AGAIN.

I AM NOT TRYING TO SUGGEST IT BE MONTH TO MONTH TO BASICALLY AT A HIM WITH, BASICALLY DETERMINE TO ASK THE HOME AGAIN TO LEAVE IN A MONTH AND A HALF.

WHAT I WANT TO DO IS SEND A MESSAGE TO EVERYONE IN THIS COUNTY THAT WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT FINDING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AN ALTERNATIVE SITE, EVEN THOUGH I RECOGNIZE IT IS NOT GOING TO BE EASY. THAT WAS THE REASON FOR SUGGESTING THE MONTH TO MONTH IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

>> CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST: YES, SIR, THAT MAKES TOTAL SENSE.

I AM COMMITTED TO NOT HURTING THE WEST AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY.

AND GIVEN THE HISTORICAL CHALLENGES THEY HAD AND EVERYTHING THEY HAVE DONE ALL THE GOOD WORK DONE BY MR. WHITE AND THE ST. AUGUSTINE CRA.

I LEARNED OF THE FACTS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE COMMUNITY I COMMITTED TO MYSELF I WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING TO HURT THAT COMMUNITY AND MAKE THEM DIG OUT OF ANOTHER HOLE.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOME AGAIN IN ANOTHER LOCATION, BUT I UNDERSTAND ALL THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO FIND ANOTHER LOCATION. I AM NOT SURE IF WE ARE NOT KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD AND NOT HERE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ANOTHER YEAR. I KNOW THAT IS NOT VERY HELPFUL BUT WANTED TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS.

THAT IS NOT HELPFUL AND NOT A MOTION BLOCKER BLOCK I THINK IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO UNDERSTAND WHERE WE STAND TODAY. A PRESSING NEED TO ADDRESS THIS TODAY AND WE DO NOT HAVE AN OPTION THAT WILL WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY. THAT'S WHERE WE ARE.

WE DO NOT HAVE AN OPTION TODAY THAT WILL ADDRESS THIS NEED TO EVERYONE'S SATISFACTION. SO WE CAN GO WITH COMMISSIONER DEAN'S MOTION WHICH I THINK IS PROBABLY THE BEST APPROACH TODAY. THAT IS KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD. ONE OF THE CHALLENGES I WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND AND SPEAKING FACTUALLY, ONE OF THE ISSUES IS WE ARE TRYING TO FIND COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY,

, THAT'S CORRECT? >> THAT HAS BEEN THE REQUEST FOR THE AGENCY. AND SEEMS TO BE THE EASIEST SOLUTION OR EASIEST POTENTIAL AS A SOLUTION.

HOWEVER, JUST COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY WOULD NOT NECESSARILY BE THE CRITERIA FOR THIS PARTICULAR AGENCY.

IT HAS TO BE ZONED PROPERLY AND HAS THE RIGHT LAND USE WITHOUT HAVING TO COME BACK TO THE BOARD FOR ANY PERMISSION OF CHANGE OF LAND USE. THOSE ARE THE CONDITIONS HOW

THE LAND WILL WORK. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WELL, THAT AGAIN PRESENTS SOME CHALLENGES RIGHT NOW.

THE COUNTY IS NOT REALLY IN THE LAND OWNING BUSINES.

THE PROPERTIES THAT WE HAVE -- ONE OF THE SUGGESTIONS IN A MEETING THAT I HAD WAS SPECIFICALLY IN THE COUNTY COMPLEX. THE ISSUE AND THAT WE HEARD FROM THE SHERIFF, GROWING NEED WITH SOME OF THE LAND AND THAT LAND MAY BE TARGETED FOR SOME EXPANSION AND SOME OF OUR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. SO I -- I DON'T KNOW RIGHT NOW THAT WE HAVE A PERFECT SOLUTION.

THAT IS WHY I WILL BE SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR MOTION, COMMISSIONER DEAN. AND NOT ANSWER WE ARE ALL SATISFIED WITH, BUT HERE WE ARE.

>> HENRY DEAN: WELL I AM -- >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER:

COMMISSIONER WALDRON. >> PAUL WALDRON: MR. CHAIRMAN, I JUST WANT TO -- MAKE SURE YOU GET WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ON LOCATION TO SEE WHAT THEY RECOMMEND IT IS REALLY TOUGH. ANYWHERE WE PUT IT WILL BE A COMMUNITY UPSET. THERE IS A HUGE NEED FOR IT AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE US ADDRESS IT AS BEST WE CAN AND WHEREVER YOU PUT THIS FAC FACILITY, YOU WILL HAVE COMPLAINTS. AND TO ME, IT NEEDS TO GO INTO SOME OF THE CORRIDORS THAT ARE HEAVY BUSINESSES.

I DEALT WITH HOMELESSNESS AROUND OUR STORES FOR YEARS AND THOUSANDS OF STUFF STOLEN. PIPES BROKEN FOR PEOPLE TO GET WATER. IT IS AMAZING HOW SOME ARE REALLY GOOD AND THAT'S WHO WE ARE TRYING TO HELP BUT THERE ARE ISSUES AND I DEALT WITH THEM FOR A LONG TIME.

AND IT IS YOU HAVE TO PUT THAT IN A COMMUNITY NEAR HOMES WHERE THEY WILL BE WALKING BY THE HOUSES.

KIDS ARE PLAYING. NOT A LOT OF AREA TO PLAY.

SO I UNDERSTAND THAT WEST AUGUSTINE IS NOT THE RIGHT

[01:20:01]

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: COMMISSIONER DEAN, DO WE HAVE

A MOTION? >> HENRY DEAN: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION AND I WOULD LIKE TO PROCEED MY MOTION WITH -- WITH FOLLOWING UP ON COMMISSIONER WALDRON'S SUGGESTION AND SAY THAT I CONSIDER THIS A TEMPORARY FIX TODAY WE NEED DILIGENTLY MOVE FORWARD TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE ALL THE COMMUNITY INVOLVED PUBLIC AND PRIVATE.

HAVING SAID THAT, I WOULD MOVE WE ADOPT A TEMPORARY MO MONTH-TO-MONTH LEASE. OFFER THAT TO HOME AGAIN WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT WE AND OUR STAFF WILL WORK DILIGENTLY WITH THE COMMUNITY WITH OUR FELLOW AGENCIES TO FIND THE BEST SPOT FOR A FACILITY FOR HOME AGAIN ST. JOHNS TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE THAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED ON STATE ROAD 207 UP UNTIL LAST YEAR AND IT WILL BE A TEMPORARY MO MONTH-TO-MONTH LEASE AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR BACK FROM THE PUBLIC MEETING EVERY THREE MONTHS IF NOT EVERY MONTH TO HAVE AN UPDATE ON WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WH

WHITEHURST. >> MR. CHAIR.

THIS ITEM PERTAINS TO A RESOLUTION.

AND I THINK, IF I MAY, THROUGH THE MAKER OF THE MOTION, COMMISSIONER DEAN, KIND OF PUT HIS MOTION INTO SORT OF THE RESOLUTION LANGUAGE, IF I MAY TRY.

SO IT WOULD BE MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2021-478 APPROVING THE TERMS AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DESIGNEE TO EXCUSE A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH A MONTH-TO-MONTH TERM WITH HOME AGAIN ST. JOHNS, INC. WITH TEMPORARY USE OF A PORTION OF COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED OFF SOUTH HOLMES BOULEVARD. SO WHAT THAT WOULD DO IS CHANGE THE SECTION 1.04 FROM ONE-YEAR TERM TO THE MO

MONTH-TO-MONTH TERM. >> HENRY DEAN: I WILL ADOPT THAT AS AN AMENDMENT TO MY MOTION.

>> I THINK THE OTHER PARTS, THE DIRECTION TO STAFF THE DIRECTION TO STAFF TO WORK EXPEDITIOUSLY WITH HOME AGAIN TO FIND ANOTHER LOCATION BASICALLY A THREE-MONTH -- NO LONGER THAN A THREE-MONTH PERIODIC REPORT.

THAT CAN EITHER BE PART OF THE MOTION AS WELL OR JUST BE AN UNDERSTOOD DIRECTION FROM THE BOARD.

>> WILL YOU ADOPT THAT INTO THE MOTION.

>> I WILL ADOPT THAT AMENDMENT FROM AND ASK FOR CONSENSUS FROM THE BOARD THAT WE HAVE A REPORT BACK FROM THE STAFF AT LEAST EVERY THREE MONTHS ON THIS ISSUE.

SEPARATE AND APART FROM THE MOTION AND CONSENSUS.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: SHERIFF HARDWICK, WILL YOU COME UP FOR A MOMENT. BEFORE WE VOTE, WE HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> SHERIFF, KIND OF WHAT I WANTED TO ASK CAN YOU UP THE PRESENCE IN THE AREA AND GIVE US A COUNT OF HOW MANY MORE CALLS YOU HAVE FOR SERVICE IN THAT AREA ONCE IT IS TEMP TEMPORARY. SO WE KNOW?

>> YES, SIR. THAT IS ACTUALLY EASY TO DO AND THIS COMMISSION KNOWS THAT WE ADDED A RECENT BIKE PATROL IN THE WEST AUGUSTINE AND A MOUNTED PATROL FOR PR TOOL AND POLICING. WITH THAT BEING SAID MORE PRESENCE ON GROUND SO PERFECT TIMING.

BUT THAT INTENT WAS TO HELP THE COMMUNITY ACTUALLY ENGAGE AND GET MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH POLICING IN THOSE AREAS.

YES, SIR, THAT IS EASY TO DO, YES, SIR.

>> OKAY. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS,

GET THEM TO US, PLEASE. >> YES, SIR.

MR. COMMISSIONER, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TOO, WE DON'T WANT TO BE ON THE BUSINESS OF PICKING SITE FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF PROVIDING PUBLIC SAFETY.

I JUST WANTED TO HAVE A VOICE AND SAY IN THIS.

I SAY "WE"WE DON'T ANYBODY TO BOW DOWN TO US.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR COMMUNITY WE CAN ANSWER TO THEM AND BE INVOLVED IN THE DEC DECISION-MAKING PROCESS.

THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT PLACE BASED ON CRIME, BASED ON DATA AND A LITTLE BIT OF COMMON SENSE.

I SAY THAT IN THE FUTURE AS WE CONTINUE TO SELECT LOCATIONS.

>> YES, SIR, THANK YOU. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. GOOD QUESTIONS.

BEFORE WE VOTE, I WOULD LIKE TO GET BACK TO STAFF.

IS THERE ANYTHING -- OBVIOUSLY YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD ON THIS. ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE FROM THE BOARD WEB GIVE IN THIS REGARD?

>> NO, SIR, I THINK THE BOARD HAS BEEN COLLECTIVELY BEEN

[01:25:01]

IT WILL INCREASE CRIME WHEREVER YOU GO.

207 THE INCREASED CRIME RATE WENT UP AND ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY. THE BOARD IS AWARE AFTER HEARING SHERIFF HARDWICK AND THE SITE SELECTION WILL BE DIFFICULT. I WASN'T GOING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD, MR. CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS, BUT TO SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS INTO THIS. WE WILL REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS BUT UNDERSTAND THIS DIDN'T JUST COME UP LAST MONTH.

WE WERE WORKING WITH A CONSULTANT WITH OVER 20 LOCATIONS THAT WERE IDEN IDENTIFIED.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH MR. DAVIS AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND UPDATE THE BOARD, BUT THAT AS COMMISSIONER DEAN REFERENCED NO PLAN B, NOT BECAUSE STAFF WASN'T WORKING FOR A PLAN B, BUT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO PLAN B.

MANY SITES -- REMEMBER, THIS IS -- HOME AGAIN PROVIDES A VALUABLE, VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND NOT A COUNTY AGENCY. YOU TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS THE SITE. WHERE IS THE FUNDING.

WHO IS PAYING FOR WHAT. THEY DON'T HAVE SO MANY RESOURCES AND LOOKING FOR WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT AND WHO IS GOING TO DO THOSE THINGS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE BOARD HAS CLEAR EXPECTATIONS. YOU ARE VERY AWARE WITH THE SITUATION. YOU ALL HAVE BEEN BRIEFED AND I APPRECIATE SHERIFF HARDWICK BRINGING UP THE STATISTICS.

WE WILL COMMUNICATE WITH THE SHERIFF GOING FORWARD.

YOU WON'T HEAR ANYTHING DIFFERENT WHAT A HOMELESS SHELTER DOES RELATED TO CRIME. THE NATURE OF IT EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE TRYING TO HELP PULL PEOPLE OUT OF HOMELESSNESS AND PROVIDE SERVICES TO GIVE THEM THE LEG UP.

THE NATURE OF THAT IS YOU ARE STILL GOING TO HAVE THOSE ISSUES WHEREVER YOU PLACE IT. SO WE WILL COME BACK.

WE WILL BRING YOU BACK THESE OPTIONS BUT IT MAY NOT BE YOU HAVE AN OPTION YOU HAVE ONE OPTION.

YOU MAY HAVE TO DECIDE A TH THREE-MONTH OR SIX MONTH, THREE OR FOUR OPTIONS THAT GET BROUGHT TO YOU THAT EVERY COMMUNITY WHERE WE MAY BE ABLE TO POTENTIALLY HELP OR IDENTIFY A PLACE THAT WORKS IF THERE ARE EVEN ANY LEFT AT THIS POINT. EACH OF THOSE COMMUNITIES MAY COME HERE. I DON'T WANT.

I WANT TO SET A CLEAR EXPECTATION COMING BEFORE THIS BOARD, THE WEST AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY, HOME AGAIN, AN BEHALF OF THE ADMINISTRATION. WHILE WE ARE HERE TODAY, WE WILL REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS TO DO THE VERY, VERY BEST THAT WE CAN AND NOT A GOOD ANSWER. I AM PREPARING THE BOARD AND THE COMMUNITY FOR THAT THREE MONTHS FROM NOW, SIX MONTHS FROM NOW, NINE MONTHS FOR NOW. NO MIRACLE DRUG HERE.

NO MATTER WHAT, A DIFFICULT SOLUTION FOR THAT BOARD AS POLICYMAKERS WILL YOU HAVE TO DECIDE.

THAT IS WHAT I WILL JUST LEAVE YOU WITH, MR. CHAIR AND I APPRECIATE THE COMMENTS AND DIRECTION AND WE WILL GO TO WORK ON IT TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: ONE MORE FOLLOW-UP.

WE LOOKED AT OTHER ADJACENT COUNTIES AND OTHER AREAS WHERE THEY STRUGGLE WITH THIS ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A

SIMILAR -- >> I CAN ANSWER THAT, COMMISSIONER. YOU HEARD MR. CHAIR SPEAK OF THE HOMELESS SHELTER IN JACKSONVILLE.

IT HAS A SIGNIFICANT CRIME ISSUE AROUND THAT HOMELESS SHELTER. I THINK WHETHER IT BE ELECTED CITY COUNCILMEN OR COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THOSE IN THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION TRYING TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY, EVERYBODY'S HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

BUT THE REALITY IS IT COMES WITH STRUGGLES.

MY JOB AS YOUR ADMINISTRATOR TO TELL YOU THE REAL STRUGGLES AND REAL PROBLEMS AND NO EASY SOLUTIONS AND YOU AS FIVE ELECTED POLICYMAKERS WILL HAVE A DIFFICULT POSITION AT THREE, SIX, NINE MONTHS. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO GIVE YOU OPTIONS. WE WILL WORK TIRELESSLY WITH MR. DAVIS AT ST. JOHNS HOME AGAIN AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO MOVE IT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

BUT WHEN THAT COMES BACK IT WILL BE DIFFICULT.

TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, MR. CHAIR, YES, WE HAVE LOOKED AT

THAT. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: BLOCKER OKAY, THANK YOU. ANY FURTHER COMMENTS OR DISCUSSION FROM THE BOARD? OKAY.

WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DEAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST. FURTHER DISCUSSION? PLEASE VOTE. PASSES 5-0.

THANK YOU. MOVE TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 1 MR. HOLLINGSWORTH. GOOD MORNING, SIR.

>> GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS, DENNIS HOLLINGSWORTH, ST. JOHNS COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE TO SERVE THE CITIZENS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY. AS YOUR ST. JOHNS COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR IN COMPLIANCE WITH 218.36, WE HAVE PREPARED AND PRESENTED WITH YOU A FINANCIAL REPORT PERTAINING TO THE UNUSED EARNED REVENUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021.

AS YOU HAVE SEEN, WE ARE RETURNING TO THE CITIZENS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY THROUGH YOU AND OTHER TAXING AGENCIES, 6 6,135,000.15. OF THIS $74,872.17 HAVE BEEN

[01:30:09]

SINCE 1999, THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE HAVE EARNED THE CITIZENS $ $88,529,981.64.

BY THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION AS YOU ARE AWARE, WE ARE A FEE AND COMMISSION OFFICE. AND THESE FEES ARE SET BY LAW; HOWEVER, WE ARE SHARED IN THE PAST AND WE HAVE TAKE ON LARGE FLEETS. WE HANDLE NONAD VALOREM REVENUES WHICH THIS YEAR EQUATED TO 100 MILLION, 99 MILLION WORTH OF NONAD VAL VALOREM.

WE TAKE ON ANYTHING BECAUSE WE ARE IN PLACE.

WE TAKE ON ANYTHING THAT -- WHERE WE CAN SERVE YOU BETTER AND TRY TO EARN OUR KEEP. SO, THEREFORE -- THEREFORE, WE HAVE CLOSED -- WE TRY TO EARN MONEY AND RETURN IT BACK TO YOU SO WE OPERATE IN THE BLACK AND YOU HAVE MONEY FOR THE OTHER TAXING AUTHORITIES TO HAVE A SLUSH FUND AT THE END OF THE YEAR. WE HAVE CLOSED A 2020 TAX ROLL WITH A 99.88% COLLECTION RATE AND LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU PROBABLY RECEIVED YOUR LOVE LETTER FROM ME THIS PAST WEEK.

THE 2021 TAX ROLL IS OPEN FOR COLLECTION AN THE TOTAL IS 5 590,112 52.99. IN ADDITION I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE LIBERTY AND SHARE WITH YOU THAT THE URGE IN OUR POPULATION AND GROWTH HAD A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON THE TAX COLLECTOR OFFICES AND ESPECIALLY THEIR STAFF.

LAST YEAR, WE HANDLE AN EXCESS OF 700,000 TRANSACTIONS WHICH WE -- WHEN WE EXCLUDE THE INTERNET AND THE MAIL TRANSACTIONS, WE STILL HAVE HAD TO HANDLE OVER $525,000 RESIDENTS IN THE OFFICES IN THE FOUR OFFICES WITH 65 EMPLOYEES. THEREFORE, IF YOU SEE ANY OF THE TAX COLLECTOR STAFF, THANK THEM FOR HANDLING AND WORKING FOR THAT MANY PEOPLE GETTING THEM IN AND OUT THAT FAST.

I DARESAY WE ARE THE HIGHEST VOLUME COUNTY AGENCY OF ANY OF THE OTHERS WITH THE -- WITH THE VOLUME WE HAVE TO SEE OVER 525,000 WARM BODIES IN OUR OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

SO KEEP IN MIND, ALSO, WITH THIS, WITH EACH NEW HOME YOU SEE, YOU CAN CALCULATE THREE TO FIVE CITIZENS IN EACH ONE OF THESE HOMES THAT COME INTO THE OFFICE TO BE A RESIDENT TO GET A DRIVER'S LICENSE, TO CHANGE THEIR ADDRESS, TO GET A TAG, TO RENEW THEIR TAG, IN ADDITION TO THE POPULATION OF THE GROWTH. TAX COLLECTOR OFFICE DEAL WITH THE CURRENT RESIDENTS. EVERY YEAR AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR THEY HAVE TO COME IN. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THEY HAVE TO CHANGE AN ADDRESS. THEY HAVE TO RENEW THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE. THEY HAVE TO GET A PARKING PERMIT. SO IT IS HIGH.

AND WE LOOKED AT IT AND ANALYZED IT.

CAN YOU DO AWAY WITH BRICK AND MORTAR AND GO TO THE INTERNET AND OUR TYPE OF BUSINESS WE CAN NOT DO IT.

AND WE HAVE TO HAVE THEM THERE AND PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND SCAN DOCUMENTS. WE HAVE TO TAKE THEIR PIC PICTURES. SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES -- JUST TO LET'S YOU KNOW -- AND IF YOU HAVE ANY KICKBACK OF THE WAITING TIME AND THE TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE ARE FULL TO CAPACITY MOST OF THE TIME NOW. I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES WITHIN BORDERING COUNTIES HAVE ELECTED AND TAKEN ON THEMSELVES TO CLOSE THEIR DOORS TO ANY NONCOUNTY RESIDENTS.

IN OTHER WORDS, IN DUVAL COUNTY AND CLAY COUNTY, IF YOU WERE NOT A RESIDENT OF THEIR COUNTIES, THEY WON'T SERVE Y YOU. STATUTORILY THAT IS INCORRECT.

WE HAVE TO SERVE EVERY CITIZEN OF THE STATE THAT WALKS IN OUR OFFICE. WE HAVE REMAINED OPEN.

EVEN THROUGH COVID, THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE STATE CALLED AND SAID, PLEASE, YOU ARE ONE OF THE FIVE OFFICES WE ARE GOING TO SEND THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE AGENCIES TO SO WE CAN KEEP THE TRUCKS ON THE ROAD.

SO WE HAVE NOT CLOSED OUR DOORS.

AND WE ARE OPEN, BUT I JUST WANT TO YOU KNOW THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT WE NOW HAVE WAIT TIME IN THE TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE WHICH I AM NOT USED TO.

ALSO, WE SERVE IN ADDITION TO YOUR REVENUES THAT WE COLLECT FOR YOUR TAX ROLE, WE SERVE FIVE EXECUTIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT FROM THE STATE. WE SERVE AN ADDITIONAL 66 LOCAL AND REGIONAL TAXING AUTHORITIES.

SO THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE IS A BUSY OFFICE. AND WHEN WE TALK -- WE KEEP -- WHEN WE TALK AND SHARE WITH YOU, WE KEEP VERY METICULOUS TRANSACTIONS AS FAR AS MONEY. WE KEEP IT TO THE PENNY AND AS

[01:35:02]

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW LAST YEAR WITH 65 EMPLOYEES AND FOUR OFFICES, WE HANDLE 88,471 DRIVER LICENSES THAT WERE ISSUED IN PERSON. WE HANDLED 406,877 MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSACTIONS DEALING WITH TIGHT 8 S, LIENS, REGISTRATIONS. WE HANDLED 4931 CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS. AND WE ALSO HANDLED 3949 ROAD TESTS WHERE WE ACTUALLY HAVE TO HAVE AN EMPLOYEE CLIMB IN THE CAR AND HELP THAT PERSON. SO I JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU A BREAKDOWN. I APPRECIATE SERVING YOU AS YOUR TAX COLLECTOR. WE STRIVE TO SERVE YOU.

WE STRIVE TO EARN OUR KEEP. AND I JUST WANT TO GET THESE FIGURES TO YOU SO YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE. IF YOU EVER WALK IN AND SEE A LINE OF PEOPLE AND THE LOBBIES ARE FULL, YOU WILL TOTALLY UNDER STAND. IF YOUR CONSTITUENTS CALL, YOU WILL UNDERSTAND. BUT PLEASE CALL ME PERSONALLY ANY TIME I CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, MR. HOLLINGSWORTH. COMMISSIONER WALDRON.

>> PAUL WALDRON: MR. HOLLINGSWORTH, I WANT TO TELL YOU THANK YOU. YOUR STAFF IS WONDERFUL.

I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT THEY DO.

I WILL SEE YOU THIS WEEK. I HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT I

HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF. >> PLEASE CALL ME, SIR, SO YOU

DON'T HAVE TO WAIT. >> PAUL WALDRON: THAT'S ALL RIGHT. I DON'T MIND.

>> HOW IS YOUR DAD DOING. >> PAUL WALDRON: HE IS DOING

WONDERFUL. >> GIVE HIM MY BEST.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, MR. HOLLINGSWORTH.

REQUIRE A MOTION. >> HENRY DEAN: SO MOVED.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GENE.

HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT. >> HENRY DEAN: PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 1. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 1.

THAT MOTION IS TO APPROVE THE TOTAL EARNED UNUSED AND UNDISTRIBUTED REVENUE COLLECTED FOR THE 2020-2021

TAX YEAR, BY THE WAY. >> WJ KALALY.

I JUST WANT TO WILL HE MIND EVERYBODY TO THINK ABOUT THIS WHENEVER YOU GET YOUR TAX BILL.

I HAVEN'T GOTTEN MINE IN THE MAIL, BUT I AM LOOKING FOR IT.

MR. HOLLINGSWORTH AND HIS OFFICE, THEY DO NOT SET THE TAXES. THEY JUST GET TO COLLECT THEM.

AND THE PEOPLE THAT SET THE TAXES ARE -- IS THE BOARD, THE CITIES, AND EVERYBODY ELSE THAT IS LISTED ON YOUR TAX BILL. SO WHEN YOU GET UPSET, SOME PEOPLE GET UPSET WITH THEIR TAXES.

I KNOW IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE. BUT WHEN YOU GET UPSET, DON'T LOOK TO MR. HOLLINGSWORTH AND HIS STAFF.

HE IS JUST DOING HIS JOB TAKING WHAT YOU TOLD HIM TO TAKE FROM US. AND HE MAY NOT GET TO KEEP ALL OF THAT MONEY, BECAUSE THIS MORNING, HE IS GIVING STUFF BACK. BUT I THINK SOMETIMES WHEN WE GET OUR BILLS, WE ARE LOOKING AT HIM INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THE PEOPLE WHO WE ELECTED TO DO THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF OUR COUNTY AND OF OUR CITIES.

THANK YOU. >> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU.

ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 1.

ITEM 1? SEEING NONE.

BACK TO THE BOARD. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. PUBLIC COMMENT NOW CLOSED.

A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DEAN. A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER

[2. Amended Interlocal Agreement Regarding Veterans' Suicide Prevention.]

PASSES 5-0. THANK YOU.

WE WILL MOVE CONTINUE TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 2 DISCUSSION OF FIRE WATCH. GENERAL FLEMING, GOOD MORNING,

SIR. >> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBERS. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT FIRE WATCH.

AND I HAVE SLIDES IF YOU CAN PUT IT UP THERE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I AM MIKE FLEMING, THE ST.

JOHNS REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FIRE WATCH AND CHAIR OF THE FIRE WATCH. OUR MISSION IS TO END VETERAN SUICIDE HERE IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA.

AND THIS COMMISSION AND THE FIVE COUNTIES OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THAT MISSION THAT WE HAVE. AND FIRST, I WANTED TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHY WE WERE EVEN FORMED.

ALL OF KNOW RORY DIAMOND IS FOUNDER OF CANINES FOR WAR WARRIORS AN WANT. THERE IS A LOT OF GREAT ORGANIZATIONS THAT WORK AGAINST VETERAN SUICIDE, BUT HE WANTED TO OWN IT FROM A COMMUNITY STANDPOINT.

[01:40:03]

THEY ARE TRAGIC. AND YOU CAN SEE OUT OF EVERY CATEGORY, THAT THE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE VETERANS HERE IN FLORIDA AND ACROSS OUR NATION HAVE A HIGHER RATE OF SUICIDE, UNFORTUNATELY, THAN NONV NONVETERANS.

FRANKLY THAT IS SURPRISING TO ME, PARTICULARLY THE 18-34.

YOU GO IN THE MYTH, GENERALLY OFF GOOD EXPERIENCE.

YOU COME OUT AND WANT TO DO SOMETHING FOUNDATIONALLY FOR REST OF YOUR LIFE. YET VETERANS UNFORTUNATELY ARE TURNING TO SUICIDE. YOU SEE THE 18-34.

HERE IN FLORIDA, VETERAN 18-34 IS THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO LOSE HIS OR HER LIFE TO SUICIDE THAN A NONVETERAN.

AND THIS IS TRAGIC. AND UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS EVERY CATEGORY OF A VETERAN HAS A CHALLENGE OF SUICIDE.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO AT FIRE WATCH, IS TO LOOK AT THE DIFFERENT CHALLENGES AND SEE WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THEM. AND PARTICULARLY LOOK HERE IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY. YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE IT, BUT THE RATE OF SUICIDE FOR ST. JOHNS COUNTY FOR VETERANS IS 42 PER 100,000. I HATE TO SAY "AVERAGE RATE" BUT THE AVERAGE RIGHT FOR NONVETERANS IS 18 PER 100,000.

THAT IS A REAL TRAGEDY. YOU SEE EVENTS THAT HAPPEN WITH THE WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN HAD A PRO FOUND EFFECT ON THE MILITARY. NOT JUST PEOPLE WHO ARE AFGHANISTAN VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES WHO MAYBE LOST A FAMILY MEMBER IN AFGHANISTAN, BUT FRANKLY AFFECTED ALL MILITARY MEMBERS, CURRENTLY SERVING, IT PARTICULARLY AFFECTED VIETNAM VETERANS BECAUSE THEY HAD FLASHBACKS WHAT OCCURRED WHEN WE WITHDREW FROM VIETNAM.

AN ONGOING CHALLENGE OF VETERAN SUICIDE.

AND THAT IS A CHALLENGE. FIRE WATCH WAS OUR -- AS YOU KNOW AND MOST -- MANY OF YOU WERE INVOLVED FROM THE BEGINNING. IT WAS OUR WAY OF DOING IT.

ATTACKING IT FROM SPECIFICALLY -- BY COUNTIES, THE FIVE COUNTIES, BANDING TOGETHER. AND THE FOUNDATION OF IT IS -- IN FACT IS THAT THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS AND THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF JACKSONVILLE MADE DECLARATION THAT WE ARE ALL GOING TO WORK TOGETHER. SO TO ME AND ALL OF THE COUNTIES HAVE BEEN GREAT PROVIDING RESOURCES AND THINGS. BUT TO ME, THAT IS THE MES MESSAGING THAT WE START OFF WITH IN FIRE WATCH THAT OUR GOVERNMENTS ARE SAYING WE ARE IN THERE WITH YOU.

WE ARE IN THE FIGHT. AND SO, WE HAVE BEEN -- WE HAVE ESTABLISHED IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2019 AND HAD OUR FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY OF LAST YEAR.

AND FORTUNATELY BEEN ABLE TO DO QUITE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT THINGS. ON THE BOARD -- YOU CAN'T READ ALL OF IT. WE CREATED A LOT OF PROGRAMS. WE ARE NOT A CALL CENTER. WE ARE NOT THE VA.

WE ARE NOT A LOT OF THINGS. BUT WHAT WE ARE, WE ARE LINKAGES TO THE VETERAN COMMUNION.

THE WATCH STANDER PROGRAM. AN EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM WHERE WE GET WHAT WE CALL NONVETERANS, VETERANS CHA CHAMPIONS AND VETERANS TO SOME TRAINING AND THEY CAN BE ON FRONT LINES. BECAUSE YOU CAN HAVE THE BEST ORGANIZATIONS SERVING, BUT REALLY IT COMES DOWN TO THE COMMUNITY AND INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS DECIDING THEY WANT TO BE IN THE FIGHT I HAVE BEEN ASKED A NUMBER OF TIMES WHAT CAN I DO AS A NONVETERAN.

YOU CAN BECOME A WATCH STA STANDER.

WE ARE DOING A VETERAN CRISIS INTERCEPT MAPPING.

IF THE FIRST ONE IN BAKER COUNTY.

IF A VETERAN GOES INTO CRISIS, WHAT HAPPENS.

WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT. SHERIFF HARDWICK AND DIRECTOR BEAVER RECOGNIZED THAT SOMETIMES LAW ENFORCEMENT MAY NOT BE AWARE OF ALL THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO VETERANS. SO WE DEVELOPED WITH THEM A CARD THAT WE PROVIDED 2,000 CARDS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA SO WHEN A VETERAN GOES INTO CRISIS, THEY KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT NOT ONLY THE VETERAN BUT WHAT THEY CAN DO AS FAR AS CONNECTING THEM WITH RESO RESOURCES. AND SO YOU SEE HERE, OUR WHEEL. WE ARE WORK VERY CLOSELY.

WE HAVE A VETERAN SAFE PLACE PROGRAM WHERE WE TRY TO TRAIN INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES. WE ARE DOING A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS. WE ARE PART OF THE GOVERNOR'S CHALLENGE WHERE NORTHEAST FLORIDA REPRESENTATIVE.

THE GOVERNOR'S CHALLENGE TO END VETERAN SUICIDE ACROSS SOUTH FLORIDA. AND ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS ABOUT THE FIRE WATCH IS THAT IT HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL THAT MAJOR GENERAL HAMMER HARTSEL THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS WHICH IS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY TO TAKE IT ACROSS THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

HE IS GOING TO INVEST, HE IS GOING TO WORK -- NOT USING OUR FUNDS WE USE FOR THE NORTHEAST FLORIDA, BUT USE OUR EX-PER AGENCIES TO. USE THE WEB SITE WE CREATED, ALL THE THINGS WE CREATED TO MOVE THAT FORWARD ACROSS ALL OF FLORIDA. THESE ARE SOME OF THE STATISTICS THAT WE HAVE. THE NUMBER OF WATCH STANDARDS.

WE ARE NOW 1400. YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENT CLICKS AND THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE.

AND REALLY THE IMPORTANCE OF THAT IS -- IS THAT WE WANT TO

[01:45:03]

NOT JUST TO SAYS IT SOMETHING BAD AND EVERYBODY AGREE WITH THAT. YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACTION OR NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE AS FAR AS FIRE WATCH.

AS FAR AS SUPPORT, ST. JOHNS COUNTY HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY TREMENDOUS WITH SUPPORT. AND YOU SAW -- WE RECOGNIZE BILL DUDLEY. HE IS THE KING OF VETERANS IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY. MATT MCDERMOTT, RAY FLYNN, SO MANY PEOPLE ARE DOING SUCH GREAT THINGS.

TWO PARTS OF THIS WE TALKED ABOUT ALL FIVE COUNTIES SIGNED THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO BE PART OF IT.

JACKSONVILLE WAS THE INITIAL HOME COUNTY OF THE FIRE WATCH.

HELPED US STAND IT UP AND DO A LOT OF WORK BECAUSE ONE OF THE FEW THINGS WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH AND DIDN'T HAVE A CAMPAIGN TO CONVINCE EVERYBODY THAT VETERAN SUICIDE WAS BAD. EVERYBODY AGREES BUT WHAT ARE THE REAL THINGS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE DID A TREMENDOUS JOB.

WE ALWAYS ENVISIONED ROTATING THAT AMONGST THE COUNTY AND REQUESTING THAT MY COUNTY, ST. JOHNS COUNTY BECOME THE HOME COUNTY FOR THAT. WE WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH HUNTER CONRAD, BRANDON PADDY AND MCCORMACK TO DEVELOP SOMETHING AND THE MOU AND THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT PROVIDED TO YOU. BUT BASICALLY WHAT WE DID WORK WITH THEM TO DEVELOP SOMETHING.

DEVELOP A MO, THAT WOULD BE NO COST TO ST. JOHNS COUNTY AS FAR AS FROM A SERVICES STANDPOINT.

WE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH PATRICK, THANK YOU.

AND THE GREAT THING HUNTER, BRANDON AND PATRICK ALL VETERANS AS IS THE CHAIR WHO WORKED WITH US.

AND WE ALL KNEW WHAT WE WANTED TO DO TO GET TO IT.

AND WE DEVELOPED IT TO WHERE WE WILL USE THIRD-PARTY SERVICES APPROVED BY THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS. THE GREAT THING THAT I THINK ST. JOHNS COUNTY CAN BRING IS THE EXPERTISE AS THIS BOARD, THIS STAFF, BECAUSE WE HAVE IDEAS TO MOVE IT FORWARD.

AND I HAVE A CERTAIN VIEW. I HAD A LOT OF BUSINESS EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, BUT I SERVE SERVED IN GOVERNMENT IN THE COUNTY. THINGS WE WANT TO DO THAT WE WILL NEED STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE AND THAT IS WHERE I SEE WHERE ST. JOHNS COUNTY CAN DO. FROM A FINANCIAL STANDPOINT, NO IMPACT ON THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY, BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO USE THIRD-PARTY VENDORS, BUT THE EXPERTISE, THE STRATEGIC VISION THAT ST. JOHNS COUNTY HAS AND WE WANT TO TAP INTO THAT EXPERTISE TO MAKE SURE THE FIRE WATCH IS THE BEST WE CAN BE. WE BRIEFED EVERYBODY ON IT AND YOU SEE UNDERNEATH THERE, PART OF THAT IS ASKING ST. JOHNS COUNTY PROVIDE THE FUNDING THAT WE HAD DISCUSSED OF $30,000. SO THAT IS WHERE WE ARE.

WE REALLY -- WE GOT KNOCKED BACK FROM COVID JUST LIKE EVERYBODY DID FROM A MARKETING STANDPOINT.

WE ARE GETTING BACK OUT AND TRYING TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO INVOLVE MORE PEOPLE, BUT IT IS CRUCIAL.

BECAUSE AS I SAID THE FOUNDATION ATS A EFFECT OF IT IS, EACH ONE. ENTITIES, THE FIVE COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA SAY NO TO VETERAN SUICIDE AND THANK YOU TO ST. JOHNS COUNTY COMMISSION FOR BEING THE VOICE FOR IT HERE. AND WE WILL BE GLAD TO ANSWER

ANY QUESTIONS. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, GENERAL, AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS AND EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> JEB SMITH: THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION THIS MORNING. YOU MENTIONED IT THIS MORNING AND YOU MENTIONED IT IN OUR DISCUSSION ON OCTOBER 11 AS WE TALKED OF THIS PARTICULAR DIRECTIVE THAT YOU ENVISIONED BACK IN 2019, THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR DUTIES WILL -- ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES WOULD ROTATE FROM COUNTY TO COUNTY AND AT THAT TIME WE DISCUSSED EVERY TWO YEARS.

I DON'T SEE THAT CODIFIED ANYWHERE WITHIN OUR MOU AND I WONDER IF YOU WILL BE AMENABLE TO THIS PAGE 37 -- AND I WOULD PRESENT PROPOSED LANGUAGES.

IN OU EFFECTIVE OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE AND EXPIRE THREE YEARS FOLLOWING SUCH DATE.

I WOULD -- IF WOULD YOU CONSIDER THIS.

WITH THE INTENT OF -- FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES TO ROTATE TO ANOTHER PARTICIPATING COUNTY.

IS THAT SOMETHING THAT -- >> ABSOLUTELY.

ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS I WOULD COMMENT IS THAT THE ST.

JOHNS COUNTY TEAM IS MAKING IT -- TWO YEARS AGO -- WELL, WITH WHEN WE FOUNDED -- EVERYBODY AGREED THAT VETERAN SUICIDE IS BAD. HOW DO YOU PUT MEAT ON THE BONE AND WE LEARNED A LOT WITH THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE.

AND JUST IN OUR DISCUSSIONS FRANKLY HAVE GREATLY STR STRENGTHENED THE ADMINISTRATIVE PART OF IT AS WE DEVELOP HERE AND AMENABLE TO THAT, COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> JEB SMITH: I THANK YOU. AND APPEARS THIS IS A MOBILE OPPORTUNITY CAN GO FROM COUNTY TO COUNTY.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT BECAUSE THAT INTENT IS VERY -- IT IS ONE THING. BUT HAVING IT CODIFIED WITHIN THE LANGUAGE OF THE MOU IS A VERY IMPORTANT THING.

>> HAPPY TO DO THAT, COMMISSIONER.

>> JEB SMITH: THANK YOU. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER SMITH. ANY COMMENT FROM THE BOARD?

[01:50:02]

>> MR. CHAIR, IF I MAY THROUGH THE CHAIR THROUGH COMMISSIONER SMITH. COMMISSIONER SMITH, I THINK I DID GET YOUR LANGUAGE. I WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THAT JUST TO MAKE THE AMENDMENT RIGHT, BUT I THINK YOU HAD SAID ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES. WOULD YOU CONSIDER HOST DU DUTIES. HOST COUNTY DUTIES.

SMITH SMITH THAT WILL BE MORE ACCURATE, --

>> JEB SMITH: THAT WOULD BE MORE ACCURATE, YES.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU.

WHY DON'T WE SEE THERE IS A MOTION AND THEN WE WILL GO AHEAD AND OPEN UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

>> HENRY DEAN: I WILL BE HAPPY TO MOVE TO ADOPT

RESOLUTION 2021. >> 479.

>> HENRY DEAN: AUTHORIZING THE CHAIR FOR AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT IN THE SAME FORM AND FOR MAT WITH CLAY BAKER AND NASSAU COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MYAKKA TRANSFERRING THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO ST. JOHNS COUNTY AND AUTHORIZING THE CHAIR TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTADING BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE COUNCIL. AND I WOULD ADD WITH THE ADDITION OF COMMISSIONER SM SMITH'S AMENDMENT THAT HE HAS OFFERED AND READ INTO THE SESSION.

>> A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DEAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WALDRON. GO AHEAD OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT.

>> HENRY DEAN: PUBLIC COM COMMENT.

ITEM 2. YES, MA'AM.

>> GOOD MORNING MR. CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS.

I HAVEN'T PLANNED ON SPEAKING TODAY ON THIS ITEM --

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: GIVE YOUR YOUR NAME.

>> MARIE COOLY. MY FATHER PASSED AWAY THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR AND HE WAS A VETERAN AND I CAME ACROSS THIS PROGRAM. I NET WAS A WAY FOR ME TO HONOR HIM. AND SO I AM A PROUD WATCH STANDER PROGRAM PARTICIPANT. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO ONE VETERANS FAMILY ABOUT THE PROGRAM.

THEY WEREN'T IN CRISIS THANKFULLY.

AND ANOTHER VETERAN ONE ON O ONE.

SO I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC OUT THERE TO LOOK INTO THIS. IT IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE.

AND THE MORE PEOPLE WE HAVE OUT THERE THAT CAN BE AVAILABLE TO HELP OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES THAT MAY BE IN CRISIS, THEN HOPEFULLY THE NUMBERS WILL DECLINE AND WE WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS IN THE FUTURE.

SO I THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU. ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 2.

SEEING NONE. BACK TO THE CHAIR.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, PUBLIC COMMENT NOW CL CLOSED. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DEAN.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WALDRON.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, PLEASE VOTE.

[3. Public Hearing * CDD 2021-04 St. Augustine Lakes CDD.]

>> THANK YOU THAT YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON BEHALF

OF VETERANS. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK

YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 3, PUBLIC HEARING ON ST. AUGUSTINE LAKES CDD.

AN EX-PARTE ITEM. START WITH YOU COMMISSIONER

SMITH. >> JEB SMITH: I HAVE NONE TO

REPORT. >> HENRY DEAN: NONE.

>> PAUL WALDRON: NONE, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST: I HAVE NONE, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: I HAVE NONE AS WELL.

GOOD MORNING, SIR. COME FORWARD.

>> GOOD MORNING, MIME NAME IS WES.

HABER AND WE REPRESENT THE PETITIONER LENNAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONNECTION OF THE ST. AUGUSTINE LAKES CDD. WE HAVE A RELATIVELY BRIEF POWERPOINT PRESENTATION THAT I WILL RUN THROUGH AND HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. SO THE -- THE DISTRICT IS BEING ESTABLISHED OR SOUGHT TO BE ESTABLISHED UNDER CHAPTER 190 FLORIDA STATUTES. THE DISTRICT 226.19 ACRES.

IN ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT, WE SEEKING THE GRANT OF THE RECREATIONAL POWER AND FOR THE DISTRICT TO CONSTRUCT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE PROJECT.

THIS IS JUST AN OUTLINE OF MY PRESENTATION.

I WILL GO A BIT INTO ESTABLISHMENT.

I WILL HAVE A MAP SHOWING THE LOCATION, THE LAND USE AND SUMMARY OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE AS WELL AS THE ANALYSIS THAT THIS BOARD SHOULD CONSIDER IN ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRICT.

THE CDD AS I MENTIONED ESTABLISHED UNDER CHAPTER 190 AND THE COUNTY ITSELF HAS ITS OWN SECTION WITH RESPECT TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CDDS. THE PETITIONER AND MY OFFICE FOLLOWED BOTH OF THOSE PROCESSES.

A LOCAL UNIT OF SPECIAL PURPOSE GOVERNMENT AND THIS IS JUST SOME OF THE BENEFITS THAT A COMMUNITY WITH THE CDD CAN EXPECT WITH HAVING A LONG-TERM MECHANISM TO CONSTRUCT AND OWN AND MAINTAIN THE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE COMMUNITY.

[01:55:04]

THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CDD ARE ROADWAYS, ST STORMWATER, WATER AND SEWER, SIGNAGE, LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION, CONSERVATION AND AMENITIES AND THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF THOSE IMPROVEMENTS 21,127,182. IT IS NOTED IN OUR PETITION THAT CDD DOES NOT OBLIGATE THE COUNTY FOR WHAT THE CITY IS CONSTRUCTING AND AT APPROVAL OF THE CDD DOES NOT IN ANY WAY OBLIGATE THE COUNTY TO TAKE ANY IMPROVEMENTS.

THE DECISION THE COUNTY MAKES ON ANY OTHER PROJECT WHETHER A CDD IS THERE OR NOT. THERE ARE SIX FACT ARES THAT THE COUNTY WILL LOOK AT IN ESTABLISHING A CDD WHETHER ALL THE STATEMENTS IN THE PETITION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT.

IF THE ESTABLISHMENT IS INCONSISTENT WITH ANY APPLICABLE ELEMENT OR PORTION. STATE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

IF THE AREA OF LAND OF THE PROPOSED DISTRICT OF SUFFICIENT SIZE, COMPACT AND WHERE THE DISTRICT IS THE BEST ALTERNATIVE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND OF THE SERVICE WILL BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH LOCAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND THE AREA BY DISTRICT IS AMENABLE TO A SPECIAL DISTRICT. OUR OFFICE HAVE SUBMITTED PREFILE TESTIMONY FROM THREE INDIVIDUALS, JIM OLIVER WITH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE COMPANY, DENNIS MAYHER WITH THE PETITIONER AND WILLIAM SCHAFFER, ALL IN THE PRETRIAL TESTIMONY AND A CHART WHERE IN THE TESTIMONY EACH OF THE ELEMENTS ARE COVERED. WE HAVE ALSO RECEIVED WRITTEN CONSENT OF 100% OF THE AND WILL OWNERS IN THE COMMUNITY WHICH IS JUST ONE. THE NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER AS REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 190, AND WERE HE TRIAL TESTIMONY HAS BEEN FILED WITH YOU. WE BELIEVE WE LET THE THERE ARE HOLD FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRICT AND RESP RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU APPROVE BOTH THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE REQUEST FOR THE CONSENT OF RECREATIONAL POWERS. AND I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY

QUESTIONS. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD? OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT FIRST.

>> HENRY DEAN: PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 3.

CREATION OF THE CDD. YES, MA'AM.

NAME AND ADDRESS, PLEASE, MA'AM.

>> MY NAME IS SHELBY YOUNG. 2050 POWELL ROAD, ST.

AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, 32084. I'M HERE TO MAYBE BRING LIGHT TO WHAT IS HAPPENING OFF OF HOLMES AND DEER RUN ROAD WITH REGARD TO CDD 2021-04. I LIVE VERY CLOSE TO THAT LOCATION, AND THE ACTUAL ECOLOGICAL THE ENTIRE FOREST IS GONE. THE AMOUNT OF ACREAGE THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN DOWN FOR ME TO BE HERE IN THE AFTERMATH OF IT IS A LITTLE UNFORTUNATE. I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR A LONG TIME. AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL, LIKE, SITUATION OUT THERE RIGHT NOW IS VERY SMOKEY TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO BREATHE, YOU KNOW OUTSIDE AND VERY STILL.

AND THERE IS JUST -- JUST A LITTLE BIT OF STUFF I WANTED TO BRING -- I DON'T KNOW THAT THE PUBLIC IS VERY AWARE THAT THERE IS NO ENTRANCE ACCEPT FOR ONE WAY.

SO NOW IF THERE WAS ANY KIND OF DISASTER OF ANY SORT WE WOULD BE BOTTLENECKED AND IMPOSSIBLE TO GET OUT THERE.

A LOT OF HOUSES AND THEY ARE ABOUT TO PUT A LOT MORE AND NONE OF THOSE WHO LIVE ON THOSE ROADS WOULD CONSIDER A NEIGHBOR. THEY WOULD BE ASTRONOMICALLY DIFFERENT AS FAR AS THE RESIDENTS.

RIGHT NOW IT IS REALLY BUSY AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, LIKE I SAID. .> THE OTHER THING, THERE IS A PUBLIC LAKE THERE.

I DON'T KNOW IF IT HAS A PARTICULAR NAME OR ANYTHING, BUT THEY ARE CALLING THIS ST. AUGUSTINE LAKES.

TRULY AND LITERALLY. WE LIVE IN THE ST. AUGUSTINE SWAMP WETLAND AREA AND I HAVE SEEN THEM LITERALLY FILL IN THE WETLANDS WHERE WE IN ALL OF THE NATURAL WILDLIFE IS HAVING TO MOVE OUT OF COURSE THIS COMES WITH THIS TOWN

[02:00:01]

I CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE OVER THERE ANYMORE AND WE LIVE OFF OF DEER RUN, POWELL ROAD, HOLMES.

IT ACTUALLY BACKS UP RIGHT TO WHAT WE WERE SPEAKING OF WHEN I OVERHEARD EVERYTHING OF WEST KING.

IT IS REALLY RIGHT THERE. SO I JUST WANTED TO BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF ANYBODY THAT HAS BEEN AT HOME THAT COULDN'T MAKE IT TODAY THAT IS ABLE TO SEE THIS MEETING LIVE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY OBJECTION, PLEASE COME JOIN ME BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THE COMMUNITY REALIZE WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO LOSE OUT THERE IS A LOT OF OUR NATURAL AND LOVING.

THE PART THAT WE LOVE ABOUT ST. AUGUSTINE IS BEING TAKEN AWAY RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES. I USED THAT POND MANY TIMES AND I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE DO TOO.

AND I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. ANY WAY TO OBJECT OR ANYTHING IN THAT NATURE THAT WE CAN DO THAT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH QUARANTINE DEAN ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 3, PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 3.

SEEING NONE. BACK TO THE BOARD.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND?

>> I WOULD JUST NOTE THE. THERE IS A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE PROJECT ITSELF AND THE CDD.

CDD IS FINANCING AND MAINTENANCE MECHANISM FOR THE PROJECT. THE APPROVAL OF THE CDD DOES NOT HAVE ANY IMPACT ON WHATEVER IS APPROVED FOR THE PROPERTY WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF THE CDD.

ANY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL THINGS MENTIONED WILL HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ENTITIES. ANY ROADWAY APPROVAL AND ANY DISCUSSION THAT GETS DONE, YOUR APPROVAL TODAY ESTABLISHING THE SPECIAL PURPOSE UNIT OF GOVERNMENT OVER THAT PROPERTY DOES NOT IMPACT ANY OF THOSE.

WHILE I RECOGNIZE THE MEMBER OF PUBLIC'S COMMENT, THEY ARE RELATED TO OTHER ISSUES, NOT SPECIFICALLY TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CDD AND AGAIN, I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER

ANY QUESTIONS. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. DOES STAFF HAVE ANY COMMENT? GUILT PACK TO THE BOARD. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> JEB SMITH: MR. CHAIRMAN. I WILL MOVE IN RECOGNIZING THAT IT IS JUST A FINANCING MECHANISM.

NOT APPROVAL FOR ANY ENHANCEMENTS OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE. MOTION TO ENACT ORDINANCE 2 2021-81. ESTABLISHING THE ST. AUGUSTINE LAKES COMMUNITY DISTRICT CDD COMPRISED OF APPROXIMATELY 2 226.92 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED SOUTH OF STATE ROAD 16, NORTH OF COUNTY ROAD 214 AND EAST OF NORTH HOME BASED ON THREE FINDS OF FACT PROVIDED IN THE STAFF REPORT.

>> SECOND. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COMMIT AND A SECT BY COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST. ANY OTHER FURTHER COMMENT BEFORE YOU VOTE. I JUST WANT TO SAY AND THANK YOU MA'AM FOR COMING TODAY TO EXPRESS THOSE CONCERNS.

A DIFFERENT FINANCIAL MECHANISM DIFFERENT FROM SOME OF THE ISSUES YOU RAISED BUT I APPRECIATE YOU COMING AND

[4. Public Hearing * CPA(SS) 2021-20 TGC Parcel C.]

WE ARE READY TO VOTE. PLEASE VOTE.

PASSES 5-0. ALL RIGHT, WE WILL NOW MOVE ON TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 4. PUBLIC HEARING ON 202 -- SORRY, 2021-20 TGC PAR WE WILL C.

GOOD MORNING. >> ROGERS TOWERS, 100 WET ZONE PLACE. ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT WHO IS THE PROPERTY OWNER TGC OF ST. AUGUSTINE LCC.

JUST BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION OF OUR TEAM FROM TGC IS JOHN BROWNING WHO IS SITTING IN THE AUDIENCE WITH ME FROM ENGLAND.

TIPS AND MILLER. AND OUR PROJECT PLANNER AND JEFF CRAMIN OUR PROJECT ENGINEER AND BIOTECH OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT JASON MILTON.

IF WE NEED TO CALL UPON THEIR EXPERTISE TODAY, WE CERTAINLY CAN AND THEY ARE HERE. BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION.

YOU SEE THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED WEST -- JUST WEST ALONG I-95 ALONG STATE ROAD 16.

AND SO ZOOMING IN A LITTLE BIT AND THE EAST FORD, LINCOLN AND ALL OF THAT. THE WEST OUTLET AND THIS IS ATLANTIC SELF-STORAGE. THERE IS A LITTLE DAY-CARE CENTER HERE AND THE PROPERTY IS THIS IRREGULAR SHAPE.

[02:05:06]

RIGHT NOW, THE FEATURE LAND USE DESIGNATION IS CHANGE IT RURAL/SILVICULTURE AND WILL CHANGE IT TO MIXED USE.

AND IN ADDITION TO CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE TO MIXED USE DISTRICT, THERE IS A COMPANION CALLED A SITE SPECIFIC TEXT POLICY THAT LIMITS DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY TO A MAXIMUM OF 50,000 SQUARE FEET OF NONRESIDENTIAL USES AND THEN 300 MULTIFAMILY UNITS.

THE APPLICATION TO REZONE WILL BE FORTHCOMING AND ALSO THE TRANSPORTATION CONCURRENCY APPLICATION WILL BE FORTHCOMING. THE ESTIMATED PROPORTIONATE SHARE FOR TRANSPORTATION IS ABOUT $750,000 WHICH WILL BE PAID TO YOU OR YOUR -- TO THE COUNTY FOR USE IN WIDENING OF STATE ROAD 16 AND WHATEVER OTHER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT YOU FEEL FIT TO USE IT FOR. I WILL POINT THIS TO YOU IN THE MAP -- ORIGINALLY WE HAD 55 ACRES IN THIS APPLICATION BEFORE. WHEN THE LEGISLATURE CHANGED THE LAW TO HAVE A SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT GO UP TO 50 ACRES, WE TOOK FIVE ACRES OUT.

WILL REMAIN IN RURAL RURAL/SILVICULTURE AND NOT BE DEVELOPED AS PART OF THE PROPERTY AND SHOW YOU THE WETLANDS ON THE MAP. THE MAJORITY OF THESE ARE CONTIGUOUS WETLAND AND THEY WILL BE PRESERVED.

WET OUR NORTHWEST FACILITY MEETING.

WE HAD 10 TO 12 PEOPLE PRIMARILY FOR THE PARK PLACE NEIGHBORHOOD RIGHT NEXT DOOR. SO DURING -- WE HAD A VERY NICE DISCUSSION. AND THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, THE -- AND THE 35-FOOT DEVELOPMENT EDGE.

WILL BE REQUIRED TO WERE A 35-FOOT DEVELOPMENT EDGE BY THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE PROPERTY OWNER FOR OUR CLIENT -- OUR CLIENT WILL CONSTRUCT A FENCE ON THE INSIDE OF THEIR -- OR HIS 35-FOOT DEVELOPMENT EDGE.

SO WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE IS, YOU HAVE THE ENTRANCE OFF OF STATE ROAD 16. THIS WILL BE MULTIFAMILY AND NONRESIDENTIAL THIS THEN THERE WILL BE AN ACCESS ROAD ALONG I-95 AND THEN A MULTIFAMILY POD BACK THERE.

THIS IS THE DEVELOPMENT EDGE THAT FRONTS ALONG THAT PARK PLACE. AND THE INSIDE OF THE DEVELOPMENT EDGE IS WHERE THE FENCE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED TO AD ADDITIONAL SCREENING AND BUFFERING TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD JUST TO THE WEST. AND AGAIN THIS IS THE PORTION OF THE PROPERTY THAT WILL BE REMAIN IN RURAL/SILV I CUL CULTURE. THIS PRESERVED AREA AND THIS PRESERVED AREA THAT WILL REMAIN.

THIS IS THE PARK PLACE NEIGHBORHOOD.

THEY HAVE THE 35-FOOT DEVELOPMENT EDGE ON THEIR SIDE OF THE PROPERTY LINE SO TO SPEAK.

FIVE HOMES HERE. MR. BROWNING AGREED THAT HE WILL PUT A FENCE ON HIS SIDE OF THE 35-FOOT DEVELOPMENT EDGE BEHIND THE HOUSES HERE YOU WILL SEE THE WETLAND STRAND AND THIS WETLAND AND NATURAL BUFFERS TO THAT NEIGHBORHOOD TO THE REMAINDER OF PARK PLACE.

SO WITH THAT BEING SAID MAYBE I WILL CLICK THROUGH IT.

I FORGET I HAVE TO POINT THIS WAY.

MAYBE. HOLD ON A MINUTE.

WE WENT TO THE PZA LAST MONTH. THEY DID RECOMMEND THAT YOU APPROVE THIS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT.

YOUR STAFF REPORT OUTLINES EVERYTHING.

AND WE WOULD RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU ADOPT THIS SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT.

AND WE ARE HERE TO ANSWER WHATEVER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. THANK YOU.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: OKAY, THANK YOU, MA'AM.

WHY DON'T WE GO AHEAD AND OPEN UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

>> HENRY DEAN: PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 4.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 4. SEEING NONE, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED

DO WE HAVE A MOTION? >> HENRY DEAN: I HAVE A MOTION. MOVE TO ENACT ORDINANCE 2021.

>> 82. >> HENRY DEAN: TO ADOPT PLAN AMENDMENT SMALL KALE 2021-20, TGC PARCEL C BASED ON FOUR FINDINGS OF FACT PROVIDED IN THE STAFF REPORT.

>> SECOND. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DEAN AND IS SECOND BY COMMISSIONER

[5. Public Hearing * PLNAPPPL 2021-04 N. Clay Street.]

PLEASE VOTE. 2 PASSES 5-0.

[02:10:04]

BEFORE WE GO, COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST, START WITH YOU.

>> CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST: NONE, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> PAUL WALDRON: MR. CHA CHAIRMAN, I DID HAVE A CALL FROM JAMES WHITEHOUSE. HE LEFT A MESSAGE TO CALL HIM BACK. I CALLED HIM BACK AND I DIDN'T

GET AN ANSWER. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, SIR. MR. VICE-CHAIR.

>> HENRY DEAN: I ALSO HAD A TELEVISION CONVERSATION --OY DID HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH MR. WHITEHOUSE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AT SOME POINT TO DISCUSS HIS CLIENT'S CONCERNS

ABOUT THIS ITEM 5. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> JEB SMITH: DID HAVE A PHONE CALLED FROM MR. WH WHITEHOUSE. HE LEFT A MESSAGE.

I RETURNED THAT CALL AND I DID NOT SPEAK TO HIM.

THAT IS ALL I HAVE. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: I HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT. MR. WHITEHOUSE.

>> MR. CHAIR AS MR. WHITEHOUSE IS COMING UP, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEFLY SPEAK WITH MR. WHITEHOUSE IN THE CHAPELS ABOUT KIND OF A HEARING FOR MAT.

IT BOOK ONE THAT I THINK THE BOARD HAS DONE BEFORE.

IN THIS CASE, BEING APPEALED, THERE IS AN APPELLANT PRESENTATION LIMITED TO 15 MINUTES.

AND THE APPELEE WOULD BE PROVIDING THEIR PRESENTATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT. AND THEN EACH SIDE WILL PROVIDE REBUTTAL FOR THREE MINUTES AND, OF COURSE, THE STANDARDS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD, ETC.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: DO WE HAVE BOTH SIDES HERE?

>> YES WE DO. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: MR. WHITEHOUSE, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

>> GOOD MORNING. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: SO WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO A MAKE SURE WE GO THROUGH THIS IN A VERY ORDERLY FASHION. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM EVER EVERYBODY. SO WE WILL GO THROUGH HERE IF THERE IS A QUESTION. WE WILL STOP AND ASK COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR DIRECTION AND GO THROUGH THIS IN A VERY DISCIPLINED ORDERLY FASHION. ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? OKAY.

ALL RIGHT. PATRICK.

YOU CAN GO AHEAD AND TAKE A SEAT IN THE FRONT ROW THERE.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIRMAN, MR. VICE-CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS.

FOR THE RECORD 104 SEAGROVE MAIN STREET IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA. I'M HERE ON OF WHAT OF MISS VERDELL KING AND THE VERDELL FAMILY WHO OWN PROPERTY ACROSS THE STREET. THIS IS A -- THIS WAS AN APPLICATION THAT CAME TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD ASKING FOR A COUPLE OF VARIANCES FROM THE FRONT YARD SETBACKS ON THIS PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT YOU SEE UP HERE ON THE SCREEN. IT IS A TRIANGULAR PIECE OF PROPERTY. THIS IS, AS YOU CAN SEE, ON THE -- ON THE MAP -- AN AE AERIAL.

THIS IS FOUR MILE ROAD. THIS IS THE AIM AREA YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT HOLMES BOULEVARD AS YOU KNOW.

THIS IS A CUT-THRU, SORT OF 16.

THIS IS THE ST. AUGUSTINE GOLF COURSE AND THIS IS UP IN THE AREA TOO. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR A COUPLE OF VARIANCES THAT CAME TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD.

AND AS I SAID, I REPRESENT MISS VERDELL KING AND THE KING FAMILY THAT OWN THIS PROPERTY CADDY CORNER TO THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION. THIS IS THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION. THIS IS THE PROPERTY THEY OWN.

MISS KING IS NOT FROM THIS AREA.

SHE IS FROM FT. LAUDERDALE WHERE SHE RESIDES.

THEY OWNED THIS PROPERTY FOR OVER 50 YEARS WITHIN HER FAMILY. AND SHE IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE REQUEST IN QUESTION. AND SHE IS ALSO VERY CONCERNED THAT HER EXPRESSIONS AND CONCERNS THAT SHE TRIED EXPRESS AT THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD WERE NOT HEARD OR CONSIDERED. SHE SEPTEMBER A NUMBER OF E-MAILS TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEMBERS.

SHE SUBMITTED A NUMBER OF LETTERS FROM AREA RESIDENTS.

AND I WENT BACK AND WATCHED TE VIDEO.

I DON'T KNOW IF ANY OF YOU GUYS DID.

YOU WILL HEAR THIS DENOVO WHICH IS FROM THE BEGINNING AGAIN BUT VERY CONCERNED THOSE WERE NOT CONSIDERED AND SHE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU GUYS CONSIDER THEM TODAY.

YOUR ATTORNEY CAN ADVISE YOU BUT DE NOVO UNDER OUR CODE SAYS YOU CONSIDER THIS AS IF YOU ARE SEEING THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND I THINK THAT -- SHE WAS JUST VERY CONCERNED THAT THOSE THINGS WEREN'T EXPRESSED AND SHE IS FROM OUT OF TOWN AND SHE DIDN'T FEEL LIKE -- SHE WATCHED IT ON TV AND SHE FELT LIKE THEY DIDN'T -- BROUGHT IT UP AND SAID SOME LETTERS -- BUT I GOT A COPY OF THE STAFF REPORT.

I GOT A COPY OF THE STAFF REPORT FOR THIS AND AS YOU SEE IN YOUR PACKET, THOSE LETTERS ARE NOT IN THERE.

I WILL SUBMIT THEM FOR THE RECORD SO THEY ARE IN THE RECORD FOR YOU BUT BASICALLY EXPRESSION OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE

[02:15:01]

AUGUSTINE GOLF COURSE. A NEIGHBORHOOD AREA AND HIGHLY TRAVELED. ONE OF THE REASONS SHE IS VERY NERVOUS ABOUT IN FAMILY PIECE OF PROPERTY.

AS I STATED PREVIOUSLY, THIS WITH A A REQUEST TO YOUR PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD FOR TWO VARIANCES.

TWO VERY EXCESSIVE VARIANCES ON THIS PIECE OF PROPERTY.

IT IS BOUND ON ALL SIDES BY ROADS REQUIRES 25-FOOT FRONT YARD SETBACK ON ALL SIDES. THIS PARTICULAR INSTANCE, THEY ASKED FROM REDUCTION FROM 25 FEET TO 10 FEET ALONG CLAY STREET AND ASKED FOR A VARIANCE FROM 25 FEET TO FEET ON URBAN STREET. URBAN STREET IS THE PIECE THAT BEHIND THIS PROPERTY RIGHT HERE.

IT IS AN UNDEVELOPED PIECE OF PROPERTY.

NEVER BEEN USED. AND -- BUT AS I SAID UNDER YOUR CODE, SINCE IT IS A STREET, THEY REQUIRE 25 FEET FROM THAT AS WELL. AS YOU KNOW AND AS YOU HAVE SEEN IN A LOT OF THE DEVELOPMENT ACTIONS.

YOU GUYS KNOW, I COME BEFORE YOU FOR VARIANCE ALWAYS THE TIME. USUALLY I AM ASKING FOR THE VARIANCES. OUR CODE SETS OUT THE FACT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRY TO FIND THE LEASE INVASIVE ABILITY TO DEVELOP A PIECE OF PROPERTY. IN THIS CASE, YOU ARE ASKING FOR VERY LARGE VARIANCES. 25 FEET TO 10 FEET.

THAT IS -- THIS IS ABOUT 60% REDUCTION OF QUARTERBACKS REQUIRED UNDER THE CODE. THE OTHER THING I WANT TO POINT OUT FOR YOU AS WE ARE GETTING INTO THIS.

WE ARE RIGHTFULLY BEFORE YOU. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WRONG.

AN APPEAL IS APPROPRIATE. AND A PERSON RECEIVING MAILED NOTICE WHICH MISS KING IS ONE OF THOSE IS AN APPROPRIATE -- HAS STANDING TO BRING THIS BEFORE YOU.

SO THIS IS THE NOT HER TRYING TO BE OBSTRUCTIVE OR ANY OTHER REASON BUT HER BEING BEFORE YOU ASKING FOR YOU TO -- YOU KNOW TO ADDRESS HER CONCERNS AND THE OTHER AREA OF CONCERNS OF THE PRETTY EXCESSIVE VARIANCE REQUESTS.

THIS IS COMING FROM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND APPROPRIATE TO BE HERE. YOU LOOK AT IT DENOVO.

LOOKING AT IT ANEW. AND THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED BEFORE YOU TODAY AND YOU MAKE DECISIONS.

TWO VERY, VERY EXCESSIVE VARIANCES REQUESTED.

I SHOWED YOU THE ZONING. THIS IS THE AREA WITH THE DIMENSIONS ON IT. I TOO IT CAN PRESIDENT PROPERTY APPRAISER'S SITE. SHOWS YOU THE DIMENSION OF THE LOT AND THE DIMENSIONS OF SECTION OF URBAN STREET AND I THINK THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT TODAY AND EXPLORE IS MY UNDER STANDING THAT WHEN THEY CAME IN. THEY CAME IN AND ASKED OF DEVELOPING THIS PIECE OF PROPERTY WHICH THEY PURCHASED AND THEY OWNED WITH A RESIDENCE WHICH IS RS 3.

THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO DO A RESIDENCE IN THIS AREA.

THERE IS A LOT OF CONVICTIONS ON IT BECAUSE OF THE QUARTERBACKS. AND ISOR SO, I ASK -- I DID STAFF. DID THEY HOOK AT ANY -- YOU KNOW, POSSIBILITY OF THIS AREA OF URBAN STREET BECAUSE IT IS UNUSED. AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN OPEN AND BASICALLY JUST A CUT-THRU. THIS VERY SMALL SECTION FROM FOUR MILE TO CLAY AND VERY CLOSE TO THIS INTERSECTION.

AND THE CHANCE OF IT EVER BEING USED IS SLIM TO NONE.

AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY LOOKED INTO IT.

AND THERE WERE SOME ISSUES WITH UTILITIES.

SO WHAT I DID WAS, I WENT AND -- I DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS AN AREA OF THE COUNTY THAT IS SERVED BY THE CITY OF ST.

AUGUSTINE UTILITY SERVICE. IT IS NOT SERVED BY ST. JOHNS COUNTY UTILITIES AND I WENT TO TALK TO MR. GRANT, TODD GRANT, THE DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES FOR THE CITY AND ASKED HIM CAN YOU PULL UP YOUR MAPS AND LOOK AT THIS AND TELL ME IF THERE ARE ANY UTILITIES IN THIS ERVIN STREET AND IF THE COUNTY VACATE GOING FOR OTHER POSSIBILITIES.

AND HE TOLD ME, NO, THERE IS NOT.

IN FACT HE SENT ME AN E-MAIL WHICH I WILL SUBMIT FOR THE RECORD WHICH STATES THAT THE ONLY -- THE ONLY UTILITIES IN THIS AREA -- OOPS, I PASSED IT.

[02:20:01]

THIS IS HIS MAP AND THE CITY MAP AND NO UTILITIES WITHIN THIS AREA. THE REASON I BRING THAT UP.

BECAUSE UNDER YOUR CODE IT SPECIFICALLY SAYS THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO FIND THE LEAST INTRUSIVE OPTIONS TO DEVELOP PROPERTY. YOU KNOW, THE -- THE SORT OF TENDENCY IS SUPPOSED TO BE A WAY FROM VARIANCES OF OUR C CODE. THE CODE IS ESTABLISHED FOR CERTAIN REASONS. WE HAVE SETBACKS ON ALL SIDES FOR MANY DIFFERENT REASONS ESPECIALLY IN THIS AREA, FOR INSTANCE, BECAUSE WE HAVE VISIBILITY ISSUES AS I TALKED OF TRANSPORTATION, FOUR MILE ROAD.

THIS IS CLAY STREET. AND A BUNCH OF RESIDENCES DOWN CLAY STREET. AND YOU WANT -- AND I SHOWED YOU FROM THE LARGER. YOU CAN SEE THAT THERE IS A BUNCH OF VEGETATION RIGHT HERE.

THE GOLF COURSE. A BUNCH OF VEGETATION THAT BLOCKS VISIBILITY ON THIS. I WANT TO GO FORWARD TO -- THIS IS THEIR -- THIS IS THEIR MAP OF WHAT THEY ASKED AND THIS, AGAIN, FOUR MILE DOWN HERE, CLAY STREET.

THEY ASKED FOR A VARIANCE HERE ON CLAY STREET.

10 FEET FROM 25. UNOPENED SECTION OF URBAN STREET. THEY ASKED FOR EIGHT FEET H HERE. I WOULD SUGGEST.

I TALKED TO STAFF AND THEY STAYED -- THAT THE -- THAT THE CHAPELS HAD LOOKED INTO IT AND NO REAL ABILITY TO DO IT BECAUSE THERE MIGHT BE UTILITY SECTIONS IN HERE.

I THOUGHT IT WAS APPROPRIATE TO LOOK AT THAT BECAUSE THIS LEAVES AN OPPORTUNITY WHERE YOU WOULDN'T NEED ANY VAR VARIANCES AT ALL. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS PARTICULAR AREA, YOU SEE THAT THIS IS THE -- THIS IS THE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE THEY WANTS TO BUILD.

HERE THEY HAVE THE 25 FOOT HERE.

THEY WANTED 8 -- THEY WANTED 10 AND HERE THEY WANTED 8.

IN THIS PARTICULAR SECTION OF URBAN STREET.

IF YOU VACATE -- YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS DECISION TODAY, BUT IF THIS PORTION OF ERV IN STREET WAS VACATED 30 FEET WIDE. EACH SIDE WITH A VACATION 15 FEET. IF THEY GET 15 FEET, THEY CAN MOVE IT -- YOU CAN'T SEE MY ARROWS BECAUSE THEY ARE BLUE.

MOVE THIS WAY 15 FEET. DON'T USE ANY VARIANCES AND THEY CAN DEVELOP THIS PROPERTY WITHOUT VARIANCES AT ALL.

I BRING IT UP BECAUSE SOME CONCERN BY MISS KING THAT WASN'T EXPLORED. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE VARIANCE AND YOU HAVE TO SHOW A HARDSHIP.

WASN'T A LOT OF DISCUSSION WHAT THE SHAREDSHIP WAS.

THERE WAS ONE MENTION THAT I STATED AS SHE STATED IN HER WRITTEN APPEAL. ONE MENTION THAT THIS WAS A TRIANGULAR SHAPED PROPERTY AND NO DISCUSSION HOW THAT HI HINDERED DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY.

NO DISCUSSION AT THE BOARD HEARING ABOUT THAT.

AND NO REAL, YOU KNOW, DISCUSSION ABOUT THE LETTERS SHE SENT OUR THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE AREA THAT SEPTEMBER THEIR LETTERS. AGAIN, I REALLY DO BELIEVE THAT WHEN YOU LOOK AT OUR CODE AND YOU LOOK AT THE REASONS FOR GRANTING VARIANCES, YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRY TO -- AND I PUT THE DEFINITION OF VARIANCE UP HERE FOR YOU.

YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRY TO FIND REASONS THAT ARE THE LEAST INJURIOUS TO THE AREA. AND IN PARTICULAR CASE, IT APPEARS THERE IS A LEAST ININJURIOUS -- IF THAT IS A WORD. IT IS IN THE CODE IT MUST BE -- EFFECT ON THE AREA AND THIS IS ONE.

AGAIN, WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO THE CHAPELS.

I UNDERSTAND THEIR CONCERN WITH TIME.

I THINK THAT IS REALLY WHAT IT WAS.

I WAS JUST INVOLVED RECENTLY AFTER THE APPEAL WAS FILED.

SO I DIDN'T HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO THEM ABOUT THIS BEFORE, BUT I THINK THAT IS REALLY WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO.

YOU CAN'T PREJUDGE ANY FUTURE DECISION YOU MAKE ON THE VACATION OF A ROAD, BUT I HAVE PRESENTED TO YOU EVIDENCE AND WILL BE ON THE RECORD THAT TALKS ABOUT THAT THERE IS NOT A LOT OF HINDRANCES TO MOVING FORWARD IN THAT FASHION.

MISS KING, AS I SAID, WAS VERY CONCERNED THE WAY THE PROCEDURE WENT. FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THIS.

THAT SHE WAS FROM OUT OF TOWN. THAT JUST FROM BEING OUT OF TOWN, SHE DOESN'T WANT THERE TO BE SOME TYPE OF HOMETOWN PREJUDICIAL ACTION IN GRANTING THIS TO A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WHO MIGHT HAVE DEVELOPED OTHER PROPERTIES IN THE COUNTY BEFORE AND I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR CODE AND KNOWING THE TENETS OF YOUR COLD.

FIND THE DEVELOPMENTS OF A PIECE OF PROPERTY WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE ANY VARIANCES AT ALL.

THAT IS WHAT THIS PARTICULAR SUGGESTION WOULD MEAN.

THAT WOULD BE THE WAY TO GO. THEY STILL GET TO DO EVERYTHING THEY WANT TO DO IN THE SAME FASHION.

IT WOULD STILL REQUIRE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VAC

[02:25:02]

IN THIS CASE, I THINK THEIR CONCERN IS VALID.

AND AS I SAID, WE CAN TELL YOU OF THE NUMBERS BUT THAT AREA THE ROADWAY IS HIGHLY TRAVELED.

AS I SAID, MISS KING WOULD LIKE YOU AS YOU SAW FROM HER APPEAL PAPERWORK TO JUST ENFORCE THE CODE.

THE CODE MEANS TO NOT GRANT A VAR ANESS IF THERE IS A WAY NOT TO HAVE A VARIANCE. WE THINK IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE AND BASED ON HER APPEAL SHE HAS STANDING.

CITED THE CODE. SHE CITED HER CONCERN IN HER APPEAL PAPERWORK AND SUBMIT FROM THE RECORD LETTER FROM SEVERAL AREA RESIDENTS AS WELL AS THE LETTER FROM MR. GRANT AND HIS -- AND HIS MAP. AND WE WOULD STAND READY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AFTER THEY GET TO PRESENT THEIR S SIDE. THANK YOU ALREADY MR. CHA

CHAIRMAN. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK

YOU. >> MR. CHAIR, I WILL NOTE FOR RECORD AND KEEPING TRACK AND MR. WHITEHOUSE'S TIME.

HE CAME IN AT THE 13-MINUTE MARK AND HE WAS WITHIN HIS 15.

JUST REMARKING. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, PATRICK. COME ON, FOLKS.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING US. ALAN CHAPEL,

>> TRACY CHAPEL. >> WE DO NOT HAVE A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION. BUT IF THERE IS AN OVERHEAD CAMERA WE HAVE SOME PICTURES TO SHOW.

SO WE BOUGHT THIS PROPERTY. AND IT TRIANGLE.

WE KNEW THAT. WE ALSO KNEW THAT VARIANCES AND REQUESTS FOR VARIANCES EXIST BECAUSE OF ODDLY SHAPED LOTS. THE TRUTH IS WE BOUGHT THE PROPERTY, WE DID NOT BUY ERVIN STREET.

WE SUBMITTED FOR A VARIANCE. WE WERE APPROVED AND THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT NONE OF THE IDEAS OF VACATING ERVIN STREET OR ANYTHING WAS WRITTEN DOWN AS AN OBJECTION.

SO WE HAVE ANSWERS TO ALL OF THE OBJECTIONS.

I PRESUME YOU HAVE, BUT MOST OF THEM DON'T MAKE SENSE AND QUITE FRANKLY, WE JUST TRYING TO BUILD A HOUSE ON THE PROPERTY OF THE LOT. WE THINK IT DOES MEET THE CRITERIA FOR THE VARIANCE IT WAS APPROVED OF.

JUST THAT SIMPLE. THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY.

>> WE HAVE REVIEWED THE GROUNDS FOR APPEAL THAT WERE SUBMITTED. COMMENTS MADE BY MISS VERDELL.

SHE HAS A LOT OF THEM HERE THAT REALLY GO ABOVE AND BEYOND JUST THAT THERE WAS AN ALTERNATIVE TO JUST, YOU KNOW, AVOIDING DOING THE VARIANCE BY VACATING ERVIN.

WE DID REACH OUT TO ERIC CLARK WHO WORKS IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, I BELIEVE, WHEN WE WERE PURCHASING THE PROPERTY AND ASKED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF VACATING ERVIN AND WE WERE TOLD THEY BELIEVED STRONGLY THERE WERE UTILITIES THERE AND THE REASON WE RESEARCHED AND DETERMINED THAT THE VARIANCE WAS -- ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THE VARIANCE WAS THE RIGHT WAY TO GO. ANOTHER REASON THAT WE CONSIDERED THE VARIANCE IN LIEU TRYING TO GO FOR THE VENTILATOR KATE BECAUSE THE ONLY TWO ABUTTING NEIGHBORS' HOMES TO THE PROPERTY IS BOTH ON ERVIN BY VACATING ERVIN, THAT PUSHES OR PROPERTY CLOSER TOGETHER.

>> WE THINK THAT -- WE DID EXPLORE THE IDEA OR AT LEAST CONSIDERED THE IDEA OF VACATING IT AND THINKING THAT MAY BE A VIABLE OPTION. THE REALITY IS WE DON'T BELIEVE THAT IS THE MOST NEIGHBORLY THING TO DO LIKE TRACY SAID. THIS THESE ARE THE ONLY TWO PROPERTY LINE NEIGHBORS WE WOULD HAVE.

VACATING THAT AND PUSHING THE HOUSE CLOSER TO THEM WE THINK WILL BE A DISSERVICE. SO IT REALLY DIDN'T -- THE WAY WE HAD IT DRAWN AFTER CONSIDERABLE TIME, MONEY, HAVING PLANS DRAWN TO, HAVING SURVEYS DRAWN, GETTING PIC PICTURES AND HAVING SITE PLAN DEVELOPED.

WE FELT WHAT WE PROPOSED WAS THE BEST OPTION AND THE BEST OPTION THAT THE NEIGHBORS WOULD LIKE.

AND IF TRAFFIC WAS CONCERN AND WE UNDERSTAND -- MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW.

OF THE MULTIPLE FRONT YARD SETBACKS IS VISIBILITY FOR TRAFFIC. AND HAD THE SURVEYOR GO BACK AND SHOOT PROPERTY LINES AND WE HAVE PICTURES SHOWING WHAT KIND OF VISIBILITY ONE HAS. THIS IS PROBABLY THE BEST PICTURE FROM THE INTERSECTION. THE HOUSE WE ARE PROPOSING TO BUILD WOULD BE VERY FAR BACK. IT DOES NOT BLOCK ANY SIGHT.

[02:30:06]

WE DIDN'T WANT TO STOP ING INGRESS-EGRESS.

WE HAVE A VERY THOUGHT-OUT SITE PLAN AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY DEVELOPING IT AND WE THINK IT WORKS AND SUPPORTED BY THE PLANNING BOARD'S RULINGS.

>> AN ADDITION APPEAR CONCERN WE HAVE IF YOU READ THE GROUNDS FOR APPEAL, THE ITEMS THAT SHE MENTIONED SHE TALKING ABOUT NOT MAKING IT IS A T TWO-STORY RESIDENCE FELT IT IS OVERSIZED FOR THE AREA WHICH IS VERY MUCH IN KEEPING WITH THE AVERAGE SQUARE FOOT OF HOME BUILT NOW.

WE HAVE TO DO TWO STORY BECAUSE OF IRREGULAR SHAPE OF THE PROPERTY AND THE FOOTPRINT IS 800 SQUARE FEET.

>> 1200 CONDITIONED SQUARE FEET.

HARDLY IS IT A MCMANSION. >> SHE REFERENCED ASKING FOR A VARIANCE ON A LOT THAT IS TOO SMALL.

AND ACTUALLY THE ACREAGE IS IN KEEPING WITH -- -- THREE PROPERTIES HERE, 11934 FOUR MILE, NORTH CLAY STREET.

WITH THE SAME ACREAGE AND ABLE TO BUILD HOMES WITH THE SAME SQUARE FOOTAGE OR SIMILAR. OUR WORRY AND OUR CONCERN IS IF WE, YOU KNOW, SAID, OKAY, WELL, WE JUST GO BACK TO SQUARE ONE AND LET'S DO THE VACATE, WE HAVE GOT TWO NEIGHBORS ON ERVIN WHO MAY NOT APPRECIATE THAT AND IT WILL DIRECTLY EFFECT THEM. ALSO, THERE IS NOTHING TO SAY THAT MISS VERDELL WILL NOT COME AND OBJECT TO THAT REQUEST. AND WE FEEL BASED ON EVERYTHING THAT SHE HAS LISTED HERE, THAT HER ULTIMATE GOAL IS PREVENT US FROM DEVELOPING THE PROPERTY PERIOD AND THIS IS JUST KIND OF KICKING US -- YOU KNOW, DOWN FROM A TIME STANDPOINT ALL THIS IS JUST DRAGGING THINGS ON TO PREVENT US TO DO WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO WHICH IS BUILD ONE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON THIS LOT THAT WE BOUGHT.

>> AND JUST -- FOR THE BOARD, I HAVE BUILT A LOT OF HOUSES IN MY LIFETIME. RULE ONE IF YOU ARE TRYING TO CUT COSTS IS YOU -- YOU KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID.

BUILDERS ISSUE BOX. THIS HOUSE -- IF I WERE TRYING TO BUILD SOMETHING THAT BENEFITED ME THE MOST, IT WOULD NOT BE CHOPPED UP LIKE THIS.

THIS IS A LOT GOING ON. IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE TINY LITTLE HOUSES I COULD IMAGINE BUILDING, BUT WE DID IT TO TRY TO KEEP THE SETBACKS REDUCED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND ADD VALUE THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.

WE THINK IT IS GOING TO LOOK GREAT AND AS SET FOR

EVERYBODY. >> AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTION THAT THIS COMMUNITY NEEDS.

WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF HOUSES BEING BUILT THAT ARE IN A PRICE RANGE THAT WORKING-CLASS PEOPLE WITH AFFORD.

SO THAT IS REALLY OUR GOAL. AND WHEN WE FOUND THIS LOT, WE THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE A GOOD, ADDITION, TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU.

IF YOU CAN -- YOU CAN JUST LEAVE THAT WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR THE RECORD. WHATEVER YOU PUT UP FOR DISPLAY, GIVE TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

>> AT LEAST BY THE END OF THE HEARING.

YOU MAY NEED IT FOR REBUTTAL. AND ALSO THE CHAPELS WERE CERTAINLY UNDER THEIR 15 MINUTE TIME FOR REBUTTAL BY

MR. WHITEHOUSE. >> OKAY, MR. CHAIRMAN.

JUST TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE THINGS THAT THEY STATED.

IF YOU LOOK AT -- IN THE PACKET, IF YOU LOOK AT MISS KING'S STATEMENT OF APPEAL BEFORE I GOT INVOLVED.

SHE WAS TRYING TO HANDLE THIS AS A NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENT FROM AFAR. SHE REALIZED THAT PROBABLY WASN'T THE BEST APPROACH. SHE DIDN'T FEEL LIKE SHE WAS GETTING THE APPROPRIATE CONSIDERATION, SO SHE DID HIRE US TO COME IN AND TALK TO YOU ABOUT IT.

BUT IF YOU LOOK AT HERS. SHE IS NOT A LAWYER.

SHE IS VERY SMART INDIVIDUAL, BUT NOT A LAWYER, SO SHE WROTE THINGS DOWN THE BEST WAY SHE COULD WRITE THEM DOWN.

I THINK THEY ARE PRETTY CLEAR. SHE IS JUST SAYING TO SU SUMMERIZE IS PLEASE FOLLOW THE CODE.

IF THERE IS A WAY TO FOLLOW THE CODE AND NOT HAVE 60% VARIANCES PLEASE DO SO. I AM NOT WORRIED -- SHE IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT TIME. SHE IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT CONCERNS. SHE IS WORRIED ABOUT OUR CODE WHICH IS WHAT I THINK YOU AS A LEGISLATORS AND THE QUASI JUDICIAL CONSIDERATION MEMBERS SHOULD CONSIDER IS THE CODE.

AND THE CODE BASICALLY SAYS IF YOU CAN FIND A WAY TO HAVE WHAT THEY WANT TO HAVE WITHOUT HAVING ANY VARIANCES THAT WE SHOULD MOVE FORWARD IN THAT FASHION.

I THINK PART OF IT IS, YOU KNOW, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO THE CHAPELS THIS THEY SAY WE WANT TO BUILD A SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE. AND YOU KNOW -- I DON'T SAY THAT CASTING DISPERSIONS AND I REPRESENT PEOPLE WHO DO DEVELOPING -- THEY ARE DEVELOPING IT.

THEY OWN MANY PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT ST. JOHNS COUNTY.

[02:35:04]

I THINK JUST BECAUSE IT WASN'T ADDRESSED PREVIOUSLY BY THE STAFF FOR WHATEVER REASON, BECAUSE IT IS NOT OUR UTILITY, YOU KNOW, I THINK THAT IT IS STILL AN APPROPRIATE THING TO LOOK AT. I THINK IT IS A APPROPRIATE GROUNDS FOR AN APPEAL TO BRING TO YOU DENOVO TO TALK ABOUT.

AND I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THT, YOU KNOW, ALL PARTY -- SHE IS NOT SAYING -- AND, AGAIN, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHAT SIDE COMMENTS SHE MAY HAVE MADE WERE APPLICABLE OR WEREN'T APPLICABLE. SHE IS NOT ASKING THAT IT NOT BE DEVELOPED. WE ARE JUST ASKING THAT YOU LOOK AT IT THE SAME EXACT THING THAT THEY WANT IF ERVIN STREET IS EVENTUALLY VACATED, MOVE 10 TO 15 FEET THAT DIRECTION NO VARIANCES AT ALL AND BUILD THEIR DEVELOPMENT.

WE ARE ASKING TO YOU TAKE THINGS INTO CONSIDERATION.

AS I SAID, THE STATEMENTS FROM SOME OF THE AREA RESIDENTS.

ONE OF THEM FROM THE PEOPLE WHO USED TO OWN THIS PROPERTY.

AND I WANT TO HAVE THOSE IN THE RECORD AS WELL.

I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. AND I CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. AND, AGAIN, I THINK SHE WOULD EVEN BE WILLING TO BE PART OF THE MOVING FORWARD OF THIS ERVIN STREET EVEN SHOW SHE IS REALLY CONCERNED OF VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE. APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND I'M HERE FOR ANY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> THANK YOU, MR. WHITEHOUSE. PATRICK.

>> NOW TIME FOR THE CHAPEL REBUTTAL, THREE MINUTES.

>> I THINK THAT WE JUST WANT TO SAY TO THAT THAT HE IS REFERENCING, YOU KNOW, DOING SOMETHING THAT WOULD AVOID HAVING TO DO THE VARIANCE. BUT, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T -- WE DON'T KNOW THAT VACATING THAT WILL DO THAT.

BUT ALSO -- IT IS TO BE THE LEAST INVASIVE.

AND WE DON'T BELIEVE THAT VACATING ERVIN AND MOVING CLOSER TO THE TWO ABUTTING PROPERTIES IS THE LEAST INVASIVE. I THINK IT IS VERY INVASIVE TO THOSE NEIGHBORS FOR US TO DO THAT.

AND I ALSO DON'T KNOW WHAT IMPLICATION IT IS HAS INCREASING THEIR PROPERTY SIZE ON THEIR TAXES.

OR ANYTHING ELSE. SO I WITH A HATE TO -- YOU KNOW, AGAIN WE -- AFTER RESEARCHING THE DEFINITION OF THE HARDSHIP, THE IRREGULAR SHAPE OF THE PROPERTY, WE FELT THIS DID MEET, YOU KNOW, CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR THIS VARIANCE AND WE FEEL THAT THE METHOD WE TOOK IS THE LEAST INVASIVE APPROACH IN CONSIDERATION OF THE ACTUAL NEIGHBORS AT THE PROPERTY L LINE.

>> YES, FIRST OF ALL, DITTO, 100%.

THANK YOU. AND AGAIN TO REITERATE, WE BOUGHT THIS PROPERTY, WE DID NOT BUY ERVIN STREET.

WE BELIEVE THIS VARIANCE EX EXISTS TO THERE ARE PROPERTY.

THE PICTURE OF WHY THAT EX EXISTS.

IF YOU -- I ASSUME THAT EVERYBODY HAS READ THE LETTERS OF OBJECTION. AND IF YOU HAVEN'T, I URGE TO YOU, BECAUSE QUITE FRANKLY THEY DON'T HOLD WATER, IN MY.

AND OTHER THAN THAT, GUYS, THANKS FOR HEARING US.

WE ARE PROPERTY OWNERS. WE WANT TO BUILD.

IT IS OUR DREAM. AND WE THINK WE ARE ON THE

RIGHTS. >> HE REFERENCED THE PREVIOUS PROPERTY OWNER. AND IN THE LETTER IF YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT IT, THEY BELIEVE THAT WE PURCHASED THE PROPERTY FOR THEIR TAXES THAT THEY WERE IN THE REARAGE ON WHICH IS NOT THE CASE. WHERE HE PURCHASED IT FROM SOMEONE ELSE WHO MAY HAVE ACQUIRED THE NORTH THAT MA MANNER. BUT WHETHER OR NOT THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THEIR OBJECTIONS, I DON'T KNOW.

WE ALSO -- THE LETTER STATES, I BELIEVE, THAT THEY BELIEVED THEY COULDN'T DEVELOP THE PROPERTY BECAUSE OF A DEEP DITCH. I DON'T THINK THEY EVER LOOKED INTO ANYTHING WITH REGARDS TO THE SETBACKS AND THAT BEING A REASON. AT LEAST THAT IS NOT THEY

CITED IN THE LETTER INITIALLY. >> THE LETTER SAID IT WAS TOLD BY SOMEBODY THAT THE DITCH WAS TOO DEEP THEREFORE HE CHOSE TO STOP PAYING TAXES AND THE COUNTY TOOK IT FROM HIM.

SO, AGAIN, WE DON'T THINK IT HOLDS WATER AND THIS IS THE PROPERTY WE BOUGHT. AND WE WOULD LIKE TO DO WHAT HAS BEEN APPROVED ALREADY BY THE BOARD -- BY THE ZONING BOARD. THANKS.

>> THANK YOU. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL, PATRICK, THE STANDARD REVIEW OF THIS APPEAL.

HOW -- >> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR, BEFORE -- IF WOULD YOU ALLOW. BEFORE -- I GOT A LITTLE BIT OUT OF ORDER ON THE BATTING ORDER.

[02:40:03]

IF ANYTHING OUT OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT THEY NEED TO DO A VERY BRIEF REBUTTAL. THAT SHOULD BE ALLOWED.

BUT IF -- IF THE CHAIR WOULD ALLOW PUBLIC COMMENT AND I

WILL GO OVER THE CRITERIA. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THAT IS FINE. OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

>> HENRY DEAN: PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 5.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 5. >> BJ KALALY.

CITY OF STAINT AUGUSTINE. THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE REPRESENTING THEMSELVES. THEY DIDN'T HIRE A LAWYER.

THEY SEEM TO BE FROM WHAT WAS PRESENTED DID THEIR DUE DILIGENCE. WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS WITH THE P ZA. AND WE KNOW AS WE SIT HERE FROM WEEK TO WEEK, THAT DEVELOPERS AND LAWYERS COME IN HERE ALL THE TIME AND THEY GET THEIR VARIANCES.

AND THIS ONE IS BEEN APPROVED BY THE P SDMRSHINGZ A.

BUT THEN THE PZA, THERE IS ALWAYS A PROCESS OF APPEAL.

SO THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE TODAY.

BUT I THINK WE REALLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT IT, JUST BECAUSE THE CHAPELS DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER.

THEY PRESENTED THEIR CASE. AND I HOPE THEY WILL STAND AND THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO AND BUILD A RESIDENTIAL HOME. BECAUSE THEY DID DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE AND WENT THROUGH THE RIGHT PROCESS.

THANK YOU. >> HENRY DEAN: THANK YOU.

ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 5? PUBLIC COMMENT? I THINK THAT CONCLUDES PUBLIC

COMMENT, MR. CHAIRMAN. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, MR. VICE-CHAIR. PUBLIC COMMENT NOW CLOSED,

PATRICK. >> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.

IF I MAY COMMENT, I THINK BOTH SIDES OF THIS EQUATION HAVE ARGUED QUITE WELL. FOR THE CRITERIA FOR THE VARIANCE. THE VARIANCE ARE A RELAXATION OF THE TERMS OF CODE THAT SUCH VARIANCE WILL NOT BE CONTRARY TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST. THAT IS A JUDGMENT OF THE BOARD. REASON OF THE EXCEPTIONAL NARROWNESS, SHALLOWNESS OR UNUSUAL SHAPE OF A SPECIFIC PIECE OF PROPERTY OR BY REASON OF EXCEPTIONAL TOP GRAPHICAL CONDITIONS, SO THERE, THE BOARD COULD CONSIDER THE SHAPE OR OTHER EXTRAORDINARY SITUATION OR CONDITION OF SUCH PIECE OF PROPERTY OR BY REASON OF THE USE OR DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY ADJOINING THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION.

THE LITERAL ENFORCEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE WOULD CAUSE UNDUE HARDSHIP TO CARRY OUT THE SPIRIT AND PURPOSE OF THIS CODE. AND THE VARIANCE WOULD NOT BE CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT AND PURPOSE OF THE CODE.

IN THIS CONTEXT, PERSONAL FAMILY AND FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, LOSS OF PERSPECTIVE PROFITS AND HARDSHIPS BY ANY ACT ARE NOT CONSIDERED HARDSHIPS NOT JUSTIFYING A VARIANCE. I WILL SAY A VERY BRIEF PUBLIC COMMENT. IF ANY SIDE FEELS LIKE THEY NEED TO DO REBUTTAL OF THAT, CHAIR SHOULD ALLOW AN OPPORTUNITY. IS THERE -- OKAY.

I SEE INDICATION OF NO. ALL RIGHT.

SO THAT IS IT. IT IS MY SENSE AS YOUR COUNTY ATTORNEY THAT THERE IS EVIDENCE, I THINK, ON EITHER SIDE OF THE EQUATION. IT CERTAINLY IS AN UNUSUAL SHAPED LOT IN THE CIRCUMSTANCE THAT IT IS IN.

THE BOARD CAN USE ITS JUDGMENT ON THE -- SORT OF THE SHAPE OF THE HOUSE. I THINK THERE HAS BEEN DISCUSSION ON BOTH SIDES OF THAT.

I REALLY MEAN THE FOOTPRINT. THE ASPECT OF THE POTENTIAL ROAD VACATION THAT IT IS NOT IN EXISTENCE NOW.

IS IT A REASONABLE POSSIBILITY.

COULD THERE BE OBJECTION TO THAT.

IT WOULD BE MY SENSE AND COUNSEL TO THE BOARD NOT TO RELY ON THAT AS A -- AS ANY TYPE OF GIVEN SO TO SPEAK.

SO WITH THAT SAID, MR. CHAIR, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS?

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO GO THROUGH THE STANDARD OF THE DE NOVO SO WE UNDERSTAND THAT.

>> THE DE NOVO. YES.

THE BOARD IS AWARE OF WHAT HAPPENED AT THE PLANNING AND ZONING AGENCIES. THE BOARD IS HEARING THIS FRESH. MR. WHITEHOUSE IS CORRECT IN ARTICULATING THAT. THIS BOARD DUE NOT FROM SO GIVE DEFERENCE TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING AGENCY'S DECISION.

IN FACT SHOULD NOT. THE BOARD IS HEARING THIS FRESH. THAT IS BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[02:45:02]

THANK YOU. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU. OKAY, THANK YOU.

WE HEARD PUBLIC COMMENT AND HEARD FROM BOTH SIDES.

WE ARE BACK TO THE BOARD. ANY DISCUSSION? ANY MOTIONS? COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> JEB SMITH: THIS IS MY DISTRICT, MR. CHAIRMAN.

I WILL BE GLAD TO MOVE IT. MOTION TO DENY PLNAPPPL 2021 ZONING APPEARANCE UPHOLDING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING AGENCY AND APPROVING THE REQUEST FOR ZONING VARIANE TO TABLE 6.01 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO ALLOW A REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED SECOND FRONT-YARD SETBACK OF EIGHT FEET IN LIEU OF 25 FEET REQUIRED ADJACENT TO UN OPENED E RVIN STREET IN 25 FEET ADJACENT TO NORTH CLAY STREET FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENT SUBJECT TO FIVE FINDINGS OF FACTS AND SEVEN CONDITIONS.

>> SECOND. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SMITH. A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WALDRON. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION OR

COMMENT FROM THE BOARD? >> YES, MR. CHAIRMAN, IF YOU DON'T MIND. I WANT TO SAY TO MR. WH WHITEHOUSE, MRS. KING'S VOICE IS HEARD.

NO DOUBT IS THE CASE AND YOU DID A VERY GOOD JOB OF REPRESENTING HER AND I HOPE SHE IS PROUD OF WHAT SHE HAS DONE WITH YOU. THIS IS AN IRREGULARLY SHAPED PARCEL AND THE PROPOSED STRUCTURE FITS WELL ON THE SITE WITH THE VARIANCES REQUESTED.

AND THAT'S WHY I MADE THIS MOTION.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: I WANT TO SAY I APPRECIATE BOTH SIDES. I APPRECIATE YOUR ADVOCACY.

[6. Public Hearing * Land Development Code Amendments - Regarding the Driveway Connection Classification for Silviculture Operations, Agricultural Activities and Borrow Pit/Mining Activities.]

ANY OTHER COMMENT FROM THE BOARD? IF NONE, PLEASE VOTE. THAT PASSES 5-0.

WE ARE GOING TO MOVE INTO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 6.

AND THEY HAVE A TIME CERTAIN ITEM THIS AFTERNOON WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD. A JOINT SESSION WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD. LET'S GO AHEAD AND HEAR.

THIS IS LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENTS REGARDING THE DR DRIVEWAY CONNECTION CLASSIFICATION FOR SI

SILVICULTURE. >> DEWAYNE KENT.

I AM YOUR COUNTY ENGINEER. HERE TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT A REQUEST FROM THE BO BOARD.

EARLIER LAST MONTH, THE BOARD ASKED STAFF TO REVIEW THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE IN REL RELATIONSHIP TO CULVERTS AND DRIVEWAYS. THE INTENT OF THE REQUEST, WE BELIEVE, IS TO REDUCE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNERS WITH LOW VOLUME LAND USES.

CURRENTLY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE ONLY RECOGNIZES TWO TYPES OF DRIVEWAY. RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AND COMMERCIAL DRIVEWAY. SO BASICALLY IF YOU ARE NOT -- IF YOU WERE NOT RESIDENTIAL, YOU ARE COMMERCIAL.

AND THOSE COMMERCIAL DRIVEWAYS ARE BUILT TO HIGHER STANDARDS.

SO THE LDC CODE REQUIREMENTS RESULT IN HIGHER COSTS TO PROPERTY OWNERS WHO USE -- WHOSE USE OF THEIR PROPERTY DOES NOT WARRANT COMMERCIAL DRIVEWAY CONNECTION BUT ARE REQUIRED TO BUILD IT TO COMMERCIAL STANDARDS.

SO. HERE TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION PER DISCUSSIONS WE HAD OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO BASICALLY ALLOWING TEMPORARY DRIVEWAY CONNECTIONS FOR SILVICULTURE OPERATIONS, AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, BORROW PITS AND CREATE A NEW DRIVEWAY CLASSIFICATION FOR SI SILVICULTURE, AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES AND BORROW PITS AND MINING. THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL DIFFER FROM COMMERCIAL DRIVEWAYS BY ALLOWING ALTERNATIVE USE -- ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS, REDUCED WIDTH OF THE DRIVEWAY AN REDUCED LENGTH OF THE PAYMENT AND REDUCING COST TO DRIVEWAYS. I KNOW SOME DISCUSSION IN OUR AGENDA PREP OF REMOVING THE BORROW PIT AND MINING OPERATION OF THIS. AND CERTAINLY LOOKING INTO THAT, THAT IS APPROPRIATE. THERE ARE CERTAIN LDC REGULATIONS FOR BORROW PIT AND MINING THAT REGULATE.

AND WITH THAT VERY SIMPLY, LOOKING FOR DIRECTION FROM STAFF OR THE BOARD. GOT A POTENTIAL MOTION ON THE

[02:50:07]

DISCUSSION. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU, MR. KENT. LET'S OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC

COMMENT. >> HENRY DEAN: PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM 6. AGENDA ITEM 6.

SEEING NONE. BACK TO THE COMMISSION.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: BACK TO THE BOARD, COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> JEB SMITH: THANK YOU, I WANT TO ACCOMMODATE THE DISCUSSION THAT GOES BETWEEN MR. KENT AND MYSELF THAT GOES ALL THE WAY PACK TO THE SP SPRING.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO CONCERNS AND FINANCIAL BURDENEN THIS PRINCIPLES WITH THE INGRESS, EGRESS.

WANT TO THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING SOME OPTIONS AND VERY REASONABLE. I DO HAVE A REQUEST.

AND I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO BE CLEAR IN REGARD TO LANGUAGE.

THOUGH I DO APPRECIATE. AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE MINING BORROW PIT ACTIVITIES REMOVED.

NOT AS LOW AN IMPACT AS MIGHT BE INDICATED.

ALTHOUGH IT WAS I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE AND I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS WHAT I WILL ENVISION IT FOR.

WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS WILL BE TRULY BONAFIDE SILVICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THAT PUT IN THE LEGAL ACTION IF YOU DON'T MIND.

THERE IS STATE STATUTE THAT DECLARES WHAT IS A BONA FIDE SILVICULTURE OR AGRICULTURE OPERATION AND THAT WAY IT WON'T BE ABUSED IN SOME SITUATIONS.

WITH THAT BEING SAID, MR. CHAIRMAN, I AM SUPPORTIVE OF BOTH OPTIONS ONE AND TWO. BOTH THE DURATION OF A TEMPORARY CROSSING, AS WELL AS THE CONSIDERATION OF A DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION. AND IF THERE IS ANY DISCUSSION OF THE BOARD. AND COME SMITH, YOU TO MAKE A

MOTION. >> JEB SMITH: MOTION TO PREPARE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OPTIONS ONE AND TWO TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATED TO DRIVEWAY CONNECTIONS.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO INCLUDE BONA FIDE SILVICULTURE AND BONA FIDE AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS.

>> SECOND. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SMITH AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WAL WALDRON. IS THAT -- OKAY.

GREAT. ALL RIGHT.

[7. First hearing for an MSTU Ordinance to replace the Ponte Vedra Beach and Dune Restoration MSTU with two new MSTUs.]

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER SMITH. EVERYONE, PLEASE VOTE.

OKAY, GREAT. LOOK FORWARD TO THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS. OKAY, NOW LET'S MOVE ON TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 7. THIS IS FIRST HEARING FOR MST ORDINANCE TO REPLACE TOO BLESS PLACE PONTE VEDRA BEACH.

>> GOOD MORNING. WE ARE HERE FOR THE BOARD TO LOOK AT MOB MUNITION PAL SERVICE TAXING ORDINANCE FOR NORTH PONTE VEDRA. IF THE BOARD WANTS US TO DO SO WE WILL HAVE A SECOND HEARING. AND TODAY IS JUST INFORMATIONAL. IN THE END OF 018, THE COMMISSION CREATED A MUNICIPAL TAXING UNIT FOR THE DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF A POSSIBLE PROJECT.

IN PO NTEVEDRA BEACH. WE HAVE COMPLETED SUBSTANTIALLY THE DESIGN AND PERMITTING.

AND THEN THIS YEAR, EARLIER THIS YEAR IN AUGUST, THERE WAS DISCUSSION BY THE BOARD ABOUT TWO SEPARAE PROJECT AREAS.

THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NORTHERN THREE MILES THAT RECEIVE SAND FROM THE DUVAL COUNTY ARMY CORE PROJECT ROUGHLY EVERY FIVE YEAR AND THE SIX MILES SOUTH OF THAT. SO -- AND WE HAVE RESPONDED, TALKED TO OUR CONSULTANT ON THE JOB.

AND THEY AGREED THAT IT LOOKS LIKE A GOOD PLACE TO SPLIT INTO TWO PROJECTS AND WE HAVE DONE SO AND LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS THROUGH THE EXACT POINT AND WE TRIED TO AS ALWAYS TRY TO GIVE PEOPLE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT IF THEY ARE RIGHT ON EDGE JUST TRYING TO MOVE THAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

[02:55:06]

LEVY IN 2020. SPECIFIC MILLAGE RATE.

IF WE REPEAL THAT ORDINANCE AND REPLACE WITH ONE THAT HAS TWO MSTU AREAS. TO LEVY MILLAGE ON THE 2022 TAX BILLS. AND SURVEYS THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND ANY OTHER TECHNIQUE FOR THE BOARD TO MAKE THAT DECISION IN THE FUTURE, BUT TODAY WE ARE SETTING UP THE SHELL THAT ALLOWS THE BOARD TO HAVE THAT OPTION IN 2022.

NO ACTION REQUIRED TODAY AND IF THE BOARD'S PLEASURE MOVE

FORWARD WITH A SECOND HEARING. >> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: OKAY.

ANY COMMENT FROM THE BOARD? >> HENRY DEAN: I JUST WANT TO TAKE A SECOND AND THANK BOTH DAMON DOUGLAS AND JOEL GEE AND JOY ANDREWS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK TO THE POINT WHERE WE ARE AT TODAY. THIS IS BIT OF AN ADVENTURE IN SOME WAYS OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS AND WE CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS AND IT HAS BEEN A LITTLE TO GET.

I KNOW THERE IS NO VOTE AND I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT WE CONTINUE OUR MARCH TO GET THESE BEACHES RESTORED.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: ABSOLUTELY.

EVEN THOUGH NO VOTED TODAY AND NO ACTION, OPEN FOUR PUBLIC COMMENT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE.

>> HENRY DEAN: PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 7.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 7. SEEING NONE, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> JEREMIAH BLOCKER: THANK YOU.

WHAT WE HAVE NOW IS THIS AFTERNOON WE HAVE THE 1:30 JOINT MEETING WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD.

[Public Comment]

REPORTS. >> HENRY DEAN: NOW TAKE UP GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT. THREE MINUTES.

NAME AND ADDRESS. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT.

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT. YES, MA'AM.

>> BJ K ALALY, CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE.

I AM GLAD YOU ARE DOING THIS SO WE DON'T HAVE TO STAY.

AS ALWAYS, GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT SHOULD BE IN THE BEGINNING OF THESE MEETINGS. IT IS INTERESTING WE WERE TALKING ABOUT NOVEMBER 11 THIS MORNING.

I WANT TO SAY FOR THE RECORD, I AM THANKFUL FOR FREEDOM WE HAVE TO SPEAK. SOME IN GOVERNMENT WANT TO SILENCE OUR FREE SPEECH. AND THE WORD TODAY IS C-O C-O-N-C-E-I-T-E-D. AND TO FOLLOW UP WITH THAT WORD, I THINK WE ALL NEED TO KEEP THIS IN MIND.

THE LORD DETESTS ALL THE PROUD OF HEART.

AND, AGAIN, WE ARE GRATEFUL TO BE LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AND TO HAVE THIS FREEDOM.

AND HEARD MR. WALDRON, COMMISSIONER WALDRON, THAT YOU ARE MOVING AROUND GOOD. I WAS VERY GLAD TO HEAR THAT.

NOW I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN WIN A RACE AGAINST ME, BUT YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO. I DON'T WANT TO CHALLENGE YOU THIS MORNING. BUT I AM GLAD TO HEAR THAT.

AND I THINK THE PUBLIC WOULD PRE 1998 A LITTLE BIT UPDATE ON THAT, BUT IT IS YOUR BUSINESS, BUT THERE IS WORD

OUT AND I AM >> THANK YOU, I AM USING A WALKER WAY MORE THAN I DO A

[Commissioners’ Reports]

WHEELCHAIR NOW. >> ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT? PUBLIC COMMENT?

SEEING NONE, MR. CHAIR. >> THANK YOU, GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED.

WE ARE BACK TO THE BOARD. LET'S START WITH COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST.

[03:00:06]

>> THE ONLY THING TO SAY IS WE HAVE VETERAN'S DAY NEXT WEEK, ALL VETERANS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ACROSS FLORIDA AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WITHOUT THE SACRIFICE, WITHOUT THE WILLINGNESS TO SACK COUNTRY, NOTHING IN OUR LIFE WOULD BE POSSIBLE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> COMMISSIONER WA WALDRON. >> I WANT TO THANK GATE FOR THEIR DONATION THIS MORNING TO OUR FIREFIGHTERS CHARITY. THAT'S A BIG NUMBER.

$170,000. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF WE CAN GET AN UPDATE NEXT BOARD MEETING ON THE PROGRESS FOR 2209, BETWEEN 16 AND INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY, AND I'VE GOT SOMETHING TO SAVE FOR LATER MAYBE. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT MR. HOLLINGSWORTH PRESENTATION, RETAINED VESSEL FEES WHICH IN MY OPINION SHOULD GO BACK TO THE VOTERS IN SOME WAY. APPROXIMATELY 66,000 THIS TIME AROUND.

POINTING THAT OUT TO THE BOARD WHEN WE LOOK AT BUDGETS IN THE FUTURE.

I WANT TO THANK HIM AND HIS STAFF AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING THEY DID.

FOR OUR COUNTY. HE DOESN'T HAVE TO GIVE IT BACK BUT HE DOES EVERY YEAR.

>> TO ASK FOR CLARIFICATION FROM MR. WALDRON, GOING BACK TO THE PEOPLE, THAT COULD BE FOR BOAT

PROGRAMS. >> ANY MAINTENANCE, THAT'S WHAT THEY PAY FOR.

WHEN YOU BUY A FISHING LICENSE, A LOT GOES TO THE STATE, COUNTY, YOU KNOW, GOES FOR VESSEL FEES THAT YOU BUY A STICKER FOR YOUR BOAT. THAT'S A PORTION OF THE COUNTY

GETS BACK ON THOSE FEES. >> SO NOT A CHECK BACK TO VOTERS BOATERS, BUT TO BOATING

PROGRAMS. >> FACILITY MAINTENANCE OR SOMETHING.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER WALDRON. MR. VICE-CHAIR.

>> I HAVE NOTHING TODAY. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

I HAVE PROVIDED SOME INFORMATION TO MR. MCCORMACK REGARDING A PROJECT IN A A PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN AVON PARK. IT DOES HAVE SOME PERI PER PERT. HEMP WHICH CAN BE USED FOR PAPER, FUEL FOR GOVERNMENT INCINERATORS, ET CETERA. THE CITRUS INDUSTRY IS REELING FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE GREEN VIRUS AND ACRES UPON ACRES OF ONCE VIABLE CITRUS GROVES ARE BEING CONVERTED INTO NICHE CAN AGRICULTURAL CROPS OR HOUSES. THIS MAY PROVIDE A VIABLE OPTION FOR FARMERS. THE INTENT IS TO PROMOTE THIS MODEL INTO OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE. KEYSTONE SCAM HEIGHTS. A SOURCE OF FUEL, THEY HAVE BEEN PURCHASING WITHOUT OUT OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY. THIS MAY BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE PROFITABLE OPTIONS TO FARMERS, RANCHERS, LANDOWNERS. I PROVIDED AN E-MAIL TO MR. MOCK MR. MC MCCORMACK. IF FITTING, I WOULD LIKE A LETTER SENT ON BEHALF OF THAT EFFORT. THAT IS SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO LOOK INTO.

>> OKAY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> RIGHT, SO MR. COMMISSIONER SMITH DID PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION TO ME. I HAVE HAD A BRIEF CHANCE TO LOOK AT IT. I SEE THIS, AND CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, MR. COM, COMMISSIONERA PROPOSED LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THROUGH THE CHAIR, IN A SENSE, IS LIKE WHEN WE SEND SOME OF OUR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAMS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE TO SORT OF HELP THEM OUT WITH A FUTURE HOPE THAT IT, YOU KNOW, ST. JOHNS COUNTY WILL ALSO BE HELPED OUT, PERHAPS NOT DIRECTLY BUT POTENTIALLY IN THE FUTURE.

THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BENEFIT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY CITIZENS AND

PROPERTY OWNERS. DO I UNDERSTAND THAT CORRECTLY? >> ABSOLUTELY.

THE THOUGHT THAT I HAD IS THAT THERE'S A -- THIS IMPETUS HAS BEGUN THERE.

IT APPEARS THAT IT CAN GROW AND MORPH INTO SOMETHING MUCH LARGER AND MUCH MORE BENEFICIAL.

SO THAT ASSISTANCE THERE MAY POTENTIALLY HAVE SOME IMPACT HERE THAT CAN BE VERY POSITIVE.

I THINK A LOT OF US ARE STRUGGLING WITH, ESPECIALLY IN THE PUBLIC, HOW DO WE KEEP

[03:05:06]

TTHE ONLY WAY TO DO THAT IS TO MAKE AGRICULTURAL PROFITABLE. THIS HAS SOME VIABILITY AND WORTHY OF INVESTIGATION. I AM NOT REQUESTING FORCEFULLY LETTER OF SUPPORT.

I ASK THAT YOU LOOK INTO IT. BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT IT IS AN OPTION THAT WE CAN LOOK INTO, ESPECIALLY FOR THE TRI-COUNTY AGRICULTURE AREA AND OUR PRODUCERS IN THE HASTINGS.

I ASK TO LOOK INTO IT. IF WE GO FROM THERE, THAT'S EVN BETTER.

>> IS THERE BOARD CONSENSUS? PATRICK, WHY DON'T YOU MAKE A DRAFT.

>> IT CAN BE BROUGHT UP IN REPORTS IN THE NEXT MEETING OR CONCONSENT AGENDA.

>> LET'S DO THAT, BRING IT BACK TO US. THANK YOU, MR. SMITH.

>> NEXT THING IS MEMBERS CONDUCTED BUSINESS OF STATE LARGEST AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION. ONE OF THE ITEMS WAS THE ELECTION AS PRESIDENT AND CEO, ONLY HAD FOUR PRESIDENTS SINCE 1968. I RAN FOR THIS POSITION AND I WAS ELECTED. THIS POSITION IN THE FLORIDA FARM BUREAU HAS BEEN CRITICAL ADVOCATING FOR OUR STATE'S SECOND LARGEST INDUSTRY AND MOST CONSISTENT INDUSTRY.

THE POST WILL REQUIRE MY TIME AND COMMITMENT, AFTER FERVENT PRAYER AND WISE COUNSEL, I HAVE CONCLUDED THAT I MUST RESIGN MY POSITION AS COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF DISTRICT 2.

IT HAS BEEN A HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO SERVE THE PAST 7 YEARS, A PLEASURE TO SERVE WITH THE MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT OF THIS BOARD. I WANT TO THANK OUR STAFF FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO SERVICE, PROFESSIONALISM AND SUPPORT. I LOVE YOU ALL.

I SINCERELY APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS.

I WANT TO THANK MY FAMILY, WENDY IS HERE TODAY, FOR THEIR LOVE AND COUNSEL THROUGH THIS PROCESS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I'M GRATEFUL FOR GOD'S CLEAR DIRECTION AND WILL.

EFFECTIVE TODAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 2021, 5 P.M., I WILL OFFICIALLY RESIGN MY POSITION.

A LETTER HAS BEEN COMPOSED AND WILL BE SENT TO GOVERNOR DESANTIS.

I JUST WANT TO SAY, MAY GOD BLESS ST. JOHNS COUNTY AND RESIDENTS AND BLESS EACH OF YOU

AS YOU SEEK AND SERVE HIM. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. >> MR. SMITH, IT HAS BEEN A TRUE HONOR TO SERVE ON THIS BOARD FOR YOU. EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ST.

JOHNS COUNTY. I KNOW YOU WILL GO TO NEW HEIGHTS AND DO INCREDIBLE THINGS

FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND ST. JOHNS COUNTY. >> THANK YOU, MR. COMMISSIONER.

>> MR. CHAIRMAN, IF I MAY SAY.

>> FIVE YEARS AGO, I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM MR. SMITH ON HOW TO BE PREPARED, HOW TO GET READY FOR A MEETING, WHAT YOU NEEDED TO ASK. SOMETIMES WHEN TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.

I APPRECIATE HIS MENTORSHIP AND WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR OUR COUNTY. HE HAS WORKED HARD.

I WILL TELL YOU, IN ALL BOARDS, NOBODY HAS BEEN PREPARED AS COMMISSIONER SMITH.

I APPRECIATE THAT. I DO A LOT OF READING. I TRY TO PREPARE.

STILL FIND THINGS I HAVEN'T THOUGHT OF. I APPRECIATE THAT.

AND FROM THE BOARD, I HAVE ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM. I'M HAPPY FOR HIM.

I HOPE HE CAN HELP THAT COMMUNITY, THE FARMERS, AND THAT INDUSTRY THRIVE AND CONTINUE TO THRIVE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. I KNOW HE WILL. IT WILL NOT BE FROM NOT WORKING.

I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING MEETING WE HAD TOGETHER AND I APPR APPRECIATE.

THANK YOU. >> MR. DEAN. >> I WILL TRY TO BE BRIEF.

THERE IS A LOT I COULD SAY, ALL GOOD. THE FLORIDA FARM BUREAU IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST, I WOULD SAY, IMPORTANT, CRITICAL ENTITIES THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR OUR FARMERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND INPUT INTO THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IN TALLAHASSEE, RECOGNIZING THE NEED TO PROVIDE GOOD -- A GOOD ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR SECOND LARGEST INDUSTRY IN THIS STATE. AND I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE, THE HONOR OF GOING BACK TO 1984, 1984,, W WHEN I BECAME MANAGER F THE WATER DISTRICT AND WORKING WITH CARL SCAM LOOP.

[03:10:15]

>> MR. WHITEHURST. >> TO ECHO SOME OF THE COMMENTS MADE BY THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS.

FIRST ALL, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ELECTION. WELL DESERVED.

I CAN'T THINK OF ANOTHER GUY. YOUR PREPAREDNESS AND ATTENTION TO DETAILS WILL STAY WITH ME FOREVER. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU IN YOUR CAPACITY AS A FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT TO HELP OUR AGO COMMUNITY IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY. I KNOW THEY ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BE INCENTIVIZED. I APPRECIATE YOUR FINAL THOUGHTS HERE IN YOUR REPORT, HOW WE CAN MAKE FARMING PROFITABLE. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER SMITH AND MR. PRESIDENT.

>> THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN. >> UNTIL THE VERY LAST MOMENT, YOUR HARD WORK HERE.

I WILL ASK YOU A FAVOR, IF WE CAN. WHY DON'T WE ALL STAND HERE, GET A FINAL PHOTOGRPH TOGETHER. DO WE HAVE A CAMERA? WOULD YOU ALLOW US THAT

OPPORTUNITY? >> THANK YOU.

>> OKAY, I HAD A FEW THINGS. THAT'S A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE

WORKING ON THE UPDATES. >> NOT AT THIS MOMENT. >> NEXT TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT. WE HAVE SOME STAFFING CHALLENGES.

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SH SURE WE KEEP THIS ON FOCUS. ALSO, TO LET THE S BOARD KNOW, ONGOING VISION WORK GROUP THAT CAN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO US HERE IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY, AS FAR AS FACILITIES, SOME OF THE LONG-RANGE VISIONS FOR ST. JOHNS COUNTY.

THIS WOULD HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CLERK OF COURTS, SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC DEFENDER, STATE'S ATTORNEY, TAX COLLECTOR, SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS, PROPERTY APPRAISER, COURT SERVICES AND OTHER AGENCIES. WE ARE BUSTING AT THE SEAMS RIGHT NOW. WE HAVE SOME SIGNIFICANT LONG-RANGE CHALLENGES TO OUR CURRENT FACILITIES. I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT ALL THESE DIFFERENT OFFICES, MEET WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS. REALLY HAVE THEM WALK MOO TME THROUGHSOME OF THEIR CHALLE. THAT'S A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE GOING FORWARD.

WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR TODAY, MET WITH MR. MCCORMACK TO FLUSH THIS OUT.

WE LOOKING FOR A FRAMEWORK FOR A WORKING COMMITTEE. THERE ARE THINGS WE NEED TO WORK OUT, HOW SUNSHINE WOULD APPLY, THINGS LIKE THAT, RIGHT NOW IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY, WE NEED THAT.

WE NEED A VISIONING COMMITTEE OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO LOOK AT THESE ISSUES, TO REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD WHAT THE RESOURCES, CHALLENGES ARE, AND LONG-RANGE VISIONING.

I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR CONSENSUS? DO WE HAVE CONSENSUS IN OKAY.

THANK YOU. PAT RPATRICK, WE WILL WORK TOGER GETTING THAT TOGETHER.

IT HAS ALREADY BEEN SAID. I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT VETERAN'S DAY.

[County Administrator’s Report]

[03:15:02]

JOHNS COUNTY. SO IT IS IMPORTANT AS WE DEAL WITH VETERAN SUICIDE AND OTHER CHALLENGES, VETERAN HOMELESSNESS, WE CONTINUE TO ADDRESS THAT.

THAT'S ALL I HAVE TODAY. >> MR. CHAIR, COMMISSIONERS. YOUR REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING IS GOING TO OCCUR AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING AT 9 A.M. AS YOU ALL KNOW, AND ARE FAMILIAR WITH, THE BOARD WILL ELECT A CHAIR, VICE-CHAIR, AND SHORT RECESS WILL FOLLOW.

REGULAR MEETING CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR 9 A.M. WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WITH THE NEW CHAIR CONDUCTING THE MEETING. SO THAT'S JUST TO GIVE YOU A HEADS UP. YOU ALL ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROCESS.

ADDITIONALLY, IT IS APPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME TO GO AHEAD AND BRING TO LIGHT THE ISSUE OF THE FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE HOLIDAY SEASONFUL THAT IS A BOARD POLICY DECISION. CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 4TH.

THAT'S FOR YOU ALL TO MAKE A DECISION ON WHETHER THAT IS APPROPRIATE OR NOT.

IT HAS BEEN DONE FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I BRING THAT -- LEAVE TO YOU TO

MAKE A DECISION ON THAT. >> WHAT'S THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD?

>> I WOULD FOLLOW TRADITION. CANCEL THE FIRST MEETING. I THINK THE STAFF IS APPRECIATIVE OF BEING ABLE TO CELEBRATE THAT HOLIDAY SEASON WITHOUT PREPARING FOR COMMISSION

MEETING. >> I AGREE. >> IS THERE CONSENSUS?

OKAY. WE WILL GO WITH THAT. >> FINALLY, JUST QUICKLY LIKE TO TAKE THE CHANCE TO THANK COMMISSIONER SMITH. I KNOW MANY PEOPLE FEEL THE SAME WAY AND I KNOW YOU ALL HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU. I HAVE SHARED MY APPRECIATION FOR HIM IN PRIVATE. SINCE IT IS MY LAST OPPORTUNITY TO SAY IT TO YOU PUBLICLY, THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND, COLLEAGUE, FANTASTIC EMPLOYER AND BROTHER IN CHRIST, MOST IMPORTANTLY. THE FLORIDA FARM BUREAU IS EXCEPTIONALLY POSITIONED WELL TO HAVE A MAN OF GOD AT THE HELM. MY FAMILY WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU.

[County Attorney's Report]

>>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. I WANTED TO, ESPECIALLY THANK THE BOARD FOR ITS RECOGNITION OF BILL DUDLEY THIS MORNING. HE IS ON THE SPEED DIAL FROM, YOU KNOW, ELECTED OFFICIALS, STATE REPRESENTATIVES, SENATORS, FEDERAL SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES.

BUT HE SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME ON THE PHONE OR RUNNING AROUND TRYING TO MAKE SURE A VETERAN GETS HIS AIR CONDITIONING FIXED OR A VETERAN GETS HER LAST TWO WEEKS OF A RENT PAID SOMEHOW.

THAT TYPE OF THING. WHAT -- HE HAS RECEIVED, I THINK, SOME VERY DESERVED RECOGNITION BUT HIS DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES ARE PROBABLY LARGELY UNKNOWN BUT THEY ARE JUST -- I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE HOW THE MAN DOES IT. SO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO COMMENT. THEN IF I MAY COMMENT ON SUMMER COMMISSIONER SMITH.

FOR THE RECORD, EVEN WITH THE PHOTO, COMMISSIONER SMITH WILL STILL BE HERE FOR THIS AFTERNOON'S SPECIAL MEETING AND WILL BE RESIGNED AS OF 5 P.M. EVERY COMMISSIONER IS MY FAVORITE COMMISSIONER. BUT I THINK EVERY COMMISSIONER HAS CERTAIN ASPECTS, TOO, BRIEFLY FOR COMMISSIONER SMITH, FOR TAXPAYERS IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FOR PROPERTY OWNERS WITH PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND JUST THE AMERICAN LOVE OF FREEDOM, I I THINK FOR EACH OF THOSE AND AS MR. CONRAD INDICATED THE MATTER THE FAITH. I THINK COMMISSIONER SMITH HAS KIND OF HAD AN AGES OVER THE COUNTY FOR FAITH. AND THERE HAS BEEN VERY TROUBLING TIMES. I HAVE FOUND THAT VERY HELPFUL AND IT HAS BEEN A HONOR AND A PLEASURE TO SERVE WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER SMITH. ST. JOHNS COUNTY'S LOSS, IF THAT'S OUR WORD, YOU ARE GOING TO SOMETHING THAT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO ST. JOHNS COUNTY AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND BEYOND IN YOUR NEW ROLE. AND I AM VERY CONFIDENT AGAIN

[03:20:02]

[Convene Special Joint Meeting of St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners and School Board For a Redistricting Update.]

[GAVEL]. >> AT THIS TIME, WE WILL FORMALLY ADJOURN BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING AND GO RIGHT DIRECTLY INTO CONVENING THE SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND SCHOOL BOARD FOR REDISTRICTING UPDATE.

WE WILL FORMALLY CONVENE AND GO FROM THERE. WELCOME AND THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING TODAY. OKAY, SO WHO DO WE HAVE FROM STAFF?

>> JUST AN UPDATE, SHE WILL INTRODUCE OUR CONSULTANT AND MOVE FORWARD FROM THERE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, SO AS YOU ARE AWARE, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING THROUGH THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS BASED ON THE LAST CENSUS, 2020 CENSUS. AND SO STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE DO THAT IN AN ODD NUMBERED YEAR AND THAT WE LOOK AT THOSE RE-- THE DISTRICTS OF BOTH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND SCHOOL BOARD ANDE AND ENSURE THAT THOSE DISTRICTS HAVE RELATIVELY EQUAL POPULATION AND STANDARD DEVIATION OF 10% OR LESS. AS YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE AGREED, AS YOU HAVE IN YEARS PAST, TO WORK TOGETHER TO TRY TO COME UP WITH THE SAME DISTRICTS WILL MAKE IT SIMPLER TO ADMINISTER ELECTIONS AND OTHER THINGS IF THE SCHOOL BOARD AND COUNTY COMMISSION HAVE THE SAME DISTRICTS.

SO AS YOU KNOW, WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE A BRILLIANT CONSULTANT, MISS PREMATHER.

WE HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED WITH HER ABILITY TO TAKE A COMPLICATED SUBJECT AND MAKE IT SEEM VERY SIMPLE AS SHE EXPLAINS IT TO US. IN YOUR LAST MEETING IN SEPTEMBER, WE WALKED THROUGH THE FIRST FOUR PLANS. THAT WAS PLANS A, B, C, AND D. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HAD SOME COMMUNITY INPUT AND WE HAVE PROVIDED THAT TO OUR CONSULTANT ALONG WITH SOME INPUT FROM OUR SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE. AS YOU KNOW, IT IS IMPORTANT TO THE ELECTIONS OFFICE, HOW EXACTLY WE DRAW THESE LINES SO IT DIRECTLY IMPACTS THEIR CREATING OF PRECINCTS AND THE WORK THAT THEY DO. SO WE HAVE HAD SOME COMMUNITY INPUT AND SOME INPUT FROM OUR SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE. WE HAVE PROVIDED THAT INFORMATION BACK TO OUR CONSULTANT AND SHE HAS COME UP WITH PLAN E AND PLAN E1. YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT THOSE TODAY.

WE DID GO AHEAD AND PUT THEM UP ON THE JOINT REDISTRICTING 2021 WEBSITE.

TYPICALLY, WE TRY TO SHARE THAT KIND OF INFORMATION WITH YOU AS ELECTED OFFICIALS FIRST BUT IN THIS CASE, WE FELT LIKE THE FASTER WE COULD GET IT OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND YOURSELVES, SO YOU COULD LOOK AT WHAT IS A COMPLICATED ANALYSIS AHEAD OF TIME AND BE READY FOR THE DISCUSSION, SO THE COMMUNITY WOULD BE READY FOR THE DISCUSSION.

WE PUT THOSE TWO PLANS UP ON OUR WEBSITE, AS WELL AS THE PRESENTATION THAT MISS MATHER WILL GO THROUGH TODAY. ATTEMPT TO BE TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE.

WE HAD LAST NIGHT OUR FIRST COMMUNITY MEETING. WE HAD ABOUT 6 OR 7 OF THE PUBLIC THERE IN ATTENDANCE. WE GOT SOME ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS FROM THAT MEETING.

THERE WAS A SECOND COMMUNITY MEETING THIS EVENING. IT IS AT 6 O'CLOCK OFF NICE HIGH SCHOOL. THE SOUTHERN HALF OF THE COUNTRY AND ONE IN THE CENTRAL TO NORTHERN HALF OF THE COUNTY. AND SO IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE WANTED TO HAVE THIS MEETING THIS MORNING, OR I GUESS, SORRY, THIS AFTERNOON. WE HAVE BEEN MEETING ALL DAY TO, LIKE YOU HAVE, SO IT IS ALL RUNNING TOGETHER. WE WANTED TO HAVE THIS MEETING TO GIVE YOU ALL ANOTHER CHANCE TO DISCUSS HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THESE PLANS AND TO PROVIDE BOTH YOUR STAFF AS WELL AS THE CONSULTANT WITH SOME FEEDBACK. WHEN YOU COME BACK TOGETHER ON DECEMBER 9TH, THAT IS REALLY OUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A SELECTION FOR A PLAN TO MOVE FORWARD. IF WE DON'T MAKE A SELECTION ON DECEMBER 9TH, WE DON'T HAVE ANY MORE TIME BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. WE HAVE ALREADY CHECKED THE CONSULTANT'S CALENDAR, AND THEY ARE DOING OTHER DISTRICTING. THEY ARE BOOKED UP.

[03:25:03]

SO WHAT WE ARE HOPING TODAY IS TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO, ONCE AGAIN, HEAR FROM THE CONSULTANT, HEAR MORE INFORMATION ON PLANS E AND E1, AND ALSO TO JUST DISCUSS AMONGST YOURSELF SO YOU CAN GIVE US FEEDBACK ON IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES OR THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO BEFORE THE DECEMBER 9TH MEETING. OBVIOUSLY, IT WILL BE HARD TO MAKE THOSE ADJUSTMENTS ON THE FLY. BUT IF WE CAN GET THAT INFORMATION NOW, WE CAN BE READY FOR THAT DECEMBER 9TH MEETING. WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR ME TO DISCUSS OUR MEETING THIS MORNING, I WILL BE GLAD TO DISCUSS THAT.

>> READY. >> THE SCHOOL BOARD MET THIS MORNING IN THEIR REGULARLY SCHEDULED SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP AND HAD A DISCUSSION ABOUT WHERE THEY FEEL THEY EACH ARE WITH THE PLANS PROPOSED AND JUST TO TRY TO KICK OFF THE DISCUSSION TODAY, THEY WANTED ME TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT THEY ARE LEANING TOWARDS PLAN E1, WHICH YOU MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE HAD TIME TO STUDY THAT YET. MISS MATHER WILL GO THROUGH THAT IN A SECRETARY.

PLAN E1 ENCOMPASSES A COUPLE OF CHANGES THAT WE HEARD IN THE COMMUNITY.

THE FIRST OF THOSE, THERE WERE NO PLANS THAT INCLUDED THE WEST AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY WITHIN DISTRICT 2. THAT COMMUNITY HAS LONG BEEN A PART OF DISTRICT 2.

AND SO WE WERE RECEIVING SOME QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY BR ABOUT WHY NONE OF THE PLANS INCORPORATED THAT. SO PLAN E AND E1 BOTH INCORPORATE W WEST AUGUSTINE INO DISTRICT 2. AS WE STARTED TO MAKE THAT CHANGE, WE REALIZE THAT DISTRICT 2 AND THE WEST AUGUSTINE AREA ARE ALL TOO POPULATED TOGETHER. THERE WERE ROUGHLY 10,000 PEOPLE IN SCOOP WEST AUGUSTINE BEING MOVED BACK INTO DISTRICT 2. SO IN ORDER TO OFFSET THAT BETH TAKE FLAGGER ESTATES AND PUT THAT INTO DISTRICT ABOUT. E1 IS AN EVOLUTION OF PLAN E.

AS MISS OAKS AND HER STAFF REALIZED WE HAD INADVERTENTLY SPLIT RIVERS EDGE CDD AND PUT IT INTO TWO DISTRICTS WHICH MAKES BALLOTING MORE DIFFICULT. PLAN E1 MOVES ALL OF RIVERS EDGE CDD INTO DISTRICT 1. THE OTHER TWO CHANGES IN PLAN E1 IS THERE WAS A SMALL PIECE OF THE CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH THAT WAS NOT WITH THE REST OF THE CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, IT WAS ALL MOVED IN TOGETHER. AND THEN FINALLY, THERE WAS A COMMENT ABOUT A MORE COMPACT AND COHESIVE DISTRICT BY INCLUDING THE LAND TO THE WEST AND VERY SOUTHWEST OF THE COUNTY, WEST OF FLAGLER ESTATES TO MAKE A MORE COMPACT AND CONCISE VOTING DISTRICT THERE.

THERE ARE TWO CHANGES TO E1 ON THE PONTE VIDRE AREA, TO INCLUDE NECK ROAD AND LOTS ALONG PONTE VIDRE BOULEVARD, LAST LOTS ARE 1338 AND 1461 PONTE VIDRE BOULEVARD.

THAT WOULD ALLOW THE PONTE VIDRE COMMUNITY TO STAY PART OF DISTRICT 1 AND HAVE THE BREAKING POINT BE AT THE GUANA RATHER THAN WHERE IT AT MIKELER BOULEVARD.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME, OR MISS MATHER IS READY TO ADDRESS.

>> THANK YOU. THERE'S NO WAY I COULD HAVE SAID THAT AS CLEAR AS YOU DID.

WE ARE LEANING TOWARD E1 WITH A COUPLE OF CHANGES. WE DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE DISCUSSED WHAT YOUR PREFERENCE IS PUBLICLY. WE HAVE CLAYED IT ON THE TABLE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION -- LAID IT ON THE TABLE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND FEEDBACK AND

PERHAPS DISCUSSION ABOUT CONSENSUS. >> I WOULD LIKE TO ASK

[03:30:07]

ABBREVIATED, AT LEAST E1 AND E AND E1, SHE'S READY TO DO THAT. >> WHAT IS EVERYONE'S PLEASURE?

>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTOOD THE ISSUE OF ST. AUGUSTINE, WEST AUGUSTINE.

E1 MAP PUTS WEST AUGUSTINE ALONG WITH THE CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE IN DISTRICT 5.

SO WEST AUGUSTINE WOULD BE IN DISTRICT 5? >> NO, IT MOST WEST AUGUSTINE BACK INTO DISTRICT 2. A, B, C, AND D ALL HAD WEST AUGUSTINE IN DISTRICT 5.

THE REQUEST WAS TO MAKE A PLAN THAT MOVED WEST AUGUSTINE BACK INTO DISTRICT 2.

SO PLAN E AND E1 BOTH DO THAT. >> FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, I THINK THAT WEST AUGUSTINE SHOULD BE IN DISTRICT 5. NOT BECAUSE I'M THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER, SERIOUSLY, I THINK THAT THERE ARE SO MANY ISSUES THAT COME UP, I THINK, NPT LASTE LAST FIVE YEARS INVOLVING ST.

AUGUSTINE AND WEST AUGUSTINE AS A COMMUNITY, LET'S SAY. REALLY A LOT GOES ON THERE THAT I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WOULD BE IN SEPARATE COUNTY DISTRICTS.

I THINK JUST SO EVERYBODY KNOWS MY POSITION. ST. AUGUSTINE AND WEST AUGUSTINE SHOULD BE IN ONE DISTRICT. IT JUST SO HAPPENS, APPARENTLY DISTRICT 5.

THAT'S JUST MY TWO CENTS. >> SO JUST FOR CLARITY, THIS KIND OF TRIANGULAR-ISH AREA HERE IN THE PURPLE IS THE WEST AUGUSTINE AREA, AND IF YOU WERE TO LOOK AT A, B, C, AND D.

THE LINE WAS HERE ALONG THE HIGHWAY THERE, ALONG U.S. 1. AND SO PLAN E AND E1 ARE THE ONLY TWO THAT GO AND PULL THIS AREA BACK INTO DISTRICT 2. YOU CAN SEE THAT CURRENTLY IT IS PART OF DISTRICT 2 AND THE HATCHED AREA RIGHT THERE IS YOUR WEST AUGUSTINE CRA.

>> SO I THINK MR. DEAN MAKES A GREAT POINT. HOWEVER, THIS MORNING I SAID THE OPPOSITE. ONLY BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO LEAVE WEST AUGUSTINE WHERE IT TRADITIONALLY WAS, WHICH IS IN 2. IT HAS BEEN THERE ALL ALONG.

BUT I THINK YOU MAKE A GREAT POINT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT OTHER FOLKS THINK ABOUT THAT. IT IS ALL CONNECTED. ST. AUGUSTINE AND WEST AUGUSTINE. BUT THAT WAS MY REASONING THIS MORNING, JUST TO KEEP IT TRADITIONAL. SO I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT WE THINK

ABOUT THAT. >> I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THE PRESENTATION, FIRST,

MR. CHAIRMAN, THEN I WOULD MAKE A COMMENT. >> ABSOLUTELY.

WHY DON'T WE GO AHEAD AND HEAR THE PRESENTATION. COMMISSIONER, DID YOU HAVE A QUICK QUESTION? OKAY. GOOD AFTERNOON.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M GOING TO START FROM THE BEGINNING JUST SO THAT YOU CAN REFRESH YOUR OWN ON WHAT A, B, C, AND D LOOKS LIKE. ALL RIGHT.

SO HERE WE HAVE A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE CENSUS 2020 DATA. AND THE COUNTY HAS GROWN 83,386 PEOPLE. AND THAT HAS COMPLETELY, OUR MAXIMUM DEVIATION IS NOW 39.33.

AND IN ORDER TO BALANCE IT, BECAUSE THE LAW REQUIRES THE MAXIMUM DEVIATION TO BE UNDER 10%, WE DEVELOPED PLANS A, B, C, D, D, E, E1. WE HAVE SIX PLANS WE HAVE PREPARED FOR YOU. WE ARE HERE TO GET YOUR FEEDBACK TO SEE WHICH WOULD WORK BEST FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AS WELL AS THE COUNTY. THE DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF

THE COUNTY HAS CHANGED SLIGHTLY. WEG FOR. >> FOR PLAN A, WE WERE ABLE TO

[03:35:04]

AS YOU CAN SEE, IT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN PLAN A AND DISTRICT 3 IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT. SO DISTRICT 1, ALL THE DISTRICTS, SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT.

AND AS WE KNOW DISTRICTS 1 AND 4 GREW THE MOST, SO WE HAD TO REDUCE THEIR AREA SO THAT THE OTHER DISTRICTS COULD GET THE RIGHT POPULATION, AS CLOSE TO THE IDEAL POPULATION AS POSSIBLE. HERE. PLAN C, IT IS A DIFFERENT CONFIGURATION SO YOU WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THESE PLANS AND LOOK AT WHICHEVER ONE IS GOING TO BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COUNTY AS WELL AS THE SCHOOL BOARD.

AND PLAN D. AND THEN WHAT WE DID WAS, BECAUSE IT IS KIND OF HARD TO KEEP TRACK OF ALL THE PLANS, WE PUT THEM ALL ON ONE SLIDE SO THAT YOU COULD SEE IT AND VISUALLY COMPARE THEM. AND I KNOW IT IS HARD TO SEE AND GET A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHANGES. WE HAVE PROVIDED E-SISIZED MAPS ON THE WEBSITE THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE AND ZOOM IN AND LOOK AT THE ROADS AND LOOK AT WHERE THE CHANGES ARE HAPPENING.

SO WE HAVE PROVIDED THOSE AS WELL. AND LET ME GO BACK TO PLAN E ONE MORE TIME. PLAN E INCORPORATES THE AREA WHICH YOU CALL WEST AUGUSTINE INTO DISTRICT 2 BECAUSE IT WAS TRADITIONALLY IN DISTRICT 2. AND WE HEARD FEEDBACK ABOUT THAT SO WE CREATED PLAN E. AND THEN WE DID GET COMMENTS ABOUT THE CRAS AND ESPECIALLY IN DISTRICT 1, THERE WAS A COMMENT ABOUT KEEPING SR210 AS THE BOUNDARY FOR DISTRICT 1.

SO WE DID DO THAT. AND ALSO ABOUT SOME OTHER AREAS IN CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH.

AND WHEN WE DID THAT, SO OUR MAXIMUM DEVIATION GREW UP TO 4.10%.

BUT WE ARE STILL UNDER 10%. THAT IS WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES. SO PRETTY MUCH YOU HAVE SIX PLANS THAT YOU CAN EVALUATE AND THEY ARE ALL -- THEY ALL FOLLOW THE REDISTRICTING PRINCIPLES, MAXIMUM DEVIATION THRESHOLDS AND WE HAVE ALSO TRIED TO LOOK AT COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST.

SO ALL OF THEM, AS FAR AS REDISTRICTING PRINCIPLES ARE CONCERNED, THEY ALL MEET THE CRITERIA. BUT NOW YOU HAVE TO SEE WHAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS BETTER.

AND HERE THIS IS WHAT I LIKE TO SEE THEM ALL TOGETHER. SO VISUALLY YOU CAN SEE IT ON ONE SLIDE. WHAT A, B, C, AND D ARE. AND YOU CAN LOOK AT THE AREA AND SEE WHICH ONE WORKS BETTER FOR YOU, AND WHAT WE ARE HEARING IS THAT E AND E1 MAY BE MORE [INAUDIBLE]. WHAT WE DID, WE PUT A COMPARATIVE ACCESS FOR YOU.

WE HAVE THE CURRENT AND WE COMPARE C, D, E. AND YOU CAN VISUALLY SEE THE CHANGES THAT WE HAVE. THE FIRST ONE IS THE CURRENT ONE.

AND THEN WE HAVE C, D, AND E. AND THEN WE COMPARE PLANS E AND E1.

AND E1 CAME OUT OF PLAN E ADDRESSING THE COMMENTS, THE FEEDBACK THAT WE GOT FROM THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THE -- I GUESS IT IS ALL FROM THE COMMUNITY, FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD, THE COUNTY. AND THEN AT THE END WE HAVE ALL THE NUMBERS SO YOU CAN LOOK AT

[03:40:06]

SO IF YOU WERE INTERESTED IN PARTICULAR RATIO OR ETHNIC CATEGORY, YOU CAN SEE THAT.

AND SO WE HAVE THESE SLIDES FOR EACH PLAN AND THEN YOU HAVE DISTRICT SAIR COMPARISONS OF EH DISTRICT, DISTRICT BY DISTRICT, SO YOU CAN ANALYZE THOSE NUMBERS ONCE AGAIN.

AND IF YOU LOOK AT PLANS A, B, C, D, AND PLAN E, YOU CAN ESPECIALLY LOOK AT VARIOUS PERCENTAGES FOR ETHNIC AND RACIAL CATEGORIES AND SEE HOW THEY WILL CHANGE.

AND THAT IS ALL MY PRESENTATION TODAY TO YOU. AND YOU HAVE COPIES OF THE PRESENTATION. YOU HAVE COPIES OF THE MAPS. AND I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT PLANS E AND E1 HAVE BEEN VERY RECENT. WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ACCOMMODATE TO ALL THE FEEDBACK THAT WE GET. SO PLAN E1, WE HAVE JUST PROVIDED THE LARGE SCALE MAP WHICH WOULD GO ON THE WEBSITE MAYBE TODAY SOMETIME.

SO THAT IS ALL I HAVE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, I'M HERE. >> MR. SMITH, MR. WHITEHURST, DO

YOU WANT TO GO FIRST? >> WELL, I GUESS, FIRST OF ALL, I APPRECIATE THE THOUGHTS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD COMING UP WITH PLANS E AND E1. THERE ARE A LOT OF VARIABLES AND INTERESTS IN THESE MAPS. I THINK TO ME MY PRIMARY CONCERN COMING INTO THIS IS THAT THESE DISTRICTS MAKE SENSE TO THE FOLKS THAT ARE LIVING IN THEM. SO I PREFERRED DISTRICT 1 THE WAY IT LOOKED ON MAPS A, C, AND D JUST BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO MAKE SENSE TO THOSE FOLKS WHO LIVE IN THE NORTHWEST PART OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY. THE LAST TIME THAT WE ALL GOT TOGETHER, I THINK A LOT OF US WERE NODDING IN AGREEMENT THAT WE LIKED MAP D.

AS I'M LOOKING BACK ON MAP D, COMPARING IT TO E AND E1, SORT OF HAVE FIVE BLOCKS OF DISTRICTS THAT WOULD MAKE MORE SENSE TO THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE TIME TO TUNE IN AND PAY ATTENTION TO LOCAL POLITICS, I THINK IT MIGHT MAKE IT EASIER FOR THOSE FOLKSTFOLKSTO KNOW WHICH DISTRIE IN OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS. I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER DEAN, DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINE FEELS

ATTACHED TO WEST AUGUSTINE. THOSE ARE MY THOUGHTS. >> MR. SMITH.

>> THANK YOU, I WOULD LIKE TO JUST, ESPECIALLY BEING A REPRESENTATIVE IN DISTRICT 2, I REALLY COVET THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT WEST AUGUSTINE, THAT'S A VALUABLE THING.

ALSO, I SAID LAST TIME I LIKED C AND D. THERE WAS REASONS WHY.

NO. 1, IT KEPT THE AG COMMUNITY TOGETHER. MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW IT, BUT THERE IS A LARGE GULF, A LOT OF LAND HERE THAT IS UNDEVELOPED. YOU'RE GOING TO ISOLATE FLAGLER STATES FROM THE DISTRICT BY A VERY LARGE PORTION THAT IS UNDEVELOPED.

I'M FAVORABLE TOWARD C AND D. I LIKE D PROBABLY THE BEST JUST BECAUSE OF ITS BLOCKINESS AS WELL AS THE DISTRIBUTION. SO I SAID THAT LAST TIME. C AND D WERE MY FAVORABLE ONES.

BUT I UNDERSTAND THE REASONING AS WELL. >> E AND E1 TAKE A LARGE PORTION OF THE AG COMMUNITY OUT HERE. THIS IS VERY VIABLE AG COMMUNITY HERE AND SEPARATES IT AGAIN FROM WHAT'S HERE AS WELL. THAT'S, TO ME, A VERY AI CENTRIC AREA.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT AS WELL. NONETHELESS, I THINK THAT FLAGLER ESTATES BEING REPRESENTED AS PART OF HASTINGS, TOO. JUST POINTS I SEE.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT AS IT RELATES TO E1. FAVORED FLAGLER ESTATES MOVING INTO DISTRICT 3 SIMPLY BECAUSE, IF YOU LOOK AT IT FROM AN EDUCATIONAL STANDPOINT, MOST OF THE STUDENTS WHO ARE IN FLAGLER ESTATES WILL GO TO SOUTH WOODS ELEMENTARY. BUT EVERYBODY FROM THERE, THEN

[03:45:06]

IT'S JUST -- EXCEPT FOR SOUTH SOUTHWOODS. >> HASTING, TOO, FUNNEL THAT WAY

AS WELL, IS THAT CORRECT? >> THAT'S CORRECT. BUT I JUST -- AT THE SAME TIME, I JUST -- THERE'S FLAGLER ESTATES, IN MY MIND, NOT TO SAY THE AREAS DO NOT SPECIAL INTEREST, BUT FLAGLER ESTATES HAS SPECIAL NEEDS THAT I THINK NEED TO BE ADDRESSED

EDUCATIONALLY SPEAKING. THAT'S MY COMMENT. >> LET'S GO TO DISTRICT 1.

WAS ABOUT SPLITTING THES. OAKS- RIVERTOWN CDD UP IN THE TOP PART OF -- IN DISTRICT 1.

AND I THINK THAT'S WHY I FAVOR PLAN E1 BECAUSE IT BRINGS THAT BACK TOGETHER.

I WOULD BE AMENABLE, IF WE CAN RESTRUCTURE SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS TO MAKE THEM MORE AMENABLE TO OTHER PEOPLE. BUT AS FAR AS DISTRICT 1 IS CONCERNED, I DON'T MEAN TO DISAGREE WITH YOU, BUT I THINK IT IS COMPACT ENOUGH THAT PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND WHERE THE DISTRICT IS. AND YET PULL THAT COMMUNITY BACK TOGETHER WILL MAKE MRS. OAK'S JOB MUCH EASIER. PLUS IT WILL BE MORE AMENABLE TO THAT COMMUNITY, THAT LARGE

DEVELOPMENT THAT'S GOING FORWARD. >> THANK YOU.

CAN WE HAVE -- I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR ANYTHING YOU COULD SHARE THAT

WOULD HELP US AS WE HAVE IN THIS DISCUSSION? >> NOT REALLY.

YOU HAVE SEVERAL OPTIONS AT THIS POINT IN TIME, SO IT IS GOING TO BE YOUR DECISION.

I APPRECIATE THE CONSULTANT TAKING OUR COMMENTS AND MAKING A NEW MAP TO ADDRESS THOSE.

BUT IT'S YA'LL'S DECISION. >> OKAY, THANK YOU. YES, SIR.

>> YES. I WAS -- I THOUGHT ABOUT IT JUST LISTENING TO COMMISSIONER DEAN AND WANTING TO KEEP WEST AUGUSTINE BECAUSE OF TRADITION AND ALL THAT.

BUT LISTENING ALSO THAT IT IS CONNECTING TO THE CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE AND THE HERITAGE.

AND I SAY THIS FOR THE C, AND E, LEANING TOWARD E AND E1. HOWEVER, C AND D, BECAUSE FLAGLER ESTATES, ALTHOUGH THEY FEED INTO PEDRO, I WOULD BE VERY LEERY BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW THE ATTITUDE, NOW IT BECOMES A SEPARATION BETWEEN HASTINGS AND FLAGLER ESTATES.

THOSE KIDS PLAY BALL TOGETHER. THE COACHES, THEY ARE COMING FROM BOTH COMMUNITIES.

SO I WOULD BE LEERY IN PROBABLY TRYING TO UPSET THAT. >> MR. WALDRON.

>> WELL, I GUESS, YOU KNOW, ONE SUGGESTION I WOULD HAVE IS LIKE COMMISSIONER DEAN SAID, TAKE THAT PORTION THERE AND PUT IT IN DISTRICT 5. PUSH DISTRICT 3 ALL THE WAY UP TO THE PURPLE AREA TO THE YELLOW, TAKE FLAGLER ESTATES BACK OUT OF DISTRICT 3.

IF THAT WORKS OUT POPULATION-WISE. BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS -- YOU KNOW, THEY HAVE A HASTINGS ADDRESS. THEY SHOP AT HASTINGS. IF YOU LIVE UP HERE, THAT'S A HECK OF A TRIP TO GO TO FLAGLER ESTATES JUST TO TALK TO SOMEBODY FOR FIVE MINUTES.

YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE A 45-MINUTE TO HOUR RIDE JUST TO GET THERE.

LET'S FACE IT, THE WAY 2 IS GOING, IF YOU TOOK SOME OF IT OFF THAT WOULD FILL UP MORE POPULATION BY THE TIME WE GET THIS VOTED ON IN DISTRICT 3. THAT'S IT ON THAT FOR ME.

[03:50:11]

YOU'D HAVE TO LOOK TO SEE IF THE NUMBERS ARE RIGHT. >> SO I DON'T WANT TO THROW A WRENCH INTO OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING FROM THIS MORNING. I WASN'T THINKING ABOUT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WEST AUGUSTINE AND ST. AUGUSTINE. SO I'M HAPPY TO DEFER TO THE REST OF THE SCHOOL BOARD. IT IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK -- I WISH I HAD CONSIDERED A LITTLE MORE. I ACTUALLY KIND OF TORN BETWEEN HISTORICAL AND THE OPPOSITE.

SO I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S ANY WANT TO COMMENT ON THAT. OTHERWISE I'M HAPPY TO STICK WITH OUR E1 RECOMMENDATION. THANKFULLY, WE ARE NOT VOTING TODAY.

WE CAN ALL RETREAT TO OUR BOARDS AND HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSION AND THEN COME BACK.

>> JUST A SUGGESTION, POSSIBLY, WE COULD DEVELOP E2 OR F, WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT, SHOW WHAT THE NUMBERS WOULD LOOK LIKE WHERE THE BOTTOM HALF OF 2 AND 3 TO BE FLIPPED.

AND THEN BRING THAT PIECE FROM 4 DOWN JUST A LITTLE BIT SOUTH TO JUST TO SEE HOW THE NUMBERS LOOK. WOULDN'T HURT TO LOOK AT ANOTHER PLAN.

>> IT MIGHT NOT WORK AT ALL. >> IT MIGHT NOT. BUT IT MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE THE

MOST FABULOUS THING IN THE WO WORLD. >> CAN WE GO AHEAD AND ELIMINATE A COUPLE PLANS. THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL. WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO COMPARE THE PLANS, AS THEY ARE, YOU ARE FLIPPING THROUGH -- THE SIDE BY SIDE, THERE'S NOT ENOUGH SPACE.

I THINK IT BECOMES DISTRACTING. IF EVERYONE IS IN AGREEMENT THAT PLAN A IS NOT REALLY THAT PREFERRED, WE COULD GET RID OF PLAN A. AND THEN ALSO WE CAN GET RID OF PLAN B FOR THE SAME REASON. I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYBODY SAY THEY WANT PLAN B.

AND THEN WE COULD -- I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT WE TO LOOK AT PONTE VIDRE.

>> I THINK THAT'S A GOOD SUGGESTION. SO EVERYONE, AS MUCH AS WE CAN BE IN AGREEMENT, AGREEABLE TO TAKING PLAN A AND PLAN B OFF THE TABLE? AGREEABLE? ALL RIGHT, SO PLAN A AND B WILL BE OFF FOR THE DISCUSSION.

I WILL TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER, DO WE WANT TO ALSO PLAN C, I THINK, INITIALLY WHEN WE FIRST

MET, IS PLAN C ANOTHER ONE WE WANT TO TAKE OFF AS WELL? >> YES.

AND MR. CHAIR, THE BOARDS MAY ALLOW, I THINK, PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE SORT OF DECIDING TO PERMANENTLY TAKE SOMETHING OFF. UNLESS IT IS MORE OF THE SENSE OF KIND OF BACK POCKET TAKE OFF.

IF IT IS -- >> GENTLEMEN. >> THAT IS THE WAY I UNDERSTOOD IT. THIS IS FOR OUR PURPOSES TAKE IT OFF.

>> NOT A FINAL DECISION. >> PLAN C, AS WELL, AGREEMENT FOR PLAN C?

>> I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP PLAN C FOR RIGHT NOW. >> SO WE HAVE AGREEMENT ON PLAN A, PLAN B AS FAR AS CONSIDERATION. THIS IS JUST US TALKING, AS FAR AS PLAN F -- MA'AM, IF I CAN GET YOU TO COME BACK. I DON'T WANT TO HOLD YOU TO ANYTHING TODAY, IS THERE ANY SENSE THAT PLAN F, INCORPORATE THE DISCUSSION, AS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER NOTATED SOME THINGS, DO WE HAVE ANY SENSE RIGHT NOW IF THAT WOULD FIT, PLAN F, OR DO

YOU NEED TIME TO GO BACK. >> WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO GO BACK AND TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT, THE CHANGES TO MAKE A PLAN F. WE CAN DEFINITELY LOOK AT THAT.

>> MR. CHAIR, COULD WE CLARIFY A COUPLE THINGS AND MAKE SURE WE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ASKING US TO

[03:55:02]

MR. WALDRON, I WAS NOT COMPLETELY CLEAR ON WHAT CHANGES YOU WERE ASKING US TO LOOK AT.

>> WELL, COMMISSIONER DEAN HAD A DISCUSSION OF WEST AUGUSTINE. I WAS SAYING ON PLAN E, YOU COULD GIVE THAT TO DISTRICT 5. RUN DISTRICT 3 ALL THE WAY UP HERE AND THEN GIVE FLAGLER

ESTATES BACK TO DISTRICT 2. >> SO SIMILAR TO -- >> ST. AUGUSTINE COULD GO TO DISTRICT 3 AND THEN WEST AUGUSTINE GO TO DISTRICT 5. AND THEN FLAGLER ESTATES GO BACK

TO DISTRICT 2. >> SO THE PURPLE TRIANGLE AREA THERE --

>> WEST AUGUSTINE, CRA, WOULD GO TO DISTRICT 5. THE REST OF THE -- THIS IS 95 HERE. BETWEEN 95 AND WEST AUGUSTINE WOULD GO TO DISTRICT 3.

>> SO I WEST AUGUSTINE, YOU MEAN THE SPECIFIC CRA? >> YES.

I WOULD SAY -- >> AND THEN FLAGLER ESTATES BACK TO 2.

>> YES. >> CAN WE POSSIBLY GET A DETAILED BOUNDARY MAP OF WHAT ROADS THEY WILL BE. YOU KNOW, IT IS HARD TO LOOK HERE AND KNOW, LIKE, WHERE NECK

ROAD IS. >> YES, SIR. >> THE EASIEST --

>> GIVE US A DETAILED -- DOESN'T HAVE TO BE COUNTY, BUT BY INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS SO EACH

MEMBER CAN SEE. >> SO THE EASIEST WAY TO DO THAT IS TO USE THE MAPS ON THE WEBSITE THAT ARE ZOOMABLE, BUT YOU ARE RIGHT NOT EVERY STREET IS LABELED.

>> SOME OF US AREN'T GREAT AT WEBSITES. I WILL ADMIT THAT.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. >> MR. CONRAD, DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?

GENTLEMEN? >> RIGHT, SO MR. CHAIR, WHAT MY RECOMMENDATION IS IS THAT THE BOARDS PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY, IF THERE IS ANY, AFTER PUBLIC COMMENT BRIEFLY CONFIRM YOUR DIRECTION OR EVEN JUST CONFIRM YOUR EARLIER COMMENTS AND THEN I THINK THAT

WOULD BE YOUR BUSINESS TODAY. >> OKAY. THANK YOU.

SO WHY DON'T WE OPEN UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIS MATTER. >> OKAY, WE ARE NOW GOING TO HAVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON OUR REDISTRICTING WORKSHOP. SO IF YOU CAN APPROACH THE PODIUM. NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK.

YES, MA'AM. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M BETH TATE, SAWNS.

SAINT JOHNS.EARLY IN THE PROCESD A QUESTION ABOUT WHY THE DISTRICTS WERE BEING DRAWN CONSIDERING THE CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND BOARD MEMBERS.

BECAUSE FOR ME, WITH MY BUSINESS MIND, I'M THINKING IT IS A GREEN FIELD SPACE, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE FREE REIN WITH THAT. I DID GET A RESPONSE FROM MISS COVEGE, THAT THEY NEEDED TO CONSIDER THAT. I LIKE TO RESEARCH THINGS A LITTLE MORE.

I DID FIND THAT THIS QUESTION HAS COME UP BEFORE AND THERE WAS AN OPINION ACTUALLY POSTED ON THE FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S WEBSITE WHICH STATES THAT CAN BE DONE, WE CAN GRANDFATHER PEOPLE IN, THAT THE DISTRICTS CAN BE DRAWN THE WAY THAT THEY SHOULD BE, RA RATIONALLY, REASONABLE.

IF IT DOES EXCLUDE A CURRENT RESIDENT, THAT BOARD MEMBER OR COMMISSIONER CAN SERVE OUT THEIR TERM AND IT DOESN'T IMPACT THAT. I WOULD LIKE TO PUT THAT ON THE TABLE.

IT CAN BE A GREEN FILLED SPACE AND THINK ABOUT DIFFERENTLY. IT MAY BE MUDDYING THE WATERS, BUT I DID WANT TO BRING THAT UP AGAIN. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, I DID ATTEND THE SEPTEMBER MEETING. I WAS IMPRESSED WITH COMMISSIONER SMITH'S COMMENT WHERE HE SAID THAT HE WOULD SUPPORT A PLAN THAT WOULD KEEP THE AG COMMUNITIES TOGETHER. I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT AND I THOUGHT THAT MAKES GREAT SENSE.

[04:00:02]

IN A SIMILAR FASHION I THOUGHT THAT WEST AUGUSTINE SHOULD REMAIN IN DISTRICT 2 FOR EXACTLY THE SAME REASONS, THAT IT KEEPS THE STRONG VOICE TOGETHER, DOESN'T SEPARATE THAT VOICE.

I KNOW YOU MENTIONED TRADITION. I WAS UNAWARE OF THAT BUT MY SENSE WAS THAT IT KEEPS A STRONG VOICE TOGETHER, JUST AS WITH THE AG COMMUNITIES. BUT LIKE MR. CANAIN, I AM TORN, BECAUSE I ALSO SUPPORTED AS A PLAN B -- OR NOT PLAN B AS AN OPTION B THAT WEST AUGUSTINE AND THE CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE SHARE MANY VALUES AND SHOULD SHARE VALUES AND IN TERMS OF GOOD PLANNING IN THE FUTURE, IT DOES MAKE SENSE TO JOIN THE TWO COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.

SO I AM OF A SPLIT OPINION HERE. I'M SORRY I CAN'T SAY PLEASE ADOPT THIS PLAN.

I DO LIKE E1. I AGREE BECAUSE IT DOES KEEP WEST AUGUSTINE WITH DISTRICT 2.

I'M NOT SURE I SAW ANY OTHER OPTIONS THAT PUT WEST AUGUSTINE WITH DISTRICT 5.

I'M NOT SURE I SAW ANY OTHER PLANS THAT DID THAT. BUT, SIR, I AM WITH YOU, I AM OF SPLIT OPINION HERE. I COULD ACCEPT EITHER ONE. PROBABLY MY PREFERENCE WOULD BE E1. THAT KEEPS STRONG VOICES TOGETHER.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> OKAY, PUBLIC COMMENT NOW CONCLUDED.

WE ARE BACK TO THE BOARDS. >> I HAVE A QUESTION. WHAT'S HAP ANTICIPATED TIME FRAF PREPARING A NEW PROPOSAL WHICH WOULD BE E2 OR F, WHATEVER IT IS GOING TO BE NAMED?

>> WE WILL DO A QUICK TURN AROUND BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE DEADLINES, SO, YEAH, WE WILL DO IT IN A DAY OR TWO. AS LONG AS WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE, SO I KNOW NICOLE IS

MAKING COMMENTS, KEEPING TRACK OF THOSE. >> SO CAN WE PLACE THIS AGAIN ON A WORKSHOP AGENDA BEFORE DECEMBER 9TH SO WE CAN DISCUSS THESE PLANS.

>> ABSOLUTELY. IF IT IS YOUR WILL, WE WILL MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE NEXT PLAN

AVAILABLE AND THEN PLACE THAT ON A WORKSHOP ACCORDINGLY. >> SO IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL, JUST GOING TO SUGGEST THAT, THAT WE DISCUSS IT, MAYBE ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS, MR. WALDRON, OR HAVE YOU DISCUSSED BEFORE WE DO OR ANY TIME BEFORE DECEMBER 9TH, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO COME HERE SO WE CAN HEAR WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT AND SHARE BACK WITH OUR RESPECTIVE BOARDS.

>> ABSOLUTELY. >> IF YOU COULD LET US KNOW, IF YOU ARE GOING TO DISCUSS THIS

PRIORITY DECEMBER 9TH. >> ABSOLUTELY. SO WE HAVE ONE MEETING ON THE

16TH COMING UP TO THAT. >> DECEMBER 7TH. >> DECEMBER 7TH IS OUR NEXT

MEETING AFTER NOVEMBER 16TH. >> WE CAN CERTAINLY LOOK INTO THAT.

MR. CONRAD DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS? >> NO, SIR, IF THE BOARD WANTS TO DISCUSS IT ON THE 16TH OR THE 7TH, YOU CAN DO A WORKSHOP AND NOTICE IT AS SUCH OR PUT IT AS REGULAR AGENDA ITEM FOR DISCUSSION. YOU CERTAINLY BE -- WITH MCMCCORMACK, WHETHER TO GIVE A VOTE, I WOULD SUGGEST TO DO THAT WHEN THE BOARDS COME BACK

TOGETHER. >> SO MY PREFERENCE WOULD BE A DISCUSSION ITEM TO GIVE US AN

OPPORTUNITY TO TALK. DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS? >> I WILL SORT OF, ON THE BASICALLY THE DIRECTION COMING OUT OF HERE JUST TO SUMMARIZE IT, WHEN WE GET TO THAT POINT, BUT NOT ON WHETHER IT IS A VOTING MEETING OR DISCUSSION FOR YOUR NEXT.

>> WHAT'S THE PREFERENCE OF THE BOARD? AGENDA ITEM FOR DISCUSSION?

>> THAT WORKS FOR ME. >> SO WE WILL DO THAT. WE WILL DO THE 7TH.

>> OKAY, SO MR. CHAIR, MR. CHAIR. MY UNDERSTANDING FROM TODAY IS THAT AFTER CONSIDERING THE STAFF PRESENTATION, OUR EXPERT COUNSEL, CONSULTANT TESTIMONY,

[04:05:08]

>> YES, SIR. >> OKAY. >> SO LET THE RECORD INDICATE

CON SESSION CONSENSUS OF THE TWN THAT. >> YES.

>> WOULD I LIKE TO ASK WHETHER OR NOT WE WOULD LIKE TO NOT PRIORITIZE E.

[INAUDIBLE]. >> I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT. IS THERE AGREEMENT?

>> I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT. >> OKAY. SO E WILL BE TABLED AS WELL.

>> SO A, B, AND E ARE TABLE.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.