Mar 05, 2024 Board of County Commissioners

[Call to Order by Chair]

[00:00:09]

GOOD MORNING, AND WELCOME TO THIS REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAINT JOHNS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

THERE ARE MATERIALS FOR THIS MEETING AVAILABLE ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE UNDER AGENDAS AND MINUTES.

ONCE YOU FIND THE MEETING AGENDA, YOU CAN CLICK ON THE AGENDA ITEM TO ACCESS ALL OF THE SUPPORTING MATERIALS.

THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO COMMENT ON ANY AGENDA ITEM DURING PUBLIC COMMENT.

PUBLIC COMMENT IS LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES.

SHOULD THE PRESENTER HAVE ANY EXHIBITS OR PHOTOGRAPHS, PLEASE PROVIDE THOSE MATERIALS TO THE CLERK OF COURT FOR INCLUSION INTO THE RECORD.

PLEASE CALL. CALL ORDER.

SORRY. ROLL CALL. SHARE.

COMMISSIONER SARAH ARNOLD, PRESENT.

VICE CHAIR. COMMISSIONER ROY ALAIMO.

PRESENT. COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAN WHITEHURST.

PRESENT. COMMISSIONER HENRY DEAN.

PRESENT. COMMISSIONER CHRISTA JOSEPH.

PRESENT. OKAY.

AND NOW WE WILL HEAR AN INVOCATION FROM CHAPLAIN KELLY KEMP FROM THE SAINT JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING.

AS WE ENTER MARCH, I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO TALK ABOUT TWO HOLIDAYS ARE GOING TO BE CELEBRATING THIS SAINT PATRICK'S DAY COMING UP.

AS I WALKED INSIDE, DON'T TELL YOUR GARDENER, BUT I TOOK ONE OF YOUR THREE LEAF CLOVERS FROM OUTSIDE.

AND THE REASON BEING IS IN JOHN, FIRST CORINTHIANS 15.

FOR I DELIVERED UNTO YOU FIRST OF ALL THAT WHICH I ALSO RECEIVED, HOW THAT CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, AND THAT HE WAS BURIED.

AND HE ROSE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.

AND APPROPRIATELY, WE CELEBRATE EASTER THIS COMING MONTH.

SAINT PATRICK WAS NOT IRISH.

IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT HE WAS ACTUALLY ENGLISH WHEN HE WAS A TEENAGE BOY, HE WAS CAPTURED BY PIRATES AND SOLD INTO SLAVERY TO IRELAND.

HE SPENT A LOT OF TIME, LIKE KING DAVID ON THE HILLSIDES, TAKING CARE OF SHEEP AS A SLAVE.

ONE DAY HE ESCAPED AND MADE IT BACK TO ENGLAND, AND YEARS LATER HE BECAME A PREACHER.

AND THEN GOD CALLED HIM TO GO BACK TO IRELAND AND TELL THE PEOPLE THERE WHO HAD ENSLAVED HIM ABOUT JESUS AND HOW HE DID IT WAS HE USED A THREE LEAF CLOVER, THREE LEAVES, ONE PLANT, THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

PRETTY NEAT LITTLE HISTORY LESSON I THINK ABOUT ABOUT SAINT PATRICK AND TODAY, ACTUALLY REMEMBER BEN STAMPS.

HE'S A FLIER, COUNTY DEPUTY.

HE WAS JUST IN A CAR OR A MOTORCYCLE CRASH, AND HE'S BEEN TRANSPORTED.

SO LET'S KEEP IN OUR IN OUR PRAYERS TODAY.

OUR MOST GRACIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS EASTER SEASON.

DEAR LORD, WE THANK YOU MR. GOD, YOU LOVED US SO MUCH AND LORD, YOU SENT YOUR SON TO DIE ON THE CROSS TO PAY THE PRICE FOR OUR SINS TO BE BURIED, DEAR LORD, AND THEN TO COME BACK TO LIFE AGAIN.

WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. HEAVENLY FATHER GOD, WE THANK YOU, LORD, FOR PREACHERS LIKE SAINT PATRICK WHO ARE WILLING TO GO TO A TO PEOPLE WHO HATED HIM, DEAR LORD, WHO TREATED HIM BADLY TO TELL HIM THAT GOOD NEWS.

HELP US, HEAVENLY FATHER GOD, CONTINUE TO DO THAT EVERY DAY.

TO LOVE THOSE WHO HATE US, DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO PERSECUTE US, AND USE US FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE.

HELP US, DEAR LORD, TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST, HEAVENLY FATHER, AND TO LOVE OTHERS.

DEAR LORD, EVEN WHEN THEY DON'T LOVE US.

WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. DEAR LORD, WE PRAY GOD FOR THIS COUNTY COMMISSION TODAY.

LORD, WE PRAY YOU. BLESS THEM.

PRAY GOD, GIVE THEM WISDOM.

LORD, YOUR WORD SAYS THAT WE ASK FOR WISDOM.

YOU WON'T HOLD IT BACK FROM US.

SO I PRAY GOD YOU GIVE THEM WISDOM TODAY.

LORD, I PRAY GOD FOR EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM AS WE SPEAK AND GIVE OUR SIDES AND OUR OUR OPINIONS.

HEAVENLY FATHER GOD, WHERE WE DON'T AGREE, LET US ALL TAKE THE SAME POSITION UPON OUR KNEES BEFORE YOU.

IN JESUS'S NAME, AMEN, AMEN, AMEN.

THANK YOU, CHAPLAIN KEMP.

AND NOW TO LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE WILL BE US ARMY SERGEANT MAJOR MAC MCDERMOTT.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

PLEASE JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE TO OUR FLAG.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

GOD BLESS AMERICA. THANK YOU SIR.

[Proclamation Recognizing Flood Awareness Week]

COMMISSIONER JOSEPH WILL BE PRESENTING A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK.

I'D LIKE TO CALL MR. JOHN BROWN FORWARD UP HERE FOR THE PROCLAMATION REGARDING FLOODING, WHICH EVERYONE'S PROBABLY HAD EXPERIENCE IN OUR COUNTY WITH.

A PROCLAMATION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA.

WHEREAS SAINT JOHNS COUNTY HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERE WEATHER IN THE PAST IN THE FORM OF EXTREME RAINFALL OR TROPICAL SYSTEM EVENTS RESULTING IN FLOODING IN BOTH COASTAL AND RIVERINE AREAS, AND THIS FLOODING HAS CAUSED DAMAGE AND FLOOD LOSSES TO HOMES AND BUILDINGS IN ALL AREAS, WHETHER THEY ARE HIGH RISK SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS OR LOW TO MODERATE RISK FLOOD ZONES.

[00:05:03]

AND WHEREAS THE REDUCTION OF LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN BE ACHIEVED WHEN APPROPRIATE, FLOOD PREPAREDNESS, CONTROL AND MITIGATION MEASURES ARE TAKEN BEFORE A FLOOD, AND WHEREAS PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS OF POTENTIAL WEATHER HAZARDS AND METHODS OF PROTECTION ARE CRITICAL TO THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF RESIDENTS, THE FLORIDA FLOODPLAIN MANAGERS ASSOCIATION, FMA HAVE DECLARED THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF MARCH AS FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK TO PROMOTE AWARENESS AND INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF FLOOD RISK, THE AVAILABILITY OF FLOOD INSURANCE, FLOOD PROTECTION METHODS AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA, DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM MARCH 4TH THROUGH MARCH 8TH, 2024 AS FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE SAINT JOHNS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA THIS FIFTH DAY OF MARCH, 2024.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS, STAFF AND THE PUBLIC.

MY NAME IS JOHN BROWN.

I AM THE SAINT JOHNS COUNTY FLOODPLAIN MANAGER.

I'M HERE TODAY WITH OUR FLOODPLAIN SPECIALIST, ASHLEY JORDAN.

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR THIS INFORMATION.

SAINT JOHNS COUNTY IS HOME TO OVER 122,000 ACRES WITHIN THE SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA, AND WITH OVER 110 MILES OF COAST ALONG THE OCEAN AND ALONG THE SAINT JOHNS RIVER. SAINT.

WITH THIS PROCLAMATION PROCLAMATION A FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK, SAINT JOHNS COUNTY HOPES TO RAISE MORE AWARENESS FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS TO HELP BETTER PREPARE AND PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM POTENTIAL FLOOD HAZARDS THROUGH ONGOING AND EXISTING EFFORTS UNDER THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM'S COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM.

SAINT JOHNS COUNTY IS CURRENTLY SAVING RESIDENTS WITH FLOOD INSURANCE OVER $2.5 MILLION ANNUALLY ON PREMIUM DISCOUNTS THROUGH CONTINUED AWARENESS OF FLOOD RISK, SAINT JOHNS COUNTY AND THE FLORIDA FLOODPLAIN MANAGERS ASSOCIATION HOPES TO REDUCE THE LOSS OF LIFE DURING FLOOD EVENTS, DECREASE FLOOD RELATED PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND PROMOTE A BETTER SENSE OF FLOODPLAIN AWARENESS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH.

THANK YOU. OKAY.

DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION? SO MOVED. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. OKAY.

ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

AYE. OPPOSED? PROCLAMATION PASSES. THAT TAKES US TO OUR PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE.

[Public Safety Update]

MARTIN, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

THERE'S BEEN NATIONAL ATTENTION ON RETAIL THEFT AND ORGANIZED RINGS INVOLVING CRIMINAL ACTIVITY WITH SHOPLIFTING, SOMETHING THAT WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION TO. RECENTLY, THE SAINT JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PROPERTY CRIMES UNIT HAS BEEN WORKING SEVERAL CASES.

IT'S VARIOUS RETAILERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, BUT IT'S INVOLVED IN OTHER COUNTY JURISDICTIONS AS WELL.

WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY VARIOUS VEHICLES AND SUSPECTS RELATED TO THESE CRIMES.

RECENTLY WE WE CONDUCTED A TRAFFIC STOP.

MADE CONTACT WITH NUMEROUS SUBJECTS WITHIN THAT VEHICLE.

AND NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE THE STOLEN ITEMS, THEY HAD FIREARMS, THEY HAD PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION NOT BELONGING TO THEM.

AND OF COURSE, THEY HAD NARCOTICS AS WELL.

AS A RESULT OF OUR COMBINED EFFORTS WITH PROPERTY CRIMES UNIT.

DUVAL COUNTY, CLAY COUNTY, AND OF COURSE, SAINT JOHNS COUNTY.

WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY APPROXIMATELY 30 CASES, WHICH EQUAL ABOUT $1 MILLION IN STOLEN MERCHANDISE OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.

SO, OF COURSE, THE THE CASES ARE GOING TO CONTINUE.

THE INVESTIGATION GOES ON.

BUT I COULDN'T EMPHASIZE ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COLLABORATION WITH OUR RETAIL STORES.

SO WE WANT TO GIVE A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO OUR PROPERTY CRIMES UNIT, THEIR RELENTLESS PURSUIT.

IT'S JUST AMAZING WHAT THEY DO DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

AND THEN THE PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR RETAIL STORES AND OF COURSE, THE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY, IT TAKES US ALL TO MAKE A MAJOR IMPACT.

SO ON THE BEHALF OF SHERIFF HARDWICK, THANK YOU TO THE LOCAL BUSINESSES.

THANK YOU TO OUR PROPERTY CRIMES UNIT, AND THANK YOU FOR THE COMMUNITY, FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

AND WITH THAT, I'LL CLOSE.

AND UNLESS YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, ANY QUESTIONS.

[00:10:03]

YES, MA'AM. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

SEAN MAGEE, ACTING FIRE CHIEF.

SO I LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY THIS MORNING TO HIGHLIGHT A COUPLE OF BIG EVENTS SOME OF OUR DEPARTMENT MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS.

THE FIRST ONE IS THE BATTLE OF THE BADGES BOXING MATCH BETWEEN LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS AND OUR LOCAL SAINT JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE, BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE END OF THE FLORIDA BAND GAMES.

BOUTS WERE VERY COMPETITIVE.

ENTERTAINING TOOK PLACE IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDLY COMPETITION FOR A GOOD CAUSE, ALL IN SUPPORT OF THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE.

COMMISSIONER ALAIMO WAS THERE AND CAN PROBABLY ATTEST IT WAS A PRETTY GOOD, PRETTY GOOD MATCHES.

I'M EXTREMELY I'M EXTREMELY PROUD OF THE REPRESENTATION OF OUR DEPARTMENT.

I LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE EVENTS.

THE SECOND EVENT WAS THE ANNUAL GUNS AND HOSES CHARITY HOCKEY TOURNAMENT THAT TOOK PLACE THIS LAST WEEKEND IN JACKSONVILLE.

THIS WAS ANOTHER FIREFIGHTER VERSUS POLICE BATTLE.

AND WHICH ALL PROCEEDS ARE DONATED TO CHARITIES AND WAS ALSO SUPPORTED BY THE JACKSONVILLE ICEMEN HOCKEY TEAM.

SEVERAL DEPARTMENT MEMBERS ALSO TOOK PLACE IN THAT EVENT, WHICH DREW AN IMPRESSIVE CROWD AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA.

LASTLY, ON A BIT MORE SOMBER NOTE, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON ONE OF OUR LIEUTENANTS, JUSTIN DAILEY.

HE WAS RECENTLY UNEXPECTEDLY DIAGNOSED WITH A LARGE BRAIN TUMOR.

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, IT'S BEEN A SHOCK TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND THE DEPARTMENT.

WE ARE. WE ARE ALL CURRENTLY AT AN ALL HANDS ON DECK EFFORT TO SUPPORT HIM AND HIS FAMILY.

HE'S AN INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEING AND HAS DEDICATED HIMSELF TO THIS COMMUNITY AND DEPARTMENT OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS.

I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE JOIN US IN KEEPING HIM AND HIS FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS.

SADLY, THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE CONTINUED NEED FOR PRESUMPTIVE LEGISLATION TO COVER FIRST RESPONDERS IN THE EVENT THEY SUFFER A CATASTROPHIC MEDICAL ILLNESS AS A RESULT OF THEIR JOB. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BOARD FOR THEIR CONTINUED EFFORTS AND ASSISTANCE IN THIS EFFORT.

AN OUTSIDE ORGANIZATION HAS ALREADY BEGUN FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO HELP JUSTIN AND HIS FAMILY.

ANYONE WISHING TO DONATE TO THAT EFFORT CAN FIND THE LINKS THAT WILL BE POSTED ACROSS OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. WITH THAT, I'LL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ANYONE HAS.

COMMISSIONER JOSEPH? YES.

WHERE IS HE STATIONED? HE'S UP AT STATION 17.

THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? THANK YOU FOR THAT. THANK YOU. THAT BRINGS US TO OUR CLERK OF COURT UPDATE, MR.

[Clerk of Court's Report]

GOOD MORNING.

ONE OF MY OFFICE'S CORE DUTIES IS SERVING AS THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AND ENSURING RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THEM.

TO THIS END, I AM STRONGLY COMMITTED TO TRANSPARENCY AND OPEN GOVERNMENT IN OUR OFFICE AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

IN HONOR OF THESE, IN HONOR OF THESE VALUES, WE ARE CELEBRATING SUNSHINE WEEK MARCH 10TH TO THE 16TH, WHICH RECOGNIZES FLORIDA'S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING CITIZENS RIGHTS TO ACCESS PUBLIC PUBLIC INFORMATION.

I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME QUICK STATISTICS ON THE RECORDS MAINTAINED BY MY OFFICE.

THE FIRST COUNTY DEED WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 13TH, 1821.

OUR RECORDS MAINTAINED INCLUDE EVERYTHING FROM DEEDS TO MARRIAGE LICENSES AND COURT RECORDS, MOST OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE OR IN PERSON FOR VIEWING.

WE HAVE TWO BACKUP STORAGE SITES ACROSS THE REGION AND COUNTRY THAT PROVIDE REDUNDANCY IN CASE OUR PRIMARY STORAGE SYSTEM IS COMPROMISED, AND TO PRESERVE HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS.

WE RECEIVED 152 PUBLIC RECORD REQUESTS SO FAR IN 2024.

WE'RE COMMITTED TO FULLY MAINTAINING OUR RECORDS WHILE PROVIDING YOU AND OUR FELLOW RESIDENTS EASY ACCESS TO THEM WHEN NEEDED.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE.

THIS IS MY REPORT PENDING.

ANY QUESTIONS? COMMISSIONER JOSEPH? YES, I WAS JUST I HAPPENED TO PICK UP THE PONTE VEDRA RECORDER THE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES.

YOU HAVE A HALF PAGE AD FOR THE DEPARTMENT, AND WITH YOUR PICTURE, IT'S GREAT.

JUST. IS THAT COMMON, OR DOES THAT GO TO ALL THE NEWSPAPERS OR.

I'M JUST CURIOUS. YEAH.

WE THANK YOU. MA'AM, PUBLIC INFORMATION IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF OUR OFFICE.

PROPERTY FRAUD NOTIFICATIONS, RECORDING ACTIVITY NOTIFICATION, GETTING THAT SERVICE OUT THERE, HELPING OUR RESIDENTS PROTECT THEIR PROPERTY, THEIR BUSINESSES, THEIR LAND IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL.

I THINK YOU WOULD AGREE WITH THAT.

AND SO THE MORE THAT WE CAN GET THAT NOTIFICATION OUT THERE AND WHATEVER MEDIUM THAT WE CAN GET THAT OUT THERE AND SO MUCH THE BETTER.

OKAY, COMMISSIONER LIMO. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I JUST WANTED TO COMMEND YOU AND YOUR STAFF ON A SUCCESSFUL PASSPORT DAY.

ANOTHER PASSPORT DAY OVER THE WEEKEND.

THOSE FOLKS WERE WORKING REALLY HARD.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU GUYS WIND UP SERVICING? WE PUT THROUGH ABOUT 200 TO 250 PASSPORTS.

BUT THEN, YOU KNOW, IF IT'S A MINOR, YOU HAVE TO HAVE BOTH CHILDREN THERE.

DEPENDING ON THE AGE AND THE COMPLEXITY ON THERE.

IT WAS GOOD SEEING YOU. THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT.

THAT'S A GREAT JOB. GREAT JOB.

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, MR..

PATTY? THANK YOU, SIR.

THANK YOU. THAT BRINGS US INTO OUR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE.

[Public Infrastructure Update]

COMMISSIONERS. DICK DESOUZA, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION FOR GROWTH MANAGEMENT, WITH YOUR INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY UPDATE FOR THIS MONTH.

[00:15:03]

AND SO I'M JUST GOING TO GO OVER A FEW OF THE ONES THAT WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON, BOTH CAPITAL SIDE AND DEVELOPMENT SIDE.

STARTING OFF WITH ONE OF THE LARGER ONES IS THE PINE ISLAND ROAD AT US ONE INTERSECTION.

AS YOU WERE ALL AWARE, THIS ONE WAS RAISED BACK IN 2023 FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AS WELL AS COMPLAINTS.

THE THE COUNTY WAS ABLE TO RECEIVE A GRANT WHICH WAS TO FUND NOT ONLY THIS SIGNAL, BUT ALSO THE TRAILHEAD AS WE LOOK TO EXPAND OUR NON VEHICULAR ACCESS POINTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. TOTAL BUDGET FOR THIS ONE IS AROUND $4 MILLION.

THIS INCLUDES THE TURN LANES, THE CONTROLS, THE MAST ALARMS AND OF COURSE HALF OF THAT WAS FUNDED THROUGH THIS GRANT AND THEN A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY NEEDED FOR THE SIGNAL.

AND THIS TRAILHEAD LOCATION IS ACTUALLY ON YOUR CONSENT AGENDA FOR TODAY.

AND THEN IN THE INTERIM, IF YOU DRIVE THROUGH THIS LOCATION, YOU WILL NOTICE THOSE FLASHING BEACONS WARNING OF THE INTERSECTION THAT WAS DONE BY COUNTY STAFF AND THAT HAS DONE YOU KNOW, WONDERS TO INCREASE THE OVERALL SAFETY AND JUST NOTICING FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS THEY GO THROUGH THIS ROAD.

THE NEXT ONE, ANOTHER LARGE ONE IS THE CR 210 AT CUMBERLAND ROAD.

THIS IS PART OF THE LARGER WIDENING PROJECT THAT THE COUNTY IS UNDERTAKING WITH COUNTY FUNDS, AS WELL AS DEVELOPER FUNDS FOR THE WIDENING OF COUNTY ROAD 210.

WE ARE SCHEDULED TO COMPLETE THIS ONE IN JUNE OF 2024.

SO THIS IS, YOU KNOW, US LEADING THAT WIDENING EFFORT WITH THIS NECESSARY SIGNAL TO PROVIDE RELIEF NOT ONLY FOR THOSE FOR THOSE INDUSTRIAL USERS AT CUMBERLAND, BUT ALSO TO PROVIDE SOME GAP SPACING FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS THEY TRAVEL ON COUNTY ROAD 210.

NEXT ONE IS THE 207 AT BRINKHOFF ROAD.

THIS IS A LOCATION WHERE A NEW PUBLIX WAS JUST OPENED UP, AS WELL AS THE RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE TREATY OAKS PUD.

THIS SIGNAL WAS APPROVED BY THE BOARD TO BE FUNDED THROUGH DEVELOPER FUNDS THAT ALREADY EXISTED, AS WELL AS OTHER DEVELOPERS THAT ARE COMING IN ALONG BRINKOPF ROAD IN THE VICINITY. SO THIS WAS PART OF AN IMPACT FEE CREDIT AGREEMENT WITH PHOENIX RETAIL.

THAT WAS THE FIRST OUTSIDE USER THAT CAME IN TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS DESIGN, AND PERMITTING IS ANTICIPATED TO BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR, AND THEN WE ANTICIPATE CONSTRUCTION TO BE FINISHED PROBABLY THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR, JUST DEPENDING ON LEAD TIME FOR MANUFACTURING AND OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT'S NECESSARY FOR THIS ONE.

THE NEXT ONE. ANOTHER ONE THAT WE ALL HEAR A LOT ABOUT IS THE PASETTI ROAD RAIL MARK.

THIS THIS ONE HAS BEEN A DEVELOPER FUNDED.

THE CD IS FUNDING THIS ONE, AND THIS ONE IS GOING THROUGH STAFF REVIEW CURRENTLY.

AND THEN ONCE THOSE PLANS ARE REVIEWED AND APPROVED, WE ANTICIPATE CONSTRUCTION TO START AND A COMPLETION DATE MID NEXT YEAR.

AGAIN, THIS IS ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE HIGH PROFILE SIGNALS.

AND SO IT WILL BE RELOCATING THOSE EXISTING NONFUNCTIONING SIGNAL HEADS AND THE MAST ARMS AND CREATING A BRAND NEW FOUNDATION.

SO 207 AND CYPRUS LINKS.

THIS IS PART OF THE KEY FACILITY THAT WAS APPROVED FOR ECONOMIC INCENTIVES LAST YEAR.

THE DEVELOPER IS DESIGNING AND FUNDING THIS IN ITS TOTALITY.

IT IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BEFORE THE NEW WAREHOUSE FACILITY IS OCCUPIED, AND WE'RE REALLY EXPECTING THAT TO BE COMPLETED AROUND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2025.

SO AGAIN, A MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT THAT'S GOING TO CREATE A SAFER INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR NOT ONLY THE RESIDENTS WITHIN THE CYPRUS LINKS SUBDIVISION, BUT ALSO ALL OF THOSE LARGE INDUSTRIAL USERS THAT USE DEER PARK BOULEVARD.

IT'S ANOTHER. ONE OF GREAT NOTICE IS THE A-1-A PEDESTRIAN BEACONS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE HAWKS.

THESE ARE THOSE LARGE PUSH BUTTON ACTIVATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.

THE DOT IS ACTUALLY INSTALLING MULTIPLE ONES.

THIS IS PART OF THEIR TARGET ZERO INITIATIVE, WHICH IS THE STATE'S INITIATIVE TO REDUCE FATALITIES ALONG STATE ROADS TO A TARGET OF ZERO.

SO THERE ARE FIVE THAT ARE SCHEDULED TO BE INSTALLED THE FALL OF THIS YEAR AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION.

SO YOU'LL NOTICE THEM SPANNING UP AND DOWN A1A FROM VILANO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FORT MATANZAS PARK.

AND SO DOT IS ACTIVELY WORKING ON THESE.

THEY WERE OUT RECENTLY, AS LAST WEEK, LOOKING AT THEIR SOFT DIGS TO TO DETERMINE WHERE THEY'RE GOING TO PUT THESE FOUNDATIONS.

AND THE FINAL ONE THAT I HAVE FOR YOU TODAY IS THE PRESERVATION TRAIL INTERSECTION.

AND SO THIS IS IN NOCATEE.

AND IT IS A TRAFFIC SIGNAL THAT WILL ALSO FACILITATE NOT ONLY FOR VEHICLES BUT FOR PEDESTRIANS AND GOLF CARTS.

AND IT IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH AN EXPECTED COMPLETION LATER THIS YEAR.

SO JUST A VERY QUICK OVERVIEW OF SOME OF OUR SIGNALS.

WE HAVE MANY MORE THAT ARE GOING ON WITH SOME OF OUR LARGER PROJECTS AS WELL.

AND I'M HERE FOR ANY QUESTIONS.

YES, COMMISSIONER JOSEPH, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PINE ISLAND TRAIL LIGHT.

AND YOU GUYS JUMPED ON THAT SO QUICKLY, ESPECIALLY GETTING THE LIGHTS, THE CAUTION LIGHTS OUT THERE JUST REAL QUICK.

I GET THIS QUESTION ALL THE TIME.

WHEN ARE THE WHEN'S THE SIGNAL ACTUALLY GOING TO BE THERE.

SO LET ME GO BACK TO THAT SLIDE QUICKLY.

SO THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION.

I MIGHT ACTUALLY DEFER TO MISTER CALDWELL IF HE'S BACK HERE, BECAUSE THAT HAS RUN THROUGH HIS SHOP.

[00:20:01]

WE HAVE TO GET PERMITTING, NOT ONLY THROUGH THE STATE, BUT ALSO THROUGH THE RAILROAD BECAUSE OF THE CROSSING RIGHT THERE AT THAT LOCATION.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS GREG CALDWELL, SAINT JOHNS COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.

THAT PROJECT IS IN FINAL PERMITTING THROUGH THE FEC AND THE DOT, BUT WE EXPECT TO HAVE IT OUT ON THE STREETS FOR BID IN THE NEXT 60 DAYS AND THEN HOPEFULLY START CONSTRUCTION BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

OKAY. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR MR. D'SOUZA? OKAY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THAT BRINGS US INTO THE CONSENT AGENDA.

[Deletions to Consent Agenda]

WE'RE GOING TO SWITCH IT UP AND GO LEFT TO RIGHT TODAY.

COMMISSIONER. DEAN. NONE.

COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST, I HAVE NONE, MADAM CHAIR.

I HAVE NONE, COMMISSIONER ALAIMO.

NONE. COMMISSIONER JOSEPH.

YES? A CONSENT ITEM NUMBER FIVE, PLEASE.

TO DELETE OR MOVE OR MOVE TO DISCUSS DISCUSS ON THE AGENDA LIKE WE TYPICALLY DO.

OKAY. SO CONSENT ITEM NUMBER FIVE.

I'M GOING TO PUT THIS ONE AT THE END SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAVE A LOT OF FULL AGENDA TODAY.

SO WE'RE GOING TO MAKE THAT ITEM NUMBER TEN.

OKAY. OKAY. SO CONSENT ITEM FIVE MOVED TO AGENDA ITEM REGULAR NUMBER TEN.

OKAY. DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED?

[Approval of Consent Agenda]

OKAY. PUBLIC COMMENT.

ALL RIGHT. WE'LL NOW OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

ANYONE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME.

ADDRESS? YOU'LL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS JUDY SPIEGEL.

I LIVE AT 101 GREEN WILLOW LANE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS A CONSENT AGENDA, ITEM NUMBER 15.

THIS WAS EVIDENTLY A BINDING CONTRACT THAT WAS MADE WITH RIVER'S EDGE PLANTATION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION IN 2016.

FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND FROM STAFF AND FROM LOOKING THROUGH THE DOCUMENTS, THERE WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING OR MISCOMMUNICATION ABOUT WHO ACTUALLY OWNED THE ROADS AND THAT IT WAS ACTUALLY THE HOA THAT OWNED THE ROADS.

AND THEY CAME UP WITH AN AGREEMENT TO SPLIT THE COST OF RESURFACING AND MILLING THE ROADS IN 2016.

AND FOR WHATEVER REASON, I'M NOT 100% SURE.

I'VE HEARD A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

IT DIDN'T GET DONE, AND TODAY'S MONEY IS NOT THE SAME AS 2016.

MONEY WAS, OF COURSE.

SO I THINK THIS MIGHT BE RIGHT BETWEEN COMMISSIONER JOSEPH AND COMMISSIONER DEAN'S DISTRICTS.

AND AS A BOARD MEMBER OF AN HOA, I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND.

WHEN YOU GET ALL OF A SUDDEN STRAPPED WITH A $100,000, YOU KNOW, COST TO MAINTAIN THE ROADS.

BUT WHAT THEY'RE ASKING FOR IS, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD RELINQUISHED IN THIS AGREEMENT THE COUNTY'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ROADS AND THAT THE HOA WOULD TAKE IT OVER, SINCE THE COSTS HAVE GONE UP SO MUCH, THEY WOULD JUST WANT THE COUNTY TO WRITE THEM A CHECK FOR ANOTHER $40,000.

SO ALMOST DOUBLING, WELL, ANOTHER 40% OF WHAT THEY HAD PROMISED IN THE FIRST PLACE.

AND AND THEN THEY'LL DO IT WHEN THEY CAN.

SO I DON'T KNOW, I JUST, I UNDERSTAND FROM THE HOA PERSPECTIVE THAT THAT'S DIFFICULT, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A BINDING AGREEMENT IS A BINDING AGREEMENT, AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S JUST NOT MONEY WELL SPENT BY OUR COUNTY.

ANYWAY, I JUST WANTED TO COMMENT ON THAT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.

ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? SEEING NONE, WE WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT.

OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

PLEASE VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

AND THAT PASSES FIVE ZERO ON TO THE REGULAR AGENDA.

[Additions/Deletions to Regular Agenda]

COMMISSIONER DEAN.

I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS AN ITEM WITH POSSIBLE ACTION.

AND IT SORT OF FALLS UNDER THE HEADING OF AN EMERGENCY SINCE LAST COMMISSION MEETING WHEN WE MET ON FEBRUARY 20TH, I BELIEVE I'VE GOTTEN A NUMBER OF EMAILS AND SEVERAL CALLS FROM RESIDENTS OF VALENCIA, AND THEY'RE SUFFERING FROM QUITE A BIT OF SMOKE.

HAZARD. AND IT'S COMING FROM A FACILITY THAT IS THE ANCIENT CITY, WOOD RECYCLING OR PROCESSING.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO THERE MAY BE SOME INDIVIDUALS HERE TODAY THAT WOULD LIKE I RATHER THAN WAIT UNTIL COMMISSIONER REPORTS THAT I ONLY KNOW WHEN THAT MAY BE. I'D LIKE TO BRING IT UP AS AN ADDITIONAL ITEM.

IF I CAN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REGULAR AGENDA, IT'LL BE BRIEF, BUT I'VE ASKED MIKE ROBERSON TO BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS WHAT

[00:25:08]

AND I ALSO, AS LATE AS ABOUT 845 THIS MORNING, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO REACH GREG STRONG, WHO IS THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE DEP OFFICE, THE 16 COUNTY REGIONAL OFFICE HEADQUARTERED IN JACKSONVILLE, AND I HAVE A REPORT FROM HIM.

SO I'D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THIS NOW, GET IT ON THE TABLE AND THEN POSSIBLY TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION.

I'M NOT SURE WHAT WE CAN DO, BUT RIGHT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM MIKE AND REPORT TO YOU MY DISCUSSIONS WITH GREG STRONG, THE DEP REGIONAL MANAGER.

IF WE COULD ADD THAT AT THE BEGINNING, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT.

WELL, SEEING AS IT'S AN EMERGENCY, IT IS KIND OF A TOUGH SITUATION.

BAD, REALLY BAD SMOKE INHALATION GOING ON.

OKAY. CAN WE ADD THAT AS OKAY AS NUMBER ONE.

AND THAT WOULD MAKE THE ACADIA HEALTH CARE ONE A OR TWO.

WE'RE JUST GOING TO KNOCK THEM DOWN.

WE CAN OKAY.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT UP.

COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST. OUTSIDE OF THAT, NO, I WAS GOING TO BRING UP THE SAME ITEM.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER DEAN.

I HAVE NONE, COMMISSIONER ALAIMO.

NONE. COMMISSIONER JOSEPH.

NONE. OKAY, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA, AS AMENDED?

[Approval of Regular Agenda]

PLEASE VOTE. AND THAT IS APPROVED.

THAT TAKES US IN BACK TO COMMISSIONER DEAN.

[Additional Item 1 (Part 1 of 2)]

FIRST, LET ME REPORT MY MY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL WITH GREG STRONG.

AGAIN, HE'S THE REGIONAL MANAGER FOR THE DEP OFFICE.

THE 16 COUNTY REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

HE I EXPLAINED TO HIM MY CONCERN ABOUT THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH EXTREME SMOKE COMING FROM THIS WOOD RECYCLING PROCESS AND PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT.

AND SO HE IS VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS.

THEY ACTUALLY MET.

THEY HAD A CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE OWNER LAST FRIDAY.

FOR AN HOUR.

THEY'RE TAKING AN ENFORCEMENT ACTION.

THEY'RE SENDING INSPECTORS INTO THE FIELD TODAY AT THE FACILITY.

TO PURSUE THE ENFORCEMENT ACTION.

REGARDING THE SMOKE.

ONGOING PROBLEM.

SO GREG IS VERY AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND BE TAKING ACTION.

THAT'S THE PRIMARY AGENCY IN THE STATE THAT HAS JURISDICTION OVER AIR QUALITY.

AND THIS PROJECT IS ACTUALLY HAS A DEP PERMIT.

SO THEY'RE ENFORCING THE PERMIT.

TO BE CLEAR. SO THAT'S THE REPORT.

AND I WANTED TO ASK MIKE IF HE HAD ANYTHING TO ADD.

MY QUESTION BEFORE I TALK TO GREG STRONG WAS REALLY IS THERE ANYTHING THE COUNTY CAN DO? BECAUSE IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING.

DEP AND THE DIVISION OF FORESTRY HAS PRIMARY JURISDICTION OVER THESE TYPES OF FACILITIES FOR OPEN BURNING.

AND I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT WE AS A COUNTY CAN DO, WE NEED TO HELP THESE RESIDENTS OUT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BECAUSE THE SMOKE INHALATION IS PRETTY SERIOUS.

ABSOLUTELY, MR. ROBERTSON.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

COMMISSIONERS MIKE ROBERTSON, GROWTH MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR.

AND, TOM, IF YOU'RE ABLE TO ZOOM IN A LITTLE BIT THERE SO THIS I THINK THERE IS, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, SHORT, NORMALLY BURNING IS RESTRICTED OR REGULATED THROUGH, I THINK, DEPARTMENT OF THE FORESTRY AND AS WELL MAYBE DEP FOR AIR QUALITY.

HOWEVER, IN THIS CASE WE HAVE A USE THAT WAS PERMITTED VIA SPECIAL USE PERMIT THROUGH OUR PLANNING AND ZONING AGENCY.

AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW, THAT'S A USE THAT ISN'T NECESSARILY ALLOWED BY RIGHT, BUT CAN BE ALLOWED WITH CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND THINGS THAT NEED TO BE MET.

IN THIS CASE, I'LL DIRECT YOU TO HERE THE OVERHEAD IF YOU LOOK AT NINE AND TWO.

SO THIS IS A KIND OF A, A WOODCHIP I THINK RECYCLING KIND OF FACILITY WHERE THEY MAY BURN AND TAKE CARE OF ITEMS LIKE THAT WHICH IS UNDERSTOOD.

HOWEVER, YOU HAVE SOME CONDITIONS, YOU HAVE HOURS OF OPERATION AND YOU CAN SEE BEFORE YOU THAT MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 7 TO 5 P.M.

AND SATURDAY 7 TO 3 P.M..

ADDITIONALLY, BURNING IS LIMITED TO ONE TIME PER WEEK WHEN WIND IS COMING FROM THE EAST OR NORTHEAST.

YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY, YOU PROBABLY RECOGNIZE THAT YOU HAD SOME RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE EAST OF THIS PROJECT.

AGAIN, THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED SOUTH OF IGP WEST, JUST WEST OF US ONE.

SO THAT SAID COMMISSIONER DEAN, MADAM CHAIR, THE WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO LOOK INTO AND ULTIMATELY REVOKE ANY SPECIAL USE PERMIT IF THEY'RE NOT ABIDING BY THAT.

[00:30:03]

BUT THAT'S THE GAMUT, RIGHT.

COMPLIANCE ALL THE WAY TO REVOCATION.

SO WE ARE INVESTIGATING BACKWARDS TO SEE WHEN THEY BURNED.

SO THAT'S PROBABLY EASIER TO ASCERTAIN.

RIGHT. WE CAN TELL THROUGH I THINK FIRE HAS SOME RECORDS ON THAT.

AND LOOK AND IF THEY DID NOT IF THEY DID IT MORE THAN ONCE.

SO THERE'S ONE ISSUE.

AND THEN MAYBE WE CAN TELL WHICH WAY THE WIND WAS BLOWING.

THAT'S A TOUGHER ONE TO DO. BUT WE DO KNOW THAT THERE'S SMOKE HEADING EASTWARD.

SO IF THE WIND IS BLOWING FROM THE NORTH AND NORTHEAST, IT PROBABLY SHOULDN'T BE ANY SMOKE, RIGHT? THAT WAS THE IDEA BEHIND IT.

SO WE ARE LOOKING INTO THIS.

WE ARE GOING TO GET WITH THE APPLICANT AS WELL ONCE WE'VE DETERMINED WHAT ALL HAS HAPPENED.

AND WE'LL GO FROM THERE AND DETERMINE HOW YOU KNOW HOW FAR THIS HAS GONE.

SO OKAY, WELL, IT SOUNDS LIKE WE'RE DOING ALL WE CAN IF WE PROCEED ON THIS, ON THIS ROUTE.

SO I DON'T THINK IT CALLS FOR ANY COMMISSION ACTION AT THIS POINT.

MIKE HAS EXPLAINED TO US WHAT HE PROPOSES TO DO IMMEDIATELY.

AND I WOULD ADD, INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, I JUST RECEIVED A TEXT FROM GREG STRONG LITERALLY A MINUTE AGO SAYING WE ARE ALSO GOING TO TIGHTEN UP THEIR OPERATING PROCEDURES GOING FORWARD.

THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE MEETING IN THE FIELD TO DISCUSS WITH THEM TODAY.

SO IT'S MY OPINION THIS MORNING THAT BOTH DEP AND OUR STAFF ARE DOING ALL WE CAN TO ADDRESS THIS.

WHAT IS A PRETTY SEVERE PROBLEM? SO THAT'S THAT WOULD BE MY POSITION.

HAPPY TO DISCUSS IT.

OKAY. YEAH, WE HAVE A COUPLE COMMISSIONERS WHO'D LIKE TO SPEAK.

COMMISSIONER JOSEPH. YES.

WHEN I LOOKED INTO IT ALSO, I NOTICED THAT THEY WEREN'T COMPLIANT BEFORE AND THEY'VE BEEN FINED BEFORE.

IS THAT CORRECT? I'M NOT AWARE OF THAT.

I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE.

WE'RE LOOKING INTO THAT AND TRY TO GET THE WHOLE PICTURE.

YES, MA'AM. OKAY. SO THAT THEY'RE COMPLIANT.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

IT'S BASED ON THE CONVERSATIONS I'VE HAD WITH MR. ROBERTSON AND WHAT YOU'VE JUST REASSERTED TODAY, THEY.

THERE ARE EXPLICIT CONDITIONS WITHIN THEIR SPECIAL USE PERMIT.

YOU KNOW, I'M A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, AND I KNOW A FAIR AMOUNT OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

I DON'T KNOW ANYBODY WHO WOULD BE COMFORTABLE WITH THEIR SMALL BUSINESS BLOWING SMOKE INTO THE BACKYARDS OF THOUSANDS OF NEIGHBORS.

NO GOOD SMALL BUSINESS OWNER DOES THAT.

IT'S OUTRAGEOUS.

SO I'M UPSET.

AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED MORE DIRECTION TO TO SIMPLY ENFORCE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT, BUT BUT IF IT'S THE WILL OF THIS BOARD AND IF WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IT, I'D LIKE TO SEE IF BEING THE OPERATIVE WORD, IF THEY ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE CLEAR LANGUAGE IN THEIR SPECIAL USE PERMIT, I'D LIKE TO SEE THEM SHUT DOWN.

FRANKLY, I FEEL VERY STRONGLY ABOUT THIS.

BECAUSE I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THIS BEING A DAY IN DAY.

IT'S ONE THING TO MAKE A MISTAKE AND THEN CORRECT THE MISTAKE.

THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING DAY IN, DAY OUT FOR PERHAPS EVEN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, ACCORDING TO THE PEOPLE THAT I'M SPEAKING TO IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.

SO THOSE ARE MY THOUGHTS AGAIN, MISS ANDREWS.

MR. COMMANDO, I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION.

YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER DEANE, YOU'VE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH DEP.

I TRUST YOUR JUDGMENT.

BUT BUT THIS HAS TO STOP.

IT CANNOT HAPPEN FOR ONE MORE DAY, AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.

SO THOSE ARE MY THOUGHTS, MADAM CHAIR.

ABSOLUTELY. WELL, MADAM CHAIR, TO THE COMMISSION, I WOULD SAY THAT LET THE INVESTIGATION FINISH.

AND THEN AT THAT POINT YOU'LL HAVE THE INFORMATION TO MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHAT ACTION YOU'D LIKE TO TAKE.

OKAY. I'D JUST LIKE TO EXPEDITE THE INVESTIGATION.

ABSOLUTELY. I THINK THAT GOES WITHOUT SAYING ALMOST.

MIKE, I THINK YOU SENSE THE CONCERN THAT WE AS A BOARD ARE EXPRESSING TODAY.

YES, SIR. WE'RE ON IT.

AND, YOU KNOW, I THINK WITH WITH THINGS LIKE THIS WHERE YOU HAVE A SITE WHERE YOU LOOK TO SEE IF THEY'VE EXPANDED OUTSIDE THEIR SITE PLAN, WE ALSO LOOK TO SEE IF THEY HAVE YOU KNOW, BURNING IS WHEN YOU STOP BURNING, BUT SMOKES STILL COULD CONTINUE AFTER THOSE HOURS.

BUT IN MY READING OF THIS, THE UNDERSTANDING IS, YOU KNOW, SMOKE SHOULD STOP AT THAT TIME FRAME, RIGHT? SO THOSE ARE THE TYPES OF THINGS WE'LL LOOK INTO.

BUT WE ARE ON IT.

IT IS A PRIORITY FOR US.

AND WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU AT THE NEXT MEETING IF YOU LIKE TO MAKE SURE.

BRIEF OF COURSE BEFORE THAT TOO.

BUT THANK YOU, MIKE, I APPRECIATE IT.

YES, MA'AM. MADAM CHAIR, IF YOU'LL INDULGE ME FOR ABOUT 20S.

OF COURSE, COMMISSIONER DEAN.

ON A HAPPIER, ON A HAPPIER, MORE PLEASANT NOTE WE ARE VISITED TODAY BY OUR MARKETING DIRECTOR FROM THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES TRUST.

THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES TRUST IS THE GROUP OF SMALL COUNTIES, ABOUT 23, 24 OF US.

I HAVE SERVED ON THAT BOARD SINCE I WAS FIRST ELECTED IN 16.

AND OUR MARKETING DIRECTOR AND THE PERSON WHO SOLVES ALL OUR PROBLEMS IS SITTING IN THE BACK.

SHE DOES A CIRCUIT OF DIFFERENT COUNTIES.

DENISE VOGELZANG WE WELCOME HER.

SHE LIKES TO. SHE'S MEETING WITH STAFF.

SHE MAY NOT BE HERE WHEN WE WIND THIS MEETING UP SOMETIME LATE AFTERNOON, I'M GUESSING.

[00:35:01]

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO DO THAT.

THANK YOU. WE'RE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU.

[1. Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. Economic Development Incentive Request.]

THERE'S NO BOARD ACTION.

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

SAVANNAH ROGERS, PROJECT MANAGER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

SO THIS MORNING, I'LL BE PRESENTING IF I CAN GET THE CLICKER, AN INCENTIVE AGREEMENT FOR ACADIA HEALTHCARE COMPANY.

OH, THERE WE GO. ACADIA IS A BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER THAT IS PROPOSING TO BUILD A 99,485 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY HERE IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, WITH CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED TO BE COMPLETE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2025. THEY WILL OFFER INPATIENT, OUTPATIENT, AS WELL AS RESIDENTIAL AND DETOXIFICATION MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.

THE PROJECT IS PROPOSED TO CREATE 239 HIGH WAGE JOBS.

THE AVERAGE WAGE OF THE POSITIONS CREATED ARE MORE THAN 125% OF THE COUNTY'S AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE, AND THE PROJECT WILL ALSO BRING AN INVESTMENT OF $76.6 MILLION TO THE COUNTY.

HERE IS A MAP OF THE PROPOSED LOCATION, WHICH IS NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 210 AND MOON BAY PARKWAY.

SO LOOKING AT THE 239 DIRECT JOBS THAT ARE BEING CREATED BY THIS PROJECT, THE LABOR INCOME WILL BE LOOKING AT IS $21 MILLION ANNUALLY, AS WELL AS $24.7 MILLION IN GROSS COUNTY PRODUCT.

BASED ON OUR PROJECT SCORING UNDER THE NEW INDUSTRY CATEGORY, ACADIA SCORED 7.5 POINTS WITH THE CRITERIA LISTED HERE FOR YOU.

IT'S BASED ON BEING A TARGETED INDUSTRY.

THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE FACILITY BEING BUILT, THE NUMBER OF JOBS BEING CREATED AND THE AVERAGE WAGE OF THOSE JOBS.

WITH THIS, ACADIA DOES QUALIFY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR THE FOLLOWING INCENTIVES THAT ARE LISTED 100% OF IMPACT FEES FOR YEARS OF AD VALOREM TAX.

GENERAL COUNTY PORTION PAID BY THE APPLICANT.

FOUR YEARS OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX.

GENERAL COUNTY PORTION, AS WELL AS EXPEDITED PERMITTING, WHICH TOTALS $1.64 MILLION.

AND IN TOTAL, THIS IS AN 8.3% REIMBURSEMENT OF ALL TAXES AND FEES PAID BY ACADIA TO THE COUNTY OVER A 20 YEAR PERIOD.

SO IF APPROVED, STAFF WILL WORK ON DRAFTING A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD AT A FUTURE MEETING.

AND I WILL MENTION AS WELL THAT EMMA COONEY IS HERE ON BEHALF OF ACADIA, SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT? THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH, COMMISSIONER JOSEPH.

YES. I LOOKED UP THE COMPANY.

IT'S A VERY GOOD COMPANY. IT'S EXCELLENT.

MY PROBLEM IS, AGAIN, THE LOCATION OF THIS BECAUSE WE JUST THIS IS BY MOON BAY PARKWAY.

THIS IS WHERE WE NEED TO BUILD A ROAD.

BECAUSE THERE'S A THOUSAND HOMES BEING BUILT OFF OF 210 THAT WE JUST THIS GROUP APPROVED LAST WEEK OR THE LAST MEETING, AND THEY WERE WORRIED ABOUT THE TRAFFIC AND EMERGENCIES AND GETTING OUT.

AND THEN IF THERE'S 239 JOBS, THAT'S THE HIGH WAGE, HIGH WAGE JOBS.

WHAT'S THE REGULAR PEOPLE WORKING THERE? HOW MANY PEOPLE IS THAT? I'M SORRY. YOU KNOW, LIKE PEOPLE THAT MAYBE THE JANITORS, CARETAKERS, ALL THAT KIND OF THING.

I'M SURE THERE'S GOING TO BE QUITE A FEW EMPLOYEES THERE USING MOON BAY PARKWAY ONTO 210, AS WELL AS ALL THOSE HOMES THAT WERE JUST APPROVED BY CTA GOING OUT. I DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT ROAD IS GOING TO BE BUILT, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S ALL HAPPENING AT ONCE.

AND THAT'S MY CONCERN, IS THE LOCATION.

I IT'S IT'S A GREAT INCENTIVE AND I AND I LIKE THE, THE THE COMPANY.

BUT I'M JUST REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THAT LITTLE AREA THERE.

IT'S JUST A TRAIN WRECK READY TO HAPPEN THERE.

SO. SURE.

WELL, WHAT I WILL SAY IS THIS ITEM IS LOOKING AT THE INCENTIVES.

SO THE 239 JOBS BEING CREATED WILL BE SORT OF PHASED.

LIKE MOST COMPANIES THAT ARE OPENING AND CREATING JOBS, THE APPLICANT DID PROVIDE A TRANSPORTATION ANALYSIS AS WELL WHICH WE COULD PROVIDE FOR YOU TO REVIEW.

AND THE DEVELOPER DOES HAVE ALL THEIR ENTITLEMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FACILITY.

WELL, THE ONE GOOD THING IS THAT SOME OF THOSE EMPLOYEES HOPEFULLY WILL BUY HOMES BEHIND THEM.

BUT AGAIN, I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE TRAFFIC BECAUSE THAT'S ALL WE HEAR ABOUT NOW IS HOW HOW OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IS FAILING.

[00:40:08]

PLEASE. DWAYNE KENT, COUNTY ENGINEER AND THROUGH THE CHAIR TO COMMISSIONER JOSEPH IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THIS FACILITY WON'T BE OPEN UNTIL AFTER THE COUNTY'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON 210 HAPPENS.

SO NOT I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE WORK ON MOON BAY, BUT THE COUNTY'S WORK WILL BE DONE BEFORE THIS FACILITY OPENS.

OKAY, COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST.

MISS ROGERS, CAN ACADIA OPEN THE HOSPITAL TODAY WITH OR WITHOUT BOARD ACTION ON THIS ITEM? YES THEY CAN.

THIS THIS ITEM IS SIMPLY LOOKING AT THE INCENTIVE REQUEST THAT THEY'RE THAT THEY QUALIFY FOR.

SO NO ACTION THAT WE TAKE TODAY COULD INCREASE OR DECREASE TRAFFIC? NO, SIR. THANK YOU, MISS ROGERS.

ALSO, JUST FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE RECORD AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED WE DID HEAR AN AGENDA ITEM WHERE NEIGHBORS WERE COMING OUT.

THERE WAS AN INDUSTRIAL HEAVY INDUSTRIAL PARK THAT WAS ENTITLED.

AND OUR TRANSPORTATION TRAFFIC ENGINEERS INFORMED US THAT BY CONVERTING THAT INDUSTRIAL ENTITLEMENT TO HOMES TO RESIDENTIAL ENTITLEMENT, THAT IT WOULD REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF TRIPS.

SO THAT ACTION, THAT BOARD ACTION THAT WE TOOK A COUPLE OF MEETINGS AGO, IN FACT, REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF TRIPS THAT WOULD BE ON THIS HEAVILY CONGESTED ROADWAY.

SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THAT.

THAT'S ALL I HAVE, MADAM CHAIR.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST.

OKAY. THERE'S NO FURTHER QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSION.

I GUESS WE'LL TAKE IT TO PUBLIC COMMENT.

ALL RIGHT. WE'LL NOW OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM ONE.

A IF YOU'D LIKE TO SPEAK, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. FOR THE RECORD, YOU'LL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES.

I WOULD JUST KEEP.

I WOULD JUST HOPE OR SORRY I APOLOGIZE.

MICHAEL MCDONALD, WINDSWEPT ACRES NEIGHBORHOOD I WOULD JUST HOPE YOU GUYS QUIT GIVING INCENTIVES TO EVERY COMPANY THAT COMES BEFORE YOU.

THANK YOU. I AGREE.

ED SLAVIN, FOX 304.

THIS IS CORPORATE WELFARE.

WE NEED TO HAVE A CORPORATE WELFARE BUDGET DISCUSSED AND APPROVED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSION EVERY YEAR WHEN WE GO OVER THE BUDGET.

IT'S CALLED THE TAX EXPENDITURE BUDGET AND DEALING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

AND IT'S A CONCEPT THAT'S BEEN AROUND FOR ABOUT 50 YEARS NOW.

I KNOW WE HAVE A MONEY TREE IN THE BACKYARD, SO WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT.

BUT AS MY MOTHER'S FAVORITE COMEDIAN, SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER EVERETT MCKINLEY DIRKSEN, SAID IT BEST $1 BILLION HERE, $1 BILLION THERE.

PRETTY SOON YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT REAL MONEY.

WE DON'T HAVE A REAL BUDGET PROCESS IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, AND WE DON'T HAVE A REAL PROCESS FOR CONSIDERING THESE CORPORATE WELFARE APPLICATIONS.

AND I'D LIKE TO KNOW I'D LIKE TO HAVE A A SPREADSHEET.

HOW MUCH ARE WE SPENDING ON CORPORATE WELFARE? HOW MUCH HAVE WE SPENT IN THE LAST 25 YEARS? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ARE YOU PASSING NOTES? IF YOU'RE PASSING NOTES, PLEASE MAKE THEM A PART OF THE RECORD.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST, WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESPOND? OH, AT THE END. OKAY, OKAY.

ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT? SEEING NONE, WE WILL CLOSE.

PUBLIC COMMENT. OH.

ONE MORE. I WAS HIDDEN IN THE CORNER.

SORRY. SCOTT MAYNARD, 59, OAK SHADOW PLACE.

THE SAINT JOHNS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE ACADIA HEALTH CARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WHAT I CALL INVESTMENT REQUEST.

IT'S NOT REALLY INCENTIVE.

IT'S AN INVESTMENT REQUEST.

THIS 100,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY WILL ADD BETWEEN 230 AND 240 JOBS, WITH AN AVERAGE WAGE OF $75,000 AND WITH A TOTAL INVESTMENT OF $76 MILLION.

THIS INVESTMENT WILL YIELD THE COUNTY A BENEFIT OF 5.8 MILLION PLUS HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON REAL WAGES BEING INVESTED DIRECTLY BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, HOWEVER, LAST SUMMER, THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE COUNTY HOSTED A HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE.

ALMOST ALL THE MAJOR PROVIDERS WERE IN ATTENDANCE, INCLUDING UF HEALTH, SAINT JOHNS, MAYO, BAPTIST, ASCENSION, ADVENT, ENCOMPASS, AND OTHERS. DURING THIS EVENT, THE PARTICIPANTS WERE ASKED TO VOTE ON WHAT THEY PERCEIVED AS THE GREATEST NEED IN THE HEALTH CARE COMMUNITY. IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WAS LISTED AS THE SECOND MOST CRITICAL NEED, CLOSELY BEHIND WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.

[00:45:01]

THIS PROJECT WILL ADD 144 BEDS PLUS PROVIDE OUTPATIENT SERVICES.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS REQUEST AS THESE SERVICES ARE MUCH NEEDED HERE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, CLAY MURPHY, KINGS ROAD SOUTH.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I WOULD LIKE TO COME UP.

I'VE BEEN ATTENDING THESE MEETINGS FOR OVER A YEAR AND I VERY SELDOM SPEAK.

BUT WE CANNOT COMPLAIN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH OR THE ISSUES WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND IN THE HOMELESS WITHOUT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

AND WHEN WE GET AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE, THE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ISSUE, WE NEED TO TAKE THOSE STEPS.

AND THIS IS A GREAT INVESTMENT FOR THIS COMMUNITY AND WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS HELPING SOLVE NOT ONLY THE THE PROBLEMS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DRUG ADDICTION, BUT ALSO UNEMPLOYMENT, HOMELESSNESS.

SO THANK YOU GUYS FOR YOUR TIME, I APPRECIATE IT.

THIS WILL BE THIS IS A GOOD.

BJ KOLODY CITY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE.

ACCORDING TO ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS THIS MORNING, THEY'RE COMING ANYWAY, SO LET THEM COME AND WE GET NO MONEY TO THEM.

WHY DO WE HAVE TO GIVE MONEY IF THEY'RE COMING ANYWAY? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU ASK QUESTIONS, YOU DON'T GET ANSWERS.

YOU DO GET AN ANSWER.

SO MY QUESTION WILL CONTINUE TO BE WHEN YOU GIVE AN INCENTIVE.

AND THEN YOU HAVE A COMMISSIONER THAT ALREADY TELLS US THAT THEY'RE COMING ANYWAY, WE CAN USE THAT MILLION DOLLARS SOMEPLACE ELSE FOR THE HOMELESS AND FOR OTHER PEOPLE COMING TO.

AND THERE IS A UNIVERSITY OUT OF GAINESVILLE WHO HAS TAKEN OVER OUR FLAGLER COLLEGE, I MEAN, FLAGLER COLLEGE, THEY'VE DONE THAT TOO.

OUR HOSPITAL.

SO, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE ALL COMING.

THEY HAVE THE MONEY.

SO WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO DO WHAT WE NEED TO IN FIXING BASICALLY OUR ROADS.

SO I'M SO GLAD THAT EVERYBODY UP THERE IS PAYING ATTENTION.

THANK YOU. HI, I'M EMMA CONEY.

I'M ACADIA'S REPRESENTATIVE, AND I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

I'M GOING TO MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.

MISS JOSEPH, I KNOW THAT YOU'RE ASKING ABOUT THE WAGES.

I DO HAVE A FURTHER BREAKDOWN, IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE THAT.

I CAN GET YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION, EMAIL THAT TO YOU.

I KNOW THAT ACADIA REALLY WANTS TO BE A GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN AND REALLY PARTNER WITH THE COMMUNITY.

SO ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT WE CAN PROVIDE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM ONE? AYE. SEEING NONE, WE WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT.

OKAY. THAT BRINGS US BACK TO THE BOARD.

COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MR. ROGERS, I'VE JUST GOT A COUPLE MORE QUESTIONS FOR YOU, IF YOU DON'T MIND.

JUST IN LIGHT OF SOME OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT THAT WE HEARD.

HOW MANY I KNOW IT'S IN THE AGENDA PACKET, SO ANYBODY COULD LOOK IT UP IF THEY WERE INTERESTED.

HOW MANY PROPERTY TAX DOLLARS WILL BE USED TO PAY THIS INCENTIVE? NONE. THIS.

THIS IS EVERYTHING THAT ACADIA IS PAYING TO THE COUNTY BEING REIMBURSED.

EIGHT POINT GAS TAX, NO SALES TAX, NO PROPERTY TAXES.

LIKE THE FOLKS IN HERE WHO ARE HOMEOWNERS ARE PAYING PROPERTY TAXES TO THE COUNTY.

NONE OF THAT'S BEING USED TO PAY THIS INCENTIVE.

ABSOLUTELY. OKAY.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. YOU'RE WELCOME.

OKAY. COMMISSIONER DEAN.

I WANT TO BRIEFLY, IF I MAY, I'LL BE MAKING A MOTION, BUT I ALSO WANT TO POINT OUT I WANT TO MOVE FROM THE MICRO HERE TO THE MACRO.

HAVING SERVED ON THIS COMMISSION FOR SEVEN YEARS, LET ME GO BACK TO 2016 AND 2016.

IF YOU LOOK AT OUR THEN AD VALOREM TAX REVENUE, AND IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT WAS PAID BY BUSINESS VERSUS RESIDENTIAL, IT WAS RESIDENTIAL 90%, BUSINESS 10%, BASED ON THE ECONOMIC INCENTIVE EFFORTS THAT WE HAVE MADE AND THE RECRUITMENT OF BUSINESS WE'VE MADE IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.

HEADED UP, BY THE WAY, BY JOYCE BY JOY ANDREWS BEFORE SHE WAS ELEVATED TO ADMINISTRATOR.

WE'VE BEEN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL IN RECRUITING SOME VERY LARGE, VERY CLEAN INDUSTRY.

VERY GOOD. GOOD BUSINESSES.

WE'VE MOVED THAT NEEDLE NOW, OKAY.

TO WHERE BUSINESS IS NOW PAYING APPROXIMATELY 20%, AND THE RESIDENTIAL IS 80%.

SO WE'RE WE'RE PUTTING MORE OF THE TAX BURDEN WHERE THERE ARE LESS DEMANDS FOR SERVICES.

[00:50:05]

SO TO ME, THIS IS A VERY SMALL AMOUNT THAT WE'RE PAYING TO GET A HUGE RETURN ON OUR INVESTMENT IN SERVING THE RESIDENTS, THAT'S SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF THIS COUNTY, WHERE WE'RE ABLE TO KEEP AD VALOREM TAXES AT A REASONABLE RATE.

WE HAVEN'T HAD A MILLAGE INCREASE IN THE SEVEN YEARS I'VE BEEN ON THE BOARD FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMES WITH HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS.

SO WITH THAT, I'M PREPARED TO MAKE A MOTION, IF I MAY, MADAM CHAIR.

ABSOLUTELY. A MOTION TO INSTRUCT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE AGREEMENT FOR ACADIA HEALTH CARE COMPANY, INC.

AND PLACE THE PROPOSED INCENTIVE AGREEMENT FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD AT A LATER REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING.

SECOND. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

I HAVE A COMMENT, IF THAT'S ALL RIGHT.

YES. I LOVE THE PROGRAM.

I THINK IT'S A GREAT COMPANY, BUT I JUST CAN'T WRAP MY HEAD AROUND THE LOCATION.

AND IF IF THEY'RE COMING ANYWAY, I DON'T WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY.

SO SORRY. I'M GOING TO VOTE NO.

ALL RIGHT. MOTION SECOND.

IF THERE'S NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, PLEASE VOTE.

THAT PASSES FOR ONE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. ROGERS.

THANK YOU. ACADIA. MR. CHAIR. MADAM CHAIR, I'D LIKE TO MAKE A QUICK COMMENT ABOUT ACTUALLY A RESPONSE TO MISS CLYDE'S QUESTION ABOUT.

THEY'RE COMING ANYWAY.

AND I THINK THAT I LIKE TO REALLY COMMEND THE STAFF, THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE.

I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF WORK AND IT'S LABOROUS PROCESS THAT GO BEHIND THE SCENES THAT THE PUBLIC DOES NOT SEE.

AND A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE RECENT PUBLIX PHARMACEUTICAL FACILITY.

THEY ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

THESE KIND OF PROCESS ARE HIGHLY SELECTIVE AND COMPETITIVE.

SO THE PUBLIX IS AN EXAMPLE.

WE HAD TO COMPETE WITH OTHER SEVEN LOCATIONS.

THOSE ARE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER INDUSTRY AND OUR STAFF WORK REALLY HARD TO COMPETE WITH.

OTHER MUNICIPALITIES ARE LOOKING FOR THE SAME THING.

SO I WANT TO MAKE THAT COMMENT AND SAVANNAH HAS DONE AN AMAZING JOB ON THAT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MISS ANDREWS.

[2. Land Acquisition and Management Program Conservation Board Annual Property Ranking List for Consideration for Approval by the Board of County Commissioners.]

GOOD MORNING. MORNING.

MORNING. GOOD MORNING, MADAM CHAIR.

COMMISSIONERS. RYAN MAUCK, GROWTH MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION.

WE'RE EXCITED TO PRESENT ITEM NUMBER TWO.

IT'S THE LAMP BOARD'S 2023 RECOMMENDED PROPERTIES LIST.

I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE ELIZABETH GUTHRIE IS THE LAMP BOARD CHAIR TO PRESENT THE 2023 LIST.

JUST A FEW NOTES BEFORE ELIZABETH STARTS IN 2023.

THE LAMP BOARD REFINED THE REVIEW PROCESS THAT THEY HAVE.

THEY UPDATED SOME TEMPLATES.

THEY ADDED A 50% SCORING THRESHOLD AND AN INITIAL REVIEW FOR EACH PROPERTY TO EITHER CONTINUE WITH THE REVIEW OR AN APPLICATION OR NOT.

BASICALLY, YOU'RE YOU'RE REVIEWING THAT APPLICATION OR YOU'RE GOING TO SAY, NO, THANK YOU.

SO THIS LIST REPRESENTS THE TOP FIVE SCORED PROPERTIES IN 2023.

AND SO WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR TODAY IS THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DIRECTION.

THE BOARD CAN MOVE THE ORDER OF THE PROPERTIES OR EVEN SELECT CERTAIN ONES FROM THE LIST FOR STAFF TO PURSUE.

AND THE BCC COULD DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED ON ALL FIVE PROPERTIES OR SELECT FROM THE LIST.

SO YOUR APPROVAL OF THE LIST DIRECTS STAFF TO ORDER APPRAISALS, BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS, AND AN INSPECTION PROCESS FOR EACH OF THE PROPERTIES ON THE LIST OR THOSE OF YOUR CHOICE.

PROPERTIES NOT ON THE LAMP'S BUDGET WILL BE APPRAISED, BUT PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENTS WILL NOT BE PURSUED UNLESS DIRECT BY DIRECTED BY THE BOC. PROPERTIES FROM LAST YEAR CAN REMAIN ON THE LIST UNTIL ACQUIRED.

THE RANK HAS CHANGED OR ARE UNAVAILABLE.

AS WELL, CONCEPTUAL MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR EACH OF THE PROPERTIES WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY THE LAMP BOARD AND SUBMITTED TO THE BCC FOR APPROVAL.

SO YOUR MOTION TODAY WOULD BE TO APPROVE THE LIST AS IS, APPROVE THE LIST WITH CHANGES OR TO DENY THE LIST.

SO WITH THAT, I'LL GIVE IT OFF TO ELIZABETH TO CONTINUE WITH THE PRESENTATION.

THANK YOU. OKAY.

THANK YOU. RYAN.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

COMMISSIONERS AGAIN, I'M ELIZABETH GUTHRIE, THE CHAIR OF THE LAMP BOARD.

AND I'M GLAD TO BE HERE TODAY TO BE PRESENTING OUR RECOMMENDED LIST.

SO THE PROPERTIES WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT TODAY, I THINK RYAN GAVE A GREAT EXPLANATION OF WHY WE'RE HERE.

[00:55:03]

ALL RIGHT.

SO LOOKING BACK BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD, THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED PROPERTIES LIST FROM 2022, WHICH WAS THE FIRST YEAR THAT LAMP HAD BEEN REINSTATED. TO DATE, ONE PROPERTY HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY ACQUIRED, WHICH IS A SUCCESS.

NUMBER THREE ANASTASIA LAKES.

THE PROPERTY AT THE TOP OF THIS LIST, COUNTY ROAD 13, MCCULLOCH CREEK, IS STILL IN NEGOTIATIONS AND THE SECOND PROPERTY ON THIS LIST, COUNTY ROAD 13 NORTH, IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD.

DUE TO BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AND THE ASKING PRICE, THE REMAINING PROPERTIES, FOUR THROUGH SIX, HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE LIST, EITHER DUE TO ISSUES ARISING DURING THE DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD OR NO LONGER HAVING A WILLING SELLER, AND THAT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE LAMP PROGRAM IS A WILLING SELLER PROGRAM.

SO MOVING ON TO OUR 2023 RECOMMENDED PROPERTIES LIST.

THE LAMP BOARD SCORED THESE PROPERTIES ACCORDING TO OUR RANKING MATRIX, WHICH FEATURES CRITERIA INCLUDING ECOLOGICAL, HISTORIC, AND RECREATIONAL QUALITIES.

THESE SCORES WERE AVERAGED TO PRODUCE THIS RANKED LIST.

AND JUST FOR COMPARISON'S SAKE, I'M GOING TO JUMP BACK TO 2022.

IF WE LOOK AT THE EVALUATION SCORES FOR THESE SIX PROPERTIES, THEY RANGED FROM 59 AT THE HIGH TO 24 AT THE LOW.

AND THIS YEAR'S LIST, WE'RE LOOKING AT SCORES AS HIGH AS 82 POINTS AND A LOW OF 50.

SO THE PROGRAM CONTINUES TO RECEIVE PROPERTIES OF HIGH QUALITY AND EXCELLENT SUBMISSIONS.

AND RYAN NOTED OUR PROCESS CHANGE HERE TO MAKE SURE THAT PROPERTIES ARE MEETING THAT 50% SCORING THRESHOLD.

SO WHILE THE LAMP BOARD DID REVIEW MORE THAN SIX PROPERTIES THIS PAST YEAR, SOME OF THEM DID NOT MAKE THEM PAST THE INITIAL REVIEW PROCESS OR DID NOT SCORE ABOVE 50.

SO WE'RE NOT LOOKING AT THOSE TODAY.

AND AS YOU'LL SEE, THERE ARE ALSO SOME PROPERTIES WITH CONSIDERABLE ASKING PRICES ON THIS LIST.

SO, YOU KNOW, HOWEVER, THE COMMISSION DECIDES TO VOTE WHETHER IT'S TO AGREE WITH THE RANKING THAT'S PROVIDED OR WITH MODIFICATIONS.

I DO ENCOURAGE US NOT TO BYPASS PROPERTIES OR SHELVE PROPERTIES SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THE PRICE TAG.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF FUNDING SOURCES OUT THERE THAT COULD BE EXHAUSTED BEFORE GETTING TO THAT POINT.

OUR CURRENT LAMP BUDGET BALANCE IS A LITTLE OVER $3 MILLION RIGHT NOW, SO I ALSO HAVE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO SAY HOW APPRECIATIVE WE WERE OF THE COMMISSION APPROVING AN INCREASE FROM 500,000 TO $2 MILLION LAST YEAR.

I KNOW THAT THAT IS A ONE TIME ALLOCATION, SO HOPEFULLY WE WILL SEE THAT CONTINUE OR INCREASE IN THE FUTURE.

AND THAT WILL BE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT AS WE EXPLORE STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS, WHICH WILL WANT TO SEE A CONSIDERABLE MATCHING SOURCE.

SO WITH THAT, WE'LL START WITH OUR NUMBER ONE RANKED PROPERTY, WHICH IS SHORES BOULEVARD.

THIS IS OWNED BY THE DELTONA CORPORATION.

IT IS APPROXIMATELY 195 ACRES AND REPRESENTS A MILE OF UNDEVELOPED FRONTAGE ON THE MATANZAS RIVER.

SO PROPERTIES LIKE THIS DO NOT COME AROUND VERY OFTEN ANYMORE.

THIS IS A MIXTURE OF PINE UPLANDS, SALT MARSH, WETLANDS AND PLATTED LOTS, WHICH SPEAKS A BIT TO THE PRICE TAG.

AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS PROPERTY IS ADJACENT TO MOSES CREEK CONSERVATION AREA, WHICH IS OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE SAINT JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.

SO THERE COULD BE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED WITH THE ACQUISITION OF THIS PROPERTY.

SO KIND OF EASY TO SEE WHY THIS PROPERTY WAS RANKED NUMBER ONE.

BUT THERE ARE OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE LAMPBOARD THAT ALSO HAVE AN INTEREST IN THIS PROPERTY BEING CONSERVED.

A NUMBER OF BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO AGENCIES AND OTHER POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES.

CURRENTLY, THE DEP COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM HAS AN EXISTING GRANT TO ACQUIRE LANDS WITHIN THE NORTHEAST FLORIDA BLUEWAY IN WHICH THIS PROPERTY SITS, AND THEY ARE WORKING WITH NOAA, THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ON A GRANT TO POTENTIALLY AMEND THE SCOPE TO INCLUDE THIS PROJECT FOR FUNDING.

SO THE DEP REPRESENTATIVES COULD NOT JOIN US TODAY, BUT THEY DID SAY THAT COUNTY MATCH FUNDING WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT FOR GETTING THIS APPROVAL THROUGH THE PROCESS.

AND THIS IS FUNDING IN THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

SECOND PROPERTY ON OUR LIST IS BISHOP ESTATES ROAD.

THIS IS OWNED BY SARAH AND CLARK BAILEY.

IT'S 70 ACRES ADJACENT TO JULINGTON CREEK.

[01:00:03]

THE MAP REALLY TELLS THE STORY.

HERE WE COULD CONTINUE ZOOMING OUT, AND WE HAVE THIS SMALL GREEN GEM AMONGST A SEA OF HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MAKES THIS PROPERTY PARTICULARLY UNIQUE IS THE VARIETY OF OPTIONS AND APPROACHES THAT THE LANDOWNER HAS PUT FORTH FOR CONSIDERATION.

THE BAILEY FAMILY IS WILLING TO DONATE 50% OF THE APPRAISED LAND VALUE AS A MATCH FOR THIS PROJECT.

FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE LAND WERE TO APPRAISE FOR 20 MILLION, THEY HAVE AGREED TO A $10 MILLION SALES PRICE.

THEY HAVE ALSO OFFERED THAT THIS PROJECT COULD BE SPLIT INTO SEVERAL PHASES INCLUDING FIRST PHASE WITH THE FRONT PASTURE LAND ALONG BISHOP ESTATES ROAD, INCLUDING THE WETLANDS AND A LARGE PASTURE, AND PHASE TWO, INCLUDING THE TEN ACRE PARCEL AND THE JULINGTON CREEK ADJACENT LOTS.

THEY'RE ALSO WILLING TO ACCEPT PAYMENT OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS.

SO THESE THESE OWNERS ARE INCREDIBLY FLEXIBLE AND WANTING TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY AND OTHERS TO SEE THEIR LAND CONSERVED.

OKAY. MOVING CLOSER TO THE RIVER.

WE HAVE DON MANUEL ROAD.

THIS PROPERTY IS MUCH SMALLER IN SIZE AND IN PRICE TAG.

BUT THIS WAS A PARTICULAR INTEREST TO THE BOARD MEMBERS BECAUSE IT EXPANDS ON EXISTING CONSERVATION LANDS.

IT'S ADJACENT TO THE COUNTY'S FLOYD TRACT.

IT'S ALSO LOCATED WITHIN THE SAINT JOHNS RIVER BLUEWAY, FLORIDA FOREVER AREA, AS WELL AS ADJACENT TO THE DEEP CREEK CONSERVATION AREA.

PROPERTY NUMBER FOUR ON THE LIST.

THIS IS 8805 A-1-A SOUTH.

THIS IS A HALF ACRE PARCEL LOCATED ALONG THE SCENIC AND HISTORIC A-1-A CORRIDOR ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE MATANZAS INLET.

THIS WAS FORMERLY THE SITE OF A RESTAURANT.

AND THERE ARE A FEW POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES TO USE THIS PROPERTY FOR PASSIVE RECREATIONAL USE, WHETHER BY INSTALLING PAVILIONS OR EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE.

AND ONE OF THE USES DISCUSSED IN PARTICULAR WAS FOR THE POTENTIAL TO INTERPRET AND EDUCATE ABOUT CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN THE AREA.

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, WE HAVE HAWKINS ISLAND.

THIS IS A 13.6 ACRE ISLAND ON THE EAST BANK OF THE MATANZAS RIVER.

IT'S LOCATED WITHIN THE NORTHEAST FLORIDA BLUE WAVE FLORIDA FOREVER PROJECT AREA.

IT'S A MIXTURE OF UPLAND HAMMOCK AND SALTMARSH, AND THERE IS NO DIRECT ACCESS FROM LAND, SO ANY POTENTIAL RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES COULD BE PROVIDED BY WATER ACCESS.

AND JUST TO MENTION, THERE ARE A FEW ISLANDS LOCATED FURTHER SOUTH ON THE MATANZAS THAT ARE POPULAR SITES FOR PRIMITIVE CAMPING, WHICH COULD BE A CONSIDERATION FOR THIS SITE AS WELL. OKAY, I WILL TURN THIS OVER.

THANK YOU, MISS GUTHRIE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

I'M ADAM TECCHLER, GRANTS AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS MANAGER.

I'M HERE TODAY TO DISCUSS MORE ON THE FUNDING ASPECTS OF POTENTIAL LAND ACQUISITIONS.

I WOULD LIKE TO START OFF WITH FEDERAL FUNDS.

I'VE PRETTY MUCH GROUPED THEM INTO FOUR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BASED ON DEPARTMENTS.

A LOT OF THESE FUNDS ARE EITHER PASS THROUGH FEDERAL FUNDS THAT GO TO THE STATE AGENCIES AND ARE DIVIDED INTO MULTIPLE STATE PROGRAMS. SOME ARE DIRECT FUNDS THAT MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS CAN APPLY FOR.

ALSO, THERE ARE FUNDS WHERE STATE SPONSORSHIP IS REQUIRED.

WHERE A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT WOULD SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, THE STATE WOULD GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS AND THEN IDENTIFY AN APPLICANT TO SUBMIT TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT, THE MAJOR THE MAJOR LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM IS, OF COURSE, THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND.

THAT PROGRAM IS UTILIZED HERE IN FLORIDA IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMS. SOME ASPECTS OF THIS REQUIRE A PROPERTY TO BE IN THE SPORT PLAN, WHICH IS THE STATEWIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN.

OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM ADDRESS MORE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

AN INTERESTING PROGRAM UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IS THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE.

THERE'S AN EXTENSIVE NUMBER OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THERE.

A LOT OF THOSE WE HAVE NOT YET TAPPED INTO.

THAT IS ONE AREA WHERE THE OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS IS GOING TO BE LOOKING AT TO IDENTIFY PROGRAMS THERE THAT MIGHT HELP IN THE LAND ACQUISITION PROCESS.

AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.

YOU HAVE THE NOAA COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

THIS IS THE PROGRAM THAT DEP APPLIED FOR FOR THEIR STATEWIDE $6 MILLION AWARD THAT THEY RECEIVED.

[01:05:04]

THE DISCUSSIONS ARE RELATED TO THAT.

TRANSPORTATION. THIS ONE'S INTERESTING.

THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM.

YOU KNOW, A LOT OF TIMES YOU THINK ABOUT JUST LOOKING AT PLANNING AND PLANNING THE TRAIL PROCESS, BUT THE LAND ACQUISITION IS ALSO A PROCESS IN THAT.

AND SO THAT MONEY IS ALSO AVAILABLE.

STATE THEN WE HAVE OUR STATE FUNDS AND THOSE WITH.

FDEP. YOU OF COURSE, HAVE FIRDAPSE, WHICH IS MORE RECREATIONAL BASED PROGRAM, AND YOU HAVE THE FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST FLORIDA FOREVER PROGRAM AS WELL.

INTERESTING. THIS SESSION, WE HAVE SENATE BILL 1638, WHICH SHOULD BE UP ON THIRD READING TODAY.

WE DO EXPECT IT TO PASS.

THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT ENHANCEMENT OF REVENUE POTENTIALLY COMING THROUGH THE SEMINOLE GAMING COMPACT.

THIS MONEY WILL GO TO THE FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR PROGRAM.

ALSO, POTENTIALLY RURAL LANDS AS WELL AS THE RESILIENT FLORIDA PROGRAM.

I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THAT SOME OF THE PROPERTIES THAT HUG THE MATANZAS RIVER ARE IDENTIFIED IN PRIORITY CORRIDOR TWO OF THE WILDLIFE CORRIDOR, WHICH MEANS THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE FUNDING THROUGH THAT PROGRAM.

THE RURAL LANDS PROGRAM WOULD ADDRESS MORE CONSERVATION EASEMENTS THAN FULL LAND ACQUISITION, BUT IT IS CERTAINLY BEING SIGNIFICANTLY FUNDED THROUGH SB 1638.

THE RESILIENT FLORIDA PROGRAM ALSO IS RECEIVING FUNDING.

I WOULD SAY THAT WITH LAND ACQUISITION IN THE RESILIENT FLORIDA PROGRAM, YOU OF COURSE HAVE THE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT.

SO DEPENDING ON HOW A PROPERTY MAY SCORE, MAY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN WHETHER THAT PROPERTY MIGHT BE A REASONABLE PROJECT IN THE RESILIENT FLORIDA PROGRAM.

FINALLY, I WANTED TO GO A LITTLE BIT MORE DETAIL INTO THE CESIUM AWARD THAT THE DEP WAS AWARDED.

THE CRITICAL CONSERVATION LAND ACQUISITION FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE IS RELATED TO THE NORTHEAST FLORIDA BLU RAY PROJECT.

IT PROTECTS IN GENERAL, IT'S FOCUSED ON PROTECTING 14 FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES AND PLANTS.

PORTION OF THE 6 MILLION AGAIN MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR SAINT JOHNS COUNTY FOR THAT PARTICULAR PROPERTY.

I KNOW THAT THE DISCUSSIONS ARE ONGOING, AND THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY WHEN YOU HAVE FEDERAL FUNDS, OF COURSE, THEN TO BUNDLE WITH STATE FUNDS AND OF COURSE, WITH ANY COUNTY POTENTIAL MATCH, THAT IF THE BOARD WERE TO CONSIDER THAT WE COULD BUILD AND LEVERAGE THESE FUNDS TOGETHER TO MEET A PROPERTY OF SUBSTANTIAL SIZE. AND THAT CONCLUDES MY PRESENTATION.

MADAM CHAIR. IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER.

THANK YOU, MR. TECCHLER. ANY QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST? THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

MISS GUTHRIE, I'VE JUST GOT A QUICK QUESTION FOR YOU.

IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND, THE SCORE MINIMUM THRESHOLD WAS RAISED TO 50%.

I KIND OF WANT TO SEE IT HIGHER THAN THAT, BUT I DON'T WANT TO OVERLY BURDEN YOUR BOARD BY RAISING IT SO HIGH THAT WE DON'T FIND ANY PROPERTIES THAT QUALIFY.

CAN CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT? WHAT CHALLENGES WOULD THAT PRESENT IF WE DECIDED TO RAISE IT MORE THAN WE JUST DID? WELL, IT'S IT'S HARD TO SAY YEAR BY YEAR HOW MANY PROPERTIES ARE GOING TO COME THROUGH.

YOU KNOW, MY HOPE IS WE'VE SEEN AN INCREASE ALREADY.

WITH MORE FUNDING COMING TO THIS PROGRAM AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTING THEMSELVES THROUGH OTHER FUNDING SOURCES, WE I HOPE THAT WE CONTINUE TO SEE A LOT MORE PROPERTIES BEING SUBMITTED TO THE PROGRAM.

SO I THINK, YOU KNOW, THAT'S THAT COULD BE A REASONABLE REQUEST THAT WE INCREASE THAT A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN 50, BECAUSE CURRENTLY OUR TOTAL POINTS ARE 100 POINTS. SO THAT'S WHERE WE'RE AT 50.

WELL, I KNOW COMMISSIONER DEAN OBVIOUSLY LED THE CHARGE ON THIS, AND I WAS JUST FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS WHEN THIS PROGRAM WAS WAS RE-IMPLEMENTED OR REACQUIRED BY THE COUNTY A FEW YEARS AGO.

BUT WE DID WANT TO AT LEAST MY THOUGHT WAS THAT WE COULD ACQUIRE HIGH QUALITY PROPERTIES AND REALLY, THERE WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS IN DOING THAT.

SO I'LL PROBABLY BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU SOON, AND MAYBE WE CAN SIT DOWN AND TALK ABOUT THE PARTICULARS OF THAT.

BUT THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HARD WORK THAT YOU DO ON THE LAND BOARD.

I APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ALAIMO.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR, AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK ON THE ON THE LAND BOARD AND FOR THE PRESENTATION THAT YOU'VE PUT TOGETHER HERE.

HOW DOES THE PROPERTY GO ABOUT GETTING ON THE LIST AS FAR AS BEING ADDED TO THIS? I MEAN, I KNOW WE HAVE THE LIST OF THE PROPERTIES HERE.

CAN THAT CAN PROPERTIES BE ADDED TO THAT OR.

ABSOLUTELY. SO THE LAND PROGRAM IS A WILLING SELLER PROGRAM.

SO LANDOWNERS CAN SUBMIT THEIR PROPERTIES.

THERE IS A FORM AVAILABLE ONLINE OR DIRECTIONS TO GET IN TOUCH WITH RYAN.

AND WE HAVE A PROPERTY APPLICATION FORM THAT THEY CAN SUBMIT.

IT CAN EITHER BE THE LANDOWNER THEMSELVES OR AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LANDOWNER WHO CAN SUBMIT A PROPERTY TO BE CONSIDERED.

[01:10:04]

OKAY. I HAD A PIECE OF PROPERTY OFF OF MOSELLE AND 16.

THAT WAS A PROPOSED RV AND BOAT STORAGE UNIT.

WE HAD A COMMUNITY MEETING.

THERE WERE, I'D SAY, MAYBE A COUPLE OF HUNDRED PEOPLE THERE CONCERNED ABOUT TRAFFIC, YOU KNOW, THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, DRAINAGE.

AND THE PROPERTY OWNER HAD REACHED OUT TO ME BECAUSE AT THE MEETING HE WAS GETTING FEEDBACK TO, YOU KNOW, WHY DOESN'T THE COUNTY LOOK TO ACQUIRE THIS? SO HE HAD REACHED OUT TO ME AND WAS LOOKING FOR DIRECTION ON ON WHO TO SPEAK WITH.

SO I GUESS I'LL GET IN TOUCH WITH JOY OR GET THAT INFORMATION GOING.

SO. GREAT.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER JOSEPH.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS LIST IS FANTASTIC.

I'M EXCITED BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN ACTUALLY USE THE PROPERTIES AND I.

I LOVE THE FIRST TWO.

I THINK IF ADAM GETS SOME MONEY GOING AND MATCHES, I THINK WE COULD GET A LOT MORE THAN WE REALLY THOUGHT WE WOULD.

SO REALLY, I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK AND I APPRECIATE THE WAY YOU'RE TARGETING THESE.

AND THANK YOU.

OKAY WITH THAT? SORRY, COMMISSIONER DEAN, BEFORE WE TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT, I WANT TO THROW OUT AN IDEA SO THE PUBLIC KNOWS WHAT I'M THINKING, BECAUSE I'M GOING TO BE REQUESTING A MINOR AMENDMENT, AND ANYONE WHO WANTS TO COMMENT ON IT WOULD BE GREAT.

WHAT I'M GOING TO SUGGEST IS THAT PREFACE IT BY SAYING THE SHORES PROPERTY, IN MY EXPERIENCE IN LAND ACQUISITION IN FLORIDA, NOT JUST SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, BUT IN FLORIDA, PRESENTS A VERY, VERY UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE A VERY ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL PIECE OF LAND.

BUT ALSO, THE MATANZAS RIVER IS UNDER SEVERE PRESSURE, AND IT'S ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING HEALTHY ESTUARIES IN THE ENTIRE STATE.

I DEAL A LOT IN SOUTH FLORIDA WATER ISSUES AND THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON AND THE CALOOSAHATCHEE ESTUARY, OR BASICALLY DONE IN AND FOR LACK OF A BETTER REASON OR WORDING, THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY.

BUT WHAT COMMISSIONER JOSEPH JUST REFERRED TO MAKES IT EVEN MORE EXCITING.

AND THAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTNER WITH OTHER AGENCIES THAT HAVE MORE MONEY THAN WE'LL EVER HAVE.

AND SO IT'S VERY IT'S CRITICAL THAT WE WORK WITH THE FEDERAL NOAA PROGRAM AND DEP, BUT THAT TAKES A WHILE.

SO WHAT I'M GOING TO SUGGEST IN A NUTSHELL IS THAT WE PASS THE PREPARED MOTION, BUT WITH A CAVEAT THAT WE RESERVE AT LEAST OF THE 3.2 MILLION AVAILABLE, WE RESERVE AT LEAST $1 MILLION TO SET ASIDE, AT LEAST FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, TO MATCH FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING FOR THE DELTONA PROPERTY, THE SHORES PROPERTY.

AND WE CAN PLAY THAT BY EAR AS TIME GOES ON.

AS IF WE NEED ADDITIONAL TIME.

BUT MY POINT IS, WE GET A LOT OF CREDIT AS A LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO PURSUE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL ACQUISITIONS.

WE DON'T HAVE TO PUT UP NEARLY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT.

I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN SCORES OF THESE TYPES OF PARTNERSHIPS AROUND THE STATE.

AND IF THE COUNTY COMES FORWARD WITH A LITTLE BIT, BASICALLY, YOU KNOW, IT'S SORT OF LIKE TITHING.

YOU GIVE WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD, RIGHT? SO WE WOULD HOPE THE FEDS AND THE STATE WOULD BE ABLE TO PUT IN THE BIG BUCKS.

SO I THINK THAT'S I'VE DRONED ON ENOUGH, BUT THAT'LL BE SOMETHING I'D LIKE TO ADD TO THE STAFF PREPARED MOTION.

I WOULD SUPPORT THAT. I THINK THAT IT'S IT'S IMPORTANT TO SHOW THAT WE DO HAVE SKIN IN THE GAME.

SO AGREED THAT I GUESS WE'LL GO TO PUBLIC COMMENT.

ALL RIGHT. WE'LL NOW OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER TWO.

PLEASE COME FORWARD. STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD.

YOU'LL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS LISA MCGLYNN.

I LIVE AT 703 PINEHURST PLACE.

FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT AND FOCUS ON THE LAMP PROGRAM.

AND, COMMISSIONER DEAN, YOU KNOW, THIS HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE CHAMPIONED, AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT AND FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT DURING THE CONVERSATION.

NOW, IT'S VERY CLEAR THAT WE NEED MORE MONEY PUT INTO LAMP.

THE MORE WE HAVE IN THE PROGRAM, THE MORE WE CAN LEVERAGE AND THE MORE WE MORE PROPERTIES WE CAN ACQUIRE.

I'D ALSO LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT AS SINCE WE'RE IN THE BUDGET PROCESS OR STARTING THE BUDGET PROCESS, THAT WE THINK ABOUT HOW WE CAN INCREASE FUNDING FOR LAMP. LAST YEAR WE HAD A $2 MILLION BUDGET ITEM.

I HOPE THAT BECOMES RECURRING.

I'D ALSO LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT WE THINK ABOUT TWO OTHER THINGS.

ONE, HOW CAN WE MAKE VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LAMP PROGRAM BE A REALITY IN THIS COUNTY WHERE CITIZENS WHO WANT TO HELP SUPPORT THIS

[01:15:03]

AND THAT HELPS EVERYBODY HAVE SKIN IN THE GAME.

AND THE SECOND PART OF IT IS, AS THIS COUNTY CONTINUES TO GROW, THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION LAND ALSO INCREASES.

SO COULD WE THINK ABOUT SOME SORT OF AS, AS WE ISSUE MORE BUILDING PERMITS AS WE CONTINUE TO BUILD MORE, HOW CAN WE THEN ELEVATE THE AMOUNT OF CONSERVATION LAND? THOSE TWO THINGS GO HAND IN HAND.

SO I'D LIKE TO PUT THAT OUT THERE OR SOMETHING THAT WE THINK ABOUT.

AND THEN LASTLY, THE THE MAJOR COMMENTS THAT HAVE COME AT THE TOWN HALL MEETINGS THAT HAVE BEEN HELD ABOUT THE COMP PLAN HAVE FOCUSED ON PRESERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION OF LAND.

THAT SEEMS TO BE THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT PEOPLE HAVE ON THEIR MIND, AT LEAST AS IT'S BEEN EXPRESSED SO FAR IN THE TOWN HALL MEETINGS.

SO I'D JUST LIKE TO LEAVE YOU WITH THAT.

AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION AND TO THE LAMP PROGRAM.

CLARKE BAILEY, 2177, BISHOP ESTATES ROAD, SAINT JOHN'S, FLORIDA.

I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT USE OUR PROPERTY, THAT WE WOULD URGE YOU TO APPROVE THIS PROPERTY AND ALL THE OTHERS ON THE LIST.

I URGE YOU TO APPROVE COMMISSIONER DEAN'S AMENDMENT TO IT, TO PURCHASE THAT PROPERTY, BECAUSE THAT WILL BE GROWING HOUSES SOON IF WE DON'T.

AND I WOULD REITERATE WHAT THIS LADY JUST SAID, WE AS A COUNTY NEED TO HAVE A VEHICLE IN WHICH WE CAN PURSUE THESE MATCHING FUNDS TO ACQUIRE LAND FOR CONSERVATION AND RECREATIONAL USE.

I DROVE DOWN RACETRACK ROAD TODAY, TEN MILES.

I WOULD VENTURE TO SAY THERE ARE LESS THAN FIVE PARCELS ON THAT PIECE OF LAND ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD THAT ARE NOT DEVELOPED.

THE REST OF THE COUNTY WILL BE THAT WAY IF WE DO NOT DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT IMMEDIATELY.

I WOULD URGE THE COUNTY TO PROBABLY PUT SOMETHING ON THE THE TO THE VOTE FOR THE PEOPLE OF SAINT JOHNS COUNTY TO TAX THEMSELVES TO, TO HAVE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS PURPOSE.

IF WE DO NOT DO IT NOW, IT WILL BE TOO LATE.

SO THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERATION.

THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR BOARD.

THANK THE STAFF AND EVERYONE HERE THAT'S PARTICIPATING IN THIS UNIQUE FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT WE HAVE, AND HOPE THAT IT WILL BE HERE FOR YEARS TO COME.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

GOOD DAY, HEATHER HARLEY DAVIDSON.

TO 2070 REEF DRIVE.

I LIKE THAT Y'ALL ARE PINPOINTING SOME CRITICAL AREAS, SUCH AS WHAT ALAMO SUGGESTED WITH THE PROPERTY THAT'S RIGHT NEXT TO THE WATER TREATMENT CENTER.

YOU CAN'T. ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO BE ABLE TO BUILD HOUSES THERE? AND IT IS RIGHT NEXT TO A BIRD SANCTUARY.

MY CONTENTION IS WHEN WE TAKE THIS PROPERTY OFF THE TAX ROLLS, THEY'RE GOING TO LOOK AT US TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE. I'D LIKE THESE CRITICAL AREAS PURCHASED WITH STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING RATHER THAN OUR TAX DOLLARS. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS IN THIS COMPREHENSIVE LAND PLAN THAT'S PROPOSED HOW SAINT JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT CAN LOOK THE OTHER WAY WHILE WE MOW OVER AND FILL 180 ACRES OF WETLANDS HERE AND THERE.

WE LOOK THE OTHER WAY WHEN IT COMES TO THEM.

SOME OF THESE ARE ALREADY HAVE BEEN APPROVED 1990.

WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT? WE HAD A LOT OF RULES AND REGULATIONS OVER THE YEARS AND THINGS THAT HAVE BECOME LAW THAT WERE AGAINST THE LAW BACK IN THE DAY. WE NEED TO REEVALUATE OUR OUR GOALS HERE.

I THINK THE CRITICAL SMALLER AREAS ON THE ISLAND AND ON OUR RIVER WAYS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED FIRST, RATHER THAN WHY.

MASSIVE ACREAGE EVERYWHERE.

THANK YOU ALL.

I I APPRECIATE THE LAMP PROJECT.

HOWEVER, THERE IS A LOT OF CONTENTION.

PEOPLE HAVE VOTED AGAINST THE FUNDING ON MULTIPLE REFERENDUMS, SO WE NEED TO REALLY LOOK AT QUALITY PROPERTIES.

THANK YOU.

[01:20:06]

I AM SPEAKING JENNIFER UDOW OF 1316 CORMORANT COURT, AND I AM SPEAKING ABOUT THE BAILEY RANCH AS WELL.

SO I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HORSE SENSE AND SENSITIVITY.

OUR ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR 20 YEARS AND HAS BEEN BLESSED TO BE OPERATING AT THE BAILEY RANCH FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS.

OUR MISSION IS TO ENRICH LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DIFFERING ABILITIES THROUGH OUR EQUINE THERAPY PROGRAMS. WE PROVIDE THERAPEUTIC RIDING TO INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES.

WE HAVE CLIENTS FROM THREE TO 40S WITH ALL DIFFERENT DIAGNOSES.

OVER THE 20 YEARS WE HAVE SERVED SEVERAL HUNDRED CLIENTS.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE OVER 65 ACTIVE CLIENTS THAT COME TO THE BAILEY RANCH FOR THERAPEUTIC RIDING SERVICES.

THE RANCH IS A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT AND IT PROVIDES US AN OPPORTUNITY VERY DIFFERENT FROM MOST THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTERS, WHERE A LOT OF THE ACTIVITY IS STRICTLY CONTAINED IN AN ARENA.

WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE RANCH.

WE TAKE OUR STUDENTS AROUND TO SEE ALL THAT THE RANCH HAS TO OFFER WITH NATURE.

THE RANCH IS SO SPECIAL AND UNIQUE AND IT IS IN THE HEART OF JULINGTON CREEK PLANTATION.

THERE ARE BEAUTIFUL TREES.

PEOPLE GO THERE TO COMMUNE WITH NATURE.

THEY CAN SEE THE RANCH ANIMALS AS WELL AS DEER, BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES, RACCOONS.

IT IS A HAVEN OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY AND A COMMUNITY WHERE WE ARE SURROUNDED BY CONSTANT GROWTH.

BEING THERE TAKES YOU BACK IN TIME TO A PLACE WHERE IT IS CALMER, AND WE ARE AWAY FROM THE TECHNOLOGY THAT CONSTANTLY BOGS US DOWN.

TODAY OUR ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN THERE 12 YEARS, AND NOT ONLY DO WE DO THERAPEUTIC RIDING THERE AT THE RANCH, WE HAVE OFFERED SO MANY OTHER THINGS NOW.

SO WE HAVE A PARTNERSHIP WITH BROOKS PEDIATRIC RECREATION, WHERE WE DO HORSE EXPERIENCES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY.

THEY HAVE ALSO STARTED A GARDENING PROGRAM THERE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS, AND THEY HAVE DONE THIS NOW FOR THREE YEARS, OFFERING EIGHT WEEK CLASSES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY. WE OFFER SPECIAL OLYMPICS EQUESTRIAN AT THE RANCH AND HAVE COACHED SPECIAL OLYMPICS THERE FOR FIVE YEARS AND HAD FOUR LOCAL COMPETITIONS THERE AT THE RANCH, WE ALSO DO GIRL AND BOY SCOUT EQUINE EDUCATION PROGRAMS, PUBLIC COMMUNITY EVENTS WHERE THE RANCH IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR FUN AND ACCESS TO SEE THE RANCH, AND THEN ALSO JUST OCCASIONAL FUN BIRTHDAY PARTIES.

WE OFFER EXCELLENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TO COME, BUT ALSO WE HAVE ADULT AND SENIOR VOLUNTEERS WHO COME, AND OFTENTIMES IT IS THERAPY FOR THEM AS WELL, JUST TO COME AND GROOM AND SPEND TIME WITH OUR RESCUE HORSES WE HAVE AT THE RANCH.

OUR VOLUNTEERS HELP THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND ALSO HELP WITH FEEDING AND THE CARE OF THE ANIMALS THERE.

AND THEN. MY OTHER INSTRUCTOR THAT WORKS WITH ME IS ALSO A PHYSICAL THERAPIST, SO SHE PROVIDES SOME HIPPOTHERAPY AS WELL TO SEVERAL PATIENTS AT THE RANCH.

FINALLY, MY DAUGHTER CATHERINE UDOW HAS A BUSINESS RUNNING DOING REGULAR LESSONS, AND WE HAVE A PONY CLUB THAT IS BASED OUT OF THE RANCH.

WE ARE CONSTANTLY REACHING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU.

MORNING. CHUCK LABANOWSKI 1748 NORTH CAPARO.

I LOVE THE LAMP PROGRAM.

I KNOW IT'S ALREADY BEEN DISCUSSED ABOUT THE BUDGET COMING UP.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A MINIMUM OF 4 MILLION PUT INTO THAT BUDGET.

MINIMUM. HERE'S THE THING.

IT'S NOT AN EXPENDITURE.

IT'S AN INVESTMENT IN OUR COUNTY.

AND I THINK WE NEED TO START INVESTING IN OUR COUNTY MORE AND MORE.

THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER TWO? ALL RIGHT. HOWDY.

MY NAME IS JUSTIN MILLER.

I LIVE AT 515 GERONA ROAD IN SAINT AUGUSTINE.

I'M IN LARGE SUPPORT OF THESE ACCUSATIONS.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO PROTECT LAND ALONG ESTUARIES TO PREVENT STORM DAMAGE TO OUR COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING THOSE WITHIN EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS.

BUYING UP LAND PREVENTS INCREASED DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE ESTUARIES, WHICH IS DAMAGING TO THE COMMUNITY.

DEVELOPMENT IN THIS AREA REDUCES FUTURE MITIGATION EFFORTS AGAINST INCREASING STORM STRENGTHS.

SO IT'S IMPORTANT IT'S AN IMPORTANT EFFORT TO PROTECT OUR REMAINING HABITAT ALONG THESE ESTUARIES TO PROTECT OUR WILDLIFE AND RESIDENTS.

WHAT I WANT TO SAY IS THANK YOU FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF ALL THE COMMISSIONERS HERE TO PROTECT THE LAND ALONG THE ESTUARIES AND NEARBY HABITATS BECAUSE IT PROTECTS OUR LIVES AND OUR PROPERTIES.

[01:25:04]

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS I'M DIRK SCHROEDER, 428 GALLARDO CIRCLE IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SHORES.

I'M A REAL ESTATE BROKER AND OWNER OF CENTURY 21 SAINT AUGUSTINE PROPERTIES, REPRESENTING THE DELTONA CORPORATION.

I WANT TO AGAIN THANK THE LAND BOARD FOR THEIR CAREFUL DELIBERATION AND IN PARTICULAR, RYAN MARSH.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF HIS ASSISTANCE IN PRODUCING THE TOP FIVE RANKING LIST, WHICH IS BEFORE YOU FOR CONSIDERATION.

I THINK IT'S BEEN SAID BEFORE NOW, OPPORTUNITIES TO PURCHASE SOME OF THE MOST SELECT PARCELS, WHICH WILL HAVE SUCH A POSITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE IMPACT TO THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTS, DO NOT COME ALONG EVERY DAY.

THE TOP CHOICE ON YOUR LIST IS THE SHORES BOULEVARD PARCEL.

I'D LIKE TO THANK THE DELTONA CORPORATION, AND IN PARTICULAR TONY AND RUDY GRAHAM, WHO ARE THE OWNERS OF THAT CORPORATION, FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE LAMP PROCESS BY OFFERING THE LARGEST REMAINING PARCEL OF LAND AND THE LAST ENTITLED PARCEL OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE WESTERN SHORE OF THE MATANZAS RIVER.

IT IS ONLY ONE OF SEVEN PRIVATELY OWNED PARCELS ALONG THE MATANZAS RIVER, ALL THE WAY FROM SAINT AUGUSTINE SHORES DOWN TO PELLISIER CREEK.

THAT'S A VERY UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY.

IT ENCOMPASSES ROUGHLY 180 PLUS ACRES WITH ONE MILE OF SHORELINE.

IT IS SIGNIFICANT FOR A MULTITUDE OF REASONS.

I'LL SKIP THROUGH THAT BECAUSE RYAN ALREADY HAS ELABORATED ON THAT.

THE SHORES RESIDENTS ARE REALLY NOT AWARE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING.

THERE ARE 10,000 PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SHORES.

I'VE TRIED TO KEEP IT UNDER THE RADAR UNTIL NOW.

IT'S PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AT THIS PARTICULAR JUNCTURE.

I ALSO REPRESENT THE HAWKINS FAMILY.

THEY HAVE PROPERTY NUMBER FIVE.

LIKE I SAID, THESE OPPORTUNITIES DON'T COME ALONG VERY OFTEN.

THAT PROPERTY IS ALREADY UNDER CONTRACT.

I'M SORRY TO SAY THAT I'D LOVE TO SEE IT PURCHASED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, BUT I'LL LET YOU KNOW AS THINGS PROGRESS.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

THANK YOU. MICHAEL MCDONALD, WINDSWEPT ACRES NEIGHBORHOOD.

I WOULD LIKE TO APPRECIATE THIS GENTLEMAN'S EFFORTS TO MAKE THAT PROPERTY AVAILABLE FOR US TO PURCHASE.

THAT IS THAT SOUNDS LIKE AN INCREDIBLE PROPERTY FOR US TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE.

I WANT TO COMMEND THIS PROGRAM FOR EVEN BEING RESTARTED.

AND I THINK WE NEED AS MUCH FUNDING IN THIS PROGRAM AS POSSIBLE.

I THINK THIS COULD ONLY BENEFIT US.

WE JUST NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE NOT BEING MANIPULATED BY THE SYSTEM AND MAKE SURE THERE'S TRANSPARENCY THROUGH IT.

BUT OTHER THAN THAT, I THINK WE NEED AS MUCH FUNDING IN THIS PROGRAM AS YOU COULD PUT INTO IT.

AND IT AS WELL.

MATCH ANYBODY THAT'S INVOLVED.

WE CAN FIND NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES, NEIGHBORING COUNTIES THAT HAVE SIMILAR IDEOLOGY.

AND I THINK WE COULD CONSERVE AS MUCH PROPERTY AS WE CAN.

AND THE PROPERTY THAT ROY MENTIONED IS A FANTASTIC EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE PROPERTIES WE NEED TO FIND IS THE PROPERTIES THAT HAVE NO BENEFIT TO US OTHER THAN TAX ROLL. SO YEAH, I WOULD THINK THAT IT WOULD BE A GREAT BENEFIT TO MAKE SURE THAT PROPERTY IS SPECIFICALLY PURCHASED.

NO MATTER WHAT GENERAL FUNDS OR WHATEVER THAT THAT DELTONA PROPERTY BACKS UP TO KB HOMES AND KB HOMES, ALL THAT LOT, ALL THAT PROPERTY IS STILL MAPPED OUT RIGHT NEXT TO IT.

SO WE NEED TO PROTECT THAT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING. I AGREE ED SLAVIN BOX 304.

ED SLAVIN COM SAINT AUGUSTINE.

COM I PARTICULARLY WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER DEAN FOR HIS EFFORTS OVER MANY YEARS TO PRESERVE CONSERVATION LAND IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

I THINK HE'S AT ABOUT 700,000 ACRES IN 17 COUNTIES, INCLUDING 70,000 ACRES IN TWO COUNTIES HERE, WHICH WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING BE PART OF THE SAINT AUGUSTINE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND NATIONAL SEASHORE, WHICH I WISH THE LAMP BOARD WOULD FINALLY DEIGN TO DISCUSS, BECAUSE COMMISSIONER DEAN CAME TO ONE OF OUR LAMP MEETINGS AND ASKED HIM TO TALK ABOUT IT.

AND THAT CHAIR, SHE'S NOT VERY FRIENDLY, WOULDN'T EVEN TALK ABOUT IT, AND DIDN'T EVEN PUT IT ON THE AGENDA AND WOULDN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE SOURCE OF HER SAYING IN COMMISSIONER COMMENTS WHY SHE DIDN'T THINK IT WAS WITHIN THEIR PURVIEW.

AND THERE WAS AN ATTORNEY SITTING THERE AND A COMMISSIONER SITTING THERE TOO.

SO THAT LAMP BOARD NEEDS TO BE RE CONCEPTUALIZED.

NOW. I DO APPRECIATE THOUGH, THIS BOARD, YOU GOT A RECOMMENDATION FROM LAMP ON ONE PARTICULAR PARCEL THAT WAS CONNECTED TO A POLITICIAN, HIS SON.

[01:30:04]

THEY FOUND IT. AND I AGAIN, THANK COMMISSIONER DEAN FOR MOVING.

I THINK YOU ALL DID IT UNANIMOUSLY REMOVING THAT PARTICULAR PARCEL FROM THE LIST OF ACQUISITIONS.

SO WE NEED CLOSER CONTROLS AND BETTER DATA.

WE DON'T NEED PESTICIDES, INSECTICIDES, FUNGICIDES AND RODENTICIDES ON NEW CONSERVATION LAND.

THEY NEED TO BE THOROUGHLY VETTED.

I THINK THE GOLD STANDARD ON THESE THINGS IS THE 60 LAB IN ATLANTA OR THE ATLANTA SUBURBS.

ATHENS, GEORGIA. I'M SURE YOU'VE BEEN THERE, HENRY, I TOURED IT.

I HAD A CASE. EPA IS THE GOLD STANDARD, THE 60 LAB.

LET'S HAVE FIRST CLASS ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY ON THE CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS ON ANY OF THESE PARCELS.

AND IF THEY'RE CONTAMINATED, LET'S TALK ABOUT THEM, JUST LIKE YOU ALL DID BEFORE.

LET'S NOT SHOVEL ANYTHING UNDER THE RUG.

AND LET'S NOT BE DOING SNEAKY STUFF WHERE AN EX-MAYOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S SON.

NOW, WE DON'T NEED THAT.

WE DON'T NEED CORRUPTION.

NOW WE DO NEED MORE MONEY IN LAMP, THOUGH.

WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, WE CAN GET A SAINT AUGUSTINE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND NATIONAL SEASHORE.

WE CAN ASSEMBLE ALL THESE PROPERTIES.

STATE AND LOCAL FORESTS, WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT LAND.

YOU PUT IT ALL TOGETHER AND YOU GIVE IT TO THE FEDS.

AND THIS IS BIGGER THAN CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE.

YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT MARKETING THOSE SIGNS THAT SAY GUANA TOLOMATO, MATANZAS NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE.

THAT'S 19 SYLLABLES.

LET'S JUST CALL IT WHAT IT IS.

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER. IT'S THE SAINT AUGUSTINE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND NATIONAL SEASHORE WITH UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES, UNIQUE HISTORY, NATURE, HUMAN HISTORY.

AND LET'S SAVE THE COUNTY FROM THE GREED OF THE DEVELOPERS.

AND WE HAVE A GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY ACTUALLY TOLD TREY ALEXANDER ASNER THEY WERE AFRAID HE WOULD SCARE OFF DEVELOPERS BY PROTECTING HISTORIC PROPERTIES ASSOCIATED WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS.

LET'S NOT DO THAT AGAIN EITHER.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, CHARLIE HUNT.

MILL CREEK ESTATES.

IF FUNDING IS NEEDED FOR PRESERVING THE SHORE TRAIL THERE WERE $6 MILLION THAT WAS JUST EASILY GIVEN OUT FROM THE COUNTY EARLIER THIS YEAR.

$6 MILLION COULD HAVE WENT SOMETHING MORE USEFUL.

WASN'T THE COUNTY'S FAULT EARLIER THIS YEAR? YEAH, IT WAS A LAWSUIT THAT WAS SETTLED OUT OF COURT.

THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT? SEEING NONE, WE WILL CLOSE.

OH.

DON'T WORRY. DIFFICULT.

VIJAY KALADY WEST CITY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE.

I'M FOR PRESERVING LAND.

I'M CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY.

IF YOU CAN'T TELL I WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON TODAY.

WE'RE GOING TO GIVE THEM $2 MILLION AND THEN AN EXTRA MILLION GUARANTEED BY MISTER DEAN.

SO WE'RE TALKING ABOUT $3 MILLION.

IF THAT CAN BE CLARIFIED FOR EVERYBODY THAT MAY BE LISTENING TO THIS.

AND IT'S COMING OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND, WHICH IS OUR TAX DOLLARS, REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU GET THE MONEY, IT'S STILL OUR TAX DOLLARS.

CAN WE BE EDUCATED ON THAT, FOLKS? AND IF WE HAVE THE MONEY, WE HAVE THE MONEY.

IF WE DON'T FIND GO GET IT WITH ALL YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.

BUT WE CAN'T GET IT ALL THE TIME WITH YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.

SO MY I WASN'T GOING TO SPEAK ON THIS, BUT I'LL BRING IT UP BECAUSE WE ALL NEED MONEY, OKAY? AND WE KNOW WHERE THE MONEY'S GOING TO COME FROM.

EITHER PROPERTY OR DONATIONS.

I DON'T SEE TOO MANY OF THAT.

AND SALES TAX.

BE CAREFUL BEFORE NOVEMBER GETS HERE.

WHAT'S PUT ON THAT AGENDA TO BE VOTED ON? THEY WANTED TO GET THE SALES TAX BEFORE AND THEY GOT IT.

THEY'RE GOING TO START BRINGING THIS THING UP.

SO PAY ATTENTION TO HOW YOU VOTE AND WHO'S GOING TO BE SITTING UP HERE.

BECAUSE THAT'S A SOURCE I THINK BEHIND THE SCENES IT'S BEING WORKED ON.

CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT.

SO HERE'S MY SUGGESTION.

AND I WISH WHENEVER WE'RE UP HERE THAT YOU'LL POUND EVERYBODY OUT WHENEVER THEY'RE OVER THE THREE.

INSTEAD OF LETTING SOME GO.

ON AND ON. I GOT 126 FRIENDS.

HERE WE GO.

THE BAILEYS.

I KNOW SOME OF THE BAILEYS, SO WE'RE GOING TO MAKE A DEAL WITH THEM.

WE'RE GOING TO DO TEN. THEY'RE GOING TO DO 10 MILLION.

AND WE'RE GOING TO DO THE REST OF THE 10 MILLION.

LET'S TALK ABOUT DONATIONS.

[01:35:02]

YOU WANT TO PRESERVE IT.

YOU CARE ABOUT THE CITY AND THE COUNTY.

LET'S START DONATING SOME OF THIS LAND.

AND THEY GOT THE HORSES.

THAT'S NICE. AND EVERYTHING OVER THERE.

THAT'S PROBABLY A NONPROFIT.

SO LET'S DON'T DONATE SOME OF THIS LAND.

AND THE GUY IN.

EXCUSE ME, THE GENTLEMAN, SHORES BOULEVARD.

THESE REALTORS ARE GOING TO MAKE SOME MONEY.

LET'S DONATE HIS INCOME FROM SELLING THESE PROPERTIES.

I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT WE DO NOT HAVE LAND.

AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, YOU KNOW HOW TO ASK FOR MORE OF IT.

AND WHERE IS IT COMING FROM SO FAR? I SEE IT'S GENERAL FUND MONEY.

AND I DON'T THINK I'M SO SMALL THAT YOU CAN'T SEE ME WHEN I STAND UP.

THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER TWO.

SEEING NONE, WE WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT.

OKAY. AND THAT BRINGS US BACK TO THE BOARD.

ANY DISCUSSION? OH, COMMISSIONER DEAN.

WELL, THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL BOARD COMMENTS, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN REFERRING BACK TO MY EARLIER COMMENTS, I'D LIKE TO PROPOSE A MOTION.

THAT WOULD INCLUDE A CAVEAT, BUT I DON'T WANT TO TAKE AWAY FROM ANY OTHER COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS IF THEY'RE.

I DO HAVE COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK IF.

IF YOU WANT. MY COMMENTS ARE BRIEF.

MY COMMENTS ARE BRIEF. I JUST WANTED TO ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZE THE BAILEY FAMILY, WHO ARE JUST, IN MY OPINION, COMMUNITY HEROES IN THE NORTHWEST SECTOR.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THEIR PROPERTY FROM THE OVERHEAD, IT IS SURROUNDED BY JULINGTON CREEK PLANTATION, AND TIME AND TIME AGAIN THEY HAVE TURNED DOWN LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE COURAGE TO TURN DOWN, JUST TO KEEP THE PROPERTY THE WAY THAT THEY ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE IT, WHICH IS AS A RANCH.

THEY'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THE STATE FOR YEARS.

I'VE BEEN MAKING THAT REQUEST TO TALLAHASSEE WITH REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS FOR YEARS TO TRY AND GET THEM THE MONEY.

AND ONCE AGAIN, YOU KNOW, THE VALUATION IS GOING TO BE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $20 MILLION.

THEY'RE WILLING TO TAKE HALF OF THAT.

I MEAN, THE HEARTS OF THE BAILEY FAMILY, THE COURAGE OF THE BAILEY FAMILY NEEDS TO BE NOTED AND COMMENDED.

BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE CONSERVATION STARTS WITH PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS WHO ARE WILLING NOT TO SELL THEIR PROPERTY WHEN THEY'RE MADE AN INCREDIBLE OFFER.

SO I JUST WANTED TO MAKE NOTE OF THAT IN MY PART OF THE COUNTY THAT WE LOVE THE BAILEY'S FOR FOR THE MANY YEARS OF JUST HOLDING ON TO THEIR PROPERTY AND WAITING FOR, YOU KNOW, THE STATE AND THE GOVERNMENT TO, TO MAKE THE RIGHT THING HAPPEN.

SO THOSE ARE MY COMMENTS.

OKAY. AND THEN, COMMISSIONER JOSEPH REGARDING THE BAILEY FAMILY PROPERTY, I AGREE, THAT'S REALLY A REALLY PERFECT SITUATION BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE WE COULD ALMOST ACCESS THE WATER ALSO, BUT I THOUGHT THEY SAID THEY WOULD TAKE NOT ALL AT ONCE THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE MONEY AT SHORT PERIODS OF TIME SO THAT WE COULD AFFORD IT.

SO I REALLY LIKE THAT ONE ALSO.

OKAY, COMMISSIONER DEAN.

OKAY. A MOTION AND I CERTAINLY SUPPORT THAT THAT PARTICULAR ACQUISITION TOO.

AND IT'S IN THE TOP RANKING ONE OF THE FIVE.

SO WITH THAT SAID, I WOULD I WOULD MOVE TO APPROVE THE LAMP CONSERVATION BOARD PROPERTY RANKING LIST, FINDING THE PROPERTY RANKING LIST CONSISTENT WITH THE LAMP ORDINANCE, AND DIRECTING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH NEGOTIATIONS FOR RANKED PROPERTIES FOR POTENTIAL COUNTY ACQUISITION.

AND I WOULD ADD THIS CAVEAT OR PROVISO THAT WE RETAIN AN EARMARK AT LEAST $1 MILLION AS WE GO FORWARD. AND TO ANSWER BJ'S QUESTION, THAT'S 1 MILLION OUT OF THE EXISTING 3.2 MILLION IN THE LAMP BUDGET.

I WOULD RECOMMEND WE EARMARK AT LEAST THAT 1 MILLION TO MATCH POTENTIAL FUNDING FROM BOTH THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT, AND WE CAN MONITOR THAT AS WE GO ALONG.

BUT THAT WOULD BE MY MY AMENDED MOTION.

SECOND. OKAY, I SEE STAFF NEEDS TO.

SORRY, MISS ANDREWS. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

WE JUST NEED.

ACTUALLY, MISTER BONES, JUST ACTUALLY REMIND ME WE NEED A LITTLE BIT OF A CLARIFICATION ON OPERATIONAL DETAILS.

SO WITH THE MOTION, IF IT WAS APPROVED, IS THE BOARD DIRECTING STAFF TO ALSO ACCESS LAND FUNDING FOR DUE DILIGENCE COSTS? BECAUSE WHEN WE DO NEGOTIATION, WHEN WE DO NEGOTIATE WITH THE OWNERS, WE DO HAVE TO DO SURVEYS, WE DO HAVE TO DO CERTAIN THINGS AND THAT WILL INCUR COSTS.

I'VE ADD THAT TO THE MOTION, OKAY.

THIRD, SECOND. SO AMENDED MOTION AMENDED SECOND THROUGH THE CHAIR.

YES. JUST TO CLARIFY, COMMISSIONER DEAN, ON THE RECORD, THE 1 MILLION SET ASIDE IS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE SHORES BOULEVARD PROPERTY.

CORRECT. THANK YOU.

OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

I HAVE ONE QUESTION.

YES. CAN THAT MILLION IF FOR SOME REASON THE SHORES PROPERTY, CAN WE DROP THAT TO THE BAILEY PROPERTY IN CASE THERE IS, IS SOME SORT OF A

[01:40:05]

WELL, WE CAN, WE CAN, WE CAN VOTE AT EVERY COMMISSION MEETING TO MOVE THAT MONEY AROUND.

OKAY. I THINK I'M JUST TRYING TO MOVE IT AHEAD TO TRY TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING.

BUT IN THE EVENT WE NEED WE WE JUST WE'RE MAKING THE MOTION AND TAKING THE ACTION SO WE CAN ALWAYS CHANGE THAT IF AN OPPORTUNITY ARISES.

OKAY. THANK YOU.

OKAY. PLEASE VOTE.

AND THAT PASSES FIVE ZERO.

OKAY. THAT TAKES US TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER THREE, MR.

[3. 24-00024 Award of Invitation for Bid (IFB) No: 1534; Shore Drive Trail – FDEP #T2126. (Part 1 of 2)]

RYAN CAIN, YOUR DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION.

THIS PRESENT THIS AGENDA ITEM IS ON SHORE DRIVE TRAIL, AND IT IS THE PRESENTATION ON THE TRAIL ITSELF AND THE AGENDA ITEM TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.

IN THE AGENDA IN THE ITEM, YOU'LL GET AN OVERVIEW, PROJECT DETAILS AND AREAS OF CONCERN.

PROJECT OVERVIEW.

3.25 MILE MULTI-USE TRAIL CONNECTING THE DOUG CRANE AND MOULTRIE CREEK BOAT RAMPS.

ADA. ACCESSIBILITY.

IT WOULD INCLUDE NEW DRAINAGE CULVERTS ALONG THE WAY WITHIN THAT THAT TRAIL DRIVE.

THE PROJECT OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE IS ENJOYMENT OF THE WATERFRONT VISTAS, PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, PROMOTING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES.

THIS FIRST CAME BEFORE THE BOARD IN FEBRUARY OF 2021 FOR A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR THE RECREATION TRAILS GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH THAT GRANT WAS THEREFORE AWARDED. ALSO CAME BEFORE THE BOARD IN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 22 AND FISCAL YEAR 24.

WE HAVE A BUDGET THAT YOU CAN SEE THERE OF $1.8 MILLION FROM PARK IMPACT FEES, $400,000 FROM THE RECREATION TRAILS GRANT.

THE CONSTRUCTION BID DID COME IN AT JUST OVER $1.8 MILLION.

ALSO, WE HAD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INVOLVED.

WE ATTENDED MULTIPLE SASHA SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION MEETINGS.

THERE WERE TWO SURVEYS CONDUCTED.

THE RESULTS TO THE RIGHT.

THERE ARE FROM THE MOST RECENT SURVEY THAT WAS CONDUCTED AND THAT WAS PROMOTED THROUGH THE TRADITIONAL COUNTY PR SASHA CAMPAIGN, AND WITH SIGNAGE THAT WAS PUT THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY ALONG THE SHORE DRIVE.

AND THAT'S AN EXAMPLE OF THE SIGN ON THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER THERE AS WELL.

THERE WAS A COMMUNITY MEETING HELD IN COORDINATION WITH SASHA AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER ON OCTOBER 19TH, 2022.

PROJECT DETAILS. EIGHT FOOT ASPHALT, EIGHT FOOT PAVED ASPHALT TRAIL.

IN THE PROJECT AREA IS THE 55 ACRES, WHICH DOES INCLUDE 27 ACRES OF WETLANDS.

PERMITS AND APPROVALS THAT WERE REQUIRED WITH SAINT JOHNS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE.

SAINT JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, AND THE FLORIDA STATE DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TO MAKE POINT THE SECTION 106 CONSULTATION LETTER FROM THE FLORIDA STATE DIVISION OF HISTORICAL PRESERVATION IS STILL IN PROCESS, AND WE HAVE RECEIVED COMMUNICATION THAT A FAVORABLE DECISION IS ANTICIPATED.

AND THAT WAS FROM THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PROJECT MANAGER.

AREAS OF CONCERN WERE. PARKING.

THERE ARE THREE APPROVED PARKING LOCATIONS DOUG CRANE AND THE MULCH CREEK BOAT RAMPS, AND THE LEWIS POINT WHICH IS A MIDPOINT SECTION.

NO PARKING LOTS WILL BE ADDED.

ANTICIPATED MAJORITY OF THE USERS WILL WALK OR RIDE FROM THEIR RESIDENCE TO THE TRAIL, AND WE WOULD EVALUATE PARKING PATTERNS AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AS NEEDED.

ADDITIONAL AREAS OF CONCERNS WITH THE TREES IS THE ALIGNMENT WAS DESIGNED TO MEANDER THROUGH THE PROPERTY TO AVOID SPECIMEN TREES.

THERE'S CURRENTLY NO PLANS FOR TREE REMOVAL.

WE WILL BE CLEARING UNDERBRUSH AND INVASIVE SPECIES THROUGH THE PROCESS AS WELL, THOUGH, AND THE COUNTY WILL HIRE AN ARBORIST FOR GUIDANCE ON THE PROJECT.

EROSION AND FLOODING. LOCALIZED AREAS ALONG SHORE DRIVE DO EXPERIENCE FLOODING DURING EXTREME TIDAL EVENTS.

HURRICANES AND NOR'EASTERS.

THE TRAIL PROJECT DESIGN WILL NOT IMPROVE NOR EXACERBATE EXACERBATE THE CURRENT SITUATION.

AND THAT IS ALL. I'M OPEN TO QUESTIONS.

OKAY, I SEE COMMISSIONER JESSUP.

YES. I HAVE THREE QUICK QUESTIONS BEFORE WE TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT, BECAUSE I THINK THERE'S PROBABLY A LOT OF PUBLIC COMMENT.

IS THERE LOOKING AT THE MAP, THE SMALL LITTLE MAP THAT I GOT, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S.

YOU HAVE A SLIDE ON IT.

DOES THAT THE TRAIL GO THROUGH THE GREEN SPACE OR DOES IT GO AROUND THE GREEN SPACE? BECAUSE THE GREEN SPACE IS KIND OF A PARK.

DOES IT GO THROUGH IT OR DOES IT STAY CLOSE TO THE ROAD AND GO AROUND IT?

[01:45:03]

THE OTHER ONE, IS THERE ANY WAY TO MAKE IT A SIDEWALK INSTEAD THAT THAT WOULD NOT BE PART OF THIS PROJECT RIGHT HERE.

SPOKE. NO NO NO NO.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE'LL REFRAIN FROM ANY OF THAT, OR YOU'LL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE BUILDING.

AND THE LAST QUESTION IS, THERE'S NO WAY TO JUST MAKE THE WHOLE THING CLOSE TO THE ROAD.

THERE'S THERE ARE PARTS OF IT THAT WILL BE CLOSE TO THE ROAD.

YOU CAN'T JUST DO ALL OF IT, THOUGH.

IT'S IF TO GO CLOSE TO THE ROAD, LIKE LIKE THE SIDEWALK.

THERE WERE PARTS THAT HAVE WITHIN THE NEAR THE ROADWAY THAT HAVE DEPRESSIONS THAT DO COLLECT WATER WITHIN THOSE AREAS.

THAT WOULD NOT BE AREAS THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO RUN THE TRAIL THROUGH.

THOSE ARE MY THREE QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.

SURE. THANK YOU. OKAY.

ANY OTHER BOARD MEMBERS QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? I DO HAVE SOME COMMENTS.

I'D LIKE TO SAY BEFORE WE GO INTO PUBLIC COMMENT THAT IN MY TWO YEARS ON THIS BOARD, I HAVE SEEN SOME VERY CONTENTIOUS PROJECTS AND SOME VERY PASSIONATE PEOPLE, BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN THE DIVISIVENESS THAT I HAVE SEEN IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD FOR THIS PROJECT.

AND IT HAS BEEN VERY, VERY SAD TO WATCH.

I'D ALSO LIKE TO ASK OUR PUBLIC AFFAIRS TEAM TO ROLL A TAPE WE PREPARED FROM I WAS READING THE TRAIL MARK THIS REPREHENSIVE PLANNED AMENDMENT STUFF TO SEE WHAT 2021 AND OBJECTIVE B .1.5 IS.

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITY FACILITY.

FROM OUR COMP PLAN, IT SAYS THE COUNTY SHALL, THROUGH COORDINATION WITH FDOT AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS AS NECESSARY, ENCOURAGE, PROVIDE OR REQUIRE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS FOR THE SAFE INTEGRATION OF BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT ON SELECTED SEGMENTS OF THE ROADWAY NETWORK WITHIN PUBLIC FACILITIES, COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, RESIDENTIAL AREAS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND WITHIN OTHER AREAS THAT ALLOW ACCESS.

YOU KNOW, IT WAS KIND OF TORN.

I HATE TO SEE THIS MANY PEOPLE, DIFFERENT SIDES OF THIS, BUT WE'RE WORKING ON IT.

YOU KNOW ONE THING ABOUT IT, I'VE BEEN IN A WHEELCHAIR FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS NOW, AND IT HAS BROUGHT TO LIGHT A LOT OF THINGS.

THERE'S PLACES I CAN'T GO, I GOT FREE, I CAN'T GO SEE THEM AT THEIR HOUSE.

I WAS READING THE TRAIL MARK OR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT STUFF TO SEE WHAT THEY ANSWER.

TAKE A LOT TO PACK UP AND GO.

AND OBJECTIVE B .1.5 I CAN SEE THAT BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FILTER FACILITIES.

THIS IS FROM OUR COMP PLAN SAYS COUNTY SHALL THROUGH COORDINATION WITH FDOT AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS AS NECESSARY, ENCOURAGE, PROVIDE OR REQUIRE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS FOR THE SAFE INTEGRATION OF BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT ON SELECTED SEGMENTS OF THE ROADWAY NETWORK WITHIN PUBLIC FACILITIES. YOU KNOW, I'VE SEEN THAT A LOT DEVELOPMENT, RESIDENTIAL AREAS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND WITHIN OTHER AREAS THAT ALLOW ACCESS.

I THINK WE HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY.

WE COULD PROBABLY ANSWER SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS.

YOU KNOW, IT'S KIND OF TORN.

I HATE TO SEE THIS MANY PEOPLE, DIFFERENT SIDES OF THIS, BUT YOU KNOW ONE THING ABOUT IT I'VE BEEN IN A WHEELCHAIR FOR, I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME FOR THAT NEIGHBORHOOD ALSO TO GET A HAS BROUGHT TO LIGHT A LOT OF THINGS, BUT WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND STOP IT AND SEE IF WE SEE THEM AT THEIR HOUSE, BECAUSE I CAN'T GET IT UNDER A HOUSE, I CAN'T THEIR TAX DOLLARS SAY, BUT THE GRANT, YOU CAN HEAR IT AFTER PUBLIC COMMENT IF THAT WORKS.

TYLER FDOT.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

ALL RIGHT. WE WILL NOW HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT FOR AGENDA ITEM NUMBER THREE.

PLEASE COME FORWARD. STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD.

GOOD MORNING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

MY NAME IS NANCY GODWIN.

I, ME AND MY HUSBAND PEYTON LIVE AT 704 ALICANTE ROAD.

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK MINE AND MY FAMILY'S OPINION ON THE PROPOSED MULTI-USE TRAIL IN THE SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH WATERFRONT PARK.

ONCE AGAIN, I'M NANCY.

WE HAVE LIVED IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH FOR OVER 20 YEARS, AND WE ARE PRO TRAIL, AND WE LIKE TO THINK OF OURSELVES AS OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS. WE LIKE TO RUN, WALK, BIKE ALMOST DAILY AS PART OF OUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

WE LOVE TO VISIT TRAILS HERE IN FLORIDA AND ANYWHERE WHERE WE GO OUT OF TOWN OR OUT OF STATE.

WE'RE VERY EXCITED AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE ENJOYMENT OF THIS TRAIL FOR OURSELVES, OUR NEIGHBORS, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, FOR OUR CHILDREN, OUR GRANDCHILDREN, AND ALL OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS. AFTER ALL, IMPROVEMENTS MADE TODAY WILL BE THE LEGACY THAT WE LEAVE FOR THEM TOMORROW.

THIS TRAIL IS GOING TO BRING US SAFETY AND SECURITY OF A 3.25 MILE TRAIL FROM BOAT RAMP TO BOAT RAMP, GETTING US OFF OF SHORE DRIVE AND AWAY FROM THE THREAT OF SPEEDING CARS AND BITING DOGS.

YES, I'VE EXPERIENCED BOTH.

WE ALL HAVE OUR MOTHERS WITH STROLLERS AND THEIR CHILDREN, WALKERS, JOGGERS, ELDERS, WHEELCHAIRS ALL HAVING THE PEACE OF MIND OF A SMOOTH SURFACE TO

[01:50:08]

AND IT'S GOING TO BE A TERRIFIC WORK WORKOUT AND VERY HEALTHY FOR US.

WE'RE DAILY ENCOURAGED BY OUR DOCTORS AND HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS TO GET OFF THE COUCH, GET OFF OUR PHONE AND GET OUTDOORS, GET OUTDOORS.

FLORIDA FRESH AIR AND DAILY EXERCISE HAS BEEN PROVEN TO ENHANCE OUR WELL-BEING.

I REALIZE SOME OPPOSE THIS TRAIL FOR PERSONAL REASONS, BUT IMPROVEMENTS LIKE THESE TRAILS HAVE BEEN OPPOSED BY MANY FOR MANY YEARS. BUT FOR THE GOOD OF THE MANY IS WHY OUR GOVERNMENT, LIKE YOU FOLKS HERE IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, WILL PROPOSE AND EXECUTE THESE IDEAS AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE MANY, AND FOR THE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

PRO TRAIL. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. HI.

CHANTAL SCHREINER WON 62.

NAUTILUS. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU GUYS FOR THIS MEETING AND LETTING US TALK ABOUT THE TRAIL.

I'M VERY PRO TRAIL.

I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN.

IT WOULD MEAN A LOT FOR US TO BE ABLE TO WALK AND BIKE SAFELY THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF.

I HOPE YOU CAN HEAR ME FROM UP HERE.

MY NAME IS CHRIS RONNING, AND FOR 23 YEARS I'VE LIVED AT 403 SHAMROCK ROAD IN THE SOUTH.

I OPPOSE THE TRAIL FOR MANY REASONS, AND I'M SURE A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL BRING UP THOSE REASONS SHORTLY.

BUT THE DISCORD THAT I SEE WITHIN MY COMMUNITY IS REALLY THE PRIMARY THING THAT BOTHERS ME.

THE SOUTH IS A BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL TREASURE OF A PLACE.

WE GET ALONG WITH EACH OTHER THERE.

WE WAVE HELLO WHEN WE MEET, WALKING OR JOGGING OR RIDING OUR BIKES OUT ON SHORE DRIVE.

IT'S JUST A MAGICAL PLACE.

NOW WE HAVE FOLKS WHO SUPPORT AND FOLKS WHO OPPOSE THIS PROJECT, AND THINGS ARE GETTING ACRIMONIOUS.

WE DON'T WANT THAT.

THAT'S NOT WHO WE ARE.

THAT'S NOT WHO WE ARE IN THE SOUTH.

I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THERE ARE FRESH IDEAS THAT WE COULD DISCUSS AS A COMMUNITY TO BRING US ALL TO MIDDLE GROUND.

ALTERNATIVES. OR A SIDEWALK WITH A LESS WIDE FOOTPRINT THAT USES THE EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY.

IT COULD REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION WHILE KEEPING PEDESTRIANS, JOGGERS, PARENTS WITH BABY STROLLERS, PEOPLE WITH AMBULATORY DIFFICULTIES SAFE, ALLOWING THEM ACCESS TO OUR BEAUTIFUL VIEWS AND OUR BEAUTIFUL SPACE.

THIS KIND OF IDEA WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

I HAVE A LIST FOR THE CLERK OF THREE SOURCES OF POTENTIAL FUNDING THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR A PATH OR SIDEWALK APPROACH.

THIS TOOK HALF AN HOUR OF MY TIME TO RESEARCH ON GOOGLE, AND CERTAINLY WE CAN FIND MORE FUNDING OPTIONS IF WE LOOK.

I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS BID DOES NOT ADHERE TO DEP GRANT REQUIREMENTS, WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY CAUSE A COUNTY TO LOSE THE $400,000 IN GRANT MONEY AND MAKE THE PROJECT MORE EXPENSIVE TO COUNTY TAXPAYERS.

THIS POSSIBILITY WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

FURTHER INVESTIGATION TAKES TIME.

THEREFORE, I REQUEST THIS BOARD AMEND THE MOTION UNDER CONSIDERATION AND POSTPONE A DECISION ON THIS BID UNTIL ANOTHER DATE, PERHAPS TWO MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD, WHICH WILL GIVE US TIME TO WORK TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY IN HARMONY TO FIND SOLUTIONS.

BETTER ANSWERS FOR EVERYBODY.

THE SOUTH HAS BEEN HERE FOR 70 YEARS, PROVIDING A MARVELOUS HOME FOR GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES.

THERE IS NO RUSH TO BREAK GROUND ON ANY PROJECT IN OUR COMMUNITY NEXT MONTH OR TWO MONTHS FROM NOW, OR EVEN THIS SUMMER.

NO REASON TO RUSH.

I ASK THE COMMISSIONERS TO POSTPONE ANY DECISION AT THIS TIME, FOR THE SAKE OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH AND THE TAXPAYERS OF THE COUNTY, AND TO PROTECT THIS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FROM THE RAMIFICATIONS OF MAKING A WRONG DECISION ON THIS ISSUE.

THANK YOU. FOLKS.

NO APPLAUSE. GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS GEORGE BAIRD.

I LIVE AT 110 HAWTHORN.

I LIVED IN SAINT AUGUSTINE'S SOUTH FOR 37 YEARS.

I WAS ALSO A LETTER CARRIER IN SAINT AUGUSTINE.

CITY LETTER CARRIER.

AND I'VE SORT OF FEEL LIKE THE INDIAN WITH THE TEAR IN MY EYE LOOKING AT WHAT'S HAPPENING.

THIS LAST PROPOSAL YOU HAD.

[01:55:02]

THIS TRAIL IS GOING TO KILL CONSERVATION.

MY WIFE WALKED THAT SAINT THAT SHORE DRIVE.

FOR YEARS. WE RODE BICYCLES ON IT.

WE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM.

I THINK THE BEST THING TO DO AND TO PUT.

YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE KIDS COMING WITH THEIR LITTLE DIRT BIKES AND STUFF AND HAVING FUN ON IT.

EIGHT FOOT WIDE ASPHALT GOING THROUGH THERE.

YOU GOT TO KILL THE TREES.

YOU GOT TO KILL SOME TREES.

AND AND I JUST TOTALLY AGAINST IT.

I FEEL SORRY FOR THE PEOPLE ON SHORE DRIVE.

AND THE LAST GENTLEMAN HAS A GREAT IDEA, I THINK A NICE SIDEWALK ALONG THE ROADWAY ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE TO WALK SAFELY AND RIDE AND DO OTHER THINGS.

WE DON'T NEED THIS TRAIL TO KILL ALL THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE LITTLE ANIMALS.

I REMEMBER MY WIFE WALKING AND THE RABBITS WOULD COME OUT AND SHE WOULD EVEN NAME THE RABBITS.

I MEAN, WE HAD AN ENJOYABLE TIME AND I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE SAINT AUGUSTINE.

SOUTH. THE SOUTH OF SAINT JOHNS COUNTY WAS ALWAYS A STEPCHILD OF THE COUNTY.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

HELLO, MY NAME IS RAY KLETSK.

I LIVE AT 1020 QUEEN ROAD, SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH.

I BOUGHT MY PROPERTY THERE IN 1957 AND I MOVED ON THE LOT IN 1973.

THE FIRST TEN YEARS I LIVED THERE, THE TWO IMPROVEMENTS WERE PAVED ROADS AND STREETLIGHTS.

WE HAD 40 YEARS OF TRANQUILITY UNTIL THE TRAIL CAME UP, WHICH I MIGHT ADD, WHEN IT CAME UP, IT WAS A SIDEWALK, AND SOMEHOW IT WENT FROM A THREE FOOT WIDE SIDEWALK TO AN EIGHT FOOT ROAD.

AND I THINK THAT'S JUST AN OVERKILL.

ON WHAT SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH NEEDS.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WALK SHAW DRIVE, AND THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT DRIVE A LITTLE BIT OFF HANDEDLY, BUT A ROADWAY WITHIN THE GREENBELT IS NOT SOMETHING I THINK WE REALLY NEED.

ALSO, I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN EIGHT FOOT WIDE SEMI ROAD IN FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE.

I THINK IT'S AN EXAGGERATION OF WHAT WE REALLY NEED AND I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

AND BY THE WAY, WHEN I BOUGHT MY PROPERTY IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH, FIVE LOTS WERE $1,500.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED QUITE A BIT.

I THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I NEED TRANSGENDERED TO DRIVE THE TRAIL.

I HAVE THIS NOTE FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ABOUT THE TRAIL.

WHEN IT WAS FIRST BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION IN 20 2122.

THIS IS FROM THE DEP GOING BACK TO WHAT CHRIS WAS REFERRING TO, AS WELL AS MISS JOSEPH, THAT THIS SUPPOSED TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE PLATTED RIGHT OF WAY.

THE RIGHT OF WAY ON OUR STREET IS 20FT ON EACH SIDE.

NOT SURE HOW IT ENDED UP AS A MEANDERING TRAIL THROUGH COUNTY PROPERTY, OR THE OWNER'S PROPERTY, OR WHOEVER'S PROPERTY IT IS ON THE PARK.

BUT ACCORDING TO THIS, IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE RIGHT OF WAY.

GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS PAULA RICHARD.

I LIVE AT 141 JUPITER ROAD IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH.

UNLIKE THE OTHERS, I BOUGHT MY PROPERTY IN MAY 2023 BECAUSE OF THE GREENWAY.

I THOUGHT THAT WAS GOING TO BE A BEAUTIFUL PLACE FOR MY HUSBAND AND I TO HAVE OUR FOREVER HOME.

AND NOW I'M CONFRONTED WITH AN EIGHT FOOT WIDE MULTI-USE TRAIL.

I'M 70 YEARS OLD, I EXERCISE EVERY SINGLE DAY AND A MULTI-USE TRAIL IS REALLY NOT THAT HELPFUL.

IT BECOMES A BICYCLE TRAIL BECAUSE PEOPLE OF MY AGE THAT WALK CAN'T GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE BICYCLES USING THEIR EIGHT FOOT WIDE TRAIL.

I APPRECIATE THE EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, BUT I THINK A PATH IS MUCH MORE APPROPRIATE TO WHAT WE NEED IN MY NEW NEIGHBORHOOD.

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING OUR OPINIONS.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

MADAM COMMISSIONER AND MADAM ADMINISTRATOR.

GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS DAPHNE CAMERON, AND I'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF LIVING AT 735 SEGOVIA ROAD IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH

[02:00:02]

I LIKE TO RESCUE DOGS.

I'VE ALWAYS HAD A DOG.

AND ONE THING I REALLY LOVE TO DO IS WALK DOWN THE STREET ON JENSEN ROAD OR SEGOVIA ROAD AND GO THROUGH THE BOAT RAMP THROUGH THE WOODS AND MEANDER UP TO THE BOARDWALK.

AND WHAT DO I SAY EVERY DAY? I WISH IT WAS LONGER.

SO THEN I TURN AROUND AND I COME ALL THE WAY BACK DOWN AGAIN.

IT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL, I THINK, FOR THIS TRAIL TO BE A LOT LONGER.

THE NO TRAIL. PEOPLE SAY THEY DON'T WANT IT, BUT I BET THEY'LL WALK ON IT.

AND MISS ARNOLD, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.

THERE IS A WAR GOING ON IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH ON THE NEXT DOOR APP.

IT'S LIKE THE WAR AGAINST GOOD VERSUS EVIL.

I'M PRO TRAIL, SO I DON'T KNOW IF I'M GOOD OR EVIL, BUT IT'S VERY SAD TO SEE IT HAPPENING.

HOWEVER, SOMEBODY THE OTHER DAY SAID A VERY WISE THING.

THEY ASKED A QUESTION IF THIS TRAIL SAVED ONE LIFE, WOULD IT BE WORTH IT? THE OTHER DAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN SHORE DRIVE AND I SAW OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER NEGOTIATING SHORE DRIVE IN HER WHEELCHAIR.

SHE WAS STRUGGLING.

SHE HAD ONE WHEEL IN THE DIRT AND ONE WHEEL ON THE ROAD, AND SHE WAS TRYING TO TALK TO SOMEONE BEHIND HER.

JUST THINK HOW WONDERFUL IT WILL BE FOR THE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO HAVE THIS TRAIL.

I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF CAREGIVERS IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH WITH THEIR PARENTS AT HOME.

HOW HOW THEY WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THAT TRAIL TO TAKE THEIR THEIR PATIENTS ALONG, BECAUSE OTHERWISE THEIR WHOLE ENVIRONMENT, THEIR WHOLE WORLD IS JUST THEIR THEIR LIVING ROOM AND THEIR BACKYARD.

SO IT WOULD BE NICE FOR THEM AS WELL.

I DO DRIVE MY DOG TO VALE POINT PARK AND CANOPY PARK.

AND I WELCOME THE PEOPLE FROM SAINT AUGUSTINE SHORES TO COME TO OUR TRAILS AND OUR PARKS AS WELL.

I REALLY DON'T BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO DRIVE FROM PALATKA TO WALK ON OUR TRAIL.

PEOPLE COME FROM PALATKA TO GO TO OUR BEACHES, AND THEY HAVE THEIR OWN TRAILS THERE.

BUT WHAT REALLY UPSETS ME THE MOST IS THESE NO TRAIL PEOPLE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD ARE THE ONES THAT WALK THE TRAILS, AND I FEEL THAT THEY ARE SAYING I HAVE MINE, BUT YOU CAN'T HAVE YOURS DOWN THE STREET, AND I NEVER WANT TO BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.

SO I ASK YOU TO VOTE YES FOR THIS TRAIL.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS JACQUELINE LEBLANC, VEIL POINT, SAINT AUGUSTINE.

VEIL POINT PARK IS JUST SOUTH OF THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS WATERWAY AND THE SHORES.

I VISIT THAT PARK EVERY WEEK.

I ALSO WALK THE SHORES TRAIL.

VEIL POINT HAS AN EIGHT FOOT ASPHALT WALKWAY INSTALLED QUITE SOME TIME AGO.

IT CERTAINLY IS NO LONGER IF IT EVER WAS ADA COMPLIANT.

EVEN WALKERS MUST USE CAUTION IN THESE AREAS.

THE WOODLANDS AND THE WOODLANDS ADJACENT TO THE VEIL TRAIL IS EXPANSIVE.

THE WOODLANDS NEXT TO SHORE TRAIL IS MUCH SMALLER AND THEREFORE MUCH MORE SENSITIVE.

IF 2 TO 3 TREES DIE IN ANY AREA ADJACENT TO THE TRAIL IN SHORE DRIVE, THE TREES ARE GONE.

WE MUST REMEMBER THAT THE DEATH OF A TREE IS NOT IMMEDIATE.

AS ARBORISTS WILL TELL YOU, IT IS A PROCESS NOT SEEN FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND LONGER.

THE ULTIMATE RESULT IS A TRAIL WITH SCRUB BRUSH, VINES, FALLING BRANCHES, DEAD AND DYING TREES AND CRACKED ASPHALT AS I SEE IN VEIL POINT PARK. IN ADDITION, VEIL IS ON A BLUFF.

VEIL POINT PARK IS ON A BLUFF ABOUT 12FT IN ELEVATION.

WHERE I LIVE. IT'S PROTECTED FROM FLOODING FROM THE WATERWAY, WHICH WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO EVEN MORE FASTER EROSION OF THIS ASPHALT.

THE SHORES TRAIL IS NOT ELEVATED, NO PROTECTION FROM FLOODING, AND THAT PROMOTES EROSION AND DETERIORATION OF ANY ASPHALT TRAIL.

MY PHOTOS.

CAN I GET AN OVERHEAD? CAN I GET AN OVERHEAD ON THIS? THESE ARE MY PHOTOS OF VEIL POINT TRAIL.

AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS IS RAISED WHERE I ASSUME THE COUNTY HAS REPAIRED IT.

YOU CAN'T YOU RIDE A BIKE OR A WHEELCHAIR OVER THAT? NO WAY. THESE ARE THE CRACKS WHERE THE LEAVES HAVE GATHERED.

THEY'RE ALL ALLIGATOR CRACKS FROM THE AGING OF THE ASPHALT.

ALL OF THESE BLACK SPOTS.

THERE'S NO WAY THAT IT'S GOING TO BE ADA COMPLIANT IN A FEW YEARS.

NO WAY. THIS IS SOME OF THE TREES ALONG AN ADJACENT TO THE TRAIL IN VEIL POINT PARK.

AS ANY ARBORIST WILL TELL YOU, A HOLLOWED OUT TREE IS A DEAD SET SIGN OF MAN MADE PROBLEMS.

[02:05:05]

WHEN THE ASPHALT TRAIL WAS BUILT, THERE WAS A REPAIR AND PATCHES.

PHOTO NUMBER TWO.

DRAWING DYING TREES SHORES, WOODLANDS.

WHAT'S LEFT OF THEM ARE SMALL.

LET YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCE A LOCAL WALK ON A NATURAL TRAIL.

WHAT MUST WE PAVE? AN ASPHALT? EVERYTHING.

THERE'S PLENTY OF ROOM TO PUT A SIDEWALK ALONG THE ROAD FOR SAFETY AND WHEELCHAIRS AND ADA PEOPLE.

MY BROTHER DIED AT AGE 50.

HE WAS DISABLED ALL HIS LIFE.

I KNOW WHAT PUSHING A WHEELCHAIR IS LIKE, AND I DEFINITELY HAVE SYMPATHY FOR THOSE PEOPLE.

BUT BUILD A GOOD SIDEWALK MUCH EASIER TO MAINTAIN.

IT'LL LAST LONGER.

I ASK YOUR CONSIDERATION IN LEAVING THESE SENSITIVE, SPARSE WOODLANDS IN THAT PARK ALONE.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS RAYMOND SCALES.

I LIVE AT 4200 SHORE DRIVE.

I GREW UP IN THE SOUTH.

MY FAMILY WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO BUILD IN THE SOUTH IN THE EARLY 60S, ON THE SOUTH END OF SHORE DRIVE.

I, LIKE I SAID, I GREW UP THERE.

MY KIDS HAVE GROWN UP THERE WHO ARE GROWN NOW.

I'M NOT GOING TO WASTE YOUR TIME.

YOU'VE HEARD THE COMMENTS.

I'M JUST GOING TO BE REPEATING I AM OPPOSED TO THE TRAIL, BUT THANK YOU FOR SERVING US.

HELLO, MY NAME IS BARBARA BIDDISS.

I LIVE AT 1044 SHORE DRIVE, WHICH IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE DOUGLAS CRANE BOAT RAMP.

I THINK THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE HERE WOULD BE VERY HAPPY WITH A NATURE TRAIL OR A SIDEWALK THAT WOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR A WHEELCHAIR TO GO ON, BUT TO PUT IT EIGHT FOOT PAVED, EIGHT FOOT WIDE PAVED TRAIL, WHICH, BY THE WAY, IS ONLY ONE FOOT LESS WIDE THAN ONE LANE OF SHORE DRIVE ITSELF.

TO PUT SUCH A LANE, SUCH A ROAD RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR PARK IS ASKING FOR TROUBLE.

AND THE REASON IS IT'S GOING TO INVITE MOTORIZED TRAFFIC TO COME AND TAKE A JOY RIDE.

AND BELIEVE ME, I SEE I LIVING ACROSS FROM DOUGLAS CRANE BOAT RAMP.

I SEE EVERY DAY I SEE A GOLF CARTS, ATVS, MOTORCYCLES, TEENAGERS ON MINI BIKES RIDING UP AND DOWN THE PARK RIGHT PAST THE SIGNS THAT SAY NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.

AND I FEAR THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE AN INVITATION FOR THESE PEOPLE TO SAY, OH, LOOK AT THIS WONDERFUL ROAD.

LET'S JUST TAKE A LITTLE RIDE DOWN IT.

IT'S EVENING, IT'S MORNING.

MAYBE IT'S A LITTLE FOGGY.

PEOPLE CAN'T SEE US.

THEY RIDE DOWN THAT ROAD AND MAYBE ONE OF THE MOMS WITH THEIR KIDS IS COMING THE OTHER WAY.

MAYBE SHE'S WEARING EARPHONES AND DOESN'T HEAR THE KIDS ON THE MINI BIKES COMING.

THERE COULD BE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.

AND I'M JUST ASKING YOU TO REALLY RECONSIDER THE SIZE OF THIS PROJECT AND THE FACT THAT PEOPLE REALLY DON'T RESPECT SIGNS.

YOU CAN PUT SIGNS UP FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER, AND THE KIDS ARE GOING TO DRIVE ON THEIR MINI BIKES ANYWAY.

SO IF THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR PEDESTRIANS, PLEASE MAKE IT PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS, I'M VICKI PEPPER.

I LIVE ON HARBOR VISTA CIRCLE IN SAINT AUGUSTINE, AND THIS MORNING I'M HERE REPRESENTING MYSELF AND CARE COMMUNITY ADVOCATES FOR RACIAL EQUITY.

WE'RE AN INFORMAL, INDEPENDENT CIVIC ACTION GROUP THAT GREW OUT OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S ONGOING COMMUNITY CONVERSATION EFFORT.

CARE'S PURPOSE IS TO SERVE BLACK AND OTHER UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY BY IDENTIFYING RESOURCES, INCLUDING FUNDING SOURCES, AND LINKING THEM WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS AS IDENTIFIED BY COMMUNITY LEADERS.

AS YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW, CARE IS NOT SHY ABOUT ASKING TOUGH QUESTIONS OR OFFERING POINTED COMMENTS.

WHEN WE'RE CONCERNED THAT YOUR ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS ARE NOT SERVING OUR COUNTY RESIDENTS WELL, AND THAT INCLUDES ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS, INCLUDING UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES THAT SOMETIMES GET LEFT OUT WHEN DECISIONS ARE MADE.

BUT YOU MAY NOT FULLY APPRECIATE THAT CARE ALSO TRIES TO SUPPORT THE COUNTY WHEN YOU DO THE RIGHT THINGS FOR OUR COMMUNITY, EVEN WHEN YOUR DECISIONS MAY NOT BE POPULAR WITH ALL ELEMENTS OF OUR SHARED COMMUNITY.

SO TODAY, CARE IS HERE TO SPEAK IN STRONG SUPPORT OF COUNTY STAFF WITH RESPECT TO THE ADA ACCESSIBLE TRAIL ON SHORE DRIVE.

EXECUTION OF THE THOUGHTFUL PLAN FOR THIS LONG AWAITED AND MUCH NEEDED TRAIL IN A PART OF OUR COUNTY THAT'S UNDERSERVED WITH RESPECT TO IMPROVE TRAILS AND ESPECIALLY TRAILS THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, NEEDS TO PROCEED.

WE'RE ESPECIALLY DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN THAT, WHETHER MALICIOUSLY OR RECKLESSLY, SOME OF OUR FELLOW CITIZENS SEEM TO HAVE RESORTED TO SPREADING FALSE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PLAN

[02:10:09]

PLEASE FOCUS ON THE FACTS IN MAKING YOUR DECISION TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT TO PROCEED WITH THE SHORE DRIVE TRAIL, INCLUDING THAT THIS TRAIL WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN A WATERFRONT PARK ALREADY MAINTAINED BY THE COUNTY.

IT WILL NOT BE CONSTRUCTED IN A PRISTINE NATURAL AREA.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT PARKS AND RECREATION PLANS TO WORK WITH AN ARBORIST IN ORDER TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT OLD GROWTH CANOPY TREES, EVEN THOUGH IT'S LOCATED IN A PARTICULAR NEIGHBORHOOD, SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH, THIS IS A COUNTY PARK THAT BELONGS TO ALL SAINT JOHNS COUNTY RESIDENTS, NOT A PRIVATE PARK THAT WAS ESTABLISHED FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF NEARBY RESIDENTS.

THE INSTALLATION OF A MULTI-PURPOSE, ADA COMPLIANT WALKING TRAIL THROUGH GREENSPACE TO PROMOTE ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE WITH DISABILITIES, SIMPLY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A TYPE OF IMPROVEMENT FOR WHICH WE EXPECT TO SEE A SUDDEN INCREASE OF HUNDREDS OF.

BEEN FORGOTTEN IN OUR SOCIETY WILL BE MUCH SAFER IN THEIR ENJOYMENT OF THIS MUCH NEEDED TRAIL IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY.

COMMON SENSE.

PLEASE APPROVE THIS CONTRACT TODAY SO THAT THESE WELL CONCEIVED, REASONABLE TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS FINALLY CAN PROCEED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL RESIDENTS OF SAINT JOHNS COUNTY.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

MICHAEL MCDONALD, WINDSWEPT ACRES NEIGHBORHOOD.

I'D JUST LIKE TO POINT OUT A COUPLE FACTS ABOUT THIS PROJECT.

SARAH ARNOLD IS WELL AWARE THAT THIS IS A WAR IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, I THINK, WHICH THAT SHOULD INCLINE YOU GUYS TO SEEK MORE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT, POSTPONE THIS ARRANGEMENT.

WHATEVER YOU GUYS PROPOSE TO DO TODAY, POSTPONE IT, GET MORE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SEND OUT FLIERS.

WE'VE GOT PLENTY OF MONEY.

SEND OUT A VOTE.

WHATEVER YOU GOT TO DO.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE THAT PROPOSED PROJECT TO PUT A ASPHALT TRAIL THROUGH GRASS.

YOU CAN IMAGINE THIS WOMAN SHOWED US, PROVIDED US PICTURES.

ROUTES ARE GOING TO COME UP IN NO TIME.

LET'S POINT OUT THE FACT THAT THEY WANT TO BRING ADA ACCESSIBLE.

IT'S A THREE MILE CONTINUOUS TRAIL.

THERE'S NO EXITS, THERE'S NO BATHROOMS. THERE'S ONE TRAIL.

THERE'S NO WAY TO GET OFF OF IT EITHER.

YOU TURN BACK AROUND AND WEASEL YOUR WAY BACK TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

LIKE, EXACTLY LIKE THIS WOMAN SAID, SHE WALKS A QUARTER MILE TO GET TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR GET TO THE PARK.

SO AT THIS POINT NOW SHE'S STUCK AND HAS TO GO ALL THE WAY BACK BECAUSE THERE'S NO ACCESS POINTS, THERE'S NO BATHROOMS, THERE'S NO WATER.

AND IS ANYBODY SEEN ANYBODY RIDE A BIKE LATELY? THEY'RE ALL ELECTRIC. THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ELECTRIC BIKE TRAIL, WITHOUT A DOUBT.

AND AT THIS POINT THEY'RE GOING TO BE DOING 25 MILE AN HOUR PASSED.

THIS WOMAN THAT HAS HER BABY, YOU KNOW, AND NOWADAYS PEOPLE HAVE MORE THAN ONE BABY.

LIKE YOU'VE GOT A NEGLIGENT CHILD THAT, YOU KNOW, YOU CANNOT KEEP CONTROL.

LIKE I KNOW MY DAUGHTER IS, WILL DO WHATEVER SHE WANTS TO DO, LIKE.

AND YEAH, IT'S JUST GOING TO BRING NEGATIVE ATTENTION.

ACTUALLY, I GUESS THE HOPEFULLY YOU GUYS CAN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM THAT THESE PEOPLE FACE IN THEIR BOAT RAMPS ON A NIGHTLY EVENT.

THERE IS AMPLE HOMELESS ACTIVITY THAT PEOPLE LIVE IN THEIR HOMES OR LIVE IN THEIR CARS IN THESE BOAT RAMPS, IN FACT, LIKE, GO LOOK AT IT.

THESE THESE PEOPLE CAN, I'M SURE, BE LIKE, THEY KNOW THERE'S MORE THAN FIVE HOMELESS PEOPLE SLEEPING IN THEIR CARS IN THAT IN THOSE BOAT RAMPS EVERY NIGHT.

THIS IS NOT A PLACE TO PUT A TRAIL.

THERE'S NO PARKING.

OR ACTUALLY, SORRY, THERE IS PARKING ALL THE WAY ALONG THE ROAD.

SO AT THIS POINT, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PROPOSE NO PARKING TO THESE PEOPLE THAT WHEN THEY HAVE EVENTS, GOOD LUCK.

YOU'VE GOT TO FIND ANOTHER PARKING AT A BOAT RAMP.

THAT IS THERE'S TWO BOAT RAMPS.

THERE'S NO PUBLIC PARKING THERE.

IF YOU IF YOU POTENTIALLY IMPACT THEIR PARKING ALONG THEIR ROAD AS NEIGHBORS, YOU ARE DOOMING THAT NEIGHBOR.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS DAN STORK.

I LIVE AT 143 NAUTILUS ROAD, ONE BLOCK FROM THE BOAT RAMP.

I ALSO HAVE LIVED THERE SINCE THE ROADS WERE DIRT.

I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU ALL OF MY FAVORITE PRESIDENTS.

QUOTE I AM FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND I'M HERE TO HELP YOU.

THEY BUILT.

WE HAD A ONE LANE BOAT RAMP, WHICH IT WAS FOR JOHN BOWES.

CANOES, KAYAKS. IT WAS FOR LITTLE THINGS.

OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO EXPAND THE TWO BOAT RAMPS.

THEY BUILT ANOTHER RAMP.

THEY DIDN'T PROVIDE NO PARKING, SO TRUCKS AND CARS WERE SPILLED ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY.

[02:15:02]

IT WAS AN AREA CLOSE TO THIS UNTIL SOMEBODY REMOVED THE PVC THING SO WE COULD DRIVE SO PEOPLE WOULD PARK OUT IN THE GRASS AREAS AT THE DOUG CRANE BOAT RAMP.

IF YOU'VE EVER SEEN THE OTHER MOULTRIE, THE OTHER BOAT RAMP ON SHORE DRIVE, THERE'S NOT FIVE CARS CAN PARK THERE.

FIVE CARS CAN'T EVEN PARK THERE.

THEY'RE UP AND DOWN THE ROAD ON ANY WEEKEND, EVERY WEEKEND SINCE THEY MADE THE IMPROVEMENTS.

WE HAVE CARS, TRUCKS AND TRAILERS FULL OF BOATS FLYING DOWN SHORE DRIVE TRYING TO GET TO THE BOAT RAMP.

IT'S HORRIBLE.

NEVER WAS THAT WAY.

I SUGGEST THE LAMPE PROJECT, PURCHASING THE SHORES BOULEVARD AND MAKE A WONDERFUL TRAIL OVER THERE.

WALK YOU CAN ALL IT'S A IT'S A VIRGIN PROJECT.

YOU CAN MAKE LIGHTING, EXITS, BATHROOMS, EVERYTHING CAN BE DONE OVER THERE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING. I'M WARREN CLARKE AND I LIVE AT 702 GERONA ROAD.

AND THAT'S IN SHAW'S IN THE SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH.

AND JUST LOVE IT.

MY WIFE AND I COMMENT SO MANY TIMES HOW LUCKY WE ARE TO BE ABLE TO LIVE IN THIS SPACE.

IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL.

THE WHAT I'M HEARING HERE TODAY IS A REAL DIVISION WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

AND SOMETHING HAPPENED THAT WAS STRANGE FOR ME, AND THAT IS I ACTUALLY HAD NEIGHBORS COME AND LOBBY ME, AND I'M USUALLY THE ONE ON THE OTHER END DOING THAT WITH YOU ALL.

AND SO IT WAS LIKE, WOW, YOU KNOW, SOMETHING REALLY IS AFOOT HERE.

IT TOOK ME THREE WEEKS TO PROCESS WHERE I AM ON THIS ISSUE, TO TRY TO FIGURE THROUGH WHAT MAY BE THE COMPROMISE THAT WOULD WORK, THAT WOULD HELP US AS A COMMUNITY, AS A NEIGHBORHOOD TO COME TOGETHER ON IT, AND THEN ALSO TO LOOK AT WHAT ARE THE UNDERLYING CONCERNS.

I THINK ONE OF THE MAIN UNDERLYING CONCERNS IS THIS IS A PASSIVE PARK.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT IT REMAIN A PASSIVE PARK.

IF IT BECOMES SIMPLY A A WIDE USE PARK THAT REALLY DOES TRANSITION EVERYTHING INTO SOMETHING THAT'S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, AND THIS IS AND THAT. AND I THINK THAT THAT'S A REAL CONCERN WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

HAVING, YOU KNOW PARKING LOTS AND PUBLIC TOILETS AND LIGHTS TO FOR SECURITY AT NIGHT AND HAVING THAT IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES ALONG THE TRAIL RIGHT DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF PEOPLE'S HOMES, THAT WOULD BE PART OF THAT.

AND SO THE OTHER THING THAT I WANTED TO SAY IS THAT THE THE OTHER SOLUTION, I THINK, DOES HAVE TO DO WITH THIS BUSINESS OF A SIDEWALK THAT BRINGS IT TOGETHER. WE DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH SAFETY ON SHORE DRIVE.

AND I WALK IT WITH MY WIFE.

AND WE HAVE WE WALK A LITTLE BIT SLOWER THESE DAYS.

AND SO WE DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT.

SO IF WE HAVE A SIDEWALK AND THEN IF WE HAVE A COMMITMENT FROM THE COUNTY FOR A PASSIVE PARK SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL SPACE, I THINK THAT THAT WOULD REALLY HELP BRING US TOGETHER.

LAST THOUGHT I WAS A PASTOR FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

I HAD ONE OLD FELLA IN THE CHURCH WHO WAS REALLY WISE, AND WE WERE WORKING ON A PROJECT THAT WAS IMPORTANT AND HAD DIVISION, AND HE CAME TO ME AND HE SAID, WARREN, IT'S NOT.

NO, IT'S HOW HOW YOU GO ABOUT DOING IT.

IT'S NOT. NO, IT'S HOW I THINK THE HOW.

AND THIS IS ALSO WE NEED TO HAVE AS A COMMUNITY AND WITH YOU ALL TIME TO PROCESS THIS.

THIS IS NOT SOMETHING FOR A DECISION TODAY.

WE NEED THAT BREATHING SPACE TO THINK IT THROUGH WITH YOU.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER.

MY NAME IS NORMAN RICHARD, 141 JUPITER ROAD.

SORRY, I'VE GOT A COLD.

I'LL BE HARD TO SPEAK TO THINGS THAT CONTRARY TO MOST, WE JUST ARRIVED HERE IN MAY, AND SURPRISINGLY, THAT WE SEARCHED THE HOUSE FOR THREE MONTHS.

WE TOOK A THREE MONTH TOUR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE TO FIND A HOUSE.

AND WE'VE LOOKED FROM THE SEASHORE TO DAYTONA PAST THE 95, AND YOU GET ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL HOUSES, BUT YOU'RE GIVING MONEY AND THAT FOR VALUE

[02:20:08]

BUT WHAT HAPPENED WAS AT THE LAST MINUTE, AFTER THREE MONTHS, WE WEREN'T FINDING ANYTHING IN SAINT AUGUSTINE FOR WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR.

AND WHEN WE ARRIVED THERE, IT WAS JUST THE BEAUTY OF NATURE THAT YOU CAN'T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE.

SO THAT'S ONE THING YOU'RE GOING TO DESTROY IF YOU GO WITH A AN ASSAULT PATH IN THE MIDDLE OF A 200FT, YOU KNOW, AND THEN LET'S GO TO SECURITY.

PEOPLE SAY, WELL, IT'D BE NICE FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE RESTRAINED TO REFRAIN TO A WHEELCHAIR OR WALKER OR HAVE A SLOW PACE OF WALK.

ON A TRAIL.

THAT PEOPLE WOULD GO EXERCISE, BECAUSE THAT'S THE BEAUTY OF WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO.

IT'S BICYCLE, IT'S ROLLERBLADING, IT'S SKATEBOARD.

AND YOU THINK SOMEONE WITH A WALKER THAT HAS A HARD TIME TO WALK AND THEY YELL TRAIL! TRAIL! YOU HAVE TO MOVE TO YOUR LEFT, YOUR RIGHT, GET OUT OF THE WAY.

YOU HAVE A DOG ON A LEASH, EIGHT FOOT LEASH OR SIX FOOT LEASH.

YOU KNOW HE'S IN THE MIDDLE.

DO YOU THINK THE BICYCLE IS GOING TO GO AND STOP AT 20 MILES AN HOUR? THAT'S THE WAY WE RIDE OUR BIKES TODAY.

PEDAL BIKES. NOW WE'RE INTO ELECTRIC.

KEEP THOSE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD.

MAKE A SIDEWALK OR DO IT.

YOU'VE HEARD ALL THE PROPOSALS.

THERE'S TONS AND THERE'S.

YOU'VE HEARD ALL THE ARGUMENTS.

THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

YOU'RE GOING TO BREAK IT. DESTROY IT.

SO I TAKE TAKE TIME TO ANALYZE THIS.

FOR ME, IT'S A NOTE.

COMPLETE NOTE. THANK YOU.

GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS PHILIP MCKENNA.

I LIVE 2702 SHORE DRIVE.

I HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE WATERFRONT, AND I TOTALLY OPPOSE THIS TRAIL.

AS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IT'S GOING TO CAUSE, I SIT OUT EVERY MORNING, I WATCH THE BIRDS.

JUST IN THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, I'VE NOTICED AFTER THE PARK SERVICE CAME THROUGH OR THE COUNTY, THEY TRIMMED THE TREES.

AND I'VE ALREADY NOTICED THAT THE PILOTED BIG WOODPECKERS, THEY TOOK OFF BECAUSE THEY CUT THE TREES ALL BACK.

AND ANOTHER THING I NOTICED TOO, THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AROUND HERE IS THAT'S A ESTUARY ALL OUT THERE, THE THE WETLANDS.

AND THIS TRAIL, IF IT GOES IN EIGHT FOOT OF ASPHALT, IT'S GOING TO LEACH THE THE OILS OUT OF THE ASPHALT INTO THE ESTUARIES, INTO THE MARSH AND EVERYTHING'S ALREADY STRUGGLING.

AND TODAY I WAS LISTENING TO EVERYBODY THIS MORNING ABOUT THE CONSERVATION OF PURCHASING LAND HERE.

THEY'RE ALL WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS PRESERVE WHAT WE HAVE.

AND IT'S IT'S GOING TO BE DETRIMENTALLY AFFECTED IF THIS TRAIL GOES IN.

I'M ALL FOR SIDEWALK LONG SIDE OF THE ROAD, YOU KNOW, SOME SOME KIND OF EASEMENT.

BUT TO TO RUN AN EIGHT FOOT BASICALLY A ROAD THROUGH, THROUGH 30% OF OUR GREEN, OUR GREENBELT, THAT'S HORRIBLE. AND I SIT OUT ON MY MY FRONT PORCH EVERY MORNING WATCHING THE BIRDS.

THERE'S OTTERS OUT THERE.

THERE'S ALL KINDS OF STUFF.

AND IT'S ALL GOING TO BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF THIS GOES THROUGH.

AND I JUST I DON'T WANT TO LOSE THAT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

MADAM CHAIR, COMMISSIONERS.

COUNTY STAFF.

MARGO GEER, 249 ARGONAUT ROAD.

GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR THE HOURS THAT EACH OF YOU AND COUNTY STAFF HAVE DEVOTED TO THIS AND OTHER PROJECTS.

AND YES, EVEN THOUGH SOME HERE MAY NOT BELIEVE IT, I'M AWARE THAT THE SHORE DRIVE TRAIL IS NOT THE ONLY THING GOING ON IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY AT THE MOMENT, BUT WHAT IT IS IS A WELL DESIGNED, ENGINEERED, PERMITTED FUNDED, SHOVEL READY PROJECT THAT NEEDS TO PROCEED.

IT IS BEING SAID THAT AROUND 500 SIGNATURES HAVE BEEN COLLECTED OPPOSING THE TRAIL, BUT THERE ARE OVER 2300 HOMES IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH, ACCORDING TO GOOGLE, THE AVERAGE FLORIDA HOUSEHOLD SIZE IS 6.2 PEOPLE.

THAT EQUATES TO OVER 6000 RESIDENTS THAT CAN BE USING THIS TRAIL.

EVEN IF VALID, THE 500 SIGNATURES OPPOSING THE TRAIL ARE LESS THAN 10% ON THE SUBJECT OF VALIDITY.

I DON'T KNOW IF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHECK FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY, VERIFY THAT THE SIGNERS ARE SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH RESIDENTS,

[02:25:03]

BUT I WONDER WHAT SOME PEOPLE WERE TOLD THAT MADE THEM OPPOSE THE PROJECT.

AS RECENTLY AS THE LAST FEW DAYS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, I HAVE SEEN THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS.

14FT OF ASPHALT, LOSS OF THE TREE CANOPY AND ONE THAT STILL LEAVES ME SHAKING MY HEAD REGARDING THE TRAIL ATTRACTING HOMELESSNESS.

NOT ONLY WAS IT ALLEGED THAT TRAIL WILL ATTRACT HOMELESS, IT WILL ATTRACT HOUSELESS MIGRANTS, MAINLY WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS.

AND WHILE THAT LAST ONE IS TOO OUTLANDISH TO BE TRUE, IF SOMEONE CAME TO MY DOOR, IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES AS A NEIGHBOR, AND SAID THAT THE COUNTY WANTED TO PAVE ACRES AND ACRES AND THAT TREES WERE GOING TO DIE, IF I WASN'T PERSONALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE PROJECT, I WOULD SIGN IT.

I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT BECAUSE BACK WHEN THIS PROJECT WAS DISCUSSED IN 2007, I FELL VICTIM TO MISINFORMATION AND MY OWN LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.

AND I DID NOT SUPPORT THE PROJECT AS I WOULD HAVE IF I HAD KNOWN THE FACT.

THERE ARE SOME RESIDENTS THAT WON'T LIKE THE TRAIL REGARDLESS.

AND I MEAN REALLY, REGARDLESS, THEY WOULD NOT LIKE IT IF YOU PAVED IT WITH GOLD OR USED YELLOW BRICK, MADE A SIDEWALK OR A BIKE TRAIL.

BUT AS FOR ME AND MY POLLYANNA SELF, I BELIEVE THAT ONCE THE TRAIL IS COMPLETED AND THEY SEE THAT IT IS NOT THE PATH OF DESTRUCTION THAT IT'S BEING MADE OUT TO BE, THEY WILL COME TO USE AND ENJOY THE TRAIL AND THIS COMMUNITY CAN HEAL.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS LEONA PENROD AND I LIVE IN THE SOUTH ON 108 EGRET ROAD.

I'VE LIVED IN THE SOUTH FOR OVER FIVE YEARS.

ONE OF THE REASONS I'M AGAINST THE EIGHT FOOT ASPHALT TRAIL IS THE STRESS TO THE ROOTS OF THE LARGE, MATURE TREES, AND IF THAT WILL SHORTEN THEIR LIFESPAN, THE TREES AND SHRUBS ACT AS A BUFFER AGENT TO MAJOR STORMS. I HONESTLY, I FAIL TO SEE THE SAFETY OF A MULTI-USE TRAIL WHEN I BIKE ON SHORE DRIVE.

I'M. I'M DOING IT FOR EXERCISE AND I GO AS FAST AS I CAN.

SO EVEN IF YOU APPROVE THE TRAIL, I WILL STILL DRIVE ON BIKE ON SHORE DRIVE.

THANK YOU AND PLEASE VOTE NO.

HELLO AND THANKS FOR LISTENING.

I LIVE AT 1371 PRINCE ROAD IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH.

BEFORE THAT I LIVED FOR 30 YEARS IN CRESCENT BEACH, AND THEY KIND OF SQUEEZED ME OUT OF THERE WITH ALL THE DEVELOPING ACCESS WITH NO PARKING, THINGS LIKE THAT. ONE OF THE MOST.

HARMFUL THINGS WAS WHEN THEY PAVED OUR ROAD WITH ASPHALT BROWARD STREET, AND IT'S TOO HOT TO WALK A DOG ON NOW.

THE MAIN THING I SEE ON SHORE DRIVE IS PEOPLE WITH DOGS.

SO I THINK THAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED.

IF YOU DON'T PLAN AND PUT TREES ALONG THERE FOR SHADE TO KEEP THE HEAT RADIATING OUT OF THERE, IT'S JUST GOING TO BE CRAZY.

SO WHAT I'M ASKING IS NOT EITHER OR, BUT FOR SOME PLAN THAT TAKES INTO EVERYTHING, INCLUDING OUR ENVIRONMENT.

THANK YOU. AND BEFORE OUR NEXT COMMENT, I JUST WANT TO MAKE ONE ONE STATEMENT.

WE TYPICALLY DO TIME CERTAIN PUBLIC COMMENT AT 1130.

I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND LET ALL PUBLIC COMMENT FOR SURE TRAIL FINISH.

AND THEN WE'LL GO INTO THAT GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT TIME.

SO. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

MY NAME IS SID TANIMURA.

I LIVE IN THE SOUTH AT 441 JASMINE ROAD.

AND I ASKED THAT YOU PLEASE POSTPONE ANY JOB, STARTED PLANS OR ANY OTHER FURTHER PROCESS OF THE CURRENT WHICH I BELIEVE FLAWED PATH PROJECT. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE ARE NO DOCUMENTED SURVEYOR OR ENGINEER REPORTS TO EVEN DETERMINE THE WISDOM AND VIABILITY OF BUILDING ANY TYPE OF TRAIL OR PATH IN THE DESIGNATED AREAS BEFORE ANY SIMILAR PROJECT IS OR ANY OTHER CONTRACT IS AWARDED OR PURSUED, IT'S ESSENTIAL THAT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE QUALIFIED, ACCOUNTABLE, COMPLETE EVALUATION OF THE SUITABILITY OF THE INTENDED SITE TO SUPPORT THE DESIGN PLAN, PREFERABLY MORE THAN ONE.

THIS SPECIFICALLY MEANS AT LEAST WELL, EXCUSE ME, SOMEONE WITH SOLID EXPERIENCE WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MARSH WETLAND REGIONS.

KNOWLEDGE OF THAT PARTICULAR TYPE OF GEOGRAPHY.

THE LOW LYING AREAS OF SHORE DRIVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED FLOODING DURING HEAVY RAINS, AND THIS AREA HASN'T EVEN HAD A MAJOR DIRECT HURRICANE IN RECENT

[02:30:04]

IN MY OPINION, ANY PATH THAT DISRUPTS AND ALTERS THE SOFT GROUND EXPONENTIALLY INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF FLOODING AND SLOW WATER INGRESS THAT DIRECTLY IMPACTS THE HOMES IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE WATER.

A BIG PROBLEM IS THAT SLOW WATER DAMAGE CAN TAKE YEARS TO MANIFEST TO SHOW ITSELF.

SO PLEASE PUT YOURSELF IN THESE HOMEOWNERS SHOES, NOT JUST DIRECTLY ON SHORE DRIVE, BUT ON THE STREETS BEHIND, BECAUSE THAT'S JUST THE WAY WATER WORKS.

I FORESEE NEVER ENDING REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE RESULTING FROM PROCEEDING WITH THE PRESENT PLANS FOR THE TRAIL CONSTRUCTION.

BECAUSE OF THE, IN MY OPINION, UNSUITABLE GROUND, THE LOCATION.

IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT TAXPAYERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COSTS, AND THAT THE LOCATION WOULD INEVITABLY REQUIRE PERPETUAL MONEY MAINTENANCE, REPAIR MONEY THAT WILL BE TAXPAYERS WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH.

SO IT JUST SEEMS THAT IF YOU GO AND DRIVE OUT THERE AND JUST TAKE A MOMENT AND JUST LOOK IT, THIS READS VERY CLOSE TO THE STREET, SHORE DRIVE, AND I WILL ADMIT, I HADN'T BEEN OUT THERE FOR A LITTLE WHILE.

I LIVED CLOSE TO THE MOULTRIE CREEK AREA, BUT IT JUST SEEMS LIKE REALLY LACK OF WISDOM TO EVEN CONSIDER PUTTING A RIGID, NON-FLEXIBLE THREE MILE LONG STRETCH OF ASPHALT AND ASPHALT DOES HAVE A BAD SMELL.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! HI, MY NAME IS KEITH LAFLAM.

I LIVE AT 603 WARBLER ROAD AND I'VE LIVED IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS.

AND I'LL KEEP IT REAL SHORT BECAUSE I KNOW TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

PLEASE DON'T PAY PARADISE.

AND I SPEAK FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO LOVE THIS NATURAL AREA.

TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT IT.

IT'S BEAUTIFUL. I CAN'T EVEN GET THE GRASS IN MY YARD TO GROW LIKE THAT, SO PLEASE DON'T RUIN A GOOD THING THAT WE'VE ENJOYED FOR A LONG TIME.

I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER VIEWPOINTS AND I RESPECT THAT, BUT WITH ALL THIS OPPOSITION, PLEASE TABLE THIS AT THIS TIME.

I LIKE WHAT THE FORMER FORMER SPEAKER CAME UP WITH, CHRIS.

HE TALKED ABOUT INVESTIGATING A SIDEWALK ALONG THE ROAD.

LET'S LOOK INTO THAT.

LET'S DELAY THIS VOTE RIGHT NOW AND LET'S LOOK INTO SOME OTHER OPTIONS.

THANK YOU. MICHELINE BOUTON, 137 LINDEN ROAD, SAINT AUGUSTINE.

THIS IS OUR PARK.

CAN I CAMERA. OKAY, THIS IS OUR PARK.

THE SAFEST AREA IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO WALK.

THE ONLY GREENWAY LEFT AROUND THE MATANZAS RIVER.

IF THIS SHOULD GO FORWARD, THIS FAMILY RIGHT NOW WOULD BE PLAYING ON ASPHALT ASPHALT ON THE VERY SAME SPOT I HAVE HERE A PETITION FROM 109 PEOPLE.

THE SIGN AND ASK THE COMMISSIONER.

THE SAINT JOHNS COUNTY COMMISSIONER TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN, PEDESTRIAN AND PET, FROM INCREASED TRAFFIC HAZARD.

THE BIKE TRAIL WILL CREATE, NOT TO ESCALATE.

NOT TO ESCALATE THE EROSION ON THE RIVERBANK.

NOT TO WORSEN THE FLOODING PROBLEM.

THIS IS WHEN THE BIKE TRAIL WOULD BE.

WHEN WE HAVE STORM OR LIGHT RAIN, TO PROTECT THE FRAGILE ECOSYSTEM AND TO PROTECT THE WILDLIFE, THEIR HABITATS AND FOOD SOURCES. WE HEREBY REQUEST THAT YOU DO NOT PERMIT A PAVED TRAIL TO CONSTRUCTION ON THE WATERFRONT LAND SURROUNDING THE SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH COMMUNITY.

WHEN VOTING IN 2021, I THINK THAT'S WHAT YOU WERE TRYING TO LOOK AT.

MR. WALDRON, I HAVE A HEARING.

MR. WALDRON SAID AT THAT TIME, IF WE DON'T GET THE GRANT, WE WOULDN'T DO THE TRAIL AT ALL.

THE GRANT REQUIRES SAINT JOHNS COUNTY TO MATCH UP $400,000 MOVING FORWARD TO 2024.

THE PAPER TRAIL COST IS 2.3 MILLION.

IS IT WORTH IT TO SPEND 2.3 MILLION NOT TO FORFEIT A $400,000 GRANT? SAFETY IS ROADS AND BRIDGES DEPARTMENT.

[02:35:02]

SO THE LAND, NATURE, WILDLIFE AND THE RESIDENT CAN START HEALING AND RETURN TO START TO RETURN TO HER FORMER HAPPY, FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD. AND I WANT TO TOUCH BRIEFLY ON THE SURVEY.

MISTER KANE WAS IF ALL THE PEOPLE IN RESIDENCE ON SAINT JOHNS COUNTY WOULD HAVE GIVEN FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE STARS, THAT'S STILL ONLY 141 PEOPLE.

IF YOU TAKE THE PERCENTAGE AND DO IT IN VOTERS.

THOSE PEOPLE THAT VOTED.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU. SAME FOR THE SURVEY, MONKEY ON ONLY 230 PEOPLE.

THANK YOU MA'AM. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. HELLO, MY NAME IS CLARK MONAHAN.

I LIVE AT 139 NEPTUNE ROAD.

I'VE BEEN THERE FOR 33 YEARS.

IT WAS DIRT ROAD WHEN? WHEN I FIRST MOVED IN THERE, AND I CAN SAY THAT IT'S PROBABLY SAINT AUGUSTINE DRIVE.

THERE IS PROBABLY THE SAFEST, ONE OF THE SAFEST ROADS IN SAINT AUGUSTINE OR SAINT JOHNS COUNTY.

I HAVE NEVER HEARD.

I HEARD ONE PERSON GET HURT ON A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE.

HE FLIPPED IT. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF ANYBODY GETTING HURT ON THAT ROAD.

I JUST HAVEN'T.

SO I THINK IT'S VERY, VERY SAFE.

I THINK THAT IF YOU PUT THE THE TRAIL IN, NOBODY'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE PARKING.

I THINK THAT THERE'S A LOT OF RUTS WHEN PEOPLE TRY TO PULL OFF AND THERE IS BLACK DIRT, IT'LL JUST BE A MESS.

PLUS, THE ONE LADY THAT HAD THE THE ROTTED THE MAINTENANCE OF IT, I JUST DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR THE MAINTENANCE FOR THAT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

I JUST DON'T IT'S NOT NEEDED.

IT'S NOT WANTED.

THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DON'T WANT IT.

IF I COULD TAKE MAYBE A SILENT SURVEY OF HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD RAISE YOUR HAND.

WANT THE TRAIL? CAN THEY DO THAT? OKAY. HOW MANY PEOPLE DO NOT WANT THE TRAIL? THAT KIND OF SAYS IT ALL.

AND AND WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF PARKS AND RECS.

THEY SAID THAT THEY DID A LITTLE BIT OF A SURVEY OF HOW MANY PEOPLE WANTED.

THEY SAID THEY HAD THEY TALKED TO 350 PEOPLE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AND 70% OF THEM AGREED THAT THEY WANTED IT.

WE HAVE OVER 500 SIGNATURES, AND IT'S 100% THAT DON'T WANT IT.

THE PEOPLE DON'T WANT IT.

AND IT'S NOT NEEDED.

IT'S JUST NOT NEEDED.

SO AND THEN IF YOU REALLY WANT TO DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY, I THINK SIDEWALKS, IF YOU COULD PUT MONEY INTO SIDEWALKS, IT WOULD SOLVE ALL THE PROBLEMS. AND AND YOU'D GET 100% RAISE THEIR HANDS IF YOU JUST PUT IN SIDEWALKS.

AND I REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU. MY NAME IS MARTHA S.P.

SULLIVAN. I LIVE AT 833 QUEEN ROAD IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH.

I'VE BEEN COMING TO SAINT AUGUSTINE FOR 17 YEARS TO VISIT MY DAUGHTER.

THREE YEARS AGO WE BOUGHT A HOME AND I WALKED THE INTERCOASTAL EVERY DAY.

I THINK SIDEWALKS IS A GREAT IDEA.

I AM TOTALLY AGAINST THE TRAIL.

WE MOVED FROM PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

I AM A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.

I SAW SO MANY INJURIES BECAUSE ON THOSE EIGHT FOOT TRAILS YOU HAVE MOTHERS WITH BABIES IN STROLLERS, YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHIZZING BY ON BIKES, YOU HAVE JOGGERS.

AND, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF TIMES THEY DON'T HEAR YOU COMING.

BIKERS FLY OFF THE ROAD.

PEOPLE FALL AND INJURE THEMSELVES.

SO THAT'S WHAT I HAVE TO SAY.

THANK YOU. SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

CAN I SHOW A PICTURE ON THE PHONE ON HERE? WHERE WOULD THAT GO? YES, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE.

I'M SUSAN MILLERICK, 130 502 SHORE DRIVE, SAINT AUGUSTINE.

AND I AM AGAINST THE TRAIL.

AND I FIND IT REALLY IRONIC THAT THIS IS NATIONAL FLOOD MONTH.

HERE IS A PICTURE OF THE FLOOD MAP.

AND AS YOU CAN SEE, ALL THE FLOODING IS COMING THIS WAY.

AND RIGHT WHERE THAT TRAIL WILL BE IS THERE.

I ALSO HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FLOODING AND WHERE THIS TRAIL IS, WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT A PUDDLE.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WAVES AND WHITECAPS THAT COME OVER, HIT IT AND BRING THE SOIL BACK.

SO WHEN YOU PUT TONS OF FILL IN TO LEVEL THIS TRAIL, AND OUR ARBORIST SAID THERE'D BE UP TO TWO FEET OF OF FILL IN SOME AREAS, WE ARE

[02:40:08]

SO DO YOU WANT THIS TO BE YOUR LEGACY, THAT YOU VOTE FOR THIS? AND WE PUT ALL THIS FILL IN AND COME JULY 1ST, WE HAVE A TROPICAL STORM OR A HURRICANE, AND ALL THAT TONNAGE OF FILL ENDS UP IN THE MATANZAS RIVER TO TALK ABOUT BUYING LAND FOR CONSERVATION.

AND HERE YOU HAVE LAND FOR CONSERVATION RIGHT ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF THE MATANZAS, AND YOU'RE GOING TO PAVE IT WITH ASPHALT.

HERE IS A PICTURE OF WHAT'S IN THE SOUTHWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD.

AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT SHORE DRIVE NEEDS.

JUST A SIMPLE FIVE FOOT WIDE, FOUR FOOT WIDE SIDEWALK FOR PEOPLE TO WALK, FOR STROLLERS, FOR CARRIAGES.

THE BIKES STAY ON THE ROAD AND EVERYBODY STAYS SAFE.

AND I GUESS THE TRAFFIC STUDY.

I DON'T EVEN WANT TO BOTHER BRINGING THAT UP.

SO PLEASE BE THE FISCAL GUARDIANS THAT I KNOW YOU ARE AND TURN THIS BOONDOGGLE DOWN.

THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO ALL OF OUR OPINIONS.

I WALKED SHORE DRIVE DAILY.

THE ONLY THREAT I FEEL IS BY PEOPLE THAT ARE ON THEIR CELL PHONES, AND NO LAW ENFORCEMENT TO EVER CHECK SPEEDING, EVER.

SO SHORE DRIVE ITSELF IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF PAVING.

IF YOU THINK THAT THIS TRAIL IS GOING TO HOLD UP AND NOT BUCKLE UP AND NOT SETTLE, GO DOWN SHORE DRIVE, I BEG OF YOU, JUST WALK.

SHORE DRIVE. IT HAS HUGE DIPS.

THAT'S THE UNSAFETY HERE.

IT'S NOT THE PEOPLE, IT'S THE DRIVERS.

AND THE FACT THAT A GOOD SIDEWALK WOULD SOLVE ALL OF IT.

AND I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WOULD DISAGREE TO A SIDEWALK.

AGAIN, THIS IS MY THERAPY, I HAVE CANCER, I WALK THIS ROAD DAILY TO GET AWAY FROM PEOPLE AND TO GET AWAY FROM PROBLEMS. WHEN YOU BRING IN MORE PEOPLE, IT'S A MULTIPLIER.

YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE MORE PROBLEMS. IT'S MY OPINION.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

HEATHER HARLEY DAVIDSON, 2070 REEF DRIVE.

I'M JUST GOING TO. SIZE UP MY SEAT.

WHO'S GOING TO PLACE US? THE PIECE OF OF THESE POOR PEOPLE THAT LIVE HERE IS GOING TO BE DISRUPTED SO BAD WITH THE CONSTRUCTION CREW.

WHAT I SUGGEST IS YOU TAKE THIS GRANT MONEY AND PUT IT FROM US ONE TO A-1-A ALONG THAT ROAD.

WE NEED THAT.

THESE POOR PEOPLE, I MEAN, THEY WISH THEY HAD A GATED COMMUNITY SO THEY COULD KEEP KEEP EVERYBODY OUT AT THIS POINT.

I MEAN, IT'S NOT LIKE THEY THEY'RE NOT WANTING TO SHARE.

WE CAN SHARE THE ROADS.

I'VE HAD TO PUSH A WHEELCHAIR FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS BEFORE.

I WOULDN'T BE DOING IT ON THAT.

WE HAVE MOSES CREEK.

LOOK AT THAT. THAT TRAIL.

YOU KNOW, WE CAN SHARE THE ROAD HERE.

I MEAN, I'M FEELING THE BLACK CROWES.

WE PAVED PARADISE AND PUT UP A SIX FOOT ASPHALT TRAIL.

I'M OUT OF TUNE ANYWAY.

I THINK THE PEOPLE OF THIS NEIGHBORHOOD HAVE SPOKE.

I MEAN, WE CAN DO THIS WITH COUNTY MONEY SOMEWHERE ELSE.

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS RUTH HOPE.

I LIVE AT 133 NEPTUNE ROAD IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH.

AND MY PROPOSITIONS HERE THAT I AM PRO TRAIL BECAUSE I WANT EQUITY AND ACCESS TO THE PARK AND SAFETY FOR ALL.

I WANT TO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS WHO'VE RESPONDED TO MY EMAILS PERSONALLY, NOT JUST AUTOMATIC RESPONSES.

I WANT TO THANK BOTH MY CURRENT COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER AL ALAMO, AND MY PRIOR COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER WALDRON, WHO'VE MET WITH ME AND NEIGHBORS ON THE ISSUE TO DISCUSS THE TRAIL.

AND I PARTICULARLY WANT TO THANK PARKS AND REC STAFF.

BOTH PRIOR DIRECTOR DOUG BATTYE AND DIRECTOR DOUG RYAN KANE HAVE MET WITH OUR COMMUNITY.

[02:45:07]

SO MANY NEIGHBORS HAVE WAITED FOR A LONG TIME FOR THIS TRAIL, AND IT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE IN THE SOUTH EAST OF THE COUNTY, WE HAVE RELATIVELY FEW WALKING TRAILS, AND OF THOSE, VERY FEW ARE ADA COMPLIANT.

IN OUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD, WE HAVE A NEED TO GET PEOPLE TO SAFETY OFF THE SHORE DRIVE PAVEMENT.

WE DO HAVE A VERY SHORT BOARDWALK AND SIDEWALK IN THE SOUTH TOWARDS MOSSY CREEK BOAT RAMP, BUT IT'S VERY SHORT AND IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG TO WALK.

I WANT TO READ YOU SOMETHING FROM MY NEIGHBOR, HANLEY CARAWAY OF WISTERIA ROAD.

HE SAID, HAVING SPENT TWO DECADES TRYING TO GET A TRAIL IN THE PARK, AND NOW AT 84 YEARS OF AGE, I REALLY DON'T BELIEVE I'M A PLAYER ANYMORE.

I WISH I COULD DO MORE, BUT THE THE BATTLE HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL ON ME PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND MENTALLY, AND I HAVE REALLY AGONIZED AND SUFFERED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.

HE AND HIS WIFE SHARED THE RAISING OF A HANDICAPPED GRANDDAUGHTER SO THAT HER PARENTS COULD WORK.

HE EXPLAINED THAT IT TAKES A LOT TO GET A HANDICAPPED PERSON OUT AND INTO A CAR FOR A TRIP.

DIAPER BAGS, MEDICINES, DRINKING WATER AND CHANGE OF CLOTHES AS WELL AS THE WHEELCHAIR ALL HAVE TO BE PREPARED AND PACKED INTO THE CAR.

THE EFFORT GOING TO THE SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH BOARDWALK TOOK LONGER THAN THE WALK ON THE BOARDWALK.

BUT IT'S NOT JUST PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS OR ON MOBILITY SCOOTERS THAT CANNOT ACCESS THE WATERFRONT PARK.

THOSE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND OLDER PEOPLE WITH PLANT AND NEUROPATHY ARE UNSAFE.

WALKING ON SOFT, UNEVEN GRASS.

THANK YOU MA'AM, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS KATHERINE REYNOLDS.

I'VE LIVED AT 2710 SHORE DRIVE FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS, AND IN THE SUBDIVISION FOR 69 YEARS.

MY PARENTS, IVAN AND LUCILLE SHARPE, BUILT THE 13TH HOUSE IN THE SUBDIVISION IN 1955, WHEN I WAS TEN YEARS OLD, AND WERE AMONG THE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.

THERE WAS NEVER ANY COUNTY MAINTENANCE OF THE PARK AREAS.

THE PARKS WERE EITHER LEFT NATURAL OR UNDERBRUSH AND MOWED BY THE SHORE DRIVE HOMEOWNERS.

THIS WAS THE CASE UNTIL 2021, WHEN THE COUNTY GOT WIND OF A $400,000 MATCHING FUND STATE GRANT AVAILABILITY, HENCE THE SUDDEN INTEREST IN OUR PARK.

NOW HERE WE ARE GETTING AN EIGHT FOOT WIDE ASPHALT TRAIL THAT WILL ULTIMATELY DESTROY THE REMAINING NATURAL BEAUTY OF OUR WATERFRONT NEIGHBORHOOD. I AND MANY OTHERS DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN.

AND PLEASE NOTE, THE INITIAL GRANT OF $400,000 HAS TO BE MATCHED BY TAXPAYERS MONEY.

SO THAT PUT THE COST AT 800,000.

BUT THE CONTRACT FOR THE JOB IS ABOUT TO BE AWARDED TO GCG IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,801,732, ALMOST $2 MILLION.

WHERE WILL ALL THAT EXTRA MONEY COME FROM? IMAGINE THE TIME IT WILL TAKE TO BUILD THIS A YEAR, MAYBE TWO.

THE CONGESTION AND THE NOISE WITH THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT RUNNING ALL OVER.

AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE THE SCARS OF PROGRESS TO HEAL? THIS IS NOT PROGRESS.

WHY RUIN WHAT BROUGHT US TO THIS PEACEFUL PARADISE? WE DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS.

WE WERE JUST TOLD.

YOU'RE GETTING IT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS CAROL KENJI.

I LIVE AT 110 BEECHWOOD ROAD AND I'M DEFINITELY AGAINST THE TRAIL.

I'M PROVIDING TODAY.

CAN I HAVE OVERHEAD? THIS IS THE TYPED COPY OF THE 500 OR 481 PEOPLE WHO HAVE SAID THAT THEY ARE

[02:50:02]

AS SOON AS I SHOW YOU ALL THIS, THEN I CAN TURN IT IN.

THESE ARE THE SIGNATURES ON ALL THOSE PEOPLE.

WE HAVE SIGNATURES, WHICH MAKES IT MORE LEGAL.

AS FAR AS THE VIDEO, I'D LIKE TO SHOW YOU A QUICK VIDEO IF I CAN FIND IT.

LET'S SEE. WELL, THIS WAS DONE BY A LADY WHO TOOK THE VIDEO.

AFTER THE.

CAN YOU ZOOM IN ON THIS? ON IT. THIS WAS AFTER, I BELIEVE, NICOLE, WHICH WAS IN 2021.

THIS IS WHERE THE PATH IS GOING TO RUN.

SHE JUST DROVE DOWN HERE AND NOW IT GETS PRETTY BAD BECAUSE OF THE RAIN ON HER WINDSHIELD.

BUT YOU CAN SEE THAT MAYBE IT'D BE BETTER TO HAVE SIDEWALKS CLOSER TO THE ROAD, BECAUSE AT LEAST THEY'RE NOT UNDER WATER.

WHERE THE TRAIL IS SHOWN WILL BE DEFINITELY UNDER WATER AND ASPHALT.

LEACHING INTO THE MATANZA RIVER IS NOT MY IDEA OF CONSERVATION, WHICH WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS MORNING ABOUT A SUSTAINED ENVIRONMENTAL. PROJECTS FOR BUYING LAND WHEN WE ALREADY HAVE IT HERE.

I THINK THAT'S THE END OF HER VIDEO.

THEN I'D ALSO LIKE TO ADDRESS THE PARK AND REC PRESENTATION.

THIS WAS DONE.

THIS GRANT WAS DONE THREE YEARS AGO.

IT'S BEEN TALKED ABOUT FOR PROBABLY 20 YEARS.

MR. CAIN SAID THAT.

I BELIEVE THAT HE SAID ALL PRETTY MUCH ALL COMMUNICATION WAS THROUGH THE SASA HAVING MEETINGS THERE, HAVING DISCUSSIONS THERE.

UNFORTUNATELY, WITH 2500 HOMES, I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MEMBERS THEY HAVE, MAYBE 300.

BUT THAT IS NOT EQUAL TO WHAT WE'RE SEEING HERE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THEY HAD A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE OBSERVER, WHICH IS A NEWSPAPER.

FOR $100.

YOU COULD BUY AN AD, AND THEN YOU COULD NOTIFY IT GOES INTO EVERYBODY'S MAILBOX IN OUR SUB.

YOU COULD USE THAT $100 AND TALKED TO EVERYONE IN OUR SUB ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE DOING.

YOU HOLD MEETINGS AT THE LIBRARY THAT YOU CAN'T GET THE PEOPLE INTO THE FROM THE LOBBY BECAUSE THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ROOM.

WE NEED A BIGGER GROUP AND YOU NEED TO HEAR US.

AND I REALLY WISH YOU JUST PUT A PAUSE ON THIS AND CONSIDER THIS LATER.

NEXT SPEAKER. ALL RIGHT.

HOWDY AGAIN. MY NAME IS JUSTIN MILLER.

I'VE LIVED AT 515 GERONA ROAD FOR ALMOST 12 YEARS.

I'M HERE TO REPRESENT MYSELF AND TWO OTHERS IN MY FAMILY THAT OPPOSE THIS TRAIL.

AND THAT INCLUDES US AS BIOLOGISTS AND A NOAA EMPLOYEE WHO SPECIALIZES IN MITIGATION FROM INCREASED STORM IMPACT. WE PURCHASED OUR PROPERTY 11 YEARS AGO, ALMOST 12, BECAUSE OF THE PARK.

YOU'RE PROPOSING BREAKING THE MOST WONDERFUL THING ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

IT BROUGHT ME TEARS THE OTHER DAY, LOOKING AT OUR PARK AND THE DESTRUCTIVE IMPACT THIS TRAIL WOULD HAVE ON IT, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT'S JUST SO NARROW.

COMMISSIONERS, OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUR HELP.

WE NEED YOU TO BRIDGE THE DEEP DIVIDE GROWING IN OUR COMMUNITY.

REGARDING THIS TRAIL, I RECOMMEND WE SCRAP THIS CONTRACT TO BUILD AN EIGHT FOOT WIDE ASPHALT ROAD BEING PROPOSED AS A TRAIL, AND WORK TOGETHER WITH THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO COME UP WITH A TRAIL SIDEWALK THAT MEETS EVERYONE'S NEEDS AND CONCERNS.

WE CAN BUILD AN ADA COMPLIANT TRAIL OR SIDEWALK.

IT'S NOT AS WIDE AND IMPACTFUL WE CAN.

ALSO, THIS IS A MUCH MORE RESPONSIBLE SUGGESTION.

I CHALLENGE MY NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS TO COLLABORATE AND WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A TRAIL DESIGNED FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS AND CONCERNS.

I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WE CAN BUILD A PLAN TOGETHER THAT WILL ALL TAKE PRIDE IN.

LET'S MAKE THAT EFFORT STARTING TODAY.

BUILDING THIS TRAIL IS ROBBING OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

WE NEED TO STRONGLY PROTECT THE SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE OF THIS GREEN SPACE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

IT'S DISAPPOINTING THAT YOU'RE CONSIDERING SIGNING A BIDDING CONTRACT TODAY ON PAVING OVER WHAT PROTECTS US FROM FLOODING AND STORMS. WE'VE ALREADY SPENT TAXPAYERS MONEY ON THIS FAILURE OF A PLAN.

[02:55:03]

COMMISSIONERS, PLEASE TAKE LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY, KILL THE PLAN, AND START OVER WITH A REAL COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, NOT JUST LIMITED DISCUSSIONS.

TO HEAR US TO CHECK A MARK ON THE PROCESS OF GOING FORWARD TO BUILD THIS EXISTING TRAIL PLAN, THE PARKS DEPARTMENT APPEARS TO MISUNDERSTAND HOW EROSION WORKS.

YOU CAN'T DIVERT 135,000FT² OF WATER THAT WOULD BE FALLING ON THAT ASPHALT, AND THEN MOVING IT TO ONE SIDE OF THE TRAIL ON AN ALREADY ERODING RIVERSIDE PROPERTY, AND EXPECT IT NOT TO HAVE AN IMPACT OVER MANY DECADES.

THANK YOU SIR. I'M SORRY.

MY VOICE ISN'T WELL HEARD, BUT I HAVE TO SAY, IF YOU'VE LISTENED TO THE 100 PEOPLE THAT HAD BEEN HERE AND SIGNED SIGNATURES, IT WOULD BE A TRAVESTY.

IT WOULD BE A TRAVESTY TO NOT LISTEN TO THEM AS HAS BEEN DONE IN THE PAST.

YOU'VE NOT LISTENED TO THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE.

MOST OF YOU'VE BEEN ON YOUR CELL PHONES.

YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE TALKING, THAT ARE TRYING TO SAVE THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

AND IT'S A SHAME THAT ALL THESE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME HERE AGAINST THE TRAIL HAVE HAD WELL-FOUNDED ARGUMENTS.

YOU'VE HAD 3 OR 4 PEOPLE FOR IT.

YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO REASON.

AND OF COURSE THAT'S NOT SOMETHING YOU DO.

NEXT SPEAKER. MY NAME IS DOROTHY CHARI.

I LIVE AT 108 MARTIN ROAD IN THE SOUTH FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS NOW.

MY HUSBAND AND I WALK OUR DOG ON SHORE ROAD A FEW TIMES A WEEK.

I LOVE IT, OKAY? I DON'T WANT THE TRAIL.

NEITHER DOES MY HUSBAND AND NEITHER ONE OF US SIGNED THAT PETITION.

AND YOU'RE GOING TO FIND OUT.

THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD THAT JUST DIDN'T.

A LOT OF YOUNG PARENTS, ESPECIALLY.

YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE THEY'RE AT WORK.

THEY'RE NOT ATTENDING THE ESSAY IHSAA MEETINGS AND THINGS BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE TIME.

THEIR CHILDREN ARE PLAYING BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL AND BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL, AND THEY'RE BUSY.

YOU KNOW HOW I KNOW THAT? I'M THE GRANDMOTHER OF EIGHT CHILDREN, AND MY GRANDCHILDREN ARE EXTREMELY BUSY, WHICH MAKES THEIR PARENTS EXTREMELY BUSY.

I SHARE THIS BECAUSE THE OTHER THING IS THERE'S OWLS.

THERE'S HAWKS.

I HAD A PIECE OF PROPERTY RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO MY HOUSE THAT WAS PERSONALLY OWNED, AND IT JUST GOT DEVELOPED LAST YEAR.

WHY? IT WAS PRIVATE PROPERTY.

OKAY. THE MAN HAD THE RIGHT TO DO THAT.

BUT MY HUSBAND AND I DO NOT SEE THE ANIMALS WE USED TO SEE.

WE DON'T. WE JUST DON'T.

IF YOU PUT THAT EIGHT FOOT TRAIL IN, SHAME ON YOU.

IT'S GOING TO DESTROY THE ONE ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE AREA IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.

AND THAT'S HOW I FEEL I FEEL LIKE.

AND I AM PRO DEVELOPING.

I'M PRO JOBS.

I'D LOVE TO SEE THE ACADIANA THING.

OKAY, I WOULD, BUT THIS IS WRONG.

IT'S JUST WRONG. THE SIDEWALK WOULD BE GREAT AND EVERYBODY WOULD BE ABLE TO USE IT.

THAT'S HOW I FEEL.

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU.

THANK YOU. SUZANNE CLULOW 109 LAUREL WOOD WAY 32086.

FOR OVER 15 YEARS, OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT HAS WANTED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES CREATED BY VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS SHARING THE NARROW SHAW DROVE DRIVE. TODAY, I THINK YOU'VE HEARD FROM A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST THIS PATH TRAIL.

BUT ONE THING I THINK WE DO HAVE AGREEMENT ON IN HERE IS FOR MOST OF THESE PEOPLE IS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THE COUNTY HAS TRIED TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE THIS A SAFE PLACE FOR PEOPLE DOWN NEAR THAT PARK.

SIDEWALKS HAVE BEEN PRESENTED AS AN OPTION, BUT SIDEWALKS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED THREE YEARS AGO WHEN THIS FIRST CAME UP.

AND SIDEWALKS ARE NOT THE OPTION THAT THESE PEOPLE SEEM TO THINK THAT THERE IS.

SIDEWALKS ARE EXPENSIVE.

THEY NEED TO BE MADE OF CONCRETE.

THEY HAVE SPECIAL ENGINEERING.

[03:00:01]

OUR FUNDING IS NON-EXISTENT RIGHT NOW FOR NEW SIDEWALK PROJECTS.

IT'S IT'S JUST NOT ROADS AND SIDEWALKS ARE BEING BUILT IN CRITICAL AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN ON A LIST FOR WELL OVER TEN YEARS.

SO IF YOU THINK THAT COMING IN HERE AND SAYING TRASH THE TRAIL THAT'S BEING PRESENTED TO YOU BECAUSE YOU'RE GOING TO GET SIDEWALKS, I DON'T THINK THAT THAT'S TRUE AT ALL.

I WANT TO SAY THAT I COMMEND OUR COUNTY LEADERSHIP AND STAFF FOR BEING TENACIOUS AND TRYING TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND FIND OTHER SOURCES WHERE WE CAN GET THE MONEY AND SOLVE THE SAFETY PROBLEM.

I'M VERY THANKFUL FOR THE GRANT AWARD AND THE IMPACT FEES.

I'VE JUST FOUND OUT RECENTLY THAT THOSE IMPACT FEES FOR ROADS AND PARKS ARE DISTRICT SPECIFIC, AND THEY CANNOT BE PUT FROM ONE POT TO THE OTHER.

YOU CAN'T TAKE THE ONES IN PARKS AND PUT IT INTO ROADS, SO YOU'RE GOING TO END UP WITH THE SAME SITUATION YOU HAVE, UNLESS YOU FIND A WAY IN YOUR HEARTS TO ACCEPT THAT PARKS AND RECREATION ARE NOT THE BOGEYMEN.

THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE WHO ARE PROFESSIONALS AND ARE GOING TO DO A GOOD JOB PUTTING THIS PARK TRAIL TOGETHER.

IT'S THREE MILES.

SAYING TAKE IT OVER TO THE SHORES IS RIDICULOUS.

WE DON'T EVEN. WE HAVEN'T EVEN GOTTEN THAT GROUND YET.

AND IT'S ONLY A MILE.

YOU HAVE THREE MILES.

IT'S. WE'VE BEEN TOLD TREES ARE NOT GOING TO BE TORN DOWN EXCEPT FOR THE NON INVASIVES.

IT'S NOT TRUE THAT THERE AREN'T ANY ACCESS POINTS.

THERE ARE. THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANY LIGHTS.

THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANY BATHROOMS. I'M FOR IT.

NEXT SPEAKER.

DAVE HANKLA, 3702 SHAW DRIVE TRYING TO.

I'VE ALREADY SENT EMAILS TO ALL OF YOU, AT LEAST TWICE WITH SOME REPRESENTATIVE PICTURES ABOUT WHAT I WHAT I SEE IN FRONT OF OUR HOME.

WE BUILT OUR HOME TEN YEARS AGO.

IT'S ORIENTED TOWARD THE VIEW.

WE GOT A VERY FORTUNATE TO FIND A LOT, AND EVERY SIGNIFICANT ROOM IN MY HOUSE FACES SHORE DRIVE AND FACES THE BEAUTIFUL VIEW TO THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST OF US. I SPENT OVER 40 YEARS PROFESSIONALLY AS A WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OFFICIAL.

I RAN INTO HENRY YEARS AGO WHEN HE WAS WITH WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.

I'VE HAD TO MAKE PROBABLY THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DIFFICULT DECISIONS ON PUBLIC INTEREST.

SOME OF THEM WERE POPULAR, SOME OF THEM WERE NOT VERY POPULAR.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT ALWAYS DROVE A LOT OF OUR DECISION MAKING WAS THAT WE NEVER COMPROMISED SAFETY.

AND THAT'S WHAT AND THAT'S THE REASON I'M HERE TODAY.

WE'VE GOT A HOUSE THAT IS GOING TO SEE THE TRAIL, MAYBE MORE THAN ANY OTHER HOUSE.

IT'S GOT TWO STORIES.

IT LOOKS RIGHT DOWN ON IT.

IT'S LESS THAN 100FT FROM MY FRONT DOOR.

AND I'M HERE TO SUPPORT THE TRAIL.

WHY? BECAUSE I HAVE 2 TO 300 PEOPLE A WEEK STROLLING ON SHORE DRIVE IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, BACK AND FORTH, MOMS WITH STROLLERS HANDICAPPED FOLKS.

WE USED TO HAVE A SIGHT IMPAIRED INDIVIDUAL THAT WALKED SHORE DRIVE.

WE HAVE A TRAIL RIGHT NOW.

IT'S CALLED SHORE DRIVE.

WE'VE HAD SEVERAL SPEAKERS HERE WHO ARE OPPOSED TO THE TRAIL, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT, AND I KNOW QUITE A FEW OF THEM, AND.

THEY HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED, YES, WE HAVE A SAFETY PROBLEM ON SHORE DRIVE AND THEN DEFAULT TO THE SIDEWALK.

IT WOULD BE GREAT IF WE'D HAD SIDEWALK 510 YEARS AGO.

BUT WE DON'T HAVE THAT.

AND WE HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE TODAY.

EVERY DAY THAT WE WAIT, WE ROLL THE DICE TO SEE WHO MAY BE HIT.

YOU KNOW, WHAT KIND OF WHAT KIND OF AN ACCIDENT MIGHT HAPPEN.

MY WIFE WALKS EVERY MORNING.

SHE'S HAD AT LEAST A HALF A DOZEN ENCOUNTERS WHERE SHE HAD TO LEAVE THE ROAD.

AND IN SOME CASES, IN SOME CASES, GET OFF, YOU KNOW, SIX, EIGHT, TEN, 15FT TO AVOID A VEHICLE.

AND WHEN I SAY CLOSE CALLS, I'M TALKING ABOUT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COMING AT YOU AND YOU'RE ON THE ROAD AND ONE OF YOU HAS TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION, AND IT'S NOT THE VEHICLE, THEN THAT TO ME IS A CLOSE CALL.

I'VE HAD A COUPLE MYSELF.

THIS IS A LITTLE BIT DISJOINTED.

I ALSO WANTED TO TO MENTION THE NEED IN TERMS OF THE WIDTH.

MAYBE EIGHT FEET ISN'T WHAT WE WANT TO SEE, BUT EIGHT FEET IS WHAT WE'VE GOT, AND THAT'S WHAT WE'VE GOT A PROPOSAL FOR.

THAT'S THE STATE STANDARD FOR MULTI-USE TRAILS, EIGHT FOOT WIDE ASPHALT.

[03:05:02]

I THINK WAITING 5 TO 10 YEARS FOR ANOTHER SIDEWALK OPPORTUNITY IS TOO LONG.

THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

THANK YOU. HELLO.

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE AND LISTENING TO US, AND I REALLY APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT YOU RECOGNIZE THAT THE MATANZAS RIVER IS UNDER SOME TREMENDOUS PRESSURE RIGHT NOW, AND I DON'T SEE HOW THIS TRAIL IS GOING TO HELP THAT.

SAINT JOHNS COUNTY HAS A LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE.

THE PURPOSE OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES REGULATIONS IS TO SET FORTH REGULATIONS REGARDING LAND ALTERATION, THE PROTECTION OF SOIL AND WATER, THE PROTECTION OF TREES AND OTHER VEGETATION, AND THE PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY AND PROTECT THE HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE AND GENERAL WELL-BEING OF THE CITIZENS OF SAINT JOHNS COUNTY.

WHEN THIS TRAIL PROPOSITION ONCE WAS SENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION OF THE SAINT JOHNS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, WHICH ARE THERE TO LOOK AT DEVELOPMENTS, THEY RESPONDED WITH THAT A 50 FOOT UNDISTURBED UPLAND BUFFER IS REQUIRED BETWEEN THE DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPED AREAS AND THE MATANZAS RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.

IT CAN BE AVERAGED OUT TO BE 50 AS LONG AS THE MINIMUM IS 25FT.

AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE MAPS OF THIS PLAN, THERE ARE A WHOLE LOT OF PLACES WHERE THIS TRAIL DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 25FT. IT GOES THROUGH THE 25 FOOT BUFFER ZONE, AND THEN A LOT OF PLACES IT BUTTS RIGHT UP AGAINST ALL THESE YELLOW PLACES ARE WHERE IT BUTTS RIGHT UP AGAINST THE STATE JURISDICTIONAL WETLANDS LINE.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO PROTECT AND RETAIN THIS RIVER IF WE HAVE DEVELOPMENT GOING RIGHT UP TO THE EDGE OF IT AND ITS CONSTRUCTION? IT'S A COMPLETE STRIPPING.

IT'S AN EIGHT FOOT WIDE TRAIL, AND IT'S THREE FEET ON EACH SIDE WHERE THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE DOWN ALL THE VEGETATION.

THAT'S WHAT THE PLANS REQUIRE.

FOUR THROUGH SEVEN OF THE PAGES OF THE TRAIL MAP SHOW PLACES WHERE THIS TRAIL SITS ON THE JURISDICTIONAL LINE.

IT DOESN'T GIVE 25FT.

IT DOESN'T GIVE A FOOT.

IT'S ON THE JURISDICTIONAL LINE.

THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE WHERE THEY BEGIN TO MEASURE THE 20 FOOT, 25 FOOT BUFFER ZONE.

I'M CONCERNED THAT WE'RE NOT FOLLOWING THE LAW, AND I WISH YOU GUYS WOULD TAKE A CHANCE AND TAKE A TAKE A LOOK AT THIS.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

NEXT SPEAKER. GOOD MORNING.

I'M MARK MILLERICK, 3502 SHORE DRIVE, SAINT AUGUSTINE.

THE ILL CONCEIVED PAVING OF THIS SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH RIVERFRONT GREENWAY IS THE WRONG PROJECT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

PARKS AND REC IS FORCING THIS PLAN ON THE SOUTH RESIDENTS WITHOUT HAVING A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY.

THAT MEANS SOMETHING.

THERE ARE NUMEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND ARBORIST REPORT THAT WAS PAID FOR SAID THAT THE TREES WILL BE IRREPARABLY DAMAGED. THE PLAN SHOULD BE VOTED DOWN.

SHOREBIRDS DO NOT LIKE BEING DISTURBED.

IF YOU GO TO THE EDGE OF THE BANK, TO THE RIVER AND THERE'S A SHOREBIRD FEEDING, THEY FLY OFF, SQUAWKING, SQUAWKING.

THE PLAN FOR THE PAVEMENT GOES RIGHT UP TO THE SHORE IN CERTAIN PLACES.

WATER QUALITY COULD BE A CONCERN.

IF THERE'S A CONCERN ABOUT SAFETY, WE SHOULD REDUCE THE SPEED LIMIT ON SHAW DRIVE TO 15 MILES AN HOUR OR TAKE APPROPRIATE MEASURES WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR CERTAIN DRIVERS.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

NEXT SPEAKER.

JERRY SANDERSON.

SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH.

707 WARBLER ROAD.

I KEEP ON HEARING ALL THESE DIFFERENT EXPLANATIONS ABOUT WHY PEOPLE DON'T WANT IT, AND I HAVE TO ADMIT, SOME OF THEM ARE VALID.

I ALSO HEAR A LOT OF STUFF THAT'S NOT.

I HOPE YOU KEEP IN MIND WHICH OF THAT INFORMATION ISN'T ISN'T NOT VALID WHEN YOU TAKE THESE THINGS INTO CONSIDERATION, BECAUSE SOME OF IT'S ERRONEOUS.

I PERSONALLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE TRAIL SIMPLY BECAUSE IT PROMOTES SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY.

THOSE ARE TWO THINGS THAT I THINK ARE REALLY IMPORTANT.

AND IT'S COUNTY PROPERTY, SO IT SHOULD BE SAFE.

HOPEFULLY IF YOU WANT PEOPLE TO BE GOING UP AND DOWN IT.

OTHERWISE YOU KNOW IT'S.

[03:10:02]

I THINK THAT'S MORE YOU KNOW, I AS MUCH AS I LOVE THE ENVIRONMENT, I THINK HUMAN LIVES ARE REALLY IMPORTANT TOO.

AND I THINK THAT MAYBE IN THIS CASE, THAT'S WHAT YOU SHOULD BE THINKING OF.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

GO RIGHT IN. GOOD MORNING.

MATT. LOT 404 SHORE DRIVE.

I JUST WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK STAFF.

THEY HAVE DEALT WITH SOME EXTREME SITUATIONS, AND I TRULY THINK THEY DESERVE A MEDAL OF HONOR FOR SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN SAID AND POINTED AT THESE PUBLIC MEETINGS, SO THEY ARE MUCH APPRECIATED AND MOVING THIS PROJECT FORWARD.

JUST A QUICK SUMMARY OF WHAT I'VE HEARD TODAY.

I'M ALSO A DOUBLE DIGIT YEAR RESIDENT OF THE SOUTH SINCE THE EARLY 20 TENS.

I HAVE A YOUNG FAMILY.

I HAVE SEVERAL DOGS.

WE HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL PEDESTRIAN VEHICULAR NEAR INTERACTIONS AT THE INTERSECTION OF MY HOUSE IN 2020, AT CALVARY AND SHORE, A DRUNK DRIVER LEFT SHORE DRIVE AND ACTUALLY HIT TWO VEHICLES THAT WERE ILLEGALLY PARKED IN THE RIGHT OF WAY.

SO REDUCING THESE VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN INTERACTIONS SHOULD BE OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE.

I'VE ALSO HEARD NOT KNOW HOW WE NEED TO BE SOLUTION ORIENTED AS WE APPROACH THIS NATURE.

THE REALITY IS THIS IS A BAHIA MOWED FIELD, NO DIFFERENT THAN A FIELD SOMEWHERE ELSE.

IT'S HARDLY A PRISTINE ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENT.

THE WILDLIFE USING THIS GROUND BASED OR TYPICALLY POSSUMS, RACCOONS AND FERAL CATS.

THE AIR BASED WILDLIFE, I WOULD SAY, ARE MOSTLY NESTING AT FISH ISLAND AND ANY NEST ARE NOT PRESENT IN THE TREES FOR THESE LARGE AVIAN PREDATORS.

I DEFINITELY HEARD SOME NEEDS THAT THE SOUTH CAN USE LONG RANGE PLANS, INCLUDING ADDING WATER STATIONS, SHADE STATIONS, RESTROOMS, AND A SIDEWALK TO CONNECT US TO THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY. THE 2300 HOMES IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH GENERATE APPROXIMATELY $920,000 ANNUALLY TO THE GENERAL FUND, AND APPROXIMATELY $175,000 ANNUALLY TO THE ROAD FUND, BASED ON AN AVERAGE PAYMENT OF $400 PER HOUSE FOR THE GENERAL FUND AND 75,000 FOR THE ROADS, ABOUT A MILLION BUCKS A YEAR.

HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS.

YOU HAVE A SHOVEL READY PLAN THAT'S BEEN VETTED BY THE AGENCIES, PREPARED BY EXPERTS, AND READY TO GO.

SOME CONSIDERATIONS I'VE HEARD HERE IS POTENTIALLY CONSIDERING A CONCRETE TRAIL INSTEAD OF ASPHALT.

ALSO WOULD PROBABLY HELP OUR FURRY FRIENDS AND THEIR HOT FEET IN THE SUMMERTIME.

OTHER OPTION FOR THE COUNTY ABIDE BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE.

SHORE DRIVES OPERATING AS A MINOR COLLECTOR.

THAT'S A FIVE FOOT SIDEWALK ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD MEANS PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE ON SHORE DRIVES.

MAILBOX IS GOING TO GET REMOVED.

LET'S CREATE A MAIL KIOSK AT THE ROYAL ROAD PARK AND CREATE SOME COMMUNITY INTERACTION AT OUR PARK, AND REMOVE THOSE MAILBOXES AND BUILD THOSE SIDEWALKS.

THIRD OPTION EVERYONE IN THIS HOUSE ON SEPTIC.

LET'S JUST GO AHEAD AND CREATE A MASTER PLAN.

REMOVE EVERYBODY FROM SEPTIC.

THE MASTER FORCE MAIN FROM THE MAIN MAIN ANASTASIA MAINLAND GOES TO ANASTASIA ISLAND DIRECTLY THROUGH THE SOUTH.

YET NONE OF US HAVE SANITARY SEWER.

SO LET'S RIP UP ALL THE ROADS.

LET'S BUILD SIDEWALK THROUGH THE ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD AND PUT EVERYBODY ON CENTRAL SEWER.

I DEFINITELY THINK THAT WE'RE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND WE HAVE TO THINK SAFETY.

THANK YOU. HI, MY NAME IS NANCY BEAUDOIN.

I'VE LIVED IN SAINT AUGUSTINE SOUTH SINCE 1986, STARTING IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF LOBELIA ROAD, CURRENTLY ON HAWTHORN ROAD.

I HAVE WALKED FROM THE SOUTHERN END OF THAT COUNTY ALL THE WAY UP TO THE OTHER BOAT RAMP, RAISED A DAUGHTER WHO'S 40, A 13 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER.

I HAVE THREE DOGS THAT I HAVE WALKED AND RAISED DURING THAT TIME.

DOUG FOR FIDDLERS AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES, NEVER FELT THREATENED, NEVER FELT UNSAFE.

EVERYBODY KEEPS SAYING SIDEWALK.

I THINK THEY'RE MISCONCEPTION.

THE IDEA TAKE THIS PATH THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO USE THE PAVEMENT AND PUT IT MORE ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO SIDEWALK.

YOU CAN PUT MULCH, AND THEN YOU COULD PUT THE PAVEMENT A LITTLE BIT ON THERE AND THEN YOU HAVE ACCESS TO IT, BUT MAYBE NOT SIDEWALK, BUT GO RIGHT ALONG SHORE DRIVE.

I HEAR PEOPLE SAY, WELL, WE WANT TO SEE THE WATERWAY.

LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING.

I'VE HIKED RIGHT THERE AT THE WATER'S EDGE.

YOU'RE NOT GOING TO SEE THAT RIVER ANY CLOSER BY GETTING THAT CLOSE TO THE WATER THAN WHAT YOU ARE FROM SHORE DRIVE.

IT IS 100 YARDS OUT TO THE MIDDLE OF THE MATANZAS RIVER TO SEE THE BOATS.

YOU HAVE A BETTER VIEW WHEN YOU'RE ON SHORE DRIVE.

ACTUALLY, TO SEE THE BOATS AND THE BARGES GOING DOWN THE RIVER, STOP AND THINK ABOUT THAT.

BUT THERE HAS BEEN FAMILIES WHO HAVE BEEN THERE FOR YEARS AND YEARS, AND WE ALL FEEL SAFE.

THANK YOU MA'AM.

ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER THREE.

[03:15:04]

YOU'VE ALREADY BEEN UP HERE? NO, SIR. NO.

NO, SIR. SIR. YOU CAN'T SPEAK AGAIN.

GEORGE BAIRD 110 HAWTHORNE.

NO, SIR. YOU CAN'T SPEAK AGAIN.

OH. I'M SORRY. SORRY.

I JUST WANTED TO MAKE A SAFETY THING.

WHAT STOP SIGNS ARE.

GOOD AFTERNOON. IT IS AFTERNOON.

AFTERNOON. I AM SO PROUD OF ALL THE PEOPLE WHO CAME TO TESTIFY HERE TODAY.

AND I KNOW YOU'RE LISTENING.

ED SLAVIN, BOX 304, ED SLAVIN, COM SAINT AUGUSTINE.

COM. COMMISSIONER DEAN RAISED A QUESTION EARLIER IN THE DISCUSSION ABOUT THE LAMP ABOUT PRESERVING THE MATANZAS RIVER. AND IN FACT, HE TOLD ME ONCE THAT THE REASON HE RAN FOR COMMISSIONER IN THE FIRST PLACE WAS TO PRESERVE THE MATANZAS RIVER.

WE HAVEN'T HAD ANYBODY HERE SPEAKING UP FOR THE OYSTERS.

I'M HERE TO SPEAK UP FOR THE OYSTERS.

AND WE NEED ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY WORK DONE BY THE 60 LAB OF THE EPA IN ATHENS, GEORGIA.

WHAT IS THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE RUNOFF FROM THE EXISTING DRIVE? AND WHAT WOULD BE THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN POLLUTANTS INTO THE MATANZAS RIVER IF WE DO THIS ASPHALT, AND IT'S NOT A TRAIL EIGHT FOOT WIDE.

OH, COME ON, GIVE ME A BREAK.

THAT'S NOT A TRAIL. THAT'S A ROAD.

AND WE'RE DOING THIS JUST TO GET A GRANT, WHICH WE ALREADY HAVE.

YOU CAN CANCEL THE GRANT.

YOU CAN REARRANGE THE GRANT.

WE CAN GET OUR GRANTS PERSON TO NEGOTIATE BETTER WITH THE WITH THE FEDS AND THE STATE.

BUT THIS IS AN ABORTION.

AND AS ROBERT KENNEDY SAID, IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO ALLOW DISSENT.

WE MUST DEMAND IT. FOR THERE IS MUCH TO DISSENT FROM.

WE DISSENT FROM THE WILLFUL, HEEDLESS DESTRUCTION OF NATURAL BEAUTY AND PLEASURES.

AND THAT'S WHY YOU'VE JUST HEARD 40 PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THIS, WHAT THIS WOULD DO TO THIS WONDERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD.

NOW, I KNOW ONE OF THE WITNESSES, HER HUSBAND, WAS ONCE OUR ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, AND HE WOULD ALWAYS TELL THE BRAND NEW COUNTY COMMISSIONERS EVERY, EVERY TWO YEARS, JERRY CAMERON, HE WOULD SAY, JUST BECAUSE YOU GOT ELECTED DOESN'T MEAN YOU GAINED 20 IQ POINTS.

WELL, I GAIN IQ POINTS EVERY TIME I COME TO ONE OF THESE MEETINGS BECAUSE OUR NEIGHBORS ARE SMART, THEY'RE EDUCATED, THEY'RE EXPERIENCED DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND TO YOUR ATTENTION WHAT THE REVEREND WARREN CLARKE SAID, WHAT CHRIS BROWNING SAID, WHAT MR. MCDONNELL, WHAT MR. MCDONOUGH AND OTHER PEOPLE SAID.

BUT REVEREND CLARKE, HE NAILED IT.

LET'S NOT DO THIS.

THERE IS NO URGENCY.

LET'S RETHINK THIS.

AND WOULD SOMEBODY PLEASE GET ON THE PHONE AND CALL DOCTOR MICHAEL SHIRLEY WITH THE GUANA TOLOMATO MATANZAS NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE.

HE'S GOT ACTUAL SCIENTISTS WORKING FOR HIM.

WE DON'T HAVE A SINGLE PERSON IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY WHOSE TITLE IS CHIEF SCIENTIST.

WE'VE GOT A CHIEF ECONOMIST I'VE NEVER HEARD FROM.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT HE DOES, BUT WE NEED ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES HERE.

WE NEED A MINI NEPA FOR SAINT JOHNS COUNTY AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

WE NEED AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT, WHICH OBVIOUSLY, IF WE GO BY WHAT WE HAVE IN THE UNDISPUTED RECORD.

CHUCK LIPPI'S SON, TONY LIPPI, WROTE A MEMO THAT IF YOU DO THIS, IT'S GOING TO DESTROY THE TREES, YOU DESTROY THE TREES, YOU DESTROY THE OYSTERS.

PEOPLE WOULDN'T HAVE MOVED HERE IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE TREES.

PEOPLE WANT THE OYSTERS TO BE PRESERVED.

SO I WOULD STRONGLY COMMEND TO YOU A MOTION TO TABLE.

AND AS LYNDON JOHNSON SAID, COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER.

THANK YOU, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

ALL RIGHT. NEXT SPEAKER.

YEAH. HI. MY NAME IS MATTHEW MOSS.

122 UNICORN ROAD.

A LOT OF THE STUFF SEEMS KIND OF COMMON SENSE.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE NO TRAIL PEOPLE ARE OPPOSED AGAINST A EIGHT FOOT WIDE TRAIL, BUT THEY'RE OKAY WITH A FIVE FOOT WIDE TRAIL.

I MEAN, LOOK AT ME. I'M PRETTY, PRETTY LARGE FELLA.

I'M PROBABLY THREE FEET WIDE MYSELF.

SO, I MEAN, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO PUT TWO PEOPLE ON A FIVE FOOT TRAIL AS ONE SUPPOSED TO WHEN ONE'S GOING NORTH AND SOUTH, ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO SAY, OKAY, GO AHEAD AND PASS BY? I MEAN, I THINK IN REALITY A LOT OF NOT A LOT OF BUT SOME PEOPLE MAY JUST BE HAVE THEIR OWN PERSONAL AGENDA AS FAR AS WHY THEY OPPOSE THE TRAIL AND MAYBE IT BE RESALE VALUE OF THEIR HOME, FOR EXAMPLE.

AS FAR AS WHAT I SAW IN THOSE 500 PEOPLE SIGNING, THE THING THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS WAS THAT THEIR HOME'S RESALE VALUE MIGHT SUPPOSEDLY TAKE A HIT FOR SOME REASON, WITH THE TRAIL IN FRONT OF THEIR HOUSE.

BUT I PERSONALLY DRIVE A BOAT OR TOW MY BOAT TO THE BOAT RAMP ABOUT SIX MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR, ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK.

AND A LOT OF TIMES THERE'S IT'S HARD TO, YOU KNOW, YOU GOT A 20 FOOT TRUCK AND A 30 A 25 FOOT BOAT GOING BEHIND YOU.

THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE ON THE ON THE ROAD AND EVERYTHING, SO IT IS A KIND OF A SAFETY HAZARD.

I THINK AN EIGHT FOOT WIDE TRAIL WOULD BE GREAT FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC.

[03:20:06]

IF THERE WERE TO BE A PARKING ISSUE AFTER THE BOAT RAMP, WHICH I HIGHLY DOUBT, LIKE I SAID, A MILLION PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE COMING HERE TO WALK ON THIS TRAIL, BUT THERE'S PLENTY OF ADEQUATE PARKING DOWN AT LEWIS POINT, WHICH IS A BREAK UP POINT BETWEEN ABOUT HALFWAY OR TWO THIRDS BETWEEN BOTH BOAT RAMPS.

THERE'S TONS OF PARKING.

I DRIVE BY THERE EVERY DAY.

THERE'S BARELY ANY CARS PARKED THERE.

THERE'S PROBABLY ROOM FOR 20.

I KNOW THERE'S ROOM FOR ABOUT 20 CARS TO PARK THERE.

NOT THAT ANYBODY WOULD ACCOMMODATE THERE TO TO WALK THE TRAIL, BUT IF THAT EVER WAS AN ISSUE AND MY MOTHER IS ADA CHALLENGED.

SHE SHE ALWAYS SAYS SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SAINT JOHN'S HAS SO MUCH TAXES AND THIS AND THAT, AND YET THEY HAVE SUCH LITTLE TRAILS FOR PEOPLE, ALL PEOPLE, TO ENJOY, WHETHER ADA OR NOT.

SHE LIVES IN PALM COAST.

AND SHE SAYS THERE'S TONS OF STUFF DOWN THERE, BUT BARELY ANYTHING IN SAINT AUGUSTINE.

SO SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THAT.

NEITHER DO I. BUT IF WE HAVE THE FUNDING TO DO IT, I THINK.

WHY NOT? LET'S SEE.

AND AS FAR AS I THINK, IT'S KIND OF THE MAIN THING IS THE EFFICIENT I'M SORRY, THE PARKS AND REC PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY, I'M SURE, DID THEIR DUE DILIGENCE AND KNOW MORE THAN MOST OF ANY OF US, OF US KNOW ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THIS, OF THIS SITUATION.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

HELLO, MY NAME IS DAVID GANGEE.

I LIVE AT 110 BEECHWOOD ROAD IN SAINT AUGUSTINE, SOUTH.

I'M AGAINST THE TRAIL.

YOU'RE GOING TO VOTE THE WAY YOU'RE GOING TO VOTE.

I DON'T THINK YOU'RE GOING TO BE SWAYED ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AT THIS PARTICULAR POINT IN TIME.

HOPEFULLY WHAT WE HAVE BEING ANTI TRAIL ABOUT THE CONCERNS AND THE DISRUPTION.

CHAIR ARNOLD ACTUALLY STARTED THE WHOLE THING ABOUT HOW CONTENTIOUS THIS IS.

YOU KNOW THE COMMUNITIES IF YOU BUILD IT IT'S PROBABLY NOT GOING TO HEAL FOR A LONG TIME.

MY ISSUE IS MORE ALONG THE LINES OF IF YOU DO DO IT, SHOULDN'T IT BE DONE CORRECTLY? FOR EXAMPLE, WE'VE DUG INTO THIS.

THE GRANT STATES THAT THE COUNTY OWNS THE PARK.

WELL, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S GAVE US A LETTER THAT BASICALLY SAYS THEY'RE UNSURE WHO OWNS THE PARK.

OKAY, BUT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IT THROUGH EASEMENTS.

OKAY. WELL, THAT'S A PRETTY BIG EASEMENT.

I GO TO THE DEP AND I ASK, WHAT ABOUT THEM SAYING COUNTY? BUT HERE'S A DOCUMENT THAT SAYS THEY MIGHT NOT OWN IT.

IT'S CRICKETS, I HEAR NOTHING.

I GO BACK AND I SAY, WELL, GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THEY HAVE SITE CONTROL.

AND THEY SAID, THROUGH RIGHT OF WAY.

SO ALL I'M SAYING HERE IS THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO DO IT, MAKE SURE IT'S DONE RIGHT, YOU KNOW, MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S NOT ALL THIS VARIOUS DEGREES OF INFORMATION THAT'S NOT CONSISTENT AT ALL.

I SENSE AND I EVEN SPOKE WITH THE THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS.

RIGHT. THEY'RE NOT CONVINCED.

THERE'S A LOT OF CRICKETS GOING ON THERE, BUT I'M NOT CONVINCED THEY UNDERSTAND FULLY WHAT'S GOING ON HERE.

I SENSED JUST BOXES BEING CHECKED FOR THIS TO GET THROUGH.

BECAUSE IT'S TAKEN 15 YEARS.

YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF, WHY IS IT TAKING 15 YEARS? RIGHT. IT'S NOT VERY POPULAR.

FOR THE MOST PART.

PEOPLE HAVE THEIR OPINIONS.

I THINK THERE'S A COMPROMISE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER THREE? BJ KOLODY WEST CITY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE.

I DON'T KNOW IF THAT LEADS EXERCISING OR WHAT, BUT LET'S GET MOVING ALONG.

THIS HAS BEEN TWO HOURS AND 15 MINUTES.

I'M SO GLAD THESE PEOPLE CAME IN TODAY, I LOVE IT.

WE CAN EITHER VOTE THIS DOWN OR WE CAN CONTINUE IT.

THAT WOULD BE AMAZING.

AND THEN EVERYONE THAT'S HERE CAN SOMEHOW GET TO A BIG MEETING WITH ALL THE STAFF AND GET THIS THING, YES OR NO, AND THEY WON'T SHOW UP.

JUST THINK THEY MAY NOT SHOW UP AGAIN.

IF IT WAS CONTINUED, YOU ALL GOT TOGETHER AND HAD SOME MORE TALKS ABOUT IT WITH EVERYBODY THERE.

THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING.

OKAY. OTHER ISSUES.

I'VE BEEN SITTING IN THIS ROOM FOR QUITE A WHILE, NOT JUST TODAY, MANY YEARS.

THERE ARE VERY DIVISIVE ISSUES THAT COME BEFORE THIS BOARD, SOME BEFORE SOME OF YOU EVEN GOT UP THERE.

RESIDENTS SOMETIMES CAN'T ATTEND TO SPEAK HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT THINGS.

AND WHENEVER YOU SEND AN EMAIL, I DON'T HAVE EMAIL.

[03:25:01]

WHY IS IT AN EMAIL IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO GET AN ANSWER? SO SHOWING UP TODAY, THEY GET MORE POINTS THAN ANY STAFF THAT'S SITTING IN THIS ROOM OR ANY POLITICIAN.

THAT'S MY OPINION.

AND USING THE TAPE OF MR. WALDRON TO PROVE ONE'S VOTE TO ME IS SHAMEFUL.

VERY, VERY SHAMEFUL.

AND WATCH THAT CLOCK.

69 YEAR OLD LADY THAT GOT UP AND SHE'S BEEN HERE FOR 69 YEARS AND TOLD, YOU KNOW, MOST OF THE PEOPLE ON THAT BOARD UP THERE, MAYBE FOUR, MAYBE FIVE, I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE FIFTH ONE I'LL GIVE HIM MAYBE IS NOT 69 YEARS OLD.

SO I THANK THESE PEOPLE THAT ARE COMING IN HAVE A LEGITIMATE REASON TO GET UP HERE.

AND WE ALSO HAD A PERSON THAT WORKS FOR MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY DEVELOPERS GOT UP AND SPOKE, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS INTERESTING.

SO IT BOILS DOWN TO THE SAME THING.

DON'T GO THROUGH, CONTINUE IT.

OR THE THIRD THING, AND THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.

IT WILL BE ABOUT THIS UNTIL HE TURNS, HE COMES AND GOES.

CAN ANYONE GUESS? I'LL HELP YOU. HINT NO TAKERS.

THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR VERSUS QUALITY OF LIFE, ALMIGHTY DOLLAR VERSUS THE QUALITY OF LIFE. NOW NO CLAPPING, NO CLAPPING.

WHATEVER YOU DO, JUST SIT QUIETLY FOR 17, 15, 14 MINUTES AND THEN MAYBE WE CAN HAVE LUNCH.

THANK YOU.

ANNE MARIE EVANS, 1356 ROBERTS ROAD.

I WASN'T GOING TO SAY ANYTHING, BUT THEN I CHANGED MY MIND.

SINCE WE HAVE SUCH A LARGE NUMBER OF OUR PUBLIC HERE, IT SEEMS LIKE TO ME.

I REMEMBER A HEARING BACK FROM NOVEMBER WHEN PEOPLE WERE ALLOWED TO CLAP AND THEY WEREN'T TOLD, SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP AND DON'T MAKE NOISE.

SO I JUST WANTED TO BRING THAT UP, THAT IT DEPENDS ON WHAT THE GROUP IS, WHETHER CLAPPING IS OKAY OR NOT, WHETHER DECORUM MATTERS OR NOT.

I'LL LET. SO I LIKE TO SAY, I THINK IT'S AN EXCEPTIONALLY POOR TASTE TO ROLL A VIDEO OF A COMMISSIONER THAT IS NOW GONE.

I REMIND YOU OF SOME OF THE COMMENTS THAT YOU ALL MADE WHEN HE PASSED.

HE WAS ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE.

HE WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT HOW AN ACTION WAS GOING TO AFFECT FAMILIES.

HE WAS A MAN WHO LOVED THE PEOPLE OF HIS COUNTY, AND I HOPE YOU'LL TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION TODAY.

THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER THREE.

SEEING NONE. WE WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT.

ALL RIGHT. WE WILL NOW ENTER INTO TIME CERTAIN PUBLIC COMMENT.

THIS IS FOR YOU TO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO COME UP AND SPEAK ON ITEMS THAT AREN'T ON THE REGULAR AGENDA.

[Public Comment is Time Certain from 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM, or at the conclusion of the Regular Agenda, whichever occurs first.]

EACH PERSON WILL BE PROVIDED THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK AND SHALL COMPLY WITH THE BOARD'S RULES OF DECORUM.

COMMENTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE BOARD AS A WHOLE AND NOT TO ANY INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONER, AND MAY NOT INCLUDE A DEMAND FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM THE BOARD.

NO PERSON MAY ADDRESS THE BOARD WITH PERSONAL, IMPERTINENT AND SLANDEROUS REMARKS OR WITH BOISTEROUS BEHAVIOR.

MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE SHOULD REFRAIN FROM ANY DISRUPTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS OF APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF ANY COMMENTS.

FINALLY, I'D ASK THAT ANY SPEAKER THAT PRESENTS ANY OVERHEAD MATERIALS, PLEASE PRESENT THE MATERIAL TO THE STAFF OF THE CLERK OF THE COURT TO BE ENTERED INTO PUBLIC RECORD.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. WE'LL NOW BEGIN.

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT.

GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS ELENA HECHT.

I LIVE IN WHITE HOUSE BOULEVARD, NOT FAR FROM HERE.

TODAY I'M HERE TO DISCUSS ISSUES WITH THE CELL AND TELEPHONE SERVICES IN OUR COUNTY.

WE'RE ALL AWARE OF THE NATIONWIDE OUTAGE THAT OCCURRED A WEEK OR SO AGO.

MA'AM, JUST ONE MOMENT. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, COULD YOU PLEASE TAKE YOUR CONVERSATION OUT TO THE ROTUNDA? IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO HEAR THE PUBLIC SPEAKERS.

THANK YOU. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ABOUT THE CELL AND TELEPHONE SERVICE IN THE COUNTY.

WE'RE ALL AWARE OF THE NATIONWIDE OUTAGE THAT OCCURRED A WEEK OR SO AGO WITH AT&T AND ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT OCCURRED FROM THAT.

NO COMMUNICATION, NO GPS, NO TEXTS, NO CALLS.

MANY OF US DEAL WITH THAT ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS.

I LIVE BARELY A MILE FROM HERE, AND FOR 24 YEARS IT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE.

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT TYPE OF PHONE, WHO THE CARRIER IS OR WHO YOUR INTERNET PROVIDER IS.

EVERYONE IN OUR AREA IS IMPACTED WITH ALL OF THE GROWTH AND ALL OF THE TOURISTS, ESPECIALLY DURING NIGHTS OF LIGHTS.

WE WERE NOT ABLE TO MAKE CALLS OR EVEN SEND TEXTS.

[03:30:04]

THIS IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER.

ONE HAS HAD ISSUES WITH HIS SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEM, WAS ASKED IF A LARGE BUSINESS WAS IN THE AREA AND DRAINING THE BANDWIDTH.

PERHAPS IT'S THE COUNTY COMPLEX SINCE WE'RE SO CLOSE TO IT.

THE DANGER OF NOT HAVING RELIABLE COMMUNICATION IS WHY I STILL PAY FOR A LANDLINE.

I WENT THROUGH HELL TO PORT MY TELEPHONE BACK TO THE COPPER LINES INSTEAD OF HAVING FIBER OPTIC TELEPHONE.

BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTERNET BASE AND INTERNET CONSTANTLY DROPPING OUT.

IF WE HAVE THE LANDLINE, THEN WE HAVE A PHONE, WHETHER THERE IS ELECTRICITY OR INTERNET.

AT&T WAS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD RECENTLY WORKING AND I ASKED ABOUT THE ISSUES, AND HE SAID, THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE TOWERS AND TO GO TO THE CORPORATE AT&T STORE AND REQUEST A SUPERVISOR TO COME OUT AND TEST THE SIGNAL STRENGTH.

HIS PHONE HAS PRIORITY ON THE NETWORK, CONSIDERED A FIRST RESPONDER TELEPHONE, AND HE COULD ONLY GET TWO BARS.

OUR USUAL IS ONE BAR, HE EXPLAINED.

DURING PEAK TIMES, THERE ISN'T ENOUGH BANDWIDTH TO COVER ALL THE USAGE PLUS THE TOURISTS.

THIS IS DANGEROUS AND IT IS NOW BACK AGAIN WITH ALL OF THE SNOWBIRDS AND THE TOURISTS FOR EASTER AND SO FORTH.

WE'RE BACK TO THE SAME SITUATION WITHOUT RELIABLE OPTIONS.

WHAT? WHAT OPTION IS THERE BUT TO HAVE A LANDLINE? THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE.

I WAS INFORMED THAT AT&T IS DOING AWAY WITH THE COPPER LINES, AND PEOPLE ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT THEY MUST CONVERT THEIR THEIR TELEPHONE TO THE FIBER OPTIC AS THEY WILL BE SHUTTING OFF THE COPPER LINES AND HAVE ALREADY DONE SO IN SOME OF THE AREAS OF THE COUNTY.

SO WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHAT IS THE PLAN? I KNOW THINGS LIKE CELL TOWERS TAKE TIME TO PLAN AND WITH ALL THE NEW DEVELOPMENT INCREASING EVERY DAY, WHAT IS THE COUNTY DOING? THEY AREN'T WORRIED.

THE COMPANIES RESPONDING TO US INDIVIDUALS, BUT PERHAPS THEY'LL RESPOND TO THE COUNTY.

I'M CONCERNED FOR SOMEONE NEEDING HELP AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET IT.

ONE STORY I SAW WAS A YOUNG GIRL LOST AT NIGHT.

CAN I CAN I GET HER ADDRESS? I COULDN'T HEAR HER WHEN SHE FIRST STARTED.

MA'AM, CAN YOU STATE YOUR ADDRESS? THANK YOU. 1026 WHITE HOUSE BOULEVARD.

32084. THANK YOU MA'AM.

SO THAT IS MY QUESTION IS WHAT IS BEING DONE AS AN URGENT SAFETY ISSUE? WE HAVE TO MOVE ON. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

MY NAME IS GENEVIEVE MANGAN.

I RESIDE AT 309 VALE DRIVE, 32095.

I'M A RESIDENT OF SAINT JOHNS COUNTY SINCE 2006.

I'M HERE TODAY REGARDING THE HEALTH CONCERNS MY FELLOW RESIDENTS AND I HAVE DUE TO THE ACTIVITY OF A FACILITY CALLED ANCIENT CITY WOOD RECYCLING, LOCATED AT 495 SAINT MARK'S BOULEVARD, JUST OFF OF IGP.

THIS FACILITY IS ONE AND A QUARTER MILE FROM PALENCIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, LESS THAN ONE MILE FROM PUBLIX, US ONE NORTH, ONE AND A HALF MILES FROM KENSINGTON, AND TWO AND A HALF MILES FROM MY HOME.

IN 2002, THIS BUSINESS HAD AN UNCONTROLLED BURN DUE TO A LIGHTNING STRIKE THAT ENCASED RESIDENTS IN SMOKE AND ASH.

IN APRIL OF 23, ANOTHER UNCONTROLLED FIRE WHERE 5.7 ACRES OF THEIR FACILITY BURNED, THE DEP REPORT SHOWS THERE ASI WAS IN USE FOR TEN DAYS IN MARCH OF 2023, THOUGH THEIR SPECIAL USE PERMIT SAYS THEY CAN ONLY BURN ONE DAY A WEEK.

THE DEP ISSUED A WARNING NOTICE.

SUBSEQUENTLY, A CONSENT ORDER WAS ISSUED BY THE DEP WITH FINES OF $8,500 FOR UNAUTHORIZED OPEN BURNING OF SOLID WASTE, POTENTIAL EXCESSIVE STORAGE OF MATERIAL, DISCHARGE OF AIR POLLUTANTS THAT RESULTED IN ODOR, AND DECREASE IN OUR AIR QUALITY.

IN FEBRUARY 15TH OF 2024, THE DEP RECEIVED ANOTHER COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS FACILITY.

AN INSPECTION OCCURRED ON THE 16TH MARCH SECOND, 2024.

WERE STILL SMELLING SMOKE AND IT'S STILL ON FIRE.

IN ADDITION TO THE SAME WARNING LETTER ISSUED IN APRIL OF 23, THE MATERIAL WAS LOCATED MORE THAN 50FT FROM AN ACCESS BY MOTORIZED FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT.

THE SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OF THIS PERMIT WERE NOT BEING FOLLOWED, AND THE OWNER FAILED TO NOTIFY THE DEP AND OTHER STATE OR LOCAL ENTITIES AS REQUIRED.

THE ASI CONTAINED ASH BUILDUP, AND THE CAUSE OF THIS BURN IS STATED TO BE AN EMBER JUMP.

THE FACILITY WAS NOTED TO HAVE OVER 100 YARD WIDE PILE AT THIS TIME.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OUR WILDLIFE SMELLS SMOKE? THEY FLEE. THEY HIDE.

THREE TIMES OUR WILDLIFE HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THIS.

SO I'M HERE TO ASK, WHAT WILL YOU DO? HOW IS THIS FACILITY ALLOWED TO BE OPENED IN SUCH PROXIMITY TO A SCHOOL, A PUBLIC PARK, RESIDENCES? WHILE THE DEP IS CONDUCTING ITS INVESTIGATION, I AM SURE WILL FOLLOW THE SAME PATTERN AS PRIOR.

THERE IS NO ONE PROTECTING THE RESIDENTS HEALTH CONCERNS, THE ASTHMA VICTIMS, THE CHILDREN BIKING TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNING, THE CHILDREN WHO CANNOT HAVE P.E.

OR RECESS DUE TO THE SMOKE.

LOCAL BUSINESSES SMELL OF SMOKE.

[03:35:02]

WHO IS PROTECTING US? THANK YOU MA'AM.

YES? I'M NOT SURE WHAT TIME YOU GOT HERE THIS MORNING, BUT THIS COMMISSION TOOK THIS UP AS AN EMERGENCY AGENDA ITEM AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE MEETING.

YES. NO, I WAS NOT HERE.

OKAY. PERHAPS COMMISSIONER DEAN OR MISS ANDREWS, IF YOU WANT TO LET ANYBODY ELSE WHO'S HERE FOR THAT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING AND WHAT DIRECTION WE'RE TAKING.

WE DID WE TOOK THIS UP AS AN EMERGENCY ITEM.

AND THERE WAS DIRECTION TAKEN.

ABSOLUTELY. YES.

WHAT WAS TAKEN, CAN WE KNOW? WELL, IF I MAY.

ABSOLUTELY. COMMISSIONER DEAN, MAKE THIS BRIEF, BUT I WANT TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION.

EARLIER THIS MORNING WHEN WE STARTED, I ASKED THE COMMISSION TO CONSIDER LOOKING INTO WHAT WE AS A COUNTY CAN DO WELL.

OUR GROWTH, OUR GROWTH MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR GAVE A PRESENTATION AND INFORMED US THAT THIS PARTICULAR FACILITY IS SUBJECT TO A SPECIAL USE CONDITION, AND WE'RE GOING TO PURSUE THAT TODAY AND SEE IF IF, IN FACT, THEY ARE IN VIOLATION.

AND IN FACT, COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST INTERJECTED AND SAID, WE'RE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT WE SHUT THEM DOWN IF THEY'RE IN VIOLATION OF THE SPECIAL USE CONDITION. I ALSO, EARLIER THIS MORNING AT 830, TALKED TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE REGIONAL DEP OFFICE IN JACKSONVILLE.

HE HAS INSPECTORS IN THE FIELD THIS MORNING OR WHAT WAS THIS MORNING LOOKING AT VIOLATIONS AND TAKING EMERGENCY ACTION.

SO I THINK THAT WE AS A COMMISSION AND DEP ARE DOING ALL WE CAN SINCE THIS WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION LESS THAN TEN DAYS AGO ABOUT THE TERRIBLE SITUATION WITH THE SMOKE AND THE HEALTH HAZARDS.

SO FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE, THAT'S WHAT WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF DOING.

BUT I APPRECIATE YOU BRINGING IT UP, BECAUSE I'VE GOTTEN 20 OR 30 EMAILS IN THE LAST TEN DAYS OF SIMILAR PREDICAMENTS OF OTHER RESIDENTS IN PALENCIA. RIGHT.

BECAUSE WITH THEM BURNING MORE THAN ONE DAY A WEEK, THAT ALREADY IS IN A VIOLATION OF THEIR SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND HIS ASI DOCUMENTATION, THAT'S WHAT WE'RE INVESTIGATING, AS IS DEP. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

CAN SHE PUT CAN YOU GIVE US THOSE PIECES OF PAPER.

BECAUSE THEY DO HAVE WHERE THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH OKAY.

THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING.

I MEAN, GOOD AFTERNOON.

GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS PASTOR DELPHINE SANDS OF THE REMNANT OUTREACH MINISTRY, LOCATED AT 271 WEST KING STREET.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MISS SARAH ARNOLD BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT YOU WERE THE PERSON THAT PUSHED THE CROSSWALK TO GO THROUGH. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THAT, BUT WE HAVE A REALLY BAD ISSUE.

NO ONE IS PAYING ATTENTION TO THAT.

WE HAVE A CHILD.

ALMOST GOT HIT ON LAST SUNDAY DURING OUR BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM.

AND THEN THIS SUNDAY, WE HAD SOME PEOPLE WHO WE WERE ACTUALLY ASKING THEM TO STOP CALL US BLACK IN WORDS.

AND WE DON'T OWN THAT HIGHWAY.

WE'RE NOT GETTING THE PARTICIPATION FROM THE CARS.

THEY WILL NOT STOP.

AND WE HAVE OVER ANY GIVEN SUNDAY 25 TO 75 CHILDREN.

AND I THINK, COMMISSIONER ONE OF THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS FROM THE CITY.

SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO BRING YOU A PICTURE OF ALL OUR CHILDREN.

AND IT'S GETTING WORSE BECAUSE NO ONE IS STOPPING.

AND THEN WHEN WE GET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND ASK THEM TO STOP DOING THE CROSSWALK, WE EITHER GET CUSSED OUT OR CALLED INWARDS A LOT.

SO WE ARE JUST ASKING, YOU KNOW, JUST FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN, BECAUSE CHILDREN ARE GOING TO RUN.

THEY'VE BEEN SITTING IN CHURCH FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF AND NOW IT'S TIME TO GO HOME.

THEY'RE THINKING ABOUT WHAT IS HOME.

THEY'RE NOT THINKING ABOUT CARS COMING.

AND WE HAD A THREE YEAR OLD JUST DASH OUT AND THANK GOD THAT CAR THAT WAS COMING THAT PARTICULAR TIME WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH TO STOP. BUT HE EVEN, YOU KNOW, SCARED IT.

AND I'M JUST AFRAID OF WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN OUTSIDE OF US BEING CALLED NAMES.

PEOPLE COULD THROW THINGS OUT OF THE CARS.

AND THESE ARE CHILDREN THAT I'M AFRAID FOR.

AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT PUBLICLY.

AND THANK YOU, GUYS.

AND THANK YOU.

BECAUSE IT WAS NOTHING UP THERE.

AND NOW SOMETHING IS UP THERE.

AND EVERY BLUE MOON, WE DO GET SOMEONE TO STOP.

BUT MOST OF THE TIME THEY DON'T.

THEY SPEED UP.

SO THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME.

THANK YOU. MA'AM. WAS IT WAS IT CYNTHIA GARRISON FROM THE CITY? IS THAT THE COMMISSIONER? CYNTHIA? I'LL REACH OUT TO HER AND SEE WHAT ELSE WE CAN DO.

OKAY. THANK YOU.

SINCE THERE WASN'T ANY PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE ANCIENT CITY WOOD RECYCLING, ARE WE STILL ALLOWED TO DO THAT?

[03:40:02]

MY NAME IS ASHLEY SMITH.

I LIVE ON CORBATA LANE IN VALENCIA WITH MY HUSBAND AND THREE SMALL CHILDREN.

I'M HERE TODAY TO PROVIDE PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT'S LIKE TO RAISE A FAMILY A MILE AND A HALF FROM ANCIENT CITY WOOD RECYCLING.

AND PLEASE NOTE, AFTER DISCUSSING THE SITUATION WITH OTHER MOTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY, OUR STORIES ARE NOT DISSIMILAR.

ON THE MOST RECENT OCCASION, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD, I WAS AWOKEN AT 1:30 A.M.

BY AN INTENSE SMELL OF SMOKE AND BELIEVED MY HOME WAS ON FIRE.

MY DOG BEGAN TO HAVE AN ASTHMA ATTACK AND MY BABY SOON BEGAN TO INCONSOLABLY FUSS.

FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS, MY TWO ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN WOKE UP WITH SINUS IRRITATION AND SORE THROATS, A DEPARTURE FROM THEIR NORM, AND THE SCHOOL THANKFULLY DEEMED IT UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN TO HAVE OUTDOOR RECESS OR PE.

I DEVELOPED A MIGRAINE SO SEVERE THAT I WAS INCAPACITATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY.

THE FOLLOWING DAY, I ATTEMPTED TO WORK IN THE GARDEN, BUT ASH WAS FALLING ALL AROUND ME, ALL OVER EVERYTHING AGAIN AT THE GROCERY STORE, THE VET'S OFFICE.

THE SMELL OF SMOKE LINGERED INSIDE.

THE FOLLOWING WEEK, MY NINE YEAR OLD MISSED TWO DAYS OF SCHOOL COMPLAINING OF CHEST PAINS, SORE THROAT, HEADACHES, AND SINUS IRRITATION.

HE ALSO MISSED OUTDOOR FOOTBALL AND SOCCER PRACTICE.

MY BABY IS UNABLE TO SAFELY GO OUTSIDE FOR DAILY WALKS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK, AS HIS LUNGS ARE STILL HEALING FROM BEING ON A VENTILATOR AS AN INFANT.

WE STAY INSIDE WITH THE DOORS AND WINDOWS SHUT, AND WE LOAD UP ON ANTIHISTAMINES AND SORE THROAT LOZENGES.

ON BAD DAYS, I TURN OUR AC OFF AND I RECYCLE THE CABIN AIR IN MY CAR.

OUR DAILY LIVES HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY THE SHEER NATURE OF THE BUSINESS OF ANCIENT WOOD RECYCLING.

AS A CONCERNED MOTHER, I CONSULTED THE CDC WEBSITE AND FOUND AIR POLLUTION CAUSED BY WOOD BURNING AS THE MOST CONCERNING TYPE OF AIR POLLUTION IT CAN CAUSE.

BREATHING AND HEART PROBLEMS, EXACERBATE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS, CAUSE ADVERSE BIRTH OUTCOMES, AND LUNG CANCER IN CHILDREN WHO ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN BECAUSE THEY SPEND MORE TIME AT HIGHER ACTIVITY LEVELS.

REOCCURRING EXPOSURE CAN ALSO STUNT LUNG DEVELOPMENT IN THEIR GROWING BODIES, AND IS MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE ASTHMA AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES IN ADULTHOOD.

AGAIN, THIS WAS TAKEN STRAIGHT FROM THE CDC WEBSITE.

THERE IS NO MISTAKING THE REPEATED SMOKE EXPOSURE FROM ANCIENT CITY.

WOOD RECYCLING IS A NUISANCE AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARD TO THOSE LIVING IN THE NEARBY COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN.

I QUESTION THE DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE THE APPROVED THE APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT THAT ALLOWS THIS COMPANY TO OPERATE SO CLOSE TO NEIGHBORHOODS, SCHOOLS, PUBLIC PARKS AND TRAILS AND RECREATIONAL FIELDS.

AND I QUESTION THE CRITERIA THAT WAS MET TO OBTAIN APPROVAL.

WAS THE HEALTH OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY EVEN CONSIDERED? MY LAST QUESTION TO YOU TODAY IS HOW MANY TIMES AND HOW MANY SECOND CHANCES? IS ANCIENT CITY WOOD RECYCLING GOING TO BE ALLOWED TO SEND AN INESCAPABLE PLUME OF SMOKE INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND INTO OUR SCHOOL, AND INTO OUR HOME BEFORE THEIR SPECIAL USE PERMIT IS RESCINDED? THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

HI, ELIZABETH POTTER, AND MY ADDRESS IS OUT FRONT.

WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE THIS CONVERSATION.

I KEEP EMAILING, I CAN'T GET ANY RESPONSE BACK.

IT'S VERY SERIOUS.

PASSIDOMO PASSED THE LIVE LOCAL ACT.

I'VE TALKED ABOUT IT FOR THREE MONTHS.

IT DELETES THE AUTHORITY OF OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AS YOU CAN READ RIGHT HERE.

THE WALL RIGHT IN FRONT, AND IT'S VERY SERIOUS.

AND I WISH THAT YOU ALL WOULD TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY.

I HOPE YOU JOIN THE LAWSUIT.

PASCO AND HILLSBOROUGH.

AND THERE'S ONE OTHER SO FAR.

THIS MIGHT CHANGE ON MARCH 8TH WHEN THE SESSION ENDS UP IN TALLAHASSEE, AS YOU KNOW, AND I'M HOPING BECAUSE OF THESE LAWSUITS BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN PASCO, THIS WILL CHANGE. BUT IT'S IT'S SERIOUS FOR ALL THE COUNTIES.

FIRST OF ALL, YOU KNOW, IT DELETES THE AUTHORITY FOR OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS OUR PEOPLE.

THESE ARE OUR VOICES. WE PAY FOR YOU.

GOVERNMENT DOESN'T MAKE MONEY.

YOU USE OUR MONEY THAT WE MAKE THROUGH TAX DOLLARS.

SO YOU KNOW WHY THIS ISN'T BEING FIXED.

I DON'T KNOW HOW PEOPLE VOTED FOR THIS UP IN TALLAHASSEE, I DON'T KNOW.

BUT THIS IS THE THE GLOBALIST SOCIETY HAS TO HAVE IT THIS WAY, RIGHT? BECAUSE THE WAY THAT OUR FOREFATHERS HAVE DONE OUR COUNTRY FOR OUR CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC IS GOD, MAN STATES VETS.

SO IF YOU WANT A GLOBALIST SOCIETY, THEN YOU FLIP IT UPSIDE DOWN.

SO THE FEDS ARE ON TOP, RIGHT? AND YOU CAN'T HAVE PEOPLE TALKING DIRECTLY TO THEIR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

SO THIS TAKES IT FROM THE STATE, THE FED TAKES IT FROM THE STATE.

AND NEXT THING YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A GLOBALIST.

WE'RE NOT EVEN A COUNTRY ANYMORE.

BUT IN OUR COUNTRY IN PARTICULAR, YOU HAVE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE WE'RE A CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE IN CHARGE.

GOD MADE MAN, WE'RE THE ONES IN CHARGE.

BUT AS I SAID, IT'S BEEN FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN.

SO WHAT HAPPENS IS ANYONE CAN COME FROM ANY STATE LIKE CALIFORNIA SAY, I WANT TO BUY THIS AMOUNT OF PROPERTY.

I'M GOING TO MAKE 40% AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

NO MORE PLANNING AND ZONING RESTRICTIONS.

BIG DEAL. RIGHT? IT'S HUGE DEAL.

[03:45:01]

THIS IS WHAT A WEAPONIZED GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE PEOPLE LOOKS LIKE.

15 MINUTE PRISONS, GEN Z.

THEY'RE JUST HAPPY TO PUT THEMSELVES RIGHT THERE.

THERE'S ONE IN FLORIDA. I TALKED ABOUT IT LAST TIME.

THERE'S ONE IN SAINT PETE, TEMPE, ARIZONA.

AND SO THIS ERODES AWAY OUR PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.

SO WHILE WE, THE PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS, GET TAGGED WITH OUR TREES AND A DITCH BECOMES THE ENVIRONMENTAL ECOSYSTEM, THAT'S IMPORTANT.

ALL THESE OTHER DEVELOPERS, YOU JUST GET TO CLEAR CUT AND DO WHATEVER YOU WANT.

SO THAT IS ERODING AWAY.

PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS, WHICH IS A PART OF GLOBALISM, IS ERODING AWAY THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY.

AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT'S HAPPENING.

THESE ACTIONS ARE HAPPENING IN REAL TIME.

LIKE I SAID, I'M GOING TO BE WATCHING THIS BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN ON MARCH 8TH WHEN THE SESSION ENDS.

BUT PLEASE GET INVOLVED IN THE LAWSUIT BECAUSE THIS IS VERY SERIOUS.

I'VE EMAILED YOU THE WHOLE PACKET THAT SPENT ME HOURS TO PUT TOGETHER.

HI THERE. ANN TAYLOR, 353 TAVISTOCK DRIVE.

I AM THE PRESIDENT OF KENSINGTON'S HOA, AND SO I'M REPRESENTING MANY FAMILIES THAT ACTUALLY COULDN'T BE HERE TODAY AND AND ASKED ME TO SHARE SOME MORE INFORMATION REGARDING WHAT WE'VE BEEN DISCUSSING REGARDING WOOD CITY.

SO I APPRECIATE YOU.

I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU'VE DONE SO FAR TODAY.

RECENTLY, MY HUSBAND WOKE UP WITH DIFFICULTY BREATHING AND EYES BURNING AND SMELLING SMOKE.

MY EYES HAD BEEN BURNING FOR SOME TIME AND I'VE ACTUALLY BEEN UNABLE TO WEAR MY CONTACT LENSES.

IT WAS SO BAD.

AND THEN WE REALIZED THAT THIS IS ALL THE RESULT OF ANCIENT CITY WOODYARD, WHICH IS LOCATED A LITTLE OVER A MILE FROM MY HOME.

ANCIENT CITY. I DID A LITTLE MORE BACKGROUND IN ANCIENT CITY.

WOODYARD WAS GIVEN A SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN OCTOBER OF 2021 BY THE PGA.

THE PROJECT WAS VERY CONTROVERSIAL.

THE FINAL VOTE WAS ONLY 4 TO 3 TO APPROVE IT.

AND THE MAJOR CONCERN WAS THE BURNING.

AS BURNING WAS A MAJOR CONCERN, THE APPLICANT AGREED TO SPECIAL CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO THE APPROVAL, AND THAT INCLUDED BURNING ONLY ONCE A WEEK, BURNING ONLY WHEN THE WIND WAS FROM THE EAST OR THE NORTHEAST, SO WAS TO BLOW SMOKE TOWARD THE WEST AND AWAY FROM THE RESIDENTIAL AREA, AND THAT A PERMIT MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA FORESTRY DEPARTMENT FOR EACH AND EVERY BURN.

NOW THE SPECIAL USE CAN BE GRANTED WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL DETRIMENT TO THE PUBLIC GOOD, AND THE USE WILL NOT IMPOSE EXCESSIVE BURDEN OR HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY.

I HAVE MULTIPLE WARNING LETTERS HERE FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

AND SO I HAVE A LOT OF COPIES OF THAT.

AND THERE'S A NUMBER OF PHOTOS LET ME SHOW HERE.

WHAT'S INTERESTING IS THAT THE PGA APPROVED THIS IN IN OCTOBER OF 2021.

AND EARLY IN, IN 2022, THEY, THEY BEGAN TO RECEIVE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.

THIS PARTICULAR FIRE WAS IN JULY, STARTED EARLY JULY IN 2022 AND WAS NOT PUT OUT UNTIL MUCH LATER IN AUGUST.

SO FOR SEVERAL WEEKS THAT THAT BURNED SO THIS THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING SITUATION, ONGOING SITUATION AND AND THAT SO I DID DID WANT TO SHARE THAT ALSO TO LET ME JUST SHARE THIS TO THE PERMIT READS.

I KNOW IT'S A LITTLE BIT HARD TO HARD TO SEE, BUT THE PERMIT READS THAT THE WINDS HAVE TO BE COMING FROM THE EAST OR THE NORTHEAST.

THIS WAS A PARTICULAR FIRE THAT WE JUST DISCUSSED THAT THAT ACTUALLY STARTED ON FEBRUARY 14TH.

AND THIS IS A SCREENSHOT AS TO HOW THE WINDS WERE.

AND AS YOU CAN SEE, THE WINDS WERE WEST AND NORTHWEST.

SO THEY ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE WIND, THE WIND INFORMATION.

SO JUST IN CLOSING I REALIZE ALSO THAT IN ACCORDING TO THE PERMIT THAT ACTUALLY THE IT'S ACTUALLY UP TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR.

SO SHE HAS THAT THE APPROVAL OF THIS MAY BE REVOKED BY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND UPON DETERMINATION OF A VIOLATION.

SO I PLEASE BEG THAT WE THAT WE DO SOMETHING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THANK YOU. TAYLOR. HELLO, I'M GAIL CRANFORD AND I LIVE IN VILLAGES. RECENTLY, I WAS MADE AWARE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH THE LIVE LOCAL ACT AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT THE COUNTIES IN FLORIDA.

PASCO COUNTY HAS BEEN LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS ABOMINABLE LAW, AND HILLSBOROUGH AND PINELLAS COUNTY NOW JOIN THE EFFORT TO RESCIND THIS QUESTIONABLE AND COSTLY LAW. IT'S IN THIS CONTEXT THAT I APPROACHED THIS BOARD IN MY 89 YEARS ON THIS EARTH, HAVING BEEN AWARE OF MUCH EVIL IN THE WORLD, SUCH AS WORLD WAR TWO

[03:50:02]

I'VE BEEN TRYING, IN MY VERY SMALL PART, TO MAKE OTHERS AWARE OF WRONGFUL EFFORTS TO CHANGE THIS GREAT NATION INTO SOMETHING WE AND OUR FOUNDERS CANNOT RECOGNIZE AS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC.

I HAVE WRITTEN AND HAD PUBLISHED MANY LETTERS TO THE EDITORS OF MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS IN MY EFFORT TO ALERT OTHER CITIZENS TO WHAT I PERCEIVED AS DANGERS TO THE SURVIVAL OF OUR FORM OF GOVERNMENT.

NEVER DID I EVER REALLY BELIEVE THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WOULD FAIL.

AND WITH SUCH MUCH AS MUCH SPEED AS IT IS TODAY.

WE CITIZENS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO CHOOSE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES, TO DO OUR WILL, TO SERVE UNSELFISHLY, TO MAINTAIN WHAT WAS GIVEN TO US MANY YEARS AGO.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, WHEN ASKED WHAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT OUR FOUNDERS WERE CREATING, RESPONDED, A REPUBLIC, IF YOU CAN KEEP IT.

JOHN ADAMS BRILLIANTLY, BRILLIANTLY SAID LIBERTY, ONCE LOST, IS LOST FOREVER.

AT THIS POINT IN OUR HISTORY, MARXISM HAS ALREADY CREPT IN.

OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT GIVEN THE TOOLS OF EDUCATION THAT WOULD PREPARE THEM FOR LEADERSHIP TO THE FUTURE.

OUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SPOUT DECIMATING POLITICAL POLICIES TO THE DETRIMENT OF OUR FUTURE.

OUR BORDERS ARE NOW DANGEROUSLY POROUS.

OUR CITIES ARE DYING.

VIOLENCE IS BECOMING MORE NORMAL.

THIS ISN'T THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS I LEARNED TO LOVE AND RESPECT.

PERHAPS WHAT I'M SAYING DOESN'T SEEM TO RELATE AT ALL TO THE DUTIES OF THIS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.

I SAY THAT IT DEFINITELY DOES RELATE.

AND UNDERLYING ALL THAT YOU DO AS AN ELECTED BODY.

ALL GOVERNMENT BEGINS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS FIRST AND FOREMOST.

YOU ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL.

REPUBLICAN BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ALSO SAID HE THAT LIES DOWN WITH DOGS SHALL RISE UP WITH FLEAS.

AGAIN, QUOTING JOHN ADAMS, OUR CONSTITUTION WAS MADE ONLY FOR A MORAL AND RELIGIOUS PEOPLE.

PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE QUOTES AS YOU SERVE THIS COUNTY.

YOU TOO ARE A RECIPIENT OF YOUR OWN DECISIONS AND I THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO ME.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

CHERI BADGER, 2772 SOUTH COLLINS AVENUE.

THIS MIGHT BE KIND OF REDUNDANT TO SOME OF YOU, BUT NOW THAT I HAVE A FULL AUDIENCE, I'LL SHOW THEM WHAT SAINT JOHNS COUNTY AND SAINT JOHNS COUNTY STAFF IS CAPABLE OF.

LIKE THE LADY WHO BROUGHT UP ABOUT THE EASEMENTS AND NOT BEING IN COMPLIANCE.

WELL, I HAVE I HAVE A GREAT ONE FOR THAT.

AND I WANT ALL Y'ALL TO SEE THAT.

OKAY. BACK IN 2 IN 1988, OUR ROAD HAD 30FT EASEMENT 2000, 1980, 98 IT WENT TO 45 BECAUSE THE DEVELOPER OKAY.

SOMEHOW IN 2002 IT WENT TO 60FT.

OKAY. AND 2006 IT WENT BACK TO 45FT AFTER THEY WERE WRONG.

AND THEN IN 2016, IT WENT TO 60FT.

AGAIN. THIS ROAD IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE.

IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME, ASK DOT.

THE INTERSECTION IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE.

SO THIS IS THE MAIN PROBLEM THAT THIS COUNTY'S HAVING IS BECAUSE WHATEVER THEY SAY THEY DO, I HAVE EVIDENCE OF ANYBODY THAT WANTS TO SEE IT THAT THEY THIS THIS SHOWS WHAT THIS COUNTY AND COUNTY STAFF IS CAPABLE OF.

GOD BLESS YOU. HAVE A GOOD DAY.

MY NAME IS LINDA KOUROUPIS AND MY ADDRESS IS OUTSIDE THE LIVE LOCAL ACT OR THE LA IS BAD LAW FOR SEVERAL REASONS ONE IT IS A POWER GRAB BY THE STATE.

TWO IT LETS DEVELOPERS BUILD WITHOUT COMMUNITY INPUT.

THREE IT BURDENS LOCAL RESOURCES.

FOUR IT BURDENS COUNTY ADMINISTRATION FIVE IT INCREASES COST TO TAXPAYERS, AND SIX IT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION.

LET ME EXPLAIN.

FIRST, THE ACT GIVES THE STATE POWER TO PREEMPT ALMOST ALL DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS ON COMMERCIALLY ZONED LAND.

YOU COMMISSIONERS WILL SIMPLY BE A RUBBER STAMP FORCED TO APPROVE A DEVELOPER'S PLAN.

BUT NOT ONLY DO YOU LOSE POWER, COUNTY RESIDENTS LOSE THEIR SELF-DETERMINATION.

WE WILL HAVE NO FORUM FOR ASKING QUESTIONS OR EXPRESSING PREFERENCES.

WE EVEN LOSE THE ABILITY TO VOTE FOR CANDIDATES BASED ON DEVELOPMENT ISSUES.

SECONDLY, DEVELOPERS WILL BE FREE TO DEVELOP PROPERTY IN WHATEVER WAY MAKES THEM THE MOST MONEY.

THEY WON'T HAVE TO CONSIDER WHETHER THEIR PLANS ARE PLEASING TO A COMMUNITY OR CONSISTENT WITH THE COMMUNITY'S CHARACTER.

NO, AS LONG AS THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF UNITS IS AFFORDABLE AND THEY MEET SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, THEY CAN PRETTY MUCH DO WHAT THEY WANT.

IT WILL BE BUILD, BABY BUILD.

[03:55:03]

LAND ZONED COMMERCIAL WITH NO RESIDENTS WILL NOW HAVE HIGH DENSITY HOUSING ON IT.

THAT MEANS MORE PEOPLE ON THE ROADS, MORE CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOMS, MORE PEOPLE NEEDING MEDICAL SERVICES, AND MORE PEOPLE WHO NEED FIRE AND POLICE PROTECTION.

WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR THIS? IT WILL BE THE CURRENT TAXPAYING RESIDENTS FOOTING THE BILL.

THE DEVELOPERS, OWNERS AND LANDLORDS WON'T BE PONYING UP.

THE LAW MANDATES THAT PROPERTY OWNERS FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM TAXES.

THAT'S INTERESTING.

THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE SEVEN, SECTION THREE, GRANTS COUNTIES THE AUTHORITY TO GIVE AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTIONS.

IT SAYS NOTHING ABOUT THE STATE HAVING THE AUTHORITY TO DO SO.

PER THE CONSTITUTION, ONLY CERTAIN ENTITIES CAN GET ONE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

PROPERTY IS NOT ONE OF THEM.

SECONDLY, THERE IS A MANDATORY PROCESS I QUOTE.

SUCH EXEMPTION MAY BE GRANTED ONLY BY ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY, AND ONLY AFTER THE ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY VOTING ON SUCH QUESTION IN A REFERENDUM AUTHORIZED THE COUNTY TO ADOPT SUCH ORDINANCES.

THIS LAW EITHER IGNORES THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION OR BLATANTLY COMPELS A COUNTY TO AUTHORIZE SUCH AN ORDINANCE.

THE CONSTITUTION GIVES THE COUNTY A CHOICE IN GRANTING EXEMPTIONS.

THE LA DOES NOT.

FOURTHLY, THE LAW PLACES ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS ON THE COUNTY.

THE COUNTY MUST PROVIDE A PUBLIC INVENTORY OF ALL REAL PROPERTY.

CONDUCT MARKETING ANALYZES CONTINUALLY RECALCULATE THE DEFINITION OF AFFORDABLE.

DETERMINE WHO IS WHO IS IN WHAT UNITS, WHO GETS TOTAL EXEMPTION, WHO GETS PARTIAL EXEMPTIONS, AND SO ON.

THERE WILL HAVE TO BE NEW STAFFING JUST TO FACILITATE COMPLIANCE WITH THIS LAW AND MICROMANAGE RESIDENTS.

IN CLOSING, THE LA TAKES POWER AWAY FROM RESIDENTS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, EXACERBATES OVERDEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTY, BURDENS LOCAL RESOURCES, RAISES THE COST OF LIVING HERE, AND CONTRADICTS THE STATE CONSTITUTION.

I ASK YOU TO NOT COMPLY AND TO ACTUALLY SUE AGAINST IT.

THANK YOU. HI.

GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, EVERYBODY.

MY NAME IS DONNA FERRÉ.

I RESIDE AT 218 SOPHIA TERRACE.

932095. I LIVE IN PALENCIA.

MANY OF YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW WHERE PALENCIA IS, BUT IT IS 1.2 MILES FROM ANCIENT CITY BURNING RECYCLING FACILITY.

I LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY.

MY COMMUNITY IS ABUNDANT WITH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.

WE HAVE GOLF, WE HAVE TENNIS.

WE HAVE TRAILS FOR WALKING, RUNNING, RIDING BIKES.

IT IS AN OUTDOOR MECCA.

HOWEVER, EXCUSE ME BECAUSE I HAVE SOME ALLERGY EFFECTS FROM THE BURNING.

I AM UNABLE TO ENJOY MY NEIGHBORHOOD ANYMORE.

I AM UNABLE TO ACTIVELY GO OUTSIDE AND ENJOY LIVING IN MY OWN NEIGHBORHOOD DUE TO THAT SMOKE.

THE SMOKE IS REALLY DEBILITATING.

AND IT'S NOT JUST ME, IT'S HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN OUR AREA.

OKAY, SO I DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT THE VOTE.

WHATEVER VOTE YOU GUYS HAVE DONE, THIS SHOULDN'T EVEN BE A VOTE.

IT IS A PUBLIC NUISANCE, IS CREATING A PUBLIC NUISANCE, NOT JUST IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD BUT IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS.

YOU'RE PROBABLY WELL AWARE WIND CAN BLOW SMOKE FOR MILES UPON MILES, AFFECTING MANY HUNDREDS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.

THIS BURNING THAT HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY GOING ON FOR DAYS, WEEKS, WE'RE PUSHING MONTHS NOW IS REALLY AFFECTING OUR LIVES.

OUR CHILDREN CAN'T GO OUT AT RECESS.

I CANNOT ENJOY BEING OUTSIDE IN MY IN MY YARD.

I CAN'T PLAY GOLF. I CAN'T GO TO TENNIS.

I DON'T EVEN LIKE GOING TO THE STORE.

FRANKLY, I'M A FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE FAMILY AND OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE.

I ACTUALLY LEAVE TOWN.

I GET IN MY CAR AND I LEAVE WHEN THE SMOKE IS THERE BECAUSE IT'S NOT ENJOYABLE.

I FEEL SICK, IT'S VERY, VERY UNFORTUNATE.

AND IT REALLY IT'S A PUBLIC NUISANCE THAT I'M UNABLE TO ENJOY ACTIVITIES IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND I'M ABLE TO ENJOY THE PROPERTY NEARBY.

I CAN'T COMPREHEND WHY ANY OF YOU DON'T SEE HOW THAT DOESN'T FIT.

THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE SHOULDN'T EVEN COME TO A VOTE.

THIS IS AFFECTING THE MY RIGHT TO ENJOY MY PUBLIC SPACE, NOT ONLY MY RIGHT, HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE'S RIGHTS.

SO ANYWAYS, I JUST WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR DEEP CONCERN OVER THIS AND OUR REALLY I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT WORDS TO USE.

IT'S JUST VERY FRUSTRATING THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH THIS.

IT SHOULDN'T EVEN BE THIS.

THERE SHOULDN'T BE A VOTE.

THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANYTHING. IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND SHUT DOWN.

DO IT TO A PUBLIC NUISANCE.

IT MANY PEOPLE CANNOT ENJOY THEIR RIGHTS.

IT'S MAKING PEOPLE SICK.

IT'S KEEPING KIDS IN FROM RECESS.

IT'S ABSURD.

WE HAVE ASHES SOME DAYS FALLING LIKE RAIN.

THAT IS NOT HEALTHY.

THIS IS THE MOST UNHEALTHY ENVIRONMENT YOU COULD BE IN.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE AIR QUALITY INDEX IS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD RIGHT NOW.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN FIGURE THAT OUT, BUT I THINK I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW.

I KNOW THEY DO LARGER AREAS, BUT WE NEED TO KNOW THE AIR QUALITY INDEX.

[04:00:01]

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

IT'S ONE.

DID YOU WANT TO CONTINUE ON? OKAY, WE'LL DO ONE MORE AND THEN WE'LL GO BACK TO ONE 30 MINUTES.

YOU ALL HAVE TIME AT THE END OF THE MEETING, THOUGH, FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT AS WELL.

GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS I'M VICKI PEPPER.

I LIVE ON HARBOR VISTA CIRCLE IN SAINT AUGUSTINE AND I'M STILL REPRESENTING MYSELF AND CARE AGAIN, WE'RE AN INFORMAL, INDEPENDENT CIVIC ACTION GROUP THAT GREW OUT OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S ONGOING COMMUNITY CONVERSATION EFFORT.

CARE IS HERE NOW TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF PASTOR DEL SANDS OF REMNANT OUTREACH MINISTRY, WHICH MEETS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THE HISTORIC SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN HISTORIC WEST AUGUSTINE.

FIRST, WE'D LIKE TO THANK THE COUNTY FOR WORKING WITH THE CITY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE, WHICH HAS INSTALLED A CROSSWALK AT THE LOCATION OF THE CHURCH TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF PARISHIONERS. FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE LOCATION, ITS PARKING IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF WEST KING, AND PARISHIONERS MUST CROSS THE STREET, THE BUSY STREET, TO GET TO THE CHURCH ON THE OTHER SIDE.

AS YOU'VE HEARD, THE SITUATION CONTINUES TO PRESENT A SERIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THE CROSSWALK HAS HELPED.

AND AGAIN, WE THANK THE COUNTY FOR ITS ROLE IN AUTHORIZING THAT.

CLEARLY, MORE SAFETY MEASURES ARE NEEDED.

EVEN WITH THE NEW CROSSWALK, THERE CONTINUE TO BE NEAR MISSES DUE TO THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC BARRELING UP AND DOWN WEST KING STREET, MOST RECENTLY OF A YOUNG CHILD WHO'D SUDDENLY RUN OFF FROM HIS MOTHER AS CHILDREN SOMETIMES DO.

WE UNDERSTAND THE CITY IS EXPLORING THE INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN ACTIVATED FLASHING SAFETY BEACONS, WHICH WE HEARD A LITTLE BIT ABOUT DURING THE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT TODAY. BUT THE CITY IS IS THINKING OF INSTALLING THESE AT THAT CROSSWALK, SIMILAR TO SOME THAT YOU ALSO WILL FIND AT A FEW LOCATIONS ALONG AVENIDA MENENDEZ AND SAN MARCO AVENUE.

HOWEVER, BECAUSE WEST KING STREET IS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE COUNTY, THIS CAN'T BE DONE WITHOUT THE COUNTY'S.

THEY ALSO INVOLVE SOME EXPENSE.

WE UNDERSTAND APPROXIMATELY $50,000 FOR THE INITIAL INSTALLATION AND UP TO $3,000 A YEAR FOR ONGOING MAINTENANCE.

SO BEFORE OUR COMMUNITY SUFFERS AN AVOIDABLE TRAGEDY AT THIS LOCATION, WE ASK THAT THE COUNTY WORK WITH THE CITY TO SWIFTLY APPROVE THIS AND ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES. PERHAPS ONE OF THOSE CONES PLACED IN THE ROAD TO REMIND MEMBERS OF THE MOTORISTS THAT STATE LAW REQUIRES THEM TO STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS IN THE CROSSWALK.

ALSO, EVEN THOUGH WE RECOGNIZE THE CHURCHES IN THE CITY LIMITS, BECAUSE THIS PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD IS LARGELY CREATED BY A HIGH VOLUME OF FAST, SOMETIMES INATTENTIVE TRAFFIC ALONG A STREET, THAT'S THE COUNTY'S RESPONSIBILITY.

AND BECAUSE THE CITY IS DWARFED BY THE COUNTY IN TERMS OF POPULATION AND AVAILABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES, TO ADDRESS THIS URGENT PUBLIC SAFETY NEED QUICKLY, WE'D ASK THE COUNTY WORK WITH THE CITY COLLABORATIVELY TO SHARE THE COSTS OF INSTALLATION AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF FLASHING SAFETY BEACONS.

THE SOONER OUR CITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS WORK TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THIS ONGOING PROBLEM OF COMMON CONCERN, THE SAFER OUR COMMUNITY WILL BE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

OKAY. AND THIS WILL BRING US BACK TO SHORE DRIVE.

BEFORE WE DO THAT, ACTUALLY, MISS ANDREWS, WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADDRESS FOR THE RESIDENTS FROM IN THE ROOM AN UPDATE ON THE FIRE SITUATION?

[Additional Item 1 (Part 2 of 2)]

YES. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

AFTER COMMISSIONER DINGS PROPOSED EMERGENCY ITEM AND THEN THE DIRECTION FROM THE BOARD, THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND FIRE MARSHAL WERE BOTH ON SITE.

SO AT THIS POINT, IT LOOKS LIKE THE FIRE HAS BEEN CONTAINED.

THE BOARD HAS ALREADY AUTHORIZED ME TO REVOKE THE PERMIT.

AND I HEARD FROM THE BOARD THAT LOUD AND CLEAR.

AND THAT IS MY PLAN IS TO REVOKE THE PERMIT.

SO AT THIS POINT, WE ARE WORKING REALLY HARD.

THE FIRE RESCUE, THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT STAFF AND ALSO FIRE MARSHAL ARE ON SITE TO TRYING TO WORK WITH THE APPLICANT FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND WHAT OUR PLAN IS AND ALSO OF COURSE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH FDEP.

SO THAT IS THE QUICK UPDATE AND AS SOON AS I AM OUT OF THIS MEETING, WE WILL TAKE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO REVOKE THE PERMIT THAT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE. THANK YOU, MISS ANDREWS, I APPRECIATE THAT.

OKAY, SO IF MR. KANE IS IN THE ROOM, LET'S GO BACK TO SHORE DRIVE.

[3. 24-00024 Award of Invitation for Bid (IFB) No: 1534; Shore Drive Trail – FDEP #T2126. (Part 2 of 2)]

I KNOW THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF PUBLIC COMMENT.

I DIDN'T KNOW IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THAT YOU'D LIKE TO SPEAK ON.

JUST TO CLARIFY A COUPLE THINGS.

I THINK SOME PEOPLE HAD HAD INSISTED ON IT, BUT JUST YOU KNOW, THE OPTION FOR A SIDEWALK, THIS IS FUNDED SEPARATELY FROM OUTSIDE OF THAT.

THIS IS THROUGH PARK IMPACT FEES AND THE TRAILS GRANT SIMULTANEOUSLY ON TREE PROTECTIONS.

[04:05:01]

AND AS WE SAID WITHIN, THE STAFF IS GOING TO HIRE ON AN ARBORIST INDEPENDENT ARBORIST TO COME ON AND ASSIST WITHIN THE PROCESS TO PROVIDE THE COUNTY STAFF THAT AND I THINK THAT'S IT.

JUST IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, MYSELF AND DWAYNE KENT, COUNTY ENGINEER, ARE HERE TO ASSIST.

OKAY. COMMISSIONER ALAIMO.

OH, YES. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

JUST A FEW QUESTIONS.

YOU KNOW, WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE PARKING.

THAT SEEMED TO BE A MAJOR CONCERN.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RESPONSE TO THAT? THERE WAS TALK ABOUT YOU KNOW, THE OLD FIRE STATION THERE LOCATED OVER THERE AT THE MAYBE BEING USED AS A TRAILHEAD TO ALLEVIATE THE PARKING DEMAND. CAN YOU CAN YOU TOUCH ON THAT A LITTLE BIT? CORRECT. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, ON PROJECTS WE EVALUATE AFTERWARDS WHAT'S HAPPENING FOR PARKING.

SO I'LL USE THE PALM VALLEY WEST BOAT RAMP AS AN EXAMPLE.

WHEN WE DISCUSSED THAT AND WENT THROUGH THE STAFF IS AWARE OF WHAT WAS BROUGHT UP FOR CONCERNS AND EVALUATING TO SEE IF THERE ARE CONCERNS THAT COME FORWARD AND OR FROM RESIDENTS YOU KNOW, VOICING THOSE CONCERNS.

THE FIRST IS TO ALWAYS WORK WITH SHERIFF'S OFFICE IF THERE ARE ISSUES WITHIN THERE.

WE DO OWN THE PARCEL.

THAT IS THE OLD FIRE STATION.

THAT COULD BE A POTENTIAL TRAILHEAD AT SOME POINT IN TIME, IF THAT WAS DEEMED TO BE TO BE SOMETHING THAT WAS NEEDED AND WOULD HAVE SIDEWALK WALKWAY DOWN TO THE TRAIL ITSELF, THAT WOULD BE IF THERE WAS THE OVER DEMAND FOR IT.

THE OTHER ISSUE WITH PARKING WOULD BE ALONG THE RIGHT OF WAY.

OUR GOAL IS NOT TO DO ANYTHING ALONG THE RIGHT OF WAY BECAUSE MANY RESIDENTS UTILIZE IT CURRENTLY AS WELL.

BUT WE WOULD EVALUATE AND WORK THROUGH WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ON THAT.

AND IF NECESSARY, WE COULD SIGN OFF AREAS FOR NO PARKING THERE.

THANK YOU. SIR. ANOTHER QUESTION.

THIS IS WITHIN REGARDS TO THE GRANT.

YOU KNOW, THE GRANT WAS WRITTEN, THE PROPOSAL WAS MADE FOR WHAT WE'VE GOT DESIGNED.

NOW, ARE THERE ANY CHANGES THAT CAN BE MADE TO IT? YOU KNOW, YOU HEAR PEOPLE SHORTENING THE WIDTH OF THE TRAIL.

I MEAN, IS THERE IS THERE ANYTHING THAT THAT CAN BE.

THERE'S THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE GRANT WRITTEN FOR 10% OF THE TRAIL CAN COME DOWN TO FIVE FEET IN WIDTH AS OPPOSED TO EIGHT FEET.

SO IF THERE ARE AREAS WE ARE CURRENTLY UTILIZING THAT IN SOME AREAS WHERE WE'RE GOING ACROSS CULVERTS.

AS AN EXAMPLE IF THERE ARE AREAS WHERE TREES WERE COMING UP IN, IN THE POTENTIAL OF, OF DAMAGE TO TREES, WE CAN MINIMIZE AS WE GO PAST THE TREE FROM THE EIGHT FOOT DOWN TO THE FIVE FOOT.

SO YOU GUYS ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING SURE THERE'S NO TREE DAMAGE, AND IF THAT'S IF FIVE FEET IS NECESSARY TO DO THAT, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN DO.

CORRECT? OKAY. THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER JESSE, CAN WE JUST PUT IT NEXT TO THE ROAD? CAN WE? I MEAN, I'M EXPERIENCING A HANDICAP.

MY HUSBAND, WHO'S HANDICAPPED, WE WENT OUT THERE AND HE REALLY WHEN WE ARE ON MULTI-PURPOSE TRAILS, WE DO GET HIT BY THE ELECTRIC BIKES AND THEY DON'T MOVE OUT FAST ENOUGH, AND HE CAN'T MOVE FAST ENOUGH.

SO I'M LEARNING A WHOLE NEW LIFESTYLE HERE.

AND IF THERE'S ANY WAY TO HAVE IT CLOSER TO THE ROAD, BECAUSE THEN THE BIKES CAN STAY THERE.

AND ALSO THE, THE ADA PEOPLE CAN ALSO, YOU KNOW, GET OFF THE TRAIL AND NOT HAVE TO CIRCLE ALL THE WAY BACK.

THOSE ARE JUST MY THOUGHTS AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THAT AT THIS POINT.

THERE'S DEFINITELY SOME ENGINEERING COMPONENTS.

AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, I DIDN'T USE THE RIGHT LANGUAGE.

I'LL HAVE TO CLEAN IT UP FOR ME.

BUT WITH WHAT HOW THE ROAD COMES OFF AND HOW THE THE PARK IS SET UP THERE.

SO I'LL HAVE DWAYNE TALK.

YEAH. JUST REAL QUICK.

THE ALIGNMENT OF THE TRAIL CONSIDERED A LOT OF THE EXISTING CONTOURS OF THE LAND OUT THERE.

THERE ARE A LOT OF AREAS ALONG SHORE DRIVE THAT HAVE SWALES OR DITCHES AND SO THAT.

SO IF YOU WERE TO ACTUALLY PUT THE SIDEWALK UP AGAINST THE ROAD, WE WOULD BE PIPING DITCHES IN A LOT OF AREAS THAT WOULD THAT WOULD INCREASE THE COST OF THE PROJECT.

AND THERE ARE OTHER DIFFICULTIES THERE.

OKAY, WELL, THAT BRINGS US BACK TO THE BOARD.

I'M COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST.

GO FOR IT. MR. KANE, I HAVE OBVIOUSLY, WE'VE BEEN THROUGH MONTHS OF RECEIVING EMAILS.

THIS BOARD HAS, AND I KNOW THAT THE INITIAL EMAILS I WAS GETTING WAS TALKING ABOUT CLEAR CUTTING THE PARCEL.

THE THREE MILES WOULD BE CLEAR CUT.

IN YOUR PRESENTATION, YOU MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE NO PLANS TO CUT DOWN ANY TREES.

DID I UNDERSTAND THAT CORRECTLY? THAT THAT IS THE INTENTION.

I AM ALWAYS AFRAID OF SAYING NO TREES, BECAUSE THAT IS THE INTENTION.

AND THAT'S WHAT THE DIRECTION WE ARE GOING THROUGH AND THAT WE BELIEVE THAT WOULD BE POSSIBLE WITHIN THIS THERE THE INTENTION IS TO MAKE THAT AS LIMITED AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THEY ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PARK.

OKAY. SO THE BEST CASE SCENARIO IS ZERO TREES.

WHAT'S THE WORST CASE SCENARIO? HOW MANY TREES COULD POTENTIALLY BE CUT DOWN IN A WORST CASE SCENARIO I'M BALLPARKING 3 TO 5 OKAY.

[04:10:02]

WHICH IS FUNNY I THINK IS FUNNY IS THAT A LOT OF THIS OPPOSITION, AND MAYBE EVEN SOME PETITIONS WERE SIGNED BASED ON THE NOTION THAT THIS WOULD BE CLEAR CUT.

AND THAT'S PATENTLY FALSE.

SO THAT TO ME IS FUNNY.

PLEASE. I WANT TO I JUST WANT TO FINISH MY COMMENTS IF THAT'S OKAY WITH EVERYBODY IN THE AUDITORIUM.

I'VE LISTENED VERY CLOSELY AND TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION ALL THE CONCERNS THAT ARE EXPRESSED, WE'RE HEARING CONCERNS ABOUT E-BIKES BEING A CHALLENGE BECAUSE THAT'S DANGEROUS TO CHILDREN WHO MIGHT GET AWAY FROM THEIR PARENTS AND DOGS WHO MIGHT BE ON LONG LEASHES.

AND I'VE LISTENED TO THAT.

BUT THE CURRENT CONDITION IS THAT THOSE CHILDREN WHO COULD GET AWAY FROM THEIR PARENTS AND THE DOGS ON LONG LEASHES ARE IN THE ROAD NEXT TO CARS.

SO IF AN E-BIKE IS DANGEROUS, I CERTAINLY THINK A CAR IS MORE DANGEROUS.

WE'VE ALSO HEARD TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DON'T WANT THIS, AND I'VE RECEIVED MORE EMAILS THAN I KNOW HOW TO COUNT FROM PEOPLE WHO JUST THEY'RE SCARED TO COME HAVE A CONFRONTATION WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE OPPOSING THIS TRAIL.

THEY'RE PASSIONATELY IN FAVOR OF THE TRAIL.

SO, YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU ASK US TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN FAVOR OF THE TRAIL.

AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE OPPOSED.

SO IT'S NOT AS EASY AS ONE MIGHT THINK TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE IN FAVOR OF ONE THING AND SO MANY PEOPLE OPPOSED TO ANOTHER.

I THINK BOTTOM LINE IS THIS THIS BOILS DOWN TO A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME.

I'M GOING TO VOTE FOR THE TRAIL.

IT MIGHT BE THE ONLY COMMISSIONER WHO WILL VOTE FOR THE TRAIL, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE HAVE PEOPLE PUSHING STROLLERS IN THE ROAD PUSHING WHEELCHAIRS IN THE ROAD.

IN MY VIEW, THAT THAT'S UNSAFE.

I CERTAINLY DON'T WANT TO UPSET A SINGLE PERSON IN THIS AUDITORIUM OR AROUND THE COUNTY, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE.

SO I'M GOING TO VOTE YES.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST.

I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND ASK TYLER TO PLAY THE VIDEO THAT I HAD TRIED TO PLAY.

AT THE BEGINNING, I WAS READING THE TRADEMARK OR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT STUFF TO SEE WHAT THEY ANSWERED.

AN OBJECTIVE B .1.5 IS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITY FACILITIES.

THIS IS FROM OUR COMP PLAN SAYS THE COUNTY SHALL, THROUGH COORDINATION WITH FDOT AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS AS NECESSARY, ENCOURAGE, PROVIDE OR REQUIRE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS FOR THE SAFE INTEGRATION OF BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT ON SELECTED SEGMENTS OF THE ROADWAY NETWORK WITHIN PUBLIC FACILITIES, COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, RESIDENTIAL AREAS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND WITHIN OTHER AREAS THAT ALLOW ACCESS.

IT. YOU KNOW, IT'S KIND OF TORN.

I HATE TO SEE THIS MANY PEOPLE, DIFFERENT SIDES OF THIS, BUT, YOU KNOW ONE THING ABOUT IT.

I'VE BEEN IN A WHEELCHAIR FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS NOW, AND IT HAS BROUGHT TO LIGHT A LOT OF THINGS.

THERE'S PLACES I CAN'T GO, I GOT FRIENDS, I CAN'T GO SEE THEM AT THEIR HOUSE BECAUSE I CAN'T GET IN THEIR HOUSE.

I CAN'T BE OFF THE DIRT.

IT DOES TAKE A LOT TO PACK UP AND GO SOMEWHERE.

AND, YOU KNOW, IT'S I CAN SEE THAT BEING AN ISSUE FOR FAMILIES IN THE AREA.

AND, YOU KNOW, I HAD A LADY CALL ME THAT.

SHE WENT TO THE PARK IN THE SHORES AND I SAW THAT UPHILL DOWNHILL.

SO PUSHING A WHEELCHAIR FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WAS REALLY HARD ON HER.

YOU KNOW, I'M FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE A MOTORIZED ONE, BUT I COULD TELL YOU IT WOULD BE A BURDEN NOT TO HAVE ANYWHERE TO GO.

AND YOU GET THAT.

YOU KNOW, I'VE SEEN THAT A LOT.

PEOPLE INVITE ME. THERE'S GROUNDBREAKINGS THAT I WOULD GO TO NORMALLY I CAN'T GO TO, YOU KNOW, IT'S JUST I THINK WE HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY.

WE COULD PROBABLY ANSWER SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS WHILE WE APPLY FOR THE GRANT, BECAUSE WE CAN ALWAYS TURN THE GRANT DOWN.

YOU KNOW, IT'S I THINK IT'S A CHANCE FOR THAT NEIGHBORHOOD ALSO TO GET A BIKE PATH THAT ALL THE OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS ARE REQUIRED TO BUILD NOW AND THEY DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR, YOU KNOW, OTHER THAN THEIR TAX DOLLARS.

THEY BUT THE GRANT WOULD COME FROM A I THINK IT'S FDOT.

CORRECT. THAT'S ALL I'LL SAY ABOUT THAT.

THANK YOU. SO I.

I RESENT THE FACT THAT ANYBODY THINKS THAT US PLAYING THAT VIDEO IS SHAMEFUL.

WE OFTEN PLAY VIDEOS TO SHOW THE HISTORY OF A PROJECT, AND I IN NO WAY AM SHOWING THAT VIDEO TO JUSTIFY MY VOTE.

BUT I WILL TELL YOU THAT THOSE WORDS RESONATED WITH ME.

THEN, BEFORE I SAT WITH COMMISSIONER WALDRON ON THIS BOARD AND THEY RESONATE WITH ME NOW.

BEYOND THAT, ANOTHER PERSON I SPOKE TO, A RESIDENT OF SHORE DRIVE, IS AN EXPERT ON PUBLIC SAFETY.

A FORMER FIRE CHIEF, JEFF PREVATT, WHO WAS VERY MUCH IN FAVOR OF THIS TRAIL.

AND SO I WILL ALSO BE VOTING IN FAVOR OF THIS TRAIL, NOT ONLY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, BUT FOR THE ADA ACCESSIBILITY COMPONENT OF IT.

THOSE ARE MY THOUGHTS. COMMISSIONER.

DEAN. WELL, AS AS MAYBE SOME OF YOU I'VE HAD, I'VE HAD FRIENDS OF MINE SPEAK AGAINST THIS TRAIL FOR THE LAST MONTH OR TWO.

I'VE HAD FRIENDS CALL ME IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSED TRAIL.

[04:15:03]

BUT I THINK THAT FOR ME, NOT ONLY AND I WAS HERE WHEN PAUL MADE THAT THAT SPEECH, THAT PRESENTATION, AND IT RESONATED WITH ME THEN THAT'S WHY I THINK I EITHER MOVED OR SECONDED THE MOTION, RYAN, IF I RECALL.

AND I WAS ALSO MOVED BY SEVERAL SPEAKERS THIS MORNING WHO WHO I RESPECT A LOT THEIR PROFESSIONAL POSITION.

AND THEY ACTUALLY LIVE IN THE SAN AUGUSTINE SOUTH AND THEY EMPHASIZE SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY.

AND SO WITH THAT HAVING BEEN SAID, I'M PREPARED TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THIS AGENDA ITEM.

COMMISSIONER LIMA. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

AND I'VE SPOKEN.

YOU KNOW, THIS IS MY DISTRICT, SO I'VE OBVIOUSLY SPOKEN WITH QUITE A FEW RESIDENTS.

WE HAD A MEETING AT THE SOUTH BRANCH LIBRARY.

AND, YOU KNOW, IT'S IT'S DEFINITELY A DIFFICULT DECISION FOR ME.

I WOULD ALSO ADD THAT I GOT A LETTER.

FROM JENNIFER COLLINS, WHO IS SHE COULDN'T BE HERE TODAY.

SHE HAD A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

BUT SHE IS IN A WHEELCHAIR.

SHE'S ALSO LIVED IN THE COMMUNITY FOR FOR 25 YEARS.

AND SHE SENT A LETTER.

YOU KNOW, IT'S DIFFICULT SEEING COMMISSIONER WALDRON HIS COMMENTS.

AND, YOU KNOW, I WAS APPOINTED TO TO FINISH HIS TERM.

AND YOU KNOW, I'VE HEARD ALL SIDES OF IT.

I DO HOPE THAT THE CONTRACTORS AND FOLKS WHO WORK WITH WITH THE RESIDENTS AND BUT, YOU KNOW, FOR ME, IT'S IT'S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IS PUBLIC SAFETY.

SO I WILL GO AHEAD AND.

OFFER A MOTION AND SUPPORT.

PLEASE, PLEASE.

REFRAIN. WE'RE TAKING A VOTE.

THERE'S GOING TO BE A MOTION.

LIKE I SAID, I THINK THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY CAN.

I'VE SPOKEN WITH OUR STAFF ABOUT THIS.

YOU KNOW, THEY CAN GO OUT THERE WITH THE CONTRACTORS.

YOU CAN, YOU KNOW, THERE'S THERE'S OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.

BUT I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND OFFER, YOU KNOW, IN PUBLIC SAFETY BEING A PRIORITY.

I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND OFFER A MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024, HYPHEN 104, AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR OR DESIGNEE TO AWARD BID NUMBER 1534 SHAW DRIVE TRAIL, FTP, T2126 BASED BID ALTERNATIVE ONE AND ALTERNATIVE TWO TO CGSI INCORPORATED AS THE LOWEST, MOST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER AND TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT AND SUBSTANTIALLY SAME FORM AND FORMAT AS ATTACHED TIER TWO AT A TOTAL PROJECT NOT TO EXCEED BID PRICE OF $1,801,732 FOR COMPLETION OF THE SPECIFIC SPECIFIED PROJECT. SECOND, OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FURTHER DISCUSSION.

PLEASE VOTE.

MATT PASSES FOR ONE.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, THE BOARD WILL RECESS FOR LUNCH.

WE WILL BE BACK AT 2:00.

OKAY, WE ARE BACK IN SESSION.

IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NUMBER FIVE, THAT COMMISSIONER JOSEPH HAD REQUESTED TO BE MOVED TO THE REGULAR AGENDA I HAD PLACED AT THE END OF THE

[Additional Item 2]

BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THE ATTORNEY FOR THAT ITEM HAS A CONFLICT.

SO WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND HEAR THAT NOW IN FRONT OF NUMBER FOUR, IF THAT'S OKAY WITH LEGAL OKAY.

GOOD AFTERNOON. GOOD AFTERNOON, STACY RUIZ.

ONE INDEPENDENT DRIVE, SUITE 1300.

JACKSON. EXCUSE ME. 1200 JACKSONVILLE.

32202. SORRY.

IT'S BEEN. IT'S BEEN A DAY, AND I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT.

I HAVE ANOTHER HEARING, SO I DO APOLOGIZE FOR ALLOWING US HERE UP.

OUR MY CLIENT IS LOOKING TO DEVELOP IN THE MARKETPLACE PROJECT.

THIS IS A TYPICAL TRANSPORTATION PROPORTIONATE SHARE AGREEMENT THAT THE BOARD SEES.

THERE'S NOTHING ABNORMAL ABOUT IT OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

THERE WAS A CHANGE RIGHT BEFORE THIS WAS PUT ON THE AGENDA TO UPDATE THE NUMBERS FOR THE PROP SHARE AMOUNTS TO 2023 DOT COST NUMBERS.

AND SO THAT WAS AN INCREASE THAT OCCURRED.

AND THE CLIENT WAS FINE.

WE DIDN'T REALLY HAVE A CHOICE.

AND THEN THAT WILL ALSO BE PUT IN PLACE WITH AN INFLATION FACTOR.

FOR SOME REASON THE DEVELOPER DOES NOT PAY THE PROP SHARE UNTIL NEXT JANUARY AS WELL.

[04:20:03]

I'M AVAILABLE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

WITH REGARD TO THIS PROJECT.

OKAY. COMMISSIONER JOSEPH? YES.

SO I PULLED IT.

NOT FOR THE NUMBERS. I PULLED IT BECAUSE THIS IS A LIVE LOCAL ACT.

IT'S OUR FIRST ONE THAT'S COME THROUGH.

AND 279 MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS FOR 31 ACRES WITHOUT ANY OF US LOOKING AT THE AREA OF 95 AND SR 312, WE HAVE ANOTHER THING COMING UP FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AFTER YOU THAT WANTS AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

BUT HERE WE'RE GETTING IT AND IT'S 30 YEAR FIXED RATE.

YES, MA'AM. SO 30% AT 30 YEAR FIXED.

YES. BUT WHEN DOES THIS GO INTO OUR PIPELINE.

BECAUSE DOES THE SCHOOL BOARD KNOW DO PEOPLE KNOW THIS IS COMING OR THIS IS JUST SURPRISE IT'S HERE.

NO. SO MY CLIENT'S BEEN WORKING WITH STAFF SINCE LIKE LAST JUNE.

OVER THE SUMMER ON THE PROJECT, WE'VE SUBMITTED A CONCURRENCY APPLICATION, WHICH IS THIS.

THEY'RE GOING THROUGH CONSTRUCTION PLAN APPROVAL, AND THEY HAVE THEY WILL BE SUBMITTING FOR SCHOOL CONCURRENCY AS WELL.

WE'RE DOING ALL THE REGULAR REQUIREMENTS THAT ANY PROJECT IS REQUIRED TO DO.

AND WE ALSO THE CLIENT ALSO RECEIVED A LETTER, A CONFIRMATION LETTER, FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM FROM STAFF, OUTLINING AND MAKING SURE EVERYTHING IS CONSISTENT WITH THE LAW LIKE THE DENSITY, THE HEIGHT, THE BUFFERS AND ALL OF THAT.

THERE HAS BEEN NO RELIEF THAT IS BEING ASKED ON THIS PROJECT.

WELL, WHAT IS THE TRAFFIC FOR THIS? DO YOU WHAT'S YOUR TRAFFIC COUNT FOR THIS? DO YOU KNOW? I KNOW THIS ISN'T GOING TO MATTER BECAUSE YOU CAN GO AHEAD WITH THIS WITHOUT ANY BOARD APPROVAL OR NOT APPROVAL.

BUT I JUST WANT THE PUBLIC TO REALIZE THIS IS WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO ALL THESE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS THAT WE HAVE NO CONTROL OF CORRECTLY.

SO WHAT'S THE TRAFFIC IN THAT AREA? SO THE SR 2073 LINKS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROJECT? WHICH IS A RESULT, WHICH IS WHY THERE IS A PROP SHARE OF $2.7 MILLION FOR THIS.

IT'S THREE LINKS OF SR 207.

AND IF YOU'LL BEAR WITH ME, I ALWAYS GET THE LINK NUMBERS WRONG, AND I DO NOT WANT TO DO THAT.

BUT IT'S LINK 108, 109 AND 110, WHICH IS FROM I-95 TO HOLMES ROAD.

AND THOSE ARE WERE CONSIDERED IN THE TRAFFIC ANALYSIS AS THE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED BY THE 1% WITHIN THE FOUR MILES.

AND WHAT SCHOOL DISTRICT ARE YOU IN THAT I DO NOT KNOW.

SO YOU KNOW, DISTRICT THREE, SCHOOL DISTRICT, YOU KNOW, THAT'S GOING TO BE COMPLETELY ALREADY FULL AND THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU'RE COMING OR THAT THESE ARE COMING.

HOW MANY? I MEAN, IN 279 MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS.

WHAT'S THE COUNT USUALLY.

IS IT TWO PER UNIT OR FOUR.

IT'S USUALLY A LITTLE LESS THAN THAT WITH WITH MULTIFAMILY.

BUT I DO NOT HAVE THOSE NUMBERS.

BUT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH SCHOOL CONCURRENCY JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER PROJECT RESIDENTIAL PROJECT.

IS DICK HERE REALLY QUICK? I JUST WAS CURIOUS WHAT THE ROADS WERE.

ARE THEY OVER 100% IN THAT AREA? I MEAN, THIS IS LIKE WE CAN'T PLAN.

I MEAN, I MEAN, DOES THE BOARD HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS? I MEAN, THIS IS GOING TO THIS IS NOT JUST GOING TO HAPPEN ONCE.

THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST. COMMISSIONER, I YOU KNOW, WE HAVE DISCUSSED THE LIVE LOCAL ACT HERE, AND I'VE RAISED CONCERNS IN PRIVATE TO MY LEGISLATIVE TO THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION THAT WE HAVE REPRESENTING US HERE IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY.

AND I'VE EXPRESSED THEM PUBLICLY, I MEAN, HERE IN THESE MEETINGS, I THINK CHRISTINE VALLIERE AND I HAVE HAD SEVERAL Q AND A'S IN THESE MEETINGS WHERE, YES, THERE ARE I'M CONCERNED WITH ANY PREEMPTION, AS YOU KNOW, I'VE VOICED CONCERNS ABOUT THAT.

SO I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE LIVE LOCAL ACT.

AND I STILL THINK THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS.

BUT, YOU KNOW, THAT IS THE LAW THAT WAS PASSED.

RIGHT? BUT I MEAN, THIS WAS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

IT PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN AGENDA ITEM.

I MEAN, THESE ARE THINGS I THINK WE SHOULD DISCUSS GOING FORWARD, BECAUSE THIS IS GOING TO TIP THE GROWTH IN THIS COUNTY WITHOUT ANYONE SAYING ANYTHING.

AND I'M JUST JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY, WHAT'S THE ROAD PERCENTAGE.

SO ALL THREE OF THOSE.

AS ROADS ARE OVERCAPACITY THERE.

THEY'RE ABOUT SLIGHTLY OVER.

THE ONE CLOSEST TO 95 IS A LITTLE BIT HIGHER THAN THOSE, BUT THAT IS WHAT TRIGGERS THE NEED FOR PROPORTIONATE, FAIR SHARE BASED OFF OF OUR CONCURRENCY PROGRAM IS THAT WHEN YOU GO OVER THAT CAPACITY, YOUR PROP SHARE KICKS IN.

SO THEY'VE GOT THE $2.2 MILLION PROP SHARE TO COVER THEIR INCREASE.

THEIR INCREASE OF TRIPS IS IN LIKE THE 3% RANGE FOR THOSE THREE AFFECTED LAKES.

THIS WAS ZONED WAREHOUSE.

I DO NOT RECALL WHAT THE ORIGINAL ZONING WAS.

I BELIEVE IT'S IN A MIXED DISTRICT FOR FUTURE LAND USE.

I JUST I DO NOT SO THE TRAFFIC FOR COMMERCE.

YEAH THE TRAFFIC FOR IT WAS PROJECTED MUCH LOWER FOR THE WAY IT WAS ZONED THAT I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO SPECIFICALLY.

RIGHT. BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A CONCURRENCY PROGRAM FOR NON RESIDENTIAL.

BUT WE DO HAVE IT FOR RESIDENTIAL.

SO WE ARE CAPTURING THOSE TRIPS WITH THIS WITH THIS PROPORTIONATE SHARE PAYMENT.

OKAY. WELL I'M REALLY NOT HAPPY HOW THIS IS WORKING.

AND I KNOW THERE ARE SOME OTHER COUNTIES THAT ARE SUING OVER THIS TO STOP THIS KIND OF DEVELOPMENT.

SURPRISING EVERYONE AND OUR AND OUR STAFF AND OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR FIRE AND OUR SHERIFF.

[04:25:05]

THANK YOU. AND SORRY TO DRAG YOU UP HERE FOR THAT.

NO, I JUST I APPRECIATE THE TIME.

IF ANYBODY ELSE HAS ANY OTHER QUESTIONS HAPPY TO ANSWER THOSE.

THANK YOU. OKAY. THANKS.

THIS TIME IF THERE'S NO OTHER QUESTIONS WE'LL GO TO PUBLIC COMMENT.

PUBLIC COMMENT. ALL RIGHT.

AT THIS TIME WE WILL OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

CHUCK LABANOWSKI 1748 NORTH CAPARO.

YEAH, I'VE GOT CONCERNS WITH LIVE LOCAL.

IT'S GOING TO CREATE SOME HEARTBURN, JUST LIKE COMMISSIONER JOSEPH JUST BROUGHT UP.

AND I'M COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST, AND I KNOW YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT IT AS WELL, BUT SOMETHING HAS GOT TO GO BACK TO THE STATE FROM EVERYONE HERE THAT THEY CAN'T GO IN HERE AND TOTALLY KNOCK DOWN THE BUILDING BLOCKS, AND THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE DOING.

THEY'RE TOTALLY DESTROYING WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO.

WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE SURE THE GROWTH IS PROPER, MAKE SURE THE INFRASTRUCTURE IS PROPER.

THE STATE HAS GOT TO KNOW WE NEED TO STEP UP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE LIVE LOCAL.

WE'VE GOT TO VOICE OUR CONCERNS NOW, NOT LATER BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE, BECAUSE GOOD EXAMPLE.

YOU'VE GOT AN INDUSTRIAL AREA, YOU'RE PUTTING HOUSING THERE.

IT'S NOT THE TOTAL SECTION THAT THEY'RE GOING TO PUT THE HOUSING IN.

SO WHAT'S GOING TO GO BESIDE THAT HOUSING FACTORY OR WHATEVER, WHATEVER INDUSTRIAL, WHATEVER COMMERCIAL YOU CAN THROW IN, THERE IS GOING TO BE RIGHT BESIDE THE HOUSES AND WE TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM THAT.

NOW WHEN WE GO OUT THERE AND DO OUR WHEN YOU DO YOUR DECISIONS, YOU'RE TRYING TO KEEP THEM SEPARATED.

SO PLEASE, LET'S DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE LIVE LOCAL ACT.

THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS JUDY SPIEGEL.

I LIVE AT 101 GREEN WILLOW LANE.

I AGREE.

ALSO, I DO UNDERSTAND THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE IS NOW IN TALLAHASSEE WORKING ON TRYING TO GET SOME CLARITY ON THIS ISSUE.

I THINK THAT THIS IS A NEW PLAN.

I DON'T THINK IT'S BEEN TESTED VERY WELL, AND I THINK THAT THE ISSUES ARE STARTING TO SURFACE, AND I THINK THAT THAT'S EXCELLENT, THAT WE'RE REALLY BEING PROACTIVE IN THAT AREA. BUT I ALSO AGREE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF JOINING INTO A LAWSUIT, BECAUSE WE JUST DON'T KNOW HOW THAT'S GOING TO GO.

AND I THINK REINING THIS IN BEFORE IT BECOMES A BEAST THAT WE'RE DEALING WITH UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF AS WELL.

I UNDERSTAND THE THEORY BEHIND IT AND I UNDERSTAND THE BENEFIT MAYBE IN MORE URBAN AREAS, BUT WE'RE KIND OF A UNIQUE SITUATION HERE IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY.

AND I THINK THAT THIS IS POTENTIALLY COULD, AS COMMISSIONER JOSEPH DID SAY, TIP THE SCALES IN A WAY THAT WE DO NOT NEED TO CLEAN UP. SO I'M IN AGREEMENT WITH JOINING A LAWSUIT IF OTHER COUNTIES ARE DOING THE SAME.

THANK YOU. I AGREE.

GOOD AFTERNOON ED SLAVIN FOX THREE AWAY FOR ED SLAVIN.

COM SAINT AUGUSTINE.COM.

I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST WITH COMMISSIONER JOSEPH WITH JUDY AND WITH MISTER LABANOWSKI.

THIS LIVE LOCAL ACT SHOULD BE LITIGATED AND THIS COUNTY, THROUGH ITS OWN COUNTY ATTORNEY, OR MAYBE IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER COUNTY ATTORNEYS, NEEDS TO SUE FOR SOME KIND OF A DECLARATORY JUDGMENT.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ASK SHOULD BE, BUT I KNOW IT'S A PROBLEM.

AND ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT'S NOT BEEN ADDRESSED YET IS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT INDUSTRIAL SITES, AND WE'RE BEING REAL CAREFUL.

AND I'M GRATEFUL FOR THAT ABOUT NOT BUYING LAND THAT'S CONTAMINATED.

WELL, DO YOU WANT TO PUT HOUSING ON LAND THAT'S CONTAMINATED? THINK ABOUT IT. COULD WE HAVE SOME DIRECTION FROM THE COMMISSIONERS TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF EITHER INITIATING OR JOINING A LAWSUIT AND MAYBE GET A REPORT BACK ON THE 19TH? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. THANK YOU.

ANYONE ELSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT? SEEING NONE, WE WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT.

OKAY. THAT TAKES US BACK TO THE BOARD FOR COMMENTS I SEE.

COMMISSIONER DEAN, I'D LIKE TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS WHOLE DISCUSSION, AND I'D LIKE TO RECOMMEND TO MY FELLOW COMMISSIONERS THAT WE ASK OUR OFFICE OF COUNTY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE A SOMEWHAT I GUESS THOROUGH ANALYSIS FOR PRESENTATION AT OUR MARCH 19TH MEETING ON THE IMPACTS OF THE LIVE LOCAL ACT.

I THINK THERE'S SOME I THINK THERE'S SOME AMENDMENTS BEING MADE THIS SESSION TO.

I LIKE TO LOOK AT THE CURRENT LAW.

I'D LIKE TO LOOK AT THE THE AMENDMENTS THAT ARE PENDING.

I WAS TOLD I DON'T KNOW THIS FOR A FACT, BUT I WAS TOLD RECENTLY, ALL OF YOU, I'M SURE, REMEMBER THE ITEM WE HAD ON HERITAGE PARK, WHERE HERITAGE PARK IS A SEVERAL HUNDRED UNIT ON HALF ACRE, HALF ACRE HOMES, AND THE APPLICANT WANTED TO PUT 12 MULTIFAMILY

[04:30:08]

I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT BECAUSE WE REJECTED THAT ON A50 VOTE, THAT HE'S PURSUING A LARGER PROJECT ON THE SAME, THE MORE DENSE PROJECT UNDER THE LIVE LOCAL ACT. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I DON'T KNOW IT FOR A FACT, BUT IT WOULDN'T SURPRISE ME IF I THINK WE HAVE.

THIS IS NOT JUST A ISOLATED INSTANCE HERE.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH.

SO I'D RECOMMEND THAT WE REQUEST STAFF, LEGAL STAFF TO GIVE US A THOROUGH BRIEFING ON THE MARCH 19TH AGENDA SO THAT WE CAN THEN CONSIDER WHAT ACTION WE MAY WANT TO TAKE.

BECAUSE I JUST I'LL GO AHEAD AND SAY IT.

I CONTINUE TO SEE MORE AND MORE ENCROACHMENT FROM THE STATE ON OUR HOME RULE RIGHT THAT WE HAVE. SO THAT'S MY RECOMMENDATION.

OKAY. I APPRECIATE THAT.

MY ONLY I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT.

I WOULD JUST ASK THAT PERHAPS IT'S THE MEETING AFTER THAT.

I KNOW THE MARCH 19TH MEETING IS ALREADY VERY, VERY FULL.

AND THAT MIGHT NOT GIVE STAFF ENOUGH TIME.

SO WE WOULD HAVE I MEAN, THE TIME WE WOULD BE ON WHATEVER THE FIRST MEETING IN APRIL WOULD BE.

OKAY. OKAY.

ABSOLUTELY. COMMISSIONER LIMA, THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

NO, I WAS JUST GOING TO FOLLOW UP WITH COMMISSIONER DEAN HAD SAID, HAS THERE BEEN ANY UPDATE ON WHAT CHANGES ARE BEING MADE TO THE LIVE LOCAL ACT THIS SESSION? I MEAN. I MEAN, THEY'RE CALLING IT A LIVE LOCAL GLITCH BILL THAT DID GET PASSED.

I DON'T KNOW IF THE GOVERNOR SIGNED IT YET OR NOT.

OKAY. COMMISSIONER JOSEPH.

SO. SO WHAT DO WE DO WITH THIS? THIS IS OUR FIRST ONE THAT'S COME THROUGH.

DO WE YOU KNOW, WE HAVE TO VOTE UP OR DOWN ON IT.

I SAW MISS RUIZ.

MISS RUIZ, DO YOU HAVE SOME OF THE ANSWERS THAT COMMISSIONER ALAIMO WAS ASKING ABOUT THIS YEAR'S AMENDMENTS? SO THROUGH THE CHAIR TO MR. WHITEHURST, I BELIEVE IT WAS SENATE BILL 328 THAT WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE.

IT HAS NOT BEEN PRESENTED, AT LEAST AS OF LAST NIGHT, TO THE GOVERNOR.

THERE ARE SOME FIXES OR GLITCHES THAT I'M SURE ARE GOING TO BE TALKED ABOUT AND INTERPRETED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, PROBABLY A COUPLE OF THEM GO TO HOW DENSITY IS GOING TO, TO BE MEASURED, TO KIND OF CONTROL THAT A LITTLE BIT AS FAR AS IF YOU HAVE DENSITY BONUSES IN YOUR COMP PLAN OR YOUR ZONING, LIKE I KNOW SAINT JOHNS COUNTY DOES FOR WETLANDS, THAT THAT IS NOT USED AS THE CAP FOR THE FOR THE HIGHEST AND AVAILABLE DENSITY.

YOU CAN USE THE DENSITY BONUS FOR LIVE LOCAL, BUT IT CAN'T BE USED TO SAY IF THE IF IT'S 13 UNITS AN ACRE, YOU CAN'T JUST AUTOMATICALLY GO TO 20.

THERE'S ALSO SOME PROVISIONS IN THERE FOR PARKING AND HOW POTENTIALLY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL, A PLANNING DEPARTMENT COULD ALLOW SOME REDUCTION IN PARKING WITHOUT GOING TO THE BOARD AS WELL.

SO. SORRY.

OKAY. THANKS. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR THE ANSWER.

SO I GUESS WHAT OUR OPTIONS ARE TO VOTE UP, VOTE DOWN.

OR IS IT POSSIBLE TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL AFTER THAT, THAT PRESENTATION, JUST SO THAT WE HAVE MORE INFORMATION AND CAN MAKE A MORE EDUCATED DECISION? MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED BY THE HOUSE AND SENATE WOULD WOULD NOT.

WOULD NOT CHANGE. THIS PARTICULAR REQUEST WOULD NOT GIVE THE BOARD ANY LATITUDE OR DISCRETION TO NOT APPROVE A PROJECT THAT MEETS THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IN THE LOCAL ACT, AND WHAT'S BEING REQUESTED IS APPROVAL OF A PROPORTIONATE, FAIR SHARE AGREEMENT AND THAT CONCURRENCY STATUTE IS ITS OWN PREEMPTION.

AND THE PREEMPTION IS THAT FOR TRAFFIC MITIGATION, IF THE DEVELOPER IS READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO PAY THEIR PROPORTIONATE FAIR SHARE FOR THE ROADS THAT ARE OVER CAPACITY AND A PROJECT TO TO ADDRESS THAT CAPACITY PROBLEM, THEN THE COUNTY HAS TO ACCEPT THAT AND ALLOW THE PROJECT TO PROCEED.

OKAY. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER WHITEHURST, THROUGH THE CHAIR, MISS VALLIERE.

ESSENTIALLY, TODAY, IF WE CHOOSE TO DENY CONSENT ITEM FIVE.

I MEAN, IT PUTS US IN A LEGALLY PRECARIOUS SITUATION, DOES IT NOT? CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, BUT YES, I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT STATEMENT.

OKAY. OKAY.

WELL, ANY OTHER THOUGHTS OR DISCUSSION? MISS ANDREWS, MADAM CHAIRMAN.

ASHLEY, I WAS ALSO STRUGGLING WITH THE SAME QUESTIONS THAT THE BOARD AND I WANTED TO, JUST FROM OPERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE, TO UNDERSTAND THE UP OR DOWN CONSEQUENCE.

MY UNDERSTANDING IS BEFORE US IS A PROPORTIONATE, PROPORTIONATE SHARE AGREEMENT.

SO COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

[04:35:02]

COMMISSIONER JOSEPH. SO CAN YOU NEGOTIATE A DIFFERENT AMOUNT, LIKE IF YOU TURNED IT DOWN AND THEN YOU PUT IT ON THE NEXT AGENDA TO NEGOTIATE TO BUY SOME TIME? THE PROPORTIONATE FAIR SHARE CONCURRENCY STATUTE PROVIDES A CALCULATION TO DETERMINE THAT AMOUNT.

SO THIS IS A THIS IS STICKY.

THIS IS VERY, VERY STICKY.

COMMISSIONER JOSEPH, I GUESS I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT'S ON THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR APPROVAL.

THAT'S JUST SPECIFICALLY.

YOU CAN'T SAY NO.

SO WHY IS IT EVEN ON, YOU KNOW, JUST SAYING.

WELL, THAT LEAVES US IN A BIT OF A CONUNDRUM.

JUST SO I UNDERSTAND.

LEGALLY, WE HAVE TO VOTE ON THIS TODAY.

CORRECT. YOU DON'T HAVE TO VOTE ON IT TODAY.

THE APPLICANT IS HERE.

SHE'S INDICATED TO ME OR THE.

THE ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANT HAS INDICATED TO ME THAT THIS IS A TIME SENSITIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE APPLICANT.

I WILL TELL YOU THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LIVE LOCAL ACT WILL NOT AFFECT THIS PARTICULAR AGREEMENT.

OKAY. RIGHT? YEAH. COMMISSIONER LIMA.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

SO IS THERE AN OPTION TO TABLE THIS THEN TO TILL WE GET MORE INFORMATION OR.

OR. THERE'S JUST NO OTHER.

PERHAPS THE APPLICANT CAN TALK ABOUT THE TIME SENSITIVITY.

I'M. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED, IF YOU COULD EXPLAIN THAT.

SO ESSENTIALLY, I MEAN, BY LAW, IT HAS TO BE APPROVED, RIGHT? I MEAN, IF THEY MEET THE CRITERIA, THEN WHAT ARE WE WHAT ARE WE VOTING ON? SURE IT'S AN ACTUAL AGREEMENT FOR THEM TO PAY THEIR PROPORTIONATE, FAIR SHARE.

THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES.

THERE'S DISCUSSION ABOUT AWARD OF IMPACT FEE CREDITS.

SO IT IS AN AGREEMENT THAT IMPLEMENTS OUR CONCURRENCY PROGRAM AND OUR IMPACT FEE PROGRAM.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

WELL. LIKE IT SAYS.

KIND OF A STICKY SITUATION HERE.

BUT, I MEAN, IT'S THE IT'S THE LAW.

SO I MEAN, MOTION TO APPROVE FS AGREE 2023 HYPHEN OH TWO AND AUTHORIZE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE STATE ROAD 207 INFILL MULTIFAMILY PROPORTIONATE FAIR SHARE AGREEMENT, FINDING THAT THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 11.09 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE.

SECOND, OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

PLEASE VOTE. PASSES FOR ONE.

OKAY, MOVING ON TO THE NEXT.

THAT TAKES US TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER FOUR.

[4. Public Hearing * REZ 2023-16 Mills Workforce Housing (WH).]

COMMISSIONER DEAN.

OKAY. ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH, 2024 AT 11:00, I MET WITH CARLA QUATRO. FOR THOSE WHO DON'T REMEMBER, SHE LIVES NEAR THE BORDER PROPERTY A LITTLE BIT NORTH OF THIS PROJECT.

MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31ST, 2024 AT 11 A.M..

MET WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND STAFF.

AND THEN AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH.

MET AT 4:00 WITH DOUG BURNETT AND JAMES SOMERSET.

WE DISCUSSED PRETTY MUCH ALL THE ASPECTS OF THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT IT WAS BASICALLY AFFORDABLE HOUSING, THAT IT WAS A PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS ON, ON THE PROPERTY.

AND THERE WERE SOME TRAFFIC ISSUES INVOLVING THE WHETHER OR NOT TO OFFER TO INCLUDE THE ROUNDABOUT TO THE NORTH OF THIS PROJECT ON LEWIS SPEEDWAY.

[04:40:02]

IT'S OKAY. COMMISSIONER WHITEHORSE, I MET ON FEBRUARY 1ST AT 3 P.M.

WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND OUR STAFF HERE IN THE OFFICE.

WE DISCUSSED THE SITE LOCATION, WE DISCUSSED THE TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES.

WE DISCUSSED THE PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS.

WE DISCUSSED THE NEED FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING.

MET AGAIN ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH AT APPROXIMATELY 3 P.M.

WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND OUR STAFF HERE IN THE OFFICE.

WE DISCUSSED THE SAME THINGS THEY HAD SOME ENGINEERING DONE WITH THE ROUNDABOUT.

I ALSO MET WITH CARLA CURTO THAT DAY.

EVEN THOUGH THE TIME IS LISTED HERE, I KNOW I MET WITH CARLA CURTO, SHE STATED.

HER REASONS FOR OPPOSITION ALSO RECEIVED THE SAME ROUGHLY A DOZEN EMAILS IN OPPOSITION, AND I RECEIVED ONE EMAIL TODAY IN FAVOR OF THE PROJECT. YES.

I HAD A MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31ST AT 9:30 A.M.

WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND STAFF.

IT ALSO SAYS, I HAD A MEETING WITH CARLA CURTO, BUT I THINK WE HAD TO ROLL THAT INTO A PHONE CALL ON JANUARY 31ST AT 1130.

ALSO HAD A MEETING ON MONDAY, MARCH 4TH AT 4 P.M.

WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND STAFF.

WE DISCUSSED THE PROJECT.

WE DISCUSSED CHANGING THE LENGTH FROM TWO YEARS TO FIVE YEARS.

WE DISCUSSED THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ROUNDABOUT.

COMMISSIONER LIMA, THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, AT 3 P.M., I HAD A MEETING WITH CARLA QUANTO AND STAFF.

SHE DISCUSSED THE REASONS SHE WAS OPPOSED TO THE PROJECT.

MEETING ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST AT 3:30 P.M.

WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND STAFF.

JUST A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT.

HAD ANOTHER MEETING ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH AT 12 P.M.

WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND STAFF TO DISCUSS THE PROJECT FURTHER.

HAD A PHONE CALL WITH DOUG BURNETT YESTERDAY TO BRIEFLY DISCUSS THE PROJECT, AND RECEIVED SEVERAL EMAILS AND CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THE PROJECT.

COMMISSIONER JOSEPH MEETING ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST AT 230 WITH DOUG BURNETT, JAMES SOMERSET AND STAFF.

THEY TALKED ABOUT THE ROUNDABOUT AND WORKFORCE HOUSING.

AND THEN I HAD A PHONE CALL ON SUNDAY, MARCH 3RD, AND DISCUSSED THE ROUNDABOUT, HOW I'M NOT BEING SOLD ON THAT SO QUICKLY.

SO BASICALLY I TALKED TO HIM ABOUT THAT AND I TOLD HIM I WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO HIS PRESENTATION.

OKAY. THE FLOOR IS YOURS, MR. BURNETT. THANK YOU FOR THE RECORD, DOUG BURNETT, SAINT JOHN'S LAW GROUP, 104 SEAGROVE MAIN STREET HERE IN SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA.

AND ALSO WITH ME TODAY IS YOU ALL WILL RECOGNIZE IS JAMES SOMERSET FROM KB HOME.

MISTER SOMERSET, YOU MAY HEAR FROM HIM IN OUR CONCLUDING REMARKS.

JUST TO ORIENT YOU ON THE PROJECT, IT'S RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER HERE, BUT AT MID PART OF THE COUNTY WHERE WE'RE LOCATED, YOU CAN SEE US ONE SAN SEBASTIAN VIEW, YOU SEE LOUIS SPEEDWAY AND AROUND THE BEND HERE FROM WHERE WE'RE LOCATED CURRENTLY WOULD BE THE PROJECT LOCATION AND AERIAL DEPICTION OF THE SITE.

THIS IS STRAIGHT FROM YOUR STAFF REPORT.

ZOOMING OUT ON THE AERIAL AND THEN LAYING IN SOME OF THE ZONING AND TALKING ABOUT THE USES.

IMMEDIATELY TO THE NORTH OF THE MAJORITY OF THE SITE IS PSD PLAN SPECIAL DISTRICT.

THESE ARE ACTUALLY CONDOMINIUM UNITS FUNCTION WISE, AND IF YOU DROVE UP TO IT AND YOU LOOKED AND YOU SAID, WHAT IS THAT? YOU WOULD IDENTIFY IT AS A DUPLEX.

TECHNICALLY, THOUGH, THEY ARE CONDOMINIUMS. ONE LAND OWNERSHIP UNDERNEATH ALL OF THE INDIVIDUAL UNITS.

NEW PLANTATION POINT, THIS IS THE ENTRANCE GOING BACK INTO THAT PROPERTY TO THE NORTH, AND THEN YOU CAN SEE A PHOTO OF WHAT AN AVERAGE UNIT LOOKS LIKE. IN THAT COMMUNITY, IT'S ACTUALLY ONE WHAT WOULD LOOK LIKE A HOUSE BROKEN INTO TWO FOR A DUPLEX.

BUT AGAIN, TECHNICALLY CONDOMINIUM IN FRONT OF THAT IS A COMMERCIAL SITE.

THERE'S ACTUALLY THREE SITES THERE.

THERE'S SUNCOAST POOLS AND SPAS, AND THEN THERE'S ALSO THE CITY ONE DESIGN GALLERY, IF YOU WILL.

IT'S A KITCHEN AND BATH AND MARBLE SLAB.

AND IF YOU LOOK IN THE PHOTO ON THE SOUTH THERE, THOSE LINES ARE ACTUALLY MARBLE SLABS LINED UP STREET LEVEL VIEW OF THAT SAME COMMERCIAL SITE. LOOKING AT THE SITE, THERE'S ONE ODDBALL THING TO THE SOUTH, WHICH IS THE YELLOW, WHICH IS INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE.

I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THAT IS THAT WAY, BUT IT IS THAT WAY.

THE PURPLE IMMEDIATELY TO THE SOUTH OF OUR SITE IS THE CHURCH THAT'S BEEN THERE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.

[04:45:03]

AND BLOWING THAT UP TO WHERE YOU CAN GET A LITTLE CLOSER LOOK OF IT, WE'LL LOOK AT THE NORTH PORTION OF THIS PROPERTY THAT'S CLOSEST TO OUR SITE.

THIS IS ACTUALLY WHAT'S ON OUR SOUTH BORDER.

THEIR NORTH BORDER THE MOBILE HOMES IN THAT LOCATION.

AND THEN ALSO, JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF SOME OF THE MOBILE HOMES THAT ARE IN THAT AREA JUST OFF SCREEN OF OF THE AERIAL ON THE RIGHT WOULD BE A MOBILE HOME PARK.

AND THERE ARE SOME CONVERSIONS IN THERE WHERE THEY'VE EITHER BOUGHT ON LOTS THAT WERE VACANT OR THEY'VE REMOVED MOBILE HOMES AND PUT IN HOMES THAT ARE ON SMALL LOT, SMALL HOME TYPE PRODUCT TO THE SOUTH OF US.

THERE'S A GOOD OVERVIEW OF THE SITE IN GENERAL AND WHERE WE'RE LOCATED.

LOOKING AT WORKFORCE HOUSING.

I KNOW THIS IS A HOT BUTTON ISSUE THAT Y'ALL ARE SO KEEN IN ON TRYING TO PROMOTE.

YOU'VE GOT AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORKFORCE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, YOU'VE GOT INPUT FROM THE CHAMBER, YOU'VE GOT INPUT FROM ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF INTERESTED PARTIES IN THIS MARKET.

AND WHAT'S SO KEY ABOUT WORKFORCE HOUSING IS IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S NEEDED.

AND YOU GUYS HAVE GONE SO FAR AS TO ACTUALLY ADOPT PROVISIONS IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO ADDRESS WORKFORCE HOUSING.

IT'S THE MISSING WORKFORCE HOUSING IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, AND IT'S DISTINGUISHED FROM AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS REALLY, TRULY LOW INCOME HOUSING.

WORKFORCE HOUSING IS REALLY YOU'RE TRYING TO TARGET A PRODUCT THAT MAY BE AFFORDABLE, BUT IT MAY BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN TRUE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

IT'S NOT HUD HOUSING, IT'S NOT SECTION EIGHT, IT'S WORKFORCE HOUSING THAT YOU GET A PRODUCT THAT THE AVERAGE FAMILY CAN AFFORD TO ACQUIRE.

MAXIMUM INITIAL SALES FORCE UNDER YOUR CODE IS 260,000.

AND THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF UNITS THAT NEED TO BE RESTRICTED WHEN YOU HAVE THIS KIND OF ZONING, CLASSIFICATION IS 30%.

AND I MENTIONED KB AT THIS POINT BECAUSE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS WELL WITHIN KB'S WHEELHOUSE.

THIS IS NOT WE'RE GOING TO CREATE A LESSER PRODUCT THAN WHAT KBS NORMAL PRODUCT IS TO BE ABLE TO SELL A WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECT.

THIS IS DEFINITELY IN THEIR WHEELHOUSE.

IT'S SOMETHING THEY'RE ACCUSTOMED TO.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHAT WE'VE PUT IN YOUR PACKET FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION, WE'VE TIED IN THE FACT THAT THAT'S OUR INTENT.

WE'LL WE'LL MEET ALL OF THOSE CODE REQUIREMENTS IN THIS ZONING.

NO PROBLEM.

LOOKING AT THE NEED FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING, THOUGH, AND GOING A STEP FURTHER, YOU'VE UPDATED THE COUNTY'S WEBSITE.

IN THAT UPDATE OF THE COUNTY'S WEBSITE.

THERE'S ALSO AN UPDATE FROM WHAT I CAN TELL OF THE COUNTY'S MAJOR EMPLOYERS LIST TO LIST OUT THE DETAILS OF NOT JUST WHO THE EMPLOYERS ARE OR WHAT THEIR EMPLOYMENT BASES ARE, HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DO THEY HAVE? AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT THAT LIST OF WHAT'S UP THERE, JUST LOOKING AT THE ONES THAT ARE CLOSE TO THIS SITE, YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 31 MAJOR EMPLOYERS THAT YOU HAVE IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNTY'S WEBSITE.

25 OF THEM ARE LOCATED WITHIN 12 MILES.

THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE LOCATED RIGHT HERE.

I MEAN, YOU LOOK AT THE COUNTY FACILITY, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, NORTHROP GRUMMAN, YOU LOOK AT THE CITY CENTER FLAGLER HOSPITAL, NOW UF HOSPITAL ALL OF THOSE EMPLOYERS.

AND, OH, BY THE WAY, WHAT'S INTERESTING ABOUT THAT IS THEN YOU LAYER IN THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS, WHICH ARE GOOD SOLID EMPLOYMENT BASES AS WELL.

THERE IS A HUGE NEED.

AND OUR TOURIST TOURISM INDUSTRY, THERE IS A HUGE NEED FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING.

GOING BACK TO KB, THIS IS AGAIN IN THEIR WHEELHOUSE.

THEY SUPPORT HOMETOWN HOME OWNERSHIP, HOMETOWN HEROES.

THEY HAVE PROGRAMS IN PLACE ALREADY IN THEIR CORPORATE STRUCTURE FOR DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE.

THAT'S JUST A ROUTINE THING FOR THEM TO WORK ON.

THOSE KINDS OF THINGS, COORDINATE THOSE KINDS OF THINGS.

AND THEN THEY'VE GOT SOME INCENTIVES SPECIFICALLY FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

TURNING BACK TO OUR SITE AND LOOKING AT PGA AND WHAT WENT ON AT PGA, I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW.

THERE WAS A MOTION TO RECOMMEND BY HENRY GREEN.

IT WAS SECONDED BY ELVIS.

PIERRE. I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO FOOTNOTE ON ELVIS PEER THAT HIS SECOND ALSO CAME WITH THE FACT THAT HE'S ON THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RELATED TO WORKFORCE HOUSING.

HE WAS SUPPORTIVE OF THIS.

IT WAS A TECHNICAL DENIAL OF A33 BECAUSE THAT MOTION DIDN'T CARRY A MAJORITY.

THE DISSENTING VOTES WERE JUDY SPIEGEL, RICHARD HILSENBECK, AND JACK PETER.

INTERESTINGLY, MEGAN PERKINS WAS ABSENT.

IT WAS AT CHRISTMAS TIME, DECEMBER 21ST.

SHE WAS ABSENT FROM THE MEETING ON A FAMILY VACATION.

BUT WHEN SHE CAME BACK TO THE NEXT MEETING, SHE PUT HER POSITION ON THE RECORD.

SPECIFICALLY, SHE SAID THAT SHE REVIEWED THE STAFF REPORT AND WATCHED THE ENTIRE VIDEO OF THAT MEETING, AND HAD SHE BEEN THERE, SHE WOULD HAVE VOTED IN FAVOR.

[04:50:10]

AS MUCH AS WE HAVE A TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATION FOR DENIAL OUT OF PGA.

POST PGA WAS SORT OF LED UP TO THIS.

AT PGA, WE WERE WORKING ON SOME THINGS AND THEN LEAVING PGA, WE SAID, YOU KNOW WHAT, WE'LL ADD SOME CONDITIONS.

AND SO WE'VE GOT WORKFORCE HOUSING THAT ARGUABLY HAS A ZONING CATEGORY.

YOU COME IN WITH A STRAIGHT REZONING.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE CONDITIONS.

BUT REGARDLESS OF THAT BASED ON THE INPUT WE RECEIVED, KB SAID LET'S ADD THE CONDITIONS.

AND SO ONE OF THE CONDITIONS THAT'S BEEN ADDED TO THIS REQUEST IS TO CAP THE TOTAL UNITS AT 110.

I GUESS THEORETICALLY, IF YOU IMPACTED ALL THE WETLANDS ON THE SITE, THE ONES THAT ARE SLATED TO BE PRESERVED, THE ONE ON THE SITE PLAN THAT THEY INTEND TO PRESERVE, YOU COULD GET MORE UNITS. SO THEY CAPPED THE UNITS AT 110 BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT'S WHAT THEY WANT.

WE ALSO TOOK THE WORKFORCE HOUSING PRICE AND HAVE THAT APPLY FOR FIVE YEARS INSTEAD OF YOUR CODE'S BASIC TWO.

THAT ADDS THREE YEARS TO THE MINIMUM.

I THINK THE KEY THERE, FROM AN EMPLOYERS PERSPECTIVE, AND THE THING THAT EMPLOYERS FACE IS YOU GET AN EMPLOYEE, YOU TRAIN THE EMPLOYEE.

THERE'S CONTINUING TRAINING THAT GOES ON FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF ANY NEW EMPLOYEE, EVEN WHETHER THEY'RE GREEN AND THIS IS THEIR FIRST TIME IN THAT OCCUPATION, OR THEY'RE TRANSFERRING SOMEONE FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.

THERE'S TRAINING THAT GOES ON, AND EMPLOYERS, IT TAKES THEM 2 TO 3 YEARS TO RECOUP THAT TRAINING BEFORE YOU START MAKING A REAL PROFIT ON THE EMPLOYEE, OR THE EMPLOYEE BECOMES AS PRODUCTIVE AS THEY COULD BE OTHERWISE.

AND SO IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THIS FIVE YEARS IS ACTUALLY GOT SOME REAL SUBSTANCE TO IT, BECAUSE NOW YOU DON'T HAVE A SITUATION WHERE THE EMPLOYEE GOES TO WORK SOMEWHERE FOR TWO YEARS, GETS THAT TRAINING AND IS ABLE TO TRANSFER TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, AND YOUR LOCAL EMPLOYER NOT RECOUP THE BENEFIT OF HAVING PROVIDED THAT TRAINING.

SO EXTENDING THIS OUT TO FIVE YEARS IS A REALLY MATERIAL BIG DIFFERENCE, I'D SUBMIT TO YOU.

AND IT WAS ONE OF THE TWO MAIN THINGS THAT WE FACED AT PCA AS A COMMENT FROM THE PLANNING AND ZONING AGENCY, HEY, THIS SHOULD BE LONGER.

TWO YEARS ISN'T LONG ENOUGH.

HOW IS THIS REALLY IMPACTS? SO WE DID LOOK AT IT.

WE MET WITH FOLKS AT THE CHAMBER IN FACT, AND TALKED TO THEM ABOUT THESE ISSUES.

THE THIRD ONE IS THERE WAS CONFUSION ABOUT ARE WE DOING SITE RELATED IMPROVEMENTS VERSUS I KNOW THIS ISSUE OF THE ROUNDABOUT AND I'LL GET TO THAT, BUT THE SITE RELATED IMPROVEMENTS SIDE OF THIS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH SITE RELATED IMPROVEMENTS.

WELL, WE'RE GOING TO MAKE SOME SITE RELATED IMPROVEMENTS.

WE'RE GOING TO SHOW YOU WHAT THOSE ARE RIGHT UP FRONT.

AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO SEEK IMPACT FEE CREDITS FOR THEM.

AND THEY DO MORE THAN JUST HELP OUR PROJECT.

AND THEN FOR WE AGREED THAT WE WOULD CONSTRUCT THE ROUNDABOUT.

AND THIS WAS BECAUSE OF A SECOND ISSUE THAT CAME UP AT PLANNING AND ZONING, RELATED TO A LOT OF COMMENTS ABOUT THE UNSAFE AREA OF LEWES SPEEDWAY AND HOW LEWES SPEEDWAY HAS THIS CURVATURE IN IT.

RIGHT AT OLD LEWES SPEEDWAY, VISIBILITY IS LOW.

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME TRAFFIC CALMING.

AND WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT THAT? AND OF COURSE, THE ROUNDABOUT CONCEPT HAD BEEN OUT THERE.

SO WE HAD A SERIOUS LOOK AND WE PUT THAT IN OUR PROJECT.

SO ONE I'VE ALREADY TOLD YOU ABOUT THE ONE CONDITION LIMIT IT TO 110.

WE KNOW WHAT BASICALLY WHAT THE SITE'S GOING TO LOOK LIKE.

WE'VE ALREADY DONE A SITE PLAN FOR THE PROJECT.

WE'VE ADDED THREE YEARS LIMITATION.

AGAIN, THE COUNTY'S BASIC IS TWO, SO WE'VE ADDED THREE YEARS TO MAKE IT A TOTAL OF FIVE YEAR AS A DEED RESTRICTION.

SITE ACCESS.

I'LL SHOW YOU THIS JUST SO YOU CAN GET A GOOD IDEA.

AGAIN, USUALLY SITE ACCESS IS SOMETHING THAT YOUR COUNTY STAFF DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PLAN APPROVAL LOOKS AT YOUR PROJECT AND SAYS, HEY, YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE SITE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS. YOU HAVE SO MANY UNITS, YOU TRIP A DSL LINE, YOU HAVE SO MANY MORE UNITS, YOU TRIP A LEFT CENTER TURN LANE.

AND SO BECAUSE OF THAT, WE KNEW WE WERE GOING TO DO THOSE THINGS.

BUT ONE THING THAT WE DID WAS WE ACTUALLY TOOK OUR LEFT CENTER TURN LANE AND DRUG IT FURTHER TO THE SOUTH.

AND BY DOING THAT, IT SERVES THE CHURCH TO THE SOUTH OF US, AND IT SERVES HORSESHOE ROAD SOUTH TO THE SOUTH OF US.

AND JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA, THIS WOULD BE THE SITE ACCESS RELATED IMPROVEMENTS DIRECTLY FOR OUR SITE.

AGAIN, RIGHT DSL LANE, LEFT CENTER TURN LANE.

BUT THEN LOOKING TO THE SOUTH OF US WHERE THE CHURCH IS.

AND TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE VIEW OF WHAT THAT ROADWAY LOOKS LIKE RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN SEE THE ROADWAY CURRENTLY IS A TWO LANE ROAD AND VEHICLES PULLING OUT OF HORSESHOE.

AND THEN BY WIDENING THAT LANE, YOU WOULD HAVE A LEFT CENTER TURN LANE.

WHEN THEY WERE TURNING TO GO INTO THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD, THEY WOULD HAVE THE LEFT ABILITY TO DO THAT.

ALSO, IF THEY'RE PULLING OUT, THEY CAN CLEAR ONE LANE OF TRAFFIC BEFORE HAVING TO CLEAN RATHER THAN CLEAR TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC.

ADDITIONALLY, THE ROUNDABOUT AND WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY IN THIS LOCATION THE LEWES SPEEDWAY AREA.

[04:55:03]

I'LL TELL YOU THAT MY CLIENT KB WENT AND HAD KIMLEY-HORN DO A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ANALYSIS OF WILL THIS WORK, WILL THIS FIT IN THIS LOCATION AND WHAT'S IT GOING TO COST? BECAUSE IF WE'RE GOING TO STAND HERE AND COMMIT TO.

CONSTRUCTING A ROUNDABOUT.

WE NEED TO KNOW HAVE A GOOD, RELIABLE COST ESTIMATE.

SO KIMLEY-HORN HAS DONE THAT WORK FOR THE PROJECT.

JUST TO GIVE YOU A VIEW OF LEWES SPEEDWAY.

AND I KNOW YOU'VE ALL DRIVEN THIS, I KNOW THAT I KNOW EVERYBODY IN THE ROOM HAS DRIVEN.

THERE'S PLENTY OF TIMES, BUT COMING FROM THE SOUTH TOWARD THE AREA OF WHERE THE ROUNDABOUT WOULD BE LOCATED, YOU CAN SEE THE BANKING THAT'S ALREADY IN THE ROAD.

YOU CAN SEE THE CURVATURE.

IF I GO FROM THE NORTH AND LOOK TO THE SOUTH, IT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT, BECAUSE WHAT'S INTERESTING HERE IS YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE BUS TYPE VEHICLE, UTILITY VEHICLES UP THERE, THE VAN TURNING ONTO OLD LEWES SPEEDWAY.

BUT WHERE I'VE GOT THE X, WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE IS THAT THAT IS HORSESHOE BEND NORTH, AND YOU CAN'T SEE IT IN THAT SECTION OF THE CURVATURE OF THE ROADWAY.

SO HERE'S WHAT THE ROUNDABOUT WOULD LOOK LIKE.

IT DOES FIT WITHIN THE RIGHT OF WAY.

IT DOES FULLY FUNCTION.

AS YOU KNOW, WE'VE GOT ROUNDABOUTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

AND THE ADDED THING ABOUT THIS IS MANY OF THE ROUNDABOUTS WITHIN THIS COUNTY WERE IN FACT DESIGNED BY KIMLEY-HORN.

SO THEY'VE GOT THE EXPERTISE.

THEY'RE OBVIOUSLY A NATIONWIDE TRANSPORT TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMPANY.

THEY'VE GIVEN US A COST ESTIMATE.

WE KNOW IT'S A MILLION FOR TO DO THIS IMPROVEMENT.

AND THEN FINALLY IF YOU LOOK IN YOUR STAFF REPORT, OUR PROP SHARE NUMBER IS SUB 200,000.

SO WHAT KB HOME HAS DONE IS SAID HEY OUR PROP SHARE NUMBER IS UNDER 200,000.

BUT WE'LL BUILD A MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENT BECAUSE THE TWO MAIN THINGS THAT THEY TOOK AWAY FROM PCA WAS A CONCERN ABOUT TRAFFIC.

AND THE, THE.

THE ASPECT OF LENGTHENING THE TIME PERIOD THAT THIS WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO WORKFORCE HOUSING.

SO YOU HAVE MEANINGFUL WORKFORCE HOUSING.

AGAIN, THERE'S WHAT THE ROUNDABOUT LOOKS LIKE.

FROM THE FDOT MANUAL.

THIS IS PUBLIC INFORMATION.

THIS IS FDOT MANUAL IS ONE OF THE MAIN THRUSTS BEHIND ROUNDABOUTS IS THEY ARE SPEED CONTROL MECHANISMS. THEY DO WORK TO LOWER SPEEDS BECAUSE YOU HAVE A LOWERING SPEED AS THE APPROACH OF THE ROUNDABOUT AND THEN ACCELERATING OUT OF THE ROUNDABOUT.

SO IT DOES SLOWER, SLOW TRAFFIC SPEEDS, WHICH WOULD BE A LIFE SAFETY ISSUE IN THIS AREA WHERE THE TESTIMONY OF PGA AT LEAST, WAS THERE WAS A LOT OF VEHICLES THAT WERE DRIVING EITHER THE SPEED LIMIT OR BEYOND, AND THIS CURVES THERE.

AND IT'S HARD FOR FOLKS TO PULL OUT, ESPECIALLY HARD FOR FOLKS TO PULL OUT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN.

WITH THAT, WE ADDED ALL FOUR OF THESE CONDITIONS WHICH ARE SHOWN HERE ON YOUR SCREEN.

AND I THINK I'LL JUST JUMP AND SAY THIS RELATED TO THE FOURTH CONDITION ON HERE, WHICH WAS TO BUILD A ROUNDABOUT, AS I'VE HEARD NOW, I THINK THERE MAY BE SOME CONSTERNATION ABOUT THE ROUNDABOUT CONCEPT.

AND WE LOOK IN YOUR STAFF REPORT AND WHAT YOUR STAFF HAS SAID IS THERE'S THIS ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT THAT YOUR STAFF ALREADY HAS ONGOING RELATED TO WOODLAWN ROAD AND THAT ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT.

AND THIS IS IN YOUR STAFF REPORT THAT ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS, ABOUT $8 MILLION.

YOU'VE GOT $6.5 MILLION FUNDED.

AND I THINK YOUR STAFF NOT TO PUT WORDS IN THEIR MOUTH, BUT I THINK YOUR STAFF WOULD RATHER SEE OUR MONEY GO TOWARDS THAT SHORTFALL BETWEEN THE $8 MILLION NEED AND THE 6.5 MILLION YOU HAVE.

AND THAT IMPROVEMENT IS ONE THAT IS THOROUGHLY UNDER DESIGN.

IN TALKING TO JOHN BURNHAM HERE AT THE COUNTY, THAT IMPROVEMENT IS ONE THAT THEY ARE UNDER DESIGNED.

HIS OFFICE IS MOVING FORWARD WITH IT BECAUSE THAT'S THE INSTRUCTION THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN IS TO GET THE DESIGN DONE.

AND SO IT'S GOT IT NEEDS A MILLION AND A HALF DOLLARS TOWARDS IT.

WE'LL TELL YOU ON CONDITION NUMBER FOUR THAT WE'LL BUILD THE ROUNDABOUT OR WE'LL PAY THE MILLION FOR TO THE COUNTY, AND IT'S AT YOUR SOLE DISCRETION ON WHICH ONE WE DO.

WE'LL DO EITHER OPTION.

SO. AND WITH THAT I WON'T TALK ANYMORE BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S BEEN A LONG DAY, AND I'LL SAVE MY THE REST OF MY COMMENTS FOR REBUTTAL, IF THERE'S ANY.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MR. PRATT. ANY QUESTIONS? OKAY. PUBLIC COMMENT.

ALL RIGHT. WE'LL NOW OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER FOUR.

PLEASE COME FORWARD. STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD.

YOU'LL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES.

THANK YOU. MICHAEL MCDONALD, WINDSWEPT ACRES NEIGHBORHOOD.

WELL, PLEASANT SURPRISE TO SEE KB HOMES HERE TODAY.

I'M YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE A DETRIMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY.

KB HOME SPECIFICALLY.

WE COULD QUESTION THIS GENTLEMAN SPECIFICALLY ABOUT FCC AND HIS DETERMINATION AND FOLLOWING KB HOMES TO SEEK LAWSUITS AGAINST THEIR ASSOCIATIONS,

[05:00:07]

SO AT THIS POINT, WE'RE REZONING OR REDESIGNING A CURVED ROAD THAT OBVIOUSLY PEOPLE SPEED DOWN FOR KB HOMES, THAT THAT ROUNDABOUT SERVES US NO PURPOSE WITHOUT KB HOMES.

I MEAN THAT THAT COMMUNITY THAT CUTS OFF THERE.

WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND TRAFFIC HERE.

WE DON'T NEED TO ACCOMMODATE EVERY SINGLE TRAFFIC POINT.

THE COST OF OWNERSHIP OR THE ACTUALLY THE COLLECTIVE OWNERSHIP FIRST, WHEN THESE WHEN THESE NEIGHBORHOODS ARE BUILT, SOMEBODY COMES IN AND BUYS 20 OF THEM AT ONCE AND HOLDS THE OWNERSHIP FOR FIVE YEARS BECAUSE THEY CAN RENT IT OUT IN THE MEANTIME.

AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GO INTO THESE COMMUNITIES? GO INTO ONE. THERE'S MANY OF THEM GETTING BUILT.

IF YOU GO LOOK THROUGH THEM, 20 OF THEM ARE FOR RENT IN A ROW.

THAT MEANS ONE PERSON OWNS, JUST LIKE DOUG BURNETT SAID.

I APOLOGIZE, DOUG, THAT I'M COMING, COMING FOR YOU, BUT IT'S NOT FOR YOU.

IT'S KB HOMES. YES.

THEY HAVE. THEY GATHER COLLECTIVE OWNERSHIP TO YES, TO RAISE THE RENT AND THEN YES, OBVIOUSLY THEY'VE RECOUPED SOME PROFIT THERE.

THE AND THEN WHEN IT COMES TO COST OF OWNERSHIP OF THESE BRAND NEW HOMES, YOU COULD IMAGINE MY HOME WAS BUILT IN FIFTH, LIKE I WOULD SAY PROBABLY 30 YEARS AGO, THE COST OF OWNERSHIP IS DRAMATICALLY LESS THAN THIS BRAND NEW NEW CONSTRUCTION.

IN FIVE YEARS, THAT WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD WILL NEED TO BE REPAINTED IN.

NO TELLING WHAT ELSE, BECAUSE USE FLAT PAINT AND IT IS DESIGNED TO BE QUICK AND EFFICIENT.

WORKFORCE HOUSING IS THE I MEAN, WE NEED TO COME UP WITH A NEW STRATEGY FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING THAT THAT IS NOT WORKFORCE HOUSING.

LIKE I GET IT THAT WE NEED WE HAVE A STRONG DEMAND FOR IT.

AND YES, WE WE DEFINITELY DO.

OUR WORKFORCE HAS NO OPPORTUNITY TO RENT OR OWN IN THIS TOWN.

WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

BUT FOR KB HOMES TO BE DOING IT, NO THANK YOU, NO THANK YOU.

HAVE HIM QUESTION ABOUT FCC CHASING HIM BECAUSE THEY THEY THEY LITERALLY ARE JUST ON A BENDER TO BUILD OUR TOWN UP. AND THE QUALITY OF MATERIALS AND THE QUALITY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP IS SO SUBPAR BY OUT OF COUNTY RESIDENTS.

THERE'S NO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR US.

GOOD AFTERNOON, CHARLIE HUNT FROM MILL CREEK ESTATES.

YEAH. I'D LIKE TO GO BACK A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY OF THE WORKFORCE HOUSING.

ISSUE BEING DEVELOPED.

WHEN IT STARTED OUT, IT STARTED FOR A MAX PRICE OF $210,000, AND AT LEAST 40% OF THE DWELLINGS WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR THE WORKFORCE HOUSING.

OKAY. A FEW YEARS AGO IT WAS CHANGED TO 240,000.

STILL AT 40% OF THE HOUSING SET ASIDE.

NOW, IT WAS ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO.

IT WAS PUT FORTH TO CHANGE IT AGAIN TO 260,000 AND REDUCING IT DOWN TO 30%.

SO IT MAKES ME WONDER, IS THIS WORKFORCE HOUSING? REALLY GOING THE PATH THAT IT SHOULD.

IF YOU HAVE TO INCREASE THE PRICE AND DECREASE THE AMOUNT OF DWELLING SET FOR THAT, IT DOESN'T REALLY LOOK LIKE IT.

OKAY. THIS ISN'T THE ONLY UNITS THAT ARE SET FORTH THE WORKFORCE HOUSING.

ALL RIGHT. THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT RIGHT THERE ON 16 A OR.

EXCUSE ME, 16 AND FOUR MILE ROAD.

ALL RIGHT. THEY GOT THEIRS DEVELOPED OR PAST AND THEY'RE PUTTING IN APPROXIMATELY 200 UNITS FOR WORK.

AND THEY HAD THE WORKFORCE HOUSING CLAUSE IN IT.

OKAY. THEY HAVEN'T EVEN BROKE GROUND ON BUILDING THAT.

ALL RIGHT. THERE'S THE OTHER ONE DOWN 16 WHERE THEY'RE PUTTING IN 300 UNITS AND THAT'S WORKFORCE HOUSING OKAY.

SO THAT'S 100 UNITS.

THAT'S GOING TO BE FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING AND WHO WHO REALLY GOES IN THERE AND AND SEES IF THAT PERSON IS STILL LIVING IN THAT HOME OR THAT DWELLING WHEN THEY PURCHASE IT, OR DO THEY STAY THERE FOR TWO YEARS AND THEN THEY STAY ON THE DEED AND THEN THEY RENT IT OUT? OKAY, IT SOUNDS GREAT.

WORKFORCE HOUSING SOUNDS GREAT, BUT THE WAY IT'S GOING, WHEN THE PRICE INCREASES AND THE AMOUNT DECREASES, THAT'S GOING TO BE SET FORTH FOR

[05:05:07]

IT'S IT'S THERE'S NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE OR THEY'RE NOT MAKING THE MONEY THEY NEED TO OFF OF IT.

SO THEY THEY INCREASE IT AND THEY DROP THE AMOUNT OF AVAILABLE.

OKAY. IT'S JUST LOGICAL SENSE.

AND WITH THIS THIS IS THIS ISN'T ONLY WORKFORCE HOUSING ESTABLISHED PLACE, LIKE I SAID, ALL THROUGH THE COUNTY, IT'S LIKE THAT.

AND I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE THE NUMBERS, AND IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SHOW UP ON THE THE HIGHLY IMPROVED COLORFUL COUNTY'S WEBSITE OF WORKFORCE HOUSING.

THAT WAS INCENTIVE OR IT WAS IMPLEMENTED.

AND HOW MANY ARE BEING OCCUPIED? THANK YOU. HI, SHERRY BADGER, 2772 SOUTH COLLINS AVENUE.

I DO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF STATS FOR YOU.

THE OTHER DAY I TALKED TO A 37 YEAR TEACHER WHO'S BEEN TEACHING 37 YEARS.

SHE MAKES $65,000 A YEAR.

NUMBER ONE, THIS WASN'T EVEN SUPPOSED TO COME BACK.

WHEN IT CAME BACK AS WORKFORCE HOUSING.

HE CHANGED THE WORD AND COULD COME BACK BEFORE A YEAR.

SO THIS WORKFORCE HOUSING, Y'ALL REALLY, REALLY NEED TO DO SOME INVESTIGATION BECAUSE RIGHT ACROSS FROM THE AIRPORT, THE AIRPORT OWNS ALL THAT PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AND STUFF AROUND IT BOUGHT IT UP.

NOW THEY HAVE NO WAY IN OR NO WAY OUT EXCEPT MILLS PROJECT.

THERE ARE MORE THAN WILLING TO TELL YOU THAT IT'S WORKFORCE HOUSING.

YOU TELL ME $67,000 FOR 36 YEARS.

THAT'S NOT EVEN WHAT I WENT TO KB THROUGH KB OVER THERE IN RAVENSWOOD, THEY HAVE OVER 30 VISIBLE FOR SALE SIGNS UP, ALL UNDER THE NAME OF WORKFORCE HOUSING.

SO Y'ALL REALLY NEED TO DO SOME INVESTIGATION BECAUSE THIS IS A SCAM.

GOD BLESS AND HAVE A GOOD DAY.

GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS JUDY SPIEGEL.

I LIVE AT 101 GREEN WILLOW LANE.

AS MR. BURNETT MENTIONED, I WAS ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD, AND I WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE THAT OPPOSED THIS PROJECT.

THE ISSUES THAT I HAVE WITH THE PROJECT WERE THE COMPATIBILITY AND DENSITY.

THEY HAD DISAPPROVED A PROJECT OF SIMILAR NAME PREVIOUSLY FOR 96 HOMES, AND THIS WAS A HIGHER NUMBER.

AND SO THAT BOTHERED ME.

THE TRAFFIC CONCERNS, OF COURSE, ANECDOTALLY, ANECDOTALLY AND PROJECTED BY THE COUNTY STAFF, AND THEN THE DEED RESTRICTION ITEM THAT WAS MENTIONED ON WORKFORCE HOUSING, AND IT WAS ONLY TWO YEARS, AND I JUST DIDN'T THINK THAT WAS A BENEFIT TO OUR COUNTY AT ALL.

SO WHEN I LISTENED TO PROJECTS, I TRY TO EXCUSE ME, PARSE IT TO WHERE HOW DOES IT BENEFIT THE COUNTY? WHO DOES IT BENEFIT? AND I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO TO LOOK AT THAT WHEN WEIGHING THESE PROJECTS.

I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE NEGATIVES TO EVERY PROJECT.

I DON'T KNOW THAT I'VE HEARD A PROJECT UP HERE EVER THAT DOESN'T HAVE SOME NEGATIVES TO IT, BUT WE NEED TO BE SCRUTINIZE THEM TO AVOID OR DIMINISH THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF THOSE PROJECTS.

WE DESPERATELY HAVE A NEED FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING.

I AM VERY, VERY BECOMING MORE AND MORE AWARE.

THE MORE DEEPER IN I AM TO THIS WORLD OF THE MOVING PARTS TO THIS AFFORDABLE, ATTAINABLE AND WORKFORCE HOUSING.

IT'S A VERY COMPLICATED ISSUE.

IT'S NOT EASY.

AND AT MY LAST CONVERSATION THAT I HAD WITH THERESA BISHOP, WE DID NOT HAVE ANY CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING.

YET IN THE COUNTY. THERE WERE MANY PROJECTS BEING BUILT, BUT I DON'T THINK THEY HAD CEOS YET.

SO I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE STATUS IS ON THAT.

BUT THERE ARE THERE ARE SEVERAL PROJECTS THAT ARE BEING BUILT NOW, BUT MAYBE NOT OCCUPIED.

SO I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE COMMENTS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY MADE ABOUT YOU CAN'T JUST BUY IT UP AND RENT IT OUT OR 20, YOU KNOW, EACH ONE IS HAS RULES GOVERNING THAT.

I THINK THAT THE PHRASE WORKFORCE HOUSING IS A NOMENCLATURE THAT BRINGS UP EMOTIONAL RESPONSE IN PEOPLE AND HOPEFULLY THROUGH EDUCATION AND JUST DISCUSSING WITH PEOPLE.

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THIS COUNTY INCLUDES THE PEOPLE THAT WORK.

IF WE DO NOT HAVE PLACES FOR THE PEOPLE THAT TEACH AND THE PEOPLE THAT WORK IN THE HOSPITALS AND OUR MAJOR INDUSTRIES, OUR INFRASTRUCTURE WILL CRUMBLE.

AND IT MAY BE INCONVENIENT TO HAVE A NEW PROJECT IN A PLACE THAT YOU DON'T THAT YOU LIVE, AND IT'S GOING TO CHANGE THINGS AND IT WILL.

BUT IF WE DO NOT ALLOW PLACES THAT ARE AT LEAST MORE AFFORDABLE THAN THE $495,000 AVERAGE HOME, OUR

[05:10:08]

SO I'M STANDING HERE AS A PTA MEMBER AND ALSO AS A CITIZEN OF THIS COUNTY.

IN SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT, I HAVE CHANGED.

I THINK THEY HAVE MADE CHANGES AND THEY LISTEN TO PTA AND THIS IS A BETTER PROJECT THAN WAS SUBMITTED TO US.

SO I WOULD RESPECTFULLY ASK YOU TO CONSIDER APPROVING THIS PROJECT.

THANK YOU.

WAS. HI CARLA QUARTO, 4405 MANUZZI ROAD.

THE APPLICANT WAS KIND ENOUGH TO INVITE US TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL REVISED MILLS PLACE PLANS, WHICH INCLUDE SOME NICE FEATURES A LEFT HAND TURN LANE WHICH WOULD BE A WELCOME ADDITION TO LEWIS SPEEDWAY, SOME NICE RECREATION SPACE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY, AND WE LIKED THE IDEA OF THE 33 WORKFORCE TOWNHOUSES, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE A DEED RESTRICTION UPPED FROM TWO YEARS TO FIVE YEARS.

ON FLIPPING THOSE AFFORDABLE HOUSES, WORKFORCE UNITS WOULD BE AN ASSET TO MOST NEIGHBORHOODS.

OUR RURAL LEWIS SPEEDWAY WAS NEVER MEANT TO HANDLE THIS KIND OF TRAFFIC, SO WE APPRECIATE THE APPLICANT'S EFFORTS TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE TRAFFIC ISSUES.

THE PROPOSED ROUNDABOUT HAS, THOUGH, HAS A COUPLE OF SERIOUS FLAWS AND WOULD NOT SERVE TO MITIGATE TRAFFIC ISSUES.

STANDARD ROUNDABOUTS ARE VERY EFFECTIVE IN THE RIGHT SETTING AND ARE MEANT TO REPLACE TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

A TRAFFIC LIGHT WOULD NOT BE AN OPTION AT THIS INTERSECTION BECAUSE IT WOULD BE DANGEROUS IN A CURVE.

THIS WE LEARNED DURING THE PORTER PROJECT DISCUSSIONS.

SO WHY THEN, WOULD A ROUNDABOUT IN A CURVE BE ANY LESS DANGEROUS? THIS IS THE ACCURATE DIAGRAM OF HOW THIS WOULD LOOK.

NOTICE IT WOULD BE LOCATED STILL WITHIN THE BLIND CURVE.

THE LEGS OF THIS ROUNDABOUT ARE ALSO NOT STANDARD, AS THE LEGS NEED TO BE AS CLOSE TO 90 DEGREES AS THEY CAN BE FOR SAFETY.

THE ANGLE OF LEWIS TO OLD LEWIS SPEEDWAY IS ABOUT 40 DEGREES ON THIS ROUNDABOUT DESIGN.

BUT THERE'S ANOTHER MAJOR ISSUE WITH THIS PROJECT EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT, AND IT'S INCOMPATIBILITY.

IN 2022, THE APPLICANTS REQUEST TO UPZONE FROM REZ B TO REZ C FOR 92 UNITS WAS DENIED, AND ALSO FOR 76 UNITS BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC AND INCOMPATIBILITY.

IF THE PROJECT WAS INCOMPATIBLE AT 92 AND 76, THEN ISN'T IT MORE SO INCOMPATIBLE AT 110? HERE WE SEE THE SURROUNDING LARGE LOT RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD IN BLUE.

MANY OF THE HOMEOWNERS BUILT YEARS AGO BECAUSE OF THE RURAL CHARACTER OF THIS AREA PRIOR TO COMP PLAN DESIGN.

HORSESHOES FLEW DESIGNATION IS RISKY AND MINUS OLD LEWIS AND PORTER REZ B, BUT THEY ALL HAVE BEEN SYSTEMATICALLY DEVELOPED INTO AND REMAIN LARGE LOT QUIET, OPEN RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD.

SO IT COMES DOWN TO PERSPECTIVE.

PORTER PROJECT AND MILLS PROJECT HAVE BEEN DENIED BECAUSE THEY WERE CONSIDERED INCOMPATIBLE.

SO IT'S NOT JUST MINE AND MY NEIGHBORS PERSPECTIVES.

WORKFORCE HOUSING IS SO BADLY NEEDED IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, BUT THESE 33 UNITS SHOULD NOT BE AT THE EXPENSE OF COMPATIBILITY AND TRAFFIC.

THANK YOU MA'AM.

WE HAVE COME SO MANY TIMES HERE, NOW THAT WE KNOW TO SIT IN THE CHAIR AND GET READY.

GET READY EVERYBODY THAT'S GOING TO SPEAK.

WE HAD ABOUT 20 PEOPLE HERE THIS MORNING.

WE'RE DOWN TO A FEW BECAUSE PEOPLE WORK AND I APOLOGIZE, BUT THEY REALLY DO, AND THEY ARE CONCERNED.

MA'AM, CAN YOU STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, PLEASE? I'M SORRY. MY NAME IS DEBBIE JAMES, 557 NORTH HORSESHOE ROAD.

BEEN THERE FOR 48 YEARS.

AND WE LIVE IN A RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD.

AND POINT ONE.

CAN YOU SEE IT? DID I DO IT RIGHT? NOPE. THIS WAY.

OKAY. TO REVIEW WHAT CARLA BASICALLY SAID.

WE LIVE IN A VERY RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH ONE FOURTH TO THREE ACRES PLUS.

IT'S NOT IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE ADAPTABLE TO OUR COMMUNITY.

THIS IS NOT WHAT THEY'RE SAYING.

[05:15:01]

AND WE HAVE FOUGHT ABOUT THIS TRAFFIC BECAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS WRECKS.

AND I BROUGHT THIS UP MANY, MANY TIMES BEFORE.

I'VE SHOWN PICTURES OF WRECKS.

MY DAUGHTER ALMOST GOT IN A WRECK JUST TRYING TO GET OUT NORTH HORSESHOE ROAD.

IT'S VERY DANGEROUS.

AND IT'S TOO DANGEROUS FOR A ROUNDABOUT.

AND YOU CAN SAY, OH, BUT THEY'RE GOING 25 MILES AN HOUR.

OH, YEAH. THERE ARE PEOPLE WANT TO GET HOME.

THEY WANT TO LEAVE AND GO TO WORK.

WELL MAYBE NOT, THEY DON'T WANT TO GO TO WORK, BUT THEY DO WANT TO GO HOME.

SO ANYWAY, THE POINT THREE THE ROUNDABOUT.

I LIVE ON NORTH HORSESHOE ROAD WITH THIS ROUNDABOUT, WHICH.

HERE'S THE PICTURE.

IF YOU LOOK AT NORTH HORSESHOE ROAD, I CANNOT TO GO RIGHT AND GO BACK TOWARDS LEWES SPEEDWAY IN 16.

I HAVE TO GO IN A ROUNDABOUT.

HOW DO I GET OUT? I CAN'T SEE IT'S A BLIND CURVE.

I CAN'T SEE TO GET OUT AT 25 MILES AN HOUR.

IT'S JUST DANGEROUS.

SO I CAN'T TURN RIGHT.

WELL, COMING FROM THE COURTHOUSE GOING TO 16, GUESS WHAT? I CANNOT TURN LEFT AT ALL.

I CAN'T GO ON TO MY OWN ROAD.

I HAVE TO GO UP TO SOUTH HORSESHOE ROAD AND GO ALL THE WAY UP AND COME BACK.

IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT.

SO ANYWAY, IN CONCLUSION, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CURVE AND Y'ALL ALL ARE AWARE OF IT.

YOU'VE ALREADY BEEN ON IT.

A ROUNDABOUT IS NOT GOING TO BE THE SOLUTION.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS.

WE PROPOSED THINGS, BUT WE'D BE GLAD TO WORK WITH PEOPLE.

BLIND CURVE IS SO DANGEROUS.

AND I ASK YOU TO DENY THIS AS IT WAS DENIED BEFORE WITH THE OTHER PROJECTS AND WITH THE PORTER PROJECT AS WELL.

A ROUNDABOUT WAS DENIED.

THANK YOU. HI.

SHERRI BRIGMAN, 5325 PORTER ROAD EXTENSION.

AND I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THIS IS COMPATIBLE WITH OUR WAY OF LIFE.

MY DAD WAS FROM NEW YORK.

WE CAME DOWN HERE IN 1972.

50 PLUS YEARS AGO.

RAN INTO FARMER JOE.

HE WORE SUSPENDERS AND OVERALLS.

MY DAD FELL IN LOVE WITH HIM.

HE RAISED PIGS.

WE RAISED PIGS, HORSES.

WE GREW SOME KIND OF FOOD OF OUR OWN.

HE WANTED. MY FATHER WANTED THE FAMILY TO HAVE A PLACE TO GROW THINGS, TO LIVE WITH NATURE AND WILDLIFE, TO RAISE FARM ANIMALS, TO ENJOY OUTDOORS INSTEAD OF BEING INSIDE WITH VIDEO GAMES.

HE'S PASSED ON.

MY MOTHER'S PASSED ON.

BUT THEY LEFT FIVE GREAT GRANDCHILDREN AND THEY ALL LIVE ON PORTER ROAD.

AND I FEEL LIKE WE'RE TURNING SAINT AUGUSTINE INTO A BIG CITY INSTEAD OF OUR CUTE, QUAINT, SMALL CITY THAT WE USED TO HAVE. I FEEL LIKE ALSO ABOUT THE ROUNDABOUT.

I FEEL LIKE IT'S TOO SMALL FOR THE CURVE WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT, OH, IT'S GOING TO SLOW TRAFFIC AND THEY'RE GOING TO BEHAVE.

THAT'S NOT TRUE.

THEY'RE GOING TO SPEED RIGHT ON DOWN TO THE ROUNDABOUT ANYWAY.

AND YOU'VE HEARD ALL THE THINGS ABOUT THE ROUNDABOUT.

I FEEL LIKE A, EXCUSE ME, A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT D AVENUE AND RIGHT HERE BY THIS COMPLEX WOULD BE A MORE BENEFICIAL.

I ALSO HAVE HEARD THAT THE OR IN ONE OF THE MEETINGS LAST YEAR, A YEAR BEFORE THE COUNTY HAS NO FUTURE PLANS TO IMPROVE LEWES SPEEDWAY.

SO IF WE'RE NOT GOING TO IMPROVE LEWES SPEEDWAY AND THE ROUNDABOUT IS OUR ONLY WAY WE CAN IMPROVE IT, I DISAGREE, SO BUT ANYWAY, I JUST PRAY THAT MY GRANDKIDS CAN STILL LIVE IN THIS AREA AND BE IT AN OPEN RURAL AREA.

NOT ALL THESE CONDOMINIUMS, TOWNHOMES OR ALL THESE APARTMENTS OR WHATEVER THAT WE'RE TRYING TO FILL UP THIS AREA.

I FEEL LIKE WE ARE THE LAST PART OF A RURAL AREA IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, AND THAT WE KEEP GETTING BOMBARDED BY DEVELOPERS THAT WANT TO DEVELOP ALL OF OUR LAND. IN 1972, MY FATHER PAID 1000 AN ACRE FOR FIVE ACRES.

WE STILL HAVE THAT FIVE ACRES.

I WANT TO SEE THAT FIVE ACRES TO MY GRANDKIDS.

TWO OF THEM ARE EIGHT YEARS OLD.

IN TEN YEARS, DO YOU REALLY THINK THEY'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO LIVE ON THAT FIVE ACRES? AND RIGHT NOW, THE AVERAGE FOR PEOPLE IN RESTAURANTS AND DIFFERENT PLACES DOWNTOWN, THE MONEY 10 TO $15 AN HOUR, THEY CAN'T SURVIVE ANYWAY.

THANK YOU. NICOLE CROSBIE, 1169 NECK

[05:20:04]

AND ALTHOUGH IT'S CERTAINLY ENCOURAGING TO SEE IT HAVING BEEN MOVED FROM 2 TO 5 YEARS, I'M ASSUMING THAT ALL OF YOU AS COMMISSIONERS, EVERY TIME YOU YOU VOTE ON A SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTY THAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR IT TO BE, IF NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION, AT LEAST A LONG TERM SOLUTION.

WELL, IN THE WORLD OF INVESTING, FIVE YEARS IS NOT CONSIDERED LONG TERM.

TEN YEARS IS CONSIDERED LONG TERM.

SO WHY WOULD WE SERIOUSLY CONSIDER A TEN A FIVE YEAR SOLUTION FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING? FIVE YEARS IS GOING TO GO BY LIKE THAT.

I'M SURE THAT WHEN YOU ALL VOTED ON THE SHORE TRAIL THIS MORNING, YOU'RE VERY MUCH IMAGINING THAT TRAIL TO BE THERE FOR LONGER THAN FIVE YEARS.

SO WHY NOT THE WORKFORCE HOUSING? WHY IS THAT AN EXCEPTION? WHY CAN'T THIS COUNTY DEMAND LONGER TERM WORKFORCE HOUSING THAN TWO, THREE OR EVEN FIVE? WHY NOT TEN? THAT'S ALL I WANT TO SAY. THANK YOU.

AND THANK YOU. I AGREE.

THAT'S BOX 3.4@SLOVAN.COM.

SAINT AUGUSTINE.COM.

ROSE KENNEDY'S FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE WAS TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED.

Y'ALL DON'T EXPECT ANYTHING FROM THESE DEVELOPERS.

YOU LET THEM GET AWAY WITH MURDER.

KILLING RABBITS ON SHORE DRIVE.

SO THAT THEY COULD. PUT IN.

EIGHT FOOT BIKE PATH.

SILLY. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE REMANDED TO THE PCA.

AND IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS IN SAINT JOHNS COUNTY.

THAT'S HOW IT SHOULD BE IF SOMEBODY ISN'T HAPPY WITH THE PCA DECISION.

THEY COME HERE AND THEY REWRITE THEIR PRIOR PROPOSAL.

THEY DON'T GO BACK TO THE PGA.

YOU DON'T SEND THEM BACK TO THE PGA.

YOU LET THEM MAKE UP STUFF ON THE FLY, SOMETIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF A MEETING.

EX PARTE CONTACTS.

YOUR EX PARTE CONTACTS ARE UNENLIGHTENING AND THEY NEED TO BE CHANGED.

TODD DAVID NEVILLE, WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STATE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION AUDIT COMMITTEE, WHEN HE WAS ON THE SAINT AUGUSTINE CITY COMMISSION, HE DID HIS EX PARTE CONTACTS ON AN EXCEL SPREADSHEET TO WHERE ANYBODY COULD READ THEM.

WHY DON'T YOU DO THAT? WHY DON'T YOU PUT YOUR EX PARTE CONTACT DISCLOSURES ON THE WEBSITE TO WHERE WE CAN READ THEM BEFORE THE MEETINGS INSTEAD OF SPEEDING THROUGH THEM LIKE READING A SPEED READING CLASS? TECHNICAL DENIALS.

ONCE AGAIN, THAT IS A MISNOMER.

UNDER ROBERT'S RULES, IF SOMETHING IS DENIED, IF THERE'S NOT A MAJORITY VOTE, THAT'S A DENIAL.

ONLY IN SAINT JOHN'S COUNTY TO THESE LAWYERS SAY, OH, IT'S A TECHNICAL DENIAL.

GOOGLE A TECHNICAL DENIAL.

IT DOESN'T EXIST ANYWHERE ELSE.

WE DON'T HAVE A FEE FOR TWO OF YOU ALL VOTED FOR THE FOR IF YOU WANT WORKFORCE HOUSING, THAT'S THE WAY TO DO IT.

BUT INSTEAD, WHY AREN'T WE INVESTIGATING AND WHY DON'T WE HAVE A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION? WELL, WE DIDN'T EVEN GET ONE FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

WE HIRE EMPLOYEES.

YOU DON'T GET TO PICK UP GARBAGE WITHOUT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION.

BUT IF YOU'RE KB HOMES OR ONE OF THESE OLIGOPOLISTS, THE COUNTY STAFF DOESN'T EVER EVEN DO A REPORT ABOUT THEIR CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, FINES AND PENALTIES.

WE HAVE TO DO IT OURSELVES ON THE FLY BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT DOING YOUR JOBS AND YOUR STAFF IS NOT DOING YOUR JOBS.

AND ONLY COMMISSIONER JOSEPH IS HERE ASKING TOUGH QUESTIONS.

THIS PROJECT IS NOT COMPATIBLE.

AND THIS, JOHN, AND THIS CONCEPT OF WORKFORCE HOUSING, THAT'S ANOTHER MISNOMER.

IT REALLY IS.

IT'S A SNARE AND A DELUSION.

IT'S KIND OF LIKE JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH GALBRAITH, THE GREAT ECONOMIST, SAID THAT.

THE MARKET IS A SNARE AND A DELUSION.

THERE IS NO MARKET HERE.

THERE IS OLIGOPOLY.

THERE ARE LARGE ORGANIZATIONS, MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS COMING INTO SAINT JOHNS COUNTY, CRAWLING ON EVERYTHING, GIVING MONEY TO YOUR CAMPAIGNS.

AND DON'T SMIRK. AND WHAT DO WE GET FOR IT? CLEAR CUTTING, DESTRUCTION OF NATURE, DESTRUCTION OF OUR WAY OF LIFE.

PLEASE DENY IT.

SARAH BROWN, 3700 LEWES SPEEDWAY.

I'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE WITH THE PORTER PROJECT, WITH THE PREVIOUS MILL PLACE PROJECTS.

I'VE SENT AN EMAIL TO ALL OF YOU, ALL TO INDICATE WHAT MY CONCERNS ARE.

I'VE MET WITH OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO HAVE ALSO INDICATED SIMILAR CONCERNS.

PUBLIC SAFETY FOR IMMEDIATELY LEWIS SPEEDWAY IS A MAIN ARTERY FOR STATIONS 12 AND THE SHERIFF OFFICE.

IF WE CREATE THIS ROUNDABOUT WITH THE ANTICIPATED LEVEL OF TRAFFIC, WE WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS FOR

[05:25:04]

AS A POINT OF NOTE, TWO WEEKS AGO, ACROSS THE STREET, MY NEIGHBOR NEEDED A MEDICAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE.

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE SHERIFF, THE DEPUTY.

HE CAME THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE ONTO NORTH HORSESHOE AND TO THE ADDRESS.

FIRE RESCUE WENT THE LONG WAY AND THEY WERE THERE THREE MINUTES LATER.

THAT'S A SIGNIFICANT DELAY.

FORTUNATELY, THE SITUATION HAD ALREADY COME TO A CONCLUSION, SO IT DIDN'T REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.