of the
Smart Growth Task
 Force
 

Approved Recommendations

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Minutes

September 18, 2002

 1.  CALL TO ORDER, INTRODUCTIONS,
      REVIEW OF AGENDA

The meeting of the Lee County Smart Growth Advisory Committee was opened by Mr. Wayne Daltry at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Public Works Building.  It was agreed that the Chairman for tonight’s meeting would be Mr. Bill Hammond.  The following committee members introduced themselves:

Mr. Jack Eikenberg
Ms. Kate English
Mr. Don Eslick (replacing Dr. Houck)
Mr. Lee Ford
Mr. Rob Fowler
Mr. Dennis Gilkey
Mr. Brian Griffin
Mr. Bill Hammond
Mr. Bob Janes
Mr. Tim Kenny
Ms. Jane Kuckel
Ms. Ellen Lindblad
Mr. Arnold Rosenthal
Mr. Don Stilwell
Mr. John Witt

The following Committee members were absent:

Mr. Marty Harrity
Ms. Carol Hudler
Mr. Steve Maxwell

At this time the Staff and members of the audience introduced themselves.  There followed a brief discussion of the Agenda.

2.      ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

A.     MINUTES OF AUGUST 21, 2002

Accept and approve the Minutes as amended by discussion of the members.

Mr. Brian Griffin moved approval of the Minutes, seconded by Ms. Jane Kuckel, called and carried.  Mr. Dennis Gilkey questioned Item 3B; the first line refers to Item “c” – it should read Item “h”.  (Correction so noted on the Minutes of the Meeting of August 21, 2002.)  Item 4A3h was discussed regarding whether recharge was the correct word.  It was agreed that this language would be reworked during discussion of Item 3A tonight.  Following further discussion the Minutes with corrections were accepted; so moved by Mr. Jack Eikenberg, seconded by Mr. Dennis Gilkey, called and carried.

3.      ACTION AND RECOMMENDATION SECTION

REVIEW AND APPROVE WATER RESOURCES
ISSUE LIST

1.   Evaluate how to further reverse the damage caused by historic and current land use and development practices, restore natural water storage and recharge areas, and reverse the practice of water dumping on the estuaries through increased impervious surfaces and flood control practices.

  1. Assess Resource management challenges to keep up with continually increased competition in demands for water from the natural system by different urban users and agriculture and mining.
  2. Increase understanding on complex water issues to achieve:

a.   Implementation of best practices for water quality.

b.   Water conservation.

c.   Water reuse, including Cape Coral experiences.

d.   Acceptance and funding of capital improvement
      projects.

e.   Decisions related to “costs versus quality”
      indexing.

f.    Consider energy costs.

g.   ASR and deep well injection.

h.   Appropriate collection and management of sewerage for recharge potential.

  1. Pursue Capture and Collection programs such as: 
    1. Complete and implement the Lee County Flow Ways Plan.
    2. Pursue area specific but complete County coverage by storm water utilities.
    3. Incorporate into the Lee County Comprehensive Plan.
  2. Complete and implement the Master Water Supply Plan for Lee County.
  3. Develop a comprehensive plan for public education on water related issues.

Outreach coordinated with public and private programs.

  1. Start a program for natural system water needs.
  2. Explore water conservation requirements on irrigation systems, such as water sensors, prescribed weekly application rates and Xeri-scaping.
  3. Improve and pursue improved water quality and water flow conditions on the Caloosahatchee River.
  4. Develop and maintain a water atlas.

Mr. Daltry presented this item.  During discussion of Item “3h” it was agreed to use the wording “recharge and reuse potential”.  Other items discussed included:

The water atlas and inclusion of a water budget
Septic tanks
Golf course use
Florida distribution rules, SFWMD rules and County rules

Mr. Daltry suggested a new number 11 to the above list:

   11.  Gain an understanding of, and evaluate Lee County’s
           real water budget.

Chairman Hammond opined that the committee will, “look at all water coming across the boundaries of Lee County and all the water that flows out and up and down”.  Mr. Daltry requested a motion to move this forward for public review and comment.  Mr. Gilkey so moved, seconded by Ms. Linblad, called and carried.

4.      “DEVELOPING CONSENSUS”

A.     ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ISSUE LIST

1.   Inadequate environmental education of the public affects our ability to make informed and rational decisions on our quality of life.

2.   The lack of knowledge, science, and information that acknowledges a problem exists. Funding to control water pollution sources (both those known and those yet to be identified) that lower the water quality in Lee County.

3.   Monitoring and enforcement of current regulations is not adequate; presumption in permitting process that water quality is being addressed.

4.   Failure to control invasive exotic plants and animals impact our environment in a negative way.

5.   There is a need for a comprehensive plan for green space in Lee County and a method of implementation including adequate funding, continued management, and public access.

6.   Lack of incentives for developments/communities to retrofit to current, more environmentally sustainable practices, negatively affects our environment.

7.   Lack of full cost accounting of our cumulative development practices and environmental protection initiatives affects our ability to make informed and rational decisions on our quality of life.

8.   Inadequate information on human carrying capacity in Lee County affects our ability to make informed and rational decisions on our quality of life.

9.   A need to maintain the quality of our air, resulting
      from:

a.   Automotive travel congestion

b.   Burning-distinguishing between controlled burning, and stack and burn land clearing

Discussion on this item was opened by Mr. Daltry.  The following changes were discussed:

            Item 2             To read Funding to correct water pollution sources, etc.

            Item 6    To read Lack of incentives or funding for existing developments and communities, etc.

            Item 10  To add an environmental list using Cape
                           Coral’s Tree Ordinance.

            Item 4    To read Failure to control and eliminate
                           invasive exotic plants, etc.

During the discussion Mr. Daltry requested that everyone send him their comments within the next two weeks, so that he can work them up for the next meeting.

Mr. Daltry distributed a handout on Transportation Issues Progress.  He noted that this is what the committee will go into workshops with as your starting point. 

Following a brief intermission, the meeting resumed with the following discussion.

5.      INFORMATIONAL BRIEFINGS/EDUCATION

     A.     COMMUNITY CHARACTER ISSUES

This is part one of a two part series. This section includes a discussion of Education issues, affordable housing issues, and social service issues. The Department of Human Services will lead, followed by the Department of Community Development, and The Lee County School Board.  Task Force information is on file.

           Part two will be in October, which will include a discussion of “sacred places,” festivals, and the County Economic and Tourism Development programs.

      B.  CONCLUSIONS DRAWN BY THE SMART GROWTH TASK FORCE REGARDING COMMUNITY CHARACTER

            Presenters will be asked to respond to the problem statements developed by the Task Force.

             Discussion Item.  Community Character Issues List and Community Character Authorities can be found on file in the back-up material.

These two items were heard simultaneously.

The discussion was opened by Ms. Karen Hawes, Director, Department of Human Services, assisted by Ms. Ann Arnall, Deputy Director of the Department.  Using projected images, Ms. Hawes elaborated on the work accomplished by her department.  She pointed out that funds are provided through Federal, State and local funding. A copy of their Annual Report was also distributed.  Committee members praised Ms. Hawes on the work she has accomplished throughout the County.  She also explained the consolidated funding approach she hopes to see in the near future.  Ms. Stephanie Keyes, Lee County School Board, Department of Construction and Planning, explained how rapidly the School District is growing. She described the location of the six new schools that are planned over the next two and one-half years.  Over the next five years, nineteen additional new schools will be needed.  Ms. Keyes described how the School Board and the County will share facilities; schools and parks will be built side by side and a joint refueling facility is being built on Six Mile Cypress Parkway for School Board and County use.  An in-depth question and answer period ensued.  During this discussion, legal opinions were rendered by Assistant District Attorney Tim Jones.  Ms. Mary Gibbs, Director, Department of Community Development, described how Community Development relates to Community Character and Smart Growth.  She described roadway landscaping, historic preservation, community plans and affordable housing.

Mr. Daltry advised that next month the committee will receive the other half of Community Character; discussion of non-motorized transportation, economic development and tourism.

  6.      OTHER BUSINESS

  Scheduling Subcommittees/Workshops, standard dates.
  (Optional Meetings)

Mr. Daltry announced that on October 1st there will be a Workshop, presented by the Department of Community Development, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Smart Growth Workshops will begin with the issue papers on the first Wednesday of the month, between regular meetings.  The first Workshop will be held on October 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To discuss transportation issues.  At this time Mr. Griffin requested to schedule a discussion on the Ginn Project; as to whether our Committee will take a position and what are our thoughts.

7.      PUBLIC COMMENT

No one from the general public came forward to offer comment.

8.      NEXT MEETING TIME

The next meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2002, from 6 to 8 p.m. In the Public Works Building, 1ST floor Conference Room.

9.      ADJOURNMENT

 Chairman Hammond adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 Shirley E. Rost