SMART GROWTH COMMITTEE
September
17, 2008 Minutes
1.
Call to Order, Introductions,
Review of Agenda
Chairman Griffin called the meeting of
the Lee County Smart Growth Advisory Committee to order at 6:00 p.m.
The following committee members in
attendance:
Dr. Margaret Banyan
Ms. Liz Paul
Mr. Ron Hamel
Dr. Bill Hammond, Vice Chairman
Ms. Jill Tyrer
Mr. Brian Griffin, Chairman
Ms. Ellen Lindblad
Ms. Carie Call
Ms. Whitney Gray
Mr. Lee Ford
Mr. Jack Luft
The following committee members
excused absence:
Mr. Steven Teuber (Robert Chilmonik)
Mr. Mike Mullins
Mr. Neal Noethlich
Ms. Margaret Fineberg
Mr. Damon Romanello
The following staff in attendance:
Wayne Daltry, Director of Smart
Growth
John Fredyma, County Attorney
Dan Moser,
Consultant
Lucy Crook, Recording Secretary
2.
Administrative Matters
A.
Minutes of June 18, 2008.
Action Needed: Accept and approve the
minutes as amended by discussion of the members.
MOTION made by Vice Chairman Griffin
to accept the
June 18, 2008 draft minutes as
written; seconded by Ms. Gray. Called and carried.
3.
Discussion:
A.
Vision and Mission: Mr. Daltry reminded everyone the Smart
Growth’s (SG) Vision Statement was adopted April-May 2002: To
shape the future growth of Lee County through a proactive, inclusive
community effort that continuously improves the quality of life by
reaching a harmonious balance between economic development,
environmental sustainability and community livability, to provide for
future generations.
The Mission Statement was finished in 19 months: “Within
two years, lead and encourage community involvement in establishing a
consensus as to what constitutes “Smart Growth” for Lee County, and how
to achieve it, and make those recommendations to the Board of County
Commissioners for action.”
Mr. Daltry said he has been ensuring policies are made in
appropriate planning documents and educating communities through
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and
speaking engagements with the private sector. The fourth of the five
Resolutions have been received for the Annexation Service Agreement.
This will hold annexations at abeyance and reduce future friction to
achieve a Metropolitan Area. This is what Smart Growth is (SG) asked to
review. If we focus on the mission, in two years it will be done. The
earlier challenge to the Committee was to go on point through a
painful process of identifying the restrictions on land development
regulations; to identify restrictions to achieve SG, and ways to
emphasize those parts to further SG. He summarized the following topics:
1. Mr.
Moser’s work on
Complete Streets; a snapshot of “Walkability of
Community.” This pursuit has inspired interaction and productivity
within departments.
2. Climate Change on the coastline will be accommodated through
Emergency Management and Urban Form.
3.
Energy issue has Activist Board’s, but should be done with a
regional and state approach.
4.
Debt will effect the relocation of baby boomers. Since Florida is
marketed internationally, provides excellent healthcare services, etc.,
it appeals to the retirees.
5.
Coastal Living will become the transition into the future. (Mr.
Luft arrived 6:15 p.m.) The frequent more brutal storms will dampen
the private sector interest to rebuild. He referenced
Development
Codes - applying rules to set foundation with ways to provide
criteria alternatives that are efficient and more effective such as
solar. Most codes are dated from the 90’s. He talked about healthy
building environments and health problem avoidance through creating
niches with physical opportunities within the parks system.
Chairman Griffin asked:
“Where has SG failed?” - Dr. Banyan said the implementation is
missing. Also, the roll of the community should be a guide and make
recommendations. It is important to receive feedback from County
Management on SG recommendations.
“Where have we missed on the mission for SG as a professional
Planner? - Mr. Luft said SG means sustainability. It creates more
efficient development patterns and provides legitimate choices for
density and mixed use. This, coupled with the Transportation Systems,
moves us towards a viable transit system - public transit, bicycles,
etc. These are dependent upon land use patterns that allow choices.
Mr. Daltry responded to Mr. Luft’s question about what has
been done in the past two years with Comprehensive Land Use Plan and
Transportation System to enable a development pattern that works – “The
overlay is approved and that is leveraging the Community Planning
effort.” He gave a summary of each Community Plan. The DR/GR piece keeps
the Rural Character. Mr. Moser with Complete Streets is working
on regulations. (Ms. Lindblad arrived at 6:30 p.m.)
Mr. Ford answered Chairman Griffin that we have not
failed, but need to adjust to the economy and the effect jobs have on
housing. It is a real problem that the Horizon Council and BoCC are not
solving. This issue needs to be prioritized with the SG issues. Tourism
cannot carry the whole load. Businesses are leaving because of no work.
Mr. Daltry explained we are in the fourth tier of the growth of
an urban area, redevelopment. For the last 25 years the County has been
working on attracting business, i.e.; international airport, university,
infrastructure is getting in place, but Transit is still not in the hub.
Ms. Lindblad noted it is SG’s job to look at that balance between
economy, community character and the environment. Economic Development’s
job is to bring in the kind of industry. SG is to balance the approach
with work-transportation once the population is here. Make it a place of
sustainability for diversification of our
Community Character.
Ms. Paul said we have not failed our mission, but have met this
mission and made recommendations. It is ongoing thing and SG has
accomplished a good bit.
Ms. Tyrer answered that SG has not failed, however; from somebody
not familiar with our community, it is hard for a newcomer to gage what
SG is. The concept needs more communication, buy-in, engaging with the
community to change the mindset to embrace transit. Persuade not to
rebuild along the coast through code changes. Job creation needs
emphases on organic entrepreneurial growth. Check codes that may
prohibit growth to make it easier to create jobs instead of depending on
big employers.
Mr. Daltry added to look for opportunities for current businesses
that have already taken the first step and work with them to expand
through education, incentives, etc.
Ms. Gray said SG has not fallen down but is ready to go to the
next level. Could take all different areas of development patterns and
make recommendations for Economic Development, Workforce Housing, and
others to run with. Be an advisor on climate control issues.
Ms. Call said SG should be as proactive as it was with DR/GR. Ask
departments to tell us their problems to help each other know where to
go next.
(Chairman Griffin called for a break at 6:55 p.m and
returned at 7:05 p.m.)
B. (Time Permitting)
Complete Streets and Opportunities and
Constraints Power Point:
Mr. Moser said what came in the attached draft as a handout is
what this Power Point is based on.
Some of the discussion was: The Complete Street Policy
should include sidewalks on both sides of the street; fund additional
right-of-way to allow continuity in disconnected areas; provide
incentives to developers for less parking spaces and more bike parking.
Mr. Moser said Southwest Florida Water Management (SWFWM) is complicated
to deal with in managing water and they will not consider new techniques
– stick to the old ways.
4.
Task Progress:
A. Member Issues: Mr. Daltry said the next meeting will
take up: 1) private roads with public access that serve
commercial areas. He posted statement (below) for members to view. If SG
wants to accept this as a Mission, he will revise and bring to the next
meeting. Everyone concurred; 2) D.O.T. wants a counter point; and
Transit piece is on power point that will get some very contemporary
issues going.
MISSION: within two years, to complete the review of the
County Land Development Code (LDC) for opportunities to promote SG
outcomes, and make recommendations to the BoCC for change.
Some of the discussion follows: Add-on pedestrian strips to
bridge policy; there is resistance around failed roads; no incentives
for developers to put in less parking; is review consistent from a SG
perspective with developers who have extended construction for a 1-1/2
years where policy is not enforced; the Comprehensive Plan and Land
Development Code LDC is where SG has teeth, but regulations are needed;
also need the flexibility with code; policy has no teeth and is shallow;
and it is understood that budget restricts funding for additional staff
to enforce regulations.
B. Inter-Local Agreements: Briefly covered above.
C. McMansion’s: Tabled
D. DRGR, Lehigh, North Fort Myers: Briefly covered above.
E. Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Tabled
5. Public Comment -None
6.
Set next meeting (October 15th) to identify agenda items, and adjourned
at 8:15 p.m.
a.
Motor and Non Motor vehicle interface
b.
Complete Streets
c.
Land Development Code Review
d.
Community Review Panels
Attachments:
1.
Minutes
2.
Vision and Mission
3.
Draft Complete Streets
Respectfully submitted
by,
Lucy Crook
County Administration
