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Item P2 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: September 17, 2008 Division: Growth Management Bulk Item: Yes - No -1L Department:Planning & Environmental Resources Staff Contact: Andrew O. Trivette AGENDA ITEM WORDING: A public hearing to consider a resolution supporting the proposed amendment to Policy 102.8.5 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan to facilitate central wastewater service to No Name Key. ITEM BACKGROUND: On July 22, 2008, the Development Review Committee reviewed the proposed text amendment and recommended approval. The Planning Commission met on July 23, 2008 and heard the proposed amendment at a public hearing. The Planning Commission duly considered public comments and staff report, and passed a resolution (P28-08) to the BOCC recommending adoption. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: May 21, 2008 - BOCC approved central sanitary wastewater service to the property owners of No Name Key through inclusion of the area in the Lower Keys Regional Service Area wastewater treatment and collection system. June 18, 2008 - BOCC directed staff to amend Section 9.5-258 Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District of the Monroe County Code to eliminate the prohibition of the establishment of central wastewater treatment collection systems and utilities for No Name Key. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: N/ A TOTAL COST: N/A BUDGETED: Yes - No - COST TO COUNTY: SOURCE OF FUNDS: REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes - No - AMOUNT PER MONTH - Year - APPROVED BY: County Atty ~ OMB/Purchasing _Risk Management _ DOCUMENT A TION: Included X Not Required_ DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM # Revised Il106 RESOLUTION NO. -2008 A RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO POLICY 102.8.5 OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO FACILITATE CENTRAL WASTEWATER SERVICE TO NO NAME KEY. WHEREAS~ the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 established the Coastal BalTier Resources System (CBRS) to restrict the federally subsidized development of coastal barrier areas [16 U.S.C. 3504(a)(1)]; and WHEREAS~ Monroe County has 22 designated units of the CBRS identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and WHEREAS~ Objective 102.8 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Monroe County shall take actions to discourage private development in areas designated as units of the Coastal Barrier Resources System [9J-5.006(3)(b)4]"; and WHEREAS~ Policy 102.8.5 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Upon adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private providers of electricity and telephone services to CBRS units"; and WHEREAS~ on December 18, 2001, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 043-2001, creating Section 9.5-258 of the Monroe County Code which established a Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District, the purpose of which is to implement the policies of the comprehensive plan by prohibiting the extension and expansion of specific types of public utilities to or through lands designated as a unit of the Coastal Barrier Resources System; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida, Monroe County has been mandated by the State of Florida to provide a centralized sewer system by 2010 as a means of improving near shore water quality within the Florida Keys, and WHEREAS, on June 18, 2008, the Growth Management Staff was directed by the Board of County Commissioners to amend the comprehensive plan and land development regulations to reword the prohibition on utilities such that the focus and priority be placed on wastewater treatment first and any discussion of electric or any other utility, other than those required to efficiently support a central wastewater collection system, be deferred until the wastewater goal is accomplished; and WHEREAS~ the Development Review Committee on July 22, 2008 reviewed the legal authority and the proposed text; and Page I of2 Reviewer: WHEREAS~ during a regular meeting held on July 23, 2008, the Monroe County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed text and recommended approval of the proposed text. NO\Y THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Section 1: The BOCC confinns its continued support for the proposed comprehensive plan amendment which will facilitate the provision of central wastewater services to No Name Key which currently includes developed areas within the Coastal Barrier Resources System. Section 2: The BOCC instructs the Growth Management Division Director to proceed with the Planning Commission recommended amendment to the comprehensive plan in January 2009 as a part of the 09-01 comprehensive plan amendment package which will require a public hearing prior to transmission. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, held on the 1 ih day of September, 2008. Mayor Mario DiGennaro - Mayor Pro Tem Charles "Sonny" McCoy - Commissioner Sylvia Murphy - Commissioner George Neugent - Conunissioner Dixie M. Spehar - BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Mayor Mario DiGennaro (SEAL) A ITEST: DANNY L. KOLHAGE, CLERK By:_ l' BY ~ ATTORNEY' fleE DATE ~ 3/~OO? v ,. Page 20[2 Reviewer: ORDINANCE NO. -2008 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING POLICY 102.8.5 OF THE MONROE COUNTY YEAR 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ALLOW THE PROVISION OF CENTRAL WASTEWATER SERVICE AND SUPPORT UTILITIES TO DEVELOPED PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN THE COAST AL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE BOARD TO FORWARD A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE INCORPORATION INTO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 established the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) to restrict the federally subsidized development of coastal barrier areas (see 16 U.S.C 3504(a)(l)); and WHEREAS, Monroe County has 22 designated units of the CBRS identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and WHEREAS, Objective 102.8 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Monroe County shall take actions to discourage private development in areas designated as units of the Coastal Barrier Resources System [9J-5.006(3)(b)4]"; and WHEREAS, Policy 102.8.5 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Upon adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private providers of electricity and telephone services to CBRS units"; and WHEREAS, on December 18, 2001, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 043-2001, creating Section 9.5-258 of the Monroe County Code which established a Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District, the purpose of which is to implement the policies of the comprehensive plan by prohibiting the extension and expansion of specific types of public utilities to or through lands designated as a unit of the Coastal Barrier Resources System; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida, Monroe County has been mandated by the State of Florida to provide a centralized sewer system by 20 I 0 as a means of improving near shore water quality within the Florida Keys, and WHEREAS, on June 18, 2008, the Growth Management Staff was directed by the Board of County Commissioners to amend the comprehensive plan and land development ref,'1llations to reword the prohibition on utilities such that the focus and priority be placed on wastewater treatment first and any discussion of electric or any other utility, other than those required to efficiently support a central wastewater collection system, be deferred until the wastewater goal is accomplished; and Page lof3 Initials ~-,-_. W:'GROWTH MANAGEMENT\BOCC\GMD Agenda Items\20080917\CRS Camp Plan Amend\Draft Wastewater GOP Ordinance (Amended).doc \VHEREAS, during a regular meeting held on July 23, 2008, the Monroe County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed text, and recommended approval of the proposed text; and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of County Conmllssioners held a public hearing to consider the transmittal of the proposed amendment to the stale land planning agency on January 21,2009; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Monroe County Board of County Comnllssioners that the following amendment to the Comprehensive Plan be adopted and sent to the state land planning agency for approval; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Section 1. Policy 102.8.5 of the Monroe County Year 20 1 0 Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended to include the following: Momoe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private providers of electricity and telephone service to undeveloped CBRS units, excluding central sanitary wastewater service and those utilities required to provide central sanitary wastewater collection and treatment. Section 2. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, item, change, or provision of this ordinance is held invalid, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected by such validity. Section 3. All ordinances or pans of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of said conflict. Section 4. TIllS ordinance shall be transmitted by the Pla1ll1ing Department to the Department of Community Affairs to determine the consistency of this ordinance with the Florida Statutes. (REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK) Page 2 of3 Initials - P:\Word\Growth Management\Ordinances\CBRS LDR and Comp Plan\Draft Wastewater GOP Ordinance (Amended) (2).doc Section 5. This ordinance shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Florida, but shall not become effective until a notice is issued by the Department of Community Affairs or Administrative Commission approving the ordinance. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners ofMomoe County, Florida at a meeting held on the __day of ,200_ Mayor Mario DiGelmaro -- Mayor Pro Tem Charles "Sonny" McCoy Conunissioner Sylvia Murphy COl1UTllSsioner George Neugent Commissioner Dixie Spehar BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA BY Mayor Mario DiGennaro (SEAL) A TIEST: DANNY KOLHAGE, CLERK. DEPUTY CLERK. MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY APPROVED AS TO FORM: SUSAN M. GRIMS Assistant County Attorney Date: .~9k~ L ~L~~ Page 3 of3 Initials - P:\Word\Growth Management\Ordinances\CBRS LDR and Comp Plan\Draft Wastewater GOP Ordinance (Amended) (2).doc .\- \:,4) y J6 ORDINANCE NO.-2008 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING POLICY 102.8.5 OF THE MONROE COUNTY YEAR 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO .ALLOW THE PROVISION OF CENTRAL WASTEWATER SERVICE AND SUPPORT UTILITIES TO DEVELOPED PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN THE COASTAL BARRIER REOURCES SYSTEM; PROVIDING FOR SEVERIBILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE.BOARD TO FORWARD A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE INCORPORATION INTO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS,the Coastal Barrier Resources Act(CBRA) of 1982 established the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) to restrict the federally subsidized development of coastal barrier areas and specifically prohibited the `"construction Or, purchase .of any structure, � 7J�. " 16 U SC 3504(a)(1)in-said-areas;'and - f• WHEREAS, Monroe County has-1.-- 22 designated units of the CBRS which identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be found listed"in Table .'" of the r,r oe Cou �, Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan Tcchnical,,Documentand illustrated on the Existing Land Use l iraof the-Go ipi iiensive,i ari l.ii1•�{Jy 1�1.i and z L Y 1 1 WHEREAS, Objective 102 8 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: � "Monroe County shall take actions"to-'�,iscourage}private development in areas designated as units of the Coastal.Barrier Resources System[9J-5 006(3)(b)4]"; and WHEREAS, Policy 102 8.5 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Upon adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Monroe.County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private,providers of electricity andtelephone services to CBRS units";and Insurance Program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, indicates there arc five WHEREAS, `on December 18, 2001, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 043-2001,creating Section 9.5-258 of the Monroe County Code which established a Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District, the purpose of which is to implement the policies of the comprehensive plan by prohibiting the extension and expansion of specific types of public utilities to or through lands designated as a unit of the Coastal Barrier Resources System; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida, Monroe County has been mandated by the State of Florida to provide a centralized sewer system by 2010 as a means of improving near shore water qualitywithin the Florida Keys,and Page 1 of 3 Initials C:\Documents and Settings\druckemiller-lisa\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKA9\Draft Wastewater GOP Ordinance(Amended).doc • WHEREAS,on June 18,2008,the Growth Management Staff was directed by the Board of County Commissioners to amend the comprehensive plan and land development regulations to reword the prohibition on utilities such that the focus and priority be placed on wastewater treatment first and any discussion of electric or any other utility, other than those required to efficiently support a central wastewater collection system,be deferred until the wastewater goal is accomplished;and WHEREAS, during a regular meeting held on July 23, ,2008, the Monroe County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed`'text, and recommended approval of the proposed text; and WHEREAS,the Monroe County Board'of County Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the transmittal of the proposed amendment,to the state land;;:planning agency on January 21,2009; and WHEREAS,it is the desire of the Monroe County Board:of County Commissioners that the following amendment to the.Comprehensive Plan be^:,adopted and sent to the state land planning agency for a P g enc g Y approval; PP � - 1 , NOW. 'f H HREFORE, BE It ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,TLORIDA: 4 4 A � y Section 1. Policy`102.8.5. of the:MonroeCounty Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan is Y hereby amended to include the following Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys ct Aquedu ,r.Authority and private providers of electricity and telephone service to undeveloped propel within CBRS units., excluding—c-cntra:l—sanitary- Section 2. If any section,subsection, sentence, clause, item, change, or provision of this ordinance is held invalid, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected by such validity. Section 3.� _ Aft ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to.the.extent of said conflict. Section 4. This ordinance shall be transmitted by the Planning Department to the Department of Community Affairs to determine the consistency of this ordinance with the Florida Statutes. Section 5. This ordinance shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Florida, but shall not become effective until a notice is issued by the Department of Community Affairs or Administrative Commission approving the ordinance. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida at a regular meeting held on the day of ,A.D.,2008. Page 2 of 3 Initials • C:\Docuanents and Settings\druckemiller-lisa\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKA9\Draft Wastewater GOP Ordinance(Amended).doc . Mayor Mario Di Gennaro Mayor Pro Tern Charles"Sonny McCoy Commissioner Sylvia Murphy Commissioner George Neugent Commissioner Dixie Spehar BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA BY Mayor Mario Di Gennaro k• (SEAL) r , ATTEST: DANNY KOHLAGE,CLERK rE � } }i ULPU I Y CLERK..- • • t ' < y c - `1^ L is Page 3 of 3 Initials C:\Documents and Settings\druckemiller-lisa\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKA9\Draft Wastewater GOP Ordinance(Amended).doc ,~ -~ , 'w.:, ".' ,/ ':'11I,'2"-.\ ~"~' ---;,-~ \ ' . ' : ,'- . " 'UY 't, , ,~ ~::..--.- - , 1 ~~-/ -.....~'~., '-' 2 MEMORANDUM 3 MONROE COUNTY PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT 4 We strive to be caring, professional and fair 5 6 To: Monroe County Board of County Commission 7 8 From: Mitch Harvey, Comprehensive Plan Manager 9 10 Through: Townsley Schwab, Acting Director of Planning & Environmental Resources 11 12 Date: August 29,2008 13 14 Subject: Request for an Amendment to Policy 102,8.5 of the Monroe County Year 2010 15 Comprehensive Plan 16 17 Meeting: September 17,2008 18 19 I REQUEST 20 21 In response to direction by the Board of County Commissioner on June 18, 2008, the Growth 22 Management Division is requesting to amend the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive 23 Plan to allow the provision of wastewater service to properties located within the Coastal 24 Barrier Resources System Overlay District together with the provision of those utilities 25 required to provide sanitary wastewater collection and treatment.. This will give Monroe 26 County the ability to more closely comply with the State requirement to provide centralized 27 sewer services throughout the Florida Keys by July 1,2010. 28 29 Policy 102.8.5 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan is proposed to be 30 amended to include the following: 31 32 Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services 33 provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private providers of electricity and 34 telephone service to CBRS units-;-, excluding sanitary wastewater service and those utilities 35 required to provide sanitary wastewater collection and treatment. 36 37 II PROCESS 38 39 Amendments to the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan may be 40 proposed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the Planning Commission or the 41 Director of Planning. The Director of Planning shall review and process amendments and 42 pass them on to the Development Review Committee and the Planning Commission for 43 recommendation and final approval by the BOCC. 44 Page 1 of7 Reviewed by _ W:\GROWTH MANAGEMENT\BOCC\GMD Agenda Items\20080917\CRS Comp Plan Amend\Wastewater GOP - HOCC Staff Report.doc 1 The Planning Commission and the BOCC shall each hold at least one public hearing on a 2 proposed amendment. The Planning Commission shall review the amendment, the reports 3 and recommendations of the Department of Planning & Environmental Resources and the 4 Development Review Committee, and the testimony given at the public hearing, and shall 5 submit its recommendations and [mdings to the BOCC. The BOCC shall consider the staff 6 report, recommendation, and testimony given at the public hearings and may either deny the 7 application or adopt or not adopt a resolution transmitting the proposed amendment to the 8 DCA. Amendments are then reviewed by the Florida Department of Community Affairs and 9 returned to the County with objections, rejections and comments to be considered prior to 10 adoption of the ordinance. Then, an adoption hearing is scheduled for the BOCC. 11 12 III RELEV ANT PRIOR COUNTY ACTIONS 13 14 June 2000 - BOCC approved the Monroe County Wastewater Management Plan; 15 December 19,2001 - BOCC approved Ordinance 043-2001 amending the Monroe County Land 16 Development Regulations to include Section 9.5-258, thereby establishing the Coastal Barrier 17 Resources System Overlay; 18 April 16, 2008 - BOCC approved the expansion of the SumerlandlCudjoe/Sugarloaf Regional 19 Wastewater System to cover design for Big Pine Key and Lower SugarloafKey; 20 May 21, 2008 - BOCC approved central sanitary wastewater service to the property owners of 21 No Name Key through inclusion of the area in the Lower Keys Regional Service Area 22 wastewater treatment and collection system. 23 June 18, 2008 - BOCC discussed an item to direct staff to amend Section 9.5-258 Coastal 24 Barrier Resources System Overlay District of the Monroe County Code to eliminate the 25 prohibition of the establishment of central wastewater treatment collection systems and utilities 26 for no Name Key. Following public discussion, the BOCC approved a motion that the 27 prohibition of utilities is reworded such that the focus and priority be placed on wastewater first 28 and any discussion of electric or any other utility is deferred until the wastewater goal is 29 accomplished. The Board directed staff to amend the Land Development Regulations and the 30 Comprehensive Plan. 31 June 18, 2008 - BOCC approved a resolution to remove the developed residential area the 32 unrecorded plat on the east end of No Name Key, otherwise originally known as "Islands End" 33 from the Coastal Barrier Resource System. 34 July 22, 2008 - Development Review Committee held a meeting, received comments from the 35 public, and recommended approval to the Planning Commission. 36 July 23, 2008 - The Monroe County Planning Commission held a public hearing, received 37 comments from the public, and recommended approval to the BOCC. 38 39 IV REVIEW OF APPLICATION 40 41 A. Consistency of the proposed amendment with the provisions and intent of the Monroe 42 County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan: 43 44 Existing Policy 102.8.5 discourages the extension of utilities within the Coastal Barrier 45 Resources System Overlay District. The proposed amendment to the Monroe County 46 Land Development Regulations clarifies the intent of Monroe County to provide Page 2 of7 Reviewed by _ W:\GROWTH MANAGEMENT\BoCaGMD Agenda Items\200809I 7\CRS Comp Plan Amend\Wastewater GOP - BOCC Staff Report.doc 1 centralized wastewater service throughout the unincorporated area by July 1, 2010 as 2 mandated by the Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida. An amendment to Section 9.5-258(b) 3 of the Monroe County Code is being considered concurrently with the proposed 4 amendment. to the Comprehensive Plan. 5 6 B. Consistency of the proposed amendment with the provisions and intent of Chapter 9.5 of 7 the Monroe County, Land Development Regulations: 8 9 In accordance with MCC Sec. 9.5-511(d)(5)b., the BOCC may consider the adoption of 10 an ordinance enacting the proposed change based on one (1) or more of the following 11 factors: 12 13 1. Changed projections (e.g., regarding public service needs) from those on which the 14 text or boundary was based: 15 16 None. 17 18 ii. Changed assumptions (e.g., regarding demographic trends): 19 20 None. 21 22 iii. Data errors, including errors in mapping, vegetative types and natural features 23 described in Volume 1 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan: 24 25 None. 26 27 iv. New issues; 28 29 In order to improve near shore water quality, the State of Florida requires the 30 provision of centralized wastewater service to eliminate sewage disposal surface 31 water discharges within Monroe County by the July 1,2010 (Chapter 99-395, Section 32 6, Laws of Florida). On June 18, 2008, the BOCC directed staff to amend the 33 Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations to allow wastewater service 34 within the Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District. An amendment to 35 Policy 102.8.5 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan is concurrently 36 being considered to allow wastewater service within the Coastal Barrier Resources 37 System Overlay District, together with the provision of those utilities required to 38 provide sanitary wastewater collection and treatment. Provision of wastewater service 39 within the coastal areas of Monroe County will further the mandate of the State to 40 improve near shore water quality through the elimination of sewage disposal surface 41 water discharges. 42 43 v. Recognition of a need for additional detail or comprehensiveness: 44 Page 3 of7 Reviewed by _ W:\GROWTH MANAGEMENT\BOCC\GMD Agenda Items\20080917\CRS Comp Plan Amend\ Wastewater GOP - BOCC Staff Report. doc 1 The proposed amendment clarifies the necessity to provide centralized wastewater 2 service within Monroe County, which includes the Coastal Barrier Resources System 3 Overlay District. 4 5 vi. Data updates: 6 7 None. 8 9 C. Consistency with the Principles for Guiding Development in the Florida Keys Area of 10 Critical State Concern: 11 12 All land development regulations enacted, amended or rescinded within a area of critical 13 state concern must be consistent with the Principles for Guiding Development, Section 14 380.0552(7), Florida Statutes. The proposed GOP amendment promotes and furthers the 15 following Principles in Section 380.0552(7): 16 17 1. To strengthen local government capabilities for managing land use and 18 development so that local government is able to achieve these 19 objectives without the continuation of the area of critical state concern 20 designation. 21 22 The proposed amendment strengthens Monroe County's ability to 23 provide centralized wastewater service to existing and future land uses 24 within the unincorporated area. Growth controls presently in place, such 25 as the Residential Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) and Non- 26 residential Rate of Growth Ordinance (NROGO), effectively moderates 27 how much new development will occur within Monroe County. 28 29 One focus of the Area of Critical State Concern program was 30 environmental protection. The associated ACSC work program 31 supports the efforts by Monroe County to improve near shore water 32 quality by developing and implementing centralized wastewater and 33 storm water management plans. 34 35 11. To protect shoreline and marine resources including mangroves, coral 36 reef formations, seagrass beds, wetlands, fish and wildlife, and their 37 habitat. 38 39 The provision of centralized wastewater service will improve near shore 40 water quality, enhancing the Florida Key's unique shoreline marine 41 habitats which include mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, 42 43 111. To ensure the maximum well-being of the Florida Keys and its citizens 44 through sound economic development. 45 Page 40f7 Reviewed by _ W:\GRoWfH MANAGEMENT\BOCC\GMD Agenda Items\20080917\CRS Comp Plan Amend\ Wastewater GOP - BOCC Staff Report.doc 1 Centralized wastewater service is an essential component of residential 2 and nonresidential development, reducing the incidence of near shore 3 water pollution that affects the well-being of both Florida Keys citizens 4 and its tourist visitors who are an essential supporter of the local 5 economy. Eco-Tourism has long been an economic driver within 6 Monroe County and the Florida Keys. Maintaining the health of near 7 shore habitat is consequently a high priority to the Florida Keys and its 8 citizens. 9 10 IV. To limit the adverse impacts of development on the quality of water 11 throughout the Florida Keys. 12 13 The provision of centralized wastewater service will improve near shore 14 water quality through the elimination of septic hot spots and the use of 15 uncontrolled individual septic systems whose contaminants leach into 16 the adjacent near shore waters. 17 18 v. To protect the value, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and amortized life 19 of existing and proposed major public investments, including sewage 20 collection and disposal facilities. 21 22 The proposed amendment will give the Florida Keys Aqueduct 23 Authority the ability to design, construct, and maintain centralized 24 wastewater service throughout the Monroe County unincorporated area. 25 Economies of scale are extremely important to public utilities in our 26 current budgetary environment. Limitations on the expansion of 27 wastewater services are prohibiting economies of scale. Allowing 28 additional users to access the proposed centralized wastewater system 29 will promote lower user fees. The present Coastal Barrier Resource 30 System Overlay District limits our ability to do this. 31 32 Vi. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the 33 Florida Keys and maintain the Florida Keys as a unique Florida 34 Resource. 35 36 The maintenance of near shore water quality is an essential element of 37 the Florida Keys. Pollution of the Keys' aquatic habitat can result in the 38 permanent degradation and destruction of the Florida Keys' unique 39 marine resources. Near shore water pollution has resulted in the 40 periodic closing of public beaches and promotes algae growth that 41 destroys coral reefs that are unique to the Florida Keys. Implementation 42 of a County-wide centralized wastewater system will significantly 43 reduce the level of near shore pollution resulting from individual septic 44 systems through protecting public health, safety and welfare as well as 45 our most important resource. 46 Page 50f7 Reviewed by _ W:\GROWTH MANAGEMENT\BOCC\GMD Agenda Items\20080917\CRS Comp Plan Amend\Wastewater GOP - BOCC Staff Report. doc 1 D. Impact on Community Character: 2 3 The proposed amendment will allow existing and future land uses located within Coastal 4 Barrier Resources System Overlay to be served by centralized wastewater service, to 5 promote, improve and protect near shore water quality. Monroe County presently 6 maintains several unique land use controls, such as the Tier System, Rate of Growth 7 Ordinance (RaGa), Nonresidential Rate of Growth Ordinance (NROGO), and the 8 Incidental Take Permit (ITP, 6/9/96). It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will 9 not affect the rate of new growth in Monroe County. However, the proposed amendment 10 will insure that as growth proceeds within the context of these regulations, centralized 11 wastewater service will be available concurrent with the impact of existing land uses and 12 new development. No changes in land use density, intensity or community character is 13 anticipated as a result of the proposed amendment. This amendment will result in the 14 enhancement of near shore water quality, which will in turn promote a more sustainable 15 shoreline and near shore aquatic environment. 16 17 18 V FINDINGS OF FACT 19 20 1. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 established the Coastal Barrier 21 Resources System (CBRS) to restrict the federally subsidized development of coastal barrier 22 areas and specifically prohibited the "construction or purchase of any structure, 23 appurtenance, facility, or related infrastructure" 16 U.S.C. 3504(a)(1) in said areas. 24 25 2. Monroe County has 15 designated units of the CBRS which can be found listed in Table 26 3.21 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan Technical Document and 27 illustrated on the Existing Land Use Maps of the Comprehensive Plan Map Atlas. 28 29 3. Objective 102.8 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Monroe 30 County shall take actions to discourage private development in areas designated as units of 31 the Coastal Barrier Resources System. 32 33 4. Policy 102.8.5 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Upon adoption 34 of the Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension 35 of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private 36 providers of electricity and telephone services to CBRS units". 37 38 5. Current Flood Insurance Rate Maps published for the National Flood Insurance Program 39 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, indicate there are five developed residential 40 areas (with five structures or less per acre) and one commercial area that fall within the 41 CBRS designation; and 42 43 6. On December 18,2001, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 043- 44 2001, creating Section 9.5-258 of the Monroe County Code which established a Coastal 45 Barrier Resources System Overlay District, the purpose of which is to implement the policies 46 of the comprehensive plan by prohibiting the extension and expansion of specific types of Page 6 of7 Reviewed by _ W:\GROWTH MANAGEMENT\BOCC\GMD Agenda Items\20080917\CRS Comp Plan Amend\Wastewater Gap - BOCC Staff Report.doc 1 public utilities to or through lands designated as a unit of the Coaster Barrier Resources 2 System. 3 4 7. Pursuant to Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida, Monroe County has been mandated by the 5 State of Florida to provide a centralized sewer system by July 1, 2010 as a means of 6 improving near shore water quality within the Florida Keys. 7 8 8. On June 18, 2008, the Growth Management Staff was directed by the Board of County 9 Commissioners to amend the comprehensive plan and land development regulations to 10 reword the prohibition on utilities such that the focus and priority be placed on wastewater 11 first and any discussion of electric or any other utility be deferred until the wastewater goal is 12 accomplished. 13 14 VI CONCLUSIONS OF LA W 15 16 1. The proposed amendment will not affect the existing or future land use character of 17 Monroe County. 18 19 2. The proposed amendment IS internally consistent with the Monroe County 20 Comprehensive Plan. 21 22 3. The proposed amendment will allow a more comprehensive implementation of a 23 centralized wastewater service system throughout the unincorporated area of Monroe 24 County as required by Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida. 25 26 VII RECOMMENDATION 27 28 Staff recommends approval. 29 30 VIII A TT ACHMENTS 31 32 1. Letter Dated 7/7/08 from Alicia Roemmele- Putney 33 2. Monroe County Code and Comprehensive Plan Citations 34 3. Ordinance No. 43-2001 35 4. Coastal Barrier Resources Act 36 5. Coastal Barrier Resources Act Reauthorization 37 6. Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida 38 7. Resolution No. 179.2008 39 8. CBRS No Name Key Unit FL-50 Map 40 41 42 43 44 Page 70f7 Reviewed by _ W:\GROWTH MANAGEMEN1\BOCC\GMD Agenda Items\20080917\CRS Comp Plan Amend\Wastewater GOP - BOCC Staff Report. doc . ~ e e PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.P28-08 A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVING A REQUEST OF THE MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO AMEND THE MONROE COUNTY YEAR 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BY AMENDING POLICY 102.8.5 TO ALLOW THE PROVISION OF CENTRAL WASTEWATER SERVICE TO DEVELOPED PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN THE COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM WHEREAS, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 established the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) to restrict the federally subsidized development of coastal barrier areas [16 U.S. C. 3504( a)( 1)]; and WHEREAS, Monroe County has 22 designated units of the CBRS identified by the U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service; and WHEREAS, Objective 102.8 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Monroe County shall take actions to discourage private development in areas designated as units of the Coastal Barrier Resources System [9J-5.006(3)(b)4]"; and WHEREAS, Policy 102.8.5 of Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan states: "Upon adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private providers of electricity and telephone services to CBRS units"; and WHEREAS, on December 18, 2001, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 043-2001, creating Section 9.5-258 of the Monroe County Code which established a Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District, the purpose of which is to implement the policies of the comprehensive plan by prohibiting the extension and expansion of specific types of public utilities to or through lands designated as a unit of the Coastal Barrier Resources System; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 99-395, Laws of Florida, Monroe County has been mandated by the State of Florida to provide a centralized sewer system by 2010 as a means of improving near shore water quality within the Florida Keys, and WHEREAS, on June 18, 2008, the Growth Management Staff was directed by the Board of County Commissioners to amend the comprehensive plan and land development regulations to reword the prohibition on utilities such that the focus and priority be placed on wastewater treatment first and any discussion of electric or any Page I of2 Initials ~. W:\Planning\Working Folders\Harvey-Mitch\Wastewater\Draft Wastewater GOP - PC RESO (Amended).doc .. e - other utility, other than those required to efficiently support a central wastewater collection system, be deferred until the wastewater goal is accomplished; and WHEREAS, the Development Review Committee on July 22,.2008 reviewed the legal authority and the proposed text; and WHEREAS, during a regular meeting held on July 23,2008, the Monroe County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed text and recommended approval of the proposed text. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of Monroe County, Florida, that the findings of fact support its decision to recommend APPROVAL to the Board of County Commissioners of the amendment to the text of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan, Policy 102.8.5 to include the following: Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private providers of electricity and telephone service to undeveloped CBRS units;.. excluding central sanitary wastewater service and those utilities required to provide central sanitary wastewater collection and treatment. PASSED AND ADOPTED By the Planning Commission of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 23rd day of July 2008. Chair Wall Yes Vice-Chair Cameron Yes Commissioner Hale Yes Commissioner Marston Yes Commissioner Windle Yes , FLORIDA BY Date: Page 2 of2 Initials W W:\Planning\Working Folders\Harvey-Mitch\Wastewater\Draft Wastewater Gap - PC RESO (Amended).doc The Solar Community of No Name Key 1934 No Name Drive No Name Key, Florida 33043 --------------------------------- 06/18/2008 BOCC Regular Meeting Marathon, Florida Agenda Item M-~: "Approval to direct staff to amend Section 9.5-268 Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District of the Monroe County Code to eliminate the prohibition of the establishment of central wastewater treatment collection systems and utilities for No Name Key in accordance with previously approved BOCC direction to include No Name Key within the central sanitary wastewater system plan for the Lower Keys Regional Service Area. Dear Mayor DiGennaro and Fellow Board of County Commissioners: The Solar Community of No Name Key, formerly known as the No Name Key Property Owners Against Commercial Power, was founded in 1995 in response to efforts to extend commercial electricity to No Name Key. Our current membership, which is listed below, represents 15 of the 43 homes on No Name Key. Some of the remaining households remain neutral on the issue. We fought, along side of Monroe County, with all parties expending an incredible amount of time, energy and money to keep No Name Key from loosing what makes it distinct from every other island in the Florida Keys. Below is an overview of the Electrification of No Name Key battle from 1996 to 2003. Three of you, Mayor Pro Tern McCoy, Commissioner George Neugent and Commissioner Spehar, helped in our efforts to have the existing regulations and policies upheld. Monroe County's has maintained a consistent position on the issue of extending commercial power to No Name Key since 1996 and we thank you. Our core beliefs and the County's historical position is eloquently stated in portions of the Planning Commission Resolution P17-99 Conclusions of Law: "All of the Appellants [Taxpayers for the Electrification of No Name Key] moved to No Name Key with the knowledge that commercially provided electricity was not available. These property owners have the ability to move elsewhere in the FlorickJ. Keys in order to have such a service provided to them. In contrast, other No Name Key property owners moved to the island expressly because of the lifestyle that is offered to them there, including the fact that the character of the island is unique, in part due to the lack of C01TI1'1JerciaI power and is a special enclave in the FlorickJ. Keys that provides a unique quality of life than must be nurtured, protected and prolonged." There is no justification for linking the issue of sewage to electrification in lirht of the fact the STEP /STEG small diameter sewer system will work on No Name Key without involvinr Kevs Energy. It is also the most cost effective of all the ~p.m!;_ We ask you please to oppose this agenda item and to continue in your ongoing commitment to "protect and nurture our special enclave of solar homes on No Name Key". [PC Resolution P 17-99] Thank you for you help and interest in this matter. f.ci Sincerely, Alicia Roemmele-Putney, President Carol C. Barber, Vice-President Elizabeth Harlacher, Secretary Fraklin Atwell, Treasurer The Electrification of No Name Kev Battle from 1()()6 to 200~: A Brief History On AulrnSt 2. 1()()6 County Administrator James Roberts advised Dale Finigin, City Electric Systems, that the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan has policies that are clearly not in support of an extension of electric service to No Name Key. [See attached Finigan-Roberts.pdf] In a M~ 1..~. 1()()8 Letter of Understanding from Tim McGarry, Director of Planning to Taxpayers for the Electrification of No Name Key, Inc., he stated that Monroe County "cannot support a project to extend commercial power to No Name Key because it would be inconsistent with Monroe County's Year 2010 Plan and both Chapters 380 and 163 of the Florida Statues." [See attached "LOU McGarry. pdf] This decision was appealed to the Planning Commission where every conceivable argument imaginable was brought forward and heard by the Planning Commission during two lengthy quasi- judicial hearings in 1998 and 1999. The Applicants stated they had raccoons entering their homes, could not keep ice cream, were exposed to dengue fever, could not sell their homes, were lied to by the Realtors, had to run generators and store fuel and old batteries -- all of which are bad for the environment. The appeal was denied. [See attached Admin Appeal. pdf] The Phmning Commission, on Febrllal"V ~. I()QQ. upheld the plRnning Director's interpretation of the Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan. Major points in the Commission's Conclusions of Law were: that the appellants failed to meet the required burden of proof, that No Name Key has always been provided special protection under the County's Comp Plans (plural), and that allowing commercial electricity would be inconsistent with the overall goals, objectives and policies of the Year 2010 Plan. Moreover all of the reasons the appellants gave regarding potential negative environmental impacts and potential health and safety concerns are a direct result of the appellant's choice for generated power rather than solar power. All of the appellants moved to No Name Key with the knowledge commercial electricity was not available. Appellants could move anywhere else in the Florida Keys to have commercial power, whereas those who have successfully adapted to solar living have no such choice. After the Planning Commission's denial of the Administrative Appeal by Taxpayers for the Electrification of No Name Key, Inc., the plRnning Department paid for two Photovoltaic experts to come down from Central Florida and host a two-day seminar on Big Pine Key that offered free technical assistance on how to utilize solar power effectively, on-site advice and information on grants. Only one member of Taxpayers for the Electrification, Inc. of No Name Key bothered to attend the workshops. Instead of appeAling the plRnning Commission's denial to OOAH, the Taxpayers for the Electrification of No Name Key, Inc. filed a Complaint Rgl'in~ Monroe County and City Electric Systems of Key West in the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit on JulV 2. 1()()Q. [Case Number: CAK990000819] The plaintiff represented 12 homes on No Name Key. -2- As a means of settling the pending suit, Plaintiffs once again sought relief through a Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow electrification of No Name Key. This time, on December 21. lQQQ, Planning Director Marlene Conaway determined "there are simply too many policies in the [Year 2010] Comprehensive Plan which would be in conflict with an amendment of this nature." [See attached Conaway-Amend. pdt] In a second attempt to settle the pending suit, Plaintiffs proposed a Settlement Agreement that would have allowed the extension of commercial power to No Name Key. On AprillQ. 2001 the BOCC unanimously rejected the proposed settlement agreement. Motion was made by Commissioner Williams, seconded by Commissioner Spehar, and supported by Commissioners Nelson, Nugent and McCoy. Also on April 19, 2001, motion was made by Commissioner Spehar and seconded by Commissioner Williams "directing staff to bring back to the Board for approval the creation of a zoning overlay district designation of otT-grid encompassing all properties within the boundaries of No Name Key; and also, to address or change the other issues that clearly caused confusion today." This is the exact legislation:onroe Cou;tv Code Section Q.!>-268 Coastal Barrier Resources System Overlay District of the Mo oe County: ou are being asked to "mend with this agenda item. By the time Judge Richard Payne granted Summary Judgment in favor of the Defendants on Julv 16. 2002. over ninety-seven (97) entries bad been made on the docket. On An~l1st lQ. 2002. Taxpayers for the Electrification of No Name Key, Inc. appealed Judge Payne's ruling to the Third District Court of Appeals. After nearly a year of inaction, the Taxpayers for the Electrification of No Name Key, Inc. requested voluntary dismissal of their suit, which the court recognized on June 2.:1. 2003. Ilte Solar Connnnnitv of No Nanle Key- M......1vorMhip l.i_- Jnn... 2008 1. Atwell, Frank & Kimi; 213 7 Bahia Shores Road; No Name Key; 872-3495 arknarf@cs.com arknarf@bellsouth.net 2. Barber, Rob & Chris 1934 No Name Drive No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-1401 ffuowherla1 bellsouth.net 3. Brouillette, Jason 1843 Bahia Shores Road No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-0283 Troa91a1aoLcom 4. Brouillette, Wayne & Christie 2107 Bahia Shores Road, NNK 328 Kings Crest Lane Pelham, AL 35124 wbroula1uab.edu -3- 5. Daniels, Faye & Garrison, Stuart 20 Spanish Channel Drive No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-0589 6. Douville, Hallett & Linda 32340 Cat Lane No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-2055 DouvilleiaJ,bellsouth.net 7. Dry, Larry & Wanda 1868 No Name Drive No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-1953 drdrvtniaJ,aoLcom wonding(a),aol.com 8. Gato, Jeannette 1909 Bahia Shores Road No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 864-0945 Jfgato@msn.com 9. Harlacher, Tony & Liz 1921 Bahia Shores Road No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-0644 (570) 424-737 twoturtlestandl@bellsouth.com 10. Press, Michael & Ann Spanish Channel Drive No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-7550 (321) 213-2654 michaelpress@hotmail.com 11. Putney, Mick & Alicia 2150 No Name Drive No Name Key, FL (305) 872-8888 micalnnk@aoLcom 12. Scanlon, Bob & Jan 1845 No Name Drive No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-8845 thescanlonsiaJ,hotmail.com -4- 13. Wernsen, Hans & Corry 1910 No Name Drive No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-3141 hamericor@ao!.com 14. Witter, Tom & Susan 2046 Bahia Shores Road No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 515-2082 (607) 967-8028 SHW42(@,ao!.com 15. Zeman, Larry 1933 Bahia Shores Road No Name Key, FL 33043 (305) 872-1173 Attachments: . August 2, 1996 Letter to Mr. Dale Finigin, Director of Engineering, Utility Board of Key West from Monroe County Administrator James Roberts stating the adopted Monroe County 2010 Plan as adopted has policies which are not in support of the extension of electrical service to No Name Key . . May 13, 1998 Letter of Understanding for the Electrification of No Name Key to Mr. Frank Greeman from Monroe County Planning Director Timothy McGarry, 7 pages. . . June II, 1999 Letter of Denial of the Administrative Appeal by the No Name Key Taxpayers for Electricity to Mr. Frank Greeman from Mrs. Judith Chambers, 2 pages. The eight (8) page Planning Commission Resolution No. P17-99 is a part of this document, 10 pages. . December 21, 1999 Letter to Mr. Frank Greenman from the Monroe County Planning Director Marlene . Conaway stating the Planning Department cannot support or recommend a text amendment to the 20 I 0 Comprehensive Plan to allow electrification of No Name Key, 2 pages. .Composite Attachment: Twenty-three (23) letters in opposition to Agenda Item M-3. Ten (10) are from No Name Key homeowners and represent eight (8) households. Twelve (12) are from Keys-wide homeowners. And, one (I) is from a Keys-wide organi711tion, Florida Keys Green Living and Energy Education (GLEE). -5- .,,--- ._'-'--~'--""--'~--~ - , County of Monroe Dl....J_n_ ~ - ......a1""-.~ - :rl!Il_HlPwa) ........_DilI. ) _4llO ........T_ao..,"-DilI.2 ...-._ lmo C_llJI" ~"""'IIIhlIy...1 Y_(lG3)~ ^- . . f......... Gis. 4 PAX, (lOS)2IN5l6 I"-:.-~ ...., ICIf ..... DilL 5 CERTIFIED MAlL RECEIPT /I Z 200 004 171 December 21, 1999 , Mr. FtIIIlk Oreoalmon, &q. o-lUIlIMAmz StoO Owneao Hiahway Suite 40 Marathon, FL 330S0 RE.. Text ~_t '" IIlh1w .llCtrfI/c1JIiDn 01 No N_ 1(., Dear Mr. Greoamon: This ~ is in respo_Ul our II\eeliQa with you and Mr. EabD on Deoembet 7, 1999. AI)'OII win nocall, Ibis lnOCliDJ - held Ul di...... the I'Iamliaa Departmenl'. posilion on a poaIbIe X!!! 2010 Comprehensive Pic IIIICndmcal \0 allow for the CXICllSiDll of electrical servic:e 10 No N_ Key, The idea of. COlIIpIehensiv. plan amendment WII pRlposod by your c1ioms as . Jll*ible way 10 settle the suil your cli_ have broughl llpinst Monroe COUllty and City EIcclric Systam. We apprcc:ill\c the (ill of CompMcnai.. Plan policieo you 8IIbmittcd at Ibis m..w., _ justification for your client's position. The s1all' and 1 have had a cIJanc:e 10 nMcw tbo ComprdlCllSive Pic policies related 10 Ibis mailer. and we tlnd that we would IIllt be able 10 !lUJlpOrI a l:OIIIpIehensi.. plan amendmem which -.ld allow electricity 10 be extended \0 No Name Key. Part of our rationole lOr Ibis decision i. that lbcre IIlC simply too _y policlu in the Com)l1'Chcllsive Plan which would be in conllicl with an amendmenl of Ibis na\1n. AIJowiaa tbo proposed omcndmcnl would require these other policies 10 be mnended 10 a point that could be in conflicl with _ stalu\c3. 2 f. d-- -.~. --~-,--- _.~.-. .-_.. ~- .._-"- - \ '" . Mr,.... o..-..llI4- .... nrb.21. 1M "-'2 COIIIClIuemly. the PI-ma ~ would nlIpIlCt(uJly decline lD recGIIIIDlllI4 . _ ~I to the Year 2010 eom.........e PIIUI whicII wollkl alter oxlstiDg polla III U 10 IIIow few the r:- loloD of ~ IOI'Iice to No NIDle Key. ShouIcI you bavc .y MdiIiU q."""-. pIuK feel tiee 10 CODlIeI the P111lDiDa Sla<< or 1Il)'lOlt 1II (305) 219.2500. Tbook You. ~. ;( /fP.k,u tJ-"7 Ie. .,... ec-w.y l'IIDDiDt ~ cc: Timothy J. MeOwry, A1CP; Director otGnlwth t.f.~t K-. Cthon.',Ilaq.; Morpo IIld Hendrict KiIIlber1y OllRDo ~Ye PIInDIaa MMrpr a.d M.dowa. A1CP; SelliGr C " .......... "'- Pile . 2 -^'.-.~-_.,._----", .- . '~ C ol!~ of ~L~~~9.E e...AIIl OF COUNTY g)IIMlS~1 MAVOIt,_llouJlfOSf<_. _ProT.....JaCIlLDnllOn.llIstncr. -_.-, SI1II1Oy......,...llIm1Ct. Mart..., .IICI\_~ Monroe County Planning Ct: f.(fJl1f 2798 Overseas Hwy g~ Suite 410 Marathon, Florida 33050 May 13. 1998 Franklin Greenman t:"J~1 h. Ak~ - Rt.J Greenman &. Man'& . c. }...... "$1... Gulfside Village. Suite 40 \-,1.. . -.. /i. Ill,'!~ ."'~' 5BOO Overseas Highway MAY I 4 190,-8' .~. Marathon, FL 33050 p"< RE, Letter of understanding for the electrification of No Name Key Dear Frank: Pursuant to Sec. 9.5-43 of the Monroe Count v Code. ~ndeQ.1 this document shall constitute a letter of understanding. On March 25. 1998, a pre-application conference regarding th.. ahove-referenced project was held in the Marathon Planning De. partment office. Attendees of the mee1:ing inoluded Franklin Greenman, Richard Melahi. Ernest a.nd Barbara Damon, Tracy Bookenhauer, Terry and . - Pam Morrison. Joe and Oira Juhasz. Aldone and Bernard Siezak, Harry and Janet W'allis and Francisco P1chel thereafter referred to as lithe applicant. ) , Elizabeth Trotter, Court Reporter, and Antonia Gerli. Development Review Coordinator (hereafter re- ferred to as ftthe Planning 8taff") . The applicant is proposing to provide electricity to the resi- dents of No Name Key. The Planning Department finds that the proposal is inconsistent with both chapters 163 and 380 of the Florida Statutes and the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan. Pertinent facts related to this issue are listed below, The intent of chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes is. in part I to cause lOcal governments to encourage appropriate use of land, water I and resources. consistent with the public interest i and deal effectively with future problems that ....y resule from the use and development of land within their jurisdictions. PRNONAME/TXTDR Page 1 e Pd-- "--.-- _...__.._._.,,~^_ '._m~ . Through the proce.. of comprehensive planning, it is inten4ed that unit s of local government can pre..rve. promote. protect and improve the public health, safety, comfort, good order, ap- pearance, convenience. law enforcement and fire prevention, an4 general welfare; prevent overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of populat ion. . . and conserve, develop, ut.ilize, and protect natural resources within their jurisdictions. Chapter 380 of the Florida Statutes designates the Florida Keye as an area of critical state concern in part in order to protect the natural resources and environment. conserve and promote the community character. and establish a land uae management syet-em that promotes orderly and balanced growth in accordance with the capacity of available and planned public utilities And services. Chapter 38Q lists twelve principles for guiding development with which all local regulations and programs in the Florida keys must be consistent. Relevant ~o your p~oposal are the following principles: To protect shoreline and marine resources, including man- groves, coral reef formations, wetlanda, fish and wildlife and their habitats; To protect upland resources. tropical biological communi- ties, freshwater wetlands, rtaCive tropical vegetation, dune ridges and beaches, wildlife and their habitat, To ensure maximurn well-being of the Florida Keys and its citizens through sound economic development; To 1 imit adverse im.pact.a of development on the quali ty of water throughout the Florida Keys; To enhance natural scenic resources r pr01\\Ot.e the aesthetic benefits of the- natural environment and eDBure that develop- ment is compatible with the unique historic character of the Florid keys; To protect the value, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and amortized life of existing and proposed major public invest- ments including City Electric service; TO protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citi- zens of the Florida Keys and maintain the Florida Keys as a unique Florida resource. The Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan has been found to be consistent with both Chapters 163 and 380 of the florida Stat- utes. lis you know, the thrust of both state planning law and the Monroe count.y Year 2010 comprehend ve plan is to direct growth toward exist.ing developed area. and to discourage growth in areas that are environmentally 8onsit.ive and/or areas that continue to be in their natural state. Psge 2 PRNONlIMll/TXTOR , . The majority of the acreage on 110 lIame ltey relllaina uncl.evelcped in its nati"e state. No cOllllllercial development exists on the island and the limited industrial uses are in the proce.s of being phased out in accordance with settlement agreements with the Florida Department of community Affairs. Residential devel- opment is sparse with the concentration of homes being located within three subdivisions. No Name Key is unique, not only because it lacks electrical con- nections, but also because it is remote from US 1, is located entirely within a !lational Wildlife Refuge and almost entirely within the Coa..tal Barrier Resource System (CBRS). Refuge and CBRS status were necessitated by the need to reduce the exposure of residents to natural hazards and to reduce adverse impacts on endangered species. The proposed project 1s inconsistent with the followin9 goals, objectives and policies of the comprehensive plan: GOAL 101 Monroe County shall manage future growth to enhance the quality of life, ensure the safety of County reeidents and visi- tors and protect valuable natural resources. Objective 101.11 Monroe Count.y shall implement measures to direct future growth away from environmentally sensitive land and toward established development areas served by ex- isting public facilities. GOl\L 1.02 Monroe county shall direct future growth to lands which are intrinsically most suitable for development and shall encourage conservat.ion and protection of environmentally sensi- tive lands. objective 102,8.1 Monroe county shall talee actions to dis- courage private development in areas designated as uni ts of the coastal Barrier Resource System. Policy 102,8.1 Monroe County shall discourage develop- ments which sre proposed in units of the Coastal Barri- er Resource System (CBRS) by methods including, but not limited to, negative point.s in the permit allocat.ions and pOint system. POlicy 102.8.5 upon adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall initiate efforts to discour- age the extension of facilities and services provided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private pro- viders of electricity and telephone service to CBRS unit.s... . Objective 102.9 Monroe County shall complete and implement a cooperative land management program for private and county- owned lands located within and adjacent to parks and conser- Page ) PRNONAME/TXTDR vat ion landa which are owned by the state and federal govern- ments in the Florida Keys. Policy 102.9.1 Monroe county ahall discourage develop- ments which are proposed within Conservation Land Pro- tection Areas by methods including, but not limited to, negative points in the permit allocation and poine sys- tem. Policy 102.9.3 ... Conservation lands for which a Con- servation protection Area shall be designated include the following: 1. Fort Jefferson National Monument 2. National Key Deer Refuge.... GOAL 103 Monroe County shall implement regulations and programs to address the special environmental protection and/or traffic circulation needs of those areas of Big Pine Key.... Objective 103.1 Monroe County shall regulate future develop- ment and coordinate the provision of public facilities on Big Pine Key and No Harne XeYI consist.ent with t.he Goals, Objectives and policies of this Comprehensive plan, in order to: (a) protect the Key deer; (bl preserve and enhance the habitat of the Key deer; (c) limit the number of additional vehicular trips from other island. to Big pine Key; (d) maintain the rural, suburban, and open space character of Big pine Key; (e) prevent" &nd reduce adverse secondary and cumulative impacts on Key deer. policy 103.1.1 The purpose of this policy is to insure the long-term viability of the Key deer by directing development a.way from. those areas necessary to protect the Key deer habitat from the impacts of development. it is recognbed that the viability of the endangered Key deer depends on the control of both direct (prima- ry) and indirect (secondary) impacts resulting from development. . . . Policy 103.1.10 Upon adoption of the comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall require that the following analyses be undertaken prior to finalizing plans for the Siting of any new public facilities or the signifi- cant expansion of existing public facilities required to support development on 8ig pine Key and No Name Key: 1. assessment of needs; 2. evaluation of alternative sites and design alterna- tives for the selected site; and page 4 PRNONIlME/TXTDR J . assessment of impacts on surrounding land uses and natural resources. The ae8eo.ment of impaces on surrounding land uses and natural resources will evaluate che extent to whicb the proposed public facility involves public expenditures in the coastal high ha&ard area and within environmen- tally sensitive areas, including disturbed salt marsh and buttonwood wetlands, undisturbed beach/ berm areas, units of the Coastal barrier resource System, undis- turbed uplands, habitats of species considered to be threatened or endangered by the state and/or federal governments~ offshore islands, and .Conservation Land Protection Areas. Monroe County shall require that public facilities be developed consistent with the cri- teria described in Policy 101.1.1 and ehall support whenever possible the location of public facilities off of Big pine Key and Ko Kame Key. GOAL 207 Monroe County shall protect and conserve existing wild- life and wildlife habitats. Objective 207.7 Monroe County shall implement activities to prohibit the destruction of the federally-designated Key deer and to protect its habitat. Policy 207.7.1 Monroe County shall regulate future development and coordinate the provision of public fa- cilit.ies on Big Pine Key and No Name Key, consis,tent with the goals, objectives and policies of this COmpre- hensive Plan and in order to: 1) p%"otect the Key deer; 2) preserve and enhance the habitat of the Key Deer; and 3) maintain the rural, suburban, and open space charac- teristics of Big Pine Key. GOAL 209 Monroe County shall discourage private land uses on its mainland, offshore islands and undeveloped coastal barriers, and shall protect existing conservation lands from adverse impacts associated with private land uses on adjoining lands. Objective 209.3 Monroe County shall take immediate actions to discourage privats development in areas designated as units of the Coastal Barrier Resource System. GOAL 215 Monroe County shall provide the necessary services and infrastructure to support existing and new development. proposed by the Future land Use Element while lill1iting public expendi- tures which result in the loss of or adverse impacts to environ- mental resources in the Coastal ZOne. Page 5 PRNONAME/TXTOR "- .. . J 4 1997 Monroe county shall ini- Object1ve 215.2 By anua~ ~ lor~tion of feaaible alterna~ ~~:~: p~rf':.':1i':.~ic~f r~lic "facilities and infrastif~ture which will result in the 1088 of or damage to sign. cant coas~al or natural resources, including, but not. 11m1ted i to wilderness ar:ea., wildlife habitats, and nat:.ural veget:..t: VI!! eommunit1es. Policy 215.2.1 By Jsnuary 4, 1997, Monroe County shall adopt land Development regulations which require consid- eration of feasible design alternatives for new publ1c facilities and infrastructure proposed within the coast- al zone in order to minimize adverse 1m pacta to natu- ral resources. GOAL 1301 Monroe County shall promote and encourage intergovernmental coordination between the County, the muni?i- palities of Key West. Key Colony Beach and Layton; the Countles of Oade and Collier; regional. state and federal governments and private entit.ies in order to anticipate and resolve present and future concerns and conflicts. Objectivs 1301.7 Monroe county shall implement mechanisms to identify and resolve intsrgovernmental coordination needs pertaining to environmental issues and natural resource pro- tection. Policy 1301.7.12 By January 4, 1997, Monroe County shall initiate discussions with the FKAA and providers of electricity and telephone service to assess the mea- sures which could be taken to discourage or prohibit extension of facilities and services to Coastal Barrier Resource Systems units. Taken collectively, the goals, objectives and policies of the Monroe County year 2010 comprehensive plan attest to the Coun- ty's position that all development, including electrification, must be discouraged on No Name Key. In support of this posi- tion' the County, as well as state and federal authorities, have expended (and continue to expend) considerable funds on the pur- chase of lands on No Name Key in al) effort to ensure that the primary and secondary impacts of development will not occur on the island. Pursuant to Sec. 9.5"43 of the Monroe Countv Land Develonm@nt. Reaulat.ionsf you are entitled to rely upon the representations set forth in this letter of understanding as accurate under the regulations currently in effect. However, the Planning Depart- ment acknowledges that all items required as part of the applica- tion for development approval may not have been addressed at the March 25, 1998, meeting, and consequently reserves the right for additional departmental comment. Page 6 PRNONAME/TXTDR " , Ife trust that this information is of a..istance. If you hay. any quutions regarding tile contents of this letter, or if we may further asaist you with your project, please feel free. to contact our oftices (305) 289-2500. TJM/ag ee: James Roberta, County Admini.trator Larry Thompson, General Manager, City Electric System Richard Grosso Robert L. Herman, Direc~or of Growth Management Antonia Gerli, AICP. Development Review Coordinator Page 7 PRNONAHE:/TXTDR BOA.ROOF COUNT\' COMMISSIONERS OUNTY ~ONROE MA.YOR Will1elminaH_y.Districll KEY WEST FlOIlQA 31040 Mayo< Pro Tern Shirley f.......... Disl",,1 .1 Georse NeugenL Dill"'" 2 NonI WUliamo, DiSlriot 4 Miry Kay Reith. District S Planning Department. Suite 410 ~ 2798 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050-2227 , 305-289-2500 -'I ",.1 t ~,- June 22, 1999 Frank Greenman, Bsquire Gulfside Village, Suite 40 5800 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 RI!, Administrative Jlppeal of No Name Key Taxpayers for Electricity Dear Mr. Greenman: Enclosed is a copy of Resolution P17-99 from the Planning Commission Hearing of February 3, 1999, at which time the Commission denied the application of "Taxpayers for Electricity" for an appeal of Growth Management Division's denial of a request to allow electricity to be supplied to property described herein. This Resolution was signed by the Chair on J'une 16, 1999. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes snd Monroe County Board of County Commis.ioners' Resolution #].31-1992 appellants must provide a verbatim transcript of the hearing b..fore the Planning COINIIis..ion within 30 days lapproximately July 19, 1999, in this case I of the written decision of the Planning eo...ission. The verbatim tranacript of the hearing shall be prepared by a court reporter at the appellant's expense and will be filed ss a part of the record on appeal. A transcript made from recordings or other secondary means, does not: provide a sufficiently accurate record of all the speakers. Therefore, such It secondary" transcripts may not be accepted as a valid verbatim transc~ipt. ANONAME.07/TXTDR/98044 fa- .--- Appeals of Planning Commission decisions, timely filed, will go before a hearing officer in the manner provided by Monroe County Code, Section 9.5-535. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please do not esitate to call me at Z89-Z5Z2. ~ Coordinator CERTIFIED MAIL Enclosure copy: Alicia Putney ANONAME.07/TXTDR/98044 RESOLUTION NO. PiT.SS A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION DENYING THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL BY THE TAXPAYERS FOR THE ELECTRIFICATION OF NO NAME KEY. INC., THEREBY UPHOLDING THE POSITION OF THE COUNTY AS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE PLANNING IN A LEITER OF UNDERSTANDING. DATED MAY 13. 1998, WHICH STATES THAT THE PLACEMENT OF ELECTRICAL POWER LINES TO NO NAME KEY WOULD BE INCONSISTENT WITH CHAPTERS 163 AND 380 OF FLORIDA STATUES, AS WELL AS WITH THE MONROE COUNTY YEAR 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. WHEREAS, Section 9.5-43, Monroe County Code (MCC), states an applicant for development approval may request a pre-appllcation conference Wilh the development review coordinator to acquaint the participants with the requirements of these [Monroe County Codel regulations and the ViewS and concerns of the county; and WHEREAS, on January 20, 1998, some owners of properly on No Name Key, known as "Taxpayers for Electricity", requested a pre-application conference in order to, according to the application, discuss a develot;ment proposal for ',he installation of electrical service transmission lines from Big ine Key to No Name Key to provide eleclrical service to the already permitted and buill single family homes on No Name Key"; and WHEREAS, on March 25, 1 998, a pre-application conference was held with the Monroe County planning department's development review coordinator, the attorney for the applicant. the court reporter for the applicant. and several No Name Key homeowners and property owners; and WHEREAS, Section 9.5-43, MCC, states thal after a pre-application conference, the applicant receives a "letter of understanding" :?ned by the director of planning that sets forth the issues raised at the conference a states the county's position in regard to those issues; and WHEREAS, Timothy J. MeGa'?;, AICP, Director of Planning for Monroe County, signed such a Iettef on May 13, 998, COlICilKIIlll' that the ~posed development is inconsistent with both Ch~telS 163 and 3 of the FI Statutes and with the Monroe County Year 2010 omprehensive Plan and shoukltherefore, be discoul'llged; and WHEREAS, Section 9.5-521, MCC, aUows affected p= 0WI'1e1S to appeal any order, declsion, determination or interpretation by any mfnlStrative official within 30 days of such action; and WHEREAS, on June 9, 1998, the Planning Department received pa~t for an adminialnllNe appeal of the letter of under8tandlng from the Taxpayers r Eleotril:ily, referred to as the appellants heraafter. and WHEREAS, a &ubllc healing before the PIannlng Commission was noticed for December 1,19 8; and WHEREAS, on November 16, 1998, the Plannlng ~rtment received the rest of the applicatIon 10r the appeal containing the written bUls or the appeal; and WHEREAS, the Planning Department ane~ the requested ~aland prepared a staff report and packat to the Planning Commission dated ovember 23, 1998, recommending that the appeal be denied; and WHEREAS, the Plannll: Commission conducted public hearings on December 1, 1996 and on February 3, 199 ; and WHEREAS. the appeUants provided testimony and evidence alon9 with arguments made by their attorney, Mr. Frank Greenman, Esq.; and WHEREAS, No Name Key Property Owneni =nst Commercial Power (represented by Ms. Alicia Putney and her attorney, Mr. R ard Grosso, Esq. in absenlla) were lI:ntad legal standing on the basis that these residents are third party beneficiaries of t decision under appeal; and WHEREAS, No Name Key Property Ownets Against Commercial Power provided testimony and evidence a~ with arguments made by Ms. AlIcia Putney and her attorney, Mr. Richard Grosso, sq. in absentia. WHEREAS, Ms. Debra Harrison of World Wildlife Fund, was tendered as a ~lanner and an expert witness on FloI1da Key$land use. the Rate of Growth Ordinance ( 0(0) and the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan and provided testimony In support of No Name Key Property Owners Against Commercial Power. and WHEREAS, the Planning Department staff presented evidence and provided expert testimony; and WHEREAS, the ~ Commission, after carefully considering all of the evidence and testimony s by the appellants, the Planning Del:rtmenl staff, No Name '.. Key Property Owners Against Commercial Power, Ms. Debra rriaon and members of the public at the public hearl~, as well _the ~ of their attorney, Mr. Garth Coller, Esq., hereby makes the IIowIng FINDINGS OF FACT: 1.) Baaed on the testimony of the P~ Depa/1ment sIIllf, the issue of the public hearing was whether the May 13, 998. Ietler of understanding accurataly concluded thet, based on the requllementB of Ch= 163 and 380, Florida Statutes, and based on the Monroe = Year fO Plan, the placement of e/ec:trfcal power lines on No Name Key be discouraged. 2.) As a matter of law, it Is the ~1Ianl's burden to provide evidence and 188timony that the conclusion Ill8Ched the letter of undeistandlng Is Inaccurate .nd th8t Inatead, the 2010 Plan does not dI8courage the provision of infn18lruclunt on No Name Key and in particular. the provialon of comriIetciaI electrical power. ' Ptp20fl ~~~i~~;i.- .. ,-:;.'.~>"~~:'~$~~~ 3.) P_nt to S8clIon 163,3194, FIolfda smtutes, devel=~ .:t:. '0: 9::= Ia consIcIered conelAInI wiIIl Ita comp ~ end the ~ danlnplllllllt Ia ~ and t\lrlIlenl the go8la, obj8cIIVea and lIfthe ~... P , 4.) As a matIIlr of law, the Planning ~ ClClIlIldenId the origlnal development =881 and the ~ baaed 01\ overaU gllllll. obj8cIIVea 8nd pollctea oflhe I'IllI County Y_r 2010 CocnpIwhenelve Plan, Also," a matIIlr C!f II!W, when reviewing oonaIate:t with the ~ plan. the pia, objecliveB and pdlllles mull! be con eNd .. a . .n RlIlI8d on the taallmony [l!.!I9ntad by the PIa~ Depertmllnt alaff end by Ms, - . ~ --- Ah tk.. who . s8eklI to limit lnc:nsealng '" -_.._... 1.... 3.) Purauentto SectIon 163,3194, FIoIfda staMlIs, d.~.tapment appRlYlId ~ loclIl === Is conelcleted coneIaIent wllh III co..lpIllhenaNe ~ the ment and the = of the deWllopmentls ~ and futtI1e!8 the QOII/a, objeclivell and k:lea of the CCI<III'ftIhenslwl an. 4.) As a mallar of law, tha Planning ~ COIlIldenId the original development Mroposal and tha appeal ba8ed on overaA goats, objectivea and policies of the onroe County Year 2010 Co/npl8hentlve Plan. Also, aa a rnaII8r of l8w, when reviewing c:onsIat8n~ the ~nsMt plan, the goats, objecllYea and policies must be con as a wh . 5.) Based on the l8alImony gresented by the ~ Depertmant staff end by Ms. Debra Hanison, the 2 10 Plan, on the , __ to Ilmll lnc:raaaing development ~\8 of VlIClII\t ~ owners thIOughoulthe County, in part becaulI8 developments all1llldy by Monroe CoUnty hew exceeded the ca~ capacity for _hole water .JU81l1y of the ~. as reflecllld in part by the ni8trlltlve Hearing 0I'lIcer'a Fl ReComme Order. e.) Baaed on the teatimony of the P1amlng Department staff~ Debra Harri80n and No Name Key Property 0wneIs AQlilnal Commercial the 2010 Plan contalns additional measures in III 9081a, objec:Ilves and poIlclea to specifically ensure thai delIeIopment and the eXpectatiori of devetopment Is dllectsd away from c:riticaI areas Within the MonRle County. No Name ~... tha carryiI'll/ :,:city of the Key Deer has also been exoeected, II In part by tha miniatratlve Hearing Office... FInal Order, Is one of thoee spticIflc areas according to tha testimony and evidence pteSIII1\ed b~ the Planning Depertment staff, MS. Debra Harrison and No Name Key roperty Ownen Against Commercial Power, 7.) The measures contained in the PI8n that enaura thai cMNeIopmenI and thallhe expectallon of davefotln1l!nlls dil1lClad ~ from No Name Key faR In thl8ll areas as Cited by the Planning Oepa~ 1, Discourage public and privale . and Ilmll ~ expedatlons in the Coastal Barrier ReeouR:es Syatam ObjacIiw 1 .8, Policy 102.8.1, Policy 102.8.5, Goa120S; and 2, OIscOu::c development thai would adveJ8ely m environmenlaUy sensitive nda: P~ 209.3, Gelat101, Objective 101. . Goal 102, ~ 1(\2,9, Policy 102,9. , Goal 215, 0bjec:IMi 215.2, Policy 215.2.1, Objecl/vl!. 1301,7, P~301.7.12; and ' 3. Oiacourage 5'* woukIlIllve~ i"ll:acttl8 endangel8ll ~ Deer. Goal 103. 0 ' 103.1, Policy 103. ,1, oIlc:y 103.1.10, Goal 20 , Objecllve 207.7, 207.7.1, 8,) ~ the expert IHtImony of Me. Debra H8ni80n, infnIatrucIure avalIIbilIty is otten basllI for oMlIfng to _ landowner the 5: ltIat he may develop. Baaed oolhe l8alImony of Ms. Debra Halrison, infrBlItruclure is a widely utlIized mecheniam tor mIlIIIgilg J'8h': poIentlal and the basis for the concurrency /IlIIIIlII18III requinlments Chapter 183, Florida S1atutes. g,) ~ to the lestmlny of lhe No Name Key PTof:le!ty 0wnet8 AgaInat Call.._lltal Powllr, limiting I1lfI8aIruc:Iur Is a widely uaed Growth ~ tooIlIIiIized by 8Il1ocal == in Florida and by 8/1 JeveIs of cn::= ~n 8ddItlon, they tealIlied ills JlIecl8ely lhiIlllOl U1et fa Ula beIla Ula ~ on cIeVeIoprrient under the Jill iadlcIfon or the COII8tal Barrier R_ PIp 3 orB ~ 10.) Policy 1301.7.12 of the 2010 Plan specifically requires that Monroe County assess measures, which could be taken to discoura~ or prohibit extension of facililles to areas within the Coastal Barrier Resource ystem (CBRS). In addillon, Policy 102,8.5 of the comprehensive plan requires that Monroe County initiate efforts to discourage the extension of facilttles and services provided by private providers of electricity to CBRS units. 11.) According to the Planning Department staff and as aiso evidenced in Department of Interior and FEMA maps submitted by No Name Key Property Owners Against Commercial Power, most of No Name Key, including areas to which appellants desire commercial electricity, is within Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) FL-50 and therefore, has been under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) and the Coastal Barner Improvement Act (CBIA) since October 24, 1990, 12.) While the appellants argued that the Coastal Barrier Resources Act does not apply to them, they did not provide any evidence of this. 13.) While the appellants argue that Chapter 366, Florida Statutes, contains language that requires Monroe County to allow for the provision of electricity, we find that the language is specific only to the providers of electricity and not to Monroe County. In addition, the language places no burden on local governments nor does it negate the requirements of the County's comprehensive plan. 14.) The appellants argued that the Monroe County Building Code's requirement to wire their homes with 110 VAC (volts altemating current) and the installation of a weather head suggests that commercial electriCity is going to be provided. 15.) Instead, we agree with the rosition espoused br. the No Name Key Property Owners Against Commercia Power and the Panning Department staff that Monroe County's Electrical Codes are standard electric codes based on the need for fire prevention and that they are necessary even for solar powered homes which require 110 VAC wirln9 to run 110 VAC appliances such as full sized refrigerators, washers and dryers, televisions, computers and power tools that are used successfully in many of No Name Key's solar powered homes. 16.) Merely requiring all homes to provide for electrical service does not obligate the County to approve the extension of commercial electricity to No Name Key. As a -... mailer of law, prior actions and services provided by Monroe County or any other agency do not qbligate Monroe County to provide electricity. In addition, information provided in the packet demonstrates that the Planning Department has consistently indicated that provision of commercial electricity would violate the 2010 Plan. 17.) The appellants argued that the Coun~'s Permit Allocation System for residential development, or the Rate of Growth rdinance (ROGO), in combination with the duties of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Netional Marine Sanctuary, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, Florida Department of commun~ Affairs, United Stales Fish and Wildlife Service, Unlled States Army Corps of ngineers, prohibited any future development on No Name Key. The appellants indicated that the planning director's tesllmony supports this argument. . Page4of8 18.) Instead, however, we find that the Permit Allocations System for residential development, or the ROGO, was specifically crafted to ensure that development was not prohibited and that opportunities for successful competition were made available to all property owners. In addition, the appellants provided no evidence of such governmental regulation. by any of the aforementioned agencies prohibiting development on No Name Key. 19.) The appellants argue that the lack of commercial power on No Name Key diminished the value of the appellanfs homes. Additionally, the appellants testified there is no market for solar homes. However, at the time that all appellants moved to No Name Key, the island had no commercial power, In addition, according to Exhibit A, tendered by No Name Key Property Owners Against Commercial Power, a majority of the appellants either moved to or built their homes on No Name Key within the last four years. 20.) We find that the testimony regarding cost, health risk or potential environmental degradation do not address or negate the 2010 Plan's current requirements nor provides evidence that the conclusion reached in the letter of understanding was inaccurate. 21.) We concur with No Name Key Property Owners Against Commercial Power's arguments that sustainable developments that utilize alternative energy sources are a more appropriate form of development which aligns particularly well with the Refuge settin~, the unique character of No Name Key and the goals, objectives and policies 0 the County's Year 2010 Land Use Plan and should be encouraged by local governments. In addition, such developments fit in with Chapter 380, Florida StaMas, which rec09nizes the need to move away from reliance on non- renewable resources and that solar powered homes with cistems should be encouraged, not diminished. 22.) No Name Key Property Owners Against Commercial Power and members of the public testified that they moved to the island for the allernative lifestyle it offers and that commercial power would adversely affect that lifestyle which can only be found on No Name Key. They also argued that they had the most to lose in the decision because of this, adding that many of them would not have bought or buill homes on No Name Key if commercially supplied power had existed on the island. 23.) No Name Key Property Owners A~ainst Commercial Power testified that they enjoh living a life of conservation 10 solar powered homes and had buill and purc aSed their homes on the island to practice it, that the shared life style had encouraged a close knit community and a sense of place. 24.) Planning Department staff, No Name KeJ Property Owners Against Commercial Power and members of the public testifie that the existing development patterns, along with the minimal infrastructure, which lack both commercially supplied electrical power and aqueduct supplied water, along with the rural selling and public ownership of the lands in the National Key Deer Refuge makes the character of No Name Key unique not only from a local perspective, but from a national perspective, making the island a national treasure as well. r Page S of8 _.- 25.) We find that as a matter of law, it is within the police ,Power .of Monroe County to pass rules and regulations to protect areas With umque character and circumstances. 26.) As indicated by the 2010 Plan and based on the testimony of residents from the island, No Name Key is a unique island in that It lies wKhin a National Key Deer Refuge. Large expanses of undisturbed native lands contain sensKive habitats that are critical to many endangered plant and animal species, including the Key Deer and provide a rural setting for the homes on the island. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission hereby makes the following CONCLUSIONS OF LAW: 1. The appellants have failed to meet their burden of proof by showing that the Planning Department reached the wrong conclusion in their letter of understanding. 2. The appellants have failed to meet their burden of proof by providing competent and substantial evidence that contradicted the May 13, 1998, letter of understanding or the conclusion reached therein. Appellants testimony regardinll cost. potential health risks and potential environmental degradation was insuffiCient or irrelevant given that it is the duty of this Board to make decisions based on the applicable laws and regulations of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Regulations. 3. Monroe County has consistentiy held, beginning prior to the adoption of the 1986 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and increaSing~ so with the adoption of the 2010 Plan, that future growth and the expectation to evelop must be directed away from No Name Key. 4. Infrastructure availability will increase the development expectations of the owners of vacant land. The com~rehensive plan specifically directs Monroe Coun':Y. to assess measures that can e taken to discourage or prohibit extension of facilities to No Name Key. Therefore, sup~orting such an action through the approval of this appeal would be a County action t at is inconsistent with the 2010 Plan, 5, Planning Department staff, No Name Key Properly Owners Against Commercial Power, Ms. Debra Harrison, the appellants and members of the public provided compelling testimony and evidence indicating that the extension of commercial electricKy to No Name Key would be yet an additional Coun~ action that would increase the development expectations of properly owners 0 vacant lots on an island where the County is mandated by the comprehensive plan to decrease them. 6, The Planning Department accurate~ interpreted the overall goals of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Ian in Its letter of understanding of May 13, 1998, when K concluded that extension of electrical transmission lines to No Name Key must be discouraged. The letter of understanding is an accurate interpretation of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan. There was no compelling evidence presented by the apfellant to conlradictthat interpretation. Increasing the development expectations 0 vacant lot owners on No Name Key would be inconSistent wKh the overall objectives of the comprehensive plan, 7, Testimony regarding the benefits of solar powered homes over generator powered Page 6 of8 home as an alternative energy source wa.s com~lIing, b~t not relev!'nt. All the reasons appellants gave regarding potential nBflatlve environmental Impacts and otentlal health and safe~ concerns resulting rom Monroe County nC?t allC;>Wlng ~mmerclal power to No ame Key are a direct result of the ap~ellants ch~lce to use generated power rather than solar power. In addillon, the testimony prOVided at the hearing suggests that lifestyles that rely on altem.ative ,:nergy sou.rces such as renewable resources, should be encouraged, There IS no nsk to public health and safety by limiting the extension of commercial power, given that other Viable alternatives exist. 8. It is not the direct impacts of commercially supplied kower versus the direct impacts of power supplied by fossil fuel generators on the ey Deer that are at Issue, but rather the secondary impacts associated with risk of increased development expectations and the resulting vehicular trips and loss of habitat due to increased development. 9. All of appellants moved to No Name Key with the knowiedge that commercially provided electricity was not available. These property owners have the ability to move anywhere else in the Florida Keys in order to have such a service provided to them. In contrast, other No Name Kelf property owners moved to the island expressly because of the lifestyle that is 0 ered to them there, including the fact that infrastructure is minimal and commercial electricity is absent. The community character of the Island is unique, in part, due to the lack of commercial ~ower and is a special enclave in the Florida Keys that provides a unique quality of ife that must be nurtured, protected and prolonged. 10. The testimony provided at the hearing regarding the need to protect such community character, was compelling in that granting the provision of commercial power would degrade the unique character of No Name Key' and those who chose to move to the island stand to lose a unique and worthwhile lifestyle. Appellants could move anywhere else in the Florida Keys to have commercial power, whereas, those property owners who have successfuWc and knowingly adapted to the lifestyle on ~o Name Key have no such choice, 0 Name Key Is a unique island in the FlOrida Keys and in the United States both because of its significant natural resources and its unique character. 11. There is no constitutional ri~ht to electricity, There is a valid police power basis to treat No Name Key different y than other areas in the Florida Keys due to the unique conditions of the island with the presence of sensitive habitats crillcal to a variety of endangered plant apd animal species, including the Key Deer, the expansive undeveloped areas as part of a National Key Deer Refuge, and the rural character of the developed portions of the is/and that relies on renewable altemative energy sources. II is the right of the legislature to provide different areas, which allow for different lifestyles treated differently. Page 7 of8 12. While we find that there are valid reasons for requiring that all houses must meet the standard electrical code, it may have been an oversight that No Name Keh was not exempted from the electrical code's mecifiC requirement of a roof-top weat er head. This oversight in no way provides su cient equitable or iegal basis for overriding the mandates of the Plan and the Land Development Regulations, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA that the preceding findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law support its decision to DENY the administrative appeal by the Taxpayers for the Electrification of No Name Key, Inc. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 3rd day of February, A,D. 1999. Chair Gorsuch Yes Vice-Chair Mapes Yes Commissioner Aultman NO' Commissioner Hili NO Commissioner Stuart 'Yes Resolution passed by the Plannin9 Commission of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 3rd day of February, A.D, 1999. By: ~:/~~~ lily brsuc, air Signedthis~dayof ~JNE ,1999 ANI) BY ~ Page 8 of8 , 'COUN1Y of MONROE 8OARO OF COUNTY ~SSlO hMYOA. St...... F,trIr'n"".IJq,:r.-. J ,..,. Pro rom. Jack londo-'! ~I.; -.-,.-. ICiV WEST f&.OlWM_ """vlloor-'-..,\ 1_'~-f6oIl ~~0IIIJc14 J.... L. Roberte Ftl: CO~fttr ~lftL.tre~" C I: If" 5100 Coli... ao.d 4ut;6_ ~D P~bllC "~ICe Bldg. WI", II. Stock 181and ~'.~ ~'- Key Weet. 1'101'1_ 3JOtt (305) 2'2-4441 ~ (305) 2'2-4'.. .a. UI"., """" \f.... AUOtlST 2, 1996 ~ ....~ Mr. Dale I. Plnl,.. ~f* .. Direct.or of Eftg~rl"9 utillt.y Board Of t... Clt.y 0' Key -.at. /~......~ P.O. Or_I' 6100 aey W.at. Florida 33041-'100 ~\"- Dear Me. FJnlqan. Thenk you roc your reeent !.tter in ret.renc. ~D e18ctric service at ~ .... ..Y_ Thl. appear. t.o be an o",olng 1..U8 and ana tnat he>> alt.-dy boon DefOrD tbo Board o( County COMMis.ioners on January 18, LnS. You lllhould be GWAt.e that on that. ~to. lho...: So.:.o.-.;J vi ~;Vi.Hit;y C~1..t()lMtr. ~1d.d that it wou14 not J!lu.ppf.u:t. the IiXl..liWIi!UJl 01 electrlc ....vice to 10 MDee Xey. AllO, y~ ahovlG know tnat. the .onroe rounty 2010 Ca.prehen.lve Plen a. eOopteO ne. pollcle. which are cl.arly not In support of ~uch an 9Kl*nMion at ~l~c~_< .tf.~rvic~, Pl".....!'51': 6.~ att~.;.lGhm(::;:;t~" l!;hw.ltii'tucti', , must lugqeat to you tbat. the county doe.. not 8upport Q~t.n.to" of e.leetr!c servico to Nu Name Key. l~ ..-::..~ ~.;~~ '"":'~.:< lUl"'nl';':~_' g'Wt;:5i..il.iHS1 iih,ittH~ <tv nut ta~SitE!L~"'l to Jet rnA knQw. Yety t~uly YOUts, ~--------:~ -,.j..~ i 1 -.~' --..i:..-~'.::lZ_j,:o ~ Ja_s L. RObe~ta Couney Admlni.~r.tor ,JLR: 1 j.. c(:: tJ.OCC ....~'" ,. m...~. -.'~= ... 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DiNO"O" cc: Robert ~. 1I1.._1;Q.. of O_b _......t Clsh....1laIU.1 , . • Monroe County Board of County Commissioners Meeting 09/17/2008 Key West, Florida Comments by Hallett Douville, No Name Key, Florida (305) 872-2055 <douville@bellsouth.net> Agenda Item P-2 : "A public hearing to consider a resolution supporting the proposed amendment to Policy 102 . 8 . 5 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan to facilitate central wastewater service to No Name Key. " Good afternoon Commissioners . My name is Hallett Douville; No Name Key has been my home since 1990 . I have participated in all of the issues affecting No Name Key over the years and have spoken to this Board several times this year regarding wastewater and No Name Key. I also attended the July 23rd Planning Commission meeting when this agenda item was heard. This agenda item wording states P-2 is a public hearing to consider a resolution supporting an amendment to the Comp Plan" . But, there are two separate parts to this agenda item. And, this Board is being asked to vote on BOTH parts that are, and I quote : • "A resolution of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners supporting the proposed amendment to Policy 102. 8. 5 of the Comp Plan to facilitate central wastewater service to No Name Key"; and, • "An ordinance amending policy 102. 8. 5 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan to allow the provision of central wastewater service and support utilities to developed properties located within the Coastal Barrier Resources System. " Both the Resolution and the Ordinance included in the Back- up material state what this Board decided. Quoting from the Resolution, page 1, second paragraph from the bottom and the Ordinance, bottom of page 1 : "On June 18 , 2008, the Growth Management Staff was directed by the Board of County Commissioners to amend the comprehensive plan and land development regulations tol reword the prohibition on utilities such that the focus and priority be placed on wastewater treatment first and an discussion on electric or any other utility, other than: those required to efficiently support a central waste- water collection system, be deferred until the wastewater] goal is accomplished. " Now, I would like to read what in fact was decided upon at the July 23, 2008, Planning Commission meeting. Quoting from the Ordinance, Section 1, page 2, middle of the page . "Section I . Policy 102 . 8 . 5 of the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended to include the fol1owinc . "Monroe County shall initiate efforts tof discourage the extension of facilities and services rovided by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and private roviders of electricity and telephone service +tol undevelo ed CBRS units, excluding central sanitary wastewater services and those utilities required to provide central sanitary wastewater collection. and treatment . " By adding the word "undeveloped" all of the previous BOCC decisions were changed drastically. This proposed ordinance is NOT what you directed staff to accomplish; and, if passed, will open a can of worms . You might as well cut the part after the comma --- "excluding central sanitary wastewater services and those utilities required to provide central sanitary wastewater collection and treatment . " --- Developed by what standard? Developed on what date? Developed with fewer than five dwelling units per acre? Developed with no houses, but with a road? How about, developed with no houses, no road, but a fence? (2 ) Does Monroe County want to pay for central wastewater on Big Torch Key? I would think not . The intention of the BOCC—To allow the extension of commercial power to NNK if needed to provide a centralized sewage collection system would still be met if the proposed language in both the code and comp plan were amended to remove any reference to developed or undeveloped CBRS units . Please vote against this agenda item and send it back to Staff to be reworked so your goal of helping No Name Key with the Year 2010 Wastewater mandate has a chance of being met . . Thank You (3 )