PC Minutes 11/16/2010 PLANNING COMMISSION
November 16,2010
Meeting Minutes
The Planning Commission of Monroe County conducted a meeting on Tuesday, November 16,
2010, beginning at 9:14 a.m. at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway,
Marathon,Florida.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL by Gail Creech
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Randy Wall,Chairman Present
Denise Werling Present
Jeb Hale Present
James Cameron Present
Elizabeth Lustberg Present
STAFF
Townsley Schwab, Sr. Director-Planning and Environmental Resources Present
Susan Grimsley,Assistant County Attorney Present
John Wolfe,Planning Commission Counsel Present
Mike Roberts, Senior Administrator,Environmental Resources Present
Mitch Harvey, Comprehensive Plan Manager Present
Joe Haberman,Planning&Development Review Manager Present
Kathy Grasser,Planner Present
Tiffany Stankiewicz,Dev. Administrator.-Planning and Environmental Resources Present
Bryan Davisson, Senior GIS Planner Present
Gail Creech,Planning Commission Coordinator Present
COUNTY RESOLUTION 131-92 APPELLANT TO PROVIDE RECORD FOR APPEAL
County Resolution 131-92 was read into the record by John Wolfe.
SUBMISSION OF PROPERTY POSTING AFFIDAVITS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Gail Creech confirmed receipt of all necessary paperwork.
SWEARING OF COUNTY STAFF
All staff intending to speak were sworn in by John Wolfe.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda.
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MEETING
NEW ITEMS:
1.AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AMENDING TABLE 4.1 FIVE-YEAR SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS OF THE MONROE COUNTY YEAR 2010 COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF
PLANNING TO FORWARD A COPY TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE SECRETARY OF
STATE; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
(9:18 a.m.) Kathy Grasser, Planner, presented the staff report and requested the Planning
Commission to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners to adopt this amendment to
the comprehensive plan.
Chairman Wall asked for public comment. There was none.
Motion: Commissioner Werling made a motion to approve. Commissioner Hale seconded
the motion. Commissioner Lustberg asked for, and received, confirmation that the proposed
budget was in line with the comprehensive plan. There was no opposition. The motion passed
unanimously.
2.AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS ASSIGNING,AMENDING OR RATIFYING THE TIER OVERLAY
DISTRICT DESIGNATIONS FOR APPROXIMATELY NINETY TWO (92) PARCELS
COMPETING FOR BUILDING PERMITS IN THE RATE OF GROWTH ORDINANCE
(ROGO) ALLOCATION SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FINAL ORDER IN
DOAH CASE NO. 06-2449GM; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND THE SECRETARY OF
STATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
3.AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS ASSIGNING TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP DESIGNATIONS
TO APPROXIMATELY ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (112) PARCELS DETERMINED
TO HAVE NO TIER ON THE TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP FOR MONROE
COUNTY IN DOAH CASE NO. 06-2449GM WHICH PARCELS HAVE BEEN THE
SUBJECT OF AWARD OF ALLOCATION IN THE RATE OF GROWTH (ROGO)
COMPETITION OR HAVE BEEN ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS;
PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AFFAIRS AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
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4.AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS ASSIGNING TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP DESIGNATIONS
TO APPROXIMATELY TWO THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE (2,921)
PARCELS DETERMINED TO HAVE NO TIER ON THE TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT
MAP FOR MONROE COUNTY IN DOAH CASE NO. 06-2449GM; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS;
PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AFFAIRS AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
5.AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AMENDING OR RATIFYING THE TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT
DESIGNATIONS FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE HUNDRED THREE (303)
PARCELS PROPOSED FOR REVIEW BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS, STAFF OR OWNERS, WHICH PARCELS CURRENTLY HAVE
TIER DESIGNATIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND THE SECRETARY OF
STATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
(9:24 a.m.) John Wolfe described the process of how public comment would be taken at the
meeting. Mr. Wolfe swore in the members of the public wishing to speak.
PARCEL ID NO. 00186450-000000
(9:28 a.m.) Frances Dilisio, property owner, asked for, and received, confirmation that her
property is designated Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00087390-000100
(9:29 A.M.) Tom Woods appeared on behalf of the owner, Voices For Florida Keys Children,
Inc. Mr. Woods asked for, and received, confirmation that the property is designated Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00502230-000000
(9:31 a.m.) Somana Lorenzo-Lopez appeared on behalf of her father, property owner Manuel
Lorenzo, and stated that the Tier III designation is satisfactory.
PARCEL ID NO.00214980-000000
(9:32 a.m.) Property owner Emil Ourednik had explained to him his property's designation of
Tier III. Mr. Ourednik stated he is happy with the designation.
PARCEL ID NO. 00210811-011500
00210811-011400
(9:33 a.m.) Property owner Millie Donathan asked for, and received, clarification that her
property has been designated Tier III.
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PARCEL ID NO. 00117630-000300
(9:34 a.m.) Property owner Glenn Merkey asked for, and received, confirmation that her
property was designated Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00453990-000000
(9:35 a.m.) Property owner Harold Fried asked for, and received, confirmation that staff would
be recommending to the Planning Commission a change in tier designation on his property from
Tier Ito Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00210811-005200
00186250-000000
(9:36 a.m.) Property owner Douglas Rudolph asked for, and received, confirmation that his two
properties would remain Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00549650-000000
00464570-000000
(9:38 a.m.) Laura Norman appeared on behalf of property owner Elena DiMaggio. Ms.Norman
asked for,and received, verification that Ms. DiMaggio's two properties would remain Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00510440-000000
(9:40 a.m.) Juliette Riggs appeared on behalf of property owner Flat Rock Air and asked for
clarification on their tier designation. Mr. Roberts informed her the property was presently
} designated Tier III-A. Ms. Riggs was invited to speak later in the meeting to contest the
designation.
PARCEL ID NO. 00114150-000000
00114150-000400
00114090-000100
00114090-000000
(9:42 a.m.) Property owner Rudy Krause asked for, and received, confirmation that his three
parcels,and the fourth Boundry Ltd. Parcel,were recommended to be designated Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00115640-000000
(9:44 a.m.) Property owner Mary Williams had explained to her the tier designations of her
property and her neighbors' properties.
PARCEL ID NO. 002223 80-000000
00222330-000000
00222340-000000
00222350-000000
(9:48 a.m.) Property owner Duncan Kniseley asked for, and received, confirmation that his four
lots were designated Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00445830-000000
(9:50 a.m.) Property owner Miguel Cortizo was informed that his property was currently
— , designated Tier III-A,and was invited to speak later in the meeting to contest the designation.
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PARCEL ID NO. 00502070-000000
00502060-000000
(9:51 a.m.) Property owner Albert Bryan was informed that his two properties were designated
Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00141970-000000
(9:53 a.m.)Property own Harry Fiala was informed that his property was designated Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00506780-000000
(9:56 a.m.) Property owner Gary Brodkin asked for, and received, confirmation that his property
was designated Tier III.
PARCEL ID NO. 00118420-000000
(9:56 a.m.) Property owner Lloyd Good was present. Mr. Roberts explained to the
Commissioners the history of the splitting of the Sugarloaf Lodge property and confirmed that
staff is recommending the lodge area be Tier III and the native area be Tier I.
PARCEL ID NO. 00468420-000000
(9:59 a.m.) Dick Hopkins appeared on behalf of the property owner and stated they had a
building permit. Mr. Roberts explained that a recommendation of Tier III-A has been made for
this parcel, then further explained to Mr. Hopkins that since a building permit has already been
issued, there was no need to challenge that designation,as the owner may proceed with building.
Don Horton thanked staff for the Tier III designation on the Voices for Children parcel.
PARCEL ID NO. 00510450-000000
00510460-000000
(10:06 a.m.) Tim Bricker appeared on behalf of the property owner. Mr. Bricker stated that the
owners were informed the parcel had a Tier III designation when development began, and it has
now been recommended for Tier III-A. The process of approvals through which the owners
went was discussed. A site plan was submitted. Mr. Bricker explained that both a consulting
biologist and County biologist have been on the site and found the property largely overgrown
with invasive species. All infrastructure is available for this property. Tiffany Stankiewicz
stated that when the property entered ROGO it did not have a tier designation, so it was given the
most restrictive, Tier I. Mr. Roberts stated that he, nor staff, has had an opportunity to review
the environmental report. Mr. Roberts said that he will request a field review by staff and, if
appropriate, will recommend a change in designation. Ms. Stankiewicz explained the points that
the different tier designations receive in the ROGO system.
PARCEL ID NO. 00088470-000000
00088510-000000
00088520-000000
00088570-000000
00088590-000000
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(10:15 a.m.) Andy Tobin, Esq. appeared on behalf of the property owners. Mr. Tobin described
the parcels as deep lots with hammock on the front of the lots with a house on the back of the
property. Mr. Tobin reminded the Commissioners that the recommended order said parcels were
not to be split,having two zoning categories on one parcel. His clients want to be recognized as
developed infill properties.
Mr. Tobin cited the protections already afforded environmentally sensitive areas and discouraged
the Commissioners from adding another protective layer to his clients' properties and suggested
the Commissioners recommend to the Board of County Commissioners that all parcels with
development be designated Tier III. Mr. Roberts stated it is inappropriate to put large chunks of
hammock at risk simply because the parcel has a house on it.
Mr. Tobin stated that the Bennett property has an additional house on the parcel, and that all five
properties are served by roads and sewers and other infrastructure. Ms. Popp's property has five
buildings on it.
Mr. Roberts stated that staff's recommendation is for SPA on all of the lots except the Popp
property, which should be re-evaluated by staff and brought back before the Commissioners at
the next meeting. Mr. Tobin said he felt the reasoning in the recommended order dealing with
the SPA designation and central sewers in Key Largo would apply here, and then cited
Ordinance 10-2006. Commissioner Lustberg agreed with staff's recommendation.
Motion: Commissioner Werling made a motion to accept staffs recommendation in
making the four residential lots III-A and the motel parcel, ID No. 00088590-000000, Tier
III subject to verification by a field review. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion.
There was no opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO.00486920-000000
(11:07 a.m.) Andy Tobin, Esq. appeared on behalf of the property owner, Linda Popp, who was
also present. Mr. Tobin asked for an explanation of why the parcel was recommended to be Tier
III-A. Ms. Popp stated that her property is a platted lot in a neighborhood that is 85 percent
developed and some of the undeveloped parcels are in ROGO and some have been permitted.
The neighborhood contains invasive and exotic species. Mr. Roberts stated that the TDRC
recommended Tier I, but staff is recommending Tier III-A, and then explained how a Tier III-A
designation affects development of a piece of property. Mr. Roberts pointed out that the land
cover habitat map shows the majority of the property as upland hammock. Ms. Popp commented
that there is less than an acre of upland hammock and a little over two acres of low hammock salt
marsh buttonwood.
Motion: Commissioner Hale made a motion to accept staffs recommendation of a Tier
MA designation. Commissioner Cameron seconded the motion. There was no opposition.
The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00487120-000000
(11:18 a.m.) Nicholas Mulick, Esq. appeared on behalf of the property owner. A vegetation
survey by Susan Sprunt was submitted showing that the lot consists of mowed areas with
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Brazilian pepper and a couple of mahogany trees and a billboard on the property. Mr. Mulick
stated that the lot is located within a subdivision, has infrastructure with water and sewer and is
zoned IS. Mr. Mulick urged the Commissioners to consider a Tier III designation. Mr. Roberts
agreed that if the vegetation survey was accurate, it would be appropriate to call this parcel Tier
III.
Motion: Commissioner Lustberg made a motion to recommend Tier III subject to staff
verification of data presented. Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00445660-000000
00445810-000000
00445970-000000
00445980-000000
00446940-000000
00446960-000000
00447080-000000
00447450-000000
(11:34 a.m.)Andy Tobin, Esq. appeared on behalf of the property owners. Property owner Brett
Ekblom presented a vegetation survey stating that the parcel is disturbed and partially cleared.
Mr. Ekblom stated that his property is surrounded by properties that either have allocated permits
or are under construction, and that the property is in a platted subdivision with infrastructure.
Mr. Ekblom further stated that the property was Tier III at the time of purchase and it was
submitted in ROGO up to two years ago. Mr. Roberts explained that a ROGO allocation is not
something taken into consideration when determining a tier designation.
Mr. Roberts described that the change in tiers from Tier III to III-A in the Harry Harris
subdivision came about as a result of the elimination of using roads as a break in the one-acre
minimum for hammock in Tier III-A. Where the TDRC's and staff's recommendations differ in
this neighborhood is where there is more exotic and nuisance vegetation on the parcels than what
the TDRC was aware of. Staff's recommendation is consistent with the land development code
and comprehensive plan, and the policy determination is whether Harry Harris is an infill area
and whether the Planning Commission wants to designate the area as a whole.
The vegetation survey was further discussed. Chairman Wall commented on the amount of infill
in the area and the difficulty in connecting the hammock. Susan Grimsley suggested the
Commissioners listen to the other property owners in Harry Harris Park before making a
determination on individual parcels.
Property owner Dean Parkinson asked the Commissioners to consider the entire subdivision a
Tier III. Mr. Tobin reminded the Commissioners to consider that affordable housing would not
be able to be built on a Tier III-A parcel.
(12:00 p.m.) Property owner William Matilla was present. Mr. Roberts stated staff s
recommendation was Tier III.
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PARCEL ID NO. 00480640-000000
00480650-000000
(12:04 p.m.) Property owner Sharon Albury was present and gave a history of the purchase of
her two lots. Ms. Albury stated that the subdivision is an infill area and is 98 percent developed.
Ms. Albury requested the Commisioners to change her tier designation from staff s
recommendation of Tier III-A to Tier III. Mr. Roberts explained that the Tier III-A designation
stems from the fact that these parcels are adjacent to a native area and consist of intact hammock.
Mr. Roberts admitted that this falls under the policy determination whether or not a substantially
developed subdivision with infrastructure is infill area with the recognition that there will be
hammock within that. Ms. Grimsley explained the process through which the tier
recommendations continue after the Planning Commission's decision. Ms. Albury stated she
used to keep her parcels mowed, but they have since grown in. Definitions and criteria within
the code were discussed.
Motion: Commissioner Werling made a motion to change staffs recommendation from
Tier III-A to Tier III. Commissioner Cameron seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00089700-000000
(12:21 p.m.) Property owner Tom Chasteen was present and read into the record the County
biologist's report from 1989. Mr. Roberts confirmed staffs recommendation was for Tier III-A.
Ms. Grimsley recited for Mr. Chasteen the definition of"infill area." Mr. Chasteen stated that
there is not one vacant piece of property for two blocks around his property.
Mr. Chasteen put on the record his desire, and his neighbor's desire, to consider selling their
parcels to the County at fair market rate, but stated he felt it would be a poor investment for the
County for poor quality hammock. Mr. Roberts responded that the quality of the hammock is
not part of the tier designation criteria, but rather the extent of nuisance and exotic vegetation is,
and stated that this hammock does meet SPA criteria. Mr. Chasteen asked why force a property
owner to go to administrative relief if the County would not want to invest in this property. Mr.
Roberts explained the edge effect and the important value it has to the habitat quality. Zoning
and NROGO application was discussed.
Motion: Commissioner Lustberg made a motion to approve staffs and the TDRC's
recommendation for Tier III-A. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO.00490090-000000
00490100-000000
00490110-000000
(12:46 p.m.)Property owner Ronald Kopplow was present and stated that his parcels are within a
platted subdivision that is essentially built out and has infrastructure. Mr. Kopplow said that all
of the other properties in the subdivision are Tier III and requested the Commissioners to leave
his properties Tier III.
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Motion: Commissioner Werling made a motion to recommend a Tier III designation.
Commissioner Cameron seconded the motion. There was no opposition. The motion
passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO.00119030-000000
(12:53 a.m.) Property owner Jacqueline Keevan was present and requested a change in tier
designation from Tier I to Tier Ill-A. Ms. Keevan said that her property is a mix of exotics and
buttonwoods which back up to scarified land. The houses across the street are proposed for Tier
III. Mr. Roberts informed the Commissioners that there is a lot of very valuable native habitat in
this vicinity and feels there is no appropriate tier designation other than Tier I. Ms. Keevan
stated that there is infrastructure in this area.
Motion: Commissioner Hale made a motion to approve staff's recommendation of Tier I.
Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no opposition. The motion passed
unanimously.
A luncheon recess was held from 1:06 p.m.to 2:11 p.m.
PARCEL ID NO. 00114780-000100
(2:11 p.m.) Kirk Zuelch, Esq. appeared on behalf of the property owner, FKAA, and informed
the Commissioners that a water tank is currently stored on the parcel and the parcel is surrounded
by development. The FKAA would like a Tier III recommendation in case they need to expand
the area used on the property for utility. Mr. Roberts stated that a more thorough review of the
code needs to be done to see how tier designations would affect utilities. A decision on this
parcel was postponed.
PARCEL ID NO. 00445920-000000
(2:20 p.m.) Lee Rohe, Esq. and Ralph Gouldy appeared on behalf of the property owners. Mr.
Rohe informed the Commissioners that the property owners are out of ROGO and have been
granted a building permit, the subdivision has infrastructure and the parcel is surrounded by
development. Mr. Rohe asked that the parcel be given a Tier III recommendation. Mr. Gouldy
explained that the parcel is on the FEMA injunction list and submitted pictures of the property.
The vegetation on the property was described as being up to 60 percent of a healthy canopy of
Brazilian pepper and other Category 1 invasives. Mr. Gouldy asked the Commissioners to
consider his client's parcel individually from Harry Harris Park as a whole.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to recommend a Tier III designation.
Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. There was no opposition. The motion passed
unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00445610-000000
(2:30 P.M.)Claire Johnson appeared on behalf of he property owner. Ms. Johnson stated that the
property owner is currently in the ROGO system. A vegetation survey from 2006 was submitted
that listed no threatened or endangered species. The connectivity of hammock was discussed.
Ms. Johnson requested the property remain a Tier III as opposed to Tier IlI-A. Mr. Roberts
informed the Commissioners that the vegetation on the site is consistent with tropical hardwood
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hammock. The Commissioners agreed that this parcel should be considered globally with Harry
Harris Park.
PARCEL ID NO. 00484450-000000
00484460-000000
(2:38 p.m.)Don Horton appeared on behalf of the property owner. Mr. Horton pointed out to the
Commisioners upon reviewing a close-up of an aerial the development and parking areas
surrounding the properties. Photographs were submitted. Mr. Horton urged the Commissioners
to follow staff's recommendation for a Tier III designation. Mr.Roberts was in agreement.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to accept staff's recommendation.
Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no opposition. The motion passed
unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00447500-000000
00447510-000000
(2:41 p.m.) Don Horton was present on behalf of the property owner. Mr. Horton asked to be
allowed to piggyback on all of the comments made thus far regarding Harry Harris Park. Mr.
Horton further stated that this neighborhood is fragmented and disturbed and is not used by
native species now, and particularly not after sewer construction begins. There was discussion
about affordable housing not being allowed in Tier III-A. Mr. Horton urged the Commissioners
to recommend a Tier III designation. The Commissioners agreed that these properties should be
\, considered when considering Harry Harris Park globally.
PARCEL ID NO. 00086770-000000
(2:47 p.m.)Don Horton was present on behalf of the property owner. Mr. Roberts informed Mr.
Horton that this property is not part of the review. Ms. Grimsley stated that since there was no
notice given,the matter could not be heard.
PARCEL ID NO. 00214700-000000
00214710-000000
00214720-000000
(2:52 p.m.) Property owner Elizabeth Read was present with her son, Aaron Read. Ms. Read
asked for her properties to be designated Tier I. Ms. Read stated that this is a small subdivision
not close to any commercial property. Ms. Read asked if the Comissioners could preserve
neighboring low-lying properties. Mr. Roberts explained that there is no native upland hammock
in this area and the wetlands in the area are protected by local, state and federal regulations.
Motion: Commissioner Werling made a motion to change the properties' recommendation
from Tier III to Tier I. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. There was no opposition.
The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO.00210811-005600
(3:09 p.m.) Christina Weinhoff appeared on behalf of the property owner. Ms. Weinhoff stated
that this property is in an.IS subdivision and has been in ROGO five years. Stipulations by U.S.
Fish&Wildlife were submitted. Mr. Roberts pointed out that there is quite a bit of hammock in
l0
this area and feels a Tier I recommendation is consistent with the tier designation criteria. Mr.
Roberts also stated to determine if exotic infestation is greater than 40 percent would require
another field review. Chirman Wall suggested the property owner have their own vegetation
survey done of the property before they appear again before the Planning Commission or before
the Board of County Commissioners.
PARCEL ID NO. 005 02040-000000
(3:25 p.m.) Property owner Ara Nersesyan was present. Mr. Roberts informed Mr. Nersesyan
that the lot he wished to speak about was not within the challenge area and therefore could not be
heard at this meeting, as it had not been noticed and is not part of the four ordinances being
heard. Mr. Nersesyan stated that he is requesting a Tier III recommendation. Exhibits were
submitted regarding Tier III-A parcels existing within the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment
plant's service area. Mr. Nersesyan said the subidivision was more than 50 percent built out.
The surrounding parcels and their tier designations were discussed. Mr. Roberts agreed that
these parcels are worthy of a second look, but repeated they are not part of the four ordinances
being considered at this meeting. Mr. Wolfe suggested Mr.Nersesyan explore the alternatives of
the best way to have his parcels reviewed with staff.
PARCEL ID NO. 00448470-000000
(2:48 p.m.) Property owners Manuel and Patricia Cruz were present. Ms. Cruz gave the history
of the different County-imposed systems their property has gone through, ultimately ending up
as a Tier I property. Ms. Cruz stated that on the opposite side of the street from her property
there is less development, but those parcels are designated Tier III. There is infrastructure in
Harry Harris Park. Mr. Roberts responded that this was not part of the challenge area, but was
brought for re-evaluation by the property owners. The parcel does connect to hammock. The
Commissioners agreed to consider this property when making a determination on Harry Harris
Park as a whole.
PARCEL ID NO. 00510440-000000
(4:05 p.m.) Property owner William Riggs and his wife were present and stated that their
subdivision has infrastructure and the vegetation on their canal-front property consists of
Brazilian pepper and mangroves. Mr. Roberts agreed that the canal and mangroves would
constitute a break in hammock, and informed the Commissioners that the Tier I area of this
challenge area, 106a, is mangroves,not hammock.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion for the lots in 106a and the three lots
across from the center be changed to Tier III because they do not meet the criteria for Tier
III-A. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. There was no opposition. The motion
passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00222780-000000
(4:13 p.m.) Property owner Ed Farmer was present and submitted aerial photographs from 1975
showing the property had been cleared. Mr.Farmer stated that there were no native plants on the
front lot and over the past ten years the back lot has been cleared of trash, but there are leftover
foundations on it. Mr. Farmer is willing to sell the property to the County, and the property is
surrounded by Tier III properties along the front. Mr. Roberts said at the time of the TDRC
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review the amount of exotics on the property was not discussed. The Commissioners requested
staff to re-evaluate the site to determine the amount of exotics. Mr. Wolfe reminded the property
owner that an independent biologist could be hired to rebut any information the County might
bring forward at the next meeting. Different options for the property owner were discussed.
(4:23 p.m.) Bill Samples was present and wanted to discuss his property. It was determined that
he received a letter stating he was within the 300-foot buffer, not that his property was noticed
for this meeting, and Chairman Wall directed him to Planning staff to be added to the list of
property owners that wanted to discuss their properties in the future.
PARCEL ID NO. 00468390-000000
00468400-000000
(4:26 p.m.) Property owners Maria and Victorio Martinetti were present and submitted
photographs of their parcel and the surrounding parcels. Ms. Martinetti stated that their property
is in the middle of a populated subdivision and is surrounded by development. The vegetation is
mostly Brazilian pepper. Mr. Roberts stated that a County biologist visited the site the previous
week and concurred that the property is infested with nuisance and exotic vegetation.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to change the tier designation
recommendation to Tier III. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00085310-000000
00085320-000000
(4:31 p.m.) Laura Norman appeared on behalf of the property owners. Ms. Norman stated that
there is existing infrastructure in the subdivision, with development behind the properties and a
commercial business in front of the properties. Mr. Roberts pointed out that the tier designation
recommendation of III-A is based on the connection of important hammock to the north and
south of these parcels. Ms. Norman said the owners' intentions are to unite the commercial
parcel with these two parcels and build a home. Points for aggregation were discussed. Ms.
Norman asked the Commissioners to recommend a Tier III designation.
Motion: Commissioner Hale made a motion to accept staffs recommendation of Tier MA.
Commissioner Lustberg seconded the motion. A poll was conducted with the following
results: Commissioner Hale, Yes; Commissioner Cameron, No; Commissioner Lustberg,
Yes; Commissioner Werling,Yes; and Chairman Wall, Yes.
MAP 30,CHALLENGE AREA 145e
(4:45 p.m.) Barry Patterson, a neighbor within 300 feet of the chellenge area, spoke about the
mixed native vegetation in challenge area 145e, as well as the native species that occupy it. Mr.
Patterson stated that this area is used by the birds flying over to Dove Key and Rodriguez Key,
both wildlife management areas. Mr. Patterson requested this area remain Tier III-A, as
originally designated in the Kruer 2006 tier maps. Roland Muench, neighbor, stated that he also
believes the area should remain Tier III-A. Judy Young, neighbor, spoke regarding the species
she observes in this area and supported a Tier III-A designation.
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Mr. Roberts explained that both TDRC members and staff have ground-truthed this area, and
said that while there are tropical hardwood trees in the area, there is not sufficient understory,
which is part of what makes a hammock. Chairman Wall stated that he knew the Roblings
property owners consistently mowed and maintained their property.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to accept staff's recommendation that the
entire outlined area be Tier HI. Commissioner Lustberg seconded the motion. Further
discussion was had. Ms. Grimsley pointed out that two lots in 145e were already designated Tier
III. Motion: Commissioner Cameron modified his motion to accept the TDRC's
recommendations, except for leaving the two lots in 145e already designated Tier HI
earlier. Mr. Roberts explained the differences in what staff and the TDRC based their
recommendations on. Motion: Commissioner Cameron moved his original motion. A poll
was conducted with the following results: Commissioner Hale, Yes; Commissioner
Cameron, Yes; Commissioner Lustberg, Yes; Commissioner Werling, No; and Chairman
Wall,Yes.
A ten-minute recess was held.
MAP SERIES 83
(5:24 p.m.) Owen Trepanier, Planner, appeared on behalf of the Topino family. Mr. Trepanier
said he agreed with the TDRC's final recommendations on this page, but pointed out a tierless
parcel on the map. A packet analyzing the conditions of that property has been submitted, and
Mr.Trepanier stated it is clearly a Tier III parcel. Mr. Roberts explained that that parcel was not
included in challenge area 553 as it should have been. Mr. Trepanier stated that the parcel does
not connect to any native upland habitat.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to direct staff to add the tierless parcel
north of area 553 on Map 83 to the agenda of the next TDRC meeting for them to
determine a tier for it. Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. Danny Topino added
that the side piece on this map may belong to the Dickerson family, and that the back piece was
State land, but has since been deeded to his family. Motion: Commissioner Cameron
amended his motion to include the side piece discussed. Commissioner Werling seconded
the motion. There was no opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
(5:39 p.m.) Owen Trepanier, Planner, appeared on behalf of property owners and asked the
Commissioners to support TDRC's and staff's recommendations of Tier III for the following
parcels: 00222370-000000, 00122070-000100, 00122040-000100, 00120940-000200,
00120940-000100, 00122030-000100, 00122040-000000, 00190070-000000, 00122070-000106,
00120940-000300, 00117370-000000, 00118210-000000, 00122080-000200, 00169590-000000,
00169620-000000,00123050-000000.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to accept the recommendations of the
TDRC and staff for Map 62. Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
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Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to accept the recommendations of the
TDRC and staff for Map 71. Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to accept the recommendations of the
TDRC and staff for Map 72. Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: Commission Cameron made a motion to accept the recommendations of the
TDRC and staff for Map 83. Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no
opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00526640-000000
(5:47 p.m.) Vic Cushman appeared on behalf of the property owner. Mr. Cushman stated that
the subdivision does have infrastructure with a lot of development, including a community park
with a boat ramp. For that reason, and the fact there is not one contiguous acre of hammock in
the area, Mr. Cushman requested a reassignment of the Tier III-A designation to Tier III. Mr.
Roberts explained that there are building permits on the two lots next to this parcel and noted
that U.S.1 on the map has mistakenly been mapped as Tier I, rendering the value of hammock
considered a corridor in this area nonexistent.
Motion: Commissioner Werling made a motion to change the parcel's designation to Tier
III. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. Commissioner Werling amended the motion
to include all of areas 133b and 133c. Commissioner Cameron seconded the motion. There
was no opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO. 00200390-000000
00200400-000000
00200410-000000
00200420-000000
(5:59 p.m.) Mr. Roberts submitted an e-mail request by the property owner to change the current
designation of Tier I to Tier III. Mr. Roberts stated that upon review with the TDRC, these
parcels met all the criteria for Tier I.
Motion: Commissioner Hale made a motion to approve staffs recommendation of Tier I.
Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There was no opposition. The motion passed
unanimously.
(6:08 p.m.) Mr. Roberts read into the record a letter from a surrounding property owner, David
Lipton,to put on the record that Mr. Lipton's lot is Tier III and he is currently in the process of
building a single-family residence on it.
PARCEL ID NO. 00506000-000000
(6:11 p.m.) Mr. Roberts read a part of a letter from the property owner asking the Planning
Commission to approve the property for a Tier III-A designation, which is TDRC's and staffs
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recommendation. It was agreed to hold this parcel until the Planning Commission looks at all
parcels where staff and the TDRC are in agreement.
PARCEL ID NO. 00178170-000000
00178180-000000
(6:14 p.m.) Mr. Roberts read into the record a letter by the property owner,which stated the
property was commercial, asking for a Tier III designation. Mr. Roberts stated that the property
is zoned IS and contains a mix of hammock and mangrove communities. It was agreed to hold
off on any decision-making until staff re-evaluates the extent of hammock on the property.
(6:25) Mr. Roberts brought forward Hal Fried's blue cross-hatched property on Map Page 19.
Mr. Roberts described the development surrounding the subject parcel and stated that both he
and Townsley Schwab agreed that Tier III is the most appropriate designation for the parcel.
The other parcels on this map not within the challenge area were discussed.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to designate Mr. Fried's blue cross-
hatched parcel on Map 19 as Tier III. Commissioner Werling seconded the motion. There
was no opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
PARCEL ID NO.00210811-011200
00210811-011100
(6:31 a.m.) Mr. Roberts read into the record portions of the property owner's letter that
questioned the Tier I designation. Tier designations of surrounding properties were discussed.
The Commissioners agreed to direct staff to double-check the conditions on the property.
Mr. Roberts stated that he would contact the property owner of Parcel ID No. 00168100, as this
property is outside of the challenge area.
Motion: Commissioner Cameron made a motion to continue this meeting to the regularly
scheduled December 1, 2010 meeting at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Werling seconded the
motion. There was no opposition. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The Monroe County Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
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