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Item B1 Meeting Date: 8/16/06 - KL Bulk Item: Yes No .-X..- BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ** 8:30 a.m. TIME CERTAIN ** Division: County Attorney Department: County Attorn~ Staff Contact Person: Jerry D. Sanders AGENDA ITEM WORDING: An Attorney..client Closed Session in the matter of Monroe County v. Florida Department of Community Affairs. DCA Final Order No. DCA06-0R-/57 . ITEM BACKGROUND: 1. On June 29,2006, pursuant to Section 380.05(6) of the Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) issued Final Order Number DCA06-OR-157 rejecting Monroe County Ordinance No. 015-2006 after finding it to be inconsistent with the Principles for Guiding Development of the Florida K~s Area of Critical State Concern. 2. The DCA's Final order was submitted for publication in the Florida Administrative Weekly on June 29,2006 for publication on July 14,2006. 3. Pursuant to Section 120.569, any person whose substantial interests are affected by the Final Order has the opportunity to request an administrative proceeding regarding the DCA's action. Such a request must be filed with the Agency Clerk of the Florida Department of Community Affairs within 21 calendar days of publication of the Final Notice. 4. A Petition for Formal Administrative Proceedings was filed with the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings on July 21,2006. PREVIOUS RELEVANT DOCC ACTION: 1. On April 19, 2006, Monroe County Ordinance No. 0/5-2006 was passed unanimously by the BOCC at its regular meeting. 2. On February 15, 2006, Workforce Housing Task Force recommendations were conceptually approved and direction given to staff by the BOCC pursuant to Resolution No. 093-2006 and Resolution 096-2006. 3. On July 19, 2006, at its regular meeting, the Board authorized staff to appeal DCA's rejection of Monroe County Ordinance 0/5-2006 by filing a Petition for Formal Administrative Proceedings with the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. 4. On July 24, 1006, the BOCC approved the advertising and holding the Atto~-Client Closed Session in this matter. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDADONS: Approval. TOTAL COST: COST TO COUNTY: REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No X BUDGETED: Yes No SOURCE OF FUNDS: AMOUNT PER MONTH_ Year APPROVED BY: County Atty --.lL OMBlPurchasing ~ Ri~Management DIVISION DIRECrollAPPROVAL: C_ _;;;Z ~ U ~ON,CO ATTORNEY DOCUMENTATION: DISPOsmON: Revised 'lJOS Included Not Required _ AGENDA ITEM # BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY NOTICE OF ATTORNEY..CLIENT CLOSED SESSION The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, pursuant to Section 286.011(8), Florida Statutes will hold a Closed Attorn~-Client Session during a public meeting to be held on Wednesday. AUl!ust 16. 1006. at 8:30 A.M.. at the Key Largo Library, Tradewinds Shopping Center, 101485 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 101, Key Largo, Florida. Those persons attending the Closed Session will be the County Commissioners, County Administrator Thomas 1. Willi, County Attorney Suzanne A Hutton, Assistant County Attorney Bob Shillinger, Assistant County Attorn~ Jerry Sanders, Jerry Coleman, Esq., the County's counsel in this litigation, and a certified court reporter. The purpose of the Closed Session concerns pending litigation in the case of Monroe County v. Florida Department of Community Affairs. DCA Final Order No. DCA06-0R-/57, in which the County is presently a party. At the end of this Closed Session, the public portion of the meeting will be opened. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 21st day of July, 2006. Office of the County Attorney Publication dates Reporter Keynoter Key West Citizen 7/28/06 7/29/06 7/30/06 cc: Court Reporter STATE OF FLORIDA . DIVISION OF ADMINSTRATIVE HEARINGS MONROE COUNTY, Petitioner, v. CASE NO. DCA Final Order No. DCA06-0R-157 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, Respondent. 1 PETITION FOR FORMAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS Introduction Monroe County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, files this Petition for Formal Administrative Proceedings pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57(1), Florida Statutes, to challenge the Final Order of the Department of Community Affairs rejecting the Land Development Regulation adopted. by Monroe County and states as follows: 1. The challenged final order is: DCA06-0R-157, published in the Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume 32, No. 28, July 14, 2006. 2. The challenged final order rejects a land development regulation that seeks to implement portions of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan and regulate land use and development within Monroe County. 3. This challenge is based on the consistency ofthe subject Land Development Regulation (LDR) with Chapter 380, Florida Statutes, the Area of Critical State Concern Act, and Florida Statutes, Section 125.01055 regarding Affordable Housing. The regulation encourages and allows the creation of more affordable housing by allowing a "dwelling density bonus unit" and counting affordable dwelling units as half-units for the purpose of density computation if less than 750 square feet. 4. Petitioner seeks an administrative determination overturning the Final Order of the DCA on the basis that it is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 380, Florida Statutes, and Florida Statutes Section 125.01055 for the reasons stated below. Identification of Petitioner and Other Parties 5. Petitioner, Monroe County, is a non-chartered county and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, whose address is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. 6. Respondent, Department of Community Affairs ("DCA") is a State agency exercising powers granted to it by Section 380.05, Florida Statutes, to approve or reject land development regulations that are enacted, amended, or rescinded by any local government in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern ("ACSC"). DCA's address is 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100. Explanation of Bow Petitioner's Substantial Interests Are or Will be Affected 7. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has found that there is a current lack of sufficient affordable housing and a current estimated unmet need of over 7,300 affordable units within the County. 8. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has further found that the lack of sufficient affordable housing opportunities for the local work force creates serious risk to the local economy. 2 9. the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has found that a limited land area suitable for residential development remains in the County and allowing a density bonus when building affordable housing will allow for the creation of more such housing and that such is a legitimate governmental interest and proper to implement goals 101 and 601 of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan (Policy 101.4; Policy 101.4.5.; Policy 601.1.12; and Objectives 601.2 and 601.6). The Land Development Regulations in question specifically further Florida Statute Section 163.3202(3) by implementing an innovative land development regulation provisions such as transfer of development rights, incentive, and inclusionary housing. 10. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has further found that the Amendments to the LDRs in question specifically further Florida Statute Section 125.01055 providing "that a County may adopt and maintain in effect any law, ordinance, rule or other measure that is adopted for the purpose of increasing the supply of affordable housing using land use mechanisms such as inclusionary housing ordinances." II. If Monroe County is not allowed to utilize the Amendment to the LDRs in question and similar regulations it will be inhibited in its ability to increase the supply of affordable housing within the county and as such both the County and its citizens will be "adversely affected". 12. Monroe County is a "substantially affected person" entitled to initiate this proceeding in accordance with the Florida Administrative Procedure Act. 3 When and How Notice Was Received 13. Notice of the Final Order was received via publication in the Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume 32, No. 28, July 14, 2006. 14. This Petition is filed within 21 days ofthe publication ofthe Notice of Final Order. Statement of Material Facts DisDuted and Alle2ed 15. Final Order No. DCA06-0R-157 (attached as "Exhibit A") rejects Monroe County Ordinance No. 015-2006. (Attached as "Exhibit B"), which Ordinance amends Section 9.5-4 (Definitions), Section 9.5-262 (Maximum Residential Density and District Open Space), and Monroe County Section 9.5-352 (Required Parking). a. Section 9.5-4 (D-31(a)) adds a new definition to the Monroe County Land Development Regulations of a "dwelling, density bonus unit" and defines same to mean "the additional number of dwelling half units that can be added to a site pursuant to means as defined in Section 9.5-262 and shall be (one (1) or more rooms physically arranged to create housekeeping establishment for occupancy by one (1) family with separate toilet facilities. The abbreviation'DDBU' shall mean 'dwelling density bonus unit.')." b. Section 9.5-4 (D-31(b)) creates a new definition of "dwelling half unit" to mean a "deed restricted affordable housing unit(s) as defined in MCC Section 9.5-4 (A-4-5) that range in size from 400 to 750 square feet which shall be considered one half (.5) of a 4 dwelling unit for the purposes of calculating density as laid out in Section 9.5-262." c. Section 9.5-262 adds the following parenthetical allowance for density calculations for deed restricted affordable or employee housing units providing that units which range in size from 400 to 750 square feet shall be considered a dwelling half-unit as defined above. d. Section 9.5-352 creates a new category for required number of off street parking spaces requiring that dwelling half-units are only required to have 1.0 space per dwelling half unit as a minimal number off street parking. 16. The Final Order of the DCA found the Ordinance in question to be "inconsistent with the 2010 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan" in that "The Plan does not address half allocations or density bonuses for half allocations." Petitioner contends that the Ordinance in question is consistent with the 2010 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan, specifically; (a) Goa1601 which states "Monroe County shall adopt programs and policies to facilitate access by all current and future residents to adequate affordable housing that is safe, decent and structurally sound and that meets the needs of the population based on type, tenure characteristics, unit size and individual preferences." 5 (b) Policy 601.1.12 which states the County "shall adoot land develooment rellUlations which may include density bonuses, impact fee waiver program, and other possible regulations to encourage affordable housing." [Emphasis added] (c) Section 7.2.2 of the Monroe County 2010 Comprehensive Plan Technical Document provides for "special housing needs." The Department of Community Affairs established an affordable housing task force for the Florida Keys in conjunction with the provision of technical assistance to Monroe County and made specific recommendations to the County to include regulatory reform to "explore and support the concept of establishing a new zoning designation for affordable housing. This could be handled as an overlay zone combined with other zoning tools or by site specific designations and/or special exceptions for specific sites." Other recommendations of the DCA's Task Force were as follows: (1) "Local ordinances should be adopted which ease land development requirements and construction regulations to reduce the cost of affordable housing development." (2) "The following incentives should be provided for affordable housing projects and programs: 6 - Relaxation of traffic study requirements - Density relaxation" (d) Section 7.3.2 of the Monroe County 2010 Comprehensive Plan Technical Document further provides for strategies to meet the diverse housing needs of Monroe County's projected population to include: (1) "A range of residential land use categories shall be utilized; (2) "A variety of residential density shall be provided to encourage the private sector to construct a variety of housing unit types." (e) The Department of Community Affairs has failed to follow the legislative intent of Florida Statute, Section 380.0552, which designates the Florida Keys Area as an Area of Critical State Concern and which granted the DCA the authority to reject the Ordinance in question, specifically: "(2) LEGISLATIVE INTENT - it is hereby declared that it is the intent of the legislature is: . . . (d) to provide for affordable housing in close proximity to places of employment in the Florida Keys." 17. (a) In rejection ofthe Ordinance on the grounds that it was inconsistent with the principles for guiding development as set forth in Florida Statutes, Section 380.0552(7) the Department of Community Affairs has violated the specific intent of the legislature which states: "the 7 principles shall be construed as a whole and no specific provision shall be construed or applied in isolation from the other provisions" . (b) Furthermore, one of the principles [F.S. ~380.055(7)0)] provides for Monroe County: "0) To make available adequate affordable housing for all sectors of the population of the Florida Keys." (c) The Department of Community Affairs has selectively utilized individual principles for guiding development without consideration of the affordable housing crisis in Monroe County and the necessity for implementation of ordinances adopted for the purpose of increasing the supply of affordable housing. 18. The Department of Community Affairs has ignored Florida Statute 125.01055 which states: Affordable housing - Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a county may adopt and maintain in effect any law, ordinance, rule, or other measure that is adopted for the purpose of increasing the supply of affordable housing using land use mechanisms such as inclusionary housing ordinances. Concise Statement of Ultimate Facts Alle2ed 19. The Ordinance which adopted the Land Development Regulations which were rejected by the Final Order of the Department are consistent with Monroe County's approved and adopted 2010 Comprehensive Plan and is specifically authorized by Florida Statute Section 125.01055 in order to increase the supply of affordable housing within Monroe County. Rules or Statutes Petitioner Contends Reauire Reversal or Modification of the A2encv's Proposed Action 8 20. The Final Order violates the legislative intent as stated in Section 380.0552 and the principles for guiding development, Section 380.0552(7). 21. Florida Statutes Section 125.01055 specifically authorizes the County to enact the Ordinance which has been rejected by the Department of Community Affairs. Relief SORe-ht bv Petitioner WHEREFORE, it is respectfully requested that the Division of Administrative Hearings conduct a formal administrative hearing on the issues raised in this Petition and enter a Final Order determine the Final Order ofthe Department of Community Affairs to be invalid for the reasons stated above. Respectfully submitted this 21 st day of July, 2006. Monroe County Attorney's Office P.O. Box 1026 Key West, FL 33041-1026 (305) 292-3470 (305) 292-3516 (fax) Suzanne A. Hutton, County Attorney FBN: 336122 Robert B. Shillinger Chief Assistant County Attorney FBN: 058262 Shillinger -bob@monroecounty-fl. gov Jerry D. Sanders Assistant County Attorney FBN: 112798 Sanders-Jer (i monroecount -fl. 9 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished by facsimile and u.s. Mail to the Secretary of the Department of Community and its General Counsel at 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100. 10 DCA Final Order No.: DCA06-0R-157 In re: STATE OF FLORIDA .___ . DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY A1~ & ~ 0 W ~ ill MONROE COUNTY LAND ' ~ DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IJ~ JUL - 5 2006 ADOPTED BY MONROE COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 015-2006 / GROWTH ~M~AGfMENT DIVISION ____. .........L ...,/- .! ~.~. FINAL ORDER The Department of Community Affairs (the "Department") hereby issues its Final Order, pursuant to ~ 380.05(6), Fla. Stat., and ~ 380.0552(9), Fla. Stat. (2005), rejecting a land development regulation adopted by a local government within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern as set forth below. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The Florida Keys Area is a statutorily designated area of critical state concern, and Monroe County is a local government within the Florida Keys Area. 2. On May 22, 2006, the Department received for review Monroe County Ordinance No. 015-2006 ("Ord. 015-2006"). 3. The fmal order for this Ordinance must be signed by July 20,2006. 4. The purpose ofthe Ordinance is to amend the definitions section of the Monroe County Land Development Regulations to add "dwelling, density bonus unit" and "dwelling, half unit," to the definitions, thereby allowing an award to a site if the units are 750 square feet in SIze. 5. Ordinance 015-2006 is inconsistent with the 2010 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan. Sections 9.5-4(D-31)(a) ("dwelling, density bonus unit"), 9.5-4(D-31)(b) ("dwelling, half unit"), and 9.5-262 are inconsistent with Comprehensive Plan Policy 101.4.21, Future Land Use Densities and Intensities. That policy describes development in terms of dwelling units per acre. The plan does not address half allocations or density bonuses for half EXHIBIT I ,if)- Jj . DCA Final Order No.: DCA06-0R-157 allocations. No basis has been established within the Comprehensive Plan for half of a dwelling unit. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 6. The Department is required to approve or reject land development regulations that are enacted, amended, or rescinded by any local government in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern. ~ 380.05(6), Fla. Stat., and ~ 380.0552(9), Fla. Stat. (2005). 7. Monroe County is a local government within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern. ~ 380.0552, Fla. Stat. (2005) and Rule 28-29.002 (superseding Chapter 27F-8), Fla. Admin. Code. 8. "Land development regulations" include local zoning, subdivision, building, and other regulations controlling the development ofland. ~ 380.031(8), Fla. Stat. (2005). The regulations adopted by Ord. 015-2006 are land development regulations. 9. All land development regulations enacted, amended, or rescinded within an area of critical state concern must be consistent with the Principles for Guiding Development (the "Principles") as set forth in ~ 380.0552(7), Fla. Stat. See Rathkamp v. Department of Community Affairs. 21 F.A.L.R. 1902 (Dec. 4,1998), aff'd, 740 So. 2d 1209 (Fla. 3d DCA 1999). The Principles are construed as a whole and no specific provision is construed or applied in isolation from the other provisions. 10. Ord. 015-2006 is inconsistent with the following Principles: (a) To strengthen local government capabilities for managing land use and development so that local government is able to achieve these objectives without the continuation of the area of critical state concern designation. (k) To provide adequate alternatives for the protection of public safety and welfare in the event of a natural or manmade disaster and for a post disaster reconstruction plan. (1) To protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Florida Keys and maintain the Florida Keys as a unique Florida resource. 11. Ord. 015-2006 is inconsistent with the Principles for Guiding Development as a 2 DCA Final Order No.: DCA06-0R-157 whole. 12. Ordinance 015-2006 is inconsistent with the 2010 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan. WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED thafOrd. 015-2006 is found to be inconsistent with the Principles for Guiding Development of the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern, and is hereby REJECTED. This Order becomes effective 21 days after publication in the Florida Administrative Weekly unless a petition is filed as described below. DONE AND ORDERED in Tallahassee, Florida. CYD ER State PI . g Administrator Division of Community Planning Department of Community Affairs 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RIGHTS ANY PERSON WHOSE SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS ORDER HAS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING PURSUANT TO SECTION 120.569, FLORIDA STATUTES, REGARDING THE AGENCY'S ACTION. DEPENDING UPON WHETHER YOU ALLEGE ANY DISPUTED ISSUE OF MATERIAL FACT IN YOUR PETITION REQUESTING AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EITHER AN INFORMAL PROCEEDING OR A FORMAL HEARING. IF YOUR PETITION FOR HEARING DOES NOT ALLEGE ANY DISPUTED ISSUE OF MATERIAL FACT CONTAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT'S ACTION, THEN THE ADMINISTRA TIVE PROCEEDING WILL BE AN INFORMAL ONE, CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 120.569 AND 120.57(2) FLORIDA STATUTES, AND CHAPTER 28-106, PARTS I AND III, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. IN AN INFORMAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING, YOU MAY BE REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL OR BY A QUALIFIED REPRESENT A TIVE, AND YOU MAY PRESENT 3 DCA Final Order No.: DCA06-0R-157 WRITTEN OR ORAL EVIDENCE IN OPPOSITION TO THE DEPARTMENT'S ACTION OR REFUSAL TO ACT; OR YOU MAY EXERCISE THE OPTION TO PRESENT A WRITTEN ST A TEMENT CHALLENGING THE GROUNDS UPON WHICH THE DEPARTMENT HAS CHOSEN TO JUSTIFY ITS ACTION OR INACTION. IF YOU DISPUTE ANY ISSUE OF MATERIAL FACT STATED IN THE AGENCY ACTION, THEN YOU MAY FILE A PETITION REQUESTING A FORMAL ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE OF THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 120.569 AND 120.57(1), FLORIDA STATUTES, AND CHAPTER 28-106, PARTS I AND II, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. AT A FORMAL ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING, YOU MAY BE REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL OR OTHER QUALIFIED REPRESENTATIVE, AND YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT EVIDENCE AND ARGUMENT ON ALL THE ISSUES INVOLVED, TO CONDUCT CROSS-EXAMINATION AND SUBMIT REBUTTAL EVIDENCE, TO SUBMIT PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT AND ORDERS, AND TO FILE EXCEPTIONS TO ANY RECOMMENDED ORDER. IF YOU DESIRE EITHER AN INFORMAL PROCEEDING OR A FORMAL HEARING, YOU MUST FILE WITH THE AGENCY CLERK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS A WRITTEN PLEADING ENTITLED, "PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS" WITHIN 21 CALENDAR DAYS OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. A PETITION IS FILED WHEN IT IS RECEIVED BY THE AGENCY CLERK, IN THE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL, 2555 SHUMARD OAK BOULEVARD, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-2100. THE PETITION MUST MEET THE FILING REQUIREMENTS IN RULE 28- 106.104(2), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. IF AN INFORMAL PROCEEDING IS REQUESTED, THEN THE PETITION SHALL BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 28-106.301, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. IF A FORMAL HEARING IS REQUESTED, THEN THE PETITION SHALL BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 28-106.201(2), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. A PERSON WHO HAS FILED A PETITION MAY REQUEST MEDIATION. A REQUEST FOR MEDIATION MUST INCLUDE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY RULE 28-106.402, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. CHOOSING MEDIATION DOES NOT AFFECT THE RIGHT TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING. YOU WAIVE THE RIGHT TO AN INFORMAL ADMINISTRATIVE0PROCEEDING OR A FORMAL HEARING IF YOU DO NOT FILE A PETITION WITH THE AGENCY CLERK WITHIN 21 DAYS OF PUBLICATION OF THIS FINAL ORDER. 4 DCA Final Order No.: DCA06-0R-157 CERTIFICATE OF FILING AND SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the original of the foregoing Final Order has been filed with the undersigned designated Agency Clerk, and that true orrect9~;;: been furnished to the persons listed below by the method indicated this yo.. ~OO6; By U.S. Mail: Honorable Charles McCoy Mayor of Monroe County 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 102 Key West, Florida 33040 Danny L. Kolhage Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners 500 Whitehead Street Key West, Florida 33040 Aref Joulani Acting Director Planning and Environmental Resources 2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 400 Marathon, Florida 33050 By Hand Delivery or Interagencv Mail: Tracy D. Suber, Bureau of State Planning, DCA Tallahassee Rebecca Jetton, ACSC Administrator, DCA Tallahassee Richard E. Shine, Assistant General Counsel, DCA Tallahassee Christine M. Cosby, Assistant General Counsel, DCA Tallahassee 5 ORDINANCE NO. .JU.1 ~ 2000 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MO'NROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION'ERS ADDING TO EXI&'TING DEFINITIONS (See. 9.So4); AMENDING MAXIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITVAND DISTiUCT OPEN SPACE (See.9.s. 262) TO' ALLOW FOR DENSlTY80HUSIS FOR AFFORDABLE UNITS OF 750 SQ. FT. OR I.ESS; AMENDING REQUIRED PARKING (See~9.s.35Z); AMENDING AND/OR ADDING FaR CONSISTENCY PURPOSES RELATED PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND REPEAL 6f INCoNSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING EFFECTIVE DAT.E; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATIaN IN THE MONROE COUNTY caDE aF ORDINANCES WHEREAS, the Board ()f County Commissiooors bas considered the comments of the public. recommendations of the Planning Comminio~ recommendations of staff and the Workforce Housing Task Force and its counsel.lll1d other matters.. and; WHEREAS. the Board of County Commissioners makes the following Findings of Fact: 1, The lack of sufficient affmdabiehousing opportunities for the local workforce creates serious risks to the 100&1 economy. 2, There is limited bmd area suitable for residential development remaining in the County. 3. There is a current estimated unmet need of aoout 1.311 affordable units the County. 4. Allowing a density bonus will allow for the creation of more affordable housing under the Code. is a legitimate state interest ood is proper to implement Goals 101 and 601 of the plan (e.g.., O~ective 101.4; Policy 101.4.5; Poli~ 601.1.12 and Objectives 601.2 and 60 t .6). S. These amendments to the land development regulations are appropriate in that they recognize .the need for additional detail and comprehensiveness in addressing housing needs in Monroe County. based upon. among other factors. new issues, including accelerated conversion of existing affordable housing stoel4 increased housing pressures due to bou,qingloss caused by Hurricane Wilma. and the changed projections and assumptions regarding resulting demographic trend~. 6. 'i'hese amendments ro the land development regulations spt"CH1caUy further Fla. Stat. ~ 163,3202(3) by implementing innovative land developmentregulatiort provisions such as transter of development rights. incentive lll1d inclusionary housing. '1, These amendments to the land development regulations are necessary to ensure that. oospile the limited availability of developabje lands, the County's existing ttnd future housing stock includes adequate afft:,rdable hou.<iing oppurtunities. I EXHIBIT I B P 1 g, proposed amemimentslo the Land Development Regulations are consistent with and further goals. objectives aoopoHcies of' too Year 2010 Compreoonsive Plan. NOW~ THEREFORE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORiDA, 'mE FOLLOWlNG:That the precooingfindings support im decision to approve the amendments to the Land Development RegulatIons of the Monroe County Code as provided herein: Seetion 1. Add See. 9.s.4(D-:U)(a) as follows; (D.31}(a) Dwelling, density bonus unit mcatlS the additional numb<< of dweUing half units tbat can be added to a site pursuant to tbe means as defined in Section 9.5- 262.... and shall be one (1 lor more rooms physically arranged. to create a housekeeping establb,;bment fur occupancy by one (1) family with separate toilet facilities. The abbreviation '''DDBtJ'' shall mean "dwelling density bonus unit". Seedo.2. Add Set.9.S.4(D-31) (b) as foDows: (D~31)(b) Dwelling, hafl unit means deed restricted affordable housing, unitfi as definoo in MCC i 9.5~4 (A~4-5) that range in size .from 400 to 1S0sqUiill'e teet which shall be c<msidered one.-half (.5) of a dwelling \Init for the purpose of calculating density as laid out in ~9.5~262*". ~~ion a. Amend chart rows o.f See. 9.5.,162 uti add 1ft · row as follows: Maximum residential dftslty and dJltrietopen .pace. *, Land use district Maximum net density abl<t area t 8.0** Open ,rpace ratio * 0.2 0,2 0.2 0.2 6.0 Mixed Use (Affordable and Employee housing) 1.0 1.0 12.0 0.2 18. on 0.2 ** For the purposes of these density calcul~ti(}ns ,1ft!)', notwithstanding the detlnition af a dwelling unit as defined in ~9 .5~4 (D~31). deed restricted anbrdable (}f employee h()uslf1g units (as detlned. in MCC~~9..5-(A-4-5) and (E-t), respectively), in the ~~.~ t\!U and ~JR 2 land use districts that wlgein size from. 40(1 to 150 3ql.lat'c teet shan. be oonsidered . a dwelUng hall unit, An equal number of additianal dweUinghalf lmif(s) shall be ~vailahle tbr each dwelUng balf unit provided. The additioool dwelling half units shaH be defined as dwelling density bonus unit(s), ~!~J>>n 4. Amend SeetloR 9.s..3S1 by adding row as follows: (c) Required Number ~f tm:.",r;lreet Parking Spaces: The following is the number nf IJftrking spares to be provided for each use~ TABLE INSET: MinimumReq~ NumberofS~ 1.0 spaces pet dwemng half unit Sml()D5.~(Werabmtv. If any section. paragraph. subdivision. clause. sentence or provision of this Ordinance shalt be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdietion to be invaJid;such judgment shaH not affect. impair. invalidate, or nullifY the rerrntinder tl{ this Ordinance. but the effect thereof shall 00 confined to the section; paragraph,. subdivision, clause, sentence or provision immediately involved in the controversy in which such judgment or decree shall be rendered. ~t~11 6. ConftietiBJ {l'rovisio~. In the cue of direct conflict between any provision of this ordinance and It portion Of provisiOfiQf any appropriate federal, state t>f' county law, rule, code or regulation.. the more Nstrictive shall apply. Sedi~ll 7. ... Tnm~lldttal This ordinance sbaU be transmitted by the Planning and Environmental Resou.tOOs Department to dIe Florida DePartment of Community Affairs to detennine the consistency of this ordinance 'with the Florida Statutesaoo as required by F.S. 380.05(6) and (1 I). Sediq~ 8. FWne: This ordinance shaH be tiled in the Office of the Secretary of State of Florida but shaH not become eftbctive until a notice is issued by the Department of Community Affairs or Administration Commission approving the ordinance. 3 SeetioD t., EtreeQyI,J>>Jt~ This ordinance shall become efti:<itive as provided by law and stated above, Where Compreneusi've Plan amendments may be required in order for any pm of this ordinance t{) be deemed consistent witb tfit Comprehensive Plan" tbe effective date of such part shall be as of the effective date of tnereql.lired C:omprehensive Pbm amendment ood tiS otherwise required by law. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Olmmissiunem ofMooroe Countyt I;'torida at Ii regular mooting held on the 19lh day of April, 2006, Mayor Charles"Sonny~' McCoy Mayor Pro Tem Murray Nelson Commissioner Dixie Spehar Commissioner Goorge Neusent Commissioner David Rice Yea Vacat:w- "Yes ,_ _Yes .Y,e! BOARD OF COUNT OF MONROE C , Meet))' Coullty Attomey~-- 3: g i -r'l Q Z ,... F S("')$E .i! 1"1 f'\"1~"': ....c '0 .:->' !'- ...., en' Q 0 c -;r;; ;';0 :;,e ;:0 .( '"" :~ ~:10:q- 3 ,'1 ~:-1 ?: ('''') ''''1 .... - 0 r ~ .... ::;0 <t:" ? . w a APPROVED AS TO FORM: 4 O~~Yd'~~~E (305)294-4641 Suzanne A. Hutton, Couuty Attoruey.. Robert B. Shillinger, Chief Assistant County Attorney *'" Pedro 1. Mercado, Assistant County Attorney Susan M. Grimsley, Assistant County Attorney ** Natileene W. Cassel, Assistant County Attorney Cynthia L. Hall, Assistant County Attorney Christine Limbert-Barrows, Assistant County Attorney ** Board Certified in City, County & Local Govt. Law December 18, 2007 Danny 1. Kolhage, Clerk of Court Monroe County, Florida 500 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 r~'~'--- BOARO OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Mayor, Charles "Sonny" McCoy, District 3 Mayor Pro Tem Mario Oi Gennaro, District 4 Dixie M. Spehar, District 1 George Neugent, District 2 Sylvia J. Murphy, District S Office of the County Attorney 1111 It" Street, Suite 408 Key West, FL 33040 (305) 292-3470 ~ Phone (305) 292-3516 - Fax RE: Original transcripts from Monroe County v. Department of Communi tv Affairs Dear Mr. Kolhage: Enclosed the original transcripts from closed session held August 16,2006, and January 18, 2007, regarding the above-stated matter. This case is closed and these can now be considered official records of the Court. Sincerely, /C) ./j /"( Jh'~0f--~L~~L/ Debra 1. Rainer, Paralegal Enclosures as stated ':J: Cl o :P ;r:. -... ?O "',~ CJc->::.~- \-r'.C-< (-'. ' c~)C?_' c:,~_. ~ =:: ~ ("") N fTo ~ .~ ' -~l _....~ .--., - - - \;" N .0 -_OJ -, " ,. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY NOTICE OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT CLOSED SESSION The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, pursuant to Section 286.011(8), _~ Florida Statutes will hold a Closed Attorney-Client Session during a public meeting to be held on Wednesday. Aueust 16. 2006. at 8:30 A.M.. at the Key Largo Library, Tradewinds Shopping Center, 101485 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 101, Key Largo, Florida. Those persons attending the Closed Session will be the County Commissioners, County Administrator Thomas J. Willi, County Attorney Suzanne A. Hutton, Assistant County Attorney Bob Shillinger, Assistant County Attorney Jerry Sanders, Jerry Coleman, Esq., the County's counsel in this litigation, and a certified court reporter. The purpose ofthe Closed Session concerns pending litigation in the case of Monroe County v. Florida Devartment of Community Affairs. DCA Final Order No. DCA06-0R-157, - in which the County is presently a party. At the end of this Closed Session, the public portion of the meeting will be opened. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 21st day of July, 2006. ~ Office of the County Attorney Publication dates Reporter Keynoter Key West Citizen 7/28/06 7/29/06 7/30/06 cc: Court Reporter - J s Sc:rift the day CIoeecl SelIsion . e poiDt duriB8 the clay oftbe cIoIed seasion. 1. I'rior" ... .... ... A dosed IIIltOI1lOY cl:" held. It is eltiJuled that this be tile Couuly C:.auni IF -,..... tile A. HutlOO, Auitt-t CClUIIly IIIlIOOICy 1eny eoa-.", BIq.. who . i. the BlIbjec:t of this cIoIed I . OIl, Since lbe law prohibits COIIIIIIiasio.... die COUIIlY . . fllIDAin in this 11I.1 ':"'8'-' ... ICSIioIt i. over. _'Will ~ 2. At""l.' v' ....... I _ cell this cIoIed Iequeet oftbe CouaIy AUomIIY .July 2.4. 2006 that Ihe nnikld approwd hoIdilll today'. doled CitiMn 011 7130106, die Ljaotcr beiDa gMm to die c:ourt .......1llo1 b For die I'IIlOI1I, .... the st.miD8 wiIh tile COImDiIlBioa. (After llII haw idemifted JlIlIl...~;wewill litiption ClCJl4"IlIitures. We iaro.-tiOll .... diredioa to tbe be done in . _i"l opeD to the lAl'la.tour~rl 'na 3. At"''''''''''''' This closed semon is_ 4. After.... pIIIIIie n.....- The attonICy-clical meeting. ...-- to ~ 286.011(8). Florida S....""'. will now be will tab (1) hour. The 1""'....... ';. die meW. will ThomIs J. WiIJi, County A&tomeY Suanne lbJbert B. SIIiII..... ~ Couaty IdklnIey 1eny SaDden, . as . ..",....." COUIlIII b tile CGuoty in the _ tMt . c:ourt .~. fi'om being pr_ . the cI08Ild seuioD. the ibr die CouIIty IIIIIlI the court repoIter..m - IR ........_ 10 Jc:pe dIe.-. WIra tile cIoIed puIlIic meeli\18- 1.1IiI public a...... iI_ cIoIlld J f... to order ~~ the I'IIlOI1I, this II l . :'118 is beiaa IteId upoII the A. . who -~ at . prior pubIiG.,. "i. held on . tbe ..ina 1__ u....... r,--. v. FIoridIJ At that meeciD8. the BolIRl ic aoIicc _ (livat by pubIiclP- in tbe Key W. 1f1.9106 tbe .... 011 712t106. A copy of thIl aoIicc is . iIIl_ record. oft1le ~ 1.....-.. eKh ofus will stIIkl our -- position I >-l-yau. I , be 7!3' SClIftmeat H ~ ..:....,.." MId ilb~ re1stiJl8 to tab IIIIJ ., acdoa at this -. We caD only provide doci~ this BoenI makes conccmiag this cue must 'c. ' . I f hdle'~~- , ._........... n IlL , ~ we wiIIllD lecoavcne ill die public meeting. ....~- hili ~ ....,..;...... ... we IR now ro-opelliag this public -' , MEETING OF THE .~. MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTORNEY-CLIENT CLOSED SESSION RE: MONROE COUNTY v. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DCA FINAL ORDER NO. DCA06-0R-157 HELD AT THE KEY LARGO LIBRARY 101485 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY KEY LARGO, FLORIDA 33037 AUGUST 16, 2006 8:35 - 9:11 A.M. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: " ., MAYOR CHARLES "SONNY" MCCOY MAYOR PRO TEM DIXIE SPEHAR COMMISSIONER GLENN PATTON COMMISSIONER GEORGE NEUGENT ALSO PRESENT: SUZANNE A. HUTTON, ESQ., COUNTY ATTORNEY JERRY COLEMAN, ESQ. SPECIAL COUNSEL THOMAS J. WILLI, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ". ... On~G~NAL All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 2 1 MAYOR MCCOY: Okay. I'm now calling this 2 closed session to order. For the record, this meeting 3 is being held upon the request of the County Attorney 4 Suzanne Hutton, who announced at a prior public meeting 5 held on July 24th, '06, that she needed advice 6 concerning the pending lawsuit, Monroe County versus 7 Florida Department of Community Affairs, DCA Final 8 ordinance number DCA 06 OR 157. At that meeting, the 9 Board approved holding today's closed session. Public 10 notice was given by publication in the Key West Citizen 11 on 30/06, and The Keynoter on 29/06, and The Reporter 12 1/28/06. And a copy of that notice is being given to 13 the court reporter for inclusion in the record. You 14 have it? 15 THE COURT REPORTER: (Indicating. ) 16 MAYOR MCCOY: She has it. For the record 17 benefit of the court reporter, each of us will state 18 our name and position, starting with the commission. 19 To the left. To the left. 20 MS. HUTTON: Mr. Neugent. 21 MAYOR MCCOY: Just give us your name and phone 22 number, and address. 23 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: George Neugent. 24 Marathon, Florida. 1583 52nd Street. 25 MS. HUTTON: No, you don't need to do that, All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 10 11 12 13 1 Commissioner. 3 2 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: USA. 3 MAYOR MCCOY: Leave him alone. 4 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: U.S. Islands. 5 MAYOR MCCOY: Glenn. 6 COMMISSIONER PATTON: Glenn Patton, Key Largo. 7 MAYOR MCCOY: Charles McCoy, Mayor. 8 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: Dixie Spehar, Mayor Pro 9 Tern. MS. HUTTON: MR. WILl: MR. COLEMAN: MS. HUTTON: 14 leave. 15 MAYOR MCCOY: Suzanne Hutton, County attorney. Tom Willi, County administrator. Jerry Coleman, outside counsel. Mr. Level (Ph.), you need to Did you notice you were by 16 yourself? You know when you're not wanted. 17 18 19 MR. LEVEL: I'm sorry. (Whereupon Mr. Level exits the room.) MAYOR MCCOY: 20 county attorney. 21 MS. HUTTON: Start the discussion with the Good morning, Mr. Mayor, 22 Commissioners. As you know, we are involved in a 23 challenge to the DCA order, denying approval of an 24 ordinance that we put forward, this commission 25 approved, allowing a dwelling density bonus unit, which All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 4 1 would count affordable dwelling units as half units, if 2 they're -- for density purposes, if they are less than 3 750 square feet. And the DCA denied that. We need to 4 ask you questions and get guidance from you, with 5 respect to a number of issues. One of them is whether 6 or not we should agree to any continuances on a 7 hearing. A hearing is required, unless we agree 8 otherwise, by October the 19th. And it appears that, 9 at least from the standpoint of availability, we don't 10 have a problem. However, just based on the number of 11 matters that we're looking at, that the -- workload of 12 the staff, and the potential need for hiring outside 13 counsel, which I'll discuss with you in a second, it 14 might be prudent to agree to continuances. 15 And to give you a couple of the considerations, 16 one is, whether, do we have the time and the manpower 17 to gear up for the tier challenge. If we don't get the 18 density bonus, it will affect the projects that we've 19 got in the -- in the pipeline. There is several 20 projects that are in the pipeline. The developers have 21 indicated to us that unless that density bonus 22 allocation is approved, they're not going to be able to 23 do a development it it's economically feasible. And 24 so, those projects, like the Bogio (Ph.), the Carlisle 25 Group projects, would not be forthcoming as planed. So All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 5 1 that would be the downside of allowing any 2 continuances. 3 Secondly, I think that from the governor's 4 position, he wants to see things moved through quickly 5 because we've got a lot of issues to deal with. So, 6 that's -- that's a very big concern. 7 MAYOR MCCOY: Special counselor, I presume you 8 have some input here? 9 MS. HUTTON: Go ahead. 10 MR. COLEMAN: I do, but do you have some more? 11 MS. HUTTON: I have a couple of other issues, 12 but we can go ahead and deal with this one first. 13 MAYOR MCCOY: Yeah. And there is a couple of 14 other implications too. We have the challenge to the 15 tier ordinances, which is a big, big trial, which we're 16 hand in hand with the DCA on that. And that's in 17 September; right? 18 MS. HUTTON: Uh-huh. 19 MR. COLEMAN: Going forward in September. So 20 in preparing for that, we are in an awkward position of 21 having to challenge the DCA. And in all of our 22 collective memory, in going around, none of us can 23 remember a jurisdiction saying, hey, we're going to 24 appeal our legal rejection. 25 I will say that on the substance of this All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 6 1 ordinance, and so that everybody is clear on the nature 2 of it, there is no confusion here with this commission, 3 we have a very good challenge here. This ordinance 4 does not make half fractional ROGOs. That's coming 5 before you later on. This is only a density bonus 6 ordinance that -- so if we give a density bonus for a 7 small unit, we still have to use a whole ROGO. 8 And it's my belief that what happened is that 9 DCA was in the middle of a change. Rebecca was 10 leaving. Now Richard Jordan is gone, the counsel. 11 They did not even have, at that time, an assigned 12 critical state concern person. Tracy, who has been 13 working very, very hard. We know Tracy Suber (Ph.), 14 who we know, did not come from a planning background. 15 Our 750 that we had in that ordinance, which we can 16 change, again, that's a different concept from the half 17 ROGO allocation. Marathon had set up, at the same 18 time, a true path ROGO, and you know, 750 square less. 19 And they rejected Marathon's half ROGO. But then they 20 saw our density bonus, and I believe they were confused 21 and didn't realize. But when we go to our comp plan, 22 which is why they're denying it, we have specific 23 points. It's in your packet. It's quoted. I mean, 24 they're -- they denied this because we were 25 inconsistent with our comp plan. They're -- they're All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 7 1 dead wrong. Our camp plan says right in it, for 2 affordable housing, consider and put into place 3 incentives, such as, density bonuses. So we're in good 4 stead. 5 Now, to the issue of deferring. We do want to 6 get it moved along. And I think it would be -- well, 7 early October we would have a hearing. And I think we 8 only anticipate County attorney, staff, two days. This 9 was talking to the jury. 10 At the hearing itself, yeah. MS. HOTTON: 11 Yeah. Two days. It will MR. COLEMAN: Yeah. 12 take some preparation, but I think we just have a 13 couple land use experts, including our own -- our own 14 people. Just go in, talk about what this ordinance 15 does. That the evidentiary record is going to be 16 It would be a hearing in Tallahassee. fairly slim. 17 And it would take a day or two. And we go before the 18 judge, and we would get a ruling on it. 19 There is -- the DCA was clearly caught by 20 surprise, that one of these local jurisdictions would 21 get up and say, well, we're going to challenge your 22 is that not your rejection of our ordinance. And 23 impression? They were just like 24 MS. HOTTON: Yes. 25 MR. COLEMAN: And, fortunately, it's one that All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 8 1 we could win on. But we have a complication in it. 2 And that the County attorney will talk about an issue 3 was raised. When you approved the challenge, a month 4 ago, two months ago, maybe last month; right? 5 MS. HUTTON: Uh-huh. 6 MR. COLEMAN: We didn't really know -- we 7 weren't really thinking about raising this statutory 8 section under County powers. 125.01 -- 9 MS. HUTTON: 55. It's 125055. 10 MR. COLEMAN: Okay. It is a freestanding 11 statutory provision that says, notwithstanding any 12 other provision of law, a County can pass an ordinance 13 about -- that seems to increase affordable housing. 14 That's just what it says. There is no case law under 15 it. And so the question would be, does that include 16 critical state concern review? Does that include all 17 of the other kinds of law? So there is a point to be 18 made that we could pass an affordable housing ordinance 19 and we don't need to submit it to DCA. Okay. We're 20 not sure that this is the right place to have raised 21 that question. 22 MS. HUTTON: It -- it has been raised. 23 MR. COLEMAN: It has been raised. 24 MS. HUTTON: In the challenge, it was raised. 25 It would not be a bad idea to get an administrative law All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 9 1 judge's read on what that statute means, vis-a-vis, an 2 area of critical state concern. So we're not you 3 know, we don't actually regret having brought it up. 4 But we're not particularly inclined, at this point in 5 time, in our office, to pursue going forward and 6 passing ordinances for affordable housing and acting as 7 if we have no -- no recording duties, or oversight from 8 DCA. We recognize that if we thumb our noses at them 9 too much, and we're already doing that in this 10 challenge, that will affect our -- or may affect our 11 relationship with all of the partnership activities 12 that we're involved in. So, those are considerations 13 that we also have to take. 14 So -- 15 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: At what point in time do 16 we weigh in on this, with questions? Do we -- 17 MS. HUTTON: You can -- you can start now 18 because, basically, the only other issue I wanted to 19 bring up is that we could try to mediate this issue and 20 the -- and the impact 125055 has on what we do with 21 with DCA. But we definitely -- I mean, my 22 recommendation is that we go forward as quickly as we 23 can. But, whatever questions or comments you have, I 24 would like to hear them. 25 MAYOR MCCOY: We're going to listen to All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 10 1 everybody. So I understand right, you probably think 2 this is a need for clarification and nothing of 3 substance in nature? 4 MS. HUTTON: That's right. 5 MAYOR MCCOY: That's your interpretation. 6 MS. HUTTON: But what I want from you right now 7 is is, you know, how do we proceed with this. 8 MAYOR MCCOY: Commissioner Neugent. 9 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: I've got some concerns 10 here. Some of it stems from different discussions with 11 DCA, that is contrary to the interpretation of what I'm 12 hearing here. And -- and I also know how the State 13 will talk to somebody and tell someone something and 14 someone else will get a different message, or a 15 different interpretation of what that person said. 16 Notwithstanding the amount of money we're spending on 17 moving these projects forward, and now they're getting 18 challenged. And these, even though we're talking about 19 density bonus right now, are not being done within a 20 vacuum, and there are a lot of other things that we're 21 going to be sending to DCA that I'm absolutely 22 convinced will be challenged also. 23 One of the things that concerns me, and please 24 correct me if I'm wrong here, but this is not getting 25 the typical staff review, before it comes to us with All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 11 1 staff recommendations, or staff opinions on these LDR 2 changes that we're sending to DCA. 3 MS. HUTTON: I don't think that's true. My 4 understanding is that all of these -- these LDRs that 5 have been placed before you, have gone through the 6 planning process. They've gone before the Planning 7 Commission. It's not until they've gone through that 8 process -- I may be wrong, but that was my 9 understanding that even though they may have generated 10 with the workforce housing, they are still going 11 It may be fast tracked, but I through that process. 12 believe they are going through the same process. 13 They are. And they're MR. COLEMAN: 14 advertising DRC. 15 Well, I can only say COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: 16 this, and this is my interpretation of what I got out 17 of conversations from my new growth management 18 director, that he seems to think that there are a lot 19 of LDRs that are corning before the BOCC for approval, 20 without staff recommendation, and staff interpretation 21 of what the consequences and or unintended consequences 22 Now, to what degree he he meant by that, and are. 23 I'm just sharing information. I'm not trying to -- 24 Right. And you should know. And MR. COLEMAN: 25 what we have, Commissioner is, Ty is doing a good job, All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 12 1 and has a big job, and we will talk later about Ty's 2 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: I know. And some of the 3 ordinances that we passed, clearly reflect that staff 4 is not supposed to slow this process down. That it is 5 fast tracked, and all of that. And we did that back 6 before we have our present growth manager director. 7 MS. HUTTON: Director. Uh-huh. 8 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: And I am very pleased 9 with Ty's sitting down and trying to make things work. 10 I don't think anybody can accuse Ty of trying to be an 11 obstructionist, as far as trying to make things work. 12 13 However, if -- if -- for me, they are the professionals in this. We've got a group of 14 well-intended, good people, hard working folks working 15 on a task force. However -- but, as you alluded to 16 saying that even Valerie or Tracy Suber doesn't have a 17 background in planning. Very few people that we have 18 on that task force have a professional background in 19 planning. And these -- these litigation costs, and 20 then in conjunction with some the things that are 21 coming before us, one being, exceeding the 35-foot 22 23 24 height limit. I can assure you, that's going to be lit it's going to be challenged at the DCA level, and it's going to be litigated. You can bet, whatever 25 you want to bet on that. And -- and do we continue? All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 13 1 And I say this out of concern, not out of attempting to 2 stop what we're doing, because I think what we're doing 3 is addressing some issues. But I think that we -- 4 we -- we might need to recognize this. And litigation 5 cost is something that is very concerning to me. It 6 ranks up there right behind wind/storm insurance and 7 workforce housing. 8 MS. HUTTON: Well, I agree with you about the 9 litigation costs, that we have spent and we are looking 10 at spending, because we're in the area of critical 11 state concern, and we have a lot of takings issues that 12 we're facing. We're looking at a lot of litigation 13 costs. And to the extent that we can elimin -- you 14 know, reduce those, I'm all for that. 15 What I will tell you about the question that 16 you posed about the staff review. I'm only aware of 17 two ordinances that have been put forward in the last 18 couple of months, that the division director is not 19 satisfied with the time that his staff has had to 20 review them. But this is not one of them. It may be 21 that's true, he may have voiced that to you, I don't 22 know. But, I'm not aware that this particular 23 ordinance that we're in challenge on, and that we're 24 discussing today, is one of those that he felt 25 uncomfortable with. All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 14 1 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: In closing, where is Ken 2 Metcalf? Where -- where -- are we going to send this 3 to Tallahassee, without any support and justification? 4 I clearly see this as flying in the face. And this is 5 why Marathon was denied its fractional ROGO, that they 6 sent no support in justification, i. e., in reference to 7 hurricane evacuation, along with their proposal. 8 And -- and arguments can and will be made that this is 9 in conflict with our comprehensive plan. 10 And that gets us back to the issue MS. HUTTON: 11 I started with. We do have Mr. Metcalf on board. If 12 for any reason he is not able to put the modeling, the 13 excavation modeling together in a timely manner, for 14 the presentation for the late September, early October 15 hearing, we may very well need a continuance, 16 notwithstanding the fact that we're also looking at the 17 issue of, if we don't resolve this before January 1st, 18 we're going to lose some affordable housing projects. 19 Commissioner Spehar. MAYOR MCCOY: 20 Clarification, please. COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: 21 We do need the density bonus allocation. Is -- is this 22 boiling down to Marathon being rejected with the 750 23 square foot, or a half bonus -- I mean, a half ROGO 24 MR. COLEMAN: Commissioner, again, I do not 25 believe that there is a basis for whatever the DCA says All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 15 1 about needing justification and analysis and data on 2 this ordinance. This -- you need data and analysis to 3 change your comprehensive plan. You do not have to 4 submit data and analysis to adopt a Land Development 5 Regulation, based on an adopted policy in the 6 comprehensive plan. 7 Our -- in your in the petition, we have 8 already provided the data and analysis because those 9 are approved policies that you're putting into place. 10 Okay. But -- COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: 11 But that is -- MR. COLEMAN: 12 But, if it comes down to COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: 13 that, my personal feeling, for a half ROGO point, I 14 think 600, 650 is adequate because you shouldn't have 15 And it's my understanding that more than one bedroom. 16 means one car and a half, at the most. It's my 17 understanding that DCA's feeling was 750 allows two 18 That means, you know, two cars -- three bedrooms. 19 cars, actually, because it's one and a half car per 20 bedroom. If that is it, even though we don't have to, 21 if we go back and agree to have a lesser square 22 footage, because it was my understanding that DCA would 23 support 600, 650, at maximum. 24 And I know that certain residents that have 25 come to my office have clearly stated that they would All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 16 1 not fight with us if we had that lowered. 2 MR. COLEMAN: Well, are you -- Mayor Pro Tern, I 3 think that -- and Suzanne, in a medication type 4 setting, on the density bonus, coming down to 650, if 5 that's the feeling of the commission, because when you 6 still have your half ROGO coming forward, and we bring 7 the true half ROGO down to 650. And there we will have 8 to supply, Commissioner, the data and analysis, you 9 know, because we may want to comp plan on the half, on 10 the true half unit. 11 But if -- if we are in a position and I feel 12 that the consensus here is that we're looking at 650 13 max, with one bedroom max unit, we should make our two 14 ordinances consistent. The half ROGO comes down to 650 15 and the density bonus here comes down to 650. And that 16 would give us, Suzanne, some negotiating point with the 17 DCA. That we say, listen, we'll put this on, while 18 we're bringing this other forward. And we'll and we 19 would have that latitude to come down to 650, on the 20 ordinance that you've already adopted at 750. Which 21 would mean maybe a readoption or something, and maybe 22 an agreed fast track or something on that, or a 23 settlement. 24 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: Jerry. 25 MR. COLEMAN: Yes. All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 17 1 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: For me, again, we get 2 we get back to hurricane evacuation. 3 MR. COLEMAN: Uh-huh. 4 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: We have excluded from 5 the model, mobile home parks, and tourists. 6 MR. COLEMAN: Uh-huh. 7 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: As we convert these 8 mobile home parks into permanent structures, how is 9 that then going to affect the hurricane evacuation 10 model that we manipulated to allow for increased 11 density? And each one of these things that we're 12 doing, and no one is going to convince me, whether it's 13 650 square feet, or 750 square feet, that that's not 14 going to increase density in Monroe County. And -- and 15 again, I'm just pointing out, that if we're going to 16 make an argument, we're increasing density and we're 17 going up and running into hurricane evacuation models 18 that are going to be, in my opinion, the deciding 19 factor of whether, until that's done away with, the 20 deciding factor as to whether we're going to win this 21 or not. 22 MR. COLEMAN: Commissioner Neugent, I went up, 23 yesterday, to the South Florida Planning Counsel 24 because they had a technical advisory team meeting, on 25 the update of the model. Okay. Which we will restate. All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 18 1 DCA talked about, and all of this is hinging on, we 2 have given it to Ken Metcalf. And we may have some, 3 maybe some unhappy news, coming in the -- in the update 4 of the model. And and I think we're going to have 5 to wait for this next month, and see what happens. But 6 the first run of that model, and also Irene Commodore 7 was there. So was the planner, Gayle Kenson, Okay. 8 from the City of Marathon. 9 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: Key West. 10 MR. COLEMAN: For -- 11 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: Key West. 12 Yeah, right. Key West. MR. COLEMAN: 13 You need to update COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: 14 your -- 15 Yeah, I need to update my list MR. COLEMAN: 16 And there was a Marathon representative, and a there. 17 Layton representative. But I went up for Administrator 18 Willi, the initial runs on this model, which throws in 19 backup traffic and jams, in a regional, worse case 20 scenario evacuation of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe 21 And my initial look at it was like, Counties; okay. 22 well, we might be in for a real shock because we need 23 to start knocking down buildings down here. So Okay. 24 I totally understand your -- your -- and we're going 25 to, I think, find out a little bit where the DCA is on All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 19 1 that because they commissioned this study, for the 2 South Florida Regional Planning Council should do. The 3 report is due out within 30 days. 4 The initial runs from Monroe County caused half 5 a meeting, with this technical advisory group, with 6 just on what the effect is. We're arguing about, what 7 happens if Card Sound Road, what happens when we get on 8 the Turnpike. I mean, it ran the numbers up to like, 9 36 hours. 10 Okay. So I don't -- and there is a question, 11 when you take the trailers you convert a trailer. 12 Right now a trailer counts as zero evacuation time. I 13 couldn't get them, they send them out. If we turn the 14 trailer into an affordable permanent unit, you may be 15 working backwards on the model. 16 Commissioner Patton. MAYOR MCCOY: 17 Yeah, I think that, I COMMISSIONER PATTON: 18 agree with Dixie, the 650 square footage, half cap 19 ROGO, and the one and a half cars is a good model. And 20 And I think we can do everything DCA may accept that. 21 we can to mitigate -- mediate that. Notwithstanding 22 the hurricane evacuation model may change and we may 23 never be able to use them, okay; I think that's a 24 different story. But as soon as we can -- we mediate 25 this as quickly as possible, and get it out of the way. All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 20 1 I would like to put some efforts into that. 2 MAYOR MCCOY: Commissioner Spehar. 3 COMMISSIONER PATTON: I'm not sure how that 4 will a mediation process works, but it's kind of 5 like settling out of court. 6 MS. HUTTON: Right. If we can. Yes, that's 7 exactly what it is. 8 MAYOR MCCOY: Commissioner Spehar. 9 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: Mr. Coleman, we're 10 talking about converting a trailer into a condo unit, 11 but are they taking into consideration that people that 12 are buying those condos are not year-round residents. 13 They're here two weeks out of the year. They have to 14 address that. 15 MR. COLEMAN: They're 16 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: They're -- that is an 17 absolute given because those condos are selling for a 18 million dollars. And also, there is something that 19 absolutely irritates me beyond belief, is the 20 affordable housing. The attempts that we're making is 21 not for growth, it is sustaining our workforce. We are 22 not bringing new people into this county. We are 23 trying to keep our workforce that is here. And they're 24 looking at it as growth. 25 MR. COLEMAN: All right. They -- they, All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 21 1 specifically, have said and rejected anecdotal evidence 2 from Monroe County that we have a seasonal based, you 3 know, folks living in our homes in the summer, because 4 we have not backed it up with evidence of that trend. 5 We would need to back up that trend. It is not 6 reflected in the model. The replacement that all of 7 these shutter houses, they are considered occupied 8 right now, in the model. 9 Is there any way though COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: 10 that we can give them evidence that the unit that's 11 being built, is for the person that has lived here for 12 x amount of years, so that it shows that it's not 13 growth? 14 It seems to me that we probably MS. HUTTON: 15 could because we're talking about, I mean, we have 16 already entered into 380 agreements with them. And 17 we've got lease back -- you know, we've got a purchase 18 lease back situation. So, it seems to me that all of 19 those things could be discussed during the mediation 20 to, you know, I mean, and certainly it would be brought 21 up if we end up in an actual hearing with an 22 administrative law judge. 23 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: And -- 24 MAYOR MCCOY: Commissioner Spehar. 25 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: And then there is the All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 22 1 final thing. Remember, in the conversion that we have 2 done, especially with mobile parks, when the ROGO area 3 of critical concern first started, and we started the 4 fact finding for the hurricane evacuation, the amount 5 of units, at that time, were counted as the evidence 6 for our evacuation. In our reconstruction of our 7 mobile parks, we have where they traditionally had 100 8 units on that lot, we are only allowing 75 units on 9 So we have decreased, actually. We have got that lot. 10 25 floating out there, that were counted as part of the 11 evacuation, that are not allowed to be used today. 12 Well, very interesting is that MR. COLEMAN: 13 the baseline that's being used right now, the 2000 14 census data, they've refused -- it's not refused the 15 dats, they will not use the updated data that we know 16 from the population lost over the last five years, 17 because they wanted it in block, our block data, which 18 is only done every 10 years. 19 So, I mean, we -- anyway, we did. There are a 20 lot of technical issues that we have to deal with. But 21 my understanding is -- is, from you, and Suzanne, 22 correct me if I'm wrong, that we are to proceed ahead, 23 try to mediate, if possible, but don't be afraid to go 24 ahead and litigate. We have a compromised position of 25 650 square feet, if they will accept that. And we can All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 23 1 also re-tailor that ordinance and don't bring the half 2 ordinance up, you would have a higher than 650. 3 And then also -- but I would ask, on the 1.5, 4 you know, right now our Land Development Regulations 5 require 1.5 cars for not just affordable, I mean, for 6 multifamily housing, the biggest condos in the world, 7 we -- okay, we allow 1.5. It seems to me -- 8 Heard that. COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: 9 Now, 1.5 MR. COLEMAN: 10 Per unit. COMMISSIONER PATTON: 11 Per unit. So I can have a MR. COLEMAN: 12 3,000-square foot condo and I have to build 1.5. We 13 only do it by multiunit; okay, or single family is two. 14 Multiunit, 1.5 for that development. And this is 15 I think for the small unit, you should market rate. 16 give us the latitude for the small unit, but a half 17 unit for one, not 1.5. 18 MAYOR MCCOY: Okay. I'm looking for -- I'm 19 looking for direction from the commission and we'll get 20 a nod to see if that's in agreement. 21 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: Well, I think what you 22 just said is what we need to be going for. The 1 -- 23 MS. HUTTON: Mediation and -- 24 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: Right. 25 MS. HUTTON: And continue on with litigation, All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 24 1 if need be. 2 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: Right. 3 MS. HUTTON: If-- 4 MAYOR MCCOY: Any -- any objections to that? 5 Any others -- 6 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: No. I would comment 7 that I think we're barking up the wrong tree. I'm 8 aware every other county and every other municipality, 9 I know is trying to protect their community character. 10 And -- and I know we've got issues here with affordable 11 housing. To start off with, 1.5 parking places per 12 household, I think that most people would recognize is 13 inadequate. Anything less than that is terribly 14 inadequate. And we're only doing things that are going 15 to -- the chickens will come home to roost, at some 16 point in time, and we will have that as our legacy as 17 allowing that kind of density to take place. 18 MAYOR MCCOY: Commissioner Spehar. 19 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: The debate for that 20 statement, in my opinion, Commissioner Neugent, is that 21 affordable housing, we are building, is very close to 22 the public transportation. It's low income people that 23 do not have a car, use public transportation, bicycles, 24 and so on. But, we're talking about affordable housing 25 here, and they're lucky to have a car. All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 25 1 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: Well, it's a point well 2 taken, Commissioner Spehar, that we do now have public 3 transportation and that's a good thing. And that's a 4 good argument. However, I think we need to be very 5 careful about some of the things that we do, and the 6 consequences that will come from them, and especially 7 the unintended consequences that we haven't researched 8 and looked into. 9 MAYOR MCCOY: Commissioner Patton, do you have 10 a shot? 11 COMMISSIONER PATTON: Yeah. I agree with Dixie 12 on the units, parking units per unit, especially in 13 Stock Island, Lower Keys. One -- the character is 14 different down there. And one would -- you know, based 15 upon the character in the community in Key West, it's 16 very difficult to get 1.5 in an affordable housing 17 setting. In Key Largo you may need 1.5. 18 MAYOR MCCOY: Well, you haven't seen 19 Commissioner Spehar's little half car, have you? 20 That's what she got. 21 COMMISSIONER PATTON: But that's -- you know, I 22 think it would be very appropriate and I agree with 23 Dixie on that point. 24 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: Thank you. 25 MAYOR MCCOY: Commissioner Neugent, how All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 26 1 strongly do you feel about, at this point, your 2 objection? 3 I -- I feel very strong COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: 4 about my point. I did an informal poll in my 5 neighborhood, which is a rather modest, humble 6 subdivision. And I would say, based upon my count, you 7 had about two and a half cars, three cars per 8 household, including boats. I mean, people don't come 9 here without owning a boat. And we don't have places 10 to put them. So, I feel strongly about it, but I feel 11 like, let's go forward. 12 Let's go forward. Okay. And MAYOR MCCOY: 13 when we're talking about -- when we're talking about, I 14 mean, we're talking about one and a half; right? Get 15 some kind of -- (Brief interruption.) Yes, Dear. 16 Somebody else objected to it. 17 MR. COLEMAN: One point, if you have land to 18 use it for housing, you use it for parking, but if you 19 provide three parking places per unit, they'll use 20 them. I mean, you know that they'll use everyone. 21 You're subsidizing automobiles then. 22 MAYOR MCCOY: One last parting shot. 23 COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: One thing too, especially 24 in the Lower Keys, especially in Stock Island, in our 25 CommuniKeys. Instead of having the parking unit All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 27 1 attached to the house, having a community parking lot, 2 enables one to, you know, where one doesn't have one, 3 can use the other one's space. But, we also need to be 4 looking at community parking lot, not driveway to each 5 unit. 6 MAYOR MCCOY: Okay. Ms. Hutton, I think you 7 have your direction. 8 MS. HUTTON: Yes, I do. 9 MAYOR MCCOY: Okay. 10 MR. COLEMAN: Thank you. 11 MAYOR MCCOY: We would like to conclude. 12 MS. HUTTON: You mean terminate the public 13 meeting and reconvene the -- 14 Did you say though that COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: 15 you have something else that you needed to mention? 16 I think we cut -- the one MS. HUTTON: No. 17 other thing I do want to bring up is that if for any 18 reason we end up having to litigate this, and we don't 19 have the staff time to prepare, we -- we are in the 20 middle of preparing a contract with David Jordan, who 21 has left DCA, to be on standby as legal counsel. And 22 we might very well want to bring him in. And I would 23 like a nod of approval that if necessary, if we deem 24 that necessary, that we go forward? 25 Oh, I strongly support COMMISSIONER SPEHAR: All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 28 1 that. 2 MAYOR MCCOY: George? 3 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: Yes. 4 MAYOR MCCOY: Do you have a feeling on it? 5 COMMISSIONER NEUGENT: I'm fine with that. 6 MS. HUTTON: Thank you. 7 MAYOR MCCOY: I guess you got your nod. 8 MR. COLEMAN: I'd like to make one more 9 suggestion for Suzanne. Rebecca Tuton is now outside 10 the DCA. And she wrote the internal reports on these 11 ordinances that, to our understanding, we have found 12 out, differ from the final order that came out. And 13 that, again, as an expert witness, she's in 14 Tallahassee, you wouldn't have your travel time, if 15 that's where the hearing is. She would be a perfect 16 witness because she wrote the reports. 17 MS. HUTTON: Thank you. 18 MAYOR MCCOY: I think you have that latitude. 19 I don't think you need any further information. 20 Thank you. I'm fine. MS. HUTTON: 21 I would go ahead and close. MAYOR MCCOY: 22 We're going to conclude this. We're going to adjourn. 23 We're going to end this. 24 We're terminating the closed MS. HUTTON: 25 session. All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 1 2 for. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MAYOR MCCOY: 29 That was the word I was looking Thank you very much. MS. HUTTON: Thank you. (The meeting was adjourned 9:11 a.m.) All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West 30 1 CERTIFICATE 2 STATE OF FLORIDA, 3 COUNTY OF MONROE 4 I, patricia A. Zischka, certify that I was authorized to and did stenographically report the foregoing 5 proceedings and the transcript is a true record. 6 Dated this 21st day of August, 2006. n tJ. --1(,....J' ;r'"l, l1.,tA~_ ,~,;) __li~_______~~~_L___~_~~______ 7 Patricia A. Zischka 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 All Keys Reporting - Court Reporters - (305) 289-1201 Locations in Key Largo, Marathon & Key West