Planning Board Minutes
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FORT PIERCE CITY PLANNING BOARD HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2023, IN FORT PIERCE CITY HALL, COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
Ms. Daniel entered the meeting at 2:05 PM.
Ms. Daniel entered the meeting at 2:05 PM.
- Present:
- Alexander Edwards; Nichelle Clemons; Uline Daniel; Harold Albury; Anton Kreisl; John Heaning; Frank Creyaufmiller, Chairman
- Staff Present:
-
- Kev Freeman, Planning Director
- Vennis Gilmore, Assistant Planning Director
- Ryan Altizer, Senior Planner
- Alicia Rosenthal, Planning and Development Organizer
4.
CONSIDERATION OF ABSENCES
All members were in attendance.
All members were in attendance.
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Minutes from the February 13, 2023 meeting
Motion was made by Nichelle Clemons, and seconded by Harold Albury to approve the minutes from the February 13, 2023 meeting.
- AYE:
- Harold Albury, Anton Kreisl, John Heaning, Nichelle Clemons, Alexander Edwards, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
6.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Freeman said Mr. Sanders, St. Lucie County School District ex-officio Board Member, was unable to make the meeting, and he has no comments on the agenda.
Mr. Freeman said Mr. Sanders, St. Lucie County School District ex-officio Board Member, was unable to make the meeting, and he has no comments on the agenda.
a.
Annexation - Weatherbee - Parcel ID: 3403-502-0015-000-5
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. He stated the request for review is an application for an annexation of one (1) 6.94 +/- acre parcel into the city. The current Future Land Use is Residential High (RH) with a requested city Future Land Use of Medium Density Residential (RM) and a current Zoning of Residential, Multi-Family (RM-11) with a requested city Zoning of Medium Density Residential (R-4).
Tod Mowery, Redtail Applicant Representative, stated the multifamily project is working out the architectural details. Mr. Mowery answered questions from the Board on surrounding properties and number of preliminary dwelling units.
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. He stated the request for review is an application for an annexation of one (1) 6.94 +/- acre parcel into the city. The current Future Land Use is Residential High (RH) with a requested city Future Land Use of Medium Density Residential (RM) and a current Zoning of Residential, Multi-Family (RM-11) with a requested city Zoning of Medium Density Residential (R-4).
Tod Mowery, Redtail Applicant Representative, stated the multifamily project is working out the architectural details. Mr. Mowery answered questions from the Board on surrounding properties and number of preliminary dwelling units.
Motion was made by Anton Kreisl, and seconded by Nichelle Clemons to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission.
- AYE:
- Harold Albury, Anton Kreisl, John Heaning, Alexander Edwards, Nichelle Clemons, Uline Daniel, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
b.
Conditional Use - Techno Arts Academy - 2817 Peters Road
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. The applicant is requesting the review of an application for a Conditional Use for a charter elementary school. The applicant is seeking to operate the school in an existing, stand alone 11,346 square foot building. Seven (7) classrooms, a main office, four (4) bathrooms, a teachers lounge and a cafeteria are proposed in the floor plan. Mr. Altizer noted there will be no food cooked on the premise. The applicant is proposing a phased growth of the school, starting with approximately 126 kindergarten to 2nd graders. Each year a grade will be added until an approximate 320 kindergarten to 5th grade students attend the school. The school would employ around 25 staff members and school hours would be between 7 am to 4 pm. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Dawn Hauptner, CEO, stated the school was approved by the St. Lucie County School Board last year. The school will offer a technology and art based program with an intensive literacy program that will make for a longer school day. Ms. Hauptner answered questions from the Board on the playground, fencing, gate, hot food, and parking.
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. The applicant is requesting the review of an application for a Conditional Use for a charter elementary school. The applicant is seeking to operate the school in an existing, stand alone 11,346 square foot building. Seven (7) classrooms, a main office, four (4) bathrooms, a teachers lounge and a cafeteria are proposed in the floor plan. Mr. Altizer noted there will be no food cooked on the premise. The applicant is proposing a phased growth of the school, starting with approximately 126 kindergarten to 2nd graders. Each year a grade will be added until an approximate 320 kindergarten to 5th grade students attend the school. The school would employ around 25 staff members and school hours would be between 7 am to 4 pm. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Dawn Hauptner, CEO, stated the school was approved by the St. Lucie County School Board last year. The school will offer a technology and art based program with an intensive literacy program that will make for a longer school day. Ms. Hauptner answered questions from the Board on the playground, fencing, gate, hot food, and parking.
Motion was made by Harold Albury, and seconded by Anton Kreisl to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission.
- AYE:
- Anton Kreisl, John Heaning, Alexander Edwards, Nichelle Clemons, Uline Daniel, Harold Albury, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
c.
Site Plan and Conditional Use with New Construction - Love Ministries Telecom Tower - 3111 Avenue D
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board on gopher tortoises, landscaping, zoning, and density. The applicant is requesting the review of an application for a Conditional Use for a telecommunications tower. The applicant is seeking to install an unmanned wireless facility consisting of a 199-foot monopole and associated ground equipment within a 60 foot x 60 foot secure equipment compound. The monopole is designed to have a maximum of 4 carriers. Mr. Altizer stated the 3.74 +/- acre site area Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Deborah Martohue, Applicant Representative, stated the location of the tower will have minimal impact, and it has been a multi-year process in finding the right site. Ms. Martohue stated Verizon will be the anchor tenant, and they will work with others on the network to fill the gaps. Ms. Martohue showed the overall site location, highlighting there will be no additional impact on the residential neighborhood. Ms. Martohue said the tower far exceeds the code setbacks and there is potential for three communication providers, which will reduce the need for additional towers. Ms. Martohue asked for a waiver of the 5-foot sidewalk requirement along Avenue D, since the sidewalk goes nowhere and the site is not pedestrian facility. Ms. Martohue answered questions from the Board on the fall zone radius.
Mr. Freeman stated staff was in agreement for the waiver of the sidewalk.
Ms. Martohue noted the site is 3.74 acres and the tower will be taking 2% or less of the site, which will be a de minimus impact.
Board discussion ensued on what triggers a developer to build a sidewalk if there is no existing sidewalk in place. Mr. Freeman explained redevelopment of a property would require a sidewalk be put in place unless there are specific reasons such as not enough ROW or drainage or utilities are in the way. Mr. Freeman said the hope of the city is to allow pedestrians to be safe while walking or biking.
Jerome Rhyant, property owner, showed a conceptual site plan for the rest of the site, and he stated the sidewalk will be developed when Treasure Coast RV and Boat Storage is completed.
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board on gopher tortoises, landscaping, zoning, and density. The applicant is requesting the review of an application for a Conditional Use for a telecommunications tower. The applicant is seeking to install an unmanned wireless facility consisting of a 199-foot monopole and associated ground equipment within a 60 foot x 60 foot secure equipment compound. The monopole is designed to have a maximum of 4 carriers. Mr. Altizer stated the 3.74 +/- acre site area Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Deborah Martohue, Applicant Representative, stated the location of the tower will have minimal impact, and it has been a multi-year process in finding the right site. Ms. Martohue stated Verizon will be the anchor tenant, and they will work with others on the network to fill the gaps. Ms. Martohue showed the overall site location, highlighting there will be no additional impact on the residential neighborhood. Ms. Martohue said the tower far exceeds the code setbacks and there is potential for three communication providers, which will reduce the need for additional towers. Ms. Martohue asked for a waiver of the 5-foot sidewalk requirement along Avenue D, since the sidewalk goes nowhere and the site is not pedestrian facility. Ms. Martohue answered questions from the Board on the fall zone radius.
Mr. Freeman stated staff was in agreement for the waiver of the sidewalk.
Ms. Martohue noted the site is 3.74 acres and the tower will be taking 2% or less of the site, which will be a de minimus impact.
Board discussion ensued on what triggers a developer to build a sidewalk if there is no existing sidewalk in place. Mr. Freeman explained redevelopment of a property would require a sidewalk be put in place unless there are specific reasons such as not enough ROW or drainage or utilities are in the way. Mr. Freeman said the hope of the city is to allow pedestrians to be safe while walking or biking.
Jerome Rhyant, property owner, showed a conceptual site plan for the rest of the site, and he stated the sidewalk will be developed when Treasure Coast RV and Boat Storage is completed.
Motion was made by Nichelle Clemons, and seconded by Uline Daniel to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission with the waiver of the 5-foot sidewalk connection.
- AYE:
- John Heaning, Alexander Edwards, Nichelle Clemons, Uline Daniel, Harold Albury, Anton Kreisl, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
d.
Site Plan and Conditional Use - JDA Self-Storage and Vehicle Storage Facility - 5553 Okeechobee Road
Mr. Gilmore gave an overview of the application. The request is for review of an application for a Site Plan and Conditional Use to construct an approximately 103,022 square foot, two-story, self-storage and vehicle storage facility with associated site improvements. The subject parcel has a total of approximately 10.64 acres, however, the site plan will encompass only approximately 4.34 acres. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3). Mr. Gilmore answered questions from the Board on the number of storage facilities approved in the last year and the opaque fencing.
Mike Miles, Applicant Representative from Dynamic Engineering, showed a PowerPoint presentation, and he provided history on Johnson Development, highlighting they have developed 70 storage facilities across the country. Mr. Miles answered questions from the Board on the type of fencing around the property, coded gate access, shaded car storage and traffic generation.
Board discussion ensued on concerns for the number of storage units being built in Fort Pierce and where they are located.
Mr. Freeman stated the increase of storage facilities is a direct consequence of residential units. He noted staff is concerned with the appearance from the roadway and the lack of architecture. He said the visual impact is more important than the use.
Natalie Smith, Johnson Development Representative, stated the company models out a five-year cash flow projection, and they stay on top of existing storage facility supply. Ms. Smith noted the seven (7) square foot per person is below the national supply average in Fort Pierce.
Mr. Gilmore gave an overview of the application. The request is for review of an application for a Site Plan and Conditional Use to construct an approximately 103,022 square foot, two-story, self-storage and vehicle storage facility with associated site improvements. The subject parcel has a total of approximately 10.64 acres, however, the site plan will encompass only approximately 4.34 acres. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3). Mr. Gilmore answered questions from the Board on the number of storage facilities approved in the last year and the opaque fencing.
Mike Miles, Applicant Representative from Dynamic Engineering, showed a PowerPoint presentation, and he provided history on Johnson Development, highlighting they have developed 70 storage facilities across the country. Mr. Miles answered questions from the Board on the type of fencing around the property, coded gate access, shaded car storage and traffic generation.
Board discussion ensued on concerns for the number of storage units being built in Fort Pierce and where they are located.
Mr. Freeman stated the increase of storage facilities is a direct consequence of residential units. He noted staff is concerned with the appearance from the roadway and the lack of architecture. He said the visual impact is more important than the use.
Natalie Smith, Johnson Development Representative, stated the company models out a five-year cash flow projection, and they stay on top of existing storage facility supply. Ms. Smith noted the seven (7) square foot per person is below the national supply average in Fort Pierce.
Motion was made by John Heaning, and seconded by Nichelle Clemons to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission with the following six (6) conditions:
.
- A completion certification by a landscape architect, cost estimate, and landscape bond pursuant to City Code 123-6 shall be required before the Final Certificate of Occupancy is approved for the site.
- Prior to the issuance of any site clearing permits, the applicant shall provide a Tree Mitigation Survey and coordinate with the City of Fort Pierce Arborist for the required mitigation of the City regulated trees proposed to be removed as a result of this site’s development/construction activity.
- Per City Code Chapter 121 Subdivisions, a Final Plat is required.
- After completion of the Final Plat, please submit a General Address Request Form for the newly created Parcel ID and for each proposed building.
- If a monument sign is proposed, please consider installing a landscaped area around the proposed monument sign base which extends a minimum distance of three (3) feet in all directions. Such landscaped area shall be completely covered by ground cover and shrubs, hedges, or similar vegetative materials.
- Install an opaque fence for the outside storage area.
- AYE:
- Alexander Edwards, Nichelle Clemons, Uline Daniel, Harold Albury, Anton Kreisl, John Heaning, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
e.
Site Plan - Twin Vee - 3101 S. US Highway 1
Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the application and said that Twin Vee is a technology advanced boat manufacturing business. He said the request is for a review of an application for a site plan to construct an additional 23,456 square foot expansion together with a 4,389 square foot covered awning. The additions will connect two existing buildings which are used by the existing Twin Vee boat manufacturing business. The subject parcel has a total of approximately 7.27 acres. The existing Future Land Use is General Commercial, (GC), and the Zoning is General Commercial, (C-3). Mr. Freeman said they will be enclosing the activities that are going on in the infill area.
Brad Currie, Applicant Representative from EDC, stated the building that burned down is being replaced with an expanded building for the manufacturing process. Mr. Currie answered questions from the Board on parking and additional phases.
Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the application and said that Twin Vee is a technology advanced boat manufacturing business. He said the request is for a review of an application for a site plan to construct an additional 23,456 square foot expansion together with a 4,389 square foot covered awning. The additions will connect two existing buildings which are used by the existing Twin Vee boat manufacturing business. The subject parcel has a total of approximately 7.27 acres. The existing Future Land Use is General Commercial, (GC), and the Zoning is General Commercial, (C-3). Mr. Freeman said they will be enclosing the activities that are going on in the infill area.
Brad Currie, Applicant Representative from EDC, stated the building that burned down is being replaced with an expanded building for the manufacturing process. Mr. Currie answered questions from the Board on parking and additional phases.
Motion was made by Harold Albury, and seconded by Nichelle Clemons to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission.
- AYE:
- Nichelle Clemons, Uline Daniel, Harold Albury, Anton Kreisl, John Heaning, Alexander Edwards, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
f.
Preliminary Plat - Westcity FP Shops - 2671 S. Jenkins Road
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. The request is for review of an application for a preliminary plat to subdivide one (1) parcel into three (3) platted lots. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Brad Ulmer, Applicant Representative from Thomas Engineering, answered questions from the Board on a mitigation pond, Okeechobee Road median, and an association being formed. Mr. Ulmer stated FDOT gave access for the parcel being planned, and he said when the 2nd parcel is designed and the use is provided, he will work with FDOT to address possibly modifying the median.
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. The request is for review of an application for a preliminary plat to subdivide one (1) parcel into three (3) platted lots. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Brad Ulmer, Applicant Representative from Thomas Engineering, answered questions from the Board on a mitigation pond, Okeechobee Road median, and an association being formed. Mr. Ulmer stated FDOT gave access for the parcel being planned, and he said when the 2nd parcel is designed and the use is provided, he will work with FDOT to address possibly modifying the median.
Motion was made by Alexander Edwards, and seconded by Nichelle Clemons to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission.
- AYE:
- Uline Daniel, Harold Albury, Anton Kreisl, John Heaning, Alexander Edwards, Nichelle Clemons, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
g.
Preliminary Plat - Fort Pierce Commercial - 5553, 5555 and 5575 Okeechobee Road
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. The request is for review of an application for a preliminary plat to subdivide three (3) parcels into five (5) platted lots on 14.14 +/- acres. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Aaron Stanton, Engineer of Record, MBV Engineering, stated the five parcels include Wawa, Chipolte, Aldi, a stormwater tract and the proposed JDA Self Storage and Vehicle Storage.
Mr. Altizer gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. The request is for review of an application for a preliminary plat to subdivide three (3) parcels into five (5) platted lots on 14.14 +/- acres. The Future Land Use is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning is General Commercial (C-3).
Aaron Stanton, Engineer of Record, MBV Engineering, stated the five parcels include Wawa, Chipolte, Aldi, a stormwater tract and the proposed JDA Self Storage and Vehicle Storage.
Motion was made by Nichelle Clemons, and seconded by Harold Albury to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission.
- AYE:
- Harold Albury, Anton Kreisl, John Heaning, Alexander Edwards, Nichelle Clemons, Uline Daniel, Chairman Frank Creyaufmiller
Passed
7.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were no comments from the public.
There were no comments from the public.
8.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Freeman introduced Kerry Charles, new city planner, to the Board and Ms. Charles told the Board a little bit about herself.
Mr. Freeman made the Board aware of legislative items coming forward, and he stated he will provide updates as they come in.
Mr. Freeman introduced Kerry Charles, new city planner, to the Board and Ms. Charles told the Board a little bit about herself.
Mr. Freeman made the Board aware of legislative items coming forward, and he stated he will provide updates as they come in.
9.
BOARD COMMENTS
Mr. Albury thanked Mr. Freeman for clarifying and providing answers on the sidewalk situation. Mr. Albury suggested that if nothing is built within five years, sidewalks are built out. Mr. Freeman explained the internal.process for sidewalks is currently in place, unless it is a capital project. He highlighted the #1 priority is putting in sidewalks because there are too many missing links and this will make the property more valuable for developers and neighbors.
Chairman Creyaufmiller suggested the public be notified of the Planning Board meeting agenda items.
Chairman Creyaufmiller thanked the Board for their dedication and attendance.
Mr. Albury thanked Mr. Freeman for clarifying and providing answers on the sidewalk situation. Mr. Albury suggested that if nothing is built within five years, sidewalks are built out. Mr. Freeman explained the internal.process for sidewalks is currently in place, unless it is a capital project. He highlighted the #1 priority is putting in sidewalks because there are too many missing links and this will make the property more valuable for developers and neighbors.
Chairman Creyaufmiller suggested the public be notified of the Planning Board meeting agenda items.
Chairman Creyaufmiller thanked the Board for their dedication and attendance.
10.
ADJOURNMENT