OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FORT PIERCE CITY PLANNING BOARD HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017, IN FORT PIERCE CITY HALL, COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
- Present:
- Charles Hayek; Marcia Baker; John George; Mike Dahan; Eloise Cumings; Tim O'Connell; Frank Creyaufmiller; Brian Paul; Robert Poitier; Steve Weaver; Al Bernetti; Bob Burdge, Chairman
- Staff Present:
-
- Jim Messer, City Attorney
- Rebecca Grohall, Planning Director
- Kori Benton, Senior Planner
- Alicia Rosenthal, Executive Assistant
All Planning Board members were present.
No alternates were needed.
Chairman Burdge stated the City Commission is sending the Sacks Dwelling Rental Conditional Use application back to the Planning Board to discuss the reasons for denial of the application. Chairman Burdge asked the Board to help with the recollection of denial reasons. Chairman Burdge also asked that the reasons for denial be included in the minutes when an application is denied by the Board.
Ms. Baker explained one of the main reasons for denial was the applicant violated the stopping of their advertisement. Ms. Baker also stated there was not a resident manager and the adjoining townhouse property owners knew nothing about the short term rental. Ms. Baker continued on to say there were several people in the audience who spoke against the application, demonstrating the applicant had not only violated the ordinances and were continuing to violate the ordinances by advertising short term rentals, but they had not complied the other requirements that they had been made aware of.
Mr. Weaver stated his vote against the project was based solely on his opinion that it was not a good fit in the very largely single family residential neighborhood surrounding it.
Motion was made by Robert Poitier, and seconded by Frank Creyaufmiller to approve the minutes from the March 14, 2017 meeting.
- AYE:
- John George, Mike Dahan, Eloise Cumings, Tim O'Connell, Frank Creyaufmiller, Brian Paul, Robert Poitier, Charles Hayek, Marcia Baker, Chairman Bob Burdge
Passed
Mr. Benton gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board.
The Board had concerns with automobiles backing into the street, parking, vehicles extending into the sidewalk and how monthly rentals are being policed.
John Mooney, Applicant, answered questions from the Board.
Motion was made by Marcia Baker, and seconded by Charles Hayek to approve the Conditional Use with the five conditions listed in the staff report:
1. The applicant completes the proposed driveway (parking) improvements prior to zoning approval for the Business Tax application.
2. Registration of a local property manager, and secondary property manager, accessible at all times to resolve complaints or violations of City Code;
3. Issuance of guide booklets for renters regarding local rules and public service resources to minimize conflicts;
4. Installation of a sidewalk connection, or payment in-lieu of construction, along the Alhambra Street property line pursuant to City Code Sections 22-62 (b) & (d); and
5. The applicant files for and obtains St. Lucie County & City of Fort Pierce Business Tax Licenses within thirty (30) days of Conditional Use approval.
- AYE:
- Marcia Baker, John George, Mike Dahan, Eloise Cumings, Tim O'Connell, Frank Creyaufmiller, Brian Paul, Robert Poitier, Charles Hayek, Chairman Bob Burdge
Passed
Ms. Baker requested the attorney add a disclaimer to the Board agenda, for any liability on the part of the Board for any actions that are taken.
Mr. Weaver stated if Board members offer up reasons on the record that are not specifically applicable to Chapter 22 or tied to their own perception of health, safety and welfare, they are setting themselves up for the exact type of liability that Ms. Baker is trying to get in the agenda to avoid.
Chairman Burdge asked the Planning Board members if they are interested in a short term rental workshop that the City Commission is putting together. Chairman Burdge reminded the Board that the City Commission 2nd reading is being held on April 17, 2017 for the elimination of compensation for Board members and alternate Board members not being able to speak on items that will be voted on.