St. Johns County Commissioners, hearing vox populi, the voice of We, The People, rejected another massive ugly development. Thank you. Three face elections next year.
Of course, The St. Augustine Record "spun" the story as a "technical denial," City Building and Planning Director DAVID BIRCHIM's argot for a tie vote. It's not technical -- a tie vote is a denial.
A majority vote is required to carry a proposal. A tie vote is not a majority. Nothing "technical" about it, folks.
The denial of that fact by calling it a "technical denial" is, at best, facetious.
Article VIII of Robert's Rules of Order says, "On a tie vote, the motion is lost…" Nothing technical -- it's math.
County Commission rejects Veterans Parkway development
In other business
Posted: December 1, 2015 - 11:42pm | Updated: December 2, 2015 - 7:17am
By SHELDON GARDNER
sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com
St. Johns County’s reported $270 million-plus funding gap for capital spending was in focus again at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, this time during discussion on a proposed development on Veterans Parkway.
Commissioners turned away the proposal for the subdivision after a split vote of 2-2, which was a technical denial. (sic) Commissioner Jimmy Johns was not present for the vote.
The project, which was tied to three items on the commission’s agenda, called for rezoning about 105 acres in northwest St. Johns County and a Comprehensive Plan amendment. The proposal was to allow a more than 140-lot subdivision at the site with plans to dedicate roads to the county at the county’s discretion.
County Commissioners voiced concerns about taking responsibility for roads, but some said they liked the development proposal overall.
Some voiced concern about county infrastructure funding in general.
“We are facing a $270 million dollar backlog with no funding proposal in place for it,” Commissioner Rachael Bennett said, adding the problem will remain until the county gets a workable plan and a non-ad-valorem revenue stream.
County Administrator Michael Wanchick pointed to the funding gap in the summer as part of a discussion on a possible sales tax hike. Wanchick said at the time that the county has grown in population and developments, but funding has not kept pace on spending for things like fire stations and roads.
Commissioner Jay Morris also mentioned the funding gap, which he said is now more like $280 million.
“It’s a shame that we didn’t get the ... sales tax on the ballot. I truly believe it would have passed with 61 percent ... and we’d be on our way to cutting that deficit that’s out there. That deficit is not only out there, it’s growing,” he said.
Officials plan to discuss growth concerns at a workshop at 9 a.m. on Dec. 8 at the Health and Human Services building at 200 San Sebastian View off U.S. 1 North.
Commissioners each voiced similar concerns Tuesday, focusing on road maintenance and other concerns.
“If we approve it, that does exacerbate the problem. ... I don’t have any issue with the project. ... However, I do have issue with the timing of it. I think we’re at a time where we cannot afford it,” Commission Chair Jeb Smith said.
A representative for the project offered to remove from the development plan the option for road responsibility by the county. Still, the development was turned down after a key item didn’t move forward.
Commissioner Bill McClure made a motion to enact a Comprehensive Plan amendment. Then McClure voted against the motion along with Commissioner Jeb Smith. Commissioner Jay Morris and Bennett voted yes to pass the amendment.
The tie vote, with no other motions made, meant a denial of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment,
The developer’s representative withdrew the other items with the commission’s approval, which allows applications to be filed again in a shorter time frame than if the commission had denied everything.
The items that were withdrawn were a rezoning from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development and a minor modification to the Durbin Crossing PUD — the minor modification would have allowed for less than three acres to be added to the Veterans Parkway development for an access road connection, according to the county.
In other business
■ The county plans to get a loan of more than $1.6 million to pay for E-911 and fire-rescue equipment, after County Commission approval on Tuesday.
■ Commissioners delayed an appeal hearing for the Ponte Vedra Beach Preserve variance for maximum fill. The item was continued until Jan. 19, when the commission is expected discuss whether to hear the appeal at a later date, send the issue back to the Ponte Vedra Zoning and Adjustment Board or start the process anew.
Comments (3)
Firstcoaster 12/02/15 - 09:08 am 31It was 2-2
If Jimmy Johns had been there it would have been approved (3-2).
A loan for $1.6 million = another example of the county living beyond its means.
emmylight 12/02/15 - 02:00 pm 21It was wise to vote no on
It was wise to vote no on this unfunded development. However, borrowing 1.6 million dollars we cannot afford is foolish foolish foolish. I wonder if these commissioners run up their personal credit cards like this? It may be time for credit reports and financial statements from candidates who would foolishly spend tax payer money.
sponger2 12/02/15 - 05:16 pm 31When's the next election cycle?
When is the next opportunity to remove these idiots from office and start fresh? We really, really,need to do this.
No comments:
Post a Comment