County Commission Meeting Recap - July 18
Public Safety Update
At the July 18, 2023 St. Johns County Commission meeting, the Fire Chief previewed new high-tech vehicles that have just been delivered to the department.
The Sheriff Department reports the War on Drugs continues as a pressing problem and priority. Last year the department seized 518 grams of Fentanyl which would be enough to kill every resident of the county. Inmates do receive drug rehabilitation therapy during their incarceration.
The Clerk of the Court’s office highlighted the juror selection process. Each month 500 names are randomly called to serve in a jury.
Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC) conducted joint exercises last month with the county’s Fire Rescue to help educated firefighters on safely rescuing individuals exposed to hazardous materials.
Agenda Items
West Augustine Medical Clinic
The Board unanimously approved the vacation of right away at N. Brevard and N. Volusia Streets for the new medical clinic for West Augustine. The medical facility is the result of lots of efforts on the part of many in the community.
FY 2024 Budget
Joy Andrews, Deputy County Administrator, presented a comprehensive review of Board projects and activities during the year which touched upon public works, infrastructure, utilities, community revitalization, health and human services, fire rescue, economic development, tourism development, parks and recreation, and library systems. The County’s credit rating has been upgraded to Aaa by Moody’s credit analysis.
The Office of Management & Budget has changed the format of the budget by putting it online and making it more interactive and organized by service area. At the next meeting of the Board on August 1, Commissioners will set the millage rate and determine the September date for the first budget hearing.
The taxable value growth increase for FY 2024 is 16.5% which will result in $43.6 million in property tax revenue for the county. The county will receive $59 million from the State of Florida for transportation and coastal protection in the next year.
Commissioner Dean made two recommendations: to increase funding to $2 million for the Land Acquisition & Management Program (LAMP) and increase funding for library services. It was also recommended to add 18 new positions for Fire Rescue and increase county employee salary by 7%. The Board approved all of the above recommendations by consensus votes.
Bella Terra PUD
The applicant requested a waiver to submit a new application for the Bella Terra project. The project was rejected by the Board in March 2023, but now has a new developer who is proposing to build single family homes instead of multifamily units. The waiver was approved by a 3-2 vote (Joseph, Whitehurst).
Whatley Lane (Paver Setback)
A request for a waiver to allow for pavers to be located closer than three feet to the side of the property was denied 4-1 (Whitehurst).
Little Florence Cove
The Board approved 19.8 acres east of the Shands Bridge and south of SR 16 and SR 13 N Interchange for five single family homes with docks.
RV & Boat Storage of St. Augustine
Also approved 4.2 actress on the west side of US 1 S. between Bella Terra Drive and Watson Road for a new storage facility.
Settlement of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Litigation
The Board unanimously approved a $325,000 settlement with the above accounting firm resulting from an $800,000 embezzlement by an employee of the Sheriff’s Department that was not found during the audit.
Tree Protection Ordinance
Staff reviewed the existing county tree protection provisions. Commissioner Joseph proposed 14 amendments to add and update the ordinance. A motion by Commissioner Dean directed staff to report back with recommendations on each of the 14 points and passed 4-1 (Alaimo).
Appointments to County Boards
Appointed to the North Coastal Design & Review Board are: Jane Norton, Mary Sullivan and Kathleen Floryan.
The vacancy on the Ponte Vedra Zoning & Adjustment Board is filled by Anthony Peduto.
Shamrock Sports Proposal
The Board received an unsolicited proposal by sports facilities companies to develop a recreational and sporting facility in the county. The proposal has a large emphasis on soccer fields but can also accommodate baseball and track and field. These companies want to bring high level professional soccer to Northeast Florida and to unite an already vibrant soccer community in the region. Florida ranks fourth in the nation in soccer participation with 500,000 youth participants. The organization partners with the Tim Tebow Foundation to increase all youth participation in sports and especially those with special needs. The Board voted 5-0 to see if land could be swapped for such a dedicated sports facility and a study of the costs to the county.
Proposed Separation Agreement of County Administrator
County Administrator Hunter Conrad submitted his resignation on June 29, 2023. He no longer had the confidence of most of the Commissioners. The Board accepted the separation agreement, appointed Joy Andrews as Interim County Administrator and asked for an interim contract be drawn up. The Board also voted 5-0 to conduct a national search and use an executive recruiter. Chairman Whitehurst appointed a search committee comprised of Commissioner Henry Dean, Clerk of the Court Patty, Human Resource Director Hutchinson, County Appraiser Eddie Creamer and Jerry Wilson, retired Coke Cola executive.
Tourism Development Council
The Board approved 4-1 (Joseph) to move $399,000 to contractual services to help bolster a softening tourism market.
Commissioners Reports
Commissioner Joseph thought it would be useful to have the Board meetings signed and staff will consult the local Deaf and Blind School to see if this might be a useful exercise for their students.
Commissioner Arnold asked staff to do an economic development analysis for Hastings. She also asked for a waiver of rental fees for the Solomon Center for “Shoes of Hope” to use for their annual campaign for back to school shoes. Commissioner Arnold asked the county to purchase the Zora Neale Hurston home for $239,000 and received unanimous approval. As a national Historical Landmark, the home
can be a tourist attraction.
Commissioner Dean congratulated Joy Andrews as the new Interim County Administrator.
Commissioner Alaimo attended his first meeting as a board member of the FAC in Orlando.
Interim County Administrator Andrews announced the news that the county has just received a $1 million grant to help purchase the Genova property from the Florida Boating and Waterways Navigation Organization.
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