Okaloosa County BOCC — May 21, 2013 (meeting #1140) — reading text

sixteen units. Subject parcel (5.69 acres) is located on the north side of Kelly Plantation Drive, west of One Water Place Condominium in Destin. The applicant desires to develop a 23- unit townhome subdivision. Mr. Dowd stated this is a quasi-judicial proceeding and any individuals desiring to speak should now stand and be sworn in. Mr. Elliot Kampert, Growth Management Director, stated this request is to increase the density for a townhome development. He advised the property is currently vacant. Mr. Kampert reported no public comment or opposition has been received and the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval at its hearing on April 11, 2013. He added staff has no objections to the additional seven units. Mr. Amunds opened the floor for public comment. No one came forward to speak. Mr. Windes made motion, seconded by Mr. Parisot, to approve the change to the Development Order for the Kelly Plantation PUD Master Plan. 5 yeas. VISITOR - MIKE CHESSER, TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Kampert stated that on February 19 the Board heard Mr. Chesser’s presentation regarding creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District in North County as a revenue source for needed infrastructure. He said the Board authorized staff to May 21, 2013 -6- Minute Book 69, Page 131 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners conduct further research and to report back with updated information. Mr. Kampert stated they have worked with the University of West Florida HAAS Center to develop an estimate on funds. Mr. Chesser stated Dr. Rod Lewis of the HAAS Center had a scheduling conflict and could not be present this morning. He pointed out Dr. Lewis is the primary researcher and if the Board would like to table discussion until Dr. Lewis can be present, that will be fine. Mr. Amunds replied Mr. Chesser has been patient in attending meetings and believes the Board should continue with the update this morning. Mr. Harris remarked that he had a long discussion with Dr. Lewis who is a big advocate of this concept and termed it a viable proposal. Mr. Chesser stated he will be glad to answer questions and advised Dr. Lewis will be present on June 4 to provide greater details. He stated there is a difference between something being “urgent” and something being “important.” Mr. Chesser said the committee feels this is an important issue but not urgent. Continuing, he stated transportation issues and the ability to get through this county are becoming more difficult. Mr. Chesser felt the world is looking at Okaloosa County, particularly because of the most recent BRAC actions. His concern about the next meeting of BRAC, saying he wants that group to see Okaloosa County has done what it should for the infusion of military into the community. A graph showing a 20-year projection was shown on the screen. Mr. Chesser explained the graph and said both he and Dr. Lewis believe the $80 Million projection of revenue for that timeframe is conservatively low. He noted that he spoke with the county’s Special Counsel Bob Nabors about the TIF concept and Mr. Nabors agrees the TIF district would not be bondable on Day 1. However, he said there is a lot of creativity if consideration is given to repaying an original contribution. Mr. Chesser explained how the implementation of additional gas taxes could benefit this TIF. Mr. Chesser said in his earlier presentation the specific project for the TIF would be a bypass around Crestview. He Stated Mr. Hofstad has estimated the project will cost $100 Million. Mr. Chesser stated that Erik Davis, Planner for the City of Crestview (who is also on this committee), has spoken with the West Florida Regional Planning Council (WFRPC) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on the proposal. He May 21, 2013 -7- Minute Book 69, Page 132 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners said their response was “disappointing” because they are not ready to do anything yet. Mr. Chesser stressed the first step is to identify this project as a priority, noting that right now Highway 98 has been identified as the priority. He explained that if something is done in North Okaloosa County, it will help South Okaloosa County. He underscored the fact that we are one county. Mr. Harris emphasized this is not just a North County issue and it affects the entire county. Mr. Chesser said he loves the City of Destin just like so many other residents and visitors. However, they have a problem with getting stuck in traffic before getting there. He detailed projects in South County which would be helpful, such as a multi-level parking garage in the Destin area and another “Brooks Bridge.” He then went into further details about the TIF. Mr. Chesser noted that once the TIF for the bypass is taken care of, then a TIF to resolve issues along Highway 98 could be established. A lengthy discussion ensued. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Dowd, Mr. Chesser stated the Supreme Court did say a TIF can be created with at least three votes of the County Commission. He stated the case involved Escambia County and he will forward that case law to Mr. Dowd. Mr. Parisot had concerns about the accuracy of the graph and population projections. Upon inquiry by Mr. Praisot, Mr. Chesser identified the members of this committee as Erik Davis form the City of Crestview, Elliot Kampert and John Hofstad from the county’s staff, and himself. Mr. Chesser said there are many good questions being asked and the proposal, the deal, must work for all parties. He reiterated this is an important issue but not an urgent one. Mr. Chesser encouraged the commissioners not to have a knee-jerk reaction but to be open to the possibilities. Mr. Kampert stated Mr. Davis plans to present the proposal to the City of Crestview. He said he is glad to hear the discussion and noted the Board's first directive was to look at the numbers to see if there is enough money to continue to go into the General Fund and to bond for a TIF. Mr. Davis provided more details on the graph which was displayed. He stated the ad valorem tax revenue going into the General Fund would not be frozen but would increase with continued growth. Mr. Davis said the same information provided to the Board this morning will be presented to the Crestview City Council at its first meeting in June. He asked for the May 21, 2013 -8- Minute Book 69, Page 133 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners commissioners’ help in moving the P. J. Adams Parkway project to the top of the TPO list. Mr. Boyles also expressed gratification for having this discussion and said this is an example of the type of issues which are important to the constituents. He said there are two places in the county where roads become parking lots—one is on Highway 85 South in Crestview and the other is Highway 98 in Destin. Mr. Boyles encouraged creative solutions and was glad Mr. Davis from the City of Crestview was present. RECESS - The meeting was recessed at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL Mr. Harris made motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. Parisot stated he would like to have Item #7 (Letters to Governor Scott supporting State budget items benefiting Library Cooperative and County Department) removed from the agenda. (NOTE: The reason for removal is because the Governor vetoed these expenditures.) Mr. Parisot also asked for Item #2 (Water & Sewer item requesting authorization to advertise, accept bids and transfer funds for the procurement of a new derrick/boom truck) pulled for discussion. Mr. Parisot questioned advertising only for the purchase of this item and recommended bids for leasing the vehicle also be considered. Water & Sewer Director Jeff Littrell responded that he has no objection to the recommendation and he will work with the Purchasing Department about obtaining lease options. Mr. Harris withdrew his motion. Mr. Amunds stated Item #2 and #7 will be removed from consideration. Mr. Boyles questioned the removal of Item #2. Mr. Boyles made motion, seconded by Mr. Parisot, to direct staff to seeks not only bids for purchase but lease of a new derrick/boom truck for the Water & Sewer Department (Item #2) and to approve the remaining Consent Items: 1. Airports: Approval of and authorization for Chairman to execute 2013 Annual Loan Renewal for F-15 Static Display at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport May 21, 2013 -9- Minute Book 69, Page 134 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners 3. Public Works: Accept for recording a Special Warranty Deed from Magnolia Forest Property Owners Association at Bluewater Bay, Inc. for Wren Way 4. Airports, Rehab of public parking facility at Northwest Florida Regional Airport: Cc. W. Roberts, contractor-- Approval of Change Order #2 deleting $419,695.59 from contract amount; releasing all retainage; and approving final payment in the amount of $304,406.64 (which includes retainage) 5. Public Safety: Approval of proclamation designating June 2-8 as National Beach Safety Week 6. Public Works: Request authorization to advertise for public hearing on June 18, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach to consider the addition of a street light in the Okaloosa Island MSBU 8. Authorization for Chairman to execute letter to Chelsea Nichole Smith from Laurel Hill High School for perfect attendance 13 years in a row 5 yeas. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT - PETER MAYER TASK ORDER NO. 33, SUMMER CAMPAIGN ‘ Mr. Daniel O’Byrne, Tourist Development Director, requested approval of Peter Mayer Advertising Task Order No. 33 in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for the summer campaign. He said it is for media pass through costs intended to “drive visitation between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2013." Ms. Ellen Kempner and Ms. Michelle Clark of Peter Mayer Advertising provided a brief presentation on this summer campaign scheduled to run from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2013. Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Parisot, to approve Task Order No. 33. 5 yeas. CORRECTIONS = AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE RFP FOR INMATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Chief Correctional Officer Paul Lawson requested authorization to advertise for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for inmate telecommunication services. Currently, telephone services are provided through a contract provider, Securus. This contract will expire on September 30, 2013. Chief Lawson stated new technology can provide web-based video visitation for inmates and their families, friends, and attorneys by locating May 21, 2013 -10- Minute Book 69, Page 135 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners detention-grade video visitation equipment in inmate housing areas. Adding this feature could provide additional revenue to the General Fund, reduce inmate movement inside the facility and the amount of time invested to accommodate on-site visits. In his agenda request, Chief Lawson also asked for approval of the following selection committee members: Donna Lawler, Systems and Networks; Bob Card, Information Systems Applications; Tammy Matthews and Audie Beadle, Department of Corrections; Jack Allen, Purchasing Department; and a county commissioner. Upon inquiry by Mr. Amunds, Chief Lawson listed a number of other jails which have installed this type communication system. Mr. Parisot made motion, seconded by Mr. Boyles, to authorize advertising the RFP. Upon inquiry by Chief Lawson, Mr. Amunds stated the appointment of the selection committee will be included in the action. He added that if a commissioner is needed, Mr. Parisot is the liaison commissioner and can sit on the committee. 5 yeas. GROWTH MANAGEMENT - APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEARS 2013-14 THROUGH 2015-16 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS Mr. Elliot Kampert, Growth Management Director, advised that both the county and the City of Fort Walton Beach must adopt by resolution the Local Housing Assistance Program (LHAP) for