The Local Planning Agency of the City of Monticello, Florida met in regular session on
March 9, 2010 at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The following members were present:

Steve Rissman, Acting Chairman

Tom Dunn

Nancy Wideman

Mike Bonfanti

Tom Vogelgesang, Ex-Officio Council Member

Others present were:

Emily Anderson, City Clerk/Treasurer

Bruce Leinback, City Attorney

Chairman Rissman called the meeting to order. On motion of Tom Dunn, seconded by Nancy Wideman, minutes of the July 14, 2009 meeting were unanimously approved.

APPLICATION FOR SMALL-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT (2.86 acres); MIXED USE-BUSINESS/RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL – CASSEAUX, HEWETT, & WALPOLE, INC., AGENTS FOR SECOND BASE HOLDINGS, LLC OWNER OF 2.86 ACRES AT NORTHWEST CORNER OF WEST SEMINOLE AVE AND SOUTH JEFFERSON STREET

Attorney Bruce Leinback swore in all parties wishing to testify. Gerry Dedenbach, representing the developer, presented an overview of the requested land use change. The purpose of the change is to allow a 12,500 square foot stand-alone Dollar General Store. The developer has met with the residents, and, as a result, has made several design changes to retain green space, upgrade building exteriors, lighting and frontal and buffering landscaping, and align the single driveway on U.S. 19 South across from Capital City Bank. A dry water basin on the north part of the property.

Keith McCarron, Senior Planner, Apalachee Regional Planning Council, acting as city consultant, presented a review of the project. Mr. McCarron noted there are actually two parcels under separate ownership within the application, and noted that no development plans have been reported for the .49 acre parcel. He also noted the current conditions of the property. Mr. McCarron also reviewed the transportation analysis, and has agreed with a modified transportation analysis presented by the developer. He also noted that a more detailed transportation analysis would be required at the time of site plan and will be reviewed by the Department of Transportation. Driveway access will also be approved by the Department of Transportation.

Mr. McCarron noted that the commercial category would allow for more intense development than is proposed by this application. It is recommended that this application and a site plan for the proposed project be tied together, and suggested that if this particular deal falls through, the matter should be reviewed again. He also noted that tree preservation would be addressed in a site plan review in accordance with existing code. He also noted promotion of pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the comprehensive plan. Mr. Dedenbach noted that the residents have asked that no pedestrian or bicycle facilities be added on the south end of the property.

Several residents addressed the Agency. Mimi Brock, of 920 S. Mulberry, raised a question about a fence running along the back of the development and stormwater retention. Mr. Dedenbach noted that the fence and buffer landscape design could be modified. She also raised concerns about night deliveries and increased accidents on U.S. 19 South. The developers indicated that deliveries would not occur after store closing, and since trucks are loaded with deliveries for several stores, they will not remain parked at the location.

Resident Mike Clayton of South Water Street, speaking for several neighbors, voiced opposition to the store, noted he would rather not see retail stores on those parcels. He also expressed concern that the development would increase traffic in the neighborhood.

The Agency Members noted that the current comprehensive plan designation already allows for business development and could potentially allow for total square footage than is presently proposed, as well as include the potential for several driveways. Mr. Dedenbach indicated that the contiguous .49 acre parcel on the north end could be removed from the pending comprehensive plan/rezoning applications.

Resident Maurey Beggs of W. Seminole Avenue suggested that the .49 acre parcel not be changed to Commercial.

Planning Agency Members, citizens and the developer also discussed options for building design, air conditioning unit placement, landscaping, parking, signage and safety concerns regarding the property entrance.

After discussion of the options available to the Planning Agency, Nancy Wideman made a motion to recommend against approval of the comprehensive plan change from the current Business/Residential. The motion died for lack of a second.

After further discussion, Mike Bonfanti made a motion to recommend the denial of approval of the comprehensive plan change. The motion was seconded by Nancy Wideman. With the absence of Agency Member Rick Anderson, the vote was as follows:

For Against

Mike Bonfanti Tom Dunn

Nancy Wideman Steve Rissman

Attorney Bruce Leinback noted the application for comprehensive plan amendment and application for rezoning would be forwarded to the Council without recommendation either way. The rezoning application was not discussed.

The developers requested that any additional concerns be expressed to them to address. There was brief discussion about air conditioner units being placed on top of the building and perhaps a shift of the building site north to south or perhaps closer to South Jefferson Street. The Board also expressed preference for a monument sign instead of a pylon sign.

Chairman Rissman requested that the provisions for notice be changed so that property owners receive individual mailings of comprehensive plan amendment or rezoning applications before the Local Planning Agency meetings.

LANGUAGE REGARDING CONSTRUCTION PLAN APPROVAL IN CURRENT CODE Clerk Anderson noted that the code states that the Local Planning Agency review construction plans. She suggested that the code be modified so that construction plans do not need Local Planning Agency approval. The Board agreed that that language should be modified.

OLD BUSINESS

*STATUS OF EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORT Clerk Anderson reported that the Evaluation and Appraisal Report has been submitted to the State.

NEW BUSINESS

Agency Member Bonfanti suggested that procedure clarification be addressed, and that the sign ordinance be tightened. Keith McCarron noted he could assist in research on signage.

There being no further business before the Local Planning Agency, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily Anderson

City Clerk/Treasurer

NOTE: These proceedings were mechanically recorded. See Cassette Tape No. 2010-03 (2 tapes)