Planning and Zoning Board

Regular Meeting

February 5, 2007

 

The Planning and Zoning Board of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida met in regular session on Monday, February 5, 2007 in the Community Center, 509 Ocean Avenue beginning at 7 p.m.

 

Present were Chairman Dave Campbell, Vice Chairman Mike West, Regular Members Steve Schwartz and Jayne Waters, and Alternate Member Susan Dieterle.  Also in attendance were Town Manager Jim Bursick, Interim Town Attorney Gary Sack, Planning Official Dennis Ragsdale, and Town Clerk Lenore Milan.

 

Chairman Campbell called the meeting to order.

 

Vice Chair West made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2007 meeting, which was seconded by Member Waters.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

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The first item on the agenda was the Ocean Avenue Redevelopment Plan, which was requested to be discussed by the Town Commission.  Mr. Bursick had distributed, along with their meeting package,  a copy of the originally-developed Ocean Avenue Redevelopment Plan, a review of the portions of the Ocean Avenue Redevelopment Plan most closely related to zoning as was completed by Dennis Ragsdale, Town Planner, and changes that would need to be made to the Code in order to implement the Plan.

 

Mr. Jim Bursick, Town Manager explained the Ocean Avenue Redevelopment Plan; that it was developed in 2000 timeframe, but was not adopted by the Commission.  He stated that it was his understanding that the development process for this plan extended over several years and consisted of numerous public workshops.  He advised that the purpose of the Planning and Zoning Board was to use the applicable parts of the Redevelopment Plan in order to restrict large single use development on Ocean Avenue, to the greatest extent possible.  He stated that, upon their review, it would be noted that many parts of the Plan as developed in 2000 are not applicable to today’s conditions or conflict with the existing Code.

 

Mr. Bursick advised that the Board has been requested by the Town Commission at their January 17, 2007 meeting that they discuss this issue and make recommendations to the Town Commission within a 60-day timeframe.  

 

Commissioner Evans related her views on the Redevelopment Plan, stating that she wanted a review of this Plan in preparation of, what she believes, is an issue of developers coming in and trying to change the complex of Ocean Avenue  She spoke about setting parameters regarding size and architecture. 

 

Member Dieterle inquired about restricting franchises.  Town Attorney Sack stated that it wouldn’t hold up in court.

 

Chairman Campbell spoke about the original Plan regarding formula restaurants, places for customers to get fast foods.  Mr. Ragsdale spoke about eliminating drive-thrus that would eliminate your Wendy’s and McDonalds types.  There was a discussion about restricting box stores, the need to discourage the big stores, to create an architectural design palette of what we want it to look like, while giving them options, restricting solid glass and parking in the front.

 

Mr. Ragsdale stated he would work on this and get back to the Board at their next meeting.

 

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The next item on the agenda was the discussion regarding underground electrical lines throughout the Town, as requested by Vice Chair West.

 

There was a discussion regarding the meter base being universal since 1972, that the Board consider requiring that underground lines be placed when substantial renovations of 50% or more of the assessed value of the property is being done or in the case of new construction, with regard to all cables being together.  It was decided to discuss this further at the next meeting and for Mr. Ragsdale to include in the Visioning Process under the infrastructure goals.

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The next item on the agenda was the report by Member Schwartz, as Liaison to the Board of Adjustment, regarding the January 18, 2007 Meeting when the Chevron Variances were discussed. 

Member Schwartz informed the Board that he had attended this meeting and his letter, which was distributed to the Board with their meeting package, was discussed. 

 

It was decided that Member Dieterle would represent the Zoning Board at the Board of Adjustment’s next meeting.

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The next item on the agenda was to a schedule date for the Visioning Meeting, it was scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 7 P.M. in the Community Center.

 

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Member Waters left the meeting at this point.

 

The next item on the agenda was from Old Business, item E. Development of Footprint Area.

Vice Chair West spoke about the State, DEP maximum total footprint of 6,300 square feet, Florida Statute 62B. 34.070, there was a discussion and Town Attorney Sack was asked to research and ascertain the current requirements and who should be enforcing them.

 

***

 

Member Dieterle made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Member Schwartz.  The meeting duly adjourned at 9:35 P.M.

 

                                               

                                                                        ________________________

                                                                                                David Campbell

                                                                                            Chairman

ATTEST:

 

 

__________________

Lenore R. Milan

Town Clerk