02-09-04 Workshop Comm & CD Board vMINUTES OF THE JOINT WORKSHOP OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD HELD IN ATLANTIC BEACH COMMISSION
CHAMBERS ON MONDAY, February 9, 2004.
City Commission Members present were:
John S. Meserve, Mayor
Richard M. Beaver, Mayor Pro Tem
Paul B. Pazsons, Commissioner
Sylvia N. Simmons, Commissioner
J. Dezmond Waters, III, Commissioner
Community Development Board Members present were:
Robert Frohwein
Steven Jenkins
Mary Walker
Lynn Drysdale
Staff present were:
Jim Hanson, City Manager
Sonya Doerr, Community Development Director
Alan Jensen, City Attorney
Maureen King, City Clerk
The meeting, which was held for the purpose of reviewing a draft of the proposed revisions to the
2015 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Goals, Objectives and Policies, was called to order at 5:00
p.m. by Mayor Meserve. He said that while public input was not usually allowed at workshop
sessions, in accordance with State regulations, public input was required throughout this procedure
and would be received at this meeting. He introduced Brian Teeple and Lindsay Haga from the
Regional Planning Council.
Mr. Teeple gave an overview of the State of Florida requirements for Comprehensive Plans and their
subsequent amendments. He thought that issues the city would face in the future would be height
restrictions, side and back yard setbacks, and redevelopment of small lots. He said that
Comprehensive Plans should be very general in nature to provide as much flexibility as possible, and
that ordinances should address specific issues.
Future Land Use Element
Sonya Doerr reviewed the changes made in the Future Land Use Element based on the discussions at
"'' the previous workshop meeting and noted that the mixing of General Commercial and Residential
uses had been addressed. Discussion ensued regarding the Central Business District and it was felt
that it should not be limited to the current Town Center area and it was felt that the Town Center area
could be redefined, if necessary.
Page Two
Minutes -Joint Workshop Meeting
February 9, 2004.
Transportation Element
Ms. Doerr pointed out that since the city did not have major highways or freeways, the city had little
control over transportation issues. She pointed out that the Transportation Element was new and
contained considerably more detail than the Traffic Circulation Element in the current plan, and noted
that the new plan would require developers to provide bike paths or sidewalks to provide for
increased pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Infrastructure Element
Ms. Doerr pointed out the required policies in this element and said that since the city had already
adopted a water and sewer master plan, those plans would be referenced as part ofthe comprehensive
plan. Discussion ensued regarding the intent to eliminate septic tanks within the city and it was
thought that this requirement could create hardships for some property owners. Commissioner
Waters thought the city should install water and sewer lines to the areas of the city not currently
serviced by public utilities and assess the property owners for the cost of the project, similar to what
was done in other areas in the city.
At this time (6:05 p.m.) the Mayor called a short dinner break. The meeting reconvened at 6:20 p.m.
Conservation and Coastal Management Element
Sonya Doerr pointed out that all coastal communities were required to address hurricane preparation
and evacuation and to create a plan for redevelopment after a hurricane. She said the plan also
provided for the protection of dunes during construction activities and it was thought that the policy
should also provide for the protection of dunes from other types of inappropriate activities.
Discussion ensued regarding beach accesses and parking and it was thought that this section should
also address access to the Intracoastal Waterway and it was felt that the language could be broadened
to include accesses to the Intracoastal Waterway. A question was asked as to the meaning of "Avoid
shoreline hardening structures" and concern was expressed that this may prohibit the construction of
bulkheads on the Intracoastal Waterway or Dutton Island.
Recreation and Open Space Element
It was pointed out that the city exceeded all levels of service projected in the 1990 Comprehensive
Plan. Following brief discussion, it was agreed to amend the first sentence of Policy No. E.1.1.7
regarding compliance with applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility
Guidelines by adding the words `where feasible." Ms. Doerr also pointed out that PolicyNo. E.1.1.8
provided that parking on public rights-of--way would continue to be allowed for beach access
provided it did not interfere with public safety or damage public or private property.
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Page Three
Minutes -Joint Workshop Meeting
February 9, 2004.
Housing Element
It was pointed out that Policy F.1.1.6 addressed the current partnerships with Beaches Habitat and
Builders Care to provide affordable housing. Commissioner Waters questioned the height restrictions
for PUDs and thought there should be separate regulations for residential and commercial PUDs. Ms
Doerr responded that the specifics of PUDs were addressed in Chapter 24 of the City Code.
Following further discussion it was agreed to remove the PUD provisions from the Comprehensive
Plan and include alternative language.
There was no discussion on the Intergovernmental Coordination or Capital Improvements Elements
at this time and it was pointed out that the entire plan would be brought back to the City Commission
again during the amendment and approval process.
The City Commission then authorized staffto proceed with advertisements for public hearings at the
Community Development Board meeting on February 24, 2004, and at the City Commission meeting
on March 9, 2004.
There being no public input, and no further discussion by the City Commission and Community
Development Board, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Maureen King, CMC
City Clerk
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