Hammock Community Conservation 2008 Goals for BOCC Candidate Consideration

 

What specific commitment will you make to support these goals to the best of your ability and power?

 

I.  Parks:

 

The County has been responsible for the design and construction of parks on the barrier island since the National Scenic Byway Grants were issued in 2002. Six years later we have only seen one third of the work completed with no schedule for completion. Some funds may expire in February of next year if not used. If elected, what specifically would you do to insure the county completes these projects in a more timely manner?

 

For eleven months, A1A Scenic and Hammock Community Conservation have written or talked with the county about the need to trim the dead limbs from over the bike path, but no visible actual has been taken to reduce the existing county liability for the safety of users. What specifically would you do?

 

II. Growth Management. 

 

The HCCC will continue to keep tabs on the county planning process, including the update to the Comprehensive Plan.  The county's past approach to development has been to approve most requested changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map unless there is significant opposition. A better approach, which is also legally defensible, is to only change the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map if there is a compelling need. We will be exploring ways on how we can contribute to updating the county’s land use program as it applies to the Hammock. In the meantime, there are things we can do on a somewhat smaller scale. The EXCOM proposes that we take the following steps: request that the Planning Board and BOCC should restore accountability for zoning and land use decisions by justifying such decisions against established criteria that are supposed to govern the process. We will request of Milissa Holland, our representative on the BOCC, that she intercede with the Board to ensure that it takes the County Plan and codes seriously and hold community meetings in the process of updating the plan and codes. What specifically would you do to support the implementation of this goal?

 

The HCCC’s land use advocacy would be done in close coordination with A1A Pride to supplement this group’s already crucial role in the process. We would expect this procedure to sharpen the County’s attention to development regulations.  We will also work with A1A Scenic  PRIDE to monitor and revise the A1A Zoning Overlay as needed, and implement the results of the Island Charrette, held in 2004. What specifically would you do to support the implementation of this goal?

 

Finally, we will continue to support a referendum for annexation to the Town of Marineland and continue to look for opportunities to resurrect that process.  Specifically, what would you do in support?

III. Drainage. 

 

Older neighborhoods in the Hammock, particularly Marineland Acres, are afflicted with a lack of drainage facilities, which has led to occasional but serious flooding problems.  The result of this has been impassable roads, public safety problems, property damage, and the environmental threat of septic invasion of stormwater.  The County Commission held a workshop in September of 2007 on Marineland Acres drainage problems and at that time pledged that staff would actively work to not just study solutions such as overlay zoning standards and pursuing grants, but also use resources at hand to address issues through swale maintenance and construction/reconstruction.  The County has not followed through with this pledge.  The HCCC will continue to work through an active subcommittee to hold the County to its commitments, and to engage the County and other agencies in developing and pursuing a short and long-term strategic plan to improve drainage in the Hammock.  This would include studying the use of the Malacompra Canal and its existing and potential tributaries to store and carry stormwater. What specifically would you do to support the implementation of this goal?

 

All 2008 Flagler Commission Candidates responses follow

District 1 Dem. Bob Alex, Candidate for County Commissioner

 

I. Parks:

A) The timely manner in completing projects which have been approved and properly financed is mandatory.     When projects such as the construction of  parks on the   barrier island have been approved, I would require that a timetable be established,  and frequent reports by staff be presented to the BOCC as a method to follow-up   

and track results.

 

   B) The safety of residents and other people using the bike path through Malacompra Greenway should be of primary concern, If the county does not have an arborist to provide advice on the proper removal of dead limbs, and the preservation of mature trees, the county should request assistance from Palm Coast to utilize their arborist for a fee, or hire a freelance arborist. This action could be substantially less costly than a law suit resulting from the liability of not taking action.

 

II. Growth Management:

     A) I believe, and have been involved in responsible, creative, and balanced growth.

          The Hammock, and the A1A corridor is a unique area in our county, requiring

          unique and creative planning in order to maintain its identity, and pristine environ-

          mentally sensitive nature. If elected, I would be pleased, and honored to take an

          interactive role with your community to accomplish your goals.

 

     B) I would support reasonable density, environmental mitigation, and limiting or

         denying any request for high rise building on the Hammock portion of the barrier

         island. I would negotiate with the Ginn Corporation to make sure that they would

        develop their properties with guarantees to satisfy the communities desires, and give

        back to the community for the privilege of having been granted any development

        rights.

 

    C)The annexation to the Town of Marineland would require much consideration in       

        order to protect both Marineland and the Hammock. There must be consideration of

        non-contiguous borders, government structure, taxes, and services. I can only

        support such an effort after being fully informed on all issues.

 

III. Drainage:

      The problems surrounding storm water drainage, and invasion of septic issues, are

      issues that require less delays and studies, but immediate action. These are issues of

      safety, health, and quality of life. We need less talk, less politics, and more results.

      As a commissioner in New Jersey, I always required developers and engineering

      firms to post bonds for such contingencies, and those bonds were not released until

      all aspects of their development were deemed satisfactory. It is obvious to me that the

      county government was either inept, allowed the developer to dictate their terms,      

      and/or allowed for back doors from which they can escape.

 

      As commissioner, I would search for every legal avenue to hold the developer

      responsible to provide the fix for these  problems. Additionally, I would utilize

      my experience to prevent such problems in the future.

 

      Government officials must not be so eager to rubber stamp every plan submitted by

      developers. The lure of increased tax money sometimes impairs the judgment of

      elected officials. This does not preclude my desire for income producing development

      in our county to stabilize our tax base, but development must be done with a

      responsible plan to the benefit of our county and its citizens.

District 1 Rep. Alan Peterson, Candidate for County Commission

 

I have spent time with Craig Coffey and the County Planning Department to augment my views as to how to solve the issues you have with the County.
 
 1) Parks (a)  The County has 3 scenic byway grants.  I've been told that one is complete; one has just had a contract released; and one will be bid on before the end of the year.  I believe that part of the delay has been the result of changes in the County Commission, changes in the County administration, and staff reductions.  I also believe that part of the problem may be the way the Commissioners receive their information from staff.  It appears that they are briefed and ask questions on various issues in separate meetings with the administration and not at public board meetings.  Thus an issue important to one commissioner may not get discussed with the others.  I would like to see the County schedule more public workshops where issues important to one commissioner would be heard and discussed by all commissioners.  This should speed up decision making and provide more information to the public.
 
 (b)  While the County Commissioners have no direct control over the activities of the County staff other than the Administrator and Attorney, perhaps, if discussed at a Commission meeting, some arrangement could be made for a cooperative arrangement with Palm Coast who does have two arborists on its staff to assist the County on this issue since it is a public safety issue.  This arrangement would also be contingent on the availability of county staff time and what other work, if any, would have to be delayed or eliminated.
 
 2) Growth Management
 (a) I am told by Craig Coffey that the County is attempting to hire a new director of planning so that the County can answer an Evaluation and Appraisal report (EAR) from the Department of Community Affairs before it develops a new Land Development and Comprehensive Plan scheduled for 2010.  It is my understanding that there must be specific reasons in these plans to approve or deny changes.  This is particularly important in view of the legal liability that governments face under the State's Burt Harris Act if property rights are changed.  I have attended numerous public meetings as Palm Coast has recently amended its Land Development Code and definitely believe that the public must be involved throughout the process of updating the County's Plan and Codes.  In addition, any changes to the previously approved PUD's in the Hammock would require approval of the County Commissioners and the State of Florida.  Since there are height regulations in the existing PUD's there would have to be a density trade off for a change to be beneficial to Hammock residents.  Therefore, I'm certain that any changes would be made only if approved by the majority of Hammock residents.
      I was very impressed with the detail and thought that has gone into the Hammock's development plan that was discussed at your September 9th meeting.  The Hammock is a unique area in Flagler County and wherever possible the goals of the Island Charrette and the A1A Scenic Corridor Overlay should be supported.
 
 (b)  It will be extremely difficult to reduce existing density and height regulations in the County's Zoning and Comprehensive Plans, but perhaps some compromises can be made to trade more "green space" for changes in some height regulations.  I have consistently tried in my three years on the Palm Coast City Council to reduce the permitted density and height of new developments with only limited success.  In all cases there must be mitigation of any and all environmental impacts.
 
 (c)  I STRONGLY SUPPORT your efforts for annexation.  It would allow you to take control of your own destiny as Palm Coast did in 1999.  However, it will come at a cost as your taxes will undoubtedly rise.
 
 3) Drainage.
      I have been told by Craig Coffey that, should the ESL referendum pass, the County will use some of that money to purchase land to correct the problems in Marineland Acres.  Should that not occur, then a new strategic plan should be developed and decisions must be made as to the best way to pay for correcting this problem.

 District 3 Dem Barbara Bevels, Candidate for County Commission

 

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to questions regarding the 2008 goals of the Hammock Community Conservation Corporation.  The three points you raise – parks, growth management, and drainage – are all matters I have worked on in Flagler County as a long-time resident, a thirty year successful business owner, and a thirty year volunteer on local civic, business, and education boards.  As a County Commissioner, I will put that experience and knowledge to work for the people of Flagler County.  First and foremost, I will always listen to and advocate for the best interests of the citizens of Flagler County.  The residents of the Hammock can count on that pledge.

 

I.  Parks:

 

In regard to parks, I will require updated monthly reports from county departments that have projects planned, pending or in progress.  I will request that these reports show timelines and critical paths relating to holdups and funding limitations due to time. 

 

County budgets are stretched thin and all work must be prioritized.  Safety issues are a top priority and there is a need for a long-term policy for park maintenance.  You can be assured that I will recognize the objectives of the HCCC in developing a long-term park maintenance policy and when closely examining the reports I will require on the county parks program.

 

II. Growth Management. 

 

A  In regard to growth management, I will look for more justification and accountability on land use changes, especially those that deviate dramatically from the area affected and neighboring properties.  It may be necessary to require commercial uses that are deficient in buffering, parking and plantings to meet a new standard for the corridor and I have advocated that in recent Planning Board meetings.

 

B. Density bonuses may be appropriate in exchange for a development’s enhancement of environmental, greenbelt, setback, and footprint issues.  It is important to implement building principles that best fit the needs and desires of a community.  That has been my commitment in the past and is my commitment to you for the future.  Flagler County is diverse, and each community has a different perspective and vision.  I will remain cognizant and appreciative of those diversities as a County Commissioner.

 

C. I believe in a community’s right to determine its own destiny and will support the majority vote on any annexation issue.

 

III. Drainage. 

 

In regard to drainage, as a builder, I am well aware of the drainage problems associated with Marineland Acres and other areas.  This comes predominately from a clay base layer of soil that does not allow normal absorption of surface water and interruption of traditional drainage patterns by uncontrolled development.  As old subdivisions were put into place prior to Flagler County having any land use regulations, no overall subdivision drainage was required.  Today it is a problem.  It is important when approving development that we look at this matter regionally – how it affects the specific area and the surrounding areas to avoid creating additional issues.  Understanding the current issues that exist, I will work to ensure that not only a solution is found for today but also for the future. (Note: this item is included in the current commission’s legislative and regional planning council goals – to gain funding to correct these problems.)

 

 Again, thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to future discussions with the HCCC on matters of concern to all of us.

 

District 3 Rep. Tom Lawrence, Candidate for County Commission

 

I have read your 2008 goals as well as the background material on your website and discussed your concerns with the County Administrator to get an update on County thinking.  My thoughts follow.

 

My philosophy :As an elected County Commissioner I will hold the County Administrator accountable for implementing the work of the County within the agreed to budget and time frame.  I will expect updates on projects that are in danger of missing either along with options on how to deal with correcting the problem.

 

I will dedicate myself to working full time as your County commissioner.  This will include weekly sessions with the County Administrator and as appropriate and needed with key staff members.  I would handle the issues you’ve identified in your Goals during these sessions and as needed bring specific issues to the full Board for discussion and policy action or consensus direction to the County Administrator or Attorney.

 

Parks

Mr. Coffey indicated

 -       The National Scenic Byways grants issued in 2004 are scheduled and will be completed before any grant funds expire. 

-        The original grant has been has been split into 3 projects with one project complete, the second about to begin construction and the third scheduled for completion by year-end.

 

I would encourage the County Administrator to hire an arborist to inspect and mark the limbs on the oaks in the Malacompra Greenway that should be removed.  I would expect this work could be done in a very short time (perhaps 1 day) by the arborist.  Then County workers could remove the marked limbs.  This approach should not be a budget buster.  If necessary I would ask the Administrator to bring the approach to the Board for discussion and approval.

 

Growth Management

I believe proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan are very serious business.  As a County Commissioner I will take the time to study any proposed changes in depth.  This will include reviewing the proposals with County staff, the entity proposing the change and where possible representatives of the impacted community. 

 

If elected I will work with your group and Scenic A1A PRIDE to fully understand your needs and desires and how the Island Charrette can be incorporated in the A1A Scenic Corridor Overlay.  Participation in next Tuesday’s presentation is a good first step.

 

I like the goals you’ve established in the September 2008 future land use in the Hammock.  If elected I will work with you to help implement these goals.  I also understand that not all individual landowners may support this approach and that their rights also need to be considered.

 

If the majority of residents in both Marineland and the Hammock support annexation into the Town of Marineland then I would not oppose such an annexation.  I am a strong advocate for planning into the future and that the County and its cities need to be in constant dialogue and working together to develop mutual programs that will benefit our taxpayers.  This annexation would impact County plans for providing services to the Hammock and I would request that the county be kept informed of your plans on this issue.  

 

Drainage

One of the reasons I am running for County Commission is that I believe the County has to do a better job of addressing difficult issues in a timely fashion.  My Corporate business experience taught me to identify problems, prioritize them, develop options for solving them and then to develop and implement solutions within timelines.  From the research I have done the drainage issue in Marineland Acres has been known for 20 plus years and no solution with costs and timelines have been developed and presented to the community.  As an elected official I would not tolerate this lack of responsiveness. 

 

Mr. Coffey informed me he has a conceptual solution that would involve purchasing a 13 acre park with ESL funds part of which could be used as a retention pond for water from Marineland Acres; utilizing an area of Washington Oaks Park as a second retention pond; joint funding for this project from SJRWMD, the County and residents. 

 

If elected I will go to the Board and gain consensus to have the County Administrator within 60 days provide a plan with timelines that we can bring to the residents of Marineland Acres.  We need to resolve this 20 year old problem quickly.

District 5 Dem. George Hanns, Candidate for County Commission

 

Parks

 

I have a long history of support in the hammock and parks are very high on my priority list.

I can assure you that my dedication to completion of the park before funds run out is a

very serious situation that demands my full attention.

I will forward this information to our County Administrator as soon as I complete this request.

I can assure you that the trees will be trimmed in a timely manner A.S.A.P.

I personally will place on the County agenda these three items for action, if necessary.

 

 

Growth Management:

 

The County Commission selected Milissa Holland to work with the Comp Plan rewrite Committee and she has been doing so for the past 2 years. Much progress is being made per Ms Holland’s report to the BCC on the status.

 

The Hammock residents input on the comp plan and zoning map is necessary and needed.

As you know the BCC requires all development in the Hammock to make a presentation to the Scenic A-1-A

 

Pride and there concerns must be addressed.

 

I have been supportive of your concerns in the past and will continue to do so in the future. I will

support  the concerns of the Scenic A-1-A Pride .

If the wishes of the residents are  annexation, of course I would support a referendum,

also all services required to provide services would have my undivided attention.

 

 

Drainage:

 

This has been an ongoing problem with no easy fix, as you all know this is a very costly project.

The BCC has to dedicate its staff and do what is necessary to address this problem.

I will support the subcommittee's study on the Mala Compra Canal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 5 Rep. Herb Whitaker, Candidate for County Commission

 

Parks

 

National Scenic Highway Grants elapsing is unacceptable.  If elected I will immediately pursue with the County Administrator the status and conditions of the grants and what the necessary actions are to continue their availability and implementations.

 

With reference to the trimming of limbs issue it is likewise unacceptable for a project of this nature to require such a long time for completion.  I will seek immediate answers and a plan of action with defined time lines for completion of this project.

 

Growth Management

 

When Ms. Holland presents her programs for consideration, I will address them with the position of protection for the citizens of the Hammock and the entire county citizens.

 

Excessive density because of environmental mitigation falls in and without the purview of the BoCC.  St. Johns River Water Management District, ACOE and the DCA are also potential involvement agencies.  I will work within the legal scope of mitigation according to the directions of the other governing bodies and to be best interest of all involved parties.

 

Annexation into the Marineland community is an issue that can best be settled by the parties.  No pressure from the BoCC should be applied to the few residents of Marineland.  Is the area of the Villages of Matanzas Shores included in the annexation plans and if so what is the attitude of those residents.  I have not seen any explanation of this large group of residents being considered.

With the issues presented to the residents of West Flagler County during their annexation into the City of Bunnell, I would be dubious of the DCA’s approach to approve.  What specific services would Marineland be able to provide to the Hammock residents to overcome DCA inquiries.  There is no Water/Sewer, police, fire, or other services that would remove the County of Flagler from continuing to support these districts.  I am not stating that with the residents of the areas affected being affirmatively stated that I would then be supportive of this annexation, but only with that agreement.

 

Drainage

 

This is one of the most important issues facing the Hammock residents at this time, in my opinion.  This issue has to be corrected.  In a previous conversation I have attended with Administrator Coffey, he admits that the issue has not been addressed as thoroughly as it should have and it is this issue that I believe must be corrected at the very earliest possible time, resources permitting.