Official Minutes of MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS May 8, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: The Marion County Board of County Commissioners met in a special session in Commission Chambers at 5:33 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Marion County Governmental Complex located in Ocala, Florida. INTRODUCTION OF PUBLIC HEARING BY CHAIRMAN KATHY BRYANT Chairman Bryant advised that the public hearing is scheduled tonight to consider an Ordinance amending the Land Development Code (LDC) regarding the Silver Springs Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Country. ROLL CALL Upon roll call the following members were present: Chairman Kathy Bryant, District 2; Vice-Chair Michelle Stone, District 5; Commissioner David Moore, District 1; Commissioner Jeff Gold, District 3; and Commissioner Carl Zalak, District 4. Also present were County Attorney Matthew G. Minter and County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes. PROOF OF PUBLICATION Deputy Clerk Windberg presented proof of publication of a display ad entitled, "Notice of Public Hearing" published in the Star Banner newspaper on April 30, 2018. OPENING REMARKS Senior Planner Chris Rison, Growth Services, presented a 1 page Agenda; a 1 page document entitled, "Preliminary Proposed Marion County Land Development Code Amendments"; an 11-inch by 17-inch (11x17) aerial map of the Silver Springs CRA; a 1 page handout containing LDC Amendment Articles 1 and 3 Gateway Monument Figure Styles; a 7 page document containing LDC Amendment Articles 1 and 4 Roadway Concept Figure Styles; a 3 page handout containing aerial maps of the Silver Springs CRA for the NW, NE, and SE Areas; 1 page aerial map of bus stops located within the CRA; a 1 page handout entitled, "CRA 2018 Potential Improvement Map"; a copy of Ordinance 2017-30; and a 16 page handout entitled "Primary & Secondary Roadway Cross Section for Silver Springs CRA". PRESENTATION Christopher Rison, AICP, Senior Planner James Bailey, PSA, ASLA, LEED AP, Tillman & Associates, LLC LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENTS: ARTICLES 1 AND 5 - SILVER SPRINGS CRA PHASE 2 ARCHITECTURAL & SITE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR FIVE ROADS: NE 55th/58th Avenue (Hwy 35) NE 7th Street (Hwy 314), NE 35th Street/NE 60th Court, NE 36th Avenue, and E. Highway 326 (FIRST READING) Book X, Page 961
Mr. Rison advised that the activity tonight is to review LDC Amendments related to the Silver Springs CRA, noting this is Phase 2 of the project, which includes the accumulation of 5 additional roadways to be integrated into the existing CRA Overlay. The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) adopted current Codes (Phase 1) last fall, which provide for the expansion of existing architectural and site design standards, rather than creating new additional standards. He referred to the 1 page document entitled, "Preliminary Proposed Marion County Land Development Code Amendments" (as shown on the overhead screens) and stated the primary activity of this proposal is to add additional roadways into the Text Amendment. Mr. Rison referred to the 3 page handout containing aerial maps of the Silver Springs CRA, and advised that staff is looking for direction regarding the potential to include an additional set of streets, which are somewhat smaller and in different areas of the CRA boundary. The map on page 1 addresses additional roadway segments at NE 36th Avenue and NE 35th Street; the northern portion of NE 58th Avenue Road; and NE 58th Avenue and NE 55th Avenue (Highway 35). Staff is requesting direction as to whether or not to include NE 40th Avenue Road, which is the roadway that leads to Ocala Springs Elementary School. There is only 1 parcel that would be affected and staff is requesting direction whether to include the roadway into the CRA. Another roadway for consideration is NE 52nd Court at NE 52nd Avenue, which extends up from SR 40 by the Marathon gas station and up to the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park. Including this additional roadway essentially brings the RV Park into the CRA. The map on page 2 addresses the continuation of NE 35th Street to NE 60th Court all the way to SR 40. This includes the northern portion of Highway 35 and Highway 326. The map on page 3 addresses the southeastern portion of the CRA at Baseline Road from NE 58th Avenue down to NE 7th Street (Highway 314). The 2 additional roads in question are NE 24th Street and NE 25th Street, which are short segments that run from SR 40 east towards Baseline Road near the entrance of Walmart. These areas are largely residential, which are exempt from current provisions; however, should those properties ever convert to commercial use, the question is whether to enter them into the CRA now so that they will be subject to complying with CRA architectural standards at the time of development. Other items for discussion relate to gateway monument variations, as well as the roadway concepts as previously discussed by the Board. The Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) recommends removing any specific dimensional standards from those concepts and instead have them be more of a goal or conceptual picture for what to do, which will provide more of a form and function in a context for a roadway rather than dimensional standards. He commented on agencies that have jurisdiction over those roadways, which include Marion County (for county roads) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for state roads (SR 40, SR35 and SR 326). BOARD DISCUSSION Commissioner Gold commented on the addition of NE 25th Street, which is currently residential for the most part and questioned if there will be any negative effect if it is included into the CRA. Mr. Rison commented on development in that area (Dairy Queen, Circle K, etc.) and advised that if any of the residential lots along this roadway converted over to a commercial land use designation, then the developer will have to comply with CRA architectural standards. He clarified that if the properties remain single family residences, they are not required to conform with the architectural and site design standards. From staffs standpoint, this is a large core area directly across from Silver Page 962, Book X
Springs Park and future land conversions may occur and if someone assembles property it could end up with a hotel or other commercial uses. In response to Commissioner Zalak, Mr. Rison stated it was not part of the original Silver Springs CRA Overlay because it does not directly front on Baseline Road, which was the original focus of the study; however, now is the opportunity to determine if it should be added. Commissioner Stone noted since it was not part of the original Scope, does that mean any taxes paid on those parcels were not included in the CRA? Mr. Rison clarified that they are currently inside the CRA and are participating properties, but are not part of the technical overlay zone that was established last fall. Chairman Bryant noted the request will add those parcels in for future development. In response to Commissioner Gold, Mr. Rison stated the RV Park on SR 40 is not currently within the CRA Overlay Zone. He stated the Park will not have to make any changes today; however, if the property is ever redeveloped in the future then it will need to conform to the architectural standards. In response to Commissioner Zalak, Mr. Rison stated everything in the county's boundary that fronts SR 40 is part of the CRA. Commissioner Gold noted his preference to include the proposed areas into the CRA Overlay Zone. Chairman Bryant stated there are no negative impacts and opined that as that area revitalizes and economics change, some of those smaller parcels will be brought together for future growth. She stated it would be prudent of the Board to go ahead and ensure it includes parcels for future potential growth. It was the general consensus of the Board to concur. Mr. Rison advised that staff will bring back several map variations for Board consideration. PUBLIC COMMENT Chairman Bryant opened the floor to public comment. There being none, Chairman Bryant advised that public comment is now closed. BOARD DISCUSSION CONTINUED In response to Chairman Bryant, Mr. Rison stated this is the first of 2 public hearings and no formal action is required today. Mr. Rison referred to page 2 of the 3 page handout containing aerial maps of the Silver Springs CRA, and addressed the roadway that leads to Ocala Springs Elementary School and is the last piece staff has a question about. He noted the area has changed back and forth from Residential to Commercial back to Residential and staff is requesting direction as to whether or not to include the area. In response to Commissioner Zalak, Mr. Rison stated the area is currently not required to meet CRA architectural and site design standards. He stated the darker gray areas on the map are privately held properties and the lighter gray areas are publicly owned properties (conservation parks (i.e., Cohadjoe Park) or other government owned properties). Chairman Bryant commented on development along the roadway and the railroad line that runs through the area. She opined that it does not make sense to hold those parcels to architectural and site design standards. Commissioner Stone noted the area is far removed from the rest of the CRA. Commissioner Zalak stated his preference is to keep architectural and site design standards along the SR 40 Corridor, noting parcels around 35th Street are mainly Industrial. He advised that the main impact along this corridor will Book X, Page 963
be roadway designs as previously discussed, noting the Board can review this area again in the future to determine whether to include architectural and site design standards. Chairman Bryant concurred. In response to Mr. Rison, Commissioner Zalak opined that 36th Avenue and 35th Street should be removed from requirements for site design standards, except for road improvements. Chairman Bryant advised that the CRA was developed to revitalize the Silver Springs area and the SR 40 Corridor, noting the county is not trying to bring tourist to those residential areas and they should not be held to architectural and site design standards. Commissioner Zalak opined that the Board needs to look at how NE 55th Avenue Road and SR 326 connect. He further opined that 36th Avenue will also change over time; however, he does not anticipate that NE 35th Street will change that much. Chairman Bryant noted her preference to stop requirements for architectural and site design standards at NE 35th Street, noting the areas further north are more rural in nature. Mr. Rison stated staff will bring back several maps at the next public hearing for Board consideration. Chairman Bryant opined that it may be better to take the requirements up to NE 38th Place in order to encumber the Lindale Mobile Home Park so that if it ever does redevelop in the future there will be a standard in place. It was the general consensus of the Board to concur. Commissioner Zalak commented on signage standards and opined that the BCC already determined what it wanted. Mr. Rison stated that is correct and referred to the 1 page handout containing LDC Amendment Articles 1 and 3 Gateway Monument Figure Styles (as shown on the overhead screens). He advised that the style of gateway monuments will be determined by either Marion County (for county roads) or FDOT for state roads. Mr. Rison advised of discussions staff has had with the state to address the matter. County Administrator Bouyounes advised that at the last Marion County Community Redevelopment Agency Board (MCCRAB) meeting, discussion was held regarding the possibility of developing some smaller projects that can be implemented now that shows the CRA is moving forward in the community (i.e., landscaping, lighting, signage, etc.), noting staff has put together several options for Board consideration. Mr. Rison referred to the 1 page handout entitled, "CRA 2018 Potential Improvement Map", noting Option 1 is a coordination of bus stop improvements and/or wayfinding signage along SR 40 near the Walmart Super Center. He clarified that Walmart is within the City of Ocala limits and not part of the CRA. Mr. Rison advised that there are currently no bus stops on SR 40 (within the CRA) at this time; therefore, it will be wayfinding signage that will be mounted on street poles, noting the county will need to find locations to place that signage. Commissioner Zalak noted there is a pole on NE 24th Street that may be a good location. Mr. Bouyounes stated if the BCC selects priority sites today, then staff can bring back design options, noting there should be enough funding for 3 specific areas. In response to Mr. Bouyounes, Mr. Rison advised that the budget is approximately $100,000 for the overall CRA. Option 2 is for wayfinding signage and landscaping along the intersection of Baseline Road and SR 40, near the entrance to Silver Springs Park and the location of the future Page 964, Book X
roundabout. This will entail wayfinding signage on poles and landscaping improvements. Commissioner Moore questioned whether the BCC has the authority to stop the roundabout from being constructed. Mr. Rison advised that it falls under the authority of the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), which the BCC participates in. Option 3 is to develop a gateway feature, wayfinding signage and provide for landscaping improvements at the intersection of Baseline Road and NE 7th Street (Highway 314). He stated the county will need to obtain a lease agreement or easement for a gateway feature. Option 4 is for wayfinding signage and landscaping improvements at the intersection of NE 55th Avenue and NE 35th Street; however, rights-of-ways (ROWs) are somewhat limited along this section. Option 5 is for bus stop improvements and wayfinding signage at the intersection on NE 35th Street. Option 6 is to develop a gateway feature at the intersection of NE 35th Street and NE 36th Avenue, as well as wayfinding signage and landscaping improvements at bus stops. Mr. Rison referred to the 1 page aerial map of bus stops located within the CRA, noting the map also includes current ridership numbers. Commissioner Zalak questioned what staff is proposing at the intersection of Baseline Road and SR 40 near Walmart. Mr. Rison stated the location may not be suitable for a gateway arch, noting it may be more appropriate for wayfinding signage mounted on street light poles. Mr. Bouyounes opined that landscaping and wayfinding signage may offer the biggest impact now, especially at Baseline Road and SR40. Chairman Bryant concurred, noting it will provide the most visual impact. Commissioner Zalak questioned why the county cannot construct an archway on SR 40 (near Walmart) at the entrance of the CRA. Mr. Rison expressed concern with the cost to construct an archway at this time, noting staff will have to determine if there is enough room within the existing ROW. In response to Commissioner Zalak, Mr. Rison advised that most wayfinding mounted on poles are usually not lighted. Commissioner Zalak requested staff bring back an example of the wayfinding signage. Commissioner Stone referred to Ordinance 2017-30, page 23, Exhibit "A", which provides several examples of wayfinding signage. Mr. Rison stated those examples are part of the county's adopted standards for pole mounted wayfinding signs. He noted the signs can be mounted on independent poles provided through the CRA or attached to existing light poles. Commissioner Gold noted his preference is to place wayfinding signage and landscaping at the intersection of Baseline Road and SR 40 (Option 2), as well as the SR40 bus stop (Option 1). Mr. Bouyounes stated the bus stop is on private property; however, the county can place a wayfinding sign on SR 40. Mr. Rison stated there is a bus stop on SR 40 in front of the Stage Stop Inn. Commissioner Zalak expressed his preference for an uplighting element for signage and requested staff being back the associated costs. Book X, Page 965
It was the general consensus of the Board to direct staff to bring back costs associated with the first two locations (Options 1 and 2) as discussed, as well as various sign designs and lighting options. Mr. Rison addressed pole signage and requested clarification as to whether the BCC wants its own CRA poles or mounting on existing light poles. Commissioner Zalak noted if they are CRA poles, they can be installed and then moved during road improvements. Chairman Bryant requested staff bring back the costs associated with purchasing the poles. It was the general consensus of the Board to concur. Mr. Rison noted the next quarterly MCCRAB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19, 2018. CLOSING COMMENTS There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting thereupon adjourned at 6:17 p.m. Attest: athy Bryant, Chairman David R. Ells rmann, Clerk Page 966, Book X