GADSDEN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, August 14, 2014

6:00 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room

7 East Jefferson Street

Quincy, Florida

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Present:         Commissioner Regina Davis, At - Large Member, Chair

                       Commissioner Edward Allen, Vice – Chair

                       Commissioner Dr. Gail Bridges – Bright

                       Commissioner Diane Sheffield

                Commissioner Larry Ganus

                Commissioner Mari VanLandingham

                Commissioner David Tranchand

                           Commissioner Frank Rowan

                             Commissioner William Chukes

                             Commissioner Edward J. Dixon

                           Commissioner Catherine Robinson (Absent)

                             Commissioner Judge Helms, School Board Representative

                                Jill Jeglie, Senior Planner

                             Allara Gutcher, Planning & Community Development Director

                             Beryl H. Wood, Deputy Clerk

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with a quorum and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag.

2. INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS/ROLL CALL

Each member present stated his or her name and district for the record.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 10, May 15 with necessary corrections Dixon/Bridges – Bright (approved)11-0

July 10, 2014 –Chukes/Sheffield – approved with necessary corrections 11-0

4. DISCLOSURES AND DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT – None

GENERAL BUSINESS

5. PUBLIC HEARING (Quasi-Judicial):  Crossroad Academy Charter School Variance (V-2014-01) request to allow the removal of six (6) protected trees and the technical removal of two (2) protected trees.  

July 10, 2014 Minutes entered as evidence. All raised hands and disclosed they were present at the last meeting.

Adopt Minutes for evidence - Sheffield/ Bridges- Bright 11-0

Mrs. Jeglie gave update on crossroad Academy Charter School Variance to allow the removal of six (6) protected trees. All items have been met.

Tranchand/Gail Bridges – Bright motion for approval.

Commissioner Ganus questioned the number of trees to be removed.

Commissioner Allen inquired about the 24ft drop-off.

Mrs. Jeglie yielded to Mr. Begue.

Commissioner Helms asked what the reason for the removal of the trees was.

Brad Begue said it would be a horseshoe retaining wall. Removed in order to construct buildings.

      11-0 Motion Carries Tranchand/Bridges- Bright approved

6. PUBLIC HEARING (Legislative): Transmittal of Intergovernmental Coordination Element to the Department of Economic Opportunity for review.

      Mrs. Gutcher gave update of the Intergovernmental Coordination Element of the Gadsden    County Comprehensive Plan. 

      Commissioner Helms questioned attachment 2 page 2. Policy7.1.4 E. “Where it states: The   County shall include an ex-officio non-voting member on the Local Planning Agency from       the Gadsden County School Board.

Mrs. Gutcher It’s not statutory; it was an Interlocal Agreement the language came out of      that. In order for amendment

Commissioner Ganus questioned Policy 7.2.1. One mile versus half –mile.

Mrs. Gutcher said they could make motion and move forward and see if BOCC. She said       they can make an amendment motion to change Interlocal Agreement.

  Motion: Dixon/Bridges –Bright 11-0 recommend amendment to Interlocal Agreement

Lake Talquin did we add referenced minutes from last meeting.

Motion: VanLandingham/Sheffield to add to Policy 7.4.1

Recommendation to move to BOCC as amended: Dixon/Bridges – Bright 11-0

OTHER ITEMS:

7. DISCUSSION ITEMS - Discussion of policies within the Comprehensive Plan regarding mining activities.  

      Mrs. Gutcher said she did review with other Counties and also we had.

      Commissioner Allen questioned setbacks.

      Commissioner Dixon said there may be reason to amend State Law.

      Commissioner Bridges – Bright said it should go to the State; it’s out of County jurisdiction.

      Commissioner Sheffield said they should be able to add recommendations as long as it          didn’t go against what the state requires.

      Commissioner Bridges – Bright asked are creating undue hardships.

      Chair Davis said the State should regulate.

      Mrs. Gutcher addressed issue of undue hardships. Attorney had reviewed packet. We can’t   be uncontrary.

      Clary, Gadsden County Resident, asked would it affect lives public health.

      Commissioner Sheffield said they should look at.

      Commissioner Tranchand suggested some type of presentation of what the State requires     from the Mining Companies.  A workshop would be appropriate Attorney, DEP, Mining and            the public. It was directed by Chair.

      If we want to establish new policy in favor (Sheffield, Ganus, VanLandingham, Allen)

8. PUBLIC COMMENTS    – Clary – need to be aware of the danger imposed of from the County from the mining.

9. DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS  Technical Assistance Grant – Have not received one if we would be granted. DEO – Competitive Florida Partnership Program (Application deadline is August 22, 2014). TDC Visit Florida $2,500 Mobile App Grant

10. ADJOURNMENT@7:00pm