GADSDEN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP AND MEETING
Thursday, January 12, 2023
6:00
p.m.
Present: Lori Bouie, Vice-Chair, District 5
Eugene Sherman III, District 1
Tracey Stallworth, District 2
Mark Moore, District 3
Wayne Williams, District 3
Charles Roberts, At Large
Karema Dudley, School Board Representative
Staff Present: Justin Stiell, Planning and Zoning Director
Clayton Knowles, County Attorney
Crystal Jimenez, Deputy Clerk
Not Present: John Youmans, District 2
Rev. Dr. Joe Parramore, Chair, District 5
William Chukes, District 1
Anthony Powell, District 4
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1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Ms. Bouie welcomed everyone to the meeting. Proceeded with the pledge.
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2. INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS – Roll Call
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3. MINUTES – December 15, 2022 ITEM 3 Cannot approve minutes since it is not an official meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS |
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4. TRAINING AND EDUCATION Mr. Stiell said since there is no quorum they will continue as a workshop. He asked everyone what training they brought to the meeting and asked them to say what training opportunities they have.
Vice Chair Bouie went online in 2019 the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association had their training in Destin, FL. They will be having virtual training in February and the state training in Sept. 5-9. She would like for the county entertain and attend. If not February, they can consider the September training.
Commissioner Sherman thanked Mr. Stiell for putting the workshop together. In addition to those points, he would like something that talks about the comprehensive plan and land development code. He said they entertained some items before to discuss what they could do and which required other activities related to the state. He would like to be better versed in those to make more informed decisions.
Commissioner Moore did not have anything.
Commissioner Dudley needs training all together. She needs training so that she can understand her responsibilities. Wants to learn all things to be effective.
Commissioner Roberts thoughts were pertained in the packet. He mainly wants training on making decisions.
Commissioner Williams said the same thing. Would be good for new comers to have a broad overview of what they are going to be dealing with because he didn’t get that. He learned on the go. He said they can catch on pretty well but mostly interested in information being brought forward and making sure they get it in a timely manner.
Vice Chair Bouie said they should have an overview. Most of them are active in the community and have roles they play outside of this role. She said it would be effective to go over procedures. They have to learn the language. There are things she doesn’t remember. It is new for Mr. Stiell as well. They can learn together. There are times they have to submit information to the state but doesn’t remember the terminology. She is also interested in the procedure for a citizen or a business to come to the planning commission and what they have to do.
Commissioner Tracey in at 6:08 p.m.
She wants to know the procedures so how they can make recommendations and why business overlook our county. It has nothing to do with their office.
Commissioner Stallworth said he did not have any training ideas at this time. He was looking at a few but is waiting for them to call back from Duval County. Would love to have in person training.
Commissioner Sherman said they don’t get too deep into Roberts rules in terms of actions. Appropriate to ask him if they need guidance?
Attorney Knowles said if they have legal questions, it is his job. He likes to tell commissioners that he doesn’t like to interject point of order unless asked. He is not going to jump in, unless it is needed. It would be a good part of training. He said for them to try not to do it in email with other commissioners. They need to send it to him.
Vice Chair Bouie reiterated. Mr. Stiell said that helps him plan. They will prepare a copy of the land development code for everyone at the next meeting. They can go into chapter 163. He doesn’t know if they can do the February training. They will look at it and see. It is something that will have to go to the BOCC for their review and approval. The training packet is online and he understands Commissioner Stallworth. It will give them a deep dive on what a planning commissioner should know. If there is something to talk about in person, bring it to his attention. The next meeting will have several quasi-judicial and judicial items so there will be a public hearing. Vice Chair Bouie asked to explain. Attorney Knowles explained the two types of hearings.
Vice Chair Bouie asked about liquor stores. If their business was less than 1,000 feet from a neighborhood, would they be made aware if there is a ruling for that. Mr. Stiell said yes.
Commissioner Moore asked if quasi-judicial comes before them, would they be provided codes. Mr. Stiell said yes it will be part of packet. Land development codes should be easier to read.
Commissioner Sherman said some meetings where there were some potential impacts on comprehensive planning. If they can have more time to digest and process.
Vice Chair Bouie said if they are receiving the information 7-10 days prior, is it proper if they contact him if they don’t understand the information. Mr. Stiell said yes. Attorney Knowles said they will also know because the clerk will swear in all the witnesses for quasi-judicial hearings. Vice Chair Bouie asked for ethics, there should be an overview. She received phone calls that they should not be discussing upcoming business with the public. Attorney Knowles said in legislative hearings can speak about the issues. Quasi-judicial, not that they can’t do it, but need to announce it. He said maybe there could be some training on ethics.
Vice Chair Bouie asked Mr. Stiell if they can come in 30 min. early and review it here. Mr. Stiell said he can look into that. There are quizzes that go along with them.
Commissioner Stallworth asked how much is the course. Mr. Stiell doesn’t have the exact amount.
Mr. Stiell said that concludes what he has, he asked for any questions. Commissioner Sherman said for him not to take them through the whole book, just highlights. Vice Chair Bouie asked if Gadsden County have rules they should use on how they are holding a meeting. Vice Chair Bouie said in addition to the training, she is interested in the process. She wants to know if they can mimic an applicant coming in. Mr. Stiell said everyone gets a form that explains what they need to do. Attorney Knowles said legislative hearing is announcing it is a public hearing. Evidence production would be different. They are not strict with the evidence code, so they don’t need to use everything that’s in it.
Vice Chair Bouie said maybe have workshop so they can develop procedures. Commissioner Sherman said wanted to strengthen decision making process. If they are doing it successfully, good. Vice Chair Bouie asked having opportunity to have input. The biggest thing is filibustering.
Mr. Stiell will present as best he can and allow them to make their decisions. Commissioner Moore said because of last meeting, he asked if any applications have come in this month. Mr. Stiell said no, they are still reviewing the current applications. Do they have the ability to review codes? Attorney Knowles said absolutely. In the past, she has asked for review. Envisioning a workshop to look at it together. Mr. Stiell said if they can identify would be most beneficial. Attorney Knowles said it could be as simple as what can they do to foster development? Why major businesses overlook Gadsden County? Also, the cost of the application process.
Commissioner Roberts said when dealing with RV park, the usage of the term amendment, but they never say exception to policy. Mr. Stiell said would have to establish the policy to say what those criteria would be. Vice Chair Bouie said they have tried to do that before.
Commissioner Stallworth said he does a lot of community outreach work. There was a huge homeless population on King St. Amazon could have been helpful with jobs in our area. Vice Chair Bouie said they relate that to the lack of successful applications. Commissioner Sherman appreciated Mr. Stiell. |
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5. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Mr. Stiell said he looks forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting. He said Commissioner Hayes has joined the county and will no longer be a commissioner. |
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6. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS No comments from commissioners. Vice Chair Bouie thanked everyone for all that they do. |
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7.
ADJOURNMENT
OF MEETING |