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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_06/19/1985• MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA JUNE 19, 1985 A Workshop Meeting was held by the Village Council, sitting as the local Planning Agency, of the Village of Tequesta at 5:24 P,M., Wednesday, June 19, 1985 in the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida. Councilmembers present were: Gemino, Howell, Mapes, Murphy and Stoddard. Also present were: Robert Harp, Village Manager, Cyrese Colbert, Village Clerk and John C. Randolph, Village Attorney, Mr. Jack Hornirnan, Executive Management Consultants was present to review with Council the Economic/Fiscal, Land Use and Coastal Zone Protection, Conservation sections of the Evaluation ~ Review Report of the Comprehensive Plan. (Time did not allow for the review of the Coastal Zone Protection/ Conservation sections of the referenced report). Changes made to the Land Use section were as follows: • Section 163.3191 (2)(c) - Study area 1: Anchorage Point - should be in the excluding section. The fourth paragraph under Study Area 2 should be under Study Area 3: The fifth paragraph under Study Area 2 should be changed from "A branch library facility to a "postal facility". In the sixth paragraph under Study Area 2, change Study Area II to Study Area 2 and delete the word pretty from "is pretty well established", Under Study Area 4: second paragraph, add Coral Cove Park. Changes made to the Economic/Fiscal Section were as follows: Under Section 163.3191 (21(c) delete first sentence in second paragraph. Under 6, Objective E „ Plan Recommendations 2 and 3, the third paragraph, change September 30, 1983 to September 30, 1984 in both places. • Copies of these drafts are attached to and have become part of these minutes. Workshop Meeting Minutes June 19, 1985 Page 2 - ---------------------------------- The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 P.M. ~ ~ CYI~ESE COLBERT CC:mk Attachment (draft) Land Use At the date of adoption of the present Comprehensive Development Plan, a substantial portion of the land area in Tequesta had already been developed. Nearly 80~ of the Village was developed at that time. Since then, the Village has continued to develop primarily through "fill-in" activity and partially through annexation. As reported in the Annexation element, approximately ~0 acres of developed land have been added to the corporate area. Section 163.3191(2)(a) Tequesta has developed primarily as a residential community with commercial development situated along major roadways, recreation/open space (golf course and waterway) activities and an interspersed mix of institutional, governmental, light industry and other land use activities. Since adoption of the Plan, the majority of development has been for residential pur- poses. Single family remains the predominant type of housing in Tequesta, and it represents the major type of development that has occurred in Tequesta in recent years. There have been few problems related to this development pattern. Physical deterioration of the housing stock, business/commercial activi- ties or other land uses has not been reported as a problem in the Village. The social and economic impacts that have been created • by development have been positive. The high quality of life, aesthetic value, cultural and social impacts and economic con- ditions have been maintained and improved in the 1980's. With a relatively small portion of the Village remaining for develop- ment, it is anticipated that positive growth trends and the high quality of life will be sustained. Section 163.3191(2)(b) There have been no amendments or updates to the Land Use element since adoption of the Comprehensive Development Plan. It should be noted, however, that major revisions have been made to the Village's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to further refine its content with intent of the Plan. Updates to the zoning regula- tions have been closely dovetailed with intended revisions to the Land Use element to ensure compatibility of land development regulations with anticipated land use decisions. Section 163.3191(2)(c) The Land Use element is the only element of the Plan that does not have specific Goals, Objectives or Plan Recommendations listed. Rather, Study Areas are established, and each of the four (~) Study Areas are discussed in text with an explanation of i . anticipate growth patterns. The Land Use Map supplements the text. It is utilized to officially set proposed land use activi- ties as elaborated on in the text. It is the intent of this Section to report on actual results of anticipated development by Study Area. Study Area 1: The peninsula area located at the western boun- daries of Tequesta. That land area situated be- tween the North and Northwest Forks of the Loxahatchee River including the Tequesta Country ~, i ,.~i~`~ ,/ Club area, Bay Harbor,~Anchorage Point/and , ~r. rA.. , excluding Bermuda Terrace (located in unincor- porated Palm Beach County). The primary growth directions established for this Study Area were to preserve the single family dwelling unit as the primary housing type and to preserve the recreation/open space amenities of the Tequesta Country Club and public easements to the Loxahatchee River. Both of these directives have been maintained since adoption of the Plan. Low density single family detached housing units have been the only form of development that has occurred in this Study Area. A number of single family lots have been built on in the Country Club area since the Plan was adopted while there has been some fill-in in the Bay Harbor and Shady Lane areas. The covenants of the Country Club as explained in the text have been maintained. Therefore, no changes or expansions have occurred at the golf course area. Likewise, the public easements have been maintained and no others have been acquired. There has been no addition to the multiple family housing stock in this area. Carriage House and Whitehall condominiums are the only multiple family structures which are located on the western shore of the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River. There have been no other land use changes or expansions since adoption of the Comprehensive Development Plan. Study Area 2: That land area within the corporate limits that extends from the east side of the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River to the Florida East Coast Railroad tracks. This area is the most complex of all the Study Areas because every land use activity, except high density residential, is found within its boundaries. All the area is typified by many land use activities; it is very well integrated. The primary expansion to the area since adop- tion of the Plan has been in residential development. The single family development of Tequesta Pines has been the major contribu- tor to the housing stock in this area. With over 200 subdivided lots, only thirty-four (34) remain vacant at time of the most recent survey. Chapel Court was recently annexed into the Village which will eventually add thirty-eight (38) units. Thirty-one (31) units have already been built. Medium density development along Cypress Drive has added substan- tially to the housing stock as well. Since adoption of the Plan, Georgetown Phases I and II (32 units), Almont Villas (10 units) and Cypress Villas (48 units) have been built or are currently under construction, adding ninety (90) medium density units to the housing stock. • -~ The other major land use consideration since adoption of the Plan has revolved around the land area between Old Dixie Highway and U.S. Highway from the north corporate limits to Tequesta Drive. `>` A large portion of this area is vacant and available for develop- ~`'~ went. Through recent revisions to the Comprehensive Zoning °` Ordinance, the Village has re-zoned this entire area to commer- . ~,z,~~' cial. A substantial part ~f this area was previously zoned for ~' single family use. Althouffh little development has occurred in this area since adoption, there has been pressure and demand for commercial development in this area. There has been some limited fill-in commercial development in other areas of Study Area 2. It should be noted that Light Industry uses have been eliminated in the revised zoning regulations. This designation should be deleted in the revised land use plans and replaced appropriately. The Village Hall and surrounding passive recreational, cultural, social and retail activities continue to form the core of this ~ Study Area. A branch 1~-r3~ facility was recently constructed on Old Dixie Highway north of~;Tequesta Drive to replace the old postal facility. ' -~ F~ti Development in Study Area ,F~ is p,~~'~Y well established either by structure or approved plats. It is expected to remain as such. Study Area 3: That land area within the Village between the Florida East Coast Railroad and U.S. Highway 1 and those land areas located within Tequesta be- tween U.S. Highway 1 and the Intracoastal Waterway. A major portion of this Study Area is to be devoted to commercial development. Those land areas between the FEC Railroad tracks and U.S. Highway 1 and the land on the east side of U.S. Highway have, for the most part, been maintained as a commercial area. Light industrial land uses were proposed for areas adjacent to the FEC tracks. Recent revisions to the Village Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance have eliminated industrial zoning districts. It is recommended that those areas currently shown on the Future Land Use Map be revised to reflect commercial land use. There has been some isolated commercial activities added in this area. The most recent of which was by annexing the Lobster Shanty property into Tequesta. Substantial modifications are currently underway at the Pride Plaza property as well. The major residential addition to Study Area 3 is Tequesta Cove. Twenty-four (2~4) units will comprise this project. The sixty (60) acre U.S. Government property located between U.S. Highway 1 and the ICWW has been maintained and recently re-zoned to R/OS to be consistent with the proposed recreation/open space land use designation of the Future Land Use plan. Projected plans for a cultural center and active park area have not been realized, but should remain in the Plan as an alter- native future plan. A new Tequesta Post Office branch facility was recently • constructed on the east side of Old Dixie Highway between Tequesta Drive and County Line Road. This addition should be reflected in the updated Comprehensive Development Plan. Additionally, the land strip between the FEC tacks and Old Dixie Highway should be designated recreation/open space in the revised Plan, in lieu of its present light industry land use classification. The Governmental land uses remain in tact; those being the wellfield areas at the very northern extremity of the Village limits and that area between Old Dixie Highway and U.S. Highway 1 south of Bridge Road. Study Area 4: This area lies between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the "island" area, high density residential is the predominant use in this Study Area. Very little development activity has taken place on the island since adoption of the Comprehensive Development Plan. The area north of Blowing Rock Club has developed as medium density as called for in the Plan (P.I.M.E. property). The only other change to the island area has been the annexation of the JIB Club into the Village. It is a high density development with nineteen (19) dwelling units and a marina facility ~ ,.~,~~. ~;~f°--- ,v . . In summary, the basic objectives of the Land Use element have been maintained and implemented through development regulations. The basic objectives of this element are to: - Preserve the pleasant, essentially residential character of the Village. - Provide for a balance among residential, commercial ser- vices, recreational, cultural and other land use aspects of the Village. - Blend with adjacent communities in order to avoid incongruous use of contiguous land masses within and out- side the Village. More specific intents of the Plan have also been accomplished since its adoption. Population growth and density have been controlled through limited extension of medium density and high density residential developments. Most residential growth has been in single family units. The Community Characteristics ele- ment of the revised, updated Plan reports that population growth in Tequesta has been moderate in recent years. The Recreation/Open Space and Commercial designations have expanded as proposed. The recently revised zoning regulations • have established a R/OS district to assure preservation of these areas. The major expansion to commercial has been in that area between Old Dixie Highway and U.S. Highway 1 north of Tequesta Drive to the northern corporate limits. This area was subject to detailed discussion and revision in workshops and sessions when updating the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Areas north of St. Judes Church in this area have been re-zoned to com- mercial from single family residential to bring zoning into con- formance with proposed land use. The Plan also called for consideration to expansion of the Village owned poroperty adjacent to Village Hall. Although this has not been accomplished to date, plans for a passive park with a fountain are currently under way. Development of this area is being pursued through the private sector and local community and civic groups. With municipal vacant land available for future development within existing corporate limits, the Village, for all intents and purposes, has been developed out. Expansion to the Village of Tequesta to its "natural boundaries" as defined by the Charter has been achieved. There are areas adjacent to the Village that are available for future annexation consideration that would be compatible to existing development in Tequesta. CJ . Section 163.3191(2)(d) Most of the alternative considerations, suggested changes, and maintenance of proposed plans for the Village have been addressed or implemented since adoption of the Plan. Therefore, there have been few unanticipated or unforeseen problems and opportunities regarding growth and development or the location of land uses since adoption of the Comprehensive Development Plan. Recent revisions to the Village Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance have settled previous concerns of various areas in Tequesta. The present Plan has an Appendices attached to the Land Use ele- ment with appropriate correspondence from various entities which document coordination of the element with affected jurisdictions. It is recommended by this EAR that similar meetings and follow-up documentation be accomplished as part of the revised, updated Comprehensive Development Plan. J Economic/Fiscal • • The Economic/Fiscal element establishes the economic assumptions basic to formulating the Comprehensive Development Plan. The element primarily addresses the budgetary process, budget struc- ture and bonded indebtedness requirements of the Village. Socio- economic characteristics of the Tequesta population are presented in the Background element of the Plan. Section 163.3191(2)(a) The socio-economic impacts created by growth and development in Tequesta have been adequately managed and pre-planned since adop- tion of the Plan. Fiscal impacts of financing municipal infrastructure and urban systems (i.e. water system, drainage improvement, road works, etc.) have been absorbed through a com- bination of local sources, intergovernmental transfers and revenue bonds. Tequesta's major growth occurred in the 1960's (the Village was incorporated in 1957). Between 1960 and 1965, the Village popu- lation grew more than five-fold. From 1965-1970, the rate of growth was 105. Between 1970 and 1980, Tequesta continued to grow at a declining rate, approximately 40~. The declining rate of growth is primarily attributed to the natural stabilization of the community. The physical boundaries of the Village have not been substantially expanded. Fourteen (1~) annexations have occurred since adoption of the Plan in 1979, however, this repre- sents only 30 acres of expansion. Therefore, growth has resulted primarily from development of vacant areas within the corporate limits. Approximately 20~ of the Village land area was vacant in 1979. Some of this vacant land has been developed in the interim bringing Tequesta closer to built-out status. The socio-economic strata of Village residents has remained high and land/property values quadrupled in the 1970's. The current year adjusted property (real and personal) tax value is $216,022,015 which represents a 5.2~ increase over the previous fiscal year 1983/8. Major economic impacts of development relate to construction, operation and maintenance of utilities and road systems. Much of the front-end capital costs for drainage and transportation works are absorbed by private interests (developers). However, opera- tions and maintenance generally remains the responsibility of the Village. Tequesta owns and operates its own water supply system. Its service area includes Jupiter Inlet Colony and portions of Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and Martin County as well. Even though the Village receives substantial potable water from the Jupiter Water System (per contractual arrangement) it is • expanding and upgrading its own system (Reference Water System element). Substantial costs has been incurred for operations and maintenance of the existing system and extensive capital expen- ditures are being incurred to expand the system. The Village has been able to finance improvements either through the issuance of revenue bonds or through accrued local funds. This combination of funding so~zrces has enabled the Village to absorb the socio-economic impacts of development while main- taining a sound financial position. Section 163.3191(2)(b) There have been no updates or amendments to the Economic/Fiscal element of the Plan since adoption in 1979. Socio-economic data relating to this element needs to be updated for inclusion in the proposed, revised Plan. This data is presented in the Background element. The Objectives and Plan Recommendations need to be re- structured and brought up-to-date to reflect current program activities, as well. Section 163.3191(2)(c) The Village has striven toward the Economic/Fiscal Goal since adoption of the Plan. They have maintained a program which pro- vides for the necessary expenditures required to meet growth and • development needs. One of the general requirements of the LGCPA (Reference Chapter 163.2177(3), F.S.) emphasizes the need for capital improvements planning based on economic assumptions established in the Plan. The Objectives and Plan Recommendations established in the element are aimed at addressing local econo- mies of scale. The planning for capital improvements and expen- ditures is heavily emphasized. The annual budgetary structure and process, as well as major revenue sources and expenditures are detailed in the background information section of the element. ~~The Village has not developed an official Capital Improvements .~~ Program as part of the Comprehensive Development Plan, nor as a ~~ separate document in the budgetary process. However, capital improvements are assessed regularly, provided for as needed in annual budgets, and revenues have been provided from various sources to meet anticipated expenditures. Within these terms of capital improvements programming, the Village has implemented many of the recommendations of this element. Specific actions and implementation activities that have financed and fiscally managed growth and development in Tequesta are discussed in this Section. 1. Objective A., Plan Recommendations 2. and 5.; • Objective C., Plan Recommendation 1. "A capital improvements programming period should be deter- mined which will be practical for use in the Village." "The Capital Improvements Program should be prepared con- currently with the annual budget and coordinated appropriately with operating and maintenance requirements." "Since priorities may change from year to year, each proposal should be re-evaluated annually and new proposals should be added to the list while projects that have been accomplished or no longer apply should be eliminated from the list." Time periods for capital improvements programming have typically been considered on an annual basis as part of the budget prepara- tion regardless of the term anticipated for completion of such projects. Depending on the type of capital project, expenditures are either incurred for the short term or encumbered over the long term. Regardless, capital projects are funded through the annual budgets either for the entire project or for a portion of a long-term project. Therefore, capital improvement projects are proposed concurrently with the annual budget and prioritized appropriately. Logically, long term committments (bonded indebt- edness) have received high priority because annual payments are due over the length of the bonds. Capital improvement expen- • ditures that can be funded through the General Fund, Water Department Fund or other available sources (i.e. Federal Revenue Sharing funds) are usually prioritized based on assessment of need, availability of revenues and financed on a "pay as you go" scheme. Local capital improvement demand may change from year to year and needs may require re-prioritization. The budgetary process established by the Village allows for this with appropriate input from affected personnel and staff. The budget process is discussed in more detail below. 2. Objective A., Plan Recommendations 3. and 4.; Objective C., Plan Recommendation 3. "A list of needed municipal improvements should be organized and evaluated against each other, as well as coordinated with current capital projects and programs." "Cost estimates, by project, should be prepared and financing methods should be selected to implement these projects." "As part of the annual budgetary process, department heads, consultants, and any other persons significantly involved with municipal projects should be consulted during the • Capital Improvements Program evaluation process by the Village." The Village Manager is responsible for preparation of annual budgets. Budget preparation is initiated each year generally by July 1. All Department Heads are requested to submit budget pro- posals to the Manager for consideration. The Manager also involves hired consultants of the Village (i.e. engineers, plan- ners, etc.) in projecting anticipated needs. Cost estimates are prepared for proposed projects and then prioritized as the budget is finalized. These procedures have been typically main- tained ove the years. In this manner, capital improvements and expenditures are assessed and coordinated with general government operations and maintenance programs. 3. Objective B., Plan Recommendations 1. 2. and 3. "All elements of this Comprehensive Development Plan and any other applicable Plans should be carefully evaluated and reviewed and determine which proposals require capital improvement projects to be undertaken." "Capital improvements projects should be compared in relation to overall community benefit and prioritized accordingly." "As the Comprehensive Development Plan and any other appli- • cable Plans are reviewed and updated from time to time, the Capital Improvements Program should be adjusted to meet changing demands." As part of the budget preparation process, departmental programs, special projects, on-going long term capital improvements and applicable Plans are reviewed to determine which projects need to be undertaken. Prioritization is based on overall community bene- fit. As previously mentioned various Village personnel and consultants are involved in budget preparations. Any applicable plans and programs assigned to them are obviously taken into consideration in proposed programs, projects and budgets. If changing demands require re-prioritization of capital projects and concurrent funding, budget proposals are adjusted accordingly. 4. Objective D.; Objective D., Plan Recommendations 1. and 2. "Ensure financial feasibility prior to undertaking any capi- tal improvements." r~ U • "The Village should carefully consider all municipal expen- ditures and revenues resulting from plan proposals when determining the overall community benefit of these proposals. A clear statement of costs and benefits should be prepared for the Village before any determinations are made." "The financial feasibility of implementing capital improve- ments should be interpreted as meaning the practical accomplishment of capital projects that are within the reason- able capabilities of municipal finances and in the alloca- tion of resources." It is recommended that this Objective and its Plan Recommendations be deleted in the proposed, revised Comprehensive Development Plan. They are redundant and not necessary to main- tain continuity within the Economic/Fiscal element. Other Objectives and Plan Recommendations of this element express simi- lar intents and purposes which establish directives for fiscal planning and economic feasibility. 5. Objective E.; Objective E., Plan Recommendation 1. "Strive to maintain a ~>onded debt that does not necessarily constrain municipal fi~.ances and which is within the limita- tions as set forth in the Village Charter." • "The limitations on the bonded indebtedness, as expressed in the Village Charter, should be reviewed periodically." Bonded indebtedness as expressed in the Village Charter relates to general obligation bonds and special assessment bonds. Specifically, Section 6.02 of the Charter requires "...the total indebtedness of the Village, whether in the form of general obli- gation bonds or assessment bonds, or both, shall never in the aggregate exceed 10% of the assessed value of taxable real property within the Village at the time the indebtedness or indebtednesses are incurred." The limitation on the bonded indebtedness as defined in the Charter has not been affected since adoption of the Plan because no GOB's or assessment bonds have been issued or presently exist. The Village's current bonded indebtedness is incurred by the Improvement Revenue Bond and Water Refunding Revenue Bonds which are paid off revenues generated or pledged from various sources. The Charter sets no limitation on indebtedness incurred by revenue bonds. The bonds are discussed in more detail later in this Section. • 6. Objective E., Plan Recommendations 2. and 3. "The Village should research carefully the various types of bonds, the respective conditions of those bonds, and other methods of repayment by project or program because the uniqueness of the project or program may merit unique methods for repayment of debt." "The repayment of debt should be carefully scrutinized in determining whether such repayment of debt be accomplished through benefits derived from the issuance of bonds or through revenues derived from the operating budget. The type of project in the Capital Improvements Program project list and annual budget should be considered in making these determinations. When issuing bonds, the Village has carefully scrutinized how the repayment of debt should be accomplished. The Village currently has a bonded indebtedness of approximately $4.5 million dollars. J The Improvement Revenue Bond cur ently has an unpaid principal balance (as of September 30, 1980 of $845,000, and the Water J Refunding Revenue Bonds has an unpaid principal balance (as of September 30, 1980 of $3,915,000. The methods of repayment and the conditions of the bonds differ. The Improvement Revenue Bond, Series 1979 was issued in the • amount of $910,000 with interest rates ranging from 8.30 to 8.50 for various drainage and street improvements. The guaranteed entitlement portion of state revenue sharing trust funds, public service utility taxes, franchise fees and occupa- tional license fees are specifically pledged to pay off the bonds. The bonds are repaid through the Debt Service Fund. The Water Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1978, were issued for improvements to the Village Water System. The bonds are solely payable from and secured by a pledge of and prior lien on the revenues derived from the operation of the system after the payment of cost for operations and maintenance. This bond issue defeased past bonds with different terms and rates that are more economic and fiscally efficient for the Village. 7• Objective E.; Objective E., Plan Recommendations 1. 2. and 3. "Investigate and use all available sources of funds for capi- tal improvements." "When researching alternative sources of funds for capital improvements effects upon the operating budget should be evaluated to identify potential impacts to normal operation of municipal business." "The Village should coordinate with other governments, agen- ', • Gies and institutions in compiling sources of available funds for specific projects." "When special sources of funds become available, the project priority list should be re-evaluated for phasing and timing of such projects." The Village has been successful in utilizing the various sources of funds available to them for the financing of capital improve- ments and other major expenditures. Aside from the bond issues described above, the Village is entitled to certain federal funds for the operation of specific programs. Revenues and expenditures for this purpose are accounted for in the Federal Revenue Sharing Fund. Expenditures of this Fund generally involve transfers to the General Fund. The line-item expenditures generally have gone toward the purchase of police cars and public safety expenses. Revenues are derived from the entitlement payments and investment earnings on the Federal Revenue Sharing funds which are kept in an interest bearing account. These special sources of funds in combination with local revenue sources and bonding programs has allowed the Village to accomplish capital projects through the years. • 8. Objective G.; Objective'G., Plan Recommendations 1. and 2. "Establish contingency funds to provide for unanticipated or unexpected expenditures." "The Village should only provide contingencies for unexpected expenditures within, and as a part of, a line item expense." "The Village should not develop contingency funds for the sake of accumulating funds." The Village does not have contingency funds established within its budget structure to fund unexpected expenditures or for the sake of accumulating funds. Therefore, it is recommended that this Objective and Plan Recommendations be deleted in the pro- posed, revised Comprehensive Development Plan. Section 163.3191(2)(d) Tequesta has witnessed few unforeseen or unanticipated economic/fiscal problems and opportunities since adoption of the Plan because they have efficiently pre-planned expenditures for \~ r r '~ ~ capital expenditures, as well as for operations and maintenance of municipal system.. The Village remains in a sound fiscal and financial position. It is further recommended by this EAR, that the Goal, Objectives and Plan Recommendations portion of this element be re-visited and re-structured, where necessary. This would help to eliminate duplicate and redundant statements while expanding the element to be applicable to normal day-to-day concerns of the operating budget as well as to capital improvements needs of the Village. i• •