St. Augustine public meetings in 2021

Corridor Review Committee

The Corridor Review Committee will conduct a preliminary design review of a proposed two-story commercial building at 157 King Street, including modifications to the King Street Design Standards. The applicant seeks approval to orient the entrance away from King Street toward a rear parking area, along with other design changes. The committee will also consider staff recommendations and conditions, and may approve, deny, or continue the application.

• Preliminary design review for new two-story commercial building at 157 King Street (PL2021-0144)
• Modification to King Street Design Standards to orient entrance south toward parking, away from King Street
• Modification for spandrel (opaque) glass windows and 'Warm Gray' color on King Street elevation
• Setback variance to reduce front setback to 15 feet (requires Planning and Zoning Board approval)
• Variance for building height over 25 feet within 15-foot setback (requires Planning and Zoning Board approval)

The Corridor Review Committee unanimously approved the preliminary design and modification to the King Street Design Standards for a new two-story commercial building at 157 King Street, including a coffee shop and European market. The applicant presented changes to the entrance, glazing, and landscaping to meet standards. The motion to approve as is passed unanimously.

• Approved October 14, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda modifications (unanimous)
• Approved F2021-0144 preliminary design and modification to standards for 157 King Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:46 P.M. (unanimous)

Street Tree Advisory Committee

The committee will hear a mangrove presentation from the FDEP and discuss the Mangrove Trimming Program. The meeting also includes updates on Tree City USA awards, the Tree Canopy Program, and Fish Island.

• Mangrove Presentation by FDEP
• Mangrove Trimming Program Discussion
• Tree City USA and Growth Awards update
• Tree Canopy Program Discussion
• Fish Island Update

The Street Tree Advisory Committee approved the June 24 meeting minutes with corrections, and discussed several updates including a mangrove presentation, Tree City USA application status, and Arbor Day plans. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy decisions; the meeting was primarily informational and planning-focused.

• Approved June 24 meeting minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Agreed to hold Arbor Day celebration at Coquina Park on January 14, 2022
• Agreed to invite R.B. Hunt students to Arbor Day celebration
• Agreed to explore grant funding for tree inventory (discussion only)

Corridor Review Committee

The Corridor Review Committee will consider a design review application for a replacement commercial building at 251 San Marco Avenue. The applicant seeks modifications to the San Marco Avenue Design Standards regarding fenestration, glazing, and building entrance location. Staff recommends approval if the committee can justify the modifications under the review criteria.

• Design review for replacement commercial building at 251 San Marco Avenue
• Modifications requested for Design Standards sections 4.4.5 (Fenestration and Glazing) and 6.4.6 (Building Entrances)
• Proposed two-story building with contemporary second story, stepped back 8 feet
• Main entrance relocated to south side to accommodate floodplain access ramp
• Second-story glazing at ~50% exceeds 20-40% standard, requiring modification

The Corridor Review Committee unanimously approved the design and modifications for a replacement commercial building at 251 San Marco Avenue, as proposed by Sarah Ryan Architect, LLC for owner Clukey and Tebault LLC. The approval includes modifications to the Design Standards, with the committee finding the criteria met. The meeting also included approval of prior minutes and agenda modifications.

• Approved August 12, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda modifications (unanimous)
• Approved design and modifications for replacement commercial building at 251 San Marco Avenue (unanimous)

Budget

The St. Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency is holding a budget meeting to consider two resolutions adopting the FY 2021-2022 budgets for the Historic Area Transportation and Parking CRA and the Lincolnville CRA. The meeting includes public hearings on each resolution. The budgets cover operations, debt service, and redevelopment programs for the coming fiscal year.

• Resolution 2021-33: Historic Area CRA FY2022 budget with $528,460 in incremental taxes and $1,376,753 in debt service
• Resolution 2021-34: Lincolnville CRA FY2022 budget with $455,118 in incremental taxes and $1,145,432 in operating expenses
• Lincolnville CRA budget includes $215,000 for Fix-It-Up Program and $272,000 for M.L. King Design & Construction
• Lincolnville CRA budget includes $712,177 for institutional rehabilitation (First Baptist Church, St. Paul AME Roof)
• Public hearings scheduled for both resolutions

The City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, unanimously approved two proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2021-2022: Resolution 2021-33 for the Historic Area Transportation and Parking CRA and Resolution 2021-34 for the Lincolnville CRA. Both budgets had no changes from prior workshops. The CRA budgets are incorporated into the City's overall budget.

• Approved Resolution 2021-33, Historic Area Transportation and Parking CRA budget for FY 2021-2022 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2021-34, Lincolnville CRA budget for FY 2021-2022 (unanimous)

Budget

The City Commission is holding a special meeting to consider two items: a resolution setting the tentative millage rate for the 2021-2022 fiscal year at 7.5 mills, and an ordinance adopting the annual budget for that fiscal year. The millage rate represents a 3.78% increase over the rolled-back rate. The budget totals $64,753,381 in revenues and expenditures.

• Tentative millage rate of 7.5 mills, up 3.78% from rolled-back rate of 7.2269 mills
• Adoption of FY2021-2022 budget totaling $64,753,381
• Six new full-time positions, including Galimore Center Coordinator and Resiliency Project Manager
• New fire department ladder truck via inter-fund borrowing of $1,250,000
• American Rescue Plan funding of $6,477,725 for various projects

Corridor Review Committee

The Corridor Review Committee is considering a modification request for a 12’x36’ pre-engineered metal building. The applicant seeks exceptions to King Street design standards regarding height, materials, and architectural details.

• Modification request (F2021-0100) for a 12’x36’ metal building at 181 King Street
• Proposed use of metal ribbed panels and a metal ribbed gable roof
• Request to modify standards for height, architecture, materials, and fenestration

The Corridor Review Committee approved a modification request (F2021-0100) to allow construction of a 12'x36' pre-engineered metal building at 181 King Street. The approval was unanimous and included conditions that the building be a darker color with no lighter color accents and that landscaping be added. The committee found the modification met the review criteria, noting it was a unique situation that would not set a precedent.

• Approved modification F2021-0100 for 12'x36' metal building at 181 King St (unanimous)
• Condition: building must be darker color with no lighter color accents
• Condition: landscaping required to screen the building
• Approved April 8, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)

Street Tree Advisory Committee

The St. Augustine Street Tree Advisory Committee will meet to approve minutes, receive updates on Tree City USA and Arbor Day, and discuss the Tree Canopy Program and Fish Island. The agenda is largely routine, with public comment and new items also scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from September 18, 2019 meeting
• Tree City USA and Growth Awards update from COSA Grounds Division
• Arbor Day 2020 and 2021 discussion
• Resignation of Dan Lippi and nomination of Gail Wisler
• Tree Canopy Program discussion and Fish Island update

The Street Tree Advisory Committee accepted Dan Lippi's resignation and approved Gail Wisler's nomination to the committee. They also discussed the Tree Canopy Program, which has received 90 applications within city limits, and considered a Mangrove Trimming Program but decided to gather more information first.

• Approved minutes from September 19, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Dan Lippi (unanimous)
• Approved nomination of Gail Wisler to committee (unanimous)
• Approved moving agenda items 6 and 8 earlier in meeting (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for October 28, 2021 (unanimous)

Budget

The St. Augustine City Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss assumptions for the 2022 budget, focusing on revenue sources and opportunities from the American Rescue Plan and other resiliency funding. The agenda includes a detailed review of major revenue streams, such as property taxes, franchise fees, and utility taxes, but no formal votes are scheduled.

• Discussion of 2022 budget revenue assumptions
• Review of American Rescue Plan and resiliency funding opportunities
• Property tax revenue projected to increase 7% (~$1,000,000); no millage rate increase recommended
• FPL franchise fee at 5.9% of gross revenues, contract renegotiation in 2039
• Fire assessment fee rates: $0.0689 residential, $0.1257 non-residential; no increase recommended

Budget

The St. Augustine City Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss and update the strategic plan and to review the mid-year budget analysis. The agenda includes public comments and these two discussion items, with no formal votes or decisions listed.

• Strategic Plan Discussion and Update
• Mid-year budget analysis discussion

Audit Review Committee

The Audit Review Committee is meeting to hear a presentation of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2020 from the independent auditor, David Howie of Masters, Smith & Wisby. The committee will also consider approving minutes from previous meetings. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Presentation of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by independent auditor David Howie
• Approval of minutes from March 29, 2019 and May 22, 2020 meetings
• General public comments period

Corridor Review Committee

The Corridor Review Committee is meeting to hear a presentation on re-formatted design standards and administrative procedures for the city's entry corridors. The agenda includes routine items like roll call, public comments, and approval of minutes, with no new business. The presentation covers Phase 4 of the Design Standards for Entry Corridors, which standardizes format and procedures without changing adopted standards.

• Presentation of re-formatted design standards and administrative procedures
• Phase 4 of Design Standards for Entry Corridors (DSEC) — format, definitions, graphics, procedures consistency
• No amendments to adopted DSEC for Anastasia Boulevard (2017), San Marco Avenue (2018), King Street (2019)
• Review of CRC responsibilities for design review, modifications, and appeals
• General public comments for items not on the agenda

The Corridor Review Committee met and approved the February 11, 2021 meeting minutes and the meeting agenda, both by unanimous voice vote. No new business was conducted. Staff presented re-formatted design standards and administrative procedures, with discussion on ex parte communications and board purview. The meeting adjourned at 2:39 P.M.

• Approved the February 11, 2021 meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote.
• Approved the meeting agenda by unanimous voice vote.
• Heard a presentation on re-formatted design standards and administrative procedures; no action taken.

Corridor Review Committee

The Corridor Review Committee met to review a presentation regarding updated formatting and administrative procedures for entry corridor design standards. The presentation detailed changes to the visual format, numbering, and definitions for previously adopted standards in Anastasia Boulevard, San Marco Avenue, and King Street.

• Presentation of re-formatted design standards and administrative procedures
• Review of Phase 4 updates including landscape orientation and consistent section numbering
• Clarification of development area limits and fence versus wall distinctions

Corridor Review Committee

The Corridor Review Committee is meeting to review two design applications: renovations at 142 King Street and a rear addition at 195 San Marco Ave. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear public comments. Both projects require design review under the city's entry corridor standards.

• PL2021-0013: Design review for renovations at 142 King Street, including removal of architectural elements and new design
• PL2021-0015: Design review for rear addition at 195 San Marco Ave (Antigua Veterinary Practice)
• Approval of minutes from January 14, 2021 meeting
• General public comments for items not on the agenda

The Corridor Review Committee approved two design review applications: renovations at 142 King Street and a rear addition at 195 San Marco Avenue. Both approvals were unanimous and based on staff findings that the projects meet the applicable design standards. The committee also approved the January 14, 2021 meeting minutes and the agenda as presented.

• Approved design review 2021-0013 for renovations at 142 King Street (unanimous)
• Approved design review F2021-0015 for rear addition at 195 San Marco Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved January 14, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)

Building Code Task Force for New Construction

The Building Code Task Force discussed and refined its draft Final Report on new construction, focusing on floodplain management, foundation types, and stormwater mitigation. No formal votes were taken; the report will be drafted and presented to the City Commission on March 8, 2021.

• Discussed draft Final Report recommendations on drainage, education, and stormwater incentives
• Agreed to add educational component to final report
• Agreed to make text changes to Goal 1 (adding French drains, etc.)
• Agreed to insert language in Goal 3 to define impervious surface ratios
• Directed staff to draft final report and send to Task Force members
• Scheduled presentation to City Commission on March 8, 2021
• Agreed to reconvene a year after regulations become effective to reevaluate

Building Code Task Force for New Construction

The St. Augustine Building Code Task Force will discuss and possibly recommend incentives for property owners who use construction techniques that avoid land filling, and will discuss creating a maximum impervious surface ratio for residential properties. The meeting is open for public comment and follows COVID-19 safety protocols.

• Discussion of incentives for no-landfill construction techniques (Goal #2)
• Discussion of maximum impervious surface ratio for residential properties (Goal #3)
• Public comments for items not on the agenda
• COVID-19 protocols: masks required, social distancing, capacity limits

The Building Code Task Force unanimously approved a motion to recommend additions to the Land Development Code requiring single-family residential improvements over 200 square feet to submit a lot grading plan showing stormwater is not draining onto adjacent properties and that existing drainage patterns are maintained. The motion also recommends a maximum impervious surface area of 75% (including building coverage, driveways, pools, and hardscaping). The motion passed 8-0. Staff will draft the requirements for review at a future meeting.

• Approved motion to require lot grading plans for single-family improvements over 200 sq ft (8-0)
• Approved motion to set maximum impervious surface area at 75% for residential properties (8-0)
• Directed staff to draft grading plan requirements for future review

Building Code Task Force for New Construction

The Building Code Task Force discussed requiring lot grading plans for infill residential development and possible incentives for pier construction, but made no formal decisions. Staff will draft ordinance language based on the discussion for future review.

• Discussed requiring lot grading plans for infill construction in areas without master drainage plans
• Discussed limiting fill to 6-10 inches from crown of road
• Discussed incentives like extra square footage for pier construction with no slab
• Discussed stormwater fee relief for sustainable lots
• No formal votes or approvals taken

Corridor Review Committee

The Corridor Review Committee will consider a request to modify the San Marco Avenue Design Standards to allow removal of the main entrance facing San Marco Avenue at 251 San Marco Avenue, replacing it with windows. Staff recommends approval with conditions, but seeks committee direction on one review criterion. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and the 2021 meeting schedule.

• Modification request F2020-0130 to remove main entrance at 251 San Marco Avenue, replace with windows
• Property owned by Clukey and Tebault LLC, applicant Sarah Ryan Architect LLC
• Staff recommends approval with conditions including vegetation and paver walkway
• Approval of 2021 meeting schedule
• Approval of November 12, 2020 minutes

The Corridor Review Committee unanimously approved a modification to the design standards for 251 San Marco Avenue, allowing the removal of the main entrance facing San Marco Avenue and its replacement with windows. The approval includes conditions requiring planters and a brick pathway to emphasize the side entry. The committee also approved the November meeting minutes, the agenda, and changes to the 2021 meeting schedule.

• Approved modification F2020-0130 for 251 San Marco Ave with planters and brick pavers (3-0)
• Approved November meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (3-0)
• Approved 2021 meeting schedule with November 10 date to be changed

Building Code Task Force for New Construction

The Building Code Task Force for New Construction will discuss Goal #1: protecting older homes from flooding impacts caused by new homes built at higher elevations. The meeting includes a staff presentation, task force discussion, and possible code amendments. No final decisions are scheduled; it is a discussion and review session.

• Discussion of Goal #1: Protecting older homes from flooding impacts of new homes at higher elevations
• Possible code amendments to address Goal #1
• Public comments for items not on the agenda
• Health and safety protocols for in-person meeting (face coverings, social distancing)

The Building Code Task Force for New Construction met to discuss Goal #1: protecting older homes from flooding impacts of new higher-elevation construction. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting was discussion-only, covering topics like discouraging monolithic slab construction, incentivizing stem-wall or pier construction, and requiring drainage plans. The next meeting will continue discussions on incentivizing stormwater retention.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; meeting was discussion-only
• Discussed discouraging monolithic slab-on-mound construction in historic neighborhoods
• Discussed incentivizing stem-wall or pier construction due to higher costs
• Discussed requiring drainage or grading plans during plan review
• Discussed limiting impervious surfaces and using porous materials
• Discussed potential stormwater retention incentives for residential lots