Tom Campenni
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IN THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER
Local elections may change how the different elected bodies will look.
The county has both Hetherington and Heard up for re-election this year. I have heard nothing about a challenger to Hetherington but Heard has drawn one. I don’t think there is anything to worry about there.
The school board has three seats up for election. Longtime member, Li Roberts, does not have a challenger. Tony Anderson has drawn a challenger and maybe two. Victoria Defenthaler has no one running against her yet but that may be subject to change from what I hear.
The municipalities will have seats up, but I believe the one to watch will be Jupiter Island where 4 seats will be available. Long-time mayor and commissioner Whitney Pidot is not seeking re-election. As we have been reporting, the town has divided along the usual development lines. Michael Brooks who was just elected has found himself in at least two lawsuits. I am wondering if he hangs on or not. And if so, for what since he has recused himself and won’t be voting on development issues having to do with the contested dune line.
As you follow the goings on at Jupiter Island and at other governments, keep in mind the difficulties that board members have because of sunshine requirements. They cannot speak to each other outside of a meeting. Imagine how hard it is to work with each other.
In this week’s edition we have VanRiper, Pine and Hafner giving us their viewpoints. Carol Houwaart-Diez from United Way on ARPA funding. Boys & Girls Club CEO Keith Fletcher on their medical training program for youngsters. Amy Pritchett from Moms for Liberty explaining their organization.
There is the Alice L. Luckhardt’s & Julie Priest’s article on cleaning the Cultural Courthouse. John Sedwitz with this week’s edition of Hobe Sound Loyal discussing greenways. Rob Ranieri from House of Hope telling us what is new at his agency. And Marcela Camblor explains accessory dwelling units.
Michele Berger has written a piece about the millions of grant dollars secured for Sewall’s Point since December. The sum of over $5 million has been impressive. It is a shame that she felt it was her time to leave.
Not to mention reporting on the latest government news and analysis in Martin County. Don’t forget to change your email address when you use a new one so that you continue to receive your free copy of Friends & Neighbors. And we are always looking for more people to join our list, so sign up your family and friends.
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If you want to read what I have been writing between newsletters you can go to Martin County Moment at HERE and to our Medium page at HERE
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WHAT SHOULD ONE EXPECT?
Development has been, is, and will continue to be what motivates local decisions.
Many residents act as if they believe it can be stopped by staff or elected officials. In most instances, the answer is no. The concept of individual private property rights is ingrained in federal and state constitutions and statutes.
On top of that, Tallahassee encourages development. Florida’s economy is based on attracting new residents and building the homes that they need to live. Stopping development is futile. What local government can do is direct growth for a better outcome. Knowledgeable planning professionals and many others believe in smart development which includes having density within municipalities and the county’s CRAs. Discouraging sprawl in western Martin County is what we should be encouraging.
A good example of good planning and where the battle lines have been drawn is the Kanner (Costco) CPUD. Regardless of what a small minority believe that parcel is on a major 6 lane highway between Willoughby Blvd and Monterey Road. It is also where the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Palm City Bridge are located. This is where we should put urban development. Some disagree, and a few may feel any action is justifiable to stop the project.
As that parcel is developed, it will go through a rigorous process of reviews and inspections…and it should. What should not happen is individuals using the systems in place that protect the environment to harass officials and the property owner. I am afraid that is what is happening, and it needs to stop.
When someone demands inspection after inspection and repeatedly nothing is found wrong, it is harassment. And we know what happened to the boy who cried wolf. Abuse of the system set up to stop actual violations becomes frayed. The people abusing that system should suffer the consequence.
We are only in the very beginning of the development of the Kanner CPUD. For a project that has done very little but attempt to put up a fence, it has resulted in inspections that have found nothing amiss. Please see the latest one here
I have written three pieces outlining the current abuse going on by the very few. You can read them here
Here here
And here
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CHANGE
There will be changes in how we look at housing coming our way in the next few years.
Our county will become less a place for retirees and more of a destination for younger residents. That demographic will care about jobs, housing, and education. They will not be looking for a home on a golf course or even, necessarily, a gated community.
Every year, more and more Americans are renting apartments and homes rather than buying. As we build fewer and fewer units, there are less homes and apartments to buy. That scarcity causes them to be unaffordable for more and more Americans.
Martin County, like most American counties, discourages the building of housing. This drives up prices for ownership. Nothing will change until we introduce accessory housing and government programs that encourage the building of multi-family housing.
Florida’s tax system plays a big part in why governments prefer rentals over home or condo ownership. The two-tier real estate tax system is the prime reason. Once a home or apartment has achieved homestead, then the amount of taxes that can be collected from that unit is diminished. “Save our Homes” may have saved a few homes, but government realizes that residents owning their homes pay little toward the services they consume.
Martin County will continue to build rentals over condos for that reason and fewer new tracts of land for sale due to scarcity. Density will be the only way we will house our expanding population. As time goes on, there will be less NIMBYism because demographically the naysayers will be in the minority. 66% of the Swiss population live in rental apartments. America has a fraction of that.
Make no mistake, the times they are a changing.
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OTHER OPINIONS
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NON-PROFIT PERSPECTIVE
By Carol Houwaart-Diez
United Way of Martin County President-CEO
This month I would like to update everyone on the process and grants awarded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners should be commended for their insight and support of local nonprofit organizations. They are one of the few counties in Florida that set aside dollars for nonprofit grants.
To that end, approximately $10 million in total was set aside for food/sundries, nonprofit relief (Community Partner Relief), capital and programs(Community Assistance Program) that were and continue to be affected by COVID. United Way of Martin County will be assisting the Martin County Board of County Commissioners with the oversight of the Community Assistance Program, which was allocated $5.7 million. United Way’s role was to assist in screening applications to make sure that the requests met the criteria set from the ARPA guidelines from the Federal government and the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.
Once screened, the United Way recruited a team of professionals to assist with the scoring of applications. The review panel included representatives from the Children’s Services Council, Community Foundation of Martin and St. Lucie and the Business Development Board. Funding areas were separated into categories including:
Workforce development
Mental health assistance
Educational disparities exacerbated by COVID – 19
Assistance with support housing and services and heal
Health disparities and social determinants of health
I am so proud and happy to announce that 16 different nonprofit organizations received funding for 21 different programs or projects for our community. Not all organizations that applied received funding which is primarily due to the restrictions and guidelines for the grants.
If the committee could not tie the request into COVID and the agency could not answer the questions on how it tied into COVID, they did not receive the funding. While the committee ranked the applications, no one of us made the final decision on who received grants. The ultimate decision was made by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners professional team that they put together.
United Way will continue to support the Martin County Board of County Commissioners by monitoring programs, conducting site visits, and ensuring that funds are spent as outlined in the agency proposals.
If you have any questions on the process or the funding allocation, please reach out to me at chdiez@unitedwaymartin.org or call me at 772-283-4800. It is truly a pleasure to partner with so many to make extraordinary things happen in and for Martin County.
Carol Houwaart-Diez’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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VANRIPER’S VIEWS
By Darlene VanRiper
I heard some people expressing concern about a bill going through the Florida Legislative Session currently and it piqued my curiosity.
The bill is Senate Bill 620: Local Business Protection Act and the companion bill in the House is House Bill 569 entitled Business Damages Caused by Local Governments. It’s an important bill because it affects local government and local government is the government that most directly affects YOU.
Both sides of the issue can be clearly understood. This bill if it becomes a law, would protect some hardworking citizens and entrepreneurs while destroying or at least greatly limiting local taxpayers’ ability to affect their own environment.
Take the example of South Beach on Miami Beach. The residents passed a referendum changing bar closing times from 5:00 am to 2:00 am. (Much to be noted here such as I didn’t even know South Beach had residents. I thought it was only bars, restaurants and hotels. And, why would one live there unless one wanted to party all night…all the time?). I used to live in Miami back in the early 1980s. The closing time was 5:00am then. But I digress.
So, if I owned a drinking establishment since the ‘80s and suddenly 3 hours of business was taken from me (that’s 21 hours a week or 1,092 hours a year…cha ching) well I guess I’d be pretty upset. So would my employees who would suddenly have hours cut back or jobs lost entirely.
On the other hand, the voters have spoken. Enough residents got upset enough at rowdy night owls to rally and demand that their government DO something. Enact something only local government could enact because it is dealing with a local problem. Shouldn’t it be able to do that?
SB 620 will allow affected businesses to “claim business damages from a county or municipality if the county or municipality enacts or amends certain ordinances or charter provisions”. In other words, affected businesses can sue for damages. The local taxpayers would be on the hook for those damages. So instead of garnering tax revenue from those establishments, they will be paying them damages.
This seems like an exceptional example, but these kinds of local issues come up all the time. Closer to home, some local governments would like to curtail the ability of homeowners to turn their homes into vacation rentals. Your home is your castle. Yours to do with as you please. Until you don’t mow your lawn or until you park an old RV in the driveway or …. until you rent it out?
I have zero answers as I can, very clearly, see both sides. I think they are both right. And you should give this some thought because a bill like this could certainly affect you at some point. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Darlene VanRiper’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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PINE’S PONDERING
By Tom Pine
This year Commissioner Smith was chosen to be the chair of the Martin County Commission so I will highlight a couple of stances he has taken over the past few months, starting with November 16, 2021.
Commissioner Smith is very concerned about all the building in the Jensen Beach area and that people should know that it’s not how Martin County does things.
Commissioner Smith, it very disconcerting when people see two trees on a property that’s its completely stripped of everything else on the property, that’s not Martin County, we don’t do it that way. Our Comp Plan has lots of protections for that very reason and our Land Development Regulations also have a lot of protections for that very reason.
He is very concerned for our residents and our seasonal residents that are coming back that they will be horrified because of all the lots that have been Clear Cut in the Jensen Beach area.
The second meeting is December 7, 2021. Commissioner Smith thinks Martin County should add a Diving Well at Sailfish Splash which should have been our community pool and Commissioner Ciampi agreed. The first reason Commissioner Smith gave was to put more “Heads in Beds” and to add another dynamic to the competition coming to the area. The general public will never be allowed use the Diving Well, it will only be used for competition. It was also pointed out that Diving Wells are very expensive.
To read their comments go to the County website, then click on MCTV, November 16, 2021, 1:38 next meeting is December 7, 2021, 1:48, 3:14
I went to a new project in Martin County on the corner of Green River Parkway and Jensen Beach Boulevard it’s called the Osprey Preserve, it was completely CLEAR CUT. After that was completed, the developer planted numerous different trees around the parameter of the property. (editor: That is in the City of Stuart)
The second property is Langford Landing it’s on the corner of NE. Langford Lane and NE. Palmer St. in Rio. That property was also CLEAR CUT in 2015. Then hundreds of yards of dirt were removed from the property of course without any permits and was hauled away to Port Saint Lucy.
Langford Landing is sold out, and the houses look like mini Mc Mansions on small lots, Mrs. Langford must have rolled over in her grave.
The crying from Commissioner Smith is no more than Crocodile tears. While there might be rules in Martin County that prohibits CLEAR CUTTING it clearly continues to this day. As usual it depends on who you are whether or not the rules apply.
It’s also insulting that he uses the Martin County Comp Plan as he regularly votes to weaken the Comp Plan at every opportunity.
Then there’s the Diving Well that Commissioner Smith brought up when discussing new projects he’d like to see in 2022.
The reason Commissioner Smith gave for his support of a DIVING Well was to put more “Heads in Beds.” Since when has it become the responsibility of the Taxpayers of Martin County to ensure they we put more “Heads in Beds” for the business community. By far most Hotels in Martin County are Corporate owned where the CEO’s make salaries in the millions of dollars and the taxpayers will be on the hook again.
Truth To Power
Tom Pine’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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HAFNER’S CORNER
By David Hafner
I would like to bring three topics this week:
On September 5th I shared an idea given from Councilwoman Gibbs-Thomas at the August 19th council meeting. (https://friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com/friends-neighbors-sept-5-2021/) The idea was to assist Indiantown residents who are not compliant with code enforcement to bring them into compliance instead of fining them. On January 29 Phyllis Waters Brown organized a community clean-up that put into action that idea shared back in August. The community clean-up was held in honor of Ms. Thelma Waters, Indiantown community advocate. I applaud those who took part in this project. Ms. Thelma Waters passed away in March of 2021, but her strong legacy continues to live on.
In watching the Village of Indiantown council meetings there appears to be a disconnect between several of the council members and their duty to share Village business with the public. Over the last couple of meetings specifically council members have made references to emails and conversations that have happened outside of the council meetings, and it seems the members are complacent to not share those conversations with the community unless they are called out.
One recurring topic is the Village of Indiantown Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board. There is one open seat on the PZA and on January 27th Councilwoman Gibbs-Thomas was attempting to give a nomination for that seat.
Councilwoman Hernandez said it should be left up to the PZA board to make a suggestion and Mayor Clarke said the PZA has requested to give a recommendation for the 7th member. However, I have watched the PZA meetings and there was no conversation in this regard, nor is it listed on the agenda for the upcoming PZA meeting on February 3rd. So where are these conversations happening? Councilman Dowling suggested the PZA be taken down to 5 members.
Third, smart growth and housing at an affordable rate is coming to Indiantown. The Garcia Group’s Terra Lago, the Village of Indiantown’s first approved large development, will include homes, an assisted living facility, nature preserves, parks, and a clubhouse for the community to enjoy. Before the Village was incorporated, I used to attend the Indiantown Neighborhood Advisory Committee meetings, and a development just like this was on the wish list.
How exciting that this is finally coming to reality! The people of Indiantown will now have places to live and businesses coming to Indiantown will have housing for their employees. In a time when Martin County residents are weary of development, this is a project to be applauded.
David Hafner’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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MOMS FOR LIBERTY
Amy Pritchett
By way of introduction, I reside in the Rocky Point/Port Salerno community. My husband David and I moved here from Rockland County, NY, in 2016, and became residents in 2018. I have two grown children, ages 39 and 36, with 8-year-old twin grandsons.
I was employed by Con Edison for 15 years in various organizations, and was active in our community schools, serving as PTA President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary throughout my children’s years in school, K-12. My husband was the Director of Operations for the Pearl River School District for 15 years.
I had been following Moms for Liberty’s national formation and watched it grow. There was a need for community members to begin the journey of collaborating with the school board, administration, and staff, that seemed destined for collapse. That was mostly due to the past 2 years dealing with covid and all of its parts. The concerns over masking, quarantine and curriculum content were at the forefront. Parents were genuinely frustrated and didn’t feel that their voices were being heard. Moms For Liberty became a sounding board and a way for parents to unite in a rational, calm, and focused way.
Moms for Liberty – Martin County was officially formed on September 13, 2021. Its inaugural meeting at Revive Church in Stuart garnered 50 concerned parents, grandparents, and community residents.
At the first meeting, Tiffany Justice, co-founder, was our guest speaker. She explained the purpose of Moms for Liberty, which is “dedicated to fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government. Holding leaders accountable, spreading awareness, and opposing government overreach are the guiding principles of Moms for Liberty.
She explained that representing the organization required an attitude of a “joyful warrior.” We should do our homework, bring only facts to the dais at school board meetings and avoid any combative or aggressive behavior.
It is important to use time wisely, as three minutes does fly by. Constructive criticism and praise are the norm for me. When I hear something negative, I investigate and bring proof. When there are compliments to be given, I do that too, and encourage all our members to do the same. Taking the time to research concerns is vital to a collaborative effort. The children and community benefit from our actions.
Amy Pritchett’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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CULTURAL COURTHOUSE
Alice L. Luckhardt & Julie Priest
The 1937 Martin County Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1997, is long-overdue for pressure cleaning, caulking of any cracks in the stucco and paint. Frankly, I was appalled to see its exterior condition today — especially, since I was one of many who wore yellow bandannas to the Board meeting decades ago in support of saving this historic structure from demolition, when the “new” courthouse was about to be constructed.
Courtesy of Authors
This designated historic structure is currently doing a very poor job of reflecting what Martin County is and was. We should all be embarrassed by it’s appearance. The dirt running down the sides of the structure look like tears of pain!
PLEASE schedule the pressure cleaning, caulking of stucco cracks and painting of the Old Martin County Courthouse right away. Give it the care and respect it deserves!
Added by Julie Preast on Jan. 25, 2022
I had to go to the “new” courthouse to record a document in the Clerk’s office. When I existed and got a better look at the 1937 Courthouse, it was a little shocking — you see, the façade along East Ocean is obscured by vegetation, and the side elevation is a lot more visible. So, I walked into the Cultural Arts Center and asked to speak with Nancy Turrell, who informed me that she has been asking Martin County to clean the exterior for a long while — to no avail.
The 1937 Courthouse belongs to Martin County. Stuart’s City Commissioners wanted to save it from demolition — but they had no ownership.
By the way, Joan Jefferson (a former Mayor of the City of Stuart who also worked for the Division of Historical Resources, Florida Main Street) wrote back and said that the stucco should not be pressure cleaned — that it should be cleaned with chemicals. I sent Joan’s message to the County Commissioners and asked them to consider contacting the Division of Historical Resources for information on what to use to clean historic stucco structures.
During CRPT cemetery training, we learned to use a chemical named D2 to clean the mold that had accumulated on tomb stones. My guess is that a similar chemical is available for cleaning stucco exteriors. By the way, D2 was used on the All Saints’ Cemetery stone-markers, and they look so much better.
Courtesy of Authors
Thank you for offering to share the e-mail with others. I guess pressure from others might nudge Martin County to finally clean the Old Courthouse. Nancy told me that her organization is not responsible for exterior repairs, etc.
Update: Kathleen Boden, Executive Aide to Commissioner Smith, responded and said that the County is searching for an expert in cleaning historic buildings. George Stokus is in charge of that effort. There is also a grant attempt involved,
along with finding replacement windows.
There is also the matter that windows exist on the exterior of the structure AND drywall exists on the interior to create gallery walls for displaying art. I mentioned to Nancy Turrell that she might consider finding portable walls to place in front of the replacement windows to display art, after the existing drywall has to be removed for window replacement process. So, it may be a while before it is completed.
Also here is the history of the 1937 Court House I researched and wrote that was placed in the Treasure Coast Biz. HERE
Luckhardt & Priest’s opinions are their own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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HOBE SOUND LOYAL
By John Sedwitz
In November of 2021, the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization (Martin MPO) conducted an introductory outreach meeting to residents of southern Martin County/Hobe Sound.
This meeting was to proactively initiate the process of performing a feasibility study to implement a shared use (pedestrians and bicyclists), paved trail corridor as a segment of the SUN Trail/East Coast Greenway, south of Seabranch Preserve State Park to Bridge Road/US1.
The East Coast Greenway is connecting 15 states and 450 cities and towns for 3,000 miles from Maine to the Florida Keys. The Florida east coast segment enters at Fernandina Beach and will end in the Florida Keys. This will incorporate nearly 600 miles of trails. Most of the Florida Greenway will run along A1A.
The feasibility study has been awarded 100% state funding as applied for by the Martin MPO. The primary goal of the study is to coordinate with our community and to perform a multi-faceted analysis comprised of community stakeholder meetings, neighborhood advisory meetings, open houses, and MPO Advisory Committee and Board Meetings resulting in a recommended conceptual plan and the final feasibility study report. This process is very sound and promotes “voice of the resident” in assessing the viability of the trail in the Hobe Sound area.
Having previously lived in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the biking and pedestrian trail routes were abundant, well planned out, and well received by the public and supported by active use. I believe our residents can” live in harmony” with the proposed Florida East Coast Greenway in Hobe Sound. Through proper planning and resident involvement, the trail will provide a safer haven for bicyclists versus riding on our roads as well as reducing chances for traffic accidents on Gomez Avenue.
There are obvious questions/concerns some residents will have regarding property easements, safety issues as to numerous side roads, stop signs, intersections, drainage, and homeowner privacy along the trail. The feasibility study in conjunction with resident input can address these concerns together.
Let’s be open minded to the possibilities as the feasibility process takes shape.
Resident involvement will be essential. I hope that we as a community will take the opportunity to get involved and find a win/win solution to enjoy the SE Florida East Coast Greenway in Martin County, as well as other counties, seaside towns/villages, and vast nature preserves.
If you wish to learn more, you can contact:
Jay Puerta :772-320-3015 jpuerta@martin.fl.us
Jeffrey Weidner: 954-870-5058 jweidner@marlinengineering.com
John Sedwitz’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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HOPE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Rob Ranieri
CEO for House of Hope
Special thanks to Tom Campenni for the opportunity to share information about House of Hope and our community with the readers of Friends & Neighbors.
Today, I will share an overview of House of Hope and our services for those that may not be familiar with our work. In future columns, the intent will be to present information about challenges and opportunities that many of our neighbors’ face and discuss some of the great work being done by House of Hope and our partners to help people overcome these challenges.
Perhaps some of you as readers may have a friend who would benefit from services or may need services yourself. Maybe some of you will be inspired to lend your time and talent to the agencies in town volunteering to help those who need us most. I certainly hope that the information presented now and, in the future, will be valuable.
House of Hope continues to evolve. While we are still heavily focused on basic needs (food, clothing, financial assistance), we have also become a major resource in the life skills arena by offering life-changing case management, and no-cost programming for all ages in health & nutrition, education, career support and training, computers, the arts and more.
Through our four service centers (with pantries and client support) in Stuart, Jensen, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown, and our five nutrition gardens, we reach over 7,000 people each month. We also recently launched our Traveling Nutrition Education Garden to expand our reach in health and nutrition.
Our Golden Gate Center for Enrichment and our Jensen Beach Center for Enrichment are hubs for no-cost programs with some examples being early learning for 3–4-year-olds, homework help, cooking classes, quit smoking support, English classes, career coaching, nutrition classes, and art programs.
We are a food bank, supplying 33 partners, non-profits and soup kitchens. Last year between our pantries and partners we distributed over 2.1 million pounds of food. The Hope Shop, our thrift store on US 1, generates revenue for our programs, but also distributed over 142,000 articles of clothing and housewares last year to clients and other non-profit agencies at no cost.
Growing Hope Farm, our production farm in Palm City, features over 65,000 cubic feet of hydroponic greenhouse growing space. We are currently in the process of adding a grove of fruit trees. Our Packing House is in development and will be a resource to us as well as small, local farmers.
This short video https://youtu.be/grx7hvs72rk “From Farm to Table to Future” is a great snapshot of our efforts around health and nutrition. For more info, please visit our website at www.hohmartin.org and look for us in future editions of Friends & Neighbors. Thank you.
Rob Ranieri’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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PLANNER’S PERSPECTIVE
By Marcela Camblor
Are ADU’s the solution to our housing problems?
When it comes to accessory dwelling units (ADU’s), every local government in the region has different rules. Martin County allows them, but they count towards residential density. You can build ADU’s in Stuart, but only if a family member lives in it. Sewall’s Point is attempting to expand language to allow them in their new comprehensive plan effort, but it needs adjusting. Martin County’s CRA’s, Newfield, and Indiantown seem to be getting it right.
An accessory dwelling unit (also referred to as an accessory apartment, garage apartment, granny flat, in-law unit, or second unit) is a complete, separate, living quarter in the same lot as a primary single family residential unit. ADU’s can ordinarily be internal, attached or detached from the primary residential unit.
Why are they important? Because they provide flexibility in housing that makes sense for environmental, financial and lifestyle reasons.
From the environmental perspective, smaller footprint residential units are built in already developed areas, where infrastructure exists, making better use of developed land while preventing large swaths of land to be developed in a manner that, given our current regulatory framework seldom yields affordability.
From a financial aspect, ADU’s increase housing affordability in two ways: the secondary dwelling, when rented, typically rents at prices affordable to those that otherwise could not afford to live in the community. At the same time, the rental income from the accessory dwelling unit renders the primary residence more affordable from the income it generates for the resident owner of the primary residence. In many cases, as people retire, they move into the ADU and rent the primary residence, allowing for increased income during retirement plus the ability to downsize while staying in the same neighborhood.
From a lifestyle approach, ADU’s provide the best multigenerational household environment, by enabling seniors to stay with family as they age or providing housing for younger family members once they are old enough to leave home, but not financially stable to afford a place on their own.
ADU’s should not be limited to family members. They should also not become only rentals. One of the units should be owner occupied.
ADU’s are not new, but in the last five decades, in many places they have been overregulated or prohibited altogether. However, many cities and counties are signaling renewed support for ADUs. Some, clearly understanding their value are adopting very progressive ADU polices, offering pre-approved plans that are inexpensive to purchase from different local architects. The idea of a municipality offering pre-approved plans could solve many of our development woes.
Some opponents say it is hard to police if an owner lives in one of the units while renting the other. But it is also hard to police the 229 million registered drivers in the US and that doesn’t stop us from driving. People will break the rules. Maybe their neighbors will report them. As with everything else in city building, it is all about balance, authenticity, appropriate character, and good design.
Marcela Cambior’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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HOW MUCH GRANT MONEY CAN COME THROUGH THE DOOR?
By Michele Berger
Michele Berger
Today was my first day outside the role of town manager and I was informed (great news for the town) that a grant request I wrote has been awarded.
$3.4 million dollars!
The Resilient Florida Grant Program has awarded the town $3.4 M of a projected $4.37 M project total cost. This is for Phase 3 of South Sewall’s Point Road, also known as Homewood. This area floods regularly and this project will mitigate the flooding issues. I believe this is the highest one-time grant award the town has ever received.
I was just sitting here adding up in my head the amount of money we’ve been able to bring in recently. I’m proud and excited to share this information which benefits the entire town.
Dec 1, 2021 – town was notified their state appropriations request for $1 million for phase 3 South Sewall’s Point Road Resiliency (drainage) became budget eligible
Jan 13, 2022 – town was notified state appropriations request for $800,000 for centralized sewer planning became budget eligible
Jan 19, 2022 – town was notified of $90,500+ grant award for design of Phase 2 South Sewall’s Point Road Resiliency project. On the Jan 25, 2022, commission meeting presented by Joe Capra and approved by the commission.
Jan 25, 2022 – commission meeting consent agenda – approval to receive the grant award of $65,000 for North Sewall’s Point drainage design
And now the $3.4 million.
Which totals over $5,355,500 in award notifications/approvals since December 1, 2021. This total is the culmination of the two years’ aggressive pursuit of grant funding!
That’s in addition to the ARPA funds of $570,000 this year and another $570,000 next year.
So $6,495,500+ for capital projects in the immediate future, along with the dedicated millage equivalent of $330,000 annually. Between this budget year and next, brings it to $7,155,500 (over next two years) with still other additional grant potential to come.
This is exactly how we said we could accomplish these capital improvement projects within the blueprint created by the Commission. They should be commended for their vision and courage to establish and formerly adopt the blueprint which has now become the foundation for each grant request to protect the community and the environment.
Joe Capra’s presentation at the January 25, 2022 (2 hours in on the video) meeting also reviewed the funding the town already received for Phase 1 of South Sewall’s Point Road which was completed late in 2021. That presentation highlighted the $1.89 million in grants received for that portion of the blueprint as well.
Quite a successful, collaborative program overall!
All this information should encourage anyone left with concerns. I see my time with the town (the two-year contract) as a change agent opportunity that was capitalized upon with the town as the primary benefactor. My goal was to create systems and methodologies that would allow anyone to step into each town hall role and do the job.
Our team goal was to provide good governance while aggressively pursuing grant opportunities to reduce the burden on the resident taxpayer as the town moved forward with the necessary resiliency projects to combat the effects of sea level rise. Not only did we collaboratively accomplish these goals, but we also did this more efficiently by taking on the tasks in house, including authoring papers and documents contributing to the storytelling necessary in successful grant writing.
Then leveraging the relationships built in Tallahassee and following up with key stakeholders to ensure support. All this while simultaneously reducing operational costs year over year. Reducing costs mainly occurred by eliminating a large percentage of consulting and outsourced fees.
For example, the outsourced financial accountant rates are $120 per hour vs the in-house costs of the former finance director of $48 per hour. Similarly, I took on many tasks that were previously outsourced at the rate of $100-$120 per hour while, as town manager, I made $52 per hour. Compare that salary / rate to any of my regional counterparts and you’ll find it compares to that of the gender pay gap national statistics.
As a professional female who has long operated in male dominated industries, I am not and cannot be comfortable with accepting this as a norm. I do, however, respect a small-town budget and mentality that believes a role is only worth “so much”. That seemed to be the case and the town is now in search of new talent to work within that pay grade.
I chose to not renew my contract and I do so knowing I’m leaving the position in a better place than I found it. I also am quite certain, with this new foundation, that the next town manager has the same opportunities to start where I left off and catapult even higher. I enjoyed my time in the role and certainly wish all the very best to the team, the Commission and of course the residents.
Michele Berger’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
11
FLETCH’S PERSPECTIVE
By Keith Fletcher CEO & President of
Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County
First, they’ll receive a file detailing the conditions of their patients. They’ll then don scrubs, cover their shoes, wash their hands, put on gloves and step into the operating room.
After assessing each patient, the surgeons will perform the prescribed procedures, ranging from wound treatments to organ transplants to tumor removals. Along the way, they’ll face heart failures and flatlines—forcing them to scramble and revive their patients before continuing the lifesaving procedures.
What sounds like an episode of Grey’s Anatomy is an unforgettable educational experience for the kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC). And it just might inspire a few careers in medicine.
It all takes place Feb. 11. What debuted last year at only our Hobe Sound club as a centerpiece of International Day of Women and Girls in Science—originally intended to introduce particularly girl club members to careers in health and science—has since expanded to every member of all four clubs.
This immersion experience—which casts our members as a surgical team conducting a challenging operation—is made all the more meaningful and realistic thanks to our pre- and post- “op” lesson plans and the support of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health.
We’re extremely grateful for the generosity of the hospital, which donated the operating gowns, caps, gloves, and key pieces of equipment to enhance the sense of realism.
For the backdrop, club classrooms are transformed into operating rooms. The “patients” consist of life-size paper cutouts, complete with laminated paper organs. The “surgery” consists of a process that requires members to recall recent anatomy lessons as well as solve age-appropriate math questions, in which right answers correspond with necessary steps to treat the patient.
There’s even a heart monitor that surprises the “surgeons” by beeping loudly when the patients’ vitals fail, prompting the “doctors” to perform emergency CPR.
The aim of the lesson—in addition to introducing more girls to such fields—is to spark greater curiosity about science. That’s exactly the interest it had on participants at the Hobe Sound event.
“It inspired me to study about science more,” says Amir.
Deanna, 8, agreed.
“I told my mom and dad that I want to know more science,” she says. “Then for my birthday, I got a book about NASA. I’m hoping for my next birthday I get another book about science, because I finished that one.”
That’s the thirst for knowledge that we hope to awaken at BGCMC, because its sincere pursuit will produce not only professional satisfaction, but untold societal benefits.
Keith Fletcher’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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CONSTITUTIONAL CORNER AND OTHER GOVERNMENT NOTICES
And from our Supervisor of Elections:
From The Clerk of The Court:
From the Property Appraiser
Tax Collector
Ruth “Ski” Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax Collector
“Please Don’t Cry Wolf”
It’s good news for public safety that automatic alarms and detection systems are widely used, so incident and first responders can take life-saving action quickly. Alarm systems are designed to protect our lives and property, and when properly installed, used and maintained, are a real asset. However, when responders are sent out on false alarm calls, it means they don’t get to the genuine incidents as quickly and that’s time they can’t get back, hindering a rapid response to a critical call. The risk to human life because of this wasted time is a cause for concern.
Many culprits can cause an alarm to go off. Stimuli that trick detectors or sensors such as cooking- grilling bacon and burning toast, welding and grinding, steam from a shower, cigarette smoke, dust, aerosols, cleaning chemicals, a malfunction of the system, low batteries, loose sensors, roaming pets, and simple user error, can all unnecessarily generate a false alarm.
False alarms disrupt everyday activities. They’re inconvenient, stressful, cause unnecessary expense, and are a wholly unproductive activity. A false alarm is a notification of an alarm to the police department when responding authorities find no evidence of criminal offense or fire. Such occurrences engage the police or fire department and needlessly divert public safety resources, costing time and means of local municipalities.
Frequent false alarms desensitize communities to the actual incidents of crime or fire, eventually leading to ignoring the actual cases. Alarms that are crying wolf effect people’s behavior making them feel there’s no need to react to the alarm, but for the one in ten or in a hundred alarms that is genuine, complacency could be fatal.
Educating household members on operating the system, checking windows and doors, making sure that pets are out of the sensors’ zone, and even checking for drafts that can cause movement of the house plants, holiday decorations, fans etc. are ways of preventing or limiting the incidents. Many jurisdictions impose costly fines for excessive false alarms to offset the expenditures. The biggest cost is in the loss of lifesaving resources.
On September 27th, 2005, Martin County Commissioners adopted an ordinance titled The Martin County False Alarm Reduction Ordinance 770, which allows to impose a fine against businesses and homeowners for False Alarms. There is no fine for the first false alarm if the alarm operator has a valid alarm permit. Alarm permit application forms are available on the Tax Collector’s website, and the permit fee is $ 20.00.
As an incentive to reduce false alarm calls, alarm operators who had no false alarm incidents during a permit year will be rewarded by having the cost of their renewal being reduced to $ 10.00, if their permit is renewed prior to the expiration date.
Alarm systems provide significant protection to our lives and property if installed and used properly. False alarms place a drain on front line services, increase the risk to road users, and cause interruption to the business sector and communities. We should do whatever we can to prevent and reduce them.
From The City of Stuart:
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Our first letter is from Walter Deemer:
A representative of the Save The Manatee Club
reported that the manatee crisis isn’t averting;
1101 died last year, and the death toll in
January is 50 and growing – and they are greatly
concerned that this weekend’s cold snap will
inflict even more casualties. In addition, about
20 manatees are trapped on the Lake Okeechobee
side of the St. Lucie Locks, which is closed for
maintenance for the next two months; the Army
Corps of Engineers is working hard on a plan to
transport them to the eastern side of the lock,
since they will perish from lack of food and cold water temperatures otherwise.
Meanwhile, there was great concern about Rep.
Overdorf’s Seagrass Mitigation Bill (HB349). We
were told that although it sounds ok
superficially there are two huge environmental
issues: 1) It makes it a lot easier for
developers to get permits and 2) Mitigation banks
(replanting seagrass somewhere else that
developers will be permitted to destroy) “may
work but probably won’t”; planting seagrass isn’t
easy to do at all. So if you know Rep. Overdorf…
We’ll try to have a more cheerful update for you next month.
Our second letter is from Audrey Taggert
Ron DeSantis is running for Governor of Florida.
Many thought he was running for President or VP of the US, but we don’t want to lose him here as our governor – just yet. For a time during the recent hysteria many called him “America’s Governor,” a fitting title for a man with so many accomplishments. Aside from graduating with honors from two Ivy League colleges, serving in Iraq with a Navy SEAL commander, having been awarded the Bronze Star, he seems recently to be the target of those who want to weaken or eliminate the US Constitution. They call it outdated or needing changes (remove or limit the 1st, 2nd, 10th amendments, for example).
After working as a federal prosecutor targeting child predators, he went to Congress, fought for term limits and to cut taxes. He refused his pension and health plan there because he is against special deals for politicians. As Florida governor he expanded school choice options, cut Common Core, strengthened civics education, and strongly supported parents’ rights and continues in that direction.
For our vital water resources he created the Blue-Green Algae Task force, secured millions for Everglades restoration, appointed the state’s first Science Officer, increased efforts to remove invasive wildlife species, secured Boeing’s move for its Space and Launch Headquarters to the Space Coast, supports deregulation of unnecessary licensing requirements.
His strong stance on defending, even enhancing citizens’ rights and liberty must be making some control seekers uncomfortable.
What do you think?
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MARTIN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 25, 2022:
It was another light day for the commission.
The commission did agree to lease to Precision Jet Center a third parcel at the airport. The price will be a total of $83,776.00 per year ($ .30 per square foot) for the three parcels. The lease will run to 2050 and may be extended.
Precision Jet will tear down an existing building and construct a new one to serve their aviation business. A motion was made by Jenkins and seconded by Heard to approve the lease. Hetherington recused herself because her children’s father is a key player with Precision Jet, and they may have a financial gain. It passed 4-0.
To see the lease, go here
There was a presentation about the 2017 update from Wood Inc. on a previous water quality needs assessment. It examined the water quality needs of storm water projects in the St. Lucie, Indian River Lagoon, and the Loxahatchee.
The presenters spoke for more than an hour. It was quite impressive. Chair Smith, though, summed it up nicely when he said this needs to be paired down for a ten-minute presentation. He was right as most people would not sit there for that amount of time.
You can see the presentation here
COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2022:
The Rio Town Center Project, now known as the Rio Marine Village, has been in the process of developing for a couple of decades. Charles Modica, a developer who has had success in several states, took on this newest version.
Years ago, I remember looking at the project when I was a city commissioner and speaking to the then developer about annexing into Stuart. If it had happened, Stuart would have had river taxis, ferries, and other synergies between downtown and Rio which is another great area. That was when the county commission and staff were not as nimble as they have become.
The proposed 192 units, boat yard with dry and water storage, 3 restaurants, an office building, and new sea wall is the very essence of good development. This is the kind of CRA improvements that is now beginning to happen in all the CRAs. You must applaud CRA staff and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for working tirelessly to make this a reality.
The existing roundabout will be replaced by two new ones at the entrances to the development. It will be paid for by the developer including new artwork. What is not to like? Rio has not been neglected, but it hasn’t flourished either.
The gavel was passed to Ciampi, and Smith made the motion to accept with staff recommendations. It was seconded by Jenkins and passed 5-0.
Congratulations to Smith for he is the father of this development.
You can see staff presentation here here
The applicant’s presentation can be found here
The other project on the agenda was an amendment to KL Waterside’s land use from limited industrial to a PUD. Apparently, there are hush hush negotiations going on to entice businesses there. Ciampi referred to these as businesses that Martin County could be proud of. I hope that we are. Ciampi moved approval and it was seconded by Hetherington. It passed 5-0
Waterside is also asking to become its own Community Development District. By doing so, it will be able to borrow money or bond infrastructure projects. That is the same ability to bond or borrow as any other government entity. The interest is tax exempt to the bondholder or lender.
A CDD is not its own government. They are still under the BOCC. Instead of getting in line for scarce county resources, the entity taxes itself to pay for the improvements. It is an especially good idea with industrial or manufacturing development.
A motion was made by Jenkins and seconded by Ciampi. It passed 5-0.
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JOINT CRA/CRB MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022:
The only thing on the agenda was a presentation of the conceptual design for Guy Davis/10th Street Park.
The design is by Calvin Giordano, and they have put much work into it, but there is still a long way to go. The $5 million reboot will have expanded fields, passive area, parking, children’s playground with a splash pad, and restrooms. The board and audience members gave their comments as to improvements and some questioned whether to do the work or not.
The presentation became a discussion. However, this is only the first glimpse of the planning. There will be other community and stakeholder meetings. Though individual board members waded in with what they would like to see, I thought it was too early in the process.
Though there were many comments on the design and mission. There needs to be much more in the consultation process. This is the only active sports park in Stuart, so it is important that all stakeholders have a say. There should be two meetings at the park itself and then one at city hall.
Last night was the beginning of the design process, not the end. You can see the presentation here
STUART COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 25, 2022:
During commissioner comments, Troy McDonald brought up the fact that he believes the city should have its own fire dispatch service. He understands that it will add a cost but that to be a “complete” department, Stuart should not be relying on Martin County.
Quite possibly much of the expense for Stuart to operate the dispatch system could be offset. Currently, dispatch services are paid for by the county’s general fund which is paid by all county residents. Stuart is the only other department that uses the service. If Stuart, no longer does then the cost could no longer be paid by that fund. It would have to go into the Fire MSTU in all probability. The reduction in taxes for city residents could pay for the cost of Stuart’s having its dispatch. This is something to explore.
The city is applying for a grant with the Indian River Lagoon Council to build a pilot project on the river and Illinois Avenue. It will be a living shoreline proposal. They are asking the council for $85,000 and the city will match another $85,000.
You can see the presentation here
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SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET MEETING JANUARY 25, 2022:
CFO Carter Morrison presented the board with very early numbers regarding next year’s budget.
Until the legislature passes a budget, all state aid and mandates are uncertain. Looking at the numbers presented, it appears to me that the items over which the board has full authority are capital infrastructure expenses. That is the result of rapidly rising supply and construction expenses.
The big surprise to me during these presentations was the loss of 76 students at Warfield Elementary in Indiantown. Where did the children go? This a relatively poor community and I don’t believe there has been another charter or private school opening. It would be interesting to know whether those families moved out of district. These are the very children that can’t afford to miss an education.
Courtesy of TCCA
The other thing to note was Treasure Coast Classical added 149 students. If another sister school to TCCA opens, then will the district lose a thousand students to the new charter going by the name Classical Academy North? The last I heard is that it was supposed to have started the official process in December to open.
Misericordia, a private school, is opening this fall as well as possibly the new charter high school in western Martin County. The school system will need to shake things up if it is to compete with new schools with different education models which appears to be what parents and students want in education. Governor DeSantis is also looking to more choice in education. And I applaud his efforts on this.
You can see Mr. Morrison’s presentation here
SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP FEB. 1, 2022:
Tyson Waters, the board’s attorney, went through a document that is being called an “Intent-to-Lease” with the Arts Council. It has been more than a year since the announcement that the Arts Council was in negotiation for the old high school building, it is closer to happening.
No terms were listed. No dates for when things would happen. No mention of deliverables. There was not even a site plan attached to the proposal.
Waters and the Arts Council attorney will be working out the particulars to be presented at the February board meeting in two weeks. Government is slow.
You can see the proposed document here
Waters also discussed the new CRA regulations regarding businesses with on-site consumption of alcohol. The proposed regulations will limit the distance to 50 feet from schools in most instances. So, what is the problem?
In the board’s discussions, they mention the problem of a premises being close to schools (only Palm City Elementary qualifies because of other zoning issues). I have yet to hear what the problem is. Are they afraid that an impaired driver will run over a kid? That a child will see someone having a glass of wine? No one has made that clear.
Waters was going to investigate state statutes regarding distances between schools and alcoholic premises. This seems like a puritanical throwback. It appears that we still have the scourge of demon rum in some school board members’ minds.
You can see Tyson Waters presentation here: here
REFERENDUM TIME
Back in 2018, the voters of Martin County approved two referenda for increased millage for mainly teachers’ salaries and a separate one for capital improvements. The ½ cent initiative for salaries was for four years while the ½ cent initiative for capital improvements was for seven years.
It is now time for the board to decide whether to go back to the voters to extend the ½ cent initiative. The current ½ cent expires in June. The debate and decision will center on whether the board did indeed use the funds for the purposes intended.
But the calendar is becoming tight, and they will need to make sure that there is time to have it appear on the ballot. Therefore, a draft resolution will be presented at the February board meeting.
Martin County pays teachers less than either St Lucie or Palm Beach Counties. Sometimes less can mean a Martin teacher could make thousands more by having a little farther commute. We are a much smaller district with even more limited tax dollars available.
The board has done a very good job of shepherding the money to teachers, mental health programs, and resource officers. That is a rare occurrence in government, and the board’s efforts should be applauded. The initiative probably resulted in many teachers staying in the district rather than go north or south.
Yet in the last several years, education has become a hot button topic. Many parents have seen the quality of their children’s education decline. COVID exposed parents to what teachers were doing in the classroom because of virtual learning. A simmering anger came out into the open.
That may cast doubt on whether a referendum for teachers’ pay can pass in this atmosphere. If it is on the ballot, I will support it. I am not so sure whether it would receive the same level of support that it did last time. DiTerlizzi also expressed his doubts. I wonder whether the others are thinking the same thing also.
You can see the entire millage resolution and budget numbers here
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SEWALL’S POINT LPA, MEETING AND SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 25-26, 2022
The Sewall’s Point Commission sits as its own LPA. It is the only local municipality that does so. Even Indiantown now has a separate LPA made up of town volunteers appointed by their council. Interesting because you keep hearing from commissioners that there should be more citizen involvement.
True to past discussions from the dais, Commissioners Campo and Fender have a tendency not to make decisions. After months and months and several public meetings, they still wanted to wait to approve their comprehensive plan. The town has been notified by the state that no re-zonings can be done until a plan has been approved. It is years late.
Hiring Bonnie Landry’s company to write the plan has been a bone of contention with Mr. Campo. Landry was the only qualified response to the RFP. The town plan has not been touched in 30 years and is hopelessly out of date. Marcella Camblor, a Sewall’s Point resident, stated that the Treasure Coast Local Planning Council (TCLPC) could have written the plan. Landry said that as a reviewing agency of the plan, they could not prepare it.
I think they could have advised the development department if staff had been drafting a plan. However, there is no staff in Sewall’s Point to draft a plan. TCLPC is one of the agencies that must sign off on any plan or amendments under state law.
Mayfield said there had been plenty of time. She moved that the LPA approve. Tompeck passed the gavel and seconded. The motion passed 3-2 with Fender and Campo voting no.
The plan can be found here
When it was time for the regular commission meeting, Berger put all the dangling ends on the agenda since it was her last meeting and she wanted closure. There was a proposal to use ARPA money to do a preliminary design of the sewer system in South Sewall’s Point. Once there is a preliminary design, county utilities are prepared to then state what type of system (gravity, vacuum, hybrid) they are willing to install.
A vacuum system is the most expensive and would require mandatory hook-up as opposed to waiting until an individual septic system fails which is state law. Kurtzman wants to have a referendum, but Tompeck asked what would be put on the ballot. The county won’t provide any additional cost information or the level of resident rebates without a decision having been made about the type of system that will be implemented. The residents will have nothing to base a nay or yea vote without the type of system proposed and the structure of the costs. Kurtzman would agree to broad price generalities as enough for the referendum.
They will move ahead with the design study. The motion passed 3-2 with Campo and Kurtzman dissenting.
They also spoke about the town having a storm water master plan. It will be paid for with ARPA funding and a grant. Campo wanted to wait. Kurzman said that storms are already devastating properties. It finally passed unanimously.
It was the final meeting for Berger. I am sure she will take a rest and see what new options will be open to her. The town is a contentious place. As government grows in complexity and there are more and more mandates from Washington and Tallahassee, there will be a need to have sophisticated town staff. Town government operations are becoming more complex.
INTERIM MANAGER
The next night the commission interviewed former Stuart city managers, Paul Nicoletti and Dan Hudson for the interim position. Matt Benoit from Jupiter withdrew his application.
Dan Hudson
Hudson and Nicoletti are both experienced. There could not have been a bad choice. Hudson was the finance director at the county earlier in his career and has been working with CARES funding for the county. That gave him the edge over Nicoletti in the commissioners’ eyes.
Both ended up being the same cost of $12,000 per month. It is more than what the town was paying Berger.
The next decision will be how to find a permanent manager. It may be harder than the last time.
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INDIANTOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2022:
The first order of business was to allow Manager Brown the authority to sign a short-term lease with Hildebrand Amusement for a carnival on the village’s property which was purchased by the Village from the Rines Trust. They would set up on that vacant parcel when other venues fall through that the carnival had previously booked. It would be $5000 for each stay. The stays are generally for two weeks.
The leases need to be signed quickly and waiting for a council meeting to vote could result in no lease being signed. All leases need the approval of the council. This is a way of expediting the process when time is of the essence.
Dowling and Hernandez had qualms. Dowling thought the village was treated unfairly last year by Hildebrand. Hernandez felt the amount was pennies for a carnival operator to pay. However, the vote was 5-0 giving Brown the authority to sign a short-term lease with the carnival.
Brown’s yearly evaluations were done. No surprise that the manager was given a good evaluation. He will get a 3% COLA raise and take the village’s health care plan when the enrollment period opens.
Courtesy Harvard University
Brown will be allowed to take a three-week Harvard Leadership course costing $13,000. Brown thinks it could be virtual but does not know yet. He will apply for an ICMA scholarship. He will also see whether his Veterans’ Benefits will pay anything. He will forgo the annual convention and training for ICMA which costs approximately $6000. The village will pick up the rest. The vote was 5-0.
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SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 31, 2022:
The meeting was held to discuss the Testa lawsuit against the town and what to do regarding the Zoning-In-Progress (ZIP).
The town and intervenor, represented by Loeb, have prevailed in the Testa court case. Once a final order is entered there will be a thirty-day period to appeal Judge Sweet’s decision. And make no mistake that order will be appealed.
The Testas have now asked for a court to review each of the decisions that the commission upheld from the Impact Review Committee regarding building permits using the 2019 dune set back line.
The three commissioners sitting on the dais, Pidot, Townsend, and Collins, looked isolated and forlorn. The fourth commissioner, Michael Brooks, joined them electronically. Occasionally, when asked if he wished to comment, he appropriately said, “no comment.”
When it came to discussing the ZIP, it was acknowledged that it had been almost an entire year since it had been instituted. The town’s experts have said there are no technical or environmental concerns to continuing the ZIP.
The commission seemed not to want to decide. Town Attorney Skip Randolph said that, legally, the best course of action was to allow it to expire. Townsend went back and forth but seemed to want to go back to the time when things like this would be settled at the club over a few drinks. Those times are past.
Pidot, no matter what was decided, wanted to make sure that his mantra “equal protection line” was not crossed. As of now there has been no diminution of anyone’s property rights, and he wants to keep it that way. While it was explained by one of Testa’s experts that there are few court decisions which upheld Bert Harris claims, there have been many monetary settlements between the parties.
Pidot wanted to make sure that people knew that the town was not anywhere near insolvency. There could be an additional tax burden. The Testa lawsuit has eaten up a third of a million dollars.
Ethan Loeb, attorney for those seeking to build using the 2019 line, argued for allowing the ZIP to expire. Adopting the solution presented by town’s staff, there are still substantial property rights that will be impaired. Once the ZIP ends, then property owners can seek permits, and regardless of what is decided, they would fall under the existing regulations.
Commissioner Townsend continues to believe that Testa & Loeb will somehow come together and seek compromise. I don’t see how that is likely. This is now a war and more legal battles will have to be fought before someone sues for peace.
The town attorney wanted Brooks to state his reasons for abstaining. He said he wanted to insure an objective outcome. Attorney Randolph coaxed him to say that he was abstaining because of some financial gain or loss. The best Brooks can come up with is being named in Loeb’s lawsuit for public records violations for concealing his emails.
Michael Brooks
There still has been no Form 8-B filed by Brooks which members of boards are required to file when they are recusing themselves from voting stating the reason. It is apparent that Brooks will be MIA for everything having to do with land development and approvals. Aren’t the citizens of Jupiter Island entitled to full representation?
If you use Brooks’ logic, he won’t be able to vote on the budget since so much will be regarding defending existing or proposed lawsuits. He won’t be able to vote on any land use changes or any land development because it could be used against him. The very essence of why Jupiter Island exists is to avoid having Martin County in charge of their development. Brooks has taken himself out of those decisions.
Some residents may hope to keep this controversy alive to influence the election in less than 14 months. If a commission that favors a repeal of the 2019 dune line comes to office, that would only encourage Mr. Loeb and his clients from continuing or bringing new actions.
Commissioner Collins wants to move ahead and let the ZIP expire. That seems like the most prudent action the town can take. The Testas’ suits are being disposed of in Jupiter Island’s favor. Collins and all three of the active board have said that they are in favor of leaving the dune line in place. So why not just do so.
The proposed changes offered by staff should be a nonstarter. The changes are what bureaucrats and entrenched politicians do to seek to please all…but rarely do. Pidot has said that he believes that the staff changes could be seen as a taking of property rights. Loeb has said it will be cause for litigation.
Townsend made a motion to continue the ZIP until the February 16th meeting. In the interim, the code will be studied and the staff compromise ordinance should be reviewed. Pidot seconded. The vote was 2-1 with Collins dissenting and Brooks abstaining.
Loeb has now filed another suit against Brooks, Dena Testa, and others for tortious interference of a contract. And the beat goes on!
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In The Spotlight
by Jackie Holfelder
Jackie will return in the next newsletter
Jackie is always looking for a good story…you may reach her at: jackieacolumn@gmail.com
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FINAL THOUGHTS
WHAT A WASTE
Whether or not I agree with President Biden’s 1st year priorities, it certainly has turned into a wasted opportunity for the Democrats.
Biden has allowed circumstances and others to define his message which, in the end, will be his big mistake. As a result, only CARES and the bi-partisan infrastructure bill passed during the throes of COVID instead of his 1st year being the dawn of a “New Deal” as some envisioned.
There were some good policy things in the BBB (Build Back Better) such as the childcare credit and family medical leave, but there were too many other provisions that could never pass. Why weren’t smaller pieces of legislation proposed and then have congressional committees work on them? The reason can be traced back to congressional “reforms” that have only made any chance of a functional Congress seem remote.
When Reagan was in office, there were powerful Democrat committee chairmen that guided legislation through their committees. It was not quite democratic, but the chair and ranking member had authority to iron out the legislation. Committee members did more than just ask inane and self-serving questions during hearings. To make things more democratic, congressional rules were changed and not for the better.
In the Senate, rules were enacted (and more importantly changed) to supposedly further legislation. The filibuster has gone through many rules’ changes over the centuries. The current 60-member cloture rule was only enacted in 1975.
Now rules are what inhibit legislation from passing and compromises from being made. There is no debate only silence except for C-Span sound bites. Biden was supposed to be master of the process…not captive to it.
But Biden has not been in the Senatorial Club since 2008. Much has changed. Unfortunately, Biden hasn’t changed at all.
The Democrats will probably lose the House in the midterms, and they have never really had a Senate majority. Any hope of a successful first term is probably not in the cards. The Democrats will have defeated themselves much as the Republicans did in 2020. Gridlock is on the horizon for some time to come.
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GET THE WORD OUT
Friends and Neighbors of Martin County is your eyes and ears so that you know what is going on in Martin County’s municipal and county governments. I attempt to be informative and timely so that you may understand how your tax money is being spent. Though I go to the meetings and report back, I am no substitute for your attending meetings. Your elected officials should know what is on your mind.
Tom Campenni 772-341-7455 (c) Email: thomasfcampenni@gmail.com
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Articles Tom wrote:
From Martin County Moment:
“A Deal In The Works”
“The Emperor Has No Clothes”
From Medium
“School Vouchers Can Prevent School Censorship”
“Christian Nationalism For America Is A Fallacy”
Other Articles:
The Capitolist: “Jeff Brandes’ think tank: Live Local Bill will help, but bigger changes needed to fix affordable housing crisis”
The New York Times: “How To Clear 500,000 Ferel Cats From New York Streets”
Trump’s Indictment
Florida Phoenix: “Statehouses debate who should build EV charging networks”
The Washington Post: “Tracing the power of Casey DeSantis”
GLOSSARY
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Annual Medium Income (AMI)
Basin Action Management Plan (BMAP)
Best Management Practices (BMP)
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
Business Development Board (BDB)
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Center For Disease Control (CDC)
Centum Cubic Feet (CCF)
Children’s Services Council (CSS)
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Community Development District (CDD)
Community Redevelopment Board (CRB)
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Emergency Operation Center (EOC)
Equivalent Residential Connection (ERC)
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)
Evaluation & Appraisal Report (EAR)
Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA)
Fixed Asset Replacement Budget (FARB)
Federal Rail Administration (FRA)
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND)
Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Future Land Use Maps (FLUM)
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Hobe Sound Local (HSL)
Indian River Lagoon (IRL)
Land Development Code (LDR)
Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS)
Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSUM)
Local Agency Program Certification (LAP)
Local Planning Agency (LPA)
Martin County Fire/Rescue (MCFR)
Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
Martin County Taxpayers Association (MCTA)
Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU)
Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU)
Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY)
Organization For Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD)
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB)
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Preserve Action Management Plan (PAMP)
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD)
Right of Way (ROW)
Secondary Urban Services District (SUSD)
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
South Martin Regional Utility (SMRU)
State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP)
Storm Water Treatment Areas (STA)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Urban Planned Unit Development (UPUD)
Urban Services Boundary (USB)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Zoning-In-Progress (ZIP)
