1971.10.19_TC_Minutes_Special MINUTES: SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COMMISSION - OCTOBER 19, 1971
A special meeting was called to order by Mayor Horton on Tuesday, October
19, 1971 at 7 :30 P.M. to consider the adoption of the Comprehensive Land
Plan Report. All Commissioners were present.
As presented by the Planning Board, Mayor Louis Y. Horton explained the
program for adopting Zone Ordinances under Chapter 163 - Florida Statutes
which is Town Ordinance # 175. He then asked for suggestions and comments
from the Commissioners, explaining that this is only one of the legal steps
to follow according to Chapter #163. Mr. C. F. Hackman stated he felt
the plan would restrict building development in the Town and thus reduce
the population needed to justify the Town's existence and tax monies.
Further the property values would be depreciated and law suits might result
as have in adjoing communitibs. The members of this Commission have a
duty to protect the fights of the taxpayers. He suggested to the Planning
Commission to consider further some of the inequities.
Mr. F. R. Jurisch found inequities also, as well as did Mr. Horton. He
feels we are moving too fast toward adoption of this report and that taxes
on the land were raised in the Town last year according to land use here.
He suggested to table or send back for further discussion toward a
compromise - or an informal "hashout" where everyone involved can have
their say.
It was stated that this has already been done in previous meetings. Miss
Cain, a member of the Planning Board, suggested that the Commission vote
their recommendations now and not wait for an Ordinance to be submitted
L./ in the future.
Mr. J. W. Vedder stated he doesn't agree with the entire report. He
suggested the Planning Board can recommend amendments to the report with
no more hold up on buildings so that builders can proceed with no further
delay. He moved to adopt the plan and Mayor Horton read Resolution # 184
which is Page s ; ' of these minutes. Mr. J. W. Vedder moved for
adoption - Mr. Leslie W. Joy seconded it.
Commissioner L. W. Joy stated he agrees with parts and disagrees with
other parts. He also commended the many hours spent by the members of
the Planning Board and stated much time has been spent by Bair & Abernathy
also.
Prolonged discussion followed regarding events leading to this land use
study report, such as fear of over - development, opposition expressed to
canyon type effect of development in the community to the south, attempt
to maintain the character of the Town but not allow a concrete effect
near AlA by creating a line of sight for height limitations, availability
of water, the population estimates by Russell & Axon and Bair, Abernathy
& Associates, planning for a suggested municipal complex, the cost of law
suits, suggested that builders and developers get together for discussion, ,
sections of the planning report to be amended as resolved, the names and
reasons for members appointed to the Planning Board and how they voted.
Mr. Ralph Walton, Chairman of the Planning Board, stated the only point
consistently brought up at meetings is economics not morals, safety,
MINUTES: SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COMMISSION - OCTOBER 19, 1971 - Page two
health, welfare and amenities as set forth in Chapter 163, which he considers
very important.
Mayor Horton read a letter received from Mr. Richard Reilley, in which
he stated feelings that the Board was biased and prejudiced by the
Chairman of the Planning Board and that the report does not reflect
property values. He further recommended the appointment of a new
Planning Board.
The vote toward passage of the Resolution was three to two - Mayor Horton
and Commissioners Vedder and Joy for - and Commissioners Hackman and
Jurisch voting nay.
The meeting adjourned at 9 :40 P.M.
APPROVED:
5' Lov
r r
9,
ATTEST.
DATED: 4A L /, 71r