Siesta Key Association Board Meeting Minutes

April 3, 2008
St. Boniface Meeting Room “F”

CALL TO ORDER:
Lourdes Ramirez called the meeting to order. Present: Ron Flynn, Deet Jonker, Ann Kaplan, Joyce Kouba, Robert Schennum, Bob Tripp, Gayle Wardner, Bob Waechter. Excused: Matthew Burnett, Paul van Deventer, Peter van Roekens. Absent: Daniel Bechtold.

MINUTES – Joyce Kouba: The March minutes were approved.

TREASURER'S REPORT – Bob Tripp: The treasurer's report was accepted. SKA received approximately $58,070 from the membership drive.

SHERIFF'S REPORT – Sgt. Chad McDonald:

Burglaries and thefts (primarily unlocked vehicles) are up on the key as they are throughout the County. There has been an arrest for the concessionaire burglaries. There were approximately 600 calls for March. There has been focus on enforcing after hours parking at beach access 12. Jim Graves commended the Sheriff's Department for their increased enforcement at Turtle Beach.

GUEST SPEAKER – Representatives of Benderson Development:

Benderson Development is proposing a project at the northwest corner of Stickney Point and US 41 which will be Planned Mixed-use Infill (PMI) including hotel, business, residential, and retail. Benderson claims that using Form Base Code will generate less traffic than traditional development by incorporating pedestrian-friendly features. Most questions regarding details of the development were deferred to future charettes, where the public can provide input.

Dan Loebeck, of Control Growth Now, stated that this project could not be built unless the County loosens concurrency regulations. He asked if this type of development generates less traffic, then why is Benderson asking to be allowed to add more traffic than is currently allowed. He urged Siesta Key residents to oppose such changes because this development will create additional traffic at one of the County's busiest intersections, and warned that this is one of the most important issues in the Key's history.

Commissioner Patterson said that without a change in the concurrency regulations, very little of the property on US 41 could be redeveloped. She stated that something will be developed on this site, and she is willing to give this project a chance.

Two individuals indicated that they felt that Benderson was a good developer.

Many residents were concerned about the state of the trailers at the site. Two individuals indicated that the only thing they knew about Benderson was that their site was an eyesore and that if, as the company representatives stated, that Benderson had knowledge of minute details of his developments, this was not a good omen.

SKA has formed a committee headed by Bob Waechter and Deet Jonker to monitor progress of the development and to provide input regarding Siesta Key resident' concerns.

PUBLIC/AUDIENCE COMMENT (25 Guests):

Richard Peterson suggested lighted crosswalks at Beach Blvd. He was also concerned about surveying activity at Tenacity Lane and queried whether there had been a variance granted for building. Lourdes said that the building request had been denied and would check into what was happening.

Donna Graves inquired about ordinances regarding chain link fences.

Nancy Wilson inquired about the Hyatt development. As far as Lourdes knows, the Hyatt development will be fractional ownership and their plans are in compliance with zoning ordinances.

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Midnight Pass - Bob Waechter Questions should be complete by June and sent to head of the Dept. of Environmental Protection. Karen Erricson will make a presentation to the BCC on April 23.

Turtle Beach - Ron Flynn: There is a traffic flow problem in the park, especially at the Blind Pass turnaround. A sign indicating no through to Casey Key was again suggested. Ron has offered to help the Department of Parks and Recreation with traffic flow improvements.

Inlet Management - Peter van Roekens: No report.

Code Enforcement - Gayle Wardner: The sign ordinance will be revised regarding construction signage. The green mesh fence on Higel will be removed.

Parking - Bob Schennum: The VMA parking study is not complete. Some businesses have made the lots available to restaurants for evening parking.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Nominating/Board Development - Paul van Deventer: No report.

Zoning - Lourdes Ramirez : It was determined that the Hub could not have live music after 10 p.m. The zoning code update has been continued to May. SKA has submitted its recommendations including side wall height limits. Land Development Regulation revisions will be advertised this month.

Membership - Deet Jonker : 2008 members have received thank you letters and decals. Thank you letters for legal donations have also been sent.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS: Ann Kaplan is working to get storm drains marked "No Dumping."

ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Kouba
Secretary, Siesta Key Association

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Previous Board Minutes (March 2008)
Next Board Minutes (May 2008)

For more information, please contact us
phone 941/364-4880
email info@siestakeyassociation.com