October 4, 2005
Minutes General Meeting
Present: Kären Nady, Interim President, Frank Lamb, Vice-President, Glenn Robinson, Treasurer, Lon Johnston, Utility Board, Cathy Barnette, Governmental Affairs, Ernest Berger, Membership and Louie Nady, Finance. Also, 36 members and guests attended the meeting.
Guest Speaker: Diane Burnett, Director of Planning for South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC)
Ernest Berger called the meeting to order at 6:31p.m.
Approval of Minutes: Frank Lamb made a motion, seconded by David Woodruff, to accept the minutes of the May 24, 2005 general meeting as written.
Treasurer's Report: Glenn Robinson discussed the cost of the legal defense. Membership continues to increase over previous years.
Ernie Berger introduced Frank Lamb, who made brief comments regarding the planning process and the Comprehensive Plan developed in 1990 before introducing Ms. Burnett.
Program:
Ms. Burnett commented that the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) was started as a government entity in 1963, by Governor Wallace. It was originally related to highway construction and currently functions as technical consultants to a district comprised of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties. They can help with environmental planning, environmental mitigation, fiscal planning, zoning, subdivisions, and long range plans. She noted that historically, since the reconstruction of the south after the Civil War, property rights have been highly valued in Alabama. Property owners can develop their property , but the city determines the best use and type of rules that will be in place. Planning also includes developing traffic studies, schools, and public buildings.
On a local level, she noted that a Planning Commission includes the Mayor, a Council member, a City official and 6 other members appointed by the Mayor. The commission's role is to prepare and adopt a growth plan based on projections and to include public input. Public hearings are required Visioning is very important, and plans should be reviewed constantly. The City rules prevail and sub sets of rules (property owner's associations) may include additional restrictions.
Q & A:
Public hearings are required for changes in subdivisions and re-zoning. With the new sunshine laws in effect Oct 1st notification will make procedures more clearly defined. All commission, and sub-committee meetings must be public, meeting time and place posted for the public and reports should go to the Council.
Special areas, or districts, can be created that may include an architectural review board, stipulate a certain type of tree, pitch of roof, etc. something to denote a specific area such as Olde Towne.
·The public should watch and monitor the planning process, say what they like or do not like.
Annual budget review should be done by the Planning Commission for long range planning (roads, sewers, schools etc.)
Suggestion to have the Planning Commission by-laws changed, so that public participation can be included on subjects that are not related to a specific project on the agenda. Should be a standard agenda item, currently is not.
Current plan is the result of public input, changes for the future overlay district have not been made public, nor has the public been allowed to comment on, or contribute to, the planning of the new zone.
The Comprehensive Plan is a legal document that will hold up in court. Conversely, a deviation from the plan would not hold up in court.
A sub-committee has been formed within the Planning Commission to look at the overlay/high density zone
The area to be included in the overlay/high density zone most likely includes from Van Buren Avenue north to I-10 and west of Hwy 98. It is not clear if the image maps used during planning work sessions will be adopted and it does not appear that the high density area will be along Hwy 90, south of I-10 as discussed several months ago.
At least two other condo projects will be brought to the City.
Height of condos: Tall/skinny buildings allow for vistas of the bay, wider/lower restrict views of the bay. One solution: 1/2 ft back for every ft in height, therefore a 200' building must be 100' back from street.
Gross/net build-able acres discussed related to wetlands. Can be considered part of open spaces required or can be viewed as more fragile and not part of the calculations for the area.
Suggestion to have the USA do a phone survey of what residents want in the overlay zone.
Frank thanked Ms. Burnett for her insights and she offered to return to speak at a later date.
Village Point: Al Guarisco reported that Jackson's Oak survived the hurricanes and asked Ken Eslava to report on repairs to the area. Ken reported that Bayfont Pier/boardwalk will be repaired before the winter tides. Belrose public access is clear, May Day Pier is being studied for repairs and McMillan Bluff stairs will be repaired next week. Al reported that tapestry blankets and pillows are available for purchase.
McMillan Bluff Project/Pending Lawsuit: Karen Nady reported that one more work day will be needed for the project. Planting delayed dues to storms and heat. She stated a settlement agreement is in development and that OTDA appreciates the City's contribution to the legal defense of OTDA.
Council Report: Cathy Barnette reported that a subcommittee has been formed to discuss the overlay district and she is not a member. Also, a sign ordinance sub-committee has been formed without public input. A Community Visioning workshop will be held with Council members Gus Palumbo, Ron Scott, John Lake and Cathy Barnette on the 25th or 26th in the TimberCreek clubhouse. This will be an opportunity for the public to have input in the planning process.
Finance Report: Louie Nady reported that he will update the analysis when the 2005-2006 budget is made available.
Membership: Ernie Berger again welcomed those attending and invited them to join OTDA noting that students are especially invited to learn about the civic process.
Utility Report: Lon Johnston reported that planning continues to be updated, new wells planned and the replacement of infrastructure over a 5 year period is being discussed. He complimented the leadership in this process.
SEEDS: Don Terry reported that SEEDS made 11 $500 grants last year to teachers. This year's fundraiser will be the Mama Mia cookoff. Teams of six from within the community are invited to cook Italian food in honor of Daphne's Italian heritage.
Announcements: Bill Kaiser spoke regarding a family from Pass Christian, currently living in Daphne, that need assistance. He will work on behalf of OTDA to find sponsors to assist this family for 3 month. Ernie reported that OTDA is delighted to have Congressman Jo Bonner accept our invitation to speak at the December 6th meeting and invited everyone to attend. Karen Nady reminded members to check the web-site for information and updates.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.