Good morning and welcome to our April 7th, 2026 board of county commission meetings. We are delighted that you've joined us this morning. Please join us by for the invocation by Reverend Annel Singh, followed by the pledge of allegiance which will be led by Michael Drost.
Good morning. >> Good morning. Good morning. Good to see all of you. Thanks for inviting me. >> Thank you. >> Let's join together in heart, mind, and spirit. Creator from whom we all arise. Author of all life, provider of all sustenance,
and source of all that is good and kind and loving. Thank you for the life we have and the life we share. Thank you for uniting us all as one people. A people in which we are all considered equal and all have the inal
inalienable right to life, liberty, freedom of expression and the pursuit of happiness. Loving one in this time of deep international conflict, a time in which thousands of our friends, family members, and loved ones in uniform now
stand in harm's way on our behalf. We pray for the protection and safety of one and all. May your spirit of divine justice, grace, and loving kindness prevail over all anger, hatred, and violence. And may your wisdom and
compassion guide our world's leaders to end this strife. May we all finally learn to live in peace. Blessings upon our leaders here today. May this day's proceedings glorify you by uplifting everyone in our beloved Martin County.
>> Amen. >> Amen. Thank you. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Thank you. Uh we have a number of presets today. At 9:05 we'll hear from the public. At 9:30 we have a very very special presentation. We're going to be accepting the donation of a 1.28 acre uh
donation in Hope Sound. At 5:05 or at the end of our meeting we will hear from the public again. There's one additional item and that is consent nine which is an adoption of a pro proclamation declaring Earth Day in Martin County, Florida. Is there a motion to approve
the agenda? >> I'll move approval of the agenda. >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any objections? That motion passes unanimously. We'll now start with proclamations. The first proclamation is a proclamation
uh recognizing National Donate Life Month in Martin County, Florida. Good morning, commissioners. One of the most meaningful gifts that a human being can bestow upon another is the gift of life. And it is befitting to recognize April as National Donate Life Month. The mission of LifeLink of Florida, the
nonprofit organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplantation therapy in Florida, is to honor donors and save lives through organ and tissue donation. In 2025, a historic number of organ transplants, 49,65, occurred in the United States thanks to
the generosity of 23,787 deceased and living donors with Lifelink of Florida honoring more donors than ever before. And here to accept, we have Tara Mohovitz with Lifelink Foundation, Inc. Okay, I'm going to say a few words and I actually wrote them down so I didn't go
over my time. Thank you so much for having me today. I left you some little goodies and some information at your spots. I hope you enjoy them and read them. Um, hi everyone. My name is Tara Mohovitz and I'm so proud to accept this proclamation. I think this is the first
time that Martin County has done it. So, thank you so much. A fun fact about me is that I was born and stayed right here in Martin County. >> Good for you. >> Um, pretty special. Another fun fact is that
when I was 12 years old, I met my best friend Denise on a potato farm in Palm City, Florida. It's important that I share this connection with you because this is why I am now connected and so proud to represent Donate Life and LifeLink of Florida. You see, 10 years
ago, Denise was diagnosed with liver failure. She was told that without a new liver, she would die. She was put on the UNOS transplant list and she stayed there for over four years. She was getting sicker and every day. Unfortunately, this is
what happens with a lot of people on the transplant list because we just don't have enough registered donors. In 2020, Denise met a new surgeon and that surgeon told her that she may not make it until a donor liver became available.
He asked her if she might know anyone who would consider being what they call a living organ donor. Well, as you probably figured it out, it was me. She sent me a Facebook message and asked for an organ. >> Yeah.
>> And a Facebook message. >> A Facebook message. In 2021 at UMass in Worcester, Massachusetts, I donated half of my liver to my friend Denise and they removed her dying liver and they replaced it with my half. I know this is fun morning talk, but it happens.
>> Beautiful. >> Um, so mine also regrrew, just so you know. And now we will be celebrating our five-year liversary. Yeah, that's a word. In August of this year, it's a miracle. Now, not everyone can receive a
living donation and not a lot of people are willing to be a living donor. That's why we have the registry. So now that you know my connection to donate life, I want you all to know that while I don't expect you to be donors right now, although now you know the story, uh I do
hope that you have all registered to be donors. And if you haven't, that you'll take some time to do so today. You can find information at donatelife.org and you can even find it in your phone's health app. Now, if you are registered
or if you intend to, it's so important that you speak to your family about your decision. That's the most important thing I want to share today. You have to talk to your family about it. Just having it on your license is no longer enough. They need to consent as well.
Um, and just a few general facts and then I'm out of here. One donor can save and heal many lives. A single organ and tissue donor has the potential to save the lives of eight people and heal the lives of dozens more
through tissue donation. Over 6,000 Fidians alone are on the UNO's transplant list. And these are people that made it onto the list. Not everyone can. It's a hard list to get onto. Um and across the country there are over
105,000 people on the registry. So, please take some time today to look into this. Share my story with anyone you want. It's real. It happened. And I thank you again for accepting this proclamation today.
Thank you. Our next proclamation is a proclamation declaring child abuse prevention month in Martin County, Florida. Child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims. Hibiscus Children's Center
has been providing life-changing services to abused, neglected, and abandoned children since 1985 and has provided over 500,000 safe nights since opening its doors. The mission of Hibiscus is to provide a safe haven, mental health support, preventative care, and life skills for atrisisk
children and families. The board urges all citizens to recognize April as child abuse prevention month by dedicating themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families. And here to accept we have Rain Navaro who is the executive vice president of Hibiscus Children's Center.
>> Good morning. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> Thank you commissioners for allowing Habiscus uh to be here today and thank you for everybody else. to acknowledge child abuse prevention month. We appreciate your hospitality. I'm Ray Navaro, executive vice president
of Hibiscus Children Center located here in Jensen Beach. Hibiscus Children's Center is a residential child welfare agency operating the Treasury Coast in Okobee County since 1985. All of us in our society want to desperately end child abuse or neglect.
But work while working on it, kids have to be taken care of. That's where hibiscus comes in. If a child is removed from his or her home due to allegations of abuse or neglect, representatives of the Department of Children and Families cannot persuade family or friends to
take care of the kids they call Hibiscus. Hibiscus is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We never close. We are there for the kids when they need us. The agency operates two residential
campuses on the Treasure Coast. One in Vero Beach that accepts kids ages 12 to 17. And we have another program called the shelter here in Jensen Beach that accepts from infants to 12 years old.
Even though there is a age demarcation, we make every effort to keep siblings together. Once on campus, a child may stay with us several weeks, months, or even years. Our staff are surrogate parents to more than 50 kids every day. Our primary job
is child safety. That is the first priority. We also help kids imagine what a better life can be. Hibiscus employees have tremendous responsibility every day and they do a great job. I mentioned earlier Hibiscus is a child welfare organization, but it's much more
than that. Hibiscus is also a community mental health provider. We have a corpse of very talented master level therapists that provide individual counseling and group counseling to kids and families. Last year, Hibiscus served more than 800 children and families on the Treasure
Coast in Okchobee County. Hibiscus provides several programs to try and prevent children from entering the child welfare system, such as supporting families in crisis, parents as teachers, and safe care program. Thank you very much, commissioners. >> Thank you.
Our next proclamation is a proclamation declaring sexual assault awareness month in Martin County, Florida. April is recognized as sexual assault awareness month. And this observance calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is a widespread public health
problem. Every day, too many women, men, and children across our state suffer the pain and trauma of sexual assault in all its forms. At every level, we must work to provide necessary resources to survivors of sexual assault without judgment and with dignity, including medical attention, mental health
services, relocation and housing assistance, and advocacy during the criminal justice process. And here to accept, we have John Ryan. He's board a board member of the Inner Truth Project. >> Good morning, uh, board. I'd like to thank you for recognizing the month and
pro proclaiming it sexual assault awareness month. Then also recognizing the inner truth project. Uh as mentioned in the bio uh we support victims uh and actually I shouldn't say victim survivors of sexual assault uh and violence uh throughout the Treasure
Coast. We have done so since 2012. Um we exist because we believe there is no shame in living through any type of sexual abuse, violence or rape. We believe speaking our truth in support of each other in a safe, caring and
therapeutic environment can set us free. Uh and as a survivor of sexual assault myself, I believe in this uh wholeheartedly and uh it's made a huge benefit in my life and uh so thank you very much for the proclamation and I'm
honored to accept it on on the behalf of the inner truth project. Thank you. >> Thank you. Now we'll hear from the public. Uh, this looks like it's going to be a big philanthropy day in Martin County. We're starting off with Mr. Knight
Kiplinger, >> followed by Randy Jones. >> They have an agenda. I think he's for the agenda item. >> Mr. Kipling, are you do you want to speak on the agenda item? >> I thought I'd wait. >> Okay. >> On that. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Next request to speak form is Randy
Jones, followed by Jill Jones. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Morning, commissioners. My name is Randy Jones. I hope you don't mind me reading off my phone. I've been a Martin County
resident for 14 years. My wife Jill and I live south of Stewart, but we know Hope Sound very well because our parents were residents there going back to 1985. We care about the area and want to see it grow responsibly.
I'm speaking in favor of the proposed self-s storage project on Bridge Road because it represents a rare opportunity for smart revenue. By allowing by allowing a building of this footprint and scale, the county is
securing a significantly higher tax shield from a single site. This is exactly the kind of high-v value, low demand development we need to protect our residents from shouldering the burden of the county's future expenses.
It would generate substantial property tax revenue, yet it places almost no demand on our roads, our water, our sewer, our emergency services, or our schools. Allowing the full square footage for
this project means choosing a stronger fiscal future for Martin County without the infrastructure hangover that usually comes with growth. I strongly urge you to approve this application and show that you are responsible public
servants. And I thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Jill Jones is next, followed by Derek Powell. Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> My name is Jill Jones. I wrote down my thoughts um about the self-service
project on Bridge Road and I wanted to share them with you. As my husband just stated, we've been Martin County residents for 14 years. We care a lot about the area and we want to see it grow responsibly. In my opinion, the area's current storage options are failing us. If you look at the existing
facilities in our area, they are consistently at 100% capacity. They are aging. They are overpriced for the sub subpar quality that they offer. We as local residents are currently paying a premium for storage that lacks modern
security and proper climate control. We shouldn't have to settle for good enough or be forced to drive to another town just to find a professional available unit. The project as presented features a lot of green space preservation and the building looks beautiful. I believe
this could be a win-win for the residents of Martin County and in particular the people in and around Hope Sound because it's closed self storage and it's a good tax revenue. Please vote to approve this project. Thank you for your time.
>> Derek Powell is next followed by Valerie Doyle. Good morning, Commissioner. >> Good morning. Morning. >> My name is Derek Powell. I've been here before regarding the Pepperwood project. And today, I'll give you a real update on what's actually happening out there.
Not what's on paper, but what's actually happening. When this project was approved, we were shown plans. Plans that said drainage would be handled. there'd be proper buffering between homes and existing residents wouldn't be negatively impacted. That's not what's happening.
Drainage has changed. Water's not flowing like it used to and areas that never held water are holding water now. That's not a theory. That's what's happening on my property this morning. Actually, um here's the truth of it. The people paying the price for the
development are the ones who were already there. Me. I spent thousands of dollars fixing problems I didn't create. I've lost privacy of my home and protection. And the way my property functions has changed. And it's not just me. There's other residents around dealing with the same
thing. Approving a project is one thing. But what happens after that? That's where we're falling apart. Who's actually checking the drainage is working the way it's designed? Who's making sure the fill and elevations are not pushing water onto existing homes?
Who's holding the developer accountable while the work is happening? Not after the damage is done. Because from where I stand, once a project gets approved, the follow the follow-up disappears. The sidewalk. I'm sure everyone knows what sidewalk I'm referring to. The one
leading from uh Pepperwood to Cove Road. And I want to be clear about something else. Before this was approved, I showed up. I spoke up. I was told concern concerns would be considered. But what happened? The sidewalk was being placed right in front
of my home, almost onto my driveway. No buffer, no hedge, no effort to protect my privacy or my property. And I understand I'm just one, you know, single individual. And I have nothing to compare as far as like a developer, but
I do feel that's not consideration. That's disregard. The bigger issue, this isn't just about my property. Right now, it feels like development is being pushed forward without protecting the people who already live here. Plans
look good in a meeting, but nobody's verifying what's actually happening in the field. And residents like me are being left with the consequences. I'm not here to just point out problems. I'm a businessman and I prefer solutions. What I'm asking for is a hedge or a
buffer installed along the sidewalk to restore my privacy and protect my property. a proper drainage plan that's actually implemented and verified in the field, not approved on paper behind someone on a desk. I only have a little bit more. And a commitment from this board that developers will be held to
the same standard or higher than a family homeowner because right now that's not happening. I'm a local business owner. I live here. My family lives here. >> Sir, sir, your time is up. Thank you. >> Thank you,
>> Mr. Donaldson. Let's get somebody out to the site today. It's a good day. We've had a lot of rain last night. Let's see how the drainage is working and let's see where the sidewalk is. >> Right. >> I've been to the site and his complaints are legitimate. Yes.
>> Miss Doyle will be followed by Frank Mcrist 8380 Southeast Alamanda Way right near the um Banner Lake area where there is a wonderful school a couple of doors down. I'm a retired school teacher with
multiple certifications and I have been working with that school and seeing the growth and the positivity that will happen. Unfortunately, I'm against the proposed development of a 99,922
square ft residential storage area because I feel that not only what was mentioned in the environmental impact, the increase in cost, dealing with the infrastructure of this development and bringing transient people into an area
of a residential area a few blocks from our property and school. I feel that the environmental things that were discussed at prior meetings are not being taken care of, that the homeowners are not being protected, and there's not enough
uh transparency of what the plan is to protect us going forward. Thank you. >> Thank you. Frank Mc Crystal is next and Mr. Mcrist is the last request to speak form I have for public comment. Good morning humans. Dear Lord, thank
you for this day and thank you so much for those who have served and sacrificed to give me this right to free speech. AI data centers. I told myself to stay away from the tenfoil hat stuff, but AI
they say is the mark of the beast. the beginning of the removal of our freedoms as humans. AI data centers, this doesn't seem too tinfoil to me and it's being bandied about as they will
replace 70% of all white collar jobs in the next few years and just wondering ask yourself where does that leave us? These data collection centers are a necessary component of the ability to
track humans in whatever they do. Specifically, a key component will be the installation of digital currency only in a cashless society. But I'll take out the tinfoil hat and
let you know that the resistance to AI data centers is growing quickly. Uh the people of Fort me, Florida are rising up. I don't know how their meeting went last night,
but you can get a lot of information now that isn't just pure promotion of these data centers. One job per 500 square ft of data center is the lingo used for promotion. So that adds up. You got two million square feet
in Indian town divided by 500 equals 400 jobs. But what they're finding out is when you ask these people how many of those jobs are actually onsite and not just mobile workers from
worldwide anywhere, you kind of have a hard time getting an answer. So, I would hope that the people of Indian Town would do their due diligence, really, really look at this thing
before they just go all in. It isn't just about water, saving water, and saving energy. If you want to really go tinfoil, it's about this tiny step that just might save the human race.
Thank you. Thank you. Would anyone else like to address us? Mr. Douly. >> Good morning, Mike Douly. For the record, I have a question of order. If I speak on a matter at public, can I also then speak specifically on an issue as it comes up at a 9:30 preset.
>> If are they different? >> They're different. They're different issues. >> Sure. >> Okay. Quite simply, I I would echo the comments in support of the Bridge Storage Facility. Uh the only thing I would add is it came through as a PUD application and a PUD application allows the county to have a lot more
flexibility and negotiating with the with the developer. And so the the best protections typically are done when the county's involved with the developer under a PUD. So in that sense, I would think that this would be a very worthwhile project. Uh for where it's located, it's right behind a shopping
center and right across the street is project which is a pretty good size massive building. and I think his location is very well suited for that and I thank you very much. >> Thank you. We'll now take up our 9:30 preset which is department 6 which is
adopting a resolution approving and accepting the donation of a 1.28 acre parcel along southeast Dixie Highway adjacent to the county-owned Hob Sound Scrub Preserve for conservation and perpetual preservation. And the property
is being generously donated to the county for perpetual conservation and public use by Miss Louise Yiser. >> Good morning. >> Good morning board. Thank you for this opportunity. Uh John May, environmental
resource administrator for the record. Um I'm I'm going to comment briefly before I uh start the item and introduce you to Miss Yiser. But um I I have had the privilege in my career at Martin County to bring forward a lot of fun and
exciting and rewarding agenda items to you and have enjoyed your support on those items. But today, honestly, the most exciting and the funnest uh item that I've ever been able to bring forward. And it's not just because the
um the the the meat of this agenda item is such a great community service. It's not because this is the first of many that we anticipate that we're working through. Um it's not because it sets such a great example for others in the community. It's really all about the
person who's behind this. Um Whezzy, as we call her, um she's going to come up and sit with me here. She doesn't she doesn't mind. Um is is far and away the most joyful, inspiring person I've ever met. She's just been such a treat to get to know. A year ago, um, Commissioner
Heatherington called me up and she said, "Hey, I have a friend, Deb Parker, who's who's here with us as well. If Deb, you would raise your hand." Um, and she has a neighbor and friend who has an idea. And and it's kind of an idea that pushes the boundary of imagination. We we just
I can't even think about things like this. And when I when I talked to Whezzy, I it really seemed too good to be true. But here we are a year later after kind of working through like what her interests are, what what was inspiring her and what where the county's needs are and where opportunities might align and we
threaded all those needles and and this is the first of several that we're bringing to you as as the fruit of that incredible idea and this incredible person. So for the record, this is a request for the adoption of a resolution approving and accepting the donation of
a 1.28 28 acre parcel located along Southeast Dixie Highway, adjacent to the county-owned Hope Sound Scrub Preserve property in Hope Sound. The property is being generously donated to the county for perpetual conservation and public use by Miss Yiser.
Um, if you would be willing, Miss Miss Yiser, I would love for you to just share a little bit about your inspiration for this and uh and and and your family. It would I think it would be a blessing to everyone. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. And thank you to everyone. Is this on?
>> Yeah. >> And this wouldn't be possible without these two sitting over here, Michael Douly and Deborah Parker, and also John. Um, I would love to say that I had this idea all by myself, but in actuality, my
family has been doing things like this for several generations. Um, I am related to the Fleshman family and they have a had a very strong presence in developing and preserving land in
Cincinnati and Naples, um, Florida. So, um, this is not an idea that I developed all by myself. I'm just sort of follow trying to follow in their footsteps to the very best of my ability. Um, let's
see. Um, and I know my father inherited from my grandmother a lot in Naples that had never been developed and he sold it to someone with the caveat that it stay undeveloped, which was fine, but that
person um defaulted on their loan and it ended up in the hands of a developer. And there is now something sitting in that lot that I fondly refer to as the pink thing that has to be 20 bazillion stories high. And um every time I have
driven by there, I have thought, "Oh, dad." And I know that people in my father's cond in the condominium that my grandmother helped build um faulted my dad for that for probably
two decades. And um so I feel like in a small way I'm trying to cover for that. Um that is one piece of it. But my family has been very involved in conservation especially with Naples and
in Cincinnati after World War II. So um I did not come up with this idea all by myself. I have to give them the credit. So, um, that's that's pretty much all I have. Thank you, >> Mr. Mail. Can you tell us a bit about
what was possible on this lot that's now going to remain in conservation forever? >> So, this lot had a an entitlement for four uh multi-story town homes that that would pretty much shadow the entrance to
um Hope Soundscrap Preserve. And it's it's got some critical habitat. There's some TN species on this this property and it'll it'll become a perfect addition to Hope Sounds Scrub. >> Thank you, Commissioner Heatherington. >> Miss Jaiser, thank you so much and I'm
so glad that you got to share your story because you're not just a conservationist here in our community. You've done it many times over in other communities and we appreciate you so much. I was so excited to get the phone call one day from Deb Parker. She said, "I have a friend and a client that um
she really believes in keeping Martin County special and she wants to be part of it. She has a vision. She wants to acquire some property. She has a a pretty good size budget and how do we make this happen?" Sometimes it's really
great when your personal private, you know, I work in the private sector. It's great when your private sector life kind of intersects with your public service because that's when you see some amazing special things happen. So Deb was able to tell me your story and I said,
"Listen, we just have a uh sales tax and we could take a dollar of her money, Miss Yaiser, and we could leverage that to really go farther and farther. So let me introduce John mail to the picture who you know John mail makes everything
possible right in land acquisition. So that for every dollar now that you spend it is multiple time multiple times of the conservation and I think that as we sit up here we make hard decisions we
might have some today and there are things that people have property rights and they want to develop and it's sometimes gut-wrenching but you have to follow the law and allow for this and the only way to conserve is and preserve
serve is to do some of the things that you've done. You had a vision and we've seen it through and you've seen it through and I don't think you're stopping at any point now. I know there's a lot of good things to come and I think you all make um a great team,
Miss Jiser, John, Deb, Mike, Douly, because you can take this and leverage it and you also encourage and inspire others in the community that can and I believe will do that. They will see your vision and they will step forward
because it's not always just the government's responsibility. You can have a private public partnership in this way and leverage that so much more. So, thank you for your vision and your commitment to conservation. And again, I know you're going to inspire many people
in our community to do what you've done. We appreciate you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner Caps. >> Miss Yiser, thank you so much. Uh, as the district commissioner in southern
Martin County, Hobound area, I I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I want to thank some other folks who are all have been part of the story. Commissioner Heatherington, thank you for your role. And realtors Mike Douly
and Deb Parker, thank you for helping to facilitate this. I want to also thank Mr. Jeff Whittman. I see him in the back back there. He's the uh greatest enthusiast for the Hobound Scrub Preserve, formerly known as the Ham
Parcel, and he was uh very very involved in that transaction and getting that into conservation a number of years ago. And this is a great passion of his. And as far as my involvement goes, I think
it began with with Jeff Whitman uh a while back when he called me and said, "Blake, we have to do something to get this parcel. Uh there are gopher tortoises on this parcel and it's slated for development."
And so we got our thinking caps on and and you know it was interesting to see how everyone came together and to make it come to fruition. The purchase and donation of this piece of property is a blessing to the people of Martin County
for a number of reasons. First, it is a piece of rare and endangered shrub habitat that is rapidly vanishing to development all across the state of Florida. Second, it is home to approximately five gopher tortoises.
I've seen them. Uh the burrows are there. Uh the turtles are in the holes. And of course, uh this is a Florida Keystone species. And third, uh, this piece of land sits
right at the entrance to the Hope Sound Scrub Preserve and will be a wonderful addition to the preserve. And lastly, there is a Champion pine tree. And does anybody know what the word champion pine tree means? It's a it's an unusually
large one. Um, and it sits right at the edge of this property by Dixie Highway. And if it this parcel would have been developed, that tree would have been pushed over. Um it would have been necessary to do that in order to have a
little driveway into the parcel so that big tree will be saved. So thank you Louise Yiser for your incredible generosity to our community. Your fellow residents here in Martin County
will be forever grateful to you and may may God bless you and your family. Thank you, >> Commissioner Cami. >> Commissioner Caps, well said and Commissioner Heatherington, thank you for making the connection. Uh, very simply, I just say thank you very much.
When you said, "Oh, you just wanted to do your small part." It's not a small part, it's a great big part. Uh, we have spent a lot of time and effort and money trying to accomplish uh what you just graciously donated. Uh, it's not just
the 1.6 six acres. It's where it is. As Commissioner Cap said, it it magnifies and uh multiplies what we've already tried to accomplish. And so to hear your story about Cincinnati and Naples, uh that's your your parents and your
grandparents should be very very proud of you. Most of us, especially real estate agents, could quickly give you a dollar amount. I hope she signed the paperwork already, right? Um quickly give you a dollar amount of how generous you have been. and very few families. Uh
there's another gentleman sitting across from you who you should probably say hello to if you don't know him already, Knight Kiplinger. You should meet him. Uh his family also is exceedingly generous and your family and you personally go on that list now of people that are just remarkable citizens of
Martin County. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you. We have two request to speak forms from the public. The first is Jeff Whitman, followed by Michael Douly. Good morning. >> Good morning, commissioners. Uh Jeff Whitman, Hope Sound. Um
I haven't been this happy since we uh preserved the ham property. Um that took 20 years to do. Sarah was with me the whole time. Thank you, sir. Um, this this manifested pretty quick. This only took seven
months. So, >> happened pretty quick. I'm I'm so grateful to you. Um, people don't realize how endangered scrub habitat is. The name scrub is not as sexy as mangroves or cypress swamp or
a oak hammock, but there are more endangered species than any other ecosystem. in Florida in the scrub. Uh coastal scrub is under intense development pressure. 99.9% of the scrub in Palm Beach County has
been destroyed. Um there is no scrub left in Dade and Broward counties. Um threatened and endangered species in the scrub have evolved over the pleaene era uh 10,000 to a million years ago.
um the endangered species on the properties which were once slated to be town homes for town. You go look at the one to the north. It's a it's a disaster. It's huge. Would have been built on this
property. Um, so the endangered species on the property, which were once slated to be town homes, now have a safe and secure home in perpetuity thanks to John Mayo, the county
commission, especially Commissioner Caps and Mrs. and especially Mrs. Yaer. Oh, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Um to paraphrase Zoran Neil Hursten, their eyes were watching God. God's eyes are watching us. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Michael Douly is next. And Mr. Douly is the last request to speak form I have. >> Mike Douly for the record. They say uh repetition is the best form of learning. So what you're going to hear has all just been said, but I'm going to say it
again. Obviously, I speak in favor of the resolution before you. It's extremely rare that the people of Martin County have such a generous gift offered to them. This gift is particularly significant due to what is being offered. This parcel of land is contiguous to what I
refer to as the Ham Parcel, the Hopes Scrub Preserve. A unique area scrub pine that is rare and can only be found in our area. It is home to hundreds of species and is the only habitat that the Florida scrub Jay calls home. The golfer turtle population out on this
parcel and surrounding parcels is thriving. I found it interesting that a golfer berto, a golfer turtle burrow supports over 160 different species. It's amazing. I am confident that the commission will
support this resolution. And while I know that the commission cannot as a whole take action on any further resolutions that will come forward with the same offering of lands that will increase the
footprint of the ham preserve. I believe it would be beneficial for the benefactor to hear any future offerings to us would be met with the same enthusiasm that expect this gift will receive. So, I'm going to make an ask that's
already happened. I ask that for any commissioner who would like to be willing to voice their thoughts on the possibility of receiving more land that would enlarge the unique parcel and preserve to please offer a few comments. And finally, obviously, I wish to publicly thank Mrs. Wiser for her
passion of land preservation being put into action. Let her actions be an example for those who can but yet have not acted. You can make a difference. Thank you very much. >> Thank you,
>> Commissioner Caps. >> I enthusiastically and with a very grateful heart move approval of the resolution uh accepting the donation. >> Thank you so much. And I just want to add that I've known
about this generous offer for some months and I think that it's a a real testament to your generosity that you didn't just want to gratify yourself by saving the the uh your neighborhood. Uh
you sought the things that the properties that were most uh threatened, most vulnerable to development in the county and we are very grateful. I I certainly understand your motivation because of the pink blob in Naples.
That's that's a teachable edifice, isn't it? So, we have a motion in a second. All those in favor? I >> That passes unanimously. Thank you so much, >> Madam Chair. To Mr. Douly's point, that chair is available to anybody that would
like to sit in it. John Mail would be happy to meet anyone that has an opportunity uh to join uh this special club of generous land owners that would like to donate property. We'd be thrilled to have them and celebrate them as well.
>> Absolutely. We would encourage that. >> To that end, I want to offer my gratitude to u our our legal team and our real property section who had to create a pathway for this to happen. as as is often the case with with the Environmental Resource Division, we try to do things that we don't have paths
for and they expediently and professionally created that path so that that seat can be occupied many times in the future. >> Good. >> Thank you. >> You know who I'm sure is real happy this morning is Harold Jenkins. >> Commissioner Caps, >> I would be remiss if I didn't thank our
wonderful staff and Mr. rail and your department and uh all those involved uh to help facilitate this. Uh thank you so much as well. >> Terrific. >> Uh we will now move Oh, let's see. Do we
Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any objections? No. >> That motion passes unanimously. Thank you. Uh what are we taking? Commissioner comments. Commissioner
Vargas. >> I was at a uh fishing event in Indian Town. I'm not a fisher woman. However, I did go out there invited. Uh this is for the youth of Indian Town that could not even afford possibly a fishing rod. And
uh they were enjoying themselves. It was a family event. There were so many local businesses. uh across Martin County that supported this event. This is the seventh year and they raised about 30 to $40,000 for scholarships for these youth. So, it's a wholesome activity. It was a beautiful
day and it was a catch and release. So, um it it taught quite a few skills for the young fisher men and women. So, >> Mr. Caps, >> I'm all set today. >> Commissioner Campy, >> just a couple. I'll make them very
quick. Um, one we're having last month we were rained out for our music in the park series in Palm City at the patio at Palm City Place. Uh, we're back this month of April. On April 18th, which is a Saturday night, 6:30 to 8:30, we're
having uh Palm City's own Britney Anne. She has a beautiful voice. Uh, sings all type of music. Uh, went through the Martin County school system. I've heard her play at other events. She's fantastic. And the unique thing about Britney Anne is her band partner is her
dad. Uh so it's a fatherdaughter uh event. They play multiple instruments. It'll be a lot of fun. There'll be food trucks. It's a multigenerational. So it's it's an perfect event for kids and parents and grandparents and anybody who wants to come and have a good time. You
can bring food. There's local restaurants or there's food trucks. So I strongly recommend that you come and do that. I'm also bringing back my dish with the commission series that we've done in the past. We've had lots of uh
exciting guests this uh month of April, which will be April 24th at 8:00 in the morning at the community center at Charlie Leighton Park. Uh we're currently under construction in the Charlie Leighton Park. They're working
in the parking lot. How you would enter and park is not in the regular parking lot that you're familiar with at the base of the Palm City Bridge. You'd go down Cornell a little further as though you were going to the rowing center and then come around through the paved parking there. My very special guest for
this month on Friday the 24th is Dr. Sherox Shadri who is the new vice president. Well, he's >> CEO. >> He's not the CEO. He's the vice president and chief medical officer of Cleveland Clinic. He had been in tradition but when Dr. Rishi Singh moved
they consolidated again as it used to be tradition Martin North and South Dr. Shadri uh is now responsible for all of the areas there's a lot of topics of conversation that we'll be covering it's a free event that's open to anyone that
would like to attend um and so that is Friday April 24th you can come and hear from Dr. Shadri. Uh, and then two quick issues for our administrator that I'd like to also bring up to my colleagues. Some I think would have also received
the emails that I had. I had gotten an email celebrating an event that had they had promised that they would do it. uh Newfield and uh Knight Kiplinger had talked about having a gopher tortoise sanctuary on their property uh on the
Kiplinger Conservancy property and they're having an event on Friday, April 10th at 9:30 to 11:30. Uh at the at the conservancy trail head, it's on Newfield Parkway. if you're coming on Martin Highway um
heading west, you'd make the right and head up quite a bit by the Newfield community. Uh but then there was a question about, you know, we're long awaiting a sanctuary for gopher tortoises. Uh and then I received a couple of emails saying, well, you know,
is it is it u permitted? And I've spoken to our administrator um and we'll make sure that that is a permitted sanctuary within Martin County. In the past, we've always had to take gopher tortoises and transport them um for thousands of dollars. And then
there was another one the county had been working on a sanctuary project of our own that someone said, "Well, it'll only be for county project relocations, which Mr. uh Donaldson had said is correct." But remember, there's a lot of
county projects. So, if we can create the two, one for county project relocations and then the Kipling Conservancy at Newfield uh sanctuary, we would be that would be a remarkable uh advantage. And I appreciate not only Mr.
Kiplinger, but the folks at Madame and Newfield for utilizing property to do this. It's something that we've always talked about and wished for. It's a big deal. It's a very complicated process. It's a very expensive process to certify and permit these things. Mr.
Donaldelsson, I'd like to um let me just give you my second one. That's the first and if you could respond. The the second one, uh, I would request an agenda item for a countywide policy to have each department uh, get creative to create a
an opportunity of discounts or benefits for active duty military, veterans, and first responders. Hundreds of thousands of businesses, private businesses offer uh advantages and benefits for active duty military personnel, veterans, and
first responders. The state parks offer free admission to these uh individuals that have served our country or are serving our country. Federal national parks are also available for free. uh there's a lot of discounts and benefits
and not just parks any uh locations and I think that it's time that in and there's you know dozens and dozens of counties in Florida that also offer these discounts. We don't offer them currently. Um and I think it's important
that we do. Uh so I'd like to come back with an agenda item that maybe the library could do something. Obviously, parks and wreck, it's easier, but if there's other departments that can have some type of a benefit for us to say thank you, uh, and we appreciate you, as many other organizations have done, I
think it's important that we do that as well. And that's what I have. >> Commissioner Heatherington. >> Yes. So, a number of my residents along Caner Highway constituents have um given feedback on safety concerns, speed,
lighting, um just a um ongoing evolving safety concerns. So, I want to thank uh District Secretary Steve Braun. kind of reached out to him and suggested that we put our heads together to come
up with some um to to address some of the safety concerns in the area. And um his team along with maybe six um six folks on our conference call, we came up with that
we're going to do a road safety audit along the corridor of Caner Highway. It spans uh roughly from Monterey all the way down to Cove Road. The road safety audit would take into account um um any speed. It would involve local
municipalities, law enforcement, um certainly in the county and residents along the corridor take feedback. And the focus would be short-term uh lowcost recommendation and some longer um long-term solutions that would be
brought to our transportation um NPOS's. So, we will be having a series, the DOT will be hosting a series of meetings and I ask that we could put that those meetings upcoming community input meetings on our website
and there will be at least two or three meetings uh to take input from residents of Caner Highway. So, we will put that on our website um so that we can increase participation and I'll share it along with my constituents um in our
newsletter from district 2 so that you can participate on that feedback. So, that and I have there's a nonprofit elevate hope and I would just ask this as an ask for the parks department. Um we have a lot of amazing nonprofits that
do some wonderful things during our holidays. United Way utilizes the fairgrounds to do some of their uh bike builds. Elevate Hope normally utilizes how patio uh covered park the rink and
they have been um parks has been reluctant to utilize that facility because there's a new floor. So I'm just asking to look into that. They they participate in probably 125 bikes many
of which um benefits more maybe more >> hundreds and hundreds >> hundreds and hundreds um there's very few facilities covered facilities in Martin County that can accommodate that type of bike build. It's two a two-day
long event. Many community members participate in building it. Um many of our residents and constituents families benefit from the generosity of this completely donated um the they're willing to pay for the facility. So I
asked just let's figure out a way to protect the floor while still being able to have this really important event and which benefits our community. So, I would make that ask of the parks department is to let's figure out how to
protect the floor and still allow this um bike build to go forward. Thank you. >> I would agree with that as well. Um I know that even when they use the gymnasium floor at Martin County High School, I guess at all high schools, they roll out a large thick rubberized kind of a tarp that facility for us to
like as Commissioner Heatherington said to have a undercover area that large. Then maybe parks and recck needs to figure out a permanent temporary permanent temporary a solution that can be rolled out not just for Reena and Elevate Hope which is
fantastic for any other time we would need to use that. I'm very happy that they put the new roller hockey floor in and we don't want to damage it but we don't want to just now make that an offlimits space that we've used in the past. So, great shout out.
>> And I attended a uh documentary film on Saturday at the Blake Library. It was sponsored by the League of Women Voters and uh the Sierra Club. It was called Bittersweet Muck. All about big sugar and about harvesting sugar cane and
about burning versus green harvesting. It's very, very interesting. If you have the opportunity to see it, don't miss it. Mr. Donaldson. >> Um, I'll follow up with the requests. Um, on the gopher tortoises, I think I mentioned before, one of our challenges
is all of our own property has the densities of gopher tortoises so large we can't add more to it. So, we are continuing to pursue a new uh site for ours and uh I'll get you an update on on the Kiplinger site later. Thank you.
>> We should also look into uh absent sales tax properties that we're acquiring. Those are new possibilities. >> Miss Elder, >> I'm all set. Thank you. >> Anybody else? We will proceed with uh public hearing quasi judicial number
one, which is a public hearing to request approval of the sixth amendment to the island crossing commercial planned unit development zoning agreement, including a revised master site plan and out parcel a final site plan. Uh this is a quasi judicial agenda
item. Commissioner Vargas, any exparte disclosures? >> If I have any, they've been filed. And >> Commissioner Caps, >> if I have any, they have been filed. >> I have them and they've been filed. Commissioner Campy, >> I have them and they've been filed. >> And Commissioner Heatherington, >> I have some and those have been filed.
>> Mr. Sat, any documents have been given to the clerk? >> Turning in a copy of my work history and the agenda item to be filed as exhibit one. Anyone who's going to be providing sworn testimony, please stand up, raise your right hand, and be sworn in.
>> Do you swear or affirm the evidence you're about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> Please proceed. Mr. Senot, >> thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, commissioners. I'm John Senate, principal planner with growth management. This is a request by
McCardian Associates Land Planning and Design on behalf of Bule Land South for approval of the sixth amendment to the island crossings commercial PUD agreement including revised master site plan and final site plan for out parcel A. The proposed development of out parcel A consists of a two-story 99,922
ft residential storage facility and associated infrastructure. Out parcel A consists of approximately 6.83 983 acres located at 11850 Southeast Federal Highway in Hope Sound. Included is a request for a certificate of public
facilities reservation. This item was continued from the March 10th, 2026 board hearing. The boundaries of the Island Crossings commercial PUD are shown here in red. It's roughly uh it's just over 25 acres. It's been developed with a Publix, a gas
station, Wells Fargo Bank, a Wendy's, a Cleveland Clinic Wellness Center, as well as other commercial tenants within the public's building. Out parcel A is located in the southern portion of the PUD with frontage along Bridge Road. Um, out parcel A currently
contains a 2.3 acre preserve area. Southeast Florida Avenue uh traverses out parcel A. That road provides access to the adjacent Bridgetown residential PUD. Out parcel A also contains a uh dry storm water detention area in the
northeast portion. The areas in the light blue to the east, south, and west are within the Hob Sound community redevelopment area. The area in the green to the northwest is the RM5 zoning district. And also to the
northwest, you can see the Bridgetown residential PUD in the yellow. The future land use designation of the subject site is general commercial. The Bridgetown PUD is within the commercial office residential future land use
designation. To the northwest in yellow, you can see the low density future land use designation. To the west in brown, you can see the CRA neighborhood future land use. And to the east and south uh along the bridge corridor, you can see the CRA center
future land use designation in red. The Island Crossings commercial PUD, formerly known as the Ross Common Square commercial PUD, was adopted in August 1989 and was most recently modified via the fifth PUD amendment in August 2007.
It encompasses seven parcels totaling approximately 25.6 acres. The proposed sixth PUD amendment adds residential storage facility as a permitted use for out parcel A. It clarifies that SMRU shall provide the
water and wastewater service for the project. The amendment also removes the 0.23 acre out parcel G which is currently within the Hobound community redevelopment area. The amendment includes a revised master site plan to reflect an increase in
maximum allowable building square footage and the removal of out parcel G. I would like to correct one thing for the record. During the March 10th hearing, I had indicated that there was roughly 34,000 square ft of gross leasable floor area remaining from the
previously approved master site plan. After further research, it appears that number is roughly 50,000 square ft of gross leasable floor area remaining from the approved master site plan. This proposed sixth amendment includes a revised timetable of development for out
parcel A. The out parcel a final site plan consists of a two-story 99,922 ft residential storage facility also known as Bridge Road self storage as well as associated infrastructure. As part of this development, the outpel A
owner would construct turn lanes including a right turn lane in the Southeast Bridge rightway as well as left and right egress lanes in the existing internal drive connecting to Southeast Bridge Road. There's no change to the existing 2.3 acre preserve area
and out parcel A. Exotic vegetation removal will be conducted uh in accordance with the existing preserve area management plan. As part of the proposed outpant has requested a parking rate adjustment
pursuant to section 4.625 Martin County Land Development Regulations, 10 parking spaces are proposed. The applicant's proposed PUB public benefits are as follows. A pedestrian plaza with benches in the southeast
corner of out parcel A. Roughly 0.52 acres of additional native upland vegetation will be preserved in landscape buffers on out parcel A. The applicant has also proposed a $25,000 contribution to the Hobound Historical Society to be used for the restoration
maintenance of the Hobound Railroad Station. Here you can see the proposed final site plan for out parcel A. The western portions consist of the existing 2.3 acre preserve area as well as that portion of Southeast Florida Avenue. The
building is situated in the southeast uh corner of the site. Here's a closer look. You can see in the southeast corner is the proposed pedestrian plaza. The areas highlighted in green are those areas of additional native vegetation that would be retained
within landscape buffers around the building. As part of the proposed out parcel a funnel site plan, the applicant is requesting alternative compliance from the primary facade transparency fenestration criteria of article 4 division 20. Staff recommend approval.
The board of county commissioners is the final decision maker for this application. Here you can see the proposed building elevations. The this top elevation would be the view along Bridge Road. And the applicant
does have some color renderings as well in their presentation. This matter was heard before the local planning agency on March 5th, 2026. The LPA voted 3 to zero recommending approval with two members being absent. This application was heard before the
BCC at the March 10th, 2026 hearing and was continued to today's hearing at the request of the applicant. Development review staff have found the Bule Land South application to comply with all applicable regulations and the comprehensive growth management plan as
detailed in the staff report. Staff recommendation is to move that the board receive and file the agenda item and its attachments, including the staff report as exhibit one. Move that the board approve the sixth amendment to the island crossings commercial PUD zoning agreement including the revised master
site plan and move that the board adopt the resolution approving the final site plan for the island crossings commercial PUD out parcel A project also known as bridge road self storage. That concludes my presentation. >> Questions for Mr. Sinnot.
>> Applicant would you like to make a presentation? Good morning. >> Good morning, chair. Good morning, vice chair. The >> mic is not on. >> Okay. Can y'all hear me? >> Testing. Okay. Fantastic. Thank you. Uh
good morning everybody. Chair, vice chair, and commissioners. Thank you so much for taking your time today to uh review this project one more time. Uh as we already discussed, this is a continuence from the March 10th BOCC meeting. Uh thank you staff for all the hard work and the wonderful presentation
to give the overall um review of this project. Um as we discussed the applicant is requesting an approval for the sixth amendment to the island crossing CPU including a revised master site plan and now parcel a final site
plan. Before I a ask Mike McCarti to begin his presentation, we have a couple of procedural matters to uh address. Um, on recommendation of staff, when we continued the BOCC on March 10th, we were asked to renotice everybody again
within a 500 ft radius. So, all the CPU owners and all Bridgetown were given a renotice and therefore I am submitting that certification of renotice to staff. Uh, they already have a copy, but that's the the true presentation of it during
this evidentiary hearing. Um, as discussed, uh, Mike or Mike McCarti of Mccardi and Associates, land planner on this project, has already provided his resume. I'm going to bring him up real quick for a couple of evidentiary questions, and then he will be able to
provide more details of the project. Mike, would you please come up? >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Please state your name and your business for the record. Mike McCarti, McCartiian Associates, land planning and design.
>> How long have you been doing land planning in Martin County? >> 23 years. >> Are you an expert on the land development regulations and the comprehensive plan of Martin County? >> I am. >> Do you believe that this project is
pursuant and compliant with the comprehensive plan and the land development regulations of Martin County? >> I do. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Good morning. >> Up a little bit. >> Can you hear me now? >> Just you don't have to scratch. Just
pull it up a little bit. There you go. >> Is that better? Thank you. Appreciate it. Uh good morning everyone. appreciate your time today. Uh it's a little rainy out, but boy, we sure do need it. Um as Audrey indicated, and as obviously
staff has presented, uh we're we're here today to discuss the Sixth Amendment to the Island Crossing PUD. Um I'm going to I've changed my my presentation slightly from the last time. No, no sense in being redundant, but I'm going to hit on
some of I think what were the important points uh where there was some confusion. Uh the proposed amendment for out parcel A increases the maximum allowable building square footage permitted. The proposed final site plan
includes a two-story 99,922 ft Gen 5 level residential storage facility. As part of the sixth amendment to the CPU, we were required to revise the master site plan as staff indicated. At the last BCC meeting on March 10th,
there was some confusion regarding data calculations and permitted uses within the CPU. We went back, we worked with staff and uh have confirmed that in fact is residential storage a permitted use by
right? Residential storage is a permitted use within the CPU. Okay, residential storage has been permitted since the 1993 second amendment and also in the 1995 third amendment to the CPU.
Now, while we're talking about permitted uses, I think it's important for us to have an understanding of what could be on this property by right. Meaning that if we are unsuccessful today and we are
forced to go back and revisit a design and a use, it's going to be strictly based on a business proposition as to what is successful and permitted on this property. Okay. Some of those permitted
uses are drive-in type banks. So, a drive-through bank could go here. a medical facility, dental and veterinary office, hospital buildings, a gas station. We could put a gas station here with pumps,
trips of cars coming and going, selling fuels. Okay, that would be by right. We file that application and we would be approved by right, assuming we comply with all the other land development regulations. Okay. car rental and sale
agencies. We could put a car sales lot here. I mean, that'd just be terrible. A laundromat, uh, dry cleaning pickup, um, motion picture theater, office buildings and complexes.
The PUD even allows for apartments and condominiums or residentials uses not to exceed 20% of the total GLA. So, we could proce potentially put apartments on this property, which I personally
don't believe the the residents would want any of these uses. We could even do a restaurant uh with a drive-thru. So, Chick-fil-A. Um, pick any one of the drive-through restaurants. We could put a bar here. Um
the permitted uses continue on to also allow commercial office residential the you those uses under core uh limited uh commercial district LC as well as the GC
waterfront resort commercial and um hotels, motel, merchandising of secondhand goods. So we could we could put a Goodwill here as well. um a thrift store, public and private non-for-profit
clubs. So, we could put a nightclub, a fitness club. We could also even decide to utilize affordable housing um act per the Senate Bill 102. So given all of those potential uses,
I think it's very clear that what's before you today, a residential storage facility, is very low impact and is the least intense use that you could
possibly put on this property. It's the most passive byright permitted use. the traffic generated is extremely low and will not have an impact on the surrounding neighborhood as opposed to these other potential uses if this
application is not approved. The other question that there was some confusion during our last uh hearing was regarding to the building size and and staff did clear that up. He did confirm it's the 50,758
square feet gross leasable floor area. And so that's confirmed by staff. The request before you today is to approve 99,922 ft building or 49,961
square ft per story. So when you think of storage facilities over the last 40 years, they have vertically integrated. So we have a footprint of the 49 and then there's a second story in that. So we we kept the building compact located
in one corner of the site clustering the development impacts. Okay. The leasable area for the storage facility is 72% of the total building square footage. Therefore the applicant will be leasing
individual storage units which total 72,000 square ft. Let's talk about public outreach. The owner, Larry Buell, lives in Bridgetown. He has maintained constant communications with his community during
this three-year process. He wants to put a use at the gateway to his community that makes his community members happy that there isn't a bar, there isn't a dry cleaner, there isn't a
gas station on that parcel that could negatively affect their community. Neighborhood meetings were held with Bridgetown HOA on March 4th to 2026. 48 owners live within the Bridgetown
community. No opposition has been received and we have support from the HOA. In addition, all six owners within the commercial PUD support the project and
have no objection as well. They're required to consent to the PUD amendment. Okay. So, in total, we have over 60 individual owners in the immediate surrounding area supporting the proposed residential
storage facility. Let me also restate that staff also touched on that at the LPA hearing of March 5th, we were unanimously recommended for approval. You can see here I have island crossings
outlined. We have consent of all those property owners. We also have all of Bridgetown which is behind here obviously out parcel A. This is the subject parcel. And this graphic here I think is important.
The general commercial land use, okay, would allow a maximum building coverage of 60% or 178,633 square ft. Okay. With only a minimum
open space of 20%. Now, we are encumbered by the CPU and so there are other regulations that are applicable. However, given the calculations when applying those and trying to minimize and cluster the development on this
site, the proposed coverage is only 16.7 8%. So 17% of the site is is being impacted or covered by development.
Okay. The proposed open space is 68.52%. Nearly 70% of the site is open space. In addition, as a public benefit of this application before you, we are proposing
an additional 0.52 or half an acre of habitat, rare and unique scrub habitat to be uh preserved on site. I heard this morning on some previous discussions and items the importance of preservation in
our county. We are stepping up and we are doing just that. We are providing an additional half an acre of rare and unique scrub habitat that is not required by code nor the PUD. If we are unsuccessful today,
that will not be preserved. Here are some graphics showing some of the public benefits and amenities that will be provided along Bridge Road in the entry. You can see here is the plaza seating area with the artwork and uh focal
feature enhanced landscaping. This is the north side or excuse me the east side of the building. This is the northeast corner. Northeast corner just a little closer.
And this is what your view will be from Bridge Road. Okay. Now, keep in mind this is this stretch of habitat along the front front of the building. We are proposing that as a public benefit above
and beyond the code requirement. If we're forced to go back to the drawing board, that half an acre of preserve is gone and a building will be visible from Bridge Road. Again, these are perspectives from Florida.
Now, I'll hit on the public benefits. Fulfillment of a critical local need. Okay? Strategic location, low impact land use, environmental preservation.
We're going to be bringing the site in compliance with the preserve area management plan. architectural and aesthetic integration. We've gone above and beyond enhancing this corridor with the architectural elements of this building and respect to
human scale and facade treatments. Transportation and connectivity improvements. There's numerous improvements that we're making at that intersection as well. public green space as I indicated we're
we're making the uh pedestrianoriented design at the corner that provides to the general public economic development local job creation and then not to mention the monetary contribution to preserving history and
long-term stewardship. So, our client has committed to um contributing to the Hobound Historical Society by pledging the 25,000s as a railroad magnate. Okay. All of these public benefits are we are
putting forward because we are amending the PUB. If we are going back to a buy ride approval, all of these public benefits come off and we'll put a gas station here. So, I just want to be transparent.
We want to be a good neighbor. We have had enormous support from the adjacent property owners and residents. They are excited to see this happen on this frontage of Bridge Road in this enhancement.
Your staff also recommends approval of the application and I respectfully request your approval of the application. Any questions? >> Questions for the applicant. >> Madam Chair, if I may.
>> Uh, one point I would like to clarify in regards to the term gross leasable floor area. So staff would look at that as the total area, the total conditioned area within the building, not necessarily just the areas that are for the exclusive use of the tenants. I'd like
to read a couple records from the former chapter 33 of our land development regulations. Both of these definitions would have been in effect at the time that the most recent master plan was approved in 1995. This first definition is gross leasable floor area. The total
floor area within buildings designed for non-residential use. Which area is or might be leased to tenants? And the second definition, gross leasable floor area, GLA is defined as the total space designed for the exclusive use and occupancy of individual tenants
including basements, mezzanines, and upper floors if any. GLA is measured from the center line of adjoining partitions and from the exterior face of outside walls. So we look at it as the total conditioned area within the building. Thank you for that clarification.
>> Commissioner Caps, >> are we back to the board now or are we? >> Yes, we are. Would anyone from the public like to address us? Seeing none, we will close the public portion of the uh agenda item of the public public hearing and return to the board. Mr. Camps.
>> So, this is a PUD amendment. Uh, the applicant is asking to change the existing PUD, which uh currently allows 50,758 square ft of construction
to allow for 99,922 ft of construction. This is basically a two-fold increase in square footage. Although the project has many good
features, I think it would be best to stick with the existing PUD and the existing rules on this parcel, which leads me to move denial of the application. >> Commissioner Campy.
>> We find ourselves in a quandry. um without having heard from my colleague who I count as a friend, this project meets would be just sort of roll right through the process. It checks majority of the boxes. I
watched the LPA meeting. Um I've been up here long enough to realize the advantages and disadvantages of crafting new more upto-date kind of uses of property. Um, I've been frustrated in the past uh
at other locations where something from the past was able to be utilized and the rule now in modern day um created a gas station
where within a very short distance of space there were five other gas stations. But because it was legally allowable, it became a gas station. And people said to me, and I know the board, it was tricky for us
prior to the decision. People said to me, "What are you all thinking? Why would you build a sixth gas station within a couple of miles? Staff has to do what they're supposed to do. They got to follow the rules." And they had to. and the commissioners,
a majority, voted in favor of it because they have to because if you don't, there's legal consequences. There's other consequences. Now, I was so frustrated by that project, even though I knew and my colleagues were exactly right in voting for it. I voted no just
because it just felt weird to you just common sense would tell you that that's not the right use there but it was allowed to be there and the residents are now suffering the consequences of having a gas station built right on the other side of their
fence. Not a lot of benefit, not a lot of bells and whistles, not a lot of checks being written to historic buildings, and not a lot of protected landscapes, just the gas station
right there because it was legally allowed. Now, I thought, Mr. Mr. McCarti, I thought you walked a fine line, a tight rope on not looking like you were threatening us. But by explaining the
fact that look, we could do this. Someone owns this property. They've been paying taxes on it for as long as they've owned it. Now, I think the ultimate goal would be build nothing, leave it alone. But that's an expensive
option for somebody to just, you know, you had a woman this morning who was uh, you know, donating some property. But that's that's how rare that is. It's going to be something. So then you have to go, okay, well, if it's going to be something, what should it be?
It's a it's really a remarkable corner. It's not the actual corner because some people said to me, there's already a building there. It's not the corner of Bridge and US1. It's a little east of the building that's there, which is a threetory old bank building if I'm not
mistaken. Right. Three stories. This is a little bit east of that. >> I met with the applicant. I met with the owner. And I said, 'Look, I thought the biggest complaint or or opposition, not
complaint, would come from the very well-known business owner on the across the street on the south side. Didn't normally you'd assume something like this would come from the sort of the higherend neighborhood behind it.
And I don't mean the Publix and the other stores. I mean just a little bit west of that. Uh, did I say east on the other thing? I meant west. If I said east, um, there was a couple this morning that seemed in favor of, not seemed, they were. Then there was one person that
spoke this morning. It's the first time I'd seen anybody really opposed, but part of her concern was the transient nature of the people that would come and go. I don't believe and I don't know her story but what I was thinking is you
probably didn't understand the level of a Gen 5 and maybe you need to explain when you just generally say Gen 5 storage facility a lot of people when they hear the word storage facility they would think it's like the rollup garage doors and you pull your pickup truck in
and you're bringing stuff in and out and you store your boat there or whatever else. At the last meeting, I sort of teed it up because I thought having you got staff's recommendation of approval. You got an approval from the LPA. You didn't have any neighbors coming to complain.
These are the things that we normally have to deal with. You were making donations that, you know, were legit. Um, I teed it up and then just left it because I didn't want to steal the district's commissioner's thunder. We're not allowed to speak to each other. I
have no idea what my colleagues are thinking about this. There's a sunshine law in Florida. Many of you have heard this, but people that are watching and they're like, "How come you guys look like you have no idea what each other's thinking?" Because we don't. We're legally not allowed to speak to each other. I had no idea that Commissioner
Caps had those concerns. I was actually lobbing it over to him so he could make his own motion for approval in his district. And when he said no, I was very surprised. So now here we are today understanding that it's going to be
something. It's too valuable a piece of property in too much of a premier location to be nothing. So you start thinking, well, if it's not going to be this, what else could it be? Now in my mind, you showed the pictures briefly because I know you were not
trying to like redo your last agenda item. pretty well done from my perspective having seen the things that it could be. Um, we just approved since you were here last, we approved a storage facility
>> um north of the Roosevelt Bridge, one one bay, one property off of US1. Fine looking building. It looked like a storage facility. It was generic. They didn't have a lot of landscaping, didn't
need it. They were behind another series of strip center storefronts and it passed. The most common concern that I hear is why another storage facility? How many storage facilities, how many car washes, and how many
assisted living facilities can you build? But in America, in a free market, if you've done your due diligence and feel that uh you want to invest probably millions of dollars
to a storage facility, I'm not going to necessarily second guess you. Um because I think what separates you from some of the others is the fact that yours is, from what I can tell in the meetings that we've had,
super high-end, right up the road from Jupiter Island, right up the road from Atlantic Fields, right up the road from Jupiter. And I've driven around a little bit. There's another one that's on the table for that
general area. Super high-end storage is different than storage. It's not my place to give you business advice on maybe you're making a mistake. It's my position to protect the original
residents that are there and businesses that are there ahead of time because they in my mind they count more because they they're already there and you don't have that push back. So, I'm left and I'll finalize with this. I'm left with what do I do with my
friend and colleague? I would have to say under these circumstances, I would not support his motion because I think if it's going to be something in my mind, having been here a while, this
is probably the best use. Now, I don't know within the month that you guys were waiting to come back, if there were any meetings with the commissioner. I'm not allowed to know. Uh I don't know since it is a PUD, which is a negotiated contract, if
there was any conversation to ease some of his concerns. I don't know. I didn't because I didn't have those concerns. But, you know, short of us trying to be respectful of a district commissioner, but understanding there's five separate
votes and opinions up here. Um, I have been on the winning and losing side of positions in the past and it's smarts. Um, I don't know if there was a a vision of your plan that would be
comfortable for my colleague. I don't know how the other three are going to vote today. You could go down in flames right in the next couple of minutes. Or was there a version of this that was palatable to the district commissioner?
Do you live to see another day on this project? If there was, if what I heard this morning is he's concerned of the doubling of the square footage. All of the other things are not waiting. And I'm not trying to put words in his
mouth, but all of the other benefits and concerns don't, I think, trump the doubling of the square footage. I don't know if there was a version of this that he would be comfortable with. You know, the motion is as it stands, he his motion could be successful right
now. I won't be supporting it because I for all the reasons I've mentioned, but that's my advice to you publicly in front of the five of us. you know, is there a version of this project since you do have the ability to negotiate a contracted
agreement? >> But with staff's recommendation and everything I mentioned, I'm still in favor of the project. >> I am supporting the commissioner and more importantly, I'm supporting our comprehensive plan and our land development regulations. These are legal
requirements that you have to meet in order to comply. And you don't meet them. the the maximum allowable square footage that remains in this PUD is 50,000 square feet and this project
proposes 99,000 square ft. That is if we make an exception, we don't have a comprehensive plan. We don't have LDRs. This would establish a precedent that we would not recover from. It's a great project. It really it's a
it's a fine project. The Mr. Bule and his brother came to see me and I thought this is a terrific project. The loser here is is Mr. Buell because your consultant and our staff should have told you a year ago that this project
wasn't going to fly because it wasn't compliant with the with the existing uh PUD and and now we're left saying do it well. Do we want to uphold our uh LDRs and our comprehens the the requirements
of the comprehensive plan or are we going to make an exception? We will not recover from that exception. >> I may just clarify. >> Thanks on. >> Oh, it is okay. >> If I may just clarify, an amendment to a
CPU is not a failure to meet the code. It is a valid protocol within the code. Now whether the commission chooses to agree that is completely of course discretionary but we are not doing anything outside the code by asking and
that is what we are asking for. We are not blatantly disregarding the code. We are asking for a change to the CPU. Thank you. You're asking to double the allowable square footage, >> Commissioner Vargas.
>> Yeah. Um, I've heard everything everybody said. That's why there are five of us up here and we all have our background of business acumen and also what we know to be this area of Hope Sound in particular.
And you talked about the comprehensive plan. If we approve this, this is the first of many. It's the first of many. You allowed them to do that. Therefore, we have the right.
So, having said that, I agree with Madame Chair and I agree with Commissioner Caps. I will not vote for this. >> Is that a second? >> Yes, I second that. >> Any further discussion? There's a motion
and a second. All those in favor? I >> opposed. >> Opposed. >> That motion carries 4 to one with Commissioner Campy dissenting. >> Uh we're now going to take a 10-minute break and we are going to go out of order a little bit because I see a lot of people here who need to get back to
work. We're going to take up department 4 if that's okay, which is Thank you, Commissioners. New field. Welcome back. We are returning to our board of county commission meeting. We're taking up department 4, which is a request to amend the deed of conservation easement for new field open
space. Mr. Senat. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, commissioners. I'm John Senate, principal planner with growth management. This is a request by Gunster Yi and Stewart on behalf of Madame Palm Beach for approval of an amendment to the deed of conservation easement for
Newfield open space recorded June 14th, 2024 in official records book 3442 at page 2548, public records of Martin County, Florida. The purpose of the amendment is to remove certain lands of lower environmental value from the provi
from the provisions of the easement and replace them with lands of higher environmental value as well as to correct certain errors in the text of the easement and in the legal description. The Newfield project, formerly known as Pineland Prairie, consists of approximately 3,411 acres in western
Palm City adjacent to the area. >> Sorry, where? >> In western Palm City. >> There you go. West of the Florida Turnpike. Three conservation easements were approved and accepted by the BCC in March of 2024. There's one easement
encumbering the open space areas, a separate easement for the preserve area management plan one areas, and a third e easement for the preserve area management plan two areas. The applicant proposes to amend the deed of conservation easement for Newfield
open space recorded in O book 3442 at page 2548. The proposed amendment replaces certain areas with new higher quality property and corrects errors in the text of the deed and legal descriptions. There are no proposed changes to the separate
conservation easements encumbering the PAMP 1 and PAMP 2 areas. A total of 21.99 acres is proposed to be removed from the open space conservation easement. This consists of 8.76 acres within the Crossroads neighborhood and
SDW workplace area. These areas were designated for development on the regulating plan in article 11 land development regulations. 5.6 acres near the C23 canal and turnpike uh will accommodate an FPL
substation. those. So those areas would also be removed. 7.63 acres south of Newfield Parkway for the future 84th Avenue right ofway. Those 7.63 acres would would also be removed.
The proposed amendment also corrects references to PAMP 2 within the easement agreement that were included in error. To offset the removed areas, the applicant will include 33.35 acres of additional property within the open space easement. Based on an evaluation
by EW Consultants, the proposed areas are of higher habitat quality than the removed areas. Staff recommendation is to move that the board adopt a resolution approving and accepting the amendment to deed of conservation easement for Newfield open space and authorize the chair to sign
all documents necessary to complete the transaction. That concludes my presentation. >> Questions for Mr. Sinnot? Seeing none, applicant, would you like to make a presentation? Good morning. >> Morning.
>> Thank you as always to staff for the thorough presentation and for the recommendation of approval. I'm Kristen Spake of the Gunster Law Firm on behalf of the applicant Madame. We're joined here today by members of the development team for Madam, James Fitzgerald and Carl Albertson. We also have with us
today Jason Honor of EW Consultants and our environmental scientists and um FPL's present today um in connection with the utility request in case questions come up about that. Also, I would like to acknowledge a special guest. Mr. Knight Kiplinger is here
today. He's a local resident, a renowned financial journalist and philanthropist who also happens to be the original land owner, visionary and town founder of Newfield. And so we're grateful for that um working out. So
the request to amend the open space easement I think would be um be it would be good to look at kind of what it is and what it isn't the open space easement just for clarity. This open space easement is not the mechanism that's out protecting wetlands and their
buffers. As Mr. Senate pointed out there are pamps and other conservation easements to address those areas. Um, this open space easement is the one that overlays that 70% of open space that Newfield is renowned for. It allows activities within the open space like
walking um, trails, equestrian trails, camping, picnic areas, ball fields, recreation fields, restrooms, parking areas. And so this that's the nature of the easement that we're here to discuss today. And our request to you today is to amend that open space easement for
two broad purposes. One is to correct some erroneous language that was included. That's those references to PAMP 2 that don't belong there. So, this change won't do anything to PAMP 2. It just takes those references out of the document. They weren't supposed to be in there. The second broad purpose is to
adjust the land that's included in the legal description of the easement. That's for three reasons. One kind of category of land is based on a scrivener's error. The second category of land that is being adjusted is based on utility needs at Newfield. And then
the third is to finalize the alignment of Southwest 84th Avenue. So you've heard those proposed changes would take out 21.99 or we'll just say 22ish acres from the open space easement and then replace those with the same
number of acres. So acre for acre plus like 11.3635 more acres for a total acreage in this um open space easement of 33.35. So more than um we started with. So the
three kind of categories of land that we're seeking to adjust um let's take it from the top. One is the scrivener's error. So you can see on this graphic, thanks for putting that up, that the blue is the conservation easement as it stands today, the open space
conservation easement as it stands today. And in the um kind of kind of to the north, you'll see that little neighborhood above um the roadway where there's a red pies-shaped piece. This is um one of two encroachments. The other
one's down in the south corner, the red um shape on top of that triangle. So, those are two areas that were mistakenly included in the open space easement. They've always been intended for development. There is some development taking place in the northern piece. And
so, this correction is simply to um take that property out of the open space easement. It wasn't supposed to be in there. So, we're asking you to approve that change to allow the parties to correct that oversight. And um that removes that 8.76 acres and
recall we're going to replace it acre for acre plus 11 more of greater equal um habitat quality. So the second change is for the utility needs of the residents at Newfield. Um in order to
reliably provide electrical power, FPL is going to need an additional substation somewhere in this area. And if you don't u mind can can I do it or can you flip to the Thank you. >> So this graphic
may be helpful if I can make it visible to you. Well >> next tab over. >> Oh thank you. >> We'll find it. Well um I think we can paint a picture with
words. So there um are substations nearby, but FPL has identified the need for a site within the new field um development and it happens that we have got some space. Thank you. Um this is
the space that we're proposing in red and it is in an ideal location for FPL to be able to balance um some of the backup power for overloaded substations in the area area and also provide power to the residents of Newfield.
And so um James Fitzgerald of Matam will speak to you all about why this is a good site from Newfield's perspective and for the community. Good morning, commissioners. Uh, thank you for this your time this morning and I want to thank staff for working with
us on this agenda item. Uh, as Kristen kind of noted, you know, when we consider the future of Newfield, uh, obviously the provision of utilities is a chief concern for us. Um and so when we think about the conversation for the future power needs um you know obviously
we wanted to figure that out as soon as we can and that's part of the reason why we're here in front of you today. So in partnership with FPNL we think that we've found the right location for a substation that its primary use is to deliver power to the future residents of Newfield. And so when we weighed these
locations, uh we considered, you know, several different things because we've we've discussed other locations on the property uh in the past and finally settled on this one. You know, it is in the northeastern most corner of the property, tucked away, so it's not a
visual impact. That's one. It is very far from the neighborhood context. Um and so we think, you know, from an aesthetic perspective, that's ideal over there. Secondly, um, as the graphic we were supposed to be able to kind of pull up here shows, uh, this substation is
located, you know, in relative proximity to, uh, FPL's other substations. So, it's a very efficient and economical solution. And, um, finally, uh, we wanted to just also consider, you know, some of the environmental considerations. And so when we were
looking at this proposal and you know understanding the fact that we don't take it lightly coming before you to modify the open space easement, we wanted to make sure that we came with something. And so that's how we identified the 32 additional acres that we're adding to the open space um to
show our commitment and how serious we take you know this request. And so we've got um FPL as well as myself and then uh Jason Hunter from EW who can answer any questions regarding the strategy over the selection of the location um and FPL
can answer you know any technical questions you may have in terms of its intended use and then in terms of the uh environmental quality of the acreage that we are adding uh Jason is happy to answer any of those types of questions too. So thank you for your consideration we appreciate it.
Question for the applicant. In that case, let's Commissioner Campy >> like to hear from someone from FPL to see how it works out for them. >> Good morning, Rachel Falconee, project Oh, >> good morning. My name is Rachel
Falconee. I work for FPL's project manager manager for substation developments. Is there a specific question you had? >> If it wasn't um accomplished this way, what would where would you stand if it if this didn't go through today?
>> We would have to seek other locations for the substation. Um this is definitely an ideal location for us. Um with our planning strategies um on the power delivery side. So this would be the preferred location. we'd have to
start over if if it were not approved. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Um with that, I these mics are tough. I'm sorry. With that, I would tell you that um the conservation
acreage when the project was first uh proposed was exceedingly generous. Uh I understand that um having been here from the beginning of the project, it's difficult to lay out in perfect accuracy every single thing that would need to happen
deep into the future. I think these few uh corrections and changes and alterations make perfect sense to me and now hearing from FPL that this really is important to them as well. Uh, I would make a motion to accept the recommendation from staff, especially
considering it's happening in beautiful Palm City. >> I don't know who this question is for. What What are the uses that are directly adjacent to the proposed FPL substation? I presume that's East Turnpike. >> So, I believe it's Well, it's the it's
certainly the turnpike. And then just east of that, I believe that uh it's residential. To the north is residential in St. Lucy County. And then in terms of our site, uh the gray rectangle that you see just west of the proposed site is the fine property.
>> Okay. All right. Uh we have one request to speak form and that's from Knight Kiper. Kiplinger. Please join us. >> Good morning. >> And you won't be limited to three minutes. >> Oh, well I I I'd be I'd be happy to,
too. Uh, I I'm Knight Kiplinger. Uh, my family have been longtime part-time residents of Martin County for almost 75 years. And I was last before this distinguished
body uh numerous times 8 n years ago. My how time flies when I proposed at the time a revolutionary land use concept vision for 3,400 acres
uh lying between the Florida Turnpike and I95 out to the west that my family had owned for four decades. I didn't like the by right zoning. I thought it was terribly wasteful of land. Too much for a small number, relatively small
small number of individual land owners and not enough gorgeous open space for shared use. Not just everybody in the new town of Newfield, but everybody in the public, everybody in the county.
and the 70% open space, 30% developed footprint, uh, that was so revolutionary when I proposed it 9 years ago maybe is the new norm in Martin County. I hear those percentages talked about uh, quite a bit. It might be harder on a smaller
tract, but on 3,400 acres, it was a huge canvas on which to do something special. Uh, I I hasten to add that I have no lingering financial interest in Newfield. Uh, I I am simply another
citizen of the county watching it grow. Uh, a distinctive thing about Newfield, many of you remember, is it was the most detailed, tightly drawn new town proposal, new project proposal that
Martin County had ever seen. And we took a long time to get to that. And the developer agreement, not a PUD, but a developer agreement filled with detail is my legacy. The plan is my legacy. It
lives on. The plan lives on. And I had a lot of very good questions. Commissioner Herd, you had many good questions about the durability of the developer agreements that controlled Newfield. And I made the promise at the time that this tightly drawn detailed plan is my
legacy. It would have to be implemented either by me or any future owner of this project. I was very fortunate and the county is very fortunate to find a wonderful new steward for Newfield in Madame Holmes and they're very talented
James Fitzgerald who is overseeing this project today. So I'm an informal advisor today. I'm an ambassador for Newfield. I visit Newfield often every time I'm in town. As a matter of fact, what brought me to town this week by
coincidence is a walking tour this afternoon in the rain of Newfield as it is taking shape with the entire staff of the planning firm of Dover Cole. Dover Cole and Coral Gables, the the immensely creative
people who worked with me and my lead planner here in Stewart, Marcela Campblower, to create this vision which is now being implemented. Newfield has only been coming out of the ground for 18 months, for about a year and a half. I go out
there, I walk the sidewalks, I talk to people on their front porches. The front porches are a distinctive sense of community and togetherness in Newfield. I engage them in conversation. They apparently don't think I'm a creepy
stalker, but uh a friendly guy. >> They might still, but >> they might still. But I asked them, "Why did you choose Newfield over the more conventional suburban sprawl that is available everywhere, even in our county, but everywhere in the Treasure
Coast?" And they sound like the new residents out of central casting whom I envisioned and and described to you eight or nine years ago. People of all ages, retirees, families with little children, their tricycles on the
sidewalk, singles with no children, prime of life, empty nesters, the full array of people, multigenerational, new field, no gates, no golf courses, a sense of community, friendly by design.
And these are not just phrases. These are really real. So, when I come back, I I uh saw that there was an agenda item this morning. It it's uh a very clear, straightforward agenda item, makes a great deal of sense. Um, Commissioner
Campy alluded earlier that eight or nine years ago when we were creating this very detailed plan, as detailed and tight as it was drawn, we couldn't anticipate where Florida Power and Light might think that a new substation would make sense to serve this community. The
location is ideal. So, you take a few acres out of protected land, you swap it for a few others, and you know, we're talking about 20 or 30 acres uh in 2,000 plus acres of open space. So, I hope
those of you who haven't been out to Newfield recently will come out and take a look. It's very exciting. The new athletic fields, which we promised to Martin County nine years ago and are very needed, are nearing completion right now right along Newfield Parkway.
Uh the town center, the small small scale retail center, uh will be coming out of the ground fairly soon talking to retailers who would like to be there to serve this community. So, a lot of exciting things happening out there and
uh I know the plan very well. So, I'm watching closely with with no uh corporate authority whatsoever. Simply the moral authority of a founder who put it in motion and then stepped aside. So, thank you for this opportunity this
morning. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner Campy. >> Just to follow up, I remember when Mr. Kiplinger was looking for someone to take over the project from his vision. I
call it night vision. And um he and I had a conversation about several different suitors that were interested in getting an entitled property at this size in Martin County, which is unheard of. I tell people the last time something like this really took place was Martin DS. And we do this every 50
years. And um and I know how concerned he was that whoever most people assumed that the Kiplinger family was going to develop the project themselves. like they're they're multi-talented but that wasn't one of them and I remember when he said about Madam and I'm like I
hadn't heard of them and we got a chance to meet with them a Canadian company and I think one of the most clever parts of the company is the the reason it's called Madame is the owner of the company's children are Matt and Amy and it's Madam and um and when he picked
them they had a little ground like a little ceremony out there with a tent and it was very nice and Mr. Dr. Kiplinger had asked me to speak and I sort of said to the new Madame partners I said he's got a night there's night vision here you have to do because we
all approved it based on his vision and Marcela Campbell and the team he had put together Madam was showing up new and we just wanted them to understand that this was not going to be like a bait and switch kind of a thing that they were going to come in and do whatever they wanted
and I would tell Knight my friend that uh they've done exactly what we thought of your vision and approved and probably even more so. I hear such wonderful things from people that are that have actually moved out there. They've been
very uh available to us and our staff. Uh we've had a couple of issues that have come up which is just normal uh back and forth kind of stuff and they've immediately um taken care of them. So your legacy, which I think is the right word, is very well protected in in your
last selection process, which was hiring. Madam, James Fitzgerald is very available. They've really involved themselves in the community. And for those of us that put our stuck our necks out for your vision, you picked the right group and um and it's made my life
much much easier. So, thank you to you and thank you to the folks at Madam. And we have a motion without a second. second caps. >> Any further discussion? >> Commissioner Heatherington,
>> I would just say um to Mr. Kipinger because I participated as a private citizen in your public meetings which you did an amazing job. Um I wasn't yet here when your project was approved, but as you just mentioned, your legacy has
been followed. And I like this that it uh includes additional um conservation land and I will support it. And I really do very much enjoy your trail heads out of the property. >> There's a motion and a second. All those
in favor? I opposed. That motion passes unanimously. Thank you. >> Thank you, commissioners. >> Thank you. Uh we'll now take up the uh BNC1 library board of trustee appointments.
>> Everybody has everyone turned in your voting sheets. Okay. Gordon for administration. Dr. Paul Copeland and Miss Mary Hitchborn received one vote each. Miss Paula Best Hunt and Mrs. Roxanne Johnson
received four votes each. Motion to accept uh Paula Hunt and Roxanne Johnson uh to be reappointed to the library board. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? There's a motion
and a second. All those in favor? I opposed. That motion passes unanimously. Thank you, Miss Gordon. We'll now take up uh department quasi judicial number one which is a request for approval of a planned unit development final site plan
for the storage rentals of America project. This is quasi judicial. Commissioner Vargas, any exparte disclosures? >> I have any. They've been filed. >> Commissioner Caps? >> If I have any, they have been filed. >> I have them and they've been filed. Commissioner Campy, >> I have them and they've been filed.
>> And Commissioner Heatherington, >> I do have some and those have been filed. Uh, Mr. Aguilar, have you turned in all of your relevant information to the >> Yes, a copy of my work history has been turned in as exhibit one. >> Okay. And uh, anyone who's going to be
providing any sworn testimony, please stand, raise your right hand, and be sworn in. >> Do you swear or affirm the evidence you're about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. I do. >> Mr. Aguilar, please proceed.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, members of the board. My name is Luis Aguilar, principal planner for the growth management department. I'm presenting a POD final site plan application for a property owned by S A
S E Sandy LLC. The applicant, Storage Rentals of America, is presenting is requesting approval of a final site plan to construct a threetory 97,500
square foot self storage facility and associated associated infrastructure on approximately 2.51 acres. Included is a request for a certificate of public facilities reservation. The subject property is located at the
southwest corner of southeast Dixie Highway and southeast Osprey Street and east of southeast Sandy Lane in Hop Sound. This is an enlarged area of the site. The property is undeveloped.
The property is abing South Martin Regional Utilities Water Treatment Plant to the west and the Ridgeway mobile home subdivision to the north. So that's the mobile home
subdivision and the water plant here. The future land use designation is general commercial and the zoning district is pod residential. The east state pod was adopted in 1978
and consists of single family dwellings, duplexes, multif family sites, a park and a commercial area. The subject property lot 21 block I is a commercial area. As mentioned before, the property
consists of a threetory 97,500 ft residential service storage facility known as storage renters of America. Entrance to the proposed storage facility will be through southeast sandy
lane. The parking rate adjustments is requested pursuant to section 4.625 Martin County LDR and 12 parking spaces are proposed. This is the this is the first sheet of
the site plan. Access to the site will be through these two locations on southeast uh Sunday lane. You can see also uh the proposed parking area and a uh 20 x 51 loading zone over
here. This is a closer look of the proposed building. You can see over here the proposed dry retention area. Uh this is located in the southern part of the site
and the building set back here is over 88 ft long. The applicant is requesting alternative compliance from the primary facade transparency administration provision of article 4 division 20. Staff recommend
approval. The board of county commissioners is the final decision maker for this application. These are the proposed elevations. This elevation here faces uh Dixie Highway and this is the main entrance elevation
on Southwest Sandy Lane. The applicant is also uh providing a presentation with more renderings for you to see. Pursuant to article 10, table 105F9, Martin County Land Development
Regulations, review, this application is not required by the local planning agency. Development review staff have found the storage rentals of America application to comply with all applicable regulations and the comprehensive growth
management plan as detailed in the staff report. We recommend to move that the board receive and file the agenda item and its attachments including the staff report as exhibit one and move that the board adopt the resolution approving the
storage renters of America final site plan. This concludes my presentation. The applicant um is here and has prepared presentation and is ready to answer any questions. Thank you. >> Questions for Mr. Aguilar,
Mr. Reigns. >> Morning, Commissioner Herd. Commissioners, thank you for the record. Bob Reigns, a land use attorney with the Gunster Law Firm here on behalf of the applicant this morning. Uh, thank you for the opportunity to be here uh, presenting this project. Um, as Mr.
Aguilar pointed out, I wanted to make a couple of points and in a minute I'm going to have Ruben Cruz from Kimley Horn to come up and make a presentation. But this is a project that is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the existing PUD zoning and the master plan
that was exhibited on that PUD. And we're following uh your code and that comp plan and PUD with the exception of the alternative compliance that we're asking for but that we believe is actually something that helps with the uh hiding the building and stuff. And
we'll get into that in just a minute. But with your permission, Madam Chair, I'd like to ask Mr. Agarwal just a couple of questions if I could. >> Sure. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Agar, are you uh did you prepare the staff report for this presentation? >> Yes, I did >> for this item. And if I could turn your
attention uh to section F, which is of the staff report, which is the determination of compliance with the comprehensive growth management plan requirements. It's prepared by the growth management department. Did you prepare that section, sir? >> Yes, I did. >> And it reads, finding of compliance. Staff has reviewed this application and
finds that it complies with the LDRs as detailed within this report. Staff recommends approval of this development application as consistent with the guidelines and standards of the applicable comprehensive plans, goals, objectives, and policies as implemented in the LDRs. Uh, did you write that,
sir? >> I did. >> And would you still agree that's the case? >> Yes. And also section G, determination of compliance with the land use, site design standards, zoning and procedural requirements, growth management department. Is that also a section that you worked on?
>> Yes. >> And that reads, "Sir, findings of compliance. Staff has reviewed this application and finds that it complies with the LDRs as detailed within this report. Staff recommends approval of this development application as consistent with the guidelines and standards of applicable comprehensive
plans, goals, objectives, and policies as implemented in the LDRs. Is that did you write that, sir? >> Yes. >> And is that still your position? >> It is. >> Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. So, at this time, I'd like to ask uh Ruben Cruz with Kimley Horn to come up and give a
short presentation. I have a couple of questions for him and then I'll let him proceed. Mr. Cruz, can you introduce yourself for the record, sir? >> Yes. Thank you. Ruben Cruz, uh, Company Horn and Associates. >> And have you been sworn in, sir? >> Yes. Yes, I have.
>> And can you give us a brief description of your educational background and your work history, sir? >> Yes, thank you. I hold a bachelor's in communication, masters in urban and regional planning from Florida Atlantic University. Uh both degrees are from FAU
and I have a professional background of uh 20 plus years in municipal government uh working for Juno Beach, Hollandale Beach and Jupiter Island and currently with Kim Lee Horn. >> And can you identify the document, sir, that I'm handing you?
>> Yes, this is my resume. >> And is that an accurate depiction of your resume? >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. I'd like to put this in as applicants exhibit one and turn that into the clerk. So, go ahead and proceed, sir. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, commissioners, chair, vice chair. Um, this is uh storage. Um, again, for the record, Ruben Cruz, Kimley Horn and Associates uh 1920 Wakiva Way, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411.
Um, I'm here on behalf of Storage Rentals of America presenting their proposed project here. Uh, little background of our team that we've uh assembled for you today. I'm hoping your monitors are showing the
uh this is my first time in your chambers uh presenting um some site information as staff demonstrated there. This is our site um along Osprey and Southeast Dixie Highway. It currently is a vacant piece
of property. Um and our proposed use is that of a uh self storage um future land use designation commercial general and the zoning district is PUDR, which is something to be um highlighted that this
is a PUD. This is part of a PUD um and we're complying with that PUD. And I'll show you that that uh approved PUD in a in a bit here. Here's a highle view of the proposed site with some of the
surrounding um neighborhoods. Again, future land use that of commercial general zoning PUDR residential. And this is that uh PUD uh that was originally approved back in 78 1978 and
it has our our specific site designated as a commercial area. Um hence that's where we're going. And our proposed site, our proposed site is that of a three-story um uh three
thou 32,500 square footprint uh self- storage facility. Um so that is the uh footprint that is taking up the land. It's it's something to indicate here that uh looking at the uh lot coverage um the
building coverage there that we're proposing is that of 29.88. Um the max is 30%, so we're we're within that. And then also the uh landscape open space percentages is 20, right? We're at
52.99. So we're we're giving that landscape open space that is uh highly uh important uh for this project and appearance to the neighboring properties. Here,
our site plan uh showing some specific site data information, but also highlights uh features that during the review process um we worked with staff and those items showing our dry retention ponds um that are, you know,
to maintain our on-site uh drainage facility. also the community area um that we're going to be providing on site uh that's part of the requirement sidewalks showing also our uh parking
area our entry feature off uh Sandy Lane and also another key component um because we are within the weld field protection zone um we do have SMRU a future well pad there uh that we've
designated on our site uh to comply with that given our proximity to SMRU just to our west and this is for general uh rendering purposes for visualization of the proposed landscaping. Um part of the
alternative compliance um for that lower level is providing some landscaping. So this shows our effort in working with staff, working in good faith effort to comply with those regulations. Another key feature of the landscaping
is as some of you uh may drive by this site, uh there's an existing uh slash pline tree that was there. Um, I I've frequent the area and have noted that that tree and this is something that the project is going to be maintaining in
communications with staff throughout the project. Um, it was noted and we agreed, yes, let's save that tree. And here's a uh um a rendering of how that would uh take look along Dixie Highway.
And then for the neighboring properties, the residentials, uh, properties just to the south, we could see a cross-section here of that property um, with our landscaping, the easement, the buffer. And then also just highlighting that
that beautiful tree again. And these are some of the other landscape uh materials, trees that we will have on site uh to comply with our landscaping that again also we're going above and beyond the minimum requirements for the landscaping and
some of our ground covered features. >> See if we're paying attention. >> And here's a step back. So, if you're on the corner taking a view, taking a look at the proposed uh project, this is uh the view that you will see um
incorporating that tree, the landscaping buffer and giving a good architectural feature to play on the three stories. So, it doesn't give you that perception of a of a tall building. again showing our Burm
structure entrance off Sandy Lane and also too here's the entrance to our facility um showing some lighting features that are is going to be controlled down lighting um to not
provide a glare another picture and then also part of the project um this is an ongoing project. This is a a project that's been since 2023 and there was a lot of community um outreach uh
community involvement that took place with this getting some input from the community of what they wanted to see and how you know we could move forward. So throughout the process we just wanted to uh highlight the effort that we have taken um to reach
out to the community uh via mailings, electronic information uh sites um having events uh where we can meet uh with the community and also with key liaison for neighboring communities. Uh
here's an example of just one of the uh community center outreach uh meetings we had for the project recently and along with that feedback that we did receive. It was part of you know the
buyin for the project. So with that we did uh what we perceived as buyin from the community not hearing objections to it but that of uh being in favor of it. So when we're looking at the our
regulations comp plan and input we're looking for consistency and compliance. So, we're looking at, you know, is this project consistent with Martin Countyy's comprehensive plan and the approved um East Ridge PUD?
We got that box checked. Looks like it. Um, does it comply with the applicable LDRs? Um, along with that alternative compliance, checking that box. Um, is this a low intensity commercial use compatible with
the surrounding areas? because we're looking around what's the traffic flow? What's going to be the impact to our neighbors? We're looking at checking that box. And then did we have community outreach, extensive community outreach?
We checked that box. And then also working with staff uh getting their input um throughout the process and being able to uh get a positive um response of recommending approval to the board. Checking that
box. And now what we're here is respectfully requesting approval from the board for the project. >> And Mr. Cruz, if I could ask you just a couple of questions, please sir. Uh, are you familiar with the Martin County
comprehensive plan and the land development code regulations? >> Yes, sir. >> And in your professional opinion, does this project is it consistent with the comprehensive plan in the land development code? >> Yes. >> And is it also consistent with the PUD zoning for this site?
>> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, commissioners, that concludes our presentation. Um, just a couple other quick comments for me before we just wrap it up. I I think that our client has done an excellent job with with
respect to this project. It's been a number of years. Uh, we listen to the community. I think the fact and I know you'll call in just a moment for public comment but I I don't see very many people here and uh you know there may be somebody here but I think we've done an
excellent job of meeting with the community and listening to their concerns and trying to address those concerns. I would also again just like to point out this is a PUD but again we're not asking for any amendments to the PUD. We're consistent with what was approved the PUD zoning. So, we're not
here. This is strictly a final site plan that is consistent not only with the comp plan, the land development regulations, but also the PUD that was approved for this project. So, we'll be glad to answer any questions. I do have with me also from Storage Rentals of America, uh, Bo Re and Erica Laughafler.
We'll be glad to answer, they'll be glad to answer any questions you might have on the operation or Storage Rentals of America. So, thank you for your time and we'll be glad to answer any questions you might have. >> Any questions for Mr. Reigns or for staff? I have one question and I don't know who
who it's addressed to. How much uh square footage is available in the approved PUB for this project? >> Good morning. Pete Walden, deputy growth management director. The PUD just basically states that it'll be built out
as general commercial. >> So it has a 60% land coverage >> uh building coverage. So this PUB didn't specify uh >> correct it doesn't have a gross leasable area like the other one >> that and commissioner if I could just
add something to that and Pete and Mr. Agar can or Paul Pete and Luis can correct me if I'm wrong but we're following the existing general commercial land development code for Martin County the existing today. Is that >> that's correct?
>> Yes. So we we did do that commissioner in response to that. So, okay, >> we're consistent with the current code. >> Would anyone from the public like to address us? Seeing none, back to the board. Commissioner Caps, >> this is a PUD final site plan.
It is not a PUD amendment. We have less discretion with PUD final site plans than with PUD amendments. The legal standard
for a PUB final site plan is competent substantial evidence in the record and it appears that the applicant has met this standard with this PUD final site plan
application. The applicant had commercial development rights on this property from the original PUD in 1978. The applicant is not asking to amend the
PUD. He is just saying, I will accept the original PUD as originally written, and I'm finally ready to exercise the development rights granted by the original PUD. Therefore, I move approval of the
application. And um I I would also like to thank you for I as I remember you all moved the building to save that big pine tree. Uh that one is like a champion pine
tree. As I mentioned before, those are unusually large ones. You really got something there. Uh don't let anything happen to that tree. And this is really not my purview, but I I've learned a couple things about big pine trees. And
one of them is do not run heavy equipment across the root structure that's sticking up out of the ground. If you crack those big roots, that tree will be dead in 30 days. And secondly, pine trees like dry habitat
and dry soils. Don't heavily irrigate around that tree either. That really messes up pine trees. And I'm gonna make one more suggestion that's really not my business, but I'm going to make it anyway. >> He's amending the people.
>> There there's this thing. >> It's just a suggestion. There's this thing called zeroscape where you're trying to create original habitat. And you know, the aerial photos
of this lot suggest that this parcel was scrub lands at one time. It's white sugar sand. U very unique habitat. I'd love to see you try to recreate scrub lands like in JD Park. When you're
riding down to Tquesta and you see those scrub hills, look at the type of vegetation there. uh there are scrub oaks and scrub pines. Um and that is the kind of soil that
they're looking for and no floritam grass would be a beautiful thing. You wouldn't have to mow and you you wouldn't even have to irrigate. So those are just suggestions. I I would love to see that recreated uh around the border of that building.
That'd be a beautiful site, but that's up to you. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any further discussion? There's a motion and a second. All those in favor? I opposed. That motion passes unanimously. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> We will now move on to department one, office of management and budget items which require approval. Miss Merley. Good morning, Commissioner. Stephanie Merley, director of OMB, here to present
six items to you today. The first item we have is a permission to apply for the Clean Vessel Act operations grant through Florida Department of Environmental Protection or FT for sewage removal programs such as the Martin County's pump outbo
operation program. Um, our utilities and solid waste division is requesting application of about 9 $99,000 for the repairs and maintenance, operating supplies, and non- capital equipment related to the MSPO program. And there's no cash match required.
Item number two is a permission to apply for the FY26 Florida Inland Navigation District or Fine Waterway Assistance Program. Um, the public works department is requesting $100,000 to provide funds for the stabilization of Boy Scout
Island within the Indian River Lagoon using a hybrid living shoreline design to benefit local maintain channels within the intra coastal waterway and preserve boating access. There is a grant match of $100,000 plus an additional $50,000 of county funds required to complete the project which
is budgeted in the shoreline management CIP. Item number three is a permission to apply for the Florida Department of Children and Families reinvestment grant. Our human services division is requesting 1.2 million over a three-year period to provide expanded support and
services to individuals in the Martin County Health Court program. There is no grant match required for this. Item number four is a permission to apply for the BJA FY25 Edward Burn Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program um for the Martin County
Sheriff's Office. They're requesting $21,112 for technology and training related to traffic crash analysis software. Um there's no match required on behalf of the sheriff's office.
Item number five are adjustments to the fiscal year 2026 budget. Um the first item is a request to allocate the sale proceeds from the um JAMS property in Palm City. Um in FY24 we purchased this property in Palm City and we recently
closed on it and now I need to deposit the receipts. Um so OM is requesting a budget resolution to allocate the funds accordingly to fully satisfy the interfund loan with outstanding balance in the general fund reserves and to replenish the district 5 MSTU.
And the very last item is a request to allocate unanticipated contribution from the coastal waste and recycling pan planned unit development third amendment. Um, OMB is requesting a $25,000 budget resolution um to deposit the contribution for the approved
coastal waste recycling PUB. And that's all I have today. >> Motion to accept staff's recommendation. >> Second, >> Commissioner Camps. >> Under item number three, permission to apply for the Florida Department of Children and Families Reinvestment
Grant. I'd just like to highlight um the group called the Martin County Public Safety Coordinating Council and I serve on that group. We meet twice a year and we just had a meeting. It's a
very impressive group of professionals made up of law enforcement, uh, state attorneys, public defenders, mental health professionals, social workers, uh, lots of wonderful staff, and they all have a common goal of working
together to get our most vulnerable citizens back on their feet. I'm very glad to be a part of the group and it's it's really heartening to see how much our community cares and the structures that are in
place to to help people in the greatest levels of need in our community. >> Any further questions or comments? There's a motion and a second. All those in favor? I opposed. That motion passes unanimously. Thank you.
Uh, Department 2 contracts that meet the threshold for board approval of $1 million or greater. Miss Brotherton. >> Good morning. Christy Brotherton, chief procurement officer. I have two contracts for your consideration. Uh, the first one is geotechnical
engineering and quality control services. This is a continuing services agreement with a maximum not to exceed value of $3 million and a maximum not to exceed term of five years. and staff is recommending that the board
award the contracts to the three highest scoring firms which are listed in alphabetical order of Anderson Andre Consulting Engineers, Artem and Associates and Terracon Consultants and move that the board authorize the county administrator or designate to execute
all documents related to this request. Uh the next contract is a continuing services agreement for general contractor services. Uh the work orders that are issued under this particular contract are limited to $300,000 per
work order. Um anything above that has to be formally bid as an individual project. And this maximum not to exceed value is $20 million with a maximum not to exceed term of 5 years. and staff is recommending that the board
award the contract to the four highest scoring firms which are also listed in alphabetical order of Hennis Construction Company, Hooks Construction Company, Kirchman Construction Company, and Wells Brothers Construction Company and move that the board authorize the county administrator or designate to
execute all documents re related to this request. And that concludes this item. >> Questions? >> I'll move approval. >> Second. There's a motion and a second. All those in favor? I opposed. That motion passes unanimously.
Department three is a presentation of Martin County Fire Rescue lithium battery awareness. Good morning. >> Good morning. Uh good morning uh chair, commissioners, members of the board. My name is Chris Hansen. I'm the deputy fire marshal here
with Martin County Fire Rescue. Like to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about lithium-ion batteries and some of the challenges that they present for us. As you may recall, we were just here in October for uh proclamation declaring fire prevention week here in Martin County. Uh this
year's theme was charge into fire safety lithium ion batteries in the household. Each year NFPA hand selects a topic based on emerging hazards out in in our nation. Uh this really highlights a growing concern today. Most of the electronics in our homes are powered by
lithium ion batteries ranging from watch batteries all the way up to the electrical vehicles. While these things are uh efficient and powerful, it could really pose a serious risk when they're not used or maintained properly. All right. Here you can see uh the Florida State Fire Marshall's uh office
had in 2025 had reported 212 lithium ion related incidences. This is brand new because historically lithium ion was grouped with electrical fires and now we're learning that these are completely different because with electrical fires you simply disconnect them and then the
hazard goes away. with lithium ion. Once they go into this state, they are unstable and can remain in that uh state and they generate a lot of heat um on those things up to a,000 degrees. So, you can definitely tell it's a little different than just your uh common
electrical fires. In my role here at Martin County Fire Rescue, I also conduct investigations after fires to determine what caused them. We have seen a few of these lithium ion fires over the last few years, including hoverboards, uh a golf
cart, and even an aircraft at at that magnitude. I've witnessed firsthand the consequences of mishandling or improper uh disposal and how it can be devastating. In addition to the initial fire risk, these batteries really continue to pose a threat um because
they are unstable and can reignite hours and even days later. So, this is a continued threat just for f uh first responders. uh the fire investigators and also for the people involved in the cleanup operations. Even our landfills are having to take special considerations to isolate these and
store them properly to where it does not continue to burn. At this time, I'd like to introduce Josh Jenkins, our community risk reduction specialist, for some safety tips for living with lithium ion. >> Thank you, Chris, and thanks again for having us here. Um, so we were asked to talk a little bit about lithium-ion
batteries, what's happening in Martin County. And in Chris's role as an investigator, he's looking at origin and cause and what happened and why did this happen. My role uh at the department is largely educational. Um, so I spend a lot of time in the public at HOA
clubouses, schools, churches, scout meetings, etc. talking about this stuff about a range of of fire safety um topics. And so um just sharing what I what I have learned um with you all regarding best practices uh for charging
specifically and maintenance. Um many of the hoverboard fires that we have looked at occur because mobility devices like hoverboards and ebikes they take a beating and the the battery casing gets damaged. So, looking at any list of
safety tips regarding lithium-ion batteries, you're going to see a lot of guidance about keeping them on firm, flat, level surfaces, not not on shelves, not where they can fall down and get damaged. Um, these devices do generate a nominal amount of heat while they're charging as just a natural
way that they function. But keeping them out of direct sunlight is really important because you don't want to introduce any more heat to this device than it creates on its own. So, this is really relevant in places like garages where we have golf carts and lawn tools and lawn equipment, stuff like that,
where it could be potentially sitting in direct sunlight while it's charging. Want to make sure there's at least 36 in of clear space. And referencing uh back to garages, again, making sure you're not charging any of these devices anywhere near flammables or fuel. This is a really big one. This is really
critical and a lot of lithium-ion battery fires have started because of this one. only using the charger that came from the factory with that device. These charging apparatus are engineered specifically to serve a particular device. And part of that charging
apparatus includes what is called a gate that is engineered to close when it senses the lithium ion battery and the device is full. The gate is supposed to close. In many cases, catastrophic structure fires have been known to be been caused by a failed gate apparatus
on a charging apparatus. So, no aftermarket chargers. So, you can see aftermarket chargers, universal USBC type chargers in gas stations. They're they're they're everywhere. But this is a big no no in terms of charging uh
safety. And then, um maybe we might all be guilty of this one. Unplugging lithium-ion battery devices when they're full is really critical. Um, if there is an issue with your charging apparatus or if there is damage to that battery case
and it is allowed to sit in on a charger while it's current is being pumped into that device without a functional gate, the phenomenon known as thermal runaway occurs. And if that occurs, it will ignite eventually. So,
it's going to continue to heat up until the casing ignites. And then there's a definitely a hazard of explosion after that. So thermal runaway is a big problem. The best way to mitigate it is unplugging your devices when they're full. Um I personally witnessed a home
in North River Shores that was a total loss. Um I happened to be down the road from that when when that house caught on fire from a golf cart which ignited a Tesla which exploded and that the house was a total loss. When I went home from
that incident, I walked into my garage and I unplugged a weed eater, a drill, a flashlight, and a golf cart. They were all sitting there so they'll be full when I'm ready for them. But that as you read in about lithium-ion battery safety safety, that is a big no no.
So, warning signs that you might have an issue would include um any swelling or bulging of the case. A little heat is okay, but generating more heat than would be comfortable for you to touch with your hand is a is an indicator that you're approaching thermal runaway. Um,
any hissing, cracking, or popping sounds means the inside is getting ready to ignite or has ignited and will burn through that casing eventually. So, that's a that's a that's an imminent life safety threat. Um, if these batteries do catch on fire and even before they're ignited, they
could be offging. So, this is a really um important thing for people to know about that these fumes emitted by lithium-ion battery devices are extremely carcinogenic and and just could really overwhelm somebody very quickly in an enclosed space. So, if you
notice any of these warning signs and you want you feel safe that you feel like you can safely get remove it from the structure, you're going to potentially save that structure from from a catastrophic fire. Maybe a fire blanket, maybe oven mitts would be appropriate, whatever is appropriate
given them the situation, but getting it out of the structure really safely. And then enacting your family's home escape plan. Um, we are always encouraging people to create a home escape plan. And this is really critical to do before a fire. You can't really make an effective plan of what should I grab, what's my
responsibilities, where do we meet? That doesn't happen during a fire. This is pre-planning. Um and then because you have heard us um extol the virtues of ABC extinguishers many times, this is an important note. Um when people call fire
prevention and to ask what type of extinguisher should I get for my home, that's very typical question for us. Our policy established by the fire marshall is that we recommend ABC type extinguishers because they're also known as universal type of extinguishers and A, B, and C classifiers are what you
would expect in a residential structure. So finally, it's just an important thing for people to be aware of. ABC extinguishers that we know and love are not rated to put out lithium ion batteries and battery fires. So this is
in the R&D phase right now as far as NFPA is concerned. We're waiting on guidance for what's the best type of extinguisher for a lithium-ion battery device, but ABC is not rated for that. So, in closing, we would encourage
anybody with any more questions to look at our website. You're welcome to call us anytime. And nfpa.org also has a wealth of fire safety information. They're cataloged by topics and it's a it's a wealth of information. I actually printed and brought with us today two
safety tip sheets from NFPA um about lithium ion battery safety. and I put stacks of 50 out on the little table uh right out there for anybody that wants any information to take with them. That's all that we had for you today.
So, thank you again, >> Commissioner Vargas. >> Yeah. Uh just really a comment. I fly quite a bit and they usually ask you, do you have any lithium ion batteries, but you have your computer with you and you you may have your watch, etc. So, I'm a little confused why you go on an aircraft with something that could
potentially explode, catch fire. >> That's a good point that you're making. And it's we're kind of a new territory. Like Chris said, NFPA just classified this as as a unique class of fire. So, it's it's it's trending and we're going
to get a lot more guidance from NFPA in the future. And it wouldn't surprise me if airlines prohibited that. But it your many flights are business related. So >> I I I would have no idea how that governance is going to work. >> Sure. It would be that and vaping products too. They asked that.
>> Yeah. Right. >> Commissioner Caps. >> So I think you said an ABC extinguisher does not work well >> to put out a lithium fire. >> Can you expand on that a little bit? >> Right. And and then so what what is the
solution? Do you need a different kind of extinguisher? Uh >> um theoretically, if you know if you're if you are comfortable using an extinguisher and you catch that while it's still in the incipient phase, meaning it's just been born, it's just growing. Um if it's small enough, you
have 5 lbs of powder in an ABC. A 5B ABC extinguisher refers to the amount of agent inside. Those are the kinds that you see all over like we have here. um if you catch it early enough and if it's a small enough device, cell phone, maybe a laptop, theoretically you could have
enough powder to smother that fire. But the has the reason they're not rated for it is reignition. Um as Chris said, reignition is a really critical issue with lithium-ion batteries, um storage facilities, um salvage yards, etc. They
have to give a really wide birth to any electrical vehicle that's that's maybe been damaged or maybe it has been on fire because they're notorious for reigniting. So, you could probably put it out if you caught it early enough, but reignition is is a serious hazard
there. So a class D extinguisher which is made for to put out metal burning metal um is a known suppressant agent for for these because it the uh the agent happens to be finely ground metal um as opposed to a powder and it forms
it melts and forms a shell. Um, so that it could be that could be um a reliable way to prevent reignition, but we don't have hard code, which is where we work and where we operate, and
so we're waiting on that. So, is it particularly hazardous when you have lithium batteries that get compressed in some way like um in a garbage truck or like something heavy
falls on one and and crushes it and are those the events that often time make them explode and ignite? >> That that's a big problem. The damage to that casing allows air to get where it shouldn't be and it also affects the the inner operation of the anode and the
cathode and it it disrupts the normal operating the flow of things of of lithium ions specifically. So yeah, any damage to any any battery is a big problem. New York has seen really catastrophic residential structure fires from ebikes. Really important that those
things are not stored anywhere near your main egress opportunity. Um, we also did want to mention that um, we called our friends at the hazardous waste collection facility and they confirmed that they will allow uh, residents to take lithium-ion batteries there to be
properly disposed of, but no larger than a car battery size. Um, would be accepted there. Um, select Staples and Home Depot will will also take uh, used lithium-ion batteries for disposal.
Any further questions? >> No. Thank you so much. >> That was a great presentation. We all know that we're making mistakes. Y >> we're all guilty of all the things that you say in the garbage can, right? Oh my god. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
We'll take up department five, which is our last department, which is uh adoption of a resolution approving and accepting the acquisition of two parcels in Hob Sounds totaling 3.29 acres as recommended by
the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. >> Chair Herd, uh, commission members, Mark Cavaney, deputy director of public works. pleased to be here this afternoon to discuss this item. Two parcels in the Hob Sound area totaling approximately
3.29 acres kind of at the bend in Cactus Trail. Uh the history on this is that the ELOC, as you know, has identified numerous properties for acquisition. Um and this is one of their top properties. What we like especially about this property is it gives us access to um
Atlantic Ridge and state property that currently now has no access. So, we're very excited about the future that we can now have access for our public um to get into this state park and kind of begin the process of um you know, including our our environmentally sensitive lands.
>> Terrific. Any questions? Commissioner Caps. >> I would like to thank Julian and Estelene Rogers, uh fellow Hob Sound residents for their willingness to sell their land to Martin County for conservation.
Um this is a great legacy to them and uh you know when I was thinking about the work that we do as commissioners and
the particularly the conservation initiatives that are going on with Martin Forever the halfsent sales tax and I thought this is the most important work we're doing. Yeah. and that we will have a privilege to do
during these next several years. Uh it's a very exciting time when the conservation map of Martin County will be significantly changed and uh you know I was thinking about legacy
as I was walking in the scrub lands of JD Park over the weekend and I was thinking uh that is the most permanent legacy that we can leave for kids and grandkids and great grandkids. You know, anything
we build is going to fade away one day. If you build a bridge, if you build a building, a road, whatever it is, if it's made with human hands, it's uh what does the Bible verse say?
The uh >> give a man a fish, you feed him one day, teach different one >> where the flower uh witherth and the something fadeth. I forgot what it was in the Psalms. >> But but basically the idea that anything
man-made is going to deteriorate and uh wash away. But when we leave land, it's forever. And it's a it's a great thought and a great job to all involved
uh especially our staff and also to the uh Julian and Estelene for will their willingness to sell the land into conservation. >> Yep. >> And they're not making any more. >> And I'll move approval of the
acquisition or transfer or however this needs to be stated. >> Commissioner Vargas. >> Yeah, I I do know Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, find people that have been anchored in this area for a very, very long time,
Hope Sound Bible College, uh some other areas too that they've, you know, had their fingerprints on. So, I have to agree with uh Commissioner Caps um to do this and we had another lady earlier today that is continuing her legacy,
too. So very proud to be here at this moment, you know, and thank you very much for uh the voters of Martin County, you know, to help us move forward with this. This is a momentous time. >> Philanthrop philanthropy for
conservation is alive and well in Martin County >> here in Martin County. >> There's a motion and a second. All those in favor? I opposed. That motion passes unanimously. Thank you. We've come to the end of our uh agenda.
Any further commissioner comments? Commissioner Vargas? >> No, I think I'm set for today. Thank you. >> Commissioner Caps, >> all set. >> Commissioner Campy, >> all set. >> Commissioner Heatherington, >> all set today. >> Mr. Donaldson, >> all set. Thank you. >> Miss Elder, >> we And no one is here from the public.
Okay. >> So, we are ajourned. >> Thank you.