Board of County Commissioners
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Meeting - Follow-Up Memo

The meeting was held in the Leon County Courthouse, County Commission Chambers, Fifth Floor, located at 301 S. Monroe Street   Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

The media and the public could access the meeting in real time on Comcast channel 16, the Leon County Florida channel on Roku, the County’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, Twitter and County web site.

Citizens wishing to provide input on any item(s) on the published agenda (or a non-agenda subject) for the meeting could share public comment by using one of the following options:

• In-person at the meeting; or
• Register to provide comments using communications media technology during the meeting through the registration form using the following link https://www2.leoncountyfl.gov/coadmin/agenda/

Citizens wishing to provide virtual comment must have registered by 8 p.m. on the day before the meeting to provide County staff sufficient time to provide instructions to citizens for comment during the meeting.  Anyone needing assistance with registration could contact County Administration at 850-606-5300.

Please note that Board of County Commissioners Policy 01-05, Article IX., Section E., titled “Addressing the Commission”, and Article IX., Section F., entitled “Decorum”, shall remain in full force and effect.

INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Invocation by Luke Harper with Bradfordville First Baptist Church

Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Brian Welch

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

• Proclamation Recognizing May 2024 as Bike Month
  (Commissioner Cummings)
  • Eric Draper, Joint Bicycling Workgroup member, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Board for its support.
     
• Proclamation Recognizing the Retirement of Assistant Sheriff Steve Harrelson
  (Commissioner Welch)
  • Assistant Sheriff Steve Harrelson accepted the proclamation and thanked the Board for its support.
     
• Presentation to Recognize the Office of Economic Vitality for Winning the 2024 Regional Economic Development Deal of the Year Award from the Florida Economic Development Council for the Amazon Fulfillment Center
  (Commissioner Cummings)
  • Keith Bowers, Director of the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV), spoke about the Office of Economic Vitality having received this award.  He provided an overview of the Amazon Fulfillment Center’s economic impact.  He reported that the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was named Strongest Economy in the United States in a report published in the Area Development magazine.
    • • The Commissioners congratulated and commended OEV staff.
         

Citizens to be Heard on CONSENT AND Non-Agendaed Items

3-minute limit per speaker; there will not be any discussion by the Commission.

The following speakers provided in-person comments:

• Brittany Griffith spoke regarding flooding issues in the Hillwood neighborhood stemming from an increase of water coming through the Miccosukee Greenway from Canopy.
• Ryan Stokes spoke regarding the flooding issues in the Hillwood neighborhood and asked the Board to assist with mitigation measures.

CONSENT

ACTION TAKEN:  Commissioner Minor moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of items #5, #7, #9, #10, #11 and #13 that were pulled from Consent.
The motion passed 7-0

1. Minutes:  March 19, 2024 Regular Meeting
   (Clerk of Court)
   The Board approved Option #1:   Approve the minutes of the March 19, 2024 Regular Meeting.
    
2. Payment of Bills and Vouchers
   (County Administrator/ Office of Management & Budget)
   The Board approved Option #1:   Approve the payment of bills and vouchers submitted for May 14, 2024, and the pre-approval of payment of bills and vouchers for the period of May 15, 2024 through June 10, 2024.
    
3. Voluntary Annexation of Property Located at 3055 Elmwood Road
   (County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management)
   The Board approved Option #1:  Do not object to the proposed voluntary annexation of Parcel #12-18-15-B-003-0 owned by Gregory M. Gibbs located at 3055 Elmwood Road.
    
4. Request to Schedule the First and Only Public Hearing to Consider an Amendment to the Southwood Development of Regional Impact Integrated Development Order for June 11, 2024
   (County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management)
   The Board approved Option #1:  Schedule the first and only public hearing to consider an amendment to the Southwood Development of Regional Impact Integrated Development Order for June 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
    
5. PULLED - Approval of Updated Florida Division of Emergency Management's Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement and the WebEOC Subscription Agreement
   (County Administrator/ Emergency Management)
    
6. State of Florida’s Emergency Communications Board Cybersecurity Funding
   (County Administrator/ Emergency Management)
   The Board approved Option #1:  Approve the Resolution and Budget Amendment to realize the $50,000 appropriation from the Florida Emergency Communications Board into the FY 2024 E-911 Administration Budget.
    
7. PULLED Ratification of Board Actions Taken at the April 23, 2024 Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Workshop
   (County Administrator/ Office of Management & Budget)
    
8. 2024 Legislative Session Final Report and Request to Schedule the Board Workshop on the 2025 State and Federal Legislative Priorities
   (County Administrator/ County Administration)
   The Board approved Option #1:  Accept the 2024 Legislative Session Final Report; and
   Option #2:      Schedule the Board Workshop on the 2025 State and Federal Legislative Priorities for October 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
    
9. PULLED Authorization to Submit a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application for the Munson Slough Embankment Repair Project
   (County Administrator/Office of Management & Budget/ Public Works)
    
10. PULLED Authorization to Submit a U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Street and Roads for All Grant Application
    (County Administrator/Office of Management & Budget/ Public Works)

Procurements: (These items are included under Consent.)

11. PULLED Bid Award for Yard Debris Processing Services
    (County Administrator/ Purchasing/ Resource Stewardship)

Status Reports: (These items are included under Consent.)

12. Midyear FY 2024 Commissioner Discussion Items Status Report
    (County Administrator / County Administration)
    The Board approved Option #1:  Accept the Midyear FY 2024 Commissioner Discussion Items Status Report.
     
13. PULLED Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy 2.1.9 Family Heir Subdivision Status Report
    (County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management)
     
14. Status Update and Acceptance of Leon County Age-Friendly Action Plan
    (County Administrator / PLACE / Planning)
    The Board approved Option #1: Accept the status update on the Leon County Age-Friendly Action Plan to be submitted to the AARP Age Friendly Network Office.

Consent Items Pulled for Discussion

5.   Approval of Updated Florida Division of Emergency Management's Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement and the WebEOC Subscription Agreement
(County Administrator/ Emergency Management)

• Pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.
• Commissioner Proctor asked about the mutual aid agreement and cost of the WebEOC Subscription.
  • Kevin Peters provided an overview of the Statewide Mutual Aid agreement between jurisdictions.  He stated that there is no cost to the County for the WebEOC Subscription.
• Commissioner Maddox reflected on correspondence received from Elite Business Solutions and asked about the current Disaster Relief Emergency Management contract.
  • Kevin Peters stated that the County has a contract with Haggerty Consulting that provides aid and assistance to the County for documenting and preparing the FEMA public assistance paperwork for reimbursement to local governments.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor to approve Option #1:  Approve the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement between Leon County and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney; and

Option #2:  Approve the WebEOC Subscription Agreement, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney
The motion passed 7-0

7.   Ratification of Board Actions Taken at the April 23, 2024 Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Workshop
(County Administrator/ Office of Management & Budget)

• Pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.
• Commissioner Proctor questioned the contingency on option 1c.  He stated his support of a 5% increase without any contingency.  He asked for a $3,000 increase to the Commissioners’ Travel Budget to be included in the next budget workshop.  He made a motion for Option #1 as amended to add item ‘m.’, Increase each Commissioner’s Travel Budget by $3,000.
• Commissioner O’Keefe stated his opposition to the motion and Travel Budget increase, since the Commissioners’ office budgets were increased last year.
• Commissioner Caban confirmed with Roshaunda Bradley, Director of OMB, that Commissioner office budgets are flexible, and stated his support of the motion.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban to approve Option #1 as amended: Ratify the direction provided by the Board during the April 23, 2024 FY 2025 Budget Workshop, including:

1. 1. Approve the FY 2024 Budget Amendment allocating $5,000 from general fund contingency to support the 2024 Shoes4Schools event (Attachment #1).
   2. Authorize the County Administrator to solicit bids through the County’s Financial Advisor to finance the County’s $10 million local match for the Northwest Florida Water Management District Springs Restoration Grant to construct the second phase of the Woodville Sewer project, upon notification of grant award.
   3. Direct the County Administrator to provide an analysis at the June 18, 2024 Budget Workshop to consider a 5% across the Board pay raise for County and Constitutional employees if preliminary property values from the Property Appraiser Office, debt retirement savings and/or other revenues streams increase above $1.3 million.
   4. Approve an increase in the dental reimbursement rate of the CareNet Provider Reimbursement Pool from $125 to $175 per visit beginning in FY 2025 to include diagnostic and ancillary costs such as laboratory and X-ray services.
   5. Approve an increase in the mental health reimbursement rate of the CareNet Provider Reimbursement Pool from $80 to $210 per visit for mental health professionals (g., psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, etc.) beginning in FY 2025 to align with Medicaid rates for reimbursement.
   6. Accept the status update on the green fleet conversion plan.
   7. Adopt the proposed revisions to the Leon County Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section VII, Subsection 7.20 – Parental Leave, to provide eight weeks of paid leave at 100% of the employee’s rate of pay following the birth or adoption of a child (Attachment #2), effective upon approval.
   8. Maintain the current Employer/Employee Health Insurance cost share splits for the development of the FY 2025 Preliminary Budget.
   1. Approve $150,000 in the FY 2025 Budget to construct a ground-level water tank at the Volunteer Fire Department station on Smith Creek Road.
   10. Adopt proposed revisions to Board Policy No. 01-03, “Volunteer Fire Department Annual Budget Allocation” to provide additional apparatus-maintenance funding (Attachment #3), effective October 1, 2024. 
   11. Direct the County Administrator to bring back an agenda item for the May 14, 2024 meeting to consider a funding request from the Tallahassee Housing Authority to assist in its effort to prepare a Master Plan to redevelop Springfield Apartments.
   12. Prepare a Proclamation to honor the life and public service of Governor Bob Graham.
   13. Add $3,000 to each Commissioner’s Travel Budget.

The motion passed 4-3 with Commissioners Welch, Minor, and O’Keefe opposed
Staff: OMB – Roshaunda Bradley – Brandy Furbee

9.  Authorization to Submit a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application for the Munson Slough Embankment Repair Project
(County Administrator/Office of Management & Budget/ Public Works)

• Pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.
• Commissioner Proctor questioned the grant restrictions and stated his opposition to the recommendation.  He expressed the need for community input.

Commissioner Caban moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve Option #1:  Authorize the submission of a Florida Division of Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for Hurricane Idalia grant application for $1.2 million for the Munson Slough Embankment Repair Project.
The motion passed 5-1 with Commissioner Proctor opposed and Commissioner Maddox out of Chambers

 

10. Authorization to Submit a U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Street and Roads for All Grant Application
(County Administrator/Office of Management & Budget/ Public Works)

• Pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.
• Commissioner Proctor expressed the need for Crawfordville Road to be widened to the County line, since it is an emergency evacuation route.
• Commissioner Cummings confirmed with County Administrator Long that staff is recommending the project that meets the grant criteria.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe to approve Option #1: Authorize the submission of an application for the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for the construction of a multipurpose trail on Tram Road from Crossing Rocks Road to Capital Circle Southeast.
The motion passed 7-0
 

11. Bid Award for Yard Debris Processing Services
(County Administrator/ Purchasing/ Resource Stewardship)

• Pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.
• Commissioner Proctor asked about minority participation.
  • Maggie Theriot, Director of the Office of Resource Stewardship, stated that the vendor is providing very specific service of processing the yard debris with specialized equipment and no MWSBE aspirational goals were set.

• Commissioner Maddox confirmed that the Office of Economic Vitality is doing a good job educating local minority businesses so that they may be subcontractors on these type contracts.
• Commissioner Cummings asked if bifurcating the yard debris process would increase minority participation.
  • Maggie Theriot stated that could be considered should the Board provide that direction.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox to approve Option #1:  Approve the bid award for Yard Debris Removal and Processing, Continuing Service to Jimmie Crowder Excavating and Land Clearing, Inc., and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney; and

Option #2:  Approve the Resolution and associated Budget Amendment.
The motion passed 7-0

13. Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy 2.1.9 Family Heir Subdivision Status Report
(County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management)

• Pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.
• Commissioner Proctor commended staff for recently working with residents to walk them through the process.  He expressed the need for an outreach campaign to promote this Land Use Policy 2.1.9.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox to approve Option #1 as amended:  Accept the status report on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy 2.1.9 Family Heir Subdivision, and directed staff to conduct a 6-month outreach campaign to promote the benefits of the Policy.

The motion passed 7-0
Staff: DSEM / CMR – Barry Wilcox - Mathieu Cavell – Kianna Gilley

General Business

15. Leon County's Preparation, Response, and Recovery Efforts Related to the Bicentennial Storm Status Update
    (County Administrator/ Emergency Management)

• County Administrator Long provided an overview of the May 10^th Tornadoes, recovery efforts, and damage.  He thanked Commissioner Caban for his efforts to expedite POD’s for the community.  He explained that the Board had previously established a catastrophe fund (Cat Fund), funded at 2% of the general revenue, in the Reserves Policy No. 07-2.  He stated that the County is seeking the Federal Declaration of Disaster Designation.
• Mathieu Cavell, Director of Community Relations & Resilience, provided an overview of the Bicentennial Storm, and provided a slideshow of the hardest hit areas from the May 10^th Tornadoes.  He provided the statistics on the damaged/destroyed structures throughout the County.  One of the significant elements of recovery after the tornadoes is that the County will be waiving permit fees for rebuilding after storm damage.  This could be more than hundreds of thousands of dollars of relief to Leon County residents and businesses.  He also stated that 211 Big Bend is a valuable community resource for County residents (211 or 850-617-6333).
• Kevin Peters, Director of Emergency Management, provided an overview of the coordination with the State Emergency Response Team and FEMA for emergency assistance.  He provided an overview of the 2024 Hurricane Season which is predicted to be extremely active with approximately 23 named storms predicted.
• Commissioner O’Keefe made a motion for Option #1 that was seconded by Commissioner Caban.  He thanked staff for their efforts during the Bicentennial Storm in April and the response to the May 10^th Tornadoes.
• Commissioner Caban thanked County Administrator Long and Brent Pell, Director of Public Works, for their efforts to repair Sir Richard Road.  He provided the Commissioners with his proposal letter for the record, along with a letter of support from the Chamber of Commerce.  He expressed concern for residents and small business recovery in the rural areas, and made a substitute motion to authorize the County Administrator to allocate $1 million from the Cat Fund for a microgrant program for Leon County unincorporated areas affected by the tornadoes.
  • County Administrator Long expressed that the funds would be used to fill the gap between the State and Federal aid, and stated the program could be implemented quickly.  He stated that the funds could be used for things such as food, medicine, and short-term emergency housing for residents, and damages not covered by insurance for businesses.  He also stated that the Cat Fund would be used to fund the program.
• The Board discussed:  the need for expediency, the use of the program funding, the location of the areas impacted by the tornadoes (City vs unincorporated County), status report for June 11^th on the microgrant program and use of Cat Fund under the Reserves Policy, long-term policy changes, the eligible areas to be included in the proposed program, possible coordination with the City, inclusion of eligibility for nonprofits and churches, street outreach teams, the amount of funding allocated to the program, and depletion of the Cat Fund.  The Board considered and discussed several amendments to the motion.
  • County Administrator Long confirmed that the current Reserves Policy authorizes use of the Cat Funds for the program.  The Reserves Policy authorizes the County Administrator, in the event of a declared local state of emergency, to utilize Cat Funds for solid waste and building fees for the purpose of debris removal and home restoration/reconstruction.
• Commissioner Proctor asked about the duration of the State’s Declaration.
  • County Attorney O’Steen stated that the State’s Emergency Declaration of Disaster is for 60 days from the date of issuance.
  • County Administrator Long expressed that the majority of the emergency assistance for the impacted residents and businesses will come from FEMA, and the County program would focus on immediate needs.    He expressed concern about depleting the Cat Fund since at this time the County match for the May 10^th Storm has not yet been established.  He added that hurricane season is about to begin, and the Cat Funds would be used for future hurricane recovery if needed.
• Commissioner Caban restated his original substitute motion for Option #1 as amended to direct the County Administrator to establish a $1 million microgrant program for residents and businesses using the Cat Fund.
  • County Administrator Long confirmed that the FEMA funding would not become available until after the damage assessment is completed.

Commissioner Caban moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox to approve Option #1 as amended:  Accept the status update on Leon County’s preparation, response, and recovery efforts related to the Bicentennial Storm, and directed the County Administrator to allocate $1 million from the catastrophe fund for a microgrant program for residents and business in unincorporated Leon County.
The motion passed 6-1 opposed by Commissioner O’Keefe
Staff: Emergency Management / HSCP – Mathieu Cavell / Kevin Peters/ Shington Lamy/ Abby Sanders

16. Tallahassee Housing Authority Funding Request for the Springfield Apartments Master Plan
    (County Administrator / Human Services & Community Partnerships)

• Commissioner Welch confirmed with County Administrator Long that the funds are already committed as a match for a HUD grant application.  He made a motion for Option #2.  Seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe.
• Commissioner Maddox made a substitute motion for Option #1.
• Commissioner Proctor confirmed with County Administrator Long that the City is an entitlement community and does not have to compete for CDBG grant funding, as the County does.  He commended the Tallahassee Housing Authority and stated his support of the substitute motion.
• Commissioner O’Keefe expressed concern on approving the funding and objected to the request from the City to split the cost.  He commented on the need for the redevelopment of the Springfield Apartments.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor to approve Option #1:  Approve up to $175,000 of Emergency Rental Assistance 2 funding to support the funding request from the Tallahassee Housing Authority to develop the Springfield Apartments Master Plan and authorize the County Administrator to execute all Agreements necessary, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.
The motion passed 7-0

17. Bid Award for the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library Second Floor Improvements
    (County Administrator/ Purchasing/ Public Works)

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe to approve Option #1:  Approve the bid award to OmniCon Corp., in the amount of $1,554,530, for the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library Second Floor Improvements Project and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.
The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Cummings out of Chambers

18. Supplemental Local Agency Program Agreement between Leon County and State of Florida Department of Transportation, and Bid Award for Construction of Miccosukee Road Bridge Replacement Project
    (County Administrator/Purchasing/ Public Works)

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban to approve Option #1:  Approve the Local Agency Program Supplemental Agreement with Florida Department of Transportation for the construction and construction engineering inspection for Miccosukee Road Bridge Replacement Project, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement, subject to legal review by the County Attorney;

Option #2:      Adopt the Resolution authorizing the Local Agency Program Agreement with Florida Department of Transportation for the construction and construction engineering inspection for Miccosukee Road Bridge Replacement Project;

Option #3:      Approve the Resolution and Budget Amendment Request to realize the additional funds; and

Option #4:      Approve the bid award for the construction of the Miccosukee Road Bridge Replacement Project to Sandco LLC in the amount of $3,399,654, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Cummings out of Chambers

19. Commissioner Appointments to the Value Adjustment Board
    (County Administrator/ County Administration)
    Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor to approve Option #1:  Full Board to appoint two Commissioners Maddox and Caban, to the Value Adjustment Board for two-year terms ending April 30, 2026; and
    Option #2:      Full Board to selected Commissioner Maddox to serve as the Chair of the Value Adjustment Board.
    The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Cummings out of Chambers
     
20. Full Board Appointments to the Leon County Educational Facilities Authority, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Minority, Women, & Small Business Enterprise Citizen Advisory Committee
    (County Administrator/ County Administration)

• Commissioner O’Keefe commented that Ms. Rippee may be related to the owner of OmniCon Corp. that was just awarded the bid for the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library Second Floor Improvements Project, and questioned if a conflict now exists for Ms. Rippee, since none was noted on her application.
  • County Administrator Long stated that staff would follow up and if there is a conflict it would be brought back to the Board.

Staff: Administration – Lisa Davis
Commissioner Minor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox to approve Option #1:  Appoint one citizen, Parker DeWitt, to the Leon County Educational Facilities Authority for the remainder of an unexpired term ending July 31, 2028; and
Option #2:      Appoint one citizen, Carol Rippee, to the County’s Architecture / Construction / Engineering seat on the Tallahassee-Leon County Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprise Citizen Advisory Committee for a two-year term ending April 30, 2026.
The motion passed 7-0
 

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS, 6:00 P.M.

21. First and Only Public Hearing to Consider Adopting a Resolution to Abandon the April Road Right-of-Way
    (County Administrator / County Attorney/ Development Support & Environmental Management)

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve Option #1:  Conduct the first and only public hearing and adopt the resolution to abandon the 60-foot-wide April Road right-of-way totaling approximately 5.9 acres, located between Apalachee Parkway and Old St. Augustine Road, contingent upon the approval of the Citrus Grove Planned Unit Development.
The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners Caban and Proctor out of Chambers

22. First and Only Public Hearing to Consider and Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map to the Citrus Grove Planned Unit Development
    (County Administrator / PLACE / Planning)  

• County Attorney O’Steen provided additional ex parte communications that were received on May 14^th.

Commissioner Caban moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve Option #1:  Conduct the first and only public hearing and adopt the proposed Ordinance, thereby amending the Official Zoning Map to change the zoning classification from the Single-Family Detached Residential (R-1) zoning district to the Citrus Grove Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district, for 149.35 acres located between Apalachee Parkway and Old Saint Augustine Road at their intersections with April Road, based on the findings of fact and conclusions of law by the Planning Commission, this report, and any evidence submitted at the hearing.
The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Proctor out of Chambers

Citizens to be Heard on Non-Agendaed Items

3-minute limit per speaker; Commission may discuss issues that are brought forth by speakers.

• County Administrator Long stated that a letter was received from the Friends of the Miccosukee Greenway and asked Artie White to address the concerns in the letter.
• Artie White stated:
  • Roadway Access Points - Prior to the existence of the Greenway, there were four (4) access easements, reserved right-of-way crossing the Greenway, that were put in place by the landowner prior to conveying the land for the Greenway and recorded in the property deed.  Subsequently they are recorded in the Comprehensive Plan and the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway Management Plan.      
  • Protection of Canopy Roads - There are significant protections in place for designated canopy roads in the Comprehensive Plan called the Canopy Road Protection Zone, 100 ft. from the centerline of a canopy road, that provides for restrictions on tree removal and strict limitation on structures.  There is also a Canopy Road Citizens Committee that serves as an advisory committee to the County and City. 
  • Greenway Protection - It is designated as open space on the Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan, which places significantly limits on the property and it can only be used for open space and recreation.  The Miccosukee Greenway is owned by the State of Florida, subleased.  and managed by Leon County.  There is a Greenway Management Plan which does address the roadway access points.
  • Roadway Crossing & Pedestrian Safety – The roads are planned, designed, permitted, and constructed to high standards set by Federal and State Government as well as local regulations, and are designed for the safety of all users.   Design standards must be met for pedestrian crossings to provide for pedestrian safety. 
  • Long-Range Planning - Welanuee Arch Master Plan includes provisions for an additional 75 ft additional open space buffer adjacent to the Canopy Road Protection Zone.  The Welanuee Heel PUD restricts uses for areas adjacent to the Greenway to open space or low-density residential.

The following speakers provided in-person comments:

• Rob Lombardo spoke about the vague language in the ordinance, and the unique overlay between the Miccosukee Greenway and the Canopy Road Protection Zone on Miccosukee Road between Fleishman and Crump Road (6-miles).  He suggested modifying the ordinance to include a special corridor for this 6-mile area (Miccosukee Greenway and Canopy Road Protection Corridor) with special conditions allowable in the Comprehensive Plan to regulate and provide protections to Greenway users that reduce the speed of traffic and provide more stringent design standards. 
• The following speakers spoke in support of protection for the Miccosukee Greenway.

• • Sue Noyes
  • Nancy Stephens
  • Brett Barfeld
  • Lisa Lazarus
  • Mary Kay Falkoner
  • Rose Kelley
  • Linda Vause
  • Sarah Cawthon