Town Commission Meeting (Public Hearing)

Town of St. Leo, Florida

Town Commission Meeting and Public Hearing Agenda

March 11, 2024 7:00 PM

ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION:  Each person addressing the Commission shall first give their name in an audible tone for the record and shall secure the permission of the presiding officer. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Town Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, they will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record included the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this meeting should call the Town Clerk at (352) 588-2622 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting day.  ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION TIME LIMIT:  Each person addressing the Commission shall have a reasonable amount of time subject to the rulings of the Mayor.

TOWN OF ST. LEO

TOWN COMMISSION MINUTES

COMMISSION MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING

MARCH 11, 2024 7:00 PM

OPENING      Mayor D’Ambrosio

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE    Commissioner Donna DeWitt

ROLL CALL  Vincent D’Ambrosio - Mayor

                       James Hallett, O.S.B. - Mayor Pro Tem, Absent

                       Donna DeWitt, O.S.B. - Commissioner

                       Curtis Dwyer - Commissioner

                       William Hamilton - Commissioner

STAFF           Thomas Thanas, Esq. - Town Attorney

                        Tom Ashburn, AICP - Town Planner

                        Chief Justin Frum - Pasco County Fire Marshal

                        Deputy Michael Merwin - Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

                        Andrea Calvert, MMC - Town Administrator and Clerk

                        Rebecca Merwin - Assistant Town Clerk

                        Khristian Parrish - Intern

MINUTES      MOTION: TO APPROVE THE 02/08/24 COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.

                       MOTION BY:                                               Commissioner Hamilton

                       SECOND BY:                                               Commissioner Dwyer

                       VOTE:                                                           Unanimous for Approval, 4/0

EXPENSE AND BUDGET REVIEW

                        MOTION: TO APPROVE THE 03/11/24 FINANCIAL REPORT.

                        MOTION BY:                        Commissioner Hamilton

                        SECOND BY:                        Commissioner Dwyer

                        VOTE:                                    Unanimous for Approval, 4/0

DEPUTY’S REPORT -

            Deputy Merwin stated that deputies have been issuing traffic citations on State Road 52.  

PUBLIC COMMENT - None

PUBLIC HEARING

ORDINANCE 24-05 RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION SIGNAGE

            AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN OF ST. LEO CODE OF ORDINANCES PART III, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING TO THE REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO SIGNAGE PERMITTED FOR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS; AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, TOWN OF ST. LEO; PART III – LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, ARTICLE XI, SECTION 11.9.4 PROVIDING FOR REVISED AND UPDATED REGULATIONS FOR SIGNAGE FOR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS; PROVIDING FINDINGS FACT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

            The Ordinance was read by title. The Public Hearing was opened.  There were no comments; the Public Hearing was closed. The final reading is scheduled for the 04/08/24 Commission Meeting and Public Hearing.

            Discussion: Commissioner DeWitt asked what it would do to the current signage regulations that are in place. Administrator Calvert stated the Ordinance will allow for increased size of signage. 

MAYOR’S REPORT

Proclamation 24-03 Honoring Irish American Heritage Month

            The Proclamation was read by Town Administrator Andrea Calvert and presented to Brendan Kelley, President of the Florida Ancient Order of Hibernians. Kelley expressed his gratitude for designating March as Irish Heritage Month. Resident Richard Christmas stated that the St. Leo and San Antonio area were founded by Irishman, Edmond F. Dunne.

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT

Comprehensive Plan Update

            Commissioner Dewitt stated there was a big turnout for the 02/28/24 Comprehensive Plan Workshop held at the Saint Leo University Boardrooms.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Pompanic Street Sidewalk Handrails

            Attorney Thanas stated Attorney Petruff sent a demand letter to Superior Siteworks, LLC, addressing the Town's concern about Pompanic Street sidewalks and handrails meeting the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. Follow-up is ongoing and all parties are working toward resolution.

            Administrator Calvert stated a survey will be completed to determine if the sidewalks and handrails comply with ADA standards. Chris Weddel, Town Engineer and President of Aurora Civil Engineering, will assist.

Request Received for a Construction Moratorium

            Attorney Thanas advised the Commission on the qualifications for a moratorium.

            Planner Ashburn stated that if a developer wanted to develop a parcel that is currently zoned open space (future land use), the Comprehensive Plan would have to be amended for this to happen. The Town cannot amend the Comprehensive Plan until it is in compliance with state law. The Comprehensive Plan Update should be completed in November.

PLANNER’S REPORT - None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Municipal Election & Voting

            Administrator Calvert stated two candidates have qualified for Seat Five, Incumbent William Hamilton and Tory England. In-office Town Hall voting has started. Richard Christmas suggested to have a Candidate Forum.

St. Leo Community Booth at the Pasco County Fair

            The theme set by the Fair Association for the 2024 County Fair was "Buckets of Fun for Everyone." The Town used a construction theme with help from James Barthle, Saint Leo University staff, and students. The Town's booth won First Place Incorporated Community Exhibits and People's Choice.

Athletic Community Events

            The Town has partnered with Saint Leo University to sponsor two events. The first event is a Saint Leo University Softball game on 03/28/24 at 6:00 PM. The second event is a Saint Leo University Baseball game on 04/26/28 at 6:00 PM.

Instagram     

            The Town's Instagram was started this month by Intern Khristian Parrish.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Zip Code Boundary Review Update

            The Zip Code Boundary Review process is underway. The United States Postal Service has 60 days to respond to the Town's request, and the 60 days are approaching shortly.

Fire Inspection Services

            The Town has entered into a contract with Pasco County Fire Services for fire inspections and terminated its agreement with Kerry Barnett.

            Chief Justin Frum, Pasco County Fire Marshal, stated that an interim agreement for six months has been put in place between Pasco County Fire and the Town until an Interlocal Agreement can be executed if both parties agree.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution 24-05 Amending Fire Fees

                               MOTION: TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 24-05 AMENDING FIRE FEES.

                               MOTION BY:                                               Commissioner Dwyer

                               SECOND BY:                                               Commissioner DeWitt

                               VOTE:                                                           Unanimous for Approval, 4/0

Temporary Use Permit 03/24/24 Saint Leo University Spring Fling

                           MOTION: TO APPROVE TEMPORARY USE PERMIT.

                           MOTION BY:                                                Commissioner Dwyer

                           SECOND BY:                                               Commissioner DeWitt

                           VOTE:                                                           Unanimous for Approval, 4/0

Blood Drive at Town Hall   

            The next blood drive will be at A Cup of Organic on 03/28/24 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

12742 Pompanic Street Earthwork

            In December, the Taylors started an earthworks project without contacting the Town. The Taylors submitted an application and Site Plan on 02/29/24. Concrete piping for the retention pond is being replaced with PVC piping. Chris Weddle, Town Engineer and President of Aurora Civil Engineering, is assisting the Town.

ADJOURNMENT

                        MOTION: TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:54 PM.

                        MOTION BY:                                               Commissioner DeWitt

                        SECOND BY:                                               Commissioner Dwyer

                        VOTE:                                                          Unanimous for Approval, 4/0

Rebecca Merwin, Assistant Town Clerk