MINUTES May 28, 2024 5:30PM  PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING  The City of Lake Wales Planning and Zoning Board held a meeting on May 28, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 201 W. Central Ave. Lake Wales Florida.  ATTENDANCE  Planning Board Members (Shaded area indicates absence):  Chairperson Vice-Chair  Roy  Casey McKibben  Eric Rio Courtney  Bud  Kyra Love Larry Bossarte Wilkinson  McCrystal Colburn  City Staff:  Dept. of Planning and Development Jasmine Khammany - Senior Planner Shannon Hancock- Recording Secretary  1. CALL TO ORDER - Ms. Love called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  2. ROLL CALL - Mr. Wilkinson and Ms. McCrystal were absent but a quorum was present.  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Meeting April 23,2024  Mr. Bossarte made a motion to approve the minutes and Mr. Colburn seconded the motion. 4. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS - Ms. Love opened up the floor to communications and petitions. Seeing no movement, Ms. Love closed the communication and petitions.  All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.  Ms. Love moved to Item 8 on the agenda.  NEW BUSINESS  5. Lake Bonnie Commercial - Major Site Plan and Special Exception Use Permit for a Convenience Store with Gasoline and Outdoor Display and Sales - Public Hearing  Required PROJECT: APPLICANT: APPROVAL: PUBLIC. HEARING: attendance.  Lake Bonnie Commercial Shelton T. Rice Sales  Major Site Plan and Special Exception Use Permit for a Convenience Store with Gasoline and' Outdoor Display and  Requirements have been met  Ms. Khammany explained location of the project and presented the staff report. The applicant was in Mr. Bossarte stated that the design is brilliant because of the way the entrance is away from the intersection and it allows landscaping ini the buffer area which makes it attractive. He stated he can't    think of another site designed like this.  Mr. McKibben mentioned that there is one in Lake Alfred. He stated it looks good and described that all the greenery hides that it is a gas station. He did state that it is slightly inconvenient because you Ms. Love questioned how we figure out the fee for planting trees because the fee felt low.  don't know it is a gas station until you pass it.  Mr. Rio questioned what the money is used for.  Ms. Khammany explained that the money is used for replanting trees within city properties. The fee Shelton Rice, an attorney with the law firm Peterson & Myers, explained the project. He stated he worked with the city ont this and he does not have al lot of developers that are willing to be as amendable as these developers have been with moving the building that way and reducing the visibility. But they are seeing this as long term and they want it be very attractive and be proud ofi it. He further explained plans of a proposed gazebo on the southwest side, maybe adding some park benches where people can sit when they are there. He is happy to answer any questions and Mr. Colburn noted the southwest area where the gas pump canopy is located and asked if the area was planned fori future commercial development. He asked if there is any idea to what the owners Mr. Rice stated that they left the commercial use open to whatever is allowed in the current zone. He does not know what exactly is going to go there. He continues to explain that the client is doing things that are above and beyond with the gazebo and moving the building closer to the street. Mr. Colburn explained that he looked up table 23-421 and it seems that it is more restrictive rather than permissive. He noticed that the things that are allowed in there would actually be in competition Mr. Rice stated a good way to respond to that is that they don't know who that user will be sO they don't want to speculate with allowing certain uses. They have the flexibility to modify the uses ini that Ms. Love opened it upi for public hearing. Seeing no movement, she closed the public hearing. Mr. McKibben recommended approval for the major site plan and special exception use permit with  is$ $87.32 per caliber inch. She further explained the tree removal process.  respectfully requests a favorable vote.  would like to put there.  with a convenient store or gas station.  area in the future.  conditions of approval. Mr. Colburn seconded the motion. Ms. Love asked for a roll call vote.  Chair Yes  Vice-Chair Yes  Roy  Casey Yes  Eric Rio Courtney  Bud Colburn Yes  Kyra Love Larry Bossarte Wilkinson Mckibben Yes  McCrystal  The motion passed.    6. 21380 US Highway 27. -La Provence MUPDP (fka Green Gables Inn) - Special Exception Use Permit Approval for a Mixed-Use Planned Development Project-F Public Hearing  Required PROJECT: APPLICANT: APPROVAL: PUBLIC HEARING; ina attendance.  21380 US Highway 27 - Lal Provence MUPDP (fka Green Laurent Meyers, Equity Multifamily LLC Special Exception Use Permit Approval for a Mixed-Use Planned Development Project Requirements have been met  Gables Inn)  Ms. Khammany explained location of the project and presented the staff report. The applicant was  Ms. Love opened it up for questions for staff.  Mr. Colburn questioned that in letter that was sent by the applicant, it mentions the schools that this project is zoned for. His concern is with the senior high being zoned for Winter Haven High School. Ms. Love explains that Lake Wales High School is a charter school and McLaughlin is only up to 10th grade sO that will make Winter Haven High School the closest public school for senior high. Ms. Love asked about the size of the parking spaces. She knows they are not standard size. Ms. Khammany explained that 18 feet is common for the length of a parking space but the width Ms. Love questioned ifi it would mess up their parking numbers ift the board said those can stay 9x18 Marlon Lynn, architect from Lakeland, FL introduced himself. He mentioned that it is not their intent to continue the 9x18 parking spaces and that the new parking spaces will be 10x20. He explained that the existing buildings were rehabilitated and the property is in a very unusually place legally. He stated that the remaining areas of the property are still in development. He stated that what is presented is the maximum they can fit on the site and he believes there will be slight reduction as the process goes on. He would like to have the opportunity to continue this development with the Mr. Colburn liked the idea that they hadn't seen very much, for a single person option who all they really need is a studio place because they are busy working. He thinks it meets a need that can be completely addressed. He echoed Ms. Love's issue with parking. He asked about handicap parking. Mr. Lynn mentioned that all the handicap parking will be a minimum of 12 feet wide to meet accessibility standards with a walk isle. Each one of the ADA parking spaces will be 17 feet wide. Mr. Colburn questioned if they back down to normal 10 feet wide parking spaces, it will drop the Mr. Lynn explained that what they see on the plans now is the maximum geometry wise that will fit on the site. The unit count will reflect the work on the civil engineering side. This includes parking spaces and stated they will meet all the code requirements. The only issue he is seeing is meeting the landscaping requirements and putting trees in the parking lot next to the building. Besides that,  being 9 feet, is not as common.  but the rest of the parking spaces will need to be up to code.  boards support and give Lake Wales a really good option for residential housing.  number of parking spaces, will it still meet code?    he plans on meeting all required codes.  Mr. Colburn asked about the area that used to be the swimming pool.  Mr. Lynn explained that the area is now shown as the recreation area. They just need to figure out Mr. McKibben asked for clarification on the parking spots andi that the new parking spaces will be up  int the civil engineering part what all will go there.  to code.  Ms. Love opened it up for public hearing.  Mr. Geraldo, owner and manager of Sizzling Grill introduced himself. He questioned about the lift station and the parking lot concerns. He stated that there is a lot of traffic and speeding through the parking lot. He stated that his customers sometimes parki int the motel's parking spots and vice Mr. Lynn responded with stating that they have a responsibility to provide the same level of utility service sO anything that happens on the property, they will have to provide an increase in capacity, which will make the situation better. They will also increase parking in that area as they move ahead. He mentioned that he existing management should have individual conversations about Skip Alford, president of Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, introduced himself. He stated that he wanted to everyone to know that the state is growing, our county is the fastest growing county in the state, we are now the fastest growing state in the union, in 7 years this state will be the 10th largest economy on the planet earth. The one thing Florida has right now is a housing crisis. He stated from an economic stand point, we need affordable housing in Lake Wales. He stated if this can be done and be done in the right way, he wants to encourage the board to make sure iti is solid ground but the housing will be good Ms. Love asked if anyone else would like to speak tot this matter, seeing no movement. She closed Mr. Bossarte stated that he has a number of small studio apartments in Winter Haven and they are always full. He stated there is a lot of demand for small spaces like this. He Mr. Colburn moved to accept the staff recommendation to include the waivers of strict compliance and the conditions of approval with the additional amendment for existing  versa.  parking.  for the city.  public hearing and brough it back to the board for discussion or a motion.  believes they will be successful.  parking spaces.  Mr. Bossarte seconded the motion. Ms. Love asked for a roll call vote.  Chair Yes  Vice-Chair Yes  Roy  Casey Yes  Eric Rio Courtney  Bud Colburn Yes  Kyra Love Larry Bossarte Wilkinson Mckibben Yes  McCrystal    The motion passed.  7. Dunkin Donuts = Major Site Plan with Waivers of Strict Compliance and a Special Exception Use Permit Approval for a Drive-Up Restaurant - Public Hearing Required  PROJECT: APPLICANT: APPROVAL: PUBLIC HEARING;  Dunkin Donuts Robin Kendall Restaurant  Major Site Plan with Waivers of Strict Compliance and a Special Exception Use Permit Approval for a Drive-Up  Requirements have been met  Ms. Khammany explained location of the project and presented the staff report. She also explained  the waivers of strict compliance. The applicant was in attendance. Ms. Love asked if there are any questions for staff.  Mr. Bossarte questioned the calculations in regards to the pervious surface area.  Ms. Khammany explained that they are trying to utilize the existing pervious surface of 89.6% and with the addition to the building and addition to the open space, it drops down to 80.6% but it is still  needing to be rectified.  Ms. Love asked if the applicant would like to say anything. with Burger King. He stated he is here to answer any questions.  Robin Kendall, authorized agent for the owner, stated he worked with staff about 4-5 years ago Ms. Love stated she does not have questions but she has a lot of issues. She explained that she goes to this Publix often. She explains an issue with a certain area of the parking lot right off of the Mr. Kendall stated that they are very limited with options due to Publix management. He continues Ms. Love had concerns about traffic congestion but her main concern is the entrance. She stated Mr. Bossarte stated that with any changes there will be an adjustment for traffic patterns. Ms. Love opened iti for public hearing. Seeing no movement, she closed public hearing and Mr. Colburn stated he likes the idea and if there are no other comments, he recommended approval for the site plan with the waivers of strict compliance and the conditions of approval.  highway entrance that will block traffic.  to explain the bypass lanes within the project area. she loves the idea but the traffic will be headache inducing.  brought it back to the board for discussion.  Mr. Bossarte seconded the motion. Ms. Love asked for a roll call vote    Chair No  Vice-Chair Yes  Roy  Casey  Eric Rio Courtney  Bud Colburn Yes  Kyra Love Larry Bossarte Wilkinson McKibben Yes  McCrystal  3 yay and 1 nay. The motion passed.  8. Board Member Application - Kyra Love Harriage. 9. Board Member Application - Casey McKibben.  Ms. Love received a vocal vote of recommendation from all Board members.  Mr. McKibben received a vocal vote of recommendation from all Board members.  10. Board Member Application - Eric Rio.  Mr. Rio received a vocal vote of recommendation from all Board members.  Ms. Love moved back to Item 5 on the agenda. The meeting adjourned at 6:28 PM  Attest: Recording'Secretary Ooflger  LEE