First on the agenda was DEPT-2 Martin County Tangible Personal Property Grant Program.
The current TPP Grant program with FPL is no longer valid now that Indiantown is incorporated. The county staff have recommended a new agreement with FPL authorizing a rebate of 50% of the County-wide millage rate.
There was a tremendous amount of discussion concerning millions of dollars of inventory, MTSU’s and what the loss to Martin County could mean. FPL has consistently kept on inventory valued at $330 million to $440 million providing almost $2 million in tax revenue to the county.
FPL would like to stay and support the growth of Indiantown. However, Collier County has offered a substantial savings on the taxable inventory if FPL moves there.
Martin County’s lawyer, Ms Woods, confirmed the old agreement is no longer valid. She also explained that the TPP is an enterprise zone within the Primary Urban Service District and any company can apply for this program.
Since FPL is now in Indiantown, with their own taxing authority, the village of Indiantown must come up with their own plan for FPL before Martin County can offer something to keep FPL here.
Commissioner Fielding wanted some clarification as to how much inventory FPL would keep here and for how long. FPL’s representative stated they would love a 20 year agreement and would continue to have a minimum of $350 million in inventory if not more. FPL will agree to the 50% rebate for up to one year, but they would need a rebate of 94% to extend this agreement. FPL informed the commissioners that if there isn’t a better agreement by November 15th, they will empty their warehouse and move the inventory. They would leave approximately $5 million in inventory here.
Commissioner Smith noted that FPL is an enormous partner and their leaving would have a huge negative effect on Indiantown, as well as Martin County. It’s hard to find business partners like this.
Commissioner Campi stated his view that if Indiantown can’t come up with their own agreement with FPL, that maybe the county should look into another site in the county so it isn’t a total loss.
Members of the public had an opportunity to speak. The head of the Economic Development Council spoke in support of the agreement on the table for the 50% rebate with the hope that creative minds can be included. The spokesman from the Business Development Board states they unanimously support the efforts to revise a working plan to keep FPL inventory here.
The motion passed unanimously.
The next agenda item discussed was PH-7. This is the second hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance to create Article11, Planned Mixed-Use Village. The proposed article will establish development standards and a development review process for implementing the Planned Mixed-Use Village zoning designation proposed for Pineland Prairie.
Commissioner Heard had many questions about accountability, accessory units, locations of schools, width of sidewalks, types of trees and types of civic buildings in each neighborhood. County staff were able to show Commissioner Heard where these things are covered in the comp plan/ LDR’s etc.
This request was passed 4-1 with Commissioner Heard dissenting.
PHQJ-1 is the Quasi-Judicial resolution to consider amendment of the Martin County Zoning Atlas to change the zoning district for Pineland Prairie from LI (Limited Industrial), AR-5A (Agricultural Ranchette) and A-2 (Agricultural) to PMUV (Planned Mixed Use Village) This was passed 4-1 with Commissioner Heard dissenting.
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