DEVELOPMENT matters
Rezoning request by Duke Energy for electric substation receives final approval
by KATHRYN DENTATO,
Hernando Sun Reporter
Duke Energy has received the property rezoning needed for construction of an electric substation on the triangular lot between Mondon Hill Rd and Jasmine Dr in Brooksville.
This was the second reading of the rezoning ordinance. Because this was a Quasi-Judicial hearing, anyone who intended to speak on the matter was sworn in by the City Clerk. There was one intervenor (someone who feels they are negatively impacted more than the general public).
City Planner Steve Gouldman and Community Development Director Bill Geiger were recognized as expert witnesses in land use planning, development, and zoning.
Gouldman reviewed the zoning request from the petitioner, Duke Energy. Once completed, the electric substation will have a PVC fence, surrounded by a wall, preserving as many trees as possible.
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the zoning change from agricultural use to commercial (C-2). The City Council voted 4-0 to approve the first reading on 08/05/19.
Bernardini asked questions for clarification relating to height requirements, the buffer and damage done to the road from construction vehicles.
Mike Branco, Senior Project Manager for Duke Energy responded to the Council’s concerns about roadway damage. Any damage to property or roads would be repaired. Conditions would be the same, or better, than when they began. Contractors videotape the site before any work begins.
The 25-year plan looks at projected residential growth as well, so Duke may return to the site to add a distribution project to the transmission site (which is the first phase).
Branco explained to council on Aug. 5, that the substation will provide a safe, reliable grid for the projected growth in Hernando County and the surrounding areas. It will be placed on one parcel, and the other parcel will be developed in the future for better distribution.
There was no public comment about the zoning change and no further discussion from council members. Council member Pat Brayton moved to approve the ordinance. Council member Betty Erhard seconded the motion. By roll call vote, the ordinance was passed 5-0.
Cloverleaf Farms expands north to Croom Rd
by BOB WINTER
Hernando Sun Reporter
Interactions between the City of Brooksville and the developers in charge of constructing additional manufactured homes attached to Cloverleaf Farms have resumed in 2019. Presented among the consent agenda on Monday, August 19th was an addendum allowing engineering and design changes to be made. This addendum clarifies the merger of the previous firms, Hometown Cloverleaf, LLC and Hometown Cloverleaf Phase II, LLC, into MHC Cloverleaf Expansion, LLC. Additionally, the addendum reduces the number of homes to be built from sixty-six (66) to sixty-four (64) and relocates the water and sewer line connection points. The original water line was planned to come from the West side of U.S. Highway 41 while the wastewater was to connect to the force main on Croom Road. The addendum sets out plans for consolidation of both lines to connect to, and run within the utility easement along the Duke Energy powerline corridor. In total, the three firms have paid $101,376 in water and sewer line connection fees. The project will not require financial expenditure on the city’s part, and will increase future revenue. As of the last Monday’s meeting, the addendum passed unanimously after a motion for approval by Vice Mayor Bernardini, seconded by Council Member Erhard.
AGREEMENTS matter
TECO will continue to operate natural gas service in city
by KATHRYN DENTATO,
Hernando Sun Reporter
The second reading of the ordinance for the TECO/Peoples Gas franchise agreement passed 5-0. This ordinance grants non exclusive franchise to Peoples Gas System, A Division Of Tampa Electric Company, for A 10 year term to allow the company to continue to operate and maintain natural gas service in the city of Brooksville. City Attorney Nancy Stuparich gave a brief history of the ordinance. The first reading was scheduled for 06/17/19. The second reading was scheduled for 07/01/19, then continued to the 07/15/19 meeting. It was then rescheduled to the 08/19/19 meeting.
The original agreement had a 10-year renewal option. Upon review, Stuparich said changes were needed to bring the details in the language current. One change was to adjust the payment from TECO to the City to monthly versus the annual payment.
Council member Robert Battista asked City Manager Mark Kutney’s opinion of the agreement. Kutney said that he did work with the TECO representative, and negotiations were more difficult than was necessary. Though he was not satisfied with the final document or the rate of six (6%) percent of the annual Franchise Revenue paid to the city, Kutney agreed with Stuparich that it was acceptable. Payment to the city is between $8,000 – $9,000 annually.
There was no public comment. The representative from TECO did not address the council. Battista moved to approve the ordinance. Erhard seconded the motion. By roll call vote, the ordinance was approved 5-0.
TAXES matter
Read article coverage here:
https://www.hernandosun.com/article/city-switches-demand-fire-assessment-methodology
