The Wauchula Planning and Zoning Board met on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.
The following members were present: Garry Phillips, Vice-Chairwoman Donna Steffens, Shenita
Toczek and Ray Graham.
Also present were Assistant City Manager Olivia Minshew and Community Development Coordinator
Kyle Long,
Vice-Chairwoman Donna Steffens called the meeting to order.
Appoint Chairman
Graham nominated Steffens, seconded by Toczek. Steffens accepted.
Mr. Long called the vote, all were in favor.
Appoint Vice-Chairman
Graham nominated Phillips, seconded by Toczek. Phillips accepted.
Mr. Long called the vote, all were in favor.
Approval of Minutes – December 15, 2014
Phillips motioned to accept the minutes of December 15 as presented, seconded by Toczek.
Mr. Long called the vote, all were in favor.
6 month review of Special Exception for Roy Brown – 721 S 6th Avenue
Mr. Brown was present to advise the building was now occupied and everything was going fine. Graham
questioned why Mr. Brown had this review every 6 months and why could it not be made permanent;
call him back only if something goes wrong to cancel the exception or whatever may need to be done.
He then asked what the legitimate reason was for this review every 6 months because to his knowledge a
review would only be necessary if a reason came up to cancel the Special Exception. Ms. Minshew
reminded the Board when they granted this Special Exception, they asked for the review on a 6 month
basis. The property is zoned Industrial but to have a Single Family Residential use required the Special
Exception. At the time of the granting of the Special Exception, there was no occupant in the building
and the Board wanted the 6 month review to verify there would be one. Mr. Brown had also previously
advised the resident would be security for the rest of the property. The Board wanted to review all of
these matters; which was why Mr. Brown was brought back this month. She then stated the only reason
it would ever come back to the Board was if the Special Exception use granted ceased to exist. There
was discussion among the Board and they asked questions of Mr. Brown regarding the property.
Graham motioned to grant the Special Exception with no review, seconded by Phillips.
Mr. Long called the vote, all were in favor.
Review of Use Permitted with Conditions – Carlos Guerrero 121 West Main Street
Mr. Guerrero was not present so the Board reviewed the request. The Use being requested was a Pool
Hall which is permitted in HC-1 and consistent with the conditions of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Brown advised the Board of what he knew about the request which began discussion on the matter.
Toczek felt Mr. Guerrero should be present to explain the intent instead of the Board just guessing.
Chairwoman Steffens advised it is in the paperwork submitted. Ms. Minshew advised of a conversation
staff had with Mr. Guerrero. Chairwoman Steffens saw no problem with the use because a business is
needed in the building. Further discussion was had on the use and any conditions the Board may impose.
Phillips motioned to table the item until February, seconded by Graham.
It was questioned if once the item was approved would it go to the City Commission. Ms. Minshew
explained the process and discussion was had on the subject of this use on Main Street. Graham stated
he too would like to find out from Mr. Guerrero exactly what type of use he plans to have. Phillips stated
he doesn’t feel comfortable making a decision without specifics either. To what extent was Mr. Guerrero
going in reference to how many pool tables for instance. Ms. Minshew stated the basic use would be
allowed and cannot be denied but conditions may be placed on the use at the discretion of the Board.
More discussion was had on how to amend the Code in order to change things and the fact that the Code
had just been rewritten. Chairwoman Steffens asked for a repeat of the motion.
Mr. Long then called the vote, all were in favor.
Public Comment
Danielle White was present and she and Mr. Brown had a small discussion.
Old/New Business
Chairwoman Steffens called for old or new business and received no response.
With no further business to discuss, Chairwoman Steffens adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m.
Chairwoman Donna Steffens
Community Development Coordinator
Kyle Long