The LPA meeeting was brief, with a discussion on Public Hearing on proposed Ordinance 2019-10 Temporary Uses: Special variances permit section needs clean up and then will be presented to city in July.

The Regular City Commission Meeting began with prayer and flag salute, followed by roll call, revealing that Tommy Smith, David Lyons, Julie Wilkins, and Daniel Akin were present.

Discussion and motion to approve paid bills and vouchers along with past minutes, meetings, and workshops. Motion passed 4-0.

Special advent Permit for CARite of Ft. Pierce:
Brent Mitchell of CARite of Ft Pierce came forward, seeking a Special Event Permit for his Auto Tent sale, an event that is regularly held on commissioner Tommy Smith’s property. Mitchell listed the economical benefits to the city: rental payment, prize of up to 450 Walmart gift cards for participants, local LaBelle vendors to be used for supplies, lodging, food, etc. Mitchell said he believed his last car sale was more than 90 days ago.

Special Event Permit for July is approved pending meeting fire code. Commissioner Smith is the owner of the property in question, and therefore did not vote on the matter. Motion passed 3-0.

Burger King Tree Removal Permit:
A Tree Removal Application submitted by Dan Fitzpatrick, of Bravofloirsa, LLC., who recently bought Burger King in January, from the Royal family. “We’re a family company, I started in the restaurant business as a young man.” Fitzpatrick stated that his company currently owns 110 Burger King restaurants around the state. He mentions that one of the biggest fundraisers in the state for the VFW is their Unmet Needs Program. Fitzpatrick explains he plans to demolish and rebuild from scratch, likely in late September early October, in order to improve and modernize the establishment. In particular, adding a double drive-through to reduce lines and parking lot congestion. Existing oak trees are in conflict with the plan for improvements on the site, and seven of them need to be removed from the property. Fitzpatrick explains his plans to replant four trees on the property, along with other added landscaping, and a contribution of $2500 to a tree fund, in order to plant 10 new trees at the city’s discretion. Tree removal application pending future replacement plan details sorted out, Motion passed 4-0.

Barron Park Master Plan Committee:
Phase one plan includes improvements to and construction of park entrance, clean up, irrigation, pavilion revamp, adding a second handicapped accessible bathroom, as well as financial budgeting and fundraising discussion. Irrigation plan has been made, researching well and plumbing conditions is in process and to be completed by fall. It is decided that a Committee Meeting will be scheduled and publicized in the near future.

Public Hearing on proposed Ordinance 2019-04 Broward Avenue, LLC. PUD Rezone: the discussion began about the rezoning from R-3 to Planned Unit Development. This project will be limited to 10 dwellings per acre and a maximum of 34 units. Ample parking and safe pedestrian spaces have been planned out. Pavilion size was discussed at length. Current plans state 30’ x 30’ a suggestion for smaller pavilions was entertained. Agreement is made for 15’ to 20’ft pavilions. Motion passed 4-0.

Public Hearing on proposed Ordinance 2019-09 LaBelle Storage PUD Amendment: Amendments to existing plans for flea market include public health, safety, and welfare codes needing to be followed and inspected or approved as needed, food vendors would be limited to three. Motion passed 4-0.

Resolution 2019-07 Revised Schedule of Fees: motion passed 4-0.

Toward the end of the Regular City Commision meeting, staff reports were presented. LaBelle Fire department reported they received 74 calls during the month of May. Hendry County Sheriffs Office reported crimes for the month of May included: One robbery, two sex crimes, one assault, three batteries, one vehicle burglary, 3 criminal mischiefs.

The regular business meetings of the LaBelle City Commission are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 481 W. Hickpochee Ave. Meetings are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. If you would like to be included on the agenda, call City Hall at 863-675-2872.