Commission Meeting Minutes

5. Consideration of approval for the Water Oak Country Club Estates Hilltop Amenity Area - Major Modification to Site Plan MJM 07/22-001 – Proposing a Resort-style Pool with Beach Entry and In-pool Benches, Hot Tub Area, a 840-square-foot Restroom Facility, a 8,500-square-foot Dog Park, a 3,900-square-foot Event Lawn, Beer Garden/Eating Area featuring eight tables and 32 chairs, Outdoor Kitchen, Mail Kiosk Building, Pool Equipment Room, Dumpster, and Landscaping Areas, located on the Northwest quadrant of the Hilltop Expansion Phases 2-4, just south of home sites 281 and 287, and just east of the Satellite Recreation Building along Norman Street, owned by Sun Water Oak Expansion LLC, identified by Alternate Key 1770483.

Growth Management Director Carroll summarized the site plan modification.

Mayor Rietz asked if there are any questions or comments from the commissioners.

Commissioner Freeman, referring to the topography map, noted that there is a proposed storm drain toward the original property line. He stated that there is a 14-foot drop from that parking lot to the lower parking area. He stated that historically Water Oak has poor water management, and he does not believe that the catch basin will adequately accommodate a lot of water runoff and would like to see more mitigation regarding the excess water.

Commissioner Freeman also noted that the plan proposes six golf cart parking spaces, which he stated is not enough for a golf cart community. He stated that he fears that the golf cart drivers will utilize an entire standard parking space leaving no spaces for a car.

Commissioner Freeman also noted that the plans do not indicate a ramp from the lower parking area to the pool level. He acknowledged that these are proposed plans yet once the plans are approved by the commission, the contractors do not follow the approved plans. He stated that this company has a reputation of asking for forgiveness when the plans are not followed. He stated that he would like to see more detail on the plans.

Mr. Carroll stated that the site plan calculations are signed and certified by the engineer. He explained that he cannot deny the plans based on speculations that things may fail. He stressed that the town’s code enforcement officer will assess the job site and enact a stop-work order if necessary. He stated that if the infrastructure is not working as designed, he can require a major modification to the site plan to increase volumes to the storm water.

Mr. Carroll stated that this proposed design meets our code specifications. He explained that the town codes do not include a requirement for golf cart spaces. He stated golf cart parking is unique to our area mainly because The Villages has golf cart accessible shopping centers and the drivers who live in The Villages have learned that two golf carts can utilize a regular parking space.

Jose Manent with Sun Communities reviewed the parking design. He stated that the main access to the amenity area was always the eastern parking lot, and that the typography was manipulated to create an ADA accessible entrance at the top because there is not much land available at the bottom parking lot. He stated that creating an eight- or ten-foot concrete ramp from the lower parking area to the top would add a significant cost to the project. They decided to increase the amenity offerings at the top.

Commissioner Freeman stated that he feels this design is segregating the two halves of the community and the current residents are not going to like that. He stated that this is a multi-million-dollar project and that an additional $100K to construct a ramp is not that much. He suggested moving the parking area toward Norman Street.

Commissioner Freeman stated that because the entrance to the eastern parking lot is uphill that means water will flow downhill into the storm drains. He stated that he does not believe the proposed storm drains will be adequate.

Mr. Manent stated that the civil engineer of record has been onsite recently because of the impending rain to assess those potential conditions and to review his design. He stated that some of the grading may be modified by adding more retaining walls where the inlets are located.

Mayor Rietz asked who proposed just six golf cart parking spaces in a golf cart community.

Mr. Manent stated that the Sun Communities Operations Division discussed this project with the residents and the HOA, who suggested golf cart parking. He stated if everyone believes there is a deficiency with what is proposed in terms of lack of golf cart parking, he is open to reviewing the design.

Mayor Rietz stated that he lives in a golf cart community and that there is golf cart parking everywhere. He stated that he is curious if anything else has been underestimated.

Mr. Manent reiterated that the design can be modified and will discuss the golf cart parking issue with the Operations Division. He stated that the eastern parking lot is a full lot and clarified with Mayor Rietz that he is suggesting two separate parking lots, one for golf carts and one for regular vehicles. He stated that this project was discussed with the HOA and the residents, and their suggestions were considered in this design, including the parking.

Commissioner Freeman verified with Mr. Manent that the HOA has been involved in this project.

Mr. Manent clarified that he is on the construction side of this project, and that the operations side has discussed it with the HOA.

Commissioner Freeman stated that he talks with the HOA every day, and no one has mentioned this proposed design.

Mr. Manent stated that he will have the engineers review the design to see where additional parking spaces can be added.

Mayor Rietz asked if there are any further questions or comments; hearing none he asked for a motion.

Commissioner Freeman made a motion to table the site plan modification for the Water Oak Country Club Estates Hilltop Amenity Area as presented; Commissioner Holden seconded. Motion carried 5-0.