[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6340959,"mediaKeyId","2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587","parentId",2258597,"title","Commission approves first reading to repeal city’s expanded‑polystyrene/plastics regulation","audioSeconds",904,"startMs",4782000,"endMs",5686000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587&start=4782&end=5686","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587/thumbnail_4782000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6340959/Florida/Commission-approves-first-reading-to-repeal-citys-expandedpolystyreneplastics-regulation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340959-139817102efcaa980bab04817fbf59df/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841118&Signature=LTD7u6C9tUojPEm3j7mEqKyMASoz3XQvTgL-h9UHI98eTXdQeFHnoruHTQ2pAQ0lsVlt28upy6QmOh3tybAf9TCMumUL7IQv3HMS9RA0IRymPjIakPIUt0A~WUJUXb21v4uf2Zr3Ev0QWB-KWULjc7Tq8aVbE2exWdip1EGBrgsmOUrBUGX-wlW-45V2IjwVIVmZK3sUZpa1MC9CJ8IpcfIfAsXn0KAquDr6IOXJJ-5GctzC4EJcc~SpWBuGSqgNCdZr3x7n9gGGivjzWBykYo-tRiPIbE1QqGNXmWUAV9zNOfQrNypBpTUWwlaNyuAC1vb~NpTYGGaeE8QUXAecOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Stuart, FL","date","2025-02-11T17:03:54Z","article","The City of Stuart City Commission on Monday voted on first reading to repeal its Article 9 regulation addressing expanded polystyrene and some single‑use plastics.

City Attorney Lee Baggett summarized how the city arrived at the proposed rescission and reminded commissioners that state law has long constrained local regulation of certain consumer containers. ‘‘The original intention was that it was to ban plastic bags in grocery stores,’’ Baggett said, and that subsequent legal analysis and state preemption limited what local governments can require. Baggett also told the commission that businesses faced higher costs for nonplastic alternatives.

Vice Mayor Collins moved approval of the rescission ordinance and Commissioner Gioby seconded. During public comment, local business owner and others urged repeal on the grounds that the regulation placed a competitive disadvantage on city businesses and increased costs; environmental advocates and residents urged the commission to keep local measures to reduce plastics, noting marine debris and recycling contamination concerns.

On roll call the first‑reading motion passed: Commissioner Reid — yes; Commissioner Gioby — yes; Commissioner Clark — no; Mayor Rich — no; Vice Mayor Collins — yes. Staff said the measure is on first reading and the commission may revisit the matter at second reading.

Commission discussion included suggestions that the city could pursue voluntary incentives for businesses that reduce single‑use plastics and that any future efforts be coordinated with county or regional programs to avoid uneven rules across neighboring jurisdictions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1/27/2025 City of Stuart Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The City Commission voted on first reading to repeal the local ordinance that regulated expanded polystyrene and certain single‑use plastics.","taxTitle","City of Stuart, Martin County, Florida","taxId",71255,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6340964,"City Commission transmits rezoning for 255 Southwest Sixth Street to second hearing after staff, applicant presentations",2145,1605000,3750000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587&start=1605&end=3750","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587/thumbnail_1605000.jpg","/articles/6340964/Florida/City-Commission-transmits-rezoning-for-255-Southwest-Sixth-Street-to-second-hearing-after-staff-applicant-presentations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340964-c89b3577e448207a442c1f4b8d2582f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841118&Signature=aR4menHZYYQnGDBN1rMyNm5ozaKugd83AGvcidH-dBH-mhjadVBjHrOXyXqpMWNLByBAaCmhkfvRFNnvtPqv46CLhTrHfMs0Wt07muX~kwRsaPNxGwyn8LD90VBCpWPCW~2rn8g4DVlSFtbqPskqUvsR6w9qPIcXM3q7FPQoPkX3y-5Hhs26FUJ6iOEw6s1TDtAwFryjHwL2nk2DZZlFpkHnamlUiOAkFvY4pmpmHSdMqLTF39aeAmUyQcyLcMXpXc7SME3ZaAHAiJwwUtsij7jp~Bas70vN8J4FoGTj30iU67UDCyOC2Q05KDqL4qqVTgth5rJAtdn~wXG9xYxK2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Stuart City Commission on Monday transmitted to a second hearing an ordinance to rezone a 0.33‑acre parcel at 255 Southwest Sixth Street from Urban Waterfront to Urban Highway, following a staff presentation and remarks from the applicant.

City Attorney Lee Baggett read the ordinance title at the start of the item and advised the commission that the hearing before them was the ordinance's first reading and that the Land Development Code requires two hearings for rezoning. ‘‘Such hearings may be scheduled on the agenda of a regular City Commission, but shall be held after 5 p.m. and shall not be less than 10 calendar days apart,’’ Baggett said, summarizing the code language included in the agenda packet.

Jody Coogler, the city’s development director, told the commission the 0.33‑acre parcel is vacant, within the urban overlay district and community redevelopment area, and that the petitioner had mailed notices to adjacent owners and posted three signs on the property. Coogler said the Local Planning Agency (LPA) voted unanimously on Jan. 16, 2025, to forward a recommendation of approval and that adjacent residents expressed concerns about parking location, lighting and stormwater in later site‑planning stages.

Jared Gaylord, attorney for Polk Street Hotels (the petitioner), said the parcel sits on the east side of U.S. 1, just south of the Fraser Creek bridge, and that the petitioner had unified three parcels with a unity of title in May 2023. Gaylord said the 1.58‑acre consolidated property will be redeveloped and that the small, southeastern 0.33‑acre corner had been zoned Urban Waterfront while most of the consolidated site is already Urban Highway; he said the rezoning would make the whole property consistent for the pending hotel proposal.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant detailed questions about the distinctions between Urban Waterfront and Urban Highway zoning, including placement of buildings and parking, potential impacts to Fraser Creek and drainage, and whether the change would alter the range of permitted uses. Coogler and Gaylord said the two districts allow the same uses under the zoning code and that the principal distinction is placement: Urban Waterfront typically places structures toward the water with parking toward the highway, while Urban Highway places buildings adjacent to the highway with parking to the rear. Coogler added that all projects must meet the city's stormwater and drainage requirements during site plan review.

Commissioner Clark moved to transmit the ordinance to the second required hearing. Vice Mayor Collins seconded. On roll call the motion carried unanimously (Vice Mayor Collins, Commissioner Reid, Commissioner Gioby, Commissioner Clark and Mayor Rich voting yes). The second hearing was set for Feb. 10, 2025.

The commission and staff flagged that neighborhood meetings would be scheduled during the site plan phase: Coogler said staff will set a neighborhood meeting once revised plans are ready, and Gaylord said the petitioner intends to host one before site plan submittal. Commissioners noted public concerns heard at the LPA and during the meeting about parking location, lighting, security and the condition of Fraser Creek, and asked staff to ensure those topics are addressed in subsequent neighborhood and site‑plan reviews.

Because this was a first reading, no final action on the rezoning occurred Monday; the commission will take up the ordinance for adoption only at the quasi‑judicial second hearing. The packet materials list the ordinance as Ordinance No. 2537‑2025 and cite the City of Stuart Land Development Code and the city comprehensive plan as controlling guidance for the rezoning.","The City of Stuart City Commission on Monday transmitted to a second hearing an ordinance to rezone a 0.33‑acre parcel at 255 Southwest Sixth Street from Urban Waterfront to Urban Highway.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6340950,"Commission asks staff for fuller review of pond invasive‑plant management; will consider grant support and presentation at next meeting",276,6476000,6752000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587&start=6476&end=6752","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587/thumbnail_6476000.jpg","/articles/6340950/Florida/Commission-asks-staff-for-fuller-review-of-pond-invasiveplant-management-will-consider-grant-support-and-presentation-at-next-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340950-aaf0a2f17d227e051dddd8258eee8d6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841118&Signature=i-ViqItaQO~6M-9Tc2r2FlqoIh5xcWCsij-3aRpESXdvE4ER0VyhDQb6Ok7Ht4AJCE2U1rj624F4H6Wha4k7oqzOmqbu8a12pogROs1P00qX1uHbAEjJXelOgc52DHbB2pO222IONR9rr1KrPR-DBESX7L2QgHhaqIHk-6bdVGD3vROMnSUOYPBh4tHzS6Hi9CUrbDq8TTdIDnatvEydVFhtpq9rsEqyuwX-mxKW6LBSopTWgAiBwymKSn76~Oi2Fx4tpijYvqi0vXAFAl0yC7Q3FhM6gR5KS7RzpFqY848NVF360sI3CEQS-Y7dH3pzZsxrI1uPf5dgfNRGbsL9OQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners asked staff Monday to return with a fuller presentation on municipal pond management after a consultant’s pilot study found mixed results from a mix of mechanical removal, targeted spraying and native planting.

Joe Giulio (Gillio), identified in discussion as working with lake‑management efforts and the Lake Okeechobee Restoration Initiative, explained a small pilot at Popleton Creek where the city used three 75‑foot perimeter test sections to trial different approaches: manual removal, herbicide application by the city’s contractor and a third area where native plantings were used to compete with invasive species. Giulio said the planted natives did not fully overtake the exotics in the trial and recommended a combined approach of selective spraying or manual removal paired with additional native plantings and ongoing monitoring.

Commissioners and staff discussed costs and logistics. Public Works has performed spot treatments and limited manual removals, but commissioners said a comprehensive approach would require budgetary decisions: city staff said a full manual removal program across all ponds would be expensive (staff reported bids for comprehensive manual removal were in the hundreds of thousands of dollars) and that the current approach was a mix of limited spraying and spot mechanical work.

Commissioner Gioby asked staff to place a fuller presentation on a future agenda that would include: (1) the costs and frequency of contractor herbicide applications to date; (2) estimates for manual removal across priority ponds; (3) a phased planting program for native shoreline vegetation; and (4) grant opportunities and staff recommendations for funding such an effort. City staff said they will coordinate with the lake‑management contractor to compile treatment histories and cost estimates and will place an item on the Feb. 10, 2025 commission meeting to consider a support letter if a grant application is ready.

The discussion closed with staff agreeing to present options, costs and a recommended phased approach. Commissioners said they wanted the presentation to include the long‑term maintenance implications and tradeoffs between more frequent herbicide application versus manual removal plus native plant restoration.","Commissioners asked staff to present a costed, phased plan for managing invasive aquatic vegetation across city ponds after a pilot at Popleton Creek showed partial success for a combined strategy of spot removal, targeted spraying and native plantings.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6340955,"Commission schedules closed attorney‑client sessions on pending litigation; meeting set for Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.",743,5684000,6427000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587&start=5684&end=6427","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258597-9ee44483a688c87fc93829d0ef108587/thumbnail_5684000.jpg","/articles/6340955/Florida/Commission-schedules-closed-attorneyclient-sessions-on-pending-litigation-meeting-set-for-Feb-24-at-2-pm","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340955-81b0f73d64dbaa3ca3550b4d61763555/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841118&Signature=YT73dVQPKS8V9gmsgGd7TKj7-GyG6cCE7s1ReDB~LG0JrP6yZhsJhdxEOUBbWFfF~8~x0EXHRQGrgVrjg8e-mXUChf3fZkoVFztQK28F6hRV0DnO5koYzwVKocokatr8grcZu0JhIU3bHYL5R~m3cVUXaA7K6NU~jXnUqn-~Y96GvR47r4cbRD9zPCnXcv-Eehj71lSLy2~xG4Z9bQ-veCG1eQ-iWL5Sths-HVvCFgu5zMnRptq6Su57XmaqC0fuwLo2odafWvMQBFDEn0JnPpLGtduNSVNzq6SlOJKKWnlubikpFA2dRgobDVG3VC91r2Gfb~7V9BYaxNp7kAkU3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Stuart City Commission approved a resolution authorizing attorney‑client (closed or ‘‘shade’’) sessions to discuss multiple pending litigation matters and set a date for the closed meeting.

City Attorney Lee Baggett explained the purpose and procedure for attorney‑client sessions under Florida law: the commission may meet in closed session with the city attorney and outside counsel to discuss litigation strategy, and a court reporter will record the closed session; the reporter’s transcript becomes public once the underlying case is resolved. Baggett said he had identified three pending matters that warrant closed discussion and suggested meeting dates to accommodate outside counsel’s availability.

Commission discussion reviewed scheduling options. After back‑and‑forth on dates and counsel availability, the commission adopted the resolution to schedule a closed attorney‑client session on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. during which city commissioners, city manager, city attorney and outside counsel will meet; a court reporter will transcribe the session as required for closed litigation discussions.

Baggett listed the cases to be discussed in closed session: City of Stuart v. Northpoint Ventures, LLC; Behavioral Health Centers LLC v. City of Stuart; and Giant Oil, Inc. v. City of Stuart. Commissioners and members of the public who spoke during the item stressed the need for transparency while also acknowledging the legal requirement to discuss privileged settlement and strategy matters in private.

The resolution passed unanimously on roll call. The commission instructed staff to publish the required notice for the scheduled attorney‑client session.","The commission approved a resolution authorizing attorney‑client (shade) sessions to discuss three pending cases and set a closed session for Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Commissioners and outside counsel will meet with a court reporter; records of the closed sessions become public when each case concludes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves first reading to repeal city’s expanded‑polystyrene/plastics regulation

City Commission transmits rezoning for 255 Southwest Sixth Street to second hearing after staff, applicant presentations

Commission asks staff for fuller review of pond invasive‑plant management; will consider grant support and presentation at next meeting

Commission schedules closed attorney‑client sessions on pending litigation; meeting set for Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.