Thursday, October 17, 2019

Commissioner Salter and members of the Board of County Commissioners,

On October 12, 2006, I had the distinct pleasure of being appointed to of the Planning Board.
Since then, we have faced many challenges since 2006. We have become a “Top Choice” place
to live where property values reached record highs. In turn, we have also faced difficult
economic times where growth was stagnant and property values plummeted. However, over
the years, we withstood the storms, some literally, and progressed as a community. Today, our
community is back on top as one of the “Top Choice” counties in Florida. Property values are
strong and we have become a community that most others would love to emulate.
I attribute this positive change to the great leadership in Santa Rosa County.
During my tenure, I’ve had the opportunity to hear over 2,000 cases that were presented to our
Board and with that came the opportunity to meet some great people that have molded this
community into the “home” we all love today. In my professional career, I have had the
opportunity to work with municipal staff members through the South and I am very proud to
say that no one compares to the staff we have right here. The Planning Staff does an excellent
job working with citizens on both sides of each case, as well as preparing the Zoning Board with
great backup documentation that allows members to make decisions based on facts. I
commended the staff for the excellent job they do.
We did not become one of the fastest growing communities in Florida by accident. Our Board of
County Commissioners has always been persons of high integrity, providing the leadership to
move our County forward. I would be remiss if I didn’t single out Commissioner Salter.
Commissioner Salter appointed me as his representative to the Planning Board. Not once has
he ever approached me about an upcoming case or questioned how I voted on any case. There
have been times where we voted differently but, he never questioned the reason for my vote.
This is one of the many ways where he has earned my respect.
There is nothing more rewarding than serving for the betterment of others. This opportunity to
serve has afforded me the chance make the community we live in a better place. I am
extremely pleased of what I accomplished and the value I contributed resulting in a positive
impact to the lives of the citizens of Santa Rosa County. For that, I am very proud. During my
service, many planning related accomplishments were made including the Pace Area Plan,
Zoning category changes, Navarre Town Center Plan, and the Wellfield Protection Zone. These
changes have all improved our community providing benefit for all citizens to enjoy.
Thirteen years is a long time but, it seems to pass you by quickly. It seems as if it were only a
couple of years ago when I became a Board member. However, the time has come for me to
step down from my position on the Board and allow other talented citizens of our County the
opportunity to mold our community for the future. The November 14, 2019 Planning Board
meeting is the final Zoning Board meeting of 2019. Effective Tuesday December, 31, 5:00PM, I
officially resign from the Zoning Board. The Board of County Commissioners re-organization is

Document1
 Thursday, October 17, 2019

upcoming and this allows Commissioner Salter to find a replacement Board member to kick off
2020.
In addition to the Zoning Board, I hereby submit my resignation from the Santa Rosa County
State Housing Initiatives Partnership Board and the Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial Plaza
Board.
As a veteran member with thirteen years of service, I offer a few recommendations that I
believe will help both you and the citizens of Santa Rosa County that participate in Zoning
Board matters.

 Consider Limiting Zoning Board appointments to a set term limit. Based on my

experience, I would suggest six years. No member can serve greater than one term.
 Conduct a BOCC/Zoning Board workshop annually to provide direction to the Zoning
Board on the goals for the year.
 Have someone from the legal staff attend the Zoning Board meetings to provide legal
advice. There are many time that Board members are faced with difficult decisions
where legal advice would be helpful. Many times the applicant’s agent is an attorney or
there is an attorney representing the opposition.
 Consider adding language to the published agenda that prevents any citizen from
making comments of a personal nature. All comments should be addressed to the
Board and remain on topic of the case at hand.
 The Zoning Board is very often a thankless job. Take the time to thank those who serve.
They are taking time out of their busy lives to help the community and “Thank You”
goes a long way.
I am proud of my work on the Zoning Board and I praise the Lord for the opportunity to have
served this great community. Time is the most valuable possession a person has and my family
has been gracious enough to sacrifice that time over the past thirteen years to allow me to
serve the community we love. Thank you again and may God bless each and every one of you.

Document1