Oakland tables decision on Hull Island plat

The Oakland Town Commission tabled a discussion and vote on the final plat for the Hull Island subdivision’s second phase at its Oct. 26 meeting. Commissioners had too many questions about the 12.17-acre parcel and its impact on the nearby Oakland Nature Preserve.

The wetland areas to the north of this phase previously were dedicated to the town and are not included in this plat.

The subdivision abuts ONP, and the commission expressed concern about landscaping and the seeds of non-native plants blowing into the preserve. ONP staff and volunteers have spent years removing non-native plants from the preserve land.

The question was whether the town could request the developer or Homeowners’ Association plant only native plants and install standard and uniform fencing.

The resolution is expected to be discussed again at the Nov. 9 Town Commission meeting.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The commission adopted an ordinance that amends its “pay-as-you-go” invoicing process for routine permit process to cut down on duplicative administration work and eliminate the need for charge backs that are invoiced after a certificate of occupancy or completion has been issued. A flat-rate service fee has been established for building permit reviews: single-family production builder home, $800; custom one-off/old town home, including Oakland Park, $1,500; swimming pool, $1,000; boat dock, $1,200; and miscellaneous, including wall, parking and pool screen, $900.

• The Consent Agenda also included an authorization for expenses in the amount of $184,000 in impact fees to be credited to EG3 Development. The company, which is developing The Kiddie Academy on West Colonial Drive, has requested relief on its impact fees in exchange for providing the necessary right of way for the construction of Catherine Ross Road, as well as paving and drainage improvements.

• Commissioner Mike Satterfield announced there is an opening for a business position on the School Advisory Committee at Oakland Avenue Charter School.

• The commission approved an ordinance per Florida legislature that states the town’s Comprehensive Plan must include a section that addresses property rights.

• The commission proclaimed Nov. 6 through 13 the Week of the Family: My Family — My Compass and read a proclamation recognizing the late Jim Thomas’ contributions to the town.

• Commissioners approved the Consent Agenda, which included an authorization to apply for Tree City USA designation for the 19th year in a row.

• Mayor Kathy Stark participated in the recent heritage tree walk with the Bloom & Grow Garden Society and wants to create a similar walking tour in Oakland but expand it to include historical homes and the history of the town’s street names.