Carlos Aviles

This Capital Improvement Plan for the City of St. Augustine outlines proposed projects for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. The plan focuses on enhancing and maintaining critical infrastructure across various sectors, including coastal storm risk management, utility system upgrades (stormwater, wastewater, water treatment), public facility improvements (fire stations, marina), and transportation infrastructure. Key objectives include strengthening resilience to coastal flooding, modernizing aged utilities, improving public safety services, and ensuring efficient urban development.

The agenda for the City of St. Augustine Corridor Review Committee meeting included a roll call, general public comments, approval of the minutes from the April 7, 2022 meeting, and modification/approval of the current agenda. New business focused on application HP2022-0041 regarding Sweet Weddings, Inc., which requested modification to utilize Navy Blue, Metallic Gold, and White colors for signage at 142 King Street, as these colors were not pre-approved in the King Street Entry Corridor standards. Other business and adjournment were also scheduled. A portion of the document also detailed the preceding April 7, 2022 meeting minutes, which included the approval of the March 3, 2022 minutes, modifications to the April 7 agenda, and the election of Michael Dixon as Chair and Vaughn Cochran as Vice Chair. Discussions during the April meeting covered staff report quality, site visits as ex parte communication, parking concerns, and the application of design guidelines to mixed-use projects.

The meeting included a presentation on the Historic Area CRA Landscape Review, focusing on improving sidewalks and enhancing streetscapes, with a planned landscape refresh for several key areas and tree canopy improvements. Updates were provided on the Tree City USA and Growth Awards submissions, as well as a discussion on the location for Arbor Day 2026. The Tree Canopy Program was reviewed, noting the neighborhoods involved and the species chosen by applicants. An update on Fish Island was given, and the Citizen Yard Of the Year award was discussed, including potential changes to the nomination sheets and criteria. The committee also discussed a recommendation for an open committee position and the possibility of Gina Burrell becoming Vice Chair, along with concerns about protecting Oak Trees and the frequency of meetings.

The strategic plan for the City of St. Augustine focuses on integrating the visioning statement, creating a mission statement, and defining guiding principles and core values. The plan aims to develop a multi-year budget process, establish a work plan, and ensure accountability to maintain performance. It prioritizes exceptional service to residents, cultivates civic engagement, proactive planning, and preserves the community's character. Key goals include enhancing livability, authenticity, character, and vitality to make St. Augustine a distinctive and desirable community.

The Street Tree Advisory Committee meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. The Arbor Day slide show was presented, and members shared positive feedback. Updates on Tree City USA and Growth Awards were provided, and Arbor Day 2025 locations were discussed. The Tree Canopy Program was reviewed, noting the number of applicants and trees planted. An update on Fish Island was given, including the dedication, cultural resource audit, acoustic surveys, and invasive treatment process. The idea of restarting the Beatification Subcommittee and the Citizen Yard of the Year program was presented, with suggestions for categories and nomination forms. Concerns were raised about the removal of old oaks, and the possibility of public notice before tree removals was discussed.