Equestrian Preserve Committee

Village of Wellington 12300 Forest Hill Blvd Wellington, FL 33414 Action Summary Wednesday, February 5, 2020 6:30 PM Village Hall - 1E/1F Equestrian Preserve Committee Jane Cleveland, Chair Glen Fleischer, Vice Chair Carlos Arellano Robert Bushey Dr. Rachel Eidelman Dr. Kristy Lund Annabelle Garrett Equestrian Preserve Committee Action Summary February 5, 2020 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cleveland called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Jane Cleveland, Dr. Rachel Eidelman, Robert Bushey, Glen Fleischer, Annabelle Garrett, and Dr. Kristy Lund were present. Carlos Arellano arrived late. Staff present: Michael O'Dell, Ryan Harding, and D.J. Helkowski. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. REMARKS BY COMMITTEE CHAIR Chair Cleveland remarked that Ryan Harding has been working on the State of the Industry report and had a presentation to show the committee. IV. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/REORDERING OF AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Glen Fleischer motioned for the December 2019 EPC minutes to be approved. Dr. Rachel Eidelman seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. EPC-199 Approval of December 4, 2019 Equestrian Preserve Committee Minutes VI. WORKSHOP Ryan Harding began the workshop by presenting a series of maps showing changes in polo fields in Wellington (as well as several venues outside of Wellington) over time. These maps were produced from tracking aerial imagery in order to locate polo fields and their fluctuation over two year intervals. Harding asserted that from 2013 to 2019, polo fields in Wellington didn't fluctuate very much. In 2013, there were 53 polo fields in the Village. By 2015, that number rose to 57, with much of the growth in section 34, and by 2017, the number of fields in Wellington grew to 58. In 2019, it dropped to 57. From 2013 to 2019, venues outside of Wellington dropped from 13 fields to 10 fields. This primarily occurred with the development of Gulfstream Polo at Lake Worth Road and Florida's Turnpike. Annabelle Garrett questioned whether or not these maps show actual growth of polo in Wellington over time, considering many of the polo venues are run by one person. Michael O'Dell responded that regardless of the number of people in charge of the fields, the growth in number of fields shows a growth in investment, Village of Wellington Page 1 Equestrian Preserve Committee Action Summary February 5, 2020 which is something the committee aims to track for the State of the Industry report. Chair Cleveland asked about the status of certain Conditions of Approval at the showgrounds that have not yet been met. Mr. O’Dell replied that there was still an emergency declaration in place, which was enacted by the state. Therefore, the extensions to complete these Conditions of Approval are still in place until after the governor declares the emergency is over. He also reminded the committee that they had reviewed and approved Article 5 of Wellington’s Land Development Regulations (LDR). Article 5 streamlined the Seasonal Permitting process so that events that are greater than 30 event days can be reviewed administratively and approved by council for the initial approval. As long as these events do not change in subsequent years, and there are no complaints about the events, the events then become administrative approvals. To start the trails discussion, Vice Chair Fleischer noted how the Yellow bridle trail between Pierson Road and Palm Beach Point Boulevard is being used by both equestrians and motorists who speed, leading to dangerous situations when motorized vehicles pass by horses. Fleischer asked staff if the Village could provide separation between the trails. Michael O'Dell responded that the Village has decided that there isn't enough room to provide a double surface in every area of the bridle path system. The Village is best at putting together a full set of rules and regulations and enforcing them equally. What we can't do is put band-aids on certain issues. Regarding the use of motorized scooters and golf carts, the question was asked of the committee: "should the bollards be removed to allow for golf cart usage?" The thought being that the scooters may be increasing the traffic and they can traverse the trails despite the bollards. The committee also discussed enforcement of motor vehicle ordinances. Carlos Arellano suggested putting in signs that say Equestrians have Right of Way and vehicles must slow down. Cleveland then asked O'Dell if "slow for horses" signs could be put in place along pathways, to which O'Dell suggested it is a possibility. Ultimately, the committee agreed to keep rules regarding vehicles as well as bollards as they currently are. Chair Cleveland asked Village staff if there has been any update since 2019's public meeting on State Statute 604.50. Michael O'Dell stated that 604.50 has continued to evolve in its interpretation, and several unpermitted barns have been constructed in the Village. Dr. Rachel Eidelman motioned to send an Administrative Transmittal to the Village Council requesting that the Equestrian Preserve Committee be able to Village of Wellington Page 2 Equestrian Preserve Committee Action Summary February 5, 2020 review any and all permits in the Equestrian Preserve Area, that are related to the projects with development orders with conditions of approval that have not been met. Robert Bushey seconded the motion, and the motion was passed 6-1, with only Vice Chair Fleischer abstaining. After the meeting, it was determined that because extensions are still in place for these Development Orders, and Article 5 of the LDR establishes procedures for development review that are consistent with Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, it would not be appropriate to send an AT to council requesting EPC review of these permits. EPC-200 Polo Fields in Wellington and the Region VII. STAFF COMMENTS There were no staff comments. VIII. BOARD COMMENTS There were no board comments. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS Marilyn Heaton of 2344 Appaloosa Trail commented that a wooded area just east of Gene Mische Way where she used to ride her horses has been environmentally degradated, and she requested that a horse preserve be set up to protect that patch of land. The committee responded that the Village has no control over that parcel of land and the resident would need to talk to the owner of that parcel in order to see any change made. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM. NOTICE Village of Wellington Page 3