Planning & Zoning Meeting (2025-02-24)

MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24, 2025

THE Planning and Zoning Board OF THE CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA, MET IN PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD IN THE CITY HALL AUDITORIUM/COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 324 E. PINE STREET, ON Monday, February 24, 2025 AT 6:30 PM WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT:

Alternate Member Lori Rainaldi Weaver

Member Susan Swenson

Member Derla Early

Member Robert Rockelein

Member Georganna Frantzis

Vice-Chairperson Justin Vessey

Chairperson N. Mike Kouskoutis

ABSENT/EXCUSED: Member Nick Zembillas, Chairperson Merlin Seamon

ALSO PRESENT:

NT: PATRICIA MCNEESE, AICP, PLANNING SUPERVISOR ALLIE KEEN, AICP, PRINCIPAL PLANNER CHARLES RUDD,CITY MANAGER ANDREW DICKMAN, ESQ,AICP, BOARD ATTORNEY KIMBERLY CREIGHTON, BOARD SECRETARY

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Kouskoutis called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.

2. ROLL CALL

Board Secretary Creighton called the roll.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mr. Kouskoutis led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

4. REFLECTION

Mr. Vessey led the reflection.

5. QUASI-JUDICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT AND SWEARING IN OF SPEAKERS

Board Attorney Salzman read the Quasi-Judicial Announcement and swore in all who wished to testify. He asked if there was any ex parte communication; there was none.

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6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

a. Resolution 2025-15; Conditional Use for an gaming arcade in the HB (Highway Business) Zoning District: 40114 US Highway 19 N (Application 24-80)(Quasi-Judicial)

Staff:

Mrs. McNeese provided background information and noted that staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Board review the application and take action to approve, approve with conditions, or deny Resolution 2025-15. If Resolution 2025-15 was approved, staff recommended adding the following as conditions of approval:

1. The applicant shall obtain a local business tax receipt and keep it active.

2. Operating hours are limited to 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

3. This use is prohibited from serving alcoholic beverages. The City will not approve an alcoholic beverage license application.

4. Opaque or "blackout" window treatments or coverings shall be prohibited on all windows. All window surface treatments shall be clear/transparent to ensure full visibility into the business space.

5. The owner shall restrict use of the business to patrons of at least 18 years of age, or higher if required by state law, and shall clearly post such restriction at the customer entrance.

6. The applicant shall obtain, and submit proof of, all required state and local licenses with the application for a local business tax receipt.

Applicant:

Habbeb Nizar Najjar, noted that Salam Jaber, 9552 Trumpet Vine Road, Trinity was going to speak on his behalf. Mr.Jaber noted that the conditions recommended by staff were acceptable.

SECOND: Member Rockelein

Approve Resolution 2025-15, with all conditions except condition 3.

Vote on Motion - Upon roll call vote, the motion failed as follows:

Yes: Vice-Chairperson Vessey

No: Alternate Member Rainaldi Weaver