Subject:
Title
Recommendation to the Town Council for Planning Commission Member of the Windover Heights Board of Review
Body
The Windover Heights Board of Review (WHBR) has the responsibility for reviewing certain proposed construction activities that would take place within the Windover Heights Historic Overlay District. The overlay district is defined in Sec. 18-237 of the Town Code, which is provided as Attachment 1. That section also defines the Board’s role with respect to proposed public infrastructure. Procedures and processes for review of proposed private development within the overlay district are defined in Sec. 18-818 of the Town Code, which is provided as Attachment 2.
The membership of the WHBR is also outlined in Section 18-818 (Attachment 2). The Board consists of five members, and Town Council is directed to consider individuals with an interest in and appreciation for the Town’s cultural heritage and history. The membership includes:
• One registered professional architect whose qualifications are compatible with historic preservation and restoration,
• One member of the Board of Architectural Review,
• One member of the Planning Commission,
• One member of the Conservation and Sustainability Commission; and
• One member selected from the community at large.
Former Planning Commissioner Stephen Kenney served as the Planning Commission representative to the Windover Heights Board of Review (WHBR) from his initial appointment in 2022 until his final meeting in March 2026. With his departure from the Planning Commission, Mr. Kenney is no longer eligible to be the Commission’s representative to the WHBR. As such, the Town Council must appoint a new Commission representative.
The Planning Commission has traditionally recommended one of its members for service on the WHBR. This agenda item provides the Commission an opportunity to make its recommendation.
Pursuant to the Town Code, appointments to the WHBR are for two-year terms. Commissioner Kenney was reappointed in December 2024 for a term ending December 2026. The Town Council will therefore have at least two options:
1) Appoint the Planning Commission member for two years, beginning with the appointment date (which is expected to be June 1), or
2) Appoint the Planning Commission member to complete Commissioner Kenney’s term.
Staff is not normally involved in Council appointments to boards and commissions so staff does not know which pathway the Council will choose to take; but staff expects that a Planning Commission recommendation in this regard will be taken seriously by the Council.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission provide a recommendation to Town Council identifying one of its members to serve as its representative on the WHBR and consider making a recommendation for the term of service (i.e., the remainder of Commissioner Kenney’s term or for two years from the appointment date).
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
“I move to recommend ____________ for the position of Planning Commission Member of the Windover Heights Board of Review {for a period of ______}.”
OR
Other action deemed necessary by the Planning Commission.
Attachments:
1. Windover Heights Historic District Overlay (WH-O)
2. Windover Heights Board of Review: Town Code Section 18-818