The Collective Food Yard and Garden vs. The Town of Fort White. Not Exactly Kumbaya, But Progress Looking Forward
August 21, 2024
7:55 am | 4 min read
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FORT WHITE, FL – Since 2022, the Collective Food Yard and Garden has been a fixture on US 27 in Fort White. It has become a gathering spot for many to eat and meet. The Fort White Town Council, individually and collectively, has supported the Collective. However, the road has been rocky at times. Monday night in Town Hall, after a two-hour hearing, the Town and the Collective agreed to work together to enhance the business and its footprint in the Town.
The meeting (a quasi-judicial hearing) focused on a vesting rights application by Alexander Veiga for the Collective Food Yard and Garden. The application, filed on July 18, 2024, sought to validate the business's pre-existing operations and exempt it from a new ordinance. Key points included the business's compliance with local regulations, such as obtaining building permits and paying for commercial utilities. Concerns were raised about the business's non-compliance with the new ordinance, including the need for a special use permit and a $35,000 septic system upgrade.
Town Attorney Lindsey Lander (file)
Town Attorney Lindsey Lander explained the quasi-judicial is similar to a court hearing. Attorney Lander explained the order of business: jurisdiction determination, Town Council member's reveal of ex parte communication, the presentation of the Collective, the presentation of the Town and affected parties, followed by public input and deliberation.
Attorney Lander explained that all parties must identify themselves and take an oath that they were telling the truth.
As the hearing approached the two-hour mark, over-talking and interrupting became an issue. However, Attorney Lander summarized the points as best he could.
Presentation by the Collective
Alexander Veiga presented evidence of compliance with local regulations, including tax applications and building permits.
Alex Veiga makes his case.
Mr. Veiga detailed the steps taken to obtain permits and comply with regulations, including paying for commercial utilities and obtaining an electrical permit.
Mr. Veiga expressed frustration over the miscommunication and delays in the approval process, highlighting the financial burden of the septic system upgrade.
Finally, Mr. Veiga argued that the Collective should be vested in their rights to avoid the financial strain of the new ordinance.
Town Staff Presentation
Town Clerk Connie Brecheen provided a detailed account of the collective's operations and the Town's efforts to regulate them.
Town Clerk Connie Brecheen
Ms. Brecheen mentioned the initial approval of a permanent pole barn and the subsequent expansion of the collective's activities.
Ms. Brecheen outlined the Town's efforts to draft a food truck ordinance and the collective's non-compliance with the new regulations.
Ms. Brecheen emphasized the Town's attempts to work with the Collective and the challenges faced, including environmental concerns and the need for a special use permit.
Affected Parties and Public Input
Fort White resident Lonnie Harrell
Fort White resident Lonnie Harrell supported the collective, arguing they have provided value to the community and should be grandfathered in.
Mr. Harrell criticized the Town's handling of the situation and called for a more collaborative approach.
Ruben Laureano, a partner in the Collective, reiterated the financial strain caused by the new ordinance and the need for a variance to avoid the $35,000 septic system upgrade.
Mr. Laureano emphasized the collective's compliance with regulations and the Town's lack of communication and support.
Deliberation and Vote
Fort White Mayor Ronnie Frazier makes a point
during the deliberations. Councilman Jason
Florence looks on.
The Town Council discussed the collective's application for vesting rights and the implications of approving or denying it.
Town Clerk Connie Brecheen outlined the specific requirements for compliance, including a business tax receipt and proof of septic system use.
The Council members expressed concerns about the collective's non-compliance and the need for clear communication and documentation.
A motion to deny the vesting rights was made and approved unanimously.
The Council and the Collective agreed that the Collective would apply for a special use permit the next morning.
That didn’t exactly happen, but the Collective is working with the Town to get that done.
Epilogue
Town Attorney Lindsey Lander did a yeoman’s job of keeping the hearing on track.
As the meeting headed into the third hour and the participants were getting punch drunk, the bugaboo of Columbia County meetings of overtalking, interrupting – not being recognized by the chair – made it difficult to follow along.
After being interrupted, Town Clerk Brecheen told one of the participants, “I’m talking.”
In the end, the Collective will be working with the Town to apply for a variance.
On Tuesday morning, Collective co-owner Alex Veiga commented about the Monday hearing, “I think it worked out well for everybody and I’m looking forward to working with the Town to grow my business and bring more people to Fort White.”
