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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #06 Meadow Ridge Plat Approval AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: March 20, 2007 Item # lo Reviewed By: Department Director: City Manager: Nf;~ Contact Name: Contact Number: David Wheeler, P. E. (407) 905-3100 ext. 1506 Subject: Meadow Ridge Plat Approval Background Summary: This plat is for the Meadow Ridge subdivision which is the 59.7 acre residential portion of the Westridge PUD and is bound by Moore Road to the north, th Avenue to the East, Thornebrooke Drive to the South, and Maguire Road to the West which consists of a 152 single family homes with its associated amenities. The Meadow Ridge plat is for the residential portion of the Westridge PUD and does not include the 8.8 acre commercial lots located on the southeast corner of Moore Road and Maguire Road. City Staff recommends approval of the plat subject to and conditioned upon the Developer providing a revised Declaration for Meadow Ridge that, to staff's satisfaction, includes the provisions referenced in the City Attorney's memorandum dated March 12, 2007 which include, among other things, the Developer providing a revised Declaration that addresses the homeowners association's obligations to assist the City in the event the City desires to seek a modification to the SJRWMD Conservation Easement and/or Permit for Meadow Ridge (See Exhibit "A" dated February 27, 2007 for requested language). City Staff recommends The Mayor and City Clerk sign the plat based on the afore mentioned conditions of approval being satisfied. The City Manager, City Engineer, City Attorney, and the Community Development Director do not support approval of the plat without the previously stated provisions being satisfied. Pulte Homes does not agree that the stormwater declaration should be required as a condition of plat approval. Issue: City Staff requests that the Mayor and City Commission approve of the Meadow Ridge residential development plat. Recommendations City Staff recommends approval of the plat subject to and conditioned upon the Developer addressing stormwater issues stated in the City Attorney's memorandum dated March 12, 2007, which includes the homeowners association's obligations to assist the City in the event the City desires to seek a modification to the SJRWMD Conservation Easement and/or Permit for Meadow Ridge. City Staff recommends The Mayor and City Clerk execute the plat based on the afore mentioned conditions of approval. The City Manager, City Engineer, City Attorney, and the Community Development Director do not support approval of the plat without the previously stated issues being satisfied. Attachments: Mylar Plat, Exhibit "A" (Meadow Ridge Declaration Insert), City Attorney Memo (Dated: 03-12-07), and Response from Pulte Homes Attorney Financial Impact: None Type of Item: D D D D ~ ~ Public Hearing Ordinance First Reading Ordinance First Reading Resolution Commission Approval Discussion & Direction For Clerk's DeDi Use: D Consent Agenda D Public Hearing D Regular Agenda D Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk D Original Document/Contract Held by Department for Execution Reviewed by City Attorney Reviewed by Finance Dept. Reviewed by (Planning) ~ N/A D N/A D N/A Commissioners Gary Hood. District 1 Scott Anderson. District 2 Rusty Johnson. District 3 Joel F. Keller. District 4 Mayor S. Scott Vandergrift City Manager Robert Frank STAFF REPORT TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners FROM: David Wheeler, P.E. DATE: March 20, 2007 RE: Meadow Ridge Plat Approval ISSUE Plat Approval for the Meadow Ridge Subdivision BACKGROUNDIDISCUSSION This plat is for the Meadow Ridge subdivision which is the 59.7 acre residential portion of the Westridge PUD and is bound by Moore Road to the north, ih Avenue to the east, Thornebrooke Drive to the south, and Maguire Road to the west. The residential development consists of a 152 single family homes with its associated amenities. The Meadow Ridge plat is for the residential portion of the Westridge PUD and does not include the 8.8 acre commercial tract located in the northwest corner of the overall property. City Staff recommends approval of the plat subject to and conditioned upon the Developer providing a revised Declaration for Meadow Ridge that, to staff"s satisfaction, includes the provisions referenced in the City Attorney's memorandum dated March 12, 2007 which include, among other things, the Developer providing a revised Declaration that addresses the homeowners association's obligations to assist the City in the event the City desires to seek a modification to the SJRWMD Conservation Easement and/or Permit for Meadow Ridge. City Staff recommends The Mayor and City Clerk sign the plat based on the afore mentioned conditions of approval being satisfied. The City Manager, City Engineer, City Attorney, and the Community Development Director do not support approval of the plat without the previously stated provisions being satisfied. Pursuant to Condition of Approval No. 44 on the approved Final Subdivision Plan for Meadow Ridge, the Developer is required to grant a Conservation and Drainage Easement over and upon Tract I in favor of the City. Prior to submitting the plat for review, however, the Developer granted a Conservation Easement over Tract I solely in favor of SJRWMD. Condition of Approval No. 44 was included on the Final Subdivision Plan at the request of City staff in order to allow the City to address future public drainage/flooding concerns in the area of Tract I. This issue was commented on by the City Attorney in the first review of the plat. It was further commented on by the City Attorney in the subsequent second and third plat reviews. The City Attorney comments for all three reviews have been attached. This requirement is imposed on all new subdivisions to protect the public in emergencies. The restrictions imposed by the prior Conservation Easement in favor of SJRWMD may prohibit the City from taking the actions that may be necessary to address such future concerns of the City. To address future drainage/flooding concerns in light of the prior Conservation Easement in favor of SJRWMD, the City will need to seek a modification from SJRWMD to the Conservation Easement and/or Permit in order to allow the City take such actions as may be necessary. SJRWMD has advised City staff that only the holder of the applicable SJRWMD Permit may apply for such a modification. Upon the platting of the property, the Meadow Ridge homeowners association will be the holder of the SJRWMD Permit. Although City staff has not objected to the prior Conservation Easement in favor SJRWMD remaining in place at this time, the Engineering and Legal Departments have recommended that additional language be added to the Declaration for Meadow Ridge to provide that the homeowners association will cooperate with the City and sign an application to modify the SJRWMD Conservation Easement and/or Permit if requested to do so by the City. A copy of the City Attorney's March 12, 2007 memorandum referencing the additional language that staff is recommending be included in the Declaration for Meadow Ridge is hereto. The Developer, Pulte Home Corporation, has objected to the inclusion of such language in the Declaration for Meadow Ridge. A copy of a memorandum from Pulte's attorney, which explains Pulte's objections to the inclusion of such language in the Declaration for Meadow Ridge, is attached hereto. This objection is a serious issue because Meadow Ridge and Windsor Landings have controlling interests in the wetlands. Pulte Homes is not complying with the Conditions of Approval as previously negotiated by the City Commission on August 17, 2004. Pulte Homes did not comply when they recorded the conservation and drainage easement in favor of St. Johns Water Management District only. To comply they should vacate the current document and record one that complies with Condition of Approval #44 or include the language as proposed by the City staff. There is a similar condition of approval for Windsor Landings as well. The City has considered a CIP project to close up the ditch along the east side of Maguire Road in front of Windsor Landings. To "hardpipe" the drainage would require a 35inch or larger pipe. As part of the project, the new large pipe should run all the way to the wetland overflow structure; therefore allowing greater flow capacity for the overflow. The current pipe out of the overflow structure and under Thornebrooke Drive is 15inch. The overflow elevation of the structure would not be changed, only the ability for water to escape the wetlands and not back up and potentially flood any surrounding property. Accordingly, if left in its current form, the City could be prevented from protecting a downstream subdivision, Windsor Landings, from flooding due to the inability to quickly respond to an emergency flooding situation. Ironically, the City has required Pulte to raise the berm around this wetland along Thornebrooke Drive due to the acknowledgement that this subdivision raises the 100-year floodplain elevation or the wetland they wish to prevent the City from accessing when emergency conditions arise. EXHIBIT "A" MEADOW RIDGE DECLARATION INSERT (February 27,2007) If the City detennines that there is a need to discharge stonnwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvements related thereto within Tract I that would be prohibited by that celiain Conservation Easement made by the Declarant in favor of the SJR WMD and recorded in Official Records Book 8653, Page 2043 of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida, as same may be amended from time to time, and the City notifies the Association that the City requests to seek a modification of such Conservation Easement and/or the SJRWMD Pem1it to allow for the City's proposed usee s) of Tract I, then the Association (or the Declarant if such a request is made prior to Transfer of Control) shall sign an application as co-permittee with the City for such a modification to allow the City to discharge stom1water runoff over or tlu'ough Tract I or construct improvement related thereto, as long as the City agrees in writing with the Association (or Declarant, if the request for a modification is made prior to Transfer of Control) to (a) be solely responsible for all costs required to apply for, pursue and obtain such a modification and to construct all improvements permitted by such modification, and (b) repair at the City's sole cost and expense all damage caused by construction pem1itted by such modification within a reasonable time. ORLA_ 437554.1 -~6WJ~ --'''''.........-..---....-...---...-....--.- LLP ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW MEMORANDUM TO: CC: Nick Palmer, Esq. Mr. Doug Puvogel CLIENT-MATTER NO.: 17162.0069 FROM: DATE: RE: Charles B. Costar, III March 7, 2007 Pulte Home Corporation/Meadow Ridge/Plat Approval Nick, I am writing, at your request, to explain the reasons Pulte Home Corporation ("Pulte") is requesting changes to the language you suggested in your Memorandum to J ealme Washington, Engineering Department, dated January 5, 2007, specifically, No. 1. I have enclosed a copy of my Memorandum dated February 8, 2007 forwarded to you by email dated February 13, 2007 for your reference. Following general comments, I have organized this Memorandum by referencing the specific sections and sub-sections of my prior Memorandum that include the requested additional language. In general, Pulte, its predecessor in title, and their respective consultants spent a significant amount of time designing a surface water and stonnwater management system acceptable to the City of Ocoee ("City") and the St. Johns River Water Management District ("District"). We do not see any reason why there is more uncertainty today with respect to drainage conditions in the area than there was one (1) year ago when the City approved the Final Subdivision Plans for the community. In addition, we do not believe the Conditions of Approval of the Final Subdivision PlallS contemplate and/or require a modification of the District Permit by the City or an obligation of Pulte and/or its Association to agree to such modification. Moreover, Tract I is only part of a wetland, the other part of which extends south of Pulte's property alld is part of the Windsor Lallding community. A conservation easement in favor of the City and District exists over that part of the wetland in the Windsor Landing community. A separate District permit exists with respect to the surface water and stormwater management system in that community. I understand an outfall structure that controls the water level of the entire wetland actually exists in that part of the wetland in the Windsor Landing community. If ORLDOCS 10870229 1 anything is to be modified, it is most likely that structure and the permit for the Windsor Landing surface water and stormwater system. Moreover, we think the entire permitting process is about certainty for the City (and District with respect to permits for surface water and stormwater management systems) in tenns of how a developer will be able to develop its land, The City's request for Pulte and/or the Association to agree now to allow the City in the future to modify the District permit should the City so desire to make changes to Tract I and/or the surface water and stromwater management system, the scope of which are unknown today, creates only uncertainty for Pulte, the Association and prospective purchasers. Simply stated, in addition to being unrealistic, we think the request is unfair. Nevertheless, Pulte's requested additional language is intended to try and reach a reasonable compromise with the City on this issue. Section Explanation I (a) The City, as the party requesting a modification of the District permit, should have to pay for costs and expenses to apply for, pursue and obtain a modification of the District pernlit and to construct all improvements permitted by the modificatiol1. l(b) We think there is a difference between the language in lea) and l(b). For example, but not by way of limitation, the Pulte and/or the Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc. ("Association") as Permittee of the District permit may incur costs and expenses should the City's requested modification result in additional required mitigation for impacts to the Conservation Area and costs to comply with any additional Pemlit requirements added as a result of modification sought by the City. Those costs could include costs for maintenance and/or monitoring, again wholly dependent upon modifications sought by the City. As you know, at this time, the City does not have a proposal or plan for the modification of the District permit and/or use of Tract 1. Consequently, the extent, if any, of any and all additional costs and expenses that may be incurred as a result of any modifications sought by the City are unknown. A finite list of costs and expenses cannot be provided. l(c) This request is self-explanatory. There should be some period of time by which repairs should be completed, and Pulte is suggesting a thirty (30) day period. 2(a) Pulte is currently the Permittee and Pulte and/or the Association will have long- term responsibility for compliance with permit conditions. We certainly do not anticipate the City seeking a modification that would adversely impact the surface water or stormwater management system. However, without knowing what the City wants to do, we think the language is a reasonable request. If the City's position is the District will not allow any modification of the District permit that adversely affects the surface water and stormwater system, including the language should not be a concern. 2(b) In addition to not knowing what the City wants to do, the language the City suggested does not have any limitation on the scope of the modification of the District permit with respect to additional discharge of stormwater nmoff or the construction of improvements in Tract 1. Tract I is connected to the surface water 2 ORLDOCS 108702291 and stormwater management system for the Meadow Ridge community. A change in the discharge of stromwater nmoff may raise or lower the level of stormwater throughout the system impacting not only Tracts adjacent to Tract I and improvements thereon, but also lots bordering other Tracts that are part of the surface water and stormwater management system. The current constmction plans and landscape plans for the community are based upon the cun-ently permitted surface water and stormwater management system. If, for example, any modification sought by the City resulted in a change in the water level of Tract I, and potentially the water level in Tracts B, C, ancIJor D, not only would the appearance of those tracts change, but differing water levels can impact the value of lots and liability exposure (with respect to health and safety concerns) of the Association as the entity owning the tracts. 2(c) The Association will ultimately be the entity responsible for ownership and maintenance of the surface water and stormwater management system as Permittee on the District permit, as owner of the stormwater tracts and pursuant to the Declaration. However, the costs of maintaining the surface water and stormwater management system are passed onto lot owners. Our concern is a modification of the District permit sought by the City could result in increased maintenance expenses, whether as a result of an increase in the required routine maintenance or as a result of compliance with additional permit conditions, such as monitoring if necessary as a result of additional impacts, if any. Increased costs result ultimately in increased assessments. However, given constraints on the extent to which Association budgets can be increased on an annual basis, there could be periods of time when increased maintenance costs are unfunded or under-funded. As you can imagine, lot owners are always concerned about changes in Association budgets and the potential for increased assessments. Again, not knowing what the City wants to do, the potential for increased assessments is real, is a significant concern to my client and presumably to any prospective purchaser. 2(d) We have requested this language mainly given the uncertainty with respect to the scope of what the City might request in a modification of the DistIict permit. Tract I is abuts several other tracts, one of which is a drainage tract (Tract C). We don't think the language requested by the City would prohibit a change in the cun-ent boundaries of the different tracts on the proposed plat. Reconfiguration of tracts ancIJor lot boundaries is unacceptable to Pulte. It creates too much uncertainty for Pulte and prospective purchasers. Further, any change in the boundaries of Tract I, or other tracts and/or lots, would not only impact improvements that will have been completed by Pulte at substantial expense and change the appearance of Tract I and/or sun-ounding properties, but also could potentially trigger the obligation to re-plat to the property. Pulte will most likely not have the control necessary to consent to a replat any part of the property. 2( e) The Tract I is a prominent feature at the front of the Meadow Ridge community. It is in a natural state now. Without knowing the extent to which the City may seek to modify the District permit or improvements the City may want to 3 ORLDOCS 10870229 1 ddr Enclosure ORLDOCS 108702291 construct in Tract I in the future, the future appearance of Tract I is completely unpredictable. Uncertainty of the appearance of Tract I creates significant problems for Pulte. In general, homeowners do not like changes in appearances of areas designated for conservation. Many homeowners make decisions on which lots to purchase based upon proximity to areas to be "conserved" in their natural state. Often times, buyers will pay a premium for such lots. Not being able to tell a prospective purchaser what will happen in the future with a relatively large area of the community will create so much uncertainty that without reasonable constraints on the scope of modifications to the District pennit, my client will lose sales. Further, regardless of the number and extent of disclosures made to prospective purchasers about the City's right to modify the District permit and the possible impact of that on, among other things, the appearance of Tract I, significant changes in the appearance of large areas of property that look one way when a prospective purchaser buys a lot and look another way in the future result in unhappy customers who threaten and/or pursue litigation. While adequate disclosures may provide valid defenses, they do not often stop lawsuits from being filed. The mere filing of lawsuits causes my client to incur substantial costs, in addition to potential exposure for damages. The appearance of Tract I needs to remain unchanged as a result of any modification of the District permit sought by the City. 4 ~~W:J -~'-- LLP A TTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW MEMORANDUM CLIENT-MATTER NO.: 17162-0069 Charles B. Costar, III ebruary 8, 2007 Meadow Ridge - Proposed Change to City ofOcoee's Suggested Addition to the eclaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions relating to Tract I If the City determines that there is a need to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvements related thereto within Tract I that would be prohibited b that certain Conservation Easement made by the Declarant in favor of the SJR recorded in Official Records Book 8653, Page 2043 of the Public Records 0 County, Florida, as same may be amended from time to time, and the City notifies t ~ at the City requests to seek a modification of such Conservation Easement and/or the SJR Permit to allow for the City's proposed use(s) of Tract I, then the Association (or the Declarant if such a request is made prior to Transfer of Control) shall sign an application as co-pem1ittee with the City for such a modification to allow the City to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or constmct improvement related thereto, as long as: (1) the City agrees in writing with the Association (or Declarant, if the request for a modification is made prior to Transfer of Control) (a) to be solely responsible for all costs required to apply for, pursue and obtain such a modification and to construct all improvements pennitted by such modification, (b) to reimburse the Association and Declarant, if applicable, for any and all costs incurred by each, if any, as a result of the modification sought by the City and(c) to repair at the City's sole cost and expense all damage caused by construction permitted by such modification within a reasonable time not to exceed thirty (30) days; and (2) the proposed modification sought by the City shall not (a) adversely impact the surface water or stormwater management system (as defined in the Declaration), (b) adversely impact any real or personal property beyond the limits of Tract I, (c) result in an increase in the frequency or cost of maintaining the surface water and stormwater management system (as defined in the Declaration) or Tract I, (d) change the configuration of any property beyond the limits of Tract I and improvements thereon or (e) change the aesthetic appearance of Tract 1. -~IJ ORLDOCS 108497892 Otherwise, the Association and Declarant, if applicable, shall have no obligation to sign an application or other document consenting to or enabling a modification of the SJRWMD Permit. 2 ORLDOCS 108497892 SHUTTS BOWEN -----~-- LLP ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: File CLIENT-MATTER NO.: 17162-0069 Charles B. Costar, III February +;,~ 2007 eadow Ridge - Proposed Change to City of Ocoee's SugguostedSmlllested Addition o the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions relating to Tract I If the City determines that there is a need to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvements related thereto within Tract I that would be prohibited by that certain Conservation Easement made by the Declarant in favor of the SJRWMD and recorded in Official Records Book 8653, Page 2043 of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida, as same may be amended from time to time, and the City requestsnotifies the City that the AssociationCitv requests to seek a modification of such Conservation Easement and/or the SJRWMD Permit to allow for the City's proposed use(s) of Tract I, then the Association (or the Declarant if such a request is made prior to Transfer of Control) shall apply to SJR\VMDsilln an application as co-oermittee with the City for such a modification and use reasonable and good faith efforts to cooperate v.'ith the City and SJRVlMD to obtain such G. modification in order to allow the City to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvementsimprovement related thereto. as lonll as: (1) the City allrees in writinll with the Association (or Declarant. if the request for a modification is made orior to Transfer of Control) (a) to be solely resoonsible for all costs required to aoolv for. oursue and obtain such a modification and to construct all imoroyements oermitted by such modification. (b) to reimburse the Association and Declarant. if aoolicable. for any and all costs incurred by each. if any. as a result of the modification soullht by the City and(c) to reoair at the City's sole cost and expense all damalle caused by construction oermitted by such modification within a ):'~asonable time not to exceed thirty (30) days: and (2Lthe:prooosed modification soullht by the City shall not (a) adyerselv imoact the surface water or stOffi1water manallement system (as defined in the Declaration). (b) ad~ely impact any real or oersonal mooertY beyond the limits of Tract L (c) result in...uncrea.se in the frequency or cost of maintaininll the surface water and stormwater management system (as defined in the Declaration) or Tract I. (d) chanlle the confilluration of any orooerty beyond the limits of Tract I and immovements thereon or (e) chanlle the aesthetic appearance of Tract 1. 1085] 83 g 11 0849739~ ORLDOCS 10851847 1 " Otherwise. the Association and Declarant. if aoolicable. shall have no obligation to sign an aoolication or other document consenting to or enabling a modification of the SJRWMD Permit. 2 1 OS51 S38 110S~1.&2A ORLDOCS 10851847 I Document comparison done by Workshare DeltaView on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 9:46:45 AM Ilnput: Document 1 interwovenSite://SB-ORL-DMS/ORLDOCS/10851838/1 Document 2 i nterwovenSite:l/S B-ORL-DMS/ORLDOCS/1 0849789/2 Rendering set standard Legend: Insertion Deletion Moved frm:n Moved to Style change F onnat change 1\'-" , Inserted cell Deleted cell Moved cell Split/Merged cell Padding cell Sta,.~istics: Count Insertions 13 Deletions 10 Moved from 1 Moved to 1 Style change 0 Format changed 0 Total changes 25 ORLDOCS 10851847 1 MEADOW RIDGE DECLARATION INSERT (February 27,2007) If the City detennines that there is a need to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvements related thereto within Tract I that would be prohibited by that certain Conservation Easement made by the Declarant in favor of the SJRWMD and recorded in Official Records Book 8653, Page 2043 of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida, as same may be amended from time to time, and the City notifies the Association that the City requests to seek a modification of such Conservation Easement and/or the SJRWMD Permit to allow for the City's proposed usee s) of Tract I, then the Association (or the Declarant if such a request is made prior to Transfer of Control) shall sign an application as co-permittee with the City for such a modification to allow the City to discharge stonnwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvement related thereto, as long as the City agrees in writing with the Association (or Declarant, if the request for a modification is made prior to Transfer of Control) to (a) be solely responsible for all costs required to apply for, pursue and obtain such a modification and to construct all improvements pem1itted by such modification, and (b) repair at the City's sole cost and expense all damage caused by construction pem1itted by such modification within a reasonable time. ORLA_ 437554.1 , . : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW MEMORANDUM CLIENT-MATTER NUMBER 020377-0778 TO: Jeanne Washington, Engineering Department FROM: Nicholas N. Palmer, Assistant City Attorney DATE: March 12, 2007 RE: Meadow Ridge - Plat - Supplemental Comments Project No.: LS-2005-011 In connection with the above-referenced project, we have reviewed the following documents: 1. Response Letter from Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc., as received by the City on March 7,2007 (the "Response Letter"); 2. Amended and Restated Declaration of Easements and Declaration of Maintenance Obligations for Meadow Ridge PUD, as received by the City on March 7, 2007 (the "Restated Declaration"); 3. First Amendment to Post-Closing Agreement, as received by the City on March 7, 2007; 4. Assignment and Acceptance of Assignment of Pulte Home Corporation's rights, obligations and responsibilities pursuant to the Restated Declaration, as received by the City on March 7,2007; 5. Special Warranty Deed from Pulte Home Corporation to Orange County, Florida for Tract A, as received by the City on March 7, 2007 (the "County Deed"); 6. Special Warranty Deed from Pulte Home Corporation to the City of Ocoee, Florida for Tracts L and P, as received by the City on March 7, 2007 (the "City Deed"); 7. Special Warranty Deed from Pulte Home Corporation to Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc. for Tracts B, C, D, E, F, ORLA_ 439002.2 , . I FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP F-l, F-2, G, G-l, I, N and 0, as received by the City on March 7, 2007 (the "Association Deed"); 8. Special Warranty Deed from Maguire Roberson, LLC to the City of Ocoee, Florida for Tract M (as identified on the PSP), as received by the City on March 7, 2007 (the "Tract M Deed"); 9. Declaration for Meadow Ridge, as received by the City on March 7, 2007 (the "Declaration"); 10. Certificate of Title Information No. 2037-1522047 with an effective date of February 19,2007, issued by First American Title Insurance Company, as received by the City on March 7,2007 (the "Title Certificate"); 11. Plat Opinion Letter dated January 30, 2007 from Shutts & Bowen LLP; 12. Memorandum from attorney Chuck Costar dated March 7, 2007 regarding Pulte Home Corporation's objections to additional Declaration language; and 13. Plat of Meadow Ridge, as received by the City on March 7, 2007 (the "Plat"). Based upon our review of the documents noted above and pursuant to the Land Development Code, we have the following comments: 1. [Revised Comment] Pursuant to Condition of Approval No. 44 on the approved Final Subdivision Plan for Meadow Ridge (the "FSP"), the Developer is required to grant a conservation and drainage Easement over and upon Tract I in favor of the City. Condition of Approval No. 44 was included on the Final Subdivision Plan at the request of City Staff in order to allow the City to address possible future drainage concerns in the area of Tract 1. Prior to submitting the Plat to the City for review, however, the Developer granted a Conservation Easement (the "Conservation Easement") over Tract I in favor of SJRWMD, and not the City. The Conservation Easement was executed and recorded without being provided to the City for review. (We note that a different version of Conservation and Drainage Easement was executed in favor of both the City and SJR WMD with respect to that portion of the wetland located within the Windsor Landing subdivision.) The restrictions imposed by the Conservation Easement may prohibit the City from taking: certain actions that may be necessary to address the possible future drainage concerns in the area. City Staff could have required that the Developer go back to SJR WMD and obtain a modification of the Conservation Easement consistent with the requirements of the FSP, however, this would have caused a substantial delay to the Developer. As an accommodation to the Developer, City Staff did not require that the Developer seek a modification from SJRWMD prior to platting, but instead recommended that additional language be added to the Declaration sufficient to address the City's concerns. In order for the City to address any possible future drainage concerns in light of the Conservation Easement, the City may need to seek a modification to the Conservation Easement and/or Permit. SJRWMD has 2 ORLA_ 439002.2 I FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP advised City Staff that only the holder of the SJRWMD Permit may apply for such a modification. Following the platting of the property, Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc. (the "HOA") will be the maintenance entity under the SJRWMD Permit. So that the Developer would not be required to seek a modification from SJR WMD prior to platting, the Engineering and Legal Departments proposed additional language to be included in the Declaration to provide that the HOA will cooperate with the City and sign any necessary application to modify the SJRWMD Conservation Easement and/or Permit if requested to do so by the City. The Developer objected to the inclusion of such language in the Declaration and proposed several revisions to the initial language proposed by City Staff. As a further accommodation to the Developer, the Engineering and Legal Departments agreed to some, but not all, of the Developer's proposed changes. The language that is currently supported by City Staff, which represents a compromise position, is as follows: If the City determines that there is a need to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvements related thereto within Tract I that would be prohibited by that certain Conservation Easement made by the Declarant in favor of the SJRWMD and recorded in Official Records Book 8653, Page 2043 of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida, as same may be amended from time to time, and the City notifies the Association that the City requests to seek a modification of such Conservation Easement and/or the SJRWMD Permit to allow for the City's proposed use(s) of Tract I, then the Association (or the Declarant if such a request is made prior to Transfer of Control) shall sign an application as co-permittee with the City for such a modification to allow the City to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvements related thereto, as long as the City agrees in writing with the Association (or Declarant, if the request for a modification is made prior to Transfer of Control) to (a) be solely responsible for all costs required to apply for, pursue and obtain such a modification and to construct all improvements permitted by such modification, and (b) repair at the City's sole cost and expense all damage caused by construction permitted by such modification within a reasonable time. The primary objective of City Staff is to assure the City's ability to address possible future drainage problems in the area of Tract I not be impeded. The Developer appears to believes that City Commission will somehow take an action detrimental to the future residents of Meadow Ridge. We believe that the Developer's concern is without basis and that the Developer should be confident that any modification to the Conservation Easement and/or Permit approved by both the City and SJRWMD would not be detrimental to the residents of Ocoee. Accordingly, Article V, Section lOCi) of the Declaration should be revised to include the above- referenced provision. [Attached hereto, for the City Commission's review, is a blackline showing the Developer's proposed changes to City Staff's initial proposed language. Also attached are the City Attorney's 1st, 2nd and 3rd round plat review comments memoranda. Comment No.2 on the City Attorney's memorandum dated July 7, 2006 (1st round), 3 ORLA_ 439002.2 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP Comment No. 1 on the City Attorney's memorandum dated October 9, 2006 (2nd Round) and Comment No.1 on the City Attorney's memorandum dated January 5, 2007 (3rd round) provide the historical development of this issue throughout the plat review process.] 2. We note that the Title Certificate indicates that the parcel being conveyed to the City by virtue of the Tract M Deed is subject to: (i) a Mortgage Deed and Security Agreement, (ii) Assignment of Rents, Leases and Deposits, and (iii) UCC-l Financing Statement, all in favor of BankAtlantic (collectively, the "Tract M Mortgage"). Please be advised that the Tract M Mortgage must be released as to that parcel being convey to the City prior to the City accepting title to such parcel. Accordingly, please provide a Partial Release of Mortgage from BankAtlantic releasing its lien from the parcel being conveyed to the City or, in the alternative, provide an updated Title Certificate evidencing that the Tract M Mortgage has been satisfied and released of record. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call. cc: Paul E. Rosenthal, City Attorney 4 ORLA_ 439002.2 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW MEMORANDUM CLIENT-MATTER NUMBER 020377-0778 TO: Jeanne Washington, Engineering Department FROM: Nicholas N. Palmer, Assistant City Attorney DATE: January 5, 2007 RE: Meadow Ridge - Plat Project No.: LS-2005-011 (Third Round Comments) In connection with the above-referenced project, we have reviewed the following documents: 1. Response letter from Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. dated November 8, 2006 (the "Response Letter"); 2. Statement of Lien Settlement Requirements for Current Year Payable Taxes, Tax Sales and Capital Improvements (the "Lien Settlement Statement"); 3. Articles of Incorporation of Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc. (the "Articles"); 4. Bylaws of Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc. (the "Bylaws"); and 5. Plat of Meadow Ridge (the "Plat"). This memorandum supersedes our previous memoranda dated July 7, 2006 and October 9, 2006. Based upon our review of the documents noted above and pursuant to the Land Development Code, we have the following comments: 1. [Revised Comment] The Final Subdivision Plan for the property provides that a Conservation and Drainage Easement over Tract I will be granted in favor of the City. We understand that a Conservation Easement in favor of SJRWMD has already been granted over Tract I in connection with the Applicant's SJRWMD stormwater permit. City Staff has advised ORLA_ 428179.1 I FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP that there may be a need in the future to direct drainage over or through Tract I and/or construct drainage improvements within Tract I that would be prohibited by the terms of the current SJR WMD Conservation Easement. At a future date, the City may request that the Declarant or the HOA, as applicable, seek a modification of the Conservation Easement to allow for the City's use of Tract 1. Accordingly, please add the following provision to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Meadow Ridge: If the City determines that there is a need to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvements related thereto within Tract I that would be prohibited by that certain Conservation Easement made by the Declarant in favor of the SJRWMD and recorded in Official Records Book 8653, Page 2043 of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida, as same may be amended from time to time, and the City requests that the Association seek a modification of such Conservation Easement and/or the SJRWMD Permit to allow for the City's proposed use(s) of Tract I, then the Association (or the Declarant if such a request is made prior to Transfer of Control) shall apply to SJRWMD for such a modification and use reasonable and good faith efforts to cooperate with the City and SJRWMD to obtain such a modification in order to allow the City to discharge stormwater runoff over or through Tract I or construct improvement related thereto. 2. [Revised Comment] We note that the Title Opinion lists a Declaration of Easements dated March 29, 2006 by and between Maguire Roberson, LLC and Pulte Home Corporation (the "MRLLC Declaration") as affecting the Property. This document references several easements over the Property in favor of Maguire Roberson, LLC and the adjacent commercial portion of the Westridge PUD. The Response Letter indicates that the easements cannot be shown on the Plat because the easement areas are only generally described by general drawings and not described by metes and bounds legal descriptions. Many of the easements reflected in the MRLLC Declaration are critical to ensuring that the residential and commercial portions of the entire Westridge PUD function as an integrated project in accordance with the Preliminary Subdivision Plan (the "PSP") approval. The MRLLC Declaration was executed and recorded without any prior review by the City for consistency with the PSP. To ensure that the residential and commercial portions of the project continue to work together, the MRLLC Declaration will need to be amended as set forth below. Due to the number of amendments that need to be made, we recommend that the MRLLC Declaration be amended and restated in its entirety. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Easements will need to be recorded contemporaneously with the Plat. Please revise the MRLLC Declaration as follows: a. References to the "PSP" throughout the MRLLC Declaration should be replaced, as applicable, with references to the Plat of Meadow Ridge, as recorded in Plat Book , Page , Public Records of Orange County, Florida. 2 ORLA_ 428179.1 I FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP b. Add a provision providing that it may only be amended with the prior written consent of the City, as reflected in an instrument to be recorded with any amendment. c. All easement areas should be described in terms of and refer to platted tract legal descriptions in lieu of the general drawings that were based on the PSP in order to avoid any conflicts between the MRLLC Declaration and the Plat. To the extent certain easement areas cannot be accurately described by the platted tract descriptions, reference should be made to metes and bounds legal descriptions in lieu of the general drawings. d. It is material to the City that the MRLLC Access Easement provide broad access rights over the MRLLC Access Easement Area to and from the commercial site in accordance with the PSP. Accordingly, the first sentence of Section 3 should be revised to read: Pulte, as grantor, does hereby give, grant, convey and declare unto MRLLC, its successors and assigns, as grantee, for the benefit of MRLLC's Property, the owners thereof, and such owners' emplovees. agents. licensees. contractors. engineers. consultants. tenants. invitees. guests. customers. and patrons, a perpetual non- exclusive ingress, egress and access easement for vehicular and pedestrian access purposes. . .. e. It is material to the City that the MRLLC Access Easement Area provide a perpetual means of access to the commercial site in accordance with the PSP and that the HOA, as future fee owner of the MRLLC Access Easement Area, not limit such access to the commercial site in any way. As such, all persons entitled to such access must be able to enforce their easement rights directly. Accordingly, revise Section 15 to provide that any person (not just MRLLC or the Commercial Association) who is granted easement rights pursuant to the MRLLC Declaration shall be entitled to enforce Pulte' s (and the HOA's) covenants, obligations, duties or responsibilities set forth in the MRLLC Declaration. f. Add a provision providing that, prior to or at the time of Turnover of the HOA from Pulte to the lot owners, Pulte shall assign all of its covenants, obligations, duties and responsibilities under the MRLLC Declaration to the HOA and execute and record in the Public Records of Orange County, Florida an instrument reflecting same, provided, however, that no such assignment shall be effective until such time that the HOA assumes all of Pulte's covenants, obligations, duties and responsibilities under the MRLLC Declaration and executes an instrument reflecting same and such instrument is recorded in the Public Records of Orange County, Florida. Please provide for the City's review a draft copy of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Easements that addresses the forgoing. 3 ORLA_ 428179.1 I FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP 3. In accordance with Pulte's obligation to assign its covenants, obligations, duties and responsibilities under the MRLLC Declaration to the ROA pursuant to Comment No. 2(f) above, please revise the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Meadow Ridge to provide that the Association shall, at the request of the Declarant, assume all of the Declarant's covenants, obligations, duties and responsibilities under the MRLLC Declaration and execute an instrument reflecting same that shall be recorded in the Public Records of Orange County, Florida. 4. Please revise the Plat to depict and label that portion of Tract F subject to the MRLLC Access Easement pursuant to the MRLLC Declaration as a separate tract. This will allow the MRLLC Access Easement Area to be described by reference to a platted tract legal description in the Amended and Restated MRLLC Declaration in accordance with Comment No. 2(b) above. In addition, please revise the ROA Deed and Note No. 13 on the Cover Sheet of the Plat to reference this new tract. 5. Please revise the Cover Sheet of Plat to add the following Note: The Property is subj ect to that certain Amended and Restated Declaration of Easements, recorded in Official Records Book _, Page , Public Records of Orange County, Florida. 6. [Revised Comments] Please revise Note No. 18 on the Cover Sheet of the Plat to add the following language: , as such permit from time to time may be amended. The drainage easement granted above does not impose any obligation, burden, responsibility or liability upon the City of Ocoee to enter upon the subject property and take any action to repair or maintain the private drainage system. 7. Based on our further review of the Plat, we believe that the attorney's title certification letter should not be referenced on the Plat. Accordingly, please revise the Cover Sheet of the Plat to delete Note No. 24. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call. cc: Paul E. Rosenthal, City Attorney 4 ORLA_ 428179.1 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW MEMORANDUM CLIENT-MATTER NUMBER 020377-0778 TO: Jeanne Washington, Engineering Department FROM: Nicholas N. Palmer, Assistant City Attorney DATE: October 9, 2006 RE: Meadow Ridge - Plat Project No.: LS-2005-011 (Second Round Comments) In connection with the above-referenced project, we have reviewed the following documents: 1. Transmittal letter from Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. dated August 25, 2006; 2. Response letter from Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. dated August 25,2006 (the "Response Letter"); 3. Orange County Street Name Petitions; 4. Plat Opinion Letter from Shutts & Bowen LLP dated July 31, 2006, with an effective date of July 24, 2006, and copies of the title documents (the "Title Opinion"); 5. Proposed Declaration for Meadow Ridge (the "Declaration"); 6. Special Warranty Deed from Pulte Home Corporation in favor of the City ofOcoee conveying Tracts "L" and "P" (the "City Deed") and DR-219; 7. Special Warranty Deed from Pulte Home Corporation in favor of Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc. conveying Tracts "B, "C", "D", "E", "F", "G", "G-1", "I", "N" and "0" (the "Homeowners Deed") and DR-219; ORLA_ 422014.1 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP 8. Special Warranty Deed from Pulte Home Corporation in favor of Orange County, Florida conveying Tract "A", (the "Orange County Deed") and DR-219; 9. Letter from Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. dated August 14, 2006 regarding the permanent reference monuments; 10. Boundary closure sheet; 11. Sketch CS# 06-224 prepared by Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. for right-of-way; 12. Sketch CS# 06-502 prepared by Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. for right-of-way; 13. Performance Bond; 14. Traffic Law Enforcement Agreement between City of Ocoee, Florida and Pulte Home Corporation (the "Traffic Agreement"); 15. Certification of Construction Completion Costs for Performance Guarantee Amount from Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. dated June 22, 2006; 16. Statement of Lien Settlement Requirements for Current Year Payable Taxes, Tax Sales and Capital Improvements (the "Lien Settlement Statement"); 17. Sheet Index stamped approved by the Orange County Utilities Dept.; and 18. Plat of Meadow Ridge (the "Plat"). This memorandum supersedes our previous memorandum dated July 7, 2006. Based upon our review of the documents noted above and pursuant to the Land Development Code, we have the following comments: 1. The Title Opinion and Note No. 15 on the Cover Sheet of the Plat indicate that Tract I is subject to a Conservation Easement in favor of SJRWMD. The Final Subdivision Plan for the property provides that a Conservation and Drainage Easement over Tract I will be granted in favor of the City. City Staff should evaluate the recorded Conservation Easement in favor of SJRWMD and advise whether it prohibits or interferes with the City's contemplated use of Tract I. In addition, City Staff should advise as to what type of drainage is contemplated within Tract I. 2. We note that the Title Opinion lists a Declaration of Easements as affecting the Property. This document references several easements over the Property in favor of Maguire Roberson, LLC. Please be advised that Section 177.091(16), Florida Statutes, requires that the 2 ORLA_ 422014.1 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP "location and width of. . . existing easements identified in the title opinion or certification required by s. 177.041(2) shall be shown on the plat or in the notes or legend, and their intended use shall be clearly stated." Please revise the Plat to comply with this requirement. In addition, please revise the Survey to show all easements capable of being plotted. 3. Please be advised that the Non-Exclusive Temporary Drainage Easement Agreement listed as Item No. 3(a) on the Title Opinion contemplates that a permanent easement in favor of the City to discharge into the subdivision's stormwater management system the strormwater from Seventh Avenue will be granted on the Plat. Accordingly, please add the following Note to the Cover Sheet ofthe Plat: A drainage easement over the private storm drainage system to and including Tracts B, C, D and I, as shown on this plat, is hereby dedicated to the City of Ocoee for the purpose of accepting stormwater discharge from Seventh Avenue. The drainage easement granted above does not impose any obligation, burden, responsibility or liability upon the City of Ocoee to enter upon the subject property and take any action to repair or maintain the private drainage system. 4. Please revise Note No. 6 on the Cover Sheet of the Plat to reflect that the Common Areas will be owned by the homeowners association, and not the "Owner." 5. Please revise the "Certification of Surveyor" to include the surveyor's address. 6. Please provide for our review copies of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for the homeowners association. 7. Please be advised that the Traffic Agreement will need to be executed by the homeowners association, and not the Developer. The City's form Traffic Agreement is attached hereto. The executed Traffic Agreement should be submitted to the City with the signed mylar. 8. Please be advised that the Lien Settlement Statement will need to be updated within 30 days prior to recording of the Plat. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call. cc: Paul E. Rosenthal, City Attorney 3 ORLA_ 422014.1 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW MEMORANDUM CLIENT-MATTER NUMBER 020Sn -0778 TO: Ryan Howard, Engineering Department FROM: Nicholas N. Palmer, Assistant City Attorney DATE: July 7, 2006 RE: Meadow Ridge - Plat Project No.: LS-2005-011 (First Round Comments) In connection with the above-referenced project, we have reviewed the following documents: 1. Letter from Pulte Homes dated March 24, 2006 transmitting the proposed Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (the "Declaration"), Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, and 2006 Proposed Operating Budget with Mandatory Reserves; 2. Special Warranty Deed from Pulte Home Corporation in favor of the City of Ocoee conveying Tracts "I", "L" and "P", Meadow Ridge (the "City Deed") and DR-219; 3. Title Certification from Shutts & Bowen LLP dated May 10,2006, with an effective date of April 6, 2006 (the "Title Opinion"); 4. Boundary Survey prepared by Donald W. McIntosh Associates, Inc. (the "Survey"); and 5. Plat of Meadow Ridge (the "Plat"). Based upon our review of the documents noted above and pursuant to the Land Development Code, we have the following comments: 1. Please revise the Title Opinion to show the payment status of all property taxes. ORLA_412317.1 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP 2. Please provide for our review copies of all documents referenced in the Title Opinion. We may have further comments based on our review of these documents. 3. Please revise the Dedication Block to read: MEADOW RIDGE DEDICA nON KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the corporation named below, being the owner in fee simple of the lands described in the foregoing caption to this plat, hereby dedicates said lands and plat for the uses and purposes herein expressed. No part of said lands, except as noted herein, is dedicated to the City of Ocoee, Orange County or to the public. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these presents to be signed and attested to by the officers named below and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto on Please include the restrictions and reservations relating to the Common Areas, Declaration, and various easements found in the Dedication Block as Notes on the Cover Sheet of the Plat and not in the Dedication Block. 4. Please replace the "Qualification Statement of Surveyor and Mapper" with the following Certificate of Surveyor: CERTIFICATE OF SURVEYOR KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, being a licensed and registered land surveyor, does hereby certify that on , he completed the survey of the lands as shown in the foregoing plat or plan; that said plat is a correct representation of the lands therein described and platted or subdivided; that permanent reference monuments have been placed or shown thereon as required by Chapter 177, Florida Statutes; and that said land is located in County, Florida. Date: Registration No. Address: Certificate of Authorization No.: 2 ORLA_ 412317.1 I FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP 5. Pursuant to Condition of Approval No. 49 on the Final Subdivision Plan for the property, please revise Note Nos. 4 and 5 on the Cover Sheet ofthe Plat to replace "utility easement" with "utility and drainage easement." 6. Note No. 15 on the Cover Sheet of the Plat indicates that Tract I will be owned and maintained by the City. This is inconsistent with the Final Subdivision Plan for the property which provides that Tract I will be owned and maintained by the homeowners association. Please revise Note No. 15 to account for the correct ownership of Tract I, consistent with the Final Subdivision Plan for the property. Please be advised that we will provide a draft conservation easement for Tract I with our future comments. To the extent the City has agreed to own Tract I, please so advise. 7. Please revise Note No. 19 to add the words "granted herein" immediately after "Utility Easements." 8. Please revise Note No. 20 to add the words "granted herein" immediately after "Drainage Easements." 9. Please add the following Notes to the Cover Sheet of the Plat: a. All walls, fences, sidewalks and landscaping within all drainage easements, utility easements, and wall, landscape and/or sidewalk easements will be maintained by the Meadow Ridge of Orange County Homeowners Association, Inc., except that all grass and landscaping on the house side of any fence or wall within these easements will be maintained by the individual Lot owner. The land burdened by these easements shall be owned by the individual Lot owners. b. All access rights to Maguire Road, Moore Road, Seventh Avenue, Sixth A venue and the road leading to Thornebrook Elementary School are dedicated to the City except as shown hereon. City Staff should advise if any other Notes should be added to the Plat. 10. Please note that Sheet 2 of the Plat has two (2) references to "Detail A," one reference being within Lot 140 and one reference located below Tract A. It appears that the Detail A drawing on Sheet 2 is related to the reference within Lot 140. There does not appear to be a detail drawing related to the reference located below Tract A. Please revise the Plat so there is a distinct detail drawing for each detail reference on the Plat. Also, each detail drawing should be referenced by a different detail letter. 11. Please revise Sections 10(t) and 10(h) of the Declaration to add the words "and the City ofOcoee" immediately after "SJRWMD." 12. Please be advised that all tracts being conveyed to the homeowners association or Orange County must be conveyed by warranty deed. Please provide for our review draft copies of the deeds in favor of the homeowners association and Orange County and appropriate DR-2l9 forms. 3 ORLA_412317.1 : FOLEY FOLEY & LARDNER LLP If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call. cc: Paul E. Rosenthal, City Attorney 4 ORLA_ 412317.1