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Minutes 08-13-02MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING, HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2002 AT 6:30 P.M. Present Larry Finkelstein, Chairman Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair Jos~ Aguila Alexander DeMarco Don Fenton Michelle Hoyland Henderson Tillman Douglas Hutchinson, CRA Director Lindsey Payne, Board Attorney Lusia Galav, Principal Planner Laurinda Logan, City Engineer I. Call to Order Chairman Finkelstein called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Introduction The Recording Secretary called the roll. Chair Finkelstein recognized the presence in the audience of Commissioner Ferguson, Assistant City Manager, Dale Sugerman, and Chris DeLiso, Chairman of the Code Compliance Board, and he welcomed them to the meeting. III. Agenda Approval Vice Chair Heavilin suggested that Agenda Item 8C, Trash Collection in CRA District, be tabled until the next meeting. Motion Mr. DeMarco moved to approve the agenda as amended. Vice Chair Heavilin seconded the motion that carried unanimously. IV. Consent Agenda Approval of Minutes of July 9, 2002 and August 3, 2002 Meetings July Financial Report Motion Mr. Aguila moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Tillman seconded the motion that carried unanimously. V. Public Hearings Board Attorney Payne administered the oath to all who planned to testify at the meeting. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2002 Old Business A. Major Site Plan Modification Project: Agent: Owner: Location: Description: M & L Roofing (MSPM 02-003) Riza N. Altan, P.E. Mai Lowe 630 Industrial Avenue Request for a major Site Plan modification to add 8,283 square feet to a 2,275 square foot existing light industrial warehouse building for a total of 10,558 square feet on a 0.64-acre parcel. Eric Johnson, Planner, gave an overview of the project. He advised that the Fire Department had determined that the optimum space for the emergency vehicle turnaround space would be where it appears on the plans. The Board had requested that it be relocated. Ms. Lusia Galav distributed an 8.5 x 11" elevation to the members that had been provided to the City just prior to the meeting. Also, the applicant had not produced color swatches as requested. Staff recommended approval of the project, subject to satisfying all Conditions of Approval that were in the original Staff Report. Staff would, however, support further tabling of the item if the applicant failed to present the · requested revised elevations 'and color samples. Reza N. Altan, P.E., 1253 Old Okeechobee Road, West Palm Beach, made a presentation to the Board that included color samples and a rendering of the proposed project. Chair Finkelstein asked Mr. Altan if the applicant agreed to all the Conditions of Approval and Mr. Altan replied that they did. Mr. Altan identified the color sample as Benjamin Moore, soft cranberry, and stated that it would be applied to the existing building and the building addition. Chair Finkelstein opened the Public Audience and asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on the project. Since no one wished to speak, Chair Finkelstein closed the Public Audience. Mr. Aguila noted that the elevation the Board had been given at this meeting did not match the rendering on display. He stated that it was not the Board's intention to make life difficult for business owners but to make sure that new buildings and changes to buildings actually improved the areas in which they were placed, including industrial areas. Mr. Tillman felt that the applicant was trying to improve the property and that it should be approved as presented. Mr. Fenton agreed. Ms. Hoyland asked if the applicant would object to continuing the mansard roof along the entire line of the north elevation. The applicant responded that they would not object. 2 Meeting Minutes ~Olllrtlun;{y ~edevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2002 Chair Finkelstein offered the Board and the applicant an 0pp0 unity to speak, He then ~l~CJ ~J'le ~u~31;c ~,u(Jlence bu~ when no one wlsJ~ecl to speak, closed it. Motion Mr. Tillman moved to approve the request to rezone the 6.93-acre Marina property from Central Business District (CBD) to Mixed Use-High Intensity (MU-H) to allow for the planned Mixed-Use Marina project. Mr. Aguila seconded the motion that carried unanimously. D. Major Site Plan Modification Project: Agent: Owner: Location: Description: The Residences at Marina Village (MSPM 02-005) Bruce Jan/is/Gerald Goray, Goray-Jarvis AERC of Virginia, Inc. 743 N.E. 1st Avenue Request for Major Site Plan Modification to Phase 2 of the Marina project to add 48 residential units and commercial space, expand the parking garage, increase project height, and make related site modifications on 3.79 acres. Lusia Galav, Principal Planner, gave an overview of the modifications to the Site Plan that had originally been approved in 1997. The proposed project consists of two nine- story apartment buildings containing 282 units with commercial space on the first floor under each apartment building, and a seven-story parking garage. Ms. Galav indicated that staff recommended approval of this item, subject to the Conditions of Approval in the Staff Report. One major change is that Casa Loma Boulevard (now Marina Drive) would now go through and connect with Boynton Beach Boulevard to the north to provide better pedestrian and vehicular access to the site. The current Site Plan did not have that connection but would if the proposed project were to be approved by the Board and the City Commission. She deferred to the developers to elaborate on the details of the project. The developer, Bruce Jarvis, and the architect for the project, Roger Fry, fielded questions from the Board about the proposed project. Roger Fry presented elevations and artist's renderings for the Board's review and approval. Mr. Fry explained that the road had been redesigned to provide a pedestrian friendly loop through the site that would extend through the retail area and along both marinas. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August13,2002 Mr. Fry revealed the architectural details of the north and south elevations. He then explained the color scheme for the building including a soft khaki color on the bottom, a soft yellow in the middle, and a lighter yellow on the top, with banding at the fourth and eighth floors. The colors are being transitioned to break up the building horizontally. All the fascias, moldings, trims and Bahama shutters will be white. The two apartment buildings will each have two-story lobbies with French doors. The parking garage has grillwork in the openings, a recessed panel in the middle of the vertical columns, and some capitals on top of the columns. The garage faces the property line, not a street. Another building could be built there in the future and this elevation would not even be seen. They introduced features on the ends of the garage that made it appear more like a regular building. Chair Finkelstein opened the Public Audience and closed it when no one expressed a desire to speak. Board Comments Mr. Aguila noted for the record that he had a meeting with Mr. Jerry Goray, at Mr. Goray's request, and Mr. Goray did not share with him any conversations he had with other Board members. Mr. Aguila expressed his general approval for the project as presented and thought it was a better plan than the last one. Mr. Aguila noted that people wishing to drop passengers off at the lobbies of the two buildings could be coming from the south or from Boynton Beach Boulevard and this could create a traffic conflict. The developer's plans for a camera in the parking garage that would transmit pictures to the 24/7 main lobby desk of the North Building did not seem adequate in light of Mr. Aguila's concerns about crimes against persons. Mr. Aguila expressed concern about the lack of an air-conditioned space for the trash compactor and the amount of garbage that would be generated by three or four restaurants. He believed that an unpleasant odor would be completely unacceptable in an area that could one day have hundreds of people visiting it. Mr. Jarvis agreed, stating that it was an area of mutual concern. Mr. Jarvis mentioned that an agreement had been reached with Dale Sugerman, the Public Works Division, and Pete Mazella relative to the location of the off-site compactor to serve their commercial and restaurant, the Two Georges, and the related facilities on the south side of the site. They agreed to locate the trash compactor in the right-of-way adjacent to the lift station. They would run a fence of the same design along the Park along the south side of the lift station on the property that the City now owns, provide two twelve-foot gates, one fixed, one motorized. They turned the wall north along the edge of the deep-well injection site and then turned it a little to the east. In the bargain, they had a place to put trash. They covered up a less-than-attractive structure. The final agreement would be rent-free and the project would take any trash generated from public events that occur in the Promenade. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August13,2002 Mr. Fenton mentioned that he had also met with the developers and that he shared Mr. Aguila's concerns. His primary concern was the potential of unpleasant smells emanating from the trash area. He wished to hear E.. Sugerman's point of view on this topic. Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Mgr, stated that new information had come to light earlier in the day of this meeting that indicated a problem with placing the compactor within the fifty-foot easement adjacent to the lift station site. The language of the easement that was granted in 1978 indicates that only public utilities may be placed in the easement. However, there was conflicting language in the easement that Mr. Sugerman was pursuing with Legal to determine if the compactor could be placed within the easement. In any case, Mr. Sugerman believed that Condition #1 of the Conditions of Approval would be sufficient to cover this issue because it states that prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant would have to contact the Public Works Department regarding the storage and handling of refuse and meet certain requirements. Mr. Aguila asked Mr. Sugerman if the existing lift station emitted an unpleasant odor. Mr. Sugerman stated that when the lift station is functioning properly, it does not emit an unpleasant odor. Currently one of the pumps has failed. They have a bypass pump in place and the sealing of the control of sewage is not as good as it would be if the lift station were completely intact. While the bypass pump is operating, there is a slight odor. Mr. Aguila encouraged the City to try to correct this problem. With several restaurants operating in the vicinity, he believed odor would be a constant problem and hoped a fix could be found. Mr. Sugerman stated that Lift Station 356, the one in question, did not have a smell, on average, 98 or 99% of the time. Gerry Goray, Bruce Jarvis' partner, stated for the record that the State Statute that deals with T.I.F. money - the increased tax revenue that results from the development of this project - allows up to 95% of the local and County portion of that increased revenue to be rebated back to the developers under certain conditions. He thought a mutually beneficial arrangement should be reached regarding this T.I.F. money. They did not have specific numbers today but will be presenting them to staff for consideration at a future meeting. These are dollars that would be necessary for the project to achieve a better economic viability and feasibility and better financing ability. He brought the subject up for awareness only. Ms. Hoyland mentioned for the record that she had also met with Gerry Goray and Bruce Jarvis and discussed this project. She verified that the elevations seen at this meeting had not been seen and approved previously. Ms. Hoyland expressed concern about the intrusive appearance of the parking garage. If the plans for the Relax Inn were to be completed, the northwest parking garage elevation would be highly visible from Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway, heading south. Ms. Hoyland thought that the parking garage could be designed in such a way that it would appear less intrusive and more integrated with the other buildings by possibly matching the end caps of the garage with the building elements of the apartment buildings and altering the color scheme, inverting it, so the garage would be more yellow and less khaki green. Mr. Aguila agreed with Ms. Hoyland's comments about matching the roof treatments on the buildings and the garage. 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2002 Mr. Fry felt that they had completely hidden the garage from the street. Also, they liked the idea of having the garage appear different from the main buildings, feeling that they were completely separate uses and should have unique identitieo. He mentioned other projects where they had done garages in colors that were compatible to but different from the main buildings. Mr. Fry addressed the color issue in response to Ms. Hoyland's concerns, saying that there would then be a lot of yellow. Ms. Hoyland thought that the proposed khaki-green color was too dark for such a large building. She thought it might be better if that color were lightened a shade or two. Mr. Fry stated they were preoposing to do a combination of palms and leafy trees to break up the elevation. Ms. Hoyland suggested that the end features on the parking garage be painted in softer colors with the central part a darker green, to which Mr. Fry agreed. Mr. DeMarco also noted that he had met with Gerry Goray and Bruce Jarvis about the project and was impressed with the details he had seen at this meeting. He mentioned the hope that the parking garage for this project could look like the ones at CityPlace. Mr. Fry responded that the CityPlace garages were three-bay garages and the proposed garage is a two-bay garage. In a three-bay garage, the ramp goes in the middle so all the externals are fiat. He explained that there would not be enough depth at this site for a three-bay garage and that One of the sides had to ramp. This issue could be resolved by putting an entirely different facade in front of the garage but that would require a lot of money. Vice Chair Heavilin also met with the developers about the project. She felt there was some medt to a parking garage looking like a garage so people would know that parking was available. She was not opposed to its looking like a parking garage. She thought it was time to get started on the project. Mr. Tillman thought that the two end parts of the garage needed to have softer colors. As proposed, the garage seemed like a penitentiary. In the middle part of the garage, he would put in more mature trees from the outset. At the top level, he suggested having pots filled with shrubbery on the top to help soften the appearance of the parking garage. Chair Finkelstein stated that Comment #29 in the Conditions of Approval showed 277 units and it should state 282. Mr. Aguila stated that it should also reflect $184,992 for the park impact fee. Chair Finkelstein liked the project but thought that it would have to be approved in conjunction with a Development Agreement as in the previous Site Plan approval for the project. Ms. Galav stated that she understood the agreement was being rewritten to reflect the new modifications. She did not believe that it had to be a part of the Site Plan approval. Mr. Jarvis indicated that the old Development Agreement had been crafted in an atmosphere of mutual distrust and that the atmosphere of cooperation today was quite different. He stated that their attorney and the City's attorney were working on the agreement at this time. Since the developers were in agreement to all the conditions in 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2002 connection with the Site Plan, they hoped to get that approved so they could go forward with final working drawings and get the project on the road. He knew of no adversarial issues between the parties at this time. Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager, stated that from the City's perspective, the old Development Agreement is the current Development Agreement. His opinion was that the current Development Agreement was in technical default by both parties and would be extinguished by language in any replacement Development Agreement, if in fact the parties believed that such an agreement were necessary. Chair Finkelstein stated that he was in agreement with the other Board members in believing that three restaurants, a dive shop, and fishing boats would create a lot of trash and that the compactor would receive a lot of use. He was relying on staff to consider the capacity of the compactor relative to this high usage. Ms. Galav stated that Condition#1 indicated that before the developer could get a building permit, this issue would have to be resolved. Mr. Fenton had no problem with the garage but thought that staggering the mature trees to break things up would be appropriate. Motion Mr. DeMarco moved to approve the Major Site Plan Modification to Phase 2 of the Marina project to add 48 residential units and commercial space, expand the parking garage, increase project height and make related site modifications on 3.79-acres, subject to all staff Conditions of Approval. Ms. Hoyland seconded the motion with the following additions: request that the ends of the parking garage be painted a color two shades lighter than the dark khaki color proposed; modify Comment #29 to reflect 282 units and $184,993; that the trees be at least 16 feet in height, or higher, when planted. Mr. DeMarco accepted the additions to the motion. The motion passed 7-0. E. New Site Plan Project: Agent: Owner: Description: Vermeer Southeast Sales (NWSP 02-013) Ken Kruger, P.E. Boynton Industrial Park Association Request for Site Plan Approval for a 14,000 square foot light industrial facility in a M-1 zoning district on a 4.32-acre parcel. Maxine DuCoste-Amedee, Planner, presented an overview of the project. The building and related parking will be used for a business that services and sells construction machinery. The Planning and Zoning Division recommended approval, subject to the comments included in the Conditions of Approval. Ken Kruger, Project Engineer, with offices in Lake Worth, presented some information about the history of Vermeer Southeast Sales. 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August13,2002 When asked by Chair Finkelstein, Mr. Kruger expressed that the applicant was in agreement with all the Conditions of Approval. Chair Finkelstein opened the Public Audience and closed it as no one wished to speak. Mr. DeMarco wondered whether the facility would create any noise, odor, or environmental problems. Mr. Kruger stated that an Environmental Review had been part of their application process and that it was ongoing at this time. He stated that their facilities were clean and well maintained and invited interested persons to view their facility in Pompano. Mr. Fenton asked if staff had the results of the environmental assessment. Mr. DuCoste-Amedee stated that the Code requires certain uses to apply for an environmental review permit. The applicant applied for that permit and the process is ongoing. Once they receive that approval, they will be able to proceed. Mr. Fenton asked if that was part of the Conditions of Approval. Mr. Ducoste-Amedee stated that since they had already applied for the permit, staff felt it could be removed from the Conditions of Approval. If they do not pass the environmental review permit, they will not obtain an occupational license and a Certificate of Occupancy to begin functioning as a business. Mr. Aguila felt there was too much asphalt and concrete on the site and not enough greenery and hoped that the applicant would work with staff to find ways to improve that. He suggested reducing the interior drive aisle widths to accomplish this. Mr. Aguila also suggested that the applicant make the concrete wall on the front of the building ten feet high instead of two feet high. Mr. Kruger stated that he would have to discuss that with his client. He commented that he had been up and down Industrial Avenue and that he had not seen anything like this. He believed the Code would allow a plain metal building. Mr. Aguila stated that it was the Board's job to improve the appearance of the buildings in their district. Ms. Hoyland agreed with Mr. Aguila's comment about reducing the drive aisle widths to gain space for additional landscaping, working with staff to achieve this while accommodating the needs of the business. She agreed with Mr. Aguila also about extending the brick wall up, preferably to the tops of the bottom windows and to the north and south sides as well, to be consistent. She noted that with the wide space for foundation planting, the two foot high wall would probably be covered by plantings anyway. Vice Chair Heavilin asked what security measures would be taken to protect the open display of equipment on the site. Mr. Kruger stated that fencing was proposed around the perimeter of the property and there would be a perimeter landscape buffer. Ms. Hoyland asked what the applicant would be using for the surface of the equipment display area and Mr. Kruger replied that they proposed to use a stabilized rock surface. 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2002 She asked if the vehicles on display were for sale and whether vehicles were put there after being serviced. Mr. Kruger responded that people usually bring their equipment in for a quick fix so they can get out on the jobsite and they rarely have to store equipment. Mr. Fenton did not want to hold up approval based on how high up the brick wall would go on the building. Motion Mr. Aguila moved to approve the new Site Plan for a 14,000 square foot light industrial facility in a M-1 zoning district on a 4.32-acre parcel for Vermeer Southeast Sales, subject to all staff Conditions of Approval, with the additional comment that what is shown as a two foot high brick wall on the west elevation will be raised to a ten foot high brick wall above grade, to the top of the bottom window, wrapping to the north and south sides of the building for several feet, as shown on the existing north and south elevations. Ms. Hoyland seconded the motion. Vice Chair Heavilin had a problem with raising the wall from two feet to ten if it would not be financially feasible for the applicant. Mr. Aguila modified his motion to state that the height of the wall would be eight feet or whatever amount would come to the top of the bottom window. Ms. Hoyland agreed to the amendment to the motion. The motion passed 6-1, Mr. Fenton dissenting. THE MEETING RECESSED AT 8:30 P.M. AND RESUMED AT 8:40 P.M. VI. Director's Report A. Project Updates 1) Meeting with Ed Petuch - Florida Atlantic University Letter This item is self-explanatory. 2) Update on Transfer Funds to CRA Operating Account This item is self-explanatory. 3) Workshop Dates: Budget, Policy and Incentives The Board discussed a date for a workshop to discuss the CRA budget. Mr. Hutchinson stated that the City had requested that by October 1, the CRA give them their new budget so that it coincides with their budget process. This would require having a workshop before the next CRA meeting, which is set for September 10. Chair Finkelstein stated that the CRA was not required to do this and asked why the City wanted to have it. Chair Hutchinson stated that it was a matter of courtesy but he had not found any Statute that was absolute about this. Chair Finkelstein asked Quintus Greene to comment on this. 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2002 Quintus Greene, Development Director, stated that he believed the Finance Director had indicated that under State law, the CPA's budget year will have to run from October 1 to September 30 and he thought that was what this was about. Chair Finkelstein stated that the Board Attorney disagreed with this position but he did not wish to make an issue of it. He thanked Mr. Greene. Mr. Aguila asked why the CPA would want to have a different fiscal year from the City. Chair Finkelstein stated that the Board had agreed on going to a calendar year to have a more businesslike municipal accounting system. He stated that the CPA's budget did not run with the City's budget. The CPA gets its T.I.F. money in December, allocates it in the budget, and spends it. Mr. Hutchinson commented that the City was not dictating what was in the budget. He stated that if the Board decided to go with the calendar year, it could be done but might take quite awhile to put in place due to the other demands on staff at this time. The Board decided to have a workshop on August 24, 2002 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mr. Hutchinson will secure a meeting site and communicate it to the Board. Mr. Hutchinson indicated that staff was working with the Chair on revisions to the budget. He thought there would be ample time for the Board members to review it and get their comments back to him. Mr. Hutchinson moved on to the next part of this item, the Personnel Policies and Procedures, stating that it was very important to move ahead with this. The next item for discussion would be incentives. Mr. Hutchinson agreed to not put all three items in one workshop but wanted them to be on an agenda in the near future. The Board Attorney had requested that the Board set an interim travel policy before the upcoming CPA Conference. 4) Status of Property Acquisitions at Boynton Beach Boulevard/Federal Highway and MLK at Seacrest An analysis of this item prepared by Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Nardi was included in the member's packets. Mr. Hutchinson asked that the member's review the information for future discussion. 5) Fa;ade Grant Program Revisions for 2002-2003 Mr. Hutchinson advised that he had done a lot of work on revising this program and hoped that the member's would look at it, and give him their feedback in writing. Chair Finkelstein's quick comment was that something about Release of Liens should be included in the program package. The Board discussed this item briefly, with several comments being made about how onerous it was to the people who need it and how much it needed to be streamlined. Mr. Hutchinson stated that he had not taken away any of the language in the odginal Program document. Vice Chair Heavilin noted that many people needing improvements to their businesses could not afford $10,000 up front. Mr. Hutchinson advised that he had spoken to some banks to possibly front the money. Mr. 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Flodda August13,2002 Hutchinson will use the Board's written comments to generate a revised program document for the Board's review and approval. VII. Unfinished Business None VIII. New Business Review Relax Inn Environmental Survey Results and Recommendations, and Consider Approval of a Sample Well(s) Mr. Aguila agreed with the price and the service provider but had several concerns with the associated Agreement. These concerns were discussed and incorporated into the following motion. Motion Mr. Aguila moved to approve the proposal with Evans Environmental & Geosciences for the wells at the Relax Inn with revisions to the agreement as follows: Under Basis of Compensation, the price shown will be a Not to Exceed pdce; Article 5 will be deleted in its entirety; Article 6.A, last sentence, will be deleted. The payment shall be within 30 days of receipt of a proper invoice; Article 6.D., that the CRA will receive copies of all drawings, specifications, and work product; and that Article 6.E will be deleted and replaced with the language that in the event that any legal action is required, it would take place in Palm Beach County. Vice Chair Heavilin seconded the motion that carried unanimously. Mr. Hutchinson asked for authorization to sign the documents, as amended, on behalf of the Board as the Director. The Board preferred to have Chair Finkelstein sign the amended documents. B= Review and Consider Approval of Demolition Quotes for the Removal of the Relax Inn Chair Finkelstein expressed concern about demolishing the wooden fence at the rear of the Relax Inn property because he thought it belonged to the Bank of America. Mr. Nardi stated that a survey would be obtained after exercising the option and the option would state that only property belonging to the Relax Inn would be demolished. The Board discussed the quotes and felt that the exclusions in the Thomas B. Cushing quotation were excessive. They thought it might be prudent to get a quote from them without the exclusions. They were concerned about whether they would get the proper permits and cap off the utilities in the correct manner. Mr. Nardi related that he had spoken to Mr. Cushing at length and believed that his company would do the job that the CRA wanted done in a responsible manner. He suggested that the Board award the bid with provisions. 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Flodda August13,2002 Motion Mr. Fenton moved to award the demolition of the Relax Inn to the Thomas B. Cushing Demolition Company, with the understanding that their bid price includes their acceptance of the responsibility to procure any necessary permits and that they will carry out the proper procedures to cap off the utilities on the site. C. Review of Trash Collection for the CRA area. This item was deferred to the next regular CRA meeting by consent of the Board. Request for Qualifications for Architectural/Engineering Services for the Construction of the Extension of Boynton Beach Boulevard and the Promenade Phase I, II, and III Located Adjacent to the Marina Project. Mr. Hutchinson explained that he had prepared this RFQ using the City's standard RFQ package and he welcomed comments from the Board. Chair Finkelstein noted that the use of the terms Promenade Phase 1, 2, and 3 should be consistent throughout. Mr. Aguila had a number of concerns about the RFQ that he aired and discussed with the Board members. His requests were duly noted and appreciated by Mr. Hutchinson, who will incorporate them into a revised document that he will bring back to the Board at its next meeting for review and approval. Request for Qualifications for Consultant to Prepare a Way-Finding Master PlanlSignage Program for the CRA Area. Board comments: 1) 2) 3) 4) Publish in Palm Beach Post only, Sundays and Mondays Question of having small CRA signage project or becoming part of a citywide signage program. On Page 5, number 3, eliminate restriction to south Florida. Consistency in referring to Promenade Phase 1, 2, and 3 Mr. Hutchinson noted that there were 100 qualified suppliers of this service. Mr. Aguila asked him if he knew of any sign companies that were currently under contract to any other south Florida municipalities in the surrounding towns. Mr, Aguila suggested that Mr. Hutchinson find out if it would be possible to piggyback another contract and bring two or three qualified candidates back to the Board to make presentations. He was in favor of doing something on a smaller scale that would be immediately visible. Motion Vice Chair Heavilin moved to go ahead with the Request for Qualifications for the Way- Finding Master Plan/Signage Program. Ms. Hoyland seconded the motion that carded 6-1, Mr. Fenton dissenting. 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Flodda August 13, 2002 Mr. Hutchinson proposed opening the bids on the appropriate date, doing a tally, and presenting the information to the Board at a regular meeting for approval. He also proposed advertising in the Palm Beach Post only on Sunday and Monday. Vice Chair Heavilin wanted the proviso stricken that would restrict the consultant's knowledge to south Florida. Vice Chair Heavilin and Ms. Hoyland agreed to add these three comments to the motion. Review of Insurance Policies and Bonding Submitted by Executive Director for CRA Coverage and Consider Reimbursement of Costs as per the Employment Agreement. Mr. Hutchinson related that the City covered the Board members for Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance, Liability Insurance, and Bonding, but that he was not covered. He included copies of insurance binders and coverage quotes to the Board members in their packets. The employment contract states that the Board will reimburse the director for this insurance expenditure, upon approval. Risk Management and Legal both reviewed the insurance coverage documents and did not have any concerns. Legal Counsel made one comment and that was to insure that the CRA is Loss Payee for the policies and to note such with the binder check. Motion Mr. Fenton moved to approve reimbursement to Mr. Hutchinson for the Errors and Omissions, Liability Insurance, and Bonding insurance policies presented to the Board at this meeting, pursuant to Mr. Hutchinson's employment contract. Mr. Aguila seconded the motion that carried unanimously. Review of Equipment Purchase List for Computer and Related Systems, and Consider Approval Mr. Hutchinson presented the Board with a list of computer equipment and office supplies that was developed in conjunction with the City's Information Technology department. There are two computers with a high volume laser printer and a color ink jet printer. The systems will be linked together at the office and to the City's internal network system. Ms. Hoyland asked about maintenance and Mr. Hutchinson responded that Dell and the IT Department would give them a price on servicing the hardware and software and that this could be discussed at budget time. Motion Mr. DeMarco moved to approve the purchase of the listed hardware as requested. Fenton seconded the motion that carried unanimously. Mr. Office Space Package Review and Consider Approval of a CRA Office Location Mr. Hutchinson presented a number of office space options for the Board's consideration and the Board discussed the pros and cons of the various choices. 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida August13,2002 The Bank of America has finished space on the second floor and Chair Finkelstein will inquire as to the possibility of a lease for six to twelve months. In the meantime, Mr. Hutchinson was directed to expand his search beyond the confines of Ocean and Federal in the hopes of finding a suitable place. Mr. Hutchinson demurred, citing the pressing and numerous duties of staff and requesting that the Board consider a short- term lease for the space in the Bank of America building. He stated that this would give him an opportunity to get more staff. If the Bank of America space did not work for any reason, he would begin his search again. Motion Ms. Hoyland moved to give the CRA Director the authority to negotiate a short-term rental for six months to a year that can be moved into within the next thirty days. The rental rate will be one that reflects fair market value. Mr. Fenton seconded the motion that passed. Consideration of Approval of CRA Director and Board Members to Attend the State CRA Conference in Jacksonville and Related Travel/food/lodging Expenses Mr. Hutchinson stated that the City Commission's travel policy could not be pulled in time but he worked with Legal Counsel and a motion at this meeting could set a per diem rate at $26.00 per day that would include food and refreshment. Direct costs for travel, the seminar fees, and the hotel would be reimbursed. He reiterated that this was to be an interim travel policy and that the Board could rework it at a later date. Motion Vice Chair Heavilin moved that the CRA adopt a one-time travel policy for $3, $6, and $12 for meals per diem. Mileage, hotel expenses, and seminar fees, will be reimbursed, plus applicable taxes. Mr. DeMarco seconded the motion that carried unanimously. IX. Other Items - None X. Public Audience - None Xl. Adjournment Since there was no further business before the Board, the meeting was duly adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submi~ed, Susan Collins Recording Secretary (081402) 15 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WORKSHOP HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2002 AT 9:00 A.M. Present Larry Finkelstein, Chairman Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair Josh Aguila Alexander DeMarco Don Fenton Michelle Hoyland Henderson Tillman I. Call to Order Chair Finkelstein called the workshop meetir II. Roll Call Nancy Byrne, Assistant Development Director Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager Lindsey Payne, Board Attorney The Recording Secretary called the roll. III. Agenda Approval There were no additions, changes, or deletions to the agenda. IV. CRA Planning A. Implementation Vision Presentation from Director RiverWalk Project Mr. Hutchinson presented the latest drawings from the architect for the RiverWalk project and discussed ideas for possible enhancement of the project. He showed some pedestrian-friendly elements including brightly colored, moving, fabric shades that look like sails to tie the marina theme in with the walkway area. A series of areas were set aside for sculpture and/or fountains that could be used as platforms for public art. The fountains could be lit and enhanced technologically. The GALA could have an event where a public poll determines each year's best piece of art and the winner could be "unveiled" at the RiverWalk/Promenade the following year. This would be one way of tying the heritage and culture of the community to the waterfront and giving the City an identity. Mr. Hutchinson envisioned a destination that would provide more than a walkway down to the water, giving a sense of a place that would be cool and refreshing with the shade elements. He spoke of an entrance feature that would be done in the Florida-style of Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 architecture and bear the City's logo, which would be repeated in the signage and paver systems. He envisioned an open well for viewing manatees, and a festival area with an amphitheater, stage, and room for retail booths. There would be a restaurant and observation deck as in the original plans, and a 20-slip boat marina at the end. ,An old- Florida fishing village was envisioned that would celebrate the heritage of sport fishing and diving with kiosks to provide tickets and a bait shop so the existing industry would have a "home" with waterfront access. The existing Mangrove walking trail and the boardwalk would connect. Boynton Boardwalk Complex Mr. Hutchinson presented what he called the "Dare to Dream" version of the RiverWalk project that he called the Boynton Boardwalk Complex. There would be a major, anchor-type attraction - a marine reptile museum of international caliber - and an IMAX theater. The marine museum would have educational exhibits about the marine life and ecology of the Intracoastal Waterway and ocean. About sixty percent of the IMAX Theater's film library consists of marine topics. Both of these attractions would bring visitors who would spend at least half a day in the area, with a projected 30% to 40% staying overnight. In addition, there could be packaging of festivals and events for multiple day stays and the museum could have summer camp programs. Mr. Hutchinson advised that overnight stays would generate $6.8M annually in new dollars. Mr. Hutchinson contrasted the museums of old that might have a lobby with one or two display cases to the proposed museum with 10,000 square feet of prime exhibit area. He believes that today's museums are dynamic moneymakers. Top notch traveling exhibits could be brought to the museum and admission could be charged. A professor at Florida Atlantic University was approached about the idea of a marine reptile museum and was enthusiastic about the project. Mr. Hutchinson spoke of his reasons for choosing marine reptiles and prehistoric sharks. The Discovery Channel did a research study over a two-year period to determine the public's interests for purposes of fine-tuning their programming, and these interests were: 1) natural catastrophes, 2) dinosaurs, and 3) sharks. Some marine reptiles are known to be 80 to 120 feet in length. The new creatures being found today cannot be put on display because the largest marine reptile display in the U.S. today is in a paleontology museum in Thanksgiving Point, Utah and it has 800 square feet. The niche he sought for Boynton Beach had to relate to water and marine life and Mr. Hutchinson wanted to create something in which Boynton Beach could be "The Best." Mr. Hutchinson said that the project would have a large price tag but would attract funding from many sources and could be phased to match the flow of funds. The funding possibilities would include alliances with other museums, schools, colleges, attractions, and non-profit groups, in addition to the local community. The caliber and focus of the museum would attract attention from national private and corporate foundations, science and education foundations, and governmental/public grant sources. Mr. Hutchinson referred to a professor who serves on the Board at Florida Atlantic University and is the foremost living paleontologist in the world. This paleontologist would be linked to this project via serving on a museum advisory board that would be set up to oversee the project. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August3,2002 The museum would serve the needs of this community, its children and adults, and have national appeal and global impact. It would also attract development. When a facility with that kind of drawing power is put into an area that anchors Boynton Beach, and the developers start to see the economy that develops around it, they will want to get involved. He also believed that the proposed project would attract the hotel that the CRA wants. Mr. Hutchinson proposed two feasibility studies for the Boardwalk Complex, with a cost of $25K to $45K each. The first study would be for building the complex itself, and the second would be for capital funding. If the studies indicated a feasible project and if the Board desired to move forward, the Board would secure an architectural firm, an exhibit design firm, a museum consultant, and a lead consulting paleontologist. Mr. Hutchinson asked for the Board's feedback and direction on this idea. If they were in favor of it, he would take the next several months to find out what he could bring back to the table in terms of alliances, funding sources, and some other ideas. Board Discussion Mr. DeMarco asked about the timeframe for the project. Mr. Hutchinson stated that he could probably bring enough information back to the Board in two months for a decision on the feasibility studies. If approved, the feasibility studies could be completed by the first quarter of next year. He thought that it would take about five years to open the facility with two years being spent on design and fund-raising. Given enough money, the project could be completed in three years. The marine exhibits take about a year to build. Mr. Aguila thought there was a lot of merit to Mr. Hutchinson's plan for the RiverWalk and had no objections to it. It was better than anything he had seen for a long time. Vice Chair Heavilin was excited about the concept and thought it would definitely create the identity that the City had been seeking for many years. Chair Finkelstein thought that before spending money on feasibility studies, Mr. Hutchinson should approach the State with the drawings and get their comments. He also commented that if the proposed project were to be undertaken, it would take all of the CRA's money and very little else could be accomplished. He noted that there were no operating costs in the budget for the museum, including cost of display exhibits. Chair Finkelstein was not ip favor of stopping progress on the RiverWalk while the investigation continued on the new concept. Mr. DeMarco felt the Board should find out the will of the City fathers before proceeding. If the City Commission approved of the idea in concept, then Mr. Hutchinson should approach the County and work his way up the chain to the State and Federal agencies. Mr. Tillman felt that some background work, to include a cursory review by the Department of Natural Resources and possibly some people from the County, would be necessary before presentation to the City Commission. Overall he thought an anchor project was in order - he did not believe that a long walk to the water was sufficiently 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 attractive in itself. concept. He was fully supportive of Mr. Hutchinson moving forward on the Mr. Fenton voiced approval of Mr. Hutchinson's plan as the best plan he had seen for thirty years. Mr. Aguila thought that the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission might wish to be part of the education process and lend support to the project. Mr. Aguila noted that while he liked fountains, the City of Delray Beach had discovered that they presented maintenance and vandalism problems and were starting to remove them. He thought that there were other nice centerpieces that could be used instead of fountains. Ms. Hoyland felt that the beauty of the plan was that it could be done in phases. If this project were to be undertaken, the CRA would not have to assemble land to attract developers because they would already be attractive to them. She knew that there were other areas of the City that needed attention such as the Heart of Boynton and that the CRA would definitely have to look at and prioritize where their funds were going. Chair Finkelstein stated that assembling land was not just to attract developers but also to implement the design guidelines they had discussed and be able to control some of the redevelopment in a way that was called for in the Master Plan. Ms. Hoyland said that the City did not want shell and t-shirt shops to proliferate but she thought that if the CRA moved in this direction, the plans would have to be modified to prohibit or include different types of uses. Mr. Fenton thought the proposed project would be something where people would come to spend money because they like what they see as opposed to assembling properties in the hope that a developer would develop them. Two CRA Core Areas: Downtown & Heart of Boynton Mr. Hutchinson mentioned that the City had two cores: the downtown and the Heart of Boynton (HOB). He related that the City was considering a massive neighborhood redevelopment effort in the HOB area and the CRA was considering the acquisition of three properties. He agreed with both objectives. The CRA will spend program time in this area to work with the existing businesses to improve their business skills so some national chains can be attracted to the area. He had one major national chain that was interested at this time. Mr. Hutchinson's report that was distributed to the Board members mentioned a ventu, re capital fund and a revolving loan program, among other ideas for the area. He also spoke of cultivating pride and the celebration of differences, foreseeing that the CRA could potentially help underwrite, design, and support such events. Mr. Hutchinson spoke of his experience in planning a festival for the City of Burton, Texas, a town of 311 people, to which 25,000 people were attracted, winning the title of "Best Festival" in the State of Texas. PBS did a national documentary on this festival. Mr. Hutchinson felt that redevelopment in Boynton Beach had to be done on the social level through program support and not just through bricks and mortar. He agreed with Chair Finkelstein's comments about design guidelines but felt that people could be enticed to do the right thing rather than having to own something to see that the right 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 things were done. He mentioned that anyone wishing to build anything in the CRA area had to come before the Board for site approval anyway. Mr. DeMarco mentioned that the downtown business owners and the Chamber of Commerce were definitely part of the team and should be brought into the redevelopment effort. Mr. Hutchinson agreed. RiverWalk (continued) Vice Chair Heavilin asked about the timeline for the RiverWalk project. Mr. Hutchinson responded that an RFQ would have to be issued to architectural firms for design, construction drawings, and bid documents and these would be brought back to the Board for their review and comments, after which the project could begin. Chair Finkelstein stated that if the Boardwalk concept worked out, some infrastructure would have to go in as part of the first phase, to handle the second phase. When that was finalized, the base construction documents had to be brought back to the Board for their comments. This would have to take place before getting to the actual construction documents. When the project is bid out, the bidders need to know what they are bidding on. Chair Finkelstein said this was why the approval for the State for this kind of project was necessary before proceeding. Chair Finkelstein said while that was happening, they could still find the right engineering and architectural firm to start on Phase I. Mr. Fenton suggested that when the construction drawings were available, a meeting should be held inviting all the State Senators and Representatives that represent Boynton Beach because help was needed from the State level. Mr. DeMarco suggested contacting the Palm Beach delegation. Chair Finketstein advised Mr. Hutchinson that he had the Board's consensus to go out for an RFQ for the architectural design and engineering firms for the RiverWalk Phase I. Also, the Board's consensus was that Mr. Hutchinson should proceed with developing the Boardwalk concept and take it to the Department of Environmental Protection and the State to see if they would approve of such a project. Herb Suss, citizen of Boynton Beach and member of the City's Library Board, commended the Board on its questions and concerns. He felt that the proposed project was exciting and hoped that it could be done in conjunction with the Marina project and that it could be done "yesterday." Bob Foot, local resident and' member of the City's Code Compliance Board, said he was delighted to hear about the proposed project. He felt that it would be critically important to have some sort of shuttle transportation to the attraction or a parking garage. Mr. Hutchinson said that they were considering the acquisition of property for a parking lot that could become a garage later. The Marina project has some public space available in it, and especially if the museum were to be done, there could be a shuttle. He did not want to go into too many details in advance of the feasibility studies. Mr. Foot stated that Mr. Hutchinson had given the residents a reason for the RiverWalk. He had questioned it previously because it was just a walk. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 200? Mr. Fenton believed that there would be many transportation companies, including water taxis that would be interested in participating in this project. Mr. DeMarco thought if this core attraction were to be finished, Boynton Beach could attract the Bass International Tournament and have a sightseeing boat. Facade Grant Program Mr. Hutchinson stated that the Facade Grant Program is administered so that the City matches up to 50% of the first $5K and beyond that, up to $2500 additional dollars are available for signage or landscaping. He proposed that the Facade Grant Program be increased from $5K to $15K to provide more impact for appearance improvements. He also proposed a loan "buy down" program where the CRA helps to buy down the interest for a loan, as an incentive for new property owners and businesses to upgrade the appearance of their properties. This program includes loans for interior modifications to existing structures to accommodate new businesses in specific areas within the CRA area. Ms. Hoyland wholeheartedly agreed with these ideas, stating that she had discussions with people who had applied for assistance from the Facade Grant Program and had never gotten an answer back about the money. There is some bitterness that has developed among existing business owners and people who want to come in to the City over this issue. She referred to the problems West Palm Beach was having with businesses that were leaving because of the differences between regular businesses and CityPlace. The small businesses did not feel that the City was paying equal attention to them. She also stated that the CRA should pay attention to the existing business people who were taking a large risk in investing in a downtown that was "yet to be." The only thing that had happened yet was infrastructure improvements. No developers were coming to the downtown area, but only to the north and south ends of the City with residential projects. She thought that business owners should be encouraged to stay and continue to come to the City. Mr. Tillman suggested that consideration be given to whether the proposed business was in an area in which growth activity was desirable or undesirable. Mr. Hutchinson said that it was across the board right now but that it could be adjusted. Chair Finkelstein confirmed with Mr. Hutchinson that he would be bringing back a new Facade Grant Program to the Board. He noted that on page 11, in the last sentence of the paragraph under the Facade Grant Program, that it said, "Incentives are directly linked to job creation, needed services, cultural and recreational attractions, beautification and long-term based improvement." He said the current program was not based on this and wanted to know if Mr. Hutchinson planned to add that to the program. Mr. Hutchinson stated that he would look into it. Mr. Hutchinson proposed and the Board agreed to making the grants $15,000 and allowing that money to be used for facade improvements or landscaping. Ms. Hoyland stated that the $50K in the budget for the facade grants program would only allow for about three opportunities. Chair Finkelstein said that the budget showed increasing this to $100K in year three. Ms. Hoyland confirmed with Chair Finkelstein that the funds would roll over from year to year. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 Vice Chair Heavilin said that when they targeted neighborhoods where they wanted businesses to redevelop rather than leave, a lot of the buildings were very old and this led to the issue of Code compliance. Aside from life/safety issues, she thought the City should be more lenient when these property owners were not in a position to meet all the current Code requirements. Mr. Hutchinson stated that those communities had a Historic Preservation Overlay, which deals with archaic building materials. He felt that the entire Far.,~ade Grant Program effort had to be re-examined. Budget Comments Mr. Hutchinson explained that his revisions to the budget reflected the needs of an independent CRA. He presented a three-month bridge to the fiscal budget that the Board had requested, and a five-year plan to assist in planning for the future. Chair Finkelstein stated that there was no additional staff to handle this huge undertaking. Mr. Hutchinson stated that this was why he recommended adding an Assistant Director in the next year's budget. He stated that the $50K for this item in the first three months was incorrect and that it should be under Controller, not Assistant. Chair Finkelstein mentioned that he could not find any operating costs for the museum. He did not want to have the CRA running a museum. Mr. Hutchinson stated that the museum would be stand-alone. There would be a positive cash flow and he recommended getting a museum consultant and setting up a Museum Board of Directors to actually run the museum. THE MEETING RECESSED AT 10:30 A.M. AND RESUMED AT 10:45 A.M. IV. Administrative C. Planning - Review of Existing Priorities & Projects (heard out of order) Relax Inn Acquisition Mr. Hutchinson indicated that the results of the environmental impact study on the Relax Inn were in and there were no impacts from asbestos. They recommended that since the Exxon station across the street was on a list for the gas tank program, about $2,100 should be spent on a sample well to check for a plume that could come onto the property from across the street. The property would eventually be used for a street and a parking lot in support of the RiverWalk. If they ever wish to build a parking garage, there could be a possible impact from this issue. Chair Finkelstein said that since the shopping center next door was a source of potential contamination, he had asked the environmental assessment office whether it would not be prudent to have two sample wells done to check for contamination from both sources - the Exxon property across the street and the shopping center to the east. They sent him a bid of $2685 for doing both wells, and he wanted this price to be a "Not to Exceed" price. For a $1M purchase, he wanted the assurance that the site was not contaminated and that it could be built on in the future. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 The Board reached consensus on doing the two sample wells while still in the due diligence period. Mr. Hutchinson will put this on the agenda for the next meeting for formal approval of the Board. Jim Nardi of the Urban Group mentioned that there was a small amount of non-friable asbestos in the mastic under the tile. If the asbestos were to become airborne through demolition, abatement procedures would have to be followed. He believed that with wet demolition, this would not be a problem. Mr. Nardi advised that the option agreement was set to expire on September 23, 2002. MLK Properties & Parking Lot Block The Board discussed the acquisition of parcels in the MLK and downtown core areas. Mr. Nardi gave a status report on the acquisition of each of the seven properties. After considerable discussion, the Board decided that it could try to work with the one willing seller and see if they could "work around" the other properties that were not available or not available at a reasonable price. The Board members were not generally in favor of using eminent domain. Chair Finkelstein stated that eminent domain could cost a lot of money in legal fees. The general feeling on the Board was that it wanted to delay the acquisition and assembling of properties until it knew whether or not the Boardwalk Complex concept was going to work. If it did work, it would require a great deal of the CRA's resources. If it did not work, they could come back to this idea at a later date. There was agreement that they should remain vigilant about properties that were available in their core areas. Chair Finkelstein made the point that his intention in assembling properties had been to buy some of the blighted properties that were going nowhere, assemble them, and find a better project or property to put there. He wanted to continue to investigate properties for acquisition and did not want to focus all of the CPA's money on one location. In order to make any decisions about the properties in question and give Mr. Nardi direction for the future, the Board requested that they be given a concise summary about the real estate opportunities, the recommendations of the director, and a recommendation for future acquisitions. They had received bits and pieces about it but wanted to see it all together. Mr. Hutchinson said he would produce such a package, using Mr. Nardi's information, and that it would include the appraisals that had been done on the properties. In the meantime, Mr. Nardi's office was put "on hold" for further acquisition activity except the Relax Inn. Vice Chair Heavilin knew of' a property owner in one of the core areas that wanted to purchase one of the properties the CPA was considering for acquisition. The Board agreed that pursuing partnerships was preferable to taking properties. Office Space Mr. Hutchinson explained that he and his secretary were sharing one desk, one chair, and one computer and that the City was interviewing for a Safety Director, whose office they were currently sharing. He stated that a decision was urgently needed about office space. 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 Mr. Hutchinson presented two potential properties. A fourth floor office unit on Ocean Avenue with 1,200 square feet will be available in two months for $1500 a month plus $120 month POA fee. This option would cost $19,800 a year. The same owner also has an unfinished unit with 1,200 sq. f. with plumbing and HVAC roughed-in in on the fourth floor of the Financial Plaza building. This unit overlooks the Marina and Promenade/RiverWalk projects and is in the heart of the CRA downtown area. The asking price is $150,000 but since it is unfinished, Mr. Hutchinson would offer $125K. This is the space that Mr. Hutchinson preferred and he provided a financial analysis of the costs and ramifications of purchasing this space. Mr. Hutchinson favored the purchase of an office property, believing that over $100K in rent could be saved over the next five years and that there would be no problem with resale, at the price the CRA wanted. He also believed that some leasehold improvements would have to be made practically anywhere because there was very little ready office space in the area. The Board discussed the pros and cons of renting versus buying and the relative merits of various local properties. Chair Finkelstein thought that buying office space would tie up a great deal of the CRA's capital when it was needed for other things. The Board was unanimous in wanting to have the office in the CRA district and they wanted the property to have parking access, public bathrooms, and room for expansion. They especially hoped to find space on the first floor with a storefront to facilitate communication with the community. The Board members shared information about owners and potential properties. It was agreed that it might be necessary to come up with a short-term rental while trying to find a permanent location. Mr. Hutchinson will continue to look for suitable office space in the Ocean Avenue, Federal Highway vicinity and report the results of his search at the next Board meeting. Way-Finding Signage Program Mr. Hutchinson provided the Board members with a Request for Qualifications prepared by the City for a Way Finding Signage Program. He had met with all the concerned City departments and their position was that the City was not ready to begin a citywide program at this time but they all agreed that Mr. Hutchinson could proceed with the program in order to satisfy t. he CRA's requirements. Mr. Hutchinson advised that the City and the CRA each had money set aside for this program. The Board expressed concem about taking on the task of a citywide sign program and Mr. Hutchinson advised that once the CRA had received approval from the City for its chosen signs, the project would leave the hands of the CRA and go on to the City. He also stated that the CRA would not be designing the City's signs. The Board decided to proceed with the RFQ to find qualified candidates and then discuss the program details further when the proposals were received. 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 Agenda for Upcoming Meetings Some of the agenda items not covered in today's workshop will be brought forward at regular Board meetings and some will become the subject of further workshops, especially the budget, which the members considered to be a priority. Mr. Hutchinson will fine tune the budget and call the Board members about a suitable date for a workshop. V. Administrative A. CRA Area: Recommendations for Boundary Adjustments Mr. Hutchinson distributed color-coded CRA boundary area maps to the Board members to facilitate future discussions on boundaries. A memorandum from Mr. Hutchinson with recommendations on this topic was included in the agenda packets. B. Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual It was agreed that review and institution of this policy was of major importance so that much-needed employees could be brought on line as quickly as possible. Everyone will read and comment on the Personnel Policies and Procedures draft in the agenda packet and bring their comments in-written form to the next Board meeting for submission to Mr. Hutchinson. A draft incorporating the suggestions will be presented to the Board at the September meeting for approval. C. Board Selection Criteria Guidelines This item will either be brought forward at the next regular meeting or an upcoming workshop. D. Planning & Zoning Division Presentation Package Criteria Mr. Hutchinson mentioned that he had met with the Planning & Zoning Division about the agenda packets and that they were willing to work with the Board to produce packets more suited to the needs of the CRA. He distributed information about the process by which the packets are prepared. Design Guidelines for Buildings in CRA Area and Trash Collection Issues for Development in CRA will eith. er be brought forward at the next regular meeting or put on the agenda for an upcoming workshop. Director's Action Items Mr. Hutchinson will bring to the next Board meeting: 1) 2) 3) 4) RFQ for RiverVValk & Promenade Design Work Revised Fac,,ade Grant Program Application Contract for Two Sample Wells at Relax Inn and Demolition Bids Summary of Land Acquisition Opportunities in the Parking Lot & MLK Area 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida August 3, 2002 Mr. Hutchinson mentioned the idea of having several short meetings in the evening to help cover the many agenda items, as suggested to him by a Board member, but most members were not in favor of doing so. Mr. Hutchinson asked that applications be given to him for the Florida Redevelopment Association Annual Conference October 16 - 18 in Jacksonville and one check will be issued for the registrations of all the CRA members who will be attending. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the Conference agenda included a discussion on how art and culture impact CRAs and thought this would be a very timely topic. Board Attorney Payne stated that the development of a travel policy defining such things as meal allowances should be a priority for the CRA. Mr. DeMarco stated that he thought Mr. Hutchinson had done a wonderful job in a short period of time and that he was really impressed about the amount of work he had accomplished. VI. Public Audience Herb Suss, citizen of Boynton Beach, suggested that the Director consider placing a temporary office in The Relax Inn. Several Board members thought that was a good idea but a little premature. VII. Adjournment The meeting was duly adjourned at 12:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Collins Recording Secretary (two tapes) (08/05/02) 11