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Minutes 09-11-95 MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM "C", WEST WING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1995, AT 7:00 P.M. Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Matthew Bradley, Vice Mayor Shirley Jaskiewicz, Commissioner Sidney Rosen, Commissioner Dale Sugerman, Asst. City Manager Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the City Manager Sue Kruse, City Clerk Tambri Heyden, Planning & Zoning D i recto r Beth Bailey, Public Information Officer Virginia Farace, Library Director CALL TO ORDER Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m., announcing it as the first joint meeting of the City Commission and the Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. In response to a question from Mr. Harry Stein, Mayor Taylor advised that Ann Ford, Downtown District Coordinator, was not in attendance at this meeting. Mr. Stein stated that the guidelines of Ms. Ford's job description require her attendance at all CRAB, CRA and City Commission meetings. Mr. Stein further said that he was advised there were two meetings being held simultaneously at 7:00 p.m. He arrived at 6:45 p.m., and found that the CRAB meeting had already been adjourned. Commissioner Jaskiewicz informed Mr. Stein that Ms. Ford left to attend a newly-formed neighborhood association meeting. Mayor Taylor explained that the CRAB meeting was advertised for 7:00 p.m., but was actually conducted at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Daniel Richter, a member of CRAB, shoWed his agenda which listed the meeting to be held at 6:30 p.m. He received the agenda on Saturday. Mayor Taylor will investigate the situation. 1. Round table Discussion of Common Goals of the City and the Chamber of Commerce Mayor Taylor is pleased to participate and thanked the Chamber for taking the initiative to request this meeting. Present at the meeting were: Don Fenton, Fenton Construction; Stormet Norem, Boynton Memorial Chapel; Jaime Titcomb, J. Titcomb Creative, Inc.; Dan Richter, CRAB member; David Showalter, CRAB member and Sun Bank; James Darst, Banyan Bank; Dick Lambert, Real Estate Broker and Code Enforcement Board member; Jim Zengage, Main Street Car Wash; Bob Petrow, Gator Engineering Services; Beth Cearley; Harry B. Stein, representing Coastal Towers; Ann Wood, Brighton Garden by Marriott; Kathy Shabotynskyj, President of Chamber MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 of Commerce; Cai Cearley, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and President of Prime Bank; Rusty Russillo, FPL and Chamber of Commerce; Keith Girten, Barnett Bank and Director of the Chamber of Commerce; Candy Smith, NationsBank; Linda Szatmary, Board member of the Chamber and First Union Bank. · Downtown Redevelopment Mr. Russillo is hopeful that common goals and objectives relative to downtown redevelopment can be reached between the City and the Chamber. The Chamber would like the City to adopt and actively pursue the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council's plan and connect it with the marina project and bridge project. The Chamber would like to know what it can do to promote this project. It is important for the City and the Chamber to have one vision for downtown. Mayor Taylor advised that the City has bought into the charrette, the Town Square concept, and the bridge. The City is working with DOT, and the problems with U.S. #1 have been ironed. The City is working very hard to make Old School Square a reality. While on vacation, City Manager Parker will be stopping in Tallahassee to address the grant for that project. Although there has been a setback because of fund raising and planning, we are moving forward on the playground project. The City has been restrained because of finances; however, we are trying to be creative. We worked with Mr. Garcia to make the marina project move forward. Mr. Garcia was going to downgrade the project. The City did not feel his plan would accomplish what the City envisions for the area. The City worked out an agreement with him, and has put out an RFP in an effort to get developers who are interested in going to work immediately. A developer has expressed interest in constructing a four-story hotel with associated parking, restaurants, and boutiques with apartments above them. The City wants to work hand-in-hand with the Chamber in seeing this project to fruition. Mayor Taylor commended the Community Redevelopment Advisory Board (CRAB) and Ann Ford for their work on this project. Mayor Taylor also pointed out that the visioning process will include hammering out this concept. During that process, milestones and time limits will be placed on the project. Commissioner Rosen recommended including the Chamber of Commerce in the approval method of the visioning process. He feels they should be given a full report of the process. Vice Mayor Bradley advised that the Chamber has just completed a two,'five and ten-year plan. He hopes those documents and the report of the visioning process can be used in unison. With regard to the visioning process, if the true representation of Boynton Beach occurs at the workshop, the end result should be a clear direction of where we will go in the future. Once that happens, we can look at possible funding sources. 2 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 Kathy Shabotynskyj offered to provide a copy of the Chamber's visioning and goals to the planning group so that they can evaluate how it fits in with the City's goals and planning for the visioning. She recommends that the Chamber organize its businesses and conduct a pre- vision conference so that the Chamber of Commerce can send representatives to the visioning workshop with a clear common goal of what the business community is looking for in the future. Mayor Taylor advised that the leadership of the visioning process has been turned over to the community. Robert Hill of Bethesda Hospital will head the committee. Bob Taylor will co- chair. Mr. Russillo reminded the Commissioners to include the local grassroots organizations such as the Boynton Beach Boulevard Association. It is anticipated that another organization will be formed on Ocean Avenue. The Chamber is supporting these organizations by giving them places to meet. Mayor Taylor pointed out that a member of each organization should be appointed to the committee. Because the Chamber of Commerce is financially strapped, Ms. Shabotynskyj requested support from the City in the amount of $50 per month to help cover the cost of mailing out the meeting notices for the Boynton Beach Boulevard Association. Vice Mayor Bradley is hopeful that the City can find at least $25 per month to help offset these expenses. Mayor Taylor asked that the Chamber organize a request to be reviewed by the City. Mr. Cearley requested clarification on the street improvements which were proposed on Ocean Avenue between the railroad tracks and U.S. #1. Mayor Taylor reported that the plan included pods which resulted in parking problems. That proposal was downgraded to four items which included resurfacing the parking lot, installation of street lamps, the facade program and remaking of Veteran's Park. A decision was made to curtail the project to those items because of upcoming plans for U.S. #1 and the charrette. Linda Szatmary reported on the "Be Hip" program which was established approximately 1 ½ years ago. Eleven banks and savings & loan associations agreed on a means of helping the City by loaning money for home improvements. On April 19, this program was kicked off at Poinciana Elementary School. The banks provided give-aways and prizes of $2,000 were awarded for home improvements. The purpose of the program was to target the area around Poinciana Elementary School. To date, three loans have been closed. The progress of the loans has stopped. Candace Smith of NationsBank will close a loan tomorrow which has been onher books since May 1, 1995. 3 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 Ms. Szatmary requested that the City look into this program to see that it is moving along as quickly as possible. The banks used a certain census track to develop the program, but were then willing to amend it to all areas of the City so that all homeowners' associations are equally affected. She further explained that the program is being held up. Mr. Hawkins advised that there will be a meeting on September 18 to discuss this situation. There are administrative issues which must be addressed. In addition, discussion is needed relative to some of the banks' policies on lending. There are a variety of issues on both sides that need to be worked out. Some of the banks are a bit quicker in getting through the approval process than others. Ms. Shabotynskyj reiterated that there is money to be lent to homeowners in Boynton Beach for home improvements. The faster this can be accomplished, the better it will be for everyone. Commissioner Jaskiewicz suggested that the Mangrove Block Association might be a good place to tap into relative to this program. Ms. Smith explained that there are people who have applied for these loans, but the process is slow. It is important to develop a quicker process so that it does not take four months to close a loan. Mayor Taylor explained that the City is including a new position of Neighborhood Project Specialist in this year's budget. One of the specific responsibilities of that job will be to work with the neighborhood organizations. Ms. Shabotynskyj suggested that Ms. Bailey, Public Information Officer, help to get the word out about the program to the community. Ms. Shabotynskyj inquired as to whether or not a cap exists relative to the amount of dollars tobe loaned out during a fiscal year, or a timetable of the amount of loans the banks want to approve. Ms. Szatmary advised that no caps have been set on the amount of dollars. In response to Ms. Shabotnskyj's question regarding evaluating this program, Ms. Szatmary recommends meeting to discuss the progress of the program. Vice Mayor Bradley questioned whether incentives exist for the homeowners to seek out these funds from banks in Boynton Beach rather than Delray Beach. Ms. Szatmary explained that the banks are tied to the City relative to the application process, and inasmuch as the funds are held in escrow on behalf of the homeowner to protect his rights against contractors not on the City-approved list of contractors. In addition, credit guidelines have been approved, and the rates and fees have been modified. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that she would like to discuss the list of contractors to determine 4 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 that Chamber businesses have fair representation. Mayor Taylor questioned how the homeowners can find out about this program. Mr. Hawkins advised that it was published in brochures, announcements and notifications. Ms. Szatmary feels this program can be better marketed. · City Support of Business and Neighborhood Associations Commissioner Rosen is in the process of organizing the associations in his district. Many of those areas have never been organized. Ms. Farace questioned whether or not the City plans a method of meeting with these neighborhood associations or developing a council of associations. Mayor Taylor advised that the City is targeting areas that have not had associations. The City is willing to help these neighborhoods organize the association and work with them. Ms. Farace suggests that a member of each organization meet to form a council of associations to share information. Mayor Taylor agreed that this was a good suggestion. Mr. Darst reported that Ann Ford has been very instrumental in organizing the Mangrove Block Association which encompasses 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Avenues near the water. This is an area which has been depressed, and the community is attempting to improve that situation. This area has had problems with truck parking in the community. Mayor Taylor advised that Commissioner Jaskiewicz has been instrumental in pushing for institution of the Community Appearance Code. The Commission has scheduled a workshop meeting to address this issue. Commissioner Jaskiewicz advised that she has been quite satisfied with the response she has received from her visits to the Code Enforcement office. Because of her concern with the aesthetics of a particular property on Federal Highway, she sent a letter requesting voluntary participation. The property owners telephoned her today to advise that they are pleased to comply. Mayor Taylor announced that Mayor Pro Tem Matson was absent from this meeting in order to attend a homeowners' meeting in her community. Mr. Russillo feels the City should think of these associations as being as important as some of the large businesses in Boynton Beach. These small business owners should be treated with the same care and concern as the big businesses since many of them have been struggling here for many, many years. MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 Mayor Taylor feels the Chamber's Economic Committee can play an important role in this area. The Chamber needs to provide input from these businesses. In addition, if the Chamber gets involved, its popularity will soar among the businesses of the community. Mr. Girten said it is a long ti.me since he has seen such excitement in a community. This excitement is due to the mix on the Commission. He believes people will begin to feel free to come to the City. · City Square Proposal Ms. Farace advised that the first project to be handled will be the 1913 School. Mr. Russillo questioned whether the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council's proposal has been formally adopted by the City. Vice Mayor Bradley responded negatively, but advised that Treasure Coast is in the process of putting the final touches on the plan. It is anticipated that this document will be presented within the next month. Mayor Taylor advised that Treasure Coast will be presenting overlays so that the City will be able to get around some of the zoning issues which prohibit the things we would like to see happen in the downtown. In response to Ms. Farace, Mayor Taylor feels an informal workshop meeting prior to City Commission adoption of the plan would be a good idea. Mr. Richter advised that the CRAB members reviewed and made recommendations on the first draft. The finished product should be available for review on September 25, 1995. The document will then be recommended for City Commission approval. Mr. Richter further advised that years ago, it was suggested that the downtown area be classified as a MX District (mixed use). The charrette embraces that type of district. He explained that it is important to have a good Comprehensive Plan so that when grants are applied for, everyone is together on what is intended. Ms. Shabotynskyj questioned whether or not it will be possible for the marina developer to build anything higher than four stories. The response was negative since this issue would have to go before the voters. Vice Mayor Bradley feels this issue will be part of the visioning workshop. He does not believe this issue is as much of a "sacred cow" as it used to be. 6 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 Commissioner Rosen recommended investigating the possibility of putting this issue on a referendum. Commissioner Jaskiewicz feels that the only hope of success would be a huge public relations campaign. In order to accomplish anything, Mr. Cearley feels there must be continuity between an outgoing and incoming City Commission. By the time something gets off the drawing board, the next Commission is seated and has different plans. Mr. Cearley feels it is imperative to extend the terms of office to allow a Commission to get something done. Mayor Taylor advised that the voters will have that opportunity since a referendum will be on the ballot to extend Commission terms to three years. Commissioner Jaskiewicz explained that support from the Chamber can help pass this referendum. Vice Mayor Bradley suggested that the Chamber of Commerce recruit and track potential City Commission candidates. It is necessary to identify business people who will make good leaders. Commissioner Jaskiewicz reported that while attending the Florida League of Cities convention, it was obvious that the most successful cities in Florida all have Commission terms longer than the term limits in Boynton Beach. The Chamber's Legislative Affairs Committee will attempt to develop support for the referendum to extend the term limits. · Marina Project This issue was discussed earlier in the meeting. Commissioner Jaskiewicz advised that the majority of the Commissioners were always in favor of the Boynton Beach Boulevard site for the bridge. In 1994, according to press releases, the Department of Environmental Regulation decided that the mangroves could not be displaced and would not issue a permit for that location. Mr. Cearley advised that discussions took place in Tallahassee relative to reconsidering the location. The attempts were unsuccessful. Mr. Russillo explained that he changed his position on the location of the bridge was the Treasure Coast Regional Planning CoUncil's design. They tied everything together with the end result being a city center. MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 · Education Issues Ms. Farace stressed the importance of bringing a high school to the City of Boynton Beach. In order to accomplish this, the School Board will have to be assured of construction funds. At some point, the CitY will have to take a stand on that funding issue. If a decision is made relative to an increase in the sales tax, the Chamber has decided to support the referendum on the one-cent sales. In that way, the voters will make the decision. The Chamber wants to see the project list to ensure that the high school is on the priority list for construction. Commissioner Jaskiewicz feels the neighborhood school concept must be emphasized and the elementary schools must be improved. The visioning process set goals relative to education. Vice Mayor Bradley explained that the feeder school concept grew out of ideas from the Poinciana Steering Committee. The superintendent liked this idea, and the concept is going across the State. The Poinciana Steering Committee is going to become the Congress Middle School Steering Committee. Vice Mayor Bradley also feels the School Advisory Councils are very important because the parents have a major impact on the School Board. Commissioner Jaskiewicz expressed amazement over the fact that the School Board uses portables at a cost of $42,500 each. At Citrus Cove Elementary School, there are 37 portables. She feels permanent additions can be added to these schools for the cost of these inferior classrooms. Mr. Fenton has learned that according to State law, a school must be 100 percent occupied before the school can be opened. There cannot be any empty space in the schools. This is the reason why portables are used the second year the school is in operation. Vice Mayor Bradley feels business involvement is almost as important as parental involvement on the School Advisory Councils. Ms. Farace has worked diligently to get businesses involved in education. The Chamber has held a workshop every year for business partners on School Advisory Councils. A workshop will be held in November of this year to help the business community understand why their involvement is important. Ms. Farace explained that work is slowly being done on the other coastal schools in our area. Ms. Shabotynskyj suggested that the City contact State representatives to encourage them to get the funding levels back to our schools. Mayor Taylor stated that he has a problem with supporting the one-cent sales tax increase because no other alternative has been shown. This tax will be put in place for seven years and MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 will bring us to today's levels. If this issue is voted down by the voters, there is no other solution which has been brought forward to date. He feels other avenues must be explored. He has already received phone calls from the business community who have major problems with this one-cent sales tax increase. County Commissioner Karen Marcus will not vote for it unless concurrency is included. Ms. Farace concurred with Mayor Taylor's concerns and stated that the Chamber is not supporting the one-cent sales tax increase. The Chamber is only supporting having the voters decide. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that the Delray Beach City Commission will not support the one- cent sales tax because of their lack of confidence in the way the School Board works. In addition, the increased sales tax will only bring us up to today's standards. No one is happy with those standards. Commissioner Rosen added that the cost of staffing and maintenance is not included. Where will the money come from to operate the new schools? Ms. Shabotynskyj recommends letting the School Board representatives know the qualities we want in a new superintendent. · Crime and Drug Concerns Vice Mayor Bradley reported that the City has taken a strong stand on this issue by bringing Herman Wrice to Boynton Beach. There is still convincing to be done. Boynton Beach has a reputation for no continuity. The people living in drug-infested areas have to be convinced that this effort will continue. Vice Mayor Bradley encouraged everyone to get involved in this experience. Commissioner Jaskiewicz reported that the first march brought out 130 marchers. When the number of marchers declines, it is disheartening. She is confident, however, that even the small groups have had an impact on the drug trade. It is important to continue this effort. At a recent workshop meeting, a resident recommended getting support from other groups in Boynton Beach. Commissioner Jaskiewicz feels this is a very good idea because we are all victims of this scourge. Commissioner Jaskiewicz explained that a Code Enforcement inspector participates in the march and inspects the stores for Code violations. One of the stores being affected has decided to close when the marches take place. Another store is graffiti covered. The City is enforcing the Code whereby that store owner will have 30 days to clean up the premises or paint the premises. The City is confident that the store owners will become so frustrated that MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 they will remove the loiterers and litters from the property. In addition, Commissioner Jaskiewicz explained that the City is changing its tactics relative to getting these offenders into court. If, within a 30 day period, there are three arrests in a particular area, the offenders can be taken into civil court. Ms. Szatmary advised that First Union Bank has a branch at the southern end of Boynton Beach in the Gulfstream Mall. Prostitutes are often found in the drive-through area. This is a dismal part of Boynton Beach. She is concerned that when these people are chased from the north end of town, they will show up in the south end of Boynton Beach. Commissioner Jaskiewicz reported that there was a 60-day reverse sting where the entire length of Federal Highway was targeted. There were tremendous results during that period. She suggested taking the march to the area around "Mister Donut". Mr. Hawkins stated that crime is a perception. In a report to the City Manager, he and Dale Sugerman found that Boynton Beach~s crime rate is not higher than, or much lower than any other surrounding community. The picture in Boynton Beach is not bleak, and we do not have a crime ridden City. Mayor Taylor would like to have the lowest crime rate in Palm Beach County. In addition, this is not a Black/White issue. It is an issue which affects the entire community. Ms. Shabotynskyj pointed out that a new company which will be located in Boynton Beach will need 700 employees at the $7 per hour rate. Business prospects always question the Chamber regarding whether or not they will be able to find labor at this rate. She is concerned that there might not be people who will take those opportunities. There was agreement among those present that there are people available to fill those positions at $7 per hour. Mayor Taylor advised that the City's goal is to move toward community-oriented policing. The City wants its Police force to be involved in the community, and be able to solve problems. Mayor Taylor expressed pride in Chief Dettman because he understands the program of community policing. He knows we can get to that point, but felt his presence would delay the start of this program in the City. He feels a new Chief can move things along faster. Chief Dettman put the community ahead of himself and his career. Commissioner Rosen inquired as to the percentage of minorities on the Police force. Mr. Sugerman advised that the department now has 26 minority officers which is approximately 19 percent. We are within a few officers of reaching our goal. Mr. Russillo would like the City to help the Chamber attract additional minority businesses in order to address some of the issues and problems they are encountering. The Chamber l0 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 realizes it is missing several key parts of the business community. It is important to increase the participation of the Black business community and the western business community. Mr. Hawkins advised that the Suncoast Chamber of Commerce may be a good contact to determine the strong minority businesses in Boynton Beach. In addition, the Community Development Corporation (CDC) deals a number of minority businesses including architects and contractors. · Water Towers Although this item was not on the agenda, Ms. Shabotynskyj said she received a suggestion to put the two water towers the City is eliminating in the ocean to make artificial reefs. This would be an economic development opportunity. One of the biggest economic development opportunities available in Boynton Beach is diving. She advised that Ken Hall has done some work on this project. She offered to work with the City on a joint project. One of the diving organizations recommends putting one of the towers in shallow water and the other one in deeper water. She requested that the City investigate to see how much the City was going to spend to remove the towers and how much the City would make on the scrap metal. Mayor Taylor offered to look into this situation. B. Chamber Partnership with the City: · Chamber Partnership on City Boards Mr. RuSsillo feels the City's residency rule relative to City Boards does not allow business property owners to participate in what affects the City. He questioned whether or not that rule can be changed to include representatives of business. Mayor Taylor advised that the City has three boards which allow non-residents to participate. This issue was addressed, and problems surfaced due to the fact that non-residents might make a decision contrary to the Wishes of the residents of the City. Mr. Fenton pointed out that although he is not a City resident, he owns property, pays taxes, and operates his business in the City. He has a vested interest in this City. Vice Mayor Bradley realizes that many of the business people in this community do not reside within the community. He feels this will change in the future as the housing stock improves and the business community becomes more comfortable with the City. Mr. Norem pointed out that businesses do not pay tax. However, commercial property has ]1 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 a higher assessment. That increase in tax is passed along to the consumer. If costs passed along are too high, business is driven from the community. It is Mr. Norem's opinion that the majority of taxes are paid by the business community. Mr. Lambert reminded those present that board appointments have always been political appointments. He suggested that every sixth board appointment be made from a recommendation from the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Shabotynskyj agreed to publicize City board appointments. Mayor Taylor and Vice Mayor Bradley agreed that this situation can be further investigated. · Signs Designating Chamber as the City Visitor Center Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that she received a report from someone who had travelled out of town and found that other towns have their Chambers of Commerce designated as their visitor centers. She requested permission to put up signs throughout the City designating the Chamber as the visitor center. The signs would point toward its location. Vice Mayor Bradley feels the Chamber might be able to put such a~ sign on 1-95. At the request of the Chamber, he agreed to check with the Sign Shop to see if the City could supply the sign. Ms. Shabotynskyj further suggested that a small kiosk be located on the site of the marina project as a small visitor center. Mayor Taylor recommended that the Chamber submit a proposal relative to the location of these signs. Vice Mayor Bradley offered to check with the MPO to determine whether or not a sign could be placed on 1-95. · Chamber Employee as Economic Development Director Ms. Shabotynskyj suggested that the City give the Chamber the money for this position. The Chamber will then hire the employee and establish the responsibilities of the position. The reason for this recommendation is that the Chamber is not restricted by the Sunshine Law. Many times, when economic development is the focus, names cannot be released. The Business Development Board has been very successful because they do not reveal their prospects. This economic development activity could be housed in the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Rosen feels this is a workshop meeting item for the Commission. ]2 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 Commissioner Jaskiewicz questioned whether or not public funds could be expended in this manner. Ms. Shabotynskyj said it would be a contracted service, and would be no different from hiring a consultant. Ms. Shabotynskyj and Mr. Sugerman will discuss this matter further. Mayor Taylor requested that the Chamber submit a proposal relative to how this suggestion would work. C. Open Discussion on General Matters Vice Mayor Bradley felt this was a wonderful meeting and would like this to continue in the future. He'suggested setting the meetings for the future. Mr. Russillo recommended conducting quarterly meetings. The date for the next joint meeting was scheduled for Monday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Norem feels there are two important items which require attention. Those items involve the vision for the downtown and communications. Attention is being paid to the marina project, but the South Lake Worth Inlet District is planning to extend the south jetty which will result in shutting down all boating, scuba and fishing interests in this area. Those interests will migrate to Boca Raton or Palm Beach Inlet. The City Commission must take a very strong stand on this issue, and must stay on top of it. In addition, communications is one of the biggest keys in making things happen. The Chamber is on the Internet and has an E-mail process. E-mail correspondence cuts down on the number of tag telephone calls and time wasted in dialing. This will be the way to go in the future. It is important to establish a way to communicate with the Commissioners and City department heads. Mayor Taylor advised that the City is looking at these possibilities. Being on the Internet is one of our priorities. We will be contacting the Chamber to set up a meeting in this regard. He feels, however, that meetings such as this joint workshop are ways to get communication flowing. This is a procedure which must continue. Mr. Norem is hopeful that the Chamber board will consider requesting that the City Manager become an ex-officio member of the board for the purpose of attending the Chamber board meeting once a month and exchanging information. Commissioner Rosen reminded the Chamber members that the Commission meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month. He urged more Chamber participation at those meetings. 13 MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 ADJOURNMEISI~ With no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:20 p.m. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ATTEST: Cit~'C~l-erk g Secretary (Three Tapes) ~~8r Mayor Pro Tem ~;,~ Commis~oner ~ ~''//' Commissioner S:\CCkWP'~AIN UTES\COMM\091195.WPD