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Minutes 12-04-95 MINUTES OF THE JOINT CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE OLD SCHOOL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1995, AT 7:00 P.M. Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Matt Bradley, Vice Mayor Shirley Jaskiewicz, Commissioner Sid Rosen, Commissioner Carrie Parker, City Manager Sue Kruse, City Clerk Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the City Manager Dale Sugerman, AssL City Manager Melody Green, Recreation Tambri Heyden, Planning Virginia Farace, Library Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 8:40 p.m., and announced that this is the second joint meeting of the City Commission and the Chamber of Commerce. The attendees introduced themselves. Members present from the Chamber of Commerce included Bill Martin, Jaime Titcomb, Virginia Farace, Rusty Russillo, Mike Bottcher, Kathy Shabotynskyj, Jim Zengage, Stormet Norem, Jeanne Heavilin, Dave Showa[ter. 2. ~~_1.~$3L0~ IfF. MS A. Improve City Support of Business and Neighborhood Associations Mr. Russillo questioned whether or not the City has ever considered a Neighborhood Associate Coordinator. City Manager Parker advised that this was one of the priorities set by the Commission during the visioning process. The City will be hiring a coordinator within the next 30 days for the purpose of working with the community police officers and code enforcement officers, and to work to disseminate information regarding City programs:' This person will work out of the City Manager's Office, and will be an association liaison person. The working hours will be staggered so that he/she will be able to attend association meetings that are held in the evenings. Mayor Taylor advised that the City has made the Code Enforcement Division available to address neighborhood and business associations. City Manager Parker further advised that we are in the process of setting up a community response team. One person identified in each department will have neighborhood focus. Mr. Showalter reported that during the last Community Redevelopment Advisory Board meeting, discussion took place relative to the need for a community redevelopment officer. MINUTES, JOINT CITY COMMISSION/ CHA~BFR OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 Most of the communities that have succeeded in redevelopment had a redevelopment director to be the driVing force in finding the funds neceSsary to get the redevelopment accomplishedL Mayor Taylor said the City will be hiring an Economic Development Coordinator. Originally, this person was being hired to handle the downtown area; however, plans have changed and the scope of responsibilities will be broadened to inc[ude ali areas within City limits. Ms. Heavilin feels the major concern should be that the person who is selected has a background in CRA law and knows how to make the laws work to make money for the City. Mayor Taylor suggested allowing Ms. Heavilin to review the job description for this person once it is written. Ms. Shabotynskyj proposed developing a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce to hire a Economic Development Coordinator and work with staff to create a job description and cooperate in the funding of the position. She offered to have the Chamber supervise this person so that the person can make things happen that normally cannot happen in a public arena~ Ms. Shabotynskyj pointed out that De[ray Beach has a three or four-way partnership with their CRA funds, City funds, the chamber of Commerce and downtown development funds. It has been very successful in Delray Beach. Mayor Taylor recommended delaying this discussion until later in the meeting. Mr. Norem questioned whether or not the association liaison would attend COBWRA meetings. City Manager Parker said there are no plans for this person to attend those meetings. Commissioner Rosen attends all of the COBWRA meetings, and minutes of the meetings are sent to the City for each of the Commissioners. Commissioner Rosen inquired as to the feasibility of having this neighborhood association person be involved in CRA matters. Mayor Taylor advised that this employee will not be involved in CRA matters. This is an entry level position. The Economic Development Coordinator is a deputy department head level employee. Commissioner Jaskiewicz advised that the Commission members have been making every effort to attend the neighborhood association meetings. These associations are doing a great job. Proposal for "Blue Ribbon Task Force": A joint effort of the City and Chamber representatives to review business development issues Mayor Taylor reported that in Delray Beach, there was a Council 100 whereby City and business leaders joined in this council. If there was a person who wished to come into the 2 MINUTES - JOINT CITY COMMISSION/ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 City to develop a business, or a business already in the community that was experiencing a problem, he could approach the council for assistance in working out the problem. A membership fee of $500 per year was required. The City would be interested in supporting this effort if the Cnamber is interested in developing it. ,gr. Titcomb explained that the Blue Ribbon Task Force is a group of Chamber-oriented business people who walk people through the City procedures to streamline the process. The [31ue Ribbon Task Force and the Council 1 O0 are two separate entities. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that the Economic Development Committee of the Chamber likes the idea of a Blue Ribbon Task Force. This would make it easier for people to come into the City, or expand their businesses and get through the developmenl process as quickly as possible. The Chamber would like to initiate such a program with the City's support. City Manager Parker asked for clarification of this issue. The City's idea of this task force would be to give business people the pro business side of why it is~a good idea to have a business in Boynton Beach. Mayor Taylor said this would be the function of the Council 100. Ms. Shabotynskyj does not feel City staff would be needed in that effort, and the Chamber is not planning on doing this at present. The Blue Ribbon Task Force addresses problems relative to development. The Chamber is anxious to work with the City to make it easier for development to take place. Mayor Taylor was of the opinion that the Blue Ribbon Task Force comes into play when a business person runs into a problem. Ms. Shabotynskyj agreed this was the task force's job. City Manager Parker explained that in many cases, when business people run into a problem, instead of them going to the department director, they are taking the word of the people at the front counter. Some of the problems can be worked out with staff. However, some of the problems being encountered are being worked on by the Commission through the Appearance Code. If a Code situation is involved, no one, including the City Manager, can waive the Code situation. For example, the issue of parking lots is a Code situation. If the use changes, the parking lot must be upgraded to meet the Code. The City is currently dealing with a business person who has a 25 year old building. The parking lot is severely deteriorated. His own trucks are getting stuck in the lot. He has been advised that in order to get his Occupational License, he is required to upgrade the parking lot. He secured a quote of $50,000 for that upgrade. The business person feels this is unreasonable; however, City Manager Parker does not have a lot a room to negotiate. Ms. Shabotynskyj wants to make sure that a business person has someone to go to so that he/she can walk away with a feeling that it is not difficult to develop a project in Boynton. Vice Mayor Bradley feels this is an option worth investigating. However, he pointed out that 3 MINUTES - JOINT CITY COMMISSION/ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOp MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 this process could easily become political. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that Delray Beach rarely convenes the Blue Ribbon Task Force because they address the problems and work through those problems. Mayor Taylor said that when the group was originally organized, people would appear saying it is impossible to do anything in the City. Finally, they came to the realization that the purpose of the task force was to help the business people. Vice Mayor Bradley excused himself from the meeting. City Manager Parker feels the Chamber needs to participate with the City to get the businesses to keep uP their property. Mr. Zengage feels a lot of the business owners are starting to see the change in Boynton Beach. Doing something positive is contagious. If we can soften the blow to make one neighbor do something, perhaps another neighbor may follow. This is already becoming obvious along Boynton Beach Boulevard. He suggested that a reasonable Board of Adjustment may be in order. They can be the liaison between what the businesses want to doand what they are forced to do. Ms. Shabotynskyj agreed that the Chamber and City need to wOrk together to move forward. She suggested having joint meetings with City department heads in order to develOp a proposal. Commissioner Jaskiewicz advised that the Commission is currently working on the Appearance Code. The draft should be ready in January. City Manager Parker said we do not have anything with regard t° businesses. Mr. Zengage feels a workshop meeting relative to businesses Would be beneficial. Commissioner Rosen pointed out that a new appeals board is being established. City Manager Parker said a business person could not seek an appeal at this point because there is no appeal process in the Code. if the Commission wants the board to hear appeals on a case-by-case basis, something will have to be written into the law. Ms. Shabotynskyj would like to see the City department heads on the Blue Ribbon Task Force. Mayor Taylor said the City will appoint someone to serve on the task force if the Chamber sets it up. Mr. Russillo feels that the Chamber is trying to provide a service. He would like to have some names and telephone numbers of people the Chamber will feel comfortable with calling to discuss a problem. Ms. Shabotynskyj wants all business people to feel that if they want to 4 MINUTES - JOINT CITY COMMISSION/ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON I~EACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 bring a company to Boynton Beach. the City will jump through hoops for them. A process needs to be developed so that bus~ness people know Boynton Beach as a customer-friendly town. It is helpful for businesses to know that they have someone on their side. Mr. ~lorem recommended that someone from the City contact the Delray Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force for information. Mr. Russil[o advised that the Chamber will try to set up a meeting with a representative of the City Manager's Office, and the parameters of the Blue Ribbon Task Force will be created. C. Height Restriction This item was addressed earlier at the Special City Commission Meeting which was held in Commission Chambers. D. Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Proposal Ms. Shabotynskyj reported that she has not drafted a proposal to date, but the Chamber would like to work on a joint venture to hire an Economic Development Coordinator. Mayor Taylor advised that at this point, the City is anxious to maintain control of the economic person we are employing and paying. The City wants that person to put 100 percent of his/her time toward economic development for this community. There were a number of concerns raised when discussions took place relative to interacting with the Chamber. One of those concerns was that the City would pay the employee, but the employee would work for the Chamber. In the past, the Chamber has talked about a joint partnership with Boynton/Delray. There is now talk about a partnership with Boynton and Lantana. We will then be paying that person to get business for Lantana. In addition, although we want to be in partnerships with West Boynton, we do not want to actively bring business into West Boynton because there are so many needs inside the City limits. If the employee is working for the City, he/she will be doing the job 100 percent of the time. If the person is working for the Chamber, work may have to be intermingled to get a job done. Mr. Martin expressed satisfaction that the City is interested in hiring an Economic Development Coordinator. Mr. Russillo feels it will be a great help if the person hired works with the Chamber's Economic Development Committee as the City's representative. Mayor Taylor said one of the first stops that person will have will be at the Chamber of Commerce. City Manager Parker realizes that when a business becomes interested in an area, the Chamber of Commerce is the first place they go. 5 MINUTES - JOINT CITY COMMISSION/ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 Mr. Norem said a lot of governmental agencies have run into trouble because corn panies want things done in strict confidentiality. It is very difficult to accomplish that because of the Sunshine Law. A joint venture provides the ability to protect that confidentiality. City Manager Parker reported that this Commission has agreed to join the Economic Business Development Board. We will begin to attend their meetings and fu~ ctions. The person we are hiring will be tied in with them MS. Shabotynskyj sees the City's and Chamber's efforts overlapping. She envisions this individual as working for the Chamber and the City. 1-he City would pay a certain amount of money for fees and services, and she would be responsible for making sure those services are performed. She sees it as a contractual service. City Manager Parker advised that our economic development person will be working on grants, and "living" at the Economic Development Board at the County so that every person who goes in the door is aware of Boynton Beach. This person wil prepare the brochures and pamphlets necessary to get people interested in Boynton Beach n response to Ms. S abotynskyj s question, City Manager Parker advised that the eco~ om~c development person, as well as the neighborhood coordinator, will be housed in the City Manager's suite. E. Vision Assembly Mr. Titcomb reported that there have been discussions about conducting this assembly in early May because of the large reduction in fares and costs at various resorts and facilities. It is felt that having the assembly at that time will save the City many dollars. Mayor Taylor pointed out that when this was originally discussed, January was the month selected, and the costs that were discussed took into account that it would be held in January. He has concerns about delaying this for such a long period of time since people are anxious to see this happen. At present, the Steering Committee is meeting only once a month. He feels they can meet more often. He will contact Sara. Mr. Titcomb advised that the next meeting of the Steering COmmittee will be on Monday at 7:30 a.m., at Bethesda Hospital. Commissioner Jaskiewicz did not feel the de[ay until May would deter the enthusiasm because the public is seeing a great deal happen very quickly. She feels May would be a great time for this assembly. 6 MINUTES - JOINT CITY COMMISSION/ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 Commissioner Rosen is also concerned about the delay. He would like to see this happen before May. Mr. Titcomb said the prevailing philosopny is that the process is th0rougn and inclusive. He does not think the Committee sees an urgency since there are things taking place. In response to Commissioner Jaskiewicz' question regarding selection of the 100 people, Mr. Titcomb feels there will be a problem paring down the list. Commissioner Rosen felt that if names have already been selected for this assembly, they are just sittingaround waiting. This is another reason why this process should not be delayed F. Other New Issues/Concerns None 3. PROGRESS UPDATE ON ISSUES/CONCERNS AT 9/11/95 WORKSHOP A. B.H.I.P. Program Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that a brochure ~s in development at the present time. She circulated a copy of it. Candy Smith and Linda Salzmary are heading up this program. B. Extended Term Limits The Chamber of Commerce is on record to support extended term limits for the City Commissioners. Mayor Taylor announced that this issue will be a referendum in March. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that the Chamber will work to influence the voters. C. Additional Business Presence on City Boards City Manager Parker advised that in June of 1990, the City Commission passed an Ordinance that required the members to be City residents or business owners in the City for the following boards: Board of Adjustment, Cemetery Board, Firefighters' Pension Trust, Police Officers' Pension Trust, Golf Course Advisory Board; Building Board of Adjustment & Appeals, Civil Service Board, Code Enforcement Board, CRA, and the Recreation & Parks Board. After 1990, if a board was created by Ordinance, then the requirement of the Ordinance would hold. Those boards include: Community Relations Board, Children & Youth Advisory Board, Education Advisory Board, Planning& Development Board, Senior Advisory Board, and the Nuisance Abatement Board. These boards have the requirement that members be City residents. MINUTES - JOINT CITYCOMMISSION/ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 It has been the City Attorney's opinion that ti~e quasi-judicial boards should have City residents as members. Ms. Shabotynskyj said several business people have been appointed to City boards. This issue can now be closed. She rec~ ~ested that the Chamber be notified if anyone from the business community is being part cu ar y helpful as a board member. D. Education Ms. Shabotynskyj reported treat the Chamber will be focussing on the issue of getting a high school in Boynton Beach E. Crime & Drugs Mayor Taylor feels progress is being made in this area. He nas m~ssed the last three marches because of other commitments. He reported that EZ Mart and Robert's have begun to clean up their areas now. They have sodded the fronts of their property. I:. Water Towers as Artificial Reefs City Manager Parker advised that the County wants the towers in tact when they are removed. The City would not want to dismantle it and then have To put it back together. We are looking at ott~er options. G. G.A.L.A. Ms. Shabotynskyj questioned Whether it is possible to waive the ope~ container [aw for G.A.L.A. City Manager Parker advised that in order to get a permit, this must be done in a controlled area. Ms. Shabotynskyj said her request is to waive the law within t~e confines of the G.A.L.A. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that the Chamber of Commerce is working on a more involved role in G.A.L.A. besides the beer sales. 4. NEXT WORKSHOP MEETING - SET DATE The next joint meeting of the City Commission and Chamber of Commerce was set for March 18, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. MINUTES - JOINT CITY COMMISSION/ CHAMBER OE COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1995 5, ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting properly adjourned at 10:10 p.m. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH Mayor Vice Mayor A%I-EST: ~' ~ T~'em Cite'Clerk ~R~cording Secretary (TWo Tapes)