Minutes 10-19-99 M]'NUTES OF THEREGULAR CI'TY COMMTSSZON MEETTNG
HELD TN COMM1'SSTON CHAMBERS~ CI'TY HALL~ BOYNTON BEACH, FLORZDA
ON TUESDAY~ OCTOBER 19~ 1999 @ 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT
Gerald Broening, Mayor
Henderson Tillman, Vice Mayor
William Sherman, Mayor Pro Tem
Nellie Denahan, Commissioner
ROnald Weiland, Commissioner
Wilfred Hawkins, Interim City Manager
James Cherof, City Attorney
Sue Kruse, City Clerk
1'. OPENZNGS:
Call to Order - Mayor Jerry Broening
Invocation - Reverend Bob Hahn - First United Methodist Church
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Mayor Pro Tem William Sherman
Mayor Broening called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Following the invocation, Mayor Pro
Tem Sherman led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
M~yor Broening announced that the public would observe the following changes at future
meetings:
1. Meetings will begin on time.
¸2.
Agenda additions, deletions and corrections will be reduced, and possibly
eliminated, as a result of a pre-meeting workshop strictly related to agenda to
offer Commissioners time to gather information in order to more reasonably
debate the issues and to prohibit surprises.
D. Agenda Approval:
1. Additions, Deletions, Corrections
Mayor Broening requested the addition of Item III-A.4, Community Forum hosted by
Community Relations Board".
Mayor Broening requested the addition of Item XII-B, "Recommendation of the Institute for
Gqvernment regarding City Manager Search".
Interim City Manager Hawkins requested the addition of Item III-A.5, "Core Grant".
2. Adoption
Coimmissioner Denahan moved to approve the agenda as amended.
seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
Vice Mayor Tillman
MEET'rNG M~'NUTES
REGULAR C'rTY COMMTSS'rON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
II.
A.
Appointment
To Be ~ade
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Appointments to be made:
OCTOBER 19, 1999
Length of Term
Board Expiration Date
II! Sherman Children & Youth Advisory Board Alt i yr term to 4/00
IV Tillman Children & Youth Advisory Board Stu/NonVoting I yr term to 4/00
II Denahan Bldg. Board of Adjustment & Appeals Reg 3 yr term to 4/01
III Sherman Bldg. Board of Adjustment & Appeals Reg 3 yr term to 4/02
IV Tillman Bldg. Board of Adjustment & Appeals Alt 1 yr term to 4/00
Mayor Broening Bldg. Board of Adjustment & Appeals Alt 1 yr term to 4/00
Mayor Broening Code Compliance Alt 1 yr term to 9/00
III Sherman Community Relations Board Alt i yr term to 4/00
IV Tillman Community Relations Board Reg 3 yr term to 4/00
Mayor Broening Community Relations Board Reg 3 yr term to 4/02
Mayor Broening Education Advisory Board Reg 2 yr term to 4/01
I Weiland Education Advisory Board Reg 2 yr term to 4/00
I Weiland Nuisance Abatement Board Reg 2 yr term to 4/01
I Weiland Recreation & Parks Board Alt i yr term to 4/00
I Weiland Firefighters' Pension Board Reg 2 yr term to 4/00 Tabled (2)
The folloWing appointments were made:
Vice Mayor Tillman appointed .lohn Critchett as a Regular member of the Community
Relations Board and requested that all of his remaining appointments be tabled.
Commissioner Weiland appointed Ronald Ehster as a Regular member of the Education
Advisory Board and requested that all of his remaining appointments be tabled.
Mayor Broening requested that all of his appointments be tabled.
Mayor Pro Tem Sherman requested that all of his appointments be tabled.
Commissioner Denahan requested that her appointment to the Building Board of Adjustment
Appeals be tabled.
MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORZDA
OCTOBER 19~ 1999
Motion
Vice Mayor Tillman moved to approve the appointments and table all remaining appointments.
Commissioner Denahan seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
III. ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRESENTATIONS
A. Announcements:
T.N.T. Concert- Friday, November 19, 1999 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00
p.m.- "The Lakota Band" (Southern Rock)
Mayor Broening made this announcement.
Green Market - Saturday, October 23, 1999 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00
a.m. - North side of the City Library
Mayor Broening made this announcement.
Palm Beach County's Annual "Paint Your Heart Out 1999" in conjunction
with "National Make a Difference Day" - Saturday, October 23, 1999
beginning at 8:00 a.m.
At Mayor Broening's request, Octavia Sherrod announced that on Saturday, in conjunction with
National Make a Difference Day, Paint Your Heart Out of Palm Beach County would be painting
30 homes, eight of which will be in the City of Boynton Beach. City employees and their
families will do three of those homes. The City is soliciting volunteers to help paint the homes
of elderly and handicapped residents. Volunteers can fill out forms and contact Ms. Sherrod at
742-6066.
4. Community Forum hosted by the Community Relations Board
Mayor Broening announced that the Community Relations Board would host an Open Forum for
citizens of Boynton Beach titled "Conflict Resolution and Community Relations for the 21~t
Century". This forum will be held on Thursday, October 21~t at 6:30 p.m. at Fire Station #3 on
Congress Avenue and Miner Road. For additional information, contact Beth Miller at 369-0230.
5. Core Grant
Mr. Hawkins announced that the City applied to Palm Beach County for funds to participate in
their Core Grant Program that is directed toward businesses. The purpose of these funds is to
expand business operations, do fa~;ade improvements and hire additional employees.
Tnterested parties were invited to contact Dale Sugerman in the City Manager's Office. The
deadline for submittal is October 29th. Mr. Hawkins said the City needs more participation from
businesses.
MEE'r'~NG M'rNUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMM'rSStON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORtDA
OCTOBER 19, :!.999
B. Presentations:
Proclamations:
a. "National Red Ribbon Celebration"- October 23-31, 1999
Mayor Broening read a Proclamation declaring the week of October 23-31 as "National Red
Ribbon Celebration".
Presentation of Advisory Board on Children & Youth accomplishments
during the past year
Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent, is the City liaison to the Advisory Board on Children
& Youth and has enjoyed working with the board members for the last 11/2 years. Ms. Green
explained that Shanna St. John, Chairwoman of the board, would share the variety of activities
that are encouraged by this board. These activities are top quality and help offset the
programs the City would be providing through the Recreation Department and other
departments.
Shanna St..~ohn, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board on Children & Youth provided an update
on the board's accomplishments over the past year. The board was created in 1991 to focus on
specific perceived problem areas concerning children. Those areas included childcare, advocacy
and programming. Over the last five years, the board has surpassed that initial goal and has
become focussed, cohesive and hard working. The members are advocates for a better quality
of life for all children and their families in the community. Some of the board's
accomplishments include:
The column for advisory boards that was initiated in "~4~/o/75 ///e~/s a/Td C/h/
News~
Establishment of a web page that can be accessed from the City's web page;
Community Boards Open Forum;
Participation in G.A.L.A., T.N.T. and other community events;
Safety Series Forums;
Correspondence with all levels of government, community and advocacy leaders;
Participation in local and national conferences and workshops;
Relationships with the community;
Ms. St. John is honored to serve on a board with talent, expertise and commitment. The
board's efforts and goals have been tailored to incorporate ideas from the City's Vision 20/20
process, the National America's Promise movement, other children's advocacy groups and from
the members' wealth of experiences. Other programs and projects the board initiated and/or
facilitated include:
The "Stand for Children" Proclamation;
Youth Council - This was mentioned in the 1988 Committee that eventually
created the board and in the Vision 20/20 process. The Youth Council consists of
approximately 15-20 students that meet every Monday at the Madsen Center. They
MEETrNG M'rNUTES
REGULAR C~'TY COMM,'SSt'ON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLOR.I:DA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
do their own fund raising, service projects and have begun forming community
partnerships. They will host a "Stop the Violence" dance on January 22, 2000.
Youth Expo - The purpose of this Expo is to showcase the talents of our children
and youth. Corporate sponsorships for last year's Expo amounted to $8,000. This
two-day event is held every other year at the Boynton Beach Mall and includes two
stages of continuous entertainment performed by, or directed to children. Last year,
182 students, ages 4 to 18, from 12 different schools, participate in the four contests
that were offered. Savings bonds totaling $2,650 as well as other prizes were
awarded to the contest winners.
Youth Volunteer Bank - This bank was created two years ago to promote,
facilitate and reward youth volunteerism. There are more than 270 members from
age 2 to 17 involved in the Youth Volunteer Bank. From the 171 active members
last year, over 9,000 hours of community service were banked. :In the area of
neighborhood revitalization, 931 hours were banked. Sponsorship totals $4,080 in
cash and $2,500 of in-kind contributions. An Awards Banquet is held every May for
volunteers and their families. Every volunteer is recognized. Thirty-five well-
deserving volunteers were awarded $5,000 worth of savings bonds for the most
volunteer hours.
As part of this program, one volunteer project is organized each year. Last October,
a Butterfly Garden was planted at the Art Center. Sponsorships of cash and in-kind
services were coordinated. The Legion Circle Beautification was this year's project.
This was an official Nickelodean Big Help project which is a nationwide campaign to
encourage children to volunteer on their own. Thirty-eight partners and sponsors
provided $2,500 in cash and $7,000 of in-kind contributions. With 116 volunteers
over two days, over 700 hours of volunteer time was realized and a section of the
community was beautified. On Saturday, October 30th, the Advisory Board on
Children & Youth will host the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the American Legion on
West Ocean Avenue.
MS. St. ]ohn acknowledged the support and encouragement she received from the following
Ci~ departments: City Clerk's Office, Parks, Finance, Purchasing, Customer Relations, Code
CQmpliance, :[-I'S, Police, Fire and Recreation. She thanked staff for their assistance and for the
assignment of Melody Green as the board's liaison. Ms. St. John encouraged everyone to
attend the regular board meeting that is held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00
p.m, in Commission Chambers and urged everyone to attend the board's events.
Mayor Broening said the Advisory Board on Children & Youth represents the best of what we
have in this City and acknowledged that our City boards and neighborhoods are the strength of
this City. He thanked the board for the last year of very hard work.
Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Wally Majors, outgoing
Chairman of City Safety Committee
At the podium, Mayor Broening, along with Chuck Magazine, Risk Manager, presented Mr.
Majors with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the City of Boynton Beach.
MEETI'NG MI'NUTES
REGULAR CZTY COMM~'SSTON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLOI~DA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
Mr. Hawkins reported that our Safety Committee has received statewide recognition. As a
result of this Safety Committee, Mr. Hawkins gets an opportunity to teach once a year at the
Safety Council Effective Safety Committee. He urged the Safety Committee to keep up the
good work in making the City look good.
~V. CONSENT AGENDA:
Matters in this section of the Agenda are proposed and recommended by the City Manager for
"Consent Agenda" approval of the action indicated in each item, with all of the accompanying
material to become a part of the Public Record and subject to staff comments.
A. Minutes:
2.
3.
4.
Special City Commission Meeting - September 21, 1999
Regular City Commission Meeting - September 2~., 1999
Joint City Commission/Chamber of Commerce Workshop - September 27, 1999
Regular City Commission Meeting - October 5, 1999
Bids - Recommend Approval - All expenditures are approved in the 1999-2000
Adopted Budget
Award the bid for "P:[STOL RANGE ROOF REPAIRS LOCATED AT: 3501 N.
CONGRESS AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA" to Therma Seal Roofs,
:[nc., in the amount of $14,478 (PROt~OSED RESO~U1XONNO. R99=.~34)
Award the two year bid for "PR~N'i'~NG OF C~q'Y W:[DE NEWSLETTER - V:[S]~ONS,
V:[EWS AND CTTY NEWS" TO Printsmart, Inc. with an anticipated expenditure of
$16,000
Award the "ANNUAL B:[D FOR DEL:[VERED REFRESHMENTS FOR THE LATCHKEY
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM" to Sandra L. Stroke, in the amount of $12,834
Approve a Change Order to the bid for "ANNUAL SUPPLY OF SOD:[UM
HYDROXIDE" (LTQU:[D CAUS-I-~C SODA) to Jones Chemicals, :[nc. for an additional
amount of $45,950, bringing the estimated annual expenditure to $85,950
C. Resolutions:
Proposed Resolution No. R99-135 Re: Approving the Oceanfront
Park Concession Lease Agreement between the City of Boynton Beach
and Partners Plus, Inc.
Proposed Resolution No. R99-136 Re: Approving the renewal of a
contract with the Children's Services Council for the 1999-2000 fiscal year
Latchkey Afterschool Program in the amount of $46,052
Proposed Resolution No. R99-137 Re' Approving agreement with
Lifecast.com for website development for The Links at Boynton Beach
MEETZNG MZNUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMMTSSZON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLOR/DA
OCTOBER 19~ 1999
Proposed Resolution No. R99-138 Re: Approving application with
the Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation to allow for the sale of
beer and wine at The Links of Boynton Beach Restaurant
Proposed Resolution No. R99-139 Re: Approving agreement with
Lantana Police Department pertaining to use of firing training range
D. Ratification of Planning & Development Board Action:
None
Approve the donation from Law Enforcement Trust Fund to The Juvenile
Transition Center, :[nc. of Boynton Beach in the amount of $2,000
Approve funds for Housing Rehabilitation Case #4-98-013, Ethel Mae McCormick,
residing at 611 NW 5th Street, in the amount of $14,020
Approve S.H.LP. grant funds in the amount of $17,800 to Deborah Robinson to
purchase property located at 351 NE 27th Ave.
Approve S.H.T.P. grant funds in the amount of $11,000 to Shandra Frazier and
Charles Gaskin to build on property located on NW 9th Ave.
I. Approval of Bills
Approve the American Heart Association's Special Event application request to
conduct the American Heart Association Heart Walk on October 23, 1999 at
Quantum Corporate Park Trail and Motorola property
Declare a 0.248 acre triangular-shaped median, located at the intersection of NW
3rd Court and NW 3rd Avenue as surplus and direct staff to initiate sales
proceedings beginning with a legal advertisement
Motion
Commissioner Denahan moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vice Mayor
Tillman seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
V. CTTY MANAGER'S REPORT:
Mr. Hawkins reported the follows:
Kids Kingdom - The rebuilding is on schedule and moving forward. A
representative of the Leathers organization is the project manager on
site. :[t is anticipated that the Kids Kingdom will be fully open by mid-
November if the weather cooperates.
MEETI'NG Mi'NUTES
REGULAR CI'TY COMM'rSSI'ON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORIDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
Neighborhood Projects -The neighborhood projects are continuing in
spite of the departure of Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Project
Specialist. Concrete pouring and installation of curbing are underway and
landscaping of the medians will be the next step. It is the City's goal to
have a new Neighborhood Project Specialist on board before .lanuary 1~t.
Disaster Recovery Center - The City of Boynton BeaCh is working closely
with State and federal agencies to set up a Disaster Recovery Center here
in Boynton Beach. We are anticipating a response from F.E.M.A.
regarding whether or not they will accept our offer. If they accept the
offer, additional information would be forthcoming as to the location of
the center.
VI. PUBLIC AUDZENCE:
Mayor Broening announced that all speakers would be timed and limited to three minutes.
Dee Zibelli, 440 Ocean Parkway, said the reason why she was not present at the Public
Forum on City Finances was because her son, who works for the FAA, notified her to shutter
her home because the storm was heading toward us.
Ms. Zibelli said she finds it hard to believe that not appointing Mr. Hawkins as City Manager is a
race issue. During the last City Manager search when Mayor Taylor did not appoint the next
qualified applicant, an African-American from Tyler, Texas, there was no uproar from the Black
community. Ms. Zibelli said she was the only one who commented on the unethical choice by
eliminating Mr. Turner and going back to the drawing board and choosing Kerry Willis.
Ms. Zibelli questioned why the City Commission is so adamant about not having an independent
auditor review every department to see where we could save money and to determine where
the money has been expended in the past few years. Vice Mayor Tillman claimed that the City
was broke and it would be necessary to develop the land the people voted to be a park. Ms.
Zibelli said she received numerous calls from the Leisureville community saying that Lee Wische
was walking the pool area telling residents that property needs to be made commercial because
the City is broke. These remarks can be verified. Ms. Zibelli said that in this economy, we
should be in good shape if the City did not give $750,000 in perks to Garcia/.larvis. This is why
we need an audit. Tt would be well worth the money.
Kevin Scully, Scully's Market, addressed three issues as a result of the CRA meeting:
The loading zone designed for Scully's Market is 110' from the front door. That
is completely unacceptable.
For months, Mr. Scully has requested that the City complete the construction of
Pond "B" before other drainage projects are started in the City. Many people
MEETING M'rNUTES
REGULAR C'rTY COMM'rSS~'ON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLOR.tDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
throughout the City have told him that Pond "B" was a "done deal". However, it
is not as good as done and it will cost a lot more money than was anticipated.
From the report given by Larry Roberts with regard to Gateway Boulevard, the
project began 60 days ago and it is already 60 days behind schedule. This is not
a comforting situation knowing that Ocean Avenue is the next project. Mr. Scully
recommended hiring a permanent and qualified City Manager and Development
Director and to finish the projects that are already underway in a timely manner
in order to earn back the confidence of the people.
Brian Edwards, 629 NE 9th Avenue, representing Tnlet Cove Association, thanked the Police
and Fire/Safety personnel for all they do throughout the City and for their awareness and
serious attention to the dangerous situation at the Bikini Beach Club since May. The residents
are ashamed of the fact that even though they have some of the most politically active people
living in their communities, they abut an embarrassing display of disarray. Unbearable noise in
early morning hours, inappropriate behavior from Club patrons and an increase in serious
criminal activity is too much to bear. The Tnlet Cove Association requested assistance in halting
this situation. The Bikini Beach Club has done nothing but encourage the worst of a bad
situation. The residents do not want this kind of example for the young adults and do not want
senior citizens to be prisoners within their own homes. The residents are looking forward to
working with the City to resolve this situation.
Ron Washam, 112 S. Atlantic Drive, Chairman of the Community Relations Board,
announced the first in a series of forums planned by the board. He invited everyone to attend
the forum on "Conflict Resolution for the New Millenium" on Thursday, October 21st at 6:30
p.m. at the Fire Station. This will provide an opportunity for open dialogue. The board
members will come back to the City Commission with a report on how they can assist in
bringing about a positive change.
Mr. Washam said the Community Relations Board's Annual S.T.A.R.'s Program will be held on
Saturday, October 30th at the City Library between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The S.T.A.R.
Program stands for "Students Trained and Ready". This event focuses on students who will
begin working in the community and provides seminars on how to dress for success, fill out
employment applications and how to go through job interviews. Many of the local businesses
participate in this event.
Herb Suss, resident of Quail Run, said he read a newspaper article in the Sun-Sen#ne/
regarding the hiring of a "head-hunter" for the purpose of identifying a new City Manager. The
cost of this consultant would be between $8,000 and $9,000. Mr. Suss said this was ridiculous
and there is no need for this expenditure since there are qualified people within the City to fill
this position. Mr. Suss requested that this Commission delay the appointment of a new City
Manager since this search will take months and two new Commissioners would be elected in
March. Mr. Suss feels this expenditure of funds continues to make the City of Boynton Beach a
laughing stock. He accused the Commissioners of inviting ridicule.
Henrietta Solomon, 230 NE 26th Avenue- said she is certain that after many weeks of
research with respect to the :[O-acre park, the Commission has concluded that a park should be
MEETZNG Mt'NUTES
REGULAR CI'TY COMM'rSSTON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORZDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
built on this parcel. :~t is the will of the citizens that the land be developed as a park. She
offered the name, "The People's Park" for the lO-acre parcel. She urged the Commissioners to
make a decision very soon with respect to this issue.
Tony Mignano, 614-617 West Tndustrial Avenue, said he has had 16 inches of water
inside his warehouse for the past five days. He cannot take his trucks out of the facility and all
of his machines that were sitting on the floor are full of water. He has more than $20,000
worth of damage in the warehouse. Mr. Mignano circulated photos he took on Sunday and
earlier this afternoon. Mr. Mignano asked if the City was planning to do anything to correct this
situation. He said that for the last 10 years, every time it rains, he calls the City. The City
claims they plan to do something about it, but nothing has been done yet. He urged the City
Commissioners to fix the street.
Ron Whittaker, 359 West Tndustrial Avenue, said he built at this location in 1985 and he
is tired of living with the flooding problem. Mr. Whittaker is aware of the fact that it would cost
$I.6 milliOn to fully correct this situation. A pump was delivered today at 11:00 a.m., but it was
too late. Everyone has damage. This area has an additional problem with the access road from
East Tndustrial Avenue to West Tndustrial Avenue. Nancy Byrne has been assisting with this
problem, but Mr. Whittaker believes the Commission needs to assist by putting pressure on
Comcast. Ken Hall has also assisted, but this area needs immediate help. This industrial park
is the forgotten area of the City and needs some attention.
Mel Lowe, 630 West Tndustrial Avenue, said every time it rains, he gets one foot of water
in !his building. Tt cost him more than $100,000 last year because the computers got wet and
the carpets were replaced three times. When the trucks go through this water, it costs $600
for each vehicle to take off the wheels and bearings and replace everything. The solution to
this water problem has been to take off the manhole covers of the sewer to let the water flow.
Mr. Lowe drove down the street on Sunday and his new truck dropped into the manhole
because there were no barricades around it. The water in the toilets has been backing up into
the office space since Thursday. The pump did not come out until today. The manhole is so
full that the water will not go down any further.
Mike Brandellen, 518 Tndustrial Avenue, said he didn't have much to offer in addition to
wllat was said other than the fact that during this flood, there was sewage coming back into
the facilities. This was a more dangerous situation. Although the pump arrived today, it Was
too late since the damage was done.
Mary Law, 625 South Federal Highway, knows that the City workers were very busy this
weekend but questioned where the chiefs at City Hall were. She said there should have been
announcements on the television regarding limiting the use of washing machines and limiting
the flushing of toilets. She reported that the sewer cap across from Dr. Panzer's was floating
foi three days. People drive through the puddles and spread the water through the adjoining
properties. The City knows where the problems exist and they should put up barricades before
the rain starts. ~[t is time to take strong action as a community.
Tina Smith, 15 Belaire Drive, said she and her husband have a warehouse on Tndustrial
Av~enue that flooded. Ms. Smith is a member of the Stormwater Team and she spent her entire
10
MEETZNG M'rNUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMM'rSS1'ON
BOYNTON BEACH,, FLORZDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
day pumping water on Zndustrial Avenue. Help is needed in this area. The Stormwater crew
also needs relief since there are only five employees in this area. We pay only $1 per month for
stormwater and "you get what you pay for".
VZI'. PUBI.ZC HEARTNG:
Project:
Agent:
Owner:
Location:
Description:
Eckerd Drugstore
Donna West - Carnahan, Proctor & Cross Tnc.
Boynton/Federal Development, Tnc.
Northwest corner of Federal Highway & Boynton Beach Boulevard
Request conditional use approval for the construction of an
11,938 square foot retail building with drive-up window on 1.51
acres
Attorney Cherof administered the oath to all that would testify during this quasi-judicial
proceeding. Attorney Cherof advised that the agenda back-up material contained the
Conditions of Approval. He recommended that the applicant identify only those Conditions of
APproval that were not acceptable.
Bonnie Miskel, 222 Lakeview Avenue, West Palm Beach, said all of the Conditions of Approval
were acceptable. However, the applicant had two comments on three of the conditions.
There was a long discussion during the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting on a
number of items and with the help of staff, compromises were reached that should be
acceptable to everyone. Ms. Miskel referred to Comments #34 and #35 that read as follows:
Comment #34
"Revise Comment #6 to read as follows: Within the Boynton
Beach Blvd. Roadway, remove the westbound left turn lane into
NE 4th St. and stripe a continuous left turn storage lane for
eastbound traffic §enerally from the F.E.C. railroad to U.S. 1.
This will allow some storage capability for left turns into the
cc,re,mort project driveway. This ';;ill rcqulrc is subject to
receiving F.D.O.T. approval and permitting."
Comment #35
"Revise comment #7 to read as follows: Request F.D.O.T. to
install a yellow, warning flasher in the concrete median for
Boynton Beach Blvd. Eastbound traffic to keep vehicles out of the
F.E.C. crossing when there are stacking conditions. This will
~ is subject to receiving F.E.C. and F.D.O.T. approvals."
Ms. Miskel said the applicant would like it clearly understood that the application that they are
to make to F.D.O.T. and F.E.C. should not delay the issuance of a building permit or Certificate
of Occupancy.
Comment #41
"Revise comment #30 to read as follows: Remove signage from
11
MEE'r'~NG MI'NUTES
REGULAR C'rTY COMMTSSZON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLOR.I:DA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
rcqu'.rcs .............,~,,..,,~. ~,,. maximize its potential as a
signature structure. Alternatively, two monument signs at a
maximum of six (6) feet high, will be allowed at the
northeast and southwest entrances consistent with sign
code and if applicable, the variance process."
Thero had been discussion of the prospect of removing the sign from the gazebo and the
location of two monument signs no greater than 6' in lieu of that. IVls. Miskel and Mr. Rumpf
concluded that a variance would be needed to do that. The applicant has no objection to
applying for that variance; however, there is no guarantee that a variance would be granted.
Therefore, the applicant would agree to submit the variance application. Tn the event the
variance is denied, the applicant would have the right to the gazebo.
Commissioner Denahan asked Ms. IVliskel if the applicant selected a more suitable color for the
roOf. IVls. IVliskel said she brought the suggestion back to Eckerd's, but their color is part of
their identity and they are firm on the color. It is patented and part of their trademark. They
offered another prototype that has neutral colors and "S" tile that is earth tone. Ms. Miskel said
ECkerd is prepared to modify the main Eckerd's signage. They are willing to remove the blue
background and use a beige tone in its place. The letters would be blue lettering on a light
beige background.
Commissioner Denahan said she is vehemently opposed to the blue roof. She feels this is a
signature sign and the name "Eckerd's" would not be needed on the building. In this case, she
feels it is another marketing tool. Commissioner Denahan asked if staff prefers the
Mediterranean style tile roof to the Florida Coastal blue roof.
Mr. Rumpf said there are pros and cons to both. There will be consistent design elements on
the marina project that may have stronger colors. The Banana Boat is proposing to revise their
building and it would probably have a colored metal roof. This is how the consistency elements
are determined. With respect to the tile, there may be some consistency in the Coastal zone
area along US #1. The Mizner Buildings will have tile elements. There is nothing in writing that
says it must be one way or the other. Staff will look for consistency.
Mr. Hawkins explained that staff is not opposed to either scenario. Initially, the Eckerd's
representatives were directed to the Woman's Club building as an example of architectural
features. Mr. Rumpf is of the opinion that there will be more metal roofing in the immediate
area.
M~yor Broening confirmed with Mr. Rumpf that a variance is required. IVlr. Rumpf explained
that at the CRA meeting, it was the applicant's understanding that the CBD area did not limit a
sidgle-use site to a single sign. That is not the case.
Mri. Hawkins asked for clarification of the two gazebos that were discussed at the CRA meeting.
MS. Miskel displayed a small elevation for review by the Commissioners. The applicant has
Ioc~ated a gazebo at each end as discussed. The gazebo is set back so that there is no invasion
of the visibility triangle. It is outside the setback requirements. One gazebo is on the northeast
coiner and one is on the southwest corner of the site. The small schematic that was reviewed
12
MEETZNG MTNUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMMZSSZON
BOYNTON BEACHf FLORZDA
OCTOBER 19f 1999
showed the Eckerd's signage removed from the large gazebo. A large blank area remains.
ECkerd's would not be opposed to the City putting something in that area that represents
Boynton Beach.
Commissioner Denahan asked if the gazebo on the northeast corner of the site was before or
after the entrance. Ms. Miskel said the gazebo would be north of the Federal Highway entrance
and it is set back far enough so that it is not in the sight triangle or the setback area.
Commissioner Denahan asked for clarification of the need for the variance. Ms. Miskel said the
proposed location of the monument signs was shown on the plan. The first sign would be
oUtside the setback area and the second is near the island that is more centrally located on
Boynton Beach Boulevard. The applicant had to work with landscaping that was proposed and
the location of the park benches so that they did not invade each other's area.
COmmissioner Denahan questioned why the monument signs needed to be 6' high. She said
that at the Eckerd's on Lucerne and Dixie Highway, there is only one monument sign and it is
significantly smaller. Ms. Miskel said the maximum is what is permitted by Code, but Ms. Miskel
is inot certain it will be six feet.
Mr. Hawkins asked if there had been any further discussion with staff regarding the bench
designs. Ms. Miskel said the applicant is prepared to work with the City on this issue.
MAYOR BROENING ANNOUNCED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
WISHED TO SPEAK ON THIS APPLICATION.
THERE WAS NO ONE PRESENT WHO
MOtion
ViCe Mayor Tillman moved approval of the Eckerd Drugstore at the corner of Boynton Beach
BOulevard and Federal Highway, request conditional use approval for the construction of an
11i938 square foot retail building with drive-up window on 1.51 acres with additional comments
and concerns as set down by staff and Commission. Commissioner Weiland seconded the
motion that carried unanimously.
COmmissioner Denahan thanked staff for working diligently to attain the Coastal Florida look we
haVe been trying to attain as mentioned in the Vision 20/20 process. She asked if this
application was returned to the CRA because it was a conditional use and inquired if this
application would have gone through the Planning & Development Board if it were a site plan
approval.
Attorney Cherof advised that the conditional use required this application to go before the
Community Redevelopment Agency.
Commissioner Denahan requested that staff make recommendations to the Commission
regarding ways to keep the process streamlined to meet developers' needs while balancing the
review process to meet the City's needs.
13
MEETING MTNUTES
REGULAR CZTY COMMZSSZON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLOI~DA
OCTOBER 19~ 1999
Commissioner Denahan also asked if a conditional use application is the only time an application
would go to the CRA. Commissioner Denahan pointed out that the Planning & Development
Board serves a very useful purpose and the Commission relies on their review. Tn this case,
that process was not served. She would like recommendations from staff to determine if this is
the best review process.
Attorney Cherof said staff and the City Attorney can look at the language of the Code that
dictates this process in an effort to find the proper balance between expediting projects of this
nature while still preserving the review process at the same time.
Approval of special warranty deed conveying title to Shandra Frazier for Lot 62 &
63, Cherry Hills (ProposedResolution No. R99-140)
A-I-FORNEY CHEROF ANNOUNCED THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS ITEM. THERE WAS NO ONE
PRESENT WHO WISHED TO SPEAK ON THIS APPLICATION.
MOtion
ViCe Mayor Tillman moved approval of Proposed Resolution No. R99-140. Commissioner
Weiland seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
V?'rr. BZDS:
None
]:X. DEVELOPMENT PLANS:
None
X. NEW BUS?NESS:
Amend the City's financial participation with Christine Francoise and the Dolphin
Plaza project as part of Palm Beach County Development Regions Competitive
Grant #R98-275-D
MOtion
Commissioner Denahan moved to remove this item from the table. Vice Mayor Tillman
seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
Christine Francoise approached the podium and requested that Dale Sugerman assist her in
defining her project for the City Commissioners.
Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager, said the City entered into an agreement with Palm
Beach County and Christine Francoise under the Development Regions Competitive Grant
program. Ms. Francoise approached the City approximately 21/2 years ago with a proposal to
expand her business in a way that it would create jobs. The City supported her application and
14
MEETTNG MZNUTES
REGULAR CI'TY COMMZSS'rON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLOP~DA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
explained to the County that the existing business would be expanded, new business would be
created and new jobs would be created. Ms. Francoise proposed expanding the Dolphin Bar
into a bar and restaurant, expanding a two-story office building that would include office space
and retail space and in a second phase, she would install an amphitheather, stage and a
fountain on the corner of the property. This project was part of the discussions of the
revitalization of the downtown and the City was strongly encouraged because it blended well
with the marina project. Palm Beach County agreed to participate in this project in the amount
of $83,000. The City committed to participate in the amount of $195,00 and Ms. Francoise was
responsible for everything above those amounts (approximately $450,000). The grant was
approved and the City entered into an agreement with Ms. Francoise.
After a number of years, Ms. Francoise submitted her building application. The City found that
what was planned to construct was significantly less than what was envisioned in the original
grant agreement. Ms. Francoise has submitted for an expansion of the Dolphin Bar into the
Dolphin Plaza Restaurant. The submittal did not include the retail space, the amphitheater,
pedestrian walkway or fountain. Mr. Sugerman questioned whether or not the City was still
prepared to participate in the amount of $195,000 knowing that the actual project is less than
what was originally proposed.
Palm Beach County's participation in this program is mostly for job creation purposes. The
County has asked for the creation of 81/2 jobs for their participation and IVls. Francoise indicated
she would create those jobs. Their grant agreement identifies the ultimate creation of 52 jobs
from the retail space, amphitheater and the stage. Many of those jobs will no longer be
created. Palm Beach County is disappointed that the larger project is not going forward, but
they will still commit their $83,000 for the creation of the minimum 81/2 guaranteed jobs. The
County said the City must make its own determination on what it wants to do with its $:[95,000
participation.
With the County continuing to participate at $83,000, the City has a minimal obligation of
$4:[,500 to this project. Mr. Sugerman feels the range of the City's participation should be
somewhere between $4:[,500 and $:[95,000. Mr. Sugerman did not suggest that the City
remove all of its obligation except for $4:[,500. He recommended that the City consider
reducing its participation to the $4:[,500 and setting the balance of the initial obligation aside
until the full project is done.
Vice Mayor Tillman asked how much of the project was scaled down in terms of the total size of
the property. Mr. Sugerman displayed the two site plans. He said the original site plan was
going to be expanded to include storage, a stage, event seating, a promenade and a fountain.
What has been submitted is an expansion of the Dolphin Bar that would double the size of the
existing establishment. This project has been permitted for construction and the project is
underway.
IVlr, Hawkins explained that the original City input into this project with respect to funding had
to do with making the size of this project successful particularly with regard to stormwater and
utilities. The project Ms. Francoise is now doing does not need the type infrastructure that the
original project envisioned.
15
MEE'rZNG Mt'NUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMMTSSTON
BOYNTON BEACH,, FLOR.TDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
Commissioner Denahan said the original agreement was to offset permitting fees, stormwater
drainage, and infrastructure improvements. Mr. Sugerman said the original agreement would
pay a number of her fees for construction design. Commissioner Denahan said she is very
disappointed because this was a very large portion of the City's Vision 20/20 package. A great
deal of work and effort went into this project.
Ms. Francoise displayed a drawing that she and the contractor prepared that showed the
Dolphin expansion to the corner with "something" at the south corner. They envisioned a
walkway. Ms. Francoise said her idea was to start the first project that will amount to
approximately $450,000 or $500,000. She would then do the 500 Building. The corner with
the fountain was going to be a third phase. The contractor envisioned the amphitheater later
on if it was warranted. Ms. Francoise said the problem she has is that she does not own the
entire block and cannot do what was originally planned. Ms. Francoise said she is still planning
to do the corner and the two-story building. She will also install a fountain. She is doing the
parking behind the 500 Building. The infrastructure is needed now because of the drainage
situation in this area. Ms. Francoise said she is not planning to do the second restaurant at this
pOint because of the lack of parking. Tt might be possible to do it in the future.
When the Dolphin is completed, Ms. Francoise will begin the 500 Building. The third item would
be the corner. Ms. Francoise said the seating capacity for the Dolphin was downsized due to
the lack of parking. Tf the amphitheater was built now, there would be no parking at all.
Commissioner Denahan asked if Ms. Francoise had ownership of the property when she applied
for the grant. Ms. Francoise responded negatively and explained that she attempted to
purchase the property but someone beat her to it.
Commissioner Denahan said the City must take lessons learned through past experiences. She
recommended that the Commission not give more than $41,500 and reserve the remainder of
the $195,000 toward the balance of the project.
Ms. Francoise said that in the Vision 20/20 plan, the total cost of the project was $700,000.
She is spending between $450,000 and $500,000 on the Dolphin alone. The projected cost
estimate for the 500 Building is $288,000.
Commissioner Denahan requested renderings of the Dolphin project. She said she did not see a
$500,000 building being added when she was present at the Planning & Development Board
meeting. What she saw looked like a 2,500 square foot addition to an existing bar.
Ms. Francoise said the existing bar was being completely gutted and redone. They are not just
adding on a 2,500 square foot addition. Ms. Francoise did not have renderings for review by
the Commission. Ms. Francoise said the corner building would probably cost a minimum of
$300,000 to $400,000. She is spending a great deal more than the amount projected for this
project in Vision 20/20.
Ms. Francoise said the City committed impact fees, permits and additional seating impact fees
to her that amounted to a lot more than $41,000. She has already given the City $37,000 for
16
MEET'J:NG M?NUTES
REGULAR CZTY COMMTSSI'ON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLOR.tDA
OCTOBER 19f 1999
impact fees and permits for the 500 Building and some for the Dolphin. Ms. Francoise said she
just handed Mr. Sugerman additional submittals for $58,000 in impact fees and permits.
in response to Commissioner Denahan, Ms. Francoise said the County did not pay those fees
for her. She said she paid all of the fees and the County reimbursed $37,000. Mr. Sugerman
said the County reimbursed the first submittal of $37,000. The $58,000 submittal triggered this
agenda item because the City was required to pay it.
Commissioner Weiland feels Ms. Francoise's efforts to start the revitalization in this area should
hold some weight. However, the entire project is broken down into phases and the City does
not have any assurances that the phases will come to fruition. This is something the City must
consider.
Mayor Pro Tem Sherman said the drawing that was on display represented a project that could
not move forward because Ms. Francoise does not own the land. Ms. Francoise said 50% of
the project could go forward. Mayor Pro Tern Sherman said the project necessitates ownership
of all of the land. Therefore, the project is different.
Vice Mayor Tillman agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Sherman that this was a different project. He
said he did not know what the City should offer in terms of percentages because it is totally
different. At this time, it appears that this is a case of any other business owner expanding
his/her business and he questions whether or not the City should be participating in the project.
There were agreements made about what the original project was going to bring to the City.
However, those circumstances have changed. Tn order to make a fair and equitable decision,
he would have to know the impact of this project on the City.
Commissioner Denahan said that in addition to the previous comments made by
Commissioners, the City was looking at a tremendous economic impact to the community. The
City is now hopeful that 8.5 jobs will be created. Commissioner Denahan reiterated that she is
diSappointed with the scaled-down project. She is happy that Ms. Francoise is committed to the
redevelopment of this particular corner, but the City anticipated much more. The City's
participation should be only the minimum contribution toward the economic development of 8.5
additional jobs ($41,500).
When Ms. Francoise said she would create between 16 and 20 jobs, Commissioner Denahan
said she would not be opposed to reserving the remaining $154,000 for some point in the
future when Ms. Francoise could bring back sincere plans. IVls. Francoise said she is doing the
parking lot behind the 500 Building that is costing more than $40,000 and she has already paid
over $70,000 in impact fees.
Mayor Pro Tem Sherman explained that he was a member of the Planning & Development
Board and is aware of certain steps that must be addressed. Ms. Francoise must return to the
City with drawings that can be reviewed by staff, the Planning & Development Board and the
City Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Sherman recommended that Ms. Francoise begin the process
over again since this is a new project.
17
MEETZNG MTNUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMMZSSTON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORZDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
Mr. Sugerman explained that spending the County's $83,000 and the City's minimal contribution
of $41,500 is locked into a time frame of 24 months for construction from the time the grant
agreement was signed. In addition, jobs must created one year after that 24 months. The
total time frame is 36 months. The dollars above the minimal obligation are not subject to the
County agreement. Therefore, we have flexibility on any contribution above the minimal
obligation. We have a signed contract with Palm Beach County to administer this grant
program.
Mr. Sugerman said the grant was signed on February 24, 1998; therefore, on February 24,
2000, 24 months will have passed. Ms. Francoise is allowed 24 months for construction plus 12
months for the job creation. In February of 2001, we will have to close out the obligation with
the County. They will conduct an audit and then they will close out.
Commissioner Denahan recommended reserving the additional $150,000 (approximate) until
the books are audited. This issue would become void at that time if Ms. Francoise has not
issued new plans and drawings. Mr. Hawkins pointed out that the main objective is for Ms.
Francoise to complete the project in progress to meet the current time frame. All of the
remaining discussion can come back to the Commission at that time.
Ms. Francoise said she needs more help now with the impact fees. She requested that the City
pay the fees that total approximately $70,000.
Mr. Sugerman said he would have to review these figures since an invoice from the 500
BUilding parking lot was submitted, and that is not part of this project. Mr. Hawkins agreed that
this portion was not directly related to the grant. Mr. Sugerman committed to giving IVls.
Francoise what she is entitled to up to whatever limits the City Commission sets.
Mayor Broening requested a recommendation from staff on this dollar figure.
Mr. Hawkins said the recommendation has not waivered. Staff recommends reimbursing Ms.
Francoise $41,500. Ms. Francoise needs to finish the current project within a time frame of
three years. The remaining issues will be reviewed at that time.
When Mayor Broening questioned whether the impact fees are associated with the project, Mr.
Sugerman said he was not sure.
Mr~ Hawkins suggested that the Commission moVe forward with staff's recommendation of
$4!,500. A determination is needed regarding bills that have been submitted. Mr. Sugerman
wa;s not able to do that without time for review. If necessary, staff will return to the
Commission to request additional money.
MOtion
Commissioner Denahan moved to amend the City's financial participation with Christine
Francoise in the Dolphin Plaza project as part of Palm Beach County Development Regions
Competitive Grant #R98-275-D to a maximum of $41,500 reserving the remainder of the
$:L95,000 (approximately $150,000) until the books are closed from the audit of February 24,
18
MEL:T/NG MTNUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMMZSSTON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLOI~tDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
2001 at which point those additional funds would become void. Vice Mayor Tillman seconded
the motion that carried unanimously.
XI. LEGAL:
A. Ordinances - 2nd Reading - PUBLTC HEARING
Proposed Ordinance No. 099-32 Re: Authorizing abandonment of
a 20' wide segment of NE 4th Street between Boynton Beach Boulevard
and NE 3rdAve.
Attorney Cherof read Proposed Ordinance No. 099-32 by title only.
MAYOR BROENING ANNOUNCED THE PUBLIC HEARING. THERE WAS NO ONE PRESENT WHO
WISHED TO SPEAK ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 099-32,
Motion
Commissioner Weiland moved approval. Commissioner Denahan seconded the motion. City
Clerk Sue Kruse polled the vote. The vote was unanimous.
B. Ordinances - ist Reading
None
C. Resolutions:
None
D. Other:
Request for preparation of ordinance to amend City Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 2, Article VTT, Sections 2-116 to 2-122 pertaining to Advisory
Board on Children & Youth
Motion
Vice Mayor l~llman moved approval. Commissioner Denahan seconded the motion that carried
unanimously.
XIi. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Authorize the Finance Director to write-off balance of Woman's Club loan in the
amount of $26,156 ('7',4~'Z;£D,]
19
MEETZNG MZNUTES
REGULAR CZTY COMMZSSZON
BOYNTON BEACH, FLOI~DA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
Motion
Vice Mayor Tillman moved to remove this item from the table. Commissioner Denahan
seconded the motion that carried unanimous y.
At Commissioner Weiland's request, Mrs. Shepard approached the podium and stated she is
very pleased with the City's support of the restoration of the Woman's Club that included the
installation of an elevator and air conditioning. The Woman's Club would welcome working out
a plan with the City to use it for meetings that were discontinued at the Royal Palm Clubhouse
as was suggested in a Sun-Sent/ne/article. Ms. Shepard thanked the Commission for the
opportunity to continue the Woman's Club's history of being a place where meetings can be
held.
Commissioner Denahan thought this was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Woman's
Club and she thanked Commissioner Weiland for the suggestion rather than just writing off this
money that is owed to the City. Commissioner Denahan is hopeful this can be a simple process
and that the City can keep this building filled. She does not want to offset any income that the
WOman's Club might be able to earn. She would like the City to have the opportunity to write
off this outstanding balance as quickly as possible in order to relieve the Woman's Club of the
debt.
Motion
ViCe Mayor Tillman moved to authorize staff to work with the Woman's Club to schedule City
events to offset the amount of $26,156. Commissioner Weiland seconded the motion.
Mr. Hawkins said the City has a list of the groups that used the Royal Palm Clubhouse. These
are the organizations that would be potential users of the Woman's Club. Staff wants to make
sure that the City converses with legitimate organizations. Therefore, we will use that list as a
foUndation.
Commissioner Denahan did not want to make that exclusive because the Education Advisory
Board and the Advisory Board on Children & Youth have showcased the Woman's Club in the
paSt. The list is a good place to start and Commissioner Denahan does not want to bring in
organizations that might be paying to use other buildings.
Mri Hawkins clarified that he would like to use the list of people outside of the City purview that
use the Royal Palm Clubhouse as a foundation for filtering through the Woman's Club.
The motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation from the Institute for Government regarding the City Manager
Search
Mayor Broening said the Commission met during the hurricane to regroup and determine what
was important to the Commission. One of the major issues was the hiring of a City Manager.
Mayor Broening read into the record the recommendations stated by Dr. Lance deHaven-Smith,
20
MEET'rNG M?NUTES
REGULAR CTTY COMMt'SS:[ON
BOYNTON BEACH,, FLOR.I:DA
OCTOBER 19~ 1999
of Florida Atlantic University in his report dated October :L8, 1999. (A copy of the report is
attached to the original set of these minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
"The impasse reached in the search for a new City Manager centered on the
question of how much weight to give to different candidate characteristics.
Some Commission members gave great weight to formal, higher education and
to prior experience in the position of city manager. Others gave much more
weight to familiarity with Boynton Beach and to the candidates' ability to
communicate well with the city's African-American community. This differential
weighting, along with the very different characteristics of the top candidates in
the pool, left the Commission as a whole in the position of having to sacrifice one
set of qualifications for another, and this led to an impasse."
"My recommendation to the Commission was to raise the requirements for
applicants, and to extend the search in an effort to find candidates whose
background and qualifications would be strong in all areas. The Commission
considered all the options available to it and evaluated each option individually
with respect to a number of factors."
"The Commissioners agreed to extend the search to allow time to update and
expand the pool of applicants, and to allow extraordinary efforts to be made to
locate additional minority candidates. The Commission plans to hire a
recruitment consultant or "headhunter" who specializes in recruiting city
managers. The headhunter will be instructed to find the best candidates on the
market and to take special steps to advertise the position to women and
minorities. The Mayor and Commissioners understand that this will entail
additional costs for the search process, but they recognize that such costs are
small in comparison to the benefits that will be derived from bringing the search
to a successful completion."
"The IVlayor and Commissioners also decided to be clearer about their
expectations regarding the applicants' qualifications for the job. They want the
new City IVlanager to meet the following requirements."
"He or she must have at least a Master's Degree in Public Administration or
an equivalent degree in another field. Roughly 80 percent of Florida city
managers have an MPA, and this level of formal education is needed to
assure that the Manager will have technical skills essential for the job."
"He or she must have experience with a council-manager form of municipal
government. Experience with this particular form of government is crucial
because it is the form in Boynton Beach, and Boynton's governance has
suffered from confusion about how this system should work."
"He or she must have at least five years experience as a city manager, or
seven years experience as an assistant city manager. Again, experience with
city management at the highest level, rather than just experience as a
21
MEETTNG MTNUTES
REGULAR CtTY COMMTSS'rON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORZDA
OCTOBER 19, 1999
department head or in another area of public administration, is essential
because of Boynton's need for a seasoned professional who can help bring
the city government's culture back into line with the council-manager
system."
"He or she must have a demonstrated history of job stability. Turnover
among city managers every five years or so is fairly normal, but the
Commission wants to make sure that the new manager has been persistent
and has succeeded in past jobs."
Mayor Broening said the Commission will be working on this over the next weeks and months.
XIII. OTHER:
None
XZV. AD3OURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Vice Mayor Tillman moved to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Denahan seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
The meeting properly adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Mayor Pro Tem
/'D~Puty City Clerk
k(~l'h ree Tapes)
Commissioner
Commissioner
22
DEVELOPMENT ORDER OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PROJECT NAME: Eckerd Drugstore
APPLICANT'S AGENT: Donna West; Camahan, Proctor & Cross, Inc.
APPLICANT'S ADDRESS: 6101 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate, FL 33063
DATE OF CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING: October 19, 1999
TYPE OF RELIEF SOUGHT: Conditional Use
LOCATION OF PROPERTY: Northwest corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway
DRAWING(S): SEE EXHIBIT"B" ATTACHED HERETO.
THIS MATTER came before the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Flodda
appearing on the Consent Agenda on the date above. The City Commission hereby adopts the
findings and recommendation of the Planning and Development Board, which Board found as follows:
OR
X THIS MATTER came on to be heard before the City Commission of the City of Boynton
Beach, Florida on the date of headng stated above. The City Commission having considered the
relief !sought by the applicant and heard testimonY frOm the applicant, members of city administrative
staff and the public finds as follows:
Application for the relief sought was made by the Applicant in a manner consistent with
the requirements of the City's Land Development Regulations.
The Applicant
X HAS
HAS NOT
established by substantial competent evidence a basis for the relief requested.
The conditions for development requested by the Applicant, administrative staff, or
suggested by the public and supported by substantial competent evidence are as set
forth on Exhibit "C' with notation "Included".
The Applicant's application for relief is hereby
X GRANTED subject to the conditions referenced in paragraph 3 hereof.
DENIED
o
This Order shall take effect immediately upon issuance by the City Clerk.
All further development on the property shall be made in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this order.
7. Other
DATED: ~_.~'. ,=,~.,~, ~'~'~'~' t,.~z,~2,.x..~,.~;;~.~'z.~_~,__'
(] City Clerf2-'- -
J:~SHRDAT'~°Ianning~SHARED~-WP~PROJECTS~ECKERD DRUGSTORE COUS'~DEVELOPMENT ORDER-COUS. doc
EXHIBIT "D"
Conditions o£Approval
Project name: Eckerd Drugstore
File number: COUS 99-003
Reference: Conditional Use. File # COUS 99-003
PUBLIC WORKS
Comments: None X
UTILITIES
Comments:
1. Fire flow calculations will be required demonstrating the City Code X
requirement of 1500 g.p.m, as stated in LDR chap. 6, Art. IV, Sec. 16, or
the requirement imposed by insurance underwriters, whichever is greater.
(see Sec. 26-16(a)). Please submit these calculations with your Health
Department permit submittal.
2. Appropriate backflow preventers will be required on the domestic water X
service to the building, and the fire sprinkler line if there is one, in
accordance with Sec. 26-207.
3. Provide drainage calculations showing the amount of rainfall to be retained X
on-site. Please be advised that there will be a fee for improvements the
City is planning to make for off-site stormwater treatment and conveyance,
as part of the Downtown Watershed Stormwater Improvement Project.
(Sec. 26-406)
FIRE
Comments:
4. Show Fire Department connection on plans. X
POLICE
Comments: None X
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Comments:
5. Drainage basin provided by City to be installed prior to issuance of C.O. X
6. Within the Boynton Beach Blvd. roadway, remove the westbound left turn X
lane into NE 4th St. and stripe a continuous left turn storage lane for
eastbound traffic from the F.E.C. railroad to U.S. 1. This will allow some
storage capability for left turns into the common driveway. This will
require F.D.O.T. approval and permitting.
7. Request F.D.O.T. to install a yellow, warning flasher in the concrete X
median for Boynton Beach Blvd. eastbound traffic to keep vehicles out of
Eckerd Drugstore Page 2 of 7
File No.: COUS 99-003
DEPARTMENTS I 1NCLUDE I REJECT
the F.E.C. crossing when there are stacking conditions. This will require I I
F.E.C. and F.D.O.T. approvals.
BUILDING DIVISION
Comments:
8. To verify compliance with the Florida Accessibility Code for Building X
Construction, add the following information to the ramp detail drawing
found on sheet 3 of 8: The documentation shall include, but not be limited
to, identifying the slope, surface finish and cross slope of the ramp. Amend
! the drawings to omit inconsistencies. The landscape plan and irrigation
i plan show two ramps and the site plan and drainage plan depict one ramp.
i The floor plan drawing shows parking spaces but does not show a ramp or
i identify the location of the accessible parking spaces.
9. i The design professional-of-record for the project shall state on the plans X
i that the finish floor elevation is above the highest 100-year base flood
i elevation applicable to the building site. The statement shall indicate that
! the base flood elevation is consistent with the surface water management
regulations defined by the South Florida Water Management District. The
statement "not determined" is not acceptable. Identify the finish floor
elevation within the footprint of the building that is illustrated on the
drawing titled Fixture Plan. [Section 3107.1.2, Chapter 31 of the Boynton
Beach Amendments to the 1997 edition of the Standard Building Code]
10. i Please note that the layout of the floor area depicted on the fixture plan will X
i be reviewed for compliance with the applicable codes at time of permit
i review.
11. i Remove the text "per side" from the description of the gazebo signage that X
i is identified in the sign tabulations found on sheet A-2 of 2. [Article IV,
section 6. B of the Sign Code - Chapter 21 of the City's Land Development
Regulations] All drawings of signage shall comply with the applicable
· regulations specified in the Sign Code.
12. The overall height of the gazebo sign structure exceeds the overall height X
allowed per the code. Amend the height to comply with the twenty-foot
(20') maximum allowed by the code. [Article IV, section 6. B of the Sign
Code - Chapter 21 of the City's Land Development Regulations] All
I drawings of signage shall comply with the applicable regulations specified
i in the Sign Code.
13. i Identify on the landscape plan the location of the landscaping that is X
i required for free standing signs/Gazebo structure. [Article III, section 3 of
i the Sign Code - Chapter 21 of the City's Land Development Regulations]
14. Remove the text "facing streets" from the description of the wall signs that X
i is identified in the sign tabulations found on sheet A-2 of 2. [Article IV,
Eckerd Drugstore Page 3 of 7
File No.: COUS 99-003
DEPARTMENTS INCLUDE REJECT
section 6. C of the Sign Code -Chapter 21 of the City's Land Development
RegulationS] All drawings of signage shall comply with the applicable
regulations specified in the Sign Code.
15. The total square foot area which is allowed for wall signage that is X
identified in the signage tabulations found on sheet A-2 of 2 correctly
identifies the maximum that is allowed by the Sign Code. However, the
aggregate area of the wall signage that is shown and identified on the
elevation view drawings of the building illustrated on sheet A-2 of 2
exceeds the total allowed. Correct the signage area so that it does not
exceed the maximum area allowed by the code. [Article IV, section 6. C of
the Sign Code - Chapter 21 of the City's Land Development Regulations]
All drawings of signage shall comply with the applicable regulations
specified in the Sign Code.
16. i The total number of directional signs that are depicted on the site plan does X
i not match the quantity that is identified in the sign tabulations listed on
! sheet A-2 of 2. The three types of directional signs that are illustrated on
i sheet A-1 of 2 do not match the titles that are identified on the site plan.
Correct the inconsistencies. All drawings of signage shall comply with the
applicable regulations specified in the Sign Code.
17. At time of permit review, verify that the platted right-of-way that is shown X
on the survey has been abandoned by submitting a copy of the recorded
City of Boynton Beach resolution that describes the abandonment.
18. At time of permit review, specify, in tabular form, on the site plan and/or X
i floor plan drawing the proposed use of the facility. Identify the Building
!Code used to design the building. Also, include the type of construction,
i occupancy classification that the building was designed to comply with.
The tabular form shall include the total area, area per floor and overall
i height of the building. The City of Boynton Beach has adopted the 1997
!edition of the Standard Building Code and the City' of Boynton Beach
Amendments to the Standard Building Code. Working drawings of the
building shall comply with the codes specified in Chapter 20 of the Land
i Development Regulations.
19. ~ompliance with the Building Codes will be evaluated at time of permit X
review. The permit fee, water and sewer facility fees, Fire Department fees,
County fees and State fees will be determined at time of permit review.
20. Permits are required to construct the improvements that are shown on the X
approved site plan/conditional use documents. Permit application forms are
aVailable in the Building Division of the Development Department. A
permit submittal checklist is available in the Building Division. The list
~dentffies the basic documents that the Plans Analyst checks for when an
applicant submits for permit review.
Eckerd Drugstore Page 4 of 7
File No.: COUS 99-003
DEPARTMENTS [ rNCLUDE I REJECT
Comments:None [ X ]
FORESTER/ENVIRONMENTALIST
Comments: None X
PLANNING AND ZONING
Comments:
21. Per CBD regulations, Utilities shall be placed underground to the maximum X
extent possible.
22.i On the site plan provide the following information: Ch.4, Sec.7, Par.B - X
i Correct bearings and distances to match the survey.
i~ Correct the handicapped sign detail as per City drawing #B-90012 - sign
i should be 18' x 30".
I
23. On the landscape plans continue hedge west along south side southwest X
entrance, to a point Closer to entrance up to a point to avoid interference
with clear sight area. Ch.7.5, Art.II, Sec. 5.
24. To further provide adequate screening for the loading area, maximize X
density of north with additional materials ranging between 4 feet and 8 feet
in height. Such as clusters of tree Philodendron.
25. It is recommended that site perimeter landscaping (east and south sides) be X
i further enhanced with additional materials ranging between 4 feet and 8 feet
i.
in height placed between the Royal Palms to fill the spatial void resulting
from the lack of canopy trees and to contribute to the proper screening of the
parking area. It is recommended that species be compatible with 20/20 plan
species and other species proposed, be primarily native and enhance the site
with added color and texture. Species could include Giant Crinum Lily,
Bird of Paradise, King Sago, Day Lilly, Tree Philodendron, or Ixora.
i Colors at site comers and driveways should be maximimized.
26..Provide all lighting consistent with the CBD Guidelines (16 feet maximum), X
and vision 20/20 plan, with the exception of supplemental lighting necessary
to meet minimum required light levels per City code. If inconsistent
lighting is used, proper data and specifications shall be provided to justify
supplemental lighting and verify that lighting shall not be excessive. 20/20
light fixture is rounded or hook-shaped.
27. ilncrease design characteristics representative of the Florida Coastal style X
I
larchitecture such as:
a. Benches shall be consistent with Redevelopment Plan
recommendations;
b. Incorporate weather vanes or windsocks, and/or banners/flags that both
I accent the project and further the recommended nautical theme (elements
Eckerd Drugstore Page 5 of 7
File No.: COUS 99-003
DEPARTMENTS 1NCLUDE REJECT
should be lightly used, not extensively used on the project);
c. Place support signage over and under the main wall signs, hang under
"open" area, or eliminate to remove them from the parapet which will
lessen the visual and distractions from the building's design features.
28. Pursuant to traffic and circulation data submitted, and County's traffic X
review, east and south driveways shall be limited to right-in and right-out
only.
29. Exterior vending machines shall be prohibited. X
30. Remove signage from gazebo to prevent structure from being construed as X
sign structure (structure exceeds maximum height allowed and requires
i foundation planting), and to maximize its potential as a signature structure.
31. i As an alternative to placing parking to the rear of the project, out of sight X
from the adjacent right-of-way, provide a covered structure such as a
! pergola that provides significant screening to the parking area by both the
structure and vegetation to be planted and grown on same, possibly
designed to include a solid roof at the adjacent bus stop, and the pergola
should extend the length of the parking areas along both Boynton Beach
Boulevard and U.S.- 1.
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY COMMENTS
32. i Revise comment #3 to read as follows: Provide drainage calculations X
i showing the amount of rainfall to be retained on-site. Please be advised
i that there will be a fee for improvements the City is planning to make for
off-site stormwater treatment and conveyance,~o v~ of if the project is
i within the Downtown Watershed Stormwater Improvement Project area.
(Sec. 26-406)
33. i Revise comment #5 to read as follows: Drainage basin provided by City to X
be installed prior to issuance of C.O., or installed by the developer, and
i reimbursed by the city, to avoid project delays.
34. i Revise comment #6 to read as follows: Within the Boynton Beach Blvd. X
roadway, remove the westbound left turn lane into NE 4th St. and stripe a
i continuous left turn storage lane for eastbound traffic generally from the
F.E.C. railroad to U.S. 1. This will allow some storage capability for left
: tums into the ccmmcn project driveway. This -~':",,... -~n~--~ is subject to
receiving F.D.O.T. approval and permitting
35. Revise comment #7 to read as follows: Request F.D.O.T. to install a X
!yellow, warning flasher in the concrete median for Boynton Beach Blvd.
! eastbound traffic to keep vehicles out of the F.E.C. crossing when there are
!stacking conditions. This ,a411-mqa~ is subject to receiving F.E.C. and
i F.D.O.T. approvals.
Eckerd Drugstore Page 6 of 7
File No.: COUS 99-003
DEPARTMENTS I 1NCLUDE I REJECT
36. Omit comments #11 and #12 as sign will be removed from gazebo. X
37. Revise comment #24 to read as follows: To further provide adequate X
screening for the loading area, maximize density of north buffer with
c!ustcrs cftre~ Phi!cdendrcn. the hedge planted at five (5) feet and
Silver Buttonwood hushes rather than standards. Plantings shall be
maintained to maximize density and therefore screening. Five (5) foot
hedge shall follow pavement edge to the driveway.
38. Revise comment #25 to read: It is recommended that density of site X
perimeter landscaping (east and south sides) be further enhanced with
,i .a~aa_~.~ .v.~.~ .... ~.-~ +a~+.~..._.~. .... standard Silver Buttonwood (rather than
Hibiscus. Additional species cc'.:!d '[ncl'.:d~ such as Giant Crinum Lily,
Bird of Paradise, King Sago, Day Lilly, Tree Philodendron, or Ixora
should be considered to add colors at site comers and driveways, shcu!d
~ Hedge shall he maintained at a minimum of 30 inches
i (except on the north side).
:
39. i Revise comment #27 to omit item "C" to read as follows: Increase design X
characteristics representative of the Florida Coastal style architecture such
as:
ia. Benches shall be consistent with Redevelopment Plan
i recommendations;
b. Incorporate weather vanes or windsocks, and/or banners/flags that both
~ accent the project and further the recommended nautical theme (elements
! should be lightly used, not extensively used on the project);
40. i Pursuant to traffic and circulation data submitted, and County's traffic X
i review, east and south driveways shall be limited to right-in and right-out
!only (unless a turn-lane is provided on Boynton Beach Boulevard).
41. Revise comment #30 to read as follows: Remove signage from gazebo to X
imaxnmze its potential as a signature structure. Alternatively, two
monument signs at a maximum of six (6) feet high, will be allowed at
the northeast and southwest entrances consistent with sign code and if
lapplicable, the variance process.
I
Eckerd Drugstore Page 7 of 7
File No.: COUS 99-003
42. Replace comment #31 to read as follows:~ ^.~ ~ -..~- a~*~*:''~..~.--.., . *^.v v--~--~,~':~" X
areas a!cng ~,h ~ .... ,~_ ~ ~.., ..... ~ ..a ~t c ~ If feasible, place
~o similar but smaller g~ebos to provide cover for benches at both
the northeast and southwest project corners.
43. ~ Prohibit the exterior storage of shopping ca~s, vending machines or X
~ any other items.
I
I
ADDITIONAL CITY CO~ISSION COUNTS
44. l Revise comment ~34 to read as follows: Within the Boynton Beach Blvd. X
1
i roadway, remove the westbound le~ mm l~e into NE 4~ St. and s~ipe a
] conthuous le~ tm storage l~e for eastbound ~affic generally from ~e
F.E.C. raikoad to U.S. 1. This will allow some storage capabiliW for le~
~mms into the project driveway. This is subject to receiving F.D.O.T.
~ approval and pemi~hg prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy.
l
45. ] Revise comment ~35 to read as follows: Request F.D.O.T. to install a X
yellow, wining flasher h the concrete median for Boston Beach Blvd.
[ eastbound traffic to keep vehicles out of the F.E.C. crossing when there me
stacking conditions. This is subject to receiving F.E.C. ~d F.D.O.T.
approvals prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy.
46. Revise comment ~41 to read as follows: Remove silage ~om gazebo to X
] m~imize its potential as a si~amre s~cmre. Alternatively, ~o
i monument si~s at a maximum of six (6) feet hi~, will be allowed at ~e
I no~heast ~d sou~west entrances consistent with sign code ~d if
I
[ applicable, the vmiance process. If variance request is denied, sign shall
[ be allowed on g~ebo as originally proposed (gazebo lighting shall be
directlylimited tOlightthattheWhiChsign).internally illuminates the structure but does not
J:\SHRD, [TA~,PLANNING\SHARED\WPkPROJECTSkECKERD DRUGSTORE COUS\CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL CC 10-19-99.DOC
Post-iff Fax Note 7671
-
October 18, 1999
Mayor a~d Commissioners
City of Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach, Florida
Sent by Fax to Joyce Costello. Hard copy to follow.
Dear Mayor and Commissioners,
You did a great job last Friday and Saturday ia working through some dif~cult issues. I have no
doubt that you will be able to move forward successfully with the City Manager search sad take
the actions ca which you agreed at the Wol~kshop.
My report is attached. It includes three I/$ts of steps you have decided on, plus my own
observations and recommendations. For your meeting Tuesday night, you may want to .ref~ to
pages eight and nine, which adiLl'eS$ the search/'or a new City Manager. You could probably just
read these pages/nrc the minutes of the meet/l;g. '
I hope that I have captured all of the key points at the Workshop. I would have preferred to have
circulated the report ~rsc as a draft, but there really is not time for tl~ l,~vea the circumstances
and your need to have it by Tuesday.
5"hack you for your diligence and good lmmor at the worl~op, and for allowing me to help
guide t.~e discussion. Please contact me i/`l can be of any fiazher assistance.
Sincerely,
Lance deHaven-gmith, Ph.D.
"l~troduction
Tl~e Politics oi'Histonc Coastal Citi_'es :'
The Special Challenges in Boynton Beach
The Search for a New City Manager
DecisiomMaking Reforms
Follow-up Activities
Contents
-- Municipal Governance
in Boynton Beach, Florida
Lance d?Havea-Srnith, Ph.D.
Introduction
This report offers observations, conclusions, and recommendations about municipaJ
governance in Boynton Beacl~, Florida. The report ia based on bac. kgroun:t materials, interviews
with staffand elected officials, responses from a written questior, naire, and a one-and-one-half
day workshop with the Mayor and City Commissioners. The workshop took place on October
15-16, 1999. The -aims of the research and the workshop were to (1) assist the City Commission
in overcoming an impasse in its effort to decide whom to hi~'e as Boynton's new City Manager;
(2) determine how and why the impasse had come about; (3) help the Commissioners understand
and de'tl Mth a~y community pressttres or divisions that might be tmderly, ing their difficultie, s
with decision-~aking; (4) work with Commissioners to improve their poiitieal relationships and
discourse; and (5) try to arriv~ at procedural reforms to enhance ciD' governance.
The Politics of Historic Coastal Cities
Boynton Beach could be one of Florida's premier communities, but it is hampered by
political divisions within the electorate. The third largest city in Palm Beach County, Boynton Js
situated along the Intra¢oastal Waterway midway between Boca Raton to the south and West
Palm Beach to the ,~orth. The city's size and geographic centrality destine it to become an
import,'wt economic hub on l:rlorida's southo. Ast coast. 111 fact, it is bcgimfing to show signs of the
kind of renaissance seen already in Holl:},wood, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Retort, and W¢$I Palm.
Clearly, Boynton has ninny oft?re ~am~ characteristics shared bi' these other, very success,hi
:o.aslat cities, and it too should be able to ackieve their leve~ o£economic prosperity and. urban
vitality. ~
However, before Boynwn 9rill be able to redevelop successfully, it will have to undergo
the same type of political transformation that preceded the rebi~x.h of these other coastal
municipalities to its north and south. Boyriton's biggest challenge is to come together as a
community and form a strong political will on Taxation, spending, land use, and related policies
necessary for attracting busine,s, tourism, and residential §entrifieation. U~ztbrmnately, coming
to agreement on such policies is not easy, especially for older coastal cities along the Treasure
Coast.
The political difficulty, stems largely fi.om the manner in which the costs an.d benefits of
urban redevelopment are distributed across the population at different stages o£the
redevelol~raent process. Until redevelopment is well along, affluent sections of the city will tend
to feel that they are carrying maa~y of the co~ ofred~vclopment while reaping few benefits;
eventually, property values will rise throughout the city and will give these property owners big
returns on their investments, but this takes years. Similarl3; as redevelopment occurs, residents
of older, impoverished areas of the city may come to believe, sometimes with justification,
they are being pushed out oftheh' neighbothood~ just to make way for stores or public facilities.
At the same time, business owners can start to feel unfairly burdened when their normal routines
are disrupted by roads being repaved, rerouted, or widened. In short, eaxh segment of the
community is fully aware of the hardships it itself is beating during the city's transformation, but
none ~lly appreciates the hardships being endured by others, and none can easily envision the
long term benefits for {he 'city ir~ genei~al or for future generatiohs. Hence Boynton's leaders will
constantly find il' hard to muster sufficient community cohesion and politica~ ~vill to initiate
redevelopment prOjects and stick with them as laroblems, delays, and inconveniences are
inevitably encountered.
The Special Challenges in Boynton Bea~:h
Boynton Beach may be starting more slowly on redevelopment than many nearby cities
because Boynton's demographic mix makes community cohesion particularly difficult to acl,.iev¢
and maia.:ain. It is an understatement to say that the Boy-nton Beach City Con~ishon is in a
challenging political environment. The community has a large African-American population
with hist. on¢ grievances, and a large reth'ee population fi.om, the Nort,heast which has a culture of
assertiveness and past experience with strong-mayor systems of city government. Boynton
Beach has also been negatively impacted by sprawling development around it, which h~s
contr/buted to ,urban blight and other lomblems. Like other coastal cities that have not seen much
new commercial deve. lopmeat in the older parts ox'town, the tax base in Boynton is stressed
bece. use moderately priced residential development, which predominates in much of the city,
does not generate revenues adequate to pay the costs of the serv/ces and futilities required to
serve it.
Moreover, the City Charter makes it almost inapos~ible to cultivate strong, experienced
poi/ticai leadership. Boynton Bea~t~ has a standard council.manager system of city government,
with four commissioners and a popularly elected mayor. The Mayor and the Commissioners axe
alt elected at large, although the Commissioners must live ia set districts. The city's elected
3
officials are often in._exp~nenced, because the Charter has short'commisfioner terms (two years),
and a two-term limit.
Contribudn~ to ~¢ challeagcs fic'~.m8 ~e City Commission.. Bo.vnton Beach has
developed over the past several years a culture that does not appreciate the limited, policy-setting
role of the City C0rm:~ission. This culture, which is m coa.flict with ~he lesal requirements of the
Char~er, ~rew Eom ma.uy sources: the strohg-n~yor traditions of residents fi.om the Northeast:
the influence ora prior Mayor who exerted inordinate lafluence over the staff~ ~d ttmuover and
iaexperience amon~ Boynton's recent city m3nagers. As if stands, the commuaiw. 's civic culture
mitigates against the proper fuactioning of~ council-maaa~er form of municipal ~ovemaace.
E×acerb~ting the co3fusioa, the nomenclature used in the City Charter to describe the city's
legislative body is znis~e~din§; the couacil Js called a "Commission," which causes
residents-esped~ily ti~ose from northeastern states-to believe that Commissioa~s, Jike the
Commissioaers o£Police, ere., ia many la'ge cities, have direct control ov~ city departments.
Moreover, Commission members have not ~ei~ed su~icie.at instruction md orientation to the
council-manager system.
Yet another probl~n with the city's politics-md perhaps the most serious-is the failure
of Boyntou's top commtmity leaders to tbrge shared goals ired a common sense of purpose.
Leaders from each se~rnent of the commtmity-busin~ss, retirement, minority, neighborhoods,
eta.-appear to operate independently and to harbor suspicions about one another's motives. This
is not the fault ortho cit~' government. The City has taken positive action to try to foster a
,~:ronger ci~c culture. Vision :2020, a conseasus-buildiag and agenda-settia~ process facilitated
by [florida Atlantic University, has given Boynton some much-needed direction and unity, and
4
the City Commission ahd staff'have been following through on'projects called for in the Vision
2020 policy statement. But ~he colrtrnunits,'s most active leaders remained dMded, and a few
power brokers are thought to be comtanfl~/competing behind the scenes to conU'oi Commission
decision-makers. Continued effort by the City government along th~ lin~s of'V/sion 2020 is
needed, but at some point the only real solution to Bo.wton's political disabilities is for the best
citizens 'to step forward, accept responsibil~ty for the city's future, and bring the power brokers
into line.
The City Manager Search
Because of Boynton's challenging political environment and cdture, the City
Commission has found it difficult to resolves issues collegially, pm'ticularly when the issues at
stake have been highly visible, controversial, or unexpected. Searching for a new City Manager
hm~ been all three, lde~ce it is not surprising that the search l~s caused the Commission to
splinter.
The search process was conducted properly from a technical point ofvJew, but it had a
built-in political flaw from the start. The problem was that a 3-2 vote on the Commission could
decide on the search process and the job requirements, but a a-! vote i$ required to actually make
a h/ri.ag decision. When the search began, the Commission.em were already divided thre~-to-two
over the kind of city manager they were seeking. Unfortunately, this division was left to some
extent unstated and certainly unresolved, and it became embedded in the manager profile us~ to
advertise the search. In the profile, the education and experience required ofapplJcatlts were set
quite !ow, but the rnun_ager profile indicated that the Conmaission r~refe~red candidates with much
5
higher qu~ifications._ in'these ,areas, These flaws in the process ~vere further compounded by the
use of~wo search units-a recruiting finn as well as Boynton Beach Human Relatior~s. In fact, the
use of two units itself probably reflected the Comm/ssion ally/sion evident at the start of the
searctl.
Although Boynton Beach has made significant progress in a number o~areas over the past
six ~onths, the Commission's positive .steps have been overshadowed by the problems in the
search process for the City Manager. One o£the most important achievements is progress on
developing the marina. The effort to acahieve this began almost a decade ago or longer, and it ha~
linally been brought to fruition.
Personal relations between Commission members have become strained by the stresses of
the search, xhe negative publicity, the weaknesses of the Clm~er, etc. But t/~e situation couicl be
much, much worse. The Commission has managed to keep moving forward on projects, its
members have remained committed to the best interests of the City, and tlaere are no animosities
that cannot be overcome. T~e key to improved persona/relations is learning from the experience
of the past six months, changing behavior and procedures to assure that problems do not
and taking steps to deal with the weaknesses of the Charter, t~e training a~d orientation g/yen to
new Commission members, the culture of the staff~ and so on. If~ese things c~ be done,
difficulties ofxhe recent past will be turned into a benefit rather than a detriment ~br the cg% and
lasting improvements will be made to the city's government and civiz culture.
Decision-Making Ref6rms
The City Commission reached agreement on steps to be taken in three areas: decision-
m-tiring, hiring a new City Manager, and sTengthemng the civic culture of the community and the
council-manager cukm'e .of the cits~ government. The City Commissioners agreed to .make the
following changes to improve commission decision-making and administrative follow-fftrou~r
Running meetings strictly according to Robcrts Rules of Order. Th/s includes starting
meetings on time and returning from breaks on time.
Developing a dear process for how the City Manager will communicate with individual
Commissioners and the Mayor to assu.re that there are no differential flows of
information. A checklist of the information to be regularly provided will be developed.
.~dso, the weekly individual meetings between the Commission members and the City
Manag~ will be arra,~ed to all occur on a single day (Friday).
Commission members will work to commtmicat¢ through tho City Manager to bring up
issues and process them before they ever re~h the Commission's public meetings. This
does not mean violating the state's Sunshine laws; it means alerting everyone to what is
coming up, finding out what information will be aeed~ to make a decision, giving time
for adequate staffingut, and so on.
Comm/ssion members will take care to keep a clear line between the Commission and the
Admirdstrat/on; to recognize the Mayor's role in directing Commission meetings; to
beware both of dyffunctional political pressures be/rig placed on the Commission by
elements of the commt:nity; and to guard against and take active steps to counteract the
inevitable tendency ofstaffto be less responsive to some arum. bets than to othezs attd to
unconsciously pla5' one member offagainst anothe, t. Commission Members will stick
together, behave with formality and restraint in their public meetings, process their
concerns through staff, and avoid bringing surprises into meetings.
During the alternating weeks when there is no City Comm/asion meeting, the
Commission will hold an Agenda Meeting or Workshop to go over the agenda for the
next week. The purpose of the Agend,, Workshop will be to add or delete items from the
proposed agenda, to identify any information that Commissioners and the Mayor may
need in advance oftha meeting, to alert one another to concerns, and so on. Additions to
the agenda will no longer be permitted on the night of regular Comm./st, ion Meetings.
One of'the main goals of the Commission is to take 19'eatea' control over thc direction of
City government..4, retreat or workshop involv/ng the top staffwill be conducted to
7
explain rkis to t~ie ~ity's admin.i'strators and to obtam their feedback on how to accomplish
this objective, which is entirely legith~ate and worthy of the staff's full support. The
Commission and staffwill work together to darif3' their roles, to place the Commission
clearly ia charge of policy, and to give the stati'enough leeway and support to implement
the Commission's policies. :
tliring a New City Manager
The impasse reached in the seamh ~or a new City Manager centered on the question of
how much weight to give to different candidate characteristics. Some Corranission members
gave great weight to formal, higher education and to prior experience in the position of city
manager. Others gave much more weight to famiiiamy with Boynton Beach and to the
candidates' ability to communicate welJ with the city's Afi'ican-American community. This
differential weighting, along with the very different characteristics o£tbe top candidates ia the
pool, left the Commission as a whole in the position or,ring to sacrifice one set of
qualifications for another, a~d this led to aa impasse.
My recommendation to the Commission was to raise the requirements for applicants, and
to extend the search in an effort to find candidates whose background and qualifications would
be strong in all areas. The Commission considered all the options available to it and evaluated
each option individually with respect to a t~rnher of factors.
The Commbsion~'s agreed to extend the search to allow time to update and expand the
pool of applicants, and to allow extraor~ efforts to be made to locate additional minority
candidates. The Cor, mi-*~ion plans to hire a recruitment consultant or "heatthtmter" who
specializes in recruiting city matutgers. The limdhunter will be .instructed to fred the best
candidates oa the market and to take special steps to advertise the position to women and
minorities. The Mayor'~d Commissioners understand that this'will entail additional costs for
the search process, but they recognize that such costs are small in comparison to the benefits that
will be derived from bringing the search to:a successful completion.
The Mayor and Commissidners also decided to be clearer about their expectations
regarding the applicants' qualifications for the job. They waut the new City Manager to meet the
following requirements.
He or she must have at least a Master's Degree in Public Administration or an eqmvalent
degree in another field. Roughly 80 percent of Flofida city managers have an MP& and
this level of form__s_! education i$ needed to assure that the Manager will have technical
skills essential for the job.
He m' ~e must have experience with a council-manager form of murti,Jpal government.
Experie'.,ee with this particular form of government is crucial because it is the form in
Boyuton Beach, and Boynton's governance has suffered from confusion about how this
system should work.
He or ~e must have at least five years experience as a city manager, or seven years
experience as an assistant city manager. Again, experience with city management at thc
highest level, rather than just experience as a department head or in another area of public
administration, is essential because o£Boynton's n~d for a seasoned professional who
can help bring the city government's culture back into line with the council.manager
system.
FI, or ~e must have a demonstrated history of job stability. Turnover among city
managers every, tive years or so is fairly normal, but the Commission wants to make sure
that the new manager b~ bee~ per,is-lent and has succeeded in past jobs.
Follow-up Activifie~
At the end of the workshop, the Mayor and Commissioners discussed possible follow-up
aet/vities and nexv initiatives to strengthen BoynWn's political and civic culture. ,-~'eernent was
rmched to take the following acuons:
The Mayor _,.-mcFCormnissione~'s would like staffto orgahize a workahop on Robert's
Rules of Order, The workshop might also include information on the council-rn~_er
form. o£nmnicipal government.
Az previously stated, a retreat or ~orkshop invoMag the top staffwill be conducted to
allow the Mayor and Commissioners to explain their goal o£takin8 greater control of city
policy making. :
A NeighbOrhood Leadership Summit will be held to take Vision 2020 to the next level of
community participation. New neighborhood groups have been organized by the City
government, and existing groups have been alerted to the City's desire for their input.
The Suua'nit will (I) allow the city's public officials to explain how a masmr plan is being
developed for Boyntoa Beach; (2) give the organizers of Vision 2020 an opportunity to
describe the Vision 2020 policy stateraeat to the neighborhood leaders; and O) obtain
input from the neighborhood leaders on the process to be used to involve each
neighborhood in the master-planning process.
The Mayor and City Commissioners will reconvene periodically to assess their progress
in carrying out the commitments listed above, and ~o decide ifa. ay mid-course corrections
ate needed.
Conclusion
Despite these important agreements, procedural changes, and plans, the Mayor and City
Commissioaers face many barriers to changing pre~ent pa/terns of interaction within and between
the community, the City administration, and the Commissio~ Probably :he greatest difficulty is
having to do so much at once. The Cor~mi.~sion should ask the City Manager to appoint a single
raft member to keep everyone on track a~d to give the Commission regular reports on progress.
Probably the best sta~member for this is eithe~ the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager.
10