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Minutes 02-02-98MINUTES ~dE JOINT CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1998, 7:00 P.M. Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:07 P.M. I. INTRODUCTIONS ~ERS PRESENT: Gerald "Jerry" TaYlor, Mayor Jamie Titcomb, Vice Mayor Shirley Jaskiewicz, Commissioner Kerry Willis, City Manager Dale Sugerman, Asst. City Manager Jim Cherof, City Attorney Sue Kruse, City Clerk Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the City Manager OTHERS .PRESENT: Bob Taylor - Chamber of Commerce Mike Bottcher - Chamber of Commerce Kathy Shabotynskyj - Chamber of Commerce Virginia Farace - Library Director John Guidry - Utilities Director Larry Roberts - Director of Public Works Nellie Denahan - Education Advisory Board Jeanne Heavillin - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee II. ISSUE FOCUS ae Purpose of City/Chamber Workshop - Bob Taylor Goal: determine process for agenda setting, identify role of the chamber and commission, identify strategic priorities for 1998. Mr. Taylor came forward and outlined two points. He stated that the Chamber's position for 1998, regarding the above, was to: (1) ensure that the City and the Chamber hold the same focus as far as the primary purpose of these meetings. He felt it was necessary to ensure that any items appearing on the agenda would be tendered in the spirit of strengthening and nurturing the collaborative relationship between the Chamber and the Commission. Regarding the composition of the agenda, Mr. Taylor said the Chamber would ensure that it addresses specific issues and identifies opportunities where the Chamber and the City can work closely together in pursuit of a common goal. (2) ensure that the forum is comfortable for everyone as far as the setting, the time of day, and so forth. Mr. Taylor suggested utilizing a "round table" format to enhance communication between the Chamber and the City. The presentation concluded with Mr. Taylor requesting input on how the Chamber and the City might optimize the dialogs which the two entities have on a regular basis. Vice Mayor Titcomb suggested that governmental issues, development issues, etc., be identified and brought to the City in a systematic way, that the City may research and prepare for same before the scheduled workshops. In this way, decisions may be expedited. He went on to suggest two courses of action the Chamber may initiate to meet this goal: (1) increased attendance and interaction at the City Commission level, and (2) revitalizing of the "government affairs" area of the Chamber - developing a process for debate and proposal of Chamber positions on various issues. Discussion was ongoing. Commissioner Jaskiewicz expressed that the two entities must work together and stressed regular attendance at meetings. Mr. Taylor said communication was needed before the workshops meet. Mr. Bottcher also agreed that open communication was necessary as was regular contact between both parties. Ms. Willis suggested the City work with the Chamber when setting the agenda and stated a procedure was needed. Mayor Taylor suggested that the City and the Chamber contact Wilfred Hawkins with agenda items. Be How can the Chamber collaborate with the city to help identify individuals to serve on the city's advisory boards? - Mike Bottcher The Chamber's position was to, possibly, develop a pool of individuals with good credentials and various backgrounds that the City could draw from. Offering leadership Courses was also given as a possibility. In order to implement the aforementioned project, the following actions would be necessary: (1) development of an infrastructure to see how it would work, (2) collaboration with city representatives. C. C.R.A. - Where do we go from here? - Wilfred Hawkins Mr. Hawkins handed out copies of a 21-page memo, dated February 2, 1998, to him, from James A. Cherof, City Attorney, regarding the Community Redevelopment Association. Referencing this memo, Mr. Hawkins explained what the CRA is and what it does. He touched on Section 163.356,F.S. Creation of CRA., and Section 163.357,F.S. Governing body as the CRA. Regarding the latter, Mr. Hawkins explained that the City Commission may appoint two additional CITY/CHAMBER WORKSHOP Page 2 02/02/98 people to the CRA. He then discussed options for transitioning once the entity is at the "appointed member stage." He also discussed the timeline and infrastructure. It was made clear that the governing body (City Commission) retains power over the CRA. Mr. Hawkins went on to read Section 163.358, F.S. Exercise of Powers to those present. This section delineated those powers which may be exercised by the governing body but not by the CRA. Mr. Bottcher confirmed with Mr. Hawkins that the CRA is ready to go; the charter is in place, and so forth. Mayor Taylor explained that the Commission has been doing work as the CRA but has not yet identified themselves as such and needs to do so. In this way, the Commission may officially meet as the CRA. Ms. Shabotynskyj expressed that the Chamber is ready to help in any way it can; the Chamber also needs to know the City's plans for this year. Mayor Taylor responded that four meetings have been set and will be actual CRA meetings. Vice Mayor Titcomb added that the consultants' plans will constitute the CRA's blueprint. Report on Florida Redevelopment Association Conference and Florida Main Street Program - Dale Sugerman Before beginning his report, Mr. Sugerman delineated three forms of CRA. They are as follows: (2) (3) Community Redevelopment Act - This act talks about how the Board is constituted. Community Redevelopment Agency - This agency is the actual Board that holds meetings, has agendas, etc. Community Redevelopment Area - This area comprises the geographical boundaries that are governed by the CRA. Mr. Sugerman stated that all three forms of CRA may be changing in time. He then turned attention to the 3mday conference he had attended and focused on three main points. They are the following: (1) Florida Main Street Program - Mr. Sugerman explained that this program is sponsored by the State of Florida. It is a technical assistance program being used to revitalize downtown areas. Utilizing a methodology for organizing interested parties, it calls for an independent advisory board with a full-time manager. The Chamber of Commerce is excluded from same. (2) Enterprise Florida - The Department of Commerce no longer exists; it is now known as Enterprise Florida. The legislature is pouring money in to develop jobs, expansion, and positive economic growth, etc. Grant CITY/CHAMBER WORKSHOP Page 3 02/02/98 money is available; businesses must be high-tech and in the process of expanding or relocating to Florida. (3) Eco-Tourism - Florida is concentrating on eco-tourism. By definition, this means resource-based outdoor recreational activities such as diving, hiking, camping, biking, and so forth ie: activities that families can do together. These families are also health conscious. They enjoy outdoor recreation but don't want to rough it too much; they want nice accommodations. Mr. Sugerman concluded his presentation and offered handouts, further detailing same, to those present. III. ADJOU~ There being no further business to come before the City Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M. ATTEST: Cit Cl rk ~ordi~g S;c~et. ar~r ' (Two Tapesk~_./ CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH c6mmissione~ CITY/CHAMBER WORKSHOP Page 4 02/02/98