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Minutes 06-09-97MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING HELD AT THE CIVIC CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, JUNE 9, 1997, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Jamie Titcomb, Vice Mayor Matt Bradley. Commissioner Shirley Jaskiewicz. Commissioner Henderson Tillman. Commissioner Kerry Willis. City Manager James Cherof, City Attorney Sue Kruse. City Clerk Wilfred Hawkins. Asst. to the City Manager CALL TO ORDER Mr. Hawkins called the meeting to order at 6:42 p,m. He welcomed everyone and thanked [hem for attending the City of Boynton Beach Visions 20t20 Phase 1 "Quick Victory Project" Kick-off Mr. Hawkins recommended that everyone present secure a copy of the handout which was available at the rear of the auditorium, since it provides details of this presentation. Mr. Hawkins introduced Mayor Taylor who expressed excitement about the ideas developed by City staff. He thanked everyone involved for the effort put forth in developing these "Quick Victory Projects". He is anxious to see these plans implemented Mayor Taylor introduced the City Commissioners and recognized City Manager Willis. Overview of Visions 20~20 Quick Victory Projects n 1995. a steering committee was formed to plan the Visions 20/20 Conference. A group of 100 citizens were present at Hutchinson Island to devise a ong-range plan for the City of Boynton Beach that would lead into the 21s~ century. The goals of the meeting were: Quality of life. image and charac[er for the City of Boynton Beach Commercial Revitalization Economic Development Neighborhood Revitalization Public Safety/Crime Prevention City Government Education/Youth Involvement At the end of the Visions 20/20 Conference. the areas of focus were determined to be as follows: 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Positive Image and Identifiable Character of the City Recognizable Downtown Partnerships for Economic Development Revitalize Neighborhoods Police and Community Partnerships USer-friendly City Government Proactive Support for Quality Education MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 These "Quick Victory Projects" will bring action to the City within the next 12 months. The City of Boynton Beach has dedicated $150~000 to this effort Consultant Team One of the recommendations of the Visions 20/20 Conference was to hire a firm to develop a master plan for the City for the next ten years. The City Commission acted upon ~:hat recommendation and hired James Duncan & Associates Mike Rumpf. Senior Planner from the Planning & Zoning Department. explained that the Visions 20/20 mplementation Planning Study will be a group effort led by the consultant James Duncan & Associates. The group witl also include City staff and citizens of the City. James Duncan & Associates is the planning team that consists of experienced planners who specialize in community planning, Land Development ReguIations. and capital facility planning. This team will be supported by other firms possessing special qualifications necessary to complete this comprehensive study. Urban Design Group, a local design firm. will provide the necessary design expertise. Carla E~ryant a neighborhood specialist, adngs knowledge and understanding of community planning, public involvement, marketing, and experience with the successful visioning process that occurred in the City of Delray Beach David Plummer & Associates. traffic consultants, have significant experience in technical traffic analysis and traffic calming. M T. Fuller Designs is a group of design experts with a specialty in promotional s~gnage and marketing. This project will have an 11-month schedule. During this period, the team. City staff, and the public will be involved in six tasks which make up the study. The scope of services has been finalized and the project will get underway this month. Task deadlines have been set to keep the project on schedule and in line with the original tasks. The tasks are as follows: · Task One Background, Research, Public Involvement This task will involve researching and collecting data, identifying and meeting with chief parties involved, prepanng maps and databases, studying possible themes and images and initiation of a project newsletter · Task Two CRA Boundary Expansion This Iask will involve evaluating the process to expand the community redevelopment area. The CRA is focused for redevelopment and renewal efforts including the targeting of State and Federal funding. · Task Three Neighborhood Strategies We wil collect historical and current housing and neighborhood information field survey two neighborhood target areas, conduct neighborhood meetings, gather specific information on local and regional housing markets examine circulation ~ssues in two neighborhoods, prepare analyses of housing and neighborhood needs, and develop a City-wide housing strategy To encourage greater balance in housing types ' MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, t997 · Task Four Commercial Areas Research and Input The work on this task will focus on the US #1 and Boynton Beach Boulevard corridors through economic analysis, and analysis of traffic patterns. Task Five Commercial Areas Design Plan We will prepare an overall design plan for all primary target areas, prepare urban design criteria, and prepare a conceptual design plan for the marina district. · Task Six Implementation Program/Final Document The project will be wrapped up at this stage. Under this task. methodologies are identified. City regulations and processes will be examined, and impediments to the goals and strategies that have come from the other tasks are addressed through recommendations for changes to City regulations, processes and other things. In the final strategy, the documents will be proposed. In conclusion. Mr. Rumpf explained that almost ail of the tasks will involve collecting from and distributing information to the public through individual meetings with interest groups, public meetings, and workshops, and through newsletters and the media City staff is very excited about the outcome of this major study. VISIONS 20/20 QUICK VICTORY PROJECTS Strategy '1 Commercial Revitalization & Economic Development The team members include: Mayor Jerry Taylor Wilfred Hawkins, Coach Charles Frederick, Recreation & Park Director Tambri Heyden, Director of Planning & Zoning Department Diane Reese, Director of Finance John Guidry, Utilities Director Todd Kotas, Economic Development Director The priorities of Strategy 1 include: 1. Partnerships with Quantum Park - This will include industrial development that will provide for a maximum return on investment to the City while providing jobs that compensate at levels over the Palm Beach County average. We want to prepare a marketing plan for Quantum Park to have industries relocate here. We will continue joint marketing efforts with the Tambone Group, and develop a sign strategy for our foreign trade zone. 2. Stormwater Management - We will develop a master facility for the downtown area to accommodate stormwater from the redeveloped downtown areas in order to improve treatment and surface water quality and increase flexibility for redevelopment by 3 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH. FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 centralizing stormwater management. We will create a series of green areas for drainage retention and neighborhood enhancement. 3. Marketing Brochure - We will develop a target market brochure that will emphasize industrial opportunities in the City of Boynton Beach. We will do this by working with the Chamber of Commerce. 4. Banner Program - In order to promote and highlight downtown, we will develop a banner program in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. the Boynton Beach Boulevard Association and the Ocean Avenue Business Association. This program will specify different themes to aesthetically improve downtown. 5. Green Market Program - The Green Market will be developed in the 500 Block of East Ocean Avenue. The City will partner with businesses in that area and other businesses that promote agriculture. The City will provide use of Veteran's Park public parking, and clean-up. Strategy 2 Neighborhood Revitalization The team members include: Commissioner Shirley JasMewicz Al Newbold Coach HankAckermann Neighborhood Specialist Carel Fisher. Deputy Director of Public Works Kevin Hallahan. City Forester, Parks Division Octavia Sherrod, Community Redevelopment Scott Blasie. Code Enforcement Administrator Marshall Gage, Police Chief Mike Pawelczyk, Assistant City Attorney Luis Santana. Police Department The priorities of Strategy 2 are as follows: 1. Neighborhood Associations With the assistance of the Police Department, the existing Club Law and Order program will be expanded. This program is the basis for the identification of the City's neighborhood associations and Crime Watch programs. We will develop a list of neighborhood associations. 2. ICON (Identification, Communication, Ownership of Neighborhood) - This program will involve the installation of uniform signs identifying neighborhoods where associations exist. Each association receiving a sign will be required to sign a maintenance and landscaping agreement. The intent of this program is to make people proud of their neighborhoods. 4 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 3. Consistent Code Compliance - Code enforcement will be consistent for everyone in the City. A map has been developed which will indicate the areas being addressed by Code Enforcement inspectors. 4. HAMAR - This item will be addressed under Strategy 3 since it s a collaboration between two strategy teams. 5. Resources & Assistance to Neighborhoods - The City of Boynton Beach will develop a brochure containing names and telephone qumbers that can provide assistance to our residents and wilt improve and update the directory at City Hall in the Mall. We will assist neighborhoods with landscap!ng projects. There is an area in Cherry Hill where the trees have died and have not been replaced. There are plans in progress to replace those dead trees with Queen Palms next month. 6. Lots of Lots - There will be continued upgrading of properties ane purchase of properties that have been abandoned. This is an ongoing project that requires funds and planning beyond the scope of a "quick victory". The City intends to become very intense in this effort. Strategy 3 Public Safety & Crime Prevention The team members include: Commissioner Henderson Tillman Marshall Gage, Police Chief- Coach Frank Bnganti, Police Department Jim Ness. Fire Department Steve Graham Police Department Bill Tome. Police Department The priorities of this strategy are: 1 HAMAR (Homeowners Assistance Maintenance an¢ Repair) Combining efforts with other teams, it was decided that it was necessary to get Police Officers involved in neighborhood activities and identify resources, communicate to citizens and facilitate assistance. This team elected to copy a program that is being used by many other cities known as HAMAR. This is a program whereby needy oeople of the community are provided with the assistance necessary to bring [heir properties into Code compliance. The Community Police Officers and neighborhood associations will work together in this effort. The first project will begin in August. 2. PAL Football - The existing program has been very successful but did not reach the eight to ten-year old children. The program will be expanded to include those at-risk chiIdren with a crime prevention awareness theme to help them develop a sense of discipline, responsibility and self-esteem. 3. Public Relations Campaign - We will develop Citizens Observer Patrol groups and Crime Watch groups. In partnership with South Tech, a videotape will be made to MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 be used for presentations to neighborhood associations and the press for public service announcements. Our auto fleet will be expanded for the COP program with donated cars and golf carts. 4. Police Substations - In an effort to have our Police Officers out on the street, one substation was opened .in Cherry Hill. Recently, approval was granted for a COP/Substation at Boynton Beach Plaza West. With the aid of computers, these substations will be analyzed for effectiveness to determine whether or not more substations are needed. Strategy 4 Quality of Life, Image & Character The team members include: Vice Mayor Jamie Titcomb Joe Sciortino. Golf Course Director - Coach Scott Blasie. Code Enforcement Administrator Charles Frederick. Director of Recreation & Park Kevin Hallahan, City Forester. Park Division Dale Sugerman. Assistant City Manager Carol Fisher. Deputy Director of Public Works John Guidry, Utilities Director Virginia Shea. Recreation & Park Department Kerry Willis. City Manager The priorities of this Strategy 4 are: 1 Appearance and Beautification - New street signs for the Central Business District have been proposed. The signs will be installed from 1-95 to Federal Highway along Boynton Beach Boulevard, from Boy[~ton Beach Boulevard to Woolbright Road along Federal Highway, from Woolbright Road and Federal Highway to 1-95, from Woolbright Road to Boynton Beach Boulevard along Seacrest Boulevard, and along the Ocean Avenue corridor from Seacrest Boulevard to the bridge. Eventually, with the approval of the citizens, all street signs within the City will be replaced. In addition, in an effort to notify people that there is a difference between Greater Boynton Beach and the City of Boynton Beach, we will be installing City identification signs on Woolbright Road as traffic heads west, on Gateway Boulevard as traffic heads west just east of Lawrence Road, and on Federal Highway on the north. 2. Recreational Opportunities - We will use $5;000 to develop a scholarship program for 100 at-need children. We hope to expand this program with donations from individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses. This funding will allow the children to enter current recreation programs. A committee will be established to create reasonable criteria to identify the children. In addition, in a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the downtown businesses~ the City will supply support to create themes for events in the downtown that will assist in drawing attention to that area. The City is anxious to begin these events in the fall. There will be three events which will be held in October, January, and April. 3. User-Friendly City Government - Every City employee will wear a name tag. In addition, each City department will have exit surveys that will be provided to customers ' MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKS HOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 to let us know how we are doing. These exit surveys will be reviewed by the City Manager Upon calling the City, the public will be greeted in a -'professional friendly" or "leisure services friendly" manner Many of the projects going on in the City began with Visions 20/20. The City will be posting signs notifying the public that particular projects are Visions 20/20 projects. A City newsletter will be published. Once Utility Billing switches to an envelope system for utitity bills, the newsletter will be included with the bill. A Citizens Action Center will be implemented This computer program will be available for the public to report a concern or problem. One person will direct that call to the appropriate department for disposition. The City Manager will receive feedback on how long it takes to address [he problem. The City will encourage everyone to "talk up" the City of Boynton Beach in order to get the word out that Boynton Beach is a different town. 4. Cultural Opportunities - Since not everyone visits the Civic Center to participate in the cultural activities provided by the Recreation & Park Department, an outreach program will be instituted at City Hall in the Mall. Strategy 5 Education and Youth The team members include: Commissioner Matt Bradley Virginia Farace. Library Director- Coach Arleen Dennison 1913 Schoolhouse Museum Coordinator Bill Gulbrandsen. Fire Department Sue Kruse, City Clerk Dale Sugerman. Assistant City Manager Melody Green, Recreation & Park Department Todd Kotas. Economic Development Director Mike Munro. Police Department The priorities of Strategy 5 are: 1. & 3. Business/Education Partnership and Youth Leadership Program - The City has decided to develop a youth leadership program modeled after the Chamber of Commerce's Adult Leadership Program and the Palm Beach County Youth Leadership Program. This program will include sophomores and juniors attending monthly sessions throughout the school year. At the completion of the leadership training element, we will have internship programs with the local businesses. The money paid in salaries will be matched through this project. The Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce have agreed to partner with the City on this project. It is hoped that the Chamber will take on the administration of this project. 2. & 4. MST/High School and Parental/Community Involvement - This project was named NICE (Neighborhoods Improving Community Education). In this effort, the City will partner with citizens and the schools with monthly meetings being held around the City at nine different schools. This program is for everyone in the commUnity - not just for families with children in the schools. The schools will be able to showcase themselves and solicit volunteers. The schools can become potential future meeting places for the neighborhood associations, 7 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 and the schools can become a par~ of the community, City departments will provide brief presentations in order to bring information into the community and end with a town meeting and q aestion and answer opportunity. 5. Culture - To survey our community on culturat issues and opportunities. we wili set up a Touchscreen Survey System at various locations through the City where residents and clients will have easy access, (This system was on display in the rear of the auditorium. Ninety-one people were present and were encouraged to participate in the survey.) Summary of Presentations Hank Ackermann Neighborhood Project Specialist WAITT (We're All In This Together) Mr Ackermann urged the community to act since this is a cooperative effort. Neighborhoods will become partners with the City in Certain projects. The City will provide some funding, ant the neighborhoods will provide manpower. If Boynton is to be the best it can be. this must be a partnership. He urged everyone present to register their neighborhoods so that neighborhood associations can ~)e identified. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS Leslie Lang, 124 SW 9th Avenue, requested that the City consider implementing an after-care program at the Civic Center. Mr. Frederick advised that this suggestion will be investigated. Dee Zibelli is concerned that encouraging industrial development in Quantum Park will decrease the property values in the north end of the City, Mayor Taylor advised that Quantum Park has always been an industrial and research and development park. The City is encouraging upscale industries such as BGI and Motorola Micheline Many requested that the City consider reverting to the original street names in the older par~ of the town. Some of these names included Jasmine Avenue. Palm Street. Dade Avenue etc. Mr. Rumpf explained that one of the consultant's tasks will be a historic analysis that will address this issue. Mike Fitzpatrick, 101 SW 4t~ Avenue, is concerned that environmental issues were not addressed in the Visions 20/20 process. He wants the City to address green space, and feels Sabal Palms or Royal Palms rather than Queen Palms should be planted in Cherry Hill to support local wildlife. 8 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 Commissioner Tillman advised that he spoke with Mr. Duncan of James Duncan & Associates about providing a greenbelt around the CRA. He is also concerned about environmental issues and would like this issue addressed. Anne Centi of Los Mangos is thrilled about the development of brochures, the foreign trade zone, and the unanimous support for the high school. She commended everyone for a job well aone. Sara Williams, 1331 SW 27t" Avenue, expressed pleasura about what the City is doing, She feels a sense of partnership. She expressed concern about the fact that the naming of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard never received a northeast or northwest designation This created a problem for her when she attempted to evict someone. In addition, while signage promotes pride, she encouraged the City to work with the schools to explore the use of signage to discourage crime which is a serious problem in the target area. She recommends educating young people to help them develop a sense of community pride. Mr. Hawkins explained that the street signs for Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard indicate east and west: however, the problem lies with the post office. The City will work on this to make sure the post office recognizes that NE 10TM Avenue is also Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The NICE component of Strategy 5 will offer ideas in the youth leadership program. Mr. Hawkins urged Ms. Williams to submit her ideas and suggestions in. writing to Virginia Farace. Jeannie Cantomi of SW Ist Avenue, is happy about the development of a brochure and the outreach programs at City Hall in the Mall. She questioned whether information about Boynton Beach will be available on the Intemet. Ms. Farace advised that the Library has a web server in operation and the City's web page will be available soon on the Internet: In addition, we are applying for an additional grant that will allow unlimited access to the Internet. Steve Scott, t021 South Federal Highway, Lucille & Otley's Restaurant, questioned how small businesses can get assistance to beautify their properties. Mr. Hawkins advised that the City is becoming an entitlement city through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As part of that program, we will be able to use some of the dollars to help small businesses develop. We hope to have programs available within six to nine months. Eisa Cohen suggested that the City plant more Palm trees rather than use banners in the downtown area. She further suggested that a Beautification Committee be formed. Mr. Frederick advised that Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway will soon be going through major rebuilding and landscaping as part of a DOT program. The program will include the installation of paver bricks and the planting of trees and shrubs. Paver bricks will also be installed in the intersection of Seacrest Boulevard and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Along Federal Highway, there will be reconstruction of the medians. This construction will be in progress over the next 12 to 18 months. 9 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 Micheline Many recommended that the City plant more shade trees and provide areas for roller bIading. Mr. Hallahan explained that the City always attempts to get the largest shade trees possible: however. DOT has restrictions on the size of trees to be planted. Large shade trees are proposed in some of the neighborhoods. Mr. Hallahan advised that there are some specific areas for roller blading in the City. Mr. Hallahan encouraged Ms. Many to present her suggestions to the consultants during the master planning process. Dixie Redmill. who lives just north of Gateway Boulevard, complained about the lack of landscaping on the 1-95 overpass in that location. She further asked for a status report on the Gateway Boulevard construction project. Milan Knor Director of Development Services. advised that the Gateway Boulevard project has been advertised for proposals and they are expected on June 24% A consultant will be selected and the project should be corn pleted by December of 1998. The delay is due to the necessary acquisition of rights-of-way. The City will front $750.000 and will be reimbursed by [he County. Mr. Frederick advised that two interchange projects are currently in design through DOT. These projects include the Woolbright Interchange and the Gateway Interchange, They are scheduled for construction in 1999 and will be funded by DOT Ms. Benjamin of SE 1st Court requested that the City consider construction of a playground or park in this southern section of the City. Mr. Frederick advised there is a piece of property which is approximately five to six acres in size that the City is investigating for purchase and development of a park. The City ~s aware of this void in the City; however, there is no funding mechanism in place at this time to fill that void, Mr. Hawkins asked Ms. Benjamin to bring her ideas to the City during the planning stages. Linda Szatmary urged the City not to forget the elderly durin~c this planning stage. Mr Hawkins reminded her that the City has a very vocal Senior Advisory Board. The City will be looking at senior programming with entitlement funds. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Commission, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:20 p.m 10 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1997 ATTEST: (Two Tapes) CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH Mayor ' ~ Vi~ayor 'C~ m is,,~one r ~//~~'~ Commissioner ,T' ,I Y T