Minutes 05-02-97 MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
HELD AT THE UNITED WAY BUILDING IN QUANTUM PARK, BOYNTON BEACH,
FLORIDA, ON FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1997, AT 3:30 P.M.
PRESENT
Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor
Jamie Titcomb Vice Mayor
Matt Bradley, Commissioner
Shirley Jaskiewicz. Commissioner
Henderson Tillman. Commissioner
Kerry Willis. City Manager
Mike Pawelczyk, Asst. City Attorney
Sue Kruse. City Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
The presentation began at 3:40 p.m As background for this presentation Clarence Anthony,
Facilitator. advised that ir: March this leadership group met to talk about Vision 20/20. and to
establish priorities. Five priorities were established including:
1. City-wide Commercial Revitalization and Economic Development:
2. Neighborhood Revitalization:
PublicSafety/Crime Prevention;
4. Quality of Life/Image and Character'
5. Education.
During this staff presentation, the costs and restraints associated with these priorities will be
discussed Staff worked together to develop creative ideas that have been labeled "Vision
20/20 Quick Victory Projects". Mr. Anthony commended staff for their efforts.
Mr. Anthony reminded evehjone that these presentations will create a vision for the community
that will take time. However, many of these projects will show collaboration among the City,
community groups, public safety and the business community within the City.
strategy 1
City-wide (Commercial Revitalization and Economic Development)
Team members include:
Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant to the City Manager
John Guidry, Utility Director
Tambri Heyden, Planning & Zoning Director
Todd Kotas, Economic Development Director
ChaHes Frederick, Recreation & Park Director
Diane Reese, Finance Director
MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
Priorities
Task Consultants - This item is being handled by the City Commission. The
consulting firm of James Duncan & Associates has been seIected as the master
planner for the Visions 20/20 project. The City is now in negotiations with this firm
relative to the tasks to be handled.
Tambri Heyden advised that the scope of work for James Duncan & Associates & Urban
Design Studios will go to the City Commission on May 6. It ncludes five tasks as follows:
1. Evaluation and analysis of our existing regulations. The work product will include revised
language for the LDRs and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map.
2. Study of the current CRA boundaries for expansion along Federal Highway.
3. Development of area plans for five Targeted areas including Martin Luther King, Jr.
Boulevard, Boynton Beach Boulevard. Ocean Avenue. and the marina area;
4 Housing and Neighborhood Analysis to encourage in-fill and residential mixed use in the
older neighborhoods and evaluate neighborhoods needing rehabilitation.
5. The final report will be the final task. and will combine many of the studies that we currently
have into one corr prehensive document.
Public Private Partnershi ps and closer ties with Quantum Park developer - We
would like to develop a partnership between the City and the Tambone group to do
more target marketing to help attract businesses to Quantum Park.
Todd Kotas spoke about Priorities 2 & 4. The City is trying to develop public/private
partnerships with Quantum Park and the Tambone group. It is recommended that we allocate
$5,000 to help develop published materials and provide "foreign trade zone" signage. Some of
the partnerships could include the Port of Palm Beach, Motorola. Walmart FPL. and the
Tambone Group. These partners could help fund some of the presentation materials that are
needed. We would like to develop a publication that advertises available sites and lands that
are presently vacant. An allocation of $5,000 would be for a target market brochure for selling
the City of Boynton Beach.
Develop a Master Centralized Stormwater Management Facility to
accommodate stormwater from a redeveloped downtown area - We would like
to create a team of City staff members to start planning projects on how to
accommodate the drainage for future downtown redevelopment
John Guidry reported on the following goals that were established:
Develop a master stormwater management facility to accommodate stormwater for a
redeveloped downtown area in order to improve treatment of water quality.
Increase flexibility for redevelopment by centralizing stormwater management with
the following objectives:
a. create a series of green areas for drainage retention and neighborhood
enhancement:
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
b. use a combination of wet retention and drainage wells east of US #1 with
possible dry retention in other areas. This could be funded as a stormwater
project via revenue bonds with capital contributions in lieu of construction for
those parcels using the facility.
c. hiring specializect stormwater professionals for technical work such as
surveying, and design. Funding is available for contract services.
The following steps are ~m portant:
1. Gather basis data of potential needs for retention/detention facilities and define the
master planning areas to be served:
2. conduct predesign as a basis for cost estimates on drainage system improvements:
3. define capital repayment program:
4. initiate construction sequence and coordination: and
5. planning for downtown development.
It is believed that most of the items can be accomplished within 12 months.
Develop materials to adequately represent Boynton Beach's industrial-
opportunities for industries to locate here - We would like to create an overall
marketing plan for the City to help people realize the opportunities here for
development.
This item was addressed by Todd Kotas with Item #2.
Quick Victory Projects - These projects will include banner programs for Boynton
Beach Boulevard and East Ocean Avenue, and the development of a "Green Market
Program".
Charles Frederick reminded everyone that we are trying to promote Boynton Beach visually.
When the City investigated the Boynton Beach Boulevard Association request for banners on
Boynton Beach Boulevard, the Ocean Avenue corridor was added. With the assistance of the
Chamber of Commerce, the City would like to develop a banner program that would be
changed three times a year. The City will hang the banners. Approximately $10,000 should
cover the entire area from 1-95 to Federal Highway, down Federal Highway to Ocean Avenue,
and from the bridge to Kids' Kingdom and the museum. This program could be accomplished
within a 60 to 90 day period.
In addition, in response to a letter from a store owner on Ocean Avenue, the City investigate
the request for a "Green Market" in Veteran's Park, and it is felt this would be a very good
Vision 20/20 project. This project can be done with seed money to get the initial promotion
started.
Strategy 2
Neighborhood Revitalization
Team members include:
Al Newbold, Acting Building Director
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
Care] Fisher. Acting Public Works Director
Marshall Gage, Police Chief
Kevin Hallahan. City Forester
Michael Pawelczyk, Assistant City Attorney
Scott Bias]e, Code Enforcement Administrator
Priorities
Facilitate the creation of neighborhood associations - identification. This
would promote community involvement in government and pride in the
neighborhoods. In addition, this will create enthusiasm.
Scott Blasie advised that the City has been helping to facilitate the organization of
neighborhood associations. The City has identified 10 or 12 neighborhood associations that are
currently in operation. This number does not include [he 30 associations the Police are
currently working with. The new Community Appearance Code is in place and working well and
people are getting together to talk about what is happening. This is helping the City form a
base for neighborhood organizations. The City's goal is to have an association in every area of
the City including the industrial areas.
2. ICON Identification. Communication. Ownership of Neighborhood (Pride,
landscaping, signage)
Kevin Hallahan displayed photos of sample signs. Between the months of May and June. the
City would be out for bids to have a contractor make the association identification signs. The
contrac~ would be awarded in July, and the first sign would be instal]ed in August. The signage,
with landscaping and irrigation, provides cohesiveness. The current proposed budget for these
signs would be $300 [o $400 each. However. it is felt that the signs should be made from
recycled plastic, thereby ~ncreasing the cost to approximately $800 to $1.000.
Enforce Code Consistently - While it is agreed that the problem is not inconsistent
enforcement, there is a perception problem among the citizens.
Scott BIasie advised that the Code Enforcement Division feels the Codes are enforced
consistently; however, the public has a different opinion. Code Enforcement designed a color-
coded map which indicates the areas of responsibility for the inspectors. Mr. Blasie displayed
the map. This map will be posted at City Hall in the Mall. This program will be expanded and
more educational types of material will be provided. This map will be taken to the neighborhood
association meetings so that the people will realize that Code Enforcement is not practicing
selective enforcement.
4. Identify resources, communicate to citizens, and facilitate assistance - Most of
the funding was devoted to this area, and our efforts in this area were combined with
the Strategy 3 team.
5.
Mike Pawelczyk explained that the most significant part of Priority #4 is the combination of
efforts with the Strategy 3 team. The development of a brochure identifying County, State and
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
local assistance will be part the Code Enforcement process. The brochure will assist in
alleviating the pressures that go along with being cited.
Since City Hall in the Mall is such a great resource, there will be efforts to expand the use of
this office. We would like to create a directory of names and telephone numbers of City
employees who can answer questions posed by the public. The workers at City Hall in the Mall
will have this directory available as a response tool. There are plans to computerize this
directory in the future. In addition, each department will have a designated time twice a month
to place an individual at City Hall in the Mall.
Kevin Hallahan said the City Es working with groups in Cherry Hills on NW 12t~ and NW 13~n
Avenues. and NW 17~n Avenue and Seacrest. In the area of NW 17~ and Seacrest. there Es a
median where trees were planted approximately 10 years ago. Most of those trees are not
alive. The City is working with Housing and Urban Development and some of the community
residents to remove the Trees and replace them with Palm trees. This project should be
completed in September.
Stella Rossi urged the Cityto keep in mind that it is important to make the correct choices
relative to the plantings. She recommended contacting the Native Plant Society for assistance
in educating people on what will survive in this area.
Robert Taylor recommended providing the Chamber of Commerce with the inventory of
volunteer opportunities because there are many organizations that are willing to assist with
these programs.
Strategy 3
Public Safety/Crime Prevention
Team members include:
Marshall Gage - Police Chief
Jim Ness - Acting Fire Chief
Lt. Steve Graham - Police Department
Sgt. Frank Briganti - Police Department
Officer Bill Tome - Police Department
Priorities
1. Communicating public safety information by promoting and developing
neighborhood associations.
A decision was made to combine efforts with Strategy Team #2 to bring neighborhood
associations together for sharing of information and problems, and solutions to those problems.
Approximately four months ago, the Police Department created "Club Law and Order" (a
coalition of existing neighborhood associations. COP Programs. and Crime Watch) in an effort
to start getting residents across the City to join in the sharing of ideas and solutions to
problems. All departments of the City were brought into this process to share more problems
and solutions. This concept was overwhelmingly accepted, and the team would like to present
this ~n a Town Meeting to be held by the Mayor and Commissioners early next month. It is
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
anticipated that 300 ;)eopie will attend this meeting. This project will cost $3 000 to cover the
cost of mailings and refreshments for the meetings that will be one to two hours in length. The
cost of this project will be shared with funds from the Strategy 2 team
2. Getting Officers involved in neighborhood activities.
Marshall Gage advised that we will borrow the City of Miami Beach's program known as
"HAMAR" (Homeowners Assistance, Maintenance and Repair). This program is designed to
upgrade residences in areas where the people are elderly and cannot handle the work. or
cannot afford to do the work to brin~c their properties up to Code. Volunteers are soIicited from
the community to work one-half or one full day to help out the homeowners. It is proposed that
$5.000 will be taken from the Strategy 3 Team, as well as $5.000 from the Strategy 2 Team to
~rovide seed money for this program. Many of the businesses in the community will contribute
services and materials. This program can begin at the end of July or beginning of August.
3. Promoting and developing youth and mentor programs with a crime
prevention awareness theme.
Officer Bill Tome reported that since the existing PAL football program does not include 8 to 10
year olds. it is the recommendation of this team to expand that program to include those
youths. This program targets at-risk children and develops sense of responsibility, esteem
building, and team building. This program can begin in June at Hester Park.
4. Expanding Citizens Observer Patrol groups and Crime Watch groups.
Jim Ness advised that the COP program and Crime Watch solve problems. The City would like
to expand these programs by developing a public relations campaign and by entering into a
partnership with South Tech for the development of a video to be used in presentations to
neighborhood associations. We hope to expand the fleet of vehicles for the COP Program by
seeking donated cars, and using golf carts. This team allocated $5,000 for this priority. Of that
money, the video will cost less than $500, and $3,000 will be used for golf carts. The remainder
of the money will be set aside for advertising costs.
5. Open Police Substations
There is currently a Police substation in Cherry Hills, and the City Commission will be
addressing another Police substation in the Boynton Plaza Shopping Center on Congress
Avenue: The funding for this substation is $5,000. This substation program will be evaluated
for effectiveness at these locations.
Strategy 4
Quality of Life/Image and Character
Team members include:
Joe Sciortino, Golf Course Director
Scott Blasie, Code Enforcement Administrator
Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager
Carol Fisher; Acting Public Works Director
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY coMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
Charles Frederick, Director of Recreation & Park
John Guidry, Utility Director
Kevin Hailahan, City Forester
Ginny Shea, Special Events - Recreation & Park Department
Priorities
I Appearance and Beautification
Carel Fisher advised that one of the first things that can be done is to replace the green and
white street signs with new white and blue signs containing the City seal from 1-95 to the
Intracoastal Waterway on Boynton Beach Boulevard. from Seacrest to the Intracoastal
Waterway on Ocean Avenue. from Boynton Beach Boulevard to Woolbright Road on Federal
Highway, and Woolbdght Road from [-95 to Federal Highway. There are 129 signs involved in
this program that will take approximately 60 days to prepare at a cost of $5 166. The funding rs
appropriated in the Visions plan
Joe Sciortino reminded everyone that the City identification signs that we currently have on
major thoroughfares are not present at all entrances to the City. Therefore. three additional
signs will be put in pIace on north Federal Highway entering the City, Gateway Boulevard and
Lawrence Road, and on Woolbright Road heading east into the City. The initial cost of this
program rs approximately $1,000 per sign using recycled plastic.
Charles Frederick advised that there will be a great dear of change taking place on Federal
Highway and Boynton Beach Boulevard as a result of work DOT rs doing in this area. There will
be median reconstruction on Federal Highway and new landscaping will be planted. Boynton
Beach Boulevard will have a lot of paver brick and planting in the rights-of-way. This work will
beg~n m approximately six months and will last for about 18 months
2. Increase recreational opportunities
Charles Frederick reported that our recreation programs do not reach a lot of the at-risk
children who need these programs. We have an $800 scholarship program that operates
through the Recreation and Park Department. The City would like to expand this arogram and
have an initial outlay of $5.000. We will contact three non-profit organizations to solicit
donations To go into this scholarship fund. The goal would be to reach 100 children this year
and then add to that program for the future.
With regard to street events in the downtown, the City would like to continue these events, and
we are still looking for business to be the main facilitators workers, and planners of those
programs with the help of the City from a support standpoint. We would like to provide three
events in the next 12 months, and this will require an allocation of $5 250.
3 User Friendly City Government Service
Joe Sciortino circulated identification tags that will be used in all City departments. The cost of
these tags will be $1.645.
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
It is also recommended that a short exit rating survey be distributed to citizens to provide
feedback on their service
4. Strong Communications & Public Relations Programs
In reviewing this issue, five themes were developed. They are:
1. Develop a standardized method for answering the telephone through the City.
There will be three types of ways to answer the phone:
a "Good Morning. This is the Public Works Department. My name is Mary.
How may I help you?"
b. "It's a great day at Hester Park. This is Sam. How can I help you?"
Switchboard would answer. "Good morning, City of Boynton Beach. My
name is Jo. How may I direct your call?"
All calls will end with. "Thank you for calling the City of Boynton Beach".
2 A sign has already been developed [hat will identify a project as being a Visions
20/20 oroject.
A City newsletter will be developed and sent to citizens with the utility bill when we
change to the envelope system of billing. Until that time, we will prepare a one-
page, two-sided newsletter that will be hand-delivered to City buildings,
neighborhood associations, and other locations throughout the City.
A Citizens Action Center will be provided The citizens will be given a phone number
which will allow them to call into City Hall with questions, comments or complaints. If
the person manning the phone cannot answer the question, the information will be
entered into a corn puter which will generate a work order that will be forwarded to
the appropriate department for action. Hopefully, the citizen will have a response
within three days. The City Manager's' Office will track these work orders.
5. Wilfred Hawkins will take on the responsibilities of the City's Public Information
Officer. He will work with staff and the news media.
Increase Cultural Opportunities
Ginny Shea reported we would like to offer a cultural opportunities outreach program at City
Hall in the Mall. In addition, we would like to present a music ensemble and visual arts
demonstrations. The cost for the program is $1,500 and it could include publicity, lectures
honorarium, decorations, signage and ads.
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
Commissioner Bradley recommended that all of the signs read. "City of Boynton Beach".
rather than "Boynton Beach~',
Henry Ackermann recommended that the City employees have picture name tags. City
Manager Willis advised that this is under consideration.
Strategy 5
Education/Youth Strategy
Team members include:
Virginia Farace, Library Director
ArIeen Dennison. Museum Coordinator
Sue Kruse. City Clerk
Melody Green. Recreation Superintendent
Bill Gulbrandsen. Chief of Training - Fire Department
Mike Munro. Force Services Administration - Police Department
Dale Sugerman. Assistant City Manager
Todd Kotas, Economic Development Director
Priorities
1 & 3. Business/Education Partnership and Youth Leadership Program
Melody Green advised that the goal of these programs is to encourage leaders among Boynton
Beach high school students. We would provide a series of seminars followed by active
internships and mentoring programs among the Boynton Beach businesses. This is a pilot
program modeled after the leadership program in Palm Beach County and the adult leadership
program of the Boynton Beach Chamber of Comme~-ce; A $10,000 allocation would pay
stipends during the internship. This would be a 50% matching grant. The Boynton Beach
Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce already provided their support for these programs.
Planning for this program would be done from May through July. in August, the program would
be advertised, and the students will be selected in September. From October through May, the
seminars will be conducted, and the program will be evaluated in June. The outcome would be
increased educational opportunities, business partnerships and funds.
2. &4.
Neighbors Improving Community Education
Boynton Beach continues to support the importance of a math/science technology feeder
school system and funding for a high school.
Bill Gulbrandsen explained that the goal is to ~mprove the delivery of education to all citizens in
Boynton Beach, and to make the City of Boynton Beach a partner with the citizens. In order to
do this, we would host monthly programs at different neighborhood schools. Nine schools have
been identified. Community groups and associations will be invited to attend these meetings,
and the PTAs will be involved. The school will be used as a center, and refreshments will be
served. A paneI of representatives from City departments will make brief presentations on
various educational and community programs offered by the City. There will be a mini town
meeting at the close of the program with a question and answer period.
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
Mr. Gulbrandsen elaborated on the programs offered by Fire/Rescue. and suggested the
formulation of a speakers bureau that will be able to make presentations to the public for an
hour or two.
Mike Munro explained the Boynton Beach Police Department programs which include D.A.R.E..
G.R.E.A.T.. Danger Stranger. Police Explorers Citizens Police Academy, and Crime Prevention
Training. The Police Department can make speakers and demonstrations available for
meetings.
Sue Kruse reported on the programs available [hrough the Boynton Beach Library. The
following programs are available: Story Hours. Brown Bag Lunch Programs, National Issues
Forum, Institute of New Dimensibns. Free Net Training, Children's Programs. Discussion
Groups, Great Books. Lecture Series. and Financial Services. The Library can make speakers
available for meetings and businesses.
Dale Sugerman advised that the Recreation and Park Department offers the following
programs: Junior Lifeguard. Art. Dance & Music Programs. Theatre Training, Athletics/Sports
Programs, After-school Programs. Safe Place. and Tutodng Programs. The Recreation and
Park Department can make speakers available for meetings and businesses.
5. Cultural Aspect
Arleen Dennison explained that the team determined that a survey of the community is
necessary to find out what the citizens would like to see with regard to cultural and educational
programs. We would like to introduce the public to the Touchscreen Survey System The
survey can be input into computer software and brought to various City locations to poll the
citizens. The County Library is already using this equipment for samplings in their branch
offices.
SUMMARY
Mr. Anthony thanked staff for their time and effort in developing this program. He felt the
creative energy of staff was very obvious in this presentatio~
All of the projects that were identified will be funded through the 1996/97 Vision 20/20 budget.
Some funds will come out of department budgets, but it is important to share this funding
information so that citizens ~<now that these items were planned. Mr. Anthony felt there were
three phases outlined relative to where the City will go forward as these strategies are
implemented. They are:
I Quick Victory Projects - These are visible projects that people will see.
Master Planning - As the "Quick Victory Projects" are n progress, the master plan will be
developed that will identify more projects and programs that are needed. There will be
mplementation steps during this process also. Mr. Anthony will recommend that the
consultant work with a staff member so that they remain focused. Funding is very
mportant, and there will be a financing plan associated with the master plan.
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING. QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
Implementation _ This phase will come after the master plan. He urged staff to imp ement
the projects delineated Jn the master plan This entire process will take leadership to ensure
that everyone remains creative ana focused throughout the phases.
Mr. Anthony Congratulated everyone involved, and announced that the kick-off meeting to share
these ideas with the public will be on June 9. 1997, at 7:00 p.m.. in the Civic Center.
Commissioner Bradley advised that Mike Fitzpatrick has requested [hat a sixth strategy be
implementect relative to environmental issues. While Commissioner Bradley feels it is too late
to implement a sixth strategy, he acknowledges the importance of this issue, and believes that
all of the five strategies should have a component that adctresses environment.
Mr. Anthony agreed that it would be very dJffJcuJ~ to change the process at this time to add
another priority. He is hopeful that as the priorities are achieved, this iSsue can be a priority at
the next session.
O~ behalf of the entire Commission, Mayor Taylor expressed his pride in the staff for the work
that was done in such a short period of time. He realized that this presentation of ideas came
about after a great deal of hard work and effort, and he appreciated this outstanding work. in
addition, he thanked Mr. Anthony for his excellent work in facilitating this program.
Mr. Anthony advised that a presentation will be macle at the City Commission meeting on
Tuesday evening. He reminded the City Manager of the importance of progress updates to the
Commission every six months so that the Commission is aware of what has happened, and to
a~Jow them to amend ~he time frame if necessary. He also reminded the Commissioners of the
importance of integrating this program into the budget process. It Js his recommendation that
the Commission redefine the role and functJo~ of the implementation task force because it is
important to keep discussion ongoing.
City Manager Willis thanked staff for developing their plan. She ~s very pleased and proud of
the outcome. Jn addition, she acknowledged the presence of Larry Roberts, Public Works
Director. Reverend Ackermann. Neighborhood Specialist. and Milan Knot. Development
Director.
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MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
UNITED WAY BUILDING - QUANTUM PARK
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MAY 2, 1997
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Commission. the meeting properly
adjourned at 6:30 o.m.
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
ATTEST:
City Clerk
mmissioner ~'/~//'~"-~
g Secretary
(Four Tapes)
Commissioner
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