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Minutes 06-23-92 (2)MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992, AT 7:00 P. M. RE: INTRACOASTAL AND QUANTUM PARKS PRESENT Arline Weiner, Mayor Lynne Matson, Vice Mayor Jose Aguila, Commissioner (Arrived late) Edward Harmening, Commissioner Robert Walshak, Commissioner J. Scott Miller, City Manager Sue Kruse, City Clerk Due to a prior commitment in Delray Beach, Commissioner Aguila arrived later in the meeting. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Weiner called the meeting to order at 7:05 P. M. INTRACOASTAL PARK Charles Frederick, Director of Recreation and Parks, introduced Gerald Marston, Senior Landscape Architect, and Kathy O'Leary, Project Landscape Architect, of Wallace Roberts & Todd. Mr. Marston said at the last meeting regarding this park, alternatives lA, lB, and 1C were reviewed and there was a consensus in favor of lA. He explained the modiifications made to lA, which included changing the end of the road to make droPoff at the picnic pavilion safer and more efficient; reducing the amount of paved parking and increasing the grass parking; adding exercise stations to the heart trail; varying the size of the picnic shelters; adding a gate to the entrance, increasing the space at the Veterans' Memorial area; and reducing the size of the lake to create more land area. He advised that he was informed by the lFlorida Department of Transportation that it was probably impossible to get a median cut. Therefore, the plan has been revised to show no median cut. The interpretative shelter in the water was placed on the land. A play structure, which is handicapped accessible, was added to the plan. Mayor Weiner asked how large the games area is. Ms. O'Leary advised it was 80' by I50'. Mr. Marston added that it'is bigger than a softball field. Nath~niel Weinshel of 2620 N. E. 1st Court thought the finalized plan was beautiful. However, he wondered if a fence should be put around the lake for the safety of the children. He asked if the lake can be reduced further to increase the open areas. Mr. Marston advised fill is needed for parts of this project and the lake is to be used for the generation of that fill. The lake would not be used for South Florida Management drainage and retention areas. The only thing needed to be treated is the storm water coming off paved surfaces. The storm water coming -1- #INUTES - SPECZAL CITY CO#HI$$ION HEETIHG BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 23, 1992 off roof surfaces does not have to be treated. Anything that is soft is not required to be treated with storm water retention/detention. The lake was created to be used for aesthetic purposes and could be made very safe by making the bank very shallow with a gradual slope. He pointed out that the park is right next to the Intracoastal, which is not going to be fenced. Mayor Weiner asked if there would be a mosquito problem because of the lake. Mr. Marston did not foresee a problem with mosquitoes since it is a ground water lake and will rise and fall slightly. It will also be aerated by a fountain. However, it does need to be maintained to keep it from becoming mosquito infested. Phtllp Flsher, a volunteer soccer coach for the City's Recreation Department, asked that the all purpose fields for football, baseball, and soccer be given as much consideration as possible at all sites because of the lack of these facili- ties in the City. He said unincorporated Boca Raton has two special taxing district parks and asked why Boynton Beach could not have something like this in the City. Mayor Weiner advised Mr. Fisher that the unincorporated area in Boynton Beach belongs to the County and it is up to the people who live there to ask the County for what they want. Vice Mayor Matson suggested that Mr. Fisher contact COBWRA. Bob~Olenlk~ Jr,, Executive Vice President of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce asked how large the lake is. Ms. O'Leary advised Mr. Olenik that the lake is ½ acre. Mr. Olenik hoped to continue to hold the Boynton Beach Seafest at this site. He agreed with Mr. Weinshel with regard to reducing the size of the lake further to permit more open space for large events. L~wrence L~¢rlol~ of Dos Lagos saw no use for the lake since the intracoastal is there and suggested expanding the baseball field and eliminating the lake. He said it is a waste 'of money to build and maintain the lake. Ken Hall of 110 S. E. 3rd Avenue asked that a portion of this park be used for water related activities, specifically boat ramps and beach area, since it is located on the Intracoastal. He said Boat Ramp Park is very busy, Boynton Beach does not have boat ramps for its residents, and the size of the City is increasing yearly. The north 150 feet of this parcel of land can be developed similar to Boat Ramp Park. The Comprehensive Plan addresses recreation and open space and says by 1995 the City will provide additional access to the Intra- coastal Waterway, maintain existing beach access to the City's oceanfront park, and~provide access facilities consistent with the Coastal Management Element. The Coastal Management Element says that by June of 1991 the City shall develop a master plan that includes additional shoreline access and boat ramps at the Intracoastal Waterway site recently approved for acquisition, and that the City shalll support, through resolutions, area wide efforts to acquire and develop additional waterfront and beachfront sites. Mr. Hall felt that in light of the economy and the budget, chances of getting additional funding for additional -2- HINUTES - SPECIAL CITY CO#HISSION HEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OUNE 23, 1992 water related activities is questionable. He suggested a marina facility for future use. Antonto Callendo hoped the City Commission considers providing security for bicyclists. He said the little metal rails normally provided to secure bicycles are not adequate. Eleanor Shuff~n of 2520 N. E. 1st Court asked how much this project is going to cost. Commissioner Harmening advised it was estimated to cost $2.5 million. Ms. Shuman asked when the park will be developed.. Mayor Weiner advised it will probably be done through a bond issue and will have to be brought before the citizens. Ms. Shuman felt this park would be ideal for the Boynton G.A.L.A. Mayor Weiner pointed out that the Boynton G.A.L.A is intended to draw people to the downtown area. Dan Boy~r of Lake Boynton Estates suggested xeriscape principals be followed when designing the landscape, and putting the plantings in mulched areas. He suggested using native plants as much as possible. He hoped full cut-off fixutres will be used at this park to prevent disorienting the sea turtles and wasting energy. Ste11~ Rossi of 625 Whispering Pines Road was in favor of the cracker style tin roofs and the interpretative gazebo being placed on land. She recommended native habitat indigenous to coastal hammock. She mentioned the problem of drownings in Palm Beach County and said the native plant people feel that aquatic plantings in the lake will deter children from going into the lake, and would also improve the water quality and encourage coastal birds. Mlke Fitzpatrick of 101S. W. 4th Avenue said the Kiwanis-Sierra Clubs Park was planted using City grown native trees by volunteers. He was sure volunteers could be found to plant native species in the Intracoastal Park when the time comes. Vice Mayor Matson asked Mr. Frederick the percentage of native plants City code requires to be used. Mr. Frederick believed it was at least 25% and under cer- tain circumstances, 50% is required. Mr. ~Frederick requested the City Commission's approval of the conceptual master plan. If approved, the architects will prepare a final written report. When all ithe conceptual master plans are approved for all five parks, a meeting will be Called with staff and the City Commission to discuss timing, schedules and potelntial funding mechanisms. Ther~e was discussion about the rock at the Veterans' Memorial. Commissioner Walslhak thought there was talk about a new monument. The rock belongs to the Ameriican Legion and might be moved to the Legion. Mayor Weiner advised addi- tion!s to this plan are still possible, even if the conceptual master plan is approved. -3- HINUTE$ - SPECIAL CITY COte4IS$ION NEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ~UNE 23, 199~ Vice Mayor Maton stated this plan pretty much meets the concerns discussed at the last workshop. However, she was concerned about what Mr. Hall said about the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Frederick believes the Comprehensive Plan indicates that this is one potential site where ramps could be built and does not say they have to be built at this site. In addition, the plan can be amended. Commissioner Walshak pointed out that DCA initially made a formal statement that the cities should try to include water related activities along Intracoastal properties and that there is nothing in the Comprehensive Plan that says there has to be a boat ramp at this park. Commissioner Harmening thought the overall concept is very attractive. #orlon Commissioner Harmenin9 moved to approve the preliminary master plan as presented tonight. Commissioner Walshak secOnded the motion which carried 4-0. . Commissioner Aguila was not yet present. MAYOR WEINER DECLARED A RECESS AT 7:52 P. M. THE MEETING RESUMED AT 7:57 P. M. QUAHTUI~ PARK Mr. Frederick advised that a final master plan is not ready to be reviewed because there were too many suggestions at the last workshop to put all of them on one plan. Therefore, two plans will be presented tonight which have attempted to address the comments made at the last workshop and the concerns of the residents of Dos Lagos. Mr. Frederick asked that the June 19, 1992 meeting be rescheduled to mid July since Jim Park of Gee and Jenson is going into the hospital with a bad back. Commissioner Harmening felt Gee and Jenson should pay for any advertising costs for resetting the meeting. Mr. Frederick will mail out new notices to the people. The Commission had no objection to rescheduling the June 29, 1992 meeting. Mr. Park said at the last meeting Alternates A and B seemed to be much better received than Concepts 1, 2, and 3. He reviewed Alternate A which was not changed. He reviewed Alternate B (revised) which had some minor changes. A play~round was added. It contains three picnic pavilions, two tennis courts and two basketball courts. The health trail wraps through the site and allows con- tinuous jogging without crossing any traffic. The batting and pitching cages have been moved next to the maintenance building on the east side of the site. This resi( ordel riel( riel( with( plan shifts the functions over to a location least objectionable to the lents. He reviewed Concept C which broadens the range of facilities. In to incorporate soccer, it was necessary to shift the regulation baseball back to the west side of the site and overlap the soccer and Little League s. This plan incorporates as many functions as possible into this site ~ut the acquisition of additional property. -4- #[NUTES - SPECIAL CITY COI~ISSION #EETING , BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 23, 1992 With regard to Concept C, Mr. Frederick said the far northern corner where the youth basketball court is, is not a lighted facility. It is a single court pri- marily used during the daytime and is not designed for night purposes. At the Recreation and Park Board meeting last night, a motion carried 4-2 in favor of Concept C with elimination of the tennis courts. It was thought that the soccer field provides additional activity and programming that makes the park available for more people. At this point in the meeting, Commissioner Aguila arrived. Nathanial Weinshel of 2620 N. E. 1st Court, a member of the Recreation and Park Board, said Plan C provides a much more multi-purpose park. He was in favor of a soccer field. He suggested eliminating the tennis courts to increase the parking. He suggested the addition of a band shell. Lawrence L~criola of Dos Lagos wanted shuffleboard and horseshoe courts for senior citizens. He was concerned that the lights might reflect onto Dos Lagos. Mayor Weiner advised Mr. Lacriola that the City is in various phases of develop- ment on other parks within the City. The next phase in the Congress Avenue Park is going to have championship shuffleboard courts. She also advised Mr. Lacriola of the need for more ball fields in the City. Rose Thompson of 78 Vista Del Rio preferred Alternate B, revised or unrevised, which she felt minimizes the park. E~rd Sherff~n of 70 Vista Del Rio asked what the distance is from the entrance accessing the park to the canal. Mr. Park advised it is approximately 250 feet from the property line to the center line of the entrance. Mr. Sherman asked if the berm is going to be on the water district property. Mr. Park advised the berm is going to be within the City's property within the park. Mr. Sherman said since Miner Road has been built, it is a garbage dump. Mayor Weiner said this can certainly be attended to. Shell!a Shuhi of 73 Vista Del Rio was in favor of Alternate B (revised) rather than !Concept C, which she felt tries to incorporate too much in the park. She was against a band shell in this park and suggested a band shell be planned if the City annexes property west of town, and that the people be informed of thiS befone they make a decision to move into that community. Mayor Weiner said she has a)lways thought it a bad idea to have a band shell in the City no matter where) it is placed. ' Larryl Leathers of 46 Heather Cove Drive complimented the architects and felt they have taken into consideration all the views expressed at the last meeting. He fe!lt it was essential to have three baseball fields in this park and make use of this park for this type activity because it is the last large parcel in the City. -5- HZNUTE$ - SPECIAL CITY COI~IS$ION HEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA dUNE 23, 1992 Bob Thompson of 78 Vista Del Rio was in favor of Alternate B (revised) and opposed to Concept C. Dallas D, Ricks approved of Alternate B (revised) and opposed Concept C. Dan Boyar of 712 S. W. 3rd Avenue would like xeriscape principals followed, natiVe trees and shrubs used, and full cut-off fixtures utilized to save energy. He said high intensity spotlights spill light skyward and spill glare into adja- cent residential areas, and decorative type lighting shines straight up. Commissioner Aguila said there are a lot of ~hings he likes about Alternate B {revised); however, he liked Concept C because it has a soccer field. He asked which plan would cost more. Mr. Frederick advised that the soccer and ball field areas would require additional maintenance in terms of turf replacement. The soccer field may cost more because higher poles and more lights will be needed. Commissioner Aguila asked if other locations were available for a soccer field. Mr. Frederick advised that the City is presently using one soccer field at Caloosa Park, which is in great demand. Congress Middle School has two soccer fields, neither one of which are lit. In response to Mayor Weiner, Mr. Frederick said Ezell Hester Park is already master planned and has one major baseball field which could be converted to a very tight down sized soccer field. The other two projected fields are Little League and softball size neither one large enough for soccer. ' Discussion ensued regarding which plan would generate more noise. Vice Mayor Matson pointed out that this is a regional park and not a ball park and alt the last meeting it was specified that soccer be included. She suggested the Playground be near the restroom to accommodate the children. Mr. Frederick mentioned the hazard of foul balls from the ball fields hitting the children and the liability attached to that. Mr. Frederick advised that horseshoes, bocci and shuffleboard courts can be accommodated in a picnic area very easily. Commissioner Harmening was in favor of a soccer field. Mr. Frederick would like to bring back a final conceptual plan for the City Commission's review and adoption. ,Motl on CommiSsioner Aguila moved to approve Concept C without the tennis courts and with the addition of bocci or a shuffleboard court. Vice Mayor Matson seconded the motion which carried 5-0. -6- MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COI~4ISSION MEETING B~Y~I'ON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 23, 1992 Mr. Miller will set up a time and day for the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:55 P. M. THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ATTEST: Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) ~ / /~/ ~O~Fissioner .. ~t~y Commissioner Commissioner -7-