Minutes 01-30-92SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION
CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1992 AT 6:00
PRESENT
Arline Weiner, Mayor
Edward Harmening, Vice Mayor
Jose Aguila, Commissioner
Lillian Artis, Commissioner
Lynne Matson, Commissioner
Carrie Parker, Asst.
City Manager
James Cherof, City
Attorney
Sue Kruse, City Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Weiner called the Special City Commission Meeting to order
at 6:05 p.m. This meeting was called for the purpose of
discussing the proposed County Commission Charter amendments.
PRESENTATIONS
Mike Mertino, President, Palm Beach County MuniciDel League, made
the first presentation. The purpose of his attendance at this
meeting was to help the Commissioners understand the problems
which will be faced by cities and municipalities concerning some
of the programs being followed by the County Commissioners; spe-
cifically, the ballot referendum.
For the last several years, the Municipal League has been
involved with issues concerning Palm Beach County. In the last
year, it has concerned itself with the Planning Council. In
1986, the Planning Council was formed. The Charter was quite
specific in its duties. Trela White was instrumental in getting
the Planning Council back on course after it had strayed.
Mr. Martino focused on the Charter language. There is little
basis for this to be on the ballot. The issue is on the ballot
in way that suggests "apple pie and motherhood". The language on
the ballot is general, but the language in the Ordinance is
somewhat deceptive and will transfer all of the municipal power
with regard to land use to the County Commissioners. They will
decide what to do with land development regulations. It further
suggests that sign ordinances could come under their purview.
Their reasoning for the ballot language is to suggest to the
public that there is no countywide planning in Palm Beach County.
Since 1985, there has been more planning in Palm Beach County
than most care to discuss. The implementation of the Growth
Management Statute allowed planning in Palm Beach County. We
have spent millions of dollars in planning. Diversity is an
asset and will disappear under the language in this ballot issue.
Most of the comprehensive plans are in compliance. One of the
local governments which has not complied with the Growth Manage-
1
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY ~0, 1992
ment Statute and with DCA's requirements is Palm Beach County.
They have a traffic element which is not in compliance at DCA for
over a year. They cannot get it into compliance because they
did not supply the necessary backup data.
The Municipal League's position is that there was a Planning
Council. On November 26th, the County Commissioners decided to
disband the Planning Council. In December, under the Charter
requirements, the municipalities regrettably decided to sunset
the Planning Council.
Mr. Martino stated he has heard of a situation in Palm Beach
County regarding borders such as roads, the environment, and
water. He stated all of what he said was something which was
part of the planning process in Palm Beach Gardens. It was
reviewed in the context of the borders. When public hearings
were held, Palm Beach County had an opportunity to comment along
with South Florida Management District and any other entity
dealing with the city. The plans were submitted to DCA who
distributed them to the agencies and probably Palm Beach County
for comment. He stated that to suggest borders were not con-
sidered is ignorance of how the plan~ works. The County
Commissioners have a lot of work and he feels they don't truly
understand what the Growth Management Statute states and the
requirements of its implementation.
In the last several years, the Municipal League has been a viable
organization involved in the processes and creating ideas.
Municipal League members are elected officials similar to county
officials. Mr. MartinO suggested municipal officials be treated
the same as county officials. He stated that powers would be
transferred to the County Commissioners, taxes would be raised,
bureaucracy will increase, government will be taken away from
the people and it will do the least good in the area of creation
of jobs. The referendum boils down to a power grab on the part
of the Commissioners.
In order to get the message out to the voters, the Municipal
League has suggested the following:
The Municipal League no longer has standing since the
Planning Council was dissolved. It is now an infor-
mational source to resolve the ballot issue. A political
committee has been formed. It is a single issue oriented
committee focusing on the defeat of the ballot referen-
dum. This committee is known as the Save Our Local
Environment (S.O.L.E.) Committee. Nancy Graham is the
Chairwoman. She is Mayor of West Palm Beach.
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SINUT S - SPECIAL CITY CO IssIO" ETINS
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY $0, 1992
The legal issue is being studied. The Municipal League
suggested that the municipalities consider their legal
options. A meeting was held with twenty (20) city attor-
neys in attendance. It was determined the municipalities
have options which need to be further studied and
pursued. A subcommittee meeting was held today and a
larger meeting will be held next wednesday. Within a few
days after that meeting, we expect to learn what the
options are. The cost of the legal option needs to be
considered. At this point, the cost is unknown, but Mr.
Martino pointed out that the road and bridge legal
question did not cost a lot of money. He hopes this will
cost no more than that effort. The fee will be equally
disbursed among all involved.
Trela White, Municipal League Attorney, explained that that
Charter was created in 1986 to create a Land Use Element only.
There were protective mechanisms. The cities' adoptive plan was
to be submitted to the Planning Council and should have been a
composite of all the plans in the County. The cities were
assured their plans would not be changed on the composite unless
there were intergovernmental incompatibilities (ii) which could
not be resolved with a neighbor. All of these double ii's were
worked out with the exception of six throughout the County. A
compromise was agreed upon. The Planning Council voted 12-4 to
allow the Planning Council to continue and asked the County not
to change the Charter language. If, after a chance, it couldn't
work, then it could be amended. The County did not agree. The
municipalities asked the County Commissioners to give the
Planning Council a chance. The County refused. For this reason,
the municipalities decided to sunset the Planning Council.
The County has placed an Ordinance on the Charter in ballot
language which will take away the planning and zoning powers of
the cities. If this referendum passes, the citizens will have to
appear before the County Commissioners regarding zoning.
Their voices will fall on deaf ears. The cities will lose their
home flavor.
The County Commissioners will have staff attend meetings to
attempt to convince the voters that this referendum is a good
idea. They will say that when the cities sunset the Planning
Council, $3 million was wasted. They will make it appear that
they are trying to salvage the plan.
She explained the Ordinance which has been passed by the County
Commissioners. She specifically referred to Ordinance 92-1, Page
4, Section 7 2 which describes the scope. It points out that in
addition to adopting, amending, implementing and enforcing the
Countywide Future Land Use Element, the County Commissioners
intend to coordinate the land use planning process of all govern-
ments within the county; to plan and coordinate countywide
growth; to set goals, objectives and policies in the Countywide
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY 30, 1992
Future Land Use Element for water conservation, environmental
regulation, solid waste, historic preservation, the non-municipal
roadway system, school siting, urban redevelopment, affordable
housing, mass transit and other countywide issues. Ms. White
stated this is overkill. All of the above-mentioned items do not
appear in the ballot language. It lists only four items. She
feels the four items which appear on the ballot are the four no
one would object to.
On Page 5 of the Ordinance, it states the County will have
control over the cities' land development regulations. This
refers to the zoning codes.
On Page 7, Section 7.9 under Consistency Requirement, it states,
"All elements of the local government's Comprehensive Plan and
all land development regulations shall be consistent with the
adopted Countywide Future Land Use Element." Ms. White further
read, "All developments undertaken by and all actions taken in
regard to...", and stated this refers to permitting. She said
the County could create a countywide land use map and designate
land with a different land use than already planned. The cities
will then be forced to change their plans to meet the County's
plan.
The County intends to appoint a Local Planning Agency. If the
city had an application from a developer which went through the
Planning and Zoning Board and everything had been worked out, it
would then be necessary to go to the County. At that point, they
could turn it down with the cities losing valuable time money
and effort. '
When the Planning Council was repealed, the County hired the
entire Planning Council staff through a budget transfer even
though a county hiring freeze was in place. This staff included
fourteen (14) people. The County claimed this did not cost any
money. The cities thought they would be saving money when they
repealed the Planning Council. That money was used to hire that
staff through a budget transfer.
At the January 7th County Commissioners, Meeting, the Charter
revision was adopted. There were many city officials present at
that meeting whose arguments fell on deaf ears.
With regard to the lawsuit, the cost is unknown at this time.
If all cities join in, the costs will be spread out. There will
be an update on Wednesday with the attorneys. More than fifteen
cities have already agreed to join. If the amendment passed,
tremendous bureaucracy will be seen along with the loss of local
control. This referendum is not about planning; it is about
power.
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MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY 30, 1992
Commissioner Aguila questioned what will happen if the cities are
successful in defeating this referendum. Ms. White explained
that the League would like the presentation of an
Intergovernmental Coordination Council which would work with the
cities but not have control of the Land Use Elements. It would
resolve disputes. The League also suggested that the cities
sponsor their own Charter amendment which can be done by a peti-
tion with a certain number of signatures. This amendment could
say that unless enough cities which make up a majority of the
population agree with the County to place something on the
ballot, it cannot be placed there. This would be the best means
of protection for the cities. At this point, four Commissioners
can place whatever they choose before the voters. Many of the
times, the voters are not informed and will let it pass.
Mr. Martino explained that the planners took the ballot language
and the Ordinance and listed what they felt were the complica-
tions to municipal government. The attorneys did the same thing.
(A copy is attached to the original minutes of this meeting on
file in the City Clerk's Office.) The S.O.L.E. program was put
together as a position paper to help speakers present their case
to the public. By following this program, a consistent message
will be given throughout the County.
In response to Commissioner Matson's question regarding a media
blitz, Mr. Martino stated a political consultant has been hired
and a budget has been prepared. One of the things done in Delray
to show that they were deeply interested is that the individual
Commissioners have personally donated $25 each to the suit. He
suggested the Commissioners in Boynton Beach do the same. A
municipality cannot spend public funds in this manner. S.O.L.E.
will shortly produce an information document for the purpose of
educating the public. The ballot language is vague and it is
necessary to inform the public.
Mr. Martino further pointed out that the unincorporated areas
also need to be educated regarding the referendum. This move
will affect them also. They need to realize their taxes will be
affected along with jobs in the county. He pointed out that the
uncontrolled growth during the last ten years has been in the
unincorporated areas. He further pointed out that there are
departments existing now which cannot manage their current
responsibilities. It would be disastrous to give them more
responsibilities.
Mayor Weiner pointed out that S.O.L.E. mentions delays in pro-
cessing plans. Mr. Martino stated that the planners of municipa-
lities met to review the Ordinance from a structural standpoint.
They determined it could take approximately one to one and one-
half years to get something done. There will be thirty-eight
local governments which will need to transmit twice a year at the
same time.
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MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY ~0, 1992
Chris Cutro, Planning Director, expressedopposition to the
County setting goals for urban development. He further stated
that it will take eighteen months to file an application under
this new amendment. He pointed out that if everything goes per-
fectly, the minium time for processing will be nine months with
the maximum being two years. This situation will not work
because developers are looking for quick responses· Mr. Cutro
said that Section 7.9 states all elements must be consistent· He
questions who will review the site plans, zoning and building
permits. He stated he will refuse to do this work for the
County. Section 7.12 talks of uniformity. The uniformity they
refer to will take away the city's ability to define what it
wants in the future. The County is now trying to impose their
vision for what the cities should be.
Mr. Cutro is insulted by this Ordinance because it assumes only
the County knows what must be done. The County has other issues
they need to focus on. He stated the entire Ordinance is filled
with "trust mes". He stated he does not trust them. He also
feels this Ordinance is not a planning tool. It will cost at
least $1 million to implement. The cost to the taxpayers will be
even higher and he sees no reason for it.
Jim Cherof, City Attorney, summarized the three legal points as
follows:
The County's proposal is an abridgment of the cities'
rights under the State Constitution and under Chapter
163.
The proposed Ordinance is defective in its form and in
content.
The referendum is also defective. It does not set forth
what is at issue in a clear, concise manner and it is
misleading.
He concluded that the City has standing to challenge what the
County is attempting to do. He advised that the Commission can
take action now, take action later, or take no action at all. He
further advised they can join the lawsuit or institute a separate
lawsuit, or take no action and await the outcome of what occurs
at election time.
Mr. Cherof requested authorization to participate with the other
city attorneys in a discussion on how to mount a single lawsuit
with Boynton Beach participating and to explore how it will be
done, what Boynton Beach's role will be, our responsibility for
cost and where the money will come from.
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MINUTES - SPECI~J~ CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY $0, 1992
Marilyn Huckle, of 656 Castllla Lane, is a member of the Planning
and Zoning Board. She explained that she only received the
backup material tonight and has not had an opportunity to
investigate it. However, she feels this is a very serious
problem which needs further study. Education and further expla-
nation should be the first priority and she supported joining
S.O.L.E.
Murray Howard, a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, agreed
with Ms. Huckle and feels more information is necessary.
Bob Olenik, ~r,, 29D Crossings Circle, is Interim Executive Vice
President of the Chamber of Commerce. At a meeting attended by
Mayor Weiner and Mr. Olenik, seven Chambers of Commerce represen-
tatives had authorization to unite with S.O.L.E. to defeat this
referendum. The Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce voted last
Thursday to unite with S.O.L.E. to defeat this issue. He
explained that the Boynton area Political Action Committee Board
of Directors will meet tomorrow and he will ask them to commit
funds for education purposes to defeat the ballot question. It
is important to educate the residents and the western area citi-
zens in COBWRA. COBWRA has a positive relationship with the
County Commission and Mr. Olenik is concerned that they may be
influenced into voting for this issue. It is important that they
are educated on both sides of the issue. Mr. Olenik envisions a
mass mailing to all of the citizens regarding this issue. The
Chamber will help fund this mailing. Mr. Olenik feels COBWRA
will be the key.
Mayor Weiner agreed and stated her dismay at learning the Voters
Coalition position in favor of the County referendum.
The Commission agreed with Commissioner Matson's suggestion that
the meeting of the Community Association Institute, to be held on
February 22nd, would be a good opportunity to educate the public
on this issue.
Steven Owens, of 5?24 Boynton Cove Way, said he is interested in
this issue. He has been present at political clubs and at orga-
nizational meetings throughout Palm Beach County. He underscored
the need for education on this issue. He believes some people
are familiar with this issue, but noted that there have been
staff members present at all of the meetings he has attended
handing out information on the referendum. The information is
brief and seems to be "on the side of the angels". He suggested
advertisement to educate the public of the opposing view.
Mayor Weiner stated the County has voted $10,000 to use on adver-
tisement for this issue.
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY 30, 1992
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS FOR CITY COMMISSION -~CONSIDERATIONAND
POSSIBLE APPROVAL -
City Commission Dosition on the DroDosed Charter
Amendments
Commission Aguila feels this is a serious situation. He stated
we need to go forth with full force and expense should not be a
concern at this pOint because we will either pay now, or pay more
dearly later. He supports joining the lawsuit, and anything else
supporting the defeat of this referendum.
Commissioner Matson is offended by the language in this referen-
dum. The Boynton Citizens Coalition was organized because
attempts were being made to eliminate the City's Planning and
Zoning Board. That Coalition was successful in getting the
City's message across to the public. She feels it is scary that
the County would seek'Unilateral control of everything. She
agreed with Commissioner Aguila that everything should be done to
stop this referendum.
Commissioner Artis wants the municipal way of life preserved and
therefore, she is 100% in favor of joining the efforts to defeat
the referendum.
vice Mayor Harmening thinks theMunicipal League and all those
involved understand completely what is happening. He also
suggested that we may be on safe ground in pursuing this legally
and would like to know precisely what County employees are doing
in terms of supporting this. There could exist a Hatch Act
violation.
Motion
Commissioner Matson moved to oppose County Ordinance 92-1.
COmmissioner Aguila seconded the motion.
Commissioner Aguila amended the motion to specifically oppose the
proposed Countywide Growth Management Charter amendment before
the Commission tonight. Vice Mayor Harmening seconded the
amended motion. Commissioner Matson accepted the amended motion.
The amended motion carried 5-0. The motion carried 5-0.
Authorization to utilize City facilities for Dublic
forums on the issue
Mayor Weiner suggested a workshop meeting be arranged to educate
the citizens and COBWRA members. Vice Mayor Harmening thought
this was an excellent idea.
8
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOY~TON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY 30, 1992
Motion
Vice Mayor Harmening moved to grant and authorize the use of all
City facilities for public forums on this particular issue.
Commissioner Matson seconded the motion which carried 5-0.
Direction to City staff to establish one or more oppor-
tunities for a public forum on the issue
There was general consensus from the Commission that staff be
directed to establish opportunities for a public forum on this
'issue.
Vice Mayor Harmening pointed out that if this Ordinance does pre-
vail, certain members of the staff and certain departments could
be severely impacted. It would be wise for them to become aware
of this fact.
Authorization for Mayor and any other City Commissioner
tO speak on this issue
Mayor Weiner feels the Commissioners are the best sources of
information to educate the public. There was a unanimous deci-
sion that the Commission will speak in opposition of this Charter
amendment. Attorney Cherof will check to see if it is per-
missible for the City Planner to attend any of the speaking enga-
gements with the Commissioners.
Mr. Martino stated that the S.O.L.E. packet can be reproduced for
informational purposes. Mr. Martino feels that if information is
going to be given to Palm Beach County residents, both sides
should be presented. Mr. Martino is preparing to register a
complaint regarding the information being distributed by the
County. The County's response is misleading and it should be
challenged.
The S.O.L.E. Committee will generate an ongoing series of infor-
mation and pamphlets. Mr. Martino reminded the Commissioners
that they can donate funds individually to S.O.L.E. and should
invite others to do the same.
Mr. Martino pointed out that the Commission scares people by
making them ithink Palm Beach County could wind up looking like
Dade and Broward Counties without such an amendment. He stated
that is impossible because of the rules and regulations of growth
management in effect today. They are also attempting to divide
the County over solidlwaste and a furnace issue. He reminded the
Commission that it is~important to remain united. It will be
necessary to respond to the important issues.
9
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY ~0, 1992
Resolution supporting the goals of Save Our Local
Environment (S. O. L. E. )
Motion
Vice Mayor Harmening moved to direct the City Attorney to draw up
a resolution supporting the goals of Save Our Local Environment
and bring it back at the Commission meeting. Commissioner Matson
seconded the motion which carried 5-0.
Resolution t_9 find the Countywide Future Land Use Element
(CFLUE) to be "no{ in compliance. (ProDosed Resolution
No. R92-19)
Mayor Weiner explained that this resolution was passed by the
City of Delray Beach and we have piggybacked on the language.
Motion
Commissioner Matson moved to find the CountyWide Future Land Use
Element to be "not in compliance".
Commissioner Aguila moved to adopt Resolution R92-19.
Harmening seconded the motion which carried 5-0.
Vice Mayor
Authorization for the City Attorney to attend municipal
attorney's group meeting and to report back to the City
Commission findings and reco~endations or other action
recommended by the City Attorney
Motion
Commissioner Aguila moved to authorize the City Attorney to
attend the municipal attorney's group meeting and report back to
the City Commission his findings. Commissioner Matson seconded
the motion which carried 5-0.
Mayor Weiner asked Mr. Cherof for his opinion on any other
necessary legal action. Mr. Cherof asked for authority to
explore with the other attorneys a letter of understanding bet-
ween the cities regarding dealing with the cost of the legal
fees..
Ms. White said this issue has been discussed at the meetings and
it would be prorated on either a population or tax base
situation. It will be equitably prorated if the City joins in
now before a lawsuit is filed. More than fifteen cities have
joined conceptually by letter.
10
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JANUARY 30, 1992
Motion
Commissioner Aguila moved to make it clear that the City of
Boynton Beach is to join the other municipalities in the lawsuit
and pick up our share of the expense. Vice Mayor Harmening
seconded the motion which carried 5-0.
OTHER ACTION
Commissioner Matson informed the Commissioners that the South
County Council of Government will discuss this at their next
meeting. She will present Boynton Beach's position on this
issue.
Commissioner Matson requested the names of those who will speak
at the Community Association meeting on February 22nd in order to
prepare an agenda. Carrie Parker will handle the administrative
portion of the request.
Mr. Martino attempted to discuss another charter referendum at
this meeting. Mayor Weiner explained that our Ordinance does not
permit the discussion of any topic other than the one advertised.
Mr. Martino requested this subject be put on the agenda for an
upcoming City Commission meeting. Mayor Weiner asked Mr. Martino
to provide a letter for inclusion on the agenda.
Mayor Weiner thanked all for attending the meeting. There being
no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
ATTEST:
~i~ 'Clerk ' "- "
~cording Secretary
(Two Tapes)
11
Mayor
~~~~~'Commis sioner
Answers to questions about the March
ballot issues: Countywide Growth
Management and Land Use Authority
Charter Amendments.
lOth
1. Q. What is the issue?
A. The issue is whether the citizens of Palm Beach County want growth
management standards to be developed individually by 38 local
governments or whether the citizens want a single countywide elected
body to develop and enforce growth management standards in the
County.
2. Q. What _-_,_~_thority would the charter amendment give the Board of
County Commissioners if approved by the voters?
A. If voters approve the ballot issue, the Board of County
Commissioners would be given the authority to manage growth
countywide by implementing the Countywide Future Land Use
Element and to create a board to enforce resolution of growth
management disputes between local governments.
3. Q. What is the Countywide Future Land Use Element?
A. The Countywide Future Land Use Element, adopted by the Board of
County Commissioners in December 1991, sets growth management
standards both in the cities and in the unincorporated County for land
uses, the protection of water resources, the environment, solid waste
disposal, roads, mass transit and other growth management matters.
This Countywide Future Land Use Element was developed over the
past five years by the Countywide Planning Council which was
established by voters in 1986 and was composed of 17 local
government officials. The Council's responsibility was to develop and
administer this Countywide Future Land Use Element.
4. Q. Why are the voters of Palm Beach County being asked to voice
their opinion again on countywide growth management?
A. In December, 199L a majority of municipalities voted to abolish the
Countywide Planning Council. Voters are being asked by the Board of
County Commissioners to decide if they want Countywide growth
management by a Countywide elected body that cannot be abolished
w/thout approval of the voters.
3
5. Q, Is there a local agency now to do this kind of growth
mar, agement?
A. No. Currently. there is no agency in the County to manage growth
on a countywide basis.
6. Q. Is there a state or regional agency responsible for overseeing
growth management within the County?
A. Yes, The State Department of Community Affairs and the Treasure
Coast Regional Planning Council look at each local government's
growth management plan. Their reviews are focused on meeting stale
or regional rather than local concerns.
7, Qo Do the cities and the County already have growth management
plans?
A. Yes. The municipal,~ties and the County have each prepared and
adopted individual plans to address growth management within their
own jurisdictions. Approval of the ballot issue would place the
responsibility on the Board of County Commissioners to insure that all
these local plans meet minimum standards as set in the Countywide
Future Land Use Element and do not conflict with one another.
8. Q. What is the difference between the individual cities' and the
Counts plans and the Countywide Future Land Use Element?
A. The growth management plans prepared individually by the cities
and County were designed to address growth management problems
within their own boundaries. Certain types of growth management
problems such as mass transit, the protection of the environment, and
the capacity of solid waste facilities impact all citizens in the Coun~-y.
Developments that result from changes in land use often have impacts
which extend beyond the borders of a local government. The
Countywide Future Land Use Element addresses these broader
impacts.
9. Q. What are the effects of countywide growth management?
A. The Board of County Commissioners believes that growth
management on a countywide basis provides the ability to address and
resolve growth management concerns which extend beyond the limits
of any one of the 38 local governments in the County. Such concerns
include limited roadway capacity, the protection of water resources,
and the location and number of solid waste facilities. Countywide
growth management would require developers to address the costs
which all citizens of Palm Beach County would otherwise have to pay to
support unplanned changes in adopted growth management plans.
Countywide growth management gives all citizens throughout the
County an opportunity to be heard concerning growth management
decisions, regardless of the where they live.
10. Q. l~,rhat will it cost to operate the proposed Countywide Growth
Management Program?
A. In terms of dollars, under the Planning Council the 1991-1992
budget was $1,111,000. The proposed budget for countywide growth
management program is $900,000 for 1992-1993 which reflects
savings resulting from consolidation of the Council staff with County
government. Costs beyond 1992-1993 for countywide growth
management may increase or decrease depending upon future growth
management requirements as determined by the Board of County
Commissioners.
! I. Q. Are there costs for not having countywide growth management?
A. Not having countywide growth management can result in our
citizens having to pay for public facilities which were not anticipated
in the adopted comprehensive plans. These costs can not be
projected at this time. The Board of County Commissioners believes
that a lack of coordinated countywide planning may negatively affect
our quality of life.
12. Q. How does countywide growth management work?
A. Countywide growth management requires that minimum standards
in the Countywide Future Land Use Element be met by every local
government in Palm Beach County. For example, a developer may
request that a local government allow development ,~vithin its
jurisdiction that would add a large population in an area which was not
previously planned for dense residential development. Upon
evaluation of the development the project would not be approved if it
would be contrary to the standards in the Countywide Future Land Use
Element.
13. Q. What will be the impact on cities and the County if this charter.
amendment is approved?
A. The Board of County Commissioners will have to approve future land
use changes in the cities and the unincorporated areas of the County.
Decisions to change individual local government growth management
and land use plans will be reviewed for consistency with the
Countywide Future Use Land Element. If it's found to not be
consistent with the countywide plan, the changes could be rejected.
Cities and citizens of Palm Beach County will be able to object to future
land use changes before the Board of County Commissioners when a
change is proposed to any local government growth management plan.
14. Q. Will the Charter amendment take away the right of self-
government?
A. The Charter amendment, if approved, will not take away the
authority of individual local governments to zone or rezone property.
provide municipal services, set more restrictive standards for
management, or budget for their own needs. It will take away the
authority of individual local governments in Palm Beach County to
allow land uses within their respective areas that do not meet the
adopted minimum growth management standards.
The Bsllot States
Countywide Growth Management And Land Use Authority Chc~rter
Amendment
Shall the Palm Beach County Charter be amended in accordance with
ordinance No. 92-I to allow the Board of County Commissioners to
exercise countywide !~rowth management and land use planning
authority by implementing the Countywide Future Land Use Element,
which sets prevailing standards for land uses, protection of water
resources, environment, solid waste, mass transit and other related
issues of Countywide concern; and to establish a cooperative process
to resolve land use conflicts between local governments?
Yes
No
If you approve granting the Board of County Commissioners the
authority to enforce countywide growth management and land use
standards by implementing the Countywide Future Land Use Element
and to establish a cooperative process to resolve land use conflicts
between local governments, vote yes.
If you do not approve granting the Board of County Commissioners the
authority to enforce countywide growth management and land use
standards by implementing the Countywide Future Land Use Element,
and to establish a cooperative process to resolve land use conflicts
between local governments, vote no.