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Minutes 03-18-96MINUTES OF TIIF, SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP MEETING HELD AT THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1996, AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Shirley Jaskiewicz, Vice Mayor Matthew Bradley, Commissioner Henderson Tillman, Commissioner Jamie Titcomb, Commissioner Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Ron Backus Mike Bottcher Sal DeCanio Virginia Farace Dick Lambert John Martin Marci Million Stormet Norem Andy Plucinski Art Rowe Carrie Parker, City Manager Sue Kruse, City Clerk Marilyn Rudne Rusty Russillo Kathy Shabotynskyj Candace Smith Linda Szatmary CALL TO ORDER Mayor Taylor welcomed everyone to the second joint meeting between the Chamber of Commerce and the City. At his request, everyone introduced themselves. 1. BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE UPDATE Candace Smith, Chaff of the Economic Development Committee, explained that the purpose of the Blue Ribbon Task Force is to work jointly with the City to make sure that business people can get through the permitting process, planning process, etc., without rtmning into any problems; to make us seem more friendly to the business community, and to do what we can to make things run smoothly in the City. The Task Force is in the process of developing a group of questions. We are going to start by surveying the Chamber members and see what they have run into. We want to make sure that the perception is that we want businesses to be happy in Boynton Beach and that we want to do what we can to assist them. At our next meeting, we are going to put an action plan into place and start surveying and come up with a list. Then we will get with Carrie Parker's office and see where we want to go from there. MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 2. VISION ASSEMBLY A. Chamber's Contribution Ms. Shabotynskyj was pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce has made a commitment to provide $1,000 towards the Vision Assembly. They have allocated $500 from their budget and are hoping to raise the balance from some of the smaller businesses that are unable to donate a sizeable donation. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked the City to provide her with a list of the contributors thus far. Mayor Taylor expressed his appreciation of the Chamber's efforts. City Manager Parker advised that as of today, $9,550 has been donated from the following contributors: Bethesda Memorial Hospital - $2,500 BellSouth - $1,000 Columbia JFK Medical Center - $1,000 Mouw Associates - $500 Hardrives, Inc. - $250 Kilday & Associates - $200 The Rotary Club - $100 Friends of the Library - $100 Jamie Titcomb's Campaign Contribution - $1,000 Barnett Bank - $1,000 Hunter's Run Golf and Racquet Club - $1,000 Florida Power & Light - $300 Karl Corporation - $200 Bank Boynton - $100 Fidelity Federal - $100 The Art of Framing - $100 Boynton Leisureville Community Association - $100 Mayor Taylor stated that the selection committee had their last meeting today and narrowed down the list ofinvitees to 122. We planned to invite 100 people; however, Mayor Taylor felt at least 22 people will not be able to get away for two and a half days. He felt the selection committee did an outstanding job. The invitations will be sent out in the next couple of days. B. Issues Ms. Shabotynskyj inquired about the issues that Mil be discussed at the Vision Assembly. City Manager Parker advised her that some of the issues will deal with crime, public safety, economic development, revitalization (including downtown revitalization), redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization, education, recreation and parks, and furore funding for all these items. 2 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 Mayor Taylor advised that the issues will be included with the invitations, and everyone who is invited will get some material to read beforehand so that they will be fully prepared. Mayor Taylor announced that on April 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, an old- ' fashioned town hall meeting will be held. It will be an open meeting at which the residents can discuss any of their concerns, and perhaps these concerns will be brought to the Vision Assembly. Mayor Taylor stated that this meeting is going to be advertised because we want everyone in the community to attend it and give us their input. Ms. Shabotynskyj said she will advertise this meeting in the Chamber's April newsletter. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz suggested that at the April 18 meeting, we display conceptual drawings, and sketches of all our current projects, and also brochures from the Chamber of Commerce. 3. MARINA UPDATE Mayor Taylor informed everyone that there will be an item on the City Commission agenda tomorrow night for the Commission to designate Mr. Simmons as the developer of the marina project. At the April 2nd meeting, we hope to have the contract between the City and the developer before the Commission. He advised that the marina project is on schedule. The reports for the cleanup of the fuel tank came back as very minimal. A plan to clean it up is being devised. It looks like the tank will be removed from the ground, and no soil will have to be transferred offlocation. It will have to be aerated for about six weeks. The owner will pay for the cleanup. As soon as the contract is signed, the developer will proceed with the cleanup. The current owner, Mr. Garcia, agreed to give us an additional 30 day extension, until the end of April, to get the contract signed, and staff and the developer are currently hanunering out the details of what the City will do and what the developer will do. Two options are still being considered. One of the options is a full-service hotel. If that cannot be done, the other option would be to put in more retail, and possibly a meeting hall to hold 350 people. Mr. Russillo asked if the City has taken into consideration the people issues, such as what type of policing there will be, and will there be park rangers when the park is developed behind Wiun Dixie. He felt people would feel safer going downtown at night if there is a low profile, reassuring police presence there. MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 City Manager Parker advised that the police will patrol to make sure that the park is closed at dusk. With regard to the plaza beneath the bridge, we are addressing access and lighting with the Depaxlxnent of Transportation. The marina project is being looked at in terms of security lighting and access for foot patrol. City Manager Parker also advised that all patrol of the downtown has already been switched to bicycle patrol. Mr. Russillo stated that the residents of Coastal Towers are concerned about the area under the bridge. Mayor Taylor stated that there will be fencing there, so people will not be able to walk from beneath the bridge to Coastal Towers. 4. RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES Ms. Shabotynskyj asked if any new businesses are planning to locate to Boynton Beach. Mayor Taylor advised that Romano's Macaroni Grill is going into the old Made Callender's, and Cracker Barrel is going to be on Woolbright Road. We are currently working with someone who wants to redo the entire project where the old K-Mart is on Federal Highway. They want to landscape it, do lighting, and renovate Walgreen's. However, they want a drive through prescription window, which our Code does not allow. Also, an Italian restaurant is going in by Target. Mr. Norem was glad that someone wants to redevelopment the K-Mart Shopping Center. He asked if it would be possible to make the area where K-Mart is, and what backs up against the Intracoastal, into a public area as opposed to a loading zone for semis. Mayor Taylor advised that the land behind K-Mart is owned by a different party, and the party who wants to redo this area is trying to purchase that land also. Mayor Taylor pointed out that there is enough room there for something nice, like a restaurant on the Intracoastal. Unfortunately, retail is authorized in that area. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked if there are any plans for Quantum Park. Mayor Taylor informed her that we are working on a couple of big things for Quantum Park; however, it is too early to talk about them. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that the Chamber of Commerce is ready to put together some of their bigwigs when the City wants them to meet with some big companies. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz advised that the old Sandpiper Motel on Federal Highway is going to be demolished within 45 days, and the owner has indicated that he will probably build high priced town houses on that property. Commissioner Bradley said he received a telephone call today MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 advising him that the company who owns this property went bankrupt. City Manager Parker pointed out that the City can demolish that property. Mayor Taylor advised Ms. Shabotynskyj that we are continuing to work on trying to attract more business to the City. 5. EXTENDED TERM LIMITS Mayor Taylor advised that there will be a question on the November ballot to give the public an opportunity to extend the City's two two-year terms to two three-year terms. Since this question was on the March ballot in three other cities and failed, City Manager Parker suggested that we discuss what information we want to get out to the community so that they will vote in favor of two three-year terms. Mayor Taylor believes those ballot questions in the other cities were for unlimited terms. Ms. Shabotynskyj stated that the Chamber is already on record for supporting two three-year terms. She will be happy to work on a campaign to let the people know why the Chamber is in support of two three-year terms. 6. UPDATE ON THE BOYNTON HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Ms~ Smith stated that about a month ago, at a meeting with Ms. Parker, Wilfred Hawkins (the Assistant to the City Manager), and all the participants of the group, we decided to take a little bit more of a grass roots approach and formulated a plan. We are going to disseminate information about the Boynton Home Improvement Program (BHIP) at the churches on Sundays to try to get the people interested in this program. We handed out pamphlets during Black Awareness Day. The banks involved in this program are going to contact the people who expressed an interest in this program in the past. In addition, we may be getting some grant money, and hope this will help entice the program. City Manager Parker advised that under the new CDBG allocation for the upcoming year, we applied for County funds to assist with this program. However, that will not be f'malized for several months. 7. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD ASSOCIATION UPDATE AND ISSUES Dr. Sal DeCanio, Chair of the Boynton Beach Boulevard Association (BBBA), advised that the BBBA was organized in July, 1995 when it was learned that Boynton Beach Boulevard was MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 going to be repaved. We hoped we could get some other improvements made to Boynton Beach Boulevard, in addition to the paving. At that time, we cleaned up the garbage and weeds on the properties. We established a block captain type of organization. Each block captain has between three and five property and business owners. We found this to be more effective than having general meetings. Mr. DeCanio spoke on the following items: Improved Property/Month Award Before and After Photos We have instituted an Improved Property A Month Award. "Before and After" photos of the properties between 1-95 and Federal Highway are being displayed at the Chamber of Commerce. C. Financial Assistance Program We have been talking with NationsBank and Prime Bank with regard to financial assistance and preferred consideration. D. Interested in Being Included in BHIP Program We are interested in being included in the Boynton Beach Improvement Program and getting some funds for improvements. Thanks to Carrie Parker and her staff, we have been able to consolidate a wish list by asking the property owners what kind of improvements they would like to make to their properties. E. Outdoor Seating at Restaurants Mr. DeCanio asked what kind of restrictions there are relative to outdoor seating at restaurants. He advised that a merchant would like to convert his frontage, which is currently a parking lot, into a cypress deck with lighting and seating. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that several restaurants feel the impact fee associated with putting tables and chaixs outdoors is too high. The BBBA would like the impact fees reviewed and possibly exempted for a time period. ~?ney also suggested that the ordinance be not applicable to the CRA area. Mr. Norem asked why the impact fee was so high. City Manager Parker explained that this is the impact fee we charge for water and sewer. This is being discussed with our engineering 6 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 consultant and water and sewer people. We are looking at the possibility that if it is 10 or 15 percent over the existing seats, it would not be an impact. However, if it is 50 percent over the existing seats, then it would be a new impact. Another issue is that restaurants are based on the number of seats and space. Parking is another issue. Mr. Hukill stated that you cannot selectively administer impact fees, or you will lose your whole impact fee structure. You have to provide water and sewer for every function, and the more people you have, the more water and sewer you are going to need. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz asked how our fees compare to those of other cities. City Manager Parker advised that ours are a little lower than some cities and a little higher than others. She added that we have not changed our impact fees in the last five years. We are going to survey other cities to find out how they handle outdoor seating because it is common to have outdoor seating in Florida because of the weather. Commissioner Bradley felt cafe dining is a great idea, and if we had more of it in the City, we would be a lot better off. However, he felt it is important to look at Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue from a large picture perspective. He felt the plan we have is a good one. He was a little concerned that because we are going to have so much happening on Ocean Avenue, things are going to suffer somewhat on Boynton Beach Boulevard. He felt we need to discuss a long range plan, and how to redevelop Boynton Beach Boulevard. F. Murals Mr. DeCanio advised that some cities have made good use of murals on blank walls that are visible from streets. City Manager Parker advised that murals are allowed as long as they do not contain signage or advertising. Mr. DeCanio asked if there is an approval process. Mr. Hnkill advised that no permit is needed. Mayor Taylor felt there should be some gindelines. Mr. Hukill pointed out that the City has community appearance standards and the City controls colors to some degree. However, a permit is not needed in order to pa'mt a building. Ms. Shabotynskyj advised that Mr. DeCanio was thinking of having a mural of an old-fashioned eye doctor painted on his building. However, Mr. Lambert and others considered this as advertising and felt it would not be allowed. Done properly, Mr. Martin felt murals would be a tremendous enhancement to the downtown area. City Manager Parker advised that grant money is available to paint buildings. 7 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 Mr. Russillo pointed out that if someone painted a mural and then the City decides it is an ad, it would be a waste of a lot of paint and money. He suggested that the City review proposed murals as a courtesy to avoid any conflict after it is painted. There was a consensus that everyone's perception of whether or not something is signage could be different. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz suggested that a permit be required, but that no fee be involved. Mayor Taylor agreed that someone in the City should review murals before they are painted. Mr. Hukill stated that everything is subjective and suggested that some guidelines be developed as to how to review what can go on a mural. Mayor Taylor agreed. Ms. Shabotynskyj felt the grant would have set the guidelines. If not, City Manager Parker suggested sending murals to Planning and Development for review. Fast Track Or Streamlining Process for CRA Property Upgrades Property Upgrades "How To" Presentation Mr. DeCauio asked what the BBBA can do to help streamline the process for property upgrades. Ms. Shabotynskyj felt it would be helpful if the City staffgave a presentation on how to do upgrades so people can understand the process a little better. City Manager Parker advised Ms. Shabotynskyj that staff is prepared to give this presentation. Ms. Shabotynskyj should let her know what date she would like this presentation given. Mr. Hukill advised that there are two printed documents that outline what can be done without a permit, and a list of things that the City will review as a courtesy. Commissioner Bradley suggested that these two documents be handed out at the town meeting on April 18. Ms. Shabotynskyj suggested printing those documents in the City column of the Chamber's newsletter. Mayor Taylor suggested these documents be passed out at the BBBA block captain meeting scheduled for Monday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. I. Code Review for Commercial Properties Mr. DeCanio understands there is now .a code review for residential properties. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz explained that a Community Appearance Code is, hopefully, going to be enacted on second reading at the City Commission meeting tomorrow night. However, parking of boats and recreational vehicles is not addressed under this Community Appearance Code. Right now, we are mainly concerned with the appearance of buildings, buildings in dire need of painting, buildings with roof shingles missing, rotted wood, and the height of the grass. This Community MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 Appearance Code wpuld give us the power to force people to paint their buildings, etc. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz advised that this Community Appearance Code also addresses businesses. Ms. Shabotynskyj stated that Mike Brinkman, who owns Bud's Chicken, also owns property in De[ray Beach. Five years ago, Delray Beach enacted their community appearance codes and required landscaping and screening of all dumpsters. At first, Mr. Brin!cman was furious when he was told what he had to do and that he had a certain number of years to do it. However, now he feels it is the best thing they ever did because it increased the value of his properties. Ms. Shabotynskyj hoped we can use codes in a proactive mariner and not force it down peoples' throats. Commissioner Jaskiewicz was concerned about older businesses that have dumpsters that are exposed. The older businesses are grandfathered in and cannot be forced to abide by new codes. She did not see why they could not comply, given a certain amount of time. She felt all should comply with some standard. Mr. DeCanio said there are some serious code enforcement problems on Boynton Beach Boulevard. City Manager Parker asked him to give Scott Blasie (the Code Enforcement Administrator) a list of the violations at the next BBBA meeting. Mr. Norem asked if there is any chance that the Commission will enact a landscape ordinance code for commercial properties, making it mandatory that they bring their properties up to the current Code. Commissioner Bradley said we cannot draw up a City-wide ordinance that requires certain landscape upgrades. The existing businesses cannot be required to make those improvements. However, we could set up a special assessment. Mr. Norem felt they could not be forced to do something if it is not economically feasible; however, given a reasonable span of time, they could. He pointed out that Ocean Ridge did away with all commercial businesses this way. It seemed to Commissioner Bradley that we received a legal opinion advising against this. City Manager Parker pointed out that at the time that a legal opinion was requested, the question was if it could be done now. A time period was never discussed. Mr. Norem pointed out that this was done in Boynton Beach with the signs. Commissioner Bradley suggested looking into this matter further. He was under the impression that we could not do it other than through an assessment. MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 Mr. DeCanio asked what the next step would be to have a commercial landscape review done. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz advised that the new Community Appearance Code will address this somewhat. Mayor Taylor stated that the Commission can workshop this item. Ms. Shabotynskyj felt the Community Appearance Code will be helpful. She felt it was also helpful that Mr. Blasie attends the BBBA meetings. She felt much progress is being made. Commissioner Bradley asked Ms. Parker to get a copy of Delray Beach's ordinance and some background regarding how it was enacted. J. Construction Schedule, Medians, Pavers Mr. DeCanio inquired about the construction schedule. City Manager Parker advised that construction is completed. Mr. DeCanio inquired about the sweeping up of the tar dust that is on the streets and sidewalks. Mr. Hukill will check into this tomorrow and see what DOT"s intentions are. City Manager Parker advised that DOT is finishing up the one median in front of Captain Frank's. The two medians in front of the railroad tracks and the paver bricks will be done in conjunction w/th the U.S. 1 project. DOT will not put trees in the side without irrigation, and they refuse to pay for the irrigation. If the City pays for the irrigation, they will put small flowering trees in, but not the large palm trees that the City desires. The irrigation would cost approximately $150,000. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked if the median in from of Captain Frank's is irrigated and if DOT will be planting there. City Manager Parker answered affirmatively to both questions. Mayor Taylor advised DOT will not do the sides. They will only do the medians. Commissioner Bradley felt we need to keep the big picture in ntind. He explained that we had an opportunity to landscape Boynton Beach Boulevard entirely. However, the majority of business owners feared they were not going to get their exact cut throughs. Commissioner Bradley understood the need for business, but he was saddened that people could not see the benefit that this small sacrifice would probably have in the long nm. It would have created five times as much business for all the business owners. 10 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 Mr. DeCanio would like to see lighting on Boynton Beach Boulevard. He asked when the Federal Highway project is supposed to be commenced. Mr. Hukill advised that they are supposed to bid it in August, which means that construction will start just in time for the season. Mr. DeCanio advised that the BBBA has tremendous support from the Chamber of Commerce. He thanke~t Ms. Shabotynskyj for her assistance and guidance. He also thanked the City for its support. He stated that it is going to be a long process because there is negativity amongst the present business owners due to previous feelings about City issues and improvement issues that we are trying to overcome. He hoped they would become more acceptant of what we are trying to accomplish and get involved again when they see some things moving forward. Commissioner Bradley hoped other merchants will join us when they see the success that we have had in our collaborations. He thanked everyone for their help and hard work. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz felt that the formation of the BBBA was a wonderful idea. Mayor Taylor could see some changes taking place and felt it is it contagious. He was willing to work with the people and allow them to improve their properties without having to go through a whole expensive process. Mr. DeCanio appreciated the City's support and open-mindedness. He said he has talked to the business owners about the different attitude that the current leadership has, but it takes time for them to realize that. He appreciated the City's guidance and help. Mr. Norem felt one of the ways to get larger, better, and more attractive developments along Boynton Beach Boulevard is to change the zoning in that area to require larger front footages for parcels, and perhaps have the setbacks set back further. He suggested this be an issue at the Vision Assembly. Mr. DeCanio stated that the Main Street Car Wash purchased the parcel between 2nd and 3rd Streets and the City rezoned it commercial so they could expand their business. He was glad the City was able to accomplish that, and stated that this is an example of what we are trying to do. Mr. Norem pointed out that this is being done piecemeal. He felt it should be done all the way from Federal Highway to 1-95. He felt we would get the kind of development we are looking for if we expanded the depths of those properties and the businesses bad larger front footages. Ms. Shabotynskyj was sure these types of things will be looked at when we get our City's Economic Development Director, and that recommendations will be made along these lines. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz asked if there are any prospects on developing the empty station next to the fish market. City Manager Parker advised that this property was up for auction last week. - 11 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 8. LOBBYING FOR HIGH SCHOOL FUNDING Ms. Shabotynskyj asked where we are with lobbying for high school funding. She said she has heard over and over again that we need a high school in Boynton Beach. She asked if we are actively pursuing the School Board to try to come up with some solutions to get the funding first for Boynton Beach. Mayor Taylor said that on Saturday, he spoke to Bob Hayes, one of the School Board members. Mr. Hayes believes that when funding is available, Boynton Beach would be at the top of the list because of the technology/math magnet tie in with Motorola. Ms. Shabotynskyj felt we should find the money, approach some people, and meet every week until somebody tells us where the money is going to come from. She pointed out that we are only two or three years away from having the first child go to that high school if we had the money today. She felt we should start pushing for the high school now. Commissioner Bradley said there are a couple of groups that are pushing for the Boynton Beach high school. At the last COBWRA meeting, there was discussion about putting a group together to address some education issues. He suggested forming a high school task force. Mayor Taylor suggested putting this item on the agenda for the Vision Assembly. Ms. Farace advised that as of Friday, the high school is still in the capital budget as a priority item to be started in 1999 and to be opened in the year 2001. She suggested trying to find the funds to bring those dates in closer. She also advised that the School District is getting closer to resolving some of the major issues and deciding what kind of fimding package to put together and when. Commissioner Tillman felt the squeaky wheels get noticed. He pointed out that there will soon be an election for two seats on the School Board, and suggested we aggressively lobby the candidates for those seats Mayor Taylor stated that pressure has been building, and the School Board of Palm Beach County has been asking Legislation for more money to build schools. Some of the Legislators feel Palm Beach County has the money but is just not spending it fight. He stated that Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz has always been of the opinion that we can build another wing on a school with the money being spent on portables. Mayor Taylor stated that we do not need a state of the 12 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLOR[DA MARCH 18, 1996 art high school and could build one that is less expensive. It bothered him to see students in portables when the school football team has a coach for every two players. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz pointed out that the price of a portable is $42,500. At one time, there were as many as 37 portables at a fairly new school. She felt that anything with regard to school funding that goes on a ballot at this fume will be defeated because of the lack of confidence people have in the School Board. She worried where the money is going to come from then. She hoped to fmd another means of funding. Mr. Norem believes there is a State law that states that the day a school is opened, it must be filled. He said this leaves no room for expansion. Commissioner Bradley pointed out that all concurrency happens this way. He said you cannot tax people for what is going to happen in two years. Mr. Norem advised that there was a Boynton Beach Boulevard Task Force that was formed mainly to deal with road issues. That Task Force became a very strong voice in the south end of the County. Hence, many roads were put in long before they should have been. The County Commissioners, State officials, the City of Boynton Beach, and COBWRA met to hammer out what needed to be done. All those roads that were two lanes all ora sudden blossomed into six lanes long ahead of other projects. Commissioner Bradley said even though they knew they needed to be eight lanes in two years, they were only going to build them for six lanes. Then a year later, they were going to tear them up and make them eight lanes. He said they will not build for the future, and he did not think there was any way around that. Commissioner Jaskiewicz pointed out that the widening of Lawrence Road was not on the five year road plan. However, because of the City Commission's lobbying and the County Commission's efforts, the widening has commenced. Mr. Norem stated that because this local group got together and because of the County powers that it ended up having, Gateway Boulevard was built with three lanes on one side. Therefore, when they go to build the three lanes on the other side, they can do so without disturbing traffic. Mr. Norem said at least they are planning for the future now when they build roads. Mr. Wische asked if the City has negotiated with the School Board whereby the City would float a bond and the School Board would make payments on the bond. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz was not amenable to allowing the School Board to use our money. Mayor Taylor advised that this is a possibility. He explained that City Manager Parker mentioned this to him six to eight months ago, and some research has been done on it. However, 13 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 the Commission has not discussed whether or not to go this route. City Manager Parker stated that since this would have a large financial impact, we felt it should be a topic that the community should discuss as part of the Vision Assembly. Also, we are still checking out the legal aspects to see if the School Board can enter into a contract to pay the annual principal and interest on something like that. Mr. Hukill stated that we might be facing a situation where we are going to have to consider year round schools or double sessions. In that case, you can forget a successful bond issue for "x" number of years. He felt now is the time to strike. Also, right now there is a capital budget in the process for fiscal year 1997. They will be tentatively settling that budget in July. He felt an effort needs to be made now because timing is important. He would not worry about there not being any money. He would worry about getting in the schedule and getting a commimaent. City Manager Parker asked how much a high school costs. Mr. Hukill advised that one would cost about $40,000,000. Mayor Taylor announced that at the County Commission meeting tomorrow, one of the County Commissioners will be proposing an education summit with the School Board, the County, the Economic Council, and others. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked the City to let her know if they come up with any suggestions on how we can help get the School Board to listen to us. She hoped to come up with some solutions, especially when we have a huge corporate parmer like Motorola. 9. NEXT MEETING DATE The next joint meeting of the City Commission and Chamber of Commerce was scheduled for Monday, June 10, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Program Room. 14 MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 18, 1996 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH Mayor ATTEST: Vice Ma/~or ( Commissioner erk Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) Commissioner /~7~/mmissioner