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Minutes 03-27-03 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2003 AT 6:30 P.M. Present Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair Jose Aguila Michele Hoyland Alexander DeMarco Don Fenton Henderson Tillman Doug Hutchinson, CRA Director Absent Larry Finkelstein, Chairman I. Call to Order In the absence of the Chairman, Vice Chair Heavilin presided. The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared that a quorum was present. II. Workshop A. Savage Creatures of Ancient Seas Museum Complex Mr. Hutchinson said that staff was not asking for approval to build the museum, but was looking for direction to move to the next step, which was to secure a design/build team through a national competition. Mr. Hutchinson reviewed the TIF figures and stated that the reason for the $20 million differential in the figures was the result of the Tax Appraiser upgrading their computer system at which time it was discovered that there were 21 properties duplicated in the CRA. This accounted for the difference between the original figures and the final figures. This is a one-time adjustment that affected every CRA and city in the County. Mr. Fenton had concerns that the original CRA budget was based upon inaccurate figures. He asked Mr. Hutchinson if the projections in the budget presented tonight were now based on the new figures, and Mr. Hutchinson responded that they were. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that it would not be necessary to float any bonds to get the project built, since the museum will be paid through money generated by all the new development going up in the CRA area. If by the third year of the project there were shortfall, it would still be possible to issue bonds if necessary. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 27, 2003 Mr. DeMarco inquired if any projects of the size being proposed for downtown ever fall through. Mr. Hutchinson felt that it would be highly unlikely that any of the large-scale projects being proposed would fall through. Mr. Hutchinson said that he was very conservative in his figures. He has also contacted various governmental agencies that informed him that there are grants available for the project. He noted that staff has one large corporate sponsor that has pledged a capital contribution, and they have expressed a desire to maintain an ongoing relationship with the museum. Mr. Fenton noted that FAU has offered educational assistance and inquired if they also offered any monetary assistance as well. Mr. Hutchinson felt that the project was not at the stage where he could approach FAU for financial assistance. He did point out, however, that the money generated from the classes being offered by FAU would be revenue for the museum. Mr. Fenton felt that based upon the projected debt service and the projected TIF incremental increase in 2007/2008, the debt service coverage amounts to 18.9%. He pointed out that if these figures hold true, the museum would not have to utilize all of the CPA's projected income, to which Mr. Hutchinson agreed. Mr. Hutchinson noted that staff had been requested to keep approximately $1 million in reserves and currently there is approximately $900,000. Mr. Tillman inquired who would be staffing the museum and Mr. Hutchinson responded that staff would be independent and would be overseen by the same entity that oversees the Children's Museum. Mr. Fenton inquired about the progress on the mangrove preserve. Mr. Hutchinson responded that there is a meeting scheduled for Monday to set the offer price. The City Commission has agreed to proceed with making an offer of condemnation if this approach were warranted. Vice Chair Heavilin noted that last year the Board discussed obtaining approval from DEP for the project. Mr. Hutchinson said that staff received a letter from the DEP and copies had been previously furnished to the Board. He noted that the DEP was very supportive of the project and it is staffs intention that the mangroves be impacted as minimally as possible. Mr. Hutchinson also noted that a study had been done to determine whether or not there was submerged seagrass and the project has been designed so as not to endanger any seagrass. Mr. DeMarco noted that he received many favorable comments after the first Saturday workshop when the museum was first discussed. Mr. Tillman felt that the museum would be a major anchor necessary for downtown. He did have some concerns regarding the land itself and whether it 2 *Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 27, 2003 could support the project. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that Centex Rooney has built many museums, as well as Atlantis, and staff has expressed these same concerns to them. Mr. Hutchinson felt that the project was doable and by working with the best people possible the project would move forward. Vice Chair Heavilin inquired if the City has indicated that they would support the project. Ms. Hoyland thought that the County should support the project as well, since they would be benefiting from the project. Mr. Hutchinson said that he has spoken to both the City and the County and felt that the support of both entities was possible. He noted that the City is paying for almost half of the projected acquisition costs for the property. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that until the Board totally endorses the project, it is difficult for him to approach the City and County for further support. Mr. Fenton felt that if three government agencies were involved in running the project, this could prove a hindrance. He would like the CRA to be in charge. Mr. Hutchinson noted that the CRA could absorb the cost of the project through the third year. He estimated that at that point they would have spent upwards of $750,000, and at that time it would be necessary to secure funding from other sou rces. Ms. Hoyland inquired if the Board was ready to make the decision to spend $75,000 in April in order to move forward and Mr. Hutchinson felt that it was. Mr. Hutchinson opined that staff has done as much as it could with the project and that it was time to turn the project over to an outside entity by moving forward with the RFQ. After the three finalists are selected, they would be given approximately 120 days to prepare their presentations. The first place winner would receive $40,000; second place $20,000; and third place $10,000. Mr. Hutchinson wanted to make sure that the process was not rushed and would like sufficient time to go through the various stages. Mr. DeMarco suggested contacting other aquariums and Sea Wodd for their expertise. Mr. Hutchinson reported that staff has contacted many of the entitles mentioned by Mr. DeMarco. Mr. Hutchinson announced that steve Altman, a successful author who has written about Megladon Sharks, has a foundation where authors work with students. Mr. Altman contacted Mr. Hutchinson and requested that he be permitted to use the museum to teach writing. Mr. Altman has also indicated that he would be able to bring in other successful authors to offer additional educational training. Vice Chair Heavilin opened up the workshop to the public. 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 27, 2003 Alice Otis referred to the recent newspaper article regarding competition with the new museum going up in West Palm Beach. Mr. Hutchinson noted that the curator from the South Florida Science Museum was present. Mr. Hutchinson did not think that the museum proposed for Boynton Beach would be in competition with the South Florida Science Museum because of the varying subject matter offered by the two museums. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the visitor base in the tri-county area is approximately 27 million people and he felt that there were more than enough people that would visit these facilities without hurting the other. Mr. Hutchinson said that these issues have been discussed with the other museums in the area. Brian Edwards, 629 NE 9th Avenue, Boynton Beach supports the project. Mr. Edwards would like to see the CRA continue its efforts to bring the museum to fruition while considering the public's best interests. Mr. Edwards also added that he felt the museum is the best thing that could happen to Boynton Beach. Mr. Hutchinson introduced Jim Rollings, the Executive Director of the South Florida Science Museum, who said that he felt it was important that these issues be discussed and the possibility of competition arising between the museums. Mr. Rollings noted that both museums intended to offer large screen theaters and he pointed out the expenses involved in offering this type of entertainment. He was not certain if both museums would be able to support this type of entertainment. Mr. Rollings noted that they had performed a study back in 1999 and are in the process of commissioning a new study because they felt that the large format theater was not as successful as it was originally intended. Mr. Rollings reported that they intend to build a new 100,000 square foot facility on land leased to them by the County and to date they have raised $15 million. They anticipate attracting an audience of 375,000 people annually. He noted that the Dreher Zoo anticipates an attendance of 650,000 once their expansion is completed. Another concern of Mr. Rollings was the ovedap of exhibits since their museum would also include a study of the seas. Mr. Rollings felt it was important that these issues be discussed since they are a not-for-profit corporation and have a responsibility to educate the children and residents of Palm Beach County. Mr. Hutchinson responded that staff has reconfigured the large screen theater and it is intended that the theater in the museum would be more of an attraction with an educational component, and they are not looking at a "theater location" concept. It is not anticipated that people would drive to the museum solely to visit the theater. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 27, 2003 Mr. Fenton inquired where the new Science Museum would be located and Mr. Rollings stated that it would be located between Southern Boulevard and Gun Club Road at Kirk Road. Bruce Black said he was very excited about the project and felt that many other people were as well. He would like the Board to move to the next step to keep the project going. Mr. Black felt that the museum would attract more money into the City. Mr. Tillman reiterated that he would like the project, which he fully supports, fast tracked as much as possible. Buck Buchanan, a resident of Boynton Beach, also said that he was excited about the project and felt that in order for redevelopment to be successful there needs to be an engine to drive it. He did not think that having a lot of restaurants would accomplish this and felt that this project would be a great success. Mr. Buchanan also thought that all the museums in the tri-county area could be successful and would be an asset for the children. Michael Weiner said that he was a member of the County's Land Use Advisory Board and he sees projections for Palm Beach County. It is anticipated that by 2012 the County will more than double in size with the population increasing to 2 million. Mr. Weiner also did not think that the various museums would compete against each other, but would compliment each other. Hillary Lynch, President of the Boynton Cultural Center, noted that competition drives our society. Ms. Lynch pointed out that when the Children's Museum was first discussed people were very negative and did not think that it would be successful. Today the Children's Museum is so successful that they cannot accommodate everyone. Ms. Lynch felt that the museum would be a success and pointed out that people are always looking for places to go. She complimented Mr. Hutchinson and his staff for all their hard work and she was anxious to become involved. Also, Ms. Lynch was of the opinion that as the project progressed there would be a great deal of money coming in. Mr. Hutchinson would like Boynton Beach to have a museum anchor both ends of the downtown that will make Boynton Beach one of the top places to live. Ken Kaleel applauded Mr. Hutchinson and his staff for their vision and hard work. Mr. Kaleel was in favor of the project and stated that it would satisfy a need in the area. He thought that in order for the downtown to be a success, a project of this type was necessary and would put Boynton Beach on the map. He pointed out that this would be the only type of museum in South Florida on the water. Mr. Kaleel urged the Board to move forward with the project. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 27, 2003 III. Other Items Vice Chair Heavilin requested that the RFQ for a Design/Build Team competition for the Museum be placed on the April 8th agenda for consideration. Mr. DeMarco inquired about the 501(c) 3 status, and Mr. Hutchinson said that this would be accomplished by partnering with the Children's Museum. Mr. Hutchinson felt that the museum would be a boon to local businesses, especially the dive shops. He envisions having day docks that will help these businesses expand, as well as providing a place for people who want to take a boat ride. Vice Chair Heavilin thanked staff for doing a wonderful job on preparing and presenting the project. IV. Adjournment There being no further business the meeting propedy adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (April 15, 2003) 6