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Minutes 06-10-03 MZNUTES OF THE COMMUNI'rY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETZNG HELD I~N COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CI~TY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, 3UNE 10, 2003 AT 6:30 P.M. Present Larry Finkelstein, Chairman Alexander DeMarco Don Fenton Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair Henderson ~llman Doug Hutchinson, CRA Director Lindsey Payne, Board Attorney Absent ]os~ Aguila IVlichelle Hoyland ]. Call to Order Chairman Finkelstein called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. IZ. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll. A quorum was present. III. Agenda Approval Item VIII. (A) was moved up to just after V. Public Audience. The Board decided to table New Business Items C & D until the next Board meeting. Motion Vice Chair Heavilin moved to accept the agenda, as amended, and to table New Business Items C & D until the next CRA meeting, seconded by Mr. Fenton, and unanimously carried. IV. Consent Agenda Approval of Minutes from May 13, 2003 and May 15, 2003 Financial Report HR Manual Motion Mr. Tillman moved to approve the Consent Agenda seconded the motion that carried unanimously. as presented. Mr. DeMarco Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 10, 2003 VIII. Old Business (heard out of order) A. Consideration of Design/Build Contract with Burkhardt Construction for the Boynton Beach Boulevard Promenade, and RiverWalk Kimley-Horn & Extension~ the Mr. Hutchinson explained that consistent with Board direction at the May 13 meeting, Mr. Aguila, along with legal staff and Mr. Dennis Haines of Burkhardt Construction, had restructured the contract and arrived at a mutual agreement about the attachments and exhibits. Chair Finkelstein stated that other than a few grammatical comments, he approved it. The contractor was present if the Board had any questions but there were none. MotiQn Mr. DeMarco moved to approve the Design/Build Contract with Kimley-Horn & Burkhardt Construction for the Boynton Beach Boulevard Extension, the Promenade, and RiverWalk. Mr. 'rillman seconded the motion that carried unanimously. V. Public Audience Chair Finkelstein asked whether anyone in the audience wished to speak on any matter that was not on the agenda. Mr. Ed Harris wished to speak about Boynton Hills but deferred his comments for the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. No one else wished to speak so Chair Finkelstein closed the Public Audience. VI. Public Hearing Assistant City Attorney Lindsey Payne administered an oath to all persons who planned to testify at the meeting. New Business A. Abandonment Project: Agent: Owner: Location: Description: DiLorenzo Abandonment (ABAN 03-002) Beril Kruger, Planning & Zoning Consultants Nicholas and Carmela DiLorenzo 902 North Federal Highway Request for abandonment of the 20-foot wide Alley lying east of and adjacent to Lots 24, 25, and 26, in Block 4, Lake Addition to Boynton, and the replacement with a utility easement. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 10, 2003 Mr. Maxime Ducoste, Planner, reviewed the staff report. Staff's recommendation was to approve the request for abandonment since the alley has no further public purpose. CHAIR FINKELSTEIN OPENED THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE AND CLOSED IT WHEN NO ONE EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT. Mr. DuCoste confirmed that the Planning Division had not received any negative comments or complaints from the adjacent property owners. Motion Mr. llllman moved to approve the request for abandonment of an alley as described (ABAN 03-002) for Nicholas and Carmela DiLorenzo. Mr. DeMarco seconded the motion that carried unanimously. B. Zoning Code Variance Project: Agent: Owner: Location: Description: Boynton Hills (ZNCV 03-005) John Shell, VP Construction Habitats for Humanity N.W. 3rd Court Request for relief from the City of Boynton Beach Land Development Regulations, Chapter 2, Zoning, Section 5.D.2.a, requiring a minimum lot area of 7,500 square feet to allow a variance of 3,121 square feet, resulting in a lot area of 4,379 square feet within the R-i-A single family zoning district. Request for relief from the City of Boynton Beach Land Development Regulations, Chapter 2, Zoning, Section 5.D.2.a, requiring a twenty- five (25) foot rear yard setback to allow a 17.5 foot variance, resulting in a 7.5 foot rear yard setback within the R-I-A single family zoning district. Mr. Maxime Ducoste, Planner, reviewed the staff report covering the three requests: 1) to reduce the lot area from 7,500 square feet to 4,379 square feet, 2) reduce front yard setback from 25 to 20 feet, and 3) reduce rear yard setback to 12.5 feet Boynton Hills was platted under a radial/diagonal pattern as opposed to the more usual gridiron pattern seen today and caused a number of lots to be substandard by today's standards. In 1975, the City adopted new zoning regulations that caused many parcels 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 10, 2003 to become legally non-conforming, including this one. Based on staff's analysis of the project, staff determined that a hardship exists, that the request would not be injurious to the area or detrimental to the public welfare, and that the variances requested are the minimum necessary to make possible the reasonable use of the land. Staff felt that it was in the community's best interest to grant the variances to facilitate affordable housing. CHAIR FINKELS-I'EIN OPENED TIlE PUBLdC AUDIENCE. Ed Harris, 212 N.W. 12m Avenue, Boynton Beach, stated that he had been a resident of Boynton Beach for 53 years and was concerned about the effect of this project on his property. CHAIR FINKELEFEIN CI OSED THE PUBUC AUDIENCE. Mr. Ducoste stated that the variances in question were for front and rear yard setbacks and that the side setbacks that abut Mr. Harris' property would remain at 7.5 feet on each side and would not, therefore, have any effect at all on Mr. Harris' property. In response to questions, Mr. Ducoste related that the Planning Division had not received any complaints from the adjoining property owners. Mri Charles Fix, a volunteer representative for Habitats for Humanity, stated that he had tried to purchase Mr. Harris' lot and another 25-foot wide lot owned by the Boca Raton Community Hospital, but was not able to do so. The Habitats for Humanity philosophy is to provide affordable housing for first-time buyers in the $50-60K range and they have done this successfully in 8oynton Beach as well as 8oca Raton and Delray Beach. The people who live in their houses are contributing members of the community who are thankful to have the houses and tend to keep them in good repair and appearance. Habitats for Humanity homes are 1200 square feet in size. Mr. Fix agreed with staff that them was no way to assemble property in this area to come up with a "buildable" lot. Vice Chair Heavilin and Mr. DeMarco held the same view, but Mr. Tillman, Mr. Fenton, and Chair Finkelstein believed that this house would not be an enhancement to the area and would encourage substandard development, something they were disinclined to do. Vice Chair Heavilin stated that she preferred good, new infill housing to littered, overgrown lots. Mr. Tillman wanted to see quality housing for all neighborhoods in the City and did not want to have the City be a party to substandard conditions. He felt that this would eventually bring property values down. Chair Finkelstein felt that a two-story home with more square footage and a garage would be preferable and more compatible with the other homes in the area, most of which are on larger lots. He preferred upgrades to just filling empty lots. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida ]une 10, 2003 Motion Vice Chair Heavilin moved to approve the variances as requested by Habitats for Humanity at N.W. 3rd Court. Mr. DeMarco seconded the motion that failed 2-3, Chair Finkelstein, Mr. Fenton and Mr. Tillman dissenting. Chair Finkelstein advised Mr. Fix that the Board's recommendation would be forwarded to the City Commission, who would make the final decision on the matter. VII. Director's Report A. Updates Mr. Hutchinson advised that he would be meeting on the next day with the Development Director and the City Manager to discuss the overlay issue and directions. Responses have been received to the Letters of Interest sent out to obtain the services of a graphics designer and Web services and all bids were under the $10K threshold previously established. Chair Finkelstein will review the responses and hoped to at least begin Phase I during the budget year. VIII. Old Business A. Design/Build Contract with Construction (Considered earlier in meeting.) Kimley-Horn & Burkhardt B. Consideration of Fa~;ade Grant for Boynton Boundless, LLC. Mr. Hutchinson stated that Boynton Boundless had applied for a $15,000 reimbursement grant to renovate the property at 209-211 North Seacrest Boulevard. Since the project was first presented to the 8oard, the applicants have made quite a few changes, including verifying that the items up for match are applicable to the grant application. They restructured the project, rebid it, and redefined it. Michael Weiner spoke on behalf of the applicant, stated that he was proud to be a part owner in the project, and introduced the architect, Mr..lames 13arretta. Mr..]ames Barretta, 74 Baytree Lane, Boynton Beach, stated that they had created an extensive paved area with Old Chicago-style brick along the sidewalk and in front of the building and a ramp system to accommodate handicapped access. They completely redesigned the fa(;ade on the west and south sides of the building and on the other two fagades they created windows, removed unused electrical devices, added landscaping and resurfaced the parking lot. Mr. Barretta displayed drawings for the Board's review and comment. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 10, 2003 Mr. Fenton asked if some of the work had already been done and Mr. Barretta replied that some interior demolition had been started. Mr. DeMarco inquired whether the square footage of the building would remain the same and the response was that it would and that they were only renovating the interior of the southern half of the building. There will be fourteen parking spaces. Motion Mr. Fenton moved to approve the application for a Fa(~ade Grant to Boynton Boundless, LLC, as presented. Vice Chair Heavilin seconded the motion that carried unanimously. IX. New Business Consideration of Boynton Beach Police Department Proposal for Police Issues Facing the Central Business District. Police Chief Marshall Gage addressed the CRA Board on the topic of providing services to the CRA area. Since the area is growing and being developed, the need for services has increased and will increase even further in the future. The Police Department constantly receives requests for additional services that it does not have the resources to provide. While Chief Gage's Department will continue to provide basic services for the area, in order to provide the level of service that the growing area calls for, he will need the CRA to consider funding for additional officers. Chief Gage provided three proposals for the Board's awareness and consideration. ProDosal One - Zone Three - Heart of Boynton The Police Department has plans to adjust staffing levels in this zone from two officers to one, due at least in part to a downward trend in crime for the area. If the CRA wishes to enhance the coverage in this zone, Chief Gage is asking that the CRA providing funding for ,~ of the 5 officers required to enhance the Police presence in this zone. This level of coverage would allow for around-the-clock service. The total annual cost for four additional officers to be deployed exclusively to Zone Three would be $270,457. PrODOsal Two - Redeployment of a Bicycle Squad Chief Gage explained that when the bicycle squad was in service prior to 1997, the units that were concentrated in the general area of the CRA district realized a slightly higher success rate than those in other zones. Recently, the community has demonstrated an increased interest in resuming the bicycle patrols. Consistent with CRA efforts to revitalize the Heart of Boynton and the downtown and marina districts, the Department would again deploy a community patrol, bicycle squad in the CRA area. Five officers and one sergeant would be assigned exclusively to patrol designated areas 6 Meeting Ninutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida .lune 10, 2003 within the CRA based on current crime trends, community/business concerns, and special events. The hours would be flexible and the assignments permanent. Chief Gage proposed that the CRA provide funding for six bicycle patrol officers and the required equipment. The total yearly cost of deploying five bicycle patrol officers and one sergeant exclusively in the CRA would be $363,112. Proposal Three - Foot and/or Bicycle Patrol in the CRA District Twenty-four hour foot patrol coverage for the downtown and marina districts would facilitate a police presence during times of peak pedestrian and vehicular traffic and nighttime security for businesses and residents. Chief Gage stated that foot patrol officers provide a positive perception of safety and the severity of the crime problem in a given area. Developers, business owners, and potential business owners have expressed a desire to see officers on foot. in the soon-to-be-redeveloped downtown and marina districts. The total annual cost of five additional officers for assignment exclusively to the downtown and marina districts would be $293,615. Board Discussion Mr. Hutchinson stated that the City was soon to have a major construction site and that it would not be good for people to just wander around in it. Also, parking will change and there will be many people who will be out and about at all times of the day and night. There have been incidents already and the need is at hand. He wants to work with the Police Department to maximize safety in the CRA, downtown and marina districts. Chief Gage reiterated that his Department would continue to provide basic services in the area, but he thought that the plans for growth called for more than he could provide with his own budget. Chair Finkelstein noted that the tax income comes to the CRA and not the City and, therefore, the monies that are available for these services reside with the CRA. Mr. DeNarco was glad to hear talk of something that he had been saying since he got on the CRA Board - ample parking and police protection. Mr. 'RIIman agreed that this was a matter that deserved the CRA's immediate attention and called for early and visible action. Chair Finkelstein also thought that a visible presence would be important to the success of the marina and downtown districts. Chief Gage stated that he could not provide that visibility at the present time because his officers had to be in their cars so they could be deployed to calls in other parts of the zone. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida 3une 10, 2003 Mr. Hutchinson stated that staff would continue to work with the Police Department to come to an agreement on the issue of public safety in the CRA area. :It is possible that there will be a blend of services and that 24/7 would not be needed in all areas. For example, on Monday mornings in the marina area, there would not be much need for service. Mr. Hutchinson thanked Chief Gage for coming to the Board to discuss the matter. B. Consideration fof Committee for Outside A#dit Chair Finkelstein referred to Ms. Vielhauer's memo with recommendations for the Competitive Selection Committee to review the RFPs for Outside Audit. Motion Vice Chair Heavilin moved to approve staff's recommendations for the members of the Competitive Selection Committee: Don Fenton, Scott Sander, and Susan Vielhauer. Mr. l'illman seconded the motion that carried unanimously. C. Consideration of Deferred Comnensation Plan Com~an-.- (Tabled) D. Consideration of ShQrt Term Disability Plan Compan:- (Tabled) Adjournment Since there was no further business before the Board, the meeting was duly adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Collins Recording Secretary (061103) 8