Minutes 04-12-05MZNUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETZNG OF THE COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, HELD IN COMMZSSION CHAMBERS, CITY
HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2005 AT
6:30 P.M.
Present:
Jeanne Heavilin, Chairperson
Henderson Tillman, Vice Chair
]ames Baretta
Alexander DeMarco
Don Fenton
Marie Horenburger
Steve Myott
Doug Hutchinson, CRA Director
Ken Spillias, Board Attorney
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Heavilin called the meeting to order at 6:3:L p.m.
II. Roll Call
The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared a quorum was present.
III. Agenda Approval
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda.
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion
Mr. DeMarco moved to approve the agenda.
unanimously carried.
IV.
Motion seconded by Mr. Myott and
Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes, February :~9th & 20th, 2005 Retreat, March 17th,
2005 and March 23, 2005 meetings.
Attorney Spillias pulled Item IV. A. from the Consent Agenda for discussion that
was moved to Item VIII.
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12~ 2005
B. Financial Report.
C. Consideration of Final Direct ~[ncentive Agreement for the Promenade
of Boynton.
D. Consideration of Tnterlocal Agreement between the City of Boynton
Beach and the CRA for the Demolition of Boynton Terrace Apartments.
Mr. Hutchinson pulled Item IV. D. from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
E. Consideration of Facade Grant Extension for Delray-Boynton Academy.
F. Consideration of the Facade Grant Reimbursement of Salefish Reality
Inc. for $9,226.77.
Consideration to Purchase a Ten (10) Foot Utility Easement from the L
& F Reality Corporation for the location of underground FPL utilities for
the Boynton Beach Blvd retention project.
H. Consideration of Self Assembly Grant for the ("SEBOF") Group, South
Eastern Block of Ocean and Federal.
Mr. Fenton pulled :Item TV. H. from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
Consideration of Purchase of Properties in the MLK Redevelopment
Area.
Motion
Mr. Fenton moved for approval of the Consent Agenda, as amended.
seconded by Mr. Myott and unanimously carried.
Motion
Consideration of Interlocal Agreement between the City of Boynton
Beach and the CRA for the Demolition of Boynton Terrace
Apartments.
Mr. Hutchinson asked Legal Counsel to explain one of the issues that staff needs
Board direction.
Attorney Spillas stated he drafted an Interlocal Agreement for the demolition,
and sent it to the City. The City's Attorney sent it back with some provisions. He
did not have a problem with most of them. One provision that he could not
agree to give was a request that there be included in the agreement an
indemnification provision running from the CRA to the City. He put in an
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
indemnification provision running from the City to the CRA, since the City is the
entity that handles contracts and will oversee the demolition. They asked for a
similar indemnification with regard to holding the CRA harmless, particularly with
regard to the terms and conditions of the lien. Mr. Spillas told the Board, as they
would recall, one of the conditions was they have a lien and that lien be
paramount to the existing City liens on the property. They cannot get a lien
themselves since the City is doing the work, so the City will place a lien on the
property and immediately assign the lien to the CRA. Mr. Spillas checked the
minutes to confirm the motion made on this matter, and the motion, as he read
it, was made that they would grant the $350,000, but there would be absolutely
no other obligation, cost or potential expense to the CRA. Mr. Spillias felt that in
light of the official action taken by the Board, he did not think he could
recommend a contract with that language.
IVlr. Spillias read the language that the City asked to be included which stated:
"Without waiver of limitation as per Section 768.285 of the Florida Statutes, and
to the extent permitted by law, the CRA agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
the City harmless from any claims, losses, demands, causes of action or liability,
whatsoever kind or nature that the City, its Agents or Employees may or could
incur as a result of or emanating out of the terms and conditions contained in
the lien or incurred as a result of any claim, demand, or cause of action to either
foreclose the CRA's interest in the lien or to defend the lien against any party
challenging the validity or enforceability of the lien."
Quintus Greene, Development Director, addressed the Board, and concurred with
IVlr. Spillias that only the City can place liens against the private property and
that the CRA does not have that authority. Therefore, the City would lien the
property and then transfer its lien to the CRA and subordinate its other liens on
the property to that lien. He stated there was the Interlocal Agreement and then
a Subordination Agreement. The issue did arise as to who defends whom, and
from the City's standpoint and in speaking with the City Attorney, and the City
IVlanager, he has been authorized to say the City will also defend the CRA against
any challenges to its liens. However, the City will recoup the cost of any defense
from the proceeds of any lien foreclosure. He stated if those terms were
acceptable to the CRA, they could move the issue along.
IVlr. Fenton questioned how many millions of dollars worth of bonds were out
there, and IVlr. Greene said approximately 4 million.
Mr. Spillias stated they were in agreement with everything else in the contract,
and if what Mr. Greene has suggested is acceptable to the Board, the motion
would be to accept that proposal by the City and direct him to go back and
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
finalize the contract with the City. Tt would then go to City Commission before
coming back to the CRA Board Meeting.
Motion
Mr. Barretta moved the authorization be that upon final approval of language by
the Executive Director and the Attorney, the Chairman of the Board would then
be authorized to sign the contract for the Board. Notion seconded by Ms.
Horenburger and carried 6-1 (~lr. Fenton dissenting).
Consideration of Self-Assembly Grant for the ("SEBOF'~ Group,
South Eastern Block of Ocean and Federal.
Mr. Fenton stated he read the binder and the number of people who signed
versus those who did not sign were a minority. There was 1.74:[ acres, which
was controlled by the people who have signed the self-assembly process, and
those who did not sign controlled 2.8 acres. He saw no reason to approve, since
the majority of the property owners did not sign on for the project.
Doug Hutchinson pointed out that since the packets were sent out to them
ahead of time, the information they received does not include the additional
signatures they have gotten to date. The regulations for the grant state you
need to be :[.7 acres or bigger in that type of zoning area, and they definitely
have the additional signatures. He stated the signatures are currently being
compiled and he believed there was a majority now. The property owners who
do not want to participate, will not be put on the list. He informed the Board
there were some property owners present at the meeting.
Mark Rothenberg, Siemon & Larsen Law Firm, addressed the Board and
stated they presently had eighteen out of twenty-five signatures, and they
anticipated obtaining another two. They have not gotten any noticeable
opposition from anyone in the neighborhood, but they have a large bulk of the
property owners present at the meeting, who care about the project.
Motion
Ms. Horenburger moved to approve the consideration of Self Assembly Grant for
the ("SEBOF'~ Group, South Eastern Block of Ocean and Federal. Motion
seconded by Mr. IVlyott and unanimously carried.
V. Public Audience
None
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Legal
A. Consideration of the presumption of prejudice in quasi-judicial
hearings arising from ex parte communications.
Attorney Spillias stated the reason he submitted the resolution, and suggested
they put it is writing is because under Florida case law, it is declared that since
you are sitting in a quasi-judicial capacity, any contacts outside the meeting are
presumably prejudicial. The Florida legislature rebutted that decision because it
was felt that it would put a chill on people petitioning or discussing with
appointed or elected officials who sit in that capacity. The passed legislation said
if the public body passes a resolution outlining the procedure for disclosing the
ex parte communications, indicating whom you spoke with, there is no longer a
presumptuous prejudice. He stated the meaning of this at the CRA meetings is
not significant, but if there is a challenge to a decision of the City Commission or
decision of the Board or two Boards together, when it gets to court, there is a
significant impact on who has the burden of proving prejudice or non-prejudice.
Motion
Mr. Tillman moved to support the resolution supported by legal staff.
seconded by Hr. Barretta and unanimously carried.
Motion
VTT. Public Hearing
Attorney Spillas administered the oath to all persons who would be testifying.
Attorney Spillas asked if any members of the Board had any ex parte
communications they wished to disclose, they were now required to do so,
regarding any of the items under the Public Hearing section.
Hr. Barretta informed the Board he had discussions with Bradley Hiller regarding
Boynton Beach Lofts project.
Hr. Steve Myott stated he had discussions with Bradley Hiller and Hichael
Weiner.
Hr. DeMarco had discussions with Bradley Miller.
Chair Heavilin stated they would do both the New Site Plan and the Height
Exception for Boynton Beach Lofts simultaneously.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Motion
Ms. Horenburger moved to remove the items from the table.
by Vice Chair Tillman and unanimously carried.
Motion seconded
Old Business
A. New Site Plan (Tabled to April 12, 2005)
1. Project:
Boynton Beach Lofts (NWSP 05-008)
(Tabled to April 12, 2005)
Agent:
Owner:
Location:
Description:
Mr. Bradley Miller, AICP, Miller Land Planning
Consultants, Inc.
Louis F. Mascia / Boynton Motel LLC
623 South Federal Highway
Request for new site plan approval to construct
a mixed-use project consisting of 48 multi-
family dwelling units, 5,364 square feet of
retail, and 13,354 square feet of office on a
1.21 acre parcel in a MU-L zoning district.
B. Height Exception (Tabled to April 12, 2005)
1. Project:
Boynton Beach Lofts (HTEX 05-001)
(Tabled to April 12, 20051
Agent:
Owner:
Location:
Description:
Mr. Bradley Miller, AICP, Miller Land Planning
Consultants, Inc.
Mr. Louis F. Mascia / Boynton Motel LLC
623 South Federal Highway
Request for a height exception of three (3)
feet-two (2) inches pursuant to the City's Land
Development Regulations, Chapter 2, Zoning,
Section 4.F.2, to allow the mechanical room
housing elevator / stair tower to be 78 feet-
two (2) inches in height, a distance of three
(3) feet-two (2) inches above the 75-foot
maximum height allowed in the Mixed-Use Low
(MU-L) zoning district.
Eric Johnson, Planner, reminded the Board they requested the land use
amendment re-zoning change to go from local retail commercial land use to
mixed use land use and from community commercial zoning to mixed use Iow
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
zoning. He stated no Commission action had been taken on either of the
requests. The subject property is located on the West side of Federal Highway
and the site plan is for 13,354 square feet of office, 5,364 square feet of retail
and 48 condominium units. The project will require approval of a corresponding
height exception of three (3) feet-two (2) inches. The proposal is to construct a
single mixed-use building consisting of two towers with an interior-parking
garage. Staff reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the Land
Development Regulations and also the concurrency requirements.
Mr. Johnson stated the Palm Beach County Traffic Division determined the
residential portion of the mixed-use development is located within the coastal
residential exception area of Palm Beach County, and the non-residential portion
meets the performance standards of Palm Beach County. There is a build out
date of 2008 and the project would have to be complete before the expiration of
that date. The Utilities Department reviewed the site plan and found there
would be adequate capacity to serve the project. Police and Fire staff
determined that current-staffing levels would be sufficient to meet the expected
demand for services. The Engineering Division reviewed the proposed civil
drawings and determined the conceptual drainage information was okay;
however more specific drainage solutions would be sought at the time of
permitting. The School District of Palm Beach County has reviewed the request
and determined that adequate capacity exists.
There would be two points of ingress and one point of egress. Cars would move
from Federal Highway into the interior of the project and only be allowed to exit
onto SE 4th Street. The parking, under normal scenarios, would require 156
parking spaces. The project would only provide 119 parking spaces, but with the
mixed uses, the applicant can take advantage of the Urban Land :Institutes'
shared parking methodology to determine what would be the required parking
and using that method, 116 parking spaces would be required.
Mr. Johnson pointed out there would be trees and shrubs located throughout the
entire project.
The reason for the height exception request of three (3) feet-two (2) inches was
because a portion of an elevator shalt or stair well would exceed the 75' height
requirement.
Mr. Johnson stated staff had reviewed the project for compliance and
determined the project does comply with the MU-L. Staff had 56 conditions of
approval. Tn an effort to reduce the number of conditions of approval, the
applicant submitted revised drawings. However due to time constraints, staff
had only reviewed the proposed elevations which were submitted to the Board
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
and out of the 56 conditions of approval, staff determined the following had
been satisfied:
· No. 42 - At the time of permitting, revise the Massing Model and other
applicable sheets to accurately show the roofline of the proposed building.
· No. 43 - At the time of permitting revise the Massing Model or elevations
to indicate building stepback compliance of the IvlU-L zoning district when
structures are above the 45-foot threshold.
· No. 55 - Staff recommends utilizing aluminum framework inside the
"window" openings of the parking garage in order to enhance their
appearance.
Mr. Johnson stated, out of the remaining conditions of approval, staff was able to
review the landscape plans. The Board did not have the revised landscape plans
because they are still with staff, but the following could be eliminated because
the applicant has submitted plans that meet the intent of their recommendation:
· No. 52 - Staff recommends increasing the size of the new Sabal palm tree
clusters proposed at the southeast, southwest, and northeast corner at
varying heights between 20 feet and 28 overall feet.
· No. 53 - Staff recommends installing 14-foot to 16-foot tall Montgomery
or Alexander palm trees within the west landscape buffer (in the planter
areas) proposed between the doorways and the breaks in the window.
· No. 54 -Staff recommends installing more brick-pavers within the front
plazas in order to increase the size of pedestrian / public gathering space,
thereby meeting the intent of the IvlU-L zoning district. ~[n any case, staff
determined that there would still be enough room to install two (2)
additional Foxtail palm trees within this plaza along Federal Highway. The
Foxtail palm trees should be installed at a height of 18 feet to 20 feet.
Mr. Johnson referred to No. 56, which states staff recommends adding more
architectural elements and accents to all facades to enhance the overall
appearance of the building, and said staff wanted to add that the molding should
be extended around the entire perimeter of the building.
Staff is recommending approval of the requested Site Plan, and the Height
Exception with the changes recommended above.
Mr. Baretta questioned when staff received the revised drawings and Mr.
Johnson informed the Board the revised drawings were submitted on April 5,
2005.
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Mr. Michael Weiner was present on behalf of applicant. He pointed out
the conditions of approval are satisfied after they receive recommendation from
the Board and then go forward to the City Commission. They have satisfied all
the controversial recommendations except one, which is going to stay to give
them assurances of the fact that the landscape plan is going to be exactly up to
code. He also stated they agree with No 56.
Bradley Miller, Miller Land Planning Consultants Tnc., stated he was
representing the applicant. He showed the Board the plans for the project on a
PowerPoint presentation. He reiterated that they have satisfied staff's conditions
of approval numbers 42, 43, 52, 53 and 55. Tn addition, staff asked them to
provide some of the foxtail palms, and they have ten foxtail palms along the
frontage of Federal Highway. Both the paver area and the landscape criteria
along the frontage have been addressed in their revised plans.
Chairperson Heavilin opened the public hearing.
Violet Palladino, 500 South Federal Highway, was curious how far the
setback was from the highway, and if the 16 and 14 loot palm trees were going
to be along the front of it.
Mr. Miller stated the nearest location along the east side for setbacks is more
than eight feet and the deepest part is 23 feet to the building. Tn addition to the
shrub material, there will be ten foxtail palms along the frontage of the building.
Mary Law, 625 South Federal Highway, stated she resides next to the
project. She lived at that location for 30 years and had several concerns
regarding the project. She felt a study about how the property's drainage will
impact the surrounding area had not been presented to the City. She was also
concerned about the parking, since the project needs at least 156 parking places
and the developer only designed for 119 spaces. The developer planned to
locate an electrical transformer at the southeast corner of the property; she did
not feel they were safe. She also stated the developer had not mentioned how
he was going to protect the adjacent property owners and their properties from
the danger, dust and noise during construction.
Roberta Tomberg, 509 SE 6th Ave, stated the property owners from the north
commencing at SE 5th Avenue, to the south to Washington Mutual Bank, have
agreed to meet to discuss self-assemblage. She wanted to request the Boynton
Lofts join them, and hoped the matter would be tabled until they can meet.
Since no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Mr. Miller addressed the drainage question, and stated the way the building is
designed everything is self-contained. There is a gutter system built into the
building that goes into a drainage system that is part of the lower level of the
building. As part of their application, there is a preliminary drainage review,
which they have complied with. As they proceed with the process, they will have
additional permits and detailed drainage information. Regarding parking, the
Code does allow them to use the Urban Land institute shared parking method,
which they have complied with. The transformers are Florida Power and Light
pads, which are required to provide electrical power to the building, and as far as
he understands they have to be located there.
Mr. Barretta still had concerns about the garage elevation. He passed out a part
of the urban design guidelines to the Board. He read a portion of it that said:
"in no cases shall blank walls including parking garages, exist along any building
elevation that exceeds 10 feet vertically and 20 feet horizontally".
He stated it listed 13 ways to treat garage walls, and at least three of the
elements must be incorporated into the design. Mr. Barretta felt the design
incorporated none of the 13 elements. Additionally, neighbors to the north,
south and west asked the project be included in the self-assemblage and he
suggested the Board deny the project on the merits of the parking garage or
table it so they could have discussions with the neighbors.
Chair Heavilin did not think they could table based on discussions, if they want
to go ahead with self-assemblage, they could come back with a modified site
plan.
Mr. Barretta stated the project owners have addressed the concerns staff made,
and several members of the Board had indicated at two other public forums,
they have strong reservations with the design of the building and none of that
has been addressed.
Mr. Weiner said the Urban Design Guidelines indicate blank walls, and they do
not have blank walls - they have columns and openings. Staff realized the
guidelines did not apply and suggested they make the blanks look more like
windows.
Mr. Barretta felt it was indeed a blank wall and what was done to treat the blank
wall was to put openings in the parking garage. Because there are openings,
does not change the characteristic that they are blank walls.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Ns. Horenburger asked what was the distance from the property line to the
garage wall. She did not think they should be going with Urban Land Institute's
standards regarding the parking. She was also concerned about reports there
was already a drainage problem in the area. She asked staff if the SE 4.th Avenue
drainage project would have any impact on the project.
Ed Breese, Principal Planner stated there was no one from Engineering present
at the meeting, but they did speak with them beforehand and told them the
drainage plans as submitted are preliminary and appear adequate. At the time
of permitting, they will be reviewed in detail.
Mr. Nyott said he thought the applicant had followed the process that had been
established from the City.
Eric Johnson stated the City's parking requirements are suburban standard
parking requirements. The City has incorporated the Urban Land Institute's
shared parking analysis as a way to promote shared parking between mixed of
uses. He thought the Urban Land ]nstitute's process was the appropriate one to
use in this scenario.
Vice Chair Tillman thought that since the last meeting, the applicants have done
some things that were adequate and sufficient to move the project along.
Motion
Mr. Fenton moved to approve the New Site Plan for the Boynton Lofts 1.21 acres
at 623 South Federal Highway for 13,354 square feet of office, 5,364 square feet
of retail, 48 condominium units. Notion seconded by Nr. Tillman and carried 5-2
( l~lr. Barretta and I~s. Horenburger dissenting).
Motion
Nr. Fenton moved to approve a three (3) feet two (2) inch height exception for
the top of the elevator including the 56 conditions of approval, excluding items
42, 43, 52, 53, 54, 55; and 56 as amended to include molding around the entire
building, plus adoption of the three elements from the design guidelines relative
to the blank portions of the garage walls, and have the changes listed under the
Community Redevelopment Agency Heading rather than the Planning and Zoning
heading. Notion seconded by Mr. Barretta and carried 7-0.
Mr. Johnson asked the Board that the changes be listed under the CRA
comments rather than staff comments.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
New Business
A. Code Review
Project:
Agent:
Location:
Description:
Urban Commercial Districts (CDRV 05-004)
City Staff
Community Redevelopment Area
Request to amend the Land Development Regulation
(LDR), Chapter 2, Zoning, Section 6 and Section 8.5,
to create an overlay district to reduce the front, side
interior, and side corner yard building setbacks for
parcels currently zoned Office and Professional
District (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial District (C-
2), Community Commercial District (C-3), and General
Commercial District (C-4), located within targeted
areas of the CRA.
Eric Johnson, Planner stated the intent of the overlay is to allow flexibility in site
design by requiring a "build-to" line with regard to the required front, side and
side corner building setbacks, which will help to serve as a catalyst for
redevelopment efforts on small-sized parcels that have not or most likely would
not be assembled as part of a large mixed-use project. He stated the problem
with conventional commercial zoning districts is that portions of a site may be
developed for residential uses; however the regulations do not encourage a true
integration of commercial and residential uses. Suburban standards in urban
areas undermine staff leverage when negotiating with developers on issues such
as creating pedestrian-friendly corridors, concealing off-street parking areas, and
regulating automotive-oriented uses. Staff is proposing the commercial district
overlay and the setbacks would be reduced as follows:
· The front setback would be between five and fifteen feet.
· The side interior yard setback would be zero to fifteen feet.
· The side corner yard would be ten feet to fifteen feet.
· The rear yard would be the same as normal.
Mr. Myott questioned what the shaded area on Exhibit 'A" - Urban Commercial
District Overlay IVlap meant, and why it was on only one side of Federal Highway.
Mr. Johnson stated the shaded area is the boundary of the proposed overlay
district which is consistent with the zoning districts that are currently in place and
also consistent with the Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment
Plan, the Ocean District Community Redevelopment Plan and the Boynton Beach
Boulevard Corridor Plan.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April :1.2, 2005
Vice Chair Tillman wanted to know if Martin Luther King Boulevard was under the
urban overlay district. Mr. Johnson stated the Martin Luther King Boulevard was
omitted from the district overlay because it has its own overlay. Mr. Hutchinson
was concerned there were still issues on Martin Luther King Boulevard, which he
thought should be incorporated.
Vice Chair Tillman thought they were supposed to be consistent. They talked
about doing commercial on Martin Luther King Boulevard and he does not know
why it is being left out. He questioned what Martin Luther King Boulevard is
going to look like, other that what a commercial district is supposed to look like.
He said they talked about putting overlays there and there is always stalling.
Mr. Barretta stated he would like to workshop the matter with Staff so they could
come up with a consensus between the Board and staff
Michael Rumpf said in order to help save some time, they could try a workshop.
He suggested they take some notes from this meeting and review them until the
next meeting. He informed the Board, if they wanted the Martin Luther King
Boulevard cleaned up in terms of the setbacks so they don't have different
setbacks, they could make recommendations. The reason Seacrest Boulevard is
not mentioned is because it was intended that way to draw attention to the fact
that it would be contrary to the Heart of Boynton Redevelopment Plan, which the
Board endorsed.
Mr. Hutchinson stated the problem they currently have is the lots which are
currently zoned Office and Professional District (C-:L) and Neighborhood
Commercial District (C-2) on the west side of Seacrest, are being speculated on.
Mr. Hutchinson stated even though it may not be the best place for commercial
projects, if they are going to have one, they should have the best project.
Mr. Rumpf thought that by allowing the setback to be adjusted on the lots, which
are inconsistent with the redevelopment plan, increases their ability to develop.
That would not be staff's recommendation. He thought if they favored or
supported commercial development in these areas, he recommended they re-
visit the redevelopment plan and see if they support changes along that west
side.
Chair Heavilin thought it was an important issue, which should be reviewed
thoroughly.
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Motion
Mr. Tillman moved to postpone the matter and direct staff to set up a workshop.
Notion seconded by Mr. Barretta and unanimously carried.
Mr. Rumpf asked if the Board foresees needing any additional information from
them for the workshop.
Mr. Hutchinson suggested better maps.
Project:
Agent:
Location:
Description:
LDR Revision (CDRV 05-007)
City initiated
N/A
Request to amend the Land Development Regulations
(LDR), Chapter 2, Zoning, Section 4. B, 4..1 and 5.A-
5.E, relative to residential district building setbacks,
and regulations for fences, walls, and sheds.
Ed Breese, Principle Planner, informed the Board the item dealt with setbacks in
residential districts. The Commission asked staff in its first duty in rewriting the
Land Development Regulations to look at the setbacks within the residential
districts based on the number of variances that have been going through the
process. They also asked them to look at the number of phone calls they receive
from people who want to add on a family room or extra bedroom, because they
have had an addition to their family and they can't fit it within the current Code.
What staff did was look at the previous Codes to see what the setbacks were
when most of the houses were built. They additionally looked at the variance
applications, to see what were the most prevalent types of variances. Staff came
up with the following recommendations:
Reduction in rear yard setback requirements from 25 feet to 20 feet in all
single-family districts.
Creation of an Administrative Adjustment to allow additional reductions in
all yard setbacks. The proposed adjustments are minimal, again like
those currently in the Code for non-conforming lots, and would look
something like this for a RIAA single-family lot, plotted prior to .lune
13,1975:
Front Setback-25 feet. With Administrative Adjustment-20 feet.
Rear Setback-20 feet. With Administrative Adjustment-15 feet.
Side Setback-10 feet. With Administrative Adjustment-8 feet.
· Establishment of criteria for the review and approval of Administrative
Adjustments (see Exhibit "B"), which pertains to compatibility with the
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
established character of the neighborhood, reasonableness of the request
and massing of the building or addition.
Creation of a Special Rear Yard Setback Reduction for properties abutting
the railroad rights-of-way, :[-95 rights-of-way, canals, lakes, :[ntracoastal
Waterway, parks, golf courses, and community perimeter walls; public
use, recreation, commercial and industrial zoning districts. This reduction
would decrease the rear setback from 20 feet to 10 feet. This special rear
yard setback is applicable to one-story additions only.
Mr. Breese stated more than likely the setback is 25 feet and they are suggesting
it be 20 feet, and if you are on a lake, you can actually go to 10 feet. The
Commission has heard from numerous people who had to sell their houses
because they cannot expand. The Code was developed in 1975 and the one
before that was 1962, and has not been updated for a long time. There is a
need to develop a zoning Code that is more in line with what people want to do
today. One of the things they heard from the Commission was they want to
make the process simpler. As far as the Accessory Buildings, right now the
regulations on the books state the shed must be a minimum of :[2 feet away
from the principle structure, and could be no higher than 7 feet tall. Mr. Breese
stated since a homeowner can now go to a place like Home Depot and buy a
shed that physically attaches to the house, the Code is fairly outdated.
Discussion with the City's Building Code Administrator and the Fire Marshal has
confirmed that there are no issues of concern for allowing sheds in close
proximity, or attached to a house. Staff recommends the following amendments
to the Code:
· Removal of the twelve (12) foot separation requirement between
accessory structures and the principal structure, thereby allowing storage
structures to be immediately adjacent to or attached to the house.
· Allow an increase in maximum height for storage structures from seven
(7) feet to nine (9) feet.
· Retain existing requirements for maximum square footage of storage
structures (100 square feet) and minimum setback requirements (three
(3) feet from rear and side property lines).
Ms. Horenburger questioned if there was a requirement if your house was
situated on a corner and you wanted to build a shed on that side of the house,
would it have to be screened?
Mr. Breese said to the best of his recollection, sheds could be in any yard except
front yards. They can be on a side yard, even if you are on a corner, and he did
not think it would be required to screen it.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Mr. Fenton stated if the subdivision does not allow for a shed, you couldn't have
a shed. Mr. Breese stated, if it was the desire of the Board that a shed which is
not in the rear yard, must be screened, they could add that regulation. Ms.
Horenburger felt it should be a requirement to have the shed screened if it is on
the street frontage.
Mr. Breese stated the other related issue involves wall, fence and hedge
regulations. :In an effort to clarify some of the language in the Code, staff
recommends the following minor rewording of the Code:
Fences, hedges and walls shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, above
finished grade, except that in front setbacks, from the building line
forward to the property line, the maximum height shall be four (4) feet.
On corner lots, both road frontages are subject to the four (4) foot height
limitation, in accordance with Chapter 2, Section 4.E., Visual Obstructions.
Mr. Breese stated most fences are made six (6) feet high. Hedges are more
troublesome. There were many historic districts which had high hedges, and the
problem for that was relative to reversing out of your driveway. :If your neighbor
has a six-foot high wall, fence or hedge, you would have trouble seeing any
oncoming traffic, or pedestrians.
Mr. Barretta stated if they loosened up the requirements for sheds, they would
probably see a lot more sheds and they are going to potentially be nine feet. He
understood the liability issue in the front setback but wondered if there should be
a prohibition against someone who wanted to screen their shed around the side
and rear with an eight foot fence or wall.
(Plr. DePlarco /eft the meet/ng at 8:48 p.m.)
Mr. Breese stated if it is the desire of the Board to look at an eight (8) foot
height in the rear and side property lines, they could take that forward with a
recommendation to the Commission to re-evaluate the six (6) feet.
Vice Chair Tillman stated if they are allowing a shed to go from seven (7) feet to
nine (9) feet, and on the corner lots, even though the shed is on the back of the
property, it is still viewed by the public, the eight (8) foot hedge is still not going
to cover it. He thought there should be some exceptions where there are
corners, when dealing with sheds and hedges.
Motion
Ns. Horenburger moved to approve the amendment of the Land Development
Regulations. Notion seconded by Mr. Barretta and unanimously carried.
]6
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
VIII Pulled Consent Agenda Items
Approval of Minutes, February :19th & 20th, 2005 Retreat, March
17th, 2005 and March 23, 2005 meetings.
Attorney Spillias stated in the minutes dated March 17, 2005 on page 23, the
word "no" should be inserted in the first full paragraph, third line, in between
needing and incentives. The sentence should read:
"Mr. Hutchinson stated that the project was presented with needing no
incentives."
Chair Heavilin stated in the minutes dated March 17, 2005, there was no time of
adjournment. [t came to agreement, since the meeting was recessed until
March 23, 2005, the correct language should be as follows:
"The meeting recessed at 10:40 p.m."
Motion
Mr. Barretta moved to approve the minutes, as amended.
Ms. Horenburger and unanimously carried.
Motion seconded by
IX. Old Business
A. Consideration of Corporation Sponsorship for the NAACP Tabled to
April 12, 2005 meetinq.
Motion
Ms. Horenburger moved to remove the item from the table.
Mr. Barretta and unanimously carried.
Motion seconded by
Mr. Hutchinson stated the president for the South Palm Beach Branch of the
NAACP was present at the meeting, to address any questions the Board may
have on their organization.
Dr. Romaine Martin, President of the South Palm Beach Branch of the
NAACP~ stated the NAACP was formed in 1909 by a multi-racial group of
progressive thinkers. It is a nonprofit organization with the mission of insuring
the political, educational, social, and economic equality of minority groups. Their
mission is to eliminate race and prejudice and remove all barriers of racial
discrimination through a democratic process. There are over 420 branches in
the United States. In 2002, the NAACP put forth a five-year strategic plan to
prioritize the work at the branch levels. Some of the areas they address are
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
criminal justice, civil rights issues in education, health, and economic
empowerment. Specific to economic empowerment, there was one particular
goal she wanted to mention and that was goal 7.5 - to advocate for the
development and support of community development financial institutions and
community development corporations serving African-American and other
minority communities. The South Palm Beach Branch of NAACP hopes to work
with the CRA for the revitalization of Boynton Beach.
Mr. Barretta said he was convinced they should partner with the NAACP and
thought it was different from the YMCA. He felt the NAACP would work with the
CRA and shared their goals.
Mr. Fenton stated he saw nothing different between the NAACP and other
organizations and said they were all non-political organizations. He thought the
other groups like .1YC and YMCA are all affecting Boynton Beach in a positive way
and he did not understand the Board turning down the YMCA, which he was a
Founding Director, and he personally did not think the CRA should be giving to
any of the nonpolitical, nonprofit organizations.
Mr. Myott questioned if there were any case studies of the NAACP's involvement
in redevelopment in other cities, and how they positively affected change.
Mr. Hutchinson stated they have done a tremendous amount of work. They
have organized meetings about the genesis program. They get requests about
medical needs and also expressed their hands are tied regarding youth issues.
Unlike other organizations, the NAACP is in the middle of working through the
development issues, bringing resources in. He called the NAACP and within a
week they had two meetings set up and they were in their office discussing
investment opportunities and their community goals.
Mr. Tillman said the NAACP is the only group within the target area that
encompasses all the people within the area and how they feel. He felt
partnering with NAACP will function to help the CRA.
Chair Heavilin agreed with IVlr. Tillman that partnering with the NAACP would be
beneficial to the community.
Mr. Fenton said he was sure other organizations would be willing to partner with
the CRA for $5,000, and did not think the target areas should be specified. He
thought the target areas from the North end of Boynton Beach to the South end
of Boynton Beach are inclusive of everyone. He had no problem with the NAACP
or any of the other organizations, but questioned if legally another organization
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
came to them, what their position would be after opening the opportunity for
corporate memberships.
Mr. Spiillias stated it was a policy decision made by the Board, which could be
made on a case-by-case basis. The only thing is the funds are being spent for
public purpose. That does not mean that anyone who comes in and has a public
purpose for the funds has to be provided funds.
Ms. Horenburger questioned what accountability they would have about the
expenditure of the funds.
Mr. Hutchinson stated it is a membership fee to their organization.
Mr. Fenton wanted to know how much of the money stays in Boynton Beach and
how much goes to National.
Dr. Martin stated National does get a small percentage of the funds, but she did
not have the exact amount, but could provide it to Mr. Hutchinson the following
morning. The reason it is important is because National does the policy
development and establishes National relationships. They provide the guidelines
by which they operate at a branch level. She did not consider the money going
out of Boynton Beach, but rather helping them to be effective in Boynton Beach.
Ms. Horenburger stated she was prepared to support the NAACP last meeting,
based on a gold life basis of the $:[,500 membership for the year.
Dr. Martin said that membership is an individual membership and not a corporate
membership. The corporate membership is $5,000.
Ms. Horenburger questioned if it was a lifetime membership or an annual
membership.
Dr. Martin stated corporate sponsorships are generally on an annual basis.
Chair Heavilin said her understanding from the last meeting was that it was a
one-time membership fee.
Mr. Hutchinson told the Board they have the application as it was presented but
he thought it was a lifetime corporate membership. This was a decision the
Board should make.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Mr. Barretta stated the other organizations they are a part of, they pay annual
dues, and it was nothing unusual and thought if they decide a year from now
they were not getting their $5,000 worth, they would not have to renew it.
Mr. Hutchinson stated he saw life membership as a one-time fee. Ms.
Horenburger said she would support an annual membership to see how it works,
but she did not think they could support $5,000 a year.
Chair Heavilin questioned the difference between the various memberships.
Dr. Martin stated there are different levels of individual memberships like the
silver life and the golden life. These give you a different status within the
NAACP. There is a difference between an annual member and a life member. A
life member has made that commitment to the civil rights process and to the
work of the NAACP for their entire life.
Ms. Horenburger questioned why corporate was under life memberships. Dr.
Martin said she would have to look at the form the Board has, because corporate
sponsorship is something they go for every year with different corporations. Dr.
Martin said the NAACP is a voluntary organization. They do not have any other
funds coming in to their organization, but for individual membership and
corporate sponsors. She stated Boynton Beach is a community that has come to
them on a number of occasions - particularly the individuals within the Heart of
Boynton Beach, to enter a complaint and ask for their assistance in helping them
with various matters. The matter of the CRA was raised on a number of
occasions, which led them to meet with Hr. Hutchinson. They ask corporations
to support them on the $5,000 level, because of the magnitude of responsibility
they have to engage in order to assist the community in a particular area.
Mr. Tillman stated the form says "full cost", which as he reads it said life
membership full cost. He was willing to support it based on corporate one-time
cost of $5,000.
IVlr. Barretta asked Mr. Hutchinson if the fact it was annual versus one-time
changed his opinion of the benefit they were going to receive.
Mr. Hutchinson said from what he has seen over the past month, $5000 would
be the best bargain they have ever had.
Motion
Mr. Henderson moved that they approve the expenditure of $5,000 as
sponsorship for one year of the NAACP on the basis that the expenditure of the
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
funds would serve a public purpose, among other things providing a mechanism
and a vehicle to publicize activities of the CRA to those most interested, and
affected by its actions, and programs providing notice to targeted individuals and
property owners in the CRA of the CRA program and benefits, and obtaining the
assistance and organizational support of the NAACP and educating residents and
property owners within the boundaries of the CRA of its programs and activities
and the benefits derived from them. Motion seconded by Mr. Barretta, and
carried 4-2 (Mr. Fenton and Ms. Horenburger dissenting). (Mr. DeMarco had left
the meeting).
(Ms. Horenburger /eft the meeting at 9:30 p.m.)
B. Consideration of W!-F! services contract with the City of Boynton
Beach ~1' Department.
Mr. Hutchison stated Staff is recommending the approval of an amendment of
the IT contract to a six-month period for $22,800 for the W!-F! system for the
CRA area.
Mr. Fenton wanted to know what the question was with the legislature as it was
now and suggested tabling until next month when the legislation is finished.
Mr. Myott thought they needed to jump on the issue to beat the legislature.
Peter Wallace, Director of IT Services, pointed out if they waited for the
legislation to act, what would happen is they would lock themselves out and they
would lose the option of moving forward.
Mr. Hutchinson stated the CRA area is from the Library to IVlartin Luther King
Boulevard, along Seacrest Boulevard to the water.
Mr. Fenton questioned why this area is the target area and not the entire City.
Mr. Hutchinson said they want to see how the public reacts to the program.
There are huge cost differences because of technology. He stated IVlr. Wallace
brought up this issue two years ago, and said it was a lifestyle issue, and they
had to look at incentives to interest the public. When they looked at the scope,
they included public areas like parks, to the water and the Heart of Boynton area
to provide those citizens free access to the !nternet and a better quality of life.
Fire and Police Departments will benefit from the broadband network throughout
the City, allowing police officers equipped with wireless laptops and PDA's to
access data and write reports in their cars and/or on the street.
2]
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Mr. Hutchinson stated they are not looking for 1.2 million people to switch onto
WI-FI in six months. They need an opportunity to start to build this system, and
will monitor hot spots. The first six months would be to see the delivery of this
system and see if it is worthwhile to extend it.
Mr. Myott questioned if City Government and CRA were going on the WI-FI
system.
Mr. Hutchison said they do not have an Internet service, their system goes
through the firewalls at the City.
Mr. Wallace assured the Board, WI-FI would be a public access and would not be
tied to the City's network. There is going to be a separation by firewall to
protect the City's internal data.
Mr. Fenton questioned why they would put up cameras in parks unless they were
invading privacy.
Mr. Wallace stated once it is a public access, there are no limitations.
Motion
Mr. Barretta moved to approve the WI-Fi for the CRA area for a six-month period
for a cost of $22,800. Motion seconded by Mr. Tillman and carried unanimously.
X. New Business
A. Consideration to Award a service contract for the Trolley Marketing
Program Implementation. Staff is recommending hiring the Kidd
Group to implement the Trolley Marketing Program.
Mr. Hutchinson stated Staff issued an RFP for Trolley Marketing Program and had
two responses, which were qualified. Both responders are present and are
available if there were any questions from the Board.
Mr. Fenton thought a five-minute presentation from each would be suitable.
Mr. Barretta suggested that given the time, they table the matter since there
were many important questions to be asked.
Motion
Mr. Barretta moved they table the matter. Mr. Tillman seconded the motion.
22
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 12, 2005
Chair Heavilin questioned if any of the representatives were from out of the area,
and was informed that one of them was from Tallahassee.
The Recording Secretary called the roll and the motion to table the issue failed 1-
4 (Chairperson Heavilin, Vice Chair T/l/man, Mr. Fenton, and Mr. Myott
dissenting).
Tom Derzypolski & 3err,/Kidd, of the Kidd Group stated their experience
with Trolley Marketing and why they responded to the RFP. They have worked
with transit systems around the state for about five to seven years. They were
requested by the Center for Urban Transportation research in Tampa, to present
to their members in .lune regarding marketing efforts specifically for public
transit. They are prepared to bring that experience and the resources they have
to the CRA to handle the project. There are some unique aspects to public
transportation, which they feel their experience would help enhance launching
the program.
Attorney Ken Spiillias questioned how they could do this effectively from
Tallahassee.
IVlr. Kidd stated the first part of the program would be to establish the brand of
what the Trolley is going to be so there is marketing that has to take place
before they actually start the selling. They can do the actual selling through
phone calls, via the ]:nternet - which they would build a website advertising
everything available, and also they would be in the area for monthly meetings
with Staff. He informed the Board they spoke with the Chamber of Commerce
on the day of the meeting.
Mr. Derzypolski stated only 30% of their clients are located within 50 miles of
their physical location. They have resources in Orlando through their web
services, and though their main location is in Tallahassee, they service clients
throughout the southeast on a regular basis.
Mr. Fenton questioned whether the service pricing on page 15 was firm or if it
was just a guideline.
Mr. Derzypolski stated in response to the RFP and based on their experience with
Marketing Public Transportation, those are their very best prices.
Mr. Kidd said though they are firm, discussions with staff may change some of
them because some of the things may not apply or there may be things staff
wants to include.
23
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April :t2, 2005
Reta 3ohnson, President and Owner of Palm Beach Media Associates,
stated they do not have any prior experience in Marketing Trolleys or Mass
Transit, however they do have extensive knowledge and background with
marketing in the Boynton Beach area. They work closely with Quantum
Development and some of the other local community organizations. They have
strong media relations in the Boynton area, and Ms. Johnson felt their local
experience is very strong even though they lack experience with Trolleys.
Mr. Myott questioned if their firm had relations to one of the big ]~nternet sites.
Ms. Johnson informed the Board they own Palm Beach's website and they
m.anage the entire site. There are an extensive amount of local advertisers who
currently advertise with them through the website.
3esse Freedman, Art Director, stated he was a former resident of Boynton
Beach and felt familiar with the lifestyles of the residents of Boynton Beach. in
his opinion, the Trolley System would be a perfect fit.
Chair Heavilin commented on the cost difference between the two respondents.
Motion
Vice Chair Tillman moved to accept the staff recommendation.
by Mr. Barretta and carried 4-1 (Hr. Myott dissenting).
Motion seconded
XZ. Commission Action
None
Director's Report
Mr. Hutchinson stated the YMCA wrote them a letter requesting $5,000 and he
had a letter to reply to them and would let the Board review it before sending it
out.
Chair Heavilin inquired under the self-assembly grants update, the Miller
Appraisal reports were due January 31st, and Mr. Hutchinson informed her the
appraisals were in the process of being delivered.
XIII. Board Comments
Chair Heavilin stated she had Certificates of Appreciation, which were presented
to them by the Honorable Mayor and City Commission at the City Board Dinner,
24
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
April :L2, 2005
to distribute. She asked staff to distribute to those people who were not in
attendance at the meeting.
Mr. Spillias stated the l~tem they needed to discuss on the Consent Agenda, was
Item C regarding the Consideration of Final Direct ]~ncentive Agreement for the
Promenade of Boynton. It was approved by consent, but in looking at the
paragraph it references a minimum purchase price of $266,866 and it is
supposed to be a maximum.
Motion
Vice Chair Tillman moved to reconsider ]~tem IV. C. in the Consent Agenda.
Motion seconded by Mr. IVlyott and carried unanimously.
Motion
Vice Chair Tillman moved to approve Item IV. C. with the amendment in
paragraph 5.1.1 to change the word minimum to maximum. Motion seconded by
Mr. Fenton and unanimously carried.
Mr. Spillias informed the Board with regard to the information they requested on
time limitations, he distributed a memo, which they can discuss at the next
meeting.
There being no further business to discuss, Vice Chair Tillman moved to adjourn
the meeting at 10:06 p.m. Motion seconded by Mr. Barretta and carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Wharton
Recording Secretary
(April 14, 2005)
25