Minutes 12-15-05
MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CONTINUATION MEETING HELD IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY
HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
ON DECEMBER 15, 2005, AT 6:30 P.M.
Present:
Jeanne Heavilin, Chairperson
Henderson Tillman, Vice Chair
Marie Horenburger
James Barretta
Alexander DeMarco
Don Fenton
Ken Spillias, Board Attorney
Ms. Bright, Interim CRA Director
Absent:
Steve Myott
I. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:32 P.M.
II. Roll Call
The Recording Secretary called the roll. A quorum was present.
III. Agenda Approval:
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda
Chairman Heavilin requested under unfinished business, status updates from
the last meeting. Ms. Bright had a request from Project Preview for Ocean One
to be moved up in the agenda. There were no objections to the changes. Chair
Heavilin suggested Ocean One be taken up after the Consent Agenda and
before Old Business. There were no other changes or corrections to the
agenda.
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. DeMarco, seconded by Mr. Tillman to approve the
agenda with the changes as discussed. A vote was taken and the motion
carried 5-0.
IV. Public Comments: (Note: comments are limited to 3 minutes in
duration, and will be responded to at the next board meeting):
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December is, 2005
Chair Heavilin opened and closed the floor for public comments since there were
no comments received.
V. Consent Agenda:
Chair Heavilin asked if there were any items to be pulled. Chair Heavilin requested
Item D be pulled.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Tillman to approve the Consent Agenda except Item D.
Board Attorney Spillias had a question on Item F which was also pulled. Mr.
Tillman amended his motion to approve the Consent Agenda, less Items D and F.
Seconded by Mr. DeMarco. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously carried.
Item D. Consideration of the Extension of the Web Site Management
Contract with Jack of Arts through February 28, 2006 (taken out of order).
Chair Heavilin explained she wasn't opposed to extending the contract, but was
not clear who is responsible for keeping the website current with new projects.
Ms. Bright, CRA Interim Director was present and explained the contract needed to
be extended a long time ago, and is presently looking for a short term extension.
The project is going out to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in the near future and
the current vendor has been notified. Ms Bright explained they have several
different vendors for various marketing projects. Due to the small staff, they would
like a whole RFQ that would include this project. Additionally, when an agenda is
compiled, staff would like it posted within a few hours, or have CRA Staff, in-house,
utilize the mechanism for them to upload the agenda immediately. Ms. Bright
clarified they are looking for a temporary stop gap. The RFQ document will be
ready to go out next week. Board Attorney Spillas stated if the contract is going to
be extended for two months, there are provisions for termination in the present
contract. Whatever notice or amendment is chosen to terminate the contract, it
should be made clear that as of February 15th, without further notice, the contract
is terminated unless it is further extended in writing by the parties. Attorney Spillias
will assist with the language for the letter.
Motion
A motion was made by Ms. Horenburger, seconded by Mr. Tillman to extend the
Jack of Arts website contract with an amendment making it clear that it terminates
February 15th, canceling the language in the existing contract regarding
termination. A vote was taken. No nay votes. Motion carried.
F. Approval for Payment of the Old High School RFP Issuance
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
Board Attorney Spillias advised there were a few provisions that should be
included in the RFP if they are not already included in the document or any
addendum to the document. The CRA will have a Board member on the
committee and given that, it is important a non-discrimination clause and public
entity crimes provision or affidavit be included. Attorney Spillias added there is a
clause to the document pertaining to minority owned business. Ms. Bright stated
the document is being used as a model and would look for a document from the
Board Attorney as well. It was noted Arleen Dennison will be staffing the
committee. Ms. Bright was looking for volunteers from the Board to serve on the
committee. Mr. Tillman agreed to serve on the committee.
Motion
A motion was made by Ms. Horenburger to nominate Mr. Tillman to serve on the
committee. Seconded by Mr. Barretta. A vote was taken and the motion
unanimously carried.
Motion
Mr. Tillman made a motion for approval of payment of the Old High School RFP
issuance with additional language under review by legal staff. Ms. Horenburger
seconded the motion. A vote was taken and unanimously carried.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Tillman to name Ms. Horenburger to serve as alternate.
Motion seconded by Mr. DeMarco. A vote was taken and unanimously passed.
A. Approval of the Minutes for the CRA Board Meeting, November 8,2005
B. Approval of the Minutes for the Continuation of the CRA Board Meeting of
November 8,2005 and the CRA Workshop of November 17,2005
C. Consideration of Purchasing a CRA Table for the Rescheduled Chamber
Dinner Dance for January 20, 2006
E. Monthly Report to the Board
VI: Old Business
Chair Heavilin noted the preview of Ocean One was to begin, but the individual
was not yet present. There was consensus for Ms. Bright to address item A of the
Old Business agenda.
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Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
A. Review and direct the 4th Street Upgrades to Implement Construction
Design
Ms. Bright summarized this item is being brought back to the Board at the request
of the City Manager. The item was originally brought to the CRA at a workshop on
August 9, and the Board reviewed the initial design concept for the 4th Street
upgrades. Originally, the CRA supported funding to redesign the concept so that
the redesign would create a "backside" of what was formerly known as the Arches
Project on 4th Street. The design created a pedestrian friendly environment with a
median and appropriate landscaping and drainage design, etc. It was agreed the
CRA would appropriate $225K for the design concept.
Mr. Paul Fleming, Sr. Project Manger for the City of Boynton Beach, was present
and highlighted the improvements. The project was originally strictly utilitarian.
There have been many years of chronic flooding in this area so, using the City's
Master Plan and after holding meetings with business and homeowners, they
came up with an inverted swale design. They are also looking for a traffic calming
method without having a meandering roadway and sidewalk and worked with Philip
Dover of PBS&J, a design professional. Several meetings with Doug Hutchinson,
former CRA Director, Planning and Zoning, Public Works and the Utilities
departments were held to take the project from a utilitarian project into more of a
surface enhancement. The approach for this project is similar to the one on E.
Ocean Avenue. They will have eight feet wide sidewalks on both the east and
west side of 4th Street, and the travel lanes will be 11' - 12' wide with on street
parking on both sides of the roadway. The center median and road lanes have
been narrowed as allowed per ordinance. The drainage swale has been converted
to a raised median, similar to the one on US 1 and will have intermittent
landscaping with the target balance being between a zeroscaped and a
landscaped approach. There will be a reclaimed water main for future use of the
reclaimed water. FPL will replace all the wooden power poles with pre-stressed
concrete, and the light fixtures going over the bridge to Ocean Ridge will be similar
in nature to the ones on 4th Street. The project encompasses 4th Street from SE
2nd Avenue down to SE 12th Avenue. The project is under a cost sharing program
and an interlocal agreement has already been signed.
Chair Heavilin asked about 4th Street between SE 2nd and Boynton Beach
Boulevard. Mr. Fleming explained the area by the Arches would be maintained
with the City of Boynton Beach's design from 2nd Street to E. Ocean. The
enhancement will go from E. Ocean to SE 12 Street, but the Arches will take care
of 2 Street to E. Ocean. Contingent on what interests are shown with the Central
Business District and the CRA, subsequent segments to the project may have
some cost sharing.
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December 15, 2005
Mr. Flemin~ explained they are awaiting confirmation for the redesign. They started
out from 6t Avenue north to 2nd Avenue. The segment is completely designed and
permitted, and much of the surface features are being replaced with the
realignment. The project is waiting for the City Commission to approve the
interlocal agreement and the PBS&J agreement. Mr. Fleming clarified ready to go
means ready to recommence the redesign and move forward with the permitting.
Mr. Fleming further reported it would take four to five months from the time the City
Commission signs the task order memo from PBS&J, for the redesign to be
completed and permitted. Permitting will be about two to three months, the bidding
process will be another two to three months and the project would be about nine
months away from ground breaking. There have been two community involvement
meetings with this project and three on the previous project. At the last community
involvement meeting, there was 100% support.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Tillman to continue the review and direct the 4th Street
upgrades and implement construction design. Motion seconded by Ms.
Horenburger. A vote was taken and passed 6-0.
VIII. Other (Taken out of Order)
B. Project Preview - Ocean One (taken out of Order)
Mr. Price Elam spoke on behalf of Ocean One. This is the first public viewing of
the plan. Mr. Elam wanted to introduce the team working on the project and stated
the developer is Marinas Real Estate Company which he formed with Davy
Cavalier, the owner of the property. He added they have an office on the 4th floor
of the Chamber of Commerce. The architects are, Quincy, Johnson, Jones, Myott
and Williams who have teamed up with Schwab, Witty and Hanser of West Palm
Beach. The contractor is Centex Construction. Legal counsel for the project is
Bert Oliver, P.A. and Charlie Siemen. Cevera Realty Services will provide the
realty service for the project.
Jim Williams of Quincy, Johnson, Jones, Myott, Williams Architects gave the
project overview as follows:
. 530 residential units ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms with sizes being in
the 800 sf. range for a 1 bedroom, 1100 sf. range for 2 bedroom, and
1300 sf. for three bedrooms and over.
. 125,000 sf. of office space in two mini towers
. 30,000 sf. retail space with most of it on the base of the building
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15,2005
. 120 room hotel on the corner of the Promenade Boynton Beach and
Federal Highway
. 1,715 car, 6 level parking deck with 14 cars on street for convenience
parking. The deck accommodates the entire prOject and leaves 400
additional spaces during evenings and weekend hours for special and
downtown events
Mr. Williams reviewed the project elevation and gave a description by level.
Other highlights were:
. There are designated areas for art, two covered arcades 10 or 12 feet
wide. There will be a large area beyond the arcade of about 15 feet
before reaching the property line, and about 24 feet from the property
line on Ocean Avenue to avoid crowding.
. There is a sky lobby, a fitness center and club, valet drop off area, a
pool and roof deck.
. The project is near Mangrove Park which has a proposed band shell
for other activities.
. The intracoastal can be seen from any level of the project.
Mr. Elam stated over the last several months, they have been working to get the
First Financial Building under contract and as of today they have 32 of the 35 units
under hard contract and are gaining control of that site.
The project schedule is:
. January 11, 2006 for site plan submission
. May 2006 site plan approval
. June 2006 commence marketing efforts
. October building permit submission
. Commence construction one year from then.
Mr. Elam indicated they will need to work with the CRA on the Direct Incentive
Program, for assistance on the public parking spaces and for a contribution for the
Relax Inn site. Mr. Elam agreed to provide written details of the project to the
Board.
Mr. Fenton inquired about a suit pending with one of the partners and the status of
the litigation. Bert Oliver, counsel for the project spoke with Brian McCarthy who
represents Mr. Cavalier and explained the suit is for money damages. The
pleading stage of the litigation is over. There is no lien or prayer for injunctive relief
on the project and there is nothing to stop the project from going forward. The
discovery stage is beginning and the matter
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
has been set for trial in the 4th quarter of 2006. The suit should be settled and
there is no reason to believe it will impede the project.
Board Attorney Spillias announced he was aware the suit is for monetary relief but
it doesn't mean that between now and the time of trial, an amendment to the
pleading that would bring other causes of action in wouldn't occur. He explained,
however, if there were anything that affected the ability to develop or utilize the
property, they would know about it. Attorney Spillias further added they produced
documentation in response to a subpoena having to do with the Ocean One project
and the CRA provided their documentation. The discovery is ongoing.
Mr. Elam indicated they are unable to gift the 400 public parking spaces to the
City, so they need to work within the Direct Incentive Program. They will work with
staff to develop a proposal to help this come about. This could be the only
opportunity to address parking issues. Mr. Elam clarified staff asked the 400
parking spaces be included. The estimated value of the 400 parking spaces would
be in the $8M to $12M.
Mr. Barretta noted the Board will commence visioning and commissioning some
consultants for retail along Ocean Avenue on December 21st. He suggested Mr.
Elam be a part of those discussions so everyone will be on the same page going
forward. It was discussed a study is only as good as the questions asked and the
results are not etched in stone. There were no other questions or comments on
this issue.
C. Recommendations for Implementation of the HR Study as a result of the
November 17, 2005 Workshop
Ms. Bright stated there was a workshop on November 1 yth, 2006 with Florida
Employer Solutions to conduct a written revision of CRA job descriptions, an
organizational chart, and a pay and classification study. The recommendation of
the contractor was to break the organization down into departments. Based on
the organizational chart they follow it was noted that several departments lagged
the market in pay. Ms. Bright advised the Board in the 2005-2006 budget, $72K
was budgeted as a line item to rectify the pay disparities under the former Director.
The spreadsheet developed indicates what was existing on the books as it went
into the budget approved in September and made recommended increases based
on position, not incumbent. The actual net change is $92,506 dependent upon the
date the Board selects and whether they go retroactively. Ms. Bright stated the
only change that has been made is the administrative position is now part time and
not paying benefits. They would like to upgrade the receptionist position to take
on more of the administrative office duties and responsibilities.
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15,2005
There was some discussion that the proposed increases had a range of salaries.
The two positions that were fairly behind were the finance director and planning
director. With those two positions upgraded, everything else was structured to
reflect the rankings and was at mid-point range. Ms. Bright requested clarification
on what end of the range should be used and explained she based her ranges on
the 50% mark. There was also discussion on the option whether increases could
be in increments which was also an option. Ms. Bright was looking for a range of
salaries for anyone on the books and their administrative policy requires this be
addressed. Ms. Bright clarified the marketing and events position, and marketing
and communications are two separate positions. The CRA is looking to create a
joint partnership with the City of Delray Beach, the CRA, and the Chamber of
Commerce and is looking to hire one events person that would be shared. Then if
each individual organization wants their own event, the marketing and
communications person would handle that event. The Finance Director was
previously called Comptroller. Ms. Bright noted Mr. Reardon handles a lot of
operations issues. The Bookkeeper is now called Finance Assistant. Three
positions have been approved, one is the Planner, the Economic Development
Director position is the same as the Small Business Development Director and an
Assistant Director. There was consensus to put the Assistant Director position on
the January agenda.
Motion
A motion was made by Ms. Horenburger, seconded by Mr. Tillman to approve the
proposed salary and title changes. There was discussion on what effective date to
use and whether or not to make the salary and title changes effective January 1 st.
Ms. Horenburger amended her motion to included the effective date of January 1,
2006, Mr. Tillman amended his second. A vote was taken and the motion
unanimously carried.
Ms. Bright explained there is $72K set aside by the former Director for the
payments to be retroactive. Mr. Reardon, Finance Director addressed the Board
and verified there are funds to cover this.
Chairman Heavilin requested confirmation that the intent of the previous Director
was to upgrade the positions effective September 15. Mr. Reardon confirmed that
it was the intent. There was discussion on the expectation that was given to Ms.
Bright, Mr. Reardon and Ms. Margie Adelsperger by the former CRA Director that
the salary issue would be rectified.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Fenton to make the salary increases effective to
October 1. Motion seconded by Mr. Barretta. There was discussion and
consensus that the motion includes salary and title changes retroactive to October
1. A vote was taken. No nay votes. Motion carried.
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
Ms. Bright reviewed they are creating a position of Economic Development
Director and this is the position most needed at this time.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Barretta to create a position
of Economic Development Director at the salary proposed. A vote was taken. No
nay votes. Motion carried.
C. Consideration of Purchase Agreement between CRA and Victor Scarpulla
for property located in HOB Phase I
Ms. Brooks introduced the item and stated the owners of this property came
forward two months ago indicating a desire to sell. She explained the owners were
shopping offers from other developers, but they did approach the CRA again
recently confirming they wanted to sell. The unit is a duplex unit and the price is
$330,000. The CRA will pay the closing costs and attorneys fees which is
customary for the Agency to do in these types of proceedings. Ms. Brooks
recommended approval of this item and clarified this action will pull the property
out of the eminent domain proceedings, and move the Heart of Boynton project
along faster.
Ms. Brooks explained she had received data on this issue and appraisals made
about a year and a half ago. It was noted that based on the Bob Katz house, they
paid $250,000. The Katz home needed significant repairs. This home is in better
condition. Mr. Fenton stated however, this is a catch 22 and we are driving the
prices up.
Board Attorney Spillias indicated they prepared the document. The agreements
are reviewed by legal counsel and signed off on Ms Horenburger would like to see
all sign offs on one page.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Barretta, seconded by Mr. Fenton to approve the
request. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously carried.
D. Consideration of Purchase Agreement between CRA and Cedrick
Edwards for property located in HOB Phase I
Ms. Brooks reviewed the request and added this item is similar to the previous
item.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Barretta, seconded by Mr. Tillman to approve the
request as presented. A vote was taken. No nay votes. Motion carried 6-0.
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Community Redevelopment Agency
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December 15, 2005
E. Consideration of Purchase Agreement between CRA and Lythia Thomas
for property located in HOB Phase 1 (Taken out of Order)
Ms. Brooks reviewed the request and noted the NE 2nd Extension through MLK
and the public works site at 8th Avenue is a recognized redevelopment site within
the HOB plan. Some of the property owners had not been contacted and three of
the properties were homesteaded. One of the homestead properties was owned
by Ms. Thomas who approached the CRA to sell, but indicated she wanted to stay
in the area. The CRA found her a home on 11th Street and Ms. Thomas will be
going to closing which will be a simultaneous closing. Both contracts were
reviewed by Lewis Longman Walker. Ms. Brooks suggested this might be a better
way to proceed if prices are in range and the property owners come forward
voluntarily.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Tillman, seconded by Ms. Horenburger to approve the
request. There were no comments on this item. A vote was taken and the motion
unanimously carried.
E. Consideration of Additional Scope of Services to be provided by the
Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Ms. Brooks introduced this item and recounted after the last workshop, several
Board members had questions outstanding and. were requesting additional
information about this issue. Those questions were how do we develop a vital
downtown, how many housing units do we need, what is the optimal scenario
needed to create a downtown and where would it be. Mr. Cohen of the
Chesapeake Group was asked to prepare an additional scope of services which he
did free of charge. An addendum was received but was not available for
distribution having been received just prior to the meeting. Mr. Cohen will attend
the Visioning Workshop on December 21, 2005 and will report back within 30 days
to the CRA so they can begin crafting policy that will then go to Land Use and
Zoning Regulations. The additions to the scope are
. Residential Units and Density. Ms. Brooks elaborated currently there are
mixed uses in the districts and a lot of commercial space is being created,
. They will also receive analysis of preferred locations,
. Where the real pedestrian downtown area is,
. What kind of density is needed to support it,
. How much square footage can we support in these areas and what is
reasonable,
. Then looking at some of the nodes, Boynton Beach Blvd., MLK and
Seacrest, Woolbright, how they will impact the creation of a traditional
downtown area.
.
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
Those are the issues Mr. Cohen will address and he will prepare a written report
for a fee of $12,000.
This information is critical in order to give proper recommendations to the City
Commission and the City's planning staff in order to make their filings in April. Ms.
Horenburger expressed concern that the CRA went outside the South Florida area
for every consultant they've had. The FAU Joint Center, the Treasure Coast
Planning Council is available and has all kinds of resources to help with these
kinds of issues. She suggested we should grow our own people. She asked that
the Board consider by consensus that some type of priority or weight be given to
agencies in the region.
Motion
Mr. Tillman moved for approval of Item E, seconded by Ms. Horenburger.
There was discussion on the motion and it was suggested the Mr. Tillman perhaps
amend his motion because the scope of services could be amended and possibly
the fee. It was suggested amending the motion to a range of $12K and not to
exceed $20K in case the scope changes and it would give discretion to the acting
director to negotiate the fee. The meeting on the 21 sl is a workshop and there
would be strong consensus on the direction the CRA would go with. It was noted
expediency was an issue.
Motion
Mr. Tillman amended his motion to approve the item with an amount not to exceed
$20K at the discretion of the Director. Ms. Horenburger did not second the
amendment. Motion seconded by Mr. DeMarco. A vote was taken and the motion
passed 5-1 (Ms. Horenburger dissenting.)
VII. New Business:
A. Consideration of Housing Needs Assessment Regarding Affordable
Housing and a Feasibility Analysis
Ms. Brooks introduced this item and pointed out the city does not have any hard
data on Affordable Housing. They are looking to do a needs assessment to
determine how much of a percentage is needed to set aside as affordable, what
income levels should be targeted financially, based on current population, in-
migration and in-migration growth. They are looking to piggyback a contract the
City has regarding a redistricting with the Metropolitan Center out of Florida
Atlantic University. The report results will be back in February. Ms. Brooks will ask
the consultant to tag on a development feasibility analysis based on Ms.
Horenburger's request for the CRA to present an accurate picture to develop the
Heart of Boynton Project, based on zoning and land use recommendations. If
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15,2005
there is a gap, they will need to know. The additional analysis fee is $10K. The
Housing Needs Assessment is $20k and the report will be priority status and fast
tracked. Ms. Brooks explained the City Commission has expressed interest
through the City Manager, that a policy be enacted city wide. Ms. Horenburger
maintained The Board should be able to define how much is considered affordable
for the working population and clarified she would like to see age included in the
study which includes age restricted communities. There was discussion on having
an analysis on the entire city and breaking out the CRA area. There was
consensus that the information would be very helpful. There were questions on
whether or not funds could be spent outside the CRA area. It was suggested the
study be a piggyback contract.
Board Attorney Spillias recommended finding out, from a financial standpoint, how
much of the cost would be allocated to the area outside the CRA area and then
prorating it. Ms. Brooks pointed out, the information will help provide
recommendations to address in-migration and to keep pace with it. She did not
recommend creating policy without data; from a legal standpoint, the policy would
not be defensible. It was requested that in the motion, language be included that
the scope would be limited to the CRA area and that would reduce the amount of
the contract.
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. Fenton that we engage the Metropolitan Center to
undertake a housing needs assessment and development feasibility analysis in the
CRA area for housing needs assessment up to $30K subject to the discretion
given Ms. Brooks as Planning Director to negotiate a lower fee. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Tillman. Mr. Reardon stated he will earmark the funds for the
study. There were no other comments on the issue. A vote was taken and the
motion unanimously passed.
Ms. Brooks invited all the Board members to come to an interactive workshop to be
held on December 21,2005 at 8 A.M. at the Chamber of Commerce. They will try
to keep the workshop to two hours. Ms. Brooks emphasized they would be looking
for consensus and direction from the Board If direction is not given timely to staff,
deadlines will be missed.
B Affordable Housing Workshop
Ms. Brooks indicated staff is recommending the affordable housing workshop be
held with members of the City Commission to review the findings of the housing
needs assessment and then give direction to staff so they can move forward. The
findings will be implemented through the land use and zoning changes, which are
on a symbiotic timeline. The 4th Thursday in February was suggested.
o
C. Marina Purchase Agreement
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
Ms. Bright thanked staff for their time spent on implementing the purchase of the
Two Georges Marina which is a project the Board approved in October. Ms. Bright
announced all the major details have been worked out regarding the drop off lane,
public facility parking and temporary/short term parking for people with the Dive
Boats. DSS, the owners of Two Georges Marina indicated they want to finish by
the due diligence agreement end date (60 days) but they are in season and have
not completed the drop off. The price was a little higher than they thought. The
City Commission has appropriated $2M for the project, and Ms. Brooks wanted to
iron out any concerns the Board may have.
Motion
A motion was made by Ms. Horenburger to approve the purchase of what has
been known as the Two Georges Marina Purchase Agreement from the DSS
family for $4,775,000. Seconded by Mr. Tillman.
Board Attorney Spillias announced there are a few minor revisions that should be
read into the record. Attorney Amy Dukes with Lewis, Longman and Walker
reviewed the changes in the document as follows: the effective date is not defined
which they will add and is the date the party signs the agreement on the last page
before the signature page, (page 13, section 19.13), a typo on page 4, section 8.3,
ih line from the bottom first full sentence which states "if after the date of closing"
the word "if' should not be there and will be removed. They will remove the draft
watermark as well.
Motion
Both motion makers, Ms. Horenburger and Mr. Tillman accepted the minor
changes. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed.
IX. Comments by Board Members
Chair Heavilin reviewe there were a few items she referred to under Agenda
Approval as unfinished business from a prior meeting she was looking for updates
on.
The gifting of sick and vacation time as discussed on an inter and intra-agency
basis. Mr. Reardon stated intra-agency gifting would be difficult since there was no
mechanism to transfer the time outside of their organization.
Board Attorney Spillias will bring back a proposal or modification to the CRA
Personnel Policy which can be changed. It will come back next week but there
may be some number as to how much time can be donated and how much needs
to be reserved by the employee. Mr. Fenton stated vacations should be used to
avoid employee burnout. There was consensus to gift sick time only.
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Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
Mr. Reardon reported the City has billed the CRA for the Hall property in the
amount of $1 ,475,000 and he will pay the invoice.
Ms. Bright indicated she has been approached by a couple of Board members
about having a workshop on board governance and policy. Ms. Bright will obtain
quotes and will bring the matter back to the Board. She also requested direction
on how the Board wants her to approach the evaluation of Savage Creatures Ms.
Bright explained this is a line item in their budget and they need to address it.
Board Attorney Spillias advised they have conducted an extensive evaluation of
the project and it is a complicated issue in light of permitting and surrounding
property issues. Decisions need to be made whether the Board wants to go
forward with the original design, other modifications to the design, or perhaps
make the permitting issue not as difficult. Legal will provide an analysis in written
form for the Board or it was mentioned they could workshop the item.
Ms. Bright requested confirmation that they will go forward, in order of priority, with,
first, the affordability workshop, second the board governance policy and third, the
Savage Creatures workshop. There was consensus that was correct.
Ms. Bright announced a tour of the Old High School which will be given on Monday
at 2pm and invited the board to attend. Ms. Dennison will conduct the tour and if
the time is not convenient for the board they will set aside any time to
accommodate them.
Ms. Brooks reported there was a letter from RMPK, the organization that has been
working on the Vision 2030 design guidelines. They began work on the document
in 2003, and are looking for final payment. Ms. Brooks explained they feel they do
not have consensus yet, from the City Commission or the CRA Board if they are
going to change the height restrictions in some areas which directly impacts the
urban design guidelines. The CRA has the document in digital text form, less the
graphics. Ms. Brooks recommended making an arrangement to obtain the full
document with the graphics and they will end their relationship with RMPK and
move on from there. Ms. Brooks sought direction from the Board. RMPQ is
amenable to doing further work on a fee basis. It was noted the documents are not
in final form. There are minor revisions and changes in the graphics based on
what they hope is a consensus on density and height.
There was some discussion that zoning heights and densities are liable to fluctuate
and are included in the code. It was suggested those aspects not be repeated in
the design guidelines so when the code changes their guidelines do not have to be
changed. There was further discussion to pay RMPK and move on and Ms.
Brooks will bring the document forward, stripped down and in a more generic form.
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15, 2005
Chair Heavilin inquired about three other HOB properties, Ulasoy, Finkelstein and
Mr. Barry. Ms. Brooks gave an update and Mr. Finkelstein recommended an
option that the CRA self-develop the site as opposed to going to RFP. Ms. Brooks
will bring that option back to the Board in a more detailed manner. There will be a
conference call tomorrow with the City Manager. They will proceed with contacting
individuals and letters will be going out at the beginning of the year. Many of the
eminent domain individuals are coming back to them.
There was a question on the City's utility complex. It was suggested the CRA, at a
minimum, write a letter to the City to ask them to do something about relocating the
Utility plant. Ms. Bright requested permission to draft a letter with legal to indicate
the CRA is anxious to develop a plan and need to move on the project. There was
agreement that the CRA staff will prepare a letter for CRA signature.
Mr. DeMarco thanked the staff and complimented the CRA staff on their
expediency in moving pending matters along.
Mr. Fenton thanked the staff on behalf of the Marine Corp Toys for Tots program.
His staff generously gave up their inter-staff exchange for gifts and donated toys.
A big bundle was delivered to his office and also at the meeting tonight. A marine
is coming next Wednesday to collect the gifts and there is still time to donate. All
toys will be graciously accepted. Mr. Fenton also wanted to go on record that over
the last four years and serving on the Board, that bureaucratic micromanagement
has created an inertia in the City of Boynton Beach. He thanked the Board and
said good-bye.
Mr. Barretta noted in reference to the CRA office, they will be asked to leave the
premises by August. The CRA is looking at the old high school. Mr. Barretta
contended by the time they go to out for RFP I select a contractor to do the design
work, permitting, construction documents and required renovation, it will probably
be August of the following year before the building is ready and the CRA should
not consider the high school. Time wise it is not feasible and in it's current
condition it may not be able to receive a certificate of occupancy. Ms. Bright
indicated she was told the building was habitable.
A happy holiday was wished to all.
X. Comments by Board Attorney
None.
XI. Comments by Staff
None.
15
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency
Boynton Beach, Florida
December 15,2005
XII. Future Project Preview
A. Sunshine Square
There were no comments or discussion on this item.
XII. Adjournment
Motion
A motion was made by Mr. DeMarco, seconded by Mr. Tillman to adjourn. A vote
was taken and the motion unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:43P.M.
Respectfully Submitted
(!
(122205)
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