Loading...
Minutes 06-14-00MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2000 AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Gerald Broening, Mayor Ron Weiland, Vice Mayor William Sherman, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Fisher, Commissioner Bruce Black, Commissioner Josh Aguila Al DeMaroo ALSO PRESENT Kurt Bressner, City Manager Lindsey Payne, Board Attorney Quintus Greene, Director of Development Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager Pete Mazzella, Assistant to Utility Director Hannah Matras, Economic Research Analyst Larry Roberts, City Engineer I. Call To Order Mayor Broening called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and noted that there were two new elected members, Messrs. Al DeMarco and Jos~ Aguila present this evening. Mayor Broening pointed out that their terms do not take effect until June 20, 2000. Therefore, officially they would not be able to vote, but are able to participate in the meeting. I1. Agenda Approval Motion Vice Mayor Weiland moved for approval. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sherman and carried unanimously. II1. Presentations None IV. Approval of Minutes - Special Workshop Meeting, May 8, 2000 Regular Meeting, May 10, 2000 Motion Meeting Minutes '~ ~ Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14,2000 Commissioner Black moved for approval. Weiland and carried unanimously. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor V. Unfinished Business A. Update on Ocean Avenue Promenade Bids Mr. Greene reported that on June 8 bids for the construction of Ocean Avenue Promenade were opened. Two bids were received and the Iow bid was from Burkhardt Construction of West Palm Beach in the amount of $2,196,079.75 and the second Iow bid was $2,287,052.90. The difference between the two bids was approximately $90,973, or 4%. Both bids exceeded the engineers' estimate by a significant amount. The engineers estimated the project at $1,574.895 and the Iow bid exceeded the estimate by $621,184. Mr. Greene reported that staff is conducting a thorough analysis of the bid and a recommendation will be made to the City Commission at the July 5th meeting. Mayor Broening noted that this has been happening a groat deal and said that it could be attributed to being a seller's market for construction. Vice Mayor Weiland said that the engineering firms hired by the City aro not coming up with the right figures. Commissioner Black questioned why the engineers that the City hiros don't know what is happening and wants to avoid having them come back because the project is going to cost more. Commissioner Black would like to avoid this in the future. Mr. Aguila pointed out that the City of Delray Beach includes in their contracts the requirement that their consulting engineers, if the City accepts the budget for the scope of work, aro responsible for ensuring that the final product comes back to the municipality within that budget. If modifications are required to the documents, the engineers do it at no additional cost to the municipality. Mr. Aguila said that most consulting engineers are not really up-to-date on the fluctuations in the market and suggested that this is something Boynton Beach should consider. B. CRA Budget Mr. Greene referred to the budget included in the agenda packet as follows: Beginning balance as of 9~30/99 - Revenues received - Less total budgeted expenses - Revenues over expenses- Current Fund Balance- $ 807,460 281,052 (34,647) 246,405 $1,053.865 2 Meeting Minutes --~ Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2000 VI. New Business A. Discussion of Pond "B" Gazebo/Walkway Mr. Mazzella distributed a Presentation Book prepared by Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM), together with a brochure of gazebos from Poligon Park Architecture. Mr. David Holtz stated he would be making the presentation on behalf of CDM together with Mr. Mazzella. Members were referred to the presentation book's table of contents, which is a summary of the existing Pond B Downtown Design. Mr. Holtz stated the pond is currently under construction and pilings for the walkways and gazebos are already in, but there is plenty of room for flexibility for changes and options. Mayor Broening pointed out that the CRA would not be voting on this tonight, and the presentation is informational for the CRA and will be approved by the City Commission. Mr. Holtz pointed out that decisions on the following items need to be made: colors for the gazebo roof and frame; concrete walkways; wood decking; benches, trash receptacles and lamp lights; the actual style of the gazebo, the roof type, cupolas, columns design; and ornamentation features and ceiling design Also, he pointed out that the presentation book contains various types of fountains for the pond. Members reviewed the design of the pond as presented along with Mr. Holtz. The position of the boardwalks and landings were pointed out. Also included in the design is a walkway out to the gazebo in the pond. Landscaping will be placed around the entire pond, which will include a groat deal of native vegetation. Mr. Holtz pointed out that the pond was designed to look like a natural water pond. Also, the design of the pond was well received by the South Florida Water Management District that issued the permit for the design. The support for the gazebo is 56' x 56' in a "cross shape". However if so desired, the corners could be squared off. The design of the gazebo will be 48' x 48' across and the gazebo has been customed designed. Mr. Holtz stated that a representative from Poligon Park Architecture was present tonight. Commissioner Black inquired why pressure treated-wood was chosen for the walkway instead of recycled plastic or aluminum for maintenance purposes? Vice Mayor Weiland brought up the existing problem with the walkways at Oceanfront Park and doesn't want to see that repeated. Mr. Holtz stated these 3 Meeting Minutes ..... Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2000 are alternatives that could be considered. Another representative from CDM noted that the wood was not only pressure treated, but also stained and should last longer. Commissioner Black would like a cost estimate for the planking in recycled plastic and aluminum as well. Commissioner Fisher felt he would like to see a wider walkway. Commissioner Black also stated he envisioned more walkway and pointed out how he would like the walkway to go around the gazebo. Commissioner Fisher questioned if the gazebo was large enough on which to hold functions? Mr. Mazzella reported that he has been involved with the pond since its inception in 1997 and noted there have been several different prototypes of the pond. It should be kept in mind that this is a stormwater pond and is governed by how big an area drains into the pond. The pond is currently three acres of useable water and this is the size allowable for permitting purposes to cover the central business district. Also, the pond will require maintenance dredging. Therefore, access to all portions of the pond will be necessary. Discussion ensued about the various designs of the walkways and the different ways it could be widened. Mr. Mazzella stated that it is anticipated that the design of the pond will speed up redevelopment of the area, especially in the shopping center. It is envisioned that the front of the shopping center would become the back and vice versa and that would provide a nice opening area onto the lake with more open space that could be used for special events. Commissioner Black would like to see as wide a promenade as possible to attract pedestrians and would like to have more alternatives presented to the Commission. Mr. Holtz stated the promenade could be widened by eliminating some of the landscaping. Mr. Mazzella said that they could present some options and will make the options flexible so that they could be changed at a future time. Mr, DeMarco would like to know how many people could fit on the gazebo and discussed the present design. Mr. DeMarco inquired why the designs in the brochure were octagon in shape and asked why this design wasn't used for our gazebo? Mr. Holtz stated there are many alternatives for the style of the gazebo. Mr. Aguila pointed out that the shape that has been provided presents a different shape every time you look at it and thinks the choice is a good choice, but would like to see the platform squared off. Vice Mayor Weiland pointed out that there are time constraints and that the Commission needs to look at this next week in order to put in more pilings. Vice Mayor Weiland said he spoke with Mr. Holtz about this and that Mr. Holtz was to come back with some figures for the cost. Mr. Holtz pointed out that when the new bridge is ready, the pond has to be ready to receive the stormwater, which is 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2000 October 1st. Therefore, if more pilings are necessary, now is the time to put them in. Mr. Holtz stated that the walkway presented in the presentation tonight costs in the vicinity of $100,000, depending upon the material. Commissioner Fisher inquired if there is a budget for the pond? Mr. Sugerman responded that the project is slightly ahead of schedule and slightly under budget at this time. Mr. Sugerman noted that there is a 5% contingency set aside for the project and at this point it doesn't seem there is any specific need to use the contingency. Therefore, the City Commission could increase the scope of the project if so desired. Vice Mayor Weiland inquired about the timing of this and Mr. Sugerman stated the contingency funds could be used at any time. Further, he noted that there is a provision that if any funds remain in the contingency at the end of the project, they would be split equally between the construction manager and the City. Mr. Sugerman Stated that the funds for the project, as designed, are covered. Commissioner Black asked if more additional funds were needed, where could they come from? Mr. Sugerman said he is under the impression that the City Commission has the full authority to spend any and all dollars in any City fund that is not restricted by law. Mr. Sugerman stated that the timing of the project is very important and would like this set forth at the City Commission meeting on the 5th. Discussion on the cost and timing of adding a second piling took place. Mr. Holtz felt that it would probably cost an additional $100,000 to add a second piling with a walkway. The pilings alone would cost approximately $30,000. Vice Mayor Weiland inquired when the contract was approved and was informed it was February 1st at a cost of $4.9 million. Vice Mayor Weiland would like to see a detailed, itemized description of what the City is paying for. Mr. Sugerman pointed out that the original construction drawings that went out to bid are the drawings being used to construct the project. Mr. Sugerman said that these figures are available. Commissioner Black inquired if the weather could play a factor in meeting the time deadline. Mr. Holtz replied that the project is in good shape and shouldn't be effected by weather. Mayor Pro Tem Sherman asked if the CRA is supposed to select a pavilion tonight and inquired about the cost of the pavilion being presented. Mayor Pro Tern Sherman doubted that they would be able to make a decision by the Commission meeting on June 20th. Mr. Holtz stated that the manufacturer's representative could discuss the cost tonight. Mr. Holtz pointed out that the gazebo being presented tonight is top of the line. The manufacturer's representative said that the gazebo selected is similar to the gazebo on page 38 in their catalogue. Vice Mayor Weiland inquired if the gazebo is under construction and the representative stated that they have not started 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2000 manufacture. Engineers from both companies have consulted and came up with the design presented tonight and shop drawings for approval have begun and should be available within a few days. Vice Mayor Weiland asked how much has been spent to date and was informed that it was a few thousand dollars. The cost for the gazebo being designed for the project is $133,000. Members next discussed the size of the gazebo, which is 24' x 48' and Vice Mayor Weiland questioned if it were too large for the size of the pond. It was noted that the gazebo for the pond would have a railing system from column to column and won't appear to take up the entire space. There will be a walkway around the gazebo, Which could be entered at four different points. Commissioner Fisher asked Mr. Greene if he felt the design would fit with the rest of the area? Mr. Greene felt the design could be compatible and the most important thing would be the color, materials and street furniture. Mr. Greene stated that the City has begun to establish a standard for materials and street furniture that would be continued in the pond area. Commissioner Fisher wanted to make sure that there was agreement on the color. The roof is a standard seam metal roof and Vice Mayor Weiland felt it would fit in nicely with the design of the marina area. Mayor Broening asked about the fountain and was it purely decorative or was it functional and it was stated that the fountain would be both. Commissioner Fisher noted that since the bridge would be completed on October 1st, does the CRA want to have the pond ready by that date also. Mayor Broening asked what the completion date for the pond was and Mr. Mazzella stated that the target date is September 20th. Commissioner Black asked on what date could the entire project be ready? It was pointed out that not everything has to be completed by September 20th in order for the pond to be functional. Mr. Holtz said that if all the details were known at the June 20® Commission meeting, it could be ready for September 20th. Therefore, Mayor Broening pointed out that on Tuesday, June 20th, the following - information has to be furnished to CDM: 2. 3. 4. 5. The building itself; The boardwalk material; The nozzles for the fountain; Alternate walkway; and Colors. Mayor Broening said that the Board needs to come to a consensus and asked if everyone is satisfied with the design as presented. 6 Meeting Minutes ~ Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14,2000 Discussion next took place on the choice of the gazebo. Mayor Pro Tem Sherman did not like the choice of design for the gazebo and said he would like to see a better drawing of the gazebo so that he can see what the gazebo actually would look like. It was pointed out that because the gazebo is customed designed, there is no photograph available. Mayor Pro Tem Sherman requested that an artist's rendering be presented to the Commission on Tuesday. Mr. Holtz said they could provide this, but needs recommendations today on the colors, roof style, etc. Commissioner Fisher asked Mr. Greene if staff had selected any colors? Mr. Greene said he would not be comfortable at this time to say what the color of the roof or the gazebo should be and needs more opportunity to review this. Commissioner Fisher requested that the roofing colors coincide with the roofing colors on Ocean Avenue and Mr. Greene noted there are no roofing colors on Ocean Avenue since this is a streetscape project. Commissioner Black requested that the Board give their consensus to having a metal seamed aluminum color roof without choosing a color, which would be more in line with the Key West style. Mr. DeMarco raised a question in reference to the design of the building and stated that the gazebo is only 1,449 square feet under roof and the way the building is designed, square footage is being lost. Also, Mr. DeMarco pointed out that if the roof were not insulated, the darker the color of the roof, the more heat would be generated. Commissioner Black pointed out that there is a walkway around the gazebo and the square footage is not under roof. Mr. DeMarco also felt this type of roof would be more likely to leak. Mr. Aguila disagreed and stated this type of roof would not leak and is one of the best roofs you could put on a building. Mayor Broening asked for a consensus on the roof that it would be a standing seam metal roof, with the cross design as presented with aluminum color. Members gave their consensus to the design of the roof. Mr. Aguila inquired about squaring off the concrete portion for more space? Mr. Holtz pointed out that this would involve a much greater cost. It was agreed that the concrete would remain as presented. Members next discussed the color of the concrete and were informed that the surface concrete would have color. Mr. Aguila felt it would be best not to have any color in the concrete, which would avoid having to maintain the color. After discussion, it was determined that the type of fountain would be decided by the Commission at its June 20th meeting. 7 Meeting Minutes "~ Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14,2000 Commissioner Fisher requested that wider walkways be included in the revised design. Mr. Holtz pointed out that it was originally intended that the stamped concrete underneath the gazebo contains a pattern, which was intended to be two different colors. Members requested that the pattern remain, but that no color is included. VII. Public Audience Mr. Brian EdWards, 629 NE 9th Avenue, Boynton Beach read a statement that he would like the CRA to help move along the consideration for a special zoning district for the CRA district. Mr. Edwards would like assurances that the corridors of the City would be representative of the City that welcomes visitors, development and redevelopment and would not like to see the CRA district comprOmised. With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Broening closed the public audience. VIII. Other Mr. Greene distributed to members a copy of a letter from City Manager Kurt Bressner to County Commissioner Mary McCarty that will be delivered to Commissioner McCarty at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, which is the City's request for funding for the Intracoastal Park development. Mr. Greene also reported that the City is in negotiations with the property owner to the north of the Intracoastal Park for purchase of this property. Commissioner Black questioned if the City should speak with another developer to look at the Marina property, which could include purchasing the Relax Inn and include all the land up to Federal Highway to put in a much larger project. Mayor Broening replied that he and others in the City have been speaking with potential major investors who have been looking at this property along the same lines discussed by Commissioner Black. Commissioner Black felt this was the time to look at this since all the lawsuits have been settled and would like to actively go out and look for another developer. Commissioner Black also suggested that the property directly acrOss from the Intracoastal Park site behind the Cumberland Farms would be an ideal place to build a replacement for the Royal Palm Clubhouse. Mr. Greene concurred that the CRA should be aggressive in pursuing development opportunities. Money must be taken into consideration and $1 million will not purchase much in these times. Mr. Greene noted that the increment captured from the marina development onCe that is on line would bring in much more money and would enable the CRA to do more projects. 8 Meeting Minutes "' Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2000 IX. Adjournment There being no further business, Vice Mayor Weiland moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Commissioner Fisher. The meeting property adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (2 tapes) 9