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Minutes 04-12-00MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2000 AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Gerald Broening, Mayor Ron Weiland, Vice Mayor Bruce Black, Commissioner Charles Fisher, Commissioner ABSENT William Sherman, Mayor Pro Tern ADDITIONAL STAFF PRESENT Hanna Matras, Economic Research Analyst Mike Rumpf, Planning and Zoning Director John Wildner, Parks Director I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Broening called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. I1. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion Vice Mayor Weiland moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Black, which carried unanimously. PRESENTATIONS III. None IV. Motion seconded by ALSO PRESENT: Lindsey Payne, CRA Attorney Quintus Greene, Director of Development/CRA APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 15, 2000 Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve the minutes of the March 15, 2000 meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner Fisher, which carried unanimously. MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Update on Current Projects Ocean Avenue Project Mr. Greene reported that he and a staff member, together with representatives from Gee & Jensen, met with representatives of the FEC Railroad in St. Augustine on March 23rd. Most of the outstanding issues pertaining to the intersection at the Ocean Avenue Project and the Railroad have been resolved. There will be brick pavers in the sidewalks within 100' of the track on Ocean Avenue. However, there will be no brick pavers in the roadway within the 100' area; this will be asphalt for maintenance purposes. Landscape vegetation 2' high will also be installed, primarily for safety reasons. It is anticipated that bids will go out at the end of the month. Hopefully, there will be a contract in place by eady June. B. CRA Budget Mr. Greene reported that the ending fund balance as of March 31, 2000 is $1,022,703, $817,489 of which is unreserved. C. Approval of Legal Services Contract Mr. Greene reported that at the last meeting he requested that the Board give permission for the Agency to enter into a contract with the firm of Josias, Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol, P.A. for legal services for the CRA. The attorney that would be representing the firm on behalf of the CRA is Ms. Lindsey Payne who is present tonight. A copy of the contract is included in the agenda packet. Mr. Greene distributed, at the request of the Board, a survey of what other CRAs in the area are paying for legal services. The survey indicates that the fees being charged the City are within the range that other CRAs are paying. The CRA is being charged a billing rate of $125.00 per hour for services performed with no retainer. Mayor Broening read the comparisons of the fees being charged to other CRAs and noted that the contract was very favorable. Motion Vice Mayor Weiland moved to approve the CRA contract for legal services with the firm of Josias, Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol. Motion seconded by Commissioner Black. Motion unanimously carried. 2 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 D. Discussion of Criteria for new CRA Board Members Mayor Broening stated that it is intended that two civilian members be added to the CRA Board as soon as possible. Mr. Greene reported that at the September 9, 1999 meeting the Board reviewed some of the criteria for civilian membership. The focus at that time was on certain qualifications relative to professional skills, such as real estate, financial, architecture, banking, leadership and redevelopment skills. Mr. Greene would also like the Board to consider some additional qualities for membership such as persons selected should demonstrate civic duty and public trust and not use the Board as a means to further their political interests. New ideas and broad vision are two other attributes to consider. Finally, Mr. Greene would like to see candidates that are enthusiastic advocates for Boynton Beach. Commissioner Fisher said he was actually looking for a job description with certain specific language that would be applicable to the position. Mayor Broening said he would like one of the criteria that the person be a resident of Boynton Beach. Mr. Greene stated that the State law cites that a person must either reside or do business within the City, but does not have to reside within the CRA area. Mayor Broening inquired if the law stipulates that if a person has a business in the City he would have to be accepted, even if they do not reside in the City? Or, could the City stipulate that they must be a City resident? Ms. Payne replied that the Statute states "either" and the City could further restrict it. Commissioner Fisher was not against anyone serving on the Board that had a business in the City. Mr. Greene reported that applications have been received. All interested applicants are referred to the City Clerk's Office to fill out an application and to attach a copy of their resume. All applications arE; being held by the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Broening inquired if they have been provided with all the applications that have been received and Mr. Greene suggested he contact the Clerk's Office directly. Commissioner Black inquired how the Board should proceed from this point? Mayor Broening would like staff to provide a short list for consideration and would prefer that Mr. Greene perform the initial work. Discussion ensued as to how many candidates would be included on a "short list". Commissioner Weiland said he would like to look at five to six applications. Mr. FiSher said he would Pike to look at all the applications that have been received, but felt the field could be narrowed down to three. Vice Mayor Weiland 3 MEETING MINUTES- COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 would also like the option to include someone as a candidate that did not make the short list. It was decided that a list of five (5) candidates would be selected for con sideration. Mr. Greene said he would provide a brief paragraph as to why certain persons are being recommended. Mr. Fisher questioned why there would be no interview process involved. Mayor Broening said he wants to look to staff to provide the necessary information in order for the Board to make the selections. Commissioner Weiland suggested holding a workshop to go over the various candidates' qualifications, but a decision wouldn't have to be made that night. After the workshop, the candidates could be selected and approved at the next CRA meeting. Commissioner Fisher said he would like to interview the candidates and Vice Mayor Weiland stated that Mr. Fisher could do this on his own if he wished. Mayor Broening noted that all the applicants to date are known within the City. Mr. Greene stated that he would have interviewed the list of five that he furnishes to the Board before submitting the list Commissioner Black requested that a date be set that all applications must be received by the Clerk's Office. The next CRA meeting being scheduled for May 10th, it was determined that all applications be in no later than Monday at 4:00 p.m. on May 1, 2000 in the City Clerk's Office. Vice Mayor Weiland requested that a workshop be held before the May 10th meeting to discuss the candidates. After discussion, it was determined to hold a workshop on Monday, May 8th to review and discuss the list of candidates and the selections would be made at the May 10th meeting. Mr. Greene pointed out that his discussions with the candidates would begin before the May 1st deadline to allow him time to make his recommendations. There was a consensus on the Board that all members were agreeable to the above schedule. Vice Mayor Weiland pointed out that after the CRA appoints the two members on May 10th, the City Commission would have to ratify those appointments, which would be done at the May 16th Commission meeting. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of the 10-Acre Intracoastal Site Mr. Greene pointed out that staff was directed to bring to the CRA proposals for the 10-Acre Intracoastal Site. Staff has looked at various alternatives for the site in order to present some options to the Board. Staff has come up with three 4 MEETING MINUTES ..... COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FiLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 options, none of which are mutually exclusive and are all variations of one another. Option #1 -Intracoastal Park Site (A Power Point presentation was simultaneously made while Mr. Greene reviewed the handout). · Staff favors Option #1 and Mr. Greene reviewed the reasons for this choice. · While the proposed park design was shown on the overhead screen, the salient features were reviewed and pointed out, which included a large lake in the middle of the Park. · 25 spaces for parking boat trailers are included in conjunction with Boat Club Park. · The opportunity exists for adding subsequent phases, which would include water s ports. · Option #1's cost would be approximately $1,760,000. · If phase 2 options were included, this would add an additional $320,000 to the project. · Available Funding from Palm Beach County is $1,725,000. Option #2 - Mixed Use Plan A: · Includes an intense mixed use development and would include 19 single family residences with 49 apartments, together with commercial/retail and office space, a community center and other features. · A parking structure and surface parking will be included. · Other features such as decks, a pier and picnic pavilions could be included, along with a passive park area for recreation. Plan B: · This also includes 19 single-family residences, but only 21 apartments. commercial/retail space would be less than in Plan A. · There would be 8,000 square feet of public park area. · A parking structure and surface parking lots would be provided. · The other features would be similar to Plan A. The The difference between these two plans is that Plan B has cut back significantly on the commercial/retail development and increased the amount of open space. 5 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY,REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 Costs of the three projects: Use Option Residential Commercial/ Public Open Cost Use # Units Retail Use Space (Acres) Estimates (Square feet) (Millions) Mixed Use 68 134,100 5.3 $12.8 Mixed 30 61,150 6.9 $ 6.7 Use/Recreation Park N/A 900 8.1 $ 2.1 Park Proposal · There would be no residential. · The Commercial area would primarily consist of concession areas. Mr. Greene pointed out that the Park Proposal recommends 25 boat trailer spaces and also provides147 additional parking spaces. Also the 25 boat trailer parking spaces are being provided in conjunction with the proposal for the Boat Club project. This project could accommodate 50 boat trailer-parking spaces. Therefore, between the two projects, 75 boat trailers could be accommodated. This was a County request in order to secure the initial $900,000 grant and the potential for $1.7 million for the entire project. Vice Mayor Weiland noted that the $1.7 is just an estimate and the City may have to come up with additional funding. Mr. Greene said that these were just concepts. Mayor Broening expressed his views towards this concept and asked if the City could afford the park in perpetuity. Mayor Broening did not feel that in the interests of the CRA, parking boat trailers would be a beneficial use for the land. Vice Mayor Weiland pointed out that anyone parking their trailer at Intracoastal Park would have to first launch their boat at Boat Club Park and bring the truck and trailer back to Intracoastal Park and then walk back to Boat Club Park. Vice Mayor Weiland did not think this was either practical or safe and that people would continue to park their vehicles along Federal Highway. Mayor Broening stated that he had no concerns on whether the Intracoastal Park is used just as a park or for mixed use, but he does not want it turned into a parking lot. Commissioner Black inquired if there was $1 million that had been put aside by former City Manager Willis for the Intracoastal Park site for replacement of the Royal Palm Club House to which Mayor Broening responded that there was. 6 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 Commissioner Black said that the Boat Club Park is mostly used on weekends and that boaters don't mind retrieving their vehicles and trailers from Federal Highway. Commissioner Black felt if Boynton Beach were to become a destination point, it would have to draw people in and pointed out that the County and Boynton Beach have worked cooperatively over the years. He also suggested looking into the possibility of purchasing Paradise Bay, which would be an additional three acres to be added to the Park and this additional three acres could have several other uses. Further, Commissioner Black was opposed to turning down $1.7 million for an area that would really only be used on weekends and holidays. Mayor Broening stated in order for the Intracoastal Park to become a destination point it needs to offer some amenities, such as restaurants and ice cream parlors. Commissioner Fisher pointed out that this Board needs to decide whether the 10- acre site is a park or is it a mixed use and can the City have the money or not have the money? Commissioner Fisher would like the CRA to come up with some direction on these two questions. Mayor Broening asked Attorney Payne what is the mission of the CRA? Attorney Payne responded that the purpose of the CRA is to promote redevelopment. Mr. Greene agreed that the purchase of the Paradise Bay property would be an ideal site to tie in residential development with the Intracoastal Park. Vice Mayor Weiland said that from his conversations with County Commissioner Mary McCarty, she indicated that the County would do whatever they could to offer financial support if the City came up with some options for purchasing Paradise Bay. If these two parcels were put together, then the City would really have something special to work with that would offer the parking, the park space and the commercial/retail, mixed use. Vice Mayor Weiland would like to get an extension on the May 31st time frame for the $1.7 million. Vice Mayor Weiland asked Mr, Greene if staff could come up with another scenario using the two parcels of land that the CRA could consider. Mr. Greene said that staff could do this. Mayor Broening pointed out that the Paradise Bay property also comes with a 300' dock, which could be extended another 300', and if this property remains a private business, public access to the water would be denied. Mayor Broening feels the City is being very shortsighted in not linking these two properties. Last year there had been proposals presented to the CRA for mixed use that were way too dense and were merely moneymakers. However, linking up the 13¼ 7 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 acres is easier to deal with than 10 acres, and then the City would have the water rights that go with the marina and the access to the ocean. Commissioner Fisher inquired if there was enough time to consider other alternatives, if the County does not approve the extension? Commissioner Black responded "no". Vice Mayor Weiland felt that it was possible for the City to come up with the money to construct the park on its own. The City could implement the sticker system that is currently in use at Oceanfront Park and anyone utilizing the park from outside the City would pay a fee that would help maintain the Park. Discussions ensued on whether this Board had to make a determination tonight regarding the Park. Vice Mayor Weiland said he would like to contact the County Commission to rediscuss this. Commissioner Black pointed out that there are other cities vying for this money. Commissioner Black did not think that the City should turn away the County money and he would like to know where the $1 million that the City set aside is. Commissioner Black would like the City to pursue the County funds, as well as looking into the purchase of the Paradise Bay property. Mayor Broening envisions linking the downtown and the Intracoastal Park site by water taxi, which would create a wonderful recreational opportunity. Commissioner Fisher agrees that if the City does not act by May 31st, it looses the money and he does not have a problem with outsiders coming in. He does not want the City to loose the money. Commissioner Black would like the issue brought before the Commission to make a decision. Mayor Broening does not want to be rushed into making a decision on this and is against parking 50 vehicles for any amount of money. Vice Mayor Weiland felt that landscaping and buffers could hide 90% of the trailers, but did not think a decision needs to be made tonight. Vice Mayor Weiland said someone needs to speak with the County Commission to determine if an extension is possible. Also the Board needs to come to a consensus to ask Mr. Greene and staff to put together a layout with the two parcels. Commissioner Fisher suggested that this Board meet sometime during the week of the 24th to go over the facts that have been garnered and to learn whether the County would grant an extension. Mr. Greene said he could have something ready by April 28th and then the CRA could hold a Special Meeting on Monday, May 1st. Vice Mayor Weiland suggested that he and John Wildner follow through with the County. Vice Mayor Weiland asked Mr. Wildner if it was also his opinion that if the City decided it wanted the remainder of the County money, the City would get the money? MEETING MINUTE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 Mr. Wildner was under the impression that other entities have applied for these funds during this period, The Town of Lantana was invited to put a proposal together for May 31st and that there is no specific deadline for Boynton Beach and that the County would be open to a proposal from Boynton Beach in a timely manner. However, other communities could "beat us to the punch" and that the May 31st date really deals with the Town of Lantana making that deadline. Mr. Wildner felt that the money is now open to any other entity or community to apply. Vice Mayor Weiland noted that although any other entity could apply, Commissioner McCarty indicated that if the City of Boynton Beach came forward, the money would go to Boynton Beach. Mr. Wildner agreed with this statement. Therefore after the May 1st Special Meeting, it will be placed on the May 2nd City Commission agenda as to whether or not the City would still receive the County funds and also consideration for the use of the park. VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Ms. Henrietta Solomon said that the people want a park. They don't want mixed use. Ms. Solomon felt that the income that mixed use in the park would generate, would now be generated from the new Quantum Park development. Ms. Solomon also would like to see a new Clubhouse at the park site and said the land was purchased for a park. Mr. Ken Hall inquired if it could be a condition that if the City took the money from the County that someday the City could pay the County back and no longer be obligated to the County. Vice Mayor Weiland responded that the County doesn't want to accept the money back from Boat Club Park and that the City has made the offer, but the County won't accept it. Mr. Hall suggested that the City consider purchasing the parcel of land that abuts the Library between 2nd and 3rd Avenues along Seacrest Boulevard, which could start out as a passive park and then eventually be expanded further. Mayor Broening pointed out that the CRA does not extend into this area, but this is something the Commission could consider. Mr. Hall pointed out that the City has the possibility of acquiring some land on the Intracoastal on the south end of town, which is called Pioneer Park. This is a large parcel of land currently owned by the Florida Inland Navigational District and these types of parcels are commonly used for dredge material. Mr. Hall did not think that there has ever been a dredge operation at this area. Ms. Anne Centi stated she is a retired real estate broker. Ms. Centi noted that many countries throughout the world are undergoing redevelopment and 9 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 presented various examples of the types of redevelopment taking place. Ms. Centi said that the City must move forward and must entertain ideas by forming a task force of citizens for further input. Mr. Ed Tedtmann suggested that before approaching the County, it would be a good idea to do a best use analysis for the property, such as office, retail and residential. Mr. Warren Timm stated he owns property in the City and is concerned about what is taking place in the City. Mr. Timm would like to see a breakdown of the City's share of the capital expenses and maintenance costs. Mr. Timm would like the Intracoastal Park site saved for public use and not be used for commercial development. Vice Mayor Weiland pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Sherman already presented the costs for maintaining the park and the taxes that would be generated from mixed use of the property and this is on record. Mr. James Miriana presented photographs to the members to view. Mr. Miriana said he purchased a homesite and built a home 500 feet from the Intracoastal in anticipation of the property values increasing because of future redevelopment. Mr. Miriana said the neighborhood is deteriorating and instead of development there is slum-type intrusion. He further stated that Federal Highway from Boynton Beach Boulevard north to 10th Avenue has deteriorated and there are businesses in this area that are detrimental. Mr. Miriana said that the Quantum Park Development would take away from the downtown development. Vice Mayor Weiland referred to the pictures that Mr. Miriana had presented and informed him that he has spoken to staff about this and that the situation should be corrected. Mayor Broening pointed out that nothing is allowed that doesn't meet the zoning and unfortunately the City's current zoning does not support the Visions 20/20 Plan. The City has completed its first overlay zoning on MLK Boulevard to allow for the type of redevelopment that is required to fit the Visions 20/20 and what the previous Commissions were looking for. Mr. Lee Wische said the ballot in 1988 said the City was purchasing 10 acres without restrictions. The intent was for a park, but the attorney who drew up the ballot, drew it up incorrectly and the people that voted didn't read it. Mr. Wische stated that it would cost the City approximately $5 million to build a park and a bond would have to be floated. The City's millage is close to 9 and if the City reaches 10 mills or more, the State takes the City over and taxes go up. He further pointed out that the two mixed-use proposals were close to $60 million 10 MEETING MINUTES" COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 12, 2000 and the ad valorem taxes on that figure would be $540,000. If the land were leased to the builder, the money would continue to flow in. Mr. Wische said that the City does need parks, but not at this location as it would only serve the people of the north end and what about the children in other parts of the City. With the $540,000 parks could be set up in various neighborhoods throughout the City. Mr. Brian Edwards said that during his campaign for Commissioner at every single forum he attended there was always one question asked, which was what are his feelings about the Intracoastal Park? Mr. Edwards said that not one single time did anyone approach him about being in favor of mixed use. Everyone wanted a park. Mr. Edwards felt that the people don't have the understanding about mixed use and feels there is a lack of understanding among the people. Secondly, Mr. Edwards feels it is a waste of staff's time to work on a project to include Paradise Bay before determining if the City could acquire this property. There was no one else who wished to speak and, therefore, Mayor Broening closed the public audience. VIII. OTHER None IX. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Black requested that another location for the CRA meetings be found. Vice Mayor Weiland pointed out that last year when a CRA meeting was held in the West Wing there were no microphones and there weren't enough chairs. It is important that these meetings be held properly so that everyone can hear what is going on. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (3 tapes) 11