Loading...
Minutes 12-11-07 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2007 AT 6:30 P.M. CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Jerry Taylor, Chair Jose Rodriguez, Vice Chair Woodrow Hay Marlene Ross Ronald Weiland Lisa Bright, Executive Director DJ. Doody, CRA Board Counsel I. Call to Order Chair Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. II. Pledge to the Flag and Invocation The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited and the invocation was offered by Chair Taylor. III. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll and determined a quorum was present. IV. Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda Chair Taylor advised of staffs addition to the Consent Agenda of Item 0/ Approval of Funding $50/000 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program to Latoya McCormick. Vice Chair Rodriguez requested several items be added to the agenda under Old Business: (1) update on the status of the Travel and Entertainment (T&E) spending policy for CRA staff; (2) discussion of Deborah Smith's letter regarding the Old High School; and (3) status of the Executive Director's 2008 goals requested last month by the board. B. Adoption of Agenda 1 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Motion Mr. Hay moved to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that passed unanimously. V. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of the Minutes - CRA Board Meeting - November 14/ 2007 (Pulled by Chair Taylor) B. Approval of the Period-Ended November 30/ 2007 Financial Report C. Approval of the Acquisition of Property Located at 219 NW 11th Avenue from Janie May Griffin D. Approval of Funding $50/000 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program to Lauren Godden E. Approval of Funding $50/000 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program to Christopher and Kimberly Wiley F. Approval of Funding $50/000 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program to Humberto Olivares and Madalina Macovei (Pulled by Mr. Weiland) G. Approval of Funding an additional $14/600 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program to Jason Weinstein H. Approval of Transit Study for TCEA I. Approval of CRA Policing District Contract (Pulled by Chair Taylor) l. Approval of Appropriating $10/000 to the City Arts Commission for a Dumpster Art Program (Pulled by Chair Taylor and Mr. Hay) K. Hedrick Brothers Construction, Inc. Work Order No. 001.0 in an Amount Not to Exceed $140/000 to Complete Seven Homes at $20/000 each approved under the Residential Improvement Grant Program (information only) (Pulled by Vice Chair Rodriguez) L. Approval of Burkhardt Work Order No. 3 for Pressure Cleaning of Ocean Avenue (Pulled by Chair Taylor) 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 M. Homebuyers Assistance Program Update (information only) N. Boynton Beach CRA and Trolley Website Updates (information only) O. Approval of Funding $50/000 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program To Latoya McCormick Motion Mr. Hay moved to approve the Consent Agenda, with the exception of the items pulled. Vice Chair Rodriguez seconded the motion that passed unanimously. VI. Pulled Consent Agenda Items: A. Approval of the Minutes - CRA Board Meeting - November 14/ 2007 Chair Taylor noted the figures were reversed in the fifth sentence of the fifth paragraph on page 24. The rollover recommendations totaled $991/000 and the balance was $9/991. Mr. Hay noted, at the top of page 4/ "Chair" Rodriguez, should be changed to "Vice" Chair Rodriguez. Motion Mr. Hay moved to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that passed unanimously. F. Approval of Funding $50,000 from the Homebuyers Assistance program to Humberto Olivares and Madalina Macovei Mr. Weiland requested clarification on this item, as the backup material reflected a verified annual household income of $55/620/ and the 2006 joint tax return reflected a gross income of $6/213. Mike Simon, Development Manager, advised Mr. Olivares was a full-time student with part-time employment, who then graduated and became a full-time employee. Mr. Olivares' wife received her resident alien designation in May 2007/ and as she traveled back and forth to Romania, her income was not included in the tax return for 2006. This information had been verified. 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Motion Mr. Weiland moved to approve Item F. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that passed unanimously. I. Approval of CRA Policing District Contract Chair Taylor, requested clarification of Item A, "Accommodations/" on page 3 of the backup material (a copy of which is attached to the Minutes located in the City Clerk's Office), as he did not believe there was storage or office space available. Lisa Bright, Executive Director, advised the language remained in the agreement in the event space became available in the future. Vice Chair Rodriguez commented on the contract's reference to patrolling the Heart of Boynton (HOB) district and the Central Business District (CBD) and requested clarification as to the boundaries to be policed. Matt Immler, Police Chief, advised the wording remained from the first contract between the City and the CRA. The idea then was to provide police services to the entire district but in particular, to the CBD, for any crowds that developed as a result of the Marina project or other projects on Ocean Avenue. It was not intended to be limiting in any way and it covered the entire CRA district. The board agreed the contract should be amended so that it was clear the entire CRA district would be policed. Chief Immler had no objection to the amendment. Chief Immler advised the Police Department currently employed 159 sworn officers, including the Chief, the Majors and the Sergeants. If the board approved the contract, an additional five people would be hired to create additional spots for a Sergeant and four officers' spots. They would be full-time, full-salaried, sworn Boynton Beach police officers, and their authority would extend throughout the jurisdiction. Chief Immler advised there were 10 arbitrary reporting areas in the City referred to as zones. Zones had no meaning other than for use in statistics or when referring to a particular area. The Police Department did not deploy by zones. Deployment was determined based on crime statistics, neighborhood concerns, and criminal intelligence information. Discretionary patrol units were deployed in the areas having the greatest need, and were not tied to anyone particular zone at anyone time. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11,2007 Chief Immler referred to paragraph (d) on page 3/ indicating in the event of an emergency in any part of the City, the officers could be called out to assist. However, it would be for an extraordinary situation. Chair Taylor advised the appropriation of funding for a CRA Policing District was an authorized expense and was done in CRA areas throughout the country. The intent was to create a downtown where people would feel safe, day or night. In order for this to occur, the downtown would have to be cleaned up. Motion Vice Chair Rodriguez moved to approve. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that passed unanimously. l. Approval of Appropriating $10/000 to the City Arts Commission for a Dumpster Art Program Mr. Hay inquired as to the Master Plan, when the program would commence and who would be painting the dumpsters. Vice Chair Rodriguez advised the recommendation was for $10/000 to be appropriated to the Arts Commission and they would put a plan together, indentifying the dumpsters, the project and scope, and who would be doing the work. The board could request a timeline for the Master Plan to be brought back. Chair Taylor indicated Jeff Livergood, Public Works Director, was poised to purchase 20 new dumpsters, which would be painted before they were placed in the downtown area. Chair Taylor indicated he was in favor of the request. However, he was concerned as the Arts Commission voted against the program. Vice Chair Rodriguez indicated the recommendation was for the board to direct the Arts Commission to undertake this project. If the Arts Commission did not agree to do so, the $10/000 would be returned to the CRA. Motion Mr. Hay moved approval. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that passed unanimously. K. Hedrick Brothers Construction, Inc. Work Order No. 001.0 in an Amount Not to Exceed $140/000 to Complete Seven Homes at $20,000 each approved under the Residential Improvement Grant Program (information only) 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Vice Chair Rodriguez questioned the excessive costs for a washer and dryer, $2/300/ in the Jerry and Sullivan residences. Other board concerns related to the replacement of a door from the garage to the exterior in the Jerry residence, $2/388. leff Wade, Project Manager for Hedrick Brothers Construction, was accompanied by his assistant, Ashley Griffith. Mr. Wade set forth expenses associated with the washers and dryers and suggested changing the specifications in order to reduce costs. Lisa Bright, Executive Director, pointed out the program was a prototype for the CRA that was a directive under the former CRA board. One of their challenges was to partner with the City to rehabilitate the homes which the previous board believed would be less costly than building a new home. She suggested the current board might wish to direct staff to change their program to include only roofs or other specifics, and to let the City handle the complete home rehabilitations. At the request of the board, Mr. Wade explained the difference in costs for the door replacements in the Darrisaw residence, $762/ and the Jerry residence, $2,388. A specification book was issued by REG Architects that set forth the type of doors to be installed at these homes. He noted costs for impact-rated doors would be more costly. The existing roofs would be matched. The board did not believe sufficient information was provided in the backup material. Ms. Bright noted the homeowners could sell the homes almost immediately after the improvements had been made. The board was not in favor of this practice and believed it should be changed. Motion Vice Chair Rodriguez moved to table this item for further consideration. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that passed unanimously. L. Approval of Burkhardt Work Order NO.3 for Pressure Cleaning of Ocean Avenue Chair Taylor noted a word was omitted after the word "completed" from the last sentence in the summary section of the staff report. The sentence would then read as follows: "The scope of work will include the initial pressure cleaning treatment with a second maintenance cleaning to be completed six months later." Board discussion ensued, and it was agreed the sidewalks along Ocean Avenue were in need of pressure cleaning. Also discussed was the fiscal responsibility of merchants along Ocean Avenue, especially proprietors of outdoor cafes such as Hurricane Alley. 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Several options were addressed to fund the costs including the use of seat tax funds through the City for venues having outdoor cafe permits, determining whether the City had the capability of providing this service, piggybacking on a Boca Raton contract, and consulting with the City of Delray Beach to determine the manner in which they handled issues of this nature. It was suggested this item be tabled in order to investigate the possible alternatives. Motion Mr. Weiland moved to table until the next board meeting. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that passed unanimously. VII. Public Comments: Gertrude Sullivan, 201 NE 6th Avenue, inquired whether trees or other foliage would be planted along Seacrest Boulevard and the vacant space on Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Boulevard. The board advised drawings had been completed pertaining to the landscape design of Seacrest Boulevard. Phase 1 of MLK would be developed following finalization of the development agreement with the Auburn Group. The board pointed out trees had been planted on MLK on numerous occasions over the past ten years, and the City had expended an additional $30/000 to clear debris in the area. Dr. Martha Meekslight, requested the vacant area near 10th Avenue and Seacrest be cleaned up and trash cans installed. She also expressed concerns with the bathrooms at Sara Sims Park and lack of pavilions for seating. Peggy Miller, 9945 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, of SunTrust Mortgage, thanked the board on behalf of client, Latoya McCormick, for approving her application for funding. Ms. Miller also commended Ms. Brooks and Mr. Simon for their dedication and good work. Kim and Chris Wiley, 146 SW 8th Ave., thanked the board for approving their application for funding from the Homebuyers Assistance Program. Mr. Wiley is a Boynton Beach Firefighter. They also thanked the CRA board for making homeownership possible. Lauren Godden 401 N. Dixie Highway (work address) thanked the board for the support provided by the Homebuyers Assistance Program. No one else having come forward, Chair Taylor closed the public comments. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 VIII. Public Hearing: Old Business: New Business: A. B.A.P.S. Temple Major Site Plan Modification 1. PROJECT: AGENT: OWNER: LOCATION: DESCRIPTION: B.A.P.S. Temple {MSPM 07-005} Bharat R. Patel B.A.P.s. Swaminaravan Mandr Temple SE 18th Avenue; west of S. Federal Highway, just south of the Sunshine Square Shopping Center Request for a major site plan modification for the construction of a 23/761 square foot addition to an existing 8/050 square foot temple. Attorney Doody administered the oath to all who would be testifying. Gabriel Wuebben, Planner, provided an overview of the request for the major site plan modification. The additional square footage requested would result in a total of 31/811 square feet. The proposed expansion would consist of a large kitchen, an assembly hall with a stage, restrooms, assorted offices and classrooms. Staff had reviewed this request with respect to traffic concurrency, drainage, parking and other characteristics of the site. A traffic statement for this project was submitted and sent to Palm Beach County Traffic Division for review and approval. As required by the conditions of approval, building permits would not be issued until concurrency approval was received from Palm Beach County. Staff reviewed conceptual drainage information provided and found it to be acceptable at this point. A more detailed review would be undertaken at the time of permit review. No new parking spaces were proposed. With the expansion of the project, the temple would still provide an excess of nine spaces. Landscaping would be added around the perimeter of the project, and a major courtyard/garden area would be added to the front of the extension. The expansion would rise to approximately 34 feet in height, well within the requirements for this particular zoning district. The setbacks were acceptable based on staff review. The existing design characteristics (concrete block and stucco finish) would be maintained. The entrances would consist of elaborate canopies and verandas. The roof consisted of traditional terra cotta "S" roofing tiles. 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 The proposed expansion plans did not involve changes in the existing signage. Currently there were minor signs on the gatepost at the entranceways and exits. The original site plan approval occurred prior to the adoption of the Art in Public Places ordinance. However, the subsequent request for a major site plan modification was subject to compliance with the ordinance, and the applicant would be contributing to the Art in Public Places Program. Staff recommended approval, contingent upon satisfaction of all conditions of approval set forth in Exhibit C/ and any additional conditions recommended by the board or City Commission. Bharat R. Patel, the applicant, advised he agreed to all 24 conditions of approval. His congregation was comprised of 400 people, and adequate parking was provided. Mr. Patel's temple drew congregants from several areas of South Florida, as well as from Boynton Beach. Chair Taylor opened the public hearing. No one having come forward, the public hearing was closed. Motion Mr. Weiland moved approval. Vice Chair Rodriguez seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 2. Baywalk New Site Plan PROJECT: AGENT: Baywalk (NWSP 08-001) Carlos J. Ballbe, Development Consulting Group/ Inc. Southern Homes of Palm Beach V/ LLC 3103 North Federal Highway; west side of Federal Highway, approximately 1/8 mile south of Old Dixie Highway Request for new site plan approval for 40 condominium units and related site improvements on a 2.26 acre parcel in an IPUD zoning district. OWNER: LOCATION: DESCRIPTION: Kathleen Zeitler, Planner, reviewed the request. In 2004/ the property was approved for Southern Homes' proposed Oceanside development; however the townhouse project had expired. In October 2006/ Southern Homes received site plan approval for the Baywalk project, consisting of 40 proposed condominium-style townhouse units. As a result of the change in the residential market, the developer did not obtain a building 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11,2007 permit and requested new site plan approval for the subject property which included a number of changes from the previously-approved site plan for Baywalk. Staff believed this was a much-improved plan. Staff had reviewed the plan for traffic concurrency, school concurrency, utilities, drainage, police and fire staffing, access and circulation. All the streets would be privately owned. Minimum parking requirements were exceeded by 12 spaces. The landscaping exceeded the minimum code requirements with perimeter landscape buffers five feet in width, and the east landscape buffer 12 feet in width. A six-foot masonry buffer would be placed around the side and rear property lines. The dwelling units were proposed within 18 separate buildings, with a proposed mix of two and three-bedroom units. A mix of eight unit types was proposed, with the smallest being model A, 951 square feet of air-conditioned area space, and the largest being model E-2, 1/393 square feet of air-conditioned space. The tallest two-story units would be approximately 23 feet, 9 inches. The project complied with all setbacks for an Infill Planned Unit Development (IPUD) as follows: front east property line: 10 feet; rear west property line: 28 feet; and the sides: 28 and 5 feet. The building setbacks had been provided for compatibility purposes and mirrored adjacent residential development, especially to the west. The design was a rustic, Mediterranean design with a neutral color palette and included public art with a custom-carved stone sculpture at the entrance. The project would be subject to the workforce housing ordinance which required 8 units be set aside, two of which would be designated for low-income households. Staff recommended approval, subject to all the conditions of approval in Exhibit C. Ms. Zeitler advised the project site was located on North Federal Highway Delray. While this was a Boynton address, the highway is called North Federal Highway, as it was north of Delray. This should not to be confused with North Federal Highway on the north end of Boynton Beach. Carlos Ballbe, advised he and architect Frank Perez were present on behalf of Southern Homes. They were in accord with all conditions of approval, with the exception of the workforce housing requirement to set aside 8 units. They believed this was excessive and wondered if there was any flexibility with respect to this requirement. Ms. Zeitler advised the City's workforce housing ordinance applied to developments which were previously approved for a change in land use to Special High-Density Residential, and whose site plan had expired. The ordinance required the applicant set aside 20% of the total residential units proposed, (8 units), 25% of which would be set 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 aside for low-income housing. The remaining 75% would be set aside for moderate- income housing. Mr. Ballbe advised they would agree to all the conditions and anticipated going forward with the project after the permitting and platting processes had been completed in July or August 2008. Chair Taylor opened the public hearing. No one having come forward, the public hearing was closed. Motion Mr. Weiland moved to approve. Vice Chair Rodriguez seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IX. Old Business: A. Consideration of Work Order #2 in the Amount of $224/000 for Kimley- Horn to Design Master Streetscape Plans for Federal Highway Corridor- Budget Funding Options: · Option 1: Development Projects (General Fund 58300-200) · Option 2: Contingency (General Fund 51990-200) Vice Chair Rodriguez provided a review of the item which pertained to a streetscape plan for Seacrest Boulevard. The board also believed Federal Highway was in need of landscaping, particularly on the north end, and wished to consider a study by Kimley- Horn wherein Kimley-Horn would provide proposals to enhance Federal Highway. It was anticipated the improvements to Federal Highway would attract businesses and redevelopment to the area, as well as provide employment opportunities. Chair Taylor indicated he would be more inclined to consider the request in next year's budget. He believed Federal Highway would be developed in the future, and felt the medians were well maintained. He objected to pulling funds from the general fund contingency at this time. Vice Chair Rodriguez did not believe Federal Highway would be developed without action being taken by the board. Mr. Weiland could not envision spending $224/000 for a plan that he believed would likely be shelved for three years, but could consider going forward with the plan in two or three years. 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Mr. Hay concurred and believed the funds could be better spent elsewhere. He believed Federal Highway would be developed in timet and felt the direction in which to proceed was to continue the project on Seacrest Boulevard and consider the Heart of Boynton as well. Motion Mr. Weiland moved to deny funding the consideration of Work Order #2 with Kimley- Horn in the amount of $224/000 to develop a master streetscape plan for the Federal Highway corridor. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that passed unanimously. B. Consideration of Amending the Community Redevelopment Plan to Allow for a Matching Youth Violence Prevention Program Grant Ms. Bright pointed out the board was provided with a list of items for rollover recommendations at the last meeting. This particular item was approved contingent upon a legal opinion, which was included in the packets. The legal opinion was clear that if the board was desirous of moving forward with the matching grant, an amendment to the CRA's Community Redevelopment Plan would be required. To that end, staff sought direction from the board. While Mr. Weiland believed controlling youth violence was important, he did not believe it was the board's responsibility to use $300/000 from the CRA's general fund for these programs. He believed CRA funds should be utilized to acquire property for future development in the Heart of Boynton area. Vice Chair Rodriguez indicated youth violence prevention was comprised of two elements: enforcement and prevention. The preventative element was sought through the local community and businesses. The City did not provide any resources; funding was provided by the County. As some of the funding was utilized for staff, the actual sum applied to the programs to support youth violence prevention was $200/000. Mr. Weiland expressed concern with regard to the manner in which the funds were utilized and wondered how much was going toward administrative costs for salaries and supplies and how much was going directly towards the program. He believed CRA funds should be utilized for redevelopment and to clean up blighted areas. Vice Chair Rodriguez invited Mr. Weiland to attend the Youth Violence Prevention Program meetings and encouraged Mr. Weiland to review the criteria required to provide resources to organizations. Ms. Ross believed prevention of youth violence was a critical component in preventing blight. Chair Taylor agreed and commended Vice Chair Rodriguez for his work with the 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Youth Violence Prevention Program. Chair Taylor noted the many programs and classes provided for youths by the City's Recreation and Parks Department. He believed the matching funds should come from the City's budget rather than the CRA's budget. Mr. Hay concurred with Chair Taylor, and while the Youth Violence Prevention Program was necessary, CRA funds should be utilized to eliminate slum and blight. Chair Taylor requested Vice Chair Rodriguez put in a proposal to the City for matching funds. Vice Chair Rodriguez agreed to do this. Motion Mr. Weiland moved to deny consideration of amending the Community Redevelopment Plan to allow for a matching Youth Violence Prevention Program grant of $300/000. Mr. Hay seconded the motion. Vote The motion passed 4-1 (Vice Chair Rodriguez dissenting). C. Consideration of a Leadership/Development Program for the Executive Director (Added by Vice Chair Rodriguez) Vice Chair Rodriguez recommended the program, which he attended 10 years ago, and believed it was well worth the cost. After reviewing the program, Mr. Hay did not believe this program was necessary for the Executive Director, nor would it be fiscally advantageous. He believed she was doing a fine job, which was evidenced by her performance evaluation and salary increase. Mr. Weiland agreed with Mr. Hay. Chair Taylor concurred and noted his concern for the CRA budget. He commended Vice Chair Rodriguez for his recommendation. Ms. Ross would not support the program and noted workshops of this nature were offered locally. Motion Mr. Hay moved to deny the consideration of leadership development program for the Executive Director. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that passed 4-1 (Vice Chair Rodriguez dissenting). D. Update on the Status of the Travel and Entertainment (T&E) Spending Policy for CRA staff (Added by Vice Chair Rodriguez) 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Susan Harris, Finance Director, advised that staff was gathering the data and had contacted a number of CRAs and cities to obtain their travel and entertainment expense policies. Once all the data was collected, staff would come back before the board. Staff would also consult with the City of Boynton Beach and seek its assistance in writing the policy. Ms. Bright noted this item would be ready for the next meeting. E. Status on the Executive Director's 2008 Goals Requested Last Month by the Board (Added by Vice Chair Rodriguez) Ms. Bright drafted a list of what she believed were the top ten goals for the CRA to accomplish: 1. Adoption of the Downtown Master Plan 2. The Marina Renovation Plan 3. Federal Grant for Boynton's Marina Village to implement a River Walk which would include taxi docks and tie-up day docks 4. 211 East Ocean Drive Renovation for the CRA offices 5. Ocean Breeze Development Agreement 6. MLK's Phase 1 Development 7. Streetscape Plan for Seacrest Boulevard 8. Working with State Representative Maria Sachs to craft legislation for the survival of CRAs in the event the ruling in the Strand case was not reversed 9. Enhance the quality of events for Boynton Beach through sponsorship dollars 10. Transfer the CRA's accounting system which was required by their CPA firm to go to a fund-based accounting system to comply with GASB 34 Finally, in serving the board, staffs goal was to be competent and efficient in order to facilitate a successful CRA. This item would be included on next month's agenda. The preliminary list would be accompanied by an Excel spreadsheet containing timelines and projections. The board could add to the list and prioritize the goals. F. Discussion from Deborah Smith's letter pertaining to the Old High School (Added by Vice Chair Rodriguez) Ms. Bright advised the letter was not intended to be included with the board packet and was provided for informational purposes. Ms. Smith telephoned Ms. Bright with regard to a letter she submitted to Vice Chair Rodriguez and Ms. Bright on November 7/ 2007. The board's direction was that staff would solicit Letters of Intent from interested parties to provide funding sources and concepts for the use of the building. In her 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11,2007 correspondence, Ms. Smith contended could provide funding sources and had the capacity and the skills to provide an analysis of the Old High School and what staff could do in terms of the use of the building. It was believed Ms. Smith sought a consulting contract. Ms. Bright pointed out there were other interested parties as well. Ms. Smith indicated in her telephone conversation with Ms. Bright, it was her intent to put the Old High School on an endangered list, and Ms. Bright felt the board should be aware of this possibility. Vice Chair Rodriguez indicated Ms. Smith's letter provided options, proposals and funding methods, which no other parties had provided. Ms. Bright pointed out the sum of $50/000 had already been expended to go through the process, and it was her understanding no additional funds would be expended for a study or feasibility analysis. She met with representatives from private development and was awaiting proposals. She noted private development entities had the ability to draw down historic tax credits to undertake a development project. Ms. Brooks noted a group from Georgia and a local developer were working on proposals as to what could be done from a financial point of view, unless the board would consider bond dollars for the renovation and operation of the building. Staff was exploring an approach that would preserve the building, get the building on the tax roll and find an entity that could utilize the historic tax credits. Ms. Brooks commented staff anticipated receiving a draft of the Downtown Master Plan this week which would provide direction as to the utilization of the building. Staff also anticipated receiving input from participants in the Downtown Master Plan workshop. Ms. Bright indicated she would follow up with the prospective entities working on proposals. The board indicated its desire to take action on the matter and for this item to be placed on the next agenda so that a decision could be made. Ms. Brooks advised Rick Gonzalez was under a continuing contract with the board to proVide architectural services and was working independently with one of the interested parties who was in the process of preparing a proposal. Rick Gonzalez, REG Architects, Inc., believed the building was the most historic structure between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. He felt it was unique in that it incorporated Art Deco and Mediterranean architecture, and was a component of the historic educational development of Boynton Beach. Mr. Gonzalez agreed to follow up with the interested party to determine if he would be submitting a proposal. 15 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Board discussion ensued as to utilizing funds to make the building watertight, the cost to demolish the building, what constituted a "historic" structure; and preserving the facade or cornerstone. The board agreed it would be difficult to preserve the building unless funds were donated. Ms. Brooks indicated the people with whom she had been meeting were from the private sector. The CRA would be donating the building to them with the condition that they would be able to make the project work from a fiscal standpoint The board directed staff to bring this item back at the next meeting. X. New Business: A. Discussion and Recommendations of Redevelopment Options for 211 E. Ocean (future home of CRA office) Chair Taylor advised that direction was sought on two options. The first option was to renovate the existing structure. The second option would add 1/000 square feet to the structure to allow for expansion for future growth. Rick Gonzalez, REG Architects, Inc., provided a handout incorporating the existing condition of the building, project location and proposed options. The building was located a half block from City Hall. A driveway in front of the house had replaced a historic front porch. The structure was a two-story house, with a one-story 1950s-type addition on the rear of the house, which would be remodeled under option 1. Option 2 would provide for expansion by adding square footage. The mechanicals would be completely renovated. The structure gained "unsympathetic additions" over the years which would be removed as part of the restoration. Under option 1/ the existing one- story 1950s addition on the rear would remain and staff would occupy the entire building. However, there would be no room for growth or for flexible use of the front of the building. The front porch would be added back, with the 1950s addition on the rear of the building. Option 2 would provide for the same amount of parking. The addition would allow for secured office space on the ground floor on the rear of the building and would provide flexible use in the front, and a conference room in the existing rooms. The second floor would continue to be utilized for office space. Both options would provide for handicap accessibility and a side ADA ramp. Option 2 would be preferred as it provided for ADA bathrooms, which the current house did not have. Mr. Gonzalez believed the project would qualify for a State of Florida Historic Preservation Grant of up to $350/000. Application could be made for a grant for each year the project was under development. Credits could be received for the monies spent to date during the 16 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 planning phase, for the project location, for the project's impact on neighboring projects, and for the structure's historic significance. Chair Taylor pointed out the costs for option 2 on the low end were approximately $600/000/ and approximately $800/000 on the high end. Costs for option 1 ranged from approximately $450/000 to approximately $600/000. Mr. Gonzalez advised cost of an elevator was not included in their evaluations. A ramp would be provided, and he believed this would be sufficient. He also believed a waiver of exception would be granted based on the historic nature of the building. Ms. Brooks advised costs expended to date on the building were approximately $900/000 which included the purchase price, closing costs/ development of concepts, an alarm system, and minor maintenance costs. The building would prove to be an asset for the CRA. Motion Mr. Weiland moved to approve option 2. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that passed unanimously. The board directed staff to commence the application process to obtain the State Historic Preservation Grant. XI. Future Agenda Items: A. Consideration of Establishing a Local Class C Travel Policy for Board a nd staff B. Consideration of Revoking the Executive Director's Authority to Pay Severance without Board Approval XII. Comments by Staff Ms. Brooks announced the unveiling of the Boynton Beach Downtown Master Plan at an open house to be held on Tuesday, December 18/ 2007/ from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Boynton Woman's Club. The community was invited to provide input to staff and the consultant. Kathy Biscuiti, Special Events Manager, presented the board with photographs taken at the Three Dog Night concert and tree lighting ceremony. Ms. Bright commended Ms. Biscuiti for her fine work, adding she had received compliments from the County 17 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 Commissioners and others. Ms. Biscuiti announced the return of the Oceanfront Concert Series beginning on January 18/ 2008/ with the Commodores appearing on February 23/ 2008. Staff was proposing a partnership between State Representative Maria Sachs and the Hester Center for the Heritage Celebration activities which would include events geared toward youths. Stacey Robinson, the City's Youth Violence Coordinator, will be invited to participate in coordinating the activities. XIII. Comments by Executive Director Ms. Bright advised she, Ms. Brooks and Mr. Simon met with the principals of the Auburn Group and made a recommendation for them to come back to staff with a Phase 1-A Plan Development Agreement. This should be included on the January 2008 agenda. Ms. Brooks provided an update again on the Ocean Breeze project. Attorney Doody had reviewed purchase agreements between the CRA and American Realty. This item would be placed on the January 2008 agenda. Application would be made to the State of Florida for low-income housing tax credits for the project. Financing would be required before the land was sold. XIV. Comments by CRA Board Attorney Attorney Doody wished everyone a happy holiday season on behalf of Attorney Cherof and the firm. XV. Comments by CRA Board Mr. Weiland commended Ms. Biscuiti and staff for a job well done on the concert and boat parade. He inquired whether the board would consider moving the time of the meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The board agreed the time should remain at 6:30 p.m. Chair Taylor suggested transferring land development review responsibilities from the CRA board to the Planning and Development Board. This would eliminate duplicate review by the City Commission members who also served as CRA board members. Ms. Brooks supported the suggestion, noting it would remove an unnecessary level of bureaucracy. Consensus The board concurred with Chair Taylor's suggestion. 18 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL December 11, 2007 XVI. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:54 p.m. ~' g' . 1_.- ,'~ .1-- Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 121207 19