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Minutes 06-09-99 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 1999 AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Meg Hooper, Special Events Manager Floyd Beil Blanche Girtman Hansome Jones Brett Sherman Brenda Lee Williams Joy Currier, Voting Alternate ABSENT Maynie Boles Beth Miller, Vice Chairperson Stephanie Mingo-McKoy I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and asked Ms. Williams to lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent prayer. II. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was declared present. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS Mr. Kevin Scully introduced himself and his wife Joanne. Mr. Scully stated that they were the owners of Scully’s Market and also live in Boynton Beach at 941 Brookdale Drive. Mr. Scully also introduced his mother, Mrs. Barbara Scully who was visiting from Woodstock, Vermont. Ms. Meg Hooper, Special Events Manager for the City, introduced herself and said she was substituting for Mr. Hank Ackermann who could not attend tonight’s meeting. IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Chairman Washam inquired if there were any changes or additions to the Agenda. MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1999 Motion Ms. Williams moved that the Agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Ms. Girtman and carried unanimously. V. MINUTES APPROVAL – MAY 12, 1999 Chairman Washam asked if there were any changes or deletions to the minutes of the May 12, 1999 meeting. Hearing none, Chairman Washam called for a motion to approve the minutes. Motion Ms. Girtman moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion seconded by Ms. Currier. Motion unanimously carried. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Currier announced that on July 18, 1999, 115 Headstart children would be graduating at the Civic Center at 3:00 p.m. Ms. Girtman announced that the Early Learning Center will be holding commencement th exercises at the Civic Center on July 11 at 3:00 p.m. Chairman Washam announced that the Hypoluxo/Lantana Kiwanis Club will be holding a golf tournament on Saturday. Mr. Sherman and Chairman Washam will be participating. The tournament will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Atlantis Country Club and the proceeds go to the Lantana Elementary and the Royal Palm Schools for their Kiwanis related programs. Ms. Hooper announced that summer camp begins next week. th Ms. Hooper announced that on Sunday, July 4, the annual Fourth of July Big Blast will take place at Boat Club Park. There will be live music from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the fireworks along the Intracoastal will begin at 9:00 p.m. Chairman Washam announced that he received a letter from Ms. Maynie Boles, which he read to the Board. Ms. Boles tendered her resignation from the Board. Chairman Washam asked the Recording Secretary to distribute copies of the resignation to the Mayor and Commissioners. 2 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1999 Chairman Washam stated that Ms. Boles has served the Board extremely well and always participated in Board functions. Ms. Girtman stated she would like to determine which City Department is responsible rd for the drains along the roads. Ms. Girtman said that on NW 3 Street the drains are two to three inches below the road surface and this problem exists on both sides of the street. When the new pavement was laid, the City did not raise up the grates to the level of the roads. Ms. Girtman was informed to contact Mr. Larry Roberts, the Director of Public Works. VI. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Mr. Kevin Scully took the podium and stated he was present this evening to speak about the Ocean Avenue reconstruction, and he and his wife, who own Scully’s Market, are concerned about this construction. Mr. Scully said he was informed by Interim City Manager Wilfred Hawkins that the entire road would be closed from Seacrest to Federal for as long as 18 months. Mr. Scully said he was going to present some photographs at tonight’s CRA meeting, but the meeting was cancelled. Mr. Scully presented the photographs to the Board for their review. Chairman Washam explained to the members what the Visions 20/20 Plan envisioned as an infrastructure project along Ocean Avenue. Mr. Scully said this could put him out of business. Mr. Scully stated that the Executive Summary did not mention any inconveniences and the Redevelopment Master Plan does not show any construction in front of his business, except for brick paver sidewalks. Mr. Scully said he did not have a problem with this part of the project. Mr. Scully said he would like to see the drainage pond built first before placing the drainage pipes that would have no where to go. Mr. Scully said that no one has discussed the Master Plan with him. Mr. Scully said he applied for a grant for his parking problem and the plan calls for surplus parking to incorporate landscape treatment. Mr. Scully said there is no surplus parking and actually, there is not enough parking. Mr. Scully said he has plans to do his own landscaping to improve his property. Mr. Scully said that Mr. Hawkins indicated to him that they could conduct their business through the back alley and Mr. Scully presented several pictures of the back alley, which is mainly used by his suppliers for deliveries. Mr. Scully said that if certain of his suppliers are unable to get into the alley to make their deliveries, they will not stop at his store and he has to wait another week for the delivery and is charged a 5% re-stock fee. Mr. Scully stated it would be impossible for them to conduct business out of the back alley. 3 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1999 Ms. Williams inquired how Mr. Scully felt this problem should be alleviated, since the roadwork is necessary. Mr. Scully said the road should not be totally closed and some portion of the road should remain open, even if it costs more in construction costs. Ms. Williams also inquired how the residents would be able to have access to their homes. Mr. Scully said that the residents aren’t aware of the proposed construction plans. Chairman Washam said he thought the bid for the work would be going out in July and his biggest concern is that the residents need to be apprised of what is going to happen. Mr. Scully said they have been in business for six years and took a vacant, dilapidated building and built up a good, clean business. Ms. Girtman inquired if Mr. Scully was aware of the construction taking place from Federal Highway to the bridge and asked if the construction has been detrimental to the business in that area. Mr. Scully said he did not know. Chairman Washam asked the Board members to share their comments and suggestions with the other members. Chairman Washam said the improvements are necessary and he wants to see the improvements go through, but not at the expense of other people or businesses. Mr. Scully said he could not remain in business without street accessibility. Mr. Sherman stated that the City is not in the business of putting people out of business and the purpose of the Visions 20/20 Plan is to improve downtown and improve business in this area. Mr. Sherman felt that something could be arranged in terms of damage control during the construction. Mr. Scully said that some of the businesses in this area are ready to move out. However, Mr. Scully cannot move since he owns his property. Mr. Scully said for the first time on Ocean Avenue there is a nice mix of businesses. Ms. Girtman said she has concerns for the businesses near the bridge construction and noted that one side of the road is open and noticed that very few people are going down into that area during the day. Mr. Scully also stated that he did not have much faith in the City and that the marina project has done nothing but get rid of the boats, which has hurt his business also. Ms. Williams did not understand why the entire road had to be closed down and thought that the work could be performed on a portion of the road at a time. Ms. Williams stated that when the bids go out, it should be stressed that the bids must include a method of 4 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1999 maintaining access to the road. Also, Ms. Williams suggested that signs should be placed strategically to inform the public that Scully’s Market is still open and that there should be signs directing people to the business. Ms. Currier said that three businesses along the bridge construction area have closed and business is hurting. Dr. Beil thought that this discussion was premature since the bids haven’t even gone out yet and no one knows how the construction will take place at this point. Dr. Beil felt that the City would not totally close down the roads, but reminded Mr. Scully that the improvements to the area are for his benefit and will make his business worth a lot more when the construction is completed. Mr. Scully stated this was speculation. Mr. Scully stated if he was going to lose $40,000 in a three-month period that the City should reimburse him at least $30,000. Dr. Beil thought Mr. Scully’s comments were premature. Chairman Washam said it is important that the residents and businesses have input in the planning. Chairman Washam said that Mr. Scully’s concerns would be passed on to the City and when the forums are held, Chairman Washam wants to make sure that everyone in the area is contacted. Mr. Scully said that he has heard that there are plans to move the G.A.L.A. and that during the three days of the G.A.L.A. his business did a fantastic business. Mr. Scully said he has heard that road construction would be taking place along Ocean Avenue during the G.A.L.A. Ms. Hooper responded that no final decisions have been made on the location of G.A.L.A. 2000. Contingency plans are being looked at in the event Ocean Avenue is closed. Mr. Scully thanked the Board for listening to him this evening and stated he enjoys being in business in Boynton Beach and wants to make sure he can remain in business. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Meeting Locations Ms. Currier said that the City’s new policy for holding meetings that are not in City Hall, but held elsewhere in the City, have to be paid for. Chairman Washam said he was unaware of this policy and would check into it. Chairman Washam noted that the Board has yet to hold a meeting outside of the Chambers this year and suggested the Board hold off having meetings at other locations until after the summer. 5 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1999 Motion Ms. Girtman moved that the matter of meeting locations be tabled until the September meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. Currier. Motion unanimously carried. B. Advisory Board Forum Chairman Washam announced that the Four-Board Forum would take place at the th Library on Saturday, June 19 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Also, Chairman Washam noted that the Recreation and Parks Board has started to have representation at the Forum. Chairman Washam reminded members that Bruce Black would be holding his neighborhood block party, to which the Board is invited. Chairman Washam explained the purpose of holding the Forums. Ms. Currier said that this Board offered to pay the City for the opening of the Senior Center and that this Board wanted to give a party for the opening and the City refused this request. Chairman Washam inquired if there were any questions on the Forum. Discussion followed regarding the serving of food and snacks. It was decided to serve punch, coffee and cookies. C. Homeless Veterans Project Chairman Washam noted that Ms. Miller was not present this evening to make a report. Ms. Currier said she is volunteering to assist with getting a hot water tank for the home. Chairman Washam stated that Ms. Chris Noelle, the founder of the project, would be the guest speaker at the Forum. Chairman Washam said that Mr. Bruce Black was donating some paint. Chairman Washam said that during the Board Forum it could be determined what the Veterans actually need. D. Progress on Board Pamphlet Chairman Washam asked if anyone had anything new to report on the progress of the pamphlet. Ms. Miller was not present to make her report. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Involvement in Community Activities Chairman Washam requested that this item be removed from the Agenda. 6 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1999 B. S.T.A.R. Program workshopThursday, June Chairman Washam said that the first would take place on 17, 1999 in Conference Room C at 7:00 p.m. S.T.A.R. Program were Chairman Washam reminded the Board that the dates for the thth Saturday, October 9 and 16. Also, Chairman Washam said he would follow through with Mr. Ackermann on the availability of Galaxy Elementary for those two dates. C. Multi-cultural Music Festival Dr. Beil said he had spoken with several members of the Advisory Board on Children and Youth and they have come up with some good ideas. Dr. Beil stated he was supposed to meet with them at their meeting, but was unable to attend. Dr. Beil said he would be rescheduling the meeting. Dr. Beil noted that it was tentatively proposed that the event take place in April 2000. Ms. Girtman inquired if the Board would continue to hold meetings during the summer months. Chairman Washam noted that the Senior Advisory Board does not meet during the summer. Chairman Washam stated that the Board has projects in the planning and did not think that the Board should cancel any summer meeting dates. After discussion, it was determined to continue to hold regular meetings throughout the summer months. Ms. Hooper asked for a brief synopsis of what is planned for the Multi-cultural Music Festival. Dr. Beil stated that the City has held this type of festival in the past, which had been very successful. Dr. Beil said that different types of bands were featured and it usually is a daylong event. However, none has taken place over the past few years. Dr. Beil said that since this is such a large project, he suggested that this Board work in partnership with the Advisory Board on Children and Youth. Ms. Hooper suggested that since February is “Black Awareness Celebration Month”, it could also be suggested to make it more multi-cultural. Ms. Hooper said that February could be the time of year to hold the Multi-Cultural Festival that could be tied in with the Black Awareness Celebration. Ms. Girtman said she would not want to lose February as Black Awareness Celebration Month, which used to be called Black History Month. Ms. Girtman felt the month of February should be devoted entirely to Black Awareness and any type of Multi-cultural festival should not take place during the month of February. Ms. Girtman felt that this is the only month that Blacks get some type of recognition and did not want that taken 7 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 9, 1999 away. Ms. Girtman said multi-cultural should remain multi-cultural. Chairman Washam said it will be necessary to start holding workshops to plan for the festival. X. ADJOURNMENT NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, July 14, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 8