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Minutes 08-24-98 MINUTES OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1998 AT 7:00 P.M. City Commission: City Staff: Gerald Taylor, Mayor Kerry Willis, City Manager Shirley Jaskiewicz, Vice Mayor Wilfred Hawkins, Mgr. of Support Services Jamie Titcomb, Commissioner Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Proj. Spec. Nellie Denahan, Commissioner Bill Bingham, Fire Chief Marshall Gage, Police Chief Scott Blasie, Code Compliance Administrator Dan DeCarlo, Assistant Planner Bob Kenyon, Deputy Director - Water Larry Quinn, Deputy Director – Public Works OPENING Mr. Ackermann called the summit to order at 7:04 p.m. He introduced himself and welcomed everyone. He circulated sign-in sheets. The first order of business would be the adoption of the agenda and a review of the ground rules for the meeting. Using the overhead projector, he displayed the agenda. There was a consensus of the group to accept the agenda as presented. Ground Rules Honor Time Limits ? Listen as an Ally ? Everyone Participates – No one Dominates ? Have Fun ? Neighborhood Summit Purpose Statement Neighborhoods are the foundation of the City of Boynton Beach. Although different ? configurations, perspectives, and challenges exist among the diverse neighborhoods that make up the City, there are areas of mutual concern. Among the concerns are: ? Safety ? Communication ? Redevelopment ? Property Values/Taxes ? Schools ? Recreation ? Image/Appearance ? Other Quality of Life Issues The Neighborhood Summit is intended to provide a forum for mutual interests and concerns – a shared pool of the knowledge and experience and a focal point for community activities and resources. 1 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 Mr. Ackermann introduced the Mayor, City Commissioners and City staff. WELCOME – Mayor Jerry Taylor Mayor Taylor expressed pleasure that communities from all over the City are attending these Neighborhood Summits. He announced the following new neighborhood associations: Boynton Hills Neighborhood Association, Laurel Hills/Glen Arbor Neighborhood Association, Boynton Terrace Residents’ Association, and the Historic Boynton Heights Neighborhood Association. Approximately three and one-half years ago, the City Commission identified neighborhood revitalization as a priority and it continues as a top priority. There are many neighborhood concerns throughout the City. However, not all neighborhoods’ concerns are the same. In order to address all issues, the City decided to take Code Compliance and the Police Department into the neighborhoods to work with the residents to learn about the issues affecting them. The City helped neighborhoods form associations. We now have more than 70 neighborhood associations in place. This plan is working very well and the results are evident. The City has been trying pilot programs. The trash can program currently in operation in certain neighborhoods will not be forced on any neighborhood. We are also addressing appearance Codes in an effort to make this a proud community. The City Commission knows swales, sidewalks, drainage and beautification of parks need to be addressed. Many of the concerns cost many thousands of dollars. The City is working to develop the business community in an effort to increase our tax base. This will allow us to provide improvements without having to increase residents’ taxes. For the first time in nine years, the millage rate has been lowered. The City has been frugal, but has also worked hard. There is no problem the City cannot work on. One member of the audience explained that many of the neighborhoods are getting older and have particular problems that can only be addressed with more money than is currently being provided. He suggested paying a 50% TIF for five years. He pointed out that a wall is needed to act as a buffer between the residences and the industrial park. The concrete wall would be approximately one-eighth of a mile in length, and there is no ability to access the funds to construct this wall. Mayor Taylor explained that TIF is tax incentive funding. The tax money collected in certain areas is spent in those areas. The City has a matching grant program whereby the neighborhood matches the funding in “sweat equity”. The City is open to reviewing all ideas and is willing to work “hand-in-hand” with the communities. Sunny Garcia, Vice President, Rolling Green Neighborhood Association, suggested that the City erect signs at Hester Park indicating the hours of operation and the time the park is closed. This would give the Police Department the authority to either cite people for trespassing after hours or arrest them. Mayor Taylor advised that at the budget workshop meeting, the City Commission agreed to include money in the 1998/99 budget for an electronic gate at Hester Center and to close off 2 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 the breezeway to eliminate break-ins at the Park. In addition, we are investigating the possibility of hiring park rangers to patrol the park during the nighttime hours. This is a very expensive undertaking. Mayor Taylor believes the community needs to become proactive in eliminating the element that is creating the problem. He agreed that staff would review Mr. Garcia’s suggestion. A gentleman in the audience posed the following scenario: What if an association had a youth center as an initiative and needed desks, tables, supplies, and one or two computers, would the “sweat equity” program apply for those types of materials? In response to Mayor Taylor, the gentleman said the people of the particular neighborhood could provide ongoing cleanup of the neighborhood as their “sweat equity”. Mayor Taylor recommended that the gentleman submit his proposal for Wilfred Hawkins’ review. Every request that is submitted is considered. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS – Fire Chief Bill Bingham When Chief Bingham was hired as Fire Chief in June of 1997, at the top of City Manager Willis’ priority list was the redevelopment of the City’s emergency disaster plan. Months were spent in meetings with staff members in an effort to develop a new emergency disaster plan. We now have a very comprehensive plan that is designed to mitigate damage and to provide a basis for recovery from any type of disaster. When reviewing plans of cities throughout the State, a determination was made that our plan would coordinate well with the Palm Beach County plan as well as the State-wide Mutual Aid Plan for Disaster Response. Chief Bingham is the Emergency Management Coordinator. The project team is comprised of Police Chief Gage, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ness and Chuck Magazine, Risk Manager. In addition, planning and logistics would incorporate Public Works, Utilities, Finance and the City Manager’s Office. The City of Boynton Beach Plan incorporates three Emergency Operations Centers (EOC); a primary center and two backup centers. The primary center is located at the East Water Treatment Plant. The two backup centers are at Bethesda Memorial Hospital and the Pistol Range. All three centers will be staffed and equipped. It would take approximately 1½ hours to mobilize all three EOCs. The EOCs are equipped with computers, phones, FAX machines, generators and enough supplies to last for three days. The current plan was developed on the Citywide computer so that it is a “living” document that is continually changing. Every department has input in the plan with respect to their responsibilities. This plan also incorporates the Incident Management System. This is a coordination method used by Police and Fire Departments across the country on a daily basis for major emergencies. This system identifies consistency, span of control and who is in charge. Everyone in the State, including the military, uses this system. The lack of this type of 3 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 coordination during Hurricane Andrew resulted in some of the major problems that were experienced. Staff worked very closely with the Palm Beach County EOC. Once an emergency is declared, we operate a system known as ESF (Emergency Support Functions). This guarantees that if a request is made for help in the State of Florida, you get priority response. Another important component is the operation of ham radios. We have a system in place to enable us to communicate Statewide. The City staff reviews the plan in April. Because the plan is on the shared drive, it will never be outdated. Meetings are held from time-to-time to discuss changes. Every storm is tracked and this is a commitment the City takes very seriously. Chief Bingham offered to send a representative to any organization to speak on this subject. He left business cards on the table so that he can be contacted directly. At City Manager Willis’ request, Chief Bingham advised that people from Fire/Rescue, Police, Utilities, Public Works, and Public Information staff each of the three EOCs. We also have representatives that will be sent to the County EOC or other cities if necessary. The City is prepared to mobilize whichever primary EOC is most appropriate for the emergency. The three EOCs are spread out enough to ensure that at least one will always be in operation. City Manager Willis added that CareNet is an early warning system initiated by coordination between State and County operations centers. It is activated at the State and is a system of calling, city-by-city, to alert everyone of the emergency at the same time. In a severe emergency, our Mayor could talk with the State and other local officials regarding mobilizing recovery relief resources. CareNet is a direct link to the Governor’s Office and every other resource. A member of the audience noted that the Channel 5 guide listed Christa McAuliffe Middle School as the only hurricane shelter location for Boynton Beach. Chief Bingham confirmed that Christa McAuliffe, Santaluces Community High School and Atlantic Community High School are shelters for this area. All shelters are located west of I-95. Chief Bingham advised that the plan is tested a couple times a year – once with the State, and once with the County. Additionally, once each year, staff tests all of the equipment to make sure it is operational. City Manager Willis added that staff spent one-half day simulating activation of the EOCs. A member of the audience reminded everyone about the usefulness of CB radios during emergencies. Chief Bingham announced that a Fire/Rescue Academy is planned for the beginning of January. An additional component of this Academy would be offered to train people to serve as liaisons after emergencies. 4 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 INTRA-NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUS GROUPS Harry Woodworth, President of Inlet Cove Association, introduced Brian Edwards. Brian Edwards was elected as chairman of the Image and Redevelopment Committee. The Committee met in June, July and August and the following concerns were expressed: ? Signage and landscaping issues - Concerns were expressed to Mr. Ackermann. At the same time, the City Commission was looking at these same issues. As a result, a 90-day ad hoc committee will be formed to receive input from businesses and residents of the community. ? Horticultural issues - A tremendous amount of input was received with respect to caring for native plants and encouraging new businesses and property owners to use these types of plants. ? School colors – It was determined that lines of communication should be opened between the City and the School Board so that the City might be able to have input into the choice of colors prior to a school being painted in the City. ? Public Transportation – There is not enough public transportation available. ? City’s Image on the Net – More information could be provided on the Net. ? Visions 20/20 and Federal Highway Corridor – There are areas other than the CRA that we should be concerned with. Some of the roads in the City are very dirty and might need additional trash pickups. The Committee members expressed a desire to continue working on these issues. Mr. Edwards encouraged anyone who is interested to attend future meetings and provide input. These meetings are usually held on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. th Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz reported that there would be a meeting on September 28 at 7:00 p.m. to act on many of the recommendations made by this Committee. City staff, members of the Chamber of Commerce and others will be present to discuss this issue. A speaker will be present from another area that faced the same problems we are experiencing. Tips will be provided on implementation of a plan of action. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz reported that the City is investigating using façade grants to help people accomplish what needs to be done. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz agreed that Federal Highway should not be the only focus area. There are other areas such as Seacrest Boulevard and Boynton Beach Boulevard that need attention. There will be advance notice of the meeting. An effort will be made to conduct the meeting in the Library Program Room. In response to an audience member, Mr. Ackermann advised that the Library Director, Virginia Farace, has the responsibility of updating the web site. The City’s web address is . www.boyntonbeach.org 5 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 Mr. Woodworth pointed out that volunteers were needed for the Communications Committee and Safety Issues Committee. Micheline Many advised that she is not computer literate, but she likes to write and communicate. She is willing to volunteer if someone is willing to work with her. Mr. Steve Waldman offered to facilitate the Communications Committee and contact others who are willing to volunteer. Bruce Black offered to chair the Safety Committee. Mr. Woodworth advised that the focus of the committee meetings would be to come back to the next Summit with ideas. COMMON CONCERNS AND COMMENTS ? Richard Philpott, President of Golfview Harbour Homeowners’ Association, asked if there was anything that could be done to have an impact on the sound wall along I-95. Mr. Ackermann requested that such concerns be expressed on the questionnaires that were available. ? Micheline Many requested an explanation of what is going on with the old house on Dixie Highway south of Ocean Avenue. Another member of the audience explained that the house is one of the oldest buildings in the City that is being restored by Bob Katz. Once restored, it will be open to the public. The bathrooms in the building will be restored but will not be accessible to the public. The home will have a tearoom. Mayor Taylor added that Mr. Katz is financing the restoration on his own. He has hired Jim Warnke to undertake the restoration as an on-site manager. Mr. Katz has a contest going on for children to submit essays regarding what it would have been like to live in that house at that time. When asked what Mr. Katz was planning to do with the remaining two lots he purchased, an audience member stated that he will be restoring another home on one of the lots. ? Who owns the original train station and can the City buy it and restore it? A response from the audience was that the owner also owns Four Steel. Mayor Taylor added that the City has not investigated the possibility of purchasing that item. ? Belky Cruz is concerned with four foreclosed homes off Gateway Boulevard. She said there are squatters living in those homes and there is crime and drugs associated with those residences. She asked what the City is doing? Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz advised that there was a problem with the drainage in that area that delayed the commencement of construction of Gateway Boulevard. Scott Blasie added that the 6 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 City is currently looking at the homes that have been abandoned because many of them have liens on them. We are reviewing the liens and assessing which ones are eligible for the City to foreclose. Mrs. Cruz said there are more, newer homes being foreclosed now. Mr. Blasie asked Mrs. Cruz to alert him to those situations. ? Brian Edwards asked for clarification of the City’s role in the foreclosure of these homes. City Manager Willis explained that this particular part of the City is an area in transition. There are a few things the City can do in this situation. The City is planning to put a great deal of money in this area with landscaping, sidewalks, lighting and buffering the residential from the traffic. We are also anticipating installation of traffic calming devices in this area. The non- resident owners who have rented out their homes have left the area and neglected the housing. The City is planning to institute a policy whereby an owner who wishes to rent his/her home will have to get a license. Since this is a business, the owner must be held responsible for the condition of the property. We have adopted a procedure to enable us to ticket tenants also. ? Sarah Williams mentioned the beautification project on Boynton Beach Boulevard. The trees that have been planted alongside the road have added a safety concern for the people trying to enter the flow of traffic from the side streets. She recommended removing the trees and planting low-lying plants. Mr. Ackermann advised that the Parks Division and the City Forester have been notified of this situation and they are working on it. ? A resident from the Boynton Terrace area complained that she lives in a forgotten part of the City. She questioned whether there are plans to redevelop Seacrest Boulevard and add affordable housing in the area. Mr. Hawkins explained that this particular neighborhood was identified during the development of Visions 20/20 as one of the model neighborhoods. Mr. Ackermann will be working with the community on neighborhood planning projects. One of the objectives is closing off some of the streets because there are too many accesses into that neighborhood from Boynton Beach Boulevard. The City has been in discussions with the management of Boynton Terrace and will be taking a closer look at that situation in the next few weeks. The neighborhoods will be surveyed. Commissioner Titcomb reminded everyone present that a City Commission Workshop Meeting nd to discuss Boynton Terrace will be held on September 2 at 6:30 in Commission Chambers. He urged everyone to attend. Mr. Philpott also added that Mr. Hawkins administers a program for affordable housing. Mr. Hawkins said the City is working on a transitional housing program with the owners of Boynton Terrace Apartments. 7 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 ? Elizabeth Jenkins is opposed to closing any of the streets into the community. She feels the City needs to change the landscaping to eliminate the trees. She does not want any of the streets closed. ? Are there any plans for the redevelopment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard? Mr. Hawkins said it would be a couple of years before the City begins to look at this redevelopment. However, he has received telephone calls from people who are looking at the Martin Luther King, Jr. corridor. ? Boynton Beach is one of the few cities that do not funnel any Community Block Grant funds toward the redevelopment of multi-family housing. Therefore, the County will not provide funds to private individuals. Will this situation change? Mr. Hawkins responded negatively since our philosophy on multi-family development in the CRA is that we do not want that type of development. If a decision is made to allow multi-family development, it would be a high-end project. The City has not supported multi-family in this area for at least 10 years. While there is a need for multi-family, we would only want specific site plans that make multi-family developments conducive to a neighborhood environment. GOOD NEWS Steve Waldman announced that the Advisory Board on Children & Youth would conduct a th meeting on Thursday, August 27 at 6:30 in the Library Program Room. This meeting will address Child Safety in the Schools. For information on a partnership program for assistance for neighborhoods and neighborhood sign programs, contact Hank Ackermann. th “Paint Your Heart Out” is planned for October 24. City Manager Willis announced that the City recently received a grant to put video cameras in our Police vehicles. This program will be completely funded by the grant. When a member of the audience questioned whether there are plans to put cameras at dangerous intersections, City Manager Willis said that is currently being studied. Chief Bingham announced that the Fire Department received three grants. One grant is a matching fund grant to link our fire stations for training purposes. The other two grants were 100% grants for automatic external defibrillators. st A member of the audience announced that the Post Office would run a survey on November 1 for the residents in the 33462 zip code (Lantana zip Code). 8 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998 Mayor Taylor announced that the groundbreaking for the marina is scheduled for September 11th. Mr. Ackermann announced that Public Works has free compost bins for anyone who is interested. NEXT MEETING th The next Neighborhood Summit is scheduled for Monday, December 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Deputy City Clerk (Three Tapes) 8/6/08 12:51 PM \\ch\main\shrdata\cc\wp\minutes\misc\neighborhood summit 082498.doc 9