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Minutes 06-07-99 MINUTES OF NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Wilfred Hawkins, Interim City Manager William Bingham, Fire Chief Larry Roberts, Director of Public Works Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent Pete Roy, Code Inspector Courtney Cain, Code Inspector Mark Law, Deputy Utilities Director Bob Kenyon, Deputy Utilities Director Sgt. Dave Gainsborg, Police Department INTRODUCTIONS, GROUND RULES, AGENDA Mr. Ackermann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Ackermann noted that this was the eighth meeting of the Neighborhood Summit group and stated that the group meets every three months. Mr. Ackermann requested that everyone sign in as they enter and displayed the Agenda on the overhead screen. Mr. Ackermann noted that the desired outcomes for tonight’s meeting are to update City’s redevelopment plans and activities, which will be presented by Mr. Wilfred Hawkins, Interim City Manager. Also on the Agenda will be the review of the neighborhood planning process and thirdly, to receive and respond to reports from Intra- Neighborhood Focus Groups, of which there are three. The Focus Groups are: 1. Image and Redevelopment 2. Communications 3. Safety Mr. Ackermann stated that Ms. Melody Green from the City’s Recreation Department will be distributing a recreation survey. The Utilities Department will be giving a “Clean Air Act” Compliance presentation. Mr. Ackermann stated that the remainder of the meeting would be devoted to “Other Concerns”. Mr. Ackermann said that questions could be asked throughout the meeting and Mr. Ackermann went over the ground rules for the meeting. Mr. Ackermann informed the audience that there are two surveys on the entrance table and requested people fill them out. If this is the first meeting for a particular association, there is an appropriate form for completion. Mr. Ackermann introduced members of the City staff that were present. Mr. Ackermann said that the staff members would be available to answer any questions. MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 Mr. Ackermann introduced Fire Chief Bill Bingham who stated that he brought some safety flyers to the meeting for distribution. The first flyer is on Hurricane Preparedness, the second deals with information on Fourth of July safety and the third flyer is an informational sheet on lightning storms. The following staff members introduced themselves to the audience: Larry Roberts, Director of Public Works Melody Green, Superintendent of Recreation Pete Roy, Code Compliance Officer Courtney Cain, Code Compliance Officer Sgt. Dave Gainsborg, Police Department/Investigations Mark Law, Deputy Utilities Director Bob Kenyon, Deputy Utilities Director RECREATION SURVEY Ms. Green asked members of the audience to complete the Recreation Survey. Ms. Green stated the purpose of the survey was to assist the Recreation Department in providing the best programs possible for the City and requested input from the residents in attendance. Ms. Green distributed the survey to the audience and Mr. Ackermann requested that people take the time to complete and return the survey to Ms. Green. Mr. Ackermann announced that the CRA Meeting on Wednesday, June 9, 1999 has been postponed due to the fact that some of the CRA members will be out of town. “CLEAN AIR ACT” COMPLIANCE Mr. Kenyon stated he has been with the Utilities Department for over 19 years. Mr. st Kenyon stated that on June 21 Section 112 of the Florida Clean Air Act would take affect. Mr. Kenyon said that the law will require that 125 regulated chemicals must meet compliance and because of this, the City has put together a risk management program to inform the public what the City has implemented to insure the safety of the public, as well as its employees. Approximately eight years ago the City built a scrubber unit for the East Water Treatment Plant. Mr. Kenyon said there are two water treatment facilities in the City, one located at 1620 S. Seacrest Boulevard and the other is located at 5469 West Boynton Beach Boulevard. Each one has a scrubber unit. Mr. Kenyon explained the purpose of the scrubber, which in the event of a chemical leak, would contain the leak within the building, and then neutralize the leak. Mr. Kenyon distributed a brochure to the audience and said he would be pleased to answer any questions. 2 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 Mr. Tedtmann stated he lived in Laurel Hills off Boynton Beach Boulevard and said occasionally his faucet strainer gets plugged up with small black particles and asked what causes this. Mr. Kenyon said it would require a water analysis to determine the cause. Mr. Tedtmann inquired if there were old pipes at this location that would be replaced in the future. Mr. Kenyon advised Mr. Tedtmann to telephone him in the morning and arrange for the proper water analysis. A gentleman in the audience inquired about the sewage pump station that is located across from the Ezell Hester Center. Mr. Law stated that the scrubber system at that location is approximately 10 years old and is in the process of some short term upgrading. Eventually it will be replaced. Mr. Law also stated that some landscaping and hopefully some sidewalks would be placed around the site. Mr. Kenyon said that he gets complaints from residents stating that their water smells like chlorine. Mr. Kenyon explained about the type of disinfectant used. Usually the disinfectant is changed in April and October and during this changeover, there is a period of two to three days when residents find the water distasteful. However, Mr. Kenyon stated this is necessary to keep the pipelines clean and healthy. Also, Mr. Kenyon pointed out that in all his years with the City, there has never been an entire City alert to boil water. Mr. Kenyon explained that if a boil water alert is issued, it is issued for the safety of the residents and is a precautionary matter. It does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe. It only means the City is asking residents to take precautions for their own safety. Ms. Sarah Williams said she thought the water bill, speaking from the standpoint of a landlord and as a resident, has gotten extremely high. Ms. Williams questioned the need to have two hook-ups, one for residential use and one for irrigation. Ms. Williams said that the cost of watering the lawns makes the cost of the sewer usage go up. Mr. Kenyon stated that the sewer bill has a maximum charge of 7,000 gallons per living unit. Mr. Kenyon stated that each community handles the water and sewer usage bills differently. Mr. Kenyon said that a few years ago the City did a rate study. Mr. Law said there has not been a rate increase in the City for seven years. Mr. Law said the City’s only per usage charge is for water actually used. REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE Mr. Ackermann introduced Mr. Wilfred Hawkins, Interim City Manager to the audience. Mr. Hawkins displayed a map of the redevelopment area on the overhead screen. Mr. Hawkins said he would be speaking about redevelopment. Mr. Hawkins asked 3 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 members of the audience for their definition of redevelopment and several persons responded with various definitions. Mr. Hawkins said that redevelopment needs to be defined by the jurisdiction in which it is taking place. The basic definition is rejuvenating, re-creating and re-evaluating existing infrastructures or land use and this is what the City is trying to accomplish. One of the main outcomes of redevelopment is the rise in property values. Also, one of the purposes of redevelopment is to improve conditions in the neighborhood. Mr. Hawkins stated that another part of redevelopment is providing job opportunities through more businesses in the community. More redevelopment brings more commercial opportunities, which in turn provides jobs. Also, there should be a fair distribution of the tax base between commercial and residential. Redevelopment can also cause a great deal of impact upon the City. Mr. Hawkins used the re-construction of the bridge as an example of an infrastructure project. Mr. Hawkins said that with a new bridge it would entice people to come downtown and this can have a very strong impact on the economic base of the City and infrastructure projects are an important foundation to redevelopment. Mr. Hawkins pointed out the difference between the development taking place along Congress Avenue and the redevelopment area. Mr. Hawkins said it is important that redevelopment be planned. Ms. Belky Cruz inquired when the Gateway project would begin. Mr. Hawkins stated that it is scheduled to begin very soon and he will discuss this further at the conclusion of his presentation. Mr. Hawkins asked if anyone in the audience knew the definition of “Eastward Ho” and Mrs. Rossi replied it was to discourage sprawl out in the western sections of the County and to encourage development east of I-95. Mr. Hawkins pointed out this area on the map to the audience. Mr. Hawkins stated that all of Florida and a great deal of the East Coast are faced with the same issues. Because of the construction of I-95, availability and access to the land west of I-95 increased. Mr. Hawkins noted as people go, so do the businesses. Therefore, the area east of I-95 has begun to deteriorate and at the same time undergoes a population loss, resulting in a drop in its tax base. Mr. Hawkins said that one of the major focuses of Visions 20/20 was how to redevelop the CRA area and how to bring the population back to this side of the City. Mr. Hawkins pointed out the planning districts on the map and this is the area that the CRA is focusing on to attract new businesses, as well as new residential. The CRA also has concerns regarding land use in various areas and plans need to be devised to help direct and plan land usage. 4 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 Mr. Hawkins pointed out the MLK area to the audience and stated this area has a good potential for residential and mixed use. This also requires planning. Ocean Mr. Hawkins next discussed specific uses for the downtown area, specifically the Avenue area . Mr. Hawkins said that Ocean Avenue is one of the City’s infrastructure projects and this area has been included in the Visions 20/20 Plan. Mr. Hawkins stated that last year the City Commission placed approximately $1.1 million aside for this redevelopment. Mr. Hawkins informed the audience that the Visions 20/20 Plan is available for checkout at the Library and that all of the overhead diagrams being used this evening are contained in that Plan. Mr. Hawkins pointed out what the design concept for Ocean Avenue would be like when it is completed. Mr. Hawkins said that Ocean Avenue would undergo down-laning and the size of the road will be decreased to make it more pedestrian friendly. Sidewalks would be extended out to attract people to the businesses that are there. Mr. Hawkins reviewed the plans for Ocean Avenue with the audience. Mr. Hawkins said two community meetings are planned for input from the residents with regard to the final design of Ocean Avenue. Mr. Hawkins said that he thinks the first th meeting has been tentatively scheduled for July 25, but said more information on the meeting will be forthcoming. It is anticipated that the project bid will be going out by October of this year. Ocean Avenue Promenade The next area covered was the , which Mr. Hawkins pointed out on the overhead. Mr. Hawkins stated this would involve a very extensive infrastructure project including the following: ? underground utilities and water-sewer work, ? installation of paver bricks and sidewalks, and ? landscaping. Mr. Hawkins said that there were three districts in this area to be included in the the historic district (the 500 Block)the residential- planning process. They are , mixeduse areabeyond the railroad tracksTown Square Area and the , where the new Museum is located, which includes the old high school, the playground and Civic Center, etc. A gentleman in the audience inquired about the future parking situation. Mr. Hawkins stated that the City has passed an Ordinance to maintain control of parking in this area and there will be no private parking developed. Mr. Hawkins stated that the City is 5 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 currently in the process of undertaking a parking study to determine the City’s future parking needs. Mr. Hawkins pointed out the Town Square area on the overhead map and reviewed the plans for this area with the audience. A member of the audience inquired about the current Civic Center and asked if it would be torn down. Mr. Hawkins said that nothing definite has been planned for the Civic Center and there is a possibility it could be replaced or torn down, but a Civic Center is needed for the City. Port Promenade The next area discussed was the , which is from Federal Highway at Boynton Beach Boulevard to the Intracoastal. The first portion to be undertaken for redevelopment would be from Boynton Beach Boulevard to Sixth Avenue and a mixed use is envisioned for this area. Mr. Hawkins stated that people would be able to drive down, as well as walk to the overlook area. Mr. Hawkins said that while activities are taking place, the area could be closed off to traffic. Mr. Hawkins stated that there has not been much planning taking place for the Promenade other than discussing potential uses and possible designs. Marina Project The final area discussed was the , which is a private endeavor. Mr. Hawkins pointed out the location of proposed uses for this area and how other projects tie into this project. Mr. Hawkins stated that there will be discussion on the Marina th Project at the Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 15 and suggested anyone wanting an update of this project should attend that meeting. Mr. Hawkins said that a groundbreaking for the Gateway project is scheduled for next month and the City is in the process of getting all the documents signed. Mr. Tedtmann mentioned that there is a neighborhood on the west side of I-95 and south of Boynton Beach Boulevard, behind a neighborhood convenience store, which is bounded by the railroad tracks and the neighborhood is in trouble because access to the steel company is through this residential neighborhood. Mr. Tedtmann inquired if the City could build an access road from the south along I-95. Mr. Hawkins acknowledged that this is a transitional neighborhood west of the City and that is the purpose of encouraging homeowner associations to deal with this planning. Mr. Ackermann stated this neighborhood is referred to as Lake Boynton Estates. Mr. Ackermann stated that a neighborhood that has concerns needs to bring those concerns to the City and the Commission. Mr. Ackermann said no one has approached him from this neighborhood. Mr. Tedtmann felt that the City should take a proactive approach with this neighborhood, as he did not feel the neighborhood was interested in 6 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 taking any action at this time. Mr. Hawkins said that in the future, the City would be discussing these types of areas. A man in the audience inquired why the City is moving so slowly. Mr. Hawkins said that the City has done more in the last four years than has been done in a long time. Mr. Hawkins stated that money has been allocated to some of the projects and the Gateway Project will be done. The Ocean Avenue project should begin before the end of the year. Mrs. Waldman inquired if the City Commission has given approval for the construction of an eight-story building to be constructed north of the bridge, which Mr. Hawkins stated was the Marina Project. Mrs. Waldman inquired if the developers are making some type of in-kind contribution to the City, since they would be benefiting from the entire redevelopment area. Mr. Hawkins said the potential exists for the construction of an eight-story building in this area, which would be primarily for residential purposes. Mr. Hawkins said their contribution would be adding to the tax base when the project is completed. Mr. Hawkins concluded his presentation. FOCUS GROUP REPORTS Image and Redevelopment Committee Mr. Brian Edwards said his Committee meets monthly and anyone interested in joining would be welcomed. Mr. Edwards stated his Committee deals with issues that affect residents throughout the Community and said that his Committee brought forward to the last Neighborhood Summit Meeting the issue of the Intracoastal Park. This was an issue again at his Committee’s last meeting. Based upon the actions taken at the last CRA meeting and the last Commission meeting, a letter was prepared and sent out to th encourage residents to attend the next CRA meeting for June 9, which has now been cancelled. Mr. Edwards read the contents of the letter to the audience, which in summary urged residents to support Master Plan B, which had been approved by the previous members of the CRA. Mr. Edwards expressed disappointment that the CRA meeting has been cancelled. Mr. Rossi inquired if another meeting would be scheduled and Mr. Hawkins was not certain. Mr. Rossi said he has concerns about the outcome of the Intracoastal Park and he is against selling or leasing the property for private use. OTHER CONCERNS 7 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 Mr. Ackermann suggested that at the next Neighborhood Summit Meeting consideration should be given to not remaining so closely associated with the City and to consider becoming more autonomous. A member of the audience inquired if the Communications Committee is still intact. Mr. Ackermann said that Communications Committee and Safety Committee have not been very active. stnd Mr. Ackermann announced that on October 1 and 2 there will be a Florida Neighborhood Conference scheduled for St. Petersburg. Mr. Ackermann advised that the City cannot pay for anyone who wishes to attend, but Mr. Ackermann suggested that if members of this group wished to attend, some type of fundraising could take place. The cost of registration is $30.00 for both days. However, anyone who attends will also have to arrange for transportation and lodging. Mr. Ackermann said he would send more information out on the Conference when the minutes of this meeting are distributed. th Mr. Ron Washam announced that on Saturday, June 19 the quarterly four Board Forum Meeting will take place in the Library Program Room at 2:00 p.m. and invited everyone to attend. Mr. Washam also announced that after the meeting, a neighborhood block party is scheduled. A woman inquired about the actions taking place at the Bikini Beach Lounge which was on the news this evening and wants to know what the City plans to do about these happenings taking place. Mr. Hawkins stated that a hearing was held today and the City feels that the occupants misrepresented the business on the occupational license and application. Mr. Hawkins said that at the meeting there were two City Attorneys present, the occupant’s attorney and the property owner’s attorney and himself and the issue is whether or not the license, which was issued for a bar and grill, is being adhered to. Mr. Hawkins said that they have a full liquor license and that he cannot divulge all the specifics in the case and that he has ten days to make a ruling. The City can revoke the license as it stands and the occupants could reapply or they could appeal to the City’s Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals. Not only can they appeal to the City’s Board, they can appeal to the Circuit Court. The occupants are stating it is a liquor bar that sells snacks with a beach theme, which means the waitresses wear bikinis. This member of the audience stated that the conditions of this particular shopping center have deteriorated and there are many nice homes located behind it. She felt this is going to force the residents out and devalue the property. Mr. Hawkins said the City is on top of the situation and is doing everything it can. 8 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 7, 1999 stth A woman in the audience stated that her area which is between SW 1 and 14 Avenue has flooding taking place and she said they had been informed by the Utilities Department that pipes have been purchased and asked when the pipes would be installed. Mr. Law stated he received her letter today and they are in the process of obtaining a permit from the County to tie into the Woolbright drainage system. Mr. Tedtmann inquired how the City is approaching the issue of neighborhoods that do not have sidewalks and asked how the sidewalks would be paid for. Mr. Hawkins said that the City has set aside funds for neighborhoods that are doing neighborhood-planning projects. Mr. Ackermann said that one neighborhood area at a time would be addressed. Currently the City is working with the neighborhood area from Woolbright to Boynton Beach Boulevard and I-95 to Seacrest. A survey is being taken of everything in the neighborhood. A series of meetings with the neighborhood will take place to determine their priorities. A one-five-ten year plan would then be developed. This takes about eight months to accomplish and at the end of that time a plan would be submitted which would include the costs of the improvements. Mr. Ackermann stated it was not possible to do all the neighborhoods at the same time. Ms. Sarah Williams said that many children do not have encyclopedias and reference materials to use in their homes. Ms. Williams further noted that there is a significant number of disadvantaged children using the Library and questioned if the City is prepared to offer technical assistance to these children in the coming school year in light of all the violence taking place in the schools today. Ms. Williams stated that Ms. Farace is trying to get more personnel and computers to meet the needs of the children and hopes that the City will come up with the necessary funds to accomplish this. Mr. Ackermann said there are grants available for some of these items and that Mr. A. D. Henehan, an employee of the Library, is currently in the process of applying for three grants for computers for the Library. ADJOURNMENT The meeting properly adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 9