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Minutes 03-08-99 MINUTES OF NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT William Bingham, Fire Chief Dan DeCarlo, Assistant Planner Marshall Gage, Police Chief John Guidry, Director of Public Utilities Pete Roy, Code Inspector LATE ARRIVALS (from CRA Meeting) Mayor Gerald “Jerry” Taylor Commissioner Nellie Denahan Commissioner Jamie Titcomb Larry Roberts, Public Works Director INTRODUCTIONS, GROUND RULES, AGENDA Mr. Ackermann called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and welcomed everyone and stated this was the seventh Summit Meeting. Mr. Ackermann said that at the end of this meeting, the date for the next meeting would be selected. Mr. Ackermann reviewed the items on the Agenda with the participants. Mr. Ackermann said that there were students present tonight from the Career Education Class of Congress Middle School to present their fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mr. Ackermann stated there was an article in the Sunday Sun Sentinel about the fundraiser. Also, Mr. Ackermann said that Arleen Dennison, the City’s Museum Coordinator will be speaking to the meeting, as well as Jim Reed who is with Florida Yards and Neighborhoods to make a presentation on enhancing our yards and neighborhoods. Mr. Ackermann said that Dan DeCarlo, one of the City Planners, who has started to work with the neighborhoods on extended neighborhood planning will also be making a presentation. After Mr. DeCarlo, the three Focus Groups will be making their presentations, which will be followed by a question and answer period. Finally, any concerns from the audience will be addressed. MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 Mr. Ackermann displayed the ground rules for the meeting on the overhead screen and reviewed them with the participants. Mr. Ackermann said that the purpose of the meeting is to be a forum to discuss interests and concerns and to share knowledge and experience. Mr. Ackermann said he was the City’s Neighborhood Specialist and that he works with all the neighborhoods. Mr. Ackermann said that a future meeting is being planned for all the landlords of multiple family housing in the City. Common Neighborhood Interests Ms. Young and three students from the Congress Middle School took the podium to address the meeting on their fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each student made a brief presentation on the fundraiser and said they will be playing the Boynton Beach Police Department in a benefit basketball game to help terminally ill children. The benefit game will take place on April 23, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the Congress Community School Gymnasium. Tickets are $5.00 adults; $3.00 for students; and pre- school students will be admitted free. Mr. Ackermann said that the tickets would be on sale at the police display during thst G.A.L.A., which will be held from March 19 through the 21. Presentation by Jim Reed Mr. Ackermann introduced Jim Reed to the audience. Mr. Reed stated he was a Program Assistant with the Cooperative Extension Service in West Palm Beach and said he was present tonight to discuss a program called Florida Yards and Neighborhoods. Mr. Reed said he had flyers and information available for anyone who would be interested in the program. Mr. Reed stated the program provides information on how to take care of South Florida yards and gardens. Mr. Reed noted that because so many people have moved to South Florida from other areas they do not realize that gardening in Florida is different, compared to other areas. Mr. Reed said that in Florida vegetables are grown in fall and the trees lose their leaves in the spring. As a result of this, a lot of time, money and energy are spent trying to do things unproductively. This also can cause pollution by fertilizer run off that gets into the waterways and that type of pollution stays. The University of Florida that runs this program has discovered that 50% of the pollution that gets into the Lake Worth Lagoon, the Intracoastal and other canals and waterways is the result of homeowners’ actions. The purpose of the program is to inform people that there are new and different rules for living in South Florida. 2 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 The Program provides education and good management practices. Recognition is also given to homeowners who take care of their yards properly. Books and newsletters are provided and there are advisers that will come out to your property. Speeches and talks are given at schools and as well as to homeowner and condo associations. There are schools that are held to teach proper management practices. In order to obtain information on the program, a questionnaire must be completed, which Mr. Reed had available. After the questionnaire is completed and returned, the homeowner would receive a 56-page book entitled “A Guide to Environmentally Friendly Landscaping”. The book costs $4.00 in the bookstore, but is free to everyone who turns in a questionnaire. Mr. Reed explained the procedure for obtaining a Florida certified yard. An advisor from the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program will come out to your property to grade your property with a checklist that contains 72 points (usually called “inches”) for various good practices. If a homeowner can get 36 points (“inches”) which equals one yard, then you have a certified Florida yard. If a yard is certified, the homeowner gets a yard sign that says “Certified Florida Yard” and there are about 150 in Palm Beach County. Mr. Reed said they are in the process of certifying an entire homeowner’s association and the entire property will be certified. Mr. Reed said he had to leave to attend the Planning and Development Board meeting, but would return to this meeting to answer questions. Mr. Ackermann stated that there was also City staff available to answer any questions and address any particular problem that anyone may have. Mr. Ackermann introduced some of the City staff that was in the audience who would be available for discussion after the meeting. Police Chief Gage introduced Mr. Matt Immler, who was present with him and is a finalist for the Assistant Police Chief position. Mr. Ackermann also thanked Mrs. Jerry Taylor for being present this evening. Presentation by Arleen Dennison Ms. Dennison said she was head of special services at the Boynton Beach Library and spends most of her time as the Museum Coordinator for the 1913 Schoolhouse Museum. Ms. Dennison stated that great progress has been made on the building and is just about completed and restored. It is intended the Museum would become a hands-on history museum for Boynton Beach children. Ms. Dennison stated that the Bond Referendum on tomorrow’s ballot contains an item called the Recreation and Cultural Facility Bond and explained that if the Bond Referendum is approved $24 million will go to Palm Beach County parks, as well as 3 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 recreational and cultural facilities across the County. The Boynton 1913 Schoolhouse Museum will receive $1 million from the Bond issue. Ms. Dennison stated that there are many important projects on the Bond Referendum. Ms. Dennison referred to the handout, which listed all the projects that would benefit from the Referendum. A question was asked what would be exhibited in the Children’s Museum. Ms. Dennison said the museum would be a hands on museum that will display the history of the area. Areas of focus will be agriculture and nutrition; health and medicine; and communications and technology. Those will be the major themes for the six classrooms that will be in the building. Professional museum designers will develop the exhibits about the history of South Florida. Mr. Brian Edwards commended staff on the wonderful job that has been done with the Children’s Museum and said that the project has made a lot of long-time residents happy. Ms. Dennison stated that the Museum is on the National Register for historic places. Mr. Fitzpatrick asked if the $1million would be matched by State funds. Ms. Dennison said that it is anticipated that the money could be utilized to bring in more matching money to increase the programming. Mr. Ackermann reminded everyone to please sign the sign-in sheet that is being circulated. Also, Mr. Ackermann said a list of the Neighborhood Associations is being circulated and requested that the meeting date and time of each Association be entered on the sheet. Neighborhood Planning – Dan DeCarlo Mr. Ackermann said Mr. DeCarlo would be discussing one neighborhood that has two homeowner associations, but plans are being made for the neighborhood to include a larger area. Mr. DeCarlo stated that planning as it relates to neighborhoods is very important and part of planning is for the City to know what is on every street and in every neighborhood. Mr. DeCarlo stated that the City undertook a historic survey in 1995 in which over 150 homes were identified as having historic significance. The City is looking at developing a neighborhood plan for each area. Priorities need to be determined and neighborhoods must set their priorities. Mr. DeCarlo discussed various areas that could be a priority to a particular neighborhood. The City tries to do an entire focus of the neighborhood to get a sense of what is going on in the neighborhood. The City has met in two particular neighborhoods and wants to continue that process in every 4 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 neighborhood in the City. It is important to determine what the history and identities of the neighborhood are. Also, the City looks at existing land use and zoning and makes sure it is in the best interests of the area. This is an important aspect when addressing older neighborhoods. Mr. DeCarlo said that currently the City is looking at Federal Highway as an overlay of zoning so that the City can deal with some of the pre-existing non- conforming uses, as it is difficult for property owners to make upgrades because of the zoning. By doing an overlay of the area, people can be assisted with improving their property. Neighborhood planning is a way to deal with issues of a neighborhood and to formulate specific solutions. Mr. DeCarlo said that the City has committed funds to neighborhood planning and the City wants to make sure that the money is well spent and each neighborhood is identified. Neighborhoods are looked at to see what can be done immediately to improve the area. Also, it is important to monitor the progress of the neighborhood. The City will continue the process that has been started in the two neighborhoods where meetings have already been held and meetings will continue to be held on a regular basis. Mr. Ackermann said that the City has committed funds to neighborhoods. There are ongoing programs, which is a Neighborhood Partnership Program, where the City will provide a grant of up to $5,000 if the neighborhood develops a plan that would be beneficial to the neighborhood and the City. Commonly, the neighborhood would provide volunteer labor and other resources and the City provides the money. Mr. Ackermann said that five projects have already been completed and three more are being readied to present to the Commission and noted he received another one this evening. Mr. Ackermann said he has applications available for the Neighborhood Partnership Program. Mr. Ackermann also informed the audience that the City has committed $500,000 to the 20/20 Vision Program, which is being designated for more extensive programs within the neighborhoods. Reports of the threeFocus Groups 1. Image and Redevelopment Focus Group Brian Edwards Mr. Edwards stated that the Committees resulted from the May 18, 1998 Summit Meeting where it was voted to form three Focus Committees. Mr. Edwards said that he had an opportunity to attend the Visions 20/20 meeting and listened to a great many 5 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 people talk about what is going on in Boynton Beach. Mr. Edwards said he was motivated by Visions 20/20 that also intended to bring back some of “yesteryear” and he wanted to be a part of that. Mr. Edwards said that his Committee has met every month since May of last year and various issues from those meetings were presented at the Summit Meetings. Mr. Edwards also stated that many of their ideas were presented to staff as well as the City Commission. Mr. Edwards presented the issues to the audience on the overhead that have been referred to City staff. ? Non-conforming signs and landscaping. That has been the #1 topic over the last year, especially in the downtown area. Ms. Edwards stated that the City had formed an Ad-hoc Committee to address these issues and he was a member of that Committee. From that Committee $30,000 was earmarked to assist property owners with non-conforming signs to improve their signs and landscaping with some of the funds. Mr. Edwards said there were four or five pilot projects that materialized from that Committee and hopefully this will encourage other non-conforming property owners to participate in the program. ? Another area addressed by the Focus Group is the status of the Visions 20/20 Plan. Does the City have a position on any of the following areas: the Boynton Beach Promenade, Ocean Avenue Promenade, the retention pond, possibilities for the Old Schoolhouse, Boynton Plaza, and the property next to Wahoos. ? Storm water flooding was also another issue looked at by the Focus Group. Mr. Edwards said he attended a recent City Commission meeting on storm water flooding and this is an ongoing issue. ? Gateway Boulevard Improvement Project and what is the status of the project. ? Is there anything that the citizens of Boynton Beach can do to assist the City with these issues. Mr. Edwards said that every time he has reported an issue to Mr. Ackermann in writing, he has always gotten a response. Mr. Edwards said his next Group meeting is th scheduled for April 8 in Conference Room C in the West Wing. A question was asked if the Gateway Boulevard project is on schedule. Mr. Larry th Roberts said that a pre-construction meeting is planned for March 15 and bids will be st taken on the 31 of this month. 6 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 Mr. Ackermann introduced Larry Roberts who joined the meeting and welcomed Commissioner Denahan who had just arrived. 2.Communications Focus Group Steven Waldman Mr. Waldman said that survey forms were being handed out for completion. Mr. Waldman said his committee is essentially concerned with the same issues that everyone is concerned about. The purpose of the survey is to determine what needs improving. Mr. Waldman requested that if the survey could not be completed during the meeting, people could complete it later and return it to Mr. Ackermann’s office. Mr. Waldman noted that the survey asked if people would be interested in starting a neighborhood newsletter, which would be in addition to condo association newsletters. Mr. Waldman said this would be a good vehicle to share ideas and happenings with other homeowner and condo associations. Also, Mr. Waldman stated another question asked is if people would like to have periodic meetings for association leaders that could be held in between the Summit meetings. Mr. Waldman also said they would be receptive to any ideas or ways to improve communications among the associations and between the City and the associations. 3.Safety Focus Group Mr. Ackermann said that the Chairman of the Safety Focus Group was not present this evening and asked if anyone in the audience had any safety concerns they wished addressed. A gentlemen stated that the crosswalk light at Walgreens on U.S. 1 is too close to the exit and that traffic coming out of Walgreens cannot see the light. This gentlemen said that about two years ago a person had been killed in the crosswalk and he also said he has seen many close encounters because drivers exiting Walgreens do not realize people are in the crosswalk. Police Chief Gage said he would direct this concern to the Traffic Unit for an analysis and will submit a report to the safety committee. Commissioner Denahan also said that when driving east on Boynton Beach Boulevard and approaching Federal Highway, the left turn arrow used to be on for a much longer period of time. Now, the light goes red too quickly for left turns and the straight arrow continues green, but you cannot go left. Commissioner Denahan requested that the light be changed to what it previously had been set at. Chief Gage said that they may 7 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 have made an adjustment for the Ocean Avenue construction and will follow through on this. Mr. Reed also noted that with regard to the Walgreens situation, the same holds true on the west side when crossing Sunshine Square. Mr. Reed said this was supposed to have been fixed when the Winn-Dixie was rebuilt and it has not been done. Also, it was noted that the same problem exists at St. Mark’s Church and at Colonial Club. Chief Gage said he would follow through on these areas as well. A gentleman in the audience, who stated his condo association does not have a lot of money, no longer has the roving COP patrol because they can’t afford the gasoline. He said he was told if one or two additional neighborhoods combined, they could have a roving COP patrol which would include the automobile and the gasoline. He said he has been waiting for three months, but has heard nothing. Chief Gage requested that this person speak with him after the meeting in order that the Chief can have someone get back to him on this issue. Mr. Edwards stated that the difference between the roving patrol and the COP Program should be explained to the residents and said that the roving patrol is a great program. Common Concerns & Comments for the Good of the Group A gentleman in the audience asked what the status of the Code Enforcement Board was in terms of enforcement. Inspector Roy said that his Department is very busy, but does respond to complaints personally. Inspector Roy said the Code Enforcement does patrol, but the areas that have a higher priority are patrolled more often. A gentleman in the audience inquired when the Senior Center would be opening. Mr. Ackermann said that the contract has been let and asked Mayor Taylor if he had anything to add. Mayor Taylor said as far as he knew everything was on schedule and that the Center would be opening in late spring. Mr. Ackermann asked Mayor Taylor if the CRA took any action this evening on the Intracoastal Park. Mayor Taylor informed the audience that the CRA met this evening and the plans for the 10-acre Intracoastal Park were looked at. The CRA looked at the original plan, which was basically a passive park, and two new additional plans, entitled Plan A and Plan B. The CRA approved Plan B that includes a two-story picnic pavilion and a City Club, which is a 7,000 square foot building and which has three rooms that can be divided or joined together. The Club will have a patio out front overlooking the Intracoastal. 8 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 The Park will include an interactive fountain. There will be additional parking for overflow parking from Boat Club Park. Also, more parking will be added to Boat Club Park. There will be trails for walking and in-line skating and a lake for paddle boating. There will be a great number of picnic areas and a lot of shade trees. The Mayor said there is something for everyone and that the funding is in place and is included in the budget. The only item that cannot be included in the plan at this time is a wading pool and a playground for little tots. It is anticipated that the park would be completed within 18 months. Mr. Ackermann noted that plan for the park is being circulated for viewing. A gentleman in the audience stated that since the building of the Boynton Beach Mall, traffic has become very heavy on Old Boynton Road and the road is used as a shortcut to the Mall. It was proposed several years ago that Old Boynton Road should be curtailed as a through street to Congress at the bridge. There is so much traffic it is difficult getting in and out of Laurel Hills. This person felt that there was too much traffic on a small two-lane road and this detracted from the neighborhoods. Chief Gage noted that this is really a County issue since most of the roads are county- fed roads and did not think the homeowners would get the relief they are looking for because the traffic flow in this area of the County is extremely heavy. The County is looking to Old Boynton Road as a road to off set some of the traffic on Boynton Beach Boulevard and Congress Avenue. Mr. DeCarlo said he has seen some long term planning that would improve this Road since it acts as a feeder road for the immediate vicinity. A woman in the audience asked if there were any plans to expand the City limits. This person who was new to the area was confused about having a Boynton Beach address, but actually having County services and is not included in incorporated Boynton Beach. Mayor Taylor stated that incorporated Boynton Beach includes the city limits of Boynton Beach. The County controls unincorporated Boynton Beach; therefore, if you live within the City limits a resident receives City services. Mayor Taylor noted that the City lines are very jagged in some areas. Mayor Taylor said the City has been trying to square off the boundary and to annex out to Military Trail, but is not having much success with this, because people who live outside the City do not want to be annexed in. In order for annexation, 50% of people in the City and 50% of the people in the area to be annexed must agree. Mr. Ackermann said that every year there is a Florida-wide Neighborhood Conference meeting. The meeting this year will take place in St. Petersburg in October. Mr. 9 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 Ackermann is hopeful that the City will provide some funding so that representatives from some of the neighborhoods and people who are active within the Summit Groups can attend. Mayor Taylor also noted that people who do not live in the City, the police protection is provided by the Sheriff’s Department and there can be confusion because sometimes within one block you can be either in or out of the City. This causes a delay in response time. Mayor Taylor said that the City of Boynton Beach’s Fire Rescue Departments respond in less than four minutes. In the County the average response time is seven minutes. Mr. Ackermann reminded the audience that there were City staff representatives present this evening that are available to address any questions. Also, Mr. Jim Reed returned and is available to speak more about the Florida Yard Program. Mr. Ackermann also noted that Commissioner Titcomb had joined the meeting and would be available to answer any questions. A person in the audience stated that during the past couple of years Chief Gage has allowed their homeowner’s association meetings to have a policeman present and commended Chief Gage for this action. This is a wonderful plan and has opened up great communication between the City and the homeowner association. Sgt. David Gainsborg introduced himself to the meeting and introduced two of his Detectives that were present with him tonight. Sgt. Gainsborg said he was present tonight to meet the heads of the Association groups and to obtain an updated list. Sgt. Gainsborg said that he and his Detectives are committed to start going to meetings for the purpose of answering questions on specific property crimes in the neighborhood. Mr. Ackermann said that the list that was being circulated for the association meeting dates would be furnished to the Police Department so that they can attend the meetings. Mr. Fitzpatrick announced that on Saturday, April 17, 1999 the Greenways Project Team will be holding a charrette in the Library Program Room and is open to anyone who is interested in keeping Greenways in Boynton Beach. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that maps would be available for this purpose. The meeting will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mr. Waldman commended Mr. Scott Blasie and Code Compliance for their prompt response to any requests and stated their office was a tremendous help. Mr. Ackermann summed up the meeting by stating the City is doing well and things are looking good and should continue to improve. Review Next Meeting; Close 10 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 8, 1999 Monday, June 7, It was determined that the next Summit Meeting would take place on 1999. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:30 p.m. _______________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 11