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Minutes 11-06-98 MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION CONVENING AS THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1998 AT 3:30 P.M., CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, 208 S. SEACREST AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT Gerald “Jerry” Taylor, Mayor Kerry Willis, City Manager Shirley Jaskiewicz, Vice Mayor Bulent Kastarlak, Director of Development Henderson Tillman, Mayor Pro Tem Wilfred Hawkins, Manager Support Services Jamie Titcomb, Commissioner Diane Reese, Finance Director Nellie Denahan, Commissioner Opening Remarks Mr. Wilfred Hawkins, Manager of Support Services, opened the meeting at 3:35 p.m. and stated that Bulent Kastarlak, Director of Development, Diane Reese, Finance Director and himself would be the presenters at today’s workshop and referred participants to the Agenda that had been distributed. Mr. Hawkins stated that action plans with regard to parking strategies would be discussed. Also, community redevelopment overlay zoning will be discussed. In addition the Community Redevelopment Agency (“CRA”) will be adopting a project planning and control system, which is a method of tracking and implementing projects. Mr. Hawkins said that the time schedule on the agenda would be adhered to. Mr. Hawkins introduced Bulent Kastarlak, the Director of Development to discuss the economy in Boynton Beach and present the studies that have been undertaken. Changing Economy of Boynton Beach and Future Trends Mr. Kastarlak stated he would be giving a synopsis of the present development strategy so that the Visions 20/20 recommended actions could be implemented, subject to City Commission and CRA approvals. Mr. Kastarlak stated that Boynton Beach economy wise is doing better than expected and better than many other communities. Mr. Kastarlak stated that an economic study of the City has been instituted and the City now has an in-house economist to assist in these areas. Mr. Kastarlak referred participants to the overhead screen and reviewed the statistics on the screen. Mr. Kastarlak stated that the City’s population increased by 16% since 1990 and the population is getting younger. Also, the employment growth exceeds the population growth at about 3% per year. The median household income has grown 4.7% annually. The County increased only 3.6%. The median income for the City is $34,464. Also, 35% of the households in the City have a disposable income over $50,000. MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Business growth in the City has increased. Construction and service industries are at the forefront. Business, financial and health services have the highest rate of growth. Mr. Kastarlak stated that occupational license permits have increased in some of these areas from 600% to 1300%. Also retail and wholesale trade activities are increasing. Also there is more lodging coming into the City which will add to employment in those industries. Eating/drinking establishments have experienced a tremendous increase. Mr. Kastarlak noted that the role of manufacturing has decreased which only accounts for 3% of activity in the City, as opposed to 6.4% in 1990. Mr. Kastarlak suggested holding a future workshop where the economy could be discussed more at length and the City’s economist could give an update. Mr. Kastarlak displayed a map of the City’s CRA on the overhead screen and asked the audience to follow along. Mr. Kastarlak pointed out various areas on the map, which depicted a configuration of current City land use. Mr. Kastarlak informed the audience that the purple area on the map shows the location of the districts that the City is concentrating its planning efforts, development, and support services, etc. Mr. Kastarlak also stated that the City now has a logo, which is on display in many areas of the City and asked the participants to review the other designs that will be employed throughout the City. Public Sector Development Projects Mr. Kastarlak stated that there are two groups of projects that the City will be concentrating on. The first projects are sponsored, coordinated and implemented by the City’s CRA. These projects will carry the growth forward and the private sector projects will compliment the City’s projects. Mr. Kastarlak stressed that the synergy between the public and private sectors is very important. The public sector projects were displayed on the overhead screen and were reviewed as follows: ? Town Square Park ? Ocean Avenue Promenade ? Boynton Beach Boulevard ? 500 Block and Dolphin Square Project ? The Cove Plaza ? Blue Lagoon Storm Water Facility ? New Ocean Avenue Bridge ? Boynton Marina District ? Port Promenade ? Mangrove Park 2 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Mr. Kastarlak stated it was necessary to review all the projects that had been discussed during the many Visions 20/20 Workshops. Mr. Kastarlak pointed out how the access to the water from the interior of the City would be accomplished. Mr. Kastarlak stated that not all projects can be implemented at the same time and that the priority projects will be selected. The projects would have to be done on a concurrent basis in order to keep them on track to carry the momentum for visitors coming to the City. CRA Implementations and Project Timing and Funding Mr. Hawkins informed participants that the City Commission had voted to extend the CRA area and pointed out the extended CRA area on the screen. The next step is to discuss the CRA expansion with the County for comment and finally be forwarded to the State Department of Community Affairs. The City is implementing this process. Because of expansion of the CRA, the tax base will increase and the revenue generation through the tax increment will increase. This process will generate more revenues to do more projects. Mr. Hawkins asked Ms. Diane Reese to review the funding for the five priority projects that have already been implemented. Ms. Reese referred to the Visions 20/20 Projects Phase 1 that was shown on the overhead screen as follows: Ocean Avenue Promenade $1,100,000.00 Boynton Beach Boulevard 1,000,000.00 Promenade Surface Parking 750,000.00 City Club (Boat Club Park) 1,000,000.00 Neighborhood Projects 500,000.00 Blue Lagoon Park 4,900,000.00 Total Cost $9,250,000.00 Ms. Reese stated that Phase 1 funding would come from the General Fund-Fund Balance, which has $6,000,000 in Fund Balance Reserve. $4,350,000 will be borrowed and be repaid over a two-year period. The money will be taken from the CIP account. These are funds collected from utility taxes and have no impact upon ad valorem taxes. The general fund will be repaid over a ten-year period. $4,900,000 for construction of the retention pond will be from funds raised through a utility construction bond issue in 1996. 3 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Ms. Reese reviewed the 1998/99 tax base for the CRA as follows: 1998/99 tax base $78.9 million Current Tax Increment 19.2 million Estimated 1998/99 tax 225,988 increment revenues Average Annual Expenses 200,000 Fund Balance at 9-30-98 Reserved for matching grants $240,000 Re-appropriated for 1998/99 $250,000 Budget Uncommitted $ 46,900 TOTAL $536,900 Ms. Reese stated that salaries will no longer be taken from the annual expenses, but will be taken from the grant funds. Therefore, these funds will be available for projects. Mr. Hawkins stated that the expansion of the CRA would result in additional revenue being generated and as the projects come on board, revenue should double. Mr. Hawkins stated that the next item to be reviewed is monitoring and implementing the projects through the proposed project control system and Mr. Kastarlak will review this item. Project Planning and Control System Mr. Kastarlak stated that it is important that a system be established to monitor the projects. A system commonly used in the construction industry called “project planning and control system” will be implemented. Mr. Kastarlak presented a chart on the overhead screen and reviewed the system with the audience. This system will be under the management of the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager. Ultimately, all matters will be referred to the City Commissioners sitting as the CRA. Also, each project will have its own timetable and will be tied in with other projects. Reports will be prepared on a monthly basis for the City Manager, the CRA and Commissioners. Mr. Kastarlak explained the difference between Site Plan, Master Plan and Building Permit approvals that are required for any project. A Site Plan must first be approved then the Planning and Development Board reviews the Site Plan and recommendations are made to the City Commission. Mr. Kastarlak referred the audience to the screen, which sets forth the timetable for completion of the various projects. The next chart presented was the Destination Area 4 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Project Flow Chart, which illustrates how each project affects each other. Mr. Kastarlak reviewed this chart and stressed the importance of the Planning and Control System, as well as the necessity of maintaining cooperation, support and dedication of the citizens. Mr. Kastarlak stated that in order to implement the Master Plan, the following principles must be adhered to: (1) Develop public infrastructure (2) Develop private attractions (3) Attractions bring visitors and facilities serve them (4) All attractions must be developed concurrently It is anticipated that all this can be completed between two to five years. Mr. Hawkins stated one of the purposes of today’s meeting was for the CRA to adopt the Implementation Strategies. 1. Ocean Avenue Mr. Hawkins referred the audience to the diagram of Ocean Avenue on the overhead screen which was taken directly from the Visions 20/20 Master Plan and reviewed the diagram with the audience. Mr. Hawkins pointed out that Ocean Avenue is actually comprised of three different areas and reviewed the planned projects for this area. Mr. Hawkins stated that it is the City’s responsibility to ensure that the streetscape portion of the plan for Ocean Avenue is completed. The CRA should now recommend moving forward with streetscape application for planting, paver bridge, and various amenities, such as lampposts, seats, trash receptacles. Commissioner Titcomb stated that there might not be enough time to review specific projects this afternoon and stated the meeting today was a workshop meeting and not a CRA meeting in terms of an action meeting. Commissioner Titcomb suggested that the action plans for specific plans should be postponed and instead gather feedback from the audience today. Also, Commissioner Titcomb stated that part of the original intent of today’s workshop was to discuss overmapping of districts, parking and shared parking issues, and tax abatement incentives for private development. Commissioner Titcomb mentioned that he recently attended a presentation made to the Municipal League by a group examining the issue of returning light rail passenger service to the FEC tracks. 5 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Mayor Taylor agreed with Commissioner Titcomb that the meeting should be open for discussion, but also noted that staff is looking for some action from the CRA so that they can implement these projects and they need approval for this. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz inquired what the timeframe was with regard to the Ocean Avenue Promenade, since there is so much anticipated construction in this area. Mr. Hawkins stated that the infrastructure themes should move forward with the timing of the bridge construction. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated that this area couldn’t be allowed to deteriorate while building a beautiful new area down the street. Mr. Hawkins stated that work could begin on Ocean Avenue immediately. Mr. Kastarlak stated that all selected projects should begin concurrently and that the landscaping aspect of Ocean Avenue could be completed within 12 to 18 months. Mr. Sugerman, Assistant City Manager, stated that it would more likely be between 18 to 24 months. Mayor Taylor informed participants that there are five projects that the CRA wants to concentrate on and these are the projects that should be given the go ahead to move forward. Commissioner Titcomb noted that the City Commission as the CRA and the City Commission itself already gave the “green light” for the project list. It is important that a message be sent to the private developers that we want to proceed with these projects as soon as possible due to the critical linkage of the projects. Kathy Shabotynskyj asked if the urban wall treatment is still being planned and if it is on private property who will pay for it. Mr. Hawkins stated that the urban wall treatment is still being planned. With regard to paying for it, this has to be looked at, but the City will be the leader with regard to funding for any work on private property. Mayor Pro Tem Tillman inquired that as the projects come on line who would be responsible for approvals of the projects and would it be the City Commission sitting as the CRA or the City Commission. Mr. Hawkins stated the CRA would be responsible for approvals of projects. Approvals would no longer come to the City Commission first. Mayor Pro Tem Tillman inquired if the Development Department would be in charge of tracking the projects and was informed that was correct and that Mr. Kastarlak and Mr. Sugerman would be responsible for what transpires in the field. Ms. Christine Francoiš asked when the drainage construction would begin and if the private sector were responsible for drainage. Mr. Sugerman informed Ms. Francois that $180,000 has been committed for drainage to the project. 6 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Mr. Foot asked where the drainage would be placed. Mr. Sugerman stated it was part of the downtown drainage, which is the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Federal Highway. Mr. Foot stated that the water would have to be pumped to get it into the planned drainage. Mr. Sugerman stated this is a separate and distinct problem and was not sure how this was being handled. Mr. Hawkins confirmed that there was consensus from the CRA for the Ocean Avenue project. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked if there were plans to have access to City Hall from Ocean Avenue and to close off First Street. Mr. Hawkins stated there are preliminary plans, but stated this is not one of the five projects being considered today. 2. City Club Mr. Hawkins stated that the Royal Palm Clubhouse would be torn down because of the Gateway construction. Therefore, it is proposed that this Clubhouse be replaced with City Club, which would be located at Intracoastal Park, next to “Wahoos on the Wharf”. The engineering department is doing preliminary master planning and this will be brought back to the CRA. The building will be approximately 6,000 square feet and one level. It will have one large multi-function room and an outside terrace is planned overlooking the Intracoastal with the possibility of one or two additional meeting rooms. There will be some cooking facilities, but will function more as a warming kitchen. The purpose of the City Club is for City functions, but will be available to the general public. Mr. Kastarlak stated that the one level building would be raised from the ground for a view of the Intracoastal and possibly the ocean. A question was asked if the new City Club would be constructed prior to the old clubhouse being razed and was informed that was correct. Mr. Sugerman stated that the Royal Palm Clubhouse would be removed at the end of the Gateway Project, which should be completed in December 1999. Mr. Sugerman was unsure if the new City Club would in fact be built prior to that date. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz inquired if the Royal Palm Clubhouse is was still being used for drainage purposes and was informed it was. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked if a feasibility study had been done for the new City Club. Mr. Hawkins stated that since the Royal Palm Clubhouse was used 110%, every day of the week, there is an obvious need to replace the old clubhouse. Ms. Shabotynskyj questioned why the City is spending $1 million for a new facility on Federal Highway and another $1 million for a new City Club. Mayor Taylor responded that the facility on Federal Highway is basically for use as the new Senior Center. The 7 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 City Club would be available to any civic organization that wishes to use the facility, and in addition some of the funding for the City Club will come from the County. Mr. Hawkins stated that federal grants are available for operating the Senior Center. Ms. Shabotynskyj questioned why City Club would be a priority and was informed that the Royal Palm Clubhouse was needed for drainage along Gateway Boulevard. Ms. Shabotynskyj questioned why money is being directed in these areas when there are other buildings being refurbished in the City as well as the Woman’s Club is under utilized. Mr. Shabotynskyj felt that the funds could have more use in redevelopment projects. Mr. Hawkins stated there is a need for meeting space in Boynton Beach. The City is constantly forced to use private sector facilities for meeting space needs. Commissioner Denahan expressed her concerns that this meeting was intended to be a workshop and does not feel she can give consensus for implementation strategy of Ocean Avenue when funding sources have not been discussed. Commissioner Denahan wanted clarification of the “consensus” being sought. Mayor Taylor informed Commissioner Denahan that they were not here to vote, but merely to give consensus on the priority projects. Mr. Hawkins informed Commissioner Denahan that these projects will be brought back to the CRA for approval in a more specific, detailed package that would require a vote. The only issue for consideration today is that staff is seeking general direction to bring back specific information to vote on. Mr. Rumpf, Acting Planning and Zoning Director, informed the audience that the downtown community development plan has reached a certain point. The next stage Mr. Rumpf stated is the design stage, in addition to the funding stage and staff is prepared to take each of these five project packages and put them in a design package for CRA approval. Mr. Hawkins stated that the projects have to start somewhere. Mayor Taylor stated the purpose of this meeting is to trigger the implementation phase and get the projects moving. City Manager Willis summarized what has taken place to date and that the conceptual master plan adoption and now implementation must take place in order to take the projects from the conceptual stage to the drawing stage. Commissioner Denahan was aware of what Ms. Willis stated, but felt that the purpose of the workshop was to gain input from the community. 8 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Commissioner Titcomb asked Ms. Reese to confirm that the funds have been appropriated for the 18 to 24 month timeline and this is not an issue. Commissioner Titcomb was informed that was correct and that approval of funding is not an issue today. City Manager Willis stated that the City Commission has already appropriated the funds and the CRA must give consensus to funding. Mr. Finkelstein noted that the 500 Block plan shows the drawing stops at the railroad tracks, and Mr. Finkelstein questioned if the Ocean Avenue Promenade would go all the way to Federal Highway and was informed it would. 3. Parking Strategy Mr. Kastarlak stated that the concept of shared parking would be utilized. In the past, the zoning by-laws concentrated on dedicated parking requirements. Over the years, it has shown that all approved parking was not being utilized. The reasoning for this is that each use has different peak hours. Therefore, some parking areas will never be full. Mr. Kastarlak stated that certain parking lots throughout the neighborhood could be utilized and calculating the number of shared parking spaces that would be needed, people could be parking in different spots. Therefore, if you reduce the number of parking spaces by using the shared parking concept, this will free up more land for other uses, such as additional landscaping. Mr. Kastarlak informed the audience that a parking study is being undertaken, which will take approximately 3 months. Also, consideration is being given to instituting a shuttle service, which would allow citizens to park their cars in one spot and take a shuttle to the waterfront. The shuttle could operate up and down Ocean Avenue. This would reduce parking requirements along the waterfront. A business owner stated he would be losing street parking and does the shared parking concept include taking existing parking from private property owners to share with new development. Mr. Kastarlak said that the study would determine how many properties could share parking. Mr. Hawkins stated that staff is requesting the approval today from the CRA to go ahead with the 3-month maximum parking strategy study to answer these questions. Commissioner Titcomb inquired if the City has the in-house capacity to look at the City’s current code situation on parking and accurately map it against usage needs of private businesses and recommend a CBD parking code that would meet the needs or, will this be done out of house by a consultant? Mr. Kastarlak informed Commissioner Titcomb 9 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 that a transportation planner position has been budgeted for next year. Also, technical assistance is being sought to assist with this study and Mr. Kastarlak stated that an RFP would be going out in approximately one week. Mr. Kastarlak stated that independent parking arrangements are being discouraged because this could dissipate the parking in downtown area, making it difficult to coordinate with the shuttle service. A question was asked if the parking on the 500 Block on Ocean Avenue would be eliminated. There would be no street parking in the 500 Block. There may be some 30° angle parking in the 500 Block. Mr. Kastarlak stated there would be thousands of people coming into downtown, so that a limited number of parking at the curb would have little impact. Mr. Kastarlak stated there would be enough parking available for everyone. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked about dumpster pick-up in the rear of buildings along Ocean Avenue. Mr. Kastarlak stated this was an important issue and the appearance of the downtown is very important. Mr. Kastarlak stated the Public Works Department would address this issue. Also Ms. Shabotynskyj inquired if the parking facilities would be linked using common signage. Mr. Hawkins stated that the signage in Orlando is being looked at and in all probability that City’s concept will be adopted. Mr. Kastarlak stated that the signage ordinance is being updated by the Planning and Development Board and the recommendations will be brought before the City Commission. Mr. Hawkins asked if the CRA was in consensus on the three-month parking study and was informed it was. 4. Neighborhood Projects The Master Plan recommends four model neighborhoods, two are north of Boynton Beach Boulevard and two are south of Boynton Beach Boulevard. These neighborhoods have been successfully organized and all have neighborhood associations or organizations. In order for a neighborhood to access the funds, they are being asked to work on neighborhood planning. The neighborhoods must now come to a consensus on how they would like the neighborhood to look and what changes they would like made regarding street layout, landscaping, lighting, etc. After the neighborhood plans have been completed, they will be brought to the City for funding. 10 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 It was pointed out that the $100,000 fund that each Commissioner has available for use in neighborhoods in his district could be applied to other districts if a particular project in another neighborhood needed additional funding. Mr. Hawkins informed the participants that Duncan and Associates recommended spending $125,000 in the neighborhoods. Mr. Hawkins stated that neighborhood planning is a very popular concept throughout the Country. Therefore, it is being recommended today that the concept of the neighborhoods doing their own planning with the City’s assistance be adopted. The plans and potential costs would be presented and then the neighborhood funds could be allocated according to the plans. Commissioner Titcomb pointed out that some neighborhoods are better organized than others are and will the City provide assistance to those neighborhoods that are in need of help. Mr. Hawkins stated there are model neighborhoods where projects can begin and they will set the example for other neighborhoods. A gentleman in the audience asked what plans and activities were in place for the children. Also, he asked if fountains, similar to West Palm Beach, would be built. Mr. Hawkins stated this would be addressed during the discussion of the Promenade. Mr. Hawkins asked for a consensus on spending $500,000 on neighborhood improvements through neighborhood planning. 5. Promenade Phase 1 Mr. Hawkins pointed out that during bridge construction and marina construction, there would be limited access to that area. Therefore, phase 1, which is Boynton Beach Boulevard to 6th Avenue, would be implemented in order to facilitate entrance to and from the marina area. This is where some type of water fountain could be placed. Mr. Kastarlak stated that a destination must be created and this is done by having a great variety of activities being offered for all ages. Mr. Kastarlak pointed out that the retention pond downtown would be used for many purposes including a pavilion for band concerts. There would be a fountain and all activities would take place around the fountain, which could become a Boynton Beach landmark. The lake could be used for boating purposes. Commissioner Denahan inquired what the Indian Lake Village Motel referred to. Mr. Kastarlak stated this was an imaginary name given by a resident to their property. This resident came up with an idea for their property and the possibility of a motel being built on the property and having the appearance of a historical Floridian Indian Village. 11 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Mayor Taylor re-addressed the fountain and stated that it is intended to be a visual amenity and was not originally intended to be utilized like the fountain in West Palm Beach. However, Mayor Taylor stated that this utilization should not be ruled out. Commissioner Titcomb informed the audience that the illustration presented today was an older illustration and that there will be changes. Mr. Lee Wische questioned why the entrance from Federal Highway to the Promenade is intended to be a beautifully landscaped scene and the plans state that 2 two-story retail facilities are at the entrance to each side. This does not convey the intent of the Promenade. Mr. Wische stated there should be no retail buildings included in this area and this was not included in the consultant’s plans. th Mr. Finkelstein asked if the linkage from NE 6 Street to Ocean Avenue is still in place considering the new marina plan and was informed it is still in place. Mr. Kastarlak stated that the linkage from Ocean Avenue to the Promenade is a “must”. Mr. Kastarlak commented on Mr. Wische’s concerns that not only is it important to have lush landscaping in place, but there must be revenue-producing facilities also. Mr. Mike Fitzgerald stated there was an article in the paper that the State was th concerned about the mangroves from 6 Street to the Intracoastal. Mr. Hawkins stated staff is studying the issue. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz noted that the marina project has appreciated due to the change from a boat storage to the new proposal and as a result, the tax increment will increase. Summary Mr. Hawkins stated that specific development packages will be brought back to the CRA to be adopted and this is only the first of many meetings. Mr. Hawkins stated all notices for CRA meetings would be posted. Commissioner Titcomb inquired if a CRA meeting should be included either before or after every Commission meeting to keep things moving. City Manager Willis stated that it is intended to hold meetings every off-Wednesday when there is not a Commission meeting and this will be brought back to the CRA as soon as this has been finalized. 12 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 1998 Attorney Cherof stated that up until now, very generalized implementation discussions have taken place. However, from this point forward whatever comes before the CRA, they will come in a specific manner with resolutions detailing specifically what the CRA is approving. Attorney Cherof stated that the actions of the CRA are very separate and distinct from actions of the City Commission. There being no further business, Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 13