Minutes 06-09-09
MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING
HELD ON JUNE 9, 2009, AT 6:30 P.M. IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS,
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Jerry Taylor, Chair Lisa Bright, Executive Director
Woodrow Hay, Vice Chair James Cherof, Board Attorney
Jose Rodriguez
Marlene Ross
Ron Weiland
I. Call to Order – Chair Jerry Taylor
Chair Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
II. Pledge to the Flag and Invocation
Vice Chair Hay offered the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag.
III. Roll Call
The Recording Secretary called the roll.
IV. Agenda Approval
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections
None
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to approve the agenda. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that
passed unanimously.
V. Announcements & Awards:
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A.July 4 – Salute to Independence
Kathy Biscuiti, Special Events Director, announced the event would be celebrated on
Saturday, July 4, 2009, at Intracoastal Park. Live music would begin at 6:30 p.m.,
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Boynton Beach, Florida June 9, 2009
followed by a patriotic salute at 7:30 p.m. The live music would resume and would be
followed by "Fireworks by Grucci" at 9:00 p.m. Food and beverages would be available
on site. While some seating would be provided, Ms. Biscuiti suggested attendees bring
chairs and blankets. Parking would be provided at Bank of America on the corner of
Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue, and two shuttles would run continuously,
beginning at 6:00 p.m. No pets or personal fireworks would be permitted.
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Ms. Biscuiti noted Grucci had provided the fireworks for last year's July 4 celebration.
A calamity had occurred during the event and a rocket had fallen over. Grucci did
provide the City with a refund of nearly $5,000 for the mishap.
VI. Consent Agenda:
A.Approval of Minutes – CRA Board Meeting of May 12, 2009
B.Approval of Period – Ended May 31, 2009 Financial Report
C.Monthly Procurement Purchase Orders
D.Approval of Funding up to $50,000 from the Homebuyers' Assistance
Program to Latasha Norfus and Rakera Ramsey
Item VI. D. was pulled by Mr. Rodriguez to be discussed simultaneously with Item VI.
E.
E.Approval of Funding up to $50,000 from the Homebuyers' Assistance
Program to Dallo, Glaiseda and Renel Bosquet
Item VI. E. was pulled by Mr. Rodriguez to be discussed simultaneously with Item D.
F.Downtown Master Plan Update
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G.Approval of donation from Town of Ocean Ridge for 4 of July
Item VI. G. was pulled by Vice Chair Hay for discussion.
Motion
Ms. Ross moved to approve the Consent Agenda, with the exception of the items
pulled. Vice Chair Hay seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
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VII. Pulled Consent Agenda items
D. Approval of Funding up to $50,000 from the Homebuyers' Assistance
Program to Latasha Norfus and Rakera Ramsey
E. Approval of Funding up to $50,000 from the Homebuyers' Assistance
Program to Dallo, Glaiseda and Renel Bosquet
Mr. Rodriguez noted residents of the Preserve had spoken at the last Commission
meeting, advising property values had plummeted since they had received $50,000
from the Homebuyers' Assistance Program. He expressed concern regarding the
properties to be purchased by the homebuyers per Items VI. D. and E. above. The
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property at 222 NW 7 Avenue (Item D.) had been appraised at $223,000, which he
believed was excessive given the current market environment and the area in which the
property was located.
Mike Simon, Development Manager, advised the appraisals had been provided by the
lender's appraiser. Mr. Weiland felt staff should obtain the appraisals since the funding
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was to be provided by the CRA. Ms. Ross remarked the property located at 721 NW 2
Street (Item E.) had been appraised at $199,000 and appeared to be the same model.
Mr. Rodriguez reiterated his concern regarding the appraised values and requested the
matter be tabled until a copy of the appraisal was provided to the Board. The members
noted they would support having the lender's appraisal reviewed by staff's appraiser.
Peggy Miller, 7144 Craw Key Way, Lake Worth, Seaside National Bank & Trust,
advised the homes had not yet been built, but were slated for closing in September.
"As-built" appraisals were obtained for new construction, and the values were based on
specifications provided by the Bank. The appraiser's evaluation was then based upon
the costs of construction and current sales. Ms. Miller commented three sales had
recently closed in the neighborhood, and Homebuyers' Assistance Program (HAP) funds
were utilized. She contended the appraised values had been holding as of the May 18,
2009 appraisal date and were consistent with the appraisals before the Board.
Mr. Simon explained the properties were included in the eight RTG Construction single-
family homes approved to receive Homebuyers' Assistance Program (HAP) funding.
The cost of the appraisal review would be approximately $200 or $250.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved to do reviews of the appraisals. Mr. Weiland seconded the
motion that passed unanimously.
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F.Downtown Master Plan Update
Mr. Rodriguez requested staff address the item.
Lisa Bright, Executive Director, noted staff had prepared the update based upon
activity in the downtown area in response to the "Guiding Principles of the Downtown
Master Plan." Mr. Rodriguez contended the discussion at the May 12, 2009 Board
meeting focused on the recommendations of the Heart of Boynton Committee and the
manner in which the recommendations were applied to the downtown area. It was his
understanding staff's review would include some of the recommendations. Ms. Bright
explained the Heart of Boynton was part of the Downtown Master Plan, and she was
not certain which of the Heart of Boynton initiatives Mr. Rodriguez wanted applied to
the Downtown Master Plan. Mr. Rodriguez requested a meeting with Ms. Bright and
staff in order to discuss the application of the methodologies, as well as the
preservation of the businesses at Inlet Plaza. It was his belief nothing was being done
with the downtown area. Chair Taylor articulated the recommendations of the
Committee were very specific as to the Heart of Boynton, and he believed a great deal
of activity had been undertaken in the downtown area.
Ms. Bright agreed to schedule the meeting. She noted any specific requests made by
Mr. Rodriguez which were not contained in the Downtown Master Plan would be
brought before the Board for approval. As such, she suggested the Board table the
matter.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved to table. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that passed
unanimously.
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G. Approval of Donation from Town of Ocean Ridge for 4 of July
Vice Chair Hay referred to Ms. Biscuiti's earlier comment regarding the $5,000 refund
from Grucci Fireworks, and staff's report noting a $2,500 donation from the Town of
Ocean Ridge. He inquired as to the total cost of the event. Ms. Biscuiti responded the
total cost was approximately $70,000 which included $50,000 for the fireworks and
$12,000 for the barge.
Motion
Mr. Hay moved to approve. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that passed
unanimously.
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Community Redevelopment Agency Board
Boynton Beach, Florida June 9, 2009
VIII. Information Only
A. CRA Policing Activity Report for the month of May 2009, and District
Statistics for the months of April and May 2009
B.CRA Police Arrest at Atlantic Lodge – South Federal Highway (media video
to be shown)
A video was presented evidencing the arrest by CRA Police of Ryszsard Swierszcz,
owner of the Atlantic Lodge motel. Mr. Swierszcz was charged with dealing in stolen
property. The motel had served as a safe haven for prostitutes and drug users. The
owner had hired motel customers to steal merchandise from Walmart, Home Depot and
Walgreen's and return the stolen goods to the store, exchanging them for store return
credit cards which they gave to Mr. Swierszcz. Some of the items recovered by Police
included a shotgun, a power drill and a nail gun. The motel was across the street from
a City park. Although Mr. Swierszcz was under arrest, the motel was still open for
business. Police indicated they would attempt to seize the property and shut it down
through a forfeiture process.
Chair Taylor commended the Police Department for their superior work and for their
recent arrest in a rape that occurred 30 years ago.
C.Boynton Beach CRA and Trolley Website Updates
D.Complaint/Comment Log – Monthly Update
E.Update on CRA Press Releases
F.Economic Development Activity Report
Ms. Ross requested clarification as to relocation assistance and the restaurant site
referenced in correspondence with Stephen Brien. Ms. Brooks explained relocation
assistance helped attract businesses into the district, and a site along Ocean Avenue
was being explored for a restaurant.
G.Artavox III
H.Florida Regional Forum on The Nighttime Economy
I.Update on the Preserve
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Chair Taylor noted while most of the issues were between the homeowners and the
managers, the City had been following up on all of the Code Compliance issues and met
with the managers and owners regarding the deficiencies. Mr. Rodriguez wished to
ensure the property owners seated in the audience were informed of the action being
taken by the City and the CRA.
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Sasha Lagano, 1990 NE 5 Street, had resided at the Reserve since 2007. At the
time she purchased the property, it was her belief the project had been a joint effort
between the Cornerstone Group and the CRA. The project had never been completed
and her unit contained numerous construction deficiencies. While most of the items
had been under warranty, they had not been repaired. New deficiencies had surfaced,
including a broken front step, inadequate driveway dimensions, defective window
shutters, faded paint and vehicle damage caused by the sprinklers. Other complaints
included broken roof tiles, leaking roofs, dirt and debris, broken glass, idle trucks,
unused storage lockers, rodent infestation, and trespassing. The property was never
gated and at least two of the units had been burglarized. To date, there have been a
number of foreclosures within the community, and many of the residents simply walked
away from their homes. It was her contention many of the appraisals were inflated.
The closing on her unit had not been timely.
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Dawn Osowsky, 1751 NE 6 Street, reported on difficulties with the Homeowners'
Association. Fees were initially $250 and included cable TV and high-speed internet.
Thereafter, the builder increased the association fees to $355 per month, which did not
include cable TV or internet. The previous management company hired by the builder
never paid the cable company, nor had the builder paid the association fees on its units,
and she felt the association fees had been increased to compensate for the deficit.
While her mortgage amounted to more than $1,600 per month, she felt she was not
provided with the luxury townhome community promised. She felt the City should buy
the homes of those who wished to leave the community and assist those who wished to
stay by forcing the developer to meet his obligations. She provided the Board with
contact information for the corporate officers and attorney for the developer.
While the CRA had provided down-payment assistance, Attorney Cherof advised that
the CRA had no legal obligation to be involved in this matter.
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Shonae Trotman, 1826 NE 5 Street, noted she had resided at the Preserve since
October, 2008. She felt the residents were not treated properly because they had
received subsidies or "free money." She had considered walking away from her home,
but would be concerned with action by the CRA. The residents had explored hiring an
attorney to act as their advocate, but this was not economically feasible.
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Chair Taylor reiterated both the City and CRA staff were doing all they could to correct
the deficiencies and would continue to work with the developers to ensure they lived up
to their promises. He did not believe either the City or CRA had any standing regarding
association fees.
IX. Public Comments: (Note: comments are limited to 3 minutes in duration)
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Sister Lorraine Ryan, 145 NE 4 Avenue, the Women's Circle, talked about PATCH
(Planned Approach to Community Health) and the need for a community health center
for the uninsured. JAL Ministries and Dr. Tom Rose would be creating a federally-
qualified community health center in Boynton Beach which would be funded by
Quantum Foundation in the first phase. It was hoped a site for the Center could be
located in the Heart of Boynton, as the hospital was located in the south side of town
and the Caridad Clinic on the far west side. Sister Lorraine thanked CRA staff for its
support.
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Doris Jackson, 531 NW 10 Avenue, in referring to the arrests made at the Atlantic
Lodge motel, inquired why arrests were not made regarding the illegal activity at E-Z
Mart.
Sgt. Joseph DeGiulio, CRA Policing Unit, noted more arrests were made at E-Z Mart
than at Atlantic Lodge. At least 50 arrests were made last year for drug users as well
as sellers. During May 2009, a drug reversal operation resulted in seven arrests within
four or five hours. While the police were able to link the Atlantic Lodge owner to all the
illegal activity, they could not do so with E-Z Mart, as the activity occurred outside the
store. If drugs were sold within 1,000 feet of a church, park, school or convenience
store, an additional charge would be added to the arrest warrant. It would then be up
to the State Attorney to move forward.
No one else having come forward, the public audience was closed.
X. Public Hearing:
Old Business:
New Business
XI. Old Business:
A. Heart of Boynton Strategies:
1. Strategy matrix
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Vivian Brooks, Assistant Director, noted the matrix included with the meeting
materials contained strategies and actions undertaken to date by the City and CRA staff
to implement the recommendations of the Community Committees. Staff had reviewed
the matrix with the attendees at the June 8, 2008 Community Committee meeting. The
Committee's chief priority dealt with improving the quality of life and ridding the City of
nuisance properties. Included with the meeting materials was a contract for a nuisance
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property located 112 NW 10 Avenue. Code liens were attached to the property. Staff
believed it would be more efficient to purchase the property rather than to foreclose,
and felt the property would appraise close to the asking price. Title searches had been
secured on some of the other properties, and the items would be brought before the
City Commission in July 2009 along with the Code lien foreclosures.
With regard to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Ms. Brooks
advised an alley abandonment would be brought before the Board at the next meeting.
Staff was working with Engineering to explore alternatives in addressing the issue of
manholes in alleys.
With regard to economic development activities, staff was looking into free business
training. Issues to be brought before the Board for consideration include the
Brownfield designation and the reissuance of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Ocean
Breeze East. Staff hoped to continue the Residential Improvement (RIP) program for
next fiscal year.
2. Consideration of Contract with Michael Villamarin for the property
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located at 201 NE 9 Avenue
Ms. Brooks noted the three properties to be discussed were within Phases I and II of
the MLK redevelopment and met the criteria of a nuisance property, parcels adjacent to
properties already owned by the City or CRA or properties located in Phase I.
Mr. Simon advised the property consisted of a duplex on a lot 55 feet by 150 feet,
which was adjacent to a large City-owned parcel and was within the Phase I boundary
of the MLK project area. The property was being offered to the CRA for $210,000
contingent upon the purchase price meeting the appraised value. Mr. Simon noted the
property owner had purchased the property for $145,000 in 2005. Staff had not
suggested that the purchase price of $210,000 was accurate and prepared a contract to
protect the CRA's interest by asking that an appraisal either meet or exceed the
purchase price. It was believed the property was in good standing with the City.
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Gertrude Sullivan, 201 NE 6 Avenue, commented the property formerly belonged to
her sister and was not worth the asking price.
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Mr. Simon requested direction from the Board. Staff recommended entering into the
contract so that if the appraisal was lower than the purchase price, the CRA would have
a right to exit the contract. The CRA was not obligated to purchase the property at the
appraised value.
Attorney Cherof advised a motion was necessary to approve the agreement. As a
contingency for an appraisal was included in the agreement, a separate motion was not
needed. In this instance, the contract provided that the CRA would obtain the
appraisal.
Motion
Mr. Hay moved to approve. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Mr. Simon informed the Board the appraisal should be available by the next meeting or
within the due diligence period of 60 days.
3. Consideration of Contract with Jerry and Melody Brandom for the
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property located at 112 NW 10 Avenue
Ms. Brooks noted Mr. Brandom had approached staff with an offer to sell the property.
Code liens had been placed on the vacant, boarded up multi-family property. Staff felt
the property would appraise close to the purchase price. The contract contained the
same due diligence period as the Villamarin contract, and an appraisal would be
obtained by staff.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved to approve. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that passed
unanimously.
4. Consideration of Contract with Barbara Rudd for the property
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located at 306 NE 11 Avenue
Ms. Brooks advised the property consisted of two small vacant lots together, amounting
to one buildable lot. The land did not meet the criteria of a nuisance property nor was
it located in Phase I, but it was adjacent to City or CRA land. The property measured
roughly 6,000 square feet and could possibly accommodate a house. It was originally
purchased for $145,000 in 2006. While the asking price was $90,000, staff felt the
property would appraise at approximately $45,000. This opportunity had not received
support from the Community Committee as it was not located within Phase I and was
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not a nuisance property. However, the Committee felt if the owner would sell at the
appraised value, it would be a worthy purchase. If not, the purchase could be made at
a later date. The Committee indicated a preference that Ms. Rudd sign the contract,
stipulating she would sell for the appraised value. The Board agreed acquisition efforts
should be focused on properties located in Phase I.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved to deny the purchase request. Mr. Weliand seconded the motion
that passed unanimously.
B. Budget Discussion
Susan Harris, Finance Director, noted she had prepared two charts pertaining to
assessed valuations and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues. The assessed
valuations had declined another 20% which was anticipated based on the Property
Appraiser's information to the municipalities several weeks ago. TIF revenues would
decline this year 22%-24% to $6.3 million from $8.3 million. The final Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) revenues were based on the assessed valuations received from the
Property Appraiser and the millage rates applied to the assessed valuations by both the
City and the County. The numbers provided in the charts were based on the
assumption there would be no millage rate increase by the City or the County.
However, if the City utilized the roll-back rate and the County utilized the rate they had
been considering, the CRA would realize another increase in Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) revenues of $1.1 million to $1.2 million. While Ms. Brooks had suggested a
budget workshop for the end of July, she suggested the Board might want to consider
an early-August date, as the City would be considering its budget and millage rates in
mid-July and would be required to furnish next year's proposed millage to the Property
Appraiser in August. At the suggestion of the Board, Ms. Harris would set aside three
dates for the workshop.
1. Consideration of Trolley Service Contract Renewal
Ms. Brooks noted the current contract would expire at the end of September, 2009. If
the Board did not wish to continue the service, notice would be required by June 29,
2009 pursuant to the 90-day termination clause in the existing contract. If not
terminated timely, the contract would automatically renew for two three-year periods.
The trolley vendor had agreed to amend the 90-day notice requirement to 45 days. At
that time, staff would have further knowledge of the CRA's revenue for the next year
and could provide the Board with viable trolley transportation scenarios. Ms. Bright
added it had been clear the ridership had never developed for the southern route, and
if a decision were to be reached at this meeting, staff could not recommend the service
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Boynton Beach, Florida June 9, 2009
be continued. Additionally, based on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues to date,
Ms. Bright believed the trolley service would not be financially feasible. She noted,
however, the northern route had been successful and provided service to Tri-Rail and
Palm Tran. As set forth above, the amended notice provision would allow staff to
provide a more accurate picture of what might be preserved in the program. Ms. Bright
noted the Transportation Concurrency Exception Area (TCEA), under which the CRA
was operating, did not require trolley service.
Chair Taylor pointed out if the southern route were to continue in effect through
September 30, 2009, the cost would amount to $58,950. If it were to be terminated as
of July 3, 2009, a termination fee of $18,000 would result. He believed the trolley
service should be terminated completely. The northern route's ridership consisted of
only 50 people in a City of 67,000 citizens. The cost for the north and south routes
amounted to $734,000, a "nice-to-have" rather than "must-have" service. Mr. Weiland
believed the southern route should be eliminated. As the northern route had been
successful and transported students back and forth to school, Mr. Weiland suggested
the hours of operation be reduced.
Ms. Brooks indicated ridership for the northern route remained level and was not
subject to seasonal fluctuations. The $734,000 would increase as a result of an
escalator clause in the agreement which raised the hourly rate from $65 to $67.50.
Mr. Rodriguez suggested riders be charged $1 which would amount to nearly $200,000
in revenues against the cost. Ms. Harris did not believe a $1 charge was feasible based
on cost issues such as collection, reconciliation and auditing and the installation of
meters.
Kurt Bressner, City Manager, inquired whether a transit component for the trolley
system had been required by the Transportation Concurrency Exception Area (TCEA)
east of I-95. Ms. Brooks replied the only requirement was the biannual submission of
reports to the County, to which staff had attended.
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Brian Miller, 2515 NE 2 Court, was familiar with the northern route which was
heavily used by seniors, residents in the area and students. Rather than eliminating the
route, he believed it would be prudent to charge riders $1 each way.
Mr. Rodriguez requested staff provide costs pertaining to the implementation of a fee.
Mr. Weiland agreed. Chair Taylor would not support a fee but would support the
elimination of the southern route. Ms. Ross believed the northern route should be
preserved.
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Boynton Beach, Florida June 9, 2009
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved that before taking any action on eliminating any routes, staff
provide an analysis of what it would take to implement a fee-based ridership to the
Board.
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Attorney Cherof noted the deadline for the 90-day period would be July 2, prior to the
next Board meeting. As such, Attorney Cherof suggested the Board either amend the
contract or provide notice of termination of the contract, which could be rescinded or
renegotiated at a later date. The amendment would not result in the extension of the
notice period, but would shorten the time period for cancellation.
It was noted the CRA would save $40,000 immediately by eliminating the southern
route by July 3, 2009. Ms. Bright pointed out the southern route was utilized mostly by
seniors traveling to the hospital, and most of the residents in the area did not reside in
the City during the summer months. She reminded the Board the southern route had
been operating on a trial basis for a year, and ridership had declined.
Mr. Rodriguez was not prepared to eliminate the southern route until the fee
implementation costs had been provided. Chair Taylor's observations revealed no one
had been utilizing the service on the southern route. If the route were cancelled at this
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time, riders would still have until July 3 to make use of the service.
Mark Karageorge, 240A Main Boulevard, agreed ridership on the southern route was
low and, therefore, the route was not cost effective. Residents in the High Point area
preferred the Shopper Hopper as it accommodated the handicapped and provided door-
to-door service. He believed the southern route should be eliminated at this time. He
agreed revenues could be recouped by imposing a charge on the northern route
ridership.
Victor Norfus, 261 N. Palm Drive, suggested the use of trolley passes for the northern
route. Notices could be placed on the trolleys notifying the ridership of the charge and
passes could be obtained at City Hall. He believed collecting monies on a trolley could
be a security issue. As the ridership was declining on the southern route, he felt the
route should be discontinued.
Motion
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Chair Taylor passed the gavel and moved to eliminate the southern route as of July 3.
Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that passed 4-1 (Mr. Rodriguez dissenting).
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Boynton Beach, Florida June 9, 2009
Discussion ensued regarding the northern route. Mr. Rodriquez requested staff explore
the concept of a cost-based ridership in order to recoup some of the costs of running
the trolley. An analysis of the implementation costs should be included. Ms. Brooks
noted staff would also bring back to the Board other proposals including route changes,
and elimination of both non-productive stops and Saturday service. Mr. Hay requested
staff also explore the use of passes on the trolleys. Ms. Harris explained if a program
were developed wherein the trolley operator were to collect the fees, the CRA would be
required to develop internal audit controls and a process for handling the cash, similar
to the practice used for the marina.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved to approve the amendment to the contract for the 45-day notice.
Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved for staff to come back to the Board with a proposal on how the
Board might be able to collect fees to recoup the cost of the trolley. Mr. Hay seconded
the motion that passed 4-1 (Chair Taylor dissenting).
2. Review of Community Care Rollover Allocation from FY 2006/2007
Ms. Brooks noted the Board had allocated $200,000 to the Community Caring Center in
fiscal year 2006/2007. In August 2008, pursuant to an internal agreement between the
Community Caring Center and the Women's Circle, Sherry Johnson, Executive Director
of the Community Caring Center, requested half of the funding be allocated to the
Women's Circle and half to the Community Caring Center. The Board had no objection
to the allocation at that time. Since then, the Women's Circle had contracted for a
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property on SE 4 Street and was scheduled to close on August 22, 2009. They would
be drawing down the $100,000 at closing. The CRA would hold a mortgage and note
on the property and if the property sold, the CRA would collect the full amount of the
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monies. The Community Caring Center had been negotiating for a property on NE 6
Avenue, but was not yet under contract. Ms. Harris added the $200,000 previously
allocated had been carried by the CRA since 2007 and State Statutes required the
monies be expended within three years. As the $200,000 could only be carried for
another year and a significant budget deficit was anticipated for the next fiscal year,
staff recommended one of the following options:
?Allow the continuation of the $200,000 allocation to be expended for the
purchase of the building, with a commitment to fully expend the funds for the
designated purpose by September 30, 2009. If the original funding purpose was
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Boynton Beach, Florida June 9, 2009
not met; the Community Caring Center must come back to the CRA Board with a
replacement proposal. In any case, the funds must be fully expended by the end
of the fiscal year.
?If the monies are not fully utilized by September 30, 2009, they would be
reallocated into next year's budget for redevelopment projects.
Mr. Rodriguez favored allowing the continuation of the $200,000. Mr. Weiland
recommended if it were the Board's desire to provide $100,000 to the Women's Circle,
and if the Community Caring Center did not spend the remaining $100,000 by the end
of the fiscal year, the remaining funds be incorporated into next year's budget after
September 30, 2009. Ms. Ross supported allocating $100,000 to the Community Caring
Center and $100,000 to the Women's Circle. She asked to hear from Sister Lorraine.
Sister Lorraine believed the $100,000 was dedicated to the Women's Circle, and she
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had hoped to be able to utilize the funds. While the closing for the property on SE 4
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Street was scheduled for August 15, Planning and Zoning had advised the variance
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and site approval might be obtained by August 25 at the earliest. She believed the
other $100,000 could be held for the Community Caring Center until September 30,
2010 as she believed the CRA had intended to purchase the property currently occupied
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by the Women's Circle at 145 NE 4 Avenue for $250,000.
Mr. Rodriguez felt the Board should honor the $200,000 allocation.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved to approve Option 1 as outlined by the CRA Board.
Motion
Ms. Ross moved to allow the continuation of the $200,000 allocated originally, but to
identify $100,000 for the Community Caring Center and $100,000 for the Women's
Circle, and to expend the funds by November 2010. Mr. Rodriguez seconded the
motion.
Ms. Bright did not believe there would be funding in either the current or next budget
year to consider any type of acquisition of the Community Caring Center building that
currently existed.
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Community Redevelopment Agency Board
Boynton Beach, Florida June 9, 2009
Motion
Mr. Weiland moved that the Board allow the Women's Circle to expend $100,000 of the
$200,000 that had rolled over for the last two years from the Community Caring Center
and leave the other $100,000 open for the Community Caring Center to use by the end
of September 2009. If the Community Caring Center is not able to use that $100,000
by the end of September 2009, the $100,000 would go back into the General Fund for
the CRA for next year's budget. Vice Chair Hay seconded the motion that carried
unanimously.
XII. New Business:
None
XIII. Future Agenda Items:
A. Resolution recommendation for Brownfield
B. Property exchange between CRA and City
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C. Status of purchase of NE 4 Avenue from CDC
D. Consideration of revisions to CRA programs
1. Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)
2. Residential Improvement Program (RIP)
3.Commercial Facade Program
XIV. Comments by Staff
None
XV. Comments by Executive Director
None
XVI. Comments by CRA Board Attorney
None
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Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 9, 2009
XVII. Comments by CRA Board
Mr. Rodriguez referenced a discussion in the May 12, 2009 minutes, under, "New
Business," Item A. Comments had been received by the Community Committee relating
to property improvements. At the time, Mr. Rodriguez had inquired whether any of the
suggestions received by the Community Committee had been addressed in the master
plan. As they had not, he suggested the proposals be applied to the downtown area
and cottage district. The minutes reflected the item would be brought back to the
Board in order for the implementation aspects of the Downtown Master Plan to be
expanded. It was noted the Downtown Master Plan would not be shelved and staff
would bring back ideas at the next meeting.
With regard to the proposed ordinance approved at the last Commission meeting
creating a civilian CRA Board, Mr. Weiland requested the Commissioners on the
prevailing side consider delaying the process at least until the budget cycle had been
completed. In addition to the budget, there were a number of serious issues facing the
current CRA Board, and Mr. Weiland did not feel it was the appropriate time for a new
board to assume the responsibilities of the current CRA Board.
Mr. Hay believed the points expressed by Mr. Weiland were valid and as such, he had
no objection to establishing a reasonable and acceptable timeline for a smooth
transition of the CRA Agency Board.
In response to her inquiry, Ms. Ross was advised the July 4th celebration would be
similar to last year's celebration at the Intracoastal Park building. Ms. Biscuiti noted the
event would be sponsored by the Town of Ocean Ridge.
XVIII. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:49
p.m.
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Stephanie D. Kahn
Recording Secretary
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