Minutes 07-01-86MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD AT CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1986 AT 7:30 P. M.
PRESENT
Nick Cassandra, Mayor
Carl Zimmerman, Vice Mayor
Robert Ferrell, Councilman
Ezell Hester, Jr., Councilman
Dee L. Zibelli, Councilwoman
Peter Cheney, City Manager
Betty Boroni, City Clerk
William P. Doney,
Assistant City Attorney
Mayor Cassandra called the meeting to order at 7:32 P. M.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Michael Cassell,
St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag led by William P. Doney, Assistant
City Attorney.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Under "Ko, Approval of Bills," City Manager Cheney added
a bill from Pioneer Contracting in the amount of $18,D90,
for the contractor who redid the handicapped ramps. The
City put in about forty curb cuts around the .city, which
are being paid for by Community Development's funds. He also
added a payment to ErnSt & Whinney, A~d'~'tors, for $3,250.
City Manager Cheney added theY'"Approval Of A Contract With
An Engineering Firm Relat-~ige To Utilities on Boynton Beach
Boulevard" under "XI..?~DMINISTRATiVE-.
Under "NEW BUSINESS", Councilman Ferrell added an "Update on
the Growth Management Task Force" and also "Zoning".
Councilwoman Zibelli added the "Refunding of Golf Course"
under "CITY MANAGER'S REPORT", and Mayor Cassandra added an
announcement under "announcements".
Councilman Ferrell moved, seconded by Councilman Hester, to
accept the agenda as corrected. Motion carried 5-0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Cassandra made the following announcements:
City Hall and the Library will be closed Friday, July 4,
1986 and Saturday, July 5, 1986, in observance of
Independence Day
a) July 4th Festivities will take place at Boat Club-Rar~k
- Flag Raising Ceremony at 1:00 P. M., Fireworks Dis-
play at 9:00 P. M. with other activities throughout
the day
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Wednesday, July 2, 1986, 8:00 P. M., City Council Public
Hearings re: Planning Issues
a) Mayor Cassandra asked the Council to consider a
possible time limit of 10:00 P. M. on the public hear-
ings and thought that question could be addressed
when they meet on July 2.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Summer Food Program
City Manager Cheney reported this is being funded through
a Federal program, is being handled at Wilson Center, and
it started two weeks ago. About 200 meals a day are being
served. They are light lunches for the children and are
carefully controlled from a nutritional point of view.
Joint Summer Program
At one time, City Manager Cheney said they talked about a
special summer program, which would be jointly done by
Community Development, South Tech, and the City. The
problem was that no kids were interested in participating in
the program, so it did not go.
Golf Course Advisory Committee
City Manager Cheney informed the Council that the County
Commissioners reappointed Bruno Tassoni as the Alternate
Member to the Golf Course Advisory Committee.
Noise Ordinance
One of the papers today reported that the City is not
enforcing the Noise Ordinance. City Manager Cheney assured
everyone that was not correct and added that he had also
assured Former Mayor James R. Warnke that it was not correct.
The City is trying to establish noise levels, so they can go
back to Shooters. They will be doing that on weekends.
Golf Course Refundinq
In response to Councilwoman Zibelli's request, City Manager
Cheney preferred to do this at the next meeting. He assured
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her that the golf course, from an operational point of view,
is self-supporting, but he will explain in greater detail
what happened when they did the refunding. It looks like
there is a balance sheet loss, but there is not a loss.
City Manager Cheney will present written material to the
Council at the next meeting so they can look at it and talk
about it.
The City Manager's report was accepted as presented.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Mayor Cassandra said those people wishing to speak on any-
thing not on the agenda could do so now.
Boat Ramp Park
Eleanor Shuman, 2520 N. E. 1st Court, noticed a lot of very
young children at the park with nothing to do. She under-
stood nobody thought about swing sets or other kinds of
entertainment for them. With the new property that was
recently acquired, Ms. Shuman felt some thought might be
given to a section for small children.
Light Industry, Tax Base, and Screeninq
In several towns where Ms. Shuman came from, they initiated
light industry where there had never been light industry
before. One of the things they based it on was a tax base.
Ms. Shuman had not heard of that as a good reason for having
light industry coming into the City, nor had she heard what
the City Code is as far as screening the light industry.
Ms. Shuman remembered hearing about the building that is so
bad on Woolbright Road and thought that, obviously, the
planning was not good. She guessed five new rezonings were
coming up or came up in the past and wondered if something
was on the books.
City Manager Cheney informed Ms. Shuman that a lot of light
industry is being developed in the City, and he mentioned
the Boynton Distribution Center, Boynton Commerce Center,
and Deutsch Ireland that will be developing. He told her to
drive down Congress Avenue and also on High Ridge Road,
between 22nd and Hypoluxo Road. It is having an impact on
the tax base, and the City will see that this year.
As far as screening, City Manager Cheney said there are
requirements for screening of all developments in the City,
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and he went into more detail. He thought the building Ms.
Shuman was referring to was the four story building behind
Lindsley and said there is screening. The problem is that
the land was zoned for that development prior to the
existence of Leisureville. City Manager Cheney continued
that the City has the Community Appearance Board, which
reviews the landscaping plans for all development in the
City.
Ms. Shuman wanted to see more publicity on the tax base
those industries are giving the City, as she did not think
it was general or confined knowledge. She thought a lot of
people would feel better, knowing the City is going forward
with light industry. City Manager Cheney said the City just
received the figures for the new tax base today. He
recollected the base had increased $122,000,000, based on
new construction that got certificates of occupancy before
January of 1986. The base was about $1,000,000,000. The
new construction increased the City's base in 1985 by about
10%.
Mayor Cassandra interjected that the City has the Budget
Workshops coming up, at which time more specific information
pertaining to the questions raised by Ms. Shuman will be
addressed to the Council by the City Staff, through the City
Manager. He invited Ms. Shuman to the Workshop Meetings on
July 22, 23 and 24, and said she will hear about revenue,
as well as expenditures.
Boat Ramp Park
City Manager Cheney told Ms. Shuman a lot of kids are at
Boat Ramp Park now as a part of the City's summer camp
program, and they are supervised. This is the first time
swings, etc. have been formally suggested, and City Manager
Cheney said the City will take a look at it. Ms. Shuman
told of a picnic and parties for children and reiterated
that there is not enough for kids to do. She went into more
detail.
"I Am An American Day"
Jim Frederick, Cline-Pautsch-Kott Post No. 164, American
Legion, read "A Request for Action", which said that last
year, the County Commissioners declared October 28, 1985 to
be "I Am An American Day" in the County. A Resolution was
submitted to the State Convention of the American Legion
asking for the Department of Florida to urge State legisla-
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tion to declare the holiday and submit a similar Resolution
to the National Convention. The Resolution passed
unanimously.
Since Post No. 164 is located in Boynton Beach, the Members
believed it proper if the necessary legislation was passed
to declare Boynton Beach to be the home of "I Am An American
Day" and to publicly advertise this fact with proper signs.
The Post also asked that the City Council appoint a City
Staff person to serve on their committee and assist them in
their efforts. They further asked that the City, Chamber of
Commerce, and all other civic and fraternal organizations
join in a civic celebration of this declaration, to be held
at Boat Ramp Park on Saturday, August 16, 1986. (It will
be a giant picnic.)
Mr. Frederick concluded by saying the Post is trying to
observe "I Am An American Day" on the third Sunday of each
October.
Mr. Frederick informed Councilman Hester that they want to
make Boynton Beach the home of "I Am An American Day".
Mayor Cassandra gathered there was another city that would
challenge the City of Boynton Beach. Mr. Frederick replied
that he knew they were the first to go before the American
Legion's State Convention, and they had 20 Post sponsors on
the original Resolution at the State Convention. They have
asked 50 other States to join them in this.
Mayor Cassandra asked if there would be any legal problems
if the Council made a Proclamation declaring Boynton Beach
as the home of "I Am An American Day" and if it would be
appropriate if they put a sign at the entrance of the City
like the one for Rick Rhoden. Attorney Doney saw no legal
problem with that. City Manager Cheney knew of no problem
that August 16 would create for the City.
Motion
Councilman Ferrell moved to direct the City Attorney to
draft a Proclamation declaring Boynton Beach as the home of
"I Am An American Day". Councilwoman Zibelli seconded the
motion, and the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Frederick asked about a person from the City Staff work-
ing on their committee and helping with the picnic. Mayor
Cassandra said he should discuss it with the City Manager.
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Veterans' Park
Jack Dashev, 5631 Fairway Park Drive, was informed by Mayor
Cassandra that the Council received his letter, but it did
not make the agenda. Mr. Dashev said the Boynton Beach
Veterans' Council represents every veterans' post in Boynton
Beach. This includes two American Legion Posts, two
Veterans of Foreign Wars' Posts, and one Jewish War Veterans'
Post.
The combined membership has shown the need to establish a
suitable veterans park in a more desirable area than the
park now designated to honor veterans, and Mr. Dashev
expounded. He said they feel Boynton Beach veterans deserve
a more fitting memorial, and he went into detail.
Mr. Dashev said the veterans feel Bicentennial Park, on
Federal Highway, just north of Boynton Beach Boulevard, is
ideal to conduct patriotic ceremonies, and it is maintained
in a satisfactory manner. All that would have to be done
to designate this park as their official veterans' park
would be to change the sign to read, "Bicentennial Veterans'
Park," and he further commented.
The Veterans' Council requested that an investigation be
made to see if the deed for the property would in any way
create a problem in implementing the change. They wanted
a positive response so that by Veterans Day, 1986, veterans
could be remembered at a location which would allow them the
dignity and honor they deserve. Councilwoman Zibelli wanted
to change the name to "Veterans Bicentennial Park".
Mayor Cassandra believed this issue came up at the Planning
and Zoning Board's Workshop Meeting and asked if City
Manager Cheney had an opportunity to investigate the deed
restrictions. City Manager Cheney replied that the City is
looking at that, as well as the records of the Bicentennial
event.
Mayor Cassandra told Mr. Dashev the Council was receptive to
changing the title of Bicentennial Park, depending on the
legality that comes up from City Manager Cheney's research.
Fire Inspectors
Morton Goldstein, 130 N. E. 26th Avenue, Boynton Beach,
called attention to an article concerning Fire Inspectors,
which appeared in today's Post. At every budget meeting,
he brings up the City's lack of Fire Inspectors.
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In the article, Fire Chief Rhoden said the City has one full-
time Inspector (William Cavanaugh, a 13 year veteran).
Debbie Davis, a former Fire Dispatcher, was just put on.
Mr. Goldstein read from the article that Chief Rhoden said
it is hard to hire Inspectors from among the Fire Fighters.
None of them want to make the switch because they would
lose benefits. Fire Fighters now work 48 hours a week with
one day on and two off. Many of them would have to give up
second jobs to work five days as Inspectors.
Mr. Goldstein agreed that Chief Rhoden was correct but said
the answer was simple. To get the job done, he believed
they would have to pay more money or raise the Civil Service
rating to cause a Fireman to want to become a Fire Inspector.
As of last September, the City had 3,000 business and
residential units that were to be inspected on a yearly
basis. Chief Rhoden brought out in the article that the
City is two years behind. Mr. Goldstein thought the City
might be even more than two years behind and also thought
the City would be liable to a tremendous amount of litiga-
tion. All they would need would be one bad fire on a piece
of property or building that had not been inspected properly,
and the blame laid on the City.
Mr. Goldstein explained that he will not be able to be present
on July 22, 23, and 24. He pleaded with the Council to take
into consideration raising the Fire Inspector's Civil Service
rating and salary if necessary to make it conducive to get
people from the City's own ranks instead of going to the out-
side to get full-time Fire Inspectors. Last September, the
National Fire Protection Association recommended that a Fire
Inspector make 500 inspections a year, and they will accept
600. Last year, Mr. GoldStein said the City needed five
Fire Inspectors. Another 500 or 1,000 units are on the
books now that have to be inspected. Mr. Goldstein thoUght
the City had to bite the bullet and pay a reasonable
increase. He did not think any citizen would object, and he
expounded.
Mr. Goldstein alluded to buildings in the north end of the
City that had not been inspected for four years. Finally,
they were inspected, but the people never found out what the
violations were. He never received a letter.
Mayor Cassandra asked if Mr. Goldstein was talking about
where he lives (Village Royale on the Green). Mr. Goldstein
answered affirmatively, went into more detail, and said if
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there is a violation in any building there, he wanted to
know about it. At the time, Mr. Goldstein said he requested
that the Presidents of the Associations receive a letter
listing the violations so they could take the proper action
to correct them.
Mr. Goldstein also felt the City needs a Fire Marshall.
Bill Cavanaugh has worked for 13 years in the Fire Department
and has the experience. The City always tends to promote
from within. If Mr. Cavanaugh cannot handle it, he cannot
handle it. Mr. Goldstein further commented.
Mayor Cassandra believed the Council at that time reacted to
the request of Fire Marshall by deleting that slot and gave
a multitude of reasons, which he believed were supported by
the Fire Chief. The Council at that time was also aware of
Mr. Goldstein's letter, and Mayor Cassandra believed they
authorized two more slots and tried to get people from the
Fire Department to work in the Fire Inspector jobs.
Mayor Cassandra believed Mr. Goldstein read in the paper the
reason why the employees did not want the job. He believed
the City changed the law about promotions and slot relation-
ships and thought they went into a Fire Inspector I and II.
In doing this, the City is trying to increase the grade.
Mayor Cassandra commented that he might be out of order, but
you just cannot change a grade in an organized Union type of
operation without affecting every other slot. There was a
lot more than just saying the City should give them more
money.
Mr. Goldstein did not believe they had to change under the
Civil Service Rules and doubted very much that every standard
in the Civil Service System would have to be changed to
create a new level and pay more money to a Fire Inspector to
get somebody from the inside to volunteer. He admitted they
could not give them the same benefits because a Fire Inspector
works an eight hour, five day week. Even if it costs a few
more bucks, Mr. Goldstein stressed that the City should give
them the money.
Councilwoman Zibelli referred to Mr. Goldstein mentioning
that no report or letter was sent to him, with reference to
the fire inspections at Village Royale on the Green. After
more discussion. Councilwoman Zibelli informed Mr. Goldstein
that the Fire Department reported to the head of the
Association and not the head of each building. They talked
to Councilwoman Zibelli about it, and the Associations did
receive letters saying everything was inspected.
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Mr. Goldstein responded that the head of his Association at
that time may have received the letter, but the head of the
Association has no power directly over the Associations.
They are all individual corporations. There are 14
individual corporations there. Councilwoman Zibelli under-
stood, from the information she received, that Village
Royale on the Green received a notice saying everything was
OK and inspected. If that was her understanding, Mr.
Goldstein said Councilwoman Zibelli's understanding was
incorrect.
Councilman Ferrell was sure City Manager Cheney would
include that they make some type of change at the budget
hearings.
City Manager Cheney commented that the City believes in
promoting from within. Fire Fighters have taken on the job
of Fire Inspector for a period of time but decided they did
not want to stay because of the working hours situation.
Many Fire Fighters serve as Fire Fighters, but they are
Certified Inspectors, and they also inspect. Any suggestion
that says the City only has two Fire Inspectors working is
not correct. The City is using existing on duty Fire Fighters
to do inspections as much as it can, along with training,
etc. The Fire Fighters do not sit around on benches outside
of the station. They train, work, and inspect. City Manager
Chene¥ further explained.
Since the City has given the Fire Fighters the chance to
take these positions and work a 40 hour week, City Manager
Cheney said the City's next move is to have Certified Fire
Inspectors, who are not necessarily Certified Fire Fighters,
doing inspections. That would be a way not to upset the
existing pay structure. They would have Fire Inspectors,
who are certified, come in, and they could do just as good a
job as a trained Fire Fighter. If the City pays money for a
trained Fire Fighter, he should be used as a trained Fire
Fighter.
City Manager Cheney pointed out that the City has a Union
situation and has to be careful of it. The City works
closely with that so they do not get into problems. City
Manager Cheney thought the Fire Inspectors on duty now
understand the need to have Certified Fire Inspectors who
are not necessarily trained Fire Fighters. He repeated
prior comments and remarked that the City has Certified Fire
Inspectors in other departments too that can also do fire
inspections when they are out. A number of things are going
on that will be addressed at budget time.
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Mr. Goldstein stated that he knows the City has a fine Fire
Department. He has seen Fire Fighters doing inspections,
and knows they do not sit around doing nothing. He com-
mented that the City has the finest Fire Rescue in the
State, and he agreed with all that City Manager Cheney was
saying. The bottom line was that the City is still behind,
has to catch up, and get ahead. City Manager Cheney
remarked that you do not do those things overnight, and the
City is getting there. They are increasing inspections and
have been doing it every year. There was more discussion.
Mayor Cassandra knew Chief Rhoden would definitely ask for
more at budget time. He added that the Council recognized
that Mr. Goldstein has been concerned about this issue for a
couple of years.
As no one else wished to speak, THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE WAS
CLOSED.
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinances - 2nd Reading - PUBLIC HEARING
(Postponed at City Council Meeting of June 17, 1986)
Proposed Ordinance No. 86-12 Re: Amending Chapter 9,
Fire Protection and Prevention, Article II, Fire Codes,
Section 9-18, Automatic Sprinkler Systems required, by
repealing said Section
Proposed Ordinance No. 86-13 Re: Amending the Uniform
Minimum Countywide Addendums to the Standard Building
Code, 1982 Edition - Fire Sprinklers
Attorney Doney read proposed Ordinance No. 86-12' on second
reading, by title only:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON
BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND PRE-
VENTION, ARTICLE II. FIRE CODES, SECTION 9-18 AUTOMATIC
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS REQUIRED. BY REPEALING SAID SECTION IN ITS
ENTIRETY; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER PROVISION OF
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION SHALL REMAIN IN
FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ENACTED; PROVIDING A
CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILIT¥ CLAUSE, AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
City Manager Cheney suggested that people who speak may want
to speak to both Ordinances and will find it difficult to
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speak to one and not the other. He thought the Council
might want to consider introducing both Ordinances. Attorney
Doney advised that they could have the public hearings
together and vote on the Ordinances separately.
Attorney Doney read proposed Ordinance 86-13 on second read-
ing by title only:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON
BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE UNIFORM, MINIMUM COUNTYWIDE
ADDENDUMS TO THE STANDARD BUILDING CODE, 1982 EDITION, AS
ADOPTED BY SECTION 5-3. BUILDING CODE ADOPTED OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES, CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, TO AMEND CH~APTER IX
SPRINKLERS AND STAND PIPES, SECTION 901.2 - REQUIREMENTS TO
REQUIRE THAT ALL BUILDINGS OF TYPE SIX CONSTRUCTION TWO
STORIES OR MORE IN HEIGHT BE AUTOMATICALLY SPRINKLED; PRO-
VIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER PROVISION OF THE UNIFORM,
MINIMUM COUNTY WIDE ADDENDUMS TO THE STANDARD BUILDING CODE,
1982 EDITION REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY
ENACTED; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"
Mayor Cassandra informed the audience that the City was
using a sprinkler Code that was obsolete and overridden by
the State. Therefore, one Ordinance was saying they had to
correct the City Code to be in conformance with the State.
The Council had the authority to add in a sprinkler require-
ment. The other Ordinance is saying the City agrees with
the State Ordinance, but the City is going to amend it and
add in the sprinkler requirement.
At first reading, the height was changed from Type Six
Construction,~Three Stories, to Type Six Construction, Two
Stories because it would be easy to go up to three stories
but would be hard to come down to two stories.
Lew Lawder, Director of Governmental Affairs, Home Builders
& Contractors Association of Palm Beach County, Inc.,
5713 Corporate Way, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407, said the
association he was representing is an association of 2,500
builders and developers in Palm Beach County. He hoped the
Council would adopt 86-12 and forget 86-13.
Mr. Lawder said Ordinance 86-13 was contrary to the provisions
of the Standard Building Code, the National Crime Protection
Code, and certainly was not the intent of the Statewide
Minimum Building Code. To the best of his knowledge, if the
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City Council should adopt it, it would be the only munici-
pality in the State of Florida with a Code as restrictive as
this is.
Mr. Lawder said they concerned themselves with why Type Six
was singled out. There are many occupancies where the fire
load within the building (furniture, etc.) far exceeds the
fire load of the structure itself. Model Codes like the
Standard Building Code, which is mandated by the State
Legislature, balances the fire loads by assigning smaller,
allowable building sizes to combustible construction besides
accounting for many other occupancy dependent variables.
Mr. Lawder said a major problem with Type Six construction
is that fires can start and spread within concealed spaces
where the framing is combustible, but normal sprinkler
installation does not provide protection in those areas.
If sprinklers are needed in Type Six construction, they are
probably needed in all other types of construction.
Many model codes, like the Standard Building Code, assume a
level of fire department capability, both in terms of prox-
imity to the fire scene and adequate water supply at the
scene of the fire. Many communities base their sprinkler
ordinances on minimal capacities of the fire service or
inadequate water supplies. In Boynton Beach, Mr. Lawder
believed they had a Technical Review Board that concerns
itself with the placement of fire hydrants and looping the
water lines. He believed they were assured through the
Director of Utilities of adequate water pressure.
Mr. Lawder did not think the restrictive Ordinances the
Council was contemplating should prevail in Boynton Beach.
Certainly, the research done by the Standard Building Code
Congress and the Standard Fire Code Committee would
demonstrate that the health, welfare, life, and safety of the
public are properly guarded with the Codes the way they are.
The requirement, as the City said in its Ordinance, of NFPA
13 is exceedingly restrictive and was originally designed
for commercial property. Mr. Lawder said it is far in
excess of what is necessary. NFPA 13D was specifically
developed for this type of thing.
Although he has the basic knowledge of building and zoning,
Mr. Lawder said he is not an in depth authority on any one
of them. As a result, he took the liberty of contacting the
Standard Building Code Congress in Birmingham, Alabama and
asked for their commentary. He left a copy of the response
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from the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.,
dated June 19, 1986 and asked the Council to consider not
going with 86-13 but to give two story Type Six construction
a chance to survive.
Mr. Lawder told of a study the Association did for the
County Commissioners to determine the impact of unnecessary
government regulations on the cost of housing. It took them
about a year to develop the study, and they recommended 45
changes that were considered excessive government regulations.
They had no relation to the life, safety, health, and welfare
of the public. If those 45 regulations had been adopted,
the cost of housing could have been reduced by a minimum of
$8,500 per house or as much as $10,500. The affordability
of housing is a major concern today.
Mr. Lawder urged the Council not to take 86-13 but recom-
mended that they endorse 86-12.
Joseph T. Holland, Southeast District Manager, National
Forest Products Association, 523 Seabreeze Boulevard,
Daytona Beach, said he would speak in favor of the Council
approving 86-12.
Mr. Holland was born in West Palm Beach and lived in this
area for some time. In looking at Ordinance 86-13, he
thought they should look at the purpose of sprinklers. When
the concept of sprinklers was originally devised, it was for
insurance companies, and Mr. Holland explained. One of the
by-products of this was that life safety was also enhanced.
Mr. Holland further commented.
Mr. Holland said if the City was trying to prevent fires by
requiring sprinklers, they will not prevent the fire. They
will put the fire out before it has an opportunity to get so
big that it gets out of control. The Ordinance says you have
to sprinkle a two story, Type Six building with a sprinkling
system, and Mr. Holland asked who would be affected by the
Ordinance. When they say Type Six, a lot of people do not
understand what Type Six is. Mr. Holland advised that Type
Six is wood frame construction, and he added that wood frame
is the predominant construction for residential occupancies.
If the Council passes the Ordinance, the people that will be
affected will be the homeowners, people who own condominiums,
townhouses, and apartments.
In looking at the Ordinance, Mr. Holland had to ask himself
why they were just speaking to wood frame construction, and
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he questioned whether it was considered to be unsafe. In
looking at building safety, the National Forest Products
Association supports the use of sprinklers in buildings where
it is necessary to have sprinklers, such as in high rise
buildings where it would be difficult for people to get out
of the building. If you are in a situation where you cannot
get out of the building, the sprinklers will put the fire
out. Therefore, your life is not threatened as it would be
if the fire was allowed to spread.
The National Forest Products Association supports the
numbers where sprinklers are required, as contained in the
National Standards. The National Standards they adopted are
in the Standard Building Code. Mr. Holland asked where the
numbers came from that said you have to have a building of a
certain height and a certain area, and when you go over
that, sprinklers are involved.
Prior to World War II, the National Bureau of Standards did
some research on this, and the numbers contained in the
Standard Code are based on that research. In order to
requi~e something more stringent than that, Mr. Holland said
they feel there should be documentation on a local level that
shows that the City has a problem here (that the fire record
for a particular type of construction or occupancy, or that
the fire record PERIOD indicates that the City needs to do
something more than what is contained in the National
Standards). If this data is available, Mr. Holland said they
hope it will be available for public review. As he had not
asked to see it, he did not know if the City had it or not.
Mr. Holland had a National Fire Protection Association Fire
Code. Because they were talking about residential construc-
tion, he pulled out the numbers that had been gathered over
a ten year period for residential construction in the United
States and read the following statistics:
41% of fires begin in the living room, 27% in the bedroom,
15% in the kitchen, 4% in storage areas, 3% in the heating
and equipment room, 2% in the structural areas, and there is
a miscellaneous for 8%. Mr. Holland said this tells that
98% of the fires in residential construction do not begin in
the structure, but they begin in the contents, such as the
living room couch.
Mr. Holland explained what form of material is first ignited.
27% is furniture. 18% is bedding. 13% is combustible liquid
or gas. 9% is interior finish. 9% is structural member.
- 14 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
4% is waste. 3% is clothing on a person. 3% - cooking
materials. 2% - electrical installation. 2% - curtains.
Miscellaneous is 10%. Looking at these figures, Mr. Holland
said they could see that all they would solve would be some-
where around 9%, where the structure itself is the first to
burn.
What Mr. Holland was trying to say was it is not the building
but.what you put into the building that causes the fire. By
the time the structure itself is involved in the fire, who-
ever is in there, hopefully, is out. If they are not,
chances are that the smoke or toxic fumes have already "done
them in".
Based on what he read, Mr. Holland said the National Forest
Products Association did not support the Ordinance.
As to the type of construction, Mr. Holland said they did
some research. Using data from California, they found Type
Five construction, or ordinary construction, which has
masonry walls, could have wood floors and a wood roof. The
dollar loss in California for that particular type of
construction was more than what it was for wood frame. Mr.
Holland said the figures for dollar loss would not support
the Ordinance.
A few years ago, the University of Maryland did some research.
Using the data they used, Mr. Holland's Association developed
some numbers, as to the number of fatalities per capita for
fires. Residential fires greatly outnumber the types of
fires you have in other buildings because there is more
residential construction. If you have a fire, you may have
some property loss, but the loss of lives is not as great.
Mr. Holland gave the Hilton fire in Las Vegas as an example.
That was not a wood frame building, but 86 people were
killed.
Looking at fatalities, Mr. Holland said the protected non-
cumbustible had the highest number of fatalities per fire
per capita than any other type of construction. Fire
resistant was 2.8. Protected non-combustible - 7.3. Un-
protected non-combustible - 4.1. Protected ordinary, which
is block walls, and wood floors - 1.8. In unprotected ordi-
nary, Mr. Holland said you have no requirement for built-in
fire safety into the building, whereas, with protected ordi-
nary, the basic requirement is that certain walls, columns,
beams, or what have you, have to have a degree of fire pro-
tection. Unprotected ordinary is 3.1. Protected wood frame
- 15 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
is 2.4, and unprotected wood frame is 2.7. Mr. Holland said
the Council could see that wood frame ranges in the middle,
and national statistics did not support the Ordinance.
The way the Ordinance is written, Mr. Holland said if a
person wants to build a two story, detached, single family
residence with masonry walls on the first floor and wood
frame on the second floor, that building would be classified
as a Type Six structure and would require sprinklers. He
thought that type of structure was very typical if you wanted
to build a two story building.
Mayor Cassandra gathered that as long as it stays under that
high rise division, Mr. Holland was against sprinkler
systems. Mr. Holland disagreed, saying he did not say that.
Mayor Cassandra asked why he was "harping" on two stories.
Mr. Holland replied, "Because that is the way the Ordinance
is written." He stated he would be of the same feeling
about anything that was not contained in the National
Standards, which says once you go over a certain size, you
would have to sprinkle a building. It does not make any
difference how many floors it is, but he believed it was
about 10,500 sc feet. Mayor Cassandra asked, "If it is
a one story Mr. Holland answered, "That's
correct.." He added that he was talking about Type Six
construction. Ci 'er Cheney asked if he meant 10,500
square feet per Mr. Holland replied 10,500 per
floor, or if it is 10,500 for one floor, if they go over
10,500 square feet, they have to sprinkle the building.
Mr. Holland drew attention to the City's Buildinq,
Engineering ~ --
and Planning Department, which is something like
8,700 square feet, and said they were talking about a build-
ing much bigger than .at one. If it was constructed out of
wood frame, the BU~ Code would require a sprinkler
system. If they id a second floor to that, Mayor
Cassandra asked if would require a sprinkler system.
Mr. Holland answered, "No." He confirmed Mayor Cassandra's
statement that it is per floor level.
Once you reach a certain size on a building, or if the
building has just so many stories, Mr. Holland said another
part of the Code swings into action. That part requires
that you build in some protection. This protection gives
the people inside an opportunity to evacuate the building.
When you have to have a sprinkler system, Mr. Holland said
it means you have to have certain things that will cost
- 16-
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
your citizens money. Like Mr. Lawder said, they were talk-
ing about affordable housing. Mr. Holland continued that
all areas must be sprinkled, and he went into detail. The
system would have to be designed by an engineer for 175
pounds of pressure, even if you only had 65 pounds. Cities
usually have an annual fee for their sprinkler system
connection. What Mr. Holland was saying was when you
sprinkle a building, the type of construction becomes
secondary, and he reiterated prior statements.
If the City has the data to back up the Ordinance, such as
the Fire Department's response time, water pressure is not
great enough, and there must be sprinkler systems in build-
ings, then Mr. Holland said the City should require all
buildings of a certain size to be sprinkled, regardless of
the type of construction. He urged that the Council not
pass Ordinance 86-13.
Joseph R. Molina, 811 S. W. 6th Avenue, was hoping the pass-
age would be on sprinkler systems for Type Six buildings in
two stories or over. He based his premise on people caring
for people and not on statistics of the cost of the building
or any other premise.
Mr. Molina referred to a Fire Survival Prevention Book by
William Blair, Fire Commissioner of Chicago, which described
the best kind of sprinkler system you can install. The
system reduces the possibility of extensive water damage.
Mr. Molina said sprinkler systems are not as expensive as
they used to be, and he explained.
In a book by Lawrence Whitman on Fire Prevention, Mr.
Molina said the fire loss records show that the average loss
in a fully sprinkled building is under $2,500, so there would
be a great savings in losses if there would be a fire. He
informed the Council that when a fire loss does occur in a
sprinkled building, the loss is usually due to an inadequate
water supply, obstructed piping, the system not being
designed for the type of hazard involved, fire being out of
reach of the sprinklers, and an explosion that shattered the
sprinkler's piping.
If the sprinkler system is properly designed for the
building, Mr. Molina said it would be better protection for
the building and the people in the building. He urged the
Council not to wait for a crisis to occur, but to prevent
it before it happens.
- 17 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
Morton Goldstein, 130 N. E. 26th Avenue, agreed with Mr.
Molina, knew William Blair personally, and designed a lot of
fire systems in Chicago when he was there. He described the
type of sprinkler Mr. Molina had referred to and said he had
discussed it with City Manager Cheney just awhile ago. Mr.
Goldstein never read anywhere in the National Fire Protection
Association that sprinklers are not good.
Mr. Goldstein said you can take statistics and turn them
around any way you want. He was listening to national sta-
tistics tonight but told the Council they should be interested
in Boynton Beach. Mr. Goldstein agreed with Mr. Molina and
asked, "What price do you put on a human life?"
If they would poll the Fire Department in the City, Mr.
Goldstein was willing to bet that 99.9% of them would want
sprinklers in this type of building because it would benefit
them in their fire fighting. He was in favor of the
sprinklers put in this type of building. Mr. Goldstein con-
curred that it was true that sprinklers will not stop fires,
but said they would reduce the exposure to loss of life and
property.
Mr. Goldstein asked if there was anything in the Ordinance
that would allow the Fire Department to make a recommenda-
tion as to when the sprinkler head would kick off, and he
explained. He wondered if the Fire Department would be
involved in specifying what type of sprinkler heads.
Attorney Doney replied that the Ordinance refers to NFPA 13,
which gives the standards.
Mr. Goldstein said there are two types of sprinkler systems.
He questioned whether they were going to specify that they
be dry sprinkler head systems or wet systems. The dif-
ference is that there is no water in the sprinkler head of a
dry system. If a fire starts, the water goes through the
valve into the sprinkler head. In a wet system, the water
is already at the point of the sprinkler head. Attorney
Doney did not know what it called for but said it would be
in NFPA 13. Mr. Goldstein stated he was for the sprinkler
systems. Mr. Holland advised that NFPA 13 permits either
sprinkler system. Mayor Cassandra did not know which one
the Ordinance would call for. After other comments, he said
he was still in the process of reading other materials on
fires. Mr. Goldstein advised that Bill Blair in Chicago is
right.
Mayor Cassandra asked if anyone in the audience wished to
speak for or against sprinkler systems.
- 18 -
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
James G. Torbit, 2399 S. W. llth Avenue, Leisureville,
referred to three story wooden apartment buildings going up,
across Congress Avenue from where he lives, that got out of
putting in sprinklers. If a fire came from the west, he
said a fire over there could spread very rapidly, cover the
whole area, and perhaps get into Leisureville.
Mr. Torbit referred to two story houses there, the Satter
development, Lake Terrace, and the tremendous amount of wood
construction in the area. He thought they would be better
off with sprinklers.
Mr. Torbit asked if there was a possibility of retroactive
action in getting sprinklers in the three story apartment
houses. He also asked why the City did not prohibit wooden
structures from now on from the standpoint of fire and
termites. Mr. Torbit knew a lot of cities throughout the
country have prohibited wood structures from being built.
Attorney Doney did not think an Ordinance like this could
be retroactive. The matter has been addressed; permits have
been pulled, and monies have been expended. Mr. Torbit
thought it would be well for the Council to pass Ordinance
86-13, particularly in view of the comments made by Messrs.
Molina and Goldstein.
Councilman Hester asked what communities would not allow
wood structures. Mr. Torbit replied that a number of areas
around Philadelphia do not allow wood structures. A number
of cities in Colorado do not permit them because of a lack
of water.
Ralph Marchese, 1901 Roma Way, spoke about the traffic
impact, difficulty crossing streets, and saving buyers of
property money by not building safer structures. He
commented that this is a nice City but all of a sudden,
"a bonfire" has been put close to the middle of it. If any-
body has ever been in a fire, when it occurs, it is nice to
know there is a system that will put out that fire. Having
been involved in fires, Mr. Marchese urged the Council not
to go for all of the statistics and protect the people. He
commented further.
There being no one else who wished to speak for or against
the Ordinance, THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
The Council took a break at 9.02 P M. The meeting
resumed at 9:07 P. M.
- 19 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
The Council requested Fire Chief Rhoden and Edgar "Bud"
Howell, Building Official, to come forward. Councilman
Ferrell wanted their opinions as a staff recommendation.
Chief Rhoden said they were bringing up an Ordinance they
had on the books for years and changing the wording. He
thought it would be foolish for anybody in the Fire service
to say they did not need the fire sprinklers. Chief Rhoden
liked the Ordinance and wanted to see it passed.
Based upon his experience, Mayor Cassandra asked if Chief
Rhoden would feel that the wording should be greater than
two stories or two stories and greater. Chief Rhoden wanted
to see two stories and greater.
Mr. Howell told the Council he would enforce whatever they
passed.
Councilman Hester thought someone had said it would just be
for multi-family. Mayor Cassandra asked if Type Six includes
just multi-family or anything that has wood construction.
Mr. Howell replied that Type Six came up because of the way
the Ordinance was written before. It said wood frame. Type
Five construction has some wood frame in it, like your roof,
petitions etc. Mr. Howell clarified what he thought the
Ordinance meant previously, which was Type Six construction
(all wood frame).
The way the Ordinance is written now, Mr. Howell believed it
would include single family residences as well as multiple.
COuncilwoman Zibelli read, "two stories or greater." The
way it is written now, City Manager Cheney said it is not
over two stories but is two stories. Councilwoman Zibelli
remarked that her original motion was for over two stories,
but now that it includes two story single family homes, she
thought it was something to think about. The Council had
not thought about that.
City Manager Cheney thought a two story single family home
would not be built speculative but by the person that would
own the home. They have the choice of putting that sprinkling
system in if they want it. City Manager Cheney thought
that may affect the Council's thinking. He informed Council-
man Hester that the way the Ordinance is written now, it
would require that they put in a sprinkler system.
Vice Mayor Zimmerman pointed out that they could amend or
change it to multi-family. Attorney Doney thought they
would have to be careful on the wording. Type Six has
- 20 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
nothing to do with the type of occupancy, so they would have
to say "excluding single family" if that was what they wanted
to do.
Ordinarily, Mr. Howell said the Code Book would exclude
single family and duplex construction because the State law,
in many instances, excludes it in the requirements. It also
allows an owner to build his own home or duplex, if he is
going to live in it, and do all of the work on it.
Councilman Ferrell felt the cost of living was an issue.
The City usually stands with the Standard Code on everything
else, and it seemed they singled out this one particular
item. He knew the basis for a lot of people's concern was
they do not like wood housing, so they would make them
expensive enough so people would not build it. Councilman
Ferrell definitely did not subscribe to that viewpoint. He
thought they needed some scientific backup for what they
were talking about in this issue.
Councilman Ferrell referred to affordable housing, impact
fees going up, etc., and remarked that sometimes it is easy
for those who live here to wish no one else will come here.
Councilman Ferrell thought the Code adequately covered the
sprinklers with the requirement it imposes now. He thought
they were arbitrarily picking a height or story requirement.
They were saying they were concerned about the safety of
individuals. Councilman Ferrell said they could die just as
quickly in a one story building as in a two, three, or four
story building.
Vice Mayor Zimmerman brought up the fact that it is said
wood frame houses are more energy efficient. City Manager
Cheney agreed, made other comments, and added that it will
cause people to see more wood frame. Councilman Ferrell
referred to the letter from the Southern Building Code
Congress and pointed out that none of the Officers and
Directors were developers but were Building Officials from
different areas around the country. The letter was from
people in the profession.
Vice Mayor zimmerman did not think it was a building question
as much as it was a safety question. He did not think it
took a scientist to figure out that wood burns more easily
and more rapidly than most other building materials, such as
brick and concrete block. That was the basis on which he
would vote. Councilman Ferrell thought they all agreed on
safety but believed there had to be a reasonable approach,
and he explained.
- 21-
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
Mr. Howell informed Mayor Cassandra that the Standard
Building Code Congress is in 28 States. Mayor Cassandra
commented that it was possible that an agreement by these
knowledgeable people could be not for specific areas. For
example, the environment for Florida could be different than
the environment for Colorado, etc. Mayor Cassandra asked if
it was not possible that Code would not pertain to this
particular environment. Mr. Howell answered that the only
part of the Code that would entail certain things would be
snow loading for roof systems and possibly the hurricane
levels, and he went into detail. The Directors of the
Standard Building Code are people like him, who serve as
Directors for elected terms The staff is composed of
Engineers and Architects. They take into consideration all
areas.
Mayor Cassandra observed that Mr. Holland said 2% of fires
occur in the structures and asked if the objective of the
sprinkler system was to put out the fire of the structure or
the fire contained withiD the structure. Mr. Holland
answered, "The fire cont$ined within the structure." He
add:ed that the purpose is to try to confine the fire to
either the room where the fire started or the sofa, if it
started there.
If the fire occurred in the higher percentage area, Mayor
Cassandra said the safety of the people in that area
would be the highest because the sprinklers would contain
that fire in that area. He felt there were two questions
here (physical safety and people safety) and thought Mr.
Holland implied~that the sprinkler system would contain the
fire within the four walls. Mr. Holland again confirmed
that was the purpose of the sprinkler system.
Councilman Ferrell wondered if it would be unreasonable to
get an in-depth study or opinion from people in the pro-
fession rather than putting the City staff on the spot.
Mayor Cassandra asked how the City would stop people between
that time, and he referred to Mahogany Bay and The Landings,
who fall into Type Six and have completed buildings and per-
mits. He was concerned ~hat if an in-depth study went for
three months, the City could have an influx of building
permits. .Councilman Fer~ell pointed out that they had one
response in 14 days. He thought it would leave the City open
to a problem and wondered if it would not be better to wait
two to four weeks for some data to go on.
Unless they repeal what is in existence by adopting 86-13,
Attorney Doney said the State Legislature has wiped out what
- 22 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
is on the books now. He informed Mayor Cassandra that any-
one applying for a permit would be entitled to whatever the
Code says at the moment. There was more discussion.
When someone comes in, Mayor Cassandra asked if they get a
permit for a building. In the case of Mahogany Bay and The
Landings, Mr. Howell said they pulled all of their permits at
once. The Meadows pulled their permits by phases. Mayor
Cassandra asked if Mr. Howell knew of anything coming up and
if they could get permits. Mr. Howell said the BUilding
Department is probably running two weeks behind on multiple
units. There was more discussion.
Councilman Ferrell reiterated that the Council's decision
should be based on sound data, or they will leave themselves
open. As the law is proposed and assuming it passes, Mayor
Cassandra asked if there would be any legalities as far as
the City was concerned. If someone did not like it,
Attorney Doney answered that they could challenge it.
Any Ordinance a City adopts is presumed valid. However,
Attorney Doney said the City would have to show that it is
relating rationally to the health, safety, and welfare of
the residents. One challenging the Ordinance would have to
demonstrate that this Code provision, as adopted, does not
have that rational basis; there was no reason to pick out
two story, Type Six construction, and it is no different
than any other type. If the one challenging can prove that,
and the City cannot prove that there is a reason to draw the
line here and single out this sort of construction, there
would be a problem. If the City could justify it and show
that this sort of construction is a problem because it is
higher, more likely to burn, whatever, Attorney Doney said
they could uphold the Ordinance.
Mayor Cassandra asked if they could pass the Ordinance, do
their research, and come back and get rid of it. Vice Mayor
Zimmerman pointed out that they had an Ordinance they were
attempting to repeal that has not done the City any harm.
If they pass the Ordinance before them now, he felt it could
only do good. Vice Mayor Zimmerman asked, "What harm could
it do?" There was more discussion.
Motion on Ordinance No. 86-12
Councilman Ferrell moved to adopt Ordinance No. 86-12 on
second reading. Councilman Hester seconded the motion. A
roll call vote on the motion was taken by Mrs. BOroni, as
follows:
- 23 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
Vice Mayor Zimmerman
Councilman Ferrell
Councilman Hester
Councilwoman Zibelli
Mayor Cassandra
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Motion carried 5-0.
Motion on Ordinance No. 86-13
As written now, Mayor Cassandra reminded the Council that
this Ordinance had in it "two stories or greater." He ques-
tioned whether they wanted to say "two stories or greater,
Type Six". Vice Mayor Zimmerman replied that the Council
changed the three stories to two stories at the last meeting,
and he moved to adopt Ordinance No. 86-13 on second and
final reading. Mayor Cassandra asked for a second to the
motion. As there was no response, he passed the gavel to
Vice Mayor Zimmerman and seconded the motion.
Councilman Hester read all of the information and was of the
opinion that they should stay with the Standard Building
Code, as far as the height was concerned. He was just as
much for safety as anybody else, but thought this would be
making an exception, as the Standard Building Code and
Southern Building Code are there, and the City follows them.
Because the Fire Chief said he was for the Ordinance,
Councilman Hester said he would have to vote for it, but he
still thought the Standard Building Code was sufficient.
Councilwoman Zibelli agreed with Councilman Hester and
reiterated his comments. Because of what Fire Chief Rhoden
said and what she read from the Fire Marshall, she stated
she would have to vote for the Ordinance.
Councilman Ferrell would not go along with that reasoning at
all. Having been a Policeman, he knew the Police would like
barbed wire fences around every house, and he thought Fire
Chief Rhoden's comments were meant that way. He was taking
the Fire Chief's comments as he thought they were intended.
As requested by Vice Mayor zimmerman, Mrs. Boroni took a roll
call vote on the motion:
Councilman Ferrell
Councilman Hester
Councilwoman Zibelli
Mayor Cassandra
Vice Mayor Zimmerman
Motion carried 4-1.
No
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
- 24 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes
1. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 17, 1986
B. Bids
1. Installation of a new power unit and diesel storage
tank (Big Molly) - Utilities
The Tabulation Committee recommended awarding the bid to
Florida Diesel Truck & Industrial Inc., Riviera Beach,
Florida, in the amount of $12,571.50.
C. Resolutions
1. Proposed Resolution No. 86-HHH Re: Lot Mowing Lien
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON
BEACH, FLORIDA, ASSESSING THE COSTS OF ABATEMENT OF CERTAIN
NUISANCES AGAINST THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY INVOLVED, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES"
2. Proposed Resolution No. 86-III Re: Release of
Performance Bond for Congress Lakes, Plat No. 1 (Now
known as Catalina Centre) (North of Boynton Canal,
West of Congress Avenue)
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON
BEACH, FLORIDA, RELEASING THE PERFORMANCE BOND FOR CONGRESS
LAKES, PLAT NO. 1 (P.U.D.) REPLATTED AS THE CATALINA CENTRE
IN SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 45 SOUTH, RANGE 43 EAST"
D. Development Plans
None.
Consider approval for the placement of a construction
trailer in conjunction with the LaPlant Adair project
located at West Industrial Avenue, submitted by
Mr. Carl Edwards of Standing Seam Systems of Florida, Inc.
The Building Department recommended approval of this trailer
for the duration of the project.
Fe
Consider approval for the placement of a construction
compound on the Boynton Beach Park of Commerce property
consisting of storage trailers and one trailer to be
used for office use, submitted by Mr. Anthony Derogatis,
Project Manager of Mita Construction Corporation
- 25 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
The Building Department recommended approval of these
trailers, as outlined in the letter dated May 19, 1986, from
Mita Construction Corp., Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Vice Mayor Zimmerman asked why the Construction Corporation
could not specify how many trailers. City Manager Cheney
thought the reason was that it would depend on how many
projects are being built at one time. He gave Hunters Run
as an example and went into detail.
Vice Mayor Zimmerman believed it was still controllable with
the designation being several, and it could not get out of
hand. As long as it zs in a compound, City Manager Cheney
said it can be fenced off, but it was not to say that
individual projects might not come in and want a trailer on
their own sites. This was for the overall site development
because they are doing all of the roads and drainage.
G. Approve authorization to dispose of records -
City Clerk's Office
In her memo of June 12, 1986, (No. 63), the City Clerk wrote
that she received disposal authorization from the State of
Florida, Division of Archives.
H. Approve Budget Transfers
1. To cover advertising of Planning & Zoning Board
public notices with maps
2. Building Department request for funds for
microfilming permits & plans
I. Youth Advisory Council Membership
As stated in the memo of July 1, 1986 from City Manager
Cheney, the returning Members should be Tracey Gilbert,
Melissa Martens, Elizabeth Tinker, and Tiffany Walker.
Elizabeth Tinker and Tiffany Walker are Regular Members, not
Auxiliary Members.
Approve request for zoning approval for Alcoholic
Beverage License
1. Carter Grocery
130 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Boynton Beach, Florida 33435
By memo of June 2, 1986, Bert Keehr, Deputy Building
Official, advised that zoning permits the sale of beer and
wine for off premise consumption.
- 26 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
K. Approval of Bills
See List attached.
"AGENDA APPROVAL":
The following bills were added under
24. PIONEER CONTRACTING
Handicapped ramps
25. ERNST & WHINNEY
Auditors
$18,090.00
3,250.00
Councilman Ferrell to approve the following items of the
Consent Agenda: A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K, with the
addition of the two bills. Councilman Hester seconded the
motion. Motion carried 5-0.
BIDS
None.
DEVELOPMENT PLANS
None.
LEGAL
A.
Ordinances - 2nd Reading - PUBLIC HEARING
(These were heard after "PUBLIC AUDIENCE")
B. Ordinances - 1st Reading:
None.
C. Resolutions:
None.
D. Other
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Update on Growth Management Task Force -
Councilman Ferrell
Councilman Ferrell reported that at a meeting this after-
noon, the Task Force tried to make up a Planning Council.
- 27 -
MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
Vice Mayor Zimmerman was also at the meeting. Councilman
Ferrell reminded the Council that they had voted not to go
along with the Municipal League's position on this. However,
between that time and now, the Municipal League came up with
another position, which West Palm Beach was in favor of and
Boca Raton went along with. Delray Beach indicated they
probably will too. Councilman Ferrell found it to be
acceptable but said he could not speak for the Council.
Councilman Ferrell recommended that the Council show a
consensus that they support it. He explained that now the
nine members chosen by the municipalities will be chosen by
the Municipal League with three being from the three largest
cities (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach).
This will ensure big city representation. The others will
be. picked by a cOmbination of districts, which will ensure
that 51% of the municipal population will be represented.
This means it cannot be loaded with cities like Haverhill,
Cloud~Lake, etc. The total representation of those nine
have to represent 51% of the municipal population.
Councilman Ferrell did not know that there was a final vote
on it. It will be presented to the County Commission in
final form. There was a great discussion. A lot of people
from the South County got up and made the point that Century
Village has 15,000 people and should be treated like a
municipality. Councilman Ferrell said if they did that,
they should just set up the Board with 450 members on it (one
from every condominium, one from every city, etc.) and made
a few points.
For example, Councilman Ferrell told them the people in the
municipalities represent 65% of the population of Palm Beach
County. Councilman Ferrell said they may want to add in a
reapportionment process over the years that would shift a
little bit. People in municipalities are paying for services
that those people receive and they do not, such as the
Sheriff's Department.
Neither Councilman Ferrell nor Vice Mayor Zimmerman stayed
until the end of the meeting, which went on and on.
Councilman Ferrell thought the Municipal League came a long
way in coming to a compromise with the large cities.
Councilwoman Zibelli asked if it would be voted on. Council-
man Ferrell replied, "If the County Commission puts it on
the ballot." Councilwoman Zibelli asked if it would usurp
any of the City's home rule, as she believes in home rule.
City Manager Cheney said of course it would.
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MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
City Manager Cheney used the Evaluation and Appraisal Report
for the Comprehensive Plan and the trailer park next to
Hypoluxo as examples. The City did not have home rule, and
they had home rule. The City's trailer park got into home
rule because there was no coordination ability in the
County. The City will give up something but, hopefully,
they will get a lot more because they will get some common
sense in development in the County. There does not seem to
be any in the unincorporated area, and City Manager Cheney
explained.
Councilman Ferrell agreed that the City will give up some-
thing, but he pointed out that the City will have input into
what the COunty does. Councilwoman Zibelli wanted everyone
to know, if they are going to vote on this, that this would
be what they were voting on. Councilman Ferrell had to
admit today that all of the fighting that has been going on
proved that everybody could get together and come up with a
solution that was workable for everyone. Supposedly, that
will occur in the planning process. If the City does not do
this, they may find the State or Treasure Coast will take
over control, and the State will be running the whole show.
This is an alternative.
City Manager Cheney commented that the State can do with the
City what it wants, and it is. Growth management is going
to be controlled by the State level.
Councilman Ferrell felt they should get a letter out tomorrow
to the Growth Management Task Force that the City supports
its recommendation. Vice Mayor Zimmerman thought a letter
might finalize it.
B. Zoning - CounCilman Ferrell
Councilman Ferrell wanted the Council to direct the
City Attorney to follow along with what Boca Raton is going
to do. If the Council approves a rezoning on a piece of
property, and the developer decides to sell the property,
the rezoning will not go with the property. Boca Raton is
doing this now. Attorney Doney said his office could look
into the legalities of it. There was discussion. If the
City could do it, Councilman Ferrell thought they shoUld.
Vice Mayor Zimmerman believed there was the possibility of
applying the "sunset idea", if an owner of property receives
a certain zoning and does not make use of that zoning within
a certain length of time. There was more discussion.
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MINUTES - REGULAR'CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
ADMINISTRATIVE
Reconsider appointment to Building Board of Adjustment
and Appeals. Appointment to be made by Councilwoman
Dee Zibelli TABLED
Councilwoman Zibelli asked that this remain on the table and
explained there were problems because Architects have offices
in the city but do not live in the city, or else they are on
other Boards. She wanted a list of names submitted to her.
Mayor Cassandra explained that this spot is to be filled by
an Architect.
Accept resignation from Gertrude Lubin, Alternate -
Community Relations Board - Term expires April, 1987
Vice Mayor Zimmerman moved, seconded by Councilwoman Zibelli,
to accept the resignation and to forward a letter of thanks.
Motion carried 5-0.
Consider replacement to fill above -
Councilman Ezell Hester, Jr.
Councilman Hester requested that this item be TABLED, and
so moved. Councilman Ferrell seconded the motion, and the
motion carried 5-0.
C. Consider attendance report for:
1. Planning & Zoning Board
Mayor Cassandra noted from the report that Norman Gregory,
Alternate Member, missed more than three consecutive meetings,
that were unexcused. He explained that if a Member misses
more than three meetings that are unexcused, that person is
removed from the Board. There was discussion.
Councilman Hester moved to remove Mr. Gregory as a Member of
the Board, due to the rules of the City. Vice Mayor
Zimmerman seconded the motion.
If there is a possibility that any person would be in a
position where he or she would like to serve and attend the
meetings, Vice Mayor Zimmerman said perhaps the Council
would like to put that person back on a Board if the person
would notify the Council.
A vote was taken on the motion, and the motion carried 5-0.
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MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
2. Community Appearance Board
According to the City Clerk's memo, Councilman Ferrell
noticed Mr. Baskin had several.excused absences plus un-
excused absences and has never been at the meetings. There
were other comments.
Councilman Ferrell moved, seconded by Councilman Hester, to
remove Mr. Baskin from the Board. Motion carried 5-0.
D. Confirmation of Police Pension Board Member
Councilman Ferrell moved, seconded by Councilwoman Zibelli,
to confirm the appointment of Police Officer James Mahoney
to replace Sgt. Raymond Caudell on the Board.
Starting in October, City Manager Cheney said the membership
on the Fire Pension Board and the Police Pension Board will
change. Two Members for each Board will be elected by the
employees of the Fire and Police Departments. Two people
for each Board will be appointed by the City Council, and
they no longer have to be the Mayor and Chief. Those four
Members on each Board will select a fifth Member for each
Board. City Manager Cheney pointed out that because of the
State Legislature, part of the Council's right to have
control over the Pension Boards is being taken away. Mayor
Cassandra added that they can spend any money they want, and
the Council must make sure the Actuary is sound.
Approval of Contract with Engineering Firm re Utilities
on Boynton Beach Boulevard
In the widening of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Congress
West, City Manager Cheney said the project is to be done by
a private developer. He hired his engineer to design it.
It has developed that some utility adjustment will have to
be made, which the City must pay for. The City has an
agreement with Robert E. Owen and Associates (the Engineer
who designed the project and is familiar with it) to do the
redesign of the utilities so that they will move as few as
possible. The City will pay Robert E. Owen $2,200, as an
engineering design fee, to adjust those plans. City Manager
Cheney said the City will have to pay for them when Boynton
Beach Boulevard gets designed.
Vice Mayor Zimmerman asked if it would be the same contractor.
In this case, once the plans are changed and the number of
things where the City has to make modifications is reduced,
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MINUTES - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 1, 1986
City Manager Cheney said the City will hire its own contrac-
tor because the road contractor is working on a private
arrangement with the builder of Boynton Beach Boulevard, who
is a developer west of Military Trail. It is very confusing,
but the City cannot help it.
Mayor Cassandra asked if the County would "kick in" any
money. City Manager Cheney answered that it is very clear
that all utilities (Florida Power and Light Company, Group W
Cable, etc.) are responsible for relocating their own
services.
Councilman Ferrell moved, seconded by Councilman Hester, to
approve the recommendation of City Manager Cheney and to pay
Robert E. Owen and Associates the sum of $2,200. Motion
carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council,
the meeting properly adjourned at 9:57 P. M.
ATTEST:
h ;/ ~____----~City
Clerk
Recording Secretary~
(Three Tapes)
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
Mayor
Councilman
Councilwoman
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