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Minutes 11-10-10 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Regina Waterhouse, Chair Blanche Hearst-Girtman (arrived 7:04 p.rn.) Sandy Mayer Joyce Mura Phyllis Stern Floyd Zonenstein Ben Lowe, Alternate Officer John Huntington, Board Liaison ABSENT: Victor Norfus, Vice Chair Brian Miller Stanley Sorgman Doris Jackson, Alternate I. Openings A. Call to Order Chair Waterhouse called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. B. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag The Board members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll as noted above. A quorum was present. New member Ben Lowe was present and briefly introduced himself and his credentials. Mr. Lowe has lived in Boynton Beach since 1997. He explained he loves the community and wanted to get involved. He expressed he was happy to be on the Board and thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve. 1 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10, 2010 III. Approval of Minutes from October 13,2010 Meeting Motion Mr. Zonenstein moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Mayer seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IV. Approval of Agenda 1. Additions, Deletions, Corrections The following items were added to the agenda: ~ Community Redevelopment Agency Trolley to Old Business. ~ The Preserve and Community Redevelopment Agency to New Business. 2. Adoption Motion Ms. Stern moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Mura seconded the motion that unanimously passed. V. Announcements None. VI. Public Audience Joseph Elkins, 1850 NE 5th Street, the Preserve, wanted to advise the Community Relations Board of a decision made by the Community Redevelopment Agency at its October 12, 2010 meeting. Mr. Elkins explained the CRA invested a lot of money in the Preserve project through grants which carried other stipulations, one being a prohibition against renting the units. The depressed economy slowed the pace of building new units, but each time the Preserve finished a building, since the units were presold, it was owner-occupied. Mr. Elkins expressed Mr. Lenny Wolfe, a Cornerstone principal, requested the CRA Board modify the contract to turn 100 of the planned units into low-income affordable housing; however, the current residents were not notified of the change. Mr. Elkins stated the CRA Board relied on Mr. Wolfe's assertion that he thought the current owners were notified and then approved the change to the contract. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10, 2010 Mr. Elkins advised the homeowners have a long history of complaints with Cornerstone and have repeatedly approached the CRA and City Commission in an attempt to force Cornerstone to fulfill its contractual promises. Mr. Elkins advised Cornerstone could not be trusted. The property owners belatedly learned of the CRA action through word of mouth and were outraged. He noted the CRA minutes quoted Mr. Wolfe as stating the action would not change the nature of the community. Mr. Elkins advised the owners purchased with the intention of owning a home in a stable community but most of the owners now owed more than the value of the home. It would be years before they were out of the water. The residents asked the CRA Board to reverse the decision based on the homeowners not receiving notice. The Board expressed sympathy but the Board Attorney advised they could not reverse the decision unless misrepresentations were made by Cornerstone. The Board then opted to investigate whether misrepresentations were made by Cornerstone. He commented Chair Waterhouse invited Cornerstone residents to attend the meeting. Mr. Elkins explained turning the community into low-income housing had implications that would impact the property owners. Erica Poag, 1759 NE 6th Street, a property owner in the Preserve advised she received a CRA grant. She concurred with Mr. Elkin's statement the owners found out about the change after the CRA Board voted to change the contract resulting in changing the nature of the community to a low-income rental community. The agreement stated no one could earn more than 60% of the Palm Beach County median income and the current residents were moderate to low-income recipients. They helped re-establish the community and did not want its direction to be reversed. Many parties invested in the property. Some owners received State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds. They wanted to keep the community on the current plan. She expressed a lot of money was invested by the homeowners and Community Redevelopment Agency and when the change was made, she felt lost. Ms. Poag wanted to see the agreement amended again and inquired if there was any reconsideration given to what the next step was. She advised the Community Redevelopment Agency Board was investigating the issue and she would do everything possible to turn the situation around. She appreciated the Board's assistance. Lauren Gotten, 1819 NE 5th Street, a resident of the Preserve, explained she purchased her home in March 2008 based on the publicity in the fall of 2007 regarding what the CRA would be doing in the neighborhood. This was highlighted in the pamphlet. She grew up in the area and she was familiar with the success of the Delray Beach CRA. She knew Boynton Beach was trying to follow that plan. She received a $50K grant based on the promotion. The grants targeted individuals in government such as law enforcement, firefighters, and teachers who qualified as median income individuals, but who did not have the funds for a downpayment on the house. Ms. Gotten liked living in the Preserve, but the idea of what they promoted compared to what would change and qualify as mostly Section 8 Housing was not the same as what was presented. She explained to make the change without notice to the current property 3 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10, 2010 owners was inappropriate. She noted six- to seven-families retained an attorney to look into the matter. Chair Waterhouse promised to work with the group. Debra Branford, 2191 NE 1st Court, has resided in the community since 2007. She depended on the trolley all that time to get her to work or shopping. She cannot drive and she explained by taking away the trolley, the Commission was stranding many residents just on Gateway Boulevard alone. She was aware of at least 12 people that could not travel to Tri-Rail to catch the Palm Tran Bus. She did not qualify for Palm Tran Connection because of the distance from her home to the Palm Tran stop. She inquired how she could address everything she needed to do. She asserted if the trolley service was eliminated, there would be more people without jobs. She thanked the Board for inviting her to speak. Joelyn Svrcek, 625 Casa Loma Boulevard, Marina Village, explained she was a frequent rider on the trolley. She asserted the data had not been presented. She took exception to the CRA and City Commission wearing the same hat and stated it was a conflict of interest. She hoped the Board could do something. She explained at a most recent meeting Mayor Rodriguez advised the trolley takes people out of the district but the trolley advertised, "East, West, Seaside Renaissance." She commented as of Tuesday, they now have recourse, and she read from a paper indicating they now have a "County Ethics Inspector General and Ethics Commission would have independent authority to investigate possible breaches of ethical conduct for elected officials, citizen boards, Commission members, etc." She thanked the Board. Chair Waterhouse appreciated the public comments. She explained the Board was established to represent the community. Now that the Board knows what the issues are, they could help resolve them. Ms. Hearst-Girtman explained she has lived in Boynton Beach, has taught school since 1942 and has worked for Boynton all of her life. She opened a child-care center on the corner of NE 5th Avenue and Seacrest Boulevard in 1987 and she has to pay taxes, just like everyone else. With road improvements on Seacrest ongoing, parents are bringing their children into the center but do not have direct access. She inquired how she could she be expected to run a business when her teachers and workers have to go another block and make several turns to access the center. She explained it makes everyone, including the students, late. She explained she never complains but she did not know what to do and she requested assistance. Chair Waterhouse agreed to put the item on the next agenda. VII. Old Business a. Board member concerns. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10, 2010 Chair Waterhouse tabled the discussion of business cards and name badges and wanted to entertain discussion of the CRA and the trolley. At the last meeting, Molly Stahlman made the presentation and explained how important the trolley was to the community. She was aware Mr. Mayer attended the City Commission meeting and asked them to continue the trolley. An initial decision was made to continue the trolley for four months. Then the City Commission and/or CRA reversed it. A special meeting was held a week ago to discuss the trolley. About 40 riders were present and Chair Waterhouse was prepared to speak. She noted a number of the trolley patrons were elderly or disabled and could not drive. The Mayor called the meeting to order and said they were not having any public comment on the matter and it was time to vote. The vote was not to support the trolley. There were issues relative to funding. Then the decision was made to provide one week's notice to the trolley operator and end the service the next Friday. Chair Waterhouse noted the time period did not provide riders enough time to make alternate arrangements to get to their destination. Chair Waterhouse appeared at the CRA meeting and read a statement explaining the purpose of the CRB. She advised the trolley first came to their attention in August. The Board believed the trolley provided a critical service to the citizens and provided access to services. Lack of comprehensive transportation limited options to vulnerable populations. In order to keep the citizens engaged in the community, the CRB strongly urged reconsideration of support for the trolley program as an integral piece of community redevelopment and a commitment to underserved populations. Chair Waterhouse spoke with Ms. Stahlman earlier in the day and advised she retained an attorney because the City was breaking the contract. Ms. Hearst-Girtman explained one or two individuals who depended on the trolley approached her because they were aware she sat on the Board and urged the Board to support the trolley. Chair Waterhouse inquired about the procedure to appeal a decision and asked if the Board was interested in appealing the decision. Ms. Stern stated she would support it but wanted suggestions included. She commented the trolley brought people to the mall and the business benefits from the trolley. She wondered if the businesses could be brought into the mix as contributors to help defray the cost of the trolley, as one option to consider. Chair Waterhouse explained when the CRA reviewed the service, they made a decision to extend the service for four months in order to review funding options and then they reversed the decision at the next meeting. Discussion followed offering options could be included when the CRB approached the Community Redevelopment Agency. Chair Waterhouse agreed and stated she was very uncomfortable with the way the whole thing was handled. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10, 2010 Ms. Hearst-Girtman explained the Heart of Boynton did not have a grocery store, only apartment houses and the residents did not have a local store to purchase food. They need the trolley to get there and it takes them wherever they have to go. Mr. Mayer agreed and explained that was why two months ago the Board decided to stand behind the trolley. He attended the City Commission, spoke in support of the trolley and suggested time for them to find funding. Mr. Mayer explained it was sad to sit on the CRB and see and hear what the Community Redevelopment Agency and lor City Commission has done. He did not understand the connection or purpose. He could not believe they could not find the money to keep the trolley service for four months. He stated for the record something was going on that they do not know. They were volunteers on the Board trying to do the best they could. For the first few months, Mr. Mayer did not know what the Board was spending their time on but now after hearing these items, he did not understand what was occurring with the CRA and City Commission, and why they could not get it done or address the Preserve. He commented where there is smoke there is fire. It was noted there was a separation between the City Commission and CRA Board. Chair Waterhouse explained that was why she put it on the agenda, and she requested a motion the CRB initiate the appeal process. Motion Mr. Mayer moved as the CRB that they initiate the appeal process to reinstate or reverse the decision of the CRA and reinstate the trolley on an interim basis to be no less than three months. Ms. Jackson seconded the motion. Ms. Mura was not sure she agreed or that they as a Board are allowed to do that. Their responsibilities are contacting the community and to listen to the public and forward a suggested resolution to the City Commission. She did not know if they could make the appeal. If they could, she was in support. Chair Waterhouse would investigate, and the Board could move forward from there. At the very least, there was agreement the CRB should notice the CRA and City Commission that the Board received feedback from the community and they needed to look at it, and they needed to reconsider. Ms. Stern inquired if some of the centers, i.e. Mae Volen, provided transportation for their volunteers. It was noted there was taxi service available and Shopper Hopper service twice a week but it is always empty. Palm Tran does not run to Gateway, or run on Boynton Beach Boulevard as far as Jog. Many people have to go to doctors and do not have money to spend on a taxi. Ms. Svrcek commented there was alternative funding for the trolley for the four-month period. Tomas Bointon had funding but the Community Redevelopment Agency and/or 6 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10,2010 City Commission totally swept it under the rug and gave the trolley operator a week's notice. She rides the trolley all the time, and hears all the dirty politics. As to whether the Board was entitled to an appeal, Mr. Mayer reviewed the CRB's Ordinance that stated .the Board was" . . . to review matters which are the City-wide concern, including but not limited to the relationships between members of the community-at-Iarge to identify any concerns and problems of a citywide basis, to suggest to the City Commission certain specific programs, guidelines, and outlines to address those identifiable problems, which programs would serve to promote harmony and communication between all the residents." Ms. Jackson noted the trolley took the people out of the CRA area and that was one of the things the Commission was reviewing. Chair Waterhouse agreed there were some issues but the issue was allowing a sufficient amount of time for Ms. Stahlman to arrange for alternative financing and that was why four months were given Chair Waterhouse called the question of pursuing a very strong recommendation to the Community Redevelopment Agency and/or City Commission to reinstate the trolley. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Hearst-Girtman suggested the members of the Board attend the next meeting and Chair Waterhouse agreed. Mr. Mayer inquired why the Board could not receive the minutes within a week and thought it was wrong. He thought the City should provide the necessary impetus to get the minutes to them in a timely fashion.* VIII. New Business 1. Set December Meeting Agenda Items This item was not addressed. 2. Preview CRB Webpage John Huntington, Boynton Beach Police Officer, explained he was replacing former Board Liaison, Thelma Lyons, and explained they were in transition. Due to budget constraints, Ms. Lyons was moved to a different position. Officer Huntington worked with the Crime Prevention Unit and also had many duties. He proposed to the Board that his communication would be via email and he was working on creating a webpage on the crime prevention website, where the agenda would be available. The members would be made administrators so they could add and delete items. The page was public * A copy of the email reflecting the distribution of the minutes one week prior to the meeting is included. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10, 2010 which the community could access. The duties were turned over to Officer Huntington one week ago which was why they were not able to get the members the minutes. Officer Huntington would be present at all meetings and would assist the Board with making presentations in the proper fashion to the City Commission. He anticipated he would be able to present the webpage to the Board by the next meeting. 3. The Preserve and Community Redevelopment Agency Chair Waterhouse deferred discussing the December meeting agenda and explained she wanted to discuss the Preserve. She explained she was disturbed hearing homeowner after homeowner describing the bait and switch, which had occurred. She passed around the Preserve brochure. The CRA has over $850,000 in $50,000 grants invested and also had the issue of the Chinese drywall. She expressed the situation was very serious and she requested the residents keep the Board apprised. Chair Waterhouse attended the City Commission meetings and then attended a CRA meeting. She explained it was the same people at the podium and this was going on for a while. Going as far back in the minutes to July and August there was discussion about appointing an independent CRA Board. Now the appointments were moved to January. Meanwhile, Chair Waterhouse opined there was a bit of conflict of interest. Some things were getting pushed through and she was concerned. She did not think the due diligence was being done. Before there was a separation of duties and some balance but that was not happening now. Ms. Poag agreed with the Chair's comments. She reiterated once they found out about the October 12th CRA meeting, they attended the next City Commission meeting and advised they were not notified until after the fact. After about 10 homeowners spoke on the matter, Mayor Rodriguez said it was not an approved item. The item was reviewed by the CRA Board, not the City Commission, and he suggested the residents speak with the developer. Ms. Poag explained the Mayor was in error because the City Commission and the Community Redevelopment Agency have the same Board. Had they been two separate entities they would have had a better chance of not having the agreement amended to turn the units into 100 low-income units. Chair Waterhouse explained many residents were expressing concern with what would happen to the Community Redevelopment Agency. Ms. Stern sincerely believed there would be separation and their focus was whether the owners illegally gave or withheld information. The City Commission went through a process to try to develop an independent CRA Board and reached into the community to staff the posts. She thought they would be seated in January. Chair Waterhouse wanted the independent Community Redevelopment Agency to be seated but not until they pushed through their agenda. She explained they needed to remind people of their responsibilities. · Officer Huntington explained the Crime Prevention Unit was putting together a new Elderly-at-Risk program. Through the media and active adult communities, they would solicit participation from individuals dealing with dementia or other mental illness. For individuals who wander away, it is very stressful for the 8 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL November 10, 2010 individual to meet with the officer and describe the individual and their medical needs. In most instances when this occurs, they take every officer available to look for them. If a car is involved it is easier because they could run a tag. If the individual is registered, the officer can access the information through their database and help find them faster. The registration includes notes attached to the records that assist law enforcement such as if they have wandered in the past and where they might go and it makes the process much easier. They would release this to the media within the next couple of weeks. If they had a volunteer from PB Leisureville they could solicit to get the information and take the picture. Instead of two officers obtaining the information within a short period, it would be easier with volunteers. Ms. Stern volunteered for Hunters Run and inquired if there were any flyers she could distribute. Officer Huntington responded there were many avenues they could use. Flyers and other media, i.e. Police and Crime Prevention website, plus the information from the area Agency on Aging was available. · Board member Brian Miller was not able to attend the Renaming Committee meeting. Mr. Mayer volunteered to go in his stead. The meeting would take place on December 8, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at the Library. · Officer Huntington explained they were looking for people with early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. They were looking for individuals who have to have a caretaker or those that have wandered away in the past. Chair Waterhouse advised the next meeting would be held on December 8, 2010. The agenda will be kept the same and Chair Waterhouse would work with Officer Huntington to email the agenda and minutes to the members. IX. Adjournment Motion Ms. Stern moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Zonenstein seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. C!fltLt/u,l~~ &w Catherine Cherry U Recording Secretary 113010 9 Page 1 of 1 Cherry-Guberman, Catherine Cherry-Guberman, Catherine Wednesday, November 03,20104:54 PM Brian Miller; Byrne, Nancy; Doris Jackson; Floyd Zonenstein; Holzman, Steven; Immler, Matt; Joyce Mura; Large, Tim; Lyons, Thelma; Orlove, Bill; Phyllis Stern; Regina Waterhouse; Rodriguez, Jose; Sanford Mayer; Springer, Diane; Stanley Sorgman; Stephen Waldman, Chair EY AB; Tucker, Patricia; Victor Norfus Subject: Minutes of the October 13, 2010 CRB Meeting Attachments: Minutes 10-13-10.pdf Greetings! From: Sent: To: The attached minutes are for your records. Best, Catherine Cherry Recording Secretary 11/3/2010