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Minutes 04-04-13MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COMMISSION AND COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING HELD AT PRIME CATCH RESTAURANT, 700 E. WOOLBRIGHT ROAD, BOYNTON BEACH, FL 33435 ON THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013 AT 11:00 A.M. PRESENT: City Commission Staff CRA Staff CRA Board Member Jerry Taylor, Mayor Lon LaVerriere Vivian Brooks Buck Buchanan Woodrow L. Hay, Vice Mayor Carisse LeJeune Michael Simon David T. Merker, Commissioner Nancy Byrne Margee Walsh Michael M. Fitzpatrick, Commissioner Eleanor Krusell Joe Casello, Commissioner Grisel "Gigi" Hart CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 11:25 a.m. with City Manager LaVerriere announcing that the meeting was being recorded. This luncheon meeting would allow the Mayor and City Commissioners to follow up with questions that arose during the trolley tour. Commissioner Casello was impressed with the size and area of the Community Redevelopment Area and the Federal Highway corridor. While he admitted that much is happening in those areas, it is difficult to see that progress. He feels a marketing strategy will be huge because it is all about perception and how we, as a City, sell ourselves. A lot of attention is paid on the bad, but the City needs to sell itself and help the public to buy in. Working with the Community Redevelopment Agency, the City Commission can work to move this City forward. Vice Mayor Hay pointed out that many great things have been done; however, the problem was with the Commission. The coming together of this new Commission and the CRA will be a great marriage. He urged the Commissioners to remember this when seated at the dais by not revealing differences to developers. The City Commission's purpose is to promote the City and what it can be in the future. In response to a question from Commissioner Casello about a timeline for annexing areas that were viewed during the tour, Ms. LaVerriere responded that policy direction is needed. Staff will lay out a process and she would like to address annexation in the City's strategic plan. The marketing aspect and reaching out to the communities is very important. This is a time - consuming process, but it is important to make the communities understand the benefit of annexation. Staff will return to the Commission with a plan. 1 MEETING MINUTES JOINT CITY COMMISSION /CRA MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 4, 2013 Mayor Taylor reported that developers want consistency at the top. The only thing that is necessary by the Commission is to handle them correctly and that word will spread very quickly. Some changes have already been made by Nancy Byrne and the City Manager to shorten the lines and the process in the Development Department. For example, people coming in for permits are not running around City Hall. He reminded everyone that time is money. If the City handles the developers professionally, advertisement is not necessary. Word of mouth is priceless. When the developers walk away, they need to know exactly what they need to do. Ms. Byrne announced that the West Wing doors are now open to the public and Farah Persaud is working in the Development Department lobby. In addition, there is a dedicated person answering the phones. Commissioner Fitzpatrick said he ran for office on three issues and a few more have been added. The three issues were: • Change in the ways volunteerism is addressed in Boynton Beach. When the playground was built, there was a group of 1,500 people involved with a core committee. After the playground was built, every one of the core committee members said they would never do another volunteer program in Boynton Beach. They put in hundreds of hours and it was a horrible experience for them; • Sustainability — Where do we want the City of Boynton Beach to be in 50 years? Commissioner Fitzpatrick is taking civil engineering courses and global warming is a true phenomenon. This needs to be addressed. He is concerned that there is no 50 -year plan in development. He has an opinion, but he pointed out that opinion cannot be his alone. Staff has many good ideas, but those ideas have not been pushed hard enough at the Commission level. Staff is a little hesitant to bring their ideas forward. Ms. Byrne said there is an initiative within the Climate Action Plan to add an element to the Comprehensive Plan for sustainability. Commissioner Fitzpatrick is concerned that we are planning a great deal of development, but feels it will not fit in with where things will be 50 years from now. Commissioner Fitzpatrick asked if there are plans for a dike to the south where development is planned. Ms. LeJeune responded affirmatively, adding that the City will adopt initiatives from the South Florida Regional Climate Change Compact. The Climate Action Plan is a living document so that can be updated as needed. Changes will come before the Commission for review and approval. Commissioner Fitzpatrick questioned how the initiatives are currently addressed in the CRA initiatives. Ms. LaVerriere said this is a key initiative that must be discussed during 2 MEETING MINUTES JOINT CITY COMMISSION /CRA MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Commissioner Fitzpatrick emphasized that his third issue was: APRIL 4, 2013 strategic planning as a priority. Once that discussion takes place, staff can move forward. • He remembered asking for and getting a list of growth in Boynton Beach. He recalled a time when the population was approximately 4,000 and this town was a paradise. There were a lot of trees and open space. That has gone away and he would like to bring some of that back. That is the atmosphere that brings in people of a higher income. He showed an article from May 17, 1999, that talked about greenways. A committee looked at areas and felt the place to put greenways was along the railroad because no one likes living next to a railroad because of noise and vibration and the most contiguous land can be assembled. This is Commissioner Fitzpatrick's goal. He is planning to hold office for six years and said he was tenacious about this goal. Ms. LaVerriere reminded everyone that this was the point of the tour and this meeting. She questioned what the candidates heard from the community during the campaign. She pointed out that Commissioner Fitzpatrick's goal was a perfect example of a priority. She did remind everyone present; however, that the entire Commission would have to get on board and work out compromises. Mayor Taylor said there would probably be another meeting in May to discuss goals of each of the Commissioners. Ms. LaVerriere said a consultant would be hired who has worked with many of the municipalities on strategic planning. One -on -one interviews will be held and key issues will be drafted. A plan will be hammered out that will contain deliverables. The plan would be revisited six months later, six months after that and then on an annual basis. Accomplishments would be celebrated. Vice Mayor Hay said there were Commissioners with their own agendas sitting at the dais for a long time. He urged the Commissioners to stay focused and support the initiatives by spending time, effort and money to put the plan together. Ms. Brooks acknowledged that there are a lot of plans in place that contain citizen input. The CRA uses those plans because they respect the fact that the citizens showed up and offered input. Although adjustments need to be made for the market, she urged the Commission to not lose sight of the fact that the community had input in the downtown plan and the HOB plan. If changes are to be made, citizen input should be sought. Commissioner Merker felt the word "agenda" was obscene. Although the Commissioners may have their own ideas, he explained that there is a lot for the three new Commissioners to learn. Mayor Taylor and Vice Mayor Hay have experience. He 3 MEETING MINUTES JOINT CITY COMMISSION /CRA MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 4, 2013 felt it was incumbent upon the new Commissioners to listen to the developers and strategic planners and come together. There is a master plan and the questions are, "is it still appropriate" and "how should it change "? He recommended the new Commissioners keep their minds and ears open to what experienced people and developers have to say. Mr. Buchanan is 100% in favor of productive energy going forward. There has been too much negativity and too many hidden agendas. Putting everything out on the table is a great way to go forward. The City of Boynton Beach has a nearby model in Delray Beach. Once the City, CRA and Chamber began to work together, good things happened. The City is on that cusp now. Ms. LaVerriere said strategic planning involves compromise and willingness to work together. In the past that was not the case. She suggested bringing in fresh ideas and not leaving the room until agreement is reached on a plan. Every year the plan will be revisited, but it is not rewritten. There are good plans in place. Tweaking the plans is okay. Ms. LaVerriere reminded the Commissioners that they are at a pivotal point and this strategic plan needs to be done right. Everything is in place to move forward. Staff will need consensus, collaboration and "sticking together ". The Commissioners will have different ideas and will not always get everything each one wants when they want it. Commissioner Casello said the agenda should be everybody putting the ideas together. This is not about personal goals. Vice Mayor Hay said he and Nancy Byrne were at the Business Development Board and many people are taking a second look at Boynton Beach. It is a function of the leadership having its act together and showing a united front. The bottom line is, this is our town and we do not need to mess it up. Vice Mayor Hay is excited about what he sees and he encouraged everyone to stay on the same page. Mayor Taylor acknowledged that the new Commissioners made some promises during their campaigns that they would like to accomplish. It will be necessary to show the citizens how those promises fit in the overall plan. There will be compromises, but the Commissioners can work together. Vice Mayor Hay said he explained to many people that he is a Commissioner for Boynton Beach. He was elected by his District, but he is interested in the total City. Michael Simon wanted to thank Vice Mayor Hay for his statement and pointed out that the people in Vice Mayor Hay's district would see that he is a Commissioner for the entire City. Although there are issues in each district, the electors see the officials as Commissioners for the City of Boynton Beach. 4 MEETING MINUTES JOINT CITY COMMISSION /CRA MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 4, 2013 Commissioner Casello said District IV is unique. He feels attempting to annex some of the developments in District IV would be a good thing. During his campaign he found that many people were confused when he knocked on their doors. It would be great to incorporate more areas into District IV to eliminate that confusion and to even out the District. People in District IV were also concerned about crime. During his first term, Mayor Taylor looked at the boundaries and he tried to annex to Military Trail. He commented that he was nearly "tarred and feathered ". You have to go to referendum and the residents have to agree to come into the City. At that time, they did not want to annex. However, there are some pockets where permission is not needed. In providing water, Ms. LaVerriere advised that there is the ability to initiate annexation. We are in a better position now than we were in the past. Commissioner Merker felt one of the easiest ways to advertise Boynton Beach would be through cable TV. This would provide the people with an education. If the cost is reasonable, it should be considered. Ms. LaVerriere advised the City has a public channel. Margee Walsh said "Breeze into Boynton" was approved and the Coastal Star, Palm Beach Post and Comcast reinforced that message. Ms. Brooks added that images of Boynton Beach are displayed at the airport. There is also a digital billboard on I -95. This positive reinforcement helps to change the image of Boynton Beach. We want to change the perception in the County and further. During the tour today, Vice Mayor Hay noticed the medians, flower beds, etc. He suggested putting more money in the budget for manicuring our City. People observe how we maintain our City. It was pointed out that the sign at the entrance to the City on the north is so small and unappealing. It would not take much effort to improve the appearance. This needs to be moved up on the priority list. Ms. LaVerriere acknowledged this is part of strategic planning. Vivian Brooks explained this is an area where the CRA can partner with the City by paying for repairs but not for maintenance. The CRA can pay for a new sign and a tree where one had died. As these issues arise, they can be discussed. Commissioner Merker feels this should be a developer responsibility when he wants to build in the City of Boynton Beach. Ms. LaVerriere confirmed it is a requirement. Ms. Byrne advised that the developers will maintain the areas behind Target and Seabourn Cove. Ms. LaVerriere added that the Chamber represents the business community and many times we bring them to the table and they assist us. 5 MEETING MINUTES JOINT CITY COMMISSION /CRA MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 4, 2013 Vice Mayor Hay questioned whether a wish list from the businesses exists about where they want to see the City go. The response from Ms. Byrne was negative, but the Economic Development Manager will work on that. Commissioner Fitzpatrick said there was a 40' strip of open space at Renaissance Commons along the canal and when the developer came in, they took that out. Ms. LeJeune said we are identifying the greenways, blueways and pathways and we are mapping it out to see where there are missing links. We are finding ways to connect that area. Vice Mayor Hay added that the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is looking at water taxis. We are at the table with them. There will be great things coming down the pike. The property located on US I and Ocean Avenue on the southwest and northeast corners is one of the main intersections in Boynton Beach. Commissioner Fitzpatrick heard stories about what is going on there. It was revealed that is a major part of the CRA development. The CRA Board would receive a proposal on the Bank of America site at the CRA Board meeting. Many developers have also put offers on the other site, which is the PNC -owned site. Vice Mayor Hay said he ran on a platform of putting the City, CRA and Chamber together. There are things the CRA can get funds for that the City cannot and that is one reason why everyone needs to be at the table. Vice Mayor Hay asked to tour Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (MLK) because it is important that the new Commissioners have an opportunity to see the blighted area where the focus is on development. Ms. LaVerriere agreed to ride MLK Boulevard on the return trip. Commissioner Merker inquired if special meetings should be held in each district and Vice Mayor Hay responded that has been done. Ms. LaVerriere agreed to accommodate any of the Commissioners who wish to conduct a meeting in their district. Vice Mayor Hay felt today's tour and meeting was very rewarding and a great beginning. Ms. LaVerriere reminded the Commissioners that the public is watching and they have expectations. Mayor Taylor posed a scenario whereby the developer on the Bank of America site is going to want to build a 10 -15 story building. If you go to your district and tell the residents that, it will be a problem. He pointed out that the citizens still hold him responsible for the construction of the Promenade because they do not want anything more than three or four stories. Commissioner Merker felt it is sometimes advantageous to be direct so that they cannot say they were uninformed. According to Ms. Byrne, staff always requires the developers to go to the adjacent communities in 6 MEETING MINUTES JOINT CITY COMMISSION /CRA MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA 7 APRIL 4, 2013 order to get buy in for their project. Staff works with the developers, but is also responsible to the public. Commissioner Merker dealt with developers in the New York area and he commented that nothing fazes them. They are not afraid of addressing the people. Ms. Byrne said in 2011, a plan was generated by the CRA, City and Chamber. It was born out of necessity. Many things have been accomplished. You will see additional Code language coming forward to expand the industrial. It is very technical and it takes staff a long time to pull this together. A past Commissioner was not in favor of for profits as the best use, but some categories are very good uses. One of our goals is to meet with Kelly Smallridge, who will explain what economic development means to the City. When developers sense turmoil on the City Commission or CRA, they run. It is hard to get them back. The Business Development Board will not bring business here if they will not be successful. Ms. LaVerriere said staff has worked very hard to develop plans and tools for leadership to help implement them. The Business Development Board knows we are ready and they are sending us projects. We are well regarded and respected. The Commission needs to prove itself. Vice Mayor Hay reported that when Kelly Smallridge had the latest meeting, only three Mayors were invited and our Mayor was one of them. Ms. Byrne announced that the Development Department has been reorganized and a city -wide economic development team is in place. Everyone is aware of what is coming. We have talented people who are geared up and a Business Development Specialist. The Planning staff is superior to any staff in Palm Beach County. Andrew Mack was a developer and is a Civil Engineer. He is also a General Contractor. The Commission's strategic plan will solidify direction for staff. Commissioner Fitzpatrick asked if it were possible to take residentially zoned property and rezone it to business. Ms. Byrne explained that is very difficult; however, staff follows the will of the Commission. If the community wanted it done, it would be the Commission's opportunity to do it. Commissioner Fitzpatrick inquired if there was a build out population for Boynton Beach and Ms. Byrne responded that Hanna Matras would provide an answer to that question during his visit to the Development Department. Vice Mayor Hay felt Delray Beach was a good example of Commissioner Fitzpatrick's question with respect to rezoning. He pointed out that Delray Beach is attempting to get the property between I -95 and the tennis court. Over the years, they have slowly been doing exactly what Commissioner Fitzpatrick referred to. They have such a plan in place and it must be implemented over a period of time. MEETING MINUTES JOINT CITY COMMISSION /CRA MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ADJOURNMENT There being no additional business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 12:49 P.m. ATTEST: t M. Prainito, MMC City Clerk Hay, 8 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH Taylor 'Mayor David T. Merker, Commissi. er Casello, Commissioner ayor APRIL 4, 2013 Michael M. Fitzpatrick, Co issioner 1 � �1