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Minutes 08-21-17MINUTES OF SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 21, 2017 HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM 208 SEACREST BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA. PRESENT: Steven B. Grant, Mayor Justin Katz. Vice Mayor (arrived 6:43p.m.) Mack McCray, Commissioner Christina Romelus, Commissioner Joe Casello, Commissioner 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. Call to Order - Mayor Steven B. Grant Mayor Grant called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Invocation Commissioner McCray gave the invocation. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag Mayor Grant led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL Lori LaVerriere, City Manager James Cherof, City Attorney Judith A. Pyle, City Clerk Judith Pyle, City Clerk, called the roll. A quorum was present. Agenda Approval: 1. Additions, Deletions, Corrections 2. Adoption Mayor Grant asked for a Motion to Approve Motion Commissioner McCray moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner McCray. B. Update Commission on own Square - Phase 1 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Colin Groff Assistant City Manager indicated he was also acting as the Program Manager for this project. He wanted to go through where they are on the project. He indicated that the contractors would present their portions to the Commission. Commissioner McCray asked if questions were allowed. Mr. Groff responded this was an interactive workshop for the elected officials. Lori LaVerriere City Manager, asked for introductions of the contractor. Mr. Groff introduced Mark Hefferin with E2L Real Estate was in charge as the master developer. Wayne Dunkelberger was the primary architect for the Town Square project, Robert High was the contractor for the Police and Fire stations. The team consists of the City of Boynton Beach, Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. E2L Real Estate Solutions, ADG Architects, for the Police and Fire station, HG High Constructor for the Police and Fire station, REG Architects and Rick Gonzalez for the High School, Straticon was the High School contractors, Baker Barios Architects for City Hall and all the infrastructure downtown, Haskell Construction was the contractors for the infrastructure downtown. Kimley Horn was the primary engineers for all the projects that were being built downtown, JKM Developers are the private developers for the residential portion of the development. E21- are the developers for the commercial portion of the project. There have been many meetings for this project. Commissioner Romelus asked where and how long this meeting was advertised. She stated that she received a few phone calls stating that this meeting was not advertised as much as the other input meetings. Mr. Groff stated that the meeting was advertised two weeks ago, The City used all the same media outlets that were used for the input meetings. This meeting was put together two weeks ago when it was determined that the Commission needed to do a workshop and an update on the project. All the other media outlets were used. The only items that were not used were the brochures. Ms. LaVerriere stated that there was going to be more meetings with the Commission. The City would do everything to get the information out to the public. Commissioner McCray stated that there are four weeks in a month, and two Commission meetings per month. This was an inconvenience to add all of these meetings; these items should be included in the regular Commission meeting. Ms. LaVerriere indicated that was the goal. Mr. Groff agreed that these meetings should be scheduled at the regular Commission meeting. The goal was a workshop for the elected officials. This workshop was to update the Commission on the current status, Public Workshop Summary, and High School Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Renovation, Police Department Site Plan, Town Square Site Plan, City Hall/Library (Information, Tech and Arts), District Energy Utility which was the chilled water plant, and then there are some decisions that needs to be made. Mr. Groff continued saying that the conceptual building footprints and space programming has been completed. The conceptual site plans are complete. The City knows how much space was needed in the new building. There have been two public workshops on the playground and architectural styles. There have been multiple financial planning meetings conducted. He said that the High Schools are in the process of getting the permits of the remediation / abatement underway. Commissioner McCray noted that since the fence went up parking has been a premium at City Hall. The employees should not park in front of City Hall. He stated that he has received many complaints. Mr. Groff stated that the employees must park farther away so that the customer has space to conduct business at City Hall. Mr. Groff stated that parking would be at a premium until the garage was built. Mr. Groff noted that the current schedule was as follows: August 21, 2017 tonight was for the Commission's Update. August 22, 2017Job Fair for the New Town Hall was in full swing. The sub -contractors were going to have a morning session and the afternoon would be for those looking for jobs. There are a lot of people signed up for the job fair. August 24. 2017 would be the Open Space/Public Art Workshop, this was the last workshop. September 19, 2017, Tentative Commission Update (if needed), would be done at the Commission meeting. September 28, 2017, Draft Site Plan/Building Plans, based on what happens tonight. October 17, 2017 hopping to have some Draft Financial Plan for review to make any decision. November 7, 2017, Town Square Phase II, Phase II Commission decision to move forward. Mr. Groff stated that he public workshops staff heavily promoted the public workshops and job fair using multiple outlets including: Postcards (5,000) Flyers (5,000) 3 languages, press releases (3) Social Media Outlets, Outdoor Promotional Signs, Email distributions to HOAs and Churches, City website, Commission meeting announcements. These workshops have been well attended. The first workshop was on the playground. Mr. Wayne Dunkelberger said that the first workshop was on the playground, there were about 40 people who showed up at the workshop. He noted that safety was the most important issue that was heard from the public, and saving pieces of the playground. Commissioner McCray asked if they are able to save any of the pieces from the historical playground. Was there a decision made what would be saved? Mr. Dunkelberger stated that the team was looking at what could be saved. There are pieces that could be salvaged. Mr. Dunkelberger noted that approximately 70 people attended the workshop on the architectural styles. There were three distinct styles 3 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 presented. The Mediterranean Contemporary, Classical Mediterranean and Coastal. The Contemporary Mediterranean was the leader out of the three styles presented. The input from the public the developer would look at those three styles. Mr. Groff said that they had great feedback from the public. The developers believe the citizens chose the Mediterranean contemporary with a flare of coastal influences was the clear winner. This would be unique for Boynton Beach. There was a lot of discussion on colors. The ocean type colors were what the citizens wanted. The public did not want loud or dark colors. Commissioner Romelus stated that she was unable to attend; she wanted to see the different colors and styles. Mr. Groff stated that he would send her some pictures of what was presented. This information was placed on the website. The people did not like the neo classical look; it looked too much like other cities. The Classical Mediterranean was also like other cities. Mr. Dunkelberger stated that in addition to that, the public liked the ability to offer open space and have that architecture provide shade and areas where people could gather. Mr. Groff provided the outdoor space built into the building also provided an outdoor connector to the different areas. When you get to the building footprint the Commission would see how it goes together. Commissioner Casello indicated that he was at that meeting and asked if they spoke about the different paints. Such as the reflective paints. Mr. Dunkelberger stated we talked about reflective paints. The workshop spoke about whites and grays; we also spoke about paints that can save energy on the building. He said they spoke about how paints and roof colors support that concept. Mr. Groff indicated that the High School has been fenced in. He continued they are working on the permits to do the dry in of the building. The abatement must be done first, removing all of the contaminated materials, and then we can go back in and see what can be saved and what needs to be done in order to build a new civic center inside the High School. The temporary utility has been 'set up. The art work has been relocated. They are coming up with a parking plan. The contractor tried to get the fence as close to the building as possible, while keeping it safe for the public. They are also working on the roof demolition permit. Commissioner Casello stated that he went into the High School with Mr. Livergood with a hazmat suit. He asked structurally, after the bad stuff has been removed are there going to be some type of surprises. The City has earmarked a certain amount of money for the High School, are there going to be any surprises. 4 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mr. Groff replied that Straticon was very conservative with their numbers. The numbers provided by Straticon was the worst case. The numbers included demolishing of everything, only leaving the outside walls. There are many things that could possibly be saved. We are hoping that once we do the abatement, that the cost would be less. There are some things that that are finding that look good. There are some timbers that could be saved; the problem was that no one could go into the building without hazmat suits. Commissioner Casello said the money that was earmarked, was for the worst case scenario. Mr. Groff replied that was what he believed that was worst case. With construction there could always be surprises. Mr. Groff stated that they are staying close to the original plans. The developers are still looking at if we can put some retail businesses. All the things that are being done in the civic center will be able to be done at the High School. The first floor would be used daily. The City was looking at ways in which the rooms can be opened up so that the rooms could be used during the weekend. Between the library groups and the recreation department these rooms would be used daily. Commissioner Casello asked for names of agencies that would use these rooms, seven days a week. Mr. Hefferin replied that they have had interest from event planning group come in. He stated more so for the upper floor. There was a lot of interest from the hotel component. He stated that the City could have dance recital and other functions. Commissioner Casello said this was not if we build it they would come scenario. Mr. Groff stated that they have spoken to many event planners. They all say there was nothing like this in South Palm Beach County. During the week, the Parks and Recreation Department would use the center. During the evening and the weekend if we build it right, we would be able to rent it out. Mr. Groff indicated they are looking at the rooms to be multipurpose rooms. The gymnasium would be great, there could be events for 500 people for concerts, setting up for wedding and events. Commissioner Casello noted that Mr. Groff continues to say if we do it right. I am under the impression we are going to do it right. Mr. Groff stated that the City has a great team, they have done a lot of these building in Palm Beach County, and these buildings are being designed as functional. Commissioner Romelus requested clarification on where the buildings are located. She asked where Seacrest and Ocean Drive was located. 5 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mr. Groff replied what was being presented was east. The gym was on the back. This was very conceptual, full restroom facility. There would be an elevator out front. It was taking the High School and turning it into a civic center, using the similar layouts looking at opening up rooms on the 2nd floor. Commissioner Romelus said on that side she was envisioning glass. Mr. Groff replied one thing about the historic building; we would keep the windows as they are, maybe some of the windows could be turned into French doors. We are trying to convince the historic architect to do. If the historic architect say absolutely not, and say that it would ruin the historic character of the building. Opening up the building to the park would be nice. Commissioner Romelus noted that on that side she was envisioning glass, could see the inside form the outside Mr. Hardin stated that adaptive reuse, how do we take an old building that has some vintage qualities and make it fit into the master plan. It is not just an old historic building. We could make it functional; it creates uses for the community. Part of the suggestion that you are talking about, we cannot go into the building and re fagade. There are limitations for historic buildings, do everything that been done. How can we interact with that and the access ability? We do discuss it. Because historic art they try to be an asset. We do have the functionally for today's use Commissioner McCray stated that the City was calling it Town Square and Delray Beach called theirs Old School Square. They renovated their auditorium, now they cannot find anyone to use it. Mr. Groff replied program wise, the City has both the first and the second floor to be used. What we are talking about was for after hours and weekends. We cannot guarantee people would want to use it. Mr. Groff stated that the City needed space for their programs. Mr. Groff stated he cannot grantee that someone would rent it out. This building does give the City the space that was needed for other City programs. Commissioner Romelus said if we are going to build to suit, term of trying to attract wedding planners and event planners, are we also consulting them as with what they would want to see in a building. Mr. Groff indicated that on the team there is an event planner. Everyone has an input. We have had a lot of discussion. At the same time Parks and Recreation Department need to look at this as well. This was a City building for those programs. Commissioner McCray asked if the developers have made the schematics of the elevators. 0 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mr. Hardin stated that some exist and some are new. The concept was to have the stairway and the elevator will be adjacent to the stairway. One means to access the elevator. Mr. Groff said he believed that it was on the west. Commissioner McCray asked if there are two elevators. Mr. Groff replied that they are planning on having one elevator for the public and one as a freight elevator or a dumb waiter, for the food to go up to different floors. Commissioner McCray indicated that if the City was expecting to host an event with 500 people, there needs to be more than one elevator. Mr. Groff stated that was going through to figure that out. Jeff stated that staff has been in conversation with different vendors; they are working fulltime on how to solve some of the issues that have been raised tonight. Considering the sound and the acoustical and low voltage and sound, considering the facts that we have a budget, we have had several discussions with the structural engineers. Mr. Groff explained he hoped to have that information at the end of September; he wanted to show the Commission the concept of the new building. Commissioner Casello stated that the mention of the hotel. They could possibly use these rooms for small conferences and meetings. He asked could that mean that they could mean a smaller footprint for the hotel. Mr. Hefferin replied that there are different models of hotels; he does not see a conference hotel based on the size of the lot. The concept was to allow the Old School House is the conferencing center, and let the hotel be solely a hotel. Commissioner Casello stated that he liked the term conferencing center. Mr. Groff stated that High Construction would discuss the Police Department site. Robert High; HJ High Construction responded that they have made progress on the new Police headquarters on the High Ridge site. A combination of a one-story and a two story facility, the possible square footage was about 54,000 square feet. The one story on one side would be a community room that could be used by the City, and the community. There was shared parking with the Fire Department, also some underutilized parking area as well as secure officer parking area to protect the officers. This was denoted as # 6 on the site plan. The thought process was to .have a clear delineation between the public and the Police Department with some shared space. He stated that Item 9 would accommodate some vehicle parking as well as for over flow staff parking or additional buildout. He stated that was the concept site plane for the Police Department. Commissioner McCray stated that he understands that there are some storage spaces around the City. He asked can some of that storage be .taken out and relocated to the Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Police Department. Mr. High said at this point the storage that they have now was for the Police Department. Mr. Groff interjected it would be one of the uses for building nine. Except for the firing range, this would remain. The other storage an area was to be moved into this site. Commissioner McCray noted that what he was speaking of, the evidence storage room. Please explain what you mean about a vehicle storage building. Mr. Groff replied that building nine was for the Police Department specialty vehicles, such as the their ATV, SWAT vehicle, some type of large Humvee. Commissioner McCray stated that he needed to know what he was voting on. Would there be a place where other things can be stored? Mr. Groff stated that building nine would be used to bring all the different storage items to the Police station on High Ridge Road. Commissioner Casello said a few years back there were some plans that were drawn up for a new police station; would any of be incorporated into the new building. Mr. Groff stated that those plans were used as the base. He said that the City was using the same architect that did the original plans. The building footprint has been changed. Commissioner Casello asked what the square footage of the new building was. Mr. Groff replied that originally the square footage was 74,000 feet, which has now been cut back to 54,000 feet. Mr. Groff stated that he has been in conversation with the Police Chief and he was in agreement with the reduction. Commissioner Casello asked why the City needs two conference rooms. He indicated that there was a nice conference room at Fire station #5. Mr. High stated that this was not a conference room; this was more of a community auditorium that can be used as multifunctional for both the Police department and for City events. Commissioner Casello understood that was why the City was building the Civic Center for community events. Commissioner Casello said that the residences are not going to go out to high ridge road. People are not going to go to high ridge room for community events. Mr. High replied that the goal was for interaction between the public and police. Having an area that fosters communication. Commissioner Romelus summarized that the City could potentially use the High Ridge area for community events such as quarterly award ceremonies. Mr. High indicated there was a plaza area which could be an area for public art. Commissioner Casello inquired if this was a police station? Mr. Groff replied that it was required to have public art. 0 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mayor Grant noted that the City was trying to make it friendlier to our community so they are not afraid to go to the police and have more involvement with the police. The Police Department has programs at the middle school, such as the Boys in Blue. Some students who leave the High School and do not have any place to go, could use the room as a safe place. Mr. Groff agreed that was the plan. Commissioner Casello asked how the people would get there and Mayor Grant asserted that they could walk. Mr. Groff said that this was not a difficult place to get to. Commissioner Casello argued this was not a neighborhood oriented area. Mr. Groff stated that the team toured the more modern police stations and they all had these community rooms. Commissioner Casello opined that was so far out of the community it was not approachable. Mr. Groff noted that being off of Gateway and 1-95 was fairly easy to get to. The question was how often the room would be utilized. Ms. LaVerriere indicated if anyone has driven down Miner Road recently where you have seen cars at the gun range, the Police Department partners with other law enforcement agencies and the school board to provide training for a regional impact. She stated that this was a wonderful opportunity to grow out and partner with other agencies. Chief Katz, Police Chief, indicated the Boynton Beach Police Department has 12 outside regional classes for other law enforcement officers. The Police Department does quarterly town hall meetings, quarterly award ceremonies, Teen Police Academy, Citizen Police Academy. We do more community town hall outreach meetings. It is another thing to invite the community to come to the Police Department. We still have plans to move the town hall meetings around the City. We would like to have the public come to their police department. When we have a press conference, we would like to have the public come to their Police Department. The space in the fire department can accommodate 30 or 40 people. Commission McCray said that the space was reduced from 74,000 to 54000, what was the life expectancy of that building. Chief Katz replied that the building has a fifty year life span. The way in which it was designed so when additional space was needed it can be added. Commissioner McCray noted with that in mind, additional areas could be added if needed. Chief Katz indicated that in the future we would be able to add space as needed. Commissioner Casello offered the idea was community policing is to go out to the community not the other way around. For people to come to the Police Department to feel safer and welcomed falls on his deaf ears. Commissioner McCray noted he was glad they were doing something for the Police Department. He would vote for the police station. E Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mr. Groff indicated that they were 9 different site plans. There are some issues, it forces traffic on SE 2, and we do not want to put heavy traffic on second. Commissioner McCray asked how old the Library building was. Mr. Groff sated that the Library was 10 years old. The plan is to demolish all Library structures to provide a combined structure, additional private land for development and a buffer for the residential section south of the Square, open SE 1St Avenue to Searcrest Boulevard and remove Town Square traffic from SE 2 Avenue. Also the City wanted to create larger green areas and activity space in the Square and to design a City Hall and Library with a 21St Century building and have a comfort level for the employees. Mr. Hefferin indicated the plan was the original layout in the northern end of Town Square. The Southern end has changed radically. We started off at the hotel, as you were coming up Boynton Beach Boulevard; you are seeing a magnificent addition to the current area where the City Hall is located. The proposed parking garage would allow for the road to remain open for both pedestrians and vehicles. Then open up the green space that now opens up into the park. We want to create something special for the public and the staff. It was also the location of the energy plant we are proposing. Mr. Hefferin stated the new fire station has two story and three bays to replace the one was currently on Boynton Beach Boulevard. Mr. Hefferin indicated that the developers were in negotiations with the current owner of the post office property. The idea was to have a new state of art entrance to Town Square. He continued to say at one point they were looking at a senior living facility, the developers realized that was not the best idea for Town Square. The current residential area will contribute to Town Square. There will be some parking that would serve the City. There was a connector link to link both buildings. There also would be a short notice parking area, and parking for the proposed apartments. The key was opening up the green space. He understood that there was some concerns about the park. Commissioner McCray asked if the parking garage for the employees would have a gate or a pass in order to get into the garage. Mr. Hefferin indicated there would be 1200 covered parking spaces. Right now there are about 425 spaces. There was a parking study done, the Library, Children Museum, some retail space within the parking garage. Commissioner McCray indicated the City has retail space they cannot give away. He hoped this would not be a problem. Mr. Hefferin noted that it does not need to be programmed in, but the developers were the ones that provided him with the information. In order to activate these streets, they were asked to include restrooms. Commissioner Casello noted that he lives west of military; why would he come here. Mr. Hefferin replied for the major events. 10 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Commissioner Casello stated that the City has two major events, Barney Blast and Pirate Fest. Mr. Hefferin advised the concept was to activate Ocean Boulevard all the way to the Intracoastal. He said people do not come to the down town. There was a lot of activity with the Library and with the City programs. Commissioner Casello stated that people come to the library, it was not an event for people to come to the library, and people do not come to the Library as an event. Commissioner Casello stated he had visions of tree line streets, people walking the sidewalks, with little unique shops. What he sees now is an apartment building and parking garages. Mr. Groff indicated when you look at the CRA plan, from Ocean to Seacrest, from there to Federal Highway, was what was planned. The government buildings must be placed somewhere. City only has two events. he noted that cities that do this well have events weekly in their downtown parks. Commissioner Casello asked to be shown the space where the events would be. Where are the shops and restaurants? Mr. Groff described where Ocean starts for four blocks would be shops and restaurants. Commissioner Casello only saw white space. Mr. Groff advised that was not owned by the City. This was private development. It was what the CRA plan was encouraging to start to build the development. Commissioner Casello said the City was looking for encouragement. Now the Library is separate, now we have put monstrous building of concrete. The problem was to make the green space very small. We do have avenue building foot print. Mr. Groff noted the first plan was very linear. The problem was it blocked the streets and put all the traffic on 2"d Avenue. Also it strung the building over two blocks. The developers are now proposing 4 stories. Everyone has been asking where the shops are. The City Hall must be some place. Commissioner Casello sought clarification where these events are to be held. Mayor Grant stated one of the things that the City has was the food truck invasions. Whenever there are events the City could have some food trucks. He asked was there going to be some parking available for the food trucks. 11 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mr. Dunkelberger stated that they have created an active zone, which would activate that area; this was the core of the master plan. Mr. Groff noted that he would close off the streets for these events. Mayor Grant asked if the City was going to block off Ocean Avenue for those events. He said that Atlantic Avenue could not be blocked off any longer. Mr. Groff stated that that City does not have those events, only for the 4th of JUly. Mr. Hefferin suggested to the Commission, one of the concepts that they have would be to come to the event and be able to leave when needed. The entire area would be secure, during a big event it could be locked down. Major Grant stresses that this would be a pedestrian friendly area; need to make sure that cars could not come in. Mr. Hefferin stated that he has been asked by the City to make sure that the entire area could be locked down for a specific event. Unless there was an emergency, there would not be any vehicles allowed. Major Grant noted that we want to make sure that cars could not come in on the pedestrians. Commissioner Romelus pointed out on NE 1St Avenue that this was a through street with a parking garage. Mr. Hefferin indicated that the garage would have a raised first floor so that if trucks need to get in there to pick up debris that would be available. Commissioner Romelus asked if fire trucks would be able to go through. Mr. Hefferin stated that he was not sure of the height; he believed that it would have a 14 foot clearance. Commissioner Romelus noted if someone was coming from SE 1St , they would need to go up SE 1s' Street, walk across and around the pedestrian connector than get into the building. Mr. Hefferin stated that there are a couple of ways. If you are parking, that would be the preferred parking. Ms. LaVerriere stated that we have on street parking along Ocean and Searcrest. Mr. Groff stated that we will be meeting with the County regarding Searcrest and on street parking. Parking was the biggest challenge. It does look as though it would be a long walk, but it was not. Commissioner Romelus asked if the walkway was covered. Mr. Groff confirmed. Commissioner Romelus saw 12 parking spaces should be for the Commission. Mr. Groff replied this would be transit employees during the day and for the Commission for their meetings in the evening. The proposal was for employee and staff. He stated that he was waiting for the Commission input. Commissioner Romelus felt there should be some reserved parking for the Commission during their meeting. 12 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mr. Groff stated from a safety issue the Commission would have a secure area, the proposal would be fluid. Commissioner McCray stated that right now he was not buying this. Commissioner Casello wanted clarification about the seven -story, 834 space garage. Was this a tunnel, would the public be able to drive through? Mr. Groff clarified that it was like a tunnel, but not closed in or underground. Commissioner Romelus saw apartments; she did not see any townhomes or single family homes. Mr. Groff agreed it was for multifamily, but this has not been decided as of yet. Mr. Markey interjected at this time nothing has been provided. Everything was designed to be apartments. What was being done was a new type of urbanism. He said the single family neighborhood was all around us. This was the new urban core, what the developers are trying to solve problems. He stated his team was working on the building every day. He noted there was a need for reconfigurations and there needs to be eyes on the street. Mr. Markey said he believes the building crowds the Children Museum. There was discussion of building heights whether two or three stories. Commissioner McCray asked if they have a plan on what would be on Ocean. Mr. Groff indicated these plans were evolving daily. Mr. Groff stated that the High School and the School House Museum will be kept. The High School would be repurposed to keep the building historic. Commissioner McCray asked when the Commission would see another rendering. Mr. Groff indicated by the end of September. There should be more information provided. Mr. Markey mentioned the design was a process. Commissioner McCray wanted foot traffic on Ocean Avenue. Commissioner Romelus inquired about the little alcove has there been discussion on acquiring the property. Mr. Groff advised the City has not had any contact with the property owner. Commissioner Romelus asked if the developer has approached the owner of the property to ask about acquiring the property. Mr. Hefferin stated they have had discussion to work with them to make them part of the overall planning. This would make a great addition to the park; it completely opens up on Ocean Boulevard. 13 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Commissioner Casello wanted to think outside the box. Why not get the Women's Club moving it up facing the green space. Why not move the police station across from the fire station, keep the police station in the Heart of Boynton. Why not sell the property on High Ridge Road; it is worth millions. He recalled the City has been approached by hotel chains on the possible acquisition of that property. He felt what was being shown to the Commission was very weak. Mr. Groff stated that he loved the idea about the Women's Club, but in order to have the police station; it would mean that it would be 8 stories. Commissioner Casello asked what was the height of the hotel be on the corner? Mr. Groff stated that the hotel would be 8 stories. Commissioner Casello thought it would make a nice bookends. Major Grant stated that he was excited about it. Along Ocean Avenue and NE 1s' was up to debate; maybe the City needs some commercial activity. We will have a chilled water plant, some type of job growth in the downtown area. Whatever we can do to save the trees, he understands that they would be tearing down some trees. Commissioner McCray stated he was not in agreement. Vice Mayor Katz indicated he wanted to piggyback on some of the concerns about the residential configuration on Ocean. He would like to see retail on the ocean frontage. He stated if this was a true mixed use project, then most of the residential should be on top of the retail. Most of the vacant retail downtown was vacant because there is not enough economy there for them to be successful. He said he wants to see more retail. He does not think there would be an absence of foot traffic. Vice Mayor Katz stated that if there was ample seating he was sure that it would fill up. This would be the first phase. He does not have a problem with the configuration. He said that this should be more imaginative. Commissioner Romelus noted starting at NE 1St going east is this where the proposed Villages were going to be. Ms. LaVerriere added near the railroads. Commissioner Romelus indicated she would like to see more retail on Ocean. She was a little confused, on the west side of the school. She indicated she liked Commissioner Casello idea of the Woman's Club. She indicated that the women club could be the bookend. She liked what had been done. Commissioner Casello said that he would not vote for any site plan that would have a tunnel. The other thing was that he believes that the Library should be in a separate building. We need to do a little more for the residential area. Mr. Groff noted that what the Commission would be reviewing the combined City Hall and Library. This was just the foot print. 14 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Mr. Dunkelberger stated the plans have been rotated 90 degrees. He showed the plans of the City Hall and Library on the first floor. It could be closed off and secured. He indicated that in current City Halls has been heavy community, moving away from the typical office setting. Commissioner Mc Cray asked where he could see one of these City Halls. He stated he would like to take a tour. Mr. Dunkelberger said that could be seen in in Orlando. He said that he would be glad to provide a listing of other places. Commissioner Romelus asked to make sure the orientation is the same throughout the presentation. Mr. Dunkelberger stated that on the 2nd floor the Library, the plans for the Library has not been completed. He continued on the 3rd floor more of the traditional offices. This would have some public areas. Commissioner Casello stated with the new Library, with Wi-Fi, people are reading less and less. The County has a few libraries. Commissioner Casello asked do we really need a Library? Would this have the high tech information? Mr. Groff stated he had some great ideas for the high tech library, such as the genius bar. Commissioner Romelus was speaking for herself; she does not need an office. If a Commissioner needs to meet with someone they could utilize the retail space or a communal office Commissioner McCray noted that the Commission was only here for a short period of time, a new commission maybe elected and they could use the rooms. Commissioner Romelus indicated she did not want to create a room for each Commissioner. Mr. Groff said they were looking into alternatives to rooms for each Commissioner. He continued to say that the Library would be a very cool place for people to gather information and get things done. Commissioner Romelus suggested a "Makers Space"; she would love to partner with Universities and Colleges. Mr. Dunkelberger stated that they would have some "Makers Space" on the first floor. Commissioner McCray acknowledged we already have a barter system. Mr. Groff offered one of the things that was requested was the District energy plant. A consultant was hired to see if it was feasible to have an energy plant in Boynton Beach. The study showed that it was feasible to construct a plant for both public and private buildings. The quality efficiency and operation cost advantage to a central chilled water plant generating and distribution solution for the Town Square development would be beneficial. Customers served can avoid the initial cost of that cooling equipment. The 15 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 basic cost would be about $10 million. The district energy plant would make money and cut down on the foot print of the building. The conceptual location for the plan was for a two-story facility that would match the High School and have a noise attenuation which would be included. Commissioner Casello asked to see some pictures. He also wanted to make sure that the facade would match the Old School House. Mr. Groff stated that he does not have any pictures in the package. Commissioner Casello asked about the space between the High School and the energy plant. Mr. Groff replied that it would be larger than an alleyway. It was more for employee use. It was about 15 feet. Commissioner Casello asked if the energy plant would be able to serve the Town Square. Mr. Groff responded that it would serve everything in the Town Square, plus outside of that area as well. Commissioner McCray asked if the E2L Solutions and LLC solutions were the same. Mr. Hefferin stated that they were the same company. Commissioner McCray asked if this would be fenced in and try to make something nice. Mr. Groff indicated that the building would not have a fence. The energy plant would be within a building. It would not look like an energy plant. Commissioner McCray said he has seen a plant with something with water rolls down. Mr. Groff said that was the cooling tower. It would be on the second floor, but we will put the sound attenuation around it, so that it cannot be seen or heard. Mr. Groff stated they designed the building to look like it was part of Town Square. The developers can design the building to look like anything. Mayor Grant asked the life span of the chiller system, was it the same as the building? Mr. Groff stated that chillers would be replaced about every 20 years. The cooling tower would be reconditioned every 10 years. The rates are charged for those replacements. Mayor Grant asked if there like a dual system so that if one was down there would be another one that could be used as a backup. Mr. Groff replied these would be built with full back up. Commissioner Romelus indicated that there would be some type of district surtax. Mr. Groff stated there were options. He said that we charged per BTU, so we would collect the rate, just like they would pay for electric. They would get it from their bill. Commissioner Romelus asked if the cost would be less to the City customers. Mr. Groff indicated that we always set the rate lower than or equal to the other power company. Commissioner Romelus asked if the City would make a profit. Mr. Groff responded yes. He continued to say what was being asked tonight would be to authorize the Mayor to move forward with the first part of the design. This would be the funding mechanism. He informed the Commission that this money was budgeted. 16 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 Commissioner Romelus asked for an explanation of the $307,000 and what was the $69,000. Mr. Groff stated it was for the utility development and the piping. It was a loop system. The $69,000 was for the design for the water pipes the sewer pipes and the storm water pipes. They are both out of the utility funds. Commissioner McCray asked what if this does not fly, what would happen. Mr. Groff stated that this still needs to be done. There are other places where this energy could be used over the next 20 to 30 years. The district energy was good to have. Commissioner McCray stated it bothers him that the City does exploratory plans and does not move forward. We are wasting the citizen's money. He wants to vote on something that will come out of the ground. Mr. Groff stating that the City was building. Commissioner McCray stated maybe Utility plans were being built. Mayor Grant asked for a motion to approve the resolutions. Commissioner Romelus stated that this plant would be built that would allow for growth. Mr. Groff replied that was correct. Commissioner Romelus speculated as we move forward, we would be able to sustain the City. Mr. Groff stated it was designed to be sustainable, for the long term for the citizen of Boynton Beach. Motion Commissioner Romelus moved for a motion to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Casello. Motion passes 4-1 (Commissioner McCray descending) Mr. Groff stated that he was looking for consensus. He stated that was a lot of questions. Was the Police Department draft site plan acceptable? Mayor Grant - Yes. Commissioner McCray - Yes Commissioner Casello - No Vice Mayor Katz - Yes Commissioner Romelus stated she likes it, but she wants to emphasize location wise, if it was to possible negotiate for the property next to the Fire Department. She would like 17 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida August 21, 2017 to see the Fire and Police together. Leave that High Ridge region for private development. She wanted the tax revenue for that property. Vice Mayor Katz noted if he had a choice, would rather keep the Police station on the east end. There are three people on the dais that are in agreement with selling the High Ridge property. Commissioner McCray stated that the property on High Ridge Road was purchased for a new the police department; we promised the citizens we would build the Police and the Fire station and we should keep the promise. Ms. LaVerriere stated that was correct. Major Grant asked Mr. Groff to try to find more land to put the police department. If not move forward with the High Ridge property. Mr. Groff asked does the overall site plan for Town Square meet the vision and requirement for the City. Commissioner McCray indicated that he needed to see more pictures to know. Vice Mayor Katz noted that this should be more imaginative. Commissioner Casello stated no Commissioner Romelus said yes with a more centralized retail being on Ocean, reactivating Ocean. East on Ocean NE 1St would activate that area. Potentially build more retail components. Commissioner McCray asked what they can do with the tunnel. Mayor Grant noted that this was not just retail but commercial as well. Florida was a tax Free State. Commissioner Romelus in term of the tunnel, she has no issue, as long as it was safe she was ok. Mr. Groff stated, assuming the financial plan was feasible, is constructing a new City Hall/Library the best direction for these programs and other comments or directions. Mayor Grant indicated that there was not much height in Boynton Beach. The City has some great views. The sustainability aspects of it maximize the views of Boynton Beach. Commissioner McCray stated he was not in favor of moving forward with the design. 18 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida Vice Mayor Katz stated that he did not have any comments. August 21, 2017 Commissioner Casello indicated that he believes that the developers can do better than what was being presented. Commissioner Romelus agreed and commented the City could do better. She also stated that there needs to be more greenery, roof top gardens. Mr. Groff stated that the project needed work. He stated that. we will keep moving forward. This was the beginning. Major Grant asked for a motion to adjourn Motion to Adjourn Commissioner Romelus motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Commissioner McCray. Meeting was properly adjourned at 8:06 p.m. (Continued on next page) 19 Special Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida ATTEST Judit . Pyle, CMC City lerk 4ueenester Nieves Deputy City Clerk 20 August 21, 2017 CITY O&IBOYNTO B ACH Mayor - Steven B. Grant Vie "r -J mi mmissior05:'rfy-Christina Romelus missioner - Joe Casello