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Minutes 08-10-98 MINUTES OF CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM BOYNTON BEACH LIBRARY, 208 S. SEACREST BLVD., BOYNTON BEACH ON MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 1998 at 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Shirley Jaskiewicz, Vice Mayor Henderson Tillman, Mayor Pro Tem Commissioner Jamie Titcomb Commissioner Nellie Denahan Kerry Willis, City Manager Wilfred Hawkins, Support Services Mgr. Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager Sue Kruse, City Clerk Bulent Kastarlak, Development Director ALSO PRESENT Mike Bottcher, President, Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Ginny Foot, Member, Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce OPENING REMARKS Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. and stated that Wilfred Hawkins, the City's Support Services Manager will be facilitating the meeting. Mr. Hawkins referred the participants to the Agenda and requested that the Agenda be adhered to. Mr. Hawkins inquired if anyone had any items that they wished to include on the Agenda. · Mayor Taylor requested the addition to the Agenda of the "Boynton G.A.L.A." which would be Item 3. · Mr. Bottcher requested the addition to the Agenda of "the marina groundbreaking" which would be Item 4. · Ms. Farace requested the addition to the Agenda of "Announcements", which would be Item 5. 1. VISIONS 20~20 MASTER PLAN A. IMPLICATIONS AND TRANSFORMATION FOR EXISTING NON- CONFORMING PROPERTIES Mr. Hawkins inquired if a member of the Chamber of Commerce wished to introduce this first item. Mr. Bottcher stated that currently there are businesses doing business, which are not part of the Master Plan. However they are ongoing viable businesses. Some of these businesses have plans to upgrade their properties and are unable to WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 have their plans approved for upgrading and permits were denied. Mr. Bottcher stated this would eventually put these businesses out of business. Lee Wische, Chairman of the City's Planning and Development Board inquired as to what Mr. Bottcher meant when he stated business owners couldn't get "permits". Mr. BOttcher stated that a car dealership inquired about adding automobile rentals, but this is not included in the Master Plan. Also, Mobil Tech requested the addition of two bays to meet franchise standards, and these permits were not approved. Mr. Bottcher stated these companies are still in business and these businesses want to know what the future holds for them in Boynton Beach. Mayor Tay or questioned how the Chamber of Commerce feels about these businesses, which are non-conforming use businesses. The Master Plan does not foresee these types of businesses for Boynton Beach in the future. The suggestion was made of having a transitional period for these businesses. City Manager Willis stated that the current code does not allow these types of business to expand. Ms. Foot questioned if these businesses do not relocate, they cannot improve their property. City Manager Willis stated these businesses could improve their properties; they cannot expand the properties. Mr. Wische further stated that the petitioners were given this information when they appeared before the Planning and Development Board. Mr. Wische stated the petitioners were not denied the right to improve their property, only the expansion of the property was denied. Mayor Taylor stated that Mobil Tech's proposal was to expand from two to four bays, redo the facade, landscape and move the office to the front, and in so doing would probably block the view of two and one-half of the bays, which would improve their appearance. Mayor Taylor stated that the Master Plan does not call for these uses on Federal Highway. Ms. Foot stated that at some point some of these businesses might need assistance in relocating. Mayor Taylor stated that is a possibility. Commissioner Denahan noted that driving north from Ocean Avenue and making a U- tum before the spillway (one mile), there are sixteen (16) auto related businesses on this one-mile stretch of Federal Highway. Commissioner Denahan questioned whether thiS is what is envisioned for the future of the central business district. Commissioner Denahan stated by allowing these businesses to improve, they will remain much longer in their present location. Vice Mayor jaskiewicz stated that the City of Delray Beach would not allow these uses in their CRA area. Commissioner Titcomb said that at one time the automotive industry was the single largest employer in the City of Delray Beach and now there are 16 automotive businesses that should consider relocation. Mayor pre Tom Tillman stated that as businesses expand and outgrow their present locations, 2 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 the possibility of moving the business exists. Further Mayor Pre Tem Tillman stated this should be dealt with by the business and the City cannot always deal with these issues. Businesses sometimes have to move to another area in order to expand. Mayor Taylor also pointed out this area is a C3 area and unless it is rezoned, it has to be determined what businesses will go between the railroad tracks and Federal Highway. Mr. Kastarlak, Director of Development stated that the automotive business is greatly changing. Automotive technology has changed to such a degree that large establishments must be built to house these businesses. Mr. Kastarlak stated that when the business approached him to expand, they acknowledged they would like to move to another location, but did not have the financial means to relocate. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz added that if one request for non-conforming use were approved, every establishment would be requesting the same approval. Otherwise, the City could end up in court. Mr. Bottcher inquired if there were other non-conforming use businesses on Federal Highway?. It was pointed out that gas stations, adult entertainment, dry cleaning stores and pawnshops are non-conforming uses. Mr. Kastarlak stated that there are duplex houses that are being used as offices that are actually apartments. Also, Mr. Kastarlak stated that if these businesses closed, the buiildings would become boarded up and the area would become unkempt. Mr. Hawkins pointed out that the Master Plan states limited expansion is allowed if consistent with CBD intent and suggested that this issue should receive more planning and discussion. Mr. Hawkins felt that as the Master Plan is adopted the plans would become clearer. The Master Plan calls for more office space to attract a higher caliber of clientele and for more mixed uses. More residential should be introduced since this is What developers are looking for. City Manager Willis stated that oveday zones would be created in transitional use corridors and incentives will be provided to attract the types of uses that are intended. City Manager Willis stated that there would be a formal presentation of the Plan by the COnsultants on August 18th at the Commission Meeting. This will be a public hearing for more input. There are three or four primary redevelopment projects that have been funded for completion in Phase 1 of the redevelopment to be done in conjunction with private sector and the DOT bridge project. These projects will be assigned to staff for monitoring within the next sixty days. Mayor Taylor suggested that there might be a six-month moratorium on any upgrading if new overlays are being planned. Mr. Kastarlak stated the trend is towards larger developments i.e., the mega-block concept. The City should encourage this type of 3 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 development for large projects; this would weed out the small parcels. This type of development would also rectify the land use situation. Mr. Bottcher inquired what the timeframe would be? Also, during this transitional period businesses will die, as there is no motivation to put money into these businesses. City Manager Willis noted that Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz will be working with a committee to upgrade landscaping and signage requirements and also financial assistance areas will be reviewed for upgrading to the new code requirements. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated it was important that all businesses upgrade and that financial assistance be provided to those business needing help. Mr. Kastadak stated that incubator businesses will be encouraged and can grow in the proper environment. Mr. Hawkins stated that there is an incubation program that will be located in the Prime Bank Plaza and space will be available for small businesses to set up and a cOnstruction management program will be offered co-sponsored by FAU. To summarize, Mr. Hawkins stated - The City recognizes the issue of non-conforming businesses must be addressed. The City is in transition and those businesses will need assistance during the transition period. As far as the timeframe is concerned, Mr. Hawkins stated that the Commissioners will be adopting the Master Plan and the City will be adopting some priority projects in the downtown area. This should determine how the market drives the real estate over the next two to three years. B. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD AND PROMENADE Mr. Hawkins said that certain environmental issues need to be addressed. Some of the environmental agencies have expressed concern about how the development would affect the current eco-system. Mr. Kastarlak said that he invited a representative from the South Florida Water Management District to the City. Mr. Kastarlak discussed the proposed project with the SFWMD representative, specifically the promenade with the mangrove park and waterfront project. That representative felt the project was a worthy project and will benefit the City and the area. City Manager Willis said this project would be funded through the Eastward Ho Project. The City is going to request that the mangrove project be pushed back to allow for more time to process the project through EaStward Ho as there will be greater funding opportunities through that Program. 4 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 Mr. Finklestein inquired if the first link to the marina area through NE 6th Street will be developed? Mr. Kastarlak stated that the ownership issue of the land must be dealt with first and then the traffic flow and land uses will be addressed. Mr. Finklestein inquired why the first half would have to wait until next year?. City Manager Willis responded that there are five current projects that will be moving forward while the due diligence is being done to determine ownership of the right-of-way. Mayor Taylor stated that the Promenade Project is moving forward with the start of the due diligence and that other projects will begin simultaneously. Ms. Foot stated that it was important that downtown merchants have vehicular access from Boynton Beach Boulevard. When the median is placed on Ocean Avenue, it will be difficult for people to gain access to those buildings. Mayor Taylor stated Boynton Beach Boulevard would never be closed off. City Manager Willis said that it will be difficult to maneuver through the construction area in the near future and this has to be planned for. To summarize the Boynton Beach Boulevard project, Mr. Hawkins stated- r~; There are legal issues that need to be taken care of. [] There are other projects that the City will be working on in the meantime. [] This project will be phased in to keep the area open to traffic. ¸= OCEAN AVENUE (AND MARINA AREA) CONSTRUCTION: Identify a proactive approach to maintain the area's economic vitality Mike Bottcher stated that the Chamber of Commerce had concerns regarding the businesses that will be directly affected by the bridge construction and asked what these businesses can expect. Mayor Taylor stated that DOT has informed the City that it will take 24 months for the bridge construction and the bridge will be shut down during that time. Businesses will have to plan on this closure and determine how they can attract people to their businesses during construction. The Mayor suggested that special events could be he!d on the weekends in the downtown area that would attract people. Mayor Taylor stated there would not be any parking along the roads during the construction period. AlSo, the open grass area on NE 6th will be scraped down with a bulldozer and gravel will be placed down, making a very large parking area that will be kept open during the marina construction. 5 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 Ms. Foot stated that many businesses on Ocean Avenue have parking at the rear of the building, and there should be signage used to indicate that there is parking in the rear of these businesses. Mr. Sugerman stated that DOT has guaranteed the City that they will work closely with him on a routine basis to properly sign the downtown area for those purposes specifically. Mr. Sugerman stated there would be one lane for traffic each way during the project. Even though the bridge cannot be crossed, it will be possible to travel from Federal Highway east on Ocean Avenue to some type of turnaround to turn back west. This same scenario will exist on the other side of the bridge. Also, the traffic patterns or~ Ocean Avenue could change during construction. Mr. Sugerman stated that on a day- to,day basis traffic should be able to get through. Further, persons travelling north on Federal Highway need to be directed to parking by early signage before they actually drive past Ocean Avenue. Mr. Kastarlak stated an origin-destination study for downtown would be undertaken for the purpose of determining where people wished to travel to and from, and it will be determined how to direct people to the available parking. Br'id~le Project Update Mr. Sugerman informed the audience that bids on the project were opened on July 29th and six bids were received. The bids ranged (approximately) from the lowest bid of $23.4 million; next bid was $29.1 million; next bid was $31.1 million; next bid was $31.2 million; next bid was $31.4 million; and highest bid was $31.5 million. Mr. Sugerman stated that these figures indicate the actual cost will be somewhere between $29 million and $31 million. The Iow bidder of $23.4 could be a problem for DOT. A contract has not been awarded yet. The pre-construction meeting is scheduled for the second week in September to discuss the following: [] [] [] the contract award the mobilization date staging areas traffic flow and signage discussion After the pre-construction meeting, an actual start date can be determined. The first of December seems to be the mobilization date. Mr. Sugerman stated that DOT has committed to the formation of a community committee that will meet once every four to six weeks. Representatives to sit on the committee are being sought and the Chamber of Commerce will be asked for representatives to become part of the committee. The project engineer will also be a member of the committee. Mr. Sugerman stated he has been appointed Project Manager by the City Manager. It has been DOT's experience 6 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 that the formation of these committees enables the project to proceed much more smoothly. Commissioner Titcomb stated that during this construction period the Chamber of Commerce could be helpful with the parking situation, which could become an issue with people very protective of their parking spaces. This situation has occurred in other communities. Perhaps the Chamber could get the word out about the construction occurring in the area to avert any parking problems that could arise. Mr. Kastadak pointed out that the Visions 20/20 Plan included shared parking in the downtown area and this information should be conveyed to the public to encourage cooperation during this period. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz said this could be included in the City's newsletter informing residents of the parking situation in the downtown area and how the businesses downtown will be affected. Mayor Taylor suggested signs should be posted to list all the businesses that are in the affected areas. It was agreed that proper signage was very important. To summarize the bridge construction, Mr. Hawkins stated - r~ Dale Sugerman is the Project Manager who will work with DOT [] A DOT community committee will be formed, meeting once every four to six weeks [] The City Manager's Office will be collecting names of persons who wish to serve on the DOT Committee [] Proper signage must be in place [] Disseminate parking information in the City's newsletter r~ The Chamber of Commerce will assist with public relations Mayor Pre Tem Tillman suggested that the T.N.T. concerts could be moved from Oceanfront Park to attract people downtown. Also, shops could remain open during the evening and it was agreed that the east side of the highway would be utilized for the concerts. Mr. Hawkins informed the meeting that the City's Recreation Department has already begun to address this issue and that more events will be scheduled for the downtown area. Mr; Bottcher inquired if there was a groundbreaking scheduled for the bridge or will the marina project proceed before the bridge construction? 7 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 Marina Groundbreaking Mayor Taylor stated that Mr. Garcia met with the City last week to set up a groundbreaking date. Mayor Taylor did not want to make the date public at this time in the event the groundbreaking did not occur on the date set. However, Mayor Taylor said that the groundbreaking for the Marina has been set for September 11th. First the land would be grated for the parking lot to have parking in place since a large community event is being considered. The Chamber of Commerce is being encouraged to become involved in the event planning. City Manager Willis stated that Mr. Hawkins' project team will be coordinating this event and will be contacting the Chamber to determine their involvement. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz expressed special thanks to the Mayor, former City Commissioner Matt Bradley and Lynn Matson for their vision for the future of Boynton Beach and for the Mayor's tenacity to keep the downtown project moving forward. Mayor Taylor informed the audience that Mr. Garcia has three entities that are vying for thiS project and all three are agreeable to completing the first phase, which includes reStaurants, retail shops and residential use. It was agreed that Mr. Garcia will complete the first phase and when that is completed, one of these three entities would buy him out. The Mayor stated that the ultimate goal is that the marina is built. BOYNTON BEACH G.A.L.A. Mayor Taylor stated that at the last City Commission meeting staff made a presentation on expansion of the G.A.L.A. and its future plans. The Mayor also stated that the City should not be the originator of the G.A.L.A. and that this should become a Community project run by either the Chamber of Commerce or some other entity. Even though the City would no longer present the G.A.L.A., the City would provide the police, trash disposal and any other assistance necessary. Mayor Taylor asked for the Chamber's position with regard to taking over the G.A.L.A. The City is already committed to presenting the G.A.L.A. this year. Consideration should be given to presenting the G.A.L.A. in 1999 in combination with the new entity, and in year 2000 the new entity woUld take over entirely. AlsO, because of all the bridge construction that will be occurring in 1999, consideration could be given not to have the G.A.L.A. in 1999. The G.A.L.A., although it can be a risk, as the possibility of three rainy days could occur, does have the potential for producing a great deal of profit. 8 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 Mike Bottcher stated that the Chamber is currently looking for a signature event for the Chamber, and the G.A.L.A. is being considered. Mr. Kastarlak stated that in creating a destination area, special events would attract people to Boynton Beach. Ms. Foot suggested that the G.A.L.A. should be stretched to Federal Highway since the G.A.L.A. is not seen from the highway, this hurts the businesses in the 500 block. Maintaining the G.A.L.A. around the Civic Center hurts the downtown businesses. Ms. Foot stated that the meetings with the Recreation Department were not very productive and there was not enough communication among the participants to know what was happening. Therefore, the Chamber has concerns. The G.A.L.A. brings visibility for the businesses that are in the downtown area and is very good for business. Further, Ms. Foot would like to see part of the G.A.L.A. on Federal Highway this year and it is important that people can find the G.A.L.A. Different areas of downtown were discussed for future location of the G.A.L.A.'s and the possibility exists that construction will be occurring simultaneously. The question was raised if the holding the G.A.L.A. in March would interfere with the Ocean Avenue construction. City Manager Willis stated that this should not conflict since the same people are involved in planning the different projects. However, Mayor Taylor stated the possibility exists that it could conflict with the bridge construction. City Manager Willis stated staff is looking to implement schedules in conjunction with the projects and would not recommend putting 30,000 people into the construction area. It was agreed that the Federal Highway is a possibility for inclusion in the G.A.L.A. To: sum this issue up, Mr. Hawkins stated that staff needs to be more flexible in planning the layout of the G.A.L.A. and this will be looked at with the Recreation staff. Commissioner Denahan also stated that at the meeting to which Ms. Foot referenced, staff was not flexible in listening to the opinions of the people who were in attendance. Further, Commissioner Denahan stated that it was staffs decision that the residents would not be put out during G.A.L.A. and the consensus of the group was not the consensus coming from staff. Mr. Hawkins assured Commissioner Denahan and members of the Chamber of Commerce that these issues would be re-addressed by staff. It was agreed that the direction G.A.L.A. would take on Federal Highway would be west, because of the bridge project. Commissioner Titcomb also noted that when the Holiday Parade is held, half of Federal Highway is closed down. The Parade runs north and south and this could be considered. However, after discussion, it became apparent because of the addition of new medians on Federal Highway, this direction should not be considered, as the possibility of the medians being desecrated due to the large crowds is a likely occurrence. In all probability, the Holiday Parade may also have to be re-routed. 9 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 10, 1998 Mr. Bottcher restated that the Chamber of Commerce is interested in the possibility of taking the G.A.L.A. over and Mr. Hawkins said that the concerns expressed this evening would be discussed with staff. 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Farace announced that on Tuesday, August 18, 1998 the Chamber of Commerce and its Education Division would be hosting a New Teacher Welcome Breakfast at Bethesda Hospital at 7:30 a.m. to welcome the new teachers into the Boynton Beach area. SUMMARY OF MEETING Mr. Hawkins summarized by saying the meeting was very productive and there have been positive outcomes. Solution oriented discussions have taken place and a lot of good news has originated this evening. Mayor Taylor and the Commissioners thanked Mr. Hawkins for the fine job he did in facilitating the meeting. The meeting properly adjourned at 8:30 p.m. ATTEST: Cit~'Clerk Recording Secretary (tWo tapes) CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH / ...... Co mjml-ss~-(jr~er - 10