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Minutes 07-25-97 MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM "C", WEST WING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1997, AT 9:00 A.M. PRESENT Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Matt Bradley, Commissioner Shirley Jaskiewicz. Commissioner Henderson Tillman. Commissioner Kerry Willis. City Manager James Cherof City Attorney Sue Kruse. City Clerk Charles Frederick Director of Recreation & Park CALL TO ORDER Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. and welcomed everyone The attendees introduced themselves as follows: George Stamos. Mayor - Town of Ocean Ridge, Gail Aaskov Commissioner. Ken Kaleel Commissioner. Digby Bridges, Commissioner. Chris O'Hare. Commissioner. Gary Lanker. Town Manager. and Karen Hancsak, Town Clerk Mayor Taylor explained that the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the City-own parcels of properly north and south of the Ocean Ridge Town Hall. Mayor Stamos requested that Mayor Taylor begin by stating the City's position on this issue. Mayor Taylor stated the City's dosition as follows: Purchase the parcel of land on which [he Ocean Ridge Town Hall now sits if the Town of Ocean Ridge has any intention of relocating that facility to another parcel in Ocean Ridge. In ti~e past. there was discussion abou[ the possibility of Ocean Ridge purchasing an 80' strip of land on the south side of the property from the City of Boynton Beach To be used for parking. In return, the Cizy of Boynton Beach would develoo the remainder of the property for expansion parking for the beach s~nce our beach parking is au maximum levels There is a parcel of land to the south of the beach owned by Ocean Ridge. The City of Boynton Beach has no need for that property and interest in it. Ocean Ridge can do whatever it wants with that property. The City of Boynton Beach has no desire to sell any of the proper~y it owns for any amount of money. We want to retain that properly for additional beach barking Mayor Stamos stated that the Town of Ocean Ridge has been very liberal in providing beach parking. The County parking lot was expanded and improved over the objections of many of the residents who did not want parking in the area. This is a residential community that nas attempted to eliminate commercial in order to retain a Iow profile It is the desire of the citizens of Ocean Ridge to eliminate as much barking as possible. The citizens like parks and want to Keep the area quiet. Since expanoec parking has been permitted in another location in Towr the citizens would like to use this parcel for Town purposes such as the expansion of Town Hall. At the ore. sent time. they are not able to exband that facility because the Town does not own the property. Mayor Stamos explained that nothing has been done to this property in the 11 years he has been m Ocean Ridge, and this is unfavorable to the community. While it is used to some extent for parking, it is not designed for maximum usage The Town ,of Ocean Ridge would like to purchase the property since they have been using it for many years. Ocean Ridge has a progressive Commission and they are anxious To improve their town. He reouested the City of Boynton Beach to cooperate in [mprcving that area MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 25, 1997 Mr Kaleel said the overwhelming view of the Ocean Ridge Commission and the community is to expand the Town Hall to provide services. There is a neec ir Ocean Ridge. The Town Hall is very small and there is no other place in Ocean Ridge to relocate and expand the facility to the level that is needed. This is the only option the Town has to expand Town Hall ano public safety. While Mr. Kaleal respects the City's desire for additional parking, he feels there is not a significant enough number of days the existing parking lot is filled to capacity to warrant additional parking. In addition, the community does not want to fill the Town with parking lots. Turning this area into a parking lot would be a problem. Mr. Frederick pointed out that beach attendance deals with good beach days and peak attendance. The City tracks records which show that on a good day, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., we have 500 to 800 cars parking in the beach parking lot. Dudng the season, there is a tremendous amount of beach usage. The cooulation within the corporate limits of the City has 'qcreasea. and the City is contemplating annexation to the west. We will eventually need more parking. Therefore. the latid is c~'itical to the City. Mr. Ka[eel questioned why the 50' pamel to the south of Oceanfront Park is not as essential to the City as the oarcels around Town Hall. Mr. Digby pointed out that we would be able to park I5 to 20 additional cars on the parcel of land located on the east. Mr. Frederick recalled that when the original development of the site occurred, there was an agreement between both parties that the 50' parcel is a right-of-way an(~ no structures woule be built on it. Mr. Frederick said the 50' parcel could accommodate some cars. but it could not provide the number of pai-king spaces projected to be needed, The other piece of proper~y could generate 50 [o 60 parking spaces He rem~nded everyone present that there was a time when discussions involved working jointly to try'to solve Ocean Ridge's Town Hall concerns and oublic beach parking. Mr. Bridges feels it is possible to work out a deal, However one of his conditions would be that Ocean Ridge would own the land and put in a configuration of parking that would not disturb the people to the north and south of the parcel. In addition, the City of Boynton Beach would guarantee the Town of Ocean Ridge 50 parking spaces free of charge at all times. He further pointed out that there ~s a right-of-way in the middle of this land. The gentleman living behind this land would be difficult to deal with if it were necessary to abandon the right-of-way. Mr. Bridges feels Ocean Ridge nas a very strong legal position relative to this land because [he Town has been using it for so many years. Mr. Bridges does not believe the City of Boynton Beach would be able to do very much with the'piece of land on the north He feels the best opbon is for the City and Town to cooperate With regard to Mayor Stamos' concerns about appearance, Mayor Taylor explained that [he City of Boynton Beach is willing to properly develop the property. He further pointed out that the Town has used [his property for parking .for many years because the Cit7 has allowed them ro do SO. The City did not seek compensation, nor did Ocean Ridge offer compensatior n addition there is a fuel tank on the proper~y that is ownea by the City, and there are some environmental concerns. n response to Mayor Taylor's q aestion about why it is so important for the Town to own [ne proper~ even if the City is willing to provide spaces. Mr. Bridges responded that it is always safer to own When Mr. Bridges posed the same question to Mayor Taylor, his response was that we already own that proDer~y. Mayor Taylor questioned whether there has been any investigation into other locations for Town Hall ~n Ocean Ridge. Mr. Bridges sa~a there is no other place available in Ocean Ridge. t might be possible to annex the 12 acres, but he does not feel that is the right Iocatior Mr. Brioge does not feel there is a need for expansion of Town Hall because the town is presently functioning well Mr. Bridges stated that he might be willing to change his position on ownership, but there would have to be very strict control. The Town of Ocean MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 25, 1997 Ridge would need a large area n front for fire vehicles aha public safety vehicles. In his opinion, that would involve the entire front area of the parcel Mayor Taylor agreed that the Town has a need for parking, and the City is willing to work with the Town. He explained that the City of Boynton Beach is open to working with Ocean Ridge. Mayor Stamos said the people of the Town do not like parking. This is a small community and they want to keep ~t a quiet town. Mayor Stamos is totally opposed to expansion of additional parking. He said there is additiona~ parking that is not being used at the new County parking lot. If the City needs oarking in the future, it should make other arrangements. The purpose of this meeting was to try to come to an equitable resolution of this situation. He had no intention of agreeing to expanded parking, and he will do everything he can do to oppose 156 parking spaces. He feels there is already sufficient pavement, and he would not want to expand on it Commissioner Jaskiewicz pointed out that Mayor Stamos position is equitable for the Town of Ocean Ridge, but not for the City of Boynton Beach. The City's biggest asset is its access to the beach. As a representative of the citizens of Boynton Beach she will not deny anyone the dght to beach access. The residents of Ocean Ridge have the privilege of using the beach without the Town having to pave a parking lot because they are using our parking lot with the same option that we. as residents and taxpayers have at the present time If Ocean Ridge developed its own beach ~t would have to provide impervious area to accommodate beach users, When the original agreements were drawn. Boynton Beach had a population of approximately 16,000. We now have more than 50.000 residents In addition we are now receiving requests for beach decals frorr COWBRA because they know Ocean Ridge has the same beach privileges as the residents of the City. It will be necessary For us to orovide more parking spaces in the future. With regard to the County beach. Commissioner Jaskiewicz explained that on many occasions she has been unable to park in that lot because of the number of people using the beach Mayor Stamos said the Town of Ocean Ridge approved the parking for the County park even thougi~ he was against it. However. Mr Bridges pointed out that the Town approved the parking in order to get beach renourishment Commissioner Tillman pointed out that many of the issues being discussed are "water under the bridge' The County parking nas nothing to do with the City. He recommended that a committee be formed with members from both sides to discuss what each side wants. He believes th s issue can be resolved if the City can provide the buffering to make the parking lot aesthetically [~leasing. He explained that the could be developed n a way so as not to appear developed The City will not give up land it owns. However. he feels the issues can be ironed out if this is a joint venture Mr. Kaleel feels there could De a cooperative effort. He is not opposed to putting m a parking lot when the Town Hall is expanded. However from a needs standpoint, the Town of Ocean Ridge needs the property and must have control over it to provide services. He would like to propose something that would provide some parking. He inquired as to how many parking spaces the City wants He does not beheve environmentally-sensitive land should be turned into a parking lot. Mr. Frederick pointed out that the City has no intention of taking any of the mangroves. Mr. Kaleel feels the Towr neeas to control the needs for public safety. He acknowledged that the Town of Ocean Ridge ~s receiving the benefit of beach usage. Therefore. there is room for a cooperative effort. Mr Bridges added that the Town wants to provide more services for its residents, t is possible that the Town will need more space in the future. There is always room for compromise The Town of Ocean Ridge would require open oarking. He is supportive of forming a committee to try to resolve this issue. 3 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 25,1997 Mr. FredencK questioned why Mr. Bridges felt the right-of-way is a major problem since the City would have to provide access into the Town Hall and the parking. Mayor Taylor reminded those present that the County parking lot was not the City's suggesbon. Mr Frederick added that the issue was initiated by Ocean Ridge. Mr. Bridges confirmed that it was done to get the hammock parking down around the beach The hammock parking was approved because Town wanted beach renourishment. Mr. Frederick agreed that it was a good idea cecause it consolidated the parking. Mr. O'Hare does not feel that what is being proposed is mutually exclusive. Since the City needs 50 to 60 ~arking spaces during peak hours, and OCean Ridge uses the parking during the evening hours. ~he Town of Ocean Ridge could develop the propeAy and guarantee the City of Boynton Beach the use of those 50 or 60 spaces during the peal~ hours. During other times Ocean Ridge will be cleaning and maintaining the property; therefore they should own it. Mayor Stamos feels anything that is done must be done cooparat~vely. He reiterated that he is opposed to additional parking because the peoole of the Town do not want t. In addition, he is opposed to the establishment ora committee. He feels this is a decision the Commissions should make Mayor Taylor pointed out that Mr Bridges said 50 spaces are needed by Ocean Ridge. The City would like to have as many spaces as 0ossible. Mr. Bridges feels [he right-of-way is very important. If Ocean Ridge expands to the south, they will be in the right-of-way. If they exeand to the north, they will cut dowr on potential parking for the City. it is impor[ant to eliminate [he right-of-way so that Ocean Ridge can expand to the south Additional parking can be added on the r~orth and west. Using the ~)lan that was included in the back-ue material the maximum numoer of spaces that could be provided appeared to be approximately 84 without counting the land to the north Mr. Frederick reminded everyone that very unique things are being done with uarking lot designs especially when the spaces are only being used at peak times. They are not doing full asphalt. There are concepts available for the design of the parking lot so that anyone traveling A1A would not know a parking lot exists at that location. Mayor Taylor pointed out that if the City sold Ocean Ridge the north side, they coulc expand the Town Hall ana still have 27 spaces on the north side. The City of Boynton Beach would then retain the proper~y on the south side. Commissioner Bradley exelained that control is a main issue for the City eecause [here are constant questions from citizens a~out why we gave away that ocean ~roperty. He questioned whether it would be cessible to do parking on the grass City Manager Willis suggested having two people from each side sit down ana look at desigmng the entire area and working out a joint use agreement This will maximize the use of the property. Paving is not a necessity. There are options available if both sides work together. Mr. O'Hare agreed that a joint agreement would guarantee the City the parking spaces it neeos However he still feels the need for the Town to own the properzy. Mr. Kaleel feels that both sides are beginning to recognize that each side has needs and are willing To arrange a structure that will accommodate maximization of both without going to extremes At first, both 4 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH., FLORIDA JULY 25, 1997 sides took extreme Dositions He feels that one solution may be to parcel off one part of the property, and hold one part of it. Mayor Stamos said the existing parking lot on the south side has never been functional, This is a ~arge area. He was of the oeinion that there were thoughts about trying to improve the area south of Town Hall He does not think there should be an expansion of the parking lot on the north side of Town Hall. He believes the citizens would be more accepting of improvements on the south. He would like to work out a compromise that is reasonable However. he feels the concentration should be on what is currently existing. There is a possibility that he would support parking on the south side. However. [here are residences on the north side. There are areas south of Town Hall that are not being used. Mayor Taylor pointed out that Mayor Stamos' proposal is not a good deal for the City of Boynton Beach. Ocean Ridge is built around a public beach. Those residents do not need additional parking. Mayor Stamos' position would take three-quarters of the parcel, and the citizens of Boynton Beach will oppose it. Ocean Ridge does not want any additional parking because the community can :)ark at the beach. However. the City of Boynton Beach needs more parking. Mr. O'Hare feels we are not mutually exclusive Therefore. Ocean Ridge can put in the parking lot and guarantee the City parking. Attorney Cherof oointed out that the appraisal provided by Ocean Ridge included the 50' parcel that the City considered right-of-way. He 'nquired as to what they were comemp at ng with respect to that parcel. Mr. Kaleel said it was thought that the City might have a need for additional beach property. That property ~s very valuable. Attorney Cherof advised that an additional 50' of beach is no good without parking. He questioned whether Ocean Ridge was contemolating the use of this property for additional parking, and reminded them that [he parcel is zoned residential Mayor Stamos said the Commission has the authority rezone that carcel Mr Frederick advised that we are currenty us ng that property as part of the public beach In addition an agreement exists that states th~s property 'Would be beach property without structures. This serves as a buffer to the residence on the south There is an access walk-in area that is being used. Mr. Bridges was supportive of Mayor Taylor's earlier suggestion; however, ne pointed out that selling parking to the citizens would be difficult. It would be nice to own all of the property, but he would be willing [o accept the northern portion and have the City own the southerr aortion The right-of-way will remain in the middle Mayor Stamos proposed that the Town of Ocean Ridge purchase the portion of property nod:h of the existing building and not put a parking ct rtorth of the Town Hall. On the south side they can develop it into a parking area in cooperation with Boynton Beach. There would be no parking on the north or west In add't'or he :)roposed that no committee be formed..He recommended that the City of Boynton Beac~ have the Planning Department develop a proposal that is good for Boynton Beach Ocean Ridge will poll the commur ty to try to determine what is gpod for Ocean Ridge. Proposals can be discussed at a future meeting The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 1997, at 2:00 p.m., in Conference Room "C". 5 MEETING MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 25, 1997 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business [o come before the City Commissior the meeting properly adjourned at 10:15 p.m. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH M~'yor ATTEST: City,Clerk //R~cording Secretary ~wo Tapes~ Commissioner 6