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Minutes 05-22-90MINUTES OF THE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND THE GREATER BOYNTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COmmERCE HELD AT THE BOTNTON WOMAN'S CLUB, 1010 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990 AT 6:00 P. M. Present Chamber of Commerce Gary Ashcraft, Executive Vice President Virginia Foot, President Art of Framing Doris Pastl, President Elect ~ Specialty Advertising, Inc. Robert B. Taylor, Vice President : Bethesda Memorial Hospital Mike Stella, Treasurer ,' McPrint Instant Printing Center Craig Livingston, Past President ~ Burns & McDonnell i~n Barrett, I Coast Line Realty Bill Martin, Prime Bank ~att Tompson, Quantum Corporate Park om Corcoran, McGregor Realty ~ndrea Horne, Boynton Beach Mall r. Robert Guzauskas, Dentist errie Weller, Sun Sentinel ~alvin Cearley, Vice Chairman CRA-Commercial and President of Prime Bank Becky Rogers, Prime Bank City Commission Gene Moore, Mayor Lee Wische, Vice Mayor ~illian R. Artis, Commissioner Robert Olenik, Jr., Commissioner ~rline Weiner, Commissioner J. Scott Miller, City Manager Carrie Parker, Assistant City Manager Don Jaeger, Bldg. Official Johnnetta Broomfield, Director of Community Improvement Laura Widmer, Public Information Officer ~PENING COMMENTS !. ashcraft called the meeting to order and said the purpose the meeting was not to come to a decision making process t to come to a consensus about some of the issues that lace Boynton Beach and to create communication between the Chamber and the City Commission. - 1 MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 Mr. Ashcraft recognized the presence in the audience of Denys "Sam" DeLong, Member of the Planning and Zoning Board; Tereesa Padgett, former City Clerk; and representatives of the media. !,SSUES Board Members Mrs. Foot asked the Commission to consider allowing non-City ~esidents to have seats on City Boards if they are qualified and if they are business owners or business property owners ~n the City. If people own business properties within the City, they are paying City taxes. Also, if they have busi- nesses within the City, they have as much interest in the City as anyone who lives in the City. Mayor Moore advised legislation is on the table to carry into effect what was said. It also has a provision that ~hey must be American citizens and registered voters. Holiday Parade Ir. Livingston was concerned about the downtown and thought ~hey should keep the parade downtown. Commissioner Olenik ~esponded he would like to bring this back up before the ~ommission because of questions he has and concerns people Lave raised to him. He pointed out there are also finan- :ial concerns. Vice Mayor Wische advised one reason it was loved was because of the safety factor. The Police felt it ~ould be easier for them to maintain control with the new ~oute (Congress Avenue between Old Boynton Road and N. W. !2nd Avenue). There was discussion, and Seacrest Boulevard and Federal Highway were also mentioned as possible routes. Vice Mayor Wische determined this issue should be ~eaddressed by the City Commission. i S.i~n Ordinance r. Jaeger informed Ms. Rogers that the Sign Ordinance is lmost finalized. Mr. Corcoran told of a problem a business an had and hoped the Ordinance would be simple. ommissioner Olenik recalled public hearings and joint ~eetings that were held between the Chamber and the City ~ommission. It was his understanding the current Sign Ordinance was acceptable to the Chamber as well as the City Commission. Ms. Pastl and Mrs. Foot never thought the - 2 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 Chamber was happy with the Ordinance, and Ms. Pastl explained. Mayor Moore said the Sign Ordinance is the most onerous Ordinance on the City's books. He stated that business cards under the Ordinance are illegal, and he added that he appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to work on this. After expounding about the Ordinance, Mayor Moore informed everyone the National Institute of Municipal Officers has a Sign Ordinance that has been worked out over the years, and he felt the City should adopt that. He stated that for 1½ years, he has not received any reports from the Ad Hoc Committee. Several people have asked Commissioner Artis why they cannot put out grand opening signs. Mr. Jaeger confirmed that banners and grand opening signs are prohibited by the Code. Flags and balloons are also prohibited. Mrs. Foot alluded to the time it took her to get approval to put up a sign. If that had not been improved upon, she felt everyone in the ~oom needed to work on it because it is not fair to busi- messes. Mr. Jaeger responded that is a problem in the Central Business District (CBD). The City is trying to streamline that. 45 Foot Height Restriction Mr. Martin thought the Chamber took a stand in the past that they would like to see the height restriction lifted in Specific areas of the City, namely, downtown, areas of Quantum Park, and possibly some other areas. The Chamber feels it is critical to development in certain areas. The Chamber wanted the Commission to act on this as soon as possible. Vice Mayor Wische replied that the 45 foot height restriction was put there by referendum. Since it was established'by referendum, it should be removed by referendum. Mayor Moore Was in favor of lifting the 45 foot height restriction in the downtown area, the corridor area along the lake on North Federal Highway, and in Quantum Park, but he firmly said it Would have to be done by a referendum of the people. If the City ever gets funding for a convention center on the ten acres it has south of Shooters, he said there will be wall to wall hotels ten stories high. A downtown redevelopment agency was appointed for the sole purpose of investigating ~he feasibility of lifting the height restriction. Mayor - 3 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 Moore stated all it would take would be a simple motion to direct the City Attorney to put it on a referendum ballot with three choices: Quantum, North Federal, and the down- town. Mr. Livingston felt the Chamber had an opportunity to ~etition the City Commission to put this to a referendum and let the people vote on it. Vice Mayor Wische thought they should make it three separate referendums. Commissioner Artis had no problem with the three areas mentioned. Commissioner Olenik supported raising the height in the downtown area but warned they would have to be careful about how the questions are put on the ballot. Two elections Will be coming up in the next six months. The November election will have the Local Option Sales Tax County wide. If the electorate is not happy with that, they may turn down all questions on the ballot. After elaborating further, COmmissioner Otenik stated they should do some analysis as %o when would be the best time to put this on the ballot. Mr. Cearley thought everyone agreed they have to do some- ~hing in the downtown and also get Quantum Park going. The height restriction is one of the key issues. Mr. Cearley recommended a Speakers Bureau that would meet with the people of Leisureville and other residential communities in the City to speak on this issue. Then the citizens will be informed when they go to the polls. Commissioner Weiner was not against putting this on the ballot. Mayor Moore stated he would instruct City Manager Miller to put this on the agenda for the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 1990 so they could get the votes necessary to put it on a referendum so the people can decide. There will be safeguards. There will only be cer- tain areas where the height restriction can be lifted. For every foot they go up, they will have to go out a foot. By going up, the City will maintain green areas and extra parking. Future of Boynton Beach Mr. Livingston urged everyone to look at Boynton Beach 20 or 25 years from now and said they have to plan Boynton's future now. The City is supposed to get the interchange at the turnpike. The City should seize the opportunity now to grab certain areas. They should talk to the County Commissioners and should tell people they want them in Boynton Beach. The City needs to expand its planning process. - 4 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 Commissioner Olenik responded that City Manager Miller has been working on that. He would like to see leadership from the Chamber, as well as COBRA, involved in that. Mayor Moore recalled that in 1963, the City Commission set forth a reserve annexation area which encompassed from Hypoluxo on the north to Gulfstream Boulevard on the south to 1/4th a mile west of Military Trail. In that area, no new munici- palities can be incorporated other than the Village of Golf. Mayor Moore also thought Quail Ridge was left out. If any- ~hing in that area happened, the former City Planner could invoke his will that it be in accordance with the City's ~uture plan. Mayor Moore thought the City's Comprehensive plan carried forth into that area what Boynton felt would be ~he proper development of those areas. Mayor Moore told Mr. Martin COBRA does not want to be annexed into the City. The City is now in serious negotia- tions with the possibility of annexing Quail Ridge. This Would be a giant step in going west, and the enhancement of ~he City's tax base would be unbelievable. There were comments about the turnpike interchange. Visitors Center ~rs. Foot informed everyone the Holiday Inn at 1-95 has an dditional building they are willing to let the Chamber use ~ractically free of charge as a Visitors Center. It would 9perate as a separate arm of the Chamber but would be self- ~ufficient through its advertisements. The Chamber has a Committee working on this to get it off the ground. Mrs. ~oot did not think there was a Visitors Center in Palm Beach ~ounty. She hoped they would also get one for the turnpike. Adopt An Island Program Commissioner Weiner explained the idea of this is to ask ~usinesses, volunteers, and private individuals to help ~lant the medians with perennial plants that would not take oo much water and use Xeriscaping. Mr. Livingston wondered ~f this could be done along Boynton Beach Boulevard. He added that most of the businesses along there are members of ~he Chamber. Commissioner Weiner said this would also ~nclude homeowners associations and everyone in the City who Wants the City to look better. Ms. Rogers said the Kiwanis ~lub hopes to do this by taking plants from the City nursery. - 5 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 Mayor Moore commented it costs about $50,000 an island, and then you have to pay for maintenance. He expounded about the waste of water and hazards to traffic. Commissioner Weiner agreed the medians did not need Palm trees. It could be done block by block. Mayor Moore remarked that the City Could build 400 units of affordable housing with the money it has wasted on medians. ~ommissioner Olenik wondered if the Chamber thought beautify- Sng the islands was an important issue. Ms. Thompson called ~ttention to the Xeriscaping done by Delray Beach and said it 8oes not take much water. Mayor Moore reiterated that ~iability was another problem, and he explained. ~r. Guzauskas believed the medians were a marketing tool for the City. He thought they had to weigh the factors and Betide what the situation should be. Mrs Foot felt there ~ould be donations, but there should be l~w maintenance planting in the medians. ! Tradewinds Mayor Moore announced the check on the $1,000,000 settlement ~ith the bonding company on Tradewinds was in the mail. i Affordable Housin9 Vice Mayor Wische has met with County Commissioner Carole Phillips. He also spoke to developers, who seemed impressed With affordable housing. If the City does not get this ~tarted, Vice Mayor Wische did not think they would get any- ~here. Although Commissioner Artis wanted to see beautiful ~edians, she thOught affordable housing was more important. Schools ~r. Corcoran understood the School Board would turn the two ~chools in the City over to the City of Boynton Beach. Mr. ~ilier had three or four discussions relative to when the ~dministration of the School District felt the school in the ~unicipal complex could be turned over to the City. He ~tated there is still a need for these school facilities. ~e elementary school will be used as temporary quarters for ~everely disturbed children. With the growth occurring in ~he western part of the County, these two schools are being - 6 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 used as interim type facilities until such time as schools are built in the west. They have no idea when the schools will be turned over to the City. Commissioner Olenik asked whether this was one of the items the newly formed Education Committee was to consider. Mr. Miller replied the School Board cannot see bringing in portable schools. It is easier and less costly to utilize existing facilities. Bus transportation is eas~er. Commissioner Olenik's point was that Delray Beach had the same problem, but their Education Committee has been able to do a lot of things with the School Board. City Manager Hiller responded that he will discuss the matter with Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant to the City Manager and Ombudsman. Surveys Mr. Ashcraft told of surveys conducted by the Chamber. Some Of the top priorities were: 1. Attract new businesses 2. Create new jobs 3. Better communications between the City and Chamber 4. Streamline the building ~rocess 5. Begin now to consider Boynton's annexing plan. 6. Transportation 7. Better interracial relations 8. Decrease crime i9. Affordable housing ~0. Change image of small town to ? 11. Change image of City Commission's annual affair !2. 1-95/22nd Avenue Interchange %3. Ocean Avenue bridge project 14. Quantum Park success i5. Tie together the new and old Boynton Beach ~6. Upgrade communications or industry will not move in %7. Zoning variations 18. Recreational amenities plus child care Image Compliance for Boynton Beach City Manager Miller explained to Ms. Pastl this meant they ~hould discuss how they want to promote the City of Boynton ~each. He asked if they would want a VCR film showing off Boynton Beach, Quantum Park, businesses, residences, the golf course, etc. There could also be bumper stickers. - 7 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION A~D CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May~ 22, 1990 Medians The cost of medians was again brought up. Mayor Moore Stated a great percentage of the cost comes from State grants, which he voted against. He repeated prior statements. Image Compliance for Boynton Beach (Continued) Mr. Ashcraft wondered how the Commission and Mayor felt as far as their support of the Chamber of Commerce to the tune Of the $16,500 the Chamber receives from the City on an annual basis. Mayor Moore felt by taking money from the City, the Chamber cannot be an advocate on many situations. Until the Chamber is independent, on its own, and has no Connection with the City, it cannot advocate defense and ~pport of businesses. He stated he would continue to give the Chamber the money because it is for publicity, and it goes to the Chamber for what it does. After alluding to 6ccupational licenses and someone being told he would be put ~ut of business after 30 years, he stated it is the Chamber's ~usiness to defend those people. As long as they are receiv- !ng money from the CitY, Mayor Moore did not think the qhamber could be objective. He emphasized that adversaries ~re before the Chamber every day, and he suggested the ~namber form a subsidiary committee that will be a watch dog. Vice Mayor Wische disagreed with Mayor Moore. After explaining, he stated the money is well spent. Commissioner Qlenik wanted the City to be a member of the Chamber of ~ommerce and pay dues in accordance with what other busi- nesses do. He felt the Chamber had been very objective. Commissioner Olenik pointed out the Chamber carries the name 6f the City to other parts of the country. When Ms. Pastl becomes President of the Chamber, she wants ~he Chamber to wean itself from the $16,500, be independent but still work with the City. Mrs. Foot felt the City 4hould be paying larger sums of money than the $16,500 because the Chamber will be the group with the expertise, ~ime and talent to fill up empty offices when the City Can't. She thought the Chamber was where the City could ~ut funding to reach out. Mrs. DeLong felt by the City and Chamber working together, a VCR could be done at no cost to the City. Time could be - 8 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 Sold to potential businesses and developers. Mrs. DeLong gave a sample tape to City Manager Miller. Mayor Moore suggested having a referendum with a set percent- age of millage for each year that would go against the general ad valorem taxes to be allocated by vote of the people to the Chamber, as a support group of the City, for industrial acquisition and to increase the tax base. That will take it out of the CitY and politics. There was discussion. One Stop Permitting Ms. Tompson commented that too many people coming into the ~ity have a difficult time because getting plans approved is a lengthy process. She wondered if anything will be done ~bout getting the process through quicker. Mayor Moore ~hought one stop permitting was a drive-in at the Building Department. The adoption of Chapter 19, which was what the Planning and zoning (p&Z) Board had been working on, had Conceptual approval. W/~en you get conceptual approval and our plans comply with the Code, you get your permit. Mayor o°re hoped Chapter 19 would have things to the extent of including a drive-in window. City Manager Miller responded that Mr. Jaeger is working on that. Chapter 19 will be ~resented to the P&Z Boardvery shortly. ~r. Jaeger stated there are two steps in the process. The rst is site plan approval, and the second is permitting. ey are two distinct processes. The permitting process is ~wo or three weeks at the most. The site plan approval pro- ~ess is two or three months. The City is trying to make the iite plan approval process more streamlined. Mr. Jaeger ommented everyone realizes the cost of development is the ime it takes to get approval. Es. Tompson asked what the status was on a manual that could ~e given to developers who come into the City so they know ~hat is required. As part of the Comprehensive Plan, Qr. Jaeger said the City has to develop land development ~egulations in a compact format. The City is in the process df changing its Codes to track the Comprehensive Plan. ~nce the Codes are adopted, the City must implement the ~omprehensive Plan. That must be done by June 30th. Then ~hey can start getting the manual together. - 9 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 Citizens Advisory Committee Mr. Livingston asked whether there is a Committee to help With that process. Mr. Jaeger replied he ~;ould like that, if Mr. Livingston would work with him. i Interchange at 1-95 and N.W. 22nd Avenue ~n response to Mr. Martin, Commissioner Olenik reported the City is in the 4th year of the five year State road plan. if the City can advance funding for the project, construc- tion can begin on the interchange in the first quarter of %991. Deutsch-Iretand has been working several avenues, so the City might be able to sell some sort of bond that could be repaid in the 1994-1995 time frame. Commissioner Olenik Added there are a lot of technicalities he is not fully aware of. He thought the City would be in support of this and hoped the Chamber would be in support of it. Commissioner Olenik expounded on how businesses would bene- fit from the interchange. There was discussion. Commissioner Weiner was concerned because she did not think ~here was any way they would be able to guarantee that the State would do what it says it will do. Commissioner Olenik ~greed the State cannot commit funds from future budgets. !f the City would have the money tomorrow from selling )onds to build the interchange, the State could not commit ~o funds of 1994-1995 to guarantee payment back to the City ~or the return of the bonds. Minorities ]ommissioner Artis noticed nothing was mentioned about ~inorities. Mr. Martin thought more minority businesses ~hould get involved in the Chamber of Commerce. He alluded one man who was going to do something about it, and he ~dded that the Chamber of Commerce would like to see more .nvolvement. There were further comments by Mrs. Foot and ]ommissioner Artis. Mr. Ashcraft hoped the black community lould get involved. He felt that was the key. Educational Committee ~ommissioner Weiner apprised everyone this is a new Committee ~hat came out of the Community Relations Board. After ~laborating, she stated everyone will be seeing a very active liaison between the City and the School Board. - 10 MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 22, 1990 Beach Permits Commissioner Olenik referred to,vacant property west of the beach, which he felt could be d~veloped into a parking lot to provide additional parking for the beach. He called attention to the parking problem at the beach. Discussion ~nsued about whether non-residents should be able to buy beach decals. Mayor Moore stated he would support a $10 fee for anyone in the City's reserve annexation area. He noted ~hey do not contribute to the maintenance of the beach in taxes. There was discussion about the vacant property. City Manager Miller explained there are two parcels. The one south of Ocean Ridge,s Town Hall is currently used for parking but ~as no immediate value to the City. The City could probably get 70 or 80 parking spaces on the parcel north of the Town gall. The Town of Ocean Ridge has said they will not sell ~o Boynton Beach. Dr. Guzauskas urged the Commission not to crowd the residents ~ff of the beach. The City should use its assets as valuable ~ools to induce people to be more receptive to annexation. ge stressed that the City should not sell beach permits to Won-residents for $10. Dr. Guzauskas elaborated. There was ~iscussion about crowds at the beach and parking. ~r. Martin suggested they sell beach decals to people who ave Boynton Beach zip codes and use the money to develop a arking lot across the street from the beach. ! Trolley Service ~ommissioner Artis questioned whether a trolley service to ~he beach and the Mall would be feasible. Mayor Moore ~hought it had failed in Lake Worth. He added public trans- portation is not here yet. , Community Life Center Iity Manager Miller announced that this afternoon ommissioner Weiner called him about this. It is not ~fficial yet, but City Manager Miller said Boynton Beach is to get a Community Life Center. Commissioner Weiner ~nformed everyone this is from last year's funding. Future Meetings ~rs. Foot hoped these meetings ~asls. could continue on a quarterly - 11 - MINUTES - CITY COMMISSION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA May 22, 1990 ADJOURNMENT The meeting properly adjourned at 8:05 P.~ ~ .... ~ Vice Mayor ATTEST: ~¢it~ Clerk ~ Recording Secretary// ! (Two Tapes) / / ~ssl er Commissioner Commissioner - 12 -