September Council: Budget, FEMA Maps, City Manager Contract

The first of two City Council meetings was held on Tuesday, September 2nd – primarily due to the required two 2014-2015 budget hearings.  However many other topics were on the agenda for this long meeting.

FEMA FLOOD MAPS

City Engineer Todd Engle presented details on the proposed new FEMA Flood Maps. The maps have not yet been finalized and there will be several public open houses  next week in various sections of the county. Due to negotiations taken by the City and the County, over 1200 residential property owners in Palm Beach Gardens will benefit from being removed from a flood zone and will see substantial savings on their insurance. Only two residential units still fall within a flood area as do some commercial properties. Congratulations to the staff for negotiating this significant change.

FISCAL YEAR 2014/2015 Budget Presentation and Hearing 

City Finance Administrator Allen Owens, (along with all of the department heads who were there to answer questions), presented details of the budget.  With a hefty 7.9% valuation increase in the city,  the third yearly increase in a row, you would think that the pressure is off both the city and the taxpayer.  Keeping with their multi-year plan for flat millage though, the city plans to spend all of the $3M, 6.6% increase in property taxes.   This windfall revenue will be put to use on personnel costs (raises and benefits), and infrastructure (a police trainng facility, Johnson Dairy Road improvements, FEC crossing upgrades at Burns Road).

Dr. Mark Marciano, head of the Budget Oversight Committee, made a brief presentation with the committee approving the actions and apportionment of funds in the budget. Council’s discussion, public comment and then the vote took place a little while later during Ordinance 15, 2014.

Iris Scheibl expressed concern over the 6+% increase in spending without regard to returning some of the revenue windfall from increased property valuations to the taxpayer. Former Mayor Mike Martino requested the Council to make cuts to the proposed budget to get to roll-back (spending the same as in the 2013-2014 budget cycle). Joan Elias on the other hand, was in full support of the budget and suggested that those who think otherwise should just forego a cheap dinner out during the year to make up for the increase in taxes.

Discussion by the Council was enthusiastically in support of the presented budget and the excellent work done by staff. Only Mayor Premuroso suggested that perhaps $500K from the Budget Stabilization Fund be used to allow a slight millage decrease, the rest were happy to have the new money to spend.  While others on the Council were not supportive, they asked Mr. Ferris to go back with calculations and this will be discussed at the 2nd Hearing to be held on Thursday, September 18 at 7pm. The vote was unanimous 5:0 to continue to the 2nd hearing.

CITY MANAGER CONTRACT EXTENSION

(This item was a continuation of a discussion proposed by Councilman Jablin at the end of the July meeting. His issue was that term limits, if passed, would decimate the council and if the City was not assured of the continuation of the guiding hand of City Manager Ferris, that all organizational knowledge would be lost. He proposed a two-year extension to June 2018.) Councilman Russo started the discussion by saying that he was in full support of Mr. Ferris and after discussion with the City Manager,  would like to propose that the contract extension discussion and transition plans for a new City Manager after Mr. Ferris retirement, be postponed to April 2015 – after the referendum questions have been decided in November. There continues to be significant angst on the Council about the Term Limits questions, especially Q2, and what it will do to the makup of the Council. During the discussion, they did figure out that in June, 2016, when Mr. Ferris’ contract is up, the council would still have at least 3 if not 4 of the same members.  During comment, Iris Scheibl reiterated this point, and suggested that since there is excellent staff, the departure of the City Manager, if it occurred, would not destroy the City. The vote was unanimous 5:0 to delay.

CITY ATTORNEY RFQ

This item was postponed from the August agenda in order to have a full panel to vote. City Attorney Lohman recently left the law firm for which he worked and opened his own. The Council was unanimous in hiring Mr. Lohman to represent the City.

SAVE THE DATE – October 23rd at 6pm – COUNCIL/PLANNING AND ZONING WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS DENSITY POLICY AND APPROACH

City Manager Ferris requested a meeting between the Council and the Planning and Zoning department to discuss the many upcoming projects and to get guidance so that a policy and approach can be developed to discuss density, traffic concurrency and other issues. This was prompted after his observation that many of the projects now coming to them are different than the past – higher density and a different use mix.  Councilman Russo made it clear that this workshop would be only between P&Z and the Council and that no Public Comment should permitted. Ferris replied that yes, that is the way it is traditionally done. Public comment could happen at another time/meeting but not here. (Editorial comment: Perhaps that is true/not true – but we strongly encourage attendance and that you make the Council aware, via email, phone, public comment at future council meetings, etc. of your feedback after the workshop)

PRESENTATIONS

• Team Golf participants were champions and many youth were recognized and photographed with the Council.
• Fire Station 2 (on the corner of RCA/Monet and Gardens East) will be replaced by the end of 2015 with a new station on the property adjoining it, and the current property will be razed and converted. This is the City’s oldest station and in need of modernization.
• The Tennis Center will also have major improvements over the next few years and Mr. Engle went over these as well.

RESOLUTIONS

All but one resolution including approvals for South Gardens Apartments, signage improvements for Gardens Town Square, expansion of the Day Care Center at Palm Beach Community Church (Borland Center), and updated schedule of fees and charges, passed 5:0. Resolution 58, 2014, which was a petition to extend the terms of an existing temporary modular structure on PGA National Resort’s Core Golf Course was postponed until the 10/2 council meeting as Planning and Zoning had not had a chance to review some of the presented material and plans for the property.

The next City Council Meeting/ 2nd Public Hearing of the 2014/2015 Budget will be on Thursday, September 18 at 7pm.

 

First 2014-2015 Budget Hearing (and City Council Mtg) on Wed. 9/3!

The next City Council Meeting will be this Wednesday, September 3rd at 7pm at City Hall.  There’s a lot on the agenda.  Note that this meeting falls on Wednesday so as to not conflict with required Budget hearings from other governmental entities.  Note also that this is the first of two required 2014-2015 Budget hearings for the City.  The second meeting will fall on Thursday, September 18th at 7pm.

Please at a minimum, review the Budget overview letter . If you are a property owner, you should have already received your TRIM notice.  Note that our Council will be telling us that they are responsibly holding Operating Millage (tax rate) flat at 5.7404 mills. Due to the increase in property valuations, however – this means that with a flat tax rate the City would be increasing property tax revenues by 6.14%.  Most of the other governmental entities in your trim notice also propose similar actions taking advantage of the property evaluation ‘windfall’.  This is a return to attitudes and approaches taken during the boom.  It is up to you as active residents to evaluate whether some or all of that ‘windfall’ should be returned to you, the taxpayer, or is properly being used for infrastructure repairs, improvements,  and salary increases.

The Budget will presented early in the meeting under Presentations and will be the first item that is part of the Public Hearings as Ordinance 15, 2014 at which time public comment will be allowed.

The City Manager Report, also early in the Agenda includes 3 items of particular interest:

• Update on FEMA Maps.  The new maps impact property/flood insurance rates and there will be a series of public hearings prior to adoption.  This link shows the dates and times for the Open Houses throughout the County in early September.
• Contract Extension for City Manager through June 2018 (currently ending in 2016) – you might recall that in July, Council Member Jablin “proposed an extension of the City Manager’s Contract for an additional 2 years to June,  2018 – primarily because if term limits are imposed, “the council will be wiped out“.  (It’s important for you to watch the discussion here! )  The motion was withdrawn until the contract could be reviewed, and placed on the agenda for transparency and public vote.  Retirement intentions and a succession plan need to be discussed as well.  It will be on the agenda in the first budget meeting in September.”  It’s up to you as active residents to also determine whether this is a valid action or not.
• Also postponed from the August meeting is City Attorney Retention: Max Lohman has left the employ of Corbett, White and Davis and has formed Lohman Law Group.  The City Manager proposes that Mr. Lohman be retained rather than taking the services of another attorney from his former employer.

Public Hearings include several Resolutions, among them:

• Resolution 53, 2014 and Resolution 54, 2015 making upland preserve modifications and approving a site plan for a ‘341-MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT, WHICH SITE IS APPROXIMATELY 33.93 ACRES WITHIN THE 50.58-ACRE PARCEL 31.04 PLANNED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (PCD), AND IS LOCATED SOUTH OF VICTORIA FALLS BOULEVARD AND EAST OF CENTRAL BOULEVARD AND INTERSTATE 95
• Other resolutions affecting signage in Gardens Towne Square, a time extension for a modular temporary building at PGA National Core Golf Course, and a request by Cotleur and Hearing, Inc., on behalf of Palm Beach Community Church, to approve an expansion of an existing Major Conditional Use for Discoveryland Preschool, a day care within Midtown Planned Unit Development (PUD). The site is located on the north side of PGA Boulevard, approximately 0.25 miles west of North Military Trail. The 2,600-square-foot expansion, located within the existing building, will provide a total area of 6,157 -square-feet of day care use. The Applicant is also seeking to increase the maximum number of students permitted from 85 to 152.
• Updated schedules and fees for fiscal year 2014/2015 is the final item on the Agenda.

The complete Agenda can be viewed here.  The proposed 2014-2015 Budget can be viewed here.

We get the government we deserve – and it’s up to us to watch what they do. Hope you can make it.  If you can’t make the meeting try and watch live-streaming or on-demand.

August Council – Updates on Minto and Plat 1.

The August Council meeting started with the pledge of allegiance. At roll call it was noted that Joe Russo was absent.

Don Hearing gave an update on the proposed Minto project. The project is set to go for approval by county commissioners on August 27 with final vote and approval October 29th. Council members discussed traffic concerns with the proposed 4546 homes and commercial space. Mr. Hearing said that 50 million dollars in road impact fees should help to ensure improvements with the existing infrastructure. He did not say who this money would be given to, or how it would be allocated. He did say that our County would like to see this development happen to rebalance the land use in that area. The project would have sewer and water installed to make it a sustainable area.

There was a Plat 1 presentation update with assurance that code enforcement is working to correct problems. Some problems mentioned were language barriers and tracking down some of the absentee owners. Council member Tinsley suggested grants similar to what the City did to help fix up homes along Military Trail when that area fell in to disrepair years ago. There was no grant money allocated by the council to help fix Plat 1 at this time.

The City Manager report mentioned the fire department rookie training program. A Channel 25 news reporter had joined in the training and did a story on the training. He also mentioned that the police department received an Excellence in Policing Award for their latest Frog_et Me Not Safety program.

The City Attorney issue was also discussed by the City Manager. Our city has a contract with Corbett and White to represent our city. Max Lohman (our current city attorney) worked for Corbett but has left them to start the Lohman Law Group. Our City Manager recommended hiring the Loman Law Group to keep stability and continuity in our city. Council discussed this and decided to put it on a future agenda when council member Russo could voice his opinion.

There was a discussion about the Term Limits resolution passed last month. The SOE (Supervisor of Elections) has issues with putting it on the ballot. Our City Attorney has sent a letter to the SOE and is awaiting a reply. James D’Loughy has filed suit against the SOE. He asked that the city help the SOE comply and compel with the referendum items.

Consent Agenda items were passed 4-0.

Resolution 52 (Elm Street item) the land and maintenance responsibilities were given up. The resolution passed 4-0.

Resolution 49 (City Employee SEIU agreement) passed 4-0. These pay increases will cost the city $159,000 a year.

Resolution 50 (Florida League of Cities annual conference) Passed 3-0. Council member Tinsley abstained from the vote as she felt it could be a conflict of interest as she is the one being sent to the conference.

At the Items for Council Action/Discussion, Council member Tinsley asked the Council to allocate some time on a future agenda to discuss parks and recreation shortfalls. There is a need for more multi-purpose fields for residents. She wants to discuss the options including the County owned property that was slated to be used for the stadium. It will be brought up at the 2nd September council meeting.

Note that the budget will be discussed and voted on in September. The 1st meeting in September will be on a Wednesday, September 3rd. The 2nd Council meeting for the budget is scheduled for Thursday September 18th.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM.

Reference: Letter from Steve Martino to City Council on conditions in Plat 1

(Editor:  This is the text of the letter that resident Steve Martino sent to the Council on 7/11/14.  He also spoke to the issues at the July 10th City Council meeting.)

Mayor and City Council,

The City of Palm Beach Gardens was chartered in 1959. The original 6 plats and plats PGA 1 and 2,
together with some of the later annexed areas, such as, the Town Hall Home sections, can be
considered for senior citizen status.

These areas are the heart and soul of the City of Palm Beach Gardens. This is where the City of Palm
Beach Gardens cut its teeth. Here is where it learned to walk tall and be proud. Many of today’s
50,000 residents may not know that it is here that the cornerstones were laid and the
foundations built on which the charm, character, and beauty of Palm Beach Gardens that we
enjoy today was crafted. The first City Council members, the first City board volunteers, the first
volunteer fire department members, the first coaches, directors, and concession Moms for the
Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association, the first residents who insisted on high quality
levels of education in our local schools, and so on, all lived in these original plats. It’s from the
dedication and hard work of these original residents that the traditions of volunteerism, fiscal
responsibility and high level of municipal services in our City government, and the other great
Gardens’ attributes where woven into the fabric of our City.

In essence, the City Council and City Administration are the HOA for these areas. In my opinion, it is
time long overdue for the City Council to take stock of these areas with an eye toward the
attendant problems that age can and is manifesting. In my presentation at the July 10th City
Council meeting I related some of my concerns and observations about the Plat 1 neighborhood
which is the neighborhood I grew up in and therefore most familiar with. Below I attempt to
highlight just a few of the obvious City areas that need corrective measures…

1. The Multi-family duplexes throughout the City but particularly along Holly Drive between
Ironwood and Lighthouse Drive in Plat 1.
2. City owned property on the corner of Ironwood and Lighthouse Drive.
3. City swale areas along Holly Drive on the east side between Ironwood and Lighthouse Drive.
4. City swale areas along Lighthouse Drive to Riverside Drive.
5. Medians along Alternate A1A between RCA Blvd and the City’s south boundary.
6. Median and city swales along Keating Drive from Northlake Blvd.
7. Paving of Holly Drive and other neighborhood streets and sidewalks in need of repair.
8. Cross-walk, street stop bars, and lane line separators in some areas need attention.
9. Paver stone areas of MacArthur Blvd. as well as some sidewalks could use a pressure cleaning.
10. Canals in general, particularly along Gardens East Drive in the Sandalwood and Meridian areas.
11. The Promenade Shopping Plaza, as well as, other commercial areas in the original plats.
12. Absentee owners of investment and rental properties.

It is imperative that the City Council commit to a face lift for these neighborhoods before the aging
process becomes irreversible. A City Council policy of enhancement, appearance, beautification,
and improvement should be considered now before it is too late. Among many suggestions that
can be offered to solve some of the problems, I would offer the following as a starting point…

1. Identify enhancement, appearance, beautification, and improvement needs directly related to
City responsibilities such as, roads, sidewalks, swales, and medians, etc. and make them better.
2. A review of the neighborhoods to identify the obvious and potential problems, such as the
duplex properties on Holly Drive, and absentee owners of investment and rental properties.
3. A review of city codes and ordinances with the intent to remove the inappropriate and
modernize for today’s needs.
4. Perhaps, additional code compliance officers should be considered for these neighborhoods.
5. Add to WOW program requesting City personnel to identify neighborhood enhancement needs.
6. Reinvigorate the Community Action Support Team and the Property Maintenance Standards.
7. Consider implementing an Enhancement hotline and/or a specific Enhancement link and/or area
on the City’s website that is customer friendly.
8. Emphasize to our residents that the City, in its enhancement and compliance efforts, desires to
be their friend and partner in seeking improvements in a helpful manner.
9. Perhaps, create a Gardens list of businesses that are willing to offer services to our needy
residents on a volunteer basis or at least at discounted rates.
10. Consider an umbrella-type City-wide Enhancement, Appearance, and Beautification program
with resident, HOA, and civic organizations participation.

None of what is needed to provide corrective measures or that I am suggesting as fixes are budget
busting propositions. Taxes need not be increased and assessments are not necessary. The
policies can be modestly budgeted for and cost effectively administered by the City
Administration once established by the City Council. The policies can be administered over
number of budget years, if need be. Quite frankly, it is my opinion that these initiatives, if
commenced and implemented with the fortitude for success, will enhance and increase
property values, thus, providing an increase in property taxes that could make the program
revenue neutral.

My goal, if you will, is not just to complain or point fingers, and so forth. I have no ax to grind. I am
just a resident with concerns. In the main, we have a great City to call our home. I want to help
to keep it that way. Simply said I want our City to be the best it can be every day. Our City’s
appearance is a first impression that should underscore who and what we are. The City’s
appearance is an indicator to those of us who live here, to our visitors and guests who come
here, to our business prospects who are considering moving here, and to our neighbors, that we
value and care for, our properties, our people, and our quality of life.

I look forward to your response, comment and opinion. Thank you for your service to our City.

Sincerely,
Steven Martino

Next City Council meeting on Thursday August 7th at 7pm

The next City Council Meeting will be this Thursday, August 7th at 7pm at City Hall.  It’s not a long agenda but there are several interesting items on the list.

Here are some highlights:

• Presentations:
  • Update on Minto: if you’re interested in PBC western development
  • Plat 1 Update: resident Steve Martino spoke about several issues with this older area in the City.  This is a response from the City.  View Steve’s letter to the city here.

• City Manager Report:
  • City Attorney Retention: Max Lohman has left the employ of Corbett, White and Davis and has formed Lohman Law Group.  The City Manager proposes that Mr. Lohman be retained rather than taking the services of another attorney from his former employer
  • Special Issue Referendum Election:  In July the Council pass Resolution 48, 2014 to resolve an issue between the City and the SOE about placing the Term Limits questions on the ballot, assuming PBGNTL submits the required petitions.  Apparently issues still exist with SOE.

• Consent agenda:
  • Renewal of the City’s health insurance with Florida Blue, a plat change at Downtown at the Gardens, and purchase award for additional benefits – health, life insurance

• Public Hearings:
  • Resolution 52,2014 which is an abandonment of a right of a platted right of way by the City – upon which ownership will revert to Paloma HOA and South Gardens LLC – both in agreement with this proposal
  • Resolution 48, 2014 approving and ratifying a 3-yr contract negotiated with SEIU

The agenda (with links to full detail) can be found here.

See a summary from July’s meeting, an open letter from former Mayor Martino on the PBG Watch website.

We get the government we deserve – and it’s up to us to watch what they do.  Hope you can make it.  If you can’t make the meeting try and watch live-streaming or on-demand.

Award winning Police Explorers and Puppy Sale Ban fill the chambers

Thursday’s meeting was a long one; over 3 1/2 hours.  As is almost always the case, all Ordinances and Resolutions passed 5:0 except for Resolution 47, 2014 appointing former councilman Carl Sabatello as 2nd alternate to the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, from which Councilman Russo recused himself.  Also Resolution 42, 2014 updating the schedule of fees and charges will be held until the September council meeting.

Thus it was surprising to once again see the Chamber filled with people wanting to speak on 2nd reading of the Ordinance 11, 2014 banning the retail sale of dogs and cats in Palm Beach Gardens.  First reading had passed unanimously.  Nevertheless 21 people spoke (10 for and 11 against) – with many heartfelt stories for the resolution, and equally emotional store owners and employees against. When one of the speakers asked those in the audience supporting the ban to stand, it was obvious that most filling the chambers were there for this purpose.

Public comment on other topics included Steve Martino, asking the Council to look at the neglect of the original Plat 1 neighborhoods and asked the Council to commit to act upon it.  Steve Mathison of PGA Corridor gave his thanks and support.  Suzette Navratik requested that a traffic consultant do another study of the PGA Waterfront project area. Doug Frevert wanted to speak against the Church in the Gardens item (opposed to a sidewalk to nowhere), but was missed on that item; he also spoke on behalf of Resolution 48, 2014 thanking the administration for the resolution to preserve the election process.  Iris Scheibl also spoke on the resolution,  thanking staff and requesting that this hole in the process be fixed during the Charter Review.  She also challenged the Council to lower the  millage as the max rate (flat millage)would represent a 6.14% increase.

The annual evaluation of City Manager Ferris had been postponed from the June council meeting.  It was held until the Items for Council Action/Discussion portion of the meeting.    For the most part, the Council members’ comments were glowing.  Mr. Levy did not have any suggestions for improvement, loved how the City had been managed over the last 10 years and said that the millage rate today is lower than it was when Levy was first elected  (Ed. Note: millage rate is not an indicator of City’s revenue).  Mrs. Tinsley suggested that there is always more need for improvement on open communications, transparency, and more workshops like the PZAD one on the PGA Waterfront.  Mr. Russo said that Mr. Ferris took a lot of heat for the stadium fiasco, but that he saw nothing wrong with how it was handled.  He also praised the City Manager’s handling of the Police contract.   Mr. Jablin pointed out that Ferris came in as an interim city manager after the prior one was essentially fired and asked to stay.  He also praised his outstanding staff and their loyalty. Mayor Premuroso praised Ferris’ performance and then listed upcoming challenges for the next year, including the Fire/Rescue contract, Parks and facilities expansion, infrastructure repairs and improvements.  The Mayor also seemed to take offense at clamors for more transparency, but then said they’d be even more transparent.  The discussion took an interesting turn when Eric Jablin proposed an extension of the City Manager’s Contract for an additional 2 years to June,  2018 – primarily because if term limits are imposed, “the council will be wiped out“.  (Watch the discussion here!)  The motion was withdrawn until the contract could be reviewed, and placed on the agenda for transparency and public vote.  Retirement intentions and a succession plan need to be discussed as well.  It will be on the agenda in the first budget meeting in September.

Last on the agenda was discussion of the impact of the Gas Station ordinance recently passed by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners with respect to signage on fuel pricing, specifically cash/discount prices.   Cities are subjected to the ordinance unless they take overt action to withdraw and adopt an ‘ordinance in conflict’.  The ordinance will take effect in 1 year after approval.  Kevin Dalton, an owner of 3 gas stations in Palm Beach Gardens raised his objections to the County’s ordinance, describing impacts to him.  This topic will also come back before the Council after Planning and Zoning have a meeting/workshop with the PGA Corridor and gas station owners.

Recognized at the beginning of the meeting were Justin Autwell, awarded paramedic of the year and Robert Pieris awarded firefighter of the year by local organizations.  Amazing young members of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Explorers placed 1st in a regional competition and were honored for their accomplishments.

Next City Council Meeting on Thursday, July 10th at 7pm

Reminder – PGA Waterfront Workshop, tomorrow, Tuesday July 8th at 6pm

The next City Council Meeting will be this Thursday, July 10th at 7pm at City Hall.

Here are some highlights:

• Consent agenda: Resolution 45, 2014 provides a grant/tax refund incentive of up to $36K to Medytox Solutions, Inc., providing the company moves its headquarters to Palm Beach Gardens and creates 60 new full-time jobs.

• Public Hearings (regular agenda) includes:
  • Resolution 38, 2014 – which sets a proposed max millage for the 2014/2015 budget.  This rate can be lowered at the September budget hearings.  Note that while millage would be slightly lower, this would still represent a 6.14% increase in property taxes!
  • Resolution 42, 2014 which changes the charges and fee schedules for the upcoming year
  • Resolution 48, 2014 –  would allow a Special Referendum to be placed on the November ballot should Palm Beach Gardens Needs Term Limits meet all necessary schedules and petition criteria.
  • Appointments to the Art in Public Places (AIPP) and Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) boards
  • 2nd Reading on several ordinances and associated resolutions including prohibition on dog/cat retail sales, zoning changes, and amendments to the Palm Beach Gardens Police Officers’ Retirement Plan

• Under items for Council Action/Discussion is the annual City Manager Evaluation – postponed from June’s meeting, and a discussion of Gas Station Signage.

The agenda (with links to full detail) can be found here.

We get the government we deserve – and it’s up to us to watch what they do.  Hope you can make it.

PGA Waterfront Project – PZ&AB Public Workshop on July 8th – Save the date!

Many of you have expressed a great interest in knowing more about the plans for the PGA Waterfront proposed project, by the developers of Harbourside Place in Jupiter.    The project will be coming before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) meeting next Tuesday.  Come early and expect a full house!  Watch the Palm Beach Post  for more details in the coming days.

When:  Tuesday, July 8th at 6pm

Where: City Hall Council Chambers

The project is described in the list of Major Projects on the City’s website as follows:

PGA WATERFRONT WMXD PUD (PETITION #: PPUD-14-01-000034)
(PETITION #: CPSS-14-01-000006)
(PETITION #: ANNX-13-12-000007)
(PETITION #: CONC-13-12-000025)
(PETITION #: CPTA-14-01-000027)
(PETITION #: LDRA-14-01-000051)
11401 ELLISON WILSON RD
Project Manager: Peter Hofheinz/Dawn Sonneborn
Project Agent: Dodi Glas
Company: Gentile Glas Holloway O’Mahoney & Associates, Inc
Property Owner: Rocco Cantore, Water Club Associates, Ltd. Chris and Sandra Erneston,
Christopher Doyle

Description: A request for annexation and redevelopment of 7.95 acres of
land at the southwest corner of PGA Blvd and Ellison Wilson Rd. The proposed
development will consist of 150 residential Multi-family homes, a 160 room Hotel,
7,500 square feet of Retail, 35,000 square feet of Office, 32,000 square feet of Restaurant
with outdoor seating, and 30 Marina slips with public and private dockage.

LOCATION MAP	CLICK HERE
APPLICATION	CLICK HERE
DRC MEETING DATE	MAY 6, 2014
PZAB PUBLIC WORKSHOP	JULY 8, 2014
PZAB PUBLIC HEARING	TBD
PZAB STAFF REPORT	TBD
PZAB MEMO	N/A
SITE PLAN OR RENDERING	CLICK HERE
CITY COUNCIL DATE	TBD
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT	TBD
APPROVAL DATE	TBD
ORD/RESOLUTION #	TBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Urbanism and Diversity the Buzz Words from the 6/5 Meeting

The agenda for the evening was very lengthy and the City Council Meeting ran out the clock at 11:30pm – without a City Manager Evaluation, City Manager Report and final discussion.

Different from typical meetings was the very heavy PBG Police presence.  Bags were checked on entry to the building and several uniformed officers were visible throughout the chambers.   Based on the various Agenda items, one can reasonably  surmise that the item with the most public comment, Resolution 30, 2014,  related to the site plan application for the Alton Development (F.K.A. Scripps Florida Phase II/Briger PCD) was the culprit.

Resolution 30, 2014:  This item took the bulk of the evening   Speaking for the applicant, Kolter Acquisitions LLC, was Don Hearing.   He went into very great detail about the site plan, describing how this is a new kind of development for Palm Beach Gardens, representing New Urbanism, discussed diversity in this 360-dwelling non-gated community comprised of town-homes and single-family residences.  (Note:  a quick web search of the terms New Urbanism and diversity will yield many interesting definitions)  Notably different from most developments in our city was the high density of  homes, with all backyards hidden, limited green space, and a lake accessible to all, but fronted by very few of the homes.   Mr. Hearing’s presentation, along with responses by the  Zoning and Planning department spokesman, comments by 13 members of the public and a very long back and forth between the council and Mr. Hearing after the public hearing was declared closed, took almost 2 1/2  hours!  All but one or two of the speakers were from outside the City and had apparently been protesting the development of the Briger Forest for a long time.  They sought no more development in northeast Palm Beach County, lamented the destruction of habitat, animals, and archaeological sites, and claimed the the project violates the law.  Those speaking were polite and were treated with respect – although most did not expect any satisfaction from the Council.  Gardens’ resident Ruth Peeples spoke stating that the development as shown had nothing in the way of preserves, with land being cleared to be replaced with other plantings.  She also objected to a setback waiver which staff had also raised as an issue with the developer.

After the hearing was ‘closed’,  the Council spoke at length about their issues and ideas for more green space, more amenities, concerns about recreational areas being placed far from the residences and across a 4-lane road, and concerns about the setback waiver for a specific 5-unit building, and additional issues.  There was significant back and forth between the very assertive applicant spokespeople who would brook no delay, staff and the Council. Finally, the motion was to approve the resolution with an additional approval of Waiver 6 (which allowed for the setback exception) and a commitment by the applicant to work with staff to add greenspace and amenities.  The vote was 5:0.

A second controversial topic on the Agenda was Ordinance 11, 2014, which adopts new regulations prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats (such as in pet stores).  Stores may sell or offer shelter animals or rescued animals gotten from governmental or approved organizations.  The ordinance was presented by Max Lohman, City Attorney and was introduced/requested by Councilman Jablin.   Those making public comment were all in favor of the ordinance, other than the spokesman/attorney, Robert Sweetapple, who represented the only two affected pet stores in Palm Beach Gardens.    Mr. Sweetapple described the impact to the stores, said there had never been an issue in 20 years and said that the ordinance as written would take effect immediately without a grandfather clause, causing severe financial hits to the store owners.  (He also took time to comment on what he considered the embarrassing ‘lets make a deal’ interplay between the City Council and the developers during the Resolution 30, 2014 discussion after the hearing had been closed.  This later resulted in a short but heated interaction between Mr. Jablin from the dais and Mr. Sweetwater in the audience).  Jablin spoke first and suggested that a clause be added giving the store owners time to deal with any existing ‘inventory’.  The rest of the council was in agreement and the resolution passed 5:0 with the addition of 180 day clause.

Todd Engle, City Engineer, gave an update on the PGA Blvd (West) FDOT improvement plans and Resolution 41, 2014 which the council approved on Consent – opposing any total  road closure during construction.  There was public comment and council discussion on safety and security issues, environmental impacts (pro and con) to the water level raising of the C18 Canal.

All other resolutions and ordinances were approved 5:0 with much less discussion.

Congratulations to the hard-working volunteers on the Community Mobile Patrol Program, who celebrated their 10th Anniversary and were honored at the start of the meeting.  Eight volunteers have been there from the start and have relieved the officers of lots of activities that took them off the street.  The volunteers perform a worthy public service.

Also receiving acknowledgement was Km! Ra and the Purchasing Department for receiving ‘Universal Public Procurement Certification Council 2014 Agency Award’.

Next City Council Mtg on Thursday June 5th

The next City Council Meeting will be this Thursday, June 5th at 7pm at City Hall.

There is a very full agenda this week – here are some highlights:

• Presentation by FDOT on their plans to improve western PGA Blvd
• Consent agenda: includes a plat change for the Mandel JCC property; a resolution by the Council opposing a complete closure of western PGA Blvd in order to raise the roadway; various purchase awards, and a contract with Mark Fuller to design, create and install 3 proposed artistic bus shelters using AIPP (Art in Public Places) funds previously approved by the Council
• Public Hearings (regular agenda) includes first readings on: a site plan approval for a 360-dwelling unit town-home and single-family residential neighborhood in the Briger Tract; an Ordinance which would prohibit puppy mills and the retail sale of dogs and cats within the city limits; an amendment to the PGA Corridor overlay to allow for micro-brewery/brew pub; a resolution describing a non-ad valorem assessment collection for the installation of potable water lines in Sunset Drive and 40^th Terrace and a resolution amending the city budget for the associated water and street improvements; a resolution re-establishing the Budget Oversight Committee.  There are additional first and second readings on the agenda.
• Under items for Council Action/Discussion is the annual City Manager Evaluation

The short form of the agenda can be found here, and  the full agenda can be found here.

We get the government we deserve – and it’s up to us to watch what they do.  Hope you can make it.

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