Next City Council Meeting on Thurs March 3 at 6pm

The March City Council meeting will be held in City Hall on Thursday, March 3 at 6pm.  You can watch it livestreaming either during or after the meeting, if you are unable to attend.

New business includes Resolution 9, 2022 – Avenir Pod 9 Site Plan Approval – A request for Site Plan approval for a 118-dwelling-unit single-family residential subdivision, common area landscaping, model home architectural floor plans and elevations, and typical lot landscaping within Parcel A (Pod 9) of the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD).

Second Reading and Adoption – all of which passed 5:0 on first reading:

• Ordinance 1, 2022 – An amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget to adjust fund balance carryovers to actual amounts; re-appropriate amounts committed from the FY 2020/2021 budget for outstanding purchase orders and open projects; and for other purposes.
• Ordinance 3, 2022 – Referendum Election authorizing City Council to grant Property Tax Exemption to certain qualified businesses, pursuant to Sec. 3, Article VII of the State Constitution.
• Ordinance 4, 2022 – A City-initiated request to amend Chapter 78 – Land Development, Article V. Supplementary District Regulations, Section 78-187 – Special Events.

Consent Agenda includes:

• Resolution 6, 2022 – Lease of Life Safety Equipment under the Fire-Rescue Department’s Advanced Life Support Asset Management Program from Flex Financial, a division of Stryker Sales, LLC, through a Contract with the NASPO Value Point Group Purchasing Organization, for a period of 10 Years – total contract price $3,024,000 consisting of 10 yearly payments of $302.400.
• Resolution 10, 2022 – Accepting Subordination Agreement and Release of Easement Rights from the Florida Department of Transportation for Right-of-Way. Related to the I-95 widening project from PGA Blvd to Donald Ross.
• Purchase award – Emergency Debris and Disaster Recovery Services – openly competed – 5 year contract with no allocation. “The estimated value of the funding of this contract during the 5-year term is contingent on the nature of the emergency event and may be adjusted by the City based on the subsequent evolution of the situation. “

Please check the agenda before the meeting for additions or modifications.

Acceleration of Western Fire Station Proposed

If passed on 2nd reading, Ordinance 1, 2022, presented by Allen Owens, Finance Administrator, the annual budget adjustment ordinance includes accelerating the construction of Fire Station 6 in Avenir. The requested allocation of $6 million for the project would be funded by: Restricted Reserves for Other American Rescue Plan $3,744,066, Budget Stabilization Reserve Account 1,055,934, and Fire Impact Fees 1,200,000. The fire station was planned to be funded by a loan in the future, but given projected inflation, staff calculated that building it sooner and without the need for a loan would both save the City money and provide necessary coverage to the western communities earlier. The ordinance also includes the staffing of 8 new full-time employees for the Recreation Department. The Council was supportive of the proposals and Ordinance 1, 2022 passed 5:0.

The meeting began with a presentation by Casey Mitchell, Director of Golf. The City’s 2021 15th Annual Mayor’s Golf Classic, is the largest event conducted every year, and coincides with Veteran’s Day. She recognized the 60+ staff and volunteers that made the event a reality, along with the sponsors. Dr. Ronald Williams, Jr., Chief of Staff at the VA Medical Center described how funds are used to help find veterans homes. $72691.11 raised this year.

The Consent Agenda passed 5:0 – with Mayor Litt pulling and reading the Black History Month proclamation, and Vice-Mayor Reed pulling the 211 Awareness Week proclamation and thanking the 211 services in suicide prevention.

In other business:

• Ordinance 2, 2022 – presented by Martin Fitts, Principal Planner, was primarily statutory in nature, however there was an explanation and some discussion about the rationale for removing the Urban Growth Boundary. The ordinance passed on first reading 5:0
• Ordinance 3, 2022 – City Attorney Max Lohman explained that the Council was previously granted, for a ten year period, the ability to abate property taxes for new capital investment satisfying certain qualifications or for existing investments if expanded – to encourage economic development. In the last ten years, the only company qualifying/granted the abatement by the Council was the Carrier Corp. The referendum is to renew the ability, and keeps ‘this tool in the toolbox’. The City will undertake an information program to inform the voters and is the only city question on the August ballot. The ordinance passed 5:0 on first reading.
• Ordinance 4, 2022 – Martin Fitts explained that the ordinance would allow covid testing/vaccination sites to be handled as a special event plus increase the time pumpkins and Christmas trees can be sold. In both topics, this allows for easier handling and approvals for setup and logistics. The ordinance passed 5:0 on first reading.

In Items for Council discussion

• Vice Mayor Reed highlighted a TPA Conference that discussed the Beeline Highway project. (Note: Joel Engelhardt covered a recent zoom meeting on the topic in his article here.)
• Mayor Litt mentioned major activities in February including Artigras  and the Honda Classic.
• Council Member Tinsley raised the issue of proposed redistricting maps dividing the City into more than one district. The Council still thought it was too early to raise a concern and weren’t sure whether being represented by more than one district was a good or bad thing.

Next City Council Mtg on Thurs Feb 3 at 6pm

The February Palm Beach Gardens City Council Meeting will be held in City Hall on Thursday, Feb 3 at 6pm. You can watch it livestreaming either during or after the meeting, if you are unable to attend.

Announcements/Presentations:

• West Palm Beach VA Resource Center Check Presentation and Recognition of Sponsors
• Local Charity Golf Fundraiser Yearly Update

Consent Agenda includes:

• Purchase Award: Air Filtration Systems for Fire-Rescue Department – Not openly competed (NA) – $248K

Public Hearings – Ordinances and Resolutions:

• Ordinance 1, 2022 – First Reading – An amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget to adjust fund balance carryovers to actual amounts; re-appropriate amounts committed from the FY 2020/2021 budget for outstanding purchase orders and open projects; and for other purposes – it also includes acceleration of several significant repairs and capital purchases, as well as a request for 8 new Full Time positions. See more here.
• Ordinance 2, 2022 – First Reading – A City-initiated Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to add a new Property Rights Element, pursuant to House Bill 59-Growth Management, and Text Amendment and Map Amendment to remove the City’s Urban Growth Boundary.
• Ordinance 3, 2022 – First Reading – Referendum Election – authorizing City Council to grant Property Tax Exemption to certain qualified businesses, pursuant to Sec. 3, Article VII of the State Constitution.  Background includes ” Pursuant to Chapter 196, Florida Statutes, the electorate of the City of Palm Beach Gardens may authorize the City Council, through a voter referendum, to grant property tax exemptions to new businesses and expansions of existing businesses that are expected to create new jobs in the City..” The City would place the referendum on the ballot for the August 23, 2022 election.
• Ordinance 4,2022 – First Reading – A City-initiated request to amend Chapter 78 – Land Development, Article V. Supplementary District Regulations, Section 78-187 – Special Events…”This update is to allow for an emergency medical testing and or vaccination site, drive-through or walk-up, as a special event type to permit the City’s Development Review Committee to review these uses to ensure that any proposal would not impact the ordinary and normal use of the site. This amendment would also increase the length of time for pumpkin and Christmas tree sales from 30 days to 45 days.”

Please check the agenda before the meeting for additions or modifications.

Quiet Zones In Our Future

Todd Engle, City Engineer kicked off the meeting with an update on Quiet Zones (rail) – a topic always of great interest to those of us who live in the City.  The City will be submitting a notice of intent to create quiet zones for 6 intersections within the City limits (3 belonging to PBG and 3 belonging to Palm Beach County).  The entire Palm Beach County corridor is being coordinated via the PBC Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) which will also be supplying additional funding as needed to do additional upgrades to intersections.  Although quiet zones will be implemented, he reiterated that “Train horns still may be sounded in emergencies or to comply with other RR or FRA Rules!!!!!”  Mr. Engle’s presentation and more details can be seen here.

The three resolutions below all passed 5:0 – there were no comment cards submitted.

• Resolution 1, 2022 – Public Hearing and Consideration for Approval: A request by Centaur (Palm Beach) Owner, LLC for Site Plan approval for a 139-lot single-family subdivision on approximately 70.49 acres within Panther National Pod 12, which is located in Parcel A of the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD).
• Resolution 2, 2022 – Avondale at Avenir Site Plan Amendment – A request by DiVosta Homes, LP for a site plan amendment to approve single-family home architectural floor plan models, elevation themes, and typical lot landscaping for Avondale at Avenir (Site Plan #3) that is located north of Avenir Drive and east of Coconut Boulevard within the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD).
• Resolution 3, 2022 – A request by the Old Palm Golf Club, Inc. to modify Phase Two of the approved Old Palm Clubhouse parcel (Parcel F1) to include a new 17,637-square-foot Lifestyle Center building and pool amenity.

Public Comment was made by Ramona Bean – thanking the Council for their information on covid testing and asking about monoclonal antibody availability.

The Consent Agenda passed 5:0.

Mayor Litt gave an update on Palm Beach County Day at Tallahassee (attended by Litt and Vice-Mayor Reed via zoom)

• PBG requested that conversations re-open about the I-95/Central Blvd intersection to provide for privacy/barrier walls as part of the project, which is scheduled to start in 2028
• SB1824 and HB1415  – these 2 bills provide the details on mobility plans and fees, the details of which give the actions already taken by PBG backed by the state, if these are passed.
• The mayor expressed concern that SB280/HB403 – would have impacts on municipalities – when a single individual registering a complaint about an action could put the entire item on hold.
• She also was concerned about SB620/HB569 – would allow a business to sue for damages when regulatory actions by a municipality causes more than 15% impact on a business.

Vice Mayor Reed said she gets a lot of questions on road safety and pointed residents to the Transportation Comment Map,  Comments and suggestions can be made on the site.

City Attorney Lohman gave a quick update saying that the City was awaiting the judge’s ruling on injunctive relief regarding the City’s mobility lawsuit, in the next few weeks.

Next City Council Meeting on Jan 13 at 6pm

The January Palm Beach Gardens City Council Meeting will be held in City Hall on Thursday, Jan 13 at 6pm. You can watch it livestreaming either during or after the meeting, if you are unable to attend.

There are no presentations or announcements listed on the agenda.

Consent Agenda includes:

• Resolution 4, 2022 – A Resolution approving the plat for the Avenir Pump Station within the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD). “The Pump Station serves as the main stormwater control structure within the development area to control the water levels and water quality within the master drainage lakes. Staff is recommending approval.”
• Resolution 5, 2022 – Lease Purchase of Turf Management Equipment for the Par 3 Golf Course at Sandhill Crane Golf Club, under a Contract with the Sourcewell Group Purchasing Organization’s Cooperative Purchasing Program, and Financed by Huntington Bancshares Financial Corporation for a period of 48 months. Total Contract Price: $390,661.44, 48 Monthly Payments of $8,138.78. Current FY Payment:  $97,665.36
• Resolution 8, 2022 – Lease Purchase of Three Medium Duty Ambulances for the Fire-Rescue Department, under a Contract with the Sourcewell Group Purchasing Organization through its Cooperative Purchasing Program, and Truist Bank for a period of five years. Total Contract Price: $1,602,343.55, 5 Annual Payments of $320,468.71
• Purchase Award – Support Building for Communications Monopole at Avenir – bid waiver, $122.5 K. “The Police Department has provided a single-source justification requesting that the support building be the same as installed for other City communications monopoles to reduce replacement downtime, and maintain familiarity of equipment operations, among other things. The structure is a prefabricated modular concrete building that will host the electronics and communications equipment necessary for the proper operation of the monopole. Modular Connections will deliver the prefabricated building structure with the electronic equipment pre-installed, and the City will construct a pad and install the building.

Public Hearings (Ordinances and Resolutions):

• Resolution 1, 2022 – Public Hearing and Consideration for Approval: A request by Centaur (Palm Beach) Owner, LLC for Site Plan approval for a 139-lot single-family subdivision on approximately 70.49 acres within Panther National Pod 12, which is located in Parcel A of the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD).
• Resolution 2, 2022 – Avondale at Avenir Site Plan Amendment – A request by DiVosta Homes, LP for a site plan amendment to approve single-family home architectural floor plan models, elevation themes, and typical lot landscaping for Avondale at Avenir (Site Plan #3) that is located north of Avenir Drive and east of Coconut Boulevard within the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD).
• Resolution 3, 2022 – A request by the Old Palm Golf Club, Inc. to modify Phase Two of the approved Old Palm Clubhouse parcel (Parcel F1) to include a new 17,637-square-foot Lifestyle Center building and pool amenity.

Please check the agenda before the meeting for additions or modifications.

No Balloons for You! No Waterslide for PGA Resort Either!

The December Palm Beach Gardens City Council meeting had more attendance and resident participation than has been seen in quite awhile. The two agenda items drawing public comment and engendering the most council discussion were the PGA National Resort Core modifications and the Council initiated resolution banning Balloons and Confetti products on City property.

Ordinances 13,14/2021 and companion Resolutions 60,61/2021 – Second Reading and Adoption – “modifications to approximately 2.08 acres within PGA National, immediately adjacent to the PGA Resort Core: As in first reading, Council Member Tinsley recused herself. Everyone else listed their ex partes with the project. Ken Tuma announced that the developers decided to remove the water slide element from the PGA Resort Core plans based on negative feedback from the community. Comments were made by PGA National residents Mike Gansell, Miles Cooley, Judy Torrey, Nancy Hennis, Keith Ahrnoheim, Karen Kantor and Nancy Wieseneck expressing concerns covering noise from the pool and expanded lazy river area, potential development of high rise hotel units, concerns about commercial zoning on their property values, and the need for more pickle ball courts in the community. Matt Moman – a new resident, appreciated the resort’s plans. Planning and Zoning Director, Natalie Crowley, addressed the commercial zoning which already existed on the property and the slightly larger increase in area by the proposed plans. The two ordinances, sans the water slide element and the two resolutions passed 4:0.  See the Palm Beach Post article on the modifications.

Resolution 69, 2021 – initiated by the City Council  – Prohibiting the use of balloons and confetti products on public property, directing City Administration to negotiate “No Balloons and Confetti Products” provisions in applicable City contracts, and encouraging all residents and retail businesses within the City to reduce or eliminate the use of balloons and confetti products – generated additional discussion.

• Comment was made by Edward Evans, store team leader for Party City of WBP: He recognized the good intention but the resolution will negatively affect retailers in the area and may not be supported by most consumer constituents. Balloons create joy and are an affordable alternative for decorating and celebrating events. They’re not in the top 10 for cleanup lists. He had emailed the council copies of a balloon fact sheet. He did say it was a good idea to advocate for expanded consumer education.
• Vice Mayor Reed, the initiator of the resolution, countered that the City is committed to sustainable growth and we cannot risk damaging our resources. This is one of the areas where local government can still take a stand. So this is one of the few opportunities where the city can still exert home rule powers. 30 municipalities in FL have already done such a resolution. She also said it wasn’t a ban.
• Council Member Tinsley agreed that balloon can be a hazard to the environment along with a lot of other things on the streets. But there is a fine line, where does government start and stop? She was concerned about some of the wording in the resolution that may place police and/or the city manager in awkward situations. She also said that education on proper disposal could be placed in the city magazine. One can’t ask a retailer to not sell or reduce sale of something that is legally sold. Hospitals don’t allow flowers but do allow balloons – discouraging balloon use would be tough on that too. She wanted to eliminate section 5 and section in regard to city manager and reword to be encouraging and educating.
• Council Member Marciano reiterated his position on resolutions that he’s made in the past. That they don’t have a lot of standing and it just means discouraging use on city property.
• Council Member Woods said he’d be against if it were an ordinance, however trusts the City Manager to do the right thing and doesn’t see police having to enforce this.
• Mayor Litt made it clear that this resolution DOES BAN the use of balloons and glitter on city property. She pointed out that the resolution IS an administrative prohibition on City Property – the parks, outside at the rec center. The resolution will make the prohibition part of the permit process – just like can’t one can’t bring alcohol, one can’t bring balloons or confetti.

Passed 4:1 with Tinsley voting NO.

Also at the meeting:

• A moment of silence for Ryan Rogers
• Mayor Litt thanked all involved with the investigative work in finding the suspect
• A Honda Classic presentation introduced by Charlotte Brzezinkski, Leisure Services Administrator  with respect to Resolution 66, 2021 – an agreement with children’s healthcare charities in preparation for the Honda Classic, which is a boon to community and to the charities.  Ken Kennerly and Andrew George addressed the Council.
• Public Comment:  Resident Paul Lakind – said malls and city buildings are kept too cold; talked about local ways of reducing energy use since he believes climate change is the most serious problem facing our children and grandchildren
  
• City Manager Ferris listed the various Holiday Events (some of which have already occurred at the time of this writing) – see here for upcoming events.
• A somewhat heated discussion by Council Member Woods and the rest of the Council regarding the removal of the water slide.  He was concerned that the decision was made outside of the sunshine via individual phone calls to council members.   He felt that the decision to remove the slide should have been made on the dais.  City Attorney Lohman did not see a sunshine violation, since the council members didn’t discuss the issue amongst themselves.
• Council Member Tinsley suggested that the Council review  the proposed redistricting maps in January to ensure that the City isn’t divided into more than one district..

 

Next City Council Mtg on Thursday, Dec 2 at 6pm

The December City Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 2nd at 6pm. You can watch it livestreaming either during or after the meeting, if you are unable to attend.

Announcements/Presentations: Honda Classic

Consent Agenda:

• Resolution 66, 2021 – Approval of an agreement with the Children’s Healthcare Charity, Inc. for the 2022 Honda Classic PGA Golf Tournament to provide a public safety grant for Police and Fire Services and related staff services, and the use of specific portions of Parks, as described, for various parking facilities and general operations
• Resolution 67, 2021 – Supporting the Palm Beach County League of Cities’Reevaluation of Lake Okeechobee Operations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act Assessment for the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual.
• Resolution 68, 2021 – Conceptual approval for economic development incentives for Project Arapaima to include an Economic Development Employee Incentive Grant and expedited permitting through the City’s Targeted Expedited Permitting Program. Project Arapaima is focused on medical equipment manufacturing and professional training and falls within the medical device/technology targeted industry for the city. “The company is evaluating key positions across the U.S. and determining whether it should expand a prominent division of its company in the City of Palm Beach Gardens….Project Arapaima is requesting an Economic Development Employee Incentive Grant in the amount of $120,000 along with expedited permitting through the Targeted Expedited Permitting Program. The company intends to create 40 new jobs in Palm Beach Gardens over the next three years, with the new jobs having an annual average wage of $100,000. A capital investment of $32 million will occur with the Project within three years to modify an existing building in the City of Palm Beach Gardens.”
• Purchase Award – Fire Department Data Reporting and Analytics Software – First year cost $108K; After the initial one-year term of the Agreement, the City will renew for additional one-year terms to cover the annual software license/subscription. These costs will be budgeted each year and paid by the Information Technology Department.
• Purchase Award – Local Courier Services – Openly Competed – 5 year contract with no option to renew – $135K

Public Hearings, Ordinances and Resolutions:

• Ordinances 13,14/2021 and companion Resolutions 60,61/2021 – Second Reading and Adoption – “modifications to approximately 2.08 acres within PGA National, immediately adjacent to the PGA Resort Core: change the land use designation from Golf (G) to Commercial (C); change the zoning designation from Planned Community Development (PCD) Overlay with underlying “golf uses” to Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay with underlying “hotel, recreational and incidental facilities related thereto”; and amend the PGA National Planned Community Development (PCD) Master Plan to transfer and reallocate the subject 2.08 acres from “Golf Courses” to the “PGA National Hotel & Clubs” parcel. The request also includes an amendment to the PGA Resort Core Planned Unit Development (PUD) Site Plan to include the additional 2.08 acres within the PUD boundary to modify existing facilities and provide new amenities”
• Resolution 69, 2021 – initiated by the City Council – Prohibiting the use of balloons and confetti products on public property, directing City Administration to negotiate “No Balloons and Confetti Products” provisions in applicable City contracts, and encouraging all residents and retail businesses within the City to reduce or eliminate the use of balloons and confetti products.

Please check the agenda before the meeting for additions or modifications.

PGA Station Development Dominates Nov. Council Mtg

Several development projects were covered during the very long Nov 4 City Council meeting.

PGA Station was viewed by the council (and the developer) as integral to the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay District within the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Resolution 62, 2021 outlined approval of a PUD Amendment to modify the uses on Pods Band C, including a new 8-story, 396-unit multi-family building with a 606-space parking garage on Pod B, modify Building 9 on Pod B, and revise Pod C to include a new 200,000-square-foot, 8-story office building with a separate 998-space parking garage that includes 7,049 square feet of retail space along the north and west facades of the parking garage. The PUD is 30.03 acres, located on the south side of PGA Boulevard, east side of RCA Boulevard, and west side of Alternate A1A. The Council was impressed with fact that 10% of the units proposed within the 396-unit apartment building are proposed to be provided at 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) to meet workforce housing requirements. Staff has been working with the developers for over two years and are pleased with the outcome.  The resolution passed 5:0.

Northlake Square – 7 Eleven – Ordinance 12, 2021 and associate Resolution 58, 2021 passed 5:0. Public Comment was made by resident Ramona Bean, requesting clarification on the level of the EV charging stations (answer: Level 3). Brian Seymour also added that the developer is trying to see if AIPP (art in public places) can be placed on site. They are also waiting on permitting from the county for the planned right turn lane onto the property.

PGA National Resort – Ordinances 13/14, 2021 and associated Resolutions 60/61, 2021 – Council Member Tinsley recused herself from the deliberations due to her husband being a shareholder in WCI – who is doing the landscaping and traffic for the project. Two of the council members live in PGA National (Mayor Litt and Council Member Marciano) and they had slightly differing opinions of the proposed water slide and its impact on the golf course or its necessity. However the Ordinances passed on first reading 4:0.

Panther Pods 13 and 14 – Avenir’s Panther National was discussed in depth at a recent council meeting and on the agenda were Resolutions 55/56, 2021 – site plan approval for for a 27-lot single family lot subdivision on approximately 26.82 acres and for a 52-lot single family lot subdivision on approximately 41 .68 acres. The Council appreciated the clean, modern look proposed and the design book which specifically showed types of homes NOT permitted in the subdivisions. Passed 5:0. The golf course is already under construction and should be completed by the end of the year. A limited number of outside (the club) memberships will be allowed so the course will get some use before the homes come online in 2022.

Also covered at the meeting:

• Weiss School – CubeSat   update- the projects are no longer confined to the Weiss School. As a result of Covid, and the use of video conferencing, there was no need to limit participation to just the school. While the bulk of the participants are in Palm Beach County, students across the country are involved. They have incorporated as a 501C3, are raising their own funds and seeking grants.
• Police Chief Shannon recognized his team as 2021 1st Place Winner of the Florida Traffic Safety Challenge.
• Public Comment was made by Adrianne Pugh (sorry if mispelled) in support of the Proclamation on Family Court Awareness Month, and for the organization on which she is a board member – Families Against Court Travesties.
• Mayor Litt pulled the item highlighting the Proclamation on Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and proposed a new fund with dollars already in the Budget set for sponsorships. She proposed seeding the new “Housing Opportunity Program” with $5K. The fund would pays 1st and last months rent to move individuals from transitional housing into permanent housing. The council approved 5:0.
• City Manager Ferris reminded everyone about the Veterans’ Salute Celebration on Nov 11 at 11am at Veterans Plaza; enjoy a concert featuring the Florida National Guard 13th Army Band which will begin performing at 10am. He also said that the new date for activation of the new Bayhill traffic signal is 11/16.
• City Attorney Lohman gave an update on the continuing trial of the City vs PBC over Mobility Fees, which is underway.

Next City Council Mtg on Thursday, Nov 4 at 6pm

The November City Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 4 at 6pm. You can watch it livestreaming either during or after the meeting, if you are unable to attend.

Announcements and Presentations:

• An Update by Weiss School Students from the Wolfpack Cubesat Development Team and the Aerospace and Innovation Academy.
• PBG Police Department recognized as the 2021 1st Place Winner of the Florida Traffic Safety Challenge.

Consent Agenda Includes:

• Resolution 63, 2021 – Emergency Purchase of Communication Radios from Citation Communications, Inc. by accessing a Contract with the Palm Beach County School District for the City’s Public Safety Operations – necessary to purchase 70 OpenSky radios due to an expected shortage and change in systems – $191.4K
• Purchase Award – Lease of Front-End Loader – Piggyback/Access Contract – 3 year contract with no option to renew – $131K
• Purchase Award – LED Sports Field Lighting Systems for Several City Parks – Piggyback/Access Contract – $337K
• Purchase Award – Installation of LED Sports Field Lighting Systems for Several City Parks – Piggyback/Access Contract – $244K

Public Hearings and Resolutions:

• Ordinance 12, 2021 and associated Resolution 58, 2021 – 2nd reading and adoption – for a new convenience store with gas sales and an accessory car wash on 1. 76 acres. The property is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Northlake Boulevard and Congress Avenue. First reading was 5:0
• Ordinances 13/14, 2021 and associated Resolutions 60/61, 2021 – PGA National – PGA Resort Core – Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendment, Rezoning, PCD Amendment, and PUD Amendment. “The subject 2.08 acres of PGA National golf course property surrounds and abuts the PGA Resort Core property boundary. The requests to change the land use and zoning will allow these golf course areas to be incorporated into the commercial resort property. However, the existing functionality and compatibility of the PGA Resort Core and the golf courses is not fundamentally changing. The expansion of the resort property serves to enhance the amenities that are specifically provided for use by golfers, such as the member’s club and golf teaching facility. The use and function of the 2.08 acres of affected golf course property is not being negatively impacted.
• Resolution 55, 2021 – Site Plan approval for a 27-lot single family lot subdivision on approximately 26.82 acres within Panther National Master Plan Pod 13 located in Parcel A of the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD).
• Resolution 56, 2021 – Site Plan approval for for a 52-lot single family lot subdivision on approximately 41 .68 acres within Panther National Master Plan Pod 14 located in Parcel A of the Avenir Planned Community Development (PCD).
• Resolution 62, 2021 – PGA Station – A request from PGA Building 6, LLC and PGA Building 9 & 10, LLC for approval of a PUD Amendment to modify the uses on Pods Band C, including a new 8-story, 396-unit multi-family building with a 606-space parking garage on Pod B, modify Building 9 on Pod B, and revise Pod C to include a new 200,000-square-foot, 8-story office building with a separate 998-space parking garage that includes 7,049 square feet of retail space along the north and west facades of the parking garage. The PUD is 30.03 acres, located on the south side of PGA Boulevard, east side of RCA Boulevard, and west side of Alternate A1A.

Please check the agenda before the meeting for additions or modifications.

“Infrastructure is Destiny”

Is there a ‘mobility infrastructure’ sur-tax in the County’s future?  There will be if Nick Uhren, Director PBC TPA, and associated municipalities in the County succeed in getting it on the ballot and passed, most likely in NOV, 2024.  During Presentations, Mr. Uhren gave an in-depth presentation on mobility plans for the County, with the theme “Infrastructure is Destiny”.  The current ‘Penny’ sales tax sunsets in 2026, or earlier if maximum revenue targets are reached before then.  He described the County’s current sur-tax as looking backward, doing repair and maintenance on existing projects.  The proposed sur-tax would be looking forward, to a ‘car-optional future‘.  Apparently, Palm Beach County is behind several major counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa, and Orange) in having such a tax – and it takes local dollars to bring in the necessary state and federal dollars required to implement major projects, by requiring ‘local matching dollars’.  Both the Council and City-Manager Ferris were all on board and the City’s mobility plan fits right in with the proposed concepts.  So ‘watch this space’….

City Manager Report

• The Gardens Green Market opened on October 3rd and is on Sundays from 8-1pm with live music
• Palm Beach Gardens Fall Festival will be on October 23 from 6-8PM.  See here for more details.
• Salute to Veterans on November 11 at 11am in Veterans Plaza – featuring the 13th Army Band

Consent Agenda related presentations:

• Natalie Crowley – Director of Planning and Zoning – Resolution 64, 2021 – Opposing Palm Beach County’s Comprehensive Plan Amendment to widen Northlake both East and West.  The County’s plans do not take into account turning lanes and would affect many communities in the City.  It also is premature, since Avenir is in the process of constructing a Connector Route between Northlake and Bee Line, which is designed to relieve traffic.  The western portion of the County’s plan is on the BCC Agenda for Nov 3 – NCNC and Carlton Oaks have already expressed opposition to the plans.  Residents can write to the Board of County Commissioners or come to the meeting.  Palm Beach Gardens plans to object through established inter-local agreement processes.
• Purchase Award for the Design and Construction of the Burns Rd Aquatic Center –  Km! Ra – Purchasing Director gave a brief overview of the purchase award.  Moneys for the construction came from the existing penny Sales sur-tax.

Consent Agenda Passed 5:0

Ordinances and Resolutions:

• Ordinance 12, 2021 – first reading – regarding a new flag-ship 7-11 featuring fresh food/Laredo Taco to be built on the site of the long-vacant Applebees on the northeast corner of Northlake Blvd and Congress.   The store would be more like a local market than a convenience store.  A deceleration lane would be added to the entrance which would aid traffic both to the 7-11 and Pep-Boys.  Passed 5:0
• Board appointments were made and/or reapproved for AIPP, Parks and Rec, PZAB and Fire Pensions – all passed 5:0
• Resolution 53, 2021 – approving and ratifying the collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of PBC local 2928 for fiscal years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024.  Sheryl Stewart, HR Administrator made the presentation;  Jeff Green, PBG Resident, firefighter and District VP for Local 2928 made public comment praising the agreement which was reached with little strife and very quickly.  Passed 5:0

There was no other business discussed nor was there a City Attorney Report.

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