Fire/Rescue Contract Negotations Dominates Budget Hearing

The purpose for the September 17, 2015 City Council Meeting was Second Reading of the proposed 2015/2016 Fiscal Year Budget. But as in the previous hearing, most in the audience were there to support Fire/Rescue during Public Comment. After six folks made their comments asking the Council to take action, City Manager Ferris made a substantial presentation on the status of the negotiations. He began by saying that it’s not his practice to negotiate in public, but that he wanted to get the facts out to the public and to the employees in Fire/Rescue who may also not seen the data. We strongly suggest that residents interested in the topic review the City Manager portion of the video with his presentation. Mr. Ferris concluded with his hopes that the union will come back to the table and continue negotiations.

Mayor Jablin believes that during the time he’s been on the Council the compensation packages have been fair. “We want to be in the top 5” and the City Manager’s data showed that the city is. He commented that one speaker’s suggestion that the salary increases be taken out of the substantial reserves wouldn’t work, since the increases remain and in short order there would be no more reserves. Council member Russo said there is way too much emotion and encouraged both sides to ‘come back to the table’, and make the decision based on facts. The outcome would be far better if it is a result of negotiations rather than the Council deciding after an impasse.  Vice Mayor Levy said “our firefighters are the best in the State, if not the country”, and that the Council acknowledges that there is a compression problem and that the negotiations should reach an accord. Council member Tinsley agreed 100% with members Russo and Levy and suggested that all go back to the table, behave professionally and take the emotion out of the decision. Council member Premuroso suggested that both sides forget about dates/deadlines/schedule and come to an amicable resolution. Read the post article on the City Manager’s presentation here.

Mayor Jablin called a 5 minute break so that those leaving could clear the room, after which the Budget Ordinance and associated Resolution were passed 5:0.

 

The Best Budget Ever!

While the primary topic for the September 10 City Council meeting was the first hearing of the 2015/2016 Budget, much of the meeting was spent on Public Comment. The chamber was filled with a sea of yellow shirts worn by members of Fire/Rescue and their supporters. Media was also there to capture the action.

First up was Thomas Murphy, President of the PBG Police Foundation to describe the 9-11 Rememberence Essay competition. Then Fire/Rescue Chief Southard introduced the winners – First Place: Brandon Gitto, Second: Rebecca Newbold, Third: Alexis Simm. For more details see here.

Senator Abruzzo was to give a Legislative Update, but had to cancel and will do so at a future meeting.

City Manager Ferris had no report, but mentioned that the Purchasing Department – Km! Ra, had once again been honored with a prestigious award. Congratulations!

Most of those present were there for Public Comment which was next. The Fire/Rescue contract expires on 9/30/15 and negotiations had reached an impasse. The 6 speakers spoke on the excellence of Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue/Paramedics, how their lives or loved ones lives had been saved, and the primary issue of salary compression. The Council thanked the speakers, but Mayor Jablin said that he couldn’t comment more due to the negotiations. Council member Russo spoke eloquently on understanding the frustration, that a similar issue had been resolved for the police, and that he expected a resolution for this issue as well. For more details see: the Palm Beach Post summary.   Mayor Jablin then offered a 5 minute recess so that those wanting to leave could clear the chambers.

Three additional folks had comments related to traffic in the Central Avenue/117th Court area. All acknowledged problems in the area, but were not in agreement on the solutions. The Council assured them that before any changes will be made, a lot of work still needs to be done and that it will be the subject of future meetings.

Hal Valeche, County Commissioner District One, spoke emotionally about the passing of long-time aide, Cindy DeFeLippo to Commissioner Marcus and then Valeche. The members of the Council knew her well, and had spoken of her loss in a prior Council meeting.

Finally, Allan Owens, Finance Administrator, gave an excellent presentation on the proposed budget. The Council had challenged staff to come back with a millage rate decrease, yet balance that with fulfilling the needs of the City. Mark Marciano, Chair of the Budget Oversight Committee, gave a report supporting staff’s recommendations. The Council was pleased with the results with Council Member Levy saying “solid budget”, Council Member Tinsley calling it ‘most transparent’, Council Member Russo mentioning that it would be the last budget he votes on, and counseling staff to not add employees; Council Member Premuroso called it a ‘spectacular budget’ and pointed out that millage had been lowered for 2 years ina row, that the budget allowed for funding the IG should the lawsuit appeal be lost, and that in 4 years the general obligation bonds will be gone. Mayor Jablin thanked staff and City Manager Ferris thanked all the department heads for the hard work needed to make this budget happen. Note that this budget still grows by 4%, but less than it would have had millage been kept unchanged.

We in PBGWatch – also thank them all for giving back to the taxpayers. Gardens is to be commended to be one of the few municipalities and taxing authorities to not just gobble up the valuation increase wind-fall. See gardens-budget-splits-the-difference-with-the-taxpayer.

The Second Hearing will be next Thursday, September 17, at 7pm in City Hall.

Gardens Budget Splits the Difference with the Taxpayer

The FY2016 Budget for Palm Beach Gardens will be discussed at the first public hearing on September 10.

Property valuations are up significantly this year, and some jurisdictions are reaping large windfalls by leaving their millage flat. The county for example, will see a tax increase of over 9%, which will be their largest budget in history, growing by $61M in new taxes – bigger than the entire budget for PBG.

The Gardens Council is being more responsible than the county and proposes to return some of the valuation windfall to the taxpayer. It should be noted though, that this year’s proposed $51M in revenue is the largest budget to date, exceeding those of the boom years of 2007-2008.

As the included chart shows, when the valuation bubble burst in 2008, PBG increased the millage to maintain flat tax revenue around $50M, then relented in 2009 and let revenue decline below $45M as the economy remained stagnant. Now that there is an increase in valuation (over 6% this year) the proposed millage would be reduced to limit the rise in revenue to just under 5% (on top of 5.3% last year).

If the millage were left unchanged, it would have generated over $52M, so the “extra” $1M (2%) would be returned to the taxpayer.

Compared to the money grab that’s going on at the county, we should be grateful to our staff and Council for their restraint. If you go to the meeting on Thursday, thank them for that, and ask them to stick to the plan. It is still possible to raise the millage (up to 5.67), and some groups may come to lobby for more spending.

First Reading 2015/2016 Budget and Legislative Update on Sept 10

The next City Council meeting will be on Thursday September 10, 2015 at 7pm. This is the first of two City Council meetings in September due to 2015/2016 Budget Hearings. The second reading of the budget will be held on September 17, 2015.  I have heard from multiple sources that Fire/Rescue employees plan to attend the Sept. 10th meeting to object to the impasse on contract negotiations – so expect a ‘packed house’.

Announcements/Presentations include a Legislative Update by Senator Abruzzo.

The Consent Agenda includes:

• Resolution 39, 2015 – which is a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU.  In accordance with the current three- (3) year contract effective October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2017, between the City and the SEIU/Florida Public Services Union, Article 28, Salary Plan, was open to negotiation for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. The City’s negotiating team met with representatives of the SEIU/Fiorida Public Services Union on June 17, 2015, and successfully reached a Tentative Agreement to provide all bargaining unit members a 3% salary increase effective October 1, 2015.
• Resolution 40, 2015 – approving the plat for the new Fire Station #2
• Purchase award/Independent Contract Agreement for a Tennis Professional worth $65K
• Purchase award for Mowing and Landscaping Services for roughly $1.7 million for 3 years, competitively bid
• Purchase award/contract for Medical Director for EMS, for $135K for 3 years.
• Purchase award for Public Art – Repairs, Maintenance and Conservation for around $300K, for 3 years, competitively bid

The Regular Agenda is comprised of  Ordinance 12, 2015 – Public Hearing for First Reading of Ordinance 12, 2015 Adopting the Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Budget with a proposed operating millage rate of 5.55 and a debt millage rate of .1371 for a total tentative millage rate of 5.6871 mills for Fiscal Year 2015/2016.  This is a decrease from last year’s millage; the proposed operating millage represents an increase over the roll-back rate (which would be the same revenue as last year) by 4.02%.  While homesteaded properties will see a slight decrease or little impact – those with commercial and rental properties and second homes will be seeing a tax increase.

See the proposed budget here and read the Memorandum to Mayor and the City Council. The Budget Oversight Committee report can be read here; it is in support of the proposed budget and millage.

The agenda (with links to full detail) can be found here.  Check the agenda to see if any additional items have been added before the meeting.

 

Eligibility for HUD Grants Excites Council and Staff

The August 6th, 2015 City Council meeting ran smoothly, with relatively little discussion on the several Resolutions.  Council Member Russo was not in attendance, and all Resolutions and the Consent Agenda passed 4:0, except for Resolution 37, 2015 (Police Tactical Training Facility) – which was pulled so that Council Member Tinsley could recuse herself due to her husband’s involvement with the project, thus passing 3:0.

Everyone, however, became quite enthusiastic when Resolution 28, 2015 was described.  Palm Beach Gardens population, having passed 50,000, makes the City entitled to apply for HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).  The City must submit a 5-year Consolidated Strategic Plan, along with an annual Action Plan, in order to be granted about $177K/fiscal year.  The funds can be used in conjunction with the City’s existing CAST (Community Action Support Team) program.  The first year’s action plan will focus on single family home rehabilitation for low and middle income home owners – such as senior citizens on fixed incomes, with projects such as new roofs, yard cleanup, repairing substandard homes, accessibility, etc.    The funds should be available in October, after which applications will be taken.  The program is apparently very flexible, and the amount can grow as the population does.

Mayor Jablin began the meeting with a moment of silence for the recent passing of three very active County residents: James Mandell, Judy Kelleher and James Woods.

City Manager Ferris’s report included:

• Thanks to City Clerk Snider and her staff for going digital (to paperless agendas) and saving almost $900K in that time.
• PBG Fire Rescue obtaining 2015 Lifeline EMS Silver Level recognition Award – the second year in a row.
• PBG Finance Department receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 18th year in a row
• City Attorney Max Lohman receiving a certification in government law from the Florida Bar

Public Comment included:

• Kevin Easton and Carol Courtney of the Sunset Drive/40th Terrace neighborhood complaining about the cutting of two 100+ year old trees to create a cul-de-sac.  Mr. Easton asked what trees will the City be planting to replace those;  developers always have to replace removed trees with other plantings.  Ms. Courtney gave a moment of silence for the trees.  Mayor Jablin said that he could not comment due to litigation between the City and Mr. Easton.
• Mark Marciano inquired as to the possibility of the City purchasing just a portion of the Palm Beach County property in the 117th St area, to augment the City sports fields.  Dr. Marciano also invited the public to attend the next Budget Oversight Committee Meeting, of which he is chair, to be held on August 13 at 8:30am in City Council Chambers.
• Sue Ellen Williams questions the over $2 million expenditure for the Police Tactical Training Facility.  The ensuing comments by the Council gave full support for the need for the facility.  The Palm Beach Post summarized the discussion here.

Note that there will be two meetings in September as part of the 2015/2016 Budget Hearings.

Briger Deed Restrictions Irks Council

While not on the agenda for the July 1, 2015 City Council meeting, the topic of the Briger Tract deed restrictions surfaced as a theme several times during the meeting.  All on the Council were troubled by the less than thriving Scripps spin-off results and the deed restrictions which seem to be interpreted more narrowly than the Council thinks is required. While the ideal situation would be to have bio-tech companies fill the zone, the Council all felt that technology companies with high-paying jobs, should qualify for inclusion. Otherwise, many of the occupants of the residential areas in the tract will have to commute, thus creating traffic issues. And the area will remain under-utilized. See the Palm Beach Post’s summary of the discussion here.

Resolution 27, 2015 set the maximum operation millage to a flat 5.67 and set the first public hearing to September 10, 2015. The Council directed staff to come back in September with as low a property tax rate as possible. Council member Russo said he wanted to see homesteaded property owners pay not a dollar more. Council member Premuroso was still working on the amount millage should be lowered. Council member Levy pointed out that the working assumption had been that property valuations would increase  by 3% this year. Since the valuations increased 7.8% he felt the delta should be given as tax relief to the property owners. See the Palm Beach Post summary of the discussion here.

Kayla Abramowitz, the 13 year old winner of the National Young Entrepreneurs Acaemy (YEA!) Saunders Scholarship, was introduced by Beth Kigel, President and CEO of the Chamber of Northern Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. Kayla’s non-profit has received local and national awards. Mayor Jablin also presented her with a placque.

Public Comment included a brief update by resident Barbara Grossman on marine issues with All Aboard Florida raised by Martin County, and safety and code enforcement issues with property on Flax Court raised by residents Robert Mandeville and Gary Pitchford.

The City Manager report included:

• An update by Fire Chief Michael Southard on the brush-fire at Central Blvd and 117th, describing the evacuation of the campers at Timber Trace to the Emergency Operations Complex, and explaining the plans for containing the fire.
• An update by City Manager Ferris on the Drainage Projects in Gardens, Mirasol and Lilac Parks – completed on time and on budget.
• Candice Temple, Media Relations Manager, described the City’s new website. The Council expressed some consternation when noticing that the City’s Municipal Golf Course had been renamed to ‘Sandhill Crane Golf Course’ without any input or vote on their part. Ms. Temple replied that it was a marketing decision, but the concensus was that such decisions should get Council review. Otherwise, they were please with the new look and feel of the website

All Ordinances and the Consent Agenda passed 5:0

City Attorney Max Lohman said that he’d filed papers against the PGA Waterfront Project and that a hearing on the Sunset and 40th Terrace eminent domain proceedings had been set for around Labor Day weekend but that the rest of the project up to the property line was proceeding on target.

Since the City Manager’s performance, contract extensions and salary were already discussed in April, the Council moved to have the text of that discussion put into the record to satisfy the annual evaluation requirements.

Martino: Tinsley – Thrown Under the Bus

Have you been thrown under the bus lately? No, that’s good! Neither have I. But in my humble opinion, Palm Beach Gardens City Councilwoman, Marcie Tinsley, has seen the tire tracks of the City Council bus run over her dedication and hard work, not once but twice. In a sometimes not so subtle way, her cohorts on the City Council, Messrs. Eric Jablin, Joe Russo, David Levy, and Bert Premuroso, at recent Council meetings have thrown Tinsley under the bus.

As the City Council bus made its only scheduled April 2015 Council chamber stop, City Council members, Eric Jablin, Joe Russo, David Levy, and Bert Premuroso threw the lone female member Marcie Tinsley’s attempt at elevating herself to the ceremonial positions of Mayor or Vice-Mayor under the bus. In a unanimous vote the Council voted to appoint Eric Jablin as the new Mayor. In a 4 to 1 vote with Tinsley voting for herself, her fellow Council members elected Levy as the new Vice-Mayor for the coming year. I must note here that Premuroso, who nominated Tinsley, did not vote for Tinsley, his nominee. Why? In defense of herself, Tinsley expressed her desire to be elevated and honored as Vice-Mayor and/or Mayor, as all of her cohorts had been, citing her dedication and arguing her hard work in office as being equal to her counterparts. Her points were valid. But regardless of her rationales the bus kept rolling. Her fellow Council members stepped on the accelerator while patronizing her with political double-speak telling her she was qualified but that Jablin and Levy’s experience was more valuable and necessary for continuity. The tires of the bus left their tracks.

On its route for June 2015, the City Council bus made its single stop for the month. Again, instead of allowing Councilwoman Tinsley a seat on the bus, her fellow Council members closed the doors, as they coaxed her under the bus once more. Messrs. Jablin, Russo, Levy, and Premuroso would not validate her ticket, a District Park Report, which the Council seemingly authorized in September of 2014. Their recollection of the authorization was fuzzy and left Councilwoman Tinsley perplexed. No matter, the bus kept rolling. Without a formal policy resolution to consider, without a motion or vote of concise policy intention that I could ascertain, the City Council simply verbally instructed Council member Tinsley to advise County officials that the County should retain ownership of the property and assemble a multi-purpose District Park at its expense. It is important to note that this District Park which will exist in the middle of Palm Beach Gardens would be open to use by all residents of other municipalities, such as, Riviera Beach, Lake Park, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, and Jupiter, as well as, all County residents. More tire tracks in the wake of a City Council, which as a body is often dysfunctional and communicably challenged.

From my perspective, by their actions and comments, Councilwoman Tinsley’s fellow Council members have disrespected her efforts on behalf of the residents of the City. She deserves better. She is right in saying she merits an opportunity to be Mayor or Vice-Mayor. Not that it’s of any consequence but for the record I would have voted for her for either position. As far as the District Park issue is concerned it is my considered opinion that City Council has erred again. Palm Beach Gardens does not need a County District Park on this particular piece of property in the middle of prime residential neighborhoods, just as we did not need a baseball stadium on this same Central Boulevard property. In my opinion, the City should negotiate for the outright purchase of the property and comprehensively plan its use to suit Palm Beach Gardens residents.

Finally, by virtue of her being elected on two occasions to the City Council by substantial margins, Councilwoman Tinsley not only deserves a seat on the City Council bus, but because of the voters’ trust she owns one.

“BUILD TODAY FOR TOMORROW’S NEEDS WITH TODAY’S MONEY”

Much of the public comment and discussion at the June City Council meeting was directed at Ordinance 10, 2015, and spending plans for the proposed PBG Golf Course Club House; 11 people spoke in favor. But before Finance Director Allan Owens began, City Manager Ferris gave a presentation about the uniqueness and forward thinking approach of the City. He recounted all the cases in the last 15 years, where the city ‘went big’and built not for current needs, but future needs – listing the PGA Flyover, Burns Rd Gym/Aquatic Center (cat 5 ready), Burns Road widening, Emergency Operations Center, Kyoto Gardens Drive (4 lanes instead of 2), and Mirasol Park.

He used the mantra, reworded a little bit differently each time “build today for the needs of tomorrow with today’s money“.  Of course the money he was talking about using was most of the balance of the General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserve Account. Those of you who attended the 2015  Budget Hearings in September, may recall that the Council was initially aghast at then Mayor Premuroso’s suggestion that $500K of the fund be returned to the residents as a millage decrease (it was still a tax increase since property values had risen). Nine months later, however, the outlook (and the Council’s attitude) was quite different as they approved 5:0 the spending down of the reserve fund as follows:

To summarize, the recommended transfers contained in Ordinance 10, 2015, which
impact General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserves, include the following:
1. Supplemental appropriation for Golf Course Clubhouse  $2,288,544
2. Additional payment towards unfunded public safety liabilities  $1,392,761
3. Supplemental appropriation for City Park  $1,200,000
4. Supplemental appropriation for Police Tactical Training Facility $575,000
Total Transfers From Budget Stabilization Reserves  $5,456,305

After the above transfers are made, the current General Fund Budget Stabilization
Reserve Account will total $462,005. Unassigned General Fund Reserves are
unaffected, and will remain at $23,066,106.

Only Council Member Premuroso expressed concern that the fund was being almost totally depleted.

Next month the Council will likely set the 2016 maximum millage (assume it will be unchanged from current) and direct staff to reduce it prior to final budget and return some $$ to the taxpayers. At last night’s meeting Premuroso said he wanted a cut of 10-12 points; Council members Russo and Tinsley also expressed their desire to lower millage. While Council member Levy did not say so last night, he was quoted in the Palm Beach Post last week expressing the same sentiment. Mayor Jablin did not comment on millage – however 9 months ago at the budget hearings, when he opposed the minor millage decrease, he did want to look at the possibility of a bigger tax rate cut this year. We’ll be watching and so should you!

The Palm Beach Post covered the Golf Club House discussion here.

All Ordinances and Resolutions passed 5:0

The final discussions and City Attorney report were also of interest:

Citizen Survey Results – Council member Tinsley suggested that there be some form of local transit – perhaps akin to Molly’s Trollies in WPB. She had done some research on alternatives, but in general the rest of the Council was cool to the idea – until/unless Palm Beach Gardens got a Tri-Rail station. Mayor Jablin’s opinion was that only tourists/visitors would be interested in this option.  However all welcomed any private enterprise or the Chamber, if they wished to provide such a service.

North County Park – Council Member Tinsley had been the focal point to review options of the North County District Park (currently owned by the County near the PBG Tennis Center). She discussed what had occurred up until now at the County level, and discussion with District 1 Commissioner Hal Valeche. The Council was also cool to pursuing any aspect of the park and suggested that Hal ‘run with it’. Mr. Ferris did summarize by saying that anything the County proposes would have to have final approval by Palm Beach Gardens – with security, maintenance, traffic issues all impacting the City. The Council anticipated that such a park would be met with similar concerns and opposition as did the proposed Baseball stadium proposed for the site and they were not looking for trouble.

City Attorney Lohman gave an update on the PGA Waterfront project. The Developer went to the County with their updated proposal, and reviewed it with several groups and municipalities, but specifically excluding Palm Beach Gardens. While the City did attend the Board of County Commissioner (BCC) Meeting and express the City’s concerns, they were ignored. Two major issues that the City has are 1) failure to include a right turn lane on PGA Blvd onto Ellison Wilson 2) inability of the PB Gardens Fire/Rescue ladder truck to be able to physically enter the property. The latter is key as historically 50% of all calls to the site were responded to by PB Gardens Fire/Rescue. Lohman requested and received a 5:0 motion to let him proceed with a writ to challenge the approval of the project so that the City’s objections could be heard by the County.

No to All Aboard Florida Bonds; Yes to everything else

All council members were  present.  Mr. Russo commented he may not be able to stay the entire meeting due to medical problems at home.

Council chambers were filled for the Frenchman’s Creek and Frenchman’s Reserve presentation.  Jane Feinstein and Mik Fernanandi  presented their arguments against All Aboard Florida (AAF), mentioning the lack of transparency with AAF and DOT.  Noise, vibrations, expected slower response times and possible hazardous waste issues with the expected increase in freight trips were also discussed.  They requested the council write a letter objecting to the issuing of bonds.  There are claims that peoples’ rights have been violated because many people have objected to the “bullet” train but that AFF and the DOT said “no local residents have objected.”  They mentioned that a Jupiter and PBG resident have filed lawsuit.

Ali Soule, representative for AAF, spoke for 3 minutes after that presentation in favor of AAF. Two other people spoke in favor of AFF. 5 residents voiced their opinion against AFF. It was a hot topic and the Mayor had to quiet the crowd several times. A motion was made and accepted to send a letter out against issuing the bonds.

Fl. Representative Pat Rooney gave an update on the latest legislative session noting that they ended 3 days early.  No progress was made on the budget and there is a special session scheduled to meet again 6/1/15 through 6/20/15 to discuss the budget and the expansion issues with Medicare/Medicaid.  Mr. Rooney also spoke about the 750K funding for the C17 canal.  Legislation on sober homes is also being discussed

The annual Audit report was given by Marcum LLP.  Their representative, Enrique Llerena  gave the report noting there were no deficiencies and noted that the staff did a great job providing the information.

City Manager proclaimed May 24 Sherri Pla day. The African American Golfers Association acknowledged Sherri as their 1st award recipient for her involvement in promoting golf.

The Consent Agenda was approved 5-0.

Ordinance 4, 2015  repealing and rewriting Chapter 62 (regulations that govern the use of city streets, swales, right of way and public places) was passed 5-0.

Ordinance 9, 2019 repealing and rewriting Chapter 70 (traffic and vehicles) also passed 5-0.  Note that Resolution 19 is a companion item and will require council action on the 2nd reading next month.

Ordinance 5, 2015 (2nd reading) 10 year water supply facilities work plan was passed 5-0.

Ordinance 6, 2015 (2nd reading) Mirasol club renovations passed 5-0.  The companion item Resolution 16, 2015 for additional parking also passed 5-0.

Resolution 18, 2015 to allow a 2000 sq. ft. restaurant and drive thru to be build had some 5 residents that spoke against the resolution. The Brocks changed the hours of operation after council expressed concern. The resolution passed 5-0.

Resolution 17, 2015 Appointment of regular members to the Police pension board passed 5-0 after all persons mentioned were approved by council.

Resolution 21, 2015 Eminent domain of 8511 40th Terrace North for a utility water line was combined with Resolution 22, 2015 the eminent domain to acquire a parcel of land at 8342 Sunset Drive.  Todd Engle presented a slide show on the reasons for the taking.  Carol Courtney spoke at the public comment.  She noted that there were several very old trees, one in particular that was estimated by arborist to be approximately 250 years old.  Carol stated she had spoken to the city forester and the day before and he said he was not aware of the issues with the trees.  Michelle Ball spoke about the close proximity of the cul-de-sac to her home.  Kevin Easton spoke about the problems in communication and the attempts to get all interested parties, like the city forester, fire chief, etc. to meet on site to develop a plan that works best for the neighborhood.  Kevin requested to show some slides presenting his ideas to tweak the current design to save the trees and keep the “gardens” charm that he has enjoyed since purchasing his home (1989.)  That request was denied.  Council instructed the City Engineer to work with Mr. Easton to see if his proposals could be incorporated and to try and save the trees.  The Council passed both resolutions 5-0.

The council meeting concluded at 10:30.

Let’s Be Honest about the “Biotech Cluster”

Yesterday, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to void their interest in the deed restriction that would have prevented “Project Diamond”, the UTC techonology showcase proposed within the “biotech campus” on the Briger tract.  The other government players – Palm Beach Gardens and the state (represented strangely enough by FDEP), concur.  Scripps, while disagreeing that this is an appropriate use, is not strongly objecting.  Kolter (of course), the NPBC Chamber and the Economic Council are all strong supporters.

As part of the complex and expensive (to the taxpayer) deal that brought Scripps to Jupiter, 100 acres adjacent to I-95 was set aside for use only by biotech related enterprises, all part of the vision for a “biotech cluster” in Northern Palm Beach County.

It would seem the deed restriction standing in the way of the UTC project has been cleverly sidestepped by the BCC and the other government players.  They are not “ending the Biotech era” and blowing up the restriction you see, just making a one-time exception in a way in which Scripps cannot object. In Commissioner Hal Valeche’s words:  “You get a bird in the hand like this, it doesn’t come along that often.”

UTC, being an excessively green “smart building”, that “fits the vision of high tech enterprise” may end up being similar to a biotech campus in meeting the 2003 goals, but avoiding the restriction is tacit agreement that the whole vision of the Scripps Project was flawed.  “We’re not giving up on bioscience or biotechnology,” said Commissioner Melissa McKinlay.  Surely not.

The Scripps Project, by most measures, has been a failure.  Although Scripps itself has met their committment in terms of jobs created, the 40,000 related jobs promised when the deal was done have not materialized.  The amount of public money that was spent to bring Scripps to Jupiter exceeded $1M for each job actually created.

The UTC HQ project will be a fine addition to the county and the city, although the amount of cash and tax avoidance they are being given is distasteful to one who believes in free markets and fiscal responsibility.  Clearing the way for them with a deed “exception” though is not being honest.  Let’s just acknowledge that the Biotech vision was a failure and move on.

Maybe when Kolter brings their next non-biotech project forward they will finally admit it.

See:   County OKs UTC HQ near Scripps

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