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04-18-2017 Workshop Meeting AgendaCity of Delray Beach Legislation Text 100 N.W. 1st Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33444 File #:17-383,Version:1 TO:Mayor and Commissioners FROM:Caryn Gardner-Young, Assistant City Manager THROUGH:Chief Neal de Jesus, Interim City Manager DATE:April 18, 2017 CARING KITCHEN DISCUSSION Recommended Action: Staff is seeking City Commission direction on the desired location for The Caring Kitchen operations. Background: In 1978,a group of United Methodist Churches located in Palm Beach County came together to form Christians Reaching Out to Society (CROS Ministries).They realized that together they could make more of a difference assisting the community’s unmet needs.Rev.Pamela Cahoon became the first Executive Director.Under her leadership,CROS became interfaith,partnering with other faiths and denominations.Upon Rev.Cahoon’s retirement in January 2014,Ruth Mageria became CROS Ministries’second Executive Director.For 39 years,CROS Ministries has provided food and basic needs assistance to people living in food insecure and low-income communities in South Florida. CROS Ministries utilize the talents of more than 3,000 volunteers to help families and individuals from falling into the downward spiral of poverty, food insecurity, and, in many cases, homelessness. One of the CROS Ministries'programs is The Caring Kitchen which is their hot meal program.The program serves the homeless,individuals and families with low-incomes,people with disabilities,and senior citizens.Volunteers and staff provide breakfast and hot lunches five days a week,evening hot meals four nights a week,meals to the home-bound three days a week,and bagged lunches on the weekend.The Caring Kitchen operations is located at 196 NW 8th Ave.,Delray Beach,FL 33444, two blocks north of Atlantic Ave which is owned by the City of Delray Beach (“City”).A lease agreement between the City and CROS Ministries is being prepared by the City Attorney as well as a Hold Harmless agreement so operations can continue at the existing location. Due to its success,the impacts from The Caring Kitchen have gone beyond the property boundaries. As a result,a new location to allow the program to grow and improve is necessary.The City has partnered with CROS Ministries where it has occupied the City owned 196 NW 8th Ave building since 2004.(From 1982 to 2004 the American Legion Post 188 has leased the property.)The City has offered to lease the Old Train Depot,which is also owned by the City,while the CROS Ministries will provide the monies for any changes to the facilities for the use as The Caring Kitchen as well as possibility expand their services.However,additional possible options for the continued operations of The Caring Kitchen have been proposed and the City Commission has requested that this matter be discussed at a Workshop. CROS Ministries in the process of starting a funding campaign and is prepared to provide a th City of Delray Beach Printed on 4/11/2017Page 1 of 2 powered by Legistar™ File #:17-383,Version:1 presentation to the City Commission at the April 18th Workshop. City of Delray Beach Printed on 4/11/2017Page 2 of 2 powered by Legistar™ City of Delray Beach Legislation Text 100 N.W. 1st Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33444 File #:17-379,Version:1 TO:Mayor and Commissioners FROM:John Morgan, Environmental Services Director THROUGH:Chief Neal de Jesus, Interim City Manager DATE:April 18, 2017 PROPOSED PEDICAB SERVICE Recommended Action: Staff is seeking City Commission direction on allowing a Pedicab Service as a permitted business; and need for rules and regulations to govern operations in the City of Delray Beach. City of Delray Beach Printed on 4/10/2017Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™ Page 1 City of Delray Beach Environmental Services Department M E M O R A N D U M www.mydelraybeach.com TO:Chief Neal de Jesus,Interim City Manager THROUGH: Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager FROM:John Morgan, Environmental Services Director DATE:April 7, 2017 SUBJECT: Policy and Regulatory Considerations for Pedicab Service in Delray Beach Introduction The Pedicab (or bicycle driven pedestrian taxi) is an environmentally friendly, green solution to the challenges of modern transportation with a zero emissions footprint. Pedicabs are adult-size tricycles with room in the back for passengers. Over the past two decades, Pedicabs have gone from the occasional tourist attraction to a more prominent means of public transportation in many cities. Pedicabs have evolved into a viable industry providing specialized services including: (a)Rides to and from hotels, restaurants, and other hot spots; (b)Historical tours; (c)Sightseeing rides; (d)Weddings; and (e)Chartered rides. Pedicabs usually carry up to three passengers and can be equipped with safety belts, headlights, and flashing taillights. The sides and backs of Pedicabs are often used for advertising, offering highly visible moving billboards. Background In March of 1998, the Delray Beach City Commission approved a Temporary Use and Hold Harmless Agreement authorizing a Pedicab Service to transport passengers along Atlantic Avenue. The agreement provided for a six-month trial period to evaluate the potential for continued Pedicab service. The Page 2 agreement allowed for two Pedicabs operating along Atlantic Avenue from State Road A1A to Swinton Avenue. The Pedicabs operated from 9:00am – 1:00am, Sunday through Thursday; and 9:00am –2:30am, Friday and Saturday. The Pedicabs were prohibited from operating north and south of Atlantic Avenue on Swinton Avenue, Federal Highway, and State Road A1A. The Pedicabs were also prohibited from operating during the 1998 Delray Affair. During the trial period, the Pedicab operator requested approval to expand the service area and operate in a short stretch of A1A from the City Parking lot north of Atlantic Avenue, south to Miramar Street.From the operator’s perspective, the service area limitations were too restrictive. From the City’s perspective the Pedicabs drivers often did not comply with traffic laws, frequently impeded vehicular traffic on Atlantic Avenue, and as a result jeopardized the safety of the Pedicab passengers and the general public. The City’s evaluation of the Pedicab Service at the end of the six-month trial period in 1998 concluded that continued operation of the Pedicab service should not be permitted due to pedestrian and Pedicab passenger safety concerns, as well as the lack of City resources to address the increased traffic enforcement workload on Atlantic Avenue anticipated by the Police Department. Current Situation In March of 2014, the President of the Delray Beach Bike Club began meeting with City elected officials, staff, and stakeholder groups to present their business plan for a Pedicab Service in downtown Delray Beach. Founded in 2013, the Delray Beach Bicycle Club is dedicated to promoting bicycle safety and enjoyment. The Bicycle Club believes that Pedicabs can serve as one element of a diverse and sustainable public transportation network in Delray Beach. In addition, the Bicycle Club believes that Pedicabs will create jobs and economic opportunity in an environmentally responsible way, adding value to the economy, enhancing the vibrancy of the City, and giving visitors the chance to connect memorably with the history, culture, natural resources, and people of Delray Beach. The Pedicab business model as proposed by the Bicycle Club would generate revenue from advertising on the sides and back of the Pedicab (highly visible moving billboards) and tips would solely compensate the drivers. The Pedicab equipment preferred by the Bicycle Club would also be equipped with an electric helper motor to assist the driver with the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway and the increase in elevation on the approach to A1A. Current Regulations The City of Delray Beach has historically deferred to Palm Beach County regarding the regulation of vehicles for hire. All taxi, limousine, shuttle and non-medical companies operating in Delray Beach must be licensed to operate by the County’s Consumer Affairs Division. County requirements are found in Article 9, Chapter 19, Section 214 of the Palm Beach County Code of Ordinances. Vehicles tendering transportation services not for compensation, i.e., free shuttles, are also addressed in the code. Page 3 Pedicabs are considered vehicles subject to the Bicycle regulations contained in the Florida Statutes (Section 316.2065). However, Pedicabs are not considered motor vehicles. A Pedicab propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor is considered a bicycle by the State of Florida and Palm Beach County; and, as such, the Pedicab Services operating within Palm Beach County have not been required to secure a vehicle for hire business permit from the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division. The City of Delray Beach has adopted regulations regarding signs in Section 4.6.7 of the Land Development Regulations. In Delray Beach, a sign permit is required unless the sign is specifically prohibited or exempt. Types of signs not expressly allowed in the regulations are also prohibited. A sign such as the moving billboard on the sides and back of the proposed Pedicabs would therefore be prohibited in Delray Beach since it is not expressly allowed in the regulations. Off-premise signs and vehicular signs are also prohibited; however, the definitions for these types of signs did not envision a moving sign. Policy and Regulatory Considerations Obtaining a business permit from Palm Beach County does not appear to be a viable option for a Pedicab business proposing to provide service in the City of Delray Beach. Since deferring to the County is not an option, the primary policy decision for the City Commission is whether or not to allow Pedicabs. If the Commission decides to allow Pedicabs as a business, the City would need to amend Section 110.15 of the Code of Ordinances, Local Business Tax Schedule, to add Pedicab Service as a business classification and establish the permit fee. The City shouldalso consider adopting a Pedicab Ordinance that satisfies the unique needs of Delray Beach and addresses: (a) Pedicab design, appearance, and style; (b) Limits on the number of licenses and decals; (c) Geographical restrictions including, but not limited to: a. pickup/drop-off locations and staging areas; b. unusually heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic; c. existence of any obstructions in public spaces; d. accidents, fires, or other emergencies; e. parades, demonstrations, or other events. (d) Passenger restrictions; (e) Disqualification to obtain a license or operator’s permit; (f) Physician certification; (g) Fare schedules; (h) Advertising with moving signs including regulations that prohibit: a. lewd, crass, vulgar or sexually explicit content or images; b. political slogans or propaganda; c. advertisements that are illuminated; and d. bumper stickers and advertisements that obscure the visibility of a registration number or plate. (i) Workers’ compensation insurance; Page 4 (j) Liability insurance; and (k) Minimum standard of knowledge including, but not limited to training of Pedicab operators in order that operators present themselves to the visiting public in a professional manner, and have a fundamental knowledge of city sites, architecture, nightlife, and places of interest. Finally, the City should consider amending Section 4.6.7 of the Land Development Regulations to address moving signs/rolling billboards. Findings and Recommendations The Police, Fire, and Environmental Services Departments have worked together to evaluate the specific proposal from the Delray Beach Bicycle Club for a Pedicab Service. The staff continues to have public safety concerns about pedestrian and Pedicab passenger safety as well as the possible delays to emergency response from additional congestion on Atlantic Avenue. From the public safety standpoint, we believe thedowntown footprint is already congested with pedestrians, scooters, golf carts, and motor vehicles during evenings and weekends especially during season and special events. Although adding another transportation mode is feasible, it would certainly make things more cumbersome. From the public safety perspective, adding an additional vehicle type to an already very busy location is not recommended. Downtown police units are responsible for high visibility patrols, traffic enforcement, pedestrian enforcement, homeless, crimes, drugs, noise, etc. Adding another enforcement responsibility that is not high on the priority list could frustrate community members when they see violations and no enforcement. Staff supports environmentally friendly, green solutions to the challenges of modern transportation; however, in this instance staff believes the public safety concerns surpass the “green” benefits. Should the City Commission determine that Pedicab Service is an appropriate transportation mode for Delray Beach, staff will implement the program as directed and suggests the following actions: 1. Adding Pedicab Service as a new business classification; 2. Implementing Pedicab rules and regulations as a pilot program subject to change pending the City’s evaluation of business and community feedback; 3. Adopting a Pedicab Ordinance that: a. reflects thoughtful and balanced regulation; b. requires monitoring and reporting of ridership levels, complaints, and citations; c. addresses public safety concerns, the aesthetic environment, and protects consumers; d. allows the Pedicab industry to grow in a sustainable manner; and 4. Provide additional resources to effectively manage and enforce the program c:Chief Jeff Goldman, Police Department Chief Keith Tomey, Fire Department Tuesday, April 18, 2017 City of Delray Beach 100 NW 1st Avenue - Delray Beach, Florida 33444 Phone: (561) 243-7000 - Fax: (561) 243-3774 www.mydelraybeach.com Delray Beach City Hall City Commission Mayor Cary Glickstein Vice Mayor Jim Chard Deputy Vice Mayor Shirley Ervin Johnson Commissioner Shelly Petrolia Commissioner Mitchell Katz Regular Commission Meeting Workshop Meeting at 4:00 PM Public Hearings 7:00 p.m. Commission Chambers RULES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PUBLIC COMMENT: City Commission meetings are business meetings and the right to limit discussion rests with the Commission. Generally, remarks by an individual will be limited to three minutes or less. The Mayor, presiding officer or a consensus of the City Commission has discretion to adjust the amount of time allocated. Public comment shall be allowed as follows: A.Comments and Inquiries on Non-Agenda and Agenda Items (excluding public hearing or quasi-judicial hearing items) from the Public: Any citizen is entitled to be heard concerning any matter within the scope of jurisdiction of the Commission under this section. The Commission may withhold comment or direct the City Manager to take action on requests or comments. B.Public Hearings/Quasi-Judicial Hearings: Any citizen is entitled to speak on items under these sections at the time these items are heard by the Commission. C.All persons desiring to do a presentation on agenda or non-agenda items that are on a portable flash drive device or a CD/DVD, must provide their media to the City Clerk no later than 12:00 p.m. one day prior to the meeting where they wish to present. SIGN IN SHEET: Prior to the start of the Commission Meeting, individuals wishing to address the Commission should sign in on the sheet located on the right side of the dais. If you are not able to do so prior to the start of the meeting, you may still address the Commission. The primary purpose of the sign -in sheet is to assist staff with record keeping. Therefore, when you come up to the to speak, please complete the sign -in sheet if you have not already done so. ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION: At the appropriate time, please step up to the lectern and state your name and address for the record. All comments must be addressed to the Commission as a body and not to individuals. Any person making impertinent or slanderous remarks or who becomes boisterous while addressing the Commission shall be barred by the presiding officer from speaking further, unless permission to continue or again address the Commission is granted by a majority vote of the Commission members present. APPELLATE PROCEDURES Please be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, such person will need to ensure that a verbatim record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. The City neither provides nor prepares such record. April 18, 2017City Commission Regular Commission Meeting Pursuant to Section 3.12 of the Charter of the City of Delray Beach the Mayor has instructed me to announce a Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to be held for the following purposes: CARING KITCHEN DISCUSSIONWS.1. Staff is seeking City Commission direction on the desired location for The Caring Kitchen operations. Recommendation: Sponsors:City Manager Department PROPOSED PEDICAB SERVICEWS.2. Staff is seeking City Commission direction on allowing a Pedicab Service as a permitted business; and need for rules and regulations to govern operations in the City of Delray Beach. Recommendation: Sponsors:Environmental Services Department Pedicab Policy Paper Update - April 2017.docxAttachments: WS.3. Commission Comments Page 3 City of Delray Beach Printed on 4/25/2017