05-19-98 MAY 19, 1998
A Regular Meeting of the City Commission of the City of
Delray Beach, Florida, was called to order by Mayor Jay Alperin
in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
May 19, 1998.
1. Roll call showed:
Present - Commissioner Kevin Egan
Commissioner Ken Ellingsworth
Commissioner David Schmidt
Mayor Jay Alperin
Absent - Commissioner David Randolph
Also present were - City Manager David T. Harden and
Asst. City Attorney David N. Tolces
2. The opening prayer was delivered by Pastor Buddy Owens
with Christ Community Chapel.
3. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America was given.
4. Agenda Approval.
Mr. Egan moved to approve the agenda as presented,
seconded by Mr. Ellingsworth. Upon roll call the Commission
voted as follows: Mr. Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr.
Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes. Said motion passed with
a 4 to 0 vote.
5. Approval of Minutes:
Mr. Ellingsworth moved to approve the Minutes of the
Regular Meeting of May 5, 1998, and the Special Meeting of May
12, 1998, seconded by Mr. Egan. Upon roll call the Commission
voted as follows: Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor
Alperin - Yes; Mr. Schmidt - Yes. Said motion passed with a 4 to
0 vote.
6. Proclamations:
6.A. National Community Action Month - May 1998.
Mayor Alperin presented a proclamation recognizing May,
1998, as National Community Action Month, noting that the Palm
Beach County Community Action Program works and continues to be a
positive force throughout the community.
7. Presentations: None
8. CONSENT AGENDA: City Manager recommends approval.
8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 32-98: Approve a resolution vacating
and abandoning an unimproved north/south alley lying within Block
129, Town of Delray, located on the south side of N.E. 4th
Street, between NoE. 8th Avenue and Palm Trail, based upon
positive findings.
The caption of Resolution No. 32-98 is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, VACATING AND
ABANDONING AN UNIMPROVED NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY
RIGHT-OF-WAY WITHIN BLOCK 129, TOWN OF
DELRAY, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
HEREIN, AND RESERVING AND RETAINING A UTILITY
EASEMENT FOR EXISTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
UTILITIES OVER THE ENTIRE AREA THEREOF, AND
RETAINING TO THE CITY ALL INTEREST IN N.E.
9TH AVENUE (PALM TRAIL).
(The official copy of Resolution No. 32-98 is on file
in the City Clerk's office.)
8.B. RESOLUTION NO. 33-98: Approve a resolution amending
Resolution No. 88-97, as amended by Resolution No. 10-98, by
amending Section 3 pertaining to membership composition to
include a representative from the Chamber of Commerce on the
Parking Management Advisory Board.
The caption of Resolution No. 33-98 is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 88-97 WHICH ESTABLISHED THE
PARKING MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD, AS
SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 10-98,
BY AMENDING SECTION 3 PERTAINING TO
MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION TO INCLUDE A
REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(The official copy of Resolution No. 33-98 is on file
in the City Clerk's office.)
8.C. RESOLUTION NO. 34-98: Approve a resolution requesting
that the Florida Department of Transportation address unsafe
traffic conditions at the intersection of West Atlantic Avenue
and N.W./S.W. 4th Avenue, and encouraging FDOT to favorably
consider the installation of a traffic signal and/or alternative
traffic modifications to said intersection.
The caption of Resolution No. 34-98 is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING
THAT THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ADDRESS UNSAFE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE
INTERSECTION OF WEST ATLANTIC AVENUE AND
N.W./S.W. 4TH AVENUE, AND ENCOURAGING THE
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO
FAVORABLY CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION OF A
TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND/OR ALTERNATIVE TRAFFIC
MODIFICATIONS TO SAID INTERSECTION; PROVIDING
FOR DISTRIBUTION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
(The official copy of Resolution No. 34-98 is on file
in the City Clerk's office.)
8.D. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL/BORTON MOTORS: Approve the final
boundary plat for Borton Motors, a commercial subdivision located
on the east side of North Federal Highway, approximately 1,500
feet north of Allen Avenue.
8.E. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL/CITATION CLUB REPLAT: Approve the
final plat for the Citation Club Replat, a replat of the Citation
Club plat recorded in Plat Book 76 at Page 181, in order to
accommodate a land swap between the Citation Club and Hammock
Reserve. The property is located on the east side of Military
Trail, south of Linton Boulevard.
8.F. RIGHT OF ENTRY AND LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR SIDEWALK
CONSTRUCTION/ OCEAN PLACE CONDOMINIUM: Approve a right of entry
and license agreement with Ocean Place Condominium to accommodate
the construction of a sidewalk within the State Road A1A
right-of-way adjacent to Ocean Place Condominium at 120 South
Ocean Boulevard.
ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENT DEED FROM MONNIER FOR UTILITY
CONNECTION: Accept an easement deed from Eugene H. Monnier, Jr.
and Jean E. Monnier to accommodate construction of utilities as
part of the Morikami wellfield development settlement agreement.
8.H. ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENT DEED AND RIGHT OF ENTRY AND
LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH FLANAGAN/BERMUDA GARDENS ROAD: Accept an
easement deed for a ten foot utility easement from Dr. Robert
Flanagan, and approve a right of entry and license agreement with
Dr. Flanagan, 1035 Bermuda Gardens Road, to facilitate completion
of the Bermuda Gardens Road water and sewer improvements project.
8.I. AGREEMENT WITH BELL SOUTH FOR PROVISION OF FRAME RELAY
SERVICE: Approve an agreement between the City and BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. for BellSouth to provide and maintain a
frame relay service to accommodate a high speed communications
link for mobile communications with Police vehicles and internet
access for the City computer network.
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8.J. PALM BEACH COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD SUMMER
PROGRAM AGREEMENT= Approve a Worksite Agreement for Work Experi-
ence with the Palm Beach County Workforce Development Board for
the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program, for the period
June 22 through August 14, 1998.
8.K. CONTRACT ADDITION/AQUIFER MAINTENANCE & PERFORMANCE
SYSTEMS= Approve a contract addition in the amount of $30,000
with Aquifer Maintenance & Performance Systems, Inc. (AMPS) to
increase the annual budget amount for well rehabilitation and
replacement from $30,000 to $60,000.00, with funding from
442-5178-536-61.82 (R&R - Well Rehabilitation and Replacement).
8.L. Pb-RCHASE APPROVAL/EQUIPMENT REPAIRS AT WATER TREATMENT
PLANT= Approve the purchase of parts and labor in the amount of
$13,734.40 from Southland Controls Company, sole source provider,
for equipment repairs at the Water Treatment Plant, with funding
from 441-5122-536-46.20 (Water Treatment & Storage/Equipment
Maintenance).
8.M. REVIEW OF APPEALABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT BOARD ACTIONS=
Accept the actions and decisions made by the Land Development
Boards for the period May 4th through May 15, 1998.
8.N. AWARD OF BIDS AND CONTRACTS=
1. Purchase award in the amount of $19,326.90 to
Martin Fence Company, via Broward County
contract, for the installation of additional
fencing at Pompey Park, with funding from
334-4172-572-63.03 (General Construction Fund
Pompey Park Ballfield).
Mr. Ellingsworth moved to approve the Consent Agenda,
seconded by Mr. Egan. Upon roll call the Commission voted as
follows: Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes; Mr.
Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes. Said motion passed with a 4 to 0
vote.
9. REGULAR AGENDA=
9.A. REQUEST FOR MORATORIUM ON THE USE OF IN LIEU OF FEES
FOR PARKING EAST OF THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY= Consider a
request from the Parking Management Advisory Board to impose a
moratorium until January 1, 1999, on in lieu of parking fees for
property located east of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Mr. Egan explained that the Parking Management Advisory
Board's recommendation for a moratorium came about due to the
fact that the current ordinance on in lieu of parking fees was
last revised back in 1993. Circumstances have changed
dramatically since that time, as evidenced by the very serious
parking problem east of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Parking
Board felt that rather than making the parking problem worse by
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allowing any more of the in lieu of parking agreements, it would
be preferable to impose a moratorium until staff has the
opportunity to review the ordinance. Mr. Egan continued,
however, that it is his understanding that staff intends to look
at this issue right away and have a recommendation in about two
to three months. There are three primary areas of concern. The
first is the $6,000 dollar amount currently in place as the cost
of a parking space. This figure is not realistic for a developer
to go out and build a parking space. It costs more than $6,000.
There is also a need to look at different areas of the City to
see where land costs are more expensive and would drive up the
cost of a parking space. The second issue is the financing
structure that has been allowed for payment of in lieu of fees
(i.e. the number of years allowed for payment), and the third
issue is that there can be no 'rubber stamp' approvals for in
lieu of parking fees. It can no longer be justified having
developers or owners just pay a fee as opposed to providing more
parking. The applications need to be looked at with a very
critical eye. The use of in lieu of parking fees should only be
used in true hardship cases; not where something can be done by a
developer to change the size of a building so that more parking
can be provided on site. Mr. Egan concluded by stating that
since staff is aware of the situation and working on it, he did
not feel a moratorium was necessary at this time.
Mr. Ellingsworth stated that he fully agreed with Mr.
Egan's comments and felt it would be appropriate to deny the
request for a moratorium.
Mayor Alperin inquired of staff if there are any
pending applications or anticipated applications in the next
couple of months? Ms. Dominguez replied that the Marriott Hotel
is considering moving the restaurant down to the ground floor,
although it has only been discussed conceptually. Depending on
what they might want to do with the restaurant at the top, the
parking may end up being a wash or it may be that they will need
some more spaces which they do not have the ability to provide.
She stated this is the one possibility she is aware of at this
time, but clarified that it is not yet at the application stage.
Mayor Alperin felt there would be no harm in imposing
the moratorium, especially since the in lieu of parking fee
agreements have been approved for the most part and now the City
would be saying that they in all likelihood would not be
approved.
Mr. Egan commented that the ordinance as it is
currently written gives the City Commission, as well as the other
boards such as Planning and Zoning and Parking Management, the
authority to deny or modify applications for in lieu of parking
fees. The authority has always been there, it just has not been
used. Now the applications just need to be looked at more
closely to see if there is an opportunity for the development to
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be scaled back so the parking can be provided instead of
accepting in lieu of fees for parking shortfalls.
Mayor Alperin felt it could be argued by an applicant
coming in now that the City would be treating that project
differently than one which had been approved for payment in lieu
of parking in the past. He felt that having the moratorium in
place would be grounds not to even consider an application.
Mr. Egan stated that he feels the red flag is up on
this issue. The City is well aware of the problem and will be
looking at it differently than it has been looked at in the past.
Mr. Egan moved to deny the request from the Parking
Management Advisory Board to impose a moratorium on in lieu of
parking fees for property located east of the Intracoastal
Waterway. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ellingsworth. Upon
roll call the Commission voted as follows: Mayor Alperin - No;
Mr. Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes. Said
motion passed with a 3 to 1 vote.
9.B. REPORT ON BFI PERFORMANCE (FEBRUARY 1998 THROUGH APRIL
1998): Consider a report from staff concerning BFI's performance
during the 90 day period of February through the end of April,
1998, especially as it relates to garbage and trash collection
service by BFI in the northeast area of the City (Seacrest
neighborhood).
Lula Butler, Director of Community Improvement, stated
this is a report concerning BFI's performance during the 90 day
period of February through the end of April, 1998. In January,
1998, BFI had requested changes to the contract and City
ordinance regulating its pick-up schedules through the City. The
Commission approved the changes with the caveat that BFI's
performance be monitored and reported back to the City Commission
after a 90 day period. Ms. Butler reviewed a report containing
data accumulated during the review period and the methodology
used to acquire the data. Based on this data and staff
observations, it is staff's opinion that BFI has met and
performed according to the terms specified in the contract. She
further stated that there continues to be problems with early set
out by residents and set out at inappropriate times. This is
more of an education problem, however, and not BFI's problem.
The monitoring was done in a variety of neighborhoods throughout
the City and BFI performed consistently on a City-wide basis.
Mr. Scott Christensen, President of the Seacrest
Homeowners Association, stated that he had received notice of
this evaluation only yesterday and did not feel that the Seacrest
Association was included in the process to determine if the
changes had been successful or not. He stated that the Seacrest
residents still feel there is a tremendous problem in the
neighborhood, although it is primarily with early set out of
trash piles. The problem began when BPI took over the contract
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and the day for vegetative waste pickup in the Seacrest area was
moved from Monday to Thursday. The problem has been continual
and despite the best efforts of City staff, the neighborhood has
not responded to the change. There are still too many piles of
vegetative waste and bulk trash scattered throughout the area.
Richard Bauer, Code Enforcement Administrator,
responded by stating that over the last three months, BFI has
performed in accordance with the contract. The company has
worked cooperatively with staff and has responded to individual
complaints brought to their attention. At this point, BFI is not
the issue. The early set outs are the remaining problem and this
is being worked on through an education process.
At this point, Mr. Schmidt commented that he is a
resident of the Seacrest neighborhood and he agrees the problem
is one of compliance. He is convinced that if the Seacrest area
went back to Monday bulk pickup and some other neighborhood went
from Monday to Thursday, that neighborhood would have the same
problem. He further stated it is his understanding from talking
to Joe Safford, Finance Director, that there has been discussion
with BFI and there will be a proposal in the budget for next year
for a roving truck that would be available to pick up piles that
are set out early, and that the Seacrest area would be the Monday
designated area for the truck. Nonetheless, he felt that
education was the biggest problem and suggested that the City
send out notice of garbage pickup changes along with water bills
so that residents are more likely to see and read them. Another
thing he would like staff to take a look at is, if the roving
truck is approved in the next budget year, that residents have
the ability to call for a special pickup even if they have to pay
a nominal charge for that service.
At the conclusion of the discussion, it was the
consensus of the City Commission that there has been a
satisfactory response from BFI in terms of meeting and performing
the terms and conditions specified in their contract with the
City.
9.C. CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST/SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY:
Consider a request for conditional use approval to allow the
establishment of a self-service storage facility (Storage Ameri-
ca). The subject property is located on the north side of S.W.
10th Street, between S.W. 14th and 15th Avenues, and is zoned LI
(Light Industrial) District. QUASI-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING
The City Attorney stated this item will be conducted as
a quasi-judicial hearing which allows for presentations by all
involved parties, the admission of documents into the record and
public testimony.
The City Clerk swore in those individuals who wished to
give testimony on this item.
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Diane Dominguez, Director of Planning and Zoning,
entered the Planning and Zoning Department's project file into
the record along with a listing of pertinent documents. She
stated the subject property occupies an entire city block (3.36
acres) at the northwest corner of S.W. 10th Street and S.W. 14th
Avenue, approximately 450 feet east of 1-95 within the Light
Industrial (LI) zone district. The property is currently vacant,
and is bordered by warehouse and industrial uses and other vacant
land. The development proposal is to allow the construction of a
54,800 sq.ft, self-service storage facility, a 1,000 sq.ft.
associated manager's apartment, truck rental, with associated
parking, landscaping and drainage. The truck rental component is
to be located in the interior of the compound and is to be
limited to five (5) vehicles. In terms of required findings, the
project meets concurrency requirements. There is a potential
issue with drainage which will need to be addressed as part of
the site plan process. As to compatibility, while the land is
zoned industrial, there is a residential area a few blocks away.
It is felt the proposed use will be much more compatible compared
to some of the other industrial uses allowed in the zoning
district.
Ms. Dominguez stated that the Planning and Zoning Board
considered the application at a public hearing on May 18, 1998.
There was an objection from the Community Redevelopment Agency
inasmuch as they feel this kind of use is not an economic
generator and not the kind of use which should be promoted in the
industrial area. While this may be true to a certain extent,
these kinds of facilities are needed and this particular property
is located within a wellfield zone #1. It is very difficult to
design an industrial use that would be permitted here and the
proposed use is one which could work very well. The Planning and
Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the conditional
use request, subject to the following conditions:
(1) Submission of a full site plan application to be processed
pursuant to Section 2.4.5(F) of the Land Development Regulations,
which addresses the technical comments and concerns identified
during the conditional use process;
(2) Submission of a subdivision plat application to be processed
pursuant to Section 2.4.5(J) of the Land Development Regulations;
(3) In addition to required landscape improvements pursuant to
Section 4.6.16, create a landscape berm system around the
perimeter of the subject property in order to lessen the visual
impact of the project on the surrounding area;
(4) Incorporate architectural features and variations in the
facade to provide relief from the building mass and to provide a
more interesting building elevation;
(5) Compliance with all elements of LDR Section 4.3.3(A) -
Special Requirements for Self-Service Storage Facilities;
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(6) Parking in front of bay doors of individual storage units is
to be temporary, for purposes of loading and unloading. At no
time should these vehicles be left unattended. This also applies
to the striped loading areas adjacent to the "indoor storage"
building. Signage shall be provided throughout the complex
clearly addressing this issue;
(7) Rental trucks may not be parked in the exterior parking lot;
and
(8) Final project design should attempt to relocate truck rental
parking further to the interior of the compound, and relocate
access to S.W. 15th Avenue.
Ken Thorne, applicant, briefly commented on the efforts
that have been made and will be made to ensure the proposed
facility meets the City's architectural and design standards.
There being no one else who, having been duly sworn,
wished to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Schmidt commented on the potential for problems
with the truck rental component of the proposal, and stated he
could not support allowing this use in conjunction with a
self-service storage facility.
Ms. Dominguez suggested adding a clear limitation to
the conditions of approval that no more than five (5) rental
trucks be allowed on the property at one time. This could be
accomplished by modifying condition (7) above to read, "Rental
trucks are limited to five vehicles at any one time and may not
be parked in the exterior parking lot" It was the majority
consensus of the City Commission to so amend condition (7).
Mr. Egan moved to approve the conditional use request
to establish a self-service storage facility based upon positive
findings and subject to the conditions of approval recommended by
the Planning and Zoning Board, including the additional limit on
the number of rental trucks allowed on the site at any one time.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Ellingsworth. Upon roll call the
Commission voted as follows: Mr. Schmidt - No; Mr. Egan - Yes;
Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes. Said motion passed
with a 3 to 1 vote.
(Note: Mr. Schmidt stepped down for the following item.
8B, Memorandum of Voting Conflict for County, Municipal, and
Other Local Public Officers, is on file in the City Clerk's
office.)
9.D. REOUEST FOR RELEASE OF LIEN FROM HABITAT FOR HUMANITY:
Consider a request from Habitat for Humanity to release a nui-
sance abatement lien on vacant property addressed as 216 S.W.
13th Avenue.
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Lula Butler, Director of Community Improvement, stated
that Habitat for Humanity is in the process of acquiring this
vacant lot on S.W. 13th Avenue, and there is an existing lien
which has accumulated to a little over $400.00 at this time. The
City's actual out-of-pocket expense is $223.78. Staff recommends
release of the lien amount over and above the City's
out-of-pocket expenditure. This would be consistent with
previous actions by the City Commission in support of affordable
housing to waive the accumulated interest and administrative
charges.
Mr. Ellingsworth moved to approve release of the lien
amount above the City's actual out-of-pocket expense of $223.78
as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Egan.
Upon roll call the Commission voted as follows: Mr. Egan - Yes;
Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes. Said motion passed
with a 3 to 0 vote.
Mr. Schmidt returned to the dais at this time.
9.E. RENEWAL OF WATER SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF
GULF STREAM: Consider approval of a water service agreement
between the City and the Town of Gulf Stream for the City to
supply water to Gulf Stream.
The City Manager stated that the Town of Gulf Stream
had approached the City about a new water service agreement. The
current agreement between the City and Gulf Stream has about
another two to three years to run, but Gulf Stream wanted to be
sure, if there needed to be a change, they would have ample time
to do that. The new agreement has been negotiated and approval
is recommended. There are significant changes in the way the
rate is calculated. Under the old agreement, Gulf Stream was
charged the residential rate plus ten percent. This was rather
complicated because the City's residential rate has a base charge
per unit, so it was necessary for us to keep track of the number
of dwelling units in the Town of Gulf Stream in order to
calculate the rate. The new agreement charges at the commercial
rate plus twenty-five percent (25%), which at this time will
actually reduce Gulf Stream's annual charges by a little over
$9,000.00 per year. Nevertheless, the Town of Gulf Stream was
concerned that our City Commission in the future might be less
reluctant to raise commercial rates than residential rates and
there was some apprehension that they might get inordinate rate
increases. The way the agreement is written is that we will
charge them the commercial rate, but the rate we charge will not
exceed the old rate of residential plus ten percent.
Mr. Ellingsworth moved to approve the water service
agreement between the City and the Town of Gulf Stream, seconded
by Mr. Egan. Upon roll call the Commission voted as follows:
Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes; Mr. Schmidt - Yes;
Mr. Egan - Yes. Said motion passed with a 4 to 0 vote.
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9.F. UPDATE ON MODULAR NEWSRACK PROGRAM: Consider a report
on the current status of the modular newsrack program for free
publications and provide direction regarding the future of the
program within the City.
Assistant City Attorney Tolces stated various issues
have arisen as outlined in his memorandum to the City Commission
regarding the modular newsracks which have been placed in the
downtown area. Staff is looking for direction from the
Commission on how to proceed.
Mayor Alperin stated he had asked this item be placed
on the agenda because he has heard some complaints recently and
feels that the Commission's intent at the time the newsrack
ordinance was adopted has changed. His belief is that the
Commission wanted the newspapers to create their own group and
provide the modular newsracks to City standards themselves.
Apparently, now they are being charged by a third party {Mr. Tom
Trento of City Solutions) for the use of that space. Several
publishers have complained about the rent charged and now refuse
to place their publications in these newsracks. The Mayor
further stated it is his understanding there is a coalition of
the newspapers right now that is willing to put up their own
newsracks and meet City standards. They will take care of their
own expenses and there will no longer be a third party.
The City Manager stated he and the Assistant City
Attorney have discussed the possibility of putting out an RFP
(Request for Proposal). By so doing, the new group could
respond, Mr. Trento could respond, and anyone else who might be
interested, and then a selection could be made. The City Manager
recommended two objectives. One, the City does not want to have
two sets of modular racks in the downtown area. Secondly, there
are some ten to twelve other locations around the City with large
numbers of newsracks and the City could be made to look a lot
better if we could expand these modular racks to those locations
as well. However, the current problem has to be solved first.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City
Commission to request that City Solutions take its modular
newsracks out since there was never any approval given for the
charging of rental fees, and deal directly with the group of
newspaper publishers on their plan to put in their own modular
newsracks. As for the RFP suggestion, it may be appropriate to
consider it in developing a future plan for the entire city.
9.G. PROPOSED SETTLEMENT/CITY OF DELRAY BEACH V. LEONARD
DAVIS: Consider approval of a settlement proposal in the fore-
closure lawsuit against property owned by Leonard Davis on N.W.
5th Avenue (South 30 feet of Lot 6, Block 28).
Mr. Egan moved to reject the settlement proposal and
proceed with the foreclosure, seconded by Mr. Schmidt. Upon roll
call the Commission voted as follows: Mayor Alperin - Yes; Mr.
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Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes. Said
motion passed with a 4 to 0 vote.
9.H. RESOLUTION NO. 35-98: Consider approval of a resolu-
tion requesting support from the Palm Beach County Legislative
Delegation, the Florida League of Cities and the Palm Beach
County Municipal League to aid the Town of Lake Park in the
initial case to defend its rights to enact and enforce local
codes regulating the location of pay telephones.
The City Manager presented Resolution No. 35-98:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING
SUPPORT FROM THE PALM BEACH COUNTY LEGISLA-
TIVE DELEGATION, THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES
AND THE PALM BEACH COUNTY MUNICIPAL LEAGUE TO
AID THE TOWN OF LAKE PARK IN THE INITIAL CASE
TO DEFEND ITS RIGHTS TO ENACT AND ENFORCE
LOCAL CODES REGULATING THE LOCATION OF PAY
TELEPHONES; PROVIDING FOR DISTRIBUTION;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(The official copy of Resolution No. 35-98 is on file
in the City Clerk's office.)
The City Manager clarified that all the resolution
actually does is requests the Florida League of Cities and the
Palm Beach County Municipal League to assist Lake Park from a
legal standpoint in defending the initial case. Lake Park is a
very small city and is concerned that, alone, they may not have
the resources to see the case through without outside assistance
to maintain their right under their zoning ordinance to regulate
the location of pay telephones.
Mr. Egan moved to approve Resolution No. 35-98,
seconded by Mr. Schmidt. Upon roll call the Commission voted as
follows: Mr. Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth -
Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes. Said motion passed with a 4 to 0 vote.
At this point, the time being 6:55 p.m., the Commission
moved to the First Readings portion of the agenda.
12. FIRST READINGS:
12.A. ORDINANCE NO. 20-98: An ordinance amending Chapter 96,
"Fire Safety and Emergency Services", of the City Code by amend-
ing Section 96.16, "Certain Codes Adopted by Reference", adopting
various editions of the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) codes and deleting Section 19-3.5.6 of Chapter 19 of NFPA
101 and adopting a substitute therefore; by repealing Section
96.17, "Amendments"; by amending Section 96.46, "Aboveground
Installations", to provide for conditions for aboveground tank
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installations. If passed, a public hearing will be scheduled for
June 2, 1998.
The City Manager presented Ordinance No. 20-98:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING
C~APTER 96, "FIRE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY
SERVICES", OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, BY AMENDING SECTION
96.16, "CERTAIN CODES ADOPTED BY REFERENCE",
ADOPTING VARIOUS EDITIONS OF THE NFPA CODES
AND DELETING SECTION 19-3.5.6 OF CHAPTER 19
OF NFPA 101 AND ADOPTING A SUBSTITUTE THERE-
FORE; BY REPEALING SECTION 96.17, "AMEND-
MENTS''; BY AMENDING SECTION 96.46, "ABOVE-
GROUND INSTALLATIONS", TO PROVIDE FOR CONDI-
TIONS FOR ABOVEGROUND TANK INSTALLATIONS;
PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE, A GENERAL REPEALER
CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(The official copy of Ordinance No. 20-98 is on file in
the City Clerk's office.)
The Assistant City Attorney read the caption of the
ordinance.
Mr. Ellingsworth moved to approve Ordinance No. 20-98
on FIRST Reading, seconded by Mr. Schmidt. Upon roll call the
Commission voted as follows: Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth -
Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes; Mr. Schmidt - Yes. Said motion passed
with a 4 to 0 vote.
12.B. ORDINANCE NO. 21-98: An ordinance amending Chapter 52,
"Water", Section 52.31, "Connection Charges", and Section
52.34(B), "Monthly Rates", and Chapter 53, "Sanitary Sewers",
Subsection 53.130(D) (2) , "Nonresidential Commercial Units", of
the City Code to provide for inclusion of water and sewer charges
for eight inch and ten inch water meter service. If passed, a
public hearing will be scheduled for June 2, 1998.
The City Manager presented Ordinance No. 21-98:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING
SECTION 52.31, "CONNECTION CHARGES", SECTION
52 . 34 (B) , "MONTHLY RATES" , AND SUBSECTION
53 . 130 (D) (2) , "NONRESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
UNITS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF DEL~AY BEACH, TO PROVIDE FOR INCLUSION OF
WATER AND SEWER C~ARGES FOR EIGHT INCH AND
TEN INCH WATER AND SEWER LINE SERVICE;
PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE, A GENERAL REPEALER
CLAUSE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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(Copy of Ordinance No. 21-98 is on file in the City
Clerk's office.)
The Assistant City Attorney read the caption of the
ordinance.
Mr. Egan moved to approve Ordinance No. 21-98 on FIRST
Reading, seconded by Mr. Schmidt. Upon roll call the Commission
voted as follows: Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes;
Mr. Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes. Said motion passed with a 4
to 0 vote.
At this point, the time being 7:00 p.m., the Commission
moved to the duly advertised Public Hearings portion of the
agenda.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
10.A. WIDENING OF LAKE IDA ROAD: A public hearing for the
purpose of receiving public input on the widening of Lake Ida
Road between Congress Avenue and Military Trail.
The City Manager read into the record the following
letter dated May 19, 1998, received from the Palm Beach County
Engineer's office concerning additional capacity on Lake Ida
Road: "George Webb asked me to write to you regarding the
additional capacity of a 2-lane roadway versus a 3-lane roadway.
Traffic Performance Standards defines Level of Service D for a
2-lane roadway as 14,300. It defines Level of Service D for a
3-lane roadway as 15,000. This is a 5% increase. Much of Lake
Ida Road functions as a 3-lane roadway now, where there are turn
lanes provided at major developments and no other driveways
without turn lanes. Given the existing volume on Lake Ida Road
(20,184), a 3-lane cross section would not be sufficient for the
existing volume."
Mayor Alperin declared the public hearing open.
Speaking from the audience were the following:
Mr. Bernie Burkoff, President of Rainberry Lakes
Homeowners Association, spoke in favor of widening Lake Ida Road
to four lanes. With all of the additional traffic coming on to
the road from new developments both inside and outside the City,
the traffic situation has become extremely congested. Mr.
Burkoff asked that the Commission request Palm Beach County to
put the widening of Lake Ida Road back on the five year plan.
Mr. Thomas Mook, President of the Sudan Homeowners
Association, stated that the residents of the Sudan subdivision
have generally not felt that the amount of traffic on Lake Ida
Road is extreme to the point of frustration at this time.
However, they would like to see a traffic light activated by need
at the Davis Road intersection.
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Mr. Gerald DeFoe, Countr~ Manors, stated that all of
the traffic on Lake Ida Road has become a very dangerous
situation and he feels it is absolutely imperative that the road
be widened to four lanes as soon as possible in the interest of
public safety.
Mr. Gerald Filippi, Vice-President, Board of Directors,
High Point Section 4, who spoke in support of the widening of
Lake Ida Road from Congress Avenue to Military Trail. The
traffic has increased tremendously since the road was extended
west to Hagen Ranch Road and can no longer be handled safely on
only two lanes.
Mr. Donald Allgrove, Rainberr¥ Lakes, spoke in support
of the widening of Lake Ida Road and likened the situation to
that of an hourglass. He noted there is a severe problem with
exiting left out of the Rainberry Lakes development and felt that
the road widening might provide some relief.
Mrs. Bina Solowa¥, Rainberr~ Bay, stated her bedroom
window is only 25 feet away from where a traffic lane would be if
the road is widened and asked if a sound barrier wall would be
constructed? On the other hand, there is already a problem with
noise from illegal businesses on Lake Ida Road late at night and
if the road widening will get rid of this problem, she supports
it.
Mrs. Florina Logan, 3111 Lake Ida Road, stated that any
road widening would bring the road right up to her master bedroom
window and some tyge of wall would have to be built to block out
the noise and fumes from the traffic.
Mrs. Leslie Strickland, Treasurer of the Villas of
Rainberr¥ Lake Homeowners Association, spoke in support of the
widening of the Lake Ida Road. With the road opened up to the
west and all of the development that is going on and will go on
in the future, Lake Ida Road is a major east/west artery and
needs to be recognized as such because there are tremendous
traffic problems.
Mrs. Ruth Silverman, Villas of Rainberr¥ Lake, stressed
the problem of getting out of her development, particularly when
turning left to go east. She suggested that along with the
widening, a traffic light at Davis Road would also be very
helpful.
Mr. Clifford Durden, President of Chatelaine Homeowners
Association, spoke against the widening of Lake Ida Road at this
particular time. While it may be inevitable at some point in the
future, right now it is not in the best interests of the people
who live along the road. At the present time the County has
indicated that it does not have enough money to do the whole
segment and he felt it would only compound the problem to only do
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a part and leave the rest instead of waiting until enough money
is available to do the whole thing°
Mr. Richard Handel, Rainberry Bay, spoke in support of
the road widening, principally to eliminate the bottleneck. He,
too, felt that the intersection at Davis Road should be looked at
to see if something can be done there as well.
Mrs. Lucille Steiner, Rainberry Bay, stated she is in
favor of the road widening for the entire segment of Lake Ida
Road from Congress Avenue to Military Trail.
Mr. Cesar Gomez, Rainberr¥ Lake, stated that the
Commission needs to act now to ask the County to put the Lake Ida
Road widening back into the five year plan because by the time
the project is programmed and funded, the traffic situation will
have deteriorated to where residents cannot get in and out of
their homes and developments.
Mrs. Alice Finst, 707 Place Tavant, stated she is not
in favor of the proposed road widening. Some things need to be
done now to fix some of the problems, such as traffic signals and
traffic calming measures such as have been installed on Lake Ida
Road west of Military Trail. Once these things are done, then it
will be easier to see if the four lanes are really needed.
Ms. Ilyne Cooper, Rainberry Bay, stated that the
traffic on the road is only going to become heavier with future
development and she felt that something needs to be done now to
address the problem. The project needs to go back on the
County's five year plan so that the work can be scheduled and get
done.
Mrs. Norma Bannoura, 4130 N.W. 10th Street, spoke
against the proposed road widening. This stretch of Lake Ida
Road is surrounded by residential communities and to widen the
road would only create a freeway through the neighborhood. She
felt that widening the road would not ease the traffic, but would
only encourage more people to use the road and increase the
traffic. Mrs. Bannoura felt the road should be treated as a
residential street by slowing down the traffic to 35 mph and
enforce the speed limit. This would discourage people from using
it as a cut-through and would leave the residential community
intact.
Mr. Jason Brewster, 2712 Lake Ida Road, stated that the
homes which front on Lake Ida Road are already close to the road
and have to put up with all of the traffic and noise. To widen
the road would make those homes unliveable since it won't help
ease the traffic, but only increase it. He urged the Commission
to work on slowing down the traffic on Lake Ida Road and use
traffic calming measures.
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There being no one else who wished to address the City
Commission, Mayor Alperin declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion by the Commission followed.
Mayor Alperin stated that he does not feel widening
this segment of Lake Ida Road is in the best long term interests
of the City. When the roads east are widened to increase
capacity, this will open up a lot of land to the west to
development and there will be all that many more people on the
road. Four-laning is not the long term solution to the problem.
It may help for a few years, but not for very long. Mayor
Alperin felt it would be preferable to try to solve the problem
with traffic lights and traffic calming measures.
Mr. Ellingsworth commented that some options other than
four-laning have been raised as possible solutions to the
problems that exist on Lake Ida Road. He felt the City should
ask the County to look at these alternatives very closely to see
if they would be the better approach to addressing this segment
of Lake Ida Road.
Mr. Egan concurred with Mayor Alperin in that widening
the road might be the 'quick fix' solution to the problem for a
couple of years, but ultimately it will just open the doors to
developers and a few years after that we will be in the same
situation. There is a problem and it needs to be addressed, but
he would prefer to have alternatives other than four-laning
looked into by the County.
Mr. Schmidt stated that he, too, felt that alternatives
other than widening need to be looked at because if this road is
turned into a County collector all the way through, there will be
a boom in the west that will make the problems now pale.
At this point, Mr. Georqe Webb, County Engineer, stated
his office would be glad to take a look at some alternatives such
as a traffic light at Rainberry Lake and whatever else might be
appropriate. Depending on what the City would like the County to
do, they will consider suggestions and look at other options to
try to help solve the problem.
Mr. Ellingsworth moved to ask the County to investigate
alternatives other than four-laning Lake Ida Road in an effort to
address some of the problems that have been presented at this
public hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Egan. Upon roll
call the Commission voted as follows: Mayor Alperin - Yes; Mr.
Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes. Said
motion passed with a 4 to 0 vote.
10.B. REOUEST FOR SIGN CODE WAIVER/OCEAN CITY LUMBER COMPANY:
Consider a request from Ocean City Lumber Company for a waiver to
the provisions of LDR Sections 4.6.7(C) (1) and (E) (7) to allow a
free standing directional sign that exceeds the maximum size
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permitted by code and to allow the sign to be erected off premis-
es.
Lula Butler, Director of Community Improvement, briefly
reviewed the waiver request with the Commission. She stated that
the sign request was formally reviewed by the Site Plan Review
and Appearance Board on April 29, 1998, at which time the Board
voted to support the waivers to the applicable sections of the
code with the condition that the proposed sign be reduced from
121 sq.ft, to 80 sq.ft, and be issued as a temporary sign,
allowed to be up for a maximum of 18 months (must come down by
January 1, 2000), with any extension of time to require a new
application.
Janet Onnen, President, Ocean City Properties,
addressed the City Commission concerning the basis for the waiver
request, noting that the complex is unique to the area and its
survival is directly related to the consumer's awareness that
there is more to downtown than Atlantic Avenue. It is essential
that tenants have exposure to the foot and vehicular traffic of
Atlantic Avenue. The complex was originally thought to draw
larger tenants using 5,000 to 12,000 square feet of space.
However, the market demand for smaller spaces of 600 to 1,200
square feet has brought in the unique small shops primarily
dependent on walk-in traffic. Ms. Onnen stated that as the
Pineapple Grove Main Street plan is implemented and directional
signage for the entire downtown corridor is developed, the need
for off-premises signs will diminish. However, the tenants need
the exposure now; hence, the waiver request. Ms. Onnen then
presented a rendering of the proposed 80 sq.ft, sign for
Commission review.
Mr. Egan commented that staff is now in the process of
reviewing and recommending changes to the current sign code.
Assuming that the new sign program is completed within the 18
month time frame or sooner, he asked Ms. Onnen if she would be
willing to bring the sign into conformance with the new
regulations? Ms. Onnen stated she would be willing to bring the
sign into compliance with the sign program as it is developed.
At this point, Mayor Alperin declared the public
hearing open. Speaking from the audience were the following:
Dan Carter, Chairman of the Site Plan Review and
Appearance Board, stated that SPRAB fully supported the waiver
request and did address the precedent-setting aspect by including
a time certain for the disposition of the sign.
Helen Coopersmith, resident of Hiqh Point, stated that
the Ocean City development is something unique and different in
the City and the rules sometimes need to be bent a little bit in
order to help new things work out and realize their potential.
She encouraged the Commission to support the waiver request.
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Bill Wood, President of the Chamber of Commerce,
addressed the Commission in support of the proposed sign code
waiver. He felt it to be wholly justified and of tremendous
benefit to the people who have invested in this project who are
trying to get through the initial phase of becoming established
businesses in the City.
There being no one else who wished to address the
Commission, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Ellingsworth moved to approve the sign code waiver,
based on positive findings and subject to the recommendation of
the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board, and with the caveat
that if staff is ready with new sign regulations before the 18
month time period is up then the sign would be reviewed again in
accordance with those regulations. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Egan. Upon roll call the Commission voted as follows: Mr.
Schmidt - Yes; Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth - Yes; Mayor
Alperin - Yes. Said motion passed with a 4 to 0 vote.
10.C. ORDINANCE NO. 19-98: An ordinance amending the Laver's
North SAD (Special Activities District) by re-establishing the
total approved unit count at 610 residential dwelling units,
through the transfer of four residual units from The Vinings
development to the southwest corner of the Layer's North SAD to
accommodate a proposed 64 unit apartment building to be known as
St. Tropez at Delray Beach. Prior to consideration of passage of
this ordinance on Second and FINAL Reading, a public hearing has
been scheduled to be held at this time. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING
The City Manager presented Ordinance No. 19-98:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE
LAVER'S NORTH SPECIAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT
(SAD), AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE NO. 65-80,
AND AS SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO.
21-95 AND ORDINANCE NO. 34-96, BY RE-ESTAB-
LISHING THE TOTAL UNIT COUNT APPROVED FOR THE
LAVER'S NORTH SAD AT 610 RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
UNITS THROUGH THE TRANSFER OF FOUR DWELLING
UNITS FROM THAT PORTION OF THE SITE PLATTED
AS 'THE VININGS AT DELRAY BEACH' TO THE
VACANT PARCEL OF LAND AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER
OF THE LAVER'S NORTH SAD; PROVIDING A GENERAL
REPEALER CLAUSE, A SAVING CLAUSE, AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
(The official copy of Ordinance No. 19-98 is on file in
the City Clerk's office.)
The Assistant City Attorney read the caption of the
ordinance. He stated this item would be conducted as a
quasi-judicial public hearing which allows for presentations by
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all involved parties, the admission of documents into the record
and public testimony.
The City Clerk swore in those individuals who wished to
give testimony on this item.
Diane Dominguez, Director of Planning and Zoning,
entered the Planning and Zoning Department's project file into
the record. She stated that the Planning and Zoning Board
considered this matter at a public hearing on April 20, 1998, and
voted 5 to 0 to recommend approval, based upon positive findings
and subject to the conditions set forth in Ordinance No. 19-98.
Doak Campbell, attorney representinq the applicant,
stated that the subject application represents the final
residential component of the Laver's North Special Activities
District. With its development, the property will be built out
including proper landscaping and maintenance. There is no
increase in the density anticipated by the original approval, and
consequently no increase in any of the impacts associated with
the completion of this project.
There being no one else who, having been duly sworn,
wished to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Egan moved to approve Ordinance No. 19-98 on Second
and FINAL Reading, seconded by Mr. Schmidt. Upon roll call the
Commission voted as follows: Mr. Egan - Yes; Mr. Ellingsworth -
Yes; Mayor Alperin - Yes; Mr. Schmidt - Yes. Said motion passed
with a 4 to 0 vote.
Prior to roll call, Mayor Alperin clarified that a
condition of approval contained in the ordinance is that
improvements to the fountain be made either through repair of the
fountain or replacing the fountain with landscaping, and that
this will be completed prior to the issuance of any building
permits for the apartment project. He further stated that he
wished to make it part of the record that the four residual units
from The Vinings are being moved to this project only and will
not be allowed to be used anywhere else on the property. There
will be no future reconsideration of the maximum number of units
approved and allowed on the site.
11. Comments and Inquiries on Non-Agenda Items from the
Public-Immediately followinq Public Hearings.
11.A. City Manaqer's response to prior public comments and
inquiries.
In response to the inquiry at the May 5th meeting
regarding landscaping requirements for property on N.E. 22nd
Street, the City Manager stated that the property owner was
noticed on March 23, 1993, for non-compliance under the minimum
landscape code, and received a formal violation notice in
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December, 1993. A formal hearing was scheduled before the Code
Enforcement Board in June of 1997, from which the property owner
requested a time extension. He submitted plans in December,
1997, for a site plan modification for the construction of a
paved parking lot with landscaping and drainage. Apparently,
this is where part of his concern arose because the minimum
landscaping requirements for an existing building are different
than they are if you change your site which is what he triggered
with the parking lot construction. His confusion may have been
related to the fact that his original notice from the City was
regarding landscaping, but the construction of the parking lot
triggered a site plan modification. In reviewing the situation,
staff does not believe that conflicting information has been
provided, but rather the confusion has resulted because of the
difference in requirements for the two different circumstances.
In response to the inquiry about the unsightly
appearance of properties along the north side of Old Germantown
Road, the City Manager reported that staff inspected the area and
noted two properties that require maintenance. Both Fine Realty
and Crosswinds were cited for overgrowth along the right-of-way.
In the past, staff has contacted Crosswinds relative to
maintaining the right-of-way area and they have been cooperative.
The Fine property also has been maintained in the past, but does
require maintenance as of this date. Staff will follow up on
both violations to insure that they are corrected.
In response to the property owner on N.W. 12th Street
where the City is narrowing the road and he has a paver block
driveway, the City Manager stated that under the requirements in
the Land Development Regulations the City will pay whatever we
would have paid to put in an asphalt driveway. The difference in
cost between that and the paver blocks would be the property
owner's responsibility.
The City Manager then stated that Palm Beach County
contacted us last week concerning the results of a study about
protected left turn movements at the intersection of Swinton
Avenue and Lake Ida Road. The County indicated that the
protected left turn arrows are warranted and that the work of
installing them should be completed in approximately three
months.
11.B. From the Public.
11.B.1. Alice Finst, 707 Place Tavant, requested a progress
report on what is happening with the appearance of the Marine Way
(blue) building on Lake Ida Road.
Mrs. Finst then expressed concern about the City
parking lot on the north side of the Marriott hotel located at
the northwest corner of A1A and Atlantic Avenue. She commented
that it appeared to her that hotel guests were using the public
parking and asked if we have some kind of agreement where we are
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charging the hotel for the use of a City parking lot? She stated
that neither the gate nor parking meters have been installed and
there is nothing to control who is using that parking lot. She
felt that the City should be getting some revenue out of it since
it is supposed to be a public parking lot even though that does
not seem to be the actual use.
In response, the City Manager stated that the gate has
been ordered and is being fabricated; the meters have also been
ordered and are expected to be installed in the near future. As
for the Marine Way building, the Manager commented that it is in
the code enforcement process although he would get an update on
it and report back on the status.
13. Comments and Inquiries on Non-Aqenda Items.
13.A. City Manaqer.
The City Manager had no comments or inquiries.
13.B. City Attorney.
The City Attorney had no comments or inquiries.
13.C. City Commission.
13.C.1. Commissioner Egan had no comments or inquiries.
13.C.2. Commissioner Schmidt stated he had received a call from
the President of Delray Place Condominium Association which is
located on the south side of S.E. 10th Street, between Dixie
Highway and Federal Highway, directly adjacent to the property
with the Hurricane Pines scrub parcel. It seems there is a group
of vagrants or squatters who have set up camp in the scrub
parcel. The Delray Place residents say they have reported it to
the Police and Code Enforcement, but apparently the vagrants are
starting to harass the residents of the condominium, including
throwing rocks at their vehicles as they go in and out of the
development. Mr. Schmidt asked the City Manager to have
something done about rectifying the situation.
Mr. Schmidt then stated that he was contacted by the
head of the Fire Department Union last week who expressed
frustration at the Commission's vote to not meet, either
individually or collectively, with Union members. They are
taking the position that Commission members are free to talk to
them up until the time that the Special Master might rule, and
asked that this be brought to the Commission's attention to see
if the Commission might want to rethink its position on this
matter. Mr. Schmidt stated that if the statute does, in fact,
not prohibit the Commission from discussing issues with the
Union, he personally would have no objection to it.
-22- 05/19/98
The City Manager commented the problem is that
frequently if Commissioners do that, management is undermined and
the Union, instead of negotiating with management, will end run
management all the time and negotiate with the Commission. He
further stated that legally the Union may be correct, although he
does not consider it legally appropriate because of the fact that
after the Special Master process, the Commission has to make the
ultimate decision.
It was the majority consensus of the City Commission
not to change its position to not discuss issues directly with
the Union.
13.C.3. Commissioner Ellinqsworth had no comments or inquiries.
13.C.4. Mayor Alperin stated it was his understanding there was
considerable discussion at a Site Plan Review and Appearance
Board meeting about the red color at the Wolfie's restaurant
which is getting ready to open at the old Checker's location on
Linton Boulevard. He commented that he did not remember seeing
anything come past the Commission concerning Wolfie's or the
change in color, and asked the City Manager to check on when the
restaurant received approval.
There being no further business, Mayor Alperin declared
the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
/City Cl~rk' ' '
The undersigned is the City Clerk of the City of Delray
Beach, Florida, and the information provided herein is the
minutes of the meeting of said City Commission of May 19, 1998,
which minutes were formally approved and adopted by the City
Commission on Ot~gt~ /ggF
,
NOTE TO READER: If the minutes you have received are not
completed as indicated above, this means they are not the
official minutes of the City Commission. They will become the
official minutes only after review and approval which may involve
some amendments, additions or deletions.
-23- 05/19/98