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1989.02.06_TC_Minutes_Workshopd~ TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WORKSHOP MEETING Monday, February 6, 1989 9:39J A.M. _ Mayor Betty Jean Stewart called the advertised Public Participation Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach to order at 9:32 A.M. in the Commission Chambers at Town Hall. Others present were Vice Mayor John J. Basso, Commissioners Robert F. Scholz, Doris R. Rome and Marvin A. Waldman. Others in attendance were Town Attorney David K. Friedman, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Deputy Town Clerk Anne M. Kowals, Land Planner Jim Park of Gee & Jenson and members of the general public. Mayor Stewart read a memo dated 12/19/88 from the Planning Board trans- mitting the Comprehensive Plan to the Town Commission. Attached to the memo was a resolution passed by the Planning Board recommending that the Town Commission adopt the Comprehensive Plan. When Mayor Stewart questioned if documentation re public hearings and special meetings held by the Planning Board for the purpose of reviewing • the Comprehensive Plan is required, Mr. Park advised that that informa- tion would be included in a letter of transmittal to the Department of Community Affairs stating that the public hearings for public participa- tion were held; or, that information could be included in the appendix. When Commissioner Waldman asked if documentation of the advertisement for those meetings should be included, Mr. Park stated that information is required by the Department of Community Affairs and it is submitted with the package. Attorney Friedman suggested that Mr. Park review the elements, the Town Commission ask questions on the elements and then receive comments from the public. Mr. Philip Colman, a Highland Beach resident/developer, expressed his concern regarding poor attendance at any Town Meetings. Continuing, Mr. Colman stated that he can not believe that the people in Town are well informed and are unconcerned about what goes on in the Town. Mr. Colman noted that the practice of mailing an informative Town Newsletter to residents was discontinued and, as a result, many have expressed concern that they do not know what is going on in Town. The Newsletter should be available as information to people living in Town, continued Mr. Colman. It was noted by Commissioner Waldman that poor attendance at Town Meeting is a universal matter--it happens in all Towns in the U.5. Both Vice Mayor Basso and Commissioner Rome advised that they announced this Public Participation Workshop Meeting, as well as other Town Meet- ings, at their respective condominiums; they requested the residents to attend this meeting - no one showed up. r Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes February 6, 1989 Page 2 of 8 Town Manager Mariano noted that Public Notices for the meetings are posted in Town Hall, meetings are listed on the cable channel, meetings are advertised in the Boca News, meeting notices and agendas are placed on the desk in .Town Hall and on the desk in the Library. The Mayor noted that the people have the opportunity and are informed about all meetings. In reviewing the Forward, Background and General Characteristics and Location, the Town Commission noted several corrections. Commissioner Rome questioned, under Population Estimating Methodology, the statement that the Holiday Inn, with 170 rooms is expected to be fully occupied in the winter season with one person per room. It was noted that the aver- age of 1.87 persons is used with regard to unit estimates. It was also noted that the Holiday Inn is a resort area that is occupied all summer as well as the winter and it impacts on the traffic, water, etc. Mr. Park advised that he will look into this matter and come up with a new figure. On page I-7, following discussion with regard to type of Dwelling Units and the breakdown of categories listed as SF/Multi-Family Attached (e.g. Townhouses) and Multi-Family (e.g. Hi-rise Condominiums) it was the consensus of the Commission that both should be combined into one cate- gory using one figure. Mr. Park said they (Gee & Jenson) researched maps and records and received a letter from the Town's Building Official listing the information; and, they questioned the Building Official. The Mayor noted that she wanted to be sure that the figures used with regard to the number of housing units within the Town were valid totals and requested that such totals be dated to indicate when those totals were in effect. Mr. Park noted he will have to do more research; he can go back and really get a precise answer (what you have in your building permit records may not be actually on the ground). Mr. Park explained that the Comprehensive Plan should be general and numbers should be reasonably reliable. The 1980 census figures could have been used; however, Gee & Jenson did more than was really neces- sary. The numbers are accurate enough. Having a place where different type of housing is broken down is important because single family hous- ing means children and playgrounds; it gives a description of what kind of housing is in the Town. Page I-10 addresses "Condition of the Housing Stock" which indicates that there are nine dwelling units in Highland Beach characterized as "substandard" because they lack complete plumbing facilities, as per information provided by the U. S. Census Bureau. When Mayor Stewart questioned that statement, Mr. Park noted that these are all dwelling units that are considered "substandard" under the definition of the • County, based on information provided by the U. S. Department of Housing. Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes • February 6, 1989 Page 3 of 8 Continuing with the review of Housing, Page I-16 addresses Housing Production for Projected Populations which indicates that as the avail- ability of ocean front or barrier island property diminishes, housing costs will be driven higher. Mr. Park explained that if there are problems of an economical nature in meeting the housing demands, the Town has no control over that, but it has to make sure housing is not made more costly. Regarding discussion of low income housing, it was noted that the neighboring Towns of Boca Raton and Delray Beach do not have any low cost housing provided on A-1-A. It was further noted that Highland Beach is so small that there is no available properties for low cost housing. Regarding the Recreation and Open Space Element, it was noted that the land behind Town Hall is planned for a passive park. Mr. Park advised that it should be stated that the land is available for passive recrea- tion now and the Town will develop it for use. Town Manager Mariano noted that the Atlantic Dune Park in Delray Beach does not appear in the listing of facilities available to Highland Beach residents. Following a brief recess at 11:05 A.M., the Public Participation Work- shop Meeting was reconvened. S When Commissioner Rome questioned the school age population listed in Table R-1, Mr. Park explained that they took the 1980 population ratio and applied the age group to the growth. Mr. Park noted that they did not have any real basis but they needed to put some figure there. Mr. Park further noted that it seems like a lot of school age children for this Town. Regarding the Assessment of Supply and Demand on Page I-27, Vice Mayor Basso noted that the majority of the population in Town does not have access to tennis courts. Mr. Park advised that the Tennis section will be revised inasmuch as the Town does have a Land Dedication Ordinance. The section will be changed to call for some facilities that will be obtained through requirements of private developers and the Town's own land; there is a need for people who do not have access to tennis courts within their own developments. Attorney Friedman noted that the Town wants open spaces as well as recreational needs; money could be used for tennis courts and a passive park where people could walk and sit on a bench to look at the Intra- coastal Waterway. Mayor Stewart noted that there is an increased use of the bike/walk path which was originally "half funded by the County". The use of the bike path is difficult; money could be used to fund a new path, if the residents so desire. Commissioner Waldman noted that the bike path is in need of resurfacing and it should be widened on each side. Mr. Park commented that perhaps exercise stations could be constructed along the bike path. Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes February 6, 1989 Page 4 of 8 Vice Mayor Basso agreed with the Mayor and stated that the bike path has to be redone completely; more people are using the path and the Town has to improve on it. Mr. Park explained that the Department of Community Affairs asks that the private and public facilities be addressed to show that the need is being met. The Town has an Ordinance for funds and land to provide additional facilities therefore the Table on page I-26 will have to be altered, continued Mr. Park. Comment was made by Mr. Colman to the Town Commission with regard to recreational facilities in Town. Mr. Colman requested that the Town Commission be serious about such facilities because, he (as a developer and contributor by way of money) would like to tell people moving into Town that soon there will be tennis courts available in Town. In reviewing the Land Use Element, it was noted that the Fire Station and Police Department were omitted from the list of exceptions on page II-l. Following brief discussion, it was noted that paragraph 4 under Land Use/Economic Base would be amended. Mayor Stewart noted that page II-2 lists four seawalls that encroach on the beach at four different locations. Mr. Park explained that that information was obtained from a field survey, from the map and from the Beaches and Shores Council. Under Future Beach Stability, it was noted that the Seascape beach nourishment project was undertaken in Highland Beach, however, it was not monitored. It was further noted that there was also a beach bag project that was undertaken. Mr. Park advised that he will verify this information. Regarding Beach and Dune Protection Measures, it was noted that the Town does have an Ordinance which protects beach lot vegetation as well as an Ordinance that forbids the removal of beach sand. Members discussed the air quality on A-1-A and noted that it is getting increasingly worse due to the traffic fumes; the air is not monitored. Mr. Park advised that the County is to place a monitor for the purpose of determining the air quality, however, he does not know where or when this will occur. Mayor Stewart noted that it was now 11:50 A.M., and at this time, she thanked Mr. Park for the well written document and noted that the Town Commission appreciates Mr. Park's efforts and that of the Planning Board who put in a lot of time on this matter. • The Commission agreed to recess this advertised Public Participation Workshop Meeting at this time and Mayor Stewart noted that this Workshop will be reconvened on Tuesday, February 7, 1989, at 2:30 P.M. following the adjournment of the Town Commission Regular Meeting. Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes February 7, 1989 (recessed from February 6, 1989) Page 5 of 8 The advertised Public Participation Workshop Meeting of Monday, Febru- ary 6, 1989 (which was recessed at approximately 12:00 noon) was reconvened by Mayor Betty Jean Stewart on Tuesday, February 7, 1989 at 2:30 P.M. Others present were Vice Mayor John J. Basso, Commissioners Doris R. Rome and Marvin A. Waldman. Commissioner Robert F. Scholz was not present at this portion of the advertised Public Participation Workshop Meeting. Also in attendance were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Deputy Town Clerk Anne M. Kowals, Land Planner Jim Park of Gee & Jenson and members of the general public. The Town Commission Members continued with their review on page II-8, and discussed the Flood Prone Areas. Mr. Park noted that flood zone A-5 is to the West of A-1-Awhile flood zone V-8 is East of A-1-A, and, within the beach area, there are two different flood zones (V-8 and Zone C). Town Attorney Sliney noted that the flood zone maps speak for themselves; the map states that zone A-5 and zone V-8 lie within the 100 year flood area. Mr. Park advised that Table C-1 on page II-10 does not indicate which plant species are endangered or threatened. Regarding page II-16, Air • Quality is addressed and Mr. Park said he is getting a copy of the annual report of all the sampling situations from the Department of Environmental Resource Management. Mayor Stewart noted that within the last year, they have come down on South Florida for pollution caused by cars; they are considering reinstating the car inspection again. The Vice Mayor stated that Highland Beach is narrow and there is always a breeze so there is not much of a problem because we are only one main street and we are on the ocean. Mayor Stewart explained that the Town sits almost in the valley so the off-shore breezes go up and over Highland Beach, which makes a big difference. Mr. Park advised that they need a monitoring station; there are no traffic lights where cars sit and wait for lights to change. Mr. Park explained that coastal communities do not have the air quality problem because of the air movement. The Land Planner reiterated that there is going to be some monitoring taking place either in Delray Beach, Highland Beach or Boca Raton, on or near A-1-A. Vice Mayor Basso stated there are manatees in the Intracoastal Waterway, and there are foxes in the Town. Mr. Park advised that manatees should be included in Table C-7 on page II-16; and, migrating birds can also be added to the list. Mr. Park noted that they will fill in the map number, under Soils, on page II-17. On page II-18, Mr. Park explained that they talk about the environment (i.e. the impact boating has on the area--engine exhausts can pollute the air and engine oils and fuels can pollute the water). The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council is concerned that the Town is saying it will allow the mangroves to be destroyed. It should be Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes February 7, 1989 (recessed from February 6, 1989) Page 6 of 8 noted that the Town will require impact analysis for permits to make sure the wet lands will not be destroyed. Mayor Stewart noted that the Town, in recent years, wrote letters and made policies against destroy- ing mangroves; the Town has a Resolution with regard to this matter. Mr. Park advised that Hurricane Evacuation is required in the Comprehen- sive Plan and Gee & Jenson used the Lower Southeast Florida Hurricane Evacuation Study which is adequate. It was noted that the Town has adopted procedures for Hurricane Evacuation. With regard to Policy 1.1.1 on page II-24, which relates to the Town enforcing its Code of Ordinances for dune crossover structures and vegetation barriers, it was noted that the Town does have such Ordinance and the Town will enforce the Town Code. Ordinance No. 497 seeks to retain the sand on the beaches in Town. It was noted that the people in Town have not been interested in a beach renourishment project for the Town . In a discussion regarding dune restoration, Commissioner Rome stated that some of the buildings in Town were built on the dunes. Mr. Park advised that where a natural dune does exist, certain measures to protect the dunes must be taken. When Mr. Colman questioned if the Town has jurisdiction over the dune, Mr. Park advised the Town can have jurisdiction. Mr. Colman noted that he advised the Town of an area where the dune was denuded and he was told that such matter is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Park stated that if there is no ordinance on the books saying the Town will exercise control, then the Town does not have jurisdiction. Mr. Park said the Town should have an ordinance to preserve the dune during construction; the Town needs a program to restore the dune when damaged. It was suggested that Policy 1.3.3 on page II-25 be amended to read "The Town supports the reevaluation of the present CCCL in accordance with current accepted methodology." Mr. Park said that the language in Policy 1.3.5 will be modified with regard to the beach front part to indicate the Town is in favor of such park if it is done in a manner that will be agreeable to the Town. In a discussion regarding Objective 1.4 on Page II-26, the Town Commission requested the first part of the paragraph be amended to read "The Town will evaluate possible guidelines". It was also suggested by the Town Commission that, under Policy 1.4.1, the date should be changed from 199l~ to 1992 with the last part of said paragraph being amended to read "to continue on the beach and foredune areas." Page II-27 was discussed and the Town Commission suggested, under Policy 2.2.1, the Code of Ordinance be reviewed every five years. Policy 3.2.1 was amended to read "The Town will enforce an ordinance requiring that all vegetation assessments be submitted to the Town prior to land clearing and development." inasmuch as we already have that in place throughout the entire Town. Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes . February 7, 1989 (recessed from February 6, 1989) Page 7 of 8 Objective 3.3 on page II-28 was amended to include "when necessary". Policy 3.3.1 was amended to indicated that the Town shall abide by the established policies with regard to wildlife habitat. It was noted that the Town has something on the books relating to Policy 3.4.2 therefore same was amended to read "The Town shall enforce its Resolution whereby" etc. Objective 3.5 and Policy 3.5.1 were deleted and Objective 3.6 was renumbered Objective 3.5. Objective 1.1 on page II-35 was amended with the addition of "both existing deficiencies and" future demands, etc. The following was included in Objective 1.1 on page II-44 "and future needs" of the stormwater, etc. Policy 1.1.1 will include "under the jurisdiction of the Town," to determine, etc. Policy 1.1.2 will include the following "do necessary study and" make drainage, etc. It was noted that Mayor Stewart's figures regarding the water situation do not agree with the figures used on page II-51. Regarding the Traffic Circulation Element, Mr. Park advised that they used the most recent traffic count that was done in March, 1988. The • Town Manager questioned if a statement relating to the in-Town traffic had been included. Mr. Park noted that their traffic engineers refute the statement of traffic within the Town. The Vice Mayor stated that they did not take into consideration the number of people going through the Town to avoid traffic lights on Federal Highway. Mayor Stewart suggested making a simple statement that the residents note there appears to be an increased amount of traffic that takes place within the Town. Mr. Park questioned what the Commission wanted to establish as a service standard on A-1-A and noted that the Planners say it should be a Level of Service "D" (the traffic growth will push that Level of Service to "E"). Vice Mayor Basso questioned if it would be possible to make A-1-A a scenic highway that would prohibit trucks. It was noted that the year 1990, as listed on page II-73, should be changed to 1992. The last sentence under Policy 1.3.2 is to be deleted as suggested by the Town Commission. An objective is for the Town to promote safety for the pedestrian element. This completed the review of the Housing; Recreation and Open Space; Coastal Management/Conservation; Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Drainage, Potable Water and Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge; Traffic Circulation as per the advertisement for this Public Participation Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission. Mayor Stewart noted that the next Public Participation Workshop Meeting will be for the purpose of taking up the rest of the Comprehensive Plan Manual; the third meeting will be for the review of the entire Manual. Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes February 7, 1989 (recessed from February 6, 1989) Page 8 of 8 Mayor Stewart requested comments from members of the audience. None were forthcoming; however, Mr. Joseph Boulay stated that he is an interested spectator. The advertised Public Participation Workshop Meeting of the Town Commis- sion was adjourned by Mayor Stewart at 4:55 P.M. APPROVED : /~! ~C~cL~~'"`~'~"~~~ Bet Jean Swart, Mayor • ~ ~~~ ATTEST. Date: /,/ d~~ ~T n Bass ,.,_~ice Mayor Robert ~. Schglz, ~pmmissio Doris R. Rome, Commissioner n A. Waldman, Commissio er