1989.02.21_TC_Minutes_Workshop~'~
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, February 21, 1989 1.3P1 P M
Having received word from Mayor Betty Jean Stewart, by phone, advising
that she would be arriving late for this Meeting, Vice Mayor John J.
Basso called the advertised Public Participation Workshop Meeting of the
Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach., Florida, to order in the
Commission Chambers at Town Hall at 1:3~J P.M. Others present were Com-
missioners Robert F. Scholz, Doris R. Rome and Marvin A. Waldman.
Also 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.
Vice Mayor Basso noted that this advertised Public Participation Work-
shop Meeting was called for the purpose of reviewing the following
elements of the Comprehensive Plan: Future Land Use, Intergovernmental
Coordination, Capital Improvements, Consistency with State Comprehensive
Plan, Consistency with Regional Policy Plan, Comprehensive Plan
Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Participation in the Town Planning
Process.
• In reviewing the Introduction under the "Future Land Use Element", the
Town Commission suggested that paragraph one be amended to denote
'coastal community' rather than 'coastal environment'. Paragraph two
was amended to indicate that Highland Beach is bound on the North by
the City of Delray Beach as the unincorporated Palm Beach County parcel
on the East and West side of A-1-A was annexed by the City of Delray
Beach.
It was noted that the real estate office at the Holiday Inn has been in
existence for approximately twelve years and, there is a gift shop at
the Holiday Inn that may be operated by the motel/hotel. Mr. Park
stated that in showing the land use designation of the Town, it is not
necessary to identify every use of land especially where it is an
accessory use; and, Mr. Park noted that he sees no problem with refer-
ring to a hotel without making any mention of the restaurant, real
estate office, etc. Therefore, Mr. Park advised that he does not think
it is a serious problem leaving the wording of the third paragraph on
page III-1 as is. The Town Manager noted that showing the least amount
of business in Town the better because it leaves the residential area to
a maximum.
During a lengthy discussion of Table F-1 on page III-2 which lists
existing land use acreages, Commissioner Waldman questioned the accuracy
of said table. Town Manager Mariano noted that the Table is a listing
of land use classifications--it is not land uses. Land Planner Jim Park
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Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes
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Page 2 of 6
of Gee & Jenson advised that the numbers in Table F-1 report actual
uses; they do not report zoning. Mr. Park noted that this calculation
reports actual development rather than designated develop-ment. Twenty
per cent of the Town is classified high density; (we have, to the best
of our ability, calculated these figures with numbers received from the
Town) and you have about 65g of the Town that is low density and
undeveloped, said Mr. Park. The Town Manager noted that the numbers in
this table are correctly stated; the philosophy of what the Town is
trying to accomplish with this plan is to show that we can not sustain
any more growth. Following discussion of the various densities in Town,
Mr. Park noted that he would be glad to talk about the mix of densities
in the text to indicate that the largest percentage of the Town is in
the low density with the balance of the Town in the middle high/high
density. It was noted that a major potion of the Town's residential
area is devoted to single family, low and low medium densities; and, a
statement to that effect will be included on page III-2.
Mayor Stewart noted that residents have opposed any strip center com-
mercial projects in Town because that would attract people from other
areas and would add to the traffic problems, crime, etc., and asked if a
statement to that effect could be included in the plan. (Vice Mayor
Basso stated that the one church in Town attracts people from Boca Raton
and Delray Beach.) Mr. Park advised that paragraph two under "Rede-
velopment Needs" states what the Town has been doing to avoid environ-
mental problems, etc., that would result from commercial projects.
The Town Commission amended the third sentence of paragraph one under
"Historic Resources" to read "The 30 by 4P1 foot reef is technically
outside the Town limits, in the ocean, within sovereign waters." The
first sentence of the last paragraph was amended as follows: "Palm
Beach County has expressed its intent to establish a passive park, etc."
In a discussion regarding Jap Rock, it was noted that that site is just
North of the Boca Highland Beach House and it is in Highland Beach.
The Members recommended that the first sentence on page III-6 be amended
as follows: "Third, the continuation of population growth through
residential construction activities in the County of Palm Beach will
increase traffic volumes on S.R. A-1-A through Highland Beach and nearby
communities." Commissioner Rome noted that inasmuch as the Members
talked about making A-1-A a scenic route, perhaps something could be
added to the paragraph with regard to how the Town can decrease the
volume of traffic. Mayor Stewart stated that S.R. A-I-A., in adjacent
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Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting
• February 21, 1989
Page 3 of 6
communities, is being enhanced for public use because of the parks; the
County is saying the beach presents a similar situation--Highland Beach
has the beach therefore we have to look at this a little differently
(the parks themselves attract traffic). Commissioner Rome noted that
since Palm Beach County is allowing development out West, people will be
coming East to use the beaches. Mr. Park said he does not think that
the Town could point to a Countywide growth strategy and noted that the
Department of Transportation talked about widening S.R. A-1-A. Mayor
Stewart noted that this is a seasonal thing where you have an influx of
people for a brief period of time which puts stress on our roads; this
matter has not been addressed as a seasonal problem with people coming
from the West to go to the beach. Continuing, Mayor Stewart stated that
she does not know that one would have to build and accommodate for three
months when nine months of the year you have a fine situation. You have
more people who do not live here all year around--people come for three
months, then they leave. We are not addressing the fact that some of
the traffic is seasonal and people of the Town have to be patient during
this stressful period. Mr. Park noted that this matter was dealt with
in the Traffic Circulation Element. The Town Manager noted that, when
you look at development that is happening out West, it is not seasonal;
the influx coming from the West will increase because these are
permanent people out West. Following much discussion, the ending of the
• first sentence in the second paragraph was amended to read: "at much
greater densities and heights, present an opportunity for conflicts."
The last sentence at the bottom of this page was amended to read as
follows: "in the 1984 Future Land Use map, etc."
During discussion, Mr. Park stated that there must be a rationale ex-
pressed in the Comprehensive Plan relating to a 22% reduction in
development. Town Attorney Friedman noted the Town's rationale is that
the current density, which is livable, is what the Town wants to
maintain. It was noted that the Comprehensive Plan establishes the
philosophy of a 22~ decrease in density and indicates the Town can not
sustain more than 8.7 units per acre. Mr. Park said the Comprehensive
Plan is not saying that every property owner will be reduced; the
Comprehensive Plan is saying that every owner of vacant property, in
effect, is experiencing a 22~ reduction in density--we are being equit-
able for all property owners. Continuing, Mr. Park noted that the Town
has a range of densities for various types of housing in .various
locations. It was further noted that the Town can not 'spot' zone.
When it was questioned what range was used for the "Future Residential
Units Expected To Be Developed" in Table F-2 on Page III-11, Mr. Park
replied that they used the maximum figure. Members indicated that it
was their felling that the lower figures should have been used. Mr.
Park advised that he will discuss this matter with his assistant, Mark
Bidwell, and revise the table under discussion.
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Page 4 of 6
The second sentence of the paragraph on page III-13 was amended as
follows: "This number of housing units is equal to the number of
residential units which may be constructed by the year 201P101. That year
is established in this Comprehensive Plan as the year when full develop-
ment of all residential land will occur."
During review of page III-14, it was questioned why the Town does not
send plans to the Palm Beach Environmental Protection Council and it was
noted that this matter is being researched by the Building Official. In
discussing Policy l.l.l, it was the consensus of the Town Commission'
that condition number 1 should be revised to include a very strong
statement that the Town supports the policies of the State Environ-
mental Agencies and the Town has conferred with the Agencies when they
issued concerns (the Town supports all State and County Agencies).
In reviewing page III-15, Members agreed to delete number 2 completely
which then necessitated renumbering of the three remaining paragraphs.
Number 3 was changed to number 2 with the end of the paragraph being
amended as follows: "regulations to avoid exceeding level of service
standards". Paragraph number 4 was changed to number 3 with a correc-
tion showing the density as 8.7 dwelling units per acre. Number 5 was
changed to number 4. In discussing these paragraphs, it was noted that
the Comprehensive Plan is just a Comprehensive Plan which must be
• examined by the Florida Department of Community Affairs; it is in the
Zoning Ordinance where there is flexibility and greater control. Policy
1.1.3 on this page was amended to read: "The Town does require and
shall continue to require, etc." It was further noted that the Town had
already instituted such a policy. Under policy 1.1.4 a typographical
error was noted (or should read for each, etc.)
In a discussion relating to Table I-1 on page III-21, it was noted that
with regard to the Utility Department, Palm Beach County owns the
treatment facilities while the City of Delray Beach owns the piping; the
Coordination Subject was revised to indicate "Sewerage Treatment
Facility".
It was the consensus of the Town Commission that in Table I-1 on page
III-22, Agency/Office "Lake Worth Drainage District" and the
Coordination Subject "Drainage system maintenance improvements" be
deleted entirely.
Members, in reviewing page III-23, noted that the informal procedures
which the Town follows with regard to meetings with adjacent city
personnel have been working out very well.
It was the consensus of the Town Commission that, under Issue 2 on page
III-28, the section titled 'Effectiveness of Current Efforts and
Needs/Deficiencies' should be omitted completely.
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Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes
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Issue 3 on page III-25 was discussed and the Town Commission suggested
that the paragraph relating to 'Nature of Relationship' be amended by
Mr. Park. It was requested that the Palm Beach County Water Resources
Board be added to the listof Outside Coordinating Agencies. The Vice
Mayor noted that Mr. Park should include a statement with regard to the
Town's intention to work with Boca Raton for the purchase of water.
The Recommendations paragraph for Issue 4 on page III-26 was amended to
read "provision for reciprocal review of documents, etc."
Issue 5 on Page III-27 was amended to read "Management of beach dune
system and waterway". It was noted that 'Office with Primary
Responsibility' should indicate "Elected Town representative to Council;
Town Manager". Following discussion of "Effectiveness of Current
Efforts", the Town Commission requested that Mr. Park rewrite the data.
The Needs/Deficiencies under Issue 6 on page III-28 was revised as
follows: "Periodic flooding conditions, in limited area, present some
problems." It was suggested that the Recommendations be amended to read
"The Town will continue monitoring. the situation." The Vice Mayor noted
that the responsibility for A-1-A should be assumed by the Department of
Transportation inasmuch as it is a State Highway.
• Issue 7 on page III.-29 was amended under Recommendations to read: "Town
and County should meet to discuss operating policies, jurisdictional
concerns and areas of mutual cooperation to assure a safe, effective and
well-managed facility."
The following changes were made under Policy 1.2.1 on page III-31:
City of Delray Beach - Potable Water, Sanitary Sewer (waste
water transportation), Traffic (S.R.
A-1-A only), Recreation and Open Space
Palm Beach County - Sanitary Sewer (waste water treatment),
Environmental Protection Control, Solid
Waste Authority
The fourth sentence of the Introduction paragraph under Capital Improve-
ments Element on page III-32 was revised to read: Interlocal agreements
between the Town and the Cities of Boca Raton and Delray Beach provide
for emergency water supplies from those Cities to augment the Town's own
supply obtained from its wells located within the City of Boca Raton.
The second sentence of paragraph two was amended to include "schools or
medical facilities". Under Capital Improvement Needs, the first
paragraph regarding the study of drainage conditions, etc., is to be
reviewed further. The next paragraph relating to a study of wastewater
collection system was amended to include "stormwater management".
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Town Commission Public Participation Workshop Meeting Minutes
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Following the conclusion of the review of the remaining Comprehensive
Plan Elements, Mayor Stewart noted that any and all comments with regard
to the review of the Comprehensive Plan are welcome.
Upon proper MOTION by COMMISSIONER ROME/COMMISSIONER WALDMAN, Mayor
Stewart adjourned the advertised public participation workshop meeting
at 5:00 P.M.
APPROVED : -J,~"J" _ ! -C~
Bet _ Jean,,.,Stewart, Mayor
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ATTEST:
Date:
AMK
/ ohn~y': Basso, Vice Mayor
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Robert Sc lz ommissioner
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Doris R. Rome, Commissioner
M~(r~i~h A. Waldman, Commissioner
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