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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-08 Virtual Budget Workshop City Commission Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF MEETING DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION VIRTUAL BUDGET WORKSHOP TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 - 5:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Mayor Lewellen called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Present: Mayor: Vice -Mayor: Commissioners City Manager: City Attorney: City Clerk: 2. Presentations Lori Lewellen Lauren Odman Chickie Brandimarte Bill Harris Tamara James Ana M. Garcia, ICMA-CM Thomas Ansbro Thomas Schneider 2.1 Presentation by Evan Snow on the Mermaid Project - sponsored by Vice -Mayor Odman Evan Snow, Executive Director of the 1,000 Mermaid Relief Project, gave a brief background on himself, noting he is with 1,000 Mermaids and Ocean Rescue Alliance; they make artificial reefs that look like natural coral reefs. He introduced marine biologist Stacy Brown, Director of Education, and they both gave a presentation, which is attached to and incorporated into these minutes. Vice -Mayor Odman asked Mr. Snow to explain what he is proposing for Dania Beach for $100,000. Mr. Snow said they would be creating a signature billboard in the permitted zone as designated by Broward County, and they would give us two mermaid tails for a photo opportunity. Commissioner Brandimarte asked what the biggest threat is to the natural reef. Ms. Brown noted that by putting an engineered structure into the water, it would provide habitat for fish, in addition to breaking down wind and storm surges. They are hoping to start with Dania Beach so it will enlist the support of others. They have been doing this in Palm Beach County for years; this would be the first for Broward County. Vice -Mayor Odman confirmed the renderings would be fully customizable and signature to Dania Beach. Ms. Brown said they are proposing two land -based modules, selfie tails, and then underwater; they can do whatever the Commission would like, such as color. Commissioner James asked if this would be on the land and in the water. Ms. Brown explained they are proposing two 8-foot modules on land and two selfie tails; one module for in the water. The modules are made for stability for wave height production and fish population. Mr. Snow explained further the art and photo opportunity for $100,000. Commissioner James asked what the total cost/benefit has been in other cities. Ms. Brown replied the reef builder has been putting in all construction costs. Mr. Snow said they do not have the money to give them to build the reef, as Broward County does not, so they have helped fund the first $2 million of the project. Commissioner James asked how much the total cost would be for Dania Beach. Mr. Snow said the $100,000 would still make an impact if no one else contributed to the project. If the Commission is ready, they are ready to kick off this project. Mayor Lewellen confirmed this would attract fish. She asked City Manager Garcia if this is something we could get funding for from Tallahassee. City Manager Garcia commented on FIND and fundraising; we could partner with Dania Pointe. She does not see all of the $100,000 coming from us; it could be an opportunity to collaborate to seek grants. Mayor Lewellen asked if we could put an underwater camera in for this. City Manager Garcia noted this has been discussed and it would be a one-time expenditure that we would get our money back on. She questioned if the project could be done in phases. Ms. Brown responded yes. Mr. Snow spoked of permitted zones the County gets from the Army Corps of Engineers. They work with the County to deploy the reef into the permitted zone. City Manager Garcia requested they provide the Commission a design in multi -phases so they can visualize the capital investment in multi -years. Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 2 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. Vice -Mayor Odman noted she brought this forward because we had never put in an environmental statement project to start prioritizing environmental factors. She does not want to baby step this; she wants to walk into a commitment. The return will be significant and she does not want to miss out on it. Commissioner Harris asked if Mr. Snow is familiar with a mermaids group in Dania Beach that swims our beach with tails. Mr. Snow acknowledged this is giving people a lot of opportunity to choose 954 to build marketing tourism. Commissioner James said if we choose to do the project, she would rather do it all at once as she does not trust phases. She is trying to think where the mermaids would be placed in our beach plan and wants to start dissecting the plan. There are too many layers, she does not know where the RFP is, and does not want to phase the $100,000 if we have it. We could grow the project; she wants to see and know more. City Manager Garcia clarified the intent with the $100,000; it would not be phased. Vice -Mayor Odman agreed with the $100,000 being the initial investment and augmenting it in the future. City Manager Garcia emphasized the $500,000 allocation is set aside for the Commission's discretion. Vice -Mayor Odman said she wants to start with the $100,000. City Manager Garcia noted once there is consensus, it would be placed in the budget. 2.2 Presentation by Mason Jackson on the Dania Beach Job Training Initiative — sponsored by Mayor Lewellen Mayor Lewellen spoke briefly about Mr. Jackson and initiatives to get people trained and re- trained. The biggest issue is the life expenses and she wanted to discuss how we could collaborate and provide grants for basic needs for residents to become certified in high demand career fields. Mr. Jackson gave a presentation and noted this is a groundbreaking opportunity for the City. Dania Beach is the only city that has approached them about doing something to help people during this economic downturn. He spoke of the middle skills area being the biggest demand and assistance needed with basic life needs. They would concentrate the initial effort on the marine industry, which needs skilled workers. Commissioner Brandimarte asked if this would be only for the marine industry. Mr. Jackson responded it could be any industry. Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 3 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Brandimarte asked if his organization would get anything. Mr. Jackson said they are federally funded. This program would help with the other support services that his group cannot. Mayor Lewellen spoke of the various programs available. Commissioner Brandimarte supported this because it would be something you could see for the money. Commissioner James asked what the cost to the City would be. Mayor Lewellen noted the City Manager and Mr. Jackson discussed this and it would be a pilot program with 10 people receiving the grant at $6,000 each. Commissioner James asked if the Mayor had reached out to Direcktor or AMO. If the Commission decides to support this, they should also reach out to Direcktor and AMO for matching grants. Mayor Lewellen stated Mr. Jackson represents the industry employers in need; the partnership is there. Commissioner James knows we have done a few job trainings, including one at City Hall, where no one showed up. She questioned how they would get those individuals excited and if there would be a program that goes into the schools to recruit individuals. Mr. Jackson said those efforts are already underway and he is working with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Based on a study, parents are the biggest influencers of children; they are working to change the parents' minds so they can change the children's minds. Mayor Lewellen stated the pandemic would play a factor in recruitment. Commissioner Harris said he was with Congressman Deutsch at Direcktor; there are good paying industry jobs that lead to entrepreneurship. The possibilities are endless when you can make that kind of money. Mr. Jackson noted they have the training dollars now; what they do not have are the basic life needs support. Commissioner James asked about apprenticeships and Mr. Jackson explained them. City Manager Garcia said this would bring something unique and would be a huge return on our investment if we have a mailer to promote this program for our residents. Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 4 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. Mayor Lewellen felt if we do $6,000 or $7,500 grants and make sure the recipients are enrolled in the program, we could do it as a test program. Commissioner Brandimarte asked if the jobs have tier levels regarding certifications. Mayor Lewellen clarified the grants would be used for the recipients' expenses. City Manager Garcia added there are different tiers for certification at different times. Mayor Lewellen confirmed 10 people, $6,000 each, for a pilot program. If the Commission wanted to do a larger number, we could. City Manager Garcia asked if anyone wanted to further discuss the $500,000 set aside for the Commission. Commissioner Harris questioned if we could do a citywide traffic assessment, and addressed streets where drivers are travelling at high speeds. He has contacted Broward MPO for assistance, and if we could incorporate that into some license plate readers around town, then we would have a better answer when people ask about the traffic. This is something to look at, with whatever technology is available, and we could label it a citywide traffic calming assessment. City Manager Garcia commented what she has seen in the past was when someone would come to the City, we would install a speed hump. If a professional citywide assessment were done, we would know which traffic calming measure should go where. Perhaps the surtax dollars could be used since we are not doing the bridge. Commissioner Brandimarte asked about stop signs with lights to address speeding. Commissioner James spoke of devices on the streets in Israel that issue tickets for speeding; perhaps this is something that could be brought to the U.S. Instead of doing assessments, she favors doing something that will fix the issue. Hitting people in their pocketbooks would get their attention. Commissioner Brandimarte asked about the red light cameras being stopped. City Attorney Ansbro noted very few cities kept their red light camera program. Regarding speeding ticket devices, those would have to come from state law, not local. Discussion ensued regarding problematic traffic issues. Commissioner Harris felt $100,000 would cover the study, with assistance from the Broward MPO. City Manager Garcia noted in another city, the cost was $75-80,000. Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 5 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. Commissioner James spoke of rental assistance and what the County was doing; the deadline has already passed. She has spoken to other cities that have done three installments of rental assistance. She proposes $250,000 be given to the CRA to do this program. Additionally, a CRA reserve should be established for the incoming Director. There is $40,000 currently; we would need $60,000 more to make it a $100,000 reserve. Also, regarding Commissioner Brandimarte's idea of land acquisitions, we have cost savings from the Smith Store properties of $500,000 to do land acquisitions. She does not want to do the same sort of standard housing proj ects. Commissioner Brandimarte noted she wanted to reallocate the $500,000 to the CRA for land acquisitions. Mayor Lewellen said she needs more information on this, and questioned what land. Commissioner James said vacant properties and there are people who want to sell their property. Mayor Lewellen questioned whether we need to put a plan in place first. Commissioner James said we are the drivers; if it was going sour, we could halt it. We need to have the foundation up. We have a plan, but no funding. City Manager Garcia explained if affordable housing is the goal, we are committed to Saratoga Crossings and another multi -story project due south of the parking garage. Commissioner James said what she is talking about is a different renaissance for the Community, not a housing project. Many people do not qualify for the affordable housing, yet they cannot afford market rate housing. There is no significant investment in affordable housing, and she speaks of the CRA area because within the CRA Plan, the CRA has a lot more leeway with building acquisition. This could be a legacy for families. There is an interest in container homes, but we cannot do anything if we do not have the property. Developers are buying the properties and pricing them high. Mayor Lewellen referenced a homeless housing project on an island in Hawaii. Vice -Mayor Odman described the Gainesville co -housing project, which is a beautiful way to live. Commissioner James said yes, something similar to Gainesville, which builds community relationships with all generations. Mayor Lewellen noted she wanted to do an assessment of Chester Byrd Park as a model park for buy -in of the GO Bond. Regarding land acquisition, the Smith Store funds are set aside so we should wait for the new CRA Director to do an assessment; she would like a plan in place first. It could be the first of the year, and she would like to see what the plan is. A new Director may come in and want to do something else; she wants them to be able to come in and say this is what we need to do and how we need to do it. Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 6 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. Commissioner James said the new CRA Executive Director would have reserves. They will have their hands full with upgrading the plan if we do not put this plan in place and make it a priority. We steer the ship; none of the funds have to be spent. Whoever the new Executive Director is will come to us to approve a plan. She does not see a specific plan for all initiatives brought forth tonight. She thinks the $500,000 will go back into the General Fund, and is tired of putting things on the back shelf. Vice -Mayor Odman questioned what would happen if we go forward with this and then the Board decided they wanted to do single-family homes again. She noted she was supportive of it because she wants to do a creative community project in the City. Commissioner James said we are here to give the direction and not worry about what happens in two months if someone changes his or her mind. Mayor Lewellen commented she would like to see a plan and we could go from there. We can hold the money where it is and when we get a plan, we can discuss it again. She felt we are jumping the gun right now; she is asking to put the money in a holding zone and does not want to limit our options. Commissioner James questioned if there was consensus on this. Commissioner Brandimarte said she liked what the Vice -Mayor said, and we are the seated Commissioners today. She would like a consensus that the money goes toward the vision of Vice -Mayor Odman and Commissioner James. She wants the money to go to the seated CRA Director now, and sees four Commissioners in consensus today. City Manager Garcia asked if this allocation for land acquisition would take the place of the Smith property. Commissioner James said the money initially allocated to that project is not needed now. Director Williams explained single-family housing was to be built on the property and the money was for hard and soft construction costs. There was discussion about a deed restriction; the initial priority was for police officers because it was a nuisance area. The reason the $500,000 was not transferred to the CRA was that she thought having the private sector building it could save us the money. She said the $500,000 funding is not needed to develop the Smith Store properties, and explained the disposition of the property according to the CRA Plan. City Manager Garcia noted the School Board approved the $800,000 for the demolition of the old Olsen School. We need a meeting as the School Board may want to partner to do a recreational field. The Commission consensus was to allocate $100,000 for the Mermaid Project. Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 7 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. The Commission consensus was to allocate $75,000 for the job training initiative (10 people at $7,500 each). The Commission consensus was to allocate $75,000 for a citywide traffic calming assessment. Discussion ensued on a rental assistance program at $250,000, similar to the County's criteria, for the CRA area versus citywide. The Commission consensus was to allocate $250,000 for a rental assistance program in the CRA area. Discussion ensued on allocating $60,000 for CRA reserves. The Commission consensus was to allocate $60,000 for CRA reserves. Discussion ensued regarding re -allocating the $500,000 Smith Store property money for CRA land acquisition. The Commission consensus was to re -allocate the $500,000 Smith Store property money to the CRA budget for land acquisition. Commissioner James questioned where Community Policing was in in the budget. City Manager Garcia responded there is an appropriation for the Police Athletic League. She spoke of the global initiative with BSO Sherriff Tony, and noted we are augmenting our program and rolling out the Police Activity League. 2.3 Presentation on the Fiscal Year 2021 proposed budget by City Manager Ana M. Garcia and Finance Director Frank DiPaolo City Manager Garcia gave a brief presentation on the Fiscal Year 2021 budget, particularly her Budget Message. Commissioner Brandimarte questioned if there used to be a PAL Program in Dania Beach that was not successful, and requested the City Manager check into it. City Manager Garcia spoke of the past successful programs in which she has been involved. Vice -Mayor Odman commented on the good projects this Commission is moving forward with in this budget. 3. Budget Discussion Discussion occurred under item #2.2. Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 8 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. 4. Adj ournment Mayor Lewellen adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. ATTEST: CITY OF DANIA BEACH THOMAS SCHNEIDER, CMC d` ORI E CITY CLERK �'geliSHE�y MAYOR Approved: October 13, 2020 Minutes of Virtual Budget Workshop 9 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, September 8, 2020 — 5:00 p.m. k�v i ,r 1 ,Z T 1 X a ;mil (tl i� x Pro lid (; DiR w. OCEAN RESCUE ALLIANCE Saving The Ocean, One Reef At A Time! Ocean Rescue Alliance (ORA) is an environmental NPO that supports saving the ocean one reef at a time. Through the creation of artificial reefs designed to incorporate art, innovative designs, and safe materials, ORA will enhance marine habitats and provide unique diving locations worldwide. Our artistically crafted reefs enable every individual the opportunity to create an eternal reef for their loved one or company. Every reef creates a lasting memory on the ocean floor that will help restore our marine ecosystems. Our education program seeks to empower and inspire our future generations to maintain our marine environments. Our citizen science program, Coral Rangers, engages our local communities in reef monitoring and coral restoration efforts. Our research investigates artificial design improvements, coral restoration, fish population dynamics & recruitment to contribute to effective restoration. Our goal is to spread awareness and create marine habitats that will last for generations to come. $0000 MERMAIDS 0 O 0 0 1000 MERMAIDS 0 0 O 0 Problems Plaguing Our Reefs IN • Pollution • Ocean Acidification • Coral Bleaching • • Habitat Degradation 11 t e • Overfishing ► j �� w ,► coral Keefs Prevents Coastal Provides Habitat for Fish Species Biodiversity Lungs of the Nutrient Cycling Future Cures �rCo Environmental Development Increased Tourism Economic Improvement • Increases Fish Populations Artistically Crafted Modules & ' ' Eco-tourism Driver • Restores Coral Reefs Sculptures Increased Boat Charters, • Reduces Beach Erosion Interactive Dive Sites Dive Shop Rentals Filled Hotels & Restaurants, • Creates Homes For Fish • Unique Locations' Booked Car Rentals & Travel • Reduces Storm Surge • International Tourist Draw Companies • Community Engagement • Recreates Natural Breakwaters Diving Destination • Citizen Science = Future • Captivates and Inspires Visitors Scientists & Technology r Majors. Coral Reefs Reduce Wave Energy and Height Coral reefs reduce wave energy by an average of 97 percent across all studies globally- The reef crest, or shallowest part of the reef where the waves break first, dissipates 86 percent of wave energy on its own. The whole reef reduces wave height by 84 percent. Coral Reefs in SE Florida have an Asset Value of $8.5 billion, verage total zw enew generating $4.4 billion duction in local sales, $2 billion in local income, & 70,,400 jobs - NOAA 1"' Endless Opportunities to Create & Inspire A Reef That Connects Your Community • Artistic • Cultural • Unique Get Creative! Using VR & 3D Scanning to Save Our Reefs :.� rr�- Reef Habitat Each reef module will consist of: • Micro and macro habitat to promote biodiversity with interstitial spaces. • Pass through perforations for water exchange and sunlight penetration. • Exterior surface blasted with calcium carbonate to enhance colonization. • A ballasted base providing increased stability and resistance to local hydrodynamic forces. • Imbedded Coral Loks for future coral out planting efforts. �.:�, Via... Riviera Beach 1000 Mermaids Site 18 Modules Deployed August 2019 * 1000 Mermaids_ Riviera Beach, Ft October 5, 201 Pos# nari'fttn �i�r� Chec ,..► z AV- 410 Coral Lok & Coral Lok Frag Plug All reef modules can be fabricated with Coral Lok receivers which are designed to facilitate the rapid attachment of rescued and cultivated corals on Coral Lok plugs. This proven system of mechanically attaching coral fragments to the reef structure eliminates many of the challenges inherent in traditional coral out -planting. Corals attached using Coral Lok devices are planted more quickly than those planted using the old method of scarifying the reef substrate and applying epoxy to the coral. Public Art & Outreach Art can inspire and connect people, we utilize reef sculptures to bring awareness to marine conservation while providing a unique diving location. We have the ability to make any art idea for an individual or company. Each module also provides a habitat base for marine life. Coral Loks are imbedded to provide an opportunity to outplant coral in the future. A &.Ak>jrle¥ t) Citizen Science a n d Education Community Engagement • Workshops • Beach & Dive Site Clean Ups • Reef Monitoring • Coral RestOrton • Scientifically Engaging Events & Hands On Activities VOW ;,�'r. •., 4 w r w 4 Coral Rangers Introduce and engage Middle & High School students to reef restoration and marine conservation. Our program will provide students with ways they help to save our reefs. Students will get hands on experience with coral restoration, reef monitoring, beach clean ups, bleach watch, fish ID training, and much more. Students will also learn about our artificial reefs designed to promote marine conservation and to teach them how to spread eco-conservation awareness. Mem 6-3 ele b rato ry Reefs Our reefs are broken down into affordable options which are a great way to celebrate all life events! Make any event a celebration while helping the environment and create a memory that will last for generations! Memorial Reef Options: Visit your loved one surrounded by life! Rather than turning to land -based memorials, find peace in celebrating your loved ones life through an artificial reef creation. Their memorial will provide habitat for marine life while also contributing to coral restoration. We commit to outplant coral with every memorial reef. In your difficult time help support life! Plaques, Mini Habitat Modules, Family Reefs, & Individual Sculpture Options Available Dania Beach Artificial Reef Permit Zone D Site - Dania Beach (See n G`3"T-�t!9) RW "PE" Mo (A) r- rn t', TR 33 FIG CON( 4 5M; 41),9 AIS 195 Fort Evergladbs 2 9 40\ PA, ECAUTIONARY ARE E) ��46 ('see note 154 —W-or "D" 4. Cc 09F/ 2s Priv S Permit Number 35 j 43 06-0362255-001-El 323 Southeast District SI 16 RESTRICI 601 wW Or 334, F1 4s (see n Cal Priv Co 11 1 19 147 Sbbm.,�r, Coordinates: . IiU 36r 11 (a ft P F1 6s NE: 26.0563 -80.0955 SE: 26.0521 -80.0955 v 3�, 3 NW: 26.0563 -80.1001 _tM 26 0523 -80.1001 F R 18ft Co 0 Priv (21 1: F1 6s'r riv 45'� D 1 �' A (1: � Obsitn S f 305 I Fish Hav�n 122 JT� 1 nin .1750.351 Mile 11 H-1- 1 to! 1171�3304 j0.7 � 3 1 1 N Site Dimensions: 1,532 it x 1,514 ft BR,��**AARD Site Area: 52.18 ac i Site Depth MLW: 38 ft - 40 ft COUNTY Site Depth MHW: 40 It - 42 ft A EMMJ�� Map 11466 - soundings in feet D Site Coordinates: NE: "26.0563 -80.0955 SE: 26.0521 -80.0955 NW: 26.0563 -80�.Ml SW: 26.0523 -80.1001� F .i = A 0 Total Area: 52.18 ac 0 150 300 600 Feet rl Land Based Modules I m M Mol Z "Of � I m �►rtifi�fa�-f��ef Benefits IVA • Eco-Tourism • Economic Driver • Habitat Creation • Species Preservation • Coastal Protection • Potential Erosion Reduction • Press Reach - 6510001000+ The Palm Beach Post REAL NEWS STARTS HERE W? outdoor essentials ,t - I BREAKING Postal leader defends changes, denies 'sabotaging' election p,. Let's built! change. Together. a community thrives 08MIT YOUR IOrA> Judge slaps down state leaders says they can't force schools to reopen, state appeals, delaying Don't leave the country TONIOMARINE Ncc without travel medical \ insurance " ` ® Miami Dolphins try ll Iy � Fifth -round pick Ci OMMI waived/injured Divers can find mermaids at this new artificial reef near Palm Beach ET R AV E L + EXPLORE LEISURE You Could Be Transformed Into a Mermaid Sculpture for an Artificial Reef in Florida Here's how a rejected nude sculpture became a mission to plant 1,000 mermaids underwater. BY SKYE SHERMAN AUGUST 21, 2020 Andrew "Red" Harris Reef 1000 Mermaid Reef — Palm Beach Phil Foster Park — Snorkel Trail Reef Peanut Island Pier Reef Coral Out -Planting Strategies Development - SECORE 1000 Mermaids Project • Habitat Enhancement • Outfitted for Coral Out -Planting • Ecotou rism • Research • Citizen Science • Education • Collaboration Evan Snow Shelby Thomas Executive Director COO & Director of Research Stacy Brown Chris O'Hare CFO & Director of Education Project Engineer & Reef Builder ORA Team ®- - �' 3 4r,. lfflwl 4 Qom. Reef Cells Founded in 1990 by Engineer, Architect, & Sculptor Christopher O'Hare. Reef Cells is located in Palm Beach County in a 50,000 sq ft research and production facility. Reef Cells has been developing and building artificial reefs designed to create fish habitat, promote coral restoration and estuarine enhancement for over 30 years. Project Contact Information - Website. Email: :reate A Reef . Volunteer. Dive. Donate