Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout6629 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2007 — 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Chairman Flury called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Chairman: Patricia Flury Vice-Chairman: Robert Anton Commissioners: Anne Castro Paul Fetscher City Manager: Ivan Pato City Attorney: Tom Ansbro City Clerk: Louise Stilson CRA Consultant: William Salim Absent: Commissioner: John Bertino 2. Approval of Minutes of February 7, 2007 Vice-Chairman Anton motioned to approve the Minutes of February 7, 2007; seconded by Commissioner Castro. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Update on the Dania Beach Hotel by Haim Mayan Bonnie Miskel, Ruden McClosky, Attorney for the developer, noted the original plan no longer works for the project. She indicated they are waiting for the new rules to be adopted by the City Commission before proceeding with new plans. The current plan on file with the Community Development Department may be modified to comply with the new Code that will soon be adopted by the Commission. She presented a copy of the first plan that was submitted to the Commission in September 2005. The second plan that was submitted is the one they may adapt to conform with the new Code. Haim Mayan, developer for the project, clarified for the Board that the estimated cost of demolition would be about $100,000, but it cannot be demolished until the mortgage is paid. The current building will only be demolished when the new building is constructed. Mr. Mayan explained that they met with staff and some of the Commissioners to discuss their plan to build a hotel, but they have decided to wait until the proposed Code is adopted, so they can comply with the new regulations. He confirmed for Chairman Flury that he has a copy of the proposed Zoning Code changes. Laurence Leeds, Director of Community Development clarified for the record that the current Zoning Code does not permit a hotel condominium, a building over 40 feet high, and the height would need to be equal to the setback. The new Code would allow this proposal, if it meets the criteria. Haim Mayan noted the delay costs him $40,000 per month, and should show his dedication to the project. Attorney Miskel advised that once the new Zoning guidelines are approved, they will have to modify their latest hotel plan to comply with the new Code. Haim Mayan stated they could submit new plans within 60 days of the new Code being adopted. The Board generally agreed with Mr. Mayan's commitment. Chairman Flury would like the CRA Board to be updated periodically, on the progress of this project. 4. Presentation by the top three ranked firms for the Dania Beach Library, Broward Sheriffs Office and Parking Garage Master Plan Chairman Flury asked that a new agenda be distributed tomorrow to remove the Broward Sheriffs Office from the agenda. City Attorney Ansbro advised that under the Sunshine Law, representatives from all three firms were allowed to stay in the Commission Chamber while presentations were being made. Bermello Aiamil and Partners, Inc. Bernard N. Horovitz, Principal-in-Charge, gave a brief overview of their firm, including their office locations. He noted they have partnered with Providence Associates, as Library Planning Consultants. Mr. Horovitz indicated that he would be responsible for signing the contract and making sure the project is delivered on time. He introduced Scott Bakos, Project Manager, who would be in daily contact with staff, and Ken Hawkins, who is an experienced architect in the design of parking structures. Ken Hawkins, Architect, listed some of the major projects performed by the firm, in other cities and in Dania Beach as well. He noted the experience the firm has with the design of parking garages, which would fit within the CRA plan. Mr. Horovitz indicated they are currently working on the design of the Library for the City of Boca Raton. He advised that some of the key issues in the design of a library are creating Minutes of Regular Meeting 2 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,March 7,2007—6:00 p.m. meeting and gathering places for people. A library would require space for different age groups, wireless connections, cafe and book store, automated retrieval systems, and CD/DVD collections. Mr. Hawkins pointed out they are willing to work with the community to provide a style that would complement the rest of the architecture within the CRA. Scott Bakos, Project Manager, suggested beginning with a project schedule, and outlined how it would work. He noted that this team has worked with the Dania Beach Commission for the past three years, on the Modello project. They believe in community consensus and workshops, and have a proven record of meeting budgets and schedules. Mr. Bakos commented that they are a local firm and that this project is important for them as part of this community. Mr. Hawkins noted they would try to keep a pedestrian friendly atmosphere around a municipal building. They would have to concentrate mostly on the southeast side of City Hall. Mr. Horowitz advised they have worked with the Broward County Library System on two projects. Chairman Flury thought their expertise in building free-standing libraries looked great. However, our situation is different because a portion of our building may be demolished. She indicated that we want every option explored. Chairman Flury further pointed out that creativity will be needed in order to find the space that the City is looking for. Mr. Bakos indicated that they will sit and listen to every Commissioner in the development of a plan that will work for Dania Beach. PGAL Ian A. Nestler, Principal Planner and Architect, presented an overview of the firm. He advised they are a national company, with a local office in Boca Raton. They have partnered with Kimley-Hom, Walter P. Moore, CMS, and TLC Engineering. Mr. Nestler noted that they are a nationally recognized company for their expertise, having constructed over 20 garages in the past five years. He further indicated that they are currently working on five Libraries for Broward County, so they know how to work with them. Parking garages need to be designed to reinforce the urban fabric and they can blend the historic component with other important factors, with input from the community, as part of the planning process. Bob Chapman, Structural Engineer and Parking Consultant, noted the parking garages need to be efficient and maximize the use of the garage. There should be a structural system implemented to minimize the impact to downtown Dania Beach as far as staging and other construction issues. Mr. Nestler commented that the City Hall site is a tight site, so the actual construction techniques become a critical factor for the success of the parking garage. It is important to have proper lighting, as well as safety and security. He pointed out that these projects require consistent and Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,March 7,2007-6:00 p.m. thoughtfully designed workshops with the community. Mr. Nestler commented that being Broward's First City is a tremendous asset. They know that the Dania Beach Library has the largest number of walk-in traffic. He also indicated that the proximity to FEC gives Dania Beach a wonderful opportunity to be well known. Chris Barton advised that his firm will be involved in the civil engineering aspect, landscape architecture, and review of utility planning. Mr. Nestler presented several variations on how downtown Dania Beach could be developed. He commented that the vision and experience of their team will contribute significantly to a successful outcome and that PGAL was highly qualified for this significant urban design and planning project. Zvscovich, Inc. Jose Murguido, Principal-in-Charge, noted they are an urban design firm that has been established in South Florida for over 30 years. They have worked with several municipalities, including the City of Hollywood, the City of Coconut Creek, City of Doral and extensive work with the City of Miami. He noted that their professional planners try to be creative and find what is unique or authentic with each project. Mr. Murguido pointed out that his firm also has experience in the construction of parking structures. Thorn Grafton, Partner and Project Manager, commented they take the history of the City into consideration when developing a plan. He added that Dania Beach has a hometown feeling that makes it unique. Mr. Grafton thought the streets in the downtown area are under utilized and it would be possible to get 100 parking spaces along the streets. He suggested more landscaping should be added to the proposed civic center as well as a pedestrian environment. Mr. Grafton noted it is hard to find the City Administration Center and suggested installing an entry tower. Mr. Murguido noted that they have offices in downtown Miami and West Palm Beach. He further advised that they have built over 100 school facilities which include libraries. Mr. Murguido commented the most significant planning project they have had is currently in progress in the West Palm Beach urban area, which will make a positive impact in that community. Commission Castro questioned if the Broward County Aviation Department suggested the south side of the airport for the International Arrivals Terminal, when they did the project for them. Mr. Murguido confirmed that the Broward County Aviation Department told them where they wanted the Terminal. Chairman Flury commented that the intent on this project is to provide the Commission with a planning process to help determine where the Library and the associated parking structure would be located. We are not looking for guidance on the design of a Library. Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,March 7,2007—6:00 p.m. Bob Cannon, Director, Broward County Libraries Division, noted he would be the administrator of the agreement between the City and the County, for funding of the project. He thought the three firms were outstanding. Mr. Cannon concurred with Chairman Flury's comments regarding the planning process to help determine the location of the Library. He confirmed for the Board that Broward County has worked with all three firms. Vice-Chairman Anton was impressed with PGAL and Zyscovich for thinking outside the box in the master planning and the different options they are willing to offer. Commissioner Castro thanked the representatives of the three firms for their presentations, and thought they all did an outstanding job. She liked Bermello, Ajamil and Partners for taking the hometown feel. Commissioner Castro ranked 1) PGAL, 2) Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, and 3) Zyscovich. Commissioner Fetscher ranked 1) PGAL, 2) Zyscovich, and 3) Bermello, Ajamil and Partners. Chairman Flury commented that all three firms have extensive experience and background, and thought creativity was an essential component. She ranked 1) Zyscovich, 2) Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, and 3) PGAL. Vice-Chairman Anton ranked 1) PGAL, 2) Zyscovich, and 3) Bermello, Ajamil and Partners. City Manager Pato confirmed the ranking as: 1) PGAL, 2) Zyscovich, and 3) Bermello, Ajamil and Partners. It was the consensus of the Board to direct the City Manager to start negotiations in order to move the project forward. 5. Adiournment Chairman Flury adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m. ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY LOUISE STILSON, CMC PATRICIA FLURY CITY CLERK CHAIRMAN—CRA Approved: April 4, 2007 Minutes of Regular Meeting 5 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,March 7,2007—6:00 p.m.