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HomeMy WebLinkAbout46229 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007 — 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Chairman Anton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Chairman: Bob Anton Vice-Chairman Albert Jones Commissioners: John Bertino Anne Castro Patricia Flury City Manager: Ivan Pato City Attorney: Thomas Ansbro City Clerk Louise Stilson 2. Approval of Minutes of October 3, 2007 Vice-Chairman Jones motioned to approve the Minutes of October 3, 2007; seconded by Commissioner Castro. The motion carried on the following 5-0 Roll Call vote: Commissioner Bertino Yes Vice-Chairman Jones Yes Commissioner Castro Yes Chairman Anton Yes Commissioner Flury Yes Item #5 was heard after Approval of Minutes 3. Presentation by BSG Development Corporation: Proposed 196 unit hotel-condominium building located on a 4.1 acre parcel. Property located on the south side of Dania Beach Boulevard between San Soucy Hotel and King's Head Pub. Property zoned TOC-2. Laurence Leeds, Director of Community Development, explained the location of the property. He noted the building meets the requirements for setbacks in the TOC-2 zoning district. The building is approximately 155 feet plus another 30-40 feet to accommodate the electrical equipment, for which they will need a h eight variance. Director Leeds indicated that the building will have an automated parking structure which is allowed by Code. The rear of the property is unbuildable (mangroves) and will remain like this forever. He thought it was a good project for the City. Charles Sieger, Principal in the architectural firm of Sieger Suarez, noted it is their intention to build the project. They have constructed about twenty buildings in Sunny Isles. He indicated that the automatic parking garage was designed and developed by a company in South Korea and has never been built in the United States. Mr. Sieger explained the process of the parking structure. It can house 196 cars, including the cars on the ground. The cost for the mechanism is approximately $5,000 per space. This process is unique to them and South Florida. Mr. Sieger further noted that there would be 156 rooms, mainly studios and single units. He indicated they would sell the entire building, possibly as condos, and noted that they have been approached to sell it as a hotel. The building is geared toward a Marriott Extended Stay type of facility. He added that the building is 14 stories high, 150 feet to the top floor. Mr. Sieger indicated there is no additional noise other than the regular elevator in a high rise. He clarified that the garage will have the same sprinkler and fire suppression system as any normal parking garage as well as access doors for the fire engines. There will be a back-up generator in case of a power failure. Director Leeds noted that about six months ago a Marina operation company was inquiring about purchasing this property to address Broward County's remediation of green space, which would have taken the property off the tax roll. He spoke with the Broward County Parks Director and told him that the City would not support this request. Director Leeds further noted that this is a modern building with a different style from others seen before. He would like to know if the Commission would approve the design and if they would consider the height variance in order to advise the developer to proceed with the project. The height variance is required for the mechanical and parking garage. Director Leeds indicated that the applicant is aware that they will need FDOT and FAA approvals because the building would be approximately 195 feet in height. Chairman Anton had no issues with the project. He commented this would be a hotel and it is in the right spot for one. Commissioner Castro had no problem with the height and was supportive of the project. However, she was concerned with the modern look and suggested taking off some of the angles when we reach the site plan process. Mr. Sieger explained the design was not contemporary, but a blend of Art Deco and modern styles. Commissioner Flury noted she was not concerned with the parking or building height and would support the project. She shared Commissioner Castro's concern about the modern appearance of the building. Commissioner Bertino thought the project was great for a hotel, but commented that the condo option was not suitable for the current market. Mr. Sieger indicated they are focusing on the Jai Alai project, and that they do not expect the condo market to come back soon. Minutes of Regular Meeting 2 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,November 7,2007—6:00 p.m. Vice-Chairman Jones confirmed with Mr. Sieger that they plan to commence with building as soon as they receive approval. He liked the innovation regarding the parking and was supportive of the project. It was the consensus of the Commission to move forward with the project. 4. Status of Redevelopment Director Position Commissioner Flury referred to the information provided by Director McDonald showing the position of Redevelopment Director with a salary range of$69,000 — $86,000 - $109,000. She thought we also needed to decide whether this position would be a contract or regular employee. Commissioner Flury would prefer a regular employee because we would not get a quality person if we do not offer benefits. Commissioner Bertino felt that in order to get a qualified person, the salary range would be $86,000-$109,000, and could reach a max of$150,000. Chairman Anton does not want a full time position, but if that is what is needed, we should move forward. Mary McDonald, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, questioned if a regular employee could report to the CRA Board. City Attorney Ansbro advised that the Statutes allow for a director to be hired by the CRA Board. If the person does not work out, decide on whether it should become a contract employee. It was the consensus of the Commission to advertise for an employee with a contract, similar to the City Manager position. City Attorney Ansbro will prepare the contract and the CRA Board will decide what benefits this position will be entitled to. City Attorney Ansbro clarified for the record that the CRA Board is not the City therefore the employee would not be an employee of the City. City Manager Palo suggested we try to attract worthwhile candidates by listing the benefits available and negotiate the details afterwards. Item #5 was heard after Approval of Minutes 5. Library Update City Manager Pato reported he has met with County staff and they are in favor of the Library project. The issue to be resolved is funding for the project, and the County is working on where to get the $3M. Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,November 7,2007—6:00 p.m. Commissioner Castro advised the County needs help with prioritizing the project. Therefore, she and City Manager Pato met with County staff and two of their Commissioners. Commissioner Rodstrom was fully supportive of the project. The County has no problem matching our Bond amount and they will try to find the money. She indicated they are planning to place this item on the January County agenda and felt confident it would be done. Commissioner Keechl also supported the project and offered to approach his contact at the County Budget Office to try and identify the funds needed. Commissioner Castro noted our next step would be for the City Manager to meet with County staff to get the item on the County agenda in January. Commissioner Rodstrom is hopeful that it will be a Consent item and will not get pulled. City Manager Pato indicated that he will be meeting with the Interim County Manager next week before meeting with the Library staff. Chairman Anton reported that he and City Attorney Ansbro had a very positive meeting with Israel Kushnir today regarding the 109 Park property. Mr. Kushnir will forward a breakdown of the costs incurred on the property to the Commissioners for review. He wants to sell the property to the City, and would like to work with us to make it happen. Chairman Anton clarified that the cost of the parking structure is the problem that will need to be resolved. Commissioner Flury thought that government agencies were not supposed to purchase properties at a cost higher than their appraised value. City Attorney Ansbro noted it was almost indefensible not to be able to do that but it was not a legal issue. He clarified that an appraisal has not been done under the current zoning and suggested waiting to see what Mr. Kushnir will bring back regarding his expenses associated with the property. City Manager Palo reminded the Commission their direction was to stop negotiations and that we will not accept anything other than a proposal to sell the property to the City at the appraised value. Commissioner Castro indicated that she will meet with Mr. Kushnir next week. If the City purchases the 109 Park property it will come off the tax roll unless we develop it. She would rather bring partners to work with Mr. Kushnir to find a way to offset the high costs of the property. Ian Nestler, PGAL, noted that the only modification to be reported on the Library was the size of the parking garage that has been reduced to 2.5 levels, at an estimated cost of$5.7M-$5.8M. He indicated that a Master Plan book containing graphics and written information will be distributed to the Commission next week. Mr. Nestler advised that the Library is estimated at $2.7M, site work is $600,000 but could be lower, for a cost of approximately $9M for the entire project. They have included additional charges to cover foundations, columns, etc., in order to allow the Garage to be expanded in the future. He noted the cost is $21,000 per space for the Garage, and $270 per square foot for the Library. Item #3 was heard after this item. Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,November 7,2007—6:00 p.m. Item #6 was heard after Item#4. 6. Reschedule December CRA Meeting Date It was the consensus of the Commission to re-schedule the December CRA meeting to Tuesday, December 4, 2007. 7. Adjournment Chairman Anton adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m. ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AG NC LOUISE STILSON, CMC B B AN ON CITY CLERK CHAIRMAN — CRA Approved: December 13, 2007 Minutes of Regular Meeting $ City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,November 7,2007—6:00 p.m.