Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout57989 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008 — 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 Deputy City Clerk: Miriam Nasser CRA Consultant: William Salim 2. Approval of Minutes of February 6 2008 and February 12, 2008 Commissioner Castro motioned to approve the Minutes of February 6, 2008 and February 12,2008; seconded by Vice Mayor Jones. 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 3. Charter School Property Solutions Update—Cyndi Dotson Cynthia Dotson, National Project Director, Charter School Property Solutions, noted they hope they will be able to address the Board's concerns and get the final approval to move forward with this project. She introduced Greg Kyle, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Traffic Engineer, Charles Michelson, Saltz, Michelson and Associates, Architect for the project, Bill Wallick, Project Manager and Gwendolyn Purcell, Florida Intercultural Academy Director. Ms. Dotson further recognized a large group of parents and their children who currently attend the Charter School,who came to show their support for the project. Greg Kyle, Kimley-Horn and Associates, presented a PowerPoint which is attached to and incorporated into these minutes. He noted that after several meetings with Broward County and the State, they found some solutions to address some of the issues previously discussed, such as students crossing US1 (Federal Highway); a traffic plan to reduce impacts on the community; and considering another location for the school. Mr. Kyle indicated that some of the school staff would become State Certified Crossing Guards and assigned to potential locations where students would be crossing. The school would provide bus service for students residing west of US1 and other locations. He advised that Broward County has strongly recommended that the school develop a Safe Route to School Plan in conjunction with the County Traffic Engineering Division. In order to implement this Plan, they took an inventory of traffic control devices such as stop signs and traffic signals with pedestrian features. Mr. Kyle indicated that another option would be to include School Speed Zones along US and SE 2nd Avenue. Commissioner Castro asked where the proposed raised crosswalks would be located, and confirmed with Mr. Kyle that a School Crossing Guard would be stationed at those locations. Chairman Anton clarified with Mr. Kyle that the raised crosswalks would be installed by the school once they get permission from the Broward County Public Works Department, Traffic Engineering Division. He confirmed with Mr. Kyle that there would not be a School Zone signal on Federal Highway because there is no street crossing at that location. Mr. Kyle noted that some of the Broward County Traffic Engineering Division recommendations include: • Installation of School Speed Zone signals, with flashers, on SE 5`h Street and SE 4`h Terrace • Separate parent and bus loops on-site to enhance safety and minimize obstruction of traffic • Turn restriction at exit of parent loop to force traffic away from residential neighborhood • Right turns only onto Federal Highway during school traffic hours to reduce delay • Designated walk routes from the west side of Federal Highway Commissioner Bertino confirmed with Mr. Kyle that the ultimate number of students to be enrolled would be 500, with an initial enrollment of 200. Charles Michelson, Saltz, Michelson and Associates, Architect, spoke about the site plan and the architecture of the building which was previously occupied by the Graves Museum. He described the traffic circulation and noted that parents would drop off and pick up the children in the back of the property, allowing the side streets to be cleared. Mr. Michelson indicated that the back area remains closed during the day and becomes the students' play area. They would also take advantage of the existing parking lot for use by staff, parents and visitors. He pointed out that Charter Schools have flexible hours as opposed to regular public schools. Mr. Michelson confirmed for Commissioner Castro that they want to construct a strong building, with a new contemporary fagade, and they will add impact-resistant windows to provide natural light into the classrooms. Commissioner Flury thought it was an unattractive building, and asked them to look at different colors for the building. Minutes of Regular Meeting 2 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Thursday,March 6,2008—6:00 p.m. Vice-Mayor Jones questioned if there would be a BSO Deputy directing traffic at peak hours. Mr. Kyle advised that if they have traffic issues, they will have the ability to bring a BSO Deputy to the site. Chairman Anton noted we already have traffic issues on SE 2"d Avenue with people by-passing Federal Highway. Mr. Kyle indicated the intersection at SE 7`s Avenue, which has a traffic light, would facilitate the traffic flow. He further noted that the State agreed to allow a Police Officer to assist with traffic at peak hours, if necessary. Commissioner Bertino confirmed with Mr. Kyle that they would be able to accommodate 20-25 cars in the stagger area. Chairman Anton asked if Charter School Solutions would purchase the property and if they would fall under the Tax Exempt category. Ms. Dotson advised that Charter School Solutions would be the initial owner. She pointed out that Florida Intercultural Academy would qualify for financing in approximately 12-18 months and would then be able to purchase the property. Ms. Dotson responded for Chairman Anton that they would like to consider a pilot program for tax exemption, since they would be working for the community. She further indicated that at the suggestion of the CRA Board they conducted an extensive market survey in Broward County to consider another location for the school, but no other locations met their criteria, or they were too expensive. Ms. Dotson noted Dania Beach does not have a charter school and this project would be beneficial to the community. She indicated the establishment of a charter school would increase the local business revenue and by working in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, they would promote economic stimulation. She noted they have spent time and money to make this project become a reality. Ms. Dotson asked the CRA Board for their support and favorable consideration to their request. Commissioner Castro clarified with Ms. Dotson that once they become a "small community environment school' they will be able to apply for funding. She further asked if they had a "unique learning program" for students. Gwendolyn Purcell, Florida Intercultural Academy Director, advised that although they have not been graded, the fact that they work with a small group of children makes them produce excelled students. Commissioner Bertino confirmed with Ms. Purcell that they are a public school. Commissioner Flury noted that although traffic has been her greatest concern with this project, she realizes they have made great efforts to respond to our concerns. She pointed out that there Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Thursday,March 6,2008—6:00 p.m. must be something special about this type of school because it is unusual to see so many parents support a project. Commissioner Flury said she would support the request. Commissioner Castro indicated she would support the project, with the condition that they include the economic stimulation program for businesses, the pilot program, and the BSO Deputy. She reiterated that they need someone to stop traffic when children are in and out of school. Commissioner Bertino noted that tonight we are only giving approval for them to submit their project to the City Commission for consideration. At that point, the residents in the area will have the opportunity to come and give their input. He indicated that we already have three schools in the vicinity and another one would definitely increase traffic and put the safety of our children at risk. Commissioner Bertino stated he would support the project provided we let the residents in that area express their concerns. Vice-Mayor Jones was concerned about traffic in the neighborhood. He will support the request because of their efforts to bring this project to fruition. Vice-Mayor Jones pointed out that the next step would be to hear the comments of the neighbors in that area. Chairman Anton agreed with Commissioner Flury regarding the number of parents attending this meeting. He further noted that one BSO Deputy would not be enough coverage at peak hours. Chairman Anton pointed out that parents will not be able to pay the high costs of Police Officers. He would love to see this type of school in Dania Beach, but we are responsible for the safety of the people. Chairman Anton stated he would support the request to come back to the Commission for consideration, however, he foresees negative comments from the residents living in the area because they already have traffic problems. He said he could not give any assurances that the project would be approved after the required public hearings. Ms. Dotson advised the initial number of students to be enrolled would be 250, and would gradually increase depending on how the traffic situation is controlled. Chairman Anton recommended they meet with BSO Chief Peterson for suggestions regarding available Police details. Attorney William Salim left the meeting at 6:53 p.m. 4. CRA Director Employment Agreement City Attorney Ansbro advised that Mary McDonald, Human Resources/Risk Management Director, and Jeremy Earle negotiated an employment agreement. He noted he reviewed the contract, made minor changes, and the final document is now ready for execution. Commissioner Flury motioned to approve the CRA Director Employment Agreement; seconded by Commissioner Castro. Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Thursday,March 6,2008—6:00 p.m. Jeremy Earle agreed with the final contract. He noted that he would like to have feedback from each member of the CRA Board in order to learn their priorities. Mr. Earle further confirmed for Commissioner Bertino that he will need to have a budget, as well as some clerical assistance. 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 Addenda 5. Discussion on retaininga_lobbyist for redevelopment and other City-wide issues—Vice- Mayor Jones Vice-Mayor Jones thought it was important to hold a discussion on retaining a Lobbyist. He indicated there are several things currently affecting the City, particularly Boyd Gaming not moving forward with their project. Vice-Mayor Jones also noted that we have had positive things happening in our City, such as: the Library project, with the County's commitment to provide financial assistance; the City Hall addition; the Solar Lighting project; the 50150 Sidewalk Program; and the construction of the SW Community Center. He stated we need to be proactive so we will continue to get good results. Vice-Mayor Jones advised he and City Manager Palo met with Representatives Evan Jenne and Ellyn Bogdanoff and they are willing to support whatever issues the City may have. He commented he will be in Tallahassee next week and will meet with legislators in order to gain support for our requests. However, he thought we needed to open our minds and understand the necessity of good representation in Tallahassee. Vice-Mayor Jones suggested retaining the services of Carole Duncanson, who has experience and good contacts, and who would fight for our cause. He noted we have the money in the budget and even though we may not be fortunate this time, some of the issues can be kept alive for future opportunities. Vice-Mayor Jones asked to hear comments from the other Board members. Commissioner Castro noted she would support moving forward with retaining the services of a Lobbyist to represent the City in Tallahassee, provided it is for a limited time, or on a trial basis, until we see some results of her efforts. Commissioner Flury agreed with Commissioner Castro regarding engaging a Lobbyist on a trial basis, and said she would not agree to a 2-3 year contract, unless we develop a legislative agenda. She stated we need a Lobbyist to help us implement and get approval for our own legislative agenda. Commissioner Bertino noted the City is moving forward with a lot of good projects, some of which we hope to complete. However, the people voted for an additional Homestead Exemption; the value of homes will probably decrease 5-8%, as well as the ad valorem taxation; and finances will become tighter. He did not oppose hiring someone on a trial basis but thought Minutes of Regular Meeting 5 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Thursday, March 6,2008—6:00 p.m. we should first create a legislative agenda. Commissioner Bertino pointed out that the proposed Lobbyist would definitely have to be a Republican so he/she can easily approach legislators in Tallahassee. Chairman Anton agreed with Commissioner Castro regarding working with someone on a trial period, with payments made on a case by case basis. He did not want a long-term contract at this time. Chairman Anton noted that some of our pending issues include the Federal Highway Corridor and the Solar Lighting Program. He did not think any lobbyist would get us any money, although we might get some good contacts for the future. Chairman Anton thought we could hire Ms. Duncanson on a trial basis and ask her to pursue our pending matters in Tallahassee. Vice-Mayor Jones questioned if there was consensus of the Board to hire Ms. Duncanson on a trial basis. Chairman Anton noted that it would be a good start if Ms. Duncanson could get FDOT to move forward with the trafficways reduction application through the Planning Council by April. It was the consensus of the Board to direct City Manager Palo to start negotiations with Ms. Duncanson. Commissioner Castro asked for an update on the Library project and where we stand with the preparation of the agreement with Broward County. City Attorney Ansbro advised he is currently modifying the Interlocal Agreement from Coral Springs provided by the County Attorney's Office. He hopes to send the revised version to the County early next week. Commissioner Castro advised that Clare Vickery was appointed to the Enterprise Zone Board for a four-year term, as the City of Fort Lauderdale representative. Ms. Vickery suggested holding a Joint Workshop with the Chamber of Commerce regarding the assessed value of commercial real estate, and invite Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish to attend the meeting. Commissioner Castro suggested a Workshop on the 109 Park Property to determine our next step on this project. Chairman Anton advised that a contract with Mr. Kushnir was signed last night and copies have been distributed, and the original was sent to Attorney Tim Ryan's office. Chairman Anton said that we hope to close before March 31, 2008. Commissioner Castro noted that Katherine Sajdak of Ravenswood Estates reported a flooding at 22"d Terrace. She would like to know if there are any valves the City could turn or some other way to make the water drain faster. Chairman Anton noted that we have serious flooding issues in Melaleuca Gardens which need attention. He said he showed pictures to Director Orlando, Leo Williams, and City Manager Minutes of Regular Meeting 6 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Thursday,March 6,2008—6:00 p.m. Pato. Chairman Anton asked the Board to support Director Orlando and his staff so the necessary steps to correct this situation could be taken. 6. Adjournment Chairman Anton adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT � AGENCY c LOUISE STILSON, CMC BOB Ai TON CITY CLERK CHAIRMAN—CRA Approved: April 10, 2008 Minutes of Regular Meeting 7 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Thursday,March 6,2008—6:00 p.m.