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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes of Workshop MINUTES OF WORKSHOP DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008 — 6:00 P.M. (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CRA BOARD MEETING) 1. Call to Order Mayor Jones called the Workshop to order at 6:20 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present: Mayor: Albert Jones Vice-Mayor: Anne Castro Commissioners: Bob Anton John Bertino Patricia Flury City Manager: Ivan Pato City Attorney: Thomas Ansbro Deputy City Clerk: Miriam Nasser 3. Presentation by Scott Backman, Esq.: Proposed 6-story, 101 room hotel located on the north east corner of Stirling Road and Bryan Road Scott Backman, of the law firm Siegel, Lipman, et al, representing the applicant Comfort Suites Hotel, explained the location of the property, and advised the request is to construct a new 6- story hotel on a vacant lot. The project also includes a 4,000 square feet office building. The applicant would be requesting variances for parking, loading spaces, and building height. He noted that during the review process the Fire Department had some safety concerns because this is a high occupancy building. They have since modified the site plan which would allow fire access from both sides of the building. Attorney Backman further clarified that they meet the height required for the building, but not the number of stories permitted by Code. He pointed out that most of the setbacks were originally met, however, because of the Fire Department issue, they had to modify them and it would be at the discretion of the City Commission to waive this requirement. Attorney Backman added that they would provide an airport shuttle. Vice-Mayor Castro noted that she respects the Fire Department opinion, but she likes the original layout better than the modified one. She did not understand why we have set such rigid standards that this arrangement would not work for them. Vice-Mayor Castro commented that she does not know of any building that is entirely accessible through the windows. She supported the project. Attorney Backman agreed with Vice-Mayor Castro and noted this layout makes more sense for the property. He clarified for the Commission that there is approximately 25 feet of canal right- of-way between the building and the canal. The Commission asked Corinne Lajoie, Principal City Planner, to talk to Sean Brown, Fire Marshal, suggesting the lay out originally presented by the applicant is preferable. Commissioner Anton asked if there would be any marine-related activity associated with the project, such as removing the NW I" Avenue Bridge and changing the Griffin Road Bridge, which would make the building more accessible. He confirmed with Attorney Backman that the building owner plans to move his corporate headquarters into the office building. Commissioner Anton noted he talked to Attorney Backman about the project. He thought the project would be an improvement to that area. Vice-Mayor Castro commented that if other bridges are raised, not many boats will have access. The general consensus of the Commission was to move forward with the project. Commissioner Anton commented that there were some entails regarding moving City projects forward in the Community Development Department. He clarified that his comments were not directed to Ms. Lajoie or previous Department Director Leeds. Commissioner Anton wanted to make sure everybody understands that people are very pleased with the way Ms. Lajoie is conducting the Department. He further noted that the City hired the Michele Mellgren Group to relieve Ms. Lajoie from some of the burden that normally comes with development. City Manager Pato thanked Commissioner Anton for the clarification and noted that sometimes comments are not as accurate as they sound. He noted staff is in the final stage of hiring a new Community Development Director. 4. Adjournment Mayor Jones adjourned the Workshop at 6:40 p.m. ATTEST: \ CITY OF DANIA B ACH LOUISE STILSON, CM C oavwann_ ALBERT C. JONEf CITY CLERK ��� �S MAYOR-COMM SIONER Approved: October 28, 2008 +a Minutes of Workshop 2 Dania Beach City Commission Wednesday, October 8,2008—6:00 p.m. (Immediately following the CRA Board Meeting)