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HomeMy WebLinkAbout137364 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009 — 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Present: Chairman: Albert Jones Vice-Chairman: Anne Castro Board Members: Bob Anton Patricia Flury Interim City Manager: Colin Donnelly City Attorney: Thomas Ansbro CRA Secretary: Louise Stilson CRA Director: Jeremy Earle CPA Attorney: Michael Moskowitz Absent: Board Member: John Bertino 2. Approval of Minutes Board Member Anton motioned to approve the minutes of January 7, 2009 and January 22, 2009; seconded by Vice-Chairman Castro. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Anton Yes Vice-Chairman Castro Yes Board Member Flury Yes Chairman Jones Yes 3. CPA Update Jeremy Earle, CPA Director, noted he met with Broward County staff last Friday, together with Vice-Chairman Castro, CRA Counsel Mike Moskowitz and Broward County Commissioner John Rodstrom, to negotiate the best possible deal for the $6.3M loan to grant funds. Michael Moskowitz, Special Counsel for the CRA, noted that last Friday's meeting with the County was critical. He advised that the items discussed at this meeting will be before the Broward County Commission on February 24, 2009. Attorney Moskowitz explained that the two projects identified for the $6.3M are the reimbursement for parcel 109 and the parking garage. He clarified that the parking garage is scheduled for approval on February 24, while the reimbursement for parcel 109 is scheduled for discussion. Attorney Moskowitz further indicated that we are proposing that the funds for parcel 109 be a grant to loan to grant, which is a deviation from standard County policy. He thought this proposal would greatly benefit the City, since it would give CRA Director Earle additional flexibility to obtain other grants by having grant funds available. Attorney Moskowitz noted that County Commissioner Rodstrom is very supportive, and that County staff understands what we are proposing. If the County approves the discussion item for the reimbursement for parcel 109, it would be on their agenda for approval the following week. He advised that the language in the resolutions to be approved tonight under Items #8 and #9 respectively, allows CRA Director Earle and the City Attorney to make minor changes to the Interlocal Agreement. Attorney Moskowitz further noted that if, after discussion with County staff tomorrow, significant changes need to be made to the resolutions, we would need to call a Special meeting of the CRA Board before the next Commission meeting to approve the revised resolutions. He confirmed for the record that Vice-Chairman Castro and Chairman Jones are assisting in bringing the rest of the County Commissioners on board. Items #8 and#9 were voted on at this time. 4. Parcel 109 Developer Presentation Director Earle introduced Hank Thomas, President of The Greenhill Development Company, Iraj Shojaie, Architect, and Sam Jazayri, developer. Hank Thomas, President, The Greenhill Development Company, provided a history of his education and work history. He also presented a PowerPoint overview of the proposed development of Parcel 109 which is attached to and incorporated into these minutes. Mr. Thomas stated he loves this business and is well experienced in every aspect of it. He further commented that his business partner, Sam Jazayri, has been very successful as a commercial developer. Mr. Thomas noted Dania Beach has the perfect location for development with its proximity to the airport and seaport. He remarked that one of the most important things to contribute to the success of this type of project is to have some common area space where people can congregate. Mr. Thomas noted that a successful completion of the project would take approximately 6-7 years, to be developed in three phases: Phase 1: A 3-level Parking garage to include 390-400 spaces; with potential for expansion as needed. He proposed an office building adjacent to the parking garage fronting on I" Avenue, with retail on the first floor and offices above. Iraj Shojaie, Architect, noted that after visiting the site, he realized that it had more potential than he thought. He therefore developed the project for the entire site, including the existing City Hall, as described in Phase 2, as follows: Phase 2: A 3-story building to accommodate a new City Hall, with 36,000 square feet, hardened construction that would stand strong hurricanes and serve as an Emergency Operations Center. Minutes of Regular Meeting 2 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,February 4,2009—6:00 p.m. Phase 3: A mixed use retail and residential project on Dania Beach Boulevard, with approximately 8,000 square feet of retail on the first floor and two floors of apartments above. Mr. Shojaie noted a proposed 12,000 square feet park would be located between City Hall and the apartments which could be used for various City functions. He further explained that the City Hall building would be facing east, with a fountain and boulevard linking to Federal Highway which would create a very nice environment. Director Earle indicated this project would spark redevelopment in the downtown area. He pointed out this would be a multi-year project. Vice-Chairman Castro noted she is very pleased with the project and thought it fit very well with our community. Board Member Flury noted she is very impressed with the proposal mainly because it reflects what our City would like to be. Board Member Anton concurred with the other members of the Board regarding the proposed project. He was glad to see the parking issue near the Library would be addressed, since we have a lot of older residents who have mobility problems. Chairman Jones stated he is excited with the project and thought the boulevard linking to Federal Highway was a great opportunity for people to walk in the downtown area. Director Earle thanked City staff for their assistance in expediting this process with the developer. 5. Adoption of Final Redevelopment Plan Director Earle noted this is the same Plan presented to the Board two weeks ago, with no major changes. This would become the guiding document for the CRA and any new Board Members. Vice-Chairman Castro motioned to adopt the Community Redevelopment Agency Redevelopment Plan; seconded by Board Member Flury. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Anton Yes Vice-Chairman Castro Yes Board Member Flury Yes Chairman Jones Yes 6. CRA Regulating Plan Presentation—The Mellgren Planning Group Director Earle advised that this Presentation represents some of the changes to the zoning discussed over the last few months. He noted these changes would not occur until the land use Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 4,2009—6:00 p.m. changes are implemented. Director Earle thanked Corinne Lajoie, Principal City Planner, for her input and suggestions which made this plan better. Michele Mellgren, President, The Mellgren Planning Group introduced Swati Meshram, Associate Planner, and Jeff Katims, Senior Associate. Swati Meshram, AICP, Associate Planner, advised this Plan is the result of several community meetings and reflects the overall vision of the entire area. She noted some of the main features of the Regulating Plan are: the opportunity for additional parcels for marine businesses in the City; the TOD expansion west of the FEC Corridor; East Dania Beach Boulevard conversion to two different districts. Jeff Katims, AICP, Senior Associate, explained that most of the new zoning districts will occur once the Regional Activity Center (RAC) is established. He noted the RAC is a larger version of the City's Local Activity Center (LAC). Mr. Katims indicated the Plan would also include a new neighborhood mixed use zoning district which is a true Form Based Regulation. He noted that the revisions that they are proposing would substantially increase the predictability of the development that we want. They will make several recommendations such as re-tooling some of the incentives to make them more effective; reviewing the schedule of permitted uses; allowing business-type hotels on the South Federal Highway Corridor; and introducing live/work units. Mr. Katims indicated that this user friendly format would allow a Commissioner, a developer or a resident to see what parcel build-out looks like as opposed to having to read through pages of standards and exceptions. He advised that the final draft will be presented in March. Once the Commission approves the proposed standards, they will finalize the draft regulations and integrate it into the one Code. Mr. Katims advised that the integration of the Form Based Regulation will require revisions throughout the Code to make sure that it fits together. He noted that next March they will submit for consideration, a minor Code amendment for the TOD/TOC which would allow the Commission to approve site plans that are consistent with the Form Based Code standards, which will require fewer variance requests. Mr. Katims noted that once the RAC is established, the City would be able to implement the CRA concept plan in full. Corinne Lajoie, AICP, Principal City Planner, responded for Vice-Chairman Castro that the use of graphics as opposed to text would make it easier to understand what is allowed by Code. Chairman Jones noted that sometimes when projects come to us, we do not have the opportunity to discuss the economic benefits of it. He suggested having an Economic Director who could offer advice to the Board, and thought that CRA Director Earle could do it for no additional pay. Board Member Flury noted the Mayor's point is very well taken. She thought that every major project that is submitted to the Commission for consideration, whether it is within the CRA or not, should have that component. Board Member Flury felt that Director Earle was capable of doing this and that we did not need an extra person for the job. Interim City Manager Donnelly noted that in the private sector the developer knows the information and the economic impact it entails. He stated that we need to have the economic and social analysis of each project. Interim City Manager Donnelly clarified that the Form Based Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,February 4,2009—6:00 p.m. Code discussed during The Mellgren Planning Group presentation was not part of their contract, therefore an amendment would need to come before the Commission for approval. Director Earle noted that the Finance Director would have to find the funding for the additional costs involved in the integration of the Form Based Regulation. Vice-Chairman Castro was not in favor of adding the additional title of Economic Director to Director Earle at this time. She thought the newly appointed City Manager should make the necessary recommendations. Addendum 7. CRA Executive Director Contract City Attorney Ansbro provided a summary of the proposed contract for the CRA Director. Board Member Flury agreed with all terms of the contract, except for the section referring to "consulting or business opportunities". She requested that a clause be added to the contract stating that in the event the CRA Director acts as a consultant for any other agency, this information should be disclosed to the Commission. Board Member Flury motioned to approve the CRA Executive Director Contract, with amendment; seconded by Vice-Chairman Castro. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Anton Yes Vice-Chairman Castro Yes Board Member Flury Yes Chairman Jones Yes Items #8 and#9 were voted on after Item #3. 8. RESOLUTION #2009-CRA-001 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) AUTHORIZING THE PROPER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT EXISTING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND BROWARD COUNTY, PERTAINING TO COUNTY FUNDING OF INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED FOR THE DANIA BEACH CRA AREA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Attorney Ansbro read the title of Resolution#2009-CRA-001. Vice-Chairman Castro motioned to adopt Resolution #2009-CRA-001; seconded by Board Member Anton. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Anton Yes Vice-Chairman Castro Yes Minutes of Regular Meeting 5 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,February 4,2009—6:00 p.m. Board Member Flury Yes Chairman Jones Yes 9. RESOLUTION#2009-CRA-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) AUTHORIZING THE PROPER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE A THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT EXISTING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND BROWARD COUNTY, PERTAINING TO COUNTY FUNDING OF INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED FOR THE DANIA BEACH CRA AREA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Attorney Ansbro read the title of Resolution#2009-CRA-002. Vice-Chairman Castro motioned to adopt Resolution 42009-CRA-002; seconded by Board Member Anton. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Anton Yes Vice-Chairman Castro Yes Board Member Flury Yes Chairman Jones Yes Board Member Anton was pleased to report that the City of Hollywood has identified some funding which would allow them to join our City in our efforts to fight the Airport expansion. 10. Adiournment Chairman Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m. ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY LOUISE STILSON, CMC ALBERT C. JON01 CRA SECRETARY CHAIRMAN—Cltg 5 F1 J. Approved: March 11, 2009 ,,'�F�ttl� Minutes of Regular Meeting 6 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 4,2009—6:00 p.m.