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CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
TOWN HALL MEETING
MAY 14, 2008
The May 14, 2008 Town Hall Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach
Gardens, Florida, was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the
Municipal Complex, located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida,
by Mayor Eric Jablin.
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
H. ROLL CALL
The City Clerk called the roll and the following elected officials were found to be in
attendance: Mayor Eric Jablin, Vice Mayor David Levy, Councilmember Joseph Russo,
Councilmember Jody Barnett and Councilmember Robert Premuroso.
Mayor Jablin welcomed everyone to the meeting and requested that Council move from the
dais and sit in the audience. Mayor Jablin requested anyone who would like to make a
statement fill out a comment card and give it to the City Clerk.
III. WATER RESTRICTIONS
Rim Bishop, Executive Director, Seacoast Utility Authority, gave a brief history of the
water restrictions imposed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
beginning in March 2007 and explained the corresponding loss of sales, income, rate
structure, fixed operating expenses and the recently imposed water emergency surcharge.
Executive Director Bishop explained the SFWMD's proposed year -round water restrictions
and stated the area serviced by Seacoast Utility Authority is not dependent on Lake
Okeechobee in any way, has more than adequate water supply, and should not have to
adhere to any restrictions. Seacoast Utility Authority is considering a legal challenge to the
proposed year -round water restrictions.
Pat Hughey, Reed Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, asked if reclaimed water is available to
private homeowners. Executive Director Bishop stated Seacoast receives 8 million gallons
of reclaimed water per day and it is completely sold out to third party users.
Eileen Tucker, Shady Lakes, Palm Beach Gardens, asked if there is a way to contain excess
water and sell it elsewhere. Executive Director Bishop stated at some time in the future the
SFWMD proposes an area that will allow for fresh water storage, but funding is a problem
at this time.
Joan Elias, 1009 Diamond Head Way, Palm Beach Gardens, asked how and why the
SFWMD controls Seacoast Utility Authority. Executive Director Bishop stated the
SFWMD gives Seacoast Utility Authority the legal authorization to draw water from the
ground to treat and deliver to its customers. The SFWMD is the regulator and Seacoast
Utility Authority is the regulated.
Vice Mayor David Levy asked: 1) is the $230 million L8 Reservoir our backup plan
because it is hooked up to the canal system and delivers directly to Grassy Waters; 2) is
West Palm Beach the only Eastern community using Lake Okeechobee water; and 3) is it
possible to downsize or delay the nanofiltration treatment plant because of lower
consumption? Executive Director Bishop stated no more nanofiltration treatment plant
capacity than is absolutely needed will be built. He went on to explain the ongoing
application process with SFWMD that has been underway for three years. The L8 Reservoir
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is designed to capture and impound rain water and surface water runoff and release it for
various environmental and water supply purposes when needed. The project is not going
well because of water quality and funding issues. Executive Director Bishop does not
believe the North County will see any water from this project any time soon. He explained
the area has enough rainfall, if the SFWMD would allow its use.
Eileen Tucker, Shady Lakes, Palm Beach Gardens, asked if the SFWMD could be
persuaded to allow an extra day of watering as protection from fires. Executive Director
Bishop stated he will inquire.
IV. CITY SIGN CODE
Kara Irwin, Growth Management Administrator, provided a brief history of the City sign
code and the formatting changes to the Ordinance 17, 2000 document from paragraphs to a
table, causing the loss of some specific uses. Temporary sign use changed. Different types
of signs allowed in the City were described. A recurring sign issue is neon signs, which are
only allowed to be white neon and can only say "open" if they are visible from a right -of-
way. New technology now includes LED display signs that look like neon but are not
covered by the sign code. Current signage issues include: no regulations for signage for
mixed use projects necessitating the request for waivers and residential signage, which
currently allows for only one sign. The sign code may be reviewed and changed in the
future.
Thomas Cairnes, representing the PGA Corridor Association and the McArthur Center
Properties Association, asked that these groups be included in sign code discussions with
staff. Mr. Cairnes discussed issues and possible resolutions.
Eileen Tucker, Shady Lakes, Palm Beach Gardens, agreed with Mr. Cairne's suggestion to
work with Growth Management Administrator Irwin and staff on sign code issues. Ms.
Tucker stated she does not like the signage in Legacy Place because of the all of the colors.
Ms. Tucker questioned the cloth banner signs at Palm Beach Community Church on the
weekend. Growth Management Administrator Irwin stated the signs would have to be
associated with a special event and have a permit. The Palm Beach Gardens Residents
Association would like to be included in sign code discussions.
V. WESTERN DEVELOPMENT
Nilsa Zacharias, Planning Manager, gave a presentation on the future of development West
of the City, including the impacts of Callery Judge, the Sector Plan and the Western
Northlake Corridor Land Use Study. Planning Manager Zacharias stated the large expanse
of land is a big responsibility for the future. The Central Western Communities Overlay is
the continuation of the Central Plan, which was approved by Palm Beach County but not
found sufficient by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Palm Beach County
requested more information on traffic analysis and water supply. Planning Manager
Zacharias explained the properties within the Overlay and the Agricultural Enclave Bill
amendment, which failed. The City of Palm Beach Gardens is monitoring the Western land
at the County level. Current designations are Rural Residential 10 (RR10), one dwelling
unit per 10 acres, and RR20, one dwelling unit per 20 acres. Environmental issues were
presented including wetlands and flow ways. The possibility of small commercial centers in
the area was presented to help contain traffic. The Vavrus and Spears properties were
discussed. The cost of keeping parcels for preservation was presented.
Eileen Tucker, Palm Beach Gardens, asked how the people who live in the Western areas
feel about commercial centers in the area.
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Carol Estrada, Palm Beach Gardens, stated she has family living in the Western area and
strip centers are not wanted.
Carolyn Chaplik, Palm Beach Gardens, stated she believes the land should be kept at RR1O
and RR2O to preserve the rural atmosphere.
Planning Manager Zacharias stated a small commercial center, approximately 30 acres, is
being proposed at the County level for the corner of Northlake Boulevard and Coconut
Grove.
Councilmember Russo stated that in the past residents have wanted to keep the Western
area as it is. Councilmember Russo wants to see the land remain as it is until a
Comprehensive Plan that everyone agrees to is in place. He believes traffic will be an issue
because there are no roads.
Mayor Jablin stated the Western areas will become less attractive because the price of gas is
so high.
Joan Elias, Palm Beach Gardens, stated North County only has one representative on the
County Commission and the other commissioners do not care what happens in the North.
Eileen Tucker, Palm Beach Gardens, stated that the Western communities want to remain
rural and she believes there needs to be some kind of public transportation system.
Mayor Jablin stated public transportation dollars are hard to come across in Florida.
Joel Channing, Palm Beach Gardens, stated the Western lands won't be developed until the
bio -tech industry is established. At that time a viable plan will come forward for self -
sustaining communities.
Terry Brady, Palm Beach Gardens, stated the districts that determine the number of County
Commissioners are making things difficult for North County.
Ed Chase, Palm Beach Gardens, stated Martin County tried clustering, but it was not
allowed. Mr. Chase asked if that decision would affect Palm Beach County. Planning
Manager Zacharias stated that density may have been an issue. Growth Management
Administrator Irwin stated building roads was required and the density was one unit per
five acres.
Mayor Jablin thanked Growth Management Administrator Irwin and Planning Manager
Zacharias and opened the meeting to all subjects.
Carol Estrada, Palm Beach Gardens, asked how the Town Hall Meeting was advertised
because residents to the East were not aware. Assistant to the City Manager Stacy Rundle
stated the meeting was advertised on the City website, Palm Beach Post, Weekday,
Hometown News, flyers and posters at all City facilities, and reader boards on Burns Road
and Military Trail.
Eileen Tucker, Shady Lakes, Palm Beach Gardens, suggested meetings be held on Saturday
mornings to accommodate working families. Mayor Jablin explained that Saturday is
difficult because staff is not available. It is easier to stay here for evening meetings and then
go home than to come in on Saturday.
John Chaplik, Palm Beach Gardens, questioned the lighting in Paloma. Dan Clark, Boyle
Engineering, explained the Paloma lighting is being looked at. The lighting may have been
installed incorrectly and modifications are underway. Discussion ensued regarding Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design) CPTED lighting principles. Chief Stepp, Palm
Beach Gardens Police Department, stated the lighting is to help decrease the crime rate.
Pat Hughey, Palm Beach Gardens, stated that lighting near the Fire Department is
inadequate and inquired if the fountain in the plaza should run during the day to help
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provide moisture in the air. Ms. Hughey stated Town Hall meetings should be held for the
convenience of the residents, only required staff should have to attend and some questions
that are asked are not answered even if staff is in attendance.
City Manager Ferris stated that he takes exception to Ms. Hughey's comment that she does
not get answers to her questions. City Manager Ferris stated staff takes extreme steps to
provide answers to questions, including in writing. Last year a book was provided with
answers to questions pertaining to town hall meetings and budget meetings. Saturday
morning meetings have been held, and will be in the future, as long as the cost can be
justified. Staff is not required to attend, but does so because they want to and because they
are part of the community.
Councilmember Russo stated staff has attended outside meetings with him. The meetings
were well attended because the subject matter was of interest to the community. There used
to be a network of associations that met quarterly but that has stopped and he does not
know how to get the communities involved again. People have other things to do on
Saturday including family activities or they are working. Apathy is a problem and it is
proven by low voter turnout.
Mayor Jablin stated the same people come for every meeting and he commends them for it.
Attempts to reach the general public have not worked. Mayor Jablin requested ideas for
reaching residents.
Carolyn Chaplik, Palm Beach Gardens, stated the newer homeowner associations have
networks and websites. If they were notified perhaps they could post the information. City
Manager Ferris stated all homeowner associations were sent letters notifying them of the
meeting and this action has been used for some time.
Joan Elias, Palm Beach Gardens, stated that as the president of the Community Awareness
Network (CAN) she receives notification of upcoming City meetings and events. PGA
National has a television station (63) on which notices are advertised. Ms. Elias stated that
everything is so great in the City that residents do not feel it necessary to attend town hall
meetings, that they can pick up the phone and call City Hall and get the answer. Limited
time affected residents' ability to attend meetings.
Mayor Jablin stated he used to live in PGA National and when (property owner association)
POA meetings were held hundreds of people came. At that time Jog Road was a huge issue.
Once the issue was resolved people stopped coming. Mayor Jablin stated he believes that
part of the issue is that people have so many other responsibilities.
Vice Mayor Levy thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He stated that all members
of the City Council will meet with residents to discuss issues. The City website is
www.pbgfl.com and each Councilmember has an e -mail address using the first initial of
their first name and their last name, dlevy(cr�pb. A retreat was held several years ago
and the major issue was communication, which Vice Mayor Levy believes has improved.
Vice Mayor Levy coaches children's sports on Saturday mornings so he would not be
available for Saturday morning meetings.
Councilmember Russo stated he has been to different communities and people don't come
out if they don't have an issue.
Mayor Jablin thanked staff for their dedication and work and the residents for attending.
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XIV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, a motion for adjournment was made by
Councilmember Russo. Vice Mayor Levy seconded. Motion was approved unanimously,
5 -0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Patricia Snider, CMC
City Clerk
David Levy, Vice Mayor
Joseph R. Russo, Councilmember
Jody Barnett,
Robert G. Premuroso, Councilmember
Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim
transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the Office of the City Clerk.
All referenced attachments on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS TOWN HALL MEETING
05.14.08
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