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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes B&E 080101CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS BEAUTIFICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE AUGUST 1, 2001 The August 1, 2001, Regular meeting of the City of Palm Beach Gardens Beautification and Environmental Committee was called to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The roll was called and the following members were found to be in attendance: Chair Donna Wisneski, Jeff Renault, Connie Premuroso, Richard Mulligan, and Richard Beladino. Approval of Minutes It was noted for the record that the May 2, 2001minutes stated there had been two visitors, and there had been three. City Forester Mark Hendrickson advised that he had called attention to the reference to this Committee in the first paragraph as the Education Advisory Board, which was to be changed with the minutes of this meeting. The minutes of the May 2, 2001 and June 6, 2001 were approved with the changes as noted. Items by City Council Liaison and Staff Liaison City Council Liaison David Clark commented the City Council had discussed the beautification grant for work along Alternate AI A, and $50,000 in matching funds was needed; however, others on the Council did not agree to providing the matching funds this year with the size of the tax increase. Mr. Clark welcomed the new members to the Committee. Staff Liaison City Forester Mark Hendrickson indicated the landscape plans were still valid, but timing was not right at this time. Mr. Hendrickson reported the City Council's discussion of the landscaping changes required by DOT in the medians along PGA Boulevard had been difficult, and they had committed to maintaining a total of three medians, including one on each side of the intracoastal waterway. Mr. Hendrickson explained that FDOT had established standards that would maintain safety in the event of power failure which disabled the traffic lights. Saw palmetto had been impeding visibility, but some of the other trees would be allowed to remain. Mr. Hendrickson reported that the new landscaping would be good, just not what those in the City had been used to in that location. Mr. CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS BEAUTIFICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING August 1, 2001 Page 2 Hendrickson passed around photos taken at the Council Meeting of Joe Floyd, DiVosta representative, accepting the Beautification Award for The Oaks on Burns Road. Election of Officers Donna Wisneski was elected Chair; Connie Premuroso was elected Vice Chair. Old Business City Wide Roadway Beautification Master Plan Update - Mr. Hendrickson advised that the Committee had looked at the plan last November, and then in January the plan was reviewed by the Land Development Committee, and subsequently by others including the City Manager. The plan had been changed so much that he would be bringing it back for the Committee to see again. Because of all the new projects which would be providing roadway landscaping, coordination was necessary, and a text amendment was needed so that it would be enforceable. Mr. Hendrickson advised that he would provide a draft before the next meeting so members would have time to review it before the meeting. The Northlake Boulevard Task Force was discussed. The areas along Northlake Boulevard that were in the City were highlighted. Environmental Policies Update - Mr. Hendrickson explained that a few years ago this Committee provided a letter to City Council regarding their preference for off -site landscaping in lieu of, as well as their opinion on appraising, etc. This would be going back to City Council to help clarify what the Committee would like regarding a method of appraisal. Highest and best use had been recommended by the Committee since they felt that was what would get approved for a site. Mr. Hendrickson explained exchanging swampland for upland had been suggested. This item would be discussed at a future Council meeting. City Hall Landscaping Update - The landscaping was discussed and sculpture near the fountain was proposed. CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS BEAUTIFICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING August 1, 2001 Page 3 New Business Chair Wisneski summarized that the roadway beautification master plan would be brought back for next meeting. Mr. Hendrickson indicated he could provide a copy of the environmental policies letter to the new members at the next meeting. A member inquired if there would be any environmental issues involved in the planned canal restoration, and funding for this project was discussed. A revised address book to reflect the current members was requested. Adjournment There was no further business; therefore, the meeting was adjourned.