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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 021004CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING February 10, 2004 The February 10, 2004 Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was called to order at 1:40 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex, located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and opened with the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL: The City Clerk called the roll and the following elected officials were found to be in attendance: Mayor Jablin, Vice Mayor Sabatello, Councilmember Clark, Councilmember Russo, and Councilmember Delgado. PRESENTATIONS: Scripps Village presentation and discussion regarding proposed Joint Planning Ageement between the County and the City. City Manager Ferris explained that the joint planning process would establish a vision for development of the Scripps site, and staff had been directed to report to the City Council periodically to be sure the vision was what the City wanted. Larry Pelton, President and CEO of the Business Development Board, provided a history of the Business Development Board's desire to establish a cluster of technological businesses, explained why Scripps was coming to Palm Beach Gardens, and what it would mean to the state, the region, and the City. 50,000 jobs were anticipated to be created in the state. Mr. Pelton described the requirements detailed by the Governor and how the deal had been put together. The ramifications of this project were enormous — providing the ability to attract many businesses in a 15 -year period. Scripps had agreed to partner with any state university that wanted to create a class one research capability. Oxford University was also partnering in this project. Scripps was the only institute outside the UK that had a partnering agreement with Oxford University. Mr. Pelton explained that his group was working with others to put together a marketing strategy for the State of Florida for recruiting bioscience and related technology companies who would provide technology for discovery of new chemical compounds to treat diseases of the human body. Education would be affected dramatically. Mr. Pelton stressed shifting attention to bringing science to Palm Beach Gardens, comparing this to La Jolla in California and Silicon Valley, creating an atmosphere conducive to science and a mutual sharing network involving scientists. Mr. Pelton advised this was the most significant project in the history of the State of Florida, and stated they wanted to be a player with the City in this going forward. Mayor Jablin thanked Mr. Pelton for his work on this project. Dolores Key, Economic Development and Marketing Administrator for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, presented statistics on economic impacts to the City, and noted that every company in considering moving to the City would ask four questions: where employees could live, could play, could learn and could work. Trends were shifting away from bedroom communities, and quality of life issues were extremely important. Currently the City was 80% residential and the need had been recognized to diversify its economic base. Ms. Key explained that the City must conduct due diligence to look at Scripps needs. It had been learned that Scripps preferred common areas in order to enhance dialog among scientists, not only in their facilities but also with associated companies. They would like to have associated companies nearby for exchange of ideas, and wanted quality of life for their employees —live, play, learn, work —all those components within a 15- minute radius. A leading authority in R &D parks was consulted who advised to CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, 2/10/04 2 look at successful research parks, identify the institute (Scripps), evaluate the partnerships and synergies that are created, and then look at the available real estate. Four different models were studied — Scripps Research Institute, Research Triangle Park, Oxford Scientific Park and Centennial Park. Staff had created a vision statement and philosophy: To create a scientific village that combines the physical infrastructure and community support systems necessary to facilitate the exchange of intellectual knowledge and enable the efficient transfer of scientific theory to marketplace while fostering strong community and family relationships to achieve a balanced quality of life. Growth Management Administrator Charles Wu presented the chronological history of events that had occurred regarding Scripps locating in this area. Senior Planner Natalie Wong reviewed concept plans which had been the result of a charrette. Mr. Wu summarized the joint planning agreement and the joint master planning which would result. The purpose and intent of the joint planning agreement was to assure that the goals of the State government would be met, by accomplishing several components, including comprehensive plan amendments regarding traffic roadways to both the City and County plans; annexation of the western area into the City; and to assure there would be no objections to water utilities being provided by Seacoast Utilities. The offshoot of the joint planning agreement would be a joint master plan, a conceptual plan proposed to be adopted by both the County and City by May 1, 2004. In order to expedite moving through the DRI process, City Manager Ferris recommended the City be the applicant so as not having to wait until a master developer had been selected. The City Manager thanked staff for their great work on this project and also thanked Mr. Pelton's staff and others involved. During comments by City Council, Mr. Ferris explained the advantages of expediting the DRI process. Extensive discussion was held by the City Council regarding the staff recommendation to have two DRI's considered at one time. The City Attorney clarified that the recommendation to proceed with the DRI did not involve the southern portion of the land. The advantages to the City of the expedited DRI. process were discussed. Councilmember Delgado made a motion to move forward with staff recommendation. Councilmember Clark seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 5 -0 vote. Mr. Pelton commented this project would change the thinking ofthe county and the cities. Mayor Jablin clarified with Councilmember Delgado that her motion had included approval of the staff recommendation to approve draft 2 -9 -04 and give it back to the County. Everyone was thanked for their work and support. CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING, 2/10/04 3 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuj5,4w,�ukeeting was adjourned at 2:56 p.m. APPROVAL: ATTEST: PATRICIA SNIDER CITY CLERK MCI VICE MAYOR SABATELLO